TAG Heuer Launches Limited Edition Grand Carrera Singapore Watch

In celebration of the first ever Formula 1 night race at Singapore that saw Fernando Alonso taking his first win of the season for Renault, TAG Heuer created a commemorative Grand Carrera watch that will be produced in a limited run of 150 pieces, all of which will be exclusively available at TAG Heuer boutiques and Grand Carrera authorized retailers in Singapore only. -Continued

To be precise, there are only 149 watches left as the Limited Edition Grand Carrera Singapore timepiece numbered 1 of 150 that was autographed by TAG Heuer ambassador and defending world champion, Kimi Raikkonen, was auctioned at the MILK (Mainly I Love Kids) Charity Gala at Shangri-La Hotel on the same night for S$40,000 or about US$ 28,000.

Saab’s 9-3 Swedish Touring Car Championship Racer

Saab will enter the 2009 season of the Swedish Touring Car Championship with a new racing version of the 9-3 sedan that will compete in the S2000 class. The Swedish automaker’s racing car that is currently under development by the team Dealer Sport will be equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that runs of bio-fuel. -Continued



Via: Jalopnik

Maserati GranTurismo MC Concept: Wallpapers, Official Brochure and Video

Following up on our previous article on the Maserati GranTurismo MC, we’ve got our hands on a full set of high-resolution images, the official brochure and to top it off, a short video of the concept undergoing testing at the Monza circuit in Italy. The MC Concept is essentially a track-ready version of the GranTurismo S featuring an upgraded 450HP V8 engine, race-spec suspension and brakes, slick tires with 18-inch lightweight alloys and an aerodynamic package that includes a new front splitter, a boot spoiler and rear diffuser. -Continued

Inside the GranTurismo S has been stripped to bare metal gaining a FIA-approved rollcage, bucket seats and a racing steering wheel. The Italian firm hasn’t announced any plans to produce the concept but we have a hunch that the GranTurismo MC will be available for track-lovers in the very near future.

Video Via: Autoblog.it

BROCHURE

WALLPAPERS

Fiat to Launch 500 “F1 Limited Edition” at the Singapore GP

We’ve lost track of how many limited or special edition versions of the new 500 that Fiat has introduced into the market the past few months, but we reckon that the ‘F1 Limited Edition’ that will make its debut at the Singapore Grand Prix along with the ‘Ferrari Special edition’ will be the most sought after. Overall, Fiat built just 12 examples of the 500 F1 Limited Edition all of which have been pre-booked by selected customers from Singapore. -Continued

Fiat said that apart from the racing livery, the limited edition 500s are enhanced with custom features and chrome trim without giving any further details.The 500 F1 Limited Edition will be shown to the public for the first time before the Singapore Grand Prix qualifying rounds on 27 September when various celebrities will get behind the wheel of the 12 cars driving them around the race track.

Lotus Helps Development of Honda Civic Hybrid Race Car

Bet you never thought you’d see a Honda Civic IMA Hybrid in the air like the one in featured in the picture above. Of course, this isn’t your ordinary hybrid but a race prepped version of the eco-friendly Civic created by Oaktec. The Lancashire based company has been developing the Honda Hybrid system for motorsport since 2004. Oaktec took part in several rallies around the UK winning the F1000 Class A Championship in 2006 with a Honda Insight. Now Oaktec has joined forces with Lotus to develop the performance of a Civic Hybrid for rallying and circuit racing. -Continued

Though no details on the car’s specifications have been revealed yet, Phil Barker, Chief Engineer of Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Technologies at Lotus said that the British automaker will work with Oaktec to create a revised electrical specification for more power and a control system that will allow a more aggressive regenerative braking strategy.

Paul Andrews, Senior Partner of Oaktec said: “Maximizing racetrack performance from a hybrid drivetrain is a complex technical exercise but one that Lotus Engineering has the experience and expertise to help us deliver. We look forward to seeing our success on the rally tracks replicated in the race circuits. We will be breaking new ground with the project when Gavan Kershaw of Lotus Engineering and Jamie Corstorphine of Autocar magazine will race our Honda Civic Hybrid for the first time in the Dunlop Max Sport Cup at Rockingham circuit on 28th September.”

Via: Le Blog Auto , Source: Lotus

Maserati GranTurismo MC Corse

A series of photos depicting the GranTurismo MC Corse, a competition model destined for use on the tarmac, appeared on the web today. There’s no official information but according to our fellow Autobloggers, the stripped out MC Corse is equipped with a revised version of the GranTurismo S’ 430 HP V8 engine featuring a sport exhaust system with competition-spec catalytic converters and a new intake system that help boost output to 450 HP. Other modifications include an aero kit, 18-inch lightweight alloys, upgraded suspension and brake components and a FIA-approved rollcage. While we’re waiting for an official announcement, hit the jump to check out the image gallery. -Continued






Via: Autoblog.com

Mitsubishi Lancer EVO X Race Car Debuts at Britcar

Mitsubishi Motors UK’s race-prepared Lancer EVO X made its racing debut in this weekend’s Britcar event at the Silverstone circuit. The EVO X, which was co-developed with ADR Motorsport developing around 400 HP, proved itself by completing the 24-hour endurance race. Driven by Mitsubishi UK’s managing director and former BTCC driver James Kaye along with Andy Barnes, Mark Lemmer and Jay Wheals, the team crossed the line fifth in class and 25th overall after covering a race-distance of 517 laps and 1,651 miles. -Continued

At the finish, Team Principal and Ralliart General Manager, Paul Brigden said: “We have achieved what we came here to do and I am delighted. The car performed so well – without any significant pre-race testing – for all 24 hours. It’s a credit to the whole team: the engineers, drivers and pit crew.”

The Japanese automaker is now considering participating in future events in the UK before the end of the year details of which will be announced in the next few weeks. Depending on the interest, Mitsubishi UK is also looking into creating a dedicated race-series for the Evolution X.