Year: 2013

Categories
Formula 1

Where will we be in 50 years?

2012 Australian Grand Prix

If Bernie Ecclestone has his way we’ll still be racing in Melbourne in 50 years. The current deal for Melbourne to host the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix expires after the 2015 race, but Bernie reckons Melbourne is ace and hopes to stay long after his time on earth has passed.

“We hope we’re going to be in Melbourne forever, although we do get a bit of criticism and I don’t know why,” he told the Herald Sun. “We’re happy with Melbourne and I’d be happy to sign a 50-year contract.”

In the past the race has come under heavy scrutiny from local and state governments, including Melbourne Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle, who has predicted 2015 will be Melbourne’s last race. This has prompted Ecclestone to court other locations. Formula 1 would have no troubles finding a new suitor should Australia lose their rights to hosting duties.

“We get proposals from other parts, but we’re happy in Melbourne,” Ecclestone added. “Everybody loves Australia and loves Australian people, and it’s good to be there … and Melbourne, in itself, is a nice place.”

Despite the welcome attention Andrew Westacott, Grand Prix Corporation CEO, is not taking Bernie’s love for granted.

Speaking to radio station 3AW yesterday Westacott said, “There is always a risk from the other states and this is why Melbourne can never be complacent when it comes to major events and doing things that is going to keep Melbourne in the tourist branding and business eye of the world.”

[Source: Herald Sun | Pic: Lotus F1 Team/LAT Photographic]

Categories
McLaren

McLaren P1 revealed

McLaren P1

McLaren has released more information on its P1 hypercar and, while we reckon they might have a few finer details up their sleeve for Geneva, this is as close to the full reveal as we’re going to get, we think.

The P1 will be limited to 375 examples and will priced at £866,000 all in, no more to pay. What a bargain! At around €1 million that price puts the P1 line ball with the expected asking price for the Ferrari F150.

In true McLaren form they have been very clinical in describing the speed of the P1. To quote the official press release: “Instant Power Assist System (IPAS) provides astonishing acceleration: 0 to 300 km/h takes less than 17 seconds, more than 23 per cent faster than the legendary McLaren F1.”

Actually, when you stop and consider those numbers, the P1 will be astonishingly quick. Here’s some more numbers to back that up:

  • 0–100km/h in less than 3 seconds
  • 0–200km/h in less than 7 seconds
  • Top speed of 350km/h (limited)

All that pace is achieved thanks to the 903hp offered by the 3.8 litre twin turbo V8 and electric motor, which McLaren detailed a few days ago.

Grip is provided by specially developed Pirelli P Corsa Zero tyres. Stopping power comes courtesy of Akebono, McLaren’s F1 partner, and includes unique carbon ceramic discs, which McLaren claim have never been used on a production car before.

Visually the only major difference between the car you see above and the concept shown in Paris last year is the paint colour. According to McLaren the only other change of note is the addition of some cooling ducts ahead of the front wheels. Which kind of makes a mockery of the prototypes being driven around in full camo attire.

We expect there’ll be a full press kit made available after Geneva kicks off, if so we’ll bring it to you as soon as we’re able. Until then we’ve got a handful of new pics waiting for you after the break.

Continue reading “McLaren P1 revealed”
Categories
Formula 1 Renault

Renault shows off its 2014 F1 V6 “power-unit”

2014 Renault Sport F1 V6 engine

This is Renault’s 2014 F1 engine, sorry, “power-unit”. We’re not allowed to call the new 1.6 litre V6 turbocharged thingamajig an engine, apparently. Mostly it’s because they want us to think of the internal combustion bit and the sparky KERS bits as one unit. But screw you Renault, we’ll call it an engine if we like!

Renault Sport F1’s new engine has been created to comply with the FIA’s new regulations, which will come into force next year. Renault, not exactly known for road going V8 engines, is keen to usher in the V6 era so they can use words like “relevance” and “everyday”.

The ability to produce another 272 “limited edition” F1-inspred models of the Clio and Megane is just an accidental side benefit, of course.

Carlos Ghosn, Renault supremo, is also ready to cash in saying: “Renault’s continued involvement in Formula 1 serves to showcase our technological expertise on the racetrack and also contributes to the progress of our road vehicles. In each of these areas that entails delivering the ideal balance between performance, fuel consumption and reliability.

“With the new regulations, the use of electrical power stands to take on an increasingly important role in the development of powertrains, and that fits perfectly with Renault’s strategic commitment to electric vehicles.”

There’s more photos and the like from the Renault Sport F1 labcoats after the break and, for the true F1 nerds among you, feel free to download the full press kit for the 2014 “power-unit”.

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Categories
Alfa Romeo

Your first look inside the Alfa Romeo 4C

Alfa Romeo 4C interior

Here’s your first peek at the finished interior of the greatly anticipated Alfa Romeo 4C. Two things strike you at first, the lack of any gearstick at all (which we were expecting) and the exposed carbon fibre tub. For now, we’ll describe that as being on the very cool side of being tacky.

The main instrument panel will be digital, as we’ve previously shown, and steering wheel mounted paddles will help you flick through the gears.

There’s just the one pic for now, which we can’t locate on any of our usual Alfa Romeo press sources. However, Autocar is quoting words from what appears to be an Alfa press release, so we expect to stumble across official info soon.

Apparently, Alfa Romeo says the materials for the 4C have been “designed and built for maximum driving satisfaction”, while the CF tub has been left exposed to “enhance the sense of light weight, technology and uniqueness”.

The 4C will make its full and public debut in Geneva in less than two weeks.

[Source: Autocar]

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Categories
BMW

BMW 2 Series convoy spied in Sweden

BMW 2 Series (F22) spied

A convoy of F22-based BMW 2 Series models have recently been spied enjoying Europe’s chilly and snowy conditions. Out on the run, it’s speculated, were a 228i and range-topping M235i, with the possibility of one or two other unidentified models as well. There’s a video of the cars to see after the break also, for a brief moment you get to hear BMW’s lovely inline six snorting away as well.

Apparently the M235i will take the place of the expected 235i model, which may leave it as the sole six-cylinder powered car in the 2 Series lineup. Pending confirmation of the engine in the M2, of course.

Production for the F22 coupe and F23 convertible is expected to start in November this year, which probably means we’ll see a full reveal, or concept model at least, at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Here’s a repeat of our earlier list showing what we can expect to see in the full 2 Series range:

Confirmed models

  • 2 Series Coupé (F22)
  • 2 Series Convertible (F23)
  • M235i M Performance Automobile (based on current M135i)
  • M2 Coupe—1M coupe replacement (with a 2.0 litre turbo four cylinder?)

Speculative models

  • 2 Series Gran Coupé (four door coupé)
  • 2 Series Gran Sports Tourer
  • M2 Gran Coupe—M version of 2 Series Gran Coupé

[Source: Bimmerpost | Thanks to Rob for the tip]

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Categories
Audi

2013 Audi RS4 Avant – Australian pricing & specs

2013 Audi RS4 Avant

A couple of weeks back Audi Australia launched the B8 RS4 Avant to the local market. It’s priced from $149,400 and for that you get a lovely sounding 4.2 litre V8 pumping out 331kW/430Nm.

If you floor your right foot the 7-speed S tronic and quattro all-wheel drive system will get you to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds. Which, incredibly, is hot hatch territory these days. Fuel consumption is rated at 10.7l/100km; good but not spectacular.

We can’t help but wonder if the previous-generation B7 RS4 was the high point for this model. Although, if anyone wants to give us one of these new RS4s we’ll take the keys without any protest.

There’s some very nice photos taken by Easton Chang after the break along with Audi Australia’s full complement of press material.

Continue reading “2013 Audi RS4 Avant – Australian pricing & specs”
Categories
Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf VII GTD revealed

Volkswagen Golf VII GTD

Volkswagen is yet another manufacturer to show off its wares ahead of the Geneva Motor Show, with the release of information for the new Mk7 Golf GTD. The GTD follows the same proven path as the Mk6 model, whereby they’ve pretty much taken a new GTI and swapped over the 2.0 litre petrol engine for a turbo diesel of the same capacity.

In the transition to the seventh-generation Golf, the GTD has been given a modest power increase, up 10kW to 135kW. Torque has also been boosted, by 30Nm to a new maximum of 380Nm, available from 1750rpm. All this has been achieved while slashing fuel consumption as well. Fitted with a 6-speed manual Volkswagen says the GTD will use just 4.2l/100km, while the 6-speed DSG is rated at 4.7l/100km.

The good news keeps on coming, too, with the sprint to 100km/h being reduced from 8.1 seconds to a new mark of 7.5 seconds. The new engine also meets EU6 emissions standards, which aren’t due to be introduced for a few years yet.

It’s all pretty standard fare from Volkswagen in many respects. We expect the GTD will be a very competent warm hatch able to cater to almost all the needs of its owner. And we reckon it looks pretty good as well.

There’ll probably be more details from Geneva, until then there’s some introductory guff from VW after the break.

Continue reading “Volkswagen Golf VII GTD revealed”
Categories
Porsche

See and hear the 991 Porsche 911 GT3

991 Porsche 911 GT3 prototype
991 Porsche 911 GT3 prototype

The Rennlist forum has come up trumps with some excellent, and hopefully reliable, details on the new 991-based Porsche 911 GT3. The information comes from an anonymous source who claims to have met Porsche engineers at the workshop you see above.

In dot point form here is what our new best friend was allegedly told:

  • 3.8 litre engine is a brand new engine with dry sump (not DFI 9A1 or Mezger)
  • Engine will form basis of next-generation Cup cars
  • Redline 9,000rpm, tacho reads to 10,000rpm (as shown above)
  • Power is more than 450hp (335kW), but wouldn’t confirm
  • Completely different PDK transmission
  • No Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) in test car pictured
  • No Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) in test car
  • Wide body chassis used from Carrera 4
  • Car pictured is a Clubsport version with rear cage fitted
  • Recaro seats, foldable (not one piece)
  • Rear wing is fixed and manually adjustable, similar to 997.2 GT3, but has been refined
  • Air scoop is centre feeding
  • Car retains previous three-piece muffler, side mufflers look same as before, with a new smaller centre piece
  • Test car pictured running Dunlop Sport MAXX tyres (245/20 front, 305/20 rear)
  • Wheels feature centre locks
  • New brake system, with enormous front calipers, disc is alternating drilled size
  • Rear control arms look like the ones in the 997 GT cars
  • ESC (electronic stability control), TC (traction control), sport exhaust, PDK-S (shown on the centre console)
  • Nürburgring lap times around 7 minutes 30 seconds

That all looks pretty good, we’re sure you’ll agree. And judging by the audio clip below this new 3.8 litre engine sounds the business as well. In addition, there’s a few more spy shots after the break.

[audio:http://www.ausmotive.com/audio/Porsche-991-GT3.mp3]

[Source: Rennlist]

Continue reading “See and hear the 991 Porsche 911 GT3”
Categories
Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz

Hamilton fastest on Day 4 in Barcelona

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1 W04

In cool and damp conditions Lewis Hamilton set the fastest time in his Mercedes AMG during F1 testing in Barcelona overnight. Rain and red flags caused as many as eight interruptions throughout the day.

The 2008 world champion posted his best lap (1:23.282) in the morning session on medium compound tyres. Former teammate Jenson Button (McLaren, 1:23.633) was second quickest ahead of Jean-Eric-Vergne (Toro Rosso, 1:24.071).

Mark Webber (Red Bull, 1:27.616) could only manage the eighth quickest lap. Although, he later claimed it was still a fruitful day. “We got a lot of good stuff done today. The boys did a great job—the best I’ve seen them, I think, so all credit to them,” he said.

Day 4 times were well down on the rest of the week, which saw Sergio Perez (McLaren, 1:21.848) claim the fastest lap of the week on Day 2, narrowly ahead of Fernando Alonso’s (Ferrari, 1:21.875) best on Day 3.

Speaking after Day 4 Hamilton sounded a little frustrated at the conditions, but overall he seems happy with the progress being made with his new team.

“The conditions today meant that we didn’t complete as many laps we would have done in the dry but we have gone through the test items that we wanted to achieve this week.

“We have been working on our consistency over long runs and we managed one run this morning on dry tyres; the car felt okay but the conditions were also very cool, so we cannot draw too many conclusions.

“From a personal point of view, my relationship with the team is growing all the time and it’s going really well. I’m happy working with the guys, we are working in the right direction together and I’m pushing to extract the most from the team, just like they are with me.”

Pre-season testing resumes back in Barcelona next week (28 February–3 March).

Continue reading “Hamilton fastest on Day 4 in Barcelona”
Categories
Porsche

Porsche 911 GT3 details emerge ahead of Geneva debut

Porsche 911 GT3 prototype spied in Spain

The 991-based Porsche 911 GT3 will be revealed to the world at the Geneva Motor Show. Word on the street says a Porsche dealer with loose lips has leaked a few GT3 details.

First, the good news, of sorts. The 991 GT3 will be powered by a 450hp 3.8 litre flat six able to reach 100km/h in only 3.5 seconds. Reportedly the new 911 GT3 can lap the Nürburgring in 7 minutes 34 seconds. According to the unofficial database on Wikipedia, that would be a six second improvement over the 997.2 GT3, but still around 15 seconds slower than the Nissan GT-R.

It’s also expected the new GT3 will feature a revolutionary rear-wheel steering system. What is new and revolutionary about that we shall have to wait and see.

Now, the bad news. Earlier reports the 991 911 GT3 would drop it’s manual transmission in favour of a PDK ‘box appear to be accurate. I don’t care that I’ll never be able to afford a GT3, I’m still going to be pissed off at Porsche if they don’t offer a manual box in their most desirable car!

[Source: GTspirit]

Categories
Formula 1 Lotus McLaren

What’s going on here then?

Cheeky Lotus engineer snaps photo of McLaren MP4-28 in Barcelona

During our rounds this morning we came across this wonderful photo which was published to twitter last night by XPB Images.

It shows a cheeky Lotus engineer snapping a photo of the rear suspension on the McLaren MP4-28. What adds to the image, though, is Jenson Button watching in his wing mirror while McLaren engineers rcae down pit lane to apprehend the Lotus spy.

It’s a simple image in many ways, but has perfectly captured the sense of panic from the McLaren staffers.

[Source: twitter]

Categories
Ferrari Formula 1

Alonso fastest on Day 3 in Barcelona

Fernando Alonso, Ferrari F138

Fernando Alonso topped the timesheets in his Ferrari F138 in an industrious day F1 pre-season testing in Barcelona overnight.

Alonso’s time of 1:21.875 was set on soft tyres in the morning session. Most teams concentrated on race simulations in the afternoon and this was the first day of testing in Barcelona that saw no overall improvement in times after the informal lunch break.

Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber, 1:22.160) will be pleased with his second placing on the lap charts, he was ahead of a busy Romain Grosjean (Lotus, 1:22.188).

After his day was done Alonso said: “Today we concentrated on a comparison of the compounds, starting with the Soft and moving on to the Hard in the afternoon. The track was colder than yesterday, especially in the morning, which made it harder to adapt the car and find the right grip level.

We tried various aerodynamic configurations and for the first time, we made some set-up changes to get a good understanding of tyre behaviour and degradation. With every change we made, the car reacted as I expected and it was useful to try out the different settings, especially to understand which direction we need to go in next week, when there will be a greater emphasis on performance.

Once again this year, the tyres will be one of the crucial aspects to manage: they are softer and quicker, but also less consistent and they degrade rapidly with every lap.”

Meanwhile, the best Mark Webber (Red Bull, 1:23.024) could manage was ninth quickest, over 1.1 seconds from Alonso’s best. But the popular Aussie was still happy with his 108 laps completed.

“We had a pretty good run today, we’re learning plenty, so a positive outing for us,” said Mark. “Overall the car ran smoothly and once again we amassed a huge amount of data for the guys back at the factory to go through. We’d like to get a bit more mileage tomorrow in the dry, but that doesn’t look like it’s going to happen, it looks like it will be wet.”

Webber reinforced Alonso’s earlier comments regarding tyre degradation and said it’s still too early to tell who will be the team to beat in 2013.

“As usual at tests, the question of the pecking order comes up all the time but, honestly, I have no idea,” Webber said. “There are a few quick cars out there, but in winter testing it’s so hard to say if anyone’s better than anyone else, especially with the tyres going off the way they are—you’re losing four or five seconds over the course of a stint, so figuring out who’s doing what is pretty difficult. All we can do is keep pushing, keep developing and keep our eyes fixed on the first race.”

Continue reading “Alonso fastest on Day 3 in Barcelona”