Australian Driver Magazine

Big Year Coming for ADM

Lee McKenzie McKinnon — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 02:48:35 +0000

What a year 2012 has been. The motorsport action was epic and always full of excitement and the motor industry never failed to disappoint with what they had to offer. Australian Driver Magazine will be changing over the next month with more information to come to you all soon. We have some big plans in place and we are hoping to get things off the ground early in the New Year. As we are working hard behind the scenes we hope you can bear with us as we prepare something special for 2013 to give all of you, the readers, more news and something special. Take care in the weeks ahead and be sure to stay safe on the roads. We truly appreciate each and every one of you and we would not be working so hard if it was not for the support you all show. Happy New Year to all and all of the team at Australian Driver Magazine wish you a very successful 2013.

Next-Generation to Offer Three

Lee McKenzie McKinnon — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 23:30:07 +0000

Set for show rooms in the first quarter of 2013, Toyota’s next-generation RAV4 will arrive here in Australia with three new fuel-efficient engines. For the first time Toyota will include a turbo-dieselto the line-up. The new Rav4 will have more engines than ever before with two four-cylinder petrol engines as well as the torquey four-cylinder common-rail diesel. Making the announcement at the Los Angeles International Auto Show last week, Toyota showcased the Rav4 in the global reveal. Taking the wraps off a boldly redesigned vehicle, the new model features a sophisticated, dynamic and strong exterior and a spacious, high-quality interior. When it arrives in Australia early next year, Toyota’s popular mid-size SUV will offer improved dynamic performance, greater refinement, smart packaging, outstanding convenience technologies and even better value for money. In a significant break with Rav4 heritage, the spare tyre will be placed under the cargo floor and the new tailgate is hinged at the roof. Toyota Australia executive director sales and marketing Matthew Callachor said the next-generation RAV4 will be even more capable and flexible to meet the needs of recreational and business users. “The exterior design is particularly striking, with a stronger silhouette that expresses RAV4′s inner strength and sporty nature,” Mr Callachor said. “It will attract young singles, couples and families looking for a spacious vehicle that accommodates their needs and can be driven on a wide variety of road conditions. “The performance and economy of the three new engines are integral to the overall RAV4 package that includes advances in agility and handling.” All three engines for the next-generation Rav4 have impressive fuel economy and emissions performance. The new 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine is a stand-out, with combined-cycle fuel economy dipping below 6.0 litres/100km and CO₂ emissions below 150g/km when mated to a manual transmission. Offering a strong, flat torque curve with more than 200Nm available from just above idle and a peak well in excess of 300Nm the engine is sure to pack a punch. The two petrol four-cylinder engines are almost identical to those in the 133kW 2.5-litre Camry Altise and the 102kW 2.0-litre Corolla Ultima sedan. They incorporate Toyota’s dual variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) for high performance, good fuel economy, low emissions and smooth, quiet operation. All three engines are mated to six-speed manual transmissions as standard although the 2.2-litre diesel and 2.5-litre petrol engines can be specified with six-speed automatic transmissions while the 2.0-litre engine is available with Toyota’s advanced MultiDrive Sport CVT with seven-speed sequential manual mode. New RAV4 includes other driver-oriented improvements including an advanced all-wheel drive system, a better driving position, improved front and rear vision, and the safety of a more rigid body and seven airbags. Premium features on high-grade variants include a power-operated tailgate, blind-spot monitor, rain-sensing wipers and electro-chromatic rear-view mirror. “These and other attributes of the next-generation model will expand the appeal of a vehicle that has been a hit in Australia with almost 200,000 sales since the first-generation RAV4 was launched in 1994,” Mr Callachor said.

Reeves to Test World Rally Ford

Lee McKenzie McKinnon — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 23:28:30 +0000

Australian rally driver, Brendan Reeves, has been given the chance to test drive a Ford Fiesta World Rally Car in the UK this month. Reeves, who finished fourth overall in this year’s FIA WRC Academy, has been rewarded for his excellent 2012 performances with an invitation to attend the exclusive test day. Reeves will have the opportunity to test drive a World Rally Car during a one hour test session in the UK. The 24 year old is rapt to have been offered the test drive and whilst it means a trip to the UK at his expense, he is grabbing it with both hands. “I’m stoked to be given this chance to drive a Fiesta World Rally Car,” Reeves said. “It is a nice reward for our efforts this year and driving the World Rally Car will give me a real taste of the next level of the sport. “I had the chance to sit beside Ken Block in his Fiesta World Rally Car just prior to Rally Finland this year and it was a great experience. To now have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a similar car myself is fantastic. “Testing the World Rally Car is a great opportunity and I’m really looking forward to it. Hopefully it leads to more similar opportunities in the future. “We haven’t confirmed our program for 2013 just yet. We learnt so much in 2012 and competing in the Academy again has been really important for our careers and we’d love to be able to continue competing in the World Rally Championship again in 2013. “I’d really like to thank M-Sport for the amazing efforts they put into the WRC Academy this year and also for giving me the chance to take part in the test drive.”

World Champions to Compete in 24 Hour Scooter Charity Event

Lee McKenzie McKinnon — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 08:12:19 +0000

Scooters are the two wheeled counter-part of motorcycles but is one the riding world would rather forget. However, when you match Bayliss, Crump and McCoy with 50cc Scooters, the world all of a sudden begins to think differently…..even if it is only for a short time. This month, December 8/9, at the Gold Coast Parklands Showground’s, the World’s toughest scooter event will return, the Insure My Ride Le Minz 24 Hour Scooterthon presented by TGB Scooters. Into its eighth year, the Scooterthon is certainly an event that continues to grow, and this year it is sure to be world class. Three time World Superbike Champion Troy Bayliss will team up with three time World Speedway champion Jason Crump plus multiple Guinness book world record holder Mark ‘Brownie’ Brown to take on 25 other teams in the world’s most demanding scooter endurance test. Multiple Moto GP and World Superbike race winner Gary McCoy plus many more excellent riders will also start on the grid. Bayliss who is use to 1000cc under his seat was beaming after his short ten minute stint in front of the cameras for the media last week. “I can’t wait for next [this] week, it’s going to be a lot of fun riding with Crumpy and Brownie, these little scooters are great on this track. “I hope everyone comes down to support this great event, it’s only a gold coin donation entry and it all goes to charities” said Bayliss. “I would also like to announce that I want to donate all my ride gear from the event to Mat & Chloe Rogers (Mat Rogers Duel International Rugby legend) for their great children’s charity 4 ASD KIDS” Bayliss continued. “This event it’s not about the size of his engine, it’s about the size of his heart,” said Rogers. “This is a very kind gesture Troy has offered us, a helmet would have been great but to have all his ride gear to auction is amazing. This will help so many children and we can’t thank Troy enough.” Mat, together with his wife Chloe, head up the great children’s charity ’4 ASD KIDS’ www.4asdkids.com. The Scooterthon each year supports a number of charities and this year is no different, ‘Give me 5 for kids’ Children’s Charity and ‘Racesafe Medical team’ will split all gold coin entry donations and funds raised from a major raffle that includes first prize of a new TGB Scooter. Where – Gold Coast Parklands Showground’s When – Sat 8th Dec 12 Midday – Sun 9th Dec Midday Special Guest Riders include - Troy Bayliss – 3 x World Superbike Champion & Moto GP Race Winner Jason Crump – 3 x World Speedway Champion Gary McCoy – Multiple Moto GP and World Superbike race winner Darcy Ward – 2 x Under 21 World Speedway Champion Peter Spida Everitt – AFL legend and tallest guy you will ever see on a 50cc scooter.

Heavy Duty 7 SUV Heads Off-Road

Lee McKenzie McKinnon — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 08:10:04 +0000

Holden’s range of SUV is about to be boosted. After the reception the new Colorado ute received, Holden have turned the light commercial vehicle range upside down by introducing their first serious off-roader in more than a decade, the new Colorado 7 4X4. Developed alongside the hard-working Colorado LCV range, Colorado 7 has been designed to meet the needs a tough and stylish SUV with genuine off-road credentials, hefty 3-tonne towing capacity and a cabin large enough to haul a large family and cargo. Colorado 7 boasts the same muscular styling, powerful new Duramax 2.8-litre turbo diesel engine and impressive off-road capability as its LCV sibling with generous cargo space, full-size seven-seat interior, and a chassis configuration designed specifically for the SUV. Colorado 7 will be available in two specifications, the well-equipped entry level LT and top-spec LTZ. Recommended retail pricing ranges from $46,990 for the LT and $50,490 for the LTZ. Colorado 7 also shares the safety credentials of its Colorado Crew Cab stable-mate, which is recognised with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Colorado’s robust structural design is backed by a comprehensive array of safety features with Electronic Stability Control, dual front airbags and full-length curtain airbags that extend to the third row on both LT and LTZ variants. One powertrain and transmission combination will be available with the strong-performing 2.8-litre diesel engine and 6-speed automatic transmission standard on both LT and LTZ Colorado 7 models. The Duramax diesel engine achieves 132 kW of power and 470 Nm of torque. Colorado 7’s advanced diesel technology ensures it returns 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres (ADR 81/02) and 252 grams of CO₂ per kilometre. Colorado 7’s chassis has been engineered independently of the Colorado LCV and is biased towards passenger comfort. While both models share an independent double wishbone front suspension set up, Colorado 7 features a five-link live axle rear suspension configuration that is unique to the SUV and coil springs front and rear. The Holden SUV’s impressive off-road performance is underpinned by a part time four-wheel drive system with transfer case, with low and high ratio gears, Shift on the Fly and Limited Slip Differential. Colorado 7’s Descent Control System enhances its already formidable 4X4 capability. Colorado 7’s generous interior dimensions enable a spacious and practical interior layout, with seven seats fitted across the range. With the second and third row seats folded, Colorado 7 can accommodate as much as 1830 litres of cargo. Holden Executive Director – Sales and Marketing Philip Brook said Colorado 7 will be an exciting addition to Holden’s growing SUV portfolio, allowing Holden to offer a serious 4X4 alternative in the rapidly expanding SUV market. “The new Colorado 7 is the type of vehicle Australian buyers expect Holden to offer. We’re really excited to bring a genuine off-roader back into the Holden line-up,” he said. “Colorado 7 is a very impressive all-rounder – it has seven seats, tough on-road presence, a rugged body-on-frame structure, powerful 2.8 litre Duramax diesel powertrain with 6-speed automatic transmission, 3-tonne towing capacity and enough room to haul the family and a heap of gear. “It also has an accomplished and durable four-wheel drive system with Shift on the Fly, Descent Control and Limited Slip Differential, which means it’s capable of tackling the toughest bush tracks. “Colorado 7 also offers peace of mind with a maximum five star ANCAP safety rating, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, driver and front passenger airbags, full length curtain airbags and Electronic Stability Control across the range. “It represents outstanding value with a starting price of $46,990 for the LT, which comes fully loaded with side steps, 16” alloy wheels, front fog lamps, leather wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth® and six speaker audio system with USB and iPod® connectivity. “With our Captiva range a proven performer in the family SUV sector, Colorado 7 taking up the challenge in the serious four-wheel drive market, and the new Trax SUV arriving next year, Holden will be in its best position yet to take advantage of the SUV sales boom.”

All-New Third-Generation Kia Cerato Revealed

Lee McKenzie McKinnon — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 08:08:38 +0000

To coincide with the unveiling of the all-new Kia Forte sedan in the USA last week, at the LA Motor Show, Kia has revealed details of the version for other export markets outside of North America, the all-new Kia Cerato. This model is scheduled to go on sale during the first quarter of 2013 at Kia dealerships in many countries around the world. Kia’s most successful seller in overseas markets, the Cerato has achieved more than 2.5 million global sales since its introduction in 2004, including 445,000 units in 2011 when it accounted for 17.9 per cent of Kia’s total worldwide sales. Now, the third-generation Cerato boasts sleeker styling with ‘dynamic muscularity’ in a design that is longer, lower and wider than the current car, with an extended wheelbase. It also features an all-new bodyshell, upgraded equipment, a host of additional convenience and safety features, a more spacious cabin with enhanced quality, improved refinement and an upgraded powertrain line-up that delivers class-leading performance and fuel economy. “Cerato has become our brand’s biggest-selling export vehicle, so the introduction of this third-generation model is a major event for Kia,” commented Thomas Oh, Kia’s Executive Vice President & COO of the International Business Division. “We are raising our game once again with the all-new Cerato, which adds emotional appeal to its core values of design, quality and value. It will surely boost our competitiveness in the compact car segment, one of the world’s most important and fiecely fought marketplaces. “All-new Cerato is hugely significant for Kia, as it is a bold demonstration that we continue to be determined to deliver cars which exceed customer expectations and provide a rewarding ownership experience,” added Mr. Oh. Designed at Kia’s American Design Centre in Irvine, California under the direction of Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, the new Cerato has cab-forward styling, a coupe-like roofline, distinctive concave door contours and a rising beltline with chrome moulding extending into the C-pillar to project an aura of elegance. Careful attention to surface detailing and airflow-smoothing panels beneath the car have cut the sedan’s aerodynamic drag to Cd 0.27 (down from 0.29). Compared with second-generation, new Cerato is 30 mm longer (4560 mm), 16.5 mm lower (1435, 1445, or 1460 mm) depending on market and 5 mm wider (1780 mm), with the wheelbase extended by 50 mm (2700 mm) to become the longest in class – now the same as Kia’s Sorento SUV. Boot capacity is increased to 421 litres which is the largest in class. The interior design of new Cerato concentrates on sportiness and adopts nature’s ebbs and flows as a motif. The sweeping curve of the centre stack is reinforced by carbon-look trim and for enhanced elegance, soft-touch materials are applied to the upper and centre door trims, dashboard, and door armrests. Interior comfort is enhanced by lowering the cabin floor and the seats (by 26 mm front and 20 mm rear), and by fitting wider front seat cushions with an increased cushion angle for greater thigh support. A choice of black one-tone and gray two-tone cloth or leather upholstery, and two optional ‘colour packs’ featuring brown and black or white and black leather, will be offered. Available options (depending on model) include 10-way powered and ventilated driver’s seat, heated front and rear seats, leather upholstery, powered glass tilt-and-slide sunroof, smart keyless entry with engine start/stop button, Xenon headlamps, Bluetooth hands-free system with remote controls, manual and dual-zone climate control automatic air-conditioning. In most export markets outside of North America, new Cerato will be offered with a choice of two petrol power plants. Kia’s 118kW 2.0-litre Nu engine (power up 3.2 per cent) and the popular 96kW 1.6-litre Gamma engine (power up 4.8 per cent). Every all-new Cerato model features a six-speed transmission, which together with the lightweight aluminum engines, enable new Cerato to deliver a highly competitive combination of class-best power with modest fuel consumption and low emissions. New Cerato can accelerate to 100kph in as little as 8.5 seconds, reach a top speed of 210kph and achieve a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 6.5 l/100 km – depending on model. While the specification of the new Cerato’s suspension is unchanged, it has been fine-tuned to improve agility, shock absorbance and refinement. The suspension’s geometry is modified to deliver improved steering feel. To maximize occupant protection the new bodyshell incorporates 63 per cent of high-strength steel with three additional cross members and greatly strengthened B-pillars. Torsional rigidity of the bodyshell is increased by 37 per cent (over the previous model), improving safety, refinement, ride comfort and steering precision. Following the introduction of the all-new Cerato sedan, five-door hatchback and two-door coupe variants of the new generation model will go on sale in the second half of 2013. A wagon version will not be built.

2013 Nissan GT-R on Sale in Oz from February

Lee McKenzie McKinnon — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 08:07:36 +0000

It will be a big start to the year for Nissan Australia as last week the company confirmed the 2013 Nissan GT-R Premium Edition will go on-sale in Australia on 1 February 2013. The latest edition of the GT-R, previewed at the 2012 Australian International Motor Show in Sydney, Australia and before its global unveil in Japan on November 2, features enhancements throughout the vehicle for increased performance, improved ride and handling, and greater customisation. Already considered a legendary supercar, the 2013 GT-R has received evolutionary design and engineering enhancements based on feedback acquired from competing in the 24-Hours of Nürburgring race earlier this year. Notable modifications include improved engine response in both the mid and upper-rpm rev range, increased body rigidity, and specification changes to the shock absorbers, springs and front stabiliser. As a result, the vehicle’s overall performance is dramatically increased, high-speed stability improved and ride quality is more refined. Additionally, a new luxury interior option will be offered that features genuine hand-stitched semi-aniline leather in amber red colour (seat and door trims, centre console), further enhancing the sense of quality and style within the cabin. The 2013 GT-R also recorded a 0-100kph time of 2.7 seconds in October 2012 at Sendai Hi Land Raceway, an improvement of 0.1 seconds compared to the 2012 edition, and lapped the Nürburgring Nordschliefe circuit in 7minutes 19.1 seconds.

P & E Announced for G37 Coupe and Convertible

Lee McKenzie McKinnon — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 08:05:13 +0000

Infiniti has announced the Australian prices and equipment (P & E) for both its G37 Coupe and G37 Convertible. The announcement comes ahead of the official local market release of these two exciting sports cars, scheduled for this month. They will join the company’s recently released Australian market launch models, the bold FX performance crossover and the stunning Infiniti M sports sedan. “The Infiniti G37 Coupe and Convertible represent Infiniti’s next important step in Australia,” said Kevin Snell, General Manager of Infiniti Cars Australia. “These two cars open Infiniti to another vital segment within the Australian luxury car market and expand the scope of our ability to offer luxury car buyers a long-awaited new choice. “These two exciting sports cars embody Infiniti’s performance luxury credentials by packaging dynamic handling with technology, comfort and quality in an athletic yet elegant design. These are luxury cars for drivers.” Both of these soon-to-be-released Infiniti models are powered by a 3.7-litre petrol V6 engine featuring VVEL (Variable Valve Event and Lift) technology, producing a maximum power output of 235kW and a peak torque of 360Nm. The standard-fitment transmission is a seven-speed automatic equipped with Adaptive Shift Control, Downshift Rev Matching and magnesium paddle shifters to make driving smooth and enjoyable. A Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD) is available for the G37 Coupe. Underpinning the dynamic performance of the Infiniti G37 Coupe and Convertible is the marque’s driver-oriented Front Mid-Ship platform. This rear-wheel drive design sees the engine placed further back in the chassis to optimise weight distribution for improved handling. The combination of a double-wishbone front suspension design and a multi-link rear layout, along with carefully tuned suspension geometry, helps deliver responsive handling and impressive ride comfort. Lightweight alloy wheels in both 18-inch and 19-inch designs are available. Responsive steering is delivered by a vehicle-speed-sensing steering design, providing drivers with great feel and optimum steering effort at low and high vehicle speeds. Available on the G37 Coupe is Infiniti’s exclusive 4-Wheel Active-Steer System (4WAS). This combines a unique chassis configuration equipped with variable front steering ratios and rear suspension geometry that adjusts to steering input and vehicle speed via motor-driven controls. The system’s electronic control unit calculates the desired vehicle dynamics from a series of sensors, including vehicle speed and steering angle, and separately directs both the front and rear actuators to change steering gear ratios and rear geometry by moving both the front steering gear and rear suspension lower links – thus enhancing the coupe’s sports car-like agility and secure stability. S Premium grades of the G37 Coupe and Convertible are fitted with aluminium four-piston (front) and two-piston callipers (rear) embossed with Infiniti lettering and large ventilated rotors – 14.0-inch front and 13.8-inch at the rear. Externally, the G37 Coupe and Convertible wear a sharp, kinetic design with elegant and sophisticated proportions. L-shaped High-Intensity Discharge (HID) Bi-Xenon headlights with integrated fog lamps feature at the front. At the rear, both models feature broad rear fenders that flow into large LED taillights, an Infiniti trademark; an available integrated RearView Monitor camera; rear under-body air diffusers and large dual exhaust outlets with chrome finishers. The G37 Convertible uses a three-piece retractable hard-top roof that takes it from closed-roof coupe to open-top convertible at the touch of a button. When closed, the G37 Convertible has a coupe-like silhouette similar to that of its hard-top sibling. Both cars have a sophisticated, luxurious interior with a cockpit-oriented driver and front passenger area. A ten-way power-adjustable driver’s seat is standard fitment alongside an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat. The stylish instrument binnacle features electro-luminescent instruments coloured in white and violet. Both models have comfortable rear seating, giving sports car enjoyment for more than just two people. Leather upholstery is fitted to all model grades. Australians will be able to choose from two model grades for both the G37 Coupe and G37 Convertible. They are: Infiniti G37 Coupe model grades

GT Premium
S Premium

Infiniti G37 Convertible model grades

S Premium
S Premium Monaco Red

Standard equipment for all grades is extensive and includes are variety of styling, technology and comfort-related features. Examples include:

18-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels (G37 Coupe only)
Glass sunroof with sliding shade
Bi-Xenon headlights with Active Front-lighting System (AFS) and auto-levelling
Automatic dual-zone climate control
10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support
8-way power front passenger seat
Heating for front seats
7-inch high-resolution colour touch screen display
30GB HDD Navigation System
10GB Music Box
An 11-speaker Infiniti “Studio on Wheels”™ Bose® sound system (G37 Coupe only)
A 13-speaker Infiniti Bose® Open Air Sound system with AudioPilot® 2.0 technology (for the G37 Convertible; this system automatically optimises EQ settings for open/closed roof positions)
Infiniti Controller
Bluetooth® Hands-free Phone System and audio streaming with iPod®/USB connection
Infiniti Intelligent Key (I-Key)
Remote Keyless Entry system

The S Premium (G37 Coupe) and S Premium Monaco Red (G37 Convertible) grades deliver additional driver-oriented equipment on top of the generous collection of standard features. These items are:

Sports-tuned suspension (G37 Coupe only)
4-Wheel Active Steering (4WAS) (G37 Coupe only)
Viscous Limited-Slip Differential (VLSD) (G37 Coupe only)
Opposed-piston sports brakes
19-inch 5-triple-spoke alloy wheels
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
14-way power driver’s seat including lumbar support (G37 Coupe only)
Front sports seats with thigh extensions (G37 Coupe only)
Rear spoiler (G37 Coupe only)
Red “S” badge (G37 Coupe only)

The Infiniti G37 Convertible S Premium Monaco Red version comes fitted with stunning Monaco Red leather upholstery matched to red-stained Maple wood trim. On the safety front, the Infiniti G37 Coupe and Convertible are extensively equipped. Standard-fitment safety features include:

Driver and front passenger airbags
Front seat-mounted side impact supplemental air bags
Roof-mounted curtain side impact supplemental air bags for front and rear-seat outboard occupant head protection (G37 Coupe only)
Door-mounted curtain side-impact supplemental air bags (G37 Convertible only)
Dual Pop-up Roll Bars (G37 Convertible only)
Front seat belt adjustable upper anchors with pretensioners and load limiters
Front seat Active Head Restraints
Vehicle Security System (VSS)
Infiniti Vehicle Immobiliser System
Zone Body construction with energy-dispersing side structure

Infiniti G Coupe and G Convertible: Australian pricing details Below are the Australian drive-away prices for the Infiniti G37 Coupe and the Infiniti G37 Convertible. Infiniti G37 Coupe

	RRP	Drive away*
GT Premium	$75,900	$84,970
S Premium	$83,500	$92,950

Infiniti G37 Convertible

	RRP	Drive away*
S Premium	$87,900	$97,570

Botturi to Ride a Husky in Dakar

Lee McKenzie McKinnon — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 08:03:38 +0000

Husqvarna Rallye Team By Speedbrain have signed up top Italian rider Alessandro Botturi to take part in this year’s Dakar aboard the Husqvarna TE449 RR by Speedbrain. This will be the second Dakar for the thirty-seven years old rider from Lumezzane (BS), after his surprising eighth place finish in last year’s rally which earned him the prize of “rookie rider” in the competition. Botturi brings from the world of enduro a wealth of experience, in which he has won a string of important victories in the world championship and the International Six Days, as well as having taken nine Italian titles. Botturi has been concentrating on international rallies for a year now, getting excellent results in the FIM Cross Country Rally, finishing in second overall place in the rally of Sardinia. “I feel really honoured to be a part of such a highly rated team like the Husqvarna Rallye Team By Speedbrain at the Dakar right now,” stated Alessandro Botturi. “The TE449RR has proved itself to an extremely competitive bike especially in the most recent races. It has won the Pharaons and was one of the main protagonists of the Morocco Rally. As always I’ll be doing my best to help bring the team success in such an important event. “ “Alessandro Botturi’s inclusion in the Husqvarna Rallye Team By Speedbrain settles the line-up for the next Dakar,” points out team manager Wolfgang Fischer. “With Barreda, Goncalves, Fish and Botturi we’ve got an extremely competitive team that blends well together, who we can rely on to be right up there with the competition. I like to take this opportunity to wish Cody Quinn all the best after his thigh-bone injury at last week’s Baja 1000, who won’t be able to form part of the team, but will be on the Husqvarna TE449RR by Speedbrain as soon as he will be fully recovered.”

All-New Mazda6 Here for Christmas

Lee McKenzie McKinnon — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 08:02:41 +0000

Christmas has come early for Mazda6 fans with the brands premium sized family car hitting showrooms ahead of schedule, just in time for Christmas. The All-New Mazda6 was originally scheduled to land in Australia in the first quarter of 2013, but a decision was made to bring the date forward making it available to new car buyers on December 1. A flagship model for a new generation of Mazda products, the Mazda6 incorporates the very best of Mazda’s craftsmanship and technical expertise across all domains, from dynamic performance and design, through to environmental performance and safety. It is the second of Mazda’s new generation of products which incorporate both the full range of SKYACTIV technologies and the new ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ design theme. Featuring a range of new generation technology, including the ground breaking capacitor-based i-ELOOP brake energy generation system and i-ACTIVSENSE – a series of advanced safety technologies that assist the driver in recognising hazards, avoiding collisions and reducing the severity of accidents – the Mazda6 is more advanced than ever before. Beautifully crafted, the All-New Mazda6 comes with a SKYACTIV-D 2.2 litre diesel engine and the new SKYACTIV-G 2.5 litre petrol engine. All-New Mazda6 comes in four six-speed automatic transmission grades, the Sport, Touring, GT and Atenza with prices starting at $33,460 (MLP).