Middlehurst completed a hat-trick at Thruxton

Rd8 Podium (l-r) Weiron Tan, Chris Middlehurst and Jake Cook

Protyre Formula Renault Championship leader Chris Middlehurst (St. Helens) completed a hat-trick of race victories at Thruxton in Hampshire this afternoon, Sunday, 2nd June, to open up a remarkable 96 point cushion as the first half of the 2013 season reached its conclusion.

Having taken his fourth win of the year in round six yesterday, the MGR Motorsport driver bagged his second success of the weekend in round seven, after a titanic battle with category rookie Weiron Tan (London), and then re-assumed his dominance in round eight to seal a near perfect weekend.

Claiming all three pole positions, all three victories and posting the fastest race lap in two of the three encounters, even with eight races still remaining 18-year-old Middlehurst is looking almost unstoppable in his quest for the coveted title.

“I don’t think this weekend could have gone any better really”, said the points leader, “Three wins, three poles and then two fastest laps – it’s fantastic. I’m trying to just focus on scoring the points, I’m not thinking about the championship.

“It’s important to keep pushing, the moment you think about things like championships, that’s when you start to lose and things go wrong, We just need to keep pushing for wins and podiums and then see where we are at the end of the year.”

Tan and Cook both celebrate double Thruxton podiums

Middlehurst made a good start to round seven from pole but fellow front-row qualifier Jake Cook (Rotherham) wasn’t as fortunate and the Hillspeed driver slipped to the tail of the top six as Scorpio Motorsport’s Ivan Taranov (Oxford) surged past into second and Malaysian driver Tan claimed third.

Through the complex though, the Fortec Motorsports driver sensationally got ahead of Middlehurst and Taranaov with the latter elbowing the championship leader down to third. Into the chicane, Middlehurst re-took second but the intense battle over the runner-up spot had enabled Tan to open a 1.4 second lead after just the first 2.36 miles of racing.

Behind the top three, MTECH Lite’s Joe Ghanem and Cook diced over fourth place with the Lebanese driver momentarily getting ahead before Cook hit back on lap two. Over the next couple of laps, Middlehurst reduced Tan’s advantage and on lap five into the chicane he grabbed the lead.

Tan tried to hit back into the complex but the action was then neutralised when the Safety Car had to be deployed, to retrieve the stricken MTECH car of Ed Brand (Dagnall, Hertfordshire) which left the circuit at Village.

At the re-start on lap nine, Middlehurst led away from Tan with Taranov third, Cook pressuring him hard in fourth, Ghanem fifth and Argentina’s Matias Galetto in sixth. Tan produced an excellent pass at the complex to re-take the lead and Middlehurst then slipped to third at the end of the lap when Taranov, on the absolute edge of adhesion, managed to skittle around the outside on the brakes.

Compromising the Scorpio driver’s exit though, Middlehurst was able to shoot back past into second at the start of lap 10 with Cook moving into third. As before, the continued battle for second place enabled Tan to open-up a huge lead which, by the start of lap 12, stood at almost four seconds.

One lap later though, the Safety Car re-appeared – this time after a tangle involving Wei Fung Thong (Liverpool) and Diego Menchaca (Bedford) – so Tan’s lead was eroded. Racing resumed on lap 16 for a three lap sprint and Middlehurst lost second momentarily to Cook before hitting back immediately.

Into the final tour, Tan led by 0.7 seconds from Middlehurst with Ghanem into third after Cook locked-up at the chicane when looking to challenge for second. Tan looked set for the win but, out of Church, Middlehurst got a great run and managed to just squeeze alongside on the inside line into the chicane to snatch the victory – he also bagged the two bonus points for fastest lap.

Cook, meanwhile, fought back to third ahead of Ghanem with Taranov taking fifth ahead of his team-mate Henrique Baptista (Eastbourne) – up from 11th on the grid – with Hillspeed’s Matt Rao (Oxford) seventh, just holding off Hong Wei Cao (Stoke-on-Trent).

“I made it hard work for myself”, reflected third placed Cook, “I got a really bad start, I think I was down to sixth at the complex. I got back up to second but then made a mistake into the last corner trying to pass Chris [Middlehurst]. It was a late braking move and I flat-spotted the tyre, so after that I struggled a bit. It’s better than yesterday, it’s good to be on the podium.”

The finishing order of round eight was exactly the same, Middlehurst from Tan and Cook, but the complexion of the race was completely different. While unable to break away from the pack over the first few laps, Middlehurst remained in the lead and from mid-distance, as Cook, Tan and Taranov fought hard over second place, the MGR driver was able to open a clear advantage.

Building his lead to a massive 12 seconds by the finish on lap 15, Middlehurst just missed out on a perfect haul of fastest laps with the two bonus points from round eight instead going the way of Tan who managed to see off Cook after some sensational wheel-to-wheel battles. Producing a brave pass around the outside at Noble on the final lap, the Malaysian certainly deserved his second place.

Taranov came into play from lap eight onwards and ended the race just 0.5 seconds shy of the podium. Post-race though, the Russian was excluded from the results following an incident which occurred after the chequered flag had fallen. On the amended classification, Galetto inherited fourth place with Cao fifth and Baptista sixth.

“It was a tough race between me and Jake [Cook], it allowed Chris [Middlehurst] to get away but I managed to get Jake on the last lap which was quite a relief”, said Tan, “It was quite a risky move, I had tried to pass at the complex a few times but that didn’t work. So, I thought I should try a different strategy! It’s my strongest weekend yet, hopefully we can have a win at Croft.”

Croft Circuit in North Yorkshire will host the next three rounds of the 2013 Protyre Formula Renault Championship on 6th/7th July.

Along with headline sponsor Protyre, Formula Renault is additionally supported by Michelin, The Lubricant Consultancy, Petronas Syntium and NGK Spark Plugs.

Provisional 2013 Protyre Formula Renault Championship Standings (after Rd8):

1st Chris Middlehurst, 258pts; 2nd Jake Cook, 162pts; 3rd Jorge Cevallos, 141pts; 4th Weiron Tan, 129pts; 5th Hong Wei Cao, 114pts; 6th Joe Ghanem, 100pts

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Mercedes-Benz pays homage to regional classic

1957 300c

Mercedes-Benz USA debuts the all-new 2014 E-Class Wagon alongside one of its predecessors, a pristine 1957 300c at the 18th Annual Greenwich Concours d'Elegance from June 1-2, 2013. The event features rare vehicles from past and present and benefits Americares, the private, non-profit relief and humanitarian aid organization.

With the background of the breathtaking Greenwich seaside, Mercedes-Benz highlights one of the Northeast region's most beloved vehicles, the station wagon. Making up almost 50 percent of all Mercedes-Benz wagon sales, the Northeast is the epitome of wagon country and the perfect backdrop to pay tribute to a timeless icon.

The wagon has a long-standing history as a classic family vehicle, and just in time for summer the new wagon hits dealerships featuring an array of new driver assistance systems. The 2014 E-Class model line features eleven new or optimized "intelligent drive" systems adapted from the future S-Class set to debut later this year. These groundbreaking systems include technologies that can help prevent accidents with pedestrians or vehicles crossing in front, Active Lane Keeping Assist for avoiding collisions with oncoming traffic and anti-glare continuous high-beam headlamps. All this and more ensures that Mercedes-Benz maintains its pioneering role in vehicle safety.

Powered by a V6 engine that combines excellent response characteristics and outstanding power delivery with exceptional efficiency, the new E-Class has a peak output of 302 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. The vehicle also comes with distinctive updates in its styling for an elegant and sporty look, as well as significantly enhanced comfort features and upscale equipment, rounded-off by an exceptional level of efficiency and everyday driving pleasure. All of this comes together to ensure that the E-Class continues its leading position in the luxury segment.

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Wagon will share the spotlight with one of the original Mercedes-Benz wagons, a 1957 300c with local roots:

• Originally owned by a wealthy women named Mrs. Foulke, who wanted a vehicle large enough to transport her luggage from NYC to Palm Beach
• Binz GmbH & Co. built the station wagon for her specifically
• Chrome window surrounds accenting slender pillars below a simple roofline that extends back to rear hatch
• Rear lights from popular 190sl
• Custom designed interior- rear seats that fold forwards level with the flat rear load roof and additional storage space beneath floor access from tailgate
• Red interior with carpeting/leather upholstery  and polished wood

The 2014 E-Class Sedan will also be on display in additional to the following new models from Mercedes-Benz:

• SLS AMG GT Coupe – The epitome of power and performance, the hand-built AMG engine in the 2013 SLS AMG GT ($199,500 MSRP) features 583 hp and 479 lb.-ft. of torque, up 20 horsepower over last year's version. The GT model also comes with darkened headlights and taillights, red brake calipers, a unique 10-spoke wheel with matte black inlay and a high-gloss black finish on the front grille and outside mirrors as well as the fins on the hood and fenders. The Mercedes-Benz display features a photo activation where consumers can capture a photo of themselves with the SLS AMG GT Coupe to share socially.
• SL550 – For top down driving pleasure, the 6th generation of the iconic Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster ($105,500 MSRP) stays true to its namesake with an all-new aluminum bodyshell, weighing nearly 300 pounds less than its predecessor. The SL550 is powered by a new V8 engine that gets better fuel economy while producing more power -- 429 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque.
• GL550 - For the whole family, the all-new second-generation seven passenger GL-550 (($86,900 MSRP), is the leading luxury full-size SUV, and winner of the 2013 Motor Trend Sport/Utility of the Year award. Cradling its occupants with the first-class comfort of a luxurious sedan, the all-new GL is perfect for large families with ample space for up to seven passengers, while a host of efficiency measures delivers a substantial improvement in fuel economy.

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Jaguar F-Type and RR Autobiography made the Robb Report list

Jaguar Land Rover North America announced today that the Jaguar F-TYPE V8 S and 2013 Range Rover Autobiography have been featured among the list of winners in the ‘Wheels’ section of the 25^th annual 'Best of the Best’ list by Robb Report magazine. The Jaguar F-TYPE is the winner of the ‘Convertible’ category, while the 2013 Range Rover Autobiography is named the winner of the ‘Sport Utility Vehicle’ category.

Robb Report is celebrating its 25th annual ‘Best of the Best’ list with a special edition 2013 Luxury Portfolio issue. The newest edition of the magazine is a culmination of a year’s search for the most extraordinary new products and services.

"To have the Jaguar F-TYPE and the 2013 Range Rover Autobiography included in this special 25^thanniversary issue of Robb Report’s ‘Best of Best’ reinforces that Jaguar Land Rover is one company with two extraordinary premium brands,” said Andy Goss, President, Jaguar Land Rover North America. “These are two exhilarating vehicles that we launched this year, and it’s an honor to have them named winning ‘Convertible’ and ‘Sport Utility Vehicle’ by such a leading authority in luxury.”

The Jaguar F-TYPE isa two-seat, convertible sports car focused on performance, agility and driver involvement. The 2014 F-TYPE combines low vehicle weight, high power, and superb aerodynamics to achieve a pure sports car experience, yet with Jaguar elegance and luxury. The F-TYPE is powered respectively by the new Jaguar supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine in 340hp and 380hp outputs and a 495hp 5.0-liter supercharged V8.

The Fourth Generation Range Rover is the world’s first SUV with a lightweight all-aluminum body, with a weight savings of 700lbs.  The Range Rover takes the capabilities of the brand’s flagship to a new level, with even greater luxury and refinement, enhanced performance and handling on all terrains, and significant advances in sustainability. The exclusive Autobiography series provides consumers with the highest level of customization and bespoke tailoring.

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MINI extends its range of all-wheel models to Cooper Countryman and the Cooper Paceman.

MINI Cooper Countryman ALL4

The spontaneous power delivery and precise handling of the MINI  all-wheel drive system ALL4 is now avaible in two more models: ALL4 will be available for the MINI Cooper Countryman and the MINI Cooper Paceman from July 2013. This increases the number of all-wheel versions within the MINI model range to ten models. The new models are also fitted with 6-speed manual transmission as standard, with 6-speed automatic transmission available as an option.

With the enhanced traction, driving stability and ability the permanent all-wheel drive system helps the driver stay in control while driving on snow, sand or slippery surfaces, as well offering extra grip on twisty roads.  ALL4 is based on an electromagnetic centre differential and distributes drive force at continuously variable levels between the front and rear axle. Its electronic control system is integrated directly in the DSC control unit (Dynamic Stability Control), enabling it to direct drive torque quickly and precisely to where it can be most effectively transformed into propulsion.

In the new models MINI Cooper Countryman ALL4 and MINI Cooper Paceman ALL4, the all-wheel drive system distributes the power of a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder engine with an output of 90 kW/122 bhp between the front and rear wheels. Spontaneous forward thrust is guaranteed by the engine's maximum torque of 160 Newton metres (190 Nm with automatic transmission), at an engine speed of 4,250 rpm.

As a result, the MINI Cooper Countryman ALL4 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 11.9 seconds (automatic: 11.7 seconds). The top speed is 184 km/h (182 km/h). Due to the high level of efficiency of both engine and drivetrain as well as extensive MINIMALISM technology, the boost in driving fun goes hand in hand with low levels of fuel consumption and emissions. The MINI Countryman ALL4 has an average fuel consumption of 6.9 litres per 100 kilometres (automatic: 7.5 litres) on the EU test cycle and CO2 emissions of 167 (175) grams per kilometre.

The relation between driving fun and fuel consumption is equally impressive in the MINI Cooper Paceman ALL4. This model takes 11.8 seconds (automatic: 11.6 seconds) to accelerate from standing to 100 km/h and attains a top speed of 185 (183) km/h. Its fuel consumption and CO2 emission levels on the EU test cycle are the same as those of the MINI Cooper Countryman ALL4.

With this extension of the model range there will be four versions of each of the MINI Countryman and MINI Paceman with optional ALL4 in future. The previously available portfolio comprises the models MINI Cooper S Countryman ALL4 and MINI Cooper S Paceman ALL4 (135 kW/184 bhp), the MINI Cooper SD Countryman ALL4 and the MINI Cooper SD Paceman ALL4 (105 kW/143 bhp,along with the MINI Cooper D Countryman ALL4 and the MINI Cooper D Paceman ALL4 (82 kW/112 bhp). The top sports models MINI John Cooper Works Countryman and MINI John Cooper Works Paceman transmit their outstanding engine output of 160 kW/218 bhp to all wheels as standard.

MINI has conquered new terrain since the market launch of the MINI Countryman and has welcomed a new group of customers into the MINI  family.

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Caterham to make Le Mans 24 Hours debut

British sportscar manufacturer Caterham will make its debut at the Le Mans 24 Hours this year (June 22/23), as it looks to further elevate its position as a global authority in sportscar development ahead of the launch of its brand new model in 2016.

Racing under the Caterham Motorsport banner, the lightweight sportscar specialist’s participation in the 90^thrunning of the French classic will also allow Caterham Group to investigate the viability of producing a customer Sports Prorotype package in the future.

Caterham Motorsport will run the #41 Zytek Z11SN-Nissan in the LMP2 category, with Caterham F1 Team Reserve Driver and Caterham Racing GP2 driverAlexander Rossi joining double LMP2 class-winner, Tom Kimber-Smith and gentleman driver Eric Lux in the driving seat.

The move reflects Caterham’s growing status and ambition on the international stage. Caterham F1 Team is competing in its second season at the pinnacle of motorsport under the Caterham banner and, in November 2012, Caterham Cars announced a 50:50 Joint Venture partnership with Renault to develop and build its first new road model in 20 years.

The entry to Le Mans also builds on the launch, in 2010, of the Caterham SP/300.R, a supercharged, mini Le Mans-style sports prototype, which has received glowing reviews from both customers and media and garnered strong demand as an advanced trackday machine and race school car.

A crew of Caterham engineers, technicians and data analysts will be embedded with its partner team at Le Mans, the highly-successful Greaves Motorsport outfit, to ensure that Caterham’s legendary ability to deliver intuitive handling characteristics is applied to the set-up of the #41 car.

Caterham personnel will be led by Caterham Technology CEO Mike Gascoyne. He said: “Within Caterham Group, we have a great deal of experienced personnel with a wide range of technical expertise – from powertrain development to carbon composite design.

“While there won’t be any specification changes we can apply to the car for this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours, because the car is homologated for the whole season, we will be looking in more detail at how our various areas of expertise across both Caterham Technology & Innovation and Caterham Composites can be applied to a customer Sports Prototype programme in future.

“We have the tools, the talent and the heritage to do the job in a marketplace that is currently light on existing players so it makes sense for us to go and see first-hand how we might take advantage of business opportunity that fits with our capabilities.”

Caterham has a rich heritage in motorsport. Its iconic Seven was originally designed to be a race car for the road and its ‘ladder’ of highly-competitive one-make race championships is widely acknowledged as one of the finest in existence.

Meanwhile, the Caterham Academy has created almost 1,000 brand new racing drivers since its inception in 1995 and the Seven has become one of the most raced cars in the world. Caterham also plans to launch its own grassroots karting championship in 2014.

As well as marking Caterham’s first participation in the round-the-clock race, the Le Mans 24 Hours will also be the first foray into international sportscar racing for Alexander Rossi. Rossi’s involvement in the Le Mans programme will form part of his wider motorsport development under the guidance of Caterham.

Rossi said: “Straight after driving in FP1 for Caterham F1 Team in Montreal, I’ll be back in Europe to start my Le Mans work. I’m excited about the challenge ahead and honoured with the opportunity to represent Caterham and the US at one of the most prestigious motorsport events of the year.

“On a personal level, taking part in Le Mans has always been another goal of mine. F1 is my main target and I’m fully focused on that, but to run at Le Mans is important to me and for my CV. It’s a special race and to have the chance to compete with a team that’s already had success in endurance racing makes it all the better. In addition, I can help the guys at Caterham who I already know very well.

“Just as in F1, my goal for the first few days with the Le Mans team will be to learn as much I can, building up the performance levels needed for qualifying and the race itself. My immediate focus is still F1 and FP1 at the Canadian GP with Caterham F1 Team, but as soon as that’s done it’ll be all about Le Mans.”

The Caterham Motorsport #41 LM P2 car will make its on-track debut at the official ACO test at Le Mans on June 8/9, followed by the race itself on June 22/23.

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End of the road celebration for Volvo C30

As the Volvo C30 comes to the end of the road, Volvo Cars takes a look back and celebrates the success of the sporty hatchback that sold almost 210,000 cars worldwide – with one in seven sold in the UK. 

On sale for just seven years, the visually arresting C30 was a major design departure for Volvo Cars when it launched in 2006 and as a result has developed a hardcore following achieving cult status, particularly among a younger audience. 

Making Volvo Cars cool for the first time since the heady days of the design classic P1800, the sleek and sporty four-seat C30 was immortalised in the Twilight films with vampire R-Patz taking the wheel to demonstrate just what the powerful C30 was capable of when rescuing love-interest Kristen Stewart. 

Film appearances have swiftly followed, with the striking C30 starring in the Abyss and She’s Out of my League as well as spots on TV shows Primeval, Fifth Gear and Top Gear.  Even pop group JLS fell for the looks and charm of the C30, using it in one of their music videos.

With almost 210,000 C30s sold worldwide, if parked bumper to bumper, they would stretch almost 900km – from London to Munich.  If they were stacked on top of each other, they would reach the Thermosphere – or as tall as 934 Eiffel Towers, or 1,916 Blackpool Towers. 

And for fans wondering about the last ever C30 – log on to www.LastEverC30.co.uk for more information and your chance to win the car.  It is a sporty and aggressive ice white R-design C30 with Polestar upgrade, up for grabs in an exciting Twitter competition.

The beginnings

The C30 started life in 2001 at the Detroit Motor Show, with the launch of the Volvo Safety Concept Car. 

Fast forward five years and Volvo Cars launched a future classic in Paris in September 2006, clearly borrowing the shape and design of the instantly recognisable C30 from the Volvo Safety Concept Car.  

The C30 was the starting point for Volvo Cars’ leadership in active safety. About 15 of the advanced technical solutions found in today's Volvo models were first seen in the Volvo SCC, such as forward collision warning, BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) and lane Departure Warning and Driver Alert.

Modified versions

Mix a Formula One car with a C30 and you’ve got the idea behind the concept by Evolve Cars Inc.  Created just a month after the Paris debut for the 2006 SEMA show in Las Vegas, Evolve created an enthusiast’s dream drawing on F1 technology and its renowned track record of maximising the performance potential of Volvo Cars with their stunning version of the C30.

Going Green with C30

Utilising the versatile C30 for another concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2007, Volvo Cars launched the Volvo ReCharge Concept.  A plug-in hybrid with individual electric wheel motors, this modified C30 had batteries that can be recharged via a regular electrical outlet for maximum environmental benefit and can be driven around 100km on battery power alone before a four-cylinder Flexifuel engine kicks in to power the car and recharge the battery.

Polestar C30 Concept

In 2010, the team behind Volvo’s championship-winning Swedish Touring Car Team created a monster 400PS AWD road car version of their Volvo C30 Racer.  The Performance Concept Prototype was the result of what happens when a Championship-winning team of race engineers and designers get free-rein to design and engineer a car.

A Volvo C30 Polestar testing at Nürburgring Nordschleife may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRgNezdpmQU

Swedish Touring Car Racing (STCC)

The C30 has seen massive success in the four years that Polestar raced a version in the STCC, winning both the team and driver’s titles in 2009 and 2010.  A similar version also raced for two years in the World Touring Car Championships.

A tribute to the Volvo C30 may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LheJMyBfquE

Celebrating the end of an era

Volvo Car UK is celebrating the success of the Volvo C30 by launching a three-day game onwww.LastEverC30.co.uk which will see one lucky person become the proud owner of the #LastEverC30.

The journey starts on Thursday 13^th June at 07:00 when the C30 R-Design with Polestar upgrade departs from Gothenburg, Sweden, making its way to the UK and to a specific area over the next two days - but only with the help of the audience and through the power of their tweets.  Each tweet posted using the hashtag #LastEverC30 not only brings the car closer to the UK but enters the person posting into a competition to win additional prizes along the way.

On Saturday 15^th June 2013, the third and final day of the competition, participants will have to unlock the car’s exact location by solving four clues posted on www.LastEverC30.co.uk and then get there as fast as they can to complete one final task. Whoever does this first will be crowned the winner and owner of the last ever C30.

Follow the action, find out how to play and take part in the Last Ever C30 journey on www.LastEverC30.co.uk.

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Kia recalls over 25 000 vehicles

Kia Motors (UK) Limited is recalling 25,192 vehicles sold in the UK for the replacement of a possibly faulty brake light switch on a variety of cars built between 2006 and 2011.

On-going monitoring of vehicle operations and Research and Development checks have discovered that in certain circumstances the faulty switch may cause the vehicle’s rear brake lights to not illuminate – or may not turn off after the brake pedal is released.

The vehicles affected in the UK include the previous model Carens, Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, some current Sorento and Soul models, and a very small number of Optima models.

The problem is caused by carbonisation on the switch contacts that can lead to the electric current being interrupted. The problem does not affect the braking performance or the operation of anti-lock brakes in any way. Kia Motors (UK) Limited is not aware of any accidents being caused by this problem.

Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by Kia Motors (UK) Limited and will be invited to take their vehicles to their local dealer where the switch will be replaced free of charge. The switch change takes just a few minutes to complete and no other work is required.

Any owner can contact Kia Customer Services on 0800 0158757 for further information.

In detail, the vehicles affected are: 1,128 Sedona models built between November 2006 and June 2007; 4,246 previous model Sorento units built between May 2007 and December 2008; 8,080 previous model Sportage units built between September 2007 and January 2010; 3,535 previous model Carens units built between March 2008 and November 2009; 3,525 current Sorento units built between October 2009 and April 2011, 4,676 Souls units built between June 2010 and June 2011 and two Optima models built between August 2010 and April 2011 are included in the programme.

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