Frogeye Sprite Austin Healey the first of several Sprite models

Frogeye Sprite Austin Healey

Frogeye Sprite Austin Healey the first of several Sprite models.

The Austin Healey Sprite which was introduced in 1958 was a diminutive roadster with an unmistakable headlight arrangement.
The prominent headlights were initially intended to be flip-up units. However the cost of retractable headlights was to high, and instead they were fixed in what would have been the 'up' position. Their unusual location gave rise to the cars affectionate nickname, the "Frogeye" Sprite.
The Austin Healey Sprite MK I was powered by a 1.0 litre, inline, four cylinder engine which developed a grand total of 43 horsepower. Coupled to a four speed manual gearbox it was capable of propelling the car up to 84 mph.
The Frogeye Sprite (which was discontinued in 1961) was the first of several Sprite models. In 1962 the MK II Austin Healey Sprite was introduced. The MK II introduced several updates, the most noticeable of which was a more conventional headlight layout. From 1961 the Austin Healey Sprite was also sold as the MG Midget.

Vortex Sports Cars New Race Ready F1 Track Car

Vortex Sports Cars New Race Ready F1 Track Car

It is an upgraded version of General Motors. With Ariel Atom – the Vortex F1 is ready for battle. One of the new brands who are at 2010 SEMA Show to make their presence felt is Seattle-based Vortex Motors. And, they mesmerized us, for sure, with their new race ready F1 track car, dubbed the F1 Turn Key.

Vortex Motors – a new outfit that calls Seattle home – is using the SEMA Show as a coming-out party for the F1. The standard version, the F1 Turn Key, is sourced from an upgraded version of General Motors' turbocharged 2.0-liter Ecotec inline-four running through a six-speed manual transmission. Output is rated at 290 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque, but Vortex Sports Cars New Race Ready F1 Track Car will also sell an Ultimate version, bumping those numbers up to 330 and 360, respectively.

Vortex Sports Cars New Race Ready F1 Track Car

The all new F1 racer features a body constructed from out of a mix of fiberglass and aluminum, with carbon fiber available as an option. The car sits on 17-inch wheels at all four corners, riding on 275/40-series tires up front and beefy 315/35 rubber out back. The racer weighs 1400 pounds and aims to achieve 0-60mph in just 2.7 seconds and a quarter-mile run of just 10.5 seconds at 130 miles per hour.

Vortex Sports Cars New Race Ready F1 Track Car

The whole package can be yours for $49,995 for the Turn Key or $69,995 for the Ultimate. In addition to adding more power, the Ultimate also uses a fully carbon fiber body, upgraded brakes, wheels and tires, improved steering, carbon fiber seats and a sequential six-speed gearbox. Vortex says that it is also planning a fully electric version of the F1, with a targeted weight of only 1,300 pounds. We'd gladly pit it against a Tesla Roadster in a drag race any day.

Vortex Sports Cars New Race Ready F1 Track Car

2010 Aston Martin Sports Car Rapide Nurburgring Race Car

The Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring race car has been unveiled today and the company says it will make its debut in the 24-Hour event that will take place on 15/16 May 2010. Previously, Aston Martin has competed in the Nurburgring 24-Hour race with the V8 Vantage and the V12 Vantage. for this year, the British brand goes four-door.

Aston Martin Rapide

For all those who thought Aston Martin had somehow gone soft by offering a four-door saloon, the famed British marque plans to prove the new Rapide is no slouch by entering it in the 38th ADAC Nurburgring 24-hour race on May 15-16. Piloting the vehicle win the grueling race will be none other than Aston Martin’s CEO Dr. Ulrich Bez, who at age 66 can still give the young guns a run for their money. Aston, with Bez at the wheel, has won top honors in the race’s production-based SP8 category for the past two years with versions of the Vantage coupe.

The Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring will been entered in the race as company's Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez considers this event represents the ultimate durability test for any sports car.

The Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring is extremely close to the production car. The only differences between the Aston Martin Rapide Nurburgring and the production model include the removal of interior trim to save weight, re-tuned suspension and slick tires.

PRESS RELEASE:

Aston Martin Rapide to contest gruelling Nürburgring 24-hour Race

Gaydon, Warwickshire 6 April 2010. Aston Martin will return to the starting grid of the legendary Nordschleife circuit for the fifth consecutive year at the 38th ADAC Nürburgring 24-hour race on 15/16 May 2010 with the marque's new four-door sports car; the Rapide.

Further underlining the sporting credentials of Aston Martin's latest model, the Rapide will compete in the demanding 24-hour race - as has been the case with other recent Aston Martin road cars, the V8 Vantage and V12 Vantage. The Rapide will compete in near-standard specification apart from mandatory changes required to compete in this most demanding of endurance races and will be driven by a team of engineers from the company's Gaydon headquarters in Warwickshire, England.

Aston Martin Chief Executive, Dr Ulrich Bez who will lead the Rapide driver team, explained: "This race represents the ultimate final engineering durability test for any sports car - it subjects the car to the toughest possible assessment under public scrutiny. "The Rapide has the capability to carry four people in comfort but first and foremost it is a sports car and we will subject it to the same tests we would our other sports cars. We already have a proven track record at the Nürburgring racing our road cars with limited modification and in recent years we have enjoyed success in winning the SP8 class both in 2008 and 2009."

The Rapide race car will be close to production standard with only essential race safety modifications, interior trim removed to reduce weight, re-tuned suspension and will run on slick tyres designed for track use. The Aston Martin Rapide encapsulates the values of Aston Martin in pure four-door sports car form with an unrivalled combination of performance, comfort, craftsmanship and exceptionally elegant design. Since the Rapide's original premiere at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009 the car has gone on to win the widespread approval of customers and media commentators alike, prompting strong global demand for the car. Deliveries of the Rapide commence later this month through Aston Martin's 125-strong global dealership network.

The Rapide race car will be joined by a V12 Vantage - again modified only slightly for racing - which in 2009 swept to a class win on its competitive race debut. The near production standard V12 Vantage - which finished in 21st place overall last year - saw off competition from a field of largely specialist race cars in the SP8 class to claim an impressive debut win.

Further details on the V12 Vantage and the full driver line-ups for both Aston Martin entries plus details on a number of customer teams competing in the race will follow in the coming weeks.

The 38th ADAC Nürburgring 24 hour race will take place on 15/16 May 2010.

Aeon Sports Cars GT3 Aero

The GT3 Aero from Aeon Sportscars based in Kent, England, is a 3 seat kit car powered by a wide range of engines. The Aeon GT3 Aero, like its hard top sibling the GT3 Coupe, has an unusual 3 seat layout with a central driving position, however the car is also available in a conventional 2 seat version called the GT2 Aero.

Aeon Sports Cars GT3 Aero

Aeon was founded in 2000 by Keith Wood and John Hewitt to design and build a three-seater track/road car. John and Keith have a wealth of experience between them. John comes from an engineering background, serving his apprenticeship with the M.o.D. In his early years he built and raced karts and trials cars, and for the last 17 years has prepared cars and competed in sprints and hill climbs. Keith started his career as an apprentice in a drawing office, but for the past 18 years has owned and run a company that manufactures specialist off-road, amenity, agricultural and four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Aeon Sports Cars GT3 Aero

The steel spaceframe chassis of the Aeon GT3 Aero (which is identical to the GT3 Coupe chassis) commonly houses a 2-litre Ford Duratec four-cylinder engine or the 2.5-litre Ford Duratec V6 engine, although other units from a variety of front-wheel drive donors can be fitted to the mid-engined Aeon.

Aeon Sports Cars GT3 Aero

The bodywork of the Aeon GT3 Aero was developed with the help of MIRA's wind tunnel. MIRA is a world leading vehicle testing facility based in Warwickshire, England.

The seven piece fibre-glass body of the Aeon GT3 Coupe is supplied in white gel coat ready for painting.

Aeon Sports Cars GT3 Aero

Year (of specifications)     2009

Engine     various inc, 1.8 Audi, duratech V6

Transmission     RWD

Max speed     -

0-60 mph     -

Horsepower     various ranging from 160 - 280 bhp

weight     -

2011 Chevrolet Sports Cars Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition

Today, GM has given news that they will make a track oriented version of the Z06 called the Carbon Limited Edition, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Corvette racing at the 24 Hours of LeMans. The Chevrolet Corvette has an ala-cart selection of options. There is base model, the Grand Sport which used the base LS3 engine with some Z06 goodies, the Z06 and it’s 7 liter motor, and the world-class ZR1.

2011 Chevrolet Sports Cars Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition

When the 2006 Corvette Z06 was introduced, it represented the closest connection to the Corvette race cars ever. The 2009 Corvette ZR1 closed the gap between racing and production even further. In 2010, Corvette continues its tradition of track-to-street technology transfer with the 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition. "Designed to further incorporate technology developed through racing, the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition is a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Corvette's first race in the 24 Hours of LeMans," said Jim Campbell, Chevrolet General Manager. "With a limited production of 500 units, this car is a must-have for the true Corvette collector and driving enthusiast."

2011 Chevrolet Sports Cars Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition

The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition is another example of the expanded Corvette line-up. Five years ago, customers had the choice of a Corvette coupe or convertible. With the addition of the Z06, Grand Sport coupe and convertible and ZR1, Corvette enthusiasts now have more choices than ever.

2011 Chevrolet Sports Cars Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition

This limited edition Z06 will boast Brembo carbon ceramic brakes with specific dark gray metallic calipers. These powerful brakes were first introduced on the ZR1. Black 20-spoke 19-inch front/20-inch rear wheels complement the car's Michelin PS2 tires. Other mechanical features include Magnetic Selective Ride Control for the first time on the Z06 and enhanced cooling. The car also features a special carbon pattern engine cover.

2011 Chevrolet Sports Cars Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition

The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition will be available in two colors: Inferno Orange and the all-new Supersonic Blue. Black headlamps and mirrors, a ZR1-style body color spoiler, body color door handles, carbon fiber raised hood, and black carbon fiber rockers and splitter enhance the Z06's dynamic design and reduce mass and aerodynamic lift. For track events, customers can also install the Euro-styled racing numbers that come with each car. An optional Z07 performance package that includes the mechanical upgrades introduced on the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition can be added to a regular 2011 Z06. This package also includes Competition Gray 20-spoke wheels and all the chassis and cooling upgrades.

2011 Chevrolet Sports Cars Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition

The CFZ Z06 carbon fiber package includes black carbon fiber rockers, splitter and roof panel with the full-width body color spoiler. It can also be purchased with or without the Z07 package on regular Z06 models. The 2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Carbon Limited Edition, as well as the new Z07 and CFZ Z06 option packages will be available in late summer of 2010.

2010 McLaren MP4-25 Race Car

While yesterday was Ferrari's turn to present his car, McLaren did today. The team presented the MP4-25, the model that will run Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button in the Formula 1 season starting on March 14 in Bahrain. The McLaren team that will be the last two world champions in Formula 1, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. According to the company, the 'MP4-25', is a car that carries the British team has worked "more than ever" to tackle "an exciting year."

2010 McLaren MP4-25 Race Car   

The McLaren Mercedes team launched its new car for the 2010 season on Friday morning, with the target of clinching both titles after a mixed campaign in 2009. The Mercedes-powered MP4-25 was unveiled at Vodafone UK's headquarters in Newbury. The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team revealed its brand new MP4-25 chassis – the car in which reigning world champion Jenson Button and 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton will contest the 2010 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

2010 McLaren MP4-25 Race Car   

Unveiled at Vodafone UK’s stunning headquarters in Newbury, the 2010 car looks noticeably different from last year’s race-winning MP4-24. MP4-25 features a radical aerodynamic overhaul and a significantly larger fuel tank to take full advantage of this year’s new regulations, and its design team is confident it has explored every possible avenue to maximise the car’s performance.

2010 McLaren MP4-25 Race Car   

Horsepower once again comes from our friends in Stuttgart. Mercedes-Benz’s FO 108X V8 subtly improves upon an engine that has become the benchmark in Formula 1, winning the last two drivers’ world championships.

2010 McLaren MP4-25 Race Car   

The team kicks off its 2010 campaign with a stunning driver pairing: 2009 world champion Jenson Button and 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton. It is the first time since 1989 – when it ran Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna – that the team has fielded a joint-world champion driver line-up, and marks the first time in Formula 1 history that the sport’s two most recent world champions have been partnered together.

2010 McLaren MP4-25 Race Car   

However, the driver line-up represents only a fraction of the team’s remarkable strength in depth. Members of the design team who contributed to the development of MP4-25 can also trace their involvement back through an incredible seven of the team’s 12 drivers’ world championships, five of the team’s eight constructors’ world championships and 112 of the team’s 164 grand prix victories.

The Vodafone McLaren Mercedes team begins pre-season testing with MP4-25 at the Circuit de la Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo on Monday.

2010 Ferrari F10 Specifically to compete in the Formula 1 World Championship

Scuderia Ferrari unveiled today its 2010 challenger, the Ferrari F10. The F10 single-seater was presented with a new livery, with both the front and the rear wing white painted. The F10 is the fifty-sixth single-seater built by Ferrari, specifically to compete in the Formula 1 World Championship. The name of the car renews the tradition of being linked to the year in which it makes its debut in the Championship. The project, which went by the internal code number 661, represents the Scuderia's interpretation of the technical and sporting regulations which apply in 2010. 

2010 Ferrari F10  Formula 1

The rule clarifications issued by the FIA during the course of the previous season as regards to the diffuser have opened up new scenarious for the designers in terms of freeing up this area, thus representing the opportunity to deliver potentially great performance advantages. Compared to the F60, the F10 was obviously conceived with the aim of maximizing the aerodynamic performance of the double diffuser. Therefore the engine mountings to the chassis have been modified in a specific way and also redesigned is the shape of the gearbox casing and the rear suspension layout.

2010 Ferrari F10  Formula 1

It only takes a quick glance to note that the front part of the chassis is considerably higher than on last year's car and that the central upper and lower surfaces are hollowed out, in order to improve airflow. Another major rule change is that race refuelling is banned, which means the fuel cell has to be big enough to allow the car to get to the end of the race, whatever type of circuit. Inevitably, the car is longer to accommodate the new fuel tank and to allow the installation of longer and narrower radiators so that the sidepods have a smaller higher aperture with a more cut-out shape at the bottom. A further tapering as been achieved thanks to a revised and unconventional configuration of the exhausts.

2010 Ferrari F10  Formula 1

The need to start the race with a much heavier car than in the past has required a redesign of the basic characteristics of the braking system, carried out in conjunction with Brembo as well as a new design for the relevant cooling system.

2010 Ferrari F10  Formula 1

Safety levels have been increased thanks to the introduction of new crash tests of the rear bulkhead and the cell with a full load. In light of past incidents and the fact that pit stops will take less time, the wheel nuts have been updated so as to increase security when the car is sent back out on track.

2010 Ferrari F10  Formula 1

Before its track debut, the F10 underwent an intensive dynamic and static bench test program. Significant developments on all areas of the car are built into the program, not just in the run up to the opening round of Bahrain, but throughout the entire year. 

2010 Ferrari F10  Formula 1

As always, much attention has been paid to the performance and optimization of the materials used, at the design stage and through quality control, in an effort to extract the maximum level of performance combined with the highest possible safety levels.

2009 Honda NSX The Unique Japanese Sports Car Debut at The Season’s Final round at Brands Hatch

2009 Honda NSX

The unique Japanese sportscar Honda NSX has been built by John Danby Racing to comply with the Britcar Production regulations and completed a successful shakedown test at Snetterton in Norfolk last Friday with sportscar racer James Barclay.

2009 Honda NSX

The Honda NSX features the latest technology gizmos and features innovative engine control and data-logging capabilities including GPS, Fly by Wire and live feed video. High specification custom solutions have also been engineered for the NSX such as dampers and brakes.

2009 Honda NSX

We gather that you’ll appreciate these photos of John Danby Racing team’s newly developed (and oh-so sizzling hot) Honda NSX racer. The matte black Japanese sportscar was built to comply with the Britcar Production regulations and has already completed a successful shakedown test last Friday ahead of its debut at the season’s final round at Brands Hatch on November 7.

2009 Honda NSX

The NSX racer will be driven by motoring journalist and TV persona Vicki Butler-Henderson alongside John Danby Racing regular James Barclay in the daytime Production race while the car’s owner and Britcar regular David Fenn will drive the NSX in the evening GT race alongside Barclay.

Ferrari California Sports Car with new V8 Engine 8 cylinders to guarantee superb performance.

Ferrari California

The Ferrari California is an exceptionally innovative car whose philosophy takes its inspiration from the spirit and emotions of one of the great Ferraris of the past, the 1957 250 California, a superbly elegant open top car designed for the track, which has, over the years, come to symbolise not only superior sportiness and performance but also exclusivity, craftsmanship and faultless sophistication.

Ferrari California is car with 8 cylinders has maximum output reached 460 Hp or equal 107 Hp/liter in 7,750 rpm. With a specific power of over 105 hp per liter, its maximum torque is 358 lb-ft at 5,000 rpm, 75% of which is available at just 2,250 rpm. The Ferrari California takes less than 4 seconds to accelerate from 0 - 60 mph and delivers a blistering 192 mph top speed. The new V8 features direct fuel injection and variable timing (on both intake and exhaust) to guarantee superb performance, exceptional handling, and fuel consumption and emissions that easily comply with the toughest Euro 5 and Lev2 standards Even can drive in high speed, the Ferrari California has an ideal balance.The California's mission is slightly different than other Ferraris; the all-new model is aimed more at a buyer who may not have considered Ferrari before, one who wants both high performance and high-end luxury.This new car joins Ferrari's 8-cylinderrange, so far consisting of the mid-engine models like the F430 only, as the first 8-cylinder Gran Turismo. .....................................Ferrari California

The Ferrari California is available exclusively as a convertible with retractable folding hard top in either a two-seater version with a traditional rear bench or in the 2+2 version which sees the rear bench equipped with seating for one to two passengers. In addition to its retractable hard, the California also offers a new direct injection V8 engine, a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox with steering wheel-mounted F1-style, an evolved F1-Trac traction control system, and standard Brembo brakes with CCM (carbon ceramic material) discs. This is the first V8 in the history of Ferrari road-cars to be mid-front mounted. Built entirely from aluminium, it retains the typical Ferrari architecture with a 90° angle between the two cylinder banks and a 180° angle between the cranks. The Ferrari California has length 4.563 mm, width 1.902 mm, height 1.308, wheelbase 2.670 mm, front track 1.630 mm, and rear track 1.605 mm.

2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet come with all of the features

2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

Today, Ford Racing unveiled the 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, which marks the continued evolution of the CJ as a factory-produced turnkey race car. In honor of the SEMA introduction, Ford Racing built and unveiled a one-of-a-kind "SEMA Special" silver Ford Mustang Cobra Jet complete with a charcoal Cobra Jet graphics package.

"With the 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet, we had the luxury of a longer development cycle and the result is absolutely stunning. Where the 2008 Cobra Jet was an extremely potent starting point for NHRA Stock competition, the 2010 will enhance the car further. We are all excited to see the new Ford Mustang Cobra Jet in competition."

For decades, the Mustang has been the preeminent car in many forms of racing, including drag racing. The 2008 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet added to that legacy this season with high- profile wins at the NHRA Winternationals and U.S. Nationals, and by setting numerous track records across the country............................2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

The 2010 Cobra Jet, like its predecessor, is a factory-built race car that is intended for NHRA Stock and Super Stock racing. The goal for the 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet was to enhance the race features to further make its own place in NHRA history. The 2010 CJ will come with all of the features of the 2008 car with enhancements that include options for a full race-prepared automatic or manual transmission, drag race-specific shocks and springs, manual steering and brakes, 8.50 certified rollcage, and an Aeromitive return-style fuel system with trunk-mounted fuel cell.

Additionally Ford Racing engineers have developed for the 2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet a factory-first launch control/rev limiter that will allow drivers to preset the rpm after they stage the car. When they are ready to leave, all they do is put the throttle pedal to the floor; they don't have the engine speed to free rev. Previously, the launch control/rev limiter was only available as an aftermarket option............................2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

Much like Ford Racing's previous Mustang FR500S race car, the Cobra Jet Mustang will get its start at the Auto Alliance International (AAI) assembly plant in Flat Rock, Mich. The entire 50-car run of 2010 Cobra Jets will be built on the same production line that produces the 2010 Ford Mustang production car. Production of Cobra Jets will commence in January, with delivery of all vehicles expected in the first quarter of 2010.

All of the additional parts and pieces for the CJ can be found in the Ford Performance Parts catalog. And since the Ford Mustang Cobra Jet is produced from a base V-6 Ford Mustang, any consumer can turn his Mustang into a Cobra Jet by purchasing the parts from the Ford Performance Parts catalog............................2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet

The 2010 CJ car features a choice for customers between two supercharged engines or three normally aspirated engines (pending NHRA approval). These options will allow the Ford Mustang Cobra Jet to be eligible for more classes in the NHRA, as well as competition with other sanctioning bodies, including NMRA, NMCA, PSCA and IHRA.
All 50 of the 2010 Cobra Jet Mustangs have already been ordered by Ford dealers for delivery to customers. For those customers who missed out on the limited run of 2010 Cobra Jets, Ford Racing has set a goal to provide future versions of the Ford Mustang Cobra Jet.

2010 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet