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Citroen Video

The best car of all?

Citroen 2CV

The Citroën 2CV is one of the most intriguing cars of all time. But is it also one of the best? That’s the case Chris Harris puts forward in his video this week.

A little about the car before you watch the clip. The 2CV was built from 1948–1990 and ended with an estimated production run of 5,114,996 vehicles. At launch it was offered with a 375cc air-cooled flat twin cylinder engine producing a whopping 9hp at 3500rpm. Over the years power ballooned to 29hp at 5750rpm thanks to the eventual arrival at a 602cc flat twin.

Power is sent to the front wheels through a 4-speed manual gearbox with a shift pattern designed for convenience rather than convention.

The 2CV stands out like a beacon today due its basic nature. You get the feeling that it probably still stood out for similar reasons 66 years ago when it was first released. Undeniably, though, the 2CV makes people smile and for that, and a host of other reasons, it has made the motoring world better for its existence.

If you know anyone that owns a 2CV and you think they would let AUSmotive do a Drive Thru review please let us know.

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Formula 1 Red Bull Racing Video

Austria’s next top model

Paul Bischof, Red Bull Racing

Austrian twentysomething Paul Bischof is a bit like you and me. He’s a car geek. And he likes Formula 1. But Paul is a bit different, too, and takes his interest in cars to a totally new level. Way beyond the scope most of us can even think of.

He makes 1:10 scale models of racing cars from paper. For example, he made a Red Bull RB7 replica, which consists of around 6500 parts. That’s right, from paper!

He had no idea at the time, but his RB7 model turned out be the best job interview he ever did. This is his story, and you watch the video after the break.

[Thanks to Tiaan for the tip]

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Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz Video

Why is the Mercedes AMG F1 W05 so good?

Mercedes AMG F1 W05 turbo design

The Mercedes AMG F1 W05 has been untouchable so far this season. That’s no surprise, though, because the team dominated pre-season testing and has backed that up by winning the first three races of the year. So what makes the 2014 Silver Arrow so good?

In short, the answer centres around the design of its turbo. Despite what SkySports F1 will tell you this was first discussed by Scarbs back in March. But it’s still worth taking a look at this piece from Sky as described by Martin Brundle.

Looking at the image above the car on the left has a conventional turbo design, while the one on the right, illustrating the W05, shows a split turbo arrangement. The air compressor is placed at the front of the engine where it has better access to cooler air, while the turbine remains at the rear to make use of the exhaust gasses.

The net result of that change is that the turbo is more efficient, it allows for better weight distribution and improved aero packaging at the rear of the car.

So why aren’t all Mercedes-powered cars fighting for race wins? The story we’ve heard is that the customer teams did not get the full details of the new PU 106 A Hybrid V6 power unit until they had signed contracts. Whereas Mercedes AMG was able to develop the W05 from the start with full knowledge of the split turbo design, allowing it to better refine its aero and other packaging.

It’s a simple concept that must be incredibly difficult to implement, otherwise you wonder why nobody else has done it. Moreover, you’d have to think this concept has wider applications beyond motorsport too, into the cars we drive on the streets.

[Thanks to Tiaan for the tip]

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Audi Mercedes-Benz Video Volkswagen

VIDEO: Golf R v A45 AMG v S3

VW Golf R v Mercedes A45 AMG v Audi S3

Now that the new Golf R has been launched in Australia it’s timely to check out this video from Dutch car mag Auto Week. Up against the Volkswagen are the Mercedes-Benz A45 AMG and VW stablemate the Audi S3.

Remember, all three cars are all-wheel drive and all three use a Haldex-based system.

When watching the video make sure you turn on the English subtitles, otherwise it’ll just be a series of crackles and farts, plus a trio of double-clutch hot hatces.

[Thanks to John for the tip]

Categories
Porsche Video WEC

The glorious sound of a Porsche V4

Porsche 919 Hybrid

The good people from Drive went along to Paul Ricard recently and captured some audio of the Porsche 919 Hybrid. This is good because it gives us a great opportunity to hear what its petrol-powered V4 engine sounds like. It’s not the best sounding engine you will ever hear, but it’s not too bad.

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McLaren Video

“Faster than an original McLaren F1”

Chris Harris drives the McLaren 650S

Chris Harris is taking a week off from his Drive duties, which means we can bring you up to speed with what he did in his last video. You may have already seen it, but if not here he is waxing lyrical about the McLaren 650S. As is customary now, we get a bit of behind the scenes technical talk which is much easier to take in than reading press releases word for word.

We only see the car on the track but that’s still enough to make us think we wish we were there too. Just watch the super slo-mo of the 650S slicing through some esses at the 10:00 mark.

But before you do watch the video take a moment to read and take in the quote we’ve used to title this post. Then look out for it in the commentary and also ponder how nonchalantly Harris delivers those words.

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BMW Lexus Video

VIDEO: BMW M235i v Lexus IS-F drag race

BMW M235i v Lexus IS F

This video is like popcorn. It’s crap and you know it’s crap. You hate yourself for enjoying it, but you just can’t help yourself.

So, then, a six-cylinder turbo down on power up against a free revving normally aspirated V8 with a significant horsepower advantage. A straight line, of course, they’re in the US after all, who’s going to win? The BMW does have the benefit of lighter weight.

After you’ve watched the unedited video below, if you really want to assault your ears, and maybe your intelligence too, watch this.

Categories
Formula 1 Porsche Red Bull Racing Video WEC

Mark Webber talks about career, past and present

Mark Webber

The chaps at XCAR films managed to get Mark Webber to spend some time in front of the camera during last week’s WEC test at Paul Ricard. They got him talking about his career and a few other bits and pieces.

We learn how Mark got started, hear about his departure from Formula 1 and what he’s looking forward to with Porsche.

One thing we were surprised to learn is how low Mark’s heart rate is during race conditions, especially in the 919. He is ice cool!

[Thanks to Tiaan for the tip]

Categories
Lamborghini Oh the humanity Video

Lamborghini Aventador no match for a Mazda2

Lamborghini Aventador crash

Here’s a video to make your eyes bleed. It involves a Lamborghini Aventador, a Mazda2 and an intersection on a London street. The end result could have been worse, but it’s still a shame to see.

[Source: Road & Track]

Categories
Hyundai Video WRC

Onboard with Dani Sordo at the Fafe Rally Sprint

Dani Sordo, Hyundai i20 WRC, Fafe Rally Sprint

Watching good quality onbard footage of any motorsport catergory rarely gets tired. And that theory is proved with this clip from Hyundai showing Dani Sordo in action in the i20 WRC at the Fafe Rally Sprint on the weekend.

The unofficial warm up to Rally Portugal was won by Sebastien Ogier in front of around 100,000 cheering rally fans.

In addition to the Dani Sordo clip there’s another clip for you, filmed from within the massive crowds. It’s more quality action and it almost feels like you’re right in there, part of the electric atmosphere.

Categories
Porsche Video WEC

Porsche factory drivers talk about the 919 Hybrid

Mark Webber

Porsche made sure its drivers did more than lap the Paul Ricard circuit over recent days by asking them to tell the world how wonderful the new 919 Hybrid really is. This is what they came up with. That V4 engine sounds alright, too.

Categories
Jaguar Video

Does my arse look good in this?

Jaguar F-Type R Coupe

This week Chris Harris has a play with the very sexy Jaguar F-Type Coupé. Naturally he’s selected the 404kW supercharged 5.0 V8 model, the F Type R.

He begins by waxing lyrical about the car’s beautiful exterior, in particular it’s rather pleasing backside. But when he turns his eye to the interior he reveals himself to be a man after my own heart when he critiques the selection of typefaces used. Brilliant, Chris, just brilliant!

Anyway, despite its 1650kg heft, he quite likes the car. Click through to find out why.