Tag: hot hatch

Categories
MINI

MINI slashes Australian pricing for F56 introduction

MINI Cooper (F56)

MINI Australia will be rolling out the new F56 range across the country this month and has announced it has slashed pricing compared with outgoing R56 models.

“The new MINI receives the latest technology and features for a much higher level of refinement,” said MINI Australia GM, Kai Bruesewitz. “At the same time, we’ve retained the engaging ‘go-kart’ driving style this iconic vehicle is known for.

“But the best news for Australian MINI fans is that we have been able to reduce the pricing of the all-new MINI, making it more accessible than ever before.”

At launch there will be three models on offer:

  • MINI Cooper – $26,650
    (1.5 litre 3-cyl petrol engine, 100kW/220Nm, 4.7l/100km, 0–100km 7.9s)
  • MINI Cooper D – $31,800
    (1.5 litre 3-cyl diesel engine, 85kW/270Nm, 3.7l/100km, 0–100km 9.2s)
  • MINI Cooper S – $36,950
    (2.0 litre 4-cyl petrol engine, 141kW/280Nm, 5.9l/100km, 0–1006.8s)

Lined up against old pricing, the Cooper D has dropped $3000, the Cooper S $3750 and the Cooper has had $5000 slashed from its list price.

Further details are available below, including a brief overview of included equipment. Full specs will be available closer to launch.

Continue reading “MINI slashes Australian pricing for F56 introduction”
Categories
Motor Shows Seat Video

Geneva 2014: Seat Leon Cupra 280

Seat Leon Cupra 280

Seat has launched its Leon Cupra 280 at the Geneva Motor Show and in doing so has officially confirmed its claim on the unofficial front-wheel drive lap record at the Nürburgring.

Of the record setting lap Seat says the Leon Cupra 280 was fitted with an optional Performance Pack, which includes uprated Brembo brakes and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres. Former Seat WTCC driver Jordi Gene handled the driving duties around the Nordschleife on a dry day with ambient temp of 10°C.

Interestingly the Seat UK press release also states the car used was fitted with a DSG transmission, but on the video published by Top Gear you can clearly see Gene changing gears with what appears to be a manual transmission.

The Leon Cupra 280 is powered by a 2.0 litre TSI four cylinder engine producing, as its name suggests, 280PS (206kW). It’s also available in a detuned state with 195kW on offer. Both tunes offer 350Nm of torque.

If this is all sounding a little familiar that’s fair enough, the engine is also found in Volkswagen and Audi models. Unlike its stablemates the Leon is not available with an optional all-wheel drive system.

Continue reading “Geneva 2014: Seat Leon Cupra 280”
Categories
Honda Motor Shows

Geneva 2014: Honda Civic Type R Concept

Honda Civic Type-R concept

Honda has given us the first look at the all-new Civic Type R with this concept model now on show in Geneva. Yeah, it’s easy to laugh at the massive rear wing and 20″ alloys and dismiss this as another rice rocket, but this, this Type R is going to be good.

At least it will have to be in order to stand up to the hype and bold statements Honda is already making about the car. It’s a “racing car for the road,” Honda claims.

For now this is all part of Honda’s lengthy tease before the Type R is launched in Europe in 2015. So all they’re giving us is that the car will be powered by a 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo producing “at least” 280PS (206kW), which we already knew.

That leaves you to enjoy the pics and video after the break.

Continue reading “Geneva 2014: Honda Civic Type R Concept”
Categories
Opel Vauxhall

Astra VXR Extreme could turn fantasy into reality

Vauxhall Astra VXR Extreme

This Opel/Vauxhall Astra VXR Extreme is about to hit the halls in Geneva and while there may be more exotic cars from the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini and some unknown Euro startup manufacturer not many will be quite as cool as this.

Much like the equally awesome Renault Megane R26.R, this is a hi-po stripped out shopping trolley-turned racecar made street-ready once more. Only at this stage it’s nothing more than a concept model. It will need a favourable reaction from the public to encourage GM to sign off on a low-volume production run.

We don’t know anything specific about the Extreme’s power output, suffice to say it should comfortably top the 206kW found in the regular Astra VXR. Rumours say 300PS (220kW) should be given a serious nudge. The 2.0 litre four-pot will be mated to a 6-speed manual box and proper limited slip diff.

We do know the Extreme is 100kg lighter than its now clearly mundane donor model. The weight savings have been made in part thanks to a mix of carbon fibre and aluminium body panels. There’s a half-cage in the back in case you bin it and Recaro racing seats up front to keep you strapped in nice and snug.

Those ingredients have been complemented with a wild body kit, adjustable suspension, big brakes and 19″ alloys shod with semi-slick tyres.

Just do it!

Continue reading “Astra VXR Extreme could turn fantasy into reality”
Categories
Renault

Renault makes another special edition hot hatch

Renault Clio RS Monaco GP edition

Renault is no stranger to bestowing a famous racing moniker to one of its road going production models and at the Geneva Motor Show we’ll see another one. This time it’s the Clio RS Monaco GP edition and this leaked image previews what is to come.

Befitting of the Monaco tag perhaps, it appears as though the Clio RS Monaco GP is all about cosmetic enhancements with model-specific White Frost Pearl paint with contrasting black wheels and trim. Inside there will be Monaco GP badging and white trim on the door panels and dash. Hmm.

Aside from that it’s all pretty standard Clio RS fare, with a 6-speed dual clutch transmission and a 147kW 1.6 litre turbo four cylinder.

[Source: Left Lane News]

Categories
Audi

Audi S1 & S1 Sportback revealed

Audi S1

Let’s say right off the bat, if this new Audi S1 is a dog to drive we’re going to be pretty pissed off. Because in almost every regard we reckon this shapes as being one of the best hot hatches on the market.

We’ve long been admirers of the A1 styling and with its facelifted details and S1 model-specific body kit this really hits the spot.

Take the quad tailpipes, for example. Often this arrangement just looks a bit too contrived, especially on a hatchback. But on this S1, combined with the reasonably aggressive rear valance, it just seems to work.

Yes, we know that it will probably have over-assisted brakes, that its steering will be a bit loose compared to its rivals and we know Renaultsport will more than likely still be king when it comes to driver involvement. But, go on Audi, prove us wrong. Please!

It is worth noting Audi has revised the front and rear suspension from the A1 donor model. The front-end gets new pivot bearings to help improve turn-in. A more dramatic change has taken place at the rear with the torsion-beam scrapped for a new four-link arrangement.

Factor in that the S1 is available exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission—really, how good is that from a company who pioneered double-clutch boxes for the road—and the signs for this S1 are good. Very good.

Perhaps the biggest hindrance to the S1’s dynamic success will be its weight. Audi is yet to put an official figure on paper. Suffice to say the A1 1.4 TFSI Sport tips the scales at around 1200kg, add a quattro system to the S1 and it’ll be pushing 1300kg.

We don’t have a lot of technical detail to give you and have listed the key specs below. Fingers crossed this car is as good as it promises to be.

Audi S1 & S1 Sportback

  • Engine: 2.0 TFSI turbocharged four cylinder engine (EA888)
  • Peak power/torque: 170kW/370Nm
  • 0–100km/h: 5.8s (5.9s S1 Sportback)
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual (exclusively)
  • Driven wheels: quattro all-wheel drive

UPDATE: This from Audi Australia: “The Audi S1 Sportback is confirmed for Australia, and will arrive in the third quarter of 2014.”

Continue reading “Audi S1 & S1 Sportback revealed”
Categories
Audi

Today is Audi S1 day, remember

Audi S1

This looks good!

It’s the Audi S1. See, BMW, someone is not too afraid to bring back a mismatching iconic nameplate. Anyway, official details of the S1 Sportback, emphasis on the Sportback (ie. five-door), will be coming your way later today. Until then here’s a series of leaked images.

Remember, it’s got a 2.0 litre engine, a 6-speed manual gearbox and it’s small and nimble. What’s not to like?

How long until the street version of the Volkswagen Polo R WRC hits showrooms?

[Source: autofilou | Thanks to Tim for the tip]

Continue reading “Today is Audi S1 day, remember”
Categories
MINI

The F56 MINI in detail

MINI Cooper S (F56)

The new MINI was revealed in November last year, but it’s just been give its full media launch. Which means you’ve got another chance to pore over details of the all-new F56 range.

As is the norm these days the new MINI has grown and it’s now a little bit longer (98mm), a little bit wider (44mm) and a little bit taller (7mm) than the model it replaces. MINI will be hoping it’s a little bit better as well.

It will be interesting to sample the lower-spec models which use 1.5 litre three cylinder engines. The Cooper S employs the biggest engine in a MINI yet, a 2.0 litre turbo four cylinder. Turbocharging features across the MINI range now in the chase for low down torque and fuel efficiency.

New pics and press material are all yours after the break.

Continue reading “The F56 MINI in detail”
Categories
Volkswagen

Refreshed Polo GTI to get manual and more grunt

Volkswagen Polo GTI

When Volkswagen released info on its updated Polo range info on its hero GTI model was pretty scarce. So much so that there were no images at all, the photo you see above is from the car’s local launch in 2010.

In fact this paragraph, buried deep in the press kit, shows the only words of any note Volkswagen had to say about the Pogo GTI:

There are also firm plans for a new Polo GTI. Here, engine power is boosted from 132 kW / 180 PS to 141 kW / 192 PS.

So a modest power increase, which most engines throughout the range have scored as well. More power is always welcome, of course, however, there’s one more headline act to follow according to UK mag Autocar.

To the delight of all hot hatch purists the updated Polo GTI will get a 6-speed manual gearbox. Hitherto only available with a 7-speed DSG the option of a trad manual transmission is a welcome, albeit late addition to the baby GTI.

You can expect the bulk of the facelifted Polo to be on sale in Australia before the year is out, while the new Polo GTI may not arrive in Australia until 2015.

Categories
Volkswagen

Volkswagen gives Polo mid-cycle makeover

Volkswagen Mk5 Polo facelift

Volkswagen has given its award-winning Mk5 Polo a refresh and you’ll do well to spot the differences, as is often the case with these mid-cycle updates.

If you look closely you’ll see the lower spoiler has been updated and likewise with the lower valance. There’s a bunch of new paint colours as well to help you spot the difference. Similarly, the interior of the Polo has been revamped to ensure trainspotters have something new to look at.

Mostly the changes are beneath the skin with the full engine range also being given the once over by Volkswagen’s engineers. All engines in the Polo now meet EU6 emissions standards and have stop/start fuel saving technology.

Other new tech added to the Polo range includes optional LED headlights, a battery regeneration mode, City Emergency Braking, Automatic Distance Control, Driver Alert and more. The infotainment system has also been updated and includes Bluetooth audio among other features.

Perhaps the biggest change of note is to the Polo GTI, which we’ll go into a bit later. For now there’s more pics and details from Volkswagen after the break.

Continue reading “Volkswagen gives Polo mid-cycle makeover”
Categories
Audi Volkswagen

Volkswagen to make 283kW Golf R Evo

Volkswagen Mk7 Golf R

Volkswagen’s assault on the upper end of the hot hatch segment has become clearer after word Wolfsburg is planning a more powerful and lighter Golf R model, expected to carry the model designation “Evo”.

The current EA888 2.0 litre engine will be developed and modified with a new cylinder head and induction system to produce at least 283kW. The Golf R Evo will be available exclusively with a 6-speed DSG transmission and Haldex all-wheel drive system. It has a target weight of sub-1400kg.

We can also expect Audi to jump on this bandwagon, too, in the guise of an S3 Plus model featuring the same drivetrain.

This news has emerged from several sources who were at the Detroit Auto Show and spoke to VW’s Franz Eichler, the man poached from Mercedes who oversaw development of the 265kW 2.0 litre four-pot found in the A45 AMG.

[Source: Autocar]

Categories
Audi

Audi S1 coming to Geneva, this year!

Audi S1

And on the eighth day God created the Audi S1. That’s not to say this hitherto mythical S1 hot hatch will be the best example of its genre, not at all. It’s just that the gestation of this little fighter has been going since the big guy in the sky started getting creative. But now, we are told by Auto Express, the Audi S1 will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Supposedly it will have around 170kW (230hp) being produced by a 2.0 litre turbo (that’s a Golf GTI engine to you and me) and will boast quattro all-wheel drive as standard. There’s no surprise to learn that a 6-speed S tronic transmission will be available, but we’re still hoping a trad manual box will be on the cards too.

Given the long haul creation of the S1 anything could change between now and March, so let’s cross our fingers and hope for the best. All while not trying to think how much this hot hatch will cost if and when it lands on our shores.

[Source: Auto Express]