Miguel Oliveira (KTM) with an impressive begin of the 2017 Moto2 Championship
The Portuguese Miguel Oliveira (KTM) registered the best time in the final seconds of the first session ahead of Franco Morbidelli for just 35 thousandths. Also very close Luthi got the second best time. In great shape even Pasini, Baldassarri and Corsi.
Continue to astound Miguel Oliveira and KTM. The duo, after getting the first pole in Moto2 during the last Grand Prix of Argentina, got the top of the timesheets ended the first session of free practice on the track of Austin.
Oliveira was involved in a perfect lap in the final seconds with a T4 amazing and stopped the clock on time of 2 ' 11 '' 606 ahead of Morbidelli, the Championship leader.
Marc VDS team rider, having found it in third place in the first half of the session, placed the claw on the 11th step turning in 2 ' 11 '' 641 resulting in the fastest time before Oliveira jumped in front of him for only 35 thousandths.
Very close to the first two is Thomas Luthi, just 66 thousandths from the mark obtained by the Portuguese and preceding a Alex Marquez, fourth at one tenth distance, in search of redemption after the disappointment suffered in Argentina.
2017 Americas GP - Austin
The Timetable of the Top five - Moto2 First Practice Session
POS # RIDER GAP
1 44 M. OLIVEIRA 2:11.606
2 21 F. MORBIDELLI +0.035
3 12 T. LUTHI +0.068
4 73 A. MARQUEZ +0.108
5 54 M. PASINI +0.252
A Lexus Coupe that combines elegance and performance
The new Lexus LC 500 is a world-class prestige luxury coupe and a new era of uncompromising design and performance. An all-new platform, 471 horsepower and a class-leading 10-speed automatic transmission come together to create our most responsive vehicle yet. Zero to 60 mph in just 4.4 secs. The prices start bellow 100k US dollars, around 92k to be more precise.
The LC displays performance coupe proportions with an exterior design
that projects an avant-garde elegance, remaining faithful to many of the
defining features of the LF-LC concept car that inspired it. The design
wraps the car in a glamorous body that represents an evocative and
fluid interpretation of Lexus’ “seduction and technology” design theme.
Athletic profile
The coupe’s athletic profile is characterized by
its sweeping roofline, which tapers rearward from above the centrally
positioned cabin to create a distinctive silhouette. Chrome-plated
moldings along the side of the glass roof amplify the elegant coupe
profile, their rear edges shaped to echo the lines of a traditional
Japanese sword. The blacked-out finish to the roof and rear pillars
creates a floating effect that visually separates the roof from the rear
spoiler.
The LC’s appearance can be made even more dynamic with
the addition of an optional Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic composite
roof and active rear spoiler.
The LC has a 2,870mm (112.99 in.)
wheelbase and—in a direct reference to the styling of the LF-LC— very
compact overhangs (920mm/36.22 in. front, 970mm/38.19 in. rear) and a
notably low hood line.
The LC can be outfitted with 20-inch cast aluminum or available 20 and 21-inch forged aluminum alloy wheels. The prominent front and rear spoilers flare away from the center of the
car, housing wide, large-diameter wheels, while the door panels are
pulled inwards, creating a powerful three-dimensional form that mirrors
the spindle shape of the Lexus grille.
Strategic use of different steels, aluminum and Carbon Fiber
Reinforced Plastic to achieve the optimal combination of strength, light
weight and weight distribution.
Detailed management
of inertia specifications, using low center of gravity, vehicle mass
distribution and moment of inertia to achieve sharp and refined dynamic
performance.
Lexus Dynamic Handling with Limited Slip Differential ensures sporty handling and steering response.
The
LC is the first car to be developed on Lexus’ new front
engine/rear-wheel drive Global Architecture – Luxury (GA-L) platform,
which gives Lexus the ability to take design and performance to another
level.
Rear styling
At the rear the roof tapers down between muscular
wheel arches, reinforcing the car’s wide and stable stance. The Lexus
spindle shape is visible here in a three-dimensional form that is
generated by lines flowing from the front of the car and along the
sides, before cutting back around the inner edge of the rear combination
lamps. The line of the spindle then moves outwards, following the shape
of the license plate mounting and outer edges of the tailpipes.
The
rear combination lamps, set vertically at the outermost edge of the
bumper, have a graphic that guides the eye in three directions,
accentuating the flow along sides of the body and emphasizing the
vehicle’s strong, planted look. The use of several different materials
in the lens and bezel provide a further indication of the sophisticated
workmanship invested in the LC. Within the combination units, the
taillights feature a new Lexus concept, using mirrors to create a
multi-reflection, three-dimensional sequence of L-shaped graphics.
An available active rear spoiler is automatically deployed when vehicle
speed rises above 80km/h (50 mph). This suppresses lift at the rear to
help provide a high degree of stability when driving at speed.
The Engine
On the LC 500’s V8 engine, the front air intake is fitted with a sound
generator, with carefully engineered dimensions tuned to maximize the
desired sound frequency and level. The opening is directly connected to
the cowl reinforcement, so sound reverberates within the enclosed space,
resulting in a natural, emotional quality.
The LC 500 is powered by the latest development of Lexus’ normally
aspirated V8 gasoline engine, tuned to deliver 471 hp, with improved
acceleration feel to the driver and the kind of engine note that only
eight cylinders can deliver. This unit is matched to the aforementioned
10-speed direct shift automatic to offer a genuinely rewarding driving
experience. Another version available is the hybrid with less power, based on a V6 3.5 liter engine, but much more economic to run.
Dynamic Luxury Interior
The dynamic luxury theme of the
exterior is carried through into the LC’s 2+2 cabin. This space is
designed to provide sophistication and intricate attention to detail
with a driver-focused cockpit.
Regarding the Cabin design, the area around
the front passenger spreads outwards to create a comfortable and
welcoming space. In fact, the flowing line of the door trim is an
extension of an exterior line that flows from the hood and through the
windscreen, building a sense of continuity between the outside and
inside of the car.
The driver’s cockpit has been ergonomically
designed to instill confidence and invite spirited driving, with an
intuitive layout of the controls and an excellent seating position. The
driver’s hip point has been located as close as possible to the coupe’s
center of gravity, maximizing direct feedback of the vehicle’s dynamic
performance.
The driver also enjoys an excellent view of the road,
uncompromised by the low seating position thanks to the low hood line,
the low-profile instrument panel and the location and narrow width of
the front pillars. The shallow height of the instrument panel has been
helped by the development of compact air vents.
See it in action
Let's see how it behaves down in the road in the video bellow:
Powerful, dynamic and refined. Wraith Black Badge is the ultimate modern fastback coupé. A long bonnet and a wide-rear track create an athletic prowess, while the sweeping lines give it a profile that glides effortlessly through the night.
Shades of darkness envelop Wraith Black Badge’s iconic features, adding even more drama to its presence. The Spirit of Ecstasy is cast in high-gloss dark chrome, forging a path through the shadows atop a powerful front grille. Paint is deepened to intense new levels of black, with dark chrome air inlets, boot lid finisher and twin exhaust pipes adding an eye-catching edge. The black Rolls-Royce badge is the final touch: a bold statement of defiance.
Wraith Black Badge’s dynamic profile is enhanced by a pitch black surface and striking 21” wheels. Developed exclusively for Black Badge, the carbon fibre composite rims are sculpted to stand out, taking their design cue from Italian supercars of the 1960s.
The cabin is transformed by a darker
interpretation of luxury. Carbon fibre and aluminium threads are
skilfully woven together to create the stunning technical fibre fascia.
This innovative material, normally seen on the surface of stealth
aircrafts, glitters temptingly in the darkness of the cabin. Sharpening
your senses and enhancing the thrill of the drive.
Set into the dashboard is the newly created Black Badge clock – its
hands tipped in orange to provide a subtle, but potent contrast to the
rest of the interior. The clock features the infinity logo, a nod to
Black Badge’s daring attitude and desire to push limits. The logo is
also handstitched into Wraith’s luxury leather seats, which are tailored
here in Black and Cobalto Blue leather.
Power unleashed
Delivering a phenomenal 624bhp (465kw), Wraith is already the most powerful Rolls-Royce in
the world. But with the added edge of Black Badge, engineering has been
enhanced even further. Torque is increased to 870Nm, handling is more
dynamic and contact with the road intensified for a thrilling driving
experience.
To create Wraith Black Badge, the engineering team at the Home of Rolls-Royce have
pushed the boundaries of performance. The fastback coupé’s 6.6 litre
V12 engine has been paired with a brand new 8-speed automatic gearbox
that delivers an extra wave of torque. Responses are sharpened with
Intuitive Throttle Response, which allows gears to hold for longer and
the engine to rev more readily.
High expectations for the first Alfa Romeo SUV like high is the Stelvio mountain
This were the firsts drawings
The name comes from, Stelvio Pass, which is the highest mountain pass in
Italy.
Forty-eight hairpin turns at 9,000 ft above sea level present a
challenge only the bravest driver, equipped with the finest machine,
would dare to conquer in order to reach the epicenter of automotive
performance, design and style. The Alfa Rome Stelvio Quadrifoglio had made its debut at the
2016 Los Angeles Auto Show.
Exploring life’s every curve and lighting the way with premium standard Bi-Xenon Headlamps.
As the final touch, the iconic triangular grille is sculpted within
the front fascia to form the signature Trilobo, an Alfa Romeo design
staple, applied for the first time on an SUV.
Introducing the all-new Stelvio, featuring unparalleled 505
horsepower, ultralight materials such as carbon fiber and aluminum and
8-speed automatic transmission with available aluminum steering
column-mounted paddle shifters.
The rear end of the Stelvio is eye-catching too. It features LED tail
lamps and a spoiler which maximises the SUV’s aerodynamic performance.
Exhaust tips are placed on the far corners of the black cladding which
also gets a silver coloured skid plate. The SUV will be offered in 13
body colours along with a choice of 13 alloy wheels in sizes of 17″,
18″, 19″ and 20″.
The Engines
The petrol engines are a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit that produces 280 hp
and 400 Nm of torque, and a 2.9 litre biturbo that surpasses 500HP and develops 443 lb-ft of torque, that's the Quadrifoglio version.
The third engine is a 2.2-litre diesel motor that generates 210 hp
while producing a torque of 470 Nm. This is also the first diesel engine
in Alfa Romeo’s history to be constructed entirely in aluminium. It
features the latest-generation MultiJet II injection system with
Injection Rate Shaping (IRS) and operating pressures of 2,000 bar.
The Interior
With its interior-design primed to expand the driver’s realm of
possibilities, Stelvio brilliantly delivers the exhilarating driving
experience of a true Italian sports car within a high-performance SUV.
Putting the driver at the center of the universe, everything from the
high-resolution 8.8-inch wide-screen entertainment and information
system to the full-color 7-inch information display cluster, is within
easy reach.
With real-time command of the environment, Stelvio makes a pilot out
of whomever is behind the wheel, becoming an extension of its driver’s
desires.
Petrol Engine Specifications:
ALL-ALUMINUM ENGINE (STELVIO QUADRIFOGLIO)
505 HP
443 lb-ft of torque
2.9L Bi-turbo V6 Engine
ALL-ALUMINUM
ENGINE (STELVIO, STELVIO Ti)
280 HP
306 lb-ft of torque
2.0L I4 Intercooled Turbo Engine
Fuel feed: Electronic Injection Electronic Injection
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic, All Wheel Drive
Top speed (km/h): 230
Acceleration 0 ‐100 km/h (sec): 5.7
Diesel Engine Specifications:
No. of cylinders: 4
Bore x stroke (mm): 83 X 99
Displacement (cc): 2143
Compression ratio: 15.5:1
Max. Power (hp): 210
Max. Torque (Nm): 470
Timing Control: Belt
Fuel feed: Electronic Injection Electronic Injection
Transmission: 8-Speed Automatic, All Wheel Drive
Top speed (km/h): 215
Acceleration 0 ‐100 km/h (sec): 6.6
In January the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP Team gave racing
fans from all over the world a first glimpse of its team colours for the new season
during the official team launch at Telefónica’s
headquarters in Madrid, to kick-start their 2017 campaign.
The Italy-based
team travelled to Madrid in the last week of its ‘winter break’ before heading
overseas for the first official IRTA MotoGP pre-season test of 2017 in Sepang.
During this on-track outing, Movistar
Yamaha MotoGP riders Valentino Rossi
and Maverick Viñales will help Yamaha’s engineers fine-tune the
development work of the YZR-M1 that
wascarried through during the
“off-season”. The Valencia test already showed great promise for this formidable
team; all members are eager to reclaim the MotoGP World Championship crown.
Nine-time
World Champion Valentino Rossi impressed
chasing the premier class trophy in the last three years, securing the
Vice-Champion Title every season. He is determined to compete once more at the
front this year and his fans from all over the world will be cheering him on as
he pursues his quest to make his title win tally a nice round ten.
Last year Rossi meant business right from the
start of the season and in Argentina he climbed the rostrum for the first time.
Though struck by external circumstances on occasion, ‘The Doctor’
never lessened his attack and went on to secure nine further podium
finishes, with wins in Jerez and Catalunya, remaining a key protagonist
in the 2016 challenge until the overseas leg at the end of the year. His
and
his teammate’s consistent drive brought Yamaha its seventh FIM
MotoGP Team Title.
Young
Spanish talent Maverick Viñales is a
fresh face in the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP
Team. He joins the Factory crew after gaining two years of experience in
the premier class. His 2016 season highlights included a superb win at Silverstone
and three third places, in France, Japan and Australia, allowing him to finish
fourth in the final standing. He followed up his strong end of the season with
a stunning debut on the YZR-M1 at
the Valencia test, topping the time sheets both days, establishing that his
switch to Yamaha was the right
decision.
The new Ferrari F1 car, code named SF70H, a reference to this year's being the 70th anniversary of the sportscar company, was launched this week and next week will be at Barcelona to perform the public fist tests of the new 2017 F1 season. Vettel and Raikkonen will be at the Catalunia circuit to collect data to tune and evolve the new car.
"You can see it is a step forward and you can feel it is a step forward," Vettel said.
"It is fun to drive. The car looks big and strong. The first impression is the right one. It was a good start."
There are unusually high and square air intakes into the sidepods,
which are integrated with airflow conditioners in a region of the car in
which many teams have exhibited intricate and complex bodywork parts
aimed at maximising airflow and aerodynamic downforce.
The car
features a 'shark-fin' engine cover, at the rear end of which is a
high-mounted narrow wing that is expected to feature on most of the
cars. Already labelled a T-wing, it exploits a loophole in the bodywork
regulations and cleans up the airflow in the region of the rear wing.
The 63rd single-seater designed and built by Scuderia Ferrari to take
part in the Formula 1 World Championship is born out of a regulation
change that is without precedent in this category of motor sport.
Generally, in the past, regulations went in the direction of slowing
down the cars. However, this year, the rule changes go in the opposite
direction, meaning the cars have more aerodynamic downforce and more
mechanical grip.
