How to make your Petrol go further

It's possible to drive the same distance in the same time, without cutting your top speed, but using much less fuel, chopping up to 30% off your petrol or diesel costs. Here are a few pointers to get you started.

• Accelerate gradually without over-revving. Press harder on the pedal and more fuel flows. Get to the same speed using less power. Stay under 3,000 revs.
• Drive in the correct gear. Always drive in the highest gear possible without labouring the engine.
• Slow naturally. Rather than brake frequently, let your car slow naturally and use its stored momentum.
• Think about road position. To do all this takes road awareness. The more alert you are, the better you can plan ahead and move gradually.

Your accelerator's a money pump. The harder you press, the more cash is turned into fuel. Your brake is a money burner. Press it, and the speed you paid for converts into heat.

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TOP 10 TIPS FOR WET WEATHER DRIVING

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1. Steer into the skid. The first thing you should do is remain calm, ease your foot off the accelerator and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. This is called "steering into the skid" and will bring the back end of your car in line with the front. For cars without anti-lock brakes, avoid using your brakes. If your car has ABS brakes, brake firmly as you "steer into the skid".

2. Never drive in the rain with your cruise control on. If you do this and hydroplane your wheels can reach an excessive speed when not in contact with the road. This has the result of propelling your car forward when the wheels touch down again.

3. Drive in the tracks of the car In front. Following another car’s tracks on wet roads can reduce the amount of water between the road and your car tyres. Whenever possible, slow down by taking your foot off the accelerator and avoid using your brakes.

4. Driving through water. Generally, if the water is deeper than the bottom of your doors or the bottom third of your wheels, it is inadvisable to attempt driving through it. Use extreme caution, slow right down, it is important to watch the flow of the water and how fast it is going. If the water is too high seek a different route rather than braving the flood and risking damage to your electronic control systems.

5. Slow Down. When water mixes with the oil and dirt on the road it can create slick conditions that encourage skidding. The best way to avoid losing control of your vehicle is to slow down.

6. Do not use your high beam headlights. While it is important to use low beam headlights in the wet, high beam headlights are likely to reflect back on you, reducing visibility.

7. Demist Your Front and Back Windscreens. This may seem like a simple tip but you must ensure you have the best vision possible when driving in the wet.

8. Check Your Tyre Tread and Air Pressure. Make sure your tyres have enough tread depth. The deeper the tread the less likely the car is to skid or aquaplane. If they are excessively worn, avoid driving in wet weather. Make sure your tyres are adequately inflated by referring to the air pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer – this information is usually listed in on the fuel door, glove box or owner’s manual.

9. Avoid Sudden Movements. Be gentle and progressive when steering, accelerating and braking on wet roads. Do not accelerate quickly after stopping. Apply gentle pressure to your accelerator to avoid skidding.

10. Increase your stopping distance. Make sure if the vehicle in front of you comes to a sudden stop, you have enough space to brake to a stop without skidding.

Mini is BACK!

Mini added a Coupe version to its lineup at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show and put it on sale in the North American market in early 2012. Since then, the model remained pretty much unchanged and so it will for the 2014 model year.

The new Mini Coupe was previewed by the Coupe Concept that Mini unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and it is based on the Mini Cabriolet. However, unlike the cabriolet, the Coupe offers just two seats on the inside, so customers can enjoy increased trunk space when compared to the Mini Cabriolet.

Despite being a tiny city car and the Gran Turismo-styled rear end, the 2014 Coupe will be intimately distinguished as a Mini model, thanks to its standard headlights and grille.

As with the previous model years, customers can choose between three different versions: Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works.

The 2014 Mini Coupe will offer the usual design elements we are seeing in all the other Mini models. These elements include a hexagonal contoured grille, large circular headlights, a black border around the lower part of the body, plus numerous chrome strips and surrounds. Also, just like on any other Mini model, the positioning lights and fog lamps are located in the front apron.

However, unlike all the other Mini models, the Coupe will be the first model to feature a three-box body structure: engine compartment, passenger compartment and boot.

The most distinctive feature of the Coupe is a prominent and innovative "helmet roof," which gives the model a sportier look that the rest of the Mini lineup. Mini also installed an active rear spoiler – a first for the brand - which pops up automatically when the Coupe hits a speed of 50 mph. It goes back to its resting position when speed gets down to 37 mph.

For the exterior, customers can choose between nine different colors combined with three contrasting colors for the roof: Jet Black, Pure Silver and Chili Red.

All-new Audi S3

 

 

With just six days to go to the Paris motor show, the 'leaks' are coming think and fast; today sees the official release of the all-new Audi S3 - and we do mean all new.

The only thing its long-stroke two-litre TFSI engine has in common with the previous model is its 82.5 x 92.8mm bore and stroke. Developed specifically for the S3, it has upgraded pistons and con rods, a grey cast-iron crankcase reinforced at the main bearing seats, and a new cylinder head made of a lightweight aluminum-silicon alloy.

The exhaust manifold is part of the head, and is cooled by the water jacket - which not only keeps the larger-than-before, 1.2-bar turbo cool at full throttle (so it can run leaner and save fuel) but also reduces fuel consumption during warm-up.

The new TFSI engine has both direct and indirect fuel-injection; it relies on direct injection for starting and at high revs but uses indirect injection at part load to reduce consumption and emissions.

IMPRESSIVE NUMBERS

All of which translates into some impressive numbers: Audi quotes 221kW at 5500 revs and 380Nm from 1800-5500rpm, and the engine redlines at 6800. That's good enough for 0-100 in 5.4 seconds with the standard six-speed manual box or 5.1 with the optional double-clutch S tronic auto (also a six-speeder), and an electronically governed 250km/h top end.

But, thanks to more efficient fuelling, Audi is also claiming average fuel consumption of 6.9 litres per 100km (manual: seven litres) - that's 1.5 litres per 100km better than the previous model - and CO2 emissions of 162g/km for the manual or 159g/km for the auto.

Quattro permanent all-wheel drive is standard, with the electronically controlled and hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch moved to the rear axle for better weight distribution.

Finally, an 'electromechanical sound actuator' built into the bulkhead brings the engine sound to life in the cabin, and a sound flap in the exhaust opens at certain revs to let everybody else know you're there.

CHASSIS

The front axle has been shifted forward 52mm and the engine tilted back 12 degrees, using the VW group's new modular transverse platform, with the front subframe, front crumple zones, front fenders and bonnet all made of aluminium.

The progressive steering rack is geared to be slower around the centre point for relaxed straight-line cruising but more direct at greater angles for quicker response in tight corners.

The S3 runs 25mm lower than the new A3 on 18” alloys shod with 225/40 rubber, over internally vented 340mm discs and black calipers emblazoned with S3 logos.

Drive select is standard, giving the driver a choice of comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency or individual modes; the latter allows you to set your own parameters for steering, throttle response, the electromagnetic damper control system and the shift profile on S tronic models.

STYLING

The front treatment centres on the brand's signature single frame grille, in aluminium with matt platinum grey insert, flanked by adaptive xenon headlights (LED headlights are an option) and LED running lights.

The profile is all about laid-back A pillars, aluminium-look side mirror housings, and pronounced side sills, while a platinum grey diffuser below standard LED tail lights houses the four chrome-tipped oval tailpipes.

The interior of the S3, including the headlining, is in black with contrasting stitching; two-tone black and red is an option.

A distinct arch frames the instrument panel with trim inlays in either matt brushed aluminum or a black 3D look. The instrument dials are grey, the needles white, and the rev-counter includes a boost pressure indicator.

The sports seats are available in three upholstery combinations: leather and fabric, leather and alcantara, or leather and suede.

MMI navigation with MMI touch, displayed on a retractable, 180mm screen, and a new operating concept in which MMI touch is integrated into the rotary pushbutton, along with the full Audi connect infotainment suite, are available as options.

More options include adaptive cruise control, which when combined with the pre-sense safety system brings the car to a stop autonomously from speeds below 30km/h, side assist, active lane assist, camera-based traffic sign recognition and park assist.

The S3 will be available in South Afrhttp://www.towbarscape.co.za/ica from the end of the first quarter of 2013.

Fastest Cars In The World: Top 10 List 2012-2013

Fastest Cars In The World: Top 10 List 2012-2013

While most of us can only dream of owning the fastest car in the world, some will do whatever it takes to possess one.
Here are 10 of the fastest street legal cars available in the market (production models, as opposed to concept or modified cars) these are tested, measured and verified top speeds (theoretical speeds do not count).

World's Fastest Cars:
1. Bugatti Veyron Super Sport: 267 mph (429 km/h), 0-60 in 2.4 secs. Aluminum, Narrow Angle 8 Liter W16 Engine with 1200 hp, base price is $2,400,000. Although the Bugatti Veyron lost the title to SSC Ultimate Aero on March 2007, Bugatti challenged the record in Germany on July 10, 2010 with the new Super Sport and the Bugatti Veyron reclaimed the title of the fastest car in the world at 267 mph. The original Bugatti Veyron had a top speed of 253 mph, priced at $1,700,000 with 1001 hp.

#2 is a tie at 260 mph!
2. Hennessey Venom GT: 260 mph (418 km/h), 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds, has a 6.2-liter LS9 Turbocharged V8 Twin Turbo V8 Engine producing 1200 hp, with a price tag of $950,000. The Venom GT has yet to be tested and proven, but could possibly hit a top speed of 275 mph. This might just be the Veyron Super Sport's closest challenger!

2. Koenigsegg Agera R: 260 mph (418 km/h), 0-60 mph in 2.9 secs. 5.0-liter V8 Engine with twin turbo’s, housing 1099 hp. Base price is $1,600,000. If you're into snow sports, the Agera R can be fitted with a Ski Box as well as winter tires. While the Agera R has a massive theoretical top speed, the current tested top speed is 260 mph. Expect this snow car to be the Bugatti's arch enemy for the next 5 years.
Also a tie for #3.
3. SSC Ultimate Aero: 257 mph (413 km/h), 0-60 in 2.7 secs. Twin-Turbo V8 Engine with 1183 hp, base price is $654,400. Tested in March 2007 by Guinness World Records, The SSC Ultimate Aero was the fastest car in the world from March 2007 to July 2010. On March 2011, the Koenigsegg Agera R also surpassed it, forcing this American made car to the #3 spot. Shelby SuperCars will continue their quest to reclaim the fastest car title, and their new SSC Tuatura might do the job (we'll just have to wait).

3. 9ff GT9-R: 257 mph (413 km/h), 0-60 in 2.9 secs. The 4.0 Liter flat-6 Twin-Turbo Engine with 1120 hp, comes with a base price is $695,000. Based on the Porsche 911, the 9ff GT9-R 1120 hp version is limited to 20 units and the exterior may be modified to suit the owner.

4. Saleen S7 Twin-Turbo: 248 mph (399 km/h), 0-60 in 2.8 secs. Twin Turbo All Aluminum V8 Engine with 750 hp, base price is $555,000. Smooth and bad-ass. It will make you want to show it off non-stop.

5. Koenigsegg CCX: 245 mph (394 km/h), 0-60 in 3.2 secs. 90 Degree V8 Engine 806 hp, base price is $545,568. Made in Sweden, it is the older brother of the Agera R, only losing to 4 other supercars in the world.

6. McLaren F1: 240 mph (386 km/h), 0-60 in 3.2 secs. BMW S70/2 60 Degree V12 Engine with 627 hp, base price is $970,000. The fastest car in the 20th century with doors that looks like bat wings. Maybe Batman needs to order one and paint it black
7. Zenvo ST1: 233 mph (374 km/h), 0-60 in 2.9 secs. Twin-Charged 7.0 liter V8 Engine forging 1,104 hp. Base price: $1,225,000. The first Supercar from Zenvo Automotive, a Danish sports car company in pursuit of speed and perfection. This 100% Danish made supercar is limited to 15 units and the company even promised "flying doctors" to keep your baby functioning.

There is a tie for 8th place at 225 mph.
8. Gumpert Apollo: 225 mph (362 km/h), 0-60 in 3.0 secs, 4.2 liter V8 Engine that houses 650 hp. Base price: $450,000. Gumpert claims that the Apollo was designed such that it could drive upside-down in a tunnel with speeds at 190 mph or above. Of course, no one has tested this yet.
8. Noble M600: 225 mph (362 km/h), 0-60 in 3.7 secs. Twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 Engine with 650 hp. Base price is $330,000. The Noble M600 also happens to be a very cool car. Its inconspicuous design sports a slender and contoured body which does not scream out for attention at every second of the day.
There is a 3-way tie for #9!
9. Aston Martin One-77: 220 mph (354 km/h), 0-60 in 3.4 secs. 7.3 litre V12 Engine with 750 hp. Base price: $1,850,000. The production of this is limited to 77, hence the name One-77. This is beauty and power packed into One.

9. Ascari A10: 220 mph (354 km/h), 0-60 in 2.8 secs. 5.0 litre BMW V8 S62 Engine with 625 hp. Base price: $650,000. The company planned to produce 50 of these supercars at its factory in Banbury, England.
9. Lamborghini Aventador: 220 mph (354 km/h), 0-60 in 2.9 secs. V12 Engine with 700 hp, base price is $379,700. According to Lamborghini, Aventador is the name of a Bull that entered into battle at the Saragossa Arena on October 1993. This is the fastest bull in the world!

We have another 3-way a tie for 10th place:
10. Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster: 217 mph (349 km/h), 0-60 in 3.4 secs. Twin turbocharged AMG V12 engine that produces 678 hp. Base price is $1,850,000. The Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster is a limited-edition, with five ever produced. It is the quintessential exotic and exclusive supercar.
10. Ferrari Enzo: 217 mph (349 km/h), 0-60 in 3.4 secs. F140 Aluminum V12 Engine with 660 hp, base price is $670,000. Only 399 were ever produced; the price goes up every time someone crashes.
10. Jaguar XJ220: 217 mph (349 km/h), 0-60 in 3.8 secs. Twin Turbo V6 Engine with 542 hp, base price was $650,000. Made in 1992, this car still has what it takes to make the list.

Carjacking--Don't Be a Victim

CARJACKING has become one of the most prevalent crimes in many parts of the world. Most carjackings occur for the sole purpose of taking the car; it is a crime without a political agenda and does not specifically target a particular race or creed.

You can protect yourself by becoming familiar with the methods, ruses, and locations commonly used by carjackers.

AVOIDANCE

The first step to avoiding an attack is to stay alert at all times and be aware of your environment. The most likely places for a carjacking are:

    High crime areas
    Lesser traveled roads (rural areas)
    Intersections where you must stop
    Isolated areas in parking lots
    Residential driveways and gates
    Traffic jams or congested areas

Learn to avoid these areas and situations if possible. If not, take steps to prevent an attack.

In traffic, look around for possible avenues of escape. Keep some distance between you and the vehicle in front so you can maneuver easily if necessary--about one-half of your vehicle's length. (You should always be able to see the rear tires of the vehicle in front of you.)

When stopped, use your rear and side view mirrors to stay aware of your surroundings. Also keep your doors locked and windows up. This increases your safety and makes it more difficult for an attacker to surprise you.

Accidents are one ruse used by attackers to control a victim. Following are common attack plans:

The Bump—The attacker bumps the victim's vehicle from behind. The victim gets out to assess the damage and exchange information. The victim's vehicle is taken.

Good Samaritan—The attacker(s) stage what appears to be an accident. They may simulate an injury. The victim stops to assist, and the vehicle is taken.

The Ruse—The vehicle behind the victim flashes its lights or the driver waves to get the victim's attention. The attacker tries to indicate that there is a problem with the victim's car. The victim pulls over and the vehicle is taken.

The Trap—Carjackers use surveillance to follow the victim home. When the victim pulls into his or her driveway waiting for the gate to open, the attacker pulls up behind and blocks the victim's car.

If you are bumped from behind or if someone tries to alert you to a problem with your vehicle, pull over only when you reach a safe public place.

If you are driving into a gated community, call ahead to have the gate opened. Otherwise wait on the street until the gate is open before turning in and possibly getting trapped.

Think before stopping to assist in an accident. It may be safer to call and report the location, number of cars involved, and any injuries you observed.

You can avoid becoming a victim. Ruses and methods, as well as the types of cars most often targeted, differ from country to country. Talk with the regional security officer (RSO) at your post about local scams and accident procedures.

In all cases keep your cell phone or radio with you and immediately alert someone regarding your situation.

DURING A CARJACKING

In most carjacking situations, the attackers are interested only in the vehicle. Try to stay calm. Do not stare at the attacker as this may seem aggressive and cause them to harm you.

There are two options during an attack--nonresistive, nonconfrontational behavior and resistive or confrontational behavior. Your reaction should be based on certain factors:

    Type of attack

    Environment (isolated or public)

    Mental state of attacker (reasonable or nervous)

    Number of attackers

    Weapons

    Whether children are present

In the nonconfrontational situation, you would:

    give up the vehicle freely.

    listen carefully to all directions.

    make no quick or sudden movements that the attacker could construe as a counter attack.

    always keeps your hands in plain view. Tell the attacker of every move in advance.

    make the attacker aware if children are present. The attacker may be focused only on the driver and not know children are in the car.

In a resistive or confrontational response, you would make a decision to escape or attack the carjacker. Before doing so, consider:

    the mental state of the attacker.
    possible avenues of escape.
    the number of attackers; there is usually more than one.
    the use of weapons. (Weapons are used in the majority of carjacking situations.)

In most instances, it is probably safest to give up your vehicle.

AFTER THE ATTACK

Safety
Always carry a cell phone  on your person.

If you are in a populated area, immediately go to a safe place. After an attack or an attempted attack, you might not be focused on your safety. Get to a safe place before contacting someone to report the incident.

Reporting the CrimeDescribe the event. What time of day did it occur? Where did it happen? How did it happen? Who was involved?

Describe the attacker(s). Without staring, try to note height, weight, scars or other marks, hair and eye color, the presence of facial hair, build (slender, large), and complexion (dark, fair).

Describe the attacker's vehicle. If possible get the vehicle license number, color, make, model, and year, as well as any marks (scratches, dents, damage) and personal decorations (stickers, colored wheels).

The golden rule for descriptions is to give only that information you absolutely remember. If you are not sure, don't guess!

CONCLUSION

Avoidance is the best way to prevent an attack. Use your judgment to evaluate the situation and possible reactions. Know safe areas to go to in an emergency. Always carry your cell phone.

Nonconfrontation is often the best response. The objective is not to thwart the criminal but to survive!

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Caterham Motorsport

Caterham Motorsport is the UK’s biggest programme of one-make championships. Following the famous declaration that the Seven was ‘too fast to race’ in any open series, Caterham established its own one-make series in 1986 and has never looked back. Today, it is reckoned that there are more than a thousand competitors racing Caterhams all around the world.

In the UK, nearly two hundred drivers form the Caterham ‘motorsport ladder’ comprising of six factory championships that boast the closest and most exciting racing possible, thanks to enviably low costs and a field of identical cars controlled by tight regulations honed over 25 years of racing and evolving the same car. No wonder more than 750 drivers have made their dream of becoming a racing driver come true in the Caterham Academy.

You can join the online Caterham community here: http://www.caterham.co.uk/motorsport