::// F1 Practice result Australian GP

2010 Formula 1 Qantas Australian Grand Prix Practice 1 result

Formula 1, Australian GP, Qantas, 2010, Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, Ferrari, Sebastian Vettel //TAGS

//:: Ferrari 599 Hy-Kers

Ferrari 599 Hy-Kers - The GTB Fiorano Gets Hybrid Powertrain

Ferrari stepped into the limelight once again this year at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show where they debuted their vettura laboratorio, the Ferrari 599 HY-KERS hybrid concept sports car. Known for their screaming V-12 exotic sports cars, Ferrari is for the first time experimenting with the inevitable future of electrification. The HY-KERS is based on the 599 GTB Fiorano, which is one of the best torque producing vehicles Ferrari has to offer, now amplified with the hybrid-electric motor rated at an astonishing 107 hp and 111 lb-ft of torque.

The new hybrid system incorporates pioneering engineering principles into every detail of the vehicle. The flat lithium-ion batteries are located on the floor pan of the car resulting in a lower center of gravity. The compact electric motor of the HY-KERS is coupled with a dual-clutch 7-speed transmission. Ferrari’s goal was to offset every kilogram increase in weight by a gain of at least one hp from the electric motor.

The vehicle incorporates a similarly designed system to that of Ferrari's Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) from last year's Formula One program. Under braking, the electric motor acts as a generator, using the kinetic energy of the vehicle’s momentum as negative torque generated to recharge the battery packs. Once the batteries are charged and the pedal is to the metal, the electric motor cuts in to provide instant torque on demand. Ferrari has also applied this F1 technology to help optimize the dynamics of the car, enhance traction and improve overall braking balance of the HY-KERS.

Ferrari hasn’t gone too far out of its league. The 599 HY-KERS will still integrate with the original V-12 hyper-revving engine allowing the driver to snap the throttle open and be tossed back against the seat faster than the original model. Ferrari claims the hybrid stallion can achieve 124 mph in 7.5 seconds, 0.4 seconds faster than the current 599. The seeds have been sown in Ferrari’s debut of green technology.

Hybrid Ferrari, Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, Vettura Laboratorio //TAGS

//:: The Special One: Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition

WARNING – this blog about the Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition may cause you to faint/lose consciousness/black out or worst run to the King’s thrown!

To celebrate 50 years since it entered its first Le Mans race, Corvette has made one of our favourite balls-out super cars even more insane: the Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition.

The spruced-up Z06 gets Brembo carbon ceramic brakes, 19-inch (front) and 20-inch rims (rear) with Michelin tyres, Magnetic Selective Ride Control and enhanced cooling.

You also get a carbon fiber raised bonnet, black carbon fiber rockers and a splitters helping to shave weight and reduce aerodynamic lift.

Apparently, ‘Corvette’s chief engineer Tadge Juechter reckon these changes make the Z06 the "best balanced Corvette yet". He also reckons the Z06 Carbon Edition could and will lap technical tracks like the Laguna Seca up to three seconds quicker - assuming you can keep the thing in a straight line.

Power is unchanged, but with a sledgehammer 7.0 litre V8 chucking out 500bhp, only the craziest, dumbest, brainless self proclaiming good driver would want for more.

Just in case the extra bells and whistles aren't attention-grabbing enough for you, you can spec your Z06 Carbon in Asbo-spec Inferno Orange - yes, an orange Corvette - or Supersonic Blue. Other bling-tastic features include a unique steering wheel emblem, sill plate and headrests with embossed logos. A certificate of insanity comes as standard, while chest wigs are an optional extra.

The Z06 Carbon will hit US shelves later next year. Padded cells are being prepared in the meantime...

Corvette Z06 Carbon Edition, 50th Anniversary, Super car, Sports car, American Car //TAGS