Categories
Citroen WRC

Reduced WRC program for Loeb in 2013

Sebastien Loeb, 2012 Rally Germany

The world’s best rally combination of Sebastien Loeb and Daniel Elena will be running a partial WRC program in 2013, Citroën announced at the Paris Motor Show overnight. Loeb is fast heading towards his ninth WRC title and at 38 years of age is hoping to exit the world stage while he is on top.

It’s important to note that Citroën will be continuing with a three car team in 2013, with Mikko Hirvonen as the lead driver. However it won’t be a fully factory-backed effort.

An official statement from the Citroën World Rally Team reads: “In these tough economic times, Citroën has taken the view that it is essential for it to remain involved in motorsport in order to support its determined and energetic commercial approach. At the same time, it was equally important to find a way of reducing the Brand’s financial commitment to the team’s operating costs.”

Yves Matton, Citroën Racing Team Principal explains the team has secured a new major sponsor: “In this context, we are particularly proud to welcome Abu Dhabi on board. This partnership will provide us with the means of continuing our programme and entering three DS3 WRCs in 2013.”

Citroën also said they are considering entering the World Touring Car Championship in 2014, with Sebastien Loeb as the headline act.

[Source: citroen-wrc.com]

Categories
McLaren Motor Shows

Paris 2012: McLaren P1

McLaren P1

McLaren Automotive promised us they would reveal the P1 at the Paris Motor Show. And they have, look at it. It’s spectacular, it looks bloody fast and it has presence. We love it!

You: I agree it looks awesome, but we already saw pics the other day. How much power does it have? How fast is it?

Us: Dunno. They haven’t said.

That’s right, all the build up, all the hype and all we can give you about the world’s latest and greatest hypercar is more hype! And motherhood statements. We’ve got heaps of motherhood statements:

“Of course, the McLaren P1 will have an immensely powerful engine, superb brakes and state of the art suspension controls.”
Paul Mackenzie, Programme Director

“It celebrates aerodynamics, great packaging and light weight. It is all about innovative technology. At the very beginning, we sought to develop a car that you could drive to a racing circuit, then press a button and race it.

“Maximum speed was never a priority. It’s much more technically challenging, and more meaningful, to develop a car that seeks to be the fastest-ever series production car on a racing circuit.”
Dan Parry-Williams, Chief Design Engineer

“It would have a level of racetrack performance never before seen in a series production road car.”
Simon Lacey, Head of Vehicle Technology

“I wanted it to look like a Le Mans racer with that low body, long rear deck and open mesh rear styling to put the mechanicals on view and to help cooling.”
Frank Stephenson, Design Director

So, aside from a promise that the P1 will have a power-to-weight ratio of at least 600PS per tonne we can’t really give you any firm details. McLaren says all the tech data will be released when the P1 is launched early next year. Initial deliveries are scheduled for late 2013.

If you want to read a bunch of McLaren employees claiming their car will be the best thing since ever, then read the presser after the break. Oh, actually, read the stuff about the MonoCage body shell, that’s pretty good.

Continue reading “Paris 2012: McLaren P1”
Categories
Audi Motor Shows

Paris 2012: Audi crosslane coupé

Audi crosslane coupé

Audi has taken us into their future with the crosslane coupé concept. Key to its construction is its multimaterial space frame, a combination of aluminum, carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP), and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP).

The new space frame tech will provide benefits for many Audi models in the future, while the exterior design of the crosslane gives us a preview of the next-generation of Q models.

Power for the concept is provided in the form of a dual-mode hybrid set up. A pair of electric motors are joined by a 1.5 litre three cylinder TFSI petrol engine. The electric motor 1 (EM1) is coupled to the TFSI engine and takes on the menial roles of starter motor and alternator.

From rest to 55km/h the EM2 is in control and as speed increases the conventional engine joins the party. If the speed goes above 130km/h petrol engine takes full responsibility.

Continue reading “Paris 2012: Audi crosslane coupé”
Categories
Lamborghini Motor Shows

Paris 2012: Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4

2013 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4

It’s had more farewell tours than John Farnham but Lamborghini has dusted off the Gallardo one more time, given it a bit of a touch up and come to Paris with a new LP 560-4 model. It still looks fantastic.

As its name suggests the newest Gallardo produces 560PS (412kW) from its 5.2 litre V10. It weighs an even 1500kg and coupled to 6-speed e-gear transmission and all-wheel drive system it can reach 100km/h in a measly 3.2 seconds; 200km/h takes only 11.8 seconds. And you can keep on powering to a v-max of 325km/h. Nice work if you can get it.

Proving there’s more life in the Gallardo than even Lamborghini could have ever hoped for they’ve also created the LP 570-4 Edizione Tecnica, which has flash red detailing, carbon ceramic brakes and a model-specific rear wing.

You can learn more on both cars after the break.

Continue reading “Paris 2012: Lamborghini Gallardo LP 560-4”
Categories
Jaguar Motor Shows

Paris 2012: Jaguar F-Type

2013 Jaguar F-Type

After many flirtations we can now bring you pics and details on the new F-Type convertible, direct from Jaguar’s mouth.

If you fancy the stylish lines of the F-Type, and who could blame you, there’s a choice of three model designations in the range. First is the F-Type, powered by a 340PS (250kW) 3.0 litre supercharged V6. Next is the F-Type S which turns the wick on the V6 up to 380PS (279kW). Headlining the range is the F-Type V8 S which, unsurprisingly, uses a 5.0 litre supercharged V8, capable of pumping out 495PS (364kW).

All use a close ratio 8-speed auto and normally we’d frown upon that. Sure we’d prefer a manual, but Jaguar has shown in the past it can make a good auto and if you hop into the F-Type with your expectations in check—this is not a Porsche GT3 rival—then we reckon you’ll be rewarded with some great driving fun.

The S and V8 S models feature an active exhaust system for added aural thrills, thanks to valves that open as the tacho climbs above 3000rpm. And they do sound great!

Triple figures are knocked off in 5.3 seconds in the entry level F-Type and 4.9 seconds in the S. While 625Nm of torque helps the V8 S to 100km/h in and 4.3 seconds.

We like the F-Type, it’s a smart looking car. Its proportions are bang on and we hope it does well for Jaguar.

Continue reading “Paris 2012: Jaguar F-Type”
Categories
Motor Shows Volkswagen

Paris 2012: Volkswagen Golf GTI concept

Volkswagen Mk7 Golf GTI

Officially, then, here is the new “near-production” seventh-generation Golf GTI. Rather that resummarise the info we brought you yesterday here’s all you need to know about the new Golf VII GTI in dot point form:

  • One GTI, two power levels
  • EA888 series 2.0 litre turbocharged engine
  • Standard: 162kW (220PS)/350Nm
  • Performance Pack: 169kW (230PS)/350Nm
  • 0–100km/h: 6.6s (6.5s Performance Pack)
  • 80–120km/h: 5.0s (4th); 6.0s (5th)
  • Brakes: 16″ with red painted callipers (17″ Performance Pack)
  • Tyres: 225/45/17 (225/40/18 optional)
  • Wheels: Denver, Detroit, Glendale, Brooklyn (17″ or 18″)
  • Top speed: 246km/h (250km/h Performance Pack)
  • Fuel consumption: 6.0l/1ookm (with 6-speed manual)
  • CO2 emissions: 140g/km
  • Front axle differential lock (VAQ)—Performance Pack only
  • Progressive steering
  • 15mm lower ride height
  • Meets EU6 emissions standards
  • Stop/Start system
  • Bi-xenon headlights
  • LED foglights
  • Smoked LED rear lights
  • Twin 80mm chrome tail pipes
  • Three-spoke flat bottomed steering wheel
  • Model specific instrument cluster with colour display
  • Sport seats (with sliding drawers underneath)
  • “Clark” tartan fabric
  • European launch in early 2013

That pretty much sums everything up. Although, we’re a little unsure if we should read anything into the fact there’s been no mention or confirmation of the rumoured 100kg weight loss. Perhaps that level of detail will come when the GTI is launched next year.

UPDATE: A selection of pics from the floor of the Paris Motor Show have been added below, with thanks to GolfMk7.com. We recommend you follow this link and check out their full gallery.

Continue reading “Paris 2012: Volkswagen Golf GTI concept”
Categories
Hyundai Motor Shows WRC

Paris 2012: Hyundai WRC i20

Hyundai WRC i20

Hyundai has used the bright lights of the Paris Motor Show to announce they will be returning to the World Rally Championship. Their weapon of choice is this “rally-ready” WRC i20.

The term “rally-ready” is important insofar as Hyundai hasn’t nominated a firm date for their return. Although, wrc.com is claiming Hyundai could be racing as early as next year.

Speaking in Paris, Mark Hall, Marketing Director at Hyundai Motor Europe, said: “The World Rally Championship is recognised as one of the most dramatic sporting series on Earth. It’s a spectacle filled with excitement and dynamism—the perfect embodiment of the Hyundai brand.

“The WRC also offers the most technologically-diverse challenge for an automotive manufacturer. Our participation will demonstrate Hyundai’s engineering excellence and durability, and will also help to enhance our road-going vehicles in future.”

Continue reading “Paris 2012: Hyundai WRC i20”
Categories
Green Machines Motor Shows Porsche

Paris 2012: Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo

And just like that Porsche has made the Panamera cool.

This is the Panamera Sport Turismo, the latest in the current craze of Shooting Brake models. Officially it’s only a concept, but we think we know where this will end up, and that’s on the roads around the world. We say, it won’t happen overnight, but it will happen.

The Sport Turismo is powered by an e-hybrid system, consisting of a conventional petrol 3.0 litre V6 offering 245kW and a “charged hybrid module” producing around 70kW. Somehow, Porsche claims the peak power is 306kW. Either someone at Porsche is no good at maths, or they’re being deliberately vague about the finer points of the hybrid module. Reading on, it appears to be the latter.

Racing to 100km/h will take you less than six seconds. In all electric mode you can cruise at 130km/h, although you won’t be going far with a predicted range or 30km or so. On the plus side fuel consumption is claimed to be around 3.5l/100km and it’ll take two and a half hours to recharge the battery.

Inside, Porsche has give the main dash display a makeover with a touch screen display and tech geeks will be pleased to know they can also interact with the car using their smartphone.

We just hope Porsche puts this body shape on the road. Visually, it adds a genuine cachet that the regular Panamera cannot match.

Continue reading “Paris 2012: Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo”
Categories
Formula 1

FIA signs off on Austin Grand Prix track

FIA approves Circuit of the Americas

While one Grand Prix in America feels the wrath of Bernie, the other finds itself in the FIA’s good books. Charlie Whiting, F1 race director, was recently on site in Austin to inspect the Circuit of the Americas and he’s given the new 5.47km track the thumbs up.

This is a good thing, not the least because there’s only 52 days until the cars are due to roar into action. But also because it hasn’t always been plain sailing for Austin organisers either.

In granting the Austin track the Grade 1 rating it needs to be signed off Whiting said, “Everything that I’ve seen so far has been absolutely first class, and the progress that’s been made since the last time that I was here is amazing.

“The guys have done an awesome job—it really is quite fantastic! It’s built to the highest quality, exactly as we expected, and I’ve got absolutely no complaints whatsoever.”

Whiting is also hopeful that the circuit will see plenty of overtaking action. “There are 3-4 corners that are very likely to see overtaking,” he said. “If you look at Turn 1, you’ll see that the turns have been designed so that they’re extremely wide and the apex is very short. It’s a very modern approach to slow corners where we hope overtaking will take place. So I’m very confident it will work well.

“Turn 1 is awesome! It’s the only word I can think of to describe it, and I think drivers and teams coming here for the first time will say the same thing.”

[Source: COTA]

Continue reading “FIA signs off on Austin Grand Prix track”
Categories
Volkswagen

2013 VW Golf GTI previewed in leaked images

2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The Mk7 Golf GTI concept, to be unveiled in Paris, has been revealed by German publication Auto Bild in a series of five images.

Powered by a 2.0 litre turbo, the newest Golf GTI will boast 220hp (164kW), able to be boosted to 230hp (171kW) thanks to an optional Performance Package. That’s up 9kW and 16kW respectively on the 155kW offered by the Mk6 GTI. Torque increases more significantly, by 70Nm, to a new max of 350Nm.

We already know to expect the Golf VII GTI to shed as much as 100kg from the outgoing model and there’s also a very good chance a proper limited slip diff will be in the offing.

You’ll need around 6.6 seconds to reach 100km/h on the way to a top speed of 246km/h. The Performance Package reduces the 100km/h sprint by 0.1 seconds. Fuel consumption is rated at 6.6l/100km.

Visually, the Golf GTI follows the tried and proven path established with the Mk1 and Mk2 models and revived since the Mk5 model. That is, subtle but noticeable styling tweaks over the standard Golf that are enough to make a worthwhile statement.

The extension of the red trim through the front grille into the headlight cluster, featuring LED DRLs and bi-xenons, is a nice touch and helps to make the car appear wider. At the back LED rear lights are also different from the lower rent models.

For some reason Volkswagen still hasn’t killed off the horrible 17″ Denver alloys, but at least they can be cast aside in favour of Detroit, Glendale allays, as well as the new Brooklyn alloys you see here.

It’s standard GTI fare inside, including the familiar tartan trim and red stitching on the bolstered sports style seats. The red stitching extends to the new three-spoke steering wheel and other selected interior features.

While this will be badged a concept model in Paris we’ve seen before from Volkswagen that we can pretty much accept this is what the new GTI will look like. Expect it to go on sale in Europe before the middle of next year and if all goes well our guess is we could see it in Australia by late 2013.

We reckon Volkswagen will pull the trigger on the official info very soon and we’ll be back with all the details as soon as we can.

[Source: Auto Bild via WCF]

Continue reading “2013 VW Golf GTI previewed in leaked images”
Categories
Volkswagen

Volkswagen: Form follows resale

Volkswagen Golf VII

Volkswagen has adapted the old adage from form follows function to form follows resale. At least that’s one way to interpret the comments of VW’s design boss Walter de Silva who said: “There is a certain security in our design. When you know that it keeps the resale value, it’s important for a family. That’s our intention.”

De Silva expanded on his views, given to Automotive News, by saying: “We are convinced that the long period of overdesign, too many lines, too much styling is dropping down. It can’t be only for one or two seasons.

“People want to understand what they buy.”

So now you know why the new Golf VII looks the way it does. And don’t go expecting any flame surfacing, a la BMW or even Mazda to a lesser extent, any time soon.

Now, when can we debate de Silva’s claims of Volkswagens holding their resale?

[Source: Automotive News]

Categories
McLaren

McLaren P1 patent drawings reveal new details

McLaren P1 patent drawing

These four patent drawings revealed by French website L’Automobile reveal the new McLaren P1 hypercar is expected to feature a rear wing air brake, as also seen on the 12C.

It’s also possible to make out a small air duct just ahead of the front wheel arch, which is not visible on the preview images McLaren released last week.

You know the drill by now, the official details are due on Thursday 27 September and we’ll bring them to you as soon as we can.

[Source: L’Automobile via WCF]

Continue reading “McLaren P1 patent drawings reveal new details”