Year: 2011

Categories
MINI WRC

MINI WRC continues development ahead of May debut

MINI Countryman WRC

The 2011 WRC season is underway and while the new Prodrive prepared MINI Countryman WRC is yet to make its race debut, its development continues apace. Keeping you up to date are a series of pics, videos and this MINI WRC media kit (188kb PDF).

Meanwhile Portuguese driver Armindo Araujo has confirmed he will compete in a Super2000 MINI in his home rally (24–27 March) before upgrading the WRC version later in the year.

MINI will launch its new WRC racecar at its Oxford Plant in mid-April, before competing in Rally d’Italia (5–8 May). MINI will go on to compete in a further five rallies during 2011, before racing full-time in 2012.

Continue reading “MINI WRC continues development ahead of May debut”
Categories
Formula 1 McLaren

Craig Lowndes to drive McLaren F1 car at Bathurst

McLaren MP4-26

Exciting news for Australian motorsport fans with news that Bathurst Regional Council has approved plans to allow Craig Lowndes to drive a McLaren Formula One car around the famous Mount Panorama circuit. The promo event is a tie in with Vodafone, sponsors of the McLaren F1 team and 888 Racing.

Lowndes, defending Bathurst 1000 winner, has already had a new Bathurst experience in 2011 following his efforts with Audi in the 12 hour race. And while driving around the mountain in a factory-backed R8 LMS GT3 would have been a lot of fun for Lowndes, it’s safe to say piloting an F1 car at Bathurst will be nigh in impossible to beat.

Final details of the event are yet to be confirmed, but it’s also understood 2009 F1 world champ Jenson Button will be involved, prompting speculation he will drive a Holden V8 Supercar around the 6.2km circuit.

The logistics of getting an F1 car around the tighter and steeper sections of the circuit will be intriguing to say the least. Imagining the sight of an F1 car ripping it up through the cutting, along McPhillamy Park, Skyline and down through the Dipper and Esses is mouth watering.

Lowndes has said he would “be very disappointed” if he cannot break his V8 Supercar lap record of 2:06.801 in the F1 car.

We’ll update you with firm details as they come to hand.

[Source: FoxSports | Thanks to David & Wayne for the tips]

Categories
MINI

MINI Countryman arrives in Australia

MINI Countryman

MINI Australia has launched the new four-door Countryman with a total of 10 possible model variations, including Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, Cooper D and Cooper D All4; plus Chilli versions of each. Powering the Countryman is a pair of 1.6 litre petrol engines, complemented by both 1.6 and 2.0 litre diesel engines. The Countryman is also the first MINI to feature the company’s All4 all-wheel drive technology.

MINI Australia National Manager, David Woollcott expects the Countryman will attract a new customers to the brand, while maintaining the character that MINI is known for, “The Countryman is versatile enough to accommodate any lifestyle while retaining the sense of fun that makes all MINIs so good to drive and enjoyable to own.”

As well as its four-doors the Countryman has another distinctive feature, the MINI Centre Rail. The default seating configuration for the Countryman is four single seats, two each in the front and rear. When this is the case the centre rail runs through the cabin, replacing the traditional centre console, and can be used for general storage and holding electronic devices. For example, you can attach an iPod to a specially designed cradle, which will then use connections in the metal rail to source power and send data to the car’s stereo. The rail is one of those things that’s a bit naff on the one hand, while very clever on the other.

Pricing was announced last month and starts at $37,700 for the entry-level Cooper option. A full list of prices is available below, along with MINI’s official press release and pictures.

Continue reading “MINI Countryman arrives in Australia”
Categories
Formula 1 Renault

Nick Heidfeld confirmed for Lotus Renault GP

Nick Heidfeld, Lotus Renault GP

Following the latest round of testing at Jerez Nick Heidfeld has been confirmed by Lotus Renault GP as the driver to take the seat of the recovering Robert Kubica.

Heidfeld, 33 years of age, has the experience of 172 Grand Prix starts behind him and welcomes the chance to renew his racing career, “I would have liked to come back to Formula 1 in different circumstances, but I’m proud to have been given this chance.

“I really enjoyed the test last week in Jerez and I’ve already settled in well with the guys at the track. I have a good feeling for the car, which is quite innovative. I’m extremely motivated and can’t wait for the season to begin.”

Heidfeld’s first official duty with his new team will be the third pre-season test at Barcelona (18–21 February). The opening race of the year is scheduled for 13 March at Bahrain.

Meanwhile Kubica has just undergone what is expected to be his final operation following his accident. A statement from the team reads, in part, “At the end of the surgery, the doctors were pleased with the outcome, with the procedure being completed successfully.”

Last week Kubica told Italian paper Gazzetta dello Sport, “I want to get back on the track stronger than ever, because after these accidents you aren’t what you were before, you improve.

“It happened to me in 2007 too, after the crash in Canada. I was out for a race and when I got back I was better. A driver is not just throttle and steering wheel, it’s more than that. There’s a difference between someone who drives at 80 per cent and who does at 95 per cent: in that 15 per cent extra you find the abilities and the motivations coming out.”

You can read more on that interview over at Autosport.

[Pics: LRGP/LAT]

Continue reading “Nick Heidfeld confirmed for Lotus Renault GP”
Categories
Green Machines Porsche

Porsche announces Panamera S Hybrid

Porsche Panamera S Hybrid

It’s barely been a day since Porsche told us they would be premiering a new hybrid model at the Geneva Motor Show. So eager is the Stuttgart company to tell the world about their new green machine they have let the cat out of the bag already and revealed information about the Panamera S Hybrid.

The big saloon has a total of 279kW and can reach 100km/h in six seconds flat. The top speed of 270km/h isn;t too shabby, either. But this is a hybrid, right, so what are its green credentials like?

Well, the combined fuel consumption rating is 6.8l/100km and CO2 emissions are rated at a low 159g/km. However, the range available in full electric mode is a comical two kilometres. Count them; one, two.

Power is provided by a boosted 3.0 litre V6 offering 245kW, while the electric motor gives a further 34kW. The sparky motor is not really on an equal footing with the petrol engine is it. But, it’s a start and Porsche is to be commended for the effort.

There’s more after the break and keep an eye on www.porsche.com/geneva for launch details.

Continue reading “Porsche announces Panamera S Hybrid”
Categories
McLaren

McLaren MP4-12C video reviews

McLaren MP4-12C

First posted 15 February.

When the McLaren MP4-12C was launched to the world’s media in Portugal last month, well, it was only 30 of the world’s media. An exclusive and lucky bunch of motoring hacks to be sure.

That means there’s going to be a lot of shouting going on from those 30 saying “I was there too”. Which also means there’s going to be lots of review floating about in the coming days. Even the March 2011 edition of Wheels magazine proudly features the 12C on its cover.

So we’ll be adding any video reviews we stumble across to this article starting with the thoughts of Car magazine’s Chris Chilton. If you see a review of the 12C you’d like added below, just leave the URL in the comments section.

Videos from Motor Trend, Road & Track and Evo have also been added.

UPDATE 16 Feb: A slightly odd and anonymous video has been posted to YouTube (you can watch it below) showing an MP4-12C in a drag race against a Ferrari 458 and a Porsche 911 Turbo. It’s clearly obvious what will happen next, we’re just wondering where this clip was sourced. An inside hatchet job maybe?

UPDATE 17 Feb: Steve Sutcliffe from Autocar has chimed in with his thoughts. And with 2000 miles in the car over road and race track he’s formed a well developed opinion.

Continue reading “McLaren MP4-12C video reviews”
Categories
Ferrari News

Rage against the machine

2010 Ferrari 458 Italia

Chris Harris, Evo motoring scribe, has unleashed a quality rant on the Ferrari PR machine over at Jalopnik that basically says “F@#k you, I won’t do what you tell me!” It’s a must read. Here’s a taste of why he’s fed up dealing with Maranello’s PR department:

“Like anyone with half a brain, I’ve been willing to cut Ferrari some slack because it is, well, Ferrari—the most famous fast car brand of all and the maker of cars that everyone wants to know about. Bang out a video of yourself drifting a new Jag XKR on YouTube and 17 people watch it; do the same in a 430 Scuderia and the audience is 500,000 strong. As a journalist, those numbers make you willing to accommodate truck-loads of bullshit, but I’ve had enough now.

“What does it say about a 458 if the only way its maker is willing to loan it to a magazine is if a laptop can be plugged in after every journey and a dedicated team needs to spend several days at the chosen test track to set-up the car? It says they’re completely nuts—behavior that looks even worse when rival brands just hand over their car with nothing more than a polite suggestion that you should avoid crashing it too heavily, and then return a week later.”

It’s a ripping exposé from Harris and the fallout could be very interesting. Will other journos stand up with “Monkey”, or will they quietly close ranks behind the alleged Maranello mafia?

[Source: Jalopnik]

Categories
Lamborghini

Snow white and the 700hp supercar

Lamborghini Aventador

There’s only a few weeks to go until the official reveal of the Lamborghini Aventador, which will take place at the Geneva Motor Show. We already know a few details about the car, including details of its 700bhp V12. Now Autoblog brings us some great spy shots of the new Lambo being tested in heavy snow. Follow the link below to see more.

[Source: Autoblog | Pic: Brenda Priddy & Company]

Categories
BMW

New BMW M5 expected to be slush box only

BMW F10 M5 prototype

MotorTrend brings word that the new F10-based BMW M5 (due for reveal in April) is likely to be fitted with conventional automatic transmission only. No manual. No dual clutch-transmission. So, the once hero über-slaoon from Munich will be fitted with a ZF-sourced 8 speed slush box. Disappointing news, it must be said.

It’s understood the reasons for this are due to the twin-turbo V8 engine in the new M5, which produces so much torque that a torque converter box is the only way ahead. It’s a similar combo to what we’ve seen in the X5 M and X6 M, so at least BMW has some solid reference points here.

Apparently M division did try and adapt the Getrag built DCT for the M5 only to discover they would need to uprate the transmission’s actuators. While this could be done, the affect on shift times made the move unsatisfactory.

[Source: MotorTrend]

Categories
Lexus

Supercar, supermodel

Lexus has used its 552hp V10 powered LFA supercar to attract a new audience; the bikini-clad supermodel audience. Well, an LFA was used in a recent photo shoot for the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. Photographer Yu Tsai teamed up with model Rianne ten Haken and dorifto king Rhys Millen to come up with a new concept for SI.

What do you think; a worthy effort, or a shameless marketing sham? And how do you think the Lexus will look alongside the usual sunny beachside scenes?

[Source: World Car Fans]

Categories
Lancia New Stratos

New Stratos – limited build run likely

New Lancia Stratos

Since the middle of last year the world has watched the development of the New Stratos. Word on the car’s official website states that at least 40 interested parties have expressed their desire to have a New Stratos parked in their garage.

Further heightening expectations is news that companies, as well as current co-creator Pininfarina, have offered to build a limited run of the retro-inspired sports car.

As expected, though, the New Stratos won’t come cheaply. With the current level of interest it’s predicted you’ll need €100K (AU$135K) to bring your own Ferrari F430 donor car, only to have to offer up another €300K (AU$405K) to turn into a New Stratos. That’s a grand total of AU$540K—it would want to be a bloody good car!

[Source: New Stratos]

Categories
Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

Dietrich Mateschitz: Red Bull duo free to lock horns in 2011

Webber & Vettel

Red Bull Racing owner Dietrich Mateschitz expects Mark Webber and Sebastian Vettel will resume their on track rivalry in 2011.

Hitherto the happiest team in Formula One the atmosphere at Red Bull changed irrevocably following contact between Webber and Vettel at last year’s Turkish Grand Prix. Tensions between the two drivers continued to simmer throughout 2010.

Speaking to Autosport Mateschitz declared, “Sebastian is fully motivated, and Mark nothing less. They won’t exchange gifts. Therefore I expect a similar situation to last year. And they remain both free to race. We do not change our strategy.”

The Red Bull boss also expects to see Webber competing in F1 beyond the term of his current contract, which expires following the 2011 season.

“Why should he? He has a body of steel, and he is mentally in perfect shape. If he does not continue with us, he will be offered a contract somewhere else. He is a top driver, at the same level as Sebastian. They both are exceptional guys, and this includes characters,” he said.

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