Month: June 2011

Volkswagen Group Research’s quest to eradicate accidents altogether has given us a glimpse into the future of motoring – and we like it. The “Temporary Auto Pilot” (TAP) system, fitted to a Passat Estate, utilizes radar-, camera-, and ultrasonic-based sensors to maintain a safe distance to the car in front (at a speed pre-selected by the driver), reduce speeds before a bend, and keep your vehicle in the centre of its lane. Also impressive is the fact that it also observes speed limits and overtaking rules in its environment.

[Source: Volkswagen]

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Audi is celebrating the arrival of its 100,000th A1 hatchback. King Albert II of Belgium was present at the factory in Forest along with Audi AG Chairman Rupert Stadler, as all 2,400 workers at the plant signed the milestone model. Audi acquired the Brussels plant back in 2007, and spent around €300 million on it, before the car’s official launch at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

[Source: Audi]

The road version of MINI’s new coupé has only just been revealed, and has yet to show its face publicly. All that will change this weekend, but don’t expect to see any luxuries – such as wind-down windows, or a CD player, or even a heater. That’s right, for the first time in its history, the fabled Nürburgring 24-hour race will host a car’s official début – the MINI John Cooper Works Coupé Endurance, which will be there to compete in the “SP 3T” class.

Powered by a tweaked version of the twin-scroll turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder unit, output is 250 hp (up from 211 hp on the road car) with a top speed is in excess of 240 km/h (149 mph). As mentioned earlier, the interior has been stripped of pretty much everything – apart from a single RECARO bucket and substantial rollcage. This helps to shed an astonishing 535 lbs, taking the MINI’s weight to an anorexic-like 2,200 lbs.

The Coupé’s A-pillars and windscreen are sharply raked by 13 degrees compared to the Hatchback model, which results in a smaller frontal area, and enhanced aerodynamic properties, which is useful. Along with the obligatory JCW Aerodynamics Package there’s also a substantial front spoiler, rear diffuser and adjustable rear wing.

[Source: MINI Motorsport]

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Coinciding with fifteen years of Porsche Boxster production, the Stuttgart company has also broken the 300,000 units barrier – including sales of the Boxster-based Cayman coupé – which was introduced in 2006. The 300,000th model was a Boxster Spyder in Platinum Silver metallic with Carrera red natural leather upholstery.

When the first-generation Boxster hit dealerships in late 1996, it was powered by a 2.5L flat six-cylinder engine, and it was also Porsche’s first road vehicle since the 550 Spyder that was specifically designed as a roadster.

These days, more models are available, such as the Boxster and Cayman S, and S Black Editions, right up to the 330 hp Cayman R Coupé – the most horsepower available in a mid-engined Porsche. And, looking to the future, the electric-powered Boxster E gives us a taste of things to come.

[Source: Porsche]

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CAR Magazine’s Jethro Bovingdon has been driving Porsche’s swansong to the outgoing 997 model range – the GT3 RS 4.0. Producing a handy 500 bhp from its naturally aspirated 4.0 unit, the GT3 RS 4.0 cracks 60mph in just 3.8 seconds and laps the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in just 7 minutes and 27 seconds. (more…)

BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt has announced that the M3 DTM Concept Car will make its début in Munich next month. The unveiling will take place during the DTM event on 16th and 17th July at Munich’s Olympic Stadium. The three teams involved are BMW Team Schnitzer, BMW Team RBM and BMW Team RMG. The cars are just about ready for a full testing programme before a full assault on the championship takes place in 2012. Sadly BMW hasn’t even released a teaser photo, so you’ll just have to make do with one of a GT2 car, for now…

[Source: BMW Motorsport]