Mustang Returns
Ford's Mustang has returned to Australia after a 35-year absence - the legendary American muscle car goes on sale in February. Mustang becomes the only V8 coupe or convertible available in Australia for less than $100,000, with the coupe on sale for $85,000 (RRP) and the convertible available for $89,000 (RRP). "We already have deposits from more than 80 people who were so keen they ordered the car before the pricing was released," Ford SVO Business Development Manager, Rick Nayler said. "It's that type of car. For enthusiasts, it's a must-have proposition," he said.
The car comes with a long list of standard safety features, including multi-link independent rear suspension, traction control, ABS and dual airbags. Other standard items include air conditioning, power windows and door locks, a tilt steering column, full-length centre floor console, remote keyless entry system, interval windscreen wipers and a high-performance Mach®460 Sound System with 6-disc in-dash CD player. Australian Mustangs are re-engineered to right hand drive by Ford's highly respected performance car partner, Tickford Vehicle Engineering, and will carry full factory backing, warranty and parts support.
Under the bonnet lies a potent all-alloy quad-cam 4.6 litre V8 that produces 240kW of power at 6000rpm and 430Nm of torque at 4750rpm. The Australian Cobra's lightweight aluminium-alloy block features a number of modifications designed to improve breathing, performance and noise suppression. The engine's counterweighted steel crankshaft is secured to the block by six main bearing bolts rather than the standard two, improving rigidity and reducing noise, vibration and harshness. The cylinder heads are also aluminium alloy, with a classic double overhead cam design incorporating chain-driven cams with hydraulic valve-lash adjusters and a compression ratio of 9.85:1. The cylinder ports inside the heads are designed to cause the fuel/air mixture to tumble as it enters the combustion chamber, improving combustion and thus generating more power.
Power is further enhanced by a number of modifications that improve airflow through the engine. A specially-designed conical, low resistance air filter improves intake airflow rates, while butterfly valves in the throttle body open simultaneously, giving an improved throttle response. The modified Ford EEC-V control module adjusts airflow, rpm, crankshaft position and cam position to ensure that the fuel mix and spark are delivered at the optimum moment for maximum power. Each cylinder is fired by a distributorless coil-on-plug ignition system, making for more precise firing. The split dual exhaust system features Tickford-developed manifolds, low restriction mufflers and 2.25-inch exhaust pipes. Apart from the improvement in airflow, the system creates a classic V8 burble. "The engine has all the attributes that appeal to the V8 enthusiast. It is free revving, with a responsive throttle and a sensational sound," says Nayler. The V8 delivers power through an 11-inch clutch plate and a five-speed Tremec T45 transmission. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential with a 3.27 axle ratio.
The Mustang Cobra features a sophisticated multi-link independent rear suspension system featuring steel upper control arms and aluminium lower control arms, with aluminium spindles. Fixed tie rods are placed behind the centre of each wheel to control toe characteristics during cornering, acceleration and braking.
The suspension also features a 26mm tubular stabiliser bar, linear-rate coil springs and a robust limited slip differential. A sophisticated all-speed traction control system developed specifically for Mustang works in concert with the IRS. When either of the rear pair of shared ABS/traction control sensors detects rear wheel spin, the system will select one or all of three possible electronic strategies in conjunction with brake applications. The engine control can limit torque by retarding the ignition timing, modulating the air/fuel ratio and cutting off cylinders. The engine controls work at all speeds, while brake application will occur at speeds of up to 100 km/h. The traction control can be switched off at the driver's discretion.
The Cobra front suspension is a modified MacPherson Strut-type design, with linear-rate coil springs on the lower control arms, MacPherson struts and a 28mm tubular stabiliser bar. Hydraulically assisted rack and pinion steering is used. At the front of the Mustang, PBR twin-piston calipers clamp down on 330mm Brembo rotors, while at the rear, 296mm rotors and single piston calipers are used. The four-wheel vented discs are controlled by a four-channel, four-sensor anti-lock system. Forged alloy 17 x 8 inch Cobra wheels with BF Goodrich Comp T/A 245/45 ZR-17 tyres complete the ride and handling package.
RS4 and S6 Arrive
Audi in Australia has launched the Audi RS4, the world's fastest estate vehicle since the now legendary RS2. Just 30 of these super-performance Avants are available in Australia and while almost all have been quickly snapped up since their mid-January arrival, many being bought well before the boat had arrived, a few of these rare vehicles still exist, priced at $165,000.
Using Audi's acclaimed S models as a starting point, the company claims to have created the world's second truly practical supercar. The first was the legendary Audi RS2, which enjoyed enormous success but which was only ever produced in left hand drive form. A more-than-adequate successor to this early model, the RS4 outperforms virtually any rival from 0 to 100 km/h, sprinting across the line is just 4.9 seconds. In addition, with 280kW between 6,100 and 7,000 rpm, and 440 Nm of torque from 2,500 to 6,000 rpm, the Audi RS4 is an impressive performer, holding its own in a field of fast competition.
This performance is assured by the RS4's 2.7-litre biturbo V6 engine, 'quattro' permanent all-wheel drive, overtly sporty suspension tuning and a high-tech brake system designed specifically to suit the engine's high performance characteristics. The six-speed manual gearbox has ratios chosen to suit the vehicle's sports character, and together with the quattro drivetrain converts the high torque of the biturbo engine into highly effective propulsion, and traction with excellent directional stability. In keeping with its superior performance, the RS4's brake system has been completely redeveloped. Much larger composite-type brake discs have been fitted at both the front and rear wheels. Large 18-inch wheels provide sufficient space for the RS4's voluminous brake system. The 8.5 J x 18 inch alloy wheels with a 9-spoke design have 255/35 ZR 18 tyres.
The Audi RS4 is the first model to have been created by quattro GmbH and developed in conjunction with Audi AG. Each RS4 is assembled and finished at quattro GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Audi AG. In the best craftsman's tradition only a few cars are prepared each day.
Audi has also launched the long-awaited S6 sedan, completing the company's high-performance S model line-up. Priced at $166,000, and on sale to the public this month, the Audi S6 joins its similarly sporty brethren - the S3, S4 and S8 - to round out the family of modern-day sportscar alternatives in Australia. Underneath the bonnet of the dynamic Audi S6 lies a 4.2-litre V8 engine with five valves-per-cylinder and a healthy power output of 250kW. Added to the impressive power flow, the S6 boasts a torque curve of 300 Nm available almost immediately above a slow idling speed, right up to a maximum of 420 Nm at 3,400 rpm. Top speed is electronically governed to 250 km/h and the S6 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds. The S6 features Audi's seamless 5-speed Tiptronic transmission.
Ute Muster Racing Series
Up to 20 V8-powered Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore utes will be on the starting grid when Australia's most exciting new motor racing championship, the Ute Muster, roars into life in April. The Ute Muster debuts with a series of demonstration events at the Clipsal 500 meeting on the Adelaide street circuit on 5-8 April, with the first of six championship rounds set for 5-6 May at Wakefield Park, New South Wales. The Ute Muster has attracted huge interest, with more than 55 potential competitors currently seeking the available spots for 10 Falcon AU II and 10 Commodore VU utes, says series organiser PROCAR Australia Pty Ltd. A prototype Falcon and Commodore will be track-tested back-to-back later this month before PROCAR settles on identical performance and safety changes it will specify for every vehicle in the Ute Muster.
Rd 1 5-6 May Wakefield Park, NSW
Rd 2 21-22 July Queensland Raceway
Rd 3 18-19 August Eastern Creek, NSW
Rd 4 15-16 September Sandown, VIC
Rd 5 25-28 October Surfers Paradise, QLD
Rd 6 30 Nov.-2 Dec. Sandown, VIC
Kombi Returns?
Volkswagen is showing the concept car "Microbus" as a world premiere at the North American International Auto Show. The bus of the future was designed in the Volkswagen design studio in Simi Valley and the concept is oriented especially towards the American market. With its original design and numerous innovative ideas, the Microbus is said to hark back to a great tradition, starting in 1950 with the first VW bus. This Volkswagen was successful worldwide and reached cult status, especially in the USA, with the name Microbus. This design study redefines this cult with an up-to-date expression of personality and freedom.
Quickies
- Australia's five-times 500cc motorcycle world champion Michael Doohan will make his motor racing debut driving a Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG in this year's April 18-24 Targa Tasmania tarmac rally.
- British car magazine 'What Car?' has named the new Audi A4 as the "Best Car" in the mid-size class. The Audi TT also received the award for "Best Coupe" for the third time in a row.
- Ford's Falcon XR8 will lead the field away at every V8 Supercar race this year... as the exclusive choice for Official Safety Car and Course Car duties at all events in the Shell Championship Series.
- Saab has added more specification to its range of 9-3 and 9-5 Series vehicles for 2001. In addition to 'All Turbo' in Australia, Saab is now 'All Leather' - with leather seats, leather steering wheel and leather gear selector standard on all 2001 model Saabs. The improved specification is valued between $3,700 and $8,000 for the Saab 9-3 Series, and between $1,200 and $5,100 for the Saab 9-5 Series.
- Chung Mong-Koo, Chairman of HMC (Hyundai Motor Co) and KIA, has received a 'Distinguished Service Citation' from the US-based Automotive Hall of Fame. Chairman Chung was the first Korean and only the second Asian following Honda president Hiroyuki Yoshino to be awarded the DSC from the automobile industry and the first Korean to be so honoured with international recognition as a world automobile industry leader. He entered the industry in 1974 as president of Hyundai Motor Service.
- Budget Rent a Car Australia, Australia's third largest car rental company, has signed a preferred supplier agreement for large cars with Mitsubishi Motors Australia at its Tonsley Park (Adelaide) Head Office. Budget's Vice President of the Asia Pacific Region, Mr Philip Fennell, said that his company chose Magna over other brands because of its refinement and class-leading fuel economy. "We took delivery of just over 300 Magnas in December, and our customers love them," Mr Fennell said. "The extremely positive response to the car encouraged us to add more to our fleet, and the professional approach of the Mitsubishi people made it a pleasure to do business."
- Mercedes-Benz is contacting approximately seventy Australian owners of A-class models produced between September 2000 and January 2001 concerning a precautionary service measure. During regular quality checks, experts at Mercedes-Benz in Germany discovered deviations in the responsiveness of the braking system. These are due to a modified rubber seal in the master brake cylinder which the relevant supplier began to use in series production from September 2000 without consulting Mercedes-Benz.
- Three times world Formula One champion Niki Lauda has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Premier Performance Division - a newly formed division of the Premier Automotive Group established to oversee, coordinate and support the motor sport activities of Jaguar Racing, Cosworth Racing and the Pi electronics group.
- General Motors is embarking on a US$50 million project to help its dealers become more competitive on the Internet. The scheme is being monitored by the rest of the industry as a potential global business model.
- BMW Group Australia has confirmed that the new Mini Cooper will star in this year's Melbourne International Motor show, beginning on March 1. The Melbourne International will also host the first public showing of an all-new Australian-designed and built motorcycle - the Hunwick Harrop Phantom 1500.
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