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Porsche

Porsche Rennsport Australia Festival 2013

Porsche Rennsport Festival Australia 2013

Porsche held their Rennsport Festival at Sydney Motorsport Park a couple of weekends back. There were over 400 cars in attendance. If you didn’t get along to the event here’s a short video showing what you missed out on. If you did go along, please tell us more in the comments section below.

Great racing. Great cars. Great Porsche spirit. This sums up the Porsche Rennsport Australia Motor Racing Festival. Porsches old and new, from road and track, local and international, together with famous faces and enthusiasts filled Sydney Motorsport Park on the May 25–26 weekend in celebration of all things Porsche. This video provides a taste of the superb on-track action from a record number of competing Porsche cars, including the first Porsche Carrera Cup Australia ‘pro/am’ endurance races, Porsche historic sports car races and historic Porsche demonstrations including the factory’s own 1981 Le Mans-winning Porsche 936 and the 2005/6 class-winning American Le Mans Series LMP2 Porsche RS Spyder, along with a host of off-track activities to entertain the record crowd over the sunny weekend.

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Green Machines Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz sets new electric record at the Ring

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive

Mercedes has knocked off Audi at the Nürburgring once again. First, Mercedes took Audi’s crown at the Nürburgring 24 hour race, now the three-pointed star has set a new lap record for an electric-powered production vehicle around the Nordschleife.

At the wheel of an SLS AMG Electric Drive Markus Hofbauer lapped the 20.832km north loop in 7 minutes 56.234 seconds. That’s comfortably quicker than the previous mark of 8 minutes 9 seconds held by the Audi R8 e-tron.

There’s no video of the lap at this stage, but Ola Källenius, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG, isn’t missing his chance to brag about the achievement.

“Mercedes-AMG impressively shows the potential of the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive with this new record on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Mercedes-AMG is the first vehicle manufacturer to have circled the Nordschleife in under eight minutes with an electrically-powered series production vehicle. This record run is further proof for our constant innovative vigour,” Källenius proclaimed.

This record is the perfect way to kick off the sales launch of the electric SLS AMG, which boasts key figures of 751hp (552kW)/1000Nm. Power comes from four motors, one placed at each wheel. Weighing 45kg each the motors can be controlled individually by the AMG Torque Dynamics system. The 100km/h sprint can be done in only 3.9 seconds and Mercedes claims a range of 250km if you behave.

While Mercedes can lay claim to producing the fastest electric-powered production vehicle around the Green Hell, they’re still some way off the outright electric record, which is currently held by the Toyota TMG EV P002 (7 minutes 22.329 seconds).

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BMW MINI Porsche

Isn’t that nice

MINI congratulates Porsche

In a rare show of inter manufacturer love BMW has passed on an official note of congratulations to Porsche for the 50th anniversary of the 911. They’ve done so as stewards of their own 50-year-plus icon the Mini/MINI.

There’s a full statement and more pics from BMW after the break, but this paragraph gets to the heart of the message:

It’s tempting to wonder how different history would have been without the creators of these two successful cars. Neither Sir Alec Issigonis nor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche had any inkling that their designs would come to be considered immortal icons of modern times. Indeed, you would have needed a very clear crystal ball to see that Porsche had just dreamt up the most successful sports car of all time and Issigonis the “world’s only cool small car”.

BMW also makes reference to that questionable MINI v Porsche publicity stunt at Road Atlanta back in 2010.

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Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes ordered to face FIA International Tribunal

2013 Chinese Grand Prix

The FIA has handed down its findings over the Pirelli tyre test controversy and Mercedes continues to find itself in hot water. They’ve been ordered to face the FIA International Tribunal because their test undertaken with Pirelli “may constitute a breach of the applicable FIA rules”.

Ferarri, who was also asked to explain its own secret test with Pirelli, has been cleared of any wrongdoing on account of using a 2011-spec car.

You can read the full statement from the FIA after the break.

The International Tribunal consists of a 12-person panel which, according to official statutes, “operates totally independently from the other bodies of the FIA and the members of the FIA.”

In regards to the penalties the International Tribunal can impose, Autosport has an article on the matter which reads in part:

The IT’s punishments are limited to fines, bans or the alternative sanctions laid out in the International Sporting Code (ISC).

The ISC says available sanctions are listed in the order of severity: reprimand, fines, obligation to accomplish some work of public interest, time penalty, exclusion, suspension or disqualification.

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Skoda

2013 Skoda Octavia vRS revealed

2013 Skoda Octavia vRS

Skoda brings us an official preview of its all-new Octavia vRS, which have a full debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on 10 July. New car launches are always accompanied by a raft of attention grabbing headlines and this new vRS is no exception, carrying the tag of “fastest Octavia everrrrr!”

Of course, the Octavia vRS has the luxury of nicking the drivetrain from the Mk7 Golf GTI which gives the car a great head start. Although, it’s interesting to note that in the Octavia vRS the 2.0 litre turbocharged four cylinder has been capped at 220PS (162kW); they’ve not been granted access to the extra 7kW made available in the GTI Performance Pack.

Fans of oil burners can also rejoice in the new Octavia vRS for it is also available with a 184PS (135kW) 2.0 litre turbocharged diesel.

You can choose from a 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG with either engine and with the manual and 2.0 litre petrol boxes ticked you’ll reach 100km/h in 6.8 seconds.

As you’d expect the vRS model has the sporty bits bolted on, meaning uprated suspension running 12mm lower than the regular Octavia. Also featured is the XDS electronic differential lock, although it’s worth noting this is not the trick mechanical XDS+ from the GTI.

Safety features and driver aids get a good run in the new vRS as well. Things like Front Assistant with city emergency braking, Lane Assistant, Automatic Post Collision Braking System, Driver Fatigue Sensor, Adaptive Cruise Assistant, Intelligent Light Assistant and more can be had to help make your driving experience a safer and more pleasurable one. We do like the keyless entry system which has been titled KESSY.

For now we’ve only been given a handful of pics, but we like what we see. Some interior shots would have been nice, but we expect Skoda will come good with all the detail during the Goodwood FoS.

And we’ve saved the best for last, too, the Octavia vRS is available in estate form—and it looks fantastic! Be cool, buy the estate.

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Volkswagen WRC

Onboard with Jari-Matti at the Acropolis Rally

Jari-Matti Latvala onboard SS6 Rally Acropolis

The official WRC YouTube channel brings selected footage to the world during and after each rally. Here we ride with Acropolis Rally winner Jari-Matti Latvala on SS6. Settle yourself down and enjoy the ride!

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Safety Issues Volkswagen

Fairfax ramps up scrutiny on Volkswagen

Senay and Seniz Suleyman

The fallout from Fairfax Media’s article last Friday, reporting on cases of Volkswagen’s suddenly losing power, continues to gather momentum. First, Volkswagen issued an official response after the original Fairfax article was flooded with comments from concerned owners.

Since then Fairfax has continued to run stories about concerned Volkswagen owners and Volkswagen Australia has reportedly pulled all its advertising from Fairfax publications.

On the one hand it is pleasing to see Fairfax has not been deterred by the loss of advertising revenue, while on the other it now just seems to be turning into a schoolyard spat with two parties trying to score points at any opportunity. For Volkswagen Australia, this is fast becoming a PR nightmare.

The latest article from Fairfax reports on the ownership experience of an 18-year-old Sydney woman, Senay Suleyman (pictured on the right with sister Seniz), who was gifted a new Polo for her 18th birthday last October. According to the article it has suffered a loss of power on four occasions and been returned to the dealer each time.

The article says Volkswagen was considering replacing the car if the problems continued, but they now claim Suleyman’s Polo is fine.

Although the Suleyman family still wants out, Senay’s mother, Suzi, said: “It’s not an option to sell the vehicle because it will simply be like selling a death trap to another motorist.”

It’s important to remember that at the heart of the problem is an emerging group of dissatisfied owners who are sharing tales of worrying behaviour from what they should expect to be reliable and safe new vehicles.

Whether some owners have been whipped up into a frenzy amidst the scrutiny from Fairfax is a separate issue, the point is Volkswagen Australia now has an image problem that it needs to sort out. And fast.

[Pic: Sebastian Costanzo]

UPDATE: We note Fairfax now has a dedicated sub-section of their Drive.com.au website for Volkswagen Problems.

Categories
Porsche

Porsche 911 50th Anniversary Edition revealed

Porsche 911 50th anniversary edition

Porsche has said happy birthday to its iconic 911 with this special 50th Anniversary Edition. Based on the 911 Carrera S it’s powered by a 294kW 3.8 litre flat six (increased to 320kW for the US market) and adorned with model specific 911 50 badging.

It will be presented to the public for the first time at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, 50 years after the very first 911 debuted at the same event.

Other notable features of the 911 50 are its wide body, taken from the Carrera 4, and retro-inspired treatments to the rear engine cover and Fuchs-like 20″ alloy wheels. The retro theme is carried inside, too, with green lettering on the main dash cluster and a pattern reminiscent of the original Pepita tartan on the electric leather seats.

Available in a flat black and two unique exterior colours—graphite grey and geyser grey metallic—the 911 50 is described as a limited edition, although no detail is given in the press release below as to the number of cars to be made.

The video after the break features a graphite grey 911 50 and an original 911 in the same colouring. The 991 is fantastic, of course, but that old skool 911 makes us go weak at the knees; it just looks so perfect.

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McLaren

Well this is a little embarrassing

McLaren P1 breakdown at 2013 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este

McLaren proudly took along its P1 hypercar to the recent Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este held adjacent to Italy’s famous Lake Como. The annual event attracts some of the world’s greatest classic cars and modern day creations too (remember the BMW Zagato from last year?).

So it was a great chance for McLaren to show off the P1 in front of the several wealthy individuals at the show. They do have 375 new cars to sell after all.

Unfortunately things didn’t quite go to plan and the gorgeous looking McLaren P1 would not start thereby suffering the indignity of being pushed out of harm’s way before being loaded into a car transporter. Oh the shame; we can only imagine the look on the face of Ron Dennis!

Thanks to Marchettino for the video, which you can view after the break.

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Lamborghini Motorsports

Hey Adrian, your tyres are cold

Adrian Newey fail

The genius of Adrian Newey knows no bounds. While preparing for the start of his Lamborghini Super Trofeo race at Silverstone on the weekend Newey noticed his front-end aero package was under performing.

Without the time to rush back into the pits for last minute alterations the master F1 designer had to take drastic action and redesign his car on course. Although, we’re not quite sure things quite went to plan.

Watch the video after the break and judge for yourself.

[Thanks to Ryan for the tip]

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Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo 4C making its way to Goodwood

Alfa Romeo 4C

Alfa Romeo brings word the 4C Launch Edition will be on display and in action at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed (12–14 July). When the 4C takes on the famous Goodwood hill climb course it will be the first time the UK public gets to see the highly anticipated sporstcar driven in anger.

But, you know, whatever. We won’t be there. Will you? Doesn’t matter because it’s still a welcome excuse to share a couple of new pics with you.

This 4C really is a fine looking machine, don’t you reckon. And with the tech specs (179kW/350Nm, 895kg dry weight) to back up its looks Alfa will really have to cock something up pretty badly if this is not a mighty fine driver’s car.

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Porsche

The Porsche 912 is beautiful

1967 Porsche 912

We love old Porsches here at AUSmotive and this superbly presented 912 has only heightened our appreciation. This 1967 model is currently up for grabs via eBay in the US, although you only have a few hours left to place a bid.

There are over 70 images of this car after the break and we expect your admiration of the 912 will grow after you’ve seen them. Being an otherwise lowly four-cylinder, compared to the six-cylinder 911, we love the 912’s underdog status.

This is a car we’d love to own. Indeed, a classic car, of any kind, is something all car lovers should indulge themselves in if the opportunity presents.

[Thanks to Craig for the tip]

UPDATE 4 June: Looks like the car was sold with a winning bid of US$33,850.

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