kevinmosleyi on blogger

Speed and Mishief Dawn Run postponed

2012-02-22T16:47:00.000-08:00

As the title says, the Speed and Mischief Dawn Run, scheduled for February 19th, was postponed due to weather conditions. The new date for the event is March 4th, so expect a writeup and several videos of the delayed event shortly...

In the meantime, stay tuned to my youtube channel for action footage of a rare Maserati Merak SS!

Mastretta MXT- Mexico's new sports car!

2012-02-16T11:12:00.006-08:00

250 hp. 2,050 lbs. 0-60 in 4.9 seconds. Figures like these would lead someone to believe this bright orange two-seater hails from Europe, Japan, or maybe even the U.S. In actuality, however, the new Mastretta MXT originates from Mexico, a country not exactly known for producing sporty cars. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0 liter Duratec inline-4 sourced from ford, the MXT produces a healthy 250 horses as well as 250 lb. ft. of torque! Aluminum chassis components and carbon fiber body parts mean the MXT hardly weighs one ton, which translates not only to a sub five-second 0-60 time, but also to an impressive skidpad performance of 1.1g! The mid-engine Mastretta uses a 5-speed manual to transmit power to the rear wheels, allowing the car to hit a 149 mph top speed!

Costing a completely reasonable $60,000, the Mastretta MXT is a great performance bargain! You better hurry if you intend to purchase one, as Mastretta expects to build 200 cars a year...

*Photos used from Mastrettacars.com

Caffeine and Octane February 2012

2012-02-06T05:47:00.001-08:00

My first C&O of 2012 proved to be a nice one, with an impressive turnout despite the threatening weather forecasts. In addition to seeing the vast array of cars at the show, I was also fortunate enough to ride to the event with a couple of G8s and a Miata, while on the way back my buddy (with the Miata) and I rode to lunch with a group of Infinitis and Nissans...

Those who attended the February 2012 event were rewarded with a lot full of cars!

This gorgeous E92 3 Series caught my eye...

I'm a big fan of the colors used on this Ultimate Driving Machine!

Perfect from all around!

This all-black M6, with RPI scoops, looked sinister in the back of the show lot...

One of my absolute favorites of the February show was this fresh E46 M3...

Just the right amount of mods made this Bimmer a standout!

12 inch-wide rear wheels ensure the wheel wells are filled!

Nice group of Subarus...

This stealthy flat-black Infiniti looked, and sounded, incredible!

Always nice to see a Murcielago, especially in yellow!

The inside appears just as nice as when it left the factory!

Showing off the big V12 next to it's older brother: the Diablo...

With a view this good, I don't want to "SAY BY1!"

427 Cobra has just the right stance...

Three 3s and one 8 in a row...

As I stated previously, after the show I rode along with a group of Infinitis and Nissans in my friend's Miata. When we got to our lunch destination, the sight was shocking:

Some members of the Atlanta Gs- a club for Infiniti G and Nissan Z owners...

You'd be hard-pressed to find a car that you didn't like in this lineup!

One last shot from an amazing day!

As always, videos from C&O day will be posted on my youtube channel! Stay tuned for more coverage of Atlanta-area events!

Yuppie Rally 2012!!

2012-01-17T04:57:00.000-08:00

Yet another rally planned for this summer will take place in the U.S.: the 2012 Yuppie Rally! Starting in Waltham, Massachusetts, and ending in Atlantic City, New Jersey, the rally takes part over 5 days and includes a plethora of twisting mountain roads. Included in the route is The Tail of The Dragon- a 318-curve, 11-mile mountain road that is recognized as being one of the greatest driving roads in the entire country! And, in summer 2012, the Yuppies will take to it in a variety of machinery!

For $1575 + convenience fees, you get 5 nights in hotels, 5 breakfasts, 3 dinners, and a big party on the final night in an Atlantic City casino - not a bad deal! With a 30 car max, the rally is sure to be a 5-day experience like no other!

As if this doesn't sound enticing enough, the teaser will certainly do the trick:

* Video used from http://www.youtube.com/user/Yuppieracing.

My new camera mount!

2012-01-15T15:59:00.000-08:00

Recently, my good friend Ali gave me an awesome gift: a camera mount! This mount fits both my Sony CX-100 and Cyber-Shot DSC-H70!

Stay tuned to my youtube channel for my first clips using the mount! HUGE thanks to my friend Ali! This gift opens up a world of new opportunities for me!

2012 Morgan 3 Wheeler

2012-01-11T10:51:00.000-08:00

To those who find modern cars too detached from the driver, too vague, or too boring, Morgan, founded in 1909 (or thereabouts), has a car that is sure to get the heart racing: the 2012 3 Wheeler. With a lightweight steel spaceframe covered by aluminum bodywork, Morgan's new creation weighs in at an ultra-light 1,105 pounds. Yes, this British machine barely exceeds half a ton! With two wheels in front, the third wheel resides in back, in between two wonderfully-long exhaust pipes!

Fighter plane styling entices the eye...

...while the visible V-twin adds even more rawness to the look.

With such a low curb weight, you would be correct in thinking that this Morgan makes use of an equally small engine. The 2-cylinder V-twin, built by S+S in the manner of a Harley-Davidson engine, pushes out an impressive 115 hp and 114 lb-ft. of torque, powering the car to a rapid 4.5 second 0-60 MPH time! The engine, which sits all the way out front, is paired with a perfectly-adequate 5-speed manual. Indeed, with the open-air experience this new Morgan provides, that jaunt to 60 certainly feels quicker than it is!

Windscreen-less design contributes to frills-free experience...

Twin exposed exhaust pipes, matching on each side, is something you wouldn't expect on a 2012 car!

If you are reading this and decide that the Morgan 3 Wheeler offers exactly the exhilarating driving experience you are looking for, the news gets even better: with an estimated 50 miles-per-gallon, the 3 Wheeler should come in at around $25,000- a completely reasonable figure! Even better: owner Charles Morgan is confident that the car will be sold in the U.S., possibly as soon as this year!

Air conditioning is controlled with the right foot...

Different paint schemes include more fighter plane designs, or you can order a solid color...

With a unique driving experience paired with old-school styling, the Morgan 3 Wheeler should carve a nice niche for itself in the global car market!

*Photos used from Netcarshow.com

Audi A1 Quattro

2012-01-09T16:15:00.000-08:00

Audi's A1 is undoubtedly a strong contender in the small car market, with a fresh exterior design and an interior that you'd never want to leave. The Ingolstadt-based luxury car-maker decided there was a place in the hot-hatch market for a performance-tuned version of the car, announcing the release of it's new A1 Quattro. Limited to only 333 units, and sold only in Europe, the A1 Quattro comes with the same 2.0 liter turbo four-banger used in the S3, producing a whopping 252 horsepower! Using all-wheel-drive and a six-speed manual tranny, the A1 Quattro goes toe-to-toe with Europe's sportiest small cars, namely the Mini Cooper S John Cooper Works and the Volkswagen GTI. With new body panels all around joining a black-framed grille, lowered suspension, gorgeous wheels and other visual modifications, the A1 Quattro certainly looks the part!

As stated above, the A1 Quattro won't make it to North America, so many of us car aficionados will only be able to see it in photos or videos over the internet. And while I do plan on seeing one of these limited-production pocket-rockets up close eventually, these photos from Topspeed.com will have to do for now...

The Audi A1 Quattro sits just right, whether viewed from the front...

...or the rear!

Headlights play a hand in forming the Quattro's aggressive looks...

As usual, Audi exceeds expectations with the interior...

It all adds up to a package that looks like great fun!

Deliveries should begin during the second half of 2012...

* Photos used from Topspeed.com

Palm Beach Supercar Weekend closes in!

2012-01-08T16:15:00.000-08:00

It's that time of year again when automotive enthusiasts from around the world prepare for the epic event that is known as the Palm Beach Supercar Weekend. Events such as the Ferrari-focused Cavallino Classic share the week with other exotic car events- such as the Supercar Supershow, as it is aptly named- to create an atmosphere that every car-lover dreams of! As you can imagine, with multiple exotic car shows and events throughout the week, beautiful Palm Beach turns into an absolute haven for spotting cars: that million-dollar machine you saw at the show earlier just might end up passing you on the road later!

The annual Supercar Weekend is one of those great events that you truly never know what-or who- will show up and make an appearance, so if you have an opportunity to go, take it!!

Bahrain WEC race changes dates!

2012-01-01T14:21:00.000-08:00

The last time I reported on the 2012 Petit Le Mans endurance race, the outlook was dim. Both Petit Le Mans and the new 6-hour World Endurance Championship race at Bahrain were scheduled for the same day- which only spelled disaster for the American Le Mans Series season-ender, as Audi and Peugeot would have surely neglected the Road Atlanta race for the final WEC race of the year...

News of the Bahrain race swapping places on the schedule with the Japanese round at Fuji to avoid a clash with Petit is welcome, but it doesn't confirm either Audi's or Peugeot's participation in the 2012 running of the 1,000 mile "Little Le Mans" endurance race at Road Atlanta. Bahrain's new date, one week ahead of Petit's October 20th date, would definitely pose a challenge for teams who wish to participate in both events, but at least the possibility of doing so is existent.

Whether or not Petit Le Mans 2012 will be as exciting and competitive as in years past remains to be seen. Any breaking news or important information regarding Petit 2012 will be shared as it becomes available!

My new toy! (Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H70)

2011-12-25T10:16:00.000-08:00

Just took possession of my new Sony camera, a Cyber-Shot DSC-H70! Some of my favorite features include the 16.1 Megapixels, 10x optical zoom, wide-angle lens, and 720p HD video!

I am looking forward to putting it to use at car shows, races, dealerships, and more next year! For now, check out these pics of my latest pick-up!

Taken with my new Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-H70 camera:

Taken with my Sony CX-100 camcorder:

Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and/or happy holidays!

goldRush 4: from L.A. to Miami!

2011-12-22T05:46:00.000-08:00

I was really excited to hear about the route for next year's goldRush 4 rally, which starts in L.A. and ends in Miami. Destinations along the west-east route include Phoenix, Las Vegas, Atlanta(!!), Panama City, and Orlando. Beginning shortly after the 2012 Gumball Rally ends it's west-east jaunt across America, the goldRush 4 starts on June 9th and comes to an end on the 16th.

With both the Gumball and gR4 rallies hosting exotics from around the world for an adventure across America, it looks like U.S. law enforcement will have a busy summer!

*Photo used from Luxury4Play.com

Safeisfast.com - new website created for aspiring racers!

2011-12-18T14:11:00.000-08:00

If you, or somebody you know, is an aspiring race car driver, then the new Safeisfast web site is worth checking out. The site brings together some of the best road racers in the world to share their own personal tips and tricks with you, making use of informative videos designed to coach you along your way to becoming a professional race car driver. Video sections cover the obvious topics, such as "Driver Safety" and "Driver Fitness," while also reviewing some overlooked -but very important- subjects such as "Career Development" and "Marketing and Sponsorship."

The videos, which will be added regularly, are very informative and include many useful insights that will help any racer become more dynamic and well-rounded. After all, if you are going to learn, you might as well learn from the best!

Signing up is free and easy; visit the site by clicking:

Safeisfast.com

Gumball 2012: across America!

2011-12-10T05:20:00.000-08:00

American Gumball rally fans rejoice: the 2012 edition of the rally is taking place in North America over an eight day period beginning on May 25th. The route, which runs through Toronto, Detroit, Indianapolis (during the Indy 500), St. Louis, Kansas City, New Mexico, and Las Vegas, runs in an east-west direction, starting in New York and ending in L.A. (just like the Cannonball Run!). Limited to just 120 cars, next year's "U.S. Invasion" is sure to be another great edition of the Gumball rally!

New York to L.A. - just like the Cannonball Run route from the 70's!

* Photo used from Gumball3000.com

Petit Le Mans off World Endurance Championship calendar...

2011-12-05T16:28:00.000-08:00

The Petit Le Mans endurance race, held every year at the Road Atlanta racetrack in Braselton, Georgia, is not included in the 2012 World Endurance Championship calendar. The WEC, which was simply renamed from the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, will visit eight tracks this year, with Road Atlanta not being one of them. Although the annual autumn race draws thousands of race fans and a large number of teams each year, it has been dropped from the schedule for 2012- and who knows how long after that. In addition to not being included on the WEC's 2012 list of events, the 1,000 mile endurance race- which ends the 2012 American Le Mans Series season- will have to compete with the same-date October 20th WEC race at Bahrain in the Middle East. American Le Mans series boss Scott Atherton was not happy with the move, stating: "Formula One has spent years trying to get two races in the U.S., and we are giving up a great event to go and race in front of one camel in Bahrain."

This series of changes will almost certainly ensure the lack of Audi's, Peugot's, and undoubtedly several other top-notch international race team's participation in the 2012 Petit Le Mans enduro (even the best-funded race teams wouldn't be able to participate competitively in two races- across the Atlantic from each other- on the same day). While the news may seem bleak for fans who anticipated another epic Peugot-Audi battle at the 2.54 mile Road Atlanta circuit, Atherton insists he is committed to making next year's Petit Le Mans even better than the 2011 edition-what many consider to be the best one yet. All we can do is wait and see: with as many race fans and teams that make the trip to Road Atlanta every fall, there will surely be one heck of a race to watch- even if Audi and Peugot are busy racing in front of a camel...

Caffeine and Octane December 2011

2011-12-04T13:30:00.000-08:00

This morning, December 4th, 2011, I attended the final Caffeine and Octane event of the year. C&O is a once-a-month car show in Atlanta, Georgia, that features anything and everything automotive: Lamborghinis and Ferraris, Bimmers and Benzes, Fords and Chevys, and everything in between! The new location was quite nice, but raises doubts about the parking lot's ability to host C&O during the summer months, when 500-plus cars gather every first Sunday of the month...

There was a nice turnout this month, with some high-quality cars making an appearance. Check out some of what showed up:


*Possibly the* highlight of the show was this brand-new Arancio Argos Aventador.**


The LP700's glaring headlights in use...

The inside of the Ferrari Daytona is a great place to be!

Huge V12 powerplant in the 365 GTB/4...

Absolutely mint Alpina B7 3.5...

The interior, including the unique seat fabric, continues the fresh-from-the-showroom feel...

Another gorgeous machine from Bavaria was this Hennarot E30 M3!

Beautiful S14 engine appears cleaner than when it left the factory!

From the rear 3/4ths view, with an Alpine White E92 M3 included for good measure...

Lambo Gallardo + Aventador: not a bad way to start the morning!

As always, stay tuned for HD videos from the show on my youtube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/kevinmosleyI?feature=mhee

Check out all of my pics from the December event by visiting:

http://kevinmosleyi.webs.com/apps/photos/album?albumid=12672868

Chevrolet unveils new Corvette Daytona Prototype race car

2011-12-02T11:04:00.000-08:00

Continuing the theme of one of my recent stories about the future of motorsports, here is a preview of how the Daytona Prototype category will appear in the 2012 Rolex Sports Car Series season. The new DPs were designed to incorporate more brand character into the class, whereas in previous years the cars all looked the same, besides the different grilles and slight bodywork differences. While the cars should perform similar to how they did before, a smaller greenhouse and a more upright nose give each car their own identity. And, by the way the new Corvette Daytona Prototype looks, I have to say I am excited to see how the rest of the class looks when the 2012 season begins at the Daytona 24 hours on the 28th of January. For now, enjoy these pictures of the absolutely menacing Corvette DP...

The evil-looking Corvette DP glares at the camera...


... while the rear incorporates the Vette's famous twin round taillights on each side.

The Vette DP makes it's competition debut at the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona in January.

*Photos used from Insideline.com

McLaren MP-woes

2011-11-30T06:12:00.000-08:00

The new MP4-12C: designed to be better than the Ferrari 458 Italia in every way since it's inception, the new McLaren has gained quite a few fans. And customers. Unfortunately for the first 100 buyers, glitches in a supplier's part have caused issues in the new twin-turbo V8-powered supercar. Apparently water can leak into the door latches, setting off sensors and starting electrical issues. In addition to this, the battery drainage caused by this electrical issue (caused by the leaking latch) can also result in smashed windows due to the unpowered electric motors which would normally crack the windows partly open when closing the vertical doors. While the 200+ presold examples in the company's possession have had the underlying supplier issue dealt with, McLaren has refused to recall the first 100 or so examples already in the market. "It's not a safety issue, so there's no need for a recall," McLaren sales and marketing director Greg Levine explained. Really? A $230,000 supercar has electrical issues, glass breakage issues, and battery drainage issues and doesn't need a recall? "We have just over 100 cars out there now, and they are mostly in the U.K., so we can get to them without a recall anyway," Levine insisted. Even if the company fixes the cars that experience the issues, waiting for them to come to the dealer sounds like a lackluster plan, to me, for a supercar veteran such as McLaren. The company did send a letter to the customers explaining the situation, but will that and a free coffee table book really mend anything?

The MP4-12C: McLaren's answer to Ferrari's 458 Italia.

The question is: will this poor start affect the sales in the long run? The original problem was reported as being fixed, but the lack of urgency about even trying to fix the first series of customer cars has hurt the brand in my eyes. Will the rest of the world feel the same? Only time will tell...

*Photo used from Sports-craze.blogspot.com

Ferrari FF will be at Ferrari of Atlanta

2011-11-29T06:00:00.000-08:00

During Ferrari of Atlanta's annual Holiday Sale, several special Ferraris will be displayed. The new FF, the shooting break-style V12-powered supercar from Ferrari, will be one among many beautiful Cavallinos. This will be one of the first FFs displayed in the Southeast, let alone the entire country....

FoA will be open 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. on Saturday...

New Jersey F1 race is official; joins Austin on 2013 schedule

2011-11-28T12:08:00.000-08:00

It's official: New Jersey is on the F1 calendar of events for 2013. The news comes as a nice surprise after F1's hiatus from racing in the States after the 2007 U.S. Grand Prix at Indy.

The New Jersey street circuit, on the Hudson River waterfront in a manner not too different from Monaco, will enjoy having the Manhattan skyline in the background of the track. Lodging, food, and amenities would be conveniently located for race fans, either in Hudson County or in New York itself.


The layout of the New Jersey street circuit which will be used for F1... (click the picture to enlarge it)

All of this doesn't mean that the F1 race at Austin's Circuit of the Americas has been cancelled. Rather, New Jersey's race will take place in June of 2013, while the Texas track will host another race sometime that year (pending the track's completion). Both tracks should offer their own unique perks and advantages: tight racing at Austin and a scenic event in Jersey...

The Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, will not only host F1, but also several other motorsports series after completion of the 3.4 mile track.

Two US F1 races in the same year? Who would've thought...

*Photo #1 used from bbs.keyhole.com

*Photo #2 used from statesmen.com

The future of racing - mean and green

2011-11-28T09:44:00.000-08:00

As the world of the automobile undergoes it's most important period of transformation to date, it is only logical to assume that the motorsports world will also reflect the times and start cleaning up the racing- in an environmental sort of way. NASCAR, for example, will introduce fuel-injection to it's Sprint Cup series cars next year after decades of using carburetors as the default fuel-metering system on it's stock cars. The IZOD IndyCar series is also making changes to it's formula for 2012: a maximum limit of 6 cylinders and 2.2 liters will be imposed, as compared to the previous 3.5 liter V8 engine formula. And Formula 1, not to be outdone, originally intended to implement a 1.4 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine to replace the current 2.4 liter V8. However, after complaints and opinions from teams and the sport were voiced, a compromised 1.6 liter turbo V6 will be used, instead.

Electronic fuel injection shown on NASCAR V8...

So, just like in the rest of the automotive industry, downsizing and turbocharging seems to be the name of the game. With motorsports growing more than ever in the public eye, environmental conscientiousness becomes the main priority while huge power and brute force resign themselves to the back burner. While the downsized engines and diminished power outputs would seem like a downgrade, safer, more competitive racing would make up for the lost ponies. Another advantage of "cleaning up" racing is the number of possibilities for adding new sponsors, manufacturers and race teams to the world of motorsports. IndyCar has already announced the joining in of both Chevrolet and Lotus (in addition to Honda) as engine manufacturers in 2012, while F1 continues to hope it's new engine formula and technical regulations will entice other car-makers to join the series.

Chevrolet appears ready for the 2012 IndyCar season...

As with everything new, we will have to wait and see how the new regulations affect the racing, and participation, of each series in the future. In the mean time, enjoy watching the world of motorsports growing; and this time, we're green with envy!

*Photo #1 used from Nascar.com
*Photo #2 used from Leftlanenews.com

Lamborghini introduces Gallardo LP550-2 Spyder

2011-11-27T18:46:00.000-08:00

Yet another Lamborghini Gallardo has been revealed, this time a RWD Spyder shown at the L.A. auto show.The same 5.2 liter V10 engine producing 542 hp and 398 lb. ft. of torque is used. The Spyder, with it's low 3,351 lb. curb weight, accelerates to 60 mph in 4.2 second in route to a 198 mph top speed! Shown in a lovely metallic blue finish at L.A., this model can surely almost be counted on as being one of the, if not the, final version of the Gallardo.

The new LP550-2 Spyder in a lovely shade of blue...

As with most cars, the rear 3/4ths view is the money shot.

The cockpit of any modern Lambo is always a great place to be...

*Photos used from Autocarzine.com

2013 Mustang GT500 revealed!

2011-11-27T18:39:00.000-08:00

The 2013 Shelby Mustang GT500 has just been revealed. As opposed to the 2012 model's supercharged 5.4 liter V8, the new model gains .4 liters, creating a 5.8 liter monster of an engine! Horsepower and torque numbers are 650 and 600, respectively. The most powerful Mustang ever built has a staggering 200+ mph top speed! With all of these amazing numbers, you might be wondering how it could get any better. Here's how: with the Camaro ZL1 starting out at $55,000, you can expect the newly-improved GT500 to hover around the same price point, offering an amazing deal in this new age of pony car wars!

The new, more powerful GT500 has an aggressive stance...


With all of it's new technology combined with old-school brute power, this may be the most common view of the new Shelby...

*Photos used from Fullthrottlev6.com

NASA at Road Atlanta: December 2-4

2011-11-27T18:31:00.000-08:00

The National Auto Sport Association makes it's annual winter stop at Road Atlanta this weekend, December 2-4th. All kinds of cars will take to the track throughout the weekend; you really never know what you are going to see! Cost is $10 for a three day pass....

Caffeine and Octane moves again!

2011-11-23T18:56:00.000-08:00

For all of my readers in Atlanta, the monthly Caffeine and Octane car show has found another new home. On Windward Parkway off of Georgia 400, the show will take place on December 4th, 2011...

Here's a link to the new location... Hope to see you there!

Mountain Drive November 2011 (continued)

2011-11-22T11:09:00.000-08:00

Entering Wolf Mountain Winery in North Georgia.

The Corvette Club enjoying their own parking lot...

...while the Ferraris and Porsches were just a turn of the head away..

The real treat of the day, however, was just about to come. The Winery owner invited us to take a look at his collection of Porsches in his private garage. Two 356s sat beside a 2011 Carrera GTS and 2012 Boxster Spyder! While I only have a couple of pictures of the Porsche haven, you can expect some HD clips of it on my channel soon.

Just a glimpse at the gems inside this private Porsche garage...


As the winter sets in, the Porsches go into hibernation.

Food, cars, and a beautiful sight- what more can you ask for?

Thanks for reading my entry! Many more adventures to come! Stay tuned to my channel for videos from this drive!All of my photos from this drive can be found here:
http://members.webs.com/MembersB/editAppPage.jsp?app=photos&pageID=251830959#photos/album?albumid=12606702