Categories
Porsche

Early details for next Porsche 911

Porsche 991 911 rendering

The new 2011 Porsche 911 (991 model code) will be a ground-up transformation over the existing 997 model. It will be up to 50kg lighter, feature all-new suspension geometry and the rear axle will be pushed back by around 75mm. This will offer more interior space, but will also afford a more optimum mounting position for the engine. Better handling and increased overall stability the result.

Improved aerodynamics, stop-start technology and a brake regeneration system will help improve efficiency by around 10%, despite the inevitable (albeit modest) power gains. It has been reported the 991 911 will feature a 7-speed manual transmission, which has been derived from the PDK unit.

Inside, the 991 will draw its look from the Panamera, including easier to read dials and a wider centre console. Overall, the new 911 will be a more comfortable place to be.

[Source: Automobile]

Categories
Ferrari Oh the humanity

Treedom fighter

Ferrari 458 Italia fail

If you had the cash to buy yourself a Ferrari 458 Italia I bet you’d be pretty happy with yourself. What, then, if you drove it into a tree the next day? That’s exactly what happened to this poor 458.

There are some practical lessons we hope we never have to learn. It looks like this guy has just failed Understeer 101. Hero one day, failure the next.

If you can stomach it, there’s some before and after video footage after the jump.

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Categories
Porsche

Porsche 918 Spyder: Hear that sound

Porsche 918 Spyder

US publication Road & Track brings us a first sound bite of the Porsche 918 Spyder. Actually, looking at the screen cap above, you get a great sense of the car’s size and, of course, of its perfectly formed side profile. Its near on perfect!

The current 3.4 litre V8 in the prototype doesn’t sound half bad, either. Take the jump now to watch the clip. There’s a second clip, as well, which shows the 918 in action, albeit slowly.

[Source: Road & Track]

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Categories
Green Machines Porsche

New info on the Porsche 918 Spyder

Porsche 918 Spyder

In late July word came through that Porsche had signed off on production for the stunning 918 Spyder with hybrid drive. Now a prototype 918 is touring the United States. It is understood the car will be on show in California and Florida only.

A series of images apparently taken before the California event have been posted on the Teamspeed forums. Along with the pics came some interesting info that, while it may turn out to be 100% accurate, it’s probably best to treat the following with some reservation.

Production is expected to be somewhere around 1000-2000 vehicles. The current 3.4 litre V8 may have its capacity increased to something like 3.6 litres in a bid to find even more power. There will probably just be the one transmission option for the 918 Spyder, too, a double-clutch PDK unit.

Currently the show car, reportedly worth a cool US$20 million, is an all carbon-fibre body. However, it is likely some panels on the final version will be made from aluminium to help comply with safety regulations.

Inside, the trick touch screen centre console will stay; a first for Porsche. It’s also believed that Porsche want to keep the side wing mirror cameras, with their display shown in the main instrument cluster.

For the outside the massive 22″ inch wheels are likely to be reduced for the production version. Some minor revisions to the rear bumper assembly are expected for practical purposes. It is uncertain if the very cool side exit exhaust tips will make it to production.

There are a number of pics after the break and you can follow the link below for larger sizing and more information.

[Source: Teamspeed]

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Categories
Top Gear

Top Gear, Season 16 – due to start in early 2011

Top Gear cast

UPDATE 2 January 2011: Season 16 is scheduled to start on 23 January [more…].

—

Fans of Top Gear will have to wait until early next year for Series 16 to go to air. The news was published in the above snippet taken from the UK version of Top Gear magazine (September 2010 issue).

Traditionally, a series of Top Gear airs on British TV screens in the third quarter of each year. We can only speculate as to why Season 16 has been pushed back, but hopefully the lads will be back in January.

So far, then, we’ve only had seven episodes of Top Gear to tide us over in 2010; the final ep from Season 14 and the recently completed Season 15. There’s not been such a barren spell since 2006, which was the year Richard Hammond had his high speed accident. Apart from that that exception Top Gear have historically produced 13 or more episodes per year.

There is also a small rumour suggesting there could be a Top Gear Christmas Special, possibly even two, broadcast later this year.

[Source: FinalGear]

Categories
Mercedes-Benz Motorsports

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 photo gallery

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3

Good news for wannabe track day heroes, Mercedes-AMG GmbH are now taking orders for their SLS AMG GT3 racer. If you do want to kick sand in the faces of the Audi and Porsche kids you’ll need to cough up €334K plus taxes. That’s around half a million bucks in Aussie dollars. Deliveries are shceduled for February 2011.

As the model names suggests the SLS AMG GT3 is designed to meet regulations for FIA GT racing and we should see the Gullwing tearing up the track at the Nürburgring 24 hour race in 2011. Bravo!

Mercedes have been testing the car since June, with successful DTM star Bernd Schneider undertaking most of the test duties. The SLS AMG GT3 will make its racing debut in a VLN mini-enduro at the demanding Nürburgring Nordschleife in late September.

Peak power from the 6.3 litre V8 and final kerb weight will be confirmed by the FIA during the homolgation process in accordance with its “Balance of Performance” guidelines which are aimed at ensuring equality.

Uncle Norbert seems quite happy with his new toy, “This is an exciting and spectacular sports car for dedicated private teams and talented private drivers. AMG will work together with our tried-and-trusted sports and touring car partner HWA to put in place a motorsport customer department 
which will guarantee its motorsport customers hallmark Mercedes service.”

So far, it looks like demand will out strip supply in the early stages. So Norbert really is a happy chappy.

A big photo gallery (including more of that blinged up chrome SLS) and the full press release from Mercedes-Benz are all yours after the break.

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Categories
Ferrari

Ferrari 458 Challenge testing at Fiorano

Ferrari 458 Challenge

German publication auto motor und sport have posted up video footage of the Ferrari 458 Challenge undergoing allegedly secret testing at the company’s Fiorano test track. It’s all pretty straightforward really, so watch the clip below and marvel at the clinical efficiency the 458 Challenge displays.

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Categories
Motorsports Suzuki

VIDEO: Monster Tajima climbs Pikes Peak

Monster Tajima

Falken Tyres have been kind enough to post video of Nobuhiro “Monster” Tajima’s assault at the 2010 Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. Tajima was at the wheel of a Suzuki SX4 and the little pocket rocket you see above has a massive 910 horsepower.

Tajima made the most of all that power, too, by winning the event for the fifth time in succession. Check out the clip in full after the break and keep an eye out for the spectators and sacrificial cones.

[Thanks to Richard for the tip]

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Categories
Mercedes-Benz

VIDEO: David Coulthard, the Isle of Man and the SLS AMG

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

The combination of ex-Formula One driver, revered tarmac and Mercedes’ latest supercar is one well worth savouring. Indeed, Mercedes-Benz made a 3D film about the experience. You can watch the old-skool 2D version featuring David Coulthard after the jump. There’s also a mini making of documentary, too, which is well worth a look.

You might recall Tiff Needell from Fifth Gear tested the SLS on the day this film was being shot. If you’re a fan of the latest Mercedes Gullwing, then watch Tiff ripping it around the Isle of Man TT course once again.

[via motorcentral]

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Categories
Formula 1 Red Bull Racing

Leaping Webber goes viral

Leaping Webber

After Mark Webber won the British Grand Prix in July he celebrated on the podium with what now seems to have become his trademark crab-like leap. The crab-leap made a re-appearance at Hungary, too.

In true internet stylez a few wags have taken an idea and run with it to create a new e-phenomen. Sourced from the autosport forums here are a few of the best Leaping Webber’s found online. If these pics don’t quite float your boat, then why not check out Mark’s Chippendale routine.

You may remember Mark first created a bit of an internet ruckus thanks to the Canberra Milk television commercial, which AUSmotive first brought to people’s attention in March.

[Source: autosport forums]

UPDATE: It looks like the Leaping Webber images may have originated from a Spanish forum; CLICK HERE for more.

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Categories
Saab Volkswagen WRC

Saab, Volkswagen next to join WRC?

Saab 99

A recent report from autosport suggests both Saab and Volkswagen are considering a future in WRC. Saab have a proud rallying history but haven’t competed at the highest level in over 30 years.

It’s understood they could return in 2012 with a WRC car based on their 9-1 or 9-2 platform. They could even source their engines direct from MINI, who have also recently announced a return to top level rallying.

An anonymous source has reportedly told autosport that meetings between Saab and WRC organisers have already taken place, “The initial meeting has happened and there’s a huge amount of enthusiasm from all concerned. Like Mini, Saab has a great heritage in the sport and a return to the WRC makes a lot of sense.” The article states more talks are planned in October.

It was also reported that Volkswagen could be ready to commit to the WRC with a limited program in 2012, before a full on assault in 2013.

Simon Long, CEO of North One Sport, WRC’s promoter, said, “I think Mini’s announcement has given people a lot of confidence in the sport. The messages we’re getting are all positive.”

[Source: autosport | Pic: SaabRally]

Categories
Volkswagen

100,000th new Volkswagen Scirocco leaves factory

Volkswagen Scirocco

The third generation Volkswagen Scirocco is an AUSmotive favourite, we love its curvey looks and we love that it pushes the GTI envelope that little bit further. We don’t love that Volkswagen Australia have failed to officially import the car, leaving the door open for third party solutions.

Late last week the 100,000th third generation Scirocco rolled out the door of the VW Autoeuropa production facility in Portugal. Three cheers for the Scirocco, then!

The first two generations of Scirocco were produced from 1974 to 1992 and amassed 795,650 sales. At the current rate, the 1,000,000th Scirocco should be built in 2012 or 2013.

AUSmotive understands there are currently two Sciroccos in Australia; if you know of more please leave a comment below. You’ll be reading more about this black Scirocco R in Motor magazine in a few issues time, too.

A press release from Volkswagen AG is available below, along with a picture of the star car in question and the workers who built it.

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