World Time Attack has grown from an intriguing niche event into one a world renowned motorsport spectacle, some of Australia’s finest drivers punting the wildest machines engineers can dream up.
Largely freed from the constraints of a category rulebook, horsepower runs well into four figures, enormous wings sprout in unlikely places and drivers are at maximum attack with no fuel or tyre conservation to worry about, only pure speed.
The video above is a Motive DVD compilation of the best laps from some of the coolest cars at the event, while below you’ll find a little extra detail about the cars themselves.
MCA S13 Hammerhead – 1:21.398
MOTOR’s own Warren Luff was drafted in to drive the car that’s won the past two World Time Attacks, the MCA Suspension S13 Silvia. The team struggled to find the right balance on day one, Luffy only really getting comfortable on day two, managing second outright, albeit four-tenths slower than in 2017.
RP968 Porsche – 1:19.825
A new billet engine and another year of development allowed the Porsche 968 – well, it used to be – of Rod Pobestek to take the outright win with a time just seven-tenths slower than Nico Hulkenberg’s outright lap record in an A1GP single seater. Barton Mawer did the driving and the speed the RP968 is capable of is out of this world.
Integrated Motorsport R34 GT-R – 1:28.665
Probably the angriest car at WTAC 2018 was the Nissan R34 GT-R of Integrated Motorsport. A billet block 2.8-litre twin-turbo six spins to 10,000rpm and makes in excess of 750kW as well as a fearsome noise. The team was plagued with issues throughout the event but still managed an impressive time, good enough for third is Open Class, as well as speeds in excess of 300km/h down the main straight.
XTreme R32 GT-R – 1:30.101
Rivalling the Integrated GT-R was XTreme’s R32, driven by the very capable hands of John Boston, which sounded for all the world like an early-’90s V12 F1 car as it screamed down Sydney Motorsport Park’s main straight.
HKS TRB-03 – 1:26.260
For the HKS TRB-03 it was a case of what could’ve been. Arguably the wildest car at WTAC 2018, the insane Toyota 86-based Time Attack monster holds the tin-top lap record at the famous Tsukuba circuit in Japan.
Unfortunately, wild weather delayed its arrival and the team had no setup time, nor was the car running to its full potential. Nonetheless, its 1:26.260 would’ve been good enough for the fourth fastest time, though it runs on enormous full slicks rather than the treaded R-compound control tyre.
WBT R33 G T-R – 1:29.416
Current Touring Car Masters champion Steven Johnson strapped himself into something a little more modern, the World’s Best Technology R33 GT-R. An incredible build, with a 700kW RB28 and one of the slickest sequential gearboxes in the business, Johnson managed fifth in Open Class but still shaved four-tenths off Jamie Whincup’s lap record from this year’s Supercars round.
Global Aircraft Services Lancer Evolution – 1:28.797
Lancer Evos are a popular time attack choice and while the Global Aircraft Services car wasn’t the wildest or the fastest Evo at the event – that honour went to the crazy Tilton Racing car that sadly ended up in the wall – it performed strongly enough for fourth place in Open Class.
DYSON has had its eye on electric vehicles for some time, but we now know more about its plans to build a car-making facility in Singapore starting in December.
The vacuum cleaner manufacturer will spend part of its $3.7 billion EV investment on a purpose-built two storey factory, which is expected to be completed in 2020.
Dyson’s tight timeline suggests that once construction is completed, production of its first EV should be up and running from 2021.
This news comes after the company showed its electric car proving ground back in August. The old Hullavington Airfield in Wiltshire, UK will host a Dynamic Handling Track, a Vehicle Stability Dynamic Platform, an Off Road Route, a Hill and Handling Road, a Fast Road and a series of test slopes.
Despite the company’s base being in Britain, CEO Jim Rowan cited several reasons for its factory location in an email to employees as to why it has elected to build EVs in Singapore, including closeness to “high-growth markets as well as an extensive supply chain and a highly skilled workforce”.
Dyson already has interests in the neighbourhood, with more than 1100 employees and several factories in both Singapore and Malaysia producing high-speed digital motors used in their bagless vacuum cleaners and hair dryers.
The company backs itself in its left-field decision to begin manufacturing cars – with hardware including batteries and digital motors developed primarily for its vacuums set to port across to its car-making process.
Dyson also bought-out American solid-state battery company Sakti3 three years ago, which was one of the first hints that it might be moving towards electric vehicles. The start-up is said to have engineered new batteries that are twice as dense as those which are used in Tesla’s models.
It is also understood that key employees have been brought across from Tesla to work on the Dyson EV project.
The Victorian government has announced it will back the planning of a motorsport venue in Fiskville, between Melbourne and Ballarat, with a $150,000 investment for “a business case assessing the viability of the project.”
The site, formerly a contaminated Country Fire Authority (CFA) training site, would become a “motorsport hub” for the state if it gets the green light, something Victorian minister for Sport John Eren sounds quite enthused for.
The Fiskville complex would join the likes of Sandown, Phillip Island, and Winton as one of the state’s major circuits, though driver education and training makes the list of priorities, as well as vehicle testing.
CAMS CEO Eugene Arocca says the opportunity to build, rather than damage Australia’s motorsport culture is in the balance with this project.
“This represents an outstanding opportunity for Victoria to set a new standard for motor sport facilities and CAMS is grateful for the support of the Andrews Labor Government in assisting with the funding for a business case.”
As for the site on which the track is planned, which succumbed to condemnation after it was alleged the site has been contaminated with carcinogenic chemicals used by the CFA.
Minister for emergency services James Merlino says the site will need to be guaranteed safe before it’s used again for any purpose.
“We will work with the CFA, CAMS and the council to ensure any future activity on the site will be safe and suitable for the community, and capable of delivering economic benefit to the region.”
Volkswagen has taken to Twitter to tease the long-awaited production version of its fourth SUV, the diminutive T-Cross, ahead of a full unveil this weekend in Europe.
Slated to go up against an avalanche of baby SUVs like the evergreen Mazda CX-3, Hyundai’s Kona, the Honda HR-V and the Toyota C-HR, VW’s T-Cross will sit beneath the medium-sized Tiguan SUV.
The T-Cross has been teased time again over the last couple of years, as the German brand battles to flesh out its smaller SUV set in the midst of a compact crossover boom.
And Volkswagen Australia can’t wait.
“It gives us coverage in a segment in which we are conspicuously absent,” said VW Australia’s head of communications Paul Pottinger, adding that the company would look at every variant that becomes available to add to the local roster.
The small SUV segment is currently running white hot in Australia, with overall sales across the country up by 25 percent from the same time last year. Only a handful of brands aren’t represented in the space, including VW, Kia and Volvo.
The VW T-Cross will hit European markets in 2019, but Australians may have to wait – possibly until 2020 – as VW battles to make all of its cars WLTP-compliant.
WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) testing is a new and incredibly complex regime designed to give consumers more realistic fuel consumption advice at purchase time. It is causing headaches for many car makers as they struggle to comply with the new standard.
The T-Cross preview teaser is short, but offers up a view of a squat, rugged baby SUV that will be similar in size to VW stablemate Skoda’s new Yeti. It looks like VW hasn’t pushed the boat out too much when it comes to exterior design, but expect larger foglights to blend with VW’s latest slatted grille look up front, while the teaser vid hints at a stylised rear light array that stretches all the way across the rear end.
VW has also revealed that 18-inch rims are the largest that will be fitted, which points to a Sportline model coming down the track. There won’t, however, be a GTI version, as Volkswagen keeps that badge up its sleeve for Polo and Golf.
Inside, sporty cloth seats and VW’s digital dash are previewed, along with the same large multimedia touchscreen design that features in the new Polo.
We’ll learn more about the specs of the T-Cross later this week, but expect to see at least couple of variants of VW’s three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine on offer for Australia, in both 70kW and 85kW form.
It’s unlikely, though, that a diesel version will be made available; ditto a manual. A six-speed twin-clutch gearbox will likely be the only choice, and no AWD version is on the cards, either; it’ll be FWD all the way.
We also know it’ll be one of the larger compact SUVs in the space, with a length of just over four metres and a fair bit more luggage space than the sales-leading CX-3 (455 litres versus the Mazda’s 350 litres).
The T-Cross will burst onto your internets at 5pm on October 25.
Cute but tough, old-school but new, fun but infuriating… at least there’s nothing dull about Suzuki’s reborn icon.
WHAT IS IT?
The Suzuki Jimny first appeared on the scene in 1970, and became an instant classic with off-road enthusiasts, thanks to its small stature, and giant-killing ability off the beaten track. This all-new generation Jimny hopes to emulate its forefathers, while fostering a new love affair with the next generation of 4×4 nutters.
WHY WE’RE TESTING IT
After what seems like an eternity, Suzuki has finally released a fourth-generation Jimny. The popularity of this plucky 4×4 rivals some supercars with readers, so we jumped at the chance to get behind the wheel of the Japanese cult classic – in Germany of all places.
MAIN RIVALS
A Jeep Compass Trailhawk is the next-smallest rival with proper off-road chops, so maybe a well-trained mountain goat, or a personal Sherpa.
THE WHEELS REVIEW
THERE’S a highly evolved enthusiast scene for the previous-gen Jimny – a car that went on sale two decades ago and to this day remains in a class of one: a tiny, ladder-frame 4×4 with proper off-roading talent, at the expense of on-road manners.
But now there’s a new one. Or perhaps a very heavily updated one, since that chassis retains its design, albeit strengthened with extra bracing to improve torsional rigidity. This two-door seats four, but only if you don’t need boot space, because its 377 litres of volume is only available with the wipe-clean, plastic-backed rear seats folded flat. With perches vertical the luggage room drops to nearly nothing.
Still, ferrying friends isn’t really on the agenda here. The Jimny is built to appeal to professionals who need its terrain-tackling talents, but Suzuki also wants to push it in the direction of young folk whose lifestyle requires go-anywhere ability. That’s why it’s styled somewhere between a Jeep, an old BJ Land Cruiser and a mini G-Class.
Our test drive near Frankfurt soon highlights the Jimny’s limitations. Barrel into a bend too quickly and you get comical bodyroll. The electrically assisted recirculating-ball steering set-up – combined with the long-travel suspension – can make for unpredictable body control even at quite modest speeds.
To get properly under its skin, you need to leave the tarmac behind. Pull the pleasingly agricultural transmission selection lever rearwards one click and you’ll engage the front wheels as well as the always-working rears, and you’ll be able to make full use of the impressive approach, ramp and departure angles. When stationary, push that lever down and pull back another click to engage the low-range transfer box for more accurate control scaling the steepest slopes.
There’s no centre-locking diff here but rather an open one on each axle, with torque-vectoring by braking making a decent fist of simulating an LSD. The 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated engine’s torque is enough to keep the Jimny moving through the relatively tame mud, rock and dust of our test route, and it feels as though we’re only scratching the surface of what this rugged 1.1-tonne mountain goat can do.
Gearbox options are a five-speed manual or four-ratio auto. We’ve only tried the manual, and wish it had a sixth gear to cut out some of the noise that intrudes if you make it to the giddy heights of motorway speeds. Otherwise, however, refinement is considerably better than the old Jimny.
A pity, then, that the sat-nav (fitted on top-spec cars) is woefully slow, and that the NCAP rating is a paltry three stars. Still, you’ll either love the Jimny – and join the ranks of smitten enthusiasts – or ignore it altogether in favour of one of the countless softer SUVs on sale.
THE WHEELS VERDICT
While the Suzuki Jimny excels at its intended purpose, it isn’t a car for everyday use, thanks to its poor on-road manners both on twisty roads and highways. Trade bitumen for dirt however, and it shines brighter than a giant star on the edge of implosion. We will need to wait for a local drive to properly challenge the Jimny’s off-road ability, but what we saw in Germany left us impressed.
Plus: Go anywhere ability, low-range gearbox, rugged styling Minus: Woefully slow sat-nav system, poor three-star NCAP safety rating, not suited for big highway drives
SPECS
Model: 2018 Suzuki Jimny Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder Max power: 75kW @6000rpm Max torque: 130Nm @ 4000rpm Transmission: 5-speed manual Weight: 1135kg 0-100km/h: 12.0 sec (estimated) Economy: 7.9L/100km Price: sub-$30,000 (estimated)
Audi has updated the R8 for 2019 with more power, a new design and revised technologies.
It has signalled its commitment to the atmo 5.2-litre V10 powering its R8 by bumping the top variant’s outputs to 456kW and 580Nm, marking an increase of 7kW and 20Nm.
Upgrades to the engine’s valve train are credited for the extra power, it now uses titanium components. Audi has also fitted a particulate filter to its reduce emissions.
Audi has renamed the variant line-up, changing the R8 V10 Plus to the R8 V10 performance quattro and the R8 V10 to the R8 V10 quattro.
The Plus is now a tenth faster from 0-100km/h, completing the test in 3.1 seconds. The regular R8 completes it in 3.4sec, meanwhile, Spyder versions will be a tenth slower.
The optional dynamic steering and regular system have been retuned for more response and feedback to match a revised suspension setup.
A front roll-bar made from carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) and aluminium saves 2kg, joining ‘ultralight’ 20-inch wheels and carbon ceramic brakes on the options list. The car features 19-inch wheels as standard.
Audi claims stopping distances from 100km/h and 200km/h to rest are slashed by 1.5 metres and 5 metres respectively with a new ESC calibration. It’s also added the modes Dry, Wet and Snow to help the car handle different conditions.
Style-wise its front radiator grille has been widened and flattened. The side air inlets on the front bar have also been cleaned up, deleting the inserted slats and widening its overall width.
The engine’s air filter is housed in a new cover within the bay that can be styled in carbon fibre.
New side skirts and rear bumper feature, the latter now housing oval tailpipes. The current R8 uses rectangular tips.
Audi’s fitted a new rear air vent grille that stretches across the entire width of the car underneath the taillights.
Kemora Grey and Ascari blue have been added to its colour palette and while customers can customise R8s inside or out.
Deliveries start early 2019 in Europe while Australia expects them to start sometime fourth quarter next year.
THE LAST major motor show of 2018 is gearing up to provide a smorgasbord of hot new metal, mere weeks before we toss our calendars in the bin for another year.
The Los Angeles Auto Show will feature exhibits from almost 40 manufacturers, and there are some key debuts of keenly anticipated cars lined up for the opening press days.
It’s a big deal for American brands, and fast becoming one of the premier destinations on the automotive calendar for European and Asian OEMs given the importance of stateside sales.
We’ve been keeping our ears to the ground to compile this preview, which will be updated as we get closer to Los Angeles for the show’s opening on November 28.
Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro
Not content with the already seriously fast Mercedes-AMG GT R, the power-crazed engineers at Affalterbach have moved the dial to 11, teasing a hardcore AMG GT R Pro.
Teaser images have been released, but the car’s full reveal will happen at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Power and torque figures remain secret until then, as do production numbers, but AMG says the GT R Pro will be focused on improving racetrack performance, using knowledge gained from the GT’s GT3 and GT4 racing duties.
The announcement of the GT R Pro also raises an interesting question about the possibility of a Black series farewell for the GT – how much fat can be left in the chassis and engine at this point?
Mercedes-AMG has also confirmed that an updated range of GTs will be revealed alongside the GT R Pro at LA. The updated two-doors will have interior and exterior changes to “emphasise the close relationship” to their recently launched four-door sibling.
Mini special editions
While Mini has said its John Cooper Works GP concept from last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show will spawn a production car, it won’t be appearing at the 2018 LA Auto Show. What will be appearing on Mini’s stand are four new special editions.
The first is a John Cooper Works Knights Edition, which is a regular JCW hardtop dressed up with red painted accents, and a JCW exhaust.
An International Orange Edition will also be on the stand, wearing a – you guessed it – orange paint job, alongside the Countryman Cooper S Yin Yang edition.
The Clubman S receives similar trim changes for a new Starlight Edition model.
Kia Soul
The Korean brand has teased the next-generation Soul for 2019 ahead of a full reveal in the City of Angels. A shadowy preview makes it clear the third-gen Soul will continue with boxy exterior styling the SUV has become known for.
Inside, its infotainment has received a significant update, along with driver assistance systems like active cruise control and lane keep assist added.
A more rugged X-Line variant will also be released, giving the Soul an off-roader’s spirit with jacked up ride height and more aggressive bodywork. It’s expected the Soul will be offered with a choice of a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre, or 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder engine.
Audi E-Tron GT
Tesla’s Model S could finally get a serious competitor, with Audi announcing the long-awaited E-Tron GT electric sedan will be revealed in Los Angeles.
While still in concept form, it’s likely the E-Tron GT shown in LA will be closer to its production specification than when we last saw it, with a launch expected in 2020.
Developed in conjunction with Porsche, the E-Tron GT will share the same underpinnings as the Taycan, and should have similar charging capacity as its E-Tron SUV sibling arriving here next year.
Expect claims of big range, and incredibly fast charging speeds, along with the traditional electric hallmark of eye-watering acceleration figures.
Porsche 911 (992)
We’ve already sneaked a ride in a pre-production Porsche 992 911, but the real thing in factory trim should be on show for real at the LA show. It’s expected to retain much of the iconic 911 design cues and a turbocharged six-cylinder engine, but there’s no doubt 911 die-hards are eager to see a new generation of 911 and it’s raft of incremental changes in the metal.
Mazda 3
Mazda has been keeping relatively tight-lipped about its next-generation 3, but LA is where it’s expected to break cover. So far we’ve learned it will receive a digital dash layout and should take design elements from the Mazda Kai Concept, which was revealed at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. This is a hugely popular car in Australia and we’re sure to be seeing a lot of these on our roads soon enough. Let’s hope it looks good.
Electrified Ford Mustang
Speculation continues to rise around the marriage of the Ford Mustang with an electric drivetrain. We first heard about Ford’s EV-intentions for the Mustang back in January 2017, and Ford has recently fuelled the fire by releasing a new ad campaign depicting a Mustang with a closed-off grille and glowing blue badge. Could it be?
BMW X3M/X4M
Back in September BMW caught us a little off-guard when it announced the X3M and X4M at a DTM Championship round. We saw the car’s enhanced M-derived design, shrouded in a camouflage wrap of course, but little was said about their performance characteristics. We’re looking forward to seeing the fully unveiled duo at the show, sans-camouflage.
BMW X7
Last week saw the unveiling of BMW’s largest, most luxurious SUV, the X7. Built to rival the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class, the X7 will be shown in the metal on the show floor alongside BMW’s other recent releases; the X5, 3 Series, 8 Series and Z4.
BMW 8 Series Convertible
The recently unveiled BMW 8 Series is expected to drop its top in a new convertible body style destined for the LA Auto Show. Similar to the coupe, the M850i model will be powered by a 4.4-litre V8 and hit 100km/h in under 4 seconds. Belgian auto site autotijd.be even managed to sneak some press images of the new model.
Nissan Maxima
Although the Nissan Maxima hasn’t been on sale in Australia since 2013, nor the Altima since 2017, Nissan will debut its refreshed Maxima sedan at the LA Auto show. We’re keeping a keen eye on it in order to gauge the brand’s latest design language.
Rivian
While it’s been around for almost 10 years as a technology company, Rivian only recently announced a move into the electric car space with an SUV and pick-up truck, named A1T and A1C respectively. Big claims are touted, with the off-road duo supposedly able to wade through 1.09 metres of water, climb a 45 percent incline and hit 100km/h in under 3 seconds. We’ll have more of an idea about this up-and-comer next month.
Mustang Motorsport has confirmed local pricing for its supercharged Roush RS3 package, which shares the same modifications and specifications as Roush’s US upgrade.
For $43,650, Mustang GT owners can turn their ponies into 529kW supercharged beasts capable of running low-12s – probably 11s, we tested the similarly-specced JackHammer – with a manual gearbox.
Aside from the TVS 2650 supercharger pack, the Roush RS3 comes with adjustable coilover suspension, and includes a Roush aero body kit with aero pockets, wheel aero aids, a rear valance foil, and more.
A high-flow grille and hood heat extractors keep airflow cooling the engine, plus several ‘3’ and Roush RS3 badges ensure people know what it is.
The Mustang Motorsport version of the RS3 will be the same as the US-spec vehicle, a Mustang Motorsport spokesperson told MOTOR when the 2019 pack was announced.
“This includes our 2nd stage manufacturer ADR compliance on the supercharger, wheels, suspension, and body components.
“Performance-wise, they will be like for like with the Jackhammer. So people who miss out on the limited run of the Jackhammer can look to MY19 with the RS3.
“The Jackhammer will be replaced for the MY2019 model year with ROUSH’s normal RS3 model. The RS3 does allow more customisation with stripe colours, wheel colours, and so on.”
Also available from Mustang Motorsport is the Roush RS2 kit, which is the atmo version and applies everything bar the supercharger performance upgrade or hockey stripe. It costs $20,500 from the Melbourne-based company, but Mustang EcoBoost owners can get a similar pack called the RS1, which costs $19,960.
Mazda is set to pull the covers off the latest version of its best-selling small hatch, the Mazda3, at the LA Motor Show in late November.
And it’s not just a facelift, either; the Mazda3 – which battles with best-selling small hatches like the Toyota Corolla and Hyundai i30 – will feature new engines, improved safety and infotainment spec (hello Apple CarPlay and Android Auto!) and a bold new look.
The company previewed the 3 via a small teaser video this week… which revealed very little other than a silhouette of a five-door hatchback.
However, we already know that the Mazda3 will still be based on the current car’s underpinnings, which debuted in 2014.
The looks, however, are a different story. A preview of the new 3 showed its handsome face at last October’s Tokyo Show, disguised as the Mazda Kai concept.
Insiders suggest that while the production car will lose the concept car bits – like the huge wheels and miniaturised wing mirrors – the more mature, less fussy visage will remain largely intact.
The 2019 Mazda3 will also debut the Japanese company’s trick new petrol engine, which basically blends the best of diesel and petrol engines to reduce its fuel consumption and pollution emissions.
Dubbed SkyActiv X, the all-new engine uses a combination of ultra-high compression ignition (a la diesels), regular spark plugs and supercharging to slash both pollution and fuel usage. As well, it’s designed to use low-octane – and cheaper – 91RON fuel.
Based on a four-cylinder block, it will be built in a variety of sizes; WhichCar expects a 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre to feature on the Mazda3’s spec sheets.
Internally, expect the five-seat, five-door Mazda3 to continue with its tablet-style multimedia system design up front, only this time it’s bound to equip the car with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto straight out of the box.
The rear seats may be a bit more compromised for headroom, though, given the swooping roofline of the Kai concept.
Safety-wise, the Mazda3 will no doubt benefit from upgraded driver aid systems, including city-spec AEB across the line, and a deeper roll-out of more advanced technology like rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive cruise control.
The Mazda3 will be revealed on November 28.
Bonhams is set to auction a one-off 1993 Alfa Romeo 155 GTA Stradale at its upcoming Padua sale in Italy, near Venice.
The car, built for the Bologna Motor Show, is actually a prototype of a car which Alfa Romeo originally intended to produce.
It was to be a celebration of the 155’s motorsport success, and an apparent rival to the likes of the E30 M3 and Benz’s W201-generation 190E 2.5-16V.
But, as Bonhams points out, there were a couple of restricting factors which ultimately meant the 155 GTA Stradale never saw production.
“The Fiat bosses saw two major problems: one was that they would have preferred a more powerful six-cylinder engine, which would not have fitted the compact Delta Integrale drivetrain, and the second was the relatively prohibitive cost, as a separate production line would be needed. Hence the project was abandoned and the car we are proud to offer is the only one ever built.”
Bonhams estimates the car is likely to sell for somewhere between AUD$290,000 and $360,000, putting it in a stratospheric price range compared to any regular 155.
The differences between the GTA Stradale and the 155 Q4 it’s based on are primarily aesthetic, as the only major mechanical change was to replace the differential casing with cast iron to make it heavier and shift weight to the rear. The 2.0-litre inline four would have produced around 137kW and 291Nm if left untuned from its ‘Q4’ state.
The current owner is unnamed by Bonhams, though the auction house does say it was recently owned by ‘an Alfa Romeo engine preparation specialist and enthusiast’.
It’s possible this owner is the one who allowed YouTuber Davide Cironi to have a look at the GTA Stradale while it was in its shed.
Bonhams’ Padua auction takes place on October 27th, or next weekend at time of publishing.
