Aston Martin Rapide Spy Photos

A quick car spotter on PureGT captured this Aston Martin Rapide at an Italian petrolstation this past weekend in the Alps. The license plate is the same Aston Martin Rapide mule that was filmed while testing on the Nurburgring two months ago.

The car was full of test gear including screens and computers which would be used to monitor all the dynamics of the testing for analysis. Testing vehicles in the alps allow Engineers to test a vehicle under a wide range of temperature and atmospheric pressure variances.

Todays Fast Lane Daily Feed

Classic Rally Cars from the Silverstone Classic

We’ve just stopped in to find our desk in the press office here at Silverstone. After having a quick walk around we came across these little monsters out on the old runway. Its qualifying and practice day here at the Silverstone Classic for what is already a very busy event.

And it looks like its going to be a jam packed weekend of classic racing with everything from rally cars like these to classic Le Mans and F1 cars. If you have some time on your hands I recommend you jump in the car and come down and see whats going on.

The 2008 Silverstone Classic Is Ready To Rock

Its summertime, the sun is shining (well sort of) and were packing out camera kit and loading up the cars to head down to Silverstone for the weekend. One of the world`s largest classic motorsport events, the Silverstone Classic takes place this weekend, bringing together a unique gathering of road and racing cars to the Home of British Motor Racing. Over 50,000 spectators are expected over the three days as some of the biggest names in motorsport will be either present or remembered in more than 21 races on the Grand Prix circuit. We will be updating the site throughout the weekend so keep checking back.

The Silvertsone Classic will feature eight decades of motor racing entertainment including 700 cars previously driven by some of the worlds greatest drivers. But there will be something for everyone at this year’s Silverstone Classic. It’s not just track activity on offer, making the event a truly family affair.

As well as the open paddock offering the chance to see race cars up close and talk to some of the hundreds of drivers present, there is also the chance to watch some superb on-track and air displays. These include a flypast by a Spitfire and Mustang as well as the Red Devils Freefall Parachute Team, Hunter Jet Fighter and a Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

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RENAULT UNVEILS MEGANE RENAULTSPORT R26.R

In an effort to outdo Ford and their soon to be launched Focus RS, Renault launched the new Mégane R26.R today at the British Motor Show. With the next generation Megane III expected to make it’s world debut in Paris this September, Renault is giving it once last charge with a sporty lightweight version, hoping it will give the outgoing Megane a boost in sales.

The car is more track car than road car and will be restricted to only 450, with some 250 units destined for the UK. The Mégane R26.R uses the same engine, gearbox and limited slip differential, but has been lightened by 123kg and features specific suspension calibration. The result is a new lap record for its category around the legendary Nürburgring in Germany with a time of 8m 17s.

Identifiable externally not only by the graphics, the Mégane R26.R also receives a varnished carbon bonnet, 18-inch wheels, new spoiler.

Inside, the cabin includes the use of leather and suede for the steering wheel and gear lever plus a production number plaque. It is also equipped with Sabelt bucket seats and harness belts, and can be ordered with an optional four-point roll-cage.

For the weight loss programme the R26.R lost its rear seats, airbags, climate control, rear wiper and wash system, foglamps, headlamp washers and a majority of soundproofing material. Additionally the use of other lightweight components include the carbon bonnet, polycarbonate quarter glass and rear screen and carbon seat shells with aluminium frame.

The Mégane R26.R goes on sale this October with limited availability in Great Britain, France, Switzerland, Spain and Germany. The price is currently rumored to be £22,900. Please form an orderly queue on the left.

Button signs up for The Race of Champions

Jenson Button has signed up to fight for national honour this December, by confirming he will compete at Wembley stadium when The Race of Champions returns to the UK for a second successive year on Sunday 14 December. In doing so he has set up the first national grudge match of the event, as Britain tries to wrestle the ROC Nations Cup from its old sporting rivals and reigning champions, Germany.

Last year Team England – made up of Button plus three-time World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx – got through to the semi-finals of the ROC Nations Cup before being knocked out by Germany’s Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel, who went on to win. This year, instead of an English and Scottish squad, Team Autosport Great Britain will be the first of two British teams, leaving more options for potential drivers to enter.

“I never thought I’d be able to say I’d compete for my country against Germany at Wembley, but it was great to do that last year, and the crowd were awesome,” said the Honda Racing F1 Team star. “As soon as I heard Schumacher and Vettel had signed up for Germany again, I knew I had to come back to take them on.”

Tickets for the event are on sale now by calling 0844 412 1743, or online at www.raceofchampions.com. Adult prices start at £14.40 (including a 20% discount available until 31 July) and children can get in for as little as £9.

[Source: Newspress]