TZ 2

I never get tired of this photo.

Reaction to the Production-ready Alfa 4C

As longtime readers know, I really hated the Alfa Romeo 4C in its concept car format. I thought it was overwrought, badly proportioned, and the matte red finish really did it no favors. Now that the production version has been unveiled, I think they really improved the design a lot.  Although I am not in love with it, I think it's a truly nice looking sportscar.  I was hoping it would come in cheaper than 60,000 Euros, but I suppose it makes sense. Just one question though:  WTF is up with that side mirror protruding from the door?? That has got to be THE worst execution of a mirror I have ever seen!

Automobiliac's top 10 racing engine sounds

For no reason, I decided to list my top 10 favorite racing engines.  These are my personal favorites. Please feel free to share your own in the comment thread!

1) Matra V-12: Sounds like the wrath of the gods.

2) Aston Martin Straight Six: Smooth, with a wonderful guttural undertone.

3) Alfa Romeo Jano Supercharged Inline 8: The closest man has come to making a machine that sounds like a living, breathing thing.

4) The Colombo Ferrari V12: Needs no introduction

 5) Mercedes V-12: Defined the era.

6) BRM V-16: Ill fated car, sounds like raw aggression.

7) Offenhauser Indy Roadsters: Spine-tingling and brutal.

8) Can Am V8s, Ford and Chevy: Iron fist of America, hell yeah.

9) Group B Rally cars: Hard to pick a favorite, but the Audi Inline 5 Turbo is probably the most unique and memorable.

10) Ferrari 412 F1: The last of the V-12 Ferrari F1 engines.

Studying the Competition

Carlo Chiti, head of Autodelta, gesticulates next to an amazing shelf of wind tunnel models related to the development of the Alfa Romeo Tipo 33.  Only please notice that the model just next to his left hand is clearly that of a Porsche 908/03 Spider.  Evidently, they were studying the competition very closely! Sadly the true nemesis of the Tipo 33 turned out to be the Ferrari 312 PB, which proved more reliable than the Alfa.

Hat tip to Off Camber for the photo

GTV6 Petrol Stop. Donington, 1982

Stopping for gas before the race.  Just a phenomenal photo from the Flickr account of Mendaman - a trove of fantastic 80s motorsport images. This really shows the GTV6 at its zenith.

Hat tip to Rob.