The leakage of information coming forth from Audi AG on its new A4 (some say 2008, others say 2009) continues, and along with eight new high-resolution, desktop-wallpaper size pics in our gallery, we also have four new shots of the A4 S-Line, which, while not as potent as the actual high-performance S4, at least looks the part. The S-Line treatment is seen here dressing up an A4 with the 3.2L FSI engine that produces 265 hp and 243 ft-lbs. of torque. The S-Line trim adds the obviously larger wheels with a strong seven split-spoke design, though other than that, exterior changes seem to be minimal. The paint color may be exclusive to the S-line, and it appears the chrome trim around the greenhouse has been blacked out, as well as the lower rear bumper.
[Source: http://iautos.blogspot.com]
2007年8月29日星期三
New A4! Audi's new sedan in S-Line trim
2007年8月28日星期二
Ford Focus ST Black Edition revealed
The Black Edition ST gets a black paint job, orange insertions(graphics and trims) and 19″ OZ Superturismo WP alloy wheels. At the interior the limited edition Focus receives Recaro sport seats of course with the orange insetions as the exterior has and a new model of steering wheel.
The engine remains the same. The 2.5 liter turbo engine from the “standard” ST delivering 223 bhp will fit into this ST too. The ST Black edition will be built in a limited series of 50 units.
Press release:
Racée, sporting and with the malicious glance, Ford Focus ST Black Edition does not miss assets for its special edition of black color strictly limited to 50 specimens: rare will be thus the drivers which will be able to be offered this sports car to the complete equipment invoiced 47 990 franks and which can practically do everything. Quasi like the imperceptible car of the popular television serial “Knight To wrinkle”, in the Eighties.
After successful launching, in spring, X-ray ST WRC-Edition, here now a new version of popular Ford which wants to be resolutely sporting, and in spite of very elegant, in its delivered black color. With the first glance, one could almost confuse X-ray ST Black Edition with his large s?ur, celebrates it car of the American television serial “Knight Rider”: with its black body Black Panther, its impertinent monogram Black Edition, its masks of foglamps black chechmate and the so black grids of higher and lower grill they, the car is not without recalling celebrates it knight of the road, the K.I.T.T. Except that Ford Focus ST Black Edition carried out in a strictly limited special version can neither speak nor to lead all alone.
The fifty models Black Edition are characterized by exclusive black light alloy rims OZ Supertourismo WP from 19 inches which were manufactured in particular for Ford in black chechmate with an orange graphics. Goes up pneumatic is with the height with tires Dunlop “SP Sportmaxx” (225/35Z R19) broad and with the extremely flat profile. The large back aileron painted in the color of the body gets an optimal support to him. The headlights bixénon guarantee that the dipped headlights and the main-beam headlamps have an identical color of light and that the road is illuminated liberally and with a great clearness so that the driver identifies any possible danger very early. The treated cockpit enamels of it piano with its head offices Sport Recaro, the head-rests embroidered with a great love of the detail, the wheel leather which fall well in hands and the pommel speed with its fine leather sleeve also adopt the same black color. Among the details of installation of the three-doors which deserve to be announced appear in particular an audio system Sony in changer with six CD of great standing and a practice automatic air-conditioning at two zones as well as de-icing the QuickClear® windshield which also reflects the rays of the sun.
Ford Focus ST Black Edition is propelled by famous the 2,5 turbo liters with five cylinders which develops 225 CH (166 kw) with 6100 tours/minute. But its couple is more impressive still since it is 320 newton-meter available between 1600 and 4000 turns. In combination with the manual box at six speeds of a high degree of accuracy, front traction charms its driver by filling with enthusiasm performances: it cuts down the 0 to 100 km/h in 6,8 seconds and its dash speed culminates with 241 km/h.
[source: http://iautos.blogspot.com]
Jaguar XF official revealed !
Challenging convention and setting its own rules, the new Jaguar XF fuses the style and performance of a sports car with the refinement, space and sophistication of a luxury saloon. This is the beginning of a new era for Jaguar.
The new XF: a dramatic expression of a bold new Jaguar design language, with a driving experience that exceeds expectations created by the striking appearance: relaxed and confident, with outstanding ability and control.
Resolutely true to the Jaguar philosophy of creating Beautiful, Fast cars, the XF goes further, adding a new dimension to the marque. The four-door XF has the visual excitement of a coupe, but room inside for five adults to enjoy an interior wholly contemporary in style yet uniquely Jaguar.
As well as space, the new XF’s interior ambience is enriched by crafted, luxurious materials, sophisticated instruments and calm interior mood lighting. Engineering excellence and attention to detail mean the XF’s interior matches the best-in-class for refinement, while Jaguar’s intelligent use of technology and driver-friendly Touch-screen controls add new layers of comfort and ease of use.
Every XF model has shift-by-wire transmission control, with Jaguar’s class-leading sequential shift system – its popularity already confirmed by feedback from XK sports car customers – used for the first time in a saloon. Shift-by-wire replaces manual shift linkages with electronic commands and gives every XF rapid and very smooth gearshifts – faster, even, than the acclaimed XK’s transmission.
The Jaguar Sequential ShiftTM System gives the driver the option of one-touch manual gearchange control via steering-wheel mounted paddles. There are also multiple JaguarDrive ControlTM transmission modes, including Dynamic and Winter settings, which interact with throttle progression, Dynamic Stability Control thresholds and shift strategy to match mood and conditions.
But the most exciting feature of the XF’s transmission control is the all-new JaguarDrive SelectorTM – an industry-first rotary shift interface that combines precise, intuitive control with space-saving packaging, to allow maximisation of interior storage options.
Other innovative functional features add more ’surprise and delight’. Air-conditioning vents present a flush dashboard surface until the ignition is switched on, at which point they elegantly rotate to the open position. Another new technology - JaguarSenseTM - introduces touch or proximity-sensing control for overhead console lights and the glovebox release.
more information on: http://iautos.blogspot.com
New Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT S to be revealed at Frankfurt
The new Quattroporte Sport GT S will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motorshow for its worldwide preview. The Quattroporte Sport GT S is the ultimate expression of Maserati’s saloon sportiness.
Exclusively for those looking for an even stronger sporting edge in a luxury saloon, the Quattroporte Sport GT S, equipped with an automatic 6-speed gearbox, stands out for its exceptional dynamic behaviour and uncompromised handling.
This result was obtained with the introduction of new suspension layout, featuring single rate dampers and a “racing” set up. The Quattroporte Sport GT S sits 10mm lower at the front and 25mm at the rear compared to other versions of the Quattroporte, and also features new, stiffer springs and dampers.
The Quattroporte Sport GT S boasts a unique braking system developed in collaboration with Brembo. This innovative technology uses dual-cast brake discs, and this is the first time such a set up has been employed on a road car.
Unlike traditional cast iron discs, dual-cast discs are made of two materials, cast iron and aluminium, to ensure optimised braking, improving performance in the most extreme conditions and providing greater resistance to fade even at the highest temperatures. The Quattroporte Sport GT S’s new braking system also benefits from new mono-block, six-piston callipers at the front and tyres developed especially for this car (front 245/35-R20 and rear 295/30-R20).
The increased size of the rear tyres allows optimum use of the Maserati’s V8 power, whilst the new tyre compound helps the brakes and set-up to guarantee a superior level of handling and driving emotion.
The Quattroporte Sport GT S’s exterior is distinguished by a more aggressive look. Along with the black-chrome mesh front grille, a characteristic element of sporty Maseratis, the side window trims and the two double exhaust pipes are also in black, whilst door handles are in the same colour as the body of the car.
The Quattroporte Sport GT S is fitted with eye-catching dark-chrome 20″, seven spoke alloy wheels.
Even the choice of material for the interior of the Quattroporte Sport GT S reflects the car’s sporty character. Traditional Poltrona Frau leather has been combined with Alcantara, which covers the central zone of the seats, the interior door panels and the steering wheel. Maserati has previously used Alcantara for the interior of the Trofeo cars and the MC12.
The dashboard is finished in new carbon fibre with aluminium treads, whilst front seats are characterised by a new, more cosseting sporty shape.
[source : http://iautos.blogspot.com]
2007年8月26日星期日
Spy photos: Porsche 911 Targa facelift
Volvo V70 by Heico Sportiv
Right on time for the market introduction of the new VOLVO V70 and XC70 the Volvo tuner HEICO SPORTIV is already offers a complete program.
A power upgrade is available for the models V70 2.4D/D5 and XC70 D5 with 154 kW / 210 hp and 460 Nm torque. With this program the V70 D5 accelerates to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds to a maximum speed of 230 km/h. HEICO SPORTIV power upgrades are carefully matched to each engine type and are offered with a 36 month warranty (from initial vehicle registration) as well as with compulsory TV-Certifications.
A technical supplement to the power upgrade is the HEICO stainless-steel exhaust system. For the first time, HEICO SPORTIV offers two different versions. For the engine types 2.4D, D5, 2.5T, 3.2 and 3.2 AWD a twin-outlet exhaust with oval tips in 120×74mm diameter is available. Specially engineered for the T6 model a four-pipe exhaust system is available. The T6 sport exhaust has got a modified silencer featuring four chrome endpipes in a 76mm diameter style.
From the chassis development side there are sport springs for all versions (FWD / AWD, Four-C suspension and XC70) available. The lowering in all cases is approximately 30 mm. A complete suspension kit with springs and shocks is currently under development at will be available in around 8 weeks.
The complete program is rounded out with several interior options, as well as by an exterior design program with front grill and front/rear skirts (currently in development).
BMW 7-Series High Edition released
Due to the next year’s launch of the new 7-series, Bmw is presenting an extra attractive BMW 7-Series High Edition. This model comes with a bunch of extra options with a relative affordable price. The most successful 7-Series in Bmw’s history comes now with options like: metallic paint, leather interior aith wood insertions, AdaptiveDrive, Soft Close Automatic system for the doors, comfort seat with heating, Park Distance Control, adaptive xenon curve lighting, smart air conditioning, Navigation System and a LOGIC 7 Surround HiFi system.
All of this will be offered at a price of € 13.050 for the standard models and € 13.100 for the models with long wheel ( 7XX L - series). The price for the options is good because usually these kind of option cost almost € 30.000 and with the High Edition Bmw makes a discount of almost 60% .
2007年8月19日星期日
Citroen C-Airscape Concept revealed
Citroen plans to present a cabriolet concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) in September. Thanks to the website Planete-Citroen we have a set of official pictures with the C-Airscape Concept.
The car will be a 4-seater midsize cabrio equipped with a retractable soft-top. There is nothing more to say about this concept but stay tooned because the press release from the French automaker will soon appear. Until then enjoy the photos below!
2007年8月17日星期五
Skoda Fabia II Estate will surface in Frankfurt
Czech automaker Škoda will take advantage of the upcoming IAA motor show in Frankfurt to present the station wagon version of its popular Skoda Fabia supermini. Set to compete against the new Renault Clio Estate / Sport Tourer, the Skoda Fabia Estate will offer superior payload capacity and roomier interior space.
The car, Škoda is reporting in its press release, will be 7mm longer and 46mm higher than the previous generation Fabia, being 4,239mm long, 1,642mm wide and 1,498mm tall. It will feature up to 480 liters of cargo space, which is 41 liter more than the Renault Clio Estate can provide.
The Skoda Fabia II Estate will be shipped with a choice of six engines (three working on gas and three oil-burners). The gasoline engines are the 1.2 12V HTP (70bhp). The 1.4 16V (85bhp) and 1.6 16V (105bhp, mated with an optional six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission). The diesel engines are offered as the 1.4 TDI PD (70bhp), 1.4 TDI PD (80bhp) and 1.9 TDI PD (105bhp).
Porsche Boxster Limited Edition comes in orange
The new Porsche Boxster Limited Edition will be officially launched on September 28, 2007 and will go on sale at a starting price of $49,900. Its more energetic sibling Porsche Boxster S Limited Edition will be start at a more breathtaking $59,900.
For the money, you'll get an orange-clad little sneaky beast equipped with a sports exhaust system, safety bars and Porsche's own SportDesign appearance package, which includes new front spoiler lips, an automatically extending rear spoiler, and modified rear trim with integrated diffuser.All this gear will roll on standard 18- and 19-inch wheels coming with the Porsche Boxster and Boxster S respectively.
Inside, you'll find black-colored Alcantara trim, three-spoke steering wheel from the Porsche 911 GT3 and 911 GT3 RS, and handbrake lever on vehicles with manual transmission. Of course there will also be a special "Limited Edition" plaque in the glove compartment.
The new 8-piston high performance brake system from AC Schnitzer
It’s not only sheer power which gives a car superlative performance, but also the braking system. What initially seems like a paradox makes sense: Racing drivers know that the better the braking system, the later they can leave braking before the corner and keep the speed at the limit for as long as possible.
Drivers of high power cars also have a high social responsibility. A powerful braking system allows a car, even driven at high speed, to be brought to a stop quickly, effectively and safely. To do this it must apply many times the car’s engine power.
To achieve a clear improvement in braking performance of the current 3, 5 and 6-series, the High Performance System from AC Schnitzer in Aachen uses an 8-piston fixed caliper. The pistons press the pads into the discs and therefore form the decisive interface in brake force transfer, which is particularly effective here.
A further advantage is the more even distribution of force over the friction surface. The design of the system with its one-piece cast fixed calipers is perfectly suited to very high forces with minimum distortion. So AC Schnitzer with its 374 x 36 millimetre brake discs has decisively improved braking performance.
But even when the vehicle has stopped, the generous brakes serve a purpose: the attractive design of the powerful calipers with the AC Schnitzer logo finally enhances the visual appearance
Installation site: front axle
Design feature: fixed caliper
Number of brake pistons: eight
Size of brake discs:374 x 36 millimetres
Application:
3-series (E90/E91/E92/E93) 325 i/d from 09.2007, 330 i/d from 09.2007, 335 i/d
5-series (E60/E61) M5, 545i, 550i
6-series (E63/E64) M6, 645Ci, 650i
Audi brakes another record
AUDI HUNGARIA MOTOR Kft. has set another engine production record during the first half of 2007: the company has already exceeded the one million mark in the first six months of the year. 1,013,697 (994,777)* engines were produced in Győr by the end of June, 1.9% more than in the same period last year. 
There was also a significant increase in the production of the Audi TT and TT Roadster sports cars during the first half of the year. 32,089 (5,194) vehicles left the factory floor.
Audi Hungaria generated revenue of around EUR 3.14** billion (EUR 2.45 billion) during the first half of 2007. Of the total capital investments of EUR 300 million planned to be made by the end of 2007, around EUR 130 million was invested between January and June 2007.The total capital investments from the year in which the company was founded in 1993, to the end of June 2007 have thus increased to EUR 3.18 billion. **
AUDI HUNGARIA MOTOR Kft., a wholly-owned subsidiary of AUDI AG with headquarters in Győr, has been one of the main engine suppliers of the Audi and the Volkswagen Group for twelve years. The Audi TT Coupé and TT Roadster sports cars are also assembled in Győr. Audi Hungaria has been Hungary’s biggest exporter for several years and is one of the highest revenue companies in the country.
* Figures in brackets refer to the first half of 2006
** Figures correspond to the IFRS international accounting standards
2007年8月14日星期二
Lamborghini releases 2008 model year changes
It's not as if Lamborghini has to make its products any more enticing, but the bull-badged fantasy folks are doing just that, making a few substantive changes to both the Gallardo and Murcielago LP640.
For the Gallardo, Lamborghini will be adding an onboard computer, iPod connectivity with USB, heated mirrors, along with Q-citura stitching that originally could only be found on the Nera model, as well as a beige soft-top on the Spyder.
The Murcie will also get the iPod connection and USB port, along with sat-nav, perforated leather steering wheel (accompanied by carbon weave) and the option of having the roof of the Roadster painted either dark blue, grey or black.
Get your orders in now, as Lamborghini has also extended its warranty coverage for three-years with unlimited miles.
[Source: http://subaruauto.blogspot.com]
Proton partner to build Lotus Europa in China
According to a China Daily report, Proton is working with its Chinese partner, Jinhua Neoplan Vehicle Co., to produce for Proton the Europa and a four-door sedan based on Proton's Gen-2.
Jinhua Neoplan has until now manufactured buses, but in its new partnership will build as many as 150,000 cars for both the Chinese market and for export. Inside Line even goes so far as to predict future Chinese-built Lotus vehicles being sold in the U.S.
[Sources: http://subaruauto.blogspot.com]
Aw Snap! Audi R10s lose outright victory at Road America
Speaking of calling your shots, Audi said prior to Round Eight of the American Le Mans Series at Road America this past weekend that its LMP1 R10 diesel racers were poised to steal an outright victory from the LMP2 cars. The R10s, they surmised, were better suited to the 4.0-mile track with its long straights than the LMP2 cars. Though performing well in qualifying and leading most of the race, the Audis ultimately lost to a Penske Porsche RS Spyder in the LMP2 class, the nearest one 1.783 seconds back. Both Audis picked up fuel and tires in their final pit stops, while driver Timo Bernhard opted for only fuel in his Porsche. Ironically, what really did the Audis in was their lack of cooperation during the final laps. Rather than allowing one of the cars to charge ahead and overtake Bernhard in the LMP2 Porsche, the Audis passed each other multiple times, as if they were competing against each other for the LMP1 win. The R10 driven by Dindo Capello and Allan McNish ultimately finished first in LMP1, just 0.706 seconds ahead of the R10 driven by Emanuele Pirro and Marco Werner. Lot of good it did them, especially considering Road America was their best change this season at an overall victory, which they haven't enjoyed since March in St. Petersburg.
Check out a gallery of the Audi and Porsche battle below, complete with descriptive captions from Getty.
[Source: http://subaruauto.blogspot.com]
Spy Shots: Honda Accord coupe goes out for groceries
have been spotted sporting artfully applied camo, these newest shots finally give us the full Monty, with only the badges being obscured by color-matched tape.
Compared to the concept that debuted in Detroit, the blocky front end has dispatched the hard angles for a much more curvaceous clip, with deeply contoured fog lamp recesses and a smoothed out lower air dam to feed the radiator. Out back, the lines are somewhat reminiscent of the shooter's Civic Si coupe, coupled with a set of taillights that hint at the last generation Audi A4. The interior is on par with the shots we've seen recently of the sedan, with a three-spoke wheel and nicely bolstered thrones.
You can view all the pics by checking out the gallery below, and comparing it to its concept counterpart.
Top tippage Guy!
[Source: http://subaruauto.blogspot.com]
Another Cheap FR Sports Car? Nissan joins the fray
Japan's top two auto makers have a long and sordid history of ripping off each other's successful designs. No sooner had the Nissan Cube become a run away success in its home market than Toyota came up with the similarly boxy bB (Scion xB). Many years earlier, after the Toyota HiLux Surf (4Runner) proved a hit with, well, surfers, Nissan restyled their Terrano with nigh on identical lines, hoping to ride on the coattails of the Toyota. And let's not get in to the Supra vs. Z and Celica vs. Skyline wars.
Now, just weeks after confirming that Toyota does indeed have a successor to the lauded AE86 in the pipeline, Best Car magazine claims to have evidence that Nissan has got a team working on building a new Silvia. Like the final 2002 S15 Spec R Silvia the new car is reckoned to be powered by a turbocharged two-liter good for 247 HP, but will just be 10 kgs heavier at one and a quarter metric tons (2450lbs).
The new range should sell for between 2.5 and 2.8 million Yen ($21,000 - $23,700), but not until 2010. Best Car's scoop ties in nicely with photographs of a shortened Z, most likely a mule testing a new, smaller FR drive train, taken at the ring earlier in the summer. If the new Silvia is indeed to be based on a modified Z/Skyline LM platform, expect a similar wheelbase of 8' 6", but smaller overall dimensions, around 14' 4" long by 5' 8" wide.
Chances of Nissan bringing a concept car, possibly derived from the URGE shown in Detroit last year, to October's Tokyo Motor Show? 60-percet according to the magazine.
[Source: http://subaruauto.blogspot.com]
2007年8月11日星期六
Racing of Corvette Z06 and past 13 pace vehicles
This one Artic White, lastly booked color for Ron Fellows, it’s a special edition of Z06.
The Chevy has paced all NASCAR Brickyard race. At first time they will use Chevrolet truck as a pace car.
The past 13 pace vehicles will be featured in special view at IMS, this is sponsored by Chevrolet.
This race wil be show live on ESPN, starts at 2 p.m. on Sunday, EST.
These cars top speed is 198 mph and they reach the speed of 0 to 60 within 3.7 seconds, and a dramatic white, blue and red paint scheme.
2007年8月10日星期五
McLaren may have received phone tip-offs from spy
It is a fact that McLaren asked the FIA for a clarification about the underbody rules at the Australian grand prix this season, which resulted in Ferrari having to change the design. Italian investigators are also scouring Stepney’s bank account details to see who might have paid him, and have confiscated several mobile phones that he could have used.
Stepney’s Italian lawyer Sonia Bartolini, meanwhile, revealed that Ferrari has turned down her client’s request for a meeting with team boss Jean Todt. She told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “We are disappointed. Surely it is in everyone’s interest to clear this up.” (GMM)
Dennis slams Ferrari as F1 espionage saga continues
In his letter, Dennis refers to sacked Ferrari employee Nigel Stepney as a ‘whistleblower’ who alerted chief designer Mike Coughlan to illegal floors and rear wings on the 2007 Ferrari.
“McLaren took steps to confirm whether (Stepney’s) allegations were true, and we concluded that they were,” Dennis wrote, accusing Ferrari of then winning the Australian grand prix with the illegal floor still attached.
He added: “Were it not for Mr Stepney drawing this illegal device to the attention of McLaren, and McLaren drawing it to the attention of the FIA, there is every reason to suppose that Ferrari would have continued to race with an illegal car.”Dennis slammed as “completely misleading” Ferrari’s claim that Stepney’s whistle-blowing amounted to the divulgence of “confidential information”.
“He acted properly and in the interests of the sport in blowing the whistle about this,” Dennis said of Stepney.
He added: “No team can expect their employees to keep quiet if they suspect - correctly in this case - that their employers are breaching the rules of the sport.”
Dennis also defended not telling Ferrari about Stepney because “it is in the interests of formula one that whistle-blowing is encouraged and not discouraged”.
“If team members think that their identity will be revealed they will not whistle-blow,” he wrote.
As for the separate issue of Coughlan’s receipt of 780-pages of secret material, Dennis said Ferrari “has gone to extraordinary lengths to try to maximise the damage to McLaren”.
He describes as “offensive and false” Ferrari’s claim that other McLaren staff were aware that Coughlan was in possession of the Ferrari dossier, which the now suspended chief designer subsequently copied, shredded and burned in his back garden.
Dennis also rejects Ferrari’s claim that it was not allowed to participate in the World Council hearing, revealing that Ferrari submitted a dossier of evidence, attended the meeting in Paris with lawyers who were “given several opportunities to ask questions and make submissions”, while Jean Todt also spoke.
He said: “McLaren’s reputation has been unfairly sullied by incorrect press reports from Italy and grossly misleading statements from Ferrari.
Alonso rumored to leave McLaren
Alonso finished fourth on Sunday after his pole position was docked when stewards found that he “unnecessarily impeded” teammate Hamilton in a qualifying pitstop. Asked by Spanish reporters in Budapest whether he will still be racing for Dennis’ outfit in 2008 and 2009, 26-year-old Alonso replied: “I don’t know, I don’t know.
“We will see.”
One such reporter enquired as to whether it would be a fair comment to surmise that he expected to be treated differently by McLaren this year after arriving as a twice world champion.
“Very fair. That is absolutely true,” Alonso said.He also repeated his criticism of the stewards who took away his pole position and the chance for victory here.
“The sanction seems very strange to me,” Alonso told the television transmitter Telecinco, “since it does not talk about any rule in particular. But it is like a bad penalty decision in football — you have to keep playing anyway.”
Alonso said his own relationship with Hamilton has not declined any further, but revealed that “nobody” in the team is currently talking to his British teammate.
“In normal circumstances I could have won this race, because I think I showed today that I was the fastest when I had a free track.
“It is a missed chance but fourth is not so bad,” Alonso said.
He said he was able to clear his mind of anger prior to commencing the 70-lap race at the twisty Hungaroring.
“No, with the car and the engine you have enough to worry about. And since I knew I did not have a chance to win I could preserve my engine to try to win in Turkey.
“Last night I was naturally frustrated when I heard about the penalty but you have to forget it for the race and think about the championship. And fourth place is better than fifth.” (GMM)
Spy knowledge boosted McLaren - Briatore
Flavio Briatore has suggested that McLaren was only able to keep up with Ferrari this year because of the spy scandal.
The Renault boss, who respectively beat McLaren and Ferrari for the world championships in 2005 and 2006, said he does not believe his counterpart Ron Dennis that no-one except Mike Coughlan at McLaren knew about the 780-page dossier of Ferrari secrets.
Briatore said the biggest disadvantage compared to Ferrari this year was its rivals’ lack of knowledge of the Bridgestone tyres.
“Had I only known Ferrari’s weight distribution, or how big their tank is, if I had a bit of those documents, then we surely wouldn’t be in this situation today,” the Italian told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
McLaren is currently subject to the suspicions of the FIA about the espionage saga, but Dennis insists that his suspended chief designer Coughlan acted entirely alone.Briatore charged:
“Dennis says he’s immaculate, but it’s hard to believe him. No, I don’t believe in his good faith.
“In a team everyone knows everything.”
He also criticised Dennis for not yet sacking Coughlan, while Ferrari has on the other hand dismissed alleged McLaren informer Nigel Stepney.
“It’s an extremely serious thing that he hasn’t yet been fired,” Briatore said, referring to Coughlan.
“All the team managers should say that in F1 there’s no more room for them.” (GMM)
2007年8月8日星期三
Lewis Hamilton wins the Hungarian Grand Prix
McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton took a dramatic revenge on team mate Fernando Alonso at the Hungaroring on Sunday afternoon, leading throughout the Hungarian Grand Prix to extend his world championship points lead to seven over the Spaniard, who could do no better than fourth place.
Raikkonen easily got the drop on front-row starter Nick Heidfeld in the BMW Sauber, but couldn’t quite muster the pace to challenge Hamilton, even though in traffic at times the gap between them was no more than half a second. The final laps were gripping as they duelled, while some 40 seconds back, Heidfeld was challenged by Alonso but similarly had little trouble keeping the McLaren driver at bay to score the second podium of BMW Sauber’s season.
Fifth place fell to Heidfeld’s team mate Robert Kubica, who made a great start and enjoyed excellent pit work from his team, while Ralf Schumacher hung in there for sixth for Toyota ahead of Nico Rosberg in the Williams. Like Heidfeld, Rosberg made three stops, the third dropping him back from fifth place.
The final point went to Heikki Kovalainen after a feisty race for Renault, from Red Bull’s Mark Webber. Toyota’s Jarno Trulli was a lapped 10th ahead of David Coulthard in the second Red Bull, while 12th was the subject of an intense fight between Renault’s Giancarlo Fisichella, Ferrari’s Felipe Massa and Alex Wurz in the Williams, who finished in that order.
Takuma Sato was 15th for Super Aguri ahead of Toro Rosso debutant Sebastian Vettel, Adrian Sutil who had several off-track adventures in his Spyker, and a very unhappy Rubens Barrichello for Honda.
Vitantonio Liuzzi retired his Toro Rosso with mechanical problems, as did Jenson Button his Honda, while Anthony Davidson spun his Super Aguri after a clash with Fisichella, and Sakon Yamamoto lightly shunted his Spyker.
The victory gives Hamilton his third success of the season and 80 points, to Alonso’s 73, Raikkonen’s 60 and Massa’s 59. In the constructors’ championship, McLaren retain their lead over Ferrari but by a reduced 19-point margin following the FIA edict that they should not score constructors’ points in Hungary as penalty for Saturday’s qualifying incident. That decision could yet be overturned on appeal.
