Author: Liam

Categories
BMW

BMW 135i undergoes impromptu crash test!

Ouch!

This BMW 135i suffered an unwanted fate after a nearby building came crashing down on top of it. The car, a BMW press vehicle, was under the watch of Wheels journalist Samantha Stevens. You can read all about it, and see more images of woe at the Wheelsmag blog. Ironically, Samantha had the 135i because the M3 she was hoping to collect was ‘no longer available’. Let’s hope the M3 didn’t meet a similar demise!

Testament to the little Beemer’s intrinsic strength is this comment from Samantha’s post:

“A positive note to this sad story can be found in the pictures. The 135i’s rigid body structure upheld the impact of several tonnes of metal falling square on its vulnerable middle roof. Its optional sunroof didn’t even shatter. So our BMW 135i has proven it’s as strong as houses – by having one land on top of it.

Had passengers been in the car at the time, only the rear-passenger side occupant would have one hell of a headache. The four other cars under the rubble didn’t fare so well, though they were older models and had borne more of the impact.”

Amazingly, the attending tow truck driver was not only able to start the car, but also drive it on to the flatbed to take the car away!

Trivia buffs will have noticed this was also the same car used in Top Gear Australia‘s test which went to air on SBS last night.

Source: Wheelsmag (Thanks to Micky for the link.)

Categories
Top Gear Australia

Top Gear Australia test track

Top Gear Australia test track

The SBS hosted Top Gear Australia website has recently published a working drawing of their test track. The location is Camden Airport, Sydney—follow this link for the Google-Maps-eye view.

Currently a right-hand drive Ford GT holds the record for the fastest Power Lap time at 1:08.80, some six tenths quicker than a Nissan GT-R (speed limited). A full list of lap times can be accessed on Wikipedia.

Source: SBS

Categories
Top Gear Australia

Top Gear Australia – Series 1, Episode 4

Top Gear Australia - Series 1, Episode 4

Another great step forward from the local Top Gear crew this week. In fact, I’ll go so far as to say tonight’s episode was comparable to Top Gear UK. Sure, the Australian version is not reaching the consistent highs each week, but they are getting there. As usual, there will be complaints from TV land, but I really enjoyed my hour on the couch in front of the telly.

The outback tracker challenge was well filmed and entertaining. The repartee, or lack thereof, between Warren and his aboriginal tracker ‘Diesel’ was well executed, while Charlie and Steve in the TRD Hilux worked together much better than they have in any of the previous challenges. Yes, Top Gear Australia is still very much a Top Gear by numbers affair, with many production and scripting cues taken from the UK parent, but the level of improvement with each episode so far is to be commended.

Jack Thompson (pictured above) was a breath of fresh air in the guest’s chair. No pandering to the audience with Jack. Mind, The Stig has done a pretty poor job teaching the guests steering wheel technique. Vince Colosimo in Episode 1 has been the worst to date, but Jack’s effort wasn’t too far behind.

Steve’s review of the Holden W427 was perhaps the weakest point in the show, however, as entertainment, his piece was bang on. Perhaps more technical detail could have been offered, but then, the same could be said of almost any recent Top Gear UK car review.

The closing set with the Holden Astra lawn bowls game was classic Top Gear sillyness. Daft, pointless and thoroughly watchable all at the same time. Can’t wait for episode 5. Interestingly, this film was the first one filmed by Warren, Steve and Charlie. SBS Executive Producer for Top Gear Australia, Denise Eriksen said, “The Lawn Bowls story has a bit of a special place in the heart of the presenters. It’s the first shoot they ever did — but it came out of the last of the casting sessions where the remaining Top Gear Australia hopeful presenters had gathered for a brainstorming session.

“Warren Brown was scribbling away — as he does — and then presented his drawing pad to the gobsmacked fellow presenters and the production team asking ‘wonder what it would be like to play lawn bowls with a Mini?’.” Obviously things were tweaked a bit to include the new Astra, but given my grandmother-in-law drives an Astra and is an avid lawn bowls player Top Gear‘s car selection was very apt.

More pics and the SBS press release below.

Continue reading “Top Gear Australia – Series 1, Episode 4”
Categories
Green Machines MINI

You and the MINI E – together in electric dreams

MINI E - The electric, zero emissions MINI

An electric MINI—with 150kW—pretty cool hey! Welcome to the MINI E, a lithium-ion battery powered zero emissions MINI with a top speed of 152km/h (limited). The car is capable of reaching 100km/h in 8.5 seconds, although repeated efforts will no doubt affect the car’s 240 kilometre range. The MINI E’s peak power is 22kW higher than a petrol powered Cooper S and the torque figure, too, is impressive at 220Nm—although slightly less than the Cooper S number of 240Nm (one may expect an electric powered car would have more torque than that?). Further comparison to the Cooper S shows that the petrol car is 1.4 seconds quicker in the 0-100 dash, however, battery power is not light and that explains the slower time for the MINI E. Tipping the scales at 1465kg the MINI E is some 260kg heavier than a standard Cooper S.

MINI will launch the MINI E as a 500-car pilot program available to private customers in three US states—California, New York and New Jersey. Customers will liaise with MINI giving reports on the car’s performance. Like the hydrogen powered Honda FCX Clarity, the MINI E will only be available on a lease and MINI will be restricting the lease period to 12 months, although an extension option will be available. Lease repayments will cover all maintenance costs, of course, the cost of recharging the car will be the owner’s responsibility. Recharging the car can be done using regular power sockets. Use of a specially designed wallbox, that allows higher amperage, can see the MINI E recharged from empty to full in just two and half hours. Every MINI E will be supplied with a wallbox, intended to be installed by MINI into owner’s garages.

There is a price to pay for your zero emissions lifestyle, and in the MINI E, that is the back seat. So this climate friendly commuter can only carry two people, and you could probably squeeze your dog in the boot. The electric motor is in the traditional position under the bonnet, with the battery in the back seats. The Dynamic Stability Control system and suspension have been tuned to suit the unique characteristics of the battery powered MINI. By using the motor as a generator the bulk of the car’s braking can be done by simply lifting off the accelerator pedal (quaintly referred to as the “gas pedal” in MINI’s press release).

The MINI E presents a great test bed for all electric powered cars. Sure, there are some compromises, but the 500 strong fleet should enable BMW to collect some fascinating and valuable data to aid their future development of battery powered technology.

MINI’s full release along with more images can be seen after the jump.

Continue reading “You and the MINI E – together in electric dreams”
Categories
Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo 149 shows its face

Alfa Romeo 149

AutoExpress has published two images of Alfa Romeo’s upcoming 149, the replacement to the 147 model. Featuring strong styling cues from the MiTo and 8C Competizione the little Alfa has, again, sucked in plenty of admirers. Personally, I will reserve my judgement as, like the 8C, while there is definitely plenty to like about the styling, I’m not so sure the front end is as successful as it could be. One thing is certain, the Golf-sized hatch will stand out from its rivals, and that is often half the battle when trying to win customers from other brands.

Power will come from usual petrol and diesel variations, with entry level models expected to have around 90kW (120bhp) up to 186kW (250bhp) for the range topping hot hatch. The higher powered 149s are also expected to have an electronic Q2 diff to try and reign in all that power on a front wheel drive chassis. The 149 will be available for European sales in mid 2009.

Source: AutoExpress

Categories
MINI

MINI Crossover spied

MINI Crossover spy shots

NextAutos has some very good spy shots of the MINI Crossover (R60 model code). The latest MINI variant, due for release in 2010, will have a traditional four door and hatch layout. The Crossover concept made its public debut at the Paris Motor Show earlier in the month. The final name for the MINI SUV is yet to be revealed, but we do know it won’t be called the Crossman as earlier speculation suggested.

For more speculation and detail on the R60 Crossover make sure you check out MotoringFile.

Source: NextAutos

Categories
Porsche

Porsche Panamera makes Korea move

An undisguised Porsche Panamera has been spotted in Seoul, South Korea. With nothing official released from Porsche showing the car in its entirety this video footage is one of the best examples yet of the four door Panamera. Due for production in 2009 its front engine layout has generated speculation that the Panamera may also spawn a new 928 coupé model.

For now, enjoy this clip and hopefully some readers out there can aid with translating some of the included text.

Source: autoblog

Categories
Fiat

Fix It Again Tony

This Fiat van is very unreliable

All publicity is good publicity, right?! Not so, it seems, as this Fiat customer in the UK shows. The disgruntled owner has taken matters into his own hands using sign writing on his 2007 model Doblò to get the message out about his unhappiness. Or as the signage says, “Since new nothing but aggro”! The photo was snapped by eagle eyed London designer Ben Terrett.

Source: Noisy Decent Graphics via autoblog

Categories
News Top Gear

Top Gear’s Russian revolution

Top Gear RussiaTop Gear Russia?! Yes, it’s true, the Top Gear politburo have sanctioned a Russian franchise.

The Top Gear website states, “there’s going to be a Top Gear Russia. Made in Russia for the Russians. A bit like the Aussie TG, but with more back-to-front letters and fewer boomerangs.”

A 15 episode run first series has been locked in, although presenters and studio location are yet to be finalised.

Source: TopGear.com

Categories
Volkswagen

2009 Volkswagen Golf GTI at the Paris Motor Show

The Paris Motor Show was the official reveal for the MkVI Golf GTI Concept. Here’s a couple of short YouTube clips from CARandDRIVER.com (above) and Edmunds InsideLine (after the jump) filmed in Paris. There’s nothing really new in these clips, but it’s still good to get a closer look at what is shaping to be another great GTI from Volkswagen.

Continue reading “2009 Volkswagen Golf GTI at the Paris Motor Show”
Categories
Top Gear Australia

Top Gear Australia – Series 1, Episode 3

Top Gear Australia - Series 1, Episode 3

Much better episode this week. Comfortably the show’s best to date. Warren Brown, the glue holding the hosts together, posted an entertaining piece on the BMW X6. Steve Pizzati was confused by the Mercedes-Benz CLK AMG 63 Black Series—is it a GT, a track day special, or just something grey in between? On these two films, in particular, the production values were high, if following the proven Top Gear UK formula of shifting focus and interesting angles. Regardless of that, they were very well made pieces. Although, there is still room for improvement in filming The Stig’s track work.

Not so sure there should always be a “this week’s challenge”, but the $500 paddock basher effort was great Monday night’s viewing. If anything, the segment was a little light on, and one or two more tests for the lads could have easily been carried.

Over the three episodes the weakest segments have been the “Celebrity in a Bog Standard Car”. Sure, these are celebs we’re supposed to be interested in, but they need to stop performing to the crowd, relax a little, and enjoy a quiet chat with Charlie—both would benefit from that. Julia Zemiro, from SBS’s RockWiz program, was not so bad overall, but her constant playing up to the audience was just a bit try hard. She needn’t be like that, she has good on camera charisma—like the hosts’ early efforts, the stars just need to be a bit more natural.

A couple more pics and SBS’s press release after the jump.

Continue reading “Top Gear Australia – Series 1, Episode 3”
Categories
MINI Challenge News

MINI CHALLENGE update on Darren Berry

MINI Challenge logo
Media statement – October 12, 2008

UPDATE ON DARREN BERRY’S CONDITION

MINI CHALLENGE driver, Darren Berry, underwent surgery on his broken ankle at Orange Base Hospital this afternoon.

Following on from yesterday’s incident coming down the Mount Panorama course, Berry has spent the night in Orange Hospital.

He is expected to return to his home in Brisbane later this week to continue his recuperation.

Aside from the broken ankle and some stiffness associated with the accident, Berry has shown no other effects of the crash and is in good spirits.

National Manager, MINI – Justin Hocevar – has paid tribute to the safety of the MINI CHALLENGE racecar.

“It’s fantastic news that Darren is progressing so well,” he said. “It was a huge incident, however the fact that Darren has not suffered any more serious injury is testament to the safety built into these MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE racecars.

“It also goes to show the implementation of safety precautions such as the Head and Neck Support (HANS) Device by MINI CHALLENGE goes a long way towards keeping our drivers safe in such an incident.

“Everyone involved with MINI CHALLENGE hopes to see Darren back at the racetrack very soon.”