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Pictorial: Sebring Winter Testing 2010

E&L — Sat, 27 Feb 2010 04:16:05 +0000

Written by Kerry Stratton

Our very own Chris Grosser spent last weekend at the winter testing session for the American Le Mans series at Sebring International Raceway in Sebring, Florida. Chris is currently on vacation but wanted to share his pictures. Which will be included below the break.

Sebring Pictures & Video – 2009 12 Hours of Sebring in Florida

E&L — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 03:03:35 +0000

Written by Chris Grosser

Sebring – this single word alone has the potential to evoke feelings of automotive euphoria. Millions of car enthusiasts across the world, myself included, can’t help but associate Sebring with thoughts of lightning quick race cars buzzing around the torturous race track better known as Sebring International Raceway.

I just happen to be one of the die-hard racing enthusiasts that is lucky enough to photograph these race cars up close and personal. At times, almost too personal, as I barely escaped making friends with the tires and under body of the Corvette C6R in the pits this weekend.

I consider myself highly fortunate to share with others, through my eyes and photography, these magnificently sexy pieces of machinery, technology, brute power, and love as they seem to effortlessly hover around Sebring’s jagged 3.7 mile long, 17 turn track.

Going back two months in time, I sent in my media credential application to ALMS, more specifically Sebring, requesting a media credential for myself to photograph the 12 Hours Race. Having photographed it last year, I quickly jumped on the opportunity to hopefully photograph it again in 2009.

I rented an RV with some of my best friends and arrived at Sebring early Friday afternoon. The race wasn’t until Saturday morning but I didn’t want to miss a thing!

I went to will call immediately upon my arrival at the track and sheepishly asked if there was a media credential behind the counter for “Chris Grosser” – the kind lady working there replied with, “Here you go, Chris Grosser from TeamSpeed … enjoy the race.”

This was the single greatest sentence I had heard in months. Sebring doesn’t inform you prior to the race if your application was accepted or denied. Apparently, I did something right because within a minute I was signing my life and insurance information for potential injuries away! Say no more, I was on my way, two camera bodies in hand, 30 pounds of camera gear and lenses in my backpack, and ready to go hiking around Sebring track side.

Early the next morning, I went to the mandatory media and photographer meeting at 6:45am, which was a bit rough to say the least. I proceeded to check in, picked up my photo vest and ended up photographing for about 8 hours in total throughout the day. It’s not too hard to do when my first picture taken that day was at 6:00am in the pits.

There is definitely a reason why they make you sign your life away prior to the track giving you your photography credentials. I think it may have something to do with being encouraged and given access to photograph within 5 feet of race cars passing you in excess of 150+mph. It almost…. just almost, makes me question my sanity but I love it and wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Sebring 2009 Pictures

Sebring 2009 Videos

Audi R15 Wins at Sebring 2009 via Garage 419

Sebring 2009 Race Recap

Sebring 2009 – The Start of the Race

Glowing Hot Rotors on Peugeot 908 HDI at Sebring 2009

About 12 Hours of Sebring

Sebring International Raceway is America’s premier sports car racing facility. Nestled among the orange groves and cattle ranches of central Florida, it is the oldest permanent road racing track in North America, evolving from a World War II air base.

Sebring is world famous for the annual 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race, part of the prestigious American Le Mans Series. Every year on the third Saturday of March, the raceway hosts thousands of race fans from around the world to witness the historic 12 hour classic. All the legends have raced at Sebring… Mario Andretti, A.J. Foyt, Dan Gurney, Stirling Moss, Juan Manuel Fangio, Phil Hill and dozens of other international motor racing legends, driving race cars built by the world’s great manufacturers such as Ferrari, Porsche, Jaguar, Audi, Ford, Maserati, Aston Martin and Nissan.

Today, Sebring International Raceway is owned by the Panoz Motorsports Group, whose founder Dr. Don Panoz revived the famous Sebring circuit in 1999 by initiating a multi-million dollar enhancement program. The track is active 365 days a year with automotive testing, club events, racing schools, corporate events and other activities.

Conveniently located adjacent to the Sebring Regional Airport, it is less than 100 miles from Tampa, Orlando, West Palm Beach and Sarasota. The raceway has its own hotel, the Four Points by Sheraton Chateau Elan, and is the home to two major racing schools.

About The Author

Chris Grosser is a professional photographer residing in Lutz, FL & who is often in Naples, FL, the town he grew up in. Chris is a long time friend of Zach, the founder of Exotics and Luxury, and has worked with Exotics and Luxury in the past covering events with his photography and writing skills. Take a moment to visit Chris’s website at www.ChrisGrossserPhotography.com. Chris is available for freelance work and has prints for sale with more information on his website.

Recent Car Articles:

Exotics and Luxury Community Comments:

How do you feel about Audi’s victory at 12 Hours of Sebring 2009? Do you think Audi will come out on top in 2010 too? Were you at the event? Leave us a comment below.

[Source: Automotive Addicts, Chris Grosser Photography]

Exotics And Luxury at Cars for the Cure 2009 – Pictures & Video

E&L — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 03:45:12 +0000

Written by Russell Griner

This past Saturday, Exotics And Luxury attended Cars for the Cure, an annual car show held in Lake Mary, Florida. Car owners with a plethora of tastes get together to show their cars, have a good time, and help support a good cause. All proceeds benefit the American Lung Association, and, according to the Cars for the Cure website, this year’s donation total was $54,540. Well over 100 pictures available after the jump.

Many sponsors gave their time and money to make this event a success. Classic Audi brought their line’s finest automobiles for us to gawk over (I couldn’t get over the fit and finish of the S5), Dance Time Productions provided music for the venue, Titan Motorsports made a strong appearance with many of their tuned cars showing, including a 1050 hp Toyota Supra and camoflauge Porsche 996 twin turbo (pictures available on the Titan Blog), while Barefoot Wine & Bubbly provided free wine to guests. Luxury Auto Direct gave away free copies of their printed luxury magazine.

The setting this year for the event was perfect – mid seventy degree weather, sunshine, and absolutely zero rain just like three weeks ago when we posted our Palm Beach Supercar Weekend Pictures & Video. The reason I mention the weather is that last year Cars for the Cure was held on the 2nd of February and it was rainy – there were talks during the closing ceremony back in 2008 of moving the event up in the calendar schedule a week as the 2nd seemed to be notoriously rainy. Well, it looks like the event coordinations did that, and it was a success – bone dry!

We had a lot of fun, met a ton of friendly people, oogled over some of the finest cars ever made, met & mingled with some great people, and most importantly helped a cause we believe in. We look forward to next year, perhaps we’ll have a car or two on display at the Exotics And Luxury booth.

Cars for the Cure Pictures

If you are searching for a talented Orlando photographer, John, a long-time friend and photographer for Exotics And Luxury is available for freelance photography jobs. View his portfolio here.

Cars for the Cure Videos

Video courtesy of COR Wheels

More Coming soon

WELCOME TO AN AUTOMOTIVE ENTHUSIASTS DREAM
The 5th Annual “Cars for the Cure” Auto Show extravaganza will be held the weekend of February 6th – 8th 2009 at beautiful Colonial TownPark in Heathrow/Lake Mary Florida. This charitable event, with proceeds going to support the American Lung Association of Florida, promises to be like none other.

VIP Reception presented by Virji Investments, Inc – Friday, February 6, 2009
Get the VIP treatment when you attend our exclusive pre-show party for sponsors and car registrants only. The party will take place at Ruth’s Chris Steak House located at 80 Colonial Center Parkway, Lake Mary, FL 32746. Participants anticipate the biggest, baddest car show of the year, here in Central Florida.

AUTO SHOWING – Saturday February 7th, 10am – 4pm
This all-day show is the auto enthusiasts dream! Some of the most powerful and highly-tuned cars from around the world will be on display: International and American Customs, European Exotics, High Power Racers, custom bikes and more. The streets are lined with great shops, restaurants and attractions as well as a variety of sponsor and vendor booths to make your visit relaxing and enjoyable. Bring the family and enjoy a fun filled day.

SUNDAY DRIVE – Sunday February 8th, 9am
This is a great tradition open to registered participants only. We will depart at 10am from Colonial TownPark and take a cruise some of the most scenic highways in Central Florida escorted by law enforcement, the drive will end at Seminole Harley-Davidson?. This is one more chance to show off your car and enjoy a Sunday Drive with other car enthusiasts.

Even though the event is over, you can still donate to the American Lung Association here.

Cars for the Cure sponsors for 2009 included: Classic Audi, Colonial TownPark, Fields Auto Group, Granny Nannies, Ultimate Audio, Collier Jaguar, Lamborghini Orlando, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Orlando, Bentley Orlando, Orlando Automotive Club, United Healthcare, AAA, DanceTime Productions, Titan Motorsports, Seminole Harley-Davidson, Suncoast Motorsports, Comerica Bank, AdKore Rehabilitation and Chiropractic, Ameriprise Financial, HouseWall Garage System, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Virji Investments, and… (continued below)

Cars for the Cure Media Sponsors: RealRadio 104.1, WJRR.com, 96.5 WHTQ Classic Rock, Seminole Magazine, Central Florida Lifestyle Publications, Orlando Style Magazine, Lake Mary Life, Luxury Auto Direct, and ClearChannel.

For those who missed the event this year, the address has remained the same for the past several years:

Colonial TownPark
932 Market Promenade Ave
Lake Mary , FL 32746

To view more pictures from the events, visit Automotive Addicts:

Which car was your favorite at Cars for the Cure 2009? Leave us a comment below.

[Photography: J Dot Photography - Contact John by email here]

Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI

Zach — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 23:24:40 +0000

The Audi R8 5.2L FSI V10

Audi just introduced their highly anticipated update to their flagship sports car, the Audi R8. The new Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI comes equipped with a 5.2L V10 producing 525 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque – enough to launch this car from 0-60 in a mere 3.9 seconds.

Audi R8 4.2 V8 vs Audi R8 5.2 V10

Two extra cylinders and one extra liter of displacement
The 5.2L V10 produces 105 horsepower over the 4.2L V8
The 5.2L V10 produces 78 ft-lb of torque over the 4.2L V8

Update 1/13/09 - More R8 V10 Photos Released

PRESS RELEASE

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro: breathtaking performance

The new 5.2-liter, ten-cylinder engine puts out 525 hp

Sprint to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, top speed 316 km/h

High-performance sports car with striking design

Ingolstadt – Audi is launching the next variant of its top-of-the-line model. With the R8, the brand has established itself at the forefront of high-end sports cars from the very start – and now comes the R8 V10. Its 5.2-liter, ten-cylinder engine churns out 386 kW (525 hp) and 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, which makes for breathtaking performance. With superior Audi technologies such as quattro all-wheel drive, the lightweight aluminum body, the innovative all-LED headlights, and its striking design, the
R8 V10 takes pole position against the competition.

The R8 V10 is the result of cumulative know-how from Audi’s string of Le Mans victories. Its naturally aspirated engine combines racing technology such as dry sump lubrication with FSI gasoline direct injection. The ten-cylinder design is the perfect synthesis for impressive top performance, mighty pulling power, and low weight. Starting in 2009, this engine will also prove its potential on the world’s racetracks – in the new R8 racing car Audi is developing for customer teams in conformance with the GT3 rules.

The V10 engine in the production sports car will be almost identical in construction to the one in the racing version. Its displacement is 5,204 cc, at 6,500 rpm it delivers 530 Nm (390.91 lb-ft) of torque, at 8,000 rpm its power tops out at 386 kW (525 hp).

The specific power output is 100.9 hp per liter of displacement – and each hp has to propel only 3.09 kilograms (6.91 lb) of weight, because the Audi R8 V10 in the version with the six-speed manual gearshift weighs only 1,620 kilograms (3571 lb). The engine accounts for 258 of these kilograms (569 lb) – that’s only 31 kilos (68 lb) more than the V8.

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro rockets from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.9 seconds. In the version with the sequentially shifting R tronic it reaches 200 km/h (124.27 mph) in another 8.1 seconds. Even then its propulsive power hardly lessens: it’s sufficient to reach a top speed of 316 km/h (196.35 mph). The immense force, the spontaneity and the thrust of the acceleration, plus the sound of the engine – all these impressions coalesce into a breathtaking sports car experience. The V10 plays a concert with growling bass tones and powerful high notes, which grows into a grandiose fortissimo as the engine revs up. This sonorous acceleration doesn’t reach its limit until 8,700 rpm.

The 5.2-liter powerplant uses direct injection according to the FSI principle developed by Audi. A common rail system injects the fuel into the combustion chambers with up to 120 bar of pressure. Direct injection reduces the susceptibility to knocking and provides a certain amount of cooling through the evaporation of the fuel, which in turn supports a high compression ratio of 12.5:1. This in turn contributes to superior performance and improves fuel economy. The R8 V10 with R tronic gets by on an average of 13.7 liters per 100 km (17.17 US mpg).

For maximum dynamics: low center of gravity engine

The technical refinements of the long-stroke ten-cylinder engine include dry sump lubrication, which allows the engine to be mounted low within the chassis. The wide cylinder angle of 90 degrees also makes for a low center of gravity. The crankcase is a high-strength aluminum-alloy casting produced in a complex process. The connecting rods are made of forged steel, the pistons of aluminum. The four camshafts are chain-driven and each is adjustable through 42 degrees. This provides great latitude in controlling the valve timing. In combination with the straight, flow-optimized ducts of the intake manifold, this improves the charge throughout the entire speed range.

The R8 5.2 FSI quattro has a six-speed transmission. A precise and smooth-shifting manual transmission comes as standard equipment. The sequential R tronic is available as an option. The high-tech gearshift conveys an authentic racing feel – with the rocker switches at the steering wheel and the short shifting times of usually less than one-tenth of a second. When the driver actuates the Launch Control program by pressing a button, the R8 V10 takes off in a vehement quick-start with electronically controlled tire slip – both with the R tronic and with the manual transmission.

A contributing factor to the wide lead in traction and driving safety of the Audi R8 V10 over the competition is quattro all-wheel drive – it’s the superior technology especially for a high-performance sports car. Four powered wheels get more grip than two. They enable the driver to step on the gas sooner when coming out of a curve. It’s not only the traction that benefits, but also the transverse dynamics and the stability.

44 to 56 percent – the ideal axle load distribution

The Audi R8 chassis offers both dynamic performance and astonishing levels of comfort on long distances. This high-performance sports car from Audi eagerly responds to any steering action with instant ease, achieves lateral acceleration of up to 1.2 g, and handles any situation with superb driving safety. Its mid-engine design provides an ideal axle load distribution of 44 to
56 percent.

The wheel suspensions on dual aluminum wishbones front and rear – a classic racing technology – are optimized for neutral self-steering characteristics. Even more than in the eight-cylinder R8, this setup is designed for maximum performance. 19-inch wheels equipped with tire pressure monitoring display are standard equipment. Their 10-spoke Y design is exclusive to the R8 V10. Tire sizes are 235/35 front and 295/30 rear.

The car features a high-end damper technology as standard: Audi magnetic ride adapts the characteristics of the suspension in milliseconds to the nature of the road surface and to the driving style. Suspended in the oil of the shock absorbers are tiny magnetic particles which, when a voltage is applied, rearrange themselves so as to slow down the flow of oil through the valves.

In the R8 V10, deceleration is provided by an extremely muscular braking system – eight brake pistons at the front and four at the rear grasp the brake disks, which are ventilated and perforated to ensure unimpeded heat transfer. The brake disks on the front axle have a diameter of 380 millimeters (15 in); the rear discs span 356 millimeters (14 in).

The R8 5.2 FSI quattro is optionally available with a ceramic brake system whose disks are made of a composite material containing high-strength carbon fibers and abrasion-resistant silicon carbide. These are especially light: their combined weight is nine kilograms (19.84 lb) less than the weight of equivalent steel disks. The ceramic brakes can easily cope with the harsher requirements of racing, won’t corrode, and have a typical service life of 300,000 kilometers (186,400 miles). Their calipers are painted charcoal gray and emblazoned with the inscription “Audi ceramic”.

Typically Audi: Sharp lines and an elegantly curved roof

The wide, full shape of the R8 5.2 FSI quattro seems to hug the road. The brawny proportions and prominent wheel wells underscore its potential. The high-precision styling of the lines and the elegant curve of the roof are typical Audi features. A continuous contour optically connects the front, the wheel wells, the sides and the rear. Located well forward, the cab visually expresses the mid-engine design. The vertical air scoops (sideblades) on the sides are also indicative of the engine location. The massive aluminum gas cap is mounted flush within the right sideblade.

The design of the Audi R8 has already impressed experts, as evidenced by the double victory in the “World Car of the Year Awards 2008″. In the ten-cylinder model, the styling has been sharpened up even more.

The front air inlets, which feed air to the coolers, and the lip of the front apron are painted in high-gloss black. The number of cross-braces has been reduced from four to two. The vanes of the single-frame grille have a striking chrome finish.

A very distinctive highlight of the R8 V10 are the all-LED headlights as standard equipment. Audi is the world’s first automaker to use LEDs for the high beam, low beam, daytime running lights, and turn signals. Each headlight integrates 54 of these high-tech light sources. With a color temperature of 6,000 Kelvin the LED light closely resembles daylight, which is less tiring to the eyes in night driving. Further advantages of the LEDs include brilliant illumination, low energy consumption, and a virtually unlimited service life.

Special details also distinguish the body of the R8 V10. Its sideblades are more accentuated than in the eight-cylinder version. The side sills are more striking and wider; the exhaust grilles at the rear windows have a matt aluminum look. Through the large rear window, the ten-cylinder engine is clearly visible in its consummate technical beauty.

When in motion, this Audi high-performance sports car creates a downforce that keeps it in firm contact with the road – thanks to a rear spoiler which deploys automatically at 100 km/h and the fully enclosed underbody, which terminates in a sharply upward-curved diffuser. The dominant color at the rear end is high-gloss black, including the settings of the LED tail lights. The air outlets at the rear end also have only two cross-braces, and the exhaust system terminates in two large oval tailpipes.

Audi sets the example – in body weight and rigidity

The body of a sports car must be especially lightweight and rigid. Audi meets these requirements with the technology of the Audi Space Frame (ASF) and its high-tech aluminum construction. The body-in-white of the R8 V10, which includes an engine frame made of ultra-light magnesium, weighs only 210 kilograms (463 lb), and the quality of its lightweight design – the relation of weight to torsional rigidity – is the best in the sports car segment. The body is composed of profile extrusions, sheet aluminum and very complex gusset castings, all held together by 99 meters (325 ft) of welding seams, 782 rivets, and 308 special screws.

The interior of the R8 V10 provides a unique racing ambience at the luxury level. Its dominant element is the so-called monoposto – a wide arc that contains the steering wheel and the cockpit. As always in an Audi, the workmanship is of the highest quality. The surfaces of the dashboard and doors are lined with fine materials and adorned with precisely stitched decorative seams. Many customizing solutions are available: Audi supplies leather in a wide range of colors, packages with a carbon and piano-lacquer finish, or a made-to-measure luggage set. quattro GmbH, which has developed and is producing the R8 V10, also provides solutions for unconventional requirements.

The great everyday utility of the Audi R8 V10 is based in part on its spacious interior made possible by the long wheelbase of 2.65 meters (8.69 ft). Drivers and passengers of any size will always find a perfect sitting position. Visibility too is surprisingly good. Slender hinge pillars optimize the obliquely forward field of view. Another advantage for convenient everyday use is the luggage space: 100 liters (3.53 cu ft) fit under the front hood, another 90 liters (3.18 cu ft) can be stowed behind the seats. There is also room for two golf bags.

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro combines its colossal performance with a generous complement of standard equipment. Highlights include heatable seat covers made of Fine Nappa leather, a driver information system, the navigation system plus and the Bang & Olufsen sound system along with deluxe automatic air conditioning and an alarm system. The instruments and the gearshift knob are decorated with red rings; the footrests and the rocker switches of the R tronic have an aluminum finish.

The list of options includes other highly attractive features – such as the Audi parking system advanced with its integrated rearview camera or numerous Audi exclusive customization options. Various leather packages provide a luxurious touch, while the bucket seats from the Audi exclusive program bring a highly concentrated racing atmosphere into the R8 V10.

The Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro will be rolled out in Germany in the second quarter of 2009 at a basic price of EUR 142,400.

YouTube: Audi R8 Testing on the Nurburgring

Audi R8 Sliding Around a Corner on the Nurburgring

Price: £142,400 ($192,400 USD) – Euros price is official, USD is not.

[Source: Jalopnik]