Year: 2011

Categories
Peugeot

Peugeot 208 GTI expected before end of 2012

Peugeot 208 GTI rendering

Fantastic news for hot hatch fans with word Peugeot is about to get serious again. The new 208 range is due for launch in the middle of next year with the cooking GTI model expected before the end of 2012.

The 207 GTI was a bit hit and miss, despite sourcing power from the same 1.6 litre turbo four found inside the MINI Cooper S and Citroën DS3. That same engine will be kept for the 208 GTI, but it will lose quite a bit of front overhang and, more importantly, around 100kg in weight. The wheelbase will remain unchanged from the outgoing 207 layout.

It’s expected the 208 GTI will offer two states of tune for its engine. A somewhat middling 115kW entry level (doesn’t bode well) and a GTI ‘Racing’ with around 150kW (that’s better).

Let’s hope Peugeot get their suspension tune right and the 208 GTI ignites the spirit of the iconic 205 GTI.

[Source: Autocar]

Categories
Ferrari

Ferrari targets budget conscious buyers

Ferrari 458 Italia

Great news for Ferrari buyers on a budget with word coming through from the importer they will be offering a seven year service deal on all new sales.

The maintenance schedule is known as Ferrari Genuine Maintenance—hmm, they didn’t really think that FGM acronym through properly did they. Anyway, it includes servicing at 20,000km intervals or an annual service if sir’s Ferrari doesn’t get out much. There’s no limit on kilometres travelled and the program is completely transferable if you sell the car.

Details on Ferrari Genuine Maintenance and other ownership programs can be read after the break.

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Categories
Formula 1 McLaren

Another look at Buddh International Circuit

Last week we offered you a couple of preview clips showcasing the new Buddh International Circuit which will host this weekend’s Indian Grand Prix. It’s somewhat exciting to be heading to a new track, even if the paint is still likely to be wet.

In the video above McLaren’s Matt Daley, Simulator Development Engineer, talks us through a lap with Jenson Button at the team’s simulator.

Further to that there will be two DRS zones this weekend; the start-finish straight and the long back straight. Detection zones are in the preceding corners for each.

The Formula1 website has a good preview article up at the moment, which is well worth a read.

For our Australian readers, the Indian race will be on in prime time as well. Quali starts at 7:30pm (AEDT) on Saturday and the lights go green at 8:30pm on Sunday.

Categories
Formula 1

‘Grand Prix of America’ circuit revealed

Grand Prix of America track layout

Further detail regarding Formula One’s newest race, to be held in New Jersey from 2013, has been revealed. The event will be known as the Grand Prix of America and here is the draft layout of the circuit (click the image above for a larger version).

For a street circuit, the 5.14km layout should be quite a fast track with its flowing corners and few 90° turns. There appears to be ample riverside real estate, too, which will accommodate pitlane and other required infrastructure. Indeed, work has already begun according to a report on the NJ.com website.

After reading their article, and others like it in recent days, we do wonder how well Formula One will succeed in its latest attempt to crack the US market. F1 has never made a lasting impact in the past and it will be very interesting to see where the category sits in two decades when the two existing US deals near expiration.

[Source: NJ.com]

Categories
Mazda

Your guide to the 2011 Mazda3 facelift

Mazda3 facelift

The facelifted Mazda3 range hit Australian shores last month, but with its recent European launch comes a raft of new information.

Suspension and cosmetic enhancements feature across all Mazda3 models. The facelift also brings the addition of the Mazda3 SP20 SKYACTIV.

There’s heaps more after the break, including photos, video interviews with key Mazda executives and two detailed press kits for download.

Continue reading “Your guide to the 2011 Mazda3 facelift”
Categories
Formula 1

New Jersey GP confirmed for 2013 and beyond

View from Hamilton Park, Weehawken, NJ

Chris Christie, Governor of New Jersey, has confirmed the state signed a 10-year-deal to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix from 2013.

“I’m pleased New Jersey will play host to Formula 1, bringing one of the world’s most popular sports to our backyard,” he said.

“I can assure Formula One that this is one of the wisest decisions you have ever made, to come and hold this event in New Jersey.

“The race will be a 3.2 mile road race, run on existing roads through Port Imperial and at the top of the Palisades in Weehawken and West New York.”

The image above was taken at Hamilton Park, Weehawken, which will be close to the new 5.14km street circuit, and portrays the view from across the Hudson River to Manhattan.

Formula One hasn’t held a race in the US since 2007. The sport will return Stateside in November next year with the inaugural United States Grand Prix to be held at a purpose-built facility in Austin, Texas.

[Source: Autosport & The Telegraph | Pic: NederlandsNederlands]

Categories
Aston Martin Oh the humanity

Roberto Ricci’s Rapide wipeout

Aston Martin Rapide

Roberto Ricci, Italian surfboard maker, is a pretty wealthy dude. Wealthy enough to buy an Aston Martin Rapide only to carelessly crash it after asking himself “what does this button do?” Afterwards it all seemed a bit of a laugh, really.

Perhaps he should have spent some of his money on driving lessons. Check out the video after the break.

[Source: Jalopnik]

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Categories
Audi

Audi TT RS ‘Plus’ draws closer

Audi TT RS

Talk of an Audi TT RS ‘Plus’ emerged a few months back. Now French website L’Automobile is reigniting the charge.

They say the ‘Plus’ will lose 60kg in weight, partly due to the removal of the rear seats. It is also thought power will be boosted to 380PS, up from 350PS in the standard TT RS. Model specific alloys and a revised fixed rear wing are also likely to feature.

Earlier speculation suggested this model would start production in May of this year. That didn’t happen, so it looks as though we’ll have to wait until next year now.

We had a great time when we drove the TT RS and, on paper, the changes outlined in the TT RS ‘Plus’ can only make it an even better package. Hopefully Audi comes out with some firm details soon.

[Source: L’Automobile]

Categories
Mazda

Mazda Takeri revealed before Tokyo debut

Mazda Takeri concept

At the Australian International Motor Show earlier this year we were impressed by the gorgeous Mazda Shinari concept. It would seem the Shinari has spawned the equally stunning Takeri concept you see here. The Takeri will be presented to the public for the first time at the Tokyo Motor Show in early December.

Where the larger Shinari was a design concept only, the mid-size Takeri offers a few more details. Although, it looks as though Mazda is keeping the real detail for Tokyo.

For now we know the Takeri will be powered by a SKYACTIV-D turbocharged diesel engine. Capacity, power and fuel consumption are yet to be published, although if you’re feeling a bit nerdy you can learn more on the Mazda website. Helping to reduce consumption will be an i-stop idling system and some of the car’s ancillaries will run on power gained via regenerative braking.

Of course, the ‘Kodo’ design language shown in these concepts is expected to filter its way to future production models. And we reckon that’s a pretty good thing. Could the next Mazda6 really look as good as this?

You can see more of the Takeri after the break. Is it just us, or is there a bit of Audi in the interior?

Continue reading “Mazda Takeri revealed before Tokyo debut”
Categories
Formula 1

Weehawken site for rumoured New Jersey GP

Boulevard East and River Road in Weehawken, New Jersey, is likely to form part of the street circuit for the rumoured New Jersey Formula One Grand Prix, according to a report published by the BBC. The roads run along the banks of the Hudson River with the west side of New York City on the other bank.

Confirmation of the new grand prix is expected to come through within the next day and should see the first event take place in mid-2013. It’s likely the race will run back-t0-back with the Canadian GP.

West New York mayor Felix Roque appears both enthusiastic and hopeful for the riches the F1 circus will bring, “It’s incredible. This is going to be an economic boom for this whole region.”

Meanwhile, West New York attorney Joe DeMarco has even bigger stars in his eyes. “It will provide a very challenging course. They compare it to Spa in Belgium but it will have the feel of Monaco,” he said.

More news as it comes to hand.

[Source: BBC F1]

Categories
Audi Green Machines

VIDEO: 2014 Audi e-tron Spyder in action

Audi e-tron Spyder

“Audi intends to be the leading premium manufacturer of electric vehicles by 2020.”

That’s the opening line from the video you can see after the break which showcases the Audi e-tron Spyder. Audi first showed us this stunning hybrid coupé at last year’s Paris Motor Show.

To refresh your memory the e-tron Spyder can send 221kW of 3.0 litre V6 diesel power to the rear axle and a maximum of 64kW to the front wheels, thanks to a pair of electric motors. Audi reckon it’ll be faster than a TT RS to 100km/h. They also say the e-tron Spyder can travel over 1000km on 50 litres of fuel (but can’t a Golf 2.0 TDI already do that?). Their claim of 2.2l/100km sounds much more impressive and makes a mockery of their maths, too (2.2l/100km from a 50 litre tank would offer a range of over 2000km).

The good news for all Audi fans is they say the e-tron Spyder offers the best clue yet as to how their future sportscars will look.

In addition to the official Audi promo clip is a short video from US website Autoblog who were granted access to the same car last week. While they were capped to a top speed of only 40mph (64km/h) their video offers a more realistic insight into the stylish Spyder.

Continue reading “VIDEO: 2014 Audi e-tron Spyder in action”
Categories
McLaren

McLaren MP4-12C laps Nürburgring in 7:28

McLaren MP4-12C

One of the world’s newest supercars, the McLaren MP4-12C, has unofficially lapped the Nürburgring in 7 minutes 28 seconds. The time was recorded by respected German magazine Sport Auto.

Perhaps McLaren would secretly wish for a faster time, as the mighty Mac is around 16 seconds slower than the Dodge Viper ACR, 12 seconds slower than the Lexus LFA and 10 seconds slower than a Porsche 911 GT2 RS. At least it’s four seconds faster than a Ferrari 458 Italia.

UPDATE: Official video from McLaren Automotive has been added below, which confirms the Sport Auto lap time and includes a few words from their noted test driver Horst von Saurma.

[Source: Teamspeed]

Continue reading “McLaren MP4-12C laps Nürburgring in 7:28”