Mazda 787B Le Mans Anniversary Lap

Mazda restored the 1991 Le Mans winning 787B race car for a celebration of the 20th anniversary of their historic victory.  Part of that celebration was a demonstration prior to this year's running of the 24hrs of Le Mans.  Luckily, Mazda documented the whole process including the 787B's lap around the track where it made history all those years ago.  In the driver's seat was Johnny Herbert who piloted the car when it crossed the finish line back in 1991, marking the first and only Le Mans victory by a Japanese manufacturer.

Here is the video of the restored car at Le Mans.

BMW Reveals the 2012 M5

BMW has finally taken the wraps off the upcoming M5 super sedan after some photos leaked onto the web last night.  What they have come up with is pretty potent.  The new M5 ditches the 500HP V10 of the previous model and makes due with the company's 4.4L direct injected, twin turbo V8 which in the M5 will produce a massive 560HP/502TQ.  All that power is routed to the rear wheels via a 7 speed dual-clutch transmission and an electronic Active M limited slip differential.

Performance wise, the M5 will be able to hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds on it's way to an electronically limited 155 mph top speed.  Those who opt for the M Driver's Package will have that artificial limit removed and can take the car up to it's actual top speed of 190 mph.

Of course the M5 get special exterior enhancements to differentiate it from the regular "run-of-the-mill" 5 series running around.

No pricing info has been released but I'm going to go out on a limb and say it ain't gonna be cheap.

2012 Corvette ZR1 - 6 Seconds faster on Nurburgring

GM has posted a new video of the 2012 Corvette ZR1 testing on the Nurburgring.  With improvements being made to the 2012 model which include new tires and traction control system, Corvette engineer Jim Mero ripped off a lap time of 7:19.63.  That's 6 seconds faster than the 2008 ZR1 that was tested on the Ring and faster than the Viper ACR, Nissan GTR, Ferrari Enzo, and Pagani Zonda F Clubsport.

Check out the video:

Mazda 787B Testing Video

Mazda is getting the newly restored 1991 Le Mans winning 787B racecar ready for it's return to the track.  Here is a video from Mazda via their YouTube channel.

Mazda's 787B To Return To Le Mans

In 1991, Mazda became the only Japanese manufacturer to capture overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the amazing rotary powered 787B.  To celebrate the 20th anniversary of that historic win, Mazda has fully restored the only non piston engined car to ever win at Le Mans and they are going to give the fans a show with a few laps prior to the 79th running of the race on June 11th.

Mazda plans on releasing some shakedown videos in the upcoming weeks, but for now we have to make due with a couple of audio only clips they put on YouTube.

What Would You Buy If You Won The Lottery?

With all the talk of the recent huge Mega Millions Lottery drawing ($355 Million), I’ve been fantasizing about what cars I’d actually buy if I won such a huge amount of money.  I figured I’d try to come up with a list.

Now, I’m a pretty stingy (aka cheap) person normally and I don’t really think that would change much particularly when it comes to cars.  Sure, I’d buy a nice house, or two, and take awesome vacations and maybe buy a boat, but when it comes to cars, I’d probably avoid buying new for a number of reasons.  First, many of the cars I really want aren’t in production anymore so I’d have no choice.  Second, I just can’t see spending $250,000 - $300,000 for a new Ferrari 458 or Lamborghini Gallardo even if I have all that money in the bank.  I could settle for a nice Ferrari 360 or 430 and save a ton of money.  Heck, I call build a pretty nice collection of several cars for $300,000 total.  Third, let someone else take the depreciation hit.  Finally, I want to drive the cars, not be afraid to move them out of the garage because a bird may take a crap on them and ruin my investment.

With that said, here is my list of some of the cars that I would look to buy if I won a huge amount of money.

1)      Ferrari 355 GTS – My favorite V8 Ferrari of all time.  Last Ferrari I really loved.

2)      Porsche 964 Turbo – Preferably the 1994 3.6 Turbo.  Last single turbo 911T, last rwd only 911T and very few made.

3)      Porsche 993 Turbo – The best generation 911 ever.  Last of the air cooled wonders.

4)      Lamborghini Gallardo – Early Gallardos, 2004 – 2005, can be had for under $100K

5)      Acura NSX – Truly amazing car.  Always had a soft spot for them with or without the pop up headlights.

6)      Ferrari 550/575 – Sweet V12 Ferrari goodness.  550s can be had for under $80K.

7)      Ferrari 512 TR – More sweet V12 Ferrari goodness.  Evolution of the Testarossa with better styling and more power.  Channel my inner Sonny Crockett.

8)      BMW E46 M3 – Last great M3.  Last one I have any interest in.  Good for a daily driver.

9)      Porsche 996 C4S – Porsche purists show no love for the 996 but that just makes them more affordable.  Another daily driver possibility.

10)  Lotus Elise/Exige – Need a track car.

11)  Mazda Miata V8 – Love the Miata.  Would find a nice one and send it to Flyin Miata for a V8 conversion.  Brand new GM LS3, T56, and Getrag rear.  Turnkey and ready to roll for about $40K.  Modern Shelby Cobra.

12)  Factory 5 Cobra – Speaking of Cobras, I really like these kits.

I’m sure I can think of more but that’s a good start.  Best of all, with some smart shopping, that list above can be had for well under $1million.  Would you rather have all that sweet variety above, or one Veyron?  You know my answer.

What would your list look like?  Feel free to let me know.