logo
Aston Martin to enter 8 Vantage race cars for Nürburgring 24 Hour

Aston Martin to enter 8 Vantage race cars for Nürburgring 24 Hour

By on 14/05/2012 in News

For the seventh successive year, Aston Martin will compete in the ADAC Zurich Nürburgring 24 Hours (19/20 May) as a total of eight Vantage racers gear up for the endurance epic. The marque will field its most ambitious entry to date with four official Aston Martins – including a pair of V12-powered Vantage GT3s – supported by a further four customer cars.

In excess of 170 cars will start the fearsome 24-hour race, which runs on the daunting 25km circuit that combines the legendary Nordschleife with the modern Grand Prix track. Having focused its efforts in previous years on near production-specification cars since its 2006 Nürburgring24 Hour debut, Aston Martin will, for the first time, be represented in the senior SP9 category for FIA-homologated GT3 cars. The pair of V12 Vantage GT3s will be run in association with long-standing official partner team, Young Driver AMR.

The lead Vantage GT3, carrying the iconic #007 designation, will be driven by Johannes and Ferdinand Stuck (A) – sons of triple Nürburgring 24 Hour winner Hans-Joachim Stuck – alongside Dennis Rostek (D) and Aston Martin Racing factory driver Darren Turner (GB). Turner’s regular works team-mate, Stefan Mücke, will drive the #006 car with Tomas Enge (CZ), Fredy Barth (CH) and Oliver Mathai (D).

In addition, Aston Martin’s engineering department will return with the spectacular V12 Zagato concept car that made its Nürburgring24 Hour debut in 2011. Targeting another successful race finish will be Aston Martin Chief Executive Dr Ulrich Bez (D), Chief Engineer Chris Porritt (GB), Aston Martin Nürburgring Test Centre Director Wolfgang Schuhbauer (D) and renowned motoring journalist and racer Richard Meaden (GB).

Ahead of the race, Dr Bez said: “Our 100 per cent finishing record in thirteen starts in one of the world’s toughest endurance races is remarkable; truly a testament to the reliability of our cars and the efforts of our people. In the past six years we have deliberately focused on racing close-to-production cars, achieving seven class podiums and three class wins. For 2012, I am delighted to be returning again to drive our V12 Zagato with my engineering team, but also to have such an exciting step up with the V12 Vantage GT3s.”

The fourth official entry will be a V8-powered Vantage run by Aston Martin’s Nürburgring Test Centre team and driven by Jurgen Stumpf (D), Australians Mal Rose and Rob Thomson, and Peter Cate (GB). Aston Martin will be represented by four further customer outfits, including Team Mathol Racing, winners of the SP10 class for GT4 cars in 2010.

David King, Aston Martin’s Head of Motorsport, said: “The Nürburgring 24 Hour race is the most important 24-hour race in the world for GT cars. The quality of the entry in the GT3 class and throughout the field is truly impressive. It is a hugely important step for us to be challenging in the SP9 class, with a top class partner team and a fine driver line up. The V12 Vantage GT3 has a direct line to our V12 Vantage road car, sharing the same chassis and base engine, and I know all the fans will love to see and hear these cars hopefully running near the front of the pack.”

John Gaw, Aston Martin Racing Team Principal, added: “2012 is a development season for the new V12 Vantage GT3 and the Young Driver AMR team are being closely supported by Aston Martin Racing to tune the car to the unique demands of the Nordschleife. We see this as the first step in a longer term plan to challenge for race victory at the Nürburgring in future years, but we are already greatly encouraged by the performance of the car in recent four hour VLN races here.”

Young Driver AMR Team Principal, Hardy Fischer, concluded: “It is an honour and also a big challenge for my team to be representing Aston Martin at this great event; it is something we have wanted to do for a long time. The racing and working conditions are unique – for the cars, the drivers and the team – it takes some getting used to, but we are ready for the challenge.”

The 40th ADAC Zurich Nürburgring 24 Hours starts at 1600hrs CET on Saturday, 19 May. Keep up to date with Aston Martin’s progress on the official website or on its Facebook page and on Twitter.

Fans can follow the race live via Radio Le Mans at www.radiolemans.com, which will broadcast for the duration of the 24 hours.

Related articles
Jaguar launches XJ Sport and Speed Nürburgring taxi service

Jaguar launches XJ Sport and Speed Nürburgring taxi service

By on 08/05/2012 in News

There is a new way to experience the Nürburgring now as Jaguar have a new model based in Germany.

The latest addition to Jaguar’s fleet at its Nürburgring Nordschleife engineering test centre is the marque’s very first taxi, albeit one with rather more ability than you may expect from a traditional cab; based on the latest all-aluminium long wheelbase XJ Supersport with Sport and Speed Pack options, Jaguar’s ‘Nürburgring taxi’ boasts 510PS from its 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine and a top speed of 174mph, but no fare meter…

Frank Klaas, Global Head of Communications, Jaguar Land Rover gave an insight into this new model:

“We’ve been running a successful Nürburgring driving programme from our Nordschleife engineering test centre now for some time, as it’s the very best place to demonstrate the dynamic abilities of the current Jaguar XF, XJ and XK models.”

“Of these models, we found it’s the XJ Supersport that most often surprises journalists with its speed simply because they perceive it to be a large luxury car. The XJ is both those things, of course, but its aluminium architecture means it’s rigid and lightweight too, which make it a very good car on track. To underline that fact, our engineering team created this special Nürburgring taxi version in which our trained drivers can safely take passengers on very hot laps!”

Finished in non-standard matt grey paint with exterior Sport Pack, the Jaguar Nürburgring taxi is also specified with the Speed Pack – which raises its electronically limited top speed from 155mph to 174mph – but is otherwise mechanically standard. Inside there is, of course, ample room for four, although a few of the XJ’s usual creature comforts have been replaced in order to keep its occupants securely in place during the very quick laps of which it is capable. Gone are the standard leather-trimmed heated and cooled seats, and in their place are four race seats, each equipped with four-point harnesses. A full bespoke roll cage completes the interior changes.

Sounds like a Porsche is the perfect Christmas gift

Sounds like a Porsche is the perfect Christmas gift

By on 12/12/2011 in News

Arriving in showrooms just in time for Christmas, the new Porsche 911 has already clinched a top motoring magazine award, adding yet another trophy to the 2011 collection already awarded to the 911 GT3 RS 4.0, Cayman R and Boxster this year.

The new 911 – Coupe of Year, Top Gear magazine

The new Porsche 911 has been awarded Coupe of the Year 2011 by Top Gear magazine.

The magazine commented: “…all things considered – its price, its performance, its economy and its emissions – it’s pretty clear we’re talking about the world’s best sports car here.”

True to the 911 tradition, the new model combines a powerful rear-mounted flat-six engine with the iconic 911 silhouette and adds more power and efficiency, less weight and a host of new technologies to further enhance the sports car driving experience.

911 GT3 RS 4.0 – Car of the Year, EVO

The iconic 911 GT3 RS 4.0 also wowed the writers on the judging panel for EVO magazine’s highly regarded Car of the Year contest.

In awarding first place to the 911, the magazine concluded: “The GT3 RS 4.0 is a pure driver’s car with a quite extraordinary naturally aspirated engine at its heart. To feel and hear this 4-litre flat-six pull from idle to its 8,500rpm red line is almost worth the asking price alone but, as ever, Porsche also provides a pretty handy and engaging chassis so that you’re encouraged to take it out and exercise it.”

The 911 GT3 RS 4.0 brings together in a road car all the attributes that have made the Porsche 911 a regular winner on the race track. Producing 500 hp, equivalent to 125 hp per litre, the 4.0-litre engine is largest and most powerful naturally aspirated engine ever featured in a 911. This can propel the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 around the Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit in 7:27 minutes.

Porsche Boxster – Used Sports Car of the Year, What Car?

Over three-quarters of all Porsche sports cars ever built are still on the roads, and a pre-owned car is a perfect way to enter the world of Porsche. The Porsche Approved programme offers a wide choice of models in a variety of specifications to suit personal preference, each offered with the peace of mind of a two year warranty and the assurance of a thorough check-over by Porsche.

What Car? magazine commented that the mid-engined Porsche Boxster “proves that great cars don’t have to come at great expense. It’s fast when you want some fun, yet comfortable and refined when you want to take things easy…..A super-stiff chassis means the Boxster remains rock solid with the roof down, while the revvy 245 hp 2.7-litre engine is a joy, with a great soundtrack……The Boxster is a full-blooded sports car and amazing to drive, but not so raw that you can use it only at weekends.”

Porsche Cayman R – Britain’s Best Driver’s Car 2011, Autocar

Autocar declared the Porsche Cayman R as Britain’s Best Driver’s Car for 2011, after winning the annual contest run by the magazine. The comparison pitched 11 of the year’s greatest new cars against each other on the public road and race track to determine which one provides the greatest thrills for its driver.

The magazine commented: “The Porsche Cayman R’s steering is about as sweet as it gets and the ride is 150 times better than it has any right to be considering how little body movement there is when you’re really going for it. Right now this car is as good as it gets when it comes to pure driver satisfaction. And that’s saying something when the opposition is as good as it is.”

With a weight of 1295 kg and its characteristic flat six 3.4-litre engine tuned to develop 330 hp, the Cayman R embodies the lightweight, mid-engined sports car concept, offering a precise and engaging driving experience.

Porsche Cayman R – Best Sports Car 2011, CAR

The Cayman R also triumphed in CAR magazine’s ‘Best Sports Car 2011’ feature. Nine cars were thoroughly tested on road and track, and the responsiveness and chassis of the Porsche shone through.

The magazine commented; “It feels so right: light, responsive, balanced. What’s really amazing is that it takes an almost binary discipline and fills the gaps with nuances of feel and progression…It’s intuitive and fluid and brilliant….”

It has been a while since we have been in a Porsche on the road or track but from what the big motoring magazines are saying, if you get a 911, Boxster or Cayman in your stocking this Christmas you wont be disappointed!

Related articles
Aston Martin V12 Zagato at Nurburgring

Aston Martin V12 Zagato at Nurburgring

By on 22/06/2011 in News

This week Aston Martin is putting the final touches to its race preparations in readiness for the toughest 24 hour race of them all – the annual ADAC Nürburgring 24 Hours on the 25th and 26th June where the new Aston Martin V12 Zagatos will compete.

As they prepare for this endurance race Aston Martin has released a video of the Zagato race cars on track during practice for the 24 hour race.

This weekend marks the next step of an ambitious aston Martin project which began when the V12 Zagato was unveiled at the Concorso D’Eleganza at Villa D’Este in May this year, winning the Design award for Concepts and Prototypes.

The show car was then transformed into the number 3 race car, nicknamed ‘Zag’ (red) and will be piloted in the 24 hour race by Aston Martin CEO, Dr. Ulrich Bez, the company’s Nürburgring Test Centre Director, Wolfgang Schuhbauer and automotive journalists Horst von Saurma and Matthew Marsh.

In addition, a green V12 Zagato (nicknamed ‘Zig’) – car number 5 for the race – was prepared by the team based at Aston Martin’s global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire. Zig will be driven by aston Martin One-77 Chief Engineer Chris Porritt, experienced sports car driver Oliver Mathai, automotive journalist Richard Meaden and experienced amateur racer Peter Cate.

Joining the V12 Zagatos will be a V8 Vantage GT4 affectionately nicknamed ‘Smurf’ (now orange but formally blue) which will be driven by Aston Martin Racing works driver, Darren Turner, journalist and experienced 24 hour driver, Shinichi Katsura, Australian racer Rob Thomson and seasoned Nürburgring pilot Jurgen Stumpf.

Three further customer team V8 Vantages will be competing over the weekend bringing the Aston Martin presence in the race up to six cars with Mathol Racing (#62), Bratke Motorsport Team – AVIA (#85) and Team Pflanz (#75) driving Vantage GT4s in the SP10 class.

Audi to take four R8 LMS cars to the Ring

Audi to take four R8 LMS cars to the Ring

By on 21/06/2011 in Le Mans, Motorsport, News

Audi has sets its sights on overall victory in yet another endurance classic only two weeks after the tenth 24 Hours of Le Mans victory: the Audi Sport Teams Abt Sportsline and Phoenix, known from the DTM Championships in Germany, will compete with four Audi R8 LMS in the 24-hour race around the famous Nürburgring-Nordschleife on June 25/26.

Audi has supplied, through its sporting subsidiary quattro GmbH, the official cars since 2002 for the popular event in the Eifel which attracts more than 200,000 spectators every year. However, only once Audi has sent a factory squad into the “Green Hell”: In 2004 Audi competed with two modified DTM cars based on the Abt-Audi TT-R which finished fourth and eighth. In 2011 the team around Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich makes a second attempt with the Audi R8 LMS.

Four Audi R8 LMS at the 24 hour race at the Nürburgring

The fascinating GT3 sportscar is the first race car of the brand with the Four Rings that was specifically developed for customer racing and which is now fielded successfully by customer teams throughout the world. The R8 LMS powered by a near standard production V10 engine has already claimed 83 wins. More wins are added almost every weekend – at the beginning of 2011 this included victory in the 12-hour race at Bathurst in Australia.

ultra-lightweight and new safety features in GT3 sportscar

The R8 LMS has already proved its qualities around the world’s toughest, and at 25.378 kilometers, the world’s longest track: the customer car has recorded two overall victories in the VLN endurance championship at the Nürburgring to date – most recently 14 days before the 24-hour race in its final test race.

The driver squad, which Audi assembles for the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, could hardly be more high-caliber. DTM stars like Mattias Ekström and Timo Scheider share driving duties with Le Mans winners like Marcel Fässler and Marco Werner and acknowledged Nordschleife specialists like Marc Basseng or Frank Stippler. Mike Rockenfeller, who is still recovering from the aftereffects of his severe accident during the 24 Hours of Le Mans, will not participate.Rockenfeller will cheer on his Audi team mates from home where he will follow the event on television.

High-caliber driver squad with Ekström, Scheider, Fässler & Co.

Practice at the Nrburgring begins on Thursday. The race starts on Saturday, June 25 at 4:00 p.m.