Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC Special Edition


Aprilia has brought a new limited edition RSV4 to the US market. Called the RSV4 Factory APRC (Aprilia Performance Ride Control) Special Edition, this special edition was developed using data from this year?s Superbike Championship and is equipped with a new electronic management system that includes traction control, wheelie control, launch control and quick shift.

The new bike is powered by a water cooled, 999cc, 65° V4 engine that develops 180 HP and 115 Nm of torque. The APRC package uses an automotive inertial platform with two turn meters and two accelerometers that enable the ECU to track dynamic conditions and adjust engine control consequently. The rider can adjust any component of the APRC system independently at will.

Also, the RSV4 Factory APRC SE is the first Aprilia bike that comes with the Aprilia Quick Shift as standard. Basically, the quick shift shortens spark advance for an instant and then gradually restores it, making for super-fast shifting with no need to close the throttle or use the clutch. The system works hand in hand with the new closer spaced gearbox to limit RPM drop during shifting for faster lap times.

Press release after the jump.

Aprilia RSV4 Factory APRC Special Edition originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 12 November 2010 17:15 EST.

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Source: http://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/aprilia/2011-aprilia-rsv4-factory-aprc-special-edition-ar99988.html

Doug Serrurier Johnny ServozGavin Tony Settember Hap Sharp

F1: Abu Dhabi Friday quotes: Sauber

Abu Dhabi Friday quotes: Sauber Friday, November 12th 2010, 17:21 GMT Kamui Kobayashi - 14th: "To me it looked okay in the beginning of both free practice sessions, but for some reason there was no improvement and we were struggling. We were doing a lot of testing and have collected plenty of data. I'm positive we will find solutions for tomorrow." Nick Heidfeld - 16th: "I really like driving here, the track is nice. Related posts:
  1. F1: Germany Friday quotes: Sauber Germany Friday quotes: Sauber Friday, July 23rd 2010, 14:57 GMT...
  2. F1: Hungary Friday quotes: Sauber Hungary Friday quotes: Sauber Friday, July 30th 2010, 14:46 GMT...
  3. F1: Italy Friday quotes: Sauber Italy Friday quotes: Sauber Friday, September 10th 2010, 14:35 GMT...
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Source: http://doxcar.com/f1-abu-dhabi-friday-quotes-sauber/

Christian Klien Karl Kling Ernst Klodwig Kamui Kobayashi

Sebastien Loeb Watch By Marvin


What happens when you win the WRC world championship seven times in a row setting a record for the number of titles in WRC and for the number of titles won successively in a motorsport competition? Well, a lot of things happen, but one of those things is a new special edition watch with your name on it. Here’s looking at you, Sébastien Loeb.

The new Loeb Special Edition watch from Marvin brings with it the essence of the world of rallying thanks to the contributions made by Sébastien Loeb himself. The 44mm stainless steel case features flexible horns mounted on spring suspensions that are painted red. The importance of the springs lies in the fact that it helps the watch adjust to the contours of the wrist for optimal comfort.

Several other elements are directly inspired by competition rallying: the chronograph buttons coated in black PVD that resemble gear change paddles; the shaped counters designed like dashboard instruments; the dial composed of riveted plates on different levels; the openwork hands that suggest a rally car’s reinforcing bars.

The Loeb Special Edition watch comes in two different versions featuring automatic or quartz movements, and black and white dials. The first watch is a mechanical, automatic-rewinding chronograph that will be limited to 777 pieces and priced at $2,520. The second is a quartz chronograph priced at $970.

Press release after the jump.

Sebastien Loeb Watch By Marvin originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 11 November 2010 08:00 EST.

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Source: http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/sebastien-loeb-watch-by-marvin-ar99728.html

Tony Crook Art Cross Geoff Crossley Chuck Daigh

Making the most of the F1 season

I find it impossible to think that this is it. I said to Harriet, as I packed my bag for the final race of this year, that 2010 has been the fastest 12 months of my life.

I can vividly remember eating pizza in a small restaurant in Richmond back in March as we both apprehensively considered the next nine months of almost constant travel.

In the blink of an eye, it's almost over.

Although I've visited many of the same places, same hotels, even the very same hotel room at times, this year has been an incredibly different journey to the one I took in 2009.

I'll never, ever forget the nerves in the Melbourne pit-lane as F1 returned to the BBC after a long absence almost two years ago. And while the nerves have settled down, the pressure never has.

In 2009, I went into every race having never been there before, feeling anxious, aware I was a total newcomer, looking to please everyone. At the end of what was the most incredible year of my life, I realised that I hadn't actually taken time to step back and enjoy it. I was determined to put that right in 2010.

I think I've managed to do that but, as I've tried to take a step back and be objective about this season, remember the sights and the sounds of a championship year, I wonder if the same can be said of the men who are at the very centre of the storm... the championship contenders.

One of my mottos in life is "savour it". I said it to my wife on our wedding day, to my sister when her first child was born and to Red Bull team principal Christian Horner after last weekend's constructors' title triumph.

As life zips past at an incredible rate and the smallest things become the biggest issues, savouring what is around us is often the last thing we think of doing.

Last weekend in Brazil, for example, David Coulthard turned to me and said: "You'll never see a driver celebrate a win for as long as a team member."

He was referring to the psyche of a driver, the complex psychological make-up that inspires the chosen few to constantly put their neck on the line in pursuit of perfection.

After he picked up pole position last weekend, I asked Nico Hulkenberg what had crossed his mind following the achievement.

"Oh no, two press conferences and then more interviews," was his answer.

He didn't allow himself the indulgence of reflecting on the hard times when an F1 pole was beyond his wildest dreams, or how his family would be celebrating back in Germany. Nope, it was all about what was to come.

F1 doesn't do the present very well. It's all about the next race, the next upgrade, the next season. The constant pursuit of perfection demands that. Live in the now for a fraction of a second and, in this world, it instantly becomes the past.

In this year, of all years, it's been important to take stock of what we are witnessing, to be aware that it may be very many seasons before we encounter another similarly close title battle. And it all comes down to this weekend's final race.

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For four of the drivers, there is no looking beyond this weekend. Fernando Alonso, Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton know their entire season - every lap of every track - has distilled to this... one race with everything on the line.

My advice? Tune in, take the phone off the hook and, most of all, savour it. I know I will.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is live on BBC1 (from 1210 GMT) and the BBC Sport website (UK users only) on Sunday with the race starting at 1300 GMT.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/jakehumphrey/2010/11/making_the_most_of_the_f1_seas.html

Gunther Seiffert Ayrton Senna† Bruno Senna Dorino Serafini

Ford F-150


In the United States, trucks are a part of our culture. The same can’t be said in the rest of the world, but here, these vehicles are symbols of freedom and hard work. The big three have dominated this segment, but nobody has done it better than Ford with the F-150.

With the new Dodge Ram being as good as it is, Ford had to step up their game with their newest version for 2011. In order to maintain their impressive bit of marketing gold for a 34th straight year, the Dearborn-based automaker is putting four brand-new engines into their best selling truck.

Reworking an icon isn’t easy, just ask the designers of the new Corvette. When it came out, those headlights were either loved or hated. With the new F-150, if something were to be too radical then you might lose buyers. So, did Ford keep things simple with this newest version, yet at the same time upgrade the winning formula?

Hit the jump to find out.

Ford F-150 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 10 November 2010 17:30 EST.

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Source: http://www.topspeed.com/cars/ford/2011-ford-f-150-ar99166.html

William Ferguson Maria Teresa de Filippis Ralph Firman Ludwig Fischer

Shelby Mustang GT350H... FINISHED!!

Hi all

Fall is here and that means more rain and clouds... days to stay inside.  I tend to get depressed when it is dark a lot outside... but I also tend to get "artsy".  I am still struggling with my modeling burnout... So at the suggestion of a few folks on the forum, I have started a kit of a subject that is not my usual "thing".  It is a Revell/Monogram Shelby Mustang GT350 Hertz.

I realized after I started it, though, that this was a stupid move.  The car is BLACK, with CHROME trim.  Me and foil don't mix well.  And I will have to apply it on a black body.  I can smell disaster already... I read that some of these cars actually came in colors other than black, but it is the classic scheme that made me get the kit in the first place. 

Here is what I have done so far...

Source: http://cs.scaleautomag.com/scacs/forums/thread/917226.aspx

Gerhard Berger Eric Bernard Enrique Bernoldi Enrico Bertaggia