Inside Lane
Issue 38
Aston’s DBS Retires
Welcome to issue 38 of the Inside Lane magazine. This month one of the worlds most iconic machines celebrates 25 years of leaving us in awe. The Ferrari F40 is still one of the biggest thrills on the road in 2012. Also Aston Martin bid farewell to the fantastic DBS with one final special edition. Over the page you will find all this and more, not to mention the revival of Alpine! What are you waiting for?
Gentlemen... Start.
Your.
ENGINES!
The notion of gentleman race clubs has become more and more popular over the past few years. The idea is simple. Bring lots of money and a race prepared car to that series’ specification, turn up to each event, attempt to gain glory against fellow wealthy individuals. Maserati are in their third year of running a global event staring some rather angry GranTurismo. For 2012 these machines are faster than ever. Claiming to be a half second faster than the 2012 cars, these new Maserati GranTurismo racers consist of a revised aerodynamic package and the loss of a bit more weight. The overall package is a much sharper racing tool that is ready to compete in the Trofeo World Series. The cost of running in this 2012 season is set at just under £100,000.
Porsche 911
Club Coupe
The Porsche 911’s strongest attribute is not its engine layout, not its looks or design. It isn’t even the badge on the bonnet… No, this cars biggest strength is its ever loyal fan base. These ladies and gents literally would not buy anything else and often band together to form some of the greatest owners clubs in the world. The Germans recognize this and to celebrate it This is the Porsche 911 Club Coupe. Isn’t it just something to behold? Here the astonishing 991 incarnation embraces the classic detailing of its heritage. The ducktail spoiler and retro inspired rims really do define this handsome machine. Based upon the Carrera S, the Porsche 911 Club Coupe receives 430BHP via the additional Powerkit. To cost £135,000 and be limited to just 13 examples, this greatest hits model will sell out fast and is sure to be a future classic.
Classic Motors Free From MOT
Owning and running a car these days is an expensive business. Fuel prices are at extortionate levels, road tax further drains your bank balance, and lets not forget that pesky congestion zone in London. Taking pride in a classic car is even more costly as parts don’t come cheap. However, in a rare turn of events the government is looking to help the motorist out, specifically those running a classic car. From November cars registered in 1960 or prior will no longer have to hold an MoT to drive on UK roads. Roads minister Mike Penning says “they don’t need to be told to look after them, they’re out in all weathers checking the condition of the engine, tyres and bodywork.” The man does have a point and the annual saving wouldn’t be snuffed at. We are all for the changes but do have one slight hesitation. Many people do take good care of their classic cars, but what of the man who doesn’t? Is his car going to be safe? I must stress this is not an objection, simply food for thought.
“It’s always me, me, Mii” VW’s little city car appears to be doing rather well now it is out and about in the big wide world. The Up! is indeed on the up, with sales producing very promising numbers. The well priced midget shares its platform with sister cars that all remain under the rule of the VW empire. Seats variant, the Mii, has just added a little bit of spice to the mix. Testing the water for a potential hot hatch model, the Seat Mii FR Concept brings all the looks of the performance badge. New body work brings forth a more aggressive side of the pleasant little car. The contrasting trim as well as swollen bumpers suggests that the 1.0 litre engine may be harboring a few secrets. Unfortunately not in this concepts case. Despite the spoiler, 16 inch rims and sporty interior that leads you to believe some engineering magic may have occurred, the machine underneath is actually standard. If the Mii FR were to come to market then things might get interesting, but right now this hatchback is simply in a mask.
Mad nes
s!!!
Rivalries can spark many things. War, jealousy, hate, greed are all items that are often a byproduct. However the best thing about rivalry is that it generates competition and the lust to do better than your adversary. Audi and MercedesBenz are both in the premium small car market and both offer, or soon will, performance orientated variants. Now the last time I spoke about the new BMW 1 Series I wasn’t very nice about it, but this M135i might just change that.
We first saw this M135i is concept guise not all that long ago promoting the notion of a 3 door 1 Series. A range of 3 door models have been launched but this 3.0 litre, 6 cylinder, twin-scroll turbo, pocket rocket is the real star of the show. Producing 316BHP and achieving the 0-62MPH dash in just 5.1 seconds (manual) or 4.9 seconds (8 speed automatic). Stopping power has been upgraded from the standard car also with the addition of larger discs both front and rear. Swollen body features further portray the intentions of this little monster. Audi and Mercedes would be unwise to write the M135i off.
“TAXI” “The green hell…” That is what triple Formula One world champion Sir Jackie Stewart described it as. Arguably the worlds most challenging track, the Nürburgring, is the benchmark for almost ever car manufacturer. Though a tyre torturing challenge, for a handful of Euro’s you yourself can take your prized possession for a lap. Don’t feel you have enough talent to keep it out of the barrier? Jaguar can oblige. The big cat is launching a new taxi service that will put passengers in the hands of talented ‘Ring drivers that will blitz them around Germanys most belligerent. Jags weapon of choice is the all-aluminium XJ with 500BHP being produced in the heart of its 5.0 litre supercharged V8. A 174MPH trip around the Nürburgring sounds like the perfect way to round off any trip to
The Aston Martin DBS is a
DBS
Ultimate
phenomenal car. Howling V12 up front, power sent to the rear and a low slung cockpit in between. We would go as far as to say that it is the best GT car in the world. These days it is 007’s weapon of choice making it even more sort after than it would be alone. Alas, the end is near for the DBS. Later this year we will see for the first time its replacement, but don’t go thinking the DBS will simply fade into the pages of history. Aston are giving it one final moment in the spotlight. This is the Aston Martin DBS Ultimate and being the last of its kind the British brand have gone all out. The interior has diamond quilt stitching with contrasting thread, carbon fibre garnishes the diffuser and rear lights, the artillery pieces that make up the exhausts are now coated, and the callipers come in an array of colours. The key thing about this model is the attention to detail. Just enough to define this amazing machine in its best light. The Aston Martin DBS Ultimate is available in both coupe and volante.
You know those times when you see kids continuously moan at their parents for something. “Please, please, please, please, please Mummy, please, please…” 99% of the time Mum or Dad gives in to grant the world some peace from their impatient offspring. Renault have stood firm despite the diehard fans scream for a return of Alpine over numerous years. Today the children have been treated with the toy that they have always wanted. Celebrating 50 years since the dawn of Alpine, this is the stunning Alpine A110-50. The concept marks the anniversary with a thundering 395BHP V6. Based upon the chassis of the Megane Trophy, the flowing body of carbon fibre conceals an overall package that Renault would very much like to produce. The thought of a well priced mid-engined sports car is something that we can all take solace in; however, as the French company have said “first we must make the sums work.”
Alpine Returns
Zagato Specialist coach builders don’t come much more legendary than Zagato. The Italians are responsible for some of the most incredible pieces of design to ever grace the road. Last year the Aston Martin V12 Zagato won multiple awards for its sculpture, now BMW want to get in on the act. Dubbed the BMW Zagato Coupe, this one-off machine really is something to look at. Based on the Z4, though BMW are being secretive about technical details, the coupe aims to win the Villa d’Este with its low slung silhouette and trademark Zagato details. Aston went on to produce the V12 Zagato last year after a positive reception. It is possible that BMW may also turn the Zagato Coupe into a limited production model.
Living Legend Ferrari is the most recognised brand in the entirety of Earth. The black prancing horse is not only a symbol of performance cars, but Italy itself. Ferrari exists for motorsport. End. The road cars may be awe-inspiring but their existence has always been a means to an end funding the Formula One team. Enzo Ferrari himself openly said on many occasions that you would be stupid to buy one of his cars as they simply bankrolled his addiction to racing. By the 80’s Mr Ferrari was becoming ever more aware of his own mortality and knew that his time was running short. With other brands such as Porsche surpassing the performance of Italian stallions on the road, he wanted to make a statement before he died. This statement would become the Ferrari F40. Debuting in 1987, the Ferrari F40 was the last car ever sanctioned by the legendary Enzo Ferrari. The company put to use the racing technology of what was known as the 288 GTO Competizione. The 288 was built to compete in the FIA Group B but before its development ended, the series was disbanded. Ferrari’s F40 was constructed mainly of carbon fibre, a material that had only found its way into Formula One a few years prior. Power came from a 2.9 litre twin turbocharged V8 that produced 471BHP. The result of all this racing technology being forged into a road car was enough to blow the minds of children and adults alike. The Ferrari F40 was the first road production car to exceed 200MPH, very much putting Porsche’s 959 back in its place. The cockpit was cramped, there were no luxuries what so ever, and with that monstrous V8 just inches from your head the heat becomes apparent very quickly. But that is the point… This car is the very spirit of Ferrari. It doesn’t care for proper air conditioning or carpets, it is a race-bred machine that’s only focus is being the ultimate in performance. The Italians built 1,315 examples of the F40 and since then they have never built a road car more pure. Today it is all about the electronics and flappy-paddle gearboxes, the F40 on the other hand, took no prisoners. You had to work to get the most out of that beast, and if you weren’t sweating blood after an exuberant drive, you were not using it to its full potential. I have been lucky enough to experience an F40 for myself, and let me tell you, it is every inch the legend that you would expect it to be. It is a machine that has no time for posers or the faint hearted. It is intimidating, it is raw and it is also simply the best car Ferrari has ever made. A real credit to the man who built it. Happy 25th Birthday Ferrari F40.
“25 years and still one of the biggest thrills you can have on wheels...�
SLS GT The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is a very fine
a result the SLS GT will do 0-62MPH in a
car indeed. Its sleek design with bold
startling 3.6 seconds. This car is not an
detailing is one that highlights the cars
addition to the SLS range as it replaces both
function for performance. Donning gull-wing
coupe and convertible for 2013. The
doors, the machine that echoes back to its
transmission is still the same 7 speed affair
forefather makes a statement to the rest of
but the suspension has been completely
the supercar fraternity. We wouldn’t change
revised. The interior experiences a few
very much about this car at all, but Mercedes
minor tweaks keeping you in pure German
have seen fit to introduce a more advanced
luxury all the way up to the SLS AMG GT’s
incarnation of their flagship SLS.
electronically limited top speed of 197MPH.
Named the SLS AMG GT, the cars signature piece is still that bellowing 6.2 litre V8 under the bonnet, but now it produces 583BHP. As
The BMW M5 is a very special indeed. The original founded a formula so potent that rivals for decades after would try and reproduce it. A practical luxury saloon that is capable of pure hooliganism a the drop of a hat. This machine is the automotive Jekyll and Hyde with both contrasting personalities coming together to form an astonishing piece of kit. The latest M5 continues this tradition but BMW has now felt the need to crank it up to 11 so to speak. Being people who appreciate a good bargain, this Performance Edition kicks things off with £22,075 worth of optional gear as standard. Quite the saving! This includes those delectable double spoke rims, M sport seats, a 12 speaker sound system as well as access to the internet. Making this car a little more special is a boost in power bringing the total to 560BHP. This M5 comes in three unique colours and BMW say that they will only produce 30 units, all have been designated to the UK market. Free toys, more power and exclusivity that will make this car a collectors fancy one day. What’s not to like?
M5 Gets Cranked Up To 11!