Categories
Bugatti

Galibier: “The best luxury sedan in the world”

Bugatti Galibier Concept

While poking around for extra info on yesterday’s R8 e-tron story we came across an interview with Wolfgang Dürheimer from late August, when he was still with Bugatti and just before he started with Audi. He’s been quite the mover and shaker in the Volkswagen Group, especially if we cheat a little and count his time at Porsche in that mix.

Anyway, we thought we’d share Dürheimer’s thoughts on the four-door Bugatti Galibier, which is not due until 2015 and will follow the next-gen Veyron. Dürheimer states the Galibier will be, “Simply the best luxury sedan in the world, the most beautiful large four-door in the world, powered by a 16-cylinder engine with over 1000 hp, and faster than anything on the market.

“And that includes tuning cars, which now stand at around 235 mph. And I can assure you that we will include a few innovative ideas that are a first in the automotive business as a whole.

“I thought I had seen everything after 10 years at the top of Porsche’s R&D.
I was wrong.”

Sounds impressive, hey.

[Source: Car and Driver]

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Categories
Audi Green Machines

Audi R8 e-tron production future in doubt

Audi R8 e-tron

Newly appointed Audi R&D boss Wolfgang Dürheimer is making his mark by calling a halt to the development of the R8 e-tron. It’s being reported the prohibitive cost of batteries is one of the major factors forcing Audi’s hand. Limited range is another.

There is a review of the R8 e-tron’s production future underway and and while the current cessation is deemed temporary there is a danger the R8 e-tron will be assigned to the scrap heap before it even hits the road.

For a project that promised so much in Frankfurt 2009, its crowning glory could be little more than a brief moment in the sun at the Nürburgring. In June Markus Winkelhock set an impressive 8:09 laptime around the Ring, which Audi claimed as a record for a production-based electric vehicle.

We’d like to hope that was just the start of the story, but that now appears to be in real doubt.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Categories
Mercedes-Benz

Everybody loves an A Class

Mercedes-Benz A Class

Turns out the new Mercedes-Benz A Class, currently on display at the Australian International Motor Show, is proving to be very popular with buyers. Mercedes has received 70,000 orders since June. That’s not a lot for a Corolla perhaps, or even a Golf, but for a fancy pants Mercedes hatchback that’s pretty good.

The demand has encouraged Mercedes to add a third production shift at the company’s Rastatt plant.

“We have expanded our full-time workforce by 500 permanent staff and are now well positioned to deliver the cars to our customers as soon as possible,” said Peter West, director of the Rastatt facility, in an official statement.

The A Class goes on sale in Australia from March next year and is priced from $35,600 for the entry level A 180 BlueEfficiency to $49,900 for the current range-topping A 250 Sport. An A Class AMG model is also in the works.

[Source: Reuters]

Categories
Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

Bernie wants Red Bull to save NJ GP

Red Bull Racing visits New York City

Despite confirmation that the Grand Prix of America, aka the New Jersey Grand Prix, has been postponed until 2014, a new report suggests F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is open to the race being saved for 2013.

Indeed, Bernie himself has suggested that Charem Yoovidhya, the Thai national who owns 51% of Red Bull, could step in and pick up the hefty tab required to get the race back on track.

“I might get the Red Bull man behind the New York Race,” said Ecclestone. “It’s a good market for them.”

Hmm, we’re not sure if Bernie was taking the piss, or is deadly serious. One thing we do know is that Bernie loves the cash. So if Yoovidhya and Red Bull were keen to invest in the New Jersey race then he’d be willing to reconsider the race’s place on the 2013 F1 calendar.

[Source: Pitpass.com]

Categories
Volkswagen

Volkswagen Taigun concept revealed

Volkswagen Taigun concept

Just when you thought the world already had enough SUVs Volkswagen came along and presented the Taigun concept at the Sao Paolo Motor Show in Brazil. You know what, it actually looks pretty good too.

Smaller than the similarly named Tiguan, the Taigun—see, confusing isn’t it—is powered by a frugal 1.0 litre three cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. Power is rated at 81kW, while torque is a respectable 175Nm. As you might expect, fuel consumption is a mere 4.5l/100km. Rather impressively, in concept form, the Taigun weighs just 985kg.

The Taigun is just 3859mm long and rides on a 2470mm wheelbase. An Alfa Romeo-like hidden rear door handle gives the Taigun a coupé look at first. There is only seating for four people, but should Volkswagen make it and price it well, they’ll be sure to find plenty of willing buyers.

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Categories
Aston Martin

VIDEO: The Aston Martin DB5

Aston Martin DB5

It’s just beautiful.

What else is there to say?

Continue reading “VIDEO: The Aston Martin DB5”
Categories
Ford Opel Renault

Is the 206kW Astra OPC any good?

Opel Astra OPC

After seeing the Opel Astra OPC in the metal at the motor show in Sydney we’ve become very interested in the car. Frankly, having access to 206kW for a quite reasonable $42,990 will do that.

But all that power, plus a massive 400Nm of torque, going through the front wheels only—that can’t be good, can it? Opel has done its best to ensure the Astra OPC can handle its stonking power by uprating the suspension and fitting a proper limited slip diff. Has it worked?

Well, as you’ll see from the four videos we’ve found for you after the break, it’s a little bit of yes and a little bit of no. The OPC has been benchmarked against the Ford Focus ST by both Autocar and Evo, plus being sent down the strip against the Renault Megane RS 265.

Sounds like a test drive for ourselves will be the only way to find out for sure. If nothing else the Evo track test shows the Astra OPC can be a bit of a laugh.

Continue reading “Is the 206kW Astra OPC any good?”
Categories
Formula 1 Lotus

Circuit of the Americas previewed

Jerome D'Ambrosio drives Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas

The Lotus F1 Team was on hand for the official opening of the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Mario Andretti, 1978 world champion, completed the official first lap. We’ve got a couple of videos for you after the break.

First, we have Lotus test driver, Jerome D’Ambrosio, at the wheel with his commentary of the lap as well. Next is a local news clip filed from the official opening which includes a few words from Andretti and others.

The United States Grand Prix follows the races in India and Abu Dhabi and will be held on 18 November.

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Categories
Lancia

Old skool rally goodness

Lancia Stratos HF

YouTube maestro Marchettino brings us the glorious sound of the legendary Lancia Stratos HF rally car. The actual action itself isn’t so good, but the soundtrack is awesome.

From the video’s description field, here’s the tech specs:

Engine: 2.4L V6 Ferrari engine with 188hp/225Nm
Performance: 0-100km/h (0-60 mph) acceleration in 6.2s,
top speed 230km/h (142mph)
Curb weight: 980kg

Continue reading “Old skool rally goodness”
Categories
Subaru

Subaru developing BRZ Turbo

Subaru BRZ

Word on the street says Subaru is developing a high-powered turbo BRZ. Good news for all those Toybaru fans out there wanting moar powaaaah!

According to Automotive News, Subaru’s 2.0 litre boxer engine will be good for 280hp (208kW) after having its twin scroll blow dryer bolted on. Torque should go from a miserly 200Nm to beyond 330Nm. Now we’re talking!

It’s expected Subaru will ditch the DI/port-injection developed by Toyota in favour of their own in-house direct injection.

The report states the BRZ Turbo could arrive as a 2014 model, which given the US market’s propensity to make everything seem a year earlier than reality, could even mean we’ll be seeing the Toybaru that everyone has always wanted as soon as next year.

Bring it on!

[Source: Automotive News]

Categories
BMW Motorsports

VIDEO: BMW closes book on 2012 DTM season

BMW's 2012 DTM season highlights

If BMW’s DTM story was captured in a book it would have sold millions back in the day. Now, with a new and successful 2012 chapter to be added, they’ve created this highlights package to remind us of what they achieved in their comeback year.

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Categories
BMW Motorsports

BMW triple crown caps off dream DTM return

Bruno Spengler and BMW, 2012 DTM champions

Canadian driver Bruno Spengler has capped off a thrilling season climax in Hockenheim to win the final race of the 2012 DTM season. In doing so he not only clinched the drivers’ championship for himself, but also did his bit in securing the manufacturers’ title for BMW.

Adding further to BMW’s successful return to touring car racing Spengler’s four wins from the 10 race calendar played a pivotal role in helping BMW Team Schnitzer to win the teams’ trophy.

Highlighting the close-fought nature of the DTM category BMW entered the final round in third place in the manufacturers’ standings. Meanwhile, Spengler was behind Mercedes driver Gary Paffett, who finished second in Hockenheim. Alas for Paffett, second was also where he finished on the final season tally, just four points adrift of Spengler.

2012 DTM season at a glance:

  • BMW: 5 wins (Spengler 4, Farfus)
  • Mercedes: 3 wins (Paffett 2, Green)
  • Audi: 2 wins (Mortara 2)
Continue reading “BMW triple crown caps off dream DTM return”