Categories
MINI MINI Challenge Motorsports

Back to the future

Here at AUSmotive we like to keep you up to date with the Australian MINI Challenge series. Now, with these videos you can imagine what the category would have been like back in the 1960s. There are two clips for you to enjoy. Both were filmed at this year’s Goodwood Revival held in late September.

Above you can see a highlights package from ITV where the racing is close, spectacular and the cars are really flying around the track.

Below, you can see in car footage from car #43. It makes for fascinating viewing, too, thanks to the Racelogic VBOX setup showing telemetry from the car’s progress around the circuit.

Enjoy!

[via MotoringFile]

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Categories
Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes GP signs Nico Rosberg for 2010

Nico Rosberg

Nico Rosberg is the first driver to be signed to Mercedes GP for the 2010 season. Blah, blah, blah, we all knew that was coming. But…

When will Michael sign? That’s what everyone really wants to know!

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Categories
MINI

Dripping wet

Krink MINI

US entrepreneur Craig Costello once lived a life as a graffiti artist on New York’s streets. Back then he was known as KR. Not happy with the tools of the trade available over the counter back in the 80s KR developed his own product. That product, now known as KRINK, has since been applied to a number of consumer items, from Levi’s jeans to the MINI Cooper S you see above. All covered with the trademark KR dripping wet look.

From what I can tell the KRINK MINI, first shown in Hamburg, was created for no apparent reason. I mean, it looks pretty cool, or at least, I think it does. But, you’d think the car would have been created for a charity project, an art gallery or some other meaningful cause.

Maybe it was, and I’ve just missed the detail. Anyway, as I said, I reckon the results of the KRINK MINI are quite appealing. What about you? Nice bit of art, or a waste of time and money?

More pics and video after the break.

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Categories
BMW

This article proudly brought to you by BMW

BMW returns to product placement

You may remember BMW trying to flog their Z3 and Z8 roadsters with the help of one Mr James Bond. Since then, though, the Munich company has been far less high profile at pushing their products through entertainment media, such as Hollywood films. Even The Italian Job, featuring MINI, the then new jewel of the BMW Group, was over six years ago.

But, this is all about to change. BMW have just entered a partnership with Propaganda GEM, a specialist media company that helps its clients push its wares while we’re supposed to be sidetracked by a movie, or something. They look after such names as Audi, Bang & Olufsen, Bvlgari, Casio, Lamborghini, Nokia and Panasonic. Although, Propaganda GEM’s 13 year relationship with Audi will be coming to an end, to make way for BMW. Presumably Lambo will be dropped, as well.

Along with the usual advertainment of specific product lines, this new deal will see BMW pushing themes. Expect lines such as “the joy of driving” or “EfficientDynamics” to be espoused by Hollywood’s A-list, among others.

Ralf Hussmann, head of sport marketing and corporate sponsorships for BMW, says “We are definitely looking forward to lift product placement to the next level. We are a car manufacturer but we have different topics to talk about.”

It would appear, then, that BMW’s old F1 budget has been siphoned away from good to be spent on evil! Well, that’s what I think anyway. How about you, would you rather BMW stayed in Formula One, or are they better ramping up this product placement gig?

[Source: Variety via autoblog]

Categories
Koenigsegg Saab

Koenigsegg drives away from Saab purchase

Koenigsegg backs out of Saab purchase

Koenigsegg have announced they are pulling out of their agreement with General Motors to purchase Saab. Months of negotiations have, ultimately, counted for nothing.

“We regret that after six months of intense and determined work we have come to the painful and difficult conclusion that we are unable to complete the acquisition of SAAB Automobile,” said Christian von Koenigsegg.

The Swedish supercar maestro had teamed up with Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co to forge a deal that would see Koenigsegg have the backing to buy Saab, in exchange for handing over a minority share to the Chinese.

Christian von Koenigsegg explains, “Unfortunately, delays in closing this acquisition have resulted in risks and uncertainties that prevent us from successfully implementing the new SAAB Automobile business plan.”

For their part, GM are understandably upset, “We’re obviously very disappointed with the decision to pull out of the Saab purchase,” said GM President and CEO, Fritz Henderson. “Many have worked tirelessly over the past several months to create a sustainable plan for the future of Saab by selling the brand and its manufacturing interests to Koenigsegg Group AB. Given the sudden change in direction, we will take the next several days to assess the situation and will advise on the next steps next week.”

[Source: Wall Street Journal | Pic: Carstudio.it]

Categories
BMW

2010 BMW 5 Series photo gallery

BMW 5 Series sedan

BMW released their all new 5 Series sedan in Munich this morning. First impressions? Not as cutting edge as the previous model. From a design point of view, it’s definitely a bit safer.

There are clear styling cues from within the BMW family, as you would expect. There’s some 7 Series flavour up front with lashings of 3 Series at the back. That sounds like it might be a bit of a mish mash, but the overall styling works quite well. Although, they stopped the penis extension bonnet just in time. Any bigger and, well, yeah. However, there’s no doubting the new F10 5er will kick lots of goals with its intended audience. I’m just disappointed they turned up the conservative dial a bit. The previous 5 Series, for me, got it just right in terms of pushing design boundaries while not alienating its market.

The car will go on sale in Europe after the Geneva Auto Salon (March 2010), with Australian deliveries commencing, not long after, in the middle of next year.

Of course this new model reveal brings with it a new round of technology, engines, safety gizmos and other things you never knew you needed in a car. Internet access for back seat passengers anyone?

European customers will have access to a full complement of engine choices. Ranging from a 135kW turbo diesel four cylinder (520d) through to a 300kW twin turbo V8 (550i). I can’t imagine a four cylinder 5 Series will find its way to Australian shores.

BMW’s lab coat wearers and marketers have teamed together to create a massive vocabulary of techno terms. Looks like dynamic is the current buzzword in the halls of Munich—the new 5 features Dynamic Driving Control, Dynamic Damper Control and Dynamic Drive stability control, all under BMW’s EfficientDynamics umbrella.

When you’re done with all things dynamic, you can still play with Adaptive Drive, Brake Energy Regeneration, ConnectedDrive, Parking Assistant, Surround View, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, Head-Up Display and BMW Night Vision. Quite a mouthful.

Plenty of pics, press blurb and a video, too, can be seen after the jump. A reminder that all pictures can be accessed in high-resolution wallpaper friendly sizing by simply clicking on each image. If you want more in depth coverage of the new F10 5 Series, then take a squiz at BimmerFile.

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Categories
Fifth Gear News

Party on, Wayne!

Click here to buy Jonny Smith's AMC Pacer

Wow! What a totally amazing, excellent discovery! Jonny Smith, former Fifth Gear presenter, is trying to sell his 1975 AMC Pacer. You know the car, it’s like the one featured in Wayne’s World and, if my memory serves, is the only car ever made to have different sized driver and passenger doors. Yeah, odd, huh.

So, what’s not to like then? Here’s a chance to buy a genuinely odd ball car, from one of the best presenters to come out of Fifth Gear. It probably does help if you’re based in the UK, but Jonny’s ad says international bidders are welcome.

He’s just had his TV show cancelled, he’s already “sold” the car via eBay once—only to be cocked about by the time-wasting buyer—Jonny could do with a stroke of good fortune here. The online auction ends on Sunday, so help Jonny out—buy his Pacer today—it would be a most excellent thing to do.

[Source: eBay via twitter]

Categories
Audi

The great gig in the sky

Audi R8 V10

Audi have recently released a couple of R8 V10 promo clips. That’s great news for us, as the R8 V10 has to be one of the most desirable cars on sale right now. Jeremy Clarkson seems to think so, anyway.

The first clip is all a bit interpretive with massive great graphics in the sky. I have always wondered the joy one would experience pushing the 5.2 litre V10 towards its 8500rpm redline while  aiming the car at a massive rev counter rising from the ground. C’mon, you can’t tell me you’ve never thought of doing the same.

In the second clip Audi gets all sales like, sprouting a bunch of aspirational facts and figures. Stuff like, 386kW, 540Nm, FSI, quattro—the list goes on. Well, that’s what I reckon they’re saying. It’s all in German, you see. But I was wrong, actually. After AUSmotive ran the audio through the translator it came up with the following surprising results…

And I am not frightened of driving, any time will do,
I don’t mind. Why should I be frightened of driving?
There’s 386 reasons for it, you’ve gotta go sometime.
I never said I was frightened of driving.

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Categories
BMW

Number 5 comes alive

BMW 5 Series preview

Tomorrow will see the launch of BMW’s all new F10 5 Series. Well, kind of—the launch will be at 6am Tuesday for Australian readers.

BMW will be revealing the new 5 Series in Munich across the road from their pad at the Olympic Stadium. So, set your alarms for 8pm (Central European Time), Monday 23 November

In the meantime, you can see more teaser images at BimmerFile.com.

Categories
Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz

Jordan says Schumacher comeback is “going to happen”

Eddie Jordan

Eddie Jordan, the man who gave Michael Schumacher a start in Formula One, firmly believes the seven-time World Champion will race for Mercedes GP in 2010.

“The possibility is being actively pursued and I believe it is going to happen,” said Jordan.

Adding more fuel to the rumour mill, Jordan says the recruitment of Schumacher will be a stop gap measure until Mercedes can lure Sebastien Vettel away from Red Bull Racing.

Back to the Schumacher rumour, though. Jordan understands Schumacher is in negotiations with Ferrari to give him a full release from the Italian company. This would open the doors for Michael to reunite with Ross Brawn at Mercedes GP.

You can see the full interview with Eddie Jordan by clicking on the image above.

Mercedes, for their part, have neither confirmed or denied the possibility of what would be the biggest comeback story F1 has ever seen. “It’s clear that there will always be speculation as long as one cockpit is still free. And some speculations are nothing but dreams which will not come true,” said a spokesman for Mercedes-Benz.

Similarly, Schumacher’s spokeswoman Sabine Kehm is playing down the comeback rumours, “Michael is enjoying his life very much. To me, a return would therefore be highly unlikely at the moment,” she said.

However, Bernie Ecclestone is up to speed on this one and has been quoted as saying, “It would be fabulous for the sport.” Quite.

[Source: BBC & Reuters]

Categories
The European

The European: Everything old is new again

AUSmotive.com - The European
used v new

It’s not older, it’s been aged.

So, I have fifty grand burning a hole in my pocket or at least sitting in my bank. Technically my share portfolio. Technically I don’t even have it. I’m lying again. Let me explain.

If you’re as much as a car bore as me then you’ll have played this mental game yourself, and for the amateurs it usually starts with a million dollar budget but the pro’s will set a much tougher budget for themselves, typically less than a hundred grand. The task is simple: set your limit and then go on the hunt for something to satisfy your inner driver.

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Categories
MINI Challenge

MINI CHALLENGE 2009 – Round 7, Race 3

The MINI Challenge action from Western Australia’s Barbagallo Raceway has just finished. And, like last year, Leanne Tander was in the thick of the action. In the footage above you will see the aftermath of an incident involving Tander and Aaron Caratti on the third lap of today’s Race 3. Tander, driving the Pizza Capers Uber-Star car appeared to be pushed wide by Caratti which forced Tander into a concrete wall where she made heavy contact on the driver’s side.

The 25 lap race was red flagged and Tander and Caratti were able to free themselves from their cars and it has been reported neither driver suffered any serious injuries.

Further mayhem followed at the race start. Now reduced to a 20 lap race there was apparent confusion on starting orders and several cars made contact before the first corner. The race was stopped again, with all remaining drivers making a clean get away from the re-start.

Race 3 was finally won by Nathan Caratti in his Glory Team Racing machine, with the Deco Rug duo of Paul Stokell and Grant Denyer filling the minor placings. Full race action can be now seen after the jump. The muddled up re-start can be found at the end of clip one, and again at the start of clip two.

Results from yesterday saw Nathan Caratti take out Race 1, with Karl Reindler and Scott Bargwanna following in second and third. Race 2 was won by series leader Paul Stokell, Chris Alajajian came home second with Nathan Caratti rounding out a great weekend in third.

If you want to see more MINI Challenge action on TV, Channel 7’s highlights package from this round will be aired across the nation next Saturday from 1:30pm. The final round for the year is two weeks away and will be held the new street circuit at Sydney’s Homebush Olympic precinct. There will be live coverage from thatrace, as well, so keep an eye on your local TV guide for details.

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