ROAD: Latest FREE Monthly Magazine: Peugeot Special

Open publication - Free publishing - More new cars

Bienvenue to this très Gallic Peugeot special of Road Magazine. We’ve lined tests on most of the 08 current range on offer from the French manufacturer. Firstly, we cover two, fresh concepts revealed at Geneva based on the new 208: A return of the GTi brand! Can the new 208 GTi live up to all the (light) weighty heritage and expectations? Then there’s the 208 XY “urban chic” concept. Next up, it’s the gorgeous 308 GT HDi 163 coupe, in diesel form (see cool karting video on post below). Can it still be a fun, funky, fast and fresh car with an oil-burner? Then, we give the 308CC THP200 hot turbo version a verdict, roof down and tunes on. And is the badass, slick 508 GT a worthy adversary to the Ford Mondeo, VW Passat, Skoda Octavia, Audi A4 or BMW 3-Series? We find out. Finally, there’s the practical 3008 Crossover, which Road staff snapper, Neil Denham (www.neildenham.co.uk), takes for a wander on the moors, for its verdict. Enjoy & do comment, share us with your pals and join our social media outlets (links in box out to RHS). Thanks for the support and all the love, Road Editor, Phil Royle & Art Editor, Bonnie Coupland.

ROAD VIDEO: 308CC GT HDi 163 Karting Test!

We've just had the new Peugeot 308 GT HDi 163 on test, for the current Peugeot special:  http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_25_small. Read the full test there. But meantime, in the first of a new series of viral video tests of our press cars, here's film maker, James Morgan's video on the Peugeot 308 GT HDi 163, karting! James is a 19-year-old film student, and a talented one at that – set to go far, I think you'll agree. Mini DVR HD cameras supplied by the fab DogCamSport, www.dogcamsport.co.uk, and filmed on location at Wild Tracks – www.wildtracksltd.co.uk (statics) – and Red Lodge Karting – www.redlodgekarting.com (action), so big thanks to them and also to James. See more from him here soon, and at his website: www.jamesmorganvideo.co.uk

VIDEO: Neil Cole's 'The Grid' Motorsport Show, Episode VI

The wonderfully funny, chatty, relaxed, original and informative Sports Tonight show, The Grid, with our Road Magazine columnist, Neil Cole, episode VI here – 45 minutes of pure motorsport banter. Ace! This week, Neil and Kevin Shepherd chat to none other than Petter Solberg, on the eve of Rally Portugal, with the return of night stages and the new-for-2012 qualifying to decide road position for the 'sweepers' or gravel 'cleaning.' Petter also chats to his pal Neil about disco dancing, facial furniture, shaving all your body hair off and more, brilliant! It is pure class, as is the new segment at the end of the show, Neil's motorsport weather forecast. Hilarious, and very well informed and presented (of course... it's 'our' Neil Cole!). Also on the show is lots of F1 news, including Sebastian Vettel's strop in Malaysia, NASCAR news from the states and lots more, from Skype contributors. Big thanks also for bigging up humble Road Magazine and blog. Cheers Neil. More... more... more!!!

VIDEO: Nitron BMW M3 GTS VLN Nurburgring Lap Record Onboard

As promised, here is the full video of the incredible 9m13s full VLN circuit (GP & Nordschleife) lap record in a standard E92 M3 GTS, modified simply with racing brakes, split rims, Akrapovic exhaust, Michelin street legal cup tyres and of course, the all-important Nitron NTR R3 racing suspension setup. It is deeply impressive stuff. So sit back and admire the cornering speeds and proper flat, neutral handling folks! That's how it's done, so bravo to driver, Stef Vanampenhoudt and Team Schirmer for the M3 setup and preparation, Mirage, Akrapovic and Nitron Suspension. The lap took place on a closed circuit, thanks to Destination Nurburgring, after several days testing, on March 21st 2012. The full 'North-loop' lap record, previously set by Sport Auto magazine, driven by chief test driver Horst von Sauma was also broken by nearly 20 seconds with a time of 7m28s. And you can see an interview with speedy Stef at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9YBKxGNWdk&context=C4cdcaccADvjVQa1PpcFP8VD-IPT8Sc6-zTrwYjOwuDQR_k9ocBAY=
Nitron have also recently set the speed record for a Nissan GTR with the SVM ‘Hulk’ and are the official suspension suppliers to the Bloodhound SSC world land-speed record. A brand well worth checking out at: www.nitron.co.uk

VIDEO: Ken Block @ Pirelli Winter Attraction Event

Yup, it's another tough day at the office for Ken of the Block – hooning it up at the Igora Park ski resort outside of St. Petersburg, Russia in a 2010 Ford Focus RS WRC for the Pirelli Winter Attraction event. Look at all the motoring hacks working hard for their fees!

VIDEO: Nitron BMW E92 VLN Nurburgring Lap Record

A few days ago, we got wind of a new VLN lap record at the Nurburgring – by an E92 M3 GTS, standard except for running Nitron NTR R3 Race Suspension. This is just a teaser video. The full feature will follow here very soon... well done Nitron, an amazing suspension brand, oft overlooked, stupidly! It's ace! Find out more about their brand here: www.nitron.co.uk

NEWS: New Falken Tyre Offers Wet Grip & Fuel Efficiency

Falken Tyres have released a new compound of rubber with novel tread designs – offering both wet grip performance and higher fuel efficiency, thanks to reduced rolling resistance, the new ZIEX ZE914 premium tyre. Falken say: "Until now, tyre engineers have struggled to offer lower rolling resistance and the highest levels of wet weather grip, finding attributes to be usually mutually exclusive. To be able to achieve this challenging balance, Falken had to look at alternative ways to reduce the heat and therefore the energy required to deliver the desired grip performance required for a European premium tyre. By using silica in combination with long, modified polymer chains, the new rubber compound reduces excess heat generation and therefore, rolling resistance. The result is a 3.8 percent fuel saving compared with a non-optimised tyre. The strain characteristics of silica have the additional effect of increasing the contact area and grip for the same tyre diameter. Enlarging the contact area also provides car drivers with an additional benefit. By reducing the contact pressure, the tyre’s operating life is also extended, a handy advantage for the vehicle’s running costs.
"Falken’s engineers also looked closely at using the tread pattern to get better wet weather performance. The answer was a total of four wide tread grooves in the tyre cap design to allow for efficient water deflection and achieve superb hydroplaning resistance. Additionally, the staggered sipes integrated into the first tread block at the shoulder break up the water film more effectively than conventional tread patterns."
Like its predecessor ZIEX ZE912, the new ZIEX ZE914 comes with “Special Eyes” tread wear indicators to monitor tyre wear accurately. These indicators change shape – from round, to square, then smooth – with increasing wear letting drivers know when it is time to rotate the tyres to maximise tyre life further. The ZIEX ZE914 will be available in 10 sizes with speed ratings of V, W and H at launch, offering the ideal replacement for cars such as the VW Golf or Ford Mondeo. By 2013, Falken will expand the range to include 70 versions. This is the third tyre launched in Europe by Falken in as many months, who are aiming to compliment the significant growth the firm achieved in Europe in 2011.
Find our more and all the sizes available at: www.falken-europe.de

BLOG FEATURE: Ashley Van Dyke NASCAR Action

Big thanks to our USA correspondent, Ashley van Dyke and her snapper, Hannah Ross for this original Road Magazine blog feature on this weekend's NASCAR action in Fontana, California, hosted by The Auto Club Speedway, attracting up to 50 teams and top NASCAR drivers, taking part in the Auto Club 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The lovely, NASCAR-mad, Ashley Van Dyke says: "Nationwide race on Saturday saw great racing weather and had a very exciting shoot out in the front of the pack for the final 30 laps. The action ended with checkard flag in hand for Joey Lagano. He was piloting the #18 car from the Joe Gibbs Racing stable. Mr. Gibbs was on-site at Fontana and was a very happy man standing in victory lane with Joey and the hard working team. 

"After being unsure of how this NASCAR weekend would turn out due to a chance of rain on Sunday, the crews and fans awaited early morning with clear skies to get the Sprint Cup Series Auto Club 400 started. The driver introductions took place as it was sunny and appeared to be good to go for a full race of 400 miles. Fan favorites like Dale Earndhart Jr. and Jeff Gordon made their way on to the grid for opening ceremonies as the Three Stooges gave everyone the starting commands. Pole sitter Denny Hamlin looked confident before the race as he started in the number one spot in his #11 Fedex Camry next to teammate #18 Kyle Busch.
"The beginning of the NASCAR Sprint Cup race started off strong for the two Toyota drivers but slowly and surely, the Chevrolet cars were coming up the pack toward the front. With the rain coming, the crew chiefs and teams had to be prepared for all or nothing. When to pit and how long to stay out quickly became the deciding factors in what the outcome would be for the Auto Club 400.
"Some rain drops came and the race went yellow. Unsure if it would let up or not, Tony Stewart ended up winning a race shortened event as NASCAR made the decision to call the race, as it was over the half way mark. Victory lane took place under the walkway to the garage as everyone was trying to stay dry. It didn't stop raining for the rest of the day.
"Second place behind Tony in the Auto Club 400 was #18 Kyle Busch, third was #88 Dale Jr., #29 Kevin Harvick followed in fourth, and #99 Carl Edwards completed the top five. The action was up and down with drivers focusing not only on their cars, but also on the rain. Everyone was glad this race didn't get pushed to Monday and was completed with no delays. Now, off to Martinsville and then the teams will have a week off for Easter." Thanks to Hannah and Ashley for that. See more of Miss Van Dyke at www.ashleyvandyke.com. Loving the NASCAR report... 

NEWS: KartMania Moves To Silverstone For 2012

KartMania, the UK’s leading kart show, has announced a partnership with Silverstone and sponsors, Karting Magazine, moving the event to Silverstone for 2012. The show will take place on the 17th & 18th November in the prestigious Silverstone Wing exhibition complex. A KartMania spokesman said: "This promises not only a great new venue but new ideas and a new layout as the coveted show celebrates its 6th anniversary in 2012! Last year’s KartMania event attracted more than 3,500 visitors and this exciting move will see KartMania become a regular fixture at the Home of British Motor Racing." The new move will also see a number of new show developments, including the launch of four distinct zones for the 2012 event: The KartMania main Exhibition Hall, the Rotax LIVE Karting experience, the KartBoot section and the learning zone – offering the latest gear on display, kart driving opportunities, the chance to purchase second hand components, parts and memorabilia and a learning zone with workshops from universities and industry experts, respectively. Richard Phillips, Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Limited, said: "We are very pleased to be welcoming KartMania to Silverstone in November. The show will add to the diverse range of events being held in the building this year and we hope that it remains on our calendar for many years to come." Martin Capenhurst, organiser of KartMania, added: "We are delighted to have secured Silverstone as the new venue for KartMania. This move provides us with an opportunity to substantially increase the size of the show, have four specific areas, which includes a live area for visitors to try and test karts, and of course the opportunity to take part in in the inaugural Rotax Kart Mania kart challenge." Adult tickets are available at £15.00, which includes free parking and free event programme. Under 16’s and concessions are just £7.50 and MSA license holders are £10.00 if tickets are purchased in advanced. For more information on KartMania visit www.kartmania.co.uk

VIDEO NEWS: Falken Motorsport 2012 Porsche RSR & GT3 R

Video update from Team Falken on their American Le Mans Series, brand new 2012 Porsche GT3 RSR chassis, with Jens Walther, CEO Porsche Motorsport North America. Also, the Falken Motorsports’ Porsche 997 GT3 R race car has received a number of key updates ahead of its 2012 campaign: Factory sanctioned upgrades including a switch to paddle shift gearbox and softer front anti roll bar are being fitted together with an engine upgrade by crack Porsche team Schnabl Engineering as the Falken team mounts a serious attack on both the VLN Championship and flagship N24 race in Europe and AMLS in the States. "The 2012 Porsche engine upgrade offers more power and better driveability," says team principal Sven Schnabl. :Together with the paddle shift to help our drivers avoid miss-shifts, we have a stronger package that should challenge for podiums."In addition to the upgrades, Schnabl Engineering is refreshing and servicing the gearbox, uprights, driveshafts as well as replacing ‘lifed’ components such as fuel filters and pumps. As a car specifically designed for long distance reliability, Schnabl claims that further modifications for the headline 24 hour race in May are surprisingly minimal. "We will simply be fitting additional lights and the illuminated side panels," claims Schnabl, "we don’t even need to lower the rev limit." The team will continue to use its own tyres, developed specifically for use on the Nordschleife, incorporating features to meet the specific requirements of an endurance race with exceptionally long laps. Examples include higher puncture resistance with the inevitable corner cutting and softer compounds for night time running. Drivers for the 2012 campaign have yet to be confirmed but the 2011 line up of Peter Dumbreck, Wolf Henzler, Martin Ragginger and Sebastian Asch is likely to feature during the season. 2011 was the first year that the Japanese tyre maker fielded a Porsche in Europe. After gearbox problems stymied the team’s hopes of a strong finish in last year’s round the clock race, the team returns confident that it will be competitive and reliable. "We have further tyre tests planned to refine the specifications and compounds to the 2012 chassis set up and softer front end," adds Schnabl. "With a good Balance of Performance package and a good tyre from Falken, we are in a strong position." The first test for the VLN Series takes place on 24th March, and we will have news and a video here soon...

VIDEO: Neil Cole's 'The Grid' Motorsport Show, Episode V

Our man Neil Cole (Road Magazine columnist, see at http://www.issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine) on his fabulous new motorsport show on Sports Tonight Live, The Grid. This week's episode is an hour long, discussing the start of the F1 season, with Kevin Shepherd, Tancredi Palmeri and Tom Webb of the Caterham F1 Team from Malaysia with news of sweaty pit garages and new updates for the team for Sepang. Also, the fabulous Becca Williams rounds up IRC and WRC, while Ben Constanduros reviews Sebring and the Endurance season. The relaxed, well informed, bang up to date show is growing nicely and, if you have not seen it yet... do so, and follow them on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/#!/STL_TheGrid

VIDEO: 2012 McLaren MP4-12C GT3 Shakedown

Here's a very nice video of a very nice McLaren MP4-12C GT3 racer in shakedown with Team BuddyClub-Watchman, as they prepare for the 2012 Blancpain Endurance Series. The BuddyClub-Watchman team are the only one Asia Pacific Racing Team authorized to race by McLaren in a MP4-12C GT3 race car. They are also a new Pfitzner Performance Gearboxes Distributer in Taiwan. Follow PPG on Facebook for more news an videos of the beast McLaren in action: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pfitzner-Performance-Gearbox-PPG/109155729151149 

VIDEO: Drift Allstars Drift School with Road Magazine

Here Team Road Magazine is at MSV Brands Hatch – learning to go broadside properly with Niall Gunn and his Drift Allstars Drift School crew (http://www.drift-allstars.com). This is one of their entry level drift courses, costing c£60, where you get to do donuts, figure of eight donuts, a mini drift course and finish with a proper full-chat lap like this one... on the bump stops, lock to lock. Sweet! Niall and his Drift Allstars drivers use an expanding fleet of excellent Nissan 350Z's, mildly modified (uprated limited slip differential, some with coilovers, others standard Z suspension, decent rubber and air filter and exhaust stuff), which make the perfect drift school tool: No overheating, blown head gaskets and limited mods to knock about sideways all day, every day, reliably... unlike the old Skyline GT-S and S14 and S14 200SX's... which are getting a bit long in the tooth now, good as they are at drifting, with the right tuning. The Drift Allstars courses are a lot of fun, attracting men and women of all ages, keen to learn the dark art of going sideways, for more than a fleeting moment. And Niall's band of relaxed, expert drifters make good teachers... as this video shot by www.roylemedia.co.uk shows clearly: Just watch how much work the steering wheel is doing, and listen to the throttle inputs. Watch & learn folks... and get yourself booked in for a day of opposite lock, and you'll be a drift God in no time... like me!

NEWS: One-off MG TF500 X-Power Extreme For Sale

A very rare slice of MG Longbridge history, extreme by name and nature, is up for sale – the 160mph, 500bhp MG TF500 Extreme X-Power. Our pals at www.roylemedia.co.uk recently shot this exclusive car as a cover feature for the latest issue of MG Enthusiasts Magazine (then in the hands of our good buddy car dealer and rally king, Sean Lockyear), and they were blow away by the mid-ship monster. Built as a PR exercise when MG were loaded and into GT racing, rallying and all, the TF500 Extreme cost over £250,000 to build, knocked out 500bhp and 380lb ft, did 0-60mph in 4.5s, 0-100mph in 9.6s and 160mph V-max... and spent most of its time completely sideways. To say the mid-engined, big power, short wheel base car was a handful would be a serious understatement. The technical specification is utterly amazing, even a decade after it was built: T45 seam welded shell, bespoke body C-F panels and interior, Le Mans style Cosworth turbo engine with anti-lag, X-Trac sequential gearbox, custom LSD, one-off independent adjustable suspension, AP Racing stoppers... the list goes on and on. It's an absolute one-off, looks amazing, sounds phenomenal and is now an absolute steel, at just £28,950! Sadly, it never really got the use it should have had, being sold off and underused by its terrified owners after MG went bust in 2006. Fancy giving the MG TF500 the life it should have had... at Spa-Francorchamps, on the Nordschleife, around Le Mans and blasting tracks and hill climbs in the UK and Europe? Fancy owning a piece of MG history, sure to increase in value and make you the king of any track day you turn up at? Then contact our friends at Yorkshire Classic and Sports Cars via: http://www.ycsc.co.uk/mgtf500.html.

VIDEO NEWS: World Record GTR: 8.63s @ 172mph!

We knew it would happen this year, and it has! The R35 Nissan GTR by AMS Performance has just smashed the R35 GTR World Record, again, with this phenomenal 8.63s @172mph pass, with an awesome 60ft of just 1.47s, at the TX2K12 tuner event in the states. Bravo to the AMS Team from Team Road!

NEWS: RMA Track Club Get Porsche Cayman S Tuition Car

Road track day buddies, RMA (http://www.rmatrackdays.com/) have added another reason to join them on their exciting 2012 track day forays – a Porsche Cayman S tuition vehicle. The 170mph, stable, quick, mid-engined, rear wheel-drive Porsche with 320bhp is a fabulous track tool, and great fun to learn in – especially fitted with super grippy Michelin Pilot Super Sport Tyres and equipped with Racelogic's Video VBOX data logging video tool, to see where you are going wrong, or getting it right. RMA boss, Graham Clarke said: "The car will principally be used by Leyton (his son & ARDS instructor, http://leytonclarke.com/) but will occasionally be available for hot laps, track day hire and corporate use." Looks like another great reason to get involved... along with the overtaking either side, low numbers, great cars, fabulous atmosphere RMA philosophy. See their dates at many UK and European circuits here: http://www.rmatrackdays.com/trackdays/events.asp, starting at Brands Hatch, March 28th. We'll see you there...

VIDEO: Top Fuel Dragster @ Performance Garage Magazine

Ever wondered what it feels like to run 335mph (540Km/h) in 4.5 seconds? We do! And thanks to Mr Flossy (John Hamilton) at Performance Garage Magazine down under, this neat video tells the tale, via LTFR Driver Phil Lamattina and his eight foot top fuel dragster. Here he is in the studio with John Hamilton from Performance Garage Magazine, talking them through a pass from his perspective. Fascinating... See the full story and parts comparison at: http://www.performancegarage.com.au/blog/garage-extreme

VIDEO: Nissan DeltaWing In-Car Test

The first video in-car of Nissan's insane 'DeltaWing' Le Mans car, set to compete June 16-17 and aiming to "change the face of endurance racing forever." The super lightweight (475Kg), rear-engine (300bhp 1.6 petrol turbo) has less than half the aero drag of a conventional Le Mans car and should be able to lap alongside LMP1 and LMP2 cars, using half the fuel. It's aiming for 3:30 laps at Le Mans! It will be wearing a '0' number, unclassified, in the historic race, as an experimental entry... and looks as quick as it is mental, eh? The car is set to run at Sebring on March 15th, so stay tuned for more on this bonker's batmobile. What do you think?

VIDEO: Road Magazine Kart Tests Peugeot RCZ!

We've just had the new Peugeot RCZ HDi 163 on test, for a forthcoming Peugeot special of www.roadmagazine.co.uk. You'll be getting a full test and tale in due course, but meantime, in the first of a new series of viral video tests of our press cars, here's James Morgan's film on the Peugeot RCZ HDi 163, karting! James is a 19-year-old film student, and a talented one at that – set to go far, I think you'll agree.

Mini DVR HD cameras supplied by the fab DogCamSport, www.dogcamsport.co.uk, and filmed on location at Wild Tracks – www.wildtracksltd.co.uk (statics) – and Red Lodge Karting – www.redlodgekarting.com (action), so big thanks to them and also to James. See more from him here soon, and at his website: www.jamesmorganvideo.co.uk

VIDEO: Neil Cole's "The Grid" Episode IV

The forth issue of The Grid on SportsTonight Live, with ur Road Magazine columnist, Neil Cole  (www.neilcole.org) in the hosting chair. This week, they are discussing the forthcoming 2012 F1 season opener at Australia, all the latest news from world motorsport and much more... in their usual relaxed, informed, funny manner. We love it... have you see it yet? If not... sort it...! And do like their new Facebook page too at http://www.facebook.com/STLTheGrid. Finally, if you've not read Neil's Road Magazine 'Cole Position' columns yet... DO IT! They are amazing: http://www.issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine, issue's 22, 23 & 24.

VIDEO: From Stratos To Escort, RWD Rally Action

Some outstanding looking and sounding rear wheel-drive rally action from some absolute classics from the attic here – including the gorgeous Lancia Stratos, aggro Mk1 Ford Escort, slick Porsche 911, characterful Lotus Sunbeam and many more 1970s and 1980s classics; all totally broadside, tail-out, on the bump stops, camshafts screaming... as nature intended! What could be better lunchtime viewing and listening on a dull work day? Enjoy!

VIDEO: Manthey Racing Porsche 911 GT3 RSR

See just why we at Road Magazine are so excited to hear our friends and the infamous Manthey Racing GT3 RSR will be racing across Europe at eight perfect circuits in the GT Open this year (see post below). This external and in-car footage from the 2008 ADAC Nurburgring 24-Hour shows just what an absolute circuit devouring weapon it is... just listen to that engine and transmission working in perfect harmony: 911 Heaven! No wonder they have won this most gruelling of endurance races five times... and we'll have big money on them winning in the rest of Europe too. Anyone care to disagree?

NEWS: Manthey 911 GT3 RSR Aiming To Dominate GT Open

The all-conquering Nürburgring 24-Hour-and-VLN-winning Manthey Racing GT3 RSR is heading off into Europe – aiming to dominate the International GT Open series. Porsche works driver, Marco Holzer and 2011 German Carrera Cup champion, Nick Tandy will pilot the Nürburgring legend in eight races, on eight classic circuits across mainland Europe. The famous yellow and green 911 was collected from Weissach last week and left the workshop (pictured) for the first time today, on it's way to Barcelona for the first track test. The Manthey monster will race at:
Portugal at Portimao 28.04.2012
Germany at Nurburgring 26.05.2012
Belgium at Spa-Francorchamps 23.06.2012
England at Brands Hatch 14.07.2012
France at Paul Ricard 21.07.2012
Hungary at Hungaroring 08.09.2012
Italy at Monza 28.09.2012
Spain at Barcelona 03.11.2012

Watch out GT Open drivers and teams...! And the very best of luck to Olaf and all at Manthey Racing, for their venture into European GT racing. We are sure you will dominate... as you have on the Green Hell. Thanks to our pal Jochen for the images. Find him at:
Website: http://www.frozenspeed.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/frozenspeed

VIDEO: WRC 2012 Mexico Day 3 (Part 2/2)

The final video of the action in the heat and dust of Rally Mexico... and we'll let you watch it to see who wins between Loeb, Hirvonen and Solberg... great gravel rally. Tequilas all round! Shaping up to be a great season... don't you think?

VIDEO: WRC 2012 Mexico Day 3 (Part 1/2)

Sebastien Loeb, Mikko Hirvonen and Petter Solberg get stuck into the final day... but who will win Rally Mexico?

VIDEO: WRC 2012 Rally Guanajuato México: Day 2 Highlights

All the action from Day Two of WRC Mexico 2012. Some fabulous flat out, sixth gear stuff...

VIDEO: WRC 2012: Rally Guanajuato México Day 1 Highlights

First of four videos showing all the action from the first gravel round of WRC 2012... enjoy the dusty, big jump action...

VIDEO: Neil Cole's The Grid Episode III

Our Road Magazine columnist, Neil Cole (www.neilcole.org) is the anchorman for the all-new motorsport show, The Grid on Sports Tonight Live. Here is episode three of the relaxed, informed, fun look at the world of motorsport, with all the latest news, video and comment. This week's episode involves Neil and Kevin Shepherd looking at Ferrari and Fernando Alonso's season hopes, WTCC, WRC and Luther Blissett's motorsport team, Team 48, and more. Check it out! And do like their new Facebook page too at http://www.facebook.com/STLTheGrid. Finally, if you've not read Neil's Road Magazine 'Cole Position' columns yet... DO IT! They are amazing: http://www.issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine, issue's 22, 23 & 24.

VIDEO: WRC 2012 Mexico Preview

So, we've had the famous tarmac of Rallye Monte-Carlo, and the snowbanks of Sweden, now for the first bit of gravel in WRC 2012, with the heat and altitude of Rally Mexico. Here's the preview video to wet you appetites... Our money is on that man Loeb, who's won for the last four years here... unstoppable on the loose? Or maybe it's Petter Solberg's turn for a win in his new factory Ford? Should be a good one... and you can see all the action unfold here on the Road blog.

VIDEO: Audi Pornography! Audi R18 "e-tron" Quattro Launch

Awesome Audi car porn here, with some fabulous footage of the best sound in motorsport – the Group B Quattros. And there's also some amazing circuit racing footage from DTM. The car porn is all in aid of the launch of the new R18 e-tron Quattro, which may not be as evocative as some of the other legends featured here, but is a weapon none the less. Check out this supremely slick film...

VIDEO: Road Magazine Peugeot RCZ HDi 163 Film

We've just had the new Peugeot RCZ HDi 163 on test, for a forthcoming Peugeot special of www.roadmagazine.co.uk. You'll be getting a full test and tale in due course, but meantime, in the first of a new series of viral video tests of our press cars, here's James Morgan's film on the Peugeot RCZ HDi 163. James is a 19-year-old film student, and a talented one at that – set to go far, I think you'll agree.
Mini DVR HD cameras supplied by the fab DogCamSport, www.dogcamsport.co.uk, and filmed on location at Wild Tracks – www.wildtracksltd.co.uk (statics) – and Red Lodge Karting – www.redlodgekarting.com (action), so big thanks to them and also to James. See more from him here soon, and at his website: www.jamesmorganvideo.co.uk

VIDEO: Graham Prior Mazda R100 13b Rotary Dragster

We are big circuit fans at Road, and even bigger special stage fans... challenged by the thrill of cornering, especially on tricky tracks and even more so on loose surfaces. But we don't subscribe to the 'straight lines are dull' camp, oh no! And here's some proof of what a challenge driving proper drag cars can be – with various angle raw footage of Graham Prior's awesome Methanol-fueled, 13b Turbo Powered R100 Dragster, Driven by Craig Dyson, at the V4 & Rotary Nationals held at Fram Autolite Dragway, Meremere, New Zealand. Just look how much work the driver has to do for such a quick quarter mile... what a buzz!

VIDEO: Lotus Exige R-GT Rally Car

It's 30 years since Lotus won the World Rally Championship in the legendary Talbot Sunbeam Lotus. Now the Norfolk-based diminutive car giants are back in rallying, in the R-GT European championships in 2012. Here's a video from Lotus of the car being built, interviews with key members of the Lotus team behind the project and some ace footage of the sideways Sunbeam. Bravo Lotus... back on the special stages.

NEWS: Lotus Goes Rallying!

Here's some news we didn't expect to see, and which cheered us up no end: The Lotus International Rally team is set to make its rally debut in April – in the FIA European Rally Championship! In partnership with Italian team United Business, who won the title last year, the hotly anticipated Exige R-GT will be painted in Lotus’ iconic black and gold colour scheme, as pictured. Former Portuguese champion and Super 2000 World Rally Championship (SWRC) driver Bernardo Sousa is set to race the car at the Rally 1000 Miglia in Brescia, Italy, on 19-21 April. Next week the Exige R-GT undergoes its final testing, before being submitted to the FIA for homologation. Ten cars will be built this year, with seven cars allocated to the official team and European racing drivers. Claudio Berro, Director of Lotus Racing, started his career rallying and is thrilled to be back. "This will be the first GT car to be homologated by the FIA. Lotus, of course, has been successful in rallying before, winning the 1981 World Rally Championship with the Talbot Sunbeam Lotus. So in many ways we’re all going back to our roots. Partnering with the United Business Rally Team in the FIA European Rally Championship makes perfect sense because they, like us, know how to win. I think this is going to be a very strong collaboration. The championship largely takes place on tarmac, which suits us too. It’s so exciting to go rallying with this new project. It’s another big challenge for Lotus." Pier Liberali, Owner and President of United Business, commented: "This partnership agreement with Lotus Racing fills me with pride. Lotus is one of the most famous manufacturers worldwide in the motorsports field. It is an honour for us to be able to work with them, and we will do our utmost to exceed their expectations." Lotus is also set to enter the 2012 European Le Mans Series with and Evora GTE and is flat-out in preparation for the 2012 CIK-FIA Under-18 Karting World Championship. Looks like a busy motorsport year for the ace Norfolk brand. Bravo! Can't wait to see the Exige R-GT on the gravel...

NEWS: Subaru Sales Soar

Subaru sales have been soaring in 2012 – with February registrations up by 86% against 2011, the new XV crossover (pictured) getting off to a flying start, the exciting new BRZ coupe sparking understandably brand and the Subaru ETCo (Everything Taken Care of) aftercare adding further sales appeal with the public. The February sales rise in the 60-strong UK dealer network follows a 24 per cent climb in sales during January. The 11-model XV crossover range is priced from £21,295, offering three equipment levels – S, SE and SE Lux Premium – and a choice of 114PS 1.6 and 150PS 2.0-litre petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel engine that produces 147PS and 350Nm, with five and six-speed manual or a six-speed CVT automatic transmission, depending on model. And the eagerly-awaited BRZ goes on sale in the UK this summer: "Designed as a pure driver’s car and powered by a 200PS 2.0-litre Boxer engine in a lightweight, rear-wheel drive chassis, the BRZ has already generated significant levels of interest at dealerships, with customers registering their details even before pricing has been confirmed," says Subaru. "These encouraging early sales results for the Subaru XV confirm that the latest addition to our product line-up is set to establish itself as one of the most capable and best-value-for-money compact crossovers currently available," comments Kenyon Neads, Marketing Director at Subaru UK. "The XV’s early popularity and the introduction of our unrivalled Subaru ETCo aftercare package give us tremendous confidence that 2012 is going to be a good year for our brand, our dealers and our customers," adds Neads. For more information about the XV, ETCo and BRZ or the rest of the Subaru line-up, visit www.subaru.co.uk. And you can enjoy our Road Magazine Subaru special here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_23_subaruspecial

VIDEO 1962: Nürburgring Nordschleife Onboard With Graham Hill

A true classic from the attic here, and way ahead of its time, with on-board filming and everything! This was a 1962 promotional movie for Shell, with Hermann Lang driving the W125 Mercedes around the old Nürburgring Nordschleife. Narrated by Graham Hill. Thanks to http://www.influx.co.uk for reminding us of this gem. Amazaing how much the Nordschelife has changed... and the trees have grown!

VIDEO: The Richard Burns Foundation

A very moving, very well shot film (Directed by Nick Rowland and produced by students of AUCB Film School, www.ampfilms-uk.com) of the rally career and tragic end to a true rally hero's life, Richard Burns. R.I.P. The film was made "to give context to the Paint It Orange campaign as motorsport remembers ten years since Richard's 2001 World title and today's ongoing work of the Richard Burns Foundation as it endeavours to improve the circumstances of others facing neurological injury and illness." Take the time to remember a true gentleman and genius of rallying, much missed. The RB Foundation says: "Together we can improve the lives of people affected with Brain & Spine injuries or illness. Simply text Burns to 70007 and donate £3 to the Richard Burns Foundation. If you also include your name and address we can send you a RBF wristband. If you live out side the UK please send your donation via Just Giving and include your name and address again - this donation needs to be a minimum of £4. Thank you." See more at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Richard-Burns-Foundation/8472503566

VIDEO: Gronholm @ X Games 17

Some excellent in-car footage of ex-WRC legend and Best Buy Ford Fiesta rallycross winner, Marcus Gronholm giving it large at the X Games 17. You can read our interview with Marcus in the Britrsih Rallycross Championship here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_20_small 

VIDEO: Ten Of The Best 2012: The UK's Best Tuned Car Event

Check out and share this slick, freshly produced promo film for this year's incredible Ten Of The Best two-day event – http://www.totb.co.uk, July 28th and 29th 2012. Now in its 11th year, this annual, multi-discipline event – quarter mile, top speed and handling circuit – attracts some of the best tuned cars, tuning companies and drivers in the UK, competing individually in 4WD, RWD and FWD classes, and in teams. It's Britain's leading tuned car event, attracting some 10,000 people and 100+ phenomenally fast cars, from well known companies and small home-brew tuners alike. The event is held at Elvington Airfield, near York in North Yorkshire and is run by expert timing gear and event crews, www.straightliners-events.co.uk. If you've never been before, GO! It's epic. And if you think you've got a quick car and can beat the best, ENTER! It's such a laugh. Alternatively, maybe your company would like to reach a massive audience of petrol heads? Well, you can sponsor the two-day event, have a stand in the massive retail village, banner-up the drag lanes or handling circuits... the Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze sponsorship packages are amazing, affordable and perfectly targeted to the huge TOTB audience. Or PR pals, www.roylemedia.co.uk are helping with this, so mail them for more details or call Phil on +44(0)7946-610193. Be the best... be part of Ten Of The Best...

VIDEO: Ballistic Honda Civic K-24: Time Attack Slalom Frauenfeld

Want to see a perfectly set-up FWD Time Attack car? Here it is... a Honda Civic K-24 at the ACS Automobil Club der Schweiz Time Attack in Frauenfeld. Not a hint of understeer to be seen, and what a Vtec soundtrack too. Solid driving from Hannes Mahler. If you like it so much, this car is for sale: http://www.zoatec.ch/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=242... and there's more info on the slalom events here:
http://www.acs-thurgau.ch/ch-de/sektionen/thurgau/motorsport/auto-renntage_fr.... Awesome FWD pace eh?

ISSUU: Road Magazine Makes 'Issue Of The Day'

Open publication - Free publishing - More eco cars

We were extremely proud to be www.issuu.com 'Issue of the day' this weekend, with our latest 'Electric Boogaloo' issue of monthly www.roadmagazine.co.uk, which you can read above. So, big thanks to www.greencardesign.com, Neil Cole, Gemma Scott, Tesla, Fiat, Mitsubishi and www.skiddmark.com for making it happen with us. If you've never been on Issuu before, you need to... RIGHT NOW! You can read 1000's of FREE, amazing, quality digital magazines on all subject matters. Millions of people view these titles every day, and rightly so: Some of the best digital media magazines on the planet can be found up there, all 100% FREE. Thanks to Issuu for being so amazing! Why not start by enjoying all 31 back issues of Road Magazine at: http://www.issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine?

VIDEO: Neil Cole's "The Grid" – Episode II

Our new Road Magazine columnist, rallyist, comedian, writer and all-round top guy, Neil Cole – http://www.neilcole.org – has a new show on Sports Tonight Live... "The Grid." It's a motorsport fan's dream, with all the latest news, gossip and more, chatted about in a very relaxed, happy format, with Skype chats from various contributors. This is the second episode with Neil and Kevin Shepherd talking Sebastian Vettel and F1 testing, Juan Montoya and his spectacular crash in NASCAR at the Daytona 500, as well as IRC and BRC with Andrew Coley. You can follow them on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/#!/STL_TheGrid
And you can read all three of Neil's latest columns for Road Magazine here:
http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_22_small/1
http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_23_subaruspecial/1
http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_24s/1

VIDEO: Electric Cars Are Slow, Right? Wrong!

So, electric cars are slow, right? Well, no actually, as this trackside video of DC Plasma VS Lemon Juice at the NEDRA Florida Nationals clearly shows. Sure, they may not have the noise of a decent monster drag beast, or the burnout drama, but look at their quarter mile pace – especially the 60-foot times! These electric powered monsters are John Metric's Fiero "DC Plasma" (360 volts) and Shawn Lawless' S-10 "Lemon Juice" (370 volts), drag racing at Bradenton Motorsports Park Feburary 23, 2012. DC Plasma takes the 1/4 with an ET of 9.89 at 134 mph and an incredible 60-foot time of just 1.55s! Lemon Juice – a truck! – gets an ET of 10.80 at 120.46 mph! And Lemon Juice nailed a 9.80 at 132 mph on this same track a month before! Electric cars don't need to be slow, or dull, as the latest issue of Road Magazine shows: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_24s/1

NEWS: New Lexus World Premier @ Geneva Motor Show

The Geneva Motor Show (march 6th) will see the World premiere of the new Lexus RX 450h and RX 450h F Sport full hybrid luxury SUV's and the LF-LC hybrid sports coupe concept. Due to go on sale this summer, the new RX will "continue to play an important role in the Lexus model range." Other highlights of the Lexus presentation at Geneva will include the first European appearance of the much-acclaimed LF-LC hybrid sports coupe concept, and the new GS 450h and GS 450h F Sport. And, sticking with the green, eco, EV, hybrid theme, do read the latest issue of Road Magazine FREE at: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_24s/1

FREE Latest Issue Of Road Magazine

Open publication - Free publishing - More eco cars

Road Magazine puts on eye on the future this month – covering Electric vehicles, eco cars and all things green. There's the 911 GT2-slaying Tesla Roadster EV, the funky Fiat 500 TwinAir and Mitsubishi's ace zero emissions i-MiEV. Also, TV stars, Neil Cole and Gemma Scott write for us. Enjoy it 100% FREE! And do please share us with your mates. Thanks, Road Editor, Phil Royle.

VIDEO: Tesla Model S & Roadster

Here's a 'neat' video from the states, of the out-going 288bhp/295lbft, 0-60 in 3.7s Tesla Roadster supercar slayer – as featured in the latest issue of Road Magazine Free here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_24s – and the forthcoming, more mainstream Model S EV. Likey? We do... petrol-heads though we are. Impressive stuff. Thanks to www.greencardesign.com for the Tesla feature in this electric boogaloo issue of www.roadmagazine.co.uk.

VIDEO: Fiat 500 TwinAir

One of the other cars we've featured in this month's green eco EV issue of Road magazine – http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_24s – was the Fiat 500 TwinAir, reviewed by new glam Road writer, eco car tester and TV star, Gemma Scott (http://www.gemmascott.co.uk). The 0.9-litre two-cylinder turbo 500 TwinAir is the lowest CO2 producing petrol engined car on the planet, capable of 70mpg and should be put on a pedestal, for keeping petrol cars alive in our ever-greening future. Here's the TV ad, featuring Amy Macdonald's 'This is the life.'

VIDEO: Mitsubishi i-MiEV 12 Month Trials

This month's www.roadmagazine.co.uk has gone all electric boogaloo – featuring two amazing and contrasting EV's and the world's greenest petrol car, as well as Neil Cole's ace column and new writer and TV star, Gemma Scott. Read it FREE here: http://issuu.com/roadonlinemagazine/docs/road_24s. One of the EV's we featured in the magazine was Mitsubishi's innovative i-MiEV, and here's a great video from Mitsubishi about a 12 month real world trial with the zero emissions i-MiEV. See what people really think of the city car that is set to revolutionise how we drive, and find out more at: http://www.mitsubishi-cars.co.uk/imiev/. Please share this issue of Road with your mates.

VIDEO: Donington Park 2012

One of our favourite tracks in the UK – for track days or to enjoy a race meet – is Donington Park, near Derby. There's not a lot that tops taking the Cranner Curves at flat chat here in Britain. Here's a promo video from http://www.donington-park.co.uk/. Great footage and shows the eclectic mix of what they get up... just ignore the breathy, dirty phone call style commentary at the beginning! A true British gem – "the heart of British motorsport."