These new pics of the Audi RS5 show it on the Abu Dhabi track, while the trailer gives us the RS5 in action (what sound!). Rumours are that with the improved chassis we could be looking at a Nurburgring track time of under eight minutes. The differential technology certainly gives the RS5 the edge, with torque distributed on the basis of driving conditions. The RS5 is equipped with a V8, 4.2-litre FSI engine with 450 hp and 430 Nm, and if it’s not sporty enough there are other, more extreme options to meet your fancy, including 20-inch wheels.

Audi RS5 new pics

Continue reading: Audi RS5 new pics and first official video

This video on developing the McLaren MP4-12C is the first in a series on how the MP4-12C was built. This one focuses on the initial testing and development phases, using a Formula 1 simulator and meeting the McLaren test driver. We get an idea of the testing procedure, in Bahrain and at the Arctic Circle, and see track drives at the Nurburgring together with daily rambles around the highways and byways of the UK.

Continue reading: McLaren MP4-12C development video

The new BMW M5 F10 laps the Nurburgring in this video, where you can hear the V8 twin-turbo in the distance. While still an impressive piece of engine technology, it’s more sedate than what most BMW fans were probably hoping for, though you can still hear some grunt when it accelerates out of corners. Check out the video above.

Continue reading: Video: BMW M5 at Nurburgring

Jim Glickenhaus has plans to make a new P4/5 race version that would compete at the Nurburgring 24-hour race next year. At this stage, there is only a plan, or rather an idea as Glickenhaus has said that “a lot of stars would have to align” before it becomes a reality.

The P4/5 Competizione would be a new car and not just a re-working of the road version, and it would be based on a Ferrari chassis, engine and transmission. These pics are rendered versions of the road car, and while more details should emerge, currently finding a major sponsor is the biggest hurdle.

Source | Autoblog

Continue reading: Ferrari P4/5 Competizione

These spy shots of the Mercedes SLS come from testing at the Nurburgring. The new version is unlikely to appear before 2011, after a facelift last year has been the only touch-up since 2004. It is a four-seater coupe with smooth lines and a set of fast engines, and we’re all hoping for an AMG version, too at some stage, maybe in 2012.

The CLS engine will probably feature a V8 or V12, but it’s hard to know at this stage and will probably come down to Mercedes balancing performance with a few ecological responsibilities. Whatever the case, it’s good to go for testing and so we expect more spy shots and a few teasers next year perhaps.

Continue reading: Mercedes CLS spy shots: testing at Nurburgring

The Gumpert Apollo Sport has set a new record at the Nurburgring of 7:11,57. The video comes from German magazine SportAuto and the car was driven by Florian Gruber. After the jump is the video and below, some details from the press release.

It is August, 13th. The air has a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius and the sky is clouded. At 12:55 p.m. professional race driver Florian Gruber (age 26) crosses the line of the Nurburgring Nordschleife and unleashes the 700 hp of his GUMPERT apollo sport. He has set off into a race against the clock. His only objective: To break the record for road legal cars on the legendary 13 mile racetrack, once felicitously entitled “the green hell” by racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart. And to beat the existing official record of the Donkervoort D8 RS06 set almost 4 years ago.

Continue reading: Gumpert Apollo sport sets new Nurburgring record

The Ford Focus RS takes on the Nurburgring in this video, going at a spectacular speed, driven by Horst von Saurma from Germany’s Sport Auto magazine. The Focus RS lapped the Nurburgring in 8 minutes, 26 seconds, a big difference from the Focus ST with 225hp back in 2005 which did 8:51 minutes.

The Focus RS in Europe is equipped with a 2.5 litre turbocharged engine with 300 hp and six-speed manual transmission. It has a top speed of 26 km/hr and reaches 100 km/hr in 5.9 seconds. Check out the hot hatch in the video.

Source | CarScoop

Continue reading: Ford Focus RS at Nurburgring

After the opening of Ferrari’s Nurburgring store, Aston Martin has followed suit, displaying this One-77 model at the store opening. According to World Car Fans, this was the first production model One-77 ever made, used for testing purposes.

The car is equipped with a 7.3 litre V12 engine at 700 hp, and it’s said to cover 100 km in less than 3.5 seconds, although Aston Martin hasn’t released further technical details. Using a carbon fibre monocoque chassis, it weighs 1,500 kg.

The One-77 supercar has a six speed sequential manual tool box and a fancy suspension kit called a Dynamic Suspension Spool Valve to keep the power under control. Here’s waiting for other manufacturers to pull out some special models at Nurburgring stores - we’re quite liking this little trend so far.

Continue reading: Aston Martin Nurburgring store hosts One-77

A Nurburgring Ferrari store has been opened, which is the first official Ferrari store in Germany. It will probably become a stop off for Ferrari fans and pilgrims to the Ring, looking for accessories and souvenirs to buy at the legendary track.

The Ferrari store measures 240 square metres and contains Ferrari merchandise and one F1 car. A relaxation area overlooking the track has also been built, along with a conference room. It seems the famed Nurburgring is destined to become a games park for automobile fans wanting a blast and a slice of history.

The local council has, in fact, approved plans for the construction of hotels, commercial spaces and conference facilities on land overlooking the track. It’s possible that even houses will be on sale, which means if you’re happy living near a race track, you can watch the Ring all you like.

Source | Autoblog.it

Continue reading: Ferrari showroom opens at the Nurburgring

A very lucky Richard Meaden from Drivers Republic had the chance to race in the 24 hours on the Nurburgring onboard an Aston Martin V12 Vantage. He shared the driving with Ulrich Betz and another two drivers, and you can see their exploits in these two videos. It’s an exciting event for anyone who loves motor car racing, and you can relive some of the excitement in this footage.

The V12 Vantage had a few safety updates to be able to participate in the race, but apart from that it’s more or less the series model. It achieved an excellent result: first in its classification and 21st overall, demonstrating both speed and trustworthiness.

Continue reading: Video: Nurburgring 24hrs from an Aston Martin V12 Vantage

The Bentley Continental Supersports has been seen around the corners of the Nurburgring during testing. The model, whose W12 can also run off bio-ethanol, will be the fastest and most powerful Bentley ever built, thanks to its 630 hp and a top speed of 329 km/hr.

While these figures have been available since March, from the Geneva show, the Supersports has also remained unchanged in its style. The model at the show and the one that appears in these spy shots show the same air intakes, with an agressive look to the bonnet and nose.

The Supersports, in addition to being the top-of-the-range coupé for the company, also represents a forerunner to what will be an ecological move by Bentley. By 2012, all the Bentley models will be able to run off bio-ethanol. The Supersports sales will start next autumn, with a price as yet unknown, but likely to be around 250,000 euros.

Source | AutoWeek

Continue reading: Spy shots of Bentley Continental Supersports testing at Nürburgring

As these spy shots from the Nurburgring show, testing on the Saab 9-5 is continuing, despite announcements from General Motors that it will withdraw from the group by the end of the year.

Camouflage still covers a large part of the front, preventing any early judgements on the style of the sedan. It appears that many features seen on recent concept cars such as the 9-X Air, will be included on the 9-5.

The new model will be longer than the current version, with 14 cm extra on the wheel base. The engine range will include a 2.0 litre turbo at 210 hp, capable of working on bio-ethanol, and a 2.8 litre V6. Completing the petrol range will be a 1.6 litre turbo, though no news is available on diesel models being considered. Both manual and automatic transmissions will be optional.

Source | LeftLane

Continue reading: Saab 9-5 testing going ahead