The V8 Super car games Championship schedule for next year is an improvement on this year's, but there's no new Singapore event - and Bahrain has dropped off
A truly national V8 Supercar Championship again
V8 Supercars Australia has finally announced its calendar for next year's championship -- and much improved it is, with Western Australia back in the series, Queensland Raceway retained and a much shorter mid-season break than the nine weeks this year.
One Middle East event has been lost, from Bahrain, leaving an early gap in the season before Adelaide's Clipsal 500, and there is no new Singapore round -- although there may be from 2012, but at a new permanent circuit rather than as part of the Singapore Grand Prix.
The championship will have 14 rounds again and be launched with a pre-season test at Sydney's Eastern Creek -- even though a round is no longer held there.
With Perth's Barbagallo Raceway back as the fourth round in early May, the championship becomes truly national again, visiting every Australian state.
After Perth was dropped from this year's schedule just before the season began, the WA government had already committed to assist with an upgrade of the Wanneroo venue, although the biggest changes won't be in place until 2012.
"V8 Supercars looks forward to the new facilities that will be in place in Perth by the time of the 2012 championship event," V8 Supercars Australia chief executive Martin Whitaker said.
The series will begin for the second year at the elaborate Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi in early February, with the next round being Adelaide's Clipsal 500 in mid-March.
A new deal has been struck to retain a round at Ipswich's Queensland Raceway but it moves back in the season to August -- the final event before the endurance rounds.
"We thank both the Queensland Government and the Ipswich City Council for their efforts and assistance getting this venue locked into the championship," Whitaker said.
"The support that we have received from both the government and the council gives us the opportunity of creating a real differentiator for the championship at Queensland Raceway.
"Our plans are to announce an exciting new development in late November."
There had been speculation for some months of the V8 Supercars being added to the Singapore GP program in late September, but that has come to nought.
"We came to the decision, due to commercial and logistical reasons, to concentrate on the new permanent circuit at Changi (near Singapore's airport) which opens in early 2012 rather than the GP in September," Whitaker said.
"The close proximity to the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 and our objective of trying to accommodate Singapore as a full championship round made it very difficult for all parties, particularly our teams, to come to an agreement.
"We look forward to including Singapore in the March-April period of 2012."
Bahrain, the first Middle East venue for the V8 Supercars in 2006 and which this year formed a Gulf region double-header with Abu Dhabi at the start of the season, has dropped off the calendar, supposedly because of congestion in the desert circuit's schedule.
There is no word on whether a Bahrain round will be resurrected beyond 2011, but both sides have spoken kindly of each other.
An announcement from Bahrain said: "The decision not to host the Desert 400 was driven by the constraints of Bahrain International circuit's international racing calendar, as Bahrain prepares to host a GP2 event in February and the opening round of the 2011 Formula One World Championship on March 11-13, 2011."
BIC chief executive Sheik Salman bin Isa Al Khalifa said: "This has been a very big decision for the BIC and could only been achieved thanks to our long-standing partnership with (V8 Supercars chairman) Tony Cochrane and his team at the V8 Supercars Championship Series.
"After four world-class events together, all of us at the BIC are grateful for their understanding of the logistical challenges that faced Bahrain in trying to organise two major international race meetings in the timeframe available.
"The Desert 400 has built innumerable links between the Middle East and the competitors, fans and organisers of the V8 Supercars -- we have many friends in the Australian V8 series and we will continue to track the championship with interest and maintain our great relationship in the future."
V8 Supercar CEO Whitaker, who was recruited from the BIC, said: "Bahrain was the pioneer of V8 Supercars racing in the Middle East.
"The success of the race was the catalyst for developing the double-header with Abu Dhabi, but we fully understand the challenges that Bahrain is now facing with the proximity of the Desert 400 to the opening round of the F1 world championship.
There will always be a really strong affinity and friendship between the Kingdom of Bahrain, Bahrain International Circuit and V8 Supercars and we wish them luck in the future as the circuit continues to lead the development of motorsport and corporate hospitality in the region".
2011 V8 Supercar calendar
February 10-12 - Yas Marina 400, Abu Dhabi
March 17-20 - Clipsal 500 Adelaide (F)
March 24-27 - Australian Grand Prix (non-championship), Albert Park, Melbourne
April 15-17 - ITM 400, Hamilton, New Zealand
May 6-8 - Barbagallo Raceway, Perth, WA (F)
May 20-22 - Winton Motor Raceway, Vic
June 17-19 - SkyCity Triple Crown, Hidden Valley, Darwin, NT
July 8-10 - Sucrogen 400, Reid Park, Townsville (F)
August 19-21 - Queensland Raceway, Ipswich, Q'ld (F)
September 16-18 - L&H 500, Phillip Island, Victoria
October 6-9 - Supercheap Auto 1000, Mt Panorama, Bathurst, NSW (F)
October 21-23 - Armor All Gold Coast 600, Surfers Paradise, Q'ld
November 11-13 - Falken Tasmania Challenge, Symmons Plains, Launceston, Tas
November 18-20 - Norton 360 Challenge, Sandown Raceway, Melbourne, Vic (F)
December 2-4 - Sydney Telstra 500, Homebush, NSW (F)
F = Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series round
NASCAR set for thriller finale
NASCAR is set for its most intense conclusion to its Sprint Cup for years after the latest round on the 4.283km Talladega Superspeedway, where lap averages topped 200mph (320kmh) at times over the weekend -- despite restrictor plates.
With only three races remaining this season -- in Texas, Phoenix and Homestead in Florida -- Jimmie Johnson, champion the past four years, leads Denny Hamlin by 14 points and Kevin Harvick by 38.
Australia's Marcos Ambrose has led the past two Cup races but wound up only 34th at Talladega after a bump late in the race sent him into a spin, damaging his Toyota.
Clint Bowyer edged Richard Childress Racing teammate Kevin Harvick for the win as a last-lap caution froze the field with the Chevrolet drivers almost in a dead heat.
The race produced 87 lead changes -- the second most in NASCAR history.
A multi-car accident -- traditional in the closing stages at Talladega - sent A.J. Allmendinger's Ford flipping across the track as the leaders roared toward the white flag, bringing out the final caution.
Bowyer remains 12th -- and last -- in The Chase for the title after being penalised at the first of the final 10 rounds, but he is only 50 points out of seventh place.
F1 refugee Juan Pablo Montoya finished third at Talladega to complete a Chevrolet sweep of the podium places, followed by David Reutimann and youngster Joey Logano in Toyotas.
Harvick received significant front-end damage with 48 laps to go when Ambrose slid in heavy traffic and turned left into his path.
Harvick hit Ambrose's Camry in the left front and the Chevy looked to be too damaged to remain a contender for victory.
However, Harvick used drafting partners to perfection in the closing stages and hooked up with Reutimann as he challenged for the win.
"It (the contact with Ambrose) definitely didn't help, but we still were able to get up in the right position," Harvick said.
Denny Hamlin's championship hopes looked in jeopardy as he dropped off the lead lap mid-race but he received the free pass, returning him to the lead lap, after the caution flags flew from the Ambrose-Harvick incident.
Hamlin finished ninth -- two places behind Johnson.
Ambrose said his car had been quick "but once again things didn't work out as planned".
"The speed was there to run with the best of them, and we were lining up for a big finish," Ambrose said. "It's a shame about the (late) spin, but that's racing in the pack at Talladega.
"The crew did an awesome job to get the car back out there running (after earlier incidents, including a bump from Bowyer than sent him into Harvick), we tried playing the waiting game, but the cautions never came.
"Even though the season is winding up, we're still giving it everything - bring on Texas next weekend."
NASCAR Sprint Cup after 33 of 36 rounds - Jimmie Johnson (Chevrolet) 6149 points, Denny Hamlin (Toyota) 6139, Kevin Harvick (Chevrolet) 6126, Jeff Gordon (Chevrolet) 5934, Kyle Busch (Toyota) 5919, Carl Edwards (Ford) 5902, Tony Stewart (Chevrolet) 5841, Matt Kenseth (Ford) 5825, Kurt Busch (Dodge) 5796, Jeff Burton (Chevrolet) 5797, Clint Bowyer (Chevrolet) 5788, Greg Biffle (Ford) 5767. Australia's Marcos Ambrose (Toyota) is 26th on 3113 points.
Image: Ipswich 300 2010 Queensland Raceway jamiewhincup.com.au
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Thứ Tư, 28 tháng 3, 2012
Nissan Patrol diesel delayed until 2013
And right-hand drive petrol is at least a year away
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Despite its appearance at the recent 2010 Sydney motor show, the all-new Nissan Patrol, powered by a 5.6-litre petrol V8, is still a year away from local showrooms. And fans of diesel power will have to wait up to three years for the all-new model.
The news was confirmed by the Chief Operating Officer of Nissan, Toshiyuki Shiga, on a recent visit to Australia during the show.
After a speech to the media declaring "Nissan has never been more committed to Australia than it is right now," he later admitted that one of Australia's favourite heavy-duty four-wheel drives had slipped down the priority list because of the Global Financial Crisis, and tough new emissions regulations in Europe.
In the interim, Nissan Australia will continue to sell the current model 3.0-litre turbodiesel Patrol indefinitely.
"The program is alive but it is still under study," Shiga-san told the Carsales Network.
"One of the reasons we are delaying the decision on the diesel is the new emissions regulations in the European market. It is very difficult because it is a heavy vehicle."
The new Patrol is longer, wider, taller and heavier than the Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series and shares some of its underbody and structure with an Infiniti SUV sold in North America and other markets.
The Carsales Network has been told that Nissan is yet to decide which diesel engine to use in the new Patrol. One option is to redevelop Nissan's current 3.0-litre turbodiesel to meet new emissions standards, another option is to use a 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 from Renault. Shiga-san said, there was also a possibility of utilising a DaimlerChrylser diesel engine.
"We have three choices," he said, "and we discuss these matters."
When asked if there was a chance Nissan may not build a diesel Patrol at all if it becomes too expensive (the only likely markets are Europe and Australia), Shiga-san repeated earlier comments: "The program is still alive. But it is still under study. It will definitely be after 2012. We are only now developing the right hand drive [petrol version]."
The new generation Patrol was developed mainly with the Middle East in mind, which is a left-hand drive, primarily petrol-engined market.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
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Despite its appearance at the recent 2010 Sydney motor show, the all-new Nissan Patrol, powered by a 5.6-litre petrol V8, is still a year away from local showrooms. And fans of diesel power will have to wait up to three years for the all-new model.
The news was confirmed by the Chief Operating Officer of Nissan, Toshiyuki Shiga, on a recent visit to Australia during the show.
After a speech to the media declaring "Nissan has never been more committed to Australia than it is right now," he later admitted that one of Australia's favourite heavy-duty four-wheel drives had slipped down the priority list because of the Global Financial Crisis, and tough new emissions regulations in Europe.
In the interim, Nissan Australia will continue to sell the current model 3.0-litre turbodiesel Patrol indefinitely.
"The program is alive but it is still under study," Shiga-san told the Carsales Network.
"One of the reasons we are delaying the decision on the diesel is the new emissions regulations in the European market. It is very difficult because it is a heavy vehicle."
The new Patrol is longer, wider, taller and heavier than the Toyota LandCruiser 200 Series and shares some of its underbody and structure with an Infiniti SUV sold in North America and other markets.
The Carsales Network has been told that Nissan is yet to decide which diesel engine to use in the new Patrol. One option is to redevelop Nissan's current 3.0-litre turbodiesel to meet new emissions standards, another option is to use a 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 from Renault. Shiga-san said, there was also a possibility of utilising a DaimlerChrylser diesel engine.
"We have three choices," he said, "and we discuss these matters."
When asked if there was a chance Nissan may not build a diesel Patrol at all if it becomes too expensive (the only likely markets are Europe and Australia), Shiga-san repeated earlier comments: "The program is still alive. But it is still under study. It will definitely be after 2012. We are only now developing the right hand drive [petrol version]."
The new generation Patrol was developed mainly with the Middle East in mind, which is a left-hand drive, primarily petrol-engined market.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
Fiat Mio: a car for the people, by the people
Futuristic commuter concept is the result of a massive online collaborative process involving the general public
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Fiat Peugeot has previously enlisted the help of the general public to come up with a vision for the car of the future, and now Fiat has adopted the same approach to create a mini-commuter concept.
The offbeat Mio concept is a car created online by more than 17,000 people, and revealed at the Sao Paulo motor show in Brazil. The central thrust of the initiative was to make the car more personal.
The Mio measures less than 2.5m in length and its design highlights include covered wheels (to minimise drag and therefore increase efficiency), camouflaged headlights and a huge glasshouse. Inside, there are touch-screen controls and mobile phone integration technology.
The Mio reached fruition after an online collaborative process in which more than 17,000 people were involved, with the central theme being urban mobility and sustainability. It was "designed for a world where the driver can be simply a passenger and can have the vehicle controlled through intelligent means."
Fiat design boss Peter Fassbender was quoted by Autocar magazine as saying: "A good designer tries to realise the wishes of everyone, and with this concept car we were truly working on everybody's behalf."
The Mio's evolution involves several stages, with the first round of questions posed to the Mio community being about features and design. Later, users will be asked for branding and marketing ideas.
Brazil was chosen as the home for Fiat Mio because it's a digitally sophisticated and innovative market, and Fiat's largest after its home turf of Italy. Fiat is also Brazil's No1 car brand, with a market share of around 25 per cent, and the country's fifth-largest advertiser, spending about $80 million a year.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site.
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Fiat Peugeot has previously enlisted the help of the general public to come up with a vision for the car of the future, and now Fiat has adopted the same approach to create a mini-commuter concept.
The offbeat Mio concept is a car created online by more than 17,000 people, and revealed at the Sao Paulo motor show in Brazil. The central thrust of the initiative was to make the car more personal.
The Mio measures less than 2.5m in length and its design highlights include covered wheels (to minimise drag and therefore increase efficiency), camouflaged headlights and a huge glasshouse. Inside, there are touch-screen controls and mobile phone integration technology.
The Mio reached fruition after an online collaborative process in which more than 17,000 people were involved, with the central theme being urban mobility and sustainability. It was "designed for a world where the driver can be simply a passenger and can have the vehicle controlled through intelligent means."
Fiat design boss Peter Fassbender was quoted by Autocar magazine as saying: "A good designer tries to realise the wishes of everyone, and with this concept car we were truly working on everybody's behalf."
The Mio's evolution involves several stages, with the first round of questions posed to the Mio community being about features and design. Later, users will be asked for branding and marketing ideas.
Brazil was chosen as the home for Fiat Mio because it's a digitally sophisticated and innovative market, and Fiat's largest after its home turf of Italy. Fiat is also Brazil's No1 car brand, with a market share of around 25 per cent, and the country's fifth-largest advertiser, spending about $80 million a year.
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site.
Thứ Hai, 26 tháng 3, 2012
Mercedes BIOME: a true nature's child
Three-pointed star creates an ingenious vehicle that grows and thrives like the leaves on a tree
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This outlandish looking contraption is dubbed the 'BIOME' and is Mercedes-Benz's take on a vehicle that's fully integrated into the ecosystem -- from the moment of its creation right through to the end of its service life.
The hovercraft-like device was conceived for the Los Angeles Design Challenge by the designers from the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studios in California.
This year the competition had called for the creation of a vision of a safe and comfortable 2+2 compact car featuring good handling and a first-class design, and with a kerb weight of only 1000lb (around 454kg).
The BIOME is fabricated from an ultralight material called BioFibre and tips the scales at just 875.5lb (around 394kg). Mercedes-Benz says this material is significantly lighter than metal or plastic, yet more robust than steel.
BioFibre is grown from proprietary DNA in the Mercedes-Benz nursery, where it collects energy from the sun and stores it in a liquid chemical bond called BioNectar4534 (yes, we agree, this does sound like it's straight out of a sci-fi movie).
As part of this process, the vehicle is created from two seeds: The interior of the BIOME grows from the DNA in the Mercedes star on the front of the vehicle, while the exterior grows from the star on the rear.
To meet specific customer requirements, the Mercedes star is genetically engineered in each case, and the vehicle "grows" when the genetic code is combined with the seed capsule. The wheels are grown from four separate seeds.
The Mercedes-Benz BIOME is also powered by BioNectar4534, which is stored in the BioFibre material of the chassis, interior, and wheels.
There's never likely to be a shortage of the substance as Mercedes-Benz has developed a technology to equip trees with special receptors that can collect the excess solar energy and turn it into BioNectar4534.
The BIOME's enviro credentials are hard to dispute. Apart from the fact it grows in a completely organic environment from seeds sown in a nursery, out on the road the car games emits pure oxygen (improving air quality in the process).
And rather than rotting away on a scrap heap at the end of its lifespan it can be simply composted or used as building material.
"As the inventor of the motor car, we wanted to illustrate the vision of the perfect vehicle of the future, which is created and functions in complete symbiosis with nature," said Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studios boss Hubert Lee.
"The Mercedes-Benz BIOME is a natural technology hybrid, and forms part of our earth's ecosystem. It grows and thrives like the leaves on a tree."
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site.
prestige new cars » Get the best price on a new Mercedes-Benz
This outlandish looking contraption is dubbed the 'BIOME' and is Mercedes-Benz's take on a vehicle that's fully integrated into the ecosystem -- from the moment of its creation right through to the end of its service life.
The hovercraft-like device was conceived for the Los Angeles Design Challenge by the designers from the Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studios in California.
This year the competition had called for the creation of a vision of a safe and comfortable 2+2 compact car featuring good handling and a first-class design, and with a kerb weight of only 1000lb (around 454kg).
The BIOME is fabricated from an ultralight material called BioFibre and tips the scales at just 875.5lb (around 394kg). Mercedes-Benz says this material is significantly lighter than metal or plastic, yet more robust than steel.
BioFibre is grown from proprietary DNA in the Mercedes-Benz nursery, where it collects energy from the sun and stores it in a liquid chemical bond called BioNectar4534 (yes, we agree, this does sound like it's straight out of a sci-fi movie).
As part of this process, the vehicle is created from two seeds: The interior of the BIOME grows from the DNA in the Mercedes star on the front of the vehicle, while the exterior grows from the star on the rear.
To meet specific customer requirements, the Mercedes star is genetically engineered in each case, and the vehicle "grows" when the genetic code is combined with the seed capsule. The wheels are grown from four separate seeds.
The Mercedes-Benz BIOME is also powered by BioNectar4534, which is stored in the BioFibre material of the chassis, interior, and wheels.
There's never likely to be a shortage of the substance as Mercedes-Benz has developed a technology to equip trees with special receptors that can collect the excess solar energy and turn it into BioNectar4534.
The BIOME's enviro credentials are hard to dispute. Apart from the fact it grows in a completely organic environment from seeds sown in a nursery, out on the road the car games emits pure oxygen (improving air quality in the process).
And rather than rotting away on a scrap heap at the end of its lifespan it can be simply composted or used as building material.
"As the inventor of the motor car, we wanted to illustrate the vision of the perfect vehicle of the future, which is created and functions in complete symbiosis with nature," said Mercedes-Benz Advanced Design Studios boss Hubert Lee.
"The Mercedes-Benz BIOME is a natural technology hybrid, and forms part of our earth's ecosystem. It grows and thrives like the leaves on a tree."
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site.
Spot the difference: it's a MINI facelift
More power, better economy, a different bend in the bumper – and a bigger pricetag
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The most expensive small car in Australia just got a little dearer – but also a little more attractive.
The new MINI has come in for a mid-life makeover, although you can barely see where the surgery took place.
There's a different bend in the front bumper, new LED tail-lights, and much of the silver plastic in the cabin has been replaced by black plastic – and some dials have been replaced by buttons.
But the big news is under the bonnet – and in your wallet.
All the engines have been given a tune-up to either eek a fraction more power out of them or make them slightly more fuel efficient – or both.
The downside is that to save some money in fuel, the cost of each model has risen on average by $400 and $1000 depending on model variant (prices for each model are listed at the bottom of this story).
"We've put about $1500 worth of extra equipment in, so actually it's a better deal," says BMW Australia's PR and corporate communications manager, Piers Scott.
Extra equipment includes Bluetooth wireless phone connection, front fog lights, rain sensing wipers, and floor mats as standard across the new MINI range.
The new model also has a greater spectrum of interior lighting colours than before. Previously, every MINI had a choice of six mood lighting settings. Now, the maker says, advanced LED technology means there are up to 756 different colour combinations.
The car maker says the suspension has been given a mild tune-up as well.
The 1.6-litre petrol engine in the regular MINI Cooper goes up from 88 to 90kW (torque, 160Nm, is unchanged) and has trimmed its average fuel consumption rating from 5.8 to 5.4L/100km.
MINI Cooper S, powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, goes up from 128 to 135kW (torque, 240 to 260Nm depending on the overboost mode, is unchanged) and has trimmed its average fuel consumption rating from 6.9 to 5.8L/100km.
While the 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine in the MINI Cooper D may be the same capacity as before, but it is an all-new design borrowed from the BMW 1 Series diesel engine family. Power is up from 80 to 82kW but torque is the big improver – up from 240 to 270Nm.
The result is a slightly swifter run to 100km/h (down from 9.9 to 9.7 seconds) and a 0.1L/100km fuel saving to 3.8L/100km. As before, the Cooper D is only available with a six-speed manual transmission (all other MINI models are available with auto or manual). But an all-new 2.0-litre turbo diesel due in March 2011 will be available exclusively with an automatic transmission.
At the launch of the facelifted MINI in Melbourne today the company defended the subtle styling changes saying that it protects the resale values of the cars that are already on the road.
"A lot of customers can't pick the new one from the old one and we see that as a good thing," explained Scott. "The changes are subtle but significant."
Almost 17,000 new MINIs have been sold locally since 2001.
Its record year was in 2007 when the maker switched from the first generation to the second generation model, and 2269 new MINIs were sold.
Since then, MINI has averaged 2000 sales a year but has already overtaken that amount so far this year and is on track for another record in 2010.
Visit the Carsales Network again for our local launch review of the revised MINI range.
Australian pricing for new MINI:
MINI Cooper $31,500
MINI Cooper S $40,500
MINI Cooper D $34,750
MINI John Cooper Works $49,200
MINI Cooper Clubman $34,800
MINI Cooper S Clubman $43,800
MINI John Cooper Works Clubman $51,700
MINI Cooper Cabrio $40,200
MINI Cooper S Cabrio $48,600
MINI John Cooper Works Cabrio $57,300
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new MINI
The most expensive small car in Australia just got a little dearer – but also a little more attractive.
The new MINI has come in for a mid-life makeover, although you can barely see where the surgery took place.
There's a different bend in the front bumper, new LED tail-lights, and much of the silver plastic in the cabin has been replaced by black plastic – and some dials have been replaced by buttons.
But the big news is under the bonnet – and in your wallet.
All the engines have been given a tune-up to either eek a fraction more power out of them or make them slightly more fuel efficient – or both.
The downside is that to save some money in fuel, the cost of each model has risen on average by $400 and $1000 depending on model variant (prices for each model are listed at the bottom of this story).
"We've put about $1500 worth of extra equipment in, so actually it's a better deal," says BMW Australia's PR and corporate communications manager, Piers Scott.
Extra equipment includes Bluetooth wireless phone connection, front fog lights, rain sensing wipers, and floor mats as standard across the new MINI range.
The new model also has a greater spectrum of interior lighting colours than before. Previously, every MINI had a choice of six mood lighting settings. Now, the maker says, advanced LED technology means there are up to 756 different colour combinations.
The car maker says the suspension has been given a mild tune-up as well.
The 1.6-litre petrol engine in the regular MINI Cooper goes up from 88 to 90kW (torque, 160Nm, is unchanged) and has trimmed its average fuel consumption rating from 5.8 to 5.4L/100km.
MINI Cooper S, powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, goes up from 128 to 135kW (torque, 240 to 260Nm depending on the overboost mode, is unchanged) and has trimmed its average fuel consumption rating from 6.9 to 5.8L/100km.
While the 1.6-litre turbo diesel engine in the MINI Cooper D may be the same capacity as before, but it is an all-new design borrowed from the BMW 1 Series diesel engine family. Power is up from 80 to 82kW but torque is the big improver – up from 240 to 270Nm.
The result is a slightly swifter run to 100km/h (down from 9.9 to 9.7 seconds) and a 0.1L/100km fuel saving to 3.8L/100km. As before, the Cooper D is only available with a six-speed manual transmission (all other MINI models are available with auto or manual). But an all-new 2.0-litre turbo diesel due in March 2011 will be available exclusively with an automatic transmission.
At the launch of the facelifted MINI in Melbourne today the company defended the subtle styling changes saying that it protects the resale values of the cars that are already on the road.
"A lot of customers can't pick the new one from the old one and we see that as a good thing," explained Scott. "The changes are subtle but significant."
Almost 17,000 new MINIs have been sold locally since 2001.
Its record year was in 2007 when the maker switched from the first generation to the second generation model, and 2269 new MINIs were sold.
Since then, MINI has averaged 2000 sales a year but has already overtaken that amount so far this year and is on track for another record in 2010.
Visit the Carsales Network again for our local launch review of the revised MINI range.
Australian pricing for new MINI:
MINI Cooper $31,500
MINI Cooper S $40,500
MINI Cooper D $34,750
MINI John Cooper Works $49,200
MINI Cooper Clubman $34,800
MINI Cooper S Clubman $43,800
MINI John Cooper Works Clubman $51,700
MINI Cooper Cabrio $40,200
MINI Cooper S Cabrio $48,600
MINI John Cooper Works Cabrio $57,300
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
High value for revised Alto
Suzuki adds more kit and standard stability control to its frugal sub-light hatch
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Suzuki
Stability control will feature as standard on the revised 2011 Suzuki Alto range with no change to its list price.
Both the entry-level Alto GL and the up-spec Alto GLX will receive the potentially lifesaving technology in addition to the already standard anti-lock brakes and six airbag package.
Additionally, Alto GL will now include a dashboard-mounted tachometer (previously only on GLX), body-coloured door handles and external mirrors, plus driver's seat height adjustment.
The range topping Alto GLX gains added equipment too scoring alloy wheels and front fog lamps.
"Unlike some of our competitors, we have included the potentially lifesaving technology at no extra charge to customers" said Suzuki Australia's General Manager, Tony Devers.
"At just $12,490 drive-away for the five-speed manual, there is no car that matches the Alto's combination of four-star safety – including six air-bags – and value.
"Customers who prefer not to change gears themselves can drive away with the Alto GL four-speed automatic for just $13,990.
"With this upgrade Suzuki is once again redefining the term 'value for money'
"With a fuel economy of just 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres, Alto has always been one of the cleanest cars on the planet. Now with the addition of
ESP as standard across the range it's also one of the safest."
The revised Suzuki Alto will be in showrooms from December 1.
2011 Suzuki Alto drive-away pricing:
Alto GL $12,490 (man) / $13,990 (auto)
Alto GLX $12,990 (man) / $14,490 (auto)
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site
discount new cars » Get the best price on a new Suzuki
Stability control will feature as standard on the revised 2011 Suzuki Alto range with no change to its list price.
Both the entry-level Alto GL and the up-spec Alto GLX will receive the potentially lifesaving technology in addition to the already standard anti-lock brakes and six airbag package.
Additionally, Alto GL will now include a dashboard-mounted tachometer (previously only on GLX), body-coloured door handles and external mirrors, plus driver's seat height adjustment.
The range topping Alto GLX gains added equipment too scoring alloy wheels and front fog lamps.
"Unlike some of our competitors, we have included the potentially lifesaving technology at no extra charge to customers" said Suzuki Australia's General Manager, Tony Devers.
"At just $12,490 drive-away for the five-speed manual, there is no car that matches the Alto's combination of four-star safety – including six air-bags – and value.
"Customers who prefer not to change gears themselves can drive away with the Alto GL four-speed automatic for just $13,990.
"With this upgrade Suzuki is once again redefining the term 'value for money'
"With a fuel economy of just 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres, Alto has always been one of the cleanest cars on the planet. Now with the addition of
ESP as standard across the range it's also one of the safest."
The revised Suzuki Alto will be in showrooms from December 1.
2011 Suzuki Alto drive-away pricing:
Alto GL $12,490 (man) / $13,990 (auto)
Alto GLX $12,990 (man) / $14,490 (auto)
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Tom Walkinshaw dead - what now for HSV?
The man who has owned Holden Special Vehicles, Tom Walkinshaw, died in Britain overnight and clarification is now awaited on what it means for his Australian operations
International automotive entrepreneur Tom Walkinshaw has died, raising questions about the future ownership and direction of Holden Special Vehicles.
Scotsman Walkinshaw has owned and operated HSV for more than two decades.
Walkinshaw, who was 64, had been suffering from cancer.
He had operated automotive engineering and motor racing businesses on behalf of various car games manufacturers in many countries over a long period.
However, his fortunes took a severe hit in 2002 when his Arrows Formula One team collapsed after missing several grands prix under the weight of heavy debts.
HSV remained a core operation for Walkinshaw throughout and beyond those difficulties.
Through his HSV ownership he also operated the Holden Racing Team, although for several years after the Arrows problems the V8 Supercar team was in the hands of superstar Australian driver Mark Skaife.
Apart from his motor businesses, Walkinshaw was a passionate rugby man and chairman of the Gloucester club in Britain.
Among his many roles in motor racing he was at one time chairman of the prestigious British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC), operator of the Silverstone circuit -- home of the British GP.
He had great success campaigning Jaguar sportscars, winning the Le Mans 24-hour classic in 1988 and 1990.
He also competed successfully with Jaguars at Bathurst before the HSV deal.
In the early 1990s he became the engineering director of the Benetton F1 team and was described today by Reuters as having been "instrumental" in enticing Michael Schumacher to the Italian clothing company's team immediately after his GP debut with Jordan in 1991.
Before Schumacher departed to join Ferrari the Scotsman moved -- or was moved - out of Benetton to the Ligier team, and then in 1996 he acquired Arrows.
By the time it folded in 2002 Arrows had contested 382 GPs without winning any.
News of Walkinshaw's death was breaking in Australia this morning, with statements expected within hours on what it will mean for HSV.
British driver Mark Blundell was one of the first to comment on Walkinshaw's passing, calling it "a great loss to the world of motorsport -- good driver and team owner, RIP".
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site.
International automotive entrepreneur Tom Walkinshaw has died, raising questions about the future ownership and direction of Holden Special Vehicles.
Scotsman Walkinshaw has owned and operated HSV for more than two decades.
Walkinshaw, who was 64, had been suffering from cancer.
He had operated automotive engineering and motor racing businesses on behalf of various car games manufacturers in many countries over a long period.
However, his fortunes took a severe hit in 2002 when his Arrows Formula One team collapsed after missing several grands prix under the weight of heavy debts.
HSV remained a core operation for Walkinshaw throughout and beyond those difficulties.
Through his HSV ownership he also operated the Holden Racing Team, although for several years after the Arrows problems the V8 Supercar team was in the hands of superstar Australian driver Mark Skaife.
Apart from his motor businesses, Walkinshaw was a passionate rugby man and chairman of the Gloucester club in Britain.
Among his many roles in motor racing he was at one time chairman of the prestigious British Racing Drivers' Club (BRDC), operator of the Silverstone circuit -- home of the British GP.
He had great success campaigning Jaguar sportscars, winning the Le Mans 24-hour classic in 1988 and 1990.
He also competed successfully with Jaguars at Bathurst before the HSV deal.
In the early 1990s he became the engineering director of the Benetton F1 team and was described today by Reuters as having been "instrumental" in enticing Michael Schumacher to the Italian clothing company's team immediately after his GP debut with Jordan in 1991.
Before Schumacher departed to join Ferrari the Scotsman moved -- or was moved - out of Benetton to the Ligier team, and then in 1996 he acquired Arrows.
By the time it folded in 2002 Arrows had contested 382 GPs without winning any.
News of Walkinshaw's death was breaking in Australia this morning, with statements expected within hours on what it will mean for HSV.
British driver Mark Blundell was one of the first to comment on Walkinshaw's passing, calling it "a great loss to the world of motorsport -- good driver and team owner, RIP".
Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site.
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