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BMW

BMW M1 supercar back on agenda for 2016

BMW at the Melbourne International Motor Show 2009

The on-again, off-again BMW M1 supercar is back on the agenda and could be launched in 2016. That would allow BMW’s new i8 eco-supercar enough time to establish itself following its 2014 release.

Although, don’t be surprised if BMW keeps the historic M1 badge shelved and starts a new tradition with an M10 badge.

According to a report from Auto Bild the 21st century M1 will use a combination of aluminum, magnesium, titanium and plastic to construct a lightweight body. A final weight of 1250kg could be on the cards.

Early predictions for the engine suggest a turbocharged V8 with 600–650PS (440–480kW). It should be very bloody quick, then. A top speed of 330km/h has been mentioned, and you’d expect a mid 3 second run for a 100km/h sprint.

Hopefully it looks as spectacular as the stunning M1 Hommage, which did the motor show circuit back in 2008–09.

[Source: BimmerPost & WCF]

Categories
Audi Motorsports Toyota

2012 Le Mans 24: Audi v Toyota

On paper Toyota’s return to the LMP1 category at Le Mans in 2012 was an abject failure. Yet, with an interrupted development program, they have much to be proud of. Like this battle between Benoît Tréluyer in the #1 Audi R18 e-tron quattro and Nicolas Lapierre in the #7 Toyota TS030 Hybrid.

In a high speed fight for the Mulsanne Straight the Toyota finished in front and took the lead of the race. Let’s hope in 2013 they find the reliability required to keep pace with Audi for the full 24 hours.

Lapierre gives us his side of the story: “I’m leaving the pits to start my fifth stint, the third on the same set of tyres. I know he’s ahead of me and I don’t have much time to ask questions. Honestly, I’m not thinking about where I’m going to overtake him. I attack and I see traffic ahead of him in the second chicane. I can take my chance at Mulsanne corner…

“I’m able to pass him at the exit of Mulsanne. He passes me back at Arnage. I could have closed the door but I prefer not to take any chances and I retake him at the exit of the corner. I know at that point that it’s very important to pass at that spot. The Porsche curves follow, and I know that he won’t be able to pass me after that. And that’s what I’m able to do.”

[Source: Toyota Hybrid Racing]

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Aston Martin

Aston Martin Vanquish revealed

Aston Martin Vanquish

As expected Aston Martin has come good with details on its new Vanquish. All of what we posted this morning still applies, so we’ll list the key stats then take you straight into the details of the full official press release and specifications.

But first, some more bragging from Dr Bez: “Today’s Vanquish is the ultimate expression of Aston Martin design ethos, engineering innovation and technical ability. It offers luxurious, continent-crossing capability and pure driving excitement without compromise.

“The Aston Martin range is stronger now than at any time in our 99-year history. The new Vanquish represents the perfect way to signal the beginning of our centenary celebrations next year.”

Aston Martin Vanquish key data

  • 48-valve, 5,935 cc V12
  • Max power: 573 PS (565 bhp) at 6,750 rpm
  • Max torque: 620 Nm (457 lb ft) at 5,500 rpm
  • Acceleration: 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.1 seconds
  • Max speed: 295 km/h (183 mph)
  • Weight: 1739 kg
  • Six-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic/sequential manual gearbox
  • Limited-slip differential
  • New generation bonded aluminium and carbon fibre VH structure
  • Aluminium, magnesium alloy and carbon-fibre composite body

UPDATE: Official promo video added below.

Continue reading “Aston Martin Vanquish revealed”
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Aston Martin

Aston Martin AM 310 Vanquish leaked

Aston Martin Vanquish

Well that didn’t take long! It looks as though some official info on the new Vanquish may have been posted to the Aston Martin website and then quickly removed. But not before GTspirit.com caught sight.

Official info is expected to be published in the next 24 hours, but it would appear the new Vanquish will be powered by a a 6.0 V12, as expected, with 421kW/620Nm. It can reach 100km/h in 4.1 seconds and has a 295km/h top speed.

Complementing the drivetrain is a limited-slip diff and a 6-speed Touchtronic 2 automatic transmission. Those two features are key to the heart of the first ever Aston Martin Launch Control system as well.

The all-new Vanquish is built on the company’s new VH architecture and features carbon fibre body panels. Compared to the previous Vanquish torsional rigidity has been improved by 25 per cent.

Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston’s CEO, explains the One-77 hypercar provided plenty of inspiration for the new Vanquish: “This is the latest incarnation of everything we know, informed and developed from One-77. It is the ultimate Super Grand Tourer—confident and assured—and is the newest representation of Power, Beauty and Soul.”

UK pricing is a fiver under £190,000 and deliveries will commence later this year.

[Source: GTspirit.com & WCF]

Categories
Chevrolet Video

VIDEO: Oh deer!

Chevrolet Corvette Z06 hits deer

Here is a pretty nasty video of a chap called James Greenwood killing Bambi in his Crovette Z06 at a track day in West Virginia. Neither of them had a chance really. The clip itself is not over the top with Bambi’s blood and guts, but if you’re the queasy type we suggest don’t take the jump to see what happens next.

[Source: Autoblog]

Continue reading “VIDEO: Oh deer!”
Categories
Aston Martin

VIDEO: Aston Martin Project AM 310 teaser

Aston Martin Project AM310 teaser

Despite the new Vanquish Project AM 310 being unveiled at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este recently nothing official has been published by Aston Martin. According to a new teaser video, that’s all about to change.

Word came to us via an Aston Martin email announcing they have upgraded their media site:

“This summer as the team here at Aston Martin prepare for one of our most significant car launches of recent years, it seems an ideal opportunity to recreate and relaunch our global media website. I would like to invite you to join us and become one of the first to experience the impressive new site which we have thoroughly and thoughtfully re-engineered to better reflect the needs of the 21st Century journalist.”

So a “most significant” car launch is on its way. Will that simply be the Project AM 310, or will there be more? Perhaps, we may be told, officially, that the AM 310 will be the next Vanquish?

Continue reading “VIDEO: Aston Martin Project AM 310 teaser”
Categories
Ferrari

VIDEO: Ferrari F12 berlinetta in action

Ferrari F12 berlinetta at Fiorano

We really, really like the Ferrari F12 berlinetta. After watching this video of the car being driven around Ferrari’s Fiorano test track we like it even more. We think you will too.

In case you’ve forgotten, the F12 berlinetta is powered by a fearsome 540kW/690Nm 6.2 litre V12. It sounds awesome and it goes plenty fast, able to reach 100km/h in just 3.1 seconds and on to a top speed beyond 340km/h.

Want.

Continue reading “VIDEO: Ferrari F12 berlinetta in action”
Categories
BMW Video

BMW tackles blonde v brunette debate

BMW M6

BMW has seen fit to use its M6 Coupé and Convertible to tackle one of life’s great debates: blonde v brunette. To be honest the clip is a little bit naff, but take a look and see what you think. Which one would you choose?

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Categories
Ford News

Ken Block’s Gymkhana Five to debut on 9 July

Ken Block's Gymkhana 5 is coming soon

Ken Block is readying himself for the latest edition in his tyre shredding series, Gymkhana FIVE. This time he’s going to wreck much of San Francisco on his way to YouTube glory. The new film will debut via the DC Shoes YouTube channel on 9 July (midnight 10 July here in Australia).

Why San Francisco? Well, it’s pretty obvious don’t you think. Expect some massive air time!

“I’ve always wanted to film a Gymkhana video in a city and there are few places as unique and iconic with such amazing topography as San Francisco,” said Block. “While movies like Bullit and various chase scenes have tried to use San Francisco to the fullest, I’m pretty confident that I’ve proven there was a lot left to be done on those amazing streets!”

Should be good, and Block promises this version will be more raw. Like his earlier videos, with less over the top effects, we expect.

Continue reading “Ken Block’s Gymkhana Five to debut on 9 July”
Categories
Top Gear Video

Top Gear completes “Deadly 720” loop the loop

Top Gear Deadly 720 loops

Last weekend, while we were busy watching the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the lads from Top Gear were doing a live show in Durban, South Africa. One of the star attractions was a loop the loop stunt called the “Deadly 720”. That’s 720 degrees, which means two circular loops completed in a trick four-wheeled buggy thing.

It’s kind of like Hot Wheels tricks for grown ups. We’ve got the video for you after the break, so go on, watch it now and relive your youth!

Continue reading “Top Gear completes “Deadly 720” loop the loop”
Categories
Audi Motorsports

2012 Le Mans 24h: Audi photo gallery

Audi wins 24 Hours of Le Mans 2012

As promised we bring you a comprehensive selection of images from Audi showcasing their successful Le Mans defence. There’s over 80 pictures featuring the R18 e-tron quattro and R18 ultra in all and we’re confident there’ll be a few in there you like.

Continue reading “2012 Le Mans 24h: Audi photo gallery”
Categories
Mercedes-Benz

Australia says no to SLS GT in favour of Black

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series prototype

As the saying goes, “Once you go black, you can’t go back” and that’s exactly what Mercedes-Benz Australia are doing by telling their bosses in Germany that they’re not interested in the new SLS AMG GT. Instead the locals are holding out for the SLS AMG Black Series, due for release in 2013.

The SLS AMG Black will probably carry a price tag north of AU$750,000 if/when it arrives. Speaking on behalf of Mercedes-Benz Australia David McCarthy told Carsguide: “We won’t be taking the GT at this stage. There will be a more powerful SLS that we will take.”

Having said that, there’s no guarantee that Australia will be allocated any of what will be the most exclusive SLS model to date. But you’d reckon we’re a pretty good bet.

“As one of AMG’s most important markets with a very loyal,demanding and well informed ownership base every Black Series we get is virtually pre-sold,” added McCarthy.

[Source: Carsguide]