AUSmotive.com – Page 347 – Hanging on for dear life

BMW

BMW reveals limited edition M3 CRT

Post author By Liam
Post date 24 June, 2011
2 Comments on BMW reveals limited edition M3 CRT

BMW M3 CRT

BMW has lifted the lid on its latest M3 iteration. Limited to just 67 models worldwide the M3 CRT (Carbon Racing Technology) features a 4.4 litre V8 producing 331kW (450hp) and 440Nm. That’s an extra 0.4 litres of capacity, 22kW and 40Nm over the standard model. Think of the CRT as a more practical every day M3 GTS.

The use of CFRP and a lightweight titanium exhaust has allowed BMW to shed 70kg from the weight of an M3 Sedan, bringing the CRT to a more lithe 1580kg. The car’s overall power to weight ratio is 3.5kg/hp.

Fitted with 19″ alloys and using the car’s 7-speed dual clutch transmission the CRT can reach 100km/h in 4.4 seconds (0.5s faster than standard).

MINI John Cooper Works Endurance

Post author By Liam
Post date 23 June, 2011
1 Comment on MINI John Cooper Works Endurance

The new MINI CoupÃ© is not even a week old and its already living up to its “another day, another adventure” advertising slogan. You’re looking at the purpose-built MINI John Cooper Works Endurance and it’s looking forward to 24 hours of green hell this weekend.

As we reported yesterday, the JCW Endurance has a healthy 250hp (184kW). We now also know the official weight of the car is just 965kg.

Power is sourced from a tuned MINI Challenge 1.6 litre engine (225hp), itself closely related to the JCW road car. A roll cage, HANS system and six-point safety harness complete the transition to racecar.

MINI has entered two JCW Endurance cars into the 24 hour race, they’ll wear numbers 146 and 147. The driver line up can be seen on the MINI motorsport website.

More from MINI after the break, including tech specs and 10 more studio images.

Mercedes-Benz News

Mercedes C63 AMG achieves world’s longest drift

Post author By Liam
Post date 23 June, 2011
2 Comments on Mercedes C63 AMG achieves world’s longest drift

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

A standard Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG has smoked its way to the record books by claiming the world’s longest drift. The stunt took place at Mercedes-Benz World in the UK and the V8 powered C63 was driven by pro driver Mauro Calo.

Calo managed to hold his powerslide for a total of 2308 metres, bettering the previous mark, held by US drift ace Vaughn Gittin Jr, by a healthy 394 metres.

On the short circular track Calo hoped to complete a total of 12 laps. Unfortunately for him his rear tyres didn’t last that long.

“The car was so balanced. I was relaxed and only had to make small corrections to the steering and throttle. Then the tyres let go after lap seven, but I kept on going until I knew I’d beaten the record. I’m absolutely chuffed,” explained Calo.

Vaughn Gittin Jr has dismissed Calo’s efforts telling Autoblog, “[there are] thousands of grassroots drifters, that can do giant donuts until the tires pop, as well.”

~~Video of the new record feat can be seen after the break.~~

[Source: World Records Academy]

Tags C63 AMG

BMW

VIDEO: Yet another BMW 1M review

Post author By Liam
Post date 23 June, 2011

Seems we can’t go more than a few days without posting something to do with the BMW 1 Series M CoupÃ©. This new review, from US-based Automobile magazine, is pretty good value. It pays out on some M3 buyers while showing the excellent hooning abilities of the mighty 1M (on a closed track, of course). It’s certainly a rare moment where anyone from the US becomes fanatical about preferring a manual transmission over an auto. In between there’s a few staid moments telling you all you need to know about why the 1M is so good. Enjoy!

Motorsports Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf24 photo gallery

Post author By Liam
Post date 23 June, 2011
4 Comments on Volkswagen Golf24 photo gallery

The Volkswagen Golf24 will make its 24 hour race debut at the NÃ¼rburgring this weekend. It has been created to celebrate the 35th birthday of the GTI. In some ways it’s an odd tributeâ€”with all-wheel drive and a 2.5 litre inline five cylinder engineâ€”it features a drivetrain never seen in a GTI before and one never likely to be seen in the future.

Sure, as a road car the Golf24 would look completely stupid. As a racecar, though, it is pure porn. To celebrate that fact we’ve assembled the best pics available to date from Volkswagen Motorsport. Check them out after the break.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen reminds us the Scirocco R is coming

Post author By Liam
Post date 22 June, 2011
4 Comments on Volkswagen reminds us the Scirocco R is coming

Even though we fear the horse has bolted, Volkswagen Australia is keen to remind us the Scirocco R is finally headed for Australia. We brought you this news back in April, but now VW is drip feeding some basic specs prior to the car making its local debut at the Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne.

As expected peak power for Australian spec falls in line with the detuned Audi S3 and Golf R engines. Which means the 2.0 litre TSI will boast 188kW (down from the 195kW offered in cooler climates). Maximum torque is 330Nm (down from 350Nm).

Unlike the aforementioned cars the Scirocco R is front-wheel drive only. To help counter any traction issues it will come standard with an Extended Electronic Differential Lock (XDL) as seen in the Golf GTI. It’s not foolproof, but it’s a worthy addition.

Also welcome is news Adaptive Chassis Control will be a standard feature down under. This enables drivers to choose from three suspension settings; Normal, Comfort and Sport. Given the car will be fitted with 19″ Talladega alloys this should help save unplanned visits to the chiropractor.

Apart from the expected motor show appearance the Scirocco is not planned to launch until 2012. More detail form VW Aus after the break.

Tags Scirocco, Scirocco R

Toyota Volkswagen

VIDEO: Volkswagen Amarok v Toyota Hilux

Post author By Liam
Post date 22 June, 2011

While work utes are not usually the focus of attention for AUSmotive we have given the new Volkswagen Amarok a bit of air time. With that in mind we thought this video review pitching the Amarok against the undisputed class-leading Toyota Hilux was worth sharing.

It’s a no nonsense comparison produced by the NRMA and they have compared to the highest spec models available, the Amarok Ultimate and Hilux SR5.

Of note is the comment about the Amarok not featuring a low-range all-wheel drive option. This is true for the permanent all-wheel drive models, such as the Ultimate model used in the review, however the switchable 4motion system, available on other models, does include a low-range setting.

[via VWwatercooled]

MINI Motorsports

Monster MINI CoupÃ© tipped for 24 hour debut

Post author By Liam
Post date 22 June, 2011
1 Comment on Monster MINI CoupÃ© tipped for 24 hour debut

MINI Coupe N24 racer

The build up to this year’s NÃ¼rburgring 24 hour race has seen input from the usual crowd: Audi, BMW, Porsche, Volkswagen et al. However, MINI, too has been quietly simmering away with the slow release of information, which started earlier this year.

Until now, the car that MINI motorsport would be running was a mystery. Okay, with yesterday’s release of official info and pics for the new MINI CoupÃ© it became clear that would be the car MINI would use at the Ring this weekend. However, we’ve still not seen any official announcements coming from Munich.

But, thanks to a tweet from motoring journo Richard Meaden, it looks like the MINI CoupÃ© ‘NÃ¼rburgring racer edition’ will be a stripped out ball tearer guaranteed to ruffle a few feathers. According to Meaden the MINI CoupÃ© will weigh less than 1000kg and be powered by a 270hp (200kW) engine.

We want to know more! Expect full details to be revealed on the MINI motorsport website on Thursday.

[Pic: @DickieMeaden]

UPDATE: Reliable word informs us peak power for the ‘Monster MINI’ is more likely to be 250hp (approx 185kW).

Top Gear

VIDEO: McLaren MP4-12C says ‘excuse me’

Post author By Liam
Post date 21 June, 2011
4 Comments on VIDEO: McLaren MP4-12C says ‘excuse me’

True to their word Car magazine has posted their video results of the McLaren MP4-12C supercar group test. Former Mr Stig, Ben Collins, took to Rockingham Motor Speedway in a veritable orgasm of supercars to see if the McLaren could walk the walk, after talking so much talk.

Up against the MP4-12C were:

After the break you can see the full 10 minute clip, which includes brief comments from Collins after driving each car. Make sure you watch right to the end and then tell us what you think of the closing graphic. Also available below is in-car footage from each lap.

[Thanks to Wayne for the reminder]

Tags 458, 911 GT2 RS, Gallardo, MP4-12C, R8 V10, SLS AMG

BMW

M5 watch: Is that the best you can do?

Post author By Liam
Post date 21 June, 2011
3 Comments on M5 watch: Is that the best you can do?

BMW has followed up the official release of its new 412kW F10 M5 with this video teaser. Filmed at the Ascari Circuit in Spain we find the clip somewhat disappointing. It’s produced very well, perhaps even slightly over-produced, but we still want more action, more speed and more noise.

Ford Motorsports

Shane van Gisbergen “Darwin drifter”

Post author By Liam
Post date 21 June, 2011
6 Comments on Shane van Gisbergen “Darwin drifter”

AUSmotive takes a rare foray into the world of V8 Supercars to tip our collective hat to young Kiwi Shane van Gisbergen. You see, after taking the honours at the recent round at Hidden Valley, van Gisbergen slowed down on his victory lap, allowed the field to pass him and then drifted his way home.

We’re not so sure the suits will be too happy, but the crowd loved it and so do we. Drift on with video of the action after the break.

[via Autoblog]

Tags V8SC