NEWS: Extensive Hyundai i20 WRC R&D Rolls On

Hyundai Motorsport are in the middle of a huge R&D session (and now homologation testing) on their forthcoming i20 WRC car – having just completed a gruelling 15 day, 1000Km gravel and tarmac rally test, with Juho Hänninen, Bryan Bouffier and Chris Atkinson alternating behind the wheel in both Spain and Germany.  The aim...? An inaugural season like VW have just had surely! . 

Hyundai Motorsport Team Principal Michel Nandan, said: “This month was exceptionally busy for us. We were out testing the i20 WRC on both surfaces for more than half of the month, with our three test drivers swapping the seat on four separate test sessions. We now have two latest-spec i20 WRC cars, which allows us to further intensify the development schedule by alternating between the two chassis. Overall, it was a positive month as we managed to test new parts, try different set-up solutions and cover some good mileage with the car.”
October’s testing kicked off with a four-day gravel test in the south of Spain where the team continued to assess the behaviour of the i20 WRC in warm weather conditions with both Juho Hänninen and Chris Atkinson on duty. “During this test we took the opportunity to continue the development of the car on gravel conditions, similar to the ones we will find in Portugal and Sardinia next year. We tried several configurations for these kinds of terrains and evaluated some new components which we hadn’t tested before,” explained Nandan.
The Hyundai Motorsport team then moved from the south of Spain up to the Catalonia region for a five-day gravel test. This was followed by a tarmac test in Baumholder, Germany, home of the iconic Arena Panzerplatte, which forms part of Rallye Deutschland’s itinerary.
“After concentrating on loose surfaces in the first part of October, we took the i20 WRC to tarmac for a test on the same conditions of Rallye Deutschland. We had some new suspension parts to try as we hadn’t tested on tarmac since August,” Nandan continued.
In the final week of October, the team continues tarmac development in Catalonia on the roads of Rally de España, the penultimate round of the WRC, which was held last week. “Testing on the same roads as the rally allows us to start to have some references on the stages we will tackle next year,” concluded Nandan.
This month marked also the beginning of another important process for the Hyundai Motorsport team. The dossier for the homologation of the i20 WRC needs to be compiled and lodged by the FIA by the end of October.
We at Road wish them well on their WRC journey – bringing greater diversity and talent to the sport. 

See more test images (superb!) here. 

VIDEO: VW Polo R, Ogier, Ingrassia & Volkswagen Motorsport Make WRC History

Bobble hats off to VW. With the indispensable help of WRC-God, Carols Sainz, the team has done the unthinkable/unbelievable/unrepeatable – winning the WRC drivers (Seabastian Ogier), co-drivers (Julien Ingrassia) and manufacturers (VW Motorsport) championships, by a country mile in Rally Spain last weekend. And what a great event the WRC's only mixed surface (fast, wide, slippery tarmac and loose gravel) event turned out to be – opening with night stages, huge crowds, a roundabout donut section of one stage and some fabulous driving through the dust. In the end, Yari-Matti had no luck (but more than Dani Sordo & Andreas Mikkelsen) and Ogier had it all. Enjoy the round-up video. Putting VW's inaugural WRC season into perspective for a moment... no one in the 40 year history of WRC has ever accomplished such highs or dominance on all surfaces, or is likely to again. For what it's worth, Road salutes your unreal achievement Team VW – and with a car that looked, sounded and obviously went a load better than the competition too. Bravo! And now the 2013 WRC titles are neatly wrapped up, Wales Rally GB will be a gloves-off, no-holes-barred, maximum attack, guts and glory war. Can't wait! Bring it on!

NEWS: Land Rover Sponsor Bowler's 2014 Defender Challenge

This looks like so much fun – Land Rover has revealed its sponsorship of the 2014 Defender Challenge by Bowler. This superb fun one-make rally series is operated by Bowler Motorsport designed to act as a feeder series to the annual Dakar rally and other global rally-raid competitions.
Continuing the strategic partnership announced in 2012 between Land Rover and Bowler Motorsport, the Defender Challenge will see competition-prepared Land Rover Defenders being used in a one-make, seven round, rally series taking place across the UK. The series will be regulated by the MSA (Motor Sports Association) and each Defender Challenge car will be FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) compliant enabling competitors to compete internationally.
The Defender Challenge will provide both experienced competitors, and those with no prior competition experience, a platform to gain the experience required to compete in world-class rally-raid events. For those with no or little experience, the series will offer a complete solution for gaining a licence, training and development and ultimately, competition experience.
The Defender Challenge car is a modified Defender 90 Hard Top utilising the factory-standard 2.2 litre diesel engine which has been uprated to 170 bhp by Bowler Motorsport. All Defender Challenge cars will run the standard 6-speed manual gearbox, controlled Kuhmo tyres and full MSA-approved roll cage and fire extinguisher system. Further aiding the accessibility of the series, all cars will remain road-legal and can be driven to events if required.
The provisional rounds outlined for the series will provide a mix of geographical accessibility together with exciting and demanding racing. To be confirmed in January 2014, the provisional list of rounds are:

2nd March	Mid Wales Stages	Newtown, Wales
20th April	Somerset Stages	Minehead, Somerset
7th June	Dukeries Rally	Southwell, Nottinghamshire
19th / 20th July	Welsh Hill Rally	Walters Arena, Swansea
30th August	Woodpecker Stages	Ludlow, Shropshire
24th/ 25th October	Sunseeker Rallye	Poole, Dorset
Mid November	Scottish Hill Rally	Dumfries, Scotland

Additionally, the Defender Challenge will provide a training and test day in February, as well as the option to compete in desert events in North Africa and the Middle East.
Mark Cameron, Land Rover Global Brand Experience Director said: “Land Rover is delighted to be supporting Bowler with the Defender Challenge in what is the next step in our long-term strategic partnership.
“The Defender Challenge by Bowler rally series will push the iconic Defender’s breadth of capability beyond established boundaries – it is the ideal accessible platform to provide customers with an entry-level rally series and for those who are considering entering world-stage rally-raids such as the Dakar.”
Drew Bowler, Managing Director, Bowler Motorsport said: “Rally customers coming to Bowler have changed – they're not all experienced racers, but people looking for excitement and adventure, and an achievable path towards world-class events.
“We're delighted to be offering this path in partnership with Land Rover and the MSA, and believe the format offers a new way to experience different rally disciplines in the UK and overseas, and prepare entrants for the rigours and realities of Rally Raid. We've really enjoyed developing the Defender Challenge car – it'll be a really fun championship.
Xavier Gavory, Head of Competitors department – Sporting Coordinator for the ASO (Amaury Sport Organisation), the governing body for the annual Dakar rally said: “One of the major obstacles for people from the UK wishing to enter the Dakar has always been obtaining the necessary competition experience and a race licence. With the Defender Challenge by Bowler, there is at last a turnkey solution to that problem.
“Thanks to Bowler’s huge experience of competing on the Dakar and their widely recognised professionalism, we are confident we will be welcoming the first graduates of the Defender Challenge on our rally in the very near future.”
The Defender Challenge car will retail at £50,000 plus VAT and be supplied exclusively through Bowler Motorsport. Entry into the Defender Challenge will range between £10,000 and £14,000 depending on package selected.
See pics of the awesome Defenders here.
We want one!!!

Bowler Defender Challenge Car Specification
Based on a Land Rover Defender 90 Hard Top

Engine:	2.2 Litre Diesel
Gearbox	Standard 6-speed manual
Power:	modified to 170 bhp by Bowler Motorsport
Torque:	450Nm

Additional Features

• Full MSA-approved roll cage
• MSA-compliant fire extinguisher system
• Bowler Motorsport suspension system – including new dampers, springs roll bars and bushes
• Bowler Motorsport lightweight 18” wheels with controlled Kuhmo tyres
• Racing seats and six-point harness
• Bowler Motorsport lightweight front bumper and sill protectors
• Intercom system
• Upgraded mud flaps and mounting system
• Bowler Motorsport revised door casings
• Full Defender Challenge livery
• Optional Bowler brake package
• Optional service package providing access to Bowler Works mechanics, logistic support plus vehicle storage between events

NEWS: Duncan Hamilton To Auction Niki Lauda Ferrari Wing on eBay

Historic car auctioneer, Duncan Hamilton, is selling a piece of iconic motor racing history – the rear wing from Niki Lauda's Ferrari 312T – on eBay! 

After selling Niki Lauda’s championship Ferrari 312T in 1985, Adrian Hamilton acquired the rare rear wing as a piece of racing memorabilia. Now however, 38 years after the French Grand Prix where Lauda was victorious, Duncan Hamilton & Co Ltd will sell on the iconic rear wing on eBay with a reserve of £10,000. Fancy it?! What with all this Rush-film-fever?
The Ferrari 312T was a Ferrari Formula One car design, based on the 312B3 from 1974. In various versions, it was used from 1975 until 1980. It was designed by Mauro Forghieri for the 1975 season and was an uncomplicated and clean design that responded to mechanical upgrades.
Nick Maton, Sales Manager at Duncan Hamilton & Co, said: “The recent popularity of blockbuster film ‘Rush’ demonstrates how connected the public is with motorsports both past and present. We are lucky enough to be holding a true piece of motorsport history and we are excited about the prospect of handing this onto a new owner. We have decided to put this piece on eBay so that motorsport fans far and wide will be able to bid for it and we have already seen a real buzz being generated amongst collectors.”
The rear wing of Niki Lauda’s incredible championship Ferrari 312T will go on sale in November on eBay.

NEWS: Subaru 'Levorg' Tourer Concept Debut @ Tokyo

Subaru has teased us with some images of a concept tourer – the strangely-named Levorg – which it will showcase at the forthcoming Tokyo Motor Show, November 20th.
The 'cross sport' design and 7-seater SUV, Crossover 7 concepts will also go on display at the Subaru stand at the 43rd Tokyo Motors Show, along with an exhibition of the new 1.6-litre Boxer engine with direct injection and turbo technology.
Subaru say: "The Levorg concept hints at a new vehicle currently under development for market launch in Japan in 2014. The name ‘Levorg’ comes from a combination of the words ‘Legacy’, ‘Revolution’ and ‘Touring’, and the concept will blend the practicality of a tourer and the stylish design and feel of a sports car. The Levorg will also feature an all-new 1.6-litre horizontally-opposed Boxer engine with direct injection turbo (DIT) technology. The Subaru-developed engine is designed to offer smooth performance and greater environmental efficiency. The new engine will also be on show on the Subaru motor show stand as a technology exhibit."
The Subaru press conference at the Tokyo Motor Show is scheduled to start at 08.30 JST on Wednesday 20 November (23.30 GMT on Tuesday 19 November). Further information about Subaru’s stand is available at www.subaru.jp/tms2013/.
To find out more about the Subaru UK model range and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, visit www.subaru.co.uk.
Interesting times for one of the most interesting car manufacturers in our view... we wish them luck!
See the teaser images here.

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: Wales Rally GB 2013 Showcasing Rally Cult Classics

In addition to this year's Wales Rally GB's new North Wales base, family-friendly 'RallyFest' spectator stages in historic venues (which we will be covering in the next Road Magazine), classic Welsh gravel forest stages, the top WRC cars and stars coming to do battle and National Rally events running alongside – the event will also give us rally fans a chance to see some cool cult classics.

Flame-spitting Audi Quattros, Escort and Sierra Cosworths, classic Imprezas and legendary Lancias and T16 Peugeots will take part in very special demonstrations for the RallyFests and at the final stage on Sunday, on the infamous Great Orme.
Event organisers say: "Britain has hosted a round of the FIA World Rally Championship ever since the sport’s premier series was introduced in 1973 and a selection of eye-catching cars from the four decades since will be taking part in static displays and evocative demonstration runs during this year’s event."
The mouth watering full list of classic contenders from past generations on parade is deeply impressive – it includes the much-loved Audi Sport quattro S1, Ford Escort Cosworth, Lancia 037, Lancia Delta S4, MG Metro 6R4, Peugeot 205 T16, Renault 5 Maxi Turbo plus a pair of Subaru Imprezas rallied by Colin McRae and Richard Burns. In total around 20 legendary cars are being provided by the Slowly Sideways UK organisation.
These wonderful collections will be on show at the Service Park in Deeside as well as at the new, family-friendly RallyFest Stages at Sweet Lamb on Friday and Kinmel Park on Sunday, when the cavalcade will also be in action performing on the Great Orme immediately before the main event.
The biggest gathering, though, will be at the Chirk Castle RallyFest on Saturday, which will host both dramatic demonstration runs on the special stage and a static display featuring the full line-up of automotive idols from the past.
“As well as seeing the current generation of pocket rockets flying through the stages, fans at selected venues will also be able to marvel at some of the greatest cars from past generations – the iconic machines that helped to establish the RAC Rally as one of this country’s best-loved sporting events,” said Andrew Coe, Chief Executive of event organiser International Motor Sports Ltd.
Individual adult tickets for the three fun-filled RallyFest stages are priced at just £25* – which includes a free programme normally priced at £7.50. Significant discounts also are available for families. Full information on tickets can be found on the Wales Rally GB website at:www.walesrallygb.com.

Get involved for a chance to see these iconic rally cars in action. It's an experience to savour and one you will never forget... let alone witnessing the gravel-blastign pace of the top-level WRC cars. See you there! 

See some more pics of the cult classics here.