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Safety Issues Video

It’s just the luck of the draw

Russian highway accident

Metal safety barriers separating dual carriageways are supposed to be safe, right? Sometimes things can go wrong, as this video from Russia shows. And when things are out of your control, sometimes all that separates you from life and death is nothing more than dumb luck.

This rather frightening video shows two accidents. We can’t say what the outcome of the first impact was, but we can say, despite the graphic brutality of what happened in the second incident, that nobody was hurt. That’s just down to luck; half a metre either way and the occupants of this Golf Plus would have ended up a statistic.

[Source: Carscoop]

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Porsche Video

11 seconds in 18 minutes

Porsche 911 GT2 RS v Ducati 1199 Panigale

For his latest Drive video Chris Harris got behind the wheel of a Porsche 911 GT2 RS and took on a Ducati 1199 Panigale. The location for this duel? A quarter mile of sticky tarmac at the Santa Pod Raceway. In his piece for PistonHeads Harris paints the picture:

Personally, I think drag races are slightly less interesting than boiled rice. So I needed to do something that would stop me falling asleep. Ducati has recently launched this remarkable new bike called an 1199 Panigale, and I quite fancied watching a bloke who could ride it properly: step forward Ben Cope from www.VisorDown.com.

Despite the actual action taking 11 seconds, more or less, the vid goes for 18 minutes plus. We didn’t lose interest at any stage, though, and we don’t think you will either.

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Aston Martin

Aston Martin V12 Zagato learns lesson 101

Aston Martin V12 Zagato

GT Spirit brings word that Aston Martin will only build 101 of its V12 Zagato supercars. On release of official information from Aston back in February they said they could build up to 150 examples.

At £330K (approx AU$500K) the V12 Zagato doesn’t come cheap. It’s not clear if high cost is the reason behind the (potential) cut in numbers.

According to GT Spirit an official statement has been released by Aston Martin confirming the drop in production. However, we’ve checked the usual sources and nothing is available just yet.

[Source: GT Spirit]

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Audi

2013 Audi R8 facelift revealed

2013 Audi R8

Audi has given its acclaimed R8 a bit of a mid-cycle spruce up and we reckon they’ve done a grand job. The headline act is a new V10 plus Coupé (pictured above). Hairdressers need not apply, as it’s available in hardtop Coupé form only. The R8 V10 plus takes the 386kW/530Nm from the regular V10 model and ups the ante to 404kW and 540Nm.

As you can see there’s new lighting treatments for the R8, as well. Now standard across the board are LED headlights for both low and high beam. These days standard old indicators don’t cut the mustard, so Audi has fitted the rear light assembly with “dynamic indicators”; these illuminate outwards in the direction the driver is about to turn.

For the first time the R8 gets a proper S tronic double clutch transmission, ridding itself of the cumbersome R tronic gearbox. The 7-speed S tronic is standard on V10 models and optional on V8s. The new ‘box is less than 600mm in length and places its two multi-plate clutches behind one another.

The interior hasn’t been left untouched, either, with minor cosmetic tweaks designed to keep the R8 looking fresh. We quite like the optional quilted alcantara headlining, which looks great with its matching seats.

Australian buyers keen to get their hands on the facelifted R8 will have to wait until early 2013. They’ll also need a good relationship with their local Audi Centre if they want pricing ahead of the official announcement at next year’s launch.

We’ve compiled a quick reference performance table for you below before you sink your teeth into Audi’s pics and press release after the break.

ModelCapacityPower/TorqueCoupé 0–100km/hSpyder 0–100km/h
S tronic / manualS tronic / manual
R8 V10 plus5203cc404kW/540Nm3.5s / 3.8sna
R8 V105203cc386kW/530Nm3.6s / 3.9s3.8s / 4.1s
R8 V84163cc316kW/430Nm4.3s / 4.6s4.5s / 4.8s
Continue reading “2013 Audi R8 facelift revealed”
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Mazda

2013 Mazda6 shows its face for the first time

2013 Mazda6 front-end

Today we bring you the best look yet of the next-generation Mazda6. Previously teased through a series of videos we now have two still pictures of the car’s front-end.

Often times the compromises made from concept to production can lose the ethos of the original vision, but we’re pleased to say that is not the case here. Obvious and acceptable changes have been made to the headlights and the lower section of the front grille.

Of course, the production Mazda6 won’t be as sleek and stylish as the Takeri, but, so far, we’re liking what we’re seeing.

The full reveal of the 2013 Mazda6 is due to take place in September at what will be a very busy Paris Motor Show, with sales to commence early in the new year.

[Source: Carscoop]

UPDATE: Mazda Australia has alerted to us to some new photos which have been added here (all now available as 2000px super images). A rear three-quarter view reveals more of the Mazda6’s sleek styling. We can also confirm the new Mazda6 will debut at the Moscow Motor Show on 29 August.

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Categories
Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

FIA expected to ban Red Bull engine map

2012 German Grand Prix

Following last weekend’s late drama regarding Red Bull’s engine mapping the FIA is expected to issue a directive clarifying the contentious Article 5.5.3 of the sport’s technical regulations.

German GP stewards followed the request of the FIA’s technical delegate, Jo Bauer, who suspected Red Bull’s torque curves were in contravention of the rules, but found that as the rules were written no action could be taken.

The FIA’s Techical Working Group met yesterday, ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix. It’s expected that will result in a rewriting of the relevant regulation, forcing Red Bull to change their mapping.

This will please McLaren’s Martin Whitmarsh and Ferrari’s Stefano Domenicali, both critics of the stewards’ decision at Hockenheim.

“If you are allowed to do that, everyone will be spending a lot of money to run that kind of map and as quickly as you can. Clearly, the FIA is frustrated by it, so better to stop doing it,” Whitmarsh said.

While Doemenicali added, “We are relying on the regulator, the FIA, to make sure that it is a fair fight.”

It’s the second time this year the FIA has retrospectively forced Red Bull’s hand after they banned the ‘tyre squirt’ holes used in the floor of the RB8 at Bahrain, Spain and Monaco.

[Source: grandprix.com | Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

Categories
Bathurst 12 Hour

Bathurst 12H locks in TV and online coverage

2012 Bathurst 12 Hour

Race organisers for the Bathurst 12 Hour have today announced their broadcast plans for the 2013 race (8–10 February).

Free online streaming will continue, as we’ve enjoyed in previous years. Further improving the online coverage will be four additional live streams from on-board cameras placed in specially selected cars.

The improvement in online presence comes thanks to a new agreement between the organisers and Sydney production house AVE. Greg Sita, AVE’s director, says: “We are committed to raising the bar in 2013 and that includes the introduction of live onboard cameras throughout Sunday’s race, which will be coupled with cameras right around the circuit to get every angle and capture every moment.

“The online coverage is very important and 2013 will be the best yet.”

Pleasingly the AVE deal will also bring the Bathurst 12 Hour back to free-to-air television. AVE produces Speedweek for SBS and they will broadcast a three-hour highlights package on 17 February.

“With a quick turnaround we will then showcase all of the most exciting moments into a three-hour program on Speedweek the following weekend in what is set to be a big show.” Sita added.

It’s not the live television coverage we’d like to see for the 12 Hour, but at least it’s on a free-to-air network with a strong national reach.

Racegoers have not been left out, either, with two large screens returning to trackside. One will be viewable from pit straight, while another will be placed on top of the mountain.

[Source: Bathurst 12 Hour]

Categories
Formula 1 Volkswagen

VW mentioned in same sentence as F1 (again)

2012 German Grand Prix

As often as Volkswagen denies it is interested in Formula One a new rumour emerges. This time it involves the Sauber F1 Team and the theory was given new life at the German Grand Prix last weekend.

Peter Sauber himself is at the centre of the latest speculation, too. When told of the rumours, rather than deny them he simply replied: “Indeed it is so.”

Sauber went on to add: “At the Geneva Motor Show we had a meeting with [Dr Martin] Winterkorn [Volkswagen Chairman]. We are certainly not going to make public the content of the conversation.”

As has been the case in the past, it may be safe to expect nothing further to come of this. If something did happen, it’s likely Volkswagen would play the role of engine supplier when the new regs start in 2014.

[Source: WCF | Pic: Sauber Motorsport AG]

Categories
BMW

BMW Z4 LCI raises design questions

BMW Z4 LCI spied

Here’s a spy shot of the BMW Z4 LCI. In case you don’t know LCI stands for life cycle impulse and, no, we’re not kidding. It’s a fancy name for facelift or refresh, which most manufacturers do to help extend the lifespan of their models.

Anyway, as you can see from the image above, BMW is only making minor adjustments to the Z4, focusing on lighting details. But when we saw that shot we didn’t concern ourselves too much with the changes to the Z4, we just admired its basic shape and reflected on what a nice design the BMW roadster actually is. Okay, it’s not the prettiest ragtop we’ve ever seen, but we do like it.

Unfortunately, it also made us ask: How can the same company that gave us the stylish Z4 also be responsible for this?!

[Source: Autoblog | Pic: CarPix]

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Mercedes-Benz Safety Issues

Mercedes-Benz to trial seatbelt airbag

Mercedes-Benz beltbag

Seatbelts are one the most important safety features of any car. Yet, in the event of an accident the level of their effectiveness can almost be measured by the severity of the marking left to the driver or passenger. Of course, that’s a much better solution that flying unhindered through a windscreen.

However, Mercedes-Benz brings word that they are developing an answer to this problem by incorporating an airbag into the seatbelt. They’ve called it the Beltbag and describe its function like this:

Should the crash sensors detect a severe frontal impact, the airbag control unit will trigger deployment and inflation of the Beltbag. A gas generator then inflates the multi-layered belt strap with Velcro seams to nearly three times its normal width. The resulting larger surface area is able to better distribute the force acting on the seat occupant, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

Let’s just hope no stray gasses or poweders leak during inflation.

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Aston Martin

The name’s Cool. Very Cool.

Aston Martin DB5

The Aston Martin DB5; has there ever been a cooler heroes car? Fans of the 1960s sportscar will be pleased to know the DB5 will feature in the latest Bond film Skyfall when it released later this year.

In this short video the Producer, Michael G Wilson, and Director, Sam Mendes, tell us why they brought the DB5 back. We especially like the part where Mendes says the end of the film could be mistaken for being set in 1962.

Except the DB5 wasn’t released until 1963.

Continue reading “The name’s Cool. Very Cool.”
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Caterham F1 in pictures Ferrari Lotus McLaren Mercedes-Benz Red Bull Racing Toro Rosso

2012 German Grand Prix in pictures

2012 German Grand Prix

This morning we bring you around 90 images from the 2012 German Grand Prix at Hockenheim. Let’s hope the F1 circus finds its way to a happier and more stable Nürburgring in 2013.

Until then, enjoy your lot from Hockenheim. Sadly for McLaren fans there’s no 2000px photos from the Woking crew this week, we’re not sure why, but something was up with their site and we have to make do with what we’ve got. For fans of all the other teams you can click away to your heart’s content and view wallpaper-friendly super images.

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