Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster unveiled

How's this for a dream Mercedes-Benz? It's the brand new, incredible pace, power and prowess SLS AMG Roadster. Mercedes say: "This super sports car thrills with a perfect synthesis of open-top driving pleasure, outstanding driving dynamics and systematic lightweight construction." Aluminium spaceframe body, AMG 6.3-litre V8 front-mid engine with dry sump lubrication developing a peak output of 571 hp and 650 newton metres of torque, a seven-speed dual clutch transmission in a transaxle arrangement and sports suspension with aluminium double wishbones. Expect performance from the open-top SLS AMG of 0-62 mph in a phenomenal 3.8 seconds and a top speed is 196 mph. Wowzers! The compact fabric soft top opens and closes in just eleven seconds, and can be operated on the move at speeds up to 50 km/h. And there's new AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with electronically controlled damping now available, offering "Comfort," "Sport" and "Sport plus"modes. Also expect "AMG Performance Media," a unique new feature – an innovative multimedia system (& B&O hi-fi), inspired by motorsport offers an unrivalled combination of numerous telemetric displays such as lateral and linear acceleration, various engine data and lap times on a racetrack, and also features high-speed mobile internet access. And the level of luxury inside is, as one would expect, phenomenal, with an "aircraft cockpit," featuring a dashboard in the shape of a wing section and the air vents with adjustable, cruciform nozzles reminiscent of jet engines, with a new E-SELECT lever in the shape of an aircraft's thrust control. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster will launch in the UK in November 2011.  UK Specification and pricing is still to be confirmed, but the European sales price is expected to be €195,160 - incl. 19% VAT). Not cheap... but oh-so-special eh?

Animal Audi A1 breaks loose

Look at this absolute animal of an Audi A1 – the Clubsport Quattro, with a flame-spitting 503PS and 660Nm! Audi are set to present the A1 clubsport quattro showcar at the annual Wörtherseetour meet (June 1 to 4) for Audi, SEAT, Skoda and VW fans. It comes with a heavily tuned (intercooler, induction tract and exhaust) and big turbo 2.5-litre five-cylinder TFSI engine offering 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds, 0-124mph in 10.9 seconds and a governed 155mph top speed. Audi say: "The larger-than-life 503PS version of the smallest uses a heavily modified version of the RS 3 Sportback’s turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine to deliver electrifying performance. As on the Audi A4 DTM, the tailpipe is located on the left flank, just in front of the rear wheel." The boosty beast weighs in at just 1,390Kg and features a six-speed manual transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive, both taken from the TT RS, 255/30 low-profile tyres mounted on 19-inch alloy wheels with a unique turbine design, internally ventilated disc brakes with six-piston callipers with perforated carbon fibre-ceramic discs up front and large steel discs at the rear and bump and rebound adjustable coilover suspension. Externally, it's Glacier White matte coming loaded with a black carbon polymer roof, modified front skirt, bonnet air outlets, racing mirrors, a double wing roof spoiler, cosed rear diffuser and toned rear lights. It's also a full 60mm wider in the wings, doors and rear panels – giving its squat stance. And inside it's all dark grey and stripped and race-style, with buckets seats, harnesses, sports steering wheel, gauges and a crossbar for helmets where the rear seats were. You can experience the Audi A1 clubsport quattro at world.needforspeed.com. How nice is this for a Time Attack or jushi track day car? We love it...

Read the latest issue of Road Magazine FREE here!

Welcome to new Road Magazine and blog followers across the globe. And hello to old Roadies. Join the fun which over 106,000 people, 30,000 subs and 14,000 blog readers in 30 countries worldwide are enjoying – FREE. You can read the latest monthly issue of www.roadmagazine.co.uk here on the blog, by clicking on the cover image in the top of the right tool bar, or by clicking here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_15: Ashley Van Dyke's drifting with a 730bhp Camaro, Leyton Clarke's racing an Evora GT4 and Phil Royle's on track in a Lexus IS-F and luxuriating in a Lexus LS600h limo. You can also catch up on any of the back issues you might have missed here on the blog at: http://roadmagazine.blogspot.com/p/road-magazine-back-issues.html. If you enjoy Road FREE, please do enter your email in the 'Follow Road FREE by Email HERE' box on the right hand side menu, for a daily email alert. Or you can 'like us' or 'follow us' on Twitter, two Facebook groups, Google and Networked Blogs... all linked via the sidebar. Thanks for following Road's daily blog and monthly magazine.

Automotive PR from Royle Media

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Nurburgring: Falken Motorsport Porsche GT3 R Onboard

The thrilling VLN Championship continues this weekend (including the debut of the amazing Aston Martin V12 Zagato monster!) – warming up for Road's favourite motorsport event of the year, the ADAC Zurich Nurburgring 24Hours, June 23-26th. Strap yourself in for a taste of the Green Hell on-board action with Falken Motorsport's Porsche 911 GT3 R and (late-braking genius!) Porsche factory driver, Jorg Bergmeister (and team mate, Peter Dumbrek) at the helm. Falken are a well tested team here, having raced many times in a Nissan 350Z. And, judging on the pace and cornering speed we witnessed here, I'd say their tyre compound rocks, as does their new 911 weapon. One to watch in the 24-Hour in June. Bring it on!

Massive hike in BTCC viewers

ITV has revealed the number of people watching its coverage of the 2011 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship is up by a staggering 34.6 per cent. Seems the live coverage of the BTCC has opened the premier touring car racing to a new audience. Hooray! Official figures from the Broadcasters Audience Research Board (BARB) show Brands Hatch’s opening event of 2011 (3 April) attracted 21 per cent more viewers than the Kent circuit’s corresponding round from the previous season and Donington Park’s (17 April) ITV audience was then 27 per cent greater ton 2010 figures. There then followed a massive 56 per cent increase in viewers for 2011’s third round at Thruxton (1 May)! All ten BTCC race events in 2011 are set to receive comprehensive live TV coverage on free-to-air channels ITV4 and ITV4 HD, with each broadcast running for a minimum of six and a half hours and includes all three BTCC races on the day as well as much of the action from the supporting categories. Niall Sloane, Controller of Sport for ITV, commented: “We are delighted by these figures. An increase of this sort of popularity in any sport on mainstream TV is terrific and very much a testament to the BTCC’s fantastic on track action, dramatic storylines, rivalries and levels of professionalism which make for compelling viewing. The BTCC quite rightly remains at the forefront of our motor sport coverage and we very much look forward to continuing our coverage of this great championship into future years.” BTCC Series Director Alan Gow said: “In the world of television I'm told that these are extraordinary increases. These figures make for more fantastic news for all our teams, drivers, circuits and sponsors.” Go BTCC and thanks to ITV4 for bringing the action to us! Thanks also to www.redsquareimages.com

Castle Combe Summer Action Day Teaser

Summer is here, so the next Action Day at Castle Combe must be near! The historic, speedy 1.85-mile Wiltshire circuit (one of Road's favourite tracks in the UK) has been running these wicked Action Days for 25 years now – offering great value entrance (£8 in advance, U16's FREE) and even better value track time, for just £30-35 a session. This year's mega event – Performance Car Action Day, incorpoarting "Subaru Saturday" – is sponsored by www.ForgeMotorsport.co.uk and other key tuners to be announced. You can expect 100+ performance, track, drag and drift car clubs, 1000's of cars in display and out on track, not to mention trade stands galore and much more, including a mass of Subarus. Check the teaser video out to suck you in! To book tickets, contact Maria at the circuit office on +44(0)1249-782417 or email her at maria@castlecombecircuit.co.uk or visit www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk

Lexus: 11 years at the top of J.D Power

Lexus has been named the highest ranking manufacturer for the 11th consecutive year – in the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates study, in association with What Car? UK Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Study. The Lexus IS achieved the highest overall score, with the RX third ranked overall. Lexus said: "It is getting to be a habit, but a good one. The results show that Lexus continues to lead the field, a position it has held from the first year it was eligible for consideration. Furthermore, the IS executive saloon achieved the highest overall score – the third time the model has achieved this." Jim Holder, What Car? Editor, said: “Lexus’s achievement is remarkable. Eleven years at the top of Britain’s most thorough customer survey is testament to its ability to build great cars and unstinting attention to customer service. The individual results for the IS and RX, with first and third highest overall satisfaction scores, should also give buyers of these cars unrivalled peace of mind.” Richard Balshaw, Lexus Director, said: “We are delighted and immensely proud that Lexus has retained its number one position. It’s a great reward for the teams at our Lexus centres across the country,who work unstintingly to deliver the best possible service to our customers. Great products and great people are the key to success and we will continue to raise our standards to beyond the expectations of our customers. Our model range is also extending in new directions, notably with the full hybrid CT 200h which has had an immediate impact on the luxury hatchback market.” This year’s survey canvassed the opinions of 16,840 owners of vehicles that were on average two years old. Quite a remarkable achievement, and you can read about two fabulous Lexus motors, the V8 IS-F and V8 hybrid LS600h in this month's Road Magazine at http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_15.

Goodwood Festival Of Speed Supercar-fest

A record number of new supercars, from over 11 countries, are set to make their dynamic UK debut at the Festival of Speed, July 1st-3rd. British premiers to include the 4WD Ferrari FF, Lamborghini Aventador LP700-R, Marussia B1 & B2 and Hulme CanAm Spyder. And the stella event at Goodwood House is set to give a 'first glance' of other interesting road cars, including the world debut of the Honda CR-Z Mugen (see blog post below), Abarth 695 Tributo Ferrari and Porsche Panamera Turbo S. Organisers say: "The Festival of Speed has firmly established itself as the best place to see the newest, greatest and fastest supercars from around the globe. The Goodwood Supercar Run is unique in providing a dynamic environment in which the public can view new models for the first time. Unlike a conventional motor show, the Supercar Run affords a fantastic opportunity not only to exhibit a new supercar, but also to show it in action on the Goodwood hillclimb. Last year's Festival saw over 20 UK public debuts out of a 50-car field, and with six weeks still to go, this year’s entry is looking even stronger." Other supercars confirmed to attend (numbering over 50) include: Jaguar XKR-S, Pagani Huayra, GTA Spano, Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport, Hennessy Venom GT, Koenigsegg Agera R, the six-wheeled Covini C6, and the production version of the McLaren MP4-12C, which made its World debut in pre-series form at the 2010 Festival of Speed. And a number of other important UK debuts will also take place in the First Glance class, including the new Morgan 3 Wheeler, Alfa Romeo 4C, Peugeot EX1, Chevrolet Camaro Convertible and Infiniti Etheria concept. To order advance tickets, please contact the Ticket Hotline on +44 1243 755055, email: ticket.office@goodwood.com or visit www.goodwood.com, or http://www.facebook.com/festivalofspeed and http://twitter.com/fosgoodwood

BMW M3 GTS Test with Tim Schrick (Turbo Sport1)

Having scooped the monstrous supercharged G-Power M3 GTS earlier this week on the blog, we thought you'd like to see the 'standard' one in action – in the skilled hands of German TV star on Turbo on Sport 1, Tim Schrick, sideways as usual. Tim will becoming to the UK later this month, to do some filming for Turbo Automagazin and www.roadmagazine.co.uk on some very, very cool, quick and slick British cars and events, courtesy of www.roylemedia.co.uk. We can't wait! Time with Tim is always time well spent!

Latest FREE monthly issue of Road Magazine

The latest issue of Road's monthly magazine focuses on the thrill and unique appeal of rear wheel drive cars. We've got a great report from Long Beach GP Circuit, by Road's first lady, Ashley Van Dyke (www.ashleyvandyke.com), riding shotgun in the beastly 730bhp Hankook Tyres Chevrolet Camaro. Hold on tight! And we take to the track at Snetterton, with race ace young gun, Leyton Clarke (www.leytonclarke.co.uk) on the next leg of his racing career – in the brand new Lotus Evora GT4 race car. We also have two Lexus road cars on test – the rear wheel drive, 417bhp, 5-litre V8 IS-F tested on track and road. Then there's the four wheel drive, £100,000 luxury limo 5-litre V8 hybrid technologyfest LS600h, which is an utterly amazing, paradigm-shifting motor. You can read the latest issue FREE by clicking on the cover image at the top of the right hand tool bar, via the website www.roadmagazine.co.uk (under 'Latest Issues'), via sister site, www.skiddmark.com or by clicking here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_15. And don't forget to follow Road on Facebook, Twitter and the blog and enter you email address top right, to receive daily updates on the blog and magazine. And you can read all the back issues you might have missed FREE here: http://roadmagazine.blogspot.com/p/road-magazine-back-issues.html
Enjoy it folks!

Biggest ever grid of Jaguar E-Types at Silverstone Classic

The world's biggest grid of racing E-type Jaguars are set to appear at the Silverstone Classic (22-24 July) – to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the iconic model. There will be two specific E-Type races over the weekend, including a race in a prime slot on Saturday evening. And it is hoped that a capacity grid of 58 cars will start the races, with over 60 cars on track during qualifying. It promises to be quite a site for one of the best looking sports racers ever made. Grahame White of the HSCC said: “We are absolutely delighted with the response and the race on Saturday evening will be very special. The sight of 58 E-types racing on the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit will be a memorable spectacle as the sun sinks lower through the evening." E-Type fans will be well catered for away from the track action too, with over 700 on display on the in-field, all taking to the track on Saturday, for a Guinness World Record parade, with cars coming from as far afield as Mississippi, Mexico, Malta and Moscow – just to be part of this special celebration. “We are thrilled to be celebrating 50 years of the Jaguar E-type at the Silverstone Classic this year,” said Event Director, Nick Wigley. “There is no better place than Silverstone to celebrate a car that has such a special place in the nation’s affections – what’s more it encompasses our key brand values being British, classic and fun. The two E-type races will be absolute highlights of the weekend’s racing and the off-track displays will be outstanding.” Visit the official event website at www.SilverstoneClassic.com

World's most powerful BMW M3 GTS

G-Power has unveiled this orange beast of a Bimmer – the world’s most powerful BMW M3 GTS. The SK II "sporty drive' (surely an understatement!) supercharged conversion creates a 635bhp (@ 7,800rpm!) V8 animal of an engine, developing 630Nm torque from 3,900rpm. That's a hike of 185bhp and 190Nm over the standard M3 GTS. Wowzers! It will knock on the door of 200mph (323km/h) exactly and cracks off 0-62mph (0-100km/h) in just 4.2s and 0-124mph (0-200km/h) in an incredible 11.9s. The kit costs € 23,500.00 (excl. tax) plus installation costs. To find out more and see more images, visit http://www.g-power.com/index.php?id=1125&L=1. We want one for drifting and Nordschleife track days!

Classic Car Club add BMW Z4 rag top

The stylish, sexy and slick Classic Car Club (www.classiccarclub.co.uk) has just introduced a new member to its modern fleet – a BMW Z4 Roadster rag top. It comes with a 2.5-litre, 189bhp straight six, five-speed gearbox and offers 0-62mph in 6.9s and a top speed of 146mph. It's rated 'Band 3' by the club, meaning, a loan will only take nine of your 750 point allocation from membership. The Classic Car Club say: "The BMW Roadster is made for high days and holidays. With room for two and a couple of soft bags, it is perfect for a spot of continental touring." For more information on membership of the cool club which covers classics, modern classics and motorbikes, or the new BMW Z4, call 0207-4909090.

4WD and RWD Porsche Boxster E prototypes revealed

Porsche's Boxster E 4WD and RWD electric prototypes created a spark at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Berlin in front of key politicians and members of the motor trade last week. The 1,600 kg Boxster is being created in rear and four-wheel-drive variants and, in 4WD twin-EV motor form, is set to offer 0-62mph in just 5.5 seconds, a seamless acceleration to its 124mph top speed without gear changes and "Porsche driving dynamics and performance at the heart." The Boxster E follows on from similar ground-breaking initiatives like the 911 GT3 R Hybrid race car, 918 Spyder super sports car and 918 RSR concept. Porsche says: "Thanks to its design as a mid-engine sports car, the Porsche Boxster is the ideal vehicle platform for conducting realistic trials with electric-drive systems. The open-top two-seater car is very light, enabling the new components that are the electric motor, battery and high-voltage technology to be accommodated within the vehicle in a crash-proof way. Together with the low drag, this reduces driving resistance for optimal range." The 4WD car features two electric motors, developing a total power output of 180 kW (241bhp) and a maximum total torque of 540 Nm at a maximum engine speed of approximately 12,000 rpm. That sounds interesting. Meanwhile, the RWD Boxster E models feature no front electric motor, delivering a power output of 90 kW (120bhp) and a rated torque of 270 Nm: This model can sprint from a standing start to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.8 seconds, with a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph). Hardly very Porsche sports car eh? Interesting times though...

Police to get "Intelligent Motion"

Mitsubishi Motors mission to spread their fresh brand of "Intelligent Motion" – with their flagship EV innovative all-electric car, the i-MiEV – has spread to the police over the border. North Lanarkshire Council has just bought 12 of the little EV's to help reduce their carbon footprint and their bills, which the I-MiEV will certainly do, producing zero exhaust emissions, not needing road tax, aided by a government grant and costing just £1.05 to charge-up overnight, giving enough juice for about 93 miles. That's all good stuff... and the little i-MiEV is faster than you might think in a chase scenario, getting up to 60mph in under 13-seconds and capable of 87mph, with its instantaneous-power EV motor.. let's just hope any criminals don't have much juice in their tank if they try and escape, or it will need all 12 of these in convoy to catch them!

Citroën WRC Update

The Citroën DS3 WRCs have had a stroming start on the loose in 2011 – winning all four gravel rallies. Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena were victorious in Mexico and Italy, and Sébastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia were winners in Portugal and Jordan. And the Citroën Total World Rally Team’s aim is to continue this winning streak in Argentina next, back on the events calendar after a year's absence. Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena lead the overall drivers’ classification and they’re aiming for another victory in Argentina: “Our results are the fruit of the whole team’s work. It’s a good sign to see that the Citroën DS3 WRCs seem to have a slight advantage on gravel, but the gaps are tiny at the end of each rally. We’ll have to be quick right from the start, and go pedal to the metal till the end, there’s no question of letting up.” Sébastien Ogier’s only outing in Argentina was in 2009 so he has limited experience in this rally: “We’re coming here with much greater ambitions than two years ago. The route’s fantastic and very varied. You have to have very accurate notes as certain passages are very narrow with big stones on the edge of the line like Mina Clavero and El Condor. Others are more sandy but bumpy as always. Of course, we’re aiming for the best possible result,” Ogier, who is currently lying third in the championship chase, adds. “We’re going try and score good points and close the gap to the leaders.”


Meanwhile, privateers, Petter Solberg and Peter van Merksteijn Jr will drive two Citroën DS3 WRCs  provided by Citroën Racing Technologies in Rally Argentina, the sixth round of the 2011 World Rally Championship. “Petter Solberg has had a very good preparation for this rally,’ said Benoit Nogier, the boss of Citroën Racing Technologies. Petter Solberg and Chris Patterson’s (Petter Solberg World Rally Team) podium finish in Italy achieved their first aim for the 2011 season. In Argentina, the Norwegian will be back in an environment that he knows very well and has raced in the last ten events with three podium finishes.“ I feel stronger than ever. Everything’s possible in Argentina,” he grinned in Sardinia.

The 2011 Rally Argentina has 378 timed kilometres and it is using a route that is quite well known in the valleys of Traslasierra, Punilla, and Calamuchita in the Cordoba region. It will start on Thursday 26th May at 14h40 and will finish early on Sunday afternoon.

Aston Martin Zagato V12: Design champ and race ace

The Aston Martin V12 Zagato is setting out its stall as a design champ, and soon, as another Aston race ace. It has just won the Concorso d’Eleganza Design Award for Concept Cars and Prototypes on the shores of Lake Como, Italy, at its world premiere this weekend. Introduced as a modern interpretation of the famous Aston Martin and Zagato collaboration in the 50^th anniversary year of the iconic DB4GT Zagato, the V12 Zagato was shown for the first time at this prestigious international event sparking great interest of visitors and customers. All visitors to the Concorso D’Eleganza were invited to cast their vote for the best concept and prototype. And the Aston Martin V12 Zagato was voted the best in class, from 10 entries. Dr Ulrich Bez, CEO of Aston Martin, said: “We are thrilled to see that this car conquered people’s hearts. With the V12 Zagato we managed to add just another successful chapter both to the history of Aston Martin and the future of our brand. This is an exciting car, powerful and incredibly beautiful.”
Dr Bez is looking forward now to taking the car to the Nürburgring where it will have its racing debut at the 53^rd ADAC ACAS H&R-Cup VLN race in less than a week, on the 28^th May. Aston Martin’s Chief Executive Dr Ulrich Bez will lead a driver team which will eventually race two V12 Zagato cars at the Nürburgring 24 hour race on 25^th/26^th June. Dr Bez: “Nürburgring is where we sign-off every new model in terms of dynamics, and there can be no better place for the new V12 Zagato to be finally tested. The 24 hour race is the ultimate road test and a fitting introduction for the V12 Zagato.” Keep up to speed with the lush Zagato here: www.astonmartinmedia.com.

Jo Wood gears up for the Classic Celebrity Challenge

Ex-Rolling Stones wife to Ronnie Wood, Jo Wood has achieved a childhood ambition – becoming a fully fledged racing driver, with a little help from 13 times Grand Prix winner David Coulthard. F1 star, Coulthard was on hand to give Jo a few tips before the organics entrepreneur hit the track to successfully complete her ARDS race driving test and obtain an official licence to compete. She will make her racing debut at the 2011 Silverstone Classic Celebrity Challenge, on Saturday 23 July, at the world’s biggest classic car racing festival. “This is something I’ve always wanted to do,” Jo revealed. “My Dad used to race when I was a kid so I grew up watching him at the track. Now it’s my turn to get out there and try it for myself and I’m really  looking forward to the challenge. I want to master those corners!” The Celebrity Challenge will see an all-star line-up going head to head in 130mph Morgan V6 Roadster sports cars around the famous Silverstone Grand Prix circuit, raising funds for the Cancer Research UK ‘Bobby Moore Fund.’ Other celebs involved include: Heston Blumenthal, Charley Boorman, ‘Comedy’ Dave, Jonny Saunders, Neil Fox, Luther Blissett, Lord Charles Brocket, Rick Parfitt Jr, Paul O’Duffy, Brendan Cole and Road's very own, Travis drummer, Neil Primrose. Go Neil! Last year’s Silverstone Classic Celebrity Challenge raised over £25,000 for the Bobby Moore Fund and the celebrities are aiming to beat that target in 2011.

Team Peugeot RCZ Nokia & Kuhmo Nürburgring 24 Hour aims

A stellar trio of drivers are lined-up for the Nürburgring 24 Hours for the Kumho-shod Team Peugeot RCZ Nokia – with new signing, Le Mans LMP1 star Bruce Jouanny joining Alex Premat and Jonathan Cochet in the ‘professional’ car. The team are aiming for a class victory in the 39th Nürburgring 24 Hour race on June 23-26. And the Peugeot RCZ 2.0 HDi FAP has been busy getting in the hours on the infamous green hell, in the excellent VLN Championship, taking three podiums in a row in recent races – making them the most successful diesel-powered model currently running in the championship. Kumho’s European Motorsport Manager Steve Thompson said: “Bearing in mind their excellent results to date and their strong driver line-up, the RCZ team have given themselves an excellent chance of achieving their goals in the 24 Hour race. We are very much looking forward to the event.” For further information on Kumho and its products, log onto www.kumhotyre.co.uk. Looking good getting air eh?

Skoda Yeti wins new Honest John Top Award

The Skoda Yeti crossover has claimed No.1 'Car of the Year' spot in the inaugural Honest John awards, with the Škoda Octavia and Superb Estate also shortlisted. The popular new Yeti initially won the top honour in the Crossover category to make it eligible for the big prize… and then walked off with that, too. A spokesman said: "The Honest John awards are different to other honours because they’re not voted for by a panel of judges. Instead they come from the best experts of all – the website users. The awards recognise and reward the cars that visitors search for most on the site. Put simply, the road test reports which create the most interest among www.honestjohn.co.uk users are the winners." Daniel Harrison, Editor of www.honestjohn.co.uk, which gets 1.4 million hits a month, said: “The Škoda Yeti is a smash hit, attracting more interest over the past year than any other car. Current owners won't be surprised; they tell us they find it practical, solidly built, well equipped and hatchback-like in the way it drives. Interest in the Yeti is at an all-time high, which is particularly impressive when you consider it’s up against some strong competition, in both the Crossover and Car of the Year categories.” You can see a road test on the range-topping Yeti in www.roadmagazine.co.uk very soon... and find out what we think of the crossover.

VW Transporter Sportline

VW has announced details of the new Transporter Sportline range, available in both panel van and kombi models, in both short- and long-wheelbase with prices starting from £28,220 (excluding VAT) for the panel van and £30,100 (excluding VAT) for the kombi. All models come with a 2.0-litre BiTDI 180 PS diesel engine, and are offered with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. The seven-speed DSG transmission is available as an option on all models for a £1,400 premium. There's new "bold, sporty styling" – including new gloss black grille with chrome detailing, revised headlights, new colour-coded bumper incorporating front fog lights. Additional styling cues include polished stainless steel side bars and unique 18-inch ‘Sportline 5-spoke’ alloys, finished in silver or satin black, while smoked rear light units and a rear roof spoiler further differentiate the Sportline models. Colours include: Reflex Silver metallic, Deep Black pearlescent or, the optional, Candy White with a contrasting gloss black roof. Inside all Sportline models, there's now an exclusive two-tone leather upholstery. Sportline models also feature ABS, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), semi-automatic air conditioning, multimedia system including seven-inch colour touch screen with full European satellite navigation, rear parking sensors, built-in Bluetooth connectivity and electric windows.
Visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk or call 0800 717131 for more information. VW vans are still so cool... yeah?

Panel van T32 2.0-litre BiTDI 180PS

	Short-wheelbase		Long-wheelbase
	6-spd manual	7-spd DSG	6-spd manual	7-spd DSG
Basic RRP ex. VAT	27,385.00	28,785.00	27,875.00	29,275.00
VAT	5,477.00	5,757.00	5,575.00	5,855.00
Total RRP inc. VAT	32,862.00	34,542.00	33,450.00	35,130.00
OTR package	949.00	949.00	949.00	949.00
Total RRP inc. OTR ex. VAT	28,220.00	29,620.00	28,710.00	30,110.00
Total RRP inc. OTR inc. VAT	33,811.00	35,491.00	34,399.00	36,079.00
Top speed (mph)	119	119	119	119
0-62 mph (seconds)	9.9	10.0	9.9	10.0
Fuel economy, combined (mpg)	36.2	34.9	36.2	34.9
CO2 (g/km)	205	214	205	214

kombiT32 2.0-litre BiTDI 180PS

	Short-wheelbase		Long-wheelbase
	6-spd manual	7-spd DSG	6-spd manual	7-spd DSG
Basic RRP ex. VAT	29,265.00	30,665.00	29,755.00	31,155.00
VAT	5,853.00	6,133.00	5,951.00	6,231.00
Total RRP inc. VAT	35,118.00	36,798.00	35,706.00	37,386.00
OTR package	949.00	949.00	949.00	949.00
Total RRP inc. OTR ex. VAT	30,100.00	31,500.00	30,580.00	31,990.00
Total RRP inc. OTR inc. VAT	36,067.00	37,747.00	36,655.00	38,335.00
Top speed (mph)	119	119	119	119
0-62 mph (seconds)	10.3	10.2	10.3	10.2
Fuel economy, combined (mpg)	36.2	34.9	36.2	34.9
CO2 (g/km)	205	214	205	214

The Vespa is back!

Mods, Britpoppers, movie stars and cools kids take note: The ultimate two-wheel urban chic Italian icon is back after three decades out of production – the Vespa PX lives again! The 125cc PX will be on sale soon, priced at just £2,899, in Azzurro Mediterraneo Blue, Montebianco White, Ross Dragon Red and Nero Lucido Black. The two-stroke, single cylinder, CDi electronic ignition engine has been tuned to meet modern emission standards, but keeps its minimalist design that made it such a design icon. It will be available with a four-speed transmission (controls on the handlebar, a must" for enthusiasts) and electronic or kick-start, emphasizing its retro credentials. Also new are a re-designed saddle, ideal for two-up riding, new hand grips in black rubber, refined vent cover and grille and, naturally, Vespa logos galore. Cool eh?

Formula Drift at Long Beach

Here's a cool video from KW: In perfect anticipation of our cover story in the next issue of www.roadmagazine.co.uk – out next week (25th May) – where Road first lady www.ashleyvandyke.com gets seriously broadside in the 730bhp Hankook Tyres Chevrolet Camaro at Forumla Drift. Strap in and enjoy the sideways ride! And sign up to 'Follow Road by Email' to get a nice email alert of new posts, and latest issues of the magazine, all FREE, in the right hand tool bar...

New Audi A6 goes on a diet

The all-new Audi Avant has been put on a diet – shaving 70Kg "in the interest of efficiency and agility," but the technology and specifications remain fully-loaded. There's a new 313PS bi-turbo V6 TDI engine, due in late 2011, in addition to four petrol and TDI units adopted from the A6 saloon: There's just one petrol engine and three TDI units, developing between 177PS and 300PS – the top figure belonging to the supercharged 3.0 TFSI petrol model. The line-up also includes the 3.0-litre V6 TDI in 204PS and 245PS forms and the even more efficient 177PS 2.0-litre TDI, with its 56.5mpg potential and low 132g/km CO2 output. Then, later in 2011 an all-new 3.0-litre twin-turbo TDI will be the most potent V6 and the fourth diesel-powered option in the range. Thanks to a two-stage turbocharger that delivers a huge maximum boost pressure of up to 3.2 bar, meaning just 5.4 seconds (preliminary value) to reach 62mph from rest. And A6's the new composite aluminium and steel construction means 2.0 TDI model weighs just 1,640kg, 15% less than an all-steel equivalent. There will be a choice of manual, multitronic CVT or S tronic twin-clutch transmissions - multitronic or manual for front-wheel drive models and S tronic for Quattros. Other highlights include Start/Stop technology, new energy-efficient electromechanical power steering, Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system, Multi Media Interface (MMI) screen, Navigation with Google Earth mapping and options like a night vision assistant using a thermal-imaging camera to highlight ‘warm-blooded’ road users in front of the car, a head-up display and a park assist system, Audi's side assist blind spot warning system, the Audi lane assist lane departure detection system and the Bang& Olufsen Advanced Sound System. Two specification levels - SE and S line – will be offered in the UK, each including alloy wheels, leather upholstery, cruise and front and rear parking controls, SD-based satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone preparation, split/folding rear seats and light and rain sensors. S line models will add larger 18-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps, sports suspension, upgraded Valcona leather upholstery and an exclusive S line exterior and interior styling treatment. Order books open in the UK in June, priced from £32,100 OTR, with first customer deliveries expected in November 2011. Looks like another Audi Avant cracker... what do you think folks?

A6 Avant 2.0 TDI SE	Manual six-speed, 177PS	£32,100 OTR
A6 Avant 2.0 TDI SE	Multitronic eight-speed 177PS	£33,630 OTR
A6 Avant 3.0 TDI SE	Multitronic eight-speed, 204PS	£36,200 OTR
A6 Avant 3.0 TDI quattro SE	S tronic seven-speed, 245PS	£40,950 OTR
A6 Avant 3.0 TFSI quattro SE	S tronic seven-speed, 300PS	£41,130 OTR
A6 Avant 2.0 TDI S line	Manual six-speed, 177PS	£34,450 OTR
A6 Avant 2.0 TDI S line	Multitronic eight-speed 177PS	£35,980 OTR
A6 Avant 3.0 TDI S line	Multitronic eight-speed, 204PS	£38,550 OTR
A6 Avant 3.0 TDI quattro S line	S tronic seven-speed, 245PS	£43,300 OTR
A6 Avant 3.0 TFSI quattro S line	S tronic seven-speed, 300PS	£43,480 OTR

Tour Britannia bumper entry list

This year's camaraderie, gentlemen driver Tour Britannia looks set to be the biggest entry list ever of classic and retro sports, race and rally cars. And there's still a month before the flag drops. One of the UK’s premier race tours on the classic racing calendar, Tour Britannia has long established itself as a must-do annual event among its enthusiastic competitors. It takes place over the long weekend of 17-19 June and this year’s course will take in Pembrey, speedy Castle Combe and the new Silverstone race circuits and, of course the historic Prescott Hill Climb, together with numerous other tarmac stages. The 2011 competitors will also be the first to use the newly-unveiled pit facilities at Silverstone, a month before the Formula One grid arrives for the British Grand Prix. There's a strong cross-section of entries including everything from a Mini Cooper and MGB up to a Ferrari 250GTO and no less than five Porsche 911 RSRs. “I would like to welcome the Tour newcomers and thank all of our regular entrants for their ongoing support, as the quality and quantity of the 2011 event is stronger than ever,” said Tour Britannia organiser Alec Poole. “The strength and depth of Tour Britannia grows with every year and I can’t wait to get this year’s event under way - my only regret is that I can’t enter myself!” Prices for the 2011 Tour Britannia start from £2585 for a car and two people and further details are available from www.tourbritannia.com

Spa-Francorchamps 1,000Km 2011 highlights

More get-you-in-the-mood for Le Mans stuff here, with a brilliant highlight video from the epic Spa-Francorchamps 1,000Km, won by Peugeot. Just check out the speed of then up the legendary Eau Rouge! Don't try that without Michelin slicks and a ton and a half of downforce! Sit back for five minutes of pure racing pleasure. Sweet!

Ferrari 458 Italia wins two engine awards

Ferrari's 4,499 cc V8 engine powering the Ferrari 458 Italia has won two categories in the prestigious 2011 International Engine of the Year Awards – Best Performance Engine as well as winning the Above 4-litre category. The jury for the awards is made up of 76 motoring journalists from 36 countries who assess engineering excellence in engines in terms of driveability, performance, economy and refinement. The jury praised the 458 Italia’s engine for "its unmistakable sound." Ferrari’s dry-sump, flat-crank, 90-degree V8 sets a number of firsts for a naturally-aspirated engine of this displacement. The V8 reaches a maximum of 9,000 rpm – a first on a road car – with a high 12.5:1 compression ratio and maximum power output of 570 CV, equating to an outstanding power output of 127 CV/litre, a new benchmark. It produces 540 Nm at 6000 rpm, with over 80 per cent available from 3250 rpm, and the specific torque output of 120 Nm/l is another record. Ferrari say: "The design of the engine components has been influenced by the carry-over of racing technology – F1 in particular – for maximum fluid-dynamic efficiency in order to achieve both performance and fuel consumption objectives, and meet the most stringent international emissions restrictions. With the introduction of the HELE (High Emotions Low Emissions) system, the 570 CV V8 now produces a best-in-class 275 g/km of CO₂ with fuel consumption of just 11.8 l/100 km (ECE + EUDC combined cycle)." Bravo Ferrari!


Ferrari 458 Italia engine technical specifications

Type	V8 - 90°
Total displacement	4499 cc/274.5 cu in
Bore/stroke	94x81 mm/3.7x3.2 in
Maximum power	425kW (570CV/569bhp) @ 9000 rpm
Maximum torque	540Nm (398lbs/ft) @ 6000 rpm
Specific output	127 CV/litre/1.55 kW/cu in
Maximum revs per minute	9000 rpm
Compression ratio	12.5:1
Performance
Maximum speed	325 km/h/202 mph
0-100km/h (0-62mph)	3.4s
0-200km/h (0-124mph)	10.4s
Dry weight/power ratio	2.42 kg/CV/7.16lb/kW
Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions
Fuel consumption (European market version)	11.8 l/100km
CO2 Emission (European market version)	275g CO2/km

Incredible Michelin Le Mans Prize Draw

Michelin Tyres has a fabulous Le Mans prize draw on offer – with a chance to win a pair of all-expenses tickets worth over £3000, with Audi hospitality passes to the historic endurance event in June this year. The amazing winning tickets include:

• A pair of Audi hospitality tickets for the 2011 Le Mans race, weekend of the 11th and 12th June.
• Travel costs for a car crossing via Eurotunnel or Ferry from England to France (Michelin to book directly).
• 2 nights accommodation in the Audi Racing ‘Hotel', situated two minutes from the circuit, with 24-hour check in and fully serviced bathroom facilities.
• Specifically selected, private hospitality areas which are situated within the circuit giving access to all the action.
• All entertainment, food and beverages.
• Secure parking.
• Welcome reception on Friday night hosted by the director of Audi UK.
• Gift pack on arrival.

The amazing promotion has been created to celebrate Michelin's 13 consecutive victories in the grueling event, with a 1-2-3 finish in 2010. And everyone's a winner, because you get a FREE 64-page e-brochure 2011 Le Mans guide, just for registering! The free guide includes practical advise for race-goers, and exclusive interview with Audi racer, Allan McNish, race history and a 2011 team insight guide. What are you waiting for? Get entering here: http://www.michelin.co.uk/lemansprizedraw. Good luck Roadies!

Limited-Edition Nissan 370Z: GT Edition

Nissan has released a limited edition race-themed 370Z coupé – the GT Edition – celebrating 40 years of Z-cars and Nissan's GT racing successes, with the 370Z GT4 Cup/Nurburgring 24-Hour and GT-R in Super GT in Japan. The model will come in three special body colour choices (Pearl White, Kuro (metallic) black and Black Rose), have GT side stripes, darkened 19” RAYS forged, lightweight alloy wheels and suspension changes "to enhance ride comfort, high speed handling," with the principal modification being a retune of the dampers to provide the ideal balance between ride comfort and high-speed handling. Equipment changes include the arrival of a rear view parking camera as part of the Premium Connect satellite navigation system and the fitment of a tyre pressure monitoring system. And the advanced seven-speed automatic option now has a snow mode which, when applied, sets the car off in second gear and controls engine revs to prevent wheel spin on ice or snow. "The 370Z is an iconic sports car and the GT Edition underlines its appeal to enthusiasts everywhere," said Pierre Loing, Vice President Product Planning, Nissan International SA. "The combination of outstanding performance and the dramatic looks of this very special 370Z more than lives up to the heritage of its illustrious forebear while its strong links to the race track shows its true pedigree." The new GT Edition 370Z is available to order from participating 370Z dealers with first deliveries expected from 1 June 2011 and priced from £35,000. Looks like a winner to us at Road HQ... who are big fans of the 370Z, especially tuned versions. Wat do you think?

MUGEN CR-Z unveiled

Honda (UK) and MUGEN Euro have revealed the first official photographs of the CR-Z MUGEN - the higher-performance hybrid coupe... groovy eh? Honda say: "Development of the supercharged Honda CR-Z is on track, with performance figures already looking promising: Early tests with a prototype car based on a standard CR-Z and a mid-tune engine have given 0-60mph times around that of the Civic Type R. After a further 15 per cent increase in power over this 'stage 1' engine and with over 50kg reduced from the chassis, overall performance is set to meet MUGEN's original targets." Colin Whittamore from MUGEN Euro continues: "Early fuel consumption tests have also been encouraging. We've retained the three driving modes from the standard car and economy ranges from 50+mpg in 'eco' mode to mid-30 mpg when tapping into the supercharged power in a special 'MUGEN' mode." Potent and economical... should be good. Go Honda!

Police go electric with Mitsubishi i-MiEV

The Thames Valley Police have gone electric – taking delivery of the innovative, all-electric Mitsubishi i-MiEV this week. The vehicle was handed over at Soul’s Mitsubishi in Milton Keynes and has been commissioned with Thames Valley Police corporate livery. The pure-electric vehicle (EV) will be used for routine non-emergency duties in and around Milton Keynes city centre. The Mitsubishi i-MiEV is the lowest priced mass-produced pure-EV available in the UK, priced at £23,990. Along with excellent contract hire, additional finance packages, and ultra low running costs, the Mitsubishi i-MiEV is a very strong environmentally friendly proposition, producing zero emissions and benefiting from large government tax incentives. Mitsubishi PR guru, Vanessa Nalder says: "Mitsubishi Motors believes that pure-EVs powered by clean electricity are one way of replacing fossil-fuel burning cars to solve the transportation issues of the future and is the first vehicle manufacturer to bring a pure-EV to the global market. We have a clear environmental roadmap in place for the near future and environmental policies in place up until 2020. It is intended that electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles will account for at least 20% of total production by 2020." The future is here...

Ashley Van Dyke returns to Road Magazine

Hello boys! Road Magazine's first lady, Ashley Van Dyke (www.ashleyvandyke.com) returns to her Road role testing crazy cars in the next issue of www.roadmagazine.co.uk – out next week, on the 25th May. AVD's out at the Long Beach GP circuit, in a crazy 730bhp Chevrolet Camaro drift car, sponsored by Hankook Tyres and GM Performance Parts, with some awesome images of her day spent broadside, by snapper Andrew Bohan. It's a great read. The next Road magazine, featuring Ashley's drift piece, is a little homage to beautiful and amazing rear-wheel-drive cars, with a report on the brand new Lotus Evora race car running in the British GT Championship and a pair of superb V8 Lexus' too. Keep you eyes peeled... and, if you want to be the first to read it, subscribe to our 'Follow Road by Email' function on the right, to get notified with every new blog post and magazine publication. Welcome back Ashley! We all missed you! 

NEW Road Magazine Blog & Magazine Email Subscription

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BTCC Oulton Park countdown

There's less than three weeks to go before the UK’s premier motor racing series, the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, arrives at the cracking classic Oulton Park circuit for the next three races (10, 11 & 12) on Sunday 5 June. We can't wait! With its undulations and blind brows, Oulton is one of the most picturesque and daunting circuits on the BTCC calendar and has a famous reputation for attracting one of the biggest trackside crowds of the season, drawing fans in from Chester, Manchester, Liverpool and Wrexham and the northern counties. We've had five winners in the first nine races of 2011 – Worcestershire’s Matt Neal, Oxford’s Jason Plato, Staffs’ Andrew Jordan, Warwickshire’s Mat Jackson and Fife’s Gordon Shedden. And it will be interesting to see if Oulton pro, Jason Plato and his normally aspirated Chevrolet Cruze will out run the turbocharged clans of the Honda Civic, Ford Focus and Vauxhall Vectra. Plus there will be supporting categories to enjoy too, including – Ginetta Juniors, Ginetta GT Supercup, Porsche Carrera Cup, Formula Renault UK and Renault Clio Cup. For tickets, at £24 in advance (admission for children aged 12 and under is FREE) visit www.oultonpark.co.uk or call 0843 453 9000.