Categories
Formula 1

2011 Indian GP: Early signs aren’t good

2011 Indian GP

With any new event you expect there to be some early teething problems. Martin Brundle quickly discovered this for himself at the 2011 Indian Grand Prix when he learned the BBC commentary box has no windows. Apparently Bernie has since had a quiet word with track officials and that will be rectified for 2012. No windows; really, what were they thinking?

Similarly, take a look at the sign above and you’ll soon find yourself asking the same question. At least the signwriter didn’t make the same mistake twice.

On the positive side, the track itself seems to be winning a few fans.

[Source: Planet F1 | Thanks to Ryan for the tip]

Categories
Fifth Gear Safety Issues

It’s the sudden stop that kills you

Jeremy Clarkson once said, “It’s not the speed that kills you, it’s the sudden stop.” Rival television program Fifth Gear has provided us with a violent example of that saying. From the first episode of Season 20, currently airing in the UK now, they crashed a first generation Ford Focus into a concrete wall at 120mph (193km/h).

Bloody hell! That ought to make you think.

[Thanks to John for the tip]

Categories
Audi

2012 Audi A4 allroad quattro photo gallery

Audi A4 allroad quattro

In addition to the facelifted A4 range Audi has also updated the A4 allroad quattro. But as Australia didn’t get this model last time, these pics will be as close as you’re likely to get. It’s a shame really, with the amount of soft roaders and SUV wannabes on our roads there has to be a market for this model. I guess Audi Australia thinks they’re doing just fine with the Q5.

Categories
Audi

2012 Audi A4 facelift photo gallery

2012 Audi A4 facelift

Audi has just released images and info on the facelift of its volume selling A4 range. Here you’ll see images of the A4 saloon and Avant, with separate galleries of the new A4 allroad quattro and S4 range to follow.

The headlight treatment introduced in the A5 range has been adapted for the A4; it’s the same, but different. For a mid-cycle facelift Audi hasn’t been afraid to make changes to body panels, with the bonnet, rear bootlid and bumpers all given a bit of a spruce up. New alloy wheels also complement the changes. Overall, we reckon the facelifted A4 is a nice improvement on the current model.

Inside the first thing you’ll notice is the new, and much better looking, three spoke steering wheel. We’re not so keen on the brown interior colouring available as an option, though. But are interested to see how good (or not) the Beaufort oak inlays look. This is reminiscent of the Sportback Concept from 2009.

Mechanically, Audi has reduced fuel consumption by an average of 11% for the 10 engines offered in the A4 (six TDI and four petrol). An often constant criticism of Audi models relates to poor steering feel. In a bid to rectify that the electromechanical power steering has been revised.

Adaptive cruise control is now available on the A4 for the first time. Infotainment and driver information systems have also been upgraded.

We would expect to see the facelifted A4 range in Australia by the middle of next year, hopefully sooner. If we hear anything more concrete we’ll let you know. For now, enjoy the detail and photos available after the break.

Categories
Toyota

Production ready Toyota FT-86 brochure leaked

Toyota FT-86

Supposedly we’re looking at a genuine Toyota ‘Modellista’ brochure for the FT-86. The much hyped rear-wheel drive sportscar will make its public debut at the Tokyo Motor Show (3–11 December).

The transition to production car has remained reasonably faithful to the concept. The biggest changes are around the front wing/spoiler treatment and given the radical nature of the show car that was always to be expected.

On the rear bootlid there is no wing, as we saw on the concept model, but there’ll be a comprehensive OEM and aftermarket range of parts to take care of that.

Inside, too, it looks as though Toyota will be offering a range of customisation options for buyers. From the glimpse given in this leaked brochure the FT-86 interior looks half decent. A large drive shaft tunnel splitting the rear seats means it’ll be a strictly two person layout in the back.

The FT-86 has been confirmed for the Australian market with deliveries expected late next year or early in 2013. We’ll bring you more when Toyota sends out official pics and information.

[Source: Autocar]

Categories
Motorsports Porsche

Porsche says happy birthday to Derek Bell

Derek Bell, Le Mans 1983

Derek Bell is a hero to many AUSmotive readers and proudly, for him, he still seems to be a hero to the Porsche factory. As such they’ve sent out an official happy birthday wish for the five-time Le Mans winner (four with Porsche). Bell turns 70 on Monday, 31 October.

In addition to Porsche’s wishes and handful of photos, we’ve compiled some great YouTube footage of Bell talking and racing. Not only was he a bloody good driver, he appears to be a true gentlemen and is universally admired both his peers and motor racing fans the world over.

The motorsport world is better for the likes of Derek Bell and we join Porsche in wishing him a very happy birthday.

Categories
Peugeot

Peugeot 208 GTI expected before end of 2012

Peugeot 208 GTI rendering

Fantastic news for hot hatch fans with word Peugeot is about to get serious again. The new 208 range is due for launch in the middle of next year with the cooking GTI model expected before the end of 2012.

The 207 GTI was a bit hit and miss, despite sourcing power from the same 1.6 litre turbo four found inside the MINI Cooper S and Citroën DS3. That same engine will be kept for the 208 GTI, but it will lose quite a bit of front overhang and, more importantly, around 100kg in weight. The wheelbase will remain unchanged from the outgoing 207 layout.

It’s expected the 208 GTI will offer two states of tune for its engine. A somewhat middling 115kW entry level (doesn’t bode well) and a GTI ‘Racing’ with around 150kW (that’s better).

Let’s hope Peugeot get their suspension tune right and the 208 GTI ignites the spirit of the iconic 205 GTI.

[Source: Autocar]

Categories
Ferrari

Ferrari targets budget conscious buyers

Ferrari 458 Italia

Great news for Ferrari buyers on a budget with word coming through from the importer they will be offering a seven year service deal on all new sales.

The maintenance schedule is known as Ferrari Genuine Maintenance—hmm, they didn’t really think that FGM acronym through properly did they. Anyway, it includes servicing at 20,000km intervals or an annual service if sir’s Ferrari doesn’t get out much. There’s no limit on kilometres travelled and the program is completely transferable if you sell the car.

Details on Ferrari Genuine Maintenance and other ownership programs can be read after the break.

Categories
Formula 1 McLaren

Another look at Buddh International Circuit

Last week we offered you a couple of preview clips showcasing the new Buddh International Circuit which will host this weekend’s Indian Grand Prix. It’s somewhat exciting to be heading to a new track, even if the paint is still likely to be wet.

In the video above McLaren’s Matt Daley, Simulator Development Engineer, talks us through a lap with Jenson Button at the team’s simulator.

Further to that there will be two DRS zones this weekend; the start-finish straight and the long back straight. Detection zones are in the preceding corners for each.

The Formula1 website has a good preview article up at the moment, which is well worth a read.

For our Australian readers, the Indian race will be on in prime time as well. Quali starts at 7:30pm (AEDT) on Saturday and the lights go green at 8:30pm on Sunday.

Categories
Formula 1

‘Grand Prix of America’ circuit revealed

Grand Prix of America track layout

Further detail regarding Formula One’s newest race, to be held in New Jersey from 2013, has been revealed. The event will be known as the Grand Prix of America and here is the draft layout of the circuit (click the image above for a larger version).

For a street circuit, the 5.14km layout should be quite a fast track with its flowing corners and few 90° turns. There appears to be ample riverside real estate, too, which will accommodate pitlane and other required infrastructure. Indeed, work has already begun according to a report on the NJ.com website.

After reading their article, and others like it in recent days, we do wonder how well Formula One will succeed in its latest attempt to crack the US market. F1 has never made a lasting impact in the past and it will be very interesting to see where the category sits in two decades when the two existing US deals near expiration.

[Source: NJ.com]

Categories
Mazda

Your guide to the 2011 Mazda3 facelift

Mazda3 facelift

The facelifted Mazda3 range hit Australian shores last month, but with its recent European launch comes a raft of new information.

Suspension and cosmetic enhancements feature across all Mazda3 models. The facelift also brings the addition of the Mazda3 SP20 SKYACTIV.

There’s heaps more after the break, including photos, video interviews with key Mazda executives and two detailed press kits for download.

Categories
Formula 1

New Jersey GP confirmed for 2013 and beyond

View from Hamilton Park, Weehawken, NJ

Chris Christie, Governor of New Jersey, has confirmed the state signed a 10-year-deal to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix from 2013.

“I’m pleased New Jersey will play host to Formula 1, bringing one of the world’s most popular sports to our backyard,” he said.

“I can assure Formula One that this is one of the wisest decisions you have ever made, to come and hold this event in New Jersey.

“The race will be a 3.2 mile road race, run on existing roads through Port Imperial and at the top of the Palisades in Weehawken and West New York.”

The image above was taken at Hamilton Park, Weehawken, which will be close to the new 5.14km street circuit, and portrays the view from across the Hudson River to Manhattan.

Formula One hasn’t held a race in the US since 2007. The sport will return Stateside in November next year with the inaugural United States Grand Prix to be held at a purpose-built facility in Austin, Texas.

[Source: Autosport & The Telegraph | Pic: NederlandsNederlands]