digital monthly magazine December 2014
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CHEVROLET EN-V 2.0
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The GM Vision for a future city car
Infiniti Q80 Inspiration
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CONTENTS
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26
December 2014
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FRONT PAGE
8
AUTONEWS
First mile – Last mile
Los Angeles December news
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MISS OF THE MONTH
38
GLOBAL NEWS
Infiniti Q80 Inspiration
The most expensive A day at the races Across the America
digital monthly magazine
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62 xxxx
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FOCUS
76
CLASSIC
76
Volkswagen Passat GTE
The Nicolis Museum
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FRONT PAGE
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FIRST MILE – LAST MILE
The Chevrolet EN-V 2.0 is designed, engineered and built in Shanghai. GM China President Matt Tsien shares GM’s Vision for Urban Mobility and Intelligent Driving Solutions
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FIRST MILE - LAST MILE
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eneral Motors Executive Vice President and President of GM China Matt Tsien recently discussed GM’s vision for making urban mobility and intelligent driving solutions a reality, along with the important role that China is playing, at the Fifth Annual Meeting of the Global Automotive Forum in Wuhan. By 2030, 60 percent of the world’s population is expected to live in urban areas, including megacities. This will place tremendous pressure on infrastructure that is already struggling to meet the growing demand for transportation and basic services.
GM has 10 joint ventures, two wholly owned foreign enterprises and more than 58,000 employees in China. Passenger cars and commercial vehicles are sold under the Baojun, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Jiefang, Opel and Wuling brands. In 2013, GM sold nearly 3.2 million vehicles in China
No country will be impacted more than China, which has a rapidly growing urban population and vehicle ownership. According to Tsien, GM is actively working on viable solutions to help overcome challenges, including pollution, congestion, limited parking and traffic accidents that result when more drivers are sharing the road. “GM has the passion, the technology experience and the global resources to help make the transportation experience more convenient, safer and cleaner,” Tsien noted. Today’s vehicles are more intelligent than ever before, with new technologies such as short- and long-range radar, cameras and sensors that support a range of features. GM engineers are now developing the next generation of technologies and alternative forms of transportation and vehicle ownership to help people navigate congested cities.
Electric Networked-Vehicles for the Future
and offers many autonomous features such as automated valet parking and retrieval.
At Expo 2010 in Shanghai, GM and its partner SAIC showcased a vision of sustainable urban mobility in the year 2030 with a concept vehicle called the EN-V. Short for Electric Networked-Vehicle, the EN-V was an element of GM’s vision of a future of driving that will be free from petroleum, emissions, accidents and congestion. The two-seat concept was propelled by electric motors in its wheels and powered by zero-emission lithiumion batteries.
“We have been testing the EN-V 2.0 in urban environments as well as in car sharing settings,” said Tsien. “We think a vehicle like this concept can play an especially important role in a ‘first mile – last mile’ model.”
Since Expo 2010, GM has begun transforming its vision into reality. Tsien shared details of the next generation of that concept – the Chevrolet EN-V 2.0 – which was designed, engineered and built in Shanghai. The EN-V 2.0 has room for two people and their cargo,
With that model, users would arrive in an urban area via public transportation and then borrow an EN-V 2.0 to finish their commute. They would drive short distances to get to their final destination and then back to the public transportation hub at the end of the day. GM expects to announce a demonstration and testing location in China for such a concept in the coming months.
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ACURA ILX
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he 2016 Acura ILX delivers more performance courtesy of its new 201-horsepower, directed-injected i-VTEC engine and 8-speed dualclutch transmission for all models. The 2016 ILX also expands customer choice with six available grades vs. the previous three, including the standard ILX, the ILX with Premium Package, and the line-topping ILX Technology Plus Package.
AUDI
R8 competition
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udi of America announced the debut of the powerful 2015 R8 competition at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. The R8 competition redefines the iconic R8 as the pinnacle of Audi performance with 570 hp and racing-inspired, lightweight matte carbon elements. The high-performance R8 competition features a 570hp 5.2L V10 mated exclusively to a seven-speed S tronic and a sport exhaust system with black high-gloss tailpipes. This combination results in a 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph, making it the fastest R8 ever offered.
Prologue Concept
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he Audi Prologue Concept has a flowing, elegant shape in a sporty and taut design. It forms and lines are unmistakable and introduce many new ideas. The show car’s technology combines power, comfort and efficiency. The 4.0 TFSI produces up to 445 kW (605 hp) of power and 750 Nm of torque; it accelerates the Audi prologue from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.7 seconds.
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) BENTLEY Grand Convertible
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he Bentley Grand Convertible resplendent in Sequin Blue, features a silver “liquid metal” finish to the bonnet and windscreen frame. The wheels hint at the enormous power and torque that wait under the bonnet. With 537 PS (530 bhp / 395 kW) and 1,100 Nm (811 lb.ft) of torque from Bentley’s 6¾-litre twin-turbo V8 engine of the flagship Mulsanne, the Grand Convertible promises luxury and performance.
BMW X5M & X6M
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aking their world debuts together in Los Angeles, the all-new BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M high-performance all-wheel-drive vehicles from deliver boosted output, optimized suspension technology, and new heights of luxury and
innovation in the equipment range. Package of engine, powertrain, and suspension, both models are equipped with the V8 unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology that delivers a maximum of 567 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The standard eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. The BMW X5 M will be offered at a base MSRP of $99,650 and the BMW X6 M will start at $103,050.
CADILLAC ATS-V
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adillac introduced the 2016 ATS-V available in sedan and coupe forms, it will introduce the twin-turbocharged power and a comprehensive suite of design and performance systems when production begins in spring 2015. Rated at an estimated 455 horsepower (339 kW) and 445 lb-ft of torque (603 Nm), the engine is the
CHRYSLER 300
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t the front of the new 2015 Chrysler 300, a redesigned fascia features a more sculptured surface, taller more prominent grille with a unique dimensional texture and chrome grille surround. From the side, lines pay homage to the Chrysler 300 series design heritage and define the correlation between front and rear wheel arches. Finishing the new Chrysler 300 sedan’s powerful rear stance is a new sculpted LED tail lamp with an illuminated halo, providing a unique signature appearance. New to the 2015 Chrysler 300S, 300C and 300C Platinum models with 5.7-liter V-8 engine is the state-of-the-art TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission.
segment’s highest-output six-cylinder and enables 0-60 performance in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of more than 185 mph. It is backed by a six-speed manual – with Active Rev Match, nolift shifting and launch control – or a paddle-shift eight-speed automatic transmission featuring launch control and Performance Algorithm Shift.
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CHEVROLET Chaparral 2X VGT
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hevrolet revealed the Chaparral 2X Vision Gran Tursimo (VGT) concept. Developed as part of the Vision Gran Turismo project the Chaparral 2X VGT concept is inspired by the innovative race cars Chaparral Racing and Chevrolet partnered on more than 45 years ago. The Chaparral 2X VGT’s concept propulsion system is inspired by technology derived from advanced work targeted at space travel and future aircraft design. It features a mid-mounted
laser beamed-energy propulsion system, which pulses beams of light that focus in a shroud, creating shock waves that generate tremendous thrust in the lightweight race car. With a 671-kW laser, powered by a pack of lithium-ion batteries, and an air-powered generator to provide 900 horsepower worth of thrust, the Chaparral 2X VGT will be capable of a 240-mph top speed in the video game with 0-60 acceleration capability of 1.5 seconds.
CHEVROLET ZR2
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hevrolet today introduced the Colorado ZR2 concept that also showcases the new 2.8L Duramax diesel engine that will arrive in the Colorado lineup later next year. The Colorado ZR2’s stance is four inches wider than a production Colorado Z71, with features including new front and rear fascias designed to increase approach and departure angles when driving off road. The Colorado ZR2 concept’s new 2.8L Duramax diesel packs an estimated 181 horsepower at 3,400 rpm and 369 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 rpm. The engine is backed by a sixspeed automatic transmission.
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) FORD Explorer
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he new Ford Explorer offers more technologies than previous models, features that enhance the driving experience including Active Grille Shutters: upper and lower fascia openings close at highway speeds to reduce drag. At low speeds, the shutters open to deliver airflow to cool the powertrain. The available 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine delivers at least 270 horsepower and at least 300 lb.-ft. of torque. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost replaces the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder available for the current model. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost is available on the base, XLT and Limited series. The new Ford Explorer goes on sale next summer.
GALPIN Rocket
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alpin Auto Sports and Henrik Fisker unveiled a low-volume production, carbon fiberbodied, super-Mustang dubbed “Rocket.” The Rocket’s design is inspired by specialty pony cars of the 1960’s and early 1970’s including the 1968 Shelby GT500. Anchored by an imposing hexagonal carbon fiber grill the Rocket’s lines emanate from the front, through the long hood, over a set of sculptured flared fenders and converge on its inte-
grated rear spoiler, belying the car’s extreme power and refined athleticism. The Rocket’s sculptured hood features two large air intakes that are designed to channel cooler outside air through the engine compartment, supplementing the grill and front splitter in keeping the 725-hp V8 engine at peak operating temperature. The Rocket is painted with a custom mixed silver called Éminence Grise and rides on large 21-inch ADV.1 wheels.
JAGUAR F-Type
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he 2016 Jaguar F-TYPE will receive substantial upgrades, including the addition of Instinctive All Wheel Drive as standard on R models and an option on S models, an available six-speed manual transmission available on Rear-Wheel Drive V6-powered models, and Electric Power Assisted Steering. The enhancements broaden the F-TYPE range, from a supercharged V6 dri-
KIA
Sorento CUV
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n the all-new 2016 Sorento CUV Kia focused on a stronger body structure, delivering premium-grade noise reduction and providing driving confidence. Sorento buyers have their choice of three engines, including a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder, the 3.3-liter V6 and an improved 2.4-liter normally aspirated inline-4. Standard premium features and luxurious amenities will be available across five trim levels – L, LX, EX, SX and SXL – when U.S. sales begin in the first quarter of 2015.
ving the rear wheels through a manual gearbox, to the 550hp F-TYPE R Coupe and Convertible with the supercharged V8, AWD and eight-speed Quickshift automatic transmission. Transmitting the V8’s 502lb-ft of torque to the road though all wheels helps the R models to accelerate from zero to 60mph in just 3.9 seconds on the way to a maximum track speed of 186mph.
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) LEXUS LF-C2
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he LF-C2 concept is a design study in the form of a 2+2 roadster and explores key styling themes involved in the Lexus brand’s future, bolder styling direction. The exterior styling of the LF-C2 was influenced by the way various surface shapes interact with different types of light. Designers created edges, planes and curvature that would allow the LF-C2 to exude a different character when seen from different angles and under different lighting conditions.
MAZDA CX-3
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azda revealed the all-new Mazda CX-3 featuring SKYACTIV TECHNOLOGY and KODO-Soul of Motion design. The powertrain line-up includes the SKYACTIV-D 1.5-liter clean diesel engine and SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine, depending on the market. With global launches starting from Japan in the spring of 2015, the CX-3 is set to become a core model in the automaker’s line-up.
PORSCHE 911 Carrera GTS & Cayenne GTS
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he four variants of the 911 Carrera GTS close the gap between the 911 Carrera S and the 911 GT3. The model available as coupĂŠ or convertible is equipped with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive and develops 430 hp (316 kW). The Sport Chrono package and other sporty optional features are fitted as standard equipment. The Cayenne GTS develops 440 hp (324 kW) and has an even sportier tuned PASM chassis with a ride height lowered by 24 millimetres, providing a further boost to driving performance. The third novelty at the Auto Show was the Panamera Exclusive Series which offers an especially luxurious combination of performance and exclusivity.
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) VOLKSWAGEN Golf R Variant Golf SportWagen HyMotion
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or the first time in the history of the Golf R, this iconic all-wheel-drive compact sports car will be produced as a station wagon. The exclusive model has 221 kW / 300 PS (296 horsepower) and 280 pound-feet of torque. The power is transmitted via a standard 6-speed DSG dualclutch automatic transmission and permanent 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system. The Golf R Variant accelerates from a standstill to 80 km/h (50 mph) in only 3.8 seconds and to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.1 seconds.
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he Golf SportWagen HyMotion is a research vehicle with a fuel cell powertrain. For this particular power source of the future, hydrogen and oxygen are combined in the fuel cell to form pure water. Energy is released in this “cold combustion� process, energy that is used to power a zero emissions electric motor. The front-wheel-drive Golf SportWagen HyMotion accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 10.0 seconds. The fuel capacity enables a driving range of 310 miles (500 km), and they can be refilled in about three minutes.
SCION iM Concept
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he Scion iM Concept is a five-door compact hatchback with sporty looks inspired by those seen on the European touring car racing circuit. The concept brings in captivating styling with edgy, geometric grille inserts, deep air intakes and fog lights. The custom-blended “Incrediblue” paint is complemented by matte silver and gunmetal accents.
VOLVO V60 Cross Country
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olvo Cars unveiled the V60 Cross Country. Offering new Cross Country 18” and 19” wheels, the V60 Cross Country comes with high profile tires and adding comfort and off-road aesthetics. The V60 Cross Country also comes standard with Hill Descent Control, which controls the car’s speed automatically when driving down
steep inclines. The US and Canada will get the first V60 Cross Country cars, and they will launch with Volvo’s five-cylinder 250 hp gasoline engine with All-Wheel Drive coupled to an automatic transmission delivering a highly competitive 23 mpg. CGM
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FORD SHELBY GT350 MUSTANG
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ord revealed the all-new Shelby GT350 Mustang. The new 5.2-liter engine is the first-ever production V8 from Ford with a flat-plane crankshaft. Unlike a traditional V8, where the connecting rods are attached to the crankshaft at 90-degree
intervals, this design evenly spaces all crank pins at 180-degree intervals. The result is the most powerful naturally aspirated production Ford engine ever, at more than 500 horsepower, with a torque peak above 400 lb.-ft.
TOYOTA MIRAI & HONDA FCV CONCEPT
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nveiled just hours apart these two new vehicles hint to the future strategy of the two Japanese giants. Mirai means “future” in Japanese. That’s the name of Toyota’s new fuel cell vehicle that can travel up to 300 miles on a single tank of hydrogen, refuel in less than five minutes and emits only water vapor. The Honda FCV Concept is anticipated to launch
in Japan by March of 2016, followed by U.S. and Europe. The power density is now 3.1kW/L, an increase of 60 percent, with the stack size reduced 33-percent compared to the Honda FCX Clarity. The next-generation Honda FCV is targeted to deliver a driving range of more than 300 miles with a quick refueling time of about three to five minutes at a pressure of 70 MPa.
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December
SUBARU FORESTER TS
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ubaru announced the release of the Subaru “Forester tS” in Japan. Driving performance has been enhanced by the adoption of “brembo” ventilated disc brakes, BBS-designed 19-inch forged aluminum wheels and STI-designed front and rear under spoilers. It uses exclusively tuned suspension and STI’s unique flexible parts.
VOLVO OCEAN RACE XC60
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olvo Cars of North America unveiled its limited edition Volvo Ocean Race XC60 at the Miami International Auto Show. Featured in a distinctive “Ocean Blue II” exterior color, the limited edition Volvo Ocean Race XC60 also comes with a number of unique features including black or blonde leather interior with orange stitching, and exclusive 18” wheels. Available in both T6 DriveE FWD and T6 AWD, other Volvo Ocean Race XC60 features include Volvo Ocean Race exterior emblem on front
MIAMI Auto Show
fenders, Volvo Ocean Race deco inlay and Orange stitching on door panels. The Volvo Ocean Race XC60 T6 DriveE and T6 AWD start at $42,100 and $43,600 respectively.
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December
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MERCEDES-MAYBACH
t 214.6 inches long and with a wheelbase of 132.5 inches, the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz model range is 8.1 inches larger in both dimensions than the S-Class Sedan. Rear passengers benefit from this increased size as well as from standard equipment that includes executive seats on both the left and right sides and other exclusive details. In the rear, the MercedesMaybach S-Class is also the world’s
quietest production sedan. Mercedes-Maybach is not an equipment line, it is a sub-brand that in the future will provide Mercedes-Benz vehicles in an even more exclusive form. The US market launch of the Mercedes-Maybach S600 is scheduled for April 2015. Its V12 biturbo engine has an output of 523 hp. With a displacement of 5980 cc, the maximum torque of 612 lb-ft is available from 1900 rpm.
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December
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ord has debuted the new Ford Edge with full seven-seat capability Guangzhou. Building on the bold design and long list of features in the new global Edge, which was revealed in Detroit in June 2014, the Edge for China adds a third
HAVAL H1
row of seating and other features tailored specifically to the needs of customers in China. It will be manufactured in China by Ford Motor Company’s Joint Venture Changan Ford and sold through Changan Ford dealerships.
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he Haval H1is the smallest crossover in the Great Wall Motors family. The car measures 3,898 mm in length, 1,729 mm in width, 1,621 mm in height and has a wheelbase of 2,560. It mounts a 1.5-litre fourcylinder petrol engine which develops 106 hp and 138 Nm of torque. The motor is available in front-wheel drive with either a 5-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic gearbox. The Haval H1 starting price is 68,900 yuan.
QOROS 3 CITY SUV
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he new Qoros 3 City SUV 1.6T is designed for a more premium metropolitan lifestyle. And thanks to innovative connectivity, drivers can make the most of every journey. Its modern design and flexibility is exemplified by its increased ground clearance, large wheels, and a more commanding driving position. It offers generous space and more control. As well as its purposeful, rugged looks, it will exhibit world-class
KIA KX3
standards of engineering, safety and quality. It will also feature the brand’s pioneering QorosQloud connected services platform.
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ia unveiled the KX3 concept, previewing a C-segment SUV that Kia envisions to offer exclusively for the Chinese market. The KX3 concept blends an SUV silhouette with sporty looks, featuring a coupé-inspired glass area, small rear spoiler, gently rising belt-line and muscular wheel arches. The four wheels are powered by Kia’s high-tech 1.6-litre turbo gasoline direct injection engine, paired with an advanced sevenspeed dual-clutch transmission.
SUZUKI ALIVIO
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LIVIO is a C segment sedan that features “Sporty & Noble” exterior design, roomy cabin, and driving performance with high fuel efficiency. It will be powered by a 1.6L G-INNOTEC petrol engine with increased output and enhanced fuel efficiency, coupled with a five-speed manual transmission and a newlydeveloped, lightweight and compact six-speed automatic transmission.
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THE INFINITI Q80 INSPIRATION
A BRAVE STATEMENT OF INTENT
Infiniti’s first foray into the upper echelons of the premium sedan category comes in the alluring shape of the Q80 Inspiration – a bold concept that hints at future Infiniti design language. Incredible as it may look, the Q80 Inspiration xxxx vehicle with forwardis a thoughtful looking technology and efficient high performance objectives
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THE INFINITI Q80 INSPIRATION
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1350mm/53.1 inches at its highest point, the Q80 is luxurious sedan-like in dimension with fastback contouring. Innovations continue inside, where driver and passengers are ushered into four individual seats via wide opening portal-style doors. A simplified driver interface and unique head-up display (HUD) keep the complex algorithms of the intuitive technology hidden from view, showing only the information drivers need, concurrent with Q80 Inspiration’s human-centric ethos.
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rom the convention-breaking proportions and arresting body styling, the full-size Infiniti Q80 Inspiration four-door fastback marks a brave and innovative conceptual charge into a challenging sector. “The Q80 Inspiration concept was born to disrupt the premium sedan category,” said Francois Bancon, Infiniti Vice President, Product Strategy. “We aim to do this with elegance, style, and emotion. Q80 Inspiration is how we see the future in terms of moving people in the higher end of our portfolio. This car is making a statement. Q80 Inspiration is a precursor of a production model in this segment and, as such, integral to our future.” The immense presence, stunning design and bold execution of the Q80 Inspiration represents more than a flight of fancy by Infiniti’s talented design team. Full-size in width (2027mm/79.8 inches) and length (5052mm/198.9 inches), yet with a stance of
The front passenger also has an HUD for display of external information via a smartphone connected to the vehicle’s telematics system. Each rear passenger has a touch screen positioned in the rear of the front seat rest to tap into their on-board entertainment package. Concentration is focused on exquisitely detailed interior, featuring romance in the shape of quilted leather seats and exquisite Alcantara, leather and metal finishes, all luxuriously bathed in light from the sculptural panoramic glass roof. The Q80 Inspiration is expected to boast phenomenal performance with an all-new, downsized twin turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 and hybrid electric powertrain with 550hp at its disposal. The aluminum-based engine will be part of a new engine family which is expected be introduced to the Infiniti portfolio within the next two years.
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THE INFINITI Q80 INSPIRATION
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Infiniti Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with sales operations in over 50 countries. The Infiniti brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan and the United States. Production in China and the UK will start soon along with the expansion of the brand’s portfolio. Infiniti plans to also expand manufacturing into Mexico by 2017.
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THE INFINITI Q80 INSPIRATION
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Ongoing dialogue between the driver and the autonomous driving technology system, via a clever HUD display projected on the windscreen, enables the driver to utilize the driving assistance at his/her own discretion. The system emits tones suggesting a course of action for the driver in heavy traffic or in highway mode. The final decision – whether to accelerate and overtake or whether to brake and fall in behind the car ahead – always rests with the driver. Capable of returning fuel efficiency in the region of 5.5L/100km (42.8 mpg) and CO2 emissions of about 129g/km, it will offer an audacious blend of extreme performance with the social responsibility demanded by modern customers. Coupled to the innovative hybrid powertrain, a smart drivetrain will reinforce the sporty appeal with the ability to switch from rear wheel drive to all wheel drive on demand, or as conditions dictate. Infiniti’s Q80 Inspiration also previews the company’s philosophy on autonomous technology – namely that it should enhance the driver and not restrict them. This drivercentric approach, integral to Infiniti’s vision for the premium sector, is exemplified in ondemand systems. Using cameras, lasers and sensors, the ingenious technology can be employed by the driver when needed through a button on the left-hand side of the steering wheel.
With the HUD, the driver is in command of what is projected onto the windscreen via an Infiniti InTouch™-style touchpad in the elegant center console. The Q80 Inspiration is a concept vehicle but the way it is named indicates a production intent. “The fact that we are entering this category, a challenging category from a business perspective, and to do so in such a brave fashion demonstrates Infiniti’s confidence,” said Bancon. “The body type, the proportions, the smart hybrid powertrain, autonomous technology – it’s a highly innovative approach.” Q80 Inspiration is following a path previously trodden by the Infiniti Q30. At the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2013, Infiniti revealed a concept car, the Q30 Concept, with a clear intent of entering the premium compact segment. The result is that the Q30 premium compact goes into production next year.
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THE INFINITI Q80 INSPIRATION
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“From a design perspective, the Q80 Inspiration is the epitome of provocation, a car that breaks the mold of traditional premium sedan dimension and body form,” said Alfonso Albaisa, Infiniti Executive Design Director. “It delivers feminine elegance and muscular menace in equal measure and strikes big in terms of styling, craftsmanship, choice of materials and attention to detail.”
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The INFINITI Q80 Inspiration SPECIFICATIONS
Exterior dimensions
Exterior dimensions
Length Wheelbase Width Height
5052 3103 2027 1350
198.9 122.2 79.8 53.1
(millimeters)
(inches)
Chassis type: Carbon fiber / aluminum monocoque Powertrain layout: Front mount engine / motor, rear drive with all-wheel drive Steering: Drive-by-wire, front axle Wheels: 22-inch, 5-axis milled lightweight aluminum alloy wheels Petrol engine (VQ30 DDT): 3.0L V6, petrol Combined engine / motor output-power: 550hp / 558PS / 410kW Combined engine / motor output-torque: 750Nm/ 553lb/ft Petrol engine induction type: Direct injection, twin turbocharged Petrol engine valves: 24-valve, DOHC, variable valve timing Engine Control Unit (ECU): Bespoke Infiniti ECU Transmission: 9-speed automatic Drive type: All-wheel drive Acceleration to 60mph: Sub 4 seconds Maximum speed: Electronically limited: 250kph (155mph) Fuel economy: 5.5L/100km / 42.8mpg / 18.2km/
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Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations joins forces with Holland & Holland to create their most luxurious SUV ever
THE MOST EXPENSIVE RANGE ROVER EVER
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THE MOST EXPENSIVE RANGE ROVER EVER
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he Holland & Holland Range Rover builds upon the strengths of the two iconic British brands to provide the perfect vehicle for the sporting gun manufacturer’s customers. Thanks to the skill and craftsmanship of the team at Special Vehicle Operations, the new car is able to combine the off-road capability of the Range Rover with an extensive range of bespoke features. Both Land Rover and Holland & Holland hold Royal Warrants and the collaboration between them has resulted in the most luxurious, and most expensive, Range Rover ever. Based on the Range Rover Autobiography Black, the summit of the Land Rover model
portfolio, the new model has been designed by Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations (SVO), which will build 40 units per year over a three-year period. The collaboration demonstrates the new division’s rapidly growing and ambitious repertoire of high-end luxury bespoke commissions, as well as extreme performance vehicles. John Edwards, managing director of Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations, said, “The whole SVO team is very proud of this car, a bespoke design, which perfectly meets the very particular needs of Holland & Holland’s customers. This shows the huge potential of SVO, which encapsulates both off-
and on-road performance as well as luxury and craftsmanship.” The Holland & Holland Range Rover is available with a choice of powertrains: the diesel-powered 4.4-litre SDV8, which delivers 339PS and the 510PS petrol-powered 5.0-litre V8 Supercharged. Both SVO and Holland & Holland represent the very pinnacle of craftsmanship, and the new car is where their collective skills combine. It is instantly discernable from a distance, even among other Range Rovers, thanks to the unique Holland & Holland Green of the full bodywork, mirrors and bonnet vent. The grille is painted in the same deep green and has chrome highlights.
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THE MOST EXPENSIVE RANGE ROVER EVER
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Holland & Holland badging can be found on the lower accent door badges of both long and standard wheelbase versions, as well as on the tailgate. On the inside, the Range Rover Autobiography Black has been tailored to accommodate the lifestyle pursuits of Holland & Holland’s customers. The Executive Class seating package in the long wheelbase car makes the most of the additional 186mm (7.3 inches) of legroom and 17 degrees recline available to the rear seat passengers. Two individual fully adjustable seats are complemented by an extended and re-designed centre console with electrically deployable walnut tables, integrated USB charging sockets, enhanced stowage and bespoke lighting. In the Holland & Holland car, the interior is upholstered with the softest tan and espresso leather hides, with precision leather detailing including Holland & Holland embroidery on the front seats. Even the sides of the transmission tunnel are trimmed in the same shade of leather. This is perfectly complemented by the sustainably-sourced French walnut veneer, subtly polished to resemble the oil-finished gunstocks for which Holland & Holland’s craftsmen have been famous since the company’s foundation in 1835. To mark this, their logo is inlaid into the front centre console. The car’s woodwork is made from a single huge piece of walnut, 1500mm long by 500mm wide, to ensure that every veneer is perfectly matched. The engraver’s art is well represented too, with Holland & Holland’s brand-defining acanthus scroll turning the internal door handles into works of art. The fascia letterbox panels
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THE MOST EXPENSIVE RANGE ROVER EVER
are decorated with gunstock checkering and the exquisite engraving of the centre console panel has been inspired by Holland & Holland’s distinctive forend diamonds. What really sets the new Holland & Holland Range Rover apart, though, is located in the boot. A stunning leather-trimmed aluminium loadspace cabinet – debossed with the Holland & Holland logo – has been designed especially for this car. Its espresso Alcantara-trimmed interior can be precisely fitted to safely transport the owner of the car’s pair of Holland & Hollands - although it is also removable when maximum luggage capacity is required. It sits on a deployable loadspace floor, engineered from aluminium and carbon fibre and finished with leather and wood veneer. The floor components are machined and cut to produce a unique platform that slides out with a perfectly damped action, to ensure that the cabinet is easily accessible, even when the tailgate is open. The sliding floor is also designed to be load-bearing so that it can still be sat upon when owners wish to change their footwear or stop for a brief picnic. When floor and box are in their travel position, they sit low and well back in the boot to ensure that there is still plenty of room for luggage or sports equipment. Daryl Greatrex, managing director of Holland & Holland, commented: “This project represents two great British brands working together to produce a car that perfectly represents our shared brand values. Stunning form and perfect functionality unite in a car that is supremely fit for purpose.”
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The recommended retail price for the Holland & Holland Range Rover will be ÂŁ180,000.
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A ADAY AT T DAY AT T
Smitten Ice Cream Soul EV
THE RACES THE RACES
Kia’s “A Day at the Races” 2014 SEMA display commemorates Kia’s racing success and demonstrates the imprint motorsports has left on the brand’s DNA, encompassing both the thrill of highspeed competition as well as the fun and excitement that fans experience trackside
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A DAY AT THE RACES
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Smitten Ice Cream Soul EV
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ce cream is always a favorite at racetracks across the country, and few vehicles are as iconic as the classic ice cream truck. For its more modern take on the musical, treatserving truck, Kia teamed with San Franciscobased Smitten Ice Cream, matching up its hightech zeroemissions Soul EV with Smitten’s hightech patented Brrr™ ice cream machine. Founded by a Stanford business school graduate, Smitten creates worldclass churnedtoorder treats with allnatural and organic ingredients using liquid nitrogen to freeze the ingredients at 321 degrees Fahrenheit, making the freshest, purist and creamiest ice cream on the planet. Customized by Gallagher Designs, the Smitten Ice Cream truck and trailer has been transformed to a modern delivery delight with a custom paint job in pearl cherry red. Detailed red and white leather upholstery and interior paneling complement the sleek exterior. Tailormade red smoothie wheels with baby moon caps add a sporty/hotrod feel to this modern structure with classic lines.
To operate as a functioning ice cream truck, a custom hemlock cab divider has been constructed to separate the driver from the Smitten Ice Cream equipment. The side doors open to reveal a compartment specifically designed to store dewars, the custom tanks filled with the liquid nitrogen needed to instantly freeze Smitten’s ice cream. Shaved door handles open with an electronic latch and LEDs have been installed to spotlight the patented Brrr™ ice cream machine and the table work space. Silver accents follow existing lines on the car to tie the vehicle to the trailer and give a subtle nod to classic car culture. The back windows of the Soul EV are tinted black to serve as menu boards to display flavors, farmtotable ingredients and daily specials. From the finished back cavity, a pullout table has been specifically designed to accommodate Smitten’s Brrristas™ and their “wagoneering” workflow, which can be set in a linear or 90degreeangle layout. Three marine speakers built into custom aluminum “waffle” cones, a fresh take on traditional ice cream truck loudspeakers, sit atop the Soul
EV and emit a modern version of the classic tune that ice cream trucks have been playing for decades in neighborhoods across America. Custom school bustype “Stop” signs with LED lights fold out from the rear panels of the vehicle as another small homage to oldschool ice cream trucks. The lightweight aluminum teardrop trailer adds nostalgia to the Smitten Soul EV while providing added storage and functionality. Both the car and the trailer have matching cherry red exteriors, and the bottom third of the trailer is silver, drawing from the silver accents on the car. A hatch on the back of the trailer allows access to a spacious storage area, and stainless steel counter tops slide into channels on the sides of the trailer to display Smitten’s gourmet pairings. Kia and Smitten Ice Cream have partnered to create a Soul EV that’s as unique as Smitten’s deliciously freshfrozen treats. Following the SEMA show, the streetlegal Smitten Soul EV will operate as a catering/marketing display vehicle for the Smitten Ice Cream Company.
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A DAY AT THE RACES
Ballast Point Sedona
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A DAY AT THE RACES
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Ballast Point Sedona
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ne of the most heavily modified SEMA vehicles Kia has ever produced, the Ballast Point Sedona takes infield fun during a day at the races very seriously. Serving the premium, handcrafted beers from Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits, the steel roof of the Sedona has been completely redesigned to echo the nautical theme the specialty brewer is known for. The Ballast Point Sedona features a handformed solid mahogany shell with a fliptop roof and folddown front bar. Removing the roof required the installation of a custom boxedsteel frame that incorporates heavyduty hinges and struts to allow for the wood clamshell top to open a full 90 degrees. While one of the Sedona’s power sliding doors has been welded shut, the other remains fully functional to allow access for a bartender into the openair cabin. The rear shell is also removable, allowing patrons to enjoy a frosty beverage from the tailgate as well. The passenger compartment has been gutted to make room for two functioning Micro Matic taps, a jockey box with 120feet of copper beercooling coils and up to four halfbarrel kegs of Ballast Point’s finest. The front passenger seat has been removed to accommodate storage for extra kegs and supplies.
Handbuilt and painted by the artists at LGECTS Motorsports, the shimmering rainbow of colors found on Ballast Point’s labels are rendered perfectly along the aggressive contours of the Sedona’s body panels. While not street legal, the Ballast Point Sedona is drivable and the suspension has been modified with custom airbags to compensate for the added weight of the kegs. The floor has been lined so that the interior can be hosed out and handmade custom cabinets allow for ample storage. Restaurantgrade stainless steel counters and a hidden tank to store meltwater from the jockey box make cleanup a breeze. Audio speakers have been integrated into the wood roof so that race fans can enjoy music through the Sedona’s Bluetooth enabled Infinity audio system. Built in partnership between Kia and Ballast Point, following the SEMA show, this Sedona will serve as a fully functioning marketing display vehicle for the San Diegobased craft brewery. When not on tour in 2015, it will be on display at Ballast Point’s flagship restaurant and tap room in San Diego, California.
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A DAY AT THE RACES
Ultimate Karting Sedona
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A DAY AT THE RACES
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Ultimate Karting Sedona
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arting is how many of today’s top professional race drivers got their start and this allnew 2015 Kia Sedona has been transformed into the ultimate kart hauler. Painted Kinetic Motorsports Red overlaid with vinyl graphics that pay tribute to the championshipwinning Kia Racing Optimas, the Sedona sports matching 20inch BBS CHR white powdercoated wheels mounted with Pirelli P Zero rubber. Atop the vehicle is a custombuilt kart rack with space for a CRG Bambino kart and a Fiamma F35 Pro Awning, providing muchneeded shade while racers turn wrenches or wait for the next round of openwheel action on the track. A second kart, a CRG Road Rebel shifter, is carried by a custom-
built aluminum and diamondplate trailer on matching 18inch BBS CHR wheels. Repairs and offtrack tuning are all part of the fun of a day at the races, and the Sedona’s interior has been transformed into a mobile garage to carry the necessary tools, spares and supplies. The floor has been leveled and covered in blackandwhite RaceDeck rubber flooring, and the vehicle has been kitted out with a toolbox, featuring a builtin Infinity subwoofer and amp, and a tire bead breaker. Handbuilt, diamondplate shelves fill the cargo area of the Sedona and provide storage for spare tires, a fivegallon gas tank and Sparco karting gear. Sparco also supplied Chrono Road seats to finish off the racy look of the interior.
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GLOBAL NEWS
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Around th
Across A Acros
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he World with Great Wall: 3rd stage ends and 4th begins
America ss America
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ACROSS AMERICA
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he 7milamiglialontano world tour continues aboard the new Great Wall H6 SUV and the Great Wall Steed 5. The name of this project is Around the World 2015 and is carried out with the aim of supporting seven non-profit organizations that have the task of documenting the different eating habits on the planet. Seven are the groups involved and seven are the stages through which the different crews are gradually taking over the leadership of the two Great Wall. The vehicles were left strictly with their series specifications thus being able to emphasize the reliability of the Great Wall brand now produced in Europe.
The third stage that was just completed was led by an all-women crew carrying the banner of the association Casa delle Donne (CAD), which provides its expertise in support of women who have suffered or are suffering violence. It took 35 days to travel across the whole of North America crossing Canada and the United States then cruising along the mountain range of the eastern and western Sierra Madre down to the territories once ruled by the Aztec civilization of southern Mexico. After crossing Mexico, the new Great Wall H6 SUV and the Steed 5 pick-up driven by the women of CAD, arrived in Guatemala where a change of crew took place. The Association Casa della Zizzi, is now continuing the journey through South America to Bolivia. The fourth stage is now in progress and in the coming months the journey will continue through South America and then the vast African continent where the Great Wall vehicles and crews will have to really demonstrate their value through hostile territories not only from the terrain point of view but especially for geopolitical reasons. The return to Italy is scheduled for May 2015; after that date Great Wall will have in its history this impressive adventure in the name of knowledge of our planet through the eyes of solidarity. For those wishing to follow more closely this journey or would like to support the project by making a donation you can buy parts of the journey on the website www.7milamiglialontano.com CGM
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FOCUS
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New Passat GTE
PARIS-LONDON-PARIS
WITHOUT REFUELLING
© Pictures courtesy of Volkswagen Media Service
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The Passat GTE is the first plug-in hybrid by Volkswagen offered both in saloon and estate versions and is able to cover a distance of up to 50 kilometres in the electric “E-Mode” and thus with zero emissions. The driving range with a full tank and fully charged battery is over 1,000 km.
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NEW PASSAT GTE
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he eighth generation is currently being launched in Europe, yet already, Volkswagen has come up with something more: the German car maker showed the Passat GTE, the first Passat with a plug-in hybrid drive system, in a world premiere at the Paris Motor Show. It is a zero-emission and long-distance vehicle in one and available as a saloon or estate car. In GTE mode, the Volkswagen also has a very sporty side. Plug-in hybrid, in this case, stands for the combination of a turbocharged direct injection petrol engine (TSI) with an electric motor, which is supplied with energy from an externally (or in Charge mode) chargeable lithium-ion battery. Thanks to this battery, the Passat GTE can cover a distance of up to 50 kilometres in all-electric mode and thus with zero emissions. Important: at the press of a button next to the gear knob, the driver can also control the all-electric mode (“E-Mode”) at will – for example, at the end of a long drive when the destination is in city surroundings. A contrast to the “E-Mode” is offered by the mode “GTE”, which is also accessible at the press of a button – in this mode, the Passat delivers a maximum system output of 160 kW / 218 PS; a wide variety of parameters such as the accelerator pedal and steering are also configured in a sportier way in this mode. The 1.4-litre TSI engine develops a power of 115 kW / 156 PS (as of 5,000 rpm); the electric motor produces 85 kW / 115 PS. The maximum torque of the plug-in hybrid drive system is 400 Newton metres.
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NEW PASSAT GTE
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The Passat GTE will be launched in the second half of next year – both as a saloon and an estate. With the market launch of the plug-in hybrid, a total of nine drive versions, covering a power range from 92 kW / 125 PS to 206 kW / 280 PS, will be available for the European version of the Passat. All versions meet the EU 6 emissions standard. The Passat GTE also constitutes an integral part of the strategy for electric mobility at Volkswagen. After the XL1, e-up!, e-Golf and Golf GTE, the Passat GTE is the fifth, or sixth model (saloon and estate car) that can be operated by electric motor on daily distances with zero emissions.
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Performance and power are deployed both efficiently and in an eco-friendly way: The NEDC consumption (for hybrid vehicles) is under 2.0 l/100 km and 13.0 kWh/100 km; these values equate to CO2 emissions fewer than 45 g/km. In combination with the TSI, this results in a driving range of over 1,000 kilometres with a full 50-litre fuel tank and fully charged battery. The low power/fuel consumption and emission values contrast with a powerful driving performance: the Passat GTE, always with front-wheel drive and equipped as standard with a 6-gear dual clutch gearbox especially developed for the hybrid drive, accelerates to 100 km/h in less than 8.0 seconds and achieves a top speed of more than 220 km/h; in the “E-Mode,” 130 km/h.
Equipment – high-tech features and GTE design The Passat GTE is an independent equipment line. On the one hand, its standard equipment includes many features also available in other models of the range, either as an option or without extra charge, depending on the equipment version: LED headlights (for dipped beam and main beam), Driver Alert System, Automatic Post-Collision Braking system, Front Assist ambient monitoring system including City Emergency Braking function, rain sensor, the ParkPilot for the front and rear, chrome strips on the side windows and comfort seats in the front. On the other hand, as a high-tech flagship in terms of drive technology, the model features several unique elements and equipment upgrades inside which distinguish the Passat
GTE from the rest of the range. In the upper section of the front end, the Passat GTE can be recognised by a specific chrome radiator grille unit with additional blue line. The front bumper was also redesigned, and distinctive here are the striking cross panels in the lower air inlet and the C-shaped LED daytime running light. The LED modules integrated directly in the bumper have advanced in the Passat GTE to an unmistakable and charismatic signature of the plug-in hybrid. ì. When viewed from the side, 17-inch “Astana” alloy wheels identify the Passat GTE as a plug-in hybrid. The interior was likewise fine-tuned for the new drive system. With a menu matrix for the functions and displays related to the drive system, the engineers and interface de-
signers at Volkswagen TE (Technical Development Centre) tailored features such as the standard “Composition Media” infotainment system and the instrument cluster (with power meter) for the plug-in hybrid drive. In addition, the innovative Active Info Display with specific displays will be also available as an option for the Passat GTE. Standard details such as the blue ambient lighting, leathertrimmed multifunction steering wheel with blue decorative stitching, GTEspecific gear knob with blue stitching and seats covered in “Sevilla” cloth with a blue basic structure have also been especially configured to the Passat GTE. Furthermore, the interior was enhanced by the “Waves” design (aluminium look) and “Piano Black” (high-gloss black) as well as a GTE logo in front of the gear shift gate.
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NEW PASSAT GTE
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There are two different ways to charge the battery in the Passat GTE via the charging socket in the radiator grille. First: the standard charging cable is plugged into a 230 volt mains electrical socket. The battery is then charged by alternating current (AC) from the mains at a power level of 2.3 kW. From completely flat, it can be fully charged (100 per cent battery charge level) in four hours and 15 minutes. Second: Volkswagen offers an optional wall box for a garage or carport which charges at a power level of 3.6 kW. Using this method, the battery is fully charged after only two hours and 30 minutes. Like the wall box, there are also public charging stations that “refuel� electric cars at a power level of 3.6 kW.
The owner of the new Passat GTE can make use of the “CAR-NET e-Remote” app, by which the charging of the battery, for instance, can be started via smartphone. Likewise, all climate control functions can be activated via the smartphone. In addition, information on the vehicle status, state of charge of the battery, recent driving data or last parking position can be queried. Instruments – specific displays of the Passat GTE The new Passat GTE will be launched with the highresolution 6.5-inch display of the standard “Composition Media” infotainment system. Optional: the “Discover Media” (also with a 6.5-inch display) and “Discover Pro” (with an 8.0-inch display) radio-navigation systems. Both devices feature numerous additional functions in the Passat GTE. They include a “range monitor”, an “energy flow indicator”, “zero-emission statistics”, “e-ma-
nager” and – when the optional navigation system is installed – the “360° range” feature. On the left side of the instrument cluster the Passat GTE’s power meter supplements the tachometer and shows information such as whether the high-voltage battery is being charged by regeneration or whether – and how much – energy is being consumed. The speedometer is still on the right side. A colour display (multifunction display Premium), which is located between the power meter and speedometer, continually displays the electric driving range and the momentary operating mode. In a separate LED field in the lower segment of the multifunction display, the “READY” message also appears after starting the e-motor, indicating that the car is ready to be driven. This is done because the electric motor cannot be heard when the car is stopped.
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Volkswagen is offering an instrument cluster that has been designed as a full interactive display in the new Passat GTE as an option: the Active Info Display. All instruments – thus also the specific displays in the Passat GTE – are implemented virtually by software. Navigation information can be shown in 2-D or 3-D views on a 12.3-inch display. Take the Navigation mode, for instance: here the speedometer and tachometer are relocated to the sides to make more room for the map display. Information on driving, navigation and assistance functions can be integrated into the graphic areas of the speedometer and tachometer as needed. Data that is displayed on the centre console via the infotainment system, such as phone contact pages or CD covers, can also be shown in the Active Info Display in the Passat. In fact, the driver can find all information relevant to driving in his direct field of view. As described above, he can pull up important data he needs according to the situation at hand and then use it in an individually selected display. Drive system – with zero emissions whenever possible As outlined above, Volkswagen uses a turbocharged direct petrol injection engine (1.4 TSI) and a three-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor as electric motor to power the Passat GTE. Like a turbine, the e-motor revs up from a standstill and provides a maximum torque of 330 Nm. The electric motor is supplied by the lithium-ion high-voltage battery; the battery’s energy capacity amounts to 9.9 kWh. The gearbox that Volkswagen uses here is an automatic 6-speed DSG with three clutches (dual clutch plus disengagement clutch) that was specially developed for hybrid use.
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NEW PASSAT GTE
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Whenever possible, the disengagement clutch disengages the TSI from the driven front axle and shuts it off – such as in phases of “coasting”; in this case, the Passat GTE makes use of the car’s kinetic energy and coasts without any added propulsive power. Volkswagen integrated the electric motor into the gearbox housing. Additional components of the hybrid drive include the power electronics (converts DC power from the battery to AC power for the electric motor) and a charger. An electro-mechanical brake servo and an electric air conditioning compressor also ensure optimal and energy-efficient operation of the brakes and air conditioner in “E-Mode”.
Operating modes The Passat GTE can be driven in four different modes, and which one to choose is very intuitive. “EMode”, “Hybrid”, “Battery Charge” and “GTE”. The driver can always see which mode is active on the multifunction display of the instrument cluster. Upon starting the car, the Passat GTE drives automatically in the “E-Mode” (except when the battery is not sufficiently charged or the outside temperature is very low, in which case the TSI takes over immediately). When a minimum charge level of the battery has been reached or when there is very high demand for power, the drive system automatically switches over to the “Hybrid” mode. In this state, “E-Mo-
de” is deactivated, and the Passat GTE now behaves like a classic full hybrid vehicle that charges the battery regeneratively during deceleration and automatically uses the TSI and/ or electric motor, depending on the driving situation. The charge state of the battery is maintained at a constant level in this mode. By pressing the “E-Mode” button (to the left of the gear knob), the driver can manually switch to “E-Mode.” This button opens simultaneously a selection window in the infotainment system,in which the three “E-Mode”, “Hybrid” and “Battery Charge” modes can be directly selected. In addition to the “E-Mode” and “Hybrid” modes, you can set another mode via the infotainment system menu, as described: “Battery
Charge” (charge the battery). In this mode, the high-voltage battery is charged during the drive. By pressing the “GTE” button (also to the left of the gear knob), the driver can switch to “GTE” mode which activates the very sporty nature of the agile Passat GTE. The driver (and all passengers) notice the following: The characteristics of the accelerator pedal, gearbox and steering are made sportier. In connection with optional DCC, the chassis is firmer. The tuning of the TSI is also more performance oriented. In addition, in the “GTE” mode the TSI and electric motor work together “ to make the full system power and the maximum system torque available. CGM
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CLASSIC
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Not just Rom
Lancia Astura MM / 1938
The thousands of tourists that visit Verona every year have now another super-attractive point of interest. Culture, entertainment, workshops and experimentation: the Museo Nicolis of Verona, the “Museum that is not a Museum” , tells the story of contemporary society (www.museonicolis.com)
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meo and Juliet © Pictures courtesy of Museo Nicolis
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NOT JUST ROMEO AND JULIET
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intage cars and motorbikes, transport vehicles, musical instruments, cameras, typewriters and original objects … The surprising collections of Museo Nicolis are evidence of a Heritage, which has been preserved, improved and handed down, incorporating the most modern conception of the term “heritage”. The “MUSEO NICOLIS DELL’AUTO, DELLA TECNICA e DELLA MECCANICA” in Villafranca, near Verona, is one of the most prestigious private museums in Italy and in Europe. Open to various forms of innovation and experimentation, it is the lively promoter of culture and a hub of attraction for the whole territory. Managed using an entrepreneurial logic, the museum is known to be the effective and tangible example of an enterprise- museum; an “unconventional” cultural institution that promotes knowledge and innovation without losing sight of the objectives of growth and development.
Created by Luciano Nicolis, an entrepreneur from Verona, who has brought together his passion for technology and mechanics in this very modern steel and glass building (6.000 m²), the museum has been opened to the public since its inauguration in 2000 and is now one of the most important cultural references on the territory. It houses 7 collections, whose numbers are incredible: over 100 cars, 120 bicycles of the great champions, 105 motorbikes, 500 cameras, 120 musical instruments, 100 typewriters, but also small airplanes and original works of human talent. The historical archive and the library are full of old documents and finds that will satisfy even the most demanding researches and tell the evolution of society and contemporary man through the history of transport.
Maserati A6 1500 / 1947
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NOT JUST ROMEO AND JULIET
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Maserati 3500 GT Vignale / Â 1960
As part of the exhibition building, Museo Nicolis provides an area for business meeting and all kinds of events with a capacity of 350 people. This is not only extremely convenient and equipped with the most sophisticated technologies, but also situated inside an unusual and pleasing building. The main Conference Hall holds 140 people. Next to it ,there is also a VIP room for 10 persons, designed for smaller meetings. Another multifunctional area with large glass windows overlooking the panoramic terrace, is the ideal location for lunches, receptions, products launches for about 300 people. The staff of the Congress Center is highly professional and trained for each kind of event.
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NOT JUST ROMEO AND JULIET
Isotta Fraschini, tipo 8 AS / 1929
Luciano and Silvia Nicolis with the Vanderbilt Trophy
Alfa Romeo RM / 1925
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NOT JUST ROMEO AND JULIET
( Museo Nicolis is a “unicum” in its category and it is considered a symbol of modern enterprise culture. Its managerial strategy has solid roots in the entrepreneurial culture of the Nicolis family and their shared passion for “collecting” and “recovery”. For over 70 years Nicolis has been a market leader in the collection, recycling and processing of recovered paper. Lamacart is the parent company of the group. Luciano Nicolis’ insight led him to find jewels where others only saw scrap and favoured the recovery and restoration of some extraordinary exhibits, giving back to the world a cultural patrimony which otherwise might have been lost forever.
In the Museo Nicolis Vintage Store visitors can purchase original vintage travel accessories, for example: trunks, hat boxes, racing goggles and leather helmets or American Costume Jewelry, headscarves and much more. The bookshop, however, is one of the most important and best stocked in north east Italy concerning the motoring world.
Among the most incredible items at Museo Nicolis, particularly relevant are the “Motrice Pia”, the first petrol-driven engine patented by the Veronese Enrico Bernardi in 1882, the mythical Isotta Fraschini of 1929 (of Sunset Boulevard, Tsar Alexander, Rudolph Valentino, Isadora Duncan), the Lancia Astura 1000 Miglia (the only model in the World) that was built for Luigi Villoresi, and many other twoand four-wheeled jewels. The Museo Nicolis Documentation Centre is specific for research, development, collection of historic testimonies. It collects historic documents of different kinds and offers a range of multifunctional services addressed at preserving the precious archives and making them available to researchers, scholars and enthusiasts. It includes a specialised library, a historic document archive and an “image bank” of the collections for consultation and publishing projects.
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PIC OF THE MONTH
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The 2015 Ford F-150, the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever, is named Truck of Texas, the prestigious award presented by the Texas Auto Writers Association at its annual Truck Rodeo
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# 10 December 2014
Citroën clinches Middle East Rally Champ
THUS SPOKE HAMILTON TOYOTA MAKES HISTORY
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PIC OF THE MONTH
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Robert Kubica and Alessandra Benedetti won on Sunday 30 November a super-wet edition of the Monza Rally Show on their Ford Fiesta WRC 1.6T
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FRONT PAGE
Wild in the streets
VIDEO
FORMULA ONE
Thus spoke Hamilton
SUPER GT
2014 Series Champions
NASCAR WHELEN EURO SERIES A new Champion is crowned
ENDURANCE
Toyota makes history Circling the globe
INTERVIEW
Tom Kistensen Alex Lynn
PADDOCK MIX
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RACE GLOBALMAG is an extra issue of digital monthly magazine CARS GLOBALMAG. Chief Editor: Vittorio Gargiulo All rights reserved. All materials present in this magazine including, but not limited to texts, photographs, illustrations, video clips and other materials are protected by copyrights and/or other intellectual property. The material and content provided in this application is for your personal, non-commercial use only, and you agree not to distribute, copy, extract or commercially exploit such material. You further agree not to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, modify, adapt, translate, prepare derivative works from this magazine.
FRONT PAGE
what would you do if the police shut down the streets for you?
WILD IN THE STREETS
Photo: Hoonigan Racing Division/ Tony Harmer
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Ken Block is again protagonist of the latest installment in the awardwinning Gymkhana viral video series, that has been launched few weeks ago. The video, Gymkhana SEVEN: Wild in the Streets; Los Angeles brings the franchise back to the style of a full-city takeover as last seen during the 68+ million view Gymkhana FIVE’s San Francisco assault, by going completely wild in the streets in and around Los Angeles
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WILD IN THE STREETS
FRONT PAGE
L.A.’s finest, aka the police, provided the route for Ken Block, as they cordoned off intersections and guided the H.H.I.C. and his Mustang in and around Los Angeles. The goal however, was not to for Block to take the fastest route from point A to point B, but to instead fully exploit the question every car guy has asked himself of: “what would you do if the police shut down the streets for you?” For Block, that meant having the absolute most fun pos-
sible and driving in the wildest style imaginable. The star of the video isn’t just Block and his driving however. For Gymkhana SEVEN Block determined that he needed a brand-new, one-of-a-kind vehicle. That car? A fully custom 1965 all wheel-drive Ford Mustang notchback featuring an 845 hp Ford V8 from Roush Yates and a Dakar-spec all wheel-drive transmission from Sadev. It’s the only performance all wheeldrive in the world and built in
collaboration with Vaughn Gittin Jr’s RTR tuning brand, the car— affectionately dubbed “the Hoonicorn” by Block and his team—is an absolute beast on the streets of Los Angeles, decimating tires and bursting eardrums as Block lays down some of his most precise and aggressive driving to-date. “I’ve done Gymkhana-style driving in quite a few cars over years,” said Block. “But by far, this car is hands-down the best I’ve ever driven for this type of driving.
WILD IN THE STREETS
WILD IN THE STREETS
WILD IN THE STREETS
The instant torque and power from that V8 is absolutely intoxicating and it basically vaporizes the tires the second I get into the throttle. It’s also completely insane to me when I see the footage of this car being chained to a wall and doing an all-wheel drive burnout. I’m beyond stoked with how not only the car turned out, but also this video. I honestly feel this is my best Gymkhana video yet and I’d like to thank the city of Los Angeles for al-
lowing me to borrow their streets for a few days!” In addition to the all-new car for the video, Gymkhana SEVEN: Wild in the Streets; Los Angeles truly takes the “wild” ethos seriously, with Block absolutely capitalizing on the fact that some of the most congested roadways in America were shut down for him to create his latest video. Featuring some of the most over-the-top, insanely smoky moves yet, viewers will continually have their jaws
xxxx agape at how absolutely out-ofcontrol it all appears while simultaneously cringing on the edge of their seat as they realize how close some of the proximity tricks are. The video was filmed over five days in early October 2014 and it hits an assortment of iconic Los Angeles locations including downtown L.A., Randy’s Donuts, the L.A. freeways, the 6th street bridge, Chinatown, the L.A. river and, perhaps most iconic of all, the Hollywood sign.
WILD IN THE STREETS
“The access to locations for this project was incredible,” said Block. “Obviously the film commission in Los Angeles is quite good and accustomed to working with projects that involve driving all the time. However this was the first and only time that anyone has done actual live-action driving and filming at the top of the Hollywood sign—some of the permissions we had to obtain from
the Department of Homeland Security were intense!” With Hoonigan being the title sponsor for the video, the apparel brand has also created a unique Gymkhana SEVEN-themed apparel pack that builds upon the look of the Hoonicorn and helps brings that styling directly to the fans. The pack is available nationwide at all Zumiez store locations, as well as online at www.hoonigan.com
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FORMULA ONE
“…I’m more hoping that I get to go and see the Queen again!”
THUS SPOKE HAMILTON
Abu Dhabi, 2014 November 23
THE RACE DAY
It’s very hard to soak all this up. When you’re going through the race, when you’re coming here this weekend, there’s so much pressure from around you, you’re just trying to ignore it, trying to keep your eye on the ball. Coming in today… Niki was right, I didn’t sleep last night. I went to bed at about 1am and woke up at like 5am this morning and I went for a run this morning and a massage and everything and I thought for sure I’m going to be tired when it gets to the race but somehow I felt composed and my family came and surprised me at breakfast, which was really a great thing. I wanted them to be here but I just knew how intense the weekend would be and I didn’t know if I was going to have time to give them any time. I didn’t want to finish the day or the weekend saying ‘I wish did that or I wish I did that’. This has been an incredible year. I just cannot believe how amazing this has all been. Coming to this team last year, the decision to come here, when a lot of people said it was the wrong choice. The steps we took last year and then coming into this year, it was just unbelievable and then again, as I said, the fan support has been phenomenal. I never in a million years thought I’d have that kind of support, so as I said before, this is the greatest moment in my life. It’s very hard to… it feels very surreal. It feels like an out-of-body experience. I feel like I’m back here watching this going on, it’s not really happening. So I’m going to really make sure I gift my thanks and count my blessings.
THUS SPOKE HAMILTON
THE START Obviously we have a sequence that we have to go through and we have to perform at the right time, making sure that you prepare the clutch throughout the weekend, prepare your tyres when you get to your spot. I would very closely with the engineer who works with my clutch. He came to my room before the race and asked “how do you want to approach this.” I said: “the same as every time. We don’t need to do any more or any less.” When the start goes, when you do the formation lap, you get a feel for how good the clutch is at that point. You have to guide them or give them feedback whether you need more torque or more slip. Anyways, we hit is spot on. The second part, when you let out the second part and you feed the throttle, that’s when the driver comes it. But it was for sure… it felt like the best start I’ve ever had. Absolutely phenomenal.
THUS SPOKE HAMILTON
NICO I think it’s been so intense between us all year long. There’s been good moments and bad moments. Without a doubt we’ve had a friendship or a relationship that we built a long, long, long time ago, so that will always be there. He was a very, very fierce competitor this year, he did an exceptional job. He’s going to be quick for a long time. I’ve got to pick up my qualifying pace for next year. It could have been either one of us today. Obviously we both wanted it. But I think with our relationship, we’ll continue to try to lift the team up, we’ll work together as we have done all year long. Perhaps things naturally will ease up a little now. He was graceful enough to come up to me and see me after, which I really appreciated. It was really big of him to be able to do that. It’s very, very tough, I know what it’s like losing a championship so, for sure, we’ll keep working at it. You know Nico put on an incredible fight throughout the year. He was a phenomenal competitor. We met each other back in 1997 and we always said it would be amazing to be racing in the same team and he did an amazing job today and very sad obviously to know that his car wasn’t quick enough that we can fight in the end but still he was graceful enough to come up to me just now. He just come into the room just now, very, very professional, and I just said fantastic. He said ‘you drove really well’. And the same to him, all year long he drove incredibly well, especially in qualifying, so hat off to him.
THUS SPOKE HAMILTON
ROSS BRAWN Yeah, I mean to Ross, to Norbert Haug, to Niki, to Dieter, to all the board members, the belief that they’ve had in me, particularly when I got into Formula One... I signed with McLaren and then Ron and Norbert gave the go-ahead for me to get the seat. Coming in to this team, as I said to you, Ross really sold it to me. He came with his laptop, sat and had tea with me which was just surreal to see because I’ve been watching TV for years, seeing the success that he had, thinking ‘oh my God, Ross, he wants me. Before he wanted Michael and now he wants me’ which is a very strange situation to be in and I’m forever grateful. I wish him a huge happy birthday. He invited me, obviously I’m here so can’t go but I will definitely probably speak to him later today but I’m really grateful for him wanting me to be in the team and the other members really being so supportive to being in this team because they wanted to win and it felt that I would be a perfect fit. I think we’ve proved that he was right.
THE COMPARISON Well, 2007 was a very bad experience, obviously losing the championship I fell to a low that I couldn’t control and 2008 came back, fighting in the championship, Felipe won the race, won the championship for a second and then obviously what happened in the last corner, I got it back and for me I’d lost it, won it, lost it and, whilst it was a great experience, my emotions were shot. I don’t know, that year, I was just immature. I didn’t have the knowledge that I have now. Didn’t approach the race the same as I did today. Today I went in… normally you go in butterflies in the stomach, a bit nervous, today I was going into the race thinking ‘I feel extremely calm’, which is really weird. Is that a good thing or a bad thing? Obviously it was a really good thing. Last night sitting there thinking, Jeez, tomorrow is the day. We could go into the race, something could happen to the car and that would be the championship done. Naturally just thinking of all the negative things possible, y’know? And working really hard to bring the positives into it. I brought that today. I think really that knowledge and experience got me through the race today. Looking after the car. Battling to the point where I’d got the championship in a good position and then, obviously it helped that Nico’s car was not performing properly so, when he fell out of the points, I knew that I could fight with Felipe and… yeah… that was the most fulfilling experience I have to say.
THE FANS My message to my fans… I always say we win and we lose together. This weekend I had my guy who does my website put together a collage of different clips of messages from people. And I really didn’t know what to expect when I got it. I got it and there’s something happening in my heart. I can’t really explain it. The love and positive energy that I get from my fans and the support through thick and thin, y’know through the good and the bad, they’ve been there. So big thank you to them. They really helped me get through the bad moments and make it even more special being at the top. Seeing them out there today, all the flags, the caps, it really made me believe that I can do anything. So big thank you to them.
THUS SPOKE HAMILTON
THE FAMILY I was messaging with my Dad last night and I went out to the beach and I was messaging with him and I said ‘guys I would love you to be here but just know I’m here just working away. I’m not out having dinner or all these different things. I’m trying to make you proud.’ Anyways, he turned up in the morning. He must have been at the airport while he was doing it. I think I was so focused this morning that it wasn’t... when they came to surprise me, I wasn’t that shocked or anything like that. I took it in my step but naturally, my family are the ones that got me into racing, they’re the ones that sacrificed everything to get me to where I am today. Who you see today is because of them, so a reflection of them, so being here without them didn’t feel right, naturally, because they have every right to be here to enjoy it with me, so I’m just grateful they were there. My Mum is at home, she wanted to come as well. I’ve got a big family but obviously I can’t please everyone but I’m sure she’ll come to many races next year.
THUS SPOKE HAMILTON
MERCEDES As I said when I joined this team, I wanted to be a part of something that was building and growing and knew success like the team hadn’t really had before. And so I feel like this is just the beginning. We still have another year to go, so there’s no particular rush but this is my home. I feel very happy here. And obviously the team did a mega job, so I’m forever grateful for them. This really is something incredibly special, what this team has put together and I think we’ve got great people in their right positions and me and Nico will continue to push the team forward, as will the boss of Mercedes who have been so committed and building the best engine. These guys know just as much as I do, it’s been phenomenal this year. I think it’s really important the steps we take moving forwards to continue improving and I 100 percent believe the team will do that. I’m looking forward to battling with people for sure but I do believe that we’ll be there fighting with people hopefully for some time.
RGM
SUPER GT
turnover makes nissan champion
The final round of the 2014 AUTOBACS SUPER GT was held at the Twin Ring Motegi on November 16. In the GT500 class race, the pole-starting Nissan MOTUL AUTECH GT-R driven by Tsugio Matsuda and Ronnie Quintarelli scored its second win of the season in a runaway victory and thus clinched the Drivers Championship title as well. In the GT300 class, the race was won by the Mercedes GAINER DIXCEL SLS driven by Katsuyuki Hiranaka and Bjorn Wirdheim. The GT300 class Drivers Championship title went to the BMW Z4 GOODSMILE HATSUNE MIKU drivers Nobuteru Taniguchi and Tatsuya Kataoka by fighting to the end to finish 3rd
The final Motegi podium
TURNOVER MAKES NISSAN CHAMPION
PIT STOP Tsugio Matsuda: “I’ve been competing in the SUPER GT for quite some time and I just haven’t been able to get my hands on a championship so I was starting to think that maybe I had missed my chance. However, all those worries have enabled me to appreciate this moment even more. I want to thank, from the bottom of my heart, everyone in the team who built an incredible car as well as all the fans.”
Twin Ring Motegi circuit was blessed with fine weather for the entire weekend and with a total of 47,500 fans coming out to watch over the 2 days, this final race, a make or break for the title, was aptly abuzz with excitement. After 1 formation lap the 250km (53 lap) final race began at 1:07pm. Starting in pole position, Ronnie Quintarelli, driving the #23 GTR, immediately shot out in front of the top group and began pulling away from the pack. After this, championship candidates, the #36 Lexus RC F and the #12 GTR, made contact at corner 7, but fortunately this would not effect the #23 GT-R nor the #46 “S Road MOLA GT-R” (Satoshi Motoyama / Masataka Yanagida), which was running in 2nd, and they continued to extend their lead. Quintarelli then pitted at lap 29 and handed the wheel over to Tsugio Matsuda.
At this time the crew carried out a flawless, lightning fast pit to refuel, change tires and so on, and then sent the machine back out onto the track in a provisional 2nd place. When the #19 RC F, at that time driving in the lead, went into the pits at lap 33, they returned to the top spot and Matsuda executed an impeccable drive to expand their gap with the competition. Later, the 2nd ranked #37 RC F furiously lifted its pace, eventually rising up to 2nd place where it desperately tried to reel in the #23. However, Matsuda could not be outdone and by the time he crossed the finish line he had raised the margin to 52 seconds. Thus, the #23 GT-R achieved a perfect lights-to-flag victory. With this, their second victory of the season, they have achieved a turnover to take the top spot in the series rankings and capture NISMO’s first series championship in 6 years.
PIT STOP Ronnie Quintarelli: “I was really confident in the car’s setup and choice of tires even before we arrived at Motegi. We were able to ride on such a good momentum because everyone in the team was brimming with energy. I’m ecstatic to be able to win a championship in front of such a huge crowd. Thank you all very much.”
The winning Nismo Nissan GT-R of Quintarelli-Matsuda
TURNOVER MAKES NISSAN CHAMPION
The Nakajima-Rossiter Lexus RC F
PIT STOP NISMO Team Principal Yutaka Suzuki: “I really want to thank all of the fans who have stuck by us for the 6 years we have gone without taking a championship. Thank you all so much. Today Ronnie and Tsugio gave us a great performance. The team also performed beautifully which allowed us to complete a perfect race. I intend to keep carrying out top quality race performances that are worthy of the NISMO name so I hope we continue to receive everyone’s support.
GT 500 FINAL STANDING 1. Tsugio Matsuda/Ronnie Quintarelli 2. Daisuke Ito/Andrea Caldarelli 3. James Rossiter 4. Naoki Yamamoto 5. Kazuki Nakajima 6. Hironobu Yasuda/J.P. Lima De Oliveira 7. Kazuya Oshima/Yuji Kunimoto 8. Yuji Tachikawa/Kohei Hirate 9. Frederic Makowiecki 10. Michael Krumm/Daiki Sasaki
4 3 20 6 - 2 6 1 - - 11 20 15 11 - 15 - - - 8
20 - 8 15 6 8 4 3 - 8 11 2 2 6 - 20 - 3 - 1
15 2 6 20 6 3 - - 20 -
18 5 25 13 25 2 8 4 13 3
1 8 20 6 20 11 2 - 6 15
20 15 1 11 1 - - 4 - 8
81 79 68 64 60 60 44 43 42 35
RGM
NAS CAR
W E N N A MPIO D A E H C ROWN C IS by Niccolò Gargiulo
Kevin Harvick finally did it! After 14 years in the top series of North American racing, the Bakersfield (California) native won the 2014 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series! It took 9 long races in the new Chase format to get to HomesteadMiami with just four drivers in contention for the Cup. The first to finish among Kevin Harvick, Joey Logano, Ryan Newman and Denny Hamlin would be the one to lift the trophy!
Pictures Courtesy of NASCAR
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A NEW CHAMPION IS CROWNED It wasn’t necessary to win in Miami, since all of the Championship 4 drivers had their points reset to 5000, but Harvick (in his first year with the Stewart-Haas team) took home the full jackpot by winning race and championship. A deserved victory for the twotime Nationwide Series Champion who seemed to have the fastest car from the beginning of the season, despite some bad luck in the early races of the championship.
“For sure it’s an incredible feeling of accomplishment. I think as you look back, I’m a guy sitting in a position that I dreamed about, being a race car driver and at the time winning a Winston Cup Championship, and being able to fulfill your lifelong dream and reality is something that a lot of people can’t really say that they’ve ever done.”
Kevin Harvick battling with Jeff Gordon
On the new Chase format: “It was definitely high intensity, high stress as we went through the new format, and I think for the fans, it created some really, really good racing, and everybody just kind of throwing caution to the wind to try to win races and make things happen for your team to keep advancing through the rounds.”
Tony Stewart won his second owner’s championship as co-owner of Stewart-Haas racing: “It’s unbelievable. It is so hard to win a championship at this level, and NASCAR in general, and especially with this Chase format. Every week it showed how intense it was, how much pressure there was on the drivers, the crew chiefs, the crew members, pit crews Just unbelievable how much everything had to go right and how special it was when big moments happened.”
Harvick and Newman side by side at the final restart of the Ford Ecoboost 400
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A NEW CHAMPION IS CROWNED
FRONT PAGE
Trouble during the final pit-stop for Joey Logano
TEAM PENSKE FAILS CONQUERING TRIPLE CROWN Roger Penske failed to become the first team owner to win IndyCar, Nationwide Series and Sprint Cup Series in the same season. The hope was to win the Sprint Cup
owner’s championship by crowning Joey Logano as driver’s Champion, but the no.22 pit crew threw away both championship hopes in the last pit-stop of the season. Joey Logano’s Ford fell from the jack leading to a long stop and a restart from the back of the pack.
PIT STOP After 227 starts, 3 pole positions and 2 wins on road courses, Marcos Ambrose leaves NASCAR. The Australian is heading back to his home country to compete once again in the V8 Supercars series (that he won in 2003 and 2004). His debut in the Sprint Cup Series was back in 2008 at Sonoma.
Ryan Newman Ryan Newman could have become the first driver in NASCAR history to win the Cup without registering any win during the entire season. The new Chase format allowed him to be rewarded for his consistency despite the fact that winners in the Chase races would advance automatically to the next round. He almost pulled off the biggest result of his career but fell short of Kevin Harvick’s win at Homestead. Newman finished second and commented: “They say that you have to lose a championship before you win one! Now I’m ready to win!”
Ryan Newman
Denny Hamlin After a difficult 2013 season, where he was forced to sit out 5 races with a collapsed vertebra, Denny Hamlin couldn’t have hoped for a better bounce back. He didn’t win the Cup, but battled till the end of the Homested race as a Championship contender (finishing 7th in the race).
Denny Hamlin
A NEW CHAMPION IS CROWNED
It all started with sparks at Daytona in February
The Championship Four
For the first time in his NASCAR Sprint Cup career, six time Champion Jimmie Johnson finished outside the top 10 in the final standings
PIT STOP In the other NASCAR championships, 18 year old rookie Chase Elliott won the Nationwide Series driving the no. 9 JR Motorsport Chevrolet while Matt Crafton became the first back-to-back Camping World Truck Series Champion with the ThorSport Racing Toyota no.88
RGM
ENDURANCE
Toyota mak
Toyota Racing is the 2014 drivers’ and manufacturers’ World Champion after a successful conclusion to the FIA World Endurance Championship season in the Six Hours of Sao Paulo, at Interlagos.
kes history
The eighth and final race of the season was a thrilling one, with the #8 TS040 Hybrid of World Champions Anthony Davidson and Sébastien Buemi finishing second after a late safety car. The Sao Paulo result marks a historic moment in sportscar racing history as it is the first time a Japanese manufacturer has won the World Endurance Championship in any of its guises since its inception in 1953.
Yoshiaki Kinoshita, Team President: “Today’s race was truly one of the most exciting I have been involved with. I am very proud of the result, especially considering the power loss we suffer at this altitude. Happily our hybrid system worked well which helped particularly with traffic management. Everyone pushed to the limit to find the final tenth of a second. To win both World Championships is one of our biggest achievements in motorsport.
TOYOTA MAKES THE HISTORY Thank you to everyone who has supported us and worked with us to achieve this incredible result. Our team and drivers have been superb this season; everyone has played their part, including Kazuki Nakajima and Nicolas Lapierre who are not with us here in Sao Paulo. We have been fighting against strong competitors who have an incredible history in endurance racing. This makes our achievement even more valuable to us. We will enjoy this moment but immediately we will be working hard to retain our titles in 2015.” Celebrating the championship, Toyota President Akio Toyoda said: “After only three years in the FIA World Endurance Championship, I’m overjoyed that Toyota Racing were able to win both the drivers’ and manufacturers’ world championships this season with the TS040 Hybrid. I must express my sincere gratitude to our fans for their encouragement and our partners for their support. I would also like to say congratulations and thank you to all the drivers and racing team staff who worked so hard and closely together throughout the season. Toyota will use these experiences in the FIA World Endurance Championship to help revolutionise hybrid technology and to help make ever-better cars that delight people around the world.”
2014 WEC FINAL STANDINGS FIA WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPONSHIP MANUFACTURERS 1. Toyota, 289 (World Champion) 2. Audi, 244 3. Porsche, 193 FIA WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPONSHIP DRIVERS 1. Davidson/Buemi (GB/CH), Toyota, 166 (World Champion) 2. Lotterer/Tréluyer/Fässler (D/F/CH), Audi, 127 3. Dumas/Jani/Lieb (F/CH/D), Porsche, 117 4. Di Grassi/Kristensen (BRA/DK), Audi, 117 5. Wurz/Sarrazin (A/F), Toyota, 116 6. Lapierre (F), Toyota, 96 GT DRIVERS 1. Giancarlo Bruni, Toni Vilander (Ferrari) 168 points 2. Frédéric Makowiecki (Porsche) 134,5 3. Richard Lietz (Porsche) 111 4. Patrick Pilet (Porsche) 108,5 5. Stefan Mücke, Darren Turner (Aston Martin), 102 6. Jörg Bergmeister (Porsche) 99 GT MANUFACTURERS 1. Ferrari, 288 2. Porsche, 262 3. Aston Martin, 232 GTE-PRO TEAMS 1. AF Corse (Ferrari #51) 168 2. Porsche Team Manthey (Porsche #92) 148 3. Aston Martin Racing (Aston Martin #97) 138 4. Porsche Team Manthey (Porsche #91) 122 5. AF Corse (Ferrari #71) 98 6. Aston Martin Racing (Aston Martin # 99) 70 GTE-AM DRIVERS 1. David Heinemeier-Hansson, Kristian Poulsen (Aston Martin) 198 2. Christoffer Nygaard, Paul Dalla Lana, Pedro Lamy (Aston Martin) 164 3. Nicki Thiim (Aston Martin) 144 4. Christian Ried, Khaled Al Qubaisi (Porsche) 121 5. Klaus Bachler (Porsche), 111 6. Luis Perez-Companc, Marco Cioci, Mirko Ventura (Ferrari) 76 GTE-AM TEAMS 1. Aston Martin Racing (Aston Martin #95) 198 2. Aston Martin Racing (Aston Martin #98) 164 3. Proton Competition (Porsche #88) 121 4. AF Corse (Ferrari #61) 102 5. AF Corse (Ferrari #81), 68 6. Prospeed Competition (Porsche #77), 58
RGM
ENDURANCE
ENDURANCE CIR
erseas races Entering two LMP1 cars at the ov new sporting Championship does not just pose works on th The Porsche team shows us how it
E B O L G E H T G N I L C R
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of the World Endurance challenges for the teams.
he logistic side
ENDURANCE CIRCLING THE GLOBE
The logistics are a race of their own for the LMP1 newcomers from Weissach. The travel itinerary for the second part of the World Championship, with Austin (Texas, USA), Fuji (Japan), Shanghai (China), Sakhir (Bahrain) and Sao Paulo (Brazil) as the destinations, adds up to around 40,000 kilometres – which is almost exactly equivalent to a trip around the globe. The team’s air freight for this enterprise is 35 tons. Nevertheless, only indispensible items are taken on board. The team’s hospitality, for example, isn’t one of the essentials. The works team eats in the paddock canteen.
Air cargo is complex. Like in the classic computer game Tetris, items have to be stacked without gaps, using the aircraft’s hold including any sloping sections. The area for the Porsche freight is limited to 12 units. Each of them measures 304 by 230 centimetres and, when fully loaded, should not be heavier than 3000 kilograms, otherwise the basic costs increase. Months ago it was calculated it was 12 units that would be needed. The cargo list contains several thousand items. In order to ensure that everything fits into the limited space, the team always had the air freight requirements in mind when making decisions over what to purchase – whether for a tool cabinet, packaging for the drivers’ helmets, or an engine box. Furthermore, similar to moving house, the rule is: whatever is needed first at the destination, must be immediately available. Perfect organisation is essential to build up the garage on time, and once a three-ton container has been unloaded in a freight packed pit lane it sits there until it is empty. The air freight goes on an Atlas Air 747 cargo plane, chartered by DHL and shared with other WEC teams. It took off on September 11 from the Frankfurt-Hahn airport in Germany to fly to Austin, Tokyo, Shanghai, Manama and Sao Paulo.
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ENDURANCE CIRCLING THE GLOBE Obviously the Porsche Team had to arrange everything from scratch in its debut season. Ten tailor made containers have been purchased. Six of them, the so called Q7, have sloping tops, two are the flatter Q6 and two are “winged lowers”, shaped especially for the lower cargo space in the aircraft. They are more efficient than anything you can buy ready-made, and save a lot of packing material compared to sta-
cking single boxes one on top of another. Each Q7, for example, is 120 kilos lighter than those normally used in Formula One. Plus, it can be loaded onto the aircraft with no net around it, which saves another 1.3 centimetres in height. Alongside the ten lightweight containers, the remaining two units accommodate the big parts, such as the flight case with the spare chassis or the hundred wheel rims.
Each of the 12 units has a unique worldwide number plate and each component packed inside the containers has a QR code, so that by using a scanner everything can be located. This painstaking organisation doesn’t just achieve labour and cost efficiency. Customs offices, too, have a need for information. Whether the serial numbers of the 120 radios, the number of chassis components, packets of screws, or rolls of tape – Porsche puts a lot of effort in reliable documentation. Everything imported into the various countries has to be exported out again. The containers are x-rayed, and customs officers may, of course, want to unpack them. Time for this is factored into the schedules.
The two race cars don’t fit into containers. The Porsche 919 Hybrids travel securely strapped down onto extra car racks. All of their fluids have been drained, fragile body parts, such as the wing mirrors and front and rear wings, have been
packed safely elsewhere. Fitting a set of used tyres is just right for travelling around the world. Between the races some components go back and forth. For example, the two-litre four-cylinder engines for rebuilding in Weissach.
Hazardous materials go separately. These include adhesives and resins, as well as spray cans and the lithium-ion batteries for the hybrid drive systems. These batteries even require permission from federal aviation administration offices in the various countries. The fact that Porsche possesses considerable expertise in hybrid matters helps the race team, but the procedures are time-consuming nonetheless. The hazardous materials also have to stay in a secure room for 48 hours before and after every flight without being moved. Fuel is shipped by Porsche’s partner Shell, and ExxonMobil brings all the oils and lubricants to the tracks. Michelin sends the tyres.
The team also ships some items by sea, which is considerably less expensive, but also much slower. Equipment shipped in August will only return in January. But then this doubles or triples what is needed. Because of the long distances there are three sets of sea freight on the high seas. The contents consist of relatively inexpensive but heavy equipment. Metal posts, for example. Instead of flying 20 of those heavy Tensator barriers around the world, it is cheaper to buy sixty of them and load them onto three vessels. It’s all about efficiency. RGM
INTER VIEW
Tom Kristensen ends a unique professional career. The Le Mans record winner is set to become representative and partner of Audi
HAPPY AND PROUD
TOM KRISTENSEN
“I’ve had the privilege of driving for the best team and the world’s coolest automobile manufacturer for 15 years,” says Tom Kristensen. “I’ve had great team-mates and worked together with fantastic people. With Audi, I’ve been able to win many titles and numerous races as well as experiencing some unforgettable, emotional moments. My string of victories in the Le Mans 24 Hours would not have been possible without Audi. Leaving this team as a driver is hard for me. But the day had to come at one time or another. I can only thank Audi and the entire staff for the great time I’ve had and look forward to my new tasks for the brand and the team of Audi Sport.”
SEBRING 12 HOURS 2012
You announced the end of your professional career and appeared to be very relaxed about it. How easy was it for you to take this step? “I’ve had a feeling inside that kept getting stronger in recent months. I felt that the right point in time to end my career had come. I’m very happy about and proud of what I’ve achieved. And I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to work for outstanding teams and together with great team-mates. Obviously, this is a big step now but I’ve always followed my intuition and it won’t mislead me now either. Allan McNish and Dindo Capello have confirmed to me how difficult
PIT STOP “Naturally, the retirement of a remarkable personality like Tom Kristensen is a great loss for Audi Sport Team Joest and the entire endurance racing scene,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Wolfgang Ullrich. “We can understand his decision to quit at the pinnacle of his career. He’s the last member of the generation that Audi began with in prototype racing. Tom has been competing in the World Endurance Championship as the reigning World Champion this year and shown that he’s still one of the world’s fastest and best sports car drivers. We’ll miss him as a driver but he’s going to continue to support us with his wealth of experience and his personality.”
it is to make a decision like this but at the same time I’m happy and will no doubt be able to enjoy my free time. To me it was important to make this decision as long as I was still ahead of the power curve. I’m going to continue to contest a few races here and there in the future, such as the Race of Champions or some historic events. I’m also very much looking forward to my new role at Audi and to having more time for family and friends. I’ve had 35 near-perfect years in motorsport but I’m sure that there are a few other great things in life.”
What were the most emotional responses you received? “It was incredible to see the tremendous amount of positive feedback and all the messages were very sympathetic.
LE MANS 24 HOURS 2013 PODIUM
PIT STOP The Dane dirver to joined Audi at the end of 1999. Together with Frank Biela and Emanuele Pirro, Tom Kristensen, in the 12hour race at Sebring (USA) in March of 2000, achieved Audi’s first victory in a sports car race, plus the brand’s first victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours in June of 2000. The trio Biela/ Pirro/Kristensen was the first driver team in history to win the world’s most famous endurance race three times in succession.
TOM KRISTENSEN The news about my retirement on my Facebook page resulted in more than 45,000 ‘Likes’ and 3,500 direct comments. I owe a great debt of gratitude to many people, particularly my fans. I’ve received a flood of statements that deeply touched me – from the school class of my son Oswald, to Jacky Ickx and current race driver colleagues, through to politicians and members of the royal family.”
Year after year, thousands of your fellow Danes have been flocking to Le Mans to see you. There’s even been a dedicated Danish camp alongside the track that you visited every year. What will become of this now? “My compatriots have really been showing huge enthusiasm. But I’m sure they’ll continue to show strong support in the future. I’m going to keep visiting them at Le Mans in the next years. Now I’ll even have more time for them and for all Audi fans. Plus, there are many other Danish race drivers at Le Mans who deserve their applause and encouragement.”
PIT STOP With Bentley and two Audi customer teams, Kristensen, from 2003 to 2005, celebrated three more triumphs at Le Mans, marking six consecutive wins – the iconic endurance race had never before seen such a string of victories. In 2008 and 2013, the Dane took two more victories with Audi. With a track record of nine victories in total, Tom Kristensen is the most successful Le Mans driver of all time.
PIT STOP In 2002, Kristensen won the American Le Mans Series in the Audi R8. And in the DTM the Dane showed his class as well. With nine pole positions, four race victories and 18 podium places, he was one of the most successful and best drivers of the Audi A4 DTM from 2004 to 2009.
RGM
(Photo Sam Bloxham GP3 Media Service)
INTER VIEW
T
GP3 newly crowned Champion xxxx Alex Lynn eflects on a stellar season
THOUGHTS OF A CHAMPION
ALEX LYNN
“It sounds amazing. When I think back it’s been a long journey since Estoril in March at the pre-season test. It’s such a stressful thing to try and win the title; you’re always under pressure and always trying to respond to everything. I’ve been really proud to lead the Series from the first moment in Barcelona right until the end. I’ve been working so hard all year and to be honest it does feel like a big relief to get it done.”
You follow in the footsteps of previous GP3 Champions’ Esteban Gutierrez, Valtteri Bottas, Mitch Evans and Daniil Kvyat - how does it feel to be in the same league as such drivers? “Everybody who has gone on to win this title has gone onto great careers. For everybody who wins it; it’s fantastic. It is such a difficult Series to win especially with the way the format works, it’s very tough. It takes an intelligent driver to win this and I think and hope that’s what I’ve shown this year.”
When did you start to feel that you were the man to beat? “Quite honestly since the Estoril pre-season test when we were
P1. I always felt that I was going in as the title favourite and I think a lot of the outsiders also saw me as someone who could be really fast and really hard to beat. It was right from the first moment that I knew that I needed to win.”
Were there any moments where doubts crept into your mind? “I always thought everything was clicking well. There were just different drivers who were quick at different points of the season. Jimmy Eriksson would go on a run, then Richie Stanaway would do the same and they started getting closer. Then one would fade away and a new rival would emerge or return. My team and I really stuck to our plan of how we would win the title, which was by hitting a good average of points every weekend. We did all of our analysis before the start of the season and we knew that the title had been won on a 22 point average in the past four years. We knew if we could make that a target for each round, we would be tough to beat. Before Sochi our average was 26, so it’s a real challenge to just play the game. It’s a constant mind game, a constant battle against everyone. It was so tough.”
(Photo Zak Mauger GP3 Media Service)
ALEX LYNN
Arriving to Abu Dhabi, knowing that that qualifying could be the decisive moment for you - how did you prepare for that mentally prior to the session and during? As you were quick in the session, but just missing that extra to take pole despite you pushing… “You’re right, we were really fast in Free Practice. The car and I felt really good. I was happy that we responded by being quickest in practice after a difficult event in Sochi. Even though on paper it doesn’t mean much, it means a lot for the confidence. In qualifying, everything felt the same but I don’t think we switched the tyres on enough or that the front was good enough compared to practice. To be honest, I knew Stoneman and Kirchhöfer were very fast. After the first set of tyres I knew they were very close to each other. When my engineer told me Kirchhöfer had done a 1m 55.1, I thought what if Dean Stonemann goes quicker. I had already done my time and knew I couldn’t do a1m 55.1, but I think Marvin was just on a mega lap. Straight afterwards, I was like should have, could have, would have, but in the end the crown is mine and it’s nice to finally get it out of the way.”
MARVIN KIRCHHOFER
(Photo Sam Blozham GP3 Media Service)
Looking back on the season as a whole, are there any races in particular that you will look back on most proudly and think that’s where the crown was won? “I think from the outside it’s quite difficult to see that there are races which mean more than people think. The one that stands out for me is Race 1 at Spa-Francorchamps, the dry to wet, pitting on the formation lap etc. Richie was our title rival at that point – he got in front of me and it became an absolute must to finish in front of him. For someone to win
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in GP3 that you can bring forward to the next step?
the title and trying so hard to get reverse grid pole – it’s not right; but actually in those circumstances it was the most important thing in the world. We just got it thanks to someone crashing, but those are the things that need to fall your way at that point. I think those little bits that just went out way every single time are what give you the belief that the title is coming your way. I’m sure if you talked to our competitors, they will say ‘Bloody Lynn was always there and Lynn always missed everyone’. Those are the differences between winning it or not.”
“I think GP3 is mentally very tough. It’s difficult with the reverse grid races. If you have just pure qualifying races and you’re fast – you’ll always be there. But I think it puts the emphasis on the need to be complete. If you have any weaknesses it shows as you need to be fast in qualifying. You need to conserve your tyres, be fast in Race 1, win it and be fast in race 2 and overtake. If you miss out on any of those it shows. All year I’ve tried to polish out every single weakness I had prior to this season or at the start, it became very important. Mentally towards the other competitors, if you show them you have no weakness’, that’s already half of the battle won. If they start believing there is nothing they can do to fluster me, I think that’s what makes the difference.”
Do you feel there is anything you could still improve on which will help you in the next step? “I would like to think I’m very good in all areas but there are some elements that are stronger
ALEX LYNN
than others. For example, I’m not the most ragged driver out there, I’m very smooth. Sometimes in different circumstances, you need to be ragged and wilder I can do that but it’s more difficult for me to do so. I’m quite proud that I’ve got a really good base. I could take more risks but the way the Series works, consistency and a solid points haul gives you a good average.”
Looking ahead, what does the future hold?
DEAN STONEMAN ALEX LYNN
“The best scenario for me would be to get the Toro Rosso drive in Formula 1, but ever increasingly, unfortunately, a small cog in a huge moving wheel goes around in terms of Red Bull and Formula 1. Things are very difficult. But to be honest it’s very much in the air. I do believe that in the next two to three weeks I will know for sure my future, once the F.1 season is finished. It will be an interesting time but I have three or four options and if any of them come off, it will be amazing. I’m sure one of them will but until it’s done, it’s not done. Everything is looking good.”
(Photos Zak Mauger GP3 Media Service)
RICHIE STANAWAY LEADS DINO ZAMPARELLI
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PADDOCK MIX Al Qassimi: win and title!
After a superb fightback and a nail-biting finale, Khalid Al Qassimi and Chris Patterson won the Dubai International Rally in their DS3 RRC. More than ever, it would all come down to the final stage of the season! At the end of Mileiha, a 26km-long stage, the tension was incredible. In spite of a slow puncture, Khalid and Chris set the second fastest time on the stage, a tenth off the lead pace. It didn’t take long to do the maths: the rally and the title had been won by just 3/10ths of a second! “We did the right thing in refusing to give up. With everyone in the team, we have battled hard for this result,” emphasized a delighted and emotional Sheikh Khalid at the finish. “It’s a fantastic result for Citroën, which wins this international rally title for the first time. With each rally, we have improved and adapted the DS3 RRC to the specifics of the Middle East. This weekend, once again we made a great deal of progress and that excites me, looking ahead. It has also been
a great occasion for the United Arab Emirates, a few days before celebrations of our national day begin. I really wanted to win, both for the team and for my country.” Ten years after his first MERC title, the Abu Dhabi driver wins the FIA Middle East Rally Championship again. The DS3s completed a clean sweep in Dubai, as Mohamed Al Sahlawi secured victories in the 2WD and Junior categories.
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL RALLY STANDING 1. Khalid Al Qassimi / Chris Patterson (DS3 RRC) 1:59:27.5 2. Nasser Al-Attiyah / Giovanni Bernacchini (Ford Fiesta RRC) 1:59:27.8 3. Abdulaziz Al Kuwari / Killian Duffy (Ford Fiesta RRC) 2:03:51.5 4. Khalid Al Suwaidi / John Higgins (Ford Fiesta RRC) 2:05:46.9 5. Abdullah Al Qassimi / Gaby Khoury (Ford Fiesta RRC) 2:06:41.2 6. Abdulla Al Kuwari / Enda Sherry (Ford Fiesta RRC) 2:11:57.9
FIA MIDDLE EAST RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP* 1. Khalid Al Qassimi 2. Nasser Al Attiyah 3. Abdulaziz Al Kuwari * Subject to publication of the official results by the FIA
pts
94 93 81
PADDOCK MIX
Volkswagen Polo R-Cup India Lee Keshav Gupta celebrated a double victory at the third racing weekend of the Volkswagen Polo R-Cup in India. The Indian won the first of two races on Saturday November 8 at the Buddh International Circuit in Noida. The 17 year old guest driver Dylan Pereira from Luxembourg triumphed in the final third race on Sunday November 9. He benefited from an error made by Karthik Tharani (IND), who started in pole position and
took third place at the end. Dylan Pereira, who has been active in the Volkswagen Castrol-Cup Poland this year, was already in the lead in the second race, but was disqualified by race control after an aggressive manoeuvre in the battle for first place. Polish guest driver, Gosia Rdest, offered a convincing performance, achieving second place on the podium in the second race. The final racing weekend of the season will also be taking place in Noida in December.
The new Cadillac GT3
Cadillac introduced the new Cadillac ATS-V.R racecar. Set to begin competition in 2015, Cadillac debuted the new race car at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. The new, up-to600-horsepower ATS-V.R meets international FIA GT3 specifications, a highly coveted pedi-
gree that allows it to potentially run in more than 30 different GT series around the world. The heart of the ATS-V.R is the LF4.R, the racing version of the Twin Turbo 3.6L V-6 in the awardwinning Cadillac CTS Vsport. Specific technical upgrades for the GT3-spec race car include larger, twin BorgWarner turbochargers; increased capacity intercoolers; competition engine management and a direct, side-exiting exhaust. The lightweight aluminum block and heads are counterbalanced by a rear transaxle unique to the race car, giving the ATS-V.R a weight distribution of 49 percent front, 51 percent rear.
Estonia is ERC Rally of the Year FIA European Rally Championship newcomer auto24 Rally Estonia has won the inaugural ERC Rally of the Year award for 2014. The event, which was based between the cities of Otepää and Tartu in July, was declared a huge success at the time with thousands of fans lining the route and organisers introducing a number of exciting elements and innovations. Throughout the year, ERC promoter Eurosport Events has been assessing the various merits of each round of the championship and voted auto24 Rally Estonia as the standout event of 2014. Eurosport Events’ Motorsport Director, François Ribeiro, used the ERC Awards Ceremony in Corsica to highlight the efforts of the auto24 Rally Estonia organising team, which was represented in Ajaccio by Tarmo Hõbe and Silver Kütt.
The perfect year of Oscar Nogues In becoming the first driver to win a second Eurocup Clio title, Oscar Nogués shined throughout the 2014 season and also took top honors in the Italian Cup. The 36 year-old Catalan native returned with style after a complicated 2013 campaign to score an historic double in the category. The newly crowned champion and saloon car specialist now has the winter break to plan his future projects, including the all-new Renault Sport Trophy. “I am very proud to have won a second Eurocup Clio title with five victories from eight races because it is a very competitive series. We battle with the best drivers from the national cups and the competitiveness of the field can be felt! I had very clean battles with
my rivals all season long and we showed the fans what we can do. For the 2015 season, I still do not know. The Renault Sport R.S. 01 is a very interesting car, but we will have to see if there are opportunities to enter the Renault Sport Trophy!”
PADDOCK MIX A spectacular Baja 1000
The Toyota 2015 Tundra TRD Pro Desert winner of the Full Stock class with Moncure, Bell, Bestwick, Millen
Running their game plan to perfection, Rob MacCachren, Andy McMillin and Jason Voss, rolled like Rockstars, overcoming a brutally-rugged 1,275-mile course and over 200 challenge, driving to the overall and SCORE Trophy Truck victory Friday November 14 at the 47th annual Tecate SCORE Baja 1000. The talented trio finished the mentally-draining, physically grueling race from Ensenada to La Paz in 22 hours, 31 minutes and 27 seconds while averaging an impressive 56.64 miles per hour in the No. 11 Rockstar Energy MacCachren Motorsports Ford F-150. The sport’s newest dream team blew by a field of 237 starters in cars, trucks, motorcycles and ATVs for a victory margin of nearly 29 minutes. The starting grid included 31 starters in the marquee SCORE Trophy Truck division for high-tech, 850-horsepower unlimited production trucks. With the rugged course traveling on both sides of the peninsula, the world’s most famous desert race was a peninsula run, starting in Ensenada, Baja California Norte and finishing in La Paz, Baja California Sur. With 10 checkpoints along the way, it was the longest course in race history for the race in the 21 years it started in Ensenada and finished in La Paz.
Pictures courtesy of http://www.stockcar.com.br
PADDOCK MIX
BARRICHELLOOO!!!
As Daniel Serra won the last round of the Stock Car in Curitiba on Sunday 30 November, Rubens Barichello drove his Chevrolet to the title with a third place.
FINAL STANDING 1. R. Barrichello 2. A. Abreu 3. C. Bueno 4. A. Khodair 5. D. Serra 6. T. Camilo
points 234 223,5 191 185 182 174,5
Nakajima triumphs in Super Formula The 2014 Super Formula series has been won by expert japanese driver Kazuki Nakajima. In the first year of the new Dallara’s SF14 chassis era (powered by 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-4 direct injection engine either from Honda or Toyota) Nakajima cruised to the final victory in his Petronas Tom’s car preceding Joao Paulo Lima de Oliveira by 6.5 points. “I’m really happy to be a champion this year” Said Nakajima. “The team did great job to give me great car here in Suzuka. We struggled under steer till Sugo that round 6 then we found right set up. I could not make fine start in Race 1 but I succeeded to keep my position in Race 2 to win. It was my 2nd championship in Japanese top formula championship. I would like to say thank you to people support me.” FINAL STANDING 1. Kazuki Nakajima 2. Joao Paulo Lima de Oliveira 3. Andre Lotterer 4. Loic Duval 5. Hiroaki Ishiura 6. James Rossiter
points 46 39.5 34.5 29.5 26 22
PADDOCK MIX SOLBERG & OLSBERGS TEAM ON THE TOP Petter Solberg has ended his title-winning season in style by winning the closing round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy in San Luis, Argentina. Ford Olsbergs MSE won a three-way battle for the Teams’ Championship as team-mates Reinis Nitiss and Andreas Bakkerud finished second and sixth respectively. RX Lites Cup winner Kevin Eriksson drove spectacularly on his Supercar debut to clinch third. Solberg’s win in Argentina is the Norwegian’s fifth outright victory of the year for the PSRX Team and sees the driver end the inaugural
World RX season with a total of 267 points. “This is a dream come true. We started the season with a win in Portugal, and to finish with another win in Argentina feels really amazing,” grinned Solberg “This Championship has so many talented drivers and I am extremely impressed with the high standard of driving we have had this year – especially from the younger guys. Now I’m looking forward to Doha for the FIA Awards Ceremony but I will be back and fighting for more seasons to come. I’d like to thank my whole team for working so hard throughout this year – there will be a big party tonight, that’s for sure!”
2014 DRIVERS’ CHAMPIONSHIP – OVERALL POINTS 1. Petter Solberg (PSRX) points 267 2. Topi Heikkinen (VW Marklund) 221 3. Reinis Nitiss (Ford Olsbergs MSE) 210 4. Timmy Hansen (Peugeot-Hansen) 199 5. Andreas Bakkerud (Ford Olsbergs MSE) 193 6. Anton Marklund (VW Marklund) 173 2014 TEAMS’ CHAMPIONSHIP – OVERALL POINTS 1. Ford Olsbergs MSE 2. Volkswagen Marklund Motorsport 3. Team Peugeot-Hansen 4. PSRX 5. Monster Energy World RX Team 6. Albatec Racing
points
403 394 351 261 76 61
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