Driving Spirit

Škoda Fabia vRS Is Finally Back

Chris — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 06:23:36 +0000

It seems like ages since the last Skoda Fabia vRS disappeared from the showrooms, but now the new Fabia vRS hatch has been revealed at the Geneva Motor Show.

There are two big changes with this new Fabia vRS. One is that it gets an estate bodyshape to go alongside the hatchback, and the second is that the 130bhp diesel lump has been swapped for one of the VAG-sourced double-supercharged, four-cylinder petrol engine providing 180bhp from just 1.4 litres. Sounds familiar? Yes, it’s basically the same unit as used in the new Seat Ibiza Cupra and Volkswagen Polo GTI.

In the Skoda Fabia vRS the 1.4-litre TSI offers a maximum speed of 140 mph (141 mph in the estate version) and 0-62mph acceleration in just 7.3 seconds. Impressive performance and much quicker than the old model. One thing the new engine can’t match is the diesel economy, but at 44.1 mpg the new engines is reasonably frugal.

Both versions of the vRS feature a redesigned front bumper with integrated fog lamps, as well as optional integrated LED lights. 17-inch lightweight Gigaro alloys have been developed specially for the vRS, and other visual clues include red brake callipers, tinted windows, and a new rear bumper with a diffuser and dual exhaust. Depending on the colour of the body, the roof, roof spoiler and wheels for the Fabia vRS hatchback will be available in a choice of black, white or silver.

A sports-tuned chassis is fitted, along with ESP, ABS and ASR so should make for more entertaining performance than the standard setup, and the Fabia makes use of the XDS electronic differential that has also featured in the Volkswagen and Seat range.

On the inside are sports seats with vRS logos on the backrests and a three-spoke leather steering wheel that houses the paddles for the seven-speed DSG gearbox.

No word on prices yet, but what the Fabia lacks in visual appeal compared to it’s VAG siblings it will more than likely make up for by being noticeable cheaper.

Škoda Fabia vRS Is Finally Back is a post from Driving Spirit. Ever thought about fitting Osram Nightbreaker bulbs for 90% more light?

Hot Italian Action With Abarth

Chris — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:18:09 +0000

Abarth UK have announced dates for each round of the new 2010 Trofeo Abarth 500 race series.

The one-make series is the British version of Europe’s highly successful International Trofeo Cup. 2009 was a very successful season for the championship and included some of the continent’s legendary circuits such as Valencia, Brno and Imola. Now the potent new 500 Assetto Corse race cars will feature at some of Britain’s best-known race circuits starting in April.

With 190bhp from the Abarth 500’s 1368cc 16-valve turbocharged engine and a weight of just 970kg the Assetto Corse race cars offer sparkling performance on the track, and because all of the cars are identical the championship promises some very close racing.

The calendar for the 2010 Trofeo Abarth 500 GB series is as follows:

4 April	Oulton Park
18 April	Silverstone
23 May	Cadwell Park
27 June	Snetterton
25 July	Silverstone
5 September	Brands Hatch
24 October	Monza

Hot Italian Action With Abarth is a post from Driving Spirit. Ever thought about fitting Osram Nightbreaker bulbs for 90% more light?

Renaultsport Clio Gordini 200

Chris — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:59:18 +0000

Renault have just revealed the Clio Cordini 200 at this week’s Geneva Motor Show. The Clio is the second car in the Renaultsport range to get the Gordini treatment and it follows exactly the same recipe as the Twingo Gordini.

So how do you make a Clio Gordini 200?

Start off with a standard Renaultsport Clio 200 and then paint it Malta Blue
Add some white stripes along the roof and bonnet
Paint some of the plastic trim in gloss white
Stick on some new 17-inch diamond-effect alloys with black inserts
Replace the interior upholstery with blue and black leather and add some gloss black dashboard trim

That’s it, you now have a sporty French hot hatch with a dash of luxury. The performance from the 2.0-litre is the same as the standard Clio 200 with 200bhp and 215Nm of torque, meaning 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds. The Renaultsport chassis is also retained with a choice of standard setup or stiffer Cup settings, guaranteeing plenty of fun if you feel like taking the long way home.

Should you not like the Malta Blue (I do) there are three other exterior colours available - Pearlescent Black, Glacier White and Pearlescent White. Not sure what happens with the white stripes if you go for white paint, I’d assume they’re replaced with another colour but surely that wouldn’t be in keeping with the Gordini look.

However, I’m still feeling that same sense of disappointment as I had with the Twingo Gordini. I’d been hoping that the resurrection of the Gordini badge would bring a dash of extra performance to the Renaultsport range, something a bit more track-day oriented. Never mind, I’m sure I’ll come to terms with that, because the Clio Gordini is bound to be a corker.

There are no official prices yet for the Clio Gordini 200 but it is expected to go on sale this summer.

Renaultsport Clio Gordini 200 is a post from Driving Spirit. Ever thought about fitting Osram Nightbreaker bulbs for 90% more light?

8 Ways To Get Some Track Time

Chris — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 06:01:07 +0000

As the evenings are slowly getting lighter and the motorsport season has got under way it’s time that a lot of drivers start thinking about getting out on track to test their skills. If it’s something that you’ve considered before but not given a lot of thought to you might be surprised at just how many ways you can get yourself some track time.

Take Your Car On A Track Day

Track days are big business these days and attract loads of people looking to extract the maximum performance from their cars. There are lots of racing ciruits that arrange special track days and evenings throughout the summer and allow you to bring practically any car on track – as long as it’s roadworthy! Expect to pay around £100 for a full day of action, with evening events being a bit cheaper. Don’t forget to check your oil, brakes and tyres before you go!

Visit the Nurburgring Nordschleife

The legendary Green Hell is a mecca for keen drivers. Just 3 hours drive from Calais, the Nurburgring attracts fast cars and their owners from all over Europe. Simply turn up, buy a ticket and join the queue at the barriers – then you’re away onto thirteen miles of fast and challenging tarmac. Make sure you check the small print on your insurance – it may exclude the Nordschleife specifically, even though it’s classed as a public toll road.

Join a VXR Track Day

If you can get your ticket in time this is probably the cheapest way of getting on a track day. Drive any of the VXR range around some of the circuits used in the BTCC, then get a passenger ride with a professional racing driver who’ll show you just how slow you were going. A great day out and fantastic value, I’ve been on them for the last three years and loved every minute.

Book A Driving Experience

Not the cheapest way of getting on track, but driving experiences are a popular way of getting behind the wheel of something exotic. Ferrari? Lamborghini? Porsche? All are available (for a price) at loads of venues across the country. Thruxton circuit is one popular venue with a good choice of cars to drive.

Buy A Different Car

Some manufacturers like to offer little extras for their customers to reward loyalty, boost the brand image and maybe sell some extra cars. For example, Vauxhall are offering exclusive track sessions to anyone who owns a car from the VXR range, while Renault host a series of events at tracks throughout Europe for owners of the Renaultsport range. These events tend to be well organised and quieter than normal track days, simply because they’re open to fewer drivers.

Run What Ya’ Brung

The legendary Santa Pod dragstrip runs open days throught the summer. Just turn up in your car, buy a ticket and join the queue. You’ll then find yourself at the end of the strip with the xmas-tree lights counting down to your attempt at the 1/4 mile. Then it’s you against the clock, and at the end you’ll get a printout showing all of your timings.

Join an Owners Club

No matter what car you drive, the chances are that there is a club for owners. Run by true car-nuts the bigger owners clubs will host events through the years that might allow you to get on track at a discounted rate, or even for free. Just Google your car and see what results come back e.g. ‘focus st owners club’.

Join A SuperCar Club

You could always join a car club and drive someone else’s cars on track. It sounds ideal – you get all the fun of driving the car without any of the hassles of ownership. There are a number of companies who have started offering supercars for on-track use, but don’t expect it to be cheap – true exotica is likely to set you back thousands of pounds per day.

8 Ways To Get Some Track Time is a post from Driving Spirit. Ever thought about fitting Osram Nightbreaker bulbs for 90% more light?

Volkswagen Polo By JE Design

Chris — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 06:48:46 +0000

Popular with little old ladies and mums on the school run, the Volkswagen Polo is not a car that naturally lends itself to wild tuning. But that hasn’t stopped JE Design from coming up with a new bodykit and distinctive paintjob for the latest Polo.

It’s a full bodykit consisting of front bumper and spoiler, side skirts and a rear bumper with carbon-effect diffuser. Headlight brows give the front a more aggressive look that is finished off nicely with LED running lights. There’s also an optional centrally mounted sports exhaust with twin pipes that gives a better sound.

A set of lowering springs can be fitted around the standard shock absorbers to drop the ride height by 35mm, or you could go further with a new KW coilover suspension setup that lowers the Polo by 65mm.

No bodykit would be complete without a new set of wheels and JE Design have got some choices. Their new ‘Multispoke’ design is available in either 7×17 inches or 7.5×18 inches with tyres measuring 215/40 R17 or 215/35 R18. There’s also a choice of finishes – Shadow Silver or matt black with a silver bead around the rim. If that’s not enough the wheels can be trimmed with a bead in the same colour as the car.

If there’s still money left over you can choose to deck out the interior in various shades of leather or suede. The steering wheel, gear stick and handbrake are covered along with the seats, and even the colour of the stitching can be specified. The seats can also be fitted with new heating elements or a massage system.

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Volkswagen Polo By JE Design is a post from Driving Spirit. Ever thought about fitting Osram Nightbreaker bulbs for 90% more light?

Nissan GT-R Supercar: Born To Race

Chris — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:33:38 +0000

I know this is slightly off topic for a site that is dedicated to hot hatchbacks, but I’m a sucker for a book that contains glossy picures of fast cars and that’s exactly what you get with Nissan GT-R Supercar: Born To Race.

Written by Dennis Gorodji, the book contains rare pictures, schematics and graphs detailing the many unique qualities of the Nissan GT-R, a car that revolutionised modern sports car dynamics.

Born To Race covers the motorsport history of the GT-R, from as far back as 1957 through to the models of the ’90s (the R32, R33 and R34) and explores the development of the current GT-R R35. There’s also information about the latest Spec V model that was launched last year.

With over 400 colour photographs, this is a carefully researched and beautifully presented 224-page book that is recommended reading for sports car fans. It’s available now from bookshops and from www.velocebooks.com at a retail price of £39.99 (although if you want to save a few quid you should pop onto Amazon where you’ll find it’s already knocked down to £33.99).

Nissan GT-R Supercar: Born to race, by Dennis Gorodji

ISBN 9781845842215
UPC 636847042219

Highlights

Comprehensive guide to the revolutionary supercar and its motorsport record
Deeply researched history reveals little-known features
Unique and rare models from 1957-2009
The ultimate GT-R Spec V!
Covers production for both European and North American markets
Comparative and critical analysis
Nine tables list issue dates, codes and different parts used
Over 400 high quality colour photographs
Three different indexes provide quick access
Information previously unpublished in English.

Nissan GT-R Supercar: Born To Race is a post from Driving Spirit. Ever thought about fitting Osram Nightbreaker bulbs for 90% more light?

APS Sportec Tweak Golf R To 300BHP

Chris — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 06:59:47 +0000

APS, the UK branch of Swiss tuning company Sportec, have been analyzing the ECU on the Volkswagen Golf R and have managed to liberate an extra 33bhp. This gives the Golf R’s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine a grand total of 300bhp at 6,000rpm and 321lb.ft of torque at 2,750rpm (up 63lb.ft).

This knocks the Golf R’s 0-62mph time down to 5.3 seconds (from 5.7) and the top speed increases to 160mph.

Priced at just £649 (including fitting), the ECU upgrade is suitable for both the six-speed manual and the DSG transmission.

APS Sportec Tweak Golf R To 300BHP is a post from Driving Spirit. Ever thought about fitting Osram Nightbreaker bulbs for 90% more light?

Peugeot 207 S16 – A Neutered Lion

Chris — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:15:18 +0000

To celebrate Kris Meeke’s success in last year’s IRC championship, Peugeot have released the limited edition Peugeot 207 S16.

If you think that name sounds familiar then you’d be right, as the S16 badge last appeared on the back of the hottest Peugeot 306 of 1993.

Painted in white, the 207 S16 can be ordered with livery (at no extra cost) that resembles Kris Meeke’s winning 207 S2000. Add to that a 207 RC Cup bodykit that features front and rear spoilers, sideskirts and an imitation rear diffuser, as well as 17-inch Hockenheim wheels and you’ve got the ideal recipe for a sporty-looking hatch.

And that’s it – underneath the stickers and bodykit is a standard 207 Sport VTi with a 120bhp 1.6-litre engine. Not exactly the stuff of dreams for rally fans, the S16 is capable of 0-62mph in 10.7 seconds and can reach 125mph flat out. If I were Kris Meeke I’d be a bit miffed that they’d produced such a feeble performer – at the very least the S16 should have been based on the 207 GTI. Homologation special? Definitely not!

At least the S16 will be exclusive, as only 250 of them will be produced. They’re available to order now for £14,695 (OTR).

Peugeot 207 S16 – A Neutered Lion is a post from Driving Spirit. Ever thought about fitting Osram Nightbreaker bulbs for 90% more light?

Renaultsport Announce Specialist Dealer Network

Chris — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 06:36:50 +0000

In a time when manufacturers are trying to minimise emissions and gain every bit of green credibility they can, it’s a refreshing change to see that one manufacturer is keen to satisfy the owners of its performance models. Renault have taken the bold step of appointing eleven Renaultsport specialist dealers, handpicked from their nationwide network after consulting with owners, who will offer expert knowledge of their entire range of excellent hot hatchbacks.

You’ll still be able to buy a Renaultsport model from any dealer but, from the beginning of March, Renaultsport Specialists will act as ambassadors for the range. Each specialist dealer will have its own Renaultsport Sales Expert and Renaultsport After-Sales Expert who will be able to demonstrate, and offer customers test-drives in, the entire Renaultsport range. On top of that, Renaultsport Specialists will also have exclusive access to the national Renaultsport events programme that, for example, will allow them to bring customers along to track days. So, gone are the days of the hard-sell and in comes subtle bribery – nice touch, and if they want to offer me a free track day I’ll definitely consider buying a Clio 200!

Renault and the Renaultsport range have had a good start to the year. Top Gear magazine voted Renault as their Manufacturer of the Year whilst the range of Renaultsport cars swept the board in the What Car? Best Hot Hatch award category.

Before choosing each of the Renaultsport Specialists, Renault studied feedback from existing Renaultsport customers on their experiences when buying and maintaining their vehicles, as well as canvassing the opinions of the community forum on renaultsport.co.uk and members of independent owner clubs such as Méganesport and Cliosport. The eleven Renaultsport Specialist dealers had to exceed set levels of sales and after-sales customer satisfaction and the sales and after-sales experts had to pass a knowledge test of the Renaultsport range, both past and present.

The lucky dealerships are:

Renaultsport Specialist	Sales Expert	After-Sales Expert	Contact number
Shelbourne Motors – Craigavon	Alastair Herron	Geoff Devlin	028 3839 6808
Arnold Clark – Glasgow	Des Morran	Hyke Ter Beek	0141 632 4545
Arnold Clark – Warrington	Leigh Frackleton	Stephen Garner	01925 575885
Ness Motors – Perth	Glenn Petrie	Duncan Milne	01738 620877
Ness Motors – Inverness	Mike Anderson	Fiona Owens	01463 222848
Crawley Down – Crawley	Richard Haughton	Alan Hughes	01342 718288
Mitchells – Lowestoft	Andrew Duffield	Lee Cooper	01502 500950
Smiths – Peterborough	Tony Mitchell	Mark Bristow	01733 330030
Rawlinsons – Bury St Edmunds	Mark Law	Andy Nolan	01284 752999
Lookers – Chester	Mike Griffiths	Rob Jones	01244 390009
Renault – London West	Eduard Jones-Dellaportas	Andrew Campbell	0208 276 2000

Renaultsport Announce Specialist Dealer Network is a post from Driving Spirit. Ever thought about fitting Osram Nightbreaker bulbs for 90% more light?

Volkswagen Golf R Gets Five Door Option

Chris — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 06:07:57 +0000

If you’re in the market for a five door hatchback that offers a combination of thrills and practicality then chances are you’ve already considered the Volkswagen Golf GTI. But why settle for 210bhp when you can have the full-fat 265bhp of the Golf R in a family-friendly five-door hatchback?

That means you get a car capable of accelerating to 62 mph from rest in only 5.5 seconds and hitting an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph while carrying the kids in the back with a bootful of shopping. Now if only I could convince the wife that £30+ grand was a reasonable price to pay for such a practical car.

Check out the pictures of the five door below.

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Volkswagen Golf R Gets Five Door Option is a post from Driving Spirit. Ever thought about fitting Osram Nightbreaker bulbs for 90% more light?