Month: August 2013

Categories
BMW

This is one facelift that can’t come soon enough

BMW 1 Series facelift spied

This spy shot is one we welcome very much, it shows the F20 BMW 1 Series LCI (life cycle impulse) model is drawing closer to release. To you and I that means the facelifted 1 Series should look a lot better than it does now.

Based on this photo we’re not sure it will look quite as smart as the M235i we saw a few months back, but anything will be better than what is currently offered up on the F20 hatch.

Our tip hope is the headlights and grille will be connected, as seen on that M235i and first seen on the F30 3 Series.

[Source: Autoblog | Pic: CarPix]

Categories
Porsche

Porsche 911 Carrera 4S built by Facebook fans

Porsche 911 Carrera 4S 5 million fans

If you’re one of the 5 million plus fans of Porsche on Facebook you’ll know all about this car. That’s because it’s been made by you, according to the special badging inside the car that is.

When Porsche reached 5 million likes on Facebook they began a process to build a one-off car to celebrate the milestone and to do so they consulted their fans to decide on the car’s specification.

The end result is a 991 911 Carrera 4S fitted with a Powerkit to take peak power to 316kW, up from 294kW found in the standard C4S. Cosmetic enhancements include the Aquablaumetallic paint, Aerokit, 20″ alloys in white and 5M Porsche Fans decals.

And the best part? You and a friend could win a chance to drive the car at Silverstone later this month. To win all you have to do is have the most Facebook friends who also “like” Porsche. Simple, huh!

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Categories
Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz

What Formula 1 will sound like in 2014

Mercedes V6 F1 engine

Mercedes-Benz has released a computer-generated sound clip of what its 1.6 litre turbocharged V6 Formula 1 engines power units will sound like under the new regulations to be introduced next year. Their YouTube clip includes this introduction:

Best enjoyed with the sound turned up LOUD and on headphones or speakers for the full effect! Laptop speakers may lead to pale imitations of a Formula One Power Unit…

Exclusive to the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS YouTube channel, here’s the sound of the future!

This is a lap of the mythical Monza circuit with the new-for-2014 1.6 litre turbocharged V6 Formula One Power Unit. It’s a new music – but a beautiful one, too. Enjoy 🙂

Hopefully, in reality, the new engines won’t sound this artificial.

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Categories
Formula 1 Red Bull Racing Top Gear

Mark Webber appears on Top Gear 20×06

Mark Webber on Top Gear

Mark Webber appeared on the latest episode of Top Gear (Series 20, Episode 6) on the weekend. He discussed the merits driving upside down, how much he will miss Sebastian Vettel and went second fastest on the Top Gear F1 lap charts, despite making a hash of the hammerhead.

Check out the video after the break, while you can.

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Categories
BMW

OFFICIAL: BMW 4 Series Coupe – Australian pricing

F32 BMW 4 Series Coupe

Last month we gave you the inside word on Australian pricing for the new F32 BMW 4 Series Coupe. Today the official confirmation of those figures has come through from BMW. Here is the list pricing for the models BMW has announced:

  • 420d Coupe (135kW/380Nm): $73,200
  • 428i Coupe (180kW/350Nm): $86,500
  • 435i M Sport Coupe (225kW/400Nm): $108,500

You can read BMW’s full press release after the break, which also details the reasonably high levels of specification the range will come with.

However, what it won’t tell you is there will be a 135kW/270Nm 420i Coupe added to the range early next year (from November 2013 production onwards). It will be priced from $70,900.

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Categories
Caterham Suzuki

New entry-level Caterham to be powered by Suzuki

Entry-level Caterham powered by Suzuki

Caterham has revealed its imminent all-new entry level model will be powered by a Suzuki engine. The motor is a 660cc three-cylinder turbo unit and it will be the smallest engine ever fitted to a Caterham.

The engine is designed to be lightweight, efficient and fun according to Caterham. It will be mated to a compact 5-speed gearbox, also made by Suzuki. Full specifications, including power and torque, are yet to be revealed. And while we expect them to be modest, they won’t have a lot of weight to move around.

“It is not engine size that matters, it is the grin factor that is our barometer and we believe we have got the formula for our new entry-level vehicle just right,” said Graham Macdonald, Caterham Cars CEO. “Our intention for this car is to offer the joy of the Seven in distilled form, so the new entry-level car is lighter, cheaper, more economical and more accessible than ever.”

Macdonald added that he’s keen to open the order book for his new sub-Ă‚ÂŁ17,000 (AU$29,250) Caterham Sveen, which he will do next from month.

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Categories
Drive Thru MINI

Drive Thru: MINI JCW v MINI GP

MINI JCW v MINI GP

The hot hatch market has really taken off in recent times, thanks to headline grabbing models from Mercedes-Benz and BMW. So, what about traditional hot hatches—small, modestly powered front-wheel drives—can they still put a smile on your dial in this era of 350hp+ hatchbacks?

Under BMW’s stewardship for over 10 years, MINI has carved an enviable niche in the hot hatch segment. The factory-built John Cooper Works model has been around for more than five years as well. Upping the ante for MINI in 2012 was the arrival of the John Cooper Works GP. Just 2000 will be made worldwide and 55 have found their way to Australia.

And it just so happens that AUSmotive has driven the two MINI hot hatches back to back. For the purposes of this review let’s refer to them simply as the JCW and the GP. The former is a regular everyday hot hatch, the latter has been stripped out, beefed up and attempts to tread the fine line between track day weapon and daily driver. It’s also the reigning Motor Magazine ‘Bang for your bucks’ champ.

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Categories
Opel

Opel to cease Australian operations

Opel at the 2012 Australian International Motor Show

Opel Australia has announced today that it will be ceasing its local operations. It’s been a very brief flirtation with Australia and comes just over 12 months since Opel presented itself to local buyers at the Australian International Motor Show.

Since sales commenced last year the brand has sold 1530 vehicles in Australia to the end of June, across 20 stand alone dealerships. The brand cites an inability to remain competitive with its pricing and marketing strategies as the reasons for its departure.

Opel says it will work with Holden to see if there is potential to bring Holden badged Opel products to Australia in the future.

You can read Opel Australia’s full statement after the break.

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Categories
Formula 1

2014 Russian Grand Prix in doubt

Sochi F1 circuit

Despite having a seven year contract to host a Formula 1 race at the Black Sea resort of Sochi, next year’s Russian Grand Prix is in doubt after organisers failed to submit an official application to the FIA for the 2014 race in time. The deadline closed on 31 July and was missed due to a spat between the Russian Automobile Federation and race promoter JSC Omega.

The news has been confirmed by a statement from the RAF, which reads in part: “The application to the FIA for submitting the Russian Grand Prix to the 2014 Formula 1 calendar was not sent in proper time as JSC Omega (Promoter) didn’t fulfil the necessary conditions.

“That is: [it] didn’t sign a contract with the Russian Grand Prix organiser, didn’t sign a deal for an application submission and also didn’t pay a fee to the FIA for including an event on the FIA F1 calendar.

“RAF informs that it is ready to include the Russian Grand Prix on to the FIA calendar under force-majeure conditions, permissible by the FIA, as soon as the promoter fulfils all the necessary formalities.”

The dispute centers around the funding of preparatory programs for the race, including the training of track marshals. The training has being carried out to date by the FIA Institute and CAMS with funding from the FIA. However, the RAF claims it needs to secure finances from the race promoter in order to continue its preparations.

There are other areas of impasse as well, including the commercial and intellectual property rights along with the contract terms between the RAF and JSC Omega.

[Source: Autosport | Pic: Joe Saward]

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Categories
McLaren

Jenson Button talks about the Goodwood FoS

McLaren P1

The Goodwood Festival of Speed has become one of the landmark petrol head events on the global calendar. Jenson Button has been lucky enough to experience the FoS for 14 years in succession. In this video from McLaren Jenson talks a little bit about what makes Goodwood special. Oh yeah, he takes some random bloke for a drive up the hill in a P1 hypercar as well.

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Categories
Audi

Audi RS6 Avant – Australian pricing & specs

Audi RS6 Avant

Audi Australia has just announced pricing for the 412kW RS6 Avant and you’ll need to fire up your cheque book to the tune of $225,000 plus extras if you’d like to join in the fun. Initial deliveries are due in October.

The previous-gen RS6 was brutal with its acceleration and while this new twin turbo 4.0 litre V8 model is 14kW shy of the old 5.2 litre V10, we think the 3.9 second 0–100km/h time should keep most punters happy. There is the not so small matter of 700Nm of torque ensuring there’s plenty of shove when the right foot gets planted.

There’s plenty of fruit on offer as far as standard equipment is concerned. Things like adaptive air suspension, full LED headlights, digital TV, head-up display and 21″ inch alloys are included, plus a good deal more.

In addition to the base level equipment Audi has compiled four individual packages for buyers to choose from: Dynamic ($4,900), Dynamic Plus ($25,840), Carbon styling ($8,500) and Assistance ($10,375).

You can get the full detail on those option packages, along with more photos and full press material after the break.

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Categories
BMW Green Machines

BMW i3 revealed

BMW i3

After an early unofficial preview, here is the BMW i3, Munich’s first all-electric city, now car ready for daily duties. It’s the first model in BMW’s i generation, which will also see the i8 sportscar revealed in time.

The i3 was revealed simultaneously at launch events in Beijing, London and New York. Speaking at the New York premiere Norbert Reithofer, BMW Chairman, said: “Innovation drives change. The i3 is more than just a car. It’s a revolutionary step towards sustainable mobility. It is purpose-built around an electric power train to serve the needs of our megacity customers.”

Powered by a lithium-ion battery the i3 produces 125kW/250Nm and can reach 100km/h in 7.2 seconds, top speed is limited to 150km/h. BMW reckons with normal use the four-seat i3 has a range of 130–160km. When driven in its most efficient Eco Pro+ mode the predicted range is 200km.

A 25kW two-cylinder 650cc petrol engine “range extender” is available as an option and increases the claimed maximum distance available in everyday driving to 300km.

Through the use of carbon fibre body panels, along with a carbon fibre passenger cell mated to an aluminium chassis, the i3 weighs in at a relatively lightweight 1195kg.

The i3 is fitted with a tailored version of BMW ConnectedDrive functionality and has a SIM card included, BMW says it’s the “world’s first fully networked electrically powered car.” With the BMW i Remote app you can use your smartphone to check on your i3’s battery status, remotely activate on board systems such as the air conditioning (while charging), send navigation information to the car and more.

Deliveries will commence in Germany and selected European countries from November, with China, Japan, USA and other markets to follow in the first half of 2014. There’s no official word yet on plans for an Australian release, although it’s expected to be on sale mid mid-next year. Expect to pay around $50,000 for your first BMWi experience.

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