Rumour: Alfa Romeo 4C 2-seater sportscar for Geneva?

February 3, 2011 at 5:15 am By Paul Tan Filed Under Alfa Romeo, Cars

Alfa Romeo is rumored to be set to introduce a concept car at this year’s Geneva show called the Alfa Romeo 4C GTA Concept. It will basically be a preview of an affordable rear wheel drive sports car to be added to the Alfa Romeo model line-up sometime in the future.

Unlike the flagship 8C which can cost over 200,000 Euros, the 4C is intended to be more of a sports car for the masses and an indicative price tag has been set at the 40,000 Euro mark. Alfa Romeo has exhibited similar looking cars in the past, like the Alfa Romeo Diva Concept shown above.

Interestingly, rumors are saying Alfa Romeo is targeting an 850kg curb weight for the 2-seater car, which would basically make it a sort of Italian Lotus Elise. Power will be via a 1.8 litre turbocharged direct injection 4-potter making around 250 horsepower, which would give the car a very nice power to weight ratio if the 850kg target is met. Apparently the chassis will be a derivative of the KTM X-Bow’s.

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Scuderia Toro Rosso targets eighth place with new STR6

February 2, 2011 at 1:46 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Formula 1, Motorsports

Red Bull owned Scuderia Toro Rosso was also present at the Valencia pitlane to launch their 2011 STR6 alongside big brother Red Bull Racing. The Italy based outfit’s lineup for this season is unchanged with Sebastien Buemi and Jaime Alguersuari retaining their seats. The latter was quite impressive in his first full F1 season last year and held his own beside the more experienced Buemi.

STR is targeting eighth place this year. They were ninth in 2010 with 13 points, quite a big margin behind eighth place Sauber with 44 points. “My expectations are to do a decent year and we have to have the target to be eighth and as I said, we are good to be ninth but we have to do better. And at the end of the year we have to bring back an eighth place,” said technical director Giorgio Ascanelli.

The team will have to fight off ambitious new teams such as Team Lotus, who as you’ve read here, are targeting around 40 to 50 points and as high as seventh in the standings. STR believes it has enough to do so.

“Last year we didn’t have a wind-tunnel, the CFD was not mature in order to define the car. Therefore, we did not change very much apart from those elements linked to the change of regulation between 2009 and 2010. This year the tools which design the car in its performance aspect, which are again the wind tunnel and CFD, are more mature, which means that although we are still learning how to make the best of them I think we have started using them properly,” Ascanelli added.

Gallery after the jump.
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Brabus S 350 BlueTEC – first tuned car to meet Euro VI

February 2, 2011 at 12:28 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under brabus, Cars, International News, Mercedes Benz


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Brabus has introduced its ECO PowerXtra D6S performance kit on the new Mercedes-Benz S 350 BlueTEC, making it the world’s first tuned car to meet the new Euro VI exhaust emission standard.

The kit delivers an additional 55 hp of power in the V6 turbodiesel and develops a peak torque of 690 Nm (509 lb-ft), but more significantly, in emission testing required for certification, the vehicle remained below the Euro VI limits by 30%, even though VI isn’t coming into effect until 2014.


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Designed as a plug-and-play device and integrated into the CAN data bus of the luxury sedan, the D6S auxiliary control unit can also be installed in the 4MATIC four-wheel-drive version.

The ECO PowerXtra D6S kit comes with a very special feature. The extent of the performance increase is dependent on the selected shift mode of the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission. In ‘Eco’ mode, the maximum power output of the engine remains unchanged, but peak torque jumps from standard 620 Nm to 690 Nm between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm. Upon switching to ‘Manual’ or ‘Sport’ mode the increase in torque is accompanied by an increase in maximum power output from 258 hp to 313 hp at a low 3,600 rpm.


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In this configuration, the tuned S 350 does the 0-100 kph sprint in just 6.5 seconds, half a second faster than the production car. Top speed is limited electronically to 250 kph.

Special versions of the D6S performance kit are also available for all four body styles of the E 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and new CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY.

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What is a diesel MINI Cooper S? The Cooper SD of course!

February 2, 2011 at 12:09 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under BMW, Cars, International News


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The MINI family has the Cooper S, the performance petrol version. The diesel MINI, which we don’t get here in Malaysia, is the Cooper D. So naturally, the performance diesel variant will be called the Cooper SD, which MINI has now launched.

The Cooper SD will be available as a Hatch, Convertible, Clubman and Countryman, and it will be powered by a 2.0 litre 143 hp direct injected oil burner from BMW. This, by the way, is the biggest engine (in terms of cc) ever fitted to a MINI.


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This four cylinder unit makes 143 hp at 4,000 rpm, almost 28% more than the Cooper D and nearly 60% above that of the One D. Diesels are all about torque, and the Cooper SD will have 305 Nm at its disposal from 1,750 to 2,700 rpm. Power and torque appears similiar to the BMW “18d” tune, such as in the 118d and 318d. As a result, the SD has more grunt that even the JCW, and a Cooper SD Hatch will sprint from 0-100 km/h in 8.1 seconds on to a top speed of 215 km/h. But diesels are always more impressive than what bald figures suggest – in gear acceleration and flexibility will be excellent.


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This all-aluminium crankcase engine features variable intake geometry turbo and a commonrail system with solenoid valve injectors in the centre of the cylinder head that injects fuel at a pressure of up to 1,600 bar. So called “MINIMALISM” features include Brake Energy Generation, Auto Start/Stop, Shift Point Display, Electric Power Steering and demand-based ancillaries such as the alternator. Combined economy is 23.3 km/l on the EU combined cycle.


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All Cooper SDs come standard with a new lightweight six-speed manual gearbox (only 22.8 kg). A six-speed automatic with shift paddles is optional. The new diesel engine features a torque steer management software previously added to the petrol range.

Clothes wise, SD models mimic their petrol counterparts with larger air intakes on the front apron and an air scoop on the bonnet. The rear features twin central pipes and a roof spoiler. Like the Cooper S, the side indicator surrounds carry the SD motif.

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Scuderia Ferrari’s 2011 Formula 1 contender – the F150

February 2, 2011 at 12:09 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Cars, Ferrari, Formula 1, Motorsports

This is Ferrari’s 2011 Formula 1 challenger, called the F150. The new Prancing Horse is currently racking up some precious mileage at the Ricardo Tormo circuit, in Valencia, Spain. Just like previous years, Ferrari’s Formula 1 livery pretty much looks the same, apart from some minor changes.

Among others, this year’s car has an Italian flag finishing on the rear wing. The name F150 and the flag points to the 150th anniversary since the unification of Italy. You can also see a different Scuderia Ferrari logo on the engine cover which moves away from the “bar code” version used previously. Ferrari received unwanted attention last season as the previous version of the logo reminded many of the Marlboro brand.

The new car has a slightly raised front end which is supposed to improve airflow. A stronger indention of the sidepods, the use of KERS and a moveable rear wing make up some of the changes as well. Like its rivals, the F150 is also planted to the ground with Pirelli tires. The driver line-up remains the same for the team with Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa. Ferrari nearly clinched the Driver’s Championship last season but it went Red Bull’s way. Can Ferrari do it this season? We will see!

An image gallery is available after the jump.
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Proton hits Top Gear, with The Stig in the Satria Neo S2000

February 2, 2011 at 11:54 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Motorsports, Proton

Proton Motorsports’ Satria Neo S2000 has been featured in an Ashes Special episode of Top Gear, which ran earlier in the week. The episode pitted the UK Top Gear stooges, Messrs Clarkson, May and Hammond against their Australian counterparts, Ewen Page, Shane Jacobson and Steve Pizzati.

Two identical Satria Neo S200s were supplied by MEM, the British-based firm which prepares and runs the Satrias for the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship and the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, as part of the vehicle inventory for the show. The episode had a five-event challenge including a drag race, drifting, a race with cars on top of each other and sheep herding on motorbikes. Er, yes, sheep herding.

The cars were featured in the final challenge, which was run around a mixed surface track at Cornbury Park in Oxfordshire. For this, Hammond was the co-driver in the UK team’s Satria Neo S2000, with The Stig driving the car. For the Australians, Pizzati drove and was navigated by Page. Courtesy of a 15.1-point lead, the Australians started the stage 15.1 seconds ahead.

They were caught and passed by The Stig and Hammond, who crossed the line ahead to seal a repeat of England’s famous Ashes victory earlier this month.

“It was great to work with the team on this, and even better as the UK won! The guys all seemed to really enjoy the cars and it was good to see The Stig behind the wheel of a Satria Neo S2000,” Proton Motorsports team principal Chris Mellors said.

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Mercedes GP Petronas debuts the new look MGP W02

February 2, 2011 at 10:33 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Formula 1, Mercedes Benz, Motorsports


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Mercedes GP Petronas has joined its rivals by launching their 2011 challenger at Valencia, where the Silver Arrows hit the track for the first time this year. The MGP W02, as previewed by a digital rendering we posted up recently, comes with new updated livery with a lot more green in it, a nod to title sponsors Petronas. Merc calls the look “striking high-gloss airbrush effect”.

The Petronas logotype on the rear wing, sidepods and front wing are now in white with a green backing, as opposed to the previous black on silver. The new look looks really good to these eyes, do you prefer this over the old look?

Technical wise, the MGP W02 now includes the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery) system, which returns to the sport after a year’s absence. Also new on the W02 is the adjustable rear wing, operated by the driver to boost top speed and facilitate overtaking, and of course, Pirelli tyres. The car is a result of twelve months of design and development work.


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“After our first year as the Mercedes-Benz works team, we are now seeing the benefits of our chassis group and our engine group working well together. With a good technical structure and a strengthened race engineering organisation, both at the factory and the race track, I am confident that we have done and will continue to do a better job this year in all key areas,” said team boss Ross Brawn.

“The concept development for the MGP W02 started early and we have set challenging targets for the design, combined with a robust plan to ensure that the pace of development can continue throughout the long 2011 season,” the former Ferrari man said.


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The car was fired up and Nico Rosberg completed nine laps before coming to a stop on track with a hydraulics problem. The car was fixed for Michael Schumacher to end the day with his first exploratory laps with the car. Today is Nico’s day to drive with Michael completing the programme on Thursday. The fastest man on track yesterday was World Champion Seb Vettel in his RB7, although that may not mean much at this stage.

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Kia Optima 2.4 GDI Test Drive Report from Australia

February 2, 2011 at 12:46 am By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, Kia, Koreans, Test Drive Reviews

How far it has all come along, indeed. If, in the past, Korean cars were seen as dowdy, perceived as unimaginative and subject to the more than odd derogatory comment in passing, then surely whatever is transpiring before our eyes is, quite simply, nothing short of a revelation.

Revolution, even. Granted, it has certainly taken time for things to kick in, but you only have to look at the past two years and see how rapid things are coming on line, where the slew of offerings coming about have, one after another, sought to not just placate, but accomplish something far more radical – how about excite for a suitable adjective?

Whatever you may call the current Hyundais and Kias of the world, they are most certainly not dowdy, unimaginative or befitting anymore of derogatory comments. Not even if you happen to be an erstwhile Japanese brand loyalist, even though the latter will undoubtedly still be flung this way.

For Kia, the pathfinder has unquestionably been the Forte, at least on these and nearby shores. This one proved once and for all that you could get a Korean offering that had the drive to match the looks. In many ways, it has helped alter the poor perception from all this while, stuck on with some pretty nasty glue.

The likes of the new Sorento, Sportage and Optima – all displaying the new design language set about by Peter Schreyer – are the next wave, set to capitalise on this little foothold on the beach. It is with the Optima that our story unfolds here, and what a neat little tale it has turned out to be indeed.

Continue reading after the jump.
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Champions Red Bull launch the RB7, now with KERS

February 1, 2011 at 10:17 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Formula 1, Motorsports

Red Bull Racing, holders of the Formula 1 Constructors’ title as well as the Drivers’ title with Sebastian Vettel, has launched its track weapon for the 2011 season, just 11 weeks after Vettel sealed a double triumph for the team in Abu Dhabi. Called the RB7, the car was unwrapped at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit near Valencia, Spain, where the teams are having their first pre-season test.

Getting up there wasn’t easy for the Milton Keynes, and now the challenge is to stay on top. “It’s a great feeling to arrive here and roll out the car with the number one on it as the reigning World Champions, but now the challenge is to keep it,” said team boss Christian Horner.

“The team’s been very focused on RB7 over the last few months; Adrian didn’t release his drawings any earlier than normal, so the whole design group and production team have done a remarkable job to produce this car in the shortest possible time. It’s a long season, the longest in F1 history, and we have some great opponents, but we are very motivated and will be working hard to hold on to the two world titles. I’m sure it’s going to be a fascinating battle,” Horner added.

Master designer Adrian Newey said that incorporating KERS to a winning package was the biggest challenge: “It’s always a special moment when a car runs for the first time. The big challenge for us this year was the reintroduction of the KERS system. It’s always a challenge to find solutions, which don’t compromise the aerodynamics of the car. This season, with McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes all having KERS, we need to get it to work, simply for performance off the line.”

Can’t wait for the action to start and see if Red Bull starts this year like how they ended the last. Gallery after the jump.
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AT&T Williams debuts the FW33 during testing in Valencia

February 1, 2011 at 9:44 pm By Harvinder Sidhu Filed Under Cars, Formula 1, Motorsports

Just like some of its rivals, Williams has unveiled its 2011 Formula 1 contender during the first official test session at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Valencia, Spain. However, this is not the final version of the car. The team’s technical director Sam Michael has confirmed that the FW33 seen here with interim livery will be given an aero upgrade and fans will get their first glimpse of the car at the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.

Williams revealed that the FW33 is compliant with the latest Formula 1 rules set by the FIA including a 640-kilograms minimum weight and the ban of the double diffuser system, which was controversial in 2009. Among the technical features that have been made known to the public, is the FW33′s 7-speed transmission which is the smallest ever produced by the team.

Williams has also opted for KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) which recovers the kinetic energy present in the waste heat created by the brakes and the exhausts. The energy is then stored in a battery, converted into power and a maximum of 60kw can be used by the driver. Williams claims that the system is worth 0.3 seconds a lap and it gives the driver a better start.

The FW33 which is motivated by a Cosworth 2.4 litre V8 (90 degree angle engine) also has a moveable rear wing where the front part of the wing’s top element can lift until the slot gap is 50mm and it should give the car a higher top speed (15km/h), thanks to lower downforce. This hydraulic-powered system is supposed to make overtaking slightly easier. The car also has a weight distribution that is 46% on the front axle (varies by 0.5%) and it is also shod with Pirelli rubber.

Talking about the tires, the team expressed that the Pirelli tires are quite different compared to the ones supplied previously by Bridgestone. The rubber on the new tires deflects and deforms in a different way and there are different mould lines too. The FW33 will be piloted by Rubens Barrichello and rookie Pastor Maldonado this year. Check out a high-res gallery after the jump.
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