Year: 2011

Categories
Formula 1

India’s Buddh International Circuit anointed

Buddh International Circuit

In a little over six months the Formula One calendar will see the first ever Indian Grand Prix. The world’s latest F1 track is located 25km out of New Delhi in the Buddh district. No surprise, then, to learn the new facility has been named the Buddh International Circuit.

The new racetrack is the latest to roll out from Tilke GmbH and features 16 turns over 5.141km. Expected average speed is a shade over 210km/h and the predicted lap time is around 1 minute 27 seconds.

After the break you can see Karun Chandok preview the Indian track in a clip produced late last year for circuit owners, Jaypee Sports International.

UPDATE 17 October: Click HERE for a new preview of the the Buddh International Circuit from Red Bull Racing and Mark Webber.

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Categories
Formula 1 News Renault

Robert Kubica ready for next stage of recovery

Robert Kubica

Great news for Robert Kubica with confirmation he has been released from hospital a few days ahead of schedule. He continues to recover well following his rally accident in February and will now spend a few days at his home in Monaco before heading to Italy to enter the next stage of his rehabilitation.

In a recent interview on the Lotus Renault GP website Kubica shared news of his progress revealing, “The mobility of my hand is limited but this is pretty normal in this kind of situation, because the connected arm muscles are still very weak due to the long period of immobility. Things are definitely improving day by day.”

[Source: Lotus Renault GP]

Categories
Motorsports Video

“He was just a cheeky bugger”

Barry Sheene

While any talk of motorsport biopics this year has centred around Ayrton Senna we recently came across another one that promises to be just as good. Simply called Legacy, it tells us the Barry Sheene story. Sheene was a lovable larrikin with talent and charisma to burn, his life was almost made for the silver screen.

You can get a taste of the film by watching the official trailer after the break. Released in 2007 it can now be found on DVD.

An adopted Aussie, Sheene gained entry into our hearts through his motorsport commentary and a series of television commercials for Shell. For old time’s sake, we’ve included one of those for you to enjoy too.

Sadly, the wretched disease cancer ended Barry Sheene’s life far too early. Almost a decade on, it confirms Sheene’s charm and quality that he still brings a smile to the face of those who remember him well.

[via Motorsport Retro]

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Categories
Ford

Ford Focus RS fan true to his word

Ford Focus RS

Australian Ford fans suffered long and hard when the Focus RS went on sale overseas in 2009. Jason Plato’s review for Fifth Gear only heightened their anxiety.

It seemed unlikely the car would ever go on sale here, leading to one punter from the XR5 Turbo forums to make a regrettable claim about sandwich boards and speedos. Ford Australia surprised us all last August when they announced a limited run of 300 Focus RS models had been secured for Australia.

True to his word, then, “Daisy” took to the streets of Canberra in said attire last week to do his walk of shame. There’s even a short video after the break.

[Source: FordXR5Turbo.com | Thanks to Jimmy for the tip and pics]

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Categories
Ford Volkswagen

VIDEO: Volkswagen Scirocco R v Ford Focus RS

Here is an old review from Autocar comparing the Scirocco R and Ford Focus RS. It first appeared on AUSmotive back in November 2009.

At the time neither car was available in Australia. However, the Focus RS has been on sale down under since late last year—don’t believe the hype, either, there’s still plenty for sale. Of course, we now know the Scirocco R will be in Australia early next year.

So, then, with renewed relevance, let’s take a look at what seasoned reviewer Steve Sutcliffe thought when he drove the two cars back to back.

Categories
Audi BMW Mercedes-Benz News Porsche Volkswagen

Money for nothing

AU v US car pricing

Last week the Australian dollar hit a new high against the US dollar. That high was $1.07 for the record. The news prompted Drive.com.au to publish an article comparing the prices Australian buyers pay for luxury cars compared to other countries, chiefly the United States.

The Drive article states, “Inflated luxury-car prices are not a recent revelation but a rampant Australian dollar—continuing to break post-float records as it stretches beyond parity with the US ‘greenback’—has many car buyers again asking questions.”

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Categories
Audi BMW

VIDEO: BMW 1M Coupé v Audi TT RS

Car & Driver video

US publication Car & Driver brings us this video review of the BMW 1M Coupé and the Audi TT RS. Also along for the ride was an Infiniti G37 thingy that we don’t get in Australia; it placed last in the review.

That leaves us with the 1M against the TT RS, a match BMW has already anticipated; well, how do they? There’s clear plus points for both, but in the end, you could probably write the script before seeing the video. Take the break, watch the clip and let us know what you think.

[Thanks to Peter for the tip]

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Categories
BMW Video

“If you love driving, you’re gonna love this engine”

That’s the claim made by Paul Ferraiolo, Manager, Product Planning & Strategy, BMW of North America. He is referring to the new four cylinder engine that will power the BMW Z4 sDrive28i. In this brief clip he gives a rundown on the engine’s key benefits.

[Source: BimmerFile]

Categories
Caterham

Team Lotus set to announce Caterham deal

Caterham Roadsport 125 Monaco

Latest word on the street says the Tony Fernandes-backed Team Lotus is set to announce takeover deal of boutique sportcar maker Caterham.

Rumours suggest the deal will be confirmed at a Team Lotus press conference on Wednesday. It was understood the announcement would be related to the Lotus v Lotus stoush that has been simmering in British courts of late. However, the invitation to the event says it will be, “an incredibly exciting announcement about the future of our team,” which has got tongues wagging.

Delays with court proceedings mean a final decision on the Lotus position is still a few weeks away. Perhaps a Team Lotus takeover of Caterham can provide a clear future direction for Fernandes and his team.

[Source: Autosport]

Categories
BMW

BMW Z4 gets new 176kW 4 cylinder turbo

2009 BMW Z4 (E89)

At the New York Motor Show BMW released the first real-world details of its new, more fuel efficient, four cylinder future by plonking a 2.0 litre turbo into the BMW Z4. The classic roadster look, with the long bonnet, but powered by a piddly four cylinder?

Fear not doubters, because the curiously named Z4 sDrive28i has 176kW (240hp) at its disposal and is sure to shift quite nicely. It also features “TwinPower Turbo technology”. Terminology equally designed to trick the mind, as the twin refers to high precision injection and a single twin-scroll turbocharger; not twin turbos.

Oh, remember that rumour of the road-going MINI Countryman WRC we told you about? Well, don’t be surprised if this engine, or one closely related to it, with perhaps more power, finds it way under the bonnet.

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Categories
Alfa Romeo

VIDEO: Alfa Romeo 4C Concept

The Alfa Romeo 4C Concept was one of the clear stars of the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. So most readers will be pleased to see this short film released by Alfa showing the preparation of the 4C prior to the show.

To refresh your memory the 4C has the madness of a KTM X-Bow under the skin, enveloped by a series of stunning Behind the driver’s seat rests 150kW of turbocharged power, which sounds modest until you realise there’s just 850kg of weight to shift.

What’s not to like?

Categories
Volkswagen

Volkswagen Passat – Australian pricing & specs

Volkswagen Passat

The new Volkswagen Passat has just been released in Australia. There’s three models on offer, all available in sedan and wagon configuration. Pre on-road pricing for the sedan models start at $38,990 for the 118TSI, $43,990 for the 125TDI and $57,990 for the V6 FSI featuring 4motion. Add an extra $2000 if you want the added cargo space offered in the wagon.

There’s some impressive technology featured with the new Passat. It’s all stuff we’ve seen before in more expensive marques, but seeing such things as Fatigue Detection, Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and City Emergency Braking filter down to more affordable models is welcomed.

Full details from Volkswagen Australia can be read after the break.

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