Topgear News
Posted on January 31, 2006 @ 3:55 pm [Comments (0)]
Anonymity is not an option for SsangYong drivers. The wild styling of the Korean company’s newest models leaves onlookers staring open-mouthed - and the new Kyron 4×4 is no exception.
Due here in February, it’s heralded as the most important car the firm will produce this decade. With two and four-wheel-drive versions available, it’s pitched as a genuine off-roader and priced to rival the Nissan X-Trail and Toyota RAV4.
As with the rest of the SsangYong range, the Kyron makes an immediate impression. Not only is the five-seater big, but it’s also distinctive. Designed by a Brit, Ken Greenley, it’s simply unique, although the rear is undeniably bulky and the bodywork top-heavy. Darker metallic colours suit the car best, disguising the challenging proportions.
Posted on January 30, 2006 @ 5:43 pm [Comments (0)]
Schumacher has won seven F1 titles and Rossi five MotoGP crowns. Ferrari will test MotoGP champion Valentino Rossi alongside Michael Schumacher in Valencia next week.
The five-time MotoGP title-winner has tested three times for the Formula One team but is set to share the track with other drivers for the first time.
Rossi, 26, is under contract with the Yamaha MotoGP team but is tipped for a switch to Formula One in 2007.
The Italian has agreed to test regularly for Ferrari this season to discover if he is up to the task.
Posted on January 26, 2006 @ 5:18 pm [Comments (0)]
The world’s most gruelling race, the Dakar Rally, has been won by Luc Alphand.
Driving a Mitsubishi, the French man claimed victory by more than 18 minutes over South African Giniel De Villiers, who raced a Volkswagen Touareg.
“This is definitely the most exciting Dakar Rally that I have raced in,” said Alphand. “I had good vision being at the front.”
Ninety-three motorcyclists, 67 car crews and 33 truck teams made it to the finish of the 28th Dakar Rally.
Mark Coma won the motorcycle category, while Vladimir Chagin took victory in the trucks.
Posted on January 25, 2006 @ 5:32 pm [Comments (0)]
Rallye Sunseeker sponsor Turbo Dynamics is marking its association with the south coast event by launching a special trophy for competitors using its turbocharger components.
The Turbo Dynamics Rallye Sunseeker Championship Trophy will be for the highest placed finisher using a Turbo Dynamics turbocharger on the rally which is based in Bournemouth on February 24/25.
Whether the turbo be standard or hybrid, this award is open to all competitors and entry forms are available by calling Turbo Dynamics on 01202 487497.
(this article was taken from crash.net)
Posted on January 23, 2006 @ 12:30 pm [Comments (0)]
This one-off, 30 minute film goes behind the scenes at one of the largest motor-sport events in the UK, the British leg of the Renault World Series at Donington Park.
A two-day event that is free for spectators, the ELF Renault Clio Cup is an action packed car-style championship where body panels are readily sacrificed in pursuit of the chequered flag.
The Eurocup Megane Trophy shifts up a gear for top-end touring car action while in the single-seater arena, Formula Renault 2.0 and its big brother Formula Renault 3.5 are the proven breeding grounds for the Formula One stars of the future.
Posted on January 20, 2006 @ 5:10 pm [Comments (0)]
There have been some famous badges in hot hatch history - GTi, SRi and RS to name but three! SEAT doesn’t have such a familiar sporty brand….
There have been some famous badges in hot hatch history - GTi, SRi and RS to name but three! SEAT doesn’t have such a familiar sporty brand, instead planning to steal sales from its rivals with value, performance and fun.
We have already seen FR - Formula Racing - versions of the Ibiza and old-shape Leon, and now the Spanish firm has given the first of its new generation of models the treatment. Auto Express took the wheel of the Altea FR to see if there is room for one more entry in the hot hatch hall of fame.
Posted on January 18, 2006 @ 3:18 pm [Comments (0)]
Don’t like carrots, but don’t want to run down and kill pedestrians on dark winter nights, either? Honda boffins, in white coats, of course, may have the answer with their revolutionary night vision system. Here’s the science, baby…
4 Step explanation of world first initiative – Intelligent Night Vision:
1. Two bonnet mounted cameras view heat emitting objects up to 80m ahead
2. Night vision “identifies” whether object is a pedestrian or not
3. Calculates possibility of collision based on directional movement
4. Warns driver if there is a risk
