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The Nürburgring is the torture chamber for many new cars. Mile after mile of undulating chassis twisting turns that are the perfect stress test, particularly for performance models. However, thanks to the competitive nature of the motor industry, manufacturers like to get one-up on each other by competing for the fastest lap time. The up and coming Range Rover Sport SVR sets Nürburgring Record.
The Range Rover Sport SVR is a new performance focused variation of the standard car created by the Special Vehicle Operations division. Think of this SVR as the equivalent of Jaguar’s R badge. To be powered by a 5.0 litre supercharged V8 engine, the SVR has set a Nürburgring lap time of 8 minutes and 14 seconds making it the fastest SUV to complete the circuit. With 542BHP on tap, it is hardly surprising, but no less impressive. The car that set the record was in production configuration according to Range Rover.
The company are very keen to point out that despite how sportily this new model is, its off-road capabilities have not been compromised. We shall see the Range Rover Sport SVR in full before the year is out. We can’t wait!
We all know about the McLaren P1 and if you don’t… WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?! For those who have resided in a cave for the past few years, the McLaren P1 is the successor to the legendary F1 supercar. Powered by a 3.8 litre twin-turbo V8 engine and electric motor of which produces a combined 903BHP. 0-62MPH is banished in just 2.8 seconds. Its F1 predecessor also saw success in racing winning Le Mans outright. The hope was that McLaren might do the same for the P1. McLaren P1 GTR Leaked.
A few months ago we got official conformation of a track only variation of the P1 name the McLaren P1 GTR. The car is only availably to purchase to existing P1 owners, and let us not beat around the bush here, it is a bloody racing car! Some details were released such as its 986BHP output and the £1,980,000 that is requires to purchase one. Thanks to a leaked image sent to prospective buyers we now have a firm idea of what the McLaren P1 GTR will look like.
This rendering shows the hardcore P1 sporting a large fixed rear wing, aggressive diffuser and huge dual exhausts. We can’t wait to see more!
The next stages of the Tour de France are soon to begin and teams are gearing up to compete for victory. Checking and double checking all of the equipment is essential, spare bikes are a must incase of mishaps. These bikes must be transported in tandem with the riders and for this Team Sky use a Jaguar XF Sportbrake. A practical decision, however, these up and coming sprint stages not only require fewer bikes to be transported at once, but also for it to be done quickly. Jaguar F-Type Tour de France.
Specially for these sprint stages, Jaguar has produced a one-off Jaguar F-Type Tour de France. Based upon the Jaguar F-Type R Coupe, this 542BHP 5.0 litre supercharged beauty dons the Team Sky livery and matching black and blue interior. As well as being modified to carry two racing bikes, the car receives all of the teams communications equipment which has to be powered by a separate battery in the boot. The V8 is untouched meaning 0-62MPH takes just 4 seconds and the top speed is 186MPH.
Jaguar has no intentions of putting the Jaguar F-Type Tour de France into production.
This years Goodwood festival of speed was a buzz with some of the most interesting machines to grace tarmac. We had not one, but two, LaFerrari as well as a whole host of legendary racing cars. It really was a vintage year and one that shouldn’t have been missed! However, if like me you are a bit disheartened about missing the show (don’t feel too sorry for me as I was on holiday) we have a fantastic photo gallery coming up. One of the stars of 2014 was the all-new Ford Mustang as the Blue oval let it rip up the hill.
Driven by precision driver Paul Swift, a V8 Mustang gave those famous hay bails something to think about. Roaring past the crowd and wooing passersby whilst stationary, this taster of what will soon hit UK roads is more than enough to get us salivating. Available in the UK as a 2.3 litre 305BHP contender or an almighty 5.0 litre V8, the all-new Mustang promises to appeal to even the most sceptical European pallet. We look forward to snagging the keys and finding out for ourselves in the future.
In summer 2013, Jaguar’s secretive Special Operations arm revealed the Project 7 concept, an extreme roadster based on the company’s then-new F-Type model. As with any Ian Callum creation, we gawped at its enchanting blend of beauty and race-honed menace. Now, at the forthcoming 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed, we will finally be able to feast our eyes on the fully evolved version of this concept, as Jaguar unveil their new F-Type Project 7 roadster.
Set to make its debut at the famous motoring extravaganza on 26 June, the fully fledged Project 7 is not only the first performance vehicle from Jaguar’s Special Operations team but also nothing less than the fastest and most powerful production car ever produced by the British firm. This is all down to a quite remarkable set of performance figures pumped out by Jag’s beastly 567bhp 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine. The Project 7 accelerates from 0-60mph in an SLS rivalling 3.8-seconds up to an electronically-limited top speed of 186mph. That razor sharp acceleration is channelled via an eight-speed gearbox and is kept in check by a set of Carbon Ceramic Matrix brakes fitted as standard. The F-Type Project 7’s race-tuned suspension and active torque vectoring facilitates extremely precise handling. The best part? All this power comes wrapped up in a fully road-legal package.
The Project 7’s design has been kept true to the lines of the original Project 7 concept. Although the production model gets an extra seat and with rollover hoops for both driver and passenger compared to its single-seater prototype, in essence the exterior retains many familiar cues. The distinctive all-aluminium roadster body pays homage to one of the most famous and iconic racing Jaguars: the three-time Le Mans winning D-type, which in 2014 is celebrating its 60th anniversary year. In fact, the name itself is steeped in racing history, evoking Jaguar’s seven outright Le Mans wins. Notable additions include the D-type-inspired fairing behind the driver’s head, a shorter windshield, and a new front bumper, whilst aerodynamic modifications to the carbon-fibre front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser and adjustable rear spoiler optimise downforce.
The F-Type Project 7 is without doubt the closest we’ve seen to a genuine Jaguar supercar for many years and certainly has the stats to match the cream of the crop in some departments. Producing will be strictly limited to 250 highly sort-after units, all of which will no doubt be snapped up by the time deliveries begin in mid-2015.
The Bentley Continental revealed an ace from up its sleeve in its latest generation forming a V8 model. Adding a different dynamic to the otherwise W12 powered luxury coupe, this new recipe has gone down a storm. Bentley has reworked this V8 car to produce a new special model inspired by its racing efforts in GT3. Bringing more than just a stripe and a few plaques to the party, this is the Bentley Continental GT3-R.
To officially make its debut at the Goodwood Festival of speed, this special edition car will be limited to just 300 units. Sporting more aggressive bodywork, the GT3-R gains a new front splitter, large fixed rear wing and two huge bonnet grills. Beneath said grills sits a 572BHP 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 engine that can churn out 516lb ft of torque from as low as 1,700rpm. Sending power to all four wheels via an 8 speed ZF automatic gearbox, the Bentley Continental GT3-R will do 0-60MPH in 3.6 seconds. Weight saving is key to this car as it tips the scales at 100KG lighter than a Continental GT V8 S. An all-new titanium exhaust system also features alongside torque vectoring.
Inside the rear seats have been banished and the fronts much more bolstered. The centre console is trimmed in carbon along with the obligatory smattering of GT3-R branding.
Order books open today.
Are you ready to scream like an excited little girl? All in good time… Let us first start with a history lesson. In 1992 the world was introduced to the biblical McLaren F1. This supercar bristled with the latest Formula One technologies and was designed by the legendary Gordon Murrary. This car took the world by storm landing itself the title of world fastest production car and retaining it for a over a decade. Today the F1 is still regarded to be one of the greatest cars of all time. However its fable was further boosted by the introduction of the McLaren F1 GTR, a racing variation that not only won its class on its debut at the Le Mans 24 hour, but also beat off purpose built prototypes to win overall. Today the F1’s successor, the P1, has followed in its forefathers footsteps and become a benchmark in the automotive landscape. Now the McLaren P1 GTR gets its turn!
After a letter to existing McLaren P1 customers was circulated about a possible track-only version of the car, the British company found themselves with a demand for such a machine. The McLaren P1 GTR is designed to be the “the best drivers car in the world on track.” Whist this outline is the only visual tease we have at the moment, it is clear to see the cars more aggressive aerodynamic revisions. Some technical details have been issued. Brace yourselves.
The McLaren P1 GTR will produce 986BHP. The tyres will be racing slicks in each corner of the widened track. It will cost each owner a staggering £1,980,000 and includes access to 6 bespoke racing events, McLaren’s driver fitness team and their simulator.
Will this car enter Le Mans in the hands of a privateer team? My god, we hope so! Production begins after the last of the 375 McLaren P1 road cars has been built.
Stuck in an office whilst the sun is shining outside? Wish you weren’t staring at a meaningless screen of numbers? Well, there is nothing like a bit of escapism to stem your boredom for a moment or two. Well, if you are using Ferrari’s new car configurator it might be a bit longer considering the amount of personalisation it is capable of. Why don’t you give it a try? Build your perfect Ferrari 458 Speciale.
We spent a good amount of time playing about making sure our new 597BHP Italian stallion was just the way we like it. The 458 Speciale is actually the most powerful Ferrari V8 in the history of the company. Capable of 0-62MPH in just 3 seconds, we were very impressed when we encountered this prancing horse.
Our Speciale in Dino Rosso featuring the NART stripe and complimented by some gold alloy wheels looks stunning. Obviously some carbon fibre trinkets have been added such as engine cover and diffuser. The cockpit has been given a racing feel with red seats, a four point racing harness and fire extinguisher.
Build your perfect Ferrari 458 Speciale HERE. Just don’t let your boss catch you!
Bournemouth is a popular tourist destination in the UK. Its award winning beaches and tranquil pace of life make it an ideal place to recharge the old batteries. However, last weekend saw the inaugural Bournemouth Wheels Festival giving more people a reason to come and visit this otherwise peaceful location.
The sound of ice cream vans and seagulls were replaced with gorgeous V12’s and bellowing V8’s as this new festival brought together some of the most astonishing machines on four wheels. Millions of pounds worth of supercars attended providing static displays as well as high speed runs along the cliff top. Aston Martin Vanquish, Porsche 911 GT3’s, Mercedes-Benz SLS Black Series, Ferrari Enzo all marched up the steep hill to beginning their displays with the sea as the backdrop. It was a fantastic celebration of noise and horsepower. The super cars were also joined by classics and some very historic Le Mans racing cars. As they thundered along the coast the huge crowd were in awe.
On the beach itself monster trucks took flight launching themselves high above the sand and landing upon some unfortunate cars. Doughnuts, reverse jumps and a good deal excitement all played their part on Bournemouth beach that until now had only been used for building sandcastles. Dakar rally cars showed what they were capable of whilst military tanks lined the promenade. Later in the evening there was even a chap on a bike who jumped the pier…
These events were all well and good but they were overshadowed by the arrival of four Formula One cars from various periods of racing. There is nothing quite like the sound of a purebred racing engine, particularly from decades where regulations were nowhere near as strict as today. Though all of these machines were impressive, it was the distinct V10 scream of Schumacher’s 1992 Benetton that stole the show. The wide wasp yellow car looked even more impressive in its unusual environment of public roads. It truly was a sight to behold.
The 2014 Bournemouth Wheels Festival was a huge success drawing people to the town from all over the country. Next year the event is set to become even bigger!
Check out our Facebook page HERE for the full gallery of the 2014 Bournemouth Wheels Festival including some behind the scenes preparation of the Formula One cars. It is well worth a look.
Today we find ourselves in a unique situation as car fans. Usually, about once every decade, the big guns in performance cars decide the time has come to produce a halo car that embodies the latest technologies. These mythical beasts get us petrol heads all excited with the likes of Porsche Carrera GT and the Ferrari Enzo being pure dreams brought into the world of reality. But before those two, the biblical McLaren F1 was, and in some was remained, king of the hill. Porsche has now introduced the the 918 Spyder as the first of this new breed of hybrid “hyper car.” The Enzo has been succeeded by LaFerrari, quite the machine. Over 20 years after the F1 and McLaren has brought the P1 to the road. Never before have we seen such a royal selection of machines come to the frontline in such close proximity. Today we were lucky enough to explore the McLaren P1.
It is one of the worlds most unique objects to behold as your eyes become transfixed on this alien shape. Sculpted by the wind tunnel, the P1 may well be a case of form follows function but my god it looks great! In the metal, or in the case carbon, it is smaller than it appears in pictures. Every curve, contour and intake serves an aerodynamic or mechanical purpose. This car, number 001, was finished in an imperial white with contrasting black carbon detailing. Narrow headlights form a piercing stair analysing what may lay ahead. Bonnet nostrils prominently surround the black McLaren logo that sits like a jewel on its nose. Bright “McLaren orange” brake callipers hint at the past whilst drawing attention to the cars mirror finished brake discs. Apparently they are more than capable of withstanding the cars entire lifetime. Around the back the change in elevation for body panels is extreme. Its concave rear creates plenty of downforce even with the vast spoiler retracted. A single exhaust exit large enough to be mistaken for an artillery cannon dominates the rear aesthetic.
Opening the A-pillar hinged doors is reminiscent of a swan taking flight as this proud creature spreads its wings. Step over the high carbon fibre sill and feel the carbon race seats hug you tightly. For a car of this caliber visibility is excellent. Not only does the fighter jet-like canopy let plenty of light in, but it also allows for fantastic vision. Naked carbon fibre makes up the cockpit and McLaren signature centre console. A perfectly proportioned steering wheel plays home to the IPAS power boost and DRS drag reduction buttons. The seating position is spot on with the wheel aimed squarely at your chest whilst you sit low in the car.
Over your right shoulder, all McLaren P1’s are left hand drive, lives a twin-turbocharged 3.8 litre V8 engine. Paired with its electric motors the total output for the McLaren P1 is 903BHP and 722lb ft of torque. Actions speak louder than words and so this British masterpiece goes to work with a 0-62MPH time of 2.8 seconds, 0-124MPH in just 6.8 seconds and 0-186MPH in an almost unbelievable 16.5 seconds. Why did McLaren go hybrid? As Formula One has proven, there is indeed a performance gain to be had with an electric power boost. The immediate torque of an electric motor can fill the gap until the V8 comes into play. Turbo lag is nonexistent in this car. With battery power onboard the P1 can also run in an emissions free mode. Combined this car can achieve 34MPG.
The McLaren P1 has three modes; normal, sport and race. In normal the cars suspension is at its most compliant for everyday road use. Sport turns the wick up by lowing the ride hight and increasing throttle response. However, it is this cars race mode that separates it from not only its competitors, but also any other road car that has gone before it. Toggle race and the whole car drops by 50mm, the suspension is set to its most aggressive setting, the rear spoiler deploys and the whole engine is set to maximum attack. There is a race car rivalling 600KG of downforce on offer whilst the P1 is in this state. This mode transforms the car so dramatically that it is no longer road legal whilst in race.
This car is not only one of the greatest pieces of engineering in the automotive world, but a staggering achievement in what the human spirit is capable of when presented with a challenge. Its is a celebration, a blood sweat and tears achievement of overcoming the binds of physics. I am running out of words to describe this Earth shattering McLaren. It is a milestone moment in the automotive landscape and guess what… It’s built in Britain.
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