Particular Mid-Engine Corvette

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Last week, Corvette Chief Engineer Tadge Juechter attempted to slam the door on whispers Chevrolet is working on a mid-engine version of the Corvette. Of course, it's going take more than reasoned argument and denial from anyone—even automotive royalty like Juechter—to extinguish one the industry's longest running rumors. Especially given these incriminating spy shots.
For fans hoping for a mid-engine Corvette, the most accurate parable of their exasperation comes from the pages of Charles Schulz's beloved Peanuts, with General Motors Company [NYSE:GM] playing the role of Lucy with the football.

And frustration has apparently driven some of them mad.



In support of this claim, we present Mark Harlan's 1963 split-window Corvette Sting Ray, which Hemmings recently profiled—and most Corvette fans will revile. Inspiration to move the motor amidships came from the Le Mans-era GT40, but while the Ford Motor Company's [NYSE:F] dominating race car was an aesthetic masterpiece, this design is as removed from that distinction as Mozart is from Maroon 5.

1963 Corvette V7 twin-turboMid-Engine 1963 Corvette 21963 Corvette V7 twin-turbo
The proportions make it look more like a Corvair poised to 'roid rage than anything which we'd imagine pounding down the Mulsanne straight, and seeing the echos of the mid-year split-window—arguably the most beautiful of all Corvettes—in its lines is almost cruel. With the hood, trunk, and inexplicably, sliding driver door open, this build resembles something which wouldn't have been out of place at a Hot Import Nights show a decade ago.

Harlan's creation has inspired several discussions on CorvetteForum, where predictably, the design's defenders have found themselves significantly outgunned—accusations of delusion and heresy abound. To purists, the best we can say is that the donor vehicle was pretty far gone before undergoing this transformation.

That might be cold comfort, but it's something.

And while you can practically hear this monstrosity begging for the crusher's sweet embrace, it's not all bad. From the photos, the workmanship looks top-notch, and since motivation comes from a twin-turbo LS1 producing 1,070 horsepower and 915 pound-feet of torque, there's plenty of grunt on tap.

If you actually like what you see, the 1963 Corvette V7 twin-turbo—as its been dubbed—is set to cross the block during an Auctions America event at the end of the month in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Since the ground-up custom has previously sold at Barrett-Jackson for $95k, trolling your local Corvette meet will take some deep pockets.

American Startup Bringing 1,700-HP LM2 Streamliner

A lot of startups announce plans for wild, world-beating supercars but few manage to ever get to the concept stage, and even fewer still actually manage to show up at a major auto show to present their designs. Some that have been successful include names such as Koenigsegg, Pagani and more recently Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus, and perhaps in the near future we’ll be able to add America’s own Lyons Motor Car to that list.



Lyons Motor Car is a company founded by a graphic designer and car enthusiast, and based in New York City. Its new supercar is called the “LM2 Streamliner” and a working concept is scheduled to be unveiled at the 2015 New York Auto Show in a week’s time. Right now, Lyons has only released a handful of renderings and some initial specs.

The LM2 Streamliner is said to feature aluminum and carbon fiber construction, both for the body and chassis. A claimed power output of 1,700 horsepower will be generated by a twin-turbocharged 8.2-liter V-8 sourced from Nelson Racing Engines, and this engine will be mounted behind the cabin and used to spin all four wheels. The transmission will be a seven-speed sequential unit.

The wild specs don’t end there, as Lyons also claims the LM2 Streamliner will be able to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 2.2 seconds, reach 100 mph in 4.1 seconds, pass the quarter mile in 8.8 seconds, and go on to hit a top speed of 290 mph. All figures mentioned would make the LM2 Streamliner the fastest car in production—only it’s not in production yet and thus none of the claimed figures can be verified.



Apart from its specs, none of the LM2 Streamliner’s attributes appear to be groundbreaking—that is, until you hear what Lyons plans for the car’s electrical and telemetry systems. The LM2 Streamliner is said to be the first supercar engineered without a chassis wiring harness: the typical 16 to 20 miles of hard wiring is replaced with a microprocessor-controlled electrical system that uses only a single wire to transmit coded signals to electrical components fitted to the car.

Inside, there won’t be any buttons or switches. Instead, all inputs will be handled via a 16-inch touchscreen.

The brains behind Lyons Motor Car is Kevin Lyons, whose first car project was a Lamborghini Diablo replica built entirely from scratch. With that project, he redesigned and built the car to OEM specifications by making each part by hand, from the wheels to the gauges, body and suspension specifications, to showcase his fabrication skill set. In the video above, he explains his latest project, the LM2 Streamliner.

First McLaren Sports Series Member Is The 570S Coupe: Official

McLaren has previously hinted that the Sports Series will mimic the Super Series by offering a softer model, a mid-level performer and a pure performance variant, which in the case of the Super Series entails the Asia-only 625C, the 650S and 675LT respectively. There will also be convertible versions of some of the Sports Series members.

Now we have the first details on the first member of the Sports Series family: the 570S Coupe. Based on existing McLaren nomenclature, the 570S Coupe packs 570 metric horsepower, which equates to roughly 562 American horses. Such a power rating is comparable with outputs of key rivals such as the 552-hp Ferrari California T and the 560-hp Porsche 911 Turbo S.



The 570S Coupe will eventually be followed by a 570S Spider convertible, due shortly after the launch of the fixed-roof model. Below the 570S Coupe should sit a softer, more practical variant (think extra storage space) designed for grand touring and above it should sit a ‘LT’ variant designed for the track but still usable on the street.

As previously reported, the basis of the Sports Series will be the same carbon fiber monocoque chassis used in McLaren’s other cars, and borrowed from them as well will be the familiar Ricardo-built 3.8-liter V-8 engine and Graziano-sourced seven-speed SSG dual-clutch transmission. Pricing, we hope, will start below the $200k mark.

We’ll have more details soon, as the New York Auto Show gets underway April 1.

The BMW-Toyota Supra Project Could Spawn Different-Sized Sports Cars

Say, what’s going on with that BMW-Toyota joint sports car project that’s been in the works since 2012? It’s apparently chugging along as both companies figure out exactly what they want to get out of it. According to a new report, that could mean different sized sports cars for each brand.

Hell Yes: The BMW-Toyota Supra Project Is Moving Forward Hell Yes: The BMW-Toyota Supra Project Is Moving Forward Hell Yes: The BMW-Toyota Supra Project Is Moving F

We’ve known for some time that the project’s goal is to develop a new sports car for Toyota, possibly (hopefully) called the Supra, and for BMW, possibly a new Z4 or some other Z-model. Badge snobbery aside, how do you keep them from competing with one another?

Here’s what the UK’s Autocar reports of the new Supra:



A model of this size would also be significantly larger than the existing Z4, but Ian Robertson, BMW’s board member with responsibility for sales and marketing, has stated that the two manufacturers have come up with a proposal that can satisfy different areas of the sports car market.

“The one thing we’re clear on now is that a platform for both companies can work,” he said. “The cars in themselves don’t actually need to be positioned the same. The platform can spawn two positionings.

[...] When asked if the platform was scalable, to allow for the sort of difference in wheelbase that there could be between a Supra and a Z4, Robertson said: “Gone are the days when one platform was one platform. Most of our platforms are scalable these days.”

This makes a ton of sense. The Z4 has grown quite a bit since it was the Z3, but it’s still in theory a small two-seat roadster. The Supra was never a small sports car. Having the two vehicles be different sizes, with the new Supra being the larger one, seems like a good way to go.

Robertson added that a single factory would be used to build both cars, and there’s a good chance it will be in the U.S. or Europe instead of Japan. Beyond that, we still don’t know much about these cars, besides that the Toyota version could look like the popular FT-1 Concept, pictured above, and that it’s likely to be an all-wheel drive hybrid with liberal use of carbon fiber.

I have to wonder if that setup will be the standard one or an option, as it’s pretty complex for a small roadster like the Z4. Or maybe BMW’s car will be something other than a Z4. So many mysteries!

Report claims BBC will fire Jeremy Clarkson Wednesday

Brandon Turkus Wednesday appears to be Judgment Day for Jeremy Clarkson, and the pending verdict isn't looking to be in the embattled Top Gear host's favor.

The Telegraph is claiming that Lord Tony Hall, the director-general of the BBC, will announce that Clarkson's relationship with the broadcaster will be terminated in the wake of his assault of producer Oisin Tymon and the ensuing internal investigation.

Lord Hall is expected to thank Clarkson for his service in building one of the Beeb's biggest and most profitable properties, calling him a "brilliant broadcaster," and according to The Telegraph, defending his on-air style. He'll add, though, that his behavior in this most recent case will not be tolerated at the government-owned network.

According to the investigation, Clarkson verbally abused Tymon for 20 minutes before attacking him. Apparently, the incident was set off after the 54-year-old host was told the hotel they were staying in had stopped serving hot food, meaning he couldn't enjoy a steak and chips (French fries, American readers) after a day of filming.

This development throws the future of Top Gear into doubt. According to The Telegraph report, BBC bosses are trying to sway Radio 2 host and Ferrari connoisseur Chris Evans to take the slot, although he's apparently been defiant so far. Replacing Clarkson may be the least of the BBC's worries, though, as both James May and Richard Hammond have said they wouldn't present the show without Clarkson.

That's doubly bad news for the BBC, as all three Top Gear hosts are facing expiring contracts, meaning that wherever Clarkson lands, it's reasonable to expect The Small One and The Slow One to follow. As for that landing place, The Telegraph seems to think Netflix could become the new home of the TG trio.

What do you think? Is the BBC making a mistake letting Clarkson go? Does he deserve his fate? Will he jump ship to another British broadcaster, like ITV, or would you like to see a Top Gear

Mercedes-Benz Classic at the Techno Classica in Essen

60 years ago, Stirling Moss won the “Mille Miglia” in Italy in the best time ever achieved in the legendary 1,000-mile race, at the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR racing sports car with the starting number 722.



The winning vehicle is now set to be the star of Mercedes-Benz Classic’s appearance in hall 1 at the Techno Classica show, which will take place at the Messe Essen exhibition centre from 15 to 19 April 2015.



The other main focus for the Stuttgart-based brand at the 27th Techno Classica will be on the unique history of streamlined car design from Mercedes-Benz. Seven elegantly sporty vehicles embodying this innovative and aesthetic tradition will be on show, ranging from the “Blitzen-Benz” of 1909 to the current Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG Shooting Brake from 2015. The Mercedes-Benz ClassicPartner concept is also to be presented for the first time.

Renault F1 chief accuses Newey of "lies"

Renault's Cyril Abiteboul has outspokenly refuted Adrian Newey's suggestion that the engine is the only reason why Red Bull is not competitive.

Newey said earlier this month that he saw "no light at the end of the tunnel" with Renault after Red Bull struggled during the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.

It's difficult to have a partner who lies.

 Cyril Abiteboul


In another sign that the relationship is strained, Renault F1's managing director Abiteboul has hit back at Newey's claims, saying the Red Bull chassis is also to blame for the lack of performance.

"Yes, it's difficult to have a partner who lies," Abiteboul told Auto Hebdo when asked how hard it was to hear Newey declare that the only problem was the engine.

"Adrian is a charming man and an engineer without parallel, but he's spent his life criticising engine partners.

"He's too old to change his ways."

Daniel Ricciardo finished sixth in the race, a lap behind the dominant Mercedes pairing of Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg.

Team boss Christian Horner and Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko were also critical of the Renault power unit.



Package needs improving

Abiteboul said that analysis of the data from the Australian Grand Prix shows that it is the whole package, and not just the engine, that needs improving.

"Our figures have shown that the laptime deficit between Red Bull and Mercedes in Melbourne was equally split between driveability issues, engine performance and chassis performance," he said in Renault's Malaysian GP preview.

"It's therefore the overall package that needs some help and we have been working with the team to move forward."

The Frenchman is confident, however, that progress will be made in this weekend's race as a result of its aggressive development push.

"We've been particularly aggressive in development and we should see the results a lot more clearly in Malaysia, particularly since we have had the opportunity to refine the PU using the data from Australia.

"Work is still ongoing but even now we are in a completely different place to where we finished Melbourne."

Turns Out The Cadillac ATS-V Is More Powerful Than Expected At 464 HP

What’s better than power? More power, obviously. And in a nice little surprise, it turns out the 2016 Cadillac ATS-V has even more power than General Motors initially thought it would. It’s faster, too.

Riding Shotgun For Sick 455 HP Burnouts In The 2016 Cadillac ATS-V    


What insights can you glean about a new car from just two Circuit of the Americas laps when…

At first the ATS-V’s 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 was rated at 455 horsepower and 445 pound-feet of torque. But Cadillac announced today that the engine is SAE-certified at 464 horsepower and 444 pound-feet of torque.

Now for the speed part: its 0-60 mph time was originally set at 3.9 seconds, but now it’s 3.8 seconds. Top speed has jumped from 185 mph to 189 mph. Incremental increases, sure, but more is always better.

It also puts the ATS-V coupe and sedan pretty far over its competitors, the BMW M3 and M4, which are rated at 425 horsepower. Still, the Cadillac trails behind the new 2016 Mercedes-AMG C63, which puts out 469 horsepower and 503 horsepower in S trim. Two extra cylinders and more displacement will do that, you know.

Still, the smallest and lightest V ever looks like it will be a first-rate sport sedan and coupe.

Power on Ice.

2015 has proven to be the most powerful year yet for Bentley’s flagship winter experience event, Power on Ice. The Continental GT3-R and Mulsanne Speed both made their debut on the frozen lakes of Finland piloted by more than 200 Bentley enthusiasts, forming the largest attendance in the event’s history.



On tracks personally designed by four-time world rally champion Juha Kankkunen, on six-foot thick frozen ice, Bentley’s flagship the Mulsanne Speed was joined by the rarest and most dynamic member of the Continental family of Grand Tourers, the Continental GT3-R. Inspired by the Continental GT3 race car, the GT3-R blends proven track and road credentials; a unique interpretation of performance-focused luxury. Limited to only 300 examples, the GT3-R proved to be the exclusive highlight of the event, impressing with its capabilities on ice.



Two charity competition winners also joined the team in Finland. Two spaces on Power on Ice were donated by Bentley as prizes in a competition that raised over £11,000 for charity Care2Save, providing funds to improve excellence in hospice and palliative care around the world.

Care2Save winner Ian Bradley, commented – “Getting behind the wheel of a Bentley on a frozen lake in Finland was truly exhilarating. The opportunity to passenger with Juha Kankkunen, while enjoying luxurious hospitality, contributed to what was a once in a lifetime experience, and all for a worthy cause, Care2Save.”

Ducati officially comes to India!

Ducati has re-entered the market with an official subsidiary, Ducati India Private Limited, which is ready to provide a premium ownership experience to motorcycle enthusiasts in India. Ducati is reinforcing its commitment to the Indian market with the opening of world class dealerships in Mumbai, Delhi and Gurgaon.



Infinity has opened a Ducati dealership in Mumbai, whilst AMP has established dealerships in Delhi and Gurgaon; the latter claimed to be Ducati’s largest showroom in their global network.



The initial plan for a network of Ducati dealerships to be established by the end of its first year is now on target with the dealerships in Mumbai, Delhi and Gurgaon being fully operational. These dealerships are the first to house Ducati’s new world-class service facilities. In addition to a new dealership opening in Bangalore shortly, Ducati India is also currently identifying, confirming and training a network of highly qualified and enthusiastic dealers ready to offer the 2015 models in other key cities and is confident that every dealership will transfer its passion and dedication for the brand into great service for its customers. Ducati India is set to execute the same intensive program of training provided globally, replicating the identical high standards of after-sales service that the iconic Italian brand is known for providing around the world. Ducati India Pvt Ltd - Managing Director, Ravi Avalur confirmed: “Our intention was to open in India with an official Ducati presence only when we were absolutely ready. I can now confirm that our after-sales service centres will ensure exactly the same high standards achieved across Ducati’s global network. We really appreciate the efforts put in by AMP and Infinity in setting up these world class dealerships in record time.”



Ducati’s entry is perfectly timed to receive the brand new Ducati Scrambler, an avant-garde model family that will introduce an entirely new motorcycling lifestyle. Ducati’s official presence in India will be further underlined by the availability of the Italian manufacturer’s range of motorcycles, including the Diavel, Hypermotard, Monster and Superbike.

The new Exige S Club Racer

Applying the Lotus refined Club Racer principles to the already stunning Exige S results in the most inspiring version of an already class-leading sports car.

The Exige S is a model that already excels, thanks to its lightweight aluminium chassis-tub and aerodynamically enhanced composite bodywork. Its 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine delivers exciting performance, benchmark handling and a pure driving experience combined with a 4.0 seconds 0-62mph (0-100km/h) acceleration time and a top speed of 274 km/h (170 mph).

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus plc, expressed his enthusiasm for the new model: “Factoring the Club Racer ethos into the Exige enhances the track-focussed potential of this important model. It encompasses our legendary benchmark in handling, with lightweight and efficient construction and that we will always put a peerless and pure driving experience first.”

The new Exige S Club Racer occupies an important niche within the Exige range and arrives hot on the heels of the Elise 220 Cup and the forthcoming Evora 400, unveiled recently at the Geneva Motor Show.

Available only as a coupe model, the car possesses 42 kg of aerodynamic downforce at 100 mph (160 km/h), thanks to the front splitter, rear wing and flat underside, all contributing to its phenomenal performance and handling balance.

At 1161 kg, it is lighter by 15 kg compared to the Exige S, because of its new lightweight battery,lightweight centre console in body colour, lighter doors and lightweight sports seats in leather or Alcantara with colour coded stitching. Traction slip thresholds (‘Drive‘, ‘Sport’ and ‘Race’ settings) allowing the driver enhanced vehicle control before intervention is required can be altered via a driver-selectable switch which is now fitted as standard. Both ‘Sport’ and ‘Race’ settings increase throttle responsiveness.

The Exige S Club Racer is available in Metallic White, Exige Orange, Metallic Yellow and Matt Black (option). The front splitter, rear wing, front access panel, roof panel, wing mirrors and rear transom are in matt black. Club Racer decals inside on the dashboard and seats and outside above the side indicator identify this latest special addition to the Exige range.

The latest Audi R18 e-tron quattro in full 2015 race livery

Audi Sport kicked off its 2015 season this morning with an extravagant event held at their new headquarters facility in Neuberg, Germany. The entire 2015 program was revealed and on display, though it was the latest Audi R18 e-tron quattro in full 2015 race livery that garnered the most attention.
Audi Sport reports that its latest iteration of the R18 that will contest both the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the full World Endurance Championship (WEC) season has been thoroughly revised. “We focused on various areas this year so that Audi’s hybrid sports car will remain unbeaten at Le Mans for the fourth consecutive year,” Chris Reinke, Head of LMP at Audi Sport, revealed.
From photos, we can tell that Loic Duval piloted the car on several demonstration laps at Neuberg’s track facility, though it was the livery of the #7 that will be piloted by the Fassler/Lotterer/Treluyer driver team who won Le Mans last season.


Audi Sport hasn’t officially released specs via PR channels yet this morning, so we’re relying on press who were there for technical details as of this writing. In as much, Motorsport.com is reporting that the car will be running to the 4MJ hybrid sub-class using a front-axle based kinetic energy recovery system (KERS) tested at Sebring earlier this month. The change is said to bump the R18 up some 200 kW in power, roughly equivalent to 275 bhp.

Most of the other improvements to the car are in aerodynamics. These include a longer tail fin, improvements to improve tire wear and stylistic improvements that seem to embrace more lighting signatures from recent Audi road cars like the A6 and A7 range. A second set of bodywork specifically set up for Le Mans is also expected.


One other piece of news from the event is that 2009 Le Mans winner Mike Rockenfeller will serve as Audi Sport’s reserve driver. Mark Gené had filled that role for the last several years, but his departure for the new Nissan LMP1 program meant a replacement was needed. No doubt Audi will be well served, if needed, with Rockenfeller’s own significant experience with Le Mans.

Only one PR photo of the car has been released thus far, and it appears to show the same #7 car that saw use today during the Warm-Up event.

2015 Easter Jeep Safari concepts unveiled

A yearly tradition, Jeep has unveiled seven new concepts that will participate in the 49th annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, UT, in just a couple of weeks. This event is a sort of mecca for Jeep owners and enthusiasts, and like years past, FCA's off-road brand has prepared a slew of excellent new concepts that use a combination of production and prototype Jeep Performance Parts, from the folks at Mopar.



These concepts are far more than just production Jeep vehicles with lift kits and off-road tires, though. What we have here are a number of fully baked, one-off SUVs that show the passion and dedication of Jeep's engineers.



The Easter Jeep Safari takes place from March 28 to April 5. Here's a look at what'll be hitting the trails this year.

Tesla banishes range anxiety

Remember when Elon Musk teased an end to range anxiety, that feeling you get when driving electric cars that you might run out of juice before you get to your final destination? Well, the answer, turns out, isn't a larger battery, but it does sound pretty innovative.

As part of Model S software update 6.2, new features called Range Assurance and Trip Planner will automatically make sure a proposed journey includes scheduled stops to recharge the car's onboard battery pack and will alert the driver if he or she gets too far away from known charging points. Nice features, for sure, but hardly a technological breakthrough.

AeroMobil plans consumer-ready flying car in 2017

Slovakian company Aeromobil has already proven that its flying car can slip the bounds of gravity with several functioning prototypes. At SXSW, CEO Juraj Vaculik laid out the business' next milestones, which includes having a production version on sale in 2017.



Two years isn't very long, and to really work as a flying car, the Aeromobil needs to pass all of the regulatory conditions not just in the air, but on the road too, including crash tests. According to Engadget, the company is still working on a mix of materials that keeps the vehicle light enough to get airborne but strong enough to be safe.


Despite its visually interesting design and power folding wings, the Aeromobil is still trapped by some of the inherent problems of a flying car. For example, you would need a pilot's license to operate one in the air, and there's the drive to a runway to consider. Also, planes don't usually come cheap, especially not ones with carbon-fiber bodies. Prices in Europe are likely to be several hundred thousand euros, according to Engadget.



Vaculik isn't letting these problems stop him from dreaming even further into the future, though. He imagines a network of grass runways near highways to pull off and take flight from. Assuming the Aeromobil proves to be a success, the company someday wants to create a four-passenger model with a hybrid drivetrain that would double the current version's 430-mile range. It would also be capable of fully autonomous flight with no pilot at the controls, which sounds like a seriously lofty goal.

Maserati cutting Ghibli, slowing demand

If Maserati is going to meet its ambitious sale targets, it's going to need to grow as fast as its cars can accelerate. But lately, the Trident marque has seen demand for its luxury sedans flattening, if not receding. And now Maserati has had to cut production to avoid overshooting demand.

We've been seeing reports of production being trimmed at the company's Grugliasco plant near Turin, Italy, for over a month now. But while earlier reports seemed to indicate the trouble was rooted in supplier issues, the latest suggests that slowing demand is the culprit.

According to Automotive News Europe, parent company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has had to cut the number of shifts at Grugliasco (where the Ghibli and Quattroporte are produced) from 12 per week to 10.

"Fiat has told us that workers at the Grugliasco plant will be working for three weeks out of four up until July," union leader Federico Bellono told ANE. "The company is predicting production of about 30,000 to 35,000 cars at Grugliasco this year. I think it will be closer to 30,000."

Last year the plant produced 34,000 units, with the sedans accounting for the bulk of Maserati's sales. Of the 36,448 units the Modena-based automaker sold last year, 23,500 were Ghiblis and 9,500 were Quattroportes, with the GranTurismo accounting for just 3,500 units. That's up considerably from the total of 15,400 units it sold in 2013, but is still some ways off from the 50,000 it hopes to reach this year and the 75,000 it aims to achieve by 2018.

The arrival of the upcoming Levante crossover, as well as the Alfieri sports car and new GranTurismo, will surely help. But if Maserati is going to reach its ambitious sales targets, it's going to have to find more buyers for its core sedans.

KIA TO UNVEIL ALL-NEW OPTIMA AT NEW YORK AUTO SHOW

Following its 2010 debut at the New York International Auto Show, the Optima became a catalyst for Kia Motors' tremendous growth and has been the brand's best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for three years running. Now, five years later, Kia will return to New York on Wednesday, April 1, for the world debut of the passionately designed and obsessively crafted all-new version of its popular midsize sedan.

Circuit of The Americas welcomes back Lone Star Le Mans Sept. 17-19

Circuit of The Americas welcomes back Lone Star Le Mans Sept. 17-19

Tickets on-sale Friday, March 20 at 10 a.m. CT; Single-day tickets start at $49

Save 35 percent off with early bird ticket packages!

AUSTIN, Texas (March 18, 2015) – Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is bringing the “Spirit of
Le Mans” back to the Lone Star State Sept. 17-19 for an exciting festival weekend of sports car racing into the night, with the return of the Lone Star Le Mans racing event.

The Lone Star Le Mans event mixes the best of international endurance racing, echoing the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France, with the sights, sounds and flavors of Austin. The prestigious series competing include the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship and their support series, all on the same weekend.

Tickets for Circuit of The Americas’ Lone Star Le Mans go on sale Friday, March 20 at 10 a.m. CT. Guests will find activities for the whole family and children ages 15 and under receive free general admission with a ticketed adult. Car Corral packages grant fans access to a Multi-Turn seat ticket, as well as an exclusive parade lap around the circuit in their own vehicle. VIP Hospitality packages are also available and include access to a Multi-Turn seat ticket, the paddock, food and beverage throughout the weekend, exclusive entertainment opportunities and a complimentary parking pass for every 4 tickets purchased. Camping and trackside RV spots are also available.

Early bird pricing ends May 31!

Tickets	Price
Early bird offer- 2 GA tickets and 1 Lot A parking pass (35% off)	$135 ($213 after May 31)
Early bird three-day GA ticket (access to elevated grassy berms throughout the facility)	$79 ($89 after May 31)
Early bird three-day parking (50% off Lot A and Lot T)	$17.50 or $15 ($35 or $30 after May 31)
ALL NEW Three-day Multi-Turn seat ticket (access to seats in Turn 1, Turn 15 and Main Grandstand)	$99
Single-day GA tickets (access to elevated grassy berms throughout the facility)	Thurs $49/ Fri $59/ Sat $69
Car Corral Package- Multi-Turn seat ticket and parade lap	$159
Car Corral Passenger	$139
Military and Group three-day GA ticket	$69
Military single-day GA ticket	Thurs $30 / Fri $40 / Sat $50
NEW VIP Hospitality Package	$799

Fans will enjoy incredible access during the event, as both the TUDOR Championship and FIA WEC teams allow fans to get up-close-and-personal to the cars and drivers throughout the race weekend. Fans will also have access to pit walks, track invasions, car displays, interactive racing games and driver autograph sessions. The weekend’s racing will be complimented by a full festival environment with Austin’s famous food trucks, entertainment for the whole family, live music and a fireworks display during Saturday night’s WEC championship.

To purchase Lone Star Le Mans ticket packages please visit www.circuitoftheamericas.com, www.ticketmaster.com or call (512) 655-6300 to reach the circuit sales team.

About Circuit of The Americas

Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, is the only purpose-built Grand Prix facility in the United States designed for all classes of racing. The 3.4-mile racetrack hosts the world’s most prestigious sporting events, including Formula 1, MotoGP, Lone Star Le Mans and ESPN’s X Games. The 1,500-acre campus is also home to the Austin360 Amphitheater—PollStar’s 2013 “Best New Major Concert Venue” and a 2014 “Best Major Outdoor Concert Venue” Pollstar nominee— and boasts impressive meeting and hospitality spaces and an iconic 25-story observation tower that offers 360-degree views of the circuit, amphitheater and downtown Austin. For more information and to download videos and photos, visit www.CircuitofTheAmericas.com. For an experience as unique as Austin and a rush you’ll never forget, visit Circuit of The Americas, where exhilaration happens.

COTA Communications Contact:
Jarin Wadiwalla | +1 512.655.6256