Lotus released first official "Eagle" photo? Finished car to be revealed on Sept 14th.

We've seen many many spy shots and Lotus did released some component images here and there before, but If I recall correctly, this would be the first official photo released by Lotus that actually shows some design element of the front of the car.

In this photo, details such as the headlight configuration, the dipping front hood with hood vents and the center ridge, the Elise like creased front fenders and possibly a single wiper layout can be clearly seen. To me the configuration of all these elements looked strikingly similar to the Elise which makes me wonder if the car under the cover is really an Elise. However, the car does seem to have a wider stance than the Elise.

(artist rendering of what it might look like)

So the back story of the photo is this year Lotus will be celebrating their 60th anniversary and will be doing a little song and dance on September 14th at their Norfolk factory. The focal point of this celebration will be a special exhibition called the "Eagle Development Story" which will catalog the development of "Project Eagle", the first all new Lotus in 13 years, from early design sketches to clay models and ultimately the reveal of the finished car. This will truly be a historic moment for Lotus and I HATE everyone that gets to attend it.

So here is the bottom line: How much?



[source: Lotus] ...Read more!

Thanks Dad! Lewis Hamilton's Porsche Carrera GT crashed by his dad.

This is exactly why you should never borrow you car to people who can't drive, especially when the car is a Porsche Carrera GT and especially when the guy who wants to borrow it is your dad. It looks like Hami learned this the hard way as his dad, Anthony, did crashed his son's Porsche Carrera GT yesterday into an empty playground. Luckily no one was hurt at all in this accident, only the poor car.


So here is the bottom line: Don't worry Hami, I am sure you can afford another one. Better yet, buy your dad a civic will you?

[source: dailymail, AFP] ...Read more!

Audi wants to build V12 TDI R8, but the V8 is hogging the line.

Remember this beautiful Audi V12 TDI R8 concept at the Geneva Auto Show and a brief appearance at the streets of NY during the New York Auto Show? Well, Audi have no plans of making it all thanks to the popularity of the V8 model; Even with the increased production from 25 to 28 cars per day, which still according to Audi "we can't make them fast enough.......Why would we launch the R8 with the V12 TDI engine now, when our order books are full and we have the high-performance V10 coming?"

So in essence, those rich people that can ONLY afford a base R8 is to blame. I knew it.







So here is the bottom line: Stop buying the R8 so you can get a better R8?

[source: car magazine via egmcartech] ...Read more!

Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli North America release confirmed!

"Apparently there are other racing games" (...besides GT5)

This somewhat highly anticipated game has gone through a few delays since its original announced release on November of 2007. However, the confirmation of a release date (.....more like a release quarter) has arrived at our mailbox in the form of a press release announcing the NA distribution deal between System 3 (the developer) and Activision (the publisher). For those of you who are unfamiliar with this title, it is basically a Ferrari Challenge themed racing game with Ferrari's official blessing (...for a fee I am sure) for the PS3, PS2 and oddly enough the DS. (...sorry Xbox360, no bacon for you). In case you really can't wait until "late summer 2008", Activision will be setting up a kiosk at this week's Canadian GP at Montreal (Go Kimster!). You can check out their press release at the end of this post.


One of the main selling point of this title is the current GP2 driver and F1 legend Senna's nephew Bruno Senna was hired as the technical and handling consultant for this game. Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli will feature some of the usual, uhmm, features that gamers are expected in today's racing game and System 3 seems to have all those angles covered including 16 player online play (PS3) and download contents. In addition to all the Ferrari Challenge cars and your daily standard issue "well known" Ferrari's, the game will also feature some of the rarest and probably never before seen models on any video games including the FXX, 333SP, 250TR, 250LM, 365GTB-4 and the 512S/M just to name a few.


The game with also have over 15 international racing circuits and multiple game play modes. While I do not expect this to be a hardcore PC like racing sim there are certainly many unique and notable features that make me think this can be a very promising racing game. Such notable features included:

• Cars are modeled with factory blueprints from Ferrari.
• Fully customizable livery.
• Full damage with detachable body parts.
• Full engine and cockpit modeling with actual working gauges and cockpit view.
• Detailed telemetry data from Ferrari.
• Hill climb races.
• Bruno Senna as a technical and handling consultant.
• In-ear commentary by Tiff Needel.
• Weather effects.
  

Press Release:

----------------------------------------

System 3 and Activision Set to Unleash Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli for PLAYSTATION(R)3 system, PlayStation(R)2 system, Wii(TM), and Nintendo DS(TM)

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jun 05, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) announced today that it has signed a distribution deal with System 3 which will see the world's largest third-party publisher release the forthcoming Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli throughout North America. Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli will hit shelves late summer 2008 for PLAYSTATION(R)3 and PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment systems, Wii(TM), and Nintendo DS(TM).

"Without a doubt, this is the defining Ferrari experience for video games," said Mark Cale, CEO at System 3. "It has been a collaboration with professionals on every level and we've truly captured the power, beauty, and excitement that is the Ferrari Challenge Series. This excitement is taken to a whole new level with the partnership of Activision's power within the North American marketplace."

"For the last sixty years Ferrari has been synonymous with precision, performance and elegant design, so expectations for the game will be high from auto enthusiasts and racing game fans alike," said Dave Oxford, Activision Publishing. "Everyone involved in Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli has been dedicated to ensuring this product over-delivers on the experience of this legendary brand."

Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli is a visual powerhouse with a racing style that is fast and accessible, yet the feel is more "sim" than arcade. It includes over 15 international racing circuits along with multiple gameplay modes such as Ferrari Challenge Seasons, Time Trial, Quick Race, and Endurance. Racing can be taken online with up to 16 players in a variety of challenges including circuits, hill climbs, and more.

Downloadable content will be continually released for the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli community, and the official team and car rosters can be updated at the start of each season to reflect real-world lineups. Moreover, downloadable cars, tracks and customization options will be made available on a monthly basis to keep ravenous Ferrari fans satisfied.

System 3 and Activision will showcase Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli on PLAYSTATION(R)3 to the public for the first time at the Montreal Grand Prix from June 6th - 8th, 2008. There will be playable kiosks open to the all attendees in the Fan Zone.

.....continue full press release here.

----------------------------------------

So here is the bottom line: It is a tifosi must have, period.

[source: Activision, System3] ...Read more!