Ken Block Spotted Drifting 4 Wheel Drive Ford Mustang for Gymkhana 7

Ken Block Spotted Drifting 4 Wheel Drive Ford Mustang for Gymkhana 7

Ken Block Takes the RaptorTRAX out in Heavy Snow for a Spin

Ken Block (Hoonigan Racing) takes the RaptorTRAX for a spin at Baldface Lodge in Nelson, with a couple of snowboarders for company. Take a look below.

Source: Monster Energy

Ken Block Takes the RaptorTRAX out in Heavy Snow for a Spin

Lamborghini's new Hybrid Concept - The Asterion!

Lambo’s Hyper-Hybrid

Lamborghini have unveiled its new Asterion LPI 910-4, a hybid-powered GT at the Paris Motor show. The Asterion has a 5.2-litre, naturally aspirated V10 petrol engine working in tandem with three electric motors, giving a maximum power of 910bhp. It’s referred to as a plug-in hybrid technology demonstrator, to investigate significantly reducing CO2 emissions through technologies that are currently available. It goes to show that along with it’s hyper-hybrid counterparts such as the McLaren P1 and the LaFerrari, petrol and electric really can mix!  Lamborghini quotes 0-62mph in 3.0sec and a top speed of 198.8mph reaching 78mph in pure electric mode alone.

The car is also claimed to able to travel up to 31 miles on battery power alone. The CO2 emissions are just 98g/km and it is claimed to be capable of 68.5mpg Conceived and developed entirely in-house, the Asterion LPI 910-4 is named after a bull like all Lamborghinis. Asterion is the proper name of the mythical minotaur, a hybrid figure that’s part man and part bull, representing “the strength of a bull delivered by the naturally aspirated engine, combined with the human rationale delivered by the hybrid technology”. Like its sister cars, it is also crafted entirely from carbon-fibre.

Raging Bull

Although the long bonnet hints at a front-mounted engine, the LPI 910-4 has its 5.2-litre V10 positioned longitudinally in the rear as a mid-engine, like the Aventador and Huracan. The LP in the name stands for “longitudinale posteriore”, the position of the conventional engine, I stands for “ibrido” (hybrid), 910 for the total power and 4 for the permanent 4WD system. The V10 develops 610bhp, with the three electric motors providing a further 300bhp. The weight of the hybrid technology is 250kg.

Designed by Lamborghini Centro Stile, the Asterion is unmistakeably a Lamborghini while different from the existing, low-slung – and more extreme – Huracan and Aventador. The styling is also reminiscent of the past with a hint of Miura. The front is produced as a single component, giving a dynamic look, its headlights crafted from forged carbon and titanium. It also contains a luggage compartment. A transparent engine cover comprise three hexagonal glasses that turn according to the engine driving mode: pure electric, hybrid power or pure thermal engine power.

Inside, the two seats are positioned higher than those in existing Lamborghinis, ensuring a car for comfortable everyday cruising rather than extreme performance. The interior of the show car is finished in ivory and brown leather, with smatterings of aluminium and forged carbon-fibre. Its steering wheel is reminiscent of the Miura supercar’s of the Sixties, and contains some titanium parts as well as the three buttons to select the driving mode: Zero for zero emissions/full electric; I for Ibrido (hybrid); and T for Termico (thermal) power. A portable tablet allows the car’s occupants to manage climate control and other functions including GPS and in-car infotainment. We can’t wait to see more of this unbelievable machine over the coming months.

Lamborghini's new Hybrid Concept - The Asterion!

2014 Paris Motor Show in pictures

Well it’s been another amazing Motor Show in Paris with a lot of great launches. Here is a quick summary of some of the best motors to keep an eye on over the coming months. Which ones are you looking forward to seeing in the flesh? Leave a comment below…

Images: Steve Walker

2014 Paris Motor Show in pictures

Vettel in for Alonso at Ferrari

Four time world champion Sebastian Vettel is set to leave Red Bull for Ferrari with Alonso rumoured to be heading to McLaren. The shake up has surfaced ahead of today’s Japanese GP with the 27 yer old Vettel announcing it to his team on the eve of qualifying.

Team principal Christian Horner said Ferrari had made Vettel “a very attractive offer.” Alonso, 33, still had two more years to run on his contract but he and Ferrari have agreed to separate. Horner also revealed that Vettel only told him of his decision to leave on Friday night – in the middle of the Japanese Grand Prix weekend – hours before the official announcement was made.

Vettel will be replaced at Red Bull by Russian Toro Rosso driver Daniil Kvyat. Neither Vettel’s move to Ferrari nor Alonso’s switch to McLaren have yet been officially announced, but both are expected to be in the coming days.

Vettel in for Alonso at Ferrari

Honda Civic Type R to debut in Paris

Blue Beast

Honda have been teasing us again, this time with a concept of it’s upcoming Civic Type ‘R’ “The most extreme and high performance Type R in the 22 year history of the red ‘H’ badge”. Honda has confirmed that it’s future model will house a 2.0litre petrol engine producing a whopping 276bhp.

Type Rarrr!

The new Type R will be turbocharged and will have a very special R+ button – if you dare – to unleash the full force of the R’s wrath! Four stage active dampening, a re-worked front suspension and a six speed gearbox should help you point the car in the direction you won’t to go and go in it! Though all that power being charged through the front wheels may be a tough challenge. More details about Honda’s madman will be release at the upcoming Paris Motoroshow.

Honda Civic Type R to debut in Paris

Bitesize Review - Mazda3 2.0 165ps Sport Nav

How does it drive?

Setting off in the 165bhp petrol Mazda, I was hoping for an engaging and thrilling drive, and that is exactly what the Mazda delivers. With 0-60mph in 8.2 seconds, and a top speed of 130mph this car doesn’t hang around. Besides all the power, the six speed gearbox feels strong and very flush when firing through the gears, and the brakes are well balanced and highly effective.

One of the real highlights of the driving experience is the steering feedback. As soon as I pulled off in the car I felt connected with the road, and fully engaged in driving the car. The feel through the steering wheel is as if you are driving a light and agile car. The more you explore the cornering ability of the Mazda3, the more you feel encouraged to push the car a little faster, and corner a little harder. The car has an endearing sensation which means you just want to keep driving and driving, knowing you won’t ever get bored.

I was not expecting the driving experience to be anywhere near as engaging as the Mazda was. It is very impressive how a car with so much usable and practical space can provide such an agile and playful driving experience. Mazda have done a fine job tuning the Mazda3 to its optimal performing state.

The Experience

The overall experience of owning a Mazda3 Sport Nav is surreal. You get a great looking modern hatchback that is jam-packed with technology both for safety, comfort, and engine performance, 5 door practicalities, a brilliantly layed out interior, and most importantly you get a driving experience that would thrill anyone with a pulse.

Verdict

It’s not often you come across a car that is very practical, very exciting, and very affordable, but the latest 6^th generation SKYACTIV Mazda3 Sport Nav has put the Mazda3 right at the top of its game in this category.

Video Highlights

Specification

Mazda3 2.0 165ps Sport Nav

• Price: £21,620


• Engine: 2.0-Litre naturally aspired


• Power: 165bhp


• Torque: 210Nm


• Transmission: 6 Speed Manual


• 0-62mph: 8.2 Seconds


• Top speed: 130mph


• Weight: 1,368kg


• Economy combined: 48.71mpg


• CO2: 135g/km

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Bitesize Review - Mazda3 2.0 165ps Sport Nav