Chrysler is helping celebrate its Australian history, with a special one-off version of the modern 300 sedan.
Five decades after the original Chrysler Valiant Pacer was launched, inspiration from it has been applied to one of the last affordable V8-powered four-doors in Australia.
Although only a concept at present, Chrysler promises that a limited run of production cars will follow in the near future for Australian customers.
True blue, or red, or yellow, Australian
Launched in 1969, the VF Valiant was an upgraded version of the third-generation of Chrysler’s full-size sedan range. Key changes for the VF Valiant included new body panels, along with the addition of a two-door hardtop model.
However, the biggest change came with the introduction of the performance Pacer model. Aimed at offering affordable speed, the VF Valiant Pacer used a 225-cubic inch six-cylinder engine, producing 130 kW (174 horsepower).
The Valiant Pacer was fitted with a three-speed manual transmission and capable of a 112 mph top speed. Special Pacer decals, and a choice of three paint options including ‘Wild Yellow’ helped mark it out.
Modern style, traditional values
The legend of the Valiant Pacer helped cement in Australian automotive culture, and one which deserves to be commemorated.
For the 300 SRT Pacer tribute car, Chrysler has added the classic Wild Yellow paint and red decals to the modern sedan. Chysler has even updated them to read ‘Pacer 392’, rather than the ‘Pacer 225’ written on the original.
This does also mean that the Pacer tribute makes use of a 6.4-liter (392-cubic inch) Hemi V-8 engine, offering 350 kW (470 horsepower) for serious performance.
A more than valiant tribute
As impressive as the VF Valiant Pacer was when new, we imagine drivers of it would prefer the eight-speed automatic transmission with launch control, fitted to the Pacer tribute car.
Sizeable 20-inch alloy wheels on the 300 SRT Pacer tribute dwarf those on the original Valiant. The SRT’s front splitter and rear spoiler give it an aggressive appearance.
Chrysler has not yet confirmed how many examples of the 300 SRT Pacer will be built, or how much they will cost. However, for those wanting to relive the glory days of Australian performance, the price is likely to be worth paying.
The new ‘Ford v Ferrari’ movie is just hitting cinemas, and you could soon have the chance to own one of leading stars from it.
Set to be part of the Mecum Auctions Kissimmee 2020 sale is one of the cars actually used in filming the movie.
It means you could sit exactly where Christian Bale did, and recreate the experience of Ken Miles at the 1966 Le Mans 24 Hour race.
Get ready to go like hell
Despite production of Ford v Ferrari having a budget approaching $100 million, the producers were not crazy enough to use actual Ford GT40s in the movie. Their rarity, and immense value, made using originals a non-starter.
Thankfully, the lasting impression of the GT40 meant a number of replicas have been created. Fos Studios were convinced by the quality of the replicas made by Superformance, and agreed to use them as part of the movie production.
This particular GT40 replica acted as the ‘hero car’ in the film, and was the one driven by Christan Bale to emulate Ken Miles driving at Le Mans in 1966.
Bundle of snakes captured
Underneath the rear clamshell is a Roush-tuned Ford V-8 engine, specially prepared for use in this 1966 Superformance GT40. Enlarged to a displacement of 511-cubic inches (8.4-liters), total output is said to be 600 horsepower.
A period-correct ‘bundle of snakes’ exhaust system has also been used, ensuring that this replica looks as accurate under the skin as it does outside. A five-speed manual transmission is shifted through an open gate lever.
Modern components from Bilstein and H&R have been used for the suspension, whilst Wilwood have supplied the brakes. We imagine Ken Miles would have loved ‘his’ 1966 GT40 to have been fitted with such high-end components!
This is no knock-off replica
Fox was reportedly so impressed with the attention to detail of the Superformance replica, that the car was even used for close-up filming.
Shelby American Halibrand-style wheels with knock-off hubs are used to recreate the originals. These match superbly with the iconic Gulf Oil blue livery covering the steel bodywork.
Inside, the Superformance GT40 is right-hand drive, and features a period-style Motalita steering wheel. Other interior details include Alcantara seats with rivet details, and Smiths dials to ensure it looks as accurate as possible.
True movie machine
Whilst is may not be an original GT40, the history of the car being used in a film about the success of Ford is deeply impressive provenance. The car has also been signed by Charlie Agapoo, Ken Miles’ crew chief in 1966, and Peter Miles, Ken’s son.
Owning a genuine 1966 Le Mans Ford GT40 MkII is an almost impossible scenario, which makes the chance to own this Superformance movie replica an incredible opportunity.
The Mecum Kissimmee sale takes place from January 2nd, through to January 12th 2020, at Osceola Heritage Park. With more than 3,500 vehicles set to cross the block, this GT40 replica is just one of many amazing cars up for grabs.
This year’s LA Auto Show looks set to be packed with new production models and exciting concepts. The 2018 event saw many major debuts, and 2019 looks ready to provide more of the same.
The show opens to the public on November 22nd, and runs through to December 1st, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
Join us as we take a look at the most exciting cars and SUVs visitors to the show can expect to see.
One of the biggest launches planned for the LA show is Ford’s Mustang-inspired electric SUV. Named the Mach E, Ford intends this battery SUV to be a true performance machine in the style of the Tesla offerings.
Iconic Mustang styling elements include the triple bar rear lights, along with a lengthy hood. Underneath will be a lithium-ion battery pack, proving an electric range in excess of 370 miles. Ford has invested heavily in developing the Mach E, and plans to add another 15 full-electric vehicles to its range by 2022.
Volkswagen ID Space Vizzion Concept
Volkswagen is also committed to electrification, and the ID Space Vizzion Concept will preview another forthcoming production model. The station wagon-inspired crossover design sits on Volkswagen’s Modular Electric Drive Matrix (MEB) platform, shared with other electric VW vehicles.
Volkswagen plans to tailor versions of the Space Vizzion to particular markets when the finished car arrives in 2021. Along with a fully digital cockpit, the interior of the Space Vizzion features vegan leather-alternative AppleSkin upholstery.
Tesla Cybertruck set to join the family
In typical Tesla style, the big reveal of the company’s electric pickup truck will take place in Los Angeles, but not at the actual LA Auto Show. Instead, Elon Musk will unveil the Cybertruck at the SpaceX rocket factory.
Details on just what Tesla will bring to the pickup truck market are being kept a closely guarded secret. However, Musk has hinted at ‘polarizing’ looks for the Cybertruck, and the potential for substantial towing ability. All the information will be announced on November 21st.
2020 BMW M2 CS
BMW is bringing plenty of new cars to Los Angeles, and the show will mark the world debut for the 2020 BMW M2 CS. Intended as a final celebration of the compact M-car, the M2 CS packs more power and less weight through substantial changes by BMW’s Motorsport division.
A total of 444 horsepower now comes from the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. With the optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the rear-wheel drive M2 CS will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds. Carbon fiber has been used for key body panels, with forged 19-inch wheels also added.
2020 Mini John Cooper Works GP
It might be small, but the ultimate performance version of the compact Mini hatchback is set to pack a serious punch, and price. U.S. customers will need to pay $44,900 plus destination charges to grab one of the 3,000 examples being built.
For that price, Mini is offering a car with 301 horsepower from its turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The JCW Works GP is also claimed to have lapped the fearsome Nürburgring-Nordschleife circuit in under eight minutes, putting it in the territory of major performance cars. The full details of just how Mini has created its fastest-ever production car will be announced in LA.
Bollinger B1 and B2
They may not be conventionally pretty, but Bollinger promises that the electric B1 SUV and B2 pickup offerings will have genuine practicality and rugged off-road ability. The 120 kWh battery pack is said to offer a range of up to 200 miles, with the option of fast charging.
Despite the $125,000 price, buyers should not expect Tesla-style digital dashboards. The interior of the B1 and B2 is strictly utilitarian, with the ability to remove the doors and windows. All-wheel drive is standard, with individual electric motors providing power to each axle for a total output of 614 horsepower.
2020 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
Volkswagen’s full-size Atlas SUV has proven popular, with more than 100,000 examples leaving the factory in Chattanooga, TN since production began. The Atlas Cross Sport aims to add coupe-like looks to the equation, with seating for five instead of seven.
Sharing the same wheelbase as the regular Atlas should mean plenty of interior space, along with additional luxurious touches for the seats and dashboard. Two engines will be offered: a 276 horsepower V-6 and a 235 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, with Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system available. Specific pricing details will be announced when the Cross Sport goes on sale in early 2020.
2020 Audi RS 6 Avant
North American fast Audi fans have long been denied access to the brand’s performance station wagons, but that all changes with the latest version of the RS 6 Avant. The specification suggests it has been worth the wait, with the RS 6 powered by a 600 horsepower 4.0-liter turbocharged V-8 engine.
An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to all four wheels through Audi’s trademark Quattro system. This allows the RS 6 Avant to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.6 seconds, with a top speed limited to 155 mph. Despite that incredible performance, the RS 6 is still a luxurious and practical station wagon.
2021 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
The new 2021 plug-in hybrid version of the Toyota RAV4 will become the most powerful version in the history of the popular crossover. Whilst hybrid versions have long been part of the RAV4 range, this will be the first one to feature plug-in technology.
Toyota promises that the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid will benefit from ‘spirited acceleration’ along with ‘nimble handling’ and ‘impeccable style’. The Plug-In Hybrid will also debut a brand-new color, with Supersonic Red added to the palette for the RAV4.
2020 BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe
BMW announced the 2 Series Gran Coupe last month, with the LA Auto Show set to be the official public debut for the compact sedan. This will mean the first opportunity to see if the controversial styling works better in the metal, and if the Gran Coupe delivers on the promise of space and usability.
Two versions will be initially offered for the U.S. market, with the 228i xDrive as the entry-level model. Fans wanting more performance can opt for the 301 horsepower M235i xDrive, which can be specified with an additional Performance Package. Sales are set to begin in March 2020, with pricing to be confirmed closer to that date.
2020 BMW M8 Gran Coupe
Another BMW Gran Coupe making a debut in Los Angeles is the flagship four-door version of the M8. Offered in two flavors, the standard M8 is fitted with a 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V-8 producing 600 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can also opt for the Competition version, which boosts output to 617 horsepower.
BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system is standard, as is an eight-speed automatic transmission. This goes some way towards justifying the steep pricing, which begins at $130,000 for the regular M8. Moving up to the M8 Competition version pushes this to $143,000.
2020 Alfa Romeo Giulia
Alfa Romeo is planning comprehensive overhauls for both the Giulia sedan and the Stelvio SUV. Whilst this will not alter the range of engines currently offered, the updates are intended to address a number of issues based on customer feedback.
Inside there will be a new center console, along with redesigned steering wheel and gear shifter. An all-new 8.8-inch multimedia touchscreen will also be added, along with added technology to enable Level II autonomous driving capabilities. New paint color options are likely to be the only significant changes to the exterior.
2020 Genesis G90
The flagship G90 sedan received a facelift for the South Korean market last year, but the updated car is only now ready to make a debut in North America. A gigantic new front grille is the most obvious styling change, but new wheels, headlights and taillights have also been added.
Genesis has not confirmed the finished specification for cars in the U.S. market, but the current choice of twin-turbo 3.3-liter V-6 or naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 engines should remain. Interior updates are also planned, with tweaks to the infotainment system likely to be included.
2020 Audi e-tron Sportback
After several years of teasing with concepts and disguised prototypes, Audi will finally unveil the finished e-tron Sportback in Los Angeles. As the coupe version of the existing e-tron electric SUV, the Sportback is set to retain the same powertrain as its squarer cousin.
This will mean the same dual electric motor system, offering all-wheel drive and a combined total of up to 355 horsepower. The Sportback will also keep the optional virtual side mirrors, which use integrated cameras instead of traditional glass.
2020 Hyundai Ioniq
Hyundai’s Ioniq range may not even be four-years-old, but the Korean company is already planning an overhaul for the electric and hybrid cars. New front and rear bumpers have been fitted, whilst redesigned LED headlights have also been added.
The pure electric Ioniq EV gains model-specific changes, with the addition of a new lithium-ion battery. This larger 38.3 kWh battery pack boosts overall range to 170 miles, based on the latest EPA rating. Hyundai is hoping this extended range will allow it to better compete with the Tesla Model 3.
2020 Karma Revero GTS
Southern California-based hybrid car manufacturer Karma will bring a number of new vehicles and concepts to the LA show. The 2019 Auto Show will mark the first major public airing for the Karma brand, and it intends to make a statement.
Alongside a new SC2 concept car will be an upgraded performance version of the Revero GT hybrid sedan. Given that the existing Revero is capable of 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds, a faster version should bring substantial performance to the hybrid world.
2020 BMW X3 xDrive30e
More BMW products are set to debut in Los Angeles, including the new X3 xDrive30e plug-in hybrid. Built in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the xDrive30e combines a 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor. The result is a combined output of 292 horsepower for the compact crossover.
The lithium-ion battery pack also allows the X3 xDrive30e to cover up to 34 miles on electric power alone. Performance is impressive, with the plug-in X3 able to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 6.1 seconds. BMW notes that the xDrive30e will be rated as a Super ultra-low emissions vehicle, and should be able to use HOV lanes in certain states.
Genesis GV80 Concept
With a current range consisting solely of sedans, the forthcoming GV80 SUV will add a new body style to the Genesis brand. The company first displayed the GV80 Concept in 2017, but the time is seemingly now right for Genesis to reveal the important finished production version.
Based upon spy photos, the interior of the GV80 is set to be even more luxurious than the sedan models. Engine choices are reported to be numerous, with markets outside the United States also receiving diesel options. Genesis has plans for smaller luxury SUV models to be announced in the future.
2020 Porsche Taycan 4S
The all-electric Porsche Taycan made its official debut earlier this year at the Frankfurt Auto Show. However, the Los Angeles event will see a new mid-range version revealed, with multiple battery options included.
With only marginally reduced performance compared to the ‘Turbo’ models, the Taycan 4S will still pack an impressive punch. The standard version comes with 530 horsepower, whilst the Performance Battery 4S has 571 horsepower. Both are capable of accelerating from 0-62 mph in under 4 seconds, with the potential of covering up to 280 miles when fully charged.
2020 Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Mercedes-Benz will extend the luxurious Maybach range with the addition of an upgraded version of the large GLS SUV. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS is intended to target rivals such as the Range Rover Autobiography and Bentley Bentayga.
Unlike the seven-seater regular GLS, the Maybach version will be offered with two rows of seating only. A new grille, along with different wheels and headlights, will help differentiate the Maybach from normal GLS models. Air suspension is expected to be standard, whilst engine choices are yet to be revealed.
BMW X5 M and X6 M
Yet more new BMWs for Los Angeles come in the form of performance versions of the X5 SUV and X6 coupe SUV. Offered with the same twin-turbocharged V-8 engine as seen in the BMW M8 Gran Coupe, the X5 M and X6 M models both come with an output of 600 horsepower. The optional Competition version increases this to 617 horsepower.
BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system is standard for both X5 M and X6 M, along with adaptive suspension and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Competition models also benefit from a sports exhaust system, larger alloy wheels, and an interior finished in full Merino leather.
2020 Ford F-Series Super Duty Tremor
Although the 2020 F-Series Super Duty with Tremor package may have made an official appearance at the 2019 SEMA Show, it will also be on display in Los Angeles. Offered for both the F-250 and F-350, the Tremor pack brings additional off-road ability to Ford’s Super Duty pickups.
Key parts of the Tremor Package are 35-inch all-terrain tires, along with a bespoke rock-crawling setting for the driver mode selection. Upgraded shock absorbers, a locking rear differential, and special off-road compliant running boards are also included.
Dodge Challenger 50th Anniversary
2020 will mark the 50th anniversary of the Dodge Challenger, with the Chrysler brand looking to celebrate its famed muscle car in Los Angeles. A total of 50 different Challengers will be on display as part of the AutoMobility event, including original 1970 models.
Dodge is typically not shy about celebrating special anniversaries, as with the commemorative Charger Daytona announced earlier this year. This makes it likely that the LA Auto Show will see a limited edition Challenger model announced to celebrate this 50th birthday.
2020 Chevrolet C8 Corvette Stingray
It may have been revealed back in July, but the new C8 Corvette still manages to generate a substantial buzz. The first mid-engined production version of the Chevrolet sports car is likely to draw a crowd in LA, as will the recently announced convertible version.
Californian Corvette fans will have the chance to get up close and personal with the new ‘Vette, and can expect an appearance from the new C8.R racing version.
Mountune’s new M52 division has launched an upgrade package for the Volkswagen Golf GTI, boosting the iconic hot hatch to 310hp. The Stage One kit comes hot on the heels of a similar upgrade for the Golf R.
The Stage One GTI calibration is essentially a software tweak, which you can install yourself at home. Costing £715.50, it’s described as ‘an affordable option to dramatically increase the performance of the GTI whilst retaining an OEM+ feel’.
Five settings are included in the Stage One package, including ‘stock’, ‘valet’ and ‘anti-theft’. For those worried about their standard clutch kit, there’s also a low-torque tune included.
In terms of acceleration, the 0-60mph dash is cut from 6.4 to 5.4 seconds. You can even time it using the performance measurement facility. Also included is a gauge display, adjustable shift light, data logger, fault code reader, zip-up case with associated wiring and the all-important M52 badge.
If you want to give your GTI some growl to go with the added bite, M52 offers its X3 induction system. We sampled this on the company’s demo Golf R and it certainly added some throatiness to the EA888 engine’s soundtrack.
“The Mk7.5 Golf GTI Stage One upgrade is the latest development to come from M52,” said Alec Pell-Johnson, director of Mountune and M52.
“We are still relatively new to the world of VW performance upgrades, but using our knowledge and expertise gained from our time working with Ford vehicles, we have been able to produce a high-quality power upgrade that comes at an affordable price. We are looking forward to seeing the response from our ever-growing M52 community.”
Parent and child parking bays are designed for young families who need to open their doors wider. Located closer to the shops, they make life easier for parents who don’t want to ding doors – and safer for kids, who don’t need to cross a busy car park. One in four drivers has, however, misused these spots.
Indeed, nearly two thirds of parents say they’ve noticed someone misusing a parent and child parking bay, meaning they had to park elsewhere.
To get a handle on the problem, insurance comparison website Confused visited supermarkets across the UK.
The North East apparently has the highest proportion of people who misuse the bays: 64 percent were observed doing so. By contrast, in the South West just five percent incorrectly used parent and child bays.
When asked about why they use these bays incorrectly, 31 of drivers said it was because they couldn’t find a space. Another 31 percent said they observed a large availability of parent and child spaces, so they thought it was OK.
Some said it was ‘only for a few minutes’, as their justification. Others said they did so because it was late in the day.
Parent and child bays: the rules
Is your car child seat dirtier than your toilet?
Unlike permit-only spaces or disabled bays, your child is effectively your badge here. In general, the rule is you can use a parent and child bay if you have a child aged under 12. Tesco says that pregnant women should ask in-store about the use of these bays.
While Sainsbury’s, Asda and Tesco have enforcement, including the issue of fines. Morrisons will ask people to move, or place a sign, but not issue a penalty. Lidl and Aldi say they rely on their customers to be honest with their parking, although the latter has an online reporting system.
A leading car leasing company has launched a new subscription service. Intelligent Car Leasing says it’s the first broker to offer the facility.
The firm has teamed up with Wagonex to offer contract lengths of between six months and two years. Everything except fuel is included in a fixed monthly fee.
Prices start from £311 a month for a Citroen C3, based on a 24-month subscription. Alternatively, the same price gets you a Citroen C1 for six months.
At the opposite end of the scale, a DS 7 Crossback costs £780 a month on a two-year subscription. Electric cars are also included: a Nissan Leaf costs £500 on a one-year subscription.
Insurance, servicing, maintenance, tax and roadside maintenance are included in the price, although delivery costs vary according to location and the choice of car.
‘Now is the time’
Marc Murphy, head of sales and marketing at Intelligent Car Leasing, said: “Increasingly, consumers want new ways to access the services they desire, whether it’s for films, clothes or for online deliveries.
“We believe now is the time for consumers to switch on to the benefits of car subscriptions, where all services are wrapped into the one package, and there’s the flexibility to choose different cars when they want and to stop the subscription at their convenience. It really is the next step forward in car usership models.”
Joakim Thomter, head of platform at Wagonex, added: “Flexibility is the essence of car subscriptions, which allow the consumer to drive a car without any long-term financial commitment.
“We are an established player in the subscription market, and partner with a number of recognised automotive brands. This now includes Intelligent Car Leasing in the broker space.”
Car subscription forms part of a varied blend of mobility services in which Personal Contract Hire (PCH) is helping to fuel the move away from the traditional car ownership model. According to British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) figures, PCH accounted for 64 percent of all new contracts written in 2018.
Lego is making its LA Auto Show debut with the launch of a new Top Gear rally car.
The Lego Technic App Controlled Top Gear Rally Car – to use its full and rather long name – is the first set launched in partnership by the two global brands. It costs £124.99.
But there’s bad news if you had visions of racing it around the living room on Christmas morning: the rally car doesn’t go on sale until 26 December.
Still, at least that means the skirting boards and the cat are safe for another day. Controlling this after one too many Christmas gins could be a challenge.
The Top Gear rally car is controlled via the Lego Technic Control+ smartphone app and contains functions such as steering, multi-touch control and gyro control.
A total of 463 Lego elements have been used, including a large motor, an extra large motor and a Bluetooth controlled smart hub. Batteries (and the Stig) aren’t included.
Lego Technic sets are designed for more experienced builders – finishing the Top Gear car won’t be a five-minute job. Lego says it’s suitable for ages 9+, but we wonder how many mums and dads will disappear to the shed for a few hours on Boxing Day.
Jason Easy, head of licensing UK at BBC Studios, said: “It’s exciting to have collaborated with Lego Technic on this and it’s a very natural fit for the Top Gear brand. The Lego Technic Top Gear Rally Car is the result of several months hard work from the Lego and BBC Studios teams and we can’t wait to see it on the shelves soon.”
Niels Henrik Horsted, marketing director for Lego Technic added: “We are really excited to finally reveal the app-controlled Lego Technic Top Gear Rally Car.
“The car offers a challenging build for ages 9+ who are into authentic play and intrigued about how things work. The Control+ app gives an extensive play experience with several different play modes and exciting challenges.”
It’s official: the holidays are coming. The chances are, your children will be wondering when the Coca-Cola Christmas lorry will be rolling into a town near you.
The tour got underway last week, with the big red lorry visiting Edinburgh and Cardiff.
This week, the Coca-Cola lorry will be in Taunton, Newcastle upon Tyne and Bristol, before continuing on its nationwide tour.
Back in the summer, Guy Martin set a record for the world’s fastest tractor. Driving a specially prepared JCB Fastrac, he reached 103.6mph. Impressive though this achievement was, however, both JCB boss Lord Bamford and seasoned racer Martin wanted more.
At the wheel of Fastrac Two, Martin then secured a Guinness-verified two-way average record of 135.191mph. His VMax at the Elvington airfield, where Richard Hammond had his rocket car crash, was a scarcely believable 153.771mph.
The story played out in full last night (Sunday 17 November) on Channel 4’s Guy Martin: The World’s Fastest Tractor. As Martin says, “It’s still a working tractor, so could have gone straight into the nearest field to put in a shift”. We met with Guy in London for a tour of his monstrous machine.
From arable to airfield
JCB is now building its electric digger
JCB’s head of the project, Alex Skittery, says retaining the Fastrac fundamentals was the biggest challenge. Around 50 percent of the vehicle is still a ‘normal’ Fastrac: a tractor that ordinarily tops out at 43mph. But detail changes such as the bonnet – thinner than standard, and made of aluminium – help boost speed.
The cab remains brick-shaped, but the Fastrac has been slimmed-down and lowered to reduce frontal area. There’s also an air dam that could make a McLaren Senna envious. It reduces turbulence around the front wheels and guides air to the side-mounted radiators. Part of the underfloor is flat, and you’ll spot a diffuser out-back.
The wheels are JCB-spec, albeit balanced for higher rotation speeds. Even the tyres come from the same supplier, BKT, though the knobbly treads have been shaved down. They won’t be scooping sods in a field, but they’re by no means slicks.
The clutch and differential are much like the ones you’ll find on a normal JCB, even though both have to handle more than 1,000hp for repeated runway blasts. So it’s unmistakably a Fastrac, just a couple of tonnes lighter…
The 1,000hp tractor
Record-breaking car hits 175mph… with no driver
The heart of a 150mph tractor is fundamentally the same 7.2-litre six-cylinder turbodiesel that JCB fits to many of its machines.
“More air and more fuel equals more horsepower, and that’s what we needed,” said Skittery. To that end, with the help of Ricardo, a much larger turbocharger, electric supercharger and more powerful injectors were fitted.
More power means more heat, however. So to cool the air that makes its way through the large inlet trumpets and turbo, there’s an enormous new charge air cooler and ice box. Yes, an on-board container of ice, with 25kg used per run. The team reckons Tesco in York ran out of ice that day.
Guy Martin explained the extent of the cooling: “We were winding five bar of boost into it. The air leaving the turbo was 250 degrees, and getting cooled to 30 as it left the charge cooler. Just mega.”
What about the heat at the end of the combustion cycle? To deal with temperatures of nearly 900 degrees centigrade, the exhaust manifold is made of inconel – F1-grade stuff.
Think of an unlikely world speed record and Guy Martin would love to give it a go. To look at his high-octane output over the years, you suspect he’d be first in line if Andy Green had a sick day for cracking 1,000mph in the Bloodhound LSR.
Guy’s a veteran of the Isle of Man TT, soapbox speed records, sled speed records, and the Nurburgring record for the fastest Ford Transit. He’s got the specific experience required, too, having headed to this runway previously to hit 272mph on his motorbike.
So what was it like to take a JCB to speeds a tractor had never been before?
“It were a right interesting job,” says Martin, in his inimitable style. His excitement and enthusiasm are that of a 17 year-old who’s just successfully completed his first handbrake turn.
“It was all about trying to do 150mph. We went with Mk1, and it’s great that we did 103mph. Then the boss said we needed to do 150mph. I’m normally an optimist, but also a realist. I said there’s no way we’re getting to 150mph. Anyway, what have we done? 150mph.
“I’m Harry Horsepower”
“That last run was a bit of a lap of the gods. We were pressing the Ricardo boys for more power and we were worried we’d need a wheelbarrow for picking up bits of engine. I think the phrase we used for that last run was “sh*t or bust” to get past 149mph.
“It was dead stable. You could sit and have a fag, not that I smoke. The first few runs I was hanging on for grim death, but the more I did, the more I got used to it. The hardest bit was the gearchanges. You had to get it exact, to not shift too late and get into the flat-spot, but not shift too early and lose boost and momentum.”
“We used every bit of the runway, backed up to the grass, and set a flag out for braking. Still, we nearly ended up on the grass at the end.”
Martin was a part of the team that prepared the Fastrac. His insights should have proven invaluable. In spite of his in-depth engineering acumen, he had a very simple request.
“They didn’t get a lot from me about handling or how yellow me overalls were. I just wanted more horsepower. I’m Harry Horsepower.”
JCB has been setting speed records for years. In 2006, its diesel-powered Dieselmax streamliner set a new diesel record of 350mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats, which still stands.
Lord Bamford, JCB chairman, is an avid car enthusiast, collector and racer, with classics in his collection such as a Ferrari 250 GTO that regularly sees action at Goodwood.
It’s also worth noting that the Fastrac was already the world’s fastest tractor in showroom spec. You won’t see a 1,000hp+ Fastrac in dealers any time soon, though.
It seems only right, then, that JCB should be the company to engineer such an unlikely record – and that Guy Martin should be the pilot to get it there.
As for going faster? Martin reckons it was petering out at that 153mph mark, even though there was another gear to go. Perhaps Harry Horsepower will get his wish for an even quicker run soon.
The Mazda 3 has been named 2019 Women’s World Car of the Year by a panel of female judges.
Established in 2010, Women’s World Car of the Year is based on the criteria women use when buying a car. Safety, value for money, aesthetic appearance, storage space, child–friendliness, ease-of-driving, colour, sex appeal and environmental footprint are the relevant categories.
The all-female jury is made up of 41 jurors from 31 different countries, including Sue Baker and Maggie Barry of the United Kingdom. The jury has a collective audience of around 260 million people.
Based on the female-friendly criteria, the Mazda 3 hatchback and saloon took top honours, while also securing the Women’s World Family Car of the Year award.
In the UK, the Mazda 3 is available from £20,595 in hatchback form and £23,555 as a four-door saloon. Standard spec includes LED headlights, keyless entry, air conditioning, rear parking sensors, alloy wheels, an 8.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Right now, Mazda is offering a £1,250 deposit contribution on Mazda 3 models purchased on a Personal Contract Plan (PCP). Monthly payments start from £219 a month.
The following cars took category honours at the 2019 Women’s World Car of the Year, which was held at the Dubai International Motor Show.
New Zealand’s Sandy Myhre, Woman’s World Car of the Year CEO, said: “Creating time in a motor show specifically for women is a world first. Women’s World Car of the Year has never announced their results live from a motor show so that’s innovative and to be able to interview women driving instructors from Saudi Arabia live on the stage is pioneering. The fact all these things are happening in Dubai in the UAE is highly symbolic.”
Previous Women’s World Car of the Year winners include the Volvo XC40 (2018), Hyundai Ioniq (2017), Jaguar F-Pace (2016) and Volvo XC90 (2015).
Launched in 1969, the VF Valiant was an upgraded version of the third-generation of Chrysler’s full-size sedan range. Key changes for the VF Valiant included new body panels, along with the addition of a two-door hardtop model. 
The legend of the Valiant Pacer helped cement in Australian automotive culture, and one which deserves to be commemorated.
As impressive as the VF Valiant Pacer was when new, we imagine drivers of it would prefer the eight-speed automatic transmission with launch control, fitted to the Pacer tribute car. 
Despite production of Ford v Ferrari having a budget approaching $100 million, the producers were not crazy enough to use actual Ford GT40s in the movie. Their rarity, and 
Underneath the rear clamshell is a Roush-tuned Ford V-8 engine, specially prepared for use in this 1966 Superformance GT40. Enlarged to a displacement of 511-cubic inches (8.4-liters), total output is said to be 600 horsepower. 
Fox was reportedly so impressed with the attention to detail of the Superformance replica, that the car was even used for close-up filming. 
Whilst is may not be an original GT40, the history of the car being used in a film about the success of Ford is deeply impressive provenance. The car has also been signed by Charlie Agapoo, Ken Miles’ crew chief in 1966, and Peter Miles, Ken’s son.
