Chrysler Goes To Trial Over Fiery Jeep Crash, Defends Fuel Tanks

A 2006 fatal crash involving a 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee and one more 4-year-old youngster burned to death, Cassidy Jarmon, is pictured in Cleburne, Texas.

Older Jeeps with fuel tanks situated behind the rear axle might lead to explosive testimony in case against Chrysler beginning trial in Georgia. This month, a loved ones whose 4-year-old son burned to death in the back of a 1999 Grand Cherokee is beginning trial against the automaker—and in contrast to most large organizations facing wrongful-death claims, Chrysler is refusing to settle.

Bryan and Lindsay Walden of Bainbridge, Georgia, brought the suit against Chrysler in July 2012, 4 months following their son, Remington, was killed when a 1997 Dodge Dakota rear-ended the ’99 Grand Cherokee in which he was riding. According to Automotive News, the boy only suffered a broken leg from the influence but “died screaming in a fire so intense his chest fused to the Jeep’s door” as he attempted to escape his booster seat. He may possibly have been alive for an complete minute even though engulfed in flames.

As heart-wrenching as this account is, the Waldens aren’t alone. There are more than 70 fire-associated deaths from rear-end collisions in older Grand Cherokees and Libertys, according to the Detroit News. Security advocates like Jenelle Embrey—who claimed to witness a mother and teen burn to death in a Grand Cherokee and later sent an on the internet petition with 128,000 signatures to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2013—say there are hundreds far more.

Embrey’s petition led to a NHTSA investigation that discovered greater-than-average fatality rates amongst 1993-1998 Grand Cherokee and 2002-2007 Liberty models. Chrysler contends that these are higher-speed, high-energy collisions, that the Jeeps are no less protected than their contemporaries, and that they met all safety standards of the time.

In June 2013, soon after initially refusing a NHTSA recall request, Chrysler did recall 1.56 million of those Jeeps and sent letters to yet another 710,000 owners of later, 1999-2004 Grand Cherokees as a “customer service campaign,” advising them to bring in their vehicles to have tow hitches installed.

On these Jeeps, the fuel tanks are positioned behind the rear axle just inches away from the rear bumper and have fuel filler hoses that run by means of the frame rails. Beginning with the redesigned 2005 Grand Cherokee, Chrysler repositioned the tank away from the rear bumper.

The trailer hitch is supposed to provide some additional measure of protection for the fuel tank, at least in low-speed collisions. But former NHTSA administrator Joan Claybrook says these hitches may really do more damage, citing a Grand Cherokee fire in 2006 throughout which the hitch pierced the tank. Claybrook, as element of Nader’s Center for Auto Safety, suggested that NHTSA require Chrysler to set up metal shields and reinforce the filler hose, and crash-test a car with these upgraded parts.

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The Walden case presents a lot more trouble for Chrysler. As an alternative of a closed settlement, a jury will make a decision Chrysler’s fate and could simply open the door to further, effective lawsuits. Details from the case are currently getting created public, such as the deposition of Fiat-Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne in January, who said that he does not think there is the “slightest proof that Grand Cherokee or the class that we’re talking about here are defective.”

That a tiny civil suit in Georgia is even involving the CEO of a giant, global automaker should be proof that these fuel tank fires have substance in court. It is not recognized whether or not Chrysler has settled any related cases.

Chrysler Goes To Trial Over Fiery Jeep Crash, Defends Fuel Tanks

2016 Jaguar F-sort Gains Manual, AWD Options, and the 550-hp R Model Goes Topless!

Official Pictures and Information

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We want to shag this Jaguar even much more.

Excellent things come in 3s, a cliché confirmed by Jaguar’s trio of major updates to one of our favourite sports cars, the seductive F-variety. Each and every of the 2016 F-type’s bonuses were expected in some form or another, with one becoming something we’ve been desperately anticipating like jungle cats licking their chops more than a wounded elk. Or maybe we’re far more like home cats eyeing the nip—either way, the very good stuff has arrived: The F-kind finally will offer you a manual transmission.

The other 2 huge enhancements the 2016 F-kind comes packing are maybe more vital, if not as glorious. All-wheel drive joins the option sheet, even though the leading-of-the-line, 550-hp F-sort R coupe is now available in roadster kind. Jaguar also tossed the F-type’s hydraulic power steering help in favor of an electrically boosted rack for far better fuel economy and enhanced precision. The steering method also gets a stiffer column intermediate shaft.

The Fine Print*

All 3 adjustments arrive with some asterisks, with the manual transmission’s caveat getting that it can only be paired with the supercharged V-6 in either base 340-hp or spicier 380-hp S guise. Opting for the manual negates the option to select all-wheel drive, but the purity of a rear-drive, stick-shift sports vehicle makes that a fair trade to us. If 4 driven wheels suit your fancy, know that AWD can only be ordered on the more effective V-6 F-kind, while it comes normal on the R models. That final bit appears like a bit of a drag to us, given that a huge component of the present (rear-drive) R coupe’s appeal is the ease with which it can be pitched sideways, the cacophony emanating from the tailpipes shattering bystanders’ eardrums.

To add one much more note, the 495-hp V-8 S roadster—this model was by no means offered as a coupe—is dead. Jaguar figures that if you want a supercharged 5.-liter V-8, you’re most likely mad sufficient to skip correct to the R’s 550-hp take on the idea. That pares down the lineup to 3 distinct models: F-type, F-sort S, and R. The old trim designations, which incorporated every single version’s engine sort (i.e., V-6, V-6 S, V-8 S, and so on.), are gone, and for the 1st time every engine is supplied in each coupe and convertible body types.

The Finer Print, No Asterisks

The manual transmission is a 6-speed unit offered by ZF, and Jaguar boasts that the shifter’s throws measure just 1.77 inches. There’s a dual-mass flywheel to reduce noise, vibration, and harshness, and it backs up to a low-inertia single-plate clutch. Jaguar claims to have placed the pedals in such a way that heel-toe downshifting is a snap, and we can not wait to verify their arrangement from behind the wheel.

All-wheel-drive F-kinds advantage from a sporty front-rear torque split in which 100 % of the engines’ may well is sent to the rear axle till slip at the front is detected. In such situations, the system’s brain can shuffle up to 50 percent of the torque to the front axle. Adding a differential to the front shifts the F-type’s weight distribution forward by 1.2 percent, and Jaguar’s specifications sheet indicates that the F-type S AWD coupe and convertible pack an extra 177 pounds, whilst the newly AWD R coupe gains 143 pounds more than the rear-drive 2015 version. More weight isn’t a welcome improvement for automobiles that are already on the heavy side of factors, but we suppose that’s what absurd levels of horsepower are for.

Every F-kind so equipped gets a nifty AWD badge, a specific hood—the R included—with wider-set and relocated heat-extraction vents compared to regular F-types, and body-colored rocker panels and rear-fascia trim.

Stuffing in More Stuff

In addition to the flotilla of technical upgrades, Jaguar also boosted the F-type’s regular gear roster. The previously optional 770-watt Meridian surround-sound audio technique is now normal across the line, as is proximity entry and start, 14-way energy seats, and InControl Apps. The last item is a new suite of Apple and Android smartphone integration functions that also contains remote engine beginning (on automatic automobiles) and the ability to remotely lock or unlock the car, check fuel level, and if the windows are up or down. All coupes get the previously further-price panoramic glass sunroof, whilst the R coupe receives a power hatch, too. The F-variety S now comes with a flat-bottom steering wheel, adjustable Dynamic sport mode, and the sweet-sounding active exhaust system.

Pricing for the 2016 F-variety lineup will not be obtainable till closer to the official on-sale date this coming spring. We’re told the manual F-sort will expense less than a commensurate auto with an automatic, and we wouldn’t be shocked if the R coupe’s cost rises slightly. Of course, of utmost significance to us is driving the 2016 F-type—especially the manual version and the all-wheel-drive R models that Jaguar predicts will hit 60 mph in 3.9 seconds. Seeing as how we recorded a 3.5-second run a rear-drive 2015 F-variety R coupe, Jaguar’s estimated time could be very conservative . . . and it just might give the 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S a run for its money.

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2016 Jaguar F-sort Gains Manual, AWD Options, and the 550-hp R Model Goes Topless!

Such a Tease: 2017 Jaguar XE Configurator Goes Reside

Jaguar’s new BMW 3-series competitor, the 2017 XE sedan, only just debuted at the 2014 Paris auto show, and already the automaker has launched a preliminary on the web configurator so fans can start playing around with the model’s various configurations. (Verify it out here.) We’re as excited as any person for the XE, but these looking for a full-blown XE fantasy machine with a complete choices list and pricing will be disappointed.

So far, Jaguar’s on-line construct-your-own tool for the XE permits users to select among 3 models—XE, XE R-Sport, and XE-S—and select interior and exterior colors, wheels, and, on choose models, minor things like headlights and cabin-trim styles.

There is no indication of what stuff costs, normal equipment, or what sort of optional extras XE buyers can appear forward to, but the R-Sport trim level indicates Jag will have an intermediate sport model to combat the likes of BMW’s 3-series M Sport or Lexus’s IS250/IS350 F Sport automobiles. (Jaguar utilizes R to denote high-overall performance models witness the XFR, XJR, and the F-variety R coupe.) No mention is produced of engine selections, but we currently know the XE will supply U.S. buyers a turbocharged 4-cylinder in each gas and diesel guises, as nicely as a supercharged V-6. All-wheel drive will be obtainable.

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We uncover Jaguar’s choice to start letting people fiddle around with their XE practically a bit curious. Following all, right here in the U.S., the XE does not go on sale until early 2016. That is a long time to tantalize the masses and auto journalists alike.

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Such a Tease: 2017 Jaguar XE Configurator Goes Reside

Effectively, This Sucks: Porsche 918 Spyder Goes Up in Flames at Toronto Gas Station [Video]

Nicely, damn—what we have right here is a 918 Spyder that went all GT3. Or NSX. Or Gallardo. Or, well, any supercar, because we’re fairly confident “burns to the ground with a fiery incandescence matched only by its capacity to warp faces” is listed among the regular characteristics for something with far more than 475 horsepower.

The 918 observed here is allegedly owned by Canadian investor and Television personality Michael Wekerle. It is said to have gone up when overflowing fuel and its connected vapors were ignited by the hot exhaust. (The pipes point skyward on every single side of the engine cover.)

At 2.2 seconds to 60—which still feels extraordinary to type—the 918 Spyder is the quickest road automobile we’ve ever tested. This one won’t be replicating that feat any time quickly. Or, uh, ever based on the aftermath photos posted to Twitter:

918 Spyder on fire at Caledon Esso Gas Station @CityNews #CityNews @CP24 14010 Hurontario St., Caledon pic.twitter.com/sc69kaOSP8

— Jason Low (@Jasonsgca) September 29, 2014

Just saw my dream automobile exploded and I’;ve never been so heart broken pic.twitter.com/Ffkv7ZrJZk

— david perry (@davidandperry) September 29, 2014

More images to add to the thread: pic.twitter.com/gIz61RKuVZ

— david perry (@davidandperry) September 29, 2014

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Effectively, This Sucks: Porsche 918 Spyder Goes Up in Flames at Toronto Gas Station [Video]

2017 Subaru Impreza Spotted Wearing Camo: Fuji Goes Modular Global

Future Vehicles

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One thing far much more considerable than a 5-door WRX.

• KGP PHOTOGRAPHY,


• ROBERT KERIAN, AND


• THE MANUFACTURER

What It Is: Very first, let’s talk about what it’s not: a 5-door WRX. Subaru nevertheless says that it has no plans to bring back the 5-door WRX, so nonetheless it may possibly appear like a 5-door WRX and nevertheless considerably we would love to see yet another 5-door WRX, this is not a 5-door WRX. In addition to, if it was, we’d see bigger wheels, larger brakes, a wider track, some kind of exhaust plumbing, and definitely no cover over the hood scoop, lest it starve the engine for air throughout hot-climate testing.

Our intelligence indicates that this is a mule for Subaru’s next-generation Impreza, to arrive in 2016 as a 2017 model. If this is the case, the Impreza appears poised to grow wider, as evidenced by the wider WRX-primarily based front bodywork, taped roof panel, and body sides that have been spread apart an added inch or so on either side, most evident from the rear-3-quarter view.

We’re also not ruling out the possibility that this could be a mule for Subaru’s planned plug-in hybrid, also due in 2017. There’s no apparent sign of a charging port, but look closely beneath the rear bumper and you can make out what seems to be a modest, single exhaust pipe, signaling the presence of an internal-combustion engine. We can also see a rear differential, so, yes, it will nevertheless provide all-wheel drive.

Why It Matters: The Impreza is Subaru’s entry into the hugely competitive compact-car segment, and the 2017 iteration will be the 1st product to ride on Subaru’s new modular worldwide architecture. Those bones will at some point serve below most—if not all—of the automaker’s future products from the Impreza to a planned 6-seat crossover.

Earlier this year, Subaru announced that it will bring a plug-in hybrid to the U.S., likely in the vein of the Viziv 2 idea previewed earlier this year in Geneva. Automotive News reported that the automobile will be primarily based on an current nameplate and is slated to be sold in the states that adopt California emissions regulations, such as New York, Massachusetts, and other people. It could or may not replace the XV Crosstrek Hybrid in the lineup when it arrives.

Platform: Subaru’s new worldwide modular architecture is anticipated to be stronger and lighter than the one particular used by the existing Impreza. We anxiously await details on the new architecture, and as soon as we turn up more data, we’ll bring it to you.

Powertrain: The 2017 Impreza’s new platform will also accommodate a new generation of direct-injected engines with cylinder deactivation. While the specifications of mentioned engines stay undisclosed, you can bet that they will remain horizontally opposed and will boast improved fuel economy, reduced emissions, and, hopefully, increased output compared to today’s offerings.

Competitors: Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla, Volkswagen Golf

Estimated Arrival and Price: No date has been announced for the subsequent-generation Impreza, but a 2016 debut is most likely. The plug-in will comply with, arriving sometime in the course of the 2017 model year. Due to the stiff competitors in the compact segment, we anticipate that pricing for the next-gen Impreza will not stray far from the current $ 19K–$ 24K range. An Impreza-based hybrid would most likely hit showrooms wearing a sticker closer to the present XV Crosstrek’s $ 27K–$ 31K cost spread.

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Hamilton goes for gold at Silverstone

Sunday 6 July will see the most exciting event in the British motor-racing calendar, the Formula One Grand Prix at Silverstone in Northamptonshire.

Tens of thousands of spectators will be willing Lewis Hamilton to win on home ground, and reduce his 29 points deficit to Mercedes team mate and current world championship leader Nico Rosberg. Hamilton won the championship in 2008.

No doubt Hamilton’s fellow Brit, Jensen Button, will also enjoy local support – not least from race sponsor Santander. The bank also sponsors his McLaren team, and the 2009 world champion appears regularly in adverts for the bank’s credit card and current account products.

Lapping it up

Rosberg took the crown at Silverstone last year, and has beaten Hamilton in the last 3 races, so Hamilton will be desperate to do everything he can to finish ahead of the German this weekend.

Hamilton last won at Silverstone in 2008, when he lapped everyone up to third place. He said: “That has to be one of the best moments of my career. I loved raising that gold trophy in front of the home crowds and I’m determined to get my hands on it again this year.”

Silver service

Only 12 different British drivers have won their home race since the very first world championship Grand Prix was held at Silverstone in 1950.

The track’s racing history began after the Second World War when a surplus airfield near to the village of Silverstone was earmarked as a suitable site for a racing track.

An ex-farmer, James Wilson Brown, was employed by the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) which had arranged a one year lease of the airfield with the Air Ministry, and given the job of turning the airfield into a racetrack.

In just 2 months, Brown succeeded and on October 2, 1948, around 100,000 people turned up to see Luigi Villoresi beat 22 other competitors in his Maserati.

Royal approval

2 years later, the track played host to King George VI, the first and only time a reigning monarch has attended a British motor race.

In 1951, the British Racing Drivers’ Club took over the lease of Silverstone from the RAC. The track was made into a more permanent fixture and stands were created, giving spectators a much better view. Major improvements were made to the track the mid-1970s, which resulted in the Woodcote corner becoming the fastest in Formula 1.

The track was overhauled in 1991 and again in 1994, following the deaths of Senna and Ratzenberger at that year’s San Marino grand prix in Italy. The ambition was to make the course safer without drivers having to reduce speed.

British standard

The first British winner at Silverstone was Peter Collins, who won in 1958. Tragically, he lost his life just 2 weeks later in the German Grand Prix. This was the year that Mike Hawthorn, a close friend of Collins and his Ferrari team-make became Britain’s first world champion.

Perhaps one of the most memorable British wins at Silverstone was when reigning Formula 1 World champion and crowd favourite James Hunt won in 1977 in his Marlboro McLaren-Ford M26 (remember tobacco sponsorship?).

Massa warrior

Hamilton may be hoping for an equally memorable win this year but he faces stiff competition not only from his team-mate Rosberg, but also the Williams team. Not only is this a home race for them as well, but Felipe Massa will be making his 200^th Grand Prix start and will be keen to achieve a memorable result.

The race is of particular importance to Jenson Button too, who will be sporting a pink race helmet for the weekend in memory of his father John, who died in January and used to wear a ‘lucky’ pink shirt on race days.

Corners and curves

Competitors will race 52 times around the 5.891km circuit and will have to negotiate high-speed corners including Abbey and Copse and the Maggotts, Becketts and Chapel curves.

The forecast for the weekend is looking good, so drivers won’t have to contend with a wet track.

Hamilton however, may be hoping for rain. Back in 2008, many drivers struggled to keep their cars on the road thanks to torrential downpours – Ferrari’s Felipe Massa spun 5 times while Vetter, Button and Kubica all spun off too, leaving Hamilton to promende to victory. Whoever wins on Sunday, it’s bound to be a thrilling competition.

Circuit training

The race itself isn’t the only entertainment for visitors to Silverstone this weekend. There’s plenty to see off the track too, including a special 50^th Grand Prix parade of previous winning Formula 1 cars, live music and air displays.

Racing legends including Sir Jackie Stewart, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill and Alain Prost – who between them have claimed 11 Formula One victories at Silverstone – will all drive over the weekend.

Hamilton goes for gold at Silverstone

Hamilton goes for gold at Silverstone

Sunday 6 July will see the most thrilling event in the British motor-racing calendar, the Formula A single Grand Prix at Silverstone in Northamptonshire.

Tens of thousands of spectators will be willing Lewis Hamilton to win on home ground, and minimize his 29 points deficit to Mercedes group mate and existing planet championship leader Nico Rosberg. Hamilton won the championship in 2008.

No doubt Hamilton’s fellow Brit, Jensen Button, will also enjoy nearby assistance – not least from race sponsor Santander. The bank also sponsors his McLaren group, and the 2009 globe champion seems often in adverts for the bank’s credit card and existing account merchandise.

Lapping it up

Rosberg took the crown at Silverstone last year, and has beaten Hamilton in the final 3 races, so Hamilton will be desperate to do almost everything he can to finish ahead of the German this weekend.

Hamilton last won at Silverstone in 2008, when he lapped everybody up to third spot. He mentioned: “That has to be one of the best moments of my career. I loved raising that gold trophy in front of the house crowds and I’m determined to get my hands on it once again this year.”

Silver service

Only 12 distinct British drivers have won their property race because the extremely very first world championship Grand Prix was held at Silverstone in 1950.

The track’s racing history started soon after the Second Globe War when a surplus airfield close to to the village of Silverstone was earmarked as a appropriate internet site for a racing track.

An ex-farmer, James Wilson Brown, was employed by the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) which had arranged a one year lease of the airfield with the Air Ministry, and provided the job of turning the airfield into a racetrack.

In just 2 months, Brown succeeded and on October 2, 1948, around 25,000 men and women turned up to see Luigi Villoresi beat 22 other competitors in his Maserati.

Royal approval

2 years later, the track played host to King George VI, the 1st and only time a reigning monarch has attended a British motor race.

In 1951, the British Racing Drivers’ Club took more than the lease of Silverstone from the RAC. The track was produced into a far more permanent fixture and stands had been produced, providing spectators a considerably far better view. Main improvements had been made to the track the mid-1970s, which resulted in the Woodcote corner becoming the fastest in Formula 1.

The track was overhauled in 1991 and once again in 1994, following the deaths of Senna and Ratzenberger at that year’s San Marino grand prix in Italy. The ambition was to make the course safer without having drivers having to lessen speed.

British common

The 1st British winner at Silverstone was Peter Collins, who won in 1958. Tragically, he lost his life just 2 weeks later in the German Grand Prix. This was the year that Mike Hawthorn, a close friend of Collins and his Ferrari group-make became Britain’s initial globe champion.

Probably one of the most memorable British wins at Silverstone was when reigning Formula 1 World champion and crowd favourite James Hunt won in 1977 in his Marlboro McLaren-Ford M26 (don’;t forget tobacco sponsorship?).

Massa warrior

Hamilton might be hoping for an equally memorable win this year but he faces stiff competition not only from his group-mate Rosberg, but also the Williams group. Not only is this a home race for them as well, but Felipe Massa will be generating his 200^th Grand Prix start and will be keen to accomplish a memorable result.

The race is of certain significance to Jenson Button too, who will be sporting a pink race helmet for the weekend in memory of his father John, who died in January and utilized to wear a ‘lucky’ pink shirt on race days.

Corners and curves

Competitors will race 52 times around the 5.891km circuit and will have to negotiate higher-speed corners such as Abbey and Copse and the Maggotts, Becketts and Chapel curves.

The forecast for the weekend is searching good, so drivers won’t have to contend with a wet track.

Hamilton however, may be hoping for rain. Back in 2008, numerous drivers struggled to maintain their vehicles on the road thanks to torrential downpours – Ferrari’s Felipe Massa spun 5 times whilst Vetter, Button and Kubica all spun off also, leaving Hamilton to promende to victory. Whoever wins on Sunday, it is bound to be a thrilling competitors.

Circuit education

The race itself is not the only entertainment for guests to Silverstone this weekend. There’s a lot to see off the track also, like a specific 50^th Grand Prix parade of previous winning Formula 1 automobiles, live music and air displays.

Racing legends which includes Sir Jackie Stewart, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill and Alain Prost – who among them have claimed 11 Formula A single victories at Silverstone – will all drive more than the weekend.

Hamilton goes for gold at Silverstone

Hamilton goes for gold at Silverstone

Sunday 6 July will see the most fascinating event in the British motor-racing calendar, the Formula One Grand Prix at Silverstone in Northamptonshire.

Tens of thousands of spectators will be willing Lewis Hamilton to win on residence ground, and reduce his 29 points deficit to Mercedes group mate and present planet championship leader Nico Rosberg. Hamilton won the championship in 2008.

No doubt Hamilton’s fellow Brit, Jensen Button, will also get pleasure from neighborhood support – not least from race sponsor Santander. The bank also sponsors his McLaren team, and the 2009 globe champion appears regularly in adverts for the bank’s credit card and current account products.

Lapping it up

Rosberg took the crown at Silverstone last year, and has beaten Hamilton in the last 3 races, so Hamilton will be desperate to do almost everything he can to finish ahead of the German this weekend.

Hamilton final won at Silverstone in 2008, when he lapped everybody up to third place. He said: “That has to be a single of the greatest moments of my career. I loved raising that gold trophy in front of the house crowds and I’m determined to get my hands on it once more this year.”

Silver service

Only 12 various British drivers have won their house race given that the really first planet championship Grand Prix was held at Silverstone in 1950.

The track’s racing history started right after the Second Planet War when a surplus airfield near to the village of Silverstone was earmarked as a appropriate site for a racing track.

An ex-farmer, James Wilson Brown, was employed by the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) which had arranged a a single year lease of the airfield with the Air Ministry, and offered the job of turning the airfield into a racetrack.

In just 2 months, Brown succeeded and on October 2, 1948, about 100,000 individuals turned up to see Luigi Villoresi beat 22 other competitors in his Maserati.

Royal approval

2 years later, the track played host to King George VI, the first and only time a reigning monarch has attended a British motor race.

In 1951, the British Racing Drivers’ Club took more than the lease of Silverstone from the RAC. The track was produced into a far more permanent fixture and stands had been created, giving spectators a considerably better view. Significant improvements had been produced to the track the mid-1970s, which resulted in the Woodcote corner becoming the fastest in Formula 1.

The track was overhauled in 1991 and once again in 1994, following the deaths of Senna and Ratzenberger at that year’s San Marino grand prix in Italy. The ambition was to make the course safer with out drivers having to decrease speed.

British normal

The first British winner at Silverstone was Peter Collins, who won in 1958. Tragically, he lost his life just 2 weeks later in the German Grand Prix. This was the year that Mike Hawthorn, a close friend of Collins and his Ferrari team-make became Britain’s 1st world champion.

Probably 1 of the most memorable British wins at Silverstone was when reigning Formula 1 Globe champion and crowd favourite James Hunt won in 1977 in his Marlboro McLaren-Ford M26 (remember tobacco sponsorship?).

Massa warrior

Hamilton may possibly be hoping for an equally memorable win this year but he faces stiff competitors not only from his group-mate Rosberg, but also the Williams group. Not only is this a residence race for them as well, but Felipe Massa will be producing his 200^th Grand Prix start off and will be keen to accomplish a memorable outcome.

The race is of particular value to Jenson Button too, who will be sporting a pink race helmet for the weekend in memory of his father John, who died in January and utilized to put on a ‘lucky’ pink shirt on race days.

Corners and curves

Competitors will race 52 times around the 5.891km circuit and will have to negotiate high-speed corners which includes Abbey and Copse and the Maggotts, Becketts and Chapel curves.

The forecast for the weekend is hunting great, so drivers will not have to contend with a wet track.

Hamilton nevertheless, may be hoping for rain. Back in 2008, several drivers struggled to keep their automobiles on the road thanks to torrential downpours – Ferrari’s Felipe Massa spun 5 times whilst Vetter, Button and Kubica all spun off too, leaving Hamilton to promende to victory. Whoever wins on Sunday, it is bound to be a thrilling competitors.

Circuit instruction

The race itself isn’t the only entertainment for guests to Silverstone this weekend. There’s a lot to see off the track too, like a specific 50^th Grand Prix parade of earlier winning Formula 1 cars, live music and air displays.

Racing legends like Sir Jackie Stewart, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill and Alain Prost – who between them have claimed 11 Formula One victories at Silverstone – will all drive more than the weekend.

Hamilton goes for gold at Silverstone

Get your motor whirring… Harley Davidson goes electric

The throaty roar of their V-twin engines usually offers Harley Davidsons away lengthy ahead of you catch sight of them. So will Harley fans, a lot of of whom fine-tune their touring bikes to make them even louder, go for an environmentally and ear-friendly electric model?

That was the query getting posed earlier this week, when the initial electric Harley Davidson hit the road at a launch occasion in New York.

Simple rider

Named Project LiveWire, the black, red and chrome beast that is the electric Harley Davidson undoubtedly looks the part.

It can go 130 miles ahead of it requirements charging (a approach that takes between 30 minutes and an hour) and will offer riders a best speed of 92mph.

The manufacturer also claims the bike can go from -60mph in just 4 seconds.

But rather than putting its electric bike out on common sale, Harley Davidson has decided to test its functionality and reputation by asking some of its loyal consumers to test drive the new model although touring around the US.

The tour will incorporate a trip down the popular Route 66 amongst Chicago and Los Angeles, and will take in at least 30 Harley Davidson dealerships just before the finish of the year.

Silent running

With its relatively modest 74 horsepower and a best speed beneath 100mph, the electric Harley Davidson is unlikely to appeal to bikers with a require for speed (and a scant regard for the law of the land).

That is not the biggest dilemma, even though. Like other electric vehicles, the engine on Harley Davidson’s Project Livewire prototype is practically totally silent.

And that is probably to prove off-putting for those Harley fans who get pleasure from the admiring glances attracted by the gutsy engines on the manufacturer’s far more traditional touring bikes.

It would also be exciting to see how insurers would react to an electric bike – would it be noticed as intrinsically low-danger, and consequently deserving of decrease motorbike insurance coverage premiums?

New in town

However, attractive to its traditional buyer base might not be the point of this groundbreaking new bike from Harley Davidson.

Robin Farley, an analyst at UBS, thinks that the motorcycle maker is trying to show it can attract a new sort of consumer, something “that’s been a challenge for them in the past”.

And this opinion appears to be supported by the truth that Harley Davidson has recently launched 2 bikes aimed at females, who now acquire 1 in 10 of the Harleys sold in the US.

Motorcycle diaries

Any person keen to get their hands on an electric Harley will have to wait for a although at least, although. There are no firm plans to bring the Project Livewire electric bike into production as but.

A Harley Davidson spokesman said: ‘Any final decisions about regardless of whether to bring an electric motorcycle to marketplace – and when – will be created at a later date.’

Get your motor whirring… Harley Davidson goes electric