The all new Mazda3 MPS will be on show at the Melbourne International Motor Show from Wednesday 4 March.
Mazda Australia is rushing the 3 MPS down under for display just hours after the car’s worldwide debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The newly scooped pocket rocket will be in Australian showrooms some time after October this year.
For more on the Mazda3 MPS, read this earlier AUSmotive article.
Walkinshaw Performance have taken a standard VXR8 and bolted on a big whiny supercharger. The result? A Bathurst S special edition with very tidy 560hp and 715Nm or torque. (That’s around 417kW). Stupendous!
Below are a selection of wallpaper sized images for you to enjoy, simply click on each image to load the larger version.
The Bathurst S, which costs £44,985 (AU$99,000), will be limited in number and sold throughout the United Kingdom at selected Vauxhall dealerships. There’s also a comparatively lightweight non-Supercharged Bathurst model available, but who would want that?
To help cope with that massive power the Bathurst editions have six-pot AP Racing calipers up front, and four-pots on the rear. Also attempting to keep things in control are custom designed Walkinshaw coilovers.
There is an optional trick exhaust system that can be run in Street or Optimum modes. Clearly, the Optimum setting, with an extra 10dbA (102dbA total) is the default option here.
All those add ons are worthwhile extras, its a shame the same can’t be said for the overtly tacky badges. You could buy something better from your local Autobarn outlet.
There’s 10 more 2000px super images after the jump, along with the Vauxhall press release.
This is the Scirocco Studie R, as revealed at the 2008 Bologna Motor Show. It gives 200kW a serious nudge and is loosely based on the GT24 racecar that won its class in last year’s Nürburgring 24 hour race. And it could be heading to Australia.
According to a news report on GoAuto, Volkswagen Australia can see a spot in its line up for the range topping Scirocco. If so, the Studie R, likely to be badged as the Scirocco R20T, would slot in above the GTI.
Currently, one in four Golfs sold in Australia is a GTI and Jutta Dierks, Volkswagen Australia’s managing director, is keen to protect the GTI’s niche. The regular Scirocco has been considered for Australia, but Volkswagen Australia wants to market it under the GTI. In other markets the GTI and entry level Sciroccos are similarly priced, so the fact Volkswagen Australia has been able to get the fatherland to play ball is no surprise. The falling Australian dollar is also conspiring against the Scirocco. Dierks has not given up hope of bringing the entry level Scirocco to Australia, but such an outcome remains unlikely.
So that brings Volkswagen Australia back to the Studie R. There are still some hurdles still to cross, though. At this stage nothing concrete has been said about the Studie R being made for right-hand drive markets. However, you’d expect such a car to sell like hot cakes in the UK, so it is reasonable to expect a version suitable for Australian import will exist at some point in the future.
Let’s hope so, because, potentially, the only thing holding back the Studie R from becoming a future classic is a Volkswagen rubber stamp.
If you would like to see the Scirocco on Australian roads, then why not send a message of support to Volkswagen Australia via their Contact Us page.
UPDATE 15 September: Details have now been confirmed on the Golf R—CLICK HERE!
UPDATE 16 July 2010: To read our Drive Thru review of the Golf R—CLICK HERE!
UPDATE 15 September: Details have now been confirmed on the Golf R—CLICK HERE!
Speculation about a 200kW top of the range Golf GTI model has been rampant since it was revealed there would be no plans for a Mk6 R32. At first, GTI-R was the label most favoured, but in recent times the rumour mill has become more enamoured with the R20 moniker (or possibly R20T).
Never one to be shy to have a play in Photoshop, AutoExpress have published images of what they say the Golf R20 will look like. The AutoExpress images certainly look the part even if they’ve knocked off the wheels from an Audi R8 V10 and looked at one too many Porsche 911s when mocking up those LEDs in the lower grille.
Believed to be powered by what would essentially be the Audi TTS engine, the R20 was given something of a preview with the Scirocco Studie R at the 2008 Bologna Motor Show. It makes sense that the Studie R and the Golf R20 wold use the same running gear. With any luck the stunning seats from the hot Scirocco will also make it to the hot Golf.
The only major guess left is which wheels will be doing the driving. You’d like to think that 200kW would be given access to all four wheels, but the Studie R made no mention of 4MOTION. However, with all wheel drive being available in the Golf IV and Golf V ranges, there is still hope for the hottest Golf yet to be granted access to Haldex hardware.
With any luck all will be revealed for certain if the rumoured official announcement takes place at the Geneva Motor Show next month.
(Thanks to Rich for the tip.)
The Volkswagen Passat CC was first shown to the Australian public at the 2008 Sydney International Motor Show. Now, the sleek coupé-like Passat is available for sale at your local Volkswagen dealer. As revealed exclusively last year, pricing for the two available models is $54,990 for the 125kW 2.0 TDI and $65,990 for the 220kW 3.6 V6 FSI 4MOTION. Volkswagen’s now familiar six speed DSG transmission is the only option for either model.
The four-seater Passat CC offers some new technology for the Australian market, including Adaptive Cruise Control, Front Assist braking system and Adaptive Chassis Control. Deliberately positioned as a luxury vehicle, there’s plenty of bling on offer, too, such as a large glass panoramic roof and climate controlled leather seats.
The 2.0 litre TDI has a luxury car tax beating fuel consumption figure of 6.3l/100km. While the V6 is a more of a ‘I have power and I don’t care’ option, with a combined consumption of 10.5l/100km.
Full Australian press release below, along with more wallpaper sized pics (accessed by clicking on smaller versions).
In addition to the facelifted MX-5, Mazda will give an Australian premiere to the all new Mazda3 at the Melbourne International Motor Show, starting on 27 February.
Two Mazda3 models will be on show, a Sunlight Silver Mazda3 Maxx Sport sedan and an SP25 hatchback in Celestial Blue. Doug Dickson, Mazda Australia Managing Director said, “The new-generation Mazda3 has a more expressive and emotional design that emphasises dynamism, and has the driving excitement and agility to back it up.”
Last month the current Mazda3 topped the Australian sales charts. An amazing effort really for a hatchback, and for a manufacturer outside of the more traditional Holden, Toyota and Ford.
Mazda revealed its facelifted MX-5 at last year’s Paris Motor Show. Now, it has released a full suite of images of the updated NC model. The refreshed MX-5 will have its first Australian preview on the stands of the Melbourne International Motor Show later this month. It will go on Australian sale in late March.
This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the iconic roadster. Affordable drop tops are all the rage these days. However, back in 1989 the possibility of a rear wheel drive convertible for sub $30K was not so common.
Amazingly, Takao Kijima has been involved in all three generations of MX-5, “I have been involved with the Mazda MX-5 since the project was first approved in 1986, and was lucky enough to be a chassis engineer on the first model that established the MX-5 roadster’s reputation as an exciting and affordable lightweight sports car.
“I was honoured to succeed Toshihiko Hirai as MX-5 programme manager in 1995 and lead the team on the second and third generation MX-5.”
Still the only “affordable” rear wheel drive roadster on the market the current MX-5 is available with six speed manual or automatic transmissions with a 118kW 2.0 litre four cylinder engine. A traditional rag top is the entry level option, or a folding metal roof can be yours if you choose.
More facelift images after the jump.
Following the lead of Mercedes-Benz, two more manufacturers have donated cash towards the Victorian Bushfire Appeal.
Honda Australia, through its Honda Foundation, has pledged $200,000 to the cause. Joining Honda in today’s announcement is Nissan Australia and Nissan Motor Co. in Japan who will be offering a combined donation of $100,000.
Nissan Australia will also match donations made by its employees to the Australian Red Cross or Salvation Army. The company has also committed to a 100 vehicle loan fleet, allowing affected members of the public to apply for a free loan car, for a period of up to six months.
These announcements are a fantastic show of support and one would expect more manufacturers to follow in these very generous footsteps.
Where available, press statements from manufacturers are included after the jump.
UPDATE: Audi has made a “significant contribution” towards the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation which made a $1,000,000 donation earlier today.
Toyota has donated $100,000 to the Cricket Australia Bushfire Appeal. Ford also donated a Mondeo XR5 Turbo for auction, with all proceeds going to the appeal.
UPDATE 11 Feb: V8 Supercars have donated $100,000. (Source: The Australian)
BMW Group Australia has chipped in $100,000 plus other support.
UPDATE 12 Feb: News just in that Mitsubishi have donated $100,000 to the Appeal.
Holden has also come forward with a $152,000 (US$100,000) donation, via its GM Foundation, and a fleet of 300 loan cars available to bushfire victims for periods of 3-12 months. In addition to these pledges, Holden dealers nationawide have raised a further $200,000. (Source: news.com.au)
Update 13 Feb: The Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group announced last night that it is donating $300,000 towards the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Fund to assist individuals and communities affected by the devastating fires.
Image: sourced from The Boston Globe
The devastating bushfires in Victoria over the weekend have so far claimed over 170 lives and left almost 4000 homeless. The loss of life was previously unimaginable and thoughts and condolences go out to those who have lost family members and friends.
For those unaffacted it is sometimes difficult to know what, if anything, one can do to assist. I spent a lot of today listening to the radio commentary and it was mentioned several times that two of the best things people can do to help are to donate blood or make a financial contribution to the relief fund.
Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific did just that by putting the financial crisis into perspective when it offered an initial contribution of $107,000 to the relief effort. This includes donations of $1000 from each of the board’s seven directors. In addition, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services will also offer support to its customers (contact number in press release below).
If you are able, I urge you to follow suit and make a donation. You can do this by donating directly to the Red Cross, or by following the suggestions on ABC Radio’s Melbourne website.
Image: sourced from The Boston Globe
Top Gear LIVE has now left Australian shores. Like many of the cars on show it was a whirlwind affair filled with action. That is a given, but was it actually any good? It was entertaining. Certainly. But I’m not so sure it was everything it could be.
The “show” kicked off with a series of live ads. Some were okay, some were woeful. In fact, the best ad of the night was the one celebrating the 25th anniversary of Virgin Atlantic which was playing on a video loop before the show began.
The show itself was hosted by Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and, from Top Gear Australia, Steve Pizzati. Jeremy and Richard entered the arena in a Lamborghini Gallardo and an Audi R8. A pretty impressive showing, and at some speed, given the indoor arena. Steve Pizzati followed suit shortly after, predictably, in a Holden ute. Surprisingly, the banter between the three worked quite well. Or at least, better than I expected. I was at the 5pm Saturday session, so the guys had a few shows behind them by this point.
We were told James May couldn’t make it because he got stuck at Oxford Street. An edited photo showing him at the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras was put up on the big screen. That would have been okay if the gay jokes stopped there. But they didn’t. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a cheap joke like anyone else, but they went overboard on the homo jokes. Way overboard.
The first segment was a stunt driving team powered by Alfa Romeo 147s. There were four cars in total and the stunts performed in such a tight space were extraordinary. A great opening to the show, it must be said.
Like the TV show, there was a challenge for the presenters to take. Who could win a race in the smallest car they could build. Steve had a suitcase that folded out into a car. Hammond had a tricycle driven by power tools and Jeremy got around in a jet powered version of himself. You’ll never guess who won. Of course, it was Clarkson. The predictable humiliation for the losers followed. This included Steve Pizzati being asked to have a motorbike bounce on his arse. In terms of comedy value, it was one step away from Fatty Vautin in drag.
Red Bull racing new boy Sebastien Vettel talks us through the the new Red Bull RB5 which he and our own Mark Webber will use to tackle the 2009 Formula One Season. It’s a very cool clip with the rule changes for the 2009 season explained and accompanied by clever graphics. Vettel promises the rule changes will return more responsibility to the drivers and increase overtaking. Let’s hope he is right.
You can also see the clip direct from the Red Bull Racing website.
(Thanks to Wes for the tip.)
Citroën is tackling the world’s financial doom and gloom head on by opening a new page in its 90 year history. As well as launching a new visual language, including an updated logo, Citroën are also starting to redefine their model range to offer cars that capture a market they believe has moved from “wanting more” to “wanting better”. The first sign of this new direction is captured wonderfully in the DS Inside concept car, based on the 2010 C3 platform.
Scant details have been made available in regards to engines, technology and features, but the stylish coupé is a delight on the eye. Citroën says they will be revealing a DS model line across the range with a naming convenction to follow their regular C model range. In time there will be a DS3, DS4 and DS5 covering the small, medium and large categories.
Of course, the DS nomenclature is not new to Citroën and the revitalising of the sub-brand hopes to capture Citroën’s “different spirit”. As with the legendary 2CV the French brand has made a name for itself for making clever, practical cars that leave an eduring legacy.
If Citroën can leave another such legacy with this new DS range then the motoring landscape will be all the better for it.
More pics and everything you ever wanted to know about Citroën’s new direction below. Despite the length of the press release, it is fascinating to see how much detail they have revealed.