Car News
Ashley Alexiss
Monday, May 14th, 2012 | Car News | No Comments
The Specs
Date of Birth: November 25th, 1990
Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Height: 5’4”
Weight: 130lbs
Measurements: 36C-28-38
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Ethnicity: Caucasian
Turn-ons: Independence, sense of humor, smile
Turn-offs: Egos
Website: www.ashleyalexiss.info
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ashleyalexiss
Twitter: @ashalexiss
AMF: Where are you from? Where are you currently living?
- I’m from Boston, born & raised! I’m still there, but hoping to make the big move to LA sometime this year.
AMF: How long have you been modeling for?
- Almost 6 years!
AMF: How did you start modeling?
- I entered the Miss Teen Massachusetts pageant when I was 15 and won Miss Congeniality. I had a mandatory photo shoot for the pageant and just knew that was what I was meant to do!
AMF: What would you say separates you from other models?
- I think every model is unique and we all offer something the other can’t. I’m curvy and also extremely smart when it comes to marketing. Both have helped me in my journey of climbing the ladder of success.
AMF: What are some of your best achievements thus far?
- I hold the titles of Playboy’s Miss Social February 2011, Miss Cintron Energy 2012, Miss Poker Centerfold 2011, Hemigirl of the Year 2012, Miss Full Exposure 2012 – Just to name a few
AMF: What do you like or dislike about modeling?
- With any job there are pros and cons. One of the pros is that I get to do what I love and have the ability to inspire others and have a voice to encourage others. Some of the cons are the fake people in this industry; you constantly need to watch your back.
AMF: What is your best modeling secret?
- If I told you, it wouldn’t be a secret would it 
AMF: What is the best modeling project that you’ve done?
- Definitely shooting my Playboy pictorial for my win as Miss Social February 2011.
AMF: What is the strangest modeling project that you’ve done?
- A body painted photo shoot in the snow… Brr! LOL
AMF: What would you say is your best physical feature?
- My smile!
AMF: What do you like to do outside of modeling?
- I’m always marketing and promoting companies I represent. It’s fun and keeps me busy.
AMF: What is your dream car and why?
- My dream car is either a Stingray Corvette or a ‘69 Chevy Camaro. I secretly also want a pink convertible Bentley!
AMF: What do you like about the industry / scene and why?
- I love always being around different people and learning about them and how they’ve succeeded. It’s a constant learning experience.
AMF: What do you dislike about the industry / scene and why?
- As I said before, you can’t really trust anyone.
AMF: What is the most memorable modeling experience and why?
- My most memorable modeling experience had to have been recently… I was given the cover of RG Magazine and got to choose a charity for all the proceeds of that magazine to go to. I chose the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It’s nice to be able to make a difference while doing what you love to do!
AMF: Having success as a model (like anything) comes with a price, what was yours?
- I’ve sacrificed having a normal social and personal life as well as sleep. It’s so worth it though!
AMF: What advice would you give out to aspiring models?
- People are always going to talk about you, but you need to let that be your motivation. The only opinion that matters is that of the person who stares back at you when you look in the mirror. As long as you know who you are, that’s what really counts. Never give up and keep chasing those dreams!
AMF: Shout outs or last words?
- I’d like to shout out my Mom for being my inspiration 1.4.3 (7) Stewart Smith for not only being an incredible photographer, but always guiding me to improve myself and last by not least my incredible support system, I love all of you & appreciate all that you do for me. XOXO
Aston Martin Racing Proves Winning Potential at Leguna Seca
Monday, May 14th, 2012 | Car News | No Comments
Having started from pole position, Aston Martin Racing led the fiercely competitive GT category at Laguna Seca, California, until the first refuelling stops. Competing on the third round of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), the team’s #007 Vantage GTE had been on course for its best finish to date. However, it quickly became apparent that the time taken to refuel the Vantage GTE at pit stops – as a result of changes to ALMS fuelling restrictor regulations – would seriously harm the team’s chances of fighting to victory.
Factory driver Darren Turner (GB) had qualified the V8 machine on pole position, setting a time that was almost half a second clear of his nearest rival. Team-mate Stefan Mücke started the six-hour race behind the wheel of the Vantage GTE, maintaining the advantage for the opening stint of the race until the refuelling delays at the first pit stop dropped the car to ninth in class. Mücke set about fighting back through the field, setting fastest lap times among the GT class and rising back to fourth position over the course of the following hour.
A collision with another competitor, however, elicited a penalty for Mücke, which he served immediately before pitting to hand over to Turner. The Briton rejoined the fray in 11th position in class before reeling in the tenth-placed car at a rate of three seconds per lap. Having recovered to eighth, Turner made way for Adrian Fernandez (MX), who drove consistently in the final stint to deliver the result and prove the Vantage GTE’s durability over long distances.
John Gaw, Aston Martin Racing Team Principal, said: “Finishing eighth in class isn’t what we wanted having started from pole position, but it’s clear there is some work required to equalise refuelling times of similar cars in the ALMS because these delays cost us the chance to fight for the Vantage GTE’s first win. It’s a shame because although we didn’t come here to score points, the ALMS is a terrific championship and a race win would have given the whole team a real boost.
“Nonetheless, we wanted to prove that the car is quick and reliable – as well as to continue our development programme – and we’ve absolutely done that this weekend.
“This was our last outing before the 24 Hours of Le Mans and it’s clear we have made great progress in the last six months. The priority was to log a race finish while proving that we can compete with the world’s fastest GT cars for the entirety of an endurance race. I’m confident that we’ve achieved that, so the whole team is heading to La Sarthe next month in a very positive frame of mind.”
Aston Martin Racing competed at Laguna Seca – having also contested the second ALMS round at Long Beach, California, last month – in support of its FIA World Endurance Championship programme in order to gain more competitive experience of its new-for-2012 Vantage GTE. The factory team will field a pair of the Gulf-liveried V8 racers at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on 16/17 June. After three years in the prototype category, Aston Martin Racing has returned to the production-derived discipline that earned it back-to-back victories at Le Mans in 2007 and 2008.
Away from the action on track, Aston Martin was saddened to learn of the death in Dallas on Thursday of racing legend and former Aston Martin race car driver Carroll Shelby. The 89-year-old ex-driver, team boss and car designer co-piloted the iconic Aston Martin DBR1 sports car to victory in the 1959 Le Mans Grand Prix of Endurance alongside Briton Roy Salvadori.
Aston Martin CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez, paid tribute to Shelby: “I knew Carroll personally, and admired his exceptional abilities as a driver and creator of classic sports cars. He played a huge part in what remains perhaps Aston Martin’s finest hour at Le Mans, and our thoughts go out to his family.”
As a mark of respect for Shelby, Aston Martin’s Vantage GTE raced at Laguna Seca with a black number square and a black strip across the windscreen.
Works drivers Turner and Mücke will now switch their attentions to the ADAC Zurich Nurburgring 24 Hours next weekend (19/20 May), where they will compete in V12 Vantage GT3s as part of Aston Martin’s most ambitious campaign at the celebrated race to date.
Audi Ultra – Toward Le Mans Victory with Lighweight Design
Sunday, May 13th, 2012 | Car News | No Comments
Five more weeks to go before the most important race of the year comes up on Audi Sport Team Joest’s agenda: the Le Mans 24 Hours on June 16/17. In addition to e-tron and quattro, ultra lightweight technology will again be in the company’s focus there.
Audi has reversed the weight spiral – for the benefit of its customers. Whereas production vehicles used to become heavier from one generation to the next, Audi’s latest models are now pointing exactly in the opposite direction. The new A3 is up to 80 kilograms lighter than the predecessor model. For the consumer, the benefits directly translate into improved efficiency. The current A6 is lighter than its predecessor as well. In the future, this will apply to every Audi model.
In motorsport, weight is a central topic too. Yet a look at the Technical Regulations for LMP1 prototypes shows that the minimum weight is set at 900 kilograms – a level which the Le Mans winning Audi R18 TDI stayed below even last year. This created room for ballast which can be used to improve the car’s balance.
So, why use ultra-lightweight design in motorsport if the advantage that has been gained has to be compensated for by ballast? The key to understanding this lies in the hybrid concept. Audi has designed the first diesel hybrid sports car in history. Despite advanced construction the components of the hybrid system have a considerable dead weight. Consequently, without special lightweight engineering the weight of the Audi R18 e-tron quattro would exceed 900 kilograms – and the sports prototype would be out of contention. As its base, Audi developed the R18 ultra with a conventional TDI engine because, except for the hybrid system, both cars are largely of an identical design.
“In production development, the weight spiral is a very important issue. With the ultra concept, Audi started to intensively work in this direction at a very early stage,” stresses Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “For us in motorsport, the R18 ultra has provided the basis that made it possible to implement the e-tron quattro in the first place. If we hadn’t managed to implement the weight difference between the 2011 R18 TDI and the 2012 R18 ultra there would have been no chance for a competitive hybrid.”
But how can the ultra lightweight concept that was achieved last year be carried to extremes for the 2012 season? After all, at the Le Mans 24 Hours on June 16 and 17 the race cars have to reel off a distance of several thousand kilometres at an expected average speed far above 200 km/h without any problems. “The only chance to become around 10 percent lighter lies in designing every component for lighter weight,” reveals Dr. Ullrich. Naturally, the differences vary greatly. The carbon fibre gas pedal of the new R18 generation, for instance, has been optimised again – the resultant savings are in the range of grams. By contrast, the developers can be proud of the transmission.
“At the rear end, the weight reduction is really valuable,” adds Dr. Ullrich. “We’re relying on a V6 TDI engine installed in front of the rear axle. Yet diesel engines, due to their design, are heavier than gasoline engines. With the flange-mounted new carbon fibre transmission housing we managed to make the largest single innovation leap compared with the predecessor model.” Something like this has never existed in an LMP sports car before. What differentiates this design from a formula race car, in which this technology is already used, is that the fully structural transmission has to bear a much higher base load of 900 kilograms. In addition, it holds up to endurance distances of several thousand kilometres straight. And with more than 850 Newton meters the engine torque that acts on the transmission in the R18 clearly exceeds the corresponding torque level in a Formula One car.
The highly integrative hybrid system of the R18 e-tron quattro is another example of lightweight design. The shared housing of the MGU (motor generator unit) for two electric motors, two planetary transmissions and two converters is extremely compact and the hybrid system control unit which is integrated with the existing engine control unit is another clever solution that makes the car lighter.
“On the other hand, compromises in terms of safety are totally out of the question in the search for weight savings,” explains Dr. Ullrich. The high-strength carbon fibre monocoque of the Audi R18 TDI helped Allan McNish and Mike Rockenfeller survive two serious accidents at Le Mans unharmed last year. Instead of compromising on safety, the engineers review even the smallest details for lightweight potential. Metal parts calculated and milled with particularly high precision – such as on the rear wing mounts, the stabiliser supports or the transverse links – are regarded as true masterpieces of mechanical engineering in the professional world. Attentive race spectators can even catch a glimpse of a piece of lightweight design themselves. Four red triangles mark a field below the cockpit doors. “This is the only area in which our drivers should support themselves when getting in and out of the vehicle,” explains Dr. Ullrich. Outside these areas even carbon fibre, the “magic material,” would yield.
The new Audi R18 ultra and the R18 e-tron quattro impressively mastered the “dress rehearsal” for the season’s pinnacle event in June. At the WEC round at Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium) the four prototypes of Audi Sport Team Joest were in a class of their own.
A Legend Lost – RIP Carroll Shelby
Saturday, May 12th, 2012 | Car News | No Comments
It is a sad day in the automotive world as another legend has been lost. To some he was America’s racing hero, to others he was the Godfather of the American sports car, and to others he was a charismatic Texan that liked to go fast. On Thursday of this week at age 89, Carroll Shelby passed away at Baylor Hospital in Dalla, Texas, USA as per a formal announcement from his company representatives.
The iconic all-American car designer and racer was best known for his Shelby Cobra that hunted down Enzo Ferrari’s creations and put American motorsports on the map. Later in the years, Shelby created more powerful versions of Ford’s Mustang models like the GT350, GT500 and Cobra. Shelby’s racing career despite being short-lived made him a known name having raced for Aston Martin, Maserati, and Austin-Healey in the 1950s. By the late 50s, Shelby even competed in Formula One with a total of eight championship races.
Carroll Shelby will forever live on in the hearts and minds of not only Ford Motor Company, American muscle enthusiasts, but all gear heads alike.
REST IN PEACE | NEVER FORGOTTEN!
Words: Giancarlo Pawelec
Alfa Romeo at the Mille Miglia 2012
Friday, May 11th, 2012 | Car News | No Comments
For the 2012 Mille Miglia tribute, the Alfa Romeo Historic Motoring team will be lining up four official Museum vehicles, two pre-war – the 1500 SS and the 1750 GS – and two models from the 1950s – the 1900 SS and the 2000 Sportiva – which took part in the Mille Miglia race between 1927 and 1957, a classic event which resulted in 11 victories for Alfa Romeo – a record which remains unbeaten.
The Mille Miglia 2012 (16-20 May) is being held in a year packed with Alfa Romeo anniversaries. In addition to the Giulia’s 50th birthday and celebration of the Alfetta’s 40th, it is the 80th anniversary of the first win of an 8C in the Mille Miglia. In 1932 Baconin Borzacchini and Amedeo Bignami crossed the finish line in Brescia aboard an 8C 2300 followed by a sister car and another five Alfa Romeos that filled the top order up to seventh place.
The 6C 1500 Super Sport of 1928 (Stabilimenti Farina bodywork) is the first turismo model of the Jano era. The 1500 made its début in 1927 by winning at the Modena Circuit with the team of Enzo Ferrari–Giulio Ramponi. It won the first of 11 Alfa victories at the Mille Miglia the following year, with Giuseppe Campari and Giulio Ramponi, who clinched the win with a car similar to the Alfa Romeo Museum example.
The 6C 1750 Gran Sport of 1930 (Zagato body) is a car that became a legend at the Mille Miglia. Tazio Nuvolari and Giovanni Battista Guidotti won in 1930 with a 1750, and it was at this race that the driver from Mantua beat the record of 100 km/h average speed over the entire course. The contrast with Achille Varzi – also behind the wheel of an Alfa Romeo 1750 – was the leitmotif of the race, which reached its climax with a legendary overtaking manoeuvre with headlights off, to the detriment of the driver from Galliate.
The 1956 1900 Super Sprint is an elegant coupé with a body of a Touring car typical of the 1900s, a prestigious gran turismo in the 1950s and the top of the Alfa Romeo range at the time (the “family saloon that wins races”). The 1900 SS took part in a large number of Mille Miglia races. It was the favourite car of many privateers because it guaranteed an effective blend of performance and reliability.
The 2000 Sportiva completes the team of Alfa Romeo Museum cars – an exclusive gran turismo sporting group with glamorous and dynamic lines. The Sportiva was designed by Franco Scaglione, the same designer who created the Giulietta Sprint and the 33 Stradale. From a mechanical viewpoint, the 2000 Sportiva was derived from the 1900, with the sophistication of a rear De Dion axle, a solution that was adopted on the Alfetta saloon 20 years later.
The official historic Alfa Romeo Museum cars will be accompanied by a fleet of Alfa Romeo Giulietta 1.4 MultiAir TCTs, the car that boasts the best efficiency to performance ratio in its category. It possesses extraordinarily low fuel consumption and emissions (54.3mpg in the combined cycle and 121 g/km of CO2 emissions) and at the same time outstanding performance worthy of an Alfa Romeo: a top speed of 135 mph and 7.7 seconds to go from 0 – 62 mph. In detail, the innovative Alfa TCT double clutch gearbox works either completely automatically or sequentially, through manual control of the up and down positions of the gear lever using the shift paddles on the steering wheel. In addition, the driver can customise the car’s character using the Alfa DNA driving selector to enhance its features of comfort, performance, safety and efficiency.
The World’s Biggest Classic Motor Racing Festival
Friday, May 11th, 2012 | Car News | No Comments
This year’s Silverstone Classic powered by the AA (20-22 July) will be the most entertaining and action-packed yet. Staged at the world famous Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire just two weeks after the Santander Formula 1 British Grand Prix, the Silverstone Classic is already established as the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival – and this summer’s event is all set to break yet more records.
Once again both Silverstone’s National and new International Wing pits and paddock complexes will be maximised to house more than 800 of the world’s finest historic racing cars with a packed schedule of races all staged on the full Grand Prix circuit. Adding to the spectacle more than 7,000 classic cars will be displayed over the weekend on the infield with many hallowed marques celebrating important milestones in their evocative histories.
Other highlights include live rock concerts, a special star-studded celebrity race, air displays, a vintage fun fair, a host of retail opportunities and rally car rides plus the exciting new interactive AA World automotive theme park. With so much to experience at the Silverstone Classic, it’s no surprise that advance ticket sales are 31 per cent up on the same period last year – itself a record.
“The Silverstone Classic just gets bigger and better every year with even more for all ages to see and do,” confirmed Event Director Nick Wigley at today’s (Wednesday 9 May) media preview at Silverstone. “The quality and quantity of our grids and car club displays is second to none while our new partnership with the AA is playing a significant role in extending the event’s massive appeal to an even wider family audience. We thought last year’s blockbuster was going to be hard to match but, with so many unmissable highlights already confirmed, it’s clear that this summer’s festival is going to be the best yet.”
2011: A RECORD BREAKER
With a total of 1,104 race entries the 2011 Silverstone Classic is believed to have been the biggest race meeting ever staged anywhere in the world, while the 80,000 attendance was unprecedented in the event’s recent history. Last year’s Classic also established a new Guinness World Record for the ‘largest parade of Jaguar cars’ when 767 E-types took to the track to celebrate the iconic British sportscar’s 50th birthday.
NON-STOP ON-TRACK ACTION
The 2012 Silverstone Classic will witness no fewer than 24 races, many boasting full 58-car grids. The impressive line-up includes the finest historic racing cars covering more than eight halcyon decades. The wide-ranging race card organised by the Historic Sports Car Club (HSCC) features no fewer than 100 Grand Prix cars plus spectacular grids of Le Mans, GT, Group C, Jaguar E-types, Sports and Touring cars providing the very best of nostalgic race action. After its huge success in 2011, there’s the return of the Jaguar E-type Challenge as well as new races for mighty Formula 5000 and giant-killing F2 single-seaters and a unique ‘tin top’ race showcasing the cream of the front-runners from European, British and German Touring Car championships spanning the years from 1975 to 1999. This grid will also put a special spotlight on the evocative Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth, the turbocharged winged wondercar which turns 25 this year.
HONOURING HEROES
The remarkable achievements of two of motor sport’s most respected figures will be commemorated with races dedicated in memory of the late Peter Gethin and Alan Mann. Gethin, who passed away last December, will be remembered not only for winning the 1971 Italian Grand Prix in the closest finish in F1 history but also for capturing the British Formula 5000 Championship in both 1969 and 1970 as well as the Tasman F5000 Series in 1974. To honour these titles, the new F5000/F2 race will bear the revered Peter Gethin name. Also a racer in his early life, Mann’s place in motor sport history comes through the Alan Mann Racing team that he established during the Sixties. Though Mann passed away in March many of his distinctively liveried red and gold saloon and sportscars are still competing today thus keeping the legend alive. Celebrating his team’s achievements – not least in taking three British Touring Car Championship crowns – this year’s Under 2-Litre Touring Car (U2TC) races will be dedicated to the memory of Alan Mann.
SHOWBIZ STARS GO RACING
A special celebrity race starring famous faces from the high-profile worlds of music, sport, media and show business is now an annual attraction – and this year’s Silverstone Classic Celebrity Challenge promises to be the best yet with more big names competing than ever before. Those donning race suits and helmets include: Chemmy Alcott (Olympic skier/ITV Dancing On Ice); Heston Blumenthal (award winning chef); Julia Bradbury (BBC Countryfile presenter); Steve Bull (ex-England football star); ‘Comedy Dave’ Vitty (BBC Radio 1); Brendan Cole (BBC Strictly Come Dancing); Kelvin Fletcher (Emmerdale); Vicky Gomersall (Sky Sports presenter); Tony Hirst (Coronation Street); Brian Johnson (AC/DC rocker); Sir Patrick Stewart (film and stage actor) and Jo Wood (lifestyle guru). As in 2011, the stars will be lining up in competition-prepared Morgan race cars. Funds raised will support the Bobby Moore Fund, the Birmingham Children’s Hospital and both Crohns and Colitis charities.
AA WORLD: THE ULTIMATE INTERACTIVE AUTOMOTIVE THEME PARK
Backed by the Automobile Association – the UK’s biggest motoring organisation – AA World is perhaps the most significant new attraction for 2012. Based right at the heart of the venue, close to Silverstone’s impressive new Wing pits and paddock complex, the new AA World motoring theme park will provide show-goers of all generations with an unprecedented line up of free driving experiences ranging from electric cars for toddlers and taster driving lessons for teenagers to hot laps around the Stowe Circuit in some of today’s latest and most desirable performance cars. With an F1 simulator, pit stop challenges, lessons on how to prepare food for the road, a giant Scalextric track, dodgems, classic car displays plus a host of other attractions, AA World is going to be a fun-filled experience for children and parents alike.
Edmund King, AA President, commented: “AA World will get the whole family involved in the fun of driving from Roary The Racing Car for toddlers to hot laps and skid-pan sessions for the grown-ups. And pre-driving age teenagers will be able to get behind the wheel of an AA driving school Ford Focus for a first drive at Silverstone. Personally I believe Drive.Live. in conjunction with AA World will be fantastic fun – a rolling motor show providing visitors with passenger and hot lap driving experiences. Already those signed up include Aston Martin, Bentley, Lamborghini, Maserati and Morgan and there’s going to be lots more. It’s a real opportunity for visitors to have a go in those cars. AA World will be thrilling free fun for all the family and will put 100 per cent enjoyment back into motoring.”
FIELDS OF GOLD
The Silverstone Classic is one of the must-see events in the diary of every car enthusiast – that’s why the event has become a major highlight on the calendars of more than 120 motor clubs. Many clubs take their own dedicated display areas and over the weekend more than 7,000 classic cars will be on show. These range from exotic marques such as Lamborghini, Maserati and Porsche to equally intriguing and cherished models from the likes of Sunbeam, Morris and Rover.
CHAMPAGNE MOMENTS
Every summer many car clubs choose the Silverstone Classic to celebrate special milestones in model, marque or club histories. After last year’s record breaking parade of E-type Jaguars, this summer witnesses the 50th anniversaries of a number of other much-loved British sportscars, notably the Lotus Elan, Triumph Spitfire and AC Cobra. The Silverstone Classic has also been selected by the MGB50 Committee as one of just three official celebrations to mark 50 years of the much-loved MGB. At the other end of the spectrum, a world record gathering of more than 60 mouth-watering Ferrari F40s will celebrate 25 years of the idolised Italian supercar, rated by many to be the Prancing Horse’s greatest creation.
Z-CARS: THE SEQUEL
The UK will stage its first-ever BMW ‘Z-Fest’ at this summer’s Silverstone Classic. Organised by the official BMW Car Club GB as one of the highlights of its 60th birthday celebrations in 2012, the UK’s inaugural Z-Fest will see hundreds and hundreds of BMW’s popular Z1, Z3, Z4 and Z8 sportscars on display as well as participating in a special parade lap on the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit.
SHOWROOM SHOWCASE
Operating in conjunction with AA World, Drive.Live. will give today’s generation of motor manufacturers a chance to display their heritage alongside latest showroom models and also provide show-goers with hot laps in selected models around the venue’s ‘infield’ Stowe Circuit. BMW, Lamborghini, Maserati and Morgan have already jumped at the opportunity to showcase their hottest new offerings to what’s a very discerning audience. Drive.Live. is another of the exciting new initiatives being introduced for 2012 which, like AA World, is all set to become a major attraction in future years.
ROCK FESTIVAL FEVER
Living up to its ‘Rocking and Racing’ tag, the Silverstone Classic is renowned for its live rock concerts staged on both Friday and Saturday evenings. This year’s impressive line-up includes chart-toppers Adam Ant and Mike & the Mechanics plus guitar ‘supergroup’ Snakecharmer. To get everyone in the right party mood Roy G Hemmings’ Motown Show and the Taking Care of Elvis Show are also on the bill. In addition AA World boasts its own live music shows, while the popular all-female Tetra Electra Quartet will perform amplified arrangements of classical favourites on Sunday afternoon.
GOING, GOING, GONE
Following a successful debut in 2011, Silverstone Auctions will be organising the Silverstone Classic Sale with lots on display in the Wing building. The sale will include a diverse and stunning collection of classic cars, modern sportscars, motorcycles and automobilia, giving every motoring enthusiast a reason to attend. Last year’s event generated sales of more than £1.3m. Viewing is scheduled for Friday (20 July) and the Saturday morning (21 July) with the auction then starting at midday on Saturday.
STAYING AT SILVERSTONE
With an increasing number of Silverstone Classic visitors taking advantage of special multi-day ticket offers and turning the three-day event into a pop-style festival, a more comprehensive choice of on-site camping and ‘glamping’ options is now available. These range from tent pitches on the fully serviced circuit-side Woodlands Campsite to unique Snoozebox accommodation set right in the heart of the action. The latter provides modern and stylish rooms complete with flat screen television, double bed, free WiFi and air conditioning.
FLAT OUT FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY
There’s so much more fun for all ages to enjoy at the Silverstone Classic with a vintage fun fair, go-karts, aerial displays with wing walkers, the Parachute Regiment The Red Devils, hot air balloons, Punch and Judy (celebrating 350 years), rally car and 4×4 experiences plus giant TV screens showing all the on-track action. There is even a pampering centre on the Village Green plus the retail village with nearly 200 exhibitors presenting a wide range of autojumble, automobilia, art, jewellery, books, videos and gifts for everyone.
TICKETS: ACCESS ALL AREAS
Another traditional Silverstone Classic forte is its widely-praised ‘access all areas’ policy. General admission tickets include free entrance to all live music shows, AA World, trackside grandstand seating and both International and Wing pits and paddock complexes, allowing fans to meet the competitors and see many of the world’s finest racing cars at close quarters. Tickets also provide access to an increased number of on-site buses that will provide free transfers between the numerous attractions. Adult tickets cost as little as £35 if purchased in advance and special two- and three-day weekend tickets are also available. Full details are available via the event’s official www.silverstoneclassic.com website.
Bringing a Spoon to a Gun Fight!
Thursday, May 10th, 2012 | Car News | No Comments
This weekend I attended the Coffee Meet at Neo Motorsport and I have the sunburn to prove it was an awesome event… I just wish I had brought my swim trunks to take a dip in the redneck pool, aka a pick-up truck bed lined with a tarp and filled with water. I had a dilemma Sunday morning about what to bring to the meet, see I am a car nut and I seem to acquire cars as if they were candy. Right now my daily driver is a Mazda 3 rocking snow tires, I have a race prepped Mazda 323 GTX that I hope to bring to CSCS this summer and on the weekends I like to bring out my temperamental 1963 Austin Healey 3000. The weather was too nice not to pull out the drop top and I just hoped that the tuners would appreciate the quirky British car as much as the thumbs up I got on the 401.
To my fail, as I turned the corner, I was behind a Nissan GT-R when driving past the main stage and all eyeballs were watching it. I pulled in and the common words mashed together were “what is that?” I found a smart car to park beside so my tiny car would look a little bigger. I met up with my friends and nobody knew what I was going to be driving. Their reaction was hilarious, “you drive THAT!” and everyone walked over to check it out. In 50-years not much has changed with sports cars, sure now they have navigation systems and booming stereos, but the recipe is the same. Style a sexy body that is light weight, shove as big as you can find engine under the hood, power the rear wheels and make the driver shift the gears. The added bonus of the Healey is that it is a little tuner car, as I joke. Push button ignition, cat-less exhaust and even a Celica 5-speed transmission because I couldn’t rebuild the original 4-speed with overdrive.
The car brought a smile to everyone’s face and my grin was the biggest. Matt awarded me a “Squeaky Clean” award and I have to thank my friend Joel Prior of www.showcardetailing.ca for helping me detail the original old English white paint. The drive home on the 404 was epic and it really had me re-evaluating why I had never brought this car out to a tuner event.
See last year I was working with a company I wish not to name and at Import Expo I was going to bring the Healey to display at the booth. The person representing the company said, “Tuners don’t want to see that, they will think we’re tools for bringing it” and we never spoke of it again. Well he was wrong, tuners do like different cars because at the end of the day every car guy and gal is the same: if it has an engine we love it. I saw a great mix of cars at this event; as I pulled in a red BMW 2002 was pulling out, there were drift cars and time attack cars, drag cars, low riders, luxury tuners and the list goes on. The Coffee Meet at Neo Motorsport was proof that no matter what you drive you are welcome in the tuner culture.
So let this be a lesson to you all, don’t let other people shape your opinions and actions. I am proud to call myself part of Toronto’s tuner culture after the acceptance that was displayed over this past weekend. Now I just need to find a frigging trailer to show off my 323 GTX!
Words: Patrick Logan
Photos: Giancarlo Pawelec
Scion FR-S Test Drive… So EPIC!
Thursday, May 10th, 2012 | Car News | No Comments
Earlier this week I received an email from the good people at Brimell Scion about the Scion FR-S heading to their showroom for a little intimate and interactive with invited guests. Without any hesitation, I packed up my gear and made my way over to their dealership. Upon arriving, it was clear that something good was brewing behind the closed glass doors as there was a large crowd gathered around a pristine “Whiteout” FR-S. After the brief intro to the crowd by Martin Drolet (Scion Canada – Regional Brand Manager) detailing the the FR-S, I was able to get some one-on-one time to discuss more of the vision behind the FR-S from a retail perspective and whether Canada (and American) Scion dealers will stock up on Toyota Racing Development (TRD) parts.
As Drolet put it, the FR-S is a true sports car in every sense being light weight, short in wheel base and an impressive power-to-weight ratio despite it only having 200bhp! My prediction to Drolet was fairly simple, the Genesis Coupe will easily be eclipsed by the FR-S as the next hot tuner platform and will continue to do so for the remaining decade. Now surely you must all think that I’m blowing smoke up Scion Canada’s butt, but truth is I believe this to be the case. The FR-S will draw upon crowds seeking an alternative to the popular Miata and Civic range, while also targeting Subaru fans with its 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder boxer engine. Furthermore, Toyota fans now have something to call their own and be proud of for not only performing like a true sports car (for which the late-gen Celica failed), but also packaged with great looks… a warning shot to the Civic Si? I think so!
After a couple of hours the demo was wrapping up at Brimell Scion when I was asked if I would like to take it out for a test drive, to which I smiled and nodded – after all, who would pass up on this opportunity? As Drolet passed me the key to this near-new FR-S a rush of adrenaline entered my system. Getting in the sporty coupe I got the sensation of Toyota’s long-standing racing heritage from the AE86 in this modern day creation. The side bolsters from the seats hugged me like a cuddly polar bear and the driving position is as near perfect to a race car as you could get in a road legal one. As I wrapped my fingers around the steering wheel and turn the ignition on, a low-end burble is heard from the exhaust. Sitting on the lot as I make final cockpit adjustments, I rev the engine for that school-boy thrill and immediately fall in love with the sound. With Drolet sitting shotgun the test drive begins on the streets of Toronto, with one angel sitting on one of my shoulders and a devil on the other. As much as I wanted to put the naturally aspirated boxer engine through its paces, I had to remind myself that this was not the time or place for it – a tough thing to swallow given the circumstances. After a good 15-minutes, it became quite apparent that the FR-S is a very civilized beast able to handle rough road conditions with ease and enough room for friends even with its 2+2 configuration. The performance was on point with lots of torque on the low-end and revs free flowing up the range. The 6-speed transmission is smooth with a nice throw between gear changes, but the best part has to the pedal positioning. For those avid track enthusiasts, rest assured that heel-toe shifting is a pleasure in the FR-S as a roll of one’s foot will get the job done – no need for the knee jump dance. Rolling back into the lot, I could not get the smile off my face after what I had just experienced. The FR-S truly is impressive in all regards and I look forward to getting behind the wheel of it once more at the track in the coming weeks as well as as an upcoming long-term drive review, so be sure to stay tuned for much more!
For a vehicle priced at $25,990 (MSRP in Canada) and delivering the thrill of higher priced sports cars, the question on whether or not the FR-S is a buy is a no brainer. If you haven’t put your order in yet, don’t walk, run to your dealership and get your deposit in – you will not be disappointed, that I can guarantee!
For more information, please visit Brimell Scion
Words & Photos: Giancarlo Pawelec
Kaizen Tuning Open House 2012
Wednesday, May 9th, 2012 | Car News | No Comments
Kaizen Tuning Open House 2012
Kaizen Tuning
Acton, Massachusetts, USA
April 29th, 2012
Months of planning, countless days of promotion, hours upon hours of preparation all leading up to one of the most anticipated shows of the year. The effort that goes into preparing for a show this size, almost always goes unnoticed by the general population. However, come Sunday morning everyone in attendance would see all the hard work come together.
After having last years open house cancelled by a freak snowstorm, Kaizen Tuning prepared for a wave of attendees at this year’s season opener. The day took off quickly as 500+ cars rolled in, attendees started overflowing into local lots throughout the day. The DJ spinning at the event supplied a great soundtrack to an overwhelming event.
Fighting my way through the crowds, I tried my best to see everything the day had to offer. I am still amazed at the variety of cars New England always seems to produce. Even though the show was swamped with Evos and GTRs the Euro and American cars still did what they could to stick out at the show.
This leaning Audi A3 was tucked away in the corner, but didn’t escape my eye.
As well as this E46 M3 on Work Meister S1 wheels parked across the street.
The highlight of the event came around 1, when I was pulled from the sales tent. “Dude, did you see who was here!?” My friend yelled. I obviously had no idea since, for the most part; I was trapped in the sales tent. “Look over there” as he pointed to our garage. To my surprise, standing with one of Kaizen’s shop technicians was the Owner and Founder of Rauh Welt (RWB), Nakai-San. The Japanese tuning legend himself was at this little shop. After spending some time talking with Nakai-San, acting like a complete nerd, I continued on with my day.
As the day came to a close I looked back on the event and smiled. It was nice to see hard work pay off and hear the positive reviews. The show was a fitting farewell to Kaizen’s old shop as they look forward to bigger and better things at their new location.
For more information, please contact Kaizen Tuning, LLC
Words & Photos: John Raftery
#WhatIfWednesday | McLaren MP4-12C vs. Ferrari 458 Italia
Wednesday, May 9th, 2012 | Car News | No Comments
Last week you fine readers voted the second week in a row for the Ferrari 599 as the winner, this week we need to put a match up that will de-throne the Ferrari and I think we finally have it. Tonight’s Lotto 649 jackpot is at $17-million and if you won you wouldn’t be buying a car that’s been driven hard for a few years. No you would want something newer, a 2011 or 2012 model. As a red blooded car nut the first two hyper cars that come to mind are the Ferrari 458 Italia and the McLaren MP4-12C… and it just so happens there are two examples for sale in Toronto at the moment!
2012 McLaren MP4-12C ($264,900 CAD)
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/McLaren/MP4-12C/TORONTO/Ontario/5_13526050_ON20070821122438629/
The McLaren MP4-12C was built to trump every other supercar on the road, but priced in a manner where you don’t have to be a Saudi sheik to buy one. The factory was kind to the millionaires club by making the MSRP just a little under $250,000 but like any exotic the devil is in the options list. The example I found is for sale by MVL Leasing and they seem to always have a wide selection of awesome cars.
This is one of those cars that the media has a love / hate relationship with. Some say it’s the best car they have ever driven and others say the car is too advanced and lacks feeling. Humbug I say, any car that can go 0-60mph in 2.9-seconds needs driver aids to make me look good (and on the road!). The lines are amazing and the car has a subtle look while still looking a little crazy. The inside is civilized and even sports what could be an Apple iPad as a media center in the center console. This car has it all and the only downfall is if you are trying to impress people with what you drive then this is not your car. You will have to go into details about Formula 1 racing, the original McLaren F1 and how they all came together in the car that you own. I know it will bore any woman you are trying to pick up and that may be this cars only fatal flaw.
2011 Ferrari 458 Italia ($305,000 CAD)
http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Ferrari/458%20ITALIA/TORONTO/Ontario/5_13847859_ON20090105094745219/
The Ferrari 458 Italia is not a car you have to tell people what it is all about. They see the prancing horse on the emblem and know right away the car costs a lot. Every woman dreams to tell her friends that her man drives a Ferrari and that is why the ugliest of guys can get super model caliber women just by driving a Ferrari. The 458 Italia has similar problems in its reviews as the car is too tech advanced and lacks that supercar feeling. The Ferrari is a titch slower 0-60mph than the McLaren by a tenth of a second and that is sure to come up if you’re ever comparing the cars with a McLaren owner. Humberview Motorsports just so happens to have a beautiful blue 458 Italia on the lot for a steal at $305,000. You may scratch your head because the MSRP is at $240,000 but Ferrari is the one company where you can eclipse the cost of the car by the cost of the options. This example has a slew of extras like the Ferrari shields that cost $2k and other goodies that make it look just right!
Both cars are insane and it’s a tough choice, but now we ask you fine reader; would you have the insanely fast McLaren or the look at me fast Ferrari?
Words: Patrick Logan
Photos: Stan Papior and AutoTrader.ca
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