Earlier in the month we brought you the news that Top Gear will be running two Christmas specials—the first on Tuesday 21 December, followed by another on Sunday 26 December. The BBC, via YouTube, now gives us a second preview of the two episodes. You can check it out after the break.
[Thanks to Richard for the tip]
Mark Webber, by any measure, had a great season in Formula One this year. He led the championship for the majority of the year and won four races—Spain, Monaco, Britain and Hungary—but there were also some lowlights, as well. In a typically candid interview with BBC 5 Live Webber opened up about all manner of subjects, including Ricky Ponting’s captaincy, the health of his pet chooks and, of course F1, too.
No topic was left untouched and Mark discussed openly about the procedure the team went through following the crash with Sebastian Vettel in Turkey. He praised Red Bull Racing’s chief designer Adrian Newey. Webber also explained in more detail about his late season shoulder injury and the reasons why he kept it quiet. And he also discussed that spectacular crash at Valencia, where he pressed the brake pedal so hard he snapped the pedal!
It’s a fascinating insight and rare opportunity to hear an F1 driver speak his mind. It was also a rare chance for the public to be involved with most of the topics discussed in direct response to questions from callers.
The good news is you can still listen to the interview via the BBC website. Just follow the link below for the full 60 minutes of audio. It seems the link will only be active for a few more days, so make sure you tune in soon.
[Source: BBC 5 Live Formula 1]
Word from MotoringFile is the very much anticipated—by AUSmotive at least—MINI Coupé has started its new life at the Oxford production facility. Indeed the first pre-production example could be rolling down the line as we speak. It’s understood that while a few changes from the concept model will be made, the overall look and feel of the R58 Coupé model will be pretty much as we’ve already seen. Bravo!
[Source: MotoringFile]
Apparently you’re looking at a new Ferrari model which will replace the 599 GTB Fiorano. Video footage of the car was recently captured at Ferrari’s own test track. The owner of the clip claims the new car is based on the 599 GTO and is currently being tested for mechanical enhancements. A new outer design is still being developed.
It’s also believed this model could feature a variation of the HY-KERS technology as previewed by Ferrari at Geneva earlier this year.
You can watch the video after the break and here’s a tip, turn the volume up to eleven!
[Source: YouTube]
It’s barely been a month since the Volkswagen Chairman supposedly put a stop to rumours linking Volkswagen to Formula One in the role of engine supplier. But with new engine regulations for 2013 recently confirmed Hans Stuck, at least, reckons VW might be keen to build on its Formula 3 commitments.
Speaking to Welt am Sonntag Herr Stuck said, “The conditions for a possible entrance of the Volkswagen group have been created.”
The former F1 driver is also on record at rp-online.de, saying, “We have not decided anything, but we very much welcome the FIA’s decision.”
[Source: ESPN]
MINI will be showing off a new city car concept at the Detroit Auto Show next month. According to Dr Wolfgang Armbrecht, who was quoted in Financial Times Deutschland, “the next spectacular idea from the MINI brand” will be coming soon. Dr Armbrecht then added, “Keep a close eye on the coming months.”
It’s understood the mini-MINI will be based on a shortened R56 platform and will likely be the first car to employ BMW’s new three cylinder engine. Being positioned below the regular R56 models the new city car will also be the cheapest way to enter the MINI brand.
[Source: MotoringFile]
Volkswagen has created this London black cab concept based on its forthcoming Up city car. Like the E-Up! shown at Frankfurt last year this creation is powered by an electric engine. Although, the taxi version has 112hp and claims impressive numbers, including a 120km/h top speed and a range of 300km. Less impressive is its 1500kg weight and ability to carry only two fare paying passengers.
[Source: Autocar]
According to a leaked BMW internal document these four cars are the models the 1 Series M Coupé has in its sights. A duo from Ingolstadt, Audi TT RS and RS3, a fighter from the land of the rising sun in the Nissan 370Z and, perhaps the toughest nut to crack, the Porsche Cayman S. What do you reckon, would you pick the 1M ahead of these?
The five page document, created for BMW’s Australian dealer network, reads much like a regular sales brochure at first, listing the details and specs of the 1M. A few pages in BMW provides brief comments about the three German rivals. On the last page a table of specs compares all five cars together.
Porsche has come good with some great new pictures of its 2011 911 GT3 RSR. This is the Grand Poohbah of the 911 kingdom.
Since last year Porsche has unleashed an extra 5kW from the 4.0 litre flat six, making a total of 455hp (335kW). They’ve mucked about with the intake and exhaust and reckon the updated RSR is a breeze to drive, as well. Mods have also been made to the front lip and rear ironing board. The front wheels are wider now, up an inch to 12″, which should help reduce understeer.
Most importantly, the RSR now has LED rear tail lights. That should make all the difference.
All you need is a lazy €410K (approx AU$550K) and about the same again to race it for a year and you’re all set. What are you waiting for?! Hmm, like us, maybe you’d better make do with the pretty pictures after the break.
One of the things left wanting after official info on the BMW 1M Coupé was released was seeing the full suite of available colours. It’s not too much to ask, there’s only three options after all. Well, thanks to the visualiser on the BMW International website (above) and 1addicts user “philip” (below) we can see just what the 1M looks like in Alpine White, Black Sapphire metallic and, of course, Valencia Orange metallic.
Caterham Cars has announced it will be launching an all-new model early next year. They say their new car “marks the beginning of a new dawn for the Company, but one that remains true to the lightweight, minimalist DNA of the legendary Seven and will complement its continuing global success.”
We have high hopes for this model. If they are true to their word, then this pocket-rocket, powered by the latest Caterham Motorsport engine, is sure to provide a new era of seat-of-the-pants motoring. Stay tuned for the official reveal on 13 January 2011.
The New Stratos isn’t the only car to have flaunted itself in front of motoring glitterati lately. The Ferrari 458 Challenge, recently launched at the Bolonga Motor Show, spent some time at the Circuit de Valencia so that prospective buyers could gain some first hand experience behind the wheel. A highlights package from Ferrari can be seen after the break.
A quick reminder, though, to the pear-formance-uh of the 458 Challenge. Its 4.5 litre V8 produces 570hp (419kW) at 9000rpm, with 540Nm of torque at 6000rpm. It has a top speed of 310km/h and thrashing this car around a race track at Ferrari’s expense is our idea of a great day out!
[via World Car Fans]