Author: karla

While some see a recent string of three battery fires involving Tesla Motors’ Model S electric sedan as nothing more than unfortunate happenstance, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is delving deeper into the matter, seeking detailed records from the two fires that occurred in the United States. The NHTSA, in a letter to Tesla, is seeking a detailed description of all possible outcomes of a debris strike to the Model S battery pack, plus any limits inherent in the design in regard to fire control and damage tolerance. The NHTSA is also seeking any information on design or material changes planned or already made to prevent further similar fires. On top of that likely mountain of engineering data, the NHTSA also wants Tesla to turn over records from the vehicles involved in the fires, owner information, and certain internal communications on the matter.

Source: Motor Authority

Organizers of the 2013 Race of Champions have announced this year’s event will not be held “due to the current political situation in Bangkok.” Race of Champions is a tradition which dates back to 1988 and involves winners from a variety of motorsport disciplines who come together to go head-to-head in several racing competitions. It’s an annual event and so far it has been organized without any interruptions but it seems it won’t take place this year. It was originally planned for December 14-15 in Bangkok – the same location as last year – but it will no longer be held as the Sports Authority of Thailand and organizers of the event cancelled it after increasingly violent encounters between protestors and government forces. There are some chances for a reschedule if the political situation calms down, but those who don’t want to wait for that can ask for a refund.

Source: World Car Fans

Like it or not, hybrids are taking over, even in the world of supercars, where the new Porsche 918 Spyder is the first in a string of million-dollar-plus exotics to arrive from three of the biggest names in motorsport: Porsche, McLaren, and Ferrari. Wanna know how powerful this beast is? The 918 can do more than 18 miles, hit 62 mph in 6 seconds, and top 94 mph without needing to wake the V8 from its slumber.

Source: Road & Track

The 2015 Corvette Z06 is set to make its first appearance at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show, which will start on January 13. In a statement, GM said that it will be the most track-capable Corvette ever, designed to deliver supercar levels of performance through unique powertrain, chassis and aerodynamic features.

Source: Jalopnik

Designer Timur Bozca, better known for his design work with luxury yachts, has come up with the Bosca Zest, which aims to please both male and female drivers with its design. Inside, it packs an Audi-sourced, 2.5-liter, turbocharged five-cylinder with direct injection that produces 335 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. The gasoline engine does not power the car, however. Rather, four synchronized electric motors at each wheel receive power from the gas engine and 84 kg (185-pound) on-board batteries to propel the Zest forward – with the ability to hit 62 mph from in just 5.5 seconds.

Source: Top Speed