Year: 2012

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Fiat Holden Hyundai Mazda Toyota VFACTS reports

New vehicle sales report – August 2012

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A total of 93,552 new vehicles were sold last month according to official VFACTS data. All states and territories, except Tasmania, registered more sales last month compared to August 2011.

Government sales are down compared to last year, but private and business sales are responsible for the strong August result. As always, SUV sales continue to put smiles on the faces of car dealers around the country. Those kidding themselves they need the freedom offered by SUVs have pushed up sales by 18.6% compared to August last year.

Year-to-date sales number 728,047, which is an increase of 9.4% on last year. Again, SUV sales are leading the way with 30% more sales than this time last year.

The Toyota HiLux continued to lead the sales charts last month, with 4,010 sales. Some distance back was the Mazda3 (2,990) and the Toyota Corolla (2,945).

Toyota continues its dominance overall as well, with 17,996 new buyers in August. Traditional rivals Holden (11,271) and Ford (7,795) claimed the minor placings. Hyundai and Mazda were snapping at the heels of the top three.

We look forward to seeing what impact new comers Infiniti and Opel can make on the sales charts in September.

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MINI

MINI JCW Countryman released

MINI Countryman John Cooper Works

Following the release of info back in February the MINI John Cooper Works Countryman is about to hit the streets in Europe. So before you start seeing reviews from the motoring press we have a gallery of 70 images for you to go through, as well as a detailed 21 page press kit.

Since the images we saw at the start of the year MINI has given the interior of the five-seat Countryman a bit of a spruce up. And for the first time in a MINI the window controls are no longer found in the centre stack toggle switches, but rather on the door armrests like every other car in the world.

The JCW Countryman is the sixth model to wear the coveted JCW badging and it receives the most powerful engine spec MINI has offered. There’s the same 160kW found in the JCW GP hatch, but this Countryman has an extra 20Nm of torque for a new total of 280Nm (300Nm with overboost).

Increasing the appeal of the top-spec Countryman is the All4 all-wheel drive system. According to the press text the system uses an “electromagnetic
centre differential to distribute drive seamlessly between the front and rear axles”. In regular conditions only 50% of the available power is sent to the rear wheels. However, in extreme conditions, such as snow and ice, the rear wheels can receive 100% of the car’s power.

Lessening the appeal, we think, the Countryman is the first to wear the JCW badge while offering a 6-speed automatic transmission. Fools can be tricked by the Steptronic function and steering wheel paddles, allowing drivers to change gears “manually”, but the smart money will be sent towards the standard 6-speed manual ‘box.

If you want to partake in traffic light grands prix the JCW Countryman isn’t really the car for you. However, its 7.0 second 0–100 time is nothing to be ashamed of in this market segment.

In the US they will get the warm weather spec of this engine, which robs the engine of a few kW. So don’t be surprised if the same fate befalls Australian delivered JCW Countrymans.

With the European rollout taking place now our educated guess says we should see the JCW Countryman in Australia before the year is out, but we’ll make some enquiries and report back.

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Ferrari Formula 1 McLaren

2012 Italian GP: Qualifying report

2012 Italian Grand Prix, qualifying

Lewis Hamilton has put his tweet rage and speculation he is in his final season with McLaren behind him to set the fastest time (1:24.010) in qualifying at the Italian Grand Prix. Alongside Hamilton is his teammate Jenson Button (1:24.133), with Felipe Massa (1:24.247)—remember him—to start from P3 for Ferrari.

Hamilton’s pole makes it three in a row for McLaren, adding to Belgium and Hungary. It’s also McLaren’s 61st front row lockout, which equals the all-time record with Williams.

Paul di Resta (Force India, 1:24.304) performed strongly to qualify fourth fastest, but will drop five places due to an unscheduled gearbox changed earlier this weekend.

Red Bull has struggled with high speed of Monza all weekend, managing to only better HRT in the speed trap. Mark Webber just missed the cut to make it into Q3 and will start the race from P11, while Vettel (1:24.802) is happy to be starting the race from P5 (after di Resta’s penalty).

Daniel Ricciardo (Toro Rosso) saved his best lap for the dying moments of Q2 and out-qualified teammate Jean-Eric Vergne, but it wasn’t enough to edge him into Q3. Daniel will start from P14, Jean-Eric from P16.

Championship leader Fernando Alonso (Ferrari, 1:25.678) was fastest in Q1 and Q2, but a rear anti-roll bar issue was claimed to be the reason he finds himself starting from P10. Alonso is quick off the line and with the long run into the first corner at Monza we’re expecting some fireworks.

Pastor Maldonado (Williams) was another driver to be docked a few grid positions after his efforts in Belgium and the finalised starting order can be seen HERE.

The transcript from the first three drivers is all yours after the break, with thanks to the FIA.

[Pics: Ferrari & Vodafone McLaren Mercedes]

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BMW

M3 watch: Snap, crackle and pop!

BMW F80 M3 prototype spied testing

The Nürburgring-based based blog Bridge to Gantry brings us some new footage of the F80 M3 being tested on the Nordschleife. As the car exits the Karussell you can hear the trick gearbox doing its thing. However, as the new M3 drives further away you can also hear the turbocharged inline six cylinder hard at work.

We’ve said it before, but we’re still waiting for the exhaust engineers to get busy.

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MINI

MINI Paceman unofficially officially revealed

MINI Paceman

It would appear as though MINI itself is responsible for leaking these images of the new Paceman. According to MotoringFile the pics were originally published in the online version of MINI Space magazine, but when we followed the link provided it drew a blank.

Never mind that, here’s the pics. You can make out the Paceman badge running across the rear tailgate, which confirms once and for all the naming of what is effectively a Countryman coupé.

We’re told the Paceman is due for an online release of information before the Paris Motor Show, where it will make its public debut. European sales should start before the end of the year and that being the case we’d expect to see the Paceman in Australia around six months later; that’s if we get it at all.

With no rational reasons why, that we can think of, we really like this car! Early previews from the Euro press have been promising too.

[Source: MotoringFile]

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Audi

Audi RS5 Cabriolet revealed

Audi RS5 Cabriolet

Audi has, quite literally, just lifted the lid off its new RS5 Cabriolet. Quite why anyone wants a topless RS5 we’re not sure, but that’s beside the fact.

Under the bonnet you get the same 331kW 4.2 litre V8 as the RS5 Coupé but in just 15 seconds you can have the wind through your hair and the sound of that V8 rushing past your ears. Curiously, you need 17 seconds to close the lightweight soft top roof.

The RS5 Cabrio goes on sale in Europe early next year, so expect to see them in Australia sometime in the second quarter of 2013.

UPDATE: Audi Australia says, “The Audi RS5 Cabriolet is currently being evaluated for possible introduction into the Australian market.”

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MINI

MINI John Cooper Works GP revealed

MINI John Cooper Works GP

Ahead of its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show this month MINI has finally come good with official details on its latest John Cooper Works GP model. This includes a raft of new pics showing the car’s interior for the first time. Today’s info follows an official preview of the car back in May and the revelation of leaked specs earlier this week.

According to a Facebook post from MINI Australia in June a total of 20 GPs are on their way to our shores. That represents 1% of the worldwide production run of 2000 models. We’d not be surprised if Australia’s allocation changed, which could mean more, but it may mean less. Let’s hope not. Australian pricing has not been confirmed yet and based on speculation we suggest you pick a number between 65 and 75 and multiply it by 1000.

So, back to the car then. As we confirmed on Tuesday the ‘GP2’ is powered by a 160kW turbocharged 1.6 litre engine, a modest 5kW gain on the regular JCW model. Maximum torque remains at 260Nm (280Nm with overboost).

A number of exterior styling tweaks set the GP aside from other MINIs and include any colour you like so long as it’s Thunder Grey metallic, complete with red highlights. GP decals on the bonnet and sides of the car also help let the world know this is no ordinary MINI. A fact reinforced by its Challenge racecar inspired rear wing and lower diffuser. And those lightweight 17″ alloys won’t be found on any other production MINI.

Alcantara and leather Recaro bucket seats set off the interior nicely along with the thick leather steering wheel. The red highlights have found their way inside as well, most notably on the gear stick, seatbelts and rear strut brace.

The GP gets the luxury of xenon headlights, but makes do without a rear seat, rear wiper and steering wheel controls. Coilover suspension with dramatic default negative camber settings ensure the semi-slick tyres can maintain grip in extreme cornering conditions. It also reminds you the GP is not that far removed from the MINI Challenge racecars.

A specially tuned Dynamic Stability Control system affords more freedom for the right foot. After you’ve been heavy with the accelerator pedal you’ll be pleased to learn you have six-pot 330mm brakes up front and 280mm brakes at the rear. More than enough for the 1235kg kerb weight.

Generally speaking we’re big fans of the GP, but for the expected razor sharp handling we reckon you’ll have to accept a crashing ride. We do hold some slight reservations that for all its undoubted charms it may prove a slight pain in the arse—perhaps quite literally—for those hoping to use this car as a daily driver.

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Categories
Ferrari

Ferrari F70 supercar rendered

Ferrari F70 rendering

KGP Photography has had a crack at rendering the new Ferrari F70 supercar. What do you think?

The look shown above is heavily influenced by the 458 Italia, notably the headlights and rear deck. Overall it’s a bit fussy, but if the real F70 looked like this we can’t see too many people complaining.

The F70 is expected to use a 7.3 litre V12 and could be revealed to an invitation only crowd later this year. And how to the key numbers of 920hp and 1140kg grab you? By the short and curlies we expect!

[Source: Autoblog | Renderings: KGP Photography]

Categories
McLaren

McLaren previews ‘P12’ ahead of Paris debut

McLaren P12 teaser

McLaren has released this teaser image of its “next exciting chapter” which “will begin in Paris later this month”, they say. We know, or at least we think we do, that this image is an official preview of the P12 supercar.

It’s expected the P12 will have a KERS-equipped version of the 3.8 litre twin turbo V8 found in the MP4-12C. With those added electroherbs it’s predicted the P12 will be sending 800hp to its rear wheels. That’s quite a lot, really.

Back to the scribble above. If you look closely enough you can just make out the front edge of the car. There’s a hint of some quite dramatic front wheel arches, and a less than subtle tip given towards the twin-bubble roof we’re all expecting the P12 to feature. If you look at the headlight to the right of picture you can even make out the McLaren logo daytime running light, as featured on the production 12C.

McLaren will be holding their Paris Motor Show press conference on the late afternoon (European time) of 27 September, so stay tuned for more details.

Categories
Formula 1 News

Alex Zanardi wins Paralympic gold in London

Alex Zanardi wins gold at London 2012 Paralympics

The Paralympic Games are filled with countless stories of courage and inspiration. One journey having relevance to an automotive website is that of former F1 driver Alex Zanardi. A total of 11 years have passed since Zanardi lost both of his legs in an horrific accident during a CART race at Lausitz in Germany.

Zanardi is now 45 and he reached the pinnacle of another sport overnight by winning the gold medal in the men’s Individual H4 Time Trial hand-cycling event. Adding extra sweetness to Zanardi’s victory is the fact the event was held at the former F1 racetrack Brands Hatch.

“I only collected a second place, a third-placed finish (at Brands Hatch) and to win I had to come back with a hand-cycle. It’s an amazing feeling,” Zanardi said after collecting his gold medal.

“I’m really, really happy for the result and I knew that this moment was going to bring a little bit of sadness as well.

“This is almost the last day of a great adventure and from Monday I will have to find something different, otherwise life will become a little boring.

“It’s at the top of the scale with many other great moments I’ve been lucky enough to live.”

On behalf of AUSmotive we say well done Alex Zanardi, well done!

[Source: London2012 | Pic: Getty Images]

UPDATE 8 September: Alex is just showing off now, winning a second gold medal!

Categories
Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf VII 3dr previewed

Volkswagen Golf VII 3dr

So far Volkswagen has only presented us with official pics of the five door Golf VII. But if you go to the German Volkswagen website and muck around with their online configurator you can see what a three door Golf VII looks like.

Whether Australia will ever see the three door layout for the new Golf is unknown, but, sadly, we think it’ll be unlikely. We can live in hope!

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BMW

BMW M Sport Package now available on 3 Series

2012 BMW F30 3 Series

BMW Australia has announced pricing for its M Sport Package, which is now available on the current model 3 Series.

The M Sport Package is a suite of enhancements, mostly cosmetic, from the M Sport catalogue. It’s available to option on all 3 Series models offered in Australia, except the entry level 318d. Pricing ranges from $5,460–6,844 depending on the model chosen.

Items included in the M Sport Package are:

  • Sport suspension (lowers car by 10mm)
  • 19″ M Sport alloy wheels
  • M aerodynamics package (body kit)
  • BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line
  • M Sport leather steering wheel
  • Dakota leather upholstery
  • BMW Individual roofliner in Anthracite
  • M door sill trims
  • Aluminium interior trim with Estoril Blue or Black high-gloss highlights
  • sport seats
  • instrument cluster with unique printing
  • two ambient light colour selections complete the package

BMW Australia expects around 25% of all new 3 Series models will be fitted with the M Sport Package.

Further to the list of items above the package can be complemented by optional Estoril Blue metallic paint and M Sport brakes.

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