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BMW

BMW 4 Series Coupe revealed

F32 BMW 4 Series Coupe

BMW has now released a full suite of information and images for its all-new F32 4 Series Coupe. Based on the F30 3 Series saloon the Coupe has a slightly restyled front to help emphasise the width of the car.

In profile and three-quarter view the 4 Series has a long bonnet and almost liftback-like appearance to the rear. This didn’t seem as apparent to us on the Concept 4 Series Coupe revealed late last year. Overall we think the production 4 Series looks pretty good, although the front edge of the bonnet does have a droopiness to it that we’d like to see in person before forming a finite opinion.

At launch you can have the 4er in three specifications. Starting with the four-cylinder turbo 420d, you’ll have 135kW/350Nm on tap. If you’d prefer petrol power you can have either the 180kW/350Nm four-cylinder turbo 428i or the range-topping 435i powered by BMW’s much loved turbocharged 3.0 litre straight six producing 225kW/400Nm.

There’s another 70 photos waiting for you after the break, including a handful of pics showing the M Sport kit. That will give us a small taste of what to expect for the highly anticipated M4. In addition to the pics we’ve also given you access to the full 36 page press kit.

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2012 Detroit Motor Show photo gallery

2012 Detroit Motor Show

Here we have a selection of images from the floor of the Detroit Motor Show, or more correctly, the North American International Auto Show.

Unlike Tokyo late last year there’s a noticeable lack of weird and wonderful concept creations, but we certainly applaud the appearance of the Honda NSX Concept. It’s easily the clear star of the show in our eyes.

Not so fortunate is the Chevrolet Code 130R concept; a BMW 1 Series Coupé that somehow turned out all wrong. So, too, the Chrysler 700C. Seriously, does anyone actually look at these things before they are put on the stand. And if they do, then we’ll have some of whatever it is they’re smoking please.

Equally, we can’t quite understand the fascination the North American audience has had with the Ford Fusion. Its poor mans Aston Martin-like grille is an embarrassment.

Anyway, there’s 50-odd pictures for you after the break. Why don’t you be the judge and tell us what you like and don’t like.

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BMW

OFFICIAL: The new BMW 1 Series hatch

BMW 1 Series hatch (F20)

Here are the official words and images for BMW’s new world order 1 Series. For now, we’re still in rear-wheel drive mode, but don’t forget there is a front-wheel drive 1er is on the way, too.

The slightly bloated F20 1 Series is 85mm longer and 17mm wider than the E87 model it replaces. Overall height remains the same. Other measurements of note to change include the wheelbase, 30mm longer, and, significantly, the front track is now 51mm wider and the rear track has had 72mm added. All that means there’s now an extra 21mm legroom for rear seat passengers and the rear cargo area now offers 360 litres of space, up from 330 litres.

Five four-cylinder engines are offered in this initial release and, for the first time in the compact class, an 8-speed auto is available. The 135kW 120d is the quickest model announced to date and can reach 100km/h in 7.2 seconds. You can thank a generous 380Nm of torque for that.

There are two other diesel engines provided, as well. The 118d has 105kW/320Nm and reaches 100km/h in 8.9 seconds. The entry-level 116d offers 85kW/260Nm and requires 10.3 seconds to reach the speed limit. All feature common rail injection, TwinPower Turbo technology and use around 4.5 litres of diesel per 100km.

Completing the engine range is a 125kW/250Nm 118i (7.4s 0-100) and a 100kW/220Nm 116i (8.5s 0-100). Like the diesels, the petrol engines rely on forced induction and boast fuel consumption in the high 5s per 100km.

So far it looks like the new 1 Series isn’t winning many fans for its looks. We’re still convinced feelings will soften once we start seeing the 1er on the road, but tend to agree it’s certainly not the prettiest car BMW has ever made.

After the break there’s a concise press release and a massive image gallery of 85 pics to help you get used to the new look.

UPDATE: The press material released by BMW Australia only lists info on the 118i, 116i and 118d; surely giving a hint to their model plans for the F20. They’ve also offered a far more detailed press release, which has now been added below.

UPDATE 6 June: BMW Australia is expected to launch the new 1 Series some time after October this year.

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Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster photo gallery

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster

The ragtop version of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG isn’t due for its public debut until the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, but that hasn’t stopped the three-pointed star from releasing a big image gallery of their new Roadster.

Driven by the same 420kW/650Nm 6.3 litre V8 and 7-speed DCT as the “Gullwing” tintop, the Roadster gives the filthy rich, or those who truly deserve it—depending on your bank balance—access to the open sky in just 11 seconds. The soft top can be opened at speeds up to 50km/h as well.

The SLS AMG Roadster introduces some new in-cabin tech, too. It’s called “AMG Performance Media” and it brings some Nissan GTR-like telemetry to the main display screen—G forces, engine data, lap times; that sort of stuff.

After the break you can see 60-plus images from Benz, as well as a short promo clip and lengthy presser.

UPDATE: A quick note from Mercedes-Benz Australia: “The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster will launch in Australia and New Zealand during quarter one, 2012. The selling price will be confirmed closer to its local launch.”

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2011 Spanish Grand Prix in pictures

2011 Spanish Grand Prix

Despite being teased by our own Mark Webber when he scored pole position, the Spanish GP ended up being yet another Sebastian Vettel victory. That’s four from five races for the 2010 champ and history suggests that impressive start is already enough to put Vettel at almost unbackable odds to make it a second world crown.

As usual there’s some great pics from the latest race and there’s a couple of shots where you can see how dramatic the marbles are with the new Pirelli tyres.

We’re already in another Grand Prix week with the classic Monaco GP just a few days away. Can Mark match his unstoppable performance from 2010, or is he fast becoming a broken man with shattered confidence?

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Aston Martin

Stunning Aston Martin V12 Zagato revealed ahead of race debut

Aston Martin V12 Zagato

Wow!

Aston Martin promised a new collaboration with Zagato was coming and now that they’ve delivered we must simply say, “thank you.”

Aston has taken the already stunning V12 Vantage handed it over to Zagato and said, do your thing chaps. And the Italian masters have delivered an absoulte gem, this V12 Zagato is car porn it is purest form.

It has great proportions. It looks aggressive. It looks purposeful. It looks like it was made to race. And that’s exactly what it has been made for. In a little over a week from now the V12 Zagato will make its competition debut in a four-hour VLN race at the Nürburgring. Then, in late June, two of these beauties will be ripping it up on the North Loop during the 24 hour race.

The best part, well for those lucky enough to afford one, the V12 Zagato will be built in limited numbers for the road, as well. No specific details have been given just yet, but Dr Ulrich Bez, Aston Martin CEO has confirmed if you have the cash, they will have the car.

“The task for us has been to create a concept that is a natural successor to those iconic cars that have gone before. Matching the technology of the age with the traditional skills vital to deliver such a bespoke and exclusive sports car will lead to a strictly limited run of road going V12 Zagatos,” explained Dr Bez.

We can’t wait. More pics and material from Aston after the break.

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Ferrari

Ferrari Superamerica 45 ready for exclusive show

Ferrari Superamerica 45

This is the Ferrari Superamerica 45. It’s a one-off creation built for New York collector Peter Kalikow. The Superamerica 45 will make its public debut tomorrow at the Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza.

At this stage the official Ferrari press material makes no mention of the engine underneath that Blu Antille bonnet. However, it is being listed as a 6.0 litre 12 cylinder on the event website. So it’s just a 599 with custom coachwork, then?

If you’ve been buying Fezzas for 45 years and have a stack of cash you can’t give away then you too can play the Fantasty Ferrari game. If you did, do you reckon you could come up with something better than this?

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Volkswagen WRC

Volkswagen to enter WRC from 2013

Volkswagen Polo R WRC

Overnight Volkswagen confirmed two rumours, one directly, the other indirectly. First, Volkswagen confirmed its plans to enter a factory-backed team in the World Rally Championship from 2013. By nominating a new Polo R WRC as the car of choice we think VW has also indirectly confirmed plans to manufacture the on-again, off-again Polo R road car.

Speaking about the company’s decision to move into WRC Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Management Board of the Volkswagen Brand, Development Division said, “The new Technical Regulations of the World Rally Championship are an ideal fit for Volkswagen’s philosophy with respect to the development of production vehicles.

“Downsizing, high efficiency and reliability are top priorities for our customers. The timing of the WRC debut is optimal for Volkswagen. The big task of engineering a vehicle that is competitive and capable of winning at a large number of challenges holds great appeal for us.”

Volkswagen reckon their strong success in Dakar not only gives them a solid grounding for a WRC effort, but also the desire to reach new heights. Kris Nissen, Volkswagen Motorsport Director explains, “We can draw on an experienced and proven squad which has done an outstanding job in top-calibre sport in the past few years. Even though the WRC is new territory for us and involves learning in many areas the team already meets some important prerequisites now as it brings an unwavering professional attitude and resolve to deliver absolute perfection to this commitment.”

One thing is certain, the Polo R WRC concept car you see in these pictures looks fantastic! A full gallery and press release can be viewed below.

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Porsche

OFFICIAL: Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0

First filed 28 April.

Porsche has today released official info on the 911 GT3 RS 4.0—it’s been the worst kept secret around—and it will be limited to only 600 cars worldwide. With a 4.0 litre flat six engine sporting a crankshaft from the RSR racecar the GT3 RS 4.0 has 368kW (500PS).

Available only in white or black, performance from the sub 1400kg supercar is brisk, as you’d expect. Indeed, Porsche reckon the RS 4.0 can lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife in 7 minutes 27 seconds.

Plastic windows, carbon fibre reinforced body panels and a lack of interior equipment help keep the weight down. A few suspension components from the GT2 RS have been re-used, as well, with an aim to sharpen this GT3 RS even further than the now old 3.8 litre RS.

Porsche claim this is the ultimate RS model, but the lack of carbon ceramic brakes as standard equipment means there is still room for improvement insofar as the ultimate track components go. With an asking price of €50K more than the RS 3.8 you’d reckon Porsche could have coughed up for the ultimate brakes.

We’d still say yes, of course, but perhaps this RS 4.0 can be described as being a bit of a parts bin run-out model, rather than a pure disciple of RS ideals.

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0—basic specs

  • Engine: 4.0 litre flat six
  • Power: 368kW (500hp) @ 8250rpm
  • Torque: 450Nm @ 5750rpm
  • Weight: 1360kg (inc tank of fuel)
  • 0-100km/h: 3.9s
  • 0-200km/h: under 12s

The official press release from Porsche AG and all the pics released to date are available below.

UPDATE 1 May: Porsche Cars Australia tell us that less than 10 911 GT3 RS 4.0 models will be finding their way down under. Those lucky enough to be on the exclusive list will be asked to part with $409,100 plus on road costs.

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Ferrari Formula 1

Pictures and video from the Ferrari F150 shakedown

Ferrari F150 shakedown

Last year’s runner-up in the F1 World Championship, Fernando Alonso, has taken out the team’s new F150 on Ferrari’s Fiorano test track. You can see more pics and a brief video after the break.

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Ferrari

Ferrari FF creates online hysteria

Ferrari FF

Well, Ferrari would have us believe the four-set, four-wheel drive FF created online hysteria when it was revealed a few days ago. Check out their presser after the break.

To celebrate they have released a few new pics. Sadly only the image shown above is of any use, the rest are a disguised development model shown during winter testing. However, in silver and with studio lighting, you begin to get a broader appreciation for the curves featured on the FF; some gentle, some not so.

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Motorsports Volkswagen

Volkswagen Motorsport: 2011 Dakar photo gallery

Volkswagen Motorsport - Dakar 2011

It’s about a week or so since Nasser Al-Attiyah and Timo Gottschalk claimed victory in the 2011 Dakar Rally. If you missed the action, or would simply like to see what the lads got up to, then here’s a photo gallery sourced from Volkswagen Motorsport showing the mighty Race Touareg 3 in action. There’s over 100 pics, so you might want to put the kettle on first!

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