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Formula 1 Renault

Ross Brawn expects big impact from Renault’s forward exit exhaust

Lotus Renault GP R31

Ross Brawn, Mercedes GP boss and one of the men behind the revolutionary blown double diffusers, says the forward exit exhaust found on the Lotus Renault GP R31 is a “clever idea”. Blown Double diffusers have now been banned, but their concept was relatively simple; direct the flow of the exhaust gasses inside the rear diffuser and, hey presto—bags of extra downforce! More downforce means more grip and that means higher corner speeds and, ultimately, a faster car.

So, with that aerodynamic aid now gone teams have been forced to come up with new ideas. In the end it turned out only Renault came up with a new, forward thinking, idea. Forward being the operative word, of course, whereby they have radically altered their exhaust design by bringing it forward of the engine to exit just ahead of the sidepods (highlighted area above). This means the gasses can then be directed to the car’s undertray forcing more air ahead of the rear diffuser.

Speaking to Autosport, Brawn claimed, “It is a significant area and maybe more significant than the double diffuser in terms of performance and of course the teams are all working with their engine partners to work out how to get the most out of the exhaust energy so that is the new interesting area of development.”

Follow the link below for more detail. Better still, check out this analysis on the ScarbsF1 website.

[Source: Autosport | Pic: Renault/LAT]

Categories
BMW

Next BMW M5 spied showing off 7-speed DCT

BMW F10M

A while back there was a minor scare that the F10-based BMW M5 would be made with an auto transmission only. Recent info suggests that won’t be the case and a 7-speed dual clutch transmission will be used instead. A theory supported by these latest spy shots. That won’t appease slaves to self-shifters completely, but it is a mildly better alternative.

We’re still expecting to see the new M5 debut in Shanghai in April, before hitting European showrooms around the time of the Frankfurt show.

There’s a few more spy shots after the break, or you can follow the source link below for more.

[Source: 5Post]

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Categories
BMW

VIDEO: BMW i3 takes up snow dancing

BMW i3 prototype

Last month BMW officially launched its “i” brand and since then development prototypes of the electric powered i3 and i8 have been seen around the place. After the break you can see the first vdeo of the little i3 in action.

The footage was filmed in Sweden and shows the car pirouetting around the place having a merry old time. All in the name of fine tuning the car’s handling, of course.

There’s a good chance the i3 will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

To enhance handling the lithium-ion battery will be mounted in the centre of the car and the motor it powers should be capable of producing a healthy 110kW (150hp)—about the same as your entry level hatchback. Top speed is expected to be around 150km/h and the range provided should be close the 200km mark. As you can clearly see from this footage the i3 will be powered by the rear wheels.

[Source: Gmotors]

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Categories
Formula 1

Bernie says Australian GP is as important as Monaco

Australian Grand Prix

Earlier in the year Melbourne’s Lord Mayor created headlines when he poured a liberal dose of hot water on the long-term future of the Australian Grand Prix being held in the Victorian capital.

At the time F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone seemed only too happy to talk about relieving Melbourne of its Grand Prix hosting responsibilities. However, it would appear the 80-year-old has had a change of tune, telling local media that, “Australia is as important to us as Monaco.

“It’s part of the world championship and has been for an awful long time. We’d hate to think that we’re going to lose Australia.”

With that said, Ecclestone still left the door wide open for the event departing Melbourne, at the very least, if not Australia, “In the case of Melbourne, if the product is too expensive for them, we understand that and when the contract comes to an end there’s no need to renew it.

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Categories
Porsche

Porsche confirms Leipzig plant for Cajun

2010 Porsche Cayenne

Porsche has issued a press statement confirming its new SUV, the Cajun, will be built at their Leipzig factory. The plant first came to life in 2002 building the Cayenne. In 2009, following improvements to the facility, the Panamera was added to its roster.

A minimum of 1000 jobs are expected to be created by Porsche with the introduction of the Cajun. Upgrading of the Leipzig plant in anticipation of the “efficient and agile” SUV will commence later this year.

“During the production of the Cayenne and the Panamera, our Leipzig plant has impressively proved that it can produce premium vehicles of highest quality,” said Matthias Müller, chairman of the Porsche AG board of management. “The decision in favour of this location is proof of our trust in the skills and qualifications of our Leipzig associates, and at the same time another contribution to the economic advancement of the region.”

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Categories
BMW Motorsports

BMW 1M launched as MotoGP Safety Car

BMW 1M safety car

The 2011 MotoGP season kicks off this weekend and BMW has continued its association with the series by launching a new 1 Series M Coupé Safety Car.

It looks pretty special in it’s BMW Motorsport inspired war paint. And that Akrapovic aftermarket exhaust is sure to sound great at maximum revs too.

[Source: 1addicts]

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Categories
Alfa Romeo Fiat Porsche Volkswagen

VW teases Alfa with promise of Porsche engines

Volkswagen-Alfa Romeo-Fiat

The simmering saga of Volkswagen chasing Alfa Romeo skirt continues with the German giant dangling a big Porsche carrot in front of Alfa Romeo. That carrot takes the form of a rumoured plan for future Volkswagen-owned Alfa Romeos to use Porsche engines.

Although, Alfa’s current owners, Fiat, are still playing hard to get and are clearly not amused with Volkswagen’s latest flirting, telling Autocar, “We shut the door in their faces and now they’re trying to get in the window.”

In reply, VW boss Ferdinand Piech says, “Volkswagen has time.”

[Source: Autocar]

Categories
Porsche

New Porsche 911 Turbo spied

Porsche 911 Turbo prototype

US-based website Kilometer Magazine brings us some excellent spy shots of what appears to be the next-gen Porsche 911 Turbo. Earlier 911 test mules have been adorned with Turbo-style side intake stickers—they can’t fool us, the intakes on this prototype are the real deal.

The front end looks similar to the previous 911 Turbo and continues the evolutionary approach so expected from Porsche. At the back it appears Porsche could be offering the new Turbo with a retractable style spolier. Either that, or they’re just leaving the usual Turbo spoiler off to mess with us during the development phase.

[Source: Kilometer Magazine]

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Categories
BMW

BMW M3 ute: What the (green) hell!

BMW M3 ute prototype

Awesome has a new definition. And that comes in the form of this BMW M3 ute prototype lapping the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Maybe BMW has taken inspiration from the equally awesome E39 M5 ute conversion by Australia’s own Stuart Appleby (yes, the pro golfer). Maybe it’s a crazy April Fool’s Day stunt in the making? Or perhaps the M3 ute is heading to the Essen Motor Show?

Whatever the reasons this car exists, it officially gets the biggest AUSmotive tick we’ve ever given to a test mule.

[Source: Autoblog | Pics: KGP Photography]

UPDATE: Jalopnik tell us this M3 ute is a one-off creation produced by an aftermarket tuning company and not an officially sanctioned BMW product.

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Categories
BMW

M5 watch: Snow business

BMW M5 teaser

BMW’s latest M5 teaser clip has hit the tube. Unsurprisingly, not too much is given away, but the frequency of material released does suggest the predicted reveal at Auto Shanghai in late April is looking likely.

So, for the latest look at the 4.4 litre force-fed V8 and 7-speed DCT take the jump and watch the latest clip. There’s a longer video, too, which shows test drivers Bernd Limmer and Frank Lutz discussing the new “F10M”. Just a shame they do that while speaking German.

Thankfully, the chaps at 5Post.com have added an English translation. The engineers run through specific aspects of the M5’s development; it’s worth watching.

[Source: 5Post]

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Categories
Porsche

Walter Röhrl drives the legendary Porsche 904

Porsche 904

Walter Röhrl, Porsche luminary and Targa Tasmania competitor, has taken to the track in a beautifully restored 904 GTS. The car is part of the excellent rolling Porsche Museum which makes sure its car go as well as they show.

With Röhrl at the wheel, the sleek coupé still has the ability to powerslide through corners, all while looking as stunning today as it did when it made its racing debut back in 1963.

Enjoy the footage after the break. Oh, we’re disappointed the Autoblog footage of Walter spinning the 904 didn’t make the final edit.

[Thanks to Wayne for the tip]

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Categories
Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

Red Bull Racing target Vettel and Newey inspired dynasty

Sebastian Vettel and Adrian Newey

Red Bull Racing could be heading for a new Formula One dynasty with two of the sport’s hottest properties agreeing to extend their contracts. Vettel, the youngest man to win an F1 world championship, has been re-signed until 2014. While Newey, designer of three championship winning cars at Williams, McLaren and Red Bull Racing, has also agreed new terms.

In a short statement released by RBR Vettel said, “The reason why I’ll stay until 2014 with Red Bull Racing is that I feel very comfortable in the team. I am proud to be part of the team, and I am proud of what we have archived so far and will achieve together in the future.”

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