Year: 2011

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Audi BMW Volkswagen

BMW 1 Series side by side against A3 and Golf

BMW 1 Series v Audi A3 v VW Golf

Thanks to BimmerPost who have lined up the new BMW 1 Series hatch against the current Audi A3 and Volkswgaen Golf. It’s worth noting the current 8P A3 was first released in way back in 2003, although, it has been freshened up by a couple of modest facelifts, most recently a couple of years ago. Similarly, the Mk6 Golf was released almost three years ago. Itself a mild development on the Mk5 model first seen in 2003.

The Golf does look the cheaper of the three, as it should. Under the circumstances it must be said the Audi A3 has aged quite gracefully, still holding its place alongside the new generation from Munich.

Audi is due to launch its third generation A3 later this year and the Mk7 Golf is likely to be seen within the next two years. On that basis, should BMW be concerned that their newest model doesn’t seem to be a clear step forward on cars that had their roots laid almost a full decade ago?

[Source: BimmerPost]

Categories
BMW

OFFICIAL: The new BMW 1 Series hatch

BMW 1 Series hatch (F20)

Here are the official words and images for BMW’s new world order 1 Series. For now, we’re still in rear-wheel drive mode, but don’t forget there is a front-wheel drive 1er is on the way, too.

The slightly bloated F20 1 Series is 85mm longer and 17mm wider than the E87 model it replaces. Overall height remains the same. Other measurements of note to change include the wheelbase, 30mm longer, and, significantly, the front track is now 51mm wider and the rear track has had 72mm added. All that means there’s now an extra 21mm legroom for rear seat passengers and the rear cargo area now offers 360 litres of space, up from 330 litres.

Five four-cylinder engines are offered in this initial release and, for the first time in the compact class, an 8-speed auto is available. The 135kW 120d is the quickest model announced to date and can reach 100km/h in 7.2 seconds. You can thank a generous 380Nm of torque for that.

There are two other diesel engines provided, as well. The 118d has 105kW/320Nm and reaches 100km/h in 8.9 seconds. The entry-level 116d offers 85kW/260Nm and requires 10.3 seconds to reach the speed limit. All feature common rail injection, TwinPower Turbo technology and use around 4.5 litres of diesel per 100km.

Completing the engine range is a 125kW/250Nm 118i (7.4s 0-100) and a 100kW/220Nm 116i (8.5s 0-100). Like the diesels, the petrol engines rely on forced induction and boast fuel consumption in the high 5s per 100km.

So far it looks like the new 1 Series isn’t winning many fans for its looks. We’re still convinced feelings will soften once we start seeing the 1er on the road, but tend to agree it’s certainly not the prettiest car BMW has ever made.

After the break there’s a concise press release and a massive image gallery of 85 pics to help you get used to the new look.

UPDATE: The press material released by BMW Australia only lists info on the 118i, 116i and 118d; surely giving a hint to their model plans for the F20. They’ve also offered a far more detailed press release, which has now been added below.

UPDATE 6 June: BMW Australia is expected to launch the new 1 Series some time after October this year.

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Categories
Formula 1

Provisional 2012 Formula One calendar released

2010 Bahrain GP

When the FIA World Motor Sport Council met to reinstate the Bahrain Grand Prix they also signed off plans for the 2012 Formula One season.

There’ll be just 133 days between races for Bahrain, which will return to its premiere status in 2012. The Australian Grand Prix will follow one week later (18 March).

With the reintroduction of the United States Grand Prix (17 June), the season will be an incredible 21 races long. Although, it’s worth noting the Turkish round currently has an asterisk next to its name, with doubts remaining over its future.

The full list can be seen after the break.

[Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

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Audi

“Internally we refer to this car as the RS1”

Audi A1 clubsport

These are the words of Audi head of design Stefan Sielaff, as reported by What Car. The car he is referring to, of course, is the bonkers A1 clubsport, complete with 370kW, revealed at Wörthersee a few days ago.

Sielaff continued the RS1 tease by saying the A1’s engine bay wouldn’t need to be modified to fit the 2.5 litre five cylinder should the car go into series production. It’s unlikely any road going model would be released sporting the full 370kW, but even the standard 250kW found in the TT RS would be most welcome.

The A1 clubsport is 400kg lighter than its production siblings, and while that may be a stretch too far if an RS1 is made, Sielaff reckons a weight saving of 200kg could be achieved.

Consider our appetite whet!

[Source: What Car]

Categories
BMW

Behind the scenes with the BMW 328 Hommage

The BMW 328 Hommage is a beautiful thing. So, why not start your Sunday with this short video. After you’ve seen that you can check out 34 new pics below. Is the red scarf overkill?

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Categories
Formula 1

Revised 2011 Formula One calendar

Revised 2011 F1 calendar

Categories
Formula 1 News

Mark Webber slams Bahrain GP decision

Mark Webber

Mark Webber has published his thoughts on the decision to reschedule the Bahrain Grand Prix for 30 October and it’s fair to say he’s not happy.

“In my personal opinion, the sport should have taken a much firmer stance earlier this year rather than constantly delaying its decision in hope of being able to re-schedule it in 2011,” says Webber.

“It would have sent a very clear message about F1’s position on something as fundamental as human rights and how it deals with moral issues. It’s obvious that the parties involved have struggled to reach a decision but sadly I feel that they still haven’t made the right one. Like it or not, F1 and sport in general isn’t above having a social responsibility and conscience. I hope F1 is able to return to Bahrain eventually but now isn’t the right time.”

On the surface, Webber’s position is admirable. Assuming all is equal between now and late October, will Mark back his beliefs and choose not to race?

Follow the source link below for the full statement.

[Source: markwebber.com | Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

Categories
Formula 1

Bahrain Grand Prix rescheduled for 30 October, India pushed back to 11 December

2010 Bahrain GP

In news overnight the Bahrain Grand Prix has been reinstated to the 2011 F1 calendar. It is now due to take place on 30 October, which was originally slated for the inaugural Indian Grand Prix. The Indian race has now been pushed back to the last race of what has become a very long year and will be held on 11 December.

A brief statement from the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council explaining the decision can be read after the break.

[Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

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Categories
News

Leaked images of new BMW 1 Series hatch

BMW F20 1 Series hatch

Official pics and details of BMW’s new F20 1 Series hatch weren’t due for another few weeks, however the recent appearance of leaked images is expected to force BMW’s hand. Indeed, we could be seeing authorised info form Munich as soon as tomorrow morning.

So, then, what do we make of the rounder and slightly larger F20 1er? We expect first thoughts may be mixed, with a bias towards negative comments. However, the current 1 Series hatch has never really set the world on fire and people’s opinions of its styling have mellowed over time. The same is likely to happen again with the newer model.

It’s worth noting the interior seems to have taken a clear step forward. It’s not that the previous 1 Series interior was bad, just that, on these pics, the new model has made noticeable improvements.

One tidbit worth digesting on what we can see here is BMW’s use of gloss black and matt aluminium wing mirrors; styling cues used by Volkswagen and Audi to differentiate their performance models from their cheaper cars. Coincidence?

More pics after the break, and we’ll being you the official detail as soon as we can.

[Source: Inside Line | Thanks to Matt for the tip]

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Categories
Audi

2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder officially announced

Audi R8 GT Spyder

It’s only been a couple of weeks since the an undisguised R8 GT Spyder was spied, and now Audi has officially taken the wraps off and published a set of images and basic press information.

Like the R8 GT hardtop, the Spyder will be limited to 333 examples. A regimented carbon fibre diet has seen the R8 GT Spyder shed 85 kilograms, which helps the 412kW convertible reach 100km/h in a mere 3.8 seconds before reaching a v-max of 317km/h.

The R8 GT Spyder lifts its engine and drivetrain from the tintop. That means you’ll find a delightful 5.2 litre V10 coupled to a quattro all-wheel drive system and a 6-speed R tronic transmission beneath the Spyder’s great looking exterior.

Deliveries are expected to begin in early 2012, following a public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. You’ll find more from Audi after the break.

UPDATE 9 June: Audi Australia has confirmed just five GT Spyders will be coming to Australia in the latter half of 2012. Pricing is yet to be announced, but you’d better get in quick!

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Categories
Bathurst 12 Hour News

Bathurst 12 Hour goes from strength to strength

Audi R8 LMS

It’s less than two years since the Bathurst 12 Hour race was chasing a naming rights sponsor, but new plans to widen eligibility have organisers hoping the race will become a regular stop on the worldwide endurance calendar.

Already the race has attracted interest from the Audi factory team, no doubt to return in 2012 to defend their one-two victory earlier this year. And after striking a deal with Dutch company Creventic—promoters of the Dubai 24 Hour, Barcelona 24 Hour and Hungary 12 Hour—Bathurst promoters hope freight assistance packages will encourage more overseas teams to Mount Panorama.

Bathurst 12 Hour event director James O’Brien says, “This is another step forward in establishing the Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour as one of the premier international endurance races.

“In our first year including GT vehicles in the eligibility structure, we attracted six international entrants including three from New Zealand, one from Ireland and the two-car Audi Race Experience team from Germany that would go on to finish 1-2 in the race.

“We would hope that the result of this partnership is an increase of between 8-12 international entrants in the 2012 race to complement a stronger domestic grid.”

The 2012 Bathurst 12 Hour will take place on 24–26 February.

[Source: Speedcafe]

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Categories
BMW Porsche

VIDEO: BMW 1M v Porsche Cayman R

BMW 1M v Porsche Cayman R

Is the Porsche Cayman R really a suitable rival for the cheaper BMW 1 Series M Coupé? Well, BMW themselves have compared the 1M to the Cayman S, so on pure stats it’s not too far from reality. Okay, in Australia, the Cayman R might cost a Golf GTI more than the 1M, but it is widely acknowledged as being a class-leader in the can’t-quite-afford-a-supercar sportscar market.

On that basis, then, it’s well worth seeing just how well BMW’s latest press darling matches up against a lighter and sharper Cayman. Thanks to Autocar, who have filed a video review, we can see how the baby M gets on.

[Thanks to James for the tip]

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