Category: Motor Shows

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Motor Shows Rolls-Royce

Geneva 2013: Rolls-Royce Wraith

Rolls-Royce Wraith

Last year it was the Phantom family, this year Rolls-Royce has graced the halls at the Geneva Motor Show with the Wraith coupé. With 465kW/800Nm of grunt from its V12 engine it is the fastest and most powerful Rolls-Royce ever made. With a ZF 8-speed transmission in can reach 100km/h in 4.4 seconds.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, ushered in the Wraith by saying, “Today we launch the ultimate gentlemen’s gran turismo, a car that embodies the spirit of Charles Stewart Rolls.

“The most powerful Rolls-Royce in history, Wraith promises the sense of adventure and speed that drove our founding forefather. But of course, Wraith’s starting point is luxury, refinement and quality, traits that remain as important to Rolls-Royce customers today as they were more than a century ago.”

Aside from those core values found inside the Wraith it also sports some very interesting satellite navigation technology. It’s been labelled by Rolls as Satellite Aided Transmission (SAT) and uses sat nav to anticipate the correct gear for the road ahead.

In the videos below the context given for the SAT system is doing a lap of the Nürburgring, where the position of the car is constantly monitored and the most appropriate gear for the next corner is loaded as if being driven by a professional race driver. If the system can truly keep up while fighting the Nordschleife then it must work pretty well. In theory.

Overall the Wraith looks kind of cool, we think, and perhaps it’s a sign of the increasing maturity of your AUSmotive Editor, but this model holds a real appeal that could turn into something tangible if we’re to be fortunate enough to fall into a massive pile of cash.

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Audi Motor Shows Motorsports

Geneva 2013: Audi RS5 DTM

2013 Audi RS5 DTM

Ahead of the 2013 DTM season Audi has rocked up to Geneva with its new weapon of choice, the RS5 DTM. Astute readers will know that DTM regulations prevented any major technical developments during the off-season, so is the move from the A5 badged racecar to the RS5 anything more than a marketing exercise?

There were around 4000 parts that could be scrutinised and optimised within the strict regulations, but has Audi achieved anything meaningful? Naturally, Dr Wolfgang Ullrich, Audi’s motorsport boss, wasn’t giving too much away on that front saying only, “Our technicians proved to be quite resourceful in the process.”

In an attempt to justify the new naming regime Ullrich added, “The abbreviation ‘RS’ stands for the sportiest Audi models. The performance data of the current RS5 and RS5 DTM are very similar. This is why we are of the opinion that both fit perfectly to one another.”

There will be eight RS5 DTM machines fighting for honours with BMW and Mercedes when the season starts on 5 May at Hockenheim.

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Alfa Romeo Motor Shows

Geneva 2013: Alfa Romeo 4C ‘Launch Edition’

Alfa Romeo 4C

Finally the long tease for the Alfa Romeo 4C is over. This, though, is the 4C ‘Launch Edition’ and it looks great in either of its two paint options, Carrara White or Alfa Red. There’s been a lot of speculation about this car and rather than rehash it all we’ll just list the facts, some of which are specific to the Launch Edition run. First, though, the all important weight of this sexy supercar has been confirmed at just 895kg!

  • 4C ‘Launch Edition’ priced from €60,000 and is ready to order now
  • ‘Launch Edition’ limited to 400 examples shared between Europe, Africa and the Middle East; 500 in the United States; just 100 for the rest of the world
  • 1750cc turbo petrol engine produces 179kW (240hp)/350Nm (80% of peak torque from 1700rpm)
  • Mid-engine, rear wheel drive configuration
  • 6-speed Alfa TCT twin dry clutch transmission
  • Carbon fibre monocoque central cell (weighs just 65kg)
  • Front and rear structures of the chassis made from aluminium
  • Roof reinforcements made from aluminium
  • Dry weight 895kg
  • 40:60 weight distribution (front:rear)
  • 3990mm long, 2000mm wide, 1180mm high, 2380mm wheelbase
  • Bi-LED headlights
  • Standard alloy wheels 17″ front, 18″ rear
  • Optional alloy wheels 18″ front, 19″ rear
  • Alfa DNA selector with ‘Race’ mode
  • TFT digital instrument display
  • Built at Maserati plant in Modena
  • Annual production capacity 3500 (1500 for Europe, 1200 for US, 800 rest of the world)
  • 0–100km/h in 4.5 seconds
  • Top speed 250km/h+

At this stage rumours suggest a sub-$80,000 price tag for the Australian market. The 4C is due on local shores in 2014.

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Hyundai Motor Shows WRC

Geneva 2013: Hyundai i20 WRC update

Hyundai i20 WRC

Last September Hyundai officially announced they would be launching a WRC assault with its i20 hatchback. They’re now using the Geneva Motor Show to update the world on their progress.

Aside from the slick looking black paint job the i20 WRC has had revisions to its aerodynamic package and chassis and suspension tune. Hyundai has also announced they plan to start competing in the 2014 WRC season, using the bulk of 2013 to undergo private testing.

Team Principal Michael Nandan said: “We are still in the infancy of our exciting WRC programme so the development curve for the car and team is steep. This latest version of the i20 WRC has centred on aerodynamics with the objective of improving the car’s cooling systems.

“Building up a new motorsport facility from scratch is an ambitious and rewarding challenge. We have begun the recruitment process but already have a number of key people in place who bring with them a wealth of rally and motorsport experience.

“Hyundai has returned to the World Rally stage to demonstrate its technical capabilities on one of the world’s most competitive stages. Our ultimate goal is to be victorious but we know that we have a lot of tough competition ahead of us. We will use this year to lay the solid foundations but hope to advance quickly as 2014 approaches.”

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Motor Shows Toyota

Geneva 2013: Toyota FT-86 Open Concept

Toyota FT-86 Open Concept

Chances are you may have already seen the topless Toyota 86, but if not here it is. At this stage the 86 convertible is being referred to as a concept model, but production prototypes are undergoing testing as we speak. Apart from that Toyota hasn’t really said much else about its chopped 86 other than it has a pretty white interior to match its white paint scheme.

Overall, if you’re a fan of convertibles, we reckon you’ll probably like this FT-86 Open Concept, it looks quite smart. As is often the case though, there may be a reason we’ve not been presented with any photos of the electrically controlled roof in the closed position.

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Ferrari Motor Shows

Geneva 2013: LaFerrari revealed

2013 LaFerrari

So, this is it, Ferrari’s Enzo replacement. Wait for it, it’s been named LaFerrari. Huh? The look is a little challenging too, that’s why we’ve started with the side profile above. There’s quite a bit of 458 Italia in the silhouette, which is good, but we’re pretty sure some other angles might leave you scratching your head. However, if you bear with it, the styling does grow in appeal.

As we expected the LaFerrari hypercar is powered by a petrol-electric drivetrain. The 6.3 litre V12, with a 9250rpm redline, does the lion’s share of the work, pumping out 800CV (588kW). The electric system complements that with an extra 163CV (120kW). That means the combined HY-KERS power output is 963CV (708kW). There’s the not so small matter of more than 900Nm of torque to be had as well.

For now, Ferrari remains a little coy on performance stats for the LaFerrari, saying only that 100km/h will take less than 3 seconds, 200km/h requires less than 7 seconds, while the nominate 15 seconds flat to reach 300km/h. It can reportedly lap the Fiorano circuit in 1 minute 20 seconds, which is 5 seconds quicker than the Enzo it replaces. Unsurprisingly, the LaFerrari is being labelled the fastest road car Ferrari has ever made.

The LaFerrari is a technological showpiece in all aspects. Four different types of carbon fibre have been used in its creation and its active aero package was tuned in Ferrari’s F1 wind tunnel. Further milking the company’s F1 heritage, the fixed-driver’s seat was designed in consultation with Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa and its the pedal box that adjusts to suit each driver’s height.

Now, the name: LaFerrari. If you’re being polite you’d say it was a bloody stupid name. Yet, we’re told it’s all to do with excellence.

Ferrari’s President, Luca di Montezemolo said, “We chose to call this model LaFerrari because it is the maximum expression of what defines our company—excellence.

“Excellence in terms of technological innovation, performance, visionary styling and the sheer thrill of driving. Aimed at our collectors, this is a truly extraordinary car which encompasses advanced solutions that, in the future, will find their way onto the rest of the range, and it represents the benchmark for the entire automotive industry.”

Only 499 of Ferrari’s collectors will be able to call the LaFerrari their own and earlier reports suggest the order book is already full. Pricing is yet to be confirmed but it will expensive, very expensive!

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Motor Shows Volkswagen

Geneva 2013: Volkswagen Golf Variant

Volkswagen Golf VII Estate

Today has been a great day at Geneva. The Porsche 911 GT3 was revealed, and that way over the top Lamborghini Veneno, too. As we speak the covers have just come off the Alfa Romeo 4C and Ferrari’s Enzo replacement is moments away from its debut. But, never mind any of that! There’s a new Volkswagen Golf Variant! It’s sure to steal away the limelight from those tinpot models already mentioned.

The Golf VII “Variant” is so versatile it can be called a Variant in Europe, an Estate in the United Kingdom and a Wagon in Australia. Plus, it can fit up to four boxes in the boot. It’s true, there’s even a picture to prove it.

Thankfully, though, the new Golf Variant Estate Wagon is actually pretty nice to look at. For a Golf Variant Estate Wagon. At least, it’s a whole lot better looking than the old abomination it replaces.

Actually, what does sound quite interesting, and sadly there’s no pics from VW HQ just yet, is the Golf Variant R-Line. It features a flash body kit, a 110kW/320Nm 2.0 TDI engine and the latest Haldex V all-wheel drive system. Now that is something that sounds like it could be the perfect family planner Variant Estate Wagon.

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Lamborghini Motor Shows

Geneva 2013: Lamborghini Veneno revealed

2013 Lamborghini Veneno

So, it’s the real deal then, this strictly limited Lamborghini Veneno.

The Veneno has a mammoth 552kW (750hp) snorting from its 6.5 litre V12. Coupled to an all-wheel drive system and 7-speed ISR transmission it’s enough to propel it to 100km/h in 2.8 seconds and to a v-max of 355km/h. As expected it carries a hefty €3 million (AU$3.8m) price tag and only three models will be made, all of which have already sold.

Following Lamborghini tradition the name Veneno honours a legendary fighting bull. Back in 1914 Veneno was the fastest and most aggressive bull around, they say. Just don’t ask José Sánchez Ridgríguez, who was fatally wounded by Veneno back in the day.

The show car on display in Geneva has bits of raw carbon fibre peeking out from many angles, which give away its production technique. However, the three production models, to be built during the year, will be painted in unique colours; one white, one red and one green, in homage to the Italian flag.

Of the extreme exterior design Lamborghini says everything you see has a function, this results in “exceptional dynamics, optimum downforce with minimal drag and perfect cooling of the high-performance engine.”

Hmm, it kind of misses the mark, don’t you think?

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Motor Shows Porsche

Geneva 2013: Porsche 911 GT3 revealed

991 Porsche 911 GT3

It just looks perfect.

From every angle the new 991 Porsche 911 GT3 has a purposeful stance that just looks right. Simply by looking at the new GT3 it begs you to drive it.

On to the official stats for the latest 911 GT3. It has a tidy 350kW (475hp) at 8250rpm and 440Nm of torque at 6250rpm on tap from its new DFI 3.8 litre flat-six cylinder engine. That’s 15hp more than the new 911 GT3 Cup, which uses the old Mezger engine. The new GT3 sees off 100km/h in 3.5 seconds and 200km/h will be gone in under 12 seconds. It has a top speed of 315km/h.

The rear axle is 44mm wider than the 991 Carrera S. The conrods are titanium and forged pistons, just a couple of the measures that allow the 3.8 litre to rev to 9000rpm. The new 20″ wheels are made from forged alloy. The unladen weight of the GT3 is 1430kg.

As predicted there’s an active rear-wheel steering system. At speeds below 50km/h the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels, but above 80km/h the rear wheel steer in parallel to the fronts. The result, Porsche says, is a more agile and dynamic GT3.

Of course, the elephant in the room is the PDK-only transmission. The GT3 specific 7-speed box, we’re told by Andreas Preuninger (more on that here), is lightning fast—changes take less than 100 milliseconds—and more involving than a manual. There was much debate at Porsche over the merits of PDK versus manual transmission and the move to PDK wasn’t taken lightly.

For those keeping score the 2013 911 GT3 can lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7 minutes 30 seconds.

There’s more pics below with a couple of videos along the way as well. Also available is Porsche’s full Geneva Motor Show Press kit which has lost more detail on everyone’s favourite 911. Today is a very good day!

UPDATE: We can confirm the 991 911 GT3 will go on sale in Australia towards the end of this year. Pricing to be announced closer to launch.

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Honda Motor Shows

Detroit 2013: Honda NSX Concept

Acura NSC Concept

Honda, or more accurately, Acura has turned up to Detroit with a new NSX Concept. Just like they did last year. Only this time they’ve tweaked the styling a little, making it more production-based and opened the doors to give us a look inside. Again, we expect the interior to be pretty close to final production spec.

Jon Ikeda, chief designer, Acura Design Studio, isn’t missing his chance to dabble in some first class hyperbole. “Consistent with the spirit of the original NSX, our intention is to support the psychological and emotional aspects of driving a super car at the limit, because we are insistent about delivering on the synergy between man and machine,” he said.

And, so long as you can get the interior in any colour other than bright red, we think Ikeda and his mates have done a pretty good job. Certainly, from the outside, the latest NSX concept still makes us want one.

Let’s not forget the all-new mid-mounted V6 and tricky electric bits driving the Sport Hybrid SH-AWD system either. We’re expecting the second-generation NSX to be very, very good. Just a shame we’re probably going to have to wait until 2015 to find out.

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Chevrolet Motor Shows

Detroit 2013: Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

An American car featured on AUSmotive; what’s going on?! But it’s a Stingray!

Truth be told, we knew those interested in the new C7 Corvette would have already read up on it and figured it wouldn’t be worth running. But when we looked a bit closer and saw those, let’s face it, pretty stupid centre-mount quad exhaust tips we just had to get in on the act.

Like many things American, those tips are stupid in such a loveable way.

Also, in GM’s current renaissance we’d not be surprised if this 2014 Chevrolet Corvette turned out to be a half decent drive. It’ll be plenty fast, that we can be sure of.

You’ll get that when you stick a brand new 335kW/610Nm 6.2 litre V8 into a “lightweight” coupé boasting better power-to-weight numbers than a Porsche 911 or Audi R8. At least, that’s what the marketing boffins at Chevy are claiming. They’ve not published the kerbweight of the C7 Stingray so we can check for ourselves.

Get this, there’s gee-whiz carbon fibre body panels, a hydroformed aluminium frame and even a 7-speed manual box as well. The Yanks have discovered the 21st century! There’s also some serious irony here that in time, American cars may prove to be the last bastion of the manual transmission.

If this new Stingray has grabbed you by the balls and made a man out of you then why not satisfy your feminine side by reading all about it in the full media kit made available for all at the very friendly GM media portal.

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Mercedes-Benz Motor Shows

Detroit 2013: Mercedes-Benz CLA

2013 Mercedes-Benz CLA Class

Generation Y, this is your Mercedes-Benz. That’s the claim made on behalf of the new CLA Class by the boss of the three-pointed star Dr Dieter Zetsche. It’s based on the Concept Style Coupé first shown in Beijing last April. You can also think of it as an A Class sedan; dare we be so boring to label it as such!

Wherever, or however, you choose to pigeon hole this car, we reckon it looks pretty damn good. If nothing else it’s refreshing to see a compact three-box four door car from one of Germany’s big guns that has tried to do something adventurous, anything, regarding the styling.

Mercedes is to be applauded for embracing the clean slate offered by the introduction of the CLA and thanked for presenting us with a charming option that should provide a plenty of spice in the entry-level prestige segment.

Dig a bit deeper than the impressive styling and there’s the security of a new optional 4matic all-wheel drive system and the promise of greater things to come when AMG finishing messing about with the CLA 45, expected in September. There’s a heap of fancy tech that has trickled down from its more expensive big brothers as well.

Until the cooking AMG model arrives Mercedes has given us engines ranging from 90–155kW to play with. Of course, petrol and diesel options fall within the range, sourced from the A Class lineup.

If you have a pulse, we suspect you’ll be ready to sink your teeth into the full detail from Mercedes after the break. Before you do we’ll leave you with the words of Sales and Marketing man Dr Joachim Schmidt: “We aim to reach new target groups with the CLA—including those who never intended driving a Mercedes.”

Well, Dr Schmidt, you’ll be pleased to know, we think you’re about to kick a few goals at your next board meeting.

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