All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

2023 Porsche 911 GT3 R

The new generation of the Porsche 911 GT3 R has arrived. It is a racing car that was presented in America, and which will compete in the IMSA WeatherTech SportCar Championship and in the European FIA World Endurance Championship.

The Porsche 911 GT3 R is powered by a 4.2L naturally-aspirated flat-six engine with 565 hp (416 kW). It is a modified engine from the 911 (992 series) with 3,997 cc. The engine is tilted forward in order to provide more space for the rear diffuser, and is paired with a six-speed sequential constant-mesh gearbox. It’s mounted on a set of 18-inch wheels wrapped in 30/68-18 (front) and 31/71-18 (rear) tires.

After the huge interest in this car, Porsche is very excited that the GT3 R has finally arrived and will prove to be the most usable 911 race car to date. The GT3 R will also show its capabilities at the 24 Hours of LeMans. “Drivability is remarkably important to the wide range of drivers that we have competing here and that was a focus of the type 992 911 GT3 R. We have already had overwhelming interest in the car, and we are looking forward to seeing it turn its first wheel here soon,” said Volker Holzmeyer, CEO of Porsche Motorsport North America.

The body of the GT3 R is made of carbon, while the wheel arches are made of aramid fibers, which significantly reduces the weight of the car to 1,250 kg (depending on BoP classification). It is equipped with a modified suspension, new double wishbones, adjustable shock absorbers manufactured by KW, steel 390 mm front discs with six-piston calipers, steel 370 mm rear discs with four-piston calipers, carbon-fibre rear lid and rear wing. The front underbody is elevated, which in combination with the smooth undertray and rear diffuser increases the downforce.

Inside, the seat is additionally positioned. All necessary safety equipment according to FIA standards is installed, such as an improved cage for side impacts, safety nets, integrated CFK side impact protection and fire extinguishing system with electronic release unit. In front of the driver is a 10.3-inch screen, multifunctional carbon-fibre steering wheel, shift paddles and illuminated push buttons.

The Porsche 911 GT3 R will be officially presented at the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps.

Source: Porsche

News

Land Rover Classic Defender Works V8 Trophy II

Land Rover Classic pays tribute to one of the most famous off-road vehicles of all time, the Land Rover Defender, and on this occasion will equip 25 restored and modified examples of this model. The edition will be called Land Rover Classic Defender Works V8 Trophy II, and will be offered in 90, 110 and Double Cab “pick-up” versions.

The car has an interestingly decorated bodywork that represents 23 geographical locations far from civilization where it has proven to be one of the British automotive icons in its long history.

Land Rover Classic Defender Works V8 Trophy II is powered by a 5.0L petrol V8 engine with 400 hp (294 kW) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to all wheels via an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.

The production of this model ended in 2016. Land Rover equipped the Defender with new sporty Recaro front seats, LED lights, leather-wrapped interior and modern multimedia/navigation system, upgraded brakes, suspension, and handling kit for additional driving confidence. It is mounted on 18-inch aluminum wheels. Only 25 examples of the Trophy II will be produced, of which five cars will be produced in the Double Cab version, 10 cars will be Defender 90 cars and 10 cars will be Defender 110 cars.

When it comes to price, restored models won’t come cheap. Each car will be offered at a price of $390,000.

Source: Land Rover

News

Sebastian Vettel is driving his last Formula 1 season

After 15 years, 289 races and four F1 World Champion titles, German motorsports racing driver Sebastian Vettel has announced that he is ending his career as a Formula 1 driver.

The news surprised many, especially his fans and fans of Formula 1. Vettel made his debut in Formula 1 in 2007, and was world champion four times with the Red Bull team from 2010 to 2013. In his career so far, he has driven for BMW Sauber, Toro Rosso, Red Bull, Ferrari and Aston Martin, and won 53 times. In the 2013 season, he achieved 13 victories, which is the Formula 1 record for the number of victories in one season. He is also the youngest Formula 1 champion in history at 23 years and 134 days.

On the list of the most successful Formula 1 drivers, Vettel is currently in fourth place. Only Juan Manuel Fangio (5), Michael Schumacher (7) and Lewis Hamilton (7) are ahead of him.

His decision to spend more time with his family is understandable, but it may have been taken too quickly, after all, Vettel is 35 years old. In his statement, Sebastian said: “I have had the honor of working with many fantastic people over 15 years in Formula 1, and the decision to end my career was a difficult one to make. I thought about it a lot but decided it was the right move. at the end of the year I will think about my future. It is clear to me that as a father I want to spend more time with my family,” said Vettel.

Source: Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 Team via Twitter