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Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

An inside look at Mark Webber’s off-track duties

Mark Webber

Referencing UK newspaper The Sun is generally not high on our agenda here at AUSmotive, but today we stumbled across an article we thought you might like. Ann Neal, Mark Webber’s manager and partner, gives us a small insight into Webber’s off-track obligations during a Grand Prix weekend.

There’s not a lot of technical insight, it’s mostly discussion on scheduling and the like. Although, Neal does close by mentioning Webber’s co-ownership of a GP3 team with Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing Team Principal. She doesn’t see Mark taking the step into trackside management once his driving career is over, “People talk about Mark becoming a Team Principal, but I don’t think he’s up for the politics of it all.”

Also included in the link below is a video interview with Horner where he debriefs the Monaco Grand Prix, touching on the woeful pit stops suffered by both drivers.

[Source: The Sun | Pic: Red Bull/Getty Images]

Categories
MINI

MINI Chilli package gets the trots

2011 MINI range

MINI has gone into crazy bargain mode by slashing $3600 off the price of its populr Chilli packge. Now buyers of any new MINI Cooper, Cooper S and Cooper D Hatch, Cabrio or Clubman can tick the Chilli box for a relatively meagre $900.

The goodies offered vary from model to model, but fear not, MINI hasn’t cut the options in line with the price reduction. The Chilli pack remains unchanged from the previous pricing. So, if you’ve not long bought a new MINI with the Chilli pack and paid $4500 for the privilege, you’ll really have the…

Full details form MINI after the break.

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BMW

M5 watch: It can turn right, really, really fast!

The latest teaser from BMW reminding us they have a new M5 on the way shows the car in action on the high speed bowl at Nardo in Italy. As you will see the M5 is good at turning right, really, really fast.

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BMW

BMW “M2” speculation increases following trademark application

BMW 1M Coupe

1additcs brings word building the case which suggests the next-gen 1 Series Coupé and Convertible will be badged as a 2 Series. In both Germany and the US, BMW has filed a trademark application for the “M2” wordmark.

That doesn’t confirm plans for such a model will exist, of course, but it does at least tell us that BMW is thinking about it. Oddly, though, you’d expect BMW to have already filed away any number of M-related wordmarks, if only to protect their hard-earned brand awareness.

[Source: 1addicts]

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Porsche

New Porsche 911 to offer 7-speed manual, but no KERS/hybrid tech

Porsche 991 911 prototype

US website Car and Driver say their sources have confirmed that the 991 Porsche 911 will offer a 7-speed manual. It’s understood the new “top gear” will have a high ratio designed to aid better fuel economy. The shift should follow the usual H-pattern, with seventh up high and right alongside fifth gear.

In addition you can expect Porsche to offer a development of their current 7-speed PDK (double-clutch) gearbox as well. All will be revealed when the 911 makes its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Previously, we reported a rumour that the next-gen 911 would carry some sort of KERS technology. Well, it looks like that rumour has gone by the wayside already, with Autocar quoting one Stuttgart insider saying, “The system is currently applied to a race car. Nothing else is planned. The new 911 will not be offered with hybrid drive for the foreseeable future. If and when it is, then it will most likely happen as a plug-in.”

The description of a plug-in system is interesting, let’s see where that takes us. Porsche is still committed to KERS/hybrid technology—a fact supported by the 911 GT3 R Hybrid winning its first race at the Nürburgring last weekend—but it seems at this stage hybrid technology will stay put on the Panamera and Cayenne model lines. And the 918 Spyder, of course.

[Source: Car and Driver & Autocar]

Categories
Lamborghini

VIDEO: Lamborghini Aventador driven by EVO

Lamborghini Aventador

Evo magazine stalwart Harry Metcalfe was the man assigned for the press launch of the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 at the Vallelunga Circuit near Rome. Take the jump and in just 5 minutes 56 seconds you’ll know exactly what he thinks of the latest raging bull.

Remember, you’ll be able to catch an up close and personal look at the Aventador in Melbourne from 1 July.

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F1 in pictures Ferrari Formula 1 Lotus McLaren Mercedes-Benz Red Bull Racing Renault

2011 Monaco Grand Prix in pictures

2011 Monaco Grand Prix

We figured you have probably seen enough of Sebastian Vettel on the victory dais, so we’ve given the Red Bull Racing images a miss from Monaco. Actually, that’s not true, it looks like the Red Bull media site is having a few technical issues so, for now, we’re missing photos from them and Toro Rosso. It’s shame, because, as usual, there’s some great pics in there. Hopefully we’ll have them for you shortly.

In the meantime, there’s another 62 pics from the Monaco Grand Prix for you after the break. We’d love to hear which one is you think is best. So take your time, have a good look and leave your comment below.

UPDATE 1 June: New pics from RBR and STR have now been added.

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Categories
Volkswagen

VIDEO: Are you GTI enough?

Volkswagen has just released this quick promo clip to help build momentum for its new Golf GTI Edition 35. What do you think; is a Golf GTI with 173kW really a (hot) girl’s car?

Categories
Motorsports Volkswagen

Wörthersee 2011: Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 35

Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 35

Earlier this month Volkswagen gave us a preview of the Golf GTI “Edition 35”—they told us it would have an 18kW power increase on the regular GTI, but they didn’t tell us how that power would be achieved.

Now, we can tell you, the Edition 35 runs a de-tuned 2.0 litre turbo from the Golf R. In short, that means the power gain has been achieved by using a bigger turbo; much like the Mk5 Golf GTI Pirelli.

The new Golf GTI Edition 35, then, has peak numbers of 173kW/300Nm and VW claim it can reach 100km/h in 6.6 seconds. It is now available for order in European markets.

We understand there’s been rumours suggesting a limited run of ED35 models will make their way to Australia, possibly by September. Volkswagen Australia usually keep their cards very close to their chest; if we hear anything sooner we’ll let you know.

UPDATE 1 June: We’ve been in touch with Volkswagen Australia about the ED35; this is what they said, “The GTI 35 edition will be in Australia later this year. We do not have a confirmed date as yet.” Good news for GTI fans!

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Audi Motor Shows

Wörthersee 2011: Audi A1 clubsport

Audi A1 clubsport

Imagine if Audi took a regular A1 body and stuffed it full of TT RS goodness. That’d be pretty cool, right. But what if they said, “No, that 250kW inline five cylinder is a bit weak; let’s pump it up to 370kW!”

Well, imagine no longer, because Audi has done just that with this one-off A1 clubsport creation. The 500hp A1 will be on show at Wörthersee from 1–4 June.

The A1 clubsport has been widened by 60mm and the flared guards look great, while honouring the great tradition of the Ur-Quattro. The DTM-inspired side-exit exhaust is a nice touch, as well.

At 1390kg, Audi reckon the A1 clubsport, with a 6-speed manual and quattro, will reach 100km/h in a mere 3.7 seconds, 200km/h takes a brief 10.9 seconds.

After the break you’ll see Audi’s official press release, along with a gallery of photos that will have you wishing this mini-beast was in your driveway.

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Audi Motorsports

Lowndes-Luff pairing failed to start at the Ring

Craig Lowndes and Warren Luff

Unfortunately the trip to Germany for Craig Lowndes and Warren Luff to race in a VLN endurance round at the Nürburgring turned out to be little more than a tourist visit to the Audi factory in Neckarsulm.

According to a short paragraph in the latest Audi Motorsport newsletter Lowndes binned his R8 LMS in practice. He was not injured, but the Australian driver pairing were forced to sit out the race.

Bugger.

UPDATE: Comments from Lowndes can be read over at Speedcafe.com.

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Categories
Motorsports Renault

Daniel Ricciardo wins in Monaco

Daniel Ricciardo

Australia’s next F1 driver in waiting Daniel Ricciardo has capped off a dominant weekend at Monaco by claiming victory in the Formula 3.5 Series event.

The 21-year-old Western Australian was never headed in any of the practice sessions and started the race from pole position. Ricciardo then led the race from start to finish and enjoyed his second win at Monaco in front of the F1 crowds.

Speaking after the race Ricciardo said, “I was maybe a little bit more relaxed this time, maybe because it was my second time starting from pole in Monaco. The race didn’t feel as long this year either, I was able to enjoy it a little bit more, even though it was fairly close right up until the end. The car felt good; I felt as though I had good pace and I wasn’t that bothered by the safety cars and I controlled the restarts well.

“It’s been a perfect weekend for me. To have the opportunity in the F1 car on Thursday was amazing. To finish the weekend off with a win is just incredible. It will be a weekend that’s stays with me for a long time!”

[Pic: World Series by Renault]

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