Section: Europe
Written By: Stan Baldwin
May 12th, 2008 9:00 AM
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There are not many opportunities to pass on the Istanbul Speed Park 3.317 mile circuit so where and how a driver starts is rather important.
When the green flag dropped Ferrari occupied the first and fourth slots on the grid with the McLarens packed between them. While Felipe Massa took his Ferrari out of the way into the lead, the rest of the field diced for advantage. Lewis Hamilton got around his teammate Heikki Kovalainen for second while Robert Kubuca (BMW Sauber) and Fernando Alonso (Renault) each picked up a couple positions.
(Click through the jump to read on.)
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Written By: Seyth Miersma
May 9th, 2008 3:25 PM
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While the words “Cadillac” and “Nurburgring” don’t classically go hand-in-hand General Motors is apparently out in Germany proving that its CTS-V can hold its own with just about anything orbiting the Green Hell., and they’ve got the photo to prove it.
GM announced early this afternoon that driver John Heinricy was able to pilot the LSA V-8 powered V car to a potentially record-breaking time of 7:59:32, which is said to be the fastest “documented” lap by a sedan…ever. We’re even more excited to hear that one of Cadillac minions caught the lap on a video that is set to be released within a few days.
+ Autoblog: Green Hellraiser: Caddy CTS-V storms Nordschleife in 7:59:32
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
Written By: Seyth Miersma
May 9th, 2008 9:50 AM
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Italian styling house Aznom has used the Mini Clubman, a car destined to be customized ad nauseam we feel, as the basis for this rather ostentatious and bizarre variant called the Chateau.
The Chateau offers a clutter of weird wood trim pieces, including side-view mirror surrounds that look for all the world like the polished halves of coconuts. Exterior non-woody surfaces are finished in iridescent brown and gold paint, creating a very 1970’s rec room vibe. But perhaps the strangest addition to the Chateau Clubman is the retro-fitted shockproof wine cellar in the back, capable of transporting your favorite vino undisturbed wherever you need to go.
We will admit that we’re fans of the 18-inch TSW “Pace” alloys, and we’re certain that all 12 owners of these very limited edition Mini’s will be mobbed with interested parties wherever they go. At least they’ll be able to calm they’re addled nerves with a glass of Beaujolais. Cheers.
+ Motor Authority: Aznom Mini Clubman S ‘Chateau’
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Written By: Seyth Miersma
May 8th, 2008 3:35 PM
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Opel has officially pulled the sheet off of its new Insignia, which is liable to come to the U.S. after its European launch as the newest version of the Saturn Aura. While we thought that we had seen all there was to offer on the sleek four-door sedan, our friends at CarPix have delivered up a few images of a brand new variant to the range, a five-door hatchback.
The totally undisguised hatch, possibly to be known as the CombiCoupe or Fliessheck, mimics the lines of the sedan everywhere but the rear section. The liftgate of the new Insignia looks to be of good size, and promises to add a measure of utility to the car that won’t be possible with a mere truck. Why doesn’t everyone offer a five-door?
No word of course about whether this configuration could make it to American Saturn dealers, though the GM brand’s recent willingness to stock its showrooms with straight Euro copies is encouraging. Tell us what you think of the car, after browsing our gallery below, in comments.
Written By: Seyth Miersma
May 8th, 2008 9:15 AM
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MG fans will be happy to hear that new Chinese owners Shanghai Automobile Corporation (SAIC) seem to be moving along at full speed towards the goal of producing an all new TF roadster.
Auto Express has used what it calls “insider information” to develop these renderings of the new model, which is said to be targeted at such European droptops as the Alfa Romeo Spider and the Audi TT, as well as the dominating Mazda MX-5. The new TF will be slightly larger than the Mazda but is said to be shooting for a very similar price tag, along with the hearts and minds of the roadster-crazy British public.
The new car will be based on the Roewe 550 compact hatchback, though its driven wheels will be in the back, and will be powered by either a 1.8-liter turbo or a 2.5-liter V-6. The MG TF could be available through a new Roewe dealership network in the UK by 2010. Click through the link to see a few more images of the new convertible and then let us know what you think, in comments.
+ AutoExpress: Reborn MG TF is ready at last!
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
Written By: Seyth Miersma
May 7th, 2008 12:30 PM
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It’s not that unusual for us to find the occasional random press release waiting for us in our inbox, once or twelve-times a day, but it fairly rare that we get one quite as entertaining as this number from German tuners Loder.
The company has done a tasteful job kitting out the 2008 Jaguar XF but the real brilliance is in the verbiage it’s chosen to use in its official press release. Rather than spoil it with commentary, we’ll let you enjoy it in its natural state below the jump.
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Written By: Seyth Miersma
May 6th, 2008 10:15 AM
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This incredibly detailed “nokian” tire is actually a cake created by a Russian artisan (or bakery, we’re not really sure) called Zhanna located in St. Petersburg. Though we don’t have any real details about the operation, we did find a whole passel of additional amazing confections by the talented baker, at the laughable haha.nu. We’ll admit that not all of these cakes have an automotive theme but we were too blown away not to share them with you. Our favorite has got to be the cash machine, enjoy.
+ haha.nu
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
Written By: Seyth Miersma
May 5th, 2008 9:00 AM
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Apparently the car-buying public is quite enamored with Volkswagen’s 1.4-liter TFSI engine, as the German automaker is reportedly struggling to keep production in-line with demand. British Autocar reports in the latest copy of its print edition that VW can’t supply enough examples of the powerplant to the wider VW group.
The factory that produces the 1.4 TFSI is just able to keep up with the needs of Volkswagen itself, meaning brands like Seat are being left in the cold. Seat’s supply of the engine is currently under restriction; bad news for fans of the Spanish VW variant, and for the company’s bottom line.
(One hot Seat in our gallery below.)
+ Autocar
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
Written By: Seyth Miersma
May 2nd, 2008 10:00 AM
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Seat’s new design, under the leadership of former Lamborghini stylist Luc Donkerwolke, is planning an interesting visual approach with its new models according to the latest print version of Autocar magazine.
Donkerwolke isn’t interested in creating a “family” of cars connected with styling that rests largely on grille and headlight design. Starting with the new Ibiza, Seat will attempt to connect its car visually with “striking lines on the car’s flanks.”
While it’s unclear is the average customer will be able to see the brand connection in styling elements that don’t include a vehicle’s “face,” we’re awfully interested in seeing the early results of the new philosophy.
(Peek into Seat’s new styling with the Bocanegra concept from Geneva below.)
+ Autocar
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
Written By: Seyth Miersma
May 1st, 2008 10:20 AM
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Former leading mind at Britain’s TVR, engine designer Al Melling, is planning to release a back-to-basics sports car this year that sounds like it would be right up our alley.
Focusing on simplicity and light weight, the Markham 450 is a rear-driven two-seat roadster, powered by a Chevy-sourced 5.7-liter V-8, and built around a steel spaceframe chassis. The big Chevy motor will be tuned to produce around 450 horsepower (hence the name), and should offer old-school thrills in a sexy convertible package.
Melling wants the 450 to be a relatively accessible package and one that’s easy for future owners to modify as they see fit. Autocar reports in the April 16 issue of its print magazine that the car will have a target price of around 40,000 pounds and could be on sale by the end of 2008.
+ Autocar
If you’ve got an idea for Question of the Day, a funny photo for Caption It, or just want to share a news tip, let us know at windingroadtips@gmail.com
Written By: Seyth Miersma
April 30th, 2008 4:00 PM
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It seems as if the ball was called just a bit too early on a set of spy shots sent to us recently by Brenda Priddy & Company, as the MPV mule that had been spotted on its way out of the General Motors proving ground has since been discovered to not be a GM product at all.
Initial speculation had it that the mule seen here was the first look at GM new global MPV preparing for a future of battling with such worldly people movers as Mazda’s 5, Volkswagen’s Touran, and Opel’s Zafira. That seemingly good guess was given a healthy dose of probability by the car’s being spotted just leaving GM’s Milford, Michigan test facility.
(Click through the jump to read more including Priddy’s new take on the mysterious MPV.)
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Written By: Winding Road Staff
April 30th, 2008 10:00 AM
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After floundering for a time with noble attempts that didn’t quite cut it, Zagato presents the Bentley GTZ, and nails the whole concept. We spend a day learning the art.
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Lamborghini Picks L.A. for U.S. Headquarters
