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13 Jan 2020
Clients, HRE Performance Wheels, HRE Wheels, Ringbrothers Permalink

HRE WHEELS UNVEILS “VALKYRJA” WHEEL IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RINGBROTHERS

January 13, 2020

The new three-piece wheel, first seen on the Ringbrothers “Valkyrja” Camaro at the 2019 SEMA Show, is now available for popular domestic applications.

Vista, Calif. (January, 2019) – HRE Performance Wheels, a company known for making wheels with the utmost style, quality and exclusivity, has unveiled “Valkyrja,” a new forged three-piece addition to its “Ringbrothers Edition” wheel line. The wheel was designed for the Ringbrothers “Valkyrja,” a bespoke 1969 Chevrolet Camaro that was unveiled at the 2019 SEMA Show and took home several awards and won the “Battle of the Builders” competition.

The HRE Valkyrja features a split five-spoke Y design and is constructed from aerospace-grade forged aluminum. The deep conical center section gives the Valkyrja a lower offset, perfect for classic and modern muscle cars. This architecture mates the center and barrel with a clean aesthetic, complete with hidden hardware. As with all HRE forged wheels, strict attention has been paid to reducing unsprung mass, while improving strength and stiffness. 

The HRE Valkyrja is the sixth wheel to be unveiled as part of the Ringbrothers product line, a result of a longstanding relationship with the world-renowned, Wisconsin-based car builders. The Valkyrja is available in limited fitments for 18, 19 and 20-inch diameters. Customers can also choose from a wide variety of finishes to suit their needs. 

The HRE Valkyrja wheel is now available to order at www.HREWheels.com and at authorized HRE dealers starting at $2,000 each. 

About HRE Performance Wheels: 
HRE designs, engineers and manufactures 3-piece and 1-piece forged aluminum alloy wheels for Racing, Performance & Luxury cars and SUVs in their San Diego, California-based, TÜV-approved facility. HRE’s built-to-order wheel sets offer a customized choice of offsets, widths and finishes, resulting in a uniquely personal style and performance solution for each customer’s application. HRE wheels are sold through select high-end car dealerships, specialty retailers and performance companies worldwide. For more information, visit www.HREWheels.com or call an HRE wheel expert at (760) 598-1960.

06 Jan 2020
Clients, Magnaflow Permalink

MAGNAFLOW ENTERS UTV MARKET WITH NEW CAT-BACK SYSTEM FOR CAN-AM MAVERICK X3

January 6, 2020

MagnaFlow launches new exhaust system providing its signature deep MagnaFlow sound with increased performance and weight reduction for the popular Can-Am Maverick X3 off-road platform.

Oceanside, Calif. (January 6, 2020) – After almost 40 years of performance exhaust development in the automotive segment, MagnaFlow is taking on the UTV market with a new exhaust system for the Can-Am Maverick X3 (Part #8112001) in one configuration and provides increased horsepower and torque, improved flow and weight savings over the stock unit. The system is available for pre-order on 01/06/20 and will start shipping 01/27/20.

The new exhaust system uses 2.5-inch mandrel-bent stainless-steel tubing and a 14-inch muffler with an aggressively styled dual-exit design, to give your Can-Am the deep signature MagnaFlow growl, without the drone associated with other systems on the market. The system features a black ceramic-coated finish, is compatible with the OEM rear shroud, and includes a laser cut aluminum heatshield and MagnaFlow logo cover plate.

The California-compliant system provides an additional +5.5 horsepower and +4 lb-ft of torque, a 61% increase in flow, and reduces weight by 4 lbs. over the stock exhaust. The cat-back is also equipped USFS spark arresters in compliance with the USDA Forest Service Spark Arrester Program. 

All black-coated systems carry a 1-year warranty on finish while maintaining the Limited Lifetime Construction warranty and include necessary hardware and components for a complete bolt-on installation. The cat-back system for the Can-Am Maverick X3 Turbo R is priced at $999 and is available for purchase online at www.magnaflow.com.

About MagnaFlow:

MagnaFlow got its start as a natural extension of Car Sound Exhaust systems. Our parent company specializes in superior catalytic converter technology and exhaust components and has earned its reputation as a market leader around the world. We’re proud to continue this tradition through producing the best sounding, best performing and most durable exhaust components in the world. If you’re looking for quality, power andsound, then you’re looking for MagnaFlow: www.magnaflow.com. Visit us on Facebook and Instagram.

03 Jan 2020
Car Show, Clients, Petersen Automotive Museum Permalink

PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM TO HOST BRUCE MEYER’S ALL-AMERICAN CRUISE-IN CELEBRATING CARROLL SHELBY AND ‘FORD V FERRARI’ PANEL DISCUSSION

January 3, 2020

The cruise-in will be open to all makes and models of American sports cars, muscle cars and hot rods with preferred parking for all eras of Shelby vehicles; the event will be followed by a PANEL discussion about the movie and the early days of Shelby featuring guests Peter Brock, Peter Miles, Aaron Shelby, Charles Agapiou, Lenny Shabes, A.J. Baime, Allen Grant and moderated by Bruce Meyer

LOS ANGELES (January 3, 2019) – The Petersen Automotive Museum will host Bruce Meyer’s ALL-AMERICAN CRUISE-IN with special programming celebrating Carroll Shelby and “Ford v Ferrari” on Sunday, January 26, 2020, at 9 a.m.

The Petersen hosts a themed cruise-in every last Sunday of the month. This month, cruise-in attendees will see a wide selection of classic and modern American performance and custom cars with a massive turnout of original Cobras, Shelby vehicles, continuation cars and more. All American performance cars are welcome, but special parking will be provided for Shelby vehicles.

After the cruise-in, spectators are invited to attend a PANEL discussion moderated by Petersen Founding Chairman Bruce Meyer. The PANEL will feature several Shelby American VIPs who will discuss the film’s portrayal of the real-life events leading up to the team’s unprecedented victory at Le Mans.  Featured panelists will include designer Peter Brock; Peter Miles, son of racing driver Ken Miles; crew chief Charlie Agapiou; Carroll Shelby’s grandson Aaron Shelby; driver Allen Grant; film producer Lenny Shabes; and A.J. Baime, whose book “Go Like Hell: Ford, Ferrari, and Their Battle for Speed and Glory at Le Mans” inspired the film itself.

“Each month, our breakfast club cruise-ins gather enthusiasts from every corner of Los Angeles for a morning of conversation, laughter and some truly amazing cars,” said Petersen Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “Bruce Meyer’s American Car Cruise-in will deliver all that and more with the addition of a special PANEL discussion about ‘Ford v Ferrari’ and the early days of Shelby American. We can’t wait to welcome our VIP guests and spectators for this one-of-a-kind event.”

Bruce Meyer’s ALL-AMERICAN CRUISE-IN will begin at 9 a.m. on the third floor of the Petersen Automotive Museum’s parking garage, with load-in beginning at 8 a.m. Awards and auction will take place at 9:50 a.m., and the PANEL discussion will begin at 10 a.m. 

Spectator tickets to the cruise-in are free. Museum admission, vehicle submission and admission to the Daytona Viewing Party are an additional cost. For more details, please visit https://www.petersen.org/events/january-bcci. To learn more about the Petersen Automotive Museum and its exhibits, please visit www.petersen.org. 

About Petersen Automotive Museum
The Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity. The museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd. (at Fairfax) in Los Angeles, 90036. Admission prices are $16 for general admission adults, $14 for seniors and $11 for children ages 4 to 17. Active military with ID, personal care attendants and children under age 4 are admitted free. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For general information, call 323-930-CARS or visit www.Petersen.org.

24 Dec 2019
Clients, Petersen Automotive Museum Permalink

PETERSEN AUTOMOTIVE MUSEUM ANNOUNCES LIST OF KID-FRIENDLY EXHIBITS AND PROGRAMMING OVER WINTER RECESS

December 24, 2019

Students and their families will be able to participate in special programming, activities and hands-on learning experiences in the Rob and Melani Walton Discovery Center, as well as explore new exhibits including an all-Volkswagen electric vehicle display and the largest display of Hollywood movie cars in the world

LOS ANGELES (December 24, 2019) – For students and their parents looking for activities to do over Winter Recess, the Petersen Automotive Museum has announced extended hours and a list of new exhibits and educational programming that will be open to the public through the duration of the break, which extends fromDecember 23 to January 12, 2019. 

New exhibits include three all-electric vehicle displays that showcase the history and development of EVs. “Building an Electric Future” and “Shifting Paradigms” in the Production and Chuck Wegner Family Galleries focus on the global success and future of automobile manufacturer Volkswagen, as it sets out to electrify its entire roundup of vehicles. Vehicles on display include the ID. 3 compact car, ID. Vizzion autonomous car and ID. R race car. The third exhibit, “Alternating Currents,” contains one of the most diverse arrays of EVs throughout history including prized modern-day examples. The exhibit includes the 2009 Tesla Model S Prototype 1, ElectraMeccanica’s SOLO, a Karma SC1 Vision Concept, a Bollinger B1 and various electric bikes. 

Located in the Mullin Family Grand Salon, “Hollywood Dream Machines” is the world’s largest Hollywood and sci-fi vehicle exhibition. The exhibit features more than 40 vehicles, costumes, props, art and artifacts from sci-fi and fantasy films, TV shows and video games including “Star Wars,” “Back to the Future,” “TRON,” “Iron Man,” “Blade Runner,” “Batman” and “Halo.” In addition to the vehicles, the space also hosts a Microsoft Hololens Augmented Reality experience called “Worlds Reimagined” that dives into the stories of the Back to the Future Delorean and Halo Warthog. 

“Although kids will be on break from school, the Petersen Automotive Museum offers students an opportunity to gain an education in other areas,” said Petersen Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “Our new exhibits and special programming in the Discovery Center give kids an invaluable glimpse into the history and future of transportation; it’s an easy and compelling way to broaden kids’ knowledge about something as common as the automobile.”

In addition to the new exhibits, the Petersen will be offering special programming, displays and hands-on activities beginning with the Rob and Melani Walton Discovery Center. From learning about car science to exploring the culture that surrounds the automobile, the Discovery Center offers a multitude of tools to broaden automotive knowledge. Each month, a particular theme is explored in depth.

Parents looking to capture a holiday photo opportunity with their kids can pose in a Honda raced by Scott Dixon. For more hands-on entertainment, kids can also participate in the Forza Motorsport Racing Experience in the Bobby Rahal Family Gallery. To learn more about the Petersen Automotive Museum and its exhibits, please visit www.petersen.org. 

About Petersen Automotive Museum
The Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity. The museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd. (at Fairfax) in Los Angeles, 90036. Admission prices are $16 for general admission adults, $14 for seniors and $11 for children ages 4 to 17. Active military with ID, personal care attendants and children under age 4 are admitted free. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m through January 12th. Then return to a 5pm close during weekdays and a 6pm close on the weekends. . For general information, call 323-930-CARS or visit www.Petersen.org.

23 Dec 2019
Clients, Magnaflow Permalink

MAGNAFLOW LAUNCHES NEW EXHAUST SYSTEM FOR 2019 TOYOTA CAMRY

December 23, 2019

The all new cat-back exhaust system provides dyno-proven power and a deep, performance exhaust tone for the 2018-2020 Camry in an easy bolt-on application

Oceanside, Calif. (December 23, 2019) – MagnaFlow has launched a new cat-back exhaust system for the 2018 through 2020 Toyota Camry, as part of its popular Street Series line of products. The new MagnaFlow Toyota Camry Street Series Cat-Back Performance Exhaust System allows Camry owners to enjoy the benefits of a free-flowing exhaust system for the single exit, with the added enjoyment of a sportier sound on throttle featuring MagnaFlow’s No Drone Technology on the dual exhaust variants.

The Camry Cat-Back Exhaust system is a bolt-on replacement for the 2018 through 2020 Toyota Camry with both the L4 and V6 engines. The new cat-back system replaces all components after the catalytic converter, creating dyno-proven performance gains and replacing the factory exhaust note with the signature MagnaFlow sound. For both dual exhaust variants MagnaFlow utilizes NDT resonators, the quarter-wave resonators reduce harsh unwanted exhaust notes, providing a full deep performance note when you want it with no compromise to the driving experience. Each Camry powertrain has a different inlet pipe engineered for each application with the V6 featuring an additional four-inch round resonator and the L4 without.

The new dual exhausts consist of two-and-a-half-inch mandrel-bent stainless-steel tubing and dual polished MagnaFlow NDT resonators, tuned to reduce unwanted drone while maintaining a consistent diameter for a straight-through air path from inlet to outlet. The systems are finished off with a set of polished exhaust tips etched with the MagnaFlow logo. It is available in two configurations for the Camry SE L4 2.5-liter engine; a dual exhaust with quad tips (19494) and a single exhaust with dual tips (19410). An additional dual exhaust, quad tip option (19411) is offered for the Camry XSE with the 3.5-liter V6 engine.

All MagnaFlow exhaust systems come with a Lifetime Warranty and each kit includes all the necessary hardware and components for a complete, bolt-on installation. The Camry cat-back systems are priced at $890 and are available for purchase at www.magnaflow.com.

About MagnaFlow:

MagnaFlow got its start as a natural extension of Car Sound Exhaust systems. Our parent company specializes in superior catalytic converter technology and exhaust components and has earned its reputation as a market leader around the world. We’re proud to continue this tradition through producing the best sounding, best performing and most durable exhaust components in the world. If you’re looking for quality, power andsound, then you’re looking for MagnaFlow: www.magnaflow.com.

19 Dec 2019
Classic Cars, Clients Permalink

CLASSICCARS.COM NAMES TOM STAHLER MANAGING EDITOR

December 19, 2019

Seasoned automotive journalist, Tom Stahler, joins the ClassicCars.com team as the new editorial boss

PHOENIX (December 19, 2019) – ClassicCars.com announced the addition of Tom Stahler to its editorial team as the new managing editor of its award-winning Journal. Stahler brings more than 10 years of experience as a respected automotive journalist, radio show host and producer to the team.

“Tom Stahler brings a great deal of new ideas and enthusiasm to the editorial side of ClassicCars.com,” said ClassicCars.com Founder and CEO Roger Falcione. “His background as an award-winning journalist, along with his experience in marketing, will be a key element in the direction the Journal takes. As one of the biggest online automotive classified marketplaces, we aim to grow both sides of the website simultaneously and Stahler will carry the editorial torch.”

An avid historic racer and enthusiast, Stahler comes to ClassicCars.com from Vintage Motorsport Magazine where he has served as senior contributing editor since 2010. He has also been a senior contributor at Power AutoMedia, MotorMavens, Vintage Racecar/Vintage Roadcar Magazine and DrivingLine.com. Stahler is a member of the Motor Press Guild (MPG), where he has served as the Chairman of the Motorsports and Car Culture Committee for the past two years; American Auto Racing Writers & Broadcasters Association (AARWBA); and the Phoenix Automotive Press Association (PAPA). Stahler has won several journalism awards including the Motor Press Guild’s Dean Bachelor Award and a Gold Medal at the International Auto Press Association’s International Automotive Media Competition. 

“The ClassicCars.com Journal is a beacon of my lifelong passion for all things automotive and I am very excited to be joining the team,” said Stahler. “It’s an excellent platform for enthusiasts and car collectors from all disciplines to congregate and I’m excited to serve our ever-growing reader base.”

About ClassicCars.com
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, ClassicCars.com is home to the industry’s largest community of collector car owners, buyers and enthusiasts. ClassicCars.com is devoted to helping owners sell classic vehicles online. Featuring more than 40,000 vehicles for sale by private sellers, auction houses, and specialty dealerships around the world, ClassicCars.com is home to the world’s largest online selection of classic and collector vehicles for sale. For more information, visit www.ClassicCars.com.

19 Dec 2019
Clients, GNRS Permalink

THE 71ST ANNUAL GRAND NATIONAL ROADSTER SHOW RETURNS TO THE FAIRPLEX IN POMONA

December 19, 2019

Over 600 show cars and hundreds more display cars will compete for top prizes including the “Al Slonaker Memorial Award” and “Americas Most Beautiful Roadster” from January 24-26, 2020.

Pomona, Calif. (December 18, 2019) – The Grand National Roadster Show, where hundreds of the best hot rods, customs, lowriders, muscle cars, trucks and motorcycles from across the country gather, will return to the Fairplex in Pomona, January 24-26, 2020. Founded in 1949, the longest continually running indoor car show in the world will feature over 1,000 stunning show cars as well as special exhibitions highlighting muscle cars and traditional hot rods. For 2020, famed builder and television personality Dave Kindig will also be honored as “Builder of the Year” for his decades of contributions to the industry, his revolutionary designs and his craftsmanship.

The Grand National Roadster Show draws a diverse selection of cars to the Fairplex each year. This year, 12 roadsters from the top builders in the country including Dave Shuten from Galpin Auto Sports, Chad Adams from Adams Hot Rods, Leonard Lopez from Dominator Street Rods and Doug Jerger from Squeeg’s Kustoms will be competing for the coveted “Americas Most Beautiful Roadster” (AMBR) award. The winner will receive a $12,500 prize along with a 9-foot tall perpetual trophy provided on behalf of award sponsor ARP Fasteners. Previous AMBR award winners include legendary builders like Boyd Coddington, George Barris, Chip Foose, Blackie Gejeian and 2019 winner George Poteet.

Twelve custom cars will also be competing for the “Al Slonaker Memorial Award” which is awarded to the best car or truck that is not competing for the AMBR award.  The famed builders competing for this award include Troy Ladd from Hollywood Hot Rods, JF Launier from JF Kustoms, Dave Eckert from Eckert’s Rod & Custom, Andy Leach from CAL Auto Creations, Dean Livermore from Hot Rods By Dean and Ralph Holguin from RMD Garage. This year’s winner will be presented an all-new, 4.5-foot tall, billet, CNC-machined trophy built by sponsor ARP Fasteners, as well as a $12,500 prize. Slonaker competitors in 2020 will also have to debut the finished cars at Grand National Roadster Show to be eligible to compete for the award. 

“Our partnership with ARP brings so much to the table for 2020 and is helping to make this year’s event one of the most competitive and exciting shows we have ever hosted,” said John Buck, producer of the Grand National Roadster Show. “Between the ‘Americas Most Beautiful Roadster’ award and the ‘Al Slonaker Memorial Award,’ we are expecting some of the most beautiful and interesting custom cars in the world. We are now the world’s premier event for both roadsters and customs and we expect the cars on display to reflect that.”


Several automotive industry icons will also be in attendance throughout the show weekend including Roy Brizio, Steve Strope, Troy Ladd, Zane Cullen, Bobby Alloway, Troy Trepainer and Dave Kindig. Another highlight of the Grand National Roadster Show is the Pinstriper Charity Auction where some of the most talented pinstripers in the country will be selling their work and striping live with all proceeds going to benefit the Teen Challenge in memory of the late Nicole Meguiar, daughter of Meguiar’s Wax president Barry Meguiar.  

This year’s feature building will be “Drag Racing Then and Now” presented by Lucas Oil and sponsored by Cragar Wheel. Showcasing drag cars from the early days until present, Dragsters, Funny Cars, A/FX, Pro Stocks, Fuel Altereds, Pro-Mods, Super Gas, Wheel Standers and JR Dragsters will be on display. Many famous drivers will be in attendance.  

The show runs 12 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, January 24, 2020; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the Saturday, January 25, 2020; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the Sunday, January 26, 2020. General admission tickets (13 years old and up) are $30 per day, junior admission tickets (6-12 years old) are $10 per day and children under 5 enter free. Parking is $15 and the entrance to the lot is located at Gate 9 off of White Avenue. There will also be numerous food vendors on site throughout the event providing a large variety of food options for attendees.

For more information about the Grand National Roadster Show, please visit our website.

About Rod Shows
Based in the automotive cultural hub of Southern California, Rod Shows produces the West Coast’s premier indoor hot rod and custom shows including the Grand National Roadster Show and the Sacramento Autorama. Its professional show management team sets the highest standards for top quality competition and displays with every show and personally visit the country’s top automotive coachbuilders and events throughout the year, ensuring the Best of the Best participate in its events.  For more information, visit www.rodshows.com.

17 Dec 2019
Clients, Petersen Automotive Museum Permalink

NOW OPEN: “CHIP GANASSI RACING: FAST TRACKS TO SUCCESS | 30TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE”

December 17, 2019

LOS ANGELES (December 17, 2019) — On Saturday, December 14, the Petersen Automotive Museum debuted a new exhibit honoring one of the world’s most diverse and winning race teams, Chip Ganassi Racing. Titled “Chip Ganassi Racing: Fast Tracks to Success | 30th Anniversary Tribute,” the display presents significant vehicles, trophies and more that exemplify the success of the team under founder and racing legend Chip Ganassi, who will be formally honored on April 15, 2020 at the Petersen’s Annual Racers Night before the Long Beach Grand Prix.

Located in the Charles Nearburg Family Gallery, the 10 vehicles on display include the 1983 Patrick Wildcat MK9B raced by Chip Ganassi to his best finish at the Indianapolis 500; the Lexus-powered 2006 Riley MK XI raced by Scott Dixon at the 24 Hours at Daytona; the 2010 Dallara IR-05 driven to victory at the Indianapolis 500; the 2016 Ford GT that finished first in the LM GTE Pro category 50 years after Ford’s iconic first-, second- and third-place victories in 1966; and the 2019 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 driven by Kurt Busch.

“The new exhibit tells a visual story of Chip Ganassi Racing’s success over the last 30 years,” said Petersen Automotive Museum Executive Director Terry L. Karges. “Once they step inside the gallery, see the cars and watch the accompanying 180-degree video, visitors will truly be able to feel the excitement and appreciate the history behind each of the vehicles.” 

A fixture in the auto-racing industry for more than 30 years, Chip Ganassi is considered one of the most successful and innovative team owners the sport has ever seen. Following a strong career as a driver, Ganassi created his own one-car IndyCar team in 1990. The team’s track record includes 16 championships and 200 victories. It is the only team to win the Indianapolis 500 (four times), the Brickyard 400, 24 Hours at Daytona (seven times), 12 Hours of Sebring and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Adding to the prestige, it is also the only team to win 24 Hours at Daytona three times consecutively and the only team to win 24 Hours at Daytona, the Daytona 500, the Indy 500 and the Brickyard 400 in one 12-month span.

“Chip Ganassi Racing: Fast Tracks to Success | 30th Anniversary Tribute” runs through January 31, 2021. To learn more about the Petersen Automotive Museum, please visit www.Petersen.org.

About Petersen Automotive Museum
The Petersen Automotive Museum Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity. The museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd. (at Fairfax) in Los Angeles, 90036. Admission prices are $16 for general admission adults, $14 for seniors and $11 for children ages 4 to 17. Active military with ID, personal care attendants and children under age 4 are admitted free. Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For general information, call 323-930-CARS or visit www.Petersen.org.

17 Dec 2019
Clients, Sonoma Speed Festival Permalink

SONOMA SPEED FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES THE OPENING OF TICKET SALES FOR ITS 2ND ANNUAL EVENT

December 17, 2019

Tickets for the premier vintage racing lifestyle festival in North America are now available, including free general admission passes for children 15 and under. 15% discount avaialable for select passes through January 5

Sonoma, Calif. (December 17, 2019) – The Sonoma Speed Festival has announced that tickets for its second annual motorsports lifestyle festival, which features wheel-to-wheel vintage racing, tastings from top local wineries and other historic and cultural exhibits, are now available for purchase on its website. Taking place from May 28-31, 2020, the event will build off the success of the inaugural 2019 event which drew thousands of spectators, over 300 racecars as well as dozens of wineries and gourmet food vendors. New for 2020, all children 15 and under will be granted free access to the event with a guardian present. In addition, all passes except for the Ultimate Experience will receive 15% off through January 5 when using discount code “2020TAKE15” at checkout.

The 2020 Sonoma Speed Festival will feature nine race groups ranging from pre-war sports cars through late-model endurance racers. In addition, special vehicles and classes will be performing demonstration laps throughout the weekend.

“The inaugural Sonoma Speed Festival proved to us that there is an appetite for a world-class motorsports festival in North America,” said the event’s founder Jeff O’Neill. “With the support of the local community here in Sonoma and the motorsports community, we are charging ahead full-steam for the 2020 event. Event attendees can expect to see top tier cars, sample the world’s best wines and indulge in gourmet food in a fun, family-friendly environment.”

In the pits, visitors will have the opportunity to see hundreds of additional cars on static display. Over a dozen local wineries and distilleries will fill the Sip & Savor pavilion where guests can lounge and enjoy the best wines and spirits the region has to offer. There will also be several gourmet food vendors on site throughout the weekend serving delectable dishes from the area’s top chefs.

New ticket options for 2020 include Car Corral parking for exotic and classic cars and free entry for children 15 and under. Some limits apply and tickets are provided on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Tickets for the Sonoma Speed Festival are online now at https://tixr.com/e/16899.  For more information about the Sonoma Speed Festival, visit the event website and follow the action on Facebook and Instagram.

About Sonoma Speed Festival
The Sonoma Speed Festival is dedicated to highlighting the best race cars and collections from the international community and the U.S. One of the primary goals of the event is to connect the beauty and sophistication of the wine country to an event that is spectator and participant friendly while showcasing the best aspects of Northern California. For more information visit  sonomaspeedfestival.com or email info@sonomaspeedfestival.com

16 Dec 2019
Clients, Lotus Cars Permalink

LOTUS EVIJA: DYNAMIC TEST NOTES (G. KERSHAW)

December 16, 2019

Date: 6 December 2019
Driver: Gavan Kershaw, Director, Attributes and Product Integrity, Lotus Cars
Location: Hethel, Norfolk, UK
Car: Lotus Evija engineering prototype #2

Pre-test notes:

  • Latest shakedown follows extensive computer simulations, plus multiple sessions in UK and Italy.
  • Engineering prototype #2 is the most advanced of three on test, with customer-specification suspension, EV powertrain, brakes and full carbon-fibre body panels.
  • Features most complete interior yet, with key elements such as production seats and ‘ski slope-style’ floating centre console in place.
  • Fitted with hydraulics to support deployment of car’s active aerodynamics.

Driver’s notes:
“The car is in a completely pure state at the moment, with no stability control or torque-vectoring. This is so we can evaluate the fundamentals of the chassis, to create the mechanical advantage before the other layers, such as the electronics, are added. It means we can really read the car. Later we can tune what we’ve gained as a mechanical advantage as we add layers. It’s the Lotus way – get the fundamentals right from the start and use baseline aerodynamics, suspension kinematics and geometry to feel the vehicle’s response.

I feel really at home in it, it’s really driveable. We assessed the stability and agility through tight corners. We did brisk accelerations to work out the torque split and looked at tyre grip and response.

Lotus has always been about ‘input = output’, so if you do something you get a response, and that’s what we’re balancing now. It’s all about the detail so, for example, we’re validating the progressive response from the pedals. We know there’s an enormous amount of torque but drivers will only want it when they ask for it with their right foot. It’s about getting that throttle balance right.

We assessed steering-wheel angle versus vehicle response at different speeds to ensure the car feels nimble at 30mph as well as 200mph.

Through testing like this we can work on every element, like how connected you feel to the car, the driving position, location of the primary controls and visibility. It’s all about validating how the thousands of hours of computer simulations actually translate into the vehicle. It’s a two-fold process: proving they were the correct targets in the first place, and that the results are accurately translating into the car.

It’s also about bringing in experience from other vehicles – what we know from driving Exige and Evora, the Lotus GT race cars – and making sure that core Lotus DNA is all at its absolute best in the Evija.

It’s really exciting for me. I love this part of developing any Lotus because it’s proving the mechanical design and the physics behind everything is right, and then working with our engineers to enhance the experience and give the car a true Lotus character. It’s the step-by-step stuff we do with every Lotus – Evija is no different.

It’s another chapter in my 30+ years at this company. Yes, I’ve got a big smile on my face because it’s the latest tech, it’s a Lotus and we’re at the forefront again.”

About Lotus

Group Lotus Limited is based in Norfolk, UK.

Lotus Cars builds world class, high performance sports cars including the Evora, Elise, Exige and 3-Eleven ranges of sportscars.

Lotus Engineering provides comprehensive and versatile consultancy services to many of the world’s OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers and is an internationally recognized automotive engineering consultancy.