We knew it was coming, but this is one of the first images we’ve seen showing the topless Toyota 86. And given we saw the pic posted to the Toyota UK blog we reckon that’s a pretty good unofficial endorsement that this car will be on display at the Geneva Motor Show next month.
It’s probably also safe to expect the 86’s Toybaru twin the Subaru BRZ will also drop its top when the time is right.
[Source: carmag.co.za via Toyota Blog]
If you happened to be a four-time freestyle skiing world champion and a very handy rally driver you’d want to combine both sports wouldn’t you? Well, why not we ask. Thankfully, for our viewing pleasure, 34-year-old Frenchman Guerlain Chicherit just happens to fit that bill and has indeed combined his love of the snow with his love of driving.
The result is Chicherit being able to lay claim as being the first ever driver to perform a backflip in a car, in this case a MININ All4, using a static ramp (ie. without the aid of a special ramp with moving elements to boost the car’s rotational movement).
Regardless of the caveats that may apply to this bold claim, watching a car do a backflip is not something you see everyday, so what are you waiting for, check out the jump after the jump!
Fans of French hot hatches will welcome the arrival of full specifications for the new Renault Clio RS 200 EDC. The car was first shown in Paris last year and was accompanied by some good detail then, but this time there’s a lot more info to sink your teeth into.
To refresh you of the basic specs, the Clio RS 200 EDC is now powered by a 147kW/240Nm 1.6 litre turbocharged four cylinder engine and coupled to a 6-speed Efficient Dual Clutch. It weighs 1204kg and can reach 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
While some may bemoan the lack of a manual gearbox and the lack of a free revving normally aspirated engine, as found in previous hot Clios, they may gain some comfort in the fact the Renaultsport engineers are still in control of the Clio RS 200’s suspension. Indeed, Renault proudly claims their latest hot hatch is the first production car to be fitted with hydraulic compression stops in its shocks.
We applaud the functionality of the RS Monitor 2.0 that allows data logging to be downloaded to a USB stick, among other very cool things, but cannot criticise Renault enough for adding the R-Sound Effect. This system allows you to tap into the car’s throttle position and so on to electronically pipe the sound of other cars through the stereo system. Really, have we descended that far into the realm of electronic trickery? Does anyone really want their Clio RS to sound like a Nissan GT-R?
After the break you’ll find another 30 or so images (the screen graphics are not available in larger sizing) and access to all the press guff you could hope to read.
We think this video review of the BMW M135i by Autogespot is pretty damn awesome. We especially love the commentary provided, and agree with everything they said.
[Thanks to Matt for the tip]
McLaren still hasn’t released any firm performance specifications for its P1 hypercar, but it has released a stunning set of images photographed on the Bahrain International Circuit. And here they are!
The P1 was launched to select clients in Bahrain last month and later this week it will be the turn of the well to do in Dubai who get the fancy canapés and to ooh and ahh at McLaren’s latest creation.
“After a successful launch in Bahrain, we are very excited to be bringing the McLaren P1â„¢ to the United Arab Emirates, where our retail partner, Al Habtoor Motors, has confirmed huge interest in this unique car,” said Mark Harrison, McLaren Automotive Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa.
“This year marks our 50th year anniversary, so it is apt that we are gearing up to launch a car that we feel will redefine the parameters for performance, on both circuit and road. This is why we have released these unique and stunning images, taken at the BIC, a location absolutely fitting for this supercar.â€
In case you haven’t noticed the Geneva Motor Show is just around the corner; the bright lights and smoke machines will be switched on in early March. That means manufacturers are releasing pics and text on the models they’ll be putting on the stage. This time it’s Audi showing us their new S3 Sportback.
We’ve already seen the new 8V A3 in three-door hatch, five-door Sportback and S3 (three-door) form, so there’s no surprises with what we see here.
However, for those who may be interested in buying a new S3 pay attention, because this is the only model we’ll be seeing in Australia. It is expected to be in local showrooms sometime after October.
Since the introduction of the 8P S3 Sportback in 2008 three-door sales have dropped to a trickle and so it has been canned in Australia, which is a shame.
Making use of the Volkswagen Group’s adaptable MQB platform has allowed Audi to shed 70kg from the S3 Sportback; it now weighs 1445kg. And with the new 2.0 TFSI motor producing 221kW/380Nm it can reach 100km/h in 5.0 seconds when coupled to a 6-speed S tronic transmission.
A 6-speed manual box is available, although we’re not sure if that will be the case in Australia, and takes an extra 0.5 seconds to reach 100km/h. Which is rather interesting given that’s roughly the same as the time required for the heavier, less powerful 8P model. Hmm.
We think the A3 range has one of the best interiors of the new baby Germans (see BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A Class), which is par for the course really. What Audi will be hoping for with the range-topping S3 is that they can start making inroads into BMW’s reputation for dynamics, without losing ground to the A Class.
The hot hatch world has a new hero. Mercedes-Benz. Yes, Mercedes-Benz, the company known for ferrying around African dictators in its armoured S Class saloons is now chasing the well to do dudes who used to wear their baseball caps backwards. Or something.
The car up for discussion here is, of course, the A45 AMG, sitting atop the A Class range, and it brings with it the rather bold claim that it has the most powerful four cylinder production engine IN THE WORLD!
So what are its numbers? The 2.0 litre turbocharged four-pot—hand built by AMG no less—pumps out an impressive 265kW at 6000rpm, which is accompanied by a very healthy 450Nm of torque from 2250–5000rpm. Low-end torque is achieved in part thanks to the use of a twin scroll turbo.
Mercedes has followed the fashionable twin clutch tranny route and with the 7-speed AMG Speedshift DCT doing its thing the A45 can knock off 100km/h in 4.6 seconds. That sprint time is also helped, no doubt, by the 4matic all-wheel drive system. A more measured driving approach can result in fuel consumption of just 6.9l/100km, Mercedes claim. Also, the engine complies with EU6 emissions regulations which don’t come into force until 2017.
The A45 AMG does boast a beautiful set of numbers, it must be said.
Naturally, the A45 also boasts a heap of AMG goodies and technological wizardry thanks to the Mercedes-Benz boffins. We quite like the sound of “Momentary M mode”, which is not a BMW-inspired bit of kit as the name suggests, but rather it refers to the ability to use the steering-wheel mounted flappy paddles to manually change gears at any time; much like Volkswagen Group’s DSG transmissions.
The 4matic set up sounds pretty much like an improved version of the Haldex units found in the Audi S3 and Golf R. Mercedes say their system is up to 25% lighter than its rivals, but it still works in front-wheel drive mode until grip at the rear is required. On the basic reading below, the maximum torque sent to the rear axle is 50%.
Other highlights include a three-stage ESP system, AMG-tuned independent suspension (front and rear), 18″ alloys, a specially tuned exhaust system and a whole lot more from the AMG parts bin, of course.
The A45 AMG will debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month, going on sale in Europe a month later. In Australia we’ll have to wait until October and while $80,000 is the figure being bandied about on the interwebs, don’t be surprised if your real-world driveaway number starts with a nine, or maybe even a 10, if you tick too many options.
But the real question that needs answering is, just how will the A45 AMG stack up against the highly acclaimed BMW M135i?
Of course, Ferrari isn’t really going to enter the WRC, but this equally pointless and excellent video makes us think that it could be fun if they did.
The uptight will cringe at this clip, for sure. If that’s you, just breathe out, relax and loosen up. Then imagine how much fun it would have been to be the chap behind the wheel.
[via Jalopnik]
Thank you Alfa Romeo.
Italian automotive icon Alfa Romeo has released these teaser images of what will become the hero model of the year, the 4C sportscar. A full reveal of the 4C will take place in a few weeks at the Geneva Motor Show. As such they’ve kept final specifications to themselves, but these pics, that’s it, that’s the real 4C that you will be able to buy.
It looks fantastic.
Actually, in truth there are a few parts of the exterior that aren’t quite right. And yet, that’s just one more piece to what will make this car the darling of the world’s motoring media. Beautiful ugly you could call it, perhaps.
What will make people really stop and take notice is the predicted performance. Let’s start with the basics, the 4C is a mid-engine, rear wheel drive sportscar that is quite squat and quite small (less than 4000mm in length, 2000mm wide and just 1180mm high). At the moment Alfa has kept quiet on the weight of the 4C, but it’s expected to weigh at around 900kg—that’s very light—so it should be very nimble.
Officially all Alfa has said regarding weight is that the car will have a power to weight ratio of less than 4kg per horsepower.
Which brings us to the engine. For now it looks as though talk of a 224kW (300hp) 1.8 litre can be quashed, as the release below confirms the 4C will use a new version of the 1750cc turbocharged motor currently found in the Giulietta Quadrifoglio Verde. For round numbers, then, let’s suggest the 4C will have 250hp (185kW), that’s an increase of 15hp over the Giulietta and would result in a power to weight ratio of 3.6kg/hp (assuming a kerb weight of 900kg).
Coupled to a twin clutch transmission, a minor negative perhaps, the 4C should race through the gears increasing pace with a feeling that can only result in the broadest of smiles for the driver.
Sounds good to us. We can’t wait to learn more!
Autoblog brings the world some great interior shots of an Alfa Romeo 4C prototype which has been spied in Michigan, of all places. As you can see the dash instrumentation is fully digital and, we imagine, can be reconfigured in a number of varying combinations. Note the 6500rpm redline too.
Other interior shots show a fairly standard looking head unit (perhaps sat nav may be an option) and model specific badging near the glovebox. Pleasingly there’s a proper old skool handbrake, too, and not one of those fashionable electronic set ups.
Although, that is offset by the lack of any sort of gear shift of any kind in the centre console. There’s simply a quarter of buttons for selecting reverse, neutral, automatic, manual and the like. Peg the 4C down for a dual clutch transmission only then?
Follow the link for more pics.
[Source: Autoblog | Pic: KGP Photography]
Car versus chopper races are nothing new in automotive television. Indeed, Fifth Gear has just had a go in their latest episode. But spare a thought for Jeremy, James and Richard’s South Korean offshoot, Top Gear Korea, as their Corvette ZR1 v AH1 Cobra helicopter stunt went very wrong.
Kim Jin Pyo was at the wheel of the ZR1 and watched on in horror as the chopper pilot ate some dirt. Thankfully nobody was seriously hurt, which is more than can be said for those of you who have read our cheesy headline.
Watch the clip after the break.
That thud you can hear is the sound of Citroën’s confidence crashing to the ground as they watched Sebastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia dominate all weekend to claim victory in Rally Sweden. It’s Ogier’s eighth WRC win but his first for Volkswagen, of course. A remarkable achievement for him and the new Volkswagen Polo R WRC.
In just two races Ogier has finished second and first and has established a 24 point championship lead over Citroën’s Mikko Hirvonen, the driver tipped to take over Loeb’s crown in 2013.
Hirvonen’s Rally Sweden aspirations were dashed early on after a relatively sedate rollover saw him embedded in a snow bank. It took over 20 minutes to dig himself out by which point any hopes of victory were gone.
Ogier, though, was calmness personified and after establishing a comfortable lead on day 1 was never seriously threatened. Sebastien Loeb piled on the pressure on the final day, but Ogier was composed and held on for a dominant win. In truth the slender 1.8 second winning margin flattered second-placed Loeb.
Rally Sweden is notoriously tricky and its record shows that Scandinavian or Finnish drivers usually win the event. Now we can add Frenchman to that list as Ogier joins Loeb as the only non-northern Europeans to taste success in Sweden.
“That is an indescribable feeling! We were screaming with joy in the car,” explained Ogier after the rally. “It is simply incredible to claim the first victory for Volkswagen and the team at only our second rally. This is probably the greatest moment of my career.
“The Polo R WRC was perfect the entire time. The guys did a fantastic job of preparing the car. So much can happen in Sweden. The conditions in the snow are so difficult – winning here, as only the second central European and ahead of the best rally driver of all time, makes me enormously proud. We had to give 100 per cent, right down to the final day, because Sébastien Loeb was really going for it right through to the finish.â€
We think Sebastien Ogier could be our motorsport hero for 2013. It’s an early call and there’s still a long way to go in the WRC season. However, Ogier appears to have a calming personality that oozes charisma and makes us want him to succeed. Maybe it’s just because we’re (generally) Volkswagen fans, or perhaps it’s because we could be witnessing a serious challenge to Citroën’s recent dominance. Something the WRC desperately needs.
A huge contrast in conditions awaits the teams for the next event when they head to central Americas for Rally Mexico (7–10 March).