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2012 Sepang Track Days (June-July Updates)

A compilation of known Sepang or Pasir Gudang 2012 track-day sessions for our readers' information.

If you know of any other sessions, please drop us a line at:
editorial@motor-prime.com or admin@motor-prime.com

History - BMW's 40 Years of M

The BMW M Story. 40 Years of BMW M GmbH.

“A company is like a human being. As long as it goes in for sports, it is fit, well-trained, full of enthusiasm and performance.” These were the words of Robert A. Lutz, BMW AG Board Member Sales, back in 1972. They were the words christening the youngest subsidiary of BMW AG at the time, BMW Motorsport GmbH. Today the company is called BMW M GmbH. But it is just as fit, well-trained, full of enthusiasm and performance as it was 40 years ago.

Audi applies RS badge to its Q3 [Release]

Audi RS Q3 concept
The blue painted Audi RS Q3 concept is a vehicle based on the theme of thrilling dynamic performance. Its engine, a 2.5 TFSI with 265 kW (360 hp) of power, and its body – lowered about 25 mm (0.98 inches) and widened with sharp visual details – explore the potential of the Q3 model series in a new way.
Brushed and polished aluminum trim frames the Audi RS Q3 concept’s single-frame radiator grille. Its black grille insert exhibits a new geometry – the honeycombs are slightly offset to one another deeper inside, creating a distinct three-dimensional effect. The lower area of the grille integrates another sculpted feature – a silver quattro signature. The headlights are slightly tinted; inside them, some chrome parts are dark or covered by panels of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP).

History of Honda's Type R

History - Honda's Type R

Honda almost did not become a car manufacturer at all. In the late 60's the powerful MITI, the Japanese Ministry for Industry basically forbade Honda from manufacturing cars and told them to stick to motorcycles. Thankfully they never listened and although they struggled in the early years their breakthrough came in the form of the first oil crisis in 1973. Suddenly frugal small cars were in demand and Honda flourished.

Invasion of the Giants II : Lamborghini URUS at the 2012 Beijing Motor Show [Release]

At the 2012 Beijing Motor Show, Automobili Lamborghini presents the ultimate super athlete in the SUV segment. With the Urus concept car, Lamborghini is completely redefining dynamics and design in this category. The Urus combines unique design, a fascinating interior and outstanding performance with versatility and everyday usability.

Output of around 440 kW / 600 hp and Lamborghini’s excellent know-how in the field of lightweight design technologies guarantee breathtaking dynamics. At the same time, the Urus will offer the lowest CO2 figure of all comparable vehicles.

As an SUV concept with four generous seats, a versatile luggage compartment, variable ground clearance and, of course, permanent all-wheel drive, the Urus delivers unique driving fun with virtually no limitations. The interior, too, matches the standards of this super athlete with innovative materials featuring carbonfibre technology like the patented Forged Composite®.

Evolution meets Emotion: Porsche's super hybrid - 918 Spyder [Release]

Stuttgart, March 2012. The future is taking shape: over half of its development time completed, the Porsche 918 Spyder is firmly on course to become the super sports car of tomorrow. As a plug-in hybrid vehicle, it logically combines a high-performance combustion engine with cutting-edge electric motors to deliver performance that is beyond extraordinary: the best of both worlds endows the 918 with the dynamics of a racing car packing more than 770 hp of power accompanied by fuel consumption, which at approximately three litres per 100 km is less than that of most modern compact cars.

Moreover, Porsche is breaking yet more new ground with the technology demonstrator with spectacular solutions such as the full carbonfibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) body, fully adaptive aerodynamics, adaptive rear-axle steering and the upward-venting “top pipes” exhaust system. In the process, the 918 Spyder is offering a glimpse of what Porsche Intelligent Performance may be capable of in future.

Final Cut : McLaren MP4-12C [Driven]

McLaren would like to make it clear that they were the first to use a full carbonfibre monocoque tub in their race cars, the 1981 MP4/1. Actually it was Prof. Gordon Murray who first saw the advantage of this lightweight, high strength material in 1979 but then he was with a competing team, Brabham and he designed an aluminium/carbonfibre composite tub.

Later in 1987 Murray moved to McLaren and led the team with the Honda powered MP4/4 carbonfibre monocoque chassis to win 15 out of 16 F1 races in 1988. And on to four consecutive F1 championships 1988-1991 proving once and for all the absolute superiority of carbonfibre technology.

History of the VW Golf GTI : The Inside Story

The Golf GTI has been in existence for 35 years now. Officially. But of course its history actually began much earlier, and that part of its story is unofficial. A group of enthusiast engineers of the dynamic side of Volkswagen – initially advanced the idea of a “Sport Golf” project in secret starting in 1974. Taking the lead roles here were Anton Konrad, former PR director, and Alfons Löwenberg, an engineer with petrol coursing through his blood… The idea. “On 18 March 1974 I wrote a widely distributed internal memo – across all hierarchies as was my style back then,” recalls Alfons Löwenberg. Its subject matter: one should really consider offering a sporty Golf model for younger customers. Löwenberg might have put on a coat when he got the feedback: he perceived a definite chill in the air. “It was clear to see”, says Anton Konrad, “that Volkswagen was fully occupied with the roll-out of its new model line-up. At that time, very few were receptive to a special project of this kind.” Nonetheless, Löwenberg continues to work meticulously and in secret – on a test car…

The Invasion of the Giants I : Bentley's SUV [Release]

(Geneva, 5 March 2012) Bentley is offering a vision of the future with a dramatic new Sport Utility Vehicle concept, EXP 9 F, at the Geneva International Salon d’Auto. The Company’s designers and engineers have created a compelling new take on the Grand Touring Bentley - a vehicle that feels equally at home at an opera gala performance, on the sand dunes and the overtaking lane of the autobahn.

Unmistakably a Bentley – yet a Bentley like none before it – the EXP 9 F could herald a third Bentley model-line alongside the bespoke Mulsanne and the high performance Continental GT, GTC and Flying Spur.

F.P. Journe and Lotus in Partnership

Lotus Group CEO Dany Bahar officially announced the partnership with the F.P.Journe watch Manufacture, and Lotus driver Jean Alesi taking on Indy 500, America’s most famous motor race.

On 27 May 2012 the legendary Indianapolis 500 will witness a double grand premiere: Jean Alesi will race at the Brickyard for the first time in his celebrated career, wearing the Centigraphe Sport on his wrist, and F.P.Journe will be emblazoned on the side of the black-and-gold Lotus.

This partnership between watchmaker F.P.Journe and Lotus will promote the launch of the F.P.Journe lineSport, and marry the shared values of these two companies: Innovation, precision craftsmanship, performance, exclusivity, and lightness through its use of aluminium.

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