Archive for June, 2011

Audi TT RS now available in Australia with S tronic

// Posted in Audi

Audi will be revealing a new S tronic version of the TT RS at the Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne tomorrow. The new 7-speed double clutch transmission features a launch control function which Audi says can be used propel the TT RS to 100km/h in just 4.3 seconds. To help kick off the S [...]

Formula One to use V6 turbo engines from 2014

From 2014 F1 cars will be powered by 1.6-litre V6 turbo engines with energy recovery systems. Confirmation of the news from the World Motor Sport Council follows protracted negotiations, hissy fits and threats of withdrawal from some F1 teams after an earlier four-cylinder engine proposal was presented. Ferrari were the most vocal opponents on that [...]

Saab shareholder comes to rescue

// Posted in Saab

The Gemini Investment Fund, already a Saab shareholder, has agreed to loan an extra €25 million to ensure Saab can remain solvent in the short term. This follows an earlier €30m loan from Gemini last month. The money has already been used to pay workers their wages for the month of June. Saab’s production line [...]

Monster Tajima sets new Pikes Peak record

Nobuhiro ‘Monster’ Tajima has just powered his 680kW Suzuki SX4 and himself into the record books, becoming the first person to complete the famous Pikes Peak Hill Climb course in under 10 minutes. Tajima covered the 19.9km journey, which starts at 2860m and finishes at 4300m, in 9 minutes 51.278 seconds. Not bad going for [...]

Get ready for an Audi Q3 S v BMW X1 M rumble

// Posted in Audi, BMW

German publication Auto Motor und Sport is telling the world Audi has signed off on an ‘S’ version of its small Q3 SUV. But instead of being powered by a 2.0 litre turbo like the S3, they reckon the Q3 S will get the 2.5 litre five cylinder TT RS engine. Although, it is expected [...]

Before ordering your BMW M5 read this brochure

// Posted in BMW

If you think the F10 BMW M5 is something you’d like to see in your garage, then use the presence of inner strength to download this brochure (3.2mb PDF) and peruse all the options. You’ll soon learn this executive saloon speaks the language of a sports car—fluently. Although not English, apparently, as the following statement [...]

BMW 1M tries its hand as a helicopter

// Posted in BMW

BMW Canada is back with more visual trickery to promote the 1 Series M Coupé. First it was powder puff concrete walls, this time it’s the world’s highest helipad. Looks like fun, don’t you think.

Lamborghini Aventador arrives in Melbourne

The Lamborghini Aventador will be on show at the motor show in Melbourne later this week. But, if you’re quick you might be able to get a sneak peek at the 515kW 6.5 litre V12 beast while on display at the Lamborghini Melbourne dealership. Press your nose up against the dealership window, or even walk [...]

Let’s break that speed record

// Posted in Skoda

Skoda UK is building a one-off ‘Bonneville Special’ Octavia vRS to celebrate 10 years of the vRS brand. As its name suggests the heavily tuned speed racer will hit the salt flats at Bonneville during Speed Week in August. The car will be entered in the 2.0 litre production category, which is odd, considering it [...]

Australian International Motor Show: FREE tickets

The Australian International Motor Show returns to Melbourne this year. In fact, it starts this Friday at 6pm. AUSmotive will be on hand at the media day bright and early on Friday morning to catch the news that matters most. We’ll be keeping you up to date live from the floor via the AUSmotive twitter [...]

VIDEO: Robert Kubica’s rally accident recreated

Details are a bit scant on this story, but it seems Skoda has gone to the trouble of recreating a life-size simulation of Robert Kubica’s horrific rally accident. When seen like this, and assuming the impact captured in this video is accurate, then we must be thankful Kubica is alive to tell us the tale. [...]

Is the BMW M5 really the fastest production sedan to lap the Nürburgring?

// Posted in BMW

The interwebs brings word that the new F10 BMW M5 has set what is being claimed as a new lap record at the Nürburgring for a production model four-door sedan. The time has been set, apparently, by a BMW test driver. The time being bandied about is 7 minutes 55 seconds. That’s pretty quick, but [...]

BMW 1M reviewed by Top Gear

It’s the review all fans and owners of the BMW 1M have been waiting for. And, expecting the BBC lawyers to shut down this YouTube link any moment now, you’d better make sure you watch it soon. [Thanks to Matt for the tip]

2011 European GP: Post-race press release

Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing) won the 2011 European Grand Prix in Valenica overnight. It was his sixth win of the year. He has quite a large lead on the championship leaderboard. Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) finished second. It was his equal best finish for the year. Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing) finished third. He had [...]