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Formula 1 News

Mark Webber slams Bahrain GP decision

Mark Webber

Mark Webber has published his thoughts on the decision to reschedule the Bahrain Grand Prix for 30 October and it’s fair to say he’s not happy.

“In my personal opinion, the sport should have taken a much firmer stance earlier this year rather than constantly delaying its decision in hope of being able to re-schedule it in 2011,” says Webber.

“It would have sent a very clear message about F1’s position on something as fundamental as human rights and how it deals with moral issues. It’s obvious that the parties involved have struggled to reach a decision but sadly I feel that they still haven’t made the right one. Like it or not, F1 and sport in general isn’t above having a social responsibility and conscience. I hope F1 is able to return to Bahrain eventually but now isn’t the right time.”

On the surface, Webber’s position is admirable. Assuming all is equal between now and late October, will Mark back his beliefs and choose not to race?

Follow the source link below for the full statement.

[Source: markwebber.com | Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

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Formula 1

Bahrain Grand Prix rescheduled for 30 October, India pushed back to 11 December

2010 Bahrain GP

In news overnight the Bahrain Grand Prix has been reinstated to the 2011 F1 calendar. It is now due to take place on 30 October, which was originally slated for the inaugural Indian Grand Prix. The Indian race has now been pushed back to the last race of what has become a very long year and will be held on 11 December.

A brief statement from the FIA’s World Motor Sport Council explaining the decision can be read after the break.

[Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

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News

Leaked images of new BMW 1 Series hatch

BMW F20 1 Series hatch

Official pics and details of BMW’s new F20 1 Series hatch weren’t due for another few weeks, however the recent appearance of leaked images is expected to force BMW’s hand. Indeed, we could be seeing authorised info form Munich as soon as tomorrow morning.

So, then, what do we make of the rounder and slightly larger F20 1er? We expect first thoughts may be mixed, with a bias towards negative comments. However, the current 1 Series hatch has never really set the world on fire and people’s opinions of its styling have mellowed over time. The same is likely to happen again with the newer model.

It’s worth noting the interior seems to have taken a clear step forward. It’s not that the previous 1 Series interior was bad, just that, on these pics, the new model has made noticeable improvements.

One tidbit worth digesting on what we can see here is BMW’s use of gloss black and matt aluminium wing mirrors; styling cues used by Volkswagen and Audi to differentiate their performance models from their cheaper cars. Coincidence?

More pics after the break, and we’ll being you the official detail as soon as we can.

[Source: Inside Line | Thanks to Matt for the tip]

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Audi

2012 Audi R8 GT Spyder officially announced

Audi R8 GT Spyder

It’s only been a couple of weeks since the an undisguised R8 GT Spyder was spied, and now Audi has officially taken the wraps off and published a set of images and basic press information.

Like the R8 GT hardtop, the Spyder will be limited to 333 examples. A regimented carbon fibre diet has seen the R8 GT Spyder shed 85 kilograms, which helps the 412kW convertible reach 100km/h in a mere 3.8 seconds before reaching a v-max of 317km/h.

The R8 GT Spyder lifts its engine and drivetrain from the tintop. That means you’ll find a delightful 5.2 litre V10 coupled to a quattro all-wheel drive system and a 6-speed R tronic transmission beneath the Spyder’s great looking exterior.

Deliveries are expected to begin in early 2012, following a public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. You’ll find more from Audi after the break.

UPDATE 9 June: Audi Australia has confirmed just five GT Spyders will be coming to Australia in the latter half of 2012. Pricing is yet to be announced, but you’d better get in quick!

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Bathurst 12 Hour News

Bathurst 12 Hour goes from strength to strength

Audi R8 LMS

It’s less than two years since the Bathurst 12 Hour race was chasing a naming rights sponsor, but new plans to widen eligibility have organisers hoping the race will become a regular stop on the worldwide endurance calendar.

Already the race has attracted interest from the Audi factory team, no doubt to return in 2012 to defend their one-two victory earlier this year. And after striking a deal with Dutch company Creventic—promoters of the Dubai 24 Hour, Barcelona 24 Hour and Hungary 12 Hour—Bathurst promoters hope freight assistance packages will encourage more overseas teams to Mount Panorama.

Bathurst 12 Hour event director James O’Brien says, “This is another step forward in establishing the Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour as one of the premier international endurance races.

“In our first year including GT vehicles in the eligibility structure, we attracted six international entrants including three from New Zealand, one from Ireland and the two-car Audi Race Experience team from Germany that would go on to finish 1-2 in the race.

“We would hope that the result of this partnership is an increase of between 8-12 international entrants in the 2012 race to complement a stronger domestic grid.”

The 2012 Bathurst 12 Hour will take place on 24–26 February.

[Source: Speedcafe]

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BMW Porsche

VIDEO: BMW 1M v Porsche Cayman R

BMW 1M v Porsche Cayman R

Is the Porsche Cayman R really a suitable rival for the cheaper BMW 1 Series M Coupé? Well, BMW themselves have compared the 1M to the Cayman S, so on pure stats it’s not too far from reality. Okay, in Australia, the Cayman R might cost a Golf GTI more than the 1M, but it is widely acknowledged as being a class-leader in the can’t-quite-afford-a-supercar sportscar market.

On that basis, then, it’s well worth seeing just how well BMW’s latest press darling matches up against a lighter and sharper Cayman. Thanks to Autocar, who have filed a video review, we can see how the baby M gets on.

[Thanks to James for the tip]

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Motor Shows Skoda

Wörthersee 2011: Skoda Fabia RS 2000

Skoda at Worthersee 2011

With the festivities at Wörthersee 2011 well underway Skoda is making sure it doesn’t miss out on any of the action. They’be prepared a new Fabia RS 2000 concept, based on their successful Fabia Super 2000 rally car.

“These days, the GTI-Treffen is rightly hailed by fans of powerful engines and sporty customization as the Mecca of car tuning,” says Skoda chief Winfried Vahland.

“Anyone who comes to the event once never wants to miss another year of this fascinating get-together. The jubilee year of 2011 is a welcome opportunity for us to show off our sports models and make sure that everyone knows that ŠKODA really has something to offer here.”

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Motor Shows Volkswagen

Wörthersee 2011: Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet

Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet concept

At least year’s Wörthersee show Volkswagen revealed the GTI Excessive concept. This year they have made another one, but perhaps pushing against a tight deadline, they didn’t find time to put the roof on. So, we have another Cabriolet concept from Wolfsburg on show.

There’s no press release that we can find to go with this one, but it’s probably safe to assume this is another one-off. The front splitter, which wraps around to the side and continues around the back to complement the angled exhaust tips, seems to work better in the Cabrio version than the hardtop.

We wish we could tell you and show you more about this car, but Volkswagen is not giving much away at this stage. There’s a few extra pics after the break and that’s about it.

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Motor Shows Volkswagen

Wörthersee 2011: Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet

Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet

At the 30th Wörthersee GTI meet Volkswagen has followed up its GTI Edition 35 by ripping the top off the Golf R. The all-paw Cabriolet translates its special R styling cues and 199kW drivetrain across to the regular ragtop Golf and, if you’re into open top motoring this looks half decent.

It’s only being described as a concept, so don’t start thinking you can rock on to your VW dealer and order one. But, as with most things, if enough interest is shown then Volkswagen will find a way to build it, we’re sure.

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Audi Porsche Volkswagen

Audi R4 now good 2 go

Audi R4

It’s only a few weeks ago that Auto Motor und Sport theorised the Audi R4 and its Volkswagen Group cousins had been scrapped, or at least, sent to the bottom of the new product queue. However, word is now circulating that the R4 has been given the green light at Ingolstadt. A move which will also rejuvenate the futures of the Volkswagen BlueSport and a new entry-level Porsche. The latter inspired by the 1950s 550 model.

Autocar quotes an uncredited Audi source, “We have not abandoned plans for a roadster along the lines of the E-tron Spyder. We have reached a stage where we are moving forward and are now in the process of progressing the business case further, but it won’t go on sale until after the third-generation TT.”

That indicates a possible launch date of 2014 or 2015. However, the Autocar source did offer a very slight get out clause, before raising hopes, “We have to make sure there is space in the line-up without causing a conflict with existing models. It will definitely happen.”

More detail can be found by following the source link below.

[Source: Autocar]

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MINI

2013 MINI prototype spied

MINI F56 prototype

Images of the new F56 MINI hatch have been published by World Car Fans, but if you want the skinny on what’s what with the new MINI, best to rely on specialist website MotoringFile.

If you check out all the pics on WCF you may notice a regular BMW looking dash internally. According to MF, that’s merely a ruse and won’t have any bearing on the final MINI layout; the centre-mount speedo will be retained.

The next-gen MINI will be roughly the same size as the current R56 model and is expected to feature minor exterior tweaks, with a more extensive revamp for the interior.

It’s expected the F56 will go on sale overseas in mid-2013, so we can pencil in a motor show appearance at Geneva a few months prior and an Australian sales launch towards the end of 2013.

Follow the links below for more.

[Source: MotoringFile | Pic: World Car Fans]

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Radical

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 driven by EVO

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0

Roger Green from Evo magazine was the lucky one to get his hands on the GT3 RS 4.0, the latest and greatest in the Porsche 911 range. The article on the web is disappointingly brief, however you probably don’t need too long to come to a verdict on a car that is sure to be recognised as one of the best 911s of all-time.

Here’s some of the standout comments from Green’s review:

“The engine is nothing short of incredible; on the road it impresses with is flexibility and overall smoothness as much as it does with the power at the top end.”

“In terms of handling it is noticeably sharper in its responses, but the ride remains utterly composed.”

“It is the ultimate 911, and you could easily argue it’s all the car you’ll ever need. It will become an icon.”

There you go, pretty compelling, really. Follow the link below for more.

[Source: EVO]