VIDEO: Fiat 126 With Yamaha FZR 1000cc Bike Engine

Our pals at www.roylemedia.co.uk recently shot this incredibly bonkers Fiat 126 with a 155bhp and 11,000rpm Yamaha FZR 1000cc Exup bike engine and rear-wheel-drive for the absolutely fabulous http://www.pistonheads.com. See their story here: http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=52&i=25093. It surely re-defines the stealth car?! Cameras supplied by the ace http://www.dogcamsport.co.uk. Likey? We certainly did...

NEWS: Road Magazine Update

A great big chunk of our beloved 300,000 Road Magazine readers and 63,500 blog fans seemed to have missed that:
(A) We have a new Timeline Facebook page, with background pictures (lots of famous faces to spot), cool news, competitions, info, links to other social media etc. Please take a moment out of your lives to LIKE us and share us with your friends and family here – http://www.facebook.com/roadmagblog –  so you can see what we are up to with the daily blog and monthly magazine nice and easily. You can even click like on Facebook box in right hand menu bar below. Thanks!
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(B) You can now read all current and back issues of FREE monthly Road Magazine on your smart phone or tablet, as well as your Mac or PC. Just visit http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine to read all 30 FREE magazines (where you can also subscribe FREE for alerts for new issues), or click on this link on the blog: http://roadmagazine.blogspot.com/p/road-magazine-back-issues.html  
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(C) We have a Twitter feed at: https://twitter.com/#!/roadmagazine
Please do follow us and engage with us there. There's LOTS of cool things to enjoy.

Finally, do let other auto-minded friends and family know about our monthly magazine, daily blog and social media: The more, the merrier. Thanks so much, Editor, Phil Royle

FOR SALE: Amazing 1000PS Mitsubishi Evo Drag Car

This incredible 1000PS (dyno proven 1094bhp and 842bhp ATW) Mitsubishi Evo drag car www.roylemedia.co.uk lined up for German TV star and race ace, Tim Schrick to test last year (see the full article here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_17) is now for sale here in the UK! It's an absolute bargain at just £30,000, as it's loaded with potent performance parts worth a lot more than that. Owner, Andy Robinson, will also supply a PPG drag gear set with the car if the asking price is paid, and that is the final link in the chain needed to make this an easy 9-second quarter mile car, if not quicker. Only for the brave! If you are interested, you can find out more via: https://www.facebook.com/pages/UK-Drag-Evo/185113124860809 , and to make an offer call Andy on +44(0)7970 779910.

NEWS: 2012 ALMS Falken Porsche RSR Breaks Cover

Falken Tyres have just unveiled their all-new for 2012 America Le Mans Porsche 997 RSR in its striking blue and green fresh livery – just ahead of its second Sebring test on the 28th and 29th February. Bryan Sellers will share the new for 2012 car with Wolf Henzler in the ALMS season opener at the Florida venue on March 17th. The 2012 event marks both the 60th running of the 12-Hour race at Sebring as well as opening the new FIA World Endurance Championship. Porsche’s 2012 911 GT3 RSR has both a wider front and rear track width along improved suspension geometry and aerodynamics and Falken’s is one of only four new race-designated Porsches in the U.S. "Clearly, expectations run high throughout the team, based on our strong showing last year and fourth place finish in the GT points standings," says Nick Fousekis, Falken’s Director of Motorsports and Consumer Events. "Team Falken was successful in 2011 as a result of brilliant race strategy by Derrick and the tremendous driving efforts of Wolf and Brian, and we fully intend to leverage that teamwork with this new race car as we commence our third full season of race competition." Looks good and you will be able to see and hear it go in testing and races here on the Road Magazine blog.

VIDEO: On Stage With Ken Block's H.F.H.V. Fiesta

Here's a neat in-car video of Ken Block on one of the stages of the Rally In The 100 Acre Woods event, on his way to a sixth consecutive victory. Impressive... and nice fast stages too where you really don't want to go off. TREE!!!

VIDEO: Ken Block Wins 2012 Rally In The 100 Acre Wood

Rally is getting more and more popular in the states, at last. No doubt that's a lot to do with Kenny of the Block, who just won his 6th Rally In The Woods, the second round of Rally America. Well done Ken! The Monster World Rally Team’s Ken Block and Alex Gelsomino piloted their 2012 Ford Fiesta H.F.H.V. in the dry dusty woods of Salem, MO. Ken blitzed 15 of the 17 stages, winning by a 29.3 second margin over over Subaru Rally Team USA’s David Higgins and Craig Drew. The third round of the Rally America National Championship takes place at the Oregon Trail Rally May 4-6 in Portland, OR. For more info see:
www.rally-america.com.

VIDEO: 2012 Daytona 500 Multi-Car Crash

So Daytona 500 2012 was a bizarre, action-packed affair – with rain and fire (Juan Pablo Montoya crashed into the 'safety' fire truck) causing over hours of delays! The all-American event was eventually won by Matt Kenseth for the second time at the iconic Daytona Interantional Speedway. But what we all cue up for with the 500 is multi-car crashes, and here's a cracker, on lap two, when Elliott Sadler gets into the back of Jimmie Johnson and sends him hard into the outside wall. Jimmie Johnson also collects David Ragan, Danica Patrick, and Kurt Busch. 2011 Daytona 500 champion Trevor Bayne was also involved in the wreck. Awesome!
Here are the results for the Daytona 500:
1st: Matt Kenseth
2nd: Dale Earnhardt Jr.
3rd: Greg Biffle
4th: Denny Hamlin
5th: Jeff Burton
6th: Paul Menard
7th: Kevin Harvick
8th: Carl Edwards
9th: Joey Logano
10th: Mark Martin

NEWS: Fiat Panda & Goodyear 'EfficientGrip' Rubber

The all-new Fiat Panda will be shod with Goodyear’s new FuelSaving Technology 'EfficientGrip' tyres. Pandas with the popular 15 inch fitment will all get the EfficientGrip tyres, which Goodyear say will "deliver high performance on grip and braking, and incorporate the company’s advance FuelSaving Technology." The Fiat Panda joins a long line of Fiat Group brands on Goodyear tyres, which is already being fitted on models like the Fiat 500 TwinAir, the new Lancia Ypsilon, the Fiat Bravo, Alfa Romeo 159 and the Lancia Delta. Goodyear’s new EfficientGrip is the company’s leading Ultra High Performance (UHP) tyre – specifically designed to help reduce fuel consumption thanks to its FuelSaving Technology. Recent independent tests on the performance of Goodyear’s EfficientGrip, conducted by TÜV SÜD Automotive (a leading European testing and certification organization), revealed the tyre’s rolling resistance is 13% lower than the average results of its tested competitors, enabling an improve transfer of power from engine to the road. Fuel tests show an average 1.9% reduction in consumption when driving on EfficientGrip while braking distance on wet and dry were reduced by 2% as compared to the average of the three tested competitors. Further testing also showed excellent results for the potential mileage of the tyre, with a car equipped with EfficientGrip managing, on average, up to 8% more distance on the drive wheels and 49% more on the driven wheels, delivering another significant advantage for motorists and the environment above. Additionally, the EfficientGrip tread compound is built on the company’s latest generation of polymers and weighs 10% less than its predecessor. And the tyre also uses less material for the construction of the tyre, helping to reduce the use of resources and emissions during production. "The low rolling resistance is the key indicator telling us whether we will achieve lower power consumption and reduced CO2 emissions," says Elena Versari, Head of Car Marketing for Goodyear Dunlop Tyres in Italy "Our objectives in terms of benefits for the consumer were extremely ambitious and have been achieved by using advanced materials and the latest developments in production techniques. With the new FuelSaving Technology we are now able to present a more environmentally considerate tyre, with very low rolling resistance, that meets both our stringent performance requirements of Goodyear as well as some of the toughest regulatory requirements," Versari adds. “The new Fiat is a car with some significant heritage, and we are proud to have been selected to fit Goodyear’s EfficientGrip tyres on this almost legendary vehicle’, states Hugues Despres, Goodyear’s Marketing Director EMEA. “Reducing a car’s impact on the environment is a common priority for the entire automotive industry and we will continue to play our part in helping the industry achieve new standards. EfficientGrip is our latest answer to meeting this need.” Impressed? We are...

NEWS: Amazing Sumo Power Drift Car For Sale

How do you fancy a drift car for 2012? One with real pedigree and more performance parts than you can shake a con rod at! Well, Japanese performance parts specialists and all-round car nuts, Sumo Power are selling their S15 Nissan Silvia (200SX) drift ace. Sumo's Andy Barnes says: "The iconic Nissan Silvia S15 race car from Sumo Power is no ordinary machine. Originally built by HKS Japan, previously the infamous HKS RS2 Genki works car driven by Nobuteru Taniguchi (not to be confused with its lesser spec brother, the RS1), and recently used for drifting events in NISMO Competition.com livery after a complete bare chassis re-commission at Sumo. In 2011 it took the Pirelli European Drift Championship title hammering home its well deserved reputation as the most iconic and inspirational drift car ever built. 
We are offering the car for sale to make way for the next generation of demonstration cars whilst the car is still at its peak of performance having covered only 100kms since the full car overhaul, and it comes with a variety of spare parts and set-up information. No expense has been spared on this incredible car. Sumo Power strived to make this car the greatest in Europe. It remains in absolutely stunning condition outside and inside thanks to countless hours of care and attention at our works rally factory in Daventry." The car is suitable for race or drift competitions – with only minor changes to the setup required. The S15 has a 2.2-litre SR20DET engine packing 430bhp at the wheels using HKS billet internals and blue printed by the Sumo Power engine shop. With less than 100kms since its rebuild at Sumo, the car also contains a like-new HKS 6-speed sequential gearbox, AP air-jacks, Endless brakes, Rays wheels and much, much more (the vast spec list available on request). And with extensive new and used spare parts and wheels packages available, this S15 will be ready to drift or race for 2012. The cost? £42,000 GBP. Shipping is available at extra cost worldwide. For more information, contact Andy Barnes by calling +44 (0)1797 222281 or email abarnes@jrm-group.com. Tempted? We are!

VIDEO: Aston Martin Racing V8 Vantage GTE

2012 sees Aston Martin return to Le Mans for first time since 2008, with a works GT car – and here's some footage of the V8 monster in testing, sounding amazing, and looking fabulous in its iconic Gulf livery. Aston Martin Racing make their return to international GT motorsport in the FIA World Endurance Championship with this beast. The team will campaign this V8-powered Vantage in the GTE Pro category of the eight round series, which spans three continents. At the third round of the championship, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Aston Martin Racing will field a second works Vantage GTE.
The Vantage GTE is a development of the Vantage GT2, with significant improvements to all areas including the engine, drivetrain and suspension. Carrying the iconic Gulf colours, the new car will make its competitive debut at round one of the FIA World Endurance Championship, the 60th anniversary edition of the 12 Hours of Sebring, on March 17th. The driver line-up has been confirmed as Darren Turner (GBR), Stefan Mücke (D) and Adrian Fernandez (MX). Aston Martin Lagonda Chairman David Richards shared his enthusiasm for the new project: "It's great to be returning to our core motorsport activity; production-based GT racing. It formed the basis for Aston Martin's return to competition when the DBR9 GT1-racer was launched in 2004, and it was in GT racing that we achieved our famous victories at Le Mans in 2007 and 2008." We can't wait to see it fly, can you? Good luck Aston...

NEWS: Rare RHD 911S Barn Find

How about this for a barn find? An unrestored right hand drive Porsche 911S, recently unearthed in Ireland after 37 years resting between hay bales – now set to be sympathetically restored by Porsche experts, Autofarm. Crucially, the low mileage ’72 specification Signal Yellow car, an early example registered in Nov 1971, retains many original features together with unique characteristics particular to just the early examples of the 911S for that model year. These include the ‘H1’ headlamp units, aluminium rear centre panel and aluminium engine lid. After brokering the sale, renowned independent Porsche specialist Autofarm is to carry out a modest reconditioning for the new owner, using its 40 years’ of expertise to ensure the patina and period charm the car enjoys will remain. The discovery of the low mileage and full history car comes at a time when appreciation of the S is rising, with prices for restored versions hovering just under £100,000. Autofarm’s Josh Sadler said: "The 1972 S is a brilliant specification with more power, the better gearbox and was the first road Porsche with the front air dam. This car had covered just 78,000 miles and all of the specific parts that usually rust are still there. These include the seal flange on the front slam panel that was a notorious corrosion point that was changed midway in 1973 to solve the issue and the oil tank with the alloy oil lines and the external filler that confused a number of petrol pump attendants. The rear ‘whale tail’ spoiler is the only significant change, no doubt a fashionable add-on in the 1980s but fortunately the original aluminium version was retained with the car."
A substantial history file shows the car was built in 1971 as one on the first 1972 specification cars to be produced. After a few years in England, the car spent the rest of its life in Ireland with trips back to the factory in 1976 and 1981, clocking up just 20,000 miles since its last Stuttgart visit thirty years ago. "It has survived the last 37 years in Southern Ireland in sufficiently solid order to pass its UK MoT first time," adds Sadler.
The new owner has commissioned Autofarm’s Project division to oversee a sympathetic restoration with a clear aim to retain aspects such as those specific to this early ‘72 model, ensuring it remains one of very few ‘period-correct’ S still in existence. "We have made a careful assessment and the car is remarkably original," adds Sadler. "We are delighted the new owner plans to enjoy the special blend of performance and driving experience that the S offers at a time when prices and interest remain strong."
This is one of a handful of 911S that Autofarm has sold in recent years and parties looking for an S should contact Autofarm as Sadler has a further excellent and original car coming soon as well as his own S in race trim available. Before the introduction of the RS, the 911S was the flagship in the 911 road car range. The 1972 specification car generated 190bhp from its 2.4 engine as well benefitting from the stronger 915 gearbox. Weighing just 1050kg and with the longer wheelbase, the S is often considered to be the most exhilarating of ‘mainstream’ 911s. Cool eh?

VIDEO: Polo R WRC IN Action On Snow, Austria

Fresh from testing in Monte Carlo, VW recently attended the Volkswagen Winternight in Ellmau, Austria. And here you can see the ace new VW Polo R WRC, with Sébastien Ogier at the helm, up against "El Matador" WRC hero, Carlos Sainz in the Race Touareg. 

NEWS: Subaru Legacy Tourer 2012 Upgrades

Subaru has announced a series of technical revisions and equipment upgrades for the already monster spec, fabulous Legacy Tourer, as tested in our Subaru special: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_23_subaruspecial/1. The fast and frugal horizontally-opposed, flat four Boxer diesel engine has now got a revised turbocharger, new exhaust camshaft timing and lighter con rods, to cut fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions (all diesel models fall below 160 g/km CO₂ to deliver tax savings). The six-speed manual gearbox has been uprated with wider gear teeth, new synchromesh, lower friction bearings and low-viscosity transmission oil. And the suspension is retuned, with uprated bushes for the front anti-roll bar stabiliser, new rear suspension arms (saving two kilo unsprung mass) and new pillow-ball bushes in the rear wishbones to reduce friction and provide a smoother ride. The result is an improvement (compared to the previous Boxer diesel Legacy) in fuel economy of over seven per cent, to 49.6mpg (combined), while CO₂ emissions are cut by up to 7.5 per cent, to 149 g/km. Importantly, the latter drops the car’s VED band down to level F, saving customers £35 per year. Subaru say: "The improvements in economy and emissions haven’t undermined the diesel-powered Legacy Tourer’s performance. Generating 147PSs at 3,600 rpm and 350Nm between 1,600 and 2,400 rpm, the diesel unit powers the car from zero to 62 mph in 9.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 120 mph." There are now five versions of the Legacy Tourer, with a diesel or petrol engine and three trim levels – depending on model. New Legacy Tourer prices start at £26,865 (OTR) and cover a £4,510 range. And each model is so comprehensively equipped that the only factory-fitted option will be special paint finishes, priced at £500, whilst the high-res rear-view safety camera is now standard across the five-model range and all new Legacys to benefit from Subaru’s ETCo aftercare package. Exterior changes now include smaller, aerodynamically smoother door mirrors and the availability of a fresh new colour – Ice Silver Metallic. Whilst inside, the 2012 Legacy sports a single-CD unit featuring a large LCD display screen together with USB and iPod connectivity and steering wheel-mounted controls. And on diesel models (with manual transmission) the instrument cluster now has a ‘shift-up’ indicator to encourage an economical driving style. Best of all, SE and SE NavPlus models now feature a ‘Sports Package’ which comprises a sports front bumper and front grille, dark tinted headlamps, larger 18-inch alloy wheels and special Bilstein dampers – yay! SE NavPlus models also feature a new DVD navigation system as standard, with a high-resolution eight-inch display for optimum clarity.
2012 Subaru Legacy Tourer range

Model	£Price (OTR)	CO2 g/km	VED band	Insurance group	£P11D value
Diesel
2.0D S	26,865	149	F	20E	26,680
2.0D SE	29,070	156	G	21E	28,850
2.0D SE NavPlus	31,370	156	G	21E	31,150
Petrol
2.5i SE*	29,075	196	J	19E	28,575
2.5i SE Navplus*	31,375	196	J	20E	30,875

*with Lineartronic transmission as standard

NEW TV SHOW: Neil Cole's "The Grid" – Episode 1

Road magazine's fabulous new columnist, TV star, Neil Cole (www.theneilcoleshow.com or
www.neilcole.org) has started a new TV Show – "The Grid," on Sports Tonight Live. It's a very funny, well informed, bang up to date, very relaxed look at the world of motorsport, and is WELL worth a watch. Neil says: "In our first episode, we look forward to the start of the F1 season with a quick round up of all the gossip from the off-season and take a peak at the world of WRC with Rally Sweden, as well as a look ahead at the IRC in the Azores." But there's a lot more to it than that... so check it out! Here's the first episode video. And, if you want to get involved in the show, you can follow the guys on Twitter and maybe even get involved, doing Skype reports from exciting motorsport events, via: https://twitter.com/#!/STL_TheGrid 

And if you've not read Neil's hilarious, controversial, contact-rich columns for Road Magazine yet... why the hell not?! Check his last two out at:

http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_22_small/1
http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_23_subaruspecial/1
And look out for his next great piece in the next FREE monthly issue of www.roadmagazine.co.uk – out later this week...

VIDEO: BMW: Perfect Balance. Perfect Performance.

Lovely little short viral video from BMW on their secret to great handling cars – 50:50 weight distribution. Nice shots of 1M Coupe on the scales and even nicer racing BMW's in action edited in. Sweet...

NEWS: Subaru Announce BRZ Specifications

Subaru has announced the specifications of the eagerly awaited BRZ Coupe, with a typically Subaru-generous kit, three trim levels – including a stripped-out track day spec model – and with the car being backed by ETCo aftercare. Subaru say: "Our stunning new 2+2 coupe has already generated high levels of interest at dealerships, with many customers placing orders before pricing and standard equipment have been announced. Top-specification models will come with 17-inch alloy wheels, a torque-sensing LSD, front, side, curtain and knee airbags, MP3 connectivity, dual-zone climate control and LED daytime running lights. The driver-focussed BRZ will also come with Subaru’s VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) and can be fitted with either a six-speed short-shift manual or paddle-operated automatic transmission. And a second, lower-spec model will also be made available a little later in the year, as will a third ‘stripped out' version, which promises to be the perfect solution for those who wish to tune and fettle the BRZ to their own tastes, as well as track-day enthusiasts." Yay to that! Drift car anyone? Yes please! The BRZ will be available in six eye-catching colours, including Subaru’s trademark WR Blue Mica, Sterling Silver, Satin White, Crystal Black Silica, Dark Grey Metallic and San Remo Red. Subaru’s celebrated horizontally-opposed 200PS normally-aspirated 2.0-litre Boxer engine is to be positioned lower than ever before, with the lowest centre of gravity of almost any vehicle, with half the BRZ’s mass sitting below knee height. It promises a power-to-weight ratio of 164PS per tonne and this, in conjunction with its advanced lightweight chassis and use of cutting-edge lightweight materials, "endows the BRZ with exceptional handling characteristics." And, as with all new Subarus, the BRZ will be available with the brand’s new three-year Everything Taken Care of (ETCo) aftercare package, which offers a host of potential benefits worth over £7,000, free-of-charge.
Subaru BRZ UK specification: 17-inch alloy wheels USB and iPod connectivity
Torque-sensing LSD (Limited Slip Differential) HID headlamps
VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) and ABS Front fog lamps
Front, side, curtain and knee airbags LED daytime running lights
Cruise control system Body-coloured, electric-folding, head door mirrors
Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system Leather seats
Radio CD player with six-speaker system Heated front seats
Key-less entry with Push Button Start system Leather steering wheel and gear knob

We love the new BRZ. It's set to be a fabulous road car, GT3 racer and certain drift car classic and track day hound. What do you lot think?

And, if you like Subarus, you'll love our latest issue of Road magazine, a Subaru special. Check it out FREE on your computer, smart phone or tablet at: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_23_subaruspecial/1

NEWS: 2012 Drift Allstars European Dates

This is the awesome Drift Allstars (http://www.drift-allstars.com/) 2011, Europe's premier drift event, in full flight, and what a sight, and sound it is! Nobody does drift events better across Europe, and 2012 (it's fifth year) is all set to be another massive year for them (and us with them, as we will be bringing you all the action here on the blog and in www.roadmagazine.co.uk), with fabulous live streaming of each round onto the 'net of their seven events across Europe, which include:

Drift Allstars Round 1: Birmingham Speedway, UK, May 18-19th

Drift Allstars kicks off the season at Birmingham Speedway. The finals will be under light and the local Driftworks team in attendance.

Drift Allstars Round 2: London O2 Arena, UK, June 23-24th

After four years at Wembley, it's the bigger, better O2 Arena this year – showcasing the best drivers at the most famous stop of the calendar. Within sight of Canary Wharf, there is no better venue to increase the awareness of Drift Allstars London events.

Drift Allstars Round 3: Punchestown, Ireland, July

Drift Allstars has always had a strong European following, but with such a high percentage of Irish drivers it seemed fitting to launch our first stop of the 2012 international tour in the emerald isle at the famous venue Punchestown. With competitive events taking place at the venue since 2006, could this be the biggest drift event ever to hit Ireland? We reckon...

Drift Allstars Round 4: Constantsa Stadium, Romania, August 17-19th

Following on from the success of the 2011 exhibition event in Bucharest, Constanta seaside resort on the Black Sea, home to the rich and famous of Eastern Europe will play host to Round IV. With a custom venue being built inside the national stadium, this is sure to be one of the biggest events of the year.

Drift Allstars Round 5: Maripocs, Hungary, August 24-25th

Hungary, one of the super powers of European drifting will play host to round V of the tour. With one of the longest standing series in Europe and a revised Maripocs circuit for this event, this is set to be one of the biggest drift festivals in Europe this summer – collaborating with the Eastern European Drift Championship and the Balkan Drift series. Awesome!

Drift Allstars Round 6 (The Finals): Valleta, Malta, September 21-23rd

Drift Allstars returns to Malta once again in 2012, following the successful first international stop in the 2011 series Malta – for the 2012 Finals. There's a brand new exciting venue in this unique Mediterranean island, where drifting is growing bigger every year. Going to be big fun, and who will be crowned champion?

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Nations Cup-Drift Grand Prix, Romania, October 5-7th

After the huge success of the 2011 Exhibition event at the Bucharest GP Circuit 2012, Bucharest will play host to the season ending Nation’s Cup – where the very best drivers from Western Europe will be facing off against the best drivers from Eastern Europe. The 2011 event went down in the record books as the most spectated event ever in Europe with 12 different nations competing and this year it is set to be even bigger.

Niall Gunn, Managing Director of Drift Allstars Europe, commented on the new calendar: “After our launch into Europe in 2011, it’s a natural progression to branch out even further. We found there was a huge demand to bring the show to Europe and having established a foundation in five countries across Europe and further exhibition events planned in Holland, UK and Greece 2012 it is set to be another big year for international drifting.”

It's going to be a hugely exciting year, and we can't wait to bring you all the sideways, tyre smoking, diff chomping action from each round, fascinating behind the scenes driver profiles, amazing video, live web links to watch the backwards entries and tandem drifts as they happen... and way more. There may soon be a Drift All Stars issue of Road too: Watch this space! Follow the action here on the blog and in Road Magazine in 2012, step by step and follow Drift All Stars on Twitter for more to at: https://twitter.com/#!/DRIFTALLSTARS

Get all the dirt drops, jump, feints and inertia drifts here with Road Magazine & Blog drift fans!

VIDEO: 710bhp Ferrari Taster F620 GT

So, we've only a few more days to wait until the replacement for the 599 is unveiled (maybe at Geneva), but Ferrari are teasing us with this flirtatious video. We don't know much, but it should be called the F620 GT, will be the most powerful fezza in its illustrious history offering 710bhp+, will be rear-wheel-drive (good idea after odd FF) and will have a 6.3-litre V12 (like that in FF, only more from it...) and it'll have a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox. Interested?

FUNNY VIDEO: Ken Block Parody

Hats off to this, which made us all laugh in the Road office, a parody, ney homage to Mr Block's gymkhanas, in an old school 1986 56bhp Fiesta Ghia!!! Quality!

NEWS: Road Magazine & Blog on iPhone/iPad etc.

In case you missed it... great news for iPad, iPhone or smart phone owners! You can get all Road Magazines (& the daily blog) on your iPad, iPhone and all smart phones! It's 100% FREE, as ever, naturally. So enjoy our FREE digital auto magazine monthly, published the last week of each month AND read all the many back issues gratis too, not to mention all the fab news, videos and offers here on the blog. How good is that? Do please share this fabulous news with your pals. You can find all the current and 30+ back issues here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine, or http://www.roadmagazine.blogspot.com/p/road-magazine-back-issues.html or on our webiste: www.roadmagazine.co.uk. With digital mobile media expected to outstrip printed demand by 2016, it's no surprise that Team Road is already on it, being the original, best and first global digital car magazine and blog in the UK. Enjoy!

VIDEO: Nürburgring Drifting

Really nice drifting video from the Nürburgring GP Circuit by Clash Productions' Steffan 'Neffi' Kristensen, capturing the sideways action from lots of nice angles, and slick, artistic editing. Good drifting, good video job. Makes sure you watch to the end, to capture some serious fast drift lapping! Ace.

VIDEO: Rally America: Snow Drift

A far cry from WRC Sweden, but this icy, snowy section of Rally America, including some ace night stage footage looked like a lot of sliding fun. The video follows 2WD battle between Chris Duplessis and his Team O'Neil Motorsports R2 Fiesta and Dillion Van Way and his Van Way Racing 272bhp turbocharged Fiesta on the stages of northern Michigan. "Awesome duuuuude!" 

NEWS: KW Suspensions Launch i-Damper Setting App!

Now here's an ice cool app! KW Suspensions have launched a real party piece, currently being demonstrated on their new Audi A6 demo car. It's the revolutionary KW DDC ECU (electronic control unit) with integrated iPhone app. Based on their KW inox-line coilover kit, the DDC ECU uses an optional DDC W-LAN module to allow instant damping adjustment through our KW application for iPhone, iPod and iPad. All you have to do is simply pair your phone, open the application and select your relevant damping setting – Comfort, Normal or Sport. How cool is that? More news on their blog here: http://blog.kw-suspensions.co.uk/?p=4234, including the recent re-vamp of their HQ and the new DDC Plug & Play coilover system, fitted to their new Scirocco R demo car. Innovative stuff from KW, as ever...

Like Road Mag & Blog On Facebook!

If you enjoy all we put on the blog and in www.roadmagazine.co.uk FREE every day and month for you, then please do take a moment to like our new Facebook page, share us with your pals and comment. We upload behind the scenes pictures here, as well as news, videos, special offers and more...
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NEWS: Marcus Grönholm & David Binks Rallycross 2012 Plans

WRC two-times winner and legend Marcus Grönholm (who won three GRC events in 2011) will pair up with Road pal David Binks (3rd in GRC 2011) and the Best Buy Racing Team (Fiesta Mk7) for the Global RallyCross Championship (GRC) in 2012 – with a two car team partnering with Olsbergs Motor Sport Evolution (OMSE) for an all out assault to bring the GRC title and X Games 18 Gold back to Minneapolis. "We are excited to be back in the Global RallyCross with Marcus and David," said Mark Williams of Best Buy Racing. "It is exciting that in 2012 the GRC will reach a broad demographic from fans of the X Games to the larger NASCAR audience. This is the start of a multi-year relationship with OMSE leveraging the GRC’s global expansion as a great way to promote Best Buy Mobile and the Best Buy brand generally." Marcus Grönholm, who claimed a silver and bronze medal at X Games 17 in the Best Buy Fiesta, added: "I am really pleased to be competing in the GRC with Best Buy Mobile and OMSE. Aalthough I won some races last year that is not good enough. I have always wanted to win every time I get in a car and I have some unfinished business in the GRC. I have had a demanding fitness routine over the winter and I know OMSE has continued development of the Ford Fiesta. The competition has stepped up both in the Best Buy team and the field in general. I can’t wait to take Best Buy Mobile to the top of the podium." Grönholm spent the 2011 season with Best Buy Racing in the GRC and in 2012 will be joined by David Binks, the young Englishman who ran several events with Best Buy backing with his family team before moving over to an OMSE run Ford Fiesta. "This is a dream come true for me," said Binks who will turn professional with the team. "The GRC is where everyone wants to be and to partner with Best Buy and OMSE is a great opportunity for me to challenge for wins and ultimately the championship. I will have a little adjustment to US courses and to the jump, but Marcus was a great teammate at Lydden last year and I look forward to working with both he and Andreas again." And Andreas Eriksson, team principal of Olsbergs MSE and the architect behind the Olsbergs Ford Fiesta domination of X Games 15,16 and 17 said: "I am really pleased that Best Buy and Marcus are coming back in 2012. I’ve know Marcus a long time and He is a perfectionist and he pushes everyone, including himself, to be the best they can be – and then to be better! That just raises the game for everybody which is good. I enjoyed running David last year and he showed at Lydden that he has the pace. I think he will surprise a few people this year.”
And you can read a report about Marcus and David's exploits in the Best Buy Fiesta Rallycross car in the British Rallycross Championship here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_20_small

COOL VIDEO: Ken Block: 2012 Schedule

Most folk send a dull, static, badly written press release and a few images... not Kenny of the block. Oh no! He does a cool viral video, of course, called "car porn" – showing off parts of his Hybrid Function Hoon Vehicle (Fiesta GWT!) hitherto unseen, and revealing his involvement in 19 events, across five continents, in five different disciplines, with three different cars, including global rallycross and various North American Rally events in the USA, three WRC races (Mexico in March, New Zealand in June and Finland in August), the Summer X-Games in LA (June 30-July 1st) and of course, Gymkhana V and the Gymkhana World Tour this Summer. As he says "I"m really stoked on how wild my schedule is this year and I love that I'm going to be driving in such a variety of amazing races and events. I have one of the most unique driving programs in the world. I'm a lucky bast**d and I truly appreciate it. It's gunna be one awesome year!" You said it Ken...

NEW BTCC CAR: "Next Generation Touring Car" Civic

Check out the new aggro Honda Racing Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship team "Next Generation Touring Car (NGTC)" – being put through its paces at its first public test outing at Brands Hatch today (21 February 2012). Both Gordon ‘Flash’ Shedden and triple-BTCC champion Matt Neal will be pushing the car to the limit to make it is as competitive as possible ahead of the season debut on 1 April 2012. The testing at Brands Hatch follows a successful preliminary test at the MIRA test track last week where the car underwent extensive system checks to ensure it is fully functional. Matt Neal and the Honda Racing team spent Friday acclimatising to the car and making sure it’s safe and ready for track testing. Matt Neal commented: "This is the first opportunity we have had to get behind the wheel to really see what the car has got. The team are really pleased with the results from the test at MIRA last week and I can’t wait to finally start putting the car through its paces. It will be interesting to see how the car performs, but I’m optimistic that we’ll walk away from today confident we have a championship winning car." Gordon ‘Flash’ Shedden added: "The feedback on the new Civic NGTC car so far is incredibly promising and I’ve been itching to get into the car since the end of the 2011 season. Like Matt mentioned, this is the first time we have had to really push the car and I’m looking forward to putting it into action." And Team Manager, Peter Crolla, concluded: "The team have all been working incredibly hard since the start of the NGTC programme back in August so everybody’s very excited to see the new car on track for the first time.  It’ll be interesting from the point of view of both drivers and engineers to see how the car behaves on a track where we were very competitive with the S2000 Civic and we can really start to understand and develop the new car. The main aim for the day will be to establish a baseline set-up for the car which we can then tune for the various circuits we visit during the season.  Initial feedback from the MIRA shakedown was positive so we’re hoping to continue that today and cover some valuable mileage with both Matt and Gordon behind the wheel." The next testing session takes place at Donington Park circuit on Thursday 23 February, if you fancy a sneaky peak over the wall. Looking good, right? Could be a good year for BTCC folks...

NEW CAR: Subaru XV Crossover Range & Pricing

Subaru has released information and pricing on its new XV Crossover. There will be a massive 11 models, starting from £21,295 for the entry-level 1.6i S, all with "generous equipment levels, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Boxer engines, the highest Euro NCAP rating in its class and three trim levels to choose from: S, SE and SE Lux Premium." The XV is aiming to "firmly establish itself as one of the most capable and best-value-for-money compact crossovers currently available." Three Euro V-compliant Boxer engines are offered with the new XV: 1.6 and 2.0-litre petrol, and 2.0-litre diesel. The 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines develop 114ps and 150ps respectively, while the 2.0-litre diesel produces 147ps and 350Nm. The go-anywhere XV is available with a choice of either a five and six-speed manual or a six-speed CVT automatic (petrol only). Reaching 60mph in 9.3 seconds, the 2.0 diesel XV – likely to be the best-selling variant in the UK – offers class-leading fuel economy of 50.4mpg on the combined cycle, while emitting 146g/km of CO2. Subaru’s XV also features the highest ground clearance and lowest centre of gravity in class, making it a highly capable performer both on and off road. Even entry-level S models feature a standard kit list to make many models from premium compact SUV manufacturers blush. Buyers can expect to find ABS, traction control, Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control (SVDC), front, side, curtain and knee airbags, 17-inch alloy wheels, daytime LED running lights and automatic air conditioning as standard. SE models add cruise control, rear-view camera, Bluetooth functionality and USB/iPod connectivity. Meanwhile, top-of-the-range SE Lux Premium models also come with a sunroof, Keyless Smart Entry, push-button start, leather seats and satellite navigation. All 2.0-litre models are fitted with roof rails. Petrol-powered XV models benefit from Subaru’s new fuel-saving Auto Start Stop System as standard, boosting fuel savings in congested traffic. It was the aim of Subaru engineers to make the engine cut-out virtually unnoticeable to the driver, and they achieved this with a time lapse between stop and start of approximately 0.2 seconds, one of the fastest currently available. Pricing for the new XV range starts at £21,295 for the 1.6i S models, and rises to £29,995 for the range-topping 2.0D SE Lux Premium. For more information about the XV or the rest of the Subaru line-up, visit www.subaru.co.uk.
And remember, you can enjoy plenty of flat four Subaru action in the current issue of Road Magazine here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_23_subaruspecial/1

Wash Your Damn Car!!

Leading pressure washer manufacturer, Kärcher has done a survey revealing 40% of the UK thinks cleaning is purely cosmetic and not an essential part of vehicle maintenance – despite salt corrosion costing the British nation a staggering £500 million every Winter, and 15% of all MOT's fail due to rust, caused primarily by salt corrosion. Apparently, only 9% of us Brits clean their car regularly during the Winter months, despite potentially expensive corrosion damage to vehicles as a result of road salt. And just 11% of drivers clean their vehicles more in the winter – when the threat of corrosion is drastically increased due to the gritting of roads – than in the warmer and drier summer months. The survey also says:  

• Women in particular are more likely to avoid car cleaning in the winter, with 12% admitting they never clean their car during the colder months.
• Over 40% have admitted that cleaning the car is a chore they put off for as long as possible, with 42% of women saying they leave it for their other half to do, compared to just 4% of men who would entrust their partner to do the job.
• It seems as a nation, the UK also lacks knowledge around the best ways to clean their cars to help maintain its value, with 18% of Brits admitting to using washing up liquid to clean their cars and one in 10 (10%) just using water.
• Confidence levels in carrying out maintenance checks at home are significantly higher amongst men, with 80% of men feeling they could change a car battery compared to just 25% of women.
• Car owners feel the least confident in checking underneath the car for any leaks and rust, less than half (45%) felt they would be able to do this.
• This figure reduces further amongst women where just 30% felt they could check underneath their car for damage.
• 65% of people say a clean car makes them feel proud and empowered.
• Men are significantly more likely than women to enjoy cleaning the car (27% vs. 15%).
• A third (31%) of car owners has felt embarrassed by how dirty their car is – this is higher amongst women (37%).
• Overall car owners felt more able to change a battery and a headlight bulb than they did checking the underneath of their car.
• Almost 20% of people admit to using their car as ‘wardrobe on wheels’ or for general storage space.

Phil Springall, Kärcher Home and Garden Marketing Manager, comments: "The fact that that 40% of people don’t see regularly cleaning and maintaining their car throughout the winter as an essential part of its up keep, shows that even the most routine vehicle checks aren't being completed, potentially contributing to the increase in car breakdowns but perhaps more concerning, the increased loss of value. As we know corrosion is at its worst on the underside of your vehicle, Kärcher has developed a remarkably simple innovation – the Chassis Cleaner (http://roadmagazine.blogspot.com/2012/02/new-product-karcher-chassis-cleaner.html)."

"Bond In Motion" Car Collection @ Beaulieu

The National Motor Museum at Beaulieu is attracting huge global interest in its "Bond In Motion" display, launched in mid-January – featuring Bond cars like the 2006 Aston Martin DBS used during the filming of Casino Royale, a severely damaged Aston Martin DBS stunt car which rolled seven and three quarter turns to set a Guinness World Record, the BMW 750iL used in the memorable car park chase scene in Tomorrow Never Dies where Pierce Brosnan’s Bond was seen driving the vehicle remotely from the back seat, using his Ericsson cellular phone, 'Little Nelly' the micro-copter used in You Only Live Twice and lots more besides, like jet skis, bikes, boats etc. Beaulieu’s Commercial Director, Stephen Munn says: "There has been an extraordinary amount of interest in this exhibition, from the general public and press alike, which is incredibly exciting. We have seen a dramatic rise in website hits and an increase of over 100% in our visitor numbers since the opening, at what is normally a quiet time of year. We hope the exhibition will continue to have a significant impact on our visitor numbers throughout the rest of the year." The Beaulieu exhibition is the largest of its kind staged anywhere in the world and celebrates the 50^th year of James Bond films. Visitors get treated to exclusive behind-the-scenes footage showing just how some of the most memorable stunts in the films were created, including interviews with stunt co-ordinators and members of the stunt teams. 'Bond In Motion' will run until December 2012 and can be seen as part of a visit to the whole Beaulieu attraction.  Advance tickets, at a special rate, are available to buy online at www.beaulieushop.co.uk. For further information on the exhibition visit www.bondinmotion.co.uk

VIDEO: SP Engineering Nissan R34 GTR: 1000BHP ATW!

We love the Nissan Skyline at Road Magazine (in balls-out GT-R and sideways GT-St form), and have been lucky enough over the years to blast up drag strips in genuine 1000bhp GT-R's that make the technofest C21st R35 GT-R seem tame. Here's the sort of acceleration and level of modification we are talking about... from USA tuners, SP Engineering (www.sp-power.com). Menacing music for a mean machine... with a genuine 1000bhp at the hubs on tap! Just check out the speedo shot at the end. Phenomenal on full boost and with sequential gearbox eh? Now that's fast... a Veyron eater even?  

Amazing Japanese Drift: JZX100 vs B324R vs AE86

Japan: Home of drifting. And here you see why, as a Toyota JZX100, Nissan Skyline B324R and Toyota Corolla AE86 do battle in a triple tandem street content. Crazy just doesn't even cover it... "MUCHUU" (that's mad in Japanese BTW!).

Audi A1 Quattro Vs Audi Quattro: Snow

Audi have just launched the new, mildy nuts A1 Quattro supermini – all £40,000 and 256bhp/258lb ft of it – on the snow-covered tracks and ice fields of Scandinavia. You'd better be quick if you want one of these in the UK though, as only 20 are coming, and 15 have sold already! Audi are on a bit of a power trip (literally!) of late, with the mad 355bhp, 176mph TT RS upgrade, the new 450bhp 4.2-litre V8 RS4 and now this pocket rocket... but, personally, we still prefer the warbling Audi Quattro's of old... as rally driver, Frank Sprongl kindly demonstrated on the A1 launch, in long wheel base form. Nice... and as he says "modern cars are so easy to drive.' Yawn! Give us a Group B Quattro any day of the week...

NEW CAR: Mégane Renaultsport 265

Renault has just announced details and pricing of its New Mégane Renaultsport 265 – available to order in two versions: 265 Cup available for £24,825 on-the-road and 265 at £26,025. The cars will be in UK showrooms from early April, and boast a 15hp power and 20Nm torque hike in grunt, new ‘Sport’ mode from the Renaultsport Dynamic Management system – changing the exhaust note and offering the full 265hp. There's also a few new options: Renaultsport ‘Red Design Pack’ (red striping on front blade, rear diffuser and side protection mouldings) £350, rear parking camera with front parking sensors for £360 and Visio System by Renault (lane departure warning and auto high/low beam) is available on the 265 priced £300, as well as one new colour, Arctic White. The much revered Cup Chassis Pack is also available on the top-of-the-range 265 for £1,350, with 18” alloy wheels in matt black fitted 235/40 R18 95Y Michelin Sport 2 tyres, grooved brake discs, limited slip differential, red brake calipers, stiffer springs/dampers/anti-roll bars – undoubtedly the one to plug for, harnessing the extra grunt with better dynamics. Renaultsport enthusiasts can also look forward to several new design alloy wheels: 18” ‘Tibor’ matt black for the 265 Cup and when the optional Cup chassis is selected on the 265, 18” ‘Tibor’ satin anthracite fitted as standard to the 265, 19” ‘Steev’ Speedline in a diamond cut finish as an option and 19” ‘Steev’ Speedline in a gloss black finish with a red rim and Bridgestone RE050A tyres as an option. Looking good, sounding good and well-specced and priced... bravo Renault.

NEW PRODUCTS: Mantis High Performance Car Care

There's just a hint of Spring in the air, and that means Road Magazine's Project S4 (http://www.roadmagazine.co.uk/project-cars/) – like your car – is calling out for its Spring clean. And it needs it, after a Winter of salt, icy rain, sleet & snow corrosion. After years of being a motoring hack, I have acquired a garage full of samples from various car cleaning, valeting and detailing companies – some great, others terrible (now filed under B1N!), but I'm always keen to try out more. Mantis (www.mantis-performance.com) endorse the Dulux Trade MSA British Rally Championship – and if their products can clean-up mud-splattered, gravel-bashed rally cars, Project S4 and your road car should present no serious challenge. Mantis kindly sent me three products to test: Scratch Remover (£9.99 RRP), Perfect Wheels foaming rim cleaner and brightener (£9.99 RRP) and a very garish lime green and yellow Microfibre Mitt (£4.99 RRP). (Mantis also offer Instant Shine Waterless Cleaner & Gloss Booster, a Scratch Repair Pen (both £9.99 RRP), a Wheel Brush (£7.99 RRP) and Microfibre Towel twin packs (£4.99 RRP) in their range). As with every Project S4 cleaning session, a good wash is required first and there's no better way to do that than with a Karcher Jet Wash, which never ceases to amaze me how good it is: http://www.roadmagazine.co.uk/2011/05/03/project-s4-karcher-pressure-washer/. A good hand wash and shammy followed, and then it was Mantis test time:
Bad news first... I'm not a fan of the Microfibre Mitt. When dry, its static charge is supposed to "attract and suck-up event he tiniest particles of dust" and when wet it's supposed to "use capillary action to grab and pick up thick dirt." Green fibre stem side is for cleaning and dusting. Flat yellow side is for polishing and buffing. Unfortunately, it just left green and yellow flecks on the car, wet or dry. Maybe it'll be better next time...? Fits well though, so 5/10. Now the good news: Perfect Wheels is perfectly named. Mantis say "it's unique foaming action clings firmly to your wheels, easily lifting off road grime and brake dust for sparkling results that last." Bang on! Just spray it on, brush it into the hard to reach crevices, leave it a bit and jet wash it off: Done! Bling wheels in five minutes. It's an amazing product, faultless, so 10/10. It even managed to make Project S4's 12-year-old rims look good, and that's an impressive cleaning act. Road's S4 is a tidy, low mileage example, but, being the age it is, it does have the odd scratch. Or did... before I used the miraculous Mantis Scratch Remover, designed to "eliminate light surface scratches, swirl marks, scuffs, blemishes and over spray... perfect for restoring dull paintwork back to its original finish." It's magic. Just apply some to a cloth, rub in circular motion over scratches, scuffs etc. with a bit of pressure and, hey presto... mint paintwork and scratches disappeared. First rate gear, so another 10/10. So, there you have it,  two amazing car cleaning and detailing products from Mantis... good enough for British Rally Championship cars, Road's Project S4 and recommended by us for your motor. Try some today via www.mantis-performance.com, or by calling +44(0)207-6913800.

WIN! FREE VIP BTCC Tickets At Your 3 Top Circuits

Want some FREE V.I.P tickets to some Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) events this year? Though you did. Michelin are running a fabulous competition via Facebook, where all you need to do is vote for your favourite circuits, to be in with a chance of winning some first rate V.I.P BTCC action. Winners will enjoy Michelin's first rate hospitality, courtesy of Renault1, and have access to a full day of racing, at not one, not two, but three rounds of BTCC motor racing. Sweet! The winner will get V.I.P tickets to all three circuits they voted for, as randomly selected in the draw. Jianni Geras, Michelin UK head of marketing, said: "It’s not long until the start of the BTCC season and we want to know which circuits are the fans’ favourites. Here at Michelin we’ve already chosen our top three but we want to know the venues that race-goers see as the greatest in British motorsport – as well as reward some fans with a day they will never forget." To enter, visit: on.fb.me/MichelinBTCC. It takes two minutes and you stand to win a few wicked days out...

VIDEO: James Deane: 2011 Drift Allstars European Champion

Not content with being born with one of the coolest possible names, 20-year-old Irish Mazda RX7 drifter, James Deane, blitzed the 2011 Drift Allstars European Championship, winning four of the six event and nailing six podiums. Here, you see how... just awesome skills! Follow his antics and all the rest of the drivers in the seven rounds in 2012 here with Road Magazine & Blog. Join us on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/#!/roadmagazine

Drift All Stars 2012 Events & Road Magazine

This is the awesome Drift Allstars (http://www.drift-allstars.com/) 2011, Europe's premier drift event, in full flight, and what a sight, and sound it is! Nobody does drift events better across Europe, and 2012 (it's fifth year) is all set to be another massive year for them (and us with them, as we will be bringing you all the action here on the blog and in www.roadmagazine.co.uk), with fabulous live streaming of each round onto the 'net of their seven events across Europe, which include:
Drift Allstars Round 1: Birmingham Speedway, UK, May 18-19th
Drift Allstars kicks off the season at Birmingham Speedway. The finals will be under light and the local Driftworks team in attendance.
Drift Allstars Round 2: London O2 Arena, UK, June 23-24th
After four years at Wembley, it's the bigger, better O2 Arena this year – showcasing the best drivers at the most famous stop of the calendar. Within sight of Canary Wharf, there is no better venue to increase the awareness of Drift Allstars London events.
Drift Allstars Round 3: Punchestown, Ireland, July
Drift Allstars has always had a strong European following, but with such a high percentage of Irish drivers it seemed fitting to launch our first stop of the 2012 international tour in the emerald isle at the famous venue Punchestown. With competitive events taking place at the venue since 2006, could this be the biggest drift event ever to hit Ireland? We reckon...
Drift Allstars Round 4: Constantsa Stadium, Romania, August 17-19th
Following on from the success of the 2011 exhibition event in Bucharest, Constanta seaside resort on the Black Sea, home to the rich and famous of Eastern Europe will play host to Round IV. With a custom venue being built inside the national stadium, this is sure to be one of the biggest events of the year.
Drift Allstars Round 5: Maripocs, Hungary, August 24-25th
Hungary, one of the super powers of European drifting will play host to round V of the tour. With one of the longest standing series in Europe and a revised Maripocs circuit for this event, this is set to be one of the biggest drift festivals in Europe this summer – collaborating with the Eastern European Drift Championship and the Balkan Drift series. Awesome!
Drift Allstars Round 6 (The Finals): Valleta, Malta, September 21-23rd
Drift Allstars returns to Malta once again in 2012, following the successful first international stop in the 2011 series Malta – for the 2012 Finals. There's a brand new exciting venue in this unique Mediterranean island, where drifting is growing bigger every year. Going to be big fun, and who will be crowned champion?
&
Nations Cup-Drift Grand Prix, Romania, October 5-7th
After the huge success of the 2011 Exhibition event at the Bucharest GP Circuit 2012, Bucharest will play host to the season ending Nation’s Cup – where the very best drivers from Western Europe will be facing off against the best drivers from Eastern Europe. The 2011 event went down in the record books as the most spectated event ever in Europe with 12 different nations competing and this year it is set to be even bigger.

Niall Gunn, Managing Director of Drift Allstars Europe, commented on the new calendar: “After our launch into Europe in 2011, it’s a natural progression to branch out even further. We found there was a huge demand to bring the show to Europe and having established a foundation in five countries across Europe and further exhibition events planned in Holland, UK and Greece 2012 it is set to be another big year for international drifting.”
It's going to be a hugely exciting year, and we can't wait to bring you all the sideways, tyre smoking, diff chomping action from each round, fascinating behind the scenes driver profiles, amazing video, live web links to watch the backwards entries and tandem drifts as they happen... and way more. There may soon be a Drift All Stars issue of Road too: Watch this space! Follow the action here on the blog and in Road Magazine in 2012, step by step and follow Drift All Stars on Twitter for more to at: https://twitter.com/#!/DRIFTALLSTARS
Get all the dirt drops, jump, feints and inertia drifts here with Road Magazine & Blog drift fans!

Road Staff Snapper: Neil Denham

Our Road Magazine staff snapper is Neil Denham, a Canon man with decades of experience behind him working in London and beyond, specialising in automotive, portrait, lifestyle and much more besides. He's a truly top bloke, by far the best snapper we've worked with in over 15 years in the business and is the man who can make an image stand out for your brand. Check out his work at:
http://www.neildenham.co.uk/#/72238 and in www.roadmagazine.co.uk. Thanks for all your ace work with Road over the years Neil. Long may it continue...

Proton S-WRC Win in Sweden & McRae Back in WRC

Proton enjoyed its first ever victory in the 2012 FIA Super World Rally Championship (S-WRC) – when Per Gunnar Andersson claimed the win, with a dominant drive in the Satria Neo S2000, finishing more than three minutes clear of his nearest rival in Rally Sweden. Andersson finished the 24 special stages three minutes 35 seconds ahead of Ford’s Craig Breen and four minutes 49 seconds in front of Skoda’s Pontus Tideman. Andersson placed the Proton 12th overall – even ahead of some of the main World Rally Championship (WRC) competitors en route to clinching his third successive win at his Swedish home event. Andersson and co-driver Emil Axelsson led the S-WRC class from start to finish, making the most of local knowledge, experience and a competitive package to steer the Satria Neo S2000 to victory in the snowy, icy and cold conditions of the Swedish countryside. "What a phenomenal weekend it has been and a well deserved victory for PROTON after only two rounds of the S-WRC. We knew that we had a very competitive car at the very start of the season in Monte Carlo and we have proven just that in Sweden. The Satria Neo S2000 was dominant throughout the weekend," said Andersson, who almost won in Monte Carlo, had it not been for a fire. Victory in Sweden promotes Proton to officially joining not only the ranks of rally’s elite, but is its first in the European hemisphere since the Satria Neo S2000 made its competition debut in the Intercontinental Rally Challenge (IRC) in 2009. Proton’s best finish up until now had been second place at the 2009 IRC Rally of Scotland, although the Satria Neo S2000 did go on to dominate and win the 2011 Asia Pacific Rally Championship (APRC) driver’s and manufacturer’s titles, with Alister McRae – who also returned to world rallying in Sweden. The former factory Mitsubishi, Hyundai and Subaru driver finished seventh in the Super 2000 World Rally Championship standings in Karlstad, having visited two snowbanks along the way. Alister has not been seen in WRC since Rally New Zealand 2007, and said: "It was great to be back. I’ve been competing in the FIA Asia-Pacific Rally Championship recently, which is very, very good, but this is the world championship - this is where everything is at." It's not clear whether McRae will rally again for Proton this year, but we really hope so and wish the team and Mr Andersson all the best! Well done!

Proton is due to compete in another three of the seven S-WRC rounds in 2012. Stay tuned for news...

VIDEO: A V8 Burnout Too Far?

Drag burnouts. You gotta love 'em, right? Warm the old tyres up before you let rip up the strip. Yay! Check this one out... the longest burnout in history? Just maybe. Extinguishers at the ready folks!

Aston Martin V12 Vantage Zagato Video

A £330,000 Aston Martin Zagato V12, nicely shot on snow-edged mountain pass. What's not to like? Well, the terrible choice of music! Who wants to hear that, when we could be hearing the Aston V12? Idiots! Whoever did that should be talked to, seriously! Anyway, rant over, thanks to Steve at www.skiddmark.com for the heads up. To read more about this 50th anniversary of the last year of the DB4GT Zagato (only 150 to be handmade and sold), view Skiddmark's picture gallery: http://skiddmark.com/2012/02/aston-martin-v12-zagato-reaches-production/

VIDEO: Conrad Grunewald Backwards Entry

Two backwards drift entries in one day... aren't you the lucky ones?! Here's Road USA buddy (via USA correspondent, Ashley Van Dyke), Conrad Grunewald at Forumla Drift, Road Atlanta in May 2011 – showing off his beast of a 730bhp Hankook Chevrolet Camaro drift car, fully committed. And you can read all about Conrad in Ashley's fab article from Long Beach GP Circuit in this back issue of Road, FREE, now on your smart phone or tab too: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_15

COOL VIDEO: The Best Taxi Ever!

This is our kind of taxi service – a flithy, evil, bad ass Mitsubishi Evo rally car, be-splattered in special stage mud! Never be late again! Arrive in a blaze of cracking anti-lag and boost! We reckon these should be used for the 2012 Olympics. What do you reckon? Cool as ****!

Mad Mike Red Bull RX7 - Backwards Entry!

There are few madder sounds or sights than a serious sorted Mazda RX-7 drift car at flat chat... as demonstrated here by "Mad" Mike Whiddett in the Red Bull RX-7, showing us a backwards entry into turn one of the Mt Smart drift circuit during qualifying at Round IV of the Cody's D1NZ National Drifting Championship Series. Awesome. Find out more at the D1NZ Facebook!
http://facebook.com/d1nzofficial 

MY12 Lotus Evora S IPS: Sports "Testing" Sideways

Lotus Chief Vehicle Dynamics Engineer and all-round lucky guy, Matt Becker, rags the new 345bhp, 400Nm supercharged 3.5-litre V6 Evora S IPS (Intelligent Precision Shift) auto sideways around the all-new Hethel Test Track in Norfolk, looking at the MY12 improvements – Sat Nav (that actually works!), new leather seats, 'Sports' mode and all-new rorty sports exhaust. The video focuses on the clever electronic tricks of the IPS in auto and manual modes, with rev matching, gear hold, blips on downshift etc. Goes well on its home test track, as you'd expect and sounds darn nice now... don't you think? And you can read about the Evora IPS in Issue 16 of Road Magazine: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_16_small

New Product: Kärcher Chassis Cleaner

We love Kärcher products. We've been using their fabulous jet wash kit on our Project S4 and lucky press cars that get treated to a wash on test with Road Magazine using this K3.550 unit: http://www.roadmagazine.co.uk/2011/05/03/project-s4-karcher-pressure-washer/
And now they have a brand new piece of kit out – a chassis cleaner, retailing at £79.99 RRP. This innovative product aims to cut underbody rust and damage from road salt, post Winter, preveting corrosion damage, by keeping your underside clean as a whistle. Kärcher – the world’s number one pressure washer manufacturer – say: "This new product is the perfect solution to removing road salt from the hard to reach underside of vehicles when the inevitable winter weather conditions take hold of the UK over the coming weeks. Many drivers aren’t aware of the damage road salt can do to the underside of cars which can spread to all areas including metal brake pipes, tyres and even air bags. According to the AA, mud stuck to the underside of a car soaks up salt-laden spray and speeds up corrosion, and with car damage caused by salt corrosion costing the nation £500 million per winter, Kärcher has come to the rescue of UK motorists with their Chassis Cleaner." The product works by cleaning and protecting your vehicle in three easy steps: First apply the shampoo with the applicator. Second clean with the rotating high pressure head and finally, third, apply the protection treatment with the applicator. Kärcher say this treatment will protect the underside of your vehicle for up to 6 weeks from the further threat of corrosion. And it's not just for cars, vans and lorries, but is suitable for even caravans and motorhomes, thanks to its height adjustable rotating high pressure head (11cm to 38cm). The AA refer to this product as "the perfect solution to clean and protect the underside of your vehicle." Research, from Professor Tony Hindle of Lancaster University Management School, an expert in salt corrosion, found the average family car can lose 16 % of its value over five years, amounting to thousands of pounds, purely because of salt corrosion. Phil Springall, Marketing Manager of the Home and Garden Division at Kärcher UK comments: "The solution to corrosion caused by winter road salt is remarkably simple – a thorough wash of your vehicle’s chassis with the Kärcher Chassis Cleaner. This will not only in keep your vehicle safe, but will also in maintain its value. With our new system in three easy steps it couldn’t be easier to clean and protect the hard to reach underside of your vehicle." The new Kärcher package comes with free shampoo and protection treatment samples for your 1st chassis service and has a two year guarantee. The product is compatible with every Kärcher high pressure washer and is available from £79.99 RRP.

WIN! A £50 Voucher From Experience Days!

Road Magazine & Blog has teamed up with www.experiencedays.co.uk – offering you a chance to win a £50 voucher for one of their many fabulous days out. All you have to do to enter is like our new Facebook page (www.facebook.com/roadmagblog), follow us on @roadmagazine on Twitter (https://twitter.com/#!/roadmagazine) and email us at proyle@roadmagazine.co.uk with why you deserve the voucher. A winner will be picked at random, and the voucher will be posted out, to redeem on the Experience Days website. If you've not seen the incredible array of activities on offer from Experience Days UK, check it out – you can drive tanks, monster trucks, supercars, rally cars, 4x4's off road, segways, military vehicles, your favourite circuit, stunt cars, skid cars... the lot. It's an amazing selection of fabulous, memory-making days out. Join in... follow us, like us and email us... and have a chance to win £50 voucher for a great day out from Experience Days. NB: Closing date is February 29th 2012.

40 Ferrari F40's! World Record 50 Next!

What's better than one F40? Forty of course! And here they all are in a fabulously surreal shot from the 2007 Silverstone Classic – marking the F40's 20th birthday. And now a world record of more than 50 F40s will celebrate the supercar’s 25th birthday at the same venue in July (20-22 July 2012). Organisers say: "This year marks the 25th anniversary of the remarkable Ferrari F40, the incredible supercar rated by many ‘cognoscenti’ as the finest showroom model to have been created by the revered Italian automotive company. Commemorating such an important milestone, the Ferrari Owners’ Club of Great Britain is organising the largest collection of F40s ever seen for 2012’s running of the world’s biggest classic racing festival." Nigel Chiltern-Hunt, the club’s co-ordinator for this anniversary gathering and himself the owner of one of these most loved and admired of all Ferraris said: "Our original aim was to get at least 25 of these Ferraris together and, as I have contacted owners, I have been gratified that so many want to be part of the celebration – so much so that we now have more than 50 F40s registered for the event with more still to come! A parade of those F40s present is planned for the Sunday and it undoubtedly will be the largest gathering of F40s ever seen anywhere in the world and will certainly beat the club’s own previous record of 40 F40s seen at the Silverstone Classic in 2007." First introduced in 1987 to honour Ferrari’s 40^th anniversary, the mid-engined F40 was the final car commissioned by the Prancing Horse’s legendary founder Enzo Ferrari – as such it was specifically designed to serve as a dramatic and lasting testament to his track-developed, high performance supercar ethos. Blessed with a dramatic ultra-lightweight body designed by Pininfarina (featuring many carbon-fibre and Kevlar panels plus plastic windows) and propelled by a twin-turbocharged V8 developing 478 horsepower, performance was nothing short of phenomenal. Indeed the F40 was the world’s first 200mph production road car and has been widely hailed as ‘the greatest supercar’ of all time. With an original price tag of close to £300,000, just 1315 F40s were produced in Maranello between 1987 and 1992 – and no fewer than 50 of these stunning Italian sportscars will be on show at Silverstone in July. "Silverstone is the perfect place for Ferrari to be celebrating this important milestone in the incredible F40’s history," said Nick Wigley, Event Organiser. "It was, of course, at Silverstone in 1951 that Ferrari achieved its first grand prix win and, since then, the circuit has witnessed countless more Ferrari victories, most recently when Fernando Alonso won last year’s British Grand Prix. The promise of a record number of Ferrari F40s lining up on the infield is another major attraction. It’s a truly mouth-watering prospect that no supercar enthusiast will want to miss." As well as the Ferrari Owners’ Club of Great Britain, a host of other car clubs have already announced their own special celebrations at this summer’s huge three-day Silverstone Classic festival. These include 50^th birthday celebrations for the AC Cobra, Lotus Elan and MGB plus the UK’s first BMW Z-Fest to mark 60 years of the BMW Car Club GB.

Full details of the 2012 Silverstone Classic powered by the AA – including information on ‘Early Bird’ ticket offers and a comprehensive selection of on-site camping facilities – are available via the event’s official www.silverstoneclassic.com website.