AUDI THROUGH THE AGES // ANOTHER LEAKED SUPER BOWL SPOT

Another Super Bowl spot hit the internet this afternoon and this time it was Audi that spilled the beans. We watched the shortened, blurry, bootlegged version of the 60 second commercial that Audi had announced earlier this week, and we decided not to share.

Trust us, you’ll get a much better idea of what Audi will unleash come Sunday if you watch this ‘making of’ promo video. And hey, it’ll give you a little something to look forward to... Enjoy // 01.31.2009

WHEEL DOWN WINTER TESTING // ALMS AT SEBRING

ColdTrackDays photographer Phil Woodard headed to the Sebring International Raceway this past weekend for the ALMS’ Wheel Down Winter Test. Though not all of the ‘09 ALMS cars were present, this was the first time many of these cars had seen a racetrack.

Among those that showed up was Acura’s ARX-02a LMP1 Prototype. This was first time the new Acura had been seen in the flesh, affixed with a front splitter that must produce massive down force, Phil managed to capture a few shots of the prototype in action.

For the complete gallery from Phil’s visit to Sebring, click here // 01.31.2009

WE HAVE A LEAK // THE HYUNDAI GENESIS SUPERBOWL SPOT

The new Hyundai Genesis is a pound for pound competitor with the likes of Nissan's 370Z, BMW’s 135i and, well, I suppose those are the only other entry level, rear drive coupes on the market. Hmm... no wonder the Genesis is expected to do so well.

Leaked onto the blogosphere just days before their Super Bowl release date, check out Hyundai’s new commercial for the Genesis coupe with Rhys Millen at the wheel and a Billy Corgan soundtrack. Looks pretty good to us // 01.31.2009

VOLVO C30 DTM COMPETITOR? // VIZUALTECH DRAWS UP THE PLANS

Check out the race inspired Volvo C30 concept drawn up by Swedish design firm, Vizualtech. Known for their 3D automotive and marine modeling, Vizualtech was asked to re-design the Volvo C30 hatch so that it might be competitive in the DTM touring car series, or possibly Le Mans.

Featuring an AWD layout and turbo power, the C30 seems an appropriate platform for both DTM and Le Mans competition. And with news that K-Pax Racing will campaign a pair of S60 AWD Volvo’s in the SPEED GT Championship this season, 2009 looks to be the year that Volvo returns to the forefront of motorsport // 01.30.2009

OUT WITH THE OLD // FERRARI F60 VS. F2008 - A COMPARISON

It wasn’t until F1Fanatic put these two cars side by side, that I finally realized just how different they are. Gone are the aerodynamic appendages and massive rear diffuser, the enormous amount of downforce now being replaced by a set of slicks, that according to Felipe Massa, only provide exceptional grip during the first five or six laps. The new cars now sport massive front splitters, narrowed rear diffusers and streamlined bodywork. And unless my eyes deceive me, Ferrari has chosen a dulled version of their ‘Ferrari Red’ for the new F60... your thoughts

For more shots of the F60/F2008 comparison, click here // 01.30.2009

LUNCH BREAK VIDEO // LIME GREEN GALLARDO ON ICE

As a motorsport journalist and photographer, there are few jobs I envy. Sure, there are those with larger salaries, 401K plans and pad vacation time, but few offer the freedom or day to day pleasures that come along with writing about, photographing and researching the sport that I love.

With that said, I give you Tiff Needell’s on-ice review of the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. Now that is a job I envy... Enjoy // 01.30.2009

MEDIA RIDES AND DAKAR // VW MOTORSPORTS MARK MILLER

When we met Mark Miller at the Mazda Grand Prix of Portland this past summer, CTD editor Justin Coffey managed to sort out a 'media ride' in one of the Jetta TDI Cup cars, seemingly unaware of Miller's motorsport background. It wasn't until later that he realized just who had taken him around PIR and he quickly dispatched an email thanking Miller for the ride and wishing him luck in the '09 Dakar.

Well a lot has happened since our first encounter with Mark Miller and though it was not his Volkswagen Touareg TDI that won the 2009 Dakar Rally, he did manage a second place finish overall, falling just 8:59 behind teammate and overall winner, Giniel de Villiers.

For a few more shots of Mark Miller and his weapons of choice, click through here // 01.29.2009

THE RIGHT COLORS // ASTON MARTINS LMP1 IN GULF LIVERY

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of their overall win at Le Mans, Aston Martin will enter two LMP1 cars into the 2009 running of the 24 Hours.

The new Aston prototypes will be based on the 2008 Charouz Racing System Lola and will be powered by the GT1 DBR9’s V12 engine. Jan Charouz, Tomas Enge, Stefan Mücke, Darren Turner and Harold Primat will drive the Aston Martin LMP1’s and the team hopes to celebrate yet another overall win at Le Mans.

Finished in the famous Gulf livery, the new Aston should be quite the sight as it powers down the Mulsanne straight this coming July. Stay tuned // 01.29.2009

CELEBRATING 455 YEARS // THE SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX

In celebration of their 455th anniversary, the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil, hosted their annual Sao Paulo Grand Prix this past weekend. The 1,000km contest saw a variety of race cars in attendance, but it was the Ferrari F430 driven by Chico Longo, Chico Serra and Daniel Serra, that took the win with a time of 6hr 50min 49s.

ColdTrackDays.com’s Brazilian correspondent, Alemiro Almeida, was in attendance and for a look at his complete gallery from Sao Paulo’s GP, click here // 01.29.2009

LUNCH BREAK VIDEO // ALFA ROMEO'S 155 2.5 DTM RACE CAR

Spotted a bit of vintage DTM footage over at AxisofOversteer earlier this week and it reminded us of how much we liked the Alfa Romeo 155 DTM race car. So, after a bit of searching, we came across this on-board video of a DTM prepped, 2.5-liter V6 powered, Alfa Romeo 155 making its way up some unknown hill, at speed. Great video, even better car. Enjoy // 01.29.2009

TRACK TIME IN THE SUNSHINE STATE // PBOC 'WINTER FEST'

Check out these shots courtesy of ColdTrackDays photographher, Phil Woodard. Taken a few weeks back at the PBOC 'Winter Fest,' Phil had to remind us that their are places in the world where people can see track time year round (and no, the indoor karting thing doesn't count).

For more of Phil Woodard's photography, click here // 01.28.2009

FROM JETTA TO GTI // HURLEY TO COMPETE IN KONI CHALLENGE

Josh Hurley, winner of the inaugural Jetta TDI Cup, has just signed with the APR Motorsport team and will be campaigning the 'APR Volkswagen GTI' in the 2009 Koni Challenge.

With an easy transition from the front drive Jetta to GTI, we expect to see a number of podium finishes for Hurley during the 2009 season. Stay tuned for additional coverage of Josh Hurley and the 2009 Koni Challenge // 01.28.2009

LUNCH BREAK VIDEO // 1955 JAGUAR D-TYPE

Only 87 examples of Jaguar's D-Type were ever produced. This particular one, driven by Mike Hawthorn and Ivor Bueb at the 1955 ‘24 Hours of Le Mans,’ may be the most famous of all.

What was later called 'The Le Mans Disaster,' Mercedes-Benz driver Pierre Levegh lost control of his 300 SLR after contact with an Austin-Healey and crashed into an embankment, killing him instantly. The car somersaulted, which then caused the SLR's hood, fenders and front axle to be hurled into the crowd just beyond the embankment. In all, some 80 spectators were killed due to the crash.

When word reached the Mercedes headquarters in Stuttgart, the two remaining Mercedes cars, driven by Juan Miguel Fangio/Sterling Moss and Karl Kling/André Simon, were ordered to withdraw from competition, handing the victory to Hawthorn and Bueb.

An amazing car with a tragic history. Video comes courtesy of Fifth Gear // 01.28.2009

PHOTO FINISH // BRUMOS-PORSCHE WINS THE 24 HRS OF DAYTONA

What may have been the most exciting finish to the '24 Hours of Daytona' in it’s 47 year history, David Donohue, behind the wheel of a Brumos-Porsche 'Daytona Prototype,' took the lead from two time winner Juan Pablo Montoya with less than an hour of racing left.

30 years since his father Mark Donohue won the '24 Hours of Daytona' in a Lola T70, Donohue managed to keep Montoya at bay, claiming victory for himself and the Brumos-Porsche team. An exciting finish to what is often a rather dull event.

Click here for more photos of the Brumos Porsche’s at the 2009-24 Hours of Daytona // 01.27.2009

AN IN THE BLUE CORNER... // KYLE CRAWFORD JOINS THE CTD-MC

ColdTrackDays.com would like to welcome yet another photographer to our growing media collective.

Kyle Crawford hails from Newton, Pennsylvania, and will be providing CTD readers with motorsport coverage from a wide range of events in the Northeastern states. Kyle is an avid motorsport fan, skilled photographer and Honda enthusiast. Kyle was featured in the Eye Candy section of ColdTrackDays some months back and we are proud to say he will now be a permanent fixture.

The members of the ColdTrackDays-Media Collective would like to welcome Kyle Crawford aboard. We look forward to your work.

For more of Kyle Crawford's photography, click here // 01.27.2009

JUST RELEASED // THE CIRCUIT - ISSUE 22

Mathew Mead, ColdTrackDays.com's Australian correspondent, just sent word that the 22nd issue of The Circuit has hit the shelves, er, the interweb.

An Aussie based online-magazine, The Circuit provides insight into all of the motorsport action down under and features some great photo work by Matthew Mead and others. To check out the latest issue of The Circuit, click here, and be sure and stay tuned to ColdTrackDays, for coverage from the first Circuit Club track day of the season // 01.27.2009

NO DOUBTS // FIFTH GEAR TESTS THE FERRARI CALIFORNIA

In searching for video reviews of the new Ferrari California, we came across Fifth Gear’s road test and thought we’d share.

The first and only hardtop-convertible Ferrari has ever made, we, like most, were a bit skeptical of the new Ferrari. But with a 460bhp V8 under the bonnet, enough to offset the weight gained by adding that folding hardtop, we weren’t surprised by the thumbs up the Fifth Gear staff gave the new cruiser.

If your still not convinced that Ferrari knows their demographic, trying getting your hands on the new California... last we heard, they’re sold out through 2011! // 01.27.2009

UNVEILED // THE 2009 PORSCHE GT3 RSR

Porsche has unveiled the latest iteration of their GT2-class race car, the GT3 RSR. Now powered by a 4.0-liter six-cylinder (up from last years 3.8-liter), the '09 GT3 RSR now produces some 450bhp and 317ft/lb of torque.

With a rev limiter set at 9,000rpm and a torque curve that Porsche says is better optimized than the previous models, expect to see the new Porsche competing against Ferrari in a handful of sports car racing series during the 2009 season. For more shots of the '09 GT3 RSR, click here // 01.266.2009

LUNCH BREAK VIDEO // HAKOSUKA GT-R AT FUJI SPEEDWAY

Vintage Skyline’s are a rare treat, actually, their an almost unknown quantity here in the states, so when we came across this video clip of a vintage GT-R running a hot lap at Fuji Speedway, we had to share it.

Powered by a 2.0-liter inline six, the Skyline GT-R was a powerhouse amongst its peers. With a racing pedigree, lightweight body and high revving engine, the GT-R was nearly unbeatable on the high banking of the Fuji Speedway. With that said, sit back, grab a bite to eat and enjoy a lap around Fuji Speedway with Motoharu Kurosawa and the Hakosuka GT-R // 01.26.2009

THEY'RE ALIVE! // 2009 FORMULA ONE TESTING IN PORTUGAL

A short bit of video from F1 testing in Portugal last week. Finally able to see the new chassis’ in action, I have to say, the only car on track that doesn’t appeal to me is the ING branded Renault of Fernando Alonso. Just something about the shape... Can’t quite put my finger on it. Anyhow, good to see the new cars in action and we are certainly looking forward to the 2009 season. Stay tuned to CTD for more F1 coverage during the months ahead // 01.26.2009

EYE CANDY // GALLARDO AT THE SAO PAULO GRAND PRIX

This weeks Eye Candy comes courtesy of CTD's Brazilian correspondent, Alemiro Almeida. Shot at the third annual City of São Paulo Grand Prix, Almeiro captured this Gallardo as it blew down the back straightaway.

This coming weekend (January 23-25), São Paulo will host it's fifth annual Grand Prix. A full grid is expected at the starting line and CTD will be there to cover it, so stay tuned.

For more of Alemeiro's photography, click here // 01.23.2009

FERRARI VS. DUCATI // MARLBORO'S ANNUAL OFF-SEASON PARTY

A few weekends back in Madonna di Campiglio, Marlboro hosted a small get together for their two premiere race teams, Ferrari in Formula One and Ducati in MotoGP. An annual tradition, it came as no surprise the group of motorsport competitors decided to pass the time with a bit of kart racing... on ice.

With Ferrari test driver Marc Gene sorting out the bugs in Ferrari’s F60 and Kimi Raikkonen out with a bit of tonsil trouble, it was test driver Luca Badoer, Felipe Massa and his brother Eduardo that took on Ducati riders Casey Stoner, Nicky Hayden and test rider Vittoriano Guareschi. Massa took an early lead (no surprise as he is known for organizing the occasional karting event in his native Brazil), but it was Australian MotoGP champ Casey Stoner that slipped passed on the penultimate lap to take the win. Click here for some more shots from Marlboro's off-season get together // 01.23.2009

THE FACE EATER // ARIEL'S ATOM ON TOP GEAR

A bit of an old clip, but following Linhbergh’s photo of Lord Vader piloting an Ariel Atom on some unknown stretch of So-Cal freeway, we figure’d it deserved a spot.

A truly menacing machine, the Ariel Atom is about as close to a streetable Formula car as you can get. Powered by a supercharged Civic Type-R motor and weighing in at 500kg (1100-lbs), the Atom lays down some 600bhp per ton and is capable of runs to sixty in 2.9 seconds. It’s no wonder Vader kept the mask on for Linhbergh’s photo shoot, look what the Atom did to Clarkson’s face.... Click here for the ‘updated version’ of Top Gear’s Ariel Atom review. Enjoy // 01.23.2009

UNVEILED // RENAULT'S 2009 F1 ENTRY - THE R29

We are going to refrain from commenting on Renault’s 2009 Formula One entry, the R29 and instead ask you, the reader, to comment on the new Renault. Click here for a few more shots of the R29 (and all the other ‘09 F1 cars for that matter) and then drop us a comment on what you think // 01.23.2009

PHIL WOODARD // COLDTRACKDAYS FLORIDA CORRESPONDENT

ColdTrackDays.com would like to introduce Phil Woodard. The newest addition to the CTD Media Collective, Phil is a Florida native with a passion for motorsports and photography. Phil was the official photographer for the Autocon Motorsports team last season and will be covering a handful of events for ColdTrackDays in the months to come. First on his list, ALMS winter testing at Sebring set for next weekend.

For more of Phil Woodard’s photography, click here // 01.22.2009

UNVEILED // BMW-SAUBER F1.09

Yet another 2009 Formula One car has been revealed and this time it is the BMW-Sauber F1.09. With an aesthetic appearance similar to that of the Williams FW31, the new Bimmer will be piloted by Robert Kubica and Nick Heidfeld during the ‘09 season, and the duo hope their new ride will yield a few more victories then their 2008 model did. Time will tell, stay tuned.

For more shots of BMW's F1.09 click here // 01.22.2009

PARK PLACE ASTON MARTIN // 'PROPER' CARS ON THE EASTSIDE

During our recent visit to Park Place Ltd., the Eastside’s premiere supercar dealer, we heard rumor that the vacant space next door would soon be occupied by a certain British automotive dealer. Once the only source for Aston Martin’s in the Pacific Northwest, Park Place Ltd. has since branched off and opened a showroom exclusively for the British supercar.

The new dealership, dubbed Park Place Aston Martin, will specialize in, yep, you guessed it, Aston Martin’s, and will be the go-to place for Microsoft exec’s and multi-millionaire bloggers (ed note- ha) in search of a ‘proper’ supercar.

Stay tuned, as CTD will head back across the water for a detailed look at what Park Place Aston Martin will have to offer // 01.22.2009

DARTH VADER'S ARIEL ATOM // SHOT BY LINHBERGH NGUYEN

Not sure how Linhbergh managed this shot, or for that matter, what in the hell Darth Vader was doing in So-Cal driving a blacked-out Ariel Atom, but for those of you seeking a new desktop, click here for Linhbergh Nguyen's now uber famous photograph // 01.21.2009

UNVEILED // WILLIAMS '09 F1 CAR - FW31

A team deeply rooted in Formula One, with former champions like Mansell, Prost, Villenevue and Senna, the Williams team released their latest F1 entry this week, dubbed the FW31. Powered by a Toyota engine, the FW31 is the only 2009 entry to utilize a flywheel to store recovered braking energy, as opposed to the battery-based systems developed by all of the other teams.

Unveiled at the Algarve Circuit in Portugal, test driver Nico Hulkenberg took the new Williams out for a few shake down laps before teammates Rosberg and Nakajima had a go at it. Much time has passed since William sat atop the F1 podium, could 2009 bring better luck and a few more victories?

For a look at more 2009 Formula One entries, click here // 01.21.2009

FEATURED // LINBERGH NGUYEN IN IMPORT TUNER

ColdTrackDays So-Cal correspondent and photographer, Linhbergh Nguyen, is being featured in the 'Longshots' section of Import Tuner (March '09 issue). So for those of you notorious newsstand magazine readers (you know who you are), we urge you to not only support a member of the CTD Media Collective, but the now dying print magazine industry. As Linbergh himself so eloquently put it, "Magazines are much more rewarding when read on the toilet than at a bookstore –at least I think so…"

News of Linhbergh's Import Tuner feature was followed closely thereafter by his now uber famous shot of Darth Vader driving a blacked-out Ariel Atom on an unknown So-Cal freeway... For more of Linhbergh's photography, click here // 01.21.2009

HEAD TO HEAD // COURTESY OF THE CIRCUIT CLUB

Enjoy a bit of head to head track day action courtesy of CTD’s Australian correspondent, Matthew Mead. Two guys, in the same car, one a professional race driver, the other a skilled amateur, are allowed a few hot laps at Wakefield Park in Goulburn, Australia. With footage stitched together by the gentlemen at the Circuit Club, watch as Jacky Yick (left) and Narada Kudinaron (right) go all out in this 'down under' time attack. A well fought battle battle that produced some great footage. Enjoy // 01.21.2009

KENNY'S TOYOTA MR-S // SHOT BY LINHBERGH NGUYEN

Check out this So-Cal track beast shot by Kinod Photography's Linhbergh Nguyen. With 200+bhp produced by the mid-mounted 2ZZ-GE motor, proper safety equipment and loads of additional upgrades, Kenny's MR-S is ready for plenty of track time this coming season. Complete list of modifications below:

POWERTRAIN:
2ZZ-GE 6spd
Apex-i powerfc (tuned by Churchs) *208.9hp/145.3lbft
LittleRocket header
JNZ tuning midpipe
Techno Pro Spirit titanium muffler
Custom short intake w/ HKS foam filter
Custom intake ducting
Toda Racing Clutch
Toda Racing Flywheel
KAAZ 1.5-way LSD
Kirkasaurus motor mount inserts
Speedsource shifter cable bushings
Speedsource steel braided clutch line
AuburnSpyder thermostatic oil cooler
Buddyclub Racing Spec battery

SUSPENSION:
JIC FLT-A2 coilovers
Superpro suspension bushings
CHE's spherical track arms kit
Whiteline anti-roll bars
Carbotech XP8 racing brake pads
Goodridge steel braided brake lines
TRD front/rear strut tower bar
TRD front/rear underbody brace
Antiflexpro breastplate

Enkei RPF1 15x7 front, 16x8 rear
Toyo R888 195/55/16, 225/50/16

INTERIOR:
Autopower rollbar
Buddyclub bucket seat
Sparco 6-point 3" camlock harness
Personal neogrinta 330mm wheel
FET ver.2 quick release hub
Works Bell steering wheel hub
Kazama shift knob
OEM shifter + Comptech short shifter adapter(for Acura TSX)
Custom hardtop mounting plates
removed carpeting
removed stereo equipment
removed softtop

EXTERIOR:
Toyota Japan OEM hardtop
TRD stage 1 lip kit
Toyota Japan Celica side markers
2003 MR-S headlights
MR-S Finalversion side ducts
MR-S Finalversion rear bumper inserts
VIS carbon fiber hood
APR formula GT3 mirrors
Kenchi's rear diffuser
Origin Lab GT wing

For the complete photo gallery from Linhbergh's shoot with Kenny's MR-S, click here // 01.20.2009