Audi R18 adds a roof and mega LEDs for 2011 Le Mans

December 13, 2010 at 12:00 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Audi, Motorsports

This mean looking machine is charged with the responsibility of winning the tenth Le Mans title for Audi, who are the defending champions of the world’s most famous endurance race after conquering the 2010 podium with a 1-2-3 finish. And for the first time since its Le Mans debut in 1999, the four rings will contest a car with a roof.

“In the future, aerodynamic efficiency will be even more important at Le Mans than it was in the past,” says Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “A closed car has clear advantages in this respect. Our computer simulations have been confirmed in the wind tunnel and during initial track tests.”

The engines have shrunk for 2011 as the rule makers aim to cap engine power. The R18 will be motivated by a 3.7L V6 TDI (from a 5.5L V10) but no figures have been released. Although hybrid drive has been approved for 2011, Audi is keeping faith with a pure diesel. The 6-speed transmission has been modified for use with the smaller engine.

Today’s Audis sport eye catching LEDs, and it’s the same for the R18. Those imposing headlights, which are the first to completely consist of LEDs with optimised amount of light, are a technical highlight here. During the day, the lights form the shape of a “1″, inspired by Audi’s historic brand logo, not 1Malaysia.

Development of the R18 started in mid 2009 while the V6 TDI has been running on the dynos since the summer of 2010. This car completed its first track test with Allan McNish at the end of November. The planned race debut is at Spa-Francorchamps 6 Hours in May 2011. Prior to that, the prototype will be able to lap Le Mans during the official test day on April 24.

Le Mans 2011 happens on June 11-12. Audi will field three R18s, which will be entered by Audi Sport Team Joest. The team will contest the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup, consisting of seven endurance races on three continents (including the Le Mans 24 Hours) with two cars. At the opening race at Sebring in March, the team will use two “R15 plus plus” cars instead of the R18. “Sending the R18 into a race at such an early point in time would be difficult in terms of logistics and interfere with our development program,” explains Dr. Ullrich.

Gallery after the jump.
[Read more...]

23 Comments      

Malaysian driver Fairuz Fauzy parts ways with Team Lotus

December 13, 2010 at 10:33 am By Danny Tan Filed Under Formula 1, Lotus, Motorsports

Team Lotus reserve driver Fairuz Fauzy has parted ways with Team Lotus. The 28-year-old Malaysian driver’s next move is return to full-time racing next year. His contribution to the Malaysian owned team was two test days in the winter, and Friday practice runs in the Malaysian, British, German, Singapore and Abu Dhabi GPs.

A statement from Fauzy’s management confirms the divorce. “Just last week, Lotus Racing prematurely released Fairuz from what was supposed to be a five-year contract, a move some may see as a detriment to the team after the insight, experience and exposure Fairuz has gained over the last 12 months with Lotus Racing,” it read.

It will not be the last we’ll see him in the paddock though. “In view of such developments as well, Fairuz has decided to contemplate other options and offers he has been receiving as of late from other Formula 1 teams, which also affords him the opportunity and flexibility to compete in other racing series at the same time,” the statement added.

87 Comments      


Team Lotus reverts to green colour scheme for 2011

December 12, 2010 at 1:52 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Formula 1

It looks like the new Lotus Renault GP team will be the only team running around the track in black and gold livery next season, as Team Lotus have decided to continue using their green and yellow livery.

“Whether they copied us or we copied them that’s beside the point now. The point is what makes sense. Having two Lotus brands on the grid I think is no issue. having four black cars looking the same I think is silly and one has to relent. We’re not childish and emotional and saying ‘Oh no, we’ve got to be black and gold’. We’re pragmatic,” said Team Principal Tony Fernandes.

In his Twitter account he also revealed that the winner for the black and gold livery competition announced earlier would have his or her winning design painted on a showcar, and that they would launch a new competition based on a green and yellow design.

78 Comments      

Saudi Arabia’s KACST presents Proton Persona-based Aseelah car at Riyadh Motor Show 2010

December 11, 2010 at 6:10 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Malaysian Makes, Proton

What happens when you cross a Proton Persona with the Proton Satria Neo? The result is above – the Aseelah/Aseela, designed and built by the National Program for Automobile Technology, an affiliate of the King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology organization. It was exhibited at the Riyadh Motor Show 2010 this month.

There was news sometime ago about KACST and Lotus Engineering teaming up to develop Saudi Arabia’s automotive industry in terms of development and manufacturing capability. It’s not surprising that one of their first cars is based on the Persona, and a collection of other parts from the Proton parts bin it seems. In another arrangement, Lotus Engineering also used the Persona/GEN2 platform when it was contracted by China’s Youngman to develop Europestar-branded cars for the Chinese market.

Middle East-based news organization The Media Line reports that KACST will set up a vehicle production line at the cost of about 60 million Saudi Riyals to produce between 2,000 to 5000 cars a year, but the report doesn’t really provide a definitive answer on whether the Aseelah will be the first product being built by the KACST production line. But they did give an indication on how much a production version of the Aseelah would be sold at – under 50,000 Saudi riyals.

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a car from Saudi Arabia – the first was the Saudi GAZAL1 Concept based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen designed by King Saud University Students. Look after the jump for more images of the Aseelah/Aseela.
[Read more...]

171 Comments      

Race Against The Machine Sepang 2010 contest

December 11, 2010 at 5:33 pm By Paul Tan Filed Under Cars, Local News

AutoDetailer is having a “Race Against The Machine Sepang 2010″ photography contest in conjunction with tomorrow’s ZTH Time To Attack. The contest is a pro-bono effort and is non-profit, to cultivate a local community of car photographers. There are no entry fees and all levels of photographic talents are invited.

They have managed to source various sponsored prizes from an iPod Touch to photographer delights such as Crumpler bags, Manfrotto monopods and many more to a value of over RM7,000. The contest will have 8 main categories, namely:

  1. Best Panning Shot
  2. Best Action Shot
  3. Best Behind-The-Scenes Pit Shot
  4. Best Artistic Automotive Shot
  5. Best Photoshop®-processed image
  6. Best Lighting Shot
  7. Best Creative Shot from a Mobile Phone
  8. Best Overall Image that captures the TTA Series 2010

Photos will be judged on photographic quality & technical knowledge. You can use any camera as you can see, there’s even a category for camera phone shots. Simply head onto Sepang tomorrow, snap your photos, then visit the AutoDetailer Facebook page to find how how to submit your photos (instructions are not up yet as of now).

Leave a Comment      

Formula 1 to use 1.6L four-cylinder engines from 2013, ban on team orders lifted for 2011

December 11, 2010 at 4:59 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Formula 1, Motorsports

Yes, that’s right. The FIA’s World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) has approved new regulations which will see 1.6-litre four-cylinder engines replace the current 2.4L V8s from 2013. The goal is to be more eco friendly, as the smaller powerplants are expected to be 35% more frugal, whilst providing the same level of performance. Energy recovery systems and additional energy management will be utilised to ensure this is possible.

“The WMSC approved the introduction of a new specification engine from 2013, underlining the FIA’s commitment to improving sustainability and addressing the needs of the automotive industry. Following dialogue with the engine manufacturers and experts in this field, the power units will be four cylinders, 1.6 litre with high pressure gasoline injection up to 500 bar,” FIA explains.

The new regulations will also further limit the number of engines at allocated to each drivers. Currently, it’s eight units a season, but this will be limited to five in 2013 and four for subsequent seasons. Rev limits on the new engines will be reduced from the current 18,000 rpm to a maximum of 12,000 rpm.

At the same WMSC meeting, FIA bigwigs also made some changes to the rules for 2011. Among the major revisions are the removal of the ban on team orders, the introduction of driver-adjustable rear wings, outlawing double diffusers, stricter bodywork deflection tests and a requirement for one gearbox to last five race weekends, from the current four.

91 Comments      

Nissan GT-R sets new 0-100 kph benchmark – 3.046 secs

December 10, 2010 at 7:55 pm By Anthony Lim Filed Under Cars, International News, Nissan

nissan gtr

A MY2011 Nissan GT-R has set a new acceleration benchmark for the vehicle, with a standard production DBA-R35 taking just 3.046 seconds to get to 100 kph from a standing start on the main straight at the Sendai Highland raceway in Japan.

The event, held last month, was witnessed by a group of Japanese journalists and recorded by a V-Box measuring device, and Nissan engineers said the time would have been even faster had the road temperature been higher than the 13 degrees Celsius on the test day in Japan. Nissan chief vehicle engineer Kazutoshi Mizuno, the R35′s Godfather, told journalists that with warmer track temperatures “the GT-R will reach the world of two seconds!”

Now, a search for the fastest production cars on the planet might have you thinking the same GT-R clocked that run in 2.9 secs, but that time is actually the 0-60 mph measurement, which is just a range shorter than the 0-100 kph (effectively, 0-62 mph) one being bandied about by Nissan.

Whatever the case may be, both times place the current R35 as the 13th fastest production car, and though the new sprint time was achieved with the car in R-Mode, journalists at the Highland Raceway test were still able to achieve 3.1 seconds for the 0-100 kph dash in the car’s less aggressive A-Mode. Which still puts it right alongside the Koenigsegg CCXR and Ferrari 430 Scuderia, number 14 and 15 on the list …

88 Comments      

VW teams with Fender for Premium Audio System

December 10, 2010 at 5:03 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Cars, International News, Volkswagen

Volkswagen of America announced that it has joined forces with Fender, the maker of iconic Strat and Tele electric guitars, to equip selected 2012 models with the all-new Fender Premium Audio System. The new Jetta GLI will be the first to get the system, developed exclusively for Volkswagen, before other Jettas, the new 2012 midsize sedan and 2012 Beetle receives it.

The Fender Premium Audio System is a collaboration between Fender and Panasonic. Claimed to “deliver uncompromised clarity, regardless of volume, with a unique sound that Americans will love”, the nine-speaker system took three years to develop.

It features proprietary Panasonic speaker technology that covers the cabin with directional sound from front door speakers that generate imaging beyond the capabilities of traditional speaker designs. It cuts through noise with front dual voice coil speakers, with extended range for all musical genres. The design features lower inter-modulation distortion and smooth mid-range response to eliminate harshness. It is harmonically complex, with extended range tweeters and properly voiced 16 cm speakers revealing original instrumentation timbre and harmonic richness.

“The best seat in the house is now behind the wheel of a Volkswagen. Our two iconic companies – one with a passion for driving, one with a passion for music – are joining forces to bring the raw emotion of live music to the driving experience,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America.

9 Comments      

Group Lotus wants to be more than just a title sponsor

December 10, 2010 at 2:57 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under Formula 1, Lotus, Motorsports

The “Battle of the Lotuses” is the talk of the town, with Proton owned Group Lotus joining Formula 1 by buying over Renault’s shares in the Renault F1 Team. The team will be called Lotus-Renault, with Lotus being the title sponsor. Regarding the name, it’s much like what Vodafone or Petronas is to McLaren and Mercedes GP respectively; so happens that Lotus is a car manufacturer.

But GL’s ambitions are higher than just being a title sponsor and shareholder, although that’s the starting point. GL CEO Dany Bahar hints about taking full control of the team in the next few years. “Our way of doing things means that at the end of the project we would like to control it ourselves,” the former Ferrari employee told Autosport.

“It’s the same route – it starts somewhere and then you slowly take control. We would not be in for the long-term just to be a sponsor on the team,” he added.

Lotus is in the midst of a major renewal, and signaled their intent by wheeling out five concepts at the Paris Motor Show. They’ll need a lot of money to realise that future range of cars. Do they have enough for Formula 1? “We would not commit without backing from shareholders, banks and investors. If we didn’t it would be foolish to come up with ambitious plans like this,” Bahar assures.

There will be three “home teams” with Malaysian backing next season. Who will you support at Sepang? :)

86 Comments      

BMW 1-Series M Coupe is finally out in the open!

December 10, 2010 at 12:34 pm By Danny Tan Filed Under BMW, Cars, International News

This is the hottest version of the 1-Series that has been a long time coming. Called the 1-Series M Coupe, it’s clear (from the posed images) that BMW sees it as the spiritual successor to the original E30 BMW M3, as they’re closer in size (just 33 mm longer but much wider), and the M3 has grown greatly through the years.

The M Coupe is powered by the twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 from the Z4 sDrive35is, making this the first car by M division that uses a standard production engine. The all-aluminum N54 engine puts out 335 hp at 5,900 rpm and 450 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. An overboost function adds 50 Nm at full pelt. Redline is at 7,000 rpm.

The fastest One does 0-100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds on to a 250 km/h limited top speed. A close ratio 6-speed manual gearbox transfers drive to the rear wheels. As comparison, the 420 PS M3 Coupe (with DCT) sold here does the century sprint in 4.6 seconds, so the gap is just three tenths of a second.

To stop the car, the 1,495 kg M Coupe’s brakes are M3 grade, says BMW. The internally-vented, cross-drilled cast iron discs measure 360 mm in diameter up front and 350 mm at the back. Each disc is connected to a floating aluminum hub by cast-in stainless-steel pins to reduce heat. The condition of the brake linings can be checked from the dash display. The wheels look familiar? They are 19-inch items from the M3 Competition Package and M3 GTS, wrapped with 245/35 rubber up front and 265/35 rear tyres.

The aluminum suspension on the M Coupe was “originally conceived for the current-generation M3″ and tuned specifically for this application.

The front struts, swivel bearings, central subframe and an additional thrust panel below the engine (to maximize lateral stiffness) are all in aluminum, as are the dampers. Front/rear weight balance is 51.7/48.3.

The M Coupe is fitted with a variable M differential lock. This generates lock-up torque on-demand and variably to provide optimum traction. The DSC includes ABS, ASC, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), hill-hold assistant, Cornering Brake Control (CBC), a brake fade compensation function and a brake drying function. For raising the intervention threshold, M Dynamic Mode (MDM) “enables slight amounts of dynamic oversteer under specific circumstances”. BMW says that this mode gives the fastest laptimes, but one can still fully switch DSC off (ABS remains on).

There’s also a M Drive button on the steering wheel that we first saw in the 2006 M5. Pressing it activates a razor-sharp throttle response program.

Looks wise, the front is dominated by three large air intakes. The central one is covered by a honeycomb grille while the two outer intakes are left completely open. The right one feeds air directly to the engine oil cooler and the left hole supplies the supplemental coolant radiator. On the sides, you’ll find trademark M chrome gills and wing mirrors that have the same shape as the M3′s. The rear end sports a lip spoiler, side openings on the bumper and quad pipes – two on each side. The front and rear lamps have slight changes too – LED eyebrows for the Adaptive Xenons and L-shaped rear elements.

If you’re wondering, this car is 5mm longer and 53 mm wider than a 135i Coupe. The tracks are 71 mm wider up front and 46 mm wider in the rear. Widened fenders and rear quarter panels were needed to accommodate the tracks. There’s no option of a moon roof, which saves 15 kg and lowers the centre of gravity.

The 1 Series M Coupe comes with Air Curtains, which were previewed on the Vision EfficientDynamics concept from Frankfurt 2009 and used here for the first time in a production car. It works to improve air flow around the wheel arches and significantly reduces turbulence.

The Air Curtain system consists of openings in the outer section of the lower front fascia that route high-pressure air through ducts at each front corner.

The ducts (approximately 10 x 3 cm wide) are designed to channel air to openings at the front of each wheel arch, where it is discharged through a very narrow opening at high speed. This air stream covers the side of the front wheels like a curtain, reducing turbulence.

There’s no Air Curtain for the rear wheels, and the rear openings you can see aft of the rear wheels are for style.

Lastly, the cabin is in dark Alcantara with orange contrast stitching covering the door panels, door pulls, instrument cluster binnacle, dash panel, and gearshift and handbrake lever boots. You’ll also get an M-specific instrument cluster with gray dials, red pointers and white backlighting. More M logos can be found on the driver’s footrest and door sills.

Large gallery after the jump.
[Read more...]

41 Comments