Year: 2011

Categories
Formula 1

F1: Bernie out, Rupert in?

2011 Chinese GP

Here’s one story sure to make motorsport fans sit up and take notice, Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation is understood to be leading a consortium that is interested in buying the controlling rights for Formula One.

It’s very early stages and the word comes from someone close to the News Corp group. Although, when asked for an official comment News Corp has kept quiet. So has Bernie Ecclestone, the sport’s current leading man.

Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, currently involved with the Sauber F1 team through his Telmex company, is also understood be on side with the News Corp consortium. Hmm, could be interesting times ahead, watch this space.

[Source: Reuters UK]

Categories
Ferrari

Ferrari set sights on Bugatti Veyron

Ferrari Enzo

It used to be that the ultimate Ferrari was pretty much the ultimate car. Full stop. Think of the legendary F40, it was the fastest, most desirable and most extreme machine of its day. The Enzo, too, raised the bar. It was as close to Michael Schumacher’s F1 car as (filthy rich) mere mortals could get. Now, almost 10 years after its initial launch, the Enzo has been long overtaken.

Indeed, Ferrai themsleves have admitted as much, with one insider stating, “The world is a very different place to how it was when the Enzo was launched. It has moved on completely. And we are Ferrari – we do not take part to make up the numbers.”

So, perhaps it is no surprise to learn Ferrari’s next hero model has been influenced by the Bugatti Veyron. A car that has not only re-wrote the hypercar rule book, it tore the old one to shreds.

The Enzo replacement is expected in the next couple of years and current thinking suggests a high-tech twin tubro V8 will provide the power. “Active aerodynamics” will lead the way for a new generation of technology for Ferrari and its clever use of airflows will likely come straight from the F1 track.

[Source: Autocar]

Categories
Volkswagen

CONFIRMED: Scirocco R coming to Australia

Volkswagen Scirocco R

Great news for fans of the Volkswagen Scirocco with confirmation today that the range-topping R version will launch in Australia early next year. Ahead of its local launch, the Scirocco R will be on display at this year’s Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne (1-10 July).

Proving that you have to give a little to get a little, Volkswagen will make space in its Australian product range by removing the three-door Golf R from its line up. While pricing details are yet to be confirmed, we can probably expect the front-wheel drive only Scirocco R to slot in under the $50K bracket. Currently the Golf R 3dr is priced from $48,490.

The Scirocco R uses the same 2.0 litre turbocharged motor found in the Golf R. It’s worth noting that the Scirocco R is more than 100kg lighter than the Golf R and its handling is said to offer a few more thrills as a result. In Euro markets the Scirocco R is rated at 195kW, however, we anticipate our warm climate will see that spec reduced to 188kW, as is the case with the Golf R and Audi S3.

Availability of the all-wheel drive Golf R 5dr will remain unaffected by the introduction of the curvaceous Scirocco.

We’re massive fans of the Scirocco here at AUSmotive and while we welcome this news with great anticipation we do wonder, three years after the Scirocco first launched overseas, if it’s all a bit too late? We’d love to hear what you think.

[Source: Drive.com.au | Thanks to Al for the tip]

UPDATE: Volkswagen has set up a web portal allowing people to register their interest in the Scirocco R.

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Categories
Volkswagen

Volkswagen Passat ready to launch in Australia

Volkswagen Passat

Last September, at the Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen gave the world a new Passat. Today, it’s Australia’s turn. Thanks to AUSmotive reader James for sending in these pics, taken near the media launch in Melbourne earlier today.

In basic terms the new Passat represents a steady improvement over its predecessor. The new model is a little bit nicer to look at, too. We’ll have full pricing and specification details as they come to hand.

[Thanks to James for the pics]

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Categories
Motor Shows Volvo

Shanghai 2011: Volvo Concept Universe

Volvo Concept Universe

Volvo has given us a tiny glimpse at their Concept Universe, which has just been launched in Shanghai. They’re sharing with us one photo, for now, and a light and fluffy press release. From what we can see, it’s a nice sleek looking unit, don’t you think. It certainly looks like it would have plenty of road presence.

This is Volvo’s attempt at competing with the established luxury players of the world. S-Class and 7 Series look out! It’s being based on the principles and success of Scandinavian design. Well, so says Peter Horbury, Vice President Design at Volvo Car Corporation, “We will compete with the best with our special kind of Scandinavian Design. It is unmatched in performance and technology, but without superficiality or complication.

“The Concept Universe is exceptionally refined, yet with all the simplistic assets that make Volvo champions of the uncomplicated. There is a growing appreciation for this ingenious blend of design and technology among modern luxury car buyers. This trend paves the way for our success. We are convinced that our special brand of luxury has a great future.”

Can Horbury and his, no doubt talented, team of designers and engineers produce a car that is close to, or equal to, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class? Possibly. Will a Volvo ever knock-off the S-Class as the default option at the premium end of the market? Not in our lifetime.

Continue reading “Shanghai 2011: Volvo Concept Universe”
Categories
Citroen Motor Shows

Shanghai 2011: Citroën DS5

Citroen DS5

The third model in Citroën’s DS line has just been revealed in Shanghai. This time it’s the DS5. At 4.52m long and 1.85m wide with the body of a hatchback it’s hard to know what segment the French carmaker is chasing. With seating for five, the Ds5 is part family hatch, part luxury saloon and features a driving position described as being at home in a GT coupé.

Well, wherever it fits into to the ever expanding auto market categories we reckon the DS5 will look the part. It’s flowing curves and hard creases, somehow, tend to work together quite well. Even if the front end is bordering on being overdone.

The DS5 is powered by Citroën’s HYbrid4 technology and offers 200bhp of diesel-electric power. It’s driven by all four wheels and produces a low-ish 99g/km of those pesky CO2 emissions.

More from Citroën after the break.

 

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Categories
Volkswagen

The Beetle R already on the cards

Volkswagen The Beetle

It was only released overnight, but already the speculation of a high-powered R version of The Beetle is doing the rounds. So much so, that Car and Driver in the US is reporting that The Beetle R has already been confirmed for the US market.

Apparently, The Beetle R will remain front-wheel drive only. That means, in basic terms, then, we can expect R GmbH to grab a 195kW Scirocco R and reskin it with Beetle clothing. That should go alright.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Categories
Porsche

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 speculation increases

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 leaked image

First filed 15 April.

The 997 Porsche 911 is nearing the end of its very successful model cycle. For a while now there’s been rumours Stuttgart would see off the 997 with a limited edition 4.0 litre GT3 RS. Thanks to a price list posted to the Teamspeed forums, that speculation has increased.

There are some minor grammar discrepancies on the price list which cloud the authenticity of the information, however, it states the 911 GT3 RS 4.0 will have 368kW (500hp) and will be priced from €149,900 (approx €180,000 with taxes). That represents a €27.5K price premium and 31kW increase over the existing 3.8 litre 911 GT3 RS.

We expect that Porsche will release a GT3 RS 4.0, likely to be limited to 500-600 units. But, we’ll just have to wait and see how accurate this “price list” info really is.

[Source: Teamspeed]

UPDATE 19 April: You’re now looking at a leaked image of the Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0, according to Teamspeed. We’re not so sure it is an official pic; Porsche press images usually feature “S GO” number plates. That aside, we reckon this image is likely to be pretty close to the mark.

Categories
Volkswagen

Volkswagen unleashes The Beetle

Volkswagen The Beetle

Volkswagen has released photos and details of its new New Beetle. Except, it’s not called the New Beetle anymore; simply, The Beetle.

It’s a more masculine design, according to the marketing blurb, and we’re not entirely sure it hits the right notes. Although, The Beetle certainly does look much sportier than the New Beetle. And that’s a good thing.

While first impressions are pretty good, closer inspection of the pics has us asking if the proportions are right. We may need to wait until we see this car for real until we can pass final judgement. That means early 2012 for our Australian eyes.

The Beetle has been totally redesigned, with no carry over parts from the old model. Early reports from those attending launch events in New York and Shanghai seem positive for the most part.

Take a look at the small gallery of pics after the break and let us know what you think. There’s plenty of detail from Volkswagen AG for you to read as well.

Continue reading “Volkswagen unleashes The Beetle”
Categories
F1 in pictures Formula 1 Lotus McLaren Mercedes-Benz Red Bull Racing Renault

2011 Chinese Grand Prix in pictures

2011 Chinese GP

Still buzzing after the excitement of the Chinese Grand Prix? We reckon Lewis Hamilton probably is after he managed break the grip Sebastian Vettel was starting to force on the 2011 Formula One season.

Here’s 90 pics to help you relive all the action.

Continue reading “2011 Chinese Grand Prix in pictures”
Categories
Formula 1 McLaren Red Bull Racing Video

Jenson Button reveals desire to drive for Red Bull

Jenson Button cocks up

Jenson Button took centre stage yesterday in one of the more bizarre incidents in Formula One history. Well, actually, what he took was Sebastian Vettel’s parking spot when the two drivers came in to pit during the Chinese Grand Prix.

As world champion constructor Red Bull Racing has the first garage in pit lane. McLaren, Button’s team, has the next garage down. So, when Button and Vettel raced into pitlane mechanics, from both teams were out waiting for their drivers. Button charged straight into the Red Bull spot, paused a little, was frantically waved on by Red Bull’s lollipop man, and then moved ahead to his McLaren bay a few metres ahead. Vettel seemed unfazed and the Red Bull team reacted with precision by sending out their man ahead of Button.

So, did Button simply make a rookie error? Was it a devious ploy to distract his rival team? Or has Button (not so) secretly revealed his wish to drive for Red Bull Racing?

While you can, check out the clip after the break.

[Pic: twitpic via @keithdaltons]

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Categories
Citroen WRC

Sebastien Ogier wins Rally Jordan

Sebastien Ogier, 2011 Rally Jordan

Citroën works driver Sebastien Ogier has backed up his victory in Portugal by winning Rally Jordan on the weekend. It was a nail biting finish in the end and Ogier’s winning margin of just 0.2 seconds over Ford’s Jari-Matti Latvala is the closest in WRC history. World champ Sebastien Loeb had to make do with third place, although he now leads the driver’s standings.

It’s a tightly packed leaderboard at the moment and Loeb sits on 74 points, two ahead of Ford’s Miko Hirvonen. On 69 points is race winner Ogier, himself a narrow three points clear of Latvala.

There’s more from Citroën after the break. The next rally takes place in Sardinia, Italy (5–8 May) and will mark the full race debut of the MINI WRC.

Continue reading “Sebastien Ogier wins Rally Jordan”