Month: February 2012

Categories
Formula 1

Maldonado quickest on Day 3 in Barcelona

Pastor Maldonado, Williams FW34

Williams, Mercedes and Sauber topped the timesheets in Formula One pre-season testing overnight. Pastor Maldonado was the fastest of all setting a best lap of 1:22.391, almost one full second quicker than Michael Schumacher. Maldonado’s time is currently the benchmark after three days of testing in Barcelona.

Most teams focused on longer running during Day 3 with Schumcaher safely tucking away a 59 lap stint. Despite managing 97 laps Mark Webber’s day was interrupted by a transmission failure which brought an end to a planned race simulation.

There’s one more day remaining for the teams in Barcelona. They will enjoy a short recess before returning to Barcelona for one final pre-season test window (1–4 March) ahead of the opening race in Melbourne (18 March).

2012 F1 pre-season testing – Barcelona (Day 3)

  1. Maldonado, Williams – 1m22.391s (106 laps)
  2. Schumacher, Mercedes – 1m23.384s +0.993 (127 laps)
  3. Kobayashi, Sauber – 1m23.582s +1.191 (99 laps)
  4. Button, McLaren – 1m23.918s +1.527 (114 laps)
  5. Vergne ,Toro Rosso – 1m24.433s +2.042 (78 laps)
  6. Webber, Red Bull – 1m24.771s +2.380 (97 laps)
  7. Massa, Ferrari – 1m24.771s +2.380 (84 laps)
  8. Di Resta, Force India – 1m25.646s +3.255 (83 laps)
  9. Glock, Marussia – 1m26.173s +3.782 (108 laps)
  10. Petrov, Caterham – 1m26.448s +4.057 (70 laps)

All Timing Unofficial
*2011 car

[Source: Autosport | Pic: Williams F1/LAT Photographic]

Categories
Bathurst 12 Hour

2012 Bathurst 12 Hour entry list

Audi R8 LMS

After the break you can access the full entry list for the 2012 Bathurst 12 Hour race. Use it as a quick reference during the race if you like.

For the record, there’s 27 cars in total:

  • 3 x Audi
  • 5 x BMW
  • 2 x Ferrari
  • 1 x Ford
  • 2 x Holden
  • 2 x Lamborghini
  • 2 x Lotus
  • 2 x Mazda
  • 2 x Mercedes-Benz
  • 1 x Nissan
  • 3 x Porsche
  • 1 x Seat
  • 1 x Subaru

We’re trialling a new table plugin so let us know if there’s any bugs. You can click at the top of each column to sort the table by that column.

Continue reading “2012 Bathurst 12 Hour entry list”
Categories
McLaren Video

Chris Harris on the McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren MP4-12C

Chris Harris is fast forging himself a solid niche with his extended video reviews for Drive. At 10–15 minutes in length they are long enough to allow the reviewer to provide in-depth feedback, without being so long as to bore the audience.

In his latest edition Harris takes up the cause for McLaren and its much hyped, but often maligned, MP4-12C. Via his Pistonheads blog Harris introduces his thoughts by asking:

Has the media treated the MP4-12C too harshly? Maybe. The odd technical gremlin isn’t such a problem. Even the biggest names have bad days, but perhaps what has undone the McLaren more than even the punchy rhetoric is the sheer expectation of a new supercar made by McLaren. Did the prospect of the values that built the Technology Centre being transposed onto a street car propagate unrealistic expectations?

I think they did. Flip those group test results on their head and you’re left with a brand new car, from a company with zero experience in this sector, that ran the best car Ferrari has ever made very close. That is a mighty impressive result.

Continue reading “Chris Harris on the McLaren MP4-12C”
Categories
Formula 1 News

Live streaming coming soon to F1?

F1 signs long-term deal with Tata Communications

Bernie Ecclestone has just put pen to paper to ink a new deal with Tata Communications. The agreement will see Tata Communications carry impressive titles on behalf of Formula One Management: Technology Supplier of Formula 1â„¢ with category exclusive rights as Official Connectivity Provider of Formula 1â„¢ and Official Web Hosting and Content Delivery Network of Formula1.com.

Vinod Kumar, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Communications, pictured above with Ecclestone said, “Formula 1 requires fast and secure connectivity, because even a split second of downtime can have huge repercussions for its business, brand and reputation.

“This delivery is at the heart of our organisation and working with one of the world’s most highly technical and innovative organisations is an exciting opportunity for Tata Communications. The collaboration leverages our technology leadership and vision for emerging markets and represents a tremendous opportunity for growth and innovation for both companies.”

The Tata Global Network of underground cables is the largest in the world and access to that network for F1 opens up seemingly limitless opportunities for both traditional television and online coverage.

James Allen has excitedly described the arrangement as “The deal that changes F1 forever.” In his blog Allen states, “This long-term deal with Tata Communications, providing fixed line connectivity, opens the door for endless possibilities, way beyond what satellites can do, including broadcasting F1 on the internet, for interactivity between audience and the broadcaster at the circuit.”

In practical terms we can soon expect F1 races, qualifying and practice sessions to be officially broadcast over the internet. It clearly represents a new revenue stream for the sport that, perhaps, it should already be a world leader in.

How much will you be prepared to pay?

[Source: Formula1.com]

Categories
Formula 1

Webber tougher than Schumacher says Rosberg

Mark Webber and Nico Rosberg, Williams F1 Team, 2006

Nico Rosberg, current teammate to seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, has declared Mark Webber the toughest teammate he’s shared a garage with during his six years in Formula One. The pair drove together for Williams in 2006, in what was Rosberg’s debut year.

Rosberg and Webber shared an amusing anecdote during the 2006 Brazilian Grand Prix. While it was Mark who provided the laughs when he delivered a razor sharp punchline following contact between the two, he also showed Rosberg it’s every man for himself.

In part, that would go some way to explaining his reply when asked who has been his toughest teammate. “Mark Webber in 2006, then Michael,” was Rosberg’s reply.

[Source: motorsport.com]

Categories
Audi

2013 Audi A3 images leaked

2013 Audi A3

Nine new images of the next-generation Audi A3 three door hatchback have surfaced online. There are some minor differences to the single image which appeared last week.

We expect Audi will come out with official info in the coming days, in advance of the A3’s world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show.

Audi has already given us an official preview inside the new A3. When considering the exterior and interior styling it’s clear Audi has taken a considered developmental approach.

The third-gen A3 is the first production model to roll out on the new MQB platform and that is likely to also usher in a suite of new engine and equipment improvements.

Overall, we think this A3 looks pretty good and are keen to discover more.

[Source: zr.ru]

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Categories
Formula 1

Hulkenberg quickest on Day 2 in Barcelona

Nico Hulkenberg, Force India VJM05, Barcelona

Nico Hulkenberg has made a great impression with his new team by taking his Force India VJM05 to the top of the timesheets in pre-season testing overnight. The young German navigated the Barcelona track in 1:22.608, almost seven tenths quicker than Vettel’s best on Day 1.

Also impressing was Sergio Perez, who was second fastest in Sauber C31, just 0.04 seconds behind. Sebastian Vettel was next managing a 1:22.891.

McLaren and Red Bull settled into race simulation mode in the afternoon. For a time Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel were lapping within a second of each other and were the only two on track—a great learning experience for both teams you would think.

2012 F1 pre-season testing – Barcelona (Day 2)

  1. Hulkenberg, Force India – 1m22.608s (112 laps)
  2. Perez, Sauber – 1m22.648s +0.040 (85 laps)
  3. Vettel, Red Bull – 1m22.891s +0.283 (104 laps)
  4. Alonso, Ferrari – 1m23.180s +0.572 (87 laps)
  5. Ricciardo, Toro Rosso – 1m23.639s +1.031 (48 laps)
  6. Hamilton, McLaren – 1m23.806s +1.198 (121 laps)
  7. Rosberg, Mercedes – 1m24.555s +1.947 (82 laps)
  8. Bottas, Williams – 1m25.738s +3.130 (117 laps)
  9. Petrov, Caterham – 1m26.605s +3.997 (69 laps)
  10. Pic, Marussia* – 1m27.343s +4.735 (108 laps)

All Timing Unofficial
*2011 car

[Source: Autosport | Pic: Sahara Force India Formula One Team]

Categories
Bathurst 12 Hour

2012 Bathurst 12 Hour race program

Audi R8 LMS

Competitive action for the 2012 Bathurst 12 Hour weekend starts tomorrow. There’s a number of support categories this weekend too, but it’s the 12 Hour race that’s the main show. After the break we’ve listed all the practice, qualifying and race times for 12 Hour race. The full race program can be accessed from the official race wbesite.

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Categories
BMW

Inside look: How to build a BMW F30 3 Series

BMW F30 3 Series assembly

Here we bring you five videos documenting the production process of the new BMW F30 3 Series. The new 3er is about to roll out in BMW dealerships across Australia so now is a great time to take a closer look at how they’re built.

We’ll be honest these clips are the most exciting things you’ll see today, but if you’re a bit of an engineering nerd or an all-round car geek then we think you’ll love them.

[Source: Bimmerpost]

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Categories
Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG revealed

Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG

Following yesterday’s brief preview of the Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG we now have official details and images.

The headline stats for the SL63 tell us its 5.5 litre twin-turbo V8 produces 395kW at 5500pm with an astonishing 800Nm of torque from just 2000rpm. Power hungry buyers can opt for the AMG Performance package to raise the game to 415kW/900Nm. Whichever engine you choose you’ll be changing gears with a 7-speed AMG Speedshift MCT.

Weighing in at 1845kg, it’s just as well the SL63 AMG has a stonking engine. It’s good enough to shift the new convertible to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds, oh the AMG Performance package saves you a whole 0.1 second. Overall the new model is 125kg lighter than its predecessor.

A car like this is about GT cruising appeal and Mercedes say the car’s Active Body Control suspension system can be set to Sport or Comfort settings. Aluminium has also been used extensively for the suspension components, helping to reduce unsprung mass.

“High-performance compound” brakes help bring things to a halt. There’s six-pot calipers doing the bulk of the work with 390mm rotors up front, with single-piston floating calipers around 360mm discs assisting at the rear.

We’re never too sure what to make of electro-mechanical steering, but we’re promised the AMG speed-sensitive system is “fleet-footed” and offers “agile cornering” with “exceptional feedback at the critical limits.”

Generally speaking the SL63 AMG looks very nice, if you’re into this type of car. But the looks are really let down badly by those droopy LED lights in the headlight cluster. Check out the pics below and see if you agree.

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Categories
Porsche

2012 Porsche 911 now on sale in Australia

2012 Porsche 911 (991)

Following an understated worldwide RHD debut of the new Porsche 911 at a special display-only event in Melbourne last November, the 991 is now in Australia ready for local deliveries.

Initially the 3.4 litre Carerra and 3.8 litre Carrera S will start proceedings, with corresponding 911 Cabriolet models to follow in April. Exact dates for the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 models are yet to be announced, but it’s expected they’ll be on sale in Australia late this year or early next.

Interestingly the 997 Carrera 4, Cabriolet and Turbo models will continue to be sold in Australia until their 991 replacements arrive.

Reported in Go Auto, Porsche Cars Australia Managing Director, Michael Winkler, expects the Carrera S will continue to roughly double the sales of the cheaper model. “Australians tend to go for the best that is available,” said Winkler.

Porsche has made improvement across the board for what is just the third completely all-new 911 since its launch almost 50 years ago. As a result the overall length of the car has grown by 56mm, while the wheel base has extended by 100mm. These changes are partly aimed at reducing front-end lift, a common 911 characteristic. Width remains the same as the 997 and there’s a minor reduction in height as well.

Engine enhancements have yielded modest power gains compared to the 997 and the 3.4 litre in the Carerra has 257kW (+3kW from the old 3.6 litre), the 3.8 litre in Carrera S offers 294kW (+11kW from 997). Fuel consumption has dropped across the board and the official figures surprisingly economical (8.2l/100km for the Carrera and 8.7l/100km for the S). Real world consumption may be higher, of course, but a great starting point nonetheless.

A quick reference table showing Australian pricing is available below. If you really want to sink your teeth in the details of the 991 911 then you can download this comprehensive document The new 911 Australian Edition (2.6mb PDF) which has managed to find its way to AUSmotive’s inbox.

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Categories
BMW Saab

Are we witnessing the start of SAABMW?

Saab - BMW

A recent blog post at Saabs United has breathed new life into the hope that Saab can emerge from its latest financial despair.

Today the bankruptcy administrators held another of their weekly press-conferences and talked mostly about the pressing salary situation for so many of the employees. They did confirm that they needed another week to sort things out.

One very interesting confirmation from the administrators was also that they highest bidder might not win the deal. The deal will go to the company that can present the best combination which will benefit the creditors, employees and the region the most. In other words the deal will go to a company that re-starts production again and has the money, know-how and credibility to run it for a long long time…

6-7 serious bidders have been confirmed and among them is a European car-manufacturer according to several sources to different media. What was interesting this time is that these companies want to build Saabs. We have gotten very strong indications from several independent sources that this european company is German and located in Munich. This company has the intention as Till mentioned in an earlier article, to build Saabs and their own cars on the same platform. You can probably figure out the rest for yourselves…

Reading some of the comments posted to Saabs United it seems a BMW buyout would not be universally supported by current Saabists, with claims the Swedish marque is the antithesis of the major German prestige players. There’s also speculation among the readers that BMW could be interested in Saab to help complement its foray into front-wheel drive vehicles.

Watch this space!

[Source: Saabs United]