DUCATI LAUNCH THE STRADATOUR, A DISTANCE DREAM

Touring on a Ducati for many would be a dream adventure, and now with the Strada range of Ducati motorcycles, that dream is now easier than ever to fulfil. The Strada concept began with the Multistrada and has now been expanded this year with the new additions of the Hyperstrada and the Diavel Strada.
The Stradatour is an evolution of the popular Ducati Roadshow that has run over the last 3 years covering the length and breadth of the UK. This year, the Stradatour will consist of 33 dates beginning on April 6 and running until August 4 and will feature extended rides up to a maximum of one and half hours.
These test rides will give the customers an extensive period of time to evaluate the bikes touring and long distance appeal.  The local Ducati dealer will take riders on a route taking in a variety of roads to fully test the bikes touring capabilities and also give pillion riders the chance to assess the comfort of these machines.
The Multistrada was the first Ducati to embrace the Strada concept, with its unique blend of adventure styling, blistering performance and touring capabilities. With its four-bikes-in-one concept the Multistrada has proven to be unrivalled in its sector and now with its semi-active (Skyhook) suspension the bike has moved on to another level. On the Stradatour fleet there will be not only the Multistrada Touring S, but also the Multistrada Granturismo, the ultimate touring Ducati. The Granturismo  features  extended screen, larger panniers,  top case, higher handlebars, comfort seat, LED spotlights and engine crash bars.
2013 has seen the introduction of the Hyperstrada and the Diavel Strada which will make up the remaining models of the tour. The Hyperstrada is a new dimension of the Hypermotard uniquely blending together the worlds of motard and touring that will provide thrills on demand and yet with the flexibility that a touring bike gives. The Hyperstrada features panniers, centre stand, touring screen, touring seat as well as the Ducati Safety Pack that includes ABS and traction control as standard.
The Diavel set pulses racing when it came onto the market and the unfeasible was made feasible as Ducati produced a cruiser that had sports bike performance with handling to match.  Now the Diavel Strada version comes with higher handlebars, touring screen, touring seat, heated grips and side luggage as well as the riding modes and ABS and traction control found standard on other Diavel models.
For further information regarding the Stradatour and a full list of dates visit www.ducatiuk.com

BRITAIN’S FIRST 100MPH CAR CELEBRATES CENTENARY

The Vauxhall 30-98, one of the greatest sports cars of the twentieth century and the first to top 100mph in production form, is marking its centenary in style this May, when almost 50 surviving examples attempt the Waddington Fell hillclimb, site of the car’s first appearance and competition success in 1913.
Described as ‘The car of grace that sets the pace’, the 30-98 was derived from Vauxhall’s C10 ‘Prince Henry’ – acknowledged as the UK’s first real sports car – and was produced at a time when Vauxhall vied with Bentley in the prestige car market.
But armed with a kerb weight 400kgs less than a Bentley 3.0-Litre, a powerful engine and high axle ratio, the 30-98 became renowned as a high-performance car that could swallow long distances with ease. This made it particularly popular with drivers in the colonies, and explains why so many cars still survive in Australia today.
A precursor to the recently launched Cascada convertible, the 30-98 was actually developed in just 71 days, but went on to spawn a production run of 600 cars over a 14 year period (with a break for WW1). Remarkably, around a third of these cars still survive today.
At a time when car manufacturers promoted the performance, durability and handling of their products through competition, Vauxhall had already been successful in hillclimbs, grands prix and endurance trials since the company was formed in 1903 (now celebrating its 110^th anniversary, it’s the UK’s oldest surviving car brand).
And the 30-98 represented the zenith of those achievements. On its first outing at the Waddington Fell hill climb in Lancashire, it set fastest time of the day, proving to the car’s designer, Laurence Pomeroy, and Vauxhall’s directors, Percy Kidner and Leslie Walton, that the car had a future, and production started in earnest.
Originally fitted with a 4,525cc side-valve four cylinder engine, producing 90bhp, the model was made in two basic types: E-type and OE-type, with the latter denoting the more powerful overhead valve cars producing 112bhp, and built between 1923 and 1927.
And it was the OE-type that became the first production car to exceed 100mph, partly prompted by a letter to The Autocar’s editor from a Major L.Ropner, complaining that he was unable to buy a road car that could cover a flying mile at more than 100mph!
Vauxhall responded by producing a stunning two-seater 30-98 for him in polished aluminium, with a full set of road equipment. On March 28, 1923 factory test driver Matt Park took the car to Brooklands and achieved a flying lap at 100.7mph, before delivering the car to Ropner, who used it extensively for competition, continental touring and commuting to London from his home in Yorkshire.
The British motoring press fell in love with the OE-Type 30-98, and in 1923 The Autocar subjected one to an early road test, recording a maximum speed (with standard Velox body and wind-breaking full windscreen) of 82.57mph – no mean feat at a time when most cars were struggling to top 50mph.
The Autocar went on to say: ‘Few cars have such graceful lines yet at once suggest unlimited strength allied to speed…and very, very few can take a corner stiffly with absolute certainty as this one can.’
This year, Vauxhall Motors’ own 1926 OE-Type Velox Tourer (OE268) will join around 50 other 30-98s in Lancashire to celebrate the model’s competition debut at Waddington Fell. Working with the Vauxhall 30-98 Register, local authorities have closed the public road which used to form the course, allowing cars from as far afield as Australia and the US to recreate Higginson’s winning run.
Other events which Vauxhall is supporting as part of the 30-98 centenary include:

• Brooklands Double Twelve (June 15-16)
• The 30-98 Centenary Run (July 5) – Tour starting at Brooklands and travelling to Vauxhall’s Luton HQ and then on to Millbrook Proving Ground with up to 100 30-98s
• CarFest North, Oulton Park (August 2-4)
• CarFest South, Laverstoke Park (August 23-25)
• ‘Thirsty Down Under’ Tour (Oct/Nov) – a three-week tour of Victoria and Tasmania for the thriving 30-98 Register based in Australia

Goodwood has yet to confirm entry of the 30-98 in its centenary year at the Festival of Speed.

THOMAS SABO extends involvement with Mercedes-Benz and the DTM

The THOMAS SABO lifestyle brand is strengthening ties with Mercedes-Benz in the world’s most popular touring car series. The company, headquartered in the Bavarian town of Lauf an der Pegnitz, is involved once again as a car sponsor with Mercedes-Benz in the 2013 DTM season. Spaniard Roberto Merhi will be in the THOMAS SABO Mercedes AMG C-Coupé cockpit this season.

Furthermore, THOMAS SABO intends to intensify cooperation with Mercedes-Benz in the DTM; commencing with the season opener at Hockenheim on 5th May, the logos of the jewellery and watch brand will feature prominently on the front aprons of all six DTM Mercedes AMG C-Coupés and on the racing overalls of the six Mercedes-Benz DTM drivers.

THOMAS SABO is the jewellery company headquartered in the northern Bavarian town of Lauf an der Pegnitz that was established in 1984 by its eponymous owner. The company ranks among one of the world’s leading lifestyle brands with its jewellery, watches and beauty products.

THOMAS SABO has been a sponsoring partner of Mercedes-Benz in the DTM since the 2011 season. In addition, the lifestyle label is also personal sponsor to MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 driver Nico Rosberg.

Roberto Merhi will be contesting his second DTM season this year. The 22-year-old Spaniard has been a Mercedes-Benz protégé since 2008 and won the Formula 3 Euro Series championship in a Dallara-Mercedes before moving up to the DTM. He secured the FIA ​​Formula 3 International Trophy in the same year.

Roberto Merhi: “THOMAS SABO is a global brand that has also made a name for itself in motor racing in recent years. My black THOMAS SABO Mercedes AMG C-Coupé looks fast and aggressive. I am really looking forward to Hockenheim and lining up for the first time in the C-Coupé. Gary achieved brilliant results with our very own Black Lightning last season. Now it’s up to me to continue the good work.”

Thomas Sabo: “I am delighted that we are expanding our involvement in motor racing with Mercedes-Benz. THOMAS SABO will have a dynamic and promising team on the grid once again this year. We are particularly keen to promote young drivers and in Roberto Merhi, we have found a young dedicated DTM driver who not only has a great career in motor racing ahead of him, but also perfectly fits the image of the THOMAS SABO lifestyle brand. I am certain that we are in for a thrilling DTM season.”

Toto Wolff, Head of Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: “The black THOMAS SABO Mercedes AMG C-Coupé with its elegant, sporty look is a firm favourite of many DTM fans. So, I am really pleased that THOMAS SABO is stepping up a gear with Mercedes-Benz and the world’s most popular touring car series. The two brands fit together perfectly: The distinctive design and the high quality standards of the lifestyle label correspond exactly with those of the Mercedes-Benz brand. We aim to continue our successful long-term cooperation both on and off the track this coming season.”

LAND ROVER FORMS AFFILIATION WITH THE NEW HMS DEFENDER

Land Rover joins the celebrations for the commissioning of the Royal Navy’s newest warship today by announcing an affiliation with HMS Defender and supplying a Land Rover Defender for its use whilst on dry land. Company representatives will be among the guests attending the official ceremony at the HM Naval Base in Portsmouth, the Type 45 destroyer’s home port.
The name provides an obvious link: HMS Defender is the navy’s fifth warship of its name, while today’s Land Rover Defender can trace its roots directly back to the original Land Rover of 1948. The two are also fine examples of British engineering, the former built at the Govan shipyard on the River Clyde in Scotland, and the latter at the Land Rover plant in Solihull. Both are designed and equipped to tackle tough, albeit very different, environments around the world.
Mark Cameron, Land Rover Brand Experience Director – Global Marketing, said: “We are proud of our Land Rover Defender as an expression of what Land Rover has stood for for more than 60 years, and in the same spirit we are also proud of our new association with HMS Defender and her servicemen and women.
“Our affiliation reflects shared values and heritage that represent the best of Britain on the world stage. We look forward to sharing experiences and friendship in the future as HMS Defender takes up her duties.”
HMS Defender Commanding Officer, Commander Nash said:  “The Commissioning of HMS Defender is a hugely significant day in this state of the art warship’s life – it marks the point at which building and testing the ship finishes and frontline service in the Fleet begins.  It is also important to recognise that for the 190 women and men that make up my ship’s company this day of Commissioning represents the culmination of months and years of hard work, of training, trials and practice focussed on ensuring that Defender is ready to undertake operations around the world whenever tasked.  We are extremely proud of our achievement and would like to thank our partners in British industries for their assistance in reaching this goal. Land Rover have lent great support for the staging of the ceremonial event today and on behalf of My Ship’s Company and guests I would like to pass our sincere thanks for that assistance. ”
Today’s commissioning ceremony is a significant occasion that will be recorded in Royal Navy history, the moment when HMS Defender is officially taken up into the Fleet’s Order of Battle under the White Ensign. The destroyer was launched in 2009 and has undergone extensive sea trials prior to entering service this year. It has a number of other affiliations, notably with the cities of Glasgow and Exeter.
HMS Defender and Land Rover Defender – key facts

	HMS Defender Type 45 Destroyer	Land Rover Defender 110 Station Wagon
Heritage	Fifth Royal Navy ship of this name since 1797	Current model is the latest development of the original Land Rover concept of 1948
Displacement/weight	8,000 tonnes	2,062kg
Complement/accommodation	190 personnel	Driver and up to six passengers
Length	152m	4.639m
Beam/width	21.2m	1.79m
Height
Draught/wading depth	5.3m	500mm
Max. speed	30+ knots	91mph
Range	7,000 nautical miles	420 miles
Weaponry	Medium calibre guns and weapon systems, short range machine guns, Sea Viper missile system and Lynx helicopter weapons systems	n/a

2013 GOODWOOD REVIVAL - RACE AND TRIBUTE SUMMARIES

The 2013 Goodwood Revival (13-15 September) is set to build on the success of last year’s event, when a record-breaking 146,000 people attended over the weekend.  As ever, the Revival offers visitors of all ages a chance to revel in the romance and glamour of motor racing as it used to be.  It is the only sporting event in the world set entirely to a period theme, and every year, spectators and competitors take a magical step back in time by getting into the effervescent Goodwood spirit.  The majority of visitors enter into the spirit of the event, dressing in appropriate clothing from the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s.
This September’s event will offer an action-packed weekend of historic motor racing and period theatre for all the family, as always – with much more besides with mouth-watering grids, scintillating on-track action, and a number of significant anniversaries to celebrate.  The following is a summary of all the on-track activity:
Celebrity Two-driver Races
Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration race (one hour, two driver)
For closed-cockpit GT cars in the spirit of the RAC TT races, 1960-1964
The one-hour, two-driver Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration race remains the jewel in the Revival’s crown.  Nowhere else in the world will you see such a spectacular grid of super-rare GT cars racing in anger, driven by great aces past and present.  The grid will once again feature a breathtaking £150+ million array of internationally-renowned historic cars.  Expect to see Ferrari 250 LM (50^th anniversary), GTO and GT SWB;Aston Martin DB4GT, Zagato and Project cars; plus AC Cobras, Jaguar E-types and E-Type Lightweights.
Whitsun Trophy
For Ford GT40s and related cars of a type that raced prior to 1966
This year’s Saturday feature race will be very special indeed, featuring a grid exclusively made up of the world’s finest collection of significant and authentic racing FordGT40s, plus the possibility of a Lola Mk6 GT – the model on which the iconic GT40 was based.  This will be the first time that a dedicated competition has ever been held for these iconic cars. It will be a 45-minute two-driver race, with driver changes in the pits between 15 and 30 minutes.
Freddie March Memorial Trophy
For cars in the spirit of the Goodwood Nine-Hour races, 1952-1955
To mark the 60^th anniversary of the second Goodwood Nine Hours race, this year’s Freddie March Memorial Trophy will be a 90-minute two-driver race into twilight, for cars of a type that contested the legendary race.  It will feature a fabulous collection of classic sports-racing cars such as Jaguar C-type, Aston Martin DB3 and DB3S, Austin-Healey 100S, Ferrari 750, Allard and HWM.
St Mary’s Trophy
Two races for saloon cars of a type that raced between 1960 and 1966
This year’s St Mary’s Trophy will feature saloon cars from the 1960s.  Expect to see a thrilling and close-fought battle between such diverse and classic cars as Alfa Romeo Giulia GT Coupes, Mini Cooper S, Lotus Cortina (all three celebrating their 50^th anniversaries this year) as well as Jaguar MkII, BMW 2000 Tii and Ford Galaxie, plus many lesser-seen period racing saloons. As ever, the format will be a celebrity race on Saturday, with the car owners taking their turn on Sunday, and the result declared on aggregate.
Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy
Two races for motorcycles (1960-66) in the spirit of the original Goodwood Saturday meeting
The Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy will continue as a two-part, two-rider challenge, this year featuring bikes from the 1960s, including iconic names like BSA, Triumph, Norton and BMW.  There will again be one race on Saturday and another on Sunday, with the result decided by aggregate timing.  Each owner-rider will be paired up with a professional racer, and both will ride in each race, changing over in the pits around half distance. 
Sports car races
Fordwater Trophy
For production-based sports and GT cars, of a type that raced between 1955 and 1960
The Fordwater Trophy is a name synonymous with Goodwood and the Revival, and this year’s race will feature production-based sports and GT cars in the spirit of the Members meetings held between 1955 and 1960.  This year the race will feature powerful exotic thoroughbreds such as the Chevrolet Corvette,Ferrari 250 GT Tour de France and Mercedes-Benz 300SL 'Gullwing', through to smaller and more nimble models including theMGA and Porsche 356.
SussexTrophy
For World Championship sports cars and production sports racing cars from 1955-1960
The Sussex Trophy caters for World Championship sports cars and production sports racing cars from 1955-1960.  These big, powerful cars, from the likes of Aston Martin,Ferrari,Jaguar,Lister and Maserati, are perfectly suited to Goodwood’s fast, sweeping curves, and always produce a stunning spectacle.
Madgwick Cup
For sports-racing cars of under 2-litres of a type that raced between 1948 and 1955
This year’s Revival sees the return of the Madgwick Cup, with a grid of classic sports-racing cars of under 2-litres of a type that raced at Goodwood between 1948 and 1955.  From the exotic Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta,OSCA MT4 and Cisitalia 202 to the many British Coopers,Lesters and Lotuses, these cars were the cornerstones of Goodwood’s early days.
Single-Seater Racing
Goodwood Trophy
For Grand Prix and Voiturette cars of a type that raced between 1930 and 1950
This race features GP ‘titans’ and more nimble voiturette cars based on designs from before the Second World War.  These sit-up-and-beg single seaters will thunder around the fast and spectacular track, just as they did in the circuit’s earliest years.  In addition to a gaggle of ERAs, expect to see Alfa Romeo Tipo B and 308C take on Maserati 4CM, 6CM and 8CM, plus Alta, Bugatti Type 54 and Talbot Lago.
RichmondTrophy
For front-engined Grand Prix cars of a type that raced between 1952 and 1960
The Richmond Trophy will feature a grid of classic front-engined Grand Prix cars from the early years of the World Championship, including such iconic cars as the Maserati 250F, Ferrari 246 Dino, Aston Martin DBR4 and BRM Type 25.
Gordon Trophy
For rear-engined Inter-Continental Formula and Formula One cars, 1956-1962
The Gordon Trophy, which returns for the first time since 2010, will cater for cars from one of Grand Prix racing’s golden eras, when the Cooper-led rear-engined revolution changed the face of the sport. This year’s race should see a close-fought battle, pitting Cooper T43, 45, 51 and 53 against Lotus 18 and BRM P48, plus some interesting interlopers.  
Glover Trophy
For 1.5-litre Formula One and Tasman cars of a type that raced between 1961 and 1965
This race for 1960s Formula 1 cars will once again see a spectacular gathering of 1.5-litre GP cars, from the likes of Lotus, Brabham, BRM and Cooper.  These cigar-like racers are synonymous with the important F1 meetings in Goodwood’s latter years, and the selection of cars taking part will focus on genuine F1 cars using fabulous-sounding V8 engines, making the race as noisy and exciting as ever.
ChichesterCup
For front-engined Formula Juniors of a type that raced between 1958 and 1960
This year’s Formula Junior race focuses on cars ran with rear-engines and drum brakes, which last appeared at the Revival in 2010.  With so many Juniors competing internationally, the specification of the race changes every year, to give it a new look and character.  This year’s ‘mid period’ grid will feature a wide range of cars from familiar manufacturers such as Cooper and Lotus through to rarer examples from De Sanctis and Lynx.
Circuit Parades
Tribute to Jim Clark
Our annual feature tribute will be to the legendary Scottish racer Jim Clark, on the 50^th anniversary of his first World Championship.  A daily track parade will include a variety of his most famous cars, to honour the life and achievements of this incredible man, who achieved success as both driver and team owner.
100 Years of the Tour de France
This year sees the 110^th anniversary of the first Tour de France race in 1903, and the 100^th actual running of this most renowned of all bicycle competitions.  We will have a daily peleton of cyclists riding period racing bikes, joined on track by a suitably French cavalcade of support vehicles, period promotional vans, and much more.  There may even be the odd familiar face pedalling hard as well!
Special Race
Settrington Cup
Back by huge popular demand, after last year’s inaugural race, will be the Settrington Cup, for children in Austin J40 pedal cars.  The race will once again consist of a full field of J40s competing over two heats, with the result declared on aggregate timing.  Expect one of the most closely-contested races of the weekend!
Tickets and further information for the 2013 Goodwood Revival, plus Festival of Speed and Moving Motor Show, can be ordered by on the Goodwood website (www.goodwood.com/motorsport/), or via the Ticket Hotline:
Telephone: +44 (0)1243 755055
On-line via the Ticket section of the website www.goodwood.com/motorsport

New Kia CUB to Spring a Surprise in Seoul

Kia Motors will reveal an all-new, compact, four-door coupe concept on Thursday, March 28th at the Seoul International Motor Show.

The new Kia 'CUB' is less than four meters long and is styled to appeal to trend-setting urban dwellers.

CUB is both sleek and small, with a super-smooth exterior, a cheerful face, a daring character and headlamps that feature two-point LED lights – similar to those on the Kia Quoris flagship sedan.

Range Rover Highland GTC

The Range Rover dynasty has a new heir. The 2013 five door SUV Estate. Merdad Collection believe that the Coupe version of this type should have also been on offer, just like the very first Range Rover built in 1971. Thus we have gone back to our drawing board to do just that.

We call it the Range Rover Highland GTC. This will be our most luxurious and powerful coupe yet. Coupe cars are about style and performance, of which this car is a great candidate for their work, Merdad says. The Highland GTC will combine this spirit with supreme luxury.

Merdad himself declares this to be his most treasured project yet; "when you can't wait to wake up in the morning to drive your car, it is a good indicator of how special your car is."  His father owned a 1979 original Range Rover 2 door for 22 years. 

With Merdad cars increasingly replacing the standard as a means of self-expression, we are learning those demands of customers who settle for nothing but the best.

Our Porsche Cayenne Coupe was a world's first; an unprecedented supercar with unparalleled performance and quality.

 

By adding dramatic and beautiful design along with high performance, the all-new 2013 Merdad Coupe is a fitting follow-up to our Porsche Cayenne 902 Coupe, launched in 2010.

Merdad adds, ‘Our involvement in the Porsche Cayenne Coupe project gave us invaluable knowledge through research and development, which we are now applying to the Range Rover Highland GTC, to deliver a perfect supercar, inside and out’.   

We have released official pictures and specs of the new package with prices for the 2 and 4 door versions. The most noticeable change to this vehicle is the new larger doors, a complete overhaul of the interior, and an aerodynamic body kit. You will only love what it is going to be done.

The wheel arches, similarly styled to our Cayenne Coupe, are extend by 92mm overall in width, this further emphasises the front and rear axles. This flows in with an extended series of side-skirt running panels, and twin air-vents to give the Merdad SUV flair. There will also be a full carbon rear bumper, diffuser and tailpipe deflectors, along with an extended roof spoiler and a smaller spoiler below the tailgate. The interior will be as equally remarkable, which will include 4 sports seats or luxury seats.

Additionally, we have implemented a sport suspension module, which will bring the SUV 40mm closer to the ground, while the Range Rover's 5.0-litre V8 power has been increased from 510, to 700 Bhp. We will also include bigger front and rear sport brakes to accustom the dramatic engine upgrade, Merdad's specialised custom exhaust system and your choice of 22" or 23" Merdad design wheels.

The Merdad Range Rover Coupe comes in four versions:

1- Range Rover 3.0 Litre: $209,000

2- HSE 4.4 Litre: $228,000

3- Supercharged 5.0L: $239,000

4- 700 GTC Range Rover Coupe Racing 4 Seater: $485.000