Red Bull Catalina Grand Prix 2010 - Pre-Event Update

This December, the stars will align for the rebirth of one of California’s most historic motorcycle races – the Red Bull Catalina Grand Prix. The famed race, which was held between 1951 and 1958, brought thousands of spectators and hundreds of riders to Catalina Island, helping establish it as the bustling tourist destination it is today. Caption & Image Credit: Red Bull USA

Red Bull Catalina Grand Prix 2010 - Pre-Event Update

The Red Bull Catalina Grand Prix 2010 is a closed-course motorcycle racing event sanctioned by the American Motorcycle Association.

Due to lax technical inspection, the 1950s era races were considered a “proving ground” for various types of suspensions, engine and frame modifications and special tunings. The Red Bull Catalina Grand Prix 2010 will follow its 1950s open class tradition by providing races for a wide variety of engine displacement and skill levels.

The field is expected to include almost 800 riders who registered prior to the October 7 deadline. There will be 12 races over the two days with an average of 80 riders per race. The Red Bull Catalina Grand Prix will be AMA sanctioned and all AMA rules will be followed.

The event is free to the public, and no tickets are required. All participants, spectators, and Press are expected to drop by the Hotel Metropole for check in, race registration, general event information/updates, food, and drinks.

Image Credit: Catalina Grand Prix 2010

The event is held over a three day period starting on Friday December 3, 2010 with a moderately priced charity golf tournament to benefit the AMA Legal Defense Fund and Riders Helping Riders. Green Fees are only $30.00 per player with Club Rentals at $11.00 a set and Golf Carts at $10.00 per player. To participate, please call 310-510-0530 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 310-510-0530 end_of_the_skype_highlighting for a tee time (if available) - all participants must mention that they are"with the Catalina Grand Prix".

Friday night is the official Red Bull Party to kick things off before competition begins. - details can be found at the Hotel Metropole! Updated information found at Dirt Bike Magazine>>

The racing event will be held over two days on December 4-5, 2010, and be held on an approximate 7 mile course. The course will include natural, graded, and paved terrain that includes a Motocross section (80% dirt, 20% paved). Grandstands are available for spectators and they will be located at the Start/Finish line and the Motocross section.

“I’m stoked to be part of this historic race,” said four-time Baja 1000 winner and 2010 AMA National Hare & Hound champion, Kendall Norman. “I’ve heard so much about it - the pioneers of the sport racing their old-school bikes in one of the most unique locations imaginable. It’s great that we’ll finish off the season with what’s sure to be one of the most fun races of the year.”

Both motocross superstars and emerging talents will vie for top honors as they blast into the hills surrounding the main port town of Avalon. Riders will look to join Bud Ekins (the stuntman who performed the famous fence jump in “The Great Escape” for Steve McQueen) and Bob Sangren (the race’s only two-time winner) as champion of the island spectacle. Sangren will also be returning to the island to serve as Grand Marshal for the 2010 race.

Riders are considered finishers provided they make 50% of their class leader's laps and receive the checkered flag. Due to circumstances on the island, there will be no practice and all motorcycles will be impounded, except for the actual race. All roads on the island are private and permission has been granted for their use for the actual race only. During the race, all participants must stay on the marked course. Any motorcycle used otherwise, will be impounded and the rider will be disqualified and prosecuted with no refund of race fees. All tuning and testing must have been done before your motorcycle is shipped, as such activity will not be allowed on the island.

Image Credit: Catalina Grand Prix 2010

Let the races begin - SCHEDULE:

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2010

7:30 Opening Ceremony

Race 1 8:15 $250

Classic Skill A & B
Vintage Skill A & B
Evolution Skill A & B
Premier LWT Skill A & B
Premier 500 Skill A & B
Premier Open Twins Skill A & B

Race 2 9:30 $250

Magnum 50+ LWT Skill B
Magnum 50+ HWT Skill B

Race 3 10:45 $250

Magnum 50+ LWT Skill A
Magnum 50+ HWT Skill A

Race 4 12:00 $250

Senior 40+ LWT Skill B
Senior 40+ HWT Skill B

Race 5 1:15 $250

Senior 40+ LWT Skill A
Senior 40+ HWT Skill A

Race 6 2:30 $250

Veteran 30+ LWT Skill A & B
Veteran 30+ HWT Skill A & B

Saturday night at the Casino, a special Casino movie will be shown at 8:00 PM with special guest appearance from Nitro Circus! Updated information found at Dirt Bike Magazine>>

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2010

Race 7 8:00 $250

HWT Skill B

Race 8 9:15 $250

HWT Skill A

Race 9 10:30 $250

125cc Skill A & B
250cc Skill A & B

Race 10 11:45 $250

Mini Skill A & B
Women Skill A & B
60+ Skill A & B
70+ Skill A & B

Race 11 1:00 $150

Super Mini Skill A & B
Youth Mini Skill A & B
Junior Mini Skill A & B
Micro Mini Skill A & B

Race 12 1:45 $300 GPR Pro Race $5,000 purse

Pro 18+
Pro 30+
Pro 40+

For racers and fans staying over on Sunday, December 5th, join the locals for the annual Shop At Home Night. The holiday festivities kick off with a tree lighting ceremony on the Wrigley Stage on the waterfront in Avalon. Santa Claus arrives by fire truck and strolling carolers will be serenading the shoppers. Participating store will be staying open late, many offering refreshments and holiday treats in addition to bargain prices.

Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Wayne Griffin also invites guests to enjoy the Tour Of Lights to drop off a new unwrapped toy for the Toys 4 Tots program for the local children. Get your treasure card stamped and enter to win reservations for two to the 2010 New Year's Eve Gala on the Island.

Again, the event is free to the public, and no tickets are required. All event information, updates, and check in happen at the Hotel Metropole.

... notes from The EDJE

Daimler Cars Images

Gottlieb Daimler was born in Struttgart in 1834. After studying at the Struttgart Polytechnic he travelled to Manchester where he worked with Joseph Whitworth.

In 1872 Daimler joined with Nikolaus Otto and Wilhelm Maybach in 1872. With Maybach he built his first petrol engine in 1883. Two years later he produced a motor bicyle and in 1889 his first four-wheeled motor vehicle.
The 1885 Daimler - Maybach engine was small, lightweight, fast, used a gasoline-injected carburetor, and had a vertical cylinder. The size, speed, and efficiency of the engine allowed for a revolution in car design. On March 8, 1886, Daimler took a stagecoach (made by Wilhelm Wimpff & Sohn) and adapted it to hold his engine, thereby designing the world's first four-wheeled automobile.
The Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft was founded in 1890 and four years later a Daimler-powered car won the Paris to Rouen, the world's first international car race. Gottlieb Daimler died in 1891.

Daimler Cars Images

Daimler Cars Images

Daimler Cars Images

Daimler Cars Images

Daimler Cars Images

Daimler Cars Images

Daimler Cars Images

Daimler Cars Images

Daimler Cars Images

Gottlieb Daimler was born in Struttgart in 1834. After studying at the Struttgart Polytechnic he travelled to Manchester where he worked with Joseph Whitworth.

In 1872 Daimler joined with Nikolaus Otto and Wilhelm Maybach in 1872. With Maybach he built his first petrol engine in 1883. Two years later he produced a motor bicyle and in 1889 his first four-wheeled motor vehicle.
The 1885 Daimler - Maybach engine was small, lightweight, fast, used a gasoline-injected carburetor, and had a vertical cylinder. The size, speed, and efficiency of the engine allowed for a revolution in car design. On March 8, 1886, Daimler took a stagecoach (made by Wilhelm Wimpff & Sohn) and adapted it to hold his engine, thereby designing the world's first four-wheeled automobile.
The Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft was founded in 1890 and four years later a Daimler-powered car won the Paris to Rouen, the world's first international car race. Gottlieb Daimler died in 1891.

Daimler Cars Images

Daimler Cars Images

Daimler Cars Images

Daimler Cars Images

Daimler Cars Images

Daimler Cars Images

Daimler Cars Images

Daimler Cars Images

2010 Mercedes-Benz Sport Cars Biome Concept

2010 Mercedes-Benz Sport Cars Biome Concept

Born out of the 2010 LA Auto Show’s Los Angeles Design Challenge, in which automotive designers are given free range to envision the future of transportation, the Biome is meant to blend seamlessly into the planet’s ecosystem. That means all components of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz Sport Cars Biome Concept car are “grown” organically, and it emits pure oxygen and is fully compostable at the end of its service life.

2010 Mercedes-Benz Sport Cars Biome Concept

The basis for the Biome Concept is a vehicle that "grows in a completely organic environment from seeds sown in a nursery." Not only that, but it's powered by a combination of the sun and a chemical bond from an imaginary liquid dubbed BioNectar4534. It's all natural, all organic and all science fiction.

"As the inventor of the motor car, we wanted to illustrate the vision of the perfect vehicle of the future, which is created and functions in complete symbiosis with nature. The Mercedes-Benz BIOME is a natural technology hybrid, and forms part of our earth's ecosystem. It grows and thrives like the leaves on a tree" according to Hubert Lee, Head of the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studios in Carlsbad.

2010 Mercedes-Benz Sport Cars Biome Concept

This year the competition had called for the creation of a vision of a safe and comfortable 2+2 compact car featuring good handling and a first-class design, and weighing only 1,000 lbs (around 454 kg/kerb weight).

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz Sport Cars Biome Concept symbiosis vehicle is made from an ultralight material called BioFibre and tips the scales at just 875.5 lbs (around 394 kg). This material is significantly lighter than metal or plastic, yet more robust than steel. BioFibre is grown from proprietary DNA in the Mercedes-Benz nursery, where it collects energy from the sun and stores it in a liquid chemical bond called BioNectar4534.

2010 Mercedes-Benz Sport Cars Biome Concept

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz Sport Cars Biome Concept is powered by BioNectar4534, which is stored in the BioFibre material of the chassis, interior, and wheels. In addition, Mercedes-Benz has developed a technology to equip trees with special receptors which can collect the excess solar energy and turn it into BioNectar4534. This creates a direct link with nature's energy sources and acts as an incentive to cover mobility energy requirements through more trees and at the same time maintain natural resources.

The Los Angeles Design Challenge is part of the Design Los Angeles conference, taking place from 17 to 18 November 2010 as part of the Los Angeles Auto Show.

2010 Mercedes-Benz Sport Cars Biome Concept

2011 Honda Fit EV Concept electric car

The Fit EV is designed to meet the daily driving needs of the average metropolitan commuter and utilizes the same 5-passenger layout found in the popular Fit hatchback. When the Fit EV production model is introduced, it will be powered by a lithium-ion battery and coaxial electric motor.

The high-density motor, derived from the FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle, delivers excellent efficiency and power while remaining quiet at high speeds. 
The Fit EV will have a top speed of 90 mph.

The Fit EV will achieve an estimated 100-mile driving range per charge using the US EPA LA4* city cycle (70 miles when applying EPA’s adjustment factor). Driving range can be maximized by use of an innovative 3-mode electric drive system, adapted from the 2011 Honda CR-Z sport hybrid. The system allows the driver to select between Econ, Normal, and Sport to instantly and seamlessly change the driving experience to maximize efficiency or improve acceleration. While in Econ mode, practical driving range can increase by as much as 17 percent, compared to driving in Normal mode, and up to 25 percent compared to driving in Sport mode. Acceleration improves significantly when in Sport mode, generating performance similar to a vehicle equipped with a 2.0-liter gasoline engine.

In addition to the 3-mode E-Drive system, the Fit EV will include several interactive coaching systems to assist the driver in maximizing battery range.

A special meter display advises the driver when to shut off air conditioning and other accessories to conserve battery power.

To help the driver deal with the electric vehicle ownership experience, the Fit EV will have a standard connectivity system that allows the driver to stay connected through a smartphone and personal computer, or the Honda-exclusive interactive remote, while away from the vehicle. The pocket-friendly, interactive remote provides connectivity to the vehicle without the need for an internet connection or mobile phone signal. Through the connectivity system, drivers will be able to remotely view the vehicle’s state of charge, initiate charging and activate the air conditioning, even while connected to the grid, to reduce the drain on the battery at start-up. The mobile application and website also offers the ability to set charging notifications and alerts to optimize utility rates, and provides 24-hour roadside assistance, along with a public charging station locator. The Fit EV will come equipped with a standard Honda Satellite Linked Navigation System™ that includes a public charging-station locator capability.

The Fit EV is designed to be easy and convenient to charge. Battery recharging can be accomplished in less than 12 hours when using a conventional 120-volt outlet, and less than six hours when using a 240-volt outlet.

The Fit EV Concept displayed at the Los Angeles Auto Show features an exclusive Deep Clear Blue Pearl exterior color and distinctive five-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels with blue inserts. The Concept has unique LED headlights, a chrome front fascia, aerodynamic bumper, clear LED taillights and EV decals. Inside, the Fit EV Concept is outfitted in an eco-friendly gray bio-fabric on the seating surfaces.

Displayed alongside the Fit EV Concept at the show is a prototype Honda charging stand. To begin charging, the driver swipes a card in front of the screen and then connects the charger to the vehicle. The Honda charging stand provides a glimpse at the future of an electric-charging infrastructure that is easy to use and intuitive for consumers.

2012 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti

The history of the 612 Scaglietti started in 2004 when Ferrari chose it as a successor for the smaller 456 M. It was designed as a 4 seater gran tourer with adequate space in the rear seats for adults. But, if we’re going to be honest, the 612 Scaglietti features the most out-dated design in all of the current Ferrari line-up.

Thankfully, Ferrariis coming to the rescue with a successor to the Scaglietti. This new model will be unveiled next March at the Geneva Motor Show with sales beginning in the summer of 2011. Prices are said to be in the 300,000 euro area.

Ferrari has already confirmed that the next 612 model will feature lots of modifications, including a gasoline-hybrid technology which is a system Ferrari developed from the KERS system it currently uses in Formula One race cars. This system was already previewed by the 599 GTB Fiorano HY-KERS concept unveiled earlier this year.

Exterior and Interior

While the prototypes caught testing all over the world looked almost identical to the current 612 Scaglietti, the next model will adopt a totally new look. It will combine design elements from both the 458 Italia and the Vettura Laboratorio HY-KERS. The sports car will get a strong front, curved hood, and wider wheelbase.

The Engine

 

The current 612 Scaglietti is powered by a 5,748 cc V12 engine that delivers 530 HP and 588 Nm of torque. But the next model will adopt a hybrid drive train that will combine a V12 front engine that delivers a total of 550 HP with a 100-HP electric motor at the rear. This new system will help improve fuel consumption by at least 35%.

We expect to see the same dual-clutch 7-speed F1 transmission as in the Vettura Laboratorio HY-KERS concept.

The Competition

The next Ferrari 612 Scaglietti takes on models like the Aston Martin DBS, which is also about to enter its second generation. The new Bentley Continental GT will also have a few reasons to fear the 612.

When Can I Get One?

The new Ferrari 612 Scaglietti will make its world debut in March 2011 at the Geneva Motor Show. Sales will begin in the summer of 2011; expect a price of around 300,000 euro, or $410,00 at the current exchange rates.

ABT Audi R8 Beautifull Cars Wall Pics

Last night, we showed you updated photos of Audi’s A4 and A5 as reworked by Germany’s Abt Sportsline. Tonight, we have a similar set of new shots from the same tuner, only this time the subject is the Audi R8, a car that doesn’t need a whole lot of work to begin with. Abt leaves the engine alone, instead supplying a sport suspension, a brake upgrade, and new 20″ wheels.

On the visual side, the car gets carbon fiber skirts and rear spoiler, along with replacement front and rear clips that tone down the oversized factory grillework on both ends. The front openings are now angled and feature colored CF inserts. Matching colored pieces are added to the sideblades and the rear end, too. The new rear bumper cover incorporates a diffuser-style bottom, smaller vents, and diagonal outlets for the exhaust tips. Pretty good stuff, if you ask us, and if the colored elements don’t float your boat, you can probably go for a more standard look. Assuming you have an R8 for them to work on, that is.

ABT Audi R8 Beautiful Cars Wall Pics

ABT Audi R8 Beautiful Cars Wall Pics

ABT Audi R8 Beautiful Cars Wall Pics

ABT Audi R8 Beautiful Cars Wall Pics

ABT Audi R8 Beautiful Cars Wall Pics

ABT Audi R8 Beautiful Cars Wall Pics

ABT Audi R8 Beautiful Cars Wall Pics

ABT Audi R8 Beautiful Cars Wall Pics

ABT Audi R8 Beautiful Cars Wall Pics

ABT Audi R8 Beautifull Cars Wall Pics

Last night, we showed you updated photos of Audi’s A4 and A5 as reworked by Germany’s Abt Sportsline. Tonight, we have a similar set of new shots from the same tuner, only this time the subject is the Audi R8, a car that doesn’t need a whole lot of work to begin with. Abt leaves the engine alone, instead supplying a sport suspension, a brake upgrade, and new 20″ wheels.

On the visual side, the car gets carbon fiber skirts and rear spoiler, along with replacement front and rear clips that tone down the oversized factory grillework on both ends. The front openings are now angled and feature colored CF inserts. Matching colored pieces are added to the sideblades and the rear end, too. The new rear bumper cover incorporates a diffuser-style bottom, smaller vents, and diagonal outlets for the exhaust tips. Pretty good stuff, if you ask us, and if the colored elements don’t float your boat, you can probably go for a more standard look. Assuming you have an R8 for them to work on, that is.

ABT Audi R8 Beautiful Cars Wall Pics

ABT Audi R8 Beautiful Cars Wall Pics

ABT Audi R8 Beautiful Cars Wall Pics

ABT Audi R8 Beautiful Cars Wall Pics

ABT Audi R8 Beautiful Cars Wall Pics

ABT Audi R8 Beautiful Cars Wall Pics

ABT Audi R8 Beautiful Cars Wall Pics

ABT Audi R8 Beautiful Cars Wall Pics

ABT Audi R8 Beautiful Cars Wall Pics