It’s Monday, April the 16th, and we have your weekend recap compiled into the top eight stories. From the very first Lamborghini Aventador fire, to a wooden Ferrari, to Tim McGraw’s Dodge SRT-8 listing on eBay, it is safe to say it was an active weekend in the automotive world.
1. Lamborghini Aventador catches fire
On 4/14 a black Aventador decided enough was enough, and put itself down in flames. A test driver was cruising around California in the brand new bull, as he was considering buying it but to his surprise and Lamborghini’s the car caught fire and burnt to a crisp. Thankfully nobody was injured, except for the beautiful car. The cause of the fire is still unknown but it seems the fire started near the engine compartment.
By: Ed Jones
2. Tim McGraw’s Dodge Charger SRT-8 for sale on eBay
Tim McGraw’s Dodge SRT-8 is listed for sale on eBay and there are pictures of the title to prove it’s legit. This isn’t your typical SRT-8 however, as the country crooner had aftermarket work done by Hennessey and this Dodge reaches up to 652 horsepower. How much, you ask? The car is listed for a humble $29,000 USD to own the Dodge once owned by thee Tim McGraw. You would think that a celebrity like Tim McGraw would use his star power to fetch a higher price but it appears that Tim hasn’t lost his southern roots— a model celebrity in our opinion.
By: Whitney Bell
[Via 3. Disney speedway to offer “Exotic Driving Experience” with racer Christian Fittipaldi
In more racing news, Walt Disney Speedway will be hosting their “VIP Day with Christian Fittipaldi,” offering a celebrity ride-along with the race-car driver. Some of the other stars that will be featured in the experience are a Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4, a Ferrari 458 Italia, a Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, a Porsche 997 S and an Audi R8. Only 24 lucky participants will enjoy the VIP experience for a mere $1,999 USD per person. When you look past all the fluff, this highly priced package comes with: four eight-lap races, signed merchandise from Fittipaldi, breakfast or lunch, souvenir plaque, and an in-car video. For tickets and information, visit the website at Exotic Driving or call 1-855-822-0149.
By: Whitney Bell
[Via 4. Man crashes Ferrari to save hedgehog
Joerg Baecher, a 53 year old businessman, was driving his Ferrari 512M home from work when he sighted an object in the road. The object in the road turned out to be a harmless hedgehog just trying to make his way across the road in Germany. Joerg did what he thought was the correct thing to do, and he swerved his sports car out of the way. While the hedgehog’s life was spared, Joerg’s Ferrari was maimed. His repairs are estimated at around $40,000, but what’s $40,000 when you know you saved the life of a little critter?
By: Ed Jones
(Via – The Sun)
5. Ferrari gives racer Valentino Rossi a new Ferrari 458 Italia
When you are a celebrity, we all know there are perks to the job. In the case of Italian professional racer Valentino Rossi, there are perks on top of advantages on top of bonuses. The multiple MotoGP World Champion just received a new Ferrari 458 Italia in yellow from Ferrari as a gift. Not bad for a days work eh?
By: Whitney Bell
6. Rap group Three 6 Mafia filming video at Giovanna Wheels
Three 6 Mafia has been “in the game” for over a decade now, so they have seen the industry’s best when it comes to music videos. Inspired by the amazing new super cars of 2012, the famous rap group started filming their next video at Multi Auto Group with an all-white caravan of exotic cars including: a Ferrari 458 Italia, a stretched Maybach, a McLaren MP4-12C, and a Lamborghini Aventador. Checkout the teaser video below…
By: Whitney Bell
[Via 7. Celebration Exotic Car show review
The Concours of Exotic Cars came to Celebration, Florida over the weekend and brought with it a colorful array of exotic and luxury cars (mostly Ferrari’s). The official website has not yet published any pictures or videos from the event, but thanks to automotive fans out there, we have some pictures from a forum user identifying himself as “heySkippy” on Ars Technica. Here’s a teaser, but you can jump over to the forum for the full gallery and original post!
By: Whitney Bell
8. Porsche purchases Nardo Test Track
Porsche has purchased the famous Nardo test track in Italy. The Nardo test track is famous for it’s 7.8 mile banked circular track. What is special about it’s circular track is that a car can be in the outermost lane doing 149mph with it’s steering wheel in dead center, not having to turn. Spanning over 1700 acres, the Nardo test track also features a 3.9 mile handling course, an off-road testing section, a road noise testing section and many other facilities. Porsche says purchasing this facility compliments their other facilities in that it’s mild weather ensures that engineers can evaluate cars on the track year round.
By: Ed Jones
(Via – AutomobileMag)
