Road Magazine: September 2011

Thursday, 29 September 2011

Viper ACR: Fastest Production Car @ Nürburgring

There's been a lot of incredible supercar contenders fighting for this production lap Green Hell lap record spot, but the Dodge Viper ACR SRT-10 has done it again, with veteran GT driver, Dominik Farnbacher setting an awesome 7:12.13 in the analogue, RWD, manual shifter ACR. The Viper was tweaked with semi-slick tyres, lightweight bits and bobs, racing brakes and aerodymanic aids, but all of that went into production, so, fair play. The time is two seconds faster than the nearest rival, and some 10-seconds faster than the last attempt. The 600bhp V10 engine we know is a beast, and the torque delivery obviously suited to the Green Hell, but the double wishbone suspension, beefy brakes and aero tweaks must be amazing too, for a time like that, and to see off the recent Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition lap record (7:14.6, although this was set on road tyres!), and Porsche 911 GT2RS (7:18), Corvette ZR1 (7:19), Corvette Z06 (7:22.7) and Nissan GT-R (7:24.2). Dodge can add this amazing accolade to the 19 lap records they already hold stateside. R-E-S-P-E-C-T!

Wednesday, 28 September 2011

Latest FREE monthly issue of Road Magazine live NOW!

The latest issue of www.roadmagazine.co.uk, Road 19, a front wheel drive cult car special, is live now via: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_19_small, or by clicking on the cover image in the right hand tool bar of the blog. This month's Road Magazine looks at three, new, fabulous front wheel drive cars. Travis drummer, racer and Road tester, Neil Primrose takes the hardcore Mugen Edition Honda Civic Type R from the great roads in the Lake District to the Nurburgring, where he's racing in the VLN Championship in an old shape Civic R with Mugen mods. And we road test the new fast and frugal, twincharged Skoda Fabia vRS and the gorgeous Peugeot RCZ 200. Let the torque steer commence! Please do share the latest FREE issue of Road with your friends. And find back issues of Road Magazine here: http://www.issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine or by clicking on the Road Back Issues section of this blog in the header tool bar.

Mugen Civic Type R Video

Travis drummer, race ace and www.roadmagazine.co.uk road tester, Neil Primrose has just done a 1,000 mile road test on the limited-edition Mugen Civic Type R from Honda for us. You can read his article here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_19_small, enjoying some great roads in the Lake District, then a drive to the Nurburgring. To give you some idea of the sounds of the crazy Mugen engine, with its 237bhp, and to see the Mugen handling tweaks, here's a review from the excellent Autocar magazine.

Skoda Fabia vRS Mean Green TV Commercial

Another hot hatch, front wheel drive cult car featured in this month's www.roadmagazine.co.uk is the twincharged (super and turbo) Skoda Fabia vRS. You've no doubt seen the TV commercial, but we think it's cool, so thought we'd put it up again here on the blog, to compliment the feature on the Mk2 vRS in the magazine at: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_19_small

Peugeot RCZ Video

One of the cars we have featured in this month's FREE Road Magazine is the stunning Peugeot RCZ 200, the cheaper French alternative to the Germanic Audi TT. Here's some moving footage, thanks to Fifth Gear TV, for you to enjoy alongside our article at: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_19_small

Tuesday, 27 September 2011

Group B Rally Legends To Hit Top Gear Live Track

Rally legends from the iconic Group B era will be part of the attraction – live and sideways on track – at the forthcoming, all-new Top Gear Live event (www.topgearlive.co.uk) on 11–13 November at NEC Birmingham and 24–27 November at ExCeL London. Top Gear Live’s new indoor track will play host to a fascinating array of Group B Rally cars – including the awesome Peugeot 205 T16, legendary Audi Quattro, gorgeous Lancia 037 and beastly MG Metro 6R4 – in a series of ear-busting head to heads. A Top Gear Live spokesman said: "In 2011 a ‘Jurassic Park’ of these extinct monsters is being brought back to snarling life at the all-new Top During the 1980s the maddest, baddest and most dangerous cars of all time tore into the World Rally Championship like a pack of maternally-enraged velociraptors: the monsters of Group B. These were cars so wild that they had to be killed off after only four years – yet remain the most revered machines ever to have strutted their stuff from the glamour of Monte Carlo to mud of the RAC Rally. Top Gear Live will see these incredible cars take centre stage at the NEC Birmingham and ExCel London as part of the planned 80 minute track display alongside their illustrious forebears such as the 1964 Mini-Cooper S, 1970s icons the Renault Alpine A110, Fiat 131 Abarth and Ford Escort RS1800 – plus the incredible Ferrari 308 GTB rally special. Also joining them will be some of the descendants of the Group B era – the Ford Escort Cosworth, Peugeot 405 Paris-Dakar winner and the late Colin McRae’s amazing Ford Focus WRC." Now if you still need a reason to book... you must be mental.

Gemma Scott: ESPN’s World Series by Renault Presenter

Road friend, the lovely media mogul, Gemma Scott has been announced as the new presenter of ESPN’s World Series by Renault coverage for the 2012 season. She will also cover the remaining rounds of this year’s championship including this weekend’s Paul Ricard event at Castellet on the Cote d’Azur, and also for the final event at Catalunya in October. Gemma boasts an impressive sports broadcasting pedigree that includes an adrenaline packed selection of sports including sailing, motorsport, motorcycling and most recently powerboating! Nick Kennerley, Executive Producer of World Series by Renault comments: "We are delighted to welcome Gemma as our host for this new era on ESPN. Gemma was always the obvious choice for this role; she has an unrivalled knowledge and passion for this important feeder series in Formula 1. To be honest, there isn’t a presenter on television who can do a grid walk with so much confidence." An ecstatic Gemma told Road: "I am absolutely delighted to be working with ESPN and the KPC Media team on their fantastic coverage of The World Series by Renault, which has to be the most exciting and most followed single seater championship outside F1, and Indy Car. There are current Formula 1 drivers still racing with the World Series and rumours of a step up to F1 for at least 2 more in 2012. This is where Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso graduated from, to name just a few – it’s the place to be!" In addition to the main race, the team will cover qualifying and pre-race build up, bringing interviews with the drivers and their teams, and all the latest news and updates. Coverage of this weekend’s Paul Ricard round which is scheduled to be broadcast on ESPN from 20:00 to 22:00 on Wednesday 28^th September. Best of luck with it Gemma from @roadmagazine.

Mercedes A-Class Concept Debut... in Manchester

Mercedes have chosen "Madchester" as one of four UK cities to debut the gorgeous new Concept A-Class. The oh-so-C21st car will make a star appearance in the Arndale Centre on October 8th and 9th. Mercedes said: "After attracting phenomenal interest throughout Europe, Concept A-Class will make its UK public debut in an eye-catching and engaging display. Visitors to the Arndale Centre will encounter a mirrored box surrounded by interactive LED lights, which change colour and pattern in response to sound and movement. At regular intervals, the lights will pulsate in accompaniment to attention-grabbing music, which builds up to a full reveal of the car." The concept will travel up to Manchester in a purpose-built transparent container, allowing motorists to view it en route, which should be cool.. may even create a few accidents! The dynamic, sporty styling of Concept A-Class provides an exciting insight into the potential future of the Mercedes-Benz compact car range. Its distinctive features include wing-shaped headlights and side mirrors, a panoramic roof and aviation-inspired interior design. "The Concept A-Class National Tour is a unique experience and we’re delighted that Manchester has been chosen as one of the debut cities," commented Ian Digger, General Manager at Mercedes-Benz Manchester Central. "Both visually and technologically, Concept A-Class offers a tantalising glimpse of the potential future of Mercedes-Benz.”

For updates throughout the tour, search Twitter for #ConceptACLASS. For further information on the full Mercedes-Benz range visit www.mercedes-benzmanchester.co.uk.

Cool Video of Scirocco-R Cup: Sepang F1 Circuit

This is a wicked USA-stylee video, shot and edited by YouKu, of the Malaysian Millenium Endurance Event and Scirocco-R Cup at Sepang's F1 Circuit. It starts all chilled away from the action, then cuts to the racing... very slick. Thanks to our Road first lady, Ashley Van Dyke (www.ashleyvandyke.com) for spotting it. The film features racer, David Chang, who we featured in this issue of Road Magazine: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_11

Monday, 26 September 2011

Porsche 911 Hybrid @ Petit Le Mans

The Audi R18 TDI's USA debut may be getting all the hype out at Mazda Laguna Seca for the forthcoming Petit Le Mans, but Porsche are also attracting attention with the 911 RSR hybrid, rightly so... check it out...

Ken Block Va Va Voom

Ken Block is keen to make an impression en France in three days time, for the Rallye de France in Alsace, and show Ogier and Loeb up on home turf. At this pace, assuming he keeps it on the black stuff, we might just see him challenge the local boys for a special stage win or two. Maybe more? Go Mr Block... full chat, maximum attack!

Racing In Slow Motion III

Mattzel89 is a bit of a legend now. And understandably so. This is his third 'Racing in slow motion' video, and it's the best yet – covering everything from cars to bikes, racing to rallying, DTM to Indy cars and F1 to F3, and most of the world's greatest racing and rallying venues. The pace and quality of the first section edit, setting the tone and excitement of motorsport is well done, but it's the stunning slow motion footage and perfectly matched music, and especially the close detail shots that set his work apart... fabulous stuff, really showing what punishment motorsport machines have to endure, and the skills required. Ace seven minutes. Enjoy.

Racing: Emotions & Speed by Antti Kolhola

Three minutes of perfectly edited, crafted motorsport action from a legendary film maker, Antti Kolhola. Thanks to Dede Stewart for pointing this one out... it's an awesome three minutes looking back at some of the legendary cars and stars in motorsport. Sweet...

The Two Second 0-60 Club: Bugatti, Nissan & Porsche

Thanks to Road & Track for making this excellent straight line performance test video – featuring the 2012 Nissan GT-R Premium (530bhp & 448lbft), Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport (1183bhp & 1106lbft) and 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S (530bhp & 516lbft). Measured over 0-60mph, all breaking the three-second barrier, then 0-100mph, over the 1/4 mile and also 0-160mph, it makes for fascinating results. Place your bets on who's fastest out of the blocks, then it's a bit of a foregone conclusion... power is everything in drag racing. Great stuff, from three amazing cars!

Palmer & Hales Anglesey Masterclass Is Back

Road covered Don Palmer and Mark Hales' "Masterclass" way back in September 2009, in a Porsche Cayman S (see: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/issue10). These two old boys know their onions when it comes to driving, and the subtle art of teaching you to be a better, safer, faster driver, or racer. Don is a 'limit handling guru,' with a unique teaching style, using lots of mind games and leaving you with ownership of the knowledge gleaned. Racer Mark is more traditional, but equally gifted. And we recommend their Masterclass – now with a skid car program – whole heartedly, which is held in small groups at the stunning Anglesey circuit. We learned a lot in the well organised, fun event. Don says: "It's been a while since we ran a Masterclass and we decided to revamp the course somewhat, consequently we strengthened the car control aspects with an extra module using a skid car. The response was universally positive and from our perspective as coaches it made a significant difference to student performance. We've added two extra staff; Simon Hiscock is a seasoned coach who's spent his working life around circuits and driver development; Malcolm Hamilton ran the skid car for us, he's an old friend of Mark Hales and Richard Peacock (Anglesey Circuit manager) having raced against them both during the last forty years, experience is everything in this business. Experience is just what the students got during the course and they all went away grinning from 'ere to there. Having made the leap we will keep the skid car module for October which will run on 17th and 18th. The fundamental modules which makes it possible to learn a new track quickly and easily remain unchanged. The course will run at the Anglesey circuit and will teach you how to become increasingly successful on the race track. The development of your ability is assured and will result in higher levels of awareness as you take responsibility for your own continuous improvement. This will be an easy, comfortable and enjoyable transition which is measured by your own success." It doesn't come cheap, at £1995, but what's the old adage... you get what you pay for. Find out more at: www.donpalmer.co.uk/masterclass.htm, or by calling Don on +44(0)7769-911911. Tell 'em Road sent you...

Audi & McNish USA R18 Debut: Penance for the advert?

Having taken time out to irritate the hell out of us rugby world cup fans with his constantly-appearing recent advertising campaign for Audi, now Le Mans champion, Allan McNish is hoping for an upturn in fortune when he returns to Road Atlanta – for the annual Petit Le Mans race which marks the American début of the Audi R18 TDI. McNish is aiming for his fifth and Audi’s 10^th victory in the annual 1,000-mile race on Saturday (1 Oct) – the penultimate round of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup. McNish has endured a difficult season to date having posted a third (Spa), two fourths (Sebring & Imola) plus a seventh (Silverstone) from the previous five races, then there's the annoying advert, which in its initial cut, made him sound like a right winging tool. The double Le Mans 24 Hour race winner will be partnered by Tom Kristensen (Denmark) and Dindo Capello (Italy) in what is the third longest race of the ILMC that concludes in China in November. “Some of my most memorable races and wins have been at Petit with Dindo,” reflects McNish. “Like in 2007 when we won by just 0.923 seconds after 1,000-miles of racing! Then in 2008 we came out on top of a fierce battle with Peugeot to win by less than five seconds.” The Petit Le Mans race staged on the fast and undulating 2.54-mile Road Atlanta circuit located 50-miles northwest of Atlanta marks the fourth and final event this year in which McNish, Kristensen and Capello share the R18 TDI. A second Audi Sport Team Joest R18 TDI is also being entered for Timo Bernhard (D)/ Marcel Fässler (CH)/Romain Dumas (F). The 14^th running of the Petit Le Mans is likely to see a capacity 53-car grid with organisers having received 60 entries. The Provisional Timetable looks likes this:

Sunday 25 Sep: 0800-1000 & 1200-1700 Test Sessions
Monday 26 Sep: 0800-120 & 1300-1700 Test Sessions
Wednesday 28 Sep: 1445-1645 Test Session
Thursday 29 Sep: 1000-1100, 1455-1555 1900-2100 Practice Sessions
Friday 30 Sep: 1015-1115 Practice; 1530-1545 Qualifying
Saturday 1 Oct: 0915-0940 Warm-up; 1130 Race
I wonder whether the Americans will go for Audi's R18 TDi race technology? I guess a lot depends on whether Audi depend to run that dire advert off the back of the racing over there...

Friday, 23 September 2011

Next Issue of Road Magazine Next Week

Final edits are underway at Road HQ for the next FREE issue of www.roadmagazine.co.uk. It's a fun front-wheel-drive special, featuring Travis drummer and Road tester, Neil Primrose's road trip in the new Mugen Civic to the Nurburgring, where he also meets RSR Nurburg and hires a few hot Ring rentals for some green hell laps, in preparation for his VLN race in an old shape Civic Type R. We've also got a road trip in the stunning Peugeot RCZ and the fab Fabia vRS... all here, FREE on the blog and www.roadmagazine.co.uk, next week. Have a fun weekend.

David Binks: 2nd at Knockhill BRC

Road buddy David Binks takes a great second place at Knockhill in the penultimate round of the British Rallycross Championship in his monster Mk7 Best Buy Fiesta. After his fine run recently at Lydden Hill (see video below on blog, with ex-RC champion Marcus Gronholm), he's now one of three drivers who could take the BRC crown, just seven points behind the leader. Binks' second place was hard fought, after a spin in heat one – captured here on this video – leading to a sixth place result. But he came back to win heat two convincingly. Heat three saw the Scottish weather take effect, with a soaked track, making for difficult conditions, but Binks drove a blinder to take second place. Good luck in the final round David, at Croft... more news here soon.

Wednesday, 21 September 2011

RMA 2012 Three-Day Track Event

Road Magazine's track day operator of choice, www.rmatrackdays.com – now 21 years old and still "the king of track days" – have an exciting new three-day event planned for 2012. The plan is to visit Brands Hatch GP, Donington Park GP and Silverstone GP circuits in three successive days from 17th-19th September, following on from the Goodwood Revival meet. What a week of fun that will be! Count us in! RMA boss, Graham Clarke is running the event to offer his new European and American customers the chance to drive three of the UK's premier GP circuits in one trip. And its not all about the track time. He says: "The event will be much more than just three track days. We are in the early stages of planning a whole host of other activities, attractions and nights out; and of course we have already reserved a number of track prepared rental cars for those flying in to the UK." Meantime, if you require a last blast 2011 track day fix, the RMA will be at Brands Hatch GP on September 28th (102dB), £395 and Silverstone GP on October 13th (105dB), £275... and Michelin will be at Silverstone in the new paddock doing a Pilot Super Sport tyre comparison challenge. Go on... have a final fix before Winter sets in! Treat yourself!

Chris Evans Gets A Stig Run In A 400bhp Taxi

Top Gear's "The Stig" gave television and radio presenter, Chris Evans, a truly memorable ride yesterday morning – when he took to the wheel of a 400bhp Black Cab for a quick tour of ExCeL London, the capital’s venue for the all-new Top Gear Live 2011 (November 24-27th). The show also visits the NEC in Birmingham between 11 – 13 November. Petrolhead Evans, jumped in the back of a rather unique 400bhp version of the iconic London taxi to announce his appearance at this year’s show where he will take part in a special live rendition of Star in a Reasonably Priced Car. Negotiating service ramps, the underground car park, power-sliding through the show halls and across the central boulevard, The Stig gave his passenger a whirlwind tour of the 100,000 square metre venue. Billed as ‘The Ultimate Top Gear Experience,’ visitors can expect all the on-screen, supercharged excitement of the TV show rolled into one event, with the famous presenting trio of Clarkson, Hammond and May previously seen in the TopGearLive action arena now spilling out into the rest of the event. At the centre of the new format is the new Top Gear indoor track featuring highlights from the TV show including Stig Power Laps and ‘Star in a Reasonably-Priced Car’ as well as the Top Gear Stunt Team, mouth-watering head-to-heads and supercar parades. BBC Radio 2 breakfast DJ and One Show presenter, Chris Evans will appear on 24th November at London ExCel. Further celebrity names will be announced in the coming weeks. Visit www.topgearlive.co.uk or facebook.com/topgearliveuk to see how Chris and The Stig got on. Tickets start at just £49. For more information about the show or to book tickets visit www.topgearlive.co.uk or call 0871 230 5588.

2102 BTCC Dates

Provisional dates and venues for the 2012 BTCC, with 10 rounds and three races per round, have been announced...

Date	Circuit (lay-out), Location
31 March-1 April	Brands Hatch (Indy), nr Dartford, Kent
28-29 April	Thruxton, nr Andover, Hampshire
9-10 June	Oulton Park (Island), nr Tarporley, Cheshire
23-24 June	Croft, nr Darlington, North Yorkshire
11-12 August	Snetterton (300), nr Attleborough, Norfolk
25-26 August	Knockhill, nr Dunfermline, Fife
22-23 September	Rockingham, nr Corby, Northamptonshire
6-7 October	Silverstone, nr Towcester, Northamptonshire
20-21 October	Brands Hatch (Grand Prix), nr Dartford, Kent

The date of the Donington Park event is yet to be announced, but will not impact the start or finish dates of the 2012 season. BTCC organiser TOCA expects to be in a position to announce that calendar date within the next three weeks. Meanwhile, the 2011 title reaches its conclusion soon, with just three penultimate races to go, at Brands Hatch in a week and a half’s time (Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 October), then the Silverstone finale October 15-16th. Honda Racing team-mates, Worcestershire’s Matt Neal and Fife’s Gordon Shedden, will arrive at Brands tying for the championship lead in their Civics with factory Silverline Chevrolet Cruze rival Jason Plato, from Oxford, their nearest rival, 25 points adrift. However, there is a possible maximum of 52 points available from Brands Hatch and a further 52 on offer in the season’s final three races at British Formula 1 Grand Prix venue Silverstone, Northants (Sat 15 & Sun 16 Oct). In fact the top seven in the standings can, mathematically, still become BTCC Champion in 2011 so it’s all to play for. For all the latest BTCC news and results visit the championship’s official website www.btcc.net

Ad Sales Job: Road Magazine & Blog

Can you sell advertising? Do you have a book of excellent automotive contacts in the UK, USA and Europe? Would you like to work for the UK's most established online automotive magazine? www.roadmagazine.co.uk and www.roadmagazine.blogspot.com have over 275,000 readers in over 30 countries across the globe. We've got over 30,000 magazine subscribers and 28,000 blog followers. We've had over 28 million unique page views, rising hourly. And we've produced three years of first-class FREE monthly magazines and covered 100's of popular, well-read blog postings. Each day, Road magazine picks up more new readers... giving brands the chance to reach a global target audience via a quality, well-respected outlet. Each hyperlinked advert we place in the FREE monthly magazine stays online indefinitely as a back issue, being read for months and years to come, adding value to the initial cost. And advertisers with Road magazine get brand coverage on the popular Road blog also. With rates for medium-long term campaigns starting from just £300 PCM for a full page advert... Road gives advertising clients a great value, highly-targeted, quality editorial platform to market their brand, globally. Contact editor Phil Royle to find out more... via proyle@roadmagazine.co.uk. Thank you.

EcoVelocity: Inaugural Show A Huge Hit

More than 7,000 consumer test drives took place at EcoVelocity – the UK’s first eco motoring festival held at Battersea Power Station last week. Low and ultra low carbon vehicles were driven by members of the public, celebrities and the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson on the bespoke test track at the show. Over 1500 visitors participated in the Honda Racing Bug Activity, while 'Get On' – the campaign to encourage more people to ride motorcycles – introduced 350 visitors to the benefits of riding and took numerous bookings for the future. Meanwhile, the SEAT Young Driver scheme, which allowed children 11 years and older to drive a car, were inundated across all four days of the show and the Honda ‘my first licence’ scheme was fully-booked each day within 15 minutes of opening. The show was officially opened by Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, who said: "It is tremendous that EcoVelocity, the biggest eco car show in Europe, is demonstrating what is available right now as well as the future of clean, green motoring. It fits perfectly into my plan to make London the electric vehicle capital of Europe." Giles Brown, event organiser, said: "EcoVelocity was a first of its kind; the objective was to raise the profile of the latest low and ultra-low carbon cars by providing a very ‘hands on’ environment for visitors. The event culminated in a very busy ride-and-drive event. As a launch show, it was impossible to predict visitor numbers; our original forecast was too high. The currency exhibitors use to judge the event is with quality test drives and leads, not just footfall. It was abundantly clear that we delivered those in spades, with car makers providing, on average, 400 test drives during the show period. Our objective going forward is to find a way to increase event capacity and, in turn, increase overall visitor numbers." And manufacturers were also very happy with the inaugural event. Neville Staines, National Events Manager for Citroen, commented: "EcoVelocity proved to be a big success for Citroen, with more than 440 test drives completed over the four days. We also took a considerable number of high-quality sales leads, with interest not just in C-Zero (our full electric car) but also for our full range of low-emission vehicles. Considering this was the first time the show has taken place, I could not be happier with the results." Volkswagen UK’s Kate Thompson commented: "Volkswagen UK was very pleased with the EcoVelocity event. We were able to meet a large number of visitors, who showed a keen interest in our BlueMotion products and brand as well as the chance to demonstrate these vehicles’ performance on the test track." Sue Goddard, Conference and Events Manager, Honda Cars, said: "EcoVelocity provided an excellent platform for Honda to showcase its Hybrid range of cars." And Lance Bates, Toyota and Lexus GB commented: "For us, it was a cost effective way to not only build awareness of but also to showcase and demonstrate our Hybrid technology. It also gave the opportunity for visitors to the show to be among the first in the U.K to test drive the all new Yaris. Considering this was the first time the event has been staged, we were pleased at the number of test drives achieved across both brands." Well done to the Ecovelocity team... and roll on 2012, where no doubt the innovations rapidly developing in the EV and hybrid marketplace will make the event even bigger and better.

Frozenspeed 2012 Calendar

Our good friend and super Nurburgring-specialist snapper, Jochen of www.frozenspeed.com, has created his 2012 calendar, featuring some of his best images from 2011, like these two classics above. Cost for the calendar will be c20-25 Euros, and it makes a fabulous gift for Christmas, or a treat for your own office, kitchen or bedroom wall. Jochen's a great character and well-known and well-liked face at the Nordschleife and Spa-Francorchamps, and knows all the right locations at both these epic circuits to make memorable, evocative imagery. He also covered the 2011 Goodwood Festival of Speed, so expect some stunning UK-based images too. And you will be able to see more of Jochen's work very soon. He's just done a feature of Road tester and Travis drummer, Neil Primrose's trip to the Ring in the hardcore Mugen Civic, for the cover of the next issue of www.roadmagazine.co.uk in this month's issue, out FREE, next week (c25th), here on the blog and the Road website. Thanks Jochen.

MINI WRC Tarmac Attack

Want to know what it's like to pilot the new MINI WRC? Thought so. Then check out this in-car footage from a special stage of the Rally Bi Ronde dell'Ossola 2011 in the Longhi-Pirollo MINI WRC JW Cooper, in greasy asphalt conditions. Makes it look easy eh?

Tuesday, 20 September 2011

Mitsubishi Take on "The Road of Death"

Mitsubishi take their Outlander and ASX Crossovers onto the "road of death" – the Yungas Road in La Paz, Bolivia. Personally... I'd rather have been in their new, more sure-footed Shogun, or the rough, tough L200 (although the latter is a tad tail-happy, and long maybe for this road!). You'll be able to read tests on all of these Mitsubishi road cars in forthcoming road magazine specials on the Japanese brand very soon, via www.roadmagazine.co.uk or here on the blog.

Joe Signorelli's Gas Motorsport 2JZ Celica 6.38s @ 223mph

Holy moses! Check out the world's fastest sports compact car – Joe Signorelli's Gas Motorsport 2JZ Celica in action on the quarter mile, recording a breath-taking 6.38s @ 223mph. Monstrous eh?

Monday, 19 September 2011

BAC Mono Tim Schrick Test

And, saving the best until last on BAC Mono, here is the Tim Schrick test we lined up for him with BAC and their new innovative, gorgeous and technical masterpiece, £66,000 + VAT Mono. Read what Tim thought of the single seater, road legal track day car and see a full breakdown here: http://www.issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_17/1

BAC Mono In-car Hill Sprint Footage

More from BAC Mono... this time, in one of its first ever public appearances, sprinting up the hill course at the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power (www.cpop.co.uk), the Festival of Speed for the north of England, if you will. The video quality is good, but the edit ain't great – cutting away at every apex – but you do get a sense of the pace and precision of the new BAC Mono here, and you get to hear that 260bhp Cosworth engine too. You can read the full technical specification and what Tim Schrick thought of the car here: http://www.issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_17/1

BAC Mono Review Video

Autocar have just road tested the BAC Mono which we featured in our August issue of www.RoadMagazine.co.uk, with our buddy, Tim Schrick. You can read the issue here: http://www.issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_17/1. And do enjoy their road test video...

Friday, 16 September 2011

Get in the mood for Rallyday with Gigi Galli!

Get yourself revved up for the crazy Rallyday action at Castle Combe, watching crazy Italian sideways rally driver, Gigi Galli in his Mitsubishi Lancer Evo. Go on my son!

Kris Meeke and MINI WRC set for Rallyday

Irish WRC man, Kris Meeke and the Prodrive-fettled MINI WRC will be one of the headline stars and cars at the forthcoming Rallyday at Castle Combe, this Saturday (17th). Kris said: “The last time I was at the Rallyday was seven years ago, so to come back after all this time and debut the MINI will be pretty special. It will also be my first time back in the car since ADAC Rallye Deutschland, so it will be great to get some more time behind the wheel on Tarmac as we build up to our next events in France and Spain. We’ll be using the event to do some further development of the car, but I’ll also be looking to have some fun and to entertain the crowds too.” Ford WRC star, Matthew Wilson, fresh from his standout fourth-place finish on Rally Australia last week, will also be in action at the wheel of a Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team Fiesta RS WRC. He said: “I’m delighted to be attending this year’s Rallyday at Castle Combe. I was at 2009’s event alongside my dad [M-Sport Managing Director, Malcolm Wilson] and both the spectators and the atmosphere were incredible. As a British rally driver, I always like to be able to support rally events such as Castle Combe but sometimes it can be difficult with my busy schedule competing in the WRC. It’ll be great to attend this year’s event with the new-for-2011 Ford Fiesta RS WRC - I can’t wait to entertain the spectators with our car.” Other names appearing at the stelle rally event include ex-WRC regular Harri Rovanpera in an MML Sports’ R4 specification Mitsubishi Lancer, Colin McRae’s father and Road buddy, Jimmy McRae and former Production Car world championship podium finisher David Higgins. More information on the event can be found at www.rallyday.com. It's a must, for any rally nut.

Wednesday, 14 September 2011

Ken Block's Gymkhana World Tour: Melbourne Leg

Ken Block's official highlights video from his Gymkhana Wolrd Tour stop in Calder Park, Melbourne, Australia. The typically Ken event featured the new Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle, of course, some nice drift cars and a load of Aussie's in V8 supercars, like Mike Winterbottom and Jamie Whincup. And 'Monster Energy athletes' like Matt Mingay, Nathan Pretty, Rob Whyte, Shane Tucker & Brad Gallard. Awesome dudes...

Lamborghini LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale: Frankfurt's Best?

Warning! You are about to get Frankfurt news, but do not worry... it's not an overload of media competitiveness in a rush to out do each other with the latest 'scoop.' Instead, it's just a nice simple video of arguably the only car there you need to know about: One to aspire to, to drool over and enjoy, before the auto world changes forever – the last hoorah of the V10 Lamborghini Gallardo, the stupidly named LP570-4 Super Trofeo Stradale. Lush eh?

Phil Morrison Drift Works Masterclass

Want to learn the skills needed to drift like a pro? Check out Phil Morrison in action in his Nissan Silvia S15 drifter, on the Touge road course, in this slick video by Al Touge. Thanks to www.Driftworks.com for this link. Check out the handbrake useage. Sweet.

World's Greatest Drag Race!

Ever needed proof just how good the £55,000 Nissan GT-R was? Then check this drag race out... sorting the men from the boys. 82-cylinders, 5,000bhp, $1,500,000 worth of exotica metal all fighting it out over a quarter mile. Ferrari, pah! Porsche, pah! Lotus, pah! Corvette, pah! Buy a Datsun!!!

Thursday, 8 September 2011

Formula Drift: Las Vegas After Dark

What's better than drifting? Night drifting, in Las Vegas of course! Here, the KW Suspensions Team podium streak continues as the drivers overcome 100+ degree heat at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Matt Powers leaves Las Vegas with a Formula Drift carbon fibre trophy. Watch as Michael Essa, Joon Maeng, Fredric Aasbo, Dai Yoshihara, and Matt Powers take you through Round 6 of the 2011 Formula Drift season in Las Vegas. Ouch, I'll bet they went through a lot of rubber that night! Sweet sideways action to brighten your Thursday!

Jaguar C-X16 Concept Video

Jaguar are unstoppable at the moment... as their new C-X16 concept car, about to be unveiled at next week's Frankfurt Motor Show clearly demonstrates. Blending aesthetics from their own iconic 50-year-old E-Type, Nissan's 370Z, BMW Z cars, Ferrari and Porsche, yet somehow looking better than all of them... it is a stunner, right? The two-seater should cost about £50,000 and will have a new petrol V6, with supercharger naturally, putting out c375bhp and 332lb ft. But it'll also have a 95bhp electric motor, so expect it to be stupidly quick for a V6. 0-60mph is quoted at 4.4s, yet CO2 just 165g/Km, thanks to the hybrid technology. Obviously, it'll be rear wheel drive, have a 50:50 weight distribution and should have an eight-speed automatic transmission. Best of all, it's going to have a "push to pass" button... now, how cool is that? We love it... but what do you think?

Wednesday, 7 September 2011

Another Top Twitter Follower! Boris Johnson!

Another top name follower for Road Magazine! Nice! Thanks Boris.

Mitsubishi L200 Traction & Stability Control

Mike Brewer explains understeer and oversteer and how Mitsubishi engineers combat both in wet, slippery conditions with their M-ASTC system. Road has an L200 Barbarian on test this week, and is looking forward to testing this out, on and off road. Oversteer, slowly sideways in a pick-up is fun, believe me! Check out the video...

Forge Summer Performance Car Action Day 2011

Castle Combe Circuit – one of the fastest, most historic UK tracks, and a personal Road favourite – plays host to over 1,000 performance cars this Saturday (10th September), at the huge Forge Motorsport sponsored Summer Performance Car Action Day. The Time Attack and some top drift cars will be displaying there, there'll be American muscle cars in the new 'Power Paddock,' a ton of car clubs with some fabulous cars, mega trade stands from brands like Forge, Eibach, Kenwood, Tarox etc. and a chance to take your car out on track for just £35! Bargain! Best of all, it's only £10 to get in, and U16's go free! Like your performance, drift and track cars? You'll LOVE this event. So get down there. Visit www.castlecombecircuit.co.uk for more...

Ken Block Tarmac Test: Ford Fiesta RS WRC – Helmet Camera

Rally Australia this weekend! Yes, ball bearing gravel action! And yumps! Should be good. To get you in the mood, although it's on tarmac, not gravel, here's a new angle of rally action – using GoPro's ace new helmet camera, attached to Ken Block's head, as he whizzes through one of the vineyard stages in Rally Germany. Great view eh?

Audi R8 LMS set for American Debut at Daytona 50th

Audi has targeted the American motorsport market – with a new R8 LMS version, set to make its 2012 debut at the 50th running of the Daytona 24 Hours, which should be interesting. Each car will get Audi Sport customer racing to provide technical customer support. Engineers are currently building an R8 LMS to conform to Grand-Am endurance series regulations, all set for the Daytona debut. The R8 LMS has already notched up over 100 victories in Europe, Asia, Australia and South America, including at the Bathurst 12 Hours in Australia, the Spa and Zolder 24 Hours in Belgium and another GT3 victory at the Nürburgring 24 Hours. Audi say: "For use in the USA, quattro GmbH is modifying the GT3 race car of which more than 40 units have already been sold in the areas of the chassis, body, engine and suspension. The chassis is stiffened by a roll cage with wall thicknesses being increased to two millimetres according to the regulations. A new front splitter, a modified rear diffuser and a standard Grand-Am rear wing change the aerodynamics of the sports car. The rated output of the engine has to be reduced to a lower level of about 331 to 346 kW (450 to 470 HP) by an air restrictor and the engine electronics. At the same time, the capacity of the fuel tank, which can now be filled on both sides of the vehicle, is limited to 83.3 litres. In the area of the wheels and suspension three-part rims are used. The standard anti-lock system and traction control of the R8 LMS are prohibited as driving aids in the USA." Romolo Liebchen, Head of customer racing at quattro GmbH added: "We’re convinced that we’re making a very attractive offer to our customers in the USA that will meet with great response. The anniversary event of the Daytona 24 Hours is a perfect occasion for the debut of the U.S. version of the new Audi R8 LMS."
More photographs and information are available at www.audi-motorsport.info. Should be interesting to see how the German race ace goes down in the States. Porsche's GT3 R and RSR have. Will the R8?

Lexus LFA: 7:14.64 Nürburgring Lap

So, here it is... the must-see Ring video of the week... watching the bonkers fast Lexus LFA blitzing the Porsche GT2, Nissan GT-R and many other production car beasts' times around the most demanding race track in the world, the Green Hell. Lexus/Toyota test driver, Akira Iida, really lets rip on the standard Bridgestone Potenza RE070 tyres, it has to be said. He's right on the edge and puts in a perfect lap. No wonder he is punching his fist in t he air as he finishes! Now will people realise what an incredible supercar this is? The years of racing the race LFA here in the VLN and 24-Hour have paid off. And how good does 562bhp that 4.8-litre V10 sound, especially at 300 clicks (187mph!) on the Dottinger straight? R-E-S-P-E-C-T pleeeeease!

BAC Mono Tim Schrick

Here's the wicked, typically sideways footage Tim Schrick and the Sport 1 Turbo automagazine TV crew shot of the incredible BAC Mono, along with us at Road Magazine. Awesome, awesome thing, yeah? And very interesting to see it drive in two different suspension set-ups...
You can read all about and see incredible images of it here: http://www.issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_17/1

Tuesday, 6 September 2011

180mph Indy Car Crash

Thankfully and incredibly luckily, no one was injured in this horrific, 180mph Indy Car crash – so we can show it. The venue was the Baltimore GP, and Tony Kannan lost his brakes at the end of one of the straights. Doing 180mph, he hits the back of Helio Castroneves' car, and literally flies over the top: It's terrifying stuff. But the impact with Helio may just have saved his life though, shaving off vital speed, as Kannan himself later professed to on Twitter, saying: "if wasn't for you my friend I wouldn't be here." The marshall was darn lucky too. Look closely beyond the tyre wall. Jees.

BMW 730Ld Wins Professional Driver Car 2011

Still one of the best cars we've ever tested, the BMW 730Ld has done it again – been crowned 'Professional Driver Car of the Year 2011,' an accolade it has held onto since 2009! And, in addition to the overall Car of the Year Award, the BMW 730Ld also won the 'Chauffeur Car of the year' category, fighting off off tough competition from the new Audi A8L, as well as from last year’s Professional Driver Car of the Year, the Jaguar XJL. The heady mix of that awesomely smooth, economical, torquey diesel engine, incredible comfort and spec levels (including the best active cruise control system on the market), rear legroom and much more kept it ahead of its excellent Audi and Jaguar rivals. Respect is due, so well done BMW. See the Road Magazine feature, on a 1,200-mile round trip to the McRae Stages Rally here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_3

Win a Rally Ride with Special Stage Legend: Jimmy McRae

Fancy winning a life-altering passenger ride with a rallying legend, total hero and all-round bloody great guy? Well, thanks to the Colin McRae Vision, you can! They are offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for one lucky person to ride shotgun with the man who taught Colin and Alister how to do it first – British Rally Champion and hero of ours, Jimmy McRae. The ride will take place on the IRC Rally of Scotland, near Perth, on Thursday 6th October. To enter this fabulous competition, go to: http://www.colinmcrae.com/competition.asp. We had the rare pleasure of riding the TT mountain section with Jimmy a few years back, in a Porsche Cayman S and it was utterly fabulous. He is so, so fast and smooth, and such a gent. Get entering this amazing offer... and help raise money for a brilliant charity too... we can't recommend it highly enough!

Monday, 5 September 2011

Lexus LFA Nordschleife Lap Record: Apparently!

While we are on a Ring lap record tip... here's another incredible result, with the new Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition posting an incredible 7:14s lap record, according to rumours. This would make it one of the fastest production car laps ever, seeing off Nissan's mighty GT-R, Porsche's GT2 etc, but sitting below the Gumpert Apollo Speed, Donkervoort track tool and Radical SR8 of course. Lexus test driver Akira Iida (driving in test video above) set the incredible time, allegedly in a standard LFA Nurburgring Edition, which boasts a 562bhp 4.8-litre V10, six-speed gearbox, carbon aero parts and huge rear wing. The telemetry equipped (fascinating) video above is one they made in testing for the record attempt. The world is waiting for the official one...

Nürburgring Lap Record for Toyota EV

From one Green Hell extreme to the other. Below is an analogue, old school 1980 BMW M1 Ring lap. Now watch the most surreal sounding, stupidly fast, modern lap record, from the TMG EV P001. 100% electric and capable of 160mph, gearless, with a massive, instantly accessible 800Nm torque on tap from twin Toyota EV motors, wrapped in a Radical shell. It's phenomenal stuff. The catchily titled TMG EV P001 has just blitzed a new EV lap record of 7:47.794 at the legendary 20.8km Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany, with Jochen Krumbach at the wheel, seeing off the old 9:1.338 Peugeot EX1's record, by some distance. It makes compulsive viewing for any Nordschleife fan, as the downforce-heavy, massive torque EV car requires a very different technique. Respect is due, although not sure who too – Toyota Motorsport GmbH, Radical Sports Cars or german Electric Specialists, Wolf. You decide...

Nurburgring Nordschleife: BMW M1 Klaus Graf

Thanks to our Ring super snapper, Jochen at Frozenspeed for sending us this wicked in-car footage of a lap of the Green Hell with Klaus Graf in a truly legendary '80s car – the ex-Nelson Piquet and Hans-Joachim Stuck BMW M1, which took 3rd place in the thrilling 1980 ADAC 1000Km. We've seen this stunning BMW hero racing in the fabulous Old Timer GP at the Nurburgring Nordschleife, and its is still one of the best sights (of many!) we've seen there. And even today, it still looks the nuts, especially with its original Green Hell map livery. This video is the first time Klaus Graf had driven the car and is a shakedown, but still, so fast, for a 22-year-old race car eh? See more at www.frozenspeed.com or www.facebook.com/frozenspeed

The Very Definition of American Hot Rod Cool

This is the very definition of American hot rod cool... an awesome video on a 'slammed and bagged' 1939 Ford, owned by lucky Clayton Williams Senior, built by Bugy's Rod Shop and painted by Byron Spivey. The video is really slick too, shot by Rich Fasanaro in downtown Wilmington N.C. How cool is this car, and film?

Marcus Gronholm on Two Wheels @ Lydden Hill Rallycross

Thanks to David Binks for sending us this amazing video of ex-WRC champion and all-round hero, Marcus Gronholm, blitzing the competition in his first time ever out in the British Rallycross Championships at Lydden Hill, driving in the Best Buy/OMSE Ford Fiesta Mk7 Rallycross monster (0-60 - sub 2secs!). Some seriously talented driving from Marcus and David leads to fine results (see blog post down below, for more information). And you just have to watch Gronholm save the Fiesta from an almost certain roll, up on two wheels like a stunt driver. How he recovers that is beyond us! Amazing stuff eh?

225mph 9ff-tuned 'GTurbo 750' Monster 911

Staying with Porsche 911's for a moment... how about this 9ff tuned 'GTurbo 750?' It's based on the GT3 RS, but has twin turbos, weighs 100Kg less and has almost double the brake horse power. The result - 225mph, and some of the quickest rev counter and speedometer action you'll ever see from a road car. Garish? Yes! Absolutely. But heck... this is one seriously rapid animal. Check out the in-car shots. Quite astonishing eh?

1963-2011: What's your Favourite Porsche 911?

A short and sweet, if typically back-patting, Porsche Cars video about how amazing the car some see as a glorified VW Beetle with the engine in the wrong place, and others as a legend – the 911 – has been from 1963 to 2011, over 48 years. Our favourite...? 964 RS: Air-cooled 911 purists perfection. Or maybe the "widow maker" GT2, on a Turbo tip. Oh, and any RSR! What's yours?

Friday, 2 September 2011

Latest FREE monthly issue of Road Magazine live NOW!

The latest FREE monthly issue of www.roadmagazine.co.uk is live NOW! Inside the 50-page 'Too cool for school Summer special,' you'll find four great features, from the far East to Western America. We've got two Stateside reports by Road's first lady www.ashleyvandyke.com – covering the awesome X Games in downtown LA, and at one of the world's greatest car auctions; Barrett Jackson in Orange County, California. And we are also covering two cars from Japan – the outstandingly good looking and phenomenal handling Nissan 370Z GT Edition, perhaps the best coupe for under £40K? And there's the innovative, fun, frugal and funky Honda CR-V GT Nav, with its hybrid technology. We hope you all enjoy it, and if so, please do share it with you friends. You can click on the cover image in the top right menu here on the blog, or follow this link to read it, FREE: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_18_small_v2

Tanner Foust Street Drift: Mulholland Highway

In our bid to stop you doing any decent work today, here's another amazing (www.watchmojo.com) video... of Tanner Foust letting rip on the closed Mulholland Highway, in a 600bhp V8 NASCAR Scion drift car. Does life get much more fun than this? We think not... skills!

Monster Ford Capri Dragster

Matt black Capri V8 with a monstrous hit of Nitrous Oxide, running the quarter mile in 7.029s and 191mph, setting a PBS record. Cool as ****!

Porsche GT3 RS Drifting Vs S1000RR Bike

Car drifting + bike pulling wheelies, at full tilt = what's not to like here?

Uber-cool Porsche Footage

Check out this uber-cool Porsche footage, showcasing a variety of Porsches and the lifestyle that goes with owning one... what do you think?

Drifting Subaru Impreza V10!

Got to say a big thanks to www.driftworks.com for sharing this amazing drift video on a 1996 Subaru Impreza, converted to rear-wheel-drive, with a BMW V10 5-litre lump in it. How awesome is that? Respect where respect is due. Nice driving too...

Thursday, 1 September 2011

X Games 17: Rally Cross Final Highlights

Check out this ace clip of this year's X Games rallycross final highlights. Then have a read of Ashley Van Dyke's (www.ashleyvandyke.com) great report and see some fabulous images by Al Merion of the awesome event, focusing on the fabulous dirt-action from rally and rallycross cars, in the latest FREE issue of Road magazine, here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_18_small_v2.

Honda CR-Z Road Test Video

Fifth Gear TV take a look at the Honda CR-Z hybrid, in some detail. Not sure they quite get the point, or how incredible the chassis is – inspired by the Lotus Elise – but hey, you get to see more of the car we've also featured in this month's FREE Road Magazine here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_18_small_v2 . It may not be fast, but it's taking hyrbid technology to the masses in the right way – fun & frugality first!

Read Road Magazine Daily Blog: FREE HERE!