Categories
Lexus

Lexus confirms LF-LC concept for Detroit

Lexus LF-LC sports coupe concept

Shutting the gate after the horse has bolted Lexus has confirmed its LF-LC hybrid concept will be on display at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit with this short statement:

Lexus will unveil a new LF-LC 2+2 sports coupe concept at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit on 9 January, a vehicle which marks a further step in the development of Lexus’s design direction.

Lexus has crafted the LF-LC from a clean sheet of paper, combining high technology and organic shapes to achieve a close connection between driver and car. The concept’s clean lines create a highly distinctive, futuristic look.

LF-LC was conceived as an exercise to explore the future of Lexus design and was created at Lexus’s Calty design studio in Newport Beach, California.

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Porsche

Porsche Boxster interior sees red

Porsche Boxster interior

We’ve already seen two good previews of the exterior of the next-generation Porsche Boxster (981). And now, for the first time, we can take a look inside. While Stuttgart is making moves to further distance the Boxster from 911 on the outside, it appears on the inside they’re doing more to align the two models. At least, on first glance the family resemblance to the Panamera saloon and 911 are clear to see.

That’s a good thing, too. Porsche has made great grounds on the quality of its interiors in recent years and it is pleasing to see the trend continue.

There’s been plenty of speculation that the all-new Boxster will be unveiled in Detroit next month. But Auto Express reckon we’ll have to wait for the Geneva show in March.

[Source: Auto Express | Thanks to John for the tip]

Categories
Lexus

Detroit-bound Lexus LF-LC given early preview

Lexus LF-LC

Following a couple of official previews (see below) for a new concept car to be released in Detroit early next month this image of a Lexus LF-LC has also emerged. It’s also an official pic, we’re told, and follows the usual pattern of being released following some leaked photos.

It’s a 2+2 hybrid powered sportscar with speculation it could even be based on the Toyota 86 platform.

Lexus Vice President Mark Templin said, “The LF-LC blends both high technology and organic shapes to connect the driver to the machine. The clean lines of the vehicle emphasize motion, creating a distinctive look for this futuristic sport coupe.”

We’ll bring you more when we can.

[Source: WCF]

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Categories
BMW

BMW’s designers talk about the F30 3 Series

BMW F30 3 Series

BMW’s global arm has released a new video showing their designers talking about the new F30 3 Series. It’s a short and concise peak into the minds of the creators of what is ultimately BMW’s most important model. This clip coincides nicely with news of local pricing for the 3 Series.

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Categories
BMW

2012 BMW 3 Series – Australian pricing & specs

2012 BMW F30 3 Series

BMW Australia has just announced pricing for the new F30 3 Series. There will be three models available at launch in February 2012—320d ($60,900*), 328i ($66,900*) and 335i ($91,900*).

The 320d is powered by an economical 135kW/380Nm 2.0 litre turbo diesel, which consumes diesel at the rate of 4.5l/100km.

Entry level petrol power is available in the 328i and features a four cylinder TwinPower Turbo with headline figures of 180kW/350Nm. It offers an increase of 20kW/100Nm on the old 325i six cylinder it replaces, while costing $5000 less.

Topping the range is the 335i with a six cylinder offering 225kW/400Nm. Despite its still hefty pricetag, BMW boasts the new F30 335i is $15,000 cheaper than the old 335i M Sport model.

BMW Group Australia Managing Director, Phil Horton tells us, “The new generation 3 Series Sedan improves upon BMW’s reputation for sporty driving dynamics, stylish design, advanced technology and safety, powerful and fuel efficient drivetrains and luxury features.

“But more than anything, with reduced pricing for the range topping 335i and new 328i and a huge increase in standard equipment for the 320d, it offers a substantial improvement in value, both compared with its predecessor and its direct rivals in the market.”

For more detail and images of the new 3 Series make sure you check back to our earlier post ‘2012 BMW F30 3 Series in detail’. Introductory specification for Australian delivered cars can be read in BMW’s press release after the break.

UPDATE 20 January 2012: Pricing for 318d and 320i has been added below.

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Categories
Audi

Limited edition Audi A1 quattro revealed

Audi A1 quattro

Back in May when Audi released the A1 clubsport at the Wörthersee show we became a little weak at the knees. Sure, we knew the 370kW in the show car was never going to be likely, but would Audi really make a production model based on this fantasy?

Well, as it happens, yes they will. And here it is, the A1 quattro. Essentially they’ve stuffed the 2.0 TFSI engine from the S3, as well its quattro all-wheel drive system and a 6-speed manual transmission, into an A1 bodyshell. Slightly detuned to 188kW (down from 195kW Euro spec S3 engines) the A1 quattro can reach 100km/h in 5.7 seconds. Yes, you’d expect it to be faster than an S3 wouldn’t you, as we give a subtle wink to the Audi marketing department.

There is a catch with the A1 quattro; it’s limited to just 333 examples and being left-hand drive only, it won’t be coming to Australia. Or will it, but just in another name? Is this car merely a precursor to a longer-term RS1 hyper-hatch we wonder. Let’s hope so.

Only available in Glacier White the A1 quattro wears 18×8″ exclusive cast alloy wheels. Other styling enhancements include a somewhat over the top rear wing which finishes off an otherwise well executed bodykit. Internally there’s a fatter flat-bottomed steering wheel and a questionable red tachometer, which stands out in an instrument cluster full of black dials.

Befitting a car such as this the ESP can be switched off entirely to allow more trackday fun.

The A1 quattro will be set for European deliveries in the second half of 2012 and we hope that somehow, in some form, a right-hand drive version finds its way to Australia one day.

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Categories
Lamborghini

Lamborghini Aventador tops out at 370km/h

Lamborghini Aventador

As well as playing with cars around the Nürburgring, German mag Sport Auto spends a lot of time at the Hockenheim track. In this video you can see a full lap of the circuit filmed from the side of a Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4. Then, for giggles we see a camera pointed at the dash as the Aventador reaches an indicated 370km/h. A GPS device apparently indicated the speed was more like 354km/h, but when you’re going that fast let’s not quibble over 16km/h.

[Source: Eurocar blog]

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Categories
MINI WRC

MINI misses major milestone

MINI WRC

MINI has missed the deadline for official entry into the 2012 WRC series, Autosport reports.

It’s not immediately clear who is to blame for the oversight, but it seems to be the Munich side of the BMW–Prodrive relationship. As you would expect both parties are now desperately trying to come to a new agreement with the FIA to remedy the situation.

A BMW source commenting on the slip-up has said, “We have made two podiums already in the development year, we can’t fail but to be very happy with what we are achieving. There are a few things to talk about and time has beaten us on the deadline, but the cars will be in Monte Carlo—we couldn’t miss the MINI’s return to that rally.”

There is speculation that the BMW–Prodrive relationship is under some stress, this mistake won’t help things greatly. From the FIA’s point of view they would be foolish to cause MINI any long-term pain over this, hopefully, minor drama.

In other news, both Ford and Citroën managed to keep their paperwork in order and are officially confirmed for the WRC in 2012.

[Source: Autosport]

Categories
Lexus

Lexus offers second Detroit concept preview

Lexus concept vehicle preview

One week after its first teaser image Lexus returns with a look at the leathery innards of its latest concept vehicle. They also provide this short statement:

Created by Calty, the company’s design studio in Newport Beach, California, the concept vehicle will debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit at 13:25 PST (22:25 CET) on January 9, 2012.

Categories
Audi

Next-gen Audi R8 due in 2014

Audi R8 2nd gen rendering

Car magazine brings word of Audi’s plans to update its R8 model, including this mash-up rendering. Due in the first half of 2014 they say the second-generation R8 will lose its iconic sideblades and, more predictably, its manual transmission too. We can only think it would be a cost or time saving measure to drop the sideblades.

The entry level V8 engine and topline V10 are expected to be kept. Of course, power will be increased slightly; expect 450bhp minimum in the V8 and 550bhp for the V10. It seems strange that the new 382kW V8 from the S8 doesn’t appear to be slated for introduction until a mid-cycle refresh. We’ll keep a watching brief on that one.

Currently the R8’s frame is 100% aluminium, but the introduction of carbon fibre to the new model is expected to help reduce weight by around 100kg overall. Both the new R8 and next-gen Lamborghini Gallardo (due in 2013) will continue to be based on Audi’s modular sports car system. Although third-gen models are expected to be built on a Porsche-developed platform when the time comes.

Before any of this happens the current R8 will receive a light makeover, which will include, finally, the introduction or a proper double-clutch transmission. The R tronic for the R8 will have seven gears and can be mated to a mildly warmed over V10 offering 540bhp.

[Source: Car]

Categories
Citroen WRC

Citroën DS3 WRC prepares for Monte Carlo

Sebastien Loeb, Citroen DS3 WRC

It doesn’t seem all that long ago we were telling you about Sebastien Loeb’s eighth world championship. But already he’s back at work testing for next month’s Monte Carlo Rally (17–22 January).

After the break we bring you two videos of the Citroën DS3 WRC in action, first it’s Loeb at the wheel, then his new teammate Mikko Hirvonen gets to find out what his new car is like to drive in the snow.

Citroën has also announced reigning Dakar champion and WRC journeyman Nasser Al-Attiyah will be joining their team from Rally Sweden. This will allow Al-Attiyah to defend his Dakar crown, although with Volkswagen now focusing on their own WRC effort he will be driving a Hummer in South America.

Also signed to Citroën on a reduced campaign is 22-year-old Belgian Thierry Neuvile, who has progressed through the ranks from the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.

[Source: Speedcafe]

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Categories
Top Gear

BBC2 previews Top Gear India Special

Top Gear India Special

With a little over one week until it airs the BBC2 has given us an official preview of the Top Gear Christmas special. You probably already know the lads are off to India and if that’s all you’d like to know then stop here. For everyone else check the offical 30 second preview after the break.

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