2010 New Lotus Sports Cars Exige S240

British performance sports car manufacturer Lotus has officially unveiled their 2010 Lotus Exige S240.  While Lotus fans will recognize this as a very subtle update, the grille and rear wing facelift is a step forward for the mark. The exciting new 2010 Lotus Exige S240 enters the United States and Canadian markets in the fall of 2009 with new front styling, a new rear wing and the same rare combination of exceptional performance and high efficiency.

2010 New Lotus Sports Cars Exige S240

The Lotus Exige S240 features a roof integrated air intake scoop feeds air through the air-to-air intercooled and supercharged 1.8 liter Lotus-tuned and Toyota-sourced 2ZZ-GE engine with Intelligent Variable Valve Timing (VVT-i) to provide 240hp at 8,000 rpm and 170 ft.-lbs. of torque at 5,500.

The 2010 Lotus Exige S240 sprints to 60 mph in a blistering 4.1 seconds and the 100 mph barrier sails by in approximately 10 seconds with top speed is 150 mph. The Lotus Exige S240 is equipped with a 6-speed transaxle synchromesh transmission, traction control and launch control. New for 2010, the optional Track Package will include adjustable Ohlins dampers with threaded spring perches and remote oil reservoirs front and rear.

The Lotus Exige is a renowned high performance coupe that has a well earned reputation as the choice for drivers who demand uncompromised performance, both on the road and on the track. The 2010 Exige S240 introduces a few key enhancements to update the appearance and improve aerodynamic performance. A restyled front end and new larger, low drag rear wing, not only reduces drag, but also gives a more muscular stance enhancing the lightweight shrink-wrapped look of the whole car.

Passing along lessons learned on the track with the Exige GT3 racing program, Lotus Sport Cars has contributed another important technology – variable launch control combined with variable traction control. The launch control allows the driver to determine the number of revs they wish to use during a standing start. Having programmed that limit, the driver then holds their foot down fully on the throttle pedal and sidesteps the clutch pedal for a very quick departure from the line. The clutch damper cushions the severity of the clutch to transmission engagement to minimize the stresses to the drivetrain. The launch control also keeps wheel-spin at bay until 6 mph, after which the traction control assumes its duties.

Like all Lotus cars, the functional components of the car are also beautifully designed as Russell Carr, Chief of Lotus Design, explains, "For 2010 we have taken the already visually extreme Exige and given it even more visual drama. The changes we have integrated to the front and rear of the Exige signal an even clearer and purposeful intent. The functional rear wing is race-inspired, the new angular air intakes and full width splitter give a more hard-edged and aggressive look. Overall, the Exige appears more planted and gives the illusion that both the front and rear of the car are wider than they really are, yet without losing its agile and sleek character."

The new 2010 Lotus Exige S240 is scheduled to launch in the US and Canada in the Fall of 2009. This new 2010 Lotus Exige S240 goes on sale this fall with a starting price of $65,690 and will be available in an upgraded track package with added performance benefits. The 2010 Lotus Exige S240 will hit U.S. and Canadian markets this Autumn.

2010 Indianapolis 500 Tweet By Tweet By Half

Alex Tagliani as he is lined up in front of the famous infield Pagoda structure at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Image Credit: Andy Sallee (2010)

2010 Indianapolis 500 Tweet By Tweet By Half

We join Twitter and the postings at 140 or less characters to tell the story of the 2010 Indianapolis 500 at the halfway point. The race action at the beginning was just too fast and furious to drop in and set a spell with Twitter until LAP 112 where we pick up the action. There was an accident on the first lap involving Davey Hamilton, the oldest driver to make the show at 47 years old. Davey felt that Tomas Scheckter caused the spin by being where he shouldn't have been at the start of the race ... coming out of the fourth corner.

IndyCarPR Lap 112: GREEN. Scheckter leads the field into Turn 1. Sato is issued a 15 second stop and hold penalty for entering the closed pit.

toomuchracing Restart, and Dario retakes the lead. Kanaan up to 3rd over Helio

CrashGladys And 3rd again... Lovin' me some TK! Now freakin' P2!!!! #indy500

IndyTalk #11 Kanaan passes Franchitti for second #indy500

IndyCarNation Lead change Lap 114: #10 Franchitti makes pass of Scheckter entering Turn 1. Kanaan makes pass for seconds. Crowd goes crazy.

500coverage 3:03 - Tony Kanaan is now in 2nd place after starting 33rd.

indy44 These restarts are excellent! #Indy500

kvracing Back to Green Flag racing, Viso moves up another spot to 16th. Lap 114

IndyCarNation Will Power reports he has lost the Honda Overtake Assist on the #12

500coverage 3:04 - Don't look now, but Danica Patrick is up to 12th. #indy500

toomuchracing RT @99forever: Sato gets a 15-sec penalty for striking pit personnel. #Indy500

IndyRacingNut Scheckter hasn't used a single Push to Pass yet...this is good for Tomas. :)

Marco26Web Marco has used more Push-to-pass than anyone else but the #26 is dialled! Now P4 and still pushing.

IndyTalk Fisher's car now being pushed toward Gasoline Alley #indy500

Newman_Haas We are done for the day. Hope you enjoy the rest of the race. May the best man or woman win!

VisionRacing Fuzzy's crew disappointed w/ situation, but not giving up. Lots of racing left! http://flic.kr/p/86bNFV

indy44 I get real nervous when Tomas and Marco run near each other. #Indy500

CRASH - Ryan Briscoe slams wall in turn #4 - speculation is cold tires after pit stop!

IndyRacingNut @Pinkgineer If you try showing people calculator tricks and no one is impressed....you might be a math geek. LOL

Pinkgineer Totally! I got my Dad interested haha RT @99forever: @Pinkgineer That means new people are paying attention. Great news. :)

Marco26Web Green flag pit stops shaking out, and Marco would have re-started P2. But we're back to yellow as Briscoe wrecks out.

indy44 This next restart is going to be insane. Hold on to your hats! #Indy500

VisionRacing Callusing the thumbs for your tweeting pleasure; it's Pat! http://flic.kr/p/86fdr9

penskeracing With 50 laps remaining, Will Power runs ninth and Helio Castroneves 15th

VisionRacing Indy 500 Firehawks! RT @FirestoneRacing: RT @VisionRacing: Tires. Full Fuel. Front wing. GO get em Ed. #Indy500 // what kind of tires?? ;)

IndyCarPR 50 laps to go: Leaders under yellow are: 10, 26, 11, 23, 99, 37, 4, 9, 12, 24

This race now becomes a sprint to the finish with only one Green Flag stop left!

Restart - GREEN, GREEN, GREEN - 45 LAPS to go - Everyone hits Push-To-Pass!

Kanaan passes to take P2

F1B_Indi Officially the hottest race in the history of ever. Miami would be a cooldown.

Ryan Hunter-Reay passes to take over P6 - Townsend Bell gets a Black Flag for Blocking ... gets a drive through penalty.

IndyCarPR The Block party continues.... Next invitee, @townsendbell for a block on @ryanhunterreay Drivetrhough

16AndGeorgetown Saavedra into wall - Lap 161

99forever Saavedra tags the wall. #Indy500

Yellow Flag - 11th car out of race - 22 cars are still running. Andretti Autosport has all cars in the top 10.

SpeedJournal (ThatsRacin) Aussie aces aim to end Helio's reign in the 500 http://bit.ly/b6BqLv #autoracing

indy44 I don't think I've seen a race with so many black flags. Nicholson must have got Barnhart all pumped up. #FlagAction

37 LAPS remaining/165 run and two cars stay out to gain position - Mike Conway and Justin Wilson of DRR.

IndyCarPR Lap 163: Leaders to pit road. 4 cars stayed out, including 24 Conway, who is the new leader of the Indianapolis 500. It is his first lap led

Restart - GREEN, GREEN, GREEN - 34 LAPS to go! Conway gets swept up.

IndyCarPR @justinwilson22 @h3lio and @grahamrahal also stayed out. #indy500

99forever Mike Conway leads a lap at the #Indy500 for the first time. He seems so meek.. wonder how his continence is holding up. :)

RacingNation @DreyerReinbold running one-wo with 30 laps to go. Mike Conway leads Justin Wilson. However a lot can happen.

Conway, Wilson Castroneves, Rahal, and Frachitti round out the top five - this could become an unpredictable win for three of the top five drivers!

RacingNation Methinks Helio trying to save fuel by running behind Conway & Wilson-just biding his time. Needs yellow perhaps two to make it per Cindric

toomuchracing Conway pits from the lead. Leader is now Wilson. 22 to go

RacingNation 19 cars on the lead lap with Justin Wilson now leading, 22 laps to go #Helio #Indy500 #needyellowstomakeit.

500coverage 4:03 - Justin Wilson has gone 28 laps since pitting. Castroneves in 2nd has been out for 24. Rahal in 3rd out for 25. They need a yellow.

500coverage 4:04 - 180 laps, 450 miles. Top 10 Wilson, Castroneves, Rahal, Franchitti, Kanaan, M Andretti, Wheldon, Scheckter, Dixon, Hunter-Reay.

ConquestRacing 20 laps to go. Romancini highest ranked rookie at the moment in 17th position and Baguette has moved up to 22nd! http://bit.ly/c6nSrG

indy44 Race is in Dario's hands. Don't think TK can catch him. All bets are off on a yellow. #Indy500

BeccyGordon Dixon slowed drastically.... Saving fuel????

IndyRacingNut It looks like Helio has this race. He's set himself up perfectly.

99forever This is shaping up to be a very interesting finish indeed. #Indy500

99forever I don't want it to be over... :( #Indy500

IndyTalk #3 Castroneves is new leader and has yet to pit. Franchitti P2 #indy500

Castroneves IN THE PITS for fuel.

500coverage 4:12 - The best car all day, Dario Franchitti is now back in the lead with 8 laps to go in the #indy500. Tony Kanaan in 2nd.

indy44 Does Dario have enough fuel, this is going down to the wire. GO TK!!!!!!!!!! #Indy500

Kanaan IN THE PITS for fuel from 33rd to 22nd ... and now fuel.

FIVE miles to go!!!!

Whie Flag - Last Lap and there is a crash - Yellow Flag -Ryan Hunter-Reay and Mike Conway UPSIDEDOWN and without anything left but the driver safetypod.

maxpapis Dario Dario Dario soooo happy for u justice is made again

autoracingnews Wheldon 2nd, Lloyd 3rd, Dixon 4th, Patrick 5th. #indycar

500coverage 4:20 - Congratulations to Dario Franchitti. But the focus now is for Mike Conway, who had by far the day's most serious crash.

IndyCarNation MIke Conway is awake, alert and is being taken to Methodist Hospital with an orthopedic leg injury.

toomuchracing RT @johndagys: Danica: "At the end of the day, it's the race that matters. And we got a top-5." #Indy500

toomuchracing RT @shagers: Marco is on IMS Radio saying that he finished THIRD, and got passed under yellow at the end.... Stay tuned.

RacingNation Chip wins Daytona with McMurray, Indy with #DarioFranchitti, can he win tonight with Montoya or McMurray?

Left to Right - Patron/Highcroft Racing drivers Marino Franchitti, Simon Pagenaud, and David Brabham. Marino drove the last stint of the race and won at seven laps over the next closest competitor. Photo taken at the driver meet-up with AARWBA members in the Mazda suite at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca May 21, 2010. Image credit: Edmund Jenks (2010)

After seeing Marino Franchitti, Dario's younger brother, win his ALMS race with co-drivers Simon Pagenaud and David Brabham ... it was great to see Dario Franchitti win this very next week at INDY. Everyone thought a father/son pairing might be the family story of the week ... and it would come from either the Rahal, or Andretti family, but it is the Franchitti family who are the Kings of Motorsport for the month of May 2010.

14 lead changes and a bunch of negative action that cost many a shot at the race in the pits - Target Chip Ganassi and Dario Franchitti never "got a wheel wrong" and comes up with his second Indy 500 win while saving fuel under a final lap Yellow Flag full-course caution!

UPDATE: Marco Andretti restored to P3!

This excerpted and edited from AutoSport.Com -

Marco Andretti has been restored to third place in the Indianapolis 500 after the race organisers reviewed footage of the moments after the final full course caution was called.

The Andretti Autosport driver was originally credited with sixth on the timing screens, but was adamant that Alex Lloyd, Scott Dixon and Danica Patrick had all passed him after the yellow flags came out for Mike Conway and Ryan Hunter-Reay's violent tangle.

The officials reassessed the finishing order, and just over two hours after the race, a final result was issued with Andretti back up to third place, and Dale Coyne Racing's Lloyd fourth ahead of Dixon (Ganassi) and Patrick (Andretti).
----
The results were also altered further down the field, with top rookies Simona de Silvestro and Mario Romancini swapping positions in 13th and 14th - making Conquest's Brazilian driver rather than HVM's de Silvestro the highest placed rookie in the results.

How The 2010 Field Of 33 Fared
(** indicates ChampCar transition association - Driver/Team)

1
Dario Franchitti
Target Chip Ganassi Racing
No. 10 C/E/T D/H/F Start 3 Laps 200 Total Time 03:05:37.0131 Laps Led 155 Status Running Points 64

2
Dan Wheldon
Panther Racing
No. 4 C/E/T D/H/F Start 18 Laps 200 Total Time 03:05:37.1667 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 44

3
Marco Andretti
Andretti Autosport
No. 26 C/E/T D/H/F Start 16 Laps 200 Total Time 03:05:58.0006 Laps Led 1 Status Running Points 39

4
Alex Lloyd
Dale Coyne Racing **
No. 19 C/E/T D/H/F Start 26 Laps 200 Total Time 03:05:58.0007 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 35

5
Scott Dixon
Target Chip Ganassi Racing
No. 9 C/E/T D/H/F Start 6 Laps 200 Total Time 03:05:58.5053 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 39

6
Danica Patrick
Andretti Autosport
No. 7 C/E/T D/H/F Start 23 Laps 200 Total Time 03:05:58.7691 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 32

7
Justin Wilson **
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
No. 22 C/E/T D/H/F Start 11 Laps 200 Total Time 03:06:02.9892 Laps Led 11 Status Running Points 30

8
Will Power **
Team Penske
No. 12 C/E/T D/H/F Start 2 Laps 200 Total Time 03:06:07.2605 Laps Led 5 Status Running Points 37

9
Helio Castroneves
Team Penske
No. 3 C/E/T D/H/F Start 1 Laps 200 Total Time 03:06:10.0268 Laps Led 3 Status Running Points 37

10
Alex Tagliani **
FAZZT Race Team
No. 77 C/E/T D/H/F Start 5 Laps 200 Total Time 03:06:11.2613 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 30

11
Tony Kanaan
Andretti Autosport
No. 11 C/E/T D/H/F Start 33 Laps 200 Total Time 03:06:36.6088 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 22

12
Graham Rahal **
Rahal Letterman Racing
No. 30 C/E/T D/H/F Start 7 Laps 200 Total Time 03:06:36.9870 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 26

13
Mario Romancini
Conquest Racing **
No. 34 C/E/T D/H/F Start 27 Laps 200 Total Time 03:06:38.6875 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 20

14
Simona De Silvestro **
Team Stargate Worlds/HVM **
No. 78 C/E/T D/H/F Start 22 Laps 200 Total Time 03:06:38.6876 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 20

15
Tomas Scheckter
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
No. 23 C/E/T D/H/F Start 20 Laps 199 Total Time 03:05:38.7686 Laps Led 5 Status Running Points 19

16
Townsend Bell **
Sam Schmidt/Ganassi Racing
No. 99 C/E/T D/H/F Start 10 Laps 199 Total Time 03:06:11.8268 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 18

17
Ed Carpenter
Panther Racing
No. 20 C/E/T D/H/F Start 8 Laps 199 Total Time 03:06:38.5137 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 20

18
Ryan Hunter-Reay **
Andretti Autosport
No. 37 C/E/T D/H/F Start 17 Laps 198 Total Time 03:03:59.4537 Laps Led 0 Status Contact Points 16

19
Mike Conway
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
No. 24 C/E/T D/H/F Start 15 Laps 198 Total Time 03:03:59.7754 Laps Led 15 Status Contact Points 16

20
Takuma Sato
KV Racing Technology **
No. 5 C/E/T D/H/F Start 31 Laps 198 Total Time 03:06:14.4668 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 15

21
Ana Beatriz
Dreyer & Reinbold Racing
No. 25 C/E/T D/H/F Start 21 Laps 196 Total Time 03:03:59.7737 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 16

22
Bertrand Baguette
Conquest Racing **
No. 36 C/E/T D/H/F Start 24 Laps 183 Total Time 03:05:50.9723 Laps Led 0 Status Running Points 16

23
Sebastian Saavedra
Bryan Herta Autosport
No. 29 C/E/T D/H/F Start 32 Laps 159 Total Time 02:32:32.5892 Laps Led 0 Status Contact Points 15

24
Ryan Briscoe
Team Penske
No. 6 C/E/T D/H/F Start 4 Laps 147 Total Time 02:13:47.7317 Laps Led 5 Status Contact Points 23

25
E.J. Viso **
KV Racing Technology **
No. 8 C/E/T D/H/F Start 19 Laps 139 Total Time 02:13:28.9454 Laps Led 0 Status Handling Points 14

26
Sarah Fisher
Sarah Fisher Racing
No. 67 C/E/T D/H/F Start 29 Laps 125 Total Time 02:03:57.1651 Laps Led 0 Status Handling Points 13

27
Vitor Meira
A.J. Foyt Enterprises
No. 14 C/E/T D/H/F Start 30 Laps 105 Total Time 01:46:16.3889 Laps Led 0 Status Contact Points 13

28
Hideki Mutoh
Newman/Haas Racing **
No. 06 C/E/T D/H/F Start 9 Laps 76 Total Time 01:30:16.6932 Laps Led 0 Status Handling Points 16

29
Raphael Matos **
de Ferran Dragon Racing
No. 2 C/E/T D/H/F Start 12 Laps 72 Total Time 01:08:35.6525 Laps Led 0 Status Contact Points 14

30
John Andretti
Richard Petty/Andretti Autosport
No. 43 C/E/T D/H/F Start 28 Laps 62 Total Time 00:55:05.9418 Laps Led 0 Status Contact Points 13

31
Mario Moraes **
KV Racing Technology **
No. 32 C/E/T D/H/F Start 13 Laps 17 Total Time 00:20:36.2718 Laps Led 0 Status Contact Points 14

32
Bruno Junqueira **
FAZZT Race Team
No. 33 C/E/T D/H/F Start 25 Laps 7 Total Time 00:09:22.6660 Laps Led 0 Status Contact Points 13

33
Davey Hamilton
de Ferran Dragon Racing
No. 21 C/E/T D/H/F Start 14 Laps 0 Total Time 00:00:02.2573 Laps Led 0 Status Contact Points 14

... notes from The EDJE

2010 SpeedFactory Sports Cars SF600R Dodge Challenger

American tuners SpeedFactory have increased the output of the Dodge Challenger SRT8 from 425 hp to 600 hp (447 kW / 608 PS) without the use of a supercharger.

2010 SpeedFactory Sports Cars SF600R Dodge Challenger

Starting with the standard 6.1-liter HEMI engine engineers increased the displacement to a full 7.0-liters (426 cu in). In addition to a higher volume air intake system matched with a stainless steel Corsa exhaust , SpeedFactory also used "a custom Comp hydraulic cam along with an 85mm throttle body with a CNC machined stock manifold that is port matched with a blended plenum to produce a dyno-proven 595-605 HP on premium-grade 91 octane pump fuel," the company states in a press release.

Equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, SpeedFactory also adds a Getrag IRS and Centerforce clutch, as well as a few other goodies. The engine is not the only thing to get an upgrade on the car.  The vehicle's handling is buffed up with performance-grade springs, added struts, and new sway bars.  20-inch BBS wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires.

Leather seats, leather door inserts, custom floormats and various badging round out the package.  The 2010 SF600R Challenger is now available, and costs $73,900.

Press Release:

SpeedFactory Introduces the 2010 SF600R Challenger

Atlanta, April 20, 2010 – SpeedFactory, the leader in modern Mopar supercars, today announced the industry’s first 6spd manual, 600 HP ‘SF600R’ Challenger, as part of their complete line of 2010 Mopar supercars.

The ‘R’ designation in the SF600R Challenger denotes a SpeedFactory hi-performance, normally-aspirated, bored, stroked and balanced 6.1L Hemi block, increasing the displacement to 426 cu. in. (7 liters).

This modern 426 powerplant has an all-forged rotating assembly and features CNC ported aluminum heads with new valves, guides, seals, Bee Hive springs and titanium retainers. A custom Comp hydraulic cam along with an 85mm throttle body works with a CNC machined stock manifold that is port matched with a blended plenum to produce a dyno-proven 595-605 HP on premium-grade 91 octane pump fuel.

Additional SpeedFactory performance modifications include a CARB- certified high volume air intake and Corsa stainless steel cat back exhaust system for better breathing. The increased power is managed with a Centerforce clutch and a Getrag IRS with 1000 HP half-shafts. Handling is improved with performance springs and sway bars as well as additional front and rear strut tower braces. The SF600R Challenger rides on premium Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires mounted on staggered 20? BBS Black Edition CH-R flow-formed wheels.

The SpeedFactory Signature package is also included on the SF600R and features a serial numbered plaque along with SpeedFactory exterior badging and graphics. Inside the SF600R features premium leather seats and door panels embossed with SpeedFactory branding as well as custom floor mats.

On the addition of the SF600R Challenger to the SpeedFactory line-up, Mike Brillanti, President, SpeedFactory Sports Cars stated “This car offers supercharged power in a normally-aspirated, 6spd manual package. It’s a true enthusiast’s sports ar and it enables us to widen the appeal of SpeedFactory products to now include a 600HP vehicle for those enthusiasts who prefer a ‘normally-aspirated’ powerplant. We offer the SF600R with either a 5spd automatic or the 6spd manual transmission. ”

Ferrari 599 GTB Pictures

Ferrari 599 GTB

Ferrari 599 GTB Wallpapers

Ferrari 599 GTB Photos

Ferrari 599 GTB Images

Mercedes Benz SLS AMG Wallpapers

Mercedes Benz SLS AMG

Mercedes Benz SLS AMG

Mercedes Benz SLS AMG

Mercedes Benz SLS AMG

Women Of The Historic 94th IZOD Indy 500

The Pagoda at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Image Credit: Andy Sallee (2010)

Women Of The Historic 94th IZOD Indy 500

For the first time in its 94 event history, four women have qualified for the Indianapolis 500, motorsport's most sought after and watched auto racing event.

The four women that will appear on the grid of the preset and traditional 33 car field in the following order of qualification are Brazilian Ana Beatriz, driving the Ipiranga/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing car #25 starting from Row 7/P21, Swiss driver, Simona De Silvestro, driving Team Stargate Worlds/HVM Racing car #78 starting from Row 8/P22, American Danica Patrick, driving the Go Daddy/Andretti Autosport car #7 starting from Row 8/P23, and the woman to qualify for more Indy 500 starting fields of 33 cars than any other woman, American Sarah Fisher, driving the Dollar General/Sarah Fisher Racing car #25 starting from Row 7/P21.

Brazilian Ana Beatriz, driving the Ipiranga/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing car #25 starting from Row 7/P21. Image Credit: Andy Sallee (2010)


Swiss driver, Simona De Silvestro, driving Team Stargate Worlds/HVM Racing car #78 starting from Row 8/P22. Image Credit: Andy Sallee (2010)


American Danica Patrick, driving the Go Daddy/Andretti Autosport car #7 starting from Row 8/P23. Image Credit: Andy Sallee (2010)


American Sarah Fisher, driving the Dollar General/Sarah Fisher Racing car #25 starting from Row 7/P21. Image Credit: Andy Sallee (2010)

There would have been five women to qualify if IRL regular, Venezuelan Milka Duno had qualified her Citgo/Dale Coyne Racing car #18.

What is a bit more amazing is that these four women qualified for a 33 car field that was separated by only 3.0622 seconds from P1 to P33 (the fastest to the slowest qualifiers) - the field for the 2010 Indy 500 is the closest matched field, by time, in the event's 94-year history. Also, the shortened format for this year's Indy 500 offered new and unique challenges to the 41 entries vying for a spot in the coveted 33 car starting field. This is the first year in modern history that the qualifying format for the legendary race was scaled back to a single weekend, making the challenges of car set-ups, weather conditions and the luck of the draw all crucial factors.

Milka Duno and her Dale Coyne team had only two attempts remaining to bump their way into this year's Indy 500. An average four-lap speed of 223.8mph was needed. Trying twice in the last hour a 223mph flat was the best time that could be generated. Image Credit: Andy Sallee (2010)

We have come a long way since 1977 when Janet Guthrie became the first woman to ever qualify for this grueling test of man (woman) and machine. She was Top Rookie and set set fastest time of day at Indianapolis on May 7 and May 22, 1977. The very next year (1978), her ninth-place finish in the Indianapolis 500, with a team she formed and managed herself, was the best by a woman until 2005 when Danica Patrick was able to post a fourth place finish.

The only other woman to compete at the "Brickyard" was Lyn St. James starting in 1992, qualifying 27th and finishing 11th. She went on to compete in six more Indy 500's qualifying as high as P6 but never bettering or equaling her first finishing experience.

UPDATE:

How They Finished

Pos - Driver - Team - Gap
6. Danica Patrick - Andretti - + 21.7560s
14. Simona de Silvestro - HVM - + 1m01.6745s
21. Ana Beatriz - Dreyer & Reinbold - + 4 laps

Retirements:

Sarah Fisher - Sarah Fisher Racing - 125 laps

... notes from The EDJE

Gordon Murray makes the most efficient Electric Cars

Gordon Murray, the man behind the McLaren F1 and the screen never joined the Brabham F1 team, introducing its latest project, T27 electric city car. This vehicle is being promoted as a highly efficient electric cars in the world.

The project began 16 months ago that 50 percent of its budget covered by the British Government areas of technology strategy. New prototype will be launched in 2011.

City car, later shaped multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) with six different interior layout, redesigned by the design firm owned by Murray in the UK. They work together with Zytek Automotive.

In terms of dimensions, its length is 2.5 meters, 1.3 meters wide and 1.6 meters high. While the 1.78-meter wheelbase vehicle weighing 680 kg (including batteries).

For propulsion will use the electric motor 25 kW (34 HP) and lithium-ion battery is 12 kWh. Acceleration 0-100 km / h reached 15 seconds. Together with the contents once the power can reach 125-160 km distance.

In a statement, Murray said if T.27 is almost similar to the T.25 city car. Both urban vehicle is scheduled to use energy from iStrem manufacturing systems engineer, which could significantly suppress investment.

New Honda Sabre

for enthusiasts or touring with a big motor, maybe the new Honda Sabre could be an option. This new product as long-distance cruisers from manufacturers pictorial wing flapping.
It looks more stylish chopper. For the U.S. market-only model will be introduced next week-or rather the upcoming June 2nd.
Virulence not only on machines that 1300 cc V-twin, shaft-drive. Also there are some parts and components can be relied upon, although overall a little less extreme.
Even so, Sabre gives more in terms of convenience and cheaper package. More information after being introduced next week.

2014 New MG Sports Cars TF Roadster

LONDON — MG Motor has begun work on an all-new front-engine, rear-drive open-top sports cars to replace its aging midengine TF roadster, now 15 years old. MG insiders tell Inside Line that the company might consider selling the sports cars in the U.S., given the marque's history in North America, but currently have no solid plans for a return.

2014 New MG Sports Cars TF Roadster

MG and SAIC have to provide the Mazda Miata with a little competition which could mean trouble for Mazda. Right now, it seems that Mazda is doing some damage with the Miata and its faithful followers, but one look at this rendering and people might decide to jump ship and cruise with the MG.

Development is at a very early stage and has significantly lower priority than the company's plans to introduce both the new MG6 hatchback, already on sale in China, and a new supermini to its U.K. factory. MG's Chinese owner Shanghai Auto hopes to re-establish mainstream car production in Britain and relaunch the MG brand across Europe.

But the company believes that a new sports cars is essential to the long-term credibility of MG as a sporting brand. Though far from concrete, the aim is to introduce the model during 2014. It would be built at MG's Birmingham, England plant.

That means the sports car manufacturer will not actually be manufacturing any sports cars for at least three years, rather preferring to focus its attention on the new MG6 and a small city car to be built in the UK. MG plans to build the new sports cars in Birmingham, England, as the brand’s Chinese owner, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp (SAIC), attempts to reintroduce MG throughout Europe. One source close to the project says that MG wants to create a direct rival to the Mazda Miata, which is why a front-engine, rear-drive layout is preferred.

The first rumored model to be offered will be the 2014 MG TF Roadster with a front engine or rear drive layout and a soft-top design. A retactable hadrtop will not be offered due to cost and complexity. Under the hood there will be a GM sourced turbodiesel, a gasoline V6 engine, and a hybrid powertrain based on the system in SIAC Rowe 750. Although production is 3 years off, sources close to the project tell us that the early designs for the 2014 MG TF resemble these renderings. Note that the TF will again employ a soft top design.

Sources tell us a midengine layout, as used on today's TF, has been rejected because of the styling and packaging limitations it forces on the car, while front-wheel drive has been eliminated for not being sporty enough. MG does not expect the TF to live much beyond the end of 2010, leaving the brand without a sports cars for at least three years while a new model is developed. The company has not ruled out trying to find a partner with which to share a platform.

2010 New Porsche Sports Cars 911 GT3 at The Geneva

Stuttgart. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, Stuttgart, is adding yet another new model to the second generation of the 911 model series: the new GT3 even more powerful, faster, and refined than its predecessor. In developing the most sporting and dynamic road-going 911 with a normal-aspiration power unit, Porsche has applied a wide range of know-how gained in motorsport. Indeed, this is precisely why the 2010 new Porsche 911 GT3 is truly impressive not only on the road, but also on the race track.

2010 Porsche Sports Cars 911 GT3

The 2010 new Porsche 911 GT3 is the latest evolution of an iconic sports car. Embodying the essence of more than 23,000 Porsche racing victories, the 911 GT3 is the ultimate integration of driver and car and arrives in the UK this autumn. The new 911 GT3 is making its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show on 3 March, with Europe-wide sales starting in May.

The Porsche 911 GT3 offers an even higher standard above all in two key areas: performance and driving dynamics. The proven six-cylinder naturally aspirated power unit now develops a maximum output of 435 hp (320 kW), up 20 hp over its predecessor. This results first and foremost from an increase in engine capacity by 200 cc to 3.8-litres and from improved cylinder head gas flow: now not only the intake, but for the first time also the exhaust camshafts, are adjusted by VarioCam.

A further important point is that, through its upgraded power and performance, the flat six 'boxer' engine also offers a significant increase in torque at medium engine speeds, a benefit of particular significance in everyday motoring. Clearly, this also means a further improvement in performance; the new Porsche 911 GT3 accelerates from a standstill to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.1 seconds and reaches 99 mph (160 km/h) in 8.2 seconds. Top speed is 194 mph.

The second emphasis in developing the Porsche 911 GT3 to an even higher standard was to further improve the car's driving dynamics. For the first time, the Porsche 911 GT3 comes with a particularly sporting variant of Porsche Stability Management (PSM), offering the facility to deactivate both Stability Control (SC) and Traction Control (TC) in separate steps. And to give the driver unrestricted, individual control over the driving dynamics of his car, these functions are not reactivated automatically even under the most extreme driving conditions, but only at the touch of a button.

The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) fitted to the 911 GT3 has enabled Porsche engineers to make the springs and anti-roll bars stiffer yet again, thus ensuring even more precise handling in the PASM 'sports' mode. However, the PASM ensures appropriate ride comfort suitable for everyday use when in the 'normal' PASM mode. The Porsche 911 GT3 rides on new, lighter wheels in a racing-inspired design - with a centre locking nut - fitted with ultra-high performance (UHP) tyres. Tyre pressure monitoring is fitted as standard.

Making the car even more suitable for the race track, the new Porsche 911 GT3 will be available with the option of new and highly innovative Porsche Active Drivetrain Mount (PADM) engine mountings. These special engine mounts recognise a particularly sporting, race-like style of driving, making the normally 'elastic' engine mounts harder and particularly resistant. This retains all the motoring comfort of the GT3 in everyday traffic, while on the race track the effect of the mass forces coming from the engine is much reduced, particularly in fast bends and on winding tracks. Yet a further advantage is improved traction when accelerating from a standstill.

Another new feature is the optional lift system for the front axle which is able to increase the ground clearance of the car, at the touch of a button, for driving on bumpy surfaces or steep gradients - for example into an underground garage - by 30 millimetres (approx 1.2 inches).

The Euro base price of the new GT3 is Euro 98,100, in Germany the retail price including value-added tax and specific national features is Euro 116,947. In the USA the GT3 will be at the dealership in October at a price of USD 112,200 (MSRP without taxes).