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Audi RS3 Unveiled

Tuesday, September 20th, 2011

Audi have launched a new pocket rocket, the RS3. At first glance it is in keeping with most other performance Audi’s: stylish and elegant, yet brutish. And that is exactly what you get, a stylish and elegant appearance, with brutish performance!

Audi have taken the standard A3, which is already a reasonably nippy car, and shoved a 2.5 litre, five-cylinder, turbocharged monster of an engine under the bonnet. The RS3, consequently, boots out an exhilarating 335bhp, and will go from 0-62mph (100kph) in just a measly 4.6 seconds before completing the 0-125mph sprint in 17.5 seconds.

Audi have also added four wheel drive, and an impressive fast-shifting seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox to help deliver that ferocious power.

It quickly becomes apparent that Audi have created a machine that harks back to the legendary Quattro of the 80s that dominated the World Rally Championship for so many years.

The RS3, when tested on challenging roads in the Austrian Alps, allowed the power to arrive smoothly whilst thrusting the driver in the back all the same. It was reported that the drive was smooth, and that the driver felt in total control at all times.

Audi have enabled the gearbox to work either manually, or if the driver prefers, automatically, although on more challenging roads the paddle shifts will give a sportier, more responsive feel, whilst also making the driver feel like Jenson Button!

The RS3 sports a subtle spoiler, a rear diffuser and a very tasty looking performance exhaust system that will no doubt burble on tick over, and scream at top revs. Just what you want from a performance car then!

The RS3 also boasts quite reasonable fuel efficiency and Audi state that it will be able to achieve a very respectable 31mpg.

Furthermore, Audi’s latest creation is a complete sell out already here in Britain with all 500 models already having been snapped up by lucky owners, and at £39,930, the Audi is somewhat a bargain when you consider that it will be able to compete with Porsche 911’s whilst carrying your kids in the back at the same time!

The latest RS model to come out of the German manufacturer’s design and make booklet is, undoubtedly, a great addition to their current line of performance vehicles, and if you ever have the chance to drive one, it is sure to leave you in a sweat!

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Road-Going Volkswagen Polo R Looms Large on the Horizon

Thursday, May 19th, 2011

The team at Volkswagen are preparing to launch a high performance version of their new Polo, which is set to get its first high profile showing at the 2013 World Rally Championships.

The German manufacturers have proved very reluctant to let their performance division R work on a modified version of the popular Polo hatchback. Apparently they had difficulty when it came to justifying the development of a rapid, high cost small vehicle.

However, the rally car prototype unveiled recently came with plenty of R branding and is widely regarded as the ‘Polo R WRC’. A road-going motor might make use of an upgraded version of the Volkswagen Group’s 1.4 litre pumped up turbocharged engine. This would generate 200bhp, far in excess of the Polo GTI.

Ulrich Hackenberg, VW board member, informed Autocar that the WRC campaign has built upon the Polo and is due to be introduced in 2 years time. It is this upcoming release which makes a spin-off of the GTI seem ‘more likely’.

“You can see how the World Rally Championship programme would increase the probability of an R version of the base model [Polo].” When asked for a time-frame, he said: “It is with the rally programme, not before it. I can’t give a precise date, but it’s along those lines,” he commented.

It would probably be around 10%-15% more expensive than the GTI. However, an issue for the German team may be that the R intrudes into the market currently occupied by the VW hot hatch. A possibly improved power to weight ratio may make the R a more attractive prospect than its closest rival.

The Polo R might come with 4WD transmission, and possibly even the same kind of system as that being used for the new Audi A1. It may also be kitted out with a throaty exhaust, to allow for a real race experience.

Luca De Meo, VW Executive Director put fuel on the fire of rumours about the new R by saying, “Rally is real, the people are accessible and people can identify with the cars they see competing on the stage. These are the cars we sell and the drivers are the artists of driving.”

“I make this point because in two years, the Polo is a global brand and the WRC is a global event and this is a very important reason why, from a marketing point of view, we supported this project,” he went on.

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Ford Fans Are Excited About The New ST

Monday, May 16th, 2011

You shouldn’t be taken aback if you’re cruising along the roads of Germany and are suddenly passed by a snazzy car with large wheels and a trademark central back end double exhaust. In all probability you’ve just had the honour of getting up close and personal with the brand new Ford ST, due for official release in 2012.

The Ford team are currently putting this top notch vehicle through its pace on long stretches of North American and European tarmac. They are attempting to optimise the cars performance as well as boost its fuel economy in the final production phase.

Jost Capito, Director of Global Performance Vehicles said ‘The new Focus ST is eagerly awaited around the world, which is appropriate as this is our first global performance model. It must live up to Ford’s reputation for producing affordable yet exciting and sporty versions of its smaller cars that reward and delight enthusiast drivers, but can also be used every day.’

The highly impressive ST has been fitted out with a souped-up version of Ford’s 2.0 litre EcoBoost engine. This smart piece of kit allows for the generation of 250PS and consumes far less fuel than the old ST.

‘We’re fine-tuning, testing, and fine tuning again many of the small but critical details to make sure it is worthy of the ST badge,’ Matthias Tonn commented, Chief Program Engineer, Global Performance Products, Ford of Europe.

Tonn went on to explain ‘we will build upon and improve the ride, steering and handling strengths that defined the current European Focus ST’.

It is clear that the good people at Ford are particularly keen on ensuring that their customers receive the biggest bang for their buck. Not only have they chosen to incorporate Electric Power Assist Steering into the package, they have also installed driver oriented seats.

‘The seats and seating position were very good in the previous Focus ST, but the new model is sleeker and the driver will sit lower. The new seats which will provide even more support,’ Tonn stated.

The vehicle is expected to prove very popular among performance car enthusiasts when it finally goes on sale next year. If you can’t wait to get behind the wheel of this quality car then perhaps you’ll be able to persuade your local SVT engineer to give their pre-production version a spin.

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Environmentally Friendly Vehicles To Be Exhibited In London

Tuesday, May 10th, 2011

Drivers will have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of some of the most eco-friendly and fuel efficient vehicles at the EcoVelocity festival this September.

Major manufacturers such as Citroen, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, SEAT, Vauxhall and Volkswagen will be exhibiting their latest electric, hybrid and low-emission cars during the event at London’s Battersea Power Station.

People who make the trip down south will have the chance to drive these exciting new models around a specially built circuit. They may also be interested in checking out the high performance vehicles in the Green Car Paddock.

The Citroen Survolt, an elegant completely electric sports car, will take pride of place on the green grass beside the power station. The green car is likely to prove an attractive alternative to the high performance motors which produce harmful exhaust emissions in the future..

Bertrand Dantec, one of the leading design chiefs at Citroen said, ‘I think it’s important that this car didn’t look like just another sports car. It had to have some of the softness and femininity of the Revolte, because I think it would appeal to a different kind of buyer than the usual sports car.’

While the adults who attend the EcoVelocity festival cast their eye over the green cars, youngsters will be given the opportunity to take part in a SEAT young driver programme and experience the thrill of riding a motorbike under the guidance of trained experts.

The organisers are also going to set up an eco-lab, where people can find out all about the inner workings of low carbon vehicles.

Giles Brown, the Event founder and organiser, said, ‘In the absence of the British Motor Show in 2011, EcoVelocity will be the most important and definitely not to be missed motoring event of the year, showcasing the best real-world cars for real-world motorists at a single location.

‘It is going to be of great interest to motorists learning what the industry has to offer them right now and in the future.’

In related news, the Future Car Challenge is due to return in November this year. Various environmentally friendly vehicles will take to the roads between Brighton and London during this fun event.

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Flashy New Corsa VXR Launched

Monday, May 9th, 2011

Vauxhall will do battle with Renaultsport Clio 200 with the souped-up VXR Nurbergring version of its Corsa. Instead of giving the old vehicle a fresh lick of paint and an improved stereo system, the Vauxhall team have gone all out by boosting the power and brakes for some truly outstanding performance.

The new edition will available to purchase in a couple of months time for the price of £22,295. The manufacturers have justified the hefty price tag by saying that this vehicle will ‘raise the bar in the hot-hatch class for performance and dynamics.’

The snazzy motor is kitted out with a modified version of the Corsa VXR’s 1.6 litre turbocharged engine, allowing it to generate 202bhp at 5,750rpm and 206lb ft of max torque. An adapted engine management and turbocharger have been fitted, along with a sports exhaust.

According to a VXR press release ‘the icing on the Nürburgring’s cake is its chassis, which received its final sign-off at the Nürburgring’s notorious Nordschleife, or North Loop.

Vauxhall commissioned Bilstein to develop bespoke spring and damper units for the new model, allowing drivers an even higher degree of control and involvement. A visual clue of this work is a ride height which is reduced by 20mm at the front and 15mm at the rear.’

This car runs on 98 RON petrol and can zoom from 0-60mph in 6.5 seconds. Drivers who can’t resist the temptation to keep their foot down will find that the VXR tops out at 143mph. To overcome any mentions of torque-steer, the Vauxhall experts have added a mechanical, multi-plate limited-slip differential (LSD).

Among the other wonderful add-ons is a set of Billstein springs and dampers, which will undoubtedly be put to the test by high speed racers. This suspension kit has been developed by the same German motor gurus who developed the stand-out undercarriage system for the awe inspiring Nissan GT-R.

It may come as little surprise to hear that Vauxhall have worked hard on improving the aesthetics of the original VXR. As well as flashy alloy wheels they have opted to add Nurbergring logos and optional ‘Grasshopper’ and red ‘Henna’ colour schemes.

Prospective buyers may also be interested to hear that Nurbergring Plaques are included as part of the sleek interior and the Recaro seats have been given bespoke white stitching.

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Lotus Elise Club Racer Is An Affordable, Lightweight Fun Machine

Monday, May 9th, 2011

The trimmed down Lotus Elise Club Racer is expected to be a firm favourite among performance motoring enthusiasts on a tight budget. This distinctive vehicle, priced at £27,500, is very different from the larger more expensive models which the Lotus team are used to producing.

Perhaps unsurprisingly the 134bhp 1.6 litre engine has been carried across from the cheapest Elise. While it may not be a great deal to shout about, this piece of kit will enable the lightweight vehicle to cruise around at high speeds.

Experienced Lotus drivers might have a little difficulty remembering to press the all new ’sport’ button, which puts the Dynamic Performance Management System into operation. However, they will undoubtedly enjoy utilising the adjustable anti-roll bar.

This car handles like a dream, carrying speed through test track corners, instead of piling it on after travelling through apexes. The dainty steering wheel writhes around as the car rapidly accelerates, and the driver is given a great deal of road level feedback.

While Lotus have had to make cutbacks in some areas of the Club Racer, they have also chosen to use quality parts, including Eibach springs and Bilstein dampers. They are offering motorists the choice of six vibrant colours ((Sky Blue, Saffron Yellow, Ardent Red, Aspen White, Matt Black and Carbon Grey), as well as bespoke design to reinforce the vehicle’s individuality.

Wolf Zimmerman, Chief Technical Officer of Lotus Cars, said, ‘The traditional Lotus approach of reduction and purity has lead to one of the most zeitgeist and contemporary sports cars around. For over 15 years the Lotus Elise has become an icon in the sports car market, carving out a niche market with a dedicated following of lightweight fans.’

‘The new Club Racer will definitely give these people something extra to get their teeth stuck into. This car epitomises everything that’s cool about the Elise – it’s fast, raw, responsive and a huge amount of fun to drive.’

Anybody who is prepared to spend a little extra for the ‘Club Racer Power Pack’ will enjoy the benefits of a new intake and exhaust. However, they will only be able to use these special add ons on track days. People who are more keen on the Lotus luxuries will probably be interested in the ‘comfort pack’, which includes an assortment of technical goodies.

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Great Expectations Raised Over Citroen DS3 Racing

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

The French vehicle manufacturer’s elegant DS3 has been tasked with climbing its way to the top of the high-end supermini tree. An elegant appearance, top notch cabin and a variety of personalised offerings all play a big part in improving the vehicle’s seductiveness. Moreover, a trendy chassis and turbocharged petrol and diesel engines enhance the driving appeal of this sweet little car.

The DS3 has been kitted out with a set of visually appealing wheels, complete with carbon-fibre wheel arch extensions. Potential purchasers may also be interested to hear that the motor comes with a front splitter and rear diffuser. Admittedly the average motorist will find the basic electric windows switches and hard plastic to be a bit of a let down, but these are only minor issues which don’t really detract from the overall appeal of the French vehicle.

The Citroen comes with a choice of three petrol engines, each developed in partnership with BMW, and already used in the MINI. Basic models are kitted out with a 93bhp 1.4 litre, while more advanced versions include a 1.6 litre unit are available in either a 118bhp naturally aspirated or tuned and turbocharged 148bhp.

This vehicle handles particularly well, in no small part due to its 215/40 R18 Bridgestone Potenza RE50 tyres, which are designed to provide maximum grip around tight bends. The exhaust doesn’t make a great deal of noise at the higher speed ranges, and it doesn’t emit masses of CO2 into the atmosphere. Unfortunately the Citroen won’t be able to compete with the MINI’s outstanding residuals when trade-in time arrives.

The new car on the block can carry one more passenger than the MINI. Plus it has a relatively large 285-litre load bay, which measures out at 980-litres when the back seats are flattened. The cabin of the chic French car is kitted out with some functional storage areas. However, drivers will struggle to make use of the glove compartment, where the fusebox is stored.

Taken as a complete package the Citroen can reasonably be described as a quick, smart, hard-working vehicle with enough special features to make it a hit among fans of the Mini. It is expected that Citroen will make some superb additions to the Racing range in future times, and that this offering will prove immensely popular and well loved.

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Mini To Launch Rocketman In Three Years Time

Tuesday, March 8th, 2011

Fans of the adorable 1959 Mini will be pleased to hear that a dainty Mini Rocketman is set to be exhibited at the Geneva motor show next week. This new vehicle will measure out at just over 3 metres in length, making it far smaller than the Countryman.

The experts at BMW have built their new offering around a carbon-fibre space-frame chassis, which can be seen on the rear end of the car. They have made use of the trademark New Mini styling, which is evident in the ‘floating roof’ and large 18in wheels. The doors have double-hinged joints and integrated sills, allowing easy access to the inside of the vehicle.

Motorists are bound to enjoy playing around with the fully integrated sliding seat system, which enables a ‘full blooded driving experience’, according to Mini. The driver can adjust their seat to the best motoring position and move the instrument cluster around, if they so desire. It is also possible to squeeze a fourth person into the car by sliding the drivers seat and cluster forward.

The Rocketman has also been kitted out with a twin tailgate, with one part being attached to the roof, and the other pulled out in a drawer like manner. The additional outside hinges are very much like those seen on the very first Mini.

BMW are very proud of the stylish little vehicle, which apparently combines ‘an innovative concept of space, futuristic materials, lifestyle-oriented connectivity, thrilling agility and avant-garde styling.’ and a decent Mini exhaust.

The parent company have worked hard in combination with the Mini team to create a concept car which appears fresh and modern, while at the same time pleases fans of the original vehicle. Everybody involved was keen to utilise carbon, which is apparent in the leather covers and glossy surfaces.

There are a host of technological features in the Mini, which are bound to be of interest to prospective purchasers. The main gadget is a centre speedometer, which comes with a control unit, enabling the motorist to programme their driving directions and music tracks for the most enjoyable journey.

The Rocketman will probably be powered by fuel economic petrol and diesel engines. However, the people in charge of this project may yet choose to use electric or hybrid power plants, which mix traditional and newer forms of electric technology.

Graham Biggs, spokesperson for Mini, said, ‘It is a small city car and with a super-efficient diesel engine you can achieve superb economy without using hybrid technology, which adds weight.’

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BMW Add Improved Exhaust To The M3

Friday, February 25th, 2011

Performance car enthusiasts are often excited by the thought of sporty modifications being made to their all time favourite vehicles. It is generally left to the aftermarket developer to add these exciting new features, but now the BMW performance division have manufactured a super exhaust system for the awe inspiring M3.

This wonderful piece of engineering is fully compatible with the Coupé, Sedan and Convertible versions of the German car. This means that the driver can make optimum use of the new system either when zooming around the local race track, or cruising along the city streets.

The exhaust is made from an amazingly heat-resistant, lightweight alloy material, which goes by the name of Inconel. It doesn’t exert masses amounts of backpressure on the BMW exhaust, so the M3’s 414hp V8 engine is free to make a bone jangling amount of noise.

The special characteristics of the Inconel enabled the manufacturers to cut the thickness of the tubing from 1.5mm to 0.88mm. This equates to a 20lb drop in weight from the M3’s original exhaust system. There is no need to fret about Inconel eroding, and you can be rest assured that it has proved it’s worth for top level sports car teams.

Perforated inner pipes and polished titanium tips have been included as part of the modified exhaust package. This souped-up kit will undoubtedly impress the BMW driver’s friends, as it is engraved with the trademark M logo. The ultimate CAD and FEM technology was put into use in the production of this mean performance modification.

BMW were keen to point out that ‘power, Intensity, and Excitement are the feelings you will experience with the M Performance Exhaust. Made entirely of Inconel, this latest performance-enhancing exhaust component is brought to you by the Performance parts division of BMW.’

You can hear the new system in full action if you type Inconel M3 exhaust into the Youtube search box. We’d advise having your computer speakers turned up to the max for this momentous occasion. It is even possible to purchase this amazing noise as a ringtone via the American BMW website.

Unfortunately the Inconel exhaust isn’t yet available from British BMW centres. However, people with some spare cash might be tempted to satisfy their desire for modifications by investing in the new M3 competition pack.

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Formula 1’s New Renault R31

Monday, February 7th, 2011

The unveiling of the Renault R31 revealed more then just car design. It is easy to see that team Lotus 2011 are going for a new look that’s a ‘radical departure from all previous Renault Formula 1 designs’ (ITV. F1)

The R31 has:

• No carry over parts
• 92% of its components are brand new
• It has a pullrod rear suspension – Similar layout to Red Bull.

The R31 is a car designed with change in mind; its new layout will confirm it’s different from all others ever produced for team Lotus. The bold changes represent Renaults attempt to maximum performance and live up to the recently changed regulations.

F1 Renault’s most striking technical development, the front end Exhaust!

Renaults attempt to transform their new car has led to a rather radical development. Their ‘front exiting exhaust’ has been a hot topic of interest the last few days with all motor sport enthusiasts. Its easy to understand why, with a head turning front exhaust system that is designed allow fumes to travel to the diffuser, this allows more air to be channelled.

It appears that Renault have found a suitable solution to the blown diffuser concept, blowing the front edge of the floor will give them. But will this give them a better time and work more effectively then its competitors, well we are just going to have to wait and see!

At Longlife we can’t give you a front end exhaust but if all this unveiling has got you excited about the up and coming F1 season, why not visit us for an upgrade!

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