Jerez MotoGP test times

The test saw Valentino Rossi's debut on Bridgestone tyres and marked the first public appearance for the new Ducati Desmosedici GP8.

World champion Casey Stoner, fastest on day one, injured his shoulder on Wednesday and didn't ride on the final day - when Dani Pedrosa was fastest on the 2007 Honda RC212V.

Suzuki was the only factory not present in Spain, having instead chosen to develop its GSV-R at Phillip Island in Australia.

The winter test ban starts on December 1 and lasts until January 20.


1. Dani Pedrosa SPA Repsol Honda Team (M) 1min 38.562 secs
2. Nicky Hayden USA Repsol Honda Team (M) 1min 38.848 secs
3. Jorge Lorenzo SPA Fiat Yamaha Team (M) 1min 39.464 secs
4. Andrea Dovizioso ITA JiR Team Scot (M) 1min 39.747 secs
5. Shinya Nakano JPN Honda Gresini (B) 1min 40.121 secs
6. Colin Edwards USA Yamaha Tech 3 (M) 1min 40.184 secs
7. Alex de Angelis RSM Honda Gresini (B) 1min 40.185 secs
8. James Toseland GBR Yamaha Tech 3 (M) 1min 40.213 secs
9. Randy de Puniet FRA Honda LCR (M) 1min 40.398 secs
10. John Hopkins USA Kawasaki Racing Team (B) 1min 40.984 secs
11. Valentino Rossi ITA Fiat Yamaha Team (B) 1min 41.538 secs
12. Marco Melandri ITA Ducati Marlboro Team (B) 1min 41.619 secs
13. Tady Okada JPN Honda Test Rider (M) 1min 41.715 secs
14. Nicola Canepa ITA Ducati Test Rider (B) 1min 41.793 secs
15. Anthony West AUS Kawasaki Racing Team (B) 1min 42.343 secs
16. Vittoriano Guareschi ITA Ducati Test Rider (B) 1min 42.850 secs
17. Shinichi Ito JPN Ducati/Bridgestone Test Rider (B) 1min 43.001 secs

Lewis stuns on Top Gear debut.

Britain's new F1 favourite showed all his ability behind the wheel of TV show's 'reasonably priced car'.

Anticipation was high ahead of Lewis Hamilton's appearance on BBC television's Top Gear programme at the weekend, and Britain's latest Formula Onesensation did not disappoint.

Despite being confined to the popular show's Suzuki Liana 'reasonably priced car' - the pensioned-off model being resurrected so that Hamilton could challenge lap times posted by other F1drivers on a level playing field - the 22-year old did not disappoint.

Wilson lands McLaren test.

Stefan Wilson has been handed the chance to test one of Formula One's most potent weapons after just one year in single-seater racing.

While elder brother Justin would no doubt love another chance to impress the Woking outfit, there will be no prouder onlooker as Stefan Wilson tests with McLarenas part of his 2007 McLaren Autosport BRDC Award selection.

Although not among the title-winners in the six-man shortlist, car racing debutant Wilson impressed sufficiently in a two-day 'selection shoot-out' at Snettertonlast month to earn the judges' nomination to follow in the footsteps of his brother's former F1rivals Jenson Button and David Coulthard. Justin will know what his sibling went through during the selection process, having been a one-time nomination himself.

Having finished second to Tim Bridgeman in the Formula Palmer Audi championship, Wilson tackled on-track assessments in Porsche Carrera Cup, Mercedes DTM and World Series by Renaultmachinery, as well as facing up to questions from the selection panel, before being chosen ahead of British Formula Ford champion Callum McLeod, Formula Renault champion Duncan Tappy, FFord Festival and FPA Shoot-out winner Nick Tandyand racewinners Henry Arundel and Dean Smith. As usual, however, the 18-year old had to wait several weeks before being announced as the winner at Sunday night's Autosport Awards

Lewis: I want to be the best ever.

Hamilton aims high for the future

As he prepares to hit the track alongside Michael Schumacherfor the first time during Formula 1testing at Jerez this week, Lewis Hamiltonhas admitted that he hopes to emulate the German and become the most successful driver in F1history.

Hamilton missed out on the title in his debut season by just one point to Kimi Raikkonen, despite leading the Finn by 17 points with two races remaining, and will go into 2008 amongst the favourites to secure the championship crown.

Eager to get over the disappointment of the final two races of the season - when an off in China and mechanical problems in Brazil ended his title hopes - Hamilton said he was fully focused on improving as a driver for 2008 and was focused on emulating the likes of seven-time champion Schumacher and his boyhood hero Ayrton Senna in the record books.

I'm over that disappointment," he told the News of the World. "I've learnt from the mistakes and am fully focused on next season. I get better every year and I don't see why next season will be any different.

"I am going to be fitter, stronger and more experienced, ready to take that next step up and be champion. I have time on my side to win many titles. If I get the opportunity to break Michael's record then I will go for it.

"Michael was a phenomenal driver but for me, Ayrton Senna was the greatest ever. If I could get one world championship that would be great; if I could three, the same number as Ayrton did, that would be a dream. But I want to be the best driver there has ever been."

Hamilton added that he still couldn't believe how things have changed over the past twelve months, with him going from virtual unknown to global superstar over the course of the year.

"I'm still coming to terms with all that's happened this year," he said. "It's been a roller-coaster of emotions. I still see myself as a normal guy, but my focus has to be on my job in F1.

"I'm going to put in maximum effort over the winter to come back even better next season."

2008 Yaris, Prius, RAV4 and 2009 Camry pricing announced

Toyota announced mid-year price adjustments to manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) for the 2008 model year Toyota Yaris, Prius, RAV4, and 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid.

The 2008 Yaris Liftback and Sedan receive an average price increase of $50, or 0.4 percent. The new base MSRP for the Yaris Liftback ranges from $11,350 for the base grade with five-speed manual transmission to $13,925 for the Yaris Liftback S model with four-speed automatic transmission. The base MSRP for Yaris Sedan ranges from $12,225 for the base grade with five-speed manual transmission to $14,450 for the S model with four-speed automatic transmission.


The 2008 Prius receives an average price increase of $150, or 0.7 percent. The base MSRP for the Prius ranges from $21,100 for the Standard model to $23,370 for the Touring model.

RAV4 4x2 models carry a base MSRP that ranges from $21,250 for the base grade four-cylinder to $25,420 for the Limited V6. The base MSRP for the RAV4 4x4 ranges from $22,650 for the base grade with a four-cylinder to $26,820 for the Limited V6. Total RAV4 average MSRP increases $150 or 0.6 percent.

The new pricing for 2008 Toyota Yaris, Prius and RAV4 will be effective on December 17, 2007.

Camry, the best-selling passenger car in America, redefines global standards for comfort and performance. The new base MSRP for the 2009 Camry sedan ranges from $18,720 for the base grade with a four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission to $28,270 for the premium XLE grade with a V6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission.

The 2009 Camry sedan combined base MSRP increases by $150, or 0.7 percent. 2009 Camry Hybrid will have a new base MSRP of $25,350. The Camry Hybrid combined base MSRP increases by $150, or 0.6 percent.

The 2009 Camry arrives in dealerships on January 21, 2008

Koenigsegg CCX and CCXR Limited Editions

Due to request from certain Koenigsegg Clients and Customers, Koenigsegg has created a Limited Edition version of it’s sought after cars. The Koenigsegg Edition comes in two limited versions, the CCX and CCXR models.

It features a 5.0L twin supercharged Koenigsegg engine, together with many other unique features. The car is more track biased compared to the standard models, as it has stiffer springs and anti-roll bars, reset dampers and lowered chassis. It also features a fully visible carbon body a large adjustable rear wing, larger front splitter and side strakes for increased down force and a unique forged wheel design.

The interior is also reworked and features; color matched leather carpets, Edition side step plates, Edition chronograph instrument cluster, New edition only layout for the center consol control panels.





All other extra equipment comes as standard, such as Carbon Wheels, Special interior trim and color, Rearview camera, Satnav or Bluetooth, Amplifiers, complete Inconell exhaust system in order to save weight.

The Edition cars will be built in two different versions, a CCX model limited to 14 cars with 888 bhp and a CCXR (Bio flexi fuel) model limited to 6 cars with 1018 bhp. The price for the 888 hp CCX is 1 330 000 Euro, and 1 500 000 Euro for the 1018 hp CCXR (E85/petrol flex fuel) version. The two first of each version are already spoken for.

CCX Edition Technical Specification
Performace

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) 2.9 seconds.
0-200 km/h 9.2 sec, 0-200-0 km/h 14 sec
Top speed: 400+ km/h (245+ mph).
Braking distance: 32m (100–0 km/h)
Lateral G-force: 1.4 G
Weight to Power ratio: 1.44 kg/hp
Weight distribution %: 45% front, 55% rear
Fuel consumption: Highway travel: 13 l/100 km
Combined: 17 l/100 km

Body
Two-door, two-seater with removable hardtop
stowable under the front hood lid.
Composite Group System. Total Body weight 56 kg

Dimensions

Total length: 4293 mm (169”)
Total width: 1996 mm (78.6”)
Total height: 1120 mm (44,1”)
Ground clearance: 100 mm (3.9”)
Fuel capacity: 70 litres (18,5 gallons US)
Luggage compartment: 120 litres (31,7 gallons US)
Dry weight: 1280 kg (2821LBS) (Fully equipped with: Airbag, Glass roof and rear window, power windows, ABS, soundinsulation, lifting system, Power steering and power brakes)

Aerodynamics

Cd. 0,33 Frontal area 1.867 m2
Flat underside of chassis. Venturi tunnels at rear of chassis/body.


Steering

Rack and pinion power assisted steering. 2.7 turns lock to lock.
Turning circle: 11 metres.
TRW electrohydraulic power assisted.

Chassis

Front and rear suspension: Double wishbones, chnical adjustable ups Racing gas-hydraulic two way adjustable shock absorbers, pushrod operated. Anti-roll bar.
Electronically adjustable ride height.
with aluminium honecomb and integrated fueltanks for optimal weight distribution and safety. Monocouqe torsional rigidity: 58.000 nm/degree. Weight including tanks: 72 kg
Front: Cr Mo subframe, with integrated crashmembers.
Rear: semi-stressed engine and gearbox with support struts, for optimal rigidity and no engine inertia movements.
Fully machined aircraft aluminium uprights, with SKF LeMans specification 150mm anglecontact ball bearings.
GKN hollow/gundrilled driveshafts.
Integrated pushrod operated VPS dual adjustable gas shockabsorbers.
Koenigsegg Z-style progressive and lightweight anti-roll bars front and rear.

Brakes

Front brakes: Ceramic discs Ø 380 mm, 34 mm wide. 8 piston light alloy Brembo monoblock calipers. Power assisted.
Koenigsegg Advanced Control system.
Rear brakes: Ceramic discs Ø 362 mm, 32 mm wide. 6 piston light alloy AP Racing callipers. Power assisted.
Koenigsegg Advanced Control system.
Traction Control: F1 style for optimal performance with 5 different handling modes.

Wheels

Koenigsegg Carbon / alloy wheels with centre locking.
Front:19” x 9.5”
Rear: 20” x 12.5”

Tyres
Michelin Pilot Sport 2.
Unidirectional with asymmetric tread pattern.
Front: 255/35–19” (Y)
Rear: 335/30–20” (Y)

Transmission

Specially developed 6-speed gearbox.
Torque sensitive, limited slip differential.
Clutch: Dual Plate, Ø 240 mm.
Transversally mounted race style gearbox with limited slip differential. 6 gears plus reverse.
Final ratio: 3,364
1st gear: 2,875
2nd gear: 1,773
3rd gear: 1,267
4th gear: 1,000
5th gear: 0,833
6th gear: 0,711
Reverse gear: 3,000

Engine

Type: Koenigsegg V8 cast aluminium, 4 valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts.
Displacement: 5.0 litre
Compression: 8.6.1
Lubrication system: Dry sump with oil spray piston cooling.
Oil cooler.
Weight 178 kg including supercharger and drysumpsystem.
Intake Manifold: Koenigsegg milled aircraft aluminium manifold.
Patented response charge system for optimal engine respons.
Manifold ceramic coated.
Emission levels: Euro IV. CARB/EPA Bin 5, with OBDII.
Sequential, multipoint fuel injection.Twin Rotrex centrifugal superchargers with response system 1.5 bar boost pressure.
Hydraulic lifting system: Lifts the front of the car 50mm in 3 seconds, from the press of the button. Automatic drop down safety feature at 50 km/h.
Central electrical system: Digital semiconductors instead of fuses or relays. Can bus operated and fully programmable functionality.
Power output: 888 Bhp at 7.000 rpm.
Maximum torque: 920 Nm (678ftlb) at 5.800 rpm.


CCXR Edition Technical Specification



Performance

Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) 2.9 seconds.
0-200 km/h 8.9 sec, 0-200-0 km/h 13.7 sec
Top speed: 417+ km/h (250+ mph).
Braking distance: 32m (100–0 km/h)
Lateral G-force: 1.4 G
Weight to Power ratio: CCXR: 1.26 kg/hp
Weight distribution %: 45% front, 55% rear
Fuel consumption: Highway travel: 18 l/100 km (E85)
Combined: 22 l/100 km (E85)

Body

Two-door, two-seater with removable hardtop stowable under the front hood lid.
Composite Group System. Total Body weight 56 kg

Dimensions

Total length: 4293 mm (169”)
Total width: 1996 mm (78.6”)
Total height: 1120 mm (44,1”)
Ground clearance: 100 mm (3.9”)
Fuel capacity: 70 litres (18,5 gallons US)
Luggage compartment: 120 litres (31,7 gallons US)
Dry weight: 1280 kg (2821LBS) (Fully equipped with: Airbag, Glass roof and rear window, power windows, ABS, soundinsulation, lifting system, Power steering and power brakes)

Aerodynamics

Cd. 0,33 Frontal area 1.867 m2
Flat underside of chassis. Venturi tunnels at rear of chassis/body.

Steering

Rack and pinion power assisted steering. 2.7 turns lock to lock.
Turning circle: 11 metres.
TRW electrohydraulic power assisted.

Chassis

Front and rear suspension: Double wishbones, adjustable ups Racing gas-hydraulic two way adjustable shock absorbers, pushrod operated. Anti-roll bar. Electronically adjustable ride height.
with aluminium honecomb and integrated fueltanks for optimal weight distribution and safety. Monocouqe torsional rigidity: 58.000 nm/degree. Weight including tanks: 72 kg
Front: Cr Mo subframe, with integrated crashmembers.
Rear: semi-stressed engine and gearbox with support struts, for optimal rigidity and no engine inertia movements.
Fully machined aircraft aluminium uprights, with SKF LeMans specification 150mm anglecontact ball bearings.
GKN hollow/gundrilled driveshafts.
Koenigsegg Z-style progressive and lightweight antiroll- bars front and rear.


Brakes

Front brakes: Ceramic discs Ø 380 mm, 34 mm wide. 8 piston light alloy Brembo monoblock calipers. Power assisted.
Koenigsegg Advanced Control system.
Rear brakes: Ceramic discs Ø 362 mm, 32 mm wide. 6 piston light alloy AP Racing callipers. Power assisted.
Koenigsegg Advanced Control system.
Traction Control: F1 style for optimal performance with 5 different handling modes.

Wheels

Koenigsegg Carbon / alloy wheels with centre locking.
Front:19” x 9.5”
Rear: 20” x 12.5”

Tyres

Michelin Pilot Sport 2.
Unidirectional with asymmetric tread pattern.
Front: 255/35–19” (Y)
Rear: 335/30–20” (Y)

Transmission

Specially developed 6-speed gearbox.
Torque sensitive, limited slip differential.
Clutch: Dual Plate, Ø 240 mm.
Transversally mounted race style gearbox with limited slip differential. 6 gears plus reverse.
Final ratio: 3,364
1st gear: 2,875
2nd gear: 1,773
3rd gear: 1,267
4th gear: 1,000
5th gear: 0,833
6th gear: 0,711
Reverse gear: 3,000

Engine

Type: Koenigsegg V8 cast aluminium, 4 valves per cylinder, double overhead camshafts.
Displacement: 5.000 cm3.
Compression: 9.2:1
Lubrication system: Dry sump with oil spray piston cooling.
Oil cooler.
Weight 178 kg including supercharger and drysumpsystem.
Intake Manifold: Koenigsegg milled aircraft aluminium manifold.
Patented response charge system for optimal engine respons.
Manifold ceramic coated.
Emission levels: Euro IV.
Sequential, multipoint fuel injection.Twin Rotrex centrifugal superchargers with response system 1.6 bar boost pressure.
Hydraulic lifting system: Lifts the front of the car 50mm in 3 seconds, from the press of the button. Automatic drop down safety feature at 50 km/h.
Central electrical system: Digital semiconductors instead of fuses or relays. Can bus operated and fully programmable functionality.
Power output: 1018 Bhp at 7.000 rpm.
Maximum torque: 1060 Nm (740ftlb) at 5.600 rpm.

BMW 335 Coupe gets Hotchkis Sport Suspension

We received the car shortly before SEMA and concentrated on making it look great for the show,” said company founder and president John Hotchkis. “Now we will run the BMW at autocross events and track days to gather the data necessary to develop a complete 335 Sport Suspension package. Every part that leaves this facility was developed and tested on the racetrack.”

The brand new BMW was grouped in the highly competitive Street Modified class that featured well developed cars running on R compound street/race tires. The Hotchkis BMW held its own and completed every run.

“The 335 has power and potential,” Ogawa explained. “We were conservative in all aspects for this first event and I can’t wait to make some serious suspension modifications and get back out there.”

The Hotchkis BMW 335 is sponsored by: The Tire Rack, Bridgestone Tires, Enkei Wheels, Stop Tech Brakes, Borla Exhaust, Red Line Oil and APR Carbon.