Year: 2011

Categories
McLaren

Australia’s 2011 McLaren MP4-12C allocation has sold-out

McLaren MP4-12C

The new Mac is a sell out, already!  Official performance specs for the McLaren MP4-12C were only released last week, and the car is yet to actually go on sale anywhere in the world. However, it’s being reported that the initial allocation of 12Cs for Australia have already been sold. There’s still a few weeks to go until official pricing is announced, let alone a local launch. And the wait list is fast heading towards 18 months.

It’s expected the Australian pricing for the McLaren MP4-12C will be around $500K, or around the price of a small hatchback less than a Ferrari 458 Italia. Go Auto is reporting more than 30 buyers have placed deposits with local McLaren Automotive dealer Trivett. That’s enough sales to exhaust Australia’s initial 2011 allocation, due for delivery in October, and means half of the 2012 inventory has been sold as well.

McLaren Automotive’s regional director for the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific, Ian Gorsuch is rapt with the take up of the 12C down under and said, “Effectively for much the same price as the opposition, you’re getting a car with far better performance and far better useability but also more exclusivity, because we will not produce the same amount as Ferrari. We purposefully want to produce less cars – that’s our business model.”

Based on current demand Gorsuch expects the full 2012 allocation for the Australian market to be sold out soon too. Best get in touch with Trivett today, then!

[Source: Go Auto]

Categories
Formula 1 News

Future of Bahrain Grand Prix remains uncertain

2010 Bahrain GP

“A lot of people would slag us off if we went for supporting a regime that kills its own people,” is how one anonymous senior F1 figure bluntly assessed the current situation in Bahrain to staff reporters at Reuters.

This follows an official travel warning issued by the UK Foreign Office. The statement reads, “Following violence over recent days, and most recently on the evening of 18 February, we advise British nationals to avoid all but essential travel to Bahrain.”

Adding further detail the statement explains, “There is a general threat from terrorism in Bahrain. Terrorists continue to issue statements threatening to carry out attacks in the Gulf region. These include references to attacks on western interests, including residential compounds, military, oil, transport and aviation interests.”

Speaking to Autosport, Lotus Renault GP team principal, Eric Boullier, said, “As a team principal, my only concern is the safety of my people.

“Now I am concerned that if the FIA or FOM say we’ll go and race there, I’ll need some guarantees that obviously the security is guaranteed for my people.”

The final pre-season test window is scheduled for Bahrain on 3–6 March, ahead of the opening Grand Prix on 13 March. It appears unlikely that the test session will go ahead, although an official decision has not been made.

An alternative pre-season test could see the teams return to Barcelona. However, Pirelli executives are concerned this might leave them exposed as they already have tyres and equipment en route to Bahrain.

Categories
Green Machines Rolls-Royce

102EX displays spirit of electricity

Rolls-Royce is getting in on the electric vehicle lark with a new model called the 102EX, a Phantom-based concept which will debut at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show.

At the time of writing there are no plans for series production, according to Rolls, instead the 102EX will be sent on a world tour to gauge public reaction to the use of alternative technologies.

From the following press release, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Rolls-Royce CEO, says, “We have engineered the world’s first battery electric vehicle for the ultra-luxury segment. With this vehicle, we begin an exploration into alternative drive-trains, seeking clarity on which alternative technologies may be suitable to drive Rolls-Royce motor cars of the future.

“I must be convinced that any alternative drive-train we choose for the future delivers an authentic Rolls-Royce experience.”

Further adding to the electric experience is a new website—www.electricluxury.com—designed to broaden public comment to the concept, as well as being a platform to deliver further news on the 102EX.

UPDATE 21 February: Video added at the start of this article.

Continue reading “102EX displays spirit of electricity”
Categories
Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

VIDEO: On-board with Red Bull Racing at Jerez

Mark Webber

The third pre-season test window is currently open at Barcelona. For Red Bull, Sebastian Vettel is at the wheel today, after setting the fastest lap yesterday. Mark Webber will take to the track tomorrow and again on Monday.

Meanwhile, Nextgen-Auto bring us these fantastic videos of the RB7 in action, filmed at the previous test sessions in Jerez. A variety of camera angles are provided and you also get a good look at the movable rear wing on the Red Bull. The clips go for quite some time, too, so set aside some time and enjoy your Sunday morning at 18,000rpm.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading “VIDEO: On-board with Red Bull Racing at Jerez”
Categories
Volkswagen

The Germans have a word for it

We like this new ad from Volkswagen Australia. It’s been on high rotation of late, so we’re sure you’ve seen it. If not, check it out now and let us know what you think.

VW train spotters will notice the Amarok features in the ad and although it is yet to be launched down under you’ve only got a few weeks to wait until you can pick one up at your local dealer.

Categories
Mercedes-Benz

2011 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG photo gallery

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

We must have been getting our nails done, or something, when this material was released by Mercedes-Benz a couple of weeks back. But, such is the goodness of AMG product we would hate you to miss out. So here are 33 pics of the refreshed C63 AMG range. We’ve started with the estate because, well, a hot Euro wagon is pretty much as good as it gets in our book.

Power from the 6.2 litre V8 remains at 336kW (or 358kW if you tick the AMG Performance option). However, the revised C63 introduces a new 7-speed AMG Speedshift MCT transmission, which has been nicked from the SL63 AMG.

Also new on the C63 AMG are numerous cosmetic changes, including the now obligatory LED DRLs. Other visual tweaks include, among others, a revised front grille, a new aluminum bonnet and an updated rear apron.

In Australia, the C63 AMG is a relative performance bargain and its no surprise to learn Mercedes has sold 17,000 of these cars worldwide. But, really, you want to see the pics. So check them out after the break.

[Source: Daimler AG]

Continue reading “2011 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG photo gallery”
Categories
News

AUSmotive now on Facebook

facebook.com/AUSmotive

A quick note to let you know that AUSmotive is now on Facebook. So, if that’s your favourite method of staying in touch with whatever else floats your boat, then check out www.facebook.com/AUSmotive and add us to your list.

Categories
Citroen MINI Renault Vauxhall Video Volkswagen

VIDEO: Evo tests Citroën DS3 Racing against hot hatch rivals

Evo hot hatch test

Just in case we had forgotten Chris Harris spent a bit of time piloting a factory Porsche GT3 around the Nürburgring last year he is back wearing a team jacket to tell us how the Citroën DS3 Racing compares against its hot hatch rivals; namely the MINI John Cooper Works, Renaultsport Clio 200 Cup, Vaxhaull Corsa VXR and Volkswagen Polo GTI.

The clip gives quite a good introduction to each of the cars, even if the script pretty much follows expectations. Check it out after the break.

Continue reading “VIDEO: Evo tests Citroën DS3 Racing against hot hatch rivals”
Categories
Formula 1 Red Bull Racing Video

VIDEO: This the slowest you will see the RB7 go this year

Red Bull Racing RB7

Here is a very watchable clip of the Red Bull Racing RB7 filmed at last week’s Jerez test session. There’s no sound, which is a shame, but the use of super slow motion technology makes the four and a half minute clip well worth watching. Take the jump and see for yourself.

[Thanks to Glenn for the tip]

Continue reading “VIDEO: This the slowest you will see the RB7 go this year”
Categories
Lamborghini

VIDEO: Snow white and the 700hp supercar

A couple of days ago we brought you news of some new spy shots of the Geneva-bound Lamborghini Aventador. Now we can show you this new video that’s just been posted to YouTube. It’s a bit odd in that the clip looks semi-professional, but there doesn’t appear to be any official link with Lamborghini (yet). Another quietly released leak, we suspect.

Whatever the source of the video there’s no denying, although the quality isn’t great, the sound of the new V12 is awe-inspiring. It’s not too long until we get a full reveal of the Aventador and it’s shaping up as being a great poster car for the young kids of today, much less a ripping drive for those with the cash to splash.

[Source: autogespot via WCF]

Categories
BMW

Next-gen BMW 1 Series hatch spied

BMW 1 Series (F20) hatch

Some great spy shots of the next-generation BMW F20 1 Series five-door hatch have been posted on the 1addicts forum. There’s some good detail shots to be seen, including the interior and the headlight cluster (follow the source link for more).

The model spied is a 2.0 litre diesel and is most likely an FEP vehicle (final evaluation phase). Also to be featured in the F20 is an 8-speed auto box and, for the first time on a BMW, integrated indicators in the wing mirrors.

It’s expected the new 1 Series hatch will debut later this year at the Frankfurt Auto Show, while the F22 coupé version is likely to follow around 12 months later and due for sale in 2013.

[Source: 1addicts]

Continue reading “Next-gen BMW 1 Series hatch spied”
Categories
Formula 1 News

Civil unrest threatens Bahrain Grand Prix

2010 Bahrain GP

The opening race of the 2011 Formula One season in Bahrain on 13 March could be cancelled, according to F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone. Civil unrest in Bahrain has been simmering away for several days now.

Shi’ite protesters have been asking for more rights and input into the running of the kingdom, ruled by a Sunni Muslim family. Three protesters were killed in the central Manama square overnight following a raid on a protest camp by Bahraini police. This comes after further deaths earlier in the week.

Speaking to Reuters, Bernie Ecclestone said, “We’ll make a decision by Tuesday or Wednesday (next week). If things stay as they are today, the answer is no.”

“If it’s not quietened down by Wednesday, I think we will have to cancel probably,” he replied when asked if the race would be cancelled.

A GP2 Asia race scheduled for Bahrain this weekend has already been cancelled because medical staff have been called for duty at the city’s hospitals.

The final round of Formula One pre-season testing is also due to take place in Bahrain on 3 March and must now be seriously in doubt.

According to the twitter account of Reuters correspondent Alan Baldwin the Bahrain Grand Prix could be rescheduled later in the year. Baldwin quoted Ecclestone as saying, “We might have a Christmas race,” although he wasn’t sure if Ecclestone’s comment was serious.

[Source: Reuters | Pic: Red Bull Racing/Getty Images]