Year: 2011

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News

World’s vehicle population tops 1 billion

Port Kembla

The world’s garage has passed one billion vehicles for the first time according research carried out by Wards Auto. The figures are based on 2010 data and tell us the United States heads the list when sorted by country, with a staggering 239.8 million motor vehicles.

The US numbers are put in perspective when compared against the emerging market of China, which has achieved its highest ranking, reaching second place but still a long way behind, with a bit over 78 million units. Japan sits third with just under 74 million vehicles.

Unsurprisingly the United States also tops the list when looking at each country’s vehicle-to-person ratio. With a ratio of 1:1.3, in theory, around 77% of Americans have a vehicle of some sort. In contrast, China’s ratio is 1:17.2 and India (20.8 million vehicles) sees just one in every 56.3 people with a vehicle.

Italy is ranked second behind the US for vehicle-to-person ratios (1:1.45) with France, Japan and the UK all roughly the same (1:1.7). Overall, the world population is 6.9 billion (1:6.75 vehicles to people).

[Source: WardsAuto]

UPDATE 20 August: Thanks to Jim Rutherford from the FCAI for pointing us in the direction of Australian figures from the ABS, which tell us there were 12.5 million passenger vehicles at last count. Based on the current population of 22.7 million Australia has a ratio of one vehicle for every 1.8 people.

Categories
Ford WRC

If in doubt, flat out!

Mark Webber thought it fit to share this video of Colin McRae in action at the 2001 British RAC Rally via his twitter feed. Who are we to argue?

Categories
Mazda Motorsports

VIDEO: Mazda MX-5 GT onboard at Spa

Mazda MX-5 GT

Formula One’s mid-season slumber will end in just over one week when the circus comes to the small Belgian village of Spa-Francorchamps. Home, of course, to one of the world’s most loved racetracks. Helping us to get back into the swing of things is this footage from Mazda UK filmed onboard an MX5-GT. Mark Ticehurst was at the wheel and he talks us through the lap as well.

Take the jump to watch the lap in full.

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Categories
Porsche

Porsche 911: 991 compared to 997 in pictures

Porsche 911_991 v 997

Here’s a pictorial comparison of the new 991 Porsche 911 against the well loved 997.2 model it replaces.

One of the first things you notice in profile view is how the 991 appears a bit sleeker and lower. The more dramatically raked front and rear glass is a small, but definite improvement.

At the front the 997 gets our tick for having less fussy LED daytime running lights. Even the headlights, while very similar, look nicer in the old car. Although, we reckon Porsche has done a good job in the lower spoiler area on the all-new 911.

When comparing the backsides of the two 911s we call it in favour of the 991. We like the sharper look of the new rear lights. The quad-tipped exhausts also look better, despite being a bit clichéd these days. The new model also has a more refined finish around the lower bumper area. Our only concern is how the rear cooling vents look in profile view; they stick up a bit too much. That’d be function ruling over form, of course, so we can happily accept that.

So there you have it, as expected the exterior of the new 911 doesn’t appear to have changed too much, but we’d still call it a successful progression. You can click on the image above for a larger version of the comparison grid, or check out the individual images below, including interior photos.

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Categories
Porsche

2012 Porsche 911 revealed in leaked images

2012 Porsche 911

BREAKING: A series of seven images revealing the all-new 991 Porsche 911 Carrera have been leaked. You can see more after the break.

Official information from Porsche was originally expected on 24 August, but we suspect we might see something meaningful from Stuttgart sooner, rather than later.

The entry level Carrera model now features a 3.4l flat-six, down from 3.6l. The engine is bespoke to the 911, however, and not simply lifted from the Cayman. It should be good for around 260kW (350hp). The Carrera S (pictured above) will keep its 3.8l capacity from the previous model with peak power at 300kW (400hp).

In a first for any sportscar we can think of the 911 will be offered with a 7-speed manual gearbox. An optional double-clutch ‘PDK’ transmission will also be available. Both gearboxes will have a launch control feature; yep, even the manual.

It’s no surprise the 991 911 is an evolution of previous generations. Despite its extended wheelbase (approx 100mm) to allow for more optimum engine placement, the 911 still maintains its traditional rear overhang. Inside the look has been very inspired by the Panamera and it does have a more upmarket feel. The front LEDs are perhaps the only controversial styling element on the new 911. Overall, we reckon it looks pretty good.

We’ll have more as soon it comes to hand.

[Thanks to Wayne for the tip]

UPDATE: All seven pics have now been replaced with higher res files. Click on the images to load at 2000px super sizing.

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Categories
Audi

Autocar reviews Audi R8 GT

After seeing the Audi R8 GT up close at the Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne last month we wondered just what it would be like to drive. Well, thanks to Autocar, we can get about the best look we’re ever likely to get.

Remember, there’s just five of these cars coming to Australia and they have all been sold. Well, if you could buy an R8 that’s lost 100kg and is powered by a 412kW V10 you’d probably do it too.

Categories
Audi Green Machines

Audi urban concept goes topless

Audi urban concept

Audi has released two new images of its urban concept. This time, though, it’s in Spyder form. We think it looks fantastic. Aside from the pics there’s not much else to add. Audi has issued another press release, but it’s much the same as before, with the word ‘Spyder’ added in a few times.

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Categories
Chevrolet Green Machines

Chevrolet Miray heading to Frankfurt

Chevrolet Miray

You’re looking at the Chevrolet Miray concept. It’s quite spectacular in its own right, let alone for an American car.

The Miray was first revealed at the Seoul Motor Show in March and is relies on carbon fibre body panels to help make its radical styling lightweight. Powered by a pair of electric motors and a 1.5 litre turbocharged four cylinder the Miray should be quite spritely around town as well.

It’s a great looking concept and we’ll be seeing more of it Frankfurt next month.

Categories
Ford News Video

VIDEO: Ken Block ‘Gymkhana 4’

Ken Block - Gymkhana 4

The master of spin, Ken Block, is back with a new Gymkhana release. It’s the fourth in his well known franchise; we use that term deliberately as this latest video is packed with commercial content. Perhaps this should come as no surprise when the clip is sub-titled ‘The Hollywood Megamercial’.

In GYM4 the driving is pure entertainment. There’s some excellent footage captured as Block negotiates his way around various movie sets. We just hope when the inevitable Gymkhana 5 is produced they go a bit easy on the ads.

The full 9 minutes of ‘hoonigan’ is yours after the break. To recapture the vibe from Ken’s first three installments, click here.

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Categories
Eterniti

From where to Eterniti

Eterniti teaser

A mysterious press release is announcing a new luxury automotive brand called Eterniti Motors. Here’s the release in full:

The New Luxury Car Brand

A new luxury car brand is coming.
A different kind of luxury car brand.
A luxury car brand from London.

Eterniti Motors.

A quick scan of the interwebz tells us Eterniti will showcase a new $300,000+ SUV—like we need another one of those—at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show. There’s even a video teaser for you after the break to go with the above sketch.

While the ‘Hemera’ will be the company’s first vehicle, we anticipate there’ll be more to follow from the London-based manufacturer. With any luck they’ll sit a bit closer to the ground.

Continue reading “From where to Eterniti”
Categories
Ford Motorsports

Marcos Ambrose cracks first NASCAR win at Watkins Glen

Marcos Ambrose

Marcos Ambrose became the first Australian to win a top-tier NASCAR race when he took the chequered flag at the Watkins Glen International on the weekend. The 34-year-old Tasmanian used his circuit racing background to edge out Kyle Busch and Brad Keselowski in an exciting finish to the 92 lap Sprint Cup Series meet.

It was the 105th career start for Ambrose in NASCAR events. The 2003 and 2004 V8 Supercar champion made the move to the United States six years ago and success has taken a little longer than he hoped. Looks as though an off-season to switch to the Richard Petty Motorsport team has paid off.

You can watch Marcos talk about his victory in a short video after the break.

Continue reading “Marcos Ambrose cracks first NASCAR win at Watkins Glen”
Categories
BMW

F32 BMW M3 to make do with only two turbos?

BMW M3 prototype

According to UK publication Autocar the next-gen BMW M3 will feature a 3.0 litre six cylinder engine with twin-turbochargers. It had previously been expected the new M3 motor would have an innovative tri-turbo setup.

The report says the M3’s new engine will be a new unit that is significantly different from the current N54 and N55 twin-turbo engines, incorporating new internals, intake system and ECU.

Peak power for the F32M is still expected to be around 450hp. The new engine, in a lesser state of tune, will also be used in the replacement for the 1 Series M Coupé (expected to wear an M2 badge).

[Source: Autocar]