Wiesmann GT MF5 will be the official safety car for the FIA GT Championship

Whenever we watch a car race, we may get the idea safety cars are slow, but is quite unfair. They must keep a good pace in order for the competition vehicles not to get their tyres colder and to lose grip, what is also a safety matter. This may be a good reason for Wiesmann to put its wonderful GT MF5 to be the FIA GT Championship safety car.



The GT MF5 will be the safety car in all eight races of the championship, which includes machines such as Porsche, Ferrari, Aston Martin and Maserati. Wiesmann does not fear these vehicles: it is equipped with the M5 engine, a 5-litre V10 that offers the rear wheels of the car 507 bhp.

Source: Wiesmann

Fiat presents the 500C, the cabrio version of 500, ahead of Geneva Motor Show

The convertible version of Fiat 500 has already been presented. With its first official appearance scheduled for the Geneva Motor Show, 500C (C is for Cabrio) is not entirely convertible, but it uses a sort of targa top that keeps the side structure of the car. Anyway, this is certainly no reason for buyers not to be eagering to have their 500C in their garages.



Inspired by the 1957 convertible, 500C keeps the same dimensions of the regular 500 (3.55 m long, 1.65 m wide and 1.49 m tall), as well as the engines (69 bhp 1.2-litre petrol engine, 100 bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine and 75 bhp 1.3-litre Multijet diesel). They are mated to five-speed manual or automated manual (Dualogic) gearboxes. All versions will be offered with the Start&Stop system, which turns the engine off in traffic jams and restart it whenever the car is to move again.




Fonte: Fiat

Paul Newman dies aged 83 at his home

The death of great people is always sad, even the old ones. Although this is the natural course of life, we can't avoid feeling this way for the passing of Paul Newman. He died yesterday of lung cancer after smoking all his life. Ok, at 83, he could have died of anything, but who knows if, with no smoking, he would have been with us for more time?

Photo credit: ProRallyPix

The fact is Paul Newman was a talented actor, a great human being and car loving guy. This is why I pay him this tribute: due to his contribution and his love for racing and automobiles in general. His last lap, at Lime Rock Park race track, on August 13, must have been one of the saddest stories we have heard lately. If it was filmed, it would give him an extra Oscar. For all he has done. Our simphaties for the family and to all his fans.

Riccardo Patreze takes his wife for a ride in a Civic Type-R

This video speaks for itself. In fact, Riccardo Patreze's wife speaks for everyone, and she swears so much in Italian that even someone who does not understand a word in that beautiful language will get the picture. All due to a little ride around Jerez de la Frontera in a a Civic Type-R...



Source: 1civicfan via AutoBlog

Phil Hill, 81, dies due to Parkinson's disease complications

Legends may last forever, but human beings have not found a way, so far, to do the same. This, unfortunately, was the case for Phil Hill, who died today at the age of 81 due to Parkinson's disease complications.



Hill was the only North American pilot to win a F1 title. May he rest in peace.

Source: AutoWeek via AutoBlog