Tag Archives: roadgoing

Watch Sebastian Vettel And David Coulthard Drive Red Bull F1 Cars At The Nürburgring

# Watch Sebastian Vettel And David Coulthard Drive Red Bull F1 Cars At The Nürburgring

We usually share videos of camouflaged prototypes of future road cars at the Nürburgring. However, this video is quite different and even more entertaining. It features not just one, but two Formula 1 cars, driven by a four-time F1 champion and a 13-time Grand Prix winner. Sebastian Vettel was reunited with his RB7, the championship-winning car from 2011 when Red Bull Racing secured both the drivers’ and constructors’ titles.

David Coulthard, on the other hand, drove the RB8 that Red Bull Racing used in the 2012 season, when Vettel won another title and the team secured the constructors’ championship. Coulthard is a former Red Bull driver himself, having raced for the team from 2005 to 2008.

Unfortunately, the video doesn’t show a full lap at full throttle around the Nürburgring. The ex-F1 drivers didn’t push the cars to their maximum potential. Additionally, they were accompanied by a previous-generation BMW M4 Coupe, which served as the safety car. Nevertheless, it is still a joy to watch these masters at work, driving an F1 car on one of the most challenging circuits in the world. The soundtrack also adds to the experience, reminding us of the V8 era that ended after the 2013 season.

It’s worth mentioning that Sebastian Vettel, who is currently 36 years old, has not completely ruled out a comeback to F1 after his retirement at the end of the 2022 season. If Lewis Hamilton (38 years old) and Fernando Alonso (42 years old) can still be competitive in 2023, why shouldn’t a younger driver and a winner of 53 F1 races consider returning?

First Production 1961 Jaguar E-Type Right-Hand Drive Coupe Could Bring $1M At Auction

On September 1, the first-ever production right-hand drive Jaguar E-Type will be put up for auction at Hampton Court Palace in London. Organized by Gooding & Company, this historic car is expected to fetch between $1.26 million and $1.76 million. The car is a Fixed Head Coupe finished in opalescent dark blue with a red leather interior, and it retains its original engine and license plate combination.

This E-Type is powered by a 3.8-liter inline-six engine with three carburetors, producing 265 horsepower. It has a four-speed manual gearbox and Dunlop disk brakes. It does not feature electronic nannies like ABS, making it stop more like a modern car. The car’s top speed is 150 mph, and it can go from 0 to 60 mph in under 7 seconds.

First Production 1961 Jaguar E-Type Right-Hand Drive Coupe
First Production 1961 Jaguar E-Type Right-Hand Drive Coupe
First Production 1961 Jaguar E-Type Right-Hand Drive Coupe

The car was built without a classic ladder frame chassis and features rack-and-pinion steering and independent suspension all around. It has several sought-after features, including a flat floor, welded hood louvers, and external hood latches.

The current owner purchased the car in 1998 and embarked on a multi-year restoration project. They managed to restore the car to its original specification and appearance, even re-registering it with its original license plate number “1 VHP” with the help of official Jaguar factory records.

According to the seller, this Jaguar E-Type is the only surviving six-cylinder production model that can be considered the first of its kind, as the first left-hand drive coupe and roadster no longer exist.

The Porsche 911 S/T: A Lightweight Throwback With the Heart of a GT3 RS

In 1969, Porsche released a limited batch of racing versions of their 911 S called the 911 ST. These cars were designed for performance, featuring wider wheel arches and lightweight construction. Now, 50 years later, Porsche is revisiting this concept with the introduction of the 2024 Porsche 911 S/T. Based on the GT3 Touring, the S/T utilizes lightweight materials to shed an additional 70 pounds and is powered by the GT3 RS’ 518-horsepower flat-six engine, paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. Only 1,963 of these cars will be produced.

2024 Porsche 911 S/T

Engine 4.0-Liter Flat-Six
Output 518 Horsepower / 343 Pound Feet
0-60 MPH 3.5 Seconds
Weight 3,056 Pounds
Base Price $291,650 (Including A $1,650 Delivery Fee)
Availability Spring 2024

The 2024 Porsche 911 S/T takes the GT3 Touring as its starting point but goes further to reduce weight. It incorporates carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic components for the body panels, a set of magnesium wheels, ceramic composite brakes, lightweight glass, a lithium-ion battery, and reduced insulation. Additionally, the S/T removes the GT3’s rear-axle steering system, resulting in a curb weight of 3,056 pounds.

2024 Porsche 911 S/T

Under the hood, the S/T boasts the same 4.0-liter naturally-aspirated flat-six engine found in the GT3 RS. It produces 518 horsepower and 343 pound-feet of torque, which is sent exclusively to the rear wheels through a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. To further enhance performance, Porsche has developed a single-mass flywheel that reduces rotating mass by 23 pounds. These modifications allow the S/T to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 186 mph.

While the S/T is equipped with components that would make it excel on a track, Porsche designed it to be primarily enjoyed on public roads. Inside, the S/T features carbon-fiber bucket seats, a digital gauge cluster with green accents reminiscent of 911s from the 60s, and the classic-style Porsche crest.

2024 Porsche 911 S/T

Porsche plans to produce only 1,963 units of the S/T in homage to the year the 911 was first introduced. Each car will have a base price starting at $291,650, including a $1,650 destination fee. Deliveries are expected to begin in the Spring of 2024.