CarFreaks .co.uk

Big Boost to Lotus Line-up

admin — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 17:53:00 GMT

Supercharger for Elise, 240 PS for Exige S, amongst 2008 model year upgrades Foreword by Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc Lotus is a global high tech company and expanding fast. We are committed to driving forward with technology for both Lotus Cars and our Engineering Clients, spearheading research into ever-increasing fields, such as, hybrids, electric vehicles and renewable fuels. Lotus Cars now retails its products in 32 countries and is growing quickly in new territories such as Malaysia...(read more)

Pilgrim’s progress

admin — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 13:17:00 GMT

If you’re in love with the Cobra, then you’ll be aware that there are more than a few companies who are only too willing to supply you with a replica of this 1960s icon. As every petrolhead knows, it was Carroll Shelby who hit upon the idea of shoehorning a huge engine into a little engine bay, to give a smallish car made by AC a measure of grunt out of all proportion to its stature. As they often say in the States, there’s no substitute for cubic centimetres – and insofar as the Cobra is concerned...(read more)

BMW 1 Series tii takes centre stage at the Tokyo Motorshow

admin — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 12:56:00 GMT

Shortly before the on-sale date of the new BMW 1 Series Coupé on 24 November, BMW designers have given an insight into what an out-and-out motorsport-focussed derivative might look like. The BMW Concept 1 Series tii will take centre stage at the Tokyo Motorshow and uses lightweight materials, optimised aerodynamics and a race-inspired interior to deliver an uncompromising focus on motorsport. The BMW Concept 1 Series tii is the fifth concept car presented by BMW in 2007. It showcases innovative technologies...(read more)

The BMW Concept 1 Series tii

admin — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 11:26:00 GMT

The BMW Concept 1 Series tii is the fifth concept car presented by BMW in 2007. It showcases innovative technologies but also reflects on the traditions of BMW’s compact, lightweight and sporting Coupés. The Concept’s tii badging harks back to the BMW 2002tii from the 1960’s and 70’s – a car that set the mould for successful and dynamic two-door BMW models of recent times. Character: • Design study based on the BMW 1 Series Coupé with an uncompromising focus on motorsport. • BMW Concept 1 Series...(read more)

Jeep and cheerful

admin — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 18:29:00 GMT

It's debatable whether there's anything quite as different on the road today as the World War Two jeep. In fact, if you've grown a bit jaded by the Euroboxes that seem to be churned out on a regular basis by computer geeks, and your driving never requires you to be travelling from A to B at a prodigious rate of knots, then this might just be the vehicle for you. Strictly speaking, what we have here is the Willys (or Ford, for they differed only in detail) ¼ ton 4x4. If that all sounds...(read more)

Magnificent Marcos

admin — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 18:16:00 GMT

I suppose you could say that Marcos holds the rather dubious honour of having produced one of the ugliest as well as one of the most beautiful cars in the world. Its early forays under the guidance of Jem Marsh and Frank Costin (whose surnames part combined to make up the company name after a chance meeting in 1959) saw a functional, somewhat strange-looking car take to the roads and race tracks. Many called it the ugly duckling and the name has since stuck. A small-engined (it started life with...(read more)

Calling all Lotus Fans to Hethel - 23 September 2007

admin — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 09:54:00 GMT

Open Day Celebrates 40 years of Manufacturing at Hethel

Lotus fans around the world are invited to celebrate the Ruby Milestone of 40 years of
manufacturing at the Lotus Headquarters at Hethel, Norfolk on the 23rd of September 2007.

Much of the Lotus factory will be open including the assembly halls, where all the award winning Lotus cars are built, special areas of Lotus Engineering’s world class high technology facilities, and of course the test track where there will be exciting driving activities.

The Open Day will be opened by Hazel Chapman (the wife of the founder Colin Chapman
who built the first Lotus car in 1948). Lotus is also delighted that Classic Team Lotus, run by Colin and Hazel’s son, Clive, will also be providing invaluable support to the event.

There will also be a display of examples of all the cars manufactured at Hethel over the last 40 years, fun activities for children, including a fun fair, retail stores for local produce as well as opportunities to purchase official Lotus and Classic Team Lotus merchandise. Several Lotus clubs will have their own stands and exhibits of clubs owners’ cherished Lotus cars.

All visitors will get a free Lotus “Goodie-Bag” which includes an exclusive 40th pin badge.

Mike Kimberley, Chief Executive of Group Lotus said, “As Lotus has been based at Hethel for 40 years, it is timely to celebrate such a milestone with a Lotus Open Day. The event is a celebration of the Lotus brand, a thank you to all the Lotus enthusiasts around the world for their support over the years and a re-inforcement of our commitment to Norfolk and to the UK. I would also like to personally thank all Lotus staff for their dedication and commitment over the last 40 years and for their help in commemorating this special day. Hethel is our headquarters and our home and I would like to invite all Lotus fans around the world to take this exclusive opportunity to spend the day with us.”

Everyone arriving in a Lotus car will be able to park on site at Lotus, all other visitors are able to park at the Norfolk Show Ground Park and Ride, at Costessey, Norwich, with free courtesy buses to and from the Lotus factory.

The Event in more detail

Lotus Assembly Halls:
Lotus clubs members will be able to see around the manufacturing and assembly halls, where all Lotus cars are built, and where all new Lotus cars will be built in the future.

Lotus Test Track
The tight and twisty South Circuit will be open for visitors to have high speed rides in current Lotus sportscars.

Lotus Engineering
Lotus Engineering is the world leading, high technology consultancy division of Group Lotus, and is very rarely open the public. Visitors have the opportunity to have a behind the scenes look at the world class research, design and engineering facilities where future Lotus Cars and indeed cars of Lotus Engineering’s many customers around the world are designed, developed and tested.

Other Activities:
Elsewhere, there will be a collection of classic Lotus road cars such as the 1960s legends, the Elan and Europa, the iconic 1970s Elite and Esprit, the 1980s Excel and Elan (M100) and from the 1990s the Esprit V8 and the Elise S1 derivatives.

Classic Team Lotus will also display some of its collection of Lotus Formula One racing cars such as the Type 32B, the world championship winning Types 49B and 72 and from the Ayrton Senna era the Lotus Types 97T and 99T.

There will also be a “Wheel Changing” competition, the latest range of Lotus Merchandise, a funfair with Laser Tagging competition, children’s' treasure hunt & face painting, Formula One and Racing Simulators, a farmers market, jazz band and full refreshments.

Details

Location:
Group Lotus Plc, Hethel (near Wymondham), Norfolk, NR14 8EZ
Gates Open at 10am and finishes at 5pm.

Admission Price:
£15 per car (up to 4 adults, £5 per additional adult) and admission for children under 16 is free.
Tickets to be purchased in advance via http://www.lotuscarswebstore.co.uk or by contacting the Lotus Open Day Hot-Line on:
+44-(0)1953-608190, 608626, 608461 or 608348.

Further Information About Lotus...

The History of the Lotus Manufacturing at Hethel
In 1966, a foundation stone was laid by Colin Chapman in the presence of Jim Clark, to mark the start of construction of the new Lotus factory at the former Hethel aerodrome, exactly 100 miles of London and just 8 miles from Norwich. Lotus had outgrown its premises at Cheshunt, in Hertfordshire.

Construction of the new factory was swift and by early 1967, the first cars drove off the Hethel assembly line.

In 2000, a brand new manufacturing facility was built at Hethel to build the Lotus Elise S2 family of sportscars and the Opel Speedster / Vauxhall VX200 for General Motors.
The new manufacturing facility has been further improved over the last seven years and is widely accepted as being the finest niche vehicle manufacturing facility in the world.

Statistics about the Lotus Factory at Hethel UK
The operational site covers around 50 acres excluding the 2.5-mile test track
74,205 cars have been built at Hethel from 1967 to 31 July 2007 including 31,300 in the last 10 years

List of production cars, excluding direct derivatives) manufactured at Hethel:
Lotus Elan
Lotus Europa
Lotus Elan +2
Lotus Seven
Lotus Elite
Lotus Eclat
Lotus Esprit
Lotus Sunbeam
Lotus Excel
Lotus Omega / Carlton
Lotus Elan
Lotus Elise
Lotus 340R
Lotus Exige
Lotus Europa
Lotus 2-Eleven
Opel Speedster / Vauxhall VX220

And several hundred prototypes, concepts and research vehicles for Lotus and many other car companies around the world.

1966 – Foundation Stone laid on 17th July 1966
1967 – First car to drive off the assembly line
2007 – 40th Anniversary of Lotus Manufacturing at Hethel on 23rd September 2007

Join Subaru and Prodrive on a drive for charity

admin — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 08:24:00 GMT

Get Saturday 13th October 2007 into your diary, and join Prodrive, Subaru and Driver Development Programme for a thrilling day of motoring. The event is being organised on behalf of Samantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust (www.braintumourtrust.co.uk) in order to raise much needed funds for brain tumour research. What a great opportunity to support a UK charity and sharpen up your driving skills in the process!

The event is being hosted at Prodrive's Kenilworth facility in Warwickshire. On the day you will be able to drive a range of vehicles on the high speed, tarmac rally, wet grip and off-road circuits with professional instruction being provided by the Driver Development Programme. All the vehicles on the day are provided by Subaru and you will get the chance to drive some iconic machinery including the Impreza STi, WRX, Legacy Spec B and off-road vehicles.

You will be kept refreshed during the day with morning tea/coffee on arrival, a buffet lunch and afternoon tea & biscuits. As a break from the action, you will have an opportunity to bid in the charity auction for some fantastic motoring related prizes donated by event supporters from the motoring industry, including Continental tyres, Honda, Circuit-Days, Thruxton Racing and others.

If you wish to participate in the event, the charity is asking for a minimum donation of £200 per person. This covers all driving, instruction and refreshments and compares very favourably with the usual price of £250-£300 for the event. All you need to do is go to the www.driving4charity.co.uk website and follow the instructions to register and make your donation. It’s simple and remember; all donations and monies raised on the day will go to brain tumour research via the charity.

For more information go to the www.driving4charity.co.uk website or email the event organisor, Paul, at driving4charity@btinternet.com.

The Lotus 2-Eleven – Track Day Driving Just Got Serious

admin — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 16:15:00 GMT

Lotus Sport, the race car performance arm of Lotus Cars Ltd, today unveiled the new Lotus 2-Eleven. Launched at the 77th annual Geneva International Motor Show, the Lotus 2-Eleven is aimed at the true track day enthusiast, taking Colin Chapman’s philosophy of ‘Performance Through Light Weight’ to its most extreme level yet. Weighing in at just 670 kg (1,477 lbs) - dry weight with base specification - 745 kg (1639 lbs) - kerb weight, fully loaded – and with 255 PS (252 bhp / 188 kw) on tap courtesy...(read more)

Lotus Launches the Exige GT3 Concept Road Vehicle

admin — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 15:33:00 GMT

Lotus Sport, the race car performance arm of Lotus Cars Ltd, today unveiled the Lotus Exige GT3 concept road vehicle. With its debut at the 77th annual Geneva International Motor Show, the 275 PS (271 bhp / 203 kW) Exige GT3 is a bold, no-holds-barred, lap record-breaking, breathtaking performance machine that embraces all that is expected of a race-bred Lotus. Building on the Lotus racing pedigree, this concept car can deliver more grin-factor than ever before; there are no intended compromises...(read more)

MINI USA Offers John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for New MINI Cooper S

admin — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 15:16:00 GMT

MINI USA announces the availability of the John Cooper Works Tuning Kit for the all-new MINI Cooper S introduced this year. The new kit, designed specifically for the Cooper S with a manual transmission and its twin-scroll turbocharged engine, offers increased horsepower and torque over that of the standard model. The tuning kit is just the latest addition to the successful line of MINI’s high performance John Cooper Works accessories which include suspension upgrades, performance wheels and tires...(read more)

Shopping List

admin — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 09:47:00 GMT

The Westfield X1 So, you've decided that you can't live without the recreation of that iconic 1950s road racer, eh? If you're doing it the hard way, then you will need the following: 1. Westfield X1 kit (choice of body styles) 2. MG Midget donor car 3. Non-child bearing hips 4. A respect for policemen (both live and sleeping) 5. A girlfriend (unless you're a female driver, of course) who doesn't mind getting her hair wet 6. Budget (extendable) 7. An alternative to contact lenses...(read more)

Friends reunited?

admin — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 09:40:00 GMT

Without a shadow of a doubt, if there's one car on the roads these days that continues to be manufactured in the face of porridge and anonymity, then Caterham's 7 is that car. It's (almost) as old as Caterham Hill yet despite that, the Caterham remains pretty faithful to its Lotus roots. It's been tinkered with and fiddled with over the last four decades following Graham Nearn's take-over of Colin Chapman's budget racer, and it's profited from the experience. Like that...(read more)

Welcome from Joe Blogs on CarFreaks.co.uk

admin — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 09:32:00 GMT

Welcome to my blog page, into which I hope to drop random thoughts, jottings - and even the odd literary gem. I thought I'd kick off by asking about your best (and maybe even worst) ever drive. I don't necessarily mean in the most exclusive sports car made but whether or not you've ever cruised St Tropez under the velvet sky on a warm February evening - or perhaps spent an idyllic time in the Blackwall Tunnel in a clapped-out Corsa. We want to hear about it, good or otherwise. As for...(read more)

FIRST AMERICANS SET TO DRIVE THE BMW HYDROGEN 7 ON U.S. ROADWAYS

admin — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 16:44:00 GMT

Will Ferrell Becomes First To Be Given A BMW Hydrogen 7 for Everyday Use

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – August 16, 2007… BMW today announced the launch of the Hydrogen 7 Pioneer Program as it handed over the keys of a BMW Hydrogen 7 – the first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan – to Hollywood actor Will Ferrell. Through the Hydrogen 7 Pioneer Program, BMW will give industry leaders and prominent figures in entertainment, politics, business and more a BMW Hydrogen 7 for their daily use.

In launching the program, BMW underscores the fact that the BMW Hydrogen 7 is not a concept car, but a production model vehicle that has successfully completed the entire Product Development Process, meeting all the standards necessary for driving on U.S. roadways. Running in hydrogen mode, the BMW Hydrogen 7 essentially emits nothing but water vapor, representing a major step in reducing harmful CO2 emissions. During the program, 25 of the 100 cars that are produced will be used in evaluation programs in the US. The BMW Hydrogen 7 is not for sale, but is considered to be a milestone in bringing forward hydrogen as the sustainable fuel for individual transportation.

BMW believes hydrogen will replace petroleum as the long-term alternative to fossil fuel, and hopes the Hydrogen 7 will play a pioneering role in driving forward the hydrogen technologies that will ensure our mobility in the future.

Thus, the hydrogen pioneers will be instrumental in helping people understand that hydrogen technology is here, it is now and it is what BMW Group believe holds the key to our future mobility. By harnessing the power and influence of individuals who, like Will Ferrell, are at the forefront of their respective disciplines, BMW hopes to continue to generate support of hydrogen-drive vehicles in the short term and stimulate demand for a viable hydrogen infrastructure in the long-term.

Ferrell is the first in a series of Americans who BMW plans to announce in the coming months that will help the company in its mission to build widespread support of hydrogen as a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

While Ferrell and BMW’s future hydrogen pioneers will become the first group to be given access to the BMW Hydrogen 7 in the US for a longer period of use, a number of entertainers, politicians, business leaders and more have opted for a BMW Hydrogen 7 as their energy-efficient ride of choice. Those who have recently chosen the vehicle include Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie at the “Ocean’s 13” premiere in Hollywood; Fox Entertainment Chairman Peter Liguori at the FOX All-Star Party in Santa Monica; Richard Gere and Sharon Stone at the Cinema for Peace Gala in Berlin; and “An Inconvenient Truth” producer Davis Guggenheim (Oscar® for the best Documentary Feature) and Best Foreign Language Film Oscar® winner, director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck at the 2007 Academy Awards; among others. The vehicle has also made an impact oversees, with luminaries such as Michael Glos, German Federal Minister for Economy and Technology, and Günter Verheugen, Vice President of the European Commission, world renowned soprano Anna Netrebko and many others covering more than 1.3 million miles worldwide till now.

Warm-Up at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show

admin — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 15:56:00 GMT

The MINI CHALLENGE 2007 is entering its decisive phase – and behind the scenes the stage is already being set for the next season of this unique
Clubsport Series.

The absolute star of the show in the MINI CHALLENGE 2008 will of course be the new racing car, the MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE.
The car’s specifications and the results of the first test drives give everybody every reason to expect that participants of the MINI CHALLENGE 2008 will enjoy an even more intense motor sporting experience. The new model offers even more torque, faster acceleration and a higher top speed, faster lateral acceleration and optimised traction. Which, for the spectator, means even greater excitement, more dramatic action and even more thrilling duels on the track.

The new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE will be making its first appearance at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, where the public will be able to
gain a first impression of the new racing car which will be delivered to the participating teams in good time before the start of the next MINI CHALLENGE in spring 2008.

Apart from the teams themselves, for the first time ever other ambitious motorsport enthusiasts will also be able to acquire and race the new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE.

With its outstanding performance and superior handling, this unique car is predestined from the start to show its rivals its tail lights on the track in series and individual events.

The new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE will be delivered to customers in race trim, including all features essential for supreme performance and enhanced safety.

Ready for supreme performance: the new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE.

The performance and output figures of the new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE have been improved once again not only over the regular production model, but also in comparison with the current racing version.
A specially developed John Cooper Works performance engine tailored specifically to the requirements of motorsport will provide maximum output
of 154 kW/210 hp.

And while this figure is the same as the current MINI CHALLENGE race car, optimised engine characteristics and an increase in torque from 260 to 280 Newton-metres (192–206 lb-ft) provided by overboost gives the driver everything he needs for even better performance and higher speeds on the track.

Further points are the reduction in starter weight by 30 kg to 1,150 kg/66 lb to 2,536 lb (including the driver), improved aerodynamics all round and numerous modifications to the chassis and suspension.

The new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE accelerates to 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds. And thanks to its special brake system, the car takes just 3.1 seconds to come to a standstill from 100 km/h or 62 mph. Top speed, in turn, is 240 km/h or 149 mph. Another particular forte of the MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE is its outstanding lateral acceleration – the high speed coming into the bend is therefore also achievable when coming out onto the next straight. A limited-slip differential featured for the first time on a MINI CHALLENGE racing car, finally, helps the driver keep to the ideal line at an even higher speed when leaving a bend.

MINI CHALLENGE: the optimum blend of racing and lifestyle.

Now in its fourth year, the MINI CHALLENGE has become one of the most successful and popular Clubsport Series in the world. The races, which have been held in Germany, Austria, Belgium and Holland hit the headlines all over Europe, and at the same time the MINI CHALLENGE phenomenon is gaining significance also in other parts of the world: New Zealand is already holding a MINI CHALLENGE racing series and Australia will follow this example for the first time in 2008 with preparations currently under way to establish a national MINI CHALLENGE Series.

The MINI CHALLENGE owes its particular appeal to a truly innovative concept, where motorsport meets lifestyle – a highly attractive blend thrilling
for both driver and fan alike.

The drivers themselves also contribute to the particular atmosphere and flair of the events, old hands in racing and up-and-coming talents pitching their skills against celebrities from show business and sports.

Perhaps the most distinctive racing feature of the MINI CHALLENGE is the absolute equality offered to all drivers entering the races: all cars are
technically identical. And it is precisely the supreme handling of the MINI further enhanced by the wide range of safety features in the racing cars that makes the MINI CHALLENGE particularly interesting for both the beginner in racing and the ambitious amateur driver.

MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE.
MINI John Cooper Works Performance Engine:
		Four-cylinder inline power unit with twin-scroll turbocharger and direct gasoline injection, fitted crosswise at the front Racing exhaust
Capacity:		1,598 cc
Output:		154 kW/210 hp
Max torque:		260 Nm/192 lb-ft (with overboost 280 Nm/206 lb-ft)
Power transmission:		Front-wheel drive, six-speed manual
Suspension:		Independent suspension, McPherson spring struts at the front, central-arm rear axle, EPAS (Electrical Power Assisted Steering), 17-inch aluminium rims (Borbet) in MINI CHALLENGE design, dampers adjustable both inbound and rebound (KW Automotive), adjustable spring strut support at the front, racing brakes, race-specific ABS, limited-slip differential, motorsport tyres (Dunlop)
Body:		John Cooper Works Aerodynamics Package with a new performance front spoiler, adjustable rear spoiler and rear diffuser, Air pressure elevating system for an even faster tyre change
Performance:		Acceleration 0–100 km/h in 6.1 seconds, top speed 240 km/h (149 mph), deceleration 100–0 km/h in 3.1 seconds = 31 metres/102 feet
Safety:		Rollcage welded into the car, six-point safety belt, automatic fire extinguisher, racing seat including Head And Neck Support (HANS) system
Weight:		Max 1,150 kg/2,536 lb including driver
(All technical data is preliminary.)

Announcing the Club Racer limited edition of the Exige S

admin — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 16:00:00 GMT

Bell & Colvill Lotus are pleased to announce the introduction of the Club Racer; a limited edition version of the Exige S scheduled for September 2007 production.

As well as being visually distinctive, the Club Racer represents a real value proposition. The vehicle benefits from standard upgrades as well as featuring a number of unique additions, listed below, for the price of £39,950+delivery.

As suggested by the prominent use of the Hethel track logo on the car, the customer will be invited to collect the vehicle from Hethel & will be given the opportunity to take the car on a parade lap of the Lotus test track, should they wish to do so. Also included within the visit will be a track session with a Lotus instructor in a standard Exige S.

Due to limited supply, there will only be 25 units of the Club Racer built so orders will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Production of the 25 cars will start during the month of September, all to the exact same specification. Delivery dates are to be confirmed.

Additional Components:

Hethel track decals
Special Edition Paint - Powder Blue (non-metallic) with Phantom Black Tri-Stripe Design
Unique Interior Trim - Black leather & carbon fibre effect leather with colour coded stitching
Customer track session & vehicle handover, including the presentation of a framed print

Bell & Colvill are now taking orders on the Club Racer so if you require any further information on this fantastic limited production car then get in contact with either Scott or Richard in their Lotus sales team and mention CarFreaks.co.uk.

Bell & Colvill PLC
Epsom Road - West Horsley - Near Leatherhead - Surrey - KT24 6DG - UK
Tel +44 (0)1483 281000 Fax +44(0)1483 281999

Race is on for new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE

admin — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 08:34:00 GMT

MINI performance is to be taken to new levels with the new MINI John Cooper Works CHALLENGE, a MINI Cooper S built specifically for track use and ready to race. Set for its first public appearance at the forthcoming IAA Motor Show in Frankfurt, deliveries of the new car will take place from spring 2008.
Key characteristics of the new car include a higher top speed, increased torque, faster acceleration and optimised traction. Performance figures are detailed in the attached document.

Power enhancements are at the core of the striking CHALLENGE car’s modifications. As well as a re-developed twin-scroll turbocharger, the standard MINI Cooper S engine receives modified pistons, air filter, air intake passage, catalytic converter, exhaust components, electronic sensors and engine management system.

Numerous chassis and suspension tweaks add to what is a finely-tuned racing package. The new suspension system features adjustable damper units from KW Automotive, designed specifically for motorsport. A six-speed manual gearbox transmits power to 17” front wheels made by Borbet and shod with exclusive new racing tyres manufactured by Dunlop.

Body revisions based on the John Cooper Works Aerodynamic Kit, currently available from all MINI dealers, are key features of the CHALLENGE car’s set-up. To generate increased downforce at higher speeds, CHALLENGE car owners can expect a new adjustable rear spoiler, rear diffuser and performance front spoiler. The new braking system performs exceptionally. Large four-piston calipers mean the car can go from 62 – 0mph in just 3.1 seconds. A race-specific ABS configuration and an air-pressure elevating system complete the product modifications, which together equate to a vehicle 30kg lighter than the previous CHALLENGE car.

Safety measures perfect the array of MINI CHALLENGE car features. A roll cage welded firmly to the body of the car houses RECARO bucket seats combined with a six-point safety belt, along with the HANS (Head And Neck Support) system used in Formula 1 cars.

Although the car is designed for race participation, private owners may find owning a MINI CHALLENGE car a compelling prospect. However, the car will not be licensed for public roads and as such is expected to maintain its appeal among racing enthusiasts.

The MINI Challenge race series is fast gaining presence and popularity around the world. Since 2004, Challenge races have been staged in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria and New Zealand. In 2008, MINI Australia will also hold a Challenge competition.

Race teams will receive the first MINI CHALLENGE cars from March 2008. Private customers not competing in the MINI Challenge series can expect deliveries of cars from June 2008. An order form for the car can be downloaded from 11 September 2007 at www.MINI.com/challenge-car and the expected price is €49,900 inc. VAT.

The Vauxhall VXR8

admin — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 07:33:00 GMT

There was every reason to mourn the passing of the Monaro, but the Thunder from Down Under hasn’t stopped yet…

What better to replace the 6.0-litre V8, rear-drive Aussie performance icon with than an all-new Antipodean muscle car. A car, in fact, just like the VXR8 – a car even more powerful and exciting than the Monaro.

The dramatic-looking new saloon is powered by the same 6.0-litre V8 as the outgoing Monaro VXR, but revisions have made it even more efficient. It now develops a massive 417PS and 550Nm of torque, giving it enough grunt to sprint from 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds. No other supercar offers this sort of power for anywhere near the VXR8’s bargain price of just £35,105.

Yet the VXR8, based on the Australian Holden VE HSV Clubsport R8, offers more in the way of practicality than the Monaro, with four doors and space for all the family.

Although practical, with a spacious boot, comfortable, long-legged cruising ability and luxuries such as climate control and leather trim, the VXR8 is certainly no softie. Driver aids such as the stability system and traction control can be turned off at the flick of a switch – perfect for drivers who want to hone their skills on a track day!

In response to customer demand, the VXR8 will also be the first VXR model to be offered with an automatic gearbox, but that doesn’t mean that VXR shifted to being dull. Performance figures are hardly affected, and the auto’s fuel economy is actually better than the manual’s.

Satellite navigation and 20-inch wheels are among the options for those who want to make their VXR8 look more distinctive and help find their way to the best driving roads. Even with all the option boxes ticked however, the VXR8 is still around half the price of other cars with comparable performance. As all fast car fans know, Aussie rules – and here’s why…

THE NEW BMW M3

admin — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 17:50:00 GMT

Brand-new in technology and design.

Within the BMW M GmbH model range, the BMW M3 has always been that very special model living up in full to its motorsport heritage. Indeed, this already applied to the very first BMW M3 launched in 1986 and continued throughout the two subsequent model generations. And now this supremacy comes out once again most clearly in the 2007 version of the BMW M3.

Although the latest generation of the BMW M3 was based in its development on the new BMW M3 Coupé, the new high-performance model differs from the "regular" coupé in terms of both looks and technical features. Apart from the car's unique design as well as its drivetrain and suspension technology conceived from the start for supreme performance, lightweight technology came right at the top in the brief given to the engineers at BMW M. And just how consistently this development target has been translated into reality in terms of intelligent lightweight engineering is borne out by the car's power-to-weight ratio of only 3.8 kg (8.4 lb) per horsepower.

One of the reasons for this low weight is that the new BMW M3 is the first production car in its segment to boast a roof made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFP). And in all, the new BMW M3, with the exception of just a few components, is indeed completely new in its engineering and design concept, clearly reflecting the successful tradition of BMW M GmbH.

Apart from the load-bearing structure of the car, only the two doors, the bootlid, the windows, the headlights and rear lights have been carried over from the 3 Series Coupé. All other body components, by contrast, were specially developed for the new BMW M3.

The unique character of the new BMW M3 is obvious at first sight: Over and above the engine compartment lid with its striking powerdome and the two air intake openings, the function-oriented design of the front and rear air dams, the so-called gills in the front side panels, the side-sills also in distinctive design, the roof made of clearly visible carbon fibre, as well as the exterior mirrors and light-alloy wheels in BMW M design clearly characterise the new model from the ground up. The exterior, in turn, through its athletic and aesthetic appearance, powerfully underlines the sporting qualities of the car.

The exterior paintwork likewise adds an individual touch, offering the connoisseur not only numerous additional colours, but also four special paintwork options exclusive to BMW M.

SHEER DRIVING PLEASURE ALL YOUR BMW LIFE

admin — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 17:09:00 GMT

Worldwide Supply of Parts for Classic BMWs.

The name says it all: Mobile Tradition. More than 200,000 enthusiasts the world over have joined forces within approximately 600 brand clubs ensuring that the history of BMW lives on - a world record. And when it comes to "living on", the fans and aficionados of the brand take things very

literally: The overwhelming majority of the worldwide fleet of classic BMWs made up of more than 200,000 cars and 70,000 motorcycles are not parked somewhere in museums and garages where they just gather dust, but are rather driven actively on the road. This is attributable not only to the robust BMW technology of way back then, but rather and above all the supply of parts today.