CADILLAC V-SERIES: RACETRACK TO THE ROAD

Year-long celebration commemorating 20 years of CADILLAC V-SERIES: RACETRACK TO THE ROAD kicks off at Sebring where it all started in 2004.

CADILLAC V-SERIES: RACETRACK TO THE ROAD

As three Cadillac V-Series.R hybrid race cars prepare to start the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship races at Sebring this weekend, Cadillac is also kicking off a year-long celebration for its V-Series performance sub-brand, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2024.

The Cadillac V-Series performance sub-brand was launched at Sebring International Raceway in March 2004 with the race debut and subsequent first win of the CTS-V.R racecar in the SCCA Pro Racing World Challenge GT race. This forged a transformative legacy at Cadillac, driven by a symbiotic relationship between the brand’s championship-winning motorsports program and the road vehicles it influenced.

CADILLAC V-SERIES: RACETRACK TO THE ROAD“Nearly 20 years ago, Cadillac made a bold move with V-Series that continues to resonate,” said Global Vice President of Cadillac Rory Harvey. “From the racetrack to the road, V-Series has transformed Cadillac and helped redefine performance luxury for thousands of enthusiasts. Over the next 12 months we will celebrate V-Series with a number of significant moments.”

The 20th year of V-Series is also a big one for Cadillac Racing, which has expanded with the all-new, electrified Cadillac V-Series.R prototype racecar competing internationally in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and FIA World Endurance Championship. The V-Series.R represents the start of the fifth generation of CADILLAC V-SERIES: RACETRACK TO THE ROAD

In addition, Cadillac will return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June for the first time in more than 20 years, competing with three cars for the overall win in the historic endurance race.

The inaugural production V-Series – the 2004 CTS-V – was developed on the racetrack and previewed on Germany’s famed Nürburgring circuit. It was the first of 13 V-Series sedan, coupe, roadster and SUV models to follow. All V-Series vehicles benefit from the performance technologies and learnings from nearly 20 years of winning on the racetrack.

“Our championship-winning race team brings an uncompromising eye for detail that is channeled into every production model,” said Brandon Vivian, executive chief engineer, Cadillac. “The result are vehicles that weave power, craftsmanship and innovative technologies into engaging, involving driving experiences.”Today’s lineup includes the CT4-V and twin-turbocharged CT4-V Blackwing, the CT5-V and the supercharged CT5-V Blackwing, and the supercharged Escalade-V. With 682 horsepower (508 kW), the Escalade-V currently wears the crown of Cadillac’s most-powerful production model ever, while the CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing models offer the ultimate balance of road-going performance luxury and track capability.

20 Years of CADILLAC V-SERIES: RACETRACK TO THE ROAD Production:

First Generation – 2004

  • CTS-V
  • XLR-V
  • STS-V

CADILLAC V-SERIES: RACETRACK TO THE ROADSecond Generation – 2009

  • CTS-V
  • CTS-V Wagon and Coupe

Third Generation – 2016

  • CTS-V
  • ATS-V

Fourth Generation – 2019

  • CT6-V
  • CT4-V
  • CT5-V
  • CT4-V Blackwing
  • CT5-V Blackwing
  • Escalade-V

The 20th anniversary celebration will conclude at Sebring in March 2024 – 20 years after the first CTS-V won on the track. More information about the anniversary will be shared on Cadillac’s website and V-Series Instagram account throughout the year. New products and features commemorating the 20th anniversary of V-Series are planned over the next 12 months, with more information to be announced throughout this period.

For more information about the latest luxury and performance vehicles from Cadillac, please visit https://media.cadillac.com/media/us/en/cadillac/vehicles.html

JAGUAR TCS RACING ELECTRIC I-TYPE 6

The most advanced all-electric Jaguar racecar ever, the JAGUAR TCS RACING ELECTRIC I-TYPE 6 has a top speed of 200 mph!

JAGUAR TCS RACING ELECTRIC I-TYPE 6

The new Jaguar I-TYPE 6 is the most advanced and efficient electric Jaguar racecar ever; designed to win the 2023 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. Lighter, more powerful and faster, the Jaguar I-TYPE 6 will set new performance benchmarks for an all-electric racecar. It features regenerative braking so powerful it has no conventional rear brakes!

Technology transfer from the Jaguar I-TYPE 6 will support reimagining Jaguar’s future as an all-electric modern luxury brand starting in 2025. All-new asymmetric livery from Jaguar’s creative team means unique cars for drivers and a distinctive new identity for the Gen3 era. After Jaguar TCS Racing’s highest ever points haul in Formula E last year, returning drivers Mitch Evans and Sam Bird bring vital continuity and consistency to the series.Jaguar TCS Racing enters Season 9 with FIA Three-Star Environmental Accreditation, the highest possible rating, illustrating the team’s commitment to sustainability. New season welcomes a new partner, with Wolfspeed joining the team as Official Power Semiconductor Partner. Jaguar TCS Racing will race in Mexico City on January 14th 2023 for first of 17 races in 12 cities. With Jaguar TCS Racing’s Mitch Evans finishing runner-up in the Drivers’ World Championship, the British team is working hard to once again fight for the World Championship title in 2023.

For more information about the JAGUAR TCS RACING ELECTRIC I-TYPE 6 and its racing program, please visit https://www.jaguarusa.com/jaguar-racing/index.html

VW NARDO W12 SUPERCAR.

On the 20th anniversary of Volkswagen breaking seven world speed records on the famed Nardò circuit in Italy, we take a look back at the infamous VW NARDO W12 SUPERCAR.

VW NARDO W12 SUPERCAR.

Few are aware the first Supercar to feature a functioning example of Volkswagen’s unique “W” engine was not the Bugatti Veyron with its quad-turbocharged W16 engine. Instead, the earliest progenitor bore a VW emblem on its hood. With aerodynamic styling penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro of ItalDesign, the striking W12 Concept Coupe that debuted at the Tokyo International Motor Show in 1997 was, just like the Veyron, an out-and-out Supercar. Perhaps even more significantly, it broke the traditional notion that a Volkswagen had to be a regular family car, paving the way for range-topping luxury and performance models from the brand.

The W12 Concept Coupe was powered by a 5.6-liter W12 engine, made by mating two of the company’s compact and lightweight 2.8-liter VR6 engines on a common crankshaft. When married, the W12 made 414 horsepower, which was channeled through Volkswagen’s Syncro all-wheel drive and a six-speed sequential transmission.

The W12 was a hit—at least in Concept form. Though it never made it to series production, Volkswagen’s first Supercar utterly exemplified the term. Its windshield was a single sheet of specially-curved glass that stretched all the way through the end of the roofline, splitting double gullwing doors and blending directly into a glass engine cover that allowed a view of the mighty W12 beneath.  With the flames stoked, a roadster variant was unveiled in 1998 at the Geneva Motor Show.

It would be another three years before reasoning for the earlier prototypes’ existence became clear. In 2001, Volkswagen announced it would attempt to set the 24-hour speed record at the 7.8-mile Nardò Ring in southern Italy. The W12 Concept Coupe seen in auto shows had evolved significantly – the W12 engine was enlarged to six liters, which, among other mechanical differences, resulted in power leaping to 591 horsepower. It did away with the coupe concept’s all-wheel drive system, and tipping the scales at a scant 2,646 pounds, it sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds!

VW NARDO W12 SUPERCAR.On the ground in October 2001, the VW NARDO W12 SUPERCAR was instantly in its element, clocking an average speed of 183.5 mph over 4,402 miles, shattering the World Record. The feat was particularly astounding considering it was the first real trial of the first road-going VW Group W engine ever. As remarkable an accomplishment as it was, the team knew the W12 still had more to give.

Fewer than four months later, on February 23, 2002, they would return to see the VW NARDO W12 SUPERCAR cover a distance of 4,809 miles and sustain an average speed of 200.6 mph. If there was any question about the durability of the W-series engine, it was answered at Nardò that day. In achieving this astounding average speed, the W12 Nardo set seven world records and 12 international class records in the process.

Volkswagen could now lay claim to nine of 12 world records relating to distance and time. The additional two were set by the ARVW (Aerodynamic Research VW) in 1980.  According to the Federation International de l’Automobile (FIA), all nine world records stand to this day. To learn more about the engine that powered the VW NARDO W12 SUPERCAR, please visit https://media.vw.com/en-us/releases/1409

BRABHAM BT62: THE ROAD TO LE MANS!

BRABHAM BT62: THE ROAD TO LE MANS!

Brabham Automotive has confirmed that they will return to international sports car racing and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

BRABHAM BT62: THE ROAD TO LE MANS!BRABHAM BT62: THE ROAD TO LE MANS!The Adelaide-based automotive manufacturer, which last year launched the record-breaking BT62 track car, is announcing its return to Le Mans. It has committed to a factory racing team and a multi-year motorsport program with development work already under way. The team’s target is the 24 Hours of Le Mans and World Endurance Championship season in 2021/22, where it intends to enter the GTE class.

Taking the road back to Le Mans has always been a desire of Brabham Automotive but can today be confirmed for the first time. The entry will be run and be funded in-house by Brabham Automotive and commercial partners and sponsors. It will be directly linked to the Brabham BT62 Driver Development Program, making early owners of the modern Brabham track car part of the test team for Le Mans and providing top level Pro-Am racing opportunities to owners.

An extensive testing schedule aimed at developing the BT62 for high-performance endurance racing has been underway for a number of months. Brabham Automotive managing director, lead test driver and 2009 Le Mans winner David Brabham is leading it, “Returning the Brabham name to Le Mans is something I have been working on for years, so it’s fantastic to make this announcement today. Brabham Automotive only launched its first car, the BT62, in May 2018 so we have a long road to travel to earn the right to return to compete at Le Mans. That work starts now with a long-term racing commitment. We look forward to developing the BT62 and future products while building a world-class competitive race team around the leading engineering and manufacturing talent we have in the business.”

BRABHAM BT62: THE ROAD TO LE MANS!

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), promoters of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, commented, “At Le Mans, the legendary Brabham name instantly conjures up memories of an outstanding family success story. It all began in July 1967 at the only French Grand Prix to be held at the Bugatti Circuit, when three-time Formula One world champion Sir Jack Brabham took the honors in a car sporting the Brabham name. Sir Jack’s sons, Geoff and David, perpetuated the family tradition by winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1993 and 2009 respectively, both with Peugeot. For the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, the return of the Brabham name to endurance racing is therefore much more than symbolic. It demonstrates remarkable loyalty and an extraordinary competitive spirit.”

BRABHAM BT62: THE ROAD TO LE MANS!More details on the Brabham Automotive sports car program, personnel and the GTE vehicle that will eventually be homologated will be released, pending final confirmation of regulations and entries. The brand can confirm it will be an original Brabham, based on developing the BT62 chassis, which has already been designed and built to comply with modern FIA safety standards. A 5.4-litre naturally aspirated engine powers the Brabham BT62. Brabham Automotive also intends to compete in lower level series and provide customer-racing opportunities as it takes the road back to Le Mans, with more information to be made available in due course.

BRABHAM BT62: THE ROAD TO LE MANS!Commenting on the development, Dan Marks, Commercial Director Brabham Automotive, “Brabham Automotive is a racing brand so since inception we’ve always had competitive motorsport in mind. Our plan to go on the journey back to Le Mans is a statement of intent that Brabham Automotive is back and here to stay. In the BT62, we have already built an outstanding, unrestricted track car now with a road legal option. We will develop this car to make its mark in motor racing, along with new vehicles. Today is great news for us and will help put the Australian car industry back on the world stage.”

 Only seventy BT62s will be manufactured, making Brabham Automotive’s project very exclusive in nature. For more information on its racing cars and street option, please visit http://brabhamautomotive.isebox.net/

BRABHAM BT62: THE ROAD TO LE MANS!Fans will be able to follow the journey as it’s shared on social media under the hashtag, #brabhamroadtolemans

The post BRABHAM BT62: THE ROAD TO LE MANS! appeared first on Car Guy Chronicles.

Continue reading BRABHAM BT62: THE ROAD TO LE MANS!