Year: 2011

Categories
Peugeot

2012 Peugeot 208 revealed

2012 Peugeot 208

Following last week’s report on a new Peugeot 208 GTi, the wraps have officially come off the new 208 hatch. Based on these pics it’s quite a smart looking thing too. There’s oodles of Euro chic in the design detailing, although things do get a bit fussy on the C-pillar of the three door.

Inside, we’ve been given brief glimpse. We can see the 208 looks the part and has a nice level of finish. Although, we do wonder if its HVAC controls may be a bit awkward to use, placed under the dash above as they are.

The best news on the 208 we’ve seen to date is a continuation for manufacturer’s to shed weight from outgoing models. As such the 208 will weigh in at more than 100kg lighter on average than the 207.

It’s expected the Peugeot 208 will be on sale in Australia towards the end of next year. More pics, video and press guff for you after the break.

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Categories
Volkswagen WRC

VIDEO: Volkswagen Polo R WRC gets angry

Volkswagen Polo R WRC

Here is a fantastic video showing rally legend and Volkswagen employee Carlos Sainz thrashing a prototype Polo R WRC around some country lanes in Germany. Turn your volume up to 11 and enjoy!

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Categories
Porsche

Porsche Cayman R driving footage

BMW 1M v Porsche Cayman R v BMW M3

Regular readers will recall we tested the Porsche Cayman R a few months back. We loved it. Winding Road recently posted some footage of the Cayman R they tested and while there are no words to accompany their clip, the video does give you a small taste of what this superb car is like. Take the jump to watch the clip and read our Drive Thru review for more detail on what the Cayman R is like to drive.

UPDATE: We thought the WR video was too much of a tease, so we’ve found a couple of extra clips and added them below for you as well.

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Categories
Subaru Toyota

Subaru BRZ v Toyota FT-86

Subaru BRZ v Toyota FT-86

New website FT86club is fast proving to be the go to place for the latest information on the ‘Toybaru’ project. The Toyota–Subaru collaboration has achieved much attention across the globe and especially in the world of internet forums. The climax of that build up will be reached early next month when both cars are revealed in full at the Tokyo Motor Show.

However, the internet stops for noone and more images of the FT-86 have been revealed via a leaked TRD parts catalogue. With today’s release of official BRZ images it gives us the first chance to compare both cars side by side and that’s exactly what we’ve done here.

You can click on the image above for a larger version. When you’ve done that, tell us what you think; which car would you buy?

Categories
Mitsubishi Motorsports

On board with the 2011 WTAC winner

In August the 2011 World Time Attack Challenge was held at Eastern Creek in Sydney. Teams from around the world come to Australia, get it out and race against the clock to prove who is the fastest. On the same day, in the same conditions.

In 2010 the fastest man was ‘Tarzan’ Yamada at the wheel of his Cyber Evo with a best time of 1:30.58. And so it proved again in 2011, with Tarzan improving on his 2010 time to set a best lap this year of 1:28.851. That’s damn quick, to be honest.

The outright lap record at Eastern Creek is 1:19.142 set by Nico Hulkenberg in 2007 at the wheel of an A1 Lola. For reference, the V8 Supercar lap record was set by Mark Skaife in 1999. The best Skaifey could manage was 1:31.730.

It seems there was a bit of controversy over the 2011 WTAC event and that has since been addressed by the event CEO, Ian Baker. Now that the dust has settled Cyber Evo sponsor Yokohama has published footage of Tarzan’s lap to YouTube, which you can see above. Enjoy.

[Thanks to Joshua for the tip]

Categories
Subaru

Subaru officially teases BRZ Concept STi

Subaru BRZ Concept STi rendering

It takes two to tango when you make an affordable ‘Toybaru’ sportscar. We’ve seen some unofficial material recently for the Toyota FT-86 and now Subaru has given us an official sneak preview of its BRZ Concept STi.

Subaru’s BRZ will premiere at the LA Auto Show in a couple of weeks, meaning it will be the first in the Toybaru project to be officially revealed to the public. Although, the production ready BRZ, like the FT-86, will have a full reveal at the Tokyo Motor Show in December.

Expect the basic specs to match the FT-86, so think around 200hp from the 2.0 litre boxer engine and, of course, a compact rear-wheel drive layout.

It’s a bit hard to tell without seeing the full car, and it’s been a long time since we’ve been able to say this about a Sunaru, but we reckon the BRZ has the edge over the FT-86 so far in regards to looks.

UPDATE: Press release from Subaru Australia also added below.

UPDATE #2: New renderings added.

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Categories
Motorsports Reviews

TT3D: Closer to the edge

TT3D: Closer to the edge

The Isle of Man TT is an anachronism; one of the truly great motorsport events that, somehow, still exists in a world where corporatisation and sanitisation could take away the essence of what makes the TT so great—its breakneck speeds and inherent danger.

Now showing in cinemas across the country is the documentary TT3D: Closer to the edge. The film focuses on a handful of key riders who competed in the 2010 Isle of Man TT. The main character is Guy Martin; the quintessential ‘loveable larrikin’. His apparent carefree attitude gives him a charisma most can only dream of. This is a man who has foregone the shackles of mortgage in favour of an Aston Martin V12 Vantage, after all.

Yet, true to character, Guy is a competitor who, at 28, has promised much, but delivered little. He’s collected a few podiums at TT races, but is yet to crack a victory. Can he achieve his first win? Can he survive the dangers of the world renowned 60km road circuit?

You’ll have to watch the film to find out, of course. When you do you’ll see that filmmaker Richard de Aragues does not shy away from the dark side of the TT.

In 2010 two riders lost their lives, including New Zealand rider Richard Dobbs. Closer to the edge interviews Dobbs’ widow, Bridget, and in doing so captures this solemn aspect of road racing with respect and honesty.

We highly recommend you catch the film while you can. After the break you can see the official trailer, along with a short interview with Guy Martin filmed after the UK release in April.

[Pic: Facebook]

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Categories
Toyota

Toyota FT-86 engine has 147kW/205Nm

Toyota FT-86

As well as this new image above engine specs, and more, for the upcoming Toyota FT-86 have been revealed in new leaked material (check out the source link).

To summarise the key data, the standard FT-86 will feature a 147kW normally aspirated 2.0 litre four cylinder boxer engine, confirming its ‘Toybaru’ roots. Peak power is achieved at 7000rpm. Torque will be 205Nm and reached at a peaky 6600rpm. Kerb weight for the entry level model is 1210kg and the ‘high-spec’ model will weigh an extra 20kg. Hmm, does that engine sound a little underwhelming to anyone else?

Fuel consumption shouldn’t be too bad, hovering around the 7.5–8.0l/100km region. Stability control is included and so is a limited slip diff if you stick with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox.

We wouldn’t be at all surprised if Toyota Australia chose to revive the Celica badge for the FT-86. Expect pricing to be somewhere around the $40,000 mark.

[Source: FT86club | Thanks to Scott for the tip]

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Categories
MINI

Half the seats, twice the fun?

MINI has just sent out notice of this new promo video for its new Roadster. Here at AUSmotive HQ we’re not normally fans of convertibles, soft-tops, hairdresser cars, whatever you want to call them. But the more we see of this new Roadster the more keen we are to try it out.

Can the Roadster match MINI’s marketing claims? We reckon it just might.

Categories
F1 in pictures Ferrari Lotus McLaren Mercedes-Benz Red Bull Racing Renault

2011 Indian Grand Prix in pictures

2011 Indian Grand Prix

Some are saying the Sebastian Vettel domination at the Indian Grand Prix made it the most boring race of 2011. Whatever your stance on that, we’re sure you’ll agree these aren’t the most boring pictures of the year. The world’s best photographers have found some great angles at the newest F1 circuit on the calendar. There’s 100 pics here for you, we hope you like them.

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Categories
MINI

MINI Roadster photos & specifications

MINI Roadster

Following the release of the MINI Coupé back in June, MINI has launched its evil twin, the MINI Roadster. It’s essentially a soft-top version of the Coupé.

When compared to the current MINI Convertible the Roadster looks an altogether more cohesive design solution, thanks to its raked windscreen and rear boot lid. In fact, the Convertible looks like a cumbersome wagon. Given the cramped and nigh on unusable rear seats in the Convertible we can’t imagine one compelling reason to choose it over the much better looking Roadster.

The Roadster will be launched in John Cooper Works (155kW), Cooper S (135kW) and Cooper (90kW) spec. All feature a 1.6 litre four cylinder petrol engine, turbocharged in the Cooper S and JCW models. A 105kW 2.0 litre turbo diesel powered Cooper SD will also be offered.

Australian buyers will have to wait until the end of the first quarter of 2012 for the Roadster when it will feature in a dual launch with the Coupé.

Official photos and an introductory press release are available after the break. You can also download a PDF copy of the full international press kit, including specifications for all four model variants.

More pics to follow.

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Categories
Safety Issues

Don’t be a jackass when working on your car

Don't be a jackass

Product Safety Australia has just sent out this video warning of the dangers faced by home mechanics who fancy a bit of motoring DIY. We’re not entirely sure if an “anti-manual” is the best approach, but the message is otherwise quite sound.

According to the stats listed at the end of the video 46 people have died in Australia over the last 10 years from accidents involving car jacks. Every year around 160 people are injured while working under a car.

You can watch the video after the break and also check the Product Safety Australia website for more info.

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