HO Champ cars anyone? Mike's latest review

Racemasters/TOMY's latest cars are reviewed here by Mike.

New decals from Robsmodeling.com

Robert Everson has just emailed me with some news about new HO tire decals he's made, which you can see at this link. Or right here.

Also visit Rob's site at this link.

On a related note. Recently it seems like decals are a hot property, and Rob's decals now seems to be one of the few places to buy decals.

Carrera Z4...review soon

Over the weekend a review of the new Carrera Z4's will arrive.

Hamilton Island Race Week: Audi's Joerg Hofmann presents Viva La

At the Audi Hamilton Island Race Week official prize giving last evening Joerg Hofmann, Audi's managing director, announced that Viva La Vita, owned and skippered by Tony Bates, had been declared the winner of the Audi A4 Avant. Bates was the lucky recipient after being declared winner of the Cruising Division 2 following the final race yesterday, and winning the Audi Drive Challenge held earlier in the week for all competing yachts at the Hamilton Island Airport. While each entry at Race Week had the opportunity to contest the Audi Drive Challenge, only the winners of each division were eligible to win the A4 Avant. On announcing the winner, Mr Hofmann said: "rather than focus on speed, competitors had to drive accurately and consistently during two time trials."  Mr Hofmann continued: "I am very pleased to announce this particular winner.  I was at the Audi Sydney Harbour Regatta in March and he told me he did not drive his car to the final day of that event because he was convinced he was going to win a car!" Bates and his crew from Middle Harbour Yacht Club were thrilled with the major prize. On accepting the keys to his new car, Bates said: "Three of my crew are already driving Audis, so you can see that Audi's sponsorship of sailing has already had an influence. "I'm delighted to win the A4 Avant.  I'm thrilled.  I'd like to thank everyone for a great Race Week; Audi, the Oatley family and all the competitors.  It's been a fantastic regatta."    Other awards were handed out last evening.  The 10-year award, open to yachts that had contested a minimum 10 Race Week's went to Mike Davies (Sandstone), while Best Northern Queensland Boat went to Scaramouche (Graham Smith).  The Prix d' elegance special commendation went to Holy Cow (John and Kim Clinton) and You're Hired (Geoff Morgan and Andrew Banks) won the Prix d' elegance Trophy. Audi Hamilton Island Race Week overall winner, Geoff Ross (Yendys), also won the Boat of the Week award.  Speaking of both wins, Ross, from the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia in Sydney, said:  "This is a great regatta and I have a great bunch of dedicated guys who work terribly hard to get the results we do – my crew. Last night's prizegiving ceremony, hosted by celebrity comedian, Vince Sorrenti, signalled the end of a 219 entry record breaking Audi Hamilton Island Race Week. Island owner, Bob Oatley, told competitors:  "What a week we've had.  Congratulations to Joerg Hofmann and his Audi team; what a job they've done.  Their contribution at Hamilton Island has been great; they've put new life into yachting.  Audi and sailing are very compatible and it's been great to see so many Audis on the Island." Mr. Oatley went on to thank supporting sponsors, UBS and Club Marine.  He also thanked Hamilton Island staff for the effort they had put in to making the week a success. Commodore of the Great Barrier Reef Yacht Club on Hamilton Island and Olympic campaigner for the Australian  Sailing Team (of which Audi is a major sponsor) Iain Murray also attended the prizegiving.   Murray has just returned from the Beijing Olympic test event in Qingdao where he and Andrew Palfrey finished 11th in the Star keelboat. "We're blessed to have places like Hamilton Island to sail at, and great supporters." "Their  (Audi's) sponsorship really has shown – in this room, in the racing and down to the main street," said Murray, who concluded by telling assembled guests that Hamilton Island's new yacht club would be well underway by the time we all returned next August.

Source: http://bymnews.com/news/newsDetails.php?id=14411

A reminder to all those Audi fans....4th gear anyone?

The next American LeMans Series race is Saturday...how about a look back at Mosport?

I just can't get enough of seeing the Audi getting passed to lose the race...sorry my Porsche-centric attitude is showing!!!!


American LeMans SeriesPorscheaudiLeMans

2009 Audi A2

Lower emission and higher fuel efficiency, well automaker could escape it due to tough regulations not only in US but throughout the world. Europeans measure it with CO2 emissions rather than fuel economy. This adds another worry for automakers. 1999 Audi A2 was also fuel efficient premium small car but was not as successful as the car was a bit expensive.

Audi is also feeling the pressure and is going ahead with smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. 2009 Audi A2 subcompact car will be inline with these tough regulations.
2009 Audi A2 will be using the VW subcompact underpinnings with gasoline engines ranging from 1.2 to 1.8 liters and diesels. Future Audi A2 will most probably feature Quattro AWD along with an optional turbocharger.

Audi A2 will be built at the Brussels Belgium plant that Audi recently took over.

Source: http://www.newcarpark.com/blog/?p=57

Executive cars of the year: Audi A6, Audi A8

The Audi A8 has been voted as "Executive car of the year" again, for the third time in a row. Now the Audi A6 also claims that title.n the executive rankings of German business magazine Impulse, Audi is once again the most successful brand. The Audi A8 in the luxury class and the Audi A6 in the upper mid-size class received most votes from Germany's senior executives in their respective categories. The Audi A8 topped the survey for the third time in a row. With its outstanding comfort, superior quality and handling characteristics it convincingly beat off the competition. But just being good is not good enough for Audi. The luxury saloon has just been substantially updated and now offers further enhanced running smoothness and ride comfort, for example. Impulse readers also voted the Audi A6 their favourite in the "upper mid-size" class. Both the saloon and the Avant are very popular among senior executives. In the other two categories, Audi models were among the leaders, too. In the "sports car" section the Audi R8 took second place at its first attempt, despite being on the market for only a few months. Also in second place was the Audi Q7 in the "SUV" class.


Source: http://www.germancarblog.com/2007/08/audi-a6-audi-a8-executive-cars-of-year.html

Ninco Fences...on Carrera track.

Yes it works! I ordered a pack of Ninco high fences from long-time friend Gene who owns Slot Car Place and he hooked me up with some fencing at a great price. I wasn't totally sure it would work since I had no idea if the hooks that go over the edges of the track would be the right depth for Carrera track because after all, this is made by Ninco and you never know if crossing brands will work for much of anything, but in this case it does!
So I snapped away and in a short time the fences were in place and I had the look I was going for. The theme of the plastic track is "The Bay Bridge", as in the Bay Bridge in San Francisco. My wood track's theme is the Embarcadero, which is the street in San Francisco that runs along the bay and meets the Bay Bridge. It's one of my favorite places in the city that I used to live in briefly. So I've been trying to piece together, in my mind, what the area around a bridge on/off ramp looks like. And big high chain link fences came to mind, so these Ninco fence pieces fit the bill!
I know this is as much an update on my personal track as it is a rather brief review but what else is there to say? The pieces fit together well, they're nicely molded, they're easily assembled...they work on Carrera track too!

Done!

DaveK

...and visit Slot Car Place for a reasonable price on slot-stuff!

Motor Mint-Eddie Gas Station review

A review by Frank of the Motor Mint "Eddie Gas Station" is available at this link.

Check out the Motor Mint website at this link.

Audi’s RS6 will get more than 571hp

We recently reported that leaked vehicle chassis codes for the new Audi RS6 specced the output from its twin-turbo V10 engine at 571hp (426kW). Recent information from a source at Audi, however, has put this figure in doubt. The reliable source claims that the 571hp will only be the specified figure Audi will market the car with. True output will be upwards of 600hp, with 610hp (455kW) pegged as the most likely figure. It looks like Audi is taking no chances with the ultimate "wolf in sheep's clothing" model and even BMW's excellent V10 motor will struggle to compete with this kind of power output.

To give you an idea of just how high this figure is, the RS6 will churn out more horses than the Corvette Z06, BMW M6, Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, Ferrari F430 Scuderia, Aston Martin DBS, Porsche 911 GT2, and even Mercedes' epic bi-turbo V12 CL65 AMG.

While we're always happy to see manufacturers pushing the limit, surely there comes a time when outright power figures get out of control. The previous RS6 wasn't a slow car by any stretch of the imagination, but the new model will likely become the most practical supercar ever made. At least owners will have a full-time AWD system to help keep them out of trouble.

Source: http://www.motorauthority.com/cars/audi/audis-rs6-will-get-more-than-571hp/

Audi provides some details on the Q7 hybrid

At the 2007 TechDay this week, Audi's Jörg Kerner provided some details on their upcoming Q7 Hybrid. The Q7 shares a platform with the VW Touareg and the Porsche Cayenne. Both of those will offer hybrid versions but it's not clear if those vehicles will use the same system (although the VW almost certainly will). The hybrid SUV will combine VW's 280hp direct injected 3.6L gas V-6 with a 34kW/285Nm electric motor. The motor will be packaged between the engine and torque converter for a strong parallel hybrid setup.

Like the GM Two-Mode hybrids, the air conditioning compressor is now electrically driven to allow A/C to remain functional during electric drive. The power steering pump and vacuum pump for brake assist are also electrically driven. One item of interest is that the nickel metal hydride battery pack only weighs 151 lbs which seems very light. Unfortunately, the same can't be said about the rest of the vehicle which comes in at almost 5,500 lbs empty.

The Q7 can operate in EV mode at low speeds for up to 1.2 miles and the engine can shut down when coasting at speeds up to 75mph. Overall fuel consumption should be reduced by twenty-three percent compared to a standard 3.6L Q7 going from 18.5mpg to 23.8mpg on the EU combined cycle. Carbon dioxide emissions drop from 304 g/km to 231 g/km. That still way above the proposed EU limit of 130 g/km but there's only so much you can do with a nearly three-ton SUV. The text of the presentation is after the jump.

Audi possesses a wealth of experience in the field of hybrid drives – the brand with the four rings began developing hybrid cars as early as 1989. Today, the development engineers' concentrated know-how can be seen in the Audi Q7 hybrid.

The concept of the Audi Q7 hybrid is a full hybrid vehicle in parallel configuration – a concept that Audi has been pursuing for many years. This principle, in which all major assemblies are linearly situated, has great benefits compared to a series configuration, such as the concepts used by the competition. There, the complex system of electric motor, separate alternator and planetary gears has drawbacks not only in terms of weight, but also in terms of energy loss. Functions such as "sailing" (coasting without power), which parallel hybrids are able to realise, are not possible with series hybrids. In certain situations the electric motor actually has to build up braking force to regulate the driving current.

Audi's hybrid drive uses a 3.6 litre FSI V6 with an output of 206 kW (280 bhp) and a peak torque of 375 Nm. An electric motor situated in the drive train adds up to 285 Nm of additional torque. It is a matter of honour for such a supremely powered Audi to be equipped with quattro four-wheel drive, which permanently ensures a maximum of driving dynamics and road safety. Power is transmitted via a six-speed tiptronic gearbox.

The driving performance of the Audi Q7 hybrid is equal to that of a sports car. From standstill, 100 km/h is reached in just 7.6 seconds. And the pulling power is even more impressive. In fifth gear, the large SUV powers its way from 60 to 120 km/h in just 11.9 seconds. In normal driving conditions, the Audi Q7 hybrid, weighing 2,480 kg unladen, consumes on average 9.8 litres of fuel for 100 kilometres. That is 23 percent less than the basic model. The efficiency of the Audi hybrid drive can hardly be demonstrated more convincingly.

Under the bonnet, the 3.6 litre six-cylinder engine is no different from a standard engine. It is equipped with the highly efficient FSI petrol direct injection system. This enables it to develop more output and dynamism than a conventional engine with manifold injection. The V6 is characterised by a beefy torque curve right up to the rated speed, agile response and economical fuel consumption.

A number of modifications in the periphery were necessary for the 3.6 FSI to be used on the Audi Q7 hybrid. The A/C compressor, the oil pumps for the power steering and automatic gearbox and the vacuum pump for the brake booster are all electrically driven. This makes their operation independent of the combustion engine. The new electrohydraulic power steering has the advantage that it needs almost 90 percent less fuel than a conventional system. The vehicle electrical system receives its 3 kW of power from the drive battery via a voltage transformer.

The electric motor, which generates 285 Nm and 34 kW, has a diameter of 330 millimetres and a length of 55 mm. It is located between the V6 and the torque converter of the automatic gearbox. This configuration ensures maximum economy when it comes to space, allowing the complete space in the passenger cell to be used without restriction.

The challenge of transition

A separating clutch links the three-phase synchronous motor with the engine. This makes it possible to drive the car with either of the power plants or with both together. Concentrated know-how can be found in its control system. Within very short periods of time, this has to switch two powerful power plants on, off and together without these operations being noticed. This was resolved by briefly increasing the torque of the electric motor and opening the torque converter lockup clutch.

Like the standard basic vehicle, the Audi Q7 hybrid also has space for three rows of seats and a large luggage compartment. The battery system that supplies energy to the electric motor has a power capacity of 38 kW and is located in the spare wheel recess at the rear of the vehicle.

The nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery measures 347 x 633 x 291 millimetres and is made up of 240 cells. Each of these works with 1.2 volts, giving a total voltage of 288 volts. Fully charged, the battery is able to store 1.7 kWh of energy. A fan ventilates it with cooled air from the vehicle interior to make sure that it remains in the optimal temperature range.

Compared to earlier generations of hybrid vehicles, the electric motor and the battery are extremely lightweight. The battery weighs 69 kg and the hybrid module with the electric motor 40 kg.

Complex control electronics coordinate the two power plants. These primarily react to the current speed and the commands given by the driver, which the system receives via the accelerator and brake pedals or the tiptronic selector lever. Other important parameters are the charge state of the battery and information received from the wheel sensors, which supply the electronic stabilisation system (ESP) with information about brake operations and the current driving situation.

The electronics autonomously decide about the mutual interaction between the drive components, and implement the driver's commands in a perfect balance of sportiness and efficiency. A menu in the display of the Audi MMI (multi media interface) shows the current operating status.

Separate or combined forces

Fundamentally, three driving modes are possible. The FSI and the electric motor can each work on their own as the drive unit, or the vehicle can combine the power of the two for acceleration. In this mode, the petrol engine is responsible for basic operation, whereby it also needs to supply energy to the battery.

The electric motor on the other hand can be used for speeds up to 50 km/h – i.e. in city traffic – alone and almost inaudible. This can considerably reduce exhaust and noise emissions in built up areas.

The capacity of the battery allows the vehicle to be driven up to two kilometres on purely electrical power – coasting and braking feed additional energy into the system. When the capacity limit of the battery has been reached, the combustion engine is activated to recharge the battery.

The output of 206 kW / 280 bhp and the torque of 375 Nm that the 3.6-litre FSI engine develops are enough to accelerate the standard Audi Q7 from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds. If the driver wants to accelerate even faster, the electronics also activate the electric motor to make use of the decisive advantage that the electric motor has: Its torque, unlike the combustion engine, is available as soon as it pulls away.

More fun accelerating

In practice, this torque boost provides a new dimension to acceleration, especially in the lower speed range. Over the first four metres, the Audi Q7 hybrid leaves its opposite number with the V6 petrol engine a full metre behind. In the sprint from nought to 100 km/h, the "boost" from the electric motor gives it a lead of 1.7 seconds.

And when it comes to pulling power, important when overtaking, the additional drive gives impressive assistance. The "boost" is of course automatic and cuts in as soon as the driver depresses the accelerator pedal beyond a certain, slight resistance. The necessary current comes from the battery in the rear.

But the electric motor can do more than just provide extra power. It is also able to feed kinetic energy back into the system and so recharge the battery when the vehicle is braked or coasting. During this operation, known as recuperation, the motor reverses its function in a flash to become an alternator.

Most energy is recuperated when the Audi Q7 hybrid is decelerated from low speed (under 60 km/h) with a rate of deceleration of about 3 m/s2 – a situation that is frequently encountered in city traffic.

The driver notices this no more than he notices another function that also helps to make the new drive system so efficient. If the Audi Q7 hybrid is coasting without the accelerator pedal being depressed, the combustion engine is switched off – this "sailing" is possible at speeds up to 120 km/h.

The six-cylinder engine is also switched off if the vehicle remains stationary for more than three seconds. To continue the journey, all the driver has to do is to remove his foot from the brake and to depress the accelerator pedal again. The engine resumes service immediately. The powerful electric motor will then play the part of the starter motor. This makes it possible to start particularly fast and yet quietly and comfortably.

The intelligent energy management system uses these strategies to achieve a high degree of efficiency in the drive system, making sure that the battery is not overloaded. The hybrid vehicle is able to demonstrate its potential for saving most effectively in city traffic. With an average mileage of 20,000 km per year, the Audi Q7 hybrid recuperates about 720 kWh of energy a year – approximately a sixth of what a four-person household uses.

Source: http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/08/29/audi-provides-some-details-on-the-q7-hybrid/

Audi A4 gets the new S-line sport package

In its design, the new A4 reveals its sporty, progressive character: taut and dynamic in its outlines, it speaks the language of technical perfection. With an overall length of 4.70 metres, the saloon has a substantial, powerful road stance and offers its occupants ample space in an interior full of light.

Source: http://digg.com/motorsport/Audi_A4_gets_the_new_S_line_sport_package

Carrera news-3 updates in 1

Look what is posted on Porsche Germany's site...a complete set including two models Porsche 911 GT3 RSR with different running decorations. Vehicles with front and tail lighting. In 1:32, the track length is 6.3 m.A link to the set. I've gotten confirmation that these cars will only be available in the set which will only be sold at Porsche dealers in Germany! ....so now the question is, who in Germany will help an American slot brother out?
Photos used from the Porsche Germany site.
----------------
I was looking around the Carrera website today and found some interesting things. There's a pretty good interactive flash presentation on the site that shows a Carrera Exclusiv tuning demonstration, look at it at this link.



-------------------
And...

This was the Flying Lizard MS Porsche shown a while ago.......and now here's the photo shown on the Carrera site...

I know this is a detail that most won't care about but the IMSA and ALMS logos on the hood should be switched. The IMSA logo should be on top. These are the liveries from the Sebring race, since then the ShoreTel logo above the bumper, has moved to the front of the bumper.Image used with permission from Flying Lizard Motorsports from the Sebring ALMS race 2007.
Tafel Racing then...
...and now...

Audi developing electronic driving coach to boost fuel economy

Few factors affect fuel economy more than individual driving style, and anyone who's gotten behind the wheel of a modern vehicle equipped with an onboard computer has inevitably played the consumption game. Audi is taking the concept of an insta-mile-per-gallon gauge to the next level by developing a system that analyzes driver behavior and then tips off drivers on ways to reduce consumption.

The system was presented at the TechDay 2007 seminar in Germany, where Audi sought to draw focus on drivers, fuel usage and emissions reduction. The automaker contends that just by changing the habits of the driver, fuel economy numbers could be boosted by as much as 30-percent, without having to sacrifice "speed and dynamism."
The system also incorporates the vehicle's sat-nav to make route suggestions based on traffic and road conditions, something that should be available in next generation "digital road maps."

Source: http://news.euro-truck.biz/autoblog/audi-developing-electronic-driving-coach-to-boost-fuel-economy/

New Scalex classic Mini Cooper-newsletter

Diecast review-Four Fords...old ones!

Frank's got a nice review of more new diecasts from Motor Mint, 4 Ford trucks on tap today read the review of the Motor Mint diecasts at this link.

New Audi A4 to Be Made in China

Learned recently, the FAW Group will introduce a new generation of Audi A4 in next year, which will become another global synchronization models of FAW Audi.

Source: http://digg.com/tech_news/New_Audi_A4_to_Be_Made_in_China

Audi A3 Cabrio with Camouflage Removed by Computer

Back in September 2005 Audi boss Martin Winterkorn confirmed that the Audi A3 Cabriolet was coming, but was also quick to mention that it wouldn't be available until 2008. Now that 2008 is almost upon us, our shooters were able to catch a few spy photos of the A3 Convertible testing near Ingolstadt. If we can believe the rumours, the A3 Cabrio will be built in Audi's Brussels, Belgium, factory which Audi has just recently taken control over from Volkswagen. The factory is capable of producing some 30,000 A3's annually and is also scheduled to build the new A1 expected at the Tokyo Motor Show later this year. The look of the A3 Cabrio is not very surprising, with the front looking like the current A3 generation but the rear end seems to have been styled after the new A5. We're expecting to see the car in the flesh at the Geneva Show next March.

Source: http://www.worldcarfans.com/9070827.007/audi-a3-cabrio-with-camouflage-removed-by-computer

Desert Slot P086 chassis prototype photos

A prototype of the new Desert Slot chassis "Desert P086 Oasis".




From Raid Slot World's David Airob:

Os presentamos la próxima novedad de la firma Desert Slot, el chasis “Desert Oasis P086” .
Realizado en fibra de placa electrónica de 1,5mm. de espesor soldada durante el montaje, ofrece una máxima robustez para afrontar fuertes impactos o caídas. Está preparado para montar un motor de caja larga con transmisión en el eje trasero y tracción 4x4 mediante poleas. Dispone de un brazo basculante con una longitud suficiente para superar fuertes desniveles u obstáculos elevados sin ningún tipo de problemas. Su peso es de 20 gr. y su distancia entre ejes es de 86mm. Esta primera referencia está preparada para ser acoplada directamente a un Volskwagen Touareg de Ninco sin necesidad de acoplar o añadir ningún tetón a la carrocería. Junto al chasis se suministran los tornillos de fijación del motor y tope de guía. El precio es de 80 Euros más gastos de envío. Si queremos adquirirlo junto a la carrocería del Touareg Test Car del que se harán tan solo 50 unidades deberemos desembolsar 180 Euros.
Para reservas o consultas podéis escribir al siguiente mail: desertslot@gmail.com
Así mismo os mostramos las imágenes del chasis que montará el Pegaso Troner “Mas Slot”.Otra novedad que próximamente estará a la venta son los neumáticos para camión 30x9 mm. en blisters de cuatro unidades y llantas de 20,4x9mm. en bolsas de dos unidades.

A translation of David's text from Bablefish:
The Desert Slot chassis "Desert P086 Oasis". Made in fiber of electronic plate of 1,5mm. of thickness welded during the assembly, it offers a maximum robustness to confront impacts or falls. It is prepared to mount a long can with transmission in the back axis and traction 4x4 by means of pulleys. It has a tilted arm with a length sufficient to surpass forts unevennesses or obstacles elevated without no kind of problems. Its weight is of 20 gr.. and its wheelbase is of 86mm.

This first reference is prepared directly to be connected to a Volkswagen Touareg from Ninco with no need to connect or to add no projection to the body. Next to the chassis to the motor screws of fixation of and top of guide are provided. The price is of 80 Euros more expenses of shipment. For preorder or information you can write to the following mail: desertslot@gmail.com Also we showed the images to you of the chassis that will mount the Pegaso Troner.

Slot Car King Cup II-Proxy race cars

I thought I'd pass along a photo of the Slot Car King Proxy Race cars today. I'm sure the guys will keep us up to date with the race as it progresses.

Audi Introduces Apple iPhone Integration in their Cars

German automaker, Audi has announced full Apple iPhone integration available on selected models. You will be able to browse your music and access phone features as an optional feature in the Audi A5, A6, A8, and Q7 models. The package integrates the iPhone with Audi's MMI interface.

If you recall, VW, owned by the same company as Audi was one of the first automakers to offer iPod integration in their cars as an optional feature. But accessing your music is one thing. Offering a hands-free option to answer your calls seems like a great feature to have. The picture, provided by HTLounge makes the interface look pretty cool too.


Source: http://www.iphonematters.com/article/audi_introduces_apple_iphone_integration_in_their_cars_421/#When:10:00:01Z

SCX Compact-a further look

1/43 guru Philippe Marchand has done an extensive review of the SCX compact system. If you're interested in the Compact system, or if you'd just like to read a really well done review give this a look. Read the review at this link.

NYPD slot car-HO review

A review from Mike of the Racemaster NYPD HO slot car is at this link!

Porsche wins, but just bearly!

Audi on borrowed time!
Timo Bernhard and Romain Dumas scored another upset overall victory in the American Le Mans Series as the duo led the way for Penske Motorsports, which claimed its second straight LMP2 team championship. Bernhard took the lead with only three minutes left in his Porsche RS Spyder as Allan McNish's Audi R10 TDI became stuck in gear.

Bernhard took the checkered flag 19.5 seconds ahead of McNish. The victory was the fifth for the No. 7 duo, all of which have been overall wins. They also lead the class driving championship.

McNish and Dindo Capello finished first in LMP1 for the seventh time this season and clinched the P1 team championship for Audi Sport North America.

"We have shown in the past year that this team is one of the best. But we already knew that," Dumas said. "Everyone knows the success of Penske Motorsports and Roger Penske. Last year we had a nice car but the competition was not so high. This year we have a new car and thank goodness for that."

McNish appeared to have the race locked up late when he inherited the lead from Bernhard on the Porsche's final stop. But the first sign of a gearbox malfunction began to creep in with 10 minutes left. What had been a 22-second lead evaporated to two seconds with five minutes remaining.

"I was so busy trying to pass slower traffic and maintain my position ahead of the Acuras and my Penske Porsche teammates for the LMP2 victory that I did not realize the Audi was having mechanical problems," Bernhard said. "I thought he had made a pit stop, and was having trouble getting back up to speed. It was only after I passed him and could not see him again in my mirrors that I heard on the radio that his car had trouble."

"With 20 minutes to go I was already cleaning my helmet and thinking we had won the class again," Dumas said. "That was the goal as it always has been. It was difficult to keep the Audi in sight early at the start. I knew if we kept good contact we would have a chance."

Ryan Briscoe and Sascha Maassen finished third overall and second in P2 in the other Penske Porsche, followed by the second diesel-powered Audi of Emanuele Pirro and Marco Werner. Fifth overall and third in P2 was Andretti Green Racing's Acura ARX of Bryan Herta and Marino Franchitti. The top five cars finished on the lead lap.

For Audi, Sunday's finish means it will have to wait at least one more race for its first overall win since St. Petersburg.

"We were in a very good position and had the Porsche covered on lap speed," McNish said. "The team did a great job with the second stop on fuel. That fell in our favor for once. But with seven or eight minutes to go I had a big problem coming out of the hairpin and was stuck in gear. We don't know what happened. The car was great before the end. We had the race under control."

The Audis ran first and second overall for much of the first hour. The fast corners and long straights at Mosport made the R10 TDI feel at home.

"The start was very good," said Capello, who qualified on the overall pole. "On cold tires I was able to push and I had a gap to our sister car. The behavior of the car changed however. In the first part, it had a bit of an understeer with no grip. But after the safety car (at the eight-minute mark) it had an oversteer. You had to clean tires often."

News and photo of the Porsche celebration by the American LeMans Series, race photos by slot brother Van LaPointe.

Massa wins a "watching paint dry" Turkish GP

In what can BEST be described as a dull race, Massa won today in Turkey. Read all the details below.

Photos copyright Red Bull/GEPA 2007, no reuse for any reason.

Formula 1f1ferrarisportgrand prix