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Mark Webber: The road to Le Mans – part 1

Mark Webber - The road to Le Mans

Mark Webber may no longer drive for the Red Bull Formula 1 team, but he’s still a Red Bull athlete. Our Mark, as we like to call him, is being featured in a short series of videos produced by Red Bull media in the build up to Le Mans, which is now less than a month away.

You can watch the video after the break, which backs the truck up a little to his second last F1 race at the United States Grand Prix. If you follow the source link below you’ll also get to read a short interview with Mark. We like this response to a question about his physical preparation for LMP1.

…I still want to stay light. It’s in my best interests. I was very, very light for the last six years of my Formula One career—everyone said I looked unwell—but that’s just how it had to be in F1 if I wanted to stay competitive. I was still 9kg overweight, but I couldn’t lose any more.

[Source: Red Bull Motorsports]

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Audi

Audi RS3 sedan to be based on clubsport quattro

Audi A3 clubsport quattro

When we first saw the A3 clubsport quattro we became a wee bit excited. We wanted to think it was a bona fide RS3 preview, but some of its styling along with that staggering 386kW 2.5 TFSI are unlikely to make it down the production line.

However, Audi Australia spokesman Matthew Dale has told carsales.com.au that the concept model, currently on show at the Wörthersee festival, does paint a pretty good picture of the next RS3.

“The clubsport [concept] is a view into the future of the RS. The TT RS, RS Q3 and the previous RS 3 Sportback all use the 2.5 TFSI engine, and this [concept] shows you where it can go,” said Dale.

Although, it’s unlikely the concept’s headline stats of 386kW/600Nm will become reality. At the moment the best Audi has given us from the 2.5 TFSI is 265kW/465Nm found in the TT RS Plus. That said, we’d not be surprised to see the next-gen RS3 pony up 300kW or more.

Despite his earlier assertion, Dale also tempered expectations on the new RS3, before indicating Audi Australia would want the car. Of course, we’ve long expected the next RS3 will make it to Australia, but it’s still nice to see it now being openly discussed.

“We haven’t heard anything as yet—for any RS3 badged car,” he added. “But certainly if the factory was to come to us and say an RS3 Sportback or an RS3 sedan is available, we’d be the first ones to say yes.”

Hot diggety!

[Source: carsales | Thanks to John for the tip]

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Targa Tasmania Video

Targa Tasmania: The ultimate tarmac rally

2014 Targa Tasmania

As you know the 2014 Targa Tasmania rally has been run and won. CAMS media has produced short promo clip discussing the event and its future plans. It’s a nice bonus to see our MINI get some screen time too.

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Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes teases new AMG GT

Mercedes AMG GT teaser image

Mercedes has released this teaser image of the new AMG GT. We’ve lightened it up a little to give you a better idea of what we’re dealing with.

The AMG GT has been labelled a rival to the Porsche 911 and will be a front-engined V8 brute. It’s not due for an official reveal until much later in the year, so get ready for more details to be slowly drip fed.

Also released is a brief video, which you can see below. Like the photo, the clip is light on details and makes a bunch of motherhood statements. We like this one:

When conquering a twisty road is what matters most

You can stay up to date with the tease from Mercedes at the AMG GT web portal.

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Jari-Matti Latvala wins 2014 Rally Argentina

2014 WRC Rally Argentina

It’s another belated WRC update, but this time we just wanted to make sure the rest of the field had crossed the line, such was the dominance shown by Jari-Matti Latvala en route to his second win for 2014.

Latvala enjoyed a trouble-free event and finished almost 90 seconds ahead of Sebastien Ogier. But even that doesn’t tell the full story as Ogier had put the cue in the rack around half way through the rally, figuring a secure and safe second place was better than risking a DNF in the chase for victory.

After Mads Ostberg crashed early on Day 1 Citroën’s charge was left to Kris Meeke. This would have given the team cause for concern following Meeke’s big crash in Portugal. However, the Northern Irishman delivered a solid drive and was very relieved to finish on the podium.

Andreas Mikkelsen finished fourth for Volkswagen and but for a slipped alternator belt on the opening day he would have likely given Volkswagen a clean sweep of the podium. In the end he did well to fight back from a five minute time penalty to keep Meeke on his toes.

Hyundai will be pleased with Thierry Neuville’s fifth place, bringing home some valuable points and more experience for his team.

Robert Kubica finished the rally! Even better for the former F1 star, he was the best placed Ford driver and came home in sixth place. The conditions in Argentina were treacherous at times, thanks to heavy rain in the lead up to the event, so it was no mean feat for any of the drivers, let alone the inexperienced Kubica, to get through the rally unscathed.

Ogier maintains a healthy lead in the drivers’ championship, ahead of Latvala. Mikkelsen and Ostberg are currently tied for third place. Similarly, with five wins from five events, Volkswagen has streaked away to a massive lead in the constructors’ race. The team already has more than twice the points of its nearest challenger, Citroën, with M Sport (Ford) further behind.

Latvala’s win and Ogier’s cautious approach breathes new life into the 2014 championship with the first genuine signs that Ogier’s drivers’ title is up for grabs.

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VIDEO: 11 minutes of Juha

Juha Kankkunen

Juha Kankkunen is rallying royalty. His four world championships (1986, 1987, 1991, 1993) and 23 rally wins (a record at the time) have earned him that honour.

Here’s a fan made tribute video showcasing some of Kankkunen’s best work. You’ll enjoy the sights and sounds we’re sure and when you make it to the end you can share a drink with the Finnish great.

[via Motor Sport Retro]

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Formula 1 News

Sir Jack Brabham 1926–2014

Sir Jack Brabham

The world of motorsport has lost a pioneer and true great with the passing of Sir Jack Brabham. The three time F1 world champion died peacefully at his home on the Gold Coast this morning.

Sir Jack was 88 years old and leaves behind his wife Lady Margaret and three sons, Geoff, Gary and David and their families.

Brabham’s first two world championships were won in 1959 and 1960 at the wheel of rear-engined a Cooper-Climax. It marked the end for front-engined cars which had previously dominated the sport.

In late 1960, in partnership with Ron Tauranac, he formed the Brabham Racing Organisation and the pair designed and built their own cars. In 1966 Sir Jack secured his third world title driving the Brabham BT19 making him the first and only man to win an F1 title in his own car.

When interviewed in 2012 Sir Jack described this as his most satisfying title. “It was effectively Australia against the rest of the world, and to win with that package and group of people behind it was a huge thrill,” he said.

The following year Denny Hulme won the world championship with Brabham. The team collected constructors’ titles in 1966 and 1967 as well.

Tauranac bought out Brabham’s share of the team in 1971 before selling the team in full to Bernie Ecclestone in 1972. Under Eccelstone’s ownership Nelson Piquet won drivers’ championships in 1981 and 1983.

Brabham was knighted for services to motorsport in 1978 and became the first racing driver to receive such an honour.

His racing legacy lived on with his sons and continues today with grandsons Matthew and Sam who are currently forging professional careers.

[Source: brabham.co.uk | Pic: LAT Photographic]

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Renault

Renault Megane RS275 Trophy announced

Renault Megane RS275 Trophy

What do you do if some Spanish upstarts take away your Nürburgring record? You start a hashtag revolution and raid the aftermarket parts bins from some of the world’s best automotive suppliers, that’s what!

The net result is this new Renault Megane RS275 Trophy. As its name suggests it has 10 more horsepower than its RS265 donor car. If you like the 21st century there’s 202kW on tap. The addition of a titanium exhaust from Akrapovic has no doubt freed both power and decibels from the 2.0 litre turbo.

From here it starts to get a bit murkier. The goal is for the RS275 Trophy to lap the Nürburgring in #UNDER8 minutes. Or more specifically, faster than the 7:58.44 lap time set by the Seat Leon Cupra 280.

To help reach that target a few “optional” extra can be ticked when ordering your RS275. They include adjustable Ohlins suspension, lightweight Speedline 19″ alloys and super sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.

All through the press release we keep getting told this will be an exclusive limited edition model. However is not it stated what limited means. Limited to what they can sell, or limited to 200 cars as perhaps indicated on the photo of the model-specific door sills?

As to that lap record, we’ll have to wait until the middle of next month to see what this RS275 Trophy can do. And if you want to by one you won’t be getting your new car until at least October. It will be offered in Australia, although we suspect 2015 will be well and truly under way by the time that happens.

Continue reading “Renault Megane RS275 Trophy announced”
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Audi

Audi A3 clubsport quattro concept revealed

Audi A3 clubsport quattro

“We have pushed the limits in every respect with this show car: power, dynamics, sound, design.”

They’re the words of the impressively titled Prof Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Audi’s board member for Technical Development. The concept in question is this balls out A3 clubsport quattro. It will be on public display for the furst time at the annual Wörthersee show. And, yes, Audi has indeed pushed the limits.

It’s based on the S3 Sedan, although with those flared guards, aggressive body kit and growling 2.5 litre engine there’s not much of the S3 Sedan remaining.

As is Audi’s wont with its show cars that engine is far from standard. In this case the 2.5 litre five-pot we came to know and love from the TT RS has been reworked to produce a staggering 386kW (525hp). Five hundred and twenty-five horsepower!

According to Audi the concept weighs in at 1527kg and with its 7-speed S tronic and quattro system it can knock off 100km/h in 3.6 seconds.

This show car is likely to be a massive tease, although we can live in hope that the next RS3 may take some of the styling tweaks, if not a fair portion of its totally corrupting power.

Yep, we want one too.

Continue reading “Audi A3 clubsport quattro concept revealed”
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2014 Spanish Grand Prix in pictures

2014 Spanish Grand Prix

Here’s your pictorial fix from the Spanish Grand Prix. You’ll get to see all sorts of things after the break, so long as all sorts of things are quality Formula 1 photos from the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya last weekend. There’s over 90 images so take your time and be sure to enjoy them all.

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Alfa Romeo Video

The very cool exploding 4C Spider

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is a very cool car. This we can all agree. A short while ago Alfa released this video animation of the 4C Spider, starting with exploded parts which come together to form the completed car. This is also very cool.

There’s no words or trite voiceover. In every way, this is a case of less is more.

Continue reading “The very cool exploding 4C Spider”
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BMW

Would you like to see a four-cylinder M3?

BMW F82 M4 and E30 M3

At the recent press launch of the new M3/M4 it emerged that the next-generation models could be powered by a four-cylinder engine. The original E30 M3 was fitted with a 2.3 litre four-pot, of course, filled with as much character as it was power, so this wouldn’t be anything new. But since then we’ve seen a six cylinder engine and V8 powering the M3, before a return to a 3.0 litre straight six in the new models.

Marketing, as much as the chase for greater power, would have influenced M GmbH to increase cylinder count in previous models. And in a funny way if there is a return to a four-cylinder engine for the hero models, marketing forces could once again be at play.

Speaking to motoring.com.au at the launch of the F80/F82 Carsten Pries, BMW M Division Head of Product Management, said: “We do not start our design process with a power output in mind. We have a set of characteristics that a new model must meet. For sure, you could see a future [M3] powered by a four-cylinder engine.”

He went on to explain that the trend for reducing weight in future models could mean a four cylinder is sufficient for the next-gen M3, which would not be launched until 2020 or thereabouts.

“Performance can be boosted with more power, but if we are to address issues like emissions and consumption, we have to look more at weight. We decided in this generation to address the [upward] weight spiral,” added Pries.

“If we have a car with less mass, it is foreseeable that the targets we set could be reached with a four.”

Fast forward to 2020 and you can see it now: “The new M3: So light we could reduce the size of the engine and still make it faster!”

Similarly, if the marketing boffins felt that the buying audience wouldn’t go for a smaller engine you can bet the next-gen M3 will be powered by a six. So what do you think, would you be happy if the next M3/M4 was powered by a four-pot? Can four-play be better than six?

[Source: motoring.com.au]