Month: July 2011

AIMS 2011 gallery: Range Rover

Post author By Liam
Post date 6 July, 2011
4 Comments on AIMS 2011 gallery: Range Rover

The more we see the Range Rover Evoque, the more we like. We reckon it will sell like gangbusters and will be the new black with the well-to-do set. In Sydney last year we saw the CoupÃ©, and in Melbourne we saw the five door as well. It’s a good looking SUV. Visibility out the rear window isn’t flash, but you’ll be too busy enjoying your fancy interior to worry about that anyway.

You can also tell a true car aficionado by their response when they see a Land Rover Defender. Needless to say, when we saw the Landie on the stand we giggled like little school boys. The not so accurate detailing of the rivet work just adds to the charm of this irrepressible machine.

Motor Shows Porsche

AIMS 2011 gallery: Porsche

Post author By Liam
Post date 6 July, 2011
2 Comments on AIMS 2011 gallery: Porsche

Ahh, the Porsche stand. Probably the most enjoyable display on media day. When else is one granted an unhindered opportunity to waltz up to each car and sit inside without incurring the wrath of salesperson who knows you really can’t afford the price of admission.

Of course, Porsche has an almost unrivalled racing history, so seeing the 935/78 aka ‘Moby Dick’ on show was hardly a surprise. Pretty radical looking creation, isn’t it. Makes a 911 Carrera look rather tame. Something that can’t be said for the 368kW 911 Turbo. The 911 Speedster has retro-chic alloys, but offset by, well, a rather large arse. Then there’s the $550K+ price tag. No.

The Cayman R, on the other hand, is something we’d very much like to own. And in Porsche money it’s actually quite cheap too. In fact, you wouldn’t even have to ask too nicely to get three for the price of a 911 Speedster. There was a lairy looking Boxster, with military-spec flat grey paint, kind of spoiled by the garish red bits. Still, at least it wasn’t an over-the-top behemoth like the Cayenne Turbo.

Until next year Porsche!

Ferrari Jaguar Mercedes-Benz Motor Shows

AIMS 2011 gallery: Motorclassica

Post author By Liam
Post date 5 July, 2011
1 Comment on AIMS 2011 gallery: Motorclassica

In the back corner of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre this week you’ll find the Motorclassica display. It has some of the motoring world’s most iconic designs on show. Almost all would have been stars on the international motor show circuit of their era.

A 1956 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL ‘Gullwing’ grabbed our attention. It’s one of the world’s most recognisable cars and we can’t help but be transfixed whenever we see one.

A couple of classic Jaguars featuring beautiful period styling in the form of the XK120 and XK140 are to be admired. And you certainly won’t see a Tucker Torpedo every day. The DNA of virtually every modern Ferrari can be traced back to the Dino. You may not know what a Talbot Lago Type 26C looks like, but we reckon you’ll be transported back in time once you start reading its history.

For more info on Motorclassica and the annual show at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, be sure to check out the official website.

Mercedes-Benz Motor Shows

AIMS 2011 gallery: Mercedes-Benz

Post author By Liam
Post date 5 July, 2011
2 Comments on AIMS 2011 gallery: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz clearly holds a lot of faith in the Australian International Motor Show. While their Munich competitors took a more streamlined approach to their display, the world’s oldest car maker made a statement of another kind by going for quantity.

Good thing, then, that recent Benzes have plenty of quality about them as well. Getting a front row seat at the reveal of the C63 AMG CoupÃ© was enjoyed, as we’re sure the ever-present 6.2 litre V8 would be. Assuming you’ve got the $154,800 plus extras to get the keys.

The CLS63 AMG sat behind its smaller sibling and also looks a bit special. There’s a welcome aura of class and quality in Mercedes’ interiors too.

It was almost sad to see the SLS AMG stuck in the back corner, but we got over it by imagining ourselves behind the wheel. It was parked next to a G-wagen; that’d make a nice garage.

The E Class impressed with its size and the new SLK with its increasing levels of presence. Gone are the hairdresser days of the original R170 model. The R172 SLK goes on sale in Australia next month; list pricing for the SLK 200 will be $82,900 and $118,900 for the SLK 350.

Mazda Motor Shows

AIMS 2011 gallery: Mazda

We’ve waxed lyrical about the Mazda Shinari Concept already, but it really is an object of true beauty. It was first revealed to an invitation-only press event in Milan almost 12 months ago. Back then the media were given a gander inside (see Autoblog). If we had to take Mazda to task, that would be the only issue; denying us a more in depth viewing.

Both the Shinari and the Minagi SUV concept feature what Mazda calls their ‘KODO’ design language; they claim this will provide the inspiration for future production models. Let’s hope not too much is lost in translation because both models look fantastic, the Shinari especially. It’s Aston Martin Rapide-like in its size and shape and, to be honest, it actually looks quite a bit nicer.

We’ll soon see how ‘KODO’ is applied to production models when the CX-5 is released at the Frankfurt Motor show in September.

We also enjoyed a wry smile at the expense of the BT-50 ute decked out in what can only be described as pig-hunting trim.

If you live in Melbourne you have until this coming Sunday to get on down to Jeff’s shed to see the Shinari for yourself. Don’t miss it.

Lexus Motor Shows

AIMS 2011 gallery: Lexus

Bonus points go to Lexus for originality when they revealed their LF-Gh Hybrid Concept. Rather than using a couple of models to delicately remove a sheet from the car, they used an origami inspired cover and some dancers for the reveal.

Underneath, however, things are a bit less successful. The front lighting arrangement is somewhat fussy. Similarly, the front grille is different; we’re still trying to work out if that’s in a good way or not.

“LF-Gh’s bold and aggressive design blurs the line between our growing hybrid and performance vehicle portfoliosâ€”offering the perfect blend of performance, fuel efficiency and looks,” says Tony Cramb, Lexus Australia chief executive.

Good to see the LFA on show again. While we’re not the car’s biggest fans, we respect the approach Lexus has taken with their V10 supercar by sending a factory team to the NÃ¼rburgring 24 hour race; Nissan, where are you?

Lexus has secured an extra five LFAs for Australian delivery, bringing the exclusive inventory to just 10. All have been sold.

Lamborghini Motor Shows

AIMS 2011 gallery: Lamborghini

Post author By Liam
Post date 5 July, 2011
3 Comments on AIMS 2011 gallery: Lamborghini

Like Jaguar, Lamborghini is enjoying a renaissance of some merit. The Murcielago signalled the return to form almost 10 years ago now, leaving the new Aventador LP700-4 with some mighty big boots to fill. There’s no need to fret, the Aventador is very worthy ambassador to uphold the Murci’s legacy.

It makes a visual statement like few other cars can and even in the relatively dull ‘Grigio Estoque’ metallic grey paint the Aventador hits you right between the eyes. With 700hp and a brand new 6.5 litre V12 to power this latest beast, the Aventador will be a global phenomenon.

Okay, with Australian driveaway prices being well on the northern side of $800K you won’t see an Aventador every day. Lamborghini Australia expect to sell 15 Aventadors in the next 12 months, though, and say they signed up two new customers last week alone. Nice of Lamborghini to allow the media pack to get inside and place their grubby mitts on the wheel, too. A few other manufacturers could probably take a leaf out of their book.

A couple of poor man’s Gallardo models completed the stand for Lamborghini making sure this display is a guaranteed hit for show goers.

Jaguar Motor Shows

AIMS 2011 gallery: Jaguar

Jaguar has been enjoying something of a resurgence in recent years and the 404kW 5.0 litre V8-powered XKR-S is certainly helping the cause. Even if this classically British car is wearing French Racing Blue paint. It was the clear automotive star on the Jag display.

The curves of the models on the stand were pleasing to the eye and the latest Jaguar design language does a great job of positioning their cars in the prestige market, while providing a unique style.

The blue and black interior of the XKR-S may not be to everyone’s taste and if not we suggest taking a closer look at the new XJ. The digital dash is something we’d be keen to see in action. Purple velvet lined storage cubbies also provide a nice level of difference.

Let’s hope Jaguar rides this new wave of inspiration for some time and continues to provide a worthy and reliable alternative to the German mainstays.

Hyundai Motor Shows

AIMS 2011 gallery: Hyundai

Post author By Liam
Post date 5 July, 2011
4 Comments on AIMS 2011 gallery: Hyundai

Hyundai rocked up to the Australian International Motor Show with some nice looking metal, but it was their sweet offerings which really grabbed our attention. Seriously. The Baileys panna cotta was sublime!

Anyway, back to the cars, the Blue square (Blue2) pictured above is quite interesting. Not in the least because of its animated screens front and back, but because it’s a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle powered by hydrogen. The Blue2 has 90kW provided by its fuel cell electric system and can travel 100km on just 2.86 litres.

Some may argue such technology is a better long-term solution than plugging your car into the electricity grid to ‘refuel’ (see the Honda FCX Clarity as an example). Hyundai say they hope to have their first FCEVs on the streets by 2014.

Also of note is the oddball Veloster with coupÃ© styling on the driver’s side and a 5-door hatch look on the passenger’s side; complete with differently positioned B-pillars. It will go on sale locally before the year is out. An awkward looking hatch thingy powered by a 103kW 1.6 litre diesel and with the option of a 6-speed double clutch transmission; will Australians really go for it?

Something more likey to achieve dependable sales is the smart looking i40 Wagon. Designed in Germany and featuring ‘a package of powertrains, equipment and technology tailored for European tastes’ it also goes on sale later this year.

BMW Motor Shows

AIMS 2011 gallery: BMW

Well, we can say we’ve covered every car on the BMW stand for you with this image gallery. That’s because there is only one car on show: the Vision EfficientDynamics. It’s a clear case of quality over quantity, though, and we acknowledge the lengths BMW has gone to in bringing out their undeniably spectacular concept car, even if it is a bit long in the tooth now (as far as concept models go).

It really is the world’s sexiest three cylinder diesel and it will make the move from concept to production when the i8 is revealed in 2013.

The EfficientDynamics is a mish-mash of finicky folds and coarse angles that shouldn’t really work. And, in truth, in some pictures it just doesn’t. But in reality, when the car is there before you, it’s hard to resist its charms and do anything but marvel at how fantastic it really is.

Audi Motor Shows

AIMS 2011 gallery: Audi

With the already mentioned e-tron and the desirable R8 GT on the stand it may seem a bit odd to start this feature with the new Audi A6. However, the A6 is a car with a wider audience and with this new model Audi is slowly moving away from the staid designs of past mid-large size sedans. Indeed, we reckon the A6 looks pretty good and, of course, it’s well appointed inside too.

That said, the R8 GT is beautiful and the use of carbon fibre detailing is quite something. Sitting behind the wheel you get a fantastic sense of what this 560hp monster would be like. We wish we could call one of the 333 examples our own.

Other highlights include the TT RS S tronic, the nifty little A1 and the comparatively volume selling S3 Sportback.

Formula 1

Hispania Racing Team sold as expected, butâ€¦

Post author By Liam
Post date 5 July, 2011

As we reported yesterday Hispania Racing Team has been sold. But in typical F1-style twist not to who we thought. It had been reported by Spanish media that HRT would be sold to a Japanese investment firm. We now know that Spanish investment group, Thesan Capital, had the loot and used it to ink a deal in exchange for a majority shareholding in the team.

Thesan Capital will retain the current directors and team with a view to injecting a strong Spanish influence throughout, which will include new headquarters in Spain.

The full statement from HRT can be read after the break.