AutoDrift

Electric car manufacturer Tesla Motors is now trading on Nasdaq under the symbol TSLA. The company raised $226 million by selling 13.3 million shares at $17 per share. Initial valuation after the IPO was $1.33 billion.

Yesterday the stock debuted at $19, above the $17 a share offer price, and last traded at $21.49.

Tesla currently sells only the $109,000 electric Roadster, and is also taking pre-orders for the electric Model S sedan.

The Model S will be sold for $57,400, and is expected to hit the market n 2012. Tesla plans to produce 20,000 units a year and has more models planned based on the same platform.

Pictured below is the Roadster Sport and Model S.

Electric car manufacturer Tesla Motors is now trading on Nasdaq under the symbol TSLA. The company raised $226 million by selling 13.3 million shares at $17 per share. Initial valuation after the IPO was $1.33 billion.

Yesterday the stock debuted at $19, above the $17 a share offer price, and last traded at $21.49.

Tesla currently sells only the $109,000 electric Roadster, and is also taking pre-orders for the electric Model S sedan.

The Model S will be sold for $57,400, and is expected to hit the market n 2012. Tesla plans to produce 20,000 units a year and has more models planned based on the same platform.

Pictured below is the Roadster Sport and Model S.

Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa is one of the rarest Ferrari racing cars. Only 21 cars were produced between 1957-1958. Last May one of these cars was sold for $12.4 million by RM Auctions. Another one with a serial number 0738 TR will be presented at RM Auctions’ 25th anniversary Sports & Classics of Monterey event in August, making it the most significant and valuable motor car ever offered during Monterey’s collector car auction week.

0738 TR was raced for several seasons in South America under the Esquardari Largatixa banner where it recorded a number of successful finishes. For the past 14 years its current owner, a gentleman racer, has extensively campaigned 0738 TR in its yellow and green Brazilian racing colors, recording numerous wins and podium finishes at the world’s most prestigious historic racing events.

This rare Ferrari 250 TR is joined by 22 other exceptional vintage Ferraris in Monterey, including 1959 Ferrari LWB California Spyder (Est. $2,750,000 – $3,250,000), a rare 1959 Ferrari 410 Superamerica (Est. $1,600,000 – $2,200,000), a fully-restored 1957 Ferrari 250 Pininfarina Spyder Series (Est. $1,600,000 – $1,900,000); and a 1966 Ferrari 500 Superfast (Est. $800,000 – $1,000,000).

Aston Martin DB9 has been on sale since 2003 and now for the 2011 model year receives package of styling, engineering and equipment enhancements.

New front bumper, bright finish radiator grille, re-shaped lower intake, new headlights, re-styled sills, silver brake calipers, 20-spoke diamond turned alloy wheels and clear rear light lenses freshen the DB9′s appearance.

Under the skin changes include new Adaptive Damping system, which offers improved ride comfort and sharper handling when switched to Sport mode.

For Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin’s Chief Executive, the DB9 remains a very special car: “The DB9 is the quintessential sporting grand tourer and offers an unrivalled combination of driver involvement, character, luxury and refinement. This car combines our unique Aston Martin character with an uncompromised design philosophy, craftsmanship and trademark Aston Martin performance ability.”

6.0-liter V12 carries over from the current model year with 570 bhp. First deliveries will commence in July, with prices starting from £122,445 for the DB9 Coupe and £131,445 for the DB9 Volante.

Volkswagen 1.4-liter TSI Twincharger engine takes the top award at the International Engine of the Year Awards for second consecutive year.

This little engine boasts almost 180 bhp, thanks to the intelligent use of both a turbocharger and a supercharger.

Dean Slavnich, editor of organizing magazine Engine Technology International and co-chair of the 72-strong international judging panel of esteemed motoring journalists, said: “It is a fantastic achievement for VW to have won the award for a second consecutive year, and it demonstrates that engine downsizing is very much here to stay. We’ve seen more new engines launched into the market than ever before in the Awards’ history, and the vast majority of them were below 1.8 liters. That VW’s clever 1.4-liter Twincharger is still proclaimed by the judges as the best engine on sale in the world today demonstrates the class of this highly refined trend setter.”

The 12th annual International Engine of the Year Awards ceremony took place at Engine Expo 2010 in Stuttgart, Germany, on the 23 June.

Above 4-liters
Mercedes-AMG 6.2-litre (C 63 AMG, S 63 AMG, SL 63 AMG, CL 63 AMG, E 63 AMG, CLS 63 AMG, ML 63 AMG) 236
Ferrari 4.5-litre V8 (458 Italia) 146
Jaguar 5-litre V8 Supercharged (Jaguar XF, XJ, XK, Range Rover, Range Rover Sport) 126
BMW M 5-litre V10 (M5, M6) 84
BMW 4.4-litre DI Turbo (550i, 750i, X5, X6) 80
Porsche 4.8-litre Turbo V8 (Panamera, Cayenne) 79

3-liter to 4-liter
BMW 4-litre V8 (M3) 267
Porsche 3.8-litre flat six (GT3, 911 GT3 RS) 179
Nissan 3.8-litre Twin Turbo (GT-R) 156
Porsche 3.6-litre Turbo (911 Turbo, 911 S Turbo GT2) 150
Porsche 3.8-litre flat six DI (911) 119
Porsche 3.4-litre flat six DI (Boxster, Boxster Spyder, Cayman S) 89

2.5-liter to 3-liter
BMW 3-litre DI Twin Turbo (135i, 335i, 535i, X5 35i, X6 35i, Z4) 332
BMW Diesel 3-litre Twin Turbo (335d, 635d, X3 35d, X5 40d, 740d) 278
Audi 3-litre DI Supercharged (S4, S5) 125
Jaguar/Ford/PSA Diesel 3-litre (Citroën C5, C6, Peugeot 407 Coupe, Jaguar XF, XJ, Range Rover Sport) 117
Porsche 2.9-litre flat-six DI (Boxster, Cayman) 109
Audi/VW 3-litre TDI (Audi A4, A4 Allroad, A5, A5 Sportback, A6, A6 Allroad, Q5, Q7, VW Touareg, Porsche Cayenne) 82

2-liter to 2.5-liter
Audi 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo (Audi TT RS) 269
Mercedes-Benz Diesel 2.1-litre (C-Class, E-Class) 185
Subaru 2.5-litre flat-four turbo (Forester, Impreza, Legacy) 123
Ford 2.5-litre Hybrid (Ford Fusion Hybrid, Mercury Milan Hybrid) 110
BMW 2.5-litre DI six-cylinder (Z4 23i) 101
Honda Diesel 2.2-litre DTEC (Accord, Accord Type S, CR-V) 82

1.8-liter to 2-liter
BMW 2-litre Twin Turbo Diesel (123d, X1 23d) 293
Audi 2-litre four-cylinder TFSI (Audi A4, A4 Allroad, A5, A5 Sportback, A6, Q5, S3, VW Scirocco, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, Golf, Seat Leon, Cupra R, Exeo, Skoda Octavia RS) 215
Audi 2-litre four-cylinder TFSI (Audi TT, VW Eos, Golf, Seat Leon, FR/Cupra, Seat Altea/XL/Freetrack) 156
Honda 2-litre four-cylinder i-VTEC (Civic Type-R) 150
Mitsubishi 2-litre Turbo (Evo, Lancer) 73
Subaru 2-litre Diesel (Impreza, Outlook, Forester, Legacy) 71

1.4-liter to 1.8-liter
BMW-PSA 1.6-litre Turbo (MINI Cooper S, Clubman Cooper S, Peugeot 207, 308, MINI JCW, Clubman JCW) 268
Toyota Hybrid 1.8-litre (Prius, Auris) 185
Audi 1.8-litre TFSI (Audi A5, A4, A3, TT, Seat Leon, Altea/XL/Freetrack, Exeo, Skoda Octavia, Superb, Yeti, VW Passat, Passat CC) 133
Mercedes-Benz 1.8-litre Supercharged (CLC, C-Class, SLK, E-Class) 98
Alfa Romeo 1.7-litre DI Turbo (159, Brera, Spider, Giulietta) 84
Volkswagen 1.6-litre TDi (VW Polo, Jetta, Passat, Audi A3, Seat Ibiza, Seat Leon, Altea/XL/Freetrack) 61

1-liter to 1.4-liter
Volkswagen 1.4-litre TSI Twincharger (VW Golf, Scirocco, Jetta, Touran, Tiguan, Seat Ibiza Cupra) 307
Fiat 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo (Alfa MiTo, Giulietta) 254
Volkswagen 1.4-litre TSI Turbo (VW Golf, Scirocco, Jetta, Skoda Superb, Octavia, Audi A1, Audi A3, Seat Leon, Altea/XL) 241
Volkswagen 1.2-litre TSI (VW Polo, Golf, Seat Ibiza ST, Skoda Octavia, Skoda Yeti) 146
Honda Hybrid 1.3-litre (Insight, Civic) 87
Fiat 1.4-litre Turbo (Fiat Punto Evo, Abarth 500, Abarth Grande Punto, Bravo, Linea, Lancia Delta, Alfa Romeo Mito, Giulietta) 70

Sub 1-liter
Toyota 1-litre three-cylinder (Toyota Aygo, IQ, Yaris/Vitz, Citroën C1, Peugeot 107, Subaru Justy) 301
Smart Diesel 799cc (Smart Fortwo) 247
Mitsubishi 999cc three-cylinder Turbo (Smart Fortwo) 237
Opel 1-litre three-cylinder Twinport (Opel Agila, Corsa, Suzuki Alto, Splash) 131
Mitsubishi 999cc three-cylinder (Smart Fortwo) 76
Kia 1-litre four-cylinder (Picanto) 75

Performance Engine
Mercedes-AMG 6.2-litre (C 63 AMG, S 63 AMG, SL 63 AMG, CL 63 AMG, E 63 AMG, CLS 63 AMG, ML 63 AMG) 220
Porsche 3.8-litre flat six (GT3, 911 GT3 RS) 125
BMW 3-litre DI Twin Turbo (135i, 335i, 535i, X5 35i, X6 35i, Z4) 67
Ferrari 6-litre V12 (599 GTB) 67
Nissan 3.8-litre Twin Turbo (GT-R) 64
BMW 4.4-litre V8 (X5 M, X6 M) 60

New Engine
Fiat 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo (Alfa MiTo, Giulietta) 228
Ferrari 4.5-litre V8 (458 Italia) 200
Volkswagen 1.2-litre TSI (VW Polo, Golf, Seat Ibiza ST, Škoda Octavia, Yeti) 134
Mercedes-Benz 4-litre Hybrid (S400) 76
VW 3-litre TSI Hybrid (VW Touareg, Porsche Cayenne) 71
BMW 4.4-litre V8 (X5 M, X6 M) 68

Green Engine
Toyota hybrid 1.8-litre (Prius, Auris) 216
Fiat 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo (Alfa MiTo Giulietta) 106
Volkswagen 1.4-litre TSI Twincharger (VW Golf, Scirocco, Jetta, Touran, Tiguan, Seat Ibiza Cupra) 104
BMW Diesel 2-litre Twin Turbo (123d, X1 23d) 79
Honda hybrid 1.3-litre (Insight, Civic) 67
Mercedes-Benz Diesel 2.1-litre (C-Class, E-Class) 58

The International Engine of the Year Award 2010 – Overall Results
Volkswagen 1.4-litre TSI Twincharger (VW Golf, Scirocco, Jetta, Touran, Tiguan, Seat Ibiza Cupra) 384
BMW 3-litre DI Twin Turbo (135i, 335i, 535i, X5 35i, X6 35i, Z4) 365
Mercedes-AMG 6.2-litre (C 63 AMG, S 63 AMG, SL 63 AMG, CL 63 AMG, E 63 AMG, CLS 63 AMG, ML 63 AMG) 258
BMW Diesel 2-litre Twin Turbo (123d, X1 23d) 218
BMW M 4-litre V8 (M3) 169
Audi 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo (Audi TT RS) 155
BMW-PSA 1.6-litre Turbo (MINI Cooper S, Clubman Cooper S, Peugeot 207, 308, MINI JCW, Clubman JCW) 153
Toyota 1-litre (Aygo, IQ, Yaris/Vitz, Citroën C1, Peugeot 107, Subaru Justy)

Limited edition Jaguar XKR 75 is the most exclusive version of the XKR, built to celebrate Jaguar’s 75th anniversary. Only 75 units will be produced, with UK pricing starting from £85,500. Public debut is this Friday at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Power and torque on the 5.0-liter supercharged V8 are increased to 523 hp and 655 Nm, taking the XKR 75 from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds(0.2 second improvement over the standard XKR) to a top speed of 174 mph.

Mike O’Driscoll, managing director, Jaguar Cars, said: “The XKR 75 will provide owners with exclusivity, excitement and a hint of Jaguar’s great heritage. This is a fitting way to celebrate the sporting credentials of the XK marque in the 75th year of the Jaguar name.”

The Jaguar XKR 75 features a Stratus Grey finish, revised aerodynamic body pack with a front splitter, side sills extensions, a rear diffuser, larger rear spoiler, red brake calipers, 20-inch gloss Vortex alloys, and an upgraded interior.

Ford of France has prepared a collection of just five Focus RS cars in unique colour schemes, each paying tribute to the Ford cars which made history at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

All five exclusive Focus RS vehicles also have customised interiors, and a personalised numbered plaque on the dashboard confirming its exclusivity as part of the collection.

The five cars will be seen in action at the 2010 Le Mans Classic in July, and will be driven on a number of laps of the full track at the start of a number of the different ‘grid’ races reserved for cars of a particular era, with Ford-invited special guests and VIPs at the wheel. After the event these five unique Focus RS Le Mans Classic vehicles will be put up for sale.

The 5 cars to which the Ford Focus RS Le Mans Classic is paying tribute:
The Ford Mk II (victorious in 1966): on the 18th of June 1966, Henry Ford II himself gave the starting signal for the 24th Le Mans 24 Hours. He let loose a pack of fifty-five vehicles led out by two of the eight Mk IIs entered by the manufacturer plus six GT40s, including one belonging to Ford France which was driven by Guy Ligier and the American Bob Grossman. The duel with Ferrari was at its peak for this “race of the century”. Unbeaten since 1960, the Italian marque was the queen of Le Mans. However, this time it was the Americans who dominated, pulling off a spectacular triple! For the first time ever, the 200km/h average speed barrier was broken at
Le Mans.

The Ford Mk IV (winner in 1967): Wanting revenge, Ferrari sent its formidable 330 P4s to challenge the Mk IVs in a face-to-face battle without mercy. However, it was all in vain. The unstoppable red, white-trimmed Mk IV, piloted by Dan Gurney and A.J. Foyt, wiped the floor with Lodovico Scarfiotti and Mike Parkes’ P4. Unforgettable new pages in the history of motor sport were being written before everyone’s eyes. The epic tale of the Mk IIs and Mk IVs concluded with the spectacular distance (5,232.9 km) and average speed (218 km/h!) records set by Ford that year.

The Ford GT40 (victorious in 1968 and 1969): Even though Ford as a manufacturer was not directly involved, John Wyer’s JWA team benefitted from Gulf Oil sponsorship and the blessing of Ford Dearborn. For their first outing in 1968, the GT40s faced some keen and challenging competition from Porsche and Alfa Romeo. Driven by Pedro Rodriguez and Lucien Bianchi, the GT40 clearly dominated the field ahead of a Porsche 907 and three Alfa Romeo 33/2s. This third consecutive Ford victory was the first for a genuine GT40.

In 1969, competition was as intense and varied as ever: Porsche was in attendance with its 908s and its new 917s, Matra introduced its 630/650s and Ferrari was back again with its 312 Ps. Nevertheless, once again the GT40 beat them all, sweeping the boards at the end of an epic duel. Jacky Ickx raced across the finish line leaving the German Hans Hermann 120 metres behind and red faced at the wheel of his Porsche. The GT40 drove away with Ford’s fourth consecutive victory at Le Mans!

Capri RS 2600 (1st in the Special Touring category in 1972): Tenth overall, the Capri RS 2600, driven by Gerry Birrel and Claude Bourgoignie, dominated its category during the 1972 Le Mans 24 Hours. Manufactured between 1969 and 1986, the Ford Capri enjoyed a great sporting career and was one of the great leaders of the European Touring Car Championships and the 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. It also shone in the Production Cars Championship of France and the famous British Touring Car Championship. Many Formula 1 drivers distinguished themselves at the wheel of a Capri, including Jochen Mass, Hans Stuck and the Tyrrell Racing duo of Jackie Stewart and François Cevert during the 6 Hours of Paul Ricard Circuit organised in 1972. The rally version of the Capri also appeared in the colours of Ecurie Ford France with internationally renowned drivers such as Jean-François Piot, Guy Chasseuil, Jean Vinatier and Jean-Claude Gamet at the wheel.

Ford Mk II Ecurie Ford France (1967): Jo Schlesser teamed up with his friend Guy Ligier on only one occasion at Le Mans. That was in 1967, in a magnificent white Ford Mk II powered by a seven litre V8 engine. An early track exit crushed their hopes in the 13th hour. However, driving the same car, they won the last ever 12 Hours of Reims, the other former great French endurance race. Jo Schlesser, a driver with an incredibly eclectic talent, was killed during the 1968 French Grand Prix. He was one of Ecurie Ford France’s most emblematic drivers, racing on track circuits, in rallies and in a famous hill climbing race of the time, the Mont-Ventoux.

Lotus is working on something big. They have sent out a press release, that talks about a new era for Lotus. At this year’s Paris Motor Show in September Lotus will unveil what they call an evolution of an iconic British brand.

Could it be Evora convertible, Evora supercharged, next generation Elise or maybe finally Lotus is unveiling an all-new Esprit?

As convertible and supercharged versions of Evora have both been confirmed, we expect Lotus to unveil an all new Esprit. Stay tuned for more details!

Press release:

So you think you’ve seen all there is to see?

Think again.

As peace-loving druids gather to witness the magic of the annual Summer Solstice at one of the UK’s most symbolic landmarks, prepare yourself to witness the dawning of a new era for Lotus.

Your journey begins here and now on the longest day of the year and exactly 100 days before the 2010 Paris Motor Show where Lotus is set to unveil the future evolution of an iconic British brand.

They say a picture tells a thousand stories, we’re only really interested in one. Buckle up and join us for the ride. Expect the unexpected.

Hall 5.1 16.45 CET 30th September 2010

Even though Porsche did not accept Mini’s challenge to race the Cooper S on Road Atlanta, the race was still on yesterday, just without an official driver from Porsche.

As expected Porsche 911 Carrera S beat the Mini Cooper S, despite the fact, that the race was not on the real Road Atlanta race track, but on a smaller autocross type of track where Mini probably thought they could win the race.

In the video below Mini likes to point out that the difference in two seconds costs $76k, but who cares. Porsche clearly won the race even though the folks at Mini put together a track that fits Cooper S better than the 911.

Roger Becker(RGB), former Director of Vehicle Engineering for Lotus(44 years with the company) is celebrated with a series of special edition versions of the final run of European specification 1.8 liter Elise and Exige sportscars.

The Elise SC RGB Special Edition has a supercharged 217 hp 1.8 liter engine and the Exige S RGB Special Edition has a 257 horsepower supercharged and intercooled 1.8 liter engine. First one hits 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and the Exige S RGB in around 4 seconds.

Roger Becker said, “I am honoured that Lotus has named these two special editions after me, especially as it allows me to offer the customer my favourite specifications. The past 44 years have been an incredible journey and I’m looking forward to watching Lotus progress in the future, I have no doubt that the company will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Available only in Europe these special editions will go on sale in September.

The Lotus Elise SC RGB Special Edition in more detail
• 217 hp supercharged 1.8 liter engine
• Lotus ultra lightweight forged alloy wheels
• Sport pack
• Touring pack
• Four paint colours – Aspen White, Starlight Black, Solar Yellow & Carbon Grey
• Roger Becker signature on rear of the car
• Roger Becker numbered plaque
• Monochrome Lotus badges
• Air conditioning
• Recommended Retail Price:
o UK: £38,550 (including VAT)
o Euro Zone: € 43,655 (excluding regional taxes)
o Switzerland: CHF 71,435 (excluding taxes)
Official European Combined Cycle = 8.5 litres / 100 km (33.2 mpg)
Official European Extra Urban Cycle = 6.4 litres/100 km (44.1 mpg)
Official European Urban Cycle = 11.8 litre/100 km (23.9 mpg)
199 g/km of CO2

The Lotus Exige S RGB Special Edition in more detail
• Standard Features
• 257 hp Supercharged 2ZZ 1.8 engine
• Lotus ultra lightweight forged alloy wheels
• Performance pack
• Sport pack
• Touring pack
• Four paint colours – Aspen White, Starlight Black, Solar Yellow & Carbon Grey
• Roger Becker signature on rear of car
• Roger Becker numbered plaque
• Monochrome Lotus badges
• Structural shear panel which gives increases lateral stiffness to the rear subframe by 30%
• Air conditioning
• Recommended Retail Price:
o UK: £41,950 (including VAT)
o Euro Zone: € 50,042 (excluding regional taxes)
o Switzerland: CHF 81,887 (excluding taxes)
Official European Combined Cycle = 8.5 litres / 100 km (33.2 mpg)
Official European Extra Urban Cycle = 6.5 litres/100 km (43.5 mpg)
Official European Urban Cycle = 11.9 litre/100 km (23.7 mpg)
199 g/km of CO2