Author: Liam

Categories
Volkswagen

200kW Golf R20 4motion one step closer to reality

Volkswagen Golf VI R20 spy shots

News of the demise of the V6 powered Golf R32 has been around for some time now. So too, then, has speculation over what Volkswagen would produce to replace the gap left in its R model range. Consensus seems to indicate the gap will be filled rather nicely by a 200kW Audi S3 inspired Mk6 Golf R20.

Back in March rumours were suggesting the R20 riddle would be solved in September with a full reveal at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Now, only a few weeks away from the Frankfurt show, Autocar has published spy shots that start to give some real weight to the R20 rumours.

You can see from the front grille that there is likely to be massive air intakes similar to the Scirocco R. For the first time, we can also see that Volkswagen may continue with R32-like centre mount twin exhausts.

Along with the usual suspension and chassis tweaks one would expect with a model such as the R20, it is now beginning to appear that Volkswagen’s 4motion all-wheel drive system will be fitted to the R20. That the 195kW Scirocco R is lacking the Haldex AWD system is perhaps its biggest disappointment. Of course, giving the R20 an AWD system does help to set it apart from its coupé cousin.

Now all we have to do is sit back and wait for official confirmation of the R20 at Frankfurt. If all goes to plan you can probably expect Volkswagen to release details a few days before the Frankfurt show begins. So, lets take a stab at Tuesday 15 September (Australian time).

[Source: Autocar]

UPDATE 15 September: The above speculation for release information was bang on the money—CLICK HERE!

Categories
Bathurst 12 Hour

Bathurst 12 hour searching for sponsor

Bathurst 12 hour

Word on the streets says the worst of the GFC is over and I reckon the organisers of the Bathurst 12 hour hope that news is on the money. They’re searching for a new naming rights sponsor and they say they’ve got a great product to offer.

Event Promoter James O’Brien said, “The package offers exceptional brand impact domestically and brand awareness internationally. A broad range of benefits are included in the package including some genuine ‘money can’t buy experiences’ essentially offering a unique marketing solution.”

The 2010 race will be held from 12-14 February. National TV coverage will be provided by Channel 7 with a three hour post-race broadcast. Replays will be available across Australia via Fox Sports. The highlights package will also be sent across the ditch to New Zealand, as well as reaching European and North American audiences.

[Pic: Spherix]

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Categories
News Porsche Volkswagen

Volkswagen to take 42 per cent stake in Porsche

Volkswagen factory, Wolfsburg

The Porsche-Volkswagen tug of war has taken the first of its inevitable steps with an agreement that will see Volkswagen purchase a 42 per cent stake in Porsche by the end of the year. This bit of business will cost VW €3.3 billion.

It is the first step in a move that will see Volkswagen and Porsche form an “Integrated Automotive Group”. To you and me that means Volkswagen will own Porsche, but the sports car maker will maintain its independence. The merger is expected to be complete by 2011 with details outlining the deal to be announced in a few weeks.

Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of Volkswagen AG, stated: “Volkswagen and Porsche today took a decisive step towards a joint future. As a group with now ten strong, independent brands we will further expand our unique global position. More than ever before, we now have what it takes to become the automotive industry’s number one.

“Additional new growth opportunities will emerge for Porsche under the umbrella of the integrated group.

“I am convinced that the outcome of this integration will be the best vehicles for our customers, secure jobs and the creation of long-term value for our shareholders.”

Further coverage is available at FT.com and an extensive press statement from Volkswagen AG is available after the jump.

[Thanks to James for the tip]

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Categories
Formula 1

He works hard for the money

Mark Webber

Australia’s most recent Grand Prix winner, Mark Webber, says it’s damn hard work being a Formula One driver these days. The Red Bull racer is not surprised that Michael Schumacher’s F1 return was thwarted by a neck injury.

“Your neck is designed only to keep your head on your shoulders,” he said. “If you throw a different challenge at it, such as handling massive G loads, the body responds, because it’s a clever thing, but the only way to keep your neck in condition is to drive.

“The muscles you require to complete a grand prix distance probably start to fade within five or six weeks of inactivity – you feel it once you’ve been away for a time.”

Webber knows a thing or two about returning to F1 from injury after breaking his leg during the Australian summer. Widely acknowledged as one of the sport’s fittest drivers, it has been said that Webber has only just returned to full fitness.

No surprise, then, that with a reliable and consistently competitive RB5 at his disposal, he now finds himself in the hunt for world driver’s title. The Australian currently sits second, behind Jenson Button, in the title race.

But don’t go thinking that having a good car makes this F1 game easy, no, Mark won’t be having any of that.

“Ours is not an easy working environment. It can be hard to breathe when you’re cornering at high speeds, with your rib cage cramped and big G forces pulling you around.

“Also, people tend not to realise how much muscular effort our arms and legs endure during a race – braking can require a force of 80-90kg, for instance. You’re wearing a crash helmet, there’s a radio jammed against your lips and it can be fiercely hot.”

I almost feel sorry for him!

Here’s hoping Webber’s great recent form can continue at Valencia in a bit over a week.

[Source: Telegraph.co.uk]

Categories
News

I know what you did last summer

CCTV

The Telegraph reports that Police in the UK record the movements of every British motorist, on average, almost 100 times per year. That’s an amazing figure, especially when you consider these images can be stored for as long as two years, although access to the stored data does become more strict after 90 days.

It is calculated the combined forces across Britain capture as many as 3 billion images per year using Automatic Number Plate Recognition. With 34 million registered vehicles in the UK that’s a lot of snaps of the Average Joe that are being kept on file.

Police say the images can help them solve crimes by tracking the movements of cars that are suspected of being involved in criminal behaviour. Not surprisingly civil rights campaigners are starting to ask a few questions.

Charles Hendry, Tory MP for Wealden, said: “There is a balance that needs to be struck between fighting crime and infringing the freedom of the law-abiding public.

“We all accept number-plate recognition enables the police to track and arrest a significant number of criminals and to make our communities safer, but these increases are really startling.

“Law-abiding people should feel they can go about their business without being snooped on by the State.”

I wonder how long it will be before Australian authorities cotton on to this idea?

[Source: Telegraph.co.uk]

Categories
Audi

Audi sends some V10 thunder down under

Audi R8 5.2 FSI quattro (V10)

Audi’s awesome R8 just got more awesome with the local release of the 386kW 5.2 FSI quattro model, or put simply, the R8 V10. The closely related V10 engine in the RS6 sounds sublime, so one can only imagine how exquisite it would be to have that noise right behind you as you prowl the streets.

While not exactly a bargain, it seems the Australian market has already taken a liking to the R8. Accordingly, Joerg Hofmann, Audi’s managing director, boasts, “The R8 V8 has been very successful in Australia, so much so that we have been securing additional production from other markets to fill our waiting lists. This new V10 version will certainly prove popular with an exclusive number of customers who want blistering performance, combined with head-turning design and the vast benefit offered by our vehicle which is everyday versatility.”

Indeed, a couple of weeks ago now I was fortunate to get an up close look at an R8 V10 in the bowels of Audi Centre Canberra before being delivered to its lucky buyer. The LED headlights, standard fitment on the 5.2 FSI model, really are a nice bit of kit.

Other standard fare on the über R8 includes a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo system, satellite navigation and heated silk nappa leather seats.

As well as the LED headlights, Audi anoraks can spot the difference between the V10 and V8 models by pointing out the wider sideblades which feed more air into the engine, oval shaped exhaust tips and a chrome trimmed grille.

Despite the Audi Space Frame technology, the R8 still tips the scales with a fair old weight. However, proving the 5.2 litre engine is more than just show, it can propel the 1620kg coupé from rest to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds. After my taste of the V8 model I came away thinking the car deserved more power. I reckon this might just do it!

More from Audi after the jump and you can download a spec brochure below:

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Categories
News

2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed – image gallery

2009 Goodwood FoS - 54photography.com

Here is a link to a superb image gallery from the recent 2009 Goodwood Festival of Speed. You may remember last year’s gallery, and if you do, you will know that 54photography.com are capable of capturing some very fine images.

So, set aside some time and enjoy the 250 images on offer in this year’s set.

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Categories
Ferrari Formula 1

Schumacher’s dream F1 return is over

Michael Schumacher

Like a big old tease Michael Schumacher has called off his much hyped return to Formula One. The F1 world has been whipped up into a frenzy with news the seven-time world champ would be back out on the track, standing in for the injured Felipe Massa, but it’s not to be.

It’s that dreaded pain in the neck that is behind Schumacher’s decision to withdraw. In a statement on his website Schumacher says, “Unfortunately we did not manage to get a grip on the pain in the neck which occurred after the private F1-day in Mugello, even if medically or therapeutically we tried everything possible.”

He continues, “The consequences of the injuries caused by the bike-accident in February, fractures in the area of head and neck, unfortunately have turned out to be still too severe.

“I am disappointed to the core. I am awfully sorry for the guys of Ferrari and for all the fans which crossed fingers for me. I can only repeat that I tried everything that was within my power.”

So, that’s that then. Perhaps the only followers of Formula One to be overjoyed with this news will be Ferrari test drivers Marc Gené and Luca Badoer, who will most likely settle the question of who will race Felipe’s car with a game of rock, paper, scissors. The seat is vacant for the next Grand Prix at least, which takes place in Valencia in a couple of weeks.

UPDATE: Ferrari have announced that Luca Badoer will race for the F1 team until Massa is fit to resume his place.

[Source: MichaelSchumacher.de | Thanks to Wes for the tip]

Categories
Porsche

VIDEO: 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo

2010 Porsche 911 Turbo video

Following the release of images and information about the new Porsche 911 Turbo come these promotional videos. If you’re a technical boffin you will love these. The first clip, for example, has plenty of animated views of the PDK double clutch transmission internals.

If you’re looking for footage of a 911 hanging its tail around a few corners, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Remember, “What use is awesome power if it’s just smoke and noise?”

Follow the jump now to watch the videos.

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Categories
Oh the humanity Porsche

Porsche Carrera GT lights my fire

Porsche Carrera GT fire - Shanghai

In another sad addition to the “Oh the humanity” files, here are a few pictures of a Porsche Carrera GT, one of the best sounding cars ever, meeting its ultimate end.

Perhaps the only saving grace from these shots is that the last moments of this Carrera GT were spent being driven in anger at a track day on the Shanghai Grand Prix circuit.

[Source: Jalopnik via BBS.163]

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Categories
Top Gear Australia

Steve Pizzati plays a bit of roly poly

Steve Pizzati rolls his Aussie Racing Car

Top Gear Australia host Steve Pizzati—the Australian Hamster—got himself into a spot of bother last weekend when he tried barrel rolling his car during Aussie Racing Car event. Needless to say the ordeal ended in tears, or more accurately, a “humdinger of a headache and a sore neck”.

The crash happened at Sydney’s Eastern Creek where Pizzati was racing as a guest in a support category for the Australian Superbike Series.

Fortunately he sustained no major injuries.

Not to be outdone, the original Hamster and Top Gear UK presenter, Richard Hammond, had another bingle on the weekend too. Hammond was uninjured, but his horrible Morgan AeroMax didn’t fare quite so well.

[Source: Daily Telegraph | Thanks to Tiaan for the tip]

Categories
Subaru

Public service announcement: Avoid Subaru stand at Frankfurt

2010 Subaru Legacy

Subaru have kindly offered advance warning that they will be presenting their all new Liberty (Legacy) and Outback models at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. Don’t say you haven’t been warned!

Okay, sure, the production model doesn’t look anywhere near as ghastly as the concept. But, how did Subaru get its volume seller so wrong? Previous Liberty models haven’t exactly set the world on fire with earth shattering design, but their understated style has always, to me at least, suited the brand well. If this new look is the result of trying to be more memorable, I’d rather forget it.

To continue the warning theme, the all new Liberty and Outback will be launched in Australia in early September, one week prior to their Frankfurt appearance.

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