F1 Driver Robert Kubica Injured in Rally Crash, May Save his Arm After Emergency Surgery [with Video]

While competing in the Ronde de Andorra rally in Italy, Polish Formula 1 star Robert Kubica was involved in a horrendous crash on Sunday, as he lost control of his Skoda Fabia S2000 rally car and left the road at high speed. The Lotus-Renault team driver was airlifted from the scene and underwent successful emergency surgery at the Santa Corona hospital in Pietra Ligure.

Kubica has suffered multiple fractures to his right arm and hand with initial reports saying that he could lose the functionality of his limb. Fortunately, the operation went well, according to Dr. Mario Igor Rosello, who told reporters that Kubica, awakened form an induced coma, was able to move his fingers, which is “an encouraging sign for the rest of the recovery process”.

The Italian specialist was also optimistic due to the lack of swelling and infection, but added that it will take “several days before it is known if the operation is 100 percent successful”.

Kubica’s injuries were caused by a guardrail that went through the door, while his co-driver, Jakub Gerber, was able to walk away unhurt.

This is another sign of just how dangerous motorsports can be and, unfortunately, Kubica has already had his share of mishaps. Back in 2003, the racing driver had an accident while driving in Formula 3, injuring his left arm and also needing surgery. His bad luck struck again four years later, when he crashed in spectacular style at the Canadian F1 Grand Prix. On both occasions, Kubica managed to return to the driver’s seat after a short convalescence. However, it seems that this time the recovery will take a lot longer, meaning that reserve driver Bruno Senna will replace Kubica for an unspecified number of races.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: CNN

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Skoda's Fabia Monte Carlo Anniversary Model Packs Style but Lacks Punch

VW Group subsidiary Skoda is celebrating the 100 years of the Monte Carlo Rally as well as its own 110 year-long involvement in motorsports with the presentation of the Fabia Monte Carlo, a special edition version of the five-door hatchback model with bespoke exterior and interior styling cues.

On the outside, the Czech special gets extensive piano-black trim covering the front grille and spoiler lip, wheel arch add-ons, side skirts and mirror housings. Furthermore, the Fabia Monte Carlo boasts a black roof, tinted windows and headlights, complemented by 17-inch Trinity alloys for the UK or 16-inch Comet rims for the rest of Europe.

Inside, customers can choose between all black or red and black sport seats which provide additional side support. In tone with the exterior’s color scheme, designers opted for black roof lining and leather steering wheel with red stitching, accompanied by leather handbrake and shifter knob. Silver footrests and steel pedals round off the interior upgrades.

Based on the Ambiente (SE in the UK) trim level, the special edition model will be available with an extensive, market-differentiated engine line-up, including the 86/105 hp 1.2-liter TSI petrol and 75/105 hp 1.6-liter TDI diesel engines, all coupled to a 5-speed manual transmission.

The Fabia Monte Carlo will make its first public appearance at this year’s Monte Carlo Rally (January 19-22), while its show premiere is planned for the Geneva Salon in March. Depending on the market, orders will be taken from January 24 (UK) or beginning from February.

By Csaba Daradics

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VW Group's Skoda Division Sets New Record in 2010 with 762,600 Sales

The once ailing Skoda brand is turning out to be a solid investment for the Volkswagen Group as the Czech automaker is breaking one sales record after the other. In the year that just passed on, Skoda Auto recorded is best-ever sales results delivering 762,000 vehicles, which represents an increase of 11.5% over 2009 when it sold 684,200 units. Furthermore, the company broke the threshold of three quarters of a million vehicles sold in a single year for the first time in its history.

Commenting on the results, Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland, Chairman of the Board of Skoda Auto said:

“In 2010, Škoda achieved an outstanding performance. In almost all markets, we have had significant growth and increased our market share. Once again, our sales have risen at a double-digit pace. In the most significant developing markets, our growth rates are above 40%. Within the framework of the Škoda growth strategy, we will shift up a gear in the coming years. By 2018, we want to at least double our worldwide sales. In order to do so, we will clearly expand the Škoda model range and strengthen the activities in international markets."

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Skoda Octavia Green E Line Concept

This year’s edition of the Paris show will see the VW Group’s successful Skoda brand unveiling its first-ever electric-powered vehicle called the Octavia Green E Line. Skoda says it is planning to create a special test fleet of Octavias Green E Line in 2011 with the goal of obtaining additional information relevant to the further development of the electric drive. The concept model is based on the series production Octavia Combi [estate] and is powered by an electric motor delivering a constant power of 60 kW / 80-hp and a maximum output of 85 kW / 114-hp.

The electricity for the Octavia Green E Line is supplied by a modern lithium-ion battery. With a range-per-charge of 140 kilometers (87 miles), the Skoda Octavia Green E Line comfortably meets the requirements of most everyday commuters in Europe. Located under the middle and rear parts of the floor and extending partly into the luggage compartment, the 26.5 kWh battery is made up of 180 lithium-ion cells (diameter 150 mm, length 650 mm) and weighs about 315 kilograms. However, the battery has almost no impact on the volume of the passenger and luggage compartments. The Octavia Green E Line is fitted with five comfortable seats, and its passenger compartment is identical with that of the Octavia Combi with a combustion engine.

The car is finished in a Pearl White exterior color and features chrome-trim on both the front and rear of the vehicle as well as on the wheels creating a contrast with the glossy black roof with integrated energy-generating photovoltaic panels.

Motivation is provided a 26.5 kWh lithium-ion battery which sends power to an electric motor that produces 85 kW (114 hp / 116 PS) and 270 Nm (199 lb-ft) of torque. This allows the wagon to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 12 seconds, hit a top speed of 135 km/h (84 mph) and travel up to 140 km on a single charge.

Source: Skoda




Press Release

OCTAVIA GREEN E LINE CONCEPT: ŠKODA'S FIRST-EVER ELECTRIC VEHICLE

• Range: up to 140 km per charge thanks to modern ion-lithium battery

• Engine: maximum power 85 kW

• Test fleet to start in 2011

Mladá Boleslav, 29 September, 2010 - The 2010 Paris Motorshow will see the Octavia Green E Line concept. Škoda's first-ever electric-powered vehicle will demonstrate the company's innovative potential and technological competence in this growing area. The first fleet of test vehicles is planned for 2011.

Mobility for people and clean cars for the environment - these are Škoda's commitments. Mobility without emissions is the future. "The Octavia Green E Line embodies the values of the brand absolutely perfectly - the vehicle combines the desire for individual mobility with our environmental goals", said Škoda Auto BOD Chairman Prof. Dr. Winfried Vahland.

The Green E Line concept is based on the Škoda Octavia Combi. With its modular chassis design, this series-production car is the ideal option in terms of arranging the batteries, electronic control units and the electric engine with its constant power of 60 kW and max. power of 85 kW. Available right after the start (as is typical of this type of drive), the maximum torque of 270 Nm gives the car enough power for sharp acceleration and a good amount of agility and responsiveness, which the driver will appreciate mainly in busy city traffic. The Octavia Green E Line accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just twelve seconds, and the car's maximum speed is limited to 135 km/h.

The electricity for the Octavia Green E Line is supplied by a modern lithium-ion battery. With a range-per-charge of 140 kilometres, the Škoda Octavia Green E Line comfortably meets the requirements of most everyday commuters in Europe. Located under the middle and rear parts of the floor and extending partly into the luggage compartment, the 26.5 kWh battery is made up of 180 lithium-ion cells (diameter 150 mm, length 650 mm) and weighs about 315 kilograms. However, the battery has almost no impact on the volume of the passenger and luggage compartments. The Octavia Green E Line is fitted with five comfortable seats, and its passenger compartment is identical with that of the Octavia Combi with a combustion engine.

With smart dashboard indicators, the driver of the Octavia Green E Line always stays in control. The computer screen provides continuous information including instant output, power consumption, battery charge and the remaining range. The navigation display describes the energy flow, i.e., informs the driver that the electric engine is being supplied with electricity or, on the contrary, that it is generating electricity as the car decelerates or goes downhill.

The look of the Škoda Octavia Green E Line conveys the environmental-friendliness of its electric drive.Pearl-white exterior colour and elegant chrome-trim on both the front and rear of the vehicle as well as on the wheels create an impressive contrast with the glossy black roof with integrated energy-generating photovoltaic panels.

Škoda Auto is planning to create a test fleet of Octavias Green E Line in 2011 with the objective of obtaining additional information relevant to the further development of the electric drive.

Preview：Skoda Fabia vRS launches in UK

Skoda has announced that the new Fabia vRS range will be officially launched in the UK on Thursday 29 July 2010, with prices and specification having already been confirmed.

The new vRS is the fastest production Fabia ever built, and builds on its predecessor’s reputation for high performance, low running costs and remarkable value for money.

Maximum power is 132 kW (178 bhp / 180 PS) at 6,200rpm and peak torque is 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) between 2,000rpm and 4,500rpm. The engine is mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox which helps it accelerate from 0 - 62mph in 7.3 seconds for both the hatch and the estate. Average fuel consumption comes to 45.6 mpg-UK (6.2l / 100km).

The car comes with a 7-speed DSG transmission, with ESP, HHC (Hill Hold Control) and XDS (Electronic Differential System). Acceleration from 0-62mph takes just 7.3 secs, with a top speed of 139mph (140mph for the estate). It also features 17-inch ‘Gigaro’ alloy wheels, LED daylight running lights, sunset glass and vRS body kit.

The Fabia vRS will also sip fuel at the rate of 6.1 litres/100kms and comes with an XDS electronic differential for extra cornering grip.

The new Skoda Fabia vRS will be available for £15,700 for the hatch and £16,495 for the estate version.





Press Release

NEW ŠKODA FABIA vRS LAUNCHES IN THE UK

• On sale in the UK from 29 July
• Estate version available for the first time
• 1.4-litre TSI turbo and supercharged to give 180bhp
• Seven-speed DSG gearbox with paddleshift as standard
• XDS electronic differential boosts cornering grip
• 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds, combined fuel economy of 45.6mpg

The fantastic new Fabia vRS will be officially launched in the UK on Thursday 29 July 2010, and prices and specification have been confirmed.

The new vRS is the fastest production Fabia ever built, and builds on its predecessor's reputation for high performance, low running costs and remarkable value for money.

Available as a hatch and estate, the vRS is powered by the fantastic 1.4 TSI 180bhp engine in tandem with a 7-speed DSG transmission, with ESP, HHC (Hill Hold Control) and XDS (Electronic Differential System). Acceleration from 0-62mph takes just 7.3 secs, with a top speed of 139mph (140mph for the estate).

The new vRS features stylish 17-inch ‘Gigaro' alloy wheels, LED daylight running lights, sunset glass and vRS body kit giving it a very sporty appearance. Customers can also choose an optional white or black roof with a range of body colours, including the new Rallye Green, inspired by the Škoda Fabia S2000 rally car.

Inside, the vRS boasts figure-hugging vRS sports seats, a three-spoke multi-function steering wheel with radio controls and paddles for changing gear and MDI (Multi-Device Interface) for use with iPods and other mp3 players.

Overall, the vRS offers fantastic value for money, particularly when compared to the competition. Where else can you find a 180bhp engine with DSG, paddles, LED lights and loads of standard kit for £15,700 for the hatch and £16,495 for the estate version?

Pricing

Hatch	Gearbox	CO2	VED Band	Recommended OTR
Fabia vRS 1.4 TSI 180bhp DSG	7spd	148	F	£15,700
Estate	Gearbox	CO2	VED Band	Recommended OTR
Fabia vRS 1.4 TSI 180bhp DSG	7spd	148	F	£16,495

Standard specification

• 17" alloy wheels "GIGARO" 7J x 17"
• 3-spoke multi-function leather sports steering wheel w/ paddles & controls for radio
• Alarm with tilt sensor
• Driver, passenger, side and curtain airbags
• Electric front windowsESP (incl ABS, MSR and ASR)+HHC+TPM+XDS (ESP with Hill Hold Control, Tyre Pressure
• Monitor and Electonically Controlled Differential)
• Height adjustable driver's and passenger seat
• ISOFIX in outer rear seats
• LED daylight running lights
• Manual air conditioning
• Maxi-dot trip computer
• MDI (Multi-device interface and cable for connecting MP3 players)
• adio ‘Swing' 2DIN CD and 8 speakers (can play MP3 recordings)
• Rear chrome double exhaust pipe
• Rear spoiler (painted in body colour or roof colour)
• Remote central locking
• Small leather pack (handbrake, gearknob and gaiter)
• Sport seats with vRS logo
• Sports suspension
• Stainless steel pedals and vRS logo on kickplates
• Sunset glass (from the B-pillar back)

Technical data

	Fabia vRS Hatch 1.4 TSI 180bhp DSG	Fabia vRS Estate 1.4 TSI 180bhp DSG
Emissions
CO2 (g/km)	148	148
Standard Euro emissions	EUV
Engine and drive train
CC	1,390
Compression ratio	10.0:1
Fuel delivery	Direct injection
Number of gears	7
Performance
0 to 62 mph (secs)	7.3	7.3
Engine power (bhp/rpm)	180/6,200	180/6,200
Engine torque (Nm)	250/2,000-4,500	250/2,000-4,500
Top speed (mph)	139	140
Fuel consumption
EC urban (mpg)	36.7
EC extra-urban (mpg)	54.3
EC combined (mpg)	45.6
Tyre size front/rear	205/40 R17 84W	205/40 R17 84W
Weight and capacities
Gross vehicle weight	1,718	1,713
Luggage capacity (seats down)	1,163	1,460
Luggage capacity (seats up)	300	480
Max loading weight	400	400
Max roof load	75	75
Max towing weight – braked	-	-
Max towing weight – unbraked	-	-
Kerbweight	1,318	1,313

Colours

Fabia vRS will be available in a range of colours with optional black or white roofs. Estate is not available with a coloured roof.

	Black roof	White roof
Rallye Green Metallic	?	?
Race Blue Metallic	-	?
Black Magic Pearl Effect	-	?
Brilliant Silver Metallic	?	-
Sprint Yellow	?	-
Corrida Red	?	-
Candy White	?	-