Porsche Confirms 918 Spyder's 7:14 Nürburgring Time

Only a day after the official brochure of the 918 Spyder leaked on the web, Porsche confirmed reports that its hybrid supercar posted a 7:14 lap time at the 20.6 km (12.8-mile) Nürburgring track on September 18. Porsche said that the prototype was packing 795HP, which is the first time the automaker is being specific about the 918 Spyder's "770HP-plus" output.
The automaker added that the car was available for only one lap noting that it started from a standstill, was fitted with standard Michelin production tires and was equipped with the optional “Weissach” package that reduces weight by 34 kg (77 pounds) by ditching most amenities such as the air conditioning and the audio system.
Even though it did not set any records the Stuttgart-based company is more than happy with the time set by the 918 Spyder.
“By turning in a fabulous time of 7:14 minutes, the 918 Spyder prototype has already fully confirmed the viability of its future concept after just a few months on the road”, said Dr. Frank Walliser, the project’s overall leader.
With the Nordschleife being its home turf and Porsche already having a history of defending its reputation on this particular track, we bet that this is just the beginning…
After all, future 918 clients who will have the opportunity to own one may not choose to splash out more than US$60K on a paint job, but surely want top bragging rights as far as their hypercar's 'Ring time is concerned.
By Andrew Tsaousis

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Skoda's New Citigo Rally Car Concep

Czech carmaker Skoda secured an exhibition area of more than 600 square meters at the world's largest gathering of Volkswagen Group enthusiasts at Lake Wörthersee in Austria to display a number of its models. Following the impressive Fabia RS Convertible Rally Car Concept at last year's Wörthersee festival, Skoda once again opted for a race-inspired study to spearhead its presentation.
The Citigo Rally Car Concept turns the Volkswagen Up!-based mini into a pint-sized WRC fighter with a swollen body sporting all the usual bits and pieces you expect to find on a racing model such as the roof scoop, large rear wing and massive 18-inch wheels wrapped around in low profile tires.
The three-door city car's interior was stripped down to the bone and fitted with a pair of body hugging bucket seats and a roll cage.
Besides the Citigo Rally study, Skoda also showed the DJ Citigo Concept with a 100,000 Watt strong audio system, an accessorized version of the production Citigo and its Fabia rally racer.

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Volkswagen Sweepstakes Offers Winner the Chance to Drive

The Volkswagen brand is lifting the stakes with a freshly launched competition to mark the arrival of its new 2012 Golf R hot hatch in the United States. Named the “Golf R Ultimate Fan Experience” Sweepstakes, the contest will offer one lucky winner an all-expenses paid trip for two in Germany this September.
The week-long trip will include, among other things, a tour of VW's headquarters in Wolfsburg but more importantly, the unique opportunity to drive the Golf R at the Nürburgring racetrack.
“The Golf R has an incredibly loyal following of fans, and this is a way for Volkswagen to say ‘thank you’ for their passion and enthusiasm,” said Volkswagen Group of America CEO Jonathan Browning. “We are delighted to reward one lucky Golf R fan with the ultimate enthusiast travel experience, including an adrenaline-pumping driving experience on a legendary track.”
In detail, here's what the prize package includes:

A seven-day, six-night trip for two to Germany in September 2012

A visit to Wolfsburg to tour the Autostadt and Volkswagen AG headquarters

A visit to Nürburg to drive the Golf R on the Nürburgring motorsports complex with instruction from professional drivers

A visit to Berlin for an exclusive sightseeing package

Luxury hotel accommodations in each city

The contest kicked off on Thursday, April 12, and will run through May 14, 2012. In order to be eligible, entrants must be 25 years of age or older at the time of entry. VW said that the winner will be selected in a random drawing "on or about May 28, 2012".

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