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Report: Lewis Hamilton apologizes for joking insinuation of racism after Monaco GP penalty

Filed under: Motorsports, Celebrities

Lewis Hamilton at the 2011 Monaco Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton may be best known for his racing, but in the wake of a controversial performance at the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend, it was another race card he played altogether.

The young Brit was called in to speak with the race stewards regarding an incident with Williams rookie Pastor Maldonado. Towards the end of the grand prix, Hamilton collided with Maldonado and the latter was taken out of the race. The stewards deemed Hamilton at fault and handed him a 20-second time penalty (the post-race equivalent to a drive-through), though with Adrian Sutil finishing far behind him a lap down, the penalty affects neither Hamilton’s sixth-place finish nor his position in the championship standings.

Speaking with the BBC after the stewards’ decision, the McLaren driver jokingly channeled Sacha Baron Cohen’s character Ali G and mused that the stewards were picking on him because he’s black. Realizing the joke could be misconstrued and taken seriously, Hamilton doubled back and apologized to the stewards for his remarks.

The Maldonado incident was one of several that marred Hamilton’s performance this weekend. After being docked several positions on the starting grid due to an illegal qualifying maneuver, Hamilton started in ninth place. Around halfway through the race, he tried to overtake longtime rival, Felipe Massa, but ended up colliding with the Ferrari that crashed out mere seconds later. The stewards had faulted a frustrated Hamilton for that incident as well and handed him a mid-race drive-through penalty.

Lewis Hamilton apologizes for joking insinuation of racism after Monaco GP penalty originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 May 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 Monaco Grand Prix is as tight as it gets [spoilers]

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe

2011 Monaco Grand Prix

2011 Monaco Grand Prix – Click above for high-res image gallery

The funny thing about speed is that it’s relative, at least in a cognitive sense. Sure, you can measure the pace at which a moving object travels over ground, water, air, or even space. But place a Formula One race car on a wide-open track-say, Turkey’s Istanbul Park, for example-and it doesn’t look or feel like it’s going nearly as fast as the same car does along the tight, winding streets of Monte Carlo. That’s what makes the Monaco Grand Prix so exciting. This year’s especially, packed as it was with nail-biting action. Follow the jump to read how it went down.

Gallery: 2011 Monaco Grand Prix

Continue reading 2011 Monaco Grand Prix is as tight as it gets [spoilers]

2011 Monaco Grand Prix is as tight as it gets [spoilers] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 May 2011 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Renault answers demand with Laguna Monaco GP edition

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Renault

Renault Laguna Coupe Monaco GP

Renault Laguna Coupe Monaco GP – Click above for image gallery

A few months back, Renault launched a special edition of its Laguna coupe called the Monaco GP edition. Only 400 examples were earmarked for production, available exclusively in the automaker’s domestic market. They proved an instant hit, selling out in short order. To satisfy customers’ demand for more, Renault has announced a second run of the cars.

The Laguna Monaco GP starts off as Black Edition coupe and upgrades from there. The Pearlescent White body is offset by the black roof and black Interlagos 18-inch alloys, while the high-contrast treatment is continued inside the cabin. As shown above, customers can also opt for black paint for a more sinister look.

French buyers can also choose between two diesels at 150 or 175 horsepower, with an options list ranging from four-wheel steering to a Bose sound system. It’s a sleek-looking coupe, particularly in this treatment, even if the powertrains don’t exactly live up to the Monaco GP racing designation. Follow the jump for more details and check out the images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Renault Laguna Coupe Monaco GP

[Source: Renault]

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Renault answers demand with Laguna Monaco GP edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 23 Apr 2011 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Tour the riches of Top Marques Monaco in five minutes

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, SUV, Europe, Aston Martin, Specialty, Luxury, Koenigsegg

Pagani Huayra at Top Marques Monaco

Pagani Huayra at Top Marques Monaco 2011 – Click above to view video after the jump

If you missed any of the action from last week’s Top Marques Monaco show, we’ve got you covered. This five-minute clip condenses all the glitzy highlights of this year’s show into one horsepower-drenched summary. The show was a seriously drool-worthy affair, featuring a wide range of exotics; from classy, composed offerings from the likes of Aston Martin, to the delicious Pagani Huayra to the completely silly Tirrito Ayrton R.

High-end tuning companies always make a strong showing at Top Marques Monaco, and this year was no different. Gemballa’s two new offerings, the Tornado and the Mistrale, broke cover after the company’s recent troubles. Add to that a host of offerings from ABT, Koenigsegg and Marussia, and you’ve got a great way to kill five minutes. Click past the jump for all the exotic glory. Thanks for the tip, HF!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Tour the riches of Top Marques Monaco in five minutes

Video: Tour the riches of Top Marques Monaco in five minutes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gemballa shows Mistrale and Tornado at Top Marques Monaco

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, SUV, Europe, Porsche, Luxury

2012 Gemballa Tornado

2012 Gemballa Tornado – Click above for high-res image gallery

Despite losing its founder under suspicious circumstances last year, German tuning house Gemballa is back with a vengeance at this year’s Top Marques Monaco show. To help celebrate its 30th anniversary, the company is rolling out two new models: The Porsche Cayenne-based Tornado and the Porsche Panamera-based Mistrale.

Both of Gemballa’s new models sport extensively reworked bodies, which Gemballa says shave nearly 150 pounds off each car. The weight savings come thanks to carbon fiber body panels made in-house by Gemballa. Both cars’ front fenders, hood, doors and front valance get replaced with new bespoke units made entirely of the black stuff.

Gemballa also unleashed its expertise underhood. In Stage 1 trim, the Tornado delivers 580 horsepower and the Mistrale pushes 610. If that’s not enough, Gemballa is happy to oblige with Stage 2, which takes either car to 700 hp and 737 lb.-ft. of toque. Keeping all that grunt in check is a set of enormous Brembo clamps developed specifically for Gemballa.

No matter which car you choose, you get a set of 410-mm, six-piston discs up front with 380-mm, four-piston units out back. The new brakes exert stopping power on a set of forged 22-inch Gemballa wheels. Despite their size, Gemballa says the forged rims are lighter and stronger than the stock Porsche units.

Inside, the cars get Gemballa’s signature Alcantara and quilted leather treatment. If either of Gemballa’s new rockets floats your boat, we’d suggest getting in line now, as the company says it will only build 30 examples of each. Check out the full press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2012 Gemballa Tornado and Mistrale

2012 Gemballa Tornado 2012 Gemballa Mistrale 2012 Gemballa Mistrale interior

[Source: Gemballa]

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Gemballa shows Mistrale and Tornado at Top Marques Monaco originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Apr 2011 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Angular Tirrito Ayrton R debuts in Monaco

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Misc. Auto Shows, MISC

2012 Tirrito Ayrton R

The Tirrito Ayrton first reared its razor-edged head in 2009, looking like something Predator would drive if he was in the market for a supercar. For this year’s Top Marques Monaco, Tirrito has rolled out the Ayrton R , the lighter, more powerful version of Predator’s chosen mode of transportation.

Questionable styling aside, the Ayrton R packs a tuned version of the BMW 5.0-liter V10 from the last-generation M5 and M6, which should produce around 630 horsepower. That’s a lot by anyone’s standards, but in a car that tips the scales at a scant 1,980 pounds, it’s downright ridiculous. For those keeping track, that equals 3.3 pounds per pony.

Tirrito hasn’t released much in the way of performance figures, but we can only assume they’re as gaudy as the Ayrton R’s bodywork. For a full gallery of the Tirrito Ayrton R, head over to Autoblog.nl.

[Source: Autoblog.nl (translated)]

Angular Tirrito Ayrton R debuts in Monaco originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Melkus showing GT, GTS versions of RS2000 at Top Marques Monaco

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Misc. Auto Shows, MISC

Melkus RS2000 GTS

Melkus RS2000 GTS – Click above for image gallery

We were suitably impressed a couple of years ago at the Frankfurt Motor Show where we stumbled upon the Melkus RS2000. The gullwing sportscar is based on the Lotus Elise and built by a historic East German nameplate revived by the son and grandson of its founder. That same marque has now rolled up at the Top Marques show in Monaco with more powerful variants.

Replacing the Toyota-sourced, 270-horsepower, 1.8-liter four from the Elise on which it’s based, the GT and GTS versions of the Melkus RS2000 pack a 2.0-liter turbo four – reportedly sourced from a “well-known German manufacturer” (we’re looking at you, Volkswagen) – in 300- and 350-hp guises, respectively. With only 2,145 pounds to schlepp around, the new engine should be good for a 4.5 or 3.9-second 0-100 km/h (62 mph) time, while a new carbon-fiber aero kit helps it look the part.

Gallery: Melkus RS2000 GTS

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Melkus RS2000

[Source: Melkus via World Car Fans]

Melkus showing GT, GTS versions of RS2000 at Top Marques Monaco originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Caterham releases Roadsport 125 Monaco

Filed under: Performance, Specialty

Caterham Roadsport 125 Monaco

Caterham Roadsport 125 Monaco – Click above for high-res image gallery

Lightweight aficionados rejoice! Caterham has announced a new special edition roadster is joining its ever-expanding lineup. Allow us to introduce you to the Caterham Roadsport 125 Monaco. The brushed aluminum bodywork looks resplendent alongside the black nose and fenders. The red and white stripes which run up the nose and across the sides of the car represent the Monegasque flag – the official flag of Monaco. The theme continues into the cabin where the black and red color scheme is designed to represent the roulette wheels accessible throughout Casino Square.

The Caterham Roadsport 125 Monaco is powered by the same engine and transmission combination found in the Lambretta special edition – a 125 horsepower 1.6-liter Ford-sourced four-cylinder paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. Since Caterham adheres to Colin Chapman’s philosophy of lighter is faster, the 125 hp mill should provide plenty of thrills behind the wheel.

Pricing for the Roadsport 125 Monaco is set at £20,995 or around $33,000 U.S. However, Caterham is offering a discount on the first 20 Monacos sold. If you act early, you can scoop one up for £19,995 which is a hair over $31,000 US.

Gallery: Caterham Roadsport 125 Monaco

Caterham Roadsport 125 Monaco

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Caterham releases Roadsport 125 Monaco originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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