McLaren had a rough time of it in the 2012 Formula One season. In year where they undoubtably had the fastest car for the majority of races, mechanical and human errors cost them a world championship that should have been theirs. An added blow at the end of the season came when one of their star drivers, Lewis Hamilton, announced he was to leave the British team and move to Mercedes AMG. McLaren has worked hard throughout the winter on their 2013 car and today we see the fruits of their labour for the first time.
The McLaren MP4-28 looks very similar to the 2012 car thanks to the regulations not changing dramatically, however, Jenson Button has said “under the skin, this is so, so different.” Celebrating their 50th year, McLaren hope that Button and young gun Perez can bring back another world title to the most successful team in F1. McLaren have completely overhauled the car taking a “risky” ground-up redesign and refinement. The chassis of the car looks to be higher to improve airflow underneath the chassis and the sidepods are closer to the rear in comparison to the MP4-27.
The weather in the UK has taken a turn for the worse over the past few weeks. Bitterly cold winds, heavy snow and now widespread flooding are having a detrimental effect on driving conditions. Many cars have suffered as a result, some even to the point of being written off, but today comes news of one of the worst calamities to take place on British roads.
An Aston Martin DB5 has been drowned by floodwaters in Longcot. Valued at £300,000 the James Bond star plunged into water two feet deep after the driver reportedly ignored floodwater signs. We all know the damage high volumes of water can do to a modern car, let alone a classic. The value of DB5’s have steadily risen over the decades and with only 1,023 ever produced, they aren’t going to become any cheaper.
Powered by a 4 litre engine with 282BHP, the Aston Martin DB5 could hit speeds of 145MPH back in 1963.
The Lotus Formula One Team won a race during the 2012 season which is great, but we all felt that it was a car capable of winning many more. The E20 came close several times and accumulated a respectable number of podiums, but this is motorsport and winning is everything. Lotus aim to finish the 2013 season 3rd or higher with their new E21 racer.
The rules for 2013 in comparison to 2012 are very similar. Though we may see a reduction in those ugly “stepped noses” thanks to the use of vanity plates, fundamentally the cars are evolutions of last years. Though as the team have said “the devil is in the detail.” To be piloted by Kimi Räikkönen and Romain Grosjean, the E21 clearly develops upon an already promising aerodynamic package. Sporting more red on the iconic black and gold livery has divided opinion, but like it or not this is a car to watch out for.
Kia with their good looking portfolio and 7 year warranty are right up there when it comes to car sales. The combination of peace of mind and good value is a valuable card to play when tempting brand loyal car buyers into Kia showrooms. Though Kia’s are becoming more premium by the day, they have never produced a spiced up version of their hatchbacks to take on the establishment at their own game. That was until now…
To debut at the Geneva motor show, this is the Kia Procee’d and Cee’d GT. This hothatch will take on the likes of Ford’s up and coming Fiesta ST. Available in three and five door, this new contender gets 201BHP and 265Nm of torque from its turbocharged 1.6 litre engine. It looks the part and would appear to have the numbers to compete, but the verdict on Kia’s new venture will have to wait until it hits showrooms later this year.
The true successor to the legendary McLaren F1 will very soon be upon us. The P1 is to be the most advanced supercar ever produced incorporating the latest in technology and aerodynamics from Formula One. To be revealed in full at the Geneva motor show, this KERS equipped machine claims that it will be the ultimate drivers tool and the fastest road legal car around a race track. McLaren have released these images showing the P1 testing along with this amazing video complete with the car spitting blue fire!
The Aston Martin Rapide is an unusual sort of car. Billed as a sports car and not a luxury saloon, it gives all four occupants the sensations on offer from its DB9 sibling. Considering its size this is quite an achievement and though the Rapide is not the fastest of this current crop of “super saloons,” it is by far and away the most beautiful. For 2013 Aston are adding a little more spice to the V12 people mover.
Named the Rapide S, it packs 550BHP punch from its 5.9 litre engine. That is 80BHP more than the standard car! Torque has also increased to 620lb-ft. Those two figures are enough to get the Rapide S from standing to 62MPH in just 4.9 seconds and onto a top speed of 190MPH. The front grill has increased in size to allow for better cooling of its V12 heart. The interior remains the same but can now be specified with “Duotone,” an option that allows for two toned seating.
The Rapide S is to hit showrooms February this year.
Rolls-Royce produce the most luxurious cars in the world, bar none. With breathtaking attention to detail, the firm has thrived over the past few years taking record sales thanks to markets such as China and the middle east. They have never really done sporty in the same way that The Queen has never played Twister, it just never suited their character profile. In 2013 that is to change with the introduction of their fastest and most powerful car ever to be wear the spirit of ecstasy.
To be named the Rolls-Royce Wraith, this two door coupe has been previewed in this teaser image. The “fastback” rear end will clearly dominate the cars profile but Rolls-Royce tells us that many classic stylistic features are also to be present. The cars sporting credentials are to be backed but by tuning on the Nürburgring.
The Wraith will make its debut at the 2013 Geneva motor show in March.
Welcome to the first episode of the podcast for 2013. This week much debate is in the air as Tyler, Matt and Steve all discuss/ argue over what cars should have won “Car of the Year.” Renault’s Captur crossover is also a point of interest. WRC round-up comes as standard.
What is a hero in todays world? A cartoon character? A fictitious spy? Yes, you could argue that real-life heroes are nonexistent… However take a look at our armed services and stare into a pool of pure valour as these brave men and women risk their lives whilst you go about your daily business. They don’t ask for thanks, they just dig in, take the bullets all in a bid to protect your freedom. These are heroes and you had better believe that they exist. But what of those fallen heroes who have survived horrific injury? A group of them have transgressed from that rank of hero to being nothing short of the best humanity has to offer.
These British and American Amputees have overcome their injuries and have become the first team with disabled members to complete the notorious 8570KM Dakar rally. Despite the most adverse conditions in any motor race, teammates cars failing, as well as pushing past both mental and physical barriers they did it! Their disabilities were unimportant as the Race2Recovery teams pushed on for all of those who have been affected by duties on the front line. Even when the last remaining Bowler Wildcat had overheating issues they refused to give up and simply ran the car at night when it was cooler.
I don’t think I have ever admired a group of people more than these guys. Not only did they give everything in their line of work, but they did it all over again in the face of adversity showing the world that they are not simply heroes… These people are inspirations. Each and every one of them.
BMW’s 6 Series GranCoupe is a very seductive proposition. Handsome looks, fantastically sculpted interior and German reliability. Audi with their A7 started this niche but with the introduction of an M6 GrandCoupe the balance of power has shifted. Sent to regain the sporty luxury limo market for the four rings is the new RS7.
The already commended A7 takes on a much more aggressive persona as it dons the RS badge. The front facia dominated by huge air intakes whilst proudly displaying the Quattro name, around the back artillery pieces replace what were once exhaust pipes. Powered by a 4.0 litre V8 engine that produces 552BHP and 553lb-ft of torque, the RS7 packs a punch to say the least. 0-62MPH is dispatched in 3.9 seconds and with the Dynamic option ticked its top speed is 190MPH. The car is lower and wider than an A7 and also has differing suspension set-ups.
