I’ve just begun to sort through the more than 8,000 images Oli, Frank, Dan and myself shot over the three days at the Festival of Speed at Goodwood House in the United Kingdom.

Over the next few weeks we’ll be working to sort, retouch, catalog and upload as many of the photos as we can. (As many as are worth passing along to you.) As always, if you’re one of the owners, drivers or teams in the images, please drop us a line and we’ll provide the full resolution image for your use, free of charge.

In the meantime, please enjoy the following images:

More updates will be forthcoming!

Time for a few posts from around the globe, first up there’s news of the new Evo X mentioned over at AutoBlog. The new X builds upon the looks of past models, and to my mind, thankfully didn’t do to the Evo name what the new WRX did to the “Scooby”.

If you’re looking to do something different to your Lambo, then perhaps this might interest you. At first I hoped it was dry wipe marker, but the design really did begin to grow on me as I looked through the shots… but no I’d not do it to my own (if I owned one that is).

Over at OhGizmo they have been invited to Michigan to test out the entire GM 2008 lineup, home of angular pointy things.

Seen over at TechEBlog and Gizmodo early this morning: "Unlike other tame auto ads, Renault shows what an auto ballet meet destruction derby would look like. Video after the jump."

Not so in this German Renault commercial, which builds up to some pretty spectacular wrecks. I don’t speak German, so I don’t know what it says at the end, but I assume it’s something like "Our cars look awesome when they crash."

Noble Automotive has assigned manufacturing rights to the M12/400 series vehicle in the USA to 1g Racing. The assignment allows 1g, based in Hamilton, Ohio, to continue production of the vehicle which is still in demand in the USA and elsewhere.

Noble retains full rights to the car in the UK and control over the use of trademarks and naming.

Under terms of the agreement, 1g is required to re-badge and re-name the car by July 15th 2007, and is permitted to modify the vehicle to suit the needs of the 1g customer.

Company boss Lee Noble said: “The M12 has been a very successful model for Noble Automotive and we have learned much from it. Our new model will be a big step forward and this will leave no room in our line up for the M12/400 as we need to concentrate all of our attention on the development of our new model. However we will remain committed to all Noble owners, and will maintain the supply of all M12 and M400 parts for our owners and dealers.”

While it’s too early to tell what all of this means to those of us with Nobles in the US, based on my trials and tribulations with the US importer getting the car here, warranty issues honored when they occurred, and the general level (lack) of support, I’m not sure this is a good thing.

I’m prepared to eat crow if I’m wrong, but based on experience I don’t think I’ll have much to worry about. Watch our space for the upcoming M400 saga article in mid-spring!

JM

KTM progressing X-Bow development, with testing scheduled to have started in late January

Following a visit to KTM’s factory in Austria we can reveal that three X-Bow trackday-cum-road car prototypes are in the process of being built. One will be used for homologation and crash tests, one for chassis tuning, and the third will appear at the Geneva show. Testing has begun in late January, and the first production cars are on target for release in the second half of 2007. Expect a one-make KTM race series to be ready for 2008.

The six-speed manual version will weigh 700kg, but most cars are expected to be equipped with the optional (Audi) DSG gearbox that weighs 20kg more. Thanks to the X-Bow’s low weight, the speed of the DSG shift can be made much quicker. The engine is also offset in the chassis so the weight of a driver is balanced out by that of the engine – in left-hand-drive cars, at least.

KTM tells us that originally the X-Bow was to be a joint venture with Audi. However, Audi insisted that if it was to wear the four-ringed badge the car would have to come with all the normal safety equipment, including airbags. Unwilling to compromise the spirit of the X-Bow, KTM elected to continue the project on its own.

European law stipulates that there must be wipers and demisting if you have a windscreen, so the X-Bow does without one. Bespoke helmets that offer shelter from the elements, rather than full crash protection, will be sold with the car; there are special stowage areas for them in the cabin.

KTM is hoping the X-Bow will achieve 200kg of downforce at 124mph thanks to its rear diffuser. Performance options will be available from the start of production, with a simple chip conversion boosting the Audi-sourced 2-litre turbo engine from 220 to 300bhp. (Credit Evo Magazine for the information.)

As we close out the end of the year, Frank, Chris, Oli and myself would like to thank all of our readers for their faithful support.

I wanted to take this opportunity to let you know some of the projects the site will be undertaking in the next year, as well as some of the upcoming articles you can expect to see!

First off, the review articles you’ll be seeing in the next twelve months. (This is not an “all-inclusive” list, but gives you an idea of what we’ve been working on!)

“M3, the ultimate Pre-Owned Driving Machine”

FestivalOfSpeed.net had unlimited access for more than six months to a 2004 Certified Pre-Owned BMW M3 SMG. This feature will discuss our experience as owners along with the impressions we gathered during a group roadtest.

While overall impressions were mixed, everyone loved the effortless power the BMW developed and the presence it delivered, even at rest.

Acura TSX - Practical and Sporty?
One of the contributors to our site recently purchased a new Acura TSX. We thought it would be a brilliant idea to take it out and gather some opinions.

Brilliance on a Shoestring, the Noble M400
As I alluded to in the “visit” piece on Noble Cars, I bought a Noble M400. This article chronicles the trials and tribulations of putting an M400 on the road and living with it.

(Below) Professional driver, closed course!

Not so Boxy Anymore - the Volvo S60R
Our long-term camera car finally gets reviewed.

Our article gives the impressions of the car as a “daily” as well as a performance sedan - how will it stack up?

GM Reaches for the Sky - a tuner’s delight?
We drive a Kappasphere-prepared Saturn Sky on one of our group outings. Can a budget roadster come alive with a few performance mods?

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom … a Rotary Revolution?
Another of our long-term vehicles gets put through its paces on a group roadtest - does Mazda’s little coupe live up to the image?

Have you Hugged your Fast Today? Is the GTI Back?
When VW released the latest version of the VW GTI, we wondered if it would mark a return to the excellence of the original GTI philosophy, or simply be another luke warm hatch. See what we thought in this article.

There are also scheduled updates to the Lotus Esprit piece with fresh insights from our contributing road testers.

Working hard as always:

Along with all the reviews, we’ve also been working on a piece that may be of interest to our Lotus and Kappa Platform fans:
Sector 111 and Kappasphere - Performance Without Dilution of Character.

Our friends at Sector 111 and Kappasphere have graciously given us a glimpse into their operations. See how this grassroots California organization has been adding performance to enthusiast vehicles without compromising their character.

Sector 111 and Kappasphere are both located in Temecula, CA and specialize in parts for Lotus Elise, Exige and GM Kappa platform Vehicles.

Thanks again for all your support in 2006, and we hope you’ll agree 2007 looks like an exciting year at FestivalOfSpeed.net

JM

MY2007 Lotus Sport Exige Cup Adrenaline boosting fun from the latest Lotus track car - USA Specification

Los Angeles, CA (November 30 2006) - Lotus Cars USA, the subsidiary of Lotus Cars in North America, today unveiled the MY2007 Lotus Sport Exige Cup.
Unveiled at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, the 252 hp, supercharged and intercooled sportscar is a completely out-of-the-box track car with a specification designed to prepare the budding driver for the grid at some of the finest and most challenging circuits in North America.

Weight has been kept to an ultra low 1800 pounds and the phenomenal power to weight ratio has been further enhanced by increasing the power output from
243 hp to 252 hp. Weight saving (or adding lightness!) has been achieved through the effective use of lightweight materials and through the eradication of all non-essential components such roof trim, carpets, front mudflaps, central locking and bulkhead trim. Of course just having fantastic power to weight doesn’t make a car a high performer on the track, so the Lotus Sport Exige Cup has a list of standard equipment that includes track only slick tires, uprated 4-piston front brakes, adjustable dampers and adjustable anti-sway bar, the latest SCCA-compliant roll cage, FIA approved Lotus Sport branded driver’s seat with six-point driver harness (there is no passenger seat) and a lightweight rear screen (instead of glass). The options are even more race focused with a FIA approved 70 litre fuel cell, air-jack system and level two stainless steel exhaust with de-cat pipe, a plate type limited slip differential and Star Shield.

The Lotus Sport Exige Cup is one of the quickest cars around a circuit. Key to this incredible performance is the aerodynamic package, which produces over 90 pounds of downforce at 100 mph increasing grip and ultimately safety at higher speeds.
With a top speed of close to 160 mph and a zero to 100 mph slingshot in just less than 9.8 seconds (the 60 mph sprint takes just under 3.9 seconds), the
MY2007 Lotus Sport Exige Cup is the perfect partner to a serious track day enthusiast. Even the most exotic supercars would struggle to keep up! At a MSRP of just $84,990, plus options, delivery and taxes, customer will have to queue on a first ordered, first delivered basis.

Further details about the Lotus Sport Exige Cup:
Engine
The supercharged and intercooled engine in the Lotus Sport Exige Cup has a maximum power output of 252 hp at 8000 rpm and a torque figure of approximately 179 lb-ft, at 7000 rpm. This vast amount of extra power and torque now available means that the cam change between the low-speed cam and the high-speed cam is variable to ensure that there is a smooth and linear surge of power from low engine speeds all the way to the maximum 8000 rpm.
The Roots-type Eaton M62 supercharger (with a sealed-for-life internal mechanism meaning that it does not require the use of the engine’s oil) is run from the crankshaft and has an integral bypass valve for part load operation. Charge air (air under pressure from the supercharger) is cooled through an air-to-air intercooler (the cooling air enters via the roof
scoop) before being fed into the engine itself. All charge air ducting has been kept as short as possible with large diameter pipes making sure that the bends in these ducts are not too tight, to the benefit of throttle response and efficiency. Four high capacity injectors add additional fuel under hard acceleration or high speed driving.

A sports-type clutch plate and heavy duty clutch cover transfers the engine power and torque to the lightweight C64 six-speed gearbox (with an aluminum
casing) - with the same perfectly spaced ratios as the Exige S. A plate type limited slip differential is fitted as an option as is the Lotus switchable traction control system (LTCS). The LTCS system works through the engine, reducing power to maintain traction, is active above 5 mph and operates much more quickly than many brake-based systems.

An Accusump (engine oil accumulator unit) is included in the whole package as an oil reservoir backup for extreme track use ensuring that, under these conditions, the engine oil pressure remains constant.

Twin oil coolers complete the powertrain package.

Wheels and Tires
5-spoke lightweight forged alloy wheels in silver are shod with Lotus specific Yokohama slick tires to maximise grip and achieve the ride and handling targets set by Lotus.

Brakes
The brake system includes large diameter 308 mm 2-piece aluminum belled cross drilled and ventilated front discs and 282 mm cross-drilled and ventilated discs at the rear, upgraded Pagid RS14 sports brake pads set into the brake calipers (AP Racing two piece radially mounted, 4 piston at the front and Brembo sliding at the rear), high grade silicone brake fluid, stainless steel braided brake hoses all linked to the proven Lotus track tuned servo-assisted four-channel ABS system that enhances braking performance and minimising stopping distance without taking over from the skill of the driver.

Suspension
Suspension is provided by Öhlins springs and two-way adjustable dampers (which have 22 compression and 60 rebound settings and ride height adjustable perches to reduce the ride height from 130 mm to 120 mm) and an adjustable front anti-sway bar (five settings). Full instructions and recommended settings are provided to allow customers to tailor the handling characteristics of the car to their own requirements.

As the Lotus Sport Exige Cup cars are modified for track use, a double shear track control arm brace is provided to cope with the expected kerb abuse during racing and hard track day driving.

Safety Equipment
The Lotus Sport Exige Cup cars have the safety equipment that is expected for a track car with 6-point seat belt harness on the driver’s side (with an FIA approved Recaro / Lotus Sport seat) - there is no passenger seat. The full roll cage is SCCA compliant and completing the additional safety equipment is a mechanical ignition kill switch with cockpit and external activation and a plumbed electrical fire suppression system, again with cockpit and external activation.

Exhaust System
A “Level One” stainless steel sports exhaust is fitted with the bifurcated exhaust pipes exiting from the centre of the anodized-finished 3-piece rear diffuser. A “Level Two” stainless steel exhaust with de-cat pipe is a no cost option.

Option costs:
FIA approved 70 litre fuel cell - $3095
Lotus Sport limited slip differential (plate type) - $1595 Lotus Traction Control System - $495 Air jack system (special conditions apply) - $5495 Air-conditioning - $2495 Metallic paint - $590 Lifestyle Paint - $1200 Star Shield protection - $995.

Saturday, October 14, 2006 marked the last day that the Crystal Cove Car Show will be held at the Crystal Cove Promenade, across Pacific Coast Highway from Crystal Cove State Beach.

Citing concerns over liability, the Irvine Company, the landlords of the site where the event is held, have prohibited car gatherings of any type on “any” of their properties, including Fashion Island and the Irvine Spectrum. Officially, the reasoning is that the early morning engine noise disturbs residents living behind the shopping complex. However, when event organizers approached the Irvine Company about moving to an alternate location (Fashion Island) which is farther away from any residences, they were prohibited from doing so.

As a result, the event may move to the Precision Auto Group buildings (the Ford Design Studio) across from the Irvine Spectrum as soon as October 21, 2006.

Watch this space for further details - in the meantime, make sure you head over to the gallery and check out photos from the last event! The turnout was truly monumental.

JM

Sadly I gathered after I heard the news at work this morning Richard Hammond of TopGear and BBC fame crashed in a jet powered vehicle whilst filming the new TopGear TV series. You can see the article on the TopGear site here: TopGear article

Everyone here at FestivalOfSpeed.net would like to wish Richard a very speedy recovery and our thoughts are with him and his family in this difficult time.

The road test article on the Pontiac GTO is up in the “Reviews” section of the website. Make sure you head over there and check it out.

Jeremy