Author: Liam

Categories
BMW

M3 watch: It’s gonna be a lightweight

F82 BMW M4 rendering by WildSpeed

More news from BMW on the new F80 M3/F82 M4 comes to us via Top Gear who interviewed Matt Collins, BMW UK Product Manager for the 3 Series (among other things), at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The good news is Collins confirmed the dietary plans for the new M icon, which will start life as a coupé and therefore debut the M4 naming. “What we’d like is more focus on lightweight engineering,” he said. “The philosophy will be around delivering performance through improved used of materials—lightweight alloys, lots of carbon fibre etc—rather than simply trying to make the engine more powerful to move the same kind of car, or scaling it back too far so that it loses its M3 roots.”

While there are no current plans for BMW to make another CSL, Collins did offer some insight into how serious they are with this new lightweight approach. “I think we’re really focusing on making this car as light as we can,” he said. “We’re not going to go halfway house with the ‘real’ car, because we’d like to get it as low as possible in the first place. The proper car will showcase a real reduction in weight.

“There are no plans at the moment to build a lightweight CSL version of the M4, but there weren’t any plans to do the last generation CSL either. We have to see what the customers think, and if there’s potential for an even more lightweight version, we’ll do it.”

We like the sound of all that. Although, it has to be said the outgoing E92 was around 1580kg, so there is scope for some weight loss. And pencil in a CSL-inspired model at some stage. It wouldn’t be like BMW to miss out on the chance of exploiting a niche market opportunity.

Also pleasing, although not surprising to hear is the lengths BMW is going to protect its enviable position in the high-powered mid-szie sports coupé market. “It’s not something we’re in a rush to market just to get it out, because it’s got to be as good as it can possibly be,” Collins added. “We think the M3 is the benchmark car; it’s the iconic car, and it’s the one that really defines the segment. It’s about making what we think is the best car in the segment even better. It’s not a competitor-focused development.”

[Source: Top Gear | Rendering: Wild Speed]

Categories
Formula 1

Sauber F1 Team saved by Russian consortium

Sauber F1 Team

The financial woes of the Sauber F1 Team have been eased with confirmation they have secured investment from a trio of Russian companies. Details of the deal are scarce at this stage but the official announcement on the Sauber website reads:

We are pleased to announce a partnership between the Investment Cooperation International Fund, the State Fund of Development of North-West Russian Federation and the National Institute of Aviation Technologies with Sauber Motorsport AG, incorporating the promotion of the sport Formula 1 in Russia and jointly developing high-technological solutions.

The partnership includes further activities for the promotion of the inaugural Formula 1 Grand Prix in Sochi in 2014 and attracting the talented young Russian generation towards motorsport. In particular, a development programme will be set up for the Russian driver Sergey Sirotkin to prepare him as a racing driver for the team in 2014.

This extensive co-operation will showcase Russian innovation at the pinnacle of motorsport. At the same time, the Sauber F1 Team will have a solid foundation to increase its competitiveness on a long-term basis.

It’s understood there won’t be any major changes to the current team structure or management. And perhaps Nico Hulkenberg might have cause to think twice before rushing towards the exit door come the end of the year.

[Pic: Sauber Motorsport AG]

Categories
Drive Thru MINI

Drive Thru: MINI Paceman Cooper S

MINI Paceman Cooper S

Sometimes the most rewarding times behind the wheel are when you start your journey with no expectation. This was brought to my attention after a chance opportunity to test a Paceman Cooper S came my way. Such was the enjoyment experienced I want to give the game away right at the start; the Paceman Cooper S was fantastic! Now to explain why.

To some the Paceman is a bit of an oddball proposition, and while I quite like the look I can understand why some people will never warm to it.

Inside it’s the usual MINI fare, albeit with a bit more space than is the norm. That’s not to say there’s plenty of space to spare—there’s not—but the Paceman does offer more practicality than the regular hardtop. Certainly, the driver and passenger won’t be wanting for more room and while there is an improvement in rear seat legroom it’s no limousine back there. Rear headroom, too, is compromised by the Paceman’s sleek roofline. Most passengers will make do, but if you’re well over six foot make sure you shotgun the front seat.

Similarly, the boot is much bigger than we’re accustomed to for a MINI, but again, it’s not going to be a class leader.

Around town I was surprised, amazed in fact, at the ride quality. The test car was fitted with 19” alloys wrapped in Pirelli run flat tyres and was running sports suspension as well. Except for extreme bumps on the road that would upset any car the Paceman Cooper S was never harsh and rode with a smoothness and surety that MINI’s engineers can be justifiably proud.

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Categories
Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

Vettel second to Schumacher in race to 30 wins

2013 German Grand Prix

Sebastian Vettel’s first victory in Germany was his 30th Formula 1 win overall. As much as we enjoy portraying him as the pantomime villain to Mark Webber’s hero, it’s easy to forget that Vettel’s career achievements to date are quite remarkable.

Of course, the three world championships headline his feats, but he could be on track to chase down the one stat we never thought could be beaten; Michael Schumacher’s 91 wins. That’s a long way off yet, although it’s only taken Vettel one more race than Michael to notch up 30 wins.

Vettel has just turned 26 and if he races into his 40s, as Michael did, there’s the potential to add another 300-plus race starts to his tally. With a current winning percentage of 27% that could mean another 80-odd wins ahead for Vettel.

Well, that’s enough baseless speculation, here’s the list of the six drivers to reach 30 grand prix wins and the number of races it took them:

Race starts taken to reach 30 F1 wins

  1. Michael Schumacher – 109
  2. Sebastian Vettel – 110
  3. Ayrton Senna – 114
  4. Alain Prost – 124
  5. Nigel Mansell – 179
  6. Fernando Alonso – 186

[Source: Motor Sports Talk | Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

Categories
Audi

Would you buy a new S3 if it was under $60K?

2013 Audi S3 Sportback

The new 8V Audi S3 Sportback is not too far away from finding its way to Australia. Officially, Audi has told us to expect a mid-60s starting price, but we’ve now heard from two different sources that the manufacturer’s list pricing for the S3 will be under $60,000 (either $59,900 or $59,990).

With stiff competition from the BMW M135i ($68,900 see below) and the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG ($74,900) the S3 probably needs to trump them on price to compensate for its lack of power; Australian spec S3s will have 206kW/380Nm, down 29kW/70Nm against the M135i and 59kW/70Nm compared with the A45 AMG.

Both the M135i and A45 AMG are reasonably well specced so Audi can’t just start low only to leave buyers to tick so many options boxes that any savings are lost.

Let’s assume, then, that the S3 will come with a similar level of standard equipment as its German rivals, at around $9,000 $3,500 less than the Bimmer and $15,000 less than the Merc, would you be interested?

Note: BMW has dropped list pricing of the M135i to $64,900. No wonder we’re reading word of the S3 being priced from less than $60,000, Audi Australia has no choice. Mk7 Golf R pricing will be very interesting.

Continue reading “Would you buy a new S3 if it was under K?”
Categories
Audi BMW Mercedes-Benz

Audi S3 v BMW M135i v Mercedes A45 AMG

Audi S3 v BMW M135i v Mercedes A45 AMG

This is what we want to read; a comparison between the three hottest hatches currently on offer from the triumvirate of German masters. Thankfully, George Kacher has put his keyboard to work on behalf of Automobile magazine:

George Kacher on the S3: The Audi goes around bends like a slot-car racer with a second pin between the rear wheels. Neutrality is the name of its game. So is it boring? Wrong term. The S3 rewards its driver with a different potpourri of talents. The roadholding is so tenacious that the Continental Sportcontact tires (225/40 R18 all round) might have harbored hidden Velcro strap fragments. The steering, overly light and a little mute, nonetheless turns honing the line into a surprisingly entertaining pastime.

George Kacher on the M135i: There is more roll and pitch and dive than we expected from a 1-series model wearing the M badge. On the other hand, grip is astounding in the dry, traction is only an issue when you ask for it by switching off ESP, and the stability through very quick uneven corners is supported by the nicely compliant spring and damper setting. So, full marks for ride quality, panache and refinement, but only 3.5 stars out of five for absolute sportiness and driver involvement.

George Kacher on the A45 AMG: The engine delivers notable extra urge with real authority, the steering fuses input and feedback to a wonderfully three-dimensional level of control, four-wheel drive distributes torque with the eerie professionalism of a poker ace dealing his rounds, and the brakes bite with vigor and determination until, at the foot of the pass, smoke signals beg for mercy. The A45 AMG is as chuckable as it is sure-footed. It can corner on three wheels, decelerate at a ridiculous yaw angle, put the power down even earlier than the Audi. What it cannot do is ride well, period. Not even on smooth blacktop.

Based on what we’ve been reading, the S3 will only find buyers in Australia due to being cheaper than the other two (and only marginally), the A45 AMG will be the one everybody wants and some of the gloss of the M135i seems to have faded in the presence of serious competition.

Although, it is worth remembering the margins being discussed in reviews such as this are often so minor as to conclude that all three cars will reward their owners well beyond the initial novelty period. It’s just that they’ll do it slightly differently. We think it’s fantastic to see so much choice in the premium hot hatch segment. A shame it’s taken so long.

Follow the source link below to read the full review.

[Source: Automobile | Thanks to Richard for the tip]

Categories
BMW

A closer look at the BMW 435i M Sport

BMW 435i M Sport

Last month BMW removed the virtual wraps from its new F32 4 Series, what we used to know as a 3 Series coupé. Naturally BMW provided slick professionally shot imagery and a high quality video to go with. This video from a product launch in Europe cannot compete with those production qualities, but it does give us a close look at a 435i with M Sport package. This is the starting point for the new M4, the true successor to the iconic M3.

Not sure about anyone else, but we like what we see.

[Source: F30post]

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Categories
Formula 1

Pirelli boss says F1 teams are too paranoid

Pirelli tyres at 2013 German Grand Prix

Pirelli’s motorsport director Paul Hembery is used to being the centre of controversy in recent times and his latest comments won’t do anything to change that.

Discussing the ability for Pirelli to complete meaningful testing during tyre development Hembery said,”We are not interested in helping one team over another, we just want to do our job. We don’t care if we do tests with five different teams, one after the other.

“The paranoia levels are high because the competition levels are high, but at a certain point that has to be let go to let us do our job.”

Hembery explained simulators can be helpful, but even that has pitfalls. “You can do a lot of things on simulators and even there I cannot use just one simulator, because then I will be told I am biasing one team over another,” he added. “That has to change. We have to have some things done differently.”

Perhaps in a bid to make a clear statement Hembery added that the controversial secret test with Mercedes in May, for which both parties were punished, was the most valuable test program he has overseen. “It sounds terrible when I say it but the best tyre test we have done for three years was with Mercedes at Barcelona.

“Looking at it in a selfish way, from our point of view, it was the best tyre test we have done. We had hard cars, hard drivers, working professionally and giving us exactly what we want.”

While much of the Pirelli drama is grist for the mill as far as F1 chatter goes, it does keep everyone on watch as to what will happen in 2014, with Pirelli’s involvement yet to be confirmed. It would still seem the most likely outcome that Pirelli will remain in F1, but who knows, perhaps even Goodyear could return after a 16 year absence?

[Source: Eurosport]

Categories
BMW

M3 watch: Carbon fibre roof likely

F80 BMW M3 prototype

The application of camouflage on the roof of this F80 BMW M3 prototype is a fairly good indication the assumption it will be made from carbon fibre is on the money. It’s expected the new M3 will weigh at least 100kg less than the previous E92 model; perhaps even as much as 140kg less.

Earlier speculation the turbocharged 3.0 litre inline six cylinder engine will boast 335kW (450hp) is still around the mark. The M3 should be on sale a bit under 12 months from now, so may well see an official debut in March 2014, at the Geneva Motor Show.

[Source: WCF]

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Categories
Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz CLA – Australian pricing & specs

Mercedes-Benz CLA 45 AMG

Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific has today announced pricing and basic specs for its CLA range, the saloon version of the A Class. We’ll be seeing three models in Australia and here is the manufacturer’s list pricing:

  • CLA 200 – $49,900
  • CLA 250 Sport – $63,400
  • CLA 45 AMG – $86,900

In the case of the CLA 45 AMG, the model of most interest to AUSmotive readers, that represents a $12,000 premium over its hot hatch sibling. While CLA 250 Sport and CLA 200 buyers are asked to fork out an extra $13,500 and $9,000 respectively compared with corresponding models from the the A Class range.

The CLA 200 is powered by a 115kW/250Nm 1.6 litre turbo four-cylinder, the CLA 250 Sport has a 155kW/350Nm 2.0 litre turbo four. When AMG gets their skilled engine-makers on the case they produce 265kW/450Nm from the 2.0 litre turbo found within the CLA 45 AMG.

The CLA 200 comes with the following standard equipment:

  • 18” Wheels
  • Thermotronic climate control
  • Becker® MAP PILOT Navigation
  • Reversing camera
  • Collision Prevention Assist
  • Blind Spot Assist
  • Pre-Safe
  • Attention Assist
  • Active Bonnet

In addition, the CLA 250 Sport features:

  • Heated electric leather sports seats with memory function and AMG styling

While the CLA 45 AMG also includes:

  • AMG Driver’s Package
  • AMG Night Package
  • AMG Performance Steering Wheel
  • Comand Navigation
  • Harmon Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system
  • Distronic Plus (Adaptive cruise control)
  • Lane Keeping Assist

We ask, is the addition of a boot and a supposed boost in style really worth the price premium Mercedes-Benz demands?

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

VIDEO: Stars on 45

Mercedes Benz CLA 45 AMG v A 45 AMG

In this video from Auto Express he who shall not be named compares the Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG against the A45 AMG. A slightly surprising choice of comparison when YouTube readers demand as many A45 v M135i comparisons as they can get their keyboards on.

Less surprising, of course, is the reviewer’s conclusion. Who would have thought that picking a winner between two cars from the same maker, with the same drivetrain and largely the same interior would come down to a toss of the coin. You could have knocked me down with a feather!

Continue reading “VIDEO: Stars on 45”
Categories
Audi

Audi cedes power to BMW and Mercedes

2013 Audi S3 Sportback

Audi S3: 206kW/380Nm
BMW M135i: 235kW/450Nm
Mercedes A45 AMG: 265kW/450Nm

Hang on a minute, doesn’t the new S3 have 221kW? Well, yes it does, but as with the outgoing 8P model, not all of its kilowatts are deemed suitable for Australia’s “hot” climate. So, when the 8V S3 Sportback arrives in Australia in December it will have a peak power figure of 206kW, down 15kW on its overseas tune.

We feared this would happen, but when we were given an official pricing tip from Audi Australia back in April the peak figure of 221kW was quoted. Great, we thought, the might of the Volkswagen Group has worked out how to overcome this rather quaint set of circumstances. Is the Australian climate is so vastly different to southern Europe, for example, that it warrants a different tune? Apparently so.

“There will be a lower power output just for hot weather countries,” confirmed Audi Australia spokesperson Shaun Cleary. “The power output will be 206kW while the European car has 221kW.”

Understanding that local buyers will need some reassurance, Cleary added, “The torque is the same and the acceleration is the same to 100 km/h, which is 5.1 seconds.”

In contrast, hot hatch buyers shopping at BMW and Mercedes-Benz dealerships will get the full complement of power on offer from their respective S3 competitors.

On paper, the S3 is fighting a losing battle against its German rivals. Where it once had the premium hot hatch segment to itself in Australia, the S3  can now ill-afford to cede further ground in a market place that is more competitive than it has ever been.

The S3 is expected to undercut the M135i and A45 AMG on price, for Audi’s sake let’s hope they can stuff the S3 chock full of standard kit.

[Source: SMH]