Autoblog UK

Porsche have always operated on the basic principle of supplying thoroughbred driving machines to motoring purists. This is particularly true of the legendary RS models. In its latest incarnation as the 911 GT3 RS, a member of the revamped 997 series, Porsche have once again demonstrated a sense for what is essential, giving customers the option of a lithium-ion battery which, by comparison with the conventional lead battery, offers a weight saving of over ten kilos. However, it seems that they are unable to resist making compromises: electric windows, automatic climate control and radio come as standard. You can specifically 'unorder' the radio and climate control to get closer to the ideal of the unadulterated racer. But why on earth would anyone want electrically operated windows, electrically adjustable mirrors, electric unlocking on bonnet and boot, and central locking? Away with this clutter! Dear Porsche, your new RS is great, but spare us all the gimmicks with this definitive 911. The softies at the luxury end of the market can always buy themselves a Bentley.

At motor shows around the world, exhibitors have recently vied with each other to present an image of modesty. Not so in the US gambling mecca of Las Vegas where the biggest names in auto tuning are currently flexing their muscles at the SEMA convention (3rd - 6th November). The American tuning and accessories industry had a turnover of over $30bn last year, a trend that looks set to continue. The abbreviation SEMA stands for Specialty Equipment Market Association. Trade representatives from more than 100 countries are expected to attend the event which is being held on 180,000 square metres of exhibition space.

There are around 2,000 exclusive models on display. This show has the lot, from beefed-up muscle cars and pick-ups to show cars and the full gamut of tuning components. To nobody's surprise, the Mustang once again registers as the most 'pimped' vehicle, with no fewer than eight different versions of the sports car on display. Probably the most interesting of these comes from the Ford Racing Team, who are producing the Mustang Cobra Jet in a limited edition of fifty units. Every single one of the 2010 version has been sold already, so a wistful glance at the gallery below will have to suffice.

Sebastien Loeb sped to a muddy victory on the Rally of Great Britain on Sunday to claim his sixth successive World Rally Championship. Not bad but is it healthy?

The Citroen driver's 54th career WRC win further extended his record-breaking achievements in the sport and once again left fans and pundits alike wondering what his rivals need to do to beat him. For some time there has been criticism that Loeb has turned WRC into nothing more than a showcase for his talents as Michael Schumacher did with F1 - and fans have consequently turned off.

Fortunately, as evident by his comments after winnning in Wales, Loeb faced a serious threat in the shape of Ford driver Mikko Hirvonen, who only missed out on his first WRC title by a single point. The Finn is a serious contender gave Loeb a real run for his money but his challenge only really materialised once another of his countrymen, Marcus Gronholm, retired in 2007.

When the Cheetah factory in Arizona burned down in the year 1965, that seemed to spell the end of this particular American runabout. But it was precisely the manner of its demise that made tuning specialist Bill Thomas's creation a candidate for cult car status. It is claimed that a prototype reached a top speed of 223mph (362 km/h) on the Daytona track. The few surviving Cheetahs have become much-sought-after collectors' items.

Now, thanks to a few enthusiasts, this vehicle with its stunning rear end is obtainable once again. The Cheetah rights have been held by the Arizona-based kit-car manufacturer BTM since 2001. The heirs are asking 99,500 US dollars for each retro racer which comes complete with certificate of authenticity. A cheaper option is to buy the kit and build it yourself. The Cheetah has a more than passing resemblance to Shelby's Cobra, but that rear end is rather special.

The Lotus Exige has developed a certain cult status amongst a dedicated fan base because it transfers the technology of the racetrack to the ordinary highway. In the new Lotus special edition Exige Scura, the British constructor has shown that its cars also have a wicked streak. Only 35 Scuras are to be built. They will have a matt black finish with glossy black go-faster stripes down the side. The visual impression is further accentuated by components made of dark carbon fibre. This diminutive yet aggressive-looking Lotus is powered by a 260bhp engine capable of propelling the less than one-tonne lightweight from 0 to 62mph in 4.1 seconds. The vehicle is beautiful in a spine-chilling sort of way and is sure to raise a few goose pimples at the forthcoming Tokyo Motor Show.

The Tokyo Motor Show is to stage an exciting world premiere: a red flatfish from Suzusho by the name of Supasse V. This mid-engined sports car has the approximate dimensions of a Lotus Elis and is visually reminiscent of the larger variety of supercar such as the Ferrari Enzo and Pagani Zonda. According to initial reports, the Supasse V will cost between 50,000 and 80,000 US dollars, weigh in at a diminutive 850 kilos and deliver an impressive 270 horsepower.

Devon Motors are intent on producing the ultimate American sports car. The US-based tuning house has made a name for itself with the conversion of Dodge Vipers to racing cars. The new Devon GTX is based on that most American of all legends. Now at last, the motorsport enthusiasts at Devon are going to offer their work to the general public. And this beast is some motor: the power output of the 8.4L V10 engine has been increased from 600 to 650bhp and the bodywork has been restyled. The Dodge Viper will accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds. The GTX version is even quicker off the mark.

The car is visually very exciting with its distinctive side stripes from the original Viper and its beautifully worked gull-wing doors. There's a hint of Bugatti Veyron about it. This sporty car will be burning up American tarmac in spring 2010. But firstly, you'll have to hand over 500,000 US dollars.

What a rear-end on the Wiesmann Roadster MF5! A turnkey version of the car is being launched at the IAA in Frankfurt. Wiesmann is a small manufacturer based in Dülmen, Westphalia. Limited quantities of these lovely, quintessential sports cars are produced there by hand. In contrast to the hard-top, the roadster's rear has pumped-up sides. As is the norm. at Wiesmann's, a BMW unit propels the open-top MF5. The familiar five litre V10 used in the M5 and M6 produces 507bhp, and top speed is a bit on the steep side: 310kph, around 195mph.The MF5 will sprint from 0-100kph (0-62mph) in just 3.9 seconds. Only 55 cars are to be built, each one costing 198,500 euros, 173,500 pounds.

Although they were naturally nerve-wracking for everyone at Team Peugeot, the final three hours of the 2009 Le Mans Hours passed off with a hitch for the French squad, and the two frontrunning Peugeot 908s went on to collect an emphatic one-two finish. The winning machine (N°9, Gené/Wurz/Brabham) finished seven laps clear of the best-placed non-Peugeot runner at the flag (Audi N°1), with the N°8 sister car (Sarrazin/Montagny/Bourdais) following it across the line to claim second spot. The N°7 car (Minassian/Lamy/Klien) completed the distance in sixth spot despite a spate of problems in the early hours of the morning.

As every year, the end of the race was marked by a number of accidents, and the N°5 Porsche's off prompted the safety car to be sent out one last time at 1.46pm. The N°7 and N°9 Peugeots profited from the neutralisation to pit for fuel. The safety car peeled off at 2.20pm and the three Peugeots made one last stop before the chequered flag. Sébastien Bourdais slowed on purpose to enable the three Peugeot 908 HDi FAPs to cross the line in formation. One-Two-Victory for Peugeot!



Eleven starts, eleven times in succession on the winner's podium: Audi continued its impressive series of podium results in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. After taking three consecutive victories Audi had to settle for third position on this occasion in probably the world's toughest endurance race.

"Obviously we are a little disappointed about the result", said Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. "Peugeot produced a fantastic performance and certainly deserved the victory. We will analyze the problems we had to ensure we come back stronger next year." The race to Le Mans 2010 has just begun.

If there's a more raw and evocative sound than the roar of Chevrolet Corvette C6.R gunning around Le Mans, then it's been well hidden.

The LMP classes have the whoosh of the diesels, the highly-tuned scream of the Aston Martins but it's only in GT1 where there is noise like the Corvettes. And the sad thing is we won't hear or see them again over the 24 Hours with the GT1 class disappearing after 2009.

Their swansong at Le Mans looks likely to end with a flourish though and by the time you read this, they may well have won class honours again. Admittedly, without the Prodrive Aston Martin Racing team on hand to keep them honest, the brute force of the American cars has been without peers in the class and a podium clean sweep has looked more than likely for much of the race.