Motorsport

Pirelli Introduces New P Zero Trofeo RS as its Best Road Tire for High Performance

Pirelli has unveiled the P Zero Trofeo RS, the latest iteration of its high-performance semi-slick tire. This tire was specifically developed at the request of Pagani Automobili for its Utopia model and is expected to be offered as original equipment for sports cars and supercars.

The P Zero Trofeo RS is a technical advancement of the P Zero Trofeo R, utilizing improved materials for the tread compound. Pirelli claims that it belongs to a new generation of semi-slick tires that deliver superior performance and consistency on dry surfaces. It offers longer-lasting grip for increased speed and safety during track sessions. Additionally, as an OE tire, it provides adequate safety on asphalt, even in slightly wet conditions.

Pirelli utilized new technology and expertise gained from its involvement in top-level motorsports to meet the requirements of auto manufacturers like Pagani. As a result, the P Zero Trofeo RS features a multi-compound tread, allowing customization to match the characteristics of different vehicles. This ensures that the tire complements the car’s specific tread pattern compounds from Pirelli’s Prestige catalog.

An additional innovation employed by Pirelli is Virtual Geometry Development. This approach enabled Pirelli engineers to evaluate numerous profiles and footprints through virtual modeling. Coupled with the multi-compound tread, it maximized the precision of the P Zero Trofeo RS and improved responsiveness to driver inputs.

Extensive application of Virtual Geometry Development was carried out for the Pagani Utopia prior to on-track testing of the first prototype vehicles. This development focused on optimizing the contact patch for ultimate grip and control. Compared to the originally requested P Zero Corsa tires, the P Zero Trofeo RS enhances the Utopia’s performance in extreme driving conditions while also improving ease and predictability on the road without compromising the driver’s experience.

Aside from the Pagani Utopia, the new P Zero Trofeo RS tires are also available as original equipment on the Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Pirelli plans to offer them as a future aftermarket option for various high-performance vehicles, including those produced by Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini.

Motorsport

Young Driver Involved in Slowest Rollover Crash in History After Hitting a Pothole

We have all been in that situation: learning how to drive with a parent or someone else in the passenger seat, providing instructions that will stay with us for the rest of our driving lives. Sometimes, it goes smoothly, but other times, mistakes happen, and there is little the passenger can do, especially if the teenager is driving a car without dual controls.

Such an incident occurred in a video captured in Bloomington, Indiana, where a young man was being taught how to drive on country lanes by his father. The father remained calm and gave instructions, but at one point, they encountered a massive pothole in the middle of an intersection. The teenager tried to avoid it, but due to his lack of experience with the pedals and steering wheel, he was unable to correct the steering in time. As a result, the car ended up climbing a retaining wall on the right side of the road.

Despite the low speed, the car ended up rolling over on its side, breaking a window and abruptly ending the driving lesson. Although the language may have changed during the incident, both individuals remained calm. Fortunately, it appears that both the father and the son escaped the crash without any injuries.

It is essential to remember that while car crashes can be entertaining in some contexts, the most crucial outcome is that everyone involved remains safe. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of personal safety.

Feel free to share your thoughts on this incident in the comments section below.

Motorsport

Mazda RX-7 Banned from Nurburgring for Being Too Loud

The Mazda RX-7, specifically the third-generation model, is highly regarded in the car community. Released in 1992, this Japanese sports car impressed enthusiasts with its tiny 1.3-liter twin-rotor Wankel engine, which produced an impressive 252 horsepower.

With its light weight of around 2,700 pounds (1,224 kilograms) and its potential for modifications, the RX-7 became a favorite among tuners and has managed to compete with more modern rivals even today, 31 years after its debut. A video featured on this page showcases a slightly modified RX-7 being driven by YouTuber Misha Charoudin at the famous Nurburgring, demonstrating the car’s capabilities.

The car features stock brakes and semi-slick tires from Zeknova, a Japanese brand, mounted on Volk TE 37 forged aluminum wheels. The engine is also a stock two-rotor Wankel, which has been rebuilt and equipped with a single turbocharger conversion, replacing the original sequential twin-turbo setup. Although not as extreme as a 12-rotor engine, the modified motor produces around 400 horsepower, which is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. The car does not have traction control or ABS, and the suspension has undergone minimal upgrades, such as stronger bushings.

The performance of the RX-7 is remarkable. Once the turbo spools up around 4,500 rpm, the tachometer and speedometer soar rapidly. In fact, the car is so fast that the original speed gauge, which goes up to 180 kilometers per hour (111 miles per hour), is inadequate for the car’s top speed. During the run, the orange needle on the gauge surpasses the maximum limit multiple times, highlighting the impressive performance of this 28-year-old vehicle.

In a race against various cars from BMW, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and others, the lightly modified RX-7 outperforms most competitors. However, a yellow Peugeot 307 manages to stay ahead for a while, and a Porsche 911 and Cayman effortlessly overtake the RX-7.

Misha Charoudin completes a single lap in the RX-7, and by the end, the brakes are noticeably strained, making a second lap unwise. Additionally, the car’s loud exhaust sound during full acceleration means it would not have been permitted for another run anyway. According to Nurburgring rules, the static noise level of a car must not exceed 95 decibels, while the drive-by noise limit is set at 130 dB. It is likely that the RX-7 exceeded these noise limits.

Feel free to share your thoughts on the performance and experience of the Mazda RX-7 at the Nurburgring by leaving comments below the video.

News

Singer to Showcase 690bhp DLS Restomod at Goodwood

Restomod company Singer is set to unveil its new DLS at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed. The DLS, made with a carbon fiber body, is a tribute to the Porsche 934/5 endurance racer from the 1970s that won six out of eight races in the 1977 SCCA Trans-Am series.

Two cars will be showcased at Goodwood and Car Week in California, one in Blood Orange and the other in Moet Blanc. The Blood Orange DLS, expected to be at Goodwood, is built specifically for the track with an adjustable rear wing and front splitter. On the other hand, the second car is designed for road use, featuring a rear ducktail spoiler and a milder front bumper. Customers can choose either configuration when ordering.

The DLS, based on the 964-generation 911 sports car, incorporates insights from two previous Singer projects, the Dynamics and Lightweighting Study (DLS) and the Turbo Study. Its aerodynamically optimized bodywork is designed to cool the already powerful engine. It features a central front intake, a vented bonnet, and intakes on the rear fender. Naca ducts in the body enhance the braking and turbocharger cooling.

Under the hood, the DLS boasts a 3.8-liter flat-six engine with two electric wastegate-equipped turbochargers and air-to-water cooling. The engine achieves a remarkable 690bhp with a redline of 9000rpm. Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

Car review

Tesla Model S Plaid

The Tesla Model S Plaid is an impressive electric vehicle in terms of its drivetrain engineering. It can go from 0 to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds, although not quite as fast as Tesla’s claimed time of 2.1 seconds. The car’s efficiency is also noteworthy, with a 3.3 miles per kilowatt-hour rating, resulting in a range of 373 miles. Furthermore, the Model S Plaid can be charged from 10% to 80% in just 29 minutes.

Tesla has prioritized the drivetrain and the 17-inch touchscreen in the Model S Plaid. However, there are some aspects where compromises have been made. The interior, for example, used to have a less luxurious and more basic feel to it. Although it still falls short of the indulgence of a Porsche, it has improved and now offers better materials and a more practical design. The interior is minimalist, with Tesla even removing the column stalks for the wipers, indicators, and drive selector. Surprisingly, most people don’t miss those stalks, but some may feel that traditional controls could provide a slightly better user experience.

One area where the Tesla Model S Plaid falls short compared to the Porsche Taycan is in terms of chassis and refinement. The car is quite noisy on the motorway, and while the ride is satisfactory, it’s not exceptional. There are also noticeable low-level vibrations through the steering wheel, making it less enjoyable to explore the car’s handling capabilities.

One of the biggest issues with the Model S Plaid is its steering. While the round wheel (instead of the controversial yoke) is well-weighted and has a self-centering feature, it doesn’t provide much feedback about the level of grip. Despite having torque vectoring capabilities, the car doesn’t make you feel the effects of it significantly.

When pushed to its limits, the front of the Model S Plaid tends to understeer, even with the stability control system actively intervening. Overall, the car’s size and weight distribution can make it feel less confident on winding roads.

News

Archive special: The Birth of the Ford Fiesta

The final production of the Ford Fiesta is happening today at Ford’s factory in Cologne, marking the end of almost 50 years of production.

The history of the Ford Fiesta goes back further than you might think. Ford had never entered the ‘mini’ car market in Europe before. Instead, in 1958, they chose to follow up the Anglia with another family car – the Cortina. This decision was based on the belief that the Cortina would be a more successful venture. This belief was supported by a thorough examination of Austin’s new Mini in 1959.

However, as the Mini became a huge success and gained competition from the Hillman Imp and Fiat 127, Ford decided to reconsider their approach.

This led to the creation of a prototype that gained initial approval from management in 1970. Following that, Ford’s global empire split the project into different branches.

One of the most successful branches was the design house Ghia in Italy. They showcased the advantages of front-wheel drive (FWD). Soon after, in September 1972, Ford allocated $1 billion for ‘Project Bobcat’ – despite boss Henry Ford II still holding the belief that small cars only generated small profits. (This disproves the notion that the Fiesta was solely a response to the 1973 oil crisis.)

End of an era: The Ford Fiesta story

Recognizing the importance of meeting consumer demands, Ford conducted an extensive market research project. The project was one of the most expensive at the time and involved randomly selecting drivers from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain to evaluate various prototypes.

The research revealed that the Fiesta was the perfect size for all countries and that FWD was highly preferred. Further research in 1973 showed that the car should be a hatchback, as hatchbacks were increasingly popular due to their added practicality compared to sedans.

Additionally, research conducted in San Francisco indicated that Americans also showed interest in the car, which led to plans for US sales. As a result, production expanded beyond Cologne, Saarlouis, and a newly built factory in Valencia, to include Dagenham as well.

News

Toyota GR ‘critical’ for revitalizing Corolla and Prius models

The Toyota GR will play a crucial role in reinvigorating the reputation of its long-standing models, including the Prius and Corolla, according to Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda in an interview with Autocar.

Toyoda emphasized the power of motorsport in enhancing desirability and profitability. He specifically mentioned the Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition, a special edition Prius inspired by racing and designed to commemorate the hybrid technology that helped the car win five races between 2018 and 2022.

Toyoda explained how the Prius became an iconic nameplate by pioneering hybrid technology and breaking the mold of traditional class segments. However, to approach the Prius from a different angle, Toyota decided to create a motorsport-inspired version of the vehicle.

A similar approach applies to the Corolla. While many people associate it with a mass-produced sedan loved by the public, Toyoda drove a hydrogen engine-powered Corolla at Le Mans. Additionally, the GR Corolla is priced significantly higher than the standard model, adding a new level of appeal to the nameplate.

The GR branding has the potential to push up the price of these vehicles and bring a fresh attractiveness to these long-standing models, according to Toyoda. Essentially, Toyota’s strategy involves rebranding these popular vehicles.

The Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition is 90mm longer, 50mm wider, and sits 30mm lower than the standard model. It also features widened front and rear tracks by 40mm. The edition showcases mini-inverters mounted directly onto the electric motor, as well as silicon carbide semiconductors and improved cooling.

News

Ford Fiesta production comes to an end after 47 years

The production of the Ford Fiesta, one of the most popular supermini cars, is coming to an end today, Friday 7th July. This decision was made by Ford late last year and marks the conclusion of 47 years and eight generations of the Fiesta.

Two final Fiestas will be kept by Ford. One will be added to the company’s international heritage fleet located in Cologne, Germany, where the model was manufactured. The other will join the UK heritage fleet.

The reason for axing the Fiesta is to create space in the factory for the production of the upcoming Ford Explorer electric SUV. Martin Sander, the general manager of Ford Model E Europe, stated in December 2022 that the brand needed the space for construction as the Cologne plant is being transformed into a fully battery-electric facility.

Ford Fiesta axed to make space for new electric cars in Cologne

“We decided to build our first high-volume electric vehicle here in Cologne,” said Sander. “There comes the point where we need the space for construction, because we are turning the Fiesta plant into a fully battery-electric plant. This is why we had to make a decision that we have to stop Fiesta production.”

The Cologne EV centre, which is Ford’s first carbon-neutral factory, officially opened on 12th June.

The Ford Fiesta has consistently been one of the top 10 best-selling cars in the UK since its launch in 1976. It even held the top spot from 2009 to 2020, making it the car with the longest consecutive years on top. However, in 2021, the Fiesta dropped out of the top 10 due to disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The shortage of semiconductors resulted in a six-month backlog for the supermini, leading Ford to pause Fiesta orders in June 2022.

Featured

Pininfarina To Showcase Hydrogen-Powered NamX HUV At Goodwood

At the Goodwood Festival of Speed, NamX and Pininfarina will present the NamX HUV, the world’s first premium hydrogen SUV. The HUV, designed by Pininfarina and DE LUSSAC design studio, represents a significant advancement in hydrogen-powered vehicles. NamX, a rising player in the automotive industry, is making waves with its innovative approach to sustainable mobility. The HUV concept demonstrates NamX’s commitment to making green hydrogen accessible to all. By collaborating with Pininfarina, NamX has created a hydrogen-powered vehicle with modern curves and a sophisticated aesthetic.

The NamX HUV design stands out in the pursuit of a sustainable future. It features an innovative removable tank system that utilizes hydrogen capsules as fuel. This patented technology makes NamX a game-changer in the realm of clean mobility. The vehicle can accommodate six hydrogen capsules, providing a range of 700 to 800 kilometers. Owners have flexibility in refilling the capsules, with options to recharge at hydrogen filling stations, receive a delivery, or obtain them from CapXtores.

The Future Lab at the Goodwood Festival of Speed serves as the platform for the grand unveiling of the HUV. In its sixth year, the Future Lab focuses on “Technology for a Better World,” perfectly aligning with NamX and Pininfarina’s vision. The exhibition will showcase NamX in the “Powering the Future” section, exploring solutions for efficient, clean, and high-speed energy needs.

Pininfarina’s expertise in exotic car design and dedication to sustainability is exemplified by the NamX HUV receiving the Green Good Design Sustainability Award 2023 in the Green Transportation category from the Chicago Athenaeum. This recognition highlights the significant contribution of this partnership to the future of sustainable transportation. As the automotive industry continues to progress towards a cleaner and greener future, NamX and Pininfarina’s groundbreaking HUV concept leads the way.

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Pininfarina NamX HUV

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Featured

The Most Expensive Ferraris Of All Time

Ferrari, the iconic Italian automotive manufacturer, has a long history of creating some of the most luxurious, fast, and expensive supercars and hypercars. Founded in 1939 by Enzo Ferrari, the brand is known for its commitment to excellence, precision, and prestige. Ferrari’s vehicles are renowned for their masterful design, blending luxury with cutting-edge technology. From the classic allure of the 250 GTO to the raw power of the LaFerrari, and the futuristic sophistication of newer models, Ferrari’s lineup of supercars and hypercars exudes an unmatched allure. The astronomical prices of these vehicles reflect the brand’s dedication to superior craftsmanship, advanced aerodynamics, formidable speed, and an unparalleled driving experience.

Among the most expensive offerings is the Ferrari LaFerrari, which was priced at about $1.4 million at its release in 2013. This hybrid hypercar features a V12 engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a combined 949 horsepower. Even more exclusive is the LaFerrari Aperta, an open-top version of the hypercar, with an original price tag reportedly exceeding $2 million. Another notable model is the Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2, part of the ‘Icona’ series, which were priced at around $1.75 million when they debuted in 2018.

Ferraris have also achieved record-breaking prices at auctions, highlighting the brand’s rich history and the high demand among collectors. The most notable example is the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, which set the record for the highest price ever paid for a car at auction. In 2018, it was sold for a staggering $48.4 million. Another 250 GTO, produced in 1963, reportedly changed hands privately for an unprecedented $70 million. Other notable sales include a 1957 Ferrari 335 Sport Scaglietti, which fetched $35.7 million in 2016, and a 1956 Ferrari 290 MM, which was sold for $28 million at an auction in 2015. These remarkable auction prices highlight the enduring appeal of Ferrari’s vintage models and the significant value collectors place on the brand’s rich racing heritage and exceptional craftsmanship.

If you’re interested in purchasing a Ferrari, you can find a wide selection of models through Dupont Registry.