Categories
Formula 1

Kobayashi quickest on Day 4 in Barcelona

Kamui Kobayashi, Sauber C31, Barcelona

Kamui Kobayashi took the Sauber C31 to the top of the timesheets on the final day in Barcelona. His best time of 1:22.312 was the quickest of the four days of testing at the Circuit de Catalunya.

Pastor Maldonado followed his good work from yesterday to be second fastest, while Paul Di Resta was next best.

As was the norm Kobayashi set his time in the morning session and was running Soft compound tyres. Only Di Resta was able to improve his standing in the afternoon session.

The teams will return to Barcelona for one final pre-season test on 1–4 March.

2012 F1 pre-season testing – Barcelona (Day 4)

  1. Kobayashi, Sauber – 1m22.312s (145 laps)
  2. Maldonado, Williams – 1m22.561s +0.249 (134 laps)
  3. Di Resta, Force India – 1m23.119s +0.807 (101 laps)
  4. Button, McLaren – 1m23.200s +0.888 (115 laps)
  5. Massa, Ferrari – 1m23.563s +1.251 (103 laps)
  6. Webber, Red Bull – 1m23.774s +1.462 (85 laps)
  7. Vergne, Toro Rosso – 1m23.792s +1.480 (92 laps)
  8. Rosberg, Mercedes – 1m23.843s +1.531 (139 laps)
  9. Kovalainen, Caterham – 1m26.968s +4.656 (70 laps)

All Timing Unofficial

[Source: Autosport | Pic: Sauber Motorsport AG]

Categories
BMW

BMW Concept M135i revealed

BMW Concept M135i

BMW has taken the engine from the E82 135i Coupé and stuffed it inside a new three-door F20 1 Series to create the Concept M135i. As its name suggests this is an example of what to expect from the M Performance Automobile range.

Not a lot of detail is given other than the fact the car uses the 3.0 litre six cylinder from the 135i and matches its spec to offer 225kW/300hp.

The Concept M135i will debut alongside its diesel-powered siblings at the Geneva Motor Show early next month.

It’s not been confirmed for official production just yet, but we reckon it’s a pretty safe bet. Currently the 160kW 125i is the most powerful confirmed F20 production model. Having 300hp in this platform will no doubt make for a rewarding driving experience, just a shame it’s a bit of a dog to look at.

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Categories
Formula 1

Maldonado quickest on Day 3 in Barcelona

Pastor Maldonado, Williams FW34

Williams, Mercedes and Sauber topped the timesheets in Formula One pre-season testing overnight. Pastor Maldonado was the fastest of all setting a best lap of 1:22.391, almost one full second quicker than Michael Schumacher. Maldonado’s time is currently the benchmark after three days of testing in Barcelona.

Most teams focused on longer running during Day 3 with Schumcaher safely tucking away a 59 lap stint. Despite managing 97 laps Mark Webber’s day was interrupted by a transmission failure which brought an end to a planned race simulation.

There’s one more day remaining for the teams in Barcelona. They will enjoy a short recess before returning to Barcelona for one final pre-season test window (1–4 March) ahead of the opening race in Melbourne (18 March).

2012 F1 pre-season testing – Barcelona (Day 3)

  1. Maldonado, Williams – 1m22.391s (106 laps)
  2. Schumacher, Mercedes – 1m23.384s +0.993 (127 laps)
  3. Kobayashi, Sauber – 1m23.582s +1.191 (99 laps)
  4. Button, McLaren – 1m23.918s +1.527 (114 laps)
  5. Vergne ,Toro Rosso – 1m24.433s +2.042 (78 laps)
  6. Webber, Red Bull – 1m24.771s +2.380 (97 laps)
  7. Massa, Ferrari – 1m24.771s +2.380 (84 laps)
  8. Di Resta, Force India – 1m25.646s +3.255 (83 laps)
  9. Glock, Marussia – 1m26.173s +3.782 (108 laps)
  10. Petrov, Caterham – 1m26.448s +4.057 (70 laps)

All Timing Unofficial
*2011 car

[Source: Autosport | Pic: Williams F1/LAT Photographic]

Categories
Bathurst 12 Hour

2012 Bathurst 12 Hour entry list

Audi R8 LMS

After the break you can access the full entry list for the 2012 Bathurst 12 Hour race. Use it as a quick reference during the race if you like.

For the record, there’s 27 cars in total:

  • 3 x Audi
  • 5 x BMW
  • 2 x Ferrari
  • 1 x Ford
  • 2 x Holden
  • 2 x Lamborghini
  • 2 x Lotus
  • 2 x Mazda
  • 2 x Mercedes-Benz
  • 1 x Nissan
  • 3 x Porsche
  • 1 x Seat
  • 1 x Subaru

We’re trialling a new table plugin so let us know if there’s any bugs. You can click at the top of each column to sort the table by that column.

Continue reading “2012 Bathurst 12 Hour entry list”
Categories
McLaren Video

Chris Harris on the McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren MP4-12C

Chris Harris is fast forging himself a solid niche with his extended video reviews for Drive. At 10–15 minutes in length they are long enough to allow the reviewer to provide in-depth feedback, without being so long as to bore the audience.

In his latest edition Harris takes up the cause for McLaren and its much hyped, but often maligned, MP4-12C. Via his Pistonheads blog Harris introduces his thoughts by asking:

Has the media treated the MP4-12C too harshly? Maybe. The odd technical gremlin isn’t such a problem. Even the biggest names have bad days, but perhaps what has undone the McLaren more than even the punchy rhetoric is the sheer expectation of a new supercar made by McLaren. Did the prospect of the values that built the Technology Centre being transposed onto a street car propagate unrealistic expectations?

I think they did. Flip those group test results on their head and you’re left with a brand new car, from a company with zero experience in this sector, that ran the best car Ferrari has ever made very close. That is a mighty impressive result.

Continue reading “Chris Harris on the McLaren MP4-12C”
Categories
Formula 1 News

Live streaming coming soon to F1?

F1 signs long-term deal with Tata Communications

Bernie Ecclestone has just put pen to paper to ink a new deal with Tata Communications. The agreement will see Tata Communications carry impressive titles on behalf of Formula One Management: Technology Supplier of Formula 1â„¢ with category exclusive rights as Official Connectivity Provider of Formula 1â„¢ and Official Web Hosting and Content Delivery Network of Formula1.com.

Vinod Kumar, Managing Director and CEO of Tata Communications, pictured above with Ecclestone said, “Formula 1 requires fast and secure connectivity, because even a split second of downtime can have huge repercussions for its business, brand and reputation.

“This delivery is at the heart of our organisation and working with one of the world’s most highly technical and innovative organisations is an exciting opportunity for Tata Communications. The collaboration leverages our technology leadership and vision for emerging markets and represents a tremendous opportunity for growth and innovation for both companies.”

The Tata Global Network of underground cables is the largest in the world and access to that network for F1 opens up seemingly limitless opportunities for both traditional television and online coverage.

James Allen has excitedly described the arrangement as “The deal that changes F1 forever.” In his blog Allen states, “This long-term deal with Tata Communications, providing fixed line connectivity, opens the door for endless possibilities, way beyond what satellites can do, including broadcasting F1 on the internet, for interactivity between audience and the broadcaster at the circuit.”

In practical terms we can soon expect F1 races, qualifying and practice sessions to be officially broadcast over the internet. It clearly represents a new revenue stream for the sport that, perhaps, it should already be a world leader in.

How much will you be prepared to pay?

[Source: Formula1.com]

Categories
Formula 1

Webber tougher than Schumacher says Rosberg

Mark Webber and Nico Rosberg, Williams F1 Team, 2006

Nico Rosberg, current teammate to seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, has declared Mark Webber the toughest teammate he’s shared a garage with during his six years in Formula One. The pair drove together for Williams in 2006, in what was Rosberg’s debut year.

Rosberg and Webber shared an amusing anecdote during the 2006 Brazilian Grand Prix. While it was Mark who provided the laughs when he delivered a razor sharp punchline following contact between the two, he also showed Rosberg it’s every man for himself.

In part, that would go some way to explaining his reply when asked who has been his toughest teammate. “Mark Webber in 2006, then Michael,” was Rosberg’s reply.

[Source: motorsport.com]

Categories
Audi

2013 Audi A3 images leaked

2013 Audi A3

Nine new images of the next-generation Audi A3 three door hatchback have surfaced online. There are some minor differences to the single image which appeared last week.

We expect Audi will come out with official info in the coming days, in advance of the A3’s world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show.

Audi has already given us an official preview inside the new A3. When considering the exterior and interior styling it’s clear Audi has taken a considered developmental approach.

The third-gen A3 is the first production model to roll out on the new MQB platform and that is likely to also usher in a suite of new engine and equipment improvements.

Overall, we think this A3 looks pretty good and are keen to discover more.

[Source: zr.ru]

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Categories
Formula 1

Hulkenberg quickest on Day 2 in Barcelona

Nico Hulkenberg, Force India VJM05, Barcelona

Nico Hulkenberg has made a great impression with his new team by taking his Force India VJM05 to the top of the timesheets in pre-season testing overnight. The young German navigated the Barcelona track in 1:22.608, almost seven tenths quicker than Vettel’s best on Day 1.

Also impressing was Sergio Perez, who was second fastest in Sauber C31, just 0.04 seconds behind. Sebastian Vettel was next managing a 1:22.891.

McLaren and Red Bull settled into race simulation mode in the afternoon. For a time Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel were lapping within a second of each other and were the only two on track—a great learning experience for both teams you would think.

2012 F1 pre-season testing – Barcelona (Day 2)

  1. Hulkenberg, Force India – 1m22.608s (112 laps)
  2. Perez, Sauber – 1m22.648s +0.040 (85 laps)
  3. Vettel, Red Bull – 1m22.891s +0.283 (104 laps)
  4. Alonso, Ferrari – 1m23.180s +0.572 (87 laps)
  5. Ricciardo, Toro Rosso – 1m23.639s +1.031 (48 laps)
  6. Hamilton, McLaren – 1m23.806s +1.198 (121 laps)
  7. Rosberg, Mercedes – 1m24.555s +1.947 (82 laps)
  8. Bottas, Williams – 1m25.738s +3.130 (117 laps)
  9. Petrov, Caterham – 1m26.605s +3.997 (69 laps)
  10. Pic, Marussia* – 1m27.343s +4.735 (108 laps)

All Timing Unofficial
*2011 car

[Source: Autosport | Pic: Sahara Force India Formula One Team]

Categories
Bathurst 12 Hour

2012 Bathurst 12 Hour race program

Audi R8 LMS

Competitive action for the 2012 Bathurst 12 Hour weekend starts tomorrow. There’s a number of support categories this weekend too, but it’s the 12 Hour race that’s the main show. After the break we’ve listed all the practice, qualifying and race times for 12 Hour race. The full race program can be accessed from the official race wbesite.

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Categories
BMW

Inside look: How to build a BMW F30 3 Series

BMW F30 3 Series assembly

Here we bring you five videos documenting the production process of the new BMW F30 3 Series. The new 3er is about to roll out in BMW dealerships across Australia so now is a great time to take a closer look at how they’re built.

We’ll be honest these clips are the most exciting things you’ll see today, but if you’re a bit of an engineering nerd or an all-round car geek then we think you’ll love them.

[Source: Bimmerpost]

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Categories
Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG revealed

Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG

Following yesterday’s brief preview of the Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG we now have official details and images.

The headline stats for the SL63 tell us its 5.5 litre twin-turbo V8 produces 395kW at 5500pm with an astonishing 800Nm of torque from just 2000rpm. Power hungry buyers can opt for the AMG Performance package to raise the game to 415kW/900Nm. Whichever engine you choose you’ll be changing gears with a 7-speed AMG Speedshift MCT.

Weighing in at 1845kg, it’s just as well the SL63 AMG has a stonking engine. It’s good enough to shift the new convertible to 100km/h in 4.3 seconds, oh the AMG Performance package saves you a whole 0.1 second. Overall the new model is 125kg lighter than its predecessor.

A car like this is about GT cruising appeal and Mercedes say the car’s Active Body Control suspension system can be set to Sport or Comfort settings. Aluminium has also been used extensively for the suspension components, helping to reduce unsprung mass.

“High-performance compound” brakes help bring things to a halt. There’s six-pot calipers doing the bulk of the work with 390mm rotors up front, with single-piston floating calipers around 360mm discs assisting at the rear.

We’re never too sure what to make of electro-mechanical steering, but we’re promised the AMG speed-sensitive system is “fleet-footed” and offers “agile cornering” with “exceptional feedback at the critical limits.”

Generally speaking the SL63 AMG looks very nice, if you’re into this type of car. But the looks are really let down badly by those droopy LED lights in the headlight cluster. Check out the pics below and see if you agree.

Continue reading “Mercedes-Benz SL63 AMG revealed”