Prodrive enters Impreza WRC2008 in Scooby Sprint Championship

UK Subaru-enthusiasts will be happy to know that the Japanese firm's former rally-car partner, Prodrive, will participate in the 2009 Scooby Sprint Championship with a Prodrive Impreza WRC2008 World Rally Car. The Scooby Sprint is a one-make series for Subarus in the UK that allows private road car owners to compete against the clock as well as with some of the fastest and most modified Subaru cars around.

To get an idea, according to the organizers, the WRC2008 Impreza will not be the most powerful car to run in the Scooby Sprint as there are entries running more than 800-horsepower! Prodrive will enter the five-round competition as a 2009 Constructor Team.

Steve Smith, Prodrive car sales manager, said: "We are fully aware that there are some very highly tuned Imprezas out there and we know every one of them will be aiming to beat us. But let's be clear, we are not coming along for the ride."

Aston Martin's Kuwaiti Owner Acquires 40% of Prodrive

Kuwaiti investment firm, The Investment Dar Company (TID) has acquired a 40% stake in Prodrive, a UK-based engineering company with branches in Australia and the Asia Pacific region. The move comes to no surprise as in 2007, Prodrive founder and chairman David Richards led a consortium which saw TID get hold of Aston Martin from FoMoCo and Richards become chairman of the company. As part of the agreement between the two firms, David Richards will remain the majority shareholder in Prodrive and Mahmoud Samy from TID will join the board of the company.

"We have followed Prodrive's success through the Subaru and Aston Martin motorsport programs and seen the commitment and dedication of all the employees in every aspect of the business," said Mahmoud Samy. "Prodrive has a great heritage and David has a clear vision for growing the business. We look forward to working closely with David and his management team to realize their goals," he added.

David Richards said: "Through Aston Martin, I have worked closely with TID for the last two years. As a result TID has also gained a great insight into Prodrive's expertise and our culture. They very much share our vision for the business and the passion for what we do. With their experience and understanding of the motor industry, they will play a significant role in the long term development of the business."

Prodrive Creates Carbon Fiber Horse Racing Stirrups

Automotive tech is now finding its way to the world’s oldest form of transportation which is none other than the horse. British motorsport specialist, Prodrive which is well known for its Subaru products has designed a lightweight horse racing stirrup made from carbon fibre. The high-tech stirrups weigh just 40 grams, half the weight of standard aluminium racing stirrups. On top of being lighter, the carbon fibre stirrups are also stronger as they have a safe working load of 600 kg and in tests have withstood a load of 1.8 tonnes before complete failure. -Continued

“Today’s horse racing is like motor racing: weight is critical,” said Prodrive senior composites engineer, Roger Walker. “Every ounce the jockeys can save represents thousandths of a second off the finishing time, which can be the difference between winning and losing by a nose. Jockeys even wear lightweight tights to save weight.”

(Picture edited by CarScoop)

New Subaru Impreza WRX-S with 255 PS

Subaru is broadening its Impreza WRX offerings with the introduction of the Prodrive developed “S” model at the British Motor Show. Thanks to the re-programmed ECU (electronic control unit) and the modified exhaust system, the 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine’s output is raised from 230 PS at 5,200 rpm to 255 PS at 5,400 rpm while the torque improvement is even greater, growing from 236 lb.ft at 2,800 rpm to 287.6 at 3,000 rpm. According to Subaru, while the WRX-S’ top speed remains at 130 mph (209 km/h), 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time drops from 6.1 to 5.5 sec. -Continued

Engine-aside, the new Impreza WRX-S also features 18-inch anthracite GT1 alloy wheels with 225/40 tires, an STI front grille, STI front lip spoiler and STI rear wing and body-colour tailgate moulding. Furthermore, the WRX-S gets a MOMO ‘Air-Race’ gearknob while the colour choice is between San Remo Red, WR Blue Mica, Obsidian Black Pearl and Satin White Pearl. In the U.K., the new Impreza WRX-S is priced from £22,495 OTR offering £4,500 worth of extras over the WRX for a £2,500 premium.

Brisk RS 01 WRC: Prodrive Developed Skoda Fabia Coupe With A 500Hp 2.0TFSI Engine

Apparently this isn’t a typical road-going Skoda; it’s a unique rally car created by Czech spark-plug manufacture Brisk in collaboration with Prodrive. Albeit Brisk’s spec-sheet is available only in Czech, it doesn’t take a nuclear physicist to make ends meet. Based on a first generation Fabia, the RS 01 WRC gets a coupe body that actually doesn’t look half-bad and a supped-up 2.0TFSI engine -yes, the same as in the VW Golf GTI and Audi S3 models among others, producing 500Hp @ 7.800 rpm and 600Nm @ 3.700 rpm. Combine that with a weight of just 1.000kg or 2.200 pounds and the 2.7 sec time for the 0 to 100km/h (62mph) that Brisk announces makes (some) sense.

According to the Czech spark-plug manufacture, the RS 01 WRC is ready to be tested in rallies both nationally and abroad. In addition, Brisk says that promotional events and test drives for journalists and the general public have been planned for the immediate future. -Full Image gallery and the specs after the jump

SPECIFICATIONS: BRISK RS O1 WRC

Sportovní závodní automobil určený pro automobilové soutěže s konstrukcí podle řádu FIA, přílohy J, bez homologace. Celá konstrukce vozu vychází z koncernových dílů Škoda a VW.

KAROSERIE

Typ karoserie - samonosná, ocelová, tvořená příhradlovou konstrukcí

z vysokopevnostních ocelových trubek,

doplněná o panely z kevlaru, karbonu a skelného laminátu.

MOTOR

Typ - zážehový, přeplňovaný výfukovým turbodmychadlem,

se samostatným obtokovým ventilem, sekvenční dvojité

vstřikování paliva, bezdotykové zapalování

Zapalovací svíčky - BRISK Racing DOR 1O DS EVO 2

Zdvihový objem motoru ( cm3 ) - 1998

Počet válců - 4

Max. výkon ( kW/k/ot/min ) - 368 / 500 / 7800

Max. točivý moment ( Nm/ot/min ) - 600 / 3700

Příprava směsi - sekvenční dvojité vstřikování

Přeplňovací tlak ( MPa ) - 2,5

PŘEVODOVÉ ÚSTROJÍ

Typ převodovky - sekvenční, přímo řazená, s posilovacími magnety

Počet převodových stupňů - 6

Spojka - suchá, dvoukotoučová, keramická

DYNAMIKA

Max. rychlost ( km/hod ) - 200

Zrychlení z O na 1OO km/h ( sec.) - 2,7

HMOTNOSTI

Pohotovostní hmotnost ( kg ) - 1000

ROZMĚRY

Celková délka ( mm ) - 4 002

Celková šířka ( mm ) - 1 890

Celková výška ( mm ) - 1 270

Rozvor ( mm ) - 2 500

Rozchod vpředu ( mm) - 1 670

Rozchod vzadu ( mm) - 1 620

PODVOZEK

Přední / zadní náprava - nezávislé zavěšení kol, trojúhelníková ramena,

pérování tlumiči Proflex

Přední / zadní brzdy - čtyřpístkové o průměru 330 mm /

čtyřpístkové o průměru 320 mm

všechny brzdy kotoučové, značky Porsche

Diferenciály - mezinápravový i pasivní nápravové s omezenou svorností

DALŠÍ VYBAVENÍ

18ti palcová kola, hasicí systém, bezpečnostní nádrž, intercom, vyspělá diagnostika pro snímání telemetrie - v první fázi na motoru, ve druhé fázi ve vývoji telemetrie podvozku.

Technorati: Brisk+RS+01+WRC, Skoda+Fabia, Tuning, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

Breaking News: Aston Martin Sold to a consortium led by Prodrive’s David Richards for 925 million USD

We had already prepared you about this sale last week, so it’s not much of a surprise. The deal went down at £479 million - $925 million - 705 million EUR and as part of the transaction, Ford will retain a £40 million - $77 million - 59 million EUR investment in the British car maker. Aston Martin’s new owner is a consortium comprised of: David Richards, founder and chairman of UK Prodrive; John Sinders, Aston Martin collector and a backer of Aston Martin Racing; and finally, Investment Dar and Adeem Investment Co, international investment companies headquartered in Kuwait.

“This is an incredible opportunity – Aston Martin is one of the world’s most iconic brands,” said David Richards. “We are confident we now have all the right ingredients to take Aston Martin to even greater heights.” On Ford’s behalf, CEO Alan Mulally stated, "The sale of Aston Martin supports the key objectives of the company, to restructure to operate profitably at lower volumes and changed model mix and to speed the development of new products" -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see Ford’s & Aston Martin’s Press Releases

ASTON MARTIN PRESS RELEASE

Gaydon March 12, 2007: Aston Martin is pleased to announce the start of a new chapter in its illustrious history following the announcement today that the prestigious sports car manufacturer has been sold to a consortium led by David Richards, John Sinders, Investment Dar and Adeem Investment, ending almost twenty years as part of Ford Motor Company.

The consortium is a group of sophisticated investors who are committed to the brand, its success and existing business plan which envisages growth, profitability and new products, including the much acclaimed four door concept Rapide, shown for the first time at the Detroit Auto Show in 2006.

With the full support of the investors, Dr Ulrich Bez remains committed to the future success of Aston Martin and will lead the management team into a new era as its Chief Executive. Since his appointment in 2000 he has overseen a period of growth and investment, steering Aston Martin to its unparalleled status in the world luxury sports car market. During the past six years the company has seen a tremendous change with new headquarters, exciting new products, a successful motorsport programme and a strong corporate identity throughout the expanding dealership network.

Leading the investors is David Richards, founder and chairman of Prodrive, a world leading motorsport and automotive engineering company. He will be joining the board of Aston Martin as non executive chairman in a personal capacity.

“This is an incredible opportunity – Aston Martin is one of the world’s most iconic brands,” said David Richards. “We are confident we now have all the right ingredients to take Aston Martin to even greater heights.”

John Sinders, a banker in finance and shipping from Houston, Texas and Dubai UAE, is an Aston Martin owner with a great affection for the brand on both road and track.

Investment Dar, a Kuwaiti company, is the largest listed investment company in the Gulf. It owns and manages a group of companies including banking, finance, investment and asset management, real estate, insurance, banking, and logistics. Investment Dar has total assets of US$ 3.66 billion, with net income of US$ 317.3 million in 2006.

Adeem Investment is a Kuwaiti company and owns companies in the banking and finance, real estate and hotels, transport and logistics, food and telecoms industries. It has become the fastest growing investment, corporate finance and asset management company in Kuwait with assets under management in excess of US$ 1.5 billion.

Jefferies & Company acted as financial adviser to the Consortium.

“This new partnership is a tremendously exciting opportunity for Aston Martin,” said Ulrich Bez. “Under the ownership of Ford we have become a successful, profitable company and I will be working with the new owners to build on this great foundation. It is a new beginning which will give the company the opportunity to attain an even higher level of excellence.

“This next stage in the company’s history promises to be the most exciting yet. David Richards and I have a great deal of mutual respect for each other and we are equally passionate about realising the brand’s full potential.”

Aston Martin will remain at its high tech production facility at Gaydon in Warwickshire, a purpose-built facility where a skilled workforce of 1800 employees have helped gather numerous awards from the automotive and design industries in the past five years. Aston Martin has also enjoyed considerable success on the track and the company’s sporting heritage continues to infuse every model.

Aston Martin is one of the world’s leading sports car manufacturers. Founded in 1914 by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford the company has been responsible for some of the most evocative automobiles of all time. Aston Martin has evolved into a prestige manufacturer with class-leading products and perhaps the most high profile automotive brand name in the world.

The current model line-up of the award-winning V8 Vantage, DB9, DB9 Volante and Vanquish S and V8 Vantage Roadster will soon be enhanced by the eagerly awaited high performance DBS model. Voted the UK’s coolest brand in 2006, Aston Martin has a fast-expanding dealership network of 126 dealers representing in 27 countries.

FORD PRESS RELEASE: FORD ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT TO SELL ASTON MARTIN

DEARBORN, Mich., March, 12, 2007 – Ford Motor Company [NYSE: F] announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Aston Martin, its prestigious sports car business, to a consortium comprised of David Richards, John Sinders, Investment Dar and Adeem Investment Co. This transaction is the result of Ford's decision, as announced in August 2006, to explore strategic options for the Aston Martin business as the company restructures its core automotive operations and builds liquidity.

The sale is expected to close during the second quarter and is subject to customary closing conditions, including applicable regulatory approvals. The transaction values Aston Martin at £479 million ($925 million). As part of the transaction, Ford will retain a £40 million ($77 million) investment in Aston Martin. Other terms and conditions specific to the sale are not being disclosed at this time.

"The sale of Aston Martin supports the key objectives of the company, to restructure to operate profitably at lower volumes and changed model mix and to speed the development of new products," said Alan Mulally, Ford's President and chief executive officer. "From Aston Martin's point of view, the sale will provide access to additional capital, which will allow Aston Martin to continue the growth it has experienced under Ford's stewardship. Today's announcement is good for Ford Motor Company, good for Aston Martin and good for the UK. We wish Aston Martin every possible success for the future."

The new owner of Aston Martin is a consortium comprised of: David Richards, founder and chairman of Prodrive, a world-leading motorsport and automotive technology company; John Sinders, an avid Aston Martin collector and a backer of Aston Martin Racing; and Investment Dar and Adeem Investment Co, international investment companies headquartered in Kuwait.

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles in 200 markets across six continents. With more than 280,000 employees and more than 100 plants worldwide, the company’s core and affiliated automotive brands include Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lincoln, Mercury, Volvo and Mazda. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company.

Technorati: Ford, Aston+Martin, Prodrive, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007

Breaking News: Aston Martin sale to a Prodrive led consortium to be completed by tomorrow

And this time, it looks like it’s for real as according to a report from Daily Telegraph UK, the deal will be signed on Friday in Detroit. "It's a done deal. All that remains is to cross the t's and dot the i's," quoted an unnamed senior source to the newspaper. The buyer is a consortium of business interests from America and the Middle East, led by David Richards, head of the UK motor sport organisation Prodrive.

We remind you that Prodrive has been a long-term partner of the British sports car maker and it runs Aston Martin's racing team. As for the price, it is rumoured that the deal will close at around 500m BP (1bil USD or 750m EUR) meaning that Ford has cut its expectations to half of what it was asking for Aston Martin when it put the British company up for sale last year. Via: Daily Telegraph

Technorati: Astion+Martin, Prodrive, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, autos, Carscoop, blogs, images, pictures, 2007