New F1 22 game for Xbox, PlayStation and PC: our review and verdict

By

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July 5, 2022

If the dramatic 2022 British Grand Prix has inspired you to have a go yourself, the new F1 22 video game is here to help.

Out now, the game is available for Microsoft Xbox, Sony PlayStation and Windows PC. The latter supports the use of a VR headset for the first time, designed to offer maximum immersion.

We headed out for some virtual laps to see whether the new game is worth adding to your collection.

Welcome to Miami

As the official game of Formula 1, F1 22 fully replicates the 2022 season. Spain, Australia and Abu Dhabi gain updated circuit layouts, and there’s the addition of the brand-new Miami Grand Prix track.

The biggest change are the 2022-specification Formula 1 cars. Designed to improve how closely competitors can race on track, they are the largest and heaviest Formula 1 racers ever built.

For those who mastered last year’s F1 2021 game, these new cars will provide a rude awakening. Do not expect to jump in the cockpit and instantly be at the front of the grid. The sheer size of the new cars, combined with the complexity of their ground effect aerodynamics, results in a steep learning curve.

Fortunately, F1 22 does include an array of driving assists to help players become familiar with the new machines.

This is your life

EA Sports has ditched the previous ‘Braking Point’ story mode for F1 22, with a new ‘F1 Life’ social hub making its debut. This allows players to show off their collection of supercars, personalise their luxury homes, and purchase clothes from an in-game shop.

F1 Life will feel familiar to anyone who has played the Test Drive Unlimited series of games. It adds little to the overall experience, and the handling of the various supercars is not a patch on dedicated racing games like Gran Turismo or Forza Motorsport.

Other elements have continued from F1 2021, including My Team. This allows you to join the grid as your own Formula 1 constructor, and be responsible for managing your team to glory.

Players can compete in the Formula 2 support series, albeit still with cars from last season.

Two-player championship mode and various multiplayer options are also retained.

Mid-pack visualisation

In terms of presentation, F1 22 is virtually identical to previous versions. Aside from the F1 Life screens, the majority of menus will seem instantly familiar.

On-track graphics and effects also appear unchanged. Although accurate and detailed, there is still no doubt you are playing a video game when looking at F1 22.

One of the biggest differences for this year’s edition is the option to change commentators. Should you be bored of the frantic excitement of David Croft, F1 22 allows you to pick the accomplished Alex Jacques instead.

Sky Sports F1’s Natalie Pinkham makes a cameo appearance, too.

Sprinting up the grid

F1 22 Video Game Reviewcontent/uploads/2022/07/004-F1-22-Video-Game-Review.jpg

Another new feature for F1 22 is the inclusion of Sprint race weekends. Although they were introduced to the Formula 1 calendar last year, F1 22 is the first time they have appeared in a game.

Taking place between qualifying and the main race on Sunday, Sprint races are used to determine the starting grid for the full Grand Prix.

Being able to replicate them adds an extra degree of authenticity, even if some are still unconvinced by the whole Sprint race concept.

Dive into full immersion

New for 2022 includes the option of ‘Immersive’ or ‘Broadcast’ settings for dealing with formation laps, pit stops, and safety car periods.

Picking the Broadcast setting replicates what players would see when watching a race on TV. Control during these critical times is automated, although your virtual mechanics can still be faced with a stuck wheel during a pit stop.

Switching to Immersive puts the responsibility for lining up on the grid and stopping in your pit box all on you. Managing all these elements takes skill and precision, with manual race starts particularly challenging.

Get them right and you will gain real satisfaction, but do it wrong and you’ll go backwards faster than Daniel Ricciardo’s F1 career.

The chequered flag is in sight

Yearly updates for sports games means the pace of change is slow, with only minor tweaks on top of updated driver rosters and tracks. F1 22 is no different, with only a handful of significant features to separate it from F1 2021.

The biggest change for F1 22 clearly is the addition of the new-specification Formula 1 cars themselves, which do present a genuine challenge for experienced players.

Along with these, new tracks, the full-immersive race experience, and even the addition of a proper music playlist, there is just about enough here to justify upgrading from last year’s title.

Indeed, for those who want the most up-to-date Formula 1 video game, there really is no other choice.

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Highway Code gains new section for self-driving vehicles

By

John Redfern

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July 5, 2022

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The Department for Transport (DfT) has published an updated version of the Highway Code that includes self-driving cars.

It aims to clarify what responsibilities a driver has when using a self-driving car, including what they can and cannot do on the road.

For legal purposes, a self-driving car is one defined as such by the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018.

This means vehicles that can safely and lawfully drive themselves, according to the Secretary of State for Transport’s opinion.

Ready to take control

The new text says drivers are ‘not responsible’ for a self-driving car when it is in charge of driving. This will allow drivers to view ‘built-in infotainment’ screens and turn their attention away from the road. However, this must still be done within the law.

In particular, the revised Highway Code stipulates that, even with a car in self-driving mode, drivers must still follow all relevant laws. This includes not being unfit through drink or drugs, and not using a handheld mobile phone.

You can also forget any ideas of having a quick nap in the back seat of a self-driving car.

The updated Highway Code says that drivers ‘must always be able and ready to take control, and do it when the vehicle prompts you’. In particular, this means ‘remaining in the driving seat’ and staying awake at all times.

The autonomous waiting list

Drivers must insure a self-driving car specifically as such. Should an accident occur with the vehicle in self-driving mode, the driver’s insurance policy would be liable.

The DfT notes that, at present, there are no production cars in Great Britain that are deemed to be self-driving. A small number of test vehicles have been permitted to evaluate self-driving technology on the road.

When self-driving vehicles do become available, the Secretary of State for Transport will publish details of them in a list on the Gov.UK website.

Details of self-driving cars will also be recorded on the DVLA database, offering a searchable list of those on offer.

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British Grand Prix 2022: full preview of this weekend’s race

By

Grace Murray

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July 3, 2022

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Cancel your plans and stay at home this weekend: it’s nearly time for the British Grand Prix. Yes, the Formula One circus is paying its annual visit to the Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire.

If you’d like to see the race in person, there are a small number of tickets still available via the Silverstone website, priced from £199. Otherwise, like us, you’ll be watching it on TV.

Read on for a full guide to the British Grand Prix weekend, including our predictions for success.

Where can I watch the 2022 British Grand Prix?

The first practice session begins at 1pm on Friday 1 July, followed by more practice laps at 4pm the same day. The third practice takes place on Saturday 4 July at noon, before qualifying kicks off at 3pm.

The lights go green on Sunday 3 July at 3pm. Race coverage is available on Channel 4 and Sky Sports F1, with the build-up starting from 1:30pm on both channels.

Who are the front-running drivers for the British Grand Prix?

We are now almost half-way through the 2022 F1 season. As it stands, Max Verstappen is leading the championship with 175 points after securing another win in Canada – adding to his five victories in 2022 so far.

After his unlucky crash with Lewis Hamilton at Silverstone last year, Verstappen will certainly be gunning for the win. Apart from a few faults with its Drag Reduction System (DRS), the Dutchman’s Red Bull RB18 racer has been dependable so far.

With the same car as Verstappen, Sergio Perez may be one to watch. The Mexican driver has enjoyed an incredible run throughout the season so far, securing five podiums within the first nine races, including a win at Monaco back in May. At this point, the Red Bull ‘second driver’ is also second in the driver standings, with 129 points.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has experienced a torrid time over the past few races. His first Did Not Finish (DNF) in Spain has led to him slowly tumbling down the Drivers’ Championship standings. Yet he drove hard in Canada a couple of weeks ago; starting from the back row of the grid, Leclerc made his way up to fifth, showing his steely determination to compete.

It wouldn’t be right to not mention the three British drivers at Silverstone. The Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell have experienced their fair share of car problems, but Russell has made an incredible start with his new team. Nicknamed ‘Mr Consistency’, will he be able to secure a podium place?

Meanwhile, seven-time world champion Hamilton is aiming for some much-needed points for the team to catch up in the Constructors’ Championship.

Finally, Lando Norris may draw upon the support of McLaren’s home-team fans to push his car ever-closer to its limits. He’s definitely in the running, too.

Which teams should I look out for at Silverstone?

One team that has flown under the radar so far this year is Alpine, another F1 constructor based in the UK. As it stands in the Constructors’ Championship, Alpine is in fifth place on 57 points, giving it the opportunity to further its lead over Alfa Romeo.

Indeed, with only six points between Alpine and Woking-based McLaren, this may be the race where Alpine forges ahead. Alpine has a variety of car upgrades ready for the race, with driver Esteban Ocon concluding that it will be “a good step” for his team.

British Grand Prix 2022: our predictions for the race

Our team to watch at Silverstone is Mercedes. It had some major issues with the latest car, which has caused much friction with number-one driver, Lewis Hamilton. However, a podium finish in the last race may reassure him it’s returning to winning ways.

Now with two British drivers, this is a team the fans love to support – especially Hamilton, who will be looking to score his ninth win at Silverstone this year.

A driver who enjoys getting the crowd in the mood for race day is Daniel Ricciardo. It simply wouldn’t be Formula One without him. With concerns the McLaren team are looking for ways to end his contract, the Aussie will be seeking some points to prove his worth. McLaren is another favourite team with the fans, so expect to see a mass of Papaya-coloured caps in the Silverstone grandstands.

This season is a battle between Red Bull and Ferrari overall, but who will take home the silverware at the British Grand Prix 2022? The race is on…

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Your complete guide to the 2022 W Series

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W Series 2022: your complete guide to the cars, drivers and race calendar

By

John Redfern

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July 1, 2022

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The W Series single-seater championship heads to Silverstone this weekend, in support of the British Grand Prix. TV coverage of the race will be shown on Channel 4 and Sky Sports.

This season, the all-female W Series runs alongside eight rounds of the Formula 1 World Championship across the globe.

This connects the W Series even closer with its ultimate mission of seeing a female driver in Formula 1 for the first time in decades.

Here’s everything you need to know about the W Series championship.

What is the W Series?

The W Series is the first all-female single-seater motorsport competition in the world.

It was created in 2018 to promote the best women drivers in motorsport, with the aim of helping them progress to the very top echelons of racing.

Using mechanically identical cars means that drivers succeed in the W Series based on talent alone, not who has the most money behind them.

Importantly, the championship itself is free to enter, with a $1.5 million prize fund on offer.

Does motorsport need an all-female championship?

The organisers of the W Series believe an all-female competition is needed to help fast-track the best women drivers to Formula 1 and other top-level motorsport competitions. A gender-specific championship is seen as the most effective way of doing this.

Whatever your opinion, what cannot be denied is that female drivers are still underrepresented in motorsport. For example, only five women have entered Formula 1 races since the championship began in 1950. The last woman to actually start a Grand Prix was Lella Lombardi – in 1976!

Although other series such as IndyCar and NASCAR have seen more recent, and regular, female entrants, there is still a clear gender imbalance.

Competing in the W Series rewards the top eight finishers with points towards an FIA Super Licence. This is required for anyone who wants to compete in Formula 1.

What impact has the W Series had so far?

The W Series has seen previous racers move further up the motorsport ladder, although it has not yet met its goal of a female driver on the F1 grid.

Alice Powell, who finished second in the 2021 W Series, has become a Talent Identification & Development Mentor for the Alpine F1 Team’s Academy.

One of the people she will be mentoring is W Series driver Abbi Pulling, who was one of the first women to drive an F1 car in Saudi Arabia.

After winning the 2019 W Series, Jamie Chadwick became a development driver for the Williams Racing F1 team. She defended her title in 2021, and also entered the Extreme E off-road championship.

Chadwick had hoped to compete in the FIA Formula 3 series, but struggled to secure the necessary budget.

Jess Hawkins has also edged closer to Formula 1. She is now a driver ambassador for the Aston Martin F1 Team, supporting them on race weekends.

Beitske Visser finished as runner up in the 2019 W Series. Since then, she has competed at the 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans, and taken part in the 2021 World Endurance Championship.

What is new for the W Series in 2022?

The biggest change for the W Series this year is that it will span three continents, with 10 races taking place.

A race at Suzuka in Japan marks the first time the series has been to Asia.

High-profile event backers, such as Hard Rock International becoming the title sponsor of the opening Miami rounds, also demonstrate how the championship has grown in stature.

How were the 2022 W Series drivers chosen?

The top eight drivers from the 2021 W Series automatically qualified for the 2022 season.

Two W Series Academy drivers, Nerea Marti and Irina Sidorkova, were guaranteed places on the grid. However, Sidorkova became ineligible to compete, due to restrictions on Russian drivers in motorsport.

For the rest of the grid, a five-day test was held at the Inde Motorsports Ranch in Arizona. Organisers selected 15 drivers to undertake evaluations, with five then picked to move to the next stage of testing.

A second test session was held at the Catalunya circuit in Spain, with 20 drivers completing almost 7,000 miles on the track.

Who are the British drivers in the 2022 W Series?

Although 10 nationalities are represented in the 2021 W Series, British drivers have a third of the coveted 18 seats.

Double W Series champion Jamie Chadwick returns to defend her 2019 and 2021 titles. She was the first female driver to win a British GT Championship, along with being the first woman to win a British Formula 3 race.

Alice Powell was the first female driver to win a Formula Renault race, and won the 2014 Asian Formula Renault Championship. Along with driving in the Jaguar I-Pace eTrophy, she has become an accomplished TV commentator, and finished second in the 2021 W Series.

As a driver ambassador for the Aston Martin F1 Team, Jess Hawkins has an extensive motorsport CV behind her. From stunt work to setting a Guinness World Record for driving the fastest lawnmower, she has done it all. Expect to see more of her trademark bobble hat throughout the year.

Yorkshire-based Sarah Moore has already competed in multiple championships. She became the first woman to win the Ginetta Junior Championship and also the Britcar Endurance Championship. She returns for her third W Series season.

Abbie Eaton admitted to being “initially sceptical” about the W Series. However, the GT racer and test driver for Amazon’s The Grand Tour was attracted by the competitive level of racing. She suffered a broken vertebrae in during last year’s W Series, and became the last driver named for the grid in 2022.

Lincolnshire’s Abbi Pulling is one of the youngest drivers on the grid at just 19, but has already competed in the Ginetta Juniors and British F4 championships. She is now an Alpine F1 Academy Affiliate member.

What cars do they use in the W Series?

All drivers use equal-specification single-seater racers. For the 2022 season, the W Series uses two slightly different versions of the Tatuus F3-spec car due to logistics.

Both the Tatuus–Alfa Romeo T-318 and Tatuus–Toyota FT-60 have turbocharged engines that produce up to 285hp.

Hankook supplies slick tyres, with the cars also featuring adjustable aerodynamic wings and spoilers. Just as in Formula 1, a HALO safety device is fitted over the open cockpit.

How do teams work in the 2022 W Series?

A teams format was introduced shortly before the beginning of the 2021 W Series, intended to allow third-party sponsorship and bespoke liveries.

This has continued for 2022, with a number of new teams heading to the grid. This includes Jenner Racing, owned by former Olympic champion Caitlyn Jenner. Defending champion Jamie Chadwick drives for the team this year.

Community Owned Racing Team DAO (CortDAO) is another new addition, with fans able to buy a stake in the team online.

All cars are still prepared centrally, ensuring there should be no mechanical differences them.

Where do W Series races take place?

For 2022, the W Series is a support act to eight rounds of the Formula 1 World Championship.

This means drivers will be sharing a paddock with F1 stars, and competing on the same circuits as them throughout the year.

The season-opening Miami weekend was a double-header event, as is the grande finale in Mexico City.

What is the format for a W Series weekend?

W Series race weekends will typically see drivers undertake a 30-minute practice session on the Friday, followed by a qualifying session later that day.

The race itself takes place on Saturday afternoon, lasting for around 30 minutes. As in Formula 1, the top 10 finishers will each score championship points.

How can I watch the W Series on TV in 2022?

The W Series signed a major multi-year broadcast deal with Sky Sports earlier this year, replacing Channel 4 in the UK.

Sky will broadcast each qualifying session and race live, with practice sessions available to watch online through YouTube.

Channel 4 has retained rights to show this weekend’s British round of the W Series live, and will also air highlights after each race weekend.

Lee McKenzie will lead the W Series TV coverage, supported by Amy Reynolds and Ted Kravitz as pitlane reporters. Naomi Schiff will act as an analyst, having previously competed in the W Series and now a presenter on Sky Sports.

Alex Jacques will be the lead commentator, and is joined by David Coulthard and Billy Monger.

How can I learn more about the W Series?

The W Series shares a wide range of behind-the-scenes information about the championship through its YouTube channel.

Episodes of the W Series: Off Track include all the extra background information fans could ever need to know, along with insights from the drivers themselves.

W Series 2022 Calendar

Round	Venue	Date
1	Miami GP, United States	7 May
2	Miami GP, United States	8 May
3	Catalunya, Spain	21 May
4	Silverstone, United Kingdom	3 July
5	Paul Ricard, France	24 July
6	Hungaroring, Hungary	31 July
7	Suzuka, Japan	9 October
8	Circuit of the Americas, United States	23 October
9	Mexico City, Mexico	29 October
10	Mexico City, Mexico	30 October

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Lewis Hamilton’s charity offers grants for girls and black students

By

John Redfern

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July 1, 2022

0

Charities supporting female motorsport, and engineering scholarships for black students, will be the first to receive grants from the Ignite Partnership.

Founded in 2021 by Sir Lewis Hamilton and the Mercedes-AMG F1 team, the charity was created to increase diversity and inclusion within motorsport. It has more than £5 million of seed funding available for projects.

Motorsport UK and the Royal Academy of Engineering will be the first beneficiaries of the Ignite Partnership. The money will promote motorsport careers to girls, and help black students gain engineering scholarships.

Expanding motorsport careers to all

The Royal Academy of Engineering will look to establish a motorsport scholarship scheme to support 10 black students.

This will take place across the 2023/24 and 2024/25 academic years, allowing students to study a masters degree in engineering or another motorsport-related subject.

Seeing 90 percent of the scholars find a role in motorsport will be the key success criteria.

Motorsport UK’s FIA Girls on Track programme will also receive funding.

Launched in 2016, the Girls on Track UK programme aims to encourage underrepresented groups to take an interest in motorsport careers. This has a special focus on improving female representation.

The new funding will expand the programme to reach 8,000 girls and young women from ages eight to 24. New schools will be added, with at least 50 percent of the participants qualifying for free school meals.

Pushing for better representation

Sir Lewis Hamilton’s own charitable foundation, Mission 44, leads the coordination of the Ignite Partnership initiative.

Following the announcement of the first two funding grants, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion said: “I’m very proud to see Ignite announcing our first two grants today. There has been a lot of work behind the scenes since launching and I’m delighted that Mercedes and I can continue to demonstrate our commitment towards creating a more diverse industry in this way.

“We chose these grants because they focus on supporting individuals from two crucial and underrepresented demographics, moving us towards our goal of increasing the number of women and black talent in the sport. The events of this week have shown us why there continues to be an urgent need to push for better representation in our industry. More than ever, we must focus on how we can use action to change motorsport for the better and this is an exciting next step.”

The funding announcement comes ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix. Our full preview guide to the race is available here.

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Citroen launches radical all-electric e-C4 X

By

John Redfern

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June 29, 2022

0

Citroen has revealed the all-new, all-electric, e-C4 X at a special event in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Described as combining fastback styling with SUV practicality and four-door finesse, the e-C4 X has been developed in response to customer demand.

Vincent Cobée, Citroen CEO, says the new model is aimed at those who want “an affordable, responsible and elegant alternative to the mass of hatchback and SUV offerings”.

Challenging the market norms

Sharing a platform with the C4 hatchback, the new e-C4 X slots into the range below the larger C5 X. Although radical-looking, the bold shape is aerodynamically efficient, recording a 0.29 Cd drag coefficient.

Citroën Design Director, Pierre Leclercq, said that the e-C4 X is “unmistakably Citroen at the front, but as you come around the car you can see that its silhouette is very different – much more dynamic and exciting”.

The flowing roofline disguises the traditional saloon-style boot, which sees a small lip spoiler integrated into it.

A raised ride height gives the e-C4 X an SUV-like driving position, with matt black lower panels emphasising the additional ground clearance. In terms of style, the Renault Arkana is likely to be its biggest competitor.

Potential electric range of 224 miles

Whilst certain markets will receive the option of a petrol or diesel C4 X, the UK will only see the electric e-C4 X on offer. Powering it will be a 100kW electric motor.

With Sport Mode engaged, this should result in a 0-62mph time of 9.7 seconds, along with potential top speed of 93mph.

Only one size of lithium-ion battery will be available, with a 50kW capacity. Citroen claims that this should deliver an official range of up to 224 miles when fully charged.

The 400v battery system allows the use of 100kW rapid charging devices, said to replenish the e-C4 X to 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes. Using a wallbox should see a full charge take 7.5 hours, although this can be reduced to 5 hours with the optional 11kW on-board charger.

Citroen will offer a ‘one-stop shop’ for EV wallbox installation, and allow charging of the e-C4 X to be controlled through the MyCitroen app.

Riding on a magic carpet

Compared to the radical exterior, on the inside the e-C4 X appears somewhat more conventional. A 10-inch multimedia display dominates the centre console, with storage space and multiple USB sockets found lower down.

Citroen is particularly proud of the e-C4 X’s rear seats, boasting of 198mm knee room and a reclined 27-degree backrest. It promises that three adults will be able to sit side-by-side across the rear bench, too.

The use of Advanced Comfort seats, featuring 15mm thickened foam, is said to give the impression of ‘sitting in a snug armchair’.

Aiding this is the use of Citroen’s Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension system. This uses hydraulic bump stops to help smooth out road imperfections, resulting in the company’s acclaimed “magic carpet ride” effect.

Additional junk in the trunk

The e-C4 X’s boot has a 510-litre capacity, with additional storage underneath for the electric charging cable. The rear seat backrests fold for larger items, with a ski hatch also included.

Final UK specifications for the new e-C4 X are yet to be confirmed by Citroen, with pricing also currently unannounced.

Production is scheduled to start soon at the Stellantis Villaverde manufacturing facility in Madrid, Spain, with sales beginning in autumn 2022.

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American Mini buyers are being sent giant jigsaw puzzles

By

John Redfern

-

June 29, 2022

0

American Mini customers who are waiting on delivery of their new car are receiving gigantic jigsaw puzzles to complete.

Select customers on the Mini USA waiting list will receive life-size puzzles, with others getting a regular-sized jigsaw. All the puzzles feature images of Mini’s current product range.

Mini USA’s new campaign is officially titled: ‘The We’re Working Hard To Get You Your Car, Waiting Is The Worst, In The Meantime Happy Puzzling, Mini Puzzle’.

Or the ‘Not So Mini’ puzzle, for short…

Solving a production puzzle

Mini aims to help keep customers engaged while they wait, and acknowledges the global supply chain issues that face the automotive industry.

The ongoing shortage of semiconductors has affected almost all car manufacturers, leading to substantial delays on deliveries. The war in Ukraine has caused shortages of some key components, too.

Earlier this year, Mini opted to stop production of vehicles fitted with manual gearboxes. Other drivetrain and engine options are also unavailable for order at present, plus there are restrictions on trim levels.

Typical delivery times for a new Mini are now six to nine months, or longer for electric and plug-in hybrid versions.

Mini time at home

Mini USA wants future owners to find a way to participate in the Mini community, even without their new car. Its various social media channels will feature customers completing their life-size puzzles.

“People buy a Mini because of its cheeky and fun-to-drive spirit, so we wanted to give owners something fun to do while they wait to get behind the wheel of their new Mini,” said Rah Mahtani, communications manager at Mini USA.

“The ‘Not So Mini’ puzzle is one of the ways we are showing the Mini community our appreciation as owners wait for their new vehicles. Owners and their families can enjoy building and displaying their puzzles, showcasing Mini’s iconic design, right in their home garages or living rooms.”

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Mighty 702hp Ram 1500 TRX pickup heads to Australia in right-hand drive

By

John Redfern

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June 27, 2022

0

The world’s most powerful production pickup truck is now on sale in Australia. And it’s available in right-hand drive.

Described as the ‘apex predator of the truck world’, the Ram 1500 TRX is designed to offer huge performance both on and off the road.

Launching the 1500 TRX Down Under marks the culmination of a seven-year project. This has seen 13,000 Ram trucks remanufactured in right-hand drive for Australian customers.

Muscled-up pickup truck

Powering the TRX is a 6.2-litre supercharged Hemi V8, as found in the tyre-shredding Dodge Hellcat muscle car range. It generates a huge 702hp and 651lb ft of torque, pushing this truck into supercar territory.

Even in a vehicle as large and heavy as the Ram 1500, this results in a 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds. Top speed is, perhaps sensibly, limited to 118mph.

An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, along with all-wheel drive that incorporates launch control. The TRX is also equipped with ‘Jump Detection’, which realises when the pickup is in the air. It then modifies engine torque and suspension settings for an optimal landing.

Bilstein Blackhawk e2 adaptive suspension dampers help create the 295mm ground clearance, as do huge 35-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory All-Terrain tyres.

Wanted Down Under

Each TRX comes fitted with leather sports seats, a 12-inch multimedia touchscreen and a 7.0-inch digital dashboard. Special displays can show off-road mode data, along with recording 0-62mph runs and G-force levels.

Turning the TRX into a right-hand-drive machine requires some 600 new parts, all locally sourced in Australia.

“When we first started this brand in Australia, people said it couldn’t be done,” said Jeff Barber, national manager of Ram Trucks Australia.

“Our robust planning, development, remanufacturing and testing programme, in conjunction with our local and global partners at Stellantis Ram Trucks International, has produced a range of vehicles that have successfully built-up strong demand for full-size pick-up trucks in Australia and New Zealand.”

Australian apex predator

Opting for such a hugely powerful pickup, with an official conversion to right-hand drive, does not come cheap.

Prices for the Ram 1500 TRX start at $199,950 (£113,000), with the only option being a panoramic sunroof for $10,000 (£5,600).

We suspect the Outback and sand dunes of Australia will make the perfect playground for such a capable performance truck.

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Towing a caravan, trailer or another car safely: what you need to know

By

Motoring Research team

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June 26, 2022

0

There are around 4,000 incidents a year on UK roads that involve cars towing a trailer, according to Highways England.

Drivers are advised to ensure they have the correct licence and insurance to tow, as well as checking the vehicle is connected correctly and the load is secure.

Here, we detail the essential safety checks you should make before towing a caravan, trailer or horsebox, followed by those for towing another car.

‘Preventable mistakes’

Many towing incidents and accidents are caused by preventable mistakes, says Highways England. These include:

A poorly loaded trailer
An overloaded trailer
Insufficient nose weight
A load too heavy for the car’s towing capacity
Driving too fast for the conditions
Serious crosswinds

Highways England’s strategic road safety lead, Stuart Lovatt, said: “Thankfully incidents are very rare, but now is the time to remind motorists of the need to make sure you have carried out proper checks and have loaded the trailer or vehicle correctly.

“We have all sorts travelling on our network including horseboxes, trailer tents and leisure vehicles such as boats and caravans. Our message is really simple, check it before towing it so that everyone gets home safe and well.”

Top tips: how to tow a trailer

Using advice from Highways England, here are some easy-to-follow tips for towing a trailer:

Reduce the risk of inherent instability. Make sure the outfit is properly matched (i.e. a car suitable for the caravan or trailer load) and that the trailer is correctly loaded, including sufficient nose weight.
Choose a car and caravan/trailer with stability aids. Don’t rely on them to correct an inherently unstable outfit. However, they will make a safe outfit safer still.
Drive within the speed limits for towing. This is 60mph on a motorway unless signs state slower. Take particular care when going downhill and/or overtaking to ensure that speed does not build up excessively.
Reduce speed if conditions are not favourable. For example, if there are crosswinds or heavy rain.
Keep clear of large vehicles. When passing or being passed by large vehicles such as HGVs, maximise the separation between them and the caravan/trailer by using the available lane width (with due regard for vehicles in other lanes).
Drive for stability. If instability occurs, do not brake, but instead ease off the accelerator and allow your speed to drop. Let the steering wheel twitch and do not try to steer against the motion of the car. Also, do not try to accelerate to ‘pull the outfit straight’. This is likely to result in instability at an even greater speed.
Check the causes of instability. Following an instability scare, check all possible contributory factors and address them if possible. Next time, you might not be so lucky.

Top tips: how to tow a car

The above advice also applies to towing a car. However, there are some additional factors to take into account. With help from LeaseCar UK, here are our tips for towing another vehicle:

Use an ‘On tow’ sign. This must be placed in the back window of the vehicle being towed to make other road users aware.
Use the right rope or bar. The towing rope or bar used must meet the weight limit of the vehicle being towed. Before attaching the rope/bar, ensure that it has no defects. In order to attach it, you will also need two towing eyes, which are metal hooks located below the car’s bumper.
Mind the gap. When the vehicle is being towed with just a rope or bar, the maximum distance between the two cars is 4.5 metres. There is no minimum distance, but there must be enough space to avoid any accidental damage (e.g. when braking).
Switch on the ignition. The ignition of the car being towed should be switched on in order to disable the steering wheel lock. This applies even if the car’s battery is flat. Remember to be careful with vehicles that have power steering, as it will be harder to turn the steering wheel.
Leave the gearbox in neutral. Cars should be left in neutral when being towed. This is so that the wheels can move freely. If the car is left in gear, the wheels won’t turn properly and this could cause damage to the engine. Also, remember to take the handbrake off before you start.
Give signals. As well as using indicators and hazard lights, adopting a hand gesture or a horn signal will help the driver behind know when you’re about to come to a stop.
Steady as you go. For the driver who is towing, accelerating slowly is important to avoid sudden jolts for the driver behind – and prevent damage to the towing rope or bar. Equally, take corners more slowly and wider than usual. This will allow the car behind adequate space and ensure it isn’t drifting into another lane.
Keep the tension up. The driver who is being towed must keep an eye on the rope at all times. If the rope begins to slacken, gently apply the brakes to reintroduce some tension. Again, this will stop any uncomfortable jolts and snags.
Automatic and electric cars. Drivers should tow with caution when it comes to automatic or electric vehicles. Electric cars, for example, do not have a neutral position, so when the wheels are turning they are still connected to the motor, which could cause lasting damage. Most breakdown firms use a low-loader lorry to recover EVs. Automatic cars have a similar problem as some cannot assume a neutral position when the car is turned off. If in doubt, refer to the car’s manual.

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Limited edition Alpine A110 Tour de Corse 75 revealed at Goodwood

By

John Redfern

-

June 23, 2022

0

Alpine will launch a limited-edition version of its A110 sports car at this week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The Tour de Corse 75 pays tribute to the original Alpine A110 Berlinette rally car, which claimed a hard-fought second place in the 1975 Tour de Corse rally.

Only 150 examples of the special new Alpine will be produced, with just five cars earmarked for UK customers.

Flashback to 1975

A bold yellow exterior features black and white decals, inspired by the classic 1975 rally car. The roof and bonnet of the Tour de Corse 75 are finished in black, with a subtle number ‘7’ visible on the rear.

A set of 18-inch gloss-white Grand Prix wheels and orange Brembo brake calipers help complete the makeover.

On the inside, Alpine has fitted a pair of motorsport-style Sabelt bucket seats, embroidered with ‘Tour de Corse 75’ text. To gain the full rally experience, buyers can specify racing harnesses.

Alpine’s new multimedia system, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, is included as standard. Each car will have a numbered dashboard plaque, indicating which of the 150 examples it is.

Take a first glance at Goodwood

Customers interested in one of the five UK cars can register their interest now, with prices set to start from £66,855.

The A110 Tour de Corse 75 will make several runs up the Goodwood Festival of Speed hillclimb, demonstrating the potential of its 300hp mid-mounted engine. Between runs, the car will be on show in the First Glance paddock.

The original Alpine A110 Berlinette, which inspired the new special edition car, will also be on show at Goodwood.

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