Year: 2012

Categories
Mercedes-Benz

Everybody loves an A Class

Mercedes-Benz A Class

Turns out the new Mercedes-Benz A Class, currently on display at the Australian International Motor Show, is proving to be very popular with buyers. Mercedes has received 70,000 orders since June. That’s not a lot for a Corolla perhaps, or even a Golf, but for a fancy pants Mercedes hatchback that’s pretty good.

The demand has encouraged Mercedes to add a third production shift at the company’s Rastatt plant.

“We have expanded our full-time workforce by 500 permanent staff and are now well positioned to deliver the cars to our customers as soon as possible,” said Peter West, director of the Rastatt facility, in an official statement.

The A Class goes on sale in Australia from March next year and is priced from $35,600 for the entry level A 180 BlueEfficiency to $49,900 for the current range-topping A 250 Sport. An A Class AMG model is also in the works.

[Source: Reuters]

Categories
Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

Bernie wants Red Bull to save NJ GP

Red Bull Racing visits New York City

Despite confirmation that the Grand Prix of America, aka the New Jersey Grand Prix, has been postponed until 2014, a new report suggests F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is open to the race being saved for 2013.

Indeed, Bernie himself has suggested that Charem Yoovidhya, the Thai national who owns 51% of Red Bull, could step in and pick up the hefty tab required to get the race back on track.

“I might get the Red Bull man behind the New York Race,” said Ecclestone. “It’s a good market for them.”

Hmm, we’re not sure if Bernie was taking the piss, or is deadly serious. One thing we do know is that Bernie loves the cash. So if Yoovidhya and Red Bull were keen to invest in the New Jersey race then he’d be willing to reconsider the race’s place on the 2013 F1 calendar.

[Source: Pitpass.com]

Categories
Volkswagen

Volkswagen Taigun concept revealed

Volkswagen Taigun concept

Just when you thought the world already had enough SUVs Volkswagen came along and presented the Taigun concept at the Sao Paolo Motor Show in Brazil. You know what, it actually looks pretty good too.

Smaller than the similarly named Tiguan, the Taigun—see, confusing isn’t it—is powered by a frugal 1.0 litre three cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. Power is rated at 81kW, while torque is a respectable 175Nm. As you might expect, fuel consumption is a mere 4.5l/100km. Rather impressively, in concept form, the Taigun weighs just 985kg.

The Taigun is just 3859mm long and rides on a 2470mm wheelbase. An Alfa Romeo-like hidden rear door handle gives the Taigun a coupé look at first. There is only seating for four people, but should Volkswagen make it and price it well, they’ll be sure to find plenty of willing buyers.

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Categories
Aston Martin

VIDEO: The Aston Martin DB5

Aston Martin DB5

It’s just beautiful.

What else is there to say?

Continue reading “VIDEO: The Aston Martin DB5”
Categories
Ford Opel Renault

Is the 206kW Astra OPC any good?

Opel Astra OPC

After seeing the Opel Astra OPC in the metal at the motor show in Sydney we’ve become very interested in the car. Frankly, having access to 206kW for a quite reasonable $42,990 will do that.

But all that power, plus a massive 400Nm of torque, going through the front wheels only—that can’t be good, can it? Opel has done its best to ensure the Astra OPC can handle its stonking power by uprating the suspension and fitting a proper limited slip diff. Has it worked?

Well, as you’ll see from the four videos we’ve found for you after the break, it’s a little bit of yes and a little bit of no. The OPC has been benchmarked against the Ford Focus ST by both Autocar and Evo, plus being sent down the strip against the Renault Megane RS 265.

Sounds like a test drive for ourselves will be the only way to find out for sure. If nothing else the Evo track test shows the Astra OPC can be a bit of a laugh.

Continue reading “Is the 206kW Astra OPC any good?”
Categories
Formula 1 Lotus

Circuit of the Americas previewed

Jerome D'Ambrosio drives Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas

The Lotus F1 Team was on hand for the official opening of the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Mario Andretti, 1978 world champion, completed the official first lap. We’ve got a couple of videos for you after the break.

First, we have Lotus test driver, Jerome D’Ambrosio, at the wheel with his commentary of the lap as well. Next is a local news clip filed from the official opening which includes a few words from Andretti and others.

The United States Grand Prix follows the races in India and Abu Dhabi and will be held on 18 November.

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Categories
Lancia

Old skool rally goodness

Lancia Stratos HF

YouTube maestro Marchettino brings us the glorious sound of the legendary Lancia Stratos HF rally car. The actual action itself isn’t so good, but the soundtrack is awesome.

From the video’s description field, here’s the tech specs:

Engine: 2.4L V6 Ferrari engine with 188hp/225Nm
Performance: 0-100km/h (0-60 mph) acceleration in 6.2s,
top speed 230km/h (142mph)
Curb weight: 980kg

Continue reading “Old skool rally goodness”
Categories
Subaru

Subaru developing BRZ Turbo

Subaru BRZ

Word on the street says Subaru is developing a high-powered turbo BRZ. Good news for all those Toybaru fans out there wanting moar powaaaah!

According to Automotive News, Subaru’s 2.0 litre boxer engine will be good for 280hp (208kW) after having its twin scroll blow dryer bolted on. Torque should go from a miserly 200Nm to beyond 330Nm. Now we’re talking!

It’s expected Subaru will ditch the DI/port-injection developed by Toyota in favour of their own in-house direct injection.

The report states the BRZ Turbo could arrive as a 2014 model, which given the US market’s propensity to make everything seem a year earlier than reality, could even mean we’ll be seeing the Toybaru that everyone has always wanted as soon as next year.

Bring it on!

[Source: Automotive News]

Categories
BMW Motorsports

VIDEO: BMW closes book on 2012 DTM season

BMW's 2012 DTM season highlights

If BMW’s DTM story was captured in a book it would have sold millions back in the day. Now, with a new and successful 2012 chapter to be added, they’ve created this highlights package to remind us of what they achieved in their comeback year.

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Categories
BMW Motorsports

BMW triple crown caps off dream DTM return

Bruno Spengler and BMW, 2012 DTM champions

Canadian driver Bruno Spengler has capped off a thrilling season climax in Hockenheim to win the final race of the 2012 DTM season. In doing so he not only clinched the drivers’ championship for himself, but also did his bit in securing the manufacturers’ title for BMW.

Adding further to BMW’s successful return to touring car racing Spengler’s four wins from the 10 race calendar played a pivotal role in helping BMW Team Schnitzer to win the teams’ trophy.

Highlighting the close-fought nature of the DTM category BMW entered the final round in third place in the manufacturers’ standings. Meanwhile, Spengler was behind Mercedes driver Gary Paffett, who finished second in Hockenheim. Alas for Paffett, second was also where he finished on the final season tally, just four points adrift of Spengler.

2012 DTM season at a glance:

  • BMW: 5 wins (Spengler 4, Farfus)
  • Mercedes: 3 wins (Paffett 2, Green)
  • Audi: 2 wins (Mortara 2)
Continue reading “BMW triple crown caps off dream DTM return”
Categories
Porsche

Even more details on the Porsche 918 Spyder

Porsche 918 Spyder prototype

The world of motoring forums once again provide the source of some tasty industry fodder, as apparent production specifications for the highly anticipated Porsche 918 Spyder have been leaked.

Much of the technical spec has already come your way, but today’s info includes pricing and deeper levels of specification.

Sadly, we’re unlikely to see the 918 Spyder officially on Australian roads as it seems it will be built only in left-hand drive. But with Euro pricing starting at €768K, or €840K if you choose the Weissach package, we dread to think what Australian pricing would be. Far enough into seven figure territory to make your eyes water we suggest.

The official launch for the 918 über hybrid is still around 12 months away, so who knows how accurate these specs will prove to be. For now, at least, they make seductive reading. Check them out in full after the break.

[Source: Rennteam]

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Categories
Citroen WRC

Mikko Hirvonen wins 2012 Rally Italia

Mikko Hirvonen wins 2012 Rally Italia

After securing his ninth world rally crown Sebastien Loeb proved he is both human and a good sport by crashing out of 2012 Rally Italia Sardegna and letting someone else have a turn on the podium’s top step.

And yet, it was still a Citroën DS3 WRC which dominated the event as Mikko Hirvonen took the lead after special stage 3 and didn’t relinquish it for the remainder of the event.

Although, it was almost a case of last man standing with both lead Ford drivers making mistakes leaving their second-string M-Sport counterparts Evgeny Novikov and Ott Tanak to take out the minor placings.

Hirvonen was very pleased to have claimed his breakthrough win with the all-conquring Citroën World Rally Team. “I’m really very happy with this result for my first season with Citroën. I have finished on the podium many times since February, but I was beginning to grow irritated at not finishing on the top step!” he said.

“I’ve done a lot of work with my engineer in the last few weeks and I feel that I am continuing to make steady progress. I can’t wait to be in Spain to finish the season in style!”

Meanwhile, Citroën team boss, Yves Matton already has eyes on the future, hopeful we’re witnessing the start of a new era. “This first win for Mikko and Jarmo with Citroën was one of our goals for the end of the season,” said Matton. “We felt that we owed them something after the Rally de Portugal and so it’s immensely pleasing to see them win here. This result wasn’t served up for them on a plate. They had to adopt a very high level of performance from the very start and the other leading crews made mistakes when fighting with them for the lead.

“After winning the Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ titles at the Rallye de France, we have now added the final feather to our cap with the World  Championship runner-up spot for Mikko. There’s only one more step for him to take in his career and we’ll be trying very hard to help him achieve that in 2013!”

A brief video showcasing Hirvonen’s win can be seen after the break.

[Source: Citroën Racing]

Continue reading “Mikko Hirvonen wins 2012 Rally Italia”