Categories
Saab

Saab speculation inspires 9-1 rendering

Saab 9-1 rendering

With the immediate future of Saab now secure, plans for a new compact-sized model are emerging. Expected to be badged as the 9-1, the new mini-Saab is creating enough hype for the Photoshop gurus to start speculating what the car could look like.

The new Saab will still continue to draw mechanical inspiration from the GM parts bin and the 9-1 would likely be based on the new Astra platform. With the well established MINI and new Audi A1 in its sights the Saab 9-1 needs to marry style, handling and hype in equal parts if it is to make a lasting mark in this space.

The above rendering is somewhat clunky in parts, but it does give a good idea as to how Saab styling cues may translate to a smaller car.

[Source: Autocar via Autobild]

Categories
Formula 1

Mark Webber drives virtual lap of Bahrain

Red Bull Racing simulator, Bahrain

There’s less than a week to go until the first race of the 2010 F1 season. Bahrain is the first stop this year and Mark Webber helps build anticipation levels by taking us on a virtual lap of the circuit in the Red Bull Racing simulator. Just how will Mark and Sebastien go in the RB6 this year? Webber has shown good pace in pre-season and has been talking up his team’s chances. While, for many, Vettel is a dark horse for the 2010 world championship.

The lap can be viewed in full after the break.

[Thanks to Wes for the tip]

Categories
Audi

Walter drives down memory lane

Walter Rohrl, Audi Quattro

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Audi Quattro motor racing legend Walter Röhrl has stepped behind the wheel of a beautifully maintained 1984 Group B Quattro for the first time in 26 years. Fortunately the stretch of road chosen for this leisurly drive is the Col de Turini, from the Monte Carlo Rally. And, more fortunately, there were cameras there to catch the action.

Take the jump now to see the clip in full.

[Source: Autocar]

Categories
Audi Motorsports

Audi launches R8 LMS Race Experience

Audi R8 LMS

Audi have recently announced they will be offering cashed up wannabe racing drivers a seat in an R8 LMS. Two GT3 cars will be prepared by the Joest Racing Team, the guys responsible for six of Audi’s recent Le Mans victories.

Joest will be entering up to six VLN races at the Nürburgring this year, among other activities, and if you have the cash for this “Race Experience” you could find yourself in the hot seat.

“For the first time, the Audi race experience offers customers the opportunity to participate in a race with a professional Audi ‘factory’ team without having to enter into a long-term commitment or to make a high financial investment,” explains Klaus Demel, who is in charge of the Audi driving experience. “I’m very happy that we’ve been able to win Audi Sport and Reinhold Joest’s team as a partners for this project.”

Joest kicks off their VLN season on 24 April, so you’d better start saving your pennies!

Categories
Toyota

Pot calls kettle black

Toyota Prius

Until now the current predicaments facing Toyota and its damaging recalls, especially in the United States, have been left untouched by AUSmotive. However, a recent tidbit caught my eye and I felt it was worthwhile sharing. And, besides, it’s a chance to poke a bit of fun at Amercians, and as delightful as our good friends Stateside are, it’s always fun to revel in a cheap shot.

US Senator Mike Johanns has suggested a ban on all vehicle imports from Japan be introduced until the Japanese government guarantees their vehicles are free of defects. He went on to say, “I can tell you the American consumer is getting tired of this thing if we are getting substandard products.”

Erm, sorry Mike, but would it be too unfair of me to point out that America is the market leader when it comes to vehicle manufacture of substandard products. Let’s face it, as a general rule, Amercians make crap cars. Substandard is their forte.

Categories
Green Machines Motor Shows

It’s not easy being green

Porsche 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid

If you could sum up the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in one word it would be “hybrid”. No longer the realm of cardigan-wearing Toyotas, the cool kids all got electricity sets for Christmas and have been waiting for the first opportunity to show what they can do. Porsche, Ferrari and Audi are just some of the kids to have flicked the switch at Geneva. Volkswagen, too, not wanting to be left out, revealed their goal to be the world’s premier supplier of hybrid vehicles in just eight years from now.

So what do we make of all this greenwashing by from the flash end of town? I mean, the Porsche 918 Spyder is a car which is said to have the outright raw pace to lap one of the world’s greatest racetracks in a time that would have been deemed unimaginable a few years ago. Especially from a “hybrid”. The 918 has a combined power from its petrol guzzler and ‘leccy motor of some 730hp. Are they having a laugh saying their hybrid sportscar is green? Or is there more to it than that? Remember, in full electric mode, y’know, zero emissions and all that, the 918 can travel a measly 25km.

For an interesting critique on the emerging hybrid sportscar obsession, have a squiz at this opinion piece from Jalopnik. Here’s a quick teaser for you, “These cars won’t save the planet, but they might just get a few rich dudes laid.”

Categories
Audi Motor Shows

Geneva: Audi R8 Spyder V10

Audi R8 Spyder V10

As part of their Geneva Motor Show program Audi have released some new press images of their stunning R8 Spyder V10 5.2 FSI. It’s a pretty nice looking car, so let’s take a look at what they’ve got to show.

You can check them out after the jump, remember all images are available in wallpaper-friendly 2000px super image sizing by simply clicking on the pic you like. For more detail on this 386kW velvet sledgehammer, take a look back at the info posted when the R8 Spyder was launched at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

Categories
Formula 1

Final 2010 Formula One entry list

Mark Webber, Red Bull Racing

The FIA have released the final entry list for the 2010 Formula One season. Most of the news we already know, but we can now confirm that US F1 will not partake in the upcoming season and nor will Stefan GP. The Serbian based used Toyota outfit had been hoping they could fill the breach left by US F1, but the FIA have said no deal.

There is also one seat still available, in the newly renamed Campos Meta team. Bruno Senna is still looking for a teammate in the team now known as HRT F1. No, it’s not a new direction for the Holden Racing Team.

After four weeks of pre-season testing we now only have 10 days to go until the first race starts in Bahrain. Fasten your seatbelts folks, this season will be one hell of a ride!

Full entry list available below, as well as a statement from the FIA on US F1’s withdrawal. Further detail on the US F1 story, including Ken Anderson’s thoughts, has been published over at Autopsort.com.

UPDATE 5 March: Indian driver Karun Chandhok has claimed the last seat for the 2010 F1 season, signing with HRT F1 (via Autosport.com).

Categories
Aston Martin

Aston Martin test Gulf livery theory with Cygnet Concept

Aston Martin Cygnet

The motoring landscape in the 21st century is far more complicated than it ever used to be. This is a world where the likes of the BMW GT, MINI Countryman and Porsche Cayenne are pushing their respective brands into segments that we never knew existed, much less knew such models could fill. It does appear we spend a lot of time these days scratching our heads, wondering what on earth they were thinking.

Not wanting to be left out, Aston Martin have released a bunch of new images showcasing their Cygnet ‘Cynical’ Concept. You remember, that’s the car that looks like some kid has shrunk its proportions in Photoshop just for a laugh. Only Aston is for real. They’ve even put the “any car will look good in Gulf Racing colours” theory to the test, as shown above. Hmm, we’re really pushing the friendship there. At least when the theory was tested on a Tata Nano you got the sense those responsible were taking the piss.

But with Aston I’m not so sure. They’re showing genuine intent with the ‘Cynical’. So much so, that Aston’s Chief Executive Dr Ulrich Bez is already doing the hard sell, “The Cygnet Concept brings intelligence, innovation and artistry to the small car market. The Cygnet Concept represents the natural choice for those customers looking for a premium commuter car.

“Our past, our future and our backbone will always remain sports cars, but the Cygnet Concept will support this by offering our customers a greater degree of freedom in the urban context.”

As if your sanity wasn’t already being tested enough, Autocar reckon pricing for a fully loaded ‘Cynical’ could nudge £50K (see YouTube clip at the end of this article). That’s $80,000 in our money. Has Aston gone mad?!

For more arty ‘Cynical’ images be sure to take the jump. And don’t be surprised if we see some ‘Cynical’ product placement in the next James Bond movie, either. Groan.

Categories
Motor Shows Volkswagen

Geneva: Volkswagen wants to dominate hybrid market

Volkswagen Golf Hybrid due in 2013

Volkswagen have announced at the Geneva Motor Show that they want in on the hybrid vehicle market. And they want in in a big way. In 2013 Volkswagen will launch hybrid models of the volume-selling Golf and Jetta models. A move VW expects will lead them to “dominate the hybrid and electric vehicle market”.

Indeed, Volkswagen’s Chairman, Professor Martin Winterkorn, has stated, “The goal is to become the market leader in E-mobility by the year 2018.

“We will take the hybrid out of its niche status with our high-volume models. In the future, the heart of the brand will also beat with electricity.”

The move to mass market penetration will begin next year when Volkswagen releases an evaulation fleet of 500 Golf hybrids. Volkswagen also expects electric drive technology to filter across all of its group brands.

Of course, Volkswagen have already dipped their tow into the hybrid market with the new Touareg. Audi, too, has it’s e-tron lineup. And the Porsche 918 Spyder is the undisputed star of the Geneva Motor Show so far.

More after the break.

Categories
Motorsports Volkswagen

Geneva: Volkswagen CrossGolf

Volkswagen CrossGolf

Volkswagen claim the Golf is “the most successful vehicle concept of all times”. Presumably they have reached this conclusion based on total sales. So, is it any wonder that they are milking the platform with the CrossGolf, the sixth model line in the Golf range.

Essentially what you see is what you get. A body based on the GolfPlus, including an extra 20mm ride height, a few exterior plastic bits and some model specific interior trim. Voila, a new model.

It is unlikely we will ever see the CrossGolf in Australia. Which is a shame. A real shame. Just wait until you see the new Subaru Impreza XV, which will be here mid-year. Somebody really needs to tell Subaru’s designers to stop the madness!

I digress, more pics and details of the comparatively attractive, but probably quite pointless CrossGolf can be seen after the jump.

Categories
MINI

Geneva: Countryman stars in MINIWOOD

MINI Countryman - MINIWOOD

MINI have proved yet again they have one of the best marketing teams of any automotive brand with their latest publicity stunt to promote their new four-door Countryman model. Bringing a little bit of Hollywood to Geneva, they have projected the word “MINIWOOD” in letters 30 metres high and over 190 metres wide onto Mont Salève over the French border. Like Hollywood itself, this stunt all looks a little bit plastic, but it makes a good story nonetheless.

Back to the car, then, you can see a clip of the Countryman’s Geneva Motor Show debut after the break. Along with a few other goodies.

Australian readers may be interested to know the Countryman is scheduled to go on sale locally in the first quarter of next year.