Categories
Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake

Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake

A week after details for the CLS Shooting Brake were revealed, Mercedes-Benz has come to the party releasing info on the high-powered AMG version.

Powered by a 5.5-litre V8 biturbo, the CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake delivers 386kW/700Nm to your right foot. If that’s not enough, then the “Edition 1” version ups the ante to 410kW/800Nm. Both levels of engine spec see off 100km/h in under 4.5 seconds.

AMG boss, Ola Källenius, reckons his version of the Shooting Brake is something special, “The CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake is establishing a completely new, small and select niche sector, and is expected to delight new customers just as much as it will existing AMG enthusiasts. The combination of performance, style and usability is unique.”

The CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake has been described as a certainty for Australia. Although, at this stage, an exact release date is yet to be confirmed. That said, we reckon you should put your money on the Shooting Brake range being launched down under late this year.

Continue reading “Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake”
Categories
Subaru

Subaru Australia prices BRZ sub-$38K driveaway

Subaru BRZ

Subaru Australia will sell the BRZ for less than $38,000 when local pricing is officially announced next Monday (16 July). Unlike its Toybaru cousin which is offered in two trim levels, the BRZ will be offered in Australia as a single model line with relatively high levels of standard equipment.

An AUSmotive reader was today told the driveaway price for a 6-speed manual BRZ would be $37,150 (may vary depending on your state’s taxes etc). That would make list pricing somewhere in the mid $30K range.

While the BRZ is expected to be high-spec compared to the Toyota 86, there will still be options available. Expect the auto gearbox to be close to the $2500 Toyota charges and, one from left field, heated leather/alcantara seats to be $1500.

Toyota Australia is enjoying strong demand with its very well priced 86 offering and expects to shift some 250 models per month. But don’t start thinking the arrival of the BRZ, now in Australian showrooms, will do much to boost supply. Speaking to Carsguide last month Subaru Australia boss, Nick Senior, revealed they have limited the BRZ to around 30 units per month for the first six months.

“We are going to be very constrained in terms of supply. We’re likely to get 201 cars for the first six months,” Senior said. “We had an order bank, but we got to the stage that we had to say we couldn’t take any more orders.”

We’ll bring you the official word from Subaru as soon as it comes to hand.

[Pic: gt86.com.au | Thanks to Jimmy for the tip]

UPDATE 12 July: We’ve been doing a bit more digging today and have found conflicting information on the pricing shown above. First we came across some info that indicated the pricing we listed may be list figures only, not including on roads. Soon after we found something else which supported the pricing we received last night. Looks like we won’t know for certain until next Monday.

Categories
Mazda

All-new Mazda6 previewed in official video

All-new Mazda6

When we saw Mazda’s Shinari Concept at the 2011 Australian International Motor Show we fast became fans of their new ‘Kodo’ design language. Those delightful curves and dramatic creases were brought one step closer to reality with the Takeri Concept at last year’s Tokoyo Motor Show.

The Takeri was a preview of what to expect for the new Mazda6 they told us. Now Mazda has an official, if very brief, teaser for their new 6 mid-sized saloon. We’ve enhanced the image above to improve the lighting a little, and we hope as much of the Takeri’s form makes it down the production line as possible.

Continue reading “All-new Mazda6 previewed in official video”
Categories
Aston Martin

A second look at the Aston Martin Vanquish

Aston Martin Vanquish

When the all-new Aston Martin Vanquish was officially revealed a couple of weeks back a few of you weren’t happy with what you were seeing. So with this highlights package from its launch event in Frankfurt here’s a second look at the new Vanquish.

We do quite like the raw carbon fibre body panels on the display car, but the production model, too, has some notable details. The crease extending from the side vent, into the door, for example; we can’t decide if it’s a design faux pas or an inspired design highlight. We would agree the lower front spoiler and side skirts probably need to be seen in person before casting final judgement.

One thing is certain, if some kind soul was going to give us a Vanquish to do with as we wish, we wouldn’t be sending it back!

We’ve also added a handful of new images to help you confirm or change your initial opinion.

Continue reading “A second look at the Aston Martin Vanquish”
Categories
Mercedes-Benz Video

“Some day I’m gonna have one of these things”

Mercedes-Benz 300SL

Here’s a nice video showcasing one of the world’s great motoring icons, the Mercedes-Benz 300SL ‘Gullwing’. This 1957 model is genuinely worthy of being treated as museum piece. Yet, it could be argued the car’s owner adds to his Gullwing’s provenance by driving it regularly and not handling it with kid gloves.

It’s colour is a perfect complement to its era. It’s classic curves still seduce today, almost 60 years after the 300SL made its debut. And that 3.0 litre straight six doesn’t half sound bad either.

[Source: Depth of Speed via Motor Sport Retro]

Continue reading ““Some day I’m gonna have one of these things””
Categories
Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

Mark Webber stays with Red Bull for 2013

Mark Webber re-signs with Red Bull Racing for 2013

A typically honest Mark Webber admits he spoke to Ferrari, but has confirmed he will stay with Red Bull Racing for the 2013 Formula One season. This ends an almost comical saga of speculation about Webber’s immediate future, something both he and his team are happy to be over.

“It’s been an interesting few months, but overall the continuity and desire for me to continue at Red Bull Racing was very strong,” Webber said. “My main focus is on this year’s Championship, which is very important.”

Team boss, Christian Horner, explains the decision to offer Mark a new contract was an easy one. “As there was a strong desire from both sides to continue the partnership, it was a logical decision to extend our relationship and it is with great pleasure that we confirm Mark will drive for us in 2013.”

Mark says he is open to continuing his career into 2014 if his pace remains. “It’s a results-based sport at the front of the grid so the future lies in my own hands. It’s down to me to deliver the on-track results,” he said.

Full details from Red Bull Racing can be read below.

[Pics: Ferrari, Red Bull/Getty Images]

Continue reading “Mark Webber stays with Red Bull for 2013”
Categories
Caterham F1 in pictures Ferrari Lotus McLaren Mercedes-Benz Red Bull Racing Toro Rosso

2012 British Grand Prix in pictures

2012 British Grand Prix

Mark Webber’s second British Grand Prix victory is still fresh in our minds. It’s probably one of the first races Webber has won where he has been able to strike when a win looked off the cards. In his own words he wasn’t sure he could pass Alonso until he was right on the Ferrari’s gearbox.

“It’s taking a while to sink in this one. I think it was the circumstances of the race—for most of it I was marking off second place,” explained Webber. “Fernando was not quite out of touch and after the last stop, my engineer Ciaron came on the radio saying that Fernando was not doing much on the option tyres. But I know Fernando is a wily old fox, I thought he was looking after the tyres and just waiting to pull the pin and go a little bit.

“But when I got within two seconds I thought maybe he’s in a little bit of trouble and it was real. It was completely game on when I knew the DRS was available, I made the move stick and our hard work paid off for the win. It was a cracking grand prix today; the spectators got to see a good race and I’m pleased for them.”

After the break we have a large selection of images to help you recount Webber’s ninth GP win. We do wonder what Mark was saying to Sebastian and Fernando on the podium.

Continue reading “2012 British Grand Prix in pictures”
Categories
Motorsports News

Ken Block’s Gymkhana 1–4 infographic

Ken Block infographic for Gymkhana 1-4

Prior to the release of Gymkhana FIVE, DC Shoes contacted us and said we can share their infographic, which contains a bunch of stats for the first four Gymkhana videos. And then things got away from us and, well, here it is now. You can see the full version after the break and, given GYM5 already has close to one million views, it won’t be long before some new big numbers can be added to this quite impressive brag sheet.

Continue reading “Ken Block’s Gymkhana 1–4 infographic”
Categories
Ford Motorsports

Ken Block’s Gymkhana FIVE photo gallery

Ken Block's Gymkhana 5

Following the release of the Gymkhana FIVE video overnight here’s a few photos and the official word from DC Shoes marketing dept.

We have to say it was a good score to get San Francisco authorities to hand over the city to Ken Block and his crew. Something Block himself certainly appreciates, describing himself as a “lucky bastard”.

“San Francisco was absolutely amazing for Gymkhana,” said Block. “It’s such a unique location for this kind of driving and allowed me to do some things that I never thought I’d ever be able to incorporate into one of my Gymkhana videos—like jumping a table top or doing a jump drift!

“I’m stoked with how this project turned out and I’m truly a lucky bastard to have been able to do the things I was able to do on the streets of San Francisco. To all of the residents and people who allowed us to make this happen, thank you!”

[Source: DC Shoes]

Continue reading “Ken Block’s Gymkhana FIVE photo gallery”
Categories
Ford News Video

Ken Block’s Gymkhana FIVE jumps early

Ken Block, Gymkhana 5, San Francisco

At least an hour before its scheduled debut Ken Block’s Gymkhana FIVE has been released via YouTube. Set in San Francisco, the sub title sets the bar by stating it’s “an epic use of an iconic city.”

Block’s latest Gymkhana franchise includes all the tricks you’ve seen before, including a cameo from Travis Pastrana as the latest donut dummy. We also quite liked the split screen helmet cam sequence and the airborne cornering stunt.

Enjoy!

[Thanks to Joel for the tip]

Continue reading “Ken Block’s Gymkhana FIVE jumps early”
Categories
Subaru

Subaru BRZ is a real scorcher

Subaru BRZ

The Australian launch of the Subaru BRZ is not too far away. We wonder if Subaru Australia’s marketing team can top this TVC made by Tribal DDB for their Canadian counterparts.

Continue reading “Subaru BRZ is a real scorcher”
Categories
Ferrari Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

2012 British GP: Post-race press conference

2012 British Grand Prix

A great Monday morning start for you this week with the post-race press conference from Mark Webber’s win at the British Grand Prix over night. Turns out the interviews on the podium with Jackie Stewart were all that went to air as far as television goes.

So for your full post-race rundown check out the transcript from the FIA press conference after the break. There’s quite a lot of discussion on where Mark will be driving next year. And Fernando Alonso explains his tyre strategy, too. He was banking on rain, luckily for Mark it didn’t eventuate and he was able to perform his trademark podium leap!

[Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

Continue reading “2012 British GP: Post-race press conference”