Last week we told you the racing Audi TT RS, prepped by Raeder Motorsport, was all set for its competition debut at the Ring. That debut has now come and gone and the feisty looking TT RS managed to win its class (SP 4T), while also registering a top 10 finish outright. Not bad!
There’s more at AUSringers.
Just 500 examples of the Porsche 911 GT2 RS will be made and if you don’t have your name down for one you are too late. Porsche is proudly boasting that all examples of its 620ho supercar are now sold. That means your best chance to see one right now is to go to the Australian International Motor Show where there is a stunning red example on the Porsche stand.
British publication Autocar brings news that the stillborn Volkswagen Polo R is now likely to be revived. This follows recent news that the future of an all-wheel drive Audi S1 is now looking very good.
The theory being the Volkswagen Group PQ25 platform, on which the Polo and A1 are built, will be more cost-effective if more models are able to utilise all-wheel drive. Of course, this means the Polo R would feature an all-wheel drive system too, likely to be developed by Haldex and to wear 4motion branding.
Joining the Polo R and S1 in a third all-paw offering could be the CrossPolo. I guess that means we could see an Audi Q1 in the future, as well.
[Source: Autocar | Rendering: Motor Authority]
Back in August we saw a Ferrari 458 Challenge test mule in action at Fiorano. Now a new video has emerged showing the car being tested at Monza. What’s not to like?! Take the jump and watch the clip now.
[Thanks to Richard for the tip]
Think German Touring Car racing and you immediately think BMW v Mercedes. Such is BMW’s legacy on the sport, this is still the case, even though they have not competed in DTM since 1994. In 2012 BMW will finally put things right.
BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen has been twiddling his thumbs since BMW quit F1, but he’s excited about this new project, “The entire team at BMW Motorsport is approaching this exciting project with absolute commitment. We began making technical preparations following our declaration of intent in April, and established parameters for a high-performance vehicle concept for deployment in the DTM. The positive decision of the BMW Board of Management means we can now shift up a gear and give the green light for development.”
BMW will be using the E92 M3 as the base for its DTM entry. A car that has already proven its track capabilities with the M3 GT2 claiming victory in this year’s Nürburgring 24 hour race.
So, now we can look forward to a new era of Audi v BMW v Mercedes. It should make for great viewing. To help get you in the mood there’s a great clip after the break showing highlights of classic old skool DTM.
Hans Stuck, Volkswagen ambassador and former F1 driver, says VW has a meeting scheduled for November in which its “strategy will be discussed.” That all seems fairly innocent, but in late 2009 Stuck floated the idea of Volkswagen, or one of its many subsidiaries, returning to Formula One.
The regulations for engine suppliers in F1 are due to change in 2013 and it is then that the VW Group could become involved in F1, rather than as a full manufacturer. Porsche and Audi loom as the most suitable fit to F1, but perhaps we’ll have new speculation to ponder after this meeting in November.
Indeed, this may very well be true; according to reports Stuck has also hinted strongly at Volkswagen participating in NASCAR. Why?
[Source: World Car Fans]
Word on the street says Audi is developing a sedan version of its A3 hatch. It would be launched as part of the third generation A3 platform and French publication L’Automobile reckon it will look like this.
It is now expected the next gen A3 hatch and Sportback will be launched in 2012. The sedan version would follow in 2013 with the US and Asian markets likely to be its main target.
A sedan body shape may also provide a better option for the next A3 convertible.
[Source: L’Automobile]
Apologies for the lateness of this update. In short, Chris Alajajian didn’t manage a race win, but he still pocketed enough points to take the Round win at Phillip Island and maintained his MINI Challenge series lead.
Defending champion Paul Stokell had his share of dramas and followed victory in Race 1 by missing all but one corner of Race 2 due to an accident on lap 1. A massive shout out to his Deco Rug team for getting him back on track for Race 3. He didn’t let them down, either, putting in a stirring drive from the back of the grid to cross the line in first place. It was that sort of weekend, really.
Highlights can be see after the jump, as well as the series leaderboard. Also included is a onboard footage from Sean Carter’s car. It shows all of Race 1 and is added with thanks to the MINI Challenge YouTube channel.
The MINI Challenge returns this weekend at the Gold Coast 600.
Saab’s resurgence shows further signs of progression with these new images of their upcoming 9-4X SUV. It will have a full reveal at the Los Angeles Motor Show in November. For now, though, we’ve got these six pics to look at.
Once you get past the initial protestations that the world doesn’t really need a new player in the SUV segment you’re left thinking that this first up effort from Saab is actually shaping up as a pretty good start. At least, you can see it mixing with its Audi, BMW and Volvo brethren at your nearest private school.
It is powered by a choice of two V6 engines. A normally aspirated 3.0 litre option with 265PS, but you really need the turbocharged 2.8 litre unit with no less than 300PS. That ought to help get the kids to school on time if the little blighters have struggled to tie up their laces and made mummy late.
Saab Automobile CEO Jan Ã…ke Jonsson gives us the official view, “The 9-4X significantly broadens the appeal of the Saab brand. It gives us entry to the fast-growing crossover segment with a vehicle that reflects our brand values in key areas, such as progressive Scandinavian design and sporty, responsible driving performance. The 9-4X is an exciting package and we’re confident it will appeal to many existing Saab owners, as well as win new customers for the brand.”
The 9-4X is fitted with Saab’s XWD all-wheel drive system, but the boffins from Haldex have also found time to add a new eLSD for the rear differential. Supposedly this makes for “a more rewarding driving experience and greater control in all conditions, dry or wet, on and off-road.”
Following its LA motor show debut the 9-4X will go on sale in the US next May. Europe gets the candy in August, the UK a bit later and Australia, well, we’re not sure yet, but if not late 2011, you’re nearest yummy mummy might have to wait until 2012.
Nissan has just confirmed details of the MY11 changes made to its all-conquering GT-R. No car can show its face these days without LED daytime running lights, you see.
Of course, Nissan’s engineers went further than that, also trimming 10kg from the GT-R’s portly weight. Fuel consumption has been improved, along with a reduction in CO2 emissions. Minor tweaks have also been made to Godzilla’s suspension and brakes. These are complemented by new forged alloys from Rays.
Inside gets a once over, as well. Usual stuff like a revised instrument panel and nav display have been thrown in. But there are big changes, too. The steering wheel emblem now has “a new velour-like coating, expressing a glossy texture”. Amazing!
Outside has seen some cosmetic tweaks, notably the front spoiler can now feed in more air. These revisions also increase downforce by about 10%. Two new exterior paint colours—Jet Black and GTBlue—have been added to the colour palette.
However, the big news is more power. Quite a bit more actually. At its initial launch the GT-R had 353kW/588Nm. Well, now the little (big) Nissan that can boasts 390kW/600Nm. That’s quite a significant increase.
Australian deliveries for the MY11 model are expected from March next year.
Here is the AUSmotive photo gallery from the Australian International Motor Show industry day. There are 128 photos in all and you can simply click on each thumbnail to access a 2000px super image.
Highlights include a couple of track specials in the form of the awesome Porsche 911 GT3 Cup and the rear-engined V6 Renault Megane Trophy. Others to look out for are the Toyota FT-86G concept, the Ford Focus RS, a trio of Lamborghini Gallardos and the highly desirable Audi R8 V10 Spyder, which looks great in all white.
Dedicated articles on the following cars can be access by clicking on the links below:
A big thank you to Daniel McKenna who joined the AUSmotive crew at AIMS and brought you many of the pictures you see here.
Hidden away on a mezzanine level at the Audi motor show stand is an imposing W12 powered A8 L. It’s Audi’s answer to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. A long luxo cruiser designed with opulence and luxury in mind, and not much else.
The huge lattice grille introduces a commanding presence, one which is complemented by the 20″ alloy wheels and the sheer length of the car. At 130mm longer than a regular A8 the L version has vast amounts of space for all passengers.
It’s the inside of this car, really, that completes the picture. Especially when you see the two individual rear seats facing two large entertainment screens. With electronic reclining and features such as a massage function you just know spending time in those seats would be time well spent.
The good news is the A8 L will be coming to Australia in the 2nd quarter of next year. The bad news is the 368kW 6.3 litre W12 will not be available. Australian captains of industry will have to choose from an engine lineup comprising 3.0 and 4.2 TDI diesels or a 4.2 FSI petrol engine. All are fitted with an 8-speed tiptronic transmission.
Check the pics out after the break, as far as luxo barges go, the A8 L looks like a great option.