Written On September 30, 2011 – 5:37 pm
by Carl
To begin this article, we feel it is only right to discuss the movie franchise first and then the cars.
When a low-budget Australian movie called Mad Max starring a then unknown actor – Mel Gibson, was released in 1979, it flopped on the big screen. It was only until the advent of video did it realise its full potential and go on to be a big hit spawning 2 more sequels, the last one starring Tina Turner.
Now for the cars. For those of you who have seen the first two films, the undeniable star of those films was Mel’s police car, which was a modified Ford Falcon XBGT installed with ‘the last of the V8 interceptors’ (see picture below).
Now however, with the franchise in the final stages of producing the fourth film, and with the stage set to be in a futuristic environment, Ford were once again asked to come up with a concept idea which would bring one of Hollywood’s most iconic cars, upto date (see picture below).
Little details are known about this new concept car except that it has a Batman style rocket thruster on the back and it also has a taser like electric feature on the front.
Either way, it remains to be seen if this new concept will have as much impact on the Hollywood A-List of cars like its predecessor did or whether it will be laid to rest, much like all the other cars and motorcycles which Mad Max destroyed in the movies.
P.S: If you would like to see the unveiling of the new Mad Max concept car at the recent Melbourne Motor Show, click the link below.
Ford Mad Max concept car at the Melbourne Motor Show 2011
Written On September 22, 2011 – 10:33 pm
by Carl
Back in 2003, Ducati decided to take a new direction from their superbike heritage to create a sport-touring motorbike which would combine high speed with a relaxing ride. The Multistrada 1000 was born.
Since then, the Multistrada 1000 has cemented itself into the hearts of motorcycle enthusiasts everywhere. However, does it still claim the number one spot in its class?
No-one can doubt its cool styling and performance but the small fuel tank seemed to be holding back its true potential.
Since the initial launch of the Multistrada 1000, Ducati have since released its predecessor, the 1200 version which seemed to address the small problems its older brother was expereincing but as the 1000 version was what originally broke the mould, does it still rank high in its class now that its Japanese rivals have also released similar models.
All we can say is that Ducati didn’t let themselves down when they released this beast all those years ago and it seems that it will take another gamble by one of its competitors before the Multistrada is laid to rest for good.
Written On September 20, 2011 – 11:06 pm
by Carl
Brooklands, the auctioneer of classic cars and motorcycles have announced they are due to auction a rare classic 1965 Ducati 350SC.
This beautiful creation was originally produced to conquer the Barcelona endurance races back in the 1960′s.
As you can see from the picture below, it still has all the hallmarks of what makes Ducati one of the most prestige superbike manufacturers in the world
This particular bike was re-built by legendary Ducati engineer Anthony Ainslie using new factory parts. The bike remains one of the most desirable Ducati’s on the planet.
The bike is expected to fetch in the region of £27,500 – £32,500 when it goes on sale at Brooklands on 22nd October
Either way, whoever snaps it up, they will be buying a slice of motorcycle history.
Written On September 20, 2011 – 10:08 pm
by Carl
When you mention the car manufacturer ‘Infiniti’ to people, you could be forgiven if people give you blank looks back.
However, Guinness World Records have confirmed that this relatively unknown manufacturer have recently took the record for the fastest production hybrid car in the world.
The Infiniti M35h (which looks like a cross between a Lexus and a Jaguar) recorded a standing quarter mile (400m) in 13.9031 seconds.
Its official 0-62mph sprint time is 5.5 seconds which is the fastest hybrid listed in the UK – yet it emits just 162g/km of CO2 and averages fuel consumption of 40.4mpg.
The M35h has just been launched in the UK and there is no better publicity when a car that has just been launched, breaks a world record.
Written On September 20, 2011 – 9:57 pm
by Carl
In 2008/09, approximately 70,000 people passed their motorcycle tests but in 2009/10 only 26,000 people passed. Why?
Well it seems it all started when the new two-part test was introduced making it alot more difficult for people to past their tests and also playing a significant part in the decline of motorcycle sales in the UK.
Also, it has been pointed out that test centres are too far away and there seems to be a lack of qualified instructors and examiners available.
Karen Cole, Director of Safety for the Motorcycle Industry Association said that tests usually start at 8.30am at a lot of the test centres which meant it was hard for people to get to their test centre, especially in poor weather conditions.
It looks like interest in forcing the Government to do something about it is picking up, as motorcycle sales have declined 20% year on year and are now at rock bottom levels.
It will be interesting to see what the big manufacturers have to say about all this.
Written On September 20, 2011 – 9:45 pm
by Carl
It looks like Jensen have decided to take a leaf out of Jaguar’s book when they decided they will be re-launching their most famous model, the E-Type (as reported on our blog).
It has been confirmed that Jensen are too looking to re-launch their most iconic model – the Interceptor and it is due to hit showrooms in 2014.
Last produced back in 1976, the Interceptor was the star of all the British police television shows of the time.
The 21st century model is due to be built in Britain in the old famous Coventry plant under new owners CPP.
Brendan O’Toole, founder and co-owner of CPP had this to say:
‘I started my career by restoring bodies and components for classic British sports cars, so for CPP to take the lead role in reviving this iconic brand is very exciting for the business, and for me personally. The Jensen design team has respected and honoured the great heritage and attributes of the original Interceptor, while injecting a contemporary edge and advanced technologies that will ensure it appeals to the passionate, discerning motoring enthusiast of today.’
So it looks like the Interceptor has been raised from the dead and is back in good hands. No prices have been confirmed but with a name like ‘Interceptor’ it will surely gain some attention.
Written On September 20, 2011 – 9:30 pm
by Carl
Its has been recently announced that Volkswagen are intending to launch a joint-venture with the market leader in outdoor equipment and clothing – Berghaus, to spruce up its iconic camper van range and provide the ultimate machine for budding outdoor enthusiasts.
So far, only 80 have been designated for the UK market however it looks like that number will increase if the demand is right.
This new super-camper van will include a special rucksack, a pair of sleeping bags, gloves, hats, mugs, water bottle, flask and more, all from the experts at Berghaus.
The camper van will run on Valkswagen’s super-sturdy 2.0 litre diesel engine which will mean it is sure to get to those awkward places where outdoor enthusiasts like.
In a nutshell, it remains to be seen if there is sufficient demand however there is no more excuses if all-terrain outdoor pursuits are your thing.
Written On September 15, 2011 – 4:03 pm
by Carl
Ducati have confirmed that they are due to launch a new edition of its streetfighter series, the 848.
As you can see from the picture below, it sure to strike a chord with Ducati’s legions of loyal fans around the world.
Although its not a superbike, it doesn’t claim to be one either. When the original version hit the Milan Motorshow back in 2008, it won the ‘most beautiful bike’ award and we wouldn’t be suprised if it did the same this year.
A statement by Ducati read:
“Combining a new and brilliantly engineered 848 Testastretta 11° engine with the enhanced geometry of a chassis that provides confidence-inspiring agility, the Streetfighter 848 has enriched its user-friendliness with a smooth and flexible power delivery, revised ergonomics and Ducati Traction Control.”
One thing is for sure, its rivals will have some work to do if they are to keep up.
Written On September 15, 2011 – 3:47 pm
by Carl
When Jaguar launched the very first E-Type’s back in the 60′s, it prompted Enzo Ferrari to claim that it was “the most beautiful car ever made”.
Now however, at the recent Frankfurt Motorshow, Jaguar gave viewers a glimpse at what it thinks its most iconic model will look like in the 21st century.
The last E-Type to roll off Jaguar’s production line was way back in 1975 and the model has since become a firm favourite of classic car collectors across the globe. It was also a symbol of 1960′s style and it seems this has not been forgotten by the current crop of designers at Jaguar.
Judging from the picture above, one can assume that the main purpose of this new car is to compete with its German rivals.
However, one thing which hasn’t been lost over the years is that cool, British styling which made the original stand head and shoulders above its competition all those years ago.
But don’t for one minute think its all beauty and no brains, this new version comes with a supercharged V6 engine backed up by electrical motors which was seen earlier in the year on Jaguar’s new supercar, the C-X75 (also reviewed on our blog).
On the whole, it remains to be seen if this car actually goes into production but one thing is for sure, if it does go into production, its German rivals will be keeping a close eye on it.
Written On September 14, 2011 – 11:37 pm
by Carl
After weeks of activity, false information and leaked pictures, we can now confirm that Yamaha have officially unveiled their 2012 edition of their flagship superbike, the R1.
Over the last few weeks, the internet superbike community has been buzzing with activity, eagerly discussing the supposed new features and design of the 2012 version of the legendary superbike. However, after initial photos were leaked and confirmation of new features repelled by Yamaha, it seemed as though everyone was back in the dark for some time.
Now though, Yamaha have decided to lay everyones mind to rest by releasing official photos and technical information.
As we can see from the picture above, it seems not much has changed when it comes to design however Yamaha have decided to include some of the technology from their championship winning MotoGP team.
The 2012 R1 now comes with a new seven-level traction control system. It has also had the ECU updated so it should have better acceleration and control at low speed.
Either way, it promises to satisfy every superbike owner and enthusiast across the globe
