Author: Liam

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Audi

Audi R8 V10 breaks cover

Audi R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro

With the reveal of the 5.2 litre V10 powered model, the R8 is now complete. Complete with near on 400kW. That will do nicely sir. Finally, the R8 has the bonkers engine to go with its oh-so-desirable body. Not that the 4.2 V8 was really anything to complain about.

The full engine spec reads 386kW power, with 530Nm torque. The 5.2 litre V10 is also used in the Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. In Italian mode the V10 has a fair bit more power, at 412kW and just a wee bit more torque, at 540Nm. Still, both cars are down on power compared to the completely mad RS6, which has 426kW.

There’s been a few cosmetic tweaks over the V8 model, including changes to the front grille that a trainspotter will happily point out for you. Likewise with the more pronounced sideblades, shown here in carbon fibre. Of course. The oval-shaped exhaust outlets are a whole lot angrier than before, too. More interestingly, though, is the use of full LED lighting. The lights, including headlamps, are fitted standard to the V10 model and Audi are the first manufacturer in the world to offer such technology on road cars.

Stop the presses! I almost forgot about the room for two golf bags. They’d fit behind the front seats presumably.

The V10 is available with two transmissions, either a trad 6 speed manual or the slightly awkward R tronic, which is not to be confused with the double clutch S tronic box. The R tronic is an aquired taste, as AUSmotive found out during our R8 review.

Entry level pricing for the R8 V10 is EUR 142,400, or around AU$278,500. By the time you add all of our local taxes, expect that price to jump another eleventy million notes. Either way, if sir is currently finding himself laughing at the commoners and their silly Global Financial Crisis, I’m advising sir to ask Jeeves to arrange an R8 V10 to be delivered post haste. I expect this to be a truly astonishing car.

Full European press release and dimensions shown below.

UPDATE 13 December: The R8 V10 should be on Australian shores by the middle of 2009. To hear what the V10 sounds like in the RS6, click HERE.

UPDATE 7 April 2010: 10 new pics added at end of article.

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Top Gear

Top Gear – Series 12, Episode 6

Top Gear - Series 12, Episode 6

It is often said many car fans live their dreams through the exploits of the Top Gear crew. Well, maybe it’s not said that often. Nevertheless, it is true. I think. Aside from that, Jeremy Clarkson lived one of my dreams in the most recent episode of Top Gear. Driving through a shopping mall. Ever since seeing the Blues Brothers this has been a dream of mine. It would just be so much fun. And I do concur with Jeremy, a new Ford Fiesta would be a much better car for the task than a big oafy Corvette.

Elsewhere in the show Hammond drove a Caterham R500 Superlight and a Veritas RS III around the Top Gear test track. In doing so, he proved that some things are best kept simple. Even though the Veritas isn’t exactly an over complicated beast, it’s no Caterham. The light weight British meccano set with gilt-edged pedigree may not look so great, but it is devastatingly effective around a track.

Jeremy and James tried to find a good communist car. They thought they found one in the Lada Niva, but sanity prevailed.

Speaking of which, I wonder if it will prevail with Boris Johnson? The Mayor of London was the guest and he proved that a political satirist can actually make it into office. I’ve no idea about his politics, or his effectiveness, but he’s mad as a cut snake and, clearly, doesn’t take himself too seriously. I like that.

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News

2008 MINI CHALLENGE – Round 8 wrap up

Neil McFadyen - 2008 MINI CHALLENGE champion

As reported earlier this morning, Neil McFadyen has been crowned the first Australian MINI CHALLENGE winner, seeing off a late season charge from DecoRug racer Paul Stokell. The Round 8 winner, Jason Bargwanna, showed magnificent pace after joining the series mid-season claiming a series high ten race wins. Oran Park was no different for the former Bathurst champ as he strolled home in the last race this morning by a lazy 11 seconds.

McFadyen ended up winning the Series over Stokell by just 24 points after a tense final race. Although the Sydney-sider in the Industrie Clothing MINI was playing the conservation game, he survived a scare on the final lap when the close following Gary Young received contact from Barry Sternbeck—almost taking out McFadyen in the process. However, he completed his lap and took the series win.

On claiming his title McFadyen paid tribute to his team, “I really have to give this up to the M3 Motorsport team. They have lived and breathed MINI Challenge since the Series was first announced and for some of them even to the detriment of their own businesses. It’s been a tough year for us and I’m really happy to be crowned a national champion once again. MINI CHALLENGE has been a fantastic series to be a part of and I’m sure it will only grow from here.”

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MINI Challenge

Neil McFadyen wins the 2008 MINI CHALLENGE

MINI CHALLENGE - Round 8, Oran Park

According to the race results as published on the NatSoft website, Neil McFadyen in his Industrie MINI is the inaugural Australian MINI CHALLENGE champion.

By finishing Race 3 in 9th place McFadyen has done enough in the final race of the season to hold off the late season challenge from DecoRug’s Paul Stokell. Just! Race 3 saw a one-two finish for Team Bargwanna, with Jason taking line honours ahead of his cousin Scott.

More details and final points tallies, as they come to hand, to be provided in a complete Round 8 wrap up.

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MINI Challenge

2008 MINI CHALLENGE – Round 8, Race 2

After two races at this weekend’s meeting, the 2008 Australian MINI CHALLENGE is still alive and will be decided in tomorrow’s final race of the year. Will it be DecoRug’s Paul Stokell, or will Indutsrie Clothing’s Neil McFadyen hold on to his current 51 point series lead?

With 60 points up for grabs for the win in race 3 at 9am tomorrow, Stokell needs a minor miracle to win the crown. Only a top two finish, with a McFadyen DNF will see him win the championship.

Sadly, there will be no television coverage of tomorrow’s race but this afternoon Race 2 was broadcast live on Channel 7. The first half of the race can be seen above, with the second half after the jump. Make sure you watch the second clip to see Justin Hemmes rolling the UBER-STAR car (more on Justin can be read in the Round 8 preview). Luckily, he walked away with nothing more than injured pride.

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Formula 1 News

Cosworth wins exclusive F1 tender deal

Hot on the heels of Honda’s F1 exit due to financial concerns comes news of Cosworth’s exclusive tender deal to supply Formula One engines from 2010. Cosworth, of course, has a rich F1 heritage (YouTube clip above showing an old Williams engine revving to 20,000rpm is just a small example).

With this new tender deal the potential exists for all F1 teams to run Cosworth engines. However, if they choose, teams can still run their own engines, albeit with restrictions.

From 2010 any team, let’s say Ferrari, for example, can choose one of three options. The first is to simply run a supplied Cosworth engine—unlikely. Second, Ferrari could build their own new engine to Cosworth’s specification, with technical information supplied—unlikely. The third, and most likely scenario, would be that Ferrari continues to use their current engine with the freeze on technical development in place. Such moves may be necessary to bring costs down, but in 2010 a little piece of F1 will die.

Regardless of the engine choice each team makes, all teams must use a standard gearbox—a joint effort built by Xtrac and Ricardo transmissions.

The FIA is hoping to sign a minimum of four teams to run Cosworth engines by as soon as Thursday next week (11 December).

The FIA itself has described current Formula One spending as “unsustainable” and these moves are clearly designed to lower running costs, from P1 right through to the back of the field. And while the Cosworth deal may be a boost to the Northampton job market, the question must be asked: will F1 continue to be the world’s premier series for technical development and innovation?

Max Mosley’s letter to F1 teams explaining the engine and transmission deal is shown below.

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Carmageddon Formula 1 Honda News

Honda walks out on F1

Honda quits F1 - Jenson Button

“We, Honda Motor Co., Ltd., have come to the conclusion that we will withdraw from all Formula One activities, making 2008 the last season of participation.”

And with those words, Takeo Fukui, the chief executive of Honda Motors, confirmed the rumours and brought down the curtain on Honda as a Formula One constructor. However, the UK-based team may live on, if a buyer can be found. Fukui confirming the F1 team was up for grabs, “We will enter into consultation with the associates of Honda Racing F1 Team and its engine supplier Honda Racing Development regarding the future of the two companies. This will include offering the team for sale.”

Nick Fry, Honda Racing F1 team boss has high hopes a buyer can be found, “In the last 12 hours we’ve had three serious people come and suggest they’d like to buy the team,” he told the BBC.

“We’re one of the best-funded teams and have the best assets and resources in the pit lane – we’ll be quite a desirable asset for somebody.”

Honda Racing F1Team Principal, and general F1 mastermind, Ross Brawn is certainly talking up the Honda product, “Our information is that, relative to the other teams, we have a very strong car in development here at Brackley and we will continue to develop the RA109 to ensure a strong start to 2009 and improvement through the season. This is a unique opportunity. The facilities we have here are among the best in the sport…”

The full statement from Honda Motor Co and official responses from Honda Racing F1 team members can be read after the jump.

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Carmageddon Formula 1 Honda

Honda set to quit Formula One

In dramatic news Honda is set to withdraw from Formula One. While news still filters in this decision is confirmed the team could be gone before Christmas. The Japanese manufacturer is frantically looking for a buyer, but if one can’t be found they will simply close the doors and wind the team up. No doubt, if this does happen, that Ross Brawn will be snapped up very quickly by rival teams, with the ex-Ferrari man already linked to a move back to Maranello. However, the future of driver Jenson Button, as well as the 750-strong Brackley-based team employees, may be less bright, in the short term at least.

It is reported that the Honda F1 Team spends around AU$450 million (£200M) financing their team, and with the global financial crisis hitting car manufacturers hard, you can see why Honda may be starting to count their pennies.

BBC Radio 5 Live’s F1 commentator, David Croft, quoted on the BBC website, says, “This has serious implications for F1, not just because there will be only 18 cars on the grid. It’s the start of the sport as a whole feeling the pinch. Williams are reported to be in financial difficulties, Toyota are trimming down their budget as well.

“Bernie Ecclestone has some serious thinking to do in the next few weeks.”

He added, “Honda spend around £200m annually and had invested heavily in next year as well, including bringing in Ross Brawn as their team principal, the man who masterminded seven world titles for Michael Schumacher.

“But they are a car company whose sales have dropped by 41% in the last quarter, they’re closing their Swindon factory for two months at the start of next year, and obviously feeling the pinch on a global scale.

“If no buyer is found by March, the Honda team will cease to exist in F1.”

There are suggestions, however, that Honda may let the team be sold for as little as £1 if an appropriate backer can be found. (Such a sale would offer the witty adaption of the Honda F1 Team tag line “Powering dreams one pound at a time”.) Other possibilities could see Honda act as an engine supplier only. It is believed Honda will release a press statement detailing their plans sometime around 4pm today (AEDST).

The 2009 season starts on 29 March in Melbourne.

UPDATE: An anonymous quote reported to Associated Press leaves Honda’s desire in no doubt, “Their intention is to pull out entirely — as an engine supplier and sponsor. It’s a shock. I think this came as a total surprise to everyone. No one in the UK was aware of this decision before Thursday night.”

News is being constantly updated via the BBC link below, stay tuned for latest developments.

Source: BBC, autoposrt.com and AssociatedPress

Categories
MINI Challenge

2008 MINI CHALLENGE – Round 8 preview

MINI CHALLENGE - Neil McFadyen

This weekend sees the final race of the inaugural Australian MINI CHALLENGE series and, after a few bumpy moments during the year, the organisers must be rapt the title will be decided at the last round. Neil McFadyen, winner of the first Australian MINI CHALLENGE race, leads the series with a 45 point lead over racing stalwart Paul Stokell. There are 60 points up for grabs for a race win, and with three races to be held at Sydney’s Oran Park Raceway over the weekend there is plenty of motivation on offer for McFadyen and Stokell.

Stokell comes off a flawless performance at Symmons Plains where he won all three races, putting him right up in the title race. He has also got form on the board in stealing Series victories in the last race at Oran Park. In 1994 he defeated Greg Murphy in the final race of the Formula Holden Championship to be awarded the CAMS Gold Star.

Home track advantage, though, is in McFadyen’s favour this weekend. The M3 Motorsport team is vastly experienced at the South-Western Sydney venue, having tuned a wide variety of racecars to get around the technical circuit in the fastest way possible—plus McFadyen lives not far from the venue.

The teams will contest CarShowroom.com.au qualifying at 11:20 this morning (check for results on the NatSoft Race Results website), before the first two races on Saturday—the second of which will be featured as part of the Seven Network’s V8 Supercars coverage. The round will be complete on Sunday with race three, when the inaugural MINI CHALLENGE Champion will be crowned.

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MINI Challenge

2008 MINI CHALLENGE – Round 7 TV highlights

Round 7 of the 2008 Australian MINI CHALLENGE was held on 21-23 November at Tasmania’s Symmons Plains raceway, south of Launceston. Here is a five part television package including full coverage of Race 1 and Race 3 from the round. Also included is a brief interview with golf professional Stuart Appleby and AFL triple premiership player Jason Akermanis. Of course, Akermanis’ now infamous warm up lap rollover is covered in this interview, which can be seen after the jump in part 3.

The round was won by local lad Paul Stokell in the DecoRug MINI—a full wrap up of the round, including all results, can be read HERE.

The first clip, shown above, is the first half of Race 1. The rest of the race can be seen after the jump, followed by the UBER-STAR interviews with Stuart Appleby and Jason Akermanis. Race 3 comes next and is also split into two clips.

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Audi

Audi S5 / A5 Cabrio show

Audi S5 Cabriolet

Audi has lifted the lid on its S5 and A5 models. From Audi’s press blurb, is this rather quaint opening line: “Dynamic and wonderful to look at, the new A5 Cabriolet is a real Audi, and an especially exciting one at that.”

What is exciting is the new 3-litre supercharged V6 in the S5, which offers 245kW of power and 440Nm of torque to the driver. Oddly enough, this new engine is badged as a V6T. The blown V6 takes the roofless S5 from rest to 100.km/h in 5.6 seconds, but, amazingly, when driven conservatively, can achieve fuel consumption of 9.6l/100km. At least, that’s the claim.

The new Cabriolet models conform to Audi’s softtop philosophy, and are able to open in 15 seconds. Closing the roof takes 17 seconds. A basic animated GIF of the roof opening on the S5 Cabriolet is shown after jump (not time accurate). Audi say the benefits of the lighter softop help improve handling over hardtop designs through a lower centre of gravity. They also reckon their use of foam inside the roof lining makes interior noise almost on par with a folding metal roof.

The use of high strength steel and strategic reinforcements in the chassis are said to complete the strengthening required after removing the roof. Rollover bars pop up from behind the rear seat in the event of an accident and there are also head and chest air bags mounted in the doors to aid side impact protection.

A full complement of engines and transmissions are on offer for the A5, including a new seven speed S-tronic on selected models. The S-tronic box is standard on the S5.

Audi’s full international press statement in shown below.

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News

Sydney’s annual Motor Show in doubt

AIMS logoGoAuto is reporting that Sydney’s hosting of a 2009 and 2010 Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) is in serious doubt after a deal has reportedly been struck by organisers to alternate one major Australian motor show between Melbourne and Sydney.

The 2009 Melbourne International Motor Show (MIMS) will go ahead as planned, with almost all exhibition space confirmed. The Melbourne show is due to open on 27 February 2009.

AIMS promoter, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), has not confirmed the 2009 Sydney show has been axed, but has left that possibility open with FCAI chief executive Andrew McKellar telling GoAuto, “I’m in fact not ruling it in or out – I’m not commenting on it at this point because we are working to get an outcome and once we’ve got that outcome that will determine a whole set of circumstances for next year,” he said.

“I believe the Melbourne organisers are committed and in that context we urge the industry to get behind that and support it. A decision on Sydney will be made shortly. An announcement will probably be made as soon as it can be.”

A merger between Australia’s two major motor shows does not come as a surprise after several European manufacturers withdrew their support from the 2008 AIMS event, citing the costs of dual shows in Melbourne and Sydney as the major reason.

More information on this story can be found by reading the GoAuto article in full by following the link below.

Source: GoAuto