Formula 1 has announced it will be launching an online streaming service called F1 TV Pro. Launching this year, the commercial-free service will be priced at US$8–12 per month, with annual subscriptions also available. This will be sure to create shockwaves among both free-to-air and pay television networks.

Full details are yet to be announced, but we know the countries included in the initial 2018 rollout will be Germany, France, USA, Mexico, Belgium, Austria, Hungary and much of Latin America. A launch date for Australia is yet to be determined. Foxtel currently has an exclusive rights deal running until 2022.

From launch, F1 TV Pro will be accessed direct via internet. While, Apple and Android mobile apps, as well as TV apps such as Amazon will follow.

As well as the live service a cheaper option called F1 TV Access will be launched in conjunction with F1 TV Pro. F1 TV Access will provide live timing and radio commentary as well access to archival race footage.

[Source: Formula 1]

What’s so special about the 1981 British Grand Prix? It was the first race won by a car with a carbon fibre composite chassis.

That car was the McLaren MP4/1, on that day it was driven by John Watson. In the video below you can hear the car’s designer John Barnard talk about his creation and its lasting effect on the safety of the F1 cars we watch today.

Before Donut Media got morphy with the BMW 3 Series they went all blurry-eyed with the Porsche 911. If ever there was a car made for such an animation it is the iconic 911. Well done lads, well done!

[Source: Donut Media]

The very clever chaps at Donut Media have given us the morphtastic animation of the BMW 3 Series. We applaud them and thank the for sharing it with the world.

If you’d like to buy a poster charting the lineage of the 3 Series the Donut lads have you covered there too.

[Source: Donut Media]

The mighty Golf R400 project has been put on indefinite hold thanks to the financial fallout from Volkswagen’s deiselgate saga. At least that’s the word coming from motoring.com.au.

According to the Aussie based website a senior Volkswagen source has confirmed with them that R400 has been “paused” along with “several other projects”.

Meanwhile, local deiselgate victims will be pleased to know their cars will be getting fixed soon, starting with Amarok models. They may be less pleased to learn they will not receive any financial compensation like US customers.

[Source: motoring.com.au | Thanks to John for the tip]

Project Binky is back and that means AUSmotive awakens from its slumber. Back to Binky; after 11 episodes, spread across two and a half years, Nik comes out with this pearler: “It’s at this point that things start to get a bit tricky.”

This episode covers a lot of material, mostly to do with the underside of the car. As always it’s a masterclass in how to build a project car.

In the name of the P1, the 918 and the holy LaFerrari.

It’s the video we’d all been waiting for. After a bit over two weeks it’s racked up more than 1.2 million views. It’s Chris Harris in three of the most desirable cars ever made.

At almost one hour long the recipe couldn’t get any better. Throw in an empty and excellent Portimao racetrack and, well, yeah, the recipe does get better. And this video is great viewing, it really is.

But is it as good as you were hoping?

In addition to our previous post giving you Australian list pricing for the new BMW M2 Coupe, following is a very long list of standard specifications for the local market. Starting with February production we expect local deliveries to follow by around April or May.

The M2 Coupe starts with the manual only M2 Pure model ,priced from $89,900 and is joined by the M2, priced from $98,900.

For the extra nine grand you get the following standard equipment:

• 7-speed DCT (6-speed manual is a NCO)
• Alarm system
• Adaptive headlights
• BMW Selective Beam
• Comfort Access System
• Electric seats
• Seat heating (driver and passenger)
• harman/kardon Sound System

Full details can be found after the break.

EXCLUSIVE: BMW M2 Coupe – Standard specifications (Australia)

Manufacturers’ list pricing

• M2 Pure (6-speed manual) – $89,900
• M2 (7-speed Dual Clutch with Drivelogic) – $98,900
• Engine: 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo, 2979cc, 272kW/465kW
• Combined fuel consumption: 7.9l/100km (8.5l/100km manual)
• 0–100km/h: 4.3 seconds (4.5 seconds manual)

*M2 Pure only
**M2 only

Transmission and technology

• 6-speed manual transmission, incl. shift point display in instrument cluster*
• 7-speed Double-Clutch transmission with Drivelogic, incl. Launch Control, Stability Clutch Control, Creep on Demand and Smokey Burnout
• Active M differential, electronically controlled multi-disc clutch, optimised power transmission and traction in all driving situations
• Auto Start/Stop function, reduces fuel consumption by switching off the engine when the vehicle comes temporarily to a stop
• M TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder in-line petrol engine with a technology package comprising one TwinScroll turbocharger, High Precision Injection, Valvetronic variable valve control and Double-VANOS variable camshaft control
• Brake Energy Regeneration, improves fuel efficiency and ensures that the full power of the engine is available for acceleration
• Brake-pad wear indicator
• Condition Based Service, inspections are scheduled to suit the way in which the car is driven
• Double-joint spring strut front axle and multi-arm rear axle
• Driving Experience Control, enables adjustment of driving dynamics settings, including throttle response, shift times of M dual-clutch transmission (excludes M2 Pure), power steering assistance and Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
• M Dynamic Mode, M-specific switchable functions of Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
• M-specific running gear
• Electric Power Steering with M Servotronic
• Electronic differential lock, active in DSC Off mode
• Start/Stop button, with keyless ignition

Safety

• Airbags: driver and front passenger airbags, head airbags in the front and rear, side airbags for driver and front passenger
• Alarm system with remote control**
• Brakes: compound brake discs at the front and rear, inner-vented, drilled
• Central locking with electronic immobiliser, crash sensor; fuel tank filler cap integrated into central locking system
• Dynamic braking lights, flashing brake lights and hazard indicator under extreme braking
• Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) incl. Antilock Braking System (ABS), Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Dynamic Braking Control (DBC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), pull-away assistant, dry braking and braking readiness
• Headrests on all seats
• Safety body shell: deformation zones at the front and rear, easily-replaceable deformation elements that absorb impacts at speeds up to 15 km/h; integrated side impact protection in doors
• Seat belts: three-point seat belts for all rear seats; three-point inertia-reel seat belts in the front with belt tensioners and belt force limiters
• Warning triangle and first aid kit

Wheels and tyres

• 19″ M light alloy wheels double-spoke 437 M, Black with 9 J × 19 / tyres 245/35 R 19 front, 10 J × 19 / tyres 265/35 R 19 rear tyres
• Locking wheel bolts
• M mobility kit
• Tyre pressure monitor, electric monitoring system, displays each tyre pressure and warns of loss at 3 different stages

Exterior design

• BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line
• Exhaust pipe, round, 2 x left and 2 x right, Chrome high-gloss
• M rear spoiler
• Ornamental front grille, Black with M double rods

ConnectedDrive

• Intelligent Emergency Call, BMW ConnectedDrive automated transmission of vehicle accident information and telephone call for assistance to the BMW ConnectedDrive Call Centre. Emergency services are informed by the BMW ConnectedDrive Call Centre on behalf of the customer and deployed if required. Manual emergency call can also be initiated via SOS button
• TeleServices, automated transmission of service-related vehicle data to your preferred service dealer. Includes Battery Guard and BMW Breakdown calls to Roadside Assistance
• ConnectedDrive Services: internet-based services including BMW Online (News, Weather, Google local search, Office, Apps), and the BMW Connected App. 3 year subscription
• Remote Services: remote door lock/unlock, ventilation control, headlight flash, Google local search with send-to-car function and vehicle finder
• Real Time Traffic Information, BMW ConnectedDrive display of current traffic information in the navigation map with expected travel time delays to your destination. Includes suggestions on alternative routes. 3 year subscription
• Internet, BMW ConnectedDrive independent, in-vehicle internet access via the pre-fitted vehicle SIM card. When stationary, websites can be called up on the Control Display by entering the URL using the iDrive Touch controller. 1 year subscription
• Concierge Services, 24/7 assistance via ConnectedDrive call centre at the touch of a button, for assistance with searching for destinations, POIs, and sending these addresses straight to your vehicle. 3 year subscription

Driver assistance

• Cruise Control with braking function
• Driving Assistant, with Approach Control Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Pedestrian Warning, light city braking function and Attentiveness Assistant
• Park Distance Control (PDC), rear
• Rear View Camera
• Speed Limit Device, enables settings of desired maximum speed, can be overridden at any time

Light and sight

• Adaptive headlights with variable light distribution incl. cornering lights**
• Bi-Xenon headlights with headlight washer system
• BMW Selective Beam, anti-glare High-Beam Assistant**
• Heat/sun protection glass
• Heated exterior mirrors
• Interior lights package, LED technology, make-up mirror lights, mood lighting, front and rear, reading lights, front and rear, inner door handle scoops, illuminated (orange), footwell lights, front, handle-area lighting, exit lights, luggage compartment light, interior lights, front and rear, glove box light, welcome light
• Interior and exterior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle function, with automatic parking function and electric fold-in function
• Rain sensor, incl. automatic headlight activation

Interior design

• BMW Individual roofliner Anthracite
• Interior trim finishers, Carbon Fibre
• Door sill finishers with M designation
• Gearshift lever knob with M badge
• Upholstery, Dakota leather

Comfort and interior equipment

• Automatic air conditioning, with separate temperature controls for driver and front passenger, incl. Automatic Air Recirculation (AAR), microfilter, fogging and solar sensors and rear air vents
• Comfort Access System, keyless entry incl. exterior handle area lighting**
• Floor mats in velour
• Lumbar support, electric, for driver and front passenger**
• Rear seat backrest, foldable, 60:40 split
• Seat adjustment, manual, incl. seat height adjustment*
• Seat adjustment, electric, with memory function for driverâ€s seat**
• Seat heating for driver and front passenger**
• Sport seats for driver and front passenger
• Steering wheel, M leather with multifunction buttons
• Storage compartments in front doors with bottle holders
• Storage package, door pockets, glove compartment, 2 cupholders, front, storage compartments, centre console, clothes hooks, rear, storage tray between rear seats, parcel shelf, folding compartment in instrument panel on driver’s side, centre console, front: two inserts over cupholders for small utensils, Pearl Chrome application, driver’s seat and front passenger seat: nets on seat backrest, centre console, rear: Socket (12 V). In luggage compartment: 2 lashing eyes, frame net, height-adjustable, right, 2 bag hooks, left and right, net including pocket function, 6-point fastening on luggage compartment base, power socket (12 V), right, storage compartment, right

Entertainment, communication and information

• AUX-IN connection
• Bluetooth, enables wireless connection of a compatible Bluetooth mobile phone to the vehicle. Check the compatibility of your mobile phone at bmw.com/Bluetooth
• Convenience telephony with extended Smartphone connectivity, provision for snap-in adapter (available separately through Genuine BMW Accessories) for charging function and connection to external aerial. Includes extended Bluetooth functionality such as audio streaming, album cover display, pairing of multiple devices and more, depending on the features of the Bluetooth/USB device
• DAB+ digital radio tuner, exceptional sound quality, improved reception and a wide range of special-interest channels
• HiFi loudspeaker system, 7 loudspeakers, 205W, 7-channel analogue amplifier with equalising*
• harman/kardon Sound System, 12 loudspeakers, 360W, surround mode, digital amplifier with equalising**
• Instrument cluster with extended contents, M-specific displays, red tacho needles
• Navigation system Professional, incl. iDrive Touch Controller with added functionality, high-resolution built-in 8.8” colour display, DVD drive, 3D map and arrow display, quick-start function, integrated hard disc and 20GB storage for audio files. Includes Voice Control.
• On-board computer, incl. Check Control, and consumption, range, speed and outside temperature on Info Display
• Personal Profile, personalisation of important controls
• USB audio interface, enables connection of an MP3 player, Apple iPod or USB memory stick via the USB interface

Optional equipment

• Steering wheel heating** – $400
• Alarm system with remote control* – $850
• Windscreen with grey shade band – $200
• Glass sunroof, with electric slide and lift control, comfort opening function via car key – $2600
• Sun protection glazing darker tinted glass for rear and rear side windows – $660
• Smokerâ€s package – $60
• Through loading system with luggage compartment dividing net, with rear seat backrest foldable, 40:20:40 split, centre armrest – $500
• 6-speed manual transmission, incl. shift point display in instrument cluster** – NCO
• Metallic paintwork – $1485

(Specifications correct as at December 2015, subject to change.)

This is the new BMW M2 Coupe. It’s powered by a 3.0 litre inline six cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine, making 272kW/465Nm. Fitted with a 7-speed DCT it can reach 100km/h in 4.3 seconds, add a couple of tenths for a 6-speed manual. BMW claims the M2 can lap the Nordschleife in 7 minutes 58 seconds.

Officially announced in mid-October the M2 Coupe will be on Australian shores around (or just before) the middle of next year. The best news is the 6-speed manual model will be offered for local sale. And here’s the Australian list pricing:

BMW M2 Coupe Australian list pricing (exclusive)

• M2 Pure (6-speed manual) – $89,900
• M2 (7-speed DCT) – $98,900

BMW’s original launch press release and press kit is available after the break.

UPDATE 9 December: It has come to AUSmotive’s attention that there’s some conjecture over the list pricing and what’s included. For example, is LCT included in the prices quoted above? Yes it is, as per the screen grab below from the documentation sighted by AUSmotive.

The new BMW M2 Coupe.

14.10.2015

A compact high-performance BMW sports car was already causing heads to turn and hearts to flutter over 40 years ago. Indeed, the BMW 2002 turbo perfectly encapsulated BMWâ€s resolution to deliver outstanding dynamics, exceptional agility and optimum car control. As if to demonstrate in similarly resounding style that this commitment is alive and well, BMW M GmbH can now unveil the new BMW M2. With its high-performance six-cylinder in-line engine, rear-wheel-drive agility, lightweight aluminium M Sport suspension and extrovert styling, the new BMW M2 Coupe has all the ingredients to deliver the last word in driving pleasure.

Characteristic M design.

A single glance is all it takes to pick the new BMW M2 Coupe out as a member of the BMW M family, with its styling also keen to advertise its dynamic attributes. Inspired by models from the history of BMW in motor racing, the new M2 Coupe makes no secret of its extraordinary performance potential. The low front apron with large air intakes, muscular flanks with characteristic M gills, 19-inch aluminium wheels in familiar M double-spoke design and low, wide rear with M-specific twin-tailpipe exhaust system all play impressive roles here. The time-honoured character of BMW M cars is also present and correct in the design of the interior. The Alcantara of the door cards and centre console together with porous carbon fibre creates an ambience of rare quality and heady sporting ambition further underlined by blue contrast stitching and M embossing on selected details. Sports seats, an M sports steering wheel and an M gearshift lever ensure BMW M2 drivers are in perfect command of their car it at all times.

Explosive performance.

The newly developed, three-litre six-cylinder in-line engine in the new BMW M2 deploys cutting-edge M TwinPower Turbo technology to develop 272 kW/370 hp at 6,500 rpm (fuel consumption combined: 8.5 l/100 km [33.2 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 199 g/km)* and, in so doing, lays down a marker in the high-performance compact sports car segment. The same applies to power delivery. Peak torque of 465 Nm (343 lb-ft) can be increased to as much as 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) in short bursts under overboost. All of which enables the new BMW M2 Coupe with optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) and Launch Control to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.3 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Yet, with its M DCT transmission, fuel consumption of just 7.9 litres* per 100 km (35.8 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of just 185 g/km*, the car is also keen to emphasise its outstanding efficiency.

Motor sport expertise.

With the lightweight aluminium front and rear axles from the BMW M3/M4 models, forged 19-inch aluminium wheels with mixed-size tyres, M Servotronic steering with two settings and suitably effective M compound brakes, the new BMW M2 Coupe has raised the bar once again in the compact high-performance sports car segment when it comes to driving dynamics. The electronically controlled Active M Differential, which optimises traction and directional stability, also plays a significant role here. And even greater driving pleasure is on the cards when the Dynamic Stability Control systemâ€s M Dynamic Mode (MDM) is activated. MDM allows wheel slip and therefore moderate, controlled drifts on the track.

Intelligent connectivity when you want it.

The new BMW M2 Coupe comes with an extensive list of standard equipment in keeping with its performance-focused set-up. The seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) with Drivelogic, available as an option, changes gears with extraordinary speed but no interruption in the flow of power. A wide selection of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive is also available. The ConnectedDrive Services provide the basis for extensive vehicle connectivity, and this option also enables the use of innovative apps, which are integrated seamlessly into the car using BMW ConnectedDrive technology. For example, the GoPro app allows the driver to record fast laps of the track with a dashboard-mounted action camera, using the iDrive Controller and Control Display. Meanwhile, the driverâ€s individual style at the wheel can be analysed as desired with the M Laptimer app. Information on speeds and braking points can be shared easily via e-mail or Facebook.

From powerful stock.

The new BMW M2 Coupe is not only the direct heir to the successful BMW 1 Series M Coupe, but also – in its underlying philosophy – a descendant of the original E30 BMW M3 and the BMW 2002 turbo. The latter caused a sensation over 40 years ago, anticipating the commitment of what is now BMW M GmbH to outstanding dynamics, unbeatable agility and optimal car control.

* Fuel consumption figures based on the EU test cycle, may vary depending on the tyre format specified.

Further information on official fuel consumption figures, specific CO2 emission values and the electric power consumption of new passenger cars is included in the following guideline: “Leitfaden über Kraftstoffverbrauch, die CO2-Emissionen und den Stromverbrauch neuer Personenkraftwagen” (Guideline for fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and electric power consumption of new passenger cars), which can be obtained from all dealerships, from Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH (DAT), Hellmuth-Hirth-Str. 1, 73760 Ostfildern-Scharnhausen and at http://www.dat.de/en/offers/publications/guideline-for-fuel-consumption.html. Leitfaden CO2 (Guideline CO2) (PDF ‒ 2.7 MB).

Please find attached the complete press kit for download. (389kb PDF)

Nik and Richard send us into the Christmas break with the eleventh instalment of their epic Project Binky crusade. This time we see the lads working on the steering geometry and transmission setup. As ever it’s an episode filled with pitfalls and problem solving leading to complicated and clever engineering solutions.

As for AUSmotive, well it’s no shock to anyone here that things have slowed down a little. This is partly a result of my new job, which has had more of an impact on my available time and motivation than I thought. That said, after eight years of having a pretty serious and often time consuming crack at this gig for basically no monetary gain perhaps a change in perspective hasn’t been a bad thing for your resident editor.

For now, the site will still plug along. Let’s just hope we’re not going two months between posts. Yikes!

If nothing else, thank you to Bad Obsession Motorsport and Project Binky for relighting the AUSmotive candle.

Fifth Gear—yes, that’s still going—has come up with a 21st century Prost v Senna battle by getting Nico Prost and Bruno Senna to race each other in a hot hatch track test. It’s son of Alain in the Renault Megane RS275 Trophy R and nephew of Ayrton in the Audi S3. The track is Snetteron and this is what happens…

[Thanks to Tim for the tip]

As custodians of The greatest F1 rivalry of all timeâ„¢ McLaren is in the unique position of having the luxury of curating the legacies of not one, but two of its most iconic drivers. For reasons too controverisal to dissect now Ayrton Senna is the beneficiary of “the good guy” status, which unwittingly leaves his adversary Alain Prost to play the role of “the bad guy”.

Over the years, then, for fear of reminding people that Prost won four world titles to Senna’s three, as just one example, Prost’s name is usually in the shadows to Senna’s spotlight. If you didn’t live through the 1980s and early 1990s you could be forgiven for thinking Prost drove for anyone but McLaren, such is the team’s willingness to remind everyone of Senna’s legacy in McLaren’s red and white livery.

So for this unabashed Prost fanboi I was impressed to see that McLaren can and has pumped up Alain’s tyres. Follow the link below to read the nine reasons you should dig Alain.

Of course you only need one: Prost is the greatest!

[Source: McLaren]