Author: Liam

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BMW Past master

Past master: BMW E30 M3

The BMW E30 M3—the most successful touring car ever.

The festive season is a time to reflect and enjoy the company of loved ones. So what better time, then, to reflect on one of BMW’s finest motoring achievements. There wouldn’t be too many motoring enthusiasts that don’t go weak at the knees when they see an E30 M3 on the road today. It’s all about respect—from its classic 1980s styling, to its racing heritage and, of course, to its place in the history books as one of BMW’s best ever road cars.

The opening paragraph makes a bold claim, but it is one made by many and the little M3’s honour roll makes for impressive reading. Four consecutive wins in the Nürburgring 24 hour race (1990–92), four wins in six years at the Spa 24 hour race (1987, 1988, 1990, 1992) are impressive enough. But add those to a list of series wins, including the inaugural World Touring Car Championship (1987), two British Touring Car crowns (1988, 1991), two European Touring Car Championships (1987, 1988), two German DTM titles (1987, 1989) and even an Australian Touring Car Championship for ‘Gentleman’ Jim Richards (1987) to name just a few, and what you have is a serious race car, with some genuine pedigree.

Of course, this pedigree translated very well to the road-going version as well. The original M3 had a 2.3 litre four cylinder and kicked off with 143kW, before various updates took the power well beyond 160kW. It loved to rev and was described by Classic & Sports Car as recently as 2002 as having a “beautifully balanced chassis, razor sharp steering, and sweet singin’ twin-cam four”.

Bona fide E30 M3s are a rare sight in Australia, but included below are some images of one I saw at Wakefield Park earlier this year, complete with US licence plates and all! If you know anything more about the history of this car I’d love to hear it.

In addition to those pics, and the clip above from BMW-web.tv, I have also included links to related reading and a selection of pages from a US-spec M3 brochure.

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Nissan

Cobra Tuning gives GT-R more venom

Cobra N+ Nissan GT-R

“Power can only be substituted with more power.”

Well, that’s what the press blurb attached to this new Cobra N+ Nissan GT-R concept claims. The German funsters have upped the power from 353kW to 405kW (485hp to 550hp). Torque also gets a bit of a kick along, from 588Nm to 680Nm. The Cobra tuned Godzilla can sprint to 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 320km/h (200mph).

Nissan reckoned their GT-R couldn’t be tuned, well the above power figures, reached in part through ECU tweaks, have put paid to that claim. Other usual tuning trickery such as revised air intakes and exhaust design have also helped to nudge GT-R’s power along.

Cobra’s tuning concept looks the business, too, on its 21 inch lightweight alloys, even if the paint detailing on the bodywork is a bit over the top. Eight-pot, yes eight piston, brakes at 405mm in diameter ensure the crazy speeds this car can achieve can also be brought to a halt.

But that’s not all, there is a race version in the pipeline as well. This will have over 455kW (620hp). Cool! Stay tuned for more info when the car hits the market sometime in the second quarter of 2009.

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Carmageddon News Toyota

Toyota leaves TRD out in the cold

TRD Aurion

It is just over 12 months since Toyota Australia was proudly boasting it was launching the first production cars in the world to wear the TRD nameplate. Yesterday the company announced the TRD performance brand will be dropped. Another scalp claimed by Carpocalypse Now (as named by Jalopnik). The decision will take effect at the end of March next year.

“Toyota made a significant financial commitment to TRD vehicle conversion and clearly understood short-term profitability was unlikely,” said David Buttner, senior executive director Toyota Australia.

“However, the perspective has changed for business globally and those new rules require tough decisions for the greater good. This is one of those decisions.”

This decision follows news that Toyota Australia will be increasing prices of its imported models from 1 January 2009 due to the falling Australian dollar.

The TRD operation produced a small product line, consisting of reworked Aurion and HiLux models. To the end of November just 888 TRD vehicles had been sold over its 16 month life cycle. Broken down, those sales amounted to 537 TRD Aurions and, since its April 2008 launch, 351 TRD HiLux models. While not directly comparable, HSV’s year to date sales to the end of November 2008 come to approximately 3500 vehicles. Although, recent sales have been encouraged by some heavy discounting.

TRD employed a small staff of just 17, and all will be kept on staff. Existing customers will continue to be covered by full factory warranty.

Full press statement after the jump.

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News Top Gear Australia

Top Gear Australia loses Cox and blows Morrison’s trumpet

Top Gear Australia - Series 1, Episode 6

Charlie Cox has told SBS he will be leaving the Top Gear Australia franchise to spend more time in his native Britain. He will be replaced by Australian jazz icon James Morrison, who will join existing hosts Warren Brown and Steve Pizzati for the second series, scheduled to hit our television screens in 2009.

“My time on Top Gear Australia was very special and it was a fantastic opportunity to be part of launching an extraordinary series,” Cox said. “Sadly, though, I’ve lived in the UK for the past 19 years and I’m not able to give the time I want to Series Two.”

Forty-six year old Morrison, one of Australia’s best loved trumpet players and well known for his love of cars, is delighted with his new role, “I don’t want to sound like I’m blowing my own trumpet … but I think series two is going to be bigger and better than ever. I just hope some of the challenges include playing a chorus of the blues,” he said. Let’s hope the quality of his gags improves.

Morrison was the ‘Star In A Bog Standard Car’ in Episode 6 of the debut series and his lap time of 1:26.46 is the current record for this segment. His familiarity with the cast and the program has given SBS content director Matt Campbell confidence his new cast member will fit right in, “James brings with him a deep love of cars, a huge personality and a strong sense of fun—a perfect complement to Warren and Steve.”

For a teaser of what we can expect from James Morrison, check out this hidden gem, originally produced way back in 1994, as unearthed by CarAdvice.

The full press release from SBS, including quotes from Warren and Steve, can be read after the jump.

(Thanks to Ken for the tip.)

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Motorsports News

2008 Race of Champions

Race of Champions 2008 - Sebastien Loeb and David Coulthard

The 2008 Race of Champions has been run and won. Sebastien Loeb was the winner, claiming his third ROC title. Loeb took the trophy after edging our retiring F1 stalwart David Coulthard in the third and deciding race.

For Australian viewers, Channel When are living up to their name by broadcasting highlights of the event at a date that is yet to be confirmed.

If you can’t be bothered waiting for that you can watch a few highlights below, courtesy of WorldCarFans and YouTube.

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Categories
MINI Challenge

2009 MINI CHALLENGE – Speculative calendar

2009 MINI CHALLENGE calender

I was just checking out the MINI CHALLENGE website and was interested to see this calendar listed on the site. To the best of my knowledge nothing official has been announced, but if these dates come to fruition then the second year of the Aussie MINI CHALLENGE is in for a very big year.

As you can see the first date pencilled in the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. A great way to kick off the year! The series will continue to support the V8 Supercars at most rounds, and while new events like Townsville and Homebush Bay have been added, it looks as though the iconic Bathurst round has been dropped. The MINI CHALLENGE also looks set to make a mark on the Gold Coast during the A1GP round. Wakefield Park in Goulburn also looks to have missed out on a repeat appearance for the single make series.

As with the 2008 season, expect some good television coverage courtesy of Channel 7.

AUSmotive expects changes to this calendar are likely and if you don’t see them here first, keep an eye on the official website.

Categories
MINI Challenge

2008 MINI CHALLENGE climbs the Mountain

A case of better late than never with these two clips of the Australian MINI CHALLENGE at Bathurst. Of course, Mount Panorama circuit is probbaly the best in the country, and rates pretty highly as one of the best circuits anywhere in the world. It was fitting then that the racing here was some of the best the we saw in the first year of the MINI CHALLENGE.

Held over the V8 Supercar weekend 10-12 October, these two clips contain a few highlights from the Round 6 action, including full coverage of Race 2. Just watch as Jason Bargwanna strikes to claim one of the most opportunistic wins you’re likely to see.

The second clip can be seen after the jump.

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Carmageddon News Subaru WRC

Subaru withdrawal creates World Rally Crisis

Subaru pulls out of WRC

More news to shock to the motorsport world with confirmation that Subaru has pulled out of the World Rally Championship, with immediate effect.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Chief Executive of Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru’s owner), Ikuo Mori said, “Our business environment has changed dramatically due to the rapid deterioration of the global economy.”

“In order to optimise the management resources and to strengthen the Subaru brand further, Fuji Heavy decided to withdraw from WRC activities at the earliest time,” an emotional Mori explained.

Subaru’s latest rally car only made its debut in May, at the Acropolis Rally in Greece. The company has a strong and loyal following in the WRC and it draws heavily on its rallying heritage to promote its brand. Subaru’s withdrawal leaves just two major manufacturers chasing the world title in 2009. Suzuki also quit the WRC earlier this week. Now, only Citroen and Ford remain with factory backed teams. It will be fascinating to see how the WRC copes with these latest developments.

Australia’s Chris Atkinson now joins Jenson Button in looking for a drive, after Honda’s withdrawal from Formula One.

Factory backed racing teams seem to be dropping like nine pins. With the US Government keeping its auto industry on life support, it begs the question, will Ford be next?

UPDATE: Statement from SWRT website can be read below.

UPDATE (17 December): Statement from Subaru Australia has been added to the end of this article.

Source: Reuters & Subaru World Rally Team

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Volvo

Volvo S60 Concept

Volvo S60 Concept

It’s a Volvo Jim, but not as we know it. The swooping lines, dramatic curves and brooding stance of the S60 Concept bring a new visual language to the Volvo brand. This is a beautiful design solution.

While the design may not be pure Volvo, the development of the car’s safety credentials are true to the brand’s core values. The car features a new Collision Warning system, which incorporates a Full Auto Brake and pedestrian detection system, designed to react when a pedestrian walks out in front of a car. The system will activate the car’s full braking power if the driver does not respond to the danger.

The new S60 is scheduled to go on sale in 2010 and Thomas Broberg, safety expert at Volvo Cars, has high expectations for the family sized saloon’s Collision Warning capabilities, “The previous stages were developed to help the driver avoid collisions with other vehicles. Now we are taking a giant step forward with a feature that also boosts safety for unprotected road-users,” explains Thomas Broberg, safety expert at Volvo Cars.

“What is more, we are now advancing from fifty percent to full automatic braking power. To our knowledge, none of our competitors have made such progress in this area. This technology helps us take an important step towards our long-term vision of designing cars that should not crash,” he added.

Briberg’s confidence in his product seems to know no bounds, leading to this extraordinary claim, “Our aim for 2020 is that no one should be killed or injured in a Volvo car.”

Wow, that sounds like a claim only a desperate politician will make. Volvo Australia would neither confirm or deny plans to employ Bob Hawke in a PR role!

Other innovations found in the S60 Concept include a new fuel efficient 1.6 litre diesel GTDi engine and sliding rear doors. Although, in profile view the doors look similar to suicide doors found in the Rolls Royce Phantom, they pop out and slide backwards, parallel to the car’s body in a fashion one would expect on a people mover.

Also included in the concept model is a pretty wild Orrefors crystal centre stack, housing HVAC controls. Quite how that stands up to a crash test is anyone’s guess. I’m tipping that won’t make the production model.

The S60 Concept is due for a full public release at the Detroit Auto Show in mid January 2009. More pics and full press statements after the jump. If you’ve got the patience for creative PR blurb, read the last release below, it’s a pearler!

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BMW

BMW Z4 flames new desires

2009 BMW Z4 (E89)

As is the fashion nowadays BMW has given its all new Z4 an early reveal. Scheduled for an official release at the Detroit Auto Show (11–25 January, 2009). So, in addition to the two videos posted yesterday, here are 14 images from the press pack, all of which can be viewed as 2000px super images by simply clicking on each picture.

AUSmotive staff reckon the new Z4 looks pretty good. Although, all are in agreement that the centre channel on the bonnet, leading to the kidney grille, is a little fussy. So, too, the point where the front to door handle swooping crease line meets the rear quarter panel crease. Maybe that’s not fussy, as much as it is messy. Oh, we’re also not entirely convinced about the look of the folding metal roof. And why on earth are they using that RSL club standard issue metallic beige paint as the hero colour?

We keep thinking of the Z4 in a trad Germanic dark silver, with red leather interior and some kick arse 20″ BBS wheels and think these minor issues can be overcome. Overall, then, AUSmotive gives the car’s exterior a big thumbs up.

More pics and words after the jump.

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Categories
News Top Gear

Top Gear confirms date for Vietnam Special

Top Gear in Vietnam - Series 12, Episode 8

Revealed exclusively on AUSmotive back in October, Top Gear have filmed an hour long a 75 minute special in Vietnam. A few teasers from this episode were given in week 1 of the current series, it looks good! At the end of last night’s episode, Jeremy Clarkson confirmed AUSmotive’s speculative airing date for the Vietnam Special of Sunday 28 December was correct. Should be a cracker of an episode and we’ll know for sure in just under two weeks!

For all the latest discussion on this episode before it goes to air, keep an eye on FinalGear.com

Update 27 December: This episode will be a 75 minute special, as confirmed in THIS POST by Andy Wilman. Even more about this ep from TopGear.com can be read HERE.

Categories
Top Gear

Top Gear – Series 12, Episode 7

Honda FCX Clarity - Hydrogen powered car

Bit of a meat and three veg episode of Top Gear this week. Richard opened the show with a piece on the British Touring Car Championship which is celebrating its 50th year in 2008. The lads then went through the news, which was rather entertaining again.

There was reference to a Morris Marina that James and Jeremy torched last week. The team also showed a range of Christmas gift ideas, including a remote control car that can drive up walls. They showed a clip of the car in action, and can someone please confirm what the nice lady said she did with her pennies? Humour also ensued when the Top Gear Awards were announced. The Caterham R500 got the top gong, and I have to say, it looks like a cracking car. Raw, uncompromising and brutal in its simplicity. Just like a track focused car should be.

Jeremy tested a Tesla Roadster. This is an electric powered car, based on a Lotus Elise, and can reach 100km/h in under 4 seconds. It’s good, but is it the future? Not really. It was James’ review of the Honda FCX Clarity that showed the way of the future. James, pictured above chewing the fat with Jay Leno, explained the Clarity’s strength lies in its hydrogen power. I think he was right, this is the car of the future, because it is like the car of today.