As well as playing with cars around the Nürburgring, German mag Sport Auto spends a lot of time at the Hockenheim track. In this video you can see a full lap of the circuit filmed from the side of a Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4. Then, for giggles we see a camera pointed at the dash as the Aventador reaches an indicated 370km/h. A GPS device apparently indicated the speed was more like 354km/h, but when you’re going that fast let’s not quibble over 16km/h.
[Source: Eurocar blog]
MINI has missed the deadline for official entry into the 2012 WRC series, Autosport reports.
It’s not immediately clear who is to blame for the oversight, but it seems to be the Munich side of the BMW–Prodrive relationship. As you would expect both parties are now desperately trying to come to a new agreement with the FIA to remedy the situation.
A BMW source commenting on the slip-up has said, “We have made two podiums already in the development year, we can’t fail but to be very happy with what we are achieving. There are a few things to talk about and time has beaten us on the deadline, but the cars will be in Monte Carlo—we couldn’t miss the MINI’s return to that rally.”
There is speculation that the BMW–Prodrive relationship is under some stress, this mistake won’t help things greatly. From the FIA’s point of view they would be foolish to cause MINI any long-term pain over this, hopefully, minor drama.
In other news, both Ford and Citroën managed to keep their paperwork in order and are officially confirmed for the WRC in 2012.
[Source: Autosport]
One week after its first teaser image Lexus returns with a look at the leathery innards of its latest concept vehicle. They also provide this short statement:
Created by Calty, the company’s design studio in Newport Beach, California, the concept vehicle will debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit at 13:25 PST (22:25 CET) on January 9, 2012.
Car magazine brings word of Audi’s plans to update its R8 model, including this mash-up rendering. Due in the first half of 2014 they say the second-generation R8 will lose its iconic sideblades and, more predictably, its manual transmission too. We can only think it would be a cost or time saving measure to drop the sideblades.
The entry level V8 engine and topline V10 are expected to be kept. Of course, power will be increased slightly; expect 450bhp minimum in the V8 and 550bhp for the V10. It seems strange that the new 382kW V8 from the S8 doesn’t appear to be slated for introduction until a mid-cycle refresh. We’ll keep a watching brief on that one.
Currently the R8’s frame is 100% aluminium, but the introduction of carbon fibre to the new model is expected to help reduce weight by around 100kg overall. Both the new R8 and next-gen Lamborghini Gallardo (due in 2013) will continue to be based on Audi’s modular sports car system. Although third-gen models are expected to be built on a Porsche-developed platform when the time comes.
Before any of this happens the current R8 will receive a light makeover, which will include, finally, the introduction or a proper double-clutch transmission. The R tronic for the R8 will have seven gears and can be mated to a mildly warmed over V10 offering 540bhp.
[Source: Car]
It doesn’t seem all that long ago we were telling you about Sebastien Loeb’s eighth world championship. But already he’s back at work testing for next month’s Monte Carlo Rally (17–22 January).
After the break we bring you two videos of the Citroën DS3 WRC in action, first it’s Loeb at the wheel, then his new teammate Mikko Hirvonen gets to find out what his new car is like to drive in the snow.
Citroën has also announced reigning Dakar champion and WRC journeyman Nasser Al-Attiyah will be joining their team from Rally Sweden. This will allow Al-Attiyah to defend his Dakar crown, although with Volkswagen now focusing on their own WRC effort he will be driving a Hummer in South America.
Also signed to Citroën on a reduced campaign is 22-year-old Belgian Thierry Neuvile, who has progressed through the ranks from the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.
[Source: Speedcafe]
With a little over one week until it airs the BBC2 has given us an official preview of the Top Gear Christmas special. You probably already know the lads are off to India and if that’s all you’d like to know then stop here. For everyone else check the offical 30 second preview after the break.
Yes, we’ve done this before, two years ago to the day…
Saab has, once again, broken the limits of its owners. This time it’s not GM, like it was in 2009, but current stewards of the Saab brand Swedish Automobile who have said, “This is the end.”
More correctly they have lodged an official notice stating: “Swedish Automobile N.V. (Swan) announces that Saab Automobile AB (Saab Automobile), Saab Automobile Tools AB and Saab Powertrain AB filed for bankruptcy with the District Court in Vänersborg, Sweden this morning [19 December].”
Actually, GM has still played a leading role in the latest fall of Saab. Swedish Automobile has been trying to negotiate a sale with Chinese auto manufacturers Pang Da and Youngman. However, much of the Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-4X model lines rely on GM technology. And as GM retains preferential shares they have been able to scupper sale plans on intellectual property grounds.
Nice one GM.
Swedish Automobile’s full statement can be read after the break. For more coverage keep a watching brief on SaabsUnited.
[via Car]
We’re not sure how we missed this video, published on YouTube in early November, but we did. It shows Jeremy Clarkson and James May discussing their now recent Top Gear Live tour, including a special mention for us Aussies.
Also revealed by Jeremy towards the end is the start date for Season 18 of Top Gear—January 2012. Conceivably that could mean Tuesday 2 January. Although, James has apparently mentioned the third week in January. We shall have to wait and see.
In a roundabout way Jeremy also gives a few hints on possible stories which may form part of the next series. If you like to be surprised we suggest you don’t watch the clip above.
Don’t forget, the Top Gear Christmas special will air next week in the UK, on Wednesday 28 December.
UPDATE 11 January: Season 18 will start on 29 January.
Alfa Romeo plans to start selling the production version of the gorgeous 4C by mid-2013 with a target price below £45,000, Top Gear reports. According to Fiat’s engineering boss, Mauro Pierallini, Alfa is currently on track to have a prototype ready for testing in around 6–7 months.
Even though the stunning concept car was a “if you build it, they will come” fantasy creation at first, it’s not expected any dramatic styling changes will have to be made for the production model. Even the carbon fibre tub of the show car should remain, although cheaper construction methods will be used for the front and rear frame, as well as the body panels.
Interestingly, the car’s target weight is now being reported as “around 900kg” which means the previously stated 850kg looks unlikely. At initial launch the 4C’s engine is expected to have around 230hp. Roughly speaking, we’re talking a power to weight ratio in line with a Porsche 911 Carrera.
Alfa hopes to sell 18,000 models over the 4C’s lifetime, which means that 300hp (224kW) engine we’ve already been excited about will likely follow later in the model’s life cycle as the range expands. Hairdressers chasing street cred, as well as style, will be pleased to know a 4C convertible is also on the drawing board.
That just leaves the price. It’s difficult to tell what £45,000 (or less) would translate to in the Australian market. However, as a reference, other cars priced in that ballpark in the UK include the BMW 1M, Porsche Boxster S and Audi TT RS Coupé. In other words, don’t expect the 4C to be a true performance bargain. Of course, that doesn’t mean it won’t be value for money!
[Source: Top Gear]
Last week we reported on the strong rumour that the rear-wheel drive Subaru BRZ would be joining its Toybaru cousin in Australia. Now, Subaru has made it official by announcing their plans to abandon their all-wheel drive only model philosophy and import the sports car.
No pricing or timelines have been announced just yet, but Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, explains the reasons for their decision, “the passion and persuasion of the FHI engineers involved in the project was telling. They have poured their DNA into this car, so it drives like a Subaru.
“Dealers have been astonished at the level of interest. Indeed the first BRZ has already been sold in Adelaide, despite no pricing or specification being released.â€
You can read the full statement from Subaru Australia after the break.
While we struggle a little with the development of M diesel power, BMW has given us new story book to help us get by. It’s the international brochure for the new 6 Series Gran Coupé.
Based on the Gran Coupé concept from 2010 this is a model that more readily fits into the BMW product portfolio. They have also given us a sneak preview of the ‘Beauty. Revealed.’ marketing campaign for the 6er Gran Coupé, which will launch globally in quarter two of 2012.
The four-door saloon coupé doesn’t make its official public debut until the Geneva Motor Show in March next year. Hats off to BMW, then, for giving us such a detailed and early preview of its newest creation.
A link to download brochure is all yours after the break.
[Source: BimmerFile]
Then it must be a diesel-powered M car. That’s pretty much the line given by Thomas Schemera, Director of Sales Division, BMW M GmbH in this second teaser video.
The clip is a little bit cheesy as BMW goes about selling its diesel SUV is worth an M-badge message. Is that M for motorsport, or M for marketing?
Word is the new tri-turbo inline six cylinder engine has been developed by M from the ground up and will see service in a variety of model lines. The only surprise here being some won’t be badged as M cars.
It’s been reported by BimmerFile that the M diesel will produce 381hp/516ft-lb (285kW/700Nm). It’ll be a stonking engine, we’ve no doubt. We’re just still struggling a little with the short term dilution of brand M.