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Audi Motor Shows

Geneva: Audi R8 Spyder V10

Audi R8 Spyder V10

As part of their Geneva Motor Show program Audi have released some new press images of their stunning R8 Spyder V10 5.2 FSI. It’s a pretty nice looking car, so let’s take a look at what they’ve got to show.

You can check them out after the jump, remember all images are available in wallpaper-friendly 2000px super image sizing by simply clicking on the pic you like. For more detail on this 386kW velvet sledgehammer, take a look back at the info posted when the R8 Spyder was launched at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

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Formula 1

Final 2010 Formula One entry list

Mark Webber, Red Bull Racing

The FIA have released the final entry list for the 2010 Formula One season. Most of the news we already know, but we can now confirm that US F1 will not partake in the upcoming season and nor will Stefan GP. The Serbian based used Toyota outfit had been hoping they could fill the breach left by US F1, but the FIA have said no deal.

There is also one seat still available, in the newly renamed Campos Meta team. Bruno Senna is still looking for a teammate in the team now known as HRT F1. No, it’s not a new direction for the Holden Racing Team.

After four weeks of pre-season testing we now only have 10 days to go until the first race starts in Bahrain. Fasten your seatbelts folks, this season will be one hell of a ride!

Full entry list available below, as well as a statement from the FIA on US F1’s withdrawal. Further detail on the US F1 story, including Ken Anderson’s thoughts, has been published over at Autopsort.com.

UPDATE 5 March: Indian driver Karun Chandhok has claimed the last seat for the 2010 F1 season, signing with HRT F1 (via Autosport.com).

Categories
Aston Martin

Aston Martin test Gulf livery theory with Cygnet Concept

Aston Martin Cygnet

The motoring landscape in the 21st century is far more complicated than it ever used to be. This is a world where the likes of the BMW GT, MINI Countryman and Porsche Cayenne are pushing their respective brands into segments that we never knew existed, much less knew such models could fill. It does appear we spend a lot of time these days scratching our heads, wondering what on earth they were thinking.

Not wanting to be left out, Aston Martin have released a bunch of new images showcasing their Cygnet ‘Cynical’ Concept. You remember, that’s the car that looks like some kid has shrunk its proportions in Photoshop just for a laugh. Only Aston is for real. They’ve even put the “any car will look good in Gulf Racing colours” theory to the test, as shown above. Hmm, we’re really pushing the friendship there. At least when the theory was tested on a Tata Nano you got the sense those responsible were taking the piss.

But with Aston I’m not so sure. They’re showing genuine intent with the ‘Cynical’. So much so, that Aston’s Chief Executive Dr Ulrich Bez is already doing the hard sell, “The Cygnet Concept brings intelligence, innovation and artistry to the small car market. The Cygnet Concept represents the natural choice for those customers looking for a premium commuter car.

“Our past, our future and our backbone will always remain sports cars, but the Cygnet Concept will support this by offering our customers a greater degree of freedom in the urban context.”

As if your sanity wasn’t already being tested enough, Autocar reckon pricing for a fully loaded ‘Cynical’ could nudge £50K (see YouTube clip at the end of this article). That’s $80,000 in our money. Has Aston gone mad?!

For more arty ‘Cynical’ images be sure to take the jump. And don’t be surprised if we see some ‘Cynical’ product placement in the next James Bond movie, either. Groan.

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Motor Shows Volkswagen

Geneva: Volkswagen wants to dominate hybrid market

Volkswagen Golf Hybrid due in 2013

Volkswagen have announced at the Geneva Motor Show that they want in on the hybrid vehicle market. And they want in in a big way. In 2013 Volkswagen will launch hybrid models of the volume-selling Golf and Jetta models. A move VW expects will lead them to “dominate the hybrid and electric vehicle market”.

Indeed, Volkswagen’s Chairman, Professor Martin Winterkorn, has stated, “The goal is to become the market leader in E-mobility by the year 2018.

“We will take the hybrid out of its niche status with our high-volume models. In the future, the heart of the brand will also beat with electricity.”

The move to mass market penetration will begin next year when Volkswagen releases an evaulation fleet of 500 Golf hybrids. Volkswagen also expects electric drive technology to filter across all of its group brands.

Of course, Volkswagen have already dipped their tow into the hybrid market with the new Touareg. Audi, too, has it’s e-tron lineup. And the Porsche 918 Spyder is the undisputed star of the Geneva Motor Show so far.

More after the break.

Categories
Motorsports Volkswagen

Geneva: Volkswagen CrossGolf

Volkswagen CrossGolf

Volkswagen claim the Golf is “the most successful vehicle concept of all times”. Presumably they have reached this conclusion based on total sales. So, is it any wonder that they are milking the platform with the CrossGolf, the sixth model line in the Golf range.

Essentially what you see is what you get. A body based on the GolfPlus, including an extra 20mm ride height, a few exterior plastic bits and some model specific interior trim. Voila, a new model.

It is unlikely we will ever see the CrossGolf in Australia. Which is a shame. A real shame. Just wait until you see the new Subaru Impreza XV, which will be here mid-year. Somebody really needs to tell Subaru’s designers to stop the madness!

I digress, more pics and details of the comparatively attractive, but probably quite pointless CrossGolf can be seen after the jump.

Categories
MINI

Geneva: Countryman stars in MINIWOOD

MINI Countryman - MINIWOOD

MINI have proved yet again they have one of the best marketing teams of any automotive brand with their latest publicity stunt to promote their new four-door Countryman model. Bringing a little bit of Hollywood to Geneva, they have projected the word “MINIWOOD” in letters 30 metres high and over 190 metres wide onto Mont Salève over the French border. Like Hollywood itself, this stunt all looks a little bit plastic, but it makes a good story nonetheless.

Back to the car, then, you can see a clip of the Countryman’s Geneva Motor Show debut after the break. Along with a few other goodies.

Australian readers may be interested to know the Countryman is scheduled to go on sale locally in the first quarter of next year.

Categories
Audi Motor Shows

Geneva: Audi Quattro celebrates 30th birthday

Audi Ur Quattro

It was 30 years ago today that Audi launched the Quattro. Dr Ferdinand Piëch, Development Director of the original Quattro, presented the car at the Geneva Motor Show on 3 March 1980. In his speech he stated, “This is the dawning of all-wheel drive in roadgoing passenger cars.”

Power for the Quattro came from a super sweet inline five cylinder engine that had a character all of its own. By today’s standards the 200bhp headline figure is quite modest. But, three decades ago, having a coupé derived from a family sedan that could accelerate to 100km/h in 7.1 seconds was big news.

So, too, was the addition of all-wheel drive to the world rallying scene where the Quattro left an everlasting legacy by winning the World Rally Championship in 1983 and 1984.

Memories of the Quattro have been revived with the recent launch of the TT RS, featuring a 2.5-litre inline five cylinder that sounds sublime.

For more on the original Quattro check out the AUSmotive past master feature. As well, you can read Audi’s extensive press release below which covers the both the history and future of its quattro technology.

Categories
Formula 1

US F1 on the brink of collapse – looking ahead to 2011

US F1

According to Autosport.com the future of US F1 has already been sealed. While not officially confirmed, it has been reported that Production Manager Dave Skog has informed US F1 staff they will be placed on unpaid leave. So, they’re technically still employed, but failing new investment the team is unlikely to continue.

This news follows weeks of speculation suggesting US F1 were facing closure. Team bosses Ken Anderson and Peter Windsor were not present when Skog made his announcement, and at this stage, they have failed to comment on the team’s current plight. Such silence only heightens thoughts of an official withdrawal from Formula One being weeks, or even days, away.

Should US F1 plans be officially cast aside then Stefan GP, who bought much of Toyota’s F1 remnants, are ready to step in to fill the void.

UPDATE: Speaking to Autosport.com US F1 boss Ken Anderson has said, “We have applied to the FIA to hold our entry until 2011. It was supposed to be confidential, so I could not really comment on it. It seems to have leaked out though.

“We are waiting for a reply from the FIA and are working with them. In the mean time, there is nothing for the employees to do, so we have told them to stop working on the current car until we have a decision.”

[Source: Autosport.com | Thanks to Chris for the tip]

Categories
Ferrari Green Machines Motor Shows

Geneva: Ferrari ‘Vettura Laboratorio’ HY-KERS

Ferrari HY-KERS

It would appear that hybrid technology is the new black at the Geneva Motor Show this year, with even Ferrari getting in on the act with their HY-KERS model. Based on the 599 GTB Fiorano the ‘vettura laboratorio’ (experimental vehicle) has an electric engine coupled the a 7-speed F1 style transmission providing over 100hp to complement the car’s familiar V12.

As the name suggests the HY-KERS also employs brake regeneration technologies developed from Ferrari’s Formula One program. This helps to charge the batteries for the electric motor. Emissions for the HY-KERS have been cut by 35% over the regular 599’s urban cycle.

Ferrari are also pushing the greening of their Maranello production facilities and there’s very impressive photos of huge meccano sets included with the press guff.

Pics and video available after the jump.

Categories
Audi

VIDEO: Audi RS5 teaser

Audi RS5 video teaser

Another brief video teaser from Audi now, this time featuring the new RS5 coupé. The sound of the 4.2 V8 FSI being driven around an empty racetrack is one well worth listening to. There’s also a cameo appearance from an original Ur Quattro. But more on that later.

Check out the clip after the break.

Categories
Audi

VIDEO: Audi A1 teaser

Audi A1 video teaser

Audi have released some video footage of their new compact-class A1 (with S-line body trimmings) driving around the streets of Rome. Interesting to see what appear to be obvious signs of comparing the A1 to other cars of a similar ilk, such as the MINI and Smart. See how many other quasi-premium hatchbacks you can see in the clip. There’s quite a few!

The short video is available after the break.

Categories
Green Machines Porsche

VIDEO: Porsche hybrid drive promo

Porsche Hybrid promo

Following today’s earlier news about the 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid comes this 12 minute promo on Porsche’s hybrid technologies. Shown below, in two parts, the videos give a great introduction to the way Porsche is utilising a number of different theories to add hybrid systems to their cars via their Porsche Intelligent Performance initiative.

Also shown in the clip is the 911 GT3 R Hybrid and the Cayenne S Hybrid. Not sure about anyone else, but I am already counting down the days until the GT3 R Hybrid makes its race debut at the Nürburgring 24 hour race. Oh, there’s 74 sleeps to go, by the way.