Month: May 2008

Categories
MINI Challenge

MINI Challenge gets Tune up in preparation for Round 3

MINI Challenge at Wakefield Park

It’s just over a week until Round 3 of the 2008 MINI Challenge fires up and the off track action since the Wakefield Park round has almost been as frenzied as the on track thrills and spills with a series of moves taking place (read the full articles below for the latest news). Round 3 of the 2008 MINI Challenge will support the BigPond 400 at Barbagallo Raceway, May 9-11, the fourth round of the V8 Supercar Championship Series.

Race 2 of MINI Challenge from Barbagallo will be shown LIVE nationally on the Seven Network’s V8 Supercar coverage, with a 30 minute post-produced highlights package airing on May 31 from 1:30pm on the network.

Former Wallaby tackles MINI Challenge

Today MINI Australia announced that former test Rugby player Ben Tune will be taking the hot seat in the Uber-Star Car in Perth. “I’m definitely excited about it,” Tune said. “It isn’t every day you have an invitation to get behind the wheel of a racecar. I’m really looking forward to having a lot of fun while I’m in Perth, but also I hope to develop further as a driver.” Tune is a noted revhead and has business interests importing a range of accessories for the motoring market. The pun possibilities here are endless, haha. All the best to Ben, I’d love to be offered a drive like this, what a blast he will have!

Continue reading “MINI Challenge gets Tune up in preparation for Round 3”
Categories
Mercedes-Benz

Australian pricing for new Benz CLS range

Mercedes Benz CLS

Mecedes-Benz Australia have today released pricing and specification details on their all new CLS class saloon range. The CLS still looks like a competently designed AU Falcon, something Ford couldn’t manage, with the attractive swooping hipline giving the big Benz it’s most distinguishing feature. As to be expected Mercedes have upped the ante on the electronic gadget front. LED lighting is used for rear tail lights and indicators, as well as in the often copied side mirror indicator repeaters. A revised steering wheel has also been introduced, but no word on whether it can be fitted with a diamond encrusted Benz roundel from factory. Other electronic specifications are best left to the press release, which reads:

Continue reading “Australian pricing for new Benz CLS range”
Categories
MINI

MINI drops LSD on factory JCW models

MINI JCWIn startling news, it is believed that MINI will not offer a limited slip differential option on the factory built JCW models. Australian delivered cars (6 speed manual Cooper S only) can currently be fitted with an optional LSD for AU$280. Instead, the new factory JCW range will feature the electronic aids DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) and EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control). It remains to be seen how well these aids will cope with the expected 155kW driving through the front wheels. Debate rages as to the effectiveness, or otherwise, of the electronic diff in BMW’s new 225kW rear wheel drive 135i coupé.

Source: MotoringFile.com