Archive for November, 2009
Fifth Gear may be rescued by other stations
TIff Needle, the leading male on the highly-rated British auto review show revealed via his Twitter profile that he is still hoping to get the show resurrected on another television channel and did not rule out the possibility of having his own show. Replying when asked about the future of the show, Needle revealed, “Thanks for the support. We’re still hoping Fifth Gear might be resurrected on another channel otherwise why not my own show?”
Fifth Gear, a program that was regarded as a rival to BBC’s Top Gear program was cancelled by channel Five after numerous seasons. Apparently, it was cancelled because it failed to make it into channel Five’s top 30 most-watched list.
If the show is resurrected on another channel, it may not be called Fifth Gear due to some possible copyright issues with channel Five. It would be great if the show makes a comeback even with a different name, as long as it carries the same DNA. The show was treated to a different angle compared to the more flamboyant Top Gear. Lets hope it gets back on air!
2011 Chevrolet Cruze for the US market unveiled
General Motors has officially unveiled the US-spec 2011 Cruze that will also make its first American public debut at this week’s Los Angeles Auto Show. However if you are waiting to drive home the Cruze, you will have to wait for about 9 months. In the US the Cruze is offered with two engine options, both from the 4-cylinder family and feature full variable valve timing. First of which is a turbocharged Ecotec 1.4 liter that outputs an estimated 138hp and 200Nm of torque (148 lb.-ft.). The automaker claims that the powerplant’s fuel efficiency enables a cruising range of more than 800 kilometers (500 miles).
The other engine is an Ecotec 1.8 liter that is normally-aspirated. Unfortunately the automaker did not reveal power figures for this engine. Potential buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission. There are three trim levels to choose from including LS, LT and LTZ.
As standard, the compact sedan comes with 10 standard air bags (frontal, side-impact, roof rail head curtain, rear seat side air bags and new knee air bags), electronic stability control with rollover sensing, ABS, Bluetooth, USB connectivity and navigation system, XM Satellite Radio and OnStar as well as electric power steering.
There is also an audio system that includes MP3 playback capability, six speakers and an auxiliary jack. 16-, 17- and 18-inch wheels are available as well. The Chevrolet Cruze for both the US and Canadian markets will be assembled in Lordstown, Ohio. Pricing information should be revealed sometime this week but General Motors confirmed that the Cruze is backed by a five-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. Look for an image gallery after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
AMG considering to produce performance diesel engines?
Mercedes-Benz’s in house high performance division AMG may use diesel fuel to power its engines in the future. Talking to Whatcar, AMG’s product manager Oliver Wiech said the following when asked about using diesel: “We are taking an open view and looking at lots of options, but if you look at our (official) announcement on the electric SLS, you can see what is in the future.” I have started to like very recent diesel engines. They are very efficient and these engines also feature a high dose of torque which, in some engines can be felt beyond 4,000 rpm.
Kimi Raikkonen may end up rallying in 2010
According to a report publised by the FIA World Rally Championship’s official website, former Ferrari driver and Formula 1 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen is close sign a contract with the Citroen WRC team for a drive in 2010. If the deal goes through, he will race the C4 rally car on all 13 rounds of the 2010 season. The report indicated that Red Bull, which is Raikkonen’s personal sponsor is backing the Finn’s attempt in WRC. Raikkonen drove at this year’s Rally Finland in an Abarth Grande Punto S2000 car. He would partner six-time World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb if joins the French automaker’s rally outfit. An official announcement is expected soon so stay tuned!
BMW sells Formula 1 team back to Peter Sauber, team back on track!
BMW has officially announced that it has sold its Formula 1 outfit back to Peter Sauber for an undisclosed sum. The arrangement with Qadbak will not proceed as well, hence the team should be part of next year’s grid once again.
“I am very relieved that we have found this solution, it means we can keep the Hinwil location and the majority of workplaces. I am convinced that the new team has a very good future in Formula 1 whose current transformation with new framework conditions will benefit the private teams,” said Peter Sauber.
Dr Klaus Draeger, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG with responsibility for Development, said, “We are very happy with this solution. This fulfils the most important requirement for a successful future for the team. Our relationship with Peter Sauber has always been excellent and marked by absolute respect. We would like to express our thanks to Peter Sauber and the whole team for the excellent cooperation during the recent four years.”
A further agreement with Peter Sauber proposes personnel cuts from the current level of 388 to around 250 employees. This means that there should be a total of 26 cars from 13 teams on next year’s grid. It should be an interesting season!
Volkswagen to become Formula 1 engine supplier?
Along with Mercedes, Ferrari, Renault and Cosworth, Volkswagen is seriously evaluating a move of joining these companies to supply Formula 1 engines, according to Hans-Joachim Stuck, representative for Volkswagen who explained to Autosport. Joachim Stuck did however say that Volkswagen would not be interested in becoming a partner with a team, like what McLaren had with Mercedes before establishing Mercedes GP.
“If you’re the world’s largest manufacturer is natural that we’re thinking about [Formula 1], but not before 2012,” he said. “We’re looking for innovative things, and Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport. Two years ago there was some talk that Volkswagen is going to buy the Red Bull F1 team, which we didn’t need to buy. Why should we stick with one team if we can give our engines to more teams?” he added. Joachim Stuck also went on to say that the expansion of the grid and new low-cost regulations is making it possible for Volkswagen to come in as an engine supplier. The more the merrier!
Renault Twingo Gordini RS: Interior images released
Renault has revived the Gordini brand and the first vehicle in the company’s line-up that has been treated to the Gordini finish is the Renault Twingo. The Gordini version is based on the powerful Twingo RS 133 and only has styling upgrades evident on the outside as well as on the inside. We now have more images of the interior to share with you. The Twingo Gordini RS is able to crank out 133hp and 160Nm of torque from its 1.6 liter engine. Look for an updated image gallery after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
F10 BMW 5 Series pricing revealed!
BMW’s answer to the all new Mercedes E-Class was recently revealed to the world and it comes with several engine options including the 523i, 528i, 535i and the range topping 550i from the petrol family while the diesel front is made up by the 520d, 525d, and 530d. You can opt between a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic. The 184hp 520d goes for 39,950 Euros while the 204hp 525d and 245hp 530d are priced at 44,700 Euros and 49,300 Euros repectively.
The cheapest petrol version is the 204hp 523i that has a 41,900 Euros price tag. The 528i that outputs 258hp can be yours for 45,400 Euros while the 306hp 535i breaks the 50k barrier with a 50,300 Euros price tag. The top of the line 550i that can output 407hp and a massive 600Nm of torque from its 4.4 liter twin turbo V8 demands a massive 70,500 Euros. To learn more about the all new mid-sized sedan from BMW, please click here.
