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Take note, MotoGP fans. The series’ next stop will be right her in America at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. As the second and final stop here in the United States, this will be the last time you’ll be able to see the fastest motorcycles ridden by the most talented riders in the world for a while.

And we’ve just been made aware of yet another reason why you might want to make the pilgrimage down to Indy for the weekend’s festivities. It seems that the Grand Marshall for the event will be none other than certified gearhead and comedian Jay Leno.

As part of his duties, Leno will be presenting the winner’s trophy at the end of the race, but he apparently won’t be taking any hot laps of his own. Says the comedian:

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway is one of the greatest spectator tracks in the world. Thankfully my R1 will stay in the Big Dog Garage as I plan to watch and cheer on our three Americans right from the pits.

[Source: Indianapolis Motor Speedway via Asphalt & Rubber]

Continue reading Jay Leno to serve as Grand Marshall at Indianapolis MotoGP

Jay Leno to serve as Grand Marshall at Indianapolis MotoGP

Close your eyes and think of a Ducati motorcycle. Got it? Good. What’s in your head? We’d guess something fast, beautiful and… red. That about right? Despite having roots firmly in the sportbike minefield, clearly the Italian motorcycle maker has its sights set on expanding its market share by entering into new and previously untapped markets. Evidence? We’ll call the Multistrada Exhibit A.

And this sketch is about as strong an Exhibit B as you’ll ever lay your eyes upon. Sometimes dubbed the Mega Monster by the motoring press, this sketch gives us an indication of what Ducati has up its corporate sleeves for the upcoming EICMA motorcycle show in Milan.

As you can see, a liquid-cooled Testastretta V-twin engine with the Multistrada 1200’s 11-degree valve overlap angle, which smooths out power and improves fuel efficiency. We’re expecting something over 150 horsepower in this application, and ride-by-wire and traction control will also be present. There’s also a single-sided swingarm holding an absolutely massive rear tire (spy shots indicate it’ll be a 240, but we’ll see), USD front forks and monobloc calipers up front.

Naturally, Ducati’s trademark trellis chassis is in full effect, in this case used for style and not really for substance. Ducati does indicate that the power cruiser will sport a reasonable 40-degree lean angle, but we have to wonder about the potential handling characteristics of a bike with a raked-out front end and wide-for-the-sake-of-style rear tire.

For what it’s worth, assuming this bike is what we think it is, this is not the first time a European motorcycle maker has decided to dip a toe in the cruiser market. Way back in 1998, BMW released its R 1200 C range, and while the bike was much more technologically advanced than anything else on the market at the time (fuel injection, ABS brakes, telelever front suspension, single-sided shaft drive, etc.), it failed to reach the kind of sales figures hoped for by the German marque. We’ll just have to wait and see how it all plays out for Ducati in November.

[Source: Ducati.ms via Asphalt & Rubber]

Leaked sketch shows upcoming power cruiser from Ducati

We hate to be the ones to break this to you, but chances are you will never manage to drive 267.81 mph. That’s OK though, because neither will we, nor will the fair majority of humanity. Speeds of 250+ mph plus are relegated to the select few who have played their cards right enough to become factory test drivers for the likes of Bugatti. Such is the case with Pierre Henri Raphanel, the guy who just piloted the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport into the history books.

0-60 magazine phoned Raphanel to discuss his recent run down the Ehra-Lessien track and found out just what it takes to put your right foot down and hold it there well beyond the point when your sane mind tells you to let off. Raphanel gives up some really interesting details. For instance, running the course backwards presents unique challenges, as the grain of the asphalt wreaks havoc on the direction of the vehicle at speed. Hop over to 0-60 for the full read.It’s a good one.

[Source: 0-60]

0-60 interviews record-setting Bugatti driver

When we recently got the chance to take the latest 2010 MV Agusta Brutale 990R for a spin, we didn’t find the naked bike lacking for power. With 998cc of inline-four goodness cranking itself merrily away under the rider, measuring 139 horsepower and 78 pound-feet of torque when measured at the crankshaft, the new Brutale has plenty of oomph.

If you find yourself in need for more horses, though, MV Agusta will gladly sell you the enlarged 1090RR version with 144 horsepower. And if that’s still not enough? A head examination may be in order – this is a naked bike after all – but there’s always the newly announced Cannonball Kit to feed your insatiable lust for power.

According to the Italian motorcycle manufacturer, the combination of new ECU, cylinder head, camshafts, valves and titanium exhaust system will add an additional 21 horses to the 1090RR, putting total output at 165 horsepower. It all sounds good, except for the fact that the kit is not certified for road use and we don’t know of too many Brutale owners that ride their bikes exclusively on the track…

[Source: Asphalt & Rubber]

MV Agusta announces Cannonball Kit for 2010 Brutale 1090RR

In case you hadn’t noticed, there’s a new crop of superbikes terrorizing the roadways and racetracks of the United States. And more than any other point in recent history, the Big Four Japanese brands aren’t leading the way. Instead, it’s the European brands – Specifically Aprilia, BMW, KTM and MV Agusta – that are encroaching on Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha’s territory.

Team Green isn’t likely to let the newest challengers turn its flagship Ninja into an also-ran, and the latest evidence of such can be seen in a new teaser of the 2011 Kawasaki ZX-10R. Expect a completely new motorcycle for next year, including a new engine, frame and suspension package. In order to compete with the latest from Europe, we’d also imagine the literbike to get an upgraded electronics package.

While we don’t have any details on those hard bits, we do have one rendering that shows an aggressive new look with a gaping ram air scoop front and center. Want more? Check out an enlarged version of the teaser image above and be sure to click past the break for the accompanying video.

[Source: Kawasaki Challenge via Asphalt & Rubber]

Continue reading Kawasaki teases 2011 ZX-10R [w/video]

Kawasaki teases 2011 ZX-10R [w/video]

Last we checked, Road Atlanta was a famed professional 2.54-mile racetrack, not an oversized autocross layout on a training skidpad. Somebody may need to remind Mini USA, as the maker of famously small cars has just announced the “track” (their word, not ours) for its overly-publicized “Rumble on the Racetrack” (their title, not ours) challenge pitting the Mini Cooper S against the race-bred Porsche 911 Carrera S.

While Mini promises “No tricks. No gimmicks. No jokes” in its latest Facebook post, the map of the so-called challenge track autocross is nothing more than a few hundred cones dropped on the “School Course & Training Area” located in the infield of Road Atlanta by turns 6 and 7 (this is hardly the same asphalt that hosts cars like the Corvette C6.R, Porsche RS Spyder, Ferrari 430GT and Audi R10 TDI at the Petit Le Mans).

With the big shindig scheduled for Monday (with or without an official Porsche showing), this event has gone from entertaining to mildly disappointing. We don’t need to explain to any of our readers that a Mini Cooper S is as comfortable on a loop-de-doo autocross course as Porsche is, well… on the winner’s podium at Road Atlanta.

Mini has yet to answer the challenge from Hyundai (the Koreans were kind enough to offer to take Porsche’s vacant spot on the grid), but they had better get on it. With a track autocross this tight, they should be expecting a call from Smart first thing Monday morning.

[Source: Facebook]

Mini reveals track for Porsche challenge, not really Road Atlanta

If you’ve felt an unexplained disturbance in the automotive force recently, it can probably be attributed to the scheduled arrival of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage on American shores. We’ve been lusting after this thing since it first cropped up as concept way back in 2007, and now the ridiculously wealth or the fantastically in debt can finally get their paws on the car here in the U.S. The recipe is simple – take the brawny, 510 horsepower 6.0-liter V12 from the DBS, cram it into the engine bay of the lithe Vantage, add louvers and call it a day. Sorta.

Aston Martin has taken it upon itself to prime the collective American pump for the V12 Vantage debut by releasing a quick teaser video. It’s dipped in sweet, slow-motion glory shots of the car doing what it does best – sending tires to their smoky grave and conning otherworldly speed out of seemingly plebian strips of asphalt. There are even a few shots of the race-derived version loftily beating its way around the Nurburgring. We’re in love. Hit the jump to see it for yourself.

[Source: Aston Martin via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Aston Martin V12 Vantage rocks our world

Video: Aston Martin V12 Vantage rocks our world

Just when we thought we were going to have to get an AMA Pro License to ride any new Buell creations, an official press release from BRP, or Bombardier Recreational Products, appears to have leaked out, spelling out the company’s plans to team up with Erik Buell and for the launch a new line of two wheelers called Bomber Motorcycles. Or so it would seem.

Many rumors have circulated recently pointing out the interest that BRP had shown in purchasing the Buell brand, however much to the chagrin of its many fans, Harley-Davidson would not concede in any talks of selling Buell, choosing rather to spend just over 100 million dollars to pack up shop and cling to some sort of lingering pride. Well, that was all so last week. As the old saying goes, where there’s a will, there’s a way, and Erik Buell and BRP have supposedly come up with a way to make the merger happen. Although none of us are supposed to know this yet, BRP spokesperson Avril Foujour (uh huh, yeah) confirmed yesterday that the press release was in fact official and had been leaked ahead of it’s planned April 2nd release date. Apparently they didn’t want anyone to think this was some sort of clever April Fools gimmick… oops, I think they got us.

Though all indications are that this may be the World’s Most Elaborate April Fools’ Joke, let’s take a moment to consider just how much effort went into this prank. There’s a name for the new company and bike (Stratofortress), an estimated release date (fourth quarter 2010) and plenty of typically boastful press release copy. There’s a logo (see above), a Facebook page, Twitter account and even a dummy website. Someone has way too much free time on their hands, no?

See the complete and undeniably fake press release after the break.

[Source: Asphalt & Rubber]

Continue reading The most elaborate April Fool’s joke ever? Buell and Bombardier (don’t) team up for new streetbike

The most elaborate April Fool’s joke ever? Buell and Bombardier (don’t) team up for new streetbike

If we didn’t know any better, we’d have to say that the adventure motorcycle segment is the hottest thing on two wheels this year. With the first string players like BMW and KTM off the benches and in the game, a whole new generation of competitors is quickly joining in the action.

Enter the Aprilia Tuareg 750 (no, not the Touareg), a new middle weight concept from the Piaggio camp, that looks to take aim at more “off the beaten path” kind of pleasures. A healthy tubular steel frame and proposed weigh of just 441 pounds should provide a strong starting point for true adventure touring, and with a 19-inch rear and 21-inch front wheel combination, the Tuareg would give the choice of running the even the most aggressive rubber. Those of you who are long-time fans of the Italian brand should recognize the Tuareg name. This is not the first Tuareg to make it’s way out off the Aprilia assembly line, but a bigger and certainly badder version of the original single cylinder adventure bike of the early 90’s.

We can’t help but notice the similarities between the frame, suspension and power-plant of the very moody Dorsoduro 750 that recently spent some time here in the Autoblog garage. Finding itself on the field surrounded by MVP performers like the BMW F800GS, we hope the Tuareg will have a personality all it’s own, that is… one that loves going new places and doesn’t mind coming home dirty and tired. We’ll keep you in the know as more details surface, and did we mention the more street friendly 1200cc version? Stay tuned, as we know BMW surely is.

[Source: Motociclismo.it via Asphalt & Rubber]

Aprilia dives deeper into the venture of adventure with the Tuareg 750 concept

We all know the crap-your-pants sensation that comes along with seeing one of the boys in blue when you’re doing something you shouldn’t. It’s usually accompanied by a phobia-like aversion of the throttle and an over familiarity with the brakes at the same time. If you’re tearing it up on four wheels, inducing plenty of stopping power mid-turn will just make you look a fool. But, as our intrepid hero found out, grabbing a handful of brake on your favorite Kawasaki ZX-6R will have you kneeling at the asphalt altar in a hurry. Despite this guy’s impressive slide, he’s no Tanner Foust. This CHP officer hasn’t had it this easy since training. See what we mean after the jump.

[Source: Hell for Leather via Asphalt & Rubber]

Continue reading Video: Biker lowsides on Mulholland, gives CHP an excuse

Video: Biker lowsides on Mulholland, gives CHP an excuse

As some of you may have read, I was pretty smitten with the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. In case you somehow missed the buttery prose (for shame, for shame!), I described the sound of the big, bad, naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter V8 as, “Angry, guttural, aggravated and very, very masculine. Even at idle, it sounds like it’s pissed off and ready to dish out some wrath of God-type violence. Street legal sedans don’t sound like this.”

But wouldn’t it be nice if you could hear what I’m bloviating about? Well friends, today you can!

Thanks to a good buddy of mine named Luis Galdames, we have some high-quality sound files of the E63 AMG tearing stuff (mostly asphalt) up. Aside from recently winning a Golden Reel award for his sound mixing work on the FOX television show House, Luis also recorded all the engine sounds for NBC’s short-lived but quite comical Knight Rider remake. In other words, he knows his stuff.

After the jump we have three sound clips for your amusement. The first is of Luis standing behind the car and as I rev the mighty V8 up to around 6,000 rpm before side-stepping the brake pedal and launching. Listen close and at the end you can hear the car downshifting as I get on the brakes. The second clip was my favorite to record. Luis asked I fly by him at 100 mph and shift from third to fourth as I passed. We had to do a few takes for that one. And the third clip perfectly sums up the E63 AMG — one of the best cars I’ve ever driven. Make the jump and enjoy.

Continue reading Pump up the Volume: Audio of E63 AMG and its earth-smacking 518-HP V8

Pump up the Volume: Audio of E63 AMG and its earth-smacking 518-HP V8

You may have read our latest report regarding the future of recently canned Buell Motorcycles. Everyone’s favorite American sportbike company hit the chopping block a few months back at the hand of industry giant Harley-Davidson, and its cropping of the division has led Erik Buell to forge ahead with his competitively obsessed Erik Buell Racing brand. However, a key player in the now defunct company may have sparked a bright future with another American motorcycle company.

Zero Motorcycles, the little electric motorcycle manufacturer that could, has announced the hiring of former Buell Vice President of Engineering Abe Askenazi. Coming off of a 14-year stretch with Buell, Askenazi will no doubt bring a level of experience and insight to Zero beyond its years. With funding at an all time high and the obvious future in electric vehicles, the transition from combustion to current should be rewarding for both Askenazi and Zero. Click past the break to view the complete press release.

[Source: Asphalt & Rubber]

Continue reading Zero Charges Forward: Electric motorcycle company hires top talent from Buell

Zero Charges Forward: Electric motorcycle company hires top talent from Buell

We first spotted Yamaha’s Super Tenere Concept in October of 2009 at the Tokyo Motor Show. Back then, it was shrouded in fabric and far too polished to be anywhere close to our garage. Fast forward – it’s a new year and the Tuning Fork Company has revealed that this concept has bridged the gap to reality. A good move, considering the continued growth of the adventure and dual sport motorcycle markets. But is the Super Tenere really all that super?

Thinking outside of the Boxer: First look at Yamaha’s XT1200Z Super Tenere