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Gentlemen, you may start your engines because we have a special treat for you today. After all the metal from the 42nd edition of the Tokyo Motor Show, it's time for something a little bit different but equally, if not more, interesting.
2012 BMW I8 CONCEPT PRICE WITH PHOTOS AND VIDEO
A production version of the BMW i8 Concept is expected to go on sale in 2014, with a predicted price tag of $300,000.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
High Heels and Shiny Wheels: The 2011 Tokyo Motor Show
Was This a Dangerously Close Call or a Ballsy Move?
A minor spat has broken out on Youtube over whether or not a Lotus Exige GT3 traveling close to 250km/h [155mph] should have passed in between a Mazda MX-5 and a Porsche Boxster during the Production Sports Cars CUE Enduro Series held at the Phillip Island circuit in Victoria, Australia.
According to the Philip Island Circuit's official website, the driver in the No66 MX-5 was Michael Hall. Here's what he said on Youtube:
"I'm chasing down a Porsche Boxster in the #66 Mazda MX5 whilst trying to hang onto the lead of Class E. Meanwhile Barton Mawer is trying to hunt down Alan Simonsen in the Lambo for the overall lead, and obviously not in the mood to waste any time."
Asked by a commentator if Mawer made a "safe pass" in his opinion, Hall answered:
"From my footage you'd certainly say it was touch and go, but I'd like to see the footage from his car before making that call. I did see him coming onto the front straight as I pulled up beside the Boxster but I was surprised by the speed at which he caught us. The car does get buffeted around at those speeds for sure, so it wouldn't have taken much for either of us to drift a few inches one way or the other."
Shortly after, the owner of the Exige GT3 being driven by Mawer, who we only know by his Youtube handle "GT3CR1", uploaded a video filmed from inside the car that shows the view from within the Lotus.
He went on to reply on Halls's video:
"Hey, I'm the owner of the lotus that Bart was driving. I thought I'd wait to get my hands on my in-car footage before I responded to some of these posts, but from Bart's perspective, the 2 slower cars, which should have seen him coming left him no choice but to run straight down the middle. It was a ballsy move, but every time you pass a slower car, you're depending on them not to make any sudden moves. Everyone held their line, a spectacular move was made, and the race went on!"
And here's Hall's response:
"Hey Angelo, thanks for posting your video footage. I did see Barton coming around the last turn onto the front straight just as I pulled out to pass the Boxster, but was a little surprised at just how quickly he caught us. From your footage, it seems that Bart had enough time to size us up, realize that there was enough space and that both cars were holding their line to make the pass. I never posted the footage to make an issue of it, just thought people would enjoy the video."
You can have a look at both videos and have your say in the comments section below.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Alpina's New 540HP BMW B6 BiTurbo Coupe at Tokyo Motor Show
The B3 GT3 limited edition isn't the only Alpina making its debut at this week's 2011 Tokyo Motor Show as the boutique automaker also brought along the coupe version of its B6 BiTurbo based on the latest BMW 650i.
A specially modified eight-speed sport automatic transmission from ZF transfers power to the rear wheels. Alpina says that the B6 BiTurbo Coupe goes from 0 to 00km/h in 4.4 seconds and has a top speed of 320 km/h (199 mph).
The B6 BiTurbo rides on a stiffer suspension while the German firm's engineers have re-calibrated the standard 650i's electronic aids.
The model displayed in Tokyo is dressed in a matte blue vinyl wrap while Alpina's subtle exterior makeover also includes a front spoiler with an integrated carbon fiber splitter, a rear diffuser and a rear wing made out of carbon fiber.
There is also a new set of double tailpipes with a slightly elliptical shape on either side of the rear bumper and 20-inch lightweight alloy wheels.
The same subtlety can be found inside with the bespoke instruments, two-tone blue and white leather upholstery and Alpina's three-spoke sports steering wheel.
