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Suzuki takes the plunge..

2006-03-01T21:33:00.000Z

..and thank god they have, at last a manufacturer has used the 'Subaru lesson' to boost the brands image. I'm talking about the World Rally Championship, Subaru entered with fairly boring but competitive cars.. today Subaru makes some of the most sought after sports cars, the Impreza has ruled the super car slayer £20k category for years. Suzuki struggles with its image and I have no doubt that a programme in the WRC will work wonders...as long as they make a car for the road that at least matches image and performance of the WRC car at a reasonable price. Other manufacturers that need to take the same steps is Skoda, they are so near...and the Redbull branded car running in the 2006 WRC will no doubt do the brand some good.

Camaro

2006-02-28T23:50:00.000Z

I have one request....make it!

101EX - Rolls Royce's new Concept

2006-02-28T23:45:00.000Z

Just like the 100EX except with a roof.. so not exactly sure just how creative and exciting this is but it looks good so I'll let them off. I hope they make this as its about time that platform gets a work out. The Phantom has been a succes albeit a slow one..

Lamborghini Mucrielago P640

2006-02-26T01:30:00.000Z

What did they think they were doing…its so achingly cool and I can’t afford one!.. maybe its just the flat grey paint work..or the alloys but I seriously want one of these in my garage… more so than when the big Lambo first graced the pages of automobile glossies. I don’t know why but its just so bang upto date.. There hasn’t been much of an update externally so I think I will put my drooling down to the colour / alloys combo.. However Lambo have upped the engine to a whopping 6.5 ltr which now explodes 640hp down the drive shafts..all 4 of them…. When Audi bought Lamborghini all those years ago we all thought..oh dear Audi was going to rape the brand and Lambos were going to lose that Diablo touch.. but I have to say they have been doing an amazing job.. First the Muchie then the Gallardo.. now we are seeing interesting concepts of the Muira… what next?... something to go up against the Aston V8?.... Who knows.. If a big fan..

Evolution...

2006-02-26T01:27:00.000Z

It takes a photo like this one to realise the true faith shown by Porsche in the original concept... respect!

Porsche 997 GT3

2006-02-26T01:07:00.000Z

GT3... Porsche has only used these three letters on two previous models, both based on the 996 model, both were an outstanding success. Following on from the RS models the GT3 carries forward the purest form of 911 to the race enthusiast, wealthy trackday and privateer GT teams across the globe. The current 997 GT3 has been racing for almost a year now, no doubt collecting test millage for the road going version so its no surprise that the figures have increased...dramaticaly!

The engine in the last model was known for its flexability, its strength and power, all from a relatively small block, 3.6 ltr delivering 380 bhp was not to be sniffed at and as such has held a position as one of the best power plants in the business. So to the 997 engine more of the same I guess...yup much more , the 997 GT3 uses the same 3.6 ltr flat 6 NA but 414bhp is now delivered.. this has to be one of the highest outputs / cyclinder NA of any road going engine, if not the highest..???

Vsually the 997 GT3 is slightly bolder than the outgoing model with some sportier detailing around its rump and nose, this bodes well as there were far to many 996 C2's running the areo kit to look like a GT3.. this however and thankfully is more difficult now.

I can't wait to see this car go through its paces, I have a feeling that Porsche wants to blast the F430 CS into next week when it comes to a head to head.. I honestly feel this is why the bhp has been upped by quite a margin..

Role on the FIA GT3 championship where we will see customer race versions battle it out with its exotic competitors and lets see it hammer those Italians on the test tracks of Top Gear and Autobild..

I'll take mine in orange please with heavy black strippes by the way..

Porsche finally launches the 997 Turbo

2006-02-26T00:57:00.000Z

So much expectancy rests on the shoulders of this car.. it’s predecessor was the ultimate all rounder and has led the pack confidently in the face of steep competition from both Ferrari and Lamborghini. The new breeds from Italy, the F430 and Gallardo offer a phenomenal package but those who appreciate the less flashy business end of the supercar market know the Turbo is king.

The 997 Turbo ups the tempo with an increase in bhp, some further technical editions and an aggressive stance... is the Turbo still King?...

2005-04-06T11:41:00.000+01:00

Mercedes Benz CLS 55 IWC

2005-04-02T00:55:00.000+01:00

Morgan Aero Max

2005-04-02T00:53:00.001+01:00

Ford STA

2005-04-02T00:53:00.000+01:00

Porsche's new aerodynamic Cup kit

2005-04-02T00:52:00.001+01:00

Aston's Class win at Sebring

2005-04-02T00:52:00.000+01:00

The Mustang Shelby Cobra

2005-04-02T00:51:00.000+01:00

New Porsche GT3 Cup Cars

Renault wins again..this time with Alonso

2005-03-21T11:54:00.000Z

Photo Source: ITV-F1.co.uk

Alonso stormed round the circuit to snatch pole on Saturday, and from that position he started the race and produced a solid drive to win in front of Trulli in the Toyota. Toyota is at last looking like they have spent their millions in the right place, I'm sure Toyota HQ were getting a little annoyed at the lack of results but things are looking better.

The race was packed full of action, a huge contrast to Australia's race a few weekend ago. The Ferrari's yet again seem to be struggling and Shumi didn't seem to care much, just cruised round in a very uneventful race for him.

There were clashes, blow ups (poor BAR, it's just not happening this year so far)
and the man in the wars, Mark Webber had his car battered round, buy a Toyota and a Renault. The FIA has just blamed the incident on Fisi, and quite right as he made a move that was never going to work. Fisi knew this as did Webber as he pointed out in an interview, So why in the hell did Webber knowing that Fisi was going to slide wide, try to squeeze him from the outside? This only ended up with the side of his Williams caved in, was he surprised at the outcome? He should have been he placed his car right in the line of fire. He's an experienced driver, what was he thinking? Anyway if Fisi was to blame for making an irrational overtaking manouver then Webber was to blame for the accident, in my opinion.

Apart from Alonso and Trulli, Heidfeld dodged the clumsy drivers behind to collect a well earned 3rd.

McLaren yet again didn't have the pace that they had shown in testing, yes on one lap they were quick but with tyre problems and imbalances I think McLaren has produced a car that doesn't match upto the Renault best suites these new tyre regulations. The Renault's seem to be designed bottom up around understeer, hence the great drive out of corners and quick starts. This style seems to look after the rear tyres better than everybody else. Bahrain next and I expect Ferrari will bring the 2005 race car, they need too. AS

Maserati at the Geneva Motor Show

2005-03-16T22:45:00.000Z

Maserati showed the new grand sport which looked very fine in bright red as did the MC12, one road going version and one racing version, the size of the car surprised me, its huge, long and wide. Very Impressive.

Photo by:AS

New XK

2005-03-16T22:44:00.001Z

One of the stars of the show, its a stunning design that shares some lines with the more expensive Astons, but I'm sure Jaguar know this and will make sure that they use the similarities to boost sales of Jaguars in the USA its biggest market. The XK8 is looking very old and dated, the sooner they get this concept to production the better.

New Stratos?

2005-03-16T22:44:00.000Z

This 'toy' like concept is based on the Lancia Stratos of the 1980's, you can see the shared design but actually it looks hidious in the metal. Shame really , I'm sure Lancia could do with some niche models to bring Lancia back to life.

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Lotus Exige

2005-03-16T22:43:00.000Z

Lotus brought this fantastic looking little sports car the Exige MKII, It really stood out in bright Orange and with new engines sourced from Toyota I'm sure it goes as well as it looks.

Astra OPC

2005-03-16T22:42:00.000Z

Oh, when will they drop the Vauxhall brand name, Opel had an impressive display at the show with the new Zafira spinning around on a stand and this the new OPC, due out later this year, its going to shake VW's boots when it offers huge performance and good equipment levels for far less than the hugely overpriced GTI.

Audi RS4

2005-03-16T22:41:00.002Z

Anticipation was built up, but when seen in the flesh it doesn't stack up. What we have here is an A4 with an after market front spoiler and alloys from your 'blingest' Halfords dealer. The only part that impressed was the rear which showed the most body changes over the S4. The interior was nice, but that was only because of the steering wheel and excellent seats, Audi should have actually tried to make it different from the standard S4, make it really stand out, like the special addition it trully is, oh thats right its not going to be built in limited numbers as previously thought , they might as well have badged it S4+ and keep the RS4 for another day when they want somthing a little more special looking. Harsh, very possibly, The performance is likley to be awesome but I think people will feel short changed when they see in the flesh.

Range Rover Sport

2005-03-16T22:41:00.001Z

Its a menacing looking beast, sitting very low and tough looking. BMW must be rushing to get the new X5 upto scratch because thes sports Range Rover is going to eat every sports SUV alive, I'm sure of it. Another cracker from Land Rover.

2005-03-16T22:41:00.000Z

Mercedes SLK55 AMG

Dodge Viper

2005-03-16T22:40:00.000Z

Mercedes has struggled hugely recently with reports of huge losses, but at the show was the new ML, new CLS, new B-Class and new A-Class, spread out in a confusing mess, their layout wasn't the best. Chrysler did a better job of displaying the new Viper GTS.

Fisichella finaly wins!

2005-03-08T00:13:00.000Z

Source: www.F1-live.com

Sunday's Grand Prix held in Melbourne Australia has given Giancarlo fisichella his second GP win. His first being at the Brazilian GP a few years ago was dubious but deserved. He drove well then and outstanding yesterday. Fisi started from the front after he was gifted pole position buy extreme weather conditions on the Saturday. He made an excellent and now legendary Renault start and continued to lead for the remainder of the GP. He looked after his car and wasn't troubled by anybody. It was a very measured drive, surely after all these years Fisi will have a true opportunity to fight for the title. His car is up to the job and so is he. The two fastest cars on the day were not Ferrari's or McLarens, they were Renaults. Alonso also produced a fight to end up third after starting way back in the pack. He came charging through the field to earn a well deserved place on the podium.

For the rest of the season all eyes will be on the two Renault drivers to see if they can deliver again, I expect they will, Alonso has raw pace, can be erratic but has the ability to match any of the top drivers and exceed them on his day. Fisichella too is very well regarded by both his team and other teams, he is also a smoother driver than Alonso and better in damp conditions. I expect that with this years tyre rules and engine rules, Fisi suites the new regs. more so than Alonso. Alonso can learn a lot from Fisichella he is a veteran racer who has raced for 4 teams, Benetton on two separate occasions!

Coulthard did himself a huge favour by bringing home the Redbull car home in 4th, something that was not expected at all. He showed his old class and drove fantastically well, he held off Webber in his Williams for pretty much the whole race, his start was fantastic, a gutsy move that put him into 3rd for the first corner. Surely he must have taken some satisfaction that he beat the Williams, the team who turned him down, and McLaren the team who threw him out. But RedBull will probably have a mixed showing this year, expect them to show glimers of speed but ultimately we'll see them mid field. Coulthard has both the quality and experience to take them further, its about development, if the Cosworth engine can match the Ferrari's, Mercedes and BMW's of this world later on in the season, consistent development is required.

Both Ferrari and McLaren didn't show their true potential, McLaren especially. The two McLaren drivers obviously frustrated with their postion never really made a clear break, Kimi stalled, looked racy behind Schumi but never did make a move, Montoya decided to cruise through the race surprisingly off the pace, not good practice when your driving for a new team. Ferrari showed that even though they are using a development of last years car they still have the pace, well at least one of them did, Rubins showed how it was done, whilst Michael really looked under pressure, and slow, yes slow, he has a different style to Rubins and the later's style suites these new tyre regs better than the former's. Time will tell.

The next race is at Malaysia and I expect things to return to normal, a 6 way battle for the race win between, the Ferrari drivers, McLaren Drivers and Renault drivers. Looks like this season is gonna be good after all!AS

Brabus SLR

2005-03-04T11:15:00.000Z

You would think that through McLaren the SLR's performance ability had been maximised, no say Brabus. The German car manufacturer and tuner modifies pretty much all examples of Mercedes and that means the SLR hasn't been left out. The SLR has been around for a while so its a surprise Brabus has only done this now, its obviously been held back from them by Mercedes who probably didn't want to take anything away from its relationship with McLaren.

Visually the car hasn't been changed much, the rear diffuser is exposed carbon as is some of the front aerodynamic work, which helps reduce front axle lift. Other more obvious changes to the exterior are the 20" Brabus Multipiece Alloy wheels, which Brabus says improves handling.

The engine hasn't received to much attention as the standard SLR engine was in a very high state of tune already. Brabus has added custom camshafts, but also tried to improve the efficiency of the engine by adding a fuel cooling system and replacing the exhaust with an exotic racing version which isn't street legal. A self locking rear difflock improves traction and helps give the SLR a 0-62 mph time of 3.6 seconds. The fact that the engine produces 660 bhp @ 6500 rpm also helps to obtain a maximum speed of 340 km/h.

Brabus is also known for its lavish interiors and the SLR doesn't escape this treatment. The leather hand stitched carpet uses 7800 meters of thread. The interior can be individualised to match however wild a customers taste. Brabus adds their own steering wheel that is more sporting orinteted and incorporates the gear shift controls.

Brabus always seem to take what you would see as a completed car and just push those boundaries a little further. This SLR in typical black with its red/black interior gives the SLR a more purposeful look than the standard SLR and that’s before the car's been started, no doubt with the racing exhaust I'm sure it would sound the part too, So for 600,000 euros who wants one...

The New Lexus IS

2005-03-01T17:26:00.000Z

This is Lexus's new IS replacing what was a good car but never quite worried the competition from BMW and Audi. As far as looks go, the new IS consists of sleek lines and shares some attractive detailing from its bigger brother the new GS. With Bangle's BMW designs loosing customers and Audi's enthusiastic use of the ugly stick, this new lexus is a breath of fresh air. Simple clean and attractive lines in a reliable and unpretentious package.

What is more important is the fact that Lexus has brought out a stonking diesel engine, their first. The 4 cyl 2.2 ltr engine punches out an impressive 175 bhp, but whats more impressive is the 400Nm of torque thats produced at just over 2000 rpm, clearly better than its nearest rivals. A brace of petrol engine will also appear including a new direct injection V6 and most probably the staight six's carried over from the last model. A new 6 seed auto matched up to the now fashionable paddle shifts will be on offer. The car is to be officially launched at the Geneva Motor show this month and will probably be paired up with its rivals in various european motor magazines, I hope it will do well. The reason behind the diesel is clearly the european market where the small executive market increasingly beats the diesel drum. If your fed up with BMW's heavy handed designs and Audi's random facelifts this classy Lexus is a welcome sight. AS (info source. JCF.com)

New BMW E90 M3

2005-02-28T21:22:00.000Z

So what we have here is a 4-door M3, although these pictures are probably photoshopped they are the clearest indication as to what to expect when the real thing apppears sometime in 2006, most likely at Geneva 2006. What is certain is that the next generation of M3 will come in several guises, Cabrio, Coupe and Saloon. And there will also be an M4 Cabrio and Coupe...lost?...so am I. We shall have to see what happens. Audi launched the RS4 just the other week, and I expect that the next M3 is gunning for that and not the S4 which in comparision probably won't match up. I expect the BMW will contain a high reving V8 probably around the 4.0 ltr mark and 100 bhp per ltr as per the last model. So thats 400 bhp in the standard M3, where does this leave the CSL? and will the CSL be in M4 guise or M3 Guise? One other car that i'm sure BMW will wish to keep an eye on is the impending Caymen from Porsche which should have outstanding handling and a power to weight ratio that may mean that the next M3 Coupe will need way more than the Porsche's 380 bhp, possibly even 450 bhp. BMW seems to be keeping the details of the engine and its output very close to their chest, they maybe waiting for Porsche to play their card first. (source GCF.com)

The Rolls Royce Phantom extended

2005-02-25T19:02:00.000Z

This is Rolls Royces's second model along side the Phantom. Its esentially the same as a Phantom but with 250mm added to the wheelbase. This provides an even more spacious interior. The prospective buyer can individualise the interior to his or her taste with almost limitless options. Its a stunning looking car, maybe not the most attractive design but its presence cannot go unnoticed. (source: car.kak.net)

NEW Mazda MX-5

2005-02-23T12:36:00.000Z

The New MX5, with a 2.0 ltr 4 cyl 160 bhp engine this little car will no doubt continue where the last model left off as the best handling small sports car money can buy. Looks wise it similar too but with details carried over from the bigger RX-8. Other details will be posted when known. (source: japanesecarforum.com)

NEW RS4

2005-02-22T10:39:00.000Z

Finally the official pictures of Audi's RS4. Well in salon guise anyway the Avant is yet to be seen. With a 4.2 ltr FSI V8 this car produces 420 bhp and 430 Nm of torque. 0-62mph is expected to take around 4.8 seconds and its top speed is cut off at 250 kph. Audi has paid attention to weight, focusing on providing a purer form of sports car. The last RS4 used tubro technology, the new one uses engine technology as used in the multiple Le Mans winning Audi R8. The Avant is expected to be the most popular choice as the last RS4 only came in that guise. (source: Tyresmoke.net)

2005-02-21T09:32:00.000Z

Lamborghini with the 'Concept S' based on the Gallardo is trying to indicate that it too can make a desireable cabrio.. After Ferrari Launched the F430 Spyder Lamborghini will probably follow suit and have a drop top out withing a year or two. The concept s indicates what might be possible but expect a windscreen..

2005 A4 DTM

2005-02-19T22:01:00.000Z

Audi's A4 DTM looks pretty good... Here Tom Kristensen puts it through its paces.. I think the 2005 DTM championship is going to be great...just dunno how I'll watch it?..

Cadillac BLS

2005-02-19T12:53:00.000Z

Cadillac BLS

So Cadillac is coming to Europe.. The BLS pictured above will arrive with 4 engine options.. One diesel CDI Turbo 4 cyl two 2.0 ltr Turbo 4's and a Turbo 2.8 Six.. Equiupment I'm sure will be good... But why have such small engines?.. and a diesel that's better off in a segment below? Surely if the Americans are going to sell this over in Europe they will have to offer something more special...Maybe the price factor will help it, the US still struggles with a week dollar. (Source gm.com)

Pagani Zonda F

2005-02-18T16:08:00.000Z

Pagani Zonda F source: www.exoticcarsite.com

The Pagani Zonda F...7.3 ltr V12, 602 BHP, 760 Nm of torque.. I really dont have to say anymore!......,.....But I will becasue thats not all...there will also be a Club sport Version with 650 BHP and 780 Nm of torque..I expect the picture above is the CS version...

F430 Spyder

2005-02-18T16:00:00.000Z

F430 Spyder. source: car.kak.net

The new Ferrai F430 Spyder is an amazing looking car, I'm not sure if its the colour but having never been a big fan of Ferrari's in the past I have to admit this F430 looks great...The feisty sports car has 490 BHP and 465 Nm of torque...wow..and the F430 CS is yet to come out...I can't wait!

The Geneva Motor show March 2005

2005-02-18T15:26:00.000Z

Well the Geneva motor show is almost upon us, I'm going so it will be interesting to see what the manufactures have on display I hope to see a few new Audi's possibly the RS4 and hopefully another concept showing us the design direction the new TT. I think BMW will show a Hot 1 series, after the announcement of the 130i I do hope they follow it with an M version...

Other German manufacturers that might be displaying interesting cars will be VW and the new R32/R36, Porsche and the new 997 GT3, and the Cayman the new Coupe based on the Boxster. Mercedes will have a brace of new models on display, the ML, B Class amongst others, I hope to see some new AMG offerings too, possibly a E63?...we shall see.

The Americans will no doubt display some kind of mini hummer H3 I think and possibly some sportier Chrysler/Dodge offerings. But my main interest will be the Corvette, looks good on paper so it will be nice to see it in the flesh.

I'm not really interested in anything French, I think they have been off the boil for a while now.

The Japanese....please show us the new Toyota Supra...pretty please!! Lexus will have a fair amount of new models on display, the new IS range the new GS range and a tasty looking super car.. I expect Honda to show off its sporting prowess as they expect a good year from its F1 team......yawnTalking of F1 I expect Ferrari to display the awesome looking F430 Spyder..

Others I'm keen to see are the baby Aston V8, the Range Rover Sport, the Pagani Zonda F, the Focus RS and any others that are likely to raise an eyebrow. I’ll post pics when I return...

First Post

2005-02-18T14:30:00.000Z

I am starting this blog in order to express my interest in cars and for general discussion on the automotive world.

I have always been interested in cars since a young age, I could claim to know a lot about about them but all to often find my self learning stuff I didn't know about.

I kinda hope the blog will become a place where I can post my thoughts about the goings on in the automotive world... Some of it might be interesting some of it not... We shall see, comments are welcome...

Cheers