AUSmotive.com – Page 344 – Hanging on for dear life

AIMS 2011 gallery: Mercedes-Benz

Post author By Liam
Post date 5 July, 2011
2 Comments on AIMS 2011 gallery: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz clearly holds a lot of faith in the Australian International Motor Show. While their Munich competitors took a more streamlined approach to their display, the world’s oldest car maker made a statement of another kind by going for quantity.

Good thing, then, that recent Benzes have plenty of quality about them as well. Getting a front row seat at the reveal of the C63 AMG CoupÃ© was enjoyed, as we’re sure the ever-present 6.2 litre V8 would be. Assuming you’ve got the $154,800 plus extras to get the keys.

The CLS63 AMG sat behind its smaller sibling and also looks a bit special. There’s a welcome aura of class and quality in Mercedes’ interiors too.

It was almost sad to see the SLS AMG stuck in the back corner, but we got over it by imagining ourselves behind the wheel. It was parked next to a G-wagen; that’d make a nice garage.

The E Class impressed with its size and the new SLK with its increasing levels of presence. Gone are the hairdresser days of the original R170 model. The R172 SLK goes on sale in Australia next month; list pricing for the SLK 200 will be $82,900 and $118,900 for the SLK 350.

Mazda Motor Shows

AIMS 2011 gallery: Mazda

We’ve waxed lyrical about the Mazda Shinari Concept already, but it really is an object of true beauty. It was first revealed to an invitation-only press event in Milan almost 12 months ago. Back then the media were given a gander inside (see Autoblog). If we had to take Mazda to task, that would be the only issue; denying us a more in depth viewing.

Both the Shinari and the Minagi SUV concept feature what Mazda calls their ‘KODO’ design language; they claim this will provide the inspiration for future production models. Let’s hope not too much is lost in translation because both models look fantastic, the Shinari especially. It’s Aston Martin Rapide-like in its size and shape and, to be honest, it actually looks quite a bit nicer.

We’ll soon see how ‘KODO’ is applied to production models when the CX-5 is released at the Frankfurt Motor show in September.

We also enjoyed a wry smile at the expense of the BT-50 ute decked out in what can only be described as pig-hunting trim.

If you live in Melbourne you have until this coming Sunday to get on down to Jeff’s shed to see the Shinari for yourself. Don’t miss it.

Lexus Motor Shows

AIMS 2011 gallery: Lexus

Bonus points go to Lexus for originality when they revealed their LF-Gh Hybrid Concept. Rather than using a couple of models to delicately remove a sheet from the car, they used an origami inspired cover and some dancers for the reveal.

Underneath, however, things are a bit less successful. The front lighting arrangement is somewhat fussy. Similarly, the front grille is different; we’re still trying to work out if that’s in a good way or not.

“LF-Gh’s bold and aggressive design blurs the line between our growing hybrid and performance vehicle portfoliosâ€”offering the perfect blend of performance, fuel efficiency and looks,” says Tony Cramb, Lexus Australia chief executive.

Good to see the LFA on show again. While we’re not the car’s biggest fans, we respect the approach Lexus has taken with their V10 supercar by sending a factory team to the NÃ¼rburgring 24 hour race; Nissan, where are you?

Lexus has secured an extra five LFAs for Australian delivery, bringing the exclusive inventory to just 10. All have been sold.

Lamborghini Motor Shows

AIMS 2011 gallery: Lamborghini

Post author By Liam
Post date 5 July, 2011
3 Comments on AIMS 2011 gallery: Lamborghini

Like Jaguar, Lamborghini is enjoying a renaissance of some merit. The Murcielago signalled the return to form almost 10 years ago now, leaving the new Aventador LP700-4 with some mighty big boots to fill. There’s no need to fret, the Aventador is very worthy ambassador to uphold the Murci’s legacy.

It makes a visual statement like few other cars can and even in the relatively dull ‘Grigio Estoque’ metallic grey paint the Aventador hits you right between the eyes. With 700hp and a brand new 6.5 litre V12 to power this latest beast, the Aventador will be a global phenomenon.

Okay, with Australian driveaway prices being well on the northern side of $800K you won’t see an Aventador every day. Lamborghini Australia expect to sell 15 Aventadors in the next 12 months, though, and say they signed up two new customers last week alone. Nice of Lamborghini to allow the media pack to get inside and place their grubby mitts on the wheel, too. A few other manufacturers could probably take a leaf out of their book.

A couple of poor man’s Gallardo models completed the stand for Lamborghini making sure this display is a guaranteed hit for show goers.

Jaguar Motor Shows

AIMS 2011 gallery: Jaguar

Jaguar has been enjoying something of a resurgence in recent years and the 404kW 5.0 litre V8-powered XKR-S is certainly helping the cause. Even if this classically British car is wearing French Racing Blue paint. It was the clear automotive star on the Jag display.

The curves of the models on the stand were pleasing to the eye and the latest Jaguar design language does a great job of positioning their cars in the prestige market, while providing a unique style.

The blue and black interior of the XKR-S may not be to everyone’s taste and if not we suggest taking a closer look at the new XJ. The digital dash is something we’d be keen to see in action. Purple velvet lined storage cubbies also provide a nice level of difference.

Let’s hope Jaguar rides this new wave of inspiration for some time and continues to provide a worthy and reliable alternative to the German mainstays.

Hyundai Motor Shows

AIMS 2011 gallery: Hyundai

Post author By Liam
Post date 5 July, 2011
4 Comments on AIMS 2011 gallery: Hyundai

Hyundai rocked up to the Australian International Motor Show with some nice looking metal, but it was their sweet offerings which really grabbed our attention. Seriously. The Baileys panna cotta was sublime!

Anyway, back to the cars, the Blue square (Blue2) pictured above is quite interesting. Not in the least because of its animated screens front and back, but because it’s a Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle powered by hydrogen. The Blue2 has 90kW provided by its fuel cell electric system and can travel 100km on just 2.86 litres.

Some may argue such technology is a better long-term solution than plugging your car into the electricity grid to ‘refuel’ (see the Honda FCX Clarity as an example). Hyundai say they hope to have their first FCEVs on the streets by 2014.

Also of note is the oddball Veloster with coupÃ© styling on the driver’s side and a 5-door hatch look on the passenger’s side; complete with differently positioned B-pillars. It will go on sale locally before the year is out. An awkward looking hatch thingy powered by a 103kW 1.6 litre diesel and with the option of a 6-speed double clutch transmission; will Australians really go for it?

Something more likey to achieve dependable sales is the smart looking i40 Wagon. Designed in Germany and featuring ‘a package of powertrains, equipment and technology tailored for European tastes’ it also goes on sale later this year.

BMW Motor Shows

AIMS 2011 gallery: BMW

Well, we can say we’ve covered every car on the BMW stand for you with this image gallery. That’s because there is only one car on show: the Vision EfficientDynamics. It’s a clear case of quality over quantity, though, and we acknowledge the lengths BMW has gone to in bringing out their undeniably spectacular concept car, even if it is a bit long in the tooth now (as far as concept models go).

It really is the world’s sexiest three cylinder diesel and it will make the move from concept to production when the i8 is revealed in 2013.

The EfficientDynamics is a mish-mash of finicky folds and coarse angles that shouldn’t really work. And, in truth, in some pictures it just doesn’t. But in reality, when the car is there before you, it’s hard to resist its charms and do anything but marvel at how fantastic it really is.

We still would have liked to have seen a new M5 or a Valenica Orange 1 Series M CoupÃ© on the floor.

Audi Motor Shows

AIMS 2011 gallery: Audi

With the already mentioned e-tron and the desirable R8 GT on the stand it may seem a bit odd to start this feature with the new Audi A6. However, the A6 is a car with a wider audience and with this new model Audi is slowly moving away from the staid designs of past mid-large size sedans. Indeed, we reckon the A6 looks pretty good and, of course, it’s well appointed inside too.

That said, the R8 GT is beautiful and the use of carbon fibre detailing is quite something. Sitting behind the wheel you get a fantastic sense of what this 560hp monster would be like. We wish we could call one of the 333 examples our own.

Other highlights include the TT RS S tronic, the nifty little A1 and the comparatively volume selling S3 Sportback.

Formula 1

Hispania Racing Team sold as expected, butâ€¦

Post author By Liam
Post date 5 July, 2011

As we reported yesterday Hispania Racing Team has been sold. But in typical F1-style twist not to who we thought. It had been reported by Spanish media that HRT would be sold to a Japanese investment firm. We now know that Spanish investment group, Thesan Capital, had the loot and used it to ink a deal in exchange for a majority shareholding in the team.

Thesan Capital will retain the current directors and team with a view to injecting a strong Spanish influence throughout, which will include new headquarters in Spain.

The full statement from HRT can be read after the break.

Formula 1 Renault

Williams F1 reunites with Renault

Post author By Liam
Post date 5 July, 2011
4 Comments on Williams F1 reunites with Renault

Williams-Renault engine deal

Williams F1 has reignited memories of its glory days by signing a new engine deal with Renault for the 2102 and 2013 seasons. The deal is being described as ‘long-term’ and both parties expect the relationship will continue into 2014 and beyond, following the switch to turbocharged V6 engines.

During the last Williams F1 deal with Renault Sport F1 (1989â€“1997) the partnership returned 63 race wins, four word drivers’ titles, five constructors titles.

Speaking at the announcement Sir Frank Williams said, â€œOur previous relationship with Renault was one of the most successful in Williamsâ€™ history but we will not allow ourselves to dwell too much on the past. We must look to the future and continue to re-build our on-track reputation, which I am hopeful that todayâ€™s announcement will help us to do.â€

The full statement from Williams F1 can be read after the break, including a Q&A interview with Adam Parr, Chairman.

Audi BMW Lamborghini Mazda Motor Shows Volkswagen

AIMS 2011: The stars

Updates from our visit to AIMS last Friday havenâ€™t progressed as well as we had hoped, so to give you a taste of whatâ€™s to come hereâ€™s a quick teaser of the five cars that stood out the most for us.

1. BMW Vision EfficientDynamics
Weâ€™ve covered this car before, when it was first revealed way back in 2009. But seeing it first hand has given us an altogether new appreciation for it. The EffeicientDynamics concept is a genuinely stunning design that we now know previews the forthcoming i8 model. Forget the mechanical aspects of the car for a moment, though, and just appreciate every crease, curve and detail. Itâ€™s an astonishingly well made concept and almost makes up for BMW not displaying any other cars. Thatâ€™s right, no 1M!

Formula 1

Hispania Racing Team expected to confirm sale

Post author By Liam
Post date 4 July, 2011
4 Comments on Hispania Racing Team expected to confirm sale

Hispania Racing Team has been sold, just days after signing Daniel Ricciardo, it is being reported . It’s understood current HRT owner JosÃ© RamÃ³n Carabante has agreed to terms for an AU$32 million sale to Japanese investment bank Nomura.

Confirmation of the sale is expected in the next 24 hours. Daily operation of HRT is unlikely to change in the short term and we can still look forward to Ricciardo’s F1 debut this weekend.

However, this could be a story to keep watching. Only a couple of days ago Autosport reported HRT Team Principal, Colin Kolles, was stepping aside to allow the Carabante family a more hands on role with the team.