Categories
BMW

2014 BMW M4 gets the p-chop treatment

F82 BMW M4 rendering by WildSpeed

The recent release of the BMW 4 Series Concept Coupe has inspired pixel magicians WildSpeed to have a crack at rendering the forthcoming F82 M4. Already they’ve presented us with their interpretation for the M3. So, really, it was just a simple task of transferring one to the other. Well, we’re sure it would have been relatively simple for them.

We like what we’re seeing, as well. And we also expect the lighter, faster and greener M3/M4 to delight all those who drive it.

WildSpeed didn’t stop at just the one rendering, so make sure you follow the source link below to see the new M4 in your preferred colour scheme.

[Source: F30post]

Categories
Lamborghini

Lamborghini plans new model for 50th bash

Lamborghini Aventador J

Lamborghini CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, has confirmed the supercar maker will release a new model to help celebrate the company’s 50th birthday next year. Speaking at the LA Auto Show, Winkelmann didn’t give too much away, revealing only that, “It will not be a revival or retro.”

It’s going to be one hell of a 50th birthday bash, too. Lamborghini is asking its owners from around the world to ship their cars to Italy to form a convoy through iconic Italian locations, such as Tuscany and Rome, before ending their journey at the manufacturer’s headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese. A special web portal has been set up to assist owners with shipping arrangements.

That party will take place from 7–11 May, so we’re not all that far away from finding out what the new model will be. There’s nothing to suggest the spectacular Aventador J from this year’s Geneva Motor Show will enter series production, we just wanted another excuse to feature it here. Besides, the one-off show car was sold over €2 million and we’re guessing the owner would like to ensure he’s the only J owner in the village.

The new model could be an extension of the Aventador range, all the same. Or yet another Gallardo special edition, although we’re not complaining.

Lamborghini is doing well this year, having already bettered their 2011 sales results by the end of October. The Aventador has an 18-month wait list, even with production running at 1000 cars per year. The best the Murcielago ever managed was around 630 units per year.

But Winkelmann knows he’s operating in a tough market and has to convert the opportunities he has. “The global [supercar] market is 25,000 cars, so volatility and opportunity are very close together,” he said.

Winkelmann expects he can rely on the US and Middle East to maintain their demand, but thinks Europe will be tougher and says they are “crossing our fingers” regarding the Asian markets.

[Source: Automobile News]

Categories
Volkswagen WRC

Sainz: “Polo will be fast”

Volkswagen Polo R WRC

Two-time world rally champ Carlos Sainz has been with Volkswagen Motorsport for a few years now. He won the Dakar Rally with the team in 2010 and has been heavily involved in the development of the new Polo R WRC.

Here’s what he had to say when comparing the early tests with the Touareg and the Polo: “Dakar is very different, but when we started with the Touareg we actually had quite a few little problems and we needed to work hard to find a solution. I wouldn’t say that we were competitive straight away in Dakar.

“Here, from what I can see, it should be different. You never know, but I think that the Polo will be fast from the beginning. My feeling with all the tests was very positive.”

Based on nothing other than gut feeling, we tend to agree with Sainz’s view. Through their Dakar success, Volkswagen has shown it’s got what it takes to produce race-winning machinery. And while a championship win for Volkswagen in the 2013 WRC may be bordering the realm of fantasy, we expect they might win a race or two.

[Source: wrc.com]

Categories
Drive Thru Renault

Drive Thru: Renault Megane RS 265 Trophy 808

Renault Megane RS 265 Trophy 808

If people keep telling you how good something is, when you eventually get to sample it for yourself, you naturally start hunting for flaws. In this case, we’re talking about the Renault Megane RS 265; specifically the Trophy 808 edition.

Motoring press the world over cannot seem to heap enough praise on the pugnaciously styled Megane hot hatch. The look is very much a love or hate proposition. But after driving the RS 265 for myself, I could only come to one conclusion; I loved it! I tried really hard to disprove the general consensus and, aside from a few minor gripes, I ended up falling in line with the crowd.

So, what makes the Megane RS 265 so damn good? It all starts when you sit behind the wheel. The seating position is close to perfect. Helped, of course, by the Recaro seats that are standard in the Trophy 808. The pedal placement is actually perfect; anyone should be able to heel and toe in this car.

There are some faults inside the cabin. Namely some of the controls and stalks are hard to see and difficult to use. Although, I’m sure such gripes would be overcome with long term ownership.

Around town… you know what, let’s forget about city commuting for the moment. You’re probably not interested in that anyway, and who can blame you.

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Categories
Aston Martin

Aston Martin opts for Italian injection

Aston Martin badge

After hanging out 50% of its stock as bait, Aston Martin has selected Investindustrial as its newest bed fellow. The southern European investment specialists have handed over £150 million and will receive 37.5% of Aston Martin in return.

The Investment Dar company still retains a majority shareholding.

The input of fresh capital will allow Aston to continue its long-term growth ambitions. Aston Martin Chairman, David Richards explains: “Investindustrial’s new investment reflects and sustains the unique position of Aston Martin within the industry. With this partnership and the continued commitment of The Investment Dar, we look forward to working with our shareholders as we realise our vision and exciting future plans.”

Andrea C Bonomi, Senior Principal at Investindustrial, comments: “We are delighted to form part of this iconic global, but quintessentially British brand. We are looking forward to working with the management and Investment Dar to achieve a similar transformation and rejuvenation that we achieved with Ducati, by expanding the model range and strengthening the dealership network, throughout the world.”

Aston Martin is based in Gaydon, Warwickshire and employs 1600 people. It is the world’s only luxury sportscar brand not be underpinned by a major manufacturer. This independence allows it to forge unique model lines, but means it cannot share development costs among other platforms.

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Fiat Hyundai Kia Mazda Mitsubishi Nissan Toyota VFACTS reports

New vehicle sales report – November 2012

FCAI banner

Well done Australia, for the first time on record you’ve bought more than 1 million new vehicles before the end of November. The year-to-date figure at the end of last month was 1,016,605, a 10.9% increase compared with the same time frame last year.

As always, string demand for SUVs in the private sector has fuelled the growth, but so too has a resurgence in sales of passenger vehicles.

Meanwhile, Government fleet sales have dropped off by a total of 35.1% compared with November 2011 and by almost 21% since the start of the year.

The top three selling brands in November were Toyota (19,312), Holden (10,354) and Mazda (8,732). While the three best selling models were the Toyota Corolla (4,190), the Mazda3 (3,703) and the Toyota HiLux (3,059).

Congratulations to Mazda, too, who has recorded its best ever annual sales results, with a month still remaining in the year.

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Categories
Motorsports Porsche

2013 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup revealed

2013 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup

Just a day after releasing a teaser video, Porsche is telling the world all about its new competition-only 911 GT3 Cup. The 991-based racer is powered by 338kW (460hp) 3.8 litre flat six cylinder engine, which probably tells us the yet to be released road-going model will stick with the same size engine.

Paddle shifters on the steering wheel are used for the first time in a Porsche trophy car. They should make moving through the 6-speed dogbox a little easier. Tyre widths have been increased, an extra 20mm on the front sees 270-section tyres being used, with an extra 10mm at the rear resulting in 310-section tyres.

Other aspects improved over the old 997 model include braking and safety. The race seat, for example, offers better neck and head protection. A specially designed escape hatch in the roof has been added to make access to the cockpit easier in the event of a serious accident.

Want one? You’ll need €181,200 plus taxes to buy yourself a new GT3 Cup and then, of course, running costs to play.

Continue reading “2013 Porsche 911 GT3 Cup revealed”
Categories
Volkswagen

Road-going Volkswagen Polo R WRC revealed

Volkswagen Polo R WRC

Volkswagen’s brand new rally weapon wasn’t the only bit of machinery in the company’s arsenal on display in Monte Carlo overnight. They also brought along the promised road-going version of the Polo R WRC. Confusingly, both cars carry the same title.

A quick glance over the spec sheet of the production model Polo R WRC will be sure to bring a smile to most hot hatch fans. Volkswagen has managed to stuff a 2.0 TSI engine under the bonnet and, crucially, a 6-speed manual gearbox too. That last bit will be music to the ears of Polo GTI fans who have hitherto been lamenting the fact that car was only available with a DSG transmission.

On paper, outright performance from the Polo R WRC doesn’t look earth shattering. Volkswagen says 0–100km/h takes 6.4 seconds, thanks to the 162kW/350Nm being sent through the front wheels. Indeed, we’d not be surprised if there’s some sort of torque-limiting trickery in first gear, and possibly second as well. However, once up and going we expect the in-gear acceleration to provide the driver with a wide grin.

Given the drama displayed by the rally car, the bodykit on the road-going Polo R WRC is a little tame, although the 18″ Cagliari alloys do look quite nice. VW has perhaps tried to help the conservative body by adding competition-inspired decals on the bonnet and just above the side skirts. They won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but considering the Polo R WRC will be limited to just 2500 examples worldwide, it’s not like you’ll be seeing them everyday.

Available only as a three-door and exclusively in white you’ll need €33,900 and a bit of patience to get your hands on one of these. The order book opens next week, but deliveries are not scheduled until September 2013.

In case you’re wondering, the asking price is the best part of €11K more than the German list price for a Polo GTI. It’s even more than €6K more expensive that an entry-level Golf GTI. Hmm, perhaps, price may be the killer from preventing the Polo R WRC coming to Australia; we’re not actually certain than any RHD models will be made in any case. Emails are being sent to VW HQ now.

For now, Volkswagen has really given us just the single photo to go with this unveiling. So, after the press release below we’ll include the pics of the Polo R WRC “Street” which was displayed at the Wörthersee show in May.

UPDATE 11 December: Just read a report elsewhere suggesting the road-going Polo R WRC will be left-hand drive only. Yesterday, we asked VW Australia for a comment on its availability down under, the reply was along the lines of “It’s too early to say, ask again next year.”

Continue reading “Road-going Volkswagen Polo R WRC revealed”
Categories
Volkswagen WRC

Race-ready Volkswagen Polo R WRC revealed

Volkswagen Polo R WRC

The long wait is almost over and the wraps have finally come off the race-ready Volkswagen Polo R WRC at a special launch event in Monaco overnight. In pictures, at least, the newest WRC weapon looks hard to beat.

Powered by a 1.6 litre turbocharged four cylinder, as the WRC specs dictate, the Polo R WRC has 232kW (315hp) and 425Nm to play with. On the right surface it will see off 100km/h in 3.9 seconds, and don’t you reckon that would be a heap of fun to experience!

Volkswagen will start the season with two cars, driven by Sebastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia and Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila. Team bosses have clearly stated that both drivers “will start the season on equal footing.” But it won’t be long until they’ll have a junior pairing snapping at their heels.

Making their debut in round four, at Rally Portugal, will be junior pairing Andreas Mikkelsen and Mikko Markkula. They have strong ambitions, too. “Volkswagen is a very goal-oriented team, which has developed beyond measure during the preparations for the World Rally Championship,” says Mikkelsen. “The team left nothing to chance during the ‘Dakar’ project, and demonstrated the right approach to motorsport. I can learn a lot here and achieve a lot in the future.”

Meanwhile, Sebastien Ogier will be hoping his year away from the top-level hasn’t gone to waste. “After over a year and a half of preparations, I can hardly wait to pull up to the start of the ‘Monte’ with the Polo R WRC and see where we stand compared to the opposition,” he said.

Volkswagen will have tough competition in the form of Citroën, but we won’t be at all surprised if the Polo R WRC is able to sweep all before it. We think Jari-Matti Latvala agrees with us, too. “For me, Volkswagen is the best option as I strive to close in on my personal goal: the World Championship title,” said Latvala. “The team has impressed me with its determination and the pleasant way in which everyone treats each other. Every individual is absolutely committed to helping the whole team be successful. I am really excited about the Monte.”

The 2013 WRC season kicks off with Rallye Monte Carlo on 20 January.

More details on the Polo R WRC await after the break.

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Categories
Porsche

Is the Panamera Sport Turismo any good?

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

When Porsche unveiled the Panamera Sport Turismo at the Paris Motor Show earlier this year it was a revelation. The awkward arse of the Panamera could actually look good. All it needed was a bit more junk in the trunk.

And while the Panamera Sport Turismo remains a concept only, officially speaking. We think it’s pretty clear they will send it down the production line. Which begs the question, is it any good?

Autocar has been lucky enough to be granted a test drive of the concept model, which includes a fully functioning e-hybrid system. Here’s a few thoughts (follow source link below for full story):

“It’s well mannered and genuinely fun to drive. You can whip it down the road with utter confidence, relying on the fluid actions and response that you might expect of a true production car. This is not something you could say of most concepts. The steering is nicely resolved, too: direct away from the straight-ahead and weighty as lock increases. It could use a little more low-speed feedback and a greater eagerness to self-centre, but the electro-mechanical system operates with conviction and precision.”

[Source: Autocar]

Categories
Audi Nissan

VIDEO: Audi A1 quattro v Nissan GT-R

Audi A1 quattro v Nissan GT-R

We wonder, have you ever thought of comparing the limited-edition Audi A1 quattro (188kW/350Nm) with the all-conquering Nissan GT-R (404kW/632Nm)? No, neither had we.

Thankfully, or not as the case may be, Autocar did dream up this odd-ball comparison. Moreover, throw a soaking wet track into the equation and what you may have thought would be a simple walkover for the GT-R becomes a little bit closer than you might think, even though both cars have all-wheel drive.

After you’ve watched the clip, we’d love to hear your thoughts below. Do you reckon it was a fair comparison? Or do you think it was an entirely pointless exercise?

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Categories
Mazda

All-new Mazda6 arrives in local showrooms

All-new Mazda6 now on sale in Australia

Mazda Australia has already achieved a new sales record this year. And we think the arrival of the stylish new Mazda6 to local showrooms will further send the brand’s sales tally into overdrive.

Buyers can choose from two engines, a 2.5 litre petrol engine providing 138kW/250Nm or a 2.2 litre diesel which produces 129kW/420Nm. The latter will feature in the return of the Celebrity Race at next year’s Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Impressive fuel consumption has never really been a huge strong point for the Mazda6, but that’s all about to change, thanks in part to the company’s innovative i-ELOOP technology. Coupled to a 6-speed auto, the only transmission offered, the petrol engine uses 6.6l/100km on the combined cycle, while the diesel is rated at 5.4l/100km.

Four trim levels are provided, all available in sedan or wagon configurations. The range starts with the petrol only Sport model. The remaining three models are all available with the diesel engine for a $3000 premium. The trims offered are Touring, GT and the range-topping Atenza, which features extra safety technology such as radar-guided cruise control and blind spot monitoring.

A full driveaway price list (ACT pricing) is available below, along with more photos and Mazda’s 44-page press kit.

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