Month: January 2011

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Motorsports Volkswagen

Volkswagen Race Touareg 3 wins Dakar 2011

Dakar 2011

A quick shout out to the Volkswagen Race Touareg 3 team of Nasser Al-Attiyah (Qatar) and Timo Gottschalk (Germany) who wrapped up their first Dakar Rally success earlier today.

Indeed it was a great day for Volkswagen as its cars filled the top three positions in the race. Giniel de Villiers, the 2009 winner, came home second and defending champion Carlos Sainz completed the race in third, after heading the field for much of the rally.

This is the second year running that Volkswagen has made a clean-sweep of the podium at Dakar and follows a one-two result in 2009. It seems Volkswagen is just racking up Dakar wins for fun now and they’re yet to be defeated since the rally moved to South America.

Volkswagen’s press release can be read in full after the break.

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Audi

Audi RS3 unlikely to show its face in Australia

2011 Audi RS3

Late last year we had a confidential whisper come our way suggesting that Audi’s stonking 250kW RS3 might not be coming to Australia. True to our source we sat on the rumour, and unfortunately for Audi fans, the info appears to have been proved correct. Further reports have reached AUSmotive HQ of Audi dealers confirming to their customers that the RS3 will not be offered for sale in Australia.

Apparently an Australian Design Rule compliance issue is at least part of the reason for the decision. Details are a bit sketchy, and we will seek confirmation from Audi Australia, however it is understood that for the RS3 to be approved for the Australian market it would need to undergo a specific crash test which is not required in any other market aside from Japan.

We’ll report back after we have heard from Audi.

Categories
Formula 1 Video

Formula One cars v mere mortals through Eau Rouge

The famous Eau Rouge corner at the Spa-Francorchamps racetrack has excited race fans for generations. Here this video comparison shows the speed differential between Formula One cars and the machines of mere mortals.

There’s some debate over what the other cars actually are. The YouTube clip describes them as FIA GT cars, but we’re not sure if that’s the case. There’s even debate over the accuracy of the speed shown by the F1 cars? Has it been sped up; who knows?

Whatever the case may be, this is still an entertaining clip. After all the majesty of an F1 car through Eau Rouge at full pace is something to behold.

[Thanks to Richard for the tip]

Categories
MINI

2011 MINI Countryman – Australian pricing

MINI Countryman

The love it or hate it MINI Countryman will be in showrooms around Australia before the end of next month. So, how much will this left of centre MINI hurt the hip pocket? It’s probably no surprise to learn the Countryman won’t be cheap, and pre-driveaway pricing starts at $37,700 for the entry-level Cooper model.

The price to play at the other end of the scale is $56,050 for a Cooper S All4, including Chilli pack. Without the extra goodies you’re looking at $50,400. In the middle sits the front-wheel drive only Cooper S version, which starts at $47,500 (add $5650 for Chilli pack).

Also arriving, a month or so later, are two diesel powered Countryman models. The Cooper version starts at $40,950 or you can opt for the all-wheel drive model priced from $43,850.

It’s interesting to note MINI is preparing quite a list of model variants; there’s 10 in all if you count the Chilli option as a separate model. It will be more interesting to see how well this car sells in Australia. Overseas markets have proved quite fruitful for MINI.

Until we see the Countryman for ourselves we’re unsure if we are in the love it or hate it camp. From what we’ve seen so far, though, we’re leaning towards love it.

Full pricing details after the break. MINI is holding back tech specs and other local market detail until the launch, we’ll bring them to you as soon as we can.

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Categories
Caterham

The new Caterham-Lola SP/300.R

Caterham-Lola SP/300.R

So the wraps have come off the new creation from Caterham, it’s called the Caterham-Lola SP/300.R.. And rather than being a reproduction of a former classic, this is something altogether new.

As the name suggests legendary chassis makers Lola have had a fair say in what’s what, while power is provided by a tasty 2.0 litre supercharged unit from Ford, which should be good for 300bhp. It’s a Caterham, so it must weight three-tenths of sod all as well. Probably why it’s predicted 100km/h sprint time is just 2.5 seconds.

The car is actually still undergoing final development, which explains why there is currently little in the way of technical specifications. Never mind that, though, she’s a pretty snazzy looking thing and should make for a ripping drive.

The chassis has been designed to meet relevant safety requirements for racing. Which is a good thing because Caterham is planning to use the SP300R for its own one-make series beginning in 2012. Initial sights are set on a UK series, with expansion across Europe to follow.

Those hoping to turn heads on their local roads need not give up just yet. A road-legal version of the SP300R has not been ruled out. Although, with a planned production capacity of just 25 cars per year you might need to wait for a while.

More pics, video and Caterham’s official presser after the break.

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Categories
Red Bull Racing Video

Adrian Newey talks about the Red Bull X1

Red Bull X1

Adrian Newey is shown here talking about his Red Bull X1. It’s an imaginary racer created for Sony Playstation hero game Gran Turismo 5. The brief to Newey was build the fastest car you possibly can, with only the laws of physics to provide the boundaries. No limits on downforce, no limits on engine type or any other rules to follow.

Of course, Newey came up with 3.0 litre V6 engine. Boosted by two turbos and with a 15,000 redline, the X1’s alleged power is over 1100kW (1483hp). It’s allegedly bloody quick, too. How does 0-200km/h in around 3 seconds sound? Or a 450km/h top speed.

In theory the X1 would only exist in the virtual world. However, for promotional purposes the Red Bull team created a life-size version of the car.

Check out the clip after the break. And, to prove how absurd this whole made up this thing really is you can also watch a clip from GT5 showing the X1 doing a sub 3:30 lap of the Nürburgring Nordschleife.

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Categories
Aston Martin

It’s about time: Aston Martin Rapide makes film debut

Aston Martin Rapide film

Aston Martin has just launched a new marketing stunt for its four door Rapide. They’ve used the medium of short film to execute their evil advertising plans and well, we’re talking about it, so I guess it’s working so far.

The film is called True power should be shared and there will be three parts; you know, to keep us on the edge of our four seats. Part One is available below, with the following two parts to be released at weekly intervals.

You can also keep up to date with associated gimmicks via the official Rapide website. Indeed, you can even follow the four main characters on twitter, would you believe.

If you’ve got the time, why not check it out and let us know what you think. Is this going to be a worthwhile exercise for Aston, or just a bit of marketing fluff that will have little cut through?

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Categories
Audi

Audi A1 quattro prototype testing in Canada

Audi A1 quattro prototype

Audi Canada is currently running a Fascination quattro training event for its customers at Mont Tremblant, near Montreal. One of the unexpected stars of the show is this one-off A1 quattro development car.

Despite months of rumours, quattro for the A1 was officially confirmed just a few days ago. No detail is given as to the engine used in this prototype, although the body kit is the same as the 136kW 1.4 TFSI announced last September.

That was the car everyone thought was going to be called the S1, only to have expectations scuppered by Audi at the last minute. Of course, the main reason for saving the “S” badge was due to that car being front-wheel drive only.

Now, though, Audi are saying that, for the A1 range, quattro will be fitted to “future high performance variants”. Not the use of plural for variants. Is that a preview that Audi is planning both an A1 and an RS1?

Making this a truly international affair, you can read the Audi UK press release after the break.

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Categories
Porsche

Porsche developing four-cylinder boxer engine

Porsche Boxster

The quest for lowering fuel consumption has taken a dramatic step with Porsche confirming it will be introducing a four-cylinder boxer engine to its Boxster and Cayman range. If that wasn’t dramatic enough, the four-pot hasn’t been ruled out for the 911 either.

It’s expected the engine would be turbocharged to meet performance targets and would use 8–12% less fuel than the current six-cylinder engines found in Porsche’s two entry level models. We won’t be seeing the thrifty engine in the short term future, but Euro markets could have a four-cylinder Porsche in their showrooms by the end of 2012.

The news has been confirmed by Wolfgang Durheimer, the current head of Porsche research and development, “We have a four-cylinder boxer (horizontally-opposed) engine under development. It can be applied to the Boxster and Cayman.

“I think four-cylinder boxer engine in a Porsche sports car is viable as long as the performance level does not suffer. If you are talking about performance you need a turbo.”

While Porsche has used four-cylinder engines in the past, it has, in modern times, forged an enviable reputation with its iconic flat six motors. Durheimer has given die-hard 911 fans reason to lose sleep by hinting the new four-cylinder could find its way into the company’s hero model, “It also could be applied if necessary to the 911. Our decision is, on the 911 side, we’ll stay with the 911 flat (six-cylinder engine), but there are opportunities for the future.”

[Source: Drive.com.au | Thanks to Wayne for the tip]

Categories
GM Holden Opel

Opel targets Australian launch in 2012

Opel Insignia

Some quite big news emerged from the Detroit Auto Show early this morning with Holden boss Mike Devereux announcing, “Opel will be sold as a stand-alone brand in Australia for the first time in 2012.

“Opel presents a new opportunity for GM in Australia with a growing demand for German design and technology at affordable prices.”

Previous Opel-sourced models to sell in Australia, re-badged as Holdens, include the Corsa (known locally as Barina), Astra and Vectra. It will be these three models, or their current replacements, that will find their way down under, as well.

The entry level Corsa, Astra and mid-size Insignia models have all undergone considerable upgrades in the last 18 months or so and the Insignia was voted the 2009 European Car of the Year. All three will be welcome additions to the local market.

Opel’s product plans for each model are unknown at this stage. However, they bring with them a broad range of options, including wagon versions of the Astra and Insignia, as well as performance variants of all three models.

Holden will assist its sister brand to gain a market presence, which will presumably take place in the form of utlising the local dealer network.

You can keep up to date with developments by registering at the new Opel Australia website.

Today’s official press release is available after the break. Although, one question does remain unanswered; do you think Australian Opel owners will rush out to modify their cars with Holden badges?

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Categories
MINI Motor Shows

Detroit 2011: MINI Paceman gets green light

MINI Paceman Concept

Speaking at the Detroit Auto Show overnight, Ian Robertson, BMW board member for Marketing, announced the MINI Paceman Concept will become a reality, “I’m thrilled to tell you now, for the very first time, that there will be a seventh member of the MINI family – and we will base it on this concept!”

The Paceman Concept, based on the Countryman platform, is fitted MINI’s top line 155kW John Cooper Works engine and features the All4 all-wheel drive system, as well. It’s a bit of an odd one, really; does the world actually need a crossover coupé? Probably not. But as MINI has shown, they sell cars to a market that wants in on the MINI brand experience, not because they need to, but because they want to.

You can read Robertson’s speech in full after the break.

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Categories
Caterham

Don’t forget, there’s a new Caterham coming this week too

Caterham Cars

A reminder, among all the action from Detroit, that Caterham will be unveiling a new car on Thursday at the Autosport International Show in the UK. Stay tuned as we will bring you all the details as soon as they are available (possibly late Thursday night Australian time, otherwise Friday morning).

If you really can’t wait, then keep an eye on Caterham’s official twitter feed.