Ferrari - The Can-Am Experience
Ferrari. A name that is synonomous with winning. Over 50 years of racing heritage; a heritage which includes several Formula One titles, as well as overall victories in Sports Car Racing at some of the most difficult race circuits known to exist. Tracks like Spa, the Nurburgring, and the great French classic held every year at Le Mans. Nearly every challenge the Prancing Horse of Maranello has undertaken in the last 60 years has resulted in victory. One series however was not intimidated by Italy's best. That series was the Can-Am Challenge, held between 1966 and 1974 in North America. The Can-Am, as it would become known, was perhaps the most exciting road racing series the planet has ever seen. Governed by the Sports Car Club of America, the series was run in accordance to the FIA's Group 7 rules for Sports Racing Cars. Group 7 rules were rather unlimited in many ways, which led manufacturers of all levels to run free with creativity and build some of the most technically advanced cars of their time.
In 1966, the Can Am's first actual season, the European factories had little interest in a series that only lasted from September to November and was comprised of just six events. Most of the entrants were independent teams. Teams like McLaren and Surtees, both headed by Formula 1 Champions that saw the Can Am as an opportunity to build their reputations as manufacturers. Ferrari already possessed a championship winning reputation. However, a young Mexican driver by the name of Pedro Rodriguez would fire Ferrari's first shot in what would soon become the hottest road racing series on the planet.
Bridgehampton, New York was the second round of the inaugural Can Am Series. The 2.85 mile course located in eastern Long Island would be the first time that a Ferrari would race in a Can Am event. Pedro Rodriguez was entered in a Dino 206S Coupe that September weekend. The young Mexican driver was able to achieve 22nd position on a grid filled with open-top sports racers powered by thundering American small block V-8s. The race would result in the little Ferrari not finishing due to the loss of a wheel. Rodriguez would appear again at Laguna Seca with the Dino, this time with a 18th place overall to show for his effort.
By early 1967, the Can Am was already being viewed as a fabulous series by many of the top names in North American road racing. The series caught the attention of Luigi Chinetti, the man at the helm of N.A.R.T. (North American Race Team), Ferrari's factory-backed team of choice in the United States. Chinetti would send one of N.A.R.T.'s P3/4 prototypes back to Maranello early in 1967 for modification to run in that year's Can Am Series. While at the factory, the P3/4 would receive several modifications to assist it in moving from Group 6 to Group 7 rules. The car was lowered and lightened, though the headlamps were retained. Provisions for a boot and spare wheel were eliminated, as there were no need for such luxuries in Can Am racing. The P3/4 also received a strengthened roll bar.Ferrari's would be absent at the opening race held at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin in 1967. Though Chinetti and the N.A.R.T. team would arrive for the season's second race at Bridgehampton. Lodovico Scarfiotti was selected to drive the P3/4 that September weekend and he achieved a grid position of 16th place. Scarfiotti, a Formula 1 veteran, would go on to drive the P3/4 to a 7th place finish in the race.
Scarfiotti would again pilot the P3/4 a week later at Mosport, one of the fastest tracks the Can Am Series raced at. The N.A.R.T. P3/4 would start from the 12th position on the grid. The weekend would result in a DNF for the Ferrari due to a crash.
The fourth race of the 1967 Can Am season was to see the most powerful sports cars in the world visit the beautiful Laguna Seca Raceway on the coast of Central California. This race would mark the appearance of two new Ferrari Can Am cars in the form of P4s. Now equipped with full glass-fibre bodies, a huge rear spoiler, and a larger 4.2 litre engine, it looked like there was a serious effort brewing from Italy's top name in racing. Chris Amon and John Williams were recruited to perform the driving duties. Amon, being the seasoned driver he was, performed well at Laguna Seca driving the number 23 Ferrari P4 from 16th on the grid to a 5th place finish. Williams also scored well on the weekend by completing 99 laps and capturing 8th place. Two weeks later, at Southern California's incredible Riverside Raceway, the Amon and Williams duo would again attempt to bring victory home for Maranello. This time the results were not as promising as Laguna Seca, with Amon finishing 3 laps down in 8th place and Williams crashing out. The final Can Am event of 1967 was held at Las Vegas. A dusty track in the Nevada desert, Vegas was known for wreaking havoc with both racers and their machines. Amon would put the P4 in 13th place on the grid, while Williams scored the grids 18th spot. Williams race was short, as a stone was ingested on lap 1, locking the throttle and leading to the retirement of the number 27 Ferrari. Amon would wind up with a DNF as well due to a crash. Despite mid-pack qualification times, the P4s proved capable of obtaining podium results.Shopping for BMW Modifications
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| BMW |
BMW vehicles are best known for their well performing german bred engines and exceptional handling tested and refined on the famed Nurburgring. Despite over 60 years of automobile perfection in creating the Ultimate Driving Machine, there are many BMW Modifications available for your 3 Series, 1 Series, 5 Series, M3 and M5.
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BMW Wheels
The factory BMW wheels are designed to be sporty but are typically heavy and plain looking. There are many aftermarket BMW wheels available including sporty factory style replacements such as the Velocity Motoring VB3 CSL Wheels for BMW. These are cast wheels that are a great upgrade to the factory BMW wheels and will set your car apart from the rest.
If you are looking for a custom set of forged wheels for BMW, you can go with ADV Wheels, DPE Wheels, HRE Wheels, Vorsteiner Wheels and a few other high end manufacturers. These aftermarket BMW Wheels manufacturers provide custom 3 piece forged and 1 piece forged wheels that will allow you to specify the sizing and color combination for a truly unique style. In addition, the forging process provides for a stronger and lighter wheel than the factory bmw wheels provide. This will reduce unsprung weight for your BMW M3 and improve acceleration.
Performance Modifications
BMW's famed inline 6 cylinder engine is a great performer from the factory but there are a variety of BMW Modifications available to improve response and performance. BMW Cold Air Intakes are a popular BMW modification that will improve flow and performance that translates to dramatic changes in response and power output. The OE BMW Intake system is designed to reduce sound output, conform to emissions standards and above all else, reduce manufacturing costs. aFe Power BMW intake systems are designed to improve flow and maximize efficiency over the stock air intake system. aFe filters are available in the Pro5R oiled or Pro Dry S dry element depending on whether you want maximum flow or minimum maintenance.
The BMW Performance Exhaust is a good choice if you are looking for a deeper grumble but there are a variety of BMW aftermarket exhausts that are much better for power output and sound. Remus exhausts for BMW are well known as direct OE replacements that conform to strict German road safety standards. In addition, Eisenmann, Active Autowerke and Vorsteiner all produce high performance bmw exhaust systems that will dramatically improve flow, performance and sound on your BMW E92 M3.
The best upgrade will be a BMW supercharger system like the VF Engineering Supercharger Kit for the E46 M3. This is a complete system that will take your BMW E46 M3 to the next level in terms of power gains and performance.
The BMW ECU is very well tuned from the factory but can be vasty improved with BMW software upgrades including the Active Autowerke ECU tune for BMW. The Juice Box 3 software for the BMW 335 and BMW 135 is a great option to maximize power and work with your other BMW modifications. In addition, the PowerBox for BMW is a perfect alternative for non-turbo BMWs that need software tuning.
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Finally, you can add EvoSport Pulleys for BMW or Active Autowerke Pulleys for BMW to maximize performance gains from other modifications. These work tremendously well with ECU tunes and are highly recommend for the BMW E92 M3 and BMW E46 M3.
Suspension Modifications
BMW provides exceptional handling from the factory but caters to a wide customer base and thus can be improved upon. Coilovers are a popular upgrade over the factory BMW suspension that allows adjustability and customization. KW Coilovers, Bilstein PSS10 Coilovers and H&R Coilovers for BMW are all popular options for adjustable suspension.
H&R Springs are a great option for the standard shocks to lower the car and improve handling. These are affordable spring sets that compete with Eibach Springs for BMW. Finally, Koni and Bilstein make BMW shocks that are higher performing and maximize road feel. The Koni FSD Shocks for the E90 and E92 are one of the most popular BMW suspension modifications available that will improve performance without sacrificing usability.
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Bodykit Modifications
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| BMW |
BMW is known for their styling but there many BMW carbon fiber parts that you can add to reduce weight and improve styling. The Vorsteiner E92 Aero Bootlid is a great option to reduce weight and improve downforce. In addition, Vorsteiner manufacturers BMW carbon fiber hoods including the Vorsteiner V-35 Vented Race Hood for the 335 and the Vorsteiner E46 M3 Vented Race Hood. These provide maximum cooling and minimize weight for optimal performance.
BMW M3 Front Bumpers are a popular option for the BMW E92 335i to make your front end more aggressive. In addition, the BMW M Sport package for the E92 and E90 3-Series add style and sportiness to your BMW 3 series while maintaining the factory classy styling.
Lighting
Most new Bimmers come from the factory with xenon headlights however you can improve the color with D1S Xenon Bulbs in 6000k or 8000k. In addition, you can replace the BMW LED License Plate Lights with a set of WeissLicht LED License Plate lights for maximum light output without errors. Finally, you can improve the interior with interior led lights for BMW such as the Interior Xenon Lighting kit. These are LED interior lights for BMW that will change the color and improve brightness.
Aston Martin
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| Aston Martin |
Aston Martin is a name that needs very little introduction. It is a brand that has always stood for high performance sports cars designed and produced by skilled craftsmen. The British automaker has recently brought to light its intent to be known for not only offering a lavish sports car, but a fuel efficient one as well. The new city cars will focus on the duties of transportation and not just getting from zero to 60 as quickly as possible.
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| Aston Martin |
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| Aston Martin |
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| Aston Martin |
Originally, Aston Martin was known primarily in the racing circles. By the time the 1920's had rolled around, the brand had made its first overseas appearance, participating in the French Grand Prix. The brand was quickly able to make a name for itself with popular racing cars such as the streamlined 1934 Ulster. Every car produced by this top brand is a product of today's technology. New resources along with new investments in the latest computer aided designs are ensuring that the future for this car brand is as bright as its past.
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| Aston Martin |
Over the past 90 years, Aston Martin has produced quality sports cars. The inspiration for the company itself began when founders Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford wanted to build distinctive sports cars that were exhilarating to drive. Martin was a regular competitor in the hill climb races at Aston Clinton and the simple combination of the name of the event and the name of the driver gave birth to one of the most famous automotive marques ever.
The fact that the company is still around today is a testament to its enduring strength and quality of its vehicles. Since its founding in 1914 the company has gone through more than half a dozen owners and been propelled to near-icon status thanks to its involvement in the James Bond films. Some of the more popular cars today include the DBS Volante with its combination of sports car characteristics and open-air motoring. The V8 Vantage is a great example of modern automotive design. A hand-crafted sports car that offers excellent performance, incredible agility and everyday usability. You even have the option of designing your own car just the way you want it.
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