Month: May 2010

Categories
Audi

Audi A1 learns about supply and demand

Audi A1

The next big thing, aka the Audi A1, is getting an early lesson in supply and demand. Production began in earnest this week and around 500 A1s are being built every day. That’s quite a lot for a new entry level premium product. Audi plans to build 50,000 cars before the end of 2010. That’s a lot too.

But it’s not enough. At least that’s the case according to Peter Schwarzenbauer, Audi’s head of sales and marketing. Speaking to Automotive News Europe, Herr Schwarzenbauer said, “In view of the high demand, orders could surpass the production capacity this year.”

That means hopeful A1 buyers may need to take a ticket and stand at the back of the queue. What will be pleasing to Audi’s top brass is around 90% of those interested in the A1 are first-time Audi buyers.

A1 production is set to increase to 80,000 in 2011 and to 100,000 in 2012. Will this alleviate supply concerns, or will the sales growth of the A1 continue to surpass expectations?

[Source: Autocar]

Categories
Porsche

Holy $#!%@!!

Porsche 911 GT2 RS

Porsche have done nothing to shy away from the “widowmaker” tag given to their GT2 nameplate. Bearing the extra special annotation of RS, this latest iteration sure to keep even the most talented drivers on their toes. Check out the promo clip after the break.

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Categories
Porsche

OFFICIAL: Porsche 911 GT2 RS

Porsche 911 GT2 RS

Porsche have now released official information confirming details of the 911 GT2 RS. This morning’s information appears to have been mostly accurate. The GT2 RS will indeed be limited to 500 examples worldwide.

What can now be revealed is some pricing information—the European base price is €199,500. Although, with taxes and so on the German retail price ends up at €237,758. The car will go on sale in Europe this September, after making its public debut in Moscow on 25 August, as expected. UK customer will also be able to buy a GT2 RS in September, in exchange for £164,107. Those in the US will be able to get their hands on the GT2 RS from October. No word just yet on Australian timing, but some of the 500 will be finding a home down under.

For your money you’ll get a 620bhp 3.6 litre twin turbo flat six. The GT2 RS tips the scales at 1370kg and that helps provide some pretty handy performance. The 100km/h sprint is despatched in 3.5 seconds, 200km/h can be reached in 9.8 seconds, and, if you dare, 300km/h will be all yours in just 28.9 seconds. V max is 330km/h.

Carbon-fibre-reinforced bodywork has been used to help reduce weight by 70kg over the previous GT2 (not 90kg as first thought). As you can see from the pics much of this bodywork has been left exposed with a matt black look.

Full details and more pics after the jump.

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Categories
Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen Polo GTI

Volkswagen Polo GTI

UPDATE 14 May: A new pic from Wörthersee has been added below. It shows the new Polo GTI wearing 18″ Detroit alloy wheels.

Volkswagen have published a new press release ahead of the European sales launch of its new Polo GTI. There’s nothing really new in there from the info released prior to the Geneva Motor Show. There is some extra eye candy, though, in the form of new photos in Volkswagen’s familiar Tornado Red colour. These complement the Candy White images from the Geneva info quite nicely.

Basic specs of the Polo GTI are listed below, with more detail given after the jump in the official release.

New Polo GTI

  • Engine: 1.4 litre TSI (twincharged)
  • Power/torque: 132kW/250Nm*
  • Transmission: 7-speed DSG
  • Kerb weight: 1194kg*
  • 0-100km/h: 6.9 seconds
  • Top speed: 229km/h
  • Fuel consumption: 5.9l/100km
  • CO2 emissions: 139g/km
  • Wheels: 7×17” Denver alloys, fitted with 215/40 tyres
  • Optional equipment includes: bi-xenon headlights with cornering feature, LED daytime running lights, panoramic sunroof

*The torque figure is not listed in the information below, but is available in this Technical Data PDF (64kb). Kerb weight has also increased by 10kg over previously released information.

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Categories
Porsche

Porsche 911 GT2 RS press release leaked

Porsche 911 GT2 RS

Posted on the teamspeed forum today is some official looking text that appears to be a press release for the 911 GT2 RS. The info states the GT2 RS is the most powerful street Porsche ever and looks to be sourced via Porsche US. According to the text the key points are:

  • 620bhp from twin-turbo 3.6 litre
  • Nürburgring lap time of 7 minutes 18 seconds
  • Kerb weight of 1370kg (90kg less than 997.1 GT2)
  • Power-to-weight ratio of 2.21kg per horsepower
  • Porsche Composite Ceramic Brakes
  • 0-60mph in 3.4 seconds, top speed of 205mph (330km/h)
  • Carbon-fibre-reinforced (CFR) components with a matt-black surface
  • Limited to 500 units worldwide, US pricing (MSRP) $245,000
  • Official debut at Moscow Auto Show, 25 August 2010

We shall have to wait and see if this leak forces Porsches hand to release info sooner than they hoped. Although, it was expected official confirmation of the GT2 RS would come this week anyway. Let’s see how legit this info is. I wouldn’t be surprised if it is bang on the money.

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Categories
Formula 1

Hurtling into this black hole, that’s all you see

Graham Hill, 1968 Monaco GP

In the days before jazzy simulators one had to sit a chap down and talk through a lap of a Grand Prix circuit, man to man. In 1968 Graham Hill was jolly kind enough to do just that and you can watch his interview right here after the jump.

As an extra special treat there’s another video with highlights of the 1982 Monaco GP. Clive James provides the commentary and I’ll be well surprised if you don’t enjoy his summary. Funny thing is, the climax to the race was just as laughable.

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Categories
Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

Mark Webber drives virtual lap of Monaco

Mark Webber, Red Bull Racing

The latest in the Red Bull Racing simulator series sees Mark Webber enjoying the sights of the French Riviera ahead of this weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix. When in Monte Carlo Mark is impressed by all the big boats, apparently. Here’s to Webber finishing at the head of the field once again—an Aussie win on the famous Monte Carlo streets would be epic!

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Categories
Volkswagen

VIDEO: Volkswagen Golf R – Manual v DSG

VW Golf R

Word on the street is the new Volkswagen Golf R will be launched in mid-June. While Australian specs have emerged, there’s still nothing concrete on pricing, other than a hint at an entry level list price of mid-50s.

Should you get the manual or DSG transmission to go with your 188kW/330Nm and trick Haldex all-wheel drive system? I guess it all depends on just how important traffic light grands prix are to you, as opposed to the feeling of having control at all times.

If you’re undecided as to which way to go, below you can see a pretty rudimentary comparison below thanks to Autocar. It’s a bit crude, but the results on the 0-100km/h test are conclusive.

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Categories
Accessories & Tech

Don’t underestimate the power of the dark side

TomTom - Darth Vader

Sat nav producers TomTom are sure to have a novelty hit on their hands with the new Star Wars range of voices. Below is a two minute clip from the recording sessions with Darth Vader.

Joining Darth Vader in coming months will be C-3PO, Yoda and Han Solo. Fun this should be.

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Categories
Porsche

Porsche 911 GT2 RS coming soon

Porsche 911 GT2 RS

More news emerged last week on the next Porsche 911 GT2 model. It now appears the next GT2 will also be bestowed with the RS badge. However, it is understood there will be no “lesser” model bearing just the GT2 nameplate. It’s GT2 RS or bust, it would seem.

With an expected power rating of 600bhp 620bhp from its 3.8 litre twin-turbo engine the GT2 RS should hit 100km/h in the low-mid 3 seconds range. Torque should be out of this world, offering blistering in-gear acceleration, as well.

The GT2 RS shares many components with the GT3 RS. So there’s a wider track up front and centre-lock alloys will also be used on the GT2 RS. Of course, it’s a GT2, so that means rear-wheel drive only. Best keep that right foot in check.

Official details on the GT2 RS are expected from Porsche soon. Perhaps as soon as the car laps the Nürburgring Nordschleife in its target lap time of 7 minute 22 second. Finally, then, Porsche will have a Nissan GT-R beater.

More pics over at the Car magazine website, and there’s also a brief video available below.

[Source: Car]

UPDATE: Over at the teamspeed.com it has been revealed the GT2 RS was previewed at an exclusive function in Leipzig last week. According to the info posted the GT2 RS will be 90kg lighter than the current 997.1 GT2. The new RS version will be limited to 300 cars and official details could be revealed by Porsche later this week. An extra image of the GT2 RS from the preview event can be seen below.

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Categories
Ferrari Formula 1 McLaren Mercedes-Benz Red Bull Racing Renault

2010 Spanish Grand Prix in pictures

2010 Spanish Grand Prix

Still got a big grin on your face after Mark Webber’s win last night? I know I do. These pics will help relive the moment. It’s great to see an Aussie dominate the F1 field like Webber did in Barcelona. Hopefully it won’t be too long until we see fellow Australian Daniel Ricciardo join Webber on the grid, too.

A gallery of 55 images from Red Bull Racing is available below.

UPDATE 11 May: Over 40 new images from Ferrari, Force India, McLaren, Mercedes GP, Renault and Williams have now been added.

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Categories
Audi

Audi A1 “motto vehicles” to debut at Wörthersee

Audi A1

Audi will be showcasing their Wörthersee Tour this weekend with seven customised A1 “motto vehicles”. The distinct models include Follow Me, FC Bayern, Competition Kit, Hot Rod, Fashion, Pickerljäger and Wasserwacht.

We got an insight into the Competition Kit motto vehicle back in March thanks to a YouTube clip from Audi tv. The customised vehicles are on show to promote the various ways A1 owners can individualise their cars through special paint schemes and adhesive films.

Images of all seven cars can be seen below, along with a detailed press release outlining Audi’s display at Wörthersee.

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