Author: Liam

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Fifth Gear Volkswagen

VBH drives Volkswagen’s Concept BlueSport roadster

Vicki Butler-Henderson drives Volkswagen's Concept Bluesport roadster

If you’re not a Fifth Gear fan you’ll have missed the news that they have revamped their website to now include a fortnightly TV Web Edition. Kind of like the TV show, but without that fool Tim Shaw. It’s better already!

In Episode 5, the most recent installment, Vicki Butler-Henderson is given a drive of the stunning Volkswagen Concept BlueSport (click link for more). There’s only one of these in existence so far, so it’s a rare privilege indeed.

Despite earlier news that the BlueSport would not be built, hope remains that Volkswagen can find another suitor within its vast array of marques and give new life to the concept.

So, click on the image above to see what Vicki has to say about the closest thing to an affordable German MX-5 competitor we’re likely to see (the footage starts about 5 minutes into the episode).

Categories
MINI Challenge

Australian MINI Challenge secure until 2011

Australian MINI Challenge

When the MINI Challenge first launched in Australia it was always supposed to be a five-year plan. But, the recent financial woes of the world have already claimed one major Australian series in 2009, with the demise of the Porsche Carrera Cup. So, it is welcome news to learn that the local MINI Challenge series has been secured until at least 2011.

The management rights of the MINI Challenge have already changed hands once, and the extension of the current partnership between MINI Australia and Toleman Motorsport should see the series continue to gather momentum.

Confirmation of this news was made by Justin Hocevar, National Manager for MINI Australia, at a press conference during the Sandown event last weekend.

“We’re pleased to announce our continued support of MINI Challenge into the 2011 season, and that includes maintaining all our current relationships that we have in place, including the one with our category management agency Toleman Motorsport.”

Ted Toleman, principal of Toleman Motorsport, is also happy to that the status quo will remain in place, “MINI Challenge offers highly competitive skills based racing with the backing of a global auto brand on the highest profile Championship motor racing series in the southern hemisphere, and with a comprehensive TV package that captures all of the excitement for fans. It’s got a lot going for it.”

In further good news for the category, Pizza Capers have extended their sponsorship deal for the rest of the 2009 season.

The relationship began at the Townsville round last month and Pizza Capers Marketing Manager, Adrian Burton, says his company is a good fir for the MINI brand, “Pizza Capers are a gourmet product at the upper end of the pizza market, and MINI are at the premium end of small car market, so the synergies between the two products are spot on.

“We are a company that is growing nationally and very quickly, just like the popularity of the MINI Challenge Series, plus it receives fantastic television coverage around Australia on Network 7.”

The series is now formally known as the MINI Challenge—delivered by Pizza Capers.

[Source: MINI.com.au]

Categories
MINI Challenge

MINI CHALLENGE 2009 – Round 4 TV highlights

Round 4 of the 2009 MINI Challenge is best known for Chris Alajajian’s spectacular crash in Race 1. In the clip above Chris speaks about the incident and thankfully he was not injured. Although, he did describe the accident as a “painful experience” and “very upsetting”.

But that wasn’t the only drama at this round, held at Melbourne’s Sandown International Raceway.  After Alajajian’s crash, Race 1 was red flagged and declared a no result. In the remaining two races of the weekend Glory Team Racing’s Nathan Caratti showed the field a clean pair of heels to win both races. However, he was disqualified from Race 3 due to a “breached a component regulation” relating to his brake pads. Caratti’s win in Race 2 still stands. Nathan’s team is able to appeal the disqualification, but it is not clear if they will exercise that right.

Caratti’s misfortune left Grant Denyer, from DecoRug Racing, to inherit the race and round win. “Nobody likes to win that way but I’m happy for Bill Gremos and the DecoRug team to get the Championship points and the win,” grinned Denyer.

DecoRug’s Paul Stokell maintains his Championship lead, but Alajajian was the big loser in the standings dropping from second down to fourth. Denyer is second, while Scott Bargwanna, from ROCK Energy Drinks, moves into third place.

Full television highlights can be seen after the jump. The MINI Challenge returns next month, with live race coverage from Phillip Island (11-13 September).

[Source: MINI.com.au]

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Categories
Hyundai

EXCLUSIVE: Unmasked Hyundai ix35 spotted in Sydney CBD

Hyundai ix35 spotted on Sydney's streets

Thanks to Jonathan, an eagle eyed AUSmotive reader, for sending in this spy shot of the yet to be released Hyundai ix35. The photo was taken in Sydney’s CBD and, looking at the car alongside fitted with camera rigs, it appears the ix35 SUV was being filmed for a television commercial or some promo footage. Click on the image above for a 1200px version.

The Hyundai ix35 is due for release at the upcoming IAA Frankfurt Motor Show in September and, until now, has only been spotted in deep camouflage or as a computer generated artist’s impression. The lower grille treatment and fog light detail seem to be the major differences from the predicted image published on the Hyundai Blog in July.

Looking to establish a more recognisable family face this photo represents one of the first undisguised looks at a production-ready example of Hyundai’s new hexagonal grille treatment.

Hyundai’s first teaser for the new Tucson replacement was given earlier this year at the Geneva Motor Show with the release of the ix-onic concept. Courtesy of autoblog you can see a a YouTube clip below featuring the Hyundai designers talking about the ix-onic.

It is believed the ix35 will be powered by a mix of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. The ix35 should also be one of the first cars from Hyundai to feature their new double clutch six speed transmission. The ix35, then, represents a bold move forward for Hyundai with big strides in both exterior design and mechanical technology.

For Australian readers, it is understood the car will go on sale here some time in 2010. Keep an eye out in the lead up to Frankfurt for more details.

Continue reading “EXCLUSIVE: Unmasked Hyundai ix35 spotted in Sydney CBD”
Categories
Porsche

2010 Porsche 911 Turbo

2010 Porsche 911 Turbo

Here are some new pics of the 2010 Porsche 911 Turbo. The new car does look pretty much the same, as usual, but minor tweaks in regards to the headlights, alloys and other details, that only trainspotters can identify, have changed. There are those fog lights, too. The less said about them the better.

On to the more regular stuff, then. This 911 Turbo is fitted with an all new 3.8 litre flat six. Max power is a rather respectable 368kW (500bhp) and is gained, in part, due to twin-turbos, direct fuel injection and variable turbine geometry (that sounds pretty cool). Mr Captain of Industry can order the Turbo with Porsche’s seven-speed doppleganger dual clutch transmission, or PDK for short.

All that Porsche mechanical and electronic goodness helps propel the car from rest to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds. Yeah, just like that. Pretty quick, huh.

But don’t start thinking this new Porsche is all bad for the Maldives, or any other exotic location that will be in big trouble when sea levels rise by a few millimetres. No, this new 997.2 911 Turbo reduces its CO2 emissions by almost 20% and fuel consumption is around 11.5l/100km. For an epic sports car, then, it is somewhat green. At least, that’s what I’d be telling myself if I had the cashola to buy one.

Porsche UK press release, including pricing, is available below. More information and detail on the new 911 will be announced at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

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Categories
News

Melbourne’s dodgy fuel crisis prompts advice from industry body

I woldn't buy petrol from here

According to media reports Melbourne is suffering a dodgy fuel crisis. The contaminated petrol could force an engine replacement. The issue has prompted the industry body VACC, in association with Consumer Affairs Victoria, to release a special bulletin which advises motorists, in part, to “retain your proof of purchase, which may be a receipt or card transaction docket, identifying the time and date of purchase of fuel.”

The full release can be read after the jump.

[Pic: urbex]

Continue reading “Melbourne’s dodgy fuel crisis prompts advice from industry body”
Categories
Audi

Project Anniversario brings Audi Quattro into 21st century

Audi Project Anniversario

According to CAR magazine you’re looking at the Audi Project Anniversario. A new model based on the S5 that breathes new life into the car that put Audi on the modern performance map—the iconic Ur Quattro.

The Anniversario, as the name suggests, was due for release this year, Audi’s centenary. However the GFC put the kybosh on those plans and the latest speculation suggests a launch in 2012.

It is believed the Project Anniversario will tip the scales at a relatively light (these days) 1400kg, and with a twin-turbo V6 producing a tidy 425bhp (315kW) der neue Quattro is sure to move quite rapidly.

According to reports the project has internal sign off from product planners and is now being given the once over by the bean counters to see if the numbers add up.

The artist’s impression above is not the prettiest on the eye. But, then, neither was the original Quattro. If Audi does make this model it would certainly be a very bold move. The lads at quattro GmbH have one hell of a reputation to protect.

[Source: CAR | Thanks to Costa for the tip]

Categories
Accessories & Tech

TomTom for iPhone to be around AU$200?

A recent report on AppleInsider states that TomTom for the iPhone is being sold by pre-order on a UK website for the ex-VAT price of £99 (approx AU$200). Although TomTom officials are yet to confirm that pricing, it does give some hope that the cost of the app may not be as outrageous as first thought. Especially when it appears this pricing will also include the specially designed iPhone mounting device.

However, it is not clear if the stated figures include maps. One approach TomTom may take is to sell the app and hardware for one price, with users able to choose the maps they need for an additional cost.

Other companies have already released Australian turn-by-turn navigation apps, but many customers are holding off waiting for more news on the TomTom release.

For a reminder of how the TomTom is supposed to work, check the clip above from the Apple WWDC earlier in the year.

[Thanks to Yianni for the tip]

Categories
Ferrari Formula 1

Schumacher – pain in the neck

Michael Schumacher

Never mind that big lovable smiling face from the seven time F1 world champ, the BBC reports that Schumi’s comeback could be scuppered by a neck injury suffered after he crashed while testing a motorbike earlier in the year.

A loosely translated report from Schumacher’s press agent, Sabine Kehm, states, “It is not sure yet the neck will hold and the comeback can be started.”

Aww, but we need Michael back in F1. Surely the spat with Sir Frank has a few rounds left in it.

Categories
VFACTS reports

New vehicle sales report – July 2009

FCAI banner

The latest information from VFACTS tells us that business sales are continuing to prevent sales from falling too far. While June was a bumper month, July sales returned to a more usual figure for 2009, with 75,333 vehicles rolling off showrooms around the country. That’s a drop of 10.3% on July sales in 2008.

Unsurprisingly, sales in the small car segment have increased marginally by 2.7% compared to the same month last year. In contrast to the downsizing customers, though, is news that the sports car and SUV categories also increased sales by 10.3% and 2.4% respectively.

“There is evidence that there has been some flow-on from the very strong June sales result, particularly from buyers accessing the business tax break on new investments,” FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar said.

“This has been a very successful stimulus measure and small businesses remain eligible for a 50 per cent tax break until the end of the year.”

Overall, yearly sales now total 530,566 which is almost 100,000 vehicles down on 2008 figures, or a drop of 15.3%.

Continue reading “New vehicle sales report – July 2009”
Categories
Volkswagen

New Golf GTI on Australian roads soon?

Mk6 Golf GTI

Those of you waiting for the new Mk6 Golf GTI to reach Australian shores will be pleased with the anonymous tip I received from an AUSmotive reader yesterday. Apparently a truck carrying a new GTI was seen heading from Port Kembla towards Minto in Sydney’s south west.

That may seem innocent enough, of course, but Port Kembla is one of the unloading points after cars are shipped to Australia, and Minto is the location of PrixCar, who are contracted by a number of manufacturers to make basic preparations to cars prior to registration.

Volkswagen Australia have been understandably cagey about release details for their latest Golf hero. The best info I’ve been able to get my hands on is that the GTI will be launched in October this year.

So, back to our GTI on the truck. An educated guess would indicate that, firstly an October release looks realistic and, secondly, that the GTI in question is most likely to form part of Volkswagen Australia’s press/launch fleet. This would allow reviews to take place during September in line for publication shortly after the car’s national launch. If previous form is anything to go by expect to see the first published reviews in the major daily newspapers, with the big car mags to follow.

Now, if all that GTI talk is leaving you too excited, then take a squiz this Evo magazine review where they put the new GTI up against that other car Volkswagen Australia should be bringing down under, the stunning Scirocco.

Oh, extra excitement for GTI fans may be just around the corner, too. Remember that speculation suggests the rumoured 200kW Golf R20T (or whatever it will be called) is due for an official reveal next month in Frankfurt.

UPDATE: Thanks to Ed who reports of spotting a GTI at Fremantle earlier this week. See the comments section below.

[Thanks to Matt for the review tip]

Categories
Mazda

Mazda MX-5 Superlight

Mazda MX-5 Superlight

Mazda haven’t revealed too much about this exciting bit of kit. So we’ll just have to use our imagination to think how awesome a stripped out, track focused MX-5 Superlight could be. We’ll find out more at the Frankfurt Motor Show in a few weeks. As if this teaser pic isn’t already cool enough, just check the high mount rear stop lights in the rollover hoops. Nice!

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