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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
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    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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