Honda CEO Declares War // Next-Gen NSX

Takeo Fukui, the ringleader at Honda, announced yesterday that he wants the next generation NSX to not only out do Nissan’s GT-R at the Nurburgring, but the soon coming Lexus LF-A as well. Out goes the mid-engine layout so loved by NSX fans, in with a 5.5 liter front mounted V10, making a solid 550bhp and 420lb/ft of torque. Mate that to an eight speed gearbox and an all wheel drive power delivery system, and both Nissan and Lexus are crossing their fingers. Spotted at the ring just this week, the new incarnation of the NSX is in no way similar to its younger brother (the zebra camo may help in disguising differences I suppose). So what does all this mean? Well, the GT-R ran the ring in a blistering 7:29 in showroom stock condition, the LF-A, yet to set a lap time, though it has been busy testing and looking quick I might add. With benchmarks like that to work against, Honda certainly has its work cut out for them. ColdTrackDays will keep you informed as more info in divulged // 06.18.2008

Stats Released // 2009 ZR-1 Corvette

The Corvette ZR-1 is a go, and the stats have officially been released. ColdTrackDays had reported on early pre-production engine performance numbers (638bhp/604lb/ft), but these are the official stats on the '09 Corvette via Chevrolet:

Sticker Price // $103,000
Top Speed // 205mph
0-60mph // 3.4 seconds
0-100mph // 7.0 seconds
1/4 Mile // 11.3 seconds at 131mph
Estimated EPA Fuel Economy // 14mpg city, 20mpg highway

// 06.17.2008

The Dark Knight // R35 GT-R

Spotted in Singapore, this Nissan R35 GT-R represents a little something different for us at ColdTrackDays. With a matte black finish and aggressive stance, we couldn't help but post a photo. Thanks to Vanq Photography for the shot, this particular GT-R was wrapped in a matte black vinyl material (potentially to preserve original paint) a process that took nearly six days to complete. Looking mean on the streets of Singapore was good enough for us // 06.17.2008

Top Gear USA // Hosts Revealed

It is official. Top Gear is to be produced stateside, with different hosts, and a dream like attempt at emulating what the three Brits have managed on their shores. We do not mean to seem pessimistic, though they are fighting an uphill battle. Adam Corolla, Tanner Foust and Eric Strommer will take the reigns as Top Gear launches here in the states. Corolla, famous for his co-starring role on "the Man Show" and his morning talk radio program, leads the crew. With Tanner Foust, Speed channels "Supercars Exposed" host and Formula-D drifter, and Eric Strommer, former day time soap opera star turned DIY television host, as his co-hosts. Appearing to be a co-production between NBC and the BBC, the American version has a very large set of shoes to fill. We will be keeping you informed as more information is released // 06.17.2008

British Humor // Clarkson DVD

Top Gear is one of the television shows here at ColdTrackDays that we can't seem to go without, providing insight and that always undefinable British humor. Having heard news of Top Gear becoming a stateside commodity, and knowing that many of you are absent of the BBC America channel on our cable box, here is a simple way to get your Top Gear fix before American broadcasting ruins it. Jermey Clarkson, automotive review guru and Top Gear (UK) host, has released his very own DVD. A sort of do’s and donts, good, better and best of the automotive world. Providing opinion and ride alongs, in a fast paced DVD format. For $17 via BBC America, it will fill the void, saturate your automotive thirst, while you wait for the latest episode or obsessively re-watch past episodes on-demand (not that we know anything about that) // 06.17.2008

The Return // Renault Alpine

The famous rear engine, French rally/race car, may be making a return to the automotive world. Details are limited, though it is suspected to compete with the Mazda Miata MX-5, and as Renault owns Nissan, they have a plethora of engine/drivetrain options to work with. Can any details be garnished via a previous Nissan press-release? Take a look and decide for yourself: 2006 Nissan Edge Concept. Nissan is more than capable of providing an in-line four, laying down 200-220bhp, and with a mid or rear engine layout, a new Alpine would bode well against its competition. Plus, this is just a good excuse to run a photo of a cool vintage rally car // 06.17.2008

WRC // Rally of Turkey

Mikko Hirovonen, having driven hard, holding the lead early, landed a fifth place finish at the end of the first day. This allowed him a break as day two rolled on, in which he regained the lead and finished atop the pack at the WRC in Turkey. Sebastian Loeb, Citroen Total driver, chipped away at Hirovonen’s lead, as the second day saw rough gravel road conditions. Though suffering from a punctured front tire, Hirovonen managed to retain his lead and finish first. The victory marks the second win for the BP Abu Dhabi Ford, and puts the team nine points over the Citroen Total team in the manufacturers championship // 06.17.2008

Rotary Celebrates Its 40th // 2008 RX-8

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Rotary engine, Mazda has released a limited edition RX-8, surely to please all of the zoom-zoom fans. Now we are all aware that Mazda's, more often than not, represent a strong majority at lap days and SCCA events. This is testament to their racing pedigree and aftermarket support, as well as factory floor performance capabilities. Well the 2008 RX-8 40th anniversary edition does not stray far from this marker. With a 1.3 liter, 232bhp Renesis Rotary under the hood, a six speed short throw shifting transmission, 9k redline and 50/50 weight distribution, the 40th anniversary RX-8 provides all that we love about Mazda. Keeping the rev's up is essential in a rotary, with a lack of raw torque, the Renesis will keep things interesting from turn to turn so long as you keep feeding her throttle. The 40th edition is much like it's 2007 counterpart, though features a few subtle upgrades. 18" aluminum wheels fit beneath the RX-8, while a Bilstein sport suspension makes for adequate grip while nearing that 9k redline we spoke of. Only 200 units will be built with the 40th anniversary edition badging, and though performance numbers do not differ greatly from the base model, celebrating 40 years of rotary powered performance via the RX-8 defines all that Mazda's zoom-zoom mantra means to us. Fun to drive, fun to race, with a supportive aftermarket and undeniable reliability, this is what makes Mazda the most raced automobile // 06.15.2008

Wrapping Things Up // Le Mans 2008

A huge finish for Audi in the 76th running of the 24hrs of Le Mans. With Peugeot having landed the top three spots after qualifying in the LMP1 class, it was an uphill battle for the Audi team. Audi Sport North America took the challenge, ran with it, and never looked back. After 381 laps, less than one separated the No.2 Audi TDi from the No.7 Peugeot Total 908i HD-FAP driven by Jaques Villeneuve, Marc Gene and Nicolas Minassian. Having battled through the night, Audi took the lead and would prove to be unstoppable as the 24 hours drew to a close. Rain early Sunday morning surely helped the Audi team, as Peugeot lost their lead thanks in part to a failed pitstop and having chosen to retain slicks as opposed to rain tires. The gap drew larger between the diesels as the night dragged on, and by morning it was clear that the Peugeot was not going to make up the lost time. The No.2 car of Audi Sport North America, which included drivers Alan McNish, Tom Kristensen and Dindo Capelo, saw their eighth win in nine starts at Le Mans. The Audi finished with Tom Kristensen behind the wheel, marking the eighth win for Kristensen and the second for McNish. Another great battle was concluded at the close of the 24 hour mark as well, with the No.009 Gulf Aston taking first place in the GT1 class. With the Aston Martin's and Chevy Corvette's having each lead the class for a time, it was the Aston that would take the lead during the night and not let go of it, leaving the two Corvette's to finish second and third. 2008 proved to be an exciting year for Le Mans, with the diesel prototypes making for a good show and the GT1 class playing out much diffently than many had expected. Here are a few short videos, one from the start of this years Le Mans race and the other, a short ride along with the No.3 Audi that finished third this year // 06.15.2008

Subtle Changes // 2009 Porsche's

This September sees the introduction of a slew of changes to the Porsche lineup for 2009. Now don't fret, your investment in that GT3 is still sound, the changes are minimal though noticeable, but as we all know, a Porsche is a Porsche no matter the vintage, some just have all wheel drive and huge turbos, others a bit more mild mannered. Minor face lifts are in store, but the biggest change is the addition of direct fuel injection, a first for Porsche. The other major announcement for 2009, how about a seven speed, double clutch tranny, which in conjunction with the direct fuel injection is supposedly good for 13 percent better fuel economy. Now I would guess we don't shop for a Porsche based on EPA ratings, but at nearly $5 a gallon, such things are starting to matter. Though the changes are subtle, they are evident, as the Carrera will see a 20hp increase for 2009 putting it at 345bhp, while the S model will see 30hp increase landing it right around 385bhp and boosting top speed to 188mph // 06.13.2008

Le Mans Weekend // Peugeot 1-2-3

The starting grid is set, qualifying over and positions in place. All three of Peugeot's LMP1, 908 HDi diesel powered Le Mans cars not only qualified but landed 1-2-3. Audi hopes to best the French team with quicker pit stops and a bit more experience, though they qualified fourth, fifth and seventh out of a 55 car grid. Moving down a class to LMP2, the Porsche Spyder's dominated the field, moving down another to LMGT1, saw an American effort take the top spot, with the #63 Corvette Racing C6.R out front. The Corvette will be followed closely by the #50 Labre Competition Saleen S7 as well as the Aston Martin DB9R's from Aston Martin Racing. LMGT2 saw Porsche out in front again, with the #76 Imsa Performance Matmut 911 GT3 RSR taking the pole position. Don't count Ferrari out of GT2 just yet however, as we are quick to forget how competitive this class can be. Remember the amazing finish at the 12hrs of Sebring in 2007, between team Flying Lizard's Jorg Bergmeister in his Porsche 911 GT3 RSR and Risi Competizione's Jaime Melo in a Ferrari 430GT? Check out the video above for a bit of a reminder. Le Mans is an amazing event, offering a plethora of racing across an immensely competitive field. This year looks to be no different than those before it, though we have to give a bit of credit to the Peugeot team, as they managed a 1-2-3 after having crashed two cars in practice over the last two weeks // 06.13.2008

That Simulated Feeling // Greg Pickett at Le Mans

61 year old Greg Pickett, creator of Muscle Milk and director of Team Cryosport, has reportedly spent the better part of last week within the confines of a driving simulator, preparing for his 24hr Le Mans effort. Pickett's Pabst racing simulator, provides real data from his Lola-Judd LMP1 car, which is uploaded to mimic his driving dynamics. Perfectly matching everything from wheel feedback to pedal feel, lap times in the simulator and 'real' times are nearly identical. Practice does make perfect, thanks in part to nearly a full work week behind the wheel of his simulator, Pickett managed a low four minute lap time at practice, in the rain no less. With Le Mans no more than a few days away, Pickett is going to need all the practice and simulation he can get, as he heads into a super competitive field of Le Mans prototypes. At 61, Pickett is an inspiration, showing that age has little effect in the competitive world of auto racing, though financial support still seems to be holding us back... // 06.12.2008

GT-R Spec-V // Soon My Friends, Soon

With the official specs to be released at the Paris Auto Show late this year, what we do know is this: European buyers will see the Nissan GT-R Spec-V late this year, maybe Christmas, while US buyers will have to wait until 2010. The Spec-V, an updated, more potent version of Nissan's already super supercar, will receive additional boost, a reprogrammed ECU and a freer-flowing exhaust. We, like many, are eagerly awaiting the GT-R to hit our shores, as it is certain to shake things up on lap days. For additional info on the Spec-V, check out this article by MotorAuthority // 06.12.2008

In Case You Missed It // Canada's Grand Prix

Mixing things up should have been this years Canadian Grand Prix theme. A new leader atop the driver championship board, a shake up in the constructors championship and an accident leaving both Raikkonen and Hamiltion out of the race. As they left the pits, Hamilton managed to miss step and rear end his Ferrari rival, Raikkonen. The pitlane accident took them both out of the race, and set the stage for BMW to have its day. Landing a one two punch, with Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica taking the top two podium spots, the BMW Sauber team saw its first win in the 2008 season. A first for Kubica, the Canadian Grand Prix victory took him to the top of the leader board and marked his first victory in Formula One. Only ten days until the French Grand Prix, and with things as uncertain as they could possibly be, the 2008 Formula One drivers championship is up for the taking // 06.11.2008

The Downside To Being Stateside //

The ford Focus is not exactly a performance car in our opinion. Though the SVT edition did provide a bit more then the base model, we have ridden in a few, and pound for pound you would have better spent your dollars on an imported Japanese hatch. So why is it then, that the Europeans see the more lively side of the Ford Focus? Why are we left with high MPG, four door variants and mild mannered two doors? The 2009 Focus RS is what we are talking about, and we are simply a bit peeved that we cannot get our hands on one. If this thing came across the pond, people would go crazy. A front bumper laden with air intakes feed the Focus RS, a low stance and aggressive lines scream "rally me!" A turbocharged five cylinder powerplant puts nearly 300bhp to the front wheels! So what have we done to garner such fate, to be left in the cold, putting about in our Focus SE’s? The cold hand of fate dates back much farther than the Focus, Cosworth itself has been in the business of making go-fast Fords for quite sometime, and US buyers have been absent of such options. So for 2009 things appear much as they did in years past, Europeans terrorizing the countryside in turbo powered Foci, while stateside buyers mail-order tid bits in hopes to confuse the passer by into thinking they have some one-off Focus import. A sad ending to an even sadder tale. Look for the official 2009 RS at this years London Motor Show in July // 06.11.2008

Sorting Things Out // Spotter Guides 2008

I am sure that we all have been in this position: while in the midst of a 12 hour Le Mans bender, rear end glued to the sofa, dishes piling up in front, your vision begins to blur and you are not sure whether your following GT1's or Prototypes anymore. So here is a solution, one that can provide a bit of additional info, a reference guide and a little help to the significant other as they struggle to understand the subtle differences between a factory backed Ferrari effort and Force India's Ferrari chassis. Spotter Guides, downloadable PDF files, full color layout and decent info, do well on the coffee table and help you sort through the field during your 12 hour Le Mans stint. Cost? Not a penny, just visit the site, download your preferred racing series and grab a spot on the couch. Click the above image to link through to Spotter Guides // 06.11.2008

Pirelli P-Zero Watch //

Timekeepers are a favorite of ours here at ColdTrackDays, and adding a bit of motorsport flair makes this one all the more appealing. Mimicking the famous Pirelli tread pattern on its rubber band, with a face and dial made of titanium and steel, the Pirelli P-Zero watch comes in high on our wish list. A bit more casual than we are custom to, the P-Zero makes for a great addition to any watch collection and certainly to one in need of a bit of diversity. Swiss made, Italian designed, the P-Zero sells for $900 and is available online and in a number of retailers. Click on the image for a link to an online dealer // 06.11.2008

ProFormance Racing School //

So you have decided to take a step up, reach beyond your current skills behind the wheel, humble yourself a bit and take a driving course. Well fear not my fellow motorsport fan, this is not your high school drivers ed. This is race school, and classes are in session. The first step is to determine your intentions. Is this to make you a better driver on the highway, more skilled at avoiding collision and improving overall car control? Or is this a step, a piece of your racing dream puzzle? In either case, ProFormance Racing School of Kent, WA, can provide all of the above and then some. A staff worthy of their accomplishments at the 24 hours of Daytona and their forthcoming effort at the 24 hours of Le Mans in 2009, ProFormance provides professional training for all levels of interest. With a multitude of classes, from car control and street survival skills, to competitive racing license courses (including a SCCA accredited 2-day course). Under the supervision of Don Kitch Jr., President and Chief Instructor, a driver training program at ProFormance begins in the class room. Learning the fundamentals of a race course is essential to avoiding disaster when cut loose behind the wheel. You will learn about the apex of a corner, turn in, braking distances and much more. Leaving the classroom, students, depending on the chosen course, either man the driver seat of a Chevy Cobalt SS or a Lotus Elise. With instructors riding shotgun, you are ready for some real track time. What ProFormance provides both in classroom and on the track, will help define your weaknesses as a driver and help you strengthen those points. All driving courses are conducted at Pacific Raceways, a formidable foe for even the most skilled of drivers, and is a great place to learn fundamentals as well as advanced techniques. With a highly trained staff, equipment and instruction of the highest quality, ProFormance is highly recommended by the staff here at ColdTrackDays. We will follow this up with a step by step of a ProFormance driver program later this summer, but in the mean time, check out: www.proformanceracingschool.com for additional information // 06.10.2008

Vulcan Motor Club //

Leasing or financing an exotic may not be in your future, but god what you would give for just a day or two behind the wheel of a Ferrari, a Lamborghini, or the Ford GT? Well this may be the option, a motoring club none the less, that fulfills your fantasies. First things first, schedule an appointment and decide which plan is within budget. Second, call ahead and arrange to secure a car through the club. Third, pick up said dream car, drop off your daily mule (where it will receive a complimentary detail) and hit the highway. Miles are debited from your membership plan, as you escape for the weekend in your preferred poison. With plans starting at $9,500 a year and topping out at $25,000 per year, the Vulcan Motor Club is in the business of fulfilling dreams. Not for the paycheck-to-paycheck crowd, but not as overbearing as monthly insurance and car payments on a Ferrari, Vulcan's fleet well makes up for its cost. Audi R8’s, Ferrari F430’s, Aston Martin DB9, Lamborghini Gallardos, everything to make you feel a bit more James Bond. The club is an East coast thing, located in New Jersey, though when we spoke to their customer reps, they assured us that clubs will be opening soon across the East coast and a tentative location in Los Angeles. Check out their website for additonal info: vulcanmotorclub.com // 06.09.2008

$30,000 Reward // Pikes Peak 2008

The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is on the calendar for next month, with a scheduled date of July 20th. An uphill battle, literally, is sure to take place, as competitors from nearly every country power their way up the 12.42 miles that makes up Pikes Peak. With a 4,708 foot elevation gain, 156 turns and a gravel-pavement surface to contend with, the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb is the apex of uphill, rally, endurance sprint racing. The green flag waves at 9:30am on the 20th, with the toll gate opening at 4am to let spectator cars up the mountain. Assuming all goes well (no big crashes etc.), expect to spend the better part of the day atop the mountain. The starting line sits at nearly 9,300 feet above sea level, with the finish resting at a staggering 14,110 feet above. Altitude sickness commonly ails rally spectators, as massive elevation gains may upset the tummy. Not for the faint of heart, whether driver of spectator, Pikes Peaks has been run since 1916, making it the second longest running motorsports event here in the U.S. With a multitude of classes, from open wheel to sidecar, truck to all out Pikes Peak specific rally cars, the event always makes for an interesting time. Often referred to as “the Race to the Clouds” the climb is a severe test of both driver and machine. The thin air robs the vehicles of nearly 30% of their power as they reach the top, accompanying driver fatigue and muscle strain, making each turn more difficult than the next. Current record for a climb to the top // 10:01 set by Nobuhiro Tajima in 2007. There is currently a $30,000 purse at stake for the first driver to breach the ten minute barrier. With that kind of cash on the line, expect this years event to be an exciting one. Check out the map of the course, with all 156 turns and huge elevation gains. And for something a bit more adrenaline filled, ride along here in the 1990 WRC Peugeot 206, as it climbs the infamous Pikes Peak, in an excerpt from the French film Climb Dance. // 06.09.2008

NW Alfa Romeo // Evening Lap Session 06.18.2008

Hard to believe it has been nearly two months since we last lapped Pacific Raceways with the NW Alfa Romeo Club. Their last event, held at Bremerton was a success, with a slew of vehicles of all makes, models and conditions (read about our ride in the Noble M400 under 'local rides'). This event, to be held amongst the dusk hours of an otherwise uneventful Wednesday evening, is sure to liven things up a bit, offering plenty of track time for all registered drivers. Drivers hit the track at 4pm an run until dark. $200 for pre-registrated drivers ($175 for Alfa's) or $250 for the procratinators. The NW Alfa Club always puts on a great event, and if you havent been, an evening lap session is a great event to attend. Check out: http://www.nwalfaclub.com/track/registration.php for info on registration. As an added bonus, all registered drivers will receive a free ColdTrackDays sticker when picking up there paperwork at the event! Big thanks to Dave Kingstone and the whole crew at the NW Alfa Club // 06.09.2008

Grand Prix of Canada // June 8, 2008

The seventh race of the season, and it is shaping up to be an interesting one. With Lewis Hamilton claiming the top spot amongst the drivers championship, he looked confident as practice began today at Montreal's Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. With Kimi Raikkonen nipping at his heels and a handful of drivers falling in line behind Raikkonen, Hamilton has his work cut out for him. Qualifying begins tomorrow at 10am, with a green flag flying at 10am (1pm on the East coast) on Sunday. We are unfortunate enough to only have television coverage of qualifying, as the race itself will not be shown live (big thanks to the NASCAR race at Pocono), and you will have to catch it as replay on the SPEED channel, Wednesday morning at 9:30am. The above is somewhat of a mid-quarter report on the 2008 Formula One season, offering a bit of insight into this weekends race in Canada // 06.06.2008

Looking Sharp // Ties For the Motorsport Fan

In an attempt to rid ourselves of any bad ju-ju we may have come into contact with, via our shameful reporting of car accidents and general automotive carnage, we at ColdTrackDays felt it time for something a bit more light hearted: Cyberoptix Tie's. With a multitude of styles and colors, fabrics and reasonable prices, we felt this a great addition to our Gear section. In particular, having scoured their tie selection, we opted for the "Exhaust Pipes v.2" in black and silver silk. A traditionally shaped tie (3.75" at its widest and 60" in overall length), featuring a one of a kind hand-screened image, each tie ships packaged and ready for gift giving. Priced at $40 for the silk variety and $30 for the microfiber, this may be the most reasonably priced item to make our Gear section. Check out: www.cyberoptix.com for more info // 06.06.2008