Mark Potter
Posts by Mark Potter
GranTurismo MC Corse In-Car Video
Dec 15th
I ran across this in-car video of the GranTurismo MC Corse testing at Monza on YouTube today and had to share:
New Production Car Speed Record at the Nurburgring!
Oct 9th
For a long time I’ve pushed the fact that even though the Quattroporte was beat in horsepower and straight-line acceleration by the BMW M5 and the Mercedes S66 AMG, it was faster on the racetrack. The whole package of weight balance, suspension, chassis tuning, and electronics was such a superb setup that the car really is a lot faster than it looks on paper. EVO magazine proved it when they ran it around their Bedford Autodrome track in England. The Quattroporte was the fastest sedan, until they reconfigured the track and re-set the scores. Just look at these track times and the Quattroporte bests a lot of cars that should be faster.
Well now another Maserati has proven that it isn’t all about horsepower or straight-line speed. EVO magazine teamed up with a car fanatic we can all be jealous of, and a professional driver to push 5 supercars around the legendary ‘Green Hell’, otherwise known as the Nürburgring Nordschleife, all in an effort to answer one question: “Which one’s fastest?”
Apparently ONE guy is lucky enough to own an MC12, an Enzo, a Carrera GT, a Koenigsegg CCX, and a Zonda F. Now keep in mind, these cars range from 600 – 901 hp and are capable of sub 4 second 0-60 mph.
Surprisingly the most expensive car in the group – the Koenigsegg CCX came in dead last. Fast in a straight line, but the “…peaky way the power is delivered made it challenging to control.” No lap time was published for the CCX. The Carrera GT came in 4th with a lap time of 7.28.71 – matching the time set by factory driver Robert Rohrl during development.
Third place went to the Ferrari Enzo, with a lap time of 7:25.21. The Pagani Zonda, powered by a 7.3 liter Mercedes powerplant came in second with a lap time of 7:24.65.
With a lap time of 7:24.29 the Maserati MC12 came in first place. Not only did it beat the rest of these massively capable supercars, but it set a new production car lap record in the process. The MC12 was the heaviest car in the group, had ‘old-fashioned’ steel brakes and conventional dampers, but still took them on and won. Just like in the GranTurismo and the Quattroporte, the MC12’s sum is greater than its individual parts.
Just because one car should be faster than another on paper, doesn’t make it so.
GranTurismo MC Corse Concept Revealed
Sep 29th
9/24 – Maserati’s new concept car was unveiled during the Maserati Day, an event held at Monza. No word yet on whether this car will be produced for GT racing, but I think we’ll see this competing in 2009, in either the FIA GT3 European Championship series that the Gran Sport Light used to compete in, or possibly the GT4 class that the Trofeo Light currently competes in.
Maserati’s race engineers have fine tuned the GranTurismo S’ aerodynaic efficiency with a new front bumper – increasing airflow to the engine and brakes, and a front “chin spoiler” for additional downforce. The hood features a new large air intake plus cooling vents towards the rear.
The front of the car now features side air-vents which lead into the new side skirts under the doors. To the rear of the car the boot spoiler has been re-sculpted to produce increased down force to match the front splitter. The lower rear bumper has been re-worked to incorporate additional air vents and centrally located tailpipes.
The Maserati Racing Department engineers have made major improvements to reduce the car’s weight while also enhancing its performance. The chassis has been significantly lightened and stiffened with the application of an integral rollcage, to meet FIA regulations.
The coachwork, partially modified to meet new FIA regulations, is in composite material. This has led to better weight distribution and an overall weight under 3,100 lbs, a 1,000 lb reduction from the production GranTurismo S.
The suspension, brakes, wheels and tires have seen upgrades to meet racing specification including: Single-rate racing dampers, larger brake discs with moobloc racing calipers, and new 13×18″ rear and 12×18″ front wheels wrapped in racing slicks.
The engine has been revised to further increase performance without impairing reliability. The 4.7L V8 now generates 450 hp, and 376 lb-ft of torque at 4750 rpm. The intake and exhaust systems have been revised through a new open element air filter beneath the large hood inlet, and a full racing exhaust system with race-type catalytic converters and silencers.
Specifications:
- Engine: V8
- Displacement: 4,691 cc
- Maximum power: 450 hp
- Maximum torque: 376 lb-ft at 4,750 rpm
- Power to weight ratio: < 7lbs/hp
- Body: In composite material. Windscreen, rear, and side windows in Lexan.
- Chassis: In welded steel with integral rollcage structure, FIA approved
- Interior: Backward-set driving position, with racing seat, dashboard and control console in carbon througout. 6-point HANS compatible seat-belt.
- Electrical System: Specific, with data acquisition system.
- Fuel Tank: 26.4 gallon, with carbon safety structure, FIA approved.
- Brakes: Steel discs, front ⌀ 15″, ⌀ rear 12.5″, without ABS.
- Wheels: Front 12×18″, rear 13×18″
- Tires: Racing slicks
- Weight: < 3,100 lbs
Links:
maseraticorse.com
Cars & Coffee – New Location Recap
Sep 23rd
As I mentioned previously Cars & Coffee is now at the MotorPlex in Chanhassen. As we found out last month, this new location is going to be a great spot moving forward. Matt posted up this great video from last month’s gathering:
Here is a map to 8200 Audubon Road, Chanhassen 55317:
View Larger Map
For more information on the Auto MotorPlex: www.automotorplex.com
Wayzata Rotary and The Minneapolis Club Car Show
Sep 2nd
Sunday, September 7th, 2008 (rain or shine)
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Admission Price: $15 per car. Spectators are FREE!
This show will feature vintage, classic, custom, foreign and specialty cars on display. Proceeds from the event will benefit local and international humanitarian projects.
The Auto Show is held in conjunction with James J Hill Days, a family festival featuring art, music, food, kids’ carnival, parade and other fun events on the shores of beautiful Lake Minnetonka.
Cars & Coffee – New Location
Sep 2nd
Our monthly gathering of automotive enthusiasts is moving! Last month’s show was so successful it was clear the Caribou parking lots were not going to be sufficient. So this month we move to the MotorPlex in Chanhassen.
Here is a map to 8200 Audubon Road, Chanhassen 55317:
View Larger Map
For more information on the Auto MotorPlex: www.automotorplex.com
Cars & Coffee MN – August Recap
Aug 4th
Saturday’s Cars & Coffee was amazing – over 250 cars came out on a beautiful Saturday morning. The sheer diversity of cars was incredible – from an incredible 1960’s Ferrari 250 GT Lusso, to some really clean old Bugs. Next month promises to be even bigger – and we’re working on an adjacent lot that can handle the extra turnout.
Here is a slideshow of pictures I took:
[edit: 8-22]
Matt Desmond just posted his video:
Wheels of Italy – 2008
Jul 30th
August 24th
10am – 4pm
Free for owners, Free for admirers
All Italian vehicles welcome.
FREE Gift bag to the first 250 Italian cars on display!
Cars & Coffee
Jul 10th
This past Cars & Coffee event was awesome – we had more cars representing more makes and eras than any previous event. This monthly meeting continues to grow and should become a permanent part of twin cities car culture. If you haven’t yet made it down – you’re really missing out.
Cars & Coffee happens on the first Saturday of each month. After each event there is a rotating schedule of driving activities – from dyno pulls to photo shoots. We will try to continue to hold get-togethers indoors during the winter, with karting, open houses, and other events in planning.
I maintain an e-mail announcement list for the Formula 1 events here at the dealership, for all of the Cars & Coffee events, and other events of interest to high-end automotive enthusiasts. To sign up for this list, send me an e-mail mark.potter@morries.com. I send out an e-mail once every two weeks on average – so don’t worry about your inbox being filled with junk.
Video from July:
The next C&C is scheduled for August 2nd – details here
Followup: More Photos of the Bellagio Fastback and A8 GCS
May 13th
The reborn Carrozzeria Touring made a big splash at Villa d’Este. As the featured marque of the Concorso d’Eleganza this year, the fathers of the classic Superleggera construction method took the wraps off two stunning coachbuilt Maseratis. While we wait for Touring to release more information on the swoopy A8 GCS sportscar and Bellagio Fastback, the Carrozzeria has graced us with a few new images of the two cars.
[source: AutoBlog]