Year: 2012

Categories
Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes promoting 4matic for the people

Mercedes-Benz CLA 4matic

Mercedes-Benz has released details on the 4matic all-wheel drive system it will use in the upcoming CLA four-door coupé, shown here in official spy shot pics. They’ve also gone to the trouble of explaining how a tailored 4matic system will be applied to the cooking CLA 45 AMG model.

On first reading, 4matic sounds a bit similar to the Haldex system employed by the Volkswagen Group, among others. That is, the Benz 4matic system will operate is front-wheel drive as a default setting in order to maximise fuel efficiency. Mercedes claims their all-wheel drive system will be around 25% lighter than similar systems used by other car makers.

When required, power is sent to the rear axle through an electrohydraulically actuated multi-disk clutch. Mercedes says the guiding principle of the system is to use it “as often as necessary, as rarely as possible.”

The 4matic system will be coupled to a 7-speed double clutch transmission which has three settings: eco, sport and manual. In sport and manual modes the tolerances for the transfer of power to the rear axle are more focused, allowing for a quicker response and more dynamic handling.

Mercedes has hinted at the engine specs for the CLA 45 AMG saying the 2.0 litre turbo four will boast well over 400Nm of torque. So around 450Nm like the M135i, then?

Both the CLA 45 AMG and the A 45 AMG have been confirmed for Australia. The AMG versions will trail the Australian launch of their matching entry-level models by roughly six months.

The A 45 AMG is scheduled to go on sale locally in the latter half of next year, while the CLA 45 AMG is due to arrive in early 2014.

There’s more detail from Mercedes after the break, including some nerdy diagrams showcasing the 4matic’s tricky bits. Really, you have to check it out just so you can discover what an integrated power take-off unit is!

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Categories
McLaren

McLaren P1 test pilot tries off-roading

McLaren P1 spied

World Car Fans brings us a good video showing the McLaren P1 hypercar out and about undergoing some testing. Given we’ve already been given a good look at the exterior of the car at the Paris Motor Show we can probably surmise that there’s some minor changes to the bodywork disguised in all the camouflage.

The video also shows a very brief glimpse of the interior. We get to hear the engine rumble along at leisurely pace as well as seeing the scissor door in action.

Make sure you watch to the end, too, where you’ll see the driver do his best Kimi Raikkonen off-track impression.

[Source: WCF]

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Categories
Formula 1 McLaren Red Bull Racing Toro Rosso

The life and times of Adrian Newey

2012 Brazilian Grand Prix

No matter how you look at it, Adrian Newey is a legend. He has won F1 championships with three different teams (Williams 1992–94, 1996; McLaren 1998; Red Bull 2010–12) . Prior to his F1 success, Newey had already collected the biggest trophies in the Indycar category too.

To translate that to footballing terms, imagine a manager that has won a total of eight EPL titles with three different clubs, after already winning a pair of championships in another country. That’s a run of enviable success in anyone’s language.

But Newey’s career has also had some incredibly deep lows; the death of Ayrton Senna in the FW16 being the obvious example here.

Racecar Engineering has compiled a snapshot of Newey’s achievements, good and bad, and it’s very much worth reading. Here’s a snippet we liked:

Our story of Adrian Newey’s career does not start with a hiring but instead a request for his immediate departure. As a teenager Newey attended the historic Repton public school (at the same time as Jeremy Clarkson) but was asked to leave after he high-jacked a school concert soundcheck and blew out a stained glass window.

[Source: Racecar Engineering | Pic: Getty Images | Thanks to Micky for the tip]

Categories
Formula 1 Lotus

Yes, yes, yes, just in time for Christmas!

Kimi Raikkonen t-shirt

You’ll recall Kimi Raikkonen’s classic radio banter when he won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Shortly afterwards Retro Formula 1, makes of fine F1 apparel, proposed to make a t-shirt helping to immortalise Kimi’s words.

We’re not sure if they’re getting any credit or not, but Lotus, through Finnish fashion agency MPH, has revealed some official merchandise very much in line with what Retro Formula 1 first proposed.

So far it seems that sales are only available to European countries, but where there’s a will there’s a way.

[Source: leavemealone.fi]

Categories
Green Machines Jaguar

Jaguar axes futuristic C-X75 e-hypercar

Jaguar C-X75

Jaguar has confirmed the unhappy news that it has cancelled its C-X75 project. The announcement comes only 18 months after the decision to build the hybrid supercar was made.

Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar’s global brand director, shared the news with journalists on Monday night. The decision “broke his heart,” Hallmark said.

The C-X75 was first shown at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and predictions of a seven-figure purchase price and tough economic times have helped to seal the supercat’s fate.

A total of five working prototypes were made by Jag. All powered by a 500hp twincharged 1.6 litre four cylinder and mated to 23kg of electric motors. Despite the light weight of the e-motors they can generate 400Nm.

Jaguar claims the C-X75 prototypes boast Veyron-beating capabilities, able to reach 100km/h in a measly 2.8 seconds, while emitting fewer smelly emissions than a Toyota Prius.

There is some good news, though. The five test mules will continue their development so that they reach full working capacity. At this stage Jag plans to keep three for its archives, so to speak, while the other two very exclusive models will be flogged off at auction.

Can we start the bidding at £2 million please. Do I have £2 million anywhere?

[Source: EVO]

Categories
Motorsports Porsche

2013 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup by numbers

2013 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

Porsche has very kindly reminded us about their new 911 GT3 Cup track weapon. They’ve done so by video and interspersed the footage with key statistics from the car. Think of it as an educational video, then. If you’re watching at work, classify the time spent as personal development; you can probably even claim it when tax time comes. Probably.

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Categories
MINI Video

MINI Countryman gone to the dogs!

MINI Countryman driven by Porter the dog

MINI and first class publicity stunts go hand in hand. And here’s one that will not only make you chuckle, it will also warm your heart. Awwwww.

The Auckland SPCA and MINI have teamed together to teach three dogs how to drive a MINI Countryman. The premise of the stunt suggests if a stray dog is smart enough to be taught how to drive then it deserves a home.

In the video after the break you can see Porter get his few minutes of fame, and, we hope, the path to a safe new home. We’re not sure if his classmates, Monty and Ginny, will also get their own driving video, but we wish them well too.

[Source: drivingdogs.co.nz]

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Categories
Lamborghini

VIDEO: There is another Italy

The final Gallardo video

It’s probably a good way to find out if a person is a revhead or not: ask them for their first thoughts of Italy. If Lamborghini is in the first few mentions, it’s probably safe to say the person is one of us.

Over the last decade or so Lamborghini has been kind enough to give the world the sublime Gallardo. It still looks as fresh and desirable today as it did back then. But 10 years is a long time in the life of a supercar and Lamborghini is now promising the LP560-4, first shown in Paris, is the final Gallardo.

To that end they’ve published a video suggesting as much, as well as setting up a new website: thefinalgallardo.com

Which makes us ponder the thought that Lamborghini’s new model confirmed for unveiling at next year’s 50th birthday bash might be the Gallardo’s replacement. Wouldn’t that be cool!

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Categories
WRC

Mateschitz: WRC needs to exploit its potential

Citroen DS3 WRC, 2012 Rally Finland

As well as putting pressure on Toro Rosso in his interview with FIA’s AUTO publication, Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz said the WRC must make the most of the sport’s potential, believing also that the profile of its drivers need to improve.

“It’s true that we believe the potential of the WRC to be bigger than it has appeared in the media in recent years,” said Mateschitz. “We will try to uncover its potential and tap into it. Only time will tell how it pans out and how successful our efforts will be.

“Big personality drivers are always important in any motorsport,which, of course, also means you can cover the various drivers’ profiles in the media and set priorities accordingly.”

Mateschitz is not concerned with the lack of top-line support from manufacturers in the WRC, which now sees only Citroën and Volkswagen running official factory teams. “Of course, a broad range of marques is important to the WRC; it doesn’t really matter whether they’re works teams or privateer teams backed by works outfits. The important thing is that the teams and their drivers should perform well, are competitive and put on a good and exciting show.”

Despite earlier reports that Red Bull Media House, along with German firm Sportsman Media, had secured the role as official promoter of the WRC, it’s now understood that a contract is yet to be signed.

The most recent word from the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council said they “approved for the FIA to proceed with an agreement with The Sportsman Media Group and Red Bull Media House to become the new global Promoter of the FIA World Rally Championship from 2013.”

No rush, there’s still a whole 40 days until Rallye Monte Carlo kicks off.

[Source: Yahoo Eurosport UK]

Categories
Formula 1 Toro Rosso

Toro Rosso under pressure to improve in 2013

2012 Hungarian Grand Prix

Red Bull owner Dietrich Mateschitz has put the pressure on his junior F1 team, demanding that Toro Rosso improves in 2013.

Speaking to new FIA magazine AUTO, Mateschitz said: “Toro Rosso is still our rookie team and its goals differ from those of Red Bull Racing. But that’s not to say we’re happy with the development of the car.

“Significant improvements need to be found and are being called for.”

In the year just finished Toro Rosso collected a total of 26 points (Jean-Eric Vergne 16, Daniel Riccardo 10). That was enough to claim ninth place in the constructors’ championship, last of the teams to score championship points; there were only 12 teams in 2012.

In contrast, Toro Rosso’s 2011 season was deemed poor enough to sack both of its drivers. Yet, they finished eighth in the constructors’ title with 41 points (Jaime Alguersuari 26, Sebastien Buemi 15).

Toro Rosso has shown patience by giving Ricciardo and Vergne contract extensions for 2013. Although, both are now on notice that they need to improve next year to have confidence of continuing in 2014.

With expectations that Mark Webber will retire at the end of next year that opens the path to promotion into Red Bull Racing for 2014.

[Source: crash.net | Pic: Toro Rosso/Getty Images]

Categories
BMW

2014 BMW M4 gets the p-chop treatment

F82 BMW M4 rendering by WildSpeed

The recent release of the BMW 4 Series Concept Coupe has inspired pixel magicians WildSpeed to have a crack at rendering the forthcoming F82 M4. Already they’ve presented us with their interpretation for the M3. So, really, it was just a simple task of transferring one to the other. Well, we’re sure it would have been relatively simple for them.

We like what we’re seeing, as well. And we also expect the lighter, faster and greener M3/M4 to delight all those who drive it.

WildSpeed didn’t stop at just the one rendering, so make sure you follow the source link below to see the new M4 in your preferred colour scheme.

[Source: F30post]

Categories
Lamborghini

Lamborghini plans new model for 50th bash

Lamborghini Aventador J

Lamborghini CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, has confirmed the supercar maker will release a new model to help celebrate the company’s 50th birthday next year. Speaking at the LA Auto Show, Winkelmann didn’t give too much away, revealing only that, “It will not be a revival or retro.”

It’s going to be one hell of a 50th birthday bash, too. Lamborghini is asking its owners from around the world to ship their cars to Italy to form a convoy through iconic Italian locations, such as Tuscany and Rome, before ending their journey at the manufacturer’s headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese. A special web portal has been set up to assist owners with shipping arrangements.

That party will take place from 7–11 May, so we’re not all that far away from finding out what the new model will be. There’s nothing to suggest the spectacular Aventador J from this year’s Geneva Motor Show will enter series production, we just wanted another excuse to feature it here. Besides, the one-off show car was sold over €2 million and we’re guessing the owner would like to ensure he’s the only J owner in the village.

The new model could be an extension of the Aventador range, all the same. Or yet another Gallardo special edition, although we’re not complaining.

Lamborghini is doing well this year, having already bettered their 2011 sales results by the end of October. The Aventador has an 18-month wait list, even with production running at 1000 cars per year. The best the Murcielago ever managed was around 630 units per year.

But Winkelmann knows he’s operating in a tough market and has to convert the opportunities he has. “The global [supercar] market is 25,000 cars, so volatility and opportunity are very close together,” he said.

Winkelmann expects he can rely on the US and Middle East to maintain their demand, but thinks Europe will be tougher and says they are “crossing our fingers” regarding the Asian markets.

[Source: Automobile News]