The historic pairing of Neal Bates and Coral Taylor will return to rallying for the first time since 2009, driving a restored RA40 Celica in this weekend's opening round of the Australian Rally Championship.
The Calder round will mark the debut of the freshly rebuilt car, and will be racing in the Australian Classic Rally Challenge category, which is only open to vehicles manufactured pre-1986.
Bates built the car in his ACT workshop specifically for this category and the finished product replicates the RA40 driven by the late Ove Andersson and Henry Liddon in the WRC in the early 80's.
Unlike the Andersson car, the Bates RA40 uses a naturally aspitated 3SGE fuel injected 2L engine, which did not debut in factory trim until the later ST162 Celica model.
This engine substitution has been permitted under the CAMS regulations for the series, and will no doubt appeal to the Bates crew, whose Corolla, Celica and IS200 race cars have all used variants of this engine for over 20 years.
The Australian Classic Rally Challenge is a clear attmept by ARC organisers to mimic the spectator nostalgia appeal that the TCM series has brought to V8 Supercar rounds, and already comprises entries such as Ford Escort RS1800s, Porsche 911s and Datsun Stanzas.
Adding the names of Bates and Taylor to the category will add great credibility and further spectator appeal.
More information on the Calder Park opening round can be found here.
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Automotive Musings of Malcolm Flynn
Monday 27 February 2012
Bates and Taylor Return to ARC
Tuesday 21 February 2012
Bathurst 12 Hour Minimum Qualifying time - Explained
Motorsport traditionalists may be quite bemused by the idea of a minimum, or benchmark qualifying time, as imposed for Sunday's Bathurst 12 Hour endurance race at Mount Panorama.
A minimum time of 2:08.0s has been set for the 15 entries across classes A, B, and C for both qualifying and practice sessions, with any lap eclipsing this benchmark being disregarded from the results and the vehicle being penalised with 50kg of ballast for the remainder of the event.
Classes D, E, and I are comprised of slower vehicles which have proven incapable of reaching a time near 2:08.0s in previous years.
The rule is based around an abandoned policy from the 2011 Australian GT Championship, which was abandoned after the first three rounds after protests from several teams.
The 12 Hour will see the rule reimplemented as used in the 2011 race, and incorporated into the race's other unique qualifying procedures. This includes each vehicles qualifying time being formed by an aggregate of each of the car's three drivers' best qualifying times.
The policy encourages consistency, teamwork, and an ability to drive to a nominated time - all established elements of successful endurance racing. However, this means nothing to spectators wanting to see just how quickly the entrants can lap in qualifying and practice.
The potential of this year's entrants to generate exciting qualifying times was demonstrated when Allan Simonsen clocked an unofficial 2:04.956 overall lap record in his Ferrari 458 GT3 during practice in November 2011.
The 2:08.0s minimum lap rule does not apply during the race however, though drivers will be lapping according to a strict strategy aimed at travelling the furthest distance within 12 hours, rather than outright race pace.
The final entry list comprises 28 vehicles, 10 of which are international entries, and 14 professional drivers, making the 2012 race easily the most exotic since its 2007 return. Stay tuned for a detailed first-hand comprehensive account of the race on Monday.
The final entry list for the 2012 Bathurst 12 Hour can be seen here.
The complete lists of 2012 Bathurst 12 Hour regulations can be found here.
A minimum time of 2:08.0s has been set for the 15 entries across classes A, B, and C for both qualifying and practice sessions, with any lap eclipsing this benchmark being disregarded from the results and the vehicle being penalised with 50kg of ballast for the remainder of the event.
Classes D, E, and I are comprised of slower vehicles which have proven incapable of reaching a time near 2:08.0s in previous years.
The rule is based around an abandoned policy from the 2011 Australian GT Championship, which was abandoned after the first three rounds after protests from several teams.
The 12 Hour will see the rule reimplemented as used in the 2011 race, and incorporated into the race's other unique qualifying procedures. This includes each vehicles qualifying time being formed by an aggregate of each of the car's three drivers' best qualifying times.
The policy encourages consistency, teamwork, and an ability to drive to a nominated time - all established elements of successful endurance racing. However, this means nothing to spectators wanting to see just how quickly the entrants can lap in qualifying and practice.
The potential of this year's entrants to generate exciting qualifying times was demonstrated when Allan Simonsen clocked an unofficial 2:04.956 overall lap record in his Ferrari 458 GT3 during practice in November 2011.
The 2:08.0s minimum lap rule does not apply during the race however, though drivers will be lapping according to a strict strategy aimed at travelling the furthest distance within 12 hours, rather than outright race pace.
The final entry list comprises 28 vehicles, 10 of which are international entries, and 14 professional drivers, making the 2012 race easily the most exotic since its 2007 return. Stay tuned for a detailed first-hand comprehensive account of the race on Monday.
The final entry list for the 2012 Bathurst 12 Hour can be seen here.
The complete lists of 2012 Bathurst 12 Hour regulations can be found here.
Thursday 16 February 2012
HRT's “I Bleed Red and This Is My House” mantra revealed on the set of a gameshow?
The Holden Racing Team launched a new television commercial today encompassing their new mantra “I Bleed Red and This Is My House” .
Previewed on the 2012 HRT race transporter livery at last weekend's Sandown test day, the mantra is apparently used genuinely by team members around the workshop.
The creation of such an advertisement signifies a new echelon of marketing for a V8 Supercar team, and the professionalism of the series in general.
A cynic would suggest that this step has been taken to arrest some of the fan creep from the long-dominant HRT to the recently dominant, and also Holden-supported Team Vodaphone.
Interestingly, HRT chose to launch the mantra and associated TVC on the set of Channel 9's 'Hot Seat' gameshow. See images below.
Previewed on the 2012 HRT race transporter livery at last weekend's Sandown test day, the mantra is apparently used genuinely by team members around the workshop.
The creation of such an advertisement signifies a new echelon of marketing for a V8 Supercar team, and the professionalism of the series in general.
A cynic would suggest that this step has been taken to arrest some of the fan creep from the long-dominant HRT to the recently dominant, and also Holden-supported Team Vodaphone.
Interestingly, HRT chose to launch the mantra and associated TVC on the set of Channel 9's 'Hot Seat' gameshow. See images below.
HRT's story behind the campaign can be found here.
UPDATE 28/2/2012: Behind the scenes footage here.
UPDATE 28/2/2012: Behind the scenes footage here.
Thursday 9 February 2012
Chris Harris: GT 86 DRIVE video
Chris Harris has followed up on his initial drive story about the Toyota GT 86 with this fantastic 10 minute film of the launch.
Its a great watch, despite being filmed at Madrid's Jarama circuit with its surface smoother than 'Hugh Grant's post coital chat', and Harris' enthusiasm is palpable.
Remember, this is a bloke who personally owns a GT3RS 4.0!
It's offical: Nissan to join V8 Supercars in 2013
Kelly Racing will field a four car team of Nissans in the 2013 V8 Supercar Championship, as part of the series' Car of the Future strategy.
This will be the first time a manufacturer aside from Holden or Ford has been permitted to contest the category since its inception in 1997.
See Nissan's announcement in video form:
The exact model used to represent the brand is yet to be determined, but is widely tipped to be the mid-sized Nissan Altima, a model yet to be sold in Australia, but likely to be introduced after disappointing sales of the larger Maxima model.
The 2013 Altima is still under development, so the below image is the best clue to the appearance of the racecar.
The four car Nissan Motorsport team will adjust the current proportion of 17 Holden and 11 Ford competitors in the series to a more balanced 13 Holden, 11 Ford and 4 Nissan, assuming no other manufactuers enter the series in the meantime.
The only other manufacturer with rumoured links to the series at this point is Chrysler, who has been in discussion with Gary Rogers Motorsport.
The announcement was made at 11am this morning at a press conference at Melbourne's Crown Casino. The full press release from V8 Supercars Australia can be found here, and Nissan's here.
This will be the first time a manufacturer aside from Holden or Ford has been permitted to contest the category since its inception in 1997.
See Nissan's announcement in video form:
The exact model used to represent the brand is yet to be determined, but is widely tipped to be the mid-sized Nissan Altima, a model yet to be sold in Australia, but likely to be introduced after disappointing sales of the larger Maxima model.
The 2013 Altima is still under development, so the below image is the best clue to the appearance of the racecar.
The four car Nissan Motorsport team will adjust the current proportion of 17 Holden and 11 Ford competitors in the series to a more balanced 13 Holden, 11 Ford and 4 Nissan, assuming no other manufactuers enter the series in the meantime.
The only other manufacturer with rumoured links to the series at this point is Chrysler, who has been in discussion with Gary Rogers Motorsport.
The announcement was made at 11am this morning at a press conference at Melbourne's Crown Casino. The full press release from V8 Supercars Australia can be found here, and Nissan's here.
Tomic's M3 fails to sell at auction
Australia's newest tennis sensation, Bernard Tomic's distinctive orange BMW M3 has failed to sell at auction today, according to a report by goldcoast.com.au.
The BMW-Individual specific Fire Orange M3, with carbon trim and blacked out wheels was at the centre of Tomic's bizarre Australia Day run in with Police near his Gold Coast home.
19 year-old P-plater Tomic will face court this month over the situation, which has no doubt put a dent in his otherwise impressive emergence onto the world tennis scene.
Whilst initially reported to be a part of a sponsorship deal with BMW, it now appears that the vehicle truly belongs to Tomic, or his family at least.
The 2010 model with just under 7000km on the odometer, was passed in after bids failed to exceed $146,000.
Things that can be fit in an MX-5: Mountain Bike
Given we live in a world world where two-children families are buying seven-seat SUV's, I thought it prudent to highlight my recent triumph of interior packaging.
My beloved MX-5 has been in for a touch of rhinoplasty this week, after two recent instances of Sydney parallel parking love tapping.
See below in-progress shot.
When it came to collecting her from the surgery, the surgeon did not extend the same courtesy lift they did when I dropped her off. Fair enough.
So, faced with either a two-hour multiple bus ride or a one-hour bike ride, I elected to risk fitting my Giant XTC-2 onto my 5's passenger seat for the trip home, a feat I hadn't attempted in the past.
I'm proud to say that with the passenger seat moved forward to allow maximum reclining, the 19" frame Giant fit like a glove with both wheels removed and the bike seat left at full height.
With the use of a blanket and towel, there was no chafing of my precious tan interior either.
There you go, another great triumph to add to my MX-5's repertoire.
My beloved MX-5 has been in for a touch of rhinoplasty this week, after two recent instances of Sydney parallel parking love tapping.
See below in-progress shot.
When it came to collecting her from the surgery, the surgeon did not extend the same courtesy lift they did when I dropped her off. Fair enough.
So, faced with either a two-hour multiple bus ride or a one-hour bike ride, I elected to risk fitting my Giant XTC-2 onto my 5's passenger seat for the trip home, a feat I hadn't attempted in the past.
I'm proud to say that with the passenger seat moved forward to allow maximum reclining, the 19" frame Giant fit like a glove with both wheels removed and the bike seat left at full height.
With the use of a blanket and towel, there was no chafing of my precious tan interior either.
There you go, another great triumph to add to my MX-5's repertoire.
$23,500 GT 86 RC model revealed
What weighs 40kg less, and costs potentially $14,500 fewer than a standard Toyota GT 86?
The GT 86 in RC form does, and is the latest development in the exciting story that is, GT 86 and BRZ.
However, aspirational Australians shouldn't get too excited. The RC is intended to be a JDM-only model aimed at those wanting to modify their GT 86 straight off the showroom floor.
The RC is tipped to retail for 1,990,000 Yen, which roughly equates to $23,500 AUD, and will join regular GT 86 models in Japanese Toyota showrooms in April.
The RC model comes with unpainted front and rear bumpers, door handles and rear view mirrors, along with bare 16" steel wheels and 205/55 tyres as opposed to 17" alloys and 215/45 tyres.
Crucially, the RC spec lacks other models' Torsen LSD.
Also missing are front auxiliary lamps, plastic engine cover, and boot lamp.
The interior is devoid of aircon, stereo, cupholders, dash fascia garnish and leather coverings for steering wheel and gear shifter.
These omissions are not aimed at saving weight for a Colin Chapman-esque performance improvement (though the 40kg reduction would help), but demonstrate Toyota's understanding of its target market.
If this sort of flexibility is available from launch, just imagine the performance potential once Toyota applies some effort to a stripped out track special, with mechanical massaging to compliment the potential weight savings!
The GT 86 in RC form does, and is the latest development in the exciting story that is, GT 86 and BRZ.
However, aspirational Australians shouldn't get too excited. The RC is intended to be a JDM-only model aimed at those wanting to modify their GT 86 straight off the showroom floor.
The RC is tipped to retail for 1,990,000 Yen, which roughly equates to $23,500 AUD, and will join regular GT 86 models in Japanese Toyota showrooms in April.
The RC model comes with unpainted front and rear bumpers, door handles and rear view mirrors, along with bare 16" steel wheels and 205/55 tyres as opposed to 17" alloys and 215/45 tyres.
Crucially, the RC spec lacks other models' Torsen LSD.
Also missing are front auxiliary lamps, plastic engine cover, and boot lamp.
The interior is devoid of aircon, stereo, cupholders, dash fascia garnish and leather coverings for steering wheel and gear shifter.
These omissions are not aimed at saving weight for a Colin Chapman-esque performance improvement (though the 40kg reduction would help), but demonstrate Toyota's understanding of its target market.
If this sort of flexibility is available from launch, just imagine the performance potential once Toyota applies some effort to a stripped out track special, with mechanical massaging to compliment the potential weight savings!
Wednesday 8 February 2012
Whilst on the topic of Arab drifting....
May I also draw attention to the similar pursuit of driving on two wheels.
The skill of these drivers is amazing, as they manage to adopt the two-wheeled pose without the assistance of ramps, then continue on for great lengths of time, even around corners!
I find the most impressive example though, is the Arabian wheel change technique seen below:
Those who've changed a 4WD tyre will know how cunbersome they can be whilst stationary and on a jack, let alone perched atop the vehicle while its travelling on a 45 degree angle!
Bizarre, yet amazing.
The skill of these drivers is amazing, as they manage to adopt the two-wheeled pose without the assistance of ramps, then continue on for great lengths of time, even around corners!
I find the most impressive example though, is the Arabian wheel change technique seen below:
Those who've changed a 4WD tyre will know how cunbersome they can be whilst stationary and on a jack, let alone perched atop the vehicle while its travelling on a 45 degree angle!
Bizarre, yet amazing.
Arab drifting goes mainstream
Arab drifting, or Hagwalah, is one of the most bizarre gifts that the YouTube phenomenon has graced the world with in the last 10 years or so.
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A quick 'arab drifting' search will result in a huge array of amateur films of the practice, which generally involves hurtling a car from high speed, along a motorway into a number of spins until it comes to rest.
These manoeuvres are only vaguely controlled by the drivers, and often result in collisions, rollovers, and vehicle disintegration. They are also often accompanied by jubilant machine gun fire from passengers.
These films make for fascinating viewing to western society, leaving one wondering 'how on earth do they get away with that?!'
See here and here for typical examples.
Another bizarre element of the footage is that the vehicles are generally mid-sized passenger sedans such as Honda Accords, Hyundai Sonatas and Toyota Camrys, with the odd Chevrolet Caprice (nee Holden Statesman) also. This contrasts with the traditional hoon video subjects which are generally modified or powerful, or at least vaguely interesting.
The practice is indeed illegal, and is generally undertaken on motorways populated by other innocent motorists. Several of the videos portray police attempting to halt the activity also.
There must be a degree of planning behind the pursuit of arab drifting, as the videos often feature large crowds gathered at the roadside. Disturbingly, the vehicles often career into these crowds, no doubt resulting in fatalities.
British pop artist M.I.A has now brought Hagwalah to the mainstream via her new music clip for the single Bad Girls.
The clip features several Hagwalah manoeuvres being undertaken by admittedly unconventional 3-Series BMWs and an Alfa 156, with lyrics that bear no real relevance to the activity.
Nonetheless, stay tuned for it to form the backing music of choice for future Hagwalah videos.
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A quick 'arab drifting' search will result in a huge array of amateur films of the practice, which generally involves hurtling a car from high speed, along a motorway into a number of spins until it comes to rest.
These manoeuvres are only vaguely controlled by the drivers, and often result in collisions, rollovers, and vehicle disintegration. They are also often accompanied by jubilant machine gun fire from passengers.
These films make for fascinating viewing to western society, leaving one wondering 'how on earth do they get away with that?!'
See here and here for typical examples.
Another bizarre element of the footage is that the vehicles are generally mid-sized passenger sedans such as Honda Accords, Hyundai Sonatas and Toyota Camrys, with the odd Chevrolet Caprice (nee Holden Statesman) also. This contrasts with the traditional hoon video subjects which are generally modified or powerful, or at least vaguely interesting.
The practice is indeed illegal, and is generally undertaken on motorways populated by other innocent motorists. Several of the videos portray police attempting to halt the activity also.
There must be a degree of planning behind the pursuit of arab drifting, as the videos often feature large crowds gathered at the roadside. Disturbingly, the vehicles often career into these crowds, no doubt resulting in fatalities.
British pop artist M.I.A has now brought Hagwalah to the mainstream via her new music clip for the single Bad Girls.
The clip features several Hagwalah manoeuvres being undertaken by admittedly unconventional 3-Series BMWs and an Alfa 156, with lyrics that bear no real relevance to the activity.
Nonetheless, stay tuned for it to form the backing music of choice for future Hagwalah videos.
Tuesday 7 February 2012
#1 Conrod Straight changes hands yet again
The embattled Citigate hotel along the Mount Panorama racing circuit will be rebranded as Rydges Mount Panorama Bathurst by next Monday, says a report today in the Western Advocate.
Once a highlight of the 2004 redevelopment of the circuit, the $50 million property has been in receivership since 2007, after significant construction delays and limited success in its original form as a residential property.
The Rydges Hotels and Resorts Group will now take control of the property, after a sale for a reported $20 million.
There is at least one weekend of the year where the hotel experiences a roaring trade, however.
The Rydges website advises that bookings are available from February 13, which leaves plenty of time to permit bookings for the Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour, being held February 24-26.
Two that got away: KE15 and KE20 Corollas
Many are saying that the time is now for purchasing classic cars, and this is supported by the relatively attractive prices being seen at auctions around Australia at present.
Fans of early Japanese models will be writhing with frustration having missed these two early model Corollas which found new owners at the recent Shannons Melbourne Summer Classic Auction.
This second-generation KE20 model sold for a very achievable $2600, which is half the value that similarly original, unmolested examples are generally advertised for these days. However, the real 'opportunity lost' story lies below.
This first-generation KE15 model, the rare fastback bodystyle, and even rarer in two-speed Toyoglide automatic form, sold for an incredibly low $1250.
The pictures provided by Shannons suggest a relatively rust free body, with all original trim intact, down to the fastback-specific hubcaps.
The engine bay looks to be completely original too, and very clean despite obvious use throughout the last 44 years.
Both of these vehicles prove that classic motoring is still well within reach to the common man, and such Japanese examples are generally more rust resistant and feature a far greater engineering integrity than more commonly sought after European alternatives.
Beyond this, early Japanese classics are becoming increasingly cool, so represent excellent investment potential.
Fans of early Japanese models will be writhing with frustration having missed these two early model Corollas which found new owners at the recent Shannons Melbourne Summer Classic Auction.
This second-generation KE20 model sold for a very achievable $2600, which is half the value that similarly original, unmolested examples are generally advertised for these days. However, the real 'opportunity lost' story lies below.
This first-generation KE15 model, the rare fastback bodystyle, and even rarer in two-speed Toyoglide automatic form, sold for an incredibly low $1250.
The pictures provided by Shannons suggest a relatively rust free body, with all original trim intact, down to the fastback-specific hubcaps.
The engine bay looks to be completely original too, and very clean despite obvious use throughout the last 44 years.
Both of these vehicles prove that classic motoring is still well within reach to the common man, and such Japanese examples are generally more rust resistant and feature a far greater engineering integrity than more commonly sought after European alternatives.
Beyond this, early Japanese classics are becoming increasingly cool, so represent excellent investment potential.
Monday 6 February 2012
DJR launches Moffat's 2012 livery with unique assembly
It was an assembly of another kind this afternoon as Dick Johnson Racing launched James Moffat's #18 Falcon livery at a public demonstration in Parramatta.
Sampling the style used by the McLaren F1 when launching their 2011 car, DJR unveiled its livery by attaching the exterior panels to the car piece by piece, slowly revealing new title sponsor Norton.
Norton have been a personal sponsor of Moffat's since 2010, but have stepped up to major sponsor for 2012, replacing previous title sponsor Jim Beam.
Team boss Dick Johnson was on hand at the public event on the steps of Parramatta Town Hall, along with Moffat's father, touring car legend Allan Moffat.
Demonstrating the 'built for purpose' nature of modern V8 Supercars, the assembly of #18 was completed in 7 mins, 45 seconds, and utilising both DJR team members and three lucky prize winners.
Channel 7 personality Grant Denyer and Nova FM host Meshel Laurie played MCs for the unveiling, awarding prizes among the 1000-strong crowd with a chocolate wheel.
Dick Johnson even delivered one of his trademark one-liners tone of the prize winners, offering his best advice to a hot lap winner: "Let me tell you, you won't be in that crap shirt!" The winner was wearing a Team Vodaphone polo shirt at the time.
Sampling the style used by the McLaren F1 when launching their 2011 car, DJR unveiled its livery by attaching the exterior panels to the car piece by piece, slowly revealing new title sponsor Norton.
Norton have been a personal sponsor of Moffat's since 2010, but have stepped up to major sponsor for 2012, replacing previous title sponsor Jim Beam.
Team boss Dick Johnson was on hand at the public event on the steps of Parramatta Town Hall, along with Moffat's father, touring car legend Allan Moffat.
Demonstrating the 'built for purpose' nature of modern V8 Supercars, the assembly of #18 was completed in 7 mins, 45 seconds, and utilising both DJR team members and three lucky prize winners.
Channel 7 personality Grant Denyer and Nova FM host Meshel Laurie played MCs for the unveiling, awarding prizes among the 1000-strong crowd with a chocolate wheel.
Dick Johnson even delivered one of his trademark one-liners tone of the prize winners, offering his best advice to a hot lap winner: "Let me tell you, you won't be in that crap shirt!" The winner was wearing a Team Vodaphone polo shirt at the time.
What's wrong with this picture: VW Passat R36
Spotted this morning at a used car yard on Parramatta Rd:
Whilst it is technically possible to fit a turbo or two to an R36, this relatively scarce example of VW atmospheric induction was not so equipped.
Whilst it is technically possible to fit a turbo or two to an R36, this relatively scarce example of VW atmospheric induction was not so equipped.
Friday 3 February 2012
Let's Go Shopping: Adayer Sportif
Spotted on Carsales, and evidently advertised since July 2011, is this little known (and little produced) Adayer Sportif.
The Adayer Sportif was one of many limited run vehicles produced by third party manufacturers in Australia in the 80's, in an environment where relatively relaxed liability, ADR compliance, and warranty concerns once made such ventures almost viable.
The Adayer Sportif was based around a VH Commodore, but Melbourne operation, Creative Car Craft converted the bodies to a two-door layout using off-the-shelf panels from the German Opel Rekord on which the early Commodores were based.
A number of specific detail changes were also made to the bodies, including the rather bizarre choice of ZK Fairlane headlights, along with a rather plush interior retrim.
A total of only 12 Sportifs were created, including the one prototype, and so are pretty thin on the ground these days.
So, is the Carsales Sportif worth the $15,000 asking price?
Values of early Commodores are certainly on the rise, particularly manual V8 models. Given the lack of factory involvement in the Sportif conversion, the value of this particular example would be dependant on how well the modifications have fared over 28 years, originality, and whether the unique interior trim is still intact and in good condition.
If it is all in A1 condition and original, then $15,000 could well be a realistic value.
It is unclear if the vehicle is still for sale but I will report back if the owners respond to my enquiries.
The Adayer Sportif was based around a VH Commodore, but Melbourne operation, Creative Car Craft converted the bodies to a two-door layout using off-the-shelf panels from the German Opel Rekord on which the early Commodores were based.
A number of specific detail changes were also made to the bodies, including the rather bizarre choice of ZK Fairlane headlights, along with a rather plush interior retrim.
A total of only 12 Sportifs were created, including the one prototype, and so are pretty thin on the ground these days.
So, is the Carsales Sportif worth the $15,000 asking price?
Values of early Commodores are certainly on the rise, particularly manual V8 models. Given the lack of factory involvement in the Sportif conversion, the value of this particular example would be dependant on how well the modifications have fared over 28 years, originality, and whether the unique interior trim is still intact and in good condition.
If it is all in A1 condition and original, then $15,000 could well be a realistic value.
It is unclear if the vehicle is still for sale but I will report back if the owners respond to my enquiries.
Toyota hints at dual-cab 70 Series LandCruiser
The 28 year evolution of Toyota's 70 Series LandCruiser range may soon extend to a dual-cab utlity model, if a recent report by CarAdvice proves correct.
A dual-cab utility would be able to match the Troop carrier's passenger carrying capability, with the added functionality of a utility tray.
The model pictured above has been marketed in the Middle East, but it is unclear whether this is the variant being considered for the Australian market.
Image Source: bushtrackerforum.com
The demands of mining industry customers are largely responsible for the range's continued availability, but have dictated specification changes to the range over the years such as the OH&S driven addition of airbags at the beginning of 2010.
These demands have extended to a dual-cab bodystyle, to enable transportation of both cargo and more than the three passengers the current single-cab trayback is capable of conveying.
These same OH&S regulations generally prevent Troop carrier models from being used for 'carrying troops' these days in their traditional sidewards facing configuration, with the optional forward facing second row seat package being the only compliant configuration.
A dual-cab utility would be able to match the Troop carrier's passenger carrying capability, with the added functionality of a utility tray.
The model pictured above has been marketed in the Middle East, but it is unclear whether this is the variant being considered for the Australian market.
Image Source: bushtrackerforum.com
Great moments of biffo in Australian motorsport
'The Biff' was certainly an integral element of several codes of Australian team sport back in the day, but there has only been the occasional smattering of physical biffo on our racing circuits.
Below are some great examples that modern offialdom would likely prevent:
I particularly enjoy the restraint demonstrated by Murphy and Ambrose, clearly knowing what consequences they'd face if it had come to blows.
Below are some great examples that modern offialdom would likely prevent:
Paul Morris and Tony Longhurst - teammate scuffle at Winton in '94
Mark Skaife and Russell Ingall - Final round stoush at Eastern Creek 2003
Greg Murphy and Marcos Ambrose - Finger pointing and cranky pants at Bathurst 2005
I particularly enjoy the restraint demonstrated by Murphy and Ambrose, clearly knowing what consequences they'd face if it had come to blows.
BMW/Mini set to pull pin on Prodrive
After months of apparent disharmony between BMW/Mini and high profile racing firm Prodrive, Autosport.com report that the union will likely soon dissolve, casting doubt over the future of the Mini WRC program.
The team enjoyed a second placing at the Monte Carlo opening round of the WRC, but cracks had already appeared in the union beforehand, to the extent that vital entry forms for the event were submitted late, nearly causing the Mini team to miss the opening round.
The team is currently in transit to the second round in Sweden, and it is unclear if their participation will be effected if these reports reach fruition.
Read the full report at Autosport.com.
The team enjoyed a second placing at the Monte Carlo opening round of the WRC, but cracks had already appeared in the union beforehand, to the extent that vital entry forms for the event were submitted late, nearly causing the Mini team to miss the opening round.
The team is currently in transit to the second round in Sweden, and it is unclear if their participation will be effected if these reports reach fruition.
Read the full report at Autosport.com.
Thursday 2 February 2012
Chris Harris meets two of his childhood heroes
In his latest piece on DRIVE, Chris Harris presents a great contemporary impression of two of Group B rallying's great homologation specials; the Ford RS200 and the Audi Sport Quattro.
It's fascinating to watch, as he'd driven neither of the two previously. Both cars made to satisfy the same set of rules and modified for road use, yet are so fundamentally different in their overall execution. Fantastic footage of the two in action to boot!
It's fascinating to watch, as he'd driven neither of the two previously. Both cars made to satisfy the same set of rules and modified for road use, yet are so fundamentally different in their overall execution. Fantastic footage of the two in action to boot!
Wednesday 1 February 2012
And people whinge about a lack of cigarette lighter. Try no power socket at all!
Today I have the pleasure of using a '96 model, pre-facelift SB Holden Barina City automatic. Fortunately, its the 44kW 1.4L version, not the paltry 33kW 1.2L that was also available that year.
Anyway, I was very surprised to find that it completely lacks a power socket! As seen below, there is simply a blank panel where the higher models hopefully scored a socket, with nothing but dash cavity behind it!
As Mick Molloy once said, "even my EH Holden came with a standard cigarette lighter!" Not so with the SB City it seems.
Anyway, this was most bemusing as an owner of a 4.3" smartphone, causing me to step up my already cautious power rationing regime!
Anyway, I was very surprised to find that it completely lacks a power socket! As seen below, there is simply a blank panel where the higher models hopefully scored a socket, with nothing but dash cavity behind it!
As Mick Molloy once said, "even my EH Holden came with a standard cigarette lighter!" Not so with the SB City it seems.
Anyway, this was most bemusing as an owner of a 4.3" smartphone, causing me to step up my already cautious power rationing regime!
Chris Harris finally drives the GT86
I've been hoping that Chris Harris would share the high regard of the GT86 shared by all who have driven it to date. Thankfully he does, and this brief drive story only further whets my appetite for my own first encounter.
I'm truly elated to see such a purist's vehicle hitting the market after so many years of easily exploited, numbers driven performance cars which started with the WRX fad and continues with this era of dual clutch gearboxes and launch control.
May the GT86 do an MX-5 and reignite a once-forgotten element of motoring and inspire more examples from other manufacturers.
Harry Metcalfe from EVO helps us get to know the Enzo better than any non-owner could hope
Harry's relaxed presentation style is fast becoming one of my favourite Youtube fixes. Check out the rest of his videos and you'll be amazed at what he keeps in his own garage!
Here, he takes us through everything that opens and shuts on Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason's Enzo. Amazing how floppy the rear clamshell is!
Remember the 300+?
Something that's been bugging me since the launch of the C-Class Coupe in 2011, is how its window/beltline bears a striking resemblance to Ford Australia's 300+ (a Hillier fabrication) 2001 Melbourne Motor Show concept. Yet another bizarre MB link to the AU Falcon, akin to the rear styling of the first-gen CLS.
300+ 
C-Class Coupe
Jewel by Propaganda
Lets kick off with something truly obscure.
Fans of the Bathurst enduro highlight VHS tapes from the 80's will be familiar with this tune, which was used by Atlab/Umbrella/Channel 7 to introduce the compilations.
Anyway, it turns out that the tune (Jewelled by 80's German synth-pop group Propaganda), was actually the theme music to the BBC's telecasts of RAC rallying throughout the 80's and early 90's.
The truly mad among us will be interested to hear this original, lyrical version of the tune, with bonus film clip!
Listen to the chorus in particular to see what I mean...
Fans of the Bathurst enduro highlight VHS tapes from the 80's will be familiar with this tune, which was used by Atlab/Umbrella/Channel 7 to introduce the compilations.
The truly mad among us will be interested to hear this original, lyrical version of the tune, with bonus film clip!
Listen to the chorus in particular to see what I mean...
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