Categories
Carmageddon GM Saab

Saab: This is the end, beautiful friend

Saab RIP - 18 December 2009

Yes, we’ve done this before, two years ago to the day…

Saab has, once again, broken the limits of its owners. This time it’s not GM, like it was in 2009, but current stewards of the Saab brand Swedish Automobile who have said, “This is the end.”

More correctly they have lodged an official notice stating: “Swedish Automobile N.V. (Swan) announces that Saab Automobile AB (Saab Automobile), Saab Automobile Tools AB and Saab Powertrain AB filed for bankruptcy with the District Court in Vänersborg, Sweden this morning [19 December].”

Actually, GM has still played a leading role in the latest fall of Saab. Swedish Automobile has been trying to negotiate a sale with Chinese auto manufacturers Pang Da and Youngman. However, much of the Saab 9-3, 9-5 and 9-4X model lines rely on GM technology. And as GM retains preferential shares they have been able to scupper sale plans on intellectual property grounds.

Nice one GM.

Swedish Automobile’s full statement can be read after the break. For more coverage keep a watching brief on SaabsUnited.

[via Car]

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Categories
Top Gear

Top Gear Series 18 to start in January 2012

We’re not sure how we missed this video, published on YouTube in early November, but we did. It shows Jeremy Clarkson and James May discussing their now recent Top Gear Live tour, including a special mention for us Aussies.

Also revealed by Jeremy towards the end is the start date for Season 18 of Top Gear—January 2012. Conceivably that could mean Tuesday 2 January. Although, James has apparently mentioned the third week in January. We shall have to wait and see.

In a roundabout way Jeremy also gives a few hints on possible stories which may form part of the next series. If you like to be surprised we suggest you don’t watch the clip above.

Don’t forget, the Top Gear Christmas special will air next week in the UK, on Wednesday 28 December.

UPDATE 11 January: Season 18 will start on 29 January.

Categories
Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo 4C scheduled to launch in 2013

Alfa Romeo 4C Concept

Alfa Romeo plans to start selling the production version of the gorgeous 4C by mid-2013 with a target price below £45,000, Top Gear reports. According to Fiat’s engineering boss, Mauro Pierallini, Alfa is currently on track to have a prototype ready for testing in around 6–7 months.

Even though the stunning concept car was a “if you build it, they will come” fantasy creation at first, it’s not expected any dramatic styling changes will have to be made for the production model. Even the carbon fibre tub of the show car should remain, although cheaper construction methods will be used for the front and rear frame, as well as the body panels.

Interestingly, the car’s target weight is now being reported as “around 900kg” which means the previously stated 850kg looks unlikely. At initial launch the 4C’s engine is expected to have around 230hp. Roughly speaking, we’re talking a power to weight ratio in line with a Porsche 911 Carrera.

Alfa hopes to sell 18,000 models over the 4C’s lifetime, which means that 300hp (224kW) engine we’ve already been excited about will likely follow later in the model’s life cycle as the range expands. Hairdressers chasing street cred, as well as style, will be pleased to know a 4C convertible is also on the drawing board.

That just leaves the price. It’s difficult to tell what £45,000 (or less) would translate to in the Australian market. However, as a reference, other cars priced in that ballpark in the UK include the BMW 1M, Porsche Boxster S and Audi TT RS Coupé. In other words, don’t expect the 4C to be a true performance bargain. Of course, that doesn’t mean it won’t be value for money!

[Source: Top Gear]

Categories
Subaru

Official: Subaru BRZ confirmed for Australia

Subaru BRZ

Last week we reported on the strong rumour that the rear-wheel drive Subaru BRZ would be joining its Toybaru cousin in Australia. Now, Subaru has made it official by announcing their plans to abandon their all-wheel drive only model philosophy and import the sports car.

No pricing or timelines have been announced just yet, but Nick Senior, Managing Director, Subaru Australia, explains the reasons for their decision, “the passion and persuasion of the FHI engineers involved in the project was telling. They have poured their DNA into this car, so it drives like a Subaru.

“Dealers have been astonished at the level of interest. Indeed the first BRZ has already been sold in Adelaide, despite no pricing or specification being released.”

You can read the full statement from Subaru Australia after the break.

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Categories
BMW

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé brochure

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe

While we struggle a little with the development of M diesel power, BMW has given us new story book to help us get by. It’s the international brochure for the new 6 Series Gran Coupé.

Based on the Gran Coupé concept from 2010 this is a model that more readily fits into the BMW product portfolio. They have also given us a sneak preview of the ‘Beauty. Revealed.’ marketing campaign for the 6er Gran Coupé, which will launch globally in quarter two of 2012.

The four-door saloon coupé doesn’t make its official public debut until the Geneva Motor Show in March next year. Hats off to BMW, then, for giving us such a detailed and early preview of its newest creation.

A link to download brochure is all yours after the break.

[Source: BimmerFile]

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Categories
BMW

If it looks and sounds like a sports machine…

Then it must be a diesel-powered M car. That’s pretty much the line given by Thomas Schemera, Director of Sales Division, BMW M GmbH in this second teaser video.

The clip is a little bit cheesy as BMW goes about selling its diesel SUV is worth an M-badge message. Is that M for motorsport, or M for marketing?

Word is the new tri-turbo inline six cylinder engine has been developed by M from the ground up and will see service in a variety of model lines. The only surprise here being some won’t be badged as M cars.

It’s been reported by BimmerFile that the M diesel will produce 381hp/516ft-lb (285kW/700Nm). It’ll be a stonking engine, we’ve no doubt. We’re just still struggling a little with the short term dilution of brand M.

Categories
Formula 1

Velociudad Speedcity wants F1 in Argentina

Velociudad Speedcity, Buenos Aires, Argentina

A new track development called Velocidad Speedcity, 80km outside of Beunos Aires, wants to bring Formula One back to Argentina. The $100m project was launched on Friday and is being managed by Populous, the designers behind the recent Silverstone redevelopment.

Organisers say the new 4.7km circuit would be ready to host a Grand Prix in 2014. If successful it would be the first F1 Grand Prix in Argentina since Michael Schumacher’s win in 1998.

Speaking via his company’s website John Rhodes, Associate Principal of Populous, said “We are really proud to contribute with our design to create a new destination for F1, which always means an economic catalyst for the area and produces global exposure.

“During the last five years we have developed technology, software, and design techniques through the use of simulation to physically test the design of a circuit. These pioneering techniques have enabled the creation of a topographically exciting and challenging medium-speed circuit on what was a relatively square and flat 63ha site.”

You can check out a video preview of the proposed circuit after the break.

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Categories
Motorsports Porsche

Porsche at Le Mans: The 1980s

Porsche at Le Mans, the 1980s

Porsche continues its return to Le Mans series with a look back at the 1980s. Perhaps the best Le Mans racecars of all time, the 956 and 962, enjoyed unprecedented success during the decade. The 936 started it all, winning the race in 1981 and starting a sequence of victories for Porsche that lasted until 1987 (four wins for the 956, two for the 962).

Legendary driver Derek Bell says it best, “This car [956] set the bar for Porsche forever and they have to come back with something like this… they have to come back and do the same. People only talk about outright winners.”

It’s just a shame that Porsche is doing all this talking now and we have to wait until 2014 to see if they can deliver on their promises.

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Categories
BMW Fifth Gear

VIDEO: BMW M5 review by Fifth Gear

BMW F10 M5 reviewed by Fifth Gear

Vicki Butler-Henderson from Fifth Gear has just filed a review on the new BMW F10 M5. She gives it a qualified thumbs up. Check out the clip after the break to see what she likes and what she misses from the old car.

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Categories
Motorsports

Jason Richards interview

This video interview with Jason Richards was filmed back in mid-June but was only released yesterday following his death. It’s a great snapshot and Richards speaks openly about his illness and the effect it had on his life. He will be sorely missed by fans and competitors alike.

From the YouTube description, here is the list of topics covered:

  • Tell us about the battle with cancer and why racing has been so important?
  • You have been attending races and been out and about?
  • The rare form of cancer has made the battle even tougher?
  • Outlook on life in general has changed?
  • Hard to accept the illness?
  • The chance to run at Bathurst (this did not occur due to the illness)?
  • Support from the V8 fraternity?

[via Speedcafe]

Categories
Formula 1

Hulkenberg joins Di Resta at Force India

2011 Brazilian GP

Sahara Force India has just confirmed Paul Di Resta will continue racing with the team and will be joined by Nico Hulkenberg. They say that gives them “one of the most exciting pairings on the grid.”

Team Principal, Vijay Mallya explains, “I think Paul caught the eye of everybody in the pit lane during his rookie season. His speed, maturity and racecraft confirmed that we were right to believe in him and we look forward to working with him again next year.

“As for Nico, we identified him as a rising star at the end of 2010 and chose to evaluate him during the course of this season. Despite having only limited time in the car, he convinced us that he deserved a race seat for 2012.”

You can read Force India’s full statement after the break, including comments from Paul and Nico.

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Categories
Holden Motorsports News

Jason Richards 1976–2011

Jason Richards 1976-2011

We bring you some sad news this afternoon with confirmation V8 Supercar driver Jason Richards has passed away. The 35-year-old died last night with his wife, Charlotte, by his side. He leaves behind two daughters, Sienna and Olivia.

In November last year Jason was diagnosed with the aggressive cancer Adrenocortical Carcinoma. He fought his battle proudly in the public eye and with great dignity. May he rest in peace.

[Source: Brad Jones Racing]

UPDATE: A statement from Holden has been added below.

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