digital monthly magazine globalmag
&RACEGM
November 2014
25
all the new cars from SEMA!
MISS TOYOTA C-HR
The fabulous
LONDON - BRIGHTON
(
CONTENTS
(
25
November 2014
4 12 28 4
12
FRONT PAGE Flamboyant!
AUTONEWS SEMA – Las Vegas November news
28
MISS OF THE MONTH
38
FOCUS
Toyota C-HR concept
New Renault Espace
digital monthly magazine
38
52
CLASSIC
60
GLOBAL NEWS
52 60
The fabulous London - Brighton
Cape to Cape Exclusive Holden Special Editions
CGM
(
FRONT PAGE
(
‘Top Eliminator HEMI® Heritage’
FLAMBOYANT!
Roger Davis 1934 Plymouth PF 5-Window Coupe
Mopar fans select Roger Davis and his 1934 Plymouth PF 5-Window Coupe as online competition winner of ‘2014 Mopar ‘Top Eliminator HEMI ® Heritage’contest. Mopar ‘Top Eliminator’ program recognizes the most skilled Mopar enthusiasts and their modified Mopar vehicles
(
FLAMBOYANT!
( The online winning selection, a 1934 Plymouth PF 5-window Coupe named “inFlame-ous” is owned by Roger Davis, a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Army on active duty as a deputy brigade commander training troops in Birmingham, Alabama. He bought the hot rod in 2012 after previous incarnations had it as a yellow street rod in the ‘70s and then a drag racer from the late ‘90s to 2010 posting a best run of 9.160 seconds at 143.46 miles per hour (mph). He spent the last two years restoring and personalizing his hot rod and won “Best Mopar” honors at Detroit’s Autorama earlier this year.
M
opar enthusiasts selected Roger Davis and his 1934 Plymouth PF 5-Window Coupe as the fourth and final winner in the online portion of the 2014 Mopar “Top Eliminator HEMI ® Heritage” competition. This is the eighth year Mopar has held the “Top Eliminator” challenge to help shine a light on passionate and dedicated muscle car enthusiasts who exemplify unmatched skills in modifying or preserving a classic or modernday company vehicle.
This year’s edition was renamed to encompass the brand’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of the iconic 426 Race HEMI engine.
Davis made changes to the car to make it street legal, including the addition of lights, wipers and a horn, and upgraded the alternator and ignition system. The pre-war hot rod also received a new paint scheme along with seven painted historical Chrysler logos, new wheels and tires, a re-work of front suspension, steering and brakes, as well as a customized grille. Additional Mopar parts include a Siamesebore HEMI 4-bolt block and Mopar crank. “The 1934 Plymouth PF 5-window Coupe is the ultimate ride for hot rodders,” said Davis. “It’s like what you see in the movie American Graffiti.” For a third consecutive year, Mopar gave its passionate online fan community the opportunity to select their own Mopar “Top Eliminator HEMI Heritage” winner. Enthusiasts were encouraged to upload images of their personal Moparized ride with an emphasis placed on celebrating the legendary engine.
Roger Davis 1934 Plymouth PF 5-Window Coupe
(
FLAMBOYANT!
(
A candidate for the third 2014 Mopar “Top Eliminator HEMI Heritage” trophy was chosen from competitors participating in the 14th annual Mopar HEMI Challenge at the prestigious National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) U.S. Nationals event in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the end of August. The winner, a 1968 Plymouth Barracuda powered by a Mopar 426 HEMI, owned and raced by Troy, Ohio, native Harold Leiter Jr., was one of only two original 1968 package cars to compete in the 26-car Mopar HEMI Challenge field, a drag racing competition between 1968 HEMI Dodge Darts and Plymouth Barracudas, the classic muscle cars that contributed to the Mopar brand’s legendary reputation and success at the drag strip.
(
FLAMBOYANT!
(
The 1968 Plymouth Road Runner with the 426 HEMI V-8 owned by Patrick O’Leary, 53, from Lino Lake, Minnesota, winner of first “Top Eliminator” HEMI Heritage trophy at the 30th annual Midwest “Mopars in the Park” car show in Farmington
The 1969 Dodge Super Bee with a 426 HEMI V-8 owned by Ron Dezsi of New Boston, Michigan, winner of the second Throphy
A panel of Mopar representatives selected 10 finalists from all electronic submissions and then provided the online community a chance to a vote online for their favorites from Oct. 10-17. Two of this year’s winners were selected from competitions held at the 30th Annual “Mopars in the Park” car show in Farmington, Minn., and at the Carlisle Chrysler Nationals in Carlisle, Pa. These winning selections were showcased in the Mopar display at metro Detroit’s renowned Woodward Dream Cruise, one the largest car shows in the world and one of the best places to be for true heritage, muscle and dream vehicles. Patrick O’Leary of Lino Lake, Minnesota, won the first “Top Eliminator HEMI Heritage” trophy at the annual Midwest Mopars in the Park with his 1968 Matador Red Plymouth Road Runner equipped with a 426 HEMI V-8 engine, and automatic transmission with columnmounted shifter. The second winner, chosen at annual Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, was a 1969 Dodge Super Bee with a 426 HEMI V-8 owned by Ron Dezsi of New Boston, Michigan, who purchased the limited edition car in July 2004. The vehicle had originally been bought to drag race and then spent 17 years in a garage. The third winner was chosen from among competitors participating in the 14th annual Mopar HEMI Challenge at the prestigious National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) U.S. Nationals event in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the
Mopar (a simple contraction of the words Motor and PARts) was trademarked in 1937 with the launch of an antifreeze product but truly made its mark in the 1960s during the muscle-car era. From Mopar Performance Parts to enhance speed and handling for both road and racing use, the brand soon expanded to include technical service and customer support. Today, Mopar is FiatCHryslerAutomobile’s service, parts and customercare brand and distributes more than 500,000 parts and accessories in more than 130 markets, integrating service, parts and customercare operations in order to enhance dealer and customer support worldwide.
end of August. The winner, a 1968 Plymouth Barracuda powered by a Mopar 426 HEMI, owned and raced by Troy, Ohio, native Harold Leiter Jr., was one of only two original 1968 package cars to compete in the 26-car Mopar HEMI Challenge field. The HEMI Challenge is a drag racing competition between 1968 HEMI Dodge Darts and Plymouth Barracudas, the classic muscle cars that contributed to the Mopar brand’s legendary reputation and success at the drag strip. RGM
(
AUTONEWS
(
B
lood Type Racing Inc., the Chicago-based builder presented the 2014 Genesis Coupe built for the 2014 SEMA show. The BTR Genesis Coupe uses Hyundai’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder received new sleeves, and was bored to give a larger displacement. The BTR Genesis Coupe sends over 800 horsepower to the rear wheels (nearly 1,000 horsepower at the crank) through a six-speed manual transmission. BTR gave the vehicle an aggressive, underground racing appearance by adding a custom wide body kit designed for BTR by the famous Body Kit designer Kei Miura from Japan.
BTR Hyundai Genesis Coupe
(
AUTONEWS
M
opar has upgraded the production 200S model with parts and accessories from the Mopar portfolio of products. The 200S presents itself with a Phantom Black Tri-coat exterior paint and a distinctive Ambassador Blue leather interior. In addition the Mopar body kit includes a unique front splitter, side sills, rear side sill extensions and rear valance. The rear of the vehicle sports Mopar prototype quad exhaust tips. A coilover lowering kit and 19-inch wheels with a unique Mopar bronze finish round out the visual cues. Customers will be able to order a version of the Chrysler 200S Mopar show vehicle in the first half of 2015.
CHRYSLER 200S Mopar
CHEVROLET
C
Camaro SS and COPO all-new COPO graphics – and is powered by a 350 “LSX” V-8 with a 2.9L Whipple supercharger. The production race cars are fitted with an NHRAapproved roll cage and other safety equipment.
© General Motors
hevrolet introduced the 2015 COPO Camaro. It’s the fourth edition of the limited-production, factory-built race car – and the final version for the Gen 5 Camaro. As with the previous three model years, only 69 will be built. The 2015 COPO Camaro features an Abalone White exterior with gray and orange accents and
T
he new special-edition Camaro SS will arrive at dealers in the first quarter of 2015, wearing an exclusive Emerald Green Metallic exterior color along with other unique exterior features. The special-edition Camaro SS will be offered in coupe and convertible models with 2SS trim. Performance comes from a 6.2L V-8 rated at 426 horsepower (318 kW) and 420 lb-ft (569 Nm) in models with the standard six-speed manual transmission, and 400 horsepower (298 kW) and 410 lb-ft (556 Nm) for models equipped with the available six-speed automatic transmission.
(
AUTONEWS
DEEGAN 38 & VAUGHN GITTIN JR. Ford F-150
T
he Deegan 38 project built a personal connection between Ford Racing’s Brian Deegan and the all-new F-150 with the 3.5-liter, twinturbo EcoBoost engine. Industry leaders joined forces to provide extreme motorsport enthusiasts with the ultimate example of one of the world’s most famous trucks.
Boasting 12 inches of King shock-controlled travel via a Kibbetech custom suspension, this 2015 F-150 purpose-built by Formula DRIFT superstar Vaughn Gittin Jr. is designed to take full advantage of the weight savings and torque offered by the F-150.
A
Mopar performance matte black aluminum hood provides a sinister, contrasting look to the “O-So-Orange” painted concept Dart. New grille textures and LED fog lamp surround, along with select items from the Mopar Dart body kit amp up the car’s attitude. Riding on 18-inch Mopar anodized black lightweight wheels, the vehicle mounts a Mopar big brake kit. Like the hood, the roof and deck-lid have a matte black finish, creating a unique look.
DODGE Dart R/T Concept
Viper ACR Concept
T
he Dodge Viper ACR Concept sports an aggressive carbon fiber front splitter and a competition rear wing. The Dodge Viper ACR Concept races on satin black lightweight 19-inch front and rear wheels, with massive 15.4-inch Carbon Ceramic two-piece rotors with Brembo six-piston
brakes. Brakes are kept to optimal temperature levels through carbon fiber brake duct openings in the front fascia. The race-inspired interior of the Dodge Viper ACR concept puts an emphasis on weight reduction with unique styling cues that express its racing thoroughbred pedigree.
(
AUTONEWS
T
he Fiat 500L Custom provides a unique mix of color and styling. A two-tone color mix pairs red on the lower body with black on the upper half, creating a stark visual appearance. Sticking to its sporty roots, the 500L Custom has been lowered and rides on Mopar prototype lightweight wheels. Up front, a functional Mopar splitter, also a prototype accessory, provides downforce and adds to the stylish look. The 500L Custom also is outfitted with a Mopar cat-back exhaust.
500 Abarth Scorpion
F
orged lightweight Abarth wheels drive the Fiat 500 Abarth Scorpion, and a new Abarth catback exhaust system brings forth a deep, rumbling note from the sport coupe. The exterior color pattern follows the two-tone theme of the Fiat
FIAT 500L Custom
500L Custom. Carbon mirror caps and accentcolor fog lamp pockets are also part of the front exterior design package. Heading to the rear, a satin black rear valance houses the exhaust tips, and the rear tail lamps are modified with a smoky tint. The Fiat badges are accented in chrome trim with a satin finish.
FORD Expedition Tijin, DUB & Vaccar editions
T
he Tjin Edition Ford Expedition adds individuality via custom metal fender flares, a custom dark gray paint job and a whole new liftgate. This custom Expedition starts with the 365-horsepower 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and six-speed automatic transmission. Then, via a custom tuneup the Tjin Edition Expedition roars with another 40 ponies underhood for a total of 405 horsepower. The 2015 Ford Expedition by DUB Magazine exterior has custom mesh accents, front grille and lighting with 26-inch DS644 concave wheels from Dropstars Wheels, and Pirelli tires. The 2015 Ford Expedition XLT by Vaccar is meant for winter driving in style. The exterior is finished in custom Vaccar two-tone matte mountain gray, with paint and accents from BASF. The team also gave the Expedition 20-inch M15 wheels from Mamba Off-Road Wheels and General Tire Grabber AT2 tires.
(
AUTONEWS
JEEP Renegade Riptide & Frostible
C
olored in Vibrance Grandeur Blue paint embellished with a Light Blue base, the Renegade Riptide’s unique black painted wheels act as eye-catching contrast points. The Jeep Performance Parts logo, playfully tweaked to incorporate a surfer in action, is stamped on the rear body sides. Painted satin black accents adorn the front grille, mirror caps and select areas of the front fascia. Reversing the color theme on the Jeep Renegade Riptide, the Frostbite is trimmed in white with blue accents on various exterior areas. Blue wheels with a white outline and a blue grille and mirror caps underline the overall color. The scheme continues inside the vehicle, with Katzkin pearl seats dressed in aqua blue.
J
ohn Pangilinan revealed his 2015 Sonata for the 2014 SEMA show. With an emphasis on maintaining his signature build style, the JP Edition Sonata connects Los Angeles street art culture with automotive enthusiasts. Giving the Sonata a performance boost, John Pangilinan added an AEM cold air intake, a MagnaFlow exhaust kit and a hot charge pipe from Bisimoto engineering. The chassis has been altered with the addition of KW coilovers. A custom, wide body and lip kit from LTMW give the Sonata a more aggressive stance, and the car now sits on 19-in. RAYS Gram Lights 57Getter wheels wrapped in Toyo R888 tires. Rounding out the customization, the front seats have been replaced with RECARO cross sportster seats and BP Auto Sound has added a full audio system with Alpine and Scosche electronics.
JP Hyundai Sonata
(
AUTONEWS
HYUNDAI Genesis Toca Edition
T
oca Marketing Group, the Chicago-based design and customization company has revealed its 2015 Genesis for the 2014 SEMA show. Dubbed “Steel Phoenix,” the car uses Hyundai’s “Tau” 5.0-liter V8 as the powertrain’s foundation. Toca engineered a one-of-a-kind Garrett twin turbo setup for the vehicle, complete with a full ARK Performance catback exhaust system, boosting the power output to 600 horsepower. By adding an AirRex digital air suspension system, the car sits lower to the ground on ultra-high performance Toyo rubber, wrapped around custom 21-inch COR 3-piece wheels. Complementing the car’s twin-turbocharged performance, Toca added a custom 8-piston front and 6-piston rear brake set up from Neo Motorsport.
W
PETTY’S GARAGE & GALPIN AS
orking with top builders including Galpin Auto Sports, Petty’s Garage, MRT and many others, Ford will showcase over a dozen custom Mustangs at this year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas. Petty’s Garage will be bringing a Roush supercharged V8 model wearing Richard Petty’s famous blue paint and a discrete No. 43, Petty’s car number in his NASCAR days. The car will be auctioned by Barrett-Jackson with proceeds benefiting Victory Junction, which is dedicated to helping chronically ill children attend summer camp.
Ford Mustang
G
alpin Auto Sports is celebrating 50 years of Mustang with a golden anniversary car. This 2015 Mustang features restyled front and rear fascia with a gold motif. The car wears metallic gold-flecked black paint and gold badges, and features interior trim work and special wheel calipers. To top it all off, a gold powder-coated Whipple supercharger helps the 5.0-liter V8 develop 725 horsepower.
CGM
(
( r e b m e v
AUTONEWS
No
FERRARI F60 America
T
he Ferrari F60America is a strictly limited edition car of which just 10 will be produced. It is powered by Ferrari’s award-winning mid-frontmounted V12 which enables the car to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds. The F60America’s personali-
ty is instantly clear from its flanks which are characterised by an innovative diapason design theme. The front of the car is dominated by the classic Ferrari single front grille with chrome finish and integrated air intakes for the brakes. The F60Ame-
rica’s bodywork adopts the classic North American Racing Team livery, and the special Ferrari 60th anniversary Prancing Horse badge on the wheelarches also appears on the tunnel in the cabin.
(
AUTONEWS
November
(
BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition
B
MW M unveiled the BMW M4 DTM Champion Edition (0 – 100 km/h / 62 mph in 4.1 seconds, fuel consumption combined: 8.8 l/100 km [32.1 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 204 g/ km). The Champion Edition will be built in a limited run of 23 units, reflecting Wittmann’s car number. And – in a further tribute to the DTM
winner – it will be offered exclusively in Alpine White. The other signature features of the specialedition model will likewise display close links with the victorious BMW M4 DTM, like the number 23 on the doors and the flag along with “WIT” and “DTM Champion 2014” lettering on the rear side windows.
MARUTI SUZUKI Ciaz
M
aruti Suzuki India unveiled its offering in the mid-size premium sedan segment, the Ciaz. Built on a brand new platform Ciaz is the longest and one of the widest sedan in its class. Christened innovatively, CIAZ stands for ComfortIntelligence-Attitude-Zeal. Straight lines impart a classy European tinge to the sedan. As an industry first, the projector headlamps
are being offered as a standard feature across all trim levels of Ciaz. Ciaz is powered by two engines: the next generation K14 VVT petrol engine and refined DDiS200 diesel engine. In Manual transmission Ciaz is currently offered in 4 trim levels in Petrol variants (Vxi, Vxi+, Zxi and Zxi-Optional) and 4 in Diesel variants (Vdi, Vdi+, Zdi and Zdi-Optional).
HONDA CR-Z
T
he 2015 Honda CR-Z went on-sale with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price starting at $20,145. The CR-Z is powered by a 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine with Integrated Motor Assist electric motor, paired to either a shortthrow 6-speed manual transmission or sport-tuned continuously variable transmission with paddle shifters. Engine and motor combined peak output is 130 horsepower and 140 lb-ft
of torque (127 lb-ft on CVT models). Both the standard CR-Z and the feature-rich EX trim come standard with Bluetooth HandsFreeLink, Bluetooth Audio, rearview camera, an Expanded View Driver’s Mirror. CGM
(
MISS OF THE MONTH
(
DESIGN INNOVATION AND DRIVING PLEASURE
TOYOTA C-HR Concept Combining a bold new dynamic design language with an agile, engaging driving experience to create its own, unique offer within the highly-demanding European car market, a new concept vehicle, the Toyota C-HR Concept makes its world debut at the 2014 Paris Motor Show. It gives a first hint of a type of vehicle that Toyota would like to bring to market
(
TOYOTA C-HR CONCEPT
(
T
oyota has a long-standing reputation for innovation in many diverse segments of the global automotive market.
20 years ago, the company created a new market segment with its pioneering and ingenious RAV4. Fundamentally different to a traditional 4x4, the RAV4 featured a small, 2.0 litre engine mounted transversally within a monocoque bodyshell, and all-round independent suspension in a very compact body (just 3.69 m long), all this packaged in an aspirational and progressive design. Launched in Japan in 1997 and in Europe in 2000, the Prius was the world’s first massproduced full hybrid vehicle. It featured a unique Toyota Hybrid System which established a major industry milestone in vehicle powertrain development and set new standards for quiet, ecologically-responsible driving pleasure. In 2012, Toyota introduced the GT86 to universal acclaim. Boasting the world’s only front-mounted horizontally opposed engine and rear-wheel drive package, the compact, entirely driver-focused 2+2 sports car gives form to the pure, intrinsic joy of driving through precise, instantaneous response to even the smallest inputs.
(
TOYOTA C-HR CONCEPT
(
T
oday, the synthesis of 20 years of Toyota creativity, the C-HR Concept recaptures the design and packaging ingenuity that spawned the first RAV4, introduces a new version of the sophisticated, full hybrid powertrain technology first realised in the Prius and, inspired by the GT86, targets new levels of dynamism and agility. This highly-innovative design study for a stylish, lightweight and dynamic C-segment hybrid crossover is designed to stand out in an increasingly homogenous market place. It is the next rendition of Akio Toyoda’s pro-
mise, on taking over the presidency of Toyota, to build more emotional cars that make their owners fall in love with driving again. The C-HR Concept offers the combination of compact packaging and outstanding agility essential to those with active urban lifestyles. It has been conceived around a new platform designed to satisfy customers’ demands for state of the art handling and controllability. In conjunction, a new advanced full hybrid powertrain offers a uniquely engaging driving experience matched to 21st century traffic conditions, whilst delivering outstanding efficiency.
A new architecture styling theme The Toyota C-HR Concept introduces an expressive new, diamond architecture styling theme to the segment. Below a compact, sensual cabin profile, the lower bodywork has been sculpted to represent the facetted surfaces of a highly-durable, precisioncut gemstone. In plan form, the corners of the bodyshell have been cleanly shaved off. This both removes mass from the overall volume, and emphasises the powerful flair of the front and rear wheel arches, reinforcing the new crossover’s broad, planted stance from every viewpoint.
(
TOYOTA C-HR CONCEPT
(
T
he front of the C-HR Concept not only represents a further development of Toyota’s Under Priority and Keen Look design identity, but also introduces new styling themes which hint at a future design direction for Toyota vehicles. Above a robust central bumper profile, the slim upper grille associated with Under Priority design has been evolved into a floating ‘wing’ graphic which flows seamlessly around the front corners of the vehicle to the front fender apexes. Within the wing, vigorous headlamp detailing incorporates a hightech, 3D treatment of the distinctive Daytime Running Lights (DRL). Adding emphasis to the vehicle corners to further reinforce the new crossover’s solid stance, the large lower grille is flanked by strongly sculpted downward projections. These powerful frontal elements are underscored by an aero-inspired, floating front spoiler. The evolution of the Keen Look design is expressed through the Under Priority design with enhanced 3-dimensional structure and headlamps, making the whole front centre of gravity low whilst reinforcing it’s good stance.
From the side, the highly-facetted lower body, muscular wheel arches and aggressively angular rear shoulder are juxtaposed with an exceptionally sleek cabin profile. The glasshouse is emphasized by the sweeping, uninterrupted extension of the side glazing into the rear screen. This creates a slim, floating, spoiler-tipped roofline the length of which is exaggerated by residual C-pillars which taper into needle points either side of the rear screen. The floating roof is detailed with patterned openings which create a uniquely animated play of light within the C-HR Concept’s cabin space. Seen from the rear, the dramatically tapering glasshouse emphasises the cross-over’s wide shoulders and planted stance. Once again shaped in the manner of a facetted gemstone, the vehicle rear shares the front bodywork’s corner detailing. Highly-distinctive, aero-inspired, floating rear lamp clusters further enhance the broad shoulders of the C-HR Concept’s muscular lower bodywork. A unique wheel design reinforces the vehicle’s crossover credentials, the blade design of the spokes hinting at the sophistication and efficiency of the C-HR Concept’s full hybrid powertrain.
(
TOYOTA C-HR CONCEPT
(
A Global Project rooted in the European market The C-HR Concept is another tangible application of Toyota’s new Global Vision thinking, first advocated by President Akio Toyoda in 2011. Recognizing that Europe is the most demanding market for small and midsized vehicles, Toyota uses this region as benchmark for defining future global A-, Band C-segment cars. Toyota Motor Europe (TME) has also become the company’s skill centre for diesel engines, perceived quality and vehicle dynamics.
Hybrid Heritage Offering excellent fuel and emissions efficiency without sacrificing either cabin space or driving ease and comfort, hybrid vehicles (HVs) are now widely accepted by consumers as mainstream vehicles. This enables them to play an important part in the commercialisation of eco-cars.
In the case of C-HR Concept, there was close cooperation between Toyota’s vehicle planning centres in Japan and in Europe, in order to get a good understanding of the latest European customer demands and vehicle trends. As for the styling of the concept car, it is the result of a global cooperation between ED2 (European Design Development Centre) and the other design centers.
In Europe, driven by the success of Yaris Hybrid and Auris Hybrid, Toyota and Lexus have together sold some 780,000 HVs since the Prius went on sale in 2000, equating to more than 10% of total hybrid sales worldwide.
TME will continue to work hand in hand with TMC (Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan) to enter the C-crossover segment.
Reflecting this widespread acceptance, cumulative global sales of Toyota and Lexus HVs since the launch of the first Prius in Japan in 1997 have now topped the 7 million mark.
On the eight first months of 2014, Toyota and Lexus Hybrid sales reached 107,000 representing 28% of the TOYOTA group sales in Western Europe. On the same period and for the same 31 countries (EU28, Switzerland, Norway and Iceland) the Yaris Hybrid share is established at 31% and the hybrid versions represent more than 50% of the Auris and Auris Touring Sports sales. New platform and powertrain 4,350 mm long, 1,850 mm wide 1,500 mm high and with a wheelbase of 2,640 mm, the C-HR Concept is conceived around a new platform. With a lower centre of gravity and increased structural rigidity, it will contribute to greatly improved driving dynamics.
CGM
(
FOCUS
(
Thirty years ago, the Renault Espace revolutionised the automotive world. Today, the new Espace has evolved to become an elegant crossover. To the agile handling and modularity of a family vehicle, it adds enhanced style, presence and driving
pleasure, in keeping with the shifting demands and expectations of motorists. Thanks to the innovations it packs and the emotions it stimulates, the new Espace crossover is, more than ever, the embodiment of the Renault brand’s design renaissance
(
FLUID AND ELEGANT LINES
(
B
y breaking away from its conventional MPV form to adopt the dynamic lines of a crossover instead, the new Renault Espace exudes unmistakable presence. Standing at 4.85 metres in length (in both its five and seven-seat forms) and 1.87 metres wide, the new Espace crossover is generously proportioned. Its contained height of 1.68 metres(63 mm lower than the current-generation Espace) and high waist line imbue it with a streamlined stance. This impression is accentuated by the vehicle’s long wheelbase (2.88 metres, 16mm longer than the current Grand Espace) which also provides a more spacious interior. The muscular impression exuded by the new Renault Espace’s side view is heightened by its pronounced wheel arches which house a range of standard wheels with up to 19-inch rims, and even up to 20 inches as an option. This impression of aerodynamicB efficiency is confirmed by the newcomer’s low drag credentials, namely a Cd of 0.30 and a CdA of 0.845 sq. metres. Thanks to its assertive front-end stance, the new Renault Espace proudly bears the Renault badge along with the other identifying features of all the brand’s models. The new Espace crossover’s daytime running lights also boast a distinctive signature. Designed to form a clear asymmetrical ‘C’-shape in the middle of each headlight, this signature gives the new Espace an emblematic lighting identity along with a strong ‘high-tech’ feel. It will continue to be rolled out on the brand’s other upcoming models.
«The new Espace’s high waist line, pronounced shoulders and low roof line ensure genuine poise, particularly for a large crossover. Its seductive front end, which features Renault’s new brand identity, full-LED lighting and a characteristic lighting signature all point to its assertive personality.» Christophe Dupont, Director of Design – D and E segments
(
FLUID AND ELEGANT LINES
(
(
FLUID AND ELEGANT LINES
( A HIGH-TECH CABIN The focal element of the innovative passenger compartment of versions equipped with EDC transmission is its floating console which fits seamlessly with the design of the new Renault Espace’s cabin. Deliberately simple and uncluttered, it houses all of the essential controls which fall readily to hand: a multi-function rotary control, the Multi-Sense® system’s shortcut key, the push-button assisted parking brake and the cruise control / speed limiter switch. The console is accentuated by light guides. The cabin’s hightech feel is further accentuated by a choice of four trim decor overlays and the flawless integration of the large, 8.7-inch, verticallypositioned display for the standard fitment R-Link 2® multimedia system. The compact size of the EDC transmission’s gear lever, which activates the electronic ‘shift by wire’ gear changes, frees up space for the floating console. The futuristic design of this gear lever is redolent of the aeronautical industry, while its asymmetric form imbues it with an original, almost sculptural feel. Its original ergonomic design and pleasing touch make it a functional wrist rest from which to use the R-Link 2® system. In front of the driver, shielded by a cowling, sits a configurable display of entirely digital instruments with a high-resolution TFT screen instead of conventional dials. This system enables the driver to select which data is shown and how it is displayed.
INITIALE PARIS Renault has redefined its Initiale Paris signature – a designation which encapsulates the brand’s vision of travelling comfort. This equipment level will be available for the high-end versions of quintessential Renault models – beginning with the Clio, then followed by the new Espace as soon as it reaches the market. The four key features of Initiale Paris versions will feature their distinctive look, outstanding finish, exceptional luxury and a personalised customer service. Initiale Paris will deliver all this, and more, to embody the very best of Renault and ensure a quality experience and the availability of valued services.
(
FLUID AND ELEGANT LINES
(
The 4Control® chassis (four-wheel steering) is a Renault innovation which controls the angle of the rear wheels. Out on the open road, the steering precision and stability of the car magnify driving enjoyment through corners. In builtup areas, meanwhile, the 4Control® chassis ensures an incomparable level of manoeuvrability at low speed. When parallel parking or conducting a three-point turn, its outstanding agility allows the driver to completely forget the vehicle’s size. Thanks to the 4Control® chassis, the new Renault Espace boasts one of the smallest turning circle in its class. In emergency situations, the fourwheel steering technology reassures through the sensation of the swift response it delivers.
Within the driver’s line of vision (at a focal distance from the eyes of two metres), like the instrumentation of an aircraft, the colour head-up display projects an image containing current speed, navigational information, over speed warnings and diverse driving aids. The length of the room available inside the cabin plays a major role in the immediate impression of interior space. This space benefits all occupants, especially passengers in the second row who enjoy knee room among the very best in the model’s class (up to 308mm with five seats in place). Boot space (five-seat version, up to the luggage cover) is 660dm3 which is particularly generous for a crossover. The new Espace also offers all-round hands-free entry. The ingenious opening and closing of the powered tailgate is triggered by a movement of the foot underneath the rear bumper. In a practical touch, the maximum degree to which the tailgate will open can be adjusted, facilitating its use in confined spaces such as underground car parks or garages. In keeping with its Espace pedigree, Renault’s new crossover takes a fresh approach when it comes to modular interiors and implementation. For example, the individual seats in both rear rows disappear completely into the floor. Here, too, the driver is in control: thanks to the new Renault Espace’s one-touch modularity, its seats fold away – either individually or all together – with a single click or press of a button, irrespective of the position of the head rest.
NEW-GENERATION R-LINK® Renault’s intuitive and innovative connected tablet has evolved further still to deliver an enhanced driving experience. Launched in the new Espace, R-Link 2® is the driving force at the heart of the car’s various functions: Flawless ergonomics for in-car use: the new Espace is available as standard with the RLink 2® tablet which distinguishes itself from all similar systems through its unbeatable ergonomics. It has been thought through thoroughly for motoring use, yet it is as simple to use as a conventional touch-screen tablet. A new, larger, vertically-mounted capacitive screen: R-Link 2® features a large, 8.7-inch, vertically-mounted display. The capacitive screen allows easy, intuitive two-finger zooming and scrolling. The decision to mount the tablet vertically, which corresponds with the driver’s view of the road, makes its menus easier to use and ensures that information is displayed clearly. Deliberately located low down, the controls are within arm’s reach, while the screen is positioned higher up, within the field of vision. Ideally situated, well lit, with clear, crisp graphics, the R-Link 2® screen provides the legibility and safety that are of paramount importance for use in a car. Even more intuitively-integrated functions: In addition to the physical controls, the RLink 2® display intuitively runs the technologies dedicated to the enjoyment of the driver and passengers: 4Control chassis, electronic damper control, driving aids, lighting and sound ambien-
(
FLUID AND ELEGANT LINES
(
ce and even the adjustment of the front seats (including massage settings), as well as the folding of the rear seats. MULTI-SENSE®: A TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION Thanks to Renault’s new Multi-Sense® system, the new Espace generates the desired mood and sensations via four pre-programmed modes: ‘Eco’, ‘Comfort‘, Neutral’ and ‘Sport’, in addition to a ‘Perso’ mode that is freely and easily configurable. Each setting creates and coordinates a specific driving emotion thanks to: - the engine response, - the EDC transmission’s gearshift calibration, - the calibration of the 4Control® chassis, - the suspension settings, - and the degree of effort required to turn the steering wheel. The in-car ambience is harmonised according to the driver’s desire by adapting: - the colour of the interior lighting (green, blue, white, red, purple), - the presentation and colour of the information displayed by the instruments, as well the content, - the engine sound, - the intensity and frequency of the seat massages, - the settings for the climate control system. These modes and settings are controlled either via the R-Link 2® screen or by using the rotary control on the centre console. The practical and clearly-presented menus, in addition to the shortcuts to key functions, of-
(
FLUID AND ELEGANT LINES
(
fer intuitive access to all the benefits of Renault’s Multi-Sense®system. Thanks to this system, the new Renault Espace carefully adapts everything to the mood and desires of the driver. FOCUS ON EFFICIENCY The new Renault Espace was designed to make driving fun. Renault’s engineers have refined its aerodynamics, made the vehicle significantly lighter and equipped it with efficient, latest-generation downsized engines mated to EDC dual clutch automatic transmission. The new Espace crossover has achieved a significant weight saving re-
presenting as much as 250kg compared to the long version of the Espace 4. This 13% reduction is evenly split between the body, chassis, powertrain and equipment (including the seats). The new Espace offers a choice between three 1.6-litre turbocharged engines – one petrol and two diesels – which are all the more efficient inasmuch as they power a particularly aerodynamic and light vehicle body. The targeted improvement in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions has been achieved and exceeds 20 percent compared with the current-generation Espace and comparable performance. The new Espace also sees Renault introduce
Energy dCi 160 Twin Turbo: 1.6 Diesel engine with Twin Turbo technology
Energy TCe 200
two technological advances revealed at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show on a production model. - Twin Turbo technology for the Energy dCi 160 powerplant: a small, low-inertia turbo is dedicated to performance at low revs, while the second turbo takes over at higher engine speeds. The ample torque is rapidly available to guarantee a driving experience that is smooth and lively, with excellent pick-up. - Automatic transmission with a new Shiftby-Wire control (a first for Renault), for two of the three engines. This solution is used in Formula 1 and improves the precision and smoothness of gear changes thanks to better shift management. This transmission also yielded design benefits: the absence of a mechanical link enabled the designers to incorporate such hallmark features as the new Espace’s floating console and compact, aviation-style gear lever. THREE TURBOCHARGED ENGINES DIESEL. Energy dCi 160 EDC with Twin Turbo technology: 1.6 litres, 160hp and 380Nm torque available from 1,750rpm. The corerange engines for Renault’s new large crossover stand out through their response and pick-up performance. They are also characterised by the excellent enjoyment they deliver thanks to the six-speed EDC dual clutch transmission which is both dynamic and easy to use. The association for the first time of the Energy dCi 160, automatic EDC transmission and the various Multi-Sense® driving modes combines to make the new Espace a vehicle that is totally committed to enjoyment and emotion. Finally, the Energy
dCi 160 EDC unit provides the new Espace with one of the market’s best fuel consumption ratings for its power output. Energy dCi 130: 1.6 litres, 130hp and 320Nm torque available from 1,750rpm. This powerplant is mated to a manual six-speed gearbox. It was designed especially for motorists for whom running costs and comfort are key priorities, such as fleet customers. PETROL. Energy TCe 200 EDC: 1.6 litres, 200hp (147kW) and 260Nm torque available from 2,500rpm. For customers who prefer a petrol engine, the new Espace offers a new powerplant that focuses notably on dynamic performance and sensations, since the Energy TCe 200 is an evolution of the unit that powers the Clio R.S. Particularly efficient under the bonnet of the new Espace, it delivers a dynamic, sprightly drive. Mated to the new, close ratio, seven-speed EDC dual clutch transmission, it ensures brisk pick-up. Again, the combination of the Energy TCe 200 engine, automatic EDC transmission and the Multi-Sense® system’s Sport mode ensure optimum enjoyment for the driver.
CGM
(
CLASSIC
Sir Steve Redgrave on the 1904 Thornycroft
(
More than 400 dating back to the dawn of motoring braved blustery – and often sodden conditions – to take part in this year’s Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run
A
s tradition dictates, the 118th Anniversary Run set out from Hyde Park at day break and headed 60-miles south through London and onto a stormy Sussex coast. For only the second time in more than half a century, this year’s route took the participants – all driving pioneering cars from the pre-1905 era – past Buckingham Palace and down The Mall before heading past Big Ben and over Westminster Bridge. Among those turning back the clock were Olympic legends Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Ben Ainslie as well as renowned Formula1 team principal Ross Brawn, multiple Le Mans winner Jochen Mass and TV baker Paul Hollywood.
(
LONDON TO BRIGHTON
(
The traffic on Regent Street was at a total standstill on Saturday 1st November not, however, as a result of gridlock in central London but for the annual Regent Street Motor Show. The capital’s world famous West End shopping street was closed for a very special ‘mile of automotive style’ stretching between Piccadilly to Oxford Circuses as the UK’s largest free-to-view motor show showcased a glittering display of more than 200 cars and bikes from past, present and future generations. Representing the dawn of motoring, and right at the heart of the display, was a remarkable collection of 100 pre-1905 machines. As a curtain raiser to Sunday’s running of the annual Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, these were partaking in the prestigious EFG International Concours d’Elegance. The beautifully original 1902 Arrol-Johnston of Alistair Hacking was awarded with the overall prize. “In many ways this is a dramatically new world for me,” admitted an intrigued Ross Brawn. “Whether it’s early carburetion systems or steam cars, I’ve seen things I didn’t know existed! The passion and enthusiasm that the owners show is really impressive. They are facing such challenges just to keep these cars running properly. There’s almost an acceptance that something is going to go wrong and will need fixing!”
Former Formula 1 Principal Ross Brawn on the awarded 1902 Arrol-Johnston of Alistair Hacking
Before the start Ainslie, Hollywood and Redgrave combined for the ceremonial tearing up of the red flag, the symbolic ritual that harks back to the original Emancipation Run, held on 14 November 1896. That marked the milestone Locomotives on the Highway Act, which raised the speed limit for ‘light locomotives’ from 4 to 14mph and abolished the need for a man walking ahead of the cars waving a red flag. Remarkably one of the illustrious participating celebrities was in the first car to reach the ceremonial finish on Madeira Drive, as Lord Irvine Laidlaw’s 1904 Panhard-Levassor
romped to the Brighton seafront with Ainslie onboard! Laidlaw is not only a Veteran Car Run regular but also a keen sailor, so it was little surprise to see the duo coping best with the challenging elements. “It was such a pleasure,” enthused multiple Olympic and America’s Cup champion Ainslie. “As a huge car fan it is just very special and a huge privilege to get to ride in a car like this. The atmosphere at the start was fantastic and it was my kind of weather out there – it was a sailor’s day! I’m into water sports of course so we didn’t find the rain too much of a problem.”
The 1903 Stanley (steam) of Chalers Burnett III
(
LONDON TO BRIGHTON
(
Ross Brown and his 1904 Wilson Pilcher
1904 one cylinder Nothern driven by Lionel Bourne
(
LONDON TO BRIGHTON
(
There was high drama for another celebrity as motor racing legend Brawn swapped the high-octane world of Formula 1 for a rather more leisurely form of transport. Unfortunately for the motor sport mastermind his 1904 Wilson Pilcher – the last known surviving British built machine of its kind – had difficulties on its coast-bound run. “It was very enjoyable,” said Brawn. “Obviously I don’t get the chance to actually drive the car in most of the automotive work that I’m involved in so that was a nice change. The mixed weather provided an extra challenge and edge but one that we
enjoyed very much. We had a broken oil pipe just as we got to Crawley and the RAC Motoring Services volunteer patrolmen did a sterling job. They rescued us by fitting a piece of rubber pipe in the middle of the fractured one and it’s thanks to them that we got here! The whole thing has been wonderful fun. I’d never experienced the sheer enthusiasm for the Run before – from leaving London at that time of the morning, to driving through the villages along the way and then indeed arriving in Brighton itself. It truly has been a wonderful experience.”
1903 Panhard et Lavassor of Sheldon and Rusll Marne
1094 Vauxhall of Jordi Llaveria Agramunt
Redgrave was also cheered home by the thousands of people lining the streets of the picturesque costal city, as both stars made it to the finish in their respective machines. “The first half of our run was reasonably dry and the second half was reasonably wet!” said Redgrave. “I hadn’t seen rain drops quite like it in the UK but I really enjoyed the event and would love to do it again. The radiator overflowed as we got into Brighton so we made it just in time! Considering the history of all the cars and to see them all lined-up in Hyde Park, it was just sensational to be involved. There was great support along the way, despite the weather, which was also fantastic to see.” In total 357 of the starters completed the symbolic 60-mile journey from Hyde Park to the Sussex coast before the 4:30pm deadline, thus receiving a coveted finisher medal. The oldest car on the run – an impressive steam powered 1888 Truchutet – was one of the machines that unfortunately failed to make the finish.
Having been introduced in 2013, the Veteran Car Run now includes a competitive regularity test, where contestants have to average a precise speed between two controls. It was John Kennedy who claimed the honours and glittering trophy in his glorious 1903 Gladiator. Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club Motoring Committee, said: “An intrepid spirit and a dogged determination shone through today as the ability of the participants to overcome the mechanical and weather-related woes was in evidence on this year’s Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run. It is reward indeed to see so many smiling faces on Madeira Drive at the completion of another successful Run. With an increased field from last year to cope with I would particularly like to extend my thanks to all the volunteers and marshals who braved the elements along the 60mile route to ensure the vehicles and their passengers made it safely to Brighton.” CGM
(
GLOBAL NEWS
(
A new spectacular record
(
CAPE TO CAPE
(
R
ainer Zietlow has recently completed the Cape-to-Cape challenge in less than 22 days (21 days 16 hours), spanning over 17,000 kilometers on a single set of Goodyear Wrangler tires. Rainer Zietlow and his team Challenge4 have set a new world record for being the fastest to complete the route from Nordkapp, Norway to Cape Agulhas in South Africa, driving a Volkswagen Touareg V6 TDI equipped with Goodyear Wrangler HP tires. With this feat, the Cape to Cape team beats the previous record of 28 days from Nordkapp to Cape Agulhas.
The team was delayed after suffering an accident in Tanzania where the car broke down crashing into another vehicle and took 13 days to repair. Not to mention this incident in Tanzania, the team would have completed the challenge in 8 days and 10 hours. The Cape to Cape Challenge started from Nordkapp where the team took off and crossed the continent via Denmark, Germany, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Serbia to arrive in Turkey. After Turkey, the challenge crossed Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and finally to South Africa.
CGM
(
GLOBAL NEWS
(
EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE In a tribute to 20 years of Craig Lowndes thrilling fans and winning races, Holden has teamed up with the Australian motorsport and V8 Supercars icon to produce a Special Edition Commodore that fans across the country will love. Red Bull Racing Australia has paid tribute to a great Australian icon, the Holden Sandman, with the launch of a spectacular world first, one-off, race spec Tribute Edition Sandman produced by Triple Eight Race Engineering and launched ahead of the Gold Coast 600 V8 Supercars event.
P
eter Keley, Holden’s Director of Sales, said the company was incredibly proud to work with Craig to produce this very special Commodore: “After 20 years of Craig Lowndes breaking records and claiming victories – and with so many of those moments coming behind the wheel of a Commodore – it’s only fitting that Holden honours that relationship with the Craig Lowndes SS V Special Edition Commodore,” said Mr Keley. “This race-inspired Craig Lowndes SS V Special Edition Commodore has been created by our talented Holden engineers and designers with Craig’s input and approval. It is a rolling testament to a man whose success and character has cemented his name into Australian Motorsport history”. The top-of-the-range MY15 SS V Redline is the starting point for Holden’s designers and engineers to work their magic with a number of unique performance and visual enhancements for the Craig Lowndes Special Edition. As fitting for a motorsport-inspired model, the Craig Lowndes SS V Special Edition Commodore has the racetrack as the inspiration for many of its upgrades. Four-piston Brembo brakes fitted front and rear mean outstanding resistance to fade during track sessions, the paddle-shifters on the automatic transmission add to the car’s trackfocussed nature and the upgraded suspen-
sion bushes enhance handling at the limit. New 20-inch black alloy wheels give the car an unmistakeable presence and aggressive stance. Available in Red Hot or Heron White, the Craig Lowndes SS V Special Edition Commodore also features unique body side decals, hood decal and chrome finished boot badge. Black grille and fender vents, a black roof and black window surrounds combine to produce a motorsport aesthetic. Interior enhancements include a distinctive embroidered ‘Craig Lowndes’ signature on the dash pad. The introduction of paddle shifters (automatic transmission only), allows drivers to utilise the ‘Active Select’ gear change feature without removing their hands from the wheel. In addition to receiving their exclusive, individually numbered Craig Lowndes Special Edition car, buyers will also be offered a package of exciting, ‘money can’t buy’ experiences including: • Framed certificate of authenticity with build plate • Red Bull Racing private function and tour hosted by Craig Lowndes • Two General Admission tickets to customers’ local 2015 V8 Supercar race and pit tour.
(
EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE
© Red Bull Media House
(
“I’ve had a lot of success on the racetrack behind the wheel of Commodores and to celebrate that with this special road-going version is a great privilege. I know fans and customers all Australia are going to love it,” said Craig Lowndes. “This Special Edition Commodore is the pinnacle of Holden performance and to have my name on it is a true honour. With Brembo brakes front and rear, 20-inch wheels, paddle-shifters and the unique styling treatments, this car is simply outstanding to drive and look at. I love it.”
(
EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE
(
Just 233 of these exclusive and highly collectable Lowndes Commodores will be built with more than 50 percent already spoken for by customers. Holden dealers are taking orders with first customer deliveries expected at the end of October.
© Red Bull Media House
In celebration of the Holden Sandman’s 40th anniversary, current V8 Supercars Championship leader Jamie Whincup and teammate Craig Lowndes have unveiled the Triple Eight Project Sandman, complete with carbon fibre surf boards, against the backdrop of the Gold Coast shoreline, paying homage to the car’s history as Australia’s archetypal beach lifestyle vehicle. “The Holden Sandman was launched 40 years ago, the same year that I was born!” Lowndes said. “It sounds like a race car, it’s faster than our race cars in a straight line with
the big banger engine and the cool thing is if you come to the race this weekend, you’ll see it running around the track.” The project came to life with the design and build starting in April of 2014 in conjunction with the GM Holden Design Department and will serve as a Red Bull Racing Australia ride car, so guests will have the opportunity to tear around the track in the 705BHP piece of engineering art. The Triple Eight Project Sandman features state-of-the-art technology yet to be seen in V8 Supercars, including a six speed electro-hydraulic paddle shift gearbox and F1-inspired fly by wire throttle control. “We’re here after six months of development to reveal our secret project and what an honour to be a part of a Tribute Edition Sandman and have it race around the track,” Whincup said. “The heart and soul of the car is a V8 Supercar and it’s an absolute rocket!”
Craig Lowndes SS V Special Edition Commodore Unique Features SPECIFICATIONS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
20-inch staggered wheels and tyres: 8.5in front and 9in rear 245/275 20in Bridgestone Potenza tyres Front and Rear 4-piston Brembo brakes Tyre pressure monitoring system (TPM) Red Hot Engine cover Black V8 power hood decal Black roof Black grille surrounds and fender vents – front upper in Red (Black on white vehicles) Black DRL surrounds Black window surrounds Unique body side decals Rear wing spoiler in black Graphic sill plates Carpet floor mats Craig Lowndes embroidered ‘dash pad’ Unique Boot badge Individually numbered build plate
CGM
(
PIC OF THE MONTH
(
The FCC4 is a design exercise developed by Fiat Design Center Latam presented at the recent San Paulo Motors Show. Rather than making a car for a specific segment, the vehicle positions itself immediately into a universe by itslef
globalmag
RACEGM
#
9
November 2014
SUBARU WINS USA RALLY TITLE
ALL ABOUT
Jolyon Palmer
BTCC
Esteban Ocon
USCC
Nobuharu Matsushita
NWES
etc...etc...
(
PIC OF THE MONTH
(
A Mazda SKYACTIV-D 2.2-litre completed a 24-hour marathon run on the Papenburg (Germany) high-speed oval on Sunday19 October, achieving an average speed of 137.37mphÂ
( CONTENTS
FRONT PAGE
The perfect season
ENDURANCE
The USCC year one
FORMULA 3
A rookie wins the title
NASCAR WHELEN EURO SERIES
Kumpen by the smallest margin
INTERVIEW
Jolyon Palmer
BTCC
Colin Turkington crowned 2014 Champion
RALLYCROSS
Volkswagen developing Beetle for 2015
PADDOCK MIX
RACE GLOBALMAG is an extra issue of digital monthly magazine CARS GLOBALMAG. Chief Editor: Vittorio Gargiulo All rights reserved. All materials present in this magazine including, but not limited to texts, photographs, illustrations, video clips and other materials are protected by copyrights and/or other intellectual property. The material and content provided in this application is for your personal, non-commercial use only, and you agree not to distribute, copy, extract or commercially exploit such material. You further agree not to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, modify, adapt, translate, prepare derivative works from this magazine.
FRONT PAGE
THE PERFECT
SEASON
The Rally America National Championship is the premier-stage rally series in North America
David Higgins
Travis Pastrana
Travis Pastrana
THE PERFECT SEASON
Subaru driver and four-time Rally America Champion David Higgins and co-driver Craig Drew put an authoritative stamp on a near-perfect 2014 season with a win at the Lake Superior Performance Rally (LSPR), their seventh of the season from eight events. The driver from the Isle of Man was locked in a tight battle at LSPR with Subaru Rally Team USA teammate Travis Pastrana for a majority of the treacherously wet and muddy Houghton, Michigan based rally. Pastrana briefly took the lead from Higgins late on the final day before Pastrana’s Subaru became stuck in a muddy ditch along the edge of the road, ending his rally with just four stages to go. Higgins, at the wheel of his DMACK Tires-shod 2014 Subaru WRX STI,then cruised to victory. Lake Superior Performance Rally is widely regarded as the “oldest, meanest, toughest rally on the circuit” and it certainly lived up to its hype in 2014 with treacherously wet and muddy conditions. Constantly changing grip levels, slick mud and ponding water in the road provided an immense challenge for all the teams. The conditions amplified LSPR’s usually high-level of attrition.
David Higgins charges his WRX STI through deep water at Lake Superior Performance Rally 2014.
THE PERFECT SEASON
PIT STOP Subaru has a long history with rallying, going back to 1980 with the World Rally Championship (WRC). On the WRC circuit, the driver lineup included World Rally Champion drivers such as Colin McRae, Tommi Mäkinen, and Petter Solberg, to name a few. Subaru Rally Team USA (SRT USA) was created in 2001 and continues strong today. Vermont SportsCar has handled all aspects of team operations since 2006. Subaru Motorsports runs cars in both the Global RallyCross Championship (GRC) and the Rally America Championship. The Subaru WRX STI is used as the platform for both disciplines, although car preparation varies significantly. For more details on the car specifications, please visit the cars page.
David Higgins carves through the fall covered woods of northern Michigan
“This was one of the most challenging events we have ever done, the grip levels would go from good to nothing, worse than ice, within a turn. There were huge ponds of water in the road to skim across,” explained Higgins at the podium. “It feels great to finish the season with a win and in such bad conditions, this feels like a real accomplishment just to finish! Big thanks to Subaru, the team and Craig Drew for an incredible season.” Higgins built a small 22 second lead on Pastrana and co-driver Chrissie Beavis after the first day of competition, which featured nearly twothirds of the event’s stage mileage. Early on the second day Higgins’ lead suddenly vanished as he was slowed with a punctured tire and an intermittent fuel-pump issue that was caused a loss of power. Pastrana moved into the lead of the rally for one stage but then subsequently ran afoul of the conditions, getting stuck just off the road in the mud on a tricky water logged corner. Pastrana tried in vain for minutes to drive his un-damaged but very stuck Subaru out of its’ muddy predicament. Pastrana eventually was able to free his Subaru and drive out of the stage but had lost too much time and was over the maximum permitted lateness to the next time control.
THE PERFECT SEASON
David Higgins and Craig Drew stand tall with Subaru Rally Team USA as 2014 Rally America Champions.
“We went like hell. We were battling pretty well with Higgins, we saw that he was having problems and we were still pushing when we hit it a big pool of water in the road. We were not too far off the road but half the car was in knee deep water and mud!” explained Pastrana. “Big thanks to Subaru for a great year, our Subaru WRX STI was amazing again and you wouldn’t want any other vehicle in these conditions.” Subaru Motorsports Marketing Manager Rob Weir added “We’re very proud of the efforts made by our drivers and our technical partner Vermont SportsCar that earned Subaru their fourth consecutive Rally America Championship title; and proved the WRX STI is still the car to beat in the most adverse racing conditions found in rallying.”
Travis Pastrana on the attack during the night stages
RGM
ENDURANCE
Photo: Rolex / Stephan Cooper
A prestigiou
The Tudor United SportCar Championship year one
us success! by Niccolò Gargiulo
A PRESTIGIOUS SUCCESS!
Barbosa, Fittipaldi, Bourdais, Frisselle leading the Rolex 24 at Daytona (Corvette DP) Photo: Rolex / Stephan Cooper
The inaugural season of the Tudor United SportCar Championship has been a success, bringing together prototype cars and a large field of GT cars to fill the grid and bringing fiercely battles throughout the whole season, giving American fans a spectacle they hadn’t seen in a long time. It all started back in January when 67 cars lined up to take the green flag of the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The Action Express Racing Corvette DP triumphed in Florida demonstrating the will and determination that it takes to prevail over such strong opponents. The Petit Le Mans race ended the championship in early October with a win by Wayne Taylor Racing, but it was too late for them to take the title away from the winners of Daytona and had to settle in second place in the overall team standings. Action Express Racing thus won the inaugural United SportsCar Championship in the Prototype class. CORE autosport, Turner Motorsport (racing a BMW Z4) and SRT Motorsport (racing the SRT Viper GTS-R) were also presented awards for winning the Prototype Challenge, GT Daytona and GT Le Mans classes respectively.
A PRESTIGIOUS SUCCESS! Wittmer, Goossens, Hunter-Reay (Dodge Viper SRT GTS-R) at Petit Le Mans. SRT Motorsport conquered the team’s championship in GTLM.
Bennet, Braun, Gue (ORECA FLM09). CORE autosport is the winner of the team’s championship of the PC class Photo: Rolex / Stephane Cooper
The six driver champions of the 2014 Tudor United SportsCar Championship received the Bishop-France Awards: Christian Fittipaldi and Joao Barbosa in Prototype; Kuno Wittmer in GT Le Mans; Jon Bennett and Colin Braun in Prototype Challenge; Dane Cameron in GT Daytona. Chevrolet (P) and Porsche (GTLM and GTD) were recognized as winners of the manufacturer championships. Michelin was the GTLM tire manufacturer winner, while Coyote won the Prototype constructor championship award.
Long, Christensen, Bergmeisterr (Porsche 911 RSR). Porsche was awarded the manufacturers championship in both GTLM and GTD classes.
A PRESTIGIOUS SUCCESS!
PIT STOP The Tequila Patrón North American Endurance Cup recognizes top competitors in the United SportCar Championship’s four endurance races: the Rolex 24 At Daytona, Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, the Sahlen’s Six Hours of The Glen and the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta. IMSA presented checks for a total of $300,000 to Action Express Racing with drivers Barbosa and Fittipaldi (P); Porsche North America with Michael Christensen and Patrick Long (GTLM); CORE autosport with Braun, Bennett and James Gue (PC); and AIM Autosport with Bill Sweedler and Townsend Bell (GTD). This competition awarded points at different segments of the four races.
Photo: Rolex / Stephane Cooper
A PRESTIGIOUS SUCCESS! Angelelli, R. Taylor, J. Taylor (Corvette DP) winners at Petit Le Mans
Turner Motorsport (BMW Z4) won the GTD team’s championship Photo: Rolex / Stephan Cooper
Magnussen, Garcia, Briscoe (Chevrolet Corvette C7.R)
Sweedler, Bell, Segal, Pier Guidi (Ferrari 458 Italia). AIM Motorsport won the Patrón North American Endurance Cup for the GTD Class Photo: Rolex / Tom O’Neal
A PRESTIGIOUS SUCCESS!
The start of the 12 Hours of Sebring Photo: Rolex / Stephane Cooper
PIT STOP “Having all of North America’s most historic events and prestigious sports car racing venues on one calendar paid immediate dividends. We made significant strides on our television product this season, and closed out the year with tremendous momentum.” said IMSA President and Chief Operating Officer, Scott Atherton. ” We learned a number of valuable lessons throughout our inaugural season, and did our best to work swiftly to address challenges as they arose. As we pay tribute to the accomplishments of 2014, rest assured that work already has begun in our Daytona Beach headquarters to make the 2015 TUDOR Championship and subsequent seasons even better.”
PIT STOP 2014 TUDOR USCC DRIVER STANDINGS 1. Joao Barbosa/Christian Fittipaldi 2. Jordan Taylor/ Ricky Taylor 3. Michael Valiante/ Richard Westbrook 4. Scott Pruett 5. Gustavo Yacaman 6. Memo Rojas 7. Oswaldo Negri/John Pew 8. Ed Brown/ Johannes van Overbeek 9. Ryan Dalziel/ Scott Sharp 10. Joel Miller
Action Express Racing – Corvette DP Wayne Taylor Racing – Corvette DP Spirit of Daytona Racing – Corvette DP Chip Ganassi Racing – Ford Riley DP Oak Racing – Ligier HPD Chip Ganassi Racing – Ford Riley DP Michael Shank Racing – Ford Riley DP Extreme Speed Motorsport - HPD ARX Extreme Speed Motorsport - HPD ARX Speedsource - Mazda SKYACTIV-D
349 330 318 317 287 285 281 262 228 222
RGM
FORMULA 3
Esteban Ocon is the new FIA Formula 3 European Champion. Thus, the 18-year-old Frenchman follows in the footsteps of last year’s European Champion Raffaele Marciello, but other than the Italian, he already won the title in his maiden season in Formula 3
Esteban Ocon
With nine victories so far this season, Lotus Formula 1 junior driver Ocon already scored the biggest success of his career to date with three races to spare. Esteban Ocon and his predecessor Raffaele Marciello have quite a few things in common: both raced for the Prema Powerteam and both have been protĂŠgĂŠs of a Formula 1 team for many years. Marciello is still a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, while Ocon has been enjoying support from Lotus since his days racing go-karts. After a successful career in karting, the Frenchman spent two seasons in the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup and ended up a strong third overall after his second season.
FORMULA 3
At only 17 years of age, he made his Formula 3 debut during the Macau Grand Prix in 2013. At the extremely demanding circuit, the Frenchman caught the attention right away with good overtaking moves and fast lap times. Over the winter, the ambitious teeanager matured into an outstanding driver, which he already proved by winning the second race in the FIA Formula 3 European Cham-
pionship season opener at Silverstone. Until the meeting at the Hungaroring, he managed to win at least one race every weekend and pulled clear from the rest of the field in the championship standings more and more. After the strong spell of his fiercest rival Max Verstappen (Van Amersfoort Racing), who managed to win six races in a row at Spa-Francorchamps and at the
Esteban Ocon (FRA, Prema Powerteam, Dallara F312 - Mercedes)
FORMULA 3
Max Verstappen (NLD, Van Amersfoort Racing, Dallara F312 - Volkswagen)
Dennis Van de Laar (NLD, Prema Powerteam, Dallara F312 - Mercedes)
NoOcon countered with three wins at Moscow, where he also managed to claim all three pole positions. He headed home from the Russian capital with an advantage of more than 100 points. At the Red Bull Ring and the Nürburgring, the FIA Formula 3 European Championship points’ leader again had a brief drought and had to wait until Imola before he scored another race win. At the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, third place in the third race was enough for him to wrap up the FIA Formula 3 European Championship title early. “I simply don’t know what to say. Prior to the season, I never expected such a year. I am totally happy and I am already looking forward to my first test in a Formula 1 car that I will do at the end of October with Ferrari,” the newlycrowned champion enthused. During the season, he never really thought about a possible title win. “I tried to work from one race to another, because then, you get less nervous and you stay more relaxed.”
FORMULA 3
When looking back upon the season, the rather quiet Ocon rates his home round at Pau as his favourite memory. “The Saturday at Pau was my personal highlight of the season. On that day, I claimed two pole positions and won one race. That victory was particularly beautiful as it was my home race.” Ocon has rather less fond memories of the Red Bull Ring weekend: “There, things simply didn’t work and I made mistakes as well. However, I have learned from these mistakes and I have improved as a result. Prior to the season, I already knew that not all the races would be perfect. The field is simply too strong for that.”
FORMULA 3
Tom Blomqvist (GBR, Jagonya Ayam with Carlin, Dallara F312 – Volkswagen)
Ocon doesn’t come from a well-to-do family and therefore, he is very grateful Ocon has completed two-day test for Lotus F1 Team at the Circuit de la to the Lotus FormuComunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo accumulating over 650 kilometres in la 1 team for having the two year-old Lotus F1 Team E20 over the course of days October 22-23. Esteban Ocon: “The test driving the Lotus F1 Team E20 went really well. I had supported him sinto adapt to the car quite rapidly which I did very well. I felt comfortable with the ce 2010. “Had it not team straight away and the same with the E20. The word I’d use to describe the been for them, I cerfeeling of driving an F1 car is that it is just quicker. The car was easy to drive, tainly wouldn’t be stable and very enjoyable; it is a great car. I’m really happy with this two-day test and I hope to the get the opportunity to jump into the F1 car again soon.” here. They are sup Alan Permane, Trackside Operations Director, Lotus F1 Team: “Esteban drove porting me wherever exceptionally well over the course of the last two days, completing every task they can. Because I we asked of him. It’s clear he has a lot of talent as he was quickly up to speed and looked comfortable in the car. His feedback and aptitude were very promiwant to benefit from sing. I’m sure we will see him in an F1 car again before too long.” this great chance and because I simply love motorsport, I am always 200 percent committed,” says Ocon, who, next to his ambitions in motorsport is also still in school. “I am in some kind of home school and I intend to continue that as Antonio Giovinazzi (ITA, Jagonya Ayam with Carlin, Dallara F312 - Volkswagen) long as possible. After all, one never knows how things will go in motorsport and a solid education never does any harm.”
PIT STOP
At the moment, however, there is no need for him to worry, even though Gwen Lagrue, who is responsible for the Lotus team’s junior programme, isn’t yet able to say what the career path for his protégé Esteban Ocon will hold for next year. The eventual goal of the Lotus support scheme remains to prepare Ocon for Formula 1. RGM
NAS CAR Photos: NASCAR Whelen Euro Series/Stephane Azemard
Dumarey clinches the Elite 2 title
KUMPEN BY THE SMALLEST MARGIN
The final race of the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series season crowned Anthony Kumpen (#24 PK Carsport Chevrolet SS) as the 2014 ELITE 1 Division champion by just one point on Ander Vilarino (#2 TFT-Banco Santander Chevrolet SS) and highlighted once again the strength of Eddie Cheever III (#51 CAAL Racing Chevrolet SS), who dominated at the Circuit Bugatti en route to his third win of the season and a clear success in the Jerome Sarran Trophy
KUMPEN BY THE SMALLEST MARGIN
2014 NWES Champion Anthony Kumpen (#24 PK Carsport Chevrolet SS)
Kumpen conquered the title in his first NASCAR season by finishing second in the ELITE 1 Sunday Race, two positions ahead of Vilarino, and overturning the gap he had before the green flag. “It’s fantastic to win the Championship in our first year with a new project. I looked at NASCAR for all my life and now that NASCAR is in Europe, to be the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series Champion is a dream come true,” said Kumpen, who never finished outside the top10 during the season and amassed 1
Win and 10 top-5s. “Today it was the first time I drove the car in the rain on a road course. It was difficult but we made an outstanding job. I want to thank my fantastic team, NASCAR, the organization, Whelen Engineering and all the sponsors. I’m so happy to be in this Series and I’ll be back next year to go for title again!” Vilarino started from the pole and took the bonus points for leading the first lap – completed behind the
Andrer Vilarino and Bert Longin
safety car due to a track still wet after a morning shower – but Cheever took the lead as the green flag waved and immediately drove away from the rest of the field, leaving the two title contenders in second and third, with Vilarino ahead of Kumpen. The Belgian made his move at La Chapelle on lap 5 and started chasing down the leader. In the same lap, Vilarino lost another position to Frederic Gabillon (#12 Still Racing Chevrolet Camaro) and the championship with it.
The Spaniard tried to fight back, but ended up fourth under the checkered flag, behind Cheever, Kumpen and Gabillon. “I’m really satisfied for today’s victory because it came on a wet track that made the car really challenging to drive,” said Cheever, who in the final stages saw Kumpen getting closer, but took the checkered flag with a one second advantage and ended up third in the standings. “To be third in points, win three races and get the Jerome
KUMPEN BY THE SMALLEST MARGIN
PIT STOP Champions and Trophy winners will be honored on December 13 in Charlotte, at the NASCAR Hall of Fame / Charlotte Convention Center, in the contest of the NASCAR Night of Champions Touring Awards.
Eddie Cheever III / Simone Laureti
Sarran Trophy in my first NASCAR season is a huge achievement.� Bert Longin (#11 PK Carsport Chevrolet SS) was fifth entering the last lap, but slipped to seventh due to a contact with Victor Guerin (#83 Brazil Team Chevrolet SS). Bas Leinders (#32 RCP - Marc VDS Toyota Camry) inherited the fifth place, ahead of the Brazilian and the Belgian.
Freddy Nordström (#44 Still Racing Chevrolet Camaro) closed eight, ahead of Fabrizio Armetta (#31 CAAL Racing Chevrolet SS) – the 2014 Challenger Trophy winner – and Wilfried Boucenna (#22 Overdrive-Buffalo Chevrolet Camaro). The 2014 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series season closed with an extactic Maxime Dumarey (#24 PK Carsport Chevrolet SS) celebrating his ELITE 2 Division Champion thanks to
a cautious performance in a race that he ended in fifth place and was made difficult by the heavy rain falling on the Circuit Bugatti in Le Mans. First to take the checkered flag was his debutant teammate Gabriele Gardel (#11 PK Carsport Chevrolet SS), who got his maiden win in what was just his second NASCAR outing. It was a real triumph for the PK Carsport team. The belgian squad won the ELITE 1
KUMPEN BY THE SMALLEST MARGIN
PIT STOP After ending up 17th, Leonard Vernet (#7 TFT-Red Line Chevrolet SS) could finally celebrate his success in the 2014 Legend Trophy. Italia lady Erika Monforte eventually won the 2014 Lady Cup as Didier Bec (#8 RDV CompĂŠtition Ford Mustang) won the classification rewarding drivers aged 50 or more in Le Mans with the 15th place under the checkered flag
Division Championship with Anthony Kumpen (#24 PK Carsport Chevrolet SS), the ELITE 2 Division Championship with Dumarey and consequently the Team Championship with the #24 Chevrolet SS. “I am very happy for the championship an to win it in my first year in a NASCAR series makes it even more special. I want to thank everybody in my team, my crew chief, the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series organization and all the sponsors,” said Dumarey. “My race was good enough to win the title. I made some mistake but in the end the most important thing was to win the championship.” The other title contender, 16-year-old Thomas Ferrando (#22 Overdrive Chevrolet Camaro) was forced on lap 4 to an unscheduled pit stop due to a problem with the right rear tire that ended his championship hopes. Denis Dupont (#32 RCP - Marc VDS Toyota Camry) led the early stages of the race thanks to a good start from the pole and was closely followed like a shadow by Gardel. A restart after a safety car period – necessary to remove from the gravel the car of Ulysse Delsaux (#10 RDV Compétition - McDonald’s
KUMPEN BY THE SMALLEST MARGIN
2014 Elite 2 Champion Maxime Dumarey
Thomas Ferrando
Leonard Vernet
KUMPEN BY THE SMALLEST MARGIN
Chevrolet SS) – decided the outcome of the ELITE 2 Sunday Race when Gardel went to the lead at the end of the front stretch. The Swiss immediately built himself a good margin, taking the checkered flag with 3 seconds on Philipp Lietz (#86 TB Renauer Motorsport Ford Mustang), who was second after an eventful last lap. Dupont begun the final lap in second position, ahead of Saturday’s winner Denis Dupont, Gianmarco Ercoli (#31 CAAL Racing Chevrolet SS) and Lietz, with which he battled all race long, but entering the Chemin au Beufs chicane, Rousseau tangled with Dupont, as did Ercoli. Lietz took advantage of the situation to climb to second, while the Dupont managed to finish third anyway. Following the contacts, Rousseau and Ercoli were penalized with a
30-seconds addition to their race times that relegated them to the 14th and 16th place. Thanks to a positive fourth place in the race, Marçal Melo (#82 Brazil Team Chevrolet SS) won the Gentleman Trophy. Dumarey was fifth and clinched the ELITE 2 Division title, while Nathalie Maillet (#46 RCP - Marc VDS Toyota Camry) was the best Lady in the Sunday Race. Erika Monforte (#88 Euro Kart Racing Team Chevrolet Camaro) finished just behind her and brought to Italy the 2014 Lady Cup. Joaquin Gabarron (#12 Still Racing Chevrolet Camaro) – who returned to Series in Le Mans – Simone Laureti (#51 CAAL Racing Chevrolet SS) and Eric Quintal (#2 TFT-Banco Santander Chevrolet SS) completed the top-10. RGM
INTER VIEW
GP2 Champion Jolyon Palmer reflects on a stellar season
HOW DOES THAT SOUND?
Photo Zak MaugerGP2 Series Media Service
“It sounds incredible – says Jolyon – It was obviously what we were aiming for from the start of this year and I think we’ve just done a really good job, myself and the DAMS team. We fought for every pole and every feature race win. We barely made any mistake. It’s been an absolute dream season and to be Champion at the earliest opportunity for me is the icing on the cake.”
JOLYON PALMER
Photo Sam BloxhamGP2 Series Media Service
JOLYON PALMER When did you feel that this was going to be your year?
Photo Zak MaugerGP2 Series Media Service
“That happened probably after Abu Dhabi last year. We had such a strong end to the year with two wins and nearly a third one at Yas Marina as well. And then, we tested with DAMS and they were very keen to sign me for the year. We went for that option and straight away, on the first day with the team, I realised that the hunger was there for them as well. Going to a new team, you never know how that’s going to pan out. The first day of testing in Abu Dhabi, we topped and from there we never looked back really. We took the first pole in Bahrain and we took a win that weekend as well. I’ve gotten so well with the team. They’ve done a really good job all year. The mechanics, the engineers… I think the only mistake all year was Monza qualifying. Even so, that weekend turned out great as well. I love working with the team and together we’ve done a very good job.”
Did you ever feel the pressure of being the Series leader, being the man to beat? “It’s natural to feel a bit of pressure, but it was only after the summer break that I started to think about the title for the first time. Obviously when we were in Spa and at that point it looked like it was going to be between me and Felipe, the mind-set changes a little bit. But I didn’t feel the pressure so much. We had a big enough gap that we could afford a mistake and still lead. That’s a nice feeling. Of course, you make one mistake and the pressure is on, so you feel the pressure of not making a first mistake! But, really my mind-set this year has been to feel no pressure. I’m confident in myself to do a good job. I’ve got a lot of confidence in the team… There’s been more pressure this weekend because this could be the one where it could finally be wrapped up. I was a little bit nervous before this race. It didn’t really matter in the end because it came together perfectly.”
Photo Sam BloxhamGP2 Series Media Service
Is there one race in particular this season that you will remember as the best one of your winning season? “There’s too many! First, the one in Monaco because it is Monaco and the race was crazy with the red flag and the safety cars. Everything could have gone wrong and we won. Of all the tracks where to win, that was really special. Then, Budapest feature race: I qualified sixth and I was under a bit of pressure with Nasr on pole. We had a really storming race and I would have won without the safety car period that messed up the strategy. I was really proud of that one. And then, probably my biggest race this year is Monza feature race. That was when all the adversities were there. We were under control during qualifying. We were fourth and then we got put to the back of the grid. It showed the courage of the team and myself to come from twenty-sixth to eighth and turn
the weekend around. I think those three races can define my season.”
Looking ahead…? “Formula One! I’m confident. The first priority was to win GP2 and I was alway s confident that if I did win GP2 I was going to be in Formula One. Now that’s done and I’m confident I’ll be in Formula One. I’m not saying it is going to be easy, but this title is a big help. We’re going to have to wait for a few weeks and see what happens. I feel ready for it. I’m driving at the top of my game right now. I know the tyres thanks to GP2. It is the perfect Series to feed into Formula One: it is the same tyres, the same tracks, the cars are even now a similar speed especially into the corners. I feel absolutely ready for it and I am confident it can happen.” RGM
BT CC
eBay Motors star takes his second drivers championship as MG claims
g n i k r u T n i l 2 Co d e n w o cr
manufacturer honours
Adam Morgan scored a first ever win for Mercedes in the BTCC
n o n gt o i p m a h c 4 1 0
Colin Turkington was crowned the 2014 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Champion after a quite pulsating final day of racing at Brands Hatch. The Ulsterman came into the weekend with a relatively comfortable points margin, but had to overcome the
challenge from MG’s Jason Plato – the most successful BTCC driver in history. Plato laid down an immediate marker by claiming pole position ahead of his MG KX Clubcard Fuel Save team-mate Sam Tordoff, whilst Turkington had to settle for fourth on the grid behind Honda Yuasa Racing’s Gordon Shedden.
COLIN TURKINGTON
A huge crowd packed out Brands Hatch to see Turkington take the title
An action packed opening race commenced with a huge multi-car accident, as well as providing three different leaders in the opening half lap. Pole-sitter Plato was jumped off the line by Tordoff, who then immediately had the BMW of Turkington blasting around his outside as the pack roared into Paddock Hill Bend for the first time. There was drama behind after a coming together between the Airwaves Racing Ford Focus of Fabrizio Giovanardi and Shedden’s Honda Civic Tourer sparked a sequence of incidents in the pack. Shedden’s machine slid sideways across the track following the contact and was hit heavily by the unsighted Rob Austin. Jack Goff’s VW was bumped from behind in the melee and briefly became
airborne with both Dave Newsham and Alain Menu also involved. Matt Neal’s Honda was another car collected in the incident, ending the triple-champion’s day as he was flown to hospital for a precautionary X-ray on his ribs. When the dust eventually settled it was Plato leading from Tordoff, with Turkington in close pursuit. The MG duo held on for an impressive one-two but it wasn’t enough to deny 32-year-old Turkington from claiming his second BTCC title. Turkington’s eBay Motors squad was ready in the pitlane to welcome its man home, as the West Surrey Racing-run team also secured the Teams’ and both Independents’ championships. “I am over the moon,” said the new champion. “I wanted this more
than ever and I was prepared to do whatever it took to win the title. I suppose the main feeling is relief. We were ready to do battle until race three so I really wasn’t expecting to clinch the title so early in the day. I actually thought I was a point short when I crossed the line so I didn’t want to celebrate until I was absolutely sure. To be able to celebrate with the team and my family is a really proud moment. Lewis [Colin’s son] wasn’t old enough to remember the first one and part of the reason to get back into the BTCC was to do it for him, so I’m delighted. The emotion is so hard to descri-
The Ulsterman celebrates a sensational season
be – it’s like no other feeling in the world. Under the surface there’s been so much pressure, that race felt just like the 2009 finale. The car this year has been awesome, there hasn’t been one track where we’ve not been on the podium.” Race two was all about MG KX Clubcard Fuel Save securing the Manufacturers’ Championship but the encounter wasn’t without incident. Plato finished first on the road but was later penalised for his involvement in a race-ending shunt for Turkington. The eBay Motors BMW led the way in
COLIN TURKINGTON
PIT STOP
MG WINS MANUFACTURER TITLE
MG fans worldwide are celebrating as the iconic British brand celebrated its maiden manufacturer’s title in the prestigious Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship in the season finale at Brands Hatch. The victory was an incredible result for MG, following the brands race to the grid after the rapid formation of the team in 2012 and ending the four year dominance of Honda in the Championship. MG Sales and Marketing Director Guy Jones said “Everyone at MG is delighted with this victory and the team’s success in placing the iconic MG brand, with its rich history of motorsport, back at the top of such a prestigious, exciting and challenging championship as BTCC. I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to make this a success both on and off the track. The team here at MG, Ian Harrison and the team and Triple Eight, the drivers Jason Plato, Sam Tordoff, Tesco, Castrol and all our other sponsor partners”.
the early running before contact from the MG behind sent Turkington spinning into retirement. Airwaves Racing’s Mat Jackson took over the reins but his lead didn’t last long after the multiple racewinner spun it away of the exit of Hawthorns. Plato baulked up while
Jackson was having his moment, allowing the BMW of Rob Collard to nip through. Changes for top spot were far from finished, however, after Morgan got past Plato before producing a stellar move by leader Collard at Paddock Hill Bend. Plato made it through too as the performance in Collard’s soft tyres began to drop. Morgan then slid wide to seemingly hand victory to Plato before the latter’s post-race penalty gave the Mercedes driver a maiden success. Incredibly it was also the first overall win for the German marque in the BTCC. “It’s brilliant,” beamed Morgan. “We’ve been praying for a podium for so long, so to get a win at the last event of the year is just fantastic.” Shedden produced a master class in treacherous conditions in the season finale, ending a challenging campaign on a high for Honda Yuasa Racing.
MG secured the Manufacturers’ title for the first time
Gordon Shedden won the last race of the season in his Honda Civic Tourer
Tin-top rookie Jack Clarke scored an incredible second placed finish after seeing off a number of challengers throughout the contest. The pole-sitter lost out to the fast-starting BMW of Nick Foster off the line but he retook the lead with a great move at Graham Hill Bend. Shedden made light work of Foster and immediately set about attacking Clarke ahead of him. The 26-year-old held on well for a number of laps before the Scotsman slipped through on the exit of Hawthorns. Jackson completed the podium, rounding off an excellent season for the multiple race-winner in which he completed all 30 encounters. It was a hat-trick of accomplishments for Ford drivers as Dave Newsham also collected the Jack Sears Trophy for making up the most places of any In-
dependent driver throughout the campaign. It was all eyes on Turkington after the final chequered flag of the season, however, as he took to the podium in front of a huge crowd and collected the much coveted BTCC trophy for the second time in his career. The glittering occasion rounded off a record breaking and hugely successful 2014 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship, which saw 31-cars take to the grid, including seven former champions. Such has been the competitiveness of the burgeoning series that Adam Morgan today became the 11th different race winner in 2014 – a year that has provided more victors than any other in the history of this illustrious championship. RGM
RALLY CROSS
The biggest splash of the 2014 Red Bull Global Rallycross offseason came in February, when Volkswagen announced a two-car factory program in cooperation with Andretti Autosport for drivers Tanner Foust and Scott Speed. Stealing the show was the unveiling of a GRC-spec Beetle, with plans to debut sometime during the 2014 season.
RALLY CROSS Last month, Tanner Foust got his hands on the Beetle for the first time, putting the car through the gauntlet with three races in eight days in Los Angeles and Seattle. After taking a victory in the car’s very first heat, the two-time series champion had plenty of nice things to say about his new ride. “The Beetle was built for the ground up specifically for GRC, and it feels like that,” Foust said. “Everything works, it’s easy to drive. It’s a little bit bigger than the Polo, and right now we’re not able to really take advantage of the weight savings we could get with the 1.6 (liter engine), but this is still a bit of a testing phase. But even with that considered, the 1.6 is working hard, and it’s putting down some power.” The Beetle differs significantly from the Polo that Foust started the season with. The key difference, as Foust mentioned, is the smaller engine, which affords the team a
weight savings under Red Bull GRC rules. But the geometry of the car is significantly different—and the additional overhang of the car’s bumpers has given him something to think about when taking the series’ signature jump. “I’m definitely taking it a little easy over the jump, partly because of the overhang,” he noted. “But there’s certainly a lot of rally car heritage built into the Beetle, and the purpose of racing it in the heat of competition right now is to engrain a bit of rallycross DNA into the car. Working on how to make a mistake over the jump is one of those.” In its three races, Foust took the Beetle to last chance qualifier victories in Los Angeles I and Seattle, only to suffer setbacks in both of those main events. An engine failure dropped him from a strong fourth place in the former, while joker lane contact with Ken Block ended his race early in the latter.
Still, Foust and the Volkswagen team remain undeterred. “If we wanted to just track test the car, we could do it alone,” he explained. “Part of rallycross, racing the car here and testing it that way, is seeing how it responds to a little bit of contact here and there.” With four events under the Beetle’s belt at the conclusion of this season, there’s no doubt that the information learned in 2014 will give Foust a jump on returning to his typical championship-caliber results next season. “I’m really happy,” he concluded. “We still have a lot of things to iron out, but that’s one of the great things—with Volkswagen’s commitment to GRC in 2015, we’re able to use some of the races this year to come in full sprint ready for the championship (next year).”
RGM
PADDOCK MIX
Around 600 hp for DTM and Super GT The DTM and the Japanese Super GT Championship have made another important step forward in their collaboration. The two championships started sharing technical regulations mainly in the areas of chassis and aerodynamics specifications at the beginning of 2014. Starting in 2017, they will also be sharing engine specifications in the new ‘Class One’ regulations. The engines to be used are two-liter four-cylinder turbocharged units delivering around 600 hp, which clearly exceeds the current engine output in the DTM. IMSA, the International Motor Sports As-
sociation in the USA, is planning to hold races according to the new international Class One regulations as well. Moreover, a range of details like test limitations, tyre specifications and the use of DRS also were addressed in the meeting of the so-called ‘steering committee’ of the three race series. Thanks to these moves, those involved are convinced to be on a good way to being able to contest races in other championships without major modifications being necessary, with a Class One car from 2017.
Carlos Sainz : “I hope to get my chance in F1” Out of the points on the Jerez race, Carlos Sainz (DAMS) becomes the 2014 Formula Renault 3.5 Series champion, 24 years to the day after his father’s first crown in the WRC. At the age of 20, the Spaniard is the youngest driver in the history of the category to win the title as well as the first member of the Red Bull Junior Team to accomplish this feat. Carlos Sainz: “Thanks to the entire team for what we’ve achieved. If someone told me last December that I would experience a year so rich in victories and excellent moments, I wouldn’t have believed it! Looking back, we have gotten some great results. Things became a bit complicated during the summer, but I scored the two most important wins of my career in France. The coincidence with my father’s title makes this moment even more special. I hope now to get some news, good or bad, about my future, but I can’t wait to find out.”
Kyle LeDuc crowned 2014 Champion Kyle LeDuc, was recently crowned the 2014 Pro 4 Unlimited Class champion at the Lucas Oil® Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS) finale in Lake Elsinore, CA. The race weekend at Lake Elsinore Motorsports Park included two regular season races for the Pro 4 Unlimited competitors and the Lucas Oil Challenge Cup race. LeDuc swept all three races. After qualifying fastest and easily winning Round 15, LeDuc only had to take it easy in Round 14 to clinch the championship title. In true competitive form he
went all out, clenching another race win and another overall championship. Later in the evening LeDuc competed in the largest event of the series, the Lucas Oil Challenge Cup race. The Challenge Cup combines the Pro 2 Unlimited and Pro 4 Unlimited trucks in a head-to-head shootout for a big payout at the end. Putting an exclamation point on his championship, Kyle LeDuc walked away with the overall win, beating out 26 other competitors.
PADDOCK MIX López moved one step to glory
Two weeks after winning the World Manufacturers’ Championship, Citroën has added the Drivers’ title to its trophy cabinet thanks to José María López. López is the first Argentinian to win a motorsport World Championship since Juan Manuel Fangio fifty-seven years ago. Yves Matton, Team Principal, Citroën Racingsaid: “López is a great World Champion, for Citroën, for Argentina and for the FIA WTCC! We are happy and proud to have helped him win the title. He’s a guy who shines as much for his performances as for his
human qualities. The Drivers’ title brings further success for our team, after winning the Manufacturers’ world championship two weeks ago. Over the past quarter of a century, Citroën Racing has developed unique know-how which has allowed it to triumph in rally-raid, the WRC and now the FIA WTCC.” “It’s an amazing feeling” said the new World Champion. “As ever, the first thing that comes to mind is all the people I need to thank. Thank you to my family, to all those who helped me when things were at their hardest, and to Citroën for choosing me to drive one
of their C-Elysées. Thanks, too, to all the engineers and mechanics. Not just the ones who l ok after my car, because we all work together. It’s really special to have won on one of Ayrton Senna’s favourite circuits. He won two titles here and I am proud to have done the same. It’s also an honour to emulate Juan Manuel Fangio as an Argentinian World Champion. It’s thanks to him that our country is so mad about motorsport and I am proud to represent my nation in the FIA WTCC.”
PADDOCK MIX Brazilian Stock Car 2015 calendar announced Official test day: 08/02 – Curitiba 22/03 - Goiânia 12/04 - Ribeirão Preto 26/04 - Brasília 31/05 - Curitiba 02/08 - Salvador/Velopark 16/08 - Goiânia (Corrida do Milhão) 30/08 - Cascavel 13/09 - Brasília 04/10 - Santa Cruz do Sul 18/10 - Curitiba 08/11 - Tarumã 13/12 - Interlagos
Matsushita & Koizumi
Nobuharu Matsushita in the main class and Hiroshi Koizumi in the F3N class have been crowned Champions after the 15 challenging races of the 2014 Japanese Formula 3 Series.
PADDOCK MIX Earl Bamber is 2014 Porsche Supercup champion At the very last round of the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup season he added another jewel to his crown: New Zealander Earl Bamber became champion at the race in Austin, Texas. The 24 year old scored second place at round ten which earned him the points he needed to take home the trophy. The Porsche International Cup Scholarship driver pumped his fist on the way to celebrating his triumph. “I’m the happiest guy on earth right now. It was a fantastic Supercup year topped off with a nerve-racking race at the end. This title means so much to me,” explained the ecstatic Bamber. Bamber grew up on a farm about 75 kilometres from the next city of Wanganui. It takes two hours to reach the closest international airport in Wellington. Bamber has sat in cars since he was th-
ree years old. First on his dad’s lap at the wheel of a pickup truck down to the mail box, later in kart and single-seater vehicles, and since 2013 in a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup. So far Bamber has contested 59 races in a Porsche. “I love this car. Sometimes straight after a race I want to jump back in the cockpit,” Bamber admits. But he also knows that the job of a race driver is more than just being the fastest. There’s no better prerequisite than that for a motorsport professional. And this is what makes a real champion. At the wheel of his Porsche 911 GT3 CupMichael Ammermüller (D/Walter Lechner Racing Team) was the actual winner of the action-packed Texas round ahead of Bamber and Philipp Eng (A/Team Project 1).
Vanthoor wins Blancpain GT Series Another success for the Audi R8 LMS ultra, the Belgian Audi Club Team WRT and Laurens Vanthoor in the season finale of the Blancpain Sprint Series in Azerbaijan. In the city street race in Baku, the Belgian (together with CĂŠsar Ramos this time) secured the pole position and victory in the qualification race as well as in the main race. At the same time, the team won prize money in the amount of 100,000 euros in
the prestigious city street race. With that, Vanthoor, who in July had won the Spa 24 Hours and clinched the title in the Blancpain Endurance Series in September, also crowned himself Blancpain GT Champion, the overall classification of the sprint and endurance series. The Belgian Audi Club Team WRT won the teams’ classification in the Sprint Series, the GT Series and the Silver Cup.
SOUTH AFRICA: Van Weely clinches title The new champion of Formula Volkswagen South Africa goes by the name of Nicholas van Weely (ZA). On the eighth and final weekend of racing for this season held in Zwartkops (ZA), van
Weely managed to secure the championship title during the final race, beating his main rival and the reigning champion Robert Wolk (ZA). The two contenders for the championship went into the final weekend of the season with 126 points apiece. Wolk won the first race ahead of van Weely after ten laps, with a lead of 0.738 seconds. Things then took a dramatic turn in the second race: Wolk was slapped with a 30-second penalty for a jump start and ended up at the back of the pack at the end of ten laps. This left things open for van Weely, who won not only the last race of the season, but also the championship as a whole ahead of Wolk and Werner Scholtz (ZA). RGM
globalmag
& RACEGM
DON’T MISS OUR DECEMBER ISSUE!
CARS GLOBALMAG
automotive digital/magazine published by Doppiovù Press SAS Lesmo (Italy) info@carsgm.com www.carsgm.com
Monza (Italy) Court Registration nr. 17/2012 of the November 2nd 2012
Chief Editor Vittorio Gargiulo Editorial coordinator Niccolò Gargiulo
Powered by Inrete - Milan (Italy)
Like us on facebook: Cars Global Magazine All rights reserved. All materials present in this pubblication including, but not limited to texts, photographs, illustrations, video clips and other materials are protected by copyrights and/or other intellectual property. The material and content provided in this magazine is for your personal, non-commercial use only, and you agree not to distribute, copy, extract or commercially exploit such material. You further agree not to reproduce, distribute, perform, display, modify, adapt, translate, prepare derivative works from this magazine.