"Rushing Through The Snow, In A 500 Horse Coupe Sleigh..."

It's that time of year again so we're wishing everyone a Happy Christmas!

Drive safely and we'll see you in the New Year.

Best wishes

Sam

Will 2008 Finally See a New Noble?

After more false dawns than a Finnish winter and the ROW sale of the M12 Lee Noble looks to be finally dragging the new M16, from M15 stillbirth, towards production.

I was a huge fan of the M12 and after seeing the M15 (pictured) in the flesh last year, I have to agree that Noble's decision to change it seems sensible. The new car still has the look of the M15, but it seems less angular and more aggressive. I suspect they realised that Porsche, Maserati and BMW's 6 series have the prestige GT thing sewn up!

The M15 used a modified version of the M12's V6 Turbo with IRO 450bhp. The new car is rumored to have a Twin Turbo Volvo V8 engine with an astounding 600bhp!

This in a car which is likely to weight less than 1300kg, should make for explosive performance.

Car magazine feature a video link.


Noble M600?

Classic Motoring Advert #6: VW Pimps its Ride

Featuring the talents of the amazing Peter Stormare

Timely Revamp for Lobby Group

Showing how relevant it is (sorry I couldn't resist), public transport pressure group, Transport 2000 has finally changed its name, nearly eight years after the millenium rolled by.

The Campaign for Better Transport replaces it.

These guys are the vehement anti-car lobby and I find myself at loggerheads with them when they deny there is a need to improve and extend our arterial motorways (which are sub-european average).

However they do speak sense about the poor state of public transport, especially the rail network.

Surely both are needed to keep the transport system moving? Aren't partisan diatribes slowing the country's progress while we sling mud at one and other?

9ff GT9 apes H&R 400kph+ 911

9ff's long rumored 980bhp GT9 has surfaced at the Essen Motorshow. Its look (save the GT1 style rear) puts one in mind of the H&R/Alzen Motorsport Misson 400 plus 911. A car that has a ridiculous 1040bhp.

9ff GT9

The flattening of the 911's bubble roof for aerodynamic purposes is especially noticable. It seems that it is a necessary modification for 911's that are destined for over 250mph.

H&R 400+ 997

Lewis Hamilton: Caught With His Foot Down

Following in the illustrious footsteps of Jensen 'I've won a race now' Button, Lewis has only gone and got banned from driving for one month in France following a speeding offence.

A report states that he was driving a Mercedes when he was clocked at 120mph.

Seeing as he owns a Mclaren Mercedes SLR I wouldn't be at all surprised if it was that the car that did for him.

So it seems continental life isn't quite as laissez-faire as he might have previously imagined.

Government mislays several things, including The Plot

So hot on the heels of the admission that some skivvy lost the records of 25 million people from the child benefit database, and the student doctor leak fiasco, the Government's own Ruth Kelly has admitted that the details of 3 million learner drivers has been lost from a 'secure facility' ahem in Iowa.

Yes, Iowa: God only knows what the discs were doing there in the first place.

See the way I see it, anyone can make a mistake, we're all human. But the thing is with personal records (and the collecting of them) the security is only as strong as its weakest link.

Now if these personal records are going to America then there must be an awful lot of links in that chain.

Of course next on the agenda are ID cards: that collate even more personal info on everyone. Now I'm sure they'll try hard to be really careful, and try not send them anywhere without recorded delivery, but I for one remain unconvinced after the latest data breach.

Now I know this is only linked to cars by the fact it was Learner Driver details that were lost and don't mean to be partisan on this but, heck I can't help it. No2ID

Classic Motoring Advert #5: The Evil Sportka

A viral Sportka advert that tried to impress upon us the naughty credentials of the uprated 1.6 Ka. Not convincing, but fun nevertheless.

Audi R8 V10: Limited Potential?

The super-subtle 'R8 V10' is back testing after its fiery demise but its still unclear whether it will be using a new RS6 turbo (570bhp) V10 lump or the Gallardo's naturally aspirated (500bhp) one.

Either way it's clear that the new car will certainly be treading on the toes of its more illustrious Lamborghini stablemate.

Even if the R8 does, as expected, cede to 'Beta Lambo' and take the less powerful engine, it will still be an uncomfortable time for the guys at Lamborghini, who can expect to lose a few 'G' sales to the new car.

It is likely however that the G will be pitched slightly again higher using the Superleggera's 530bhp+ engine, just as the Murcielago was pitched up again in LP640 form.

One question though remains very much unanswered. Will the new V10 engine donate its name to the faster car? Is it to be an Audi R10, like the diesel Le Mans racer?

Fuel Shortage... a self fulfilling prophecy?

Despite some limited fuel protests in the last week demonstrating that we've along way to go to match the French and Italian union militancy, there is apparently no lack of fuel being delivered in the UK.

Instead it looks like the 'not in use sign' on many of the normal unleaded pumps at some petrol stations is due to panic buying before Christmas, not any actual shortage in fuel. Clever!


"Some people are on the forecourt. They think there's a fuel shortage. There is now."

Welcome Captain Brocklehurst!

I'm delighted to announce that Rack and Opinion has been bolstered by the arrival of a new writer: one Captain Brocklehurst.
I'm sure he'll be along soon to introduce himself.

Forza 2 new track: Road America

A nice Christmas addition extending the longevity of my favourite driving game is the Road America track. Download it from Xbox Live.

Classic Motoring Adverts #4: Grace 'WTF' Jones and the Citroen CX

Once Citroen had stopped making innovative, idiosyncratic cars, they turned their mad scientist resources over to the marketing department. 10/10 for sheer wierdness.

RIP Paul Smith, founder of SafeSpeed

There is sad news today that Paul Smith, road safety campaigner, has passed away aged 52. Paul worked tirelessly to combat the dangerous lies, spin and corruption that muddied the waters around road improvement and safety, and make life for the vilified motorist that bit better.

His website SafeSpeed is a beacon of sanity on the internet. Here's hoping that his work continues.

The Merc You Can't Buy is the Fastest One of All...

Voiced by the irreplacable Murray Walker (take note, James Allen) this is a graphic illustration of exactly how underendowed your AMG sportscar is, when measured against the priapic speed of a F1 car, round Silverstone. Wow.

Audi S3: Cold Hatch, Warm Heart

Nearly 6 years ago I was in the market for my first quick car. Still being young, I wanted a hatchback that was fast, and being a bit of a slovenly brand-whore I also wanted smart and well built. Back then if I wanted a new car, I had the choice of a Golf mark IV in V5 or V6 4motion guises or Audi's S3. The other hatches on the market were Honda's Civic Type-R (schitzophrenic), Renault's Clio 172 (buzzy), or the ageing Saxo VTS (been there, graduated with a B+ in Collisions).

That was it for interesting and fast hatchbacks that were on my radar.

In the end it was the Audi I fell for. It was composed (4 wheel drive gave my young-hide confidence), felt turbo bang-fast and although not fun like a 306GTi-6 it was a passable and flattering ride. In the touch and feel-good test in seemed (and cost) like a car from two or three classes above; so that covered smart and well built. The Golf too was good, but quite frankly the 4motion was nearly as expensive and not quite so fast, special looking, feeling or as rare.

Typically perhaps the car I was looking for came out a matter of 6 months later: VW's Golf mkIV R32. Every time I saw one on the road how I would strain my ears for that melodious V6 engine, feeling that my ubiquitous 1.8 turbo four sounded dull it seemed the whole car was lacking in sparkle, and down on character. Every time I saw an R32 at the lights I would concentrate on tuning the stereo -not wanting to be 'out-enthusiasted' by the driver of the car I should have bought.

Things became even worse in the passing years. There was the mania surrounding Ford's Focus RS, the cheaper VAG thrills of the Leon Curpa R (that used the same engine for a lot less wedge) and the voguish Mini Cooper S 'works'.

Had I bought the wrong car?

Apparently so. In 2003, Evo ran an group test that really rubbed my face in it. 'The Decider' showcased the battle of the superhatches (another niche alongside with supermini's, fast hatches, hot hatches). Just 18 months after I had bought the car, it felt like someone the glossy pages were whispering to me "here's what you could have won."

Next there was the buboe-mimic, the hot-tin-roof quick Renualtsport Megane (more grown up than the flyweight Clio Tophy) then there was the 1 -Series replacing the antiquated cut and shut that was the 3 series compact and now the next generation of Golves, a more sedate Type-R and even a new S3.

These were the cars that I wanted to choose between 6 years ago.

But looking now at the car that has turned 80,000 miles under its wheels in that time, has been chipped (1st by Superchips (see vid below) -dreadful, and then by AMD -superb) and in all that only broke down once with the obligatory VW coil pack failure. I'm not sure if I didn't make the right choice.

You might have noticed that car journo's were always slow to love Audi's at first glance (until the new generation RS4 and R8) in their tests but they love them in their long term reports. It's still handsome, discreet, but yes it has started to creak, and no it's not going to set your pants on fire with car lust, or buttock telegraphy *ahem*. But in the intervening years 'Bob' (as he was christened) has shed the few layers of Germanic efficiency that were obscuring the fact that character isn't always something you can detect in a forty minute blat.

Classic Motoring Adverts #3: Porsche Dream

A young boy does what I certainly did at school and dreams of a 911. I imagine Lewis Hamilton's first proposal to Ron Dennis went the same as this exchange.

Is Driving Slow in London the New Terrorism?

No, they're not getting rid of the 20mph residential zones.

Instead it seems a group of around 20 disgruntled truckers, as part of a wider protest, are going to attempt to blockade Parliment Square tomorrow morning in a go slow drive.

They are protesting at the current astromomical petrol prices in the UK (of A). Can't say I disagree (though I suppose its the price of oil that is the main contributor) but good luck to them.

Now so far so good, but it has been suggested that the government is looking at anti-terror legislation (and even the military!) to detain the activists and break up this lawful action.

Now excuse me but what the f*%k kind of country do we live in where that is even mooted? Is this bleedin' China, or North Korea, or Eye-bloody-Rack ten years ago?

It seems that these draconian laws on terror are already being misused in holing our free speech below the waterline.

Like I said, good luck to them...

Summer Jinks: Charity Supercar Funday

So this summer we attended a charity day for a Cystic Fibrosis Trust at a pub on the south coast. It was a great event and a fantastic way to raise money for a deserving cause.

People brought their cars and punters could pay a fiver for a ride round the block. God it was hot, but everyone kept smiling and the police kept a discreet (and friendly) presence!

In the end I am led to believe that the 'Le Mans' CF team and their crazy Alley Cat tour car raised over £7000 in total. So well done all! Here is a video link to some of the local newspaper's coverage.

Pistonheads: My Haven't You Grown!

Usually car hibernation time, January '08 has heard our mournful cry, and is furnishing us with a new and different kind of car show from the 11th-13th at the N.E.C.. It is Pistonheads: the Performance Car Show.

Now I have been a member over at PH for a good few years, and I'm finding it very exciting to see that it has grown in stature to the extent that it is a twin for the Autosport International Show.

Pistonheads, a forum for a fierce motoring views, was set up by one PetrolTed nearly 9 years ago. Aside from Ted, its strength has always been its membership; policemen, collectors, brokers, racing drivers, drag racers, enthusiasts, tuners, Automotive PR's, and many other car nuts have all filled the PH forum with banter, argument and (well reasoned) opinion for a long time now.

In fact it became so notable that it was eventually (part) acquired by Haymarket group (who also own Autocar/Autosport) exactly one year before this show; on the 11th January 2007. The union of the two, as well as the timing make sense.

There will be a 'live action arena' a la Clarkson's mad MPH show but one of the best elements of the day is an invitation to PH members to have their own cars displayed at the show (although 1 free ticket is a little stingy!) The 100 Best will be shown, if you are a member and haven't entered: see here.

Let's hope that PH goes on from here to grow still more. Well done Ted!

Classic Motoring Adverts #2: Lamborghini Gallardo

A Gallardo tears up an invitingly empty NYC in this chic looking black and white ad.

1G Noble... ignoble?

A little while ago Hinkley based marque Noble, needing funds for their next project, sold the R.O.W. rights to maunfacture the M12 to US company 1G Racing.

Now 1G have returned with their retake on the flyweight supercar: the nearly identical (spot the difference), but more exotically titled: Rossion Q1.

For one I'm glad that this little pocket rocket is still being made. I'm sure the Q1 will be every bit as good.

Let's just see what Noble do next... whther it be the M15, the M16 or whatever...

Speeding: One Rule to Ring the Till, One Rule to Bind Us...

Now how the bleeding heck is anyone supposed to take the issue of speeding as a heinous crime seriously if the police are very visibly flouting the very laws they are there to enforce?

First we are told that one Mark Milton, a copper, doing 159mph in a 70 (and 84mph in a 30!) was merely 'testing the capabilities of his vehicle' and was duly acquitted "thank you m'lud". Now the chair of the ACPO's 'Roads Policing' Meredydd "I like hidden cameras" Hughes has been clocked doing 90mph in a NSL zone (60) after telling all the world how dangerous it is (video link).

The real point is of course that speeding isn't necessarily a lethal action (though I would strongly suggest that 84 in a 30 is!). This blog would never condone dangerous driving, but driving faster than an arbitary limit thought up several decades ago isn't in itself as deadly as speeding nannies, and puritanical pressure group 'Brake' would have you believe.

Driving without care, attention, being reckless and dangerous, drink driving, drug driving are all idiotic and dangerous things do do, but the single digit transgressions that we are fined and punished for? Come on!

I do have some sympathy for the officers involved. They are most likely bullied into towing the unified "SPEED KILLS" line, which is obviously not their own personal view on the matter.

It's the hypocricy that infuriates, and frightens. We know speeding (to a degree) in certain condions isn't dangerous. The police, by their actions, (26 more were caught and not prosecuted) obviously recognise it isn't either but will they speak out in defence of the harassed motorist? Will they heck.

But so long as this goes on the merry-merciless-millstone-go-round of fine and impediment for ordinary, law abiding people will continue.


People talking sense like Paul Smith, the founder of the Safespeed website deserve our support to stop this insulting tirade of double standards and double speak on roads, speed and safety.

Classic Motoring Adverts #1: Shell/Ferrari F1

A terrific world tour in some of Ferrari's greatest racers.

Autobahns: Remain Limit Free

In good news for enthusiast drivers (us) in Germany and the nearby countries, the head honcho there Chancellor Angela Merkel vowed that her party would not be the ones to bow to pressure to introduce (80mph) speed limits on the famously limit-free motorways. The EU had suggested the speed-limit.

In a rare moment of politican talking sense over car emmisions, she insisted that a priority should be better traffic management to avoid long jams and stop start traffic.

Well done Angela!

Vmax: An Accelerative Disorder

Four times a year at a secret location near Leicester* a group of petrol fuelled nerds, nutters and friends are brought together by the internet, each sharing the desire to max their cars safely and legally.

This is Vmax: a friendly and informal (but invite only) collection of people and cars that has featured at one point or another almost every modern performance car: the Pagani C12S, Lamborghini LP640, Jaguar XJ220, Ferrari 430, Porsche's Carrera GT and Ford's new GT (pictured).

Vmax started as a small gathering of friends orgainsed by Craigw from Pistonheads (and originally Porkers.co.uk) and in the intervening years has grown into an event that has attracted TV programmes like 5th Gear, as well as tuning companies and chip tuners keen to demonstrate how their wares can improve the (verifiable) top speed of the cars present. DMS, Fearnsport, Ruf, 9ff, AMD have all featured their wares at a Vmax event, and that's just on the Porsche's!

Unsurprisingly this mixture of men, their pride and joys, and tuning companies that promise more speed has led to a curious syndrome, the sufferers of which become seemingly addicted to the 'fettling' of their cars. Many of the regular vehicles seem to be in a constant state of flux, as new addenda; exhausts, turbo's chips and carbon fibre bodywork go on the cars, and weight goes out -along with anything that might create drag (or high speed stability!).

In many cases this syndrome has become chronic.

Despite it sounding like this could be the UK home of the plonkers taking time off of the next Gumball 3000, the strength of the day has always been that it has managed to keep a good, friendly, non competitive atmosphere: idiots don't come back. People give one and other rides, chat, even swap cars for a drive, and enjoy the extensive selection of meats in a bap at the onsite restaurant.

Now, since I started attending at Vmax number 6, the speeds of the top cars has leapt from GuyR's 189mph in a Ruf 'Nardo' engined (650bhp) GT2 through the 200mph barrier (also broken by GuyR in the same car, sans wing) through a 207 in LeonS's Ruf RT12 to a faintly ridiculous 211 by a customer's (convertible!) 997 Turbo fettled to nutterdom by 9ff. The boot of which had more shiny piping than a ship's engine room.

In the same time Vmax has also faced the threat of closure when noise pollution issues forced many of the louder cars to stay at home. Finally the event was able to continue when it was pointed out to the complainants that if the airstrip wasn't going to be making money from driving days it would have to function at a landing strip. The thought of a Vulcan bomber being started up and run daily convinced people that 98dB would, in fact, be acceptable.

So while our cars get faster and our roads get worse. Let us celebrate the existence of this little 1.8 mile patch of tarmac, and the fellows who come from all over the UK to suffer together there.


*ok, Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground