Month: February 2009

Categories
Audi

Audi A4 allroad quattro

2009 Audi A4 allroad quattro

Soccer mums rejoice! Audi’s newest allroad model is set for its public debut at next month’s Geneva Motor Show. However, the lads from Ingolstadt have been kind enough to show us a few pics before it goes on display.

Based on the A4 Avant the allroad has plenty of visual clues that hint at its alleged off road capabilities. The cosmetic clues include flared guards and a revised grille treatment, giving the car a more rugged look. I think it looks great, and, if anything, looks better than the regular tarmac-locked A4 Avant.

Of course, there is the 37mm increased ride height, as well, giving the car a total ground clearance of 180mm. Not so immediately obvious is the wider track, which has been increased by 20mm.

The metal bash plates at either end of the car are said to be stainless steel, so, depending on how far under the car they go, they could actually provide some bona fide protection should the A4 allroad ever see dirt road duties. Of course, the allroad is never going to displace the role of the Land Cruiser, but having previously owned a 2001 Subaru Outback it is surprising how far these types of cars can be pushed, if you remain sensible.

Being an Audi there is enough electronic trickery on board to assist the driver as well, including Offroad Detection (ORD). Okay, it sounds a bit daft and obvious, but the system will modulate the ESP capabilities to suit the road conditions. For example, in off road conditions the system allows more slip than usual which therefore enables the torque to be sent more quickly to the wheels with grip. In regular road situations the quattro system sends 60% of the car’s torque to the rear wheels.  When required, a maximum of 85% can be sent to the rear wheels, or a maximum of 65% to the front wheels.

Buyers can choose from three engines, all meeting EU5 emissions targets, and include a new 155kW/350Nm 2.0 TFSI four cylinder (which will also power the next Golf GTI), a 125kW/350Nm 2.0 TDI four cylinder and a 176kW/500Nm 3.0 V6 TDI. Six speed manual or S tronic transmissions will be available. Although, with the news that the new Q5 will come to the Australian market in S tronic guise only, it will be interesting to see if Australian buyers will be offered a manual option in the A4 allroad.

UPDATE: No need to wonder what transmissions will be available for the Australian market, I’ve just had it confirmed that the A4 allroad is not on Audi Australia’s radar.

More pics and press releases from Audi UK and Audi AG can be viewed after the jump.

Continue reading “Audi A4 allroad quattro”
Categories
Carmageddon MINI

MINI axe jobs and reduce production

MINI production at Plant Oxford

MINI is the latest manufacturer to feel the brunt of carmageddon with news they are set to axe up to 850 jobs from their Plant Oxford facility. An additional 150 workers will be cut from the engine plant about 50km down the road in Swindon.

Worldwide sales for MINI dropped by almost 35% in January forcing BMW to reduce production from seven days a week down to five. The change in production patterns will commence in early March. Meanwhile, Plant Oxford has been shut down for one week and production will resume on 23 February.

A statement released earlier today said, “While MINI has been weathering the economic downturn, it is not immune from the challenges of the current situation. Against this backdrop the company felt that a review of its shift patterns was necessary.”

Source: Reuters UK, MotoringFile & news.com.au (Thanks to Wes for the tip.)

Categories
Audi Volkswagen

A closer look at Audi’s new 7 speed S-tronic transmission

Audi's 7 speed S-tronic transmission

Audi’s new Q5 and the new Volkswagen Mk6 Golf will be the latest in the Volkswagen Audi Group to provide the option of an all new 7 speed S-tronic transmission. The Q5 is due for release in March, while the new Golf will be in Australian showrooms later this month. The only difference being, the transmission is called DSG on the Volkswagen options list.

Audi’s dual clutch transmission technology can trace its roots back to 1985 when Walter Röhrl was at the top of the world rally charts. Current S-tronic technology offers super smooth gear changes, as well as better acceleration and improved fuel economy over traditional manual transmissions. Its lightning quick gear changes have all but made a mockery of some the more fancied names offering “F1-style” flappy paddle gearboxes.

Australian motorists first got a taste of the previous 6 speed dual clutch transmission through the Volkswagen Mk5 Golf, most notably on the GTI. No matter what car the gearbox is fitted to in the Volkswagen Audi Group model range it nearly always brings wide acclaim. The new 7-speed version is likely to attract similar levels of praise. Although, as noted in our interview with a current Mk6 Golf owner in Germany, the 7-speed does tend to race through the gears quite quickly when left in “automatic” D mode.

Aftermarket tuners will be most pleased to learn that the new 7 speed S-tronic is designed to cope with maximum revs of 9000rpm and is said to be capable of handling up to 550Nm of torque.

Included below is a detailed press statement that touches on the inner workings of the latest S-tronic transmission. Hopefully it will satisfy the inner car geek within. You can also click on the image above to load a 2000px version, just in case you need to get even closer to all those cogs.

Continue reading “A closer look at Audi’s new 7 speed S-tronic transmission”
Categories
Fifth Gear Renault

Fifth Gear dogfight: Renault Megane R26.R v Caterham CDX

Renault makes some might fine hot hatchery, and the Megane R26.R has to be up there as one of their best. But surely Renault’s latest balls out track special is no match for a raw, lithe and uncompromising Caterham?

Join Fifth Gear’s Tiff Needell to find out. Be prepared from some froggy cornering goodness.

Categories
Audi

A look at the Audi Q5 from the inside

Audi Q5

Audi’s new Q5 will be making its first Australian appearance at the Melbourne International Motor Show later this month. A select few, however, have already sampled the Q5, and, in sunny Spain of all places. How did one get in on this all expenses paid junket? By being a member of Audi Australia sales staff, that’s how.

Jonathan from Audi Centre Canberra has been a great supporter of AUSmotive, so I figured it was only fair to return the favour by asking him for a brief writeup of his experience at the internal Q5 launch from Marbella on the Costa Del Sol. Life’s tough for some!

The Q5 will go on sale down under in just a few months and initial pricing details have been confirmed. In the meantime, you can have a sneak preview of the car by reading Jonathan’s words after the jump. There’s also quite a few images, and promo piece from the Audi Channel via YouTube.

Continue reading “A look at the Audi Q5 from the inside”
Categories
Aston Martin

Aston Martin Rapide – official renderings

Aston Martin Rapide

Aston Martin recently released these computer generated images of the new Rapide luxury saloon. The Rapide Concept was first revealed way back in 2006 and while its evolution may be slow, the latest images show that the production model won’t stray too far from the original concept.

The most immediate difference is the new crease line starting at the mid front door section which extends into the rear door. Also gone are the lower cutouts on the outer edges of the front grille. The full glass roof, however, will make it to the final production version.

While scant technical details have been confirmed, speculation from last April, suggests the car will be powered by Aston Martin’s familiar V12. A maximum power figure of over 500hp can be expected, given the 510hp output of the 6.0 litre V12 recently shoehorned into the Vantage.

The overall dimensions shouldn’t differ too greatly from the DB9, despite the extra set of doors. It is also anyone’s guess as to when the car have its official reveal. It’s probably pretty safe to guess that it will happen some time this year, but will the Geneva Motor Show in March be too soon?

AUSmotive wasn’t around in 2006, so following the comgen images after the jump is the official Rapide Concept press release, including a handful of images.

Continue reading “Aston Martin Rapide – official renderings”
Categories
BMW

BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo – the rationale

BMW have gone to some rather unusual lengths to explain their rationale behind the Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo. This short film, at a touch over 3 minutes 30 seconds, tells you everything you need to know.

The clip is quirky, cute and more than a little daft, but enjoyable nonetheless.

For more on the Gran Turismo, check out the official website.

Categories
BMW Motor Shows

BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo

BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo

New models such as the X6 show that BMW is not afraid to tread new ground. And that’s exactly what this BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo does. Also known as the Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS) this car is part wagon, part sedan and part SUV.

I have to say, regardless of whether there is a market for this car or not, it looks a hell of a lot better than the X6. At first I thought the Gran Turismo, like the X6, was another car that simply left you asking “why?”. But the more I see and read about the 5 Series Gran Turismo, the more I like it.

Perhaps, in the metal it may look a bit clunky, but in these pictures, at least, I think it looks stylish and on the pleasant side of aggressive. Although, the side profile, especially the front, is a bit too abrupt.

Featuring new LED “corona” rings for daytime running lights, a modern interpretation of the “Hofmeister kink” and a razor sharp waistline this Concept will certainly stand out on the road when it goes into production.

The car will have its full launch at the Geneva Auto Salon, however an extensive press release and twenty more images can be seen after the jump. You can also watch a 34 minute recording of the live reveal from last Friday by clicking HERE (note: will resize your browser window).

I’d love to hear what you think, so please leave some comments below.

UPDATE 16 Feb: New release from BMW Australia added below.

Continue reading “BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo”
Categories
News

Liverpool thieves get away with $500,000 in cars

Volkswagen Mk5 Golf R32 - similar to one of the cars stolen in Sydney

Resembling scenes from a Hollywood movie a gang of 13 thieves stole 12 cars yesterday in south-west Sydney.

The cars stolen, which included two Volkswagen Golf R32s (similar to above), a Volkswagen Passat, a Holden Commodore SV6, a Subaru Impreza and a Mazda 3, were valued at around $500,000. They were taken from the McGrath’s yard in Shepard Street, Liverpool.

The thieves are reported to have stormed into the yard demanding keys from the startled staff on the premises. Speaking to the Daily Telegraph one of the staff said, “They just came in and said: ‘Get the f*** down and throw your phones away’.”

The heist was over in just a few minutes. However, some of the crooks were caught on security camera which Police hope can assist identifying the criminals.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Liverpool Police on 02 9821 8444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: The Daily Telegraph & theage.com.au (Thanks to Kai for the tip.)

Categories
Mazda News

Slumdog millionaire – first to see will buy

$2.8M Mazda 626

Trap for young players this one… when placing an ad for your car on carsales.com.au, make sure you proof read the all the details, especially the price. Either that, or remove the drugs from the car before the Police arrive.

UPDATE 16 Feb: Readers will be pleased to know this car is now priced at a much more reasonable $3,500.

Source: carsales (Thanks to Alex for the tip.)

Categories
News Top Gear

Top Gear LIVE – tests loyalty to the extreme?

Oh what a ripoff?!

When I saw a trio of F360s pirouetting on the concrete at Top Gear LIVE last weekend I thought to myself, “wow, that’s pretty impressive risking so much exotica like that.”

Turns out that I, and the tens of thousands of others who attended the show, may have been duped. According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald a fan who got a closer look at the “Ferraris” backstage claims they were, in fact, replicas.

The anonymous fan told SMH, “When they came out on stage I thought something doesn’t look right and something doesn’t sound right. Then when I saw them backstage they had their engine covers up and the engines were definitely not Ferrari engines.”

This would explain why the music was so loud that it drowned out the engine noise. Listening to a Toyota or Peugeot engine at high revs just doesn’t sound the same does it.

There is a company in the UK that makes Ferrari and Lamborghini replica kits based on humble donor cars such as the Toyota MR2 and Peuegot 406 Copué. Might be worth checking to see if they have filled any orders for the BBC in recent times.

Source: SMH (Thanks to Mick for the tip.)

Categories
Porsche

Porsche sends new Panamera into space

Porsche Panamera Space Concept

This is Porsche’s new Panamera Space Concept and it gives us a good look inside the once unthinkable four-door saloon from Stuttgart. The Panamera will go on European sale from mid September and pricing starts at €94,575 (AU$186,000) for the Panamera S and tops out at €135,154 (AU$267,000) for the Panamera Turbo. Expect Australian pricing to be quite a bit more than a simple €-AUD conversion, however.

Engine choices are limited to 4.8-litre V8s to begin with. There’s a 294kW (400hp) normally aspirated version for the Panamera S and 4S models, while the addition of twin-turbos boosts power to 368kW (500hp) for the top spec Turbo model. That brings 100km/h sprint times of 5.4 seconds for a manual equipped S, 5.0 seconds with PDK and all-wheel drive in the 4S and just 4.2 seconds for the Turbo, also with PDK and AWD.

The four-seater is luxuriously decked in full leather and is fitted with all the usual mod-cons including four zone climate control, Comfort Memory Package (for eight-way adjustable seat, lumbar and steering wheel) and enough airbags to pass off the car as an airship.

Porsche are also waxing lyrical about their partnership with Burmester who have supplied the audio equipment for the Panamera. I’m no high-end audiophile by any means, but I’m guessing I’d be impressed by the sound quality. I suppose those 2,400 sqaure centimetres of sound membranes must be good for something.

The lower spec models have a top speed of 282km/h, while the Turbo can nudge past the triple ton to 303km/h. While the fuel economy of the range is not headline grabbing, the figures are helped by an Auto Start Stop system on PDK equipped models.

More detail and wallpaper sized images can be accessed after the jump.

Continue reading “Porsche sends new Panamera into space”