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Audi BMW

VIDEO: BMW 1M Coupé v Audi TT RS

Car & Driver video

US publication Car & Driver brings us this video review of the BMW 1M Coupé and the Audi TT RS. Also along for the ride was an Infiniti G37 thingy that we don’t get in Australia; it placed last in the review.

That leaves us with the 1M against the TT RS, a match BMW has already anticipated; well, how do they? There’s clear plus points for both, but in the end, you could probably write the script before seeing the video. Take the break, watch the clip and let us know what you think.

[Thanks to Peter for the tip]

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BMW Video

“If you love driving, you’re gonna love this engine”

That’s the claim made by Paul Ferraiolo, Manager, Product Planning & Strategy, BMW of North America. He is referring to the new four cylinder engine that will power the BMW Z4 sDrive28i. In this brief clip he gives a rundown on the engine’s key benefits.

[Source: BimmerFile]

Categories
Caterham

Team Lotus set to announce Caterham deal

Caterham Roadsport 125 Monaco

Latest word on the street says the Tony Fernandes-backed Team Lotus is set to announce takeover deal of boutique sportcar maker Caterham.

Rumours suggest the deal will be confirmed at a Team Lotus press conference on Wednesday. It was understood the announcement would be related to the Lotus v Lotus stoush that has been simmering in British courts of late. However, the invitation to the event says it will be, “an incredibly exciting announcement about the future of our team,” which has got tongues wagging.

Delays with court proceedings mean a final decision on the Lotus position is still a few weeks away. Perhaps a Team Lotus takeover of Caterham can provide a clear future direction for Fernandes and his team.

[Source: Autosport]

Categories
BMW

BMW Z4 gets new 176kW 4 cylinder turbo

2009 BMW Z4 (E89)

At the New York Motor Show BMW released the first real-world details of its new, more fuel efficient, four cylinder future by plonking a 2.0 litre turbo into the BMW Z4. The classic roadster look, with the long bonnet, but powered by a piddly four cylinder?

Fear not doubters, because the curiously named Z4 sDrive28i has 176kW (240hp) at its disposal and is sure to shift quite nicely. It also features “TwinPower Turbo technology”. Terminology equally designed to trick the mind, as the twin refers to high precision injection and a single twin-scroll turbocharger; not twin turbos.

Oh, remember that rumour of the road-going MINI Countryman WRC we told you about? Well, don’t be surprised if this engine, or one closely related to it, with perhaps more power, finds it way under the bonnet.

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Alfa Romeo

VIDEO: Alfa Romeo 4C Concept

The Alfa Romeo 4C Concept was one of the clear stars of the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. So most readers will be pleased to see this short film released by Alfa showing the preparation of the 4C prior to the show.

To refresh your memory the 4C has the madness of a KTM X-Bow under the skin, enveloped by a series of stunning Behind the driver’s seat rests 150kW of turbocharged power, which sounds modest until you realise there’s just 850kg of weight to shift.

What’s not to like?

Categories
Volkswagen

Volkswagen Passat – Australian pricing & specs

Volkswagen Passat

The new Volkswagen Passat has just been released in Australia. There’s three models on offer, all available in sedan and wagon configuration. Pre on-road pricing for the sedan models start at $38,990 for the 118TSI, $43,990 for the 125TDI and $57,990 for the V6 FSI featuring 4motion. Add an extra $2000 if you want the added cargo space offered in the wagon.

There’s some impressive technology featured with the new Passat. It’s all stuff we’ve seen before in more expensive marques, but seeing such things as Fatigue Detection, Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and City Emergency Braking filter down to more affordable models is welcomed.

Full details from Volkswagen Australia can be read after the break.

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Categories
Formula 1

F1: Bernie out, Rupert in?

2011 Chinese GP

Here’s one story sure to make motorsport fans sit up and take notice, Rupert Murdoch’s News Corporation is understood to be leading a consortium that is interested in buying the controlling rights for Formula One.

It’s very early stages and the word comes from someone close to the News Corp group. Although, when asked for an official comment News Corp has kept quiet. So has Bernie Ecclestone, the sport’s current leading man.

Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, currently involved with the Sauber F1 team through his Telmex company, is also understood be on side with the News Corp consortium. Hmm, could be interesting times ahead, watch this space.

[Source: Reuters UK]

Categories
Ferrari

Ferrari set sights on Bugatti Veyron

Ferrari Enzo

It used to be that the ultimate Ferrari was pretty much the ultimate car. Full stop. Think of the legendary F40, it was the fastest, most desirable and most extreme machine of its day. The Enzo, too, raised the bar. It was as close to Michael Schumacher’s F1 car as (filthy rich) mere mortals could get. Now, almost 10 years after its initial launch, the Enzo has been long overtaken.

Indeed, Ferrai themsleves have admitted as much, with one insider stating, “The world is a very different place to how it was when the Enzo was launched. It has moved on completely. And we are Ferrari – we do not take part to make up the numbers.”

So, perhaps it is no surprise to learn Ferrari’s next hero model has been influenced by the Bugatti Veyron. A car that has not only re-wrote the hypercar rule book, it tore the old one to shreds.

The Enzo replacement is expected in the next couple of years and current thinking suggests a high-tech twin tubro V8 will provide the power. “Active aerodynamics” will lead the way for a new generation of technology for Ferrari and its clever use of airflows will likely come straight from the F1 track.

[Source: Autocar]

Categories
Volkswagen

CONFIRMED: Scirocco R coming to Australia

Volkswagen Scirocco R

Great news for fans of the Volkswagen Scirocco with confirmation today that the range-topping R version will launch in Australia early next year. Ahead of its local launch, the Scirocco R will be on display at this year’s Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne (1-10 July).

Proving that you have to give a little to get a little, Volkswagen will make space in its Australian product range by removing the three-door Golf R from its line up. While pricing details are yet to be confirmed, we can probably expect the front-wheel drive only Scirocco R to slot in under the $50K bracket. Currently the Golf R 3dr is priced from $48,490.

The Scirocco R uses the same 2.0 litre turbocharged motor found in the Golf R. It’s worth noting that the Scirocco R is more than 100kg lighter than the Golf R and its handling is said to offer a few more thrills as a result. In Euro markets the Scirocco R is rated at 195kW, however, we anticipate our warm climate will see that spec reduced to 188kW, as is the case with the Golf R and Audi S3.

Availability of the all-wheel drive Golf R 5dr will remain unaffected by the introduction of the curvaceous Scirocco.

We’re massive fans of the Scirocco here at AUSmotive and while we welcome this news with great anticipation we do wonder, three years after the Scirocco first launched overseas, if it’s all a bit too late? We’d love to hear what you think.

[Source: Drive.com.au | Thanks to Al for the tip]

UPDATE: Volkswagen has set up a web portal allowing people to register their interest in the Scirocco R.

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Categories
Volkswagen

Volkswagen Passat ready to launch in Australia

Volkswagen Passat

Last September, at the Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen gave the world a new Passat. Today, it’s Australia’s turn. Thanks to AUSmotive reader James for sending in these pics, taken near the media launch in Melbourne earlier today.

In basic terms the new Passat represents a steady improvement over its predecessor. The new model is a little bit nicer to look at, too. We’ll have full pricing and specification details as they come to hand.

[Thanks to James for the pics]

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Categories
Motor Shows Volvo

Shanghai 2011: Volvo Concept Universe

Volvo Concept Universe

Volvo has given us a tiny glimpse at their Concept Universe, which has just been launched in Shanghai. They’re sharing with us one photo, for now, and a light and fluffy press release. From what we can see, it’s a nice sleek looking unit, don’t you think. It certainly looks like it would have plenty of road presence.

This is Volvo’s attempt at competing with the established luxury players of the world. S-Class and 7 Series look out! It’s being based on the principles and success of Scandinavian design. Well, so says Peter Horbury, Vice President Design at Volvo Car Corporation, “We will compete with the best with our special kind of Scandinavian Design. It is unmatched in performance and technology, but without superficiality or complication.

“The Concept Universe is exceptionally refined, yet with all the simplistic assets that make Volvo champions of the uncomplicated. There is a growing appreciation for this ingenious blend of design and technology among modern luxury car buyers. This trend paves the way for our success. We are convinced that our special brand of luxury has a great future.”

Can Horbury and his, no doubt talented, team of designers and engineers produce a car that is close to, or equal to, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class? Possibly. Will a Volvo ever knock-off the S-Class as the default option at the premium end of the market? Not in our lifetime.

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Citroen Motor Shows

Shanghai 2011: Citroën DS5

Citroen DS5

The third model in Citroën’s DS line has just been revealed in Shanghai. This time it’s the DS5. At 4.52m long and 1.85m wide with the body of a hatchback it’s hard to know what segment the French carmaker is chasing. With seating for five, the Ds5 is part family hatch, part luxury saloon and features a driving position described as being at home in a GT coupé.

Well, wherever it fits into to the ever expanding auto market categories we reckon the DS5 will look the part. It’s flowing curves and hard creases, somehow, tend to work together quite well. Even if the front end is bordering on being overdone.

The DS5 is powered by Citroën’s HYbrid4 technology and offers 200bhp of diesel-electric power. It’s driven by all four wheels and produces a low-ish 99g/km of those pesky CO2 emissions.

More from Citroën after the break.

 

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