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Audi Motor Shows

Paris 2010: Audi quattro concept

Audi quattro concept

It is 30 years since Audi first released the original Quattro. And it now turns out that camouflaged machine we saw a couple of weeks ago is this new quattro concept, which Audi revealed in Paris overnight. Two words: do want!

The engine found beneath the snarling bonnet has been sourced from the TT RS; a 2.5 litre 5 cylinder turbo paying its respects to the Ur Quattro. Audi’s lab coats have also found the time to boost power to a new high of 300kW (408bhp). The weight of this car is a reasonably light 1300kg, too. Zero to one hundred is despatched in just 3.9 seconds.

Built on an RS5 platform the wheelbase for the quattro concept has been shortened by 150mm. The car also sits 40mm lower than its RS5 donor body. The overall look is a great success and the AUSmotive tick of approval is definitely given to this car.

Audi are often criticised for erring on the side of conservatism with their hero models. This extroverted quattro concept, though, gets the mix just right. The aggressive front nose is complemented by the 1980s inspired bonnet scoop and flutes. Even the subtle Audi badge on the C pillar is a perfectly executed detail. The side profile, beautifully understated on the one hand, bullish on the other.

Let’s hope this concept goes into full series production.

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Ferrari Formula 1 Lotus McLaren Mercedes-Benz Red Bull Racing Renault

2010 Singapore Grand Prix in pictures

2010 Singapore GP

Fernando added to his Italian Grand Prix win to make it a double with victory in Singapore. By doing so he has put himself right at the pointy end of the driver’s title race; he’s now second. Sebastien set the field alight during practice but faltered during qualifying and played second fiddle to Alonso for the rest of weekend, despite having the faster car. But for a couple of Safety Car periods these guys would have led the field home with a minute to spare, they were streets ahead.

Mark struggled during the weekend and started from fifth, but a pit stop gamble after the first Safety Car period inside five laps saw him claw his way into third place after the lead cars completed their stops. After the second Safety Car period Hamilton, in fourth, made a ballsy move to overtake Mark. It almost came off, too, but there was contact between the two and Webber walked away with the luck, while Hamilton was forced to take an early shower for the second race in a row.

Aside from that, the action was a bit light on, save for a few hit and giggle incidents towards the back of the field. Perhaps the only other aspect of this race worth noting is the ease with which Schumacher gets pushed aside by his peer group these days. It indicates the seven time champion continues to struggle with the pace of current day F1 cars.

Recapture the vibe with over 70 images after the break.

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Ferrari

Ferrari SA APERTA revealed ahead of Paris

Ferrari SA APERTA

Ferrari has lifted the lid on its latest 599 incarnation, otherwise known as the SA APERTA. The SA badging is a nod to Sergio and Andrea Pininfarina whose company has strong links with Maranello. Further honouring Pininfarina is the fact the SA APERTA will be limited to just 80 examples, acknowledging the 80th anniversary of the Italian styling house.

In basic terms this car is 599 GTO “Barchetta” and features a 6.0 litre V12 engine. That engine is good for 670PS (500kW). A soft top cover is available, but it sounds like it will be more use for giggles than serious protection.

We’ll see more of this car at the Paris Motor Show in a week or so. Oh, if you would like to buy one of these stunning SA APERTAs, well, you can’t. They have already sold out.

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Range Rover

Range Rover Evoque gets early showing

Range Rover Evoque

Well-to-do urban hipsters of the world are smiling today following the release of new information from Range Rover about the company’s “smallest, lightest, most fuel-efficient Range Rover ever.”

You and I will call it the Evoque, but the hipsters will probably stick with SLMFERRE. The Evoque will have its first public showing in Paris at the end of the month.

Does the world really need a new two-door urban assault vehicle, or do Range Rover simply need to lower the emissions output of their fleet? You be the judge.

Secretly, though, it does look pretty cool, don’t you think? But don’t tell anyone. And if you do want to save some shred of credibility, don’t, under any circumstances, get the front-wheel drive version.

Full details after the break.

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Volkswagen

Australian launch of Volkswagen Polo GTI imminent

Volkswagen Polo GTI

Volkswagen’s mini-me GTI, the Polo GTI, is due for local release prior to the end of 2010. October has always seemed the most likely month for the car to find its way into Aussie showrooms. Perhaps the Polo GTI might even make an appearance at the Australian International Motor Show, which kicks off in Sydney on 15 October.

This scenario now seems all the more likely following the revelation of basic specification levels posted on the VWwatercooled forum earlier today. The information is from a customer who has pre-ordered a new Pogo and is expecting to take delivery in early October.

The information reveals the Polo GTI will be available in three and five door platforms, both come standard with a 7-speed DSG transmission. The Polo GTI is currently not available with a manual gearbox. It will be available in five colours, Candy White, Flash Red, Reflex Silver, Shadow Blue Metallic and Deep Black Pearl Effect.

Other standard equipment includes 17″ Denver alloy wheels—wearing 205/45/17 rubber, cruise control, ESP, XDL (Extended electronic Differential Lock), daytime running lights, leather multifunction steering wheel with gearshift paddles and an MP3 compatible stereo system featuring six-stack CD player and aux in plug.

If you fancy ticking a few options boxes, you can choose from touch screen Sat Nav, xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, climate control, Alcantara/leatherette seat trim and more. Interestingly, there is no mention of a sunroof option.

Follow the source link below for the full list. Once official details have been released by Volkswagen Australia you’ll be able to read them here at AUSmotive.

[Source: VWwatercooled]

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Porsche

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

Porsche has made the shock discovery that 0.01% of the sportscar market has been left unattended. Fear not, they are about to release the 408hp 911 Carrera GTS. This seems like the fifty-seventh variation of the 911 offered by Porsche and they say it is designed to close the gap from the regular Carrera to the GT3.

The GTS will make its worldwide premiere in Paris very soon and you can read all about it after the break.

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Bentley

The new Bentley Continental GT, now in video

Bentley Continental GT

Following the release of images of the new Continental GT from Bentley you can now feast your eyes on a new video clip. Despite ending somewhat abruptly the footage has a great blend of imagery featuring production and design techniques interwoven with the big GT driving around the Ascari race track.

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Opel Vauxhall

Vauxhall GTC hot hatch concept

Vauxhall GTC Concept

Okay, the Holden Cruze hatchback is not a bad looking car. But the current model Astra looks better. As it currently stands there are no plans from Holden to bring the current Astra down under. That’s a shame, really, because it means we probably won’t get to see this new GTC hot hatch on our shores.

The pics here are of the concept model that will be revealed at the Paris Motor Show in a bit over two weeks from now. Concept model or not, this car looks almost production ready. Save, perhaps, for the 21″ wheels.

It looks quite smart, too. Vauxhall/Opel have not confirmed any specs just yet, apart from a few details on suspension and that it will be powered by a 2.0 litre turbocharged four cylinder.

More after the jump.

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Bentley

The new Bentley Continental GT

Bentley Continental GT

Back in 2003 Bentley launched a new Continental GT. It was one of the first models to emerge under Volkswagen ownership. It was a great looking car. It had a big, demanding presence, while having some of the nicest curves in the game. That’s a picture of it above. Looks great, doesn’t it. Well, as it happens, that is actually the new Continental GT. Yep, it’s a brand spanker.

So the gentlefolk at Crewe have taken the evolution path, then. And why not, this new Continental GT looks fantastic. To be fair, the car looks even more svelte than before. The iconic crease lines over the wheel arches are what gives this grand tourer its classic shape, perfectly complemented by the well crafted roofline.

The GT is still powered by a 6.0 litre W12. Manufacturing improvements now see that lump producing 423kW (575 PS) and 700Nm. The GT still looks big, so it should come as no surprise, then, that she tips the scales at 2320kg. Despite that, when coupled with a new ZF 6-speed auto and Volkwagen Group’s Torsen all-wheel drive system, the GT can reach 100km/h in 4.6 seconds. That’s a couple of tenths quicker than a BMW M3. If you keep your right foot buried into the floor, you’ll reach 160km.h in 10.2 seconds.

Continuing the bold statements made by this car is the fuel consumption. It’s very bold, actually. The overall combined rating is 16.5l/100km. But I guess sir won’t be too fussed by trivial matters of his Bentley’s fuel consumption.

Coming in late 2011 is a high-output, high-efficiency V8. That sounds suspiciously like the terms used to describe the engine in the Audi RS5. Coming up after the break are more pics and an extensive press release with thanks to the Bentley PR department.

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Citroen

Citroën DS3 – Australian pricing & specs

Citroen DS3 DSport

Citroën has launched its funky little DS3 to the Australian market. The French usually get it right when it comes to hatchbacks, but the DS3 represents one of the more serious attempts to raise their sights to the premium segment. And Citroën has its sights firmly set on MINI.

Miles Williams, General Manager for Citroën in Australia, pretty much admits that with this comment, “The DS3 is a bold, definitive statement of intent for Citroën and a confident step in the opposite direction to its main competitors; it brings a real alternative to a market sector dominated by retro designs.”

Mind, this next comment from Williams could equally apply to the MINI brand, “DS3 is about modernity, creativity, individual style and a driving experience packed with personality. DS3 dares to be different – whilst delivering the comfort, quality, technology and ecologically considerate performance for which Citroën is widely recognised.” Williams is right, though, the DS3 is different and it does bring new life to the premium compact market.

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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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Ford

Ford Focus RS photo gallery

Ford Focus RS

Last week we learned Ford Australia will be importing 315 Focus RS models into Australia. They’re asking $60K plus on roads etc and Ford expect the RS to be here by October, or thereabouts. Word on the street is around half of the cars will be in the lairy Ultimate Green paint scheme, with the remainder split evenly between Performance Blue and Frozen White.

To help get Blue Oval fans in the mood a gallery of images featuring Ultimate Green and Performance Blue models can be seen after the break. If you want to see what the Frozen White looks like CLICK HERE.

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