1984 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet on 2040-cars

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Overnight action from the 24 Hours of Le Mans

We won't go into a recap here, but there are still leading positions being fought for in all classes - it's so close that leads are changing when a car goes into the pits. We'll let the recap wait until the end of the race, so for now enjoy some shots from last night's action at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Porsche celebrates Le Mans return with Martini edition 911

If we've said it once, we've said it a hundred times - but we'll gladly say it again: there are few racing liveries as iconic as Martini. And while those stripes have adorned countless Lancia and Ford rally cars, grand prix racers (like the latest Williams) and even speedboats, they remain inexorably tied to Porsche. Fortunately that point is not lost on Porsche itself, which has lately put them on its own 918 Spyder, race-spec 911 and all manner of merchandise. And this is the latest.
To celebrate its return to Le Mans this year, Porsche Exclusive is offering this special Martini Racing Edition. It's based on the 911 Carrera S, which means the more potent 3.8-liter flat six with 400 horsepower, but upgrades, as you might have guessed, with a whole mess of Martini Racing stripes and logos, along with the Aerokit Cup front and rear spoilers. The badges and stripes abound inside as well, where you'll also find such optional extras as the Porsche Communication Management system, Bose audio and black leather electric sport seats.
Porsche is offering the 911 Carrera S Martini Racing Edition in either white or black, but unfortunately not in our market - just in Europe, China and Latin America. Those who miss out will (in certain markets anyway) be able to order the decal set separately though. Feel free to read more in the press release below.

Auto journalist ordered to pay big money for blowing up Porsche 917 engine [UPDATE]

Racecars blow engines all the time, but a Porsche 917 isn't just a run-of-the-mill racecar. British automotive writer Mark Hales reportedly borrowed a 917 from 82-year-old former Formula One racer David Piper for a magazine article, and mechanical tragedy ensued. Nobody is arguing that the engine failed after being spun to 8,200 rpm. However, Hales was warned not to exceed 7,000 rpm, says owner Piper, and the affair landed in English courts with Piper seeking £50,000 - over $79,000 US - in reimbursement funds for an engine rebuild and loss of use of the car while it was being repaired. Judge Simon Brown ruled in favor of car owner Piper, putting Hales on the hook for £110,000 ($174,000) including legal fees - a whole lot of money in any language.
Hales says the Porsche suffered a mechanical fault while lapping that allowed it to slip out of gear and over-rev. Piper wasn't convinced, and sought to have the repair paid for by the guy who broke the racer, saying "If you bend it, you mend it." It's not like Hales is a novice driver, having seat time in both professional and amateur races over 30 years, notching about 150 wins, but even the best drivers sometimes miss a shift, and that's what Piper contended happened to his car.
According to reports, Hales has had to sell most of his valuables to pay his lawyers and is now facing bankruptcy with the ruling against him. Members of the Pistonheads website are trying to coordinate a collection to help him out, as well.