Lexus unveils sporty coupe

Lexus are desperate to shake off the image of their vehicles being mundane and their buyers ancient and dull. The LFA did a lot to remove this preconceived notion, with its mental powerplant and £350,000 price tag. 

That was a bit unrealistic for most though, what they needed was a small sports coupe with edge and raw visual appeal - paired with a meaty motor. They have delivered. 

The new RC Coupe has been unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show and more than satisfies the above demands; sharp lines, short - wide wheelbase and a proven powerful powerplant. The RC is 70mm shorter than the IS saloon - yet wider and lower, giving it a squat and purposeful stance. Two engines were rumored, the eco-favourite 2.5litre petrol engine twinned with electric motors, and the petrol-heads favourite, the 3.5litre V6 that has shown its flexibility within the IS range over recent years, paired to an 8 speed sequential transmission. 

The aggressive styling might upset loyal Lexus buyers of old, but is that a bad thing? It shows Lexus are moving with the ties, we see more than a hint of the vicious BMW 1-M Coupe in that gorgeous rear end. 

Of course the cherry on the cake with this being a Lexus - is the stylish, well built and luxurious 4 seat interior, which should be a useful 4 seater, rather than the "2+2" setups recently launched by the likes of Audi and Porsche that require the two rear passengers to not own legs. 

No pricing information has been released yet but we'd expect the RC to be pitched right at the Porsche Cayman/Audi TTRS area of the market, so expect the brochures to list a £40,000 start price. We like, keep this up Lexus!

Words: Andy Pilcher           Images: Lexus UK

New Civic Type R hits the track!

We find ourselves a little hard for words when it comes to writing this piece. We've just received news that the development of the new Civic Type R by Honda has been hitting the track for further handling and performance testing. 

That in itself is not cause for speechlessness. However, in the press release I have in front of me it states the official power figure for the new Type R. Now the previous generation Type R, utilizing the VTEC engine system, packed a massive......198hp. This is barely enough to pull the skin of custard and other hot hatch manufacturers snorted with derision as their turbocharged models punched past the 250hp barrier. 

Their snorts may soon be silenced however. I'll just say it, the new Type R will have 280hp. Honda have done quite well in not only matching their rivals, but one-upping them too! That puts the Civic well and truly in the heavyweight division of hot hatches, with its key rivals being the Audi S3 and Focus RS. However it does look to be a big ole beast - making it likely to be a heavy old beast, can it shed its hp to weight ratio and fight the big fight? We'll soon see! One things for sure though - the Civic Type R just got interesting. 

Words: Andy Pilcher              Images: Honda UK

Gadget overload puts lives at risk!

We are living in a wonderful time for technology, it would seem that no period of 24 hours can pass without some new, amazing, incredible microchip or processor allows us to have more entertainment or make more contact with the ones we love. Mobile phones have shrunk in size dramatically and have developed from simply being cordless phones to housing our entire music libraries, allowing us to watch films or the latest television, even telling us where nearby is good to eat! We have satellite navigation, gone are the days of trawling for hours through maps days before a long drive - planning the best route and a backup should you encounter traffic, all this is available in a tiny box that does the thinking for you! 

And that is precisely why UK roads are less safe now than they have been in recent years, according to insurer Zurich anyway. 

Their studies show that mobile phones AND satellite navigation units both rank in the top 10 risks to road users, despite it being illegal to operate a mobile phone whilst driving. Other items on the list include in-car media, such as touchscreen radios and digital TV receivers. 

Our cars are getting posher and posher, packing more and more of the technology we are used to at home - some cars even have built in Wi-Fi now!! Thankfully manufacturers are also working on making those tech-filled cars safer; with curtain airbags now standard on most new vehicles, we just have to make sure the tech-progress doesn't get the better of us and we maintain a high level of concentration on the road when driving!

Words: Andy Pilcher

Another all new Mini...again

BMW really should consider employing some more people in their model naming department, until then, we shall introduce this as the All New....All New Mini! Which isn't really all new at all, but we'll get to that later. 

BMW have decided that late 2013/early 2014, as the UK recession is starting to clear up for good, is the perfect time to give the Mini a bit of a facelift and relaunch!

On the face of it, all they have done is made it more......unique...looking. That's the only word we can really use without sounding too mean. Lets face facts though, the new Mini definitely requires a lot of rose tinted spectacles to make its slightly wide eyed expression look palatable. 

What IS reassuring is the announcement that the rock bottom OTR price of the new range is at the low £15k region - shunning a huge price hike that most manufacturers seem to adopt when botoxing an old model. 

How Mini is it? 

Not very! Oh this isn't off to a good start is it... The new model is a whopping 98mm longer, 44mm wider and 7mm TALLER than its predecessor, which is hardly a shrinking violet. 

Does it do well at being an economical city car? 

We probably could've made that question a bit punchier...moving on. Yes! The new Cooper D will host a 3-cylinder diesel engine, outputting 114bhp and claiming 80mpg average economy!

Do we get a sporty one?

Yes! The Cooper S will return with a 4-cylinder engine producing 189hp, which sounds a lot for a Mini, but lets not forget the size of this "mini", and the inherent weight such size brings - it won't win any straight line drags against its rival hot hatch brothers (the smaller, lighter Ibiza Cupra/Polo GTI has just 6hp less - but boasts a more consistent hp/torque curve across the range AND both feature the fantastically quick and slick DSG gearbox) hopefully though it will retain its point-and-shoot-ability that BMW managed to retain up until now. 

The new Mini will officially launch Spring 2014 and be built at the firms famous Oxford plant. 

Words: Andy Pilcher             Images: BMW UK

Audi unveils A3 drop-top due next Spring

Audi have released information and images to unveil the all new Audi A3 Cabriolet due for Spring 2014. 

The last A3 soft-top was a little underwhelming, it was considered even more hairdresser than the TT and although being a strong well built car it didn't sell as well as Audi bosses would've liked. Unperturbed though they're bringing it back for the new shape A3. 

The 2014 A3 Cabriolet features much sharper lines and bolder curves, overall it is a much more dramatic and in-your-face drop-top. Sharing a lot of styling cues from its big brothers like the A5 - one of Audi's most popular products. 

So what if you want your cabriolet to drive from your solar powered house to the local green party meeting? Well no worries! The 2014 A3 Cabriolet can be specced with a 1.4 TFSI engine which features the new COD (Cylinder On Demand) technology, a system that cuts two cylinders off when you're just pottering around town, firing them back up when you plant the throttle. This results in 114g/km of CO2 and a claimed 56.5mpg! Impressive figures - if they prove true. 

What if you want a droptop that can get the wind in your hair at an alarming pace? Again - no worries! The performance engine fitted to the 2014 A3 Cabriolet is the 1.8 TFSI that is fitted to just about every Audi on sale; proving its reliability and all round capability. Punching 180PS of power out it can hit 150mph on a straight road and demolish 0-60 in 7.8 seconds, linked up to Audi's awesome 7-speed S-Tronic twin clutch transmission it. 

If you are prepared to wait though we have caught wind of rumours that Audi WILL be releasing an S3 Cabriolet! With 300PS and Quattro all wheel drive that should 'man-up' the A3's hairdresser image!

Words: Andy Pilcher       Images: Audi UK

Like Hertz...but with Ferraris

You get what you pay for. A statement that sits true to many aspects of life, none more so than renting a car. The average cheap rental car, and the experience of the rental, often leaves a lot to be desired. Upgrade to Supercar hire though - and it is a totally different kettle of fish. Whether it be an extravagant way to get from A to B or as a treat you can expect a lot more than the usual rental experience. 

So how does it all work?

Well Supercar Experiences try and make the process of renting your favourite exotic motor as quick and streamlined as possible. You might expect extreme credit checks and to not be allowed near them if you've ever been stopped for doing 31 in a built up area but actually its a lot more like your standard rental company than you'd think. Earning it the headline. 

"Like Hertz...but with Ferraris."

Why not just do a track day?

Good question, if you'd no experience of either track days or hiring a supercar you would obviously feel that a race track is the more suitable location for a V8/10/12 performance motor - however you are often VERY restricted on track days. You are on a set route, told when to change gear - accelerate - brake and it's rare you break 100mph, regardless of how much more the Lamborghini/Ferrari/whatever will give. 

Go down the hire route however and you have an awesome machine for however long you choose, be it just a day, a week or however far your wallet can stretch. You have the entire UK road network at your disposal (although mileage limits apply - obviously) and you get to do what you want (within reason!) be it posing down the high street or enjoying the scenic route of a country lane. 

How did the recession affect such a luxury business?

The recession can not be seen in a good light no matter who you are or however many millions you have in the bank. The fact Supercar Experience still exists after 4 years of nationwide financial turmoil is testimony to the business structure Nik has developed. Obviously it had an impact, insurance got more expensive, less clients were partaking of a Porsche for the week and finance companies more or less shut their doors for the period, but the worst of it is over now and that's why Nik has more plans afoot. 

Oh, so what is next?

Understandably, as a shrewd businessman Nik wasn't willing to turn over all the details for where he wants his business to go in the next few years - but he did admit there are plans. With the attitude of wanting to be the best in everything he does we can see what he's got planned; expect more cars and a lot more media presence. 

A demonstration of that willingness to get out into the media is us being let inside the inner-workings of this company. Being allowed access to their idyllic HQ buried away deep in Hertfordshire only a very select few people ever actually get to see what we did and we will forever be grateful to Nik for giving us such privileged access. 

It's really good to see someone who has a genuine passion for exotic motors in charge of the UKs most prominent hire company, take it from us with Nik's attitude; Supercar Experiences is only set to get bigger and better. 

If you are interested in making a dream come true by hiring a supercar, head over to www.supercarexperiences.com and Nik will make it happen for you! 

Full Photoset: (click for full size) 

Words: Andy Pilcher           Images: Andy Pilcher

Are you the next Schumacher?

The world of professional motor racing can at times seem reserved totally for the professional elite and seriously wealthy. Not any more though!

Industry legends iZone are usually responsible for training up aspiring and promising teens for a potential future life behind a racing steering wheel. For the first time ever though, they are opening their doors and letting joe-public in. 

They have launched 'gift experiences' that entitle you (or someone whom you love very much) to get a sneak peak at exactly what it is like to be a young racing trainee, as well as a chance to demonstrate their racing abilities. We think this unique gift experience is a real treat, not only do you or your loved one have an awesome day and get to spend time behind generally closed doors, but if there is actual talent on show - those who have the option of honing and refining said talent are the hosts! Think of it as an audition where even if you fail you've had a blast!

Prices start at £149 inc vat, visit www.izonegiftexperiences.com for more information. 

Words: Andy Pilcher                   Images: iZone

Lexus Turn To DeviantART For Inspiration

Lexus are not really known for outlandish designs and racey looking production cars, bar perhaps the legendary LFA. 

So it might come as a surprise that Lexus themselves have turned to DeviantART - the worlds largest group of digital modifiers and artists - to give the new IS model a touch of aggression. Obviously there's no saying that Lexus will take what the artists give them and produce an insane range of IS models with carbon bonnets and F1 inspired rear wings (unfortunately) but we can still drool at some of the images from DeviantART and long for the day the luxury saloon looks that bad-ass!

Words: Andy Pilcher             Images: Lexus/DeviantART

Motorway Fuel Price Comparison Scheme Given The Go Ahead

The Ministry Of Justice recently released a few measures they wished to implement to "target the rising cost of living" that had a direct affect on our motoring lives. 

For once though us motorists are getting a helping hand, we are so used to the costs associated with motoring rising that this really was quite a surprise to us! So what are they planning then? 

Well the key talking point was their plan to install signs along motorways informing drivers of the fuel prices at the next few service stations. What good will that do? We hear you scream, well, the government hasn't the power to implement a maximum price the fuel companies can charge you at the pump, however they hope the new signs will make rival companies lower their own prices in order to compete on the motorways. This is actually a well thought out plan and as good as we are likely to get from the government for the time being. 

So thought out was the plan that it has already been given the go ahead! We don't know exactly when we will be seeing the first signs installed but we welcome anything that convinces the fuel giants to drop their prices down, especially as the average extra cost per litre on the motorway compared to in town is 7p! That can steal an extra fiver from your wallet to fill your tank, which if you are a regular motorway commuter/user can add up at a scary rate! 

Other planned initiatives include implementing a maximum cost of an MOT, more on that later. 

Toyota Show-off at SEMA

SEMA is the worlds largest gathering for the aftermarket and customisation businesses, based in the ever-showy Las Vegas. 

Toyota are stealing the show with some one off custom versions of their new GT86 (alongside daughter company SCION). 

Looking at shots of some of the beasts they came out with we can understand why the motoring world is abuzz with it!

Words: Andy Pilcher         Images: Toyota

Colburn & Giddings Representing Britain at Clio Cup Final

Renault Clio Cup race winner James Colburn and fellow racer Jake Giddings are off to the infamous Aragon circuit in Spain this coming weekend during the one-off winner takes all Clio Cup finals. 

Colburn alongside Giddings will be flying the flag for Britain competing against some of the worlds best Clio Cup drivers. The prize is worth fighting for too, a shiny brand new fourth generation Clio Cup racer; packing a 220hp turbo engine, for use in the 2014 series. 

"I've never seen the circuit, never been to the circuit, and I'm sure there will be a lot of Spanish drivers taking part who will have an advantage with track knowledge", he said, "Hopefully me and Jake [Giddings] can go out there, though, and prove the Renault UK Clio Cup is the best of the national Clio Cup championships.

Colburn seems confident, so lets hope he can pull it off and bag the UK some more pride, and of course bring that wild Clio back. 

Follow the action over at https://www.facebook.com/UKClioCup

Words: Andy Pilcher            Images: Jakob Ebrey Photography