COMPETITION: Win £150 TomTom Via 135 GPS & more with Road this Christmas

In addition to us giving you a FREE daily blog, great social media pages and a monthly magazine, we've now drummed up two great Yuletide competition giveaways, with season's greetings from us from us at Road Magazine HQ and our pals at TomTom! Happy Christmas!

1. TomTom are running a great online competition - 'TomTom Gives You More,' with a chance to win amazing do-before-you-die driving adventures.
And, as its Christmas time, we'd like to offer you lucky readers an even better chance of winning – by giving you a personalised token enabling you to claim 250 FREE virtual credit coins in the game. Merry Christmas from TomTom and Road Magazine & Blog!

The fun game (highlighted by the "almost viral" video above) gives you the chance to “unwrap the world” and win one of six unforgettable driving adventures – including the Grand Alpine Tour and the South African Garden route. Plus, there are thousands of other prizes to be won every hour.

All you need to do to claim your free plays is enter the code Road_TomTom at www.tomtom.com/more to play. Good luck! Thanks TomTom!

2. How would you like to win a brand new TomTom Via 135 sat nav device, worth £149? We thought so...! 

The new TomTom Via 135 has a five-inch screen and features a new "Speak & Go" function, aiming to make the use of the SatNav safer, as drivers can control the device with just the sound of their voice, as well as making hands-free calls, helping them keep their hands on the wheel and focus on the road.
We've just been sent one on test and it's absolutely fabulous – with great design and build quality, intuitive SatNav menus and idiot-proof, crystal clear colour displays. And the new "Speak & Go" software works a treat. It's the best there is on the market, for under £150, we think.

The Via 135 features:
· Hands-free calling via Bluetooth
· Advanced lane guidance, giving drivers extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions.
· Improved IQ Routes, which uses real travel information shared by millions of drivers to get the best routes and arrival times at every time of day.
· TomTom Map Share, which provides drivers with free daily map changes for life from the TomTom Map Share Community.
· Integrated mounting; a convenient foldaway mount that is integrated with the device, so it is always there when needed.
For further information on the ace product, please see here.
We can't recommend this superb system highly enough – and you could WIN it! 

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is:

1. Like us on Facebook here.

2. Like our publishers, Royle Media, on Facebook here &

3. Send us an email to proyle@roadmagazine.co.uk, with the correct answers to these questions below and why you should win, in less than 90 characters, Twitter style.

Hint: You will find the answers in our latest issue of FREE Road Magazine here:

Quiz questions:

1. What is the bhp figure of the Pikes Peak Lexus IS F CCS-R in the latest issue of Road Magazine?

2. Where did we drive the Lexus GS250 to in the latest issue of Road Magazine?

3. Who is advertising opposite our editorial in the latest issue of Road Magazine? Click on the hyperlink! 

The winner will be revealed here and on our social media in the new year.
10 minutes effort and you could win a fabulous, £149 SatNav from TomTom.
Have fun & good luck!

Oh, and Merry Christmas Roadies, from Team Road.

VIDEO: We Wish You a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!!

So, the end of 2012 draws near and there's only a couple of things to do – starting with thanking you ALL for reading FREE Road Magazine and Blog, liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter, and to sign off for the year, with a traditional Christmas tune, sung by the cars and stars of the American Le Mans Series! Of course! Have a great festive season roadies. See you back here in early 2013, for more daily blogging, social media treats and of course, our ace monthly magazine via www.roadmagazine.co.uk (where you can access all 30+ FREE back issues over the festive period!).
But, before you log-off from Road... stay tuned today, as we'll be giving you the chance to win something awesome, as a final Merry Christmas wish!

NEWS: Lotus Evora 'Sports Racer' Updates

Lotus have been busy in 2012, despite all the confusion surrounding the brand and its future. They've released the Exige S, were a featured marque at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, opened a new flagship retail store in Regent Street, nailed third place in the F1 Drivers’ Championship and fourth in the F1 Constructors’ Championship and got another series win for a Lotus with an Evora GTC taking the MSA British Endurance Championship. Not bad!

And now they've updated the Evora – with a the new ‘Sports Racer.’ It's a visually enhanced and optimised version of the mid-engined 3.5 litre V6 sports car, available in both naturally-aspirated or supercharged variants, delivering "phenomenal performance, exclusive style, incredible excitement and genuine affordability!"
Essentially, what the 'Sports Racer' package means is a unique exterior colour scheme with an optimised interior to match, loaded 'Lotus’ ultimate specification' interior and better value, priced in the UK at £57,900 for the Evora with 280 PS or £65,900 for the 350 PS supercharged Evora S. So, for UK customers, the cost benefits are clear; by opting for the pre-packaged Evora ‘Sports Racer’ savings range from £6,450 to £7,150 respectively. Impressive.
Lotus expand on the detail:

"The Evora ‘Sports Racer’ is available in a choice of four colours: Aspen White, Carbon Grey, Nightfall Blue and Ardent Red. To stand out from the crowd, the ‘Sports Racer’ receives unique contrasting accents of gloss black across the roof, front splitter, rear diffuser and side sills, exaggerating the Evora’s aggressive stance and sleek silhouette. Further black elements include black rear badging, black door mirror pods and gloss black forged wheels with a choice of either red or black brake calipers which all work to give the ‘Sports Racer’ a more dramatic and focused appearance.
"Inside, the 2+2 seating option is standard and comes adorned with black leather ‘Premium Sports’ seats trimmed with red contrast piping and stitching. The dash, doors and centre console receive a liberal dose of Slate Grey SuedeTexTM with red contrast stitching, highlighting the car’s sporting character.
"Like your interiors a bit louder? Go for Venom Red leather ‘Premium Sports’ seats with black contrast piping and stitching. All Evora ‘Sport Racer’ interiors are complemented by gunmetal dashboard panels, as is standard in the Evora S.
"The Evora ‘Sports Racer’ comes loaded with optional extras as standard. The ‘Sports Pack’ provides switchable sports mode with sharper throttle response, increased rpm limit and sportier setting for Dynamic Performance Management (DPM), sports diffuser and cross-drilled brake discs. The ‘Tech Pack’ provides upgraded speakers and stereo system, DVD player, 7" WVGA touch screen display, Bluetooth® mobile phone connection, USB connection for various iPod® models, MP3 players and memory sticks, tyre pressure monitoring, cruise control and rear parking sensors. This is topped of with electric power-fold mirrors and a reversing camera as standard."

Looking good for sales in 2013, or even Christmas?! 

VIDEO: "El Toro" R32 GT-R Skyline 1253PS!

Earlier this year we showed you Alex Keresztesi's amazing "El Toro" R32 GT-R Skyline on the dyno, knocking out over 700PS, on low boost. Now, it's run in and here it is being mapped on high boost – making an incredible 1253PS and an unreal 1429Nm torque. WOWZERS! Awesome! And watch the video right to the end to see the launch control map being added. Jees! That's a proper drag car! Love it.

COMPETITION: And the TomTom Handsfree Kit Winner is...

Congratulations to Stuart Staples – Road Magazine & Blog fan, Facebook liker and Twitter follower who has just won himself a fabulous, brand new, £80 Hands-Free Car Kit for his iPhone/smartphone for his efforts – offering the highest quality audio for loud and clear calls and navigation on the move, legally. And all Stuart did to win was like our Facebook page and sent in this winning story on speed cameras:

"Back in the day, when I'd landed my first sales job and company car, three of us decided to do some paperwork in the office on a Saturday morning. The office was near Chelmsford and the three of us left in our matching Ford Sierra's towards the A12. All of the cars were brand new (told you it was back in the day!) and we all rolled on to the A12 at the same time, one in each lane. You know what's coming, don't you? New company cars and an open road mean that it was pretty much guaranteed to have a head to head, so off we went towards London all building speed up and over 100mph! I know it was stupid, and I can't make excuses. So there we were three abreast in our red, blue and white Sierra's all neck and neck. We must have looked like Dagenham's version of the Red Arrows as we all got zapped by a handheld camera as we passed the bridge near Stock! Doh!
"A week or so later the summons came through, we all called one another to exchange tails of woe, but I was secretly kind of proud – as I had the highest measured speed! In those days the courts had the ability to give you a choice of longer ban and higher fine, or vice versa. I simply took a fortnights holiday, thanked the judge for his time and paid my £400 fine plus costs and walked out of the court knowing that I'd got away with it.....big time! Not sure that this story presents a safety conscious message, but I thought it was worth sharing and the image of three mates all neck and neck on the A12 still makes me smile to this day."Naughty... but nice Stuart!

So, what has Stuart won, thanks to Road Magazine and TomTom? Well, it's a fabulous bit of kit, featuring:
· Sound boost – An in-built 2 watt speaker means that drivers can hear hands-free calls and navigation instructions loud and clear.

· Extendable microphone – The microphone can be brought closer to the driver for clearer conversations.
· Noise and echo cancellation – Cancels out background noise so drivers can have even clearer conversations.
· Dual phone connection – Connects two phones simultaneously.
· Fast charging – Fast charges the driver’s phone on the go.
· Dual mounting system – Drivers can choose to mount their device on the dashboard or the windscreen. It includes a self-adhesive disc that allows use of the suction mount on the dash or centre console.
· Voice menu and spoken instructions – Drivers can connect their phone easily using the voice menu and spoken instructions. 

· Easy-reach answer and reject buttons – Answer and reject calls, even when the phone isn’t mounted.

NB: TomTom has also just revised and re-launched their iPhone app for speed cameras – available for free in the Apple app store. And find out more at their website and by reading our post here.

Look out for more great giveaways and competitions here on the blog and on Facebook and Twitter (@roadmagazine) in the new year folks.

Meantime, well done Stuart (and thanks for making us laugh) and thanks again to TomTom.

VIDEO: Bilstein Audi R8 Ring Racer

Fantastic film by top suspension gurus, Bilstein (a name synonymous with the Nurburgring Nordschleife) and one of the best looking, fastest, coolest race cars in the VLN Championship and ADAC 24-Hour, the Bilstein Audi R8. Love it!

NEWS: Conrad Grunewald Drift Update: 2013 Camaro Project

Our sideways star from the states, Conrad Grunewald, driver of the Hankook/Top 1 Oil Chevrolet Camaro in the USA Formula DRIFT Championships has just sent us this exciting update on his 2013 new car build. Bring it on! 

Conrad says: "Hi drift fans! I'm currently in North Carolina where my team is getting a new car built for the 2013 Formula DRIFT season. Working with B.R.E. Motorsports last year at Road Atlanta gave me an opportunity to see first-hand how much capability, knowledge and experience they have. From fabrication to engine building to paint and body, B.R.E. is one of very few independent tuning shops in the US that can build a competitive car from the ground up. Beyond the cars they build, their professional track support was also a huge help. So they were the obvious choice to build my new Camaro for 2013.

"We started off by having the stock chassis acid- dipped. This eliminated about 60 hours of tear-down time. It also reduced the weight of the car by 30 pounds before we started cutting out non-essential steel from the body. From there, we tig-welded a chromoly roll-cage, and the quality of the fabrication is the best I've ever seen. Next steps are adding the carbon fiber body panels, measuring the OMP seat and steering wheel for fitment, and getting the engine bay ready for placement of a Chevrolet Performance engine. I'm extremely pleased with B.R.E. Motorsports and their work on the car so far. Looking forward to planning some testing days with Ashley van Dyke once it's ready!"

And you will be able to read all about Conrad's new project here on the daily updated FREE Road blog (where we publish a FREE monthly magazine) and also with images and video on our Facebook page – why not LIKE us there? And follow us on Twitter too here. Thanks and seasons greeting everyone.

PS: If you like reading about Conrad and his drifting, why not check him out in our Road magazine FREE here too?

NEWS: M-Sport Bentley Continental GT3 Concept Racer UK Debut @ Autosport

After highlight unveilings at both the Paris Mondial de l'Automobile and the LA Auto Show, the awesome Bentley Continental GT3 Concept Racer (being worked on by rallying's M-Sport) is set to star at the not so glamorous (but still most influential) stage that is the NEC in Birmingham – at the 2013 Autosport International exhibition, where it will make its UK debut.
Following the announcement of Bentley’s return to motorsport in the GT3 category, response to the Continental GT3 has been overwhelmingly positive with significant interest from numerous potential customers. With detail design now underway at Bentley’s new motorsport department at the factory in Crewe, the Continental GT3 is on schedule to make its first on-track appearance by the end of 2013.
To assist with the design of specialist components and offer focussed technical expertise during the development of the programme, Bentley is delighted to announce a technical partnership with M-Sport Ltd, whose credentials include the successful running of World Rally Programmes since 1997, including winning two Manufacturer’s World Rally Championships.
Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, Brian Gush, comments: "Not only do we now have a world-beating operation in M-Sport as our new Technical Partner, but we have the honour of showing our Continental GT3 concept at Autosport International. The car continues to attract interest from around the globe, which is very encouraging as we progress the detail design. The whole team is looking forward to the exciting months ahead."
M-Sport will design and develop specialist components, together with design work and project organisation being undertaken in-house at Crewe. The company’s Dovenby Hall base in Cumbria complements the Crewe-based team and factory facilities, together creating an array of expertise and equipment that will help to ensure the development of a competitive GT3 racecar worthy of Bentley’s return to the racetrack.
Commenting on the new partnership, M-Sport’s Managing Director Malcolm Wilson remarks: "Joining forces with Bentley to help create the new Continental GT3 is a rare privilege. Bentley’s design and analysis work to-date has shown that the Continental GT road car can become an extremely competitive race car, and we are looking forward to capitalising on our extensive competition car development experience and success to help Bentley realise its goals."
Looks fantastic eh? Sure to steal the show at Autosport, even over the new Radical.
We can't wait to see it battle the likes of Spa and Nurburging, can you?
See more images here.

VIDEO: 2013 Polo R WRC Jari-Matti Latvala

Only a couple more days until we shut the Road office down for the year, and what better way to celebrate the Winter wonderland than looking to one of next years sure-to-be-star-cars, the VW Polo R WRC. VW back in world rallying. Great! And here's Jari-Matti Latvala showing off what it's capable of in the snow. How good does it look? How good is it going here? And better still, how good does that wastegate chatter sound? Awesome. Bring on WRC 2013.

NEWS: Final Lexus LFA Rolls Off Production Line

The 500th and last LFA in the production run – a white LFA Nürburgring Package – rolled off the line at the Motomachi Plant, Aichi Prefecture on December 14, 2012, looking ace and marking the end of production for Lexus very first supercar. The incredible 412PS, 480Nm, 200mph, 4.8-litre V10 Japanese beauty made of carbon fibre reinforced plastic and loaded with technology has to be one of the cars of the year. And despite the fact only a lucky 500 will get to own and enjoy the LFA, fear not – as Lexus say they "are learning from LFA engineering to directly influence new Lexus products," and that "production knowledge of Carbon fibre components to be applied to future Lexus vehicles." That is great news.
As the final vehicle left the production line, LFA chief engineer, Haruhiko Tanahashi said: "I’ve lived and breathed supercars for the past decade. Specifically one supercar, LFA. Very few people have the opportunity we had to create a world-class supercar from a blank sheet of paper."
Production at LFA Works started exactly two years ago, on December 15, 2010, and included a team of around 170 hand-picked takumi workers involved in parts manufacturing, vehicle assembly and painting. The LFA was produced at the rate of just one car per day.
Find out more about the LFA here  and read the latest Lexus special of Road Magazine FREE here.

VIDEO: Falken Drift Show @ VLN Nürburgring

Really nice film from Falken (who have done some amazing viral videos this year), from a place they know very well – the Nürburgring. But this video is not about their amazing Porsche GT3 R race car doing the business in the VLN, but the Falken Drift Show instead. Great PR. Great video. Great guys! Oh, and great tyres too...  find out more at www.falkentyres-uk.com.

VIDEO: Sideways Christmas

Feeling festive yet? If not, this might help... as BMW hit the right viral video note again (how good have their videos been this year?), as folk from the Zurich Acapella Group try and sing a classic Christmas carol, while a DTM race ace, Martin Tomczyk, chucks them about sideways in a 135i M. Nice.

VIDEO: Lancia Delta S4 Snow Test :-)

It was the ultimate Group B supercar rally car – KKK turbocharged, Volumex supercharged, 037 style space framed with unreal aerodynamics and dynamics – that sadly never got a full chance to shine, as the group was banned not long after its launch in 1985. But it did enough to catch Peugeot and their incredible 206 T16 (that saved the car company). Weighing just 890Kg and with 450bhp made it arguably the fastest, not to mention technically advanced rally car ever (making F1 cars of the era look Luddite). Here, to celebrate the car and the first snow fall of the year, is the Group B Lancia Delta S4´s first snow test in Lapland 1985 with WRC demi-god, Markku Alén, at the helm. Enjoy!

NEWS: New 175mph Radical RXC To Launch @ Autosport International

The brand-new, 175mph, 380bhp, 900KG Radical RXC will be launched at the 2013 Autosport International Show at the NEC in Birmingham, January 10-13th. We would like to say it looks good, but this render (and colour) are awful! Sure the real thing will be nicer though! 

The new Radical Xtreme Coupe supercar – Radical’s first model with an enclosed cockpit – will be available for only £89,500+VAT for the first ten customers.

Radical already holds the production car lap record at the Nürburgring Nordschleife – and the RXC is said to be "faster and more performance-focused than anything built in its sector before." .
It is powered by a 3.7-litre Ford V6 producing 380bhp and tips the scales at just 900kg, offering 0-62mph in just 2.8 seconds, and is capable of a top speed of 175mph. A space frame chassis is coupled with an aggressive, Le Mans-styled body including a full-width, carbon bi-plane rear wing and gullwing doors.
Three-and-a-half years in the making, the RXC will be available in both road and race versions from summer 2013.
"In the history of Radical I don’t think I’ve been more excited about a new car than I am now with the RXC," said Phil Abbott, Radical Sportscars Managing Director. "It’s the car we’ve always wanted to make, and by applying our extensive knowledge and understanding we have produced a GT car that, just like our other products, will outperform machinery costing many times more. But more important than that, it’s going to be incredibly thrilling to drive."
Since the company’s formation in 1997, Radical Sportscars has sold over 1,600 cars. The world’s favourite racing car, the 800th Radical SR3 RS will join the new RXC on display at Autosport International, along with the 200th SR8 constructed at its Peterborough factory.
"Radical Sportscars is one of the real success stories of the British motorsport industry," said Ian France, Autosport International Show Director. "It’s a real market-defining manufacturer, continuing to evolve its product range and offering to customers, including track days and its own race series’ around the world. As the first enclosed Radical, the RXC is another example of this growth, I’m looking forward to seeing it launched."
The Radical RXC joins a host of sensational machinery on show at the NEC. Running alongside Autosport International in Hall 19, The Performance Car Show: Powered by www.pistonheads.com will feature a multi-million pound collection of exotic supercars and rare and historic models.
The likes of Lamborghini’s 700bhp, V12 Aventador, the fastest Ferrari ever built, the F12berlinetta, Audi R8 V10 Spyder and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will headline the stunning showcase, while local manufacturers Ariel Motor Company, Hawk Cars, GKD Sports Cars and MK Sports Cars will all exhibit their latest road and race models.
Tickets for the show are on sale now. Adult tickets are available from £31 and children’s tickets available from £20. For more information call 0844 581 1420 or visit www.autosportinternational.com.

You going? Looks like one not to be missed... 

VIDEO: Tsukuba Time Attack S15 In-Car

Just watch and admire how to handle Tsukuba properly. Epic awesomeness!

VIDEO: 200mph VW Golf!

We've all got different ways of passing the time of day and for Paul Panzer, it's ragging his unreal, big turbo VW Golf II  on the autobahn – hitting 200mph (321.7Km/h)! The beast is still only a two-litre, 16V as well. And it's on "low boost."Jeeeees!

NEWS: 2012: 25 Years of the Fabulous "Race Of Champions"

You know it's Christmas coming when the most fun motorsport event of the annual calendar – the Race of Champions – is here, with just three days before it all kicks off in Bangkok, Thailand, December 14-16th. And this year sees the epic event – pitting the world's greatest drivers from all motorsport disciplines against each other in a range of different cool vehicles, head to head, against the clock, becoming a knock-out competition – celebrate 25 years. Bravo! 

It all looks set to be a classic too, with 2011 King, Sebastian Ogier back to defend his title, and both Sebastian Vettel (also showing off the new Red Bull RB7 F1 car) and seven-times F1 champ, Michael Schumacher coming back to try and prove F1 drivers are quicker than rally boys (good luck with that!) and fight to the death, like they did last year. Classic! 

ROC cars this year include the Toyota GT86 (which should be sideways fun), VW Scirocco, Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo, Euro race car, ROC buggy, KTM X-Bow and also this year, the 500bhp Audi R8 LMS. All the pieces are in place for a gem. Well done ROC for 25 great years! Here's to a fabulous 2012 event and the next 25! 

Find out more on the ace ROC Facebook page and website, including where you can catch all the action on TV, buy last year's DVD as a Christmas present (hint, hint!), see all the previous winners, watch great videos, get all the news, get the freshest tweets and images and much more. Get involved...

VIDEO: Petter Solberg Quits WRC: Highlight Video.

So, Petter Solberg – legendary, smily, Norwegian WRC ace – is to quit the sport, for now! Sad news. But we can't wait to see what he ends up driving in 2013. We say... give the Nurburging 24-Hour a go, like Carlos Sainz has done since he retired Petter. You will love it! Or maybe some historic rallying? And we hope to see you back in a WRC car soon too.
Here's what Petter had to say about his retirement from WRC: "First off, I want to say thank you. You can't imagine the feeling I get seeing and reading all of your messages and support, both here and via multiple outlets around the web. Honestly I'm always so amazed by it. Especially now, it feels great.
The decision to withdraw from the WRC for 2013 after all of these years was not an easy one. The reality is that no matter how much we were hoping that there was a proper seat for us, it was made very apparent that there was not. At this point in my career, I had to make the call. I had to step away for now, and make a change. The main thing that I want you all to realize, is that my statements and actions should by no means be viewed as me retiring. This is my life, and I'm definitely ready and prepared for more time behind a wheel, and more success. With all of this being said, I also wanted to confirm that we are working on some very exciting plans for 2013, and I look forward to sharing that with you as soon as we're able. It's going to be a fun and competitive time for all of us. I promise you that! Thank you again. Never Give Up!"

Best of luck "Hollywood" – you're a superstar and we'll be keeping our readers abreast of your activities in 2013 whatever you do. Have a great Christmas dude! 

Meantime, to remind you all what a star Petter is, here's a highlight video to enjoy his WRC skills again... 

CHRISTMAS GIFTS: Couple of Christmas Crackers

Stuck for some Christmas present ideas for your mates, dad, brother or even need to drop some hints to your missus what you want? How about these two classics?
Driving to the in-laws on Boxing Day? Get there stress-free with a new sat nav! The TomTom VIA 130 (£129.99 from Halfords) has a "Speak & Go" function so you can control it with your voice – just say an address or 'take me home' and it plans the route straight away. Bluetooth enables you to make and answer calls safely whilst driving, and advance lane guidance gives clear directions when navigating difficult junctions. It uses travel info shared by millions of drivers to get the best routes and most accurate arrival times, whatever the time of day. Highly recommended. We just had one on test and can't fault it.
And, as you may have seen on TV, in a special Christmas promotion, TomTom is offering free maps for the lifetime of the product on selected devices – worth £79.99. You'll be able to download four brand new maps every year, totally free, meaning you receive all the latest updates to the road network, addresses and points of interest. Redemption is online with proof of purchase and the promotion runs until 24 December on all TomTom VIA and GO LIVE models.
Alternatively, the TomTom Start 60 (£169.99 from Halfords) boasts a 6" screen, their biggest yet. Resolution is really sharp, whilst larger menus and buttons make inputting even simpler. It can be mounted on the dashboard as well as the windscreen. Parking Assist helps you to find car parks at your destination and spoken street names make turnings clearer. It comes pre-loaded with maps of 45 countries across Europe. For further info visit www.tomtom.com
OR...
Buying a gift for a DIY enthusiast or someone who likes to 'tinker' under the bonnet? The Dremel 3000 Limited Edition Tool Box (£89.99 from dremel-direct.com and amazon.co.uk) is stuffed full of goodies. The Dremel 3000 multi-tool is essential for any project that involves cutting, grinding, sanding, routing, drilling and pretty much everything else. The tool box also includes 45 easy-to-change accessories plus six attachments such as a flexshaft for detailed work and a line & circle cutter. The combined value of the contents is £125, so this great gift saves nearly 30% on normal selling prices. Now there's no excuse for not getting down to all those repair and maintenance tasks in the New Year! For further info visit www.dremel.co.uk

PROMOTION: Online Shopping Offers Best Value For Car Parts

Our pals at Buy Parts (BuyCarParts.co.uk) kindly offer us top tips to save money on car expenses – by shopping online. 

They say: "It’s not a secret that having your own car involves increasing expenses, every month. These expenses refer, basically, to the maintenance of your car day by day – buying petrol, oil changes, servicing, tyres etc. Often, there is a necessity to change a part that has broken or, for some reason, has begun to malfunction. As far as the spare parts are concerned, it is almost impossible to predict the frequency and quantity of expenses and, as a consequence, this puts your wallet contents at risk.
So, we ask: “Is it possible to save money on spare parts for your car without any loss of their quality?”
The answer is yes! 

Access to the Internet helps us to find the answer – because nowadays you can find great deals at online car parts shops. These shops do differ significantly from the normal shops. Some skeptical people think it seems to be impossible to do shopping online, as you can’t see the product you are buying and, as a consequence, you can’t check the quantity, the size, and so on. Nevertheless, many online shops provide an accurate description (with images) of their goods: The manufacturer, the country of fabrication and more details beneath an image of the product.
Moreover, there are more benefits that online shops provide:
1. Comfort: There is no need to go out, looking for a spare part – travelling from one car shop to another. All you have to get you parts is access to the Internet, which is available almost everywhere; at home, in the library, at the University and, of course, at work. And in these online shops, it's possible to find quality spare parts, with top brands like Bosch, Beru, Sachs, Luk, Hella, Valeo, Febi Bilstein, TRW, Ate, K & N, Metzger, that are difficult to find in a normal car shop.
2. Quick shopping: One you opened the page of BuyCarParts.co.uk, the first step is to choose a car brand, then a car spare part and in two-three clicks, your part is in your shopping basket. You don't have to wait in long queues, ask a load of questions and waste time or money going out to get there. You can just click and find what you want in seconds.
3. Considerable savings: Very often the difference in price between a normal car shop and an online shop of car repairs exceeds 50%. The main explanation of this is that an online shop does not have to pay expensive overheads (like rent, wages, staff training, etc.) and does not have to include these expenses in the price of the goods. These savings are passed onto the customer online, meaning you get great value.
3. Wide variety of car brands: Online shops provide a great number and variety of car spare parts. In one click you have access to any spare part you need for your car. And at Buy Car Parts, you can always find the products for the brands of both national and international cars: Alfa Romeo, Peugeot, Renault, Citroën, BMW, Ford, Volkswagen, Lancia, etc. The list is huge.

4. Payment system: To pay for the the part you've requested is so easy – just choose the form of payment, whether it be via your bank account, via PayPal system or in cash once you received your order. It's so simple.

Why go out in the cold, wasting time and money travelling, to buy more expensive car parts, when you can get fast, simple, easy, great quality parts online in half the time and, very often, half the price here.

MAGAZINE: Latest FREE Road Magazine: Luxurious Lexus

Open publication - Free publishing - More cars

In this month's FREE Road Magazine, we take a closer look at the "manufacturer of the decade" – Lexus – reviewing the brand new 2013 LS Range loaded with world first technology and featuring an all-new 460 F-Sport, test the outgoing GS250 V6 in advance of the all-new 2013 GS range UK launch, look in depth at the updated CT200h hybrid hatch & review the awesome Pikes Peak IS F CCS-R V8 muscle. The pursuit of perfection is here in abundance this month. Enjoy! And join us on Twitter (@roadmagazine) and Facebook to let us have your thoughts on the Lexus cars tested in this issue, and on our magazine & blog. Thanks, Team Road.

VIDEO: New Lexus GS - Heartbeat Challenge!

We've just had a close final look back at the out-going GS250 in full in the latest Lexus special of Road Magazine here. So, enter the all-new, facelifted 2013 GS model range, being given a proper run for it's money in this ace video, impressing potential clients – by getting their heart rate up and over 120bpm. Funny! And just how good does the new GS450h look in full oppo? We love the Jekyll & Hyde factor of Lexus Cars, do you?

VIDEO: Lexus CT 200h Kylie Minogue Advert

Sure most of you will have seen this, but who needs another excuse to enjoy Kylie looking sexy in a Lexus CT200h, as tested in full in the latest FREE Road Magazine? See the world's first full hybrid hatchback and read our POV on it here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_31_small

VIDEO: New 2013 Lexus LS 600h Launch Film

Take a closer look around the range-topping new 2013 LS, the incredible 600h. Amazing thing eh?
Read about some of its phenomenal world first technology and get the full range story, with 460, new 460 F-Sport and the 600h in our latest FREE issue of Road Magazine at:
http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_31_small

VIDEO: Lexus IS F CCS-R Conquers Pikes Peak

To back-up our packed Lexus special of Road Magazine this month, here's an edited video of the incredible, awesome-sounding V8 Lexus IS F CCS-R's historic first race with Ken Gushi at the helm at the amazing Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, from August 12th this year. Read the full story in the issue FREE here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_31_small

What a cool, cool car eh? 

NEWS: Italian Debut For McLaren 12C Spider

You can almost here the Ferrari rioters mumbling now – as the news has broken that McLaren will be showcasing their new 12C Spider in Italy, at the 37th edition of the Bologna Motor Show, taking place 5-9 December. 

The new 12C has been developed alongside the MP4-12C as a ‘pure McLaren’ – and includes a revised 625PS 3.8-litre V8 twin-turbo engine, carbon fibre MonoCell and a fully automatic two-piece Retractable Hard Top (RHT) that can be raised or lowered in less than 17 seconds and on the move up to 30 km/h. 

McLaren say: "As with the mechanically identical 12C, the 12C Spider is a mid-engine two-seat rear-drive high performance sports car. Unlike rivals, it uses a carbon fibre monocoque chassis, the MonoCell. This confers major advantages in weight, strength and torsional rigidity – all improving handling, ride comfort and performance. The MonoCell is a unique one-piece moulded chassis that weighs just 75kgs (165lbs). It is 25 per cent stiffer than an equivalent all-metal structure and 25 per cent lighter than a comparable aluminium chassis (the difference with a steel chassis is even greater). It is also stronger and safer in a crash, acting as a safety survival cell, as it does in a Formula 1 car." 

And commenting on the Italian debut of the 12C Spider, Ado Fassina, Managing Director of McLaren Milan explained: "We are delighted to introduce such a prestigious sports car as the 12C Spider to the Italian market. It is a real satisfaction to see the McLaren range growing year after year, and we are confident that the introduction of new exciting models such as this, can reply to the needs of the fans in this exclusive sector."
Following the Bologna show, the 12C will be sold in Italy, in the face of Ferrari fans, only by Gruppo Fassina at McLaren Milan, located on Corse Sempione 34/2, 20154 Milano. Expect anti-McLaren riots there soon!

NEWS: First European Test of 2013 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 With JRM Group

Our pals at JRM Racing (www.jrm-group.com) have arranged a first European test of the awesome 2013 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 – for teams and driver looking for competitive and affordable GT3 car.
JRM say: "Following a successful four day test held in Portimao this week, engineers of the Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 believe the raft of 2013 performance upgrades have delivered significant improvements in both qualifying and race pace. Despite the test car not benefitting from all the planned 2013 engine upgrades, the changes to the suspension and a substantially revamped aero package enabled JRM test driver Peter Dumbreck to consistently lap substantially faster than the sister 2012 spec car running at the same time. JRM, manufacturer of the car that came close to securing the British GT crown in its debut year, was also able to capitalise on the comprehensive track time to work through its entire test programme, as well as allowing potential customers to try the car."
"The test gave us four full days running in predominantly dry conditions ,working through aero and damper set up changes to optimise the car ahead of homologation," says JRM’s Nigel Stepney. "The drivers reported turn in is significantly improved and the repositioned rear wing is more efficient than last year’s, resulting in downforce without the drag."
The potential of the car was underlined as, together with planned engine upgrades due ahead of the next test in January, the Nismo and JRM partnership will realise a further weight reduction of 20kg. "For instance, we have taken the opportunity to upgrade the heavier production headlamps for carbon fibre units," adds Stepney. "Shedding some weight will enable us to optimise balance ahead of final homologation."
In addition to Dumbreck, drivers from the UK, Europe and the Middle East that are considering the Nissan sampled the 2013 spec car. Competitive pricing, some £50,000 lower than similarly specified cars, led to ten drivers making the trip, including British GT4 champion Jody Fannin. "The 2013 car immediately instilled confidence and I was able to set competitive lap times on an unfamiliar circuit after a handful of laps,” says Fannin “I found it well balanced and very stable. It was particularly strong under braking and on turn in. I'm sure it'll be a competitive proposition in 2013."
JRM is already planning a further test in January 2013 ahead of the Balance of Performance trials when potential customers can also drive the car. Bionic GT3 car anyone? Contact JRM Racing for full details via the website.

NEWS: TomTom Update iPhone 5 Navigation App Software

TomTom has released a fresh update of its navigation app for iPhone – aimed at taking full advantage of the larger screen on the iPhone 5. The app has been optimised to run in full-screen mode, enabling iPhone 5 users to see more of the map when driving, or walking about, with the new larger screen. Menu and search screens have also been enhanced, so drivers can see more options and search results.
TomTom’s navigation app for iPhone and iPad is fully functional with or without signal. Offline maps mean that drivers will stay connected to accurate, reliable and up-to-date navigation wherever they go. And, unlike other navigation apps, they won’t incur costly roaming charges when navigating abroad.
TomTom Navigation app for iPhone and iPad v.1.12 is available from the App Store, priced £39.99 for the UK/Republic of Ireland map.
To see all the changes to this new version, visit the iPhone App Store.

Don't forget too! You could WIN an £80 TomTom smartphone/iPhone handsfree kit for your car with Road Magazine & Blog. All you have to do is read the post linked below and follow the simple instructions to stand a chance of winning. Five minutes and you could win the kit: Simples! 

Details here: http://roadmagazine.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/win-win-win-new-80-tomtom-smartphone.html

NEWS: Nissan Juke-R Goes All Batman! Win it!

Last week we got the Usain Bolt gold Nissan GT-R auction and this week Nissan's marketing team are teaming up with the Batman movie franchisers – creating a one-off Batman-inspired Juke Nismo! It's been built to celebrate launch of The Dark Knight Rises™ on Blu-Ray™ & DVD (December 3rd) and is based on the new Juke Nismo, featuring matt black paint and lots of Batman detailing. And it's not up for sale, but available to win here: www.builttothrill.co.uk

The Juke's official title is: The Dark Knight Rises™ Juke Nismo – and the the one-off machine features a host of Batman-inspired details "that will make the lucky owner the envy of every movie fan and car buff," say Nissan. It features the same 200PS 1.6-litre turbocharged engine driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox - giving it a 0-62mph time of 7.8 seconds - as well as a Nismo bodykit, uprated suspension and enhanced interior. And there's a load of Batman-inspired interior and exterior details "that will make the driver feel just like Bruce Wayne." These include: Matt black paint, 18-inch rims, a shark fin antenna replacing the standard car’s conventional aerial, aluminium bat badges on the front grille and tailgate, bat logos on the kickplates and reflective bat badges on the headrests of the suede-trimmed Nismo sports seats. Best – or geekiest – of all, thanks to downlighters mounted under the door mirrors the famous Bat signal can be projected onto the floor area around the doors. A clever uplighter projects the same signal onto the black headlining inside too. 

See some more images on our Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/roadmagblog The Dark Knight Rises™ Juke Nismo is the work of Nissan’s very own Batcave – Nissan Design Europe, based in London’s Paddington, the same studio responsible for the design of the original Juke. 

Nissan say: "The Dark Knight Rises™ Juke Nismo will not go on sale in a Nissan dealership, nor will it be made available to the highest bidder – instead the only way to get this car on your driveway is to enter a special competition at www.builttothrill.co.uk. Just take the Thrill Test and you’re in with a chance of owning The Dark Knight Rises™ Juke Nismo. The competition runs until February 28th 2013 with the winner announced early March."

Meanwhile, order books for the Juke Nismo open in January 2013 with deliveries set for March 2013. The first in a range of Nismo road cars, it has been designed and developed by Nissan’s Nismo performance division. It will be available with two transmissions: a 2WD manual or 4WD CVT automatic. Prices and full specifications for the Juke Nismo will be released closer to the car’s launch.

NEWS: Laponie Ice Driving Group Discounts

Our pals in Lapland – Laponie Ice Driving – are offering some mega rates for groups of three, six or nine drivers this year. So there's never been a better time to live that dream, get a gang of friends or family together, head off to see Santa, and have the most oversteer fun possible in amazing cars, in a stunning location, with amazing tuition – from the likes of Yvan Muller.
Laponie sort out all the transfers, ground transport, accommodation, meals and everything, as well as the actual courses themselves – done an frozen lakes in Lapland, with some amazing cars to pick from their 28-strong fleet – including Porsche Boxters and Caymans, Corvette Z06’s, Porsche 997 GT3’s, Lamborghini Gallardo’s and Audi RS4’s, in addition to six new Subaru Impreza STI’s.
The new group packages means that each driver will enjoy eight sessions of 20-minutes intensive driving each day in a Porsche Cayman S, a Porsche GT3 and a Corvette Z06. 

Laponie say: "The whole package represents excellent value, as well as a considerable saving over the equivalent individual cost. Now in our eighth year, Laponie Ice Driving offers a no-compromise driving experience to all- from beginners to professional racers. Instructors include experienced racing drivers as well as the ice-king, Yvan Muller. We are also the only company permitted to reproduce both the Silverstone and Le Castellet circuit layouts on ice."
See for yourself: www.laponie-ice-driving.co.uk – and click on the videos section. But be warned... this is almost too much fun! 

NEWS: New 4th Gen Subaru Forester Unveiled: With 280PS Hot Petrol Version

Subaru's already excellent all-rounder, the fabulous Forester (read all about it here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_23_subaruspecial), is all set for a brand new, forth generation vehicle – including a new 280PS petrol Boxer version. Yay! The performance Forester is back, as we hoped it would be.

The great-looking new car will be on sale in the UK from summer 2013, with three 2.0-litre Boxer engines available, improved performance and fuel economy over the outgoing model and being "larger, more refined and more efficient," according to Subaru sources.

They add: "The new Forester builds upon the outgoing model’s credentials as a go-anywhere, user-friendly SUV, with improved performance, safety and efficiency and a larger, more practical cabin. Subaru’s unique Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system remains at the heart of the vehicle, while a low centre of gravity and improved body rigidity contribute to improved refinement and a typically engaging drive on the road."
Confirming the UK launch of the Forester, Subaru has also announced outline details of the engine line-up, which will include 150PS 2.0-litre Boxer diesel and petrol units, as well as – best of all – a return of the potent Forester, with a new 2.0-litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine, producing 280PS. Yes!
Both of the naturally-aspirated engines will feature a six-speed manual transmission as standard, while Subaru’s Lineartronic (CVT) transmission is available on both petrol engines. The Lineartronic transmission has been modified to manage the increased power while also providing improved fuel efficiency, and ensures that both CVT-equipped petrol engines achieve the 2015 Japanese fuel economy standard.
Haydn Davies, Marketing Director, Subaru UK, commented: "Since the Forester’s launch in 1997, it has gained a loyal following across the UK for its rugged, go anywhere abilities and these developments will ensure it remains a firm SUV favourite. The fourth-generation Forester will feature the latest All-Wheel Drive system and Boxer engines, while a lot of work has gone into improving refinement, ride quality and safety."
Further details of the new Subaru Forester will be announced in the new year and we can not wait. BIG Forester fans here at Road. 

NEWS: Toyota AE86 Class Victory on RAC Rally

Toyota GB supported classic rally team Midgley Motorsport is celebrating a remarkable debut class victory on the Roger Albert Clark Rally, the UK’s toughest historic motorsport event – with 160 miles and 24 special stages (including Dalby, Duncombe Park, Croft, Craik, Gen Dhu and Kershore), plus 378 road miles.
The team’s 25-year-old Corolla AE86, crewed by Will Midgley and Jonathan Driver (great name!), beat its closest rival to the Kielder Forest finish line last night (Sunday) by 14 minutes.

Midgley and Driver battled throughout the three-day event against another Corolla, crewed by Andy Madge and Pat Cooper. The duel for class honours came down to the final sting-in-the-tail stage in the 160-mile rally, the 17-mile Kershope test – a rallying classic.
"Going into Kershope we were three minutes behind Andy," said Will, 37 and from Grassington in North Yorkshire. "He looked like he had it in the bag because he had been going really well. But he came off three miles into the stage and couldn’t get going again. It was really unfortunate for Andy, but good luck for us."
The Midgley Corolla, which is liveried identically to those which Will’s father, John Midgley, and Per Eklund drove to a string of UK rallying successes for Team Toyota GB in the mid-’80s, was one of four finishers in its class.
It wasn’t all plain sailing for Will and Jonathan: "We hit a huge pot-hole on the first evening and that put the steering well off track – one wheel was pointing one way and one the other – but we were able to get that remedied in service. We were still working on the car, in mud and slurry, until one-thirty the next morning. We had four hours of sleep and then we were back off again."
On Saturday, at the Croft circuit spectator stage, the Midgley Toyota lapsed on to three cylinders and that cost the crew a couple of minutes on their second run around the track. "After that, everything was fairly trouble-free; we kept it on the road and the Toyota ran really well. Jonathan and I learned a lot: it was the first time for both of us navigating with maps, our first time rallying in the dark, and the first time in fog. That was a lot of firsts for one event. The team worked really hard to keep us going, especially on the Friday night, and we thoroughly enjoyed the event.
"I am sure we will be back to do the rally again next year and hopefully also we will contest the new RAC Club championship that is being launched for cars of the era of our Corolla."

Congratulations to Will & Jonathan. Great to see an AE86 on the stages in this fabulous rally. Find out more at: http://midgleymotorsport.com/ and see a full list of results here: http://www.rogeralbertclarkrally.org

NEWS: Mazda MX-5 Upgraded Line-up

The world's best selling sportscar – Mazda's MX-5 – has revised its line-up by  introducing upgraded models with a fresh face, new pedestrian-friendly bonnet, satellite navigation system, side airbags, climate control air-conditioning and an even more rewarding driving experience.
The new seven-strong range of upgraded Mazda MX-5 sportscars, which introduces the 2.0-litre MX-5 Sport Tech Nav models, with integrated satellite navigation as standard – a Mazda first on the MX-5 range – is on sale from 1 December priced from £18,495 to £23,595 on-the road (OTR).  For six years in a row the Mazda MX-5 has been voted ‘Best Roadster’ by Auto Express magazine.
"When developing the upgraded Mazda MX-5, Mazda’s designers were determined to make the revised roadster even better looking and even more fun to drive.  An aggressive new front grille and new bumper design with a bold chin spoiler creates a deeper and wider look that also improves aerodynamics by reducing drag around the fog lamp and over the front tyres," comments Peter Allibon, Sales Director, Mazda UK.
As well as giving upgraded Mazda MX-5 a fresh appearance, the new front-end design simultaneously improves pedestrian safety.  Keeping ahead of tougher EU regulations, the MX-5 is the first Mazda to be equipped with the company’s newly-developed active bonnet system.  If a collision with a pedestrian is detected, the trailing edge of the bonnet instantly ‘pops-up’ to increase the crumple zone between the bonnet and engine, reducing the severity of pedestrian injuries.
Every upgraded Mazda MX-5 continues to offer the Japanese marque’s unique ‘Jinba Ittai’ handling finesse with a rear-wheel drive chassis that delivers perfectly balanced handling and pure driving exhilaration.  Now, the six manual transmission models feature a modified throttle to improve responsiveness and give more linear, nimble acceleration, especially when manoeuvring out of corners.  At the same time, Mazda engineers optimised the vacuum brake booster to improve brake return control and thus front-rear load distribution, particularly when braking into bends.
"The Mazda MX-5 enjoys incredible popularity in Britain and now the ‘Upgraded’ range offers an even more rewarding sportscar ownership experience, while remaining unrivalled as an exhilarating drive that can also be used everyday.  Together with its affordability, low running costs, enviable reliability, as confirmed by the 2012 What Car? magazine annual reliability survey, great residual values and our current low-rate finance offers, the Mazda MX-5 is a thoroughly modern sportscar that people can buy with their heart and their head," adds Allibon.
The upgraded Mazda MX-5 benefits from enhanced equipment with climate control air-conditioning and glossy dark grey dashboard panel and steering wheel inserts on every model.  Upgraded Mazda MX-5 Sport Tech and PowerShift models also gain an auto-dimming interior mirror, while Sport Tech models also boast an alloy pedal set.
New to the Mazda MX-5 line-up, the Sport Tech Nav model features a TomTom satellite-navigation system with a fully integrated 5.8-inch touch screen monitor, 4GB SD card based map (45 countries), Live Services, iPod and Bluetooth^® connectivity, and complete multi-media functionality.
The upgraded Mazda MX-5 range also benefits from a refreshed palette of colours and new to the Mazda MX-5 range, Sparkling Black Mica, Dolphin Grey Mica and Crystal White Pearlescent. Also available is the popular True Red Solid, Aluminium Silver Metallic, Copper Red Mica  and Stormy Blue Mica.
Mazda MX-5 customers have a choice of three powertrains, all fine-tuned to maximise thrills and minimise fuel consumption – the 126ps 1.8i MZR with a five-speed gearbox, and the 160ps 2.0i MZR with a smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission or ‘PowerShift‘ six-speed sequential paddle-shift transmission that allows manual control or a fully automatic mode.
For full details of the latest promotions and finance offers visit www.mazda.co.uk/showroom/offers

NEWS: Opel Motorsport Back in Rallying & VLN @ Nurburgring

Great news! Opel Motorsport is back in rallying, with the all-new, internationally-focused Opel ADAM Cup. And there will also be a circuit program focused on Germany, the VLN Championship and the Nurburgring-24-Hour with the new Astra OPC Cup! Hooray!

"These new motorsports activities play an important role in the strategic re-alignment of the company; they are a fundamental element of our brand profile," says Dr. Thomas Sedran, Opel’s Deputy CEO.

Opel has a long tradition and heritage in motorsports and is aiming "to create a new competition that appeals to customers which is both technically sophisticated and reasonably priced, while at the same time providing a platform for young ambitious drivers to continuously develop their talent." 

A rally cup version of the new Opel ADAM, which has been closely specified to FIA R2 standards, will be used in the 2013 season. As part of the "ADAC Rally Masters” race series these customer cars will compete in a branded cup ("ADAC Opel Rally Cup"). The allure of the competition is also increased by the fact that the most successful drivers can expect to win cash prizes. In addition, there is a special "junior rally" points system for drivers younger than 27 years. The overall winner of a set of final trials will get special coaching in the next season.
And on the track, the new Astra OPC is being made available from the 2013 season onwards as a racing version for customer sports. The Cup cars are engineered to match the "VLN Endurance Championship" standards which are the most popular grass roots racing series in Europe. The cars will also compete in a brand trophy in their own class ("Astra OPC Cup"). The highlight of the season is expected to be a 24-hour race on the Nurburgring race track. 

Opel say: "An especially attractive benefits package is being offered for private competitors, which is not limited to top performance and affordable cutting edge racing technology. In addition to the rally project, there is a pot of money with attractive cash prizes. Additionally, customers benefit from competitively priced spare parts as well as technical and organisational support on and off the race track." 

We are chuffed to see the brilliant brand back on the stages and out on the Green Hell too, and can not wait to get out in the forests and trackside to see the Opel brand back in motorsport.

See more images on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/roadmagblog

Opel motorsport history:
The most successful era of the company’s rally history began in the mid-seventies. It was quite literally “driven” by the German driver, Walter Rohrl, one of the all-time top rally pilots. During his time with Opel, he and his Ascona A won the European championship title in 1974 and again in with the Ascona B in 1979. The crowning glory of the Regensburg man’s era was his world championship title in 1982. He achieved this with his legendary Ascona 400. Opel is just as at home on the racing circuit. In grass root touring cars competitions, the brand with the famous lightning logo achieved countless successes on its home turf, the northern loop of the Nurburgring race track. From 1993 onwards Manuel Reuter became a favorite with the fan community thanks to his Calibra V6 that competed professionally. He first drove it in the DTM competition and eventually won a title in the subsequent ITC series. Further highlights included the car makers’ championship of the DTM/ITC in 1998 in the STW series with the help of his Vectra. Overall victory in the 24-hour Nurburgring race 2003 was achieved with an Astra V8 coupe.

NEWS: New TomTom Via 130 & 135 With "Speak & Go"

TomTom has released a brand new SatNav device – the TomTom Via 130 (4.3-inch screen) and TomTom Via 135 (5-inch screen) – featuring a new "Speak & Go" function, aiming to make the use of the SatNav safer, as drivers can control the device with just the sound of their voice, as well as making hands-free calls, helping them keep their hands on the wheel and focus on the road.
We've just been sent one on test and it's absolutely fabulous – with great design and build quality, intuitive SatNav menus and idiot-proof, crystal clear colour displays. And the new "Speak & Go" software works a treat. TomTom say: "Speak & Go recognises over 1,000 spoken commands and their synonyms, so drivers can speak naturally to interact with their device and this is a vastly improved version of TomTom’s existing voice command and control function." We concur.
And it's still great value too – with the TomTom Via 130 available at £129 for the UK/Republic of Ireland map and £149 for European maps and the larger screen Via 135 priced at £149 for the UK/Republic of Ireland map. Plus, the new SatNavs also include hands-free calling via Bluetooth® enabling drivers to make and answer calls safely in the car. And the Via 130 & 135 come with a USB cable, with cigar lighter adaptor and adjustable screen suction clamp. "The new Speak & Go feature helps increase focus and concentration by allowing users to keep their hands on the wheel," says Corinne Vigreux, Managing Director of TomTom. "Just say an address, a Point of Interest or simply ‘take me home,’ and TomTom plans your route straight away. Interacting with your navigation device has never been easier; it slots perfectly into your everyday drive."
The Via 130 is also pioneering TomTom’s lifetime free daily map changes. Updates are based on reports from TomTom’s Map Share community of 21 million, and help drivers to deal with frequent road changes such as new speed limits and blocked roads. A Map Share service has previously been available to certain customers using maps which are less than 12 months old, but it will now be offered to cover the lifetime of a device.
Other features of the TomTom Via 130 and 135 include:
· Hands-free calling via Bluetooth
· Advanced lane guidance, giving drivers extra clarity when navigating difficult junctions.
· Improved IQ Routes, which uses real travel information shared by millions of drivers to get the best routes and arrival times at every time of day.
· TomTom Map Share, which provides drivers with free daily map changes for life from the TomTom Map Share Community.
· Integrated mounting; a convenient foldaway mount that is integrated with the device, so it is always there when needed.
For the world’s most up-to-date route planner, including live traffic information go to www.tomtom.com/livetraffic
For further information, please visit www.tomtom.com
We can't recommend this superb system highly enough. The best on the market we have tested at this price. Buy one for Christmas for someone you love – or indeed as a treat to yourself – and be very happy! It's way better than a lot of integrated car systems we have tested of late, and a whole lot more affordable too. You can even use them walking about a city you don't know. Cool product.

NEWS: Petter Solberg 2013 Plans

We've just heard what Petter Solberg has to say about his plans for 2013... which may involve him being behind the wheel of a race car! Like to see that! He said: "There seems to be a lot of talk about me retiring via pieces of quotes being compressed in to numerous articles around the web. I wish things moved more quickly, but they do not. Of course my full interest is to be in the WRC and the works seat at M-Sport, but these things take time. We're attempting to figure things out from both sides. IF for some reason nothing happens with this, then I do have other plans, and those plans will have me competing behind the wheel of a race car. Thank you for your concern, and I will keep you updated. I will never stop competing within Motorsports. That's a combination of my passion, and your support!" Good luck for the year, whatever you end up doing Petter. We love ya man! You're a modern legend of rallying. Stay up to date with Petter on his Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/PetterSolbergWRC

NEWS: Skyfall Bond Aston Martin DB5 Details Revealed

The iconic silver Aston Martin DB5 which features in Skyfall, the 23rd James Bond film, was prepared at Aston Martin Works, renowned worldwide as the official heritage and service division of the marque, it was revealed today.

The brief was to ‘clone’ the DB5 owned by the makers of the Bond movies, EON Productions, to provide a second car for filming. The project started with sourcing an appropriate car, facilitated by Aston Martin Works. Once the car was sourced, it was prepared by the Aston Martin Works heritage team, who perform restoration miracles on all Aston Martins from the DB2 onwards. In just a matter of weeks the DB5 was transformed from green with beige interior to the stunning Silver Birch paintwork with black trim, which was ‘distressed’ so as not to appear brand new. The final touch to the paintwork was to add a keyline on the roof to represent the exit hatch for the ejector seat. In addition to the aesthetic works, the car also required a complete mechanical overhaul in preparation for filming.
Aston Martin said: "We have a long association with James Bond – Skyfall is the fifth Bond movie in which the DB5 has made an appearance. Other models have also played a part over the years, from the DBS in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, the V8 Vantage Volante in The Living Daylights, the Vanquish in Die Another Day and the DBS in Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace. And of course, many of them have featured exciting gadgets from the ejector seat in the DB5 to the spike-producing tyres and a self-destruct function found on the V8 Vantage Volante. It is therefore fitting that the DB5 was prepared for its recent role, by Aston Martin Works, the spiritual home of the marque at Newport Pagnell. Aston Martin Works continues to meet the needs of owners of every model with expertise spanning from the DB2 to the One-77 supercar."
Kingsley Riding-Felce, Managing Director of Aston Martin Works commented: "We are very pleased that the role of the DB5 in Skyfall maintains the long association between James Bond and Aston Martin – and that the expertise of our heritage team is showcased by this iconic car. It is apt that it was prepared by Aston Martin Works at Newport Pagnell, the home of Aston Martin for over 50 years."

NEWS: Karl Lagerfeld's Rolls-Royce Photography Exhibition

Fashion God, Karl Lagerfeld has just unveiled this stylish, contemporary, imaginative photography exhibition at Goodwood, the home of Roll-Royce – "A Different View." Organisers say: "Coming as part of a series of private talks in celebration of the artistry inherent in all Rolls-Royce models, the photos cast a unique perspective on the detail and passion found in aspects of the cars."
See the images at: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.496314780388996.111132.139372626083215&type=1

WIN! WIN! WIN! New £80 TomTom Smartphone Handsfree Kit

Road Magazine & TomTom have teamed up to give you guys a chance to win the brand new Hands-Free Car Kit for Smartphones from TomTom – offering the highest quality audio for loud and clear calls and navigation on the move, legally.

All you have to do to stand a chance of winning the awesome iPhone/smartphone kit, worth £79.95 (see www.tomtom.com\smartphone) is:

1. LIKE our Road Magazine & Blog Facebook page (not just the post!) & add a comment on the thread about the TomTom giveaway at: https://www.facebook.com/roadmagblog
&
2. Send us your 'worst speed camera story' (eg. the most fines received, the most unreasonable fine etc.) to Road Magazine Editor, Phil Royle at proyle@roadmagazine.co.uk. The best one picked by Road Magazine and TomTom will win the TomTom smartphone kit. Simples! 

And we will publish the sorry tale here on the blog too (send us a photo of you & your car, or the Gatso screen grab)!

So, what will you be winning? Well, it's a fabulous bit of kit.
The TomTom Hands Free Car Kit for smartphones features the highest quality audio for loud and clear hands-free calling and navigation. The new Car Kit features an advanced noise and echo cancellation system, which dramatically reduces background noise for the caller and removes ambient noise for the driver.
New mounting options make smartphone use on the move safer and more convenient. The newly designed Car Kit has an adjustable grip to fit any smartphone with or without its cover. An extendable microphone can be clipped to the sun visor to ensure conversations are louder and clearer.
"The new Car Kit has been designed for safety and convenience," said Corinne Vigreux, Managing Director at TomTom. "With fantastic audio quality and new mounting options, we are making it easier and safer for drivers to make calls and use navigation applications on the move. With advanced new features, our aim is to help drivers keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road."
The TomTom Hands Free Car Kit comes in two versions to support iPhone and micro USB compatible smartphones such as Android phones. Two iPhones and/or smartphones can automatically pair simultaneously. When connected via Bluetooth®, voice recognition functionality can be activated - enabling drivers to navigate and dial without taking their hands off the wheel.
A video providing an overview of TomTom Hands Free Car Kit can be found here.
The TomTom Hands-Free Car Kit for iPhone or Smartphone is available in selected retail stores and from www.tomtom.com\smartphone priced £79.95. Or FREE to one of you lucky Road readers, if you enter this giveaway special offer.

Below is a full list of the new TomTom iPhone & smartphone handsfree kit features:
· Sound boost – An in-built 2 watt speaker means that drivers can hear hands-free calls and navigation instructions loud and clear.
· Extendable microphone – The microphone can be brought closer to the driver for clearer conversations.
· Noise and echo cancellation – Cancels out background noise so drivers can have even clearer conversations.
· Dual phone connection – Connects two phones simultaneously.
· Fast charging – Fast charges the driver’s phone on the go.
· Dual mounting system – Drivers can choose to mount their device on the dashboard or the windscreen. It includes a self-adhesive disc that allows use of the suction mount on the dash or centre console.
· Voice menu and spoken instructions – Drivers can connect their phone easily using the voice menu and spoken instructions. 

· Easy-reach answer and reject buttons – Answer and reject calls, even when the phone isn’t mounted.

So, what are you waiting for? Get liking us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/roadmagblog & email us your sorry speed camera tales to proyle@roadmagazine.co.uk to be in with a chance of winning.

NB: TomTom has also just revised and re-launched their iPhone app for speed cameras – available for free in the Apple app store. And find out more at the tomtom.com website and by reading our post here: http://roadmagazine.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/news-new-tomtom-speed-camera-app-update.html

VIDEO: El Toro Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R On Dyno! Take cover!

Don't often do a lot with dyno videos, but this one definitely deserves the speakers turning to 11 and watching – as the "El Toro" R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R built by Pro Imports Motorsports lets rip to 7,000+rpm at 1.3bar boost (running in level!) from its 3.2-litre stroker RB26 engine. Sounds awesome eh?

NEWS: JRM Racing Offer New GT-R GT3 Test Date @ Portimão

JRM Racing (www.jrm-racing.com) has arranged a test day for race teams to try out the all-new, faster, harder GT-T GT3 car from Nismo. JRM Racing, who manufacture and sell the Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 race car in Europe, the Middle East and Russia is offering tests of the new car at the Portimão Circuit, Portugal, on November 27th and 28th.

JRM say: " We are inviting international race team owners, their engineers and drivers to attend two test days at the Portimão Circuit in Portugal on November 27th and 28th 2012 to try out the new FIA GT3 spec Nissan GT-R. With significant updates for 2013, the car promises already proven levels of quality, affordability, race and championship-winning potential and support from JRM."
"We urge any race team out there, particularly if they are considering entering GT racing for the first time, to contact us about attending the Portimão test day, where we have exclusive use of the track and a new test car for drivers and engineers," says Mark Dexter, JRM’s sales manager. "GT3 racing is not as expensive as people think and we believe the Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 offers the most affordable and competitive package with which to exploit this category. Now is the perfect time to make the switch in time for the 2013 race season."
Contact JRM Sales Manager Mark Dexter on mdexter@jrm-group.com or call +44-(0)1327-307-164 to arrange the GT-R GT3 test. The car retails at £270,000, and a spec, the 2013 improvements and a video can be seen on the blog roll below... 

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NEWS: New TomTom Speed Camera App Update

TomTom has today released an update to its Speed Cameras app for iPhone – giving drivers a free 12-month subscription to the Speed Camera service. The FREE to download app also includes new features: Drivers will now receive audible and visual speed camera alerts when the app is running in the background or the screen is off and average speed check support has improved, helping drivers to stay below the limit, even when exiting a tunnel.
TomTom say: "The Speed Cameras app for iPhone warns drivers of upcoming fixed and mobile cameras, helping them to stay safe and avoid fines. It informs drivers of their speed, the speed limit, the type of camera ahead and the remaining distance to reach it. With the latest version of the app, both new and existing customers will receive 12 months of the Speed Cameras service for free. Existing customers will get an extra, free year of the service when their active subscription expires."
"Our Speed Cameras service is already powered by a 1.6 million strong community of drivers. That’s everyone using the service on their navigation device, in-dash navigation system or smartphone. As more and more drivers share newly added or removed cameras with each other, the service will get even better and benefit from the power of the growing community," says Gerry Hinds, Vice-President Mobile at TomTom.
The latest version of the app also gives drivers the option to receive warnings for mobile camera hotspots. The update also allows drivers to stream audio alerts to the TomTom Hands-free car kit, or other A2DP Bluetooth compatible devices, to amplify the sound.

For new customers, the app is available for free in the Apple app store. And find out more at the tomtom.com website.

VIDEO: 2013 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 Model Unveiled & Uk Test Dates

Great news! Nismo has released the 2013 GT-R GT3 and here's a video of it in testing, looking menacing. Like it's faster, harder, stronger road going GT-R cousin, the FIA GT3-spec car is much improved, focusing on: Better engine performance & durability, greater aerodynamic performance, improved brake balance, new suspension settings to suit the new aerodynamics package and new gear ratios to optimize engine output increase.
The car's VR38DETT V6 Twin Turbocharged motor unleashes a maximum 405kw (550ps) horsepower and maximum torque of 637Nm. Standard equipment includes a six speed sequential manual gearbox, semi-automatic paddle shift and adjustable steering wheel. As mandated by FIA GT3 rules, the car is rear-wheel-drive. The engine sees the biggest contribution to performance enhancement, which includes new camshaft timing, as well as greater reinforcement for added durability. And several modifications were made to enhance aerodynamics: canards were added to the front and the front fender louvers were enlarged, plus the positioning of the rear wing was optimized. These changes improved aerodynamic balance between front and rear, and increased downforce, which enhanced overall aerodynamic performance.
The 2012 out-going model, which debuted this March, has won all over the world entered by Nismo (NDDP Racing) as well as various customer racing teams, racing in this year's SUPER GT series (GT 300 class), Super Taikyu (GT3 class), British GT Championship and GT Cup. Nismo say: "We have developed the 2013 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 using all the valuable data brought back from these races, in addition to the dyno, track tests, and customer feedback, to enhance its competitiveness and performance."

The 2013 model, Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 is manufactured on demand, at a cost here in the UK (Europe & Russia) of £270,000. Orders will be accepted from November 13, 2012 on. Should the number of orders exceed production capacity, Nismo retains the right to make final decisions on order fulfillment. Additionally, Nismo is currently preparing an update kit for the 2012 model, Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3.
Sales and customer support for the Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3 will be implemented by Nismo for Japan, Asia, North America, South America, and Oceania, whilst Nismo project partner, JRM Racing (www.jrm-group.com), will continue to cover Europe, Russia and the Middle East, in the same way as 2012 Model. For more details, please see to http://www.nismo.co.jp/en/products/GT3/index.html or visit the JRM website.

NEWS: Prodrive Winter Driving Course

Rally and race Gods, Prodrive are running a great value Winter driving course – aimed at teaching you how to control your car on snow and ice and give you more confidence this Winter.

The course takes place at their own private proving ground in Warwickshire (where legendary Prodrive rally, race & road cars cars are tested), which has specially designed low friction surfaces to simulate driving on snow or ice. Prodrive say: "Many courses use a skid car, which simply raises or lowers a car on casters. Using low friction surfaces not only replicates snow and ice more accurately, but allows you to use your own car for the course. This means that you can learn how your car responds in these conditions – after all this is what you will be driving this Winter."
The course includes:
1. Briefing: including a theoretical overview of driving in snow (15min)
2. Demonstrations: our instructors will demonstrate what happens on our skid pans. (15min)
3. In-car tuition: (90 mins session)
They add: "You get behind the wheel to get a feel for driving on snow and ice and receive expert tuition in firstly, how to avoid getting into the situation where you lose control and then how to regain control should you need to. There are 2/3 people per instructor and you will get a total of 30 minutes at the wheel during the session, split into two 15 minute periods. For the remaining time you may ride in the cars to continue your learning."
The day ends with a de-brief; to review what you have learnt in theory and practice and how to prepare your car for Winter, including using Winter tyres (20min).
By the end of the Prodrive session you should have a clear understanding of what to do should you ever find yourself in driving in snow and ice this Winter.
The course can be undertaken in either your own car or a Prodrive car (sadly, not the Group N STi Impreza you see pictured, as tested by us here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_3). 

Prodrive say: "We recommend using your own car as your experience will be more faithful to that you may experience on the road. Due to the speeds and nature of the driving, there should be little, if any, wear and tear on the vehicle."
Prices are £125 per person in own vehicle or £150 per person in a Prodrive vehicle (all prices are inclusive of VAT).
To book a Winter driving course session, phone the Prodrive Performance Centre on 01676 536006, or click here to send an email.