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    Hot Hatch Heaven: Opel Astra GTC Confirmed to Join Launch Line-Up 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 10-02-2012 06:36 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. Opel

    • Stunning design: Sports Coupé with dramatic proportions and exquisite surfacing
    • Exclusive chassis layout: All GTC versions receive HiPerStrut (high performance front strut)
    • Perfect for everyday use: Roomy, flexible and packed with innovative technologies
    • Opel launch line-up scheduled for Q3, 2012 now comprises four key models
    Opel Australia today confirmed that the Astra GTC three-door sports compact will be completing the launch line-up.
    Following its world premiere at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt last year, the Astra GTC presents an ultra-sporty and stylish model to Australia, joining the exciting launch range comprising the Astra Hatch and Tourer, Corsa 3 and 5 door, and Insignia Sedan and Tourer.

    Opel Australia Managing Director, Bill Mott, confirmed that with the Astra GTC representing the “hero” of the range, the launch line-up is now complete.

    “Opel designers wanted the Astra GTC to be the ultimate expression of Opel’s design language ‘sculptural artistry meets German precision’ and to embody our passion for the automobile,” said Mr Mott.

    “We are excited to be able to present this dynamic car to Australians, as it offers the ideal blend of emotion and functionality, and expect our “hot hatch” to bring a breath of fresh air into the sports compact segment.”

    The new Astra GTC stands out with sharp design and driving capabilities. On the outside, sculpted shapes with precise accents add drama to clean, sweeping coupé lines. And on the road, all Astra GTC versions benefit from a premium front axle layout with HiPerStrut – High Performance Strut – that ideally combines with the clever Opel patented Watt’s link rear axle to provide unmatched stability and the sharpest driving precision. Only very few, radical sporty cars in the segment offer such a sophisticated front axle architecture.

    The GTC is the ultimate Astra in design and driving dynamics and will further energize the successful Opel compact family, which increased its segment share in Europe from 8.3% in 2009 to 11.4% in 2010.
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    Sledgehammer Time: The New BMW M5 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 08-02-2012 06:54 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. BMW
    Article Preview

    The fastest, most powerful M car yet
    • Fifth generation of the world's most successful performance sedan
    • Most powerful series production engine ever in a BMW M car
    • New high-revving turbo-charged V8 engine - power up by 10 per cent, torque up by 30 per cent yet fuel consumption down by 30 per cent
    • Seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic featuring new Low Speed Assistance
    • New Active M differential for track-car dynamics and supreme touring comfort
    • Two M Drive buttons for alternate, pre-defined handling characteristics
    For more than 25 years the BMW M5 Sedan has defined the high-performance Sedan segment, in the process becoming the most successful car of its type in the world. Now a new fifth-generation model raises the concept of the premium executive Sedan combining track-car dynamics and supreme touring comfort to an even higher level.

    The M5 features the most potent engine ever developed for a BMW production car together with race-bred chassis technology that includes, for the first time, an Active M differential.

    Based on BMW's highly successful 5 Series Sedan, the exterior design of the M5 follows the technical requirements of the car, while the interior offers an extensive range of innovative driver assistance systems and premium comfort features.
    The new M5 Sedan will be available in Australia from February 2012, priced from $230,000 (Incl. GST & LCT)

    [Long Version]
    Engine M TwinPower Turbo V8
    Power 412 kW
    Torque 680 Nm @ 1500-5750 rpm
    Transmission 7-speed M Double clutch transmission with Drivelogic
    Acceleration 0-100 km/h - 4.3s
    Top Speed 250 km/h - (electronically limited)
    Fuel Consumption (EU) 9.9l/100km's
    CO2 emissions 232 g/km

    Drivetrain: The heart of any BMW M car is its engine, and never more so than with the new M5. For the first time an M5 features a turbocharged power unit – a high-revving 4.4-litre (4,395cc) V8, here making its world premiere. Developing 412 kW from 6,000-7,000rpm, it is the most potent series-production engine ever to emerge from BMW‟s high-performance M division. Incorporating the company‟s M TwinPower Turbo technology consisting of two twin-scroll turbochargers, high-precision direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and a cross-bank exhaust manifold, it guarantees legendary BMW M-car thrust with seamless lag-free delivery from little more than tickover speed thanks to 680Nm of torque from only 1,500rpm.
    Compared with the previous V10-engined M5, maximum power is up by around 10 per cent and peak torque has increased by more than 30 per cent. As a result, the latest M5 can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds. The electronically limited top speed is 250 km/h.
    The two cylinder banks of the V8 engine are arranged at 90 degrees, leaving space to accommodate the two turbochargers and catalytic converters in the V-section. This ensures that the engine is not only extremely compact, but that the catalytic
    converters reach operating temperature more quickly to boost efficiency, while the short length of the unique intake and exhaust ducts minimises pressure losses. BMW‟s patented cross-bank exhaust manifold optimises gas flow to the twin-scroll turbochargers, which have been specially developed for the M5 Sedan to deliver a maximum charge pressure of 1.5 bar.
    Solenoid fuel injectors positioned centrally between the valves, within immediate range of the spark plugs, deliver multiple sprays of fuel directly into the cylinders at a maximum pressure of 200 bar. The cooling effect of direct injection allows an
    extraordinarily high compression ratio of 10:1, a further aid to efficiency. VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control adjusts the lift of the intake valves to minimise throttle losses in the gas cycle, while Double-VANOS fully variable camshaft control helps the engine achieve its outstanding level of torque at low rpm.
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    Jim’s Javelin – Shannons Sharp New TCM Tool 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 02-02-2012 07:07 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    Article Preview

    • Richards debuts Shannons Javelin at Clipsal
    • 30-month project to develop new TCM front-runner
    • TCM newcomer generates huge interest with enthusiasts
    It has taken 30 months to complete, but Jim Richards says the Shannons 1972 AMC Javelin sedan he will debut at Adelaide’s Clipsal 500 opening round of 2012 Touring Car Masters on March 4 is the finest racing car he has even built.


    As an ardent admirer of Penske Racing and champion American driver Mark Donohue, who together dominated Trans Am racing with Javelins in the early 1970s, the distinctively styled AMC ‘Pony Car’ was Richards’ first choice as a potential successor to his very successful Shannons Falcon Sprint


    “We wanted something different that would interest spectators, but would also be in the Shannons mould,” said Richards. “The Javelin ticked all the boxes.”


    As only 178 Javelins were sold in Australia by then-distributors AMI, Richards began his search in mid-2008 by looking at US cars on the Internet.


    “However it turned out that the uncle of one of my team members was an enthusiast with four or five of them and I picked this car up almost around the corner in North Melbourne!” he said.”


    The exhaustive process of turning the former road car into a TCM front runner began mid-2009 and involved stripping the Javelin of every nut and bolt and then rebuilding it methodically to the TCM regulations, employing proven racecar technology.


    Richards said the project had taken him and former Gibson Motorsport Crew Chief Bruce Tyson some time to complete because his small team had been focussed on getting the most out of the Shannons Falcon Sprint, which rewarded them when Richards became the 2010 Touring Car Masters champion.


    “We believe it has been worth taking our time,” said Richards after the car’s first shakedown at Melbourne’s Calder Raceway. “The Javelin is a step up from the Falcon in every way and all the lessons we have learned from four decades of racing touring cars have gone into it.”

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    Volkswagen Announces New Pricing for Award Winning Polo Range 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 02-02-2012 06:05 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. Volkswagen

    Volkswagen’s revised Polo range is now even better value for money with a starting price for the five-door Polo Trendline of $16,990* and $18,990* for the Polo 77TSI Comfortline.

    The Polo 66TDI Comfortline’s starting price has also been reduced to $21,490*. Across all models – except the Polo GTI - the 7-speed DSG is a $2,500 option.

    The Volkswagen Polo range has redefined its market segment since its introduction to the Australian market and the new price points make it even more attractive.

    Standard equipment levels have also been enhanced for the entire Polo range. With the addition of popular features such as Bluetooth phone connectivity and Media Device Interface (MDI) as well as daytime driving lights, the Polo will continue to outshine its competitors.

    The sporty Polo GTI has also received additional standard comfort and convenience equipment befitting the top model in the range. The RCD510 touchscreen audio system, automatic climate control air conditioning, rain sensing wipers and automatically dimming rear-view mirror are all now included, adding even more value to an already well equipped model.

    Volkswagen Polo range pricing:
    Polo Trendline 5-speed manual $16,990*
    Polo Trendline 7-speed DSG $19,490*
    Polo 77TSI Comfortline 6-speed manual $18,990*
    Polo 77TSI Comfortline 7-speed DSG $21,490*
    Polo 66TDI Comfortline 5-speed manual $21,490*
    Polo 66TDI Comfortline 7-speed DSG $23,990*
    Polo GTI 3-door 7-speed DSG $27,790*
    Polo GTI 5-door 7-speed DSG $28,990*
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    Audi Unveils Bathurst 12 Hour Livery 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 31-01-2012 07:02 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. Audi
    Article Preview

    • Two Phoenix Racing Audi R8 LMS race cars to take on a distinctly Australian appearance
    • Australian drivers to compete in the ‘Redback Spider’
    • International drivers to compete in the ‘Kangaroo’
    Two familiar Australian icons will adorn the Team Phoenix Audi R8 LMS race cars for this year’s Bathurst 12 Hour event.

    The Audi R8 LMS will return to Mount Panorama on February 24-26 to defend its 2011 Bathurst 12 Hour title under the cover of two famous Australian animals. The pair of Team Phoenix Audi R8 LMS race cars will be disguised as a ‘Redback Spider’ and a ‘Kangaroo’.

    Australian drivers Craig Lowndes, Warren Luff and Mark Eddy will be driving a white R8 LMS, complete with a graphic of a ‘Redback Spider’ sitting in a black web that covers the entire surface of the car. The International team of Christer Jöns, Christopher Mies and Darryl O’Young will race a black R8 LMS, with the world famous yellow traffic sign that depicts a kangaroo reproduced on the bodywork.
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    Renault Australia Fourth Largest Mégane R.S. 250 Market Globally in 2011 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 31-01-2012 05:58 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. Renault
    Article Preview

    Renault Sport has celebrated a sensational 2011 with a global sales increase of 31% world-wide. This strong growth figure was largely driven by international markets with an 86% sales increase outside of Europe. 2011 marked the expansion of Renault Sport to three new markets – Argentina, Chile and Ukraine.

    Australian customers have embraced the multi award-winning Mégane R.S. 250 with open arms; making Australia the fourth largest global market for this striking vehicle in 2011.

    Australia was the 14th largest global market for Renault Sport sales, up 4 places from 2010.

    Stunning from every angle, the Mégane R.S. 250 has enjoyed immediate success in Australia. Several Renault dealerships have traded prestige vehicles – including a Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG, a Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and an Audi TT S – for the race-bred, performance orientated Mégane R.S. 250.

    In addition, the Mégane R.S. 250 was crowned ‘Drive Car of the Year’ for the second year running in the ‘Best Performance Car under $60,000’ category, after winning the Top Gear Australia Magazine Car of the Year award on debut.

    Commenting on this result, Justin Hocevar, Managing Director Renault Australia, said; “I am thrilled at the success of Renault Sport in Australia. Australians love driver’s cars and clearly the Mégane R.S. 250 has struck accord with driving enthusiasts and Renault fans alike.

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    Powerful, Fast, Fuel Efficient and Clean: The Scirocco R – An Impressive Performance Package 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 31-01-2012 10:00 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. Volkswagen
    Article Preview

    The wait is over! The Scirocco R has arrived. Power: 188kW. Character: genuine sports car. Performance: at its fullest. Handling: just as it should be. Fun factor: maximum. The four-seat sports car is ideal as both a dynamic performer and economical companion on the roads of everyday life. Always on-board as standard equipment: the XDL Extended Electronic Differential Lock – first introduced on the Golf GTI – providing optimal traction properties and unbeatable driving fun.

    R – CONCEPT
    The Scirocco R – conceptualised by Volkswagen R GmbH – is an impressive performance package with a brilliant chassis, unique looks, exclusive features and shares a power plant with the impressive Golf R. Its advantages: high power and torque values with minimum fuel consumption. On average, just 8.1 litres* of fuel f lows to the combustion chambers via direct injection per 100 kilometres. That corresponds to CO2 emissions of 189 g/km – top values for a fast sports car. And equally as impressive: when driven with the optional Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), these values are 8.2 litres and 192 g/km.
    * Combined cycle (ADR) 81/02

    R – HISTORY – The Scirocco Story
    As the end of the 1960s approached, so did the end of the golden years of the Volkswagen Beetle. As part of the development of the Golf I, no less a designer than Giorgio Giugiaro drew up a nippy and sporty 2+2 coupé that was presented to the world's public in Geneva in 1973: The Scirocco was born. The Scirocco was the first front-wheel drive coupé from Volkswagen and it appeared in 1974 just ahead of the Golf I. The sports coupé not only offered a sporty alternative to the Golf I, but was also affordable to boot.

    Scirocco I (type 53)
    • Production from March / April 1974 to April 1981
    • 504,153 vehicles
    • Design: Giorgio Giugiaro
    • Development and production: Karmann, Osnabrück
    • Technical basis: Golf I
    • Initial engines 50 / 70 / 85 PS (four-cylinder)


    Scirocco II (type 53/2)
    • Production from April 1981 to September 1992
    • 291,497 vehicles
    • Design: Herbert Schäfer (Volkswagen)
    • Production: Karmann, Osnabrück
    • Technical basis: Golf I
    • Initial engines 60 / 70 / 85 / 110 PS (four-cylinder)
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    Unique – and now More Exceptional than Ever: The New BMW X6 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 27-01-2012 09:09 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. International
    3. BMW
    Article Preview

    The BMW X6 is the world's first ever Sports Activity Coupé, still a unique combination of sporty dynamics and supreme versatility and with further enhanced appeal from spring 2012. Selective modifications in design and innovative equipment features hone the profile of the new BMW X6 as a distinctive model within the premium segment of all-wheel-drive automobiles. Its exceptional standing and ongoing popularity is due to both its highly expressive design, combing the athletic and elegant lines of a coupé with the supremacy of a BMW X model, and the fascinating driving experience provided by powerful petrol and diesel engines fitted with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and the intelligent all-wheel-drive system xDrive, including Dynamic Performance Control.
    Since its market launch, more than 150,000 of the Sporty Activity Coupé were sold within approximately three years. This far exceeded the original plans. And the continuing high level of demand for the BMW X6 on the worldwide automobile markets is impressive confirmation of the unusual vehicle concept of the Sports Activity Coupé.


    Striking accentuations at the front and rear, adaptive LED headlamps as a new option.

    Precisely modified details in the front view give the new BMW X6 an appearance characterised by exclusive athleticism and supremacy. The standard fog lights are now set in matt finish surrounds in the upper area of the outer air inlets. Their higher and more lateral position emphasises the width of the vehicle. The striking three-dimensional modelling of the frame and newly designed bars, angled in the lower section, make the BMW kidney grille stand out especially conspicuously within the vehicle front section. The angle of the grille bars is flush with the bottom of the headlamp units, thereby creating an additional horizontal line which likewise highlights the wide track and stable road-holding of the new BMW X6.

    Unique – and now more exceptional than ever: the new BMW X6.

    As an alternative to the standard bi-xenon light, the new BMW X6 is the first vehicle in its segment to be fitted optionally with adaptive LED headlamps. Their bright white light ensures optimum visibility, while their high-quality appearance represents a new interpretation of the brand's hallmark twin circular headlamps. The three-dimensionally shaped luminous rings of the adaptive LED headlamps are strikingly levelled off both at the top and bottom and are overlaid at the upper edge by an LED-fed accent light. The light sources for low and high beam light are LED units positioned on a horizontal bar at its centre, feeding their light into the reflectors in front. In the new BMW X6 M50d and BMW X6 M, adaptive LED headlights are fitted as standard.


    With its newly designed rear lights with LED technology, the powerfully shaped rear section of the new BMW X6 also features more intense styling. The rear lights are now two LED-fed light banks which create the brand's hallmark night design as a harmoniously glowing light mass. The fact that they are horizontally aligned and stretch far out to the sides emphasises both the width of the vehicle and the flowing transition between the side section and rear.

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    “Fast n’ Loud”: BMW Announces M3 Coupé Pure Edition II in ‘Individual’ Paint Finishes 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 25-01-2012 02:55 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. BMW
    Article Preview

    • Limited production run of 50 units, exclusively for the Australian market
    • Design enhancements focus on sporty highlights of the M3 Coupé
    • Additional exclusive M specific design elements
    • Additional sports-oriented specification as standard
    • Select BMW Individual paint finishes as standard
    Following overwhelming demand for the first M3 Pure Edition, BMW has announced details of a ‘Pure Edition II’ for the M3 Coupé in Australia. This exclusive release offers additional features over and above the original M3 Pure as well as providing access to a large range of attention-grabbing paint finishes straight from the ‘BMW Individual’ colour pallet.

    All 100 units of the first M3 Pure Edition were snapped up in record time which saw M3 Coupé sales in Australia increase by almost 10% in 2011.
    The M3 Coupé Pure Edition II offers the same distinctive design enhancements as the original model, which include highlights such as 19” M Double-spoke light alloy wheels finished exclusively in Black High-Gloss with 245/35 R19 tyres up front and 265/35 R 19 tyres at the rear, bonnet air intake in Black High-Gloss, BMW Individual kidney grille in Dark Chrome, BMW Individual side gills in Dark Chrome and BMW Individual exhaust tips in Dark Chrome.

    Differentiating the Pure Edition II from the original M3 Pure is a multitude of attention grabbing colours from BMW Individual. The selection includes Fire Orange, first seen on the limited edition M3 GTS, Dakar Yellow II, Laguna Seca, Sepang Bronze, and Imola Red. Offered as part of the package costs, the Individual paint finishes alone represent as much as $10,000 in added-value.

    Completing the ‘Edition II’ exclusive features are BMW Individual handbrake lever with “M Power” stitching and door sill finishers with M3 chequered flag inlay.
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    SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY and SLK 55 AMG Pricing Announced 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 21-01-2012 01:18 PM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. Mercedes
    Article Preview

    Following on from the successful introduction of the SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY and SLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY (which saw SLK sales lift 18% in 2011 in a segment that was down 21%), Mercedes- Benz Australia has announced pricing for additional models in the SLK Roadster range with the addition of the SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY and the SLK 55 AMG.


    SLK250 BlueEFFICIENCY
    The SLK250 BlueEFFICIENCY has a Manufacturers Recommended List Price (MRLP) of $91,900 which represents a reduction of $9,325 over the previous equivalent model the “SLK 300 ‘AMG Sports package’ “end of series model run.

    The SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY MRLP is also $640 lower than the previous series SLK 200 Manual.


    The SLK250 BlueEFFICIENCY gains additional items over the SLK200 BlueEFFICIENCY with steering wheel shift paddles, memory package for seats and steering wheel, mirror package, COMAND online, Intelligent Light System and alternate 17 inch 5 spoke alloy wheels.


    With 150kW of power and 310Nm of torque and a mid 6.6 second dash to 100 kph the SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY benefits from the higher Luxury Car Tax threshold combined 7.0L/100km rating the SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY and a responsible 163g CO2/km.


    SLK 55 AMG
    The eagerly awaited SLK 55 AMG brings to Australia the new AMG M152 E55 naturally aspirated V8 that delivers 310kW of power and 540Nm of torque. The powerful V8 engine utilises cylinder shut off and AMG Cylinder Management which delivers an almost 30% fuel consumption reduction over its less powerful predecessor. With a combined fuel figure of 8.5L/100km and a remarkable 197g CO2/km makes the new SLK 55 AMG the lowest emission V8 Roadster in Australia regardless of price.


    The SLK 55 AMG can be further customised with a limited range of SLK-Class options - however the most popular is expected to be the AMG Handling Package that includes composite front brakes, AMG Performance suspension and AMG rear-axle differential lock for $8,825. The SLK 55 AMG despite being very fully equipped and being a brand new model has a MRLP of $155,000 which is a reduction of $24,360 over its less powerful predecessor.
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    BMW Australia Reveals New 3 Series Entry Models Ahead of Market Launch 

    by
    Tom
    Published on 20-01-2012 08:16 AM
    Categories:
    1. Local
    2. BMW
    Article Preview

    • BMW 320i and 318d now available to Australian customers from March production
    • New four-cylinder TwinPower turbo petrol 320i now tops the class in pace and efficiency
    • New entry price-point for the BMW 3 Series range starting from $56,400
    BMW Australia has bolstered its highly acclaimed new BMW 3 Series range, today announcing the introduction of two new entry models: the 320i and 318d.

    The two new variants are available for customer order from March production and complete an all turbo-charged engine line-up for BMW’s iconic sixth-generation compact sports sedan ahead of the model’s highly anticipated Australian market launch in February.

    BMW Group Australia Managing Director, Phil Horton said the combination of powerful yet economical engines, a high standard specification and the lower entry-price-point makes the 3 Series a standout in its competitive class.
    “We have built substantially more value into the standard specification of this new car,” said Mr Horton.
    “It’s been hailed overseas as the best in its class both in terms of value and performance and we expect Australian customers to agree,” he said

    Pricing for the BMW 3 Series range now starts at $56,400 for the all new 318d which features a four-cylinder turbo-charged diesel engine producing 105kW of power and 320 Nm of torque. The 318d accelerates to 100km/h in 9.3 seconds and boasts a staggeringly low fuel consumption figure of 4.5l/100km.

    The starting point for the petrol line-up is the new BMW 320i featuring BMW’s much-lauded new TwinPower turbo four-cylinder direct injection engine producing 135 kW and 270Nm of torque. The 320i comes standard with a new 8-speed Sports Automatic Transmission (with steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters). The result is class-leading acceleration and performance with the new 320i sprinting to 100km/h in just 7.6 seconds. At the same time, the 320i also boasts class-leading fuel economy of just 6.2l/100km.
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