tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77159623118646474502024-03-14T10:19:32.692+01:00The Italian JunkyardThoughts, ideas, criticism about cars.
Interesting news and facts from the world of the automobile.
Events in Italy and Modena.
What you can find elsewhere, filtered through the eyes of a discerning enthusiast.
Design, style, everything on the chopping block.
Nobody is safe anymore.Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715962311864647450.post-74184007881823488712015-02-10T01:55:00.003+01:002015-02-10T01:55:45.140+01:00Spada Vetture Sport Codatronca TS: a tale of the lost art of aerodynamics, proportions and taste<div style="text-align: center;">
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I mentioned what present day <a href="http://theitalianjunkyard.blogspot.it/search/label/Viotti">Viotti </a>is doing with its renewed shop, and you might have recognized under the wrap a familiar shape, the <a href="http://theitalianjunkyard.blogspot.it/search/label/Mantide">Bertone Mantide</a>. No, I'm not going to talk about all over again, it was more than five years ago and even if the little to inexistent success that car has seems unfair to me, it had its time both here and all over the world.<br />
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So what's the other connection with Viotti? The Mantide was not the only Corvette-based project they had something to do with, and even if the incriminating picture has been long pulled off Viotti's website, quite some evidences were pointing in the, pun intended, pointy direction of the Spada Vetture Sport Codatronca TS. Such a long name might suggest something entirely different, but there might be some reasoning behind it.<br />
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White Spada Vetture Sport simply suggest that behind this venture is none other than Ercole Spada joining forces with his son Paolo Spada, the original concept was unveiled in 2007 under the SpadaConcept TS Codatronca moniker. I've no idea, and somewhat little interest into, what that was all about, but the focus here should be about the second part. Codatronca. Since it isn't even a proper word in Italian, it's hard to directly translate into English. You may refer to it as a fastback, or even as a shooting break, truth is coda-tronca means the tail of the car has been, ideally, cut off, in complete contrast to the boat-tail design of the thirties if you like. Enter one Professor Wunibald Kamm, you might have heard of it.<br />
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The somewhat revolutionizing idea of this German gentleman is that without extending indefinitely the tail of a solid object moving into stable flowing fluid, the aerodynamics resistance, drag, met by said solid object wouldn't increase to a noticeable extent. Of course it isn't as easy as it sounds, and indeed you already know that planes do not have a square tail (even those with the engine positioned right on the tail), same as most boat and so on. Without entering annoying and complicated calculations so to keep aerodynamics the interesting subject it actually is, there is a trade off in this chopping of tails and trunks. Something more properly or famously studied by Morel, or Ahmed, with their studies on the slant angles on the tail of solid objects in a flowing fluid.<br />
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At this point, you should consider some other German examples, chiefly from the Volkswagen Group, but BMW has been busy on the subject lately, and unfortunately (and misusing the term "GT" too while they were at it). Consider the Porsche Panamera Gran Turismo (full name), or the Audi A7 Sportback. Or even the usual suspect, the Porsche 911 (in any iteration, mind you). You can immediately notice that their profile is quite soft and slowly pointing to the rear end without delimiting a proper trunk volume. The A7 squares it off more abruptly, the Panamera is rounder but in both cases there is no proper end to the tail or to the shape of the car, but the trade off is evident, enter the active rear wing.<br />
Contrarily to common belief, a rear wing doesn't always act as a downforce device, more correctly it is often required to reduce lift on most cars. Slowly decreasing profiles such as those listed above generates the same upwash vortexes as those seen on delta-wing supersonic planes, like the famous Concorde or the Dassault Mirage, that's to say exactly what makes those planes fly. This are basically two cone vortexes, one per each side, generating right at the top of the last pillar and rotating so to literally lift the air close to the car, and therefore to an extent the car itself. More properly explained but still in common terms, the air acquires speed upward, pressure locally decreases, the underneath body (car) is sucked up. So while the drag generated from such fastback design is very low, great for fuel economy, it's quite problematic for high speed stability and downforce in general, which is something on the border between a safe drive and fun spirited drive. You want as much net downforce as possible, or as little net lift as possible, in both cases.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UJ9SHQ65G7CzVtL6XO3ssdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="288" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-AJn6QQ7Fv5Q/VNlM2QQXV9I/AAAAAAAAIJs/ycokutq80UY/s288/DSC_0326%2520copia.jpg" width="192" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mXGGQ_2cD-9p5ghb1avTntMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="288" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dv1iNrDZwuk/VNlMnvQtLqI/AAAAAAAAIIs/AB2aV8604dQ/s288/DSC_0299%2520copia.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
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In order to reduce or completely destroy these vortexes, it is sufficient to put a device right before (all those "spoilers" glued on top of the back windows on many small cars, such as the Peugeot 206, or small enges on rear lamps like on most Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Fiat, etc) or after the area involved by the vortexes themselves. At low speed the energy carried on by them is low enough not to constitute any sort of problem so the active wing of the Audi A7 and Porsche Panamera stay in place to increase fuel economy. But once the aerodynamics become relevant the wing pops up and kills the vortex so to reduce the chances to have a reduced weight (as in force of gravity, not mass) on the rear axle creating instability (both in the mathematics and physics sense of the word). The wing itself do not provide downforce per se, but it surely reduces any lift phenomenon. Same for the 911 of course and most other cars with any sort of an active rear wing.<br />
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It shouldn't surprise though that such wings are always deployed at 120 km/h or so. Which is exactly the top speed hit during the NEDC (New European Driving Cylce) test, developed to determine the fuel consumption of a consumer car. There is no doubt the fuel economy greatly decreases at 120 km/h, not simply because of the increased required power, but also because of the worsened aerodynamics properties of the car once the wing is deployed. So I'd expect that even if there was some relevant amount of lift (yet not dangerous of course) at 110 km/h, automakers would still program the wing to deploy at 120 km/h just to save the official fuel consumption rating. Shocking, I know. <br />
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A quite famous episode is once again related to an Audi, the first gen Audi TT to be precise. In the middle of its production stories began to surface about high speed accidents involving the car, so with some serious consequences for the drivers. Eventually, the design was found at fault, chiefly because of the rear suspension geometry and because of the aerodynamics of the car, in other world because of the lack of mechanical and aerodynamic grip on the rear axle. The suspensions were modified and a fixed wing, rectagular in profile and only a few centimeters tall, was installed, enough to reduce said vortexes to an harmless entity.<br />
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Despite the quite dangerous mishap, it must be said Audi marketing department handled the subject rather well. Either that, or most customers have a serious issue with short term memory. That's shocking news as well.<br />
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What with the Codatronca though?<br />
Simply put, Ercole Spada made its trademark out of the Kamm tail, most famously in the Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ and Giulia TZ2 while working at Zagato, both showcasing an abruptly cut tail but nonetheless achieving great performances and fame. Zagato then revived the idea with the Alfa Romeo TZ3 Corsa (based on the Belgian Gillet Vertigo, which already featured a Maserati 4.2 liters V8 engine) and Alfa Romeo TZ3 Stradale (based on the Dodge Viper SRT-10 from 2008, with its 8.3 liters V10), <br />
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As for the modern SVS Codatronca TS, it's based on the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (or simply Corvette Z06 as it was briefly known in Europe). With the drivetrain <i>slightly </i>tuned to 630 bhp (vs 507 bhp in standard form) and the chassis completely unmolested, all its most relevant changes are focused on its exterior, and interior, at least from my point of view. So forgive the unforgiving almost-track-only sport tires fitted on it.<br />
While I immediately licked the fresh approach of its general design, the out of the chorus tail and the clear hints to the most famous stealth bomber, the Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk, I felt a little underwhelmed by the car itself in the flesh. A lot had to do with the proportions not being so elegant, a way too long and flat front clam with a tall and angular tail, a perceived finish less than exiting (even if I couldn't name one specific problem with it, as the car was probably completely ok), and some design decisions worth some more discussions.<br />
Surely the metal-look (and if it was metal indeed I can't remember, but I do remember it didn't look the part) frame around the windows didn't help, and the uninspired and edgy interior wasn't of my likings, raw and without an apparent unique them or idea, same for the generalist aftermarket wheels from OZ.<br />
According to Paolo Spada they had made two cars in 2010, the one here depicted belonging to himself, and another for a customer. Truth be told I don't think I've ever seen a picture of said customer car, but the world is full of greedy collectors hiding their gems to spying eyes.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JNnTBtyw4QHLNrfeE-CaS9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-deYZ1sKis_E/VNlMae1VcHI/AAAAAAAAIHw/_5hU3V4IFus/s144/DSC_0290%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/damiano.garro/SpadaVettureSportCodatroncaTSATaleOfTheLostArtOfAerodynamicsProportionsAndTaste?feat=embedwebsite#6114001998863061922"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8w07nxy0CsM/VNlMbLJC06I/AAAAAAAAIH0/lB-pfUkEdjw/s144/DSC_0289%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Jeio9H0guyfsWJ05BAMhpNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Orv0EEeOCwc/VNlMclO-GcI/AAAAAAAAIH8/tHtNnUAIRp8/s144/DSC_0292%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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Later on in 2011 they unveiled the Codatronca Monza. Essentially a track-only speedster variant of the Codatronca TS, it felt even larger and the unfinished, because racing, interior didn't help at all. A road going car was even spotted with safety bars worth of an emergency check up with your loyal optometrist. And that was the end of it.<br />
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It may seem like I have no love for the car. Well, I had decent expectations and was let down, plus I later realized they were quite late on the military jet fighter bandwagon (hint, Reventòn), but I can't help but feel for yet another unique take on the automotive passion and the vision some men are still willing to put into their four wheeled creations. That, and the full on price of "only" 180.000 € seemed like a bargain. Definitely much less than the 2 Millions € asked for the Bertone Mantide (well, that was a Corvette ZR1 to be fair...), which itself didn't sell well... they actually sold only the one car the produced.<br />
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What does this say? No more room for special vehicles with outrageous prices? No, definitely not. It's rather something along the line "it has to be flashy, recognizable, and famous", which is why a lot of tuning companies are flourishing around the world and in emerging markets (Mansory, what have we done) while bespoke and specialized shops like SVS or Bertone itself are struggling to sell or survive at all. Because let's face it, the Codatronca TS may not be a beauty in itself, but it's better than a pimped Ferrari with blot on (or glued on) psuedo carbon fiber parts with little to no functional reason to exist and engines tuned without the slimmest chance of proper tests.<br />
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But that's the world we live in, until I release my own octa-turbo-supercharged carbo-flying-uranium megagigawatt hypercruiserGT (tradermark, hands off). In the meantime, enjoy what Zagato has to offer while it lasts.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">ll Watermarked Pictures and Words Copyright: Damiano Garro for The Italian Junkyard</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Other shots copyright: Spada Vetture Sport</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This article can be linked to from other websites but its content and the pictures can't be reproduced on any other website without my written permission</span>Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715962311864647450.post-517892722022242022015-01-28T22:30:00.000+01:002015-01-29T00:38:52.218+01:00Stunning Red Head of humble horigins and her Blondie heir: 1959 Fiat 600 Viotti and 2014 Willys AW380 Viotti<div style="text-align: center;">
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Technically speaking, there is only the body color of this car, or the color of the leather of its pristine interior, to qualify it as a red head, or as a Rossa in Italian. Even if back in the sixties most relevant figures in the Italian automotive sector had already been working for several if not most companies and coachbuilders from the country, it would be at least far fetched to bring about some connection between this car and say Ferrari, just to carry on the red theme.<br />
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It's nonetheless a beauty, a little gem from the local evergreen automotive industry. I actually find that what qualifies Italy among the most famous countries in the world when it comes to cars, it's not just Ferrari, Lamborghini and all the other loud names in the business, but also the capability to give birth to such great cars regardless of their technical relevance to the world, their price, or their performance. Most coachbuilders from the past and present experimented with small cars, and not simply providing the design of the bodywork or some technical insight in their engineering. It was and still is about creating something unique, special, with a personality in some ways.<br />
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Obviously today the market is in a completely different situation. There is no point in calling in the ever present global crisis, as long as Mini can afford to sell a 2.700 € set of wheels on a 30.000 € or so stock Countryman (or simply as long as it sells the Countryman I might say) it is not a matter of money availability. Sure some people suffered the crisis, not going to argue that, but there are still quite some people who can afford to spend quite some cash on rather common and not so special cars. Targeting Mini buyers is quite simple and a bit on the generalist side of things, but you got the point.<br />
What sells is the brand, and even more so the image connected to the brand. I happened to come across a man at the mall last week, dressed with expensive clothes and with a brand new pinkish-iPhone-something, which then walked over to his car. A dented VW Polo MK3/6N. Now I don't pretend everyone to be a car enthusiast, but I couldn't help but notice he was carrying around at least twice, or trice, the money in clothes and phone than what his car was worth. And he was just fine with it which is the most important thing I take.<br />
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So is there a place somewhere in a market overcrowded with generalist offerings, premium average cars and brands actually owned by the same conglomerate, for something bespoke and special such as a truly bespoke Fiat 500, or Mini? Simple and short answer, no.<br />
Cars are definitely less "cool" than they were 50 years ago, they no longer represent freedom and independence, and they are often seen just as a mean of transportation, and expensive one because of fuel, insurance, taxes and servicing. It's an open secret that in a few decades cars will be used just as horses are used today. Sports, sporadic trips on the countryside, fairs and little else. We will be hovering over cities with individual egg-shaped pods connected among themselves to move us around as quickly and efficiently as possible, while giving us to have a relaxed conversation, read a book (or play some silly-saga game on our augmented reality visors) and probably have lunch too in the process. What a marvelous thing progress is.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/szy1CQU4fFpJcn6Ip8dJ4tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-jcY7hgCuraA/VMlMPlyCsDI/AAAAAAAAICw/swxCk9Gj7z0/s288/DSC_0015%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JurH6aloYFvTCRIdhZYiQdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HlZQi6TxQHw/VMlMPDGujdI/AAAAAAAAICo/SpG4Yak-XIo/s288/DSC_0017%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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I truly believe that, but at the same time, I feel more and more people not directly involved with progress are just embracing its side effects rather than be a part of it. With people "involved" I don't mean simply engineering, scientists and researchers all around the world, but also people simply interested in science and technological progress, up to date with what's going on. If you don't understand something, it's pretty easy to misuse it, and hi-tech devices casted in the furnaces of hell are no exception. Actually, I'm pretty sure my grand-grandmother would have been even harsher on smartphones and the likes. Luckily, my grandmother has been corrupted by an LCD television a while ago. Internet is still a mistery though.<br />
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While digressing is probably my best ability, the point is it's not very common to find such a car as this 1959 Fiat 600 Viotti. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiat_600">Built upon a rather common and simple car</a>, the body of this coupe can compete at any <i>concours d'elegance</i> all around the world side by side by with much more expensive and famous names. An evidence to this is that a Viotti Fiat 600 was featured in the first aired episode of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chasing_Classic_Cars">Chasing Classic Cars</a>, one of the few modern "reality" shows worth watching, and probably the only one among those automotive-related. For a car collector from the States to be in love with this rare and quirky little car from italy, it must be something pretty special. Here is a clip from another episode.<br />
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The Snail...<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JnK6GrWsEGXdALiy8fYYN9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dH4-QDE09Dg/VMlRcYxIH_I/AAAAAAAAIEU/Vs6praDHq54/s144/2014_Willys_AW380_Berlineta_Viotti_001_2225%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LGqVYBy-uy6EE7VdEJUEydMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-sg2gC0Wj-KU/VMlRf1SfqvI/AAAAAAAAIEk/1vS3iQXhCYs/s144/2014_Willys_AW380_Berlineta_Viotti_002_9934%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SWWSgujmtyQIzUtV2md2I9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hqh5ceuuO4Y/VMlRdTmtCdI/AAAAAAAAIEc/Rl27EYWwslU/s144/2014_Willys_AW380_Berlineta_Viotti_003_5890%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PePDVvtdKe92NN7SaxoLfNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Zqi_byBUlng/VMlRk0Lc9yI/AAAAAAAAIEs/g0beWDh2Pfc/s144/2014_Willys_AW380_Berlineta_Viotti_004_7844%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tOpsSDua_P1xuI10Elx1XNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9xgoyqV3zGE/VMlRpbNE74I/AAAAAAAAIE0/vpsqcByDhTg/s400/2014_Willys_AW380_Berlineta_Viotti_005_6643%2520copia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zMmyTtjroaCvMHD1o21sbdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-o7HGbmQh4rg/VMlRrsY9z-I/AAAAAAAAIE8/RLU0Pm68prA/s144/2014_Willys_AW380_Berlineta_Viotti_006_9020%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zXlQCcNHp4N-189PeRSTn9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-URa8Z5NARaU/VMlR2M3YbeI/AAAAAAAAIFM/79XZiktoMRw/s144/2014_Willys_AW380_Berlineta_Viotti_007_1488%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-BfAiV_l1GtVKJM274zPytMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-atNNnXaPi5U/VMlRxp5wajI/AAAAAAAAIFE/Qq6y7NRk0hk/s144/2014_Willys_AW380_Berlineta_Viotti_008_2597%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7HcoLtaKZrfus0euQ6fjDdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-h5csIXEM_Ic/VMlSEk3BUII/AAAAAAAAIF0/4cT0OkHEPBU/s144/2014_Willys_AW380_Berlineta_Viotti_011_7862%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jLNC_qZZrhkCN-y28J-pINMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-r5E86bPtlj8/VMlR54W3jWI/AAAAAAAAIFc/3_GgJ8xu32Q/s144/2014_Willys_AW380_Berlineta_Viotti_010_0618%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/p8wh2weTSyWxBBBmCO4SENMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Jfc5MdK-hA8/VMlSD5-FzbI/AAAAAAAAIFs/NqXrNgKJR-M/s144/2014_Willys_AW380_Berlineta_Viotti_013_4929%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/E-rm9u6KDCsbzwOqFmwPltMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wNfXTw3jhRI/VMlSHySFOQI/AAAAAAAAIF8/m8E-g_x3uhQ/s144/2014_Willys_AW380_Berlineta_Viotti_014_6475%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6hullaFy1ncJcKT_YPxTANMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dn7o3F3WI0w/VMlTAOY5LPI/AAAAAAAAIGI/Ws8njTyF0c0/s144/2014_Willys_AW380_Berlineta_Viotti_015_4092%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Bvor8vgAoqr-0m4rx1vjQtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="427" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KIMBF0lD0h4/VMlR9oYR6rI/AAAAAAAAIFk/L5MgXNabPJM/s640/2014_Willys_AW380_Berlineta_Viotti_012_1222%2520copia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Viotti itself is partially back as a coachbuilder with the recently unveiled Willys AW380, which does its best at transforming a Porsche Boxster/Cayman into a modern replica of the Alpine A108 that the Brazilian arm of Willys was licensed to build in the seventies. The scene of its unveiling was the rather disappointing and slowly dying Bologna Motor Show, now the only generalist auto show left in Italy after the demise of the Turin Auto Show in 2002 (the last exhibition being held two years earlier). How ironic that such a pivotal place for cars as Italy is left without a decent show of international relevance.<br />
Viotti is also a design firm in the modern sense, providing engineering know-how and prototyping facilities for new experiments. Indeed, bonus points if you can recognize what they have been working on in the recent years, might as well cover that car as well...<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-MxLWp7qLCQlIQzlaKoJsNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="282" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X0hJSfLxzUQ/VMlMRnDTnsI/AAAAAAAAIC8/XxSFitZMIjg/s800/viotti%25201.JPG" width="497" /></a></div>
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All pictures copyrtight: Damiano Garro for <a href="http://theitalianjunkyard.blogspot.com/">The Italian Junkyard</a><br />
Press images courtesy of <a href="http://www.carrozzeriaviottitorino.com/">Carrozzeria Viotti Torino</a>Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715962311864647450.post-58846093815478271232014-09-26T23:09:00.001+02:002014-09-26T23:13:07.833+02:00I like Mondays: my new life at Lamborghini<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EcbS2LBAyFGzvImsSSXoWNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RbvklHy5Jjc/VCXWrGXW6wI/AAAAAAAAIAs/LitLjnzssJw/s800/2014-09-17%252013.32.27.jpg" height="800" width="600" /></a></div><br />
Been a while, but I have a good excuse this time.<br />
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A few weeks ago I landed myself a nice position at Lamborghini, R&D department.<br />
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Aside from the overexposure of Huracana and Aventadors in all shades and configurations, it's a great place to be, nice people, relaxed environment, and great food at noon too. Also, from time to time you get to see some very special toys like the pictured Veneno, the first one to be built and finished with red accents. The green model is presently in Miami in the hands of enthusiast and collector Kris Singh, who also got himself the first bespoke Pagani Huayra nicknamed La Monza Lisa, while the white coupe is in China/HK. As for the Veneno Roadsters, I haven't checked on them yet.<br />
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I was also lucky enough to see the equally rare Sesto Elemento during the final checks before its lucky owner could take possession of that precious little gem. I'm not a fan of the Gallardo LP570/4 SuperLeggera drivetrain, but the design is striking.<br />
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Of course there aren't and there won't be many pictures coming as its pretty much forbidden to the deadliest level, as you may imagine.<br />
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I'm obviously over the moon to be finally involved in the creation of these spectacular exotics. I'm even more blown away by the complication hidden behind every single detail, something that the average enthusiast often forgets to consider. If things are done in a specific way, there are good chance there are quite a few reasons why.<br />
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I'll be sure to enjoy my time there for you too :D<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">All Watermarked Pictures and Words Copyright: Damiano Garro for <a href="http://theitalianjunkyard.blogspot.com/">The Italian Junkyard</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This article can be linked to from other websites but its content and the pictures can't be reproduced on any other website without my written permission</span> <br />
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Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715962311864647450.post-82879305371321125482014-07-13T11:27:00.000+02:002014-07-13T11:28:11.851+02:00A Midsummer's Day quick story<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6-xEoU1QXJujHwvSvEmBfdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-y2PVLLwbEJI/U8JQgN8ZjTI/AAAAAAAAHyI/ecMK5B8p-qY/s800/2014-07-12%252012.59.00%2520copia.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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This summer sucks on so many levels.<br />
The end.<br />
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A rare and somewhat misunderstood BMW Z1 in Bologna downtown in a rare moment of sun so far.<br />
I know better about it.<br />
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From dictionary.refference.com<br />
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SUMMER:<span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword"> <i> </i></span></span><br />
<span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword"><i>3 </i></span></span><i><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">period</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">hot,</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">usually</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">sunny</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">weather</span></span></i><br />
<span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword"><i> ...</i></span></span><br />
<span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword"><i>5 the</i></span><i> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">period</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">finest</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">development,</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">perfection,</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">beauty</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">previous</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">to</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">any</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">decline:</span> </i></span><i><span class="ital-inline"><span id="hotword"><span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">the</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">summer</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span> <span class="hwc" id="hotword" name="hotword">life</span></span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">All Watermarked Pictures and Words Copyright: Damiano Garro for <a href="http://theitalianjunkyard.blogspot.com/">The Italian Junkyard</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This article can be linked to from other websites but its content and the pictures can't be reproduced on any other website without my written permission</span><br />
<br />Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715962311864647450.post-18493719383785190012014-06-23T21:36:00.000+02:002014-06-23T21:52:08.717+02:002014 Vanishing Point: Pagani Zonda LM, bespoke endurance racing at its finest<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Hp_1GWaJHsCFyxpjmoHekNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="532" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Iss1mGkKxjY/U6gBQVt0n2I/AAAAAAAAHsw/XE0q-kj7Bp4/s800/DSC_0236%2520copia.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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With the introduction in June last year of the already featured Zonda Revoluciòn, something more needed to be done on the road going side of the Zonda world. The Zonda itself takes its roots back to the good old Group C days, an era of monstrous prototypes that could spank Formula 1 cars, with the added bonus of being raced at the world famous 24 Hours of Le Mans. The only racing effort of a Pagani car, and a completely unofficial one, saw a Zonda race car, called the Zonda GR, enter at Sebring and Le Mans in 2003, with very little success, and giving it a try again at the 2004 Le Mans test days, only to retire from the actual event because of a crash during a test at the Vallelunga race track prior to the race. To this day, the Zonda GR is still raced in Eastern Europe with somewhat decent results, finished in a green and black livery. Little is left from the original 2003/2004 version.<br />
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Here it is at Sebring 2003, Le Mans 2003, Le Mans Test days 2004 and at Hockenheim about 10 days ago.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dOjWySd3w4oX7d9p5yWoVNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VJ7pB6OKsD0/U6gCWwAUlSI/AAAAAAAAHug/Hcuhp9-4o24/s144/2749176916.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fpXb9W3Wu0DksxYZVF9s5NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="108" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DUL5J3NWKis/U6gCiJa2oCI/AAAAAAAAHuo/2-0kN69EFow/s144/pagani_zonda_gr-29.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Efnwdau9VSw9xeznWe1SZtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="108" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1-5kQkSyzJ4/U6gCtwotcaI/AAAAAAAAHuw/P93AAg6FWeg/s144/Pagani%2520Zonda%2520GR%2520%25284%2529.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rMAUjniOiUyZAWHxVdlV6dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ukc8n4bX2gc/U6gCy-iXm3I/AAAAAAAAHu4/sURIuOIs2nE/s144/14450708463_8f4c8845ce_o.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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So while Pagani was always adamant there were no racing intentions for the Zonda, race cars always offered inspiration. One might say the Zonda 760 RS was quite enough of a road going race car, as one Lewis Hamilton might say referring to his own Zonda LH, but apparently there is at least one customer that wanted something more. Take the Zonda 760 series and it monstrous 760+ BHP engine, 7 speed actuated gearbox and revised aero, add a stronger Le Mans flavor, build a completely new and so far bespoke front end almost directly taken from the Revoluciòn, a modified rear end plus a new massive wing, new headlights and some other bits and bites, and you get the brand new Pagani Zonda LM. LM obviously standing for Le Mans. Another good name would have been Zonda Monstrous Beast edition, or even the Pagani "I want one now" Zonda. You get it.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ybVQ1OyU05wHZmY_s2ydE9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0MRZ0MwjKLc/U6gA3q4JTEI/AAAAAAAAHrw/ERE-hsHrMNk/s288/DSC_0227%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4IhqOPGsHka4gwuIlpCqcdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-x9Yah6x9ppw/U6gBLgDR2fI/AAAAAAAAHso/7QfqhjNHpfY/s288/DSC_0234%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/D8P5R6bvWtzjeCXkOSvYGdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sFg3P0rBvPw/U6gBV7r6QyI/AAAAAAAAHtA/QJzcOicsYdk/s288/DSC_0238%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QlIUq70HZcca2Mqr7RSN-9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ps0UCuUNmCc/U6gBrao-KUI/AAAAAAAAHt4/MUOXCFFKwZI/s288/DSC_0313%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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The car was already spotted in Andorra where its registered and at Pagani factory of course, but it was yet to completed in all its details. Now the customer can fully enjoy his new ultimate Zonda in all its glory, and what best occasion than a private rally around Italy with other customers and Pagani entourage? Added bonus, this is the 10th anniversary of the first Vanishing Point Pagani meeting, and it's probably still ongoing right now as I write.<br />
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Full disclosure, I said the event is private, indeed only customers, partners and friends are invited. While taking pictures outside of Pagani headquarter, I noticed people coming and going from the showroom, people clearly not part of the event and not invited. So I walked in, wondering if indeed it was OK. No one seem to bother, so I took a couple of shots of the blue Pagani Huayra #001, the first production car. A few seconds later, I was kindly shown the door. I felt so bad for it, so let me post my apologies here in public, my bad.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rwHpdM1IU6x9WlZWY6bicdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EPRPpGFUU2w/U6gBJUiKaTI/AAAAAAAAHsg/gyVn9Ai_6UY/s144/DSC_0233%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uz2o9jfHrnu8mKEpzjKNRtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mV-GmdRvNSE/U6gA0FiFAJI/AAAAAAAAHrk/jdHQZUTGVMQ/s144/DSC_0224%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vNrRuqYaTIrQhBrofM4x1NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-APOHeNefHXI/U6gAvNxNhWI/AAAAAAAAHrY/14cM6nf-DSU/s144/DSC_0225%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/A5uf1eUWICAEoEhEXXCa0NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-zTizpuZvWQQ/U6gA8h9W_lI/AAAAAAAAHsA/w1bEeP6Q7Cs/s144/DSC_0229%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mCCpM91MUgUADdjsjQygltMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JynK2pqB-Jo/U6gA_e-NBfI/AAAAAAAAHsI/useMLWWBAT8/s144/DSC_0230%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9v1ixdBoGo3m05Pi6yomU9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Vi1sRe8qLI0/U6gBgGiE5kI/AAAAAAAAHtY/umU6uT3nTQI/s144/DSC_0269%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0yzmmSEv1CkpCNcQi8CwGNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JRQmfQNf_mQ/U6gBiyu1k5I/AAAAAAAAHtg/mIAyAwivnWk/s144/DSC_0271%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wqTHCx5hOho8LSD0WDsz8dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zk4EFT77Wpo/U6gBmQKW9dI/AAAAAAAAHto/gb2EB-ZspyA/s640/DSC_0272%2520copia.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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As you can see the front of the car is modeled after Le Mans prototypes, perhaps those from the more recent years rather than those pointy ends on the cars from the 80s and 90s. The new headlights are a complete departure from the usual Pagani design, with now all four elements under a single cover reminiscent once again of LM prototypes. A new LED DRL element is visible too. While I think the new front ads some freshness to the Zonda profile and nicely integrates in it, there is quite some gap between the front clam and the cockpit/windshield, but perhaps that was done on purpose for ventilation reasons, indeed you can spot two massive radiator fans underneath it. Autofocus played a fast one on me this time and I didn’t notice at first, an almost useless picture is the result.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xAeJQElibAU6s9_6fNv_ONMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="266" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rY-N0tdedsg/U6gA6oU0ztI/AAAAAAAAHr4/yjey5ICOTm4/s400/DSC_0228%2520copia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kI7lap9WiduEZpGrjbnSqNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--QY6yT8Lbl4/U6gBFjeFzKI/AAAAAAAAHsY/A0VswNR9_5I/s288/DSC_0232%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yziJYUSNzsnm9vhgAz_snNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IZeu_VlOrfA/U6gBZTiisWI/AAAAAAAAHtI/Iz5kavTJ_Zc/s288/DSC_0239%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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As for the other major modifications, the rear end was adapted, rather than built from scratch as the overall design seems quite the same, to integrate a lower spoiler and additional tail lights quite similar to those found in the Zonda R and Revoluciòn, this time though they feature a built-in spoiler too. The main wing is massive, even more than the 760 series and mimicking that from the Revoluciòn cars, but this time the side planes/pillars have a more complex design. Maybe it’s the less homogenous feture of the car, but not something I’d call a deal breaker for sure. As for the interior, it seemed pretty much standard issue, except for the chrome finish of the metal plaques, something else I’d rather do without.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Gf-759vONzImRhML3DyYydMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1dBVvbuzXt4/U6gBoFclkKI/AAAAAAAAHtw/C6yY03AY_Lg/s640/DSC_0273%2520copia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The thing is, this car is the result of the dedication of Pagani to provide customers and the automotive world with yet another gem, and a customer willing to get his dream car completely tailored according to his liking. Apparently he also owns the Zonda Cinque Roadster #1/5 also featured at the gathering and a Zonda R too. I might add that some Zonda Rs are presently being updated to Revoluciòn specs, for good measure.<br />
Even if the result may or may not be our first choice, we should be simply happy that there are people out there willing to commission, and to build, such bespoke and extreme creations. The same goes for the ever growing Ferrari Special Projects program, some of their cars are awesome, other less so, but it’s simply exciting that they exist. So now you just have to go out and make some millions, no more excuses separating you from your ultimate supercar!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/niWFI1lL9ctQpYrDzyql6NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aFmstlnyPjc/U6gA0nYQ9rI/AAAAAAAAHro/GOWOXeCyAFg/s288/DSC_0223%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Zk06P9_esIbyjSYg9xksqdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-SnkPWjiatGY/U6gBD-YrDYI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/FvhicJnMVhQ/s288/DSC_0231%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3_9UPXkugN7pQhKvbLbFbdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JQiYVcgxS7w/U6gBcwcP9gI/AAAAAAAAHtQ/zZ-UfJN34J8/s288/DSC_0240%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1nuWm2ZXV8SAIcthtLFhadMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QeH5zdygpNs/U6gBSj74tWI/AAAAAAAAHs4/GunODfM0_xE/s288/DSC_0237%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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I also feel like Italian companies are better at building such special cars, something to do with the heritage, racing history and Mediterranean passion for all things wild and personal. I don’t see Porsche pulling out such bespoke and exotic models. Mercedes have been building unique versions of their cars for some very loyal and wealthy customers, but most of the time we are talking about special version of existing cars, with maybe a different engine, or transmission (those fifteen E 55 AMG 4-Matic W210 anyone?) or refurbished internals (the eleven or so 300 SL rebuilt with modern suspensions, engines, steering, etc).<br />
The raw nature of Koenigsegg’s cars allow for some additional madness to be infused by a willing customer, and the One:1 program is a great example of what more can be done, but maybe their product is so extremely designed to reduce the margin for modifications. I’d expect the aerodynamics on the Agera to be pretty much the best they could come up with for those outstanding top speeds, but a new balance may be found nonetheless.<br />
Bugatti has shown already that all they are willing to do is a new set of wheels and body finish, but maybe McLaren can prove me wrong with some additional bespoke models after the somewhat weird but fascinating X1 Concept from 2012. Also the new Special Operations division of Jaguar might be in for some suprises. Last year Project 7 Concept was very promising, although the death of the C-X75 program is hard to justify in my mind. That was one sexy supercar.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/n8VwGxpX-0D-X5PhQW5D4tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xATaT1I4FKY/U6gBwQsoVAI/AAAAAAAAHuA/RgqRiIjlbLs/s288/DSC_0325%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sDxipezO2_Ir7BdyEPtV1dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PGLt50ZrooU/U6gByiqSYMI/AAAAAAAAHuI/gauVYkeOkCU/s288/DSC_0327%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0NEj6FaNWgd6QAzf8ePNxNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dwCLrBMAZ80/U6gB29qD1LI/AAAAAAAAHuQ/dKYBAgBzfoo/s288/DSC_0328%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Osn__z0hJfCDJTtkx2OJq9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-0v1vayn4Qik/U6gB55-oa5I/AAAAAAAAHuY/mYkLe1ugCZw/s288/DSC_0330%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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Some other pictures of the event and the 2014 Terra di Motori with the 100th Anniversary of Maserati and a Pagani Zonda Revoluciòn will follow soon.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">All Watermarked Pictures and Words Copyright: Damiano Garro for The Italian Junkyard</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Other shots copyright: Guy Golsteyn, Ultimatecarpage.com, Belgian-Motorsport.com</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This article can be linked to from other websites but its content and the pictures can't be reproduced on any other website without my written permission</span>Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715962311864647450.post-33763542983232792872014-03-19T14:47:00.002+01:002014-03-19T19:59:13.233+01:002014 Motori e Sapori, two Pagani Huayras are better than one: one for the Dark Knight, one for St. Patrick's day!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6G4ZQbLXOQa0PXp0dC2Pr9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="532" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ctfEpR5yH84/Uyj9AENCU-I/AAAAAAAAHcQ/srkgLh3cepE/s800/DSC_0056%2520copia.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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There isn't much to be said about Pagani, the Zonda or the Huayra that I haven't written here already.<br />
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<a href="http://theitalianjunkyard.blogspot.it/2011/02/wild-is-wind-interview-with-horacio.html">We've been to the factory</a>, <a href="http://theitalianjunkyard.blogspot.it/2011/03/175-get-your-hands-dirty-assembly-your.html">we've seen the assembly of the cars</a>, <a href="http://theitalianjunkyard.blogspot.it/2011/02/weaving-new-story-in-carbo-titanium.html">talked with the men and women who put those masterpieces together</a>, and <a href="http://theitalianjunkyard.blogspot.it/2011/03/174-da-vinci-code-pagani-edition.html">we even got to interview the man himself, Horacio Pagani</a>.<br />
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As usual with Pagani stuff, <a href="http://forum.pagani-zonda.net/index.php">there is no better source of material and information as the Pagani Zonda Forum</a>. Be sure to register over there and feel free to contact me if you have any problem.<br />
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I'll admit that seeing these cars at events and shows is definitely not the same as the occasional spotting on the road, possibly far away from their own factories. It feels like cheating and it takes away a bit of the specialness built into these cars. They are called exotics for a reason, but when you see them relatively often, you risk to think they are as common as they get.<br />
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There is no risk in finding them ordinary though. Among the stars of the 2014 edition of the "Motori e Sapori" event in Castelfranco Emilia (Modena, Italhy), a matte shocking green Huayra is definitely no red Ferrari 458 Italia.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uFzQkl0IKkfnyY1Z41VbcdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jnegcPMFspE/Uyj9SlqJ-tI/AAAAAAAAHdA/wnB7LpLDqJk/s288/DSC_0065%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2WFalqJ4jKx4qndeEzWT5tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IJJ1xQuFxDE/Uyj9gF7Xk_I/AAAAAAAAHdg/URZk-UFA20I/s288/DSC_0070%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KGq3HjK46zlBfb60ptH0fNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rt2odZKCgxQ/Uyj9VLLyQlI/AAAAAAAAHdI/PlvXTTJZm2g/s288/DSC_0066%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EnL1SYzOCRmZsfqfu13OM9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AuYLOhTv5q0/Uyj8-Goud3I/AAAAAAAAHcI/06xV90G93dE/s288/DSC_0055%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KGq3HjK46zlBfb60ptH0fNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rt2odZKCgxQ/Uyj9VLLyQlI/AAAAAAAAHdI/PlvXTTJZm2g/s640/DSC_0066%2520copia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This specific car is the third prototype ever built (<a href="http://forum.pagani-zonda.net/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=689">ZA9C900P3</a>) and it was rumored to have been used primarily for electronics development, therefore often being referred to as the Bosch prototype. Indeed you could have seen a few videos of a matte black Huayra testing at various locations. It's the same car, bar the vinyl wrap.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3-sCY2_wozVrCMlPfBsotdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7RCe_yexplI/Uyj9NtKUcuI/AAAAAAAAHcw/nNKOrcwvjwo/s288/DSC_0063%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QdVeFKtLSePbxclhmvAQHdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wqVKJLTgh_c/Uyj9F83M6HI/AAAAAAAAHcg/m_6TZsV9kAY/s288/DSC_0059%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GLv8a6hr5nAL9f4TBG4fHNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CGHqjXBc-N8/Uyj9PuRroMI/AAAAAAAAHc4/nSdg7XsT5ww/s288/DSC_0064%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/r6j_HIqfSX_BHgU9XmNswdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--QRjqzkebHg/Uyj9JDz5AVI/AAAAAAAAHco/0spH70G74Ls/s288/DSC_0060%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/I3Z5TZjNOs6fxBf1CtTMdtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-OYXWM3WdgTU/Uyj-DQSSK_I/AAAAAAAAHfA/U_UaPGSITII/s640/DSC_0097%2520copia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It could often been found at <a href="http://wikimapia.org/4298/Idiada-Test-Circuit">Idiada Test Circuit</a>. What's that? Well, you may know it already as the <a href="http://www.circuitcat.com/">Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya</a>, as they are the same venue.<br />
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<a href="http://www.applusidiada.com/en/">IDIADA</a> became slightly more notorious when it readied <a href="http://www.applusidiada.com/en/new/Applus_IDIADA,_the_most_powerful_electric_prototype-1340223600203">the most powerful electric prototype car</a> with the help of <a href="http://www.applus.com/en/">APPLUS</a>, the car in question being actually based on<a href="http://www.rimac-automobili.com/"> the stunning Rimac Concept One from Croatia</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/j2UiYqakkicOpk1GWx6Iu9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cwwTIyWDVeo/Uyj9Cs2XbxI/AAAAAAAAHcY/XDez43fQeh0/s288/DSC_0057%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0dEXo7to88JeIgajsalgi9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QJFBom0630E/Uyj9hf3s5hI/AAAAAAAAHdo/DEr4wimQkCg/s288/DSC_0076%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wsjFxh8234vHukQmMduifNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="288" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-tTIXwCmlHpc/Uyj9eWeugGI/AAAAAAAAHdY/wroUkMQTrdU/s288/DSC_0069%2520copia.jpg" width="192" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jXx73dOwPVtowPf-fFzOzNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="288" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7-l_BpyfYgQ/Uyj-Bn060mI/AAAAAAAAHe4/I_3CVi1iqaw/s288/DSC_0096.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
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During this past winter the Huayra P3 has been completely disassembled and rebuilt so to incorporate some production specs details, and possible parts of future evolutions of the Huayra.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4R8gef664qZSdhidAQr_HdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0ebch_YUCKU/Uyj-FiIuPII/AAAAAAAAHfI/bTqr5ljYTZo/s288/DSC_0098%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9UnMBUL6IQaWEVBPSHoR-tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vTzjXbDK2ks/Uyj-G_Y1UNI/AAAAAAAAHfQ/h9MxU9yhQK8/s288/DSC_0143%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/d9JC3i6w3jf15_OogYnWfNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5hWQShkZLPg/Uyj-IWokfJI/AAAAAAAAHfY/Sgxo9IGn1So/s288/DSC_0144%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/H2lyYXGj_uHG3GkJ6whN-NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Xlv7sd_klU0/Uyj-KeeTsNI/AAAAAAAAHfg/KzmiM7qfiOk/s288/DSC_0145%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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Rumors about the production run for the regular Huayra quotes various figures raging from 75 to 110 units, and every time some Pagani official is quoted as the source so it's hard to say which figure is the right one. Presently, about 40 customer cars have been built, and by the end of 2014 that number should double thanks to the new factory and workforce. Therefore it seems the right time to start testing the next chapter in the Huayra history, and the P3 might be hiding in plain sight.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BbUlfF53oZ-XH1YTk-qGA9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="133" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XsvA5hrmCuM/Uyj9nkJi9RI/AAAAAAAAHdw/miyHjFIMtF4/s200/DSC_0081%2520copia.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nCT3xoP21cBhCgj2luIXctMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="133" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uW0V4xsRU-c/Uyj9sIoq4HI/AAAAAAAAHd4/P8tZixjucTM/s200/DSC_0082%2520copia.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uR1sv3fbIm8Oo17zokQsyNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="133" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LNMg9VIZoBM/Uyj9tAghreI/AAAAAAAAHeA/6kjkXUiQPFE/s200/DSC_0083%2520copia.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bVVmYJGWPZfNYsQVAVvrUtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="133" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MHavuUKRMn4/Uyj9wYzbDhI/AAAAAAAAHeI/CXWrGzlFDCI/s200/DSC_0084%2520copia.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kbNuNS__z3o2KF7l_nePd9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="133" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GfyNc2MnJqA/Uyj92lBY4EI/AAAAAAAAHeQ/hXVQ0uN17j4/s200/DSC_0085%2520copia.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SAQWGbBgehsgXqzxaDm4edMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="133" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Usp0WRVyo_o/Uyj95uOjOcI/AAAAAAAAHeY/Dmb1p8J0n8E/s200/DSC_0086%2520copia.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The company also have other factory cars, including this matte dark gray Huayra, chassis <a href="http://forum.pagani-zonda.net/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=831">#76014</a> and based on the second to last validation prototype, the <a href="http://forum.pagani-zonda.net/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=625">ZA9C900P5</a> finished in silver and featured at the Huayra unveiling in Geneva 2011, next to the validation prototype <a href="http://forum.pagani-zonda.net/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=933">ZA9C900P6</a> finished in red and carbon fiber, and later rebuilt into the first series production Huayra, <a href="http://forum.pagani-zonda.net/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=626">#76001</a>. That car is now finished in blue and clear coated carbon fiber, often seen in London and Paris registered with plates from Qatar. This blue car is however often seen at the factory too, so it's unclear what kind of a deal is in place between Pagani and the owner.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-J3iWAoXLauUkZicln6a0NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ff7JDbGCfpM/Uyj8rPsp2PI/AAAAAAAAHbI/F2ihrWl3PMs/s640/DSC_0042%2520copia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Other factory cars include the <a href="http://forum.pagani-zonda.net/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=998">ZA9C900P1</a> that was <a href="http://theitalianjunkyard.blogspot.it/2014/02/2014-modena-antiquaria-and-unica-fair.html">recently featured on the TIJ a few weeks ago</a>, and a third prototype, the <a href="http://forum.pagani-zonda.net/viewtopic.php?f=47&t=627">ZA9C900P4</a> which was used to develop and refine the drivetrain and was therefore stationed primarily at Affalterbach, not far from Stuttgart, AMG headquarters. It's unclear though what the present status of this car is, and where it might be. The ZA9C900P2 is rumored to have been the crash test prototype, so we lost that for good. Actually, if you're lucky, you can spot it remains inside the Pagani factory.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vWrbzYMOClYvj2YwTGYOVNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="266" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lL8UxGTXsB8/Uyj8jzC9vJI/AAAAAAAAHa4/oEwfBEQRtU0/s400/DSC_0040%2520copia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The #76014 Huayra has changed its skin many times: while the actual bodywork has been mostly the same after its rebuilt into a production car in Spring 2012, from then on it was always wrapped with various vinyls. It all started with the 2013 Mille Miglia when the car featured a matte gray finish with a sketchy map of the Mille Miglia depicted on it, and then they never stopped. At the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2013 the matte gray wrap was still in place but adorned with weird Italian flag stripes all over the bodywork. It was then finished again in matte gray with a black and red longitudinal stripe. Eventually the car was wrapped in matte bronze with the canopy finished in matte black, but it didn't last much as you can see because this has been its finish ever since January 2014. Stealthy, I approve, and I'm not a fan of matte cars.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sXxqhnifPtxt4wLXQcbVbtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BB8kYHjT-jw/Uyj8sy8l86I/AAAAAAAAHbQ/vxlIdKBHVRc/s288/DSC_0043%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/l7i3b9_elCfOS2xP6YJYodMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PC4I6JFQTuo/Uyj8uugyVtI/AAAAAAAAHbY/wQiaNTRU6CA/s288/DSC_0044%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lV9yk8x4q5Ug4gYJjHqsCtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-llrwE9kCMxg/Uyj8nPACGmI/AAAAAAAAHbA/xlRcABO7YMo/s288/DSC_0041%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wr_O3oMfAYmSgoF5WsaqddMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-YOjghV80Qhw/Uyj87AM04_I/AAAAAAAAHcA/8vlYHTyN9IA/s288/DSC_0050%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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The car was recently used for a very special task. Another customer car, believe to be the 34th produced car and featuring chassis #76031, was delivered to a customer from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Paris. For some reasons, the car arrived with the left rear view mirror damaged, and was temporarily fixed with duct tape... because that's what does the job when years of studies and development just won't cut it!<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2hoZLMH9bCHaHsxAQ8UUqdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="288" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pqSLMvPLKm8/Uyj8hqpTl_I/AAAAAAAAHas/KnPqIE10GRY/s288/9de27e8caa1711e3ac6412d616990df9_8.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AaQbyI6brvQ_Ih2ROcvsn9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="288" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-10d_B-HzQEs/Uyj8hn7wb3I/AAAAAAAAHaw/eNQo-w9BNyU/s288/9896cb3eaa9611e39bfb0ef6dfdd4a89_8.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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#76014 was promptly dispatched with famous test driver Davide Testi at the wheel, and the next day both car could be seen together in Paris. Next thing you know, the #76031 Huayra had a new mirror and Mr Test-i Driver was heading back home.<br />
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If you think it doesn't make much sense, I'll have to disagree. First of all, you'd have needed to send both the new mirror and a technician to repair or assess the damage, so a two way airplane ticket to Paris was required. It was probably a bit cheaper then sending a supercar about 1.050 km away from home, but eventually you have to consider test cars and test drivers are meant for one thing: to drive. No better occasion to do it too, as that must have been the best customer service ever.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-5FYrcadywEoccw3TMfL3tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c6jzbgNfoto/Uyj8zae5SGI/AAAAAAAAHbo/ml2BFECjQ9E/s288/DSC_0046%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Bm4Uzb-XSxY8x2BJzryEMdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-B3psf2B6D9E/Uyj8xBhAwPI/AAAAAAAAHbg/uwtVLEFjW6E/s288/DSC_0045%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VmC0GngHPiTFYoAUrsn5ttMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="266" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U9Cb1bNYH_w/Uyj81nBgwjI/AAAAAAAAHbw/yiFjEyCs7ZE/s400/DSC_0048%2520copia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As for Davide himself, in Castelfranco he was a nice chap as usual, allowing people to take pictures of the car, opening the door and so on. When he wasn't on duty, you could see him walking around with his son, showing him cars and introducing him to the great automotive culture. Lucky kid? You can bet on that!<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CQm0f3Chp0w5q-KepT6eatMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GLo4R-AhOWU/Uyj84r9gGvI/AAAAAAAAHb4/SjX5xcr6JkY/s640/DSC_0049%2520copia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Final note on the finish of the cars. While I won't say much on the refinement of the green Huayra P3, it's a prototype after all and you could see that some parts were missing, the quality of the wraps was a bit disappointing. Maybe the quality of the panels of the P3 has something to do with it, being finished in a raw matte black texture (perhaps primed only?) and having faced many miles and extreme conditions over the recent years.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UIDODx8C3W8i2qEZz9_2_9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_aQnJc2_K-g/Uyj986VbHZI/AAAAAAAAHeo/ZhgkI5hE3Jc/s288/DSC_0094%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6u3T8rg5fvEl9Vq8X5djvNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-l2IJyHyXfYk/Uyj9-pjyQ2I/AAAAAAAAHew/X2-mmFk7zKI/s288/DSC_0095%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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Performed by <a href="http://www.google.it/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CD0QFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.carwrappingmilano.it%2F&ei=Up0pU_i8HKOBywOb9YGYDw&usg=AFQjCNGzlUcRbjCHlEAjzqKJfNfFq29W1A&sig2=dBzbND9CzwiivMp2w21Sqw&bvm=bv.62922401,d.bGQ">Car Wrapping Milano</a> from Milan obviously, northern Italy, the wraps were already showing bubbles, cracks and other signs of wear all over both cars, and the job is barely 3 months old on the matte gray car, and less than two months old on the green prototype. Now taking into account that the matte gray #76014 Huayra was wrapped no less than 5 times over the past 12 months, (even if I assume the base vinyl was always the same in the three initial schemes prior to the bronze one), it may be that the job isn't performed with the best attention to quality as it's going to be removed pretty soon anyway, and probably a sponsorship agreement between the two companies is in place. It's also an effective way to save the actual paintjob from dirt and chips over the years.<br />
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Indeed you could spot additional layers been added right after all four wheels to add further protections against small stones propelled towards the bodywork by the massive tires. I hope customer cars won't be affected by this, even if they surely get driven much less than the company cars, plus it's a very common problem among basically all high end supercars. <a href="http://theitalianjunkyard.blogspot.it/2014/02/2014-modena-antiquaria-and-unica-fair.html">Not surprisingly Pagani added the small carbon fiber element we photographed also on the red Huayra P1.</a><br />
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That said, if you have the means to purchase it, you better take care of it too!<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/s_1gZTCRDKBH3OhIPd5lDdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gIIsGfz6JPE/Uyj97FCWGMI/AAAAAAAAHeg/-U85PUCn_QI/s640/DSC_0093%2520copia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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You can really say this is not Ferrari home turf...<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">All Watermarked Pictures and Words Copyright: Damiano Garro for <a href="http://theitalianjunkyard.blogspot.com/">The Italian Junkyard</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Other shots copyright: <a href="http://www.pagani.com/it/default.aspx">Pagani Automobili</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This article can be linked to from other websites but its content and the pictures can't be reproduced on any other website without my written permission<br />
</span> Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.com0Castelfranco Emilia MO, Italia44.5951111 11.05223929999999744.5498826 10.971558299999996 44.6403396 11.132920299999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715962311864647450.post-58138304949363515262014-03-18T20:09:00.000+01:002014-03-18T23:14:01.857+01:002014 Motori e Sapori in Castelfranco Emilia, fast rides and happy belly for a better life!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Modena may be the city often related to the Motor Valley, the Terra di Motori and its famous automotive companies. Ferrari, Maserati, Pagani and Lamborghini, even if Lamborghini is from Sant'Agata Bolognese, so Bologna rather than Modena.<br />
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This never stopped the supercar fever from spreading all over the region, indeed you could find a rather small yet interesting supercar event in Castelfranco Emilia.<br />
The name maybe doesn't ring a bell, even if it's the closest train station to Pagani's headquarters in San Cesario sul Panaro. Indeed their factory is probably just 3-4 kilometers away.<br />
The event in question is called "Motori e Sapori", so "Engines and Flavours/Food", or something like that. I should say upfront though that the event itself doesn't really focus much on the culinary side of things, not so many spots to sample Italy's finest foods or local offerings, even if the area is packed with small restaurants ready to offer you a very good meal for a decent price. I should advise "Osteria da Beppe", full and happy belly with 20 €.<br />
I was later informed that the place to be to eat and drink was Cavazzona, the next town in Bologna's direction, for the record.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/O4hAsw1XXpY43BR8huMx29MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="180" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ql1BzuoeeAU/UyZhW4mBQ-I/AAAAAAAAHK8/Yoz5birD8oE/s320/CAM00391.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5s3Ixu1FbP6hXrewd8T0bdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="180" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yJVJQ5faEF8/UyZg74C8PpI/AAAAAAAAHJ0/F_a1NOo6CVU/s320/CAM00378.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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That's some tortellini and heavy duty chocolate tools for you. Also, if you think some pictures simply don't look like others from this same post, it's because once again some of them were taken with the lady's LG G2. That phone has twice the pixels of my Nikon D40, progress they call it.<br />
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Speaking about the engine side of things, the offering was vast and for all tastes. It's probably among the best events if you are a Fiat 500 fan. There were probably something like 50 between regular Fiat 500, 600, Giardinettas, a few modified models, Gianninis, Abarths and the likes.<br />
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A car that really got my attention though were the Fiat 850 Coupe, which probably looks even better than the also featured Fiat 850 Vignale Coupe. The latter being a bit too squared and tall. Not to mention the blue Fiat 750 Coupe Moretti.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Kh1jY1W8c2bKWa4QFdW0DdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JTFUBQ1UBoI/UyhVbAHw7FI/AAAAAAAAHT0/1eGylCKAgqM/s288/DSC_0135%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XxSqoXYHu2WabRLIcQ4ppNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oUzzyc_3gf4/UyhVW0ZWy1I/AAAAAAAAHTs/r0Ir3NOBPLQ/s192/DSC_0134.jpg" width="128" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QBih931flimR3perRDuV_tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZiGh5Y3q1cw/UyhVSVKJKkI/AAAAAAAAHTk/dam4wLHnvlg/s288/DSC_0133%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nVjhInWcRQwPu0F71wfga9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="81" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7lX3KmeucJ4/UyZhDVItxRI/AAAAAAAAHKM/WknsZ_5Ngic/s144/CAM00385.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nrGWuWP-sbTrOSoV2LqSStMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2w0kWUDQTBc/UyhTu-7ZAUI/AAAAAAAAHP0/cmE5ULmeQZA/s144/DSC_0087.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/u_5oLz1vC1bw1pWFqmlegdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bHp7TX86WrI/UyhVLYgQxFI/AAAAAAAAHTU/pSmROxFP6qM/s144/DSC_0131%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NkPETwNTZG_D_BlqqABprNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="81" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-G49F4UG1ZiI/UyZhHRO7O-I/AAAAAAAAHKU/U3ZoPvO0obg/s144/CAM00386.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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My favurite though was the Fiat 600 Viotti. It's not something you can hope to see everyday, so I've left it for a following article. Teaser, photobomb included, spot the boogey.<br />
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The lady's winner was the Opel GT, which I'll admit look the part and can stand proud even side by side with larger, more powerful and more expensive offerings. Its mostly plastic interior though is a no go for me, so this shall not be my next classic car! Also, I've never had a particular good vibe about Opel cars in general, Calibra aside of course. Who doesn't like the Calibra anyway?! Add its striking even if unsuccessful DTM and ITC variants and I miss the nineties already!<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vRvNhENGGOAbg0Aw3JqioNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-SVLQjMtz_7o/UyhSe6acsuI/AAAAAAAAHMs/kAEOY6aF7TI/s144/DSC_0007%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6_VOuxFMpr-duZVrKJY7R9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BOqV_gRSlKE/UyhSg94rt6I/AAAAAAAAHM0/b3Gq8aZy-M8/s144/DSC_0008%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TGViqDrRe3EmelYmbq8UKNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2EJeHVXsvwE/UyhSkvsYqwI/AAAAAAAAHM8/jao7rzKIAYc/s144/DSC_0009%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oErT7pS1wPXLiWjh9FW02tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="162" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xp-EiB3dYrE/UyZhK518scI/AAAAAAAAHKc/lT3x5g2v-ms/s288/CAM00387.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eI7NsqNF6YFrN6bfiZY6-NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="162" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gR9acSb0SEQ/UyZhUfTAH1I/AAAAAAAAHK0/OJ4YM7dwaY4/s288/CAM00390.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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A classic and welcomed foreign beauty, Triumph GT6 mk1, often referred to as the Spitfire Coupe, and a Mercedes-Benz 240D from the W115 series, featured here in Limousine or should I say Pullman edition.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8AllmkiLpw72it_QSnG2atMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="162" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vx62KGUn0fc/UyZhTAVxJzI/AAAAAAAAHKs/VQBk5kKzYWs/s288/CAM00389.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1jot7xaz9ehFzUyOiKkBxNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="162" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pb2K00o9Yhs/UyZhQ9u_PnI/AAAAAAAAHKk/SgK9DjI_Bs0/s288/CAM00388.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/e4MHrRSYZoYnCwPdCKs3M9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Y5uFPCn9Io0/UyhTqvacwII/AAAAAAAAHPs/Jmo7g2tAq2c/s288/DSC_0079%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/17zc5PdS7GwSfeZvLCzpitMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2tbner3iewE/UyhTqJ96oTI/AAAAAAAAHPk/ZFuihl72QI8/s288/DSC_0080%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dHN_hIw9gHzfvB1kq-B6u9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RAPJZAfUgms/UyhST6DxACI/AAAAAAAAHMU/xYJmNHvWS_w/s288/DSC_0002%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Z_Enj1k10FpgWa5fJjT9RtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bHSZGNzhtfk/UyhSOlPYzPI/AAAAAAAAHME/QuPI35lrdiM/s288/DSC_0001.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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A few cars were also brought by the Collezione Panini (of Bill Thomas Cheetah replica fame for TIJ readers) and Museo Stanguellini, like this Stanguellini Barchetta Sport Bialbero from 1953. Lotus XI who?<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WCfBXLQnR9l0sG_vIjYksdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KDjg9Tar1tg/UyhTJQKSbpI/AAAAAAAAHOU/XxqaJ7DBFiM/s288/DSC_0030%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ixp3qgawz_9lL8PY-VjSWtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DEvQRf9Twdg/UyhTLxqzP8I/AAAAAAAAHOc/0iV8IxRIFeE/s288/DSC_0032%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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Of the various supercars on display, I got to say basically none were from outside the Motor Valley itself.<br />
Photography was mostly limited to detail shots as the cars were parked along the main street in downtown, surrounded by onlookers, kids and seniors fancying the good old days. Indeed I eventually discovered none of the pictures I took of the various Maserati was vaguely decent enough to be posted. Shame on me, but watch this space in case I can get my hands in some additional pictures, if you're interested that is.<br />
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This is the Maserati 420M "Eldorado". It was intended for competition on high speed race tracks with banked turn, indeed the suspension were of different geometry and construction on the two sides and the engine was installed with an offset from the longitudinal ideal plane<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2656TBmFthZhhgnmbSHegtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5TpH-Y4XFmI/UyhTY_iooZI/AAAAAAAAHO8/_sFUogCxcSs/s144/DSC_0037%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gEDZQNw6T6OGbT7bT38b69MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-a3JAAoMeX64/UyhTageRGhI/AAAAAAAAHPE/23cDS-g5ioc/s144/DSC_0038%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JyyYn5cffHbk6F5C-OfvnNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Yc6rvB4zaYY/UyhTcCy3ZNI/AAAAAAAAHPM/NKxFhIjf93Y/s144/DSC_0039%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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I even managed to spot a Stereo 8 player in a vintage Maserati!<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xHtyashXlPDaorvRsYpaOtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="225" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-F8gEhySWndo/UyZhZUC5FYI/AAAAAAAAHLE/wpvG2P5pJYc/s400/CAM00393.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Recently feaured on TIJ, the Filandi Ever.S was on display again, for the happiness of many visitors which enjoyed its out-of-the-world look and sharp, so to speak, finish. Filandi and his fellow and loyal helper were also happy to let people sit in and take pictures of themselves in the car, which is actually kind of cool if you think about as some owners are so jealous of their ride you can barely watch them.<br />
As you can see the interior is quite a work in progress though, with some traces of its Mercedes-Benz Sl 500 R129 origins easily detectable.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5Qbn5b-5L0_qZKexRQOY8NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-J1xyAQdUalU/UyhVmMaQ42I/AAAAAAAAHUU/dwKjdDwYgr0/s288/DSC_0139%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4gwbhIzWOquEsGS0x-e3TtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rXjIAA2YrXY/UyhVoYBWZyI/AAAAAAAAHUc/XxEPwMs1Ar4/s288/DSC_0140%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Oac0FRdx3u5K0jrqtcW4wtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3T1lqnDopJM/UyhVrPM27YI/AAAAAAAAHUk/k6YCveXX4VU/s288/DSC_0142%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/b3tBPkUNE6J1HxxSSl-46tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-NVFjox_1Ag8/UyhVdwfGe6I/AAAAAAAAHT8/4dVWiPYjDZs/s288/DSC_0136%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/G1hQMYrV5vWv0oMErynJQ9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Bp1VTXJJBJ8/UyhVhRiAubI/AAAAAAAAHUE/A9lBnexm6kw/s288/DSC_0137%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hXHFGpgGvjQeYbJGGQFYq9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HnhhBpuEszw/UyhVi9OlFqI/AAAAAAAAHUM/PqPmw40xG-Y/s288/DSC_0138%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tFKB3OaRe7t_PqF7RV0RNNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="266" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hKnCaK9nwWk/UyhWvyQ1NLI/AAAAAAAAHVI/PyN2nwik4Uw/s400/DSC_0141%2520copia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I used to be a great fan of the Lamborghini Diablo, but I guess that was mainly because I was a kid back then. It surely always is a wild sight on the road, but the back of my head keeps thinking about its rather poor finish and maybe even worse reliability. Modern supercars changed everything... which is why I have little sympathy for the first generation Laborghini Murcièlago. It was a huge step forward in term of performance, but the quality wasn't really on a new level. Plus, it doesn't look as cool and in-your-face as the Diablo. The second generation Murcièlago LP640 amplified the performance and refined the ride quality and even the reliability, but I can have good words only for the Murcièlago LP670-4 SuperVeloce. That was some raw and wild Lamborghini. Mandatory huge GT1 like rear wing included.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ByCq6n3IXTLLH_cGKj0ZytMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rVb7ep7BIrI/UyhSxEOvVAI/AAAAAAAAHNc/qHAcWMH-ADY/s288/DSC_0023%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/A0D-YmFXjyC8AmlfCkTridMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-U2SKPTvPBOk/UyhS0dC2LQI/AAAAAAAAHNk/29SX2APnP9c/s288/DSC_0024%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aX0I3YeiE_9GPUsMczGQj9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B8YOf_1F2mY/UyhUujVQF3I/AAAAAAAAHSU/vFtxX_q8nt8/s144/DSC_0122%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AAgEqYXjeMIjmyIyyZXFodMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nSmjuPoQkXc/UyhUxiE5kcI/AAAAAAAAHSc/NqWp5xLasXw/s144/DSC_0123%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xv79M71h4tUIwzSq2RBo0dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-knvO7F0gEkA/UyhU1-nQ4UI/AAAAAAAAHSk/nP2d1mOjXZk/s144/DSC_0124%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/p2MlRLT92c6ZnX_jCI6Y4tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VZHyEb_N7m4/UyhUlaHgXVI/AAAAAAAAHR8/PwH6flMzBCM/s144/DSC_0119%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5iGzDTKRUVYCgUWW3wm0pNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aPIn1D265Uo/UyhUopq5y-I/AAAAAAAAHSE/6L3uw28QBa8/s144/DSC_0120%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/f1ZM6IjeAzWlk49NL3h-q9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MQ1u4W1ci8w/UyhUrvMkJII/AAAAAAAAHSM/iPEN-28-hAQ/s144/DSC_0121%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GcHsBOx9tSPikS843gBL7tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vGrZ1HeLOV8/UyhUcFbcBJI/AAAAAAAAHRk/vOOQIwWziUY/s144/DSC_0116%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6DIjrKjXIL00kMnL5h586tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-lES7UHLvV_k/UyhUiFVUWpI/AAAAAAAAHR0/dtrQey5xzc4/s144/DSC_0118%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/STBOXZ1QTDt5zfsZZeMlktMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-50saMVExaFQ/UyhUftZTGmI/AAAAAAAAHRs/ggo_rjQwNVQ/s144/DSC_0117%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/j1WEPmw2NGa_BFHcc9Qg7dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZVVkdsShvYE/UyhU8MgmkhI/AAAAAAAAHS0/T2IsvSLMlKU/s144/DSC_0126%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FZD2j-X20dxQagbYvGn9xNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YqLpjaR5E30/UyhU-5LyWWI/AAAAAAAAHS8/PX_vHZbf7B8/s144/DSC_0127%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GqktyglIckPSAVC_jpgYLNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DCbj-eSAn7k/UyhVCYs9oKI/AAAAAAAAHTE/trePyb8ygRo/s144/DSC_0129%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iAoDwihtIy9NUl3laN0d7tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5BVBVdLKW8U/UyhVwxKDdUI/AAAAAAAAHU8/uVKNgluhRqM/s144/DSC_0148%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4dOaG1SRJ0C-del_SltC9NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yNznzbsxc10/UyhVs1k36dI/AAAAAAAAHUs/wop76zaDaAE/s144/DSC_0146%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WD5WILbnrKkM09QWjLvKw9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-svAe33GdBlQ/UyhVu7HyfKI/AAAAAAAAHU0/fCv2q-c5s-U/s144/DSC_0147%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UTOk1CkxwQ8QC9DvrimFs9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Kvb0cHHEi30/UyhT5M_T0SI/AAAAAAAAHQM/WJEVWZePyBg/s640/DSC_0099%2520copia.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Vintage Maseratis from the eighties and nineties should be pretty much down the list of your favorite supercars. Actually, no one would really call them supercars. Italy's fiscal laws, the oil crisis and other factors transformed Maserati from the Latin version of Aston Martin to a producer of almost sensible everyday grand touring cars. I call them sensible simply because the look was rather ordinary, the engine size was within decent limits, and the sedan or coupe bodywork was the best choice for fast managers and businessmen. Too bad the reliability was woeful among many reports of rust being their main equipment.<br />
Still I simply love their unique look, so boxy and loaded with fins, spoilers, vents and so on. They just scream eighties all the time. Also, I basically like everything from Maserati, Quattroporte mkIV included.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GVU5zyOsMSEuW5ttw4j-XdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2WZ_8v_KrL4/UyhTi2VxJlI/AAAAAAAAHPc/n8zUx1teLs4/s288/DSC_0053%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ncL6zB0BxjUZkxZQrMiX89MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RnaksdKrlrE/UyhU5Ka-IsI/AAAAAAAAHSs/JTvIEdsSgcY/s288/DSC_0125%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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As for the Ferrais on hand, the Ferrari F355 is still the simplest yet better shaped car they were offering 20 years ago. While I always thought the Ferrari 456 GT was gorgeous, it didn't age so well and when I look at adverts about it, it just doesn't seem like something I'd buy. That's somewhat the same feeling I have with the 612 Scaglietti. I used to love it, but if it's not a Sessanta or a perfectly polished example, it just says "previous generation". I haven't spent enough time with the Ferrari FF (another stupid name as it stands for Ferrari Ferrari Four, what the hell!) to properly judge though. It's surely much more detailed than the 612 and 456, and I sure love the idea of a shooting brake.<br />
The Ferrari 550 Maranello still has quite a presence on the road, yet the few touches added to the 575 M Maranello made it that much better and a bit more modern too. Not F12berlinetta-modern, but it was a similar evolution enjoyed by its predecessor.<br />
The Testarossa was definitely cool and all, but the various black plastic details betrayed its 1984 birth date. The Ferrari 512 TR on the other hand, while being extremely similar, it also looked much more modern and finished. I much prefer the 512 TR over the Testarossa, also because I've spent plenty of time playing the original installment of the Need For Speed franchise on my computer back then with the red Ferrari being my favorite ride especially from the Autumn Valley race track... oh the memories...<br />
My usual 2 Italian Cents added, Ferrari simply overdid it with the 512 M. Terrible headlights and wheels, the deal was off.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kGhh1DoPotjsK0iz1QqijtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NA79P5tCITQ/UyhUFuo66OI/AAAAAAAAHQs/t1R9jGWfeDA/s288/DSC_0104%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zcCES6GSpFCoyrv5K246aNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xrko3zgJVb8/UyjElqnKzcI/AAAAAAAAHaU/7N2V8V7RA6g/s288/DSC_0106%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zqP3VAEJ3_FtMyYhK0ADrdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7WZfuQgOvrI/UyhT_rF_FPI/AAAAAAAAHQc/vjZCH_c-yWM/s144/DSC_0102%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Kg8OGnlj-Ed3hMpy_5xUwNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KDqooctR12w/UyhUDIsL_EI/AAAAAAAAHQk/_oqKbcPGGnA/s144/DSC_0103%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IB0fdG4uuygKRvdjVVDsxdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8RevTZlOaLM/UyhUH4sh8oI/AAAAAAAAHQ0/1VBdnj9ScBk/s144/DSC_0105%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2omw4_3SK6YLocyrUm1EzNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--SP3R11J2ps/UyhULsf5F6I/AAAAAAAAHQ8/NAvAb9NYi04/s144/DSC_0107%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PmA1gv6bViZA4vd-J4toutMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Cgr_9FokX4w/UyhTTd4IQrI/AAAAAAAAHOs/F4yfkPBhmgw/s144/DSC_0035%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GGxv2k_KKPZsLhma5zJMcNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-y4jEuhSrP3w/UyhTU7DNfiI/AAAAAAAAHO0/Iqdy_Qpoc10/s144/DSC_0036%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zvd6boe3Pk3T3syslxQXhtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fmE7NcGPKY4/UyhTPVQ0DzI/AAAAAAAAHOk/8Ne69WQ7QzY/s144/DSC_0033%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Be1HEy8mxFQaaYuS0lbC5NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mmTx89kv92w/UyhTfYaSUSI/AAAAAAAAHPU/cG7CHIbTses/s288/DSC_0052.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nnjnHQX_t7VjHTy8oazvVdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-wLuZHWZ5PCc/UyhTELPLVCI/AAAAAAAAHOM/J-qiDOx1vZI/s288/DSC_0029%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/w8F_OT2WK_m4__Obn5TwW9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-CcjXbJE5kmI/UyhT8jTCaNI/AAAAAAAAHQU/3WJwiY0mTvM/s288/DSC_0101%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/J2I8so93ShkzN46_sQBbCNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-po9kz2ZtzTQ/UyhUUcntZZI/AAAAAAAAHRU/E5XCKKFIJ3A/s288/DSC_0112%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JVsQ2uYIfq0DaZylmKBOg9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6ma9q151W7U/UyhURGHI77I/AAAAAAAAHRM/_t_TRdCA2eY/s288/DSC_0111%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zOGXKSOfIQXJ__YzdRBb6tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-flMXfeZIVuw/UyhUOCnfaBI/AAAAAAAAHRE/VJ6EHTx8c8E/s192/DSC_0110.jpg" width="128" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ENQrclSRZauEZN_wBq_daNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TkHr1JphTLE/UyhUYVfxrfI/AAAAAAAAHRc/Ly0QaSmnfYI/s288/DSC_0114%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aboJjswyEfLDYYYP5HmzktMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="266" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-n6ZcfxQUIow/UyjEoZy4djI/AAAAAAAAHaU/Yn2_trKuLrg/s400/DSC_0109%2520copia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Needless to say, Pagani brought not one but two Huayras, being so close to their headquarters. I'll save those for another article, you should know me by now...<br />
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For the time being:<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fxK_Uem61eMBKcPjcv3iJNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-T_Ujn8opOmA/UyhVGiweuGI/AAAAAAAAHTM/E9_I9KEK_I4/s640/DSC_0130.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>BECAUSE MINIONS</b></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">All Pictures and Words Copyright: Damiano Garro for <a href="http://theitalianjunkyard.blogspot.com/">The Italian Junkyard</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This article can be linked to from other websites but its content and the pictures can't be reproduced on any other website without my written permission<br />
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</span><br />
<br />Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715962311864647450.post-31043901043465239602014-03-06T15:18:00.002+01:002014-03-07T00:03:43.137+01:00Bill Thomas Cheetah, the Cheetah that would have eaten the Cobra, but eventually couldn't.<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_wey_8v8ITcC21sOhqwSBdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="495" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5oy4kem4rdE/UxfJKWtaYwI/AAAAAAAAHH0/D4c_2iT--C0/s800/DSC_0556.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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What's in a name? Heritage, expectations, maybe even destiny?<br />
If a product or a car has never really made to be successful, it's name isn't worth much. Which is way most of you never heard of Bill Thomas or the Cheetah pictured above, unfortunately.<br />
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So what's a Cheetah, and who is this Bill Thomas person anyway? (Book reference her, come on it's easy!) <br />
Summarizing the quite good articles you can find over <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Thomas_Cheetah">wikipedia </a>or <a href="http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/car/3593/Cheetah-Chevrolet-Coupe.html">ultimatecarpage</a>, or even what you can get out of the one-model website dedicated two this car, <a href="http://www.cheetahcars.com/index.htm">Cheetah Cars</a>, Bill Thomas was a Chevrolet tuner and race car driver, with a taste for fact cars and thrilling projects. It was right when one Carol Chelby was setting the world in fire with his Ac Ace turned Shelby Cobra race cars that Thomas decided it was time for a unique creation of his own. Thanks to his connection at GM and the help of designer Don Edmunds, he started working on a project car to impress GM, something supposedly almost all go and no show, but when Edmunds was already creating the car, Thomas decided there was no better way to impress people than racing the car on various race tracks. The ambitious project was in for a twist.<br />
With GM involved and Thomas past glories on the track with the Corvette, the engine of choice was actually pretty obvious. As far as I know many versions were used, tuned to various stages, but the heart was mainly the Chevrolet Corvette 327 Small Block engine from the Chevrolet Corvette C2 Series. Sometimes even the 427 Big Block engine was used.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xulAW701dxdqm-0YVAAlS9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-a9o84wg_-J8/Uxer49mEqbI/AAAAAAAAHHE/7ePnZbt2-B4/s288/DSC_0560.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LnfiRaiURDGGn-ALYK-gadMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-99o1wFerBOo/UxfJDVfXv-I/AAAAAAAAHHk/DhnQBr8IR0w/s288/DSC_0552.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iETquwMtCa_OF1eofcvMq9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="288" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ddwILO0igps/UxfJR4ZhTOI/AAAAAAAAHH8/o0_hQ8eHDHk/s288/DSC_0558.jpg" width="192" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/M4Ll-OIY4dwwjo96f2KeRtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="288" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zZJcApKGjDc/UxfKd_BTS9I/AAAAAAAAHJM/G0XzHAAMuiw/s288/DSC_0583.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
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Unfortunately for them, there is a good difference between a show car and a race car. While the clever inboard position of the front mounted engine allowed to directly connect it, via the gearbox, to the rear differential without any driveshaft, it also meant the engine was so close to the cabin the exhaust pipes were actually passing right over the driver's legs and feet. While racing cars from back in the days were no strangers to extreme heat in the cabin or even fumes and fuel vapors, the Cheetah took the matter a step further and various measures were taken the vent the car. You can indeed notice the amount of holes and vents sculpted into the bodywork to try and get some hot air out of the cabin, and the engine bay too. One owner even chopped off the entire roof.<br />
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The second main issue of the car was its chassis. Cars from those days weren't exactly engineered as they are right now, meaning that only a small fraction of the notions already available back then were actually applied to projects and cars. Planes were around since the beginning of the century or so, yet aerodynamics was a part of the automotive industry only from the late 60s at least, and mostly in race cars too.<br />
The Cheetah though had things a bit worse because its chassis suffered from the change in target Thomas enforced midway into the design. The structure simply lacked the necessarily stiffness to cope with the high and variable loads typical or race conditions. The bending and twisting of the chassis meant the suspensions were continuously varying their position resulting in a very tricky behavior of the car. Modification to the chassis arrived in the form of gussets and additional tubes to properly triangulate the structure.<br />
Of course the more power the car was provided with, the more difficult the job was for the chassis was. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iiZOUCiZ-0l5AQMeV0k5BtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-npmrxRCHeCw/UxfJZbrQftI/AAAAAAAAHIE/IcFM2BXQWOw/s288/DSC_0561.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HlXdE6MG5RTcR5vhgKILndMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QSGtEYY2usc/UxfJD8MCZUI/AAAAAAAAHHs/-kgIKpJXXkw/s288/DSC_0553.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vpPnCjyw5qbN61EpxCjUjdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-doq2myX7tCQ/UxfKkm4cFaI/AAAAAAAAHJU/OuhvUNgSRDg/s288/DSC_0585.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tzeHLuEhnGkeb7r-SY0kHtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cp42Zq5pmq8/UxfJgfIyGfI/AAAAAAAAHIM/D2Au395ubNE/s288/DSC_0563.jpg" width="288" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ooRF_KMqQt7mjUkhm_c319MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="266" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-58PxuJYvhzg/UxfI7NON8OI/AAAAAAAAHHc/0yV_JqFD8u8/s400/DSC_0548.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A few victories arrived on the race track, though they weren't as highly profile as those earned by the Shelby Cobra or the Shelby Daytona, and additionally the way of the future was quickly arriving in the form of truly mid engined race cars like the Ford GT40, the Ferrari 330 Ps and the various mid engined Porsches.<br />
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Eventually, GM withdrew its "covert" funding of the project in the form of spare parts and the likes and a fire destroyed the facility were the cars were built. That was the end of the Cheetah. It's unclear how many cars were built, probably something like 23 untis between 1963 and 1965, two of which with an aluminum bodywork while the others had a fiberglass bodywork built by Contemprary Fiberglass. A company initially evaluated for the production of the fiberglass body but then discarded, Fiberglass Trends, built a few Cheetah-look-alikes using the plywood molds they received for the evaulation, but the chassis of this car was strictly intended for drag racing.<br />
Later on, various replicas were built with and without the official blessing of the Thomas family.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/H6TOVQxJPDkU4dw0Mh9dd9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-K3ww0YYWvAM/UxfJnaPY06I/AAAAAAAAHIU/VvGjPbuLud0/s144/DSC_0564.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Qiz1eg1tR3IGBKdTLhafCdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="144" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aAmGW4Ts_OY/UxfKHZVMsBI/AAAAAAAAHI0/jcOAxcqw5vA/s144/DSC_0574.jpg" width="96" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OW9Hz8kqzDx2QngGrYSdRtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hBi-y1TOWBA/UxfKO64RHCI/AAAAAAAAHI8/C7uWDRsuh0E/s144/DSC_0578.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/l1jnwZTGXy1ST9hDllYTStMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZhyxCca4WTs/UxfJvvO5fKI/AAAAAAAAHIc/rUgdfByZxfE/s144/DSC_0565.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AvDRZXLOJMkOcHGaAB4yHNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vNwhz-Dsjug/UxfJ4DGMjBI/AAAAAAAAHIk/qzr_92Wyna0/s144/DSC_0567.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VUbSZ8VqhsYk-Xtcxua_29MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tqYgY_a_BhQ/UxfKANYLZqI/AAAAAAAAHIs/QnrTq4k5_XA/s144/DSC_0569.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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So much for a summary.<br />
What I can say about the car is that it has weird proportions for a car of its time. Back then there seemed to be the idea that a car had to be sleek and flowing to fend the air and be fast on the track, indeed most race cars from those days are also dead beautiful. The Cheeath, not so much. It's aggressive sure, but it's not exactly a work of art. The short overhangs are exasperated by the cabin basically seating on top of the rear axle. The styling also takes cues from various cars from the era but I wasn't there to say who took references from who. It surely is a mean machine and it was almost untouchable on a straight line, leaving most cars Cobras included behind to hear the sound of its thundering Corvette tuned engine.<br />
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The car in question though was not exactly a real Bill Thomas Cheetah but a great replica built by Matteo Panini and his team of former Maserati technicians. It was exhibited in Modena in 2010 by the Museo Panini collection, in collaboration with the Circola della Biella (Club of the Connecting Rod)<br />
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Thanks to the members of the <a href="http://z3.invisionfree.com/cheetahcars/index.php?act=idx">Cheetah Cars forum</a> for helping me to identify this car. <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/E9ct9Yp0t9IlIo1AJrPrS9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0SXs9IbkpL4/UxfKVquc7lI/AAAAAAAAHJE/4P-zJnpaOPk/s640/DSC_0580.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">All Pictures and Words Copyright: Damiano Garro for <a href="http://theitalianjunkyard.blogspot.com/">The Italian Junkyard</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This article can be linked to from
other websites but its content and the pictures can't be reproduced on
any other website without my written permission </span></div>
Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715962311864647450.post-88800719423807915822014-03-03T12:14:00.000+01:002014-03-03T12:14:18.001+01:00Meet you at the starting line, gear in and pedal to the metal! International Open GT European Championship in Monza, courtesy (and guest) of the AF Corse team!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xYsQBwQNg8Jf2q1YZMjLqNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="532" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EZTlUB_GaRY/UxPQynxO3xI/AAAAAAAAG80/4lyiGvy-rxk/s800/DSC_0065%2520copia.jpg" width="800" /></a> </div>
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Monza, the world famous race track close to Milan, northern Italy, home of the Parabolica, the Ascari, the Lesmo and many adventures.<br />
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If only that old super fast and two-Parabolica-ed layout was still used...<br />
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I got the chance to be a guest of AF Corse during one of their racing efforts in the International GT Open European championship, where they filed the usual army of Ferrari 458 GT (GT2 specs) and Ferrari 458 GT3, courtesy of a good friend of mine and middle man in this invitation, Manfro.<br />
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So as soon as someone says Ferrari, Monza and "are you in?" in the same sentence you can't help but simply say "hell yeah!". Fast forward to a rainy Saturday morning with not so chilly temperatures, the autostrada towards Milan was more crowded then predicted, and the rain was only getting worse. Of course the next day the weather was going to be wonderful, but we didn't know that... We arrived at the track, parked the car and as soon as the door was barely open, you could already hear the music of racing engines of various ethnicities clearing their throats. Another plus to the Monza race track is that it has a park all around it, meaning there are empty fields of grass and tall wild tries from hundreds of years ago as the frame to this picture. The track has been here for the good part of the last 92 years, and the funny thing is that a few years ago residents from the nearby houses were up in arms against the "noise pollution" of the racing track. Now, I'm not exactly the right person to question what is the right level of noise a race car should produce, but my opinion in this debate is actually very simple: unless you're 95 years old and have been living here for the last 95 of them, the track stays and so the race cars. If you moved here even just 30 or 10 years ago, you knew full well what you were going to face any given Sunday (another movie reference, at least this time it's not Micheal Bay...). Eventually they managed to put a limit to the maximum days permitted to "non complying cars", also known as damn-F1-cars. F1 cars which just got relatively quieter thanks to the new V6 Hybrid Turbo DRS ERS Whatever era, so I guess the party could be on full year now? Not with testing ban unfortunately.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tXw_eh-mys3VQue7vezquNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="212" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5GOFzQK4vTI/UxPT9ZJJHJI/AAAAAAAAG-U/tn4pvmZbtI8/s320/DSC_0117%2520copia.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qWANkWnuxvihjDpkb20TxdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="288" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--AmVIzWMlvw/UxPUNA1lW7I/AAAAAAAAG-c/1hSYy4PFs_4/s288/DSC_0118%2520copia.jpg" width="192" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/damiano.garro/2012MonzaInternationalOpenGTWeekendWithAFCorseFerrariTeam?feat=embedwebsite#5986350526155813138"><img height="209" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vWzSn-WBetQ/UxPKFiR9cRI/AAAAAAAAG5I/1b_nRg3upow/s288/Bundesarchiv_Bild_102-01321%252C_Italien%252C_Monza%252C_Autorennen.jpg" width="288" /><br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-pVXEM6Jm5B5GLFAarXSitMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="268" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1zVWtjekmGc/UxPZE039o6I/AAAAAAAAHB8/5HsNZPbMV-U/s400/Monza_banking_2003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wSy5_brwhqMcLR3OgXQYKNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="190" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vtSqQHoRMQk/UxPY-ZCeJGI/AAAAAAAAHB0/RVeiT_M_vng/s288/Monza_aerial_photo.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lusvvXa7GMBlleN7b_8Mr9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="148" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-J-85OfiHrRk/UxPKFuvH_lI/AAAAAAAAG5M/0roJiUFgVLs/s288/2000px-Monza_1922.svg.png" width="288" /></a></div>
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Let's try to get back on topic.<u><br /></u><br />
The International Open GT championship is the kind of place where you'd find two kind of drivers and teams. Gentleman drivers living the dream and feeding their passion for racing and speed off their hopefully hard earned money, and official entries and drivers from major championships using these second tier events as training and probably a way to pay the bills as well.<br />
When even the main GT championships are struggling to survive (cue, FIA GT1 and GT2 champhips) you get the picture. One could argue that if everyone could get their act together and put all eggs in a single basket we might get an awesome championship with a tremendously large field of cars. The thing is, you'd also get a tremendously different level of performance and speed on the track, with time gaps between the best and the worst cars/drivers measurable probably in something like a dozen of seconds per lap, at least. That's a potentially dangerous situation and would never work, but I think that having the same organization running something like 2 or 3 classes divided in the same number of races at the same location the same day could help. That's not a simple task either as indeed no one is thrilled by the mixture of the Daytona prototypes with Le Mans cars in the United SportsCars Championship in North America, but I know I love Le Mans and even the 24 Hours of the Nurburgring. Talk about performance differences there!<br />
With the USCC they probably went a bit too far over there though, mixing something strictly American (the Daytona classes) with something imported from Europe (the late American Le Mans Series). I've no idea what they are trying to achieve, but we're never going to see a Daytona Protype at Le Mans any time soon, while only privateers could afford the ALMS. Heck, only privateers are running any endurance championship all around the world. The World Endurance Series itself is grabbing headlines only because of Audi and Toyota, but hopefully Porsche can add some competition and coverage as well, with others hopefully interested to come in. I don't consider Lotus a real factory entry as their name is actually Kodewa, running a modified Lola B12-80 car with a Judd engine, paying for the rights to use the Lotus banner. Kodewa being nothing else than the racing arm of one Colin Kolles, of HRT F1 team fame for most people out there. As with the HRT team, all of his recent efforts have been, let' say, sub par ("French" for "half-assed"), including the last two years running the LMP2 "Lotus", or the attempt to field two Audi R10 TDI in the European Le Mans Series in the past, everything seasoned with a constant lack of results. He seems to have the money, but not much else so far. I'm not thrilled by their motorcycle adventure either, once again called Lotus in the form of the CT-01. I actually hope Lotus come back to its sense soon and stop renting its name right away, Formula 1 team included. Let's call it Genii Racing, as it should. Once they got their name back, they could even think of releasing new cars again (not the Danny Bahar plethora of look-alike non-running concept cars perhaps).<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/damiano.garro/2012MonzaInternationalOpenGTWeekendWithAFCorseFerrariTeam?feat=embedwebsite#5986354072569315618"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1Q3cGYCcjBc/UxPNT9s1ASI/AAAAAAAAG7I/Y_7b-BoK030/s288/DSC_0030%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GnjOuSnGgsCvkJC0G2uj1NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sbAZv5Wqn4g/UxPYph3QRcI/AAAAAAAAHBc/22I6lD4TuI0/s288/DSC_0254%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/damiano.garro/2012MonzaInternationalOpenGTWeekendWithAFCorseFerrariTeam?feat=embedwebsite#5986351378756808866"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zYsDzdjkrQU/UxPK3Kd4MKI/AAAAAAAAG5w/CUsYLjbMqcw/s144/DSC_0005%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pBqgCkvIhp4K7eBx-996sNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-T-95tYbU5OY/UxPYWdkFz-I/AAAAAAAAHBM/7wPX5QGiUYc/s144/DSC_0248%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/C71xfiMEmtY5I56HXMcVsNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mZg-bn6IpTw/UxPYDgQkqsI/AAAAAAAAHA8/KifRJTpM1j0/s144/DSC_0245%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/U-duP5Zchu0sUm_9G0Z-z9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sKJTNEJz1j4/UxPYNaFBwXI/AAAAAAAAHBE/6cqHp8Qkguo/s144/DSC_0247%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PQjN9pMI9ZW-goe65-5Y8NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-4VghC_fyvg0/UxPY81LunKI/AAAAAAAAHBs/5u0QlZFzE5E/s144/DSC_0258%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QmvhPnz8c0ncAU3AmNugdNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--_OY-DrrHKQ/UxPYzWMPBYI/AAAAAAAAHBk/0msmsVfdxVM/s144/DSC_0255%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/damiano.garro/2012MonzaInternationalOpenGTWeekendWithAFCorseFerrariTeam?feat=embedwebsite#5986353299437770706"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-49nB5LCP7IA/UxPMm9j519I/AAAAAAAAG6w/_g7gzjpK-88/s144/DSC_0025%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_8hUwMHIyQP44CAfuuT5hdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A_As7LitdEc/UxPNiIMPA4I/AAAAAAAAG7Q/pakrPx2LycI/s144/DSC_0032%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/damiano.garro/2012MonzaInternationalOpenGTWeekendWithAFCorseFerrariTeam?feat=embedwebsite#5986353861285680354"><img height="192" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hbuocH8ok-4/UxPNHqm4lOI/AAAAAAAAG7A/E6-YilCyURA/s288/DSC_0029%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/damiano.garro/2012MonzaInternationalOpenGTWeekendWithAFCorseFerrariTeam?feat=embedwebsite#5986353597579345106"><img height="192" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IXa-z4WcOyQ/UxPM4UOZPNI/AAAAAAAAG64/bExeKi1JR68/s288/DSC_0028%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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End of the second off-topic diversion.<br />
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When I'm at a racing track I always lose any interest in what's happening on the track, who's fastest, who's first and the likes. I'm more interested in what's going on in the pits, the up-close action, the last minute checks on the cars, the pit-stops. Indeed following the action on the track is much more difficult when you're there. There is no on screen graphics to tell you the lap times or the drivers' order, and in GT and endurance racing, after a few laps the lapping starts and the cars on track start to mix, the slowest being in front of the fastest cars and you soon don't understand a thing about what's going on. Hearing the speaker and his live commentary is impossible, giant screen are cool but not very helpful, so you just sit back and enjoy the show, whatever it is. I eventually figured a long time ago that if you want to follow a race, you are better off at home with your super HD live feed eating taco chips or popcorn. If you want to experience the racing stuff, get yourself a pass from the paddock asap, especially for GT and endurance races.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ei8d8AC9kK03SSY0txXDjNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HnGtjaV5oJ0/UxPX3teUnRI/AAAAAAAAHA0/AxGBABpNZh4/s288/DSC_0241%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2vRkcX1NWr0Fm2I7ZUgVFdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-p5kjRhDlfmM/UxPXxIMmJKI/AAAAAAAAHAs/Jvt4eqWBujo/s288/DSC_0238%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/damiano.garro/2012MonzaInternationalOpenGTWeekendWithAFCorseFerrariTeam?feat=embedwebsite#5986351110940816642"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GLbqzhJeGCQ/UxPKnkxkdQI/AAAAAAAAG5k/uZjkwO3lBkM/s144/DSC_0004%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/damiano.garro/2012MonzaInternationalOpenGTWeekendWithAFCorseFerrariTeam?feat=embedwebsite#5986352538432805842"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9s2tH63LYoY/UxPL6qmLm9I/AAAAAAAAG6Y/HeUu-R71G6Q/s144/DSC_0012%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/INVJL54XxDZHkM9SnIvhWNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--bsuhB6qEho/UxPTUN5qyRI/AAAAAAAAG98/hq6dFp2aUgE/s144/DSC_0108%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/l8Vk63oOtsKzAd68QCsAsdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8JwA4Cs27dQ/UxPTASj1iRI/AAAAAAAAG90/cC93th7UVVc/s144/DSC_0107%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/damiano.garro/2012MonzaInternationalOpenGTWeekendWithAFCorseFerrariTeam?feat=embedwebsite#5986352360525820898"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5zphvs4Hd20/UxPLwT12c-I/AAAAAAAAG6Q/2iTcLWk7iHM/s144/DSC_0011%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/damiano.garro/2012MonzaInternationalOpenGTWeekendWithAFCorseFerrariTeam?feat=embedwebsite#5986352760496851922"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-h0vVDhU_Lig/UxPMHl2YC9I/AAAAAAAAG6g/BZomRz9CVfw/s144/DSC_0014%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/damiano.garro/2012MonzaInternationalOpenGTWeekendWithAFCorseFerrariTeam?feat=embedwebsite#5986351826593167954"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3I2yXdmuj5c/UxPLROyYulI/AAAAAAAAG6A/07OZ9VP1lJg/s144/DSC_0009%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_3DyzDyyVLrSWgwggfaxB9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--klehjCE-HU/UxPNwBs25eI/AAAAAAAAG7Y/0-38016NWvw/s144/DSC_0033%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/s6nV-pZCxLCvlUsT1HujWtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="266" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZR3CM-VhFU8/UxPTgtr_SJI/AAAAAAAAG-E/rfOdgqxVIdc/s400/DSC_0109%2520copia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's even better if you can get in touch with someone within the teams, who can show you the cars, the tech and have a chat about the funniest or weirdest things that happened, it will be a blast and you won't care at all about who won. If that how you're going to feel, you'll want to do it again soon.<br />
I've found out about it in 2004 when I bought myself a 2 days ticket for the FIA GT Championship for the Imola (Italy) round where Maserati debuted the MC12 GT1. I wasn't paying attention to racing stuff at all in those days, so I've found out about it only a couple of days before the race. Bought the ticket, took my father's minivan and off I was for the race track. I've slept in the car in the closest parking lot to the track, had lunches at the track, tried to talk with as many people as possible and even got to shake hands with Michael Bartels after his victory in the Saleen S7 GT1 of the Vitaphone team. Because that's how the atmosphere is at these races, relaxed and chilled. Aside for some uptight security guys and some high class families of the drivers, it looks like the hillclimb round of the national championship taking place just next to your house, just with cars 10 times cooler, faster and more expensive too.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mi57Ug_7WJlfQbg5vfP_NdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TAMOCBtK4HQ/UxPOTHxEyeI/AAAAAAAAG7o/LKsXawycHms/s144/DSC_0035%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WhT5EZFTVSg0mD8WexgODNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MRQomQwuM1A/UxPOlNq6yNI/AAAAAAAAG70/IjhydeUBL_s/s144/DSC_0036%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/W-ddFG5WySXeusaNLqi7EdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--k_fFzPJn0I/UxPOzhLFbJI/AAAAAAAAG78/-kQxeDPObDE/s144/DSC_0038%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lEvEdypoDUQvBlWN4GofrdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eUuMkEbEky8/UxPQNgxhtaI/AAAAAAAAG8k/UQlYGNIXOH0/s144/DSC_0048%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/za5XcKReNTPPXiNmw-C2gNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TtdQcPq_rx0/UxPQhgV1m3I/AAAAAAAAG8s/xZt3pU_aefM/s144/DSC_0054%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fWyu4FEgwGtBHjcBfIKpvdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eUZwUZ2uAxs/UxPXqB62xtI/AAAAAAAAHAk/hqdfWhQxRws/s144/DSC_0230%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4jLifmubm2etvrkg-XS2MdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cFTtCRlMp6g/UxPREhzZ0VI/AAAAAAAAG88/8q2ewY3GE1I/s144/DSC_0068%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/P976xEvKosEAy9g2Kp2tCNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hsuvE7rFX2o/UxPRX8RedNI/AAAAAAAAG9E/iwOtKFX6Zk4/s144/DSC_0070%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vDfcFn7VkSUUKdrzGg_Je9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yZkR4ACwlBQ/UxPRnfsXnaI/AAAAAAAAG9M/P9o3OI7fcwM/s144/DSC_0073%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rRpyeLnorCV5RHE6_wUgIdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZiodLEtHtEE/UxPR4B7sh_I/AAAAAAAAG9U/LAHalUTT2vs/s144/DSC_0076%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ke8Yk7acg_qz0RKD9o0qZ9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-N7PBmhYlYik/UxPSI8Dl-YI/AAAAAAAAG9c/72GlVvgs8Ds/s144/DSC_0081%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/R1uIN9wxVZvyWRt9TQ5K6dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZuVhHhJZD4GB_TgRSRh1LtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Rd88RM_yOss/UxPSvZwo0eI/AAAAAAAAG9s/gE5w9TnfpvE/s144/DSC_0093%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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I've no idea who won this time, but the Ferrari 458 GT were flying. Also, the Porsche 911 RSR (typ 996 of course) sounded as mean as usual, a different kind of noise compared to the earthquake like sound produced by the Chevrolet Corvette C6.R GT2, but still awesome. The McLaren MP4-12C GT3 though wasn't making much of a racing sound while fast moving from one corner to the next, but it was definitely trowing flames out of its exhaust downshifting. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 was producing the usual baritone sound as per AMG tradition. The Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT2 on the other hand was the unusual suspect, overlooked often in front of a lot of cars.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/arf09Eo6shSwq4ve0ud-e9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="266" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n2i7avnRbhM/UxPU7hb1VCI/AAAAAAAAG-0/wQ2-7gtTACI/s400/DSC_0122%2520copia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nsRN-a3zy1EzwDMsLqkjz9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Tuz9yP6aqVo/UxPP7eJ5QHI/AAAAAAAAG8c/5yJzvL0kh6s/s288/DSC_0047%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/J3Cwyd72Xe2MrzwmjYSqldMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xAXDZNaGWQg/UxPV5gha5QI/AAAAAAAAG_U/TPQy_RVtQQQ/s288/DSC_0127%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1OLy0ZkdDpItWVNOdFBYjtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bjnUjOW2wf4/UxPVYgVQLVI/AAAAAAAAG_E/YehbxTDIaiE/s288/DSC_0124%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dUaWxC3hUUMG1MWaQdJvH9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-SSLu-TENBlY/UxPUswONHlI/AAAAAAAAG-s/em6a6iuxlHM/s288/DSC_0121%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/damiano.garro/2012MonzaInternationalOpenGTWeekendWithAFCorseFerrariTeam?feat=embedwebsite#5986353022677447842"><img height="266" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kPR8G0lHjEs/UxPMW2jGdKI/AAAAAAAAG6o/ySHyLs6KUV4/s400/DSC_0016%2520copia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/v2d-A71liryRm8QCjBk_8dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--cuyC4K6c_Y/UxPVKjK0iUI/AAAAAAAAG-8/T9w-XrVeERY/s144/DSC_0123%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bdFlNQsJ_0qI496JWU9nsdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JCkFl-FVYQs/UxPW-EjyPnI/AAAAAAAAG_8/hmwpsYOjb-8/s144/DSC_0183%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QQAJxTEon64XOn4co5h1g9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yJR-92LXXUk/UxPXGkmWG8I/AAAAAAAAHAE/pBJHt0tSe2s/s144/DSC_0184%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/v1gTv3xZ918c7tX3s8GSBNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_A7v0apTxno/UxPXPXTeNDI/AAAAAAAAHAM/btWziFRT5G8/s144/DSC_0186%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KaIKfzK0LZM-pQp2_ce9MdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="266" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yRsaoIKv08o/UxPVmHs2A5I/AAAAAAAAG_M/e8zgBBMgaJc/s400/DSC_0125%2520copia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/G20LkTmYtZCqDtylYD79_NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-cBbdSpEW1Ek/UxPODHg42_I/AAAAAAAAG7g/Ai9z1cUUmjA/s144/DSC_0034%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yTqmXo_GES0gTzDvEaiVytMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-B4oBCWTumYw/UxPPKsJec4I/AAAAAAAAG8E/Mz-mJ1tp7Fo/s144/DSC_0039%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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A car that caught my attention, mostly because I knew it already but wasn't expecting to see it, was the Montecarlo GT W12, debuting in the International GT Open that very weekend in Monza. Running on LPG (as in liquefied propane gas), it was developed by the Italian-Monegasque owner and driver Fulvio Maria Ballabio working together with the LPG and methane injection system builder BRC from Cuneo (Italy), using an Audi A8 sourced W12 6 liter engine, usually running on petrol. It was slower than any other GT3 car, but I'm glad it was there. Diversity, experimenting, driving and racing for the sake of it and not just to grab headlines and to reach F1 status is what makes these events so awesome. You could say it's not worth the hassle if you're not going to even be there to try and grab a place on the podium, but I bet you'd change your mind after 10 minutes with these guys.<br />
Even better, if you got the chance to work with them, in any team!<br />
If you are there just to win, you're doing it wrong, and you're not a real enthusiast. Of course winning is nice, but I consider it as the icing on the cake. You never turn down a cake even if it doesn't have icing, right?<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cM9wm4cC0CWtPxXDH_tK19MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zhkWkSOvnCg/UxPUdinGypI/AAAAAAAAG-k/8PHlWjw73f8/s288/DSC_0120%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Exu7137cjqt5-5lReQcHqtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Zv8s8uVHpO4/UxPWgb0jT8I/AAAAAAAAG_k/AshcLONkjfw/s288/DSC_0153%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pw6iQ0Ol0rLX3X8JAn5-r9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eatj8bUdb_A/UxPWOMGr1iI/AAAAAAAAG_c/vg5Y-y03klU/s144/DSC_0142%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9uF5Fmt8ZWMSnNXv4HsfNNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kh1HJucxfGA/UxPWoduBxjI/AAAAAAAAG_s/SOCpGFucSFo/s144/DSC_0160%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_VjFUB3Gevh012b01pKO59MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-z9gQxwMAHuo/UxPWyhDpiJI/AAAAAAAAG_0/_3rvNnDv_1Q/s144/DSC_0163%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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Now a technical bit of information. Differences between the GT2 and the GT3 cars? Well, without taking out the rule book, it sort of comes down to this.<br />
A GT2 car has a single restricted air intake, indeed as you can see in the pictures, the Ferrari 458 Italia GT has a completely different air box compared to the road going variant, with a pretty restricting minimum intake manifold diameter and the obvious very long Venturi-like pipe to try and recover some pressure. Without entering annoying engineering calculations leaving Bernoulli alone, in the smallest diameter of the air intake, the pressure is converted into speed. Once the sonic condition of the fluid (air) speed in it is achieved, no matter what you try there is not way to increase the volume of air entering the intake in a given time frame. If you can recover some of that pressure, you might add a bit of air entering the cylinders. More air means more fuel, which means more power. Of course adding fuel without air is not going to help much. So that's how an air restriction works.<br />
GT2 cars thought have completely new and purpose-designed and built suspensions to tackle the track, more aggressive rubber on the wheels (different in size) and a stripped down weight. GT3 cars have larger air intakes (you can see the GT3 airbox is divided in two as on the road going Ferrari 459 Italia) so more power. The rear wing is also larger and positioned higher facing a much cleaner air flow in all likely. You could therefore expect more downforce. The GT3 cars though are not as light as GT2 cars and the suspensions are the same of the road going 458 Italia. Both cars run racing brakes, but the GT2 got better ones.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/damiano.garro/2012MonzaInternationalOpenGTWeekendWithAFCorseFerrariTeam?feat=embedwebsite#5986352115217365666"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7QKGdR4XGX0/UxPLiB_weqI/AAAAAAAAG6I/n4aRFiPhcxY/s288/DSC_0010%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/damiano.garro/2012MonzaInternationalOpenGTWeekendWithAFCorseFerrariTeam?feat=embedwebsite#5986350714897506562"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-8TlKsSAgGsU/UxPKQhZfIQI/AAAAAAAAG5U/Q9goHo3cdK0/s288/DSC_0002%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/damiano.garro/2012MonzaInternationalOpenGTWeekendWithAFCorseFerrariTeam?feat=embedwebsite#5986350953562768594"><img height="266" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KNU66qCSa3w/UxPKeafuBNI/AAAAAAAAG5c/DK-QYBw5-54/s400/DSC_0003%2520copia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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All in all the GT3 are obviously slower and less extreme to handle than GT2 cars, without costing just as much tanks to more stock components. A simple formula that is doing great as GT3-spec championships are on the rise all around the world. Of course when a manufacturer comes into the picture with a car designed with no limits in mind and then limited to GT3 specs (looking at you, Audi R8 LMS), the costs consideration can get out of the window, but you'll never face half million euros GT3 cars, that's the price for GT2 cars. An unrestricted Audi R8 LMS can compete against a GT2 specs Porsche 911 RSR as seen a few years ago at the Nurburgring 24 Hours when Audi entered the picture.<br />
I honestly can't wait for the ACO, FIA and USSC to get their act together and promote even better the GT3 rule book, perhaps entering them in the WEC and Le Mans. Would be great.<br />
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Also running, single-seaters from the Formula ACI CSAI Abarth. One thing I noticed about those, the drivers were so young they probably didn't have a driving license... or shouldn't have one. But that's probably just me playing the grumpy old man, or being jealous of their father's money. Probably.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/damiano.garro/2012MonzaInternationalOpenGTWeekendWithAFCorseFerrariTeam?feat=embedwebsite#5986351581378725602"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-O-ueGtyiLOU/UxPLC9StRuI/AAAAAAAAG54/t4X6iFWBMx4/s288/DSC_0006%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OlyH0YTlQeSLpeM0kXyMZ9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ITtMK6-WsSw/UxPTtf5FJMI/AAAAAAAAG-M/7ZqqjMeSIhg/s288/DSC_0114%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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Thanks again to Manfro and the AF Corse guys for yet another great racing day.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0Cc6-Kk8wYpgk85cRwtpitMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-02FCDMTSXl0/UxPYh2IQLRI/AAAAAAAAHBU/Q9FH7_qD4QY/s640/DSC_0251%2520copia.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">All Watermarked Pictures and Words Copyright: Damiano Garro for <a href="http://theitalianjunkyard.blogspot.com/">The Italian Junkyard</a>, other pictures courtesy of WikiMedia</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This article can be linked to from
other websites but its content and the pictures can't be reproduced on
any other website without my written permission </span><br />
<br />Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.com0Monza MB, Italia45.5845001 9.274448500000062345.4955901 9.1130870000000623 45.6734101 9.4358100000000622tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715962311864647450.post-47871431318908066182014-02-26T22:57:00.000+01:002014-02-26T23:23:37.888+01:00Mom look! I made a Transformer out of aluminum foil, sort of... Filandi Ever.S at the Modena Antiquaria, Unica and EYTT fair<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Qiq6gRR8FYIyvGJO-gOsdNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gwjRxI3Y_bE/Uw5KdEq5yBI/AAAAAAAAG0I/tsIPN1KOVOk/s800/DSC000%25284%2529.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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Second acts are generally a tricky call. You're always wondering if you should push things further or try new paths, if more of the same is the right thing to do or if a fresh new start is required. It usually leads to not so great movie sequels, but it's a bit of a different story with cars. That's probably because the relationship with customers is a bit stronger, developed over years of possession of a car from the customer, or over years of chit chat with the proud owner of an exotic on the side of the automaker.<br />
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But what if you don't have customers at all?
On one hand that should allow you to do basically whatever you want whenever you want, without following any market requirement, or satisfaction surveys. Pure personal inspiration. Things can go wrong nonetheless as you are back at square one with the kind of questions we mentioned above. While it's true that with no customers there would be no one really entitles to any sort of critic, but then again, the car risks to be completely pointless too.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wHWYNaoY7QbHyXmLlm4yxdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-agacfuWRxmc/Uw5HvJ07V7I/AAAAAAAAGzM/VeWyG-PGxpc/s288/DSC000%25281%2529.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/damiano.garro/FilandiEverS?feat=embedwebsite#5984801790052696434"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0uBcPt65Mj8/Uw5JhOs2gXI/AAAAAAAAGzw/Fuzq1ZB81n8/s288/DSC000%252814%2529.jpg" width="288" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZJaMnfRXC1BR2qOVs7UtA9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Qf7F0Dmxmrk/Uw5JxCg9E5I/AAAAAAAAGz4/kDdeh5K-Zow/s288/DSC000%25282%2529.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/damiano.garro/FilandiEverS?feat=embedwebsite#5984801557058820802"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TlPFMIxQ5WA/Uw5JTquyGsI/AAAAAAAAGzo/D-VJm1-wMu8/s288/DSC000%252811%2529.jpg" width="288" /></a> </div>
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It's definitely not pointless if there is a customer, and it's yourself. When Moreno Filandi from Fontanelice (Bologna, Italy) decided it was time to move on and start a new project, it was probably his own passion to drive him. Given this is once again a design not meant to please the crowds, it shouldn't surprise at all seeing how radical the design is shaping up.<br />
While the first time I saw the Uragano, back in 2007 probably, I thought it was a bit sketchy and far from finished (which indeed it was) but with some potential, my first reaction to the new Filandi Ever.S was something along the lines of this:<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/McgUq3t0ncZck-Wnr8KCOtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="600" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ewf__0y6MOk/Uw5dnTk1zGI/AAAAAAAAG3o/-eKGmNOYafs/s800/index.jpg" width="600" /></a></div>
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Doge never gets old.<br />
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Seriously though, this car is indeed very large, very raw, rude probably, and so aggressive, it's hard to wrap your head around it at first. Speaking of heads, this was my second thought about the Ever.S:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/U6uHxWkJVa2SZfvwWo5yotMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-glKRY2G3Gao/Uw5c00_83wI/AAAAAAAAG3c/90GnKRW5szo/s800/880565-megatron_posterbig.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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So if this is Megatron leading the Decepticons, I guess the <a href="http://theitalianjunkyard.blogspot.it/2014/02/2014-modena-antiquaria-and-unica-fair.html">Pagani Huayra P1 from a few posts ago</a> must be the Autobots chosen fighter for this chapter. The two cars were parked side by side at the recent 2014 Modena Antiquaria, Unica and EYFFT fair, but the Ever.S really looks like Megatron and its whole design is so edgy you'd consider it "modern", but it's definitely massive as the cars from the 20s and 30s, while using a barchetta bodywork typical of the 50s and 60s. It really is a mashup of ideas and lines, and even if the geometrical composition seems to have an arrangement, it doesn't seem to be so simple, even if a bit too blunt and derivative according to some, yet functional as with the Uragano from a few years ago.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4nN0nkB3QKllAvogXoR7UdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cp9dZcgTCs8/Uw5JAT5zJDI/AAAAAAAAGzg/_ck77qbifxk/s400/DSC000%252813%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/h-5NNf09RcvEpl5I4OjcrNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-aTiYsTD7UEI/Uw5IUX1MjjI/AAAAAAAAGzU/1uBV0NzzWJk/s288/DSC000%252810%2529.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oVLww3KKzAKqlxpmb3y8ktMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hWNwp7GZqdk/Uw5KuG0VB3I/AAAAAAAAG0Q/Citho9C_NHU/s288/DSC000%25285%2529.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Y-1Lc_g1FPPddGBQlDOU_9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="225" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4BJNtyUm04A/Uw5GxmR_b3I/AAAAAAAAGy4/UFuSO8KL62s/s400/CAM00060.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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In 2013 the car was far from completed, especially the interior which was still partially stock. This car isn't completely built from scratch as the Uragano, as it's based on a Mercedes-Benz SL 500 R129, a classic with tis 5 liters V8 developing 306 bhp. The chassis has been obviously modified removing the windshield frame, but most of the rest is stock, engine, transmission, suspensions, etc.<br />
The bodywork is of course handshaped in aluminum, without the aid of any sort of computer or computerized mechanism. Once again, this one-ff isn't a repeatable one, no project, no blueprints, every part is shaped and sculpted on the go.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DfOA7l0Mjy4YEtDFCod9IdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="288" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CcirxtCv0AE/Uw5KA616x-I/AAAAAAAAG0A/_O5xnVhARcE/s288/DSC000%25283%2529.jpg" width="192" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EleU8g6G6qc5Qx_SlXzO39MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="288" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9E9w4osEhGs/Uw5GSQzOWdI/AAAAAAAAGyw/KB1indwXpXs/s288/CAM00059.jpg" width="162" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ejam1BOabe6Qsf7VisVWftMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="288" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OThd5IwOgQ0/Uw5L7-wEXgI/AAAAAAAAG0o/fD4NDgBQJJ0/s288/DSC000%25288%2529.jpg" width="192" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/j6PJxRq1pkE9hvmeO_lmUtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4fCKs9WKBtA/Uw5LDr4eawI/AAAAAAAAG0Y/MTgXLxnJBFM/s144/DSC000%25286%2529.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oF4MhOdVQLb7CqG5NSqKbtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qGcpxlReEWY/Uw5WFZNKMqI/AAAAAAAAG20/0y3_eU6EGkU/s144/DSC000%252812%2529.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/U4f2nem4UWb3Mh4U4G1BLdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-_wD3EeT6oQg/Uw5MTBTr3zI/AAAAAAAAG0w/Sg1gJ2VKENs/s144/DSC000%25289%2529.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/t5kXS8cvBuq4Ls7rthUX_dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-VU26FQ6fHkY/Uw5LhdSkf7I/AAAAAAAAG0g/9lVrDMH8VbI/s144/DSC000%25287%2529.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<br />
When I've seen the car the first time in February 2013 it didn't have the two small windshields and the rear view mirrors, but other than that, in this year of work the car has been mainly finished. The bodywork needed a lot of care, filler needed to be added were the welding weakened the aluminum foils and other details were still to be fixed. Mr Filandi was running a survey though, asking visitors if the car should have been finished in brushed aluminum or painted. I suppose the answer would be obvious for any given car, but it doesn't hurt to say that people were leaning towards to clear coated aluminum finish.<br />
Indeed a year later the bodywork is in much better shape, and the raw material has not been covered with paint. Wise choice.<br />
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Something I would recommend though is a set of larger wheels. I'm not a fan of huge wheels in general, but the massive look of the car and the large wheel arches really need to be filled somehow.<br />
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Bonus shot, you can really tell Mr Filandi isn't exactly your average PR guy.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_p3ThcpjhQQRbuyjuQOM8tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="360" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KwovCDuHw9o/Uw5G5zEA4LI/AAAAAAAAGzA/RkzvyJ--uko/s640/CAM00061.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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So be it I say, because like it or not I think the automotive world is a better place with an awkward looking pointless massive handbuilt machine versus just another derivative and way too rational mobility device, something wrongly referred to as a "car".<br />
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Apologies for the third reference to a Michael Bay movie in a few posts, won't happen again. <br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">All Pictures and Words Copyright: Damiano Garro for <a href="http://theitalianjunkyard.blogspot.it/">The Italian Junkyard</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This article can be linked to from
other websites but its content and the pictures can't be reproduced on
any other website without my written permission <br />
</span>
Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715962311864647450.post-4636781314088618742014-02-24T17:13:00.003+01:002014-02-26T22:45:40.966+01:00... with my bare hands: Filandi Uragano<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QJ6wpB-mCNLSA8bLL3GR1NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="532" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Tib8TqZsT3E/UwtmjxB1NjI/AAAAAAAAGvg/DIZ4r1Cui2M/s800/DSC_0245.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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There used to be a time when we were much more ingenuous about the world and ourselves, more inclined to put ourselves at risk for the sake of curiosity and discover. It probably felt like we were free to roam the world while at the same time enjoying the latest and best in technology, with more news traveling around the world as never before and that probably let more and more people to feel the need to leave their mark in some way.<br />
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That's a way too see the almost itch-like resurgence in activities of all sort that took place in Europe after World War II and elsewhere too. While many ended up creating their own companies setting the market on fire, others were more satisfied filling their everyday life whit something perhaps less ground breaking or necessary, but much more personal. Backyard projects were all over the place.<br />
We've probably lost this in the last 10 or more years, I feel like people are quite satisfied with what the market provides as it surely got better and better, but also because it's much simpler to just pick something rather than "making" something. Mark Wahlber would say "<span class="st">Don't be a don't-er, be a <i>do-er</i>". Well, he kind of crossed the line, but you get the itch-like feeling of really needing to do something with your time, right?<i><br /></i></span><br />
While this could be the introduction prologue to many companies established between the 60s and the 80s and probably even later, if you consider software companies real companies in the same old fashioned way of course, the man I'm going to introduce is one who could be considered as one in dire need of a backyard project, a man who didn't embrace what came next, full size companies, computers, mass production and all of that.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1YJ1q4ssU80maItBnv53E9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="426" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Y2tiVQF01do/UwtnNtKkQWI/AAAAAAAAGxI/iWdBLyI5nN4/s640/DSC_0266.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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Enter Moreno Filandi.<br />
You'd be forgiven to mix him with Santa Claus bringing you a bright yellow hand made exotic, indeed when we took the time for a long conversation this man showed the same placid and quite temper it would take to deliver gifts and presents to little kids all over the world, or build a car from scratch with nothing other than his bare hands and tons of aluminum and steel chunks. I could do the latter, definitely not the first.<br />
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While Italian readers may already know the low metallic beast in front of their eyes, I guess people from the rest of the world may be clueless in front of this car. This is the Filandi Uragano, a car that took more than 5 years to be completed, between March 2004 and November 2009.<br />
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The proud work of his creator, it was sculpted rather than built, with no aid from a computer or any other modern techniques. You could well say this is a one-off, a unique car, as there are no blueprints and even if you could convince Mr Filandi to build a second car, it couldn't be like this one.<br />
The power comes from an Audi-sourced V8 turbocharged for good measure, but the chassis is custom made in chrome-molybdenum steel. The bodywork is all aluminum. as most of the car too. Eventually, it tips the scale at 1.160 kg, and with 605 bhp and 552 Nm of torque providing motivation, it must be a hell of ride.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AhFvHOoehGQhvG2oPgQI4tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="427" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-reUofZn6BKA/UwtmLL9jz9I/AAAAAAAAGuM/QAPhJB-et7A/s640/DSC_0113.jpg" width="640" /> </a> </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jeo8EwxiI4_WR5BnGKZfBtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hcAo5fuRZ6U/UwtmDmwk4kI/AAAAAAAAGt8/LAYM-tQfEQc/s144/DSC_0110.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DYtOCl273y71SSC9kLiEq9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gMRMI7oCqiE/Uwtmx0dxlyI/AAAAAAAAGv4/LQmYbGeb8Ao/s144/DSC_0251.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/98Lg92FFJY7-LptOmcsSTNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LfGRbrkb19E/Uwtm4bFdpkI/AAAAAAAAGwM/eaE-wFY2NuA/s144/DSC_0259%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vVynp6HFr_9R41nf6WpGGdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EXAqNiW90sw/UwtmUzmYlWI/AAAAAAAAGug/vCCiqKo7cEg/s144/DSC_0114.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FGXYjeo2EQAToDM1xwEHDdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DWy6oROBzFQ/UwtmFLksIdI/AAAAAAAAGuE/-vqa0CIGIhk/s400/DSC_0112.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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Now I've read many times hard comments about its look, and I'll admit that it isn't for the faint of heart, it doesn't flow like a Pininfarina design or it doesn't strike as something modern yet cohesive as something from Mercedes-Benz, McLaren or any other Nordic company. At the same time, it's not supposed to be, as it was built by his creator for his own appetite for something unique and personal, very personal. We found out that Mr Filandi takes great pleasure in creating and forging just about everything out of aluminum, from cars to furnitures and design elements, be he doesn't look so interested in selling them. What he seems to care about is a spark in the visitors and bystanders wishing to do something as personal as he did. There is no price tag on this car, no bragged abilities about its construction and he isn't even really advertising his body shop Carrozzeria Moderna in Fontanelice, between Imola and Bologna (where else?!). Just ask him about his car, why he built it and what it takes to do something like this, and words will start to flow. He is a man of passion and he's just looking forward to share it. No elitist attitude, just a nice chat with an old friend at the bar.<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ie-FVgBMEMViPBajqQAwgdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g-7tVDwxoY0/Uwtmnb_OLzI/AAAAAAAAGvo/Wjx8_2DSs_U/s144/DSC_0248%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Dsh5X-Zmdt5-8Sq4bJF0AtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-A8YeUtL8aJU/UwtmrvL65AI/AAAAAAAAGvw/7xWfY9Z9k1E/s144/DSC_0249.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/O-OfYhCZX_cxdLReZhr0utMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L5gZgdzZ6qM/UwtnbU0S9AI/AAAAAAAAGxs/eBU5CeSDlHw/s144/DSC_0274%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/klR6gbi0aKWlQ-ZJ0VHDv9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VRRjgSP-ZIM/UwtnFp_1BfI/AAAAAAAAGws/xCRvojYWZ6k/s144/DSC_0263%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YYmwe1mKB4vTl01v8mjcBtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-s60OAx5f6rk/UwtlxppmMUI/AAAAAAAAGts/qKrnBCL7kQQ/s144/DSC_0106.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xKWOhl9YILB-HbvXFfMEm9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QrKv3ASGuQM/UwtmZOUdlmI/AAAAAAAAGu4/Ge6U-5cjRl0/s144/DSC_0116.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PiC5e2BSmUXRYKDA1eoYF9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-r0N0ggvZUlg/UwtnRqJymVI/AAAAAAAAGxU/CZ21zbYF5Mw/s144/DSC_0269%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GTIQ17ISKN-O0mYWQObY7dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-20qoGYse0XU/UwtnVo1F3uI/AAAAAAAAGxc/3vEQMNeN3Kg/s144/DSC_0270%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a><br />
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7Fklkga3Qc2eQHOBp1r8W9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="266" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FD5vERD1Hys/UwtnfpoVnlI/AAAAAAAAGx0/IH3ld6sZPtY/s400/DSC_0275%2520copia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There is a nice anecdote about this: in September 2010 he was invited at a new uber-elitist car fair organized by MAC Group, which is also behind the Mille Miglia historical recreation. Called "Uniques, special ones", the fair was about extremely low production cars and one-offs, both from the good old days and from the present, so you could expect anything from Alfa Romeo from the 30s, Ferraris from the 60s and 70s, and whatever Bertone, Zagato, Pininfarina and other coachbuilders came up with in all their years, plus some modern exotics. Held in the luxurious Four Seasons hotel in Florence (Tuscany, Italy of course) the public itself had to be invited, so I guess they had to come up with something like VVVIP for the most aristocratic ones. Eventually, the Filandi Uragano won the "People's Choice Award".<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PK1xD_iZRIC0Iq-27RRtLNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g2r0b3NCdZQ/Uwtm9WLu-1I/AAAAAAAAGwU/KnsztsJb4zo/s288/DSC_0260%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/k2r6JMKgli9ggkZnpL1CkdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PF9NUqf4irQ/Uwtl4r6L5rI/AAAAAAAAGt0/IvC-8GMn_J4/s288/DSC_0108.jpg" width="288" /></a>
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While Mr Filandi was all over himself and proud of his 5000 hours of hard work, the organizers were probably less than pleased, as they eventually reached Mr Filandi and let him know the prize was being retired without giving much of an explanation. Of course now he didn't look like Santa at all.<br />
I felt like the MAC Group was indeed pushing hard on the elitist thing before, simply considering the way the Mille Miglia was run (organization wise) and even the simple process of media accreditation was getting like a showing off contest. So I could really understand his frustration, but also figured that was really not the place for him, unfortunately. Now the Uniques fair has moved to Moscow, so problem solved.
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KR6Ct1SpCRkWC1OsfpNYEtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-gadlRm4arlg/Uwtmg7zh9LI/AAAAAAAAGvQ/K8z7PY0BT_g/s400/DSC_0119.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7Mt_Mw4H7rh3rqF_9q_wF9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="288" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-L2Rlc73rAiY/UwtnBRQ0z2I/AAAAAAAAGwc/OSA12EJNqCM/s288/DSC_0262.jpg" width="192" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZQaHakBBOOH39flnDSYivNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="288" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--C2u-qV-a2g/UwtnYVyo0XI/AAAAAAAAGxk/0L6WKXqFDF4/s288/DSC_0273.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1kqF9ajmyNJTc09w6Z1kOtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="144" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-TqKLPfhRglE/UwtlqQjoM9I/AAAAAAAAGtc/I5rqp_MWTFI/s144/DSC_0105.jpg" width="96" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4V643dLes05pdrwy7K_9N9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="144" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-O-Q8wryeD-Q/UwtmUz-aNwI/AAAAAAAAGuk/8Z2FvdSuwRk/s144/DSC_0115.jpg" width="96" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PrvgrvNbG0EsOWmyL5kdhtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="144" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GbFVe2g5y3o/UwtnJKTHuMI/AAAAAAAAGw8/IO7aSBtvW_E/s144/DSC_0265.jpg" width="96" /></a>
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At this point I wondered what he was looking for at the various fairs I met him. While kids and youngsters are captured by the bright yellow and blue finish and the aggressive shark-like vents in the body, adults, deep-pocket white collars and wannabes in general didn't waste much time to check the car or the man. Truth be told, they were the same kind of people overlooking the equally eye-catching Spada Vettur Sport CodaTronca parked next to the Uragano once, another bold and peculiar creation. I reckon not everyone is into cars and even less into un-mainstream cars, then again, if you're at a car fair...<br />
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These pictures come from two separate occasions: the <span class="st">Luxury&Yachts 2010 fair in Vicenza, Italy, and the 2013 Modena Antiquaria fair in Modena, Italy.</span><br />
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He has now moved on to a second project, named Filandi Ever.S, which will be featured here soon. Watch this space for more.<br />
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Quick preview: <br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oO89Cm8MAXsSSXzA-Kq1vdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="427" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-il9MR1A80Y8/UwtlxadZ66I/AAAAAAAAGto/YKQ27zyU4o4/s640/DSC_0107.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">All Pictures and Words Copyright: Damiano Garro for <a href="http://theitalianjunkyard.blogspot.it/">The Italian Junkyard</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">This article can be linked to from
other websites but its content and the pictures can't be reproduced on
any other website without my written permission <br />
</span><br />
<br />
Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715962311864647450.post-27430430632077865522014-02-19T19:18:00.000+01:002014-02-19T22:29:40.541+01:002014 blue Pagani Zonda Revoluciòn #5 to debut at the 2014 Geneva Auto Show<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7HD6lyUCXsnZl59RzldS3dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="611" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ByUqtyg20IQ/UwTSm81pKlI/AAAAAAAAGlU/5gQl_RGRlGw/s800/IMG_7189jpg.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
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How many times did you hear the sentence “the last Pagani Zonda edition”? I bet you are thinking “way too many”, and you’re right, you heard that a lot, but it’s not as bad as you might think.</div>
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It probably started in 2009 when the Zonda Cinque and the Zonda R were unveiled in Geneva, even because rumors and some sort of official confirmations regarding a new model from Pagani called C9 were swirling around as well. That wasn’t the case though, as a year later we were staring at the Zonda Tricolore and Zonda Cinque Roadster, once again in Geneva. Not considering bespoke models and upgrades for various customers, in 2012 the Zonda R Evolution prototype appeared on the map at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. It was a monstrous evolution of the sleek yet wild Zonda R from 3 years earlier, even if the Huayra was kind of stealing the show.</div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/damiano.garro/2014BluePaganiZondaRevolucion55?feat=embedwebsite#5982131024016859746"><img height="81" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hFMEjh4JFqE/UwTMeL5eYmI/AAAAAAAAGjQ/df16il0-48k/s144/IMG_7038.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/damiano.garro/2014BluePaganiZondaRevolucion55?feat=embedwebsite#5982130485631593570"><img height="162" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AyynosKXvbo/UwTL-2QbLGI/AAAAAAAAGjA/FSkCOOPjDw0/s288/IMG_6991.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/damiano.garro/2014BluePaganiZondaRevolucion55?feat=embedwebsite#5982131006877017810"><img height="84" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2Hy9ZdVUp3E/UwTMdMDBJtI/AAAAAAAAGjI/Vmhq10WeHE0/s144/IMG_7040jpg.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/damiano.garro/2014BluePaganiZondaRevolucion55?feat=embedwebsite#5982131508723697122"><img height="162" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oXLUazb3jS4/UwTM6ZklxeI/AAAAAAAAGjs/q2F-53k0XLY/s288/IMG_7051_M.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/damiano.garro/2014BluePaganiZondaRevolucion55?feat=embedwebsite#5982131337922934546"><img height="130" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-G2NYmTQk3DI/UwTMwdSg9xI/AAAAAAAAGjk/KUbsvIUkzeY/s288/IMG_7051.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dO55BkjuZF4BwvK2yBriU9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="217" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kD46zB6xTto/UwTNLwc38gI/AAAAAAAAGj0/8e4wrydbvN8/s400/IMG_7053jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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By the end of 2012 the Zonda 760 series was making headlines again. They couldn’t help themselves…
By June 2013 the new Zonda Revoluciòn was unleashed, redefining the idea of a raw track car and reestablishing a worthy power gap between the road going Zonda 760 and its evil twin, now boosting 800 bhp, 50 bhp more than the Zonda R, and that's from a naturally aspirated V12 engine with a 6 liters capacity. Talk about power density...<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vzkGdk1DYJk3KX8dBKjycdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="90" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9EgEjBdokMo/UwTOB6UoJLI/AAAAAAAAGkM/0ornIU8gTXc/s144/IMG_7084jpg.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HX96ZGsMAVPA_lLUHsxKHtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="78" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BdugJ6hATu0/UwTNgSo0TWI/AAAAAAAAGkE/wnqM5IrYS2c/s144/IMG_7068jpg.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xPA5Izos3MCRtKCVqnyCENMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zqUDSa3i_H8/UwTOpgXMkmI/AAAAAAAAGkY/EqzI1q1gEFo/s144/IMG_7100jpg.jpg" width="144" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YvAS7YHwkAdsNHDvuDdt99MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="89" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-BgbqIIDXFgE/UwTQbnreVsI/AAAAAAAAGkw/lPydmLLtAdU/s144/IMG_7116jpg.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/blKlgFTD_5zgsvADUG9BZtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cMBlK0iW4ts/UwTP8y9u6DI/AAAAAAAAGko/ePQsKm5Ni90/s144/IMG_7107jpg.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fhfohgs3mlasMCMRWVEsD9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="84" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ge6u6yneUHw/UwTQ2ZgeWxI/AAAAAAAAGk4/D3jQDX4hViQ/s144/IMG_7130jpg.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/L74hdx1RYyOuVl8hiau0i9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fUCjzABa580/UwTPVLjKDmI/AAAAAAAAGkg/-nhcvEdqTQI/s400/IMG_7104jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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This specific car, the number #5-5 of the scheduled 5 units production run, finished with a clear coated carbon fiber in both natural and blue shades, is going to be showcased in Geneva 2014. Is it going to be the last new Zonda to cast its downforce on the road/track? Do you really care? Because if you ask me, there is no such thing as too many (new or upgraded) Zondas. There is actually one more road going Zonda with some bespoke elements looming in the shadow…<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KTur_QpKDqHTCtCbpyRCadMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="188" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-foZZEtxArEk/UwTRXnqNZ0I/AAAAAAAAGlE/JD0bZ4sadTA/s288/IMG_7152jpg.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0b9K6h8BHHTmuacMyVOClNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="187" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-SWGQzRI25_0/UwTR500MZEI/AAAAAAAAGlM/-7Uu_50_bDY/s288/IMG_7184jpg.jpg" width="288" /></a>
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Now I understand when people complain about a car being long in the tooth, and I just had this feeling reading about the new Aston Martin V8 Vantage N430. Because it isn’t new, and it doesn’t look new either. It’s basically the same car unveiled 9 years ago. Refinished, polished, upgraded and so on, but it’s showing its true colors already, and I used to like it, I probably still do.<br />
I was pleased with the 2012 Vanquish, which looked new despite surely carrying over some elements from the DBS/DB9 family, but for once the styling was refreshed and not simply tweaked. Notwithstanding the gorgeous One-77, Aston needed a new course to follow and the Vanquish seemed to have provided that, but then they simply updated the DB9 for the fourth (4th, seriously) time basically admitting the Virage was nice and everything but kind of pointless.<br />
Now the Vantage family, both the V8 and V12 models, are putting Aston Martin in the same place it was in 2009 basically. They really need new models. I have the feeling the changes in ownership and the way too long talks with Daimler about the technology sharing agreement can be considered at least partially responsible for this, but now they really need to get their acts together, asap.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PeW0icitOZ8wPP0cHxOHTdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="144" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mc2p2uA3zBE/UwTTihm-42I/AAAAAAAAGmY/9ObjUySEoz4/s144/IMG_7194.jpg" width="96" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AAZNQd1q4OPxzhkwJ2utZdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="144" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LCedqr6sgQ8/UwTXY64eLrI/AAAAAAAAGn8/UsHPegF0uBA/s144/IMG_7203.jpg" width="96" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/54whtbWckbZsrMwdYXIgHNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="144" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GnMTl86YRhI/UwTWjHQlh7I/AAAAAAAAGnQ/UtQ5NPyCfZQ/s144/IMG_7200.jpg" width="96" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gj_GJzsmLw1FM-0zNWn0LtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-BOJmT6yhTTo/UwTYN6m-hOI/AAAAAAAAGoM/LB6qU74Icpk/s400/IMG_7207.jpg" width="340" /></a>
</div>
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Why this digression? Because this is not the case with Pagani. Indeed here the matter is quite different. They did manage to pull the Huayra out of its development in 2011, releasing the production model in 2012, so enthusiasts and customers had their new hyper-rocket to talk and brag about. What they also did was to let customers keep on enjoying the Zonda as much as they wanted. It surely shows some self-confidence about the Huayra as they apparently weren’t scared of one car eating off sales/attention from the other.<br />
Indeed Pagani customers are famous for being repeat offenders owning more than one Zonda, so there definitely was and still is room for a Huayra in their garages for sure. It seems a customer already got two Huayras in Switzerland too.
More than that this move of preserving the Zonda shows that customers still love the car and just want more and more.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/977DgwwDqorMz6WxpbNl8tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-XKo4CBMfM3M/UwTS1OS0_6I/AAAAAAAAGlc/MbMGIaQWZPE/s144/IMG_7192jpg.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_ATG6yogrYE9Y-V4I1twZdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EcPxBxZVR4I/UwTTNITXA5I/AAAAAAAAGlo/mhXpx60vPuw/s144/IMG_7193jpg.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/p9L5ma6mOFWfC_rWfW8rcdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c4QKSENxff0/UwTT4z3Xm9I/AAAAAAAAGmg/1OGzhTRYHOM/s144/IMG_7195jpg.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZKPz-zDkj-6t7xE6lvbaZtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9cgXDDJQ8JE/UwTUa1tv3AI/AAAAAAAAGmo/jyZ5TP-O5Ow/s144/IMG_7196jpg.jpg" width="144" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2SrlGduJ04snlhssNGMVfdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WUIwiShwRA0/UwTU4N8aIJI/AAAAAAAAGmw/iGI3DUVqMjk/s144/IMG_7197jpg.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Gt0ziDqn-gp9d7kUXNRZF9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Cxc0GjUsgac/UwTXBH-PScI/AAAAAAAAGn0/s4gKHmGXvI0/s144/IMG_7201jpg.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ajNJM44dhjpvWFXUwtHk3dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2C5DNPAD21I/UwTXz85GSOI/AAAAAAAAGoE/m4C8m_3Ap6g/s144/IMG_7204jpg.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PGOZIR62H5wzYlZefboBMNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lEj7CIxJhn0/UwTYx-GmqfI/AAAAAAAAGow/Dh_W8UuSIho/s144/IMG_7210.jpg" width="144" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NYljhvsCupgKnyj2LvQoddMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SyAh0lB5j38/UwTVawB2MTI/AAAAAAAAGm8/CP5RysbmRSM/s288/IMG_7198jpg.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6nDKqGGKpoAt1d7J2UuattMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-9MHqKTeIa6o/UwTV6HEHkCI/AAAAAAAAGnE/-uzQdI26GKM/s288/IMG_7199jpg.jpg" width="288" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TpEPm5RcLy9ltF81Lh62ydMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-U2_dYOpG_eI/UwTYiw08VjI/AAAAAAAAGoU/tyPhNGmecg8/s288/IMG_7208jpg.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GvxVh1WDGMs4NxLFv2AO7dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-i4bc3KWjIf4/UwTZPF5YlsI/AAAAAAAAGpA/kewtWQbYx2s/s288/IMG_7217jpg.jpg" width="288" /></a>
</div>
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I thought the idea of the Revoluciòn was a bit farfetched as the Zonda R itself was battling against giants like the Ferrari FXX and FXX Evoluzione, the Maserati MC12 Versione Corse (with its racing pedigree too), the Ferrari 599XX and 599XX Evo, and other less adored offerings like the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT or the Gumpert Apollo R to name a few. So I wondered if there was indeed room for another version, even if in just 5 units. Well apparently they did their math right at Pagani.
3 cars have already been spotted: the #1/5 finished in clear coated carbon fiber with yellow, white and red stripes which can be seen at the Pagani Atelier from time to time, the #2/5 finished in matte carbon fiber with gold, white and red stripes and then this black and blue beast. If these shots are anything to go by, you’d guess the 5th Revoluciòn is going to Japan, but it wouldn’t be the first time.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OrIQFD6UY1ZoAOQGZMa10tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="202" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VTsy16m0ooY/UwTfut5HtSI/AAAAAAAAGrY/HwrklmWiel8/s400/zonda%2520revo%25205%2520japan.jpg" width="400" /></a>
</div>
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Should read something along the lines of: "HAPPY NEW YEAR!", but in Chinese. Full disclosure, Japanese people also use Chinese characters, maybe because Chinese has something like 100 times more characters than Japanese, just guessing here.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vcFngzeJ5l3iDzkuWfykBdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="222" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-xG3Hy-XnNv8/UwTaxexfBBI/AAAAAAAAGpg/BzheBu1WzAE/s400/IMG_7248jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a>
</div>
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The 2nd Revolucion was delivered to Japan in June 2013 for its official local presentation and the launch of the Huayra in Japan as well. Indeed the black and carbon fiber Huayra you see here is the 15th produced car, chassis number 76016 if my chaps over the <a href="http://forum.pagani-zonda.net/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=1010">Pagani Zonda Forum</a> did they homework properly. You can also see the Zonda F 24 of 25 in the background, <a href="http://forum.pagani-zonda.net/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=40">rumored to be chassis number 76092</a>. The Revoluciòn #2/5 was soon dispatched to Hong Kong though as basically something like a quarter or a fifth of all produced Zondas (some were then moved to mainland China).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0JgVUVjqbs-IV6f-FP4IctMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="162" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fs8oNZ1FW_A/UwTePPArt-I/AAAAAAAAGq4/n4BFNq0PP9A/s288/Tokyo%252BPresentation_4jpg.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tFaO4UprfgR1FGEIzuvy6tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--y-UfFOuYAg/UwTcmPk4wsI/AAAAAAAAGqg/DuyE3PXdZok/s288/Tokyo%252BPirellijpg.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/A9YC-_f35bhbpZ8tBDyXdtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="81" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-htHcCFdNG4M/UwTc8clxhgI/AAAAAAAAGqo/bl254b3oHdQ/s144/Tokyo%252BPresentation_2jpg.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ojZJEpCMjpNo4cFr0nTDR9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="81" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6fhY7FmHtFY/UwTdiPkhFcI/AAAAAAAAGqw/W-r6YBNyYzo/s144/Tokyo%252BPresentation_3jpg.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ual3PEFJDqqN6LZzLEsq4tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-wV9fBV36bHo/UwTb2v7KTfI/AAAAAAAAGqY/3lgXIhv712k/s144/Tokyo%252BPirelli_7jpg.jpg" width="144" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZEWuLRaxTqpzpJIEA6f6I9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-QL3CipaNTHI/UwTexeCzlqI/AAAAAAAAGrA/NBPxhNOpMt4/s400/Tokyo%252BPresentation_5jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a>
</div>
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A bit of technical data and specifications. <br />
Its 800 bhp V12 AMG engine is an evolution of the same V12 found in the Zonda R 5 years ago, which was itself an evolution of the racing engine installed in the dominant and all-conquering Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR AMG from 1997. The torque has its peak at 730 Nm at an undisclosed rpm, but thanks to the feather weight of 1.070 kg the car is going to simply fly on the tarmac.<br />
The gearbox is built out magnesium for a lightweight yet strong casing. It’s not the usual flappy-paddles actuated manual gearbox, this is a true sequential racing gearbox, but there still is an actuation mechanism so that the gears are selected via paddles rather than the usual lever, but you have to understand that there is a solid difference between a manual gearbox and a sequential gearbox, they are simply built and designed differently. As far as I know only the Ascari A10, the BAC Mono and the aforementioned Gumpert Apollo used real sequential gearboxes, all other road going cars use actuated manual gearboxes except for the Joss JP1 from Australia which uses a Zero Shift gearbox, which is another type of mechanism. The unit is disposed transversally, even if my instinct would have led me to say it was a longitudinal unit judging solely by pictures. It is a very short unit indeed.<br />
A truly new addition to the car is the DRS, or drag reduction system, installed on the rear wing. As with Formula 1 cars, the device is meant to reduce drag generated by the tail of the car when downforce is not required. Indeed the system can either be operated manually pushing the properly labeled DRS button on the steering wheel or in automatic mode, moving the rear wing from the minimum downforce setup to its maximum downforce position when a lateral acceleration in excess of 0.8g in both directions is detected, at speeds over 100 km/h. As a reference, most sportscars can only dream to reach a 0.8 lateral acceleration, while for the Zonda Revoluciòn this is right where the game starts!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zwA3IN0J-NV2lpwzLxqXntMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cD7e0fdHWbU/UwTZ52Yyr5I/AAAAAAAAGpI/1Y5sZ5ZmB58/s400/IMG_7218jpg.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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New breaks from Brembo dubbed CCMR (carbo-ceramic matrix – racing, I guess) are installed for a better track experience. They should be more powerful than the R discs, as if it was needed, and their lower operational temperatures extend the life of the discs by 4 times while also being 15% lighter and just as fading resistant.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/luLZ2GO-kEf8asDEN9RlotMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ktlk0-4UmyY/UwTbEqnMDEI/AAAAAAAAGpo/FtCogui1EmM/s144/IMG_7253jpg.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/psm7BzX3sTs8nBm_b4cBD9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="82" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FCf90tcC0nc/UwTah4IffmI/AAAAAAAAGpY/2cgAG9i7h98/s144/IMG_7245jpg.jpg" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LTZZiH2Tnwp-bJCqbbrnX9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-R3cbwjLvdKI/UwTbUF6st6I/AAAAAAAAGqA/5Guk17i5I3g/s144/IMG_7257jpg.jpg" width="144" /></a>
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The only bad news is that dreams are free but exquisite cars come at a price, 2.2 Million Euros plus taxes. That’s 700.000 € more than the Zonda R, but I’m pretty sure that after trying this beast on the track there would be no logical arguments keeping your piggy bank safe from the Zonda Revoluciòn.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/y_AthffxcPmReK6DGQbiZdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="360" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eqlWtB_fJAk/UwTaPjiyZ2I/AAAAAAAAGpQ/40owwL86-W4/s640/IMG_7226jpg.jpg" width="640" /></a>
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<br />
Official Press Release:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ncvZ5bp5KQnsp_JBzyQ45NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="800" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Cr6IwMvY-yk/UwTf4aAd8VI/AAAAAAAAGrk/oxrUW5hh9-w/s800/zonda-revolucion-eng-1.jpg" width="465" /></a>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Article by Damiano Garro for The Italian Junkayard</span>Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715962311864647450.post-65326706224143635012014-02-17T23:21:00.002+01:002014-02-17T23:36:01.074+01:002014 Modena Antiquaria and Unica fair, Pagani Huayra P1, Transformers 4 editionFrom time to time, you may happen to see an extraordinary car on the road, something you’d have never considered seeing. When I was a kid, it only took a Lamborghini Diablo to make my day, or rather the whole week.<br />
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It’s a bit different now, and that’s mostly because the Internet took over the world with all its pictures, videos, reviews, live feeds and whatnot. A Lamborghini Murcielago is all of a sudden a much more common car, and not simply because it has been produced in greater numbers than the Diablo, but because we are more used to it than we were to the Diablo back in the days.<br />
While this is definitely great news for those who like me can’t never get enough of these masterpieces, I reckon the kid in me misses a little of that magic feel when such cars were briefly spotted on the road on your way to the grocery shop.
Don’t worry though, there are still cars that can make you jump around like a little kid no matter what.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Beware the almighty Huayra!</span></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Dx8Cff57k94LvPk1DGGbe9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="532" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QaQrONlQeTE/UwI2GPgNJCI/AAAAAAAAGhc/mcyc7cAe5EU/s800/DSC_0491.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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First and foremost thanks to Miss Pramazzoni for inviting us to the event, and thanks to Miss Giulia for the nice talk and walk around the car. As usual with Pagani’s people, you always feel welcomed.<br />
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Definitely not the first time you have seen the Huayra, but isn’t it a beauty every time? The craftsmanship is topnotch, the now proverbial Pagani maniacal attention to detail is ubiquitous, the bodywork design is simply exciting, and the sight is a simply knee-jerking experience. Add to that a candy red finish with exposed carbon fiber and a quite stylish silver stripe, and we got a winner here.<br />
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If cars were like movies and a subtitle was required I can’t think of a better one than “I’m thy God”.<br />
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Movies… what about them? It appears this car will be featured in a top movie very soon. Giulia was lip tight about the title of the movie because of the ongoing deal with the production house and Pagani, but it wouldn’t take much to find out tons of pictures with this very car on the upcoming Transformers 4 movie sets. She didn’t say it, so dear Michael Bay don’t be mad at Pagani! The secret was already out there anyway.<br />
I’ve never been much of a Transformer movies fan (but I have a soft spot for the original animated series), but for once I’m going to be interested on how the Huayra presence in a major picture is going to turn out.<br />
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It’s not by chance though that this is happening right now. The Huayra is Pagani’s way into the North American market and a movie might be the best way not to collect more orders probably, but rather to have the car a bit more known in other countries, the US more importantly. Despite a now 15 years history and the astonishing Zonda already in the books, there is still an awful lot of people not knowing what the Zonda and the Huayra are, who Pagani is and where they come from. Even in Modena people sometimes wonder what model of Ferrari this might be… I say madness!<br />
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/G_2XlU14Zi9f7h8OKMEQu9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-f2PO6GFZa-w/UwI0x3o2yTI/AAAAAAAAGfU/rAZCd0iuVr0/s288/DSC_0475.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kYIKgXCf89ekvPppoNa3RNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xnwYbdIfQK0/UwI0-UPKLYI/AAAAAAAAGfk/QjG_Tov9EoI/s288/DSC_0476.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UOP0QYuaSq5ytjyrSzbX_NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6UYO1mleoxs/UwI1sK-qWeI/AAAAAAAAGgc/mmWMskBPYmc/s288/DSC_0486.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0UgfM1nyvTjA_YM9kwHmzNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kLppbPMVZnU/UwI1LVNTo1I/AAAAAAAAGf0/3FaQCO7pnxs/s288/DSC_0480.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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Back to more practical things, it took 2 years to get the Huayra certified for the US, bureaucracy, crash tests and fine tuning for the emissions took an heavy toll on the company, technically and financially, but now California and Florida shores are in sight. Additional side markers, “smart” driver and passenger airbags and even larger rear view mirrors are just among the various bits that were required to have the Huayra certified for the US, but even if the American life of the Huayra is just beginning, it was well worth bothering.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FmXx1Hl3gy_-H9s82XTZ_NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="266" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yH8rM6UIWa4/UwI1R2BzXMI/AAAAAAAAGf8/qLGVUzp7sZA/s400/DSC_0481.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This car though doesn’t belong to any Hollywood personality or NBA player. It’s a factory car which is now back in Italy after its filming duties are over. I couldn’t help but notice that it doesn’t carry a regular VIN though, as this car is based on the very first Pagani Huayra prototype, or VIN ZA9C900P1 if you are into that, although it has obviously been thoroughly restored and rebuilt according to the latest specifications of the production Huayra.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/niPd4ZNuefWPnODfrq490dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DKFLnHxQ4mA/UwI12LabQWI/AAAAAAAAGgk/wAdhTmJwXR0/s288/DSC_0487.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/J2PR6K_0K2VXhyFXP9SDwNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mJgSwExH8L0/UwI1nBcuY_I/AAAAAAAAGgU/335aU9RnwM8/s288/DSC_0485.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3waB96olUCtdlqlSiKbZadMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NORud_XQots/UwI18BNU1PI/AAAAAAAAGg8/4F6FI_GEaZA/s288/DSC_0488.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7sUuxHpfy3fvxwYTaKxjINMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9tccPMk2qLk/UwI0-ovJSqI/AAAAAAAAGfg/FttVODJsg3Y/s288/DSC_0477.jpg" width="288" /></a>
</div>
<br />
Add to that at least two bespoke details I could spot, which so far haven’t been seen on any customer car yet. The easier to notice is the side profile on the optional front spoiler, which adds a lot of aggressiveness as little as it might be. It may also have an influence on the aerodynamics of the car but it’s hard to say without any hard data. The second seems an even more functional element, and it is this small winglet right after the front wheel, probably installed to reduce the amount of debris hitting the gorgeous bodywork of the Huayra.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GVBR0Y1Q8YNlCpa6ZZ_betMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="288" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-adauGndO-kg/UwI1YqROZsI/AAAAAAAAGgE/yX2Qt5E_WSU/s288/DSC_0482.jpg" width="192" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1k9IP26UmjQM538py206UNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DOsgEdqaqPk/UwI1eaEX1WI/AAAAAAAAGgM/nL7YiuX24m0/s288/DSC_0484.jpg" width="288" /></a>
</div>
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<br />
Obligatory mirror shot, as per the Pagani rulebook.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nKc2gQ2Y-WwyGay7WQA-B9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="266" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-LDZmurk1f3Y/UwI1EhGNsfI/AAAAAAAAGfs/r5nKAj0qSpM/s400/DSC_0478.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As an occasional lady passing by said, “it really looks like a leaf”. Well, it’s supposed to look like a woman’s eye, but you’ll be forgiven.<br />
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Bonus pictures from the lady's mobile phone:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TskjhFjpfZZARvcA28lTtdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="162" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-eK-MeLVDTa4/UwJguQy0K6I/AAAAAAAAGis/CTwnVInm12g/s288/CAM00034a.jpg" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NeFYrLkJuYotq2ybsX8lndMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="162" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rvhDKnMUQCk/UwJg-oFKJ4I/AAAAAAAAGis/WrlWhW_Ze_k/s288/CAM00035a.jpg" width="288" /></a>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Working!</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vXiMsdOVU__1qQFt113NFNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_4sf4Aiv9SY/UwJhDv4m1EI/AAAAAAAAGis/8cu7IQWSFJU/s400/CAM00038a.jpg" width="400" /></a>
</div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">All Pictures Copyright: Damiano Garro for The Italian Junkyard</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This article can be linked to from other websites but its content and the pictures can't be reproduced on any other website without my written permission.</span>Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715962311864647450.post-53263647073071492272013-08-01T21:16:00.000+02:002013-08-04T15:15:15.029+02:002013 Modena Antiquaria, Pagani Huayra #76009, Ninja Turtles editionAfter months of forgetting and "will do later", here it is.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/SF26KeMlQtw-yOA6Y2T0GdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="533" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mw7BhHCzQZQ/UfqgxQVvgQI/AAAAAAAAGIY/1Fkmbofp2Ac/s800/DSC_0029%2520copia.jpg" width="800" /></a></div>
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The reference to the upcoming Ninja Turtles movie and the cult cartoon from my childhood (enough, can't risk to enter some hipster-like comments on how good those cartoons were compared too... damn it) isn't casual at all, as the owner is a renowned supercar enthusiast from Hong Kong, involved in the production of a previous Ninja Turtles movie (<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0453556/">here is the IMDB link</a>).<br />
As a side fact, his father used to produce artificial Christmas trees, so "Green is important in the family", as he said over the mecca of all Pagani enthusiasts, <a href="http://forum.pagani-zonda.net/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=879">the Pagani Zonda forum</a>.<br />
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Now, the color is a bit of a pain to come out right in pictures, and strong, direct yellow lights don't help at all. I decided not to try and remove the yellow-ness from all the shots as some of them would have resulted pretty much of low quality, so I rather went for a more consistent but mild editing. Or at least I tried. Plus, I wasn't using my own camera and apparently the color's profile wasn't the right one. Plus, I'm definitely not a pro with a camera...<br />
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As a reference, the true color of the car is more like this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/305931_429938657098389_603723714_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/305931_429938657098389_603723714_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Copyright: Daryl Chapman</span></div>
<br />
rather than like this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/914213_462189810517031_302917177_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/914213_462189810517031_302917177_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Copyright: Linus Lam</span></div>
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Moving on.<br />
<br />
This wasn't my first Huayra spotting, but it was the first I could really spent some quality time with. Very few people, chance to get pretty close to the car and Pagani's staff willing to open the doors and so on. Very nice people as usual.<br />
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It was also my first Huayra equipped with the so called Track Pack, something Pagani actually never really announced, weirdly enough.
In the wake of the Top Gear accident, perhaps it has been a good call to let it go.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xslsA6iBiFCD3QfMsH2-UtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rXvRIaLVs5U/Ufqg5Fvk4NI/AAAAAAAAGIo/pO0YC12oaxU/s144/DSC_0033%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/o-LZpUnJCTYrHDolMTp8S9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="144" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fmzX83bYfjw/Ufqgm5yVjOI/AAAAAAAAGII/vRkU9zoLr3s/s144/DSC_0026.jpg" width="96" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/R7s9yDrI-pk82ScIrNIFGtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hUsWhcOtlYQ/Ufqgz0iMu4I/AAAAAAAAGIg/UYnBQ8aoLjY/s144/DSC_0030%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/adWIsUNOm5SsF7qqFmemAdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="144" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-cTE20ONVlzw/Ufqhpi4V8KI/AAAAAAAAGKA/PJ6oCOR77AM/s144/DSC_0060.jpg" width="96" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qgDTtCwBZ1d-KsOSM_7jctMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-A2jW-GGGHOc/Ufqf859rOkI/AAAAAAAAGG4/BXkEgY9NkkQ/s144/DSC_0004.jpg" width="144" /></a>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RArlIS62mkaaX_BCjPg8rtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3_fLs7qwkYg/UfqgD3L2isI/AAAAAAAAGHI/TZlHH90n8FE/s144/DSC_0007.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PuBIP7nR1MGfNM_4BKzGntMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-quQTlnZwp0Q/UfqgSWkQYKI/AAAAAAAAGHg/CYpd3Q1SUlM/s144/DSC_0014%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Y6f_Sv_iQ_m-2eoCYQeW5tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PlxUSVkmR8s/UfqgW1c5PjI/AAAAAAAAGHo/qZwHSDL1nVo/s144/DSC_0018%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/X7ZW5PMtNYi6rCDljAI1KdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Ek3rhxwETJE/UfqhCtewwNI/AAAAAAAAGI4/LUCGVXVa3Ks/s144/DSC_0036%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Adp-KdooaEOuAUXAH5xTitMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-E1WMzsKAFA8/Ufqgjppk3DI/AAAAAAAAGIA/qxX1tPcjj_M/s288/DSC_0024%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BqYAjxq-a3nIhddX6TwBmtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-w3RXCA6bMTI/UfqgsBK-dZI/AAAAAAAAGIQ/hG_XIe9rXOY/s288/DSC_0028%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
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Quick resume for those not knowing about it: a so equipped Huayra (it was the former prototype P5 to be precise) was featured on Top Gear for the season opening, and went on to smash the record of the track, sitting on top of the Power Laps. Not that I care much about it.
The thing is, people from the <a href="http://teamspeed.com/forums/supercars/78235-pagani-huayra-top-gear-spoiler-alert-8.html">Team Speed forum</a> (I'm not 100% sure it started from there, anyway) noticed the car was not running some ordinary tires. After some digging, questioning, discussing and arguing, the tires were found out to be basically the slick tires from the Zonda R, with a very mild profile cut into them. Claims of cheat were all over the place, but eventually Pagani released a statement explaining the tires are an option offered for the Huayra, much in the veins of what many other automakers do as well (I can't think of Porsche on their GT3/GT3RS models with some extreme Michelin shoes). Basically slick tires with a minimal profile just to get approved for road use, and full of asterisks (do not use under 10 °C, on dump roads, etc etc).
If you ask me, the situation was extremely poorly handled both by Pagani and the BBC/TG, which could just as easily said from the get go about the tires, and if they felt confident enough, I would even have performed a Power Lap with the standard tires. Ah, whatever.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KcsxgvwTdrdxaoTQVpUb-dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-SDAYVMLyg2w/Ufqg-KcKFrI/AAAAAAAAGIw/U814K5Hj8Ow/s400/DSC_0035%2520copia.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-U6_ymhgiojQG9jEdiCZrtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6u2gxR10rWA/UfqgJV8VIZI/AAAAAAAAGHQ/mbohOCYC9ns/s144/DSC_0010.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aT7Yifi3pWwjqMjxKnLZB9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Q57KvFxkDYA/UfqgOrjigEI/AAAAAAAAGHY/cNRXZbUVows/s144/DSC_0013%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OsL3bLMW9RYLVUfL-GWC_9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sREbDEtXEKw/UfqgCQD5TfI/AAAAAAAAGHA/us19WMW6q2w/s144/DSC_0006.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZVtjIB09Eo7nWbkRnrEk6NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Y0WeAGoT_BI/Ufqge_f_6YI/AAAAAAAAGH4/XfJEZCRCvJ0/s144/DSC_0021%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0lUg3xf9dJnalilsMQwVOtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="95" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zgm2nwANLiM/UfqgbQkSMXI/AAAAAAAAGHw/YWZ0PL9NiGM/s144/DSC_0020%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hmJ7g5uCwI1afDWTK3HjANMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XKCKJdqb6iQ/UfqhHE1r_KI/AAAAAAAAGJA/2lj_Vnw_DUI/s144/DSC_0039%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PAXDAdmnWwc1bAJ2CgvkEtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5WEIMvG0VaY/UfqhKPnrOdI/AAAAAAAAGJI/a6jTAEmcF1I/s144/DSC_0040%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/09XDbleldtJNaOLGXLKW2NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="95" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-99LPtwN05gw/UfqhN4dMwjI/AAAAAAAAGJQ/tzX09eUb2oA/s144/DSC_0041%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8yGZIo5RCWbuM3B9oPDlv9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="267" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-o_4WeI3og-c/Ufqh2WF8NeI/AAAAAAAAGKQ/xr57gXrjE7Q/s400/DSC_0065%2520copia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Track Pack only visible feature otherwise is the prominent front spoiler which I think greatly reduce the gaping mouth look on the Huayra. I actually got use to the cat fish effect pretty soon, but I guess that's because I'm a Pagani slave and I pass way too much time cataloging pictures of their cars. And I mean really too much time.
The thing is, when the spoiler is on, the tail seems a bit too simple in comparison. The Zonda probably had a better balance between the two views, and talking about it, I greatly miss the circular ring surrounding the four pipes at the back, even if the rear clam profiled around the two upper pipes looks great really. Full disclosure, I also like the layout of the Marussia B2 which was released a couple of years prior to the Huayra. So I guess I have a thing for head-aiming exhaust pipes...<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/okZ3KdrJfj4D6vbwieDg3dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-T4lgsE4uUAk/UfqhiWnIybI/AAAAAAAAGJw/oOMFi6FuFt4/s144/DSC_0054%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pIO9iphH3H3csUmxxrv1udMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-icAEnsbAWIk/UfqiHmEyMSI/AAAAAAAAGKw/41WjLg3l0KE/s144/DSC_0070%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aDAvhJaqBUX102yzaRv3RdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MmsUqHgX3VQ/Ufqh8xBRgwI/AAAAAAAAGKg/xHz3Z87AA7A/s144/DSC_0067%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1LmipgT5oxP678LZImn6xNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-65gzXW_2vPA/Ufqh4xE5P0I/AAAAAAAAGKY/fMNywWHJaqo/s144/DSC_0066%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/z8A_40FpYMdwXnPxbpQa2tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_NYW4Q0DWqk/UfqhZJEdpbI/AAAAAAAAGJg/GqY9XgjkLfg/s144/DSC_0047%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sfMlNcjbFvE5iVIOjsti6dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ScCWidqZ9ag/UfqheDRtxhI/AAAAAAAAGJo/BUkHTbLrZoE/s144/DSC_0048%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oYMYxK_rD48EBsdMksClktMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-x5gJ5iZuufc/Ufqhm3OCuRI/AAAAAAAAGJ4/bVP0WZITpSQ/s144/DSC_0058%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EEBVItH6-AEZEKFhB6ptKNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RHVYu31isPQ/UfqiCHgJnhI/AAAAAAAAGKo/vcJQlIyp-Ew/s144/DSC_0068%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a>
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<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8bGGoZXmMPEDH6NI9dn89tMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="144" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hi_yMTg0nsg/UfqhTFI0QWI/AAAAAAAAGJY/t_0Xoy52u9E/s144/DSC_0046.jpg" width="96" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/J4a8KF2Omq4pFtrDD81jitMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ltrcu0NuV5U/UfqhvGxHJ6I/AAAAAAAAGKI/PZw66KhTXuk/s144/DSC_0063%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QEdSiSWPwAFFPyRMcORpJ9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="144" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FI60JfzgVhg/UfqifnI8VKI/AAAAAAAAGLQ/4BIHjRZ3jTU/s144/DSC_0128.jpg" width="96" /></a></div>
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Since I mentioned the Zonda, there is something that really struck me when I was in front of this car. The Huayra looks and feels like a much more complete, complex and trimmed car compared to the Zonda. Every single part I could check, especially those crafted from carbon fiber and carbo-titanium, is profiled in a initially weird way, which it's then explained considering its function in the whole car. There are crests, brackets, trimmings, all sort of different shapes just about everywhere to make sure everything works as a whole and in the best possible way. The Zonda on the other hand, in comparison (stress on "in comparison", not talking on an absolute scale here) is much simpler and straight out of the box. This is not the usual argument about the Zonda being old school (damn hipsters), a "manual" supercar and so on. I'm strictly talking about its technical design. Probably because the Zonda was actually released 14 (gasp) years ago and then constantly evolved over the years, it can seem to be made out of many great parts, thoughtfully put together, but perhaps it doesn't necessarily seem as something thought that way from the get go. It may be pretty obvious when you think the original C12 eventually became the monstrous 760 RS, but even the C12 alone seems rather simple. As if they were doing the best using the simplest solutions. Which is a great philosophy if you ask me.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RGTd8rzwageJYUprxll54dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="144" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8JqR7KT7E5Q/UfqiOGY9IzI/AAAAAAAAGK4/G1pzQJ-TZrM/s144/DSC_0072%2520copia.jpg" width="96" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aqYfrsMlCi3CsZB4V35LVNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D1kZcPc9i6M/UfqiziMekJI/AAAAAAAAGLw/GF3ZYz3JpTE/s144/DSC_0149%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6-bTRcEv5TA-ha1r3HpE9dMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="144" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-G2oN2QeNa3U/Ufqip8f-bCI/AAAAAAAAGLg/GOH-ES7PH00/s144/DSC_0134%2520copia.jpg" width="96" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tnABKkIOZOk6gy8nDReuttMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Cfcr8G1hujE/UfqiTg7U1TI/AAAAAAAAGLA/Vl6TIlAtvy4/s144/DSC_0121%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1N5aUunkuAeWJF1tbJm_qtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1g1jxcj0w60/Ufqi_WXiXeI/AAAAAAAAGMA/7va4PU3WIUc/s144/DSC_0125%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Py77eSUL1OYbr7bz3LTGmNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-l8SRwwNOE2o/UfqiaE3pPTI/AAAAAAAAGLI/4IzeJw-FIr4/s144/DSC_0127%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mbmohkeFPGIt4GlXSeEPSNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="96" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-swDI-mnZSEg/UfqiubvNmGI/AAAAAAAAGLo/qh9EIAXULa0/s144/DSC_0139%2520copia.jpg" width="144" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<br />
With the Huayra though, and I'm just proposing my personal 2 Italian cents on this, I'd say they just aimed for the moon, no matter what. The car had to be the best on the market and everything had to be designed accordingly, sparing no expense (and/or hours of CAD/FEA/CFD modeling probably). It seems indeed that the Huayra could cost much more to produce, even if that could be balanced out by newer techs, more experience in the business of producing out of the world supercars and so on. Producing probably 2 or 3 times more Huayras than Zondas over their lifespan will help too I'm sure, but we are miles away from any sort of mass production here. <br />
As a result, the Huayra appeared to me like a properly and purposefully designed car, where every part works together with the whole vehicle to achieve its targets.<br />
<br />
If it makes any sort of sense.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/qJM39B3NPY5dVgkNdv20ydMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="427" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-GycCypK2oQg/Ufqi4xe8zdI/AAAAAAAAGL4/VDV2qgrQdLw/s640/DSC_0157%2520copia.jpg" width="640" /></a>
</div>
<br />
Just to be clear, gun pointed at my head, I'll take both tank you.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ra4O0sZgmd7Q6DQN6o1V-NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="192" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ChETLJZrUA4/UfqijWUorGI/AAAAAAAAGLY/1fLKrsfNxTQ/s288/DSC_0131%2520copia.jpg" width="288" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Pictures Copyright: Daryl Chapman, Linus Lam, and Damiano Garro
</span>
<br />Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715962311864647450.post-48345495684242870252012-02-05T20:03:00.008+01:002012-02-05T20:44:31.864+01:0022.1 2012 Motorsport Expotech, MoRe Modena Racing on the spotlight!!!<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/105965449940506512254/2212012MotorsportExpotechMoReModenaRacingOnTheSpotlight?feat=embedwebsite#5705736247326461122"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-M3dwmQvLI0I/Ty7Y4vv2zMI/AAAAAAAAFyw/7JWXTXiy8RI/s800/2012%2520Motorsport%2520Expotech%2520-%2520MMR%2520-%2520Mauro%2520Terzi.JPG" height="800" width="532" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />...and we're back online, all systems are go!!!<br /><br />You may remember some rumbling about my partecipation in my Univerhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifsity's team of Formula SAE or Formula Student, depending on the specific race you're referring to. Eventually the 2011 season didn't come together as we planned with pour results and poorer reliability, but we had one hell of a time! It also took a lot of energy and time from all the participants, but that didn't stop me from carry on my commitment for the 2012 season. In the shake up that revolutionize our team, with some people leaving and many more entereing the picture, I ended up being nominated the team leader for the 2012 season. Which means that from that moment on whatever has gone and will go wrong will be my own fault. Fair enough! :D<br /><br />Just so you know it, that beastly black single seater is our Formula SAE entry for the 2011 season, the EVO XI, pictured by <a href="http://www.mauroterzi.it/">Mauro Terzi</a> at this year Motorsport Expotech fair in Modena. The car was mainly developed by students which left the team at the end of the season, so we got to give them credits for this creation.<br /><br />As As of now we are in the final stages of the design of our 2012 entry, code named EVO XII. In all honesty I never really liked that name and the memories of not-anymore-rally-connected Mitsubishis. I suppose we'll have to come up with something more intriguing.<br /><br />Also enjoy the rest of the pictures I've taken myself, over the top ISO settings be damned...<br /><br />Cheers,<br />Damiano <span style="font-style: italic;">aka </span>TIJ<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RpI76M0VA0FgIaOLMPGimNMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-czk_IY10WeQ/Ty7YuXuchTI/AAAAAAAAFy8/oeTRrZxvCSc/s400/2012%2520Motorsport%2520Expotech%2520-%2520MMR%2520%25281%2529%2520-%2520Damiano%2520Garro.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QcECl6e0osg2zMmju2os-NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LG8RmCgU0Po/Ty7YunQnopI/AAAAAAAAFxY/r5OB_CmgMj4/s400/2012%2520Motorsport%2520Expotech%2520-%2520MMR%2520%25283%2529%2520-%2520Damiano%2520Garro.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/105965449940506512254/2212012MotorsportExpotechMoReModenaRacingOnTheSpotlight?feat=embedwebsite#5705736041320017362"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mvRHXUsxCh4/Ty7YswUF7dI/AAAAAAAAFxM/hZJVyVrRzuk/s400/2012%2520Motorsport%2520Expotech%2520-%2520MMR%2520%25282%2529%2520-%2520Damiano%2520Garro.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/105965449940506512254/2212012MotorsportExpotechMoReModenaRacingOnTheSpotlight?feat=embedwebsite#5705736129620152802"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-iJZz60soIOw/Ty7Yx5QfEeI/AAAAAAAAFx4/XOe8spvhtc0/s400/2012%2520Motorsport%2520Expotech%2520-%2520MMR%2520%25287%2529%2520-%2520Damiano%2520Garro.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ThX_gmpdDB9Onu0RyZofKtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9ePeXaQoGgk/Ty7YvlABh4I/AAAAAAAAFxk/orj8jmFdgLs/s640/2012%2520Motorsport%2520Expotech%2520-%2520MMR%2520%25284%2529%2520-%2520Damiano%2520Garro.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TXLOPHjeokiOMnbPTerPb9MTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QgyJzfp5jqg/Ty7YwlwPgsI/AAAAAAAAFxs/GEMlYypMM2Y/s400/2012%2520Motorsport%2520Expotech%2520-%2520MMR%2520%25285%2529%2520-%2520Damiano%2520Garro.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7W1h8unZKZOdewrQvRf0_NMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-raJa-nfKkB4/Ty7YxRHYrxI/AAAAAAAAFx0/SjTmCYaSsa0/s400/2012%2520Motorsport%2520Expotech%2520-%2520MMR%2520%25286%2529%2520-%2520Damiano%2520Garro.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Header Picture credits: <a href="http://www.mauroterzi.it/">Mauro Terzi</a><br />All Other Pictures COpyright: Damiano Garro for The Italian Junkyard</span>Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715962311864647450.post-10724790460761595292011-07-30T15:45:00.007+02:002011-07-30T18:30:34.277+02:002011 24 Hours of Spa-Franchorchamps, LIVE streaming!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.theracecars.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Mercedes-SLS-GT3-historic-livery-1-587x391.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 587px; height: 391px;" src="http://www.theracecars.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Mercedes-SLS-GT3-historic-livery-1-587x391.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />I was going to post the usual series of streaming for this endurance race, and eventually found that the fellows over <a href="http://www.bsimracing.com/2011/07/live-stream-24-hours-of-spa-franhorchamps-2011-start-16-00h/">Bsim Racing</a> did a wonderful job at that.<br />So this time you've got to thank someone else ;)<br /><br /><a href="http://static.sportresult.com/federations/fia/gt1node/index.html?class=Blancpain">You can find the live timing over here.</a><br /><br />Not sure if Radio Le Mans will do some coverage, <a href="http://radiolemans.0157.org/nplayer.php">so here is the link just in case.</a> <br /><br />Enjoy the live streaming of the race after the jump!... except it's not working, not even on the <a href="http://www.total24hours.com/24h-spa/fr/galleries_videos.cfm">official website</a>...?!<br /><a href="http://tv.audi.com/#/01"><br />Lucky us there is still the Audi LIVE feed over here. According to Audi itself they will be straming the whole 24 hours of the race!!!</a><br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><br /><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://www.bsimracing.com//wp-content/Uploads/Banner_24_spa.jpg" height="171" width="855" border="0"> </p><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="http://www.dailymotion.com/embed/video/xi621v?width=855&highlight=%23FF0003&hideInfos=1" frameborder="0" height="481" width="855"></iframe></p><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://www.bsimracing.com//wp-content/Uploads/Banner_SPa2011.jpg" height="90" width="855" border="0"></p><br /><table width="855" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0"><br /><tbody><br /><tr><br /><td bordercolor="#000000" valign="top" align="left" bgcolor="#000000"> </td><br /><td bordercolor="#000000" valign="top" align="left" bgcolor="#000000"> </td><br /></tr><br /><tr><br /><td bordercolor="#000000" valign="top" align="left" bgcolor="#000000"><br /><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><br /><p style="text-align: left;"> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">You can check out the detailed results - </span><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> </span></strong><a target="_blank" href="http://www.blancpain-endurance-series.com/results.php"><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">here</span></strong></a></p><br /><br /><p><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> Blancpain Series Official Live Timing - </span><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> </span></strong><a target="_blank" href="http://static.sportresult.com/federations/fia/gt1node/index.html?class=Blancpain"><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">here</span></strong></a></p><br /><p><font color="#ffffff"> Spa 24h on twitter </font><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> - <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/#%21/24HoursofSpa"><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">http://twitter.com/#!/24HoursofSpa</span></strong></a></span></p><br /><p><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> Spa 24h on Facebook <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> - <a target="_blank" href="http://www.facebook.com/Total24hoursofspa"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><strong>http://www.facebook.com/Total24hoursofspa</strong></span></a></span></span></p><br /><br /><p><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> Spa 24h on Website <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> - <span style="widows: 2; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; border-collapse: separate; font: medium 'Times New Roman'; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); word-spacing: 0px;" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="text-align: center; line-height: 22px; font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; color: rgb(96, 96, 96); font-size: 12px;" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><strong><a target="_blank" href="http://www.total24hours.com"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">http://www.total24hours.com</span></a></strong></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> Blancpain</span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> Series webpage - <span style="widows: 2; text-transform: none; text-indent: 0px; border-collapse: separate; font: medium 'Times New Roman'; white-space: normal; orphans: 2; letter-spacing: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); word-spacing: 0px;" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="text-align: center; line-height: 22px; font-family: Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; color: rgb(128, 0, 0); font-size: 12px;" class="Apple-style-span"><a style="color: rgb(147, 25, 22); text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" href="http://www.blancpain-endurance-series.com/"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><strong>http://www.blancpain-endurance-series.com</strong></span></a></span></span></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><br><br /> </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"> </span></span> <br><br /> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.total24hours.com/24h-spa/images/Plattegrond%20Circuit.jpg" class="thickbox no_icon" rel="gallery-20118" title=""><img alt="" src="http://www.bsimracing.com//wp-content/Uploads/Map_spa.jpg" height="302" width="389" border="0"></a></p><br /><br /><p style="text-align: left;"> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Official Track Webpage - <a target="_blank" href="http://www.spa-francorchamps.be/en/index.php?lg=en"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><strong>http://www.spa-francorchamps.be</strong></span></a></span></p><br /><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><br /></td><br /><td bordercolor="#000000" valign="top" align="left" bgcolor="#000000"><br /><div style="margin: 15px 0px 0px;" align="center"><noscript><br /><div align="center" style="width:140px; border:1px solid #ccc; background: #FF0000; color: #FFFFFF; font-weight:bold;"> <a style="font-size:13px; line-height:16px; padding:2px 0px; font-family:arial; text-decoration: none; color: #FFFFFF;" href="http://localtimes.info/Europe/Germany/Berlin/"><img src="http://localtimes.info/images/countries/de.png" border=0 style="border:0;margin:0;padding:0"> Berlin Time</a></div><br /><p> </noscript><script type="text/javascript" src="http://localtimes.info/clock.php?cp3_Hex=000000&cp2_Hex=FF0000&cp1_Hex=FFFFFF&fwdt=200&ham=1&hbg=0&hfg=0&sid=1&mon=0&wek=0&wkf=0&sep=0&continent=Europe&country=Germany&city=Berlin&widget_number=1024"></script><object codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=7,0,19,0" classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" height="50" width="200"><param name="movie" value="http://localtimes.info/acswD/design24.swf?ggh=15&gid=1&&ggm=43&rnd=0&gha=1&fna=&ghb=0&ghf=0&gbc=0x000000&gfc=0xFF0000&gtc=0xFFFFFF&gnu=http://localtimes.info/Europe/Germany/Berlin/widget/"> <param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"> <param name="quality" value="high"> <param name="wmode" value="transparent"> <embed src="http://localtimes.info/acswD/design24.swf?ggh=15&gid=1&&ggm=43&rnd=0&gha=1&fna=&ghb=0&ghf=0&gbc=0x000000&gfc=0xFF0000&gtc=0xFFFFFF&gnu=http://localtimes.info/Europe/Germany/Berlin/widget/" allowscriptaccess="always" quality="high" wmode="transparent" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="50" width="200"></object></div><br /><p><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><strong>Saturday 30/07/2011</strong></span> </p><br /><br /><p><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">13:30 – 14:40 01:10 Drivers Presentation 00:00</span></p><br /><p><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">14:40 – 15:00 00:20 RACB GT Parade </span></p><br /><p><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">15:05 – 15:44 Total 24H of Spa – Grid visit by VIP </span></p><br /><p><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">15:10 Total 24H of Spa – Pit lane open </span></p><br /><p><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">15:20 Total 24H of Spa – Pit lane closed </span></p><br /><p><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">15:44 Total 24H of Spa – 10 min board </span></p><br /><p><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">15:53 Total 24H of Spa – 1 min board </span></p><br /><p><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">15:53:45 Total 24H of Spa – 15 sec board </span></p><br /><p><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">15:54 Total 24H of Spa – formation lap </span></p><br /><br /><p><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">16:00 – Total 24H of Spa – Race</span></p><br /><p><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Sunday 31/07/2011</span></strong></p><br /><p><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">16:10 – 00:15 Total 24H of Spa – Podium</span></p><br /><p> <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"></span></p><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><strong><span style="background-color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The race will be streamed live. </span></strong></p><br /><p> </p><br /><p> </p></td><br /></tr><br /></tbody><br /></table><br /></span>Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715962311864647450.post-86696867021477084092011-06-22T15:48:00.009+02:002011-06-25T23:40:40.107+02:002011 24 Hours of Nurburgring, LIVE STREAMING<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/j9MZhWdCBBICqx8RpYpcFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img style="width: 700px; height: 466px;" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0Q9qrlurjSM/TgXkd46VpgI/AAAAAAAAFlM/AvN3oR4BeUg/s800/mercedes-190-evo-nurburgring-1.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br />THE 24 HOURS OF NURBURGRING IT'S BACK!<br />Time to watch some endurance motorsport at its finest once again.<br /><br />News has just come that the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid 2.0 has been penalized with an air restrictor to reduce the power output of its combustion engine, reducing by a large margin its overall performance and forcing its drivers to rely on the electric motors much more than what they were planning.<br /><br />We tried to incorporate the official streaming for the race and its live timing, but it seems there is something not properly working in the code.<br />If it doesn't, <a href="http://adac.24h-rennen.de/Streaming.4101.0.html?&L=1&cHash=f6a7d1bb2f">head over the live streaming page from the ADAC website</a>, and use the <a href="http://rlm.0157.org/#">Radio Le Mans English conmmentary</a> for a complete experience!<br />You may need to install the windows media player plug in for the video, and the commentary would be in German, so Radio Le Mans will surely help you.<br /><br />You can also find the <a href="http://tv.audi.de/#/01">live feed from Audi over here</a>, once again in German.<br /><br />Also check out <a href="http://www.24stundenonline.de/event.php">this live tracking webpag</a>e to check the position and status of some of your favorite cars.<br /><br />ENJOY THE RACE!<br /><br />Streaming after the jump!<br /><span class="fullpost"><br /><br /><iframe src="http://wige-iptv.com/cms/livecast/24h/liveplayer.php" style="border: 0pt none; margin: 0pt; padding: 0pt; overflow: hidden;" height="294" width="518"><br /> <p>Ihr Browser kann keine Frames darstellen ...<p><br /></iframe><br /></span><div><br /></div>Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715962311864647450.post-52384090012920407762011-06-11T13:27:00.003+02:002012-06-22T02:51:17.133+02:002011 24 Hours of Le Mans, LIVE Streaming!<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aLyYJNltST7GweyynBYxmg?feat=embedwebsite"><img height="427" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mPVYPkSJYrM/TfNlTTj5krI/AAAAAAAAFj8/-_YP4hQCleA/s640/audi-r18-spa-2011-vvcz-1.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
The only bad thing about this year 24 Heuers of Le Mans is that Aston Martin screwed up its car, big time. So it's once again a two men race, with both Audi and Peugeot showing off their brand new weapons of track destruction.<br />
<br />
While the new Peugeot 908 looks just about the same as the old 908 HDi FAP, the new Audi R18 is completely different despite vaguely resembling the R15, except it got a canopy this time.<br />
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Both cars are designed around the new set of rules with modified aerodynamics and reduced engine displacement. It's hard to say if they are faster because of the design's quality, or because of the huge budget both teams has compared to even Aston Martin Racing itself.<br />
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That's the same reason why it's hard to tell if diesel powered cars are indeed faster. I guess we'll never know by the look of things.<br />
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Regardless, it's time for the action on track to talk for itself. Will Peugeot drive its cars to destruction once again, or did Audi fix all those small issues which were holding the R18 back?<br />
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We'll know in 24 hours.<br />
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Keep in mind that this page may often be updated depending on the quality of the streams I may find and whatnot. You may have noticed there isn't a chat box on the right anymore. Damn spammers. You can still drop a comment or send me an email if you want.<br />
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I'm not even sure how much of the race I'll be able to follow myself.<br />
I know I'll be on MSN with a few friends for a while though.<br />
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif<br />
Check out all the LIVE feeds after the jump, and be sure to tune on Radio Le Mans for an excellent English commentary!<br />
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Beware of the Peugeot LIVE feed, audio will start automatically, in French of course.<br />
<span class="fullpost"><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://radiolemans.0157.org/nplayer.php">CLICK HERE FOR A RADIO LE MANS LIVE COMMENTARY IN ENGLISH!</a><br /><br /><br /><iframe frameborder="0" height="480" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.seeXon.tv/embedplayer.php?width=640&height=480&channel=10942&autoplay=true" width="640"></iframe><br /><br /><object data="http://www.peugeot-sport.com/flash/flv/player_flv_maxi.swf" height="356" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="632"><p>
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</object><br /><br /><a href="http://www.audi-microsites.com/lemans/">AUDI STREAMING CHANNEL</a><br /><br /><embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" flashvars="autoplay=false&brand=embed&cid=8103373&v3=1" height="296" id="utv349136" name="utv_n_80834" src="http://www.ustream.tv/flash/viewer.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480"></embed><br /><br /><iframe height="800" scrolling="no" src="http://www.lemans.org/iframes/24hdumans/2011/swf/chronos/chrono_general_rolex_essais_gb.swf" width="625">&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;De browser ondersteunt het IFRAME element niet.&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;</iframe><br /></span>Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715962311864647450.post-35226668168006508582011-06-11T00:50:00.003+02:002011-06-11T00:58:51.534+02:0021.3 Dart to the Heart: Ferrari 308 GTB Quattrovalvole #49397<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tsJhszR0lk0jszu4yt7bXA?feat=embedwebsite"><img style="width: 700px; height: 465px;" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-aDvra-exNPM/TfKfh7NTRMI/AAAAAAAAFis/zT4GnI5_kto/s800/DSC_0088%252520copy.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br />The Ferrari 308 may seem pretty average to a modern eye. Maybe even ugly, unfinished and almost as cheap as a kit-car assembled in your backyard.<br /><br />The again, such an eye would be wrong.<br />Of the various iteration of the entry level Ferrari model, I think the 308 has a special place in the company history. Not only it was the first of a long line of entry level models to feature a mid longitudinally mounted V8, it also carries on this sharp dart shaped bodywork which could very well be something to remember from its decade, if it wasn't for one Lamborghini Countach.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Fm-QxKjzWXJG5H9sMNqUAQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9AfXsV0yfPU/TfKfjhPk2II/AAAAAAAAFi0/_eHHx3cgchc/s144/DSC_0093%252520copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Dn_ondk76PiUPj2ZNpazoQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Hw4qPgxsVOI/TfKfo8dGVCI/AAAAAAAAFjE/VSsAFt177ho/s144/DSC_0190%252520copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BzYuVEgpQgLHYlZbiQMCKw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-koYLHFTDbko/TfKfn-gNPiI/AAAAAAAAFjA/6_nMiVbqpjY/s144/DSC_0097%252520copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/F9J-gVpUlELGZ9RPFdhUvw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s0QZhx1bc08/TfKfmKPw6_I/AAAAAAAAFi4/h0n5QR721B0/s144/DSC_0095%252520copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9I-lTbDT_-ij2Q6oGxUrqg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2Ht2wKOvRVE/TfKfr947dqI/AAAAAAAAFjI/_K-2xJexvo4/s400/DSC_0191%252520copy.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br />I'm pretty sure the is a very long and very painful list of all things that could and will go wrong with this car should one of us decide to part ways with a relatively low amount of money.<br />There is indeed a reason why you could buy one for as little as 40.000 €. I'm not going to add "in decent conditions", as that's very subjective, mostly depending on how much time you're willing to pass looking for spare parts or checking your bank account.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/P5kaZXVwrLMa4KCkjPH9Mg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-gRvATg8LgzQ/TfKfefYRnkI/AAAAAAAAFig/6J2Wx-VxX7I/s144/DSC_0086%252520copy.jpg" height="144" width="96" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oouSMG8jPQPtmIqa9cgATA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XlO83-qPxvE/TfKfivLXCBI/AAAAAAAAFiw/-yL23lOqj4Y/s144/DSC_0092%252520copy.jpg" height="144" width="96" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ti6IBBlRoDib9DMbs27-uQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g65oVLjQADM/TfKfn-3NQmI/AAAAAAAAFi8/ttE5OYB3zC0/s144/DSC_0189%252520copy.jpg" height="144" width="96" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lPRStbUKfaindYEhsk_Tsw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DNmc8ndAzko/TfKftWExz2I/AAAAAAAAFjU/JXWah_rlCCI/s144/DSC_0197%252520copy.jpg" height="144" width="96" /></a><br /></div><br />That's actually the case with most cars from more than 30 years ago, so that's not real surprise and it didn't get better until the Ferrari 360 Modena as far as I know.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MQYKe25U0OxxzDfP1hc-fw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-d8RyxI0STJA/TfKfgBEtyzI/AAAAAAAAFio/l-dNPnUTcOo/s144/DSC_0087%252520copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/56YFi9ot4mJf9B0wT75JzA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2xa65C71nrw/TfKfeaFiHQI/AAAAAAAAFik/eMBOcoYA4HY/s144/DSC_0084%252520copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ijWR34cgIsxCDNssiqM2dQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6TgT3k7cEw0/TfKfsBaOmMI/AAAAAAAAFjM/inpydkplI-Y/s144/DSC_0195%252520copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jXXnBp6EZFPXQLbaVhJ5CA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-eQalEzJGm14/TfKfsQfyfwI/AAAAAAAAFjQ/qNi-D4BDIyk/s144/DSC_0196%252520copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /></div><br />This is completely irrelevant though, as I'm still convinced the look of this car is just great. Raw, untamed, projected to the next corner. I don't really care how it will handle it and how that's going to cost. It looks great, and that's fair enough for me.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7BQi0sHiRrpsNHz5ipwIMQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-0REf3TQwyak/TfKfdnRFZPI/AAAAAAAAFic/nOZ-jvjAMlc/s640/DSC_0082%252520copy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">All Pictures Copyright: Damiano Garro<br /></span>Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715962311864647450.post-59480106566150188592011-05-25T17:47:00.005+02:002011-05-25T18:07:23.430+02:0021.2 Who cares about Air Conditioning?! Dino 246 GT #02566<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wsR_9LfeZLCo-Fe6-DI9hgQxXma2qqZtnp4ZBCtU3GQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img style="width: 700px; height: 466px;" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Td0k_yyvVMI/AAAAAAAAFfQ/yqblkbOKJy0/s800/DSC_0050%20copy.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br />It's not summer yet, but days are getting warmer and warmer.<br />There are a few places were I wouldn't mind being, most of them include a Caribbean beach, a chilling wind and an icy drink.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/j1api3ESfiuBW-aIW_mLRgQxXma2qqZtnp4ZBCtU3GQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Td0k_Zo9URI/AAAAAAAAFfI/z5q2neTGI3E/s144/DSC_0047%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AghNybsBWwNx5-BUxPFv2gQxXma2qqZtnp4ZBCtU3GQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Td0k_79FWjI/AAAAAAAAFfM/r_i7UdGU51g/s144/DSC_0049%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/e48K7rXg0-eY_uahtu_mQgQxXma2qqZtnp4ZBCtU3GQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Td0lDAXxB2I/AAAAAAAAFgI/tQLvHHufu0M/s144/DSC_0179%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_SYUIvJMRcyrTbkdE1-68gQxXma2qqZtnp4ZBCtU3GQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Td0lDgzqGFI/AAAAAAAAFgM/kV9KW_D-k3o/s144/DSC_0180%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BDu2Fz2YZFsm0EJ0MPDlsQQxXma2qqZtnp4ZBCtU3GQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Td0lEkzedGI/AAAAAAAAFgc/PlkjmxwaIdc/s144/DSC_0185%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3ojFNFB4s_M2lDI8r56KMAQxXma2qqZtnp4ZBCtU3GQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Td0lED1_CCI/AAAAAAAAFgY/pdS3_leeEOI/s144/DSC_0184%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9LuWIgU4havE8QGbU89MQwQxXma2qqZtnp4ZBCtU3GQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Td0lBLM3vFI/AAAAAAAAFfg/GVnY28Y-EZI/s144/DSC_0063%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/m9KJ8KllDBbbyWqQGPu1jAQxXma2qqZtnp4ZBCtU3GQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Td0lEDn-R0I/AAAAAAAAFgU/3tf03pO-CYs/s144/DSC_0183%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RLCmMzDcul4qXHEoNhn53wQxXma2qqZtnp4ZBCtU3GQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Td0lDxDL1qI/AAAAAAAAFgQ/hRnOxcPXeig/s640/DSC_0182%20copy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br /></div><br />That, or a ride in a vintage car, sunglasses and a great soundtrack to follow me on a winding road.<br /><br />It's OK to dream, isn't it?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Y8zznYFL4W_tw0zqLulbWwQxXma2qqZtnp4ZBCtU3GQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Td0lANPpJlI/AAAAAAAAFfU/r5XUgdEDihY/s288/DSC_0058%20copy.jpg" height="192" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6T-lhc1ZIejfgPS6MnOr5QQxXma2qqZtnp4ZBCtU3GQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Td0lC50RPWI/AAAAAAAAFgE/4f07aeM1-Wk/s288/DSC_0174%20copy.jpg" height="192" width="288" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/06avB7c4ePMLcyUHsAZnyAQxXma2qqZtnp4ZBCtU3GQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Td0lA9J9mvI/AAAAAAAAFfc/-Zio_fRK7Ic/s144/DSC_0062%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/E_FZ4iJrZyAD0q1DrxZXRQQxXma2qqZtnp4ZBCtU3GQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Td0lAj4H-vI/AAAAAAAAFfY/2G7ztz6RFzo/s144/DSC_0061%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/--ogqPC40TDBBwGtvuhReAQxXma2qqZtnp4ZBCtU3GQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Td0lCMn4OqI/AAAAAAAAFfw/CNchmsCx1do/s144/DSC_0159%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aA0rmIYJDk41WEzGirkStwQxXma2qqZtnp4ZBCtU3GQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Td0lCJOHufI/AAAAAAAAFfs/avi_d7z-iI0/s144/DSC_0161%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ysE7ClTzQxKNdhsdQYELEgQxXma2qqZtnp4ZBCtU3GQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Td0lBQuBLYI/AAAAAAAAFfo/95VuvdobzX0/s400/DSC_0065%20copy.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/T-uXj-ehUsv4rY-s9clT2wQxXma2qqZtnp4ZBCtU3GQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Td0lAw45X9I/AAAAAAAAFfk/yYZT63dgq3g/s144/DSC_0060%20copy.jpg" height="144" width="96" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2OYpOdBgApfhHbkH9bgXTQQxXma2qqZtnp4ZBCtU3GQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Td0lC3JFbZI/AAAAAAAAFgA/6mTnq_MWIiQ/s144/DSC_0170%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-va8HSH2stUBu19lYDN1XQQxXma2qqZtnp4ZBCtU3GQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Td0lCn60g_I/AAAAAAAAFf8/MgqESiUW-NM/s144/DSC_0167%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7YY2FZWwdlu7_nVlXW0NWgQxXma2qqZtnp4ZBCtU3GQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Td0lCazhv4I/AAAAAAAAFf4/8xDRJVlV0jA/s144/DSC_0166%20copy.jpg" height="144" width="96" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />That said, the day I'll appreciate the original shade of Rosso Ferrari is still quite far away.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KlHaoEHaMC_pRvXjek1HCQQxXma2qqZtnp4ZBCtU3GQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Td0lCFyxbVI/AAAAAAAAFf0/Kz0W5wfCt40/s640/DSC_0163%20copy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">All Pictures Copyright: Damiano Garro<br /></span>Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715962311864647450.post-65679535835938236612011-05-10T00:31:00.002+02:002011-05-10T00:41:12.556+02:0021.1 Spring brought flowers, and some Ferrari memorabilia<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nmtVcHPABJuY09-fEeHOOA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TchqWwU9zsI/AAAAAAAAFGk/DV6B9Ts1F8c/s640/DSC_0208%20copy.jpg" width="640" height="426" /></a><br /></div><br />Spring.<br />It’s not just about flowers, bees, weekends at the lake or whatever you may prefer.<br />There is another key element. Automotive events!<br /><br />Yep, with the good season come a lot of minor events all around Italy and not only, without even considering the racing season going straight in its more packed period.<br />To prepare yourself for the next months I’ve taken a last year’s se4t of pictures from a random and pretty small “show” I’ve stumbled upon in a town close to my parents’, while on vacation.<br /><br />Not much to be seen on an absolute scale, still a nice place to stop by. Main attractions were probably the four Ferraris (one of them being actually a Dino) parked next to the church and a Lola B05/52 Zytek from the late A1 Grand Prix championship, but there also was a pretty large and weird selection of various Ferrari related items and memorabilia of all sorts.<br /><br />So be it, enjoy the randomness!<br />Photoshoots with the other cars will come soon!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bTpWxP6bDYOwCWISgg-VsA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TchqWSW0IRI/AAAAAAAAFGg/32_3i4FASbU/s288/DSC_0207%20copy.jpg" width="192" height="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/n4sJvVCNxq7mBBwz5sbS9w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TchqXbI4IWI/AAAAAAAAFGo/Shg9RraNioM/s288/DSC_0212%20copy.jpg" width="192" height="288" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XHIlhMmPolqNKXqrnFjQ5g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TchqQx9lgYI/AAAAAAAAFGU/GrEhdO3cl1E/s144/DSC_0152%20copy.jpg" width="144" height="96" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UpXAkz_6rYWARojKu0h4wg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TchqTUIvQ5I/AAAAAAAAFGY/Qm00yUlENGE/s144/DSC_0141%20copy.jpg" width="144" height="96" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/omAHSge7g2PGH-HE5PyOuA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TchqUC2U_ZI/AAAAAAAAFGc/xVEnEulSpTo/s144/DSC_0150%20copy.jpg" width="144" height="96" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />Ferrari 208 engine:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/M5Pn20gVdAPFR21S-aIl2A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TchqhPHu8NI/AAAAAAAAFGs/6e4EcPVNvho/s288/DSC_0157%20copy.jpg" width="288" height="192" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UgwMt1v9fdjQMJXbq4nNig?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Tchqh6iLSsI/AAAAAAAAFGw/dSjTSB00e2U/s288/DSC_0154%20copy.jpg" width="288" height="192" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Nv14pszJEUQ2m70fUMG44Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TchqkqcyKnI/AAAAAAAAFG0/FIE5jP5WCdk/s400/DSC_0155%20copy.jpg" width="266" height="400" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VqbujG0dbHLkJQaEuKF_WA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Tchqkw90wiI/AAAAAAAAFG4/9xF9P1GuOtI/s400/DSC_0158%20copy.jpg" width="266" height="400" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />Ferrari 360 Modena engine:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VmnE3hNPhXBK-9esTK1ohA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Tchqyb5ne9I/AAAAAAAAFHA/l1L_HF8F2JY/s288/DSC_0136%20copy.jpg" width="288" height="192" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/m59zxO_q6cLO5V8ykWdP1g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Tchq0JpM1eI/AAAAAAAAFHI/UdWBE6Tbs88/s288/DSC_0138%20copy.jpg" width="288" height="192" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/00zDK4IAA-xMla8iXHPOfg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/Tchq0a4rYsI/AAAAAAAAFHM/p4I_x4RwTKg/s400/DSC_0139%20copy.jpg" width="400" height="266" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />Ferrari F430 engine:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rhZBvvIweLSDQvQo0xXpMA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TchsCrEx6pI/AAAAAAAAFHk/8Ywq34zNkx8/s400/DSC_0144%20copy.jpg" width="400" height="266" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3koIP5ecH6giX0ggRfLv4w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TchrKceSPpI/AAAAAAAAFHY/k5NNa2_mnug/s288/DSC_0142%20copy.jpg" width="288" height="192" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KxvsTM7SW1LODp78uPDTBw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TchsBVTPd9I/AAAAAAAAFHg/GzZpwVjygC8/s288/DSC_0148%20copy.jpg" width="288" height="192" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DLR9rCg5mhpBcfTUefLvkw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TchsDFWKcSI/AAAAAAAAFHo/TCIIo3epGKk/s400/DSC_0143%20copy.jpg" width="400" height="266" /></a><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">All Pictures Copyright: Damiano Garro<br /></span>Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715962311864647450.post-42199864805421482502011-03-27T16:55:00.005+02:002011-03-28T10:29:42.299+02:0017.5 Get your hands dirty, assemble your own Zonda: an interview with Horacio Pagani, PART 4<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ysMhRaWVbEUStJW6_dQ9nbjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img style="width: 700px; height: 467px;" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TWbf8cIpaMI/AAAAAAAAElo/OdpYHfsdgGY/s800/DSC_0104b%20copy.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br />Talking with Mr Pagani has been an honor and a very interesting experience, but it was his son Leonardo and their PR manager Miss Pramazzoni who explained us how the magic is run at Pagani’s, and how your Zonda comes to life. They also managed to transmit the passion and commitment which go into each car. We were particularly surprised by the level of knowledge and enthusiasm of Leonardo. You can really see he and his brother Christopher are an actual part of the company and don’t just sit in a corner waiting for the job to be done.<br /><br />Make the jump and follow us during an imaginary assembly of a Zonda. Close your eyes, and perhaps it will look like it’s <span style="font-style: italic;">your </span>Zonda!<span class="fullpost"><br /><br />As many of you may already know, plans have been long under way to build a new factory so that annual production could be increased from 15 or so cars to up to 30/40 cars. This building has already been acquired by the company some years ago, and is in the process of being reconverted accordingly to Pagani’s requirement. As you may have figured, the first Huayra units are already being assembled in the old factory, which we’ll be converted into a sort of spa resort for the venerable Zonda once the new building will be up and running.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hOwvlLNnJ-dH1T2ucMXpPLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TETNTR6b-kI/AAAAAAAAE5k/M9XfQZ_-Txs/s288/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0023.jpg" height="192" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-0y7wE1k-CRLVqG60J9ep7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TETNTU3UfHI/AAAAAAAAEAU/oiO6iCVvTgU/s288/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0026.jpg" height="192" width="288" /></a><br /></div><br />When we visited the factory last summer, a bit less than 120 road going Zondas had already been built, not considering a few other cars such as the track-only 2004 Zonda Monza, two units of the racing 2003 Zonda GR (built on behalf of team Carsport, with no official involvement of Pagani Automobili Spa) and a handful units of the ferociously fast Zonda R. That’s good for about 13 cars built every year since 1999 when the Zonda was unveiled in Geneva. At first each car took about 9 months to be completed from scratch, while now we could appreciate how they became much faster at that, as between our visits in May and June the cars under assembly were not the same. Given the quality has increased over the year to an almost senseless level, while new variants and options were introduced, you really got to give them credits for their work. Quicker and better, what more could you want? No, cheaper supercars are not in the cars…<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/U5DJZpkKOAlwMD6JI8ceEbjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3mlarvxyI/AAAAAAAAD2I/LbnUhQVW1sk/s400/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0040%20copy.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AazDaYAqTys9D8WC0vufVLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3mn6s96nI/AAAAAAAAD2M/XtyE9NtpSso/s288/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0052%20copy.jpg" height="192" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ixh-NO8dFIUe98K2_TRkFLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3mp4n4f7I/AAAAAAAAD2U/LVB8Nt_B2Ys/s288/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0054%20copy.jpg" height="192" width="288" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ENQO7WG4AzAPrjt-UC-BtrjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3mr-s1EcI/AAAAAAAAD2Y/K3TVaIIjBvM/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0056%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aflZYeEFC-F9_wf603L4CLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3mtmKMjYI/AAAAAAAAD2c/8-S2uJGdTx8/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0058%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/X2c7hrHbt23IH4TCBU8iCLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3mvZUb65I/AAAAAAAAD2g/jL3RYVkyTm0/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0059%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/o9zqIq3jN7-zXMlqb5__fbjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3mwwAIFHI/AAAAAAAAD2k/rFjkZfDHOk8/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0061%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /></div><br />Everything starts in the smaller room of the factory. In this climate controlled environment a few skillful hands model the precious carbon fiber and carbo-titanium fabrics into parts of the car and its chassis. Each component is then ready to be vacuumed into special bags and put into the autoclaves (large ovens which can maintain high pressures and temperatures for hours). It’s really important that you get as much air vacuumed outside of those bags as possible, as it would dangerously affects the variations in temperature and pressure inside of the bag itself, damaging the carbon fiber part, with also the possibility of air being absorbed by the resin itself. Even if you use a vacuum pump, when dealing with complex parts it may not be an easy task. Back in the days though, Mr Pagani found an easy solution to this problem.<br />If you ever happened to see how a new road or a parking lot is built, you may have noticed a white, soft yet compact fabric positioned just underneath the concrete and asphalt layers, mainly to avoid roots and other sorts of vegetation to find their way through, rather than around. On a similar occasion, Mr Pagani thought about trying that white fabric as a way to get the air out of the bags even using parts with complicated geometries. The fabric is laid adherently to the carbon fiber part, so that when the bag stick to it because of the vacuum pump’s caused depression, air can still flow through the fabric’s fibers. A very simple and cost effective way to solve a tricky situation.<br />As we mentioned, once the part is ready it needs to be positioned into the autoclave, where it will stay for a time which depends on the component itself and the desired properties you want to get out of it. By this step though, a lot of pages have been written in a very special book. Each car built so far has its own book, and there every step of its production is reported next to the names of workers and what they did, when and how. Everything is written down, so that whenever something needs to be checked back, it’s all there. This increase the responsibility of those who work on the cars, as your name is there to testify you’re responsible for your work.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/q7QOijg0jQJLragbpQa99LjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3nfDRRhWI/AAAAAAAAD4Y/krT0uifXFQQ/s400/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0127%20copy.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ieDo1aX0xQ0Gi9sxLh4vP7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3ngqXbN3I/AAAAAAAAD4c/0u8OnmoZwag/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0128%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/K_xZCoQt5GP3E-Dl_lNpHrjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3njEKgztI/AAAAAAAAD4k/Unkhx_dowDA/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0131%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ARjJ0O0BH5eVtKrrhLX0TbjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3nkEAqsBI/AAAAAAAAD4o/HB6nPFrFWRc/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0132%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CIcOMqNHzpxc8viBmas5a7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3nlNE3_RI/AAAAAAAAD4s/RDtkPU_EUrE/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0134%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BVJfp1zdKnc2u1K6H_gR9LjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3nh6YrlBI/AAAAAAAAEkg/5fKN3QtJRnM/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0130%20copy.jpg" height="144" width="96" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6EOsL4FXDGtdnT20CvB4yLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3nmeBThfI/AAAAAAAAD4w/wy9aph4bJLE/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0135%20copy.jpg" height="144" width="96" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CpClaNfr_Ay0flhez58UV7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3nnoh__XI/AAAAAAAAD40/RfOPIRYfsQY/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0136%20copy.jpg" height="144" width="96" /></a><br /></div><br /><br />It indeed happened that while Leonardo Pagani was giving us this technical tour, Mr Horacio Pagani himself showed up into the production rooms, and right before we left for his office, everybody gathered around a carbon fiber sill, and none of them looked too happy about what was going on. What happened is that the bag failed while in the autoclave, obviously damaging the sill. So whoever handled that component before of that stage was there to try to figure what went wrong and why. We all know that something can go wrong with no given reason sometimes, but I found it sort of reassuring (ok, it wasn’t my car, still) that everyone felt in a way involved in this little accident.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FicBt2TlfnsrtSNY9F5IBLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3onsoqTCI/AAAAAAAAD7U/zJJhxmhim6I/s400/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0120%20copy.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br />Once your carbon fiber parts are taken out of the ovens, you can start the actual assembly of the car. The first step is to position the whole bodywork and chassis on a jig to check that everything is perfectly aligned and each part fits each other. The two jigs are positioned next to the autoclaves, in the third and largest room.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yY809jez8b_I_HNZ7ldDmrjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3nIZLI39I/AAAAAAAAD3c/2Wp8BZ2o91k/s400/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0092%20copy.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XNVHLgvytM4VLEMfjRpb1rjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3nFWEXx5I/AAAAAAAAD3U/QpXjkNJerOI/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0086%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vMS0cdn4dNvt-j68-01WO7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3nG31jaII/AAAAAAAAD3Y/ppG2dPkQyC4/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0089%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RJPVv_BhdZvhBz-7MO_LGbjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3nKH3DvFI/AAAAAAAAD3k/mbAOas5dQak/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0094%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1BCidyp9th0w_5Hj22vbFrjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3nLmSoVGI/AAAAAAAAD3o/rFG0QzbT19Q/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0097%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uTcv5IRFstwSA4DX72hucbjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3nN2u0r2I/AAAAAAAAD3s/FXCiQLy2DxM/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0098%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/koDwQSGdC9eedg9iWe2dFLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3nRC3xhcI/AAAAAAAAD30/p1seI0UNMA4/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0104%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rdgh0e81Al1mfZzu-GXFOLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3nPWxm2tI/AAAAAAAAD3w/32kYPT2m6aI/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0099%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /></div><br />Then the parts are shipped to a trusted paint shop here in Modena where the paints are applied. Meanwhile AMG Mercedes ships an almighty custom developed M120 V12 engine completed with all the electronics, while a gearbox is made available by Cima, another company from Modena. The front and rear Chromium-Molybdenum steel subframes are prepared to accommodate all the wirings and the suspensions, made out of Avional, a special aluminum alloy developed for the aircraft industry. The tank is integrated in the rear bottom part of the chassis. The whole assembly is held in the first room, the one you access to directly from the showroom in acse you’ve already been there. The smaller climate controlled room is now at your right, while the larger room is straight ahead of you, just to give you a quick idea on the factory’s configuration. The whole production area is smaller than what you’re thinking, really.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zgEn19auM5gTbm42HOibiLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TEM0QmdjCyI/AAAAAAAAD-c/lA7ilzMY-aw/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0028%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/05-v_m6bt8lVKs7-gwakj7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3meZsJGXI/AAAAAAAAD14/LysrP1wdMmM/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0047%20copy.jpg" height="144" width="96" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/LpQrfD0jqIoTYv8ZPfaX47jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TEMzjx_baKI/AAAAAAAAD-I/BGw5eMg-ak0/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0029%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zpomDmjRicl3zkzSTp_9krjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3mPErEraI/AAAAAAAAD1Q/iyQoQt23r8w/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0032%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IPOFPWON3vazJyxEJfiSKbjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3mY7Ec0yI/AAAAAAAAD1s/b6z2ToS_VqA/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0031%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ra2il4135TRejy3clk0lu7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3marO6TII/AAAAAAAAD1w/8v3eaDSkuIc/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0034%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XL2ALaXSM3mLKWHROqYAHbjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3mcV8EHHI/AAAAAAAAD10/0_73n1UjFkg/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0038%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lUktP4u16R_aMlmvaK-P77jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3mgYPbZyI/AAAAAAAAD18/JQoKECYq7Fs/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0049%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KFvZWdAarqQMqeYJ-x8fJbjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3miG6WhgI/AAAAAAAAEjo/kOoVDYfQ7U4/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0124%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xEdS_fMMI9waXrdAzPwFY7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3mj2p5NgI/AAAAAAAAD2E/C6ltKEIRZhA/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0125%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5ejN2gmrv-t6z-dQlY206rjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3oUxZafvI/AAAAAAAAD6k/zZHHE1q5rgI/s144/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0027.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /></div><br />Up to now, the car could still be either an LHD or an RHD car, and hypothetically it wouldn’t be a major task to convert a car to one or the other configuration even after the assembly is completed, given it was making economically sense that is. While the two subframes are completed and connected to the main tub, the interior is on its way right after the wiring is done. Then each part of the car is assembled from the gearbox and exhaust to the complete and finished bodywork. As soon as everything is properly fixed and checked the car is ready for a test drive and a fine tuning, also according to the owners requests. The fine tuning is either held in the main room or in the largest one, depending on what’s required and on the stage of assembly of other cars.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/igss2ScOC14o20O-8vDg5rjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3nWibms8I/AAAAAAAAD38/O3TlvnwVhEA/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0111%20copy.jpg" height="144" width="96" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/We0STGBIC6inYLmQTNENXLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3ndkC1g-I/AAAAAAAAD4Q/dGO8U-6s1b4/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0117%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1mx4KfWfSgSLY2c_Azct2bjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3nb9-DQHI/AAAAAAAAD4I/niC_7TsYWnM/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0114%20copy.jpg" height="144" width="96" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/T-4ObywlIfFNdG1qGduhk7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3nUXAgPZI/AAAAAAAAD34/BREi_V0-JV0/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0109%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0BYDKSM9RQBZG7Ef79LMjLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3nYOUa37I/AAAAAAAAD4A/YjamzPr6zXQ/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0112%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QyS5yVLb3VcCTcTZ7sv4LLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3nZ0upV1I/AAAAAAAAD4E/aIDAPG0ELbA/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0113%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /><br /></div><br />I remember the first time I was there as a visitor in 2008, I’ve read a sheet full of notes about a car which was there for servicing. I can remember something in particular: “reduce downforce”. Guess the owner wanted some more thrill.<br />Perhaps a bit too simple, but that’s how you get the job done. From some layers of carbon fiber to one of the most acclaimed supercars of the last decades.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2dg_f_ZH5oUFegXg4isJebjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3horTFmOI/AAAAAAAADx4/2phGlhBex5c/s400/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0003.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fgNBtUf3fpVFuwcdMGyMOrjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3hmEH_69I/AAAAAAAADx0/X87JbmRJPUU/s144/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0002.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/baHsth0yRvVX84qUcai5U7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3hs1DqqJI/AAAAAAAADyE/TlJfBMYCcZM/s144/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0008.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xW4e6Ld6xfwdxBEOnyVZ3LjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3hqMUKbXI/AAAAAAAADx8/c_fHPhcs4FA/s144/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0004.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dQKTOXn3kwlW9Z0UyBudWbjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3hrcbpHBI/AAAAAAAADyA/D5iAFiW7nJY/s144/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0007.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8mY_FyJk0l7UCjW3Jra7y7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3hubhdvYI/AAAAAAAADyI/M26j2DMfPgE/s144/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0009.jpg" height="144" width="96" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/4umIkmK0mcMBazMi0EzJ-LjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3hv8cnpII/AAAAAAAADyM/BLf9mG5G5mw/s144/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0010.jpg" height="144" width="96" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TXDrlc8aagnqGyshKoYEj7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3hxGjkDCI/AAAAAAAADyQ/LLZsWL7RPRQ/s144/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0014.jpg" height="144" width="96" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tJF7_rk05awswFwibsas77jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3hyokwYVI/AAAAAAAADyU/i65CWg37JOk/s144/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0067.jpg" height="144" width="96" /></a><br /><br /></div><br />This would also be all from the Pagani factory, hope you enjoyed our lengthy report and pictures. We can’t wait to check the Huayra in the flesh in a month or little more.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tyVtQ5xAC_x3EKXXnb96KLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3h0OmomBI/AAAAAAAADyY/dxwRNIA2F9c/s640/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0068.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br /></div><br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><br />All Pictures Copyright: Damiano Garro and Sarajane Bradshaw for The Italian Junkyard<br /></span>Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715962311864647450.post-14782745027215457222011-03-22T23:49:00.006+01:002011-03-23T00:05:54.543+01:0017.4 The Da Vinci Code, Pagani edition: an interview with Horacio Pagani, PART 3<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5qzgdkQQNWHLKYgveFVsorjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img style="width: 700px; height: 496px;" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TWbgPg-sehI/AAAAAAAAEmU/m8a-XMmX_2Q/s800/huayra%2Bscketch%2B42cm.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br />Back on Pagani’s side of the supercar universe, we carry on our extensive interview with founder and genius Horacio pagani. Should you need a recap, here are <a href="http://theitalianjunkyard.blogspot.com/2011/02/wild-is-wind-interview-with-horacio.html">PART 1</a> and <a href="http://theitalianjunkyard.blogspot.com/2011/02/weaving-new-story-in-carbo-titanium.html">PART 2</a>.<br /><br />Eventually we came to talk about workers. There are only a few people which are over 40, while the rest are pretty young, requiring Pagani to personally train them within the company. There is one sole engineer, in charge of the electronics and of the relations with Mercedes-Benz. This of course led me to question my choice to study automotive engineering.<br />Pagani agrees that our national network of universities has lost a bit of its main purpose, which is educating people capable of creating something new, rather than simply piling more information on previous lectures. As far as engineering is concerned, the university’s framework leaves little space for actually being ingenious. Despite being a problem felt in many other countries, Italy probably has it worse off because we, as students, are not provided with internships within local factories and companies beginning in the first year of university. Actually, only a select few of us will get to work in an external company during the specialization degree dissertation (comparable to a Masters degree). So once we are done with university, we are left with a very limited but superfluously theoretical knowledge.<br /><br />Digressing a little… regardless, be sure to make the jump to keep reading how Pagani mixes art and engineering to create his masterpieces.<span class="fullpost"> <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/B6R8UUQqiXOSKAaXtz0WHbjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3gKj9hIZI/AAAAAAAADuk/XRWyEWpBuQs/s288/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0105.jpg" height="192" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/E7S8oKImCogJZJHJZOuLMLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3gSnI22YI/AAAAAAAADu4/rmQKdcogOxY/s288/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0123.jpg" height="192" width="288" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KMsrrLVxNK-VPQ2QVm4gfLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3gRcKFomI/AAAAAAAADu0/IrIKLMhnjIs/s144/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0120.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3l4jlkzyjpIAhUCIiWvVMbjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3gMKmpSWI/AAAAAAAADuo/ekZ7G2wLqzw/s144/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0111.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3R6ipJmwcFVBtVpsrk71objYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3gN6eVsoI/AAAAAAAADus/gGSTWbfe7zQ/s144/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0112.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vU4HFVq7v_ppSAQo_Ny5VbjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3gP5GGQhI/AAAAAAAADuw/017lTixzP1c/s144/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0115.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/a5ipHEgdf2MmoWIlU9jKe7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3gUVARQnI/AAAAAAAADu8/aY5RnmdK2NQ/s288/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0124.jpg" height="192" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nw7aUrzJ-7ondTEDWlI23bjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3gY8CTuMI/AAAAAAAADvI/_jesp2viDzM/s288/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0127.jpg" height="192" width="288" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_p2oRxdOLzpaXlCpZEswSLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3gXQC9znI/AAAAAAAADvE/KfPiEfzA1wM/s144/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0126.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rrMN2690ysw6uFIE4J-5LLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3gbly28lI/AAAAAAAADvU/YY5bNNZq-c8/s144/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0136.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MGqALcvSRVY36Vjd45tH3rjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3ggA2N5ZI/AAAAAAAADvg/x8VvSo3vTTg/s144/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0141.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/b-wj2WD0x7nAq3FL40PdM7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3gaYt7TEI/AAAAAAAADvM/urq72DenSUo/s144/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0132.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vfmLS1dONyxknukA6AxT17jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3gmtNlBbI/AAAAAAAADvw/mlmorAgQC_I/s400/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0155.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br />Pagani’s aspiration for his own career would be to carry on Da Vinci’s approach trying to merge aesthetics and engineering. In this way there will be an exchange between the two fields, with designers trying to create objects in which form is not so predominant over function, and engineers trying to design something which is extremely efficient, but also pleasing to own or use. That should bring more stimuli to both figures, and give us better objects, more functional but also passionate, more communicative. Incidentally, in the Italian language a “stilista” or designer is in charge of the aesthetical aspect of an object. What Pagani tries to achieve is basically a designer both from the English and the Italian point of view.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/NOauN_aZLhNVLrngLp6B47jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3gcxNiyjI/AAAAAAAADvY/-O725bKzgVM/s288/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0137.jpg" height="192" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lB6FBoBIKWq7n6BpeZFs4bjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3ghGkGYSI/AAAAAAAADvk/xAeKVVplOoo/s288/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0145.jpg" height="192" width="288" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iMls8_AxLKT3MpRYdB53ErjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3oZZhKbII/AAAAAAAAD6s/QpILGU8uu-g/s288/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0017%20copy.jpg" height="288" width="192" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6BlLw-UMsKYfTpJ9lk9PI7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3gV3lZBmI/AAAAAAAADvA/XPV9sHZTAeA/s288/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0125.jpg" height="288" width="192" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WzPnLMqq9ObesUeMWaFJfLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3obXQ0rjI/AAAAAAAAD6w/GXY99dthutc/s288/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0018%20copy.jpg" height="288" width="192" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2xjRX68IDWcP9igJ8CcZp7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3gi_5oxHI/AAAAAAAADvo/mBX1N0CLiTk/s144/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0148.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IAkbUgyrJdlV9qbgn0KZK7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3gejvj9yI/AAAAAAAADvc/EiYZqnDEsYc/s144/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0139.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hBNV44IHEhqQ5LBxC5yWx7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3gkSkTQgI/AAAAAAAADvs/7E9tGyPe2is/s144/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0149.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PQYv-nJHD2ypC6Dyfc8lM7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3gx9mNTPI/AAAAAAAADwM/WyhOi97qgBI/s144/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0166.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Y6lhx-4eVzbczo2lwrPhXLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3gwWcDKXI/AAAAAAAADwI/Jj1DZd5ptjw/s288/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0164.jpg" height="192" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fIjZM5KZ-ilM5tQqh8zLhbjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3goteSXEI/AAAAAAAADv0/K0JjmuQEq-s/s288/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0156.jpg" height="192" width="288" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6foDPJTrFCiZkcafqu41xrjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3gsSusQyI/AAAAAAAADv8/bxmXejXmQCQ/s288/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0160.jpg" height="192" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-SimK447C4HSLRXpsgI6AbjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3gumPzRlI/AAAAAAAADwE/vRFy80qakqM/s288/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0161.jpg" height="192" width="288" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/i5QezI6qpUSe4UrYjg4dl7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3gqSU-rhI/AAAAAAAADv4/D3XIMSkXO4U/s400/20100429_Pagani_Factory--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0159.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br />Curiously enough, he quotes Toyota’s Design Director which is also Quality Control Manager. These two fields couldn’t be farther apart, yet quality, from an engineering point of view, also starts with the aesthetical quality of an object, such as a car’s bodywork. Ironically, the whole automotive world, media and enthusiasts mainly, keeps on blindly blaming Toyota for the recent “unintended acceleration” problems. Not only is this situation is getting better for Toyota considering recent breakthroughs from the investigations at NASA, but every time I have a chance to talk about someone actually into the automotive business, they never mention this situation and actually praise Toyota for their methods and achievements.<br />Regardless, the key seems to be the approach to whatever your role might be. It has to go deeper than simply following through with the assigned task. It should be well-rounded, more global, where one takes into consideration aspects that might be pertinent to other positions, other figure. So, in an era when what used to be a one man job is now subdivided between a group of workers, being capable of having the same points of view of that single man is the key to realize something “better”, something more complete.<br />So Leonardo Da Vinci is not simply an inspiration, but the foundation of Pagani’s philosophy on how education and work should be. I just couldn’t agree more.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/n3KRPWBDFhb60PSYbLZHj7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3oNomS_QI/AAAAAAAAD6Q/vrm5x-VmLCg/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0212%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/irl-6L45NQWwaBbEglJnuLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3oPd4xInI/AAAAAAAAD6U/TU2ANnOReIc/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0214%20copy.jpg" height="144" width="96" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hyPy7RvoaMx14GJNmNKYZ7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3oBehcq0I/AAAAAAAAD5w/RKLp3GGREd8/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0187%20copy.jpg" height="144" width="96" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hC76RCPWYf8oz0-TLZcqqLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3oQ5hYYOI/AAAAAAAAD6Y/dpCa-yvWLGM/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0216%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bizThahK5H5fqPh38VcpUrjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3oGRxBqrI/AAAAAAAAD6A/BtXpoAPVoQ0/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0200%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dY0N9x8c2oP-sy4HBo1pubjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3n7PvwzbI/AAAAAAAAD5k/QbEwxFspofg/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0177%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/lefZEVVnHOaUXlDoxXHB9LjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3n-JQUAvI/AAAAAAAAD5o/FVjQG2xgiY0/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0179%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/BEXieBkGsFBKhlgqBWPNHLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3n_qEIhyI/AAAAAAAAD5s/7RKrgQmIfV4/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0185%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Y0LF8B2diWnBuT8dBoIcsLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3oC8jq3PI/AAAAAAAAD54/LG6qKF9QvAY/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0192%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1VKC1QL0rkvBPlFG5R_aJLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3oEI8ZIqI/AAAAAAAAD58/usbehfsy_iY/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0198%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QOEutMr1aWSIiHRuocJqgrjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3oI-FBlmI/AAAAAAAAD6E/alRKDRL1b0I/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0202%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YAHwkULIBI7350fhE-sDkrjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3oKfDlU0I/AAAAAAAAD6I/_6IAC3EcZf0/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0205%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/53YyyLhO220N-ZfZvRdqjLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3oMCeoBpI/AAAAAAAAD6M/ggMuuOHhjw8/s288/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0209%20copy.jpg" height="192" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/CiA3eEMSOuzpTIcLyJudE7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3oSYE8j8I/AAAAAAAAD6g/CmXm-zcFBm0/s288/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0219%20copy.jpg" height="192" width="288" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><br />After more than an hour of pleasant conversation with Mr Pagani, I left his office quite inspired by his words and his attitude. I always admired his achievements, his way of working and his personality, and I was extremely happy to have verified all of this first hand. When the interview was over, we took some more minutes to talk about… my neck brace, which I was wearing because of recurrent pain after an accident I had a few years ago. He was so kind to even provide me a couple of tips on that too, and the name of a Doctor specialized in this field. It may have little to do with designing cars, but it shows you how you have to be a good person if you want to be a good worker too.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/45VD8zhYWz4ovbQGIlP_mbjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3lqjUzTZI/AAAAAAAAD0Y/5v-CeRQ5zgg/s288/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0002%20copy.jpg" height="192" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ffp_HF8oJWy6RFR2K4iTDrjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3lt6JJowI/AAAAAAAAD0g/uohkWVo1rOE/s288/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0013%20copy.jpg" height="192" width="288" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/seEA7YjWipJeD10RBZSNOrjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3lpE4jtYI/AAAAAAAAD0U/IfttA5OQ004/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0001%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dB60kUnqa0U8_8EA0fqObLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3lvvfDFJI/AAAAAAAAD0k/NixcBeDT4lE/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0160%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/U-2zNcyUwVMZa8XlEvHvzrjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3lxlJCSKI/AAAAAAAAD0o/PaPpwH4Hyl4/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0161%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Zwn3nqfdD0u67WcZQsOWorjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3lsX2wCuI/AAAAAAAAD0c/-O-mXNKig8o/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0010%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AaSHcJEeq6TqIu1kx22cqLjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3l3PmXmcI/AAAAAAAAD00/aWiRhYu2nEg/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0168%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DIqD2AbZ6Uh-9vgkcBPZL7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3lzZRQVNI/AAAAAAAAEjg/1EGg0ii_23M/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0163%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/09dRBrcYVbQUiT_xgqEw2LjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3l1Dobm7I/AAAAAAAAD0w/5HnttwdTtds/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0165%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/6hor1IU72fDrqPpJwXCiN7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3l5PmK2HI/AAAAAAAAD08/h2jiOoh5V68/s144/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0174%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/__qBcLrILHBR_fqOLhXsurjYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3oXPRBv3I/AAAAAAAAD6o/_9y6erSr-9I/s400/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0014%20copy.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br />The only letdown is that he didn’t offer me a job at the end of the interview, but to be fair I didn’t ask for one either.<br />My bad then, next time possibly.<br />I’d really like to thank Sarajane for helping me and taking many of the shots featured here, and both Wouter and Pieter Melissen from UltimateCarPage for giving me the chance of doing this interview also on their behalf.<br />You can read their reports over here: <a href="http://www.ultimatecarpage.com/feature/34/Horacio-Pagani-and-his-dream-in-carbon-fibre.html">Horacio Pagani and his dream of carbon fiber</a>.<br /><br />It’s not over though, as PART 4 is coming next. In that last chapter you’ll find out all the processes to build your own Zonda, in case you’re rich enough to afford one and at the same time willing to get your hands dirty at the factory. Stay tuned.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/d5MWC_JlmfUdUk8GR5fqR7jYhTjnb5UzXPxV3EoqA-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TD3okD0syBI/AAAAAAAAD7I/lNfWF_ttrNY/s640/20100623_Horacio_Pagani_Interview--San_Cesario_sul_Panaro%2CModena%2CItaly--DSC_0076%20copy.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a><br /></div><br /></span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">All Pictures Copyright: Damiano Garro and Sarajane Bradshaw for The Italian Junkyard<br /></span>Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715962311864647450.post-60063246329397612322011-03-14T01:26:00.005+01:002011-03-14T19:27:08.386+01:0020.3 More Is Never Enough: Last Addition to Koenigsegg's Line-Up Is Just Insane, perfect way to end an interview<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aVnPWt98X2xeNLLBaOBqvQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img style="width: 700px; height: 496px;" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TX1dBr7vlwI/AAAAAAAAE0w/uD6C6zDxqfI/s800/2011%20Koenigsegg%20Agera%20R%20%2383%20high%20resolution%20%281%29.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br />So you thought that was it? No way, a new addition to the Agera’s family has just been parked in my extremely virtual garage.<br /><br />Incidentally, I asked for a white Agera, and Koenigsegg released images of their new car in a bespoke white paintjob. Unfortunately, that’s not my car. Life can be tough…<br />This, my friends, is the new Koenigsegg Agera R.<br /><br />Keeping with the company’s tradition, the “R” suffix means the car is capable of running on biofuel, which once again means an embarrassing amount of power at your disposal, if the “standard” 900 bhp Agera wasn’t enough for you.<br /><br />Make the jump to keep reading, enjoy the rest of the high resolution official gallery and download the extensive press release, which I must say it's quite interesting for once.<span class="fullpost"><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kr35DheEHBRPOD1bkO1M6w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TX1dEEmnBaI/AAAAAAAAE08/xTVh8RHbwrE/s288/2011%20Koenigsegg%20Agera%20R%20%2383%20high%20resolution%20%286%29.jpg" height="204" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/a9hysga0AB3S3GKiVKOlKg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TX1dERNx_BI/AAAAAAAAE1A/GRcJ-dRiJIw/s288/2011%20Koenigsegg%20Agera%20R%20%2383%20high%20resolution%20%285%29.jpg" height="204" width="288" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-ZQ_5ZalYVywuwn8UuABNg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TX1dGaVDJCI/AAAAAAAAE1E/HeFaqU0Mp10/s288/2011%20Koenigsegg%20Agera%20R%20%2383%20high%20resolution%20%288%29.jpg" height="204" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FIbHG8Lbk_UXAJg2ewjPjQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TX1dGgRt4CI/AAAAAAAAE1I/BhUfeoR-CIM/s288/2011%20Koenigsegg%20Agera%20R%20%2383%20high%20resolution%20%287%29.jpg" height="204" width="288" /></a><br /></div><br />Featuring chassis #83, this car wears a custom paint job which extends also to the interior, with red accents and some parts in exposed carbon fiber. I know you ‘d probably agree the most evident new feature is actually the additional cargo volume. Yes, that’s not a photoshop, and yes, it’s an official option, called the Winter Pack.<br />If you think about Koenigsegg, the fact it’s based in Sweden and how much snow you’re just thinking about, that makes sense, if you really want to go skiing and your snow plow is currently being serviced at the local garage.<br /><br />There is actually so much more to talk about the production versions of the Agera and Agera R that it’s probably simpler for you to read the admittedly interesting press release. I’ll summarize the most striking features:<br /><br />- New engine design allows for a BMEP (break mean effective pressure) of 28/30 bar, depending on your model, obtained also through a new combustion chamber design, new block which uses cylinders’ sleeves to improves its stiffness, new connecting rods, new intake and exhausts manifolds to improve airflow dynamics.<br /><br />- Previous point translated for non engineer human beings: 900/110 bhp, 1.000 Nm of torque over a 2.500 rpm range, or 1.250 Nm for 3.300 rpm on the Agera R, 310 grams of CO2 in the EU homologation cycle, 14,7 km per liter.<br /><br />- New 7 speed actuated manual gearbox, much lighter than a standard dual clutch unit at 81 kg.<br /><br />- 70 kg carbon fiber chassis, including the integrated fuel tanks, and 65.000 Nm/degree of torsional stiffness. Dry weight setting a new benchmark at 1.330 kg, curb weight at 1.418 kg (all fluids plus half tank of fuel).<br /><br />- “Rear Triplex Damper” suspension, for improved comfort and driving precision, which you can also spot trough the opening on the engine bonnet.<br /><br />- New tires and vortex generating wheels, each of them specifically forged and machined to achieve this aerodynamics feature.<br /><br />- Top speed limited (seriously) to 375 km/h, with possibility to engage a “full speed mode” through the infotainment system, given the car is in the right conditions, and so the track you’re about to face.<br /><br />- Dynamic rear wing, which modifies its angle according to the speed to reduce drag, while also creating an effect very similar to a diffuser extracting hot air from the engine bay through the two pillar.<br /><br />- Winter pack (yes, you read that right): custom made roof box by Thule, integrated into a second roof for a top speed of up to 300 km/h. In the same package you also get a vacation at Åre’s skiing resort, the most exclusive place for skiing in Sweden. Good deal, isn't it?<br /><br />- Lithium Iron cells battery, enabling also new energy saving strategies specifically for when the car is left unused for long periods of time.<br /><br />So the car is ridiculously fast and incredibly high-tech, but it still manages to maintain that old-school supercar air. Like they used to be: the danger, the thrill, and that feeling that came from knowing that the car is trying to kill you at every sharp turn, minus the killing part.<br /><br />Once again credits to Mr Koenigsegg and his staff for the brief interview he gave us and the precious material they managed to provide us. Looking forward to talk again, and perhaps meet you at the next autoshow.<br /><br />Thank you, The Italian Junkyard.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vOny54eunUPzubEDnJ8Cpw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TX1dBJzImYI/AAAAAAAAE0s/sD-BB50kU_8/s288/2011%20Koenigsegg%20Agera%20R%20%2383%20high%20resolution%20%282%29.jpg" height="204" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3DG2ElUkMOhLW_rfY5b95g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TX1dD5kYB5I/AAAAAAAAE04/0kM9Ljc8w_A/s288/2011%20Koenigsegg%20Agera%20R%20%2383%20high%20resolution%20%284%29.jpg" height="204" width="288" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/N5SEPxy7jmp_XONB4gNH7Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TX1dBvGaE2I/AAAAAAAAE00/HnJjrCrbW5Y/s400/2011%20Koenigsegg%20Agera%20R%20%2383%20high%20resolution%20%283%29.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE (PDF):<br /><a target="_blank" title="2011 Koenigsegg Agera R #83 press release (pdf)" href="http://pdfcast.org/pdf/2011-koenigsegg-agera-r-83-press-release">2011 Koenigsegg Agera R #83 press release</a><br /></div><br /></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">All Pictures Copyright: Koenigsegg Automotive AB<br /></span>Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7715962311864647450.post-80200902696082459962011-03-05T19:07:00.003+01:002011-03-07T23:09:47.675+01:0020.2 Theory of Evolution: the interview with Christian Von Koenigsegg goes on<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oXeuFXpfC9GtpYUBMEndsw?feat=embedwebsite"><img style="width: 632px; height: 700px;" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ4DmyS7gI/AAAAAAAAExM/itYEYePjofM/s800/imageserver_002.jpg" /></a><br /></div><br />Europe is a nice small continent, but there is much more to be seen out there, which is the reason why the Koenigsegg CCX was introduced in 2006. Contrarily to what many think, this is a new car and not just a revised CCR. Unlike the preceding models, the shape of the car was the result of 3D CAD programs and all the tooling necessary for its production were created according to the results gathered from those programs. Just to further underline how the two cars are different, not a single body panel can be exchanged between the two.<br /><br />Make the jump to enjoy some exclusive live images and read the rest of the story about Koenigsegg's supercars.<span class="fullpost"><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iWggMwzL_dLgtQJXPUxVVg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ3kxhgk7I/AAAAAAAAEvQ/WQmLZF2vRXM/s144/23671-Koenigsegg-3_4_Front.jpg" height="116" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/UGfQrA6XyH_aBlbzUWrXiA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ3lHIHxgI/AAAAAAAAEvU/VF-_Og3SrFw/s144/23671-Koenigsegg-Side_Closed.jpg" height="116" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/xSrQDPafIOvRtZ0YBkh97A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ3m4mHLZI/AAAAAAAAEvc/vbfjTFGY8h0/s144/CCX-Side_Open-A.jpg" height="116" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hDIasFUNaD0VZ5BMQYa-uA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ3n95APlI/AAAAAAAAEvg/Wohtr6po238/s144/CCX_Rear-A.jpg" height="116" width="144" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uM6GV2eXUjqkW35Av5DCIw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ3lVxAMBI/AAAAAAAAEvY/qEkPoiOvKIk/s400/23671-Koenigsegg-Above-A.jpg" height="289" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br />At the same time the CCX is homologated also for the North American market, which required new passive safety solutions, and also features a new engine. You could still say that’s the old Ford V8, tuned and polished, but you’d be mistaken, as this new unit it’s not only much more powerful but also gifted with many new solutions, and is now assembled at Koenigsegg’s headquarters. A new lighter block is produced in England, and other Koenigsegg-designed components are added. The only way you could still connect this engine to Ford is that probably you could fit one in a Mustang, if that makes any sense to you anyway.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/J4kblR2EFx51loXAWoemFQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ3_O1-z6I/AAAAAAAAEw0/NUCERNeViO4/s144/Engine%20front%20side_M.jpg" height="108" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GM8W2HetO66VDIfhANEKeg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ4Aj90CPI/AAAAAAAAEw8/E_dRYrhk5J4/s144/Engine%20rear_M.jpg" height="108" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OctZLpSLun44aAy3StSsGA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ4JYtWizI/AAAAAAAAExQ/cKIhs2qcy1A/s144/Engine%20front_M%20copy.jpg" height="108" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/hnTFdUD_VzR5Gn9xfNu-EQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ4B4BoWJI/AAAAAAAAExE/ljhhFJKtN7E/s144/Engine%20right%20hand%20fuel%20rail.jpg" height="108" width="144" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Q6pFmtXEsak2oLirwU9ttA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ4DWu4S2I/AAAAAAAAExI/Uv64KAV_zxo/s400/F%25c3%25a4lg%20med.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a><br /></div><br />The chassis was also enlarged, allowing for a roomier interior, and a new high-tech electric system was adopted. Last but not least, it was the first supercar to ever pass the new European pedestrian impact testing. Just in case you are staring at the car in the middle of the road…<br /><br />One of the main variations of the CCX is the CCXR model, capable of running also on biofuel. Some of you may be happy to hear such an extreme supercar having an eco-friendly approach. I prefer to consider that gave the car an additional 200 bhp though. The specific specimen pictured here at Geneva 2010 autoshow was purposefully made for the supercar dealer Platinuss from Brazil, and it’s capable of running on pure biofuel.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ljwPaEySZTRhplPH3GpIcw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ3uNMcUnI/AAAAAAAAEv4/lX1sCJ145g0/s144/DSC_0204%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/d8ydKi4XRMiP9yHcbouoCg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ3_Rhd0_I/AAAAAAAAEw4/uN-D68zUttE/s144/DSC_0631%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nDCb0WC4yVQDA76yZq0KbA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ34s-rBxI/AAAAAAAAEwc/BJe8HMe7S3Y/s144/DSC_0218%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/R8UIIz_A1cN0UYKDfujqEw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ383-nHGI/AAAAAAAAEws/74ZBDne6zsQ/s144/DSC_0544%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QdwNLHCVWN8YT5jD4cvVfQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ3r5kZYhI/AAAAAAAAEvw/5PZDP7j5uy0/s144/DSC_0203%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aSwkiAmOxjneXVA-ZDo20g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ333vGObI/AAAAAAAAEwY/vyiiakLz2Ks/s144/DSC_0221%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7TRyvgeMHCfqC_hX_ixkgA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ3qufglqI/AAAAAAAAEvo/LL8NnMTXx70/s144/DSC_0200%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HjuZl6FDu20BTtTX5IJe3A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ3pFqso7I/AAAAAAAAEvk/_QbL28SR4Oc/s144/DSC_0198%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /></div><br />And then time came for the Agera. First unveiled in Geneva 2010, <a href="http://theitalianjunkyard.blogspot.com/2010/02/geneva-preview-2010-koenigsegg-agera.html">we already covered its debut last year</a> and now you can enjoy a few more exclusive live pictures we took in Geneva during the autoshow. Keep in mind this was a pre-production prototype. It’s slicker and more aggressive than any other CCX special edition to date, yet very familiar. Regardless of the apparent similarities, this car shares only 20% of its component with the CCX. Being longer and wider, with a new front track and a new bodywork, this according to Mr K is a larger leap than between the CC8S and the CCR. The Agera has a new gearbox, the engine is still made by Koenigsegg but it’s a new unit, the suspensions were modified and tweaked, new and more powerful brakes were adopted, also updating the ABS and the tires. New interior fittings were adopted and a new air conditioning system was installed. Of course the new bodywork gave the car also new aerodynamic features.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Z4ObrpZ1WWTdXpui8M45zQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ35KGwEbI/AAAAAAAAEwg/lK12PwW3i-8/s144/DSC_0225%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TC4JnN-FsuLpFy40zE4B_g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ3uPL3omI/AAAAAAAAEv0/AMI7CvWnogc/s144/DSC_0205%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OmaWY9oqjIb0CjzVggnnDQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ32sAgwpI/AAAAAAAAEwU/UcCaWqScTz8/s144/DSC_0214%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/8ffszR_WmhZvOGcKVLsMQg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ39MYFp5I/AAAAAAAAEww/xuUcXonelrQ/s144/DSC_0543%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QRpENxWm5M86fV9GSIriIQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ3zLNvg4I/AAAAAAAAEwM/2qKaKuX_iBg/s144/DSC_0212%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mkKth-nubGrUGAvnJTbDaA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ30XT2K3I/AAAAAAAAEwQ/2C4h1v6d9U4/s144/DSC_0213%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/doEcxA9YGBECdM60rAWrDw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ3yhaXKMI/AAAAAAAAEwI/jufJgforr9g/s144/DSC_0209%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vwt0LTbyrvl5uP40AdORJw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ3x31aNLI/AAAAAAAAEwA/MvHd0F3Cifo/s144/DSC_0207%20copy.jpg" height="96" width="144" /></a><br /><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/M2gByXxPNmZXXQOBlwGH_g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ3uxoUMjI/AAAAAAAAEv8/3jipZjvB-8I/s288/DSC_0206%20copy.jpg" height="192" width="288" /></a> <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fNk-muSURS78y7aZTsb-dQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ4Az8PTQI/AAAAAAAAExA/V2uiKBEQwZg/s288/DSC_0629%20copy.jpg" height="192" width="288" /></a><br /></div><br />Mr Koenigsegg recognizes that a much more dramatic change in the bodywork would have helped people identifying the new cars as, you know, a “new” car. At the same time his approach is more similar to the one adopted by another car company, much more famous and much larger:<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">“However, my design philosophy is that of the Porsche 911. Even if the 997 is technically very different from a 993, to the untrained eye the look very similar when passing by on the road. Still the 997 is a very capable and modern car. The philosophy is to only change what needs to be upgraded in order to maximize function, handling, performance and compliance, nothing else. Especially important to avoid trends as the cars should be as timeless as possible.”</span></span><br /><br />I hope this is enough to teach all of you on how another supercar came to see the light of the day: one man’s commitment and ideas, but most of all, passion.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mFdUzw1P3QK_hIx9nc_Tpg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_XKrNBVmnhdI/TXJ37bgAeUI/AAAAAAAAEwo/TK7THUH1fcw/s640/DSC_0430%20copy.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a><br /></div><br />Mr Koenigsegg, thank you for your supercar company.<br /><br />Now, if we could find an arrangement for that white Agera I was talking about…<br /></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">All Pictures Copyright: Damiano Garro and Sarajane Bradshaw for The Italian Junkyard<br />Koenigsegg CCX pictures: Koenigsegg Automotive AB.<br /></span>Damiano Garrohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01009271865061734909noreply@blogger.com0