NEWS: Suzuki Swift 4x4 Launched

Suzuki have launched a fun, funky, fresh 4x4 version of their popular Swift model – with permanent 4x4 and a 25mmm raised ride height over stock Swift models – priced from £11,516 for the SZ3 spec and £13,116 for the higher-spec SX4 model and available with VAT free until September 30th.
The new soft-road supermini features a peppy 1.2-litre petrol engine and manual gearbox, five doors and a fully automatic and permanent 4WD system, which weighs just 65kg more than an equivalent 2WD model, impressively. CO2 emissions are also low at only 126g/km.
Suzuki say: "We have a strong global heritage for our 4WD models and now, following sales success in Japan as well as several European Countries including Germany and Switzerland, Suzuki is launching the 4x4 Swift in the UK and it goes on sale this month. It is an ideal choice for customers living in rural areas needing additional mobility or for crossing slippery surfaces during winter without owning a larger and more conventional SUV sized vehicle."
Apart from 4x4 badging and a slightly increased body ride height of 25mm the SZ3 grade appears identical to an equivalent SZ3 five door. The SZ4 model has a more rugged appearance and offers extra protection over rough ground by adding front and rear skid plates, black wheel arch extensions and black side skirts.
This new model has a proven and simple fully automatic and permanent 4-wheel drive system which transfers additional torque to the rear wheels when required via a viscous coupling, further enhancing the already highly acclaimed cornering ability of the Swift.
Thanks to the use of small and lightweight components Swift 4x4 is just 65kg heavier than an equivalent 2WD petrol model and emissions are only 10g/km higher at 126g/km.
Included in Suzuki’s recently extended VAT free offers, the 4WD Swift is priced at £11,516 for SZ3 and £13,116 for the higher specified SZ4 model which now includes power folding door mirrors with integral indicators and Daylight Running Lamps as standard equipment.


We reckon it looks like another great value, fun, quirky, funky looking new car from Suzuki – a possible new era Panda 4x4? And we're begging them to make a pepped-up, hot hatch version – loaded with Suzuki's rally pedigree – like their Swift Sport, only with a turbo! Think mini-WRC: Go on. Go on. Go on! Please Suzuki! 

NEWS: Goodwood FOS Update

It's Goodwood Festival of Speed weekend this weekend – set for glorious weather too.
If you need to be reminded why this event is so mega, see our last two reports here and here.
There's an unreal amount going on in this ever-expanding superb event, which you can catch up on here.
One that sticks out is the all-New Range Rover Sport taking on the heroic Vickers Supermarine Spitfire in a challenge organised by FortyOneSix.com, in an event taking place prior to the event as an appetiser – as the two British legends of land and sky engage for the first time in a unique off-road race.
See the video here:


Mike Cross, Jaguar Land Rover’s Chief Vehicle Integrity Engineer, was at the wheel of the All-New Range Rover Sport, a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 model with 510 hp on tap. Even though grass is one of the most challenging terrains on which to gain traction, for both acceleration and breaking, Cross still managed to clock a top speed of 130 mph before braking for the mid-race turn.

The turn manoeuvre was helped by the Range Rover Sport’s new Torque Vectoring technology, which contributes to stable and secure cornering by applying appropriate braking to the inside wheels.
Cross explained that Land Rover was pleased to take up the challenge: “The team couldn’t resist the challenge laid down by FortyOneSix.com and to race such a British icon. It’s always difficult to find traction from a standing start on grass, but the Range Rover Sport made a great launch off the line. I was surprised by how bumpy the course was as I accelerated up to 130mph, and of course the other extreme challenge is to brake in time for the turn-around, but the car felt composed throughout the whole run.”
See our Goodwood FOS image gallery here.

NEWS: Bentley Continental GT3 Racer Makes World Debut @ Goodwood FOS & More!

Bentley are bringing their biblically epic Continental GT3 race car to make its world debut at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed – in their biggest presence at the ace hill climb based car show event. Best of all, four-time World Rally Champion Juha Kankkunen will drive the breath-taking Continental GT Speed (coupe up the famous Goodwood hill-climb over all three days of the Festival! And as if that wasn't enough... Bentley will also be bringing a Speed 8 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Le Mans win. And there will be a new Flying Spur and the full Bentley range on display the Bentley stand! 

Oh, and did we mention five-time Le Mans winner Derek Bell MBE once again donning the Bentley overalls for the event – this year piloting the fastest four-seat convertible in the world – the 202 mph (325 km/h) GT Speed Convertible. With a more dynamic chassis setup, increased power and torque and a host of subtle yet distinctive styling cues, the GT Speed Convertible is the pinnacle of the Continental range. Derek comments: “Coming back to Goodwood with Bentley is always a real honour, and this year I have the pleasure of driving a 616bhp convertible up the infamous hill. 2013 is certain to be a great year for us at the Festival.”
The Continental GT3 will be unveiled on the media stage in the F1 paddock at 10:15 on Friday 12th July, at which point more information about the car will be released. And you can hear all about that and see more pictures here, naturally.

For now, see some more images of the Bentley's on display here.

NEWS: Goodyear Wrangler Off Road Tyre Award & New TreadMax Tyres

Goodyear tyres are having a good week! 

First their heavy-duty, off-road Wrangler rubber has been chosen as the best off-road tyre by readers of the German trade magazine Off Road. It won in the category “Traction Tyres” against 13 others brands and voted for by 75,000 readers.

Goodyear says: "The Wrangler DuraTrac was developed for use in tough terrain. The varying width of the shoulder blocks, not only longitudinal but also laterally, allows the Wrangler DuraTrac to break up certain surfaces, especially loamy ones, more easily, blazing a trail time and again." 

“With the Goodyear traction tyre, robust off-road vehicles can handle even challenging off-road terrain on rocky surfaces,” said Holger Rehberg, Goodyear Product.

Additionally, Goodyear has also just introduced two new Retreads – the Marathon Coach and Ultra Grip Coach Tyres, the very latest coach tyres now available in TreadMax range.

The TreadMax Marathon Coach all position tyre and TreadMax UltraGrip Coach winter drive

tyre are now both available in size 295/80R22.5 as moldcure retreads.
The TreadMax products, which have the same tread pattern, compound and features as new tyres, have been developed following the "Multiple Life Concept" approach. This allows coach operators to make full use of their tyre assets, for reduced cost per km, without compromising on tyre performance. The tyres feature a combination of technologies, called TravelMax, which include Silefex tread compound and an asymmetric design, to extend mileage in particular.
The Marathon Coach is an all position tyre for year-round use. Its unique asymmetric design offers excellent even wear and mileage with a high comfort level. Uneven tyre wear has been a serious problem for tyres on modern coaches, resulting in reduced tyre life. The asymmetric design, which Goodyear has developed specifically for the Marathon Coach tyre, addresses this problem.
The Ultra Grip Coach is a specific winter drive tyre with enhanced snow traction. This tyre is of particular benefit for coaches that operate in areas such as the Nordic Countries and in Alpine regions. The tread design and width give it excellent grip and traction in winter conditions and also low noise levels, which means enhanced passenger comfort.
Goodyear says: "These new tyres are part of the Goodyear comprehensive range of premium moldcure retread products. TreadMax retreads are all manufactured by us in our own facilities using the moldcure process. This is the highest level of quality in retreading, which sees the tyres, after minute examination and preparation, undergoing the retread process using virtually identical tread compounds and patterns to new tyres. This is done using a bead-to-bead process, almost identical to that used in the production of new tyres."
TreadMax Marathon Coach and Ultra Grip Coach moldcure retreads are available in size 295/80R22.5 and are regroovable for maximum life and economy.

 TreadMax Marathon Coach

Ultra Grip Coach

NEWS: Opportunity Knocks for Amateurs @ Wales Rally GB

 

Opportunity knocks for rally amateurs at this year's re-vamped Wales Rally GB – with amateur rally crews are being offered three different national rally competition options to compete against the sport’s elite on this event running from its new base in North Wales, 14-17 November. This gives even more VFM for the fans watching the only British WRC event. Hooray!
Following extensive research among competitors, two different National events will be run alongside Britain’s concluding round of the 2013 FIA World Rally Championship (WRC); there’s also the opportunity for more ambitious entrants to contest Wales Rally GB in its entirety.
Ensuring all participants take full advantage of the WRC’s presence in north Wales, all teams will be based beside the premier world championship outfits in the new Service Park situated in Deeside. Adding to their appeal, the two National events feature many of the same classic Welsh forest stages as tackled by the WRC crews as well as the exciting new spectator stages at Chirk Castle and Kinmel Park, and the historic Great Orme. Finishers will receive their trophies on the newly designed, high-profile WRC Start/Finish Podium in Llandudno on Sunday afternoon.
The longer, three-day National rally includes no fewer than 11 of the 13 Wales Rally GB stages starting on Friday with challenging tests in Hafren, Sweet Lamb and Myherin. The shorter two-day National rally commences on Saturday morning and then shares the same route as the on-going three-day event.
Saturday’s schedule includes four challenging stages – Gartheinog, Dyfi, Dyfnant and Chirk Castle. Sunday kicks off with a second run through Dyfnant and then follows the WRC route via Penllyn, Clocaenog and Kinmel Park before a dramatic conclusion on the historic Great Orme.
As well as giving amateurs an outstanding opportunity to compete on the same classic stages as the top stars from the FIA World Rally Championship, the two National rallies offer great value for money. The three-day event includes 114 miles of competitive stages for an entry fee of just £900 while the 72-mile, two-day alternative is priced at £600. Categories for historic and FIA classes are available all with their own awards. A generous Guest Pass package is also available for competitors with a dedicated hospitality facility being constructed in the Deeside Service Park.
More ambitious amateurs can, of course, tackle Wales Rally GB with its 196 miles of timed sections starting in Snowdonia after dark on Thursday evening. Indeed, to encourage local teams to gain World Championship experience, the organisers are offering crews where both driver and co-driver hold an MSA competition licence and a British passport, a significantly discounted entry fee reduced to £1500 from £2598.
“Wales Rally GB is the grand finale to both the FIA World Rally Championship and the British rallying season and we are doing everything we can to ensure we are providing something really special for all those wanting to compete,” said Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of event organiser International Motor Sports. “The move to north Wales and the reintroduction of some truly classic Welsh forest stages and, of course, the Great Orme has been extremely well received. Now by offering the choice between two National rallies, plus discounted entries into the main event, we are confident that Wales Rally GB will be a hugely attractive opportunity no one will want to miss. It offers not only a chance for amateurs to pit their skills against rallying’s elite but also some fantastic stages and great value for money.”
What’s more the addition of many of the country’s top amateur crews will add further to the thrilling spectator experience with the promise of lots more spectacular action plus the inclusion of some exciting rally cars from past and present eras.
Adding to the appeal of the new-look Wales Rally GB, prices of adult admittance to individual forest stages on the day have been reduced to £15 (from £20 in 2012) while Day Passes have been re-introduced providing multiple stage access for just £33. Four-day World Rally Passes are available for £99. Moreover all adult tickets include a free programme priced at £7.50. The popular ‘Kids for a Quid’ scheme has been extended providing those aged between 9-15 years old with a four-day ticket giving access to all 22 stages for just £1. Those aged eight and under are admitted free. Full details can be found on the www.walesrallygb.com websites, now with a dedicated version optimised for mobile phones via www.walesrallygb.com/mobile/home.php.
For the latest updates, directions and stage information, follow Wales Rally GB on Twitter@walesrallygb, join the conversations on Facebook at www.facebook.com/walesrallygb or visit the website www.walesrallygb.com.

VIDEO: Loeb Smashed Pikes Peak Record

Quelle surprise... the world's greatest rally driver ever has blitzed the 2013 Pikes Peak event, by an unreal margin – setting a new course record of 8min 13.878sec for the 12.4-mile course, in his epic 900bhp Peugeot 208 T16... some 95 seconds faster than the existing record! It seems highly unlikely anyone will ever get up the 'race to the clouds' faster. There's only one Sebastian Loeb eh?! What a legend! The superb Colorado course, rising overs 5000 feet and with just shy of 160 testing corners was no real challenge for superman Loeb, who made it look easy in his epic T16 and brought back fond memories of Ari Vatanen's legendary cloud dance run in the 405 T16. The amazing 208 T16 was created using many components from the 908 Le Mans car, was created in under four months and uses a 900bhp mid-mounted 3.2-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6, a six-speed four-wheel-drive transaxle and a state of the art steel spaceframe chassis with a torsion-bar double wishbone suspension set up and trick front and rear and carbon fibre racing brakes and aero pack. The ballistic power-to-weight and grip netted 0-62mph in 1.8 seconds and 0-150mph time in just 7.0 sec! Peugeot said: After months of anticipation, Sébastien Loeb has shattered the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb record with a breath-taking time of 8m13.878s in the Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak. The Frenchman negotiated the 12.42 miles and 156 corners of the mountain at an average speed of 87.471mph. Loeb’s time blitzed the previous best of 9m46.164s, set by Rhys Millen last year, with the top three finishers all beating the 2012 record. “For me, this was the race of the year,” said Loeb at the finish, at 4,300 metres high in the Rocky Mountains. “At the beginning of my run there was a bit of pressure for sure because I knew there was so much work and investment from Peugeot and all the partners. Now, after all the practice, it was just down to me and I had to perform.” Loeb started first of the Unlimited class cars, unleashing his 875-horsepower car onto the mountain this morning after all the motorcycle competitors had passed through. However there were a number of delays before he started, which meant that the team began to worry about bad weather: a common feature of Pikes Peak at high altitude. “When I was on the start line waiting to go, I could actually see the clouds closing in at the top of the mountain,” said Loeb. “I remember thinking that if we didn’t get going soon, it would be really difficult.” As it was, Loeb blasted his 208 T16 Pikes Peak through the clouds in a time that was even quicker than Peugeot Sport’s computer had thought was possible. The ideal theoretical time – calculated using data from Loeb’s practice runs up the Colorado mountain – was 8m15s. The nine-times World Rally Champion somehow managed to shave two seconds off that. “I’m really happy as that was a very good run in the end,” said Loeb. “I really didn’t expect anything better than 8m15s, so to do 8m13s was fantastic. Before the start I didn’t really know if I should push absolutely to the maximum or if I should just push to a comfortable pace, in order to make sure of the victory. In the end, I decided to push to the limit.” The result was spectacular, with Loeb now joining the pantheon of Pikes Peak winners; nearly one year to the day after he first conquered America by winning the rally cross finale of the X-Games on 1st July, 2012. Despite his flat-out approach, the multiple champion didn’t even report any major moments, while his Peugeot has been completely reliable throughout the entire month it has been in America. “It was good, all under control from start to finish,” he concluded. “Apart from the potential of the weather turning bad, we didn’t have any worrying moments.” The scenes of success at Peugeot were reminiscent of 1988, when former World Rally Champion Ari Vatanen broke the Pikes Peak record for the French manufacturer exactly 25 years ago, with the 405 T16 Pikes Peak. Back then the benchmark was 10m47.220s on gravel roads – a sign of just how rapidly technology has evolved. In second place on the 91st ‘Race to the Sky’ this year was former record-holder Rhys Millen in his all-new Hyundai RMR PM580-T, 49 seconds behind Loeb with a time of 9m02.192s. Nonetheless, the New Zealander beat his own record – and he says that he’s determined to break the nine-minute barrier next year. “I think it’s fair to say that we were racing for second place today,” said Millen. “Romain Dumas and I had been really close throughout practice, but then I heard that his engine had unfortunately broken at the start. I knew I wasn’t going to beat Sebastien’s time, so I just decided to take no risks. You have to hand it to Loeb and Peugeot Sport: they were unbeatable. That time they set was simply incredible. When will it be beaten? It might never be…” For Loeb and Peugeot Sport, it was the end to a remarkable one-shot adventure that had taken them from early tests of the 208 T16 Pikes Peak at Mont Ventoux in France to the untrammelled mountains of Colorado: officially America’s highest state. Pikes Peak is a legend: the second-oldest car race in America after the Indy 500. And now Loeb – the new King of the Peak – and the Peugeot 208 T16 Pikes Peak car are part of American history. Bravo to Peugeot for building such an amazing racer in such a short time, setting their stall out and surpassing even their expectations – making history. And a special thanks has to go to fellow French firm, Citroen for letting him do it! Sebastian Loeb, we salute you – again! Now, please come to Wales Rally GB!!!

NEWS: Nico Rosberg Wins British F1 GP @ Silverstone in Pirelli Tyre Chaos

German race ace, Nico Rosberg heads to his home F1 event at the Nurburgring next, with a win at one of the most dramatic (and miraculously good weather!) British Grand Prix events in years – with four rear left Pirelli tyre failures blighting the event for drivers, including UK darling Lewis Hamilton, who'd stuck it on pole in qualifying and led much of the race.

Hamilton was trying to hold off Vettel for the lead of the race when his rear left exploded, and dropped to last place. But he fought back to an incredible forth place (just 0.6s behind rival Alonso in third) at his home event, showing true talent and character, in his Mercedes. And there were Pirelli tyre failures for Massa, Jean-Eric Vergne (at 200mph!) and Sergio Perez. An investigation is no underway.

See some fabulous images from the exciting event by motorsport specialist snapper, Kevin Bennett on our Facebook page here.