ACE CAFE RADIO

    mercredi 13 mai 2015

    WRC : Le Portugal retrouve le Nord / the Rally de Portugal heads north


    Après sept ans en Algarve et quatorze ans loin de Porto, le Rallye du Portugal retrouve le nord du pays et ses spéciales mythiques comme Fafe et Ponte de Lima. Près de 100 concurrents sont attendus pour cette 49e édition.
    Le Rallye du Portugal avait quitté Porto et sa région un bien triste dimanche de mars 2001 après une 35e édition marquée par des conditions météo épouvantables. Ce rallye, présent au calendrier mondial depuis 1973, avait alors été remplacé par le Rallye Deutschland.
    Ce n’est qu’en 2007 que le Rallye du Portugal a réintégré le WRC avec un parcours tracé au sud du pays, en Algarve, près de Faro. L’épreuve y est restée jusqu’en 2014 malgré d’incessantes rumeurs de retour au nord, finalement devenues effectives cette année. Quatorze ans après, le Rallye du Portugal retrouve donc la région de Porto et ses célèbres spéciales de Fafe, Ponte de Lima, Lousada qui seront, à n’en pas douter, noires de monde.
    Pour la plupart des pilotes WRC actuels, le parcours (352,06 km, 16 ES) sera donc 100 % nouveau. Le parc d’assistance est basé à Exponor de Matosinhos. La cérémonie de départ se tiendra dans la ville de Guimaraes, considérée comme le berceau de la nation portugaise, avant la Superspéciale (ES1) sur le circuit de Rallycross de Lousada. L’épreuve se conclura dimanche par un second passage dans Fafe et son célèbre jump.
    Après sa déroute argentine, on attend une vive réaction de l’équipe Volkswagen Motorsport. Sébastien Ogier, toujours confortable leader du championnat, visera une 5e victoire au Rallye du Portugal. Il égalerait ainsi le record de Markku Alén. Pour son équipier Jari-Matti Latvala, 9e du championnat à 65 points du leader, le titre 2015 semble déjà bien compromis, mais il doit retrouver la voie du succès.
    Le surprenant doublé des DS3 WRC/Michelin en Argentine (Meeke, Ostberg) a permis au team Citroën-Total Abu Dhabi de rester au contact de Hyundai et de Volkswagen au championnat Constructeurs, et à Mads Ostberg de s’installer à la 2e place du classement Pilotes devant son compatriote Mikkelsen et le Gallois Elfyn Evans qui pilotera la nouvelle Ford Fiesta RS WRC développée par M-Sport.
    Avec 27 engagés, la catégorie WRC-2 s’annonce très disputée entre Al-Attiyah (Ford), Al-Rajhi (Ford), Lefebvre (Citroën), Breen (Peugeot), Ketomaa (Ford), Lappi et Tidemand (Skoda), Camilli (Ford), Pärn (Ford, Koci (Peugeot), Maurin (Ford).... Toutes les voitures R5 homologuées FIA seront au départ de ce rallye. A suivre plus particulièrement les débuts mondiaux de la Skoda Fabia R5/Michelin.
    Le Rallye du Portugal 2015 compte également pour les championnats Junior et WRC-3 où 16 DS3 R3 Max sont attendues. Il servira aussi de manche inaugurale au Dmack Trophy 2015 avec 11 Ford Fiesta R2 engagées.
    After a seven-year stay in the Algarve, and a period of 14 years away from Porto, the Rally de Portugal returns to the north of the country. It means the return of such legendary stages as Fafe and Ponte de Lima. An entry of almost 100 is expected for the event’s 49th edition.
    The Rally de Portugal left the Porto region after a dark Sunday in March 2001 after days of horrendous weather. The following year, despite its being a WRC qualifier since 1973, it was replaced on the calendar by Rallye Deutschland.
    It was only in 2007 that the Rally de Portugal reappeared as a WRC round following a move south to the Algarve, near Faro. That’s where it remained until 2014, despite continuing rumours of a move back north. This year that has happened at last and the event will return to Porto and stages like Fafe, Ponte de Lima and Lousada that are certain to attract huge crowds.
    For the majority of today’s crop of drivers, the 16 stages (352.06km) will be entirely new. The service park will be based in Exponor de Matosinhos and the start ceremony will be held in Guimaraes (seen as the home of the Portuguese nation), before a super-special at Lousada’s Rallycross circuit. The rally will conclude on Sunday with two visits to Fafe and its famous jump.
    After the team’s disastrous Rally Argentina, Volkswagen Motorsport will be looking to bounce back. Sébastien Ogier, who still comfortably tops the Drivers’ standings, is targeting a fifth victory in Portugal which would equal the record of Markku Alén. Team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala is ninth in the championship, 65 points adrift, and will need a top result to remain in the title chase.
    Following the DS3 WRC’s surprising one-two finish in Argentina with Meeke and Ostberg, Citroën-Total Abu Dhabi/Michelin is close to Hyundai and VW in the Manufacturers’ points table, while Mads Ostberg is second in the Drivers’ series, ahead of fellow Norwegian Andreas Mikkelsen and Elfyn Evans. The Welshman will be driving the latest M-Sport-developed Ford Fiesta RS WRC for the first time.
    There are 27 entries for the WRC2 class which promises to see a big fight between Al-Attiyah (Ford), Al-Rajhi (Ford), Lefebvre (Citroën), Breen (Peugeot), Ketomaa (Ford), Lappi (Skoda), Tidemand (Skoda), Camilli (Ford), Pärn (Ford), Koki (Peugeot) and Maurine (Ford). All the different homologated R5 cars will be present, including the Skoda Fabia R5/Michelin which is making its world debut.
    The 2015 Rally de Portugal is also a round of the Junior and WRC3 championships and 16 DS3 R3 Max drivers are expected. The event will also serve as the opening clash of the 2015 DMack Trophy which will feature 11 Ford Fiesta R2s.d

    Rally des Pharaons day2 ; Vasilyev, Al Balooshi and Abu Issa dominant over the Sitra dunes


    vasilyev-zhiltsov (2)
    TIBNIYA – Vladimir Vasilyev among the cars, Mohammed Al Balooshi among the bikes and Mohammed Abu Issa among the quads are the winners of the second stage of the 2015 Pharaons Rally. The first drivers and riders have started at 6.00 am directly from the bivouac for the long stage of the day, 457 kilometres total, of which 343 of selective section. In the day menu the beautiful dunes of Sitra, North of the road that from Baharija takes to the remote Oasis of Siwa.
    _P6J7174
    van bohemen-polato
    Among the cars it has been the Russian Vladimir Vasilyev (Mini), that has been able to exploit his fourth position at the start in ending the special with the timing 03:17:42. For 1’22’’ he succeded to preced Nasser Al Attiyah (Mini), also today second although now new leader of the general classification. While in third position we find another Mini with Adam Malysz, behind more than two minutes from the winner. Fourth place for the first of the Toyota, the one of the Brazilian Reinaldo Varela, faster also than yesterday winner, the Saudi Yazeed Al Rajhi, late because stuck in a basin between two dunes.
    zapletal marton
    In the T2 cathegory, first place for the qatari sheik Al Thani, on the R-Team Nissan, in front of russian Maxim Kirpilev and of the italian Twins Aldo and Dario De Lorenzo.
    kirpilev-rudnitski
    Among the two wheels the same arrival order of yesterday, with Mohammed Balooshi (KTM) still winner with the total time 4:27:57. Second position for the polish Jakub Piatek (KTM), behind by 2’35’’ from the Emirates pilot, while the third position has gone to the Bolivian Juan Carlos Salvatierra (KTM), that has left 3’42’’ over the ground.
    juan carlos salvatierra (2)
    Diocleziano Toia (KTM), after the technical troubles yesterday (one tyre lost and then the exhaustion pipe) has reached the fourth position ahead of the first quad at the finish, also today the one of Mohammed Abu Issa (Honda). The Qatarian has gained six minutes over his rival Rafal Sonik (Yamaha), while adjusted between the two is Andrea Gaggiani. Excellent result for the Russian Anastasia Nifontova, ninth at the finish preceded by Stefano Chiussi.
    mohammed al balooshi (4)
    Vladimir Vasilyev (RUS – Mini): “Everything was ok today, we kept our own rithm until the end. We didn’t do any mistake and we drove at a good speed. It was a little bit difficult from the navigation point of view, but we didn’t do any mistake. We didn’t saw Nasser along the way, but we felt that he was not too far from us.”
    Nasser Al Attiyah (QAT – Mini): “It was very hard to navigate today, but everything went well. We catched Yazeed at km 65 and we went together until CP2, but then we decided to push and we left him behind. The result is good because we are first in overall and it’s also good that we don’t have to start first tomorrow.”
    al attiyah-baumel (1)
    Adam Malysz (POL – Mini): “It was a good stage. We made a small mistake after 5 km from the start, we went on a parallel track but we did not loose too much time to find the right way. Vasilyev reached us about at km 180 and then we drove together. We are globally very satisfied with today’s stage.”
    Yazeed Al Rajhi (SAU – Toyota): “At the beginning we were pushing at the limit, but not enough, because Nasser reached us. Around km 240 we got stuck in a ditch between two dunes and it was difficult to get out the car. It took more than five minutes. Actual Nasser’s advantage is not so big, so we will keep on pushing.“
    varela-gugelmin
    Mohammed Al Balooshi (ARE – KTM): “I choose the 6th starting position and it was paying. I reached Salvatierra at km 80. As I said yesterday it’s very important to build up the race: this is just the second day and it’s a long and hard rally.”
    Jakub Piatek (POL – KTM): “For me everything is new and at every race I have to learn a lot. I rode with Balooshi and Salvatierra and we arrived together at the finish. I like a lot this desert, very fast tracks, the dunes are nice and you can really enjoy the ride. I did not expect to be so fast, because Salvatierra and Balooshi have much more experience. Here we are at the same level and for me it’s a great experience.”
    enrico zoffoli (3)
    Juan Carlos Salvatierra (BOL – KTM): “Yesterday I opened the track until the other riders caught me. I finished third and this made my life hard, because I can only choose the fourth position in the starting order of the next day. While the other riders start back and they can reach me. With this regulation it’s very complicated for me to win the race, but I will fight until the end.”
    diocleziano toia (8)
    Rafal Sonik (POL – Yamaha): “At the end the stage was ok, but at the beginning I had some problems. After three km the road-book took me on a pist, while the others took another and they caught me. At the CP1 I had some electrical problems and I had some difficulties to turn the engine on. But I kept calm because I knew that the dunes were approaching and I rode very well. After the penalization of Abu Issa I’m leading the race, let’s see which strategy we will do.”
    jakub piatek


    Classement day2 

    Pos.HourCompetitorDriversNat.PriorCarCat.Cls
    Pos.HeureConcurrentConducteursNat.PriorVoitureGr.Cls
    107:00:00301G-ENERGY TEAMVASILYEV VLADIMIR
    ZHILTSOV KONSTANTIN
    RUS
    RUS
    FIAMINI ALL4 RACINGT12
    207:02:00302NASSER SALEH AL ATTIYAAL-ATTIYA NASSER
    BAUMEL MATHIEU
    QAT
    FRA
    FIAMINI ALL4 RACINGT12
    307:04:00307ORLEN TEAMMALYSZ ADAM
    PANSERI XAVIER
    POL
    FRA
    FIAMINI ALL4 RACINGT12
    407:06:00304OVERDRIVE RACINGVARELA REINALDO
    GUGELMIN GUSTAVO
    BRA
    BRA
    FIATOYOTA HILUX OVERDRIVET11
    507:08:00308YAZEED RACINGAL-RAJHI YAZEED
    GOTTSCHALK TIMO
    SAU
    DEU
    FIATOYOTA HILUX OVERDRIVET11
    607:10:00305ORLEN TEAMDABROWSKI MAREK
    CZACHOR JACEK
    POL
    POL
    FIATOYOTA HILUX OVERDRIVET11
    707:12:00306ZAPLETAL MIROSLAVZAPLETAL MIROSLAV
    MARTON MACIEJ
    CZE
    POL
    FIAH3 EVO VIIT11
    807:14:00303X-RAID TEAMVAN LOON ERIK
    ROSEGAAR WOUTER
    NLD
    NLD
    FIAMINI ALL4 RACINGT12
    907:16:00310MOBILEX RACING TEAMSAZONOV YURIY
    SAKHIMOV ARSLAN
    KAZ
    KAZ
    HUMMER H3 EVOT11
    1007:18:00319OPEL DAKAR TEAMSZALAY BALAZS
    LAKLOTH ALADAR
    HUN
    HUN
    OPEL MOKKAT11
    1107:19:00311ERIC MOZASMOZAS ERIC
    DELAUNAY SEBASTIEN
    FRA
    FRA
    POLARIS RZR 1000T32





    Moto
    Pos.HeureConcurrentTeamNat.MotoCat
    106:00:0010SALVATIERRA JUAN CARLOSKTM WARSAW RALLY TEAMBOLKTM RALLY REPLICA 450450
    206:02:0011PIATEK JAKUBORLEN TEAMPOLKTM BIKE450
    306:04:007BALOOSHI MOHAMMEDKTM UAEAREKTM RALLY BIKE 450450
    406:06:0069TOIA DIOCLEZIANOCROSS PARTSITAKTM 450 RALLY450
    506:08:00102ABU-ISSA MOHAMMEDABUISSA RACINGQATHONDA TRX 680QUAD
    606:10:0014GAGGIANI ANDREAFZ FACTORYITAKTM RALLY REPLICA 450450
    706:12:00100SONIK RAFALSONIK TEAMPOLYAMAHA RAPTOR 700QUAD
    806:14:0013NIFONTOVA ANASTASIYAVEB RACINGRUSHUSQVARNA 450FE450
    906:16:00153LECIS ALVISLVAKTM 500 EXCOPEN
    1006:18:00151CHIUSSI STEFANOFZ FACTORYITAHUSQVARNA FE501OPEN
    mohammed abu issa (7)

    Ruck Out Hawaii

    Who’s ready for Ruck Out Long Beach? Ruck Out Long Beach will be held in conjunction with POW WOW Long Beach on June 27, 2015. Stay tuned for more information @RuckOut on Instagram!
    In the meantime, check out the behind the scenes video from our Ruck Out Hawaii x In4mation - I Shall Proceed and Continue photo shoot featuring the beautiful Melody Yoko Reilly, Knockaround Sunglasses, and incredible photography from BRANDON SHIGETA…… Aloha!


    Ruck Out Hawaii x In4mation x Brandon Shigeta from Garrett Kai on Vimeo.

    4é edition de "Bread and Salam"


    1987 R80RT1 Cafe racer. by Le French Atelier











    Is the Brooklands the most collectable modern Bentley?

    Speculating on whether a car will enjoy future classic status is an everyday occurrence for collectors and enthusiasts. Here at Classic Driver, we’re inclined to think the Bentley Brooklands is one such vehicle…

    Timed with a recession

    Unveiled to the public at the 2007 Geneva Auto Show, the entirely hand-made Bentley Brooklands enjoyed a four-year production lifespan from 2008 to 2011. At launch, a total of 550 examples were planned; however, only around 430 were actually sold – partly due to its being launched at a time of recession. It was also rather expensive, at £230,000 in standard specification.

    Two-door sporting coupé

    Taking its name from the banked Surrey racing circuit where Bentley scored many victories in pre-War days, each car required more than 650 man-hours to build, around 130 of which were spent on welding the body alone. There are many amazing facts that surround the Brooklands, a car that – given its timing and lineage with pre-VW-era models such as the Azure and Continental R  is uniquely positioned in the brand’s history. Look even further into Bentley’s history books and the Brooklands shares much in common with the Mulliner-bodied R Type Continental of the early 50s: a sporting, two-door coupé and the first Bentley designed to carry four at speeds of over 100mph, in great comfort. Don’t believe us? Bentley Motors quietly bought a stunning 1952 example in 2000 to form part of its heritage fleet; such is its landmark importance to its modern-day coupé-model lineage.

    A car from the old school

    Received with universal acclaim in the UK, the Brooklands was praised by journalists for its muscular drivetrain, genuine driver-friendliness, gloriously appointed cabin and, most importantly, for the way it made its occupants feel – arguably a secret weapon of sorts in ‘future classic’ credentials. Which begs the question: in a market where sub-£30k used Bentleys are commonplace, is the Brooklands the last truly collectable Bentley? We put this exact question to Derek Bennett of Jack Barclay Bentley, Mayfair's and indeed the world's longest running official Bentley dealer. "I would have to agree. The Brooklands is a Bentley through and through. Built from the ground up, entirely by hand at Crewe, it's certainly a car from the old school; a coach-built Bentley made in the traditional way. A low-mileage, Bentley Pre-Owned example, represents a sound and enjoyable investment in my opinion.”

    Havana Project

    Launched before the current Mulsanne flagship, the two-door Brooklands retained the brand’s legendary L Series 6.75-litre twin-turbo V8, with power upped to 530bhp and 1,050Nm of torque – the highest torque figure produced from a production V8 petrol engine in 2008. A clichéd superlative? Perhaps, but more than that, it reinforced the maker’s philosophy that Bentley cars should always offer power in reserve. It also helped the 5.4m long, 2665kg Grand Tourer achieve its 0-60mph time of five seconds and top speed of 184mph. Bennett adds, “Prior to launch, the Brooklands was known as the ‘Havana Project’ internally; perhaps due to its elegant, cigar-shaped bodywork or because it was designed to provide the ideal environment in which to enjoy a Cuban cigar on the move.”
    Looking at the evidence, the model offers exclusivity, pedigree and the air of a car-maker that was flexing its muscles at a time when the rest of the car industry was tightening its purse strings. As a feat of craftsmanship and engineering capability, it pushed boundaries in its day and still impresses today. For this reason, in our opinion, Bentley’s most recent swansong and crowning achievement is, indeed, named Brooklands.
    Photos: Michael Bailie for Classic Driver Bentley Brooklands book
    Learn more about this exquisite car in the Classic Driver Bentley Brooklands book.

    Pedrosa de retour pour l'épreuve du Mans


    Le pilote du team Repsol Honda sera présent en France ce week-end après avoir manqué les trois dernières courses.


    Dani Pedrosa a confirmé sur son blog officiel, sur repsol.com, qu’il serait de retour en piste ce week-end au Monster Energy Grand Prix de France pour la première fois depuis son opération de l’avant-bras droit qui avait suivi la première manche de la saison au Qatar.
    Pedrosa a écrit sur son blog :
    Bonjour tout le monde,
    Je suis vraiment content de reprendre contact avec vous tous aujourd’hui sur mon blog et d’avoir de bonnes nouvelles à vous donner. 
    Ma récupération se passe bien, je pense que j’ai eu raison de patienter, de prendre mon temps et de respecter les délais dont j’avais besoin. Je peux maintenant enfin annoncer que je serai au Mans ce week-end.
    Je suis vraiment impatient de remonter sur ma moto, ce dont vous pouvez vous douter.
    Il ne s’agit cependant pas que de ça. Je suis aussi ravi de pouvoir retrouver le team et de travailler à nouveau avec tout le monde. C’est une belle équipe.
    Je tiens à remercier tout le monde pour les innombrables messages de soutien que vous m’avez envoyés. Ils ont rendu cette attente bien plus facile. Vous avez toujours été avec moi. Et comme vous me l’avez toujours rappelé, je n’ai jamais été seul !

    POLARIS RZR XP 900 S

    2015POLARISRZR900S_SPREAD
    As a leader in recreation, sport and extreme-performance UTVs, Polaris doesn’t like to lose in any category. So when the Arctic Cat 700 Trail threatened the dominance of the original RZR 800s and 800 S 760cc twin, Polaris scrapped the inline twin in favor of ProStar technology and went with RZR XP chassis upgrades to create the all-new, 50-inch 2015 RZR 900 and 60-inch 900 S. While the Trail and Sport 900s are a bit detuned from the no-longer-produced XP 900’s 88-horsepower Prostar twin, the new 900 RZRs are lighter and have better power-to-weight ratios. Plus, they have updated cabins with more room and creature comforts. For 2015, the new RZR 900 covers the 50-inch segment; the new 900 XC Edition has a 55-inch width with EBS, Versa-Trak unlocking rear diff and IDD display; and the S 900 covers the 60-inch segment. Let’s dive into the S 900 now and we’ll report on the others later.
    2015POLARISRZR900S_COVER
    WHAT’S AN RZR S 900 EPS?
    It’s way different from the RZR XP 900, although they share the ProStar 875cc inline twin engine. From the rear cage upright and forward, the S 900’s chassis, bodywork and cabin are shared with the XP1K, giving the 900 much more elbow and legroom in the cockpit than the original RZR 800. Front A-arms are shorter to deliver a 60-inch width, and they work with Fox Podium X 2.0 piggyback shocks to deliver 12.25 inches of front travel. Instead of XP-style trailing arms, the new S 900 has dual A-arm independent rear suspension with an anti-sway bar and Fox Podium X 2.0 piggyback shocks to deliver 13.2 inches of travel. Wheelbase is 2 inches longer at 79 inches, and the S 900s sport 27-inch tires instead of 26 inches ones like the old 800 S. Also, the 900 line gets a new, stiffer steering wheel and tighter turning radius thanks to a quicker-steering ratio (two turns, lock to lock).
    The new S 900 also sports the new close-ratio front differential that engages and locks quicker, and the frame is much more rigid than that of the original RZR 800. It also shares the dash with center storage area, backlit instrument panel, a larger glove box with new door latch, quarter doors, floor dead pedals, removable drains, and bolstered seats with Keep-Dry technology. Three-point seat belts have a new top mount to prevent neck chafing, and the buckles are improved. All-new 900 models also get the 1000’s larger 9.5-gallon fuel cell for extended fuel range, and the bigger XP-size battery has a 44 amp-hour capacity for powering accessories and 575 cold-cranking amps.
    HOW DOES COST COMPARE?
    The White Lightning S 900 without EPS is $14,699, while EPS S 900s are $16,499. The 2015 60-inch Can-Am Maverick 1000 X xc DPS is $18,299, while the new Wildcat 700 Sport is $13,399–$13,999 for non-EPS models and $15,699 for the EPS Limited Edition. The RZR 900 XC edition is $17,299.
    WDP_9355_Polaris2014__
    WHAT KIND OF POWER DOES IT HAVE?
    Rocket-sled power. Not only does the DOHC ProStar 875cc produce 75 horsepower, it has the best powerto- weight ratio of any RZR, with 6.1 horsepower for every 100 pounds of weight. That’s 40 percent more power and 14 percent more torque than the RZR 800 S it replaces. When you stab the throttle pedal, it responds immediately with the same transmission whine as an XP1K, but it’s 151 pounds lighter. The new S 900 rips from turn to turn, revs out to 70 mph and has plenty of ponies to turn larger tires.
    WHAT ABOUT THE 4WD DELIVERY?
    It’s better than the original RZR 800’s! With the ProStar engine comes a highergrade transmission and CVT clutch and belt, and a new low-range ratio improves the package with 40-plus-mph top speed. That means fewer stops to change ratios when terrain changes. The new close-ratio, quick-engaging front diff also improves traction and the overall ride, and the CV axles are upgraded to handle the extra power as well, improving durability. It’s all top-shelf.
    WDP_3534_Polaris-2014
    HOW DOES THE 60-INCH RZR HANDLE?
    Like a scalpel. We spent a day at Coral Pink Dunes and a day rock crawling at Hog Canyon 4×4 trails in Kanab, Utah, before hitting our regular UTV test grounds in California. The S 900 EPS is more agile than the 800 in tight stuff, thanks to the quicker steering ratio and despite the longer wheelbase, which adds to straight-line stability. The S 900 also has more travel and higher-grade suspension than the 800 S, and the more rigid tubular XP1K-based frame keeps handling predictable. It’s a blast on USFS roads, dunes and desert, and it rock crawls with confidence. It also has a 1.5-inchwider rear track than the 800 S yet retains its 60-inch width.
    WDP_3569_Polaris-2014
    WHAT ABOUT THE ALL-NEW SUSPENSION?
    Also razor-sharp. While the 50-inch 900 has only preload-adjustable shocks (ditto the 800 and 800 S), the S 900 sports Fox Podium X 2.0 piggyback shocks with a compression-adjuster knob to quickly tune damping to trail conditions. Shock spring and damping rates are excellent for most conditions, and there’s more travel than with the old 800 S. Front travel on the S 900 is 12.25 inches, and the IRS rear delivers 13.2 inches of travel. Rear A-arms get a torsion bar to fight body roll, while the 50-inch 900 has front and rear sway bars.
    DSC_3892
    WHERE IS THE NEW S 900 EPS HAPPIEST?
    Flicking from corner to corner, no matter where those corners are or what they’re made of. The S 900 is a blast to drive on mountain roads, USFS trails, dunes, wide-open desert and even tight trails. It’s a great duner, rock crawler and mud machine all in one. Ground clearance is 12.5 inches, and HCR Racing and High Lifter are already working on increasing clearance.
    HOW ABOUT THE BRAKES?
    Also XP-grade! The S 900 has dualbore hydraulic front calipers and singlepuck rear calipers that are XP-strong, as are the eight-ply GBC Dirt Commander 27-inch meats. It stops as fast as it goes.
    WDP_3574_Polaris-2014
    WHAT ABOUT TRAIL COMFORT?
    It’s much better than the original RZR 800. EPS S 900s get a driver’sseat- adjustable seat rail, and the bolstered XP-style seats provide a much better platform and more secure seating position. A new thin film layer under the cover keeps the rider drier in wet conditions. The XP1K-size cab has more elbow room, and the longer wheelbase provides an inch more legroom. Molded-in dead pedals provide better footing, and there are two removable drains in the floor. Quarter doors are much better than the old nets, and new top harness mounts prevent inward rotation to prevent neck chafing. We also like the new steering wheel, glove box and center storage, and the rear-cage cross-member has mounts for harnesses. The S 900 even has a blue LED light under the dash like the XP1K.
    WDP_8357_Polaris2014
    WHAT IS OUR FINAL ANSWER?
    As awesome and game-changing as the original RZR 800 and 800 S were, the next-generation RZR 900s are incredible replacements. The RZR S 900 has great acceleration and braking, and the suspension and handling are also next level. Not only is the cabin much bigger and more comfortable, the seats and belts are much more comfortable. The frame even has inside-the-tube wiring routes for adding a winch or roof light bar, and the new S 900 shares many of the 275 PURE Polaris RZR accessories with the XP1K.
    DSC_3918
    SPECS
    2015 POLARIS RZR S 900 EPS 4X4
    ENGINE/TRANSMISSION
    Engine type Liquid-cooled, 8-valve, DOHC 4-stroke twin
    Displacement ………………………………………. 875cc
    Bore x stroke ………………….. 93mm x 64.4mm (x2)
    Compression ratio …………………………………10.6:1
    Lubrication system ……………………………Wet sump
    Additional cooling …………………………………Auto fan
    Induction ……………………… 46mm EFI throttle body
    Starting/back-up …………………………… Electric/none
    Starting procedure …………………Turn ignition switch
    Air filter:
    Type ………………………………………….. Paper pleat
    Access …………….Tool-less, remove engine panel &
    undo 2 straps
    Transmission ……………… Dual-range CVT w/ reverse
    Reverse procedure……….Move range selector to “R”
    Drive system . Selectable 2WD/4WD w/ auto diff-lock
    Final drives …………………………………………..Shafts
    DIMENSIONS/CAPACITIES/WEIGHTS
    Fuel capacity ……………………………………… 9.5 gal.
    Wheelbase …………………………………………….79.0”
    Overall length/width/height …………… 106”/60”/71.5”
    Ground clearance …………………………………….12.5”
    Claimed dry weight ……………………………. 1,228 lb.
    Bed weight limit…………………………………… 300 lb.
    Hitch ……………………………………………………….No
    Towing limit…………………………………………….. N/A
    ROLLING CHASSIS
    Frame ……………………………………Steel round tube
    Suspension/wheel travel:
    Front ………………… Dual A-arm w/ prel./comp.-adj.
    Fox 2.0 shocks/12.25”
    Rear …………..IRS Trailing-arms w/ prel./comp.-adj.
    Fox 2.0 shocks/13.2”
    Brakes/actuation:
    Front ………………….. Hydraulic discs/left-side pedal
    Rear ………………….. Hydraulic discs/left-side pedal
    Parking …………………………………..Lever on console
    Tires:
    Front …………….AT 27×9-12 GBC Dirt Commander
    Rear ……………AT 27×12-12 GBC Dirt Commander
    ELECTRICAL
    DC outlet ………………………………………….. Console
    Lighting:
    Front …………………2 LED 55/60W hi/lo headlights
    Rear ………………………… Dual LED brake/tail lights
    DETAILS
    Instrumentation …Speed/odo/trip/hour/rpm/fuel/gear/
    clock/2WD-4WD
    Colors …….. White Lightning, EPS Havasu Red Pearl,
    Black Pearl, Ti Matte Metallic
    Minimum recommended operator age ………………16
    Suggested retail price ……..$14,699; EPS, $16,499
    Contact …………………………Polaris, (800) POLARIS

    See all Quentin Tarantino’s car scenes in one clip

    Quentin Tarantino is widely known as the inventor of the ‘trunk shot’ – a camera angle from within the boot of a car. Cars play an important role in many of his films, but not all end in a bloodbath. This short video clip summarises the most important driving scenes…

    Throughout Tarantino’s filmography, if not throughout movie history, the ‘Quarterpounder with cheese’ dialogue between John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson in Pulp Fiction is one of the most famous car scenes. Cars also play a critical role in Reservoir Dogs, Jackie Brown, and Kill Bill. Here, Tarantino fan Jacob T. Swinney has cut the most famous and beautiful scenes together. Enjoy!
    Video: Vimeo

    Subaru: At Road's End - Southern Oregon

                                          
    The isolated beaches of Southern Oregon are as beautiful as they come, and nobody knows their gifts like renowned kiteboarder Will Brady, who's called this stunning stretch home for more than 25 years. Today, he shares the spoils with his sons Reed and Josh, and life really couldn't be better.

    Subaru: At Road's End - Southern Oregon from GrindTV on Vimeo.

    VNL, 24H Nürbur : Des Audi R8 LMS en vedette mais la concurrence n’est pas en reste !

    vln-2015-04-25-055
    par Laurent Mercier (Endurance-Info.com)
    Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Mercedes, Nissan, Porsche. Au moins sept marques sont en lice pour succéder à Audi Sport Team Phoenix au palmarès des 24 Heures du Nürburgring, dont la 43ème édition se déroulera du 14 au 17 mai. Depuis que les GT3 (SP9) ont pris le dessus, Audi (Phoenix) mène par deux victoires à une face à Mercedes (Black Falcon).
    Forte d’une victoire lors du dernier rendez-vous VLN avec sa nouvelle R8 LMS, la marque aux quatre anneaux alignera quatre nouveaux modèles, deux chez Audi Sport Team WRT, deux chez Audi Sport Team Phoenix. Basé au bord de la Nordschleife, le team dirigé par Ernst Moser fera rouler Christopher Haase, Christian Mamerow, René Rast et Markus Winkelhock sur la R8 LMS #1, soit le même quatuor victorieux qu’en 2014. La #2 verra en découdre Marc Basseng, Marcel Fässler, Mike Rockenfeller et Frank Stippler. Face à eux, les troupes belges de Vincent Vosse ont de sérieux atouts avec Christopher Mies, Edward Sandström, Nico Müller et Laurens Vanthoor d’un côté, et Nicki Thiim, Christer Jöns, Pierre Kaffer et Laurens Vanthoor de l’autre. Peu d’Audi R8 LMS ultra pour donner la réplique, si ce n’est les deux du Audi race experience. vln-2015-04-25-007
    Cela fait plusieurs années que BMW tourne autour d’un succès dans l’Eifel et pour la dernière année de la Z4 GT3, BMW Motorsport a mis les petits plats dans les grands, où comme chez Audi quatre équipages en découdront pour la victoire. BMW Sports Trophy Team Marc VDS aura en charge deux BMW avec Maxime Martin, Lucas Luhr, Markus Palttama et Richard Westbrook sur la #25, et Augusto Farfus, Jörg Müller, Nick Catsburg et Dirk Adorf sur la #26. Malchanceux ces dernières années, l’équipe emmenée par Bas Leinders espère bien conjurer le sort. Dans le camp du BMW Sports Trophy Team Schubert, Dirk Müller, Alexander Sims, Dirk Werner et Marco Wittmann défendront les chances de la #19. On retrouvera sur la #20 Dominik Baumann, Claudia Hürtgen, Jens Klingmann et Martin Tomczyk. Le Walkenhorst Motorsport alignera également une paire de BMW Z4 GT3 avec notamment John Edwards et Ferdinand Stück.
    Lauréat de l’épreuve en 2013, Mercedes a une revanche à prendre avant la sortie de la AMG-GT3. On sait que la SLS AMG GT3 est souvent intraitable sur un double tour d’horloge, à commencer par celles du Black Falcon. Yelmer Buurman, Andreas Simonsen, Adam Christodoulou et Bernd Schneider se partageront le baquet de la #2, la #5 étant confiée à Abdulaziz Al Faisal, Hubert Haupt, Yelmer Buurman et Jaap Van Lagen. ROWE Racing pourra aussi jouer les premiers rôles avec deux équipages très relevés composés de Maro Engel, Jan Seyffarth, Renger van der Zande et Thomas Jäger sur la #22, Klaus Graf, Christian Hohenadel, Nico Bastian et Thomas Jäger sur la #23. Attention également au Zakspeed Racing qui aura dans ses rangs Sebastian Asch, Tom Coronel, Luca Ludwig et Christian Vietoris. Malchanceux lors du dernier round VLN, Haribo Racing Team a une revanche à prendre. Rob Huff aura un double programme avec WTCC et 24 Heures sur la Mercedes du Team Premio en compagnie de Kenneth Heyer, Philip Frommenwiler et Christian Krognes.
    vln-2015-04-25-066
    La dernière victoire de Porsche remonte à 2011 et les 911 GT3-R ne vont pas avoir la partie facile cette année. La plus en vue pourrait bien être celle du Falken Motorsports de Peter Dumbreck, Alexandre Imperatori, Martin Ragginger et Wolf Henzler. Le Frikadelli Racing aura une bonne carte à jouer avec Patrick Pilet, Jörg Bergmeister, Patrick Huisman et Sabine Schmitz. Richard Lietz trouvera refuge sur la Porsche 911 GT3-RSR (SP-PRO) du Wochenspiegel Team Manthey. Michael Christensen, Sven Müller, Matteo Cairoli et Christoph Breuer se partageront quant à eux le baquet d’une Porsche 911 GT3 Cup du Manthey Racing.
    Bentley Motors et Bentley Team HTP auront la volonté de faire briller les Continental GT3 avec des pilotes du calibre de Jeroen Bleekemolen, Lance David Arnold, Guy Smith, Steven Kane ou Andy Meyrick. Chez Aston Martin, cela fait plusieurs années que l’on veut rafler la mise mais la classique de l’Eifel s’est toujours refusée à AMR. Pour cette campagne 2015, deux V12 Vantage seront engagées avec Jonny Adam, Richie Stanaway et Matthias Lauda sur la #6, Stefan Mücke, Darren Turner et le quadruple vainqueur Pedro Lamy sur la #7. Deux Nissan GT-R GT3 NISMO à suivre, dont celle du Schulze Motorsport de Jordan Tresson.
    vln-2015-04-25-069
    On suivra avec intérêt les débuts de la SCG 003C où deux autos rouleront dans la catégorie SP-X avec Franck Mailleux. Dominique Nury et Fabrice Reicher feront cause commune sur la BMW Serie 1 du MSC-Rhön.
    Les pilotes devront se familiariser avec les nouvelles règles, notamment une vitesse limitée dans plusieurs portions du circuit. Il faudra donc être rapide mais aussi très attentif en piste.