Jalopnik: track-day

Stunning Video Of Swedish-Style Track Day

Andrew Didorosi — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:30:00 EST

Videographer Anders Bäckman wields a simple camcorder while producing incredible results in this short clip of a track day at the Gotland Ring in Sweden. Added bonus: crank the volume for funky electronic beats.

[Stilism]
Hat tip to Tio!

Turbo Rolls-Royce Races 'Round The 'Ring

Mark Arnold — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:40:00 EST

Who says a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow can't be a trackday toy? Not the guys from the British rag that's all about Performance Cars that are Practical. They wanted a vehicle that could do a lap of the Nürburgring in under 10 minutes while comfortably seating five adults. Sure you could just get a new Audi or a BMW and call it a day, but they wanted something different, something with real style. So they picked up an old Rolls with a 6.75L V8 (and a 3-speed autobox), slapped a T4 turbo on, cranked up the boost, and headed for Germany. [Warning: Potentially NSFW Hilarious British Cussing In Video]

Of course, no rat rod Rolls would be complete without flat-black paint. And being a track car, the tires and suspension were upgraded as well. But overall this is still a proper Roller, fit for that certain head-of-state hoon who wants to have a bit of fun from the back seat.

[Practical Performance Car] [YouTube]

Ariel Atom 3: Better for the Elbows

Mike Spinelli — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 10:11:12 EDT

Everyone's favorite track-day toy and face rearranger, the Ariel Atom, is getting a slight makeover. There's more space inside, and new body panels and wind deflector outside — just the thing for preserving the eardrums during extended sprints through the countryside. It's powered by a 245-hp version of Honda's 2.0-liter VTEC, with a new ECU, drive-by-wire throttle setup, fuel system and dual exhaust system. Inside, there's 100 mm of extra elbow space, achieved by adjusting the angle of the chassis' aluminum cross beams, and buyers will get the option of more buttspace by way of larger seats. Other tech improvements include more precise gearchanges and optional 10-way adjustable dampers. [Autocar]

Ach! Mercedes SLR 722 GTR

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 16:35:36 EDT

We haven't heard from Mercedes on this one, but its sweeping the Mercheads community like a superstrain of mono. A track-only McLaren Mercedes SLR 722? Why yes, it's the GTR, and according to accompanying signage, it's 661 pounds less than a typical 722. It's a ready-to-race model in the vein of the Ferrari FXX. Apparently, only 21 are set for production, at 775,000 Euros a pop, and will likely be sold only to hardcore Mercedes insiders. [Carpassion via Supercars.net]

Caparo T1 Test Drive

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 09:57:21 EDT

What does a street-legal (in the UK) nearly open-wheel race car producing over 1,000 horsepower per metric ton feel like on the road? Ask Autocar, which took a test drive of a prototype Caparo T1. At just over a half-ton, the T1's actual horsepower figure is 575. But it appears to have the intuitive handling characteristics of a go kart, with the sequential transmission of an F1 car and the quickness of a jackrabbit shot from an antitank cannon. We'll live through you chaps, thanks.

None More Radical: V8-Powered SR8 LM

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 11:58:40 EDT

What's more awesome than a Suzuki Hayabusa-powered Radical SR8? How about one with two Hayabusa mills joined with awesome-epoxy? That's the SR8LM, a new racer from the UK's Radical. It's powered by a Powertec V8 motor and transaxle — a 2.8-liter jobbie producing 455 hp at 10,500 rpm. A four-pump dry sump system keeps things well oiled at speed. Radical says it can keep up with Le Mans prototypes on the tarmac, and costs just a fraction at £89,000. Of course, Radical makes a car for that too — the SR9 LMP 2 Le Mans prototype. And fun was had by all. – Mike Spinelli

Even more Radical: 455-hp SR8LM [Autoblog]

Track-Day Nemesis: Nemesiiiiiiiiiiiis!!

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 13:34:04 EDT

To all the nemeses out there, here's what can happen when an unstable Porsche pilot sends too many negative thoughts "into the universe." [Thanks to MoreandFaster for the tip.] – Mike Spinelli

Related:
Lap Dance: Track Day in a Ferrari Enzo FXX [internal]

More on the KTM X-Bow: Real Photos, Track Testing 101

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 17:34:47 EST

The KTM wizards dropped a few more photos of the X-Bow track-day roadster ahead of its unveiling in Geneva next month. They're the first real photos we've seen of the Austrian, Audi-powered two seater. We still can't confirm if that's the old Stig behind the wheel. [Thanks to Bernard for the tip.] – Mike Spinelli

Specs:

Engine
Inline-4-cylinder-engine with direct fuel injection system (FSI), turbo-charger and intercooler

Displacement
cm3: 1984

Max. Power
kW (HP) 162 (220)
@ U/min 5900

Max. Torque
Nm (ft-lbs) 300 (221)
@ U/min 2200-4000

Valves
4 pro Zylinder, DOHC

Bore & stroke
mm 82,5 x 92,8

Emission standard
Euro 4

Transmission
Rear-wheel-drive with mechanical slip differential
Gearbox
6-speed-manual

Kerb weight
kg (lbs) 700 (1,543)

Weight distribution front/rear
37/63

Overall length/width/height
mm 3670 x 1870 x 1160
Wheelbase
mm 2430
Center of gravity
mm 400
Track front/rear
mm 1644/1624
Turning circle
m 10,8
Fuel tank capacity
l (gal) 35 (9.2)

Brake system
Front.: 4-piston-caliper
Rear.: 2-piston-caliper

Brake-disk diameter
Front/rear
mm 305/262

Wheels/tyres
Front: 205/40 R17
Rear: 235/40 R18

Acceleration
0-100 kph (62 mph): 3.91 seconds
Top speed kph (mph): 217 (135)

Braking distance 100-0 kph (warm)
m (f) 33,1 (109)

Aerodynamic downforce
kg at 100 kph 48
at 200 kph 193

Related:
More on the KTM X-Bow [internal]

Hayabusa Viking: The RoadRazer

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 09:07:11 EST

Hammer of ye gods! The RoadRazer, a Hayabusa-powered track-day roadster we posted on back in September debuted at the Autosport show in the UK earlier this month, adding to the new spate of quasi open-wheel playtoys. The Danish single-seater will reportedly be street legal in the UK and clock in at under three seconds from zero to 60 mph. It's got a six-speed sequential gearbox directed by paddles, as well as such track-day amenities as a foam-filled safety fuel cell and on-board adjustable dampers. At a price of around 50,000, it's a toy for only those flush with plunder and not afraid of entering Valhalla. – Mike Spinelli

[via Motor Authority]

New Ultralight Roadster, the GTM 40TR

Mike Spinelli — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 08:18:23 EST

UK-based specialty carmaker GTM is working on a rival to challenge current heir to the ultralight throne, the Ariel Atom. It's the GTM 40TR, projected to excel in feats of quickness (zero to 60 mph in under four seconds) via the the Honda Civic Type R's 220 hp, 2.0-liter four. Top speed should be over 150 mph. The company's also developing a biofuel version for a possible race series that promotes fuel efficiency in motorsports. Guilt-free track day? That's a fine idea. – Mike Spinelli

Ariel Atom killa! GTM 40TR [Autoblog]

Not Just For Breakfast: Zolfe Orange to Launch Next Week in the UK

Mike Spinelli — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 10:44:21 EST

Take one part Honda S2000, one part classic Opel GT, one part Suzuki Hayabusa and one part orange juice and what do you get? A track-day cocktail we'd consider imbibing fairly often. The folks from Zolfe say their little Orange GT car will launch next week in the UK. Designed for both road and track, the Orange employs a tubular space frame chassis underpinning a composite body. Engine choices include the famed 1.3-liter Hayabusa mill, producing 175 hp and propelling the lightweight GT to 60 mph in a more-than-spry 4.5 seconds. Buyers can also choose from 2.0-liter four (145 hp ) and 3.0-liter V6 (203 hp) Ford engines. The cost for such a purist's tarmac runner will be around 25,000. – Mike Spinelli

ZOLFE ORANGE SET FOR TAKE-OFF [PistonHeads]

Lap Dance: Track Day in a Ferrari Enzo FXX

Mike Spinelli — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 12:43:32 EST

Aside from apexing a bit too close to pit road at times, and one inadvisable one-handed burn through the straights — while searching for a cameraphone to hand over to the passenger — this young viscount handles his Ferrari Enzo FXX quite deftly. According to a tipster, the track could be Rijeka in Croatia. The sound alone is worth a million bucks. [Thanks to Barnaby for the tip.] – Mike Spinelli

Hoon of the Day: Flying Scotsmen

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 09:59:27 EDT

Look aute! Tune in to watch Team Gimps as they handle hoons, wankers, errant girlfriends, speedy vans and ankle biters at Knockhill Racing Circuit. All other track-day videos are fookin' crap! [Thanks to Ed for the tip.]

Related:
More Hoonage [internal]

Driving the Brooke Double-R

Mike Spinelli — Tue, 30 May 2006 09:13:42 EDT

US pop-culture freaks will likely picture the star of "Suddenly Susan" eating a ham-and-cheese burger at Roy Rogers when they hear its name (or maybe it's just us), but the Brooke Double-R is indeed a sports car, and one powered by a Cosworth-tuned Ford Duratec to boot. It's also got a higher power-to-weight than a Lamborghini Murcielago or Porsche GT2, making it a track-day sled of note, despite it looking somewhat like a kit car from the mid-80s. The blokes from Pistonheads got to test it out, and report back on the Double-R's relentless acceleration and "meaty feel." Anyone for a Double-R Bar Burger? Brooke?

Brooke Double-R [Pistonheads]

Related:
UK's Ariel Atom Coming to the US [internal]