OFFER: "Racing & Waiting" Ice Driving Courses 2014

Our pal Tim Hutton over at Racing & Waiting is offering another dose of Winter driving magic in Norway in early 2014. And if you don't know how much fun ice driving courses are, have a look here.

Racing & Waiting founder, Tim says: "Following on from the success of this collaboration with Classic Grand Touring this year I am very pleased to be able to offer Ice Driving to you all again. This is possibly the most fun you can have on four wheels... Thomas has been visiting the same lake for the last five winters and knows all the elements required to make the trip a very memorable one. 

"CGT will arrange the flights and hire cars to transport you up to the lake. We will have accommodation organised for three nights allowing us two full days driving on the lake. We will also get initial instruction in each of the FWD, RWD and 4WD cars to get the most out of them, then you will be free to enjoy the different cars all day long. At the end of the weekend there will be a timed stage to assess how far you have mastered the art of driving quickly on ice.
"I have been grinning all year after attending this in March, it really is great fun. There is no need to spend thousands on driving 911's or Lamborghini's on ice, this gives the same thrill at a fraction of the cost and the moose burgers aren't half bad either! Below is the full itinerary, if you are interested get in touch with Classic Grand Touring and tell Thomas I sent you!"

The dates & details are:
Thursday 30th January
Fly from Gatwick on the 0910 flight arriving at Oslo Gardemoen airport at 1220. We collect our hire cars here and drive in convoy up to the lake; expect a three hour drive. We will go straight to the lake for our briefing on the weekend’s activities, and there might even be time for a few laps before the sun goes down.

Friday 31st January
After breakfast we head to the lake to get started in the cars. We will share the time between the cars available whilst taking instruction through the day. Lunch is included here.

Saturday 1st February
Again we have a full day on the Lake with lunch included. We aim to round the day off with a timed stage. We will have a finalé evening at one of the ski resorts.

Sunday 2nd February
This morning we will use all the skills we have learned and apply them to ice karting! We then return back to Oslo airport for the 1820 flight arriving into Gatwick at 1930.

The price
£795 per person based on two persons sharing a room (single supplement £150).

What’s included:
• Return flights to Oslo International airport
from London Gatwick
• Three nights hotel accommodation on bed
and breakfast basis
• Use of Ice driving cars on lake
• Tuition
• Lunch on two of the days
• Services of an experienced tour manager

What’s not included:
• Road car hire

NEWS: Bentley On Ice Winter Driving Program Expansion

Bentley's surreal, unreal, superb Winter Driving Experience has been expanded – adding the superb Flying Spur to the high-adrenaline Finland ice driving shenanigans, with rallying God (four-times WRC title holder) and world ice speed driving record holder, Juha Kankkunen.
The amazing experiences, which have more dates added to meet demand for the 2014 programme (running from 6 February-6 March 2014) are designed to "give the Bentley luxury experience on and off the ice."
Bentley say: "Acclaimed for its exquisite levels of craftsmanship and luxury, the new Flying Spur effortlessly combines this refinement with all the potency of Bentley’s 6.0 litre W12 twin turbocharged engine delivering 616 bhp (625 PS) and a 200 mph (322 km/h) top speed that makes it the world’s fastest luxury four door production car.
"A state-of-the-art all-wheel drive system, constantly adjusting the levels of power to the front and rear wheels depending on available traction, ensures the Flying Spur delivers optimal grip regardless of road or weather conditions and is one of the very few ultra-luxury sedans capable of conquering this kind of ‘off-piste’ driving challenge."
Juha adds: "The Flying Spur is going to be an excellent addition to the Power on Ice experience and we’re looking forward to showing what it is capable of. There’s going to be something special about driving a luxury car you’d expect to see in Monte Carlo or London across the snow and frozen lakes."
The Flying Spur will join an array of Bentley Continental GT coupes in Finland (powered by the company’s 6.0 litre W12 and 4.0 litre V8 engines) and Kankkunen will work with Bentley’s own factory-trained driving experts who will offer in-depth tuition designed to allow drivers to broaden their range of driving skills when faced by testing road and weather conditions.
Away from the thrill of learning how to drive the Bentley of their choice at high-speed on ice, the four-day adventure in Finland offers guests the chance to unwind in the exclusive and luxurious surroundings of the Ruka Peak resort.
Situated just 60 km from the edge of the Arctic Circle, the resort offers a wide selection of hotel and private chalet accommodation options and the mountain resort is widely believed to offer some of the finest, unbroken views of Finland’s spectacular winter scenery. Open fires, saunas, first class local cuisine and flying to and from Helsinki by private jet help to complement the first class experience.
For full information on availability, pricing and accommodation options please visit www.bentleymotors.com and to see highlights from this year please go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U32h094I8IQ

An experience certain to stay with you... don't you think?

See more images to entice here.

NEWS: Lapland Ice Driving Courses Get Three New Supercars

Ever fancied having a go at ice driving? You should do! It's amazing! And one company that do it very well is Lapland Ice Driving – who have expanded their extensive selection of high-performance cars (that already includes high-performance machinery from Subaru, Audi and Lamborghini) for the 2014 season with the addition of three exciting new vehicles – a 560bhp BMW M5 F10, a new 991 911 and a cult classic, the Lancia Delta Intégrale Evo 2. 

The slick courses take place just 80km from the Arctic Circle and Lapland Ice Driving features exact replicas of world-famous racing circuits Silverstone and Paul Ricard – allowing participants the unique thrill of high-speed drifting on instantly recognisable tracks, with top tuition and hospitality.
The Lancia Delta Intégrale range is most famous for its glittering success on the international rallying scene, capturing five successive manufacturers' world titles between 1987 and 1991. And with multiple wins in the snow of Rally Sweden and on the icy stages of Monte Carlo its Lapland pedigree is undeniable. Launched in June 1993, the Intégrale Evo 2 produces more power and torque than its predecessor thanks to a raft of technical upgrades and will make an ice driving experience to remember we reckon.
Lapland Ice Driving say: "The addition of these three cars, as well as the already impressive selection available, help to secure our position as the premier facility of its kind."

VIDEO: 183mph R35 GT-R World Ice Driving Record

Nissan's beast, 540bhp twin turbo 3.8-litre V6 R35 GT-R just keeps on getting better, and quicker – as its new 183mph Russian ice driving world record just shows, in a standard spec car. Check out this awesome video from the frozen Baikal lake, at -22C. Takes some balls...

NEWS: Alfa's D.N.A Aiding Winter Driving & Your Wallet

A car we've just had on test set to appear in Road Magazine soon – Alfa Romeo's Giulietta – may be front-wheel-drive, but it's got a traction trick up its sleeve in their clever D.N.A system. The new, intelligent D.N.A Vehicle Dynamic Control system (as fitted on both Alfa MiTo and Giulietta ranges), enables drivers to select from ‘D’ (Dynamic), ‘N’ (Natural) and ‘A’ (All-Weather) driving modes at the simple flick of a switch. And in All-Weather mode, the ASR (Anti Slip Regulation) system continuously monitors tyre grip, the car’s yaw and the steering angle – decreasing the throttle opening and applying brakes to individual wheels to maintain stability, whilst also boosting the VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) system and DST (Dynamic Steering Torque) feature (providing steering torque movements to prompt natural correction of oversteer). And it works a treat it has to be said, not to mention being easy to operate, at the flick of a switch: 

Damien Dally, Head of Brand, Alfa Romeo UK said: "Innovations such as the Alfa D.N.A. system help make Alfa Giulietta one of the safest models in its class with a 5-star Euro NCAP rating including an 86% score in the Safety Assist category. We think it’s a great choice all year round, but it’s also the smart choice in these tough Winter months when drivers rely more on their vehicle’s technology to keep them safe and in control."

Best of all, customers who brave the conditions in the last few days of January to take out an ‘All-Weather’ test-drive can currently benefit from 5 Years Warranty, £2,000 Alfa Romeo deposit contribution and 5.5% APR across the Giulietta range. And, as an extra incentive customers can benefit from an additional £500 on any new Alfa Giulietta registered before 31 January 2013. For full terms and conditions or for more information on Alfa Romeo visit http://www.alfaromeo.co.uk

VIDEO: Think You're Quick On Snow?

What with all this Wintery weather here in the UK, maybe you think you're a quick driver on snow & ice? Think again... as Pontus Tidemand's Vintertest Ford Fiesta RS WRC explains rather nicely in this ace bit of on-board footage, with a great view of the lines and great sound. Go on son! Neat!

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: 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.

VIDEO: Car Vs Bike Racing: On Ice

What happens when a Porsche GT3 RS takes on a Yamaha YZF R1 on ice, or a Mitsubishi Evo IX Vs Yamaha WRF 450? Well, thanks to our pals at Laponie Ice Driving, we can find out...
How does 258KM/h on a bike, on ice, grab you?
The bonkers races took place on a replica of the 5.8Km Paul Ricard Circuit, on a frozen lake in Arjeplog, with all the vehicles wearing heavily-studed tyres, obviously...!
Find out more at: http://www.laponie-ice-driving.com/

NEWS VIDEO: Laponie Ice Driving New Cars & Courses

Our pals at Laponie Ice Driving have unveiled their 2013 events and what a cracking line up it is – with a choice of over 28 high-powered cars (including Lambo Gallardo’s and Porsche 911's) and 20 ace instructors, taking place on 750 acres of frozen lake in Lapland, with replica F1 circuits. If you like your driving, sideways, and safe, in an unreal location... you should book one and have a memory of a lifetime. Brand new for 2013 are two Lamborghini Gallardos, three Audi S4s and six Subaru STi S Imprezas, joining up with Porsche 911, Corvettes and more cult cars. They say: "There really is nothing quite like learning to drift on a private frozen lake in Lapland - all 750 acres of it - under expert instruction. Moreover, you can now drive on one of two replicas of the Silverstone Formula 1 circuit, as well as on other famous Formula 1 tracks. For the past seven years, Laponie Ice Driving has been thrilling participants, ranging from complete novices to semi-professional drivers. And yes, it really is possible to learn how to drive fast and safely on ice in two or three days. You can choose your car, and you will be assured of at least four tutored hours behind the wheel each day- hours never to be forgotten."
And Laponie now has UK representation, so for further information please do get in touch (in case you were wondering, Laponie is the French for Lapland!)
See more or book for yourself: www.laponie-ice-driving.co.uk
NB: The video above is for the old 2012 courses and an old offer we ran, but shows you how cool it all is! See more videos here: http://www.laponie-ice-driving.com/uk/videos.php#ancre

NEWS: New Falken Winter Tyre

So, the leaves are starting to fall, along with the heavy rain... and soon it will be ice and snow. Time to consider some Winter boots for your motor? If you have never tried these, you really should. The difference in grip in ice, snow and cold, wet conditions is staggering. And here is a brand new Winter tyre from Falken, the Eurowinter HS449 winter tyre, with "an innovative tread pattern and compound delivering improved control and grip." The tyre is available in 57 initial sizes, with a further 32 being added in January 2013. Falken say: "A comprehensive set of ten product improvements has led to the creation of Falken’s new Eurowinter HS449 winter tyre. The HS449 incorporates tread, compound and construction changes to improve wet braking, stability and noise – following a rigorous testing programme in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. Cold weather tyre compounds typically contain silica helping the tyre to be more flexible at low temperatures (below 7˚C). For the Eurowinter HS449, Falken’s engineers have increased the proportion of silica to improve braking on wet surfaces by 11 percent (compared to the predecessor model HS439). A higher concentration of polymer in the tread compound enhances stability, delivering an increase of 13 percent over the HS439.
Whilst relevant for all cold weather scenarios, Falken has made strides to ensure braking is particularly improved on snow. In such conditions, the 45 percent increase in tread coverage is designed to improve stopping distances. The novel three-dimensional zig-zag lamellar structure was chosen to boost grip on snow and ice, whilst three dimensional fins optimise even wear of the tyre. Though not a prime consideration for many customers, Falken has lowered tyre noise by incorporating five-phase shifted tread bars. The Eurowinter HS449, the fifth new tyre introduced by Falken to the UK market this year, is available now from a wide range of dealers.