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MCLAREN GT3 RACING PROGRAMME INDUSTRY NEWS - REVIEWS - GADGETS
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0 1 0 2 DEC
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THIS MONTHS NEWS
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FEATURE : GOLF R
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FEATURE : BMW..
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THIS MONTHS MUST HAVES
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PICTURE OF THE MONTH
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MCLAREN GT3 RACER
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FEATURE : CHARITY
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FEATURE : INFINITI
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© 2010 TarMag Extra care is taken when compiling the contents of this online publication but the staff, contributors cannot be held responsible for any mistakes or errors. TarMag isn’t responsible for any issues arising from any dealings with any advertisers within the publication.
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Decem b er i s a n i c e m on t h for us, busy b ut a l s o s om e n i c e toy s to play with . T h i s m o n t h s m a g a z i n e s ee’s a ver y t un ed V W G ol f R , n ew c a r s from BMW, s om e c h a r i t y wo rk f rom the Stob a r t G roup a n d M c L a r en s GTR r a c er. Janua r y i s a b us y t i m e fo r us as we have m a ny s h ow s to a t ten d, and many even t s to p l a n . A l on g w i th re 4 TARMAG.CO.UK
viewing the latest press car s, prod uct launches and much much more, Expect some changes in 2011 with more use of video features. Quick reminder for AutoSp or t International Pistonheads show NEC, BIRMINGHAM, 13-16 JANUARY 2011 hope to see you there.
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THE TEAM @ WWW.TARMAG.CO.UK Managing Editor Mark Morris Mark@tarmag.co.uk Advertising David Daniels David@tarmag.co.uk
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SUBARU’S NEW WRX STI DEBUTS IN “GRAN TURISMO 5” Subaru announced that the WRX STI 4-door sedan model debuts in “Gran Turismo 5”, the most famous racing simulation video game for PlayStation®3. Developed by Polyphony Digital Inc. and published by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
world in 1997, “Gran Turismo” series 3 has been highly popular not only among video game fans all over the world but also in the professional racing drivers and automotiverelated circles. The WRX STI continues to be featured in the latest Gran Turismo series.
Subaru has engaged in a series of marketing and promotional activities around the WRX STI. These include worldwide support of rally programs such as Group N, media advertising and dedicated web content. Subaru regards the featuring of the legendary WRX STI in the Gran Turismo video game as an effective and entertaining way to raise awareness of the model and to bring more people to the adrenaline-pumping WRX STI experience.
Since its introduction in 1994, the WRX STI gained strong support from thousands of enthusiastic customers and motorsports fans. Passionate WRX STI drivers around the world praised Subaru’s AWD extreme sports model as one that provides total driving control and confidence. The 4-door sedan WRX STI model, recently added to the line-up in response to the high market demand, has received outstanding reviews for its superior driving performance.
Since the first series was introduced into the 6 TARMAG.CO.UK
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With the UK road network grinding to a halt this month as a result of severe winter weather, the AA has called upon I.M. Group to provide a small fleet of Subaru and Isuzu vehicles to ensure key members of its staff can keep mobile. I.M. Group has arranged for four vehicles to be delivered, including a Subaru Forester 2.0 XS Auto and a Subaru Outback 2.5i SE NavPlus, chosen for their sure-footed permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems and high levels of active and passive safety equipment. In addition, I.M. Group will supply two Isuzu Rodeo pick-ups: a 2.5-litre Denver Max and a 3.0-litre Denver Max LE Manual. With credentials that include a class-leading 3,000kg towing capacity, anti-stall technology and an electronically-switchable 4WD system (both high and low ratio) the AA can transport staff in comfort and, at the same time, take on the toughest towing challenges, whatever the weather throws at them.
WHO DOES THE FOURTH EMERGENCY SERVICE CALL IN ITS HOUR OF NEED?
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REAR-DRIVE, 6.2-LITRE V8, SUB-£50K: IT HAS TO BE THE NEW VXR8!
Vauxhall’s storming VXR8 model is back with a vengeance, packing heavily revised front- and rear-end styling, a new cabin and a raft of new technology to enhance its appeal to drivers in search of one of the last, great rear-drive V8 super-saloons. Priced at £49,500 (inc. 20 per cent VAT) and available to order later this month, the new VXR8 is now based on HSV’s E3 GTS model, just launched in Australia, the previous VXR8 representing the old version of the lower-spec ClubSport R8. That means it still under8 TARMAG.CO.UK
cuts full-size super saloons like the Audi RS6, Jaguar XFR and Mercedes E63 AMG by between £13k and £29k, and even performance saloons from the class below, such as the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG. A new, ‘Shockwave’ grille, LED daytime running lights and sleek new wing-vents mark the new car out from the front, while the rear features a new ‘Superflow’ rear spoiler, LED tail lamps and twin exhaust tips that mimic the shape of the front grille. As you can see from these first official press shots of our
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Hazard Yellow car, the new VXR8 will never blend into the scenery! As before, the new VXR8’s race-bred chassis uses MacPherson struts/progressive rate coil springs at the front and a multi-link independent set-up at the rear. But for the first time on a VXR8, Vauxhall has employed Magnetic Ride Control (MRC), a suspension system which adapts up to 1000 times a seconds to road conditions and driver inputs. Based on technology used in GM’s current Corvette ZR1 supercar, MRC works by sending an electric cur-
rent through damper units filled with ‘soft’ magnetic particles. These particles harden as the input reaches its maximum value, providing drivers with exceptional levels of ride, handling and stopping power. Befitting its exclusivity, the VXR8 is now available through just six highly specialist VXR dealers in the UK, though a total of 34 VXR outlets will be authorised to maintain the model.
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New CT 200h leads four-window display at Harrods For a prestige brand such as Lexus the windows of Harrods, the world’s most famous luxury store, provide a perfect showcase. From now until 15 January Knightsbridge shoppers will be among the first to enjoy a close-up view of the new CT 200h as part of a four-window Lexus display. It is not a case of look-but-don’t-touch: the presentation has been designed so that people can access the new full hybrid luxury hatchback, plus its sister RX 450h SUV model that is also on show. Another of the window units along Harrods’ Brompton Road frontage is devoted the latest Mark Levinson audio technology, as featured in a number of Lexus models. A Lexus Lounge completes the display, designed by Lexus with Harrods’ own creative team. Belinda Poole, Lexus Director, said: “Bringing Lexus and the new CT 200h to Harrods across the entire holiday period gives us a fantastic opportunity to present our new luxury hatchback in a perfect environment 10 TARMAG.CO.UK
and to introduce the Quiet Revolution of Lexus hybrid drive. It will help us target key customers who value the quality, attention to detail and unmatched levels of customer service for which Lexus – and of course Harrods – are renowned. “Our hybrid drive technology is ideally suited to city centre driving, delivering lower emissions with uncompromised performance and comfort. And where the CT 200h is concerned, it is the only luxury automatic available that is exempt from London’s congestion charge.” Anyone wanting to arrange a test drive, or to place an order will be able to do so inside the store, with a Lexus team on hand to provide further information and immediately forward customer details to the appropriate Lexus centre via iPads.
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E R U FEAT
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330 BHP VW GOLF R STAGE 2 UPGRADE & MORE UNVEILED BY APS APS of Brackley is pleased to unveil a range of per formance, dynamic and styling components for owners of the 275 bhp Volkswagen Golf R seeking bespoke, high quality enhancements. Stage One consists of a well proven and thoroughly developed ECU remap, which raises peak power to 308 bhp, which is of fered at the enticing price of just ÂŁ445.00 including VAT and 12 TARMAG.CO.UK
fitting in APS’s multi awardwinning workshop. Careful development and optimisation work has now enabled APS to launch a Stage 2 package, including a Milltek large bore turbo down pipe, high flow spor ts catalyst and a choice of Milltek stainless steel spor ts exhausts, featuring a switchable electronic exhaust valve, 2.75 inch bore
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tubing and dual 100mm ceramic black tailpipes. Stage 2 Golf R upgrade customers can choose between a Milltek non-resonated cat-back system which emphasises per formance and aural excitement, or a resonated Milltek cat back exhaust which majors on refinement and also benefits from EC type approval.
Due to the gasflow ef ficiencies realised by the Milltek Spor t exhaust system the APS Stage 2 VW Golf R upgrade raises peak power to approximately 320-330bhp depending on exhaust selection. Priced from ÂŁ1999.00 fitted including VAT, the APS Stage 2 VW Golf R upgrade is available now..
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Not to be upstaged by the launch of the stunning new BMW 1 Series M Coupé, the BMW 1 Series Coupé and Conver tible ranges have received a number significant modifications and upgrades that make them even more desirable and efficient. Both models dif ferentiate themselves from previous incarnations by way of a new front bumper with redesigned fog lights and redesigned Halogen headlights with an ‘eyebrow’ element. When Xenon headlights are specified this ‘eyebrow element features an LED illuminate d l i g h t b a r. A t t h e r e a r the headlights have also been changed with a more detailed appearance. H o w e v e r, t h e g r e a t e s t change to ES, SE and Spor t models is that they now come fitted with an Aero Cur tain – a feature that channels the airflow around the front of the car to reduce aerodynamic drag, thereby inc r e a s i n g e f f i c i e n c y. W h e e l
arches are one of the main areas of aerodynamic drag and the Aero Cur tain is BMW’s innovative solution to r e d u c e t h i s i n e f f i c i e n c y. Derived from race technolo g y, a i r i s ro u te d i n to t wo ducts in the front apron which then flows out of a narrow opening at high speed in the wheelarch. This jet of air ef fectively covers the side of the front wheels like a cur tain and thus reduces turbulence. As a result, CO2 emissions have been lowered throughout the range, with the 118d now rated at only 118g/km, while all 2.0-litre petrol versions have CO2 emissions of 155g/km or below. As with all BMWs, the 1 Series Coupé and Conver tible also come with a raft of other EfficientDynamics measures: Auto Star t-Stop is fitted to all petrol and diesel models (excluding versions with automatic transmission), while Diesel Par ticulate Filters, Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering (ex-
cluding 135i), Intelligent Alternator Control and Optimum Shift Indicator for manual models are all standard throughout the range.
rounds, M aerodynamic bodystyling, M Sport suspension, Run-flat tyres, Sport seats and M Sport multi-function leather steering wheel.
All BMW 1 Series Coupé and Conver tible ES models come as standard with 16inch alloy wheels, Dynamic Stability Control, Halogen headlights, MP3 playback capability and rear seat easy access system. Spor t models have as standard 17 - i n c h s t a r - s p o k e a l l o y wheels, Sport multi-function leather steering wheel and front Spor t seats – almost £1,200 worth of equipment that is currently of fered for no additional cost over an ES model. SE models get rear Park Distance Control (PDC), front fog lights and automatic air conditioning with twozone control.
BMW 135i M Spor t versions add twin blackchrome exhaust tailpipes, a unique M aerodynamic package, M Sport suspension with 135i-specific calibration, hydraulic power-assisted steering, rear spoiler and up-rated highper formance braking system.
All M Sport models, in addition to SE models, come w i t h 17 - i n c h l i g h t d o u b l e spoke style alloy wheels, door sill finishers with M designation, chrome front exterior trim, high-gloss Shadowline window sur16 TARMAG.CO.UK
The new BMW 1 Series Coupé and Conver tible go on sale March 2011, with prices star ting from £21,960 OTR for the BMW 118d ES Coupé and £ 24 , 24 5 fo r t h e 118 i E S Conver tible.
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. . . . . . VES
Meanwhile, performance lovers will get the chance to get close to some of the most desired road and track day cars in Piston record breaking Ultima GTR720.
A H T MUS
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They don’t sell cheap nasty stonless pieces of junk made out of tin cans you might see elsewhere. So get online now to www.blingbling-online.co.uk and get yourself hooked up!
nHeads: The Performance Car Show. Last year show goers were treated to the Aspira F620, the Noble M600 and the world
NEC, BIRMINGHAM, 13-16 JANUARY 2011
The world’s greatest motorspor t show, Autosport International, will kick off the 2011 motorsport season with a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into the exciting and glamorous world of motorsport. An astounding collection of features, incorporating cars from Formula One to grass roots racing, will give show visitors an insight into this exhilarating industr y. Interactive elements, such as the latest in race simulator technology and the Caterham Drive Experience, will provide a hands-on taster for show goers, while the Fifth Gear Live Action Arena is set to be a spectacle of daring stunts and extreme wheel-to-wheel racing. Meanwhile, perfor-
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mance lovers will get the chance to get close to some of the most desired road and track day cars in PistonHeads: The Performance Car Show. Last year show goers were treated to the Aspira F620, the Noble M600 and the world record breaking Ultima GTR720. Tickets are now on sale for the public show: adult tickets cost £30 per day, with children’s tickets priced at £19.50 (children under five years of age go free). For more information or to book tickets, please visit www.autosportinternational.com or call 0844 581 1420.
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MCLAREN CONFIRMS GT3 RACING PROGRAMME FOR MP4-12C 15 years since the McLaren F1 GTR famously won the worldfamous 24 Heures du Mans (Le Mans) on its debut, and 12 years since six ‘Longtails’ last raced at Le Mans, McLaren and CRS Racing, a successful and experienced UK-based racing team, have begun development work aimed at turning the 12C road car into a race-winning GT3 spor ts car. As par t of the development programme, McLaren 30 TARMAG.CO.UK
and CRS Racing will compete at a limited number of European GT races in 2011. With the 12C’s revolutionar y lightweight one-piece moulded carbon chassis (the ‘MonoCell’), its high levels of downforce and aerodynamic per formance, and its focus on form and function, the 12C should prove to be a great platform on which to develop
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a racing car, as well as visually setting pulses racing at European race tracks.
programme, and any future spor ts car projects that may evolve.
Mar tin Whitmarsh, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes Team Principal said: “Racing is in our blood – it was natural to develop a GT3 car alongside the 12C road car. We have a legendar y histor y in global motorspor t, including GT racing, and we aim to maintain that reputation with this GT3
“The 12C’s architecture and design was always aimed at high-per formance and ease of maintenance - two key criteria for potential customers. Combine that with the vast amount of racing experience in our automotive team, and CRS Racing’s specialist devel-
opment experience, and the 12C GT3 should be an exciting proposition for the top teams planning to race in GT3 from 2012.” Andrew Kirkaldy, Team Principal, CRS Racing said: “It is a rare oppor tunity to work with a company like McLaren and we are proud to be involved. Together, we aim to produce the highest quality GT car on the grid. The level of engineering experience at McLaren is unparalleled and
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this will be reflected in the 12C GT3. One of the most impor tant aspects of this programme will be customer ser vice and for that reason we will be building a limited number of cars at a competitive price. The result will be an incredible GT car with manageable running costs and good residual value that will provide its owner with an unrivalled experience.” Fur ther details about the McLaren 12C GT3 racing car
programme will be announced in 2011 and interest from prospective customers can be registered on www.mclarengt.com. Initial plans are for a limited run of 12Cs developed for the 2012 European FIA GT3 Series, but, as with McLaren Automotive’s road car business, conser vative growth and expansion will be considered.
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suppor t the 12C GT3 cars in close collaboration with McLaren. The Leicestershire-based racing team has a strong pedigree in GT racing in the Le Mans Series, the FIA GT Championship, the International GT Open and the British GT Championship. CRS also runs two successful singleseater teams: in the Formula Renault UK Championship and as Atech CRS in the GP3 Series
CRS Racing will build, sell and McLaren’s road car heritage
1993-1997: McLaren F1: The McLaren F1 was, and in many eyes remains, the definitive spor ts car: the first road car with a carbon fibre construction. Just 106 examples of this iconic supercar were made (72 road cars, 28 racing cars, six prototypes), but recent auction prices for F1s value the standard F1 road car at between £2 - £2.5 million, almost five times its original retail price: appreciation unheard of in a modern car. It was also the last true road car to win Le Mans and the first to achieve this feat since the ‘60s. 2003-2009: Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren: The SLR was conceived and styled by Mercedes-Benz as a power ful, touring spor ts car before being presented to McLaren Automotive to engineer, develop and manufacture. The SLR was prodigiously fast, exclusive and a technological tour de force. With over 2,200 examples produced by McLaren, the SLR became the most successful ultimate supercar ever built, selling more than twice as many as the next best-selling carbon based car (Porsche Carrera GT)..
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: E R U T A E
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Y T I R CHA
Stobar t Group and stars from the channel Five hit – E d d i e S t o b a r t : Tr u c k s & Tr a i l e r s – c a m e t o g e t h e r i n London on Saturday night to suppor t Ronan Keating’s annual Emeralds & Ivy Ball and help raise almost three quar ters of a million pounds in aid of Cancer Research UK and The Marie Keating Foundation. Stobar t Group sponsored the event, held at the iconic Battersea Power Station, as par t of its 40th Anniversary celebrations. The sup36 TARMAG.CO.UK
por t contributed towards a massively successful evening and helped raise vital funds towards Cancer Research UK’s and The Marie Keating Foundation’s cancer awareness units, which tour the UK and Ireland bringing cancer information and trained nurses into communities. The evening, which featured stunning per formances from The Saturdays a n d B r i t a i n ’ s G o t Ta l e n t winners Spelbound, kicked off with a special presenta-
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tion by Eddie Stobar t driver and star of Eddie Stobar t: Tr u c k s & Tr a i l e r s , M a r k D i x on, who appeared on stage to hand over a cheque for £ 1 51 , 7 0 0 – w h i c h i s t h e 2010 revenue from his now famous truck: Phoebe Grace. Stobar t Group CEO, Andrew T i n k l e r, s a i d : “ We h av e a very close relationship with Cancer Research UK and the excellent Foundation set up by Ronan in memory o f h i s m o t h e r, a n d w a n t e d to do something special
to help raise awareness of the magnificent work these charities and their dedicated nurses do. We thought that a year’s revenue from our most famous truck of 2010 would be a great idea – and we’re absolutely delighted with what it has raised.” Cant wait for the Channel Five hit to return to our screens in Jan & Feb 2011! Keep up the good work guys!
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E R U T A E F
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I T I N I F N I :
The UK roll-out of Infiniti, the Japanese per formance automotive brand, is gathering pace with the opening of Inf initi Centre Glasgow, the countr y’s four th Centre and the first in Scotland. C o n te mp o r a r y, luxurious and of fering the highest standards of customer care, Infiniti Centre Glasgow joins Centres in central London, Reading and Birmingham. It extends Infiniti’s reach to most of the UK’s major population centres when the marque’s unique customer service pledge – free car pick up and delivery within a 150 mile radius – is taken into account. Inf initi Centre Glasgow, two minutes off the M8 at Braehead near to Glasgow Airport, fulfils all the requirements that have made Infiniti’s unique retail environment such a worldwide success. A new build, the Centre uses stone, glass, light and space to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at odds with most people’s idea of a car dealership. With its lobby/lounge/display layout and emphasis on top quality décor and sustainable materials, the latest Infiniti Centre is more in the style of a top boutique hotel than a car showroom.
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The Centre is operated by I n f i n i t i r et a i l p a r t n er M PA Ltd which also operates the recently opened Infiniti Centre Birmingham and has two more Centres under construction, in Stockpor t and Leeds and both due to open in 2011. The Scottish opening ties in with the arrival of the M30d, Infiniti’s first diesel-powered per formance saloon which recently made its UK debut at the MPH Show. Other models to take their place behind the new Centre’s glass wall over the coming weeks are t h e e q u a l l y n ew M 37 p e t rol V6 saloon, the G line of Coupé, Conver tible and Saloon, and, in both V6 petrol and V6 diesel forms, the EX coupe-crossover and FX l u x u r y S U V, t h e F X a d d i t i o n ally available in V8 form. As well as a six-car display area the Centre boasts state-of-the-ar t workshop facilities, including an alignment bay and the latest wheel balancing equipment for wheels up to 21 inches. Infiniti’s other retail partn e r, R y m c o U K , a l r e a d y o p erates Centres in Reading, Berkshire, and at 77 Picc a d i l l y, a n d p l a n s to o p e n two more – in Chiswick and Hatf ield – in 2011.
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Free roadMagazine magazine Freetrack Trackand and Road Š 2009 TarMag Extra care is taken when compiling the contents of this online publication but the staff, contributors cannot be held responsible for any mistakes or errors. TarMag isn’t responsible for any issues arising from any dealings with any advertisers within the publication.
TARMAG.CO.UK