Month: July 2012

Categories
Alfa Romeo

Mazda plus Fiat equals Duetto

Alfa Romeo Spider/Duetto rendering

It looks like there could be happy days ahead for Alfa Romeo fans with word they could be reprising the Duetto badge. Alfa Romeo is expected to build a new Spider on the next-generation MX-5 platform thanks to the newly formed Mazda–Fiat partnership.

The Duetto (please call it that) is a separate model to the mid-engined 4C that has the motoring world salivating. Although both cars could share a 1750cc turbocharged four cylinder engine with potential for up to 250hp. While the Duetto and MX-5 will share chassis components, key mechanicals, like the engine and transmission, will differ.

As with any car plans that are still a good two years away from fruition, and dare we say any plans involving Alfa Romeo, it’s best to treat anything you’ve just read with a grain of salt. Perhaps if we all sit in an e-corner, hold hands and think happy thoughts, a 21st century Duetto, deserving of the badge, will result.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Categories
Safety Issues Subaru

Subaru BRZ awarded 5-star ANCAP rating

Subaru BRZ

Just days ahead of its official Australian launch the Subaru BRZ has been awarded a five star safety rating by local authority ANCAP.

The BRZ scored a very respectable 34.4 points, from a possible 37, and the summary of ANCAP’s report states:

The BRZ scored 14.97 out of 16 in the offset crash test. The passenger compartment held its shape well. There was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the passenger and a slight risk of serious leg injury for the driver and passenger. The vehicle scored 15.43 out of 16 in the side impact crash test. There was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver.

Other vehicles to receive a maximum rating in the latest round of testing include the Holden Colorado and Hyundai i30. You can see video of the BRZ’s test after the break along with ANCAP’s official release. Use the source link below to access a copy of the full report on the BRZ assessment.

[Source: ANCAP]

Continue reading “Subaru BRZ awarded 5-star ANCAP rating”
Categories
McLaren

VIDEO: McLaren MP4-12C Spider

McLaren MP4-12C Spider

A week or so after McLaren released the first pictures of its MP4-12C Spider they’re back with a couple of promo videos. The first one starts off making the connection from F1 car to road car, before ending up in the mountains of Andalucía, Spain.

“We know 12C drivers love the Formula 1 technology DNA that runs throughout their cars,” said Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive Managing Director. “With the 12C Spider, owners will have an even greater opportunity to create their perfect driving experience.

“Top up or top down, the sports car with highest performance among the competition just became even more breathtaking. The exhilarating aspects of driving the 12C Spider are captured beautifully in this great new film.”

The second video illustrates the retractable hardtop roof opening. It takes 17 seconds to open the roof, which, for those keeping count, is five seconds longer than the new fabric roof on the Porsche Boxster.

Continue reading “VIDEO: McLaren MP4-12C Spider”
Categories
Volkswagen WRC

Polo R WRC preparing for Rally d’Italia debut

Volkswagen Polo R WRC

In not unexpected news Volkswagen has struck a deal with the FIA that will see its Polo R WRC take part in the second last event of the year on the gravel roads of Rally d’Italia (18–21 October).

The finer details of the agreement are still being finalised and at this stage it appears Sebastien Ogier will participate in the rally but he will not be included in the official timing.

Volkswagen’s marketing head, Stefan Moser, explains they were originally hoping to run the Polo R WRC as the zero car.

“We can’t run as zero car,” said Moser, “but it looks like we will take a test run in Sardinia. We will not run competitively; they [the FIA] allow us to start the race, but we will not take times. We get the answer from the FIA on this subject this week.”

Assuming this all goes ahead as reported, Volkswagen will no doubt have an army of statisticians on hand conducting their own timing. Like many, we’ll be waiting for the results with great anticipation.

[Source: Autosport]

Categories
Pagani Video

VIDEO: “The definitive hypercar”

Chris Harris and the Pagani Huayra

That’s Chris Harris hard at work in the Pagani Huayra. And we do think he was genuinely hard at work too.

With its bespoke AMG engine pumping out well over 700 horsepower and more than 1000Nm of torque—yes, 1000!—Harris says the only way to beat the feeling is to “buy yourself a needle with some brown stuff in it.”

Continue reading “VIDEO: “The definitive hypercar””
Categories
Subaru

Subaru BRZ brochure previews Australian spec

Subaru BRZ

A hastily scanned dealer brochure gives Australian readers their first look at the local specification for the new Subaru BRZ. As we revealed last night you can expect driveaway pricing for a manual BRZ with no options to be a touch over $37,000, depending on your state.

Thanks to the brochure posted to gt86.com.au we can see some of the standard equipment for the BRZ includes:

  • xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights
  • TCS limited slip device (mechanical or electronic?)
  • 17″ alloys
  • dual zone climate control
  • cruise control
  • Bluetooth

The short list of items available as factory-fitted options are:

  • automatic transmission (with steering wheel mounted shift paddles)
  • leather/alcantara seats
  • heated seats

Oddly, we think, satellite navigation and rear parking sensors are listed as accessories. In the Australian prepared brochure they’re placed alongside cosmetic items such as a rear spoiler, an alternate rear diffuser and the like.

The BRZ will be available in seven exterior colours (shown below), including the WR Blue Mica you see above, which is labelled as “Subaru exclusive”.

Some reports also suggest the BRZ is available to order by the internet only. We can’t confirm if that is correct, and it would seem a unique way of selling what a product sure to have high demand.

We also hear the BRZ may come with three years free servicing (to be confirmed).

[Source: gt86.com.au]

Continue reading “Subaru BRZ brochure previews Australian spec”
Categories
Formula 1 McLaren

Lewis and Jenson star in new cartoon

McLaren cartoon animation

This animated cartoon, featuring McLaren drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button, was broadcast by Sky TV in the build up to last week’s British Grand Prix. It’s the first of a 12-part series called Tooned and has been produced by Framestore.

As cringeworthy as your first impression to this series may be, it’s actually not that bad. You can watch the premiere episode, “Wheel Nuts”, after the break.

Continue reading “Lewis and Jenson star in new cartoon”
Categories
Renault

There’s something fishy going on here

Renault Twingo RS

Today we bring you one of the more bizarre promo videos we’ve come across. Race driver Margot Laffite (yes, she is the daughter of Jacques) was given the keys to a Renault Twingo RS Red Bull RB7 edition and sent out on the Nordschleife with a cute blonde and a goldfish.

It’s all part of Renault’s Challenge us if you can promotion. It’s mostly entertaining viewing, but we do think the closing sequence is very fishy.

Continue reading “There’s something fishy going on here”
Categories
Porsche

VIDEO: Gentleman Jim drives up the hill

Jim Richards drives Porsche 962 at Goodwood FoS

Racing legend Jim Richards was on hand at the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed at the behest of Porsche. His chore to complete while over there was to drive the 1987 Le Mans winning Porsche 962 up the hill climb course. Tough gig, huh.

It’s a nice touch to see Jason Richards remembered on the side of the car too.

[Thanks to Chris for the tip]

Continue reading “VIDEO: Gentleman Jim drives up the hill”
Categories
Aston Martin

Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster revealed

Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster

As a rule we don’t care too much for convertibles here at AUSmotive. But, for the Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster, we think we could make an exception.

The Vantage has long been one of the motoring world’s finest looking two door sports cars and, thankfully, nothing has been lost in the looks department after chopping off the roof.

Being described as a limited edition, Aston Martin say they’ll only be offering the Roadster in selected markets. That’s a shame, because cashed up punters wanting to hear the glory of Aston Martin’s 6.0 litre V12 at full noise should not be denied their chance to indulge.

Those with a keen eye will note the Vantage soft-top sports a restyled bootlid, along with a more aggressive spoiler and rear diffuser, compared to the coupé. Similarly, the front spoiler has also been revised. The suspension has likewise been specially tuned to suit the Roadster chassis.

We applaud Aston for making do with a traditional 6-speed manual. Grunt from the V12 is plentiful and peaks at 517PS/570Nm; enough to get you to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds and on to a blustery top speed of 305km/h.

Naturally, Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin CEO, thinks the Vantage Roadster is the best thing since sliced bread. “The addition to our range of this exceptional new Roadster allows the driver and passenger to experience full ‘sensory overload’ thanks to its outstanding performance,” he said.

“I believe no other car in this class offers the combination of the V12 Vantage Roadster’s prestige, six-speed manual gearbox and the unique enjoyment that driving a high performance convertible can deliver.”

And who are we to argue with that!

Continue reading “Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster revealed”
Categories
Volkswagen

Volkswagen CC – Australian pricing & specs

Volkswagen CC

Volkswagen Australia has recently launched the updated CC to the local market. They’ll be offering two models for sale, the 2.0 litre 125TDI ($54,990) and the 3.6 litre V6 FSI ($64,990).

We reckon the CC has matured nicely compared to its predecessor, the Passat CC. We also reckon the 220kW V6 FSI is the model to buy, as it represents one of the last chances to get your hands on Volkswagen’s delightful bent six cylinder engine. To help sweeten the deal, Volkswagen has fitted its 4motion all-wheel drive system as standard to the V6 model.

As it is the CC range is quite well equipped, boasting features such as satellite navigation, rear view camera and a Driver Fatigue Detection system.

Optional equipment includes Adaptive Cruise Control with City Emergency Brake feature, Side Assist and Lane Assist, as well as Active Climate Control which also brings a gentle massage function to the front seats.

We hope you like DSG technology because that’s all you’re getting. In the CC, the transmission retains a traditional 6-speed set up.

Overall we give the CC a qualified thumbs up; we like the exterior but think the interior could do with a bit of a spruce up. There’s not much wrong with it, being a Volkswagen, but it’s starting to show its age.

Continue reading “Volkswagen CC – Australian pricing & specs”
Categories
Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake

A week after details for the CLS Shooting Brake were revealed, Mercedes-Benz has come to the party releasing info on the high-powered AMG version.

Powered by a 5.5-litre V8 biturbo, the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake delivers 386kW/700Nm to your right foot. If that’s not enough, then the “Edition 1” version ups the ante to 410kW/800Nm. Both levels of engine spec see off 100km/h in under 4.5 seconds.

AMG boss, Ola Källenius, reckons his version of the Shooting Brake is something special, “The CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake is establishing a completely new, small and select niche sector, and is expected to delight new customers just as much as it will existing AMG enthusiasts. The combination of performance, style and usability is unique.”

The CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake has been described as a certainty for Australia. Although, at this stage, an exact release date is yet to be confirmed. That said, we reckon you should put your money on the Shooting Brake range being launched down under late this year.

Continue reading “Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake”