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In case you have not seen it yet... do check out and share the latest FREE monthly issue of www.roadmagazine.co.uk, stretching from the icy tundra of Lapland – ice driving with four-times WRC Champion, Juha Kankkunen in supercars – to the humid Far East – VW Scirocco R-Cup racing in Shanghai – to the dry deserts of Las Vegas – for the 2011 SEMA show. We've also got our first piece from www.greencardesign.com, on the uber-cool Fiat 500 Gucci. And we introduce new Road eco-road tester & TV presenter, Gemma Scott to you, covering the new Motorsport UK show. It's a packed issue. PLUS... Exclusive Road offer to get 10% of the Ultimate GT ice driving courses with Juha, and get a signed copy of his book. All 100% FREE! Share us!

Ken Block Lets Rip In V8 Supercar

Ken Block has another tough day at work – swapping cars for a hoon about, with Australian V8 Supercar drivers, Mark Winterbottom and Will Davidson, and their Ford Falcon V8, while they get to hoon about in his Gymkhana III Ford Fiesta. Another testing day at the office (Calder Park raceway, Australia) for these lucky lads eh?! Ken spins on his first corner of his first lap in the big V8, as he gets to grips with the different driving style... he he he! But he makes up for it at the end of the day, drifting behind the big V8. Ace footage... check it out.

Top Gear Exclusive Forza 4 trailer

'Our Jezza' gets all misty-eyed and moody about the C21st speed police in this nicely shot (if averagely driven... come on, hire a decent stunt driver!) trailer for the new Forza 4 game for the XBox 360, featuring a rich man on the edge, losing it in his Aston Martin DB9, like Michael Douglas in the film 'Faling Down' only with a V8. Funny! Also find it here: http://www.topgear.com/uk/videos/promotion-exclusive-forza-4-trailer

Christmas Drink Driving Breathalysers

With the Christmas drink driving campaigns about to start, how about having a digital gauge that's as accurate as the units the police use? But, instead of costing £815, as the met's do, you can buy one just the same now for £299. Welcome to the AlcoDigital3000! The manufacturers say: "The AlcoDigital3000 gives exactly the same pin-point accurate results as the Police would get – time after time, year after year. Unlike every other personal breathalyzer sold in the UK, the 3000 is built for AlcoDigital by the manufacturer of an actual UK Police Breathalyzer – the Draeger 6510, giving it more than twelve times the accuracy of other personal breathalysers." Its one button touch operation, durability, two year guarantee and 'buy now, pay later' options make it a no brainer to make sure you're safe to hold on to your licence... over the festive season, and beyond. Find out more at: www.AlcoDigital3000.com

Nismo Nissan Juke Hints at Nismo Future

Nissan's tuning arm – Nismo – has revealed "a bold new future," taking lessons learned off the track, and putting them into an exciting new era of performance road cars. And to show their intent, they have unveiled the full details of the Nismo Juke concept: Slammed, kitted, fettled and pokey, the Nismo Juke will feature a purpose-designed body kit for aerodynamic efficiency, more power from a Nismo tuned version of the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, stiffer chassis, 19-inch wheels with sports tyres for even better handling and distinctive sporting interior treatment, all finished in Nismo signature colours. The Nismo Juke will be lower, wider and more serious in every way than the standard Juke. "As the Concept shows, Nismo brings new levels of individuality to mainstream Nissan cars like Juke. The future for Nismo is to develop premium sports designs for an ever-widening range of customers," said Nismo President, Shoichi Miyatani. "Our forthcoming range of cars will be just as accessible and innovative as every Nissan product, but with added Nismo energy they will be even more fun to own and drive," he added. Interesting times for Nissan...

Spa-Francorchamps RMA 2012 Dates

Road's track day buddies, www.rmatrackdays.com have announced dates for their first trip to the epic Spa-Francorchamps Circuit in 2012 – a two-day fest, Monday and Tuesday 21st and 22nd May. And there will be a second visit to the home of the Belgian GP in September too. New for 2012, a FREE lunch will be included in the price of the event too. We suggest you book early, because these incredible RMA Spa events fill up fast. We'll be there! Oh yeah!

ROAD Magazine: Ice Driving with Kankkunen Offer

In case you missed it, unlike the 1000's who've seen it on You Tube, here's our ace viral video promoting our special 10% off ice driving courses with www.ultimate-gt.com, and ex-WRC Champion and legend, Juha Kankkunnen. You also get a FREE copy of Juha's new book, 'My Road,' if you book these amazing courses in Finland, quoting www.roadmagazine.co.uk special offer AND by liking us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/roadmagblog. Get going!

And you can read all about the supercars on ice courses with Juha, the SEMA show, VW Scirocco R-Cup racing with Ashley Van Dyke, Green Car Design's Fiat 500 Gucci shoot and much more in the latest FREE monthly issue of Road Magazine here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_21_small. Share us about!

Alfa Romeo MiTo QV: Aquabatics Challenge Video

How's this for an unusual way of promoting the new Alfa Romeo MiTo QV? Attempting a world record for popping balloons with it! 2500 to be precise, with stunt driver and World Record holder, Terry Grant at the wheel! Alfa Romeo used the new, range topping MiTo Quadrifoglio Verde to burst them, leaving just four lonely balloons at the end. And now they are running a competition via their facebook page (under a brand new tab called Aquabatics), where four entrants who select the correct grid location of one of the four surviving balloons from the world record attempt will win an unforgettable and exclusive Alfa Romeo track day at the famous Goodwood Motor Circuit. Visit  http://www.facebook.com/AlfaRomeoUK for more..!

Toyota GT 86: Dynamic Driving Video

Understandably, the motoring press and fans of "drivers cars" are going nuts about the all new Toyota GT 86: Half Toyota, half Subaru, this 'Toyobaru' joint venture (FT-86 in concept form, GT 86 in Europe, FR-S in the USA and '86' in Japan), will feature a 200bhp, 151lb ft 1998cc Subaru-developed boxer unit, delivering 0-62mph in around 7.0secs and a 140+mph top speed: Not that fast then... but it's the handling set-up where this car aims to be a classic – RWD, limited slip differential, 1180Kg, six-speed gearbox and proper suspension... sounds good to us! Looks great too! Prices are expected to be c£28K in the UK, somewhat higher than £22K suggested. Maybe it's that good? Only time will tell... Toyota say: "It's an entirely driver-focused sports car designed to recapture the intrinsic joy of driving." To find out more about Toyota's new sports car, click here: http://ow.ly/7GSTK. Exciting times for fans of the old AE86, like us. Likey?

Rally Legends Gear Up For Croft R.A.C Blast

Croft Circuit is all set for historic rally heaven this Saturday – as a World Rally Champion, British Historic Rally Champion & Le Mans 24Hrs winner take part in a stage of the Roger Albert Clark Rally at the Northumberland track. Among the top names are 2010’s and 2009’s respective winners, Belgium’s Stefan Stouf and Gwyndaf Evans (a former British Rally Champion), plus newly-crowned back-to-back British Historic Rally Champion David Stokes. Also watch for Phil Collins – another top ex-name from the British Rally Championship and co-driven, notably, by Nicky Grist who navigated Finland’s Juha Kankkunen to the 1993 World Rally Championship title and who then went on to form a six-year partnership with the legendary Colin McRae in the WRC. There's a cracking 70-strong entry full of iconic Sixties, Seventies and Eighties rally hereos, like: Lancia Stratos, Lancia Fulvia, Saab 96, Talbot Sunbeam, Hillman Avenger, Porsche 911s, plus Ford Escort MKIs and MKIIs all listed. The R.A.C, named after Seventies British rallying great Roger Clark, recreates the Lombard RAC Rallies of old and a time which many believe were motor rallying’s glory years. For tens of thousands of enthusiasts the charismatic event has become an annual road trip as they follow its route – this year from Friday 2 to Monday 5 December – and competitive timed stages in North Yorkshire, Northumberland, Dumfries & Galloway and Cumbria. Furthermore, it is traditional for many public to stop and wave to the crews as they pass along main roads en route to each stage. And two of those spectacular stages – along with a major service area that will enable the fans to get a close-up look at the cars as they are worked on – will be held at Croft Circuit, just outside Darlington on the Saturday (3 Dec). Competing cars will arrive at the Croft service area from 3.32pm. Then it's onto the two stages – each a ‘double run’ of the full Croft race track – starting at 4.10pm and then 4.24pm. So, spectators will see the cars pass four times with the enticing prospect of two or three ‘live on stage’ at the same time. Tickets cost just £10 (payable on the gate) with FREE admission for children aged 15 and under. For more information visit the new-look Croft Circuit website www.croftcircuit.co.uk or call the Circuit Office on 01325 721815. Or visit: www.rogeralbertclarkrally.org.

Old School Spa-Francorchamps Lap

Check out this old school lap of Spa-Francorchamps, as it used to be... and watch out for a VW Beetle driving the wrong way down Eau Rouge at the start! Un tour du circuit de Francorchamps avec Lucien Bianchi... va va voom!

Citroën Racing WRC Wales Rally GB: Loeb and Elena

Earlier this month, on the  wet gravel of Wales, Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena became World Rally Champions for the eighth time making Sébastien Loeb the most successful driver in motorsport history! Watch the highlights from Wales Rally GB here, and see how this dream team did it.

Read Issue 21 of Road FREE here

Open publication - Free publishing - More fiat 500 gucci

Latest FREE monthly issue of Road Magazine live NOW!

The latest FREE issue of www.roadmagazine.co.uk is live NOW! This month, Road magazine stretches from the icy tundra of Lapland – ice driving with four-times WRC Champion, Juha Kankkunen in supercars – to the humid Far East – VW Scirocco R-Cup racing in Shanghai – to the dry deserts of Las Vegas – for the 2011 SEMA show. We've also got our first piece from www.greencardesign.com, on the uber-cool Fiat 500 Gucci. And we introduce new Road eco-road tester & TV presenter, Gemma Scott to you, covering the new Motorsport UK show. It's a packed issue. PLUS... there's our exclusive Road Magazine special offer to get 10% off the Ultimate GT ice driving courses with Juha, and get a signed copy of his book, 'My Road.' As ever, it's all 100% FREE! Share us about your friends and family! And enjoy! Read it here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_21_small

ROAD Magazine Ice Driving With Kankkunen Offer

Check out the latest FREE issue of Road Magazine to get 10% off amazing ice driving courses with four time WRC Champion, Juha Kankkunen in Lapland, and read all about what's on offer here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_21_small. You even get a FREE signed copy of Juha's new book, 'My Road,' if you book using this exclusive Road Magazine special offer. All you need to do is like our new Facebook page: www.facebook.com/roadmagblog and book with Daniel at www.Ultimate-GT.com, qouting "Road Magazine. Do it!!!

Juha Kankkunen: Finland Onboard Footage

If you needed reminding why rally God, Juha Kankkunen won four WRC Championships and is considered by many to one of the very best rally drivers of all time, check this in-car footage out from the 1998 Finland WRC round, in a Ford Escort WRC. Just staggering car control. And, speaking of car control and Juha, you can read all about his ice driving courses with D1 www.ultimate-gt.com in the latest issue of Road Magazine, here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_21_small. And we even have a special offer to get 10% off these amazing courses in the magazine. Check it out!

Volkswagen Scirocco R-Cup: Nurburgring Race Highlights

Also in this FREE monthly issue of www.roadmagazine.co.uk is a report by our stunning USA correspondent www.ahsleyvandyke.com, from Shanghai, with racer, David Cheng. Check it out at: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_21_small. And enjoy the highlights of this closely-fought championship at this year's round at the Nurburgring in this video. Awesome series.

SEMA 2011 Report

In the latest rammed issue of the FREE, monthly Road Magazine, drag racer and Road buddy, Andy Robinson pops his SEMA cherry, taking in the many sights at the incredible SEMA Show in Las Vegas. Check out the article here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_21_small and enjoy this great video about the mega American trade show.

Fiat 500 by Gucci & Green Car Design

Thanks to our fabulous new media partners, www.greencardesign.com, we have a fabulous article on the sleek and stylish Fiat 500 by Gucci, launched at Milan Fashion Show earlier this year, in the latest jam-packed awesome issue of Road Magazine this month, FREE, as ever. You can read the article here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_21_small . Welcome about Hannah and all at Green Car Design. You'll be seeing a LOT more from this talented bunch in Road soon.

Latest Road Magazine Staffer: Gemma Scott – Showreel

The latest recruit to www.roadmagazine.co.uk is gorgeous TV talent, Gemma Scott (www.gemmascott.co.uk). Welcome aboard Team Road Gem! Here is her showreel, and you can read all about this much-in-demand media minx in the latest issue of Road Magazine, live and FREE, right now at http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_21_small at the new Motorsport UK show. Gemma will be testing eco and green cars for us starting in January 2012 in Road Magazine and here on the blog. We're thrilled!

West Coast Customs® Create New Zippo Promo Vehicle

West Coast Customs® have created an awesome new promotional vehicle for Zippo lighters. The American garage, famous for its work on MTV's 'Pimp My Ride,' launched the new heavily modified Jeep R at the 2011 Zippo 200 NASCAR Nationwide Series Race at Watkins Glen International. Zippo commissioned West Coast Customs® to "create a vehicle that represented the characteristics of such an iconic and historic brand; a vehicle that is classic, tough, rugged and above all trustworthy and dependable." The one-of-a-kind design will allow Zippo to use the Jeep as a mobile product showcase for the Zippo Outdoor collection, which includes the Zippo Hand Warmer, Flexible Neck Utility Lighter, Fire Starter Kit and many more innovative and practical tools. In order to continue the authentic Zippo look and feel, the vehicle was given the same hand-brushed appearance of an original brushed aluminium Zippo Windproof Lighter. Additional customisations include bumpers, side steps, off-road wheels and a bespoke interior, as well as an oversized Zippo lighter on the rear hatch. We at Road are loving it, almost as much as the awesome lighters themselves, which will be 80 years old next year. www.zippo.com

ROAD Magazine offer: Learn to drive on ice with Juha Kankkunen

Dudes... in case you haven't already seen it, here's a new video to tempt you (not that you should need much) into taking us up on our 10% discount deal with www.ultimate-gt.com to go to Lapland, to learn how to drive "really fast" on ice with four times WRC champion, Juha Kankkunen – available until December 31st, so be quick. The three and four day courses are in amazing supercars (Golf R2, Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Porsche Carrera 4, Audi RS4 and Lamborghini Gallardo), and these epic events include a wild ride with Juha on classic Finnish stage roads, at full chat. Oh, and casual chats around the campfire with the rally hero... Wowzers! And, as if that discount wasn't enough, Juha and Ultimate GT are also offering a FREE SIGNED copy of Juha Kankkunen's book, 'My Road,' as part of this amazing, life-altering mega deal. All you have to do to get the 10% course discount and free signed copy of Juha's 'My Road,' is to book a place/places on the amazing three and four day ice driving courses in Kuusamo, Lapland, Finland before the end of December via Ultimate GT's Daniel Eden, quoting 'Road Magazine Offer,' via daniel@ultimate-gt.com or by calling +44(0)789 270 3513. 

And you need to 'Like' our new Facebook group here: www.facebook.com/roadmagblog.
Get liking, get booking and change your life for the better... today!

SkiddMark's Greatest TV Ads: 'Circuit' - Shell & Ferrari

Our media partners, www.skiddmark.com, just uploaded this unmolested version of this awesome Shell fuel advert, 'Circuit,' featuring a stunning display of Ferrari race cars over the decades. Watch five different Ferrari Formula One cars dating back to 1952, take to the streets of Rome, New York, Rio, Hong Kong and Monaco in a celebration of the ongoing Shell and Ferrari technical partnership – which develops and tests premium products like Shell V-Power with the sole purpose of transferring that technology to the road. It was all filmed using professional drivers on closed roads, and looks great eh? Sounds even better too... 

24Hr Nürburgring Nordschleife Night Footage: Aston N24

We never get bored of, nor stop being amazed, by good laps in the night at the ADAC 24H Nürburgring Nordschleife Race, and thanks to Bridge to Gantry for sharing this cracker, onboard with Fredy Barth in an Aston Martin N24 Vantage V8. For more video's and pictures see: www.sohappyracing.com

2011 Macau Grand Prix - Road Sport Challenge 路車挑戰賽

The Macau Grand Prix is one of the most challenging, technical and crash-filled races in the world, as this video shows. High walls, fast straights, narrow circuit... Macau makes Monaco look tame! Originally conceived as a street treasure hunt in 1954,  the Macau GP now attracts 100s of top 'street circuit racers' for the Road Sport Challenge and is held on the 3.80 mile Guia Circuit, for a 10 lap dog fight. This year's 58th Macau GP RSC was a cracker, won by just 3.452-seconds by Phillip Yau, in an awesome Nissan GTR35, run by KC Racing, and fitted with a PPG sequential gearbox: www.ppgearbox.com.au. Sit back and enjoy the mental racing, and listen to that GTR fly. How quick? 

Sabine Schmitz In BMW Premium Selection Ad

Check out our good friend, glamourous Ring queen, Sabine Schmitz in this new BMW Premium Selection advertisement, showing that BMW do have a good SOH in their advertising campaigns... quality! Would you buy a second hand car off this woman?

Winter & Summer Tyres: Falken Tyre Care Advise

Japanese tyre manufacturer, Falken is advising motorists who switch to Winter tyres to take care of their Summer tyres in storage during the colder months. "It is really important to take care of summer tyres even when they are not on the car," says Sven Kruse, Falken’s European tyre development engineer." With storage costs for Summer tyres sometimes running into hundreds of pounds, it would be a temptation to store summer tyres in cheaper places, but Kruse advises against this. "The store room should be cool, dry and moderately ventilated. Moist conditions should be avoided. And tyres should be inflated to 1 bar for storage." Kruse also suggests that the tyres be stored on ‘tyre trees’ and stored sideways and not directly on the ground. "If you stack the tyres without a tree, they should ideally be separated and must be rotated to minimise deformation." Falken also say tyres are affected by ozone and should kept away from sources such as motors and solvents. "Tyres must be protected from sunlight as well as dramatic changes in temperature, so cover them," adds Kruse. With the tyres off the car, Falken say this is a good time to do a full visual inspection looking for wear, damage and cracking. Come the warmer weather, Falken suggests rotating the tyres around the car to balance out wear. "It is better to have the tyres with the most tread on the rear axle. This will give better grip during hydroplaning," suggests Kruse. Interesting points... that could save the life of your tyres, or occupants... Thanks Falken.

Winter Top Tips From Haynes

Here are some top tips for looking after your car this winter from car manual experts, Haynes. The number of breakdowns nearly doubles during particularly cold spells, and, after the last two harsh Winters, odds are that it is only a matter of time before the UK is once again engulfed by snow, ice and fog. So, by following these carefully crafted tips could save you money and protect you and your family from potentially hazardous conditions:
 · Make sure the antifreeze concentration in the cooling system is adequate – if there has been a leak and you've been topping up with plain water it may not be. A garage can test it for you, or you can buy a tester from a car accessory shop.
· Use a screen wash additive with antifreeze properties (not engine antifreeze). If the liquid in the washer bottle freezes it may split the reservoir or damage the pump.
· Warm (not boiling!) water is OK for defrosting windows, but watch where it runs – it could form an ice slick when it freezes.
· Make things easier for the battery by not switching on headlights, heater blower or heated rear window until the engine is running. Similarly, switch off lights etc before stopping the engine. Switch off the heated rear window as soon as the screen is clear.
· Consider fitting a set of winter tyres. They really do make a big difference. Some tyre retailers will store the summer tyres for you in winter, and vice versa.
· If your car has air conditioning, run it for 10 minutes or so once a month to stop the seals drying out. And use it to demist the windscreen even if you don't need the cooling effect.
· There’s no point in keeping lock de-icer inside the car. Frozen door locks can sometimes be freed by blowing into them – but be careful not to get your lips stuck to the car!
· Winter grade diesel can cope with temperatures down to -15º C. If lower temperatures are expected, use an anti-waxing additive in the fuel tank (or stay at home!).
· When parking overnight in freezing conditions, leave the car in gear and the handbrake off if it is safe to do so. This will prevent the handbrake freezing in the ‘on’ position.
· Stop wiper blades freezing to the screen by propping them up on slices cut from a cork when you park for the night.
Matthew Minter, Editorial Director at Haynes Publishing says: "Winter conditions put extra strain on car and driver alike, and just a few minutes spent on some simple checks now can save a lot of trouble later.
Battery failures are the commonest single cause of winter breakdowns. If the car is increasingly hard to start and the engine slow to turn on the starter motor, especially first thing in the morning, chances are the battery is on the way out." Haynes car manuals cost £21.99 and are available from car accessory shops including Halfords, all good bookshops and online at www.haynes.co.uk or by phone 01963 442030. And you can view the full product range at http://www.haynes.co.uk/prmailer/prmailer4.htm. Safe Winter motoring folks!

10% Discount on Juha Kankkunen Ice Driving Courses

Don't forget Roadies: Here's what you could be doing this Winter Roadies! You lucky, lucky people!!! Road Magazine & Blog and D1 Ultimate GT Supercar Driving Holidays (www.ultimate-gt.com) have a special offer, EXCLUSIVE to Road Magazine & Blog readers – get a 10% discount on the greatest ice driving courses on the planet, with none other than legendary four times World Rally Champion, Juha Kankkunen. Oh, and did I mention, the courses are in supercars (Golf R2, Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Porsche Carrera 4, Audi RS4 and Lamborghini Gallardo)? And the events include a wild ride with Juha on classic Finnish stage roads, at full chat? And casual chats around the campfire with the rally hero? Wowzers! This amazing offer is open to all Road Magazine & Blog readers until the end of December 2011. And, as if that wasn't enough, Juha and Ultimate GT are also offering a FREE SIGNED copy of Juha Kankkunen's book, 'My Road,' as part of this amazing, life-altering mega deal. All you have to do to get the 10% discount and free signed copy of Juha's 'My Road,' is to book a place/places on the amazing three and four day ice driving courses in Kuusamo, Lapland, Finland before the end of December via Ultimate GT's Daniel Eden, quoting Road Magazine Offer, via daniel@ultimate-gt.com or by calling +44(0)789 270 3513. 

And you need to 'Like' our new Facebook group here: www.facebook.com/roadmagblog.

You can read more about the amazing courses in the next November issue of www.roadmagazine.co.uk, out later this week, and see the videos here on the blog, and via Ultimate GT's website. So, what are you waiting for? Get a gang together and have an experience of a lifetime... with a true rally legend. 

Christmas Gift Ideas: Silverstone Driving Thrills & Experiences

Road Magazine can reveal Silverstone has a sack full of a Christmas gift ideas on special offer – with a stunning, wide range of Driving Thrills and Experiences available at discounted, festive season rates. New for 2011 is Silverstone’s bargain £79 Supercar Roulette Voucher, providing friends and family with the opportunity to drive one of three iconic road cars – either a Ferrari (various on the fleet), Nissan GT-R or an Aston Martin V8 Vantage – in the tyre tracks of legends, at the home of the British Grand Prix. The fun voucher removes any uncertainty surrounding which supercar to choose for friends and family, as Supercar Roulette comes with a twist: recipients won’t know which of these three sensational, high performance cars they will be driving until they get to Silverstone on the day. Cool eh? And an additional £70 will secure the opportunity to drive two of these spectacular cars. In addition to the Supercar Roulette, Silverstone offers an impressive collection of first-class driving Thrills: From £85, members of the public can take to sections of the world famous Grand Prix Circuit in one of Silverstone’s supercars, including a Lotus Exige, Audi R8 or Nissan 370Z. Alternatively, for any aspiring Lewis Hamiltons or Jenson Buttons, the Single Seater Thrill is the closest many will ever get to driving a Formula One car at Silverstone, providing a slick, super-quick taste of formula racing. Or for bobble hatters, there's the Rally Thrill, providing some off-road fun on a purpose-built rally handling stage in a works-built Ford Fiesta ST150 (our choice at Road Magazine). The special Christmas rates take the Single Seater Experience down to £159 from £175, the Ferrari 360 Experience, to £199 from £255. Take advantage of these great rates and find out more at www.silverstone.co.uk or by calling 0844 3728 270. Better than socks eh?

Christmas Gift Ideas: Phillips 'Supercar' Pen Light

Here's a stocking filler for any petrol head who likes spannering... a new range of 'supercar' hand-held, LED inspection lights from Philips – the world's number one manufacturer of lighting products. The baby of the range is pen sized (pictured), so clips into your pocket, and features six LEDs of the same sort used on many of the world's leading supercars and executive cars for their Daytime Running Lights,  as well as a seventh at the top of the unit which also makes it a torch. The light output is 250 lux (about twice as bright as other similar products), it's drop tested from 1.5m without damage, waterproof and comes with batteries which will last up to 11 hours of continuous use. Cool eh? The SRP is £21.99 through any Euro Car Parts branch around the country – and good independent car accessory retailers throughout the UK – but will no doubt be found at other prices on the web. Find out more about this rapidly-selling, user-friendly tool at www.philips.com. We want one!

Winter Car Inspection Offer

Here's a special offer for Winter for www.MyCarCheck.com customers – get a special, better than 50% off discount on a Winter Inspection at any Halfords AutoCentre, plus advice on buying a used car for Christmas. The Halfords AutoCentre Winter Inspection (£29.95 regular price) offers a thorough check of your anti-freeze, battery, lights, wipers, oil, tyres, air con system and more – all the bad weather essentials, which, given the harshness of the last two Winters here has got to worth a look eh? Find out more at MyCarCheck.com

Amazing WRC 2011 Season Highlights Video

Grab a cuppa and a sandwich and sit back and enjoy this amazing compilation of the yumps, bumps, crests and crashes of the brilliant 2011 World Rally Championship – a great first season for the new breed 1.6-Turbo nutter hatches, we felt. What was your favourite event? Moment?

1st Images: New Prodrive Aston Martin Vantage GT3

OMG! How awesome is the new Prodrive-fettled Aston Martin Vantage GT3? See more here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.310125275684119.89450.110767835619865&type=3

New Audi A1 Sportback Info & Pricing

Audi's baby A1 has a new five-door subcompact variant – the A1 Sportback. The key features are:

• Available to order later November priced from £13,980 to £21,270 – a £560 premium model-for-model over three-door – first deliveries in Spring 2012
• Full five-seat capability, slight increase in head and shoulder room despite identical exterior ‘footprint’
• Four advanced, ultra-efficient TFSI and TDI engines initially available in UK - 1.2 TFSI petrol (86PS, 160Nm), 1.4 TFSI petrol (122PS, 200Nm), 1.4 TFSI twin-charge petrol (185PS, 250Nm), 1.6 TDI diesel (105PS, 250Nm)
• 1.6 TDI champions efficiency with 74.3mpg and 99g/km CO₂ output
• 2.0 TDI to follow in summer 2012 (143PS, 320Nm)
• Standard features include alloy wheels, split/folding rear seat, front and rear electric windows, air conditioning, single CD audio system with MP3 compatibility, ESP with latest differential lock system
• Option of full roof paint finish in contrasting colour exclusive to Sportback

Audi A1 Sportback pricing overview: Petrol and diesel SE, Sport and S-Line:

Engines	Power	CO2 g/km	Transmission	Basic RRP	Total RRP	OTR Price
1.2TFSI SE Manual	86PS	118	5-speed manual	£11,112.50	£13,335	£13,980
1.6TDI SE Manual	105PS	99	5-speed manual	£11,995.83	£14,395	£15,040
1.2TFSI Sport Manual	86PS	118	5-speed manual	£12,645.83	£15,175	£15,820
1.4TFSI Sport Manual	122PS	126	6-speed manual	£12,987.50	£15,585	£16,230
1.4TFSI Sport S tronic	122PS	119	7-speed S tronic	£14,195.83	£17,035	£17,680
1.6TDI Sport Manual	105PS	99	5-speed manual	£13,529.17	£16,235	£16,880
1.2TFSI S line Manual	86PS	118	5-speed manual	£13,933.33	£16,720	£17,365
1.4TFSI S line Manual	122PS	126	6-speed manual	£14,275.00	£17,130	£17,775
1.4TFSI S line S tronic	122PS	122	7-speed S tronic	£15,483.33	£18,580	£19,225
1.4TFSI S line S tronic	185PS	139	7-speed S tronic	£17,091.67	£20,510	£21,270

1.6TDI S line Manual      105PS      99      5-speed manual    £14,816.67    £17,780     £18,425

What's the verdict Roadies? We think the A looks strange/ugly/weird enough, without adding doors! Practicality over style? That's rare fo Audi!

New Panamera GTS Video

Making its world premiere at the 2011 L.A. Autoshow, the new Panamera GTS "is the purest interpretation of our sports car for four," say Porsche. Witness its amazing performance four-up on track here. Impressive, but still ugly though don't you think?

Road Magazine Exclusive: Juha Kankkunen Ice Driving Discount: Video

Here's what you could be doing this Winter Roadies!

You lucky, lucky people!!! Road Magazine & Blog and D1 Ultimate GT Supercar Driving Holidays (www.ultimate-gt.com) have a special offer, EXCLUSIVE to Road Magazine & Blog readers – get a 10% discount on the greatest ice driving courses on the planet, with none other than legendary four times World Rally Champion, Juha Kankkunen. Oh, and did I mention, the courses are in supercars (Golf R2, Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Porsche Carrera 4, Audi RS4 and Lamborghini Gallardo)? And the events include a wild ride with Juha on classic Finnish stage roads, at full chat? And casual chats around the campfire with the rally hero? Wowzers! This amazing offer is open to all Road Magazine & Blog readers until the end of December 2011. And, as if that wasn't enough, Juha and Ultimate GT are also offering a FREE SIGNED copy of Juha Kankkunen's book, 'My Road,' as part of this amazing, life-altering mega deal. All you have to do to get the 10% discount and free signed copy of Juha's 'My Road,' is to book a place/places on the amazing three and four day ice driving courses in Kuusamo, Lapland, Finland before the end of December via Ultimate GT's Daniel Eden, quoting Road Magazine Offer, via daniel@ultimate-gt.com or by calling +44(0)789 270 3513. 

And you need to 'Like' our new Facebook group here: www.facebook.com/roadmagblog.

You can read more about the amazing courses in the next issue of www.roadmagazine.co.uk, and see the videos here on the blog, and via Ultimate GT's website. So, what are you waiting for? Get a gang together and have an experience of a lifetime... with a true rally legend. 

Road Magazine Exclusive: Juha Kankkunen Ice Driving Discount

You lucky, lucky people!!! Road Magazine & Blog and D1 Ultimate GT Supercar Driving Holidays (www.ultimate-gt.com) have a special offer, EXCLUSIVE to Road Magazine & Blog readers – get a 10% discount on the greatest ice driving courses on the planet, with none other than legendary four times World Rally Champion, Juha Kankkunen. Oh, and did I mention, the courses are in supercars (Golf R2, Subaru Impreza WRX STI, Porsche Carrera 4, Audi RS4 and Lamborghini Gallardo)? And the events include a wild ride with Juha on classic Finnish stage roads, at full chat? And casual chats around the campfire with the rally hero? Wowzers! This amazing offer is open to all Road Magazine & Blog readers until the end of December 2011. And, as if that wasn't enough, Juha and Ultimate GT are also offering a FREE SIGNED copy of Juha Kankkunen's book, 'My Road,' as part of this amazing, life-altering mega deal. All you have to do to get the 10% discount and free signed copy of Juha's 'My Road,' is to book a place/places on the amazing three and four day ice driving courses in Kuusamo, Lapland, Finland before the end of December via Ultimate GT's Daniel Eden, quoting Road Magazine Offer, via daniel@ultimate-gt.com or by calling +44(0)789 270 3513. 

And you need to 'Like' our new Facebook group here: www.facebook.com/roadmagblog. 

You can read more about the amazing courses in the next issue of www.roadmagazine.co.uk, and see the videos here on the blog, and via Ultimate GT's website. So, what are you waiting for? Get a gang together and have an experience of a lifetime... with a true rally legend. 

Review Wales Rally GB: Ford WRC

Excellent round-up video from the last round of the 2011 WRC, telling the tale of how Jari-Matti Latvala and the Ford Abu Dhabi World Rally Team Fiesta RS WRC won in Wales, in such style. Well done to all involved, making this year's Rally GB one of the best in a long time, proving the new 1.6-litre turbo format is a winning formula. Roll on 2012. Can Sebastian Loeb make it nine titles?

Sebastian: Success In The Name

It seems if you want to be the most successful in motorsport, naming your kids Sebastian is the way forward. The ‘Sebs’ are ganging up on Michael Schumacher. Not so long ago the all-conquering German’s remarkable tally of records – these included an unprecedented seven world championship titles, 91 race victories, 76 fastest laps, 68 pole positions plus 13 victories in one season – all seemed invincible… but not any more. In Formula One, fellow countryman Sebastian Vettel is making big in-roads into Schumacher’s seemingly impregnable records while, on Sunday, rally superstar Sébastien Loeb clinched an eighth straight FIA World Rally Championship title to become the most successful driver in motorsport history. The Frenchman’s eighth world championship not only eclipses Schumacher but also the achievements of motorcycle legend Valentino Rossi who also has seven world championship crowns to his name in MotoGP/500cc. "For sure I’m proud to become the most successful driver in motorsport and feel very happy," said 37-year-old Loeb who has amassed an unparalleled 67 wins from 151 starts in the WRC. "We were equal until this week with Michael Schumacher who had seven – now we have eight. I don’t really want to compare different branches of the sport but it’s very special. I never thought I’d achieve this when I started my career." Having originally competed as one of France’s top young gymnasts, Loeb switched to rallying in the mid-nineties and first came to international prominence when winning the Super 1600 Drivers’ Cup, the predecessor to the Junior World Rally Championship in 2001. The following year he joined the Citroën factory team and together with co-driver Daniel Elena scored a first WRC victory in Germany. After finishing championship runner-up by just a single point in 2003, Loeb took his first world crown in 2004 and now has mounted seven successful title defences. The Frenchman’s phenomenal dominance has cemented his reputation as one of the greatest names in sporting history and he says he has no intentions of lifting his foot off the throttle just yet. "I started rallying for passion and I feel the same sensation when I’m in the car. I still enjoy rallies – that’s my main motivation. It will not change my life if it’s seven titles, eight titles or nine. I enjoy the moment and like what I do," he explained. Having renewed his contract with Citroen, Loeb will be gunning for a ninth consecutive title when the 2012 FIA World Rally Championship kicks off with the famous Monte Carlo Rally in January. And understandably the champion’s confident of setting even more records. "We have won eight titles in a row and I can only have the goal to win another title next year," he remarked. "There is no precise plan for the day I stop driving – at the moment the next goal is the next title. If I can make it 10 titles I hope I can but I don’t know. I take everything year after year. For now my goal is next year; after that I will see." While Loeb will start 2012 as the man to beat, he faces increasing rivalry in the years ahead as the FIA World Rally Championship becomes more and more competitive. This year’s title race went right down to the wire as Ford’s Mikko Hirvonen mounted a major challenge and with factory MINI and VW teams gearing up for full scale attacks in 2012 and 2013 the opposition is set to become stronger and stronger.
FIA WORLD CHAMPIONS
Sébastien Loeb (FRA) – 8 titles (WRC)
Michael Schumacher (GER) – 7 titles (F1)
Juan Manuel Fangio (ARG) – 5 titles (F1)
Juha Kankkunen (FIN) – 4 titles (WRC)
Tommi Mäkinen (FIN) – 4 titles (WRC)
Alain Prost (FRA) – 4 titles (F1)
Jack Brabham (AUS) – 3 titles (F1)
Niki Lauda (AUT) – 3 titles (F1)
Nelson Piquet (BRA) – 3 titles (F1)
Ayrton Senna (BRA) – 3 titles (F1)
Jackie Stewart (GBR) – 3 titles (F1)

2012 BMW M5 Twin-Turbo V8 Video

To BMW M5 purists, the new 2012 model, being launched today in Europe to the press is heresy – as it's ditched the normally-aspirated M-lumps of old legendary M5's in favour of a 4,395cc Twin Scroll Twin Turbo unit, offering 560bhp (at 6,000rpm), 501ft-lb torque (max torque at just 1500rpm), delivered though a new seven-speed DCT transmission, M differential and, of course (thank God!) rear wheel drive. Quoted acceleration time are: 0-100km (0-62mph) in 4.4 seconds (E60 M5 took 4.7 seconds), 0-200km (0-124mph) in 13 seconds dead and a limited top speed of 250kmh (155mph), although an "M-Drivers-Package" will increase top speed 305km/h (189mph). And it'll do 28.5 mpg. But, best of all, it drifts like a good 'un, as all M5's should. Check out this lovely BMW video to prove it...

770BHP Audi Quattro S1 Group B Monster

Being a bobble hat brigade member since I could stand, when I was lucky enough to watch all the Group B legends spit gravel, pop flames and fly, this excites me, greatly, even if it is a replica... Meet the ProSpeed Bulgaria Audi Quattro S1. This 770bhp monster is being driven superbly by racing driver Niki Zlatkov, 2011 Champion of Bulgarian Hill Climb Championship. Enjoy the best ever sound in rallying! Just listen to the five cylinder, huge boost roar, wastegate flutter and ultra aggro launch control. Frankly... it doesn't get much better, eh?

Porsche GT2 RS Vs Streets of LA

After complaining about the car's poor performance in the hot desert sunshine, American Top Gear take the Porsche GT2 RS onto the cool night air streets of downtown LA, with a full police escort and total shut down, for an urban night rip to die for. Enjoy!

Ken Block Big Jump: WRC Wales Rally GB Power Stage

Ken Block may not be the fastest in WRC – that honour, predicatbly, went to Mr Loeb again for 2011 (making it an incredible eight titles!), and Jari-Matti Latvala for top dog in Wales. But the American viral internet star can still show the others how to tackle a big jump, as this video shows. Awesome dude! Colin would be proud!

2011 WRC Wales Rally GB: Best Of

Everyone has said it was one of the best Rally GB's in ages, with the usual wet Welsh gravel and difficult stages catching folk out, dramatic retirements, big air, close battles and enthusiastic fans on the classic Welsh forest and coastal stages. Big congratulations to Ford and Jari-Matti Latvala for his win, to Sebastian Loeb for his amazing 8th championship and to Kris Meeke, for rounding off a great first season for the Prodrive MINI, almost on the podium. Sit back and enjoy the highlights bobble hatters.

Leg1 Highlights: 2011 WRC Wales Rally GB

A rare tarmac stage on Rally GB in Wales, with some nicely edited, full chat footage, before the action starts a-proper in the slippery gravel forests, on leg one. By midday today, that man Sebastian Loeb is back in charge, Mikko Hirvonen's title fight is over after he was forced to stop on the road section back to the Builth Wells service with a damaged radiator (after beating Loeb on SS6), Jari-Matti Latvala is up to second and Matts Ostberg and Henning Solberg battle it out to get on the podium. Can Loeb nail another win in his eight WRC title winning year? Or will the Welsh forest punish him? Only time will tell. Exciting stuff. And just how aggro is the anti-lag system on the MINI? Can Kris Meeke get a podium? We love Rally GB.

Hot Rod Drifting

Hot Rod's Mike Finnegan takes a ride with Vaughn Gittin Jr. in two of his badass Mustang muscle drift cars! One of them is the 1969 Mustang Fastback – RTR-X (Ready To Rock-X, built for Need For Speed Team) – an all-new Dynacorn body powered by a Motec-injected Boss 302 Coyote. Beasts. Sideways. Tyre smoke. What's not to love?

Need Performance Car Parts? NEW Partsmeister!

Road friends, mad drag racer, Andy Robinson (see: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_17) and Lawrence Stewart (ex-Car Planet Racing) have created a "new concept in elite performance distribution equipment" – www.partsmeister.net. They've just returned from SEMA armed with a load of fabulous contacts, to bring performance car fans the very best tuning parts from the States. And they are using their army of great contacts from years drag and Time Attack racing in the UK, to bring customers the very best performance parts – brakes, chassis, suspensions, drivetrain, engine, aero, turbo and superchargers, fuel systems, Nitrous Oxide, wheels etc. – all on a fabulous looking and functioning website. Check it out!

Road Magazine & Green Car Design Link Up

Road Magazine and Green Car Design are pooling resources and joining forces, sharing content and more, right here on the blog and in www.roadmagazine.co.uk monthly magazine. If you haven't already seen the slick, sexy, stylish and on-trend eco design automotive media brand that is Green Car Design, then check it out at www.greencardesign.com. It's another great, stylish, original FREE magazine and website, like us. GCD is an online magazine created to bring innovative design ideas and eco initiatives in the automotive world to the forefront of the news. The website and magazine was founded by the very talented Hannah Macmurray in 2008. She's a former car designer, having worked for big brands like Honda and Mercedes, who diverted into automotive journalism in 2004. All the excellent, image-led content is independent and you'll find green and eco car reviews, great interviews with key members of the eco-auto movement, car show reports, event reports, trends, resources and even jobs (they currently are employing an assistant editor, if you have the talent...?) up there. Road Magazine and GCD are in the process of sharing ideas, content and more, so expect to see more from their talented team here on the Road blog and in the monthly magazine soon. Welcome to Team Road Hannah and co! You can read more about this here: http://www.newspress.co.uk/ViewPressRelease.aspx?pr=32783

And follow GCD on Twitter @greencardesign, on FB at www.facebook.com/greencardesign and also Road Magazine on Twitter @roadmagazine and FB at www.facebook.com/roadmagblog. 

David Binks RXGP Final In-Car

Ever wondered what the view from inside a fire-breathing top-line Rallycross car is like? Want to know how the sideways bumper-to-bumper action looks, sounds and feels? Then check this out! This is David in action at the final 2011 RXGP round, at Croft Circuit, which, unfortunately he was knocked out of, literally, as this video shows. Ouch! But this month's Road magazine cover story follows David Binks and Marcus Gronholm in the Best Buy Ford Fiesta Mk7, fighting it out in the British Rallycross Championship, winning in style. You can read the article here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_20_small. Love it!

New Track Day Website: Motorsportdays.com

Road Magazine has discovered a useful new track and test day listings website – www.motorsportdays.com. The website is aimed at the expanding track day market, racers searching for test dates and anyone after insurance or top-line instruction (including from Road Magazine!). Motorsport Days founder and Caterham racer, Ben Whibley said: "We will keep drivers notified of upcoming track days & test days in one easy-to-read weekly newsletter and full comprehensive list online. I got the idea for the site when I first started track days and found it difficult to find them and what was going on, where and for how much. So we collected a lists of all the various tracks and track day organisers to get the best days at the best prices. We have built up a list of hundreds of drivers looking for this service. And we will be expanding the site to offer help on tuition, insurance and getting the best out of track days and attending race meetings. We aim to make the site a one-stop-shop for anyone wanting to do track days and test for racing. Meanwhile, our weekly newsletter continues to be a hit with our readers with available track days over the week and including current news and UK races. The best way to keep up-to-date is registering at www.motorsportdays.com." The site will go fully live from January 2012 and will include features as well as regular helpful newsletters including details on “hot laps” around circuits by race winners! For more information please e-mail MSD on contact@motorsportdays.com, alternatively you can call Ben Whibley on  +44 (0) 7885 258769 or Nick Reffitt on +44 (0) 7702 155390. Looks like a useful, well organised service if you are into your track time... bravo!

VW Polo R Testing @ Rally GB

The stunning, exciting new VW Polo R WRC test team will be at this week's Rally GB in Wales, the final round of the 2011 WRC Championship. As we revealed with a video last week (see below), the extensive testing programme for the Volkswagen Polo R WRC is now underway, with double World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz and Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management for the Development Division seen clocking up crucial development mileage through the German countryside. And now the ante is being raised, as Volkswagen Motorsport returns to competition later this week, taking part in Wales Rally GB, 10-13 November. Cool! The team heads to Wales, again running two Škoda Fabia S2000s, for the final round of the 2011 World Rally Championship (WRC), with German Sepp Wiegand joined by Dakar Rally winning co-driver Timo Gottschalk and Dutchman Kevin Abbring partnered with co-driver Lara Vanneste. As a key step in the development phase, as well as driver evaluation, the team is looking to optimise this fourth and final competitive run of 2011 ahead of a more intensive testing programme next season before the Polo R WRC makes its competitive debut in 2013. For more information on Volkswagen Motorsport, or the Polo R WRC please visit www.volkswagen-motorsport.com.

2012 Michelin 'Eating Out In Pubs' Guide

They say the journey is more important than the destination. But knowing where you can stop for a cracking lunch or dinner is a must for us at Road HQ, on any road trip. And Michelin's new 'Eating out in pubs' guide for 2012 is a cracking glovebox item to carry around the UK with you... guaranteeing you a lush lunch to fuel you on your way, and make a road trip. The pub of the year is The Pipe and Glass Inn, in South Dalton, near Beverley (pictured). Rebecca Burr, Editor of the guide, said: "This award is given to a pub which we feel offers something extra special. Here it is a combination of factors which include the warmth of the welcome, the friendliness of the staff, the character of the place and, of course, the food. The Pipe and Glass Inn is a wonderfully warm pub and nothing is ever too much trouble for the owners." See more at www.pipeandglass.co.uk, and pick up a copy of the Michelin guide in bookshops and online from Friday 4 November, priced at £13.99 (€16.99 in Ireland).

Prodrive Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Test

The brand new Prodrive-built Aston Martin Vantage GT3 is up and running, and here's the video from the first test at Prodrive's own proving ground in Warwickshire, driven by Jonny Adam. Looking quick as sick, mean and moody in matt black and with that huge rear wing. Batman, eat your heart out! Can't wait to see it race in 2012... can you?

Top Gear's "The Stig" Following Road Magazine

Another star following us on Twitter (@roadmagazine) – none other than Top Gear's very own "The Stig!" We are honoured. Thanks speedy chap. Keep up the good work. You're in good company, with The Hoff, The Mayor of London and many more following our motoring ramblings. So, come on Road blog followers... get following us on Twitter too: https://twitter.com/#!/roadmagazine. And like us on our new Facebook pages while you are at it!
www.facebook.com/roadmagblog and www.facebook.com/roylemedia. Thank you.

Like Royle Media On Facebook

Road Magazine and blog PR company, www.roylemedia.co.uk, offer a one-stop-shop for all your automotive PR needs – from perfectly-written, targeted, easy-to-digest press releases, to eye-catching, brilliant design for promotional material, outstanding imagery and video work, social media campaigns, websites and much more, at very affordable rates, with first rate customer service. Their clients include Mitsubishi Motors, Chevron Racing, Castle Combe Circuit, Sport 1's Turbo Automagazin TV, RMA Track Days, Leyton Clarke Racing and many others. They have just set up their Facebook page, to like, so please have a look at it, share it, see some of their work and like them at www.facebook.com/roylemedia.

Like Road on Facebook!

Road Magazine has had a presence on Facebook since our humble beginnings in 2009, but we've just created a new page, where you can 'like' us and get updates, see new behind-the-scenes images, comment more easily and the usual Facebook goodies. We want to hear from you guys and gals, and be liked! So get clicking! And all the posts from the daily updated blog, latest monthly magazine releases and more will be promoted up here too... please do show your support, and share us about via http://www.facebook.com/roadmagblog. Many thanks.

Andreas Mikkelsen Wins IRC

Andreas Mikkelsen is the new 2011 Intercontinental Rally Challenge drivers’ champion – after winning the title showdown decider, the Cyprus Rally, in his factory-prepared ŠKODA UK Motorsport Fabia S2000. Well done Andreas – a great drive, and season, in only your first full IRC year! Incredible! Andreas has led the last six rounds of the series, won the final two rallies and set fastest time on an unmatched 38 special stages. ŠKODA said: "It’s been a highly successful IRC campaign for ŠKODA, which successfully defended its IRC manufacturers’ title. It recorded 100 fastest special stage wins out of a possible 150 during the year and six Fabia S2000s filled the top six finishing positions in Cyprus. Co-driven by Ola Fløene, Andreas set seven (out of 11) fastest stage times in Cyprus and led for all but one stage – losing his lead momentarily after a spin on SS3. The mixed-surface stages in the mountains above the host town of Pafos provided a great challenge and a fitting finale to a fantastic IRC season.. Andreas won the Cyprus Rally by 1min 40.5secs and become IRC drivers’ champion in sensational style." In recognition of his performance and achievement, Andreas received the Colin McRae IRC Flat Out Trophy. The recipient is selected by a three man judging panel consisting of Jimmy McRae, Gilbert Roy (Eurosport) and Jean-Pierre Nicolas (IRC), and it’s the second time that Andreas has been honoured with the award (the first at the Prime Yalta Rally in Ukraine). Andreas said: "To become IRC champion is such a fantastic feeling, the likes of which I have never felt before. It’s been a tough season, which didn’t start so well in Monte Carlo but which has got better and better. We’ve had a fantastic second half of the year and, wow, to finish with a win in Cyprus and the IRC drivers’ title – I can hardly believe it has happened. It’s like a dream. The last three stages of this rally were the longest of my life and I was imagining so much noise in the car that I’ve never heard before. Crossing the finish line was very emotional and I was crying like a baby! I’d really like to thank everyone at ŠKODA UK Motorsport and ŠKODA Motorsport for giving me this opportunity this year. It’s a special moment for everyone." Robert Hazelwood, ŠKODA UK Director: "What an incredible end to the 2011 IRC season. I’m personally delighted for Andreas and Ola on their fantastic season, which has resulted in two wins and the IRC drivers’ title. Their championship win is richly deserved, as they’ve been getting faster and faster throughout the year and held their nerve under pressure – and nowhere more so than in Cyprus. Andreas is a very mature and quick driver, and it didn’t take him long to achieve his first major rally title. Many congratulations from everyone at ŠKODA UK." And from us at Team Road.

Beat The Winter Blues at Ascari With RSR Nurburg

Road friends from the Nurburgring, RSR Nurburg (http://www.rsrnurburg.com) have come up with a great way to beat the Winter blues – by taking a two-day Group C blast around the amazing Ascari Race Resort this December. Customers can experience the combination of downforce, grip and race engineering on the world famous Ascari Track in PRC (Pedrazza Racing Cars) BMW Group C's with 360PS and a Hewland 5-speed sequential gearbox, as used in Sportscar Challenge and Hill Climb Racing. The package starts with driving three sets of five laps following an experienced instructor on the Ascari Race Resort in a Lotus Elise to get used to the track and its distinctive features (more laps are available on demand). Then you will receive intensive explanation on the Group C Cars, have your seating arrangement in the car checked and full training by the team at Seibold Auto Sport, with the former European Champion Alexander Seibold who will also be sharing his experience with you all day. You then get 70 glorious minutes over the two days piloting the amazing Group C cars. The event is aimed at experienced track hounds, with no medical problems, and up to code racewear is required. The event takes place on the 10th and 11th of December 2011 and there are very limited numbers, on a first come, first served basis. The package price is 3,450 Euros (and excludes VAT, local taxes, hotels and travel costs). And RSR have laid on a special rate at the nearby five Star Kempinski Estepona hotel from 125 Euros (single) and 145 Euros (double + 8%VAT.). For those with serious wedge, who wish to arrive in style, helicopter transfer from the hotel to Ascari is available by request. Contact craig@rsrnurburg.com for booking and more details on this amazing experience, and visit http://www.rsrnurburg.com. Interested?

1st Motorsport UK Show

Road Magazine and www.roylemedia.co.uk were at the brand new Motorsport UK Show (www.motorsportshow.co.uk) at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry this weekend. The event – designed to promote British Motorsport and attended by 100 traders within the race, rally, drag and even hovercraft scenes – will be covered by Motors TV (www.motorstv.com), with presenters Neil Cole and Gemma Scott, who we had meetings with, and you guys are going to see, hear and read a lot more of in www.roadmagazine.co.uk very soon, so stay tuned...

D1 Ultimate GT Ice Driving With Juha Kankkunen

Road Magazine friends, D1 Ultimate GT (www.ultimate-gt.com) are currently chatting with us about a forthcoming special offer, of which we'll tell you all more soon here and via www.roadmagazine.co.uk. Meantime, see their amazing ice driving courses firsthand in this sweet trailer. There's ice driving, and there's ice driving like D1 Ultimate GT do it... in amazing, gorgeous, top line Lamborghini and Maserati supercars, on perfectly-prepared ice lakes in stunning Kuusamo, Lapland, Finland... and, best of all, being taught by four times World Rally Champion, Juha Kankkunen. Do car experiences get any better than this? We think not... Stay tuned for more from the D1 team here soon. Simply awesome.

New 2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RSR Unveiled

God. How good does this look? It's the brand new Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, for the 2012 season. And we want one! Ready to race, out of the crate, the top model of Porsche Motorsport’s customer racing vehicles will head into the 2012 season with extensive modifications. Particularly striking at first glance are the changes to the body: It's 48 millimetres wider, built to conform to the A.C.O. “LM” GTE regulations. Porsche say: "The 911 represents the crowning pinnacle of a range of successful customer sport race cars that are based on the 997 type 911 GT3 RS street sports car." Powering the new 911 GT3 RSR is a particularly efficient six-cylinder boxer engine with a four-litre capacity. With a mandatory air-restrictor, it generates 460 hp (338 kW) and drives the 310 millimetre wide rear wheels. The diameter of the front wheels has increased by 30 mm to now measure 680 millimetres. The Porsche sequential six-speed gearbox is operated via paddle shifts on the steering wheel. The nose and rear panels are adapted to the flared front and rear wheel arches, as are the door sill and the wheel arch coverings. The aerodynamic concept is complemented by a new ducting of the intake air. Openings in the rear side sections, as known from the turbo variants of the Porsche 911, replace the air scoop on the engine hood, which is very similar to the 911 GT2 RS street sports car. The new 911 GT3 RSR can be raced at the Le Mans 24 Hours, the FIA World Endurance Championship, the Le Mans Series, the American Le Mans Series as well as the International GT Open and in other series and races. "Our customer teams can expect a technically mature, high performance race car with which they will be highly competitive at international long distance races," assures Hartmut Kristen, Head of Porsche Motorsport. "Our test programme on various international race tracks is currently running at full speed. We are very pleased with the car’s performance and driveability."

Delivery is available from January 2012 and the selling price is 498,000 Euro plus value added tax of the respective countries. Gorgeous! And a sure-fire pedigree winner, like all the others... you likey? See more pics at: http://www.porsche.com under News.