Official McLaren statement-Alonso leaves

FERNANDO ALONSO AND VODAFONE McLAREN MERCEDES AGREE TO MOVE ON - 2 November 2007

Woking, 2nd November 2007: Following a meeting between Fernando Alonso and McLaren, it was agreed that it would be in the best interests of both parties to bring the relationship to an end.

The mutual parting of ways has not been discussed until now, since it was felt that any such discussion could have seriously disrupted the team’s and Fernando’s 2007 Formula 1 World Championship challenge. Both parties believe that this was the right decision.

FERNANDO ALONSO:
“Since I was a boy I had always wanted to drive for McLaren, but sometimes in life things do not work out. I continue to believe that McLaren is a great team. Yes, we have had our ups and downs during the season, which has made it extra-challenging for all of us, and it is not a secret that I never really felt at home. I know there have been suggestions of favouritism within the team and people say a lot of things in the heat of battle, but in the end I was always provided with an equal opportunity to win. Today’s decision allows all of us to focus on 2008, and I wish the team, Vodafone, Banco Santander, Mutua Madrileña and all the other team Partners who I have worked closely with during the year, the best for the future.”

RON DENNIS:
“Everybody at Vodafone McLaren Mercedes, especially McLaren’s Spanish Partners Banco Santander and Mutua Madrileña and the team’s title partner Vodafone, want to wish Fernando all the best for the future. He is a great driver but for some reason the combination of Vodafone McLaren Mercedes and Fernando has not really worked out, and in the end we reached a stage where none of us could find a way to move forward. We all believe that our joint decision to part company is for the best, and we will now continue to focus on our 2008 World Championship challenge.”

Vodafone McLaren Mercedes will announce any additions to its existing driver line-up in due course.

Photos and news used with permission from McLaren.com, no reuse of the story or photos for any reason.

Alonso leaves McLaren

First edition of this story isn't in English unfortunately...more soon, but for those that read Spanish, enjoy!!!

Ninco November releases

Art on classic car

, originally uploaded by walktheearth.

HDR Car photo

, originally uploaded by mtmdfan.

Seventh Evolution

Seventh Evolution, originally uploaded by Ken Tamayo.

Maserati MC12 Corsa by Edo Competition

During last year’s FIA GT championship Maserati drove their competitors into the ground with the MC12 GT1 (which already spawned the MC12). On the occasion of the overall victory, Maserati introduced the limited edition (12 units) MC12 Corsa.

The Über-Maserati weighs nearly 880 lbs less than the base MC12 (2530 lbs instead of 3368 lbs). This corresponds to a power-to-weight ratio of 3.36 lb / bhp. With 755 bhp and 546 lb-ft of torque, the Corsa will run circles around the regular MC12 (632 bhp).

Edo competition does not shy away from extreme sports cars such as this one; instead it gives them finishing touches. Consequently a special suspension system developed by Edo competition and manufactured by KW was fitted. The independently adjustable compression and rebound damping permits truly individual suspension setups. The unique system, with its three different adjustments, allows for low-speed compression damping characteristics to be altered while the high-speed settings, having a strong influence on ride-quality, remain constant. True racing technology for the road! Additionally the nose lift function available on the regular MC12 is carried over to avoid front and underbody damage.

Engine-wise, Edo competition leaves the 755 bhp–strong MC12 Corsa untouched. However, the 6.0-liter V12 now announces its power through a newly developed Edo competition high-flow exhaust system – and it does so with a soundtrack guaranteed to induce goose bumps! The sports exhaust system with electronically controlled butterfly valves provides visual cues to the MC12 Corsa’s power thanks to dual exhaust tips, each with a diameter of 4 in. Edo competition put a strong emphasis on quality during its construction. The muffler and exhaust tips are made from durable V2A stainless steel. And, not to be overlooked: a remote control to adjust the sound intensity has been installed.

For better cold braking properties during road use, Edo competition employed a ceramic composite high-performance brake system with 396 mm (15.6 in) rotors in the front and 360 mm (14.2 in) rotors in the rear along with special brake pads at both ends.

Edo competition had newly developed forged wheels (in black) custom made for the edo MC12 Corsa. On the front axle they’re of size 10 J x 19 and on the rear axle of size 13 J x 20. The wheels employed by Edo competition are shod with 265/35 ZR19 (front) and 335/30 ZR20 (rear) tires.

An official approval for road service is in preparation so that this unique Edo MC12 can also be admired outside of the race track.