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ISSUE SEVE
AY D E E R F A WIN SCHOOL AT DRIFT
S R A E G D N A T A E W S MUD,
Road does “Killer Kielder” in a 280bhp 911 S, 4x4 Isuzu Rodeo & Daihatsu Terios // SUVs tested... on track! // Nissan’s navara goes green laning // 7 days with classic audi quattro // Tim schrick’s nbr 24hr project // STi Vs WRX S Imprezas
Welcome to the first ROAD issue of 2009: Still 100% FREE, now and forever. So, spread the word far and wide. The theme of this issue is ‘Mud, sweat and gears’ – as we take to some of the UK’s most remote, harsh and inaccessible places in a variety of weapons designed to make light work of such a tough task. For someone who usually gets his kicks from going full
tilt, usually on circuit, I must confess to recently re-kindling an old interest in off-roading. Undeniably, such activities (and there are many to get into, from beginner ‘off-road’ courses in safe, accessible venues, to properly wild ‘green laneing’ experiences, getting away from it all) are just as much of a challenge to man and machine as extracting maximum chat is, on a great race circuit, or a
tarmac rally stage. The main attraction is unearthing our pioneering spirit... something we always promote here at ROAD, encouraging road trips with a difference... getting off the beaten track, in a vehicle designed to make light work of the mission, and create smiles all round – like our road trips this month did for us. Go wild folks! It’s great! The ROAD team
ISSUE 7 contents
Click to go straight to the article
6 KILLER KIELDER Phil takes a rough-tough Isuzu Rodeo Denver and fun Daihatsu Terios 4x4 into “Killer Kielder” – with a 1969 280 bhp 911 S rally car for company
24 IMPREZZED? Our Tim tests the 252 bhp fivespeed WRX S limited edition Impreza against its big brother, 300 bhp, six-speed-DCCDequipped Type UK STi
30 GO QUATTRO Phil drives one of his childhood heroes, the Audi Quattro 20V Turbo. Tissues at the ready folks: This could get emotional.
28 SHRICK EXCLUSIVE Tim Schrick, raceace & D-MAX TV presenter, gives ROAD an exclusive intro to his NBR 24hr Aston Martin uber-project
12 SUV’s ON TRACK Is a decent SUV any good on a track day?
38 `SCOTTISH SEAT Tim takes Seat’s Altera FR XL range-topping, 180 bhp diesel on a fast and frugal mission to the Scottish highlands
22 REALLY RALLY Castle Combe’s homage to all things muddy and quick-assick on the rough stuff. Grrrrrr!
34 NAVARA NIRVANA Tim takes a Nissan Navara off-piste, hunting some serious green lane action
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WILD PEN OF THE NORTH PHIL ROYLE FLAT CAP SNAPS NEIL DENHAM
SNOW BUSINESS THE FRANKLY UNSTOPPABLE ISUZU RODEO DENVER DOUBLE CAB & FEISTY LITTLE daihatsu TERIOS – TWO FABULOUSLY FRUGAL, FUN ONAND OFF-ROAD 4X4S – OFFER beefy BACK-UP IN “KILLER KIElDER” FOREST... FOR A 280BHP HISTORIC 911 RALY CAR star, IN “THE SNOW”
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he whole of London is at a standstill. Trains are not running, and roads across the UK – including two we need to go on, the A66 and A69 transPennine passes – are shut. Yes, it’s snowing in England. So, I’m bloody glad I booked two well capable, off-road mileage munchers for this weekend’s ROAD trip... back to my old stomping ground as
a rally-obsessed yuff, beyond Cumbria, into the Border Country of Northumberland. And it’s a double pilgrimage mission, as ROAD stella snapper, Neil Denham, was born and raised in these remote hills – in the shadow of Kielder Forest’s 170 million trees; England’s largest manmade forest and including largest man-made lake, too, Kielder Water. B-I-G place.
Either side of Hadrian’s Wall, Kielder Forest is a much under-rated, stunning part of the world, especially in the winter sunshine and with a foot of snow to play with. Enter three ‘go anywhere’ playthings; Isuzu’s bionic and brilliant Rodeo Denver Double cab, Daihatsu’s funky 4x4 Terios and a stripped and caged animal of a 280bhp 911 historic rally car. Bring it on!
1969 911 3-litre
ROAD friend, Sean Lockyear, did not take much encouraging when I told him the Forestry Commission (keen rally supporters that they are!) were allowing ROAD access to one of the most daunting stages in World Rallying – the 36.61-miles of ‘Pundershaw’ in “killer Kielder...” the place of many a rally legend’s demise and site of numerous heanous shunts into the icy ditches. Not that such incidental facts would stop Sean and his 280bhp, XS Racing-prepped rally slag getting deeply sideways, as usual though. That’s the spirit dear boy!
bottom RIGHT: Feisty 103bhp 1.5-litre 16V revs its little heart out and, with diff lock on, is darn good off-road too. Gr8 character Top RIGHT: Rodeo defines practicality, with classleading reliability & economy too. It really Rocks offroad & is fab on-road also BOTTOM left: Snapper Neil winds the terios up to full chat on his local rollercoaster of a road, running alongside hadrian’s wall
Tucked away with a few pints of Black Sheep in the excellent Battlesteads pub in Wark, with the BBC predicting Armageddon in the form of snowfall, and about to take on one of the fiercest rally stages in the world, I was bloody glad to be driving the rough, tough and capable Rodeo. It ate up the snow, 100% safely and with big fun, without even having to use the low ratio diffs. But, I had to play with that, too, going deeper and deeper into Somme-like mud-fields in soaked Norfolk later in the week, and it was unstoppable Even my local farmer raved about it, and he is not prone to
raving. And with its new variable vane turbo diesel 2.5-litre commonrail (with optional Prodrive performance pack) providing instant grunt, it was cracking on its 800-mile round trip too, even doing 32mpg! And drifting its tail about in RWD mode always created a smile. Bloody bargain, too, starting at £9,999! Off-roading tow car anyone? Yes please! The tiny Terios surprised us all too, ploughing through the snow with aplomb, baby engine rorting away. But Kielder was designed to rally in, and there was no denying the star of the show... Sean’s trusty 911, broadside.
Thanks… Jonathan Farries and all at Forestry Commission Media www.visitkielder.co.uk Sean Lockyear for his 911 www.seanlockyear.co.uk Trina & Kate at IM Group www.isuzu.co.uk or www.daihatsu.co.uk
> 2009 RMA Calendar Tue 21st April 2009
Snetterton
Tue 25th August 2009
Mallory Park
Mon 4th May 2009
RAF Odiham
Sun 6th September 2009
RAF Odiham
Tue 19th May 2009
Brands Hatch GP
Wed 9th September 2009
Silverstone GP
Wed 3rd June 2009
Rockingham
Tue 29th September 2009
Brands Hatch GP
Wed 1st July 2009
Oulton Park
Mon 19th October 2009
Spa Francorchamps
Mon 13th July 2009 (2 days) Spa Francorchamps
Mon 19th October 2009 (2 days) Spa Francorchamps
Mon 13th July 2009
Spa Francorchamps
Tue 20th October 2009
Spa Francorchamps
Tue 14th July 2009
Spa Francorchamps
Sun 8th November 2009
RAF Odiham
Tue 4th August 2009
Silverstone GP
Sunday 26th July 2009
RAF Odiham: Trackday Extravaganza – Includes lunch and static displays ++
For further information on the RMA Circuit Club please contact us: tel: +44 (0)845 260 4545 email: enquiries@rmatrackdays.com web: www.rmatrackdays.com
e t u r B ce For
TORQUE PHIL ROYLE SNAPS NEIL DENHAM
cle – SUV –have a Does the premier Sports Utility Vehi VW’s barn-storming place on track? ROAD finds out, withition, R50 Touareg V10 and £61, 121 special ed
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he SUV is a C21st invention: Providing us with the ability to barge traffic out of the way on the motorway, take a ramble down a green lane, and demolish folk off the lights, in a surreal, physics-defying mass metal movement. But how far does the ‘Sports’ part of the SUV title extend? Can it cope with a trackday? And is it worth the effort and cost to those massive tyres? Only one way to find out... at Snetterton, with www.opentrack.co.uk VW’s Touareg is at the very top of the SUV tree, especially in R50 special edition form, where the monstrous five-litre V10 diesel
knocks out 350PS and 590lb ft torque (313PS and 553lb ft V10 normal) – enough to propel its substantial mass to 60mph in just 6.7sec and on to 146mph. And I have no reason not to believe these eye-watering figures. Here at Snetts, the beast V10 thundered to over 130mph on Revvett Straight, effortlessly, on its endless tidal wave of torque. It left 350bhp Imprezas for dead! And, even in the wet, it gripped really well, with its electronically-locked diff equipped permanent 4-Motion all-wheel-drive, making full use of its 255/55x18 (295/35x21 on R50!) rubber contact patches. Impressive.
Naturally, the V10’s biggest problem was stopping, which it managed brilliantly, and miraculously fade-free, but certainly did not like. And all the ground the SUV made up down the straights and through the bends, it lost again on the brakes. That’s physics. In the final analysis, an SUV – even one as accomplished, well-engineered and well-
built as the V10 and R50 Touareg – may be quite quick on track, but is ultimately a surreal, detached, unnatural experience. Enjoyable for a few hilarious laps, then just weird. But as the ultimate track day tow car, suddenly the Touareg makes perfect sense, Quick, practical, blessed with beatuiful interior and with enough grunt to tow 10 cars!
Thanks… Phil & Dave at www.opentrack.co.uk Nicki and the team at VW www.Volkswagen.co.uk
ROAD runs another happy track day – with opentrack.co.uk at sunny snetterton
TOP MIDdLE: Opentrack Dave’s old TVR-V8 MG BGT sees off the competition RIGHT: Saab tuners, abbott racing bought this 200K 9-5 Aero dirt cheap, modified it and came for their Christmas party... good lads! BOTTOM leFT: Big Power.co.uk Stu talks track tactics over a mince pie and mulled wine... alcohol-free, naturally: All part of the opentrack experience
Who says you can’t run a trackday in December? Not us here at ROAD, or Phil and Dave at Opentrack.co.uk either! For us hardcore track addicts, track days are 24:7:365. As usual, there was brilliant sunshine, a cracking turnout and a relaxed, happy atmosphere in the paddock. And, out on track, there was plenty to amuse (GT3,
997 Turbo, GT3 RS, M3 CSL, Caterhams), bemuse (bargain Citroen Volcane 16V, Dave’s old MG and the Abbott Racing spannermen) and entertain. The track was damp first thing – leading to a few spinners, and a Golf GTi ‘off’ at the Bombhole – but it soon dried out, providing a full bore day’s lapping in the seasonal sunshine at Snetts. Nice.
Thanks… Phil & Dave at www.opentrack.co.uk Nicki and the team at VW www.Volkswagen.co.uk
‘
Road reports
What’s happening on our roads
VIP MONACO YACHT
370Z sensibly priced
The Monaco GP, ever been? If you haven’t then you seriously need to tick this cheeky little event off your list of things to do before you die. Not only that but you need to ‘do Monaco’ properly. That means on a yacht! Experience one of the most celebrated luxury events in the world with an unparalleled level of style and access thanks to My Yacht Monaco GP. Giving you access to one of the world’s most desirable luxury yachts moored in the Monaco harbor during the Monaco GP events and race. Options include: Lunches, dinners, parties and the awesome Friday night ‘kick off’ party. Private and Corporate Hospitality packages are available.
Here at Road we’re big fans of Nissan Z cars, so we’re chuffed to see that the new – and undoubtedly gorgeous – 370Z is as affordable as ever. And even better than ever. The entry-level car is just £26,895 and comes with a great spec, including 18inch alloys and xenon headlamps. At the top of the range is the £31,895 GT Ultimate with suede leather, sat-nav, 19-inch wheels and a host of other goodies. All models are powered by a 3.7-litre (hence 370Z, gettit) engine that churns out a healthy 331PS and 366Nm of torque. The new car has a shorter wheelbase than the old 350Z and is 32kg lighter, thanks to the use of high-tech materials. All in all, then, a great package. www.nissan370z.co.uk
go sign up now, and see you there! http://myyachtmonacogp.com
Ford Focus RS Legend returns
Aston Martin Vantage V12
Hurrah, the legendary RS badge has returned to Ford after a break of six years. The new Focus RS looks stonking, but it’s not just a poser wagon. It’s claimed to be the fastest FWD European Ford ever. That’s thanks to a Duratec 2.5-litre, turbocharged engine that produces no less than 300bhp with 440Nm of torque. And don’t think the RS is simply a rebadged ST – it’s not. The ST lives on, but Ford says that it combines performance with refinement, whereas the RS is a rawer and more powerful beast, in the great RS tradition. Just to make you feel old, the Focus has been with us 10 years now, and the RS badge 40 years. www.ford.com
If the standard V8 Vantage doesn’t do it for you, then fear not – a V12 version is now available. Said to be Aston’s most powerful production sports car ever, the Vantage V12 has a 6.0-litre engine that pumps out 510bhp and 570Nm of torque. Performance is 0-62mph in just 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 190mph. With figures like that, this could just be our ultimate road-trip car. You have to ask yourself – who’d want a Vanquish? Oh, and if you want one, only around 300 a year are being built, so put your name down quick – assuming people are still buying cars at all.... www.astonmartin.com
AUTOSPORT SHOW
RIGHT: A girl with a Lambo on her cheek... Below: Vauxhall Chevette’s numberplate is worth rather more than the car...
Above left: It really was an engineering show... Above: pro-drive Aston simply stunning Above right: Giz’ us a job... left: Well, hello...right: For those who couldn’t cope with the real thing...
The NEW FREE online MENS magazine Launching March 2009 It is FREE and arrives directly to your email inbox
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ROAD is pleased to announce our new competition giveaway… to win a day spent sideways, in your own car, with expert drift tuition… in conjunction with www.motorsportvision.co.uk, their Club MSV (www. clubmsv.co.uk) and their Drift School at Oulton Park circuit, ner Chester in the northwest of England. MSV’s Alex Baker said: “Going sideways in style is a skill that’s as rewarding as it is exciting to watch. MotorSport Vision’s ‘Introduction to Drifting’ day is designed to teach you the basics of oversteer and powersliding in your own rear-wheeldrive, or four-wheel-drive car. You’ll be ‘steering from the rear’ before you know it… and all in the safety of MSV’s own purpose-built Tarmac rally stages at Oulton Park.
Usually priced at £125, the day represents excellent value for money with instruction included free of charge. And, if you win the competition… it’ll be absolutely FREE, like ROAD magazine itself… perfect in this credit crunch climate, eh? All you will need to bring is your own RWD or 4WD vehicle to go broadside in safety in, on MSV’s bespoke Tarmac rally/drift stages at Oulton. For more information on the detail of the courses visit www.motorsportvision.co.uk/roaddrifting, or call 0870 850 5014.
To enter the competition, simply answer the following ridiculously simple question: How many circuits in the UK does MSV’s Johnathan Palmer own and run? And what are their names? Please send your answer to thegarage@roadmagazine.co.uk The winner will be selected at random, with the date to be arranged with Club MSV directly, after the winner is revealed… Happy drifting! The ROAD Team
Your very own Road trip! Don’t just read about great road trips, join us and other Road readers for a blast down to the French Riviera
Don’t just read about great road trips, join us and other Road readers for a blast down to the French Riviera Road, in conjunction with Driving Adventures, has put together a fantastic driving holiday to give you the opportunity to experience some of Europe’s best roads. Driving Adventures take the stress out of touring, because all the hotels are prebooked and the route pre-planned. All you have to do is turn up in your car and drive!
French Riviera
Monaco / St Tropez / Millau Bridge / two gorge runs / Route Napoleon / Italian tunnel run / Monaco Supercar show with VIP entrance 2nd - 9th april 2009
What’s more, you’ll be with like-minded driving enthusiasts, including staff from Road, so there’ll be time to chat and make new friends. For details, click here
Pre-driven route: everything has been researched and meticulously planned in advance.
navigation always ensuring that you drive at your pace.
Hand-picked hotels: chosen for their character, remote location and facilities.
Two-way radios: to keep the banter going throughout the day and keep in touch with tour staff.
Pre-programmed satellite navigation systems: in each car for the ultimate in stress-free
Support staff: from Driving Adventures and Road on hand throughout the tour.
What you need to know 8 days – including one optional drive/free day 2nd April to Sunday 9th April 2009 High-quality hotels Prices start from £995 per person Limited places – book early
RALLY DAY CASTLE COMBE PHOTOS Neil Denham
T
he 2009 Rallyday takes place at Castle Combe on 19th September and, as ever, looks set to be a day to remember for all rally fans. Road was at last year’s event and the action-packed day included professional driving demos, track sessions, rally rides, parades and a feature rally car stage. Not to mention the chance to see
some of world’s most iconic rally cars up close and in the metal. For 2009, we’re promised a new attraction – Strictly Sideways. Yep, the chance to see some top rally drivers drifting elegantly in front of a panel of judges. Should be fun. Now’s the time to book a ticket – which is remarkably
value at just £10 a head. Also, if you’re a trader or you run a car club, you can then arrange a trade stand. Clubs can also book track time for their members (with a rally-related cars, please) around the great Castle Combe circuit, for a bargain £25 for five laps. Has to be a good deal, eh? www.rallyday.com
Above: Talbot Sunbeams were crap in other ways, but always great Rally cars Top RIGHT: Er, is that a Mustang? RIGHT: A Rally driver earlier Below: What we’d all like to do in an Aston Below right: Now, that’s an engine. bottom Left: Cracking Alpine bottom: Real mini Adventures bottom: HOw many fingers am I holding?
MAN WITH A CRASH HELMET AND A CAMERA TIM HUTTON TRACK ACTION PHOTOS FRESH ORANGE
SUPER SUBARUS WE TAKE SUBARU’S WRX S OFF TO ODIHAM FOR SOME TRACK FUN AND GO WILD IN THE CRAZY-FAST WRX STi ‘TYPE UK’
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he first time I laid eyes on the new-shape ‘Scooby’ I was a bit unsure. But then I was unsure about the Fiat Coupe and Porsche 996 and I really, really love them now. The first of my flat-four treats to arrive is the WRX S. Prodrive has sprinkled its magic dust in the shape of wheels, exhaust and – even better – 390Nm at 3,000rpm. In classic Scooby blue, it
really does look amazing. The 18-inch anthracite wheels really help set the car off and it is already getting a lot of attention in the car park. But that’s not why I have begged for the keys, though: This weekend, Graham at RMA has invited me along to RAF Odiham for an airfield trackday. It’s wet and foggy, but I’m in an AWD Impreza, so there’s not a whole lot to worry about, really. And, after
a few sighting laps, I am soon lapping at the same pace as most and treat myself to a smile as I pass a STI which I’m told was one of Prodrive’s development cars for the STI S. Good times! So the WRX S is quick, but what really stands out about this car is that you can tootle around town, load it up with shopping and then when you need that punch of power... it’s just there waiting for you.
TOP: ON TRACK, WRX S IS A FORMIDABLE FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH LEFT: STI IS A SERIOUSLY BEEFY LOOKING CAR WITH POWER TO MATCH THOSE LOOKS BOTTOM: IT’s all in the detail... STi badge says it’s the real deal. WRX S, the next best thing...
Thanks… Kate at Subaru, for all her help arranging the two cars www.subaru.co.uk Graham at RMA for the access at Odiham www.rma-limited.com Fresh Orange Photography for taking some great action shots www.fresh-orange.co.uk
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ast, but by no means least, the WRX STi Type UK. Now the WRX S was plenty fast enough, but the STI takes it up a notch – Sport Sharp throttle maps and adjustable centre diff mean this is a supercar killer. While I didn’t get to put the STI through its paces on the track, that is definitely where you need to be heading with this car. On the road, it simply chews up Tarmac and spits it
out of its quad exhausts. The STi will steal your licence for a long time, in no time. While driving back from Brighton, I team up behind a TVR Tuscan, Sport Sharp selected and diff set to 80 rear (just because I can). I sit on his tail in second as he waits for a car to pull in. The car changes lane and he drops the hammer. Thing is, that big lairy blue thing still seems to be looming
in his mirror. He does the gentlemanly thing and pulls over, defeated! Turbo-tastic! To recap, both these Imprezas are great on a real road. Maybe they could do with slightly heavier steering, but the feedback is still there. Buy the WRX S if you are an everyday driver who likes his cars fast. And buy the STI if you want supercar-baiting performance and enjoy trackday terrorising. Ace!
T E R C E S P O T
Hr, in May. 4 2 R B N g in maz finally, the a & 00Kg Aston r 2 1 te , n 8 e V s S re P p 0 V , D-MAX T ell, The 3-litre 36 – n io is ROAD friend fibre bodysh v n o a s rb a a h c k a c ri re Tim Sch will featu IRA-tested the M n d o n driving God, d a e r s o a o b rfl r, ly wn race ca closed unde r fo age, to comp g to build his o k in c a im p a s , 8 ic V m e a dy Vantag Aerodyn onsors alrea e p th S . n s o Aston Martin n e o c ti ra la t u reg h in the bes POINT-S, D with SP5 S A O T R IN d O n a top 10 finis P A : e r. ou lud hs urgring 24-H on-board inc c, Pirelli, Sac e te th w t planet: Nürb lo a F k o D 3 lo , d exclusive AVL-Schrick triple-plate d n a rs e has this Worl p . m e a d tim on the floor (4-way matrix g springs, DJ in h s c u a beast...Jaw , ib h E tc ), ra h c d from s carbon clutc nsmission a g tr l in a c Re-engineere ti ra n e e u th q e in best names Motorsport (s port e k o p s e b some of the e osch motors ativ B v , o l) n a ti in n ly re h fe ig eh & dif play) Motec is D r, is e g scene & som n g to lo s A ata ponents, this (ABS ECU, D e carbon, k ö G ry , e rt v o e p u one-off com rs o y oto we will show eels, OBR m d h n w A . le cing. Watch ib m d ra ro re a F : Is inc D , A rt o O p R rs ic journey in Cardiff moto & n o ti step of its ep ti ple s... ption to com is space folk e th c n o c t d c n a je e pro e on n No.1 to rac w o d e k a h s from
Hero
1991: Audi’s 220bhp, 20V quattro marked the end of an era for a star car that started the 4x4 Turbo nutter rally slag for the road movement. ROAD revisits a true special stage road-going hero
MISTY-EYED HACK & SNAPPER PHIL ROYLE
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here are few cars that create a reaction like the Audi quattro did – and still does. It’s a legend. Introduced to the the world, like technology from another planet, in January 1981, the quattro Coupe offered 200bhp from its beefy 2144cc, turbocharged, 20V injection engine... and sounded like no other car before, or since. It also pioneered the rally-
honed technology for the road market – with permanent four-wheel-drive, independent suspension, disc brakes, PAS, alloy rims, a close-ratio-fivespeed gearbox and even an electric dash (and windows!) It was pure innovation, in a time of Thatcherite excess. And we loved it! In October 1987, the quattro Turbo expanded its capacity to 2226cc and used a larger Garrett turbo to gain
20bhp, and had a sunroof (remember them?). Better still, traction was even greater with the addition of a new Torsen centre diferential. And, for its final three years of production, from 1989 to 1991, the Audi quattro gained a catalysed, twin-pipe exhaust system, amplifying its sound. And so, a special stage legend for the masses to enjoy on the road was born. Hero.
Thanks to the Audi Heritage Fleet, kept brilliantly by Norman Gault and his crew, lucky folk like me can step back in time, to see how cult car legends like this drive against their modern counterparts. Bliss... Deep in the heart of Thetford Forest, that classic 20V lump sounds amazing on song, wastegate fluttering offboost, just like the rally cars
(sort of!). And the trail-blazing four-wheel-drive system (with diff lock solid switchgear, pictured) provides almost Evo and Scooby levels of grip. The difference now is in character and feel. Gone is the glacial turbo lag. The 4x4 systems have evolved. But the evocative quattro still has that certian je ne sais quois, making you feel a hero mile on mile.
Thanks‌ Robin Davies at Audi www.audi.co.uk Norman Gault, Audi Heritage www.audi.co.uk
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Our client list includes Subaru Cars, Isuzu Cars, Daihatsu Cars, RMA Track Days, Gumball, Bullrun, Tracktive Solutions PR, Leyton Clarke Racing, Fisher German CS, RICS UK, KW Suspensions, Opentrack.co.uk, and European Porsche tuners. Call Stradale Media now to see what we can do for your company – at highly competitive prices. One call or email, and we can provide all your PR solutions…
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Tim Hutton Email: tim@stradalemedia.com Telephone: +44 (0)7788 177 555 (Goodwood Office)
www.stradalemedia.com
TEMPORARY FARMER TIM HUTTON
ROCK’N’ ROLLER WILL FIVE DAYS WITH NISSAN’S BRILLIANT NAVARA IN THE SUSSEX COUNTRYSIDE BE ENOUGH TO CONVICE OUR TIM THERE’S MORE TO LIFE THAN TARMAC?
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ow, im no green laner. In fact, having lived in London for five years or so, I can safely say that I’m pretty anti all these off-roaders we see on the roads today. But, after a chat with Terry at Nissan recently, he suggested I try out the Navara, probably in the hope it would stop me badgering him for a GTR for a few more days! And so, here is the mighty Navara in the flesh. And, to be fair, it does look pretty cool. First impressions of the drive are also impressive – it tackles the Tarmac with great confidence and the high driving position is really nice during a particularily nasty drive home
down the M23. OK, so maybe there is something in this 4x4 malarky, but what’s it like when you take it au naturel? To find out, I have come down to Goodwood, and most notably, The Trundle hill. Look at any photo of Goodwood and, invariably, you will see the Trundle and Chalkpit Lane in the background. The lane is seriously rutted and steep in places and, when wet, the chalk is incredibly slippy. But the Navara tackles it with ease. And the reward? One of the best views around, in my opinion! The bug has bitten, and I continue down into Charlton to find more off-road fun, just to make sure! A’rockin’ & a’rollin’...
Interior is luxurious in top spec model, with sat nav, heated leather seats (electric of course) and a vast electric sunroof. Get your hands on one and take a few friends out to a country pub for the night then enjoy the cosy drive home...
Thanks‌ Terry Steeden at Nissan www.nissan.co.uk The Hulme family for letting me have a play around in their fields
Jaco Velders
Nurburgring Racing Opportunity www.jacos-paddock.com Ringmeister and ‘flying Dutchman,’ Jaco Velders – with over 10,000-laps experience at the ’Ring – is offering YOU the chance to race at the world’s most incredible racing circuit; Nürburgring Nordschleife… in one of the most exciting racing series in Europe, the VLN “All you have to do is book us at www.jacospaddock.com and we take care of everything” Jaco Velders
ITINERARY Thursday Arrive in Cologne Stay in pre-booked hotel
Jaco’s bespoke racing packages cover everything – from providing, settingup and supporting race-prepped BMWs, ‘Ring training, airport transfers, accommodation, licence and administration, and even showing you where to go for a great meal in the glorious Eifel region. Jaco’s Paddock offers a variety of race cars for rental and bespoke package deals for clientele. We look forward to helping you live the dream… follow in the footsteps of the greats, Bell, Bellof, Manthey, Schmitz… and race on the Nordschleife, while Jaco’s Paddock takes care of everything.
get in touch TODAY – 1-2-1 driver training also on offer call +49(0)163 3376377 email info@jacos-paddock.com NB: A German National A Race Licence is required before you can race in the VLN, which Jaco’s Paddock will arrange. Jaco and his crew also do personal training on the Nordschleife to enhance racecraft and Nordschleife driving skills.
Friday Nürburgring practice, familiarisation with car and circuit training Saturday Qualifying and race plus hospitality for family, friends and sponsors Sunday Return to Cologne
RUN TO THE HILLS DRIVING BY THE SEAT OF HIS PANTS TIM HUTTON
big mileage, scotland, heavy rain and a torquey diesel; it can only be another tim hutton road trip
W
hen I spoke to Seat UK about my plan to head up to Scotland for a few days, they had only one recommendation, the Altea Freetrack 4. This one in particular is the TDI 2.0 sporting the 170bhp engine used throughout the VAG range. You may remember I drove around the UK non-stop back at the end of last year but nothing seems to ever prepare you for getting up at 3am to drive. Needless to say 40 minutes later I’m pulled over in a garage having a coffee and a slap round the face. Ah that’s better. Considering our cruising speed we manage to get to Kendall before we need to fill up with petrol and are well ahead of schedule, we aim for a
lunchtime arrival and beat it by some margin, so we continue up to Glasgow for lunch. If you haven’t been here, go, it’s vibrant and friendly and nothing like everyone makes out. What hasn’t hit me is the fact that we have just cleared some serious mileage in total comfort, not only that but there’s enough cubby holes and nooks to stash all the ‘vital’ road trip bits. Our dusk drive to the cottage is made all the more treacherous thanks to heavy rain causing all the roads to flood, oh and there’s heavy sleet falling. I’m very pleased to be behind the wheel of the Altea, the big windscreen and elevated driving position give you confidence when you need it, and that torque will get you out of trouble fast, too!
off-road while this will take on the odd gravely track, don’t head off to discover a new world. Instead take advantage of the pin-sharp handling and find a great twisty country road to hustle it down. You won’t be disappointed!
TOP: stunning winter colours contrast with the cool track grey altea LEFT: P-ZERO shod alloys set the sporty tone BOTTOM RIGHT: clean interior design style saves reading the manual!
Over the week there seems to be numerous times where eating in the car is the only option. sadly I’m quite a pro at this and can safely say the Altea gets the thumbs up, rear privacy glass means you can get some peace and quiet wherever you are. In seven days of driving around Scotland the zippy Seat hasn’t missed a beat and
with confidence you can make some great progress around some of Scotland’s finest black top without crippling the bank balance, sporty and sensible! With the weather like it is these days, the Altea is a very viable option for those looking for a versatile family car that doesn’t want to stop when the going gets tough.
Thanks… Scott Fisher at Seat UK www.seat.co.uk
Great roads M1 motorway
The UK’s first full motorway is 50 years old this year. Time for a celebration
Tim Marchant, Geograph
I
f you’ve been stuck in traffic on England’s north-south arterial route recently, you may disagree with our ranking it as a great road. But, we reckon it is. The first stretch, from Watford to Rugby, was opened in 1959, and was a wonderful modernist creation and a symbol of Britain’s postwar spirit. It wasn’t officially the UK’s first motorway – the Preston Bypass (now part of the M6) takes that title – but the M1 was the country’s first full-length, urban-to-urban motorway. It also boasted the UK’s first service station – at Watford Gap. With no speed limit and very little traffic to worry
about, you could really let rip as you flew north, passing under architect Owen Williams’ elegant concrete bridges; the new blue signs with their clear typeface, telling you when to exit the utopian highway. The future was here – and it was Tarmac-based. The M1 was extended over the years, and it now stands at 193 miles long. Sadly, though, it’s now no longer the open racetrack it once was – a 70mph speed limit was imposed in the early 1960s after some highly publicised incidents involving drivers winding their E-Types and Cobras up to 150mph. It also carries ten times the amount of traffic that was originally expected,
so congestion is common, meaning you’ll be lucky to manage 70mph much of the time. Various sections of the M1 have been, or are being, widened to four lanes, which means that many of Williams’ classic bridges have been destroyed, and with them much of the romance of a time gone by. The golden age of motorway driving may be lost for ever, but there’s still a sense of excitement in joining the M1 and making the long trip north (or south). Do it during the small hours, when all you have are juggernauts for company, and it can still be a great drive. Try it this year and wish it a very happy birthday.
videos Don’t forget to checkout our ROAD youtube channel
Ford Zakspeed Capri Back when wide and low was the order of the day.
Larry Perkins on top form 3rd to 1st, in the wet, RWD. What a legend.
90’s DTM Ignore the truly shocking music here and just enjoy the pornographic DTM footage.
Henri Toivonen Gone but not forgotten, Henri shows us why the combination of himself and the mighty Lancia S4 was a force to be reckoned with.
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