The upcoming BMW 1-Series M Coupe will serve as the official Safety Car for the 2011 season of the motorcycle road racing world championship (or simply MotoGP), which kicks off this weekend. The 1-Series M Coupe Safety Car is a one-off built by BMW’s M division specifically for this race series, with the Bavarian automaker stating that only the 340HP twin-turbocharged straight-six engine and the entire drivetrain were taken over unchanged from the production model, which launches in late April. The Safety Car is lighter than its production counterpart thanks to a series of weight saving measures such as the carbon fibre-reinforced bonnet featuring additional large air vents, polycarbonate side and rear windows and the elimination of the rear seat bench. In addition, BMW’s M team developed a bespoke lightweight titanium race exhaust system that not only saves weight but also promises to delivers a much more exciting sound.
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We know what you’re thinking but stop right there. What you are looking at here isn’t the result of some crafty photoshop business - it’s the real deal; an actual factual microcar replica of a 1970 Nissan Skyline GT-R coupe that was created by Japanese tuning firm Liberty Walk Performance. The scaled down, single-seater clone of Nissan’s first-generation Skyline GT-R is based on a quad-bike and it’s perfectly drivable. This is not the first time we’ve shown you a microcar replica from Liberty Walk Performance as some of you may remember the…Lambormini Murcielago snapped by our own Phil Alex at last year’s Tokyo Auto Salon.
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If you thought the German customizer was limited to tuning cars, think again. The 2011 Mansory Zapico Custom is not only a motorcycle, but a motorcycle with a difference. Developed as a special one-off for customer Thomas M. George (um, presumably not former Michigan Senator Thomas M. George), the Zapico Custom features a 160 hp, 2.0L V2 that can propel this monster from 0 to 62 mph (0 to 100 km/h) in a quick 3.3 seconds.
The new Morgan is fitted with a V Twin fuel injected motorcycle engine from specialist engine builder S & S. It produces 115-horses and is mated to a Mazda-sourced 5 speed transmission with a reverse gear. Morgan had previously stated that the 3 Wheeler would be fitted with a 100HP V-Twin Harley Davidson motor, but apparently the company's plans changed in the meantime.
The British automaker said that the bullet shaped three wheeler was designed to emulate the styling of an airplane -hence the WW2 military aircraft like graphics on the presentation model. Morgan said that buyers can choose from a variety of graphics including US military and British Air Force inspired logos, oval racing numbers and stripes, a shark nose, chequered winner’s bonnet, official national flags and the Morgan wings.
A polished engine, stainless steel tailpipes, cowl, polished cowl, headlamps and roll hoops are also extra cost options for those looking for a more classic look.
The airplane theme is continued inside with the leather padded cockpit complete with aircraft like instrumentation. The company offers several options including bespoke leather upholstery.
The new Morgan 3 Wheeler will receive its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show with sales to follow shortly after. Base pricing is set at £25,000 before tax (US$40,600 or €29,600 at today's exchange rates), with Morgan stating that the car is approved by US and European road transport authorities for safety and emissions.
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The new Morgan is fitted with a V Twin fuel injected motorcycle engine from specialist engine builder S & S. It produces 115-horses and is mated to a Mazda-sourced 5 speed transmission with a reverse gear. Morgan had previously stated that the 3 Wheeler would be fitted with a 100HP V-Twin Harley Davidson motor, but apparently the company's plans changed in the meantime.
While promoting Jeep products must have been a boring chore for Ferrari’s F1 drivers Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa, we’re pretty sure they had a good time competing against Ducati Moto GP’s Valentino Rossi and Nicky Hayden in a series of races held on ice. Vehicles of choice were the ever entertaining karts and some sweet looking Fiat 500s. Highlights in the video after the break.
Now here's something you don't see every day. Sent in by Carscoop reader Łukasz Ż, this enjoyable time-waster of the day pits a motorcycle against a rear-wheel drive sports car in an out of the ordinary drift challenge. In one corner we have Nick "Apex" Brocha of Icon Motorsports piloting a 2005 Kawasaki ZX10 with 175HP and an extended swingarm. In the other corner is professional racecar driver Jim Guthrie in a 1993 Mazda RX-7 powered by a 375HP Corvette V8 engine. The result? Follow the jump to find out.
Inevitably, you can’t have motorsports without accidents and 2010 was a pretty eventful year in this area. Motors TV has compiled two clips with scary incidents from a variety of motorsports, ranging from motorcross to speedboat racing. Hit the jump to watch the videos.
Inevitably, you can’t have motorsports without accidents and 2010 was a pretty eventful year in this area. Motors TV has compiled two clips with scary incidents from a variety of motorsports, ranging from motorcross to speedboat racing. Hit the jump to watch the videos.
By Csaba Daradics
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By Csaba Daradics
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Many car and motorcycle enthusiasts consider themselves to be far more skillful than your average drivers / riders. And true enough, some really are, constantly honing their skills during weekend track events. But the odds of an enthusiast becoming a Formula 1 World Champion are slimmer than winning a lottery ticket twice in a row.
Facing reality is never an easy task, but what can you do? Well, if your pocket can handle the cost, you can always keep your fantasy alive with some cool motorsports memorabilia like a famous driver’s racing helmet. Besides being a good investment, you’ll be the talk of the track day for sure. Check out our selection after the break, compiled from the extensive list found on The Memorabilia Experience (TME) sales site.
source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com
1. Emerson Fittipaldi - Price: $19,500
Used in the 1974 and 1975 Formula 1 championships, Fittipaldi's helmet is signed on the crown, and is accompanied by a picture of the Brazilian driver. Emmo was piloting the McLaren Ford M23 at that time.
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2. Kenny Roberts - Price: $5,000
The father of Kenny Roberts Jr. wore this helmet in 1972. The scars denoting heavy usage make it even more appealing. Roberts went on to become two-time winner of the AMA Grand National Championship in 1973 and 1974. He also won three consecutive 500cc World Championships, between 1978-1980, and three Daytona 200 races. This is the only father and son duo to have won the 500cc title.
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3. Jody Scheckter - Price: $15,000
This is the helmet that Jody Scheckter wore when he won his first Formula 1 race, the 1974 Swedish Grand Prix. Driving the Tyrrell Ford 007, he was also victorious in that year’s British GP. There are two Goodyear “flying feet” painted on the side, commemorating each victory.
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4. Gilles Villeneuve - Price: Upon request
Gilles Villeneuve helmets are extremely rare, as it’s said that he only used 15 during his entire Formula 1 career. He wore this example in 1979, while driving for Ferrari. Manufactured by Bell, it was showing signs of fatigue, so the original logos were reapplied and the chipped paint retouched. Now ain't that a shame...
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5. Mario Andretti - Price: $12,500
No, this is not Darth Vader’s racing apparel, but Mario Andretti’s Indy and possibly Formula 1 Simpson Bandit helmet, according to The Memorabilia Experience. It is signed, which makes it a good investment.
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6. Ayrton Senna - Price: Upon request
This is an original Shoei Quattro, worn during several races of the 1993 Formula 1 season. It’s numbered and bears authentic inspection stickers. On the top, it has four air vents that were only used in some races. The radio was removed, but there is evidence of where it was inside the helmet, says the seller. In 1993, Senna was driving the McLaren Ford MP4-8.
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7. Nigel Mansell - Price: $22,500
It seems that Nigel Mansell racing gear is also hard to find, so his fans should grab this Arai helmet while they can. Worn in 1991, it comes with the original metal breather tube. TME’s website states that Mansell himself confirmed that this is an original piece.
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8. Jimmy Vasser - Price: $6,495
Jimmy Vasser won Indy Car in 1996 driving for the Chip Ganassi Racing team, alongside Alex Zanardi. He was the last American to win the series, which later became Champ Car. For this alone, the signed and inscribed helmet could mean so much more for some fans. Comes complete with the radio transmitter.
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9. Valentino Rossi - Price: Upon request
Valentino Rossi is Moto GP’s Schumacher, only better. We say this in the light of the 8 World Championships he won, riding in three different classes. TME says Rossi helmets are also very rare. This one was made by AGV and features a special “sun and moon” graphic, alongside Valentino’s signature. The helmet was worn during late 1996 and then throughout most of 1997.
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10. Michael Schumacher - Price: $25,000
We couldn’t have left Schumacher out of our Top 10. Behold his 1998 Imola helmet, made by Bell. It is signed and the race date is written on the crown. If you’re curious: no, Schumacher didn’t win that race. He came second driving the Ferrari F300. Nevertheless, we’re pretty sure wealthy fans would be very happy to own the helmet.
