Think your job’s good? Not only did evo magazine’s Dickie Meaden get to drive Audi’s Le Mans 24 Winning R18 TDI at Italy’s Misano World Circuit, but he was given tuition beforehand – by a certain Alan McNish. Jealous much? (more…)
Author: admin
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evo drives the Audi R18 TDI
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Golf Blue-e-Motion enjoys RAC Future Car Challenge win
Volkswagen’s Golf Blue-e-Motion has won its class at this year’s RAC Future Car Challenge, which took place last weekend.Repeating last year’s success, this year the Blue-e-Motion was piloted by Folko Rohde, an electric motoring engineer with Volkswagen, and co-driver Fabienne Kleinert. The route began at Brighton’s Madeira Drive and ended 92 kilometres (57 miles) later, on Pall Mall, a street in the City of Westminster, London. Competing in the Prototype class, the Golf went home with the Most Energy Efficient Regular Car title.
Returning a figure of 12.1 kWh, the Golf was, understandably, some way off the overall winning (microscopic) Gordon Murray Design T.27 (7.0 kWh), but streets ahead of the highest-placed Toyota Prius Plug-In Hybrid (27.6).
Electricity from a lithium-ion battery, with an energy capacity of 26.5 kWh, feeds the motor, which develops a maximum power of 85 kW/114 hp and a continuous output of 50 kW (67 hp). 270Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque is available as soon as you step on the loud (or quiet) pedal. A range of around 150 kilometres (93 miles) is possible, depending on driving style and use of systems such as air conditioning. Volkswagen plans to have a production version of the Golf blue-e-motion in showrooms by 2013.
[Source: Volkswagen]
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evo review: Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0
As part of evo magazine’s search for its car of the year, Chris Harris got behind the wheel of Porsche’s epic GT3 RS 4.0 model. Producing 368 kW/500 hp from its naturally aspirated 4.0 L unit, this RS can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.9 seconds and travel around the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in just 7 minutes and 27 seconds. (more…) -
Lamborghini Gallardo: “I’m melting! melting!”
Now, this is what you call dedication. Or perhaps, insanity? This Lamborghini Gallardo was taking part in the Targa High Country, a tarmac rally that takes place on closed roads around Victoria, Australia, when its occupants, Jason and John White, suddenly felt liked they were being barbecued alive. A brief, mid-stage discussion regarding their options saw them carry on until the end – and win the event by a clear ten seconds. (more…) -
MINI Yours personalisation program launched
MINI has announced an extensive new range of premium options for its Hatch, Coupé, Convertible and Clubman models, with the Countryman being added towards the end of next year. MINI Yours promises a vast catalogue of exclusive paintwork, tattoos, upholsteries and interior trims.“The sheer number of options available through MINI Yours means customers can tailor-make their MINI using exclusive colours, designs and materials like never before; creating a MINI like no other on the road,” said MINI’s UK Director, Jochen Goller.
Limited edition models such as the MINI Soho, Clubman Hampton and London 2012 edition have now been integrated into the MINI Yours program, with owners selecting as many or as few options as they desire. Additionally, MINI has added a new model, the Avenue, to the range, which comes complete with a special MINI Yours package, including special effect bonnet stripes, 17-inch twin-blade spoke alloys, Satellite Grey Soda Lounge leather upholstery with ‘Soda’ design motif on the seats and leather-trimmed bi-colour multi-function steering wheel.
Finished in either metallic Laguna Green or Highclass Grey, the MINI Avenue package is an extra £4,880 (€ 5,675) on top of a MINI One or One D model, meaning a MINI One D Avenue would set you back £19,360 (€ 22,500). If you think you’ve seen it before, that’s because MINI Japan recently launched it as the Crystal edition.
[Source: MINI]
