Articles by Rod Halligan

The BMW 2002 is the most important model in BMW's history. It established BMW as a builder of quality performance sports sedans, brought global success and cracked the lucrative US market. The 2002 was the precursor to the 3 Series which built on the 2002's success and became the class leader for more than three decades. The 2002 was designed in Italy by Giovanni Michelotti and based on the "New Series" 1500 and 1600 sedans with a 5cm shortening in wheelbase. Introduced in January 1968 and sold through to 1975 the 20 in the name refers to the 2.0 litre capacity while the 02 represents the two doors. The model owes its existence to Max Hoffman, the US BMW importer of the period who requested BMW place the 2.0 litre engine in the 1600-2 body. The 1600 cc engine could not pass the US smog emission requirements. The 2002 model received four badges through its life: * 2002 - a single carburettor engine * 2002 Ti - twin carburettor engine * 2002 Tii - fuel injected engine * 2002 Turbo - Limited production Turbocharged engine Four different body styles were sold through the production run; * The standard two door hardtop (the only body style available for the turbo version) * The Baur cabriolet - a removable metal centre roof section with a folding soft rear behind a reinforced t-roof. * The Touring - a cross between a 2-door wagon and hatchback. * The very rare full-convertible soft-top. All retained the same basic engine, a 1990 cc cast iron block, aluminium head unit set at a 30 degree incline. The main change through the life of the power train, besides the fuel and induction delivery systems were two changes to the head design. All leading motoring magazines of the period were universal in their praise for the 2002. The virtues of its performance and quality were expounded with the only regular criticism being around the austere looks of the cars styling and interior. Some also noted the limited rear leg room. The 2002 had a very strong racing career that continues now in historic race series. In 1969 Dieter Quester won the European Touring Car Championship in the 2.0 litre class and was runner up overall to the Porsche 911. He also managed to win four rounds of the championship outright. BMW has recently revisited the concept of the 2002 with the introduction of the 1-series, the spiritual re-interpretation of the ground breaking original. The 1-series has re-set the package after the bloating of the 3 series that saw engine capacity and cylinder numbers double in the top of the line performance versions .

In Australia the SS badge is synonymous with factory built performance Holdens, but it's roots were founded in Holdens parent company General Motors.The SS (Super Sport) was introduced to the American Chev Impala range in 1961 and it is credited as the first factory built muscle car. The reputation of the Impala SS quickly grew and the model became a sales success.GM marketing saw the kudos attached to the SS badge and it was subsequently introduced to other models across the range, the most successful being the Camaro.General Motors Holden introduced the SS badge to the Australia market with the HQ Kingswood and built a limit number of SS specials between 1971 and 1973. These were powered by  the 4.2 litre (253 ci, 185 bhp) and all used a four speed manual gearbox.Production of the Commodore SS began in 1982 with the third series, the VH. The VB of 1978-1980 came with optional 4.2 and 5.0 L V8's but no SS version. The single year of production VC saw the introduction of the first Brock Commodore.The VH SS used 4.2 L V8 as standard with three upgrades available 'Stage 1', 'Stage 2' and 'Stage 3' (which used the 5.0 L V8). These were built at Peter Brock's HDT factory. Power for the different Stage VH SS ranged between 100 and 126 kW.The VK  (1984) saw the replacement of the long serving L31 5.0 L V8 with the new LV2 4.9 L. The new engine was 75 kg lighter which greatly helped the Commodore to win Bathurst in 1986. The VK SS was available in upgraded versions through HDT (Holden Dealer Team) dealers as the SS Group 3 and  SS Group A , of which only 502 were made.With the VL (1986) came the SS Group A SV. Introduced to meet the Group A racing regulations. It's body kit left many unimpressed. Built by Tom Walkinshaw and his newly formed Holden Special Vehicles, which replaced Peter Brock's HDT. The Walkinshaw SS Group A saw engine output raised to 180 kW and 380 nM of torque.The completely new VN (1988) saw the SS variant released in March '89 with 165 kW as standard. Further ugraded SS variants were produced and available through HSV. This included a new SS Group A version with 215 kW and 411 nM of torque and a ZF 6-speed manual transmissionThe VP (1991) saw the introduction of another SS derivative, the V6. This variant was built in limited numbers primarily to meet requirements for entry into production car series racing.VR and VS versions followed with power remaining at 165 kW.The second major revision to the Commodore range came in 1997 with the VT. Introduced in August 1997 with a completely new body style the VT also saw the introduction of the Gen III Chev 5.7 l V8. The Gen III produced 220 kW and 446 nM of torque.September 2000 brought the VX SS with 225 kW and some very bright colour schemes and introduced colur coded interior trims and instrument fascia.The VY brought another incremental power bump to 245 kW and 465 nM of torque and introduced further refinementVZ continued the trend increasing the power to 260 kW and saw the base SS pass the $50,000 mark.An then came the VE ..... You can find our latest VE articles from the links on the left of this page.The SS Commodore has become an iconic car in Australian motoring history. Along with GT, GTS & GTHO it is a set of letters that motoring enthusiasts hold in great regard. The  SS is car a car for an Australian worker to aspire to and for those that have reached their goals to enjoy ...... with their family. 

With the recent launch of the 2010 Land Rover & Range Rover models we thought it would be a good time to look back at where the marque began.The Land Rover was born out of what was essentially a pet project for the head designer of Rover, Maurice Wilks. While on his farm Wilks modified a WWII Jeep, utilising its chassis and aircraft grade aluminum sheet from the abundant supply available post WWII. This anti-corrosive aluminum and magnesium alloy was known as Birmabright and as a result of its use the original Series 1 Land Rovers, developed a reputation for durability and longevity. Also in abundant supply was matt green paint utilised during the war for aircraft cockpits. This colour became synonymous with Series Land Rovers.The production Land Rover Series I was launched at the Amsterdam Motorshow on the 30th of April, 1948. The lightweight flat surface panel design on box ladder chassis and rugged simple drivetrain meant the Land Rover was not only a capable All-Terrain Vehicle but also a favorite workhorse for farmers. All Series Land Rovers had the option of a Power Take-Off unit - an integral part of the philosophy behind the versatile workhorse that Wilks had in mind when he designed the vehicle. This PTO was driven from a driveshaft off the transmission and comprised a case utilising gears, pulleys and pinions with two interchangeable ratios. This PTO unit enable the Land Rover to act as a stationary engine powering a vast array of farm machinery.The versatile reputation of the Land Rover was further enhanced by the extensive variety of body styles. From the most rudimentary and common 2-seat canvas top pick-up through to troop carriers. The Land Rover has seen virtually all forms of public service including tow wagons, fire engines and ambulances. After market companies have provided conversions including six wheel drive, amphibians and tracked replacements for wheels.Various countries have put the Land Rover into military and police service. Highly armoured conversions were the backbone of the Northern Ireland Police Force. The most popular of these police conversions was known as the Hotspur, which itself made a significant literary appearance in William Gibsons Sci Fi work, "Virtual Light".The most notable military version was the Series IIa, "Pink Panthers". About 100 units were converted for use as reconnaissance vehicles by the British SAS. They were named after the choice of body color - pink.The private enthusiast has also provided a vast array of individual customisation with many popular off-road racer and buggy conversions.Early Land Rovers utilised four and six cylinder petrol engines from Rover cars. Designed before WWII with rudimentary inlet-over-exhaust manifolds, these engines were seen as the weakest point of early versions. This resulted in a significant after market business replacing engines with more powerful and robust units.Here in Australia the favorite replacement engine was the Holden 161, 186 and 202 in-line six, or Red Motor. During the late 1940’s the Australian Government had imported many Series I models for use in various large public works projects, many of these went on to become farm workhorses and engine replacements were very common. During the 1960’s the Land Rover accounted for 90% of all 4x4 vehicles in Australia.There are many active Land Rover enthusiasts clubs in Australia and the original Series attracts passionate followers. One high profile enthusiast is Top Gear's Richard Hammond.Series I through III Land Rovers where manufactured continuously from 1948 to 1985 at which point they where replaced by the less utilitarian Defender range. The Land Rover range currently comprises:    * Defender.    * Freelander.    * Discovery    * Range Rover    * Range Rover SportThe top of the range Range Rover, while an extremely capable off-road vehicle, is so far removed from the Series I philosophy that is has more in common with a Rolls Royce.DetailsSeries IProduction         1948-1958Engine(s)          1.6 L I4 (1948-1951)                            2.0 L I4 (1950-58)                            2.0 L diesel I4 (1957-58)Transmission  4 speed manualWheelbase       1948-1953:        2032 mm (80.0 in)                            1954-1956:        2184 mm                            1948-1956:        2718 mm                            1957-1958:        2235 mm - SWB                            2769 mm - LWBLength               3353 mm  / 3569 mm - SWB                            4407 mm - LWBWidth                 1549 mmHeight               1867 mmSeries IIProduction         1958-1961Engine(s)          2.25 L petrol I4                            2.0 L I4 dieselTransmission  4 speed manualWheelbase       2235 mm - SWB                            2769 mm - LWBLength               3617 mm - SWB                            4445 mm - LWBWidth                 1676 mmHeight               1969 mm - SWB                           2057 mm - LWBSeries IIAProduction        1961-1971Engine(s)          2.25L I4                            2.6L IOE I6Transmission  4 speed manualWheelbase       2235 mm - SWB                            2769 mm - LWBLength               3617 mm - SWB                            4445 mm - LWBWidth                 1676 mmHeight               1969 mm - SWB                           2057 mm - LWBSeries IIIProduction        1971-1985Engine(s)          54 kW I4 Petrol                            2.25 - 46 kW I4 Diesel                            2.6 L - 64 kW I6 Petrol                            3.5 L - 68 kW V8 PetrolTransmission(s) 4 speed manual main transmission                            2-speed manual transfer gearbox                            Selectable 4 wheel driveWheelbase        2235 mm - SWB                             2769 mm - LWBLength                3617 mm - SWB                             4445 mm - LWBWidth                  1676 mmHeight                1969 mm - SWB                            2057 mm - LWB 

Celebrating its twentieth birthday this year the MX-5 is universally lauded for its design, performance and sales success.

Development took place between 1995 and 2001 under the directorship of the Rover Group.In 1999 BMW took control of the Rover Group in one of the many large takeovers of the period. BMW sold off Rover in 2000 but decided to keep the Mini as a seperate brand. This second period Mini is sometimes called ‘BMW Mini’ or the ‘New Mini’.Mini is 55cm longer, 30cm and 400kg heavier than the original. These figures have prompted many enthusiasts of the original to feel that Mini is not a true successor and some purists disparage Mini as unworthy of the name, however many other enthusiasts have embraced it..First Generation Mini was launched in April 2001 and on 3 April 2007, the one millionth Mini was produced after six years of production, one month longer than it took the classic Mini to reach the same total in March 1965.Since 2001 many variants have been produced as well as numerous show and concept versions. The Mini is now in what is known as the Second Generation and currently there are three body types: hatchback, convertible and Clubman. as well as many power variants from electric, diesel through to the 155kW John Cooper Garage versionFirst generationMk I Mini HatchbackFirst generation Mk I Mini Cooper SProduction2001-2006 (Mk I hatchback)2005-2008 (Mk I convertible)Body style(s)3-door hatchback2-door convertibleEngine* 1.4L Tritec I4 (One)* 1.4L Toyota 1ND-TV diesel (D)* 1.6L Tritec I4 (Cooper)* 1.6L Tritec supercharged I4 (S)Transmission* CVT* 5-speed manual* 6-speed automatic and manualSecond generation – 2007 - continuingMini introduced a brand new, thoroughly re-worked second generation car in 2007. The Gen 2 Mini (or R56), utilises a re-engineered platform with numerous engineering and styling changes. The drivetrain is shared with Peugeot and Citroen and is designed to be more cost effective to manufacture and fuel efficient to run. Generation Two was engineered in the UK by BMW.Body* 3-door hatchback* 2-door convertible* 5-door estateEngine* 1.4L Prince I4 (One)* 1.6L Prince I4 (Cooper)* 1.6L Peugeot DV6 diesel I4 (Cooper D)* 1.6L Prince turbocharged I4 (Cooper S)Transmission* 6-speed automatic* 6-speed manualRelated articles:Mini: Car of the Week (part 1)Mini diesel price announcedFirst drive: 2009 Mini Cooper CabrioIn the garage: Mini Cooper ChilliBathurst 1000 - past winnersFind your very own Mini

The original Mini, which debuted in 1959, was the brainchild of Alec Issigonis. Tasked by the British Motor Corporation (BMC was the merging of Austin and Morris) with designing a small family car, Issigonis produced one of the most outstanding design packages in motoring history. The original Mini was an enormous commercial success and its peculiarity was extended by the fact it also had an illustrious racing career, winning the Monte Carlo Rally and Bathurst twice.Even with an overall length of just over 3m the car could accommodate four adults in relative comfort. To achieve this feat Issigonis used a combined transverse four cylinder engine and gearbox, a packaging solution relatively unique for a period of front engined rear wheel drive cars. This configuration allowed a much shorter front as well as less intrusion into the cabin. Issigonis also used his expertise in suspension design with the incorporation of fully independent suspension at each corner, a solution that provider efficient use of space and superior handling.Originally launched with a 848cc engine producing 25 kW, BMC commissioned John Cooper (famous at the time for winning the 1960 Formula One Championship with Jack Brabham) to produce a tuned performance version. Cooper increased engine capacity to just under a litre and increased the power output to 41 kW. Other improvements included the use of two SU carburetors and disc brakes up front. A legend was born.In 1963 John Cooper further developed the Mini with an even more track-focused version. The Cooper S was launched. The S used a larger engine than the Cooper, a BMC A-series unit that Copper used in his Formula Junior single-seaters. Capacity was slightly decreased for the mini as it had to also be suitable for road-use. In competition trim these engines would easily reach 75 kW, road going examples were stated as 52 kW. The racing Mini was a huge hit with race spectators, consistently raising an inside rear wheel while overtaking more powerful V8s through a corner.In 1966, the Mini Cooper S racers gained the top nine places at Bathurst. Mini Cooper S cars were a staple of the Bathurst Great Race through to the mid-1970s, at which time they became no longer eligibile to enter.The original Mini was not just a success on the track though. It also had quite a celebrity following and itslef became somewhat of a movie star in The Michael Cain movie, The Italian Job. and more recently The Bourne Identity as well as many others..The success of the last original Minis and the continued retro-chic status continued which allowed for special editions to be produced through the 1980's and 90's, this kept production going through to 2000, 41 years after its launch. These special editions became fashionable icons and helped keep the name `Mini’ a bankable commodity that BMW seized upon when they gained control of Rover.The highly respected magazine Classic and Sportscar named the original Mini Car of the Century.Here in Australia we started producing Morris Minis under the BMC Australia group in 1960 with the first being sold for the 1961 production year. Australian Minis, which were produced at a plant in Zetland, often had unique features to their European siblings. The Australia Cooper was introduced in October 1962 followed by the Cooper S (imported version) in April 1963, Australian production of the Cooper S commenced in September 1965. In March of 1964 a uniquely Australian variant was introduced – the Morris Mini Deluxe. BMC withdraw factory support from racing in 1970 and British Leyland Australia took up racing development on its own.Local production ceased in October 1978 after producing more than 176, 000 examples.  

The facts are so weighted towards motorsport that the only other contender usually put forward doesn't even have enough stamina to sustain a healthy lunch time argument - eh - discussion. So it was the case for me the other day.My friend and lunching companion tries hard to put up a good argument - but the truth is he has nothing. Sure football has a large following in Europe and a fair section of Asia. Big deal - motorsport has an enormous following everywhere.He offers up the old; “more people watch the World Cup than Formula One”. Rubbish I say .... Well I don't know that for sure .... but never waver in an argument.Someone needs to do the math. World Cup every four years, lots of qualifying games leading up to it - mostly watched by only those countries directly involved. Formula 1, eighteen races every year watched in most countries by millions.Ok then, we get to the – “it's not about the watching it's about the participation. More people play soccer than actually participate in motorsport”. Define participation. Are we talking just drivers or are we including the mechanics, team managers, strategists, pit crews. Are we talking the 120kg Norm that kicks a football at his annual schoolfriends get-together or are we talking grade competition?Grade competition he says with confidence. ........ Starting at under-5's and up through the ranks to professional.Not a bad argument. Most areas have a soccer club - few have a racetrack. .... Changing the line of argument I offer up the old soccer is soccer is soccer. One game, one set of rules. Motorsport on the other hand has F1, F3, A1GP, Formula Ford, Indy etc etc and that's without even leaving the open-wheelers. Then we have rally, drags, touring cars, LeMans, GT Class, historics - the list goes on.There is more money in Football.... You can't buy the Ferrari Team, I counter with. It's priceless.....  Schumacher is worth more than Beckham.“But didn't that guy that Schumacher used to work with just buy the Honda team for a dollar”.Rod Halligan

So the Australian Grand Prix saga has finally been wrapped up. We have gone from Trulli taking the podium for third to have him then receiving a 25-second penalty for passing Hamilton under safety car -- thus promoting Lewis to third. Now however it has been confirmed that Hamilton and the McLaren team misled (lied) to the race stewards. Hamilton and McLaren have now been stripped of all points, and rightly so.Caught red-handed, a recorded team-to-car radio conversation clearly details Lewis slowed to the point that Trulli had no option but to pass. A small detail that Hamilton and McLaren clearly avoided telling race stewards in the first enquiry.I used to be such a fan of McLaren - but they have lost the plot. There is a sort of dishonesty about the team that is eating at the reputation.On the other end of the spectrum we have Brawn - both the person and the team; what class.What a moment when the always composed and stoic Brawn could not speak due to the emotion of winning. If I was Mercedes I would be seriously considering the option for engine supply contract renewal with McLaren.Brawn is looking very good as a number one team. The saving grace for McLaren is the road car division that is ramping up using Mercedes enginesThen we have Jensen v Hamilton. Don't you wish there was the opportunity to put just two drivers on the track, head-to-head in the same cars to see who would actually win. As of this moment with Button having his confidence back, my money is on him.Off the track we have Jessica Michibata v a Pussycat Doll. Class v Flash ... or was that trash18 points to … ZERO – seems about right ot meRod Halligan

The fastest open-top Ferrari was unveiled this week in Sydney. The car has anextremely limited production run that will see a mere dozen coming to Australia. Needlesss to say, it’s a stunner. But the numbers add up too.Starting with the name, or nomenclature in true Ferrari terminology;16M – represents the number of times Ferrari has won the World Constructors Championship. Luca di Montezemolo is personally responsible for the 16M as he requested a car to celebrate last years constuctors title.499 – the number of 16M to be built, of which 12 have been purchased by Australian cognesenti and 3 will make New Zealand their home.375 – as in kilowates, the output of the 4.3 litre engine.470 – the nM of torque established at 5250 rpm60 – the speed in milleseconds it takes for a gear change when the driver flips the paddle.80 – the kilograms saved over the standard Spider from the introduction of additional carbon fibre and special light weight wheels as well as the deletion of carpet (not optional) and noise reduction material.3.7 – the number of seconds it takes to reach 100km/h315 – the manufacturer quoted maximum velocity in km/h675,000 – the price in Australian dollarsAlso of note is that all of the 12 coming to Australia are going to existing Ferrari owners who are purchasing their 16M as an additional car to join their collection.  The Ferrari market is not suffering under the global recession as the production numbers are still limited enough for the clientele to be somewhat immune from the full impact of the crisis. The same cannot be said for the higher production exotics such as Porsche, who have just seen a 29% drop in sales for March in the American market.Also of note is that with the introduction of the new California, Alan Hind -- Ferrari Sales Manager for Italia Motori in Sydney -- says that the market reach is being extended to non-traditional Ferrari buyers who may have been considering a Mercedes SL or higher spec SLK, but for whom the addition of the occasional rear seat in the California is seen as an extra bonus. Another niche grow areas for Ferrari is the female market with three recent buyers of standard F430 Spider and three orders for the new California.Carsguide

The fastest open-top Ferrari was unveiled this week in Sydney. The car has an extremely limited production run that will see a mere dozen coming to Australia. Needlesss to say, it’s a stunner. But the numbers add up too. Starting with the name, or nomenclature in true Ferrari terminology; 16M – represents the number of times Ferrari has won the World Constructors Championship. Luca di Montezemolo is personally responsible for the 16M as he requested a car to celebrate last years constuctors title. 499 – the number of 16M to be built, of which 12 have been purchased by Australian cognesenti and 3 will make New Zealand their home. 375 – as in kilowates, the output of the 4.3 litre engine. 470 – the nM of torque established at 5250 rpm 60 – the speed in milleseconds it takes for a gear change when the driver flips the paddle. 80 – the kilograms saved over the standard Spider from the introduction of additional carbon fibre and special light weight wheels as well as the deletion of carpet (not optional) and noise reduction material. 3.7 – the number of seconds it takes to reach 100km/h 315 – the manufacturer quoted maximum velocity in km/h 675,000 – the price in Australian dollars Also of note is that all of the 12 coming to Australia are going to existing Ferrari owners who are purchasing their 16M as an additional car to join their collection.  The Ferrari market is not suffering under the global recession as the production numbers are still limited enough for the clientele to be somewhat immune from the full impact of the crisis. The same cannot be said for the higher production exotics such as Porsche, who have just seen a 29% drop in sales for March in the American market. Also of note is that with the introduction of the new California, Alan Hind -- Ferrari Sales Manager for Italia Motori in Sydney -- says that the market reach is being extended to non-traditional Ferrari buyers who may have been considering a Mercedes SL or higher spec SLK, but for whom the addition of the occasional rear seat in the California is seen as an extra bonus. Another niche grow areas for Ferrari is the female market with three recent buyers of standard F430 Spider and three orders for the new California. Carsguide