Year: 2012

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Caterham Formula 1 Lotus Red Bull Racing Renault

Renault teams to use same alternator in Brazil

2012 United States Grand Prix

With the race for the Formula One world drivers’ championship going the full distance this year focus has turned to the troublesome alternator issues for the Renault-powered teams. Specifically, which specification will be used by championship leader Sebastian Vettel after his Red Bull teammate, Mark Webber, retired from last weekend’s US GP due to a failed alternator.

Amusingly, the official Renault Sport F1 preview of the race (available below) doesn’t contain the word alternator or reliability anywhere in its 910 words. But Autosport has come to the party to keep Renault honest.

Romain Grosjean (Lotus) and the two Caterham cars used a new alternator in Austin, while Webber used an older version. Remi Taffin, Renault Sport F1 head of track operations, says he has no concerns with the latest spec alternator and will ensure that all Renault-powered teams use this version in Brazil.

“We have had no issues at all [with the new alternators],” Taffin said.

“We sent the one from Grosjean’s car back to France to strip it and make sure that everything is fine. We wanted to make sure we did everything we could do, and that was all fine.

“There is no reason [to worry]. We have plenty of other reasons to have a problem—but not this one.”

Post-race analysis shows the fault with Webber’s alternator from last weekend is the same as the issue which has affected Vettel twice before this year.

“We sent back the parts [of Webber’s alternator] to our headquarters in France and we actually stripped it and we could clearly see that the problem is the same as we experienced in Monza and Valencia. It was exactly the same failure.

“It is very early in terms of mileage and also early in terms of batch, chronologically speaking, so we have no other choice but to go for the next specification.”

Let’s hope the Vettel–Alonso battle for the world title is settled squarely and fairly on the racetrack and not by the pot luck nature of Renault’s alternators.

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

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Formula 1 Lotus

Lotus planning to burn Red Bull

Lotus announces sponsorship with burn energy drink

Lotus will be hoping to knock off Red Bull on two counts in 2013 after signing a new multi-year sponsorship deal with Coca-Cola energy drink burn.

Further details will be announced next year when the deal officially commences, until then we’ve got a couple of typically fluffy motherhood statements for you.

Emmanuel Seuge, Group Director, Worldwide Sports & Entertainment Marketing, The Coca-Cola Company: “The creativity of teams and the passion for speed and energy that fuel the sport of Formula 1, make a partnership with this iconic sporting property a compelling proposition for the burn brand. Lotus F1 Team, as the number one emerging challenger in the sport, has demonstrated exceptional creativity in their approach to Formula 1 racing and their collaborations with partners—an approach that mirrors the philosophy of burn. We will bring that same creativity through burn, incorporating art and music in a way that will break the conventions of traditional Formula 1 sponsorship marketing.”

Eric Boullier, Team Principal, Lotus F1 Team: “We are proud that The Coca-Cola Company has chosen Lotus F1 Team as the best vehicle to represent the burn brand in its most high profile partnership. We are excited to partner with burn to build a new and innovative model for sponsorships that will combine experiences, content creation and social media; an area in which our team has been at the cutting edge in Formula 1 for the past 18 months, recording the highest growth rate amongst fans this year.”

We get the connection with the saying “energy to burn” and we understand it’s a big deal having Coca-Cola investing in F1. Not sure about anyone else, but burn seems a pretty daft name to plaster all over the side of a Formula One car. As the saying goes, money talks!

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Volkswagen

It couldn’t look any worse than the old one

Volkswagen Golf VII estate prototype

Euro estates; we love ’em. Volkswagen Golfs; yep, we love them too. So when Volkswagen Australia finally cottoned on and gave us the Mk6 Golf Wagon back in 2010 you’d think we’d have been over the moon. The thing is, the previous-gen Golf estate was butt-ugly. Clearly Volkswagen’s usually competent, if unadventurous, design team had the day off when the old wagon was seemingly rushed through.

We’re pleased to see Volkswagen hasn’t given up, though. Beneath all that disguise in the image above is the new Golf VII estate. It’s due to go on sale in Europe in about a year from now (expect 2014 for Australia, if it makes it).

The fact the car is so heavily disguised is a good thing, we think. It must look good under there. Else, if they didn’t want us to look at the prototype, they would have just covered the car in Mk6 styled graphics. And that’s saying something when that crazy puzzle disguise is easier on the eye than the old model.

Like it says on the tin, it’ll be usual Golf fare for the most part, just with a bit more cargo space thanks to the estate body shape. Interestingly, the same 505 litres of rear cargo space is expected to remain in the translation from the Golf V/VI to the all-new Golf VII platform.

[Source: Car]

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Formula 1

Pirelli brings 2013 forward

Pirelli medium compound F1 tyre

Pirelli will be giving F1 teams a preview of its 2013 tyres during early practice for this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix.

Paul Hembry, Pirelli motorsport director, explains: “We’ll be bringing some of our 2013 prototype tyres to Brazil in order for the teams to get a taste of them during free practice. With no testing until February otherwise, this will be an extremely valuable opportunity for them to see what our new tyres are like as they finalise their 2013 cars—so let’s hope that it doesn’t rain on Friday!

“Both the compounds and construction will be different, which means that the characteristics of the new tyres will be altered, with a wider working range and some compounds that are slightly more aggressive. We’ve yet to finalise where exactly all the compounds will sit in relation to each other, which is why we are calling the tyre to be used in Brazil a ‘prototype’ rather than giving it a specific nomination, but it will be very representative of our general design philosophy next year.

“We’re looking forward to hearing the feedback from the teams about it, and of course sending our 2012 tyres out in style at what is usually a very demanding and thrilling race in Brazil, watched by some of the most passionate and welcoming fans in the world.”

For the record, Pirelli also provided this technical note:

The track surface in Brazil is notably bumpy, which makes it hard for the tyres to find traction and increases the physical demands on the drivers. The race lasts for 71 laps and last year’s winner, Mark Webber (Red Bull), adopted a three-stop strategy to win by 17 seconds.

[Pic: Pirelli]

Categories
Ford Opel Renault Vauxhall Video

“Hatchbacks are just cool aren’t they!”

Ford Focus ST v Renault Megane RS265 v Opel Astra OPC

Chris Harris has just had a play with three of the hottest hot hatchbacks money can buy: the hideous yet apparently very capable Ford Focus ST, the media’s favourite Renault Megane RS265 and the Vauxhall Astra VXR (coming to Australia as the Opel Astra OPC).

True to form the outcome follows the expected script, but there are some good insights and surprises along the way (note the lap times).

It’s Harris at his best, so just sit back and enjoy the ride.

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Past master Porsche

Past master: Porsche Carrera GT

Porsche Carrera GT

The Porsche Carrera GT is easily one of AUSmotive’s top five dream cars. After stumbling across a brief test from Autocar, which was filed to YouTube only a couple of weeks ago, it inspired us to put together this Past master article.

Built in Leipzig from 2004–2007 the total production run of the Carrera GT was 1270. It’s powered by a race-inspired 5.7 litre V10 and is good for a still healthy 450kW (612hp). And it makes one of the sweetest sounds known to man.

It really does.

The Carrera GT is stunning to look at as well. It is quite simply one of the most desirable road going Porsches ever made. Yet, it has virtually nothing to do with the 911 on which Porsche’s reputation was built.

While time will shadow its performance and all-round capability the Carrera GT, for us, will always sit on a pedestal.

We trust you’ll enjoy the videos, wallpaper-friendly image gallery and press material that is waiting for you after the break.

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Categories
Lotus

Esprit de corpse?

Lotus Esprit

UK mag Autocar brings word the all-new Lotus Esprit is close to being finalised. The Esprit was first revealed as part of the Bahar bonanza at the 2012 Paris Motor Show and apparently only minor adjustments are required before it can be signed off, ready for production.

We’re sure the motoring world would love nothing more than to embrace the return of the Esprit nameplate, and hopefully a new (old) player to rival the likes of Ferrari and Porsche. Only trouble is the future of Lotus isn’t resting on a rock solid foundation and there’s no guarantee the new Esprit will ever become a production reality.

That would be a real shame. The new Esprit looks fantastic and with a 5.0 litre V8 and F1-style KERS unit the headline stats are expected to read 620hp and 720Nm, with 100km/h ticked off in only 3.4 seconds.

[Source: Autocar]

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BMW

BMW ePatrol = DesignworksUSA fantasy land

BMW ePatrol

In just 13 years from now this is the police car that BMW’s DesignworksUSA thinks will be patrolling the streets. The BMW ePatrol is their entry into the LA Auto Show design challenge; this year’s brief is to create highway patrol vehicle for the year 2025.

We understand it’s a competition and we understand it’s all about being creative and pushing accepted current day thinking. But 13 years is just one more 3 Series model away. Perhaps if the brief was for the year 2050 we might be getting close to the right page. But what do we know?

Here’s how Laurenz Schaffer, DesignworksUSA President, explains their creation: “DesignworksUSA’s role as a think tank is to challenge the status quo of existing product solutions. We wanted to present a visionary impulse to the theme of highway patrol.

“Hence our contribution to the L.A. Design Challenge is a vision concept with no links to BMW’s future design strategy. We took the liberty to think out of the box. To emphasize the conceptual approach our design is independent from BMW design elements and known visual cues but looks at new product typologies and fresh ideas on shapes.”

Regardless of how rooted in reality the ePatrol may or may not be, it does look pretty cool!

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Audi

2013 Audi A3 Sportback in detail

2013 Audi A3 Sportback

Audi A3 Sportback due in Australia by April 2013

Last week Audi officially launched its new A3 Sportback to the European market. Audi Australia has since confirmed the new A3 will be on sale locally slightly ahead of first expectations. Of course, the five-door Sportback will be the only option for Australian buyers. For now, the three-door models are off Audi Australia’s radar.

After the break there’s a heap of new pics, with many cutaway graphics like you see above. There’s also a link to download the full press release, all 42 pages of it, which will tell you everything you need to know, and more, about the new A3.

Before you sink your teeth into the full detail here’s a few points in summary:

  • Weight reduced by as much as 90kg compared with the previous model.
  • With the 1.4 TFSI engine, the five-door model has a kerb weight of 1,205kg.
  • Dimensions: 4,310mm (length), 1,780mm (width) and 1,425mm (height).
  • Wheelbase: 2,636mm (+58mm compared with previous model).
  • Rear cargo space: 380 litres (1,220 litres with rear seats folded down).
  • Audi connect offers internet services through an extension of the MMI navigation plus system and is planned for an Australian debut.
  • Up to eight mobile devices can access Audi connect via the integrated WLAN hotspot.
  • Optional Audi drive select system lets the driver vary the operating of engine management, the power steering system and S tronic in different modes.
  • New driver assistance technology offered in A3 for first time includes: adaptive cruise control, pre sense front (auto braking), active lane assist and side assist (blind spot warning).
  • Engine range includes: 1.4 TFSI (103kW/250Nm), 1.8 TFSI (132kW/250Nm) and 2.0 TDI (110kw/320Nm).
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Caterham F1 in pictures Ferrari Lotus McLaren Mercedes-Benz Red Bull Racing Toro Rosso

2012 United States Grand Prix in pictures

2012 United States Grand Prix

A farewell win with McLaren before his switch to Mercedes AMG has been on the cards for Lewis Hamilton for a few races now. He could, of course, win again in Brazil next Monday morning, but for now his entire collection of 21 grands prix victories have been with the Woking-based outfit.

At the moment there is shared love between Hamilton and McLaren. It will be interesting to see how the relationship continues beyond the final race of 2012.

In pondering Lewis Hamilton’s win at the United States Grand Prix, we must also reflect on the race itself. Held at a new venue, reportedly costing US$400 million, it seems as though the locals, and those nearby, loved having a race in Texas. The official race day attendance figure bandied about is 117,429; a very healthy show of support for F1’s return Stateside.

In keeping with that support, we’ve gathered over 100 of the best pics from the teams across the weekend and you can check them all out after the jump!

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Ferrari Formula 1 McLaren Red Bull Racing

2012 United States GP: Post-race press conference

2012 United States Grand Prix

Following Lewis Hamilton’s exciting win in the United States Grand Prix this morning here’s the full text from post-race press conferences. As usual you can read the thoughts from the first three drivers. And with the two men still in contention for the drivers’ championship on the podium, the transcript makes for good reading.

Next weekend’s final race in Brazil will be very tense. One minor mistake could be all it takes to lose the title.

[Pic: Ferrari]

UPDATE: Here’s Mark Webber’s explanation on his retirement from the race:
“I had to stop with an alternator problem. We had low battery voltage for a few laps before and then I lost gearbox sync and KERS, something was happening on the battery side. It’s frustrating; as we had a reasonable start to the race and a good fight with Lewis. We had issues to manage, but even when I knew we had them we tried to keep going and get something out of it, but we had to stop.”

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Ferrari Formula 1 McLaren Red Bull Racing

Lewis Hamilton wins 2012 United States GP

Lewis Hamilton wins 2012 USGP

Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) has ensured the 2012 title race will go down to the wire by winning the United States Grand Prix in Austin this morning.

Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) led for the bulk of the race, but once the race settled into its rhythm Hamilton was always in touching distance of Vettel. Hamilton ultimately took the lead on lap 42, using DRS to great effect, and was able to hang on for a well deserved victory.

So, not the result Vettel had hoped for in his 100th race. Especially when he looks across the podium to see Fernando Alonso (Ferrari), the only man who can take the championship away from him.

Alonso benefited from a sly move by Ferrari pre-race when they deliberately broke Felipe Massa’s gearbox seal, meaning the Brazilian would have to take a five-place grid penalty. This pushed Alonso up one place to P7, but he would now start from the clean side of the track. The dual world champ made the most of this cheekily gained advantage by exiting turn 1 in fourth place. He was never really in winning contention, but like a bad smell he has a habit of hanging about and just won’t go away.

Next weekend’s season ending race in Brazil will be compulsory viewing, especially with some talk there’s rain expected on race day as well.

Mark Webber did make a clean start from P3 and was able to pass Lewis Hamilton into turn 1, but he only had enough to pace to keep Hamilton behind for three full laps, seeing Hamilton use DRS to stroll by on lap 4. Worse was to come for Mark, though. On lap 16 he was advised over the radio that his KERS had failed, again. Then on lap 17 he retired from the race with the dreaded Renault alternator problem. It’s his first mechanical failure since 2009.

As seems to often be the case with Torro Rosso the intra-team battle is won by the person starting behind on the grid. Today Daniel Ricciardo started down in P18, four places behind Jean-Eric Vergne, but drove well to finish in P12. Ricciardo’s job was made a bit easier due to Vergne retiring from the race with a broken steering arm, although he had already overtaken his teammate by then.

Vettel’s second place was more than enough for Red Bull to secure their third consecutive constructors’ championship; they needed to collect only four points today. Although, it was all glum faces in pit lane as they and Vettel complained that Hamilton’s move past Vettel was made too easy due to Narain Karthikeyan (HRT) not using his mirrors, making Vettel vulnerable before the DRS zone. Whatever.

Interesting factoid, this is the first time Hamilton, Vettel and Alonso have all stood on the podium together. Luckily they were given some nice hats to wear, to make the occasion all the more memorable.

Overall, the return of F1 to the United States has been a great success. This morning’s race had plenty of action and fears the Circuit of the Americas would be hard for drivers to overtake was proved incorrect.

See you next Monday at 3am (AEDST) for what should be a thrilling climax to the 2012 F1 season.

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