All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

Sebastian Vettel drove a 100-year-old Aston Martin TT1

In 1922, Aston Martin produced its first racing car, the Aston Martin TT1, which premiered at the 1922 French Grand Prix in Strasbourg. Now, 100 years later, four-time World Drivers’ Champion, Sebastian Vettel had the opportunity to drive this unique racing car.

Aston Martin organized an event celebrating 100 years of the TT1 model and Vettel was also present at the event as a member of the Aston Martin Formula 1 team. The car was built with two seats, driver + mechanic, which was standard at the time. The mechanic maintained pressure in the fuel system using a hand pump and fixed problems that might occur during the race. Back then there were no pit stops like we have now in Formula 1.

Aston Martin TT1 is powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder 16v engine with 55 hp (40 kW), which is enough to push the car to a top speed of 85 mph (137 km/h). The TT1 model was not successful on its debut, because after 19 laps it had to leave the race due to an engine failure.

We’re sure Vettel enjoyed driving this unique car, but it was also a privilege.

Source: Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant via Facebook

EV, News

2022 Alpine A110 E-ternity

At the beginning of 2021, the French car manufacturer Alpine announced that it will stop producing cars with internal combustion engines by 2030. The first step towards that goal is the 2022 Alpine A110 E-ternity prototype, which will be unveiled at the upcoming French Formula 1 Grand Prix.

The A110 E-ternity is based on the A110 Coupé. It is powered by a modified electric motor with 240 hp (176 kW) and 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) of torque. That’s enough power to propel it to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 99 mph (160 km/h), with a range of up to 260 miles (420 km). The same engine, but with 220 hp (160 kW), powers the recently launched Renault Mégana E-Tech.

The all-electric A110 is equipped with 12 battery modules, increasing the weight to 1,378 kg (3,037 lbs), 258 kg more than the conventional model. Also, compared to the A110, the EV differs by its removable roof made of recycled carbon, but also by its innovative infotainment screen located on the dashboard in front of the driver. The rest of the design is retained from the conventional model.

Alpine has announced a new all-electric crossover and hatchback, but they won’t be arriving anytime soon.

Source: Alpine

Auctions, News

2004 Porsche Carrera GT is for sale

The price of used cars has increased, but so has the demand, so every now and then we come across some of them with low mileage. Such is the case with the 2004 Porsche Carrera GT listed on Bring a Trailer.

Carrera GT is powered by a mid-mounted liquid-cooled 5.7-liter V10 engine with 605 hp (445 kW) at 8,000 rpm and 435 lb-ft (590 Nm) of torque. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential.

The car is in excellent condition with a clean Carfax, and has the original GT Silver Metallic paint on the carbon body. It is equipped with an electronically actuated rear spoiler, removable roof panels, rear diffuser, clutch rotors and brakes made of ceramic composites. It is mounted on a set of 19 and 20 inch forged magnesium rims wrapped in 265/35 (front) and 335/30 (rear) Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

Inside, the seats are upholstered in Ascot Brown leather, with black accents, which can also be seen on the door panels, dashboard, A-pillars and center console. There’s also air conditioning, electric windows, electric and heated side mirrors and a Porsche Online Pro CD stereo, as well as plenty of magnesium, carbon fiber and aluminum parts.

The Porsche Carrera GT has just 1,300 miles (2,092 km) on the odometer and comes with a Porsche Certificate of Authenticity, service records and a clean Washington title. The car currently has a bid of $1,500,000 and the auction ends in 7 days.

Source: Bring a Trailer