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Motorsports Reviews

TT3D: Closer to the edge

TT3D: Closer to the edge

The Isle of Man TT is an anachronism; one of the truly great motorsport events that, somehow, still exists in a world where corporatisation and sanitisation could take away the essence of what makes the TT so great—its breakneck speeds and inherent danger.

Now showing in cinemas across the country is the documentary TT3D: Closer to the edge. The film focuses on a handful of key riders who competed in the 2010 Isle of Man TT. The main character is Guy Martin; the quintessential ‘loveable larrikin’. His apparent carefree attitude gives him a charisma most can only dream of. This is a man who has foregone the shackles of mortgage in favour of an Aston Martin V12 Vantage, after all.

Yet, true to character, Guy is a competitor who, at 28, has promised much, but delivered little. He’s collected a few podiums at TT races, but is yet to crack a victory. Can he achieve his first win? Can he survive the dangers of the world renowned 60km road circuit?

You’ll have to watch the film to find out, of course. When you do you’ll see that filmmaker Richard de Aragues does not shy away from the dark side of the TT.

In 2010 two riders lost their lives, including New Zealand rider Richard Dobbs. Closer to the edge interviews Dobbs’ widow, Bridget, and in doing so captures this solemn aspect of road racing with respect and honesty.

We highly recommend you catch the film while you can. After the break you can see the official trailer, along with a short interview with Guy Martin filmed after the UK release in April.

[Pic: Facebook]

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Toyota

Toyota FT-86 engine has 147kW/205Nm

Toyota FT-86

As well as this new image above engine specs, and more, for the upcoming Toyota FT-86 have been revealed in new leaked material (check out the source link).

To summarise the key data, the standard FT-86 will feature a 147kW normally aspirated 2.0 litre four cylinder boxer engine, confirming its ‘Toybaru’ roots. Peak power is achieved at 7000rpm. Torque will be 205Nm and reached at a peaky 6600rpm. Kerb weight for the entry level model is 1210kg and the ‘high-spec’ model will weigh an extra 20kg. Hmm, does that engine sound a little underwhelming to anyone else?

Fuel consumption shouldn’t be too bad, hovering around the 7.5–8.0l/100km region. Stability control is included and so is a limited slip diff if you stick with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox.

We wouldn’t be at all surprised if Toyota Australia chose to revive the Celica badge for the FT-86. Expect pricing to be somewhere around the $40,000 mark.

[Source: FT86club | Thanks to Scott for the tip]

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MINI

Half the seats, twice the fun?

MINI has just sent out notice of this new promo video for its new Roadster. Here at AUSmotive HQ we’re not normally fans of convertibles, soft-tops, hairdresser cars, whatever you want to call them. But the more we see of this new Roadster the more keen we are to try it out.

Can the Roadster match MINI’s marketing claims? We reckon it just might.

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F1 in pictures Ferrari Lotus McLaren Mercedes-Benz Red Bull Racing Renault

2011 Indian Grand Prix in pictures

2011 Indian Grand Prix

Some are saying the Sebastian Vettel domination at the Indian Grand Prix made it the most boring race of 2011. Whatever your stance on that, we’re sure you’ll agree these aren’t the most boring pictures of the year. The world’s best photographers have found some great angles at the newest F1 circuit on the calendar. There’s 100 pics here for you, we hope you like them.

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MINI

MINI Roadster photos & specifications

MINI Roadster

Following the release of the MINI Coupé back in June, MINI has launched its evil twin, the MINI Roadster. It’s essentially a soft-top version of the Coupé.

When compared to the current MINI Convertible the Roadster looks an altogether more cohesive design solution, thanks to its raked windscreen and rear boot lid. In fact, the Convertible looks like a cumbersome wagon. Given the cramped and nigh on unusable rear seats in the Convertible we can’t imagine one compelling reason to choose it over the much better looking Roadster.

The Roadster will be launched in John Cooper Works (155kW), Cooper S (135kW) and Cooper (90kW) spec. All feature a 1.6 litre four cylinder petrol engine, turbocharged in the Cooper S and JCW models. A 105kW 2.0 litre turbo diesel powered Cooper SD will also be offered.

Australian buyers will have to wait until the end of the first quarter of 2012 for the Roadster when it will feature in a dual launch with the Coupé.

Official photos and an introductory press release are available after the break. You can also download a PDF copy of the full international press kit, including specifications for all four model variants.

More pics to follow.

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Safety Issues

Don’t be a jackass when working on your car

Don't be a jackass

Product Safety Australia has just sent out this video warning of the dangers faced by home mechanics who fancy a bit of motoring DIY. We’re not entirely sure if an “anti-manual” is the best approach, but the message is otherwise quite sound.

According to the stats listed at the end of the video 46 people have died in Australia over the last 10 years from accidents involving car jacks. Every year around 160 people are injured while working under a car.

You can watch the video after the break and also check the Product Safety Australia website for more info.

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Ferrari Formula 1 McLaren Red Bull Racing

2011 Indian GP: Post-race press conference

2011 Indian Grand Prix

Sebastian Vettel put his Red Bull on pole. Sebastian Vettel got a clean start. Sebastien Vettel led every lap. Sebastian Vettel achieved the fastest lap of the race, on the last lap of the race. Sebastian Vettel won the first ever Indian Grand Prix. During the race Sebastian Vettel became the first driver to lead 700 laps or more in a single F1 season.

Yes, like the other drivers, we imagine, we’re getting a bit sick of that name as well.

Talk of team orders in the Red Bull garage to aid Mark Webber to second place in the drivers’ championship is hindered by Webber’s continuing ability in 2011 to start high and finish low. How keen he must be hoping for a fresh start in 2012.

At the Buddh International Circuit Webber started second and finished fourth, allowing his two closest rivals for second—Jenson Button (McLaren) and Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)—to fill the void between himself and his ever increasingly untouchable teammate.

There’s just two races left in 2011 and if Vettel can win those he will have claimed victory in 13 races for the year. That would equal Michael Schumacher’s epic 2004 season. Vettel to help Webber in 2011? Fat chance.

[Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

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Porsche

Racing Legends: Porsche 956 and 962

Over the last couple of weeks we’ve had a bit of Porsche 956 content. Raced during the legendary Group C era of the 1980s, it’s a car that’s been described as “the greatest Le Mans car ever.” The 956/962 won the 24 hour race six times in a row from 1982–1987.

But it was more than that, the 956 dominated sportscar racing. At the hands of Stefan Bellof in 1983 the 956 lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 6 minutes 11 seconds; still the fastest recorded lap at the Ring.

To help you get a better understanding of the 956 and the subsequent 962 here’s a short video from Porsche which was filmed at Salon Privé in London earlier this year.

One man synonymous with the 956 is Derek Bell. He won Le Mans five times and in 1982 was the first to do so in a 956. Today is Derek Bell’s 70th birthday, so it’s nice that we get to hear from him in the video too.

In 1983 Australian Vern Schuppan formed part of the winning 956 team at Le Mans. It was the spark for Schuppan to later try and produce a 962-based road car; the 962CR. Ultimately, high production costs and an extreme purchase price, at the time reported to be US$1.5 million, quickly saw its demise after only a handful were built. Although, we can’t think of too many people that would knock back 600hp in package weighing less than 1100kg.

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Audi BMW Mercedes-Benz Motorsports

The future of DTM on display at Hockenheim

2012 Audi A5 DTM

Last weekend BMW unveiled the final version of its new M3 DTM racecar. Also on hand for the category’s season finale in Hockenheim were Audi (A5 DTM) and Mercedes-Benz (DTM AMG C-Coupé) with their 2012 challengers on display.

2012 marks a return to DTM racing for BMW, a series they have been absent from since 1994.

Here, then, is a small gallery of images showing the new cars completing their parade laps. There’s also a few extra bits and pieces. For some reason Mercedes didn’t come up with any material from the Hockenheim weekend, so we’ve included a few pics from the Frankfurt Motor Show.

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Ferrari

Ferrari updates price list in time for Christmas

Ferrari California

Ferrari Australia recently updated their price list. We think it’s jolly nice of them to do so when there’s still a couple of months to go until Christmas. It’ll give you a bit more time to save your pennies. And, with seven years of free servicing, you’d be mad no to pick one up for your someone special.

Ferrari California 2+2 – $459,650*
Ferrari 458 Italia – $526,950*
Ferrari FF – $625,000*

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Formula 1 McLaren Red Bull Racing

2011 Indian GP: Qualifying press conference

2011 Indian Grand Prix

It might be a new Grand Prix in a new country on a very green and dusty track, but it was the same old story in qualifying at the Indian Grand Prix. Sebastian Vettel claimed his thirteenth pole for the year, making is a total of 16 for Red Bull Racing; a new record for a single season.

In second place was Lewis Hamilton for McLaren, while Mark Webber rounded out the top three. However, Hamilton will lose three places due to a penalty for driving too fast through yellow flags in one of the practice sessions on Friday.

That means Webber will now start the race alongside his teammate in P2 and Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) moves up to P3. Hamilton moves back to P5, one place behind his McLaren buddy Jenson Button.

Daniel Ricciardo was happy qualifying in P21 for HRT, even though he was only a few hundredths quicker than Narain Karthikeyan.

Unfortunately for Daniel he incurrred a five place grid penalty for changing a gearbox after Saturday practice. Luckily for him, though, he will only lose one place after Karthikeyan also received a penalty for impeding Michael Schumacher during qualifying. Timo Glock will start from last place after he suffered mechanical issues and was unable to post a qualifying lap.

[Pics: Red Bull/Getty Images]

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Audi

2012 Audi S4 photo gallery

2012 Audi S4

In the last of our galleries to feature the facelifted Audi A4 range we bring you the S4 sedan and Avant. The S4 is powered by a supercharged 3.0 litre V6 producing 245kW/440Nm. It can reach 100km/h in 5.0 seconds and with a gentle touch drinks petrol at a rate of 8.0l/100km.

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