No more bark from Banbury’s Boxer…/ Le Boxer de Banbury n’aboie plus…

Prodrive marked the end of an era by simply tweeting that the last Subaru Impreza WRC engine left the Banbury-based firm’s factory on March 26, 2013.

C’est par un simple Tweet que Prodrive a annoncé la fin d’une époque… Le dernier moteur de Subaru Impreza WRC est sorti des ateliers de Banbury le 26 mars 2013.

It was almost two decades ago, on August 8, 1993, that Subaru and Prodrive claimed their first WRC success together, when Colin McRae/Derek Ringer triumphed in New Zealand driving a Subaru Legacy RS/Michelin. It was that landmark win which convinced the Japanese carmaker to launch its Impreza programme …

With a score of 11 wins from 28 world class rallies to its name, the Subaru Impreza 555 handed over to the Impreza WRC97 for the 1997 Rallye Monte-Carlo. The new ‘World Rally Car’ chiefly differed from the Group A version through its aerodynamics (the work of Peter Stevens), its new suspension arrangement and its engine (different position, cylinders, etc.). The Subaru Impreza WRC97 (codename ‘S3’) was the first ‘World Rally Car’ to win a world championship round. It even won the first three rounds of the 1997 campaign (Monte Carlo, Sweden and Safari). Unsurprisingly, Subaru went on to claim that year’s Manufacturers’ title.

Until 2008, the Subaru Impreza WRC was treated to annual evolutions. The WRC98 (‘S4’) was equipped with active differentials and an electronic throttle. The paddle-shift semi-automatic transmission of the WRC99 (‘S5’) was electronically controlled, too.

The 2000 version (‘S6) was designed by Christian Loriaux and, from the outside, resembled its predecessors, even though 80 percent of the car was new. In contrast, the WRC2001 (‘S7’) was visibly very different and the car was now based on the substantially modified chassis of the four-door GD Impreza GRX.

The 2002 car (‘S8’) was lighter and boasted improvements to its transmission, steering column and turbo. Work continued on the ‘S9’ of 2003 (engine, turbo, chassis stiffness). The Impreza WRC2001 and WRC2003 helped Richard Burns and Petter Solberg to win those years’ Drivers’ crowns.

In 2004 and 2005, the Subaru Impreza WRC continued to shed weight thanks to the use of composite materials (wheel arches, bumpers, etc.), a lighter flywheel and a new IHI turbocharger. The Impreza WRC2005 (‘S11’) was the last Subaru to win a WRC event (Wales RallyGB, 2005). In 2006 (‘S12’), the regulations banned active differentials and water injection. The Impreza WRC2007 (‘S12b’) featured new dampers, a new radiator and a new intercooler.

In 2008, the last Impreza WRC (‘S14’) was based on the more compact Impreza WRX GE. Unfortunately, the factory involvement of Subaru WRT was terminated at the end of the season after the different Impreza WRCs had collected no fewer than 36 world class wins.

Even so, Prodrive continued to build and service Subaru Impreza WRCs for privateer customers. The last WRC2008 (chassis ‘S14’/12, made in 2010) made its debut Italy before being bought by John Powel. On December 1, 2012, it rolled and set the surrounding Jamaican forest on fire! The very first car (‘S3’/1) was initially a test car but won Belgium’s Boucles de Spa in 1998 in the hands of Grégoire de Mevius/Jean-Marc Fortin. Prodrive made some 185 Subaru Impreza WRCs, many of which are still being driven at national level around the world.

Il y a presque 20 ans, le 8 août 1993, Subaru et Prodrive remportaient leur premier rallye WRC, en Nouvelle-Zélande, avec Colin McRae/Derek Ringer sur la Subaru Legacy RS/Michelin. Cette victoire historique a convaincu la marque japonaise de lancer le programme Impreza…

Après 11 victoires en 28 rallyes mondiaux disputés, la Subaru Impreza 555 a laissé place à l’Impreza WRC97 au Rallye Monte-Carlo 1997. Cette « World Rally Car » se différenciait de la version Gr.A principalement par son aérodynamique (dessinée par Peter Stevens), sa suspension (nouvelle géométrie) et son moteur (emplacement différent, cylindres…). La Subaru Impreza WRC97 (code S3) fut la première « World Rally Car » à remporter un rallye mondial. Elle a même enlevé les trois premiers rallyes de la saison 97 (Monte-Carlo, Suède, Safari). Subaru a logiquement conservé le titre Constructeurs en fin d’année.

Jusqu’en 2008, la Subaru Impreza WRC a reçu des évolutions annuelles. La WRC98 (S4) était équipée de différentiels « actifs » et d’un accélérateur électronique. La transmission semi-automatique de la WRC99 (S5) était contrôlée électroniquement - de même que l’accélérateur – avec palettes au volant pour changer de rapports.

Conçue par Christian Loriaux, la version 2000 (S6) ressemblait extérieurement aux versions antérieures, mais elle avait été revue à plus de 80 %. A contrario, c’est le design de la WRC2001 (S7), désormais basée sur le châssis 4-portes de la GD Impreza GRX, qui a été largement modifié.

La version 2002 (S8) a été allégée et des améliorations apportées au niveau de la transmission, colonne de direction, turbo… Le travail de développement (moteur, turbo, rigidité du châssis) s’est poursuivi sur la version 2003 (S9). Les Impreza WRC2001 et WRC2003 ont permis à Richard Burns et Petter Solberg de décrocher le titre mondial Pilotes.

En 2004 et 2005, la Subaru Impreza WRC a continué son régime-minceur grâce à l’utilisation de matériaux composite (passages de roue, pare-chocs…), un volant moteur plus léger, un nouveau turbo IHI…. L’Impreza WRC2005 (S11) a été la dernière Subaru à remporter un rallye WRC (Wales RallyGB 2005). En 2006 (S12), le règlement a interdit les différentiels «actifs » et l’injection d’eau. L’Impreza WRC2007 (S12b) était équipée de nouveaux amortisseurs, radiateur et intercooler.

En 2008, la nouvelle Impreza WRC (S14) fut construite sur une base d’Impreza WRX GE (compacte). Malheureusement, l’aventure mondiale s’est arrêtée en fin de saison pour l’équipe officielle Subaru WRT. Les Subaru Impreza WRC ont remporté 35 victoires mondiales.

Malgré tout, Prodrive a continué d’entretenir et de fabriquer des Subaru Impreza WRC pour ses clients « privés ». La dernière WRC2008 (châssis S14 n°12 construit en 2010) a débuté sa carrière en Italie avant d’être achetée par John Powel. Le 1^er décembre 2012, elle a fini sa course sur le toit et a même enflammé la forêt jamaïcaine ! La toute première (châssis S3 n°1) avait d’abord servi de voiture de tests avant une victoire aux Boucles de Spa 1998 avec Grégoire de Mévius/Jean-Marc Fortin. Quelque 185 Subaru Impreza WRC ont été construites par Prodrive et un grand nombre évolue encore dans différents championnats nationaux.

Jorge Lorenzo: 'I think we can fight for the win, Rossi: 'Qatar won't be easy'

Jorge Lorenzo didn’t chase lap times during pre-season testing, but the reigning World champion did prepare himself in a highly methodical manner just like last season. Consistency, physical and mental preparation were the key to his last year’s title and we’ll be seeing the same this season. Lorenzo was one of the very few riders that did race simulations and he knows exactly how he will perform over a long race and knows all the M1’s strengths and weaknesses, and his metronomic race pace will continue to be punishing right off, starting in this weekend’s opening round in Qatar.

“I am very excited to return to Qatar and begin the season. The testing has been good, we have good pace and we are quite happy with our performance. We still have some areas to improve but our situation is not so bad compared to our competitors and I think we can fight for the win. Jerez was a good point for us after testing in Austin; that was a new circuit where maybe we haven’t yet found a perfect feeling. In Jerez we were able to make a long run and all the Yamahas were on top; that gave us some extra motivation before travelling to Qatar. It also shows that every track is different and it’s going to be an exciting Championship. I want to keep the crown but it’s going to be hard. There are some great riders this year, I was surprised by Marquez’ pace and also with Valentino on his return to Yamaha. Dani is also so strong after the last part of the 2012 season. We will fight really hard from the first race, I believe we are in good shape for that. Losail is a track where we usually find a difficult track surface, plenty of sand and because of that it is always very tough with the tyres. We will see how we can perform there. I am feeling very fit and ready so I want to start!” said Jorge Lorenzo

Valentino Rossi still remains an engima. During pre-season testing he was albeit slower that his team mate and the Repsol Honda riders, except for once, but that was at Jerez, one of his favourite tracks. The Italian may be older, and two difficults seasons at Ducati may have sapped something from him, but he is still a pure race animal, and a prideful and cunning one at that, with a baggage of race tricks up his sleeve, so he and Marc Marquez will definitely be the two to watch Sunday evening.

Valentino Rossi said, “I’m very happy with the work done in Jerez and over the winter. I was fast and everything worked fine and we have a competitive bike to fight for the podium. I believe that in Qatar will not be so easy; it is a track that is a little difficult for me, but I think I can defend myself and get a good result. I would like to get on the podium: that’s my goal. After the testing I know I can be competitive in some tracks but also that I will have some problems in other tracks. The most important thing is that now I have a good feeling when I ride my M1 and this will help me at all tracks, including Qatar. Every year you get a little bit nervous at the beginning of the season. It’s normal to feel like that; it’s crucial to get some good points and not to make mistakes. I can’t wait to start this 2013 season.”

from TWOWHEELSBLOG

Vanson Leathers

An in depth look into what separates Vanson Leathers from the rest

Nissan GT-R hits 183 mph in Russia's Lake Baikal

 

294.8 km/h

A Nissan GT-R was able to reach a top speed of 183 mph (294.51 km/h) on the frozen Lake Baikal in Russia.
It took down the speed record on natural ice in Russia with a production car as the GT-R driven by Roman Rusinov had no modifications. Lake Bakal is a rift lake located in the south of the Russian region of Siberia, with a 395.2-mile (636 km) length and an area of 12.248 square miles (31,722 km²).
While that might not be as impressive as the Bentley Continental Supersports with its 205.48 mph (330.695 km/h) top speed or the Nokian Tyres-fitted Audi RS6 which achieved 208.60 mph (335.713 km/h), this is still a notable performance for the Nissan GT-R.

Source: Nissan
via Worldcarfans

OLD SCHOOL HURST GIRLS GONE WILD | GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES

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Linda Vaughn, the legendary “Miss Hurst Golden Shifter”

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Linda Vaughn, the lovely, leggy, legend of the auto racing scene from the 60′s through the early 80′s was better known as– Miss Hurst Golden Shifter. She was a trophy queen whose voluptuous looks and charm often stole the show at auto racing events she attended– SCCA, NASCAR, Indy & Formula One, among others.  Linda has been knocked by many for setting Women’s Lib back with her busty displays, but her passion for the sport ran deep and she had a major impact– not just in promoting the sponsors, but also in advancing women’s racing.  Vaughn earned her SCCA competition license at the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving and then got behind the wheel and raced.

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Linda Vaughn, the legendary “Miss Hurst Golden Shifter”

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Linda Vaughn, the legendary “Miss Hurst Golden Shifter”

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The Legendary Hurst Girls–  Marsha on left, Linda Vaughn in center & Nikki on right

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Linda Vaughn, the legendary “Miss Hurst Golden Shifter”

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Linda Vaughn, the legendary “Miss Hurst Golden Shifter”

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The legendary Linda Vaughn takes a ride prior to the start of a race at Road Atlanta in 1971.  via

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Billy Scott & the legendary “Miss Hurst Golden Shifter” Linda Vaughn

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Hurst Girls

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Linda Vaughn, the legendary “Miss Hurst Golden Shifter” driving the Hurst golf cart

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The legendary “Miss Hurst Golden Shifter” Linda Vaughn, 1971

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The legendary “Miss Hurst Golden Shifter” Linda Vaughn, 1971

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Hurst Girl, Nikki (nice Olds)

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The Legendary Hurst Girls, Marsha on left, Linda Vaughn in center & Nikki on right

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Linda Vaughn, the legendary “Miss Hurst Golden Shifter”

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Linda Vaughn, the legendary “Miss Hurst Golden Shifter”

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The Hurst Girls

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Linda Vaughn, the legendary “Miss Hurst Golden Shifter”

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Linda Vaughn, the legendary “Miss Hurst Golden Shifter”

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Linda Vaughn, the legendary “Miss Hurst Golden Shifter”

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Linda Vaughn, the legendary “Miss Hurst Golden Shifter”

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Jalopy Journal has an excellent Linda Vaughn thread that produced most of these incredible images

from the selvedge yard.

Yamaha Tricker 250 & Tricker XG TY-S 2013

Yamaha Tricker XG 250 TY-S 2013

Foto: Yamaha Japan via Planet Japan Blog

UNIMOG 4×4

The Unimog 4×4 is quite easily one of the most iconic off-road vehicles ever made, it sits alongside the Land Rover Series I/II/III/Defender, the original military Humvee and the Land Cruiser FJ40/FJ60 as a “proper” 4×4, with no traction control, no air-conditioning and most certainly no LCD TV screens.

The Unimog pictured here is currently for sale out of Orange County, California and is being offered as either an unrestored original (for $28,000) or alternatively, as a fully restored, better-than-new example (for $140,000). Either way it’s not everyday that a solid, 1955 Unimog comes along especially considering that this is only the 4th one off the production line in the 404.111 model run.

It isn’t widely known that the name “Unimog” is actually an acronym for “UNIversal-MOtor-Gerät” (gerät is the German word for “machine”). The Unimog was first designed in 1946 when Germany was still rebuilding after WWII, the original prototype was designed purely as an agricultural vehicle and as such had a track width of 1,270 millimetres, the exact width of 2 standard potato rows.

In 1951 Daimler-Benz took over the production of the Unimog and by 1955 the military spec Unimog 404 S was being produced in large numbers for the West German military who were rearming in the face of an accelerating Cold War. Militaries around the world would quickly see the potential uses for the German 4×4 and before long there were Unimogs in service with the Argentinian, British, Belgian, Danish, Dutch, French, Irish, Indonesian Army, Portuguese, Finnish, Estonian, Greek, Swiss, Chilean, Bolivian Naval Force, Mexican, Pakistani, Rhodesian, Singaporean armed forces as well as the Brazilian Marine Corps, the South African National Defence Force, the New Zealand Army, the Turkish Army, the Australian Army and the Chinese PLA.

One of the stand-out features of the Unimog is the high-ground clearance, this is made possible by the portal-gears located on each of the four corners, these gears allow the axles and transmission to be higher than the tires’ centres. Another interesting feature is the use of a flexible chassis, Unimogs use their chassis as a suspension element which helps to keep all four tires on the ground at the same time.

If you’re one of those vintage off-road enthusiasts (like us) you can hit the link here to check out this Unimog’s for sale listing, just be prepared to begin rationalising the sale of your wife’s Prius so you can afford to take it home.

Additional information provided by Vision Film Works and Wikipedia.

from Silodrome

Yamaha RZ 350 "FFE" by andbike

Foto: Flickr (andbike) via Racing Café