Categories
Formula 1

Grand Prix: The Killer Years

Grand Prix - The Killing Years

Today, May the first, is the anniversary of Ayrton Senna’s death. Yesterday, it was Roland Ratzenberger’s anniversary. He also lost his life at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. That was 17 years ago and, thankfully, no further lives have been lost in Formula One since that devastating weekend.

Consider the impact those deaths had on the sport and the subsequent safety measures that have affected virtually all categories of motor racing hence. The now widespread use of the HANS device is perhaps the best example.

Now, imagine an era when, in F1 alone, multiple fatalaties were witnessed virtually every year. Then the impact was left on the families and friends of those who died; talk of improving safety was for chickens.

Categories
BMW

BMW M Festival in June to debut two models

BMW Concept M5

In an interview on the BMW M-Power website Dominique Gargiulo, head of marketing for M automobiles at BMW GmbH, brings word the upcoming M Festival, to be held during the Nürburgring 24 hour race weekend in late June, will provide a chance for them to show off a couple of new cars.

Gargiulo states, “we will be taking the opportunity to exclusively present two brand-new M automobiles for the very first time – for the enjoyment of our most faithful customers and fans.”

The reveal is scheduled for the Friday evening prior to the race start. Educated speculation leads us to believe the two cars will be a lightweight CSL-inspired M3 EVO saloon and a production-ready M5, which has only been shown in “concept” form to date.

The Nürburgring 24 hour race is already a great landmark on the motoring calendar, and now it looks like there’s even more to look forward to.

[Source: M-Power]

Categories
Porsche

OFFICIAL: Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0

First filed 28 April.

Porsche has today released official info on the 911 GT3 RS 4.0—it’s been the worst kept secret around—and it will be limited to only 600 cars worldwide. With a 4.0 litre flat six engine sporting a crankshaft from the RSR racecar the GT3 RS 4.0 has 368kW (500PS).

Available only in white or black, performance from the sub 1400kg supercar is brisk, as you’d expect. Indeed, Porsche reckon the RS 4.0 can lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7 minutes 27 seconds.

Plastic windows, carbon fibre reinforced body panels and a lack of interior equipment help keep the weight down. A few suspension components from the GT2 RS have been re-used, as well, with an aim to sharpen this GT3 RS even further than the now old 3.8 litre RS.

Porsche claim this is the ultimate RS model, but the lack of carbon ceramic brakes as standard equipment means there is still room for improvement insofar as the ultimate track components go. With an asking price of €50K more than the RS 3.8 you’d reckon Porsche could have coughed up for the ultimate brakes.

We’d still say yes, of course, but perhaps this RS 4.0 can be described as being a bit of a parts bin run-out model, rather than a pure disciple of RS ideals.

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0—basic specs

  • Engine: 4.0 litre flat six
  • Power: 368kW (500hp) @ 8250rpm
  • Torque: 450Nm @ 5750rpm
  • Weight: 1360kg (inc tank of fuel)
  • 0-100km/h: 3.9s
  • 0-200km/h: under 12s

The official press release from Porsche AG and all the pics released to date are available below.

UPDATE 1 May: Porsche Cars Australia tell us that less than 10 911 GT3 RS 4.0 models will be finding their way down under. Those lucky enough to be on the exclusive list will be asked to part with $409,100 plus on road costs.

Categories
BMW

BMW M5 Touring rendered

BMW M5 Touring rendering

Okay, it is purple and therefore a little bit ghastly—okay, a lot ghastly—but we do applaud Roger Lighterness for his unofficial rendering of the F10 BMW M5 Touring. We can only assume BMW will make an estate version of their new M5 and, if they do, we’ll be wishing one was ready and waiting in the garage at AUSmotive HQ.

[Source: 5Post]