Paramount releases Steve McQueen’s Le Mans on Blu-ray and DVD |  |
- Paramount releases Steve McQueen’s Le Mans on Blu-ray and DVD
- Boxster E prototypes at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Berlin
- Gear up for the highly anticipated launch of Forza Motorsport 4 by pre-ordering today
- Join Allan McNish on Fourtitude Forums next Tuesday, May 31
- Drivers to use Audi connect in R18 TDI during Le Mans
| Paramount releases Steve McQueen’s Le Mans on Blu-ray and DVD Posted: 26 May 2011 12:30 PM PDT With two weeks until the 79th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Paramount Pictures releases “Le Mans” on Blue-Ray and DVD. 40 years ago, director Lee Katzin and Steve McQueen set out to give us the best racing movie ever made. Leading up to this years 24 Hour race, the ACO, CBS, and Paramount will have a special screening on the pit straight. While we take today’s on-board cameras for granted, actual on-board footage was used from the 1970 24 Hour of Le Mans. This was a first. Additional Porsche 917 and Ferrari 512 models were made for shooting after the race. The digitally restored film uses a high-bitrate with a 1.85:1 image, allowing the picture to come alive on your screen. For those with a decent home theater set up, the sound has been remixed for DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1, with the original mono track preserved. Buy now on Le Mans (Blu-ray) For the fortieth anniversary of the opening of Steve McQueen’s film “Le Mans”, there will be an exceptional screening of the movie organized jointly by the ACO, CBS, and Paramount on Tuesday 7th June 2011 on the legendary pits straight of the Le Mans 24 Hours circuit. Legendary actor Steve McQueen, a true motor sport lover and no bad driver in his own right, decided to make a film in homage to the Le Mans 24 Hours. The movie opens at over 320 km/h with the heart-stopping roar of the engines and a dose of pure adrenaline. The spectator is thrown into the heat of the action thanks to the use of the first on-board cameras and innovative special effects. The actors are eclipsed by the real stars of the film, the Porsche 917s and Ferrari 512s, which express all their sound and fury in this classic movie whose making was an epic in itself! To celebrate the fortieth anniversary of “Le Mans”, which is still the best film ever made on motor racing, CBS and Paramount have digitally restored the film and will bring it out on Blu-ray and DVD on June 1, 2011 (May 24th in the U.S). The Blu-ray showcases the film in brilliant high definition, with the audio option of 7.1 DTS-HD Master Audio. Both the Blu-ray and DVD include the unique special feature called “Filming At Speed, the making of the Le Mans movie”, which shows the secrets of the shoot and the special effects, as well as the numerous anecdotes which have contributed to making it a legend. As part of this extraordinary celebration, the film will be shown in its entirety in the open air on a giant screen in the middle of the legendary pits straight of the Le Mans 24-Hours circuit on Tuesday 7th June at 22h00, four days before the start of the 79th Le Mans 24 Hours (11 & 12 June). “Le Mans” completes an exceptional entertainment programme with the concerts of Raphaël and Sarah Bessie (Wednesday 8th June), Julian Peretta and Mia Wallas (Thursday 9th June) and Razorlight and Concrete Knives (Saturday 11th June). Cast Elga Andersen – Lisa Belgetti Crew Director: Lee H. Katzin Buy now on Le Mans (Blu-ray) - ACO | IMDb | wiki Related posts:
         |
| Boxster E prototypes at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Berlin Posted: 26 May 2011 11:39 AM PDT The two Boxster E prototypes which Porsche showed off at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Berlin last week have proved to be a real attraction to the public. At this forum for sustainable mobility, which was staged for the eleventh time this year, representatives from politics, industry, trade and research discussed the environmentally-friendly mobility and vehicle concepts of the future. The trips in the electric Boxsters were in particular demand amongst the expert audience. On a sporty circuit, the vehicles demonstrated that a Boxster with electric drive still remains a genuine Porsche in terms of driving dynamics. In the wake of the GT3 R Hybrid, 918 Spyder and 918 RSR, the Boxster E is yet another sports car concept exhibiting the brand’s characteristic combination of research and driving pleasure. The Boxster E, with one electric motor apiece on front and rear axle, runs on purely electric power with four-wheel drive and is equivalent to a Boxster S in terms of driving dynamics. Together with two other Boxster Es, in which an electric motor drives the rear wheels, the prototype is being used to explore the everyday practicality of all-electric vehicles and how they are used, especially in terms of driving and battery charging. What the researchers are after is an understanding of the requirements facing future products, where to go next with Porsche Intelligent Performance and how to integrate electric vehicles into the infrastructure. The practical trials with the three Boxster Es are part of the “Model Region Electro-Mobility Stuttgart” large-scale trial. The Stuttgart model region is being sponsored as part of the Federal Government’s “Electro-Mobility in Model Regions” project. The Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development (BMVBS) is making approximately 130 million euro available from the Federal Government’s economic stimulus package II for eight model regions nationwide. The project is being coordinated by NOW GmbH, the National Organization for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology. Thanks to its design as a mid-engine sports car, the Porsche Boxster is the ideal vehicle platform for conducting realistic trials with electric-drive systems. The open-top two-seater car is very light, enabling the new components that are the electric motor, battery and high-voltage technology to be accommodated within the vehicle in a crash proof way. Together with the low drag, this reduces driving resistance for optimal range. Also of importance for a Porsche sports car, even one that is electrically driven, is the high driving dynamics potential, not least as a consequence of the balanced axle-load distribution peculiar to the mid-engine design. The Boxster E is an all-electric vehicle without any additional combustion engine on board. Propulsion is provided by two independent electric motors with constant mesh gearboxes that act on the front and rear axles. The rear drive unit comprising motor and transmission, together with the power electronics for controlling the electric motor is located where the manual transmission and exhaust system are accommodated in the conventional Boxster. In the front end, the space vacated by the 64-litre fuel tank, now redundant, is occupied by the second drive unit. The power electronics unit in the adjacent luggage compartment serves the front axle electric motor. The Boxster E thereby features all-wheel drive without mechanical transmission of power. To ensure maximum driving stability and traction, a central electric control unit looks after the synchronization of the two electric motors and controls the drive torque distribution to the front and rear axle. The two electric motors develop a total power output of 180 kW and a maximum total torque of 540 Nm at a maximum engine speed of approximately 12,000 rpm. That means that the two electric motors in tandem deliver significantly higher drive power than what is available from present day hybrid vehicles’ electric-power units. Not only does the Boxster E’s all-electric drive produce no emissions – it also offers a completely novel form of driving pleasure. The electric drive’s maximum torque kicks in virtually from the first turn of the engine. The Boxster E moves almost silently while at the same time developing powerful propulsion from the very outset. The two motors enable the two-seater to sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.5 seconds from a standing start. Its top speed, limited to 200 km/h (124 mph) is achieved without any gear change at all – whether automatic or manual. The two machines’ high power output offers a second advantage into the bargain: It means more recovered power is available because more energy can be recovered during braking. This increases efficiency of the drive unit. In the case of the two other Boxster Es with rear wheel drive there is no front electric motor, which means that they deliver a power output of 90 kW and a rated torque of 270 Nm. They manage the sprint from a standing start to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.8 seconds with their top speed being achieved at 150 km/h (93 mph). Because all Boxster Es are comparatively quiet on the road, Porsche engineers have designed an Active Sound Design system that provides drivers with acoustic feedback as well as alerting any passersby. Irrespective of variant, the heart of every Boxster E is manufactured by Porsche. This lithium-iron-phosphate based traction battery is fitted in place of the combustion engine. Each of its cells has a nominal voltage of 3.3 V and an individual capacity of 20 Ah. Based on the NEDC, the combined energy from 440 individual cells is good for approximately 170 kilometers (107 miles) of driving pleasure in the Boxster E with its ready-for-the-road weight of a mere 1,600 kg. For an overall weight of 341 kg, the battery’s energy content is 29 kWh of which for inherent physical reasons approximately 26 kWh are available for use – an outstanding performance for a battery. Its maximum power output is 240 kW, or 60 kilowatts more than the all-wheel Boxster E draws under full load. The battery and power unit components are connected to two water cooling circuits. As with the conventional power unit, the heat exchangers are accommodated behind the front air intakes. The battery is anchored to the same points on the body structure as the combustion engine in the Boxster S. There are numerous advantages to this, especially in the event of a crash, because by using the same load paths as in the Boxster S, the battery is optimally retained within the vehicle while at the same time being protected from damage by the surrounding body structure thanks to its central position within the vehicle. As with the combustion engine in the production vehicle, the traction battery is installed in the Boxster E from below and can be swapped out very quickly if so required. This is also facilitated by special motor sport fasteners that enable the battery to be disconnected from the cooling circuit without air getting into the system. The traction battery is charged via a charging cable. Any conventional socket can be used as an energy source. The charging port on the vehicle features an illuminated ring and as with any Porsche sports car the vehicle is recharged at the front end. The charger is accommodated at the front of the car. It converts alternating current from the socket into direct current, enabling the traction battery to store the electric energy. Its charging capacity is a maximum of 3.3 kW meaning that is takes approximately nine hours for a full charge. The charging time can however be reduced using a rapid charging function. There is enough space left over for luggage in the front luggage compartment despite the electronic components; the Boxster E’s rear luggage compartment remains unchanged. It goes without saying that all of the production models’ important safety and comfort features are replicated in the Boxster E as well. The new brake system enables an optimal melding of the braking forces of the electrical generators and the mechanical brake system, the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB). The electrically powered air conditioning compressor accommodated in the front luggage compartment ensures comfortable temperatures inside the vehicle. Not only are the clutch pedal and gearshift lever absent in the Boxster E, there is no rev counter either. In its place is a special E-Power meter in the central instrument cluster display. A swing to the right indicates power call-off and to the left power recovery. Recuperation – namely the recovery of energy by using the electric motors as generators – can be modified by means of the push buttons in the steering wheel. The effect: a sort of on-demand engine brake. Otherwise, when the driver lifts his foot off the accelerator, the Boxster E simply sails on, using the moving vehicle’s kinetic energy. Among its other functions, the instrument cluster’s right-hand TFT display acts as an intelligent range management system, displaying useful driving information: the range remaining or how many miles can be gained by switching off the air conditioning system. - Porsche Related posts:
     |
| Gear up for the highly anticipated launch of Forza Motorsport 4 by pre-ordering today Posted: 26 May 2011 11:08 AM PDT This fall, the highest rated racing franchise of this generation returns with “Forza Motorsport 4”, the biggest racing game of the year. Starting today, fans can pre-order the game at U.S. retailers for $59.99 (US ERP). For even more incentive to pre-order, Turn 10 Studios confirmed today that fans who pre-order “Forza Motorsport 4” at participating U.S. retailers will receive a token to unlock one of the following five cars, while supplies last.
This same list of cars is available in other regions worldwide and more information for those regions is coming soon. Rev up for the Limited Collector’s EditionFor “Forza” fans who crave the VIP treatment, a Limited Collector’s Edition will also be available. Stay tuned for more details on the exclusive content the Limited Collector’s Edition will offer. Be one of the first to purchase “Forza Motorsport 4” and receive the “Ship Bonus” car packA limited quantity of “Forza Motorsport 4” games at retail will include an exclusive in-game car pack available at launch that boasts five incredible cars for fans to race, tune, paint and share. This car pack, limited to the first production run of “Forza Motorsport 4” game discs, will include:
Prepare to hit the road in a Ferrari 458 Italia, the “Forza Motorsport 4” cover carToday Turn 10 Studios is also revealing that the cover car for the standard edition of “Forza Motorsport 4” is the Ferrari 458 Italia. The Ferrari 458 Italia is an 8-cylinder two-seater berlinetta with a mid-rear mounted engine, and represents a genuine break with the past in terms of Maranello’s previous high-performance sports cars. The Turn 10 team has worked closely with Ferrari to include every intricate detail of the Ferrari 458 Italia in the game, from its sleek aerodynamic design to its exquisitely modeled 4499 cc V8 engine, offering players the most realistic driving experience off the track. “The Ferrari 458 Italia was a perfect fit for the ‘Forza Motorsport 4’ hero car. It has the ideal blend of style, creative flair, cutting-edge technology and power that makes it just as gorgeous to look at as it is thrilling to take to the track,” said Dan Greenawalt, creative director of Turn 10 Studios. “We’ve worked closely with our partners at Ferrari to bring this amazing car to life in your living room.” Get a head start on the competition with “Profile Import”For those who have invested tireless hours in “Forza Motorsport 3”, Turn 10 Studios is pleased to announce a unique “Forza Motorsport 4” feature called Profile Import, which rewards fans for their time. Based on your player level and the cars in your garage in “Forza Motorsport 3”, gift cars will be automatically added to your “Forza Motorsport 4” garage and you’ll also receive bonus gifts and credits. And for those who spent hours creating intricate layers and liveries in the “Forza Motorsport 3” Livery Editor, you will be able to import those layers, so your time isn’t lost! Stay up to speed on all things Forza Motorsport at http://ForzaMotorsport.net and stay tuned for more announcements at E3 in Los Angeles starting June 6, 2011. - Forza Motorsport | jalopnik Related posts:
     |
| Join Allan McNish on Fourtitude Forums next Tuesday, May 31 Posted: 26 May 2011 09:46 AM PDT Next week, Tuesday May 31 from 11AM-6PM USA-EST (4-11PM UK time), Allan McNish will be live on the Fourtitude forums to field questions from you. On the heels of our Audi connect R18 TDI article, Allan will be loggin in via Audi connect as he travels from London to Scotland in the back of a new Audi A8. Posting questions also enters you for a chance to win an autographed copy of ‘Truth in 24’ (DVD format) signed by Allan and his teammates Tom Kristensen and Dindo Capello. The runner-up will receive a McNish Tartan wool scarf identical to the one pictured on Allan’s iconic racing helmet. More information can be found here and if your already a member of Fourtitude, jump straight in a get a head start with your questions. Related posts:
     |
| Drivers to use Audi connect in R18 TDI during Le Mans Posted: 26 May 2011 06:46 AM PDT Audi R18 TDI drivers will be able to tweet live from the cockpit as the race around the Le Sarthe circuit. Using the Audi connect system introduced in the Audi A7, wifi will be available to them, keeping you up to date at all corners… All kidding aside, the R18 TDI will have Audi connect onboard. With racecars getting highly sophisticated now, feedback is of great importance. From tire pressure to brakes, engine mapping to wheel gun torque, it is all monitored. Each time a car passes the pits, high frequency “burst” data recorded is transmitted to the engineers. Even the ACO will be connected tot he R18 TDI allowing them to monitor boost pressures and cockpit temps. The brand with the four rings bundles all applications and developments connecting today’s and future Audi models with the internet, the owner and the infrastructure under the term “Audi connect.” Motorsport is also a pioneer in the area of connectivity solutions.
Communication between the car and pits is of great importance – especially at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Audi connect also plays an important role in the active safety in the new Audi R18 TDI fighting for overall victory at Le Mans on June 11/12. As early as 2001 Audi Sport developed, in cooperation with tire partner Michelin, a system that warns the driver of pressure loss in a tire. A sensor fitted to every Audi R18 TDI wheel constantly monitors the tire pressure and transmits this data to the car’s central electronic unit. If the pressure falls, a red warning light illuminates on the high-tech steering wheel. The engineers in the pits are also warned immediately. “Since the introduction of this technology, tire failures due to pressure loss and subsequent potential accidents, have been completely avoided,” says Joachim Hausner, Head of Complete Vehicle at Audi Sport. No less than 1,005 data channels are permanently recorded on the Audi R18 TDI, monitored and transmitted to the pits by telemetry. At Le Mans, about 16 Megabytes of data are accrued every lap which are then evaluated with the help of state-of-the-art computer technology. Additionally, each time a car passes the pits high frequency “burst” data recorded during the previous lap is transmitted which helps engineers in their analysis thus guaranteeing the vehicle parameters are always correct. Theoretically the technicians could also control the most important vehicle functions by telemetry from the pits with Audi connect. However, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) regulations prohibit this. For this reason radio traffic between driver and pits plays an important role. Based on this data, which is studied and interpreted by data and engine engineers, the race engineer gives the driver instructions by radio. The brake balance between the front and rear axles, traction control (ASR) and the engine maps (MAP and MIX) are changed the most frequently while driving. These functions are all integrated into the steering wheel on the R18 TDI. “We don’t have to take our hands off the steering wheel while driving,” says Le Mans record winner Tom Kristensen. “Switch to MAP 3” or “Use ASR 10” are typical instructions given to the drivers from their race engineers during the race. Every member of the crew is also connected by radio and is therefore ready in a flash should the car make an unscheduled pit stop. Audi connect is also used during pit stops: after an incorrectly fastened wheel nut cost Dindo Capello, Tom Kristensen and Allan McNish almost certain victory at Le Mans in 2007, a system that monitors the wheel gun tightening torque was developed with partner Megaline. “In this way it’s guaranteed that no car leaves the pits with the wheel nut torque too low,” confirms Joachim Hausner. Audi connect helps active safety here as well. The organizers are also permanently connected with the Audi R18 TDI: they monitor the maximum permitted turbo boost pressure and compliance with the maximum cockpit temperature. The fans also benefit from connectivity solutions: Three LED modules fitted to the side of each car indicate which cars currently hold one of the top-three positions in each class. The identity of the driver currently sitting at the wheel is transmitted directly from the car to the electronic timing system and is visible on the monitors. Audi goes one step further: guests of the brand have been able to view the most important telemetry data for years – and like the engineers in the pits also follow the car on a digital image of the track which shows exactly where each car is at that moment. The images from the onboard cameras are also broadcast live. For the future Audi is also working on making the data and images available via Apps for users of smartphones, iPads and internet websites – this also stands for Audi connect. - Audi Motorsport Related posts:
     |
| 
| You are subscribed to email updates from ONEIGHTURBO To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now. | Email delivery powered by Google |
| Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610 | |
0 comments:
Post a Comment