Renault F1 Team presented the R30 in Valencia, Spain [w/Video]

2010 Renault F1 R30

VALENCIA, Spain : January 31, 2010 - The Renault F1 Team took the covers off its 2010 challenger, the R30, today in front of assembled media at the Valencia circuit in Spain.

2010 Renault F1 R30 launched at Valencia circuit in Spain

Renault F1 Team driver Robert Kubica was on hand to unveil the car and reveal the exciting new black and yellow livery - the iconic colours made famous by Renault in the 1980s.

The team also presented Vitaly Petrov as Robert's teammate for the 2010 season. The 25-year-old finished as runner-up in the GP2 Series last year and becomes the first Russian driver to race in Formula One.

After unveiling the R30, Team Principal, Eric Boullier, joined Robert and Vitaly for a photo call in front of the car, along with the team's Third Driver, Ho-Pin Tung, and Reserve Driver, Jérôme d'Ambrosio. Czech driver Jan Charouz will also be a Reserve Driver for the team this year but was unable to attend the presentation.

With stable aero regulations the R30 is a mixture of evolution and revolution, and is much more svelte and attractive than its predecessor. In particular the rear of the car has been considerably reworked to allow the car to make the most of the 'double-decker' diffusers that were first seen last year. Changes have also been made to the architecture of the chassis to adapt to the refuelling ban, which has required the installation of a much larger fuel tank.

Speaking at the presentation, Eric Boullier praised the team's efforts in delivering the new car in time for the first test: "We've been working flat-out during the winter to ensure that we begin the new season in the best shape possible. The R30 should be a competitive, strong and reliable car, and we've opted for an aggressive development strategy throughout the season. Now we're here ready for the first test and we're all excited to see if the car performs as we think it will."

Robert Kubica - Vitaly Petrov

Both Robert and Vitaly were thrilled to see their new car and spoke of their hopes for the season ahead: "The team has been working on the new car for a long time and it's clear that we are moving in the right direction," said Robert. "Now we need to maximise the winter tests to keep up this momentum and continue improving the car. Our priority is to make the car easy to drive because the new rules favour cars that are not too sensitive - we need a car that behaves consistently in a wide range of conditions."

Vitaly Petrov added: "The new car looks stunning and the colours remind everybody of Renault's great history in the sport. I can't wait to drive the car for the first time and start working with the team."

The Renault F1 Team will remain in Valencia until Wednesday evening to complete the first preseason test session.

Renault F1 R30 Technical Specifications

Renault F1 RS27-2010 Engine :

• Capacity : 2400 cc
• Architecture : 90° V8
• Weight : 95 kg
• Max rpm : 18,000 rpm
• ECU : MES SECU
• Fuel : TOTAL
• Oil : Elf (a brand of TOTAL)
• Battery : Renault F1 Team

Chassis

• Moulded carbon fibre and aluminium honeycomb composite monocoque, manufactured by the Renault F1 Team and designed for maximum strength with minimum weight. RS27-2010 V8 engine installed as a fully-stressed member.

Front suspension

• Carbon fibre top and bottom wishbones operate an inboard rocker via a pushrod system. This is connected to a torsion bar and damper units which are mounted inside the front of the monocoque.
• Aluminium uprights and OZ machined magnesium wheels.

Rear suspension

• Carbon fibre top and bottom wishbones with pushrod operated torsion bars and transverse-mounted damper units mounted in the top of the gearbox casing. Aluminium uprights and OZ machined magnesium wheels.

Transmission

• Seven-speed semi-automatic titanium gearbox with reverse gear. "Quickshift" system in operation to maximise speed of gearshifts.

Fuel system

• Kevlar-reinforced rubber fuel cell by ATL.

Cooling system

• Separate oil and water radiators located in the car's sidepods and cooled using airflow from the car's forward motion.

Electrical

• MES-Microsoft Standard Electronic Control Unit.

Braking system

• Carbon discs and pads (Hitco); calipers and mastercylinders by AP Racing.

Cockpit

• Removable driver's seat made of anatomically formed carbon composite, with six-point harness seat belt by OMP Racing. Steering wheel integrates gear change and clutch paddles, front flap adjuster.

Car dimensions and weight :

• Front track : 1,450 mm
• Rear track : 1,400 mm
• Overall length : 5,050 mm
• Overall height : 950 mm
• Overall width : 1,800 mm
• Overall weight : 620 kg, with driver, cameras and ballast

Identical specification RS27-2010 engines will be supplied to the Renault F1 Team and to Red Bull Racing for the 2010 season.

Video : 2010 Renault F1 R30

Images : 2010 Renault F1 R30 launched!

[Source : RENAULT]

Pininfarina at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the first official image of the concept car

Pininfarina 2-seater spider Concept Car - Teaser image

TURIN : January 29, 2010 – Pininfarina discloses the first official image of its new concept car, world debut on March 2nd at the Geneva Motor Show.


The Pininfarina new concept is meant to be part of the tradition of successful spiders born from the relationship with Alfa Romeo, among the most significant and long-lasting ones in the automobile history, and interprets the innovative vision of an antique theme strongly present in the Pininfarina roots, the 2-seater spider.

An iconic object that, binding with an ideal thread the past and the future of Pininfarina, starts the celebrations for its 80th anniversary, representing at the same time an homage to the Alfa Romeo 100th birthday.

[Source : PININFARINA]

Jaguar – 75 Years Looking Forward

75th anniversary of the Jaguar

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Jaguar name, and 75 years of looking forward, designing and building cars that represent the very best of technical innovation, design leadership and sporting success.

Sir William Lyons and Jaguar E-Type

Mike O'Driscoll, Managing Director of Jaguar Cars, said: "In 2010 we celebrate our past, and 75 years of designing and building cars that celebrate the art of automobile making. We're also celebrating the promise of the future, and the introduction of the all-new XJ. In just three years we've completely revitalized the Jaguar line-up with the launch of three beautiful fast cars".

Just a few years ago Jaguar set out to re-make the brand and to revitalize the model range. It started in 2008 with the introduction of the all-new award-winning XF. This four door, five seat car has the looks of a coupe and the heart of a sports car. In 2009 Jaguar re-engineered the XK coupe and convertible, and in the process created one of the world's great grand tourers. And, 2010 sees the beginning of sales of the ground-breaking XJ, which incorporates all of the virtues that make a Jaguar.

Mike O'Driscoll added: "The development of our new range of cars is all part of making Jaguar the modern, sporting company that it was under our founder Sir Williams Lyons – a company that made its name creating cars that were innovative, exciting and always original.”

Ian Callum, Jaguar Design Director, said: “Jaguar design over the next 75 years must respect and reflect on the past 75 while continuing to push boundaries of technology, luxury and sporting style. Designing cars with a presence that demands a turn of the head and an allure that pulls at the heart has been central to the Jaguar brand throughout the years.

"A successful piece of design should stand the test of time, holding it’s own through passing fashions. Jaguar has a range of cars that are as iconic today as they were when launched – testament to Jaguar’s legacy in creating beautiful fast cars.

"Looking at the present with the XK, XF and all-new XJ and with an eye on the future, we will continue to innovate and set the benchmark, not only in automotive design, but in luxury premium design as a whole.”


Sir William Lyons founded Swallow Sidecars in 1922, and went on to create a range of 'SS' branded motorcycle sidecars and automobiles in the 1920s and early 1930s. When it came to the launch of the all-new SS 100 in 1935, Sir William wanted a new and evocative name for his company. After asking his advertising agency for suggestions, Sir William chose 'Jaguar', and the SS 100 model became the world's first Jaguar.

The ‘Jaguar’ name was an ideal choice - it represented the feline grace and elegance, power and agility that set his cars apart. Sir William once said that a car "was the closest thing we can create to something that is alive", a sentiment that has stood the test of time. The new brand name captured the essence of all of the cars created from that point forward.

Over the years Jaguar has built some of the world's most iconic cars; the XK120, introduced in the late 1940s, was an instant sensation and the most glamorous sports car of the period; the C Type and D Type race cars that followed, dominated motor racing in the 1950s; the E-Type, launched in the heady 1960s, has been called the most beautiful car ever built and it defined a whole generation. Sports cars have always defined Jaguar, but the Company has also built some of the Industry's most memorable sedans, such as the Mark II in the early 1960's and the renowned XJ range.

During the year Jaguar will celebrate our 75th anniversary at some of the world's most glamorous automotive settings, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Revival in the UK; the Concours D’Elegance at Pebble Beach in the US and at the Mille Miglia classic in Italy. Jaguar is also returning to the racetrack with its new JaguarRSR XKR GT2 and will compete in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS).

Images : 75th anniversary of the Jaguar

[Source : JAGUAR]