Lighter,
more powerful Ferrari California with new ‘Handling Speciale’ package...
THE GENEVA MOTOR SHOW will see the official debut of the new version of
the Ferrari California, production of which has already commenced, with a
30kg reduction in weight and an increase in power.
Thanks to new exhaust manifolds and engine mapping, the Ferrari California's
GDI V8 now delivers 490hp (483bhp) with maximum torque of 372lb ft at 5,000rpm.
The torque curve has also been modified and is now higher across the engine's
generous rev range.
And an overall reduction of 30kg in the car's weight has been made without
impinging in any way on its structural rigidity and performance —
this is thanks to the cutting-edge aluminium fabrication techniques and construction
technologies used by the Scaglietti Centre of Excellence in the manufacture
of the Ferrari California's chassis.
These enhancements have improved the Ferrari's California's performance; reducing
its 0-62mph acceleration time to 3.8 seconds. This heightens its sporty feel
without detracting from the mission and character of a car that has won universal
acclaim for its performance and the exceptional versatility of its retractable
hard-top and 2+ seating.
To meet the needs of clients desiring a more dynamic, yet not overly extreme,
driving experience, an optional Handling Speciale package has been developed
which encompasses modifications to the suspension set-up, minimising body
roll and making the California even more responsive to driver inputs.
The Handling Speciale package includes Magnetorheological dampers controlled
by an even faster ECU (-50% response time) running patented Ferrari software.
The package also features stiffer springs for more precise body control combined
with a comfortable ride. Lastly, the California benefits from faster turn-in
with smaller steering wheel angles courtesy of a new steering box with a 10%
quicker steering ratio.
All these new features combine to underscore the California's sporty prowess
without affecting its high-performance grand touring vocation —
an achievement very much in line with Ferrari's DNA.
The technical features are visually matched by a new, even more extensive
choice of colours developed by the Ferrari Styling Centre: including two-tone
finishes, three-layer paint technology and modern re-interpretations of classic
colour schemes which increase the exclusive personalisation possibilities
even further. In addition, the Ferrari California benefits from the free seven-year
standard maintenance programme.
The availability of this lighter and more powerful model, along with the optional
Handling Speciale package, varies according to each market. First deliveries
are scheduled for Europe.
Audi A1 —
Exclusive 152mph lefthand-drive-only all-wheel-drive model limited to 333 examples
worldwide, just nineteen of which will be coming to the UK...
AUDI UK HAS CONFIRMED that the ultra-exclusive 252bhp A1 quattro will be
priced at £41,020 OTR when an extremely limited quota of just nineteen UK-bound,
left-hand-drive examples officially becomes available to order in early March.
UK Audi Centres already have deposits for the vast majority of these exceptional
high performance subcompacts, which are not only unique in featuring quattro
all-wheel-drive, a larger capacity 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine and rally-inspired
styling, but also an all-encompassing specification including equipment upgrades
to the value of over £11,000.
More than 600 components have been either reworked or replaced in the creation
of the A1 quattro, one of the most prominent of which is the engine.
The turbocharged and directly injected 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit has been
adopted from the TTS, and delivers its specially tuned 252bhp output at 6,000rpm,
and its punchy 258lb ft torque peak between 2,500 and 4,500rpm.
This enables the A1 quattro to power from rest to 62mph in 5.7 seconds and max
out at 152mph, while also returning up to 32.8mpg (official combined cycle figure).
Power is channelled via a quick-shifting six-speed manual transmission to the
quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, the heart of which is an electronically-controlled,
hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch whose package of plates rotates in
an oil bath. In the interest of optimum weight distribution, the clutch is mounted
on the rear axle.
Handling precision and adjustability are also enhanced by an XDS selective differential
lock and a specially configured Electronic Stability Program (ESP) that offers
a sport mode with a higher threshold for intervention — and which
for track use can be switched off entirely.
The chassis of the Audi A1 quattro also borrows heavily from the TTS, particularly
the advanced multi-link rear set-up. Responsive and efficient electrohydraulic
power steering with a direct 14.8:1 steering ratio complements this taut and
well-balanced configuration, as do ventilated disc brakes with high performance
312mm front discs.
With its Glacier White metallic paint, Glacier White 18-inch turbine design
alloy wheels, high-gloss black roof complete with prominent spoiler and deep-set
bumpers with 100-millimetre tailpipes at the rear, the A1 quattro looks fresh
from the rally stage.
Purposeful black dominates the interior, a focal point of which is the multi-adjustable
Silk Nappa leather-upholstered S sport seats with their pronounced bolsters,
integrated head restraints, red stitching and quattro insignias.
Eye-catching features also include white needles, the red-faced rev counter
and the flat-bottomed multi-function sports steering wheel with contrasting
red stitching and inset 'limited edition' plaque.
As befits its standing at the pinnacle of the range, the A1 quattro will be
lavishly equipped with virtually the full complement of equipment which, if
added to a standard series production A1, would boost its price by over £11,000.
Features include Xenon Plus headlights, high-beam assistant, adaptive brake
lights, an LED interior lighting package, light and rain sensors, acoustic rear
parking system, automatic AirCon, a storage package, convenience key and cruise
control.
Entertainment and information features include a CD changer, DAB digital radio,
Audi Music Interface iPod connection, hard disk-based MMI Navigation Plus, a
465-watt 14-speaker BOSE sound system with illuminated woofers in the doors
and Mobile Phone Preparation High with Online Services all included as standard.
The Mobile Phone Preparation High system enables a Bluetooth-equipped online
car 'phone to connect to the Internet and deliver special web services, including
Google Earth, to the car. Passengers can also connect their mobile devices to
the integrated Wi-Fi hotspot.
I, Superbiker:
The Showdown races into Apollo Cinemas on 21st February...
"GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES!" As one of the highest-octane films
of the year, I, Superbiker: The Showdown prepares
to race into Apollo Cinemas for a premiere screening on February 21st. Superbikers
are the new gladiators, battling at high-speed, riding through torturous conditions,
and risking life and limb at every race meeting.
And, to celebrate the release, Apollo Cinemas is inviting cinemagoers to turn
up on their own motorbikes or in their leathers, in return for free popcorn
at the screening.
I, Superbiker: The Showdown is the 200mph, no-holds barred full-length
follow up to 2011's runaway success I, Superbiker and charts the story
of one of the greatest motorbike races of all time to decide the climax of
the 2011 British Superbike season, which had six riders competing for the
title until the death.
The 21st February premiere event will be beamed live into Apollo Cinemas and
will include a 30-minute Q&A with British Superbike Champion and star of the
film, Tommy Hill, together with fellow showdown riders Shane Byrne and Michael
Laverty.
Joining them onstage will be British Superbikes series director Stuart Higgs
and film director; Mark Sloper. The host for the evening will be ex-champion
and TV commentator James Whitham.
Nicole Oakley, Marketing Manager of Apollo Cinemas, said: "We're delighted
to be able to screen what was one of the great moments of British sport from
last year at Apollo Cinemas. I, Superbiker: The Showdown is a thrill
of a ride and truly captures the excitement of the climax of last year's event
— a great watch!"
BSB champion Tommy Hill commented: "British Superbikes is motorcycle racing
at its very best and this film shows that brilliantly. It's amazing to see
BSB on the cinema screen. It's a massive sport with a great following —
now hopefully people who don't know it that well can see what an incredible
event it is."
For more information and tickets, please visit apollocinemas.com.
MixPixie.com
launches the first and only personalised CD service in the world!
THE ULTIMATE BESPOKE GIFT website with a difference has arrived. MixPixie.com
is the first and only CD service where you can create truly personalised
CD's for any occasion.
Remember how brilliant it felt to receive a personal mix tape? Well MixPixie
have taken this concept to a whole new level! This new and innovative website
provides professionally printed bespoke CDs in a 'Mix Tape style', but with
high-quality music, amazing album designs and a superb print finish, which
is made just for you, or as the perfect gift.
With over 500 album artwork designs to choose from as well as the option
to add in your own text and photos, MixPixie guarantee your bespoke gift
will be one of the most thoughtful, original and fun presents that you will
give or receive!
Do you have a particularly fussy relative that likes a vast array of different
music? Do you know someone who seemingly has everything already? Want to
create something affordable, thoughtful and unique for someone you care
about? Whether it be Mother's Day, a Birthday, or any other special day,
you will always cherish it more with a MixPixie CD.
Why choose one of those 'cheesy' celebration off-the-shelf CD's, where the
recipient only actually likes three of the songs on the compilation. MixPixie
have over 8 million tracks for you to choose from!
So, whether you're after the latest chart-topping hits or some golden oldies,
MixPixie have got all styles of music covered: from Rod Stewart to Rihanna,
Dubstep to Opera Arias — you name it, MixPixie's got it!
MixPixie CDs make great gifts and they can be sent directly to the recipient
too (all orders are despatched in 48 Hours).
Think outside the box when it comes to present buying this year and join
in with the MixPixie.com revolution!
All-weather
tyres for the unpredictable British weather…
BRIDGESTONE HAS CREATED a new range of tyres to help motorists cope with
the unpredictable British winter weather.
With the much-talked-about cold snap — which yet again saw the UK brought
to a halt by snow in most areas of the country — many drivers in the
UK are being warned to fit specialist winter tyres.
However, Bridgestone, which has recently launched its new all-weather tyre,
says that winter tyres are possibly not needed in the majority of conditions
in the UK.
"With 70 per cent of motorists not checking their tyres at all, driving
on under-inflated tyres, and 1-in-50 driving on both severely worn and severely
underinflated tyres, we need to make sure that those people are still safe
on the roads — but we also recognise that households are feeling the
pinch, and changing tyres every season is costly," said Andy Dingley, Bridgestone's
Communications Manager.
Bridgestone's Weather Control tyres can stay on a vehicle all year round.
In winter, the tread pattern's high-density siping has plenty of edge effect
for controlled handling and braking on cold, frozen and snowy roads. Additionally,
a special silica compound provides strong grip in wet and wintry conditions,
regardless of the temperature and making them ideal for UK weather conditions.
The Bridgestone A001 Weather Control has been developed for specific European
regions and is suitable for moderate climates and wet, light winters such
as common in the UK, Ireland, Belgium and Denmark. The new Bridgestone A001
Weather Control is designed to give drivers in these regions a confident,
safe driving experience all year round.
The tyre is dynamic and easy to drive, thanks to excellent front-rear balance,
stable cornering and strong traction in both wet and dry. On wet roads,
the specially designed lens-shaped blocks ensure smooth water evacuation
with low water turbulence, reducing the risk of hydroplaning. Bridgestone
has also tuned the tread pattern for low noise and optimum road contact
in all surface conditions.
"Many motorists are being given inaccurate advice about winter tyres in
this country; in fact, a survey by Bridgestone at the end of last year discovered
one in twenty families have sold the second car due to the recession. We
feel that a balance must be struck where families can drive safely in all
road conditions in the UK without breaking the bank, and Weather Control
tyres could be that balance for many motorists."
Bridgestone's A001 Weather Control tyre is M+S marked (Mud+Snow) and rated
as a snow tyre in most markets where winter tyres are required by law. The
Bridgestone A001 Weather Control is available in eleven sizes to fit popular
cars in the small and compact segments. Check out bridgestone.co.uk.
All-weather
tyres for the unpredictable British weather…