CARS GLOBALMAG + RACE GLOBALMAG October 2014 by CARS GLOBALMAG

digital monthly magazine globalmag

&RACEGM

October 2014

DS Divine Concept

RENAULT EOLAB

TOYOTA C-HR Concept

PEUGEOT QUARTZ Concept

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October 2014

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FRONT PAGE The great journey continues

AUTONEWS Paris - Mondial de l’Automobile October news

MISS OF THE MONTH

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Effeffe Berlinetta: Cafè Racer

Volvo XC90: whitout compromises

digital monthly magazine

CLASSIC

GLOBAL NEWS

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AMG: driving performance

Nissan Project Titan Chrome variations

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The new Great Wall H6 SUV and the Steed 5 Pick-Up completed the second of seven stages, during their trip around the world, carrying the â&#x20AC;&#x153;7milamiglialontanoâ&#x20AC;? crews

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lbrang Monastery

“7

milamiglialontano” is a project aimed at raising awareness on social issues that affect the entire planet: from the issue of food sustainability, to the problem of war and the support of the most vulnerable minorities. All done through practical help like the seven organizations that are alternating their participation in each of the seven stages do.

Also worth noting that three volumes dedicated to feeding the planet are taking shape

along the journey and will be brought to Milan Expo 2015. A useful description of the importance of food sustainability in the world. For all these reasons the Great Wall importer for Italy decided to support the project by providing two cars, believing in the philosophy of “7milamiglialontano” and knowing that such an undertaking can only emphasize the reliability of its vehicles, which were strictly kept as series models, as a testament to the

Zhangjiajie

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Li river

Li rever around Yangshuo

Hong Kong

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quality of Asian cars built for Europe, in the Bulgarian Lovech factory. During the first stage, the Steed 5 PickUp and the new Great Wall H6 SUV (both mounting 2.0 turbo diesel 4x4 engines delivering 143 hp) traveled across Europe to enter Asia and reach Almaty, Kazakhstan.

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From there, the Emergency association took over and in a month crossed the vast Asian continent in the footsteps of history along the ancient Silk Road, driving along the Gobi desert and then through China to Hong-Kong, where the two Great Wall were shipped to the Gulf of Alaska.

Longsheng paddy field

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Just this part of the stage could fill whole volumes of images, sounds, colors and flavors from all the different cultures encountered along the voyage. For those who want to follow in detail the â&#x20AC;&#x153;7milamiglialontandoâ&#x20AC;? endeavor and would like to buy a segment of the journey, which will then be donated to charity, can do so by logging on to the corporate website www.7milamiglialontano.com For now, the journey of the two Great Wall cars continues across the Pacific Ocean aboard a freighter towards Alaska, from where the third crew will take over (destination Guatemala through North America), an all-female association Casa delle Donne (Women Home), for years at the forefront in supporting women of every ethnicity, religion, culture and social background. The trip will continue at the helm of Great Wall H6 and Steed 5 for other five long stages, where the will of women, men and the strength of equipment will continue to be challenged by the roads of the world.

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ASTON MARTIN Carbon Editions

ffering Aston Martin’s Carbon Black, or Carbon White, special edition treatment to the Vanquish Coupe or Volante creates a sports car with a powerful road presence to match its 200 mph-plus performance. Striking new features available as standard for both Carbon Black and Carbon White editions include black window surrounds and ten-spoke gloss black alloy wheels. Inside, the theme continues with a choice of accent colours and

materials that showcase a combination of standard carbon fibre features and black hardware. Eye-catching features distinguishing the Carbon editions from their standard Vanquish siblings include an exposed carbon fibre roof panel (coupe only), carbon fibre side strakes and carbon fibre mirror caps and arms. Meanwhile a machined carbon fibre ‘wings’ badge is available for the first time as an option on the special edition cars.

AUDI TT Sportback concept

dding 29 centimetres to the length of the ‘standard’ TT to incorporate its extra rear doors, the full four-seat show car takes the TT in another new conceptual direction. The five-door Audi TT Sportback concept is 4.47 metres long, 1.89 metres wide, and 1.38 metres high, and is built around a wheelbase of 2.63 metres. Compared with the new production TT, it is 29 centimetres longer, 6 centimetres wider, 3 centimetres lower and has a 12 centimetre longer wheelbase. The 400PS output delivered by the Audi TT Sportback concept flows through a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission to the quattro permanent allwheel drive system, helping to peg the 0 to 62mph sprint time at just 3.9 seconds. The four-cylinder engine puts 450 Nm (331.9 lb-ft) of torque on the crankshaft between 2,400 and 6,000 rpm, with over 300 Nm (221.3 lb-ft) already available at just 1,900 rpm. The Audi virtual cockpit dominates the interior of the show car, with the 12.3inch screen replacing the conventional instruments and the MMI monitor.

TT Roadster

t 4,177 millimeters in length the twoseater is 21 millimetres shorter than its predecessor. Its wheelbase, on the other hand, has grown by 37 millimetres to 2,505 millimetres, contributing to shorter overhangs for a more purposeful stance. With a width of 1,832 millimetres, the new TT Roadster is 10 millimetres narrower than its predecessor, and at a height of 1,355 millimetres it is 3 millimetres lower. There are 10 exterior colours, one of which is exclusively reserved for the S line. The 2.0 TFSI produces 230PS and 370 Nm (272.9 lbft) of torque in the TT Roadster; in the TTS Roadster, output rises to 310PS and 380 Nm (280.3 lbft). The top model sprints from 0-62mph in just 4.9 seconds on its way to an electronically governed top speed of 155mph.

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BENTLEY Mulsanne Speed

DS Divine Concept

S has been a fully-fledged Brand since 1 June 2014. Today the DS range consists of three models, the DS 3 (including the DS 3 CABRIO), DS 4 and DS 5, rounded out by the DS 5LS and DS 6, which are marketed in China. At the Paris Motor Show the DIVINE DS is a manifesto of the DS style, a four-door car distinguished

entley presents a new pinnacle flagship. The new Mulsanne Speed is tailored for the driver, with 537 PS (530 bhp / 395 kW), 1,100 Nm (811 lb.ft) and selectable sports suspension and steering on demand.The reengineered powertrain, featuring Bentley’s 6¾-litre twin-turbo V8, propels the Mulsanne Speed to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds (0 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds) and on to a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h). In modern Bentley tradition, the extra performance is matched by markedly improved efficiency; a 13% gain means a range extended by 50 miles (80 km). The new engine is paired with a recalibrated gearbox designed to enhance the driving experience of the Mulsanne Speed. The gear strategy is optimised for the new, higher wave of torque, and is designed for instant torque delivery on throttle application.

by its compact lines. Along with its sleek and assertive exterior styling, DIVINE DS has an interior whose elements are combined in totally original ways to reflect DS’s avant-garde sophistication. For this concept car, the design teams gave free rein to their creativity and introduced the concept of “hypertypage”, meaning the car has three interchangeable interior universes, each with a unique and compelling personality. It is a concept car that points to DS’s aim of offering customers cars that will reflect their personality.

BMW 2 Series Convertible / X6

ndependent exterior design, developed in parallel with BMW 2 Series Coupe, sporting hallmark BMW Convertible features and clear visual differentiation from the compact models of the BMW 1 Series highlight the new BMW 2 Series. Under the bonnet four-cylinder petrol engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, in the BMW 228i Convertible (180 kW/245 hp) and BMW 220i Convertible (135 kW/184 hp); fourcylinder diesel from the new BMW Group engine family with TwinPower Turbo technology and 140 kW/190 hp for the BMW 220d Convertible; eight-speed Steptronic transmission as an option. The BMW M235i Convertible will mounts 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology and 240 kW/326 hp, Mspecific tuning for chassis components, aerodynamically optimised body features, individual

cockpit design and eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission as an option. Market launch will occur in February 2015. The new edition of the BMW X6 has a standard equipment that goes beyond that of the previous model and includes bi-xenon headlights, 19-inch light-alloy wheels, automatic tailgate operation, the eight-speed Steptronic sport transmission, leather trim and the Driving Assistant package from BMW ConnectedDrive. M Sport package, Design Pure Extravagance option and model-specific features from BMW Individual are also available Three powerful and efficient engines with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology will be available from launch. All model variants come as standard with the BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheeldrive system.

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CITROﾃ起 C4 Cactus AIRFLOW 2L & C1 Urban Ride Concept

ith the C4 Cactus AIRFLOW 2L concept, Citroen delivers consumption of 2l/100 km. A breakthrough fuel consumption obtained with optimised design with a 20% improvement in aerodynamics, lower rolling resistance (Tall&Narrow tyres), efforts to use lighter parts and thus reduce overall vehicle weight by 100 kg and the implementation of Hybrid Air technology, which cuts fuel consumption by 30%.

The C4 Cactus AIRFLOW 2L concept pushes the engine technology further by adopting the Hybrid Air drivetrain. This technology combines a range of proven sub-systems and technologies: a 3-cylinder PureTech petrol engine, a compressed air energy storage unit, a hydraulic pump/motor unit and an automatic transmission with an epicyclic gear train. An intelligent electronic management system manages input from the driver to optimise energy efficiency. The new Citroﾃｫn C1 URBAN RIDE concept illustrates the potential for personalising this city car. The lively, fun personality of New C1 is enhanced by SUV-inspired styling features. Ground clearance is raised by 15mm and bumper fairings are provided front and rear, along with wheel arch trim elements. For a more dynamic look, its tracks have been increased by 10mm. The Citroﾃｫn C1 URBAN RIDE concept is presented in two versions: 5-door and Airscape. The Airscape concept has the biggest roof opening in its class.

FERRARI 458 Speciale A

he new limited edition special series is a celebration of the success of the various versions of the 458. Dedicated to just 499 Ferrari collectors, the 458 Speciale A is the most powerful spider in Prancing Horse history. Its aluminium retractable hard top, which takes a mere 14 seconds to deploy or retract, helps reduce the weight difference with the Speciale coupĂŠ to just 50 kg.Â The 458 Speciale A sports the most powerful naturally-aspirated road-going V8 engine ever built by Ferrari. It punches out a massive 605 cv (135 cv/l specific power output) and 540 Nm of torque at 6000 rpm yet only generates 275 g/km of CO2 emissions. The new car sprints from 0-100 km/h in just 3.0 seconds.

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FIAT 500X

he new FIAT 500X is meant to be a crossover with two versions on offer. A choice of 12 different body colours and eight different designs for the 16-, 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels, will help every owner personalise the look of their FIAT 500X. The “Drive Mood Selector” has three different modes for engine, brakes, steering and gearbox/transmission settings. The engine range of the new FIAT 500X in EMEA countries comprises four petrol engines and three diesels: Front-wheel drive, petrol-powered models are either equipped with a 110hp, 1.6-litre “E-torQ”

engine with a five-speed manual gearbox or a 140hp, 1.4-litre Turbo MultiAir II petrol engine with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed twinclutch transmission. All-wheel drive petrol models, which are equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission as standard, are powered either by a 170hp, 1.4-litre Turbo MultiAir II engine or the 184hp, 2.4-litre Tigershark engine. The front-wheel drive diesel range consists of the 95hp, 1.3-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel, equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox and the 120hp1.6-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox. The four-wheel drive diesel option is the 140hp, 2.0-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel, which will be available with a six-speed manual or ninespeed automatic transmission.

FORD S-MAX & C-MAX

n sale next year, S-MAX will debut in Europe Ford Adaptive Steering, which continually changes the ratio between the steering wheel and wheels according to vehicle speed. New, responsive and sophisticated powertrains, include the new 160PS 1.5-litre and 240PS 2.0-litre EcoBoost engines. Diesel powertrain CO2

emissions will be reduced by an anticipated seven per cent, with options including a 120PS 2.0-litre TDCi and revised 150PS and 180PS 2.0-litre TDCi engines. Ford Intelligent All-Wheel Drive will also be offered for the first time. Fordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new C-MAX multi-activity vehicle family delivers a sleeker exterior design with the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distinctive inverted trapezoidal grille, sleeker, more chiselled front headlamps and more rectangular, elongated fog-lamps. C-MAX models will be equipped for the first time with a new 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine and 120PS 1.5-litre TDCi engine. The C-MAX family will continue to be offered with 100PS and 125PS versions of the multi-award winning 1.0-litre EcoBoost petrol engine.

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HONDA Civic Type-R / HR-V

n the Civic Type R power will come from a 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine from Honda’s next-generation Earth Dreams Technology series. The new Type R will mark the debut of the new ‘+R’ button located to the side of the steering wheel. In order to deliver the power of the turbocharged 2.0-litre i-VTEC engine, the new Type R’s front suspension system includes this additional mechanical system involving two supporting ‘kingpins’. These work to minimise torque steer, allowing the driver to fully exploit the Type R‘s driveability. The new Type R will follow in the footsteps of its predecessors with a six-speed manual transmission.

he unique exterior design of the new HR-V prototype echoes that of a coupé, with sharp, dynamic lines that link the sleek upper body with the stable and planted lower body. The HR-V features a centre fuel tank location to create a more spacious and adaptable SUV. Honda Magic Seats® make use of this versatility by enabling a wide range of seating configurations, with the ability to fold the second row seats completely flat for added cargo space.

HYUNDAI i20

he New Generation i20 will go on sale throughout Europe from November 2014. Sitting on a new platform, the wheelbase has been extended by 45 millimetres to 2570 mm creating more space for occupants. The New Generation i20 is available with a choice of three Hyundai ‘Kappa’ petrol and two ‘U-II’ diesel power units. Proven powerplants have been carried over from the previous-generation model with a number of

improvements to enhance driveability and ensure compliance with new Euro6 emission regulations while the 1.4-litre petrol engine is developed. A new Kappa 1.0-litre T-GDI downsized and turbocharged petrol engine will further enhance the New Generation i20 engine line-up in 2015. Both the five-and six-speed manual transmissions fitted to the New Generation i20 are available. Shift accuracy and snap-in feel has been improved.

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INFINITI Q80 Inspiration

ull-size in width (2010mm/79.1 inches) and length (5060mm/199.2 inches), yet with a stance of 1340mm/52.8 inches at its highest point, the Q80 is luxurious sedan-like in dimension with fastback contouring. Innovations continue inside, where driver and passengers are ushered into four individual seats via wide opening portal-style doors. The Q80 Inspiration boasts impressive performance with 550hp at its disposal, delivered by

an all-new, downsized twin turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 and hybrid electric powertrain. The new engine offers a precursor to a family of engines that will be introduced to the Infiniti portfolio within the next two years. The Q80 Inspiration is a concept vehicle but the way it is named indicates a production intent, suggesting a future design language, ingenious technologies and ultimately Infinitiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ambition to launch into a new segment.

KIA Rio

LAND ROVER Discovery Sport

he Discovery Sports is a family-friendly SUV with a versatile 5+2 seating layout, along with Land Rover’s unique take on outdoor life. “Designed and engineered to be the world’s most capable and versatile premium compact SUV, this

he enhanced Kia Rio has a newly-designed front bumper and fog lights. Three new alloy wheel designs (available in 15-, 16- and 17-inch) refresh the Rio’s profile and a new rear bumper completes the exterior makeover. In addition, two new paint finishes (Urban Blue and Digital Yellow) will be added to the colour line-up. Range-topping EX models have a new cloth trim as standard, while Kia is introducing the option of grey faux leather upholstery on this model. Depending on individual markets, the enhanced Rio will be offered in Europe with a choice of up to four engines, ranging in power output from 75 to 109, driving the front wheels via five- or six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.

is a vehicle that will appeal not only to existing Land Rover customers but to a whole new group of people who may never have considered Land Rover before,” said Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer. Discovery Sport will be produced at Land Rover’s manufacturing facility at Halewood in Liverpool and go on sale in 2015, alongside the existing seven-seat Land Rover Discovery, in more than 170 markets worldwide.

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LAMBORGHINI Asterion LPI 910-4

amborghini unveiled its first plug-in hybrid technology demonstrator, the Lamborghini Asterion LPI 910-4. Based on a monocoque made entirely of carbon fibre, a V10 5.2 liter FSI engine is located longitudinally as a mid-engine, as in Lamborghini super sports cars. The extremely fast shifting 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is located behind the engine at the rear transaxle. The housing of the powerful lithium battery is placed longways in the central tunnel area, normally reserved for the transmission. The Asterionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hybrid architecture is realized with an electric motor incorporating an integrated starter motor and generator (ISG) which is placed between the V10 engine and the double clutch gearbox, and two electric motors at the front axle fed by the ISG power with a torque vec-

toring function. This system allows the Asterion two different driving modes: in hybrid mode it is combining the V10 engine with the three electric motors guaranteeing a permanent four-wheel drive without being dependent on the batteryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s state of charge. In pure electric drive mode only the two electric motors in the front are used. The V10 5.2 l longitudinally-placed, naturally aspirated mid-engine provides a maximum power output of 449 kW (610 hp) with 560 Nm of maximum torque available. Combined with the three electric motors providing a further 220 kW (300 hp), total hybrid power is achievable to a maximum of 669 kW (910 hp). Acceleration of 0-100 km/h takes place in 3.0 seconds. With a top hybrid/combined speed of 320 km/h the Asterion LPI 910-4 also reaches up to 125 km/h under pure electric power.

MASERATI Ghibli S Q4

he Maserati Ghibli S Q4 by Ermenegildo Zegna Concept stands out from the rest of the current Ghibli range thanks to its special colour finishes, materials and trims. The exterior is characterised by a new, exclusive Azzurro Astro colour. Other immediately apparent exterior features are the 20” Urano wheels with their distinctive colour specially developed for this concept car. The natural colour

leather of Poltrona Frau is matched with Ermenegildo Zegna’s micro-chevron silk weave, in a pattern effectively characterising the interior. The car is powered by the high-performance 410 HP V6 Twin-Turbo engine, with “Q4” four wheel drive, ensuring 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in just 4.8 seconds also thanks to a maximum torque of 550 Nm, and able to reach a top speed of 284 km/h.

MINI 5 Door

with 3-cylinder diesel engine (85 kW/116 hp) and MINI Cooper SD 5 door with likewise newly developed 4-cylinder diesel engine and 125 kW/170 hp; 6-speed manual transmission as standard in all models, optionally available 6-speed Steptronic transmission for all models except the MINI One D 5 door and 6-speed Steptronic Sport transmission for the MINI Cooper S 5 door and the MINI Cooper SD 5 door.

ith a wheelbase expanded by 72 millimetres as compared to the new MINI, there is space for three seats at the rear of the MINI 5 door. The luggage compartment space is now at 278 litres – 67 litres more than in the 3-door model. 13 additional exterior paint finishes will be available. At market launch, the new MINI 5 door will be available in six model variants; two petrol and two diesel engines of the new generation available with MINI TwinPower Turbo Technology. MINI Cooper One 5 door with 75 kW/102 hp 3-cylinder petrol engine, MINI Cooper 5 door with 100 kW/136 hp 3-cylinder petrol engine, MINI Cooper S 5 door with 141 kW/192 hp 4-cylinder petrol engine and MINI Cooper One D 5 door with 3-cylinder diesel engine (70 kW/95 hp), MINI Cooper D 5 door

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MITSUBISHI Outlander PHEV Concept-S

he Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Concept-S is a concept model presenting a special de-

ll of the car’s body panels are new, and provide greater definition between the ‘sporty’ look of the three-door and the ‘premium’ five-door models. For the first time on a Corsa the car’s profile has been overlaid with Brit Mark Adams’ sculptural design, including elements such as the ‘blade’ running across the lower door-sections. Almost every element of the Corsa’s generous cabin is completely new, including a completely re-designed instrument panel and dashboard. Under the bonnet, new engines and transmissions will be available from launch. A 1.0-litre, three-cylinder ECOTEC Direct Injection Turbo will headline in the petrol offerings, while a much improved 1.3 CDTi, which meets stringent Euro-6 regulations, will appeal to diesel buyers.

sign package for the production Outlander PHEV. The exterior and interior design are created under “Sporty and Sophisticated” design theme. The exterior design expresses a “protective theme”, while inside details express quality underlining the driving performance provided by the Twin Motor 4WD and Plug-in Hybrid EV System.

OPEL Corsa

MERCEDES-BENZ C63, B-Class, S-Class

he new top model in the C-Class line-up makes its debut in two body versions – as a saloon and estate car. The C 63 is driven by a 4.0 litre V8 biturbo engine closely related to the power unit in the equally new Mercedes-AMG GT. The Mercedes-AMG C 63 is the world’s most fuel efficient V8 model. The power spectrum ranges from 350 kW (476 hp) in the C 63 to 375 kW (510 hp) in the C 63 S. The AMG RIDE CONTROL sport suspension with electronically regulated shock absorbers, the mechanical rear differential lock and the AMG DYNAMIC SELECT drive programme are among its extensive array of standard equipment. Another world premiere being presented by Mercedes-Benz in Paris is the new generation of the B-Class which has undergone an extensive facelift and has been substantially upgraded both inside and out. Available engines include five modern diesel and five petrol versions as well as one natural gas variant, the B 200 Natural Gas Drive,

and the B-Class Electric Drive with battery power. Added to that are several variants with 4MATIC all-wheel drive. With its powerful and torquey electric motor (132 kW, 340 Nm), the new B Class Electric Drive delivers real performance: The dash from zero to 100 km/h takes just 7.9 seconds. The intelligent packaging with the lithium-ion battery beneath the floor ensures plenty of interior and boot space. With 501 to 1,456 litres of space, the fully fledged five-seater offers considerably more luggage room than all of its competitors. It has a range of 200 kilometres, increasing to as much as 230 kilometres with the optional RANGE PLUS mode – likewise a best-in-class. A sizable electric range is also among the features of the new Mercedes-Benz S 500 PLUG-IN HYBRID. The low average consumption is in stark contrast to the high system output of 245 kW (333 hp) and maximum torque of 480 Nm. The electric motor contributes 85 kW of power and 340 Nm of torque.

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NISSAN

Pulsar & Pulsar NISMO Concept

he Pulsar launches with two highly advanced engines - a 1.2-litre DIG-T petrol unit and a 1.5-litre dCi diesel. It is equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. Nissan is set to add a third engine option – a 190PS 1.6 DIG-T. The new turbocharged petrol unit will join the Pulsar range from Spring 2015. The new Pulsar range features three familiar trim grades: Visia, Acenta and Tekna. All models come with air conditioning, five-inch Advanced Drive-Assist Display and electric windows all-round. Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, six airbags and Stop & Start system are also all fitted as standard across the range.

The dramatic front bumper features larger, optimised air intakes and striking brake cooling vents. Deeper side skirts, a lower ride height and 19-inch five arm alloy wheels with 235/35 R19 tyres emphasise the muscular form of the Pulsar’s design.Other elements include; a unique carbon fibre rear spoiler, side skirts and flared wheel arches. As opposed to the conventional white lamp reversing lamp, the Pulsar NISMO Concept’s light hosts a clear, dark finish. Inside, the Pulsar NISMO Concept continues the race-inspired theme with a red coloured tachometer, deeply sculpted sports seats trimmed in Alcantara, a sporty three-spoke steering wheel and alloy pedals.

Qashqai n-tec

del. Outside, the new n-tec grade features unique 18-inch alloy wheels with a stylish and distinctive black diamond-cut finish. Taking centre stage in the new car is the acclaimed Around View Monitor (AVM) – Nissan’s driving and parking aid that provides driver with a ‘helicopter view’ of the area immediately surrounding the car. To complete the Qashqai range enhancements, Nissan has added a new model in the form of a DIG-T 115 Xtronic featuring a six-speed automatic transmission option for the first time from Acenta upwards. The new model emits just 129g/km and returns 50.4mpg on the combined cycle and costs an additional £1,350 over the equivalent manual variants.

issan has updated its multi-award winning Qashqai range with the launch of a brand new n-tec trim plus a new Xtronic DIG-T 115 mo-

PEUGEOT 308 GT & 508

he Peugeot 308 GT is available as a Hatchback or SW in four versions, powered by either a 1.6-litre THP S&S BVM6 petrol engine delivering 205 hp or a 2.0-litreL BlueHDi developing 180hp. These engines are mated to an EAT6 automatic gearbox, respectively achieving 5.6 l/100km (50.4mpg) with CO2 emissions of 130g/km, and 4.0 l/100 km (70.6mpg) with CO2 emissions of only 103g/km. Visually enhanced by the side skirts, the Peugeot 308 GT sits on 18-inch Diamond alloy wheels shod on Michelin Pilot Sport 3 tyres.

QUARTZ Concept

he strong, powerful and sporty style of the Peugeot QUARTZ combines the body of an SUV with the cabin of a saloon. Sleek lines convey a dynamic feel thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s further accentuated by short overhangs and the 23-inch wheels sitting inside generously rounded wheel arches. The Peugeot i-Cockpit keeps everything at the driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fingertips. The compact steering wheel is inspired by competition models with controls embedded in it.

The new 508 has a more structured feel, with a new front grille featuring the famous Peugeot lion in the middle, plus a revamped, profiled bonnet. The new Peugeot 508 has no fewer than eight engine options, including two petrol versions and six diesel, ranging from 165hp to 204 hp.

The Peugeot QUARTZ uses a plug-in hybrid drive train comprising a petrol engine supplemented by two electric motors. The bonnet houses the 1.6-litre THP 270 power plant developed by Peugeot Sport. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the four-cylinder engine delivers torque of 330Nm, with a specific output of nearly 170hp per litre. The front axle is also driven by an 85kW electric motor with direct drive. This charges the 400V battery during deceleration and assists the combustion engine with gear changes. The rear axle also features an 85kW electric motor for propulsion and battery charging.

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Cayenne S E-Hybrid

he new Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid is the first plug-in hybrid in the premium SUV segment. Thanks to plug-in hybrid technology the Cayenne S E-Hybrid has a fuel economy of only 3.4 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of 79 grams per kilometre. Besides the Cayenne S E-Hybrid Porsche is also presenting updated models4) of the Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne Diesel and Cayenne S Diesel in Paris. Their main features are increased efficiency, more precise handling, a more streamlined design and even more extensive standard equipment.

ROLLS-ROYCE Phantom Metropolitan

olls-Royce presented the Phantom Metropolitan Collection. Just 20 cars will be available to commission. The Phantom Metropolitan Collection pays homage to the world’s great metropolises through the meticulous application of marquetry – the art of inlaying small pieces of wood veneer to form decorative motifs. A specially developed Aetherius Grey leather colour

was created to echo the colour palette of the modern city whilst 6,800 two-tone stitches to the central rear seat flutes depict an abstract image of a skyscraper. For the first time in the marque’s history, a rotating bezel expressing 24 of the great cities of the world and their time zones adorns the central console of a Rolls-Royce motor car.

RENAULT EOLAB / ESPACE

enault presents EOLAB, a new prototype which explores ways to deliver ultra-low fuel consumption. It boasts NEDC combined cycle consumption of 1 litre/100km, equivalent to 22g of CO2/km. To achieve such low figures, the designers focused their efforts on three main areas: minimising weight, refining aerodynamics and using “Z.E.

he new Espace comes with a standard 2.8 square metre Lumière panoramic windscreen which incorporates a ﬁxed glass roof over the front seats. A panoramic roof will be available as an option. The new Renault Espace offers a choice between three types of ambience and interior trim that can be combined with different equipment levels (depending on the choice of individual markets). Three engines will be available at launch. The Energy dCi 160 EDC with Twin Turbo technology (1.6 litres, 160hp and 380Nm torque available from 1,750rpm), the Energy dCi 130 (1.6 litres, 130hp and 320Nm torque available from 1,750rpm) and the Energy TCe 200 EDC (1.6 litres, 200hp (147kW) and 260Nm torque available from 2,500rpm).

Hybrid” technology for all, a brand new initiative which permits zero emissions for journeys of less than 60km and at speeds of up to 120kph. As an innovative showcase with an environmental core, EOLAB includes a very high number of technological advances that are destined to be carried over gradually to vehicles available in the showroom.

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Fabia & Fabia Combi USB and SD card connections. The new Fabia also features a new personalisation programme with the Colour Concept system that allows owners to choose between 15 different body colours, and a number of wheel, roof and exterior mirror colour options. The Skoda Fabia Combi is 10 mm longer, 90 mm wider and 31 mm lower than its predecessor and the 530 litre boot capacity (1,395 litres with the back seat folded down) is the largest in its segment. The basis volume has increased by 25 litres compared to its predecessor.

ntry-level S models include six airbags, DAB digital radio, Bluetooth, Stop/Start and electric front windows as standard, while SE models add manual air-conditioning, alloy wheels, Front assist, Arkamys surround sound package and Bolero radio with telephone control, Mirror Link,

SMART fortwo and forfour

hort overhangs, compact length, high steering turn-in – the new smart models have the very best prerequisites to squeeze around every corner, too. Thanks to a 100-mm wider track, the wheels have been shifted even farther outwards. These characteristic proportions offer excellent visibility and manoeuvrability. The new smart models come to market with two modern three-cylinder engines, complying with the Euro 6 standard, as well as the new five-speed manual transmission and twinamic six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

Customers can choose from a total of three petrol and three diesel engines. Power output in the petrol engines ranges from 55 kW (75 PS) to 81 kW (110 PS). The new three-cylinder diesel range offers between 55 kW (75 PS) and 77 kW (105 PS).

SSANGYONG XIV

he SsangYong XIV is expected to go on sale in Korea from early 2015 and other global markets soon afterwards. For this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Paris Motor Show, SsangYong showed two further development concepts, XIV-Air and XIV-Adventure. The XIV-Air and XIV-Adventure are equipped with several new technologies including a Stop/Start fuel saving system and three mode smart steering with electric power assistance, in addition to an all-wheel drive (AWD) system which SsangYong offers on all its SUV models. XIV comes with a choice of 1.6 litre petrol and 1.6 diesel Euro 6 engines to ensure low COÂ˛ emissions.

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SUZUKI Vitara

arge diameter wheels and the high ground clearance of an SUV yield plenty of off-road capability. In addition, an ALLGRIP system with four modes that the user can choose to suit the road surface and driving conditions assures great on and off road performance. Each customer can choose from 15 body colour possibilities that include three new colours and several two tone combinations. The new Vitara is powered by the M16 1.6-litre petrol engine or the D16AA 1.6-litre diesel engine. A five-speed manual transmission is available for the 1.6-litre petrol engine, and a six-speed manual transmission is available for the 1.6-litre diesel engine. A six-speed automatic transmission is also available for the 1.6-litre petrol engine.

TOYOTA C-HR Concept

he C-HR Concept introduces a new Toyota vehicle architecture. The sculpted lower bodywork presents a precision-cut while the corners of the bodyshell have been cleanly shaved off, reducing overall mass. The concept car is built on a new platform and measures 4,350mm long, 1,850mm wide and 1,500mm high. A lower centre of gravity and greater structural rigidity will contribute to improved driving dynamics. It uses a new full hybrid powertrain that will deliver significantly improved fuel efficiency.

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VOLKSWAGEN Passat GTE

hanks to the electric motor, the Passat GTE can cover a distance of up to 31 miles in all-electric mode. At the press of a button next to the gear lever, the driver can also control the all-electric mode (“E-Mode”). A contrast to the “E-Mode” is offered by the mode “GTE”: in this mode, the Passat delivers a maximum system output of 160 kW / 218 PS; a wide variety of parameters such as the accelerator pedal and steering are also configured in a sportier way in this mode. The 1.4-litre TSI engine develops a power of 115 kW / 156 PS (as of 5,000 rpm); the electric motor produces 85 kW / 15 PS. The Passat GTE will be launched in the second half of next year – both as a saloon and an estate.

XL Sport concept

ased on the XL1 this 168-mph machine houses the V-Twin adapted from the new Ducati 1199 Superleggera, the world’s most powerful two-cylinder motorcycle. Like the XL1, of which only 250 will be built, the Superleggera is also being manufactured in a limited edition of 500 units. The vehicle’s aerodynamics are one key reason the car performs so well. The coefficient of drag (Cd) of 0.258 and the low frontal area of 1.7 sq m combine to give a CdA of 0.44 sq m, one of the best values ever achieved. The Ducati 1199 Superleggera’s V-Twin engine was slightly modified for use in the XL Sport, but is basically the same as the motorcycle’s. Thanks to its tough, lightweight titanium connecting rods, the 1199 cc double-overhead-camshaft engine can rev up to 11,000 rpm. Torque from the V-Twin engine (99 poundfeet) is transmitted to the rear axle via a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. From a standing start, the XL Sport takes 5.7 seconds to reach 62 mph.

Golf Alltrack

uropeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest carmaker also celebrated the world premiere of this allwheel drive model. Power units are a TSI petrol engine and three diesel engines, all powerful turbocharged direct injection units. The 1.8-litre TSI with 180 PS is an entirely new addition to the Golf range. Diesel units will comprise a 1.6-litre TDI with 110 PS, plus two 2.0-litre TDI engines with 150 and 184 PS. The versions with 180 PS and 184 PS transfer their power to the all-wheel drive system via a standard six-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG).

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GMC Sierra Elevation

MC introduced the 2015 Sierra Elevation Edition, a new entry to the sport pickup truck market. Built on the strong foundation of the standard 2015 Sierra 1500 double-cab pickup, the 2015 Sierra Elevation Edition incorporates a body-colored grille surround, color-keyed door handles, mirror caps, side moldings and front and rear bumpers designed to give Elevation a sporty monochromatic appearance. Elevation models also feature premium headlamps with distinctive light-emitting diode, or

LED, lighting, fog lamps, and black-painted 20inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The 2015 Sierra Elevation Edition is offered with two- or four-wheel drive. A 4.3-liter EcoTec3 V-6 engine is standard equipment, and delivers 285 horsepower, 305 lb-ft of torque, and EPA highway ratings up to 24 mpg. A 355-horsepower, 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8 is optional. The 2015 Sierra Elevation Edition will be available at GMC dealerships by the end of 2014.

CITROËN C3-XR

ITROËN continues its strategy of internationalisation in the Chinese market, which for the brand represents more than one sale in four and for which CITROËN has unveiled the new C3-XR, a compact SUV. The C3-XR is a pure product of the CITROËN centre of style, benefitting from the latest innovations, making for easier use through its technological equipment (keyless entry and starting, reversing camera …) and its connectivity via the Citroën telematic services. On sale in December, C3-XR will be available from launch with the THP 160 S&S engine coupled with the latest generation EAT6 automatic gearbox.

DS Ines de La Fressange Concepts

he DS styling Centre and Ines de La Fressange Paris have joined forces to develop two unique concepts, one on the DS 3, the other on the DS 3 CABRIO. DS 3 gains a range of personalisation features including an “Aéropostale” adhesive signature in red, white and blue, across the back of the car, an enamel-

effect emblem with the words “Ines de la Fressange Paris” on the central pillar, as well as wheel hubs and DS logo surround in Ines Red. DS 3 & DS 3 CABRIO Ines de la Fressange Paris Concept share the same interior, featuring the three emblematic colours of the union in a carefully matched layout.

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October

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JAGUAR XE

he Jaguar XE S provides responsiveness and refinement from a supercharged 3.0-liter V6. Generating 340hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, this engine is linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shift controls. Accelerating from 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, the XE S has an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph. The aluminum-intensive Jaguar XE is the first model developed from the new JLR modular vehicle architecture. It will be the first Jaguar to be equipped with electric power steering. This system is tuned to provide responsiveness and excellent feel, and offers improved efficiency over hydraulic systems. The XE goes on sale in 2015 in Global Markets and in 2016 in North America. The highperformance S model will be at the top of the global line-up at launch in 2015.

LEXUS RC 350

standard 306 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 teamed to an eight-speed Sports Program Direct Shift (SPDS) transmission for rear-wheel drive models helps provide smooth acceleration, predictable torque and good fuel economy for the 2015 Lexus RC 350. The 3.5-liter Lexus 2GR-FSE V6 propels the car with 306 horsepower and 277 lb.-ft. of torque. Accentuating the vibrant paint colors, the Lexus RC debuts new 18- and 19-inch alloy wheels, each featuring machined spokes. From launch, Lexus will offer the new RC 350 in both rear-wheel drive and with all-weather drive, the latter using a six-speed automatic transmission, and an F SPORT version.

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October

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he new Mercedes-AMG GT is the second sports car developed entirely in-house by MercedesAMG. The first sports car engine from AMG with internally mounted turbochargers and dry sump lubrication is configured in two output ratings: as a GT with 456 hp (340 kW) and as a GT S with 503 hp (375 kW). Top figures such as 3.7 seconds from 0-60 mph (preliminary) and a top speed of 193 mph (310 km/h), combined with the outstanding driving

dynamics will undoubtedly translate into extremely fast laps on the racetrack. The AMG DYNAMIC PLUS package augments performance and agility even more. It is available exclusively for the GT S and includes dynamic engine and transmission mounts. The US will launch first with the 2016 AMG GT S in the spring of 2015. The AMG GT will launch in the following year.

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MISS OF THE MONTH

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T H E F R AT E L L I F R I G E R I O B E R L I N E T TA

CAFÉ RACER

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EFFEFFE BERLINETTA

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Entirely hand made, according to the standards of the legendary 50’s, the Effeffe Berlinetta is a “Made in Italy” masterpiece of design and engineering. Passion and experience come together in the creation of this model, thanks to its design, recalling the “dream car” of many fans bringing them back a long time.

( The Effeffe Berlinetta “cafe racer” does not leave anything to chance, its whole “being” goes straight to the point and leaves no time to get lost in unnecessary frills. Built and finished trying to guess and satisfy the aesthetic taste of its driver and immediately expressing its great personality.

EFFEFFE BERLINETTA

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EFFEFFE BERLINETTA

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EFFEFFE BERLINETTA SPECIFICATIONS Alfa Romeo engine front central, straight four Bore and stroke: 84 x 88,5 mm Cubic capacity: 1962 cmc. Maximum power: 170 HP DIN a 6500 rpm ** Maximum torque: ...... mkg a ..... rpm ** Compression ratio: ...:1 ** Engine head: in light alloy with hemispherical combustion chambers Valve location: 2 per cylinder in engine head, V 80째 Outside valve diameter: inlet 38 mm, exhaust sodium 31 mm Drive shaft: on 5 steel bench blocks in pressed steel Distribution: by twin overhead camshaft driven by double chains Valve control: direct with interposition of oil washed cups Engine base: light alloy with removable cast iron cylinder liners Ignition: by battery 55Ah, coil ignition, voltage regulator,alternator 550W, spark plug 14 mm ** Feed: 2 horizontal Weber 45 DCOE double choke, air horns, electric fuel pump ** Lubrification: by wet sump oil pump, oil filter rapid replacement (sump capacity 6,6 l) Cooling: by water with radiator and pump, (circuit capacity 9,7 l.)

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The all-new Volvo XC90

WITHOUT COMPROMISES

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VOLVO XC90

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hree years in the making and part of a USD 11bn investment programme, the new XC90 marks the beginning of a new chapter in Volvo’s history, capturing its future design direction, incorporating its own range of new technologies and utilising its new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) technology. “This is one of the most important days in our history. We are not just launching a car, but re-launching our brand. This day marks a new era for our company. The XC90 paves the way for a portfolio of exciting new cars to come in the following years,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Car Group. Volvo’s new face Symbolising an day in Volvo’s 87 year history, the new XC90 will be the first of its cars to carry the company’s new more prominent iron mark, which has the iconic arrow elegantly aligned with the diagonal slash across the grille. Together with the T-shaped “Thor’s Hammer” DRL lights, the iron mark introduces an entirely new, distinctive and confident face for Volvo’s forthcoming generation of cars. The XC90’s larger bonnet with its new topography, the beltline and the sharpened shoulders connecting with the tattoo-like, new rear lights are other important design signatures that will be mirrored across the range. To add more visual muscle from the sides, the XC90 comes with a range of wheel sizes up to 22 inches. “The overall impression, both exterior and interior, has a strong connection to the key elements of the Swedish lifestyle: the generous space, the celebration of light and the focus on wellbeing,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President Design.

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The all-new XC90 is available with a range of accessories that makes it possible for the owner to create a truly personalised car. There are two major exterior styling themes:

• The Urban Luxury package combines a colour co-ordinated body kit with polished stainless steel details, such as front deco frames, front and rear skid plates and side scuff plates. The 21-inch exclusive polished wheelscomplete the elegant look. • The Rugged Luxury kit enhances the ruggedness of the XC90 SUV with tech matte black exterior trim, stainless steel skid plates, running boards with illumination and integrated exhaust pipes. This version issupplemented by unique 22-inch wheels.

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VOLVO XC90

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A SUV without compromises The XC90 outstanding combination of luxury, space, versatility, efficiency and safety will bring the SUV segment into an interesting dimension. “SPA has enabled us to create the world’s first SUV without compromises,” says Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President, Research and Development. “You get the in-command feel, generous interior space and flexible capability combined with the agility and smooth comfort of a much smaller and lower car. The adrenaline rush that is key to true driving pleasure is delivered by powertrains that offer an unrivalled combination of power and clean operation. And since the XC90 carries the Volvo badge, world-class safety is standard.” Unrivalled combination of power and fuel efficiency The new XC90 offers a range of two-litre, four-cylinder Drive-E powertrains, all of which provide an outstanding combination of performance and fuel-efficiency. The top of the range XC90 Twin Engine, which combines a two-litre, four-cylinder supercharged and turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, offers an unrivalled combination of power and clean operation: around 400 horsepower with carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of around 60 g/km (NEDC driving cycle). Most comprehensive standard safety package The all-new XC90 offers one of the most comprehensive and technologically sophisticated standard safety package available in the automotive industry. It includes two world first safety technologies: a run-off road protection package and auto brake at intersec-

tion capability. In a run-off road scenario, the all-new Volvo XC90 detects what is happening and the front safety belts are tightened to keep the occupants in position. To help prevent spine injuries, energy-absorbing functionality between the seat and seat frame cushions the vertical forces that can arise when the car encounters a hard landing in the terrain. The XC90 is the first car in the world with technology that features automatic braking if the driver turns in front of an oncoming car. This is a common scenario at busy city crossings as well as on highways, where the speed limits are higher. City Safety becomes the umbrella name for all of Volvo Cars’ auto brake functions, which are standard equipment in the all-new XC90. It now covers vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians in front of the car, day and night. “The new technologies will take us a significant step closer to our vision that no one will be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car by 2020,” says Mertens. “Our starting point on safety is the same today as it was when the company was created almost 90 years ago: real-life situations. We study data. We crunch numbers. We innovate. The result is one of the safest cars ever made.” Three focus areas will help Volvo Cars to reach Vision 2020: safety, connectivity and autonomous drive. “With the XC90, we take the first step towards self-driving cars. A new function that automatically follows the vehicle ahead in stop-and-go traffic will provide a radically simplified, semi-autonomous driving experience,” said LexKerssemakers, Senior Vice President, Product Strategy and Vehicle Line Management.

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VOLVO XC90

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R-Design “R-Design is created for people with a passion for things that add spice to life,” said Alain Visser, Vice President, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service. “It appeals to customers that love active driving and a personal, expressive design. Every single R-Design detail is designed to contribute to the individualistic and refined expression these customers desire.” The visual promise of a dynamic ride is confirmed by the driver-centric interior featuring R-Design sports seats in Nubuck textile and perforated leather. A choice of Drive-E powertrains offering up to 400 hp and the completely new XC90 chassis ensure an agile driving experience. The release of the R-Design follows Volvo’s release of 1,927 individually numbered black First Edition XC90’s which were offered for sale exclusively online and sold out in 47 hours.

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VOLVO XC90

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Luxurious interior The XC90’s interior is the most luxurious to have been designed for a Volvo. The most striking feature is a tablet-like touch screen control console, which forms the heart of an all-new in-car control system. This system is virtually button free and represents an entirely new way for drivers to control their car and access a range of Internet-based products and services. It also helps create an interior that is modern, spacious and uncluttered. “The new interior is pure and uncluttered, while still radiating the sophisticated confidence and formality that luxury SUV custo-

mers expect. The simplicity is perfectly in tune with our Scandinavian design heritage. It opens up generous surfaces and gives us the opportunity to create a modern, luxurious interior architecture,” says Mr Ingenlath. The new XC90 interior combines materials such as soft leather and wood with handcrafted details, including a gear lever made of crystal glass from Orrefors, the famous Swedish glassmaker, and diamond-cut controls for the start/stop button and volume control. Craftsmanship has been in sharp focus during the whole development work.

The genuine seven seater features new, innovatively designed seats that also free up interior space for passengers both in the second and third seat rows. The third row offers class-leading comfort for two passengers up to 170 cm tall. One of the top audio systems in the world The XC90 features one of the top audio systems available in the automotive world after Volvo Cars audio experts joined forces with their counterparts at the renowned British audio equipment company Bowers & Wilkins.

The top-of-the-line system in the XC90 features a 1,400 Watt Class D amplifier and 19 Bowers & Wilkins speakers. It also includes one of the first air-ventilated subwoofers in a car. Integrated into the car body, it turns the whole interior space into a giant subwoofer. The latest sound processing software has been used to manage the timing of the sound and co-ordination of the speakers. This brings the emotional experience of a worldclass live performance into the car.

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VOLVO XC90 SPECIFICATIONS ENGINES Type Configuration Displacement, cm3 Bore (mm) Stroke (mm) Engine cylinder block material Cylinderhead material Compression ratio Valves, no/cylinder Camshafts Engine management system Ignition sequence Engine idling speed, rpm Fuel, rec. octane Max output, kW (hp)/rpm Max torque, Nm/rpm Power and Torque MANUAL GEARBOX/FINAL DRIVE Automatic gearbox/final drive PERFORMANCE Gearbox Acceleration, 0 –100 km/h (sec) Top speed, km/h Fuel consumption l/100 km (Combined) CO2 g/km

T6 AWD (B4204T27) In-line 4-cyl. supercharged and turbocharged Transverse, all wheel drive 1969 82.0 93.2 Aluminium Aluminium 10.8:1 4 2 Integrated fuel (SFI)/ignition control systems 1-3-4-2 825 91–98 RON 236 (320)/5700 400/2200–4500

D5 AWD (D4204T11) In-line 4-cyl. turbo diesel Transverse, all wheel drive 1969 82.0 93.2 Aluminium Aluminium 15.8:1 4 2 Electronically controlled common rail direct injection 1-3-4-2 825 Diesel fuel according to EN590* 165 (225)/4250 470/1750–2500

AW TG-81SC 3.329

AW TG-81SC 3.075

Automatic 6.9 230 7.7 179

Automatic 7.8 220 5.8 152 * Maximum biodiesel (RME) content 7%

MEASUREMENTS AND VOL UMES Exter ior me asureme nts (cm) Length Width (incl mirrors outer edge) Height Wheelbase Overhang (front/rear) Track, front, (Offset 38,5/42,5) Track, rear, (Offset 38,5/42,5) Ground clearance (Standard chassie/Offroad mode) Weights/Miscellaneous Weight, kg (Running order, min–max, depending on setup) Fuel tank, l Max. trailer weight, kg Max roof load, kg Drag coefficient, Cd

495.0 214.0 177.5 298.4 88.7/107.9 166.9 /167.7 167.1 /167.9 23.7/26.7

1940–2030 71 2700** 100 0.30 ** “Towing kit”

Inter ior me asureme nts (cm) Headroom without panorama roof (front/rear/third row) 99.8 /99.7/92.3 Headroom with panorama roof (front/rear/third row) 98.7 /97.9/92.3 Headroom maximum, without panorama roof (front) 105.1 Headroom maximum, with panorama roof (front) 103.3 Passenger comp width at shoulder height (front/rear/third row) 146.5 /143.5/119.2 Leg room (front/rear/third row) 103.8/ 94.0/81.1 Cargo volume, including under floor storage (ISO V214-1)(litres) 1899 Cargo length from the first seatback to the tailgate measured at: – the height of the floor covering 204.0 Cargo length from the second seatback to the tailgate measured at: – the height of the floor covering 126.0 Cargo height (rear wheel center and car center line) 88.9 Rear opening height (car center line) 81.6 Width of luggage compartment between wheelhouses 113.0

CHASSIS Suspension front Double Wishbone Suspension, Coil Springs, Hydraulic Shock Absorbers, Stabilizer Bar. Optional Air Suspension rear Integral Axle with Transverse Composite Leaf Spring, Hydraulic Shock Absorbers, Stabilizer Bar. Optional Air Suspension Steering Power Assisted Rack and Pinion Steering Turning circle, (curb to curb) 11.9 m/12.1 m ( Tire 235 / 275) Braking system Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Electronic Brake Assistance (EBA) Braking distance, 100 – 0 km/h 36 m Brake disc diameter front 345 mm rear 320 mm

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DRIV

Aufrecht, Melcher and Grossaspach: humble origins and some mighty machines

E C N A M R O F R E P VING F

or 47 years AMG has been home to some of the fastest, mightiest, most exciting road and race cars ever created. AMG was formed by two motorsport enthusiasts: HansWerner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher. In 1965 Hans-Werner Aufrecht was working as a dynamometer engineer testing the 300 SE racing engines for Mercedes-Benz. While working on production engines, he met Erhard Melcher, a fellow engineer, who had just finished college. Their shared interest in motorsport and sheer competitive nature brought them together. In their free time, Melcher and Aufrecht serviced several race drivers owning examples of the 300 SE, modifying the engines by fitting them with direct fuel injection. This was done without any real commercial aspirations, working nights and weekends in Aufrecht’s basement and garage in Grossaspach. Their extraordinary achievements and acute attention to detail quickly earned them a reputation in the racing scene. In early 1967 Aufrecht and Melcher left their jobs at Daimler-Benz and rented workshop space in a barn in the Swabian town of Burgstall. They named their new operation ‘AMG’. The initials stand for Aufrecht, Melcher and Grossaspach – Grossaspach being Hans-Werner Aufrecht’s place of birth. Their first big success came at the 24 hours of Spa in 1971 – a 300 SEL 6.8 AMG,

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DRIVING PERFORMANCE

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nicknamed the ‘Red Pig’, finished first in class and second overall, causing a little consternation and great deal of respect among a field made up of much smaller cars. Following their success as an engine builder and supplier in motorsport, business grew substantially to the point that, in 1976, AMG had outgrown its Burgstall headquarters and moved to Affalterbach – the demand for its expertise in the creation of highly bespoke, high-performance Mercedes-Benz cars expanding in the process.

It was in 1986 that one of the most iconic AMG models ever created landed – dubbed ‘The Hammer’ – a 300E equipped with a 385 hp, 5.6-litre V8 and capable of an unheard of (at the time) 190 mph. In 1991 AMG and Mercedes-Benz began an official cooperation – with the Affalterbach engineers being made responsible for the high performance variants of selected Mercedes-Benz models – it wouldn’t be until 2005 that AMG would became a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler. In 1993 the first car jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz and AMG was launched – the C 36 AMG. With 280 hp and 385 Nm of torque, the C 36 AMG was a relatively modest starting point (by modern standard) for AMG – capable of accelerating to 62 mph in a brisk 6.7-seconds. Six years after the C 36 AMG debuted, in January 1999, and as the mighty E 55 AMG was entering the market, Daimler acquired 51 per

cent of shares in AMG – leading to the company to be renamed Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The first engine entirely designed and engineered by AMG arrived in 2006. Codenamed M156 and displacing 6,208 cc, the unit was one of the most powerful naturally aspirated engines of its kind – an evolved version of the mighty unit continues to be produced today. In the same year the first Black Series – the SLK 55 AMG Black Series – was produced. It would be followed by the CLK AMG Black Series, the SL 65 AMG Black Series, the C 63 AMG Black Series and the SLS AMG Black Series. The SLS AMG Coupé – first ever entirely AMG-engineered car was launched in

spectacular style in 2010. Featuring gullwing doors, a naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 and concept car styling, the SLS AMG Coupé represented a huge step for AMG, evolving into a Roadster and highly successful GT3 racer before road-going variants - the GT and Black Series were created. Production ended earlier this year. Mercedes-AMG GmbH currently employs a workforce of just over a thousand people at its plant in Affalterbach. AMG’s professionalism is defined by its pursuit of high performance as embodied in its vehicles, coupled with a due commitment to precision and respect in keeping with the brand motto of “Driving Performance.”

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GLOBAL NEWS

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Nissan “Project Titan” truck ready for Alaskan Adventure

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PROJECT TITAN

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ith help from the passionate Nissan Trucks Facebook fan base, the crowdsourced, custom-made Project Titan is now complete. The ruggedly tailored 2014 Nissan Titan, piloted by two Wounded Warrior Project® Alumni, is primed with all the necessary equipment to take on the rigorous Alaskan wilderness in an adventure beginning in September. Fans can follow along at Facebook.com/nissantrucks. Starting with a solid foundation – a rugged 2014 Titan Crew Cab PRO-4X®– fans voted on 10 different areas of customization to help the Titan conquer Alaska’s challenging terrain – some of the most treacherous in the world. Fans voted at each stage along the way, giving Nissan direction for almost every inch of the truck.

Outside, a “Recon Titan” wrap with a digitalcamouflage design pays homage to some of the most capable vehicles in the military. A NISMO cold-air intake and Borla cat-back exhaust system open up airflow on both ends of the Titan’s Endurance® 5.6-liter V-8 engine. Traction through the hazardous Alaskan landscape is handled by 18-inch Fuel Revolver D525 wheels wrapped in 35-inch Nitto Trail

Grappler M/T tires. Come nightfall, Bulldog LED Lighting illuminates the way, while an ARB Deluxe Bull Bar provides high-quality protection to help conquer the unknown. Inside, a streamlined interior gives the truck a more customized feel, while a freshened shifter and steering wheel lead to a more comfortable drive. New, rugged Katzkin leatherwrapped seats feature Project Titan and Wounded Warrior Project embroidery. Coordinated tan stitching is found on the seats, steering wheel and door panels. Adding utility to the experience, Project Titan tows a matching customized all-terrain camping trailer featuring a camp-style kitchen, tent, water/fuel storage and a spare tire. “The robust Titan serves as a great starting point for an adventure of this magnitude. With the help of Nissan’s Facebook fan base, Project Titan is fully equipped for the Alaskan Frontier,” said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Nissan Sales & Marketing and Operations U.S. “I’m very much looking forward to following the Wounded Warrior Project team as they make their way through Alaska behind the wheel of Project Titan. This is the trip of a

lifetime, and these veterans have all the essentials in this custom Nissan Titan to tackle many of the challenges the great wilderness will send their way throughout the journey.” With the truck fully prepared, the action begins when Iraqi war veterans and Wounded Warrior Project Alumni David Guzman and Kevin McMahon embark on a once-in-alifetime adventure. The two will trek over mountains and through valleys in the ultimate Titan, braving the muddy, rocky terrain

and encountering an occasional wild animal. With the brisk onset of fall invading the Last Frontier, it’s likely the WWP Alumni can expect some of the first snowflakes of the season. As the two veterans set out across the Alaskan landscape, Nissan will document the adventure, with a YouTube series set to launch this fall. To follow the team’s thrilling journey through the Last Frontier, visit the Nissan Trucks Facebook page: Facebook.com/nissantrucks.

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GLOBAL NEWS

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New APA

“outstanding” chrome variations

APA, manufacturing leader in the decoration sector and true wrapping pioneer, thanks to the success of the space age chrome effect vinyl’s, presents new and bright colour shades. As well as the gloss and super bright PVC Cast films that are available in a blue, red, silver and steel finish, new matt non-reflective textures, in the new titanium and blue versions have been added, a perfect bond between innovation and exclusivity.

Very high quality materials and very easily conformable, 125-140 µm thickness make APA films suitable to enhance any surface, both flat and undulating. Ideal to decorate

and personalise detailed areas, suitable also for interior decoration and to realise graphic details that require a chrome finishing. Adhesive films with extreme intense and bright colours are compatible with Solvent, Eco-solvent and UV ink printers. The metallic surface is particularly abrasion resistant due to the OLCHS protection Over-Lam-Chrome-Surface. The ultra-permanent glue with channelled adhesive (Air Free FTX System), facilitate the air expulsion and paths the way to a perfect application with impeccable results.

Intense chrome effect, durability and extreme personalisation make APA Chrome effect vinylâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the popular choice, not to go passed unobserved and to make any type of surface special and exclusive!

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PIC OF THE MONTH

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The Jaguar XE has been revealed to the world during a star-studded event held at Earls Court, London on 8th September.

globalmag

RACEGM

October 2014

DESAFÍO INCA!

SUPERCAR V8: Caruso interviews Fury

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PIC OF THE MONTH

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The Brad Keselowski’s NASCAR win for Ford Racing at Chicagoland Speedway is Ford’s 629th all-time series victory and the 37th by Penske Racing with Ford.

( CONTENTS

FRONT PAGE Desafio Inca DTM The Marcoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chance FORMULA E Formula E electrifies Beijing! RALLY The icing on the cake NASCAR WHELEN EURO SERIES The five way battle INTERVIEW Wing Chung Chang SUPERCAR V8 The Nissan duo - VIDEO PADDOCK MIX RACE GLOBALMAG is an extra issue of digital monthly magazine CARS GLOBALMAG. Chief Editor: Vittorio Gargiulo All rights reserved. All materials present in this magazine including, but not limited to texts, photographs, illustrations, video clips and other materials are protected by copyrights and/or other intellectual property. The material and content provided in this application is for your personal, non-commercial use only, and you agree not to distribute, copy, extract or commercially exploit such material. You further agree not to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, modify, adapt, translate, prepare derivative works from this magazine.

FRONT PAGE

DESAFĂ?O INCA

Luis Felipe Pinillos (Volkswagen Amarok)

Photo: A.S.O / Shakedown Press Team

The second edition of the Desafío Inca on Peruvian soil was a massive success, with the best competitors in each of the three different categories claiming victory in a race open until the very end. Nani Roma (cars), Claudio Rodríguez (motorcycles) and Alonso Elías (quads) prevailed and took home the 2014 trophy.

DESAFIO INCA Spain’s top driver Nani Roma (Mini All 4 Racing) lived up to his status as one of the big favourites on the dunes of Ica and won the second edition of the Desafío Inca, clinching his first triumph on Peruvian soil with a final time of 13 h 21’48”. He and co-driver Michel Périn did an excellent job and put on a dominant performance throughout the three stages of the final leg of the Dakar Series. Roma led the race from start to finish, claiming all three stages and six specials at stake in this edition. It was a strong showing by the official Mini driver, who left nothing to his rivals in the three-day race. Rodrigo Moreno (+1 h 37’42”) was runner-up, with Peru’s Duro 4x4 team placing Diego Weber (+2 h 23’21”) in third place as the best Peruvian van in the race.

Nani Roma (Mini All 4 Racing)

DESAFIO INCA

Alvaro Chicharro (Foton Tunland)

DESAFIO INCA

Roberto Pardo (Volkswagen Amarok)

DESAFIO INCA

PIT STOP Nani Roma:”We’re always happy when we win a race. I think the best part was tackling three gruelling stages with a total of over 900 kilometres raced mostly on dunes. It was very demanding, the dunes are very tough. We’re happy we won, but we were the odds-on favourites. The best part was all this training, all these tests, lots of kilometres… That was the best part, to be honest.”

Helbert Samalvides and Nicolas Fuchs (Mitsubishi Montero)

RGM

DTM

E C N CHA

Photo © BMW GROUP

Marco Wittmann (BMW Team RMG)

Marco Wittmann won the Drivers’ Championship in what is probably the most fiercely-contested touring car series in the world with two races of the 2014 DTM season remaining. The success marks the high point of the young German’s rapid rise to glory in the DTM since making his debut in 2013. With a lead of 69 points over Christian Vietoris (Mercedes), he has now established an unassailable advantage at the top of the overall standings ahead of the final two races in Zandvoort and at the Hockenheimring.

THE MARCO’S CHANCE

In the 2014 season, Wittmann drove from one success to another and continuously extended his lead in the drivers’ standings. When people asked him about the possible title win, his answer always was: “It is still too early to talk about this. I am working from one race to another.” This approach turned out to be the right one and also underlined the upcoming DTM star’s strong nerves. Jens Marquardt is one of Marco Wittmann’s biggest fans. “Throughout the season, Marco has kept his calm and always gave 100 percent,” the BMW motorsport director said proudly.

Marco Wittmann laid the foundation for his title win during the Hockenheim season opener, where he scored his maiden DTM race win with an advantage of 13 seconds. At Budapest, Spielberg and at the Nürburgring, he also stood on the top step of the podium. Only seldom before, a young race driver dominated proceedings in the DTM in a way like Marco Wittmann did this year. The series’ stalwarts also hailed him for his brilliant performance throughout the 2014 season.

“Marco perhaps may be a little bit shy, but he knows very well when to push which pedal on his BMW,” the 2013 DTM champion Mike Rockenfeller commented. MercedesBenz driver Gary Paffett added: “He really is a good sport. His performance throughout the season has been impressive.” At the age of 24 years and 294 days, Wittmann becomes the youngest DTM champion ever in BMW colours, following in the footsteps of Volker Strycek (1984, DE), Eric van de Poele (1987, BE), Roberto Ravaglia (1989, IT) and Bruno Spengler (2012, CA). He is also the thirdyoungest driver ever to win the

DTM. This is the first time in the history of the new era of the DTM, since 2000, that a driver has been crowned champion in only his second year in the series. “It is hard to describe my emotions,” said the BMW Team RMG driver after the race at the Lausitzring. “When you have been involved in motor racing for so many years, and then sometime achieve your big goal, it is an incredible feeling.

PIT STOP

Miguel Molina (Audi Sport Team Abt Sportsline)

Only in sport do you get stories like this. Last year, BMW Team RMG and team principal Stefan Reinhold (DE) were plagued by bad luck. Unfortunate incidents regularly prevented them from claiming good results, and the team scored only 20 points in ten races. The 2014 season has been a different story altogether: after eight races, the team from Niederzissen (DE) has five wins to its name and, in Marco Wittmann (DE), boasts the new DTM champion. His team-mate Maxime Martin (BE) has also won a race in his first year in the DTM and is already assured of ending the season as the most successful rookie.

THE MARCO’S CHANCE

I always wanted to drive in the DTM. Now I am the champion. It is so emotional, as you remember many moments from your past. It all feels fantastic.” Despite his success, Wittmann has managed to keep both feet firmly on the ground in his private life. As a qualified chassis-builder, he can often be found working at his father’s automobile workshop in Fürth (DE) when not in DTM action. “It has always been very important for me to have a second string to

Daniel Juncadella (Petronas Mercedes AMG)

my bow, just in case things should not work out with motorsport at some point,” he said. “Working as a chassis-builder has taught me a lot. Teamwork, precision and, of course, an understanding of the technical side of automobiles: all very important aspects in motorsport.” The 24-year-old grew up with his parents and brother in Markt Erlbach, in the Franconia region of Germany. Although Wittmann invested a lot of time in motorsport at

a young age, he still successfully completed his secondary school education. He could have gone to a grammar school, but the ever increasing cost of pursuing a career in motorsport prevented this. Wittmann’s career has been closely associated with BMW from a very early stage. Winning the DTM title sees him come full circle: after enjoying success on the karting circuit, he took his first steps in motor racing in the German Formula BMW series. With two wins and a further four po-

diums to his name, Wittmann finished fifth overall in 2007. One year later he did even better, finishing runnerup in Formula BMW Europe. The rapid youngster then spent three years battling for points and victories in the Formula 3 Euro Series, finishing runner-up in 2010 and 2011, and impressing with podiums at such Formula 3 classics as Macau (CN) and Zandvoort (NL). Even during this time he remained in contact with BMW Motorsport, so it came as no surprise to see Wittmann behind the wheel of a BMW DTM racing car as a junior driver for the first time on 14th December 2011. His exceptional talent was immediately clear for all to see in the BMW M3 DTM at the tests in Monteblanco (ES).

PIT STOP Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich (Head of Audi Motorsport): “I’m incredibly disappointed that at the Lausitzring we again failed to convert our good qualifying results into a victory. At least we didn’t lose any ground in the manufacturers’ standings. The manufacturers’ title continues to be our aim and our chances are still intact. We’ve got to consider the Lausitzring as over and done with and concentrate on delivering a perfect performance at Zandvoort in two weeks from now.”

THE MARCO’S CHANCE

He consequently undertook a varied programme for BMW Motorsport the following season. Wittmann raced in the BMW Z4 GT3 for various BMW customer teams, and contested the 24-hour race at the NürburgringNordschleife (DE). At the same time, he was also involved in the BMW DTM programme as test and development driver. This role allowed him to get more test kilometres under his belt and attend the races, during which he familiarised himself with procedures within the series. His performances were so impressive, that Wittmann was awarded a regular seat for the 2013 DTM season. One pole position, two fastest laps and second place at the DTM race in Spielberg (AT) earned him the title of best rookie in his debut year with BMW Team MTEK. In 2014, Wittmann continued his meteoric rise. One milestone en route to the title was his mai-

den triumph in his 11th DTM race: he crossed the finish line first at the opening race of the season in Hockenheim (DE) to claim the first victory for the new BMW M4 DTM and BMW Team RMG, as well as BMW’s 60th success in the DTM. A further three victories were to follow – and the Drivers’ title at the Lausitzring with races to spare. In winning the title, Wittmann continued a special tradition: whenever BMW has appeared in the DTM with a new model, the title in the Drivers’ Championship has ultimately gone to Munich (DE) at the end of the season. After Strycek’s success with the BMW 635 CSi in 1984, van de Poele repeated the feat with the BMW M3 in 1987, and Spengler continued the tradition with the BMW M3 DTM in 2012. Wittmann has now ensured that the first year of the new BMW M4 DTM will also go down as a golden debut season.

PIT STOP Dieter Gass (Head of DTM): “Congratulations to Marco Wittmann on winning the title. He’s been on a similar roll this year as Mike Rockenfeller was in the past season. Of course we’re disappointed about the results because we were in a very good position after qualifying; at least we were set for a solid team showing. Unfortunately, two of our people at the front had to start on the left-hand side, which obviously had clearly less grip. That certainly didn’t help matters. But we’ve also got to note that our pace in the wet conditions at the beginning of the race was not consistently good enough to pose a threat to the Mercedes drivers. Finally, a few individual mistakes slipped in as well. All of this resulted in the situation that, in spite of a better starting base, we scored the same number of points in the manufacturers’ classification as BMW did instead of taking advantage of the slight weakness our rival showed here.”

RGM

FORMULA E

Lucas di Grassi (Audi Sport ABT)

Saturday, 13 September 2014 will go down in the history of motor racing as the day on which the first ever FIA Formula E championship race took place. The race was held on a spectacular temporary race track built around the city’s iconic Olympic ‘Bird’s Nest’ Stadium and was won by Audi Sport Abt’s Lucas di Grassi.

FORMULA E After months of preparation, the FIA Formula E championship took definite shape with the first round of the ten-race season that will reach its climax in June 2015 on the streets of London. Winding round the Bird’s Nest stadium built to host the 2008 Olympic Games, the Beijing course supplied all usual ingredients of a citycentre circuit, with a succession of straights, chicanes and 90° bends. For this inaugural season, the entire field is competing in SparkRenault STR01E single-seaters. The months of preparation with the teams and the work done by all the

Nelson Piquet Jr. (China Racing)

partners produced a highly successful opening weekend, in which 35 of the 40 cars entered crossed the finishing line without incident. Some 40 million are believed to have watched the race worldwide on television with 75,000 attending on site and one billion social interactions recorded around the race. Contested over 25 laps, the race was held in bright sunshine and with packed stands. Brazilian di Grassi stole victory after race-leader Nicolas Prost (e.dams-Renault) and Venturi’s Nick Heidfeld touched on the final corner of the final lap in the bat-

tle for the lead, sending Heidfeld into a spectacular crash which he walked away from unharmed. Andretti driver Franck Montagny finished runner-up nearly three seconds adrift of di Grassi with team-mate Daniel Abt crossing the line third, only to later have it taken away from him after failing short of the required 28kw power consumption usage. Virgin Racing’s Sam Bird was eventually promoted to claim the final place on the podium. Alejandro Agag, CEO of Formula E said: “Two years ago the FIA had a vision of creating a championship which has close racing,

entertainment and sustainability at its heart. This weekend, that vision became a reality. To see 20 fully-electric cars racing towards the first corner was a very special moment for me and for everyone involved. We truly believe this weekend marks a new era of motorsport that embraces sustainable mobility and we are incredibly grateful to all our investors, teams, drivers, partners, event operators, personnel, and of course the FIA, for helping us make this such a success. Of course, I’d also like to congratulate Lucas di Grassi on being the first Formula E winner.”

PIT STOP Patrice Ratti, Managing Director of Renault Sport Technologies: “What an exciting first Formula E race! This is a real achievement for all the partners who have worked on this project. Despite the test sessions held in recent weeks, there was still a degree of uncertainty involved, linked to the start of the competition proper. By holding the practice sessions, qualifying and the race all on the same day, it has been an intense few hours for the teams, drivers and organisers. I think Renault Sport can be very pleased with how things went today, as there were no major technical problems on the forty single-seaters.”

FORMULA E

PIT STOP A word from … Lucas di Grassi

Firstly, I’m happy Nick [Heidfeld] is ok and it shows how safe these cars are. I didn’t see what happened myself. The win is like a dream come true. I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time. The team did a great job all through practice and qualifying, yes we made a few mistakes but overall I’m extremely happy to be the first ever winner of a Formula E race. What significance does winning the first ePrix in history have for you? This victory means a lot to me and takes one of the top spots on the list of my greatest on-track moments. I was involved in the development of Formula E from the very beginning and intensively prepared for this weekend in the past months with my Team ABT Sportsline. All of us were so excited to see what the first race would bring. That the hard work was crowned with a victory was a great reward for all the guys. What are the greatest challenges in Formula E? In Formula E, we only have a limited amount of energy available that we have to manage well. Although I’m familiar with this from Audi’s LMP project this has an even greater significance in Formula E. In addition, there’s the strong competition by international top-flight teams and drivers more than ten of whom have Formula 1 experience. Plus, we’re racing on street circuits in the middle of cities and our practice, qualifying sessions and the races are all held within the space of just a few hours, which leaves only little time to get used to the track. As a result, perfect teamwork and efficiency in handling all the tasks and conducting the meetings are particularly important – and I like that.” How did you experience the atmosphere at the series’ inaugural event? I was thrilled and can only pay the organizers a big compliment. Setting up a race track and a little city for the fans in a metropolis like Beijing is a huge challenge. I was particularly impressed with the great interest of the fans and the media. As drivers, we received a warm welcome by the people and experienced a fabulous weekend. How long did the party last? Of course we celebrated with all the teams and drivers on Saturday night – our victory, as well as the successful premiere of the racing series. But I didn’t party too seriously myself because on Monday I’m traveling directly from Beijing to the United States where there next WEC round with Audi is on the agenda next weekend. We’ll be battling for the Championship there and I’ll be joining my team-mates with plenty of positive energy.

RACE RESULT 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Lucas di Grassi Franck Montagny Sam Bird Charles Pic Karun Chandhok Jérôme d’Ambrosio Oriol Servia Nelson Piquet Jr. Stéphane Sarrazin Daniel Abt

Fastest lap: Takuma Sato (Amlin Aguri) 1:45.101

Franck Montagny (Andretti Autosport)

(Audi Sport ABT) 25 laps (Andretti) +2.867 (Virgin Racing) +6.559 (Andretti) +19.301 (Mahindra Racing) +23.952 (Dragon Racing) +31.664 (Dragon Racing) +41.968 (China Racing) +43.896 (Venturi) +43.975 (Audi Sport ABT) +1:02.507

RGM

RAL LY

Volkswagen is World Rally Champion again, courtesy of one-two-three in Australia

THE ICING O

ON THE CAKE Volkswagen wrapped up the title in the Manufacturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Championship of the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) with a one-two-three at the Rally Australia. With three rallies still remaining this season, the best result in the history of the team means Volkswagen can no longer be caught at the top of the overall standings. This is the earliest in a season that a World Championship title has been won for 25 years. Ogier/Ingrassia and Latvala/ Anttila will battle it out between themselves at the remaining three rallies to see who is crowned World Champion at the end of the season.

RAL LY

All good things come in threes – especially when it comes to popping champagne corks: Volkswagen’s one-two-three at the Rally Australia was the first in the team’s history in the World Rally Championship. Sébastien Ogier/Julien Ingrassia claimed the 19th victory for the Polo R WRC in only its 23rd outing. Jari-Matti Latvala/Miikka Anttila added podium number 35 to the 315-hp World Rally Car from Wolfsburg and Andreas Mikkelsen/Ola Fløene secured podium number 36, for good measure. The route to the historic success was anything but a stroll in the park: the Rally Australia put both man and machine to the test with its very technical, winding rollercoaster sections through the forests of New South Wales on the one hand, and high-speed passages over open land on the other. Constantly varying gravel surfaces – from rough, coarse grit to smooth, clayey, loamy ground – and the relentless switching between light and shadow made life difficult for the drivers and co-drivers. Over the course of the 20 special stages, the World Rally Cars completed 302.26 kilometres against the clock. The longest and most distinctive stage was “Nambucca”, which took the crews on a marathon 48.92-kilometre route through forests with steep uphill sections, across farmland and over small wooden bridges. Even before the Rally Australia it was already certain that the battle for the title in the WRC Drivers’ Championship would be played out between the three Volkswagen drivers – Sébastien Ogier, Jari-Matti Latvala and Andreas Mikkelsen. After the result down under, the three-way battle has now been whittled down to a duel. Although Andreas Mikkelsen was able to significantly increase his advantage over fourth place, he can no longer have a say in the destination of the Drivers’ title.

PIT STOP 20 special stages, 17 stage wins in Australia. Volkswagen enhanced the already impressive record of the Polo R WRC at the Rally Australia. Since the World Rally Car made its first competitive outing at the 2013 Rally Monte Carlo, the four-wheel drive powerhouse has won a remarkable 297 of 428 stages. It has also ended special stages in the top three on 679 occasions. The Rally Australiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 20 special stages yielded a further 42 top-three results for the Volkswagen drivers.

RAL LY

PIT STOP “Absolutely fantastic. I am made up for our team - Sébastien Ogier said - They really deserve this success so much. It is hard to put this feeling into words. The fact that we have wrapped up the World Championship title with the first ever all-Volkswagen podium is an incredible success. We can really be proud of ourselves today, here at the other end of the world. Julien and I tried to control our slender advantage over my team-mate Jari-Matti Latvala right through to the finish – and it worked out. I think we put on an exciting duel at the top for the fans. It is awesome that Andreas Mikkelsen and Ola Fløene rounded off this triumph for the team. A win would be enough for me to secure the Drivers’ title now. It would be magnificent to pull it off in France.”

PIT STOP “A fantastic success. I am delighted for the entire team. The Manufacturers’ title is a great recognition of the fact that everyone at Volkswagen has been utterly committed to being successful – said Jari-Matti Latvala - and also shows that the Polo is the best rally car around. We also produced some first-class racing again – Miikka and I tried to put Sébastien and Julien under pressure right up until the finish, but they were unbeatable. Congratulations on a deserved win. I am very happy with my own performance. Unfortunately we lost crucial seconds with the wrong tyre selection, which probably cost us the win. In any case, it is phenomenal to stand here on the podium with all three Polos. There can be no better way to win a World Championship title.”

RAL LY

PIT STOP Jost Capito, Volkswagen Motorsport Director: “What a way to put the icing on the cake at the end of such an impressive season! Winning the Manufacturers’ title with a one-two-three – it doesn’t get any better. Last year we surpassed all expectations, particularly our own. Even then, everyone in the team consistently pushed themselves to their limits to win the World Championship. It is always more difficult to successfully defend the World Championship title than it is to win it in the first place. What the team has achieved this season, and the extent to which it has improved, demands my utmost respect. A chain is only ever as strong as its weakest link, as they say. With us, every link is as strong as the next. I would like to thank my colleagues. Volkswagen is proud of them. And this title is for everyone at Volkswagen around the world, whose support has been magnificent.”

PIT STOP “What an incredible result for the entire team – said Andreas Mikkelsen – World Champions with the team’s very first one-two-three to boot. I am delighted for all the mechanics, engineers and helpers who have made this possible, here in Australia and throughout the entire season. We had a huge lead over fourth place going into the final six special stages, but we could not do much in the way of catching the two cars ahead of us. Caught in no man’s land, our priority was to control our pace so that we did not make any mistakes and brought the result home. My goal ahead of the rally was to defend my advantage over fourth place in the World Championship. We have actually managed to increase it. I am absolutely delighted with my fourth podium of the year. Today is just a fantastic day.”

RAL LY

PIT STOP FIA 2014 WORLD RALLY CHAMPIONSHIP- OVERALL STANDINGS Drivers’ Championship

1.Sébastien Ogier, 214 points; 2. Jari-Matti Latvala, 164; 3. Andreas Mikkelsen, 125; 4. Mikko Hirvonen, 83; 5. Thierry Neuville, 79; 6. Mads Østberg, 74; 7. Kris Meeke, 67; 8. Elfyn Evans, 61; 9. Martin Prokop, 37; 10. Henning Solberg, 26; 11. Juho Hänninen, 20; 12. Bryan Bouffier, 18; 13. Dani Sordo, 18; 14. Hayden Paddon, 16; 15. Robert Kubica, 14; 16. Ott Tänak, 11; 17. Benito Guerra, 8; 18. Chris Atkinson, 7; 19. Pontus Tidemand, 6; 20. Jaroslav Melichárek, 4; 21. Dennis Kuipers, 4; 22. Nasser Al-Attiyah, 3; 23. Lorenzo Bertelli, 2; 24. Matteo Gamba, 2; 25. Craig Breen, 2; 26. Yuriy Protasov, 2; 27. Jari Ketomaa, 1; 28. Karl Kruuda, 1; 29. Khalid Al-Qassimi, 1; 30. Julien Maurin, 0

Manufacturers’ Championship

1. Volkswagen Motorsport; 348 points; 2. Citroën Total Abu Dhabi WRT, 154; 3. M-Sport, 146; 4. Hyundai Motorsport, 141; 5. Volkswagen Motorsport II, 109; 6. Jipocar Czech National Team, 40; 7. RK M-Sport WRT, 25; 8. Hyundai Motorsport N, 22.

RGM

NAS CAR

Finals to be decisive once again to determine the European NASCAR Champion

FIVE-WAY BATTLE TO THE FINISH LINE

The 2014 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series season will come down to the Le Mans Finals on October 11-12 to decide who will wear the Euro NASCAR Championâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ring and who will bring home the other trophies awarded by the European NASCAR Series

Bas leinders

FIVE-WAY BATTLE TO THE FINISH LINE

Mathias Lauda and Yan Zimmer

With at least five drivers still in contention and three more still mathematically capable of winning the title in the ELITE 1 division, the Bugatti Circuit will see the final showdown between Ander Vilarino (#2 TFT-Banco Santander Chevrolet SS), Anthony Kumpen (#24 PK Carsport Chevrolet SS), Borja Garcia (#1 Ford Autolix Competition Ford Mustang), Frederic Gabillon (#12 Still Racing Chevrolet Camaro) and Eddie Cheever III (#51 CAAL Racing Chevrolet SS). Vilarino enters the Finals as the clear favorite after regaining the points lead in Magione thanks to a win in

the Saturday Race and a second place in the Sunday Race, but the Spaniard – who can count on 17 wins in 34 NWES races, four of which came this season – never climbed the top step of the podium in Le Mans since the Series became an official NASCAR championship. He never had to go on the attack, but this year, with just 11 points separating him from second-place Kumpen, he will definitely want to stay in front. For the other four contenders, there is only one way to dethrone the two-time champion: by winning. With double point awarded in the

Freddy Nordstrom

playoffs, the difference between winning and coming home second can sum up to 12 points, which means that everything is still on the line. Kumpen is still looking for his first win of the season and never raced at the Circuit Bugatti, but was the most consistent driver all season long and his team leading the Teams Championship, while Garcia showed an extremely fast pace in his debut on the French track in 2013. Gabillon, for his part, won both races in Le Mans last year â&#x20AC;&#x201C; losing the title to Vilarino by just 4 points â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and will look for a different ending this time.

Ander Vilarino

FIVE-WAY BATTLE TO THE FINISH LINE

PIT STOP

Eddie Cheever III

ELITE 1: CHEEVER AND ARMETTA LEADERS Cheever is the main candidate to win the Jerome Sarran Trophy – rewarding drivers aged 25 or less – and will mainly face the opposition of Nordstrom, who has to close a 34-points gap from the Italian. 2013 ELITE 2 Champion Anthony Gandon (#7 TFT-Red Line Chevrolet SS) is third, but with a 72 points disadvantage that looks unsurmountable. The Challenger Trophy seems to be a matter between Fabrizio Armetta (#31 CAAL Racing Chevrolet SS) and Guillaume Rousseau (#13 Bull Racing Team Ford Mustang). The two drivers are separated by just 10 points entering the Finals and neither can afford an error on the 4,143 Km of the Circuit Bugatti. Dominic Tiroch (#86 TB Renauer Motorsport Ford Mustang) is 43 points back and will need some help from Lady Luck to overtake both rivals.

Eddie Cheever kept his word by winning the Sunday Race on his home track in Magione in a nailbiting duel with Vilarino and dedicating his triumph to his mother in the day of her birthday. The Italian – sitting 38 points behind the TFT driver – will face a 5-positions penalty on the grid in Le Mans for a contact with Vilarino

in the Semi Finals and therefore must win in France and hope for some mistakes by his rivals to win the title in his first season in NASCAR, but with the spaniard is the only multiple winner of the season. Bert Longin (#11 PK Carsport Chevrolet SS), Freddy Nordström (#44 Still Racing Chevrolet Camaro) and Mathias Lauda

Simone Monforte

FIVE-WAY BATTLE TO THE FINISH LINE

(#66 DF-1 Racing by B66 Chevrolet SS) are more than 70 points back but with 96 point on the line, their hopes are still alive. THREE ROOKIES IN CONTENTION IN THE ELITE 2 DIVISION Three drivers are still in contention for the ELITE 2 Championship and all of them are Rookies, demonstrating the high level of the 2014 debutants. After two

eventful Semi Finals at the Autodromo dellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Umbria di Magione, Maxime Dumarey (#24 PK Carsport Chevrolet SS), Thomas Ferrando (#22 Overdrive Chevrolet Camaro) and Philipp Lietz (#86 TB Renauer Motorsport Ford Mustang) are separated by just 15 points going into the Finals. Dumarey saw a dominant double win go out in smoke late in the Sunday Race due to a contact with Gianmarco Ercoli (#25 CAAL Racing Che-

Dominic Tiroch / Philipp Liets

vrolet SS) that gifted Lietz with his maiden NASCAR win in typical NASCAR fashion, but the Belgian grabbed the points lead anyway and will enter the Finals 12 points ahead of Ferrando, determined to win the championship in his rookie season. Ferrando will not go down easily: the Frenchman had a troubled weekend in Italy, but will look to get back to his Nurburgring form for the final showdown and of course Austrian Philipp Lietz cannot be counted out.

PIT STOP ELITE 2 TROPHIES: TIGHT DUEL BETWEEN LAURETI AND MELO, VERNET CAN CELEBRATE Leonard Vernet is the only trophy candidate that will celebrate early in Le Mans, because his lead in the Legend Trophy classification cannot be overcome. Simone Laureti and Marรงal Melo are involved in a tight battle for the Gentleman Trophy classification. The Italian gained some ground in his home race but the difference between the two is still just 13 points. Eric Quintal (#2 TFT-Banco Santander Chevrolet SS) sits 44 points back from the lead.

FIVE-WAY BATTLE TO THE FINISH LINE

PIT STOP

Erika Monforte

CUPS: ROOKIES AND LADIES REWARDED The Rookie Cup – one of the two Cups introduced this year by the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series – will very likely go to the ELITE 2 Champion in a season highlighted by lots of young talents emerging, while the other one, the Lady Cup, is still midway between Italy and Luxembourg. Erika Monforte (#88 Euro Kart Racing Team Chevrolet Camaro) leads by 22 points on Nathalie Maillet (#46 RCP - Marc VDS Toyota Camry) and, like most of the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series Championships and Trophies, everything is still on the line.

Marco Spinelli

The 25-year-old from Waidhofen an der Ybbs learned his way to Victory Lane in Magione and looks poised to go for it again on October 11-12 at the Circuit Bugatti. Still hoping for a major upset are Simone Laureti (#51 CAAL Ra-

cing Chevrolet SS), Marçal Melo (#82 Brazil Team Chevrolet SS), Denis Dupont (#32 RCP - Marc VDS Toyota Camry) – The 2-time-winner Belgian was persecuted by bad luck in the Semi Finals – and Leonard Vernet (#7 TFT-Red Line Chevrolet SS), all inside the 96 points gap.

RGM

INTER VIEW

. T E E M LET’S

T...

Wing Chung Chang from Macau (Team West-Tec F3) made his FIA Formula 3 European Championship debut at the Nürburgring. In his first race, on a drying track, he opted for wets and succeeded in working his way up to fifth position – temporarily. In the changeable weather he wasn’t able to defend this position until the race was over but he entertained the crowds in fine style, with his approach and his numerous overtaking manoeuvres.

WING CHUNG CHANG

Why did you opt for advancing to the FIA Formula 3 European Championship on the eighth race weekend of the season? For me, the Macau GP – held in my hometown – is the most important race of the year. I raced in the British Formula 3 Championship, to date but there, they don’t use the cars we will have to race this November in Macau. To accustom to the engines introduced this year and used in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship I opted for entering this series, now. After all, these engines also will be raced in Macau.

What makes the FIA Formula 3 European Championship special, from your point of view? First of all, the fact that the FIA itself attends to this series. This helps the FIA Formula 3 European Championship to get this significance and offers the possibility to race on such a high level. But the numerous Formula 1 circuits on its calendar and the great platform represented by DTM also are important advantages. You are racing for the British Team West-Tec F3. What made you opt for joining them? Early this year I contested a round of the Euroformula Open Winter Series for them and therefore, I know the team very well. And when the cockpit of Hector Hurst became available prior to the Nürburgring weekend I seized this chance. Furthermore, my team-mate Félix Serrallés is really competitive and I certainly can learn some things from him. What are your goals for the coming FIA Formula 3 European Championship races? I want to improve consistently and would like to score my first points

in the coming races. At the same time, I want to try to get closer and closer to my team-mate, Félix Serrallés, and this certainly will be anything but easy. How do you prepare for a race weekend? Prior to a race weekend, I use the iZone simulator at Silverstone for learning the respective racetrack. In addition, I watch videos of races contested at the circuit. There races needn’t necessarily to be Formula 3 races but also can be races of other categories. Prior to the Nürburgring weekend, for instance, I also watched old DTM races. RGM

V8 SUPERCAR

Altima V8 Supercar d interviews two-time Australian

THE THE NISS NISS

driver Michael Caruso n Rally Champion George Fury

SAN SAN DUO DUO

THE NISSAN DUO

Nissan and Norton will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Nissan’s first Bathurst 1000 pole position at the Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 in October. Michael Caruso and Dean Fiore’s #36 Norton Nissan Altima will adopt a retro-themed livery for “The Great Race” at Mount Panorama, depicting the colors worn on George Fury’s 1984 Nissan Bluebird. Fury was a two-time Australian Rally champion with Nissan before switching to circuit racing. He won three Sandown 500s (1986, 1987 and 1990) and finished second in the Australian Touring Car Championship on two occasions (1983 and 1986). Fury made 10 starts in the Bathurst 1000 with a best finishing result of third in the controversial 1987 race. Eight of his 10 starts were with factory Nissan teams. The 2014 Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000 will be held on October 9-12. RGM

PADDOCK MIX

European Le Mans Series Paul Ricard 4 Hours

NewBlood by Morand Racing claim first victory NewBlood by Morand Racing won the 4 Hours of Paul Ricard and gave the European Le Mans Series its fourth winner from four races! Â Signatech Alpine climbed onto the second step of the

podium ahead of the ORECA 03R of Murphy Prototypes! In the last two hours of the 2014 4 Hours of Paul Ricard all the main competitors from LMP2 were involved in the action offering thrills, spills and high emotion and giving spectators and competitors alike a spectacle worthy of the greatest European endurances racing series.Almost all on new tyres for the start of the second half of the race, there was a tough battle among the prototypes for each of the three steps of the overall podium. The next round of the European Le Mans Series will take place inOctober, the 4 Hours of Estoril bring a fabulous 2014 season to a close. Â There is still all to play for in LMP2, just as in GTE and GTC, and the Championship winners will only be known at the end of the final round.

Three victories in Australia A successful September weekend for Dean Koutsoumidis and James Winslow in the Australian GT Championship: in their Audi R8 LMS of Team Equity-One Racing, they decided the Trophy Class in their favor in all three races in round five of the season at Sandown, Australia. Before the finale at Highlands Motorsport Park in New Zealand in November, they have reduced the advantage of leader of the standings Rod Salmon, who took two second places in the Audi R8 LMS at Sandown, to 32 points.

Volkswagen Fun Cup France Alain Ferté wins the Eight Hours of Castellet The expert endurance racer Alain Ferté scored a convincing win for his team in the September Eight Hours of Castellet, which is part of the Volkswagen Fun Cup France. The 58-year-old Frenchman triumphed on the tradition-steeped racetrack together with Philippe Lemoine, Elliot Hoffet and Marc André Pagliotti. The team’s

Beetle with start number 199 took the lead after about four hours and held onto it until the end of the race. Second place in the popular series for amateur sportspeople in which technically identical Beetles are driven went to the trio Patrick van Impe, Bernard Dandrifosse and Amin Bentchikou. Third place was clinched by Stephane Dupont.

PADDOCK MIX Solberg snatches World Championship title Norway’s Petter Solberg has entered the record books after becoming the first FIA World Champion in two different disciplines. He scored enough points in Italy to secure him the inaugural FIA World Rallycross Championship presented by Monster Energy. After a sensational performance for Team Peugeot-Hansen, Timmy Hansen was awarded the World RX of Italy event victory. Solberg’s podium position at the Franciacorta International Circuit (September 28) has seen the PSRX driver stretch his lead at the top of the standings to 60 points with two events still remaining. Topi Heikkinen is currently second behind Solberg in the overall standings but with Solberg having already won four events this season to Heikkinen’s one, Solberg automatically becomes World

Champion based on his higher percentage of event victories. “This hasn’t sunk in yet, it is a dream come true,” grinned Solberg who is now a World Champion in both World RX and WRC. “When I stopped rallying, I didn’t know what to do and then IMG took on rallycross and brought it to an amazing level so now it seemed like the right choice. I broke the right-rear suspension in the final and my spotter was shouting on the radio that I needed to calm down because all I needed to do was get to the podium and I would win the Championship. I just wish my family were here today with me – my wife Pernilla and my son Oliver are back home because Oliver won

the Norwegian Crosskart Championship yesterday. I have to thank them and my whole team who have worked so hard to make this happen, they really do an incredible job and have worked day and night for a lot of the season. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to celebrate this moment with everyone tonight.â&#x20AC;? Arguably the most impressive drive of the weekend, however, was that of 21-year-old Hansen who looked virtually untouchable in his Team Peugeot-Hansen prepared 208 Supercar. Hansen, the son of multiple European Rallycross Champion Kenneth, won the Monster Energy Super Charge Award, two heats, his semi-final and the all-important final to take his first ever World RX victory.

Driver points after round 10 1. Petter Solberg (PSRX) points 235 2. Topi Heikkinen (VW Marklund) 175 3. Reinis Nitiss (Ford Olsbergs MSE) 167 4. Timmy Hansen (Peugeot-Hansen) 152 5. Timur Timerzyanov (Peugeot-Hansen) 148 6. Andreas Bakkerud (Ford Olsbergs MSE) 146

Team points after round 10 1. Ford Olsbergs MSE 1. Volkswagen Marklund 3. Team Peugeot-Hansen 4. PSRX 5. Monster Energy World RX Team 6. Albatec Racing

points 313 313 300 227 85 32

PADDOCK MIX

FIA ETCC crowns its Champions in Sicily

The 2014 FIA European Touring Car Cup came to an end in a glorious sunny day on the shores of the Pergusa lake, in Sicily, on September 28. Nikolay Karamyshev (TC2T), Petr Fulín (TC2), Gilles Bruckner (S1600), Dmitry Bragin (SingleMake Trophy) and Ulrike Krafft (Ladies’ Trophy) were crowned champions in the respective categories. The Nations’ Cup went to the Czech Republic. However, while Fulín and Bruckner completed their triumphant day with double victories, a tech-

nical failure prevented Karamyshev from winning the second race and the event. His team-mate Igor Skuz claimed win in Race 2, while Mat’o Homola was declared winner of the event. As for Bragin, he had to settle with two second places behind Norbert Nagy; however this was enough for him to beat Andreas Pfister in the title fight. Last but not least, Ulrike Krafft achieved her minimum goal – the Ladies’ Trophy – but she missed the Super 1600 title that had chased for the whole season.

Nyck de Vries clinches the Formula Renault title with a victory

Author of a perfect weekend at Circuit Paul Ricard (September 28), Nyck de Vries took the pole and victory. At the end of an eventful race, the member of the McLaren Young Driver Development Programme won ahead of Aurélien Panis (ART Junior Team) and Egor Orudzhev (Tech 1 Racing). The triumph assures the 2014 Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 title for the Koiranen GP driver, just a few weeks after claiming the Formula Renault 2.0 ALPS crown.

“From the outside, it looks like a perfect weekend” said De Vries, “but I wasn’t completely satisfied with my performance on the race morning. I have been in the Eurocup for three years; it was about time to get this title! When I saw Olsen’s car stopped, it didn’t change a thing, because the goal was really to win the race. The rest is a bonus! The logical next step is to move up to the Formula Renault 3.5 Series next year, let’s hope we can make it!”

PADDOCK MIX DRS to be introduced on GP2 in 2015 GP2 Series organisers have announced that a DRS device will be introduced in the Series next season. CEO Bruno Michel talks about the decision. “We’ve always said that GP2 was able to produce some amazing races without the addition of DRS or any other devices, and once again the 2014 season has proved that with some close racing and exciting on-track battles. However, we also have to make sure that we keep in line with our mission statement: preparing the drivers for the next step, Formula One. Since the inception of the Series, we designed a car for a three-year cycle, but for the first time this year, we decided instead to keep the third generation car for six seasons, in order to cut the costs and support our teams. But,

it is important to keep adding modifications - at a reasonable cost - that will slightly tweak the technical features of our car. Formula One is constantly evolving. It is impossible for GP2 to remain with the same car over a long period of time when its philosophy is to prepare the drivers for F.1. Bearing this in mind, we thought that DRS was the best technical development to introduce and we discussed it with the teams over a year ago. They were all in favour of it as they felt it would make GP2 even more attractive to the drivers, but only if it was an identical system to the one used in F.1.”.

What will the DRS device be like on the GP2 car?

How is that going to affect the budget for the teams?

“It is imperative that the device we introduce is exactly the same DRS as the one used in Formula One. As I said before, we decided to add it to our cars in order to prepare the drivers for the next step. As such, it will not be a push-to-pass button or a way to be quicker on a lap. Our DRS will be the exact copy of the one used in F.1, with the same DRS zones since we’re racing on the same tracks. The drivers will be able to activate it within one second of the car in front at the DRS detection point, with the same level of safety, and with the same suppliers. It will have a hydraulic activation to ensure there’s a very fast movement of the flap with a capacity to open at high speed”.

“When we discussed this with the teams over a year ago, they told us that the drivers who they are in contact with were eager to see DRS on the GP2 cars. So we evaluated the feasibility of it, and we could have introduced it last year, but we decided not to for economic reasons. We took the time to investigate ways to introduce it for a minimal cost, as our goal remains to keep on supporting our teams. The cost-cutting plan put in place this year will continue for next season in order to make sure that the introduction of DRS will not affect the teams”.

The DRS will be tested on GP2 Series development car for the first time in late October in Europe and then again in December in the Middle East. The teams will receive the kit in January.

PADDOCK MIX Indycar stars highlight Dan

Wheldon Memorial Karting Challenge The Verizon IndyCar Series championship has concluded, but many of INDYCAR’s biggest stars did one more race on this season; the Dan Wheldon Memorial Pro-Am Karting Challenge returned on Sept. 20 to New Castle Motorsports Park, where participants will race to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association. This year’s event featured former Indianapolis 500 winners and Verizon IndyCar Series cham-

James Hinchcliffe (Photo by: Chris Owens)

pions Scott Dixon and Tony Kanaan, in addition to Marco Andretti, James Hinchcliffe, Ryan Briscoe, Josef Newgarden, Ed Carpenter, Sebastian Saavedra and many others.

Ford and Msa bring new Championship to UK

Ford reveals the most exciting development in British junior single-seater motor racing for almost 50 years of the FIA F4 concept in the UK for the 2015 season. Powered by the race-proven Ford 1.6-litre EcoBoost road car engine, the new championship’s carbon-fibre monocoque chassis will provide drivers with a safe, reliable and economical ladder to success from karting to Formula 1. The series will continue to be broadcast alongside the British Touring Car Championship, providing access to Britain’s biggest motorsport TV package on ITV4. A mentoring and driver development programme will be provided at every race weekend overseen by the MSA, British motorsport’s governing body Gerard Quinn, head of Ford Racing in Europe, said: “Ford is delighted to reveal details of the MSA Formula – Certified by FIA, Powered by Ford EcoBoost championship. We believe this to be the most remarkable initiative in junior single-seater racing since the launch of the original Formula Ford in 1967, a concept

which helped develop the track careers of so many motor racing greats. The new series offers an affordable ladder to success, bringing exciting single-seater racing within the budgets of aspiring drivers. This was the world governing body’s aim when it announced its regulations for FIA Formula 4, and Ford is delighted to assist in delivering that promise.” The powertrain for the new car, the 1.6-litre EcoBoost – a mainstay of Ford’s performance car range – is a 160PS development of the unit which has successfully powered Formula Ford in Britain for the last three seasons. It is the only engine homologated by the FIA for use in F4 chassis in the UK. MSA Formula will be the only UK championship running to the FIA’s mandated price cap system, enabling affordable racing. The Mygale FIA F4 chassis complete with six-speed sequential gearbox, ‘paddle shift’ steering wheel and data logging system will retail at the FIA’s price cap of £30,400*. The Ford EcoBoost engines will be supplied on a lease basis of £4,800* for a season’s running. The new championship’s carbon-fibre monocoque chassis will be supplied by respected French manufacturer Mygale.

Despite the storm… An almost unprecedented double meteorological event at the speed test track disrupts the schedule. Just as in September 2013, Venturi Automobiles and its partner the Center for Automotive Research (Ohio State University) were not able to launch a new attempt to break the FIA world speed record for an electric vehicle, for all weight categories, using the Venturi VBB-3. The record has been held since 2010 by the Venturi VBB-2.5 (495km/h, 307.58 mph). On August 5 and 6, 2014, the Salt Lake City region (Utah, USA) was hit by violent storms. A series of floods affected the Bonneville Salt Flats in particular.

The site of various speed challenges in August and September became impassable. Some portions of the track were under 25 cm (about 10 inches) of water. Because of this situation, unprecedented since 1982, the Speedweek was canceled by its organizers, the SCTA, on August 9. A first in 32 years. When the sun came out again on August 10, the team decided to stay in Bonneville and give it an all-or-nothing try, over a scaled-down, 4-day period. Although the internationally sanctioned track dried out in record time, one portion remained impassable. The race director had no choice but to

reduce the distance from 12 to 8 miles. This was a disadvantage for the Venturi VBB-3, which can only get up to top speed after 5.5 miles of acceleration, which would now be reduced to 3.5 miles. Testing on this new race configuration started on August 19, with the world record attempts rescheduled for August 21 and 22. These four days were, in turn, affected by 3 wind storms and a new round of downpours. On Friday, August 22, the tracks were partially flooded once again. In these conditions, the Venturi VBB-3 could only make about ten runs, setting nonetheless a world record in its category (EV over 3.5 metric tons) with an average speed of 212 mph and a top speed of 270 mph (FIA approved). This record was a reward for the team’s effort and self-sacrifice, even though it was disappoin-

ting in terms of performance. The conditions and the shorter duration of the tests meant the team could not finish all the checks and could not push the VBB-3 to its full potential. The vehicle finished a mere 38 mph behind the absolute speed record for electric vehicles, which was set in 2010. A new FIA electric vehicle speed record attempt is being considered for 2015. “We will be back on Bonneville Salt Flats in 2015” Gildo Pallanca Pastor, President of Venturi, precises. “The program is ambitious for the Venturi VBB-3. The potential we tested on this car and the time we waited have multiplied our motivation and our willingness to accomplish an unprecedented performance for an electric vehicle.” RGM

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