New Audi TT GT4 Concept with 340HP comes to Life at DTM Race in Shanghai

When we saw the Ginetta G55 GT4 class racecar, we were impressed. Packing a potent 370HP engine at an affordable price, it's good looking, too, even though for obvious reasons that matters a lot less in the world of motorsports. Now, Audi also wants a piece of the GT4 action. On the occasion of the DTM race in Shanghai, the German automaker presented the concept of a GT4 car based on the TT sports coupe.

The Ingolstadt-based automaker has not yet released full engine specs, but it did note that the GT4 is equipped with a TFSI engine delivering about 340 hp, linked to an a S-tronic transmission with a differential lock. A modified production suspension with adjustable dampers, plus 9.5 x 18 inch light alloy wheels are also part of the racing package.

The front apron, rear apron and the rear wing are sourced from the production Audi TT RS, while the hood, doors and trunk lid are made of CFRP and the windows of plastic.

Being a racecar, the GT4 also gets a roll-cage, a safety-optimized fuel tank along with a host of other modifications.

The racer will set buyers back for about €120,000 (or US $158,868, at today’s exchange rates) which is a lot more than the Ginetta’s price tag (€88,387 or US $117,016). Even so, Audi says that the TT GT4 is an affordable option for potential customers with the company not only targeting Europe but also the Asian market.

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VIDEO: Finnish Pro Drift Driver Taming a 1970s 505HP Camaro

With all those JDM cars dominating drift championships around the world, it's nice to see something different for a change. In this case, we have the opportunity to witness Finnish pro drifter Mikko Viitala skillfully taming a 1970s Camaro fitted with a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine from a 2010 Corvette, churning out 505 hp. Check out the video after the break to see the "drifting Finn".

By Csaba Daradics

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Ginetta Reveals New G55 Sports Car Racer

British sports carmaker Ginetta has revealed the first renderings and preliminary specs of its new G55 racecar. The company also announced that the Michelin Ginetta G50 Cup, a supporting series for the British Touring Car Championship, will change its name to Ginetta GT Supercup, in which both the G50 and G55 will be eligible to compete, starting from next year.

The new G55 is powered by a Ford-sourced 3.7-liter engine delivering 370 hp, coupled to a Hewland gearbox. Compared to the older G50, Ginetta's new racer boasts more powerful front and rear brakes, a new exhaust system and fresh bodywork with improved aerodynamics. The G55 will be displayed for the first time at the Autosport International exhibition on January 13th. Pricing has been set at £75,000.

Ginetta boss, Lawrence Tomlinson, commented on the changes: "The G50 has dominated GT4 since its launch 2 years ago and proved itself as a real stepping stone into the GT4 arena. By introducing the G55 into the new Ginetta GT Supercup, I want to broaden Ginetta's offering to all drivers expanding our career ladder even further and highlight a real route into GT3 - whilst still providing an affordable way to enjoy top level racing".


Teams running the Ginetta G50 will have the option to upgrade their existing car to G55 specs for £25,000 or enroll in a new, part-exchange system. According to the program, the 2011 G50 will be fitted with a 300 hp 3.5-liter Ford engine linked to the same Hewland gearbox.

As for the Ginetta GT Supercup, Mr. Tomlinson said that it will emulate the class structure of other GT championships, such as the Le Mans Series or ALMS, and competitors will benefit from separate points systems and podiums. Entry fees for the race series will be £9,750 + VAT for tge G50 and £11,750 + VAT for the G55.

By Csaba Daradics

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Aston Martin Announces New Vantage GT4 Racer for 2011

It's only been a year since Aston Martin launched its Vantage GT4 racing car, but the British maker has already prepared an updated model for the 2011 season. The revised Vantage GT4 is said to be inspired from the firm's V12 Vantage road car, giving it enhanced aerodynamics and increased downforce, while it also features a number of other improvements.

The 2011 GT4 is closely based on the V8 Vantage road car, with which it is shares the same aluminium chassis, base engine and suspension designs.

The aerodynamic changes up front that include a new splitter, help increase downforce and direct cooling air to the brakes and radiator. At the back, Aston Martin added the V12's larger boot 'flip'. The 2011 car also gets a new carbon fibre diffuser and rear underfloor, which according to Aston Martin, create an area of low pressure under the rear of the GT4, thus increasing downforce while also channeling more air through a new rear-mounted high capacity transmission oil cooler.

Along with the aero upgrades and engine tweaks, Aston Martin is also offering as a first the option of a race-developed Bosch ABS and traction control system that has been specifically calibrated by Bosch Motorsport for the Vantage GT4.

The company said that along with its own one-make series, the Aston Martin GT4 Challenge of Great Britain, the new Vantage GT4 will also be eligible for the European GT4 Cup and all other series with a GT4 class.

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Mental Breakdown: A 1,700HP Volkswagen Bus Dragster

Here's one Volkswagen Bus you wouldn't want to mess around with. It's called the Mental Breakdown and it's the creation of Wayne Allman from the British county of Warwickshire. Of the original 1965 VW model upon which it is based, only the driver's cabin was left intact. Power comes from an 8.4-liter supercharhed Keith Black V8 Hemi unit that runs on methanol and delivers 1,700bhp.

"I have always loved installing powerful engines in the wrong cars", says Allman who will show off the VW dragster model at this week's Essen Motor Show in Germany. Until the show goes live, check out at the photo gallery and a video from this year's test runs on the drag strip.

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Renault Unveils Updated Dacia Duster Ice for next Andros Trophy

As Renault is continuing to work on Dacia's image, the Duster Ice will once again compete in the Andros Trophy, after finishing in second place last year. Set to be piloted by the legendary Alain Prost, the updated model features a number of evolutions for the new season. The opening round of the ice-racing championship will be held at Val Thorens (France), on the 4th and 5th of December.

Developed by Renault Sport Technologies, the Dacia Duster racecar features a tubular chassis with a lightweight fiberglass body with power coming from a Renault-Nissan-sourced 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 350-horsepower.

The six-cylinder powertrain underwent a few key modifications and churns out an extra 20Nm of torque (15 lb-ft) at 3,000 rpm. Power is sent to all four wheels, through a six-speed sequential gearbox, while the suspension features new shock absorbers better suited for the rough, icy terrain on which the Andros Trophy events are held. For added precision, engineers also modified the electro-hydraulic steering system, which turns all wheels.

Alain Prost commented:

"We are determined to build on what we started last winter. The thinking behind our second year together marks a logical step forward in sporting, technical and brand terms. Last season, we were aware it would be tough to win the Trophée Andros with a new car, not to mention the fact that the programme began at a relatively late stage. Our overriding aim was to take part, try to be competitive and win races, and also win over the public. This time round, my intention is to challenge for the title. We completed two very positive days of testing at Val Thorens last weekend. Our work on Duster has clearly paid dividends and we are convinced we have the means to make a strong start."

Overall, the Romanian brand's image is at an all-time high, as the budget SUV is also a finalist in the 2011 Car of the Year competition.

By Csaba Daradics

Dacia Duster Technical Data

CHASSIS

Tubular steel chassis Double wishbones

ENGINE

Renault-Nissan Alliance-developed Type VQ 30 engine Mid-rear position V6

Valves: 24

Cubic capacity: 2,987cc

Bore x stroke: 93mm x 73.3mm Maximum power: 257kW EEC (350hp) at 7,500rpm

Maximum torque: 360Nm EEC at 5,500rpm

TRANSMISSION

Six-speed SADEV sequential gearbox

BRAKES

Front: 260mm-diameter ventilated steel discs

Rear: 265mm-diameter steel discs

WHEELS AND TIRES

Magnesium, 5.5'' x 16'' Continental Ice Racing Contact 3 tyres

DIMENSIONS / WEIGHT

Length: 4,001mm Width: 1,900mm

Front/rear track: 1,690mm

Wheelbase: 2,500mm

Weight: 950kg

Fuel tank: 25 litres

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80s face-off: Renault 5 Turbo RWD vs Alpine A310

Dieppe-based Alpine established itself with the A110, winning the 1973 Monte Carlo Rally and the World Championship. But by the late '70s competitors, like the Lancia Stratos, caught up. Renault had to act fast and decided to compete with a new car in the Group 4 (later Group B), the 5 Turbo.

The little mid-engined, rear-wheel drive beast proved to be a worthy successor, as in 1978, driven by rally legend Jean Ragnotti, also won the Monte Carlo Rally.

At that time, the most coveted road-going Renault was the Alpine A310. Two years later this changed, as the coupe's supremacy was challenged by the production version of the 5 Turbo, in what turned out to be one of the '80s biggest face-offs.

Initially, the A310 was powered by a 125 hp 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, featuring 2 twin barrel Weber carburetors. In 1976, besides being restyled, the French coupe was fitted with the 2.7-liter V6 engine, jointly developed by Renault, Peugeot and Volvo. Power rose to 150 hp, enough to push the A310 to a top speed of 220+ km/h (137+ mph).

When it launched in 1980, the 5 Turbo took another route while trying to deliver top-notch performances. Relying on its extensive F1 experience, Renault gave it a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine, developing 160 hp. And unlike the standard 5 that had a front-mounted engine, the Turbo model featured a mid-engine layout.

The two cars were very different in terms of design, but both featured the same technical setup: mid-to-rear mounted engine and rear-wheel drive. This made the face-off very interesting, as performance-oriented buyers, capable of ignoring the price difference, had to make a difficult choice: displacement or force induction.

The decision was made even more complicated by the fact that the 5 Turbo was equally fast, reaching a top speed in excess of 200 km/h (124 mph).

Check out the gallery below to see more photos of the two cars and don't forget to share your choice with us, in the comments section.

By Csaba Daradics

Lead photo source: Idei , Videos: Youtube

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LA Show 2010: Ford Focus Race Car Concept

Making its world premiere in LA today is the Focus Race Car Concept that will form the base for the Blue Oval's next global touring race car. Powered by a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, the new racing model will get its first shot on the tarmac at the 2011 British Touring Car Championship.

For the creation of the Focus racer, Ford collaborated with various race teams from around the world in order to make sure that the new car meets rules governing circuit racing in the United States and beyond..

"This teamwork has resulted in a global racing platform using a common Focus body and a safety cage built to FIA regulations – a competitive platform that can be tailored for regional competition, based on different rules," said Jost Capito, director of Global Performance Vehicles and Motorsport Business Development.

"By leveraging our collective experience and Ford technology worldwide, this approach parallels our global dedication to the Focus production car and specifically its exciting performance derivative, the new Focus ST, to deliver a competitive race car that can be campaigned around the world."

Based on the new Focus, the Race Car Concept has been upgraded with AST performance dampers, sport sway bars provided by Ford Racing and enormous, 320 mm front brakes, for extreme stopping power. Hoosier race tires wrap around the 18-inch Anthracite alloy wheels.

Inside, there's a roll cage and a Recaro racing seat with a six-point safety harness, alongside a fire suppression system. The AIM MXL Pista dashboard has a digital layout and features, among other data, a tachometer, rev counter and gear position indicator.

Ford is keen to benefit as much as possible from the teams' racing experience, so it's going to provide them full support, including data, advanced engineering tools and parts. The idea is that, in a few years time, new race-inspired technologies should make the transition to street models, as was the case with the 2012 Mustang Boss 302.

By Csaba Daradics

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