After years of trying, and the heartbreak of coming close so many times before, Toyota has finally clinched an outright win at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
The victory in the flagship LMP1 class came on the 20th time Toyota had entered the French classic event, and rewards the efforts of the prototype hybrid programme that first began in 2012.
With the two Toyota TS050 Hybrid racers having qualified first and second on the grid, expectations were high for the Japanese company to stand on the top of the podium. The absence of other major manufacturers also meant Toyota would ultimately be battling reliability and luck on route to glory.
It would be the number 8 Toyota Gazoo Racing car, driven by Sébastien Buemi, Kazuki Nakajima, and Fernando Alonso that would take the victory. The lead swapped between the number 8, and sister number 7 car, throughout the 24 hours. Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and José María López would have to console themselves with second place.
Much of the pre-race attention was on McLaren Formula 1 driver Fernando Alonso taking part in his first Le Mans event. It was his impressive stint during the night which managed to pull the number 8 car back into contention, and cemented his ability as an all-round motorsport master.
A Le Mans 24 Hour win joins Alonso’s double Formula 1 World Championship victories in 2005 and 2006, along with his two Monaco Grand Prix wins. All that remains for the Spanish driver is victory at the Indianapolis 500 to become only the second driver to complete the ‘Triple Crown of Motorsport’.
After Alonso’s unsuccessful but impressive attempt at the Indianapolis 500 in 2017, speculation is rife as to whether 2019 will see him give it another go.
Although the racing at the front of the Le Mans field may have been limited to arguing over which Toyota would take victory, competition in the GTE-Pro category was hard-fought.
Battles between the retro-liveried Porsche 911 RSR racers and the Ford GT cars were fierce, and saw appeals to the stewards over how hard the German team was trying to defend track position.
Porsche would come out on top, taking a 1-2 GTE-Pro class victory to tie-in with the brand’s 70th anniversary celebrations. Extra success came for Porsche in the GTE-Am category, with the Proton-Dempsey Racing team successful with their 911 racer.
The future may be full of self-driving EVs and, inevitably, more SUVs, but the sports car is alive and kicking. That’s the message from Tetsuya Tada, chief engineer for the brilliant Toyota GT86 and forthcoming Supra – due in 2019.
We caught up with Tada-San at Le Mans, our conversation frequently punctuated by the wail of Toyota’s TS050 Hybrids blasting through Arnage. Here’s what he had to say about the new Supra, Gazoo Racing and why technology is the car enthusiast’s friend.
The new Supra will be a “pure sports car”
The Supra and new BMW Z4 will share a straight-six engine and gearbox, but they aren’t near-identical twins like the GT86 and Subaru BRZ. “Each company defined what we wanted and went from there,” explains Tada. “Both cars have completely different suspension and software calibration, for example.”
Tada insists the Supra “will be a pure sports car – practicality and comfort were almost not considered.” Its styling is partly shaped by the demands of GTE racing regulations, but it will still “look sexy”. The voluptuous rear wings of the GR Racing Supra Concept, revealed at Geneva 2018, are here to stay.
The Le Mans-liveried GT86s: TS010 (blue), TS050 (red) and TS050 Hybrid (red/white/grey). pic.twitter.com/7YCYCzo0we
Following the critically-acclaimed Yaris GRMN hot hatch, will we see a hotter, GRMN-badged version of the Supra? Certainly not at launch, it seems, but Tada doesn’t deny the car is in development.
“I would like to see something like that eventually,” he smiles. “We are preparing for it”.
Gazoo Racing has big plans
Toyota’s sporty Gazoo Racing sub-brand was everywhere at Le Mans, and will soon be far more familiar on the road. As well as full-fat GRMN models, we’ll see GR and GR Sport versions of existing cars. These will major on racy styling rather than outright performance, in the mould of BMW M Sport or Mercedes-Benz AMG Line.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, a roadgoing version of the GR Super Sport hypercar concept is in the pipeline, too. “It’s very difficult to make a viable business case for sports cars,” says Tada, “but our young engineers are reaping the benefits of working in Gazoo Racing – and with BMW.”
Technology offers a different kind of driving fun
Many drivers see technology as the enemy when it comes to driving engagement and fun. However, Tada is remarkably upbeat about the role tech can play in future sports cars. “Spearheaded by the Supra, we’ve been working with app developers to use driving data and artificial intelligence in simulations,” he reveals. “It’s one way of getting more people interested in cars and motorsport.”
“You could be driving your Supra on-track, but racing against a virtual Fernando Alonso in real-time.” Sounds like an ego-bruising experience to us, albeit a very clever one…
The Celica and MR2 could make a comeback
The Supra isn’t the only famous Toyota nameplate that could make a comeback. Tada grins when quizzed about a possible return for the Celica and MR2: “I’m often asked that, and we get many requests.
“We’re committed to sports cars and Gazoo Racing means we have more resources for developing them. We’ll investigate what cars to introduce in-future, but this company set-up shows where we want to go.”
When Tada retires, he’ll drive off into the sunset in a Supra
You’d expect a man like Tetsuya Tada to have something special tucked in his garage. In reality, he says, “we only have my wife’s car at home. That’s because I’m always driving test cars, and simply don’t have time for more driving at weekends.”
When Tada retires, however, he’ll do so in his new Supra. “I’ll customise it to exactly how I like it and just enjoy driving it.”
The Le Mans 24 Hours is one of motorsport’s most exciting events and an annual pilgrimage for petrolheads. The main action takes place on the Circuit de la Sarthe, but there’s plenty to see in the surrounding towns and villages. We went car-spotting in nearby Arnage on the evening before the race, discovering a truly multinational mix of metal.
Citroen DS
We start with something quintessentially French: a Citroen DS. The ‘Goddess’ (Déesse in French) was decades ahead of its time when launched in 1955 and still looks futuristic today. Its chief innovation was hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension, which offered agile handling (famously helping Charles de Gaulle flee an assassination attempt) and a pillowy-soft ride. Hydraulics also control the gearbox, clutch, brakes and power steering.
Citroen 2CV
Quintessentially French, you say? How about a Citroen 2CV in retro Le Mans livery? The Deux Chevaux was never much of a racer – early cars produced 9hp and topped out at 40mph –but it helped mobilise France after World War Two. By the time production ended in 1990, more than 3.8 million had been made.
Alpine A110
Representing modern France is the achingly desirable Alpine A110. This critically-acclaimed compact coupe has a mid-mounted 252hp engine, driving the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Spotted here in traditional Alpine Blue, its styling is inspired by the original A110 of 1961. Still want that Porsche Cayman?
Mercedes-Benz SL
Representing Germany in Arnage is this fabulous Mercedes-Benz SL. The elegant lines of the ‘Pagoda’ (W113) SL – combined with its reputation for reliability and typically Teutonic build quality – make it a perennial favourite with the classic car cognoscenti. Famous owners have included John Lennon, Sofia Loren, Kate Moss and David Dimbleby.
Porsche 911
Equally timeless, although rather more modern, here’s a ‘993’ Porsche 911 Carrera. This version of the Neunelfer was the last with an air-cooled engine and offers a wonderfully analogue driving experience. Produced from 1994-1998, it’s widely regarded as the best of the breed.
Ferrari 512 TR
Only at Le Mans would you spot a Ferrari 512 TR casually wedged between bollards. Representing Italy in this high-octane street scene, the 1991-1994 TR is effectively a facelifted Testarossa. Its 434hp flat-12 gulps air through those signature side strakes, propelling the Ferrari to 62mph in 4.8 seconds and 198mph.
Alfa Romeo 4C
It might only have four cylinders and 240hp, but the Alfa Romeo 4C looks as exotic as any Ferrari. It also boasts a supercar-style carbon fibre chassis that weighs a mere 65kg. The two-seat 4C has been criticised for its twitchy, unpredicatable handling, although aftermarket modifications are available to mitigate this.
Ferrari F430
Prancing horses were everywhere in Arnage. This F430 wears the bonnet stripes of the hardcore 430 Scuderia, plus what appear to be 360 Challenge Stradale alloys. The 2004-2009 F430 was the first Ferrari with an F1-style ‘manettino’ controller on the steering wheel, which allows the driver to adjust drivetrain, chassis and stability control settings.
Jaguar Mk2
Time for the best of British, starting – appropriately enough – with a Mk2 Jag. This fast and capable saloon had a choice of straight-six engines, with the flagship 3.8 boasting a lusty 220hp. Launched in 1959, it was frequently spotted patrolling Britain’s first motorways. The Mk2 was replaced by the XJ6 in 1968.
Caterham 7
The Caterham 7 is a very different type of British classic. The back-to-basics roadster has evolved since 1973 and was originally based on the Lotus 7. This French-registered car wears green and yellow Lotus colours, although much of its aluminium bodywork is unpainted.
Ford Thunderbird
Lastly, there’s the American contingent. This Ford Thunderbird looked effortlessly cool stopped outside a cafe in Arnage, its plentiful chrome gleaming in the evening sun. A rare example of the first-generation T-Bird (built from 1955-1957), it packs a 5.1-litre V8 and two-speed automatic ‘box.
Chevrolet Corvette
The loudest cars on-track at Le Mans in 2018 are the two Corvette C7.Rs, but we’ll wager this roadgoing C5 ‘Vette – fully accessorised in Corvette Racing livery – still sounds pretty savage. The C5’s ‘LS1’ 5.7-litre V8 packs a 350hp punch, meaning 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds and 175mph flat-out.
Ford Mustang
Well, motorsport fans certainly have great taste in cars. We finish with a classic Ford Mustang, a vehicle that epitomises the American dream. First launched in 1962, the iconic Mustang is now into its sixth generation. Like the Le Mans 24 Hours, it’s become part of popular culture, and a source of ongoing inspiration.
Do you hear that noise? That’s the sound of the World Cup bandwagon, and we’re just about to climb aboard for a ride. We’re comparing the ‘best’ English and German cars from each World Cup year since 1966 with the aim of selecting an overall champion.
FIFA World Cup 2018 will use 530 Hyundais
We can’t promise you will learn anything from it, but we can assure you of a nail-biting finish. And by the end of it, you probably won’t be feeling quite as bad as David Luiz at the end of the 2014 World Cup semi-final.
Rules of engagement
First, we need to establish some ground rules. This ‘World Cup’ will be split into 14 rounds – one for each World Cup year since 1966 – and we’ve selected important, successful or great cars from each country.
Remember, kids, it’s just for fun, so don’t write in. Oh, and our decision is final – we won’t be using VAR in the event of a questionable decision.
1966
England – Jensen Interceptor
Ah, 1966 and all that. Memories, if you’re old enough to remember, of Bobby Moore lifting the Jules Rimet trophy, Nobby Stiles dancing and a ball that was certainly over the line. There can only be one winner in this round, especially with a name like Interceptor, which sounds like the nickname of a tough-tackling holding midfielder.
Germany – BMW 02 Series
Germany’s response to the Jensen Interceptor is the BMW 02 Series, the svelte, continental and nimble executive from Bavaria. It lacks the performance needed to topple the West Bromwich powerhouse in this instance, but as the forerunner to the 3 Series, we’re expecting great things in future tournaments, Clive.
1970
England – Range Rover
In 1970, the first Range Rover rolled off the production line in Solihull, making it the ideal car for England’s 1970 World Cup bid. In Mexico, the then-champions succumbed to the midday heat, going down 3-2 against semi-finalists West Germany. In our ‘World Cup’, it’s going to take something mighty to stop the Range Rover from making it 2-0 to England.
Germany – Opel Manta
If you’re still with us, thank you. We can’t promise things will improve by the time we reach 2018, which sounds a bit like the England World Cup team. For its 1970 entry, West Germany wades in with the handsome Opel Manta, which would be happier taking on a Ford Capri in a traffic Grand Prix than it would a Range Rover. Sorry, Opel, it’s 2-0 to England. But fear not, Germany, because England took a two goal lead in 1970, and we know what happened next.
1974
England – Lotus Elite
England isn’t exactly spoilt for choice when it comes to picking a squad for 1974, unless you fancy taking on the Germans in an Austin Allegro Vanden Plas. Instead, it’s left to Hethel’s elite – quite literally – in the form of the Lotus Elite. The 2+2 hatchback-cum-coupe represented a shift upmarket for Lotus, but we sense Germany might have this covered.
Germany – Volkswagen Golf
Indeed, West Germany is toying with England’s defense, demonstrating some fancy footwork with the Volkswagen Scirocco, before going in for the kill with the all-conquering Golf. England is powerless to prevent the Germans clawing a goal back, courtesy of elegant Italian styling and ruthless German efficiency. England 2-1 Germany.
1978
England – Vauxhall Chevette HS
Time for England to restore a little pride with some rallying of the troops. Vauxhall is channeling its inner ‘Flying Finn’ with the 2.3-litre Chevette HS, a highly capable homologation special, especially at the hands of Pentti Airikkala. But England is unable to call upon help from Finland in this instance…
Germany – BMW M1
Boom: have some of that. The BMW M1 may have had its problems during development – a rare lack of commitment from the Italians didn’t help matters – but Vauxhall cannot stop the 3.5-litre mid-engined sports car from romping to victory in 1978. It’s an equaliser for West Germany, with the score tied at 2-2.
1982
England – Bristol Brigand
England head to Spain for the 1982 World Cup in need of a strong performance. Time to restore some pride. A development of the earlier 603, the Bristol Brigand can call upon the might of a V8 engine to launch a string of attacks, with the large two-door coupe capable of speeds of up to 150mph. Enough for England to retake the lead?
Germany – Mercedes-Benz 190
There are a few players jockeying for position in West Germany, with the new E30 BMW 3 Series and Audi 100 lining up to take on the Bristol. In the end it’s left to the Mercedes-Benz 190, the most important new car from Stuttgart in many years. But while the 190 was a quantum leap forward over the old 200, it cannot tackle the mighty Brigand in Spain, which puts England back in front.
1986
England – Jaguar XJ
None other than Gary Lineker finished as the top scorer at the 1986 tournament in Mexico, which will remembered for Diego Maradona’s brilliance (not to mention his handball). England take on West Germany with the Jaguar XJ40.
Germany – BMW 7 Series
But the XJ40 is powerless to see off the BMW 7 Series, which scythes down England like a Thomas Berthold tackle. This was a hugely important car for BMW, not least because it replaced an ageing product and was destined to spend its entire time running down the left-hand flank (of the German autobahn). That’s 3-3. Are we destined for a penalty shootout? Nobody tell Gareth Southgate.
1990
England – Lotus Carlton
This will hurt Germany, as the Lotus Carlton also wore an Opel badge. But, as a product of Hethel, it qualifies for the England team, and it’s hard to see how Germany could respond to the 176mph supercar-slayer. Ah, the sweet taste of revenge for the 1990 penalty shootout, although this tie isn’t over yet.
Germany – Mercedes-Benz 500E
Besides, Germany isn’t going down without a fight. Don’t let the subtle looks fool you, because the Mercedes-Benz 500E is as powerful as Lothar Matthäus and as ruthless as Jürgen Klinsmann at his peak. MB’s performance saloon was powered by a 5.0-litre V8 and assembled by Porsche in Stuttgart. It’s a bona fide legend, but the Carlton manages to hang on to put England in front.
1994
England – Jaguar XJ
Sorry, England, but you’re not winning this one. Failure to quality for USA ‘94 meant that England had to sit this one out, so there’s no way a Jaguar XJ (X300) is going to perform well here, even with a choice of six and 12-cylinder engines.
Germany – Audi A8
With its groundbreaking aluminium construction, lightweight body, huge array of engines and choice of interior comforts, the Audi A8 made the Jaguar XJ look rather outmoded. A unified Germany may have lost against Bulgaria in the US tournament, but the A8 cruises to an easy win against England. It’s 4-4, Jim.
1998
England – Bentley Arnage
It wouldn’t be a World Cup without a little controversy, which is why we’re not afraid to give the Bentley Arnage its England debut. Some fine players have emerged from Crewe’s academy, most notably Dean Ashton, Danny Murphy and David ‘in the last minute of extra-time’ Platt. So what’s controversial about another Crewe export? That’d be the 4.4-litre BMW engine, used to power the Arnage at its launch. Don’t mention the engine and we might just get away with it.
Germany – Audi TT
Actually, it would be controversial if England win the 1998 tie, but there’s no chance of that with the Audi TT looming into view. The oh-so-fashionable TT arrived in 1998, dressing to impress like a concept car for the road. With its trendy suit and bespoke interior, the TT knocks the Arnage into submission and gives Germany the lead. Five rounds to go, it’s up for grabs now, Ron.
2002
England – Range Rover L322
The design of the 2002 Range Rover was inspired by yachts, fine furniture and first-class seating, but today it must grab its shin pads for a battle royale. Sure, there’s the small issue of the launch-spec BMW powertrains to gloss over, but the L322 feels like it stems from the golden generation of luxury SUVs.
Germany – Volkswagen Phaeton
Ferdinand Piech’s flight of fantasy faces an uphill battle if it hopes to give Germany a two-goal advantage. Indeed, much like Germany in the 2002 tournament, the Germans must be content with a runners-up medal in our ‘World Cup’. Blimey, this really could go to penalties. That’s 5-5.
2006
England – Lotus Europa S
We head to Germany for the 2006 World Cup, so this will be a tough challenge for England. We’re using a wildcard in the shape of the Lotus Europa S, hoping that, much like Michael Owen at the 1998 tournament, it can surprise a few people.
Germany – Audi R8
Sorry, but not a chance. Germany’s response to Hethel’s lightweight challenger is ruthless in its execution. How could it fail? Based on the Lamborghini Gallardo, the R8 could boast 5,000 unique parts and, at launch, a 4.2-litre V8 engine. With three rounds to go, Germany race into a 6-5 lead.
2010
England – Bentley Mulsanne
It’s perhaps fitting that England’s entry for 2010 is a £220,000 luxury motor, as it seems to reflect the rise in footballers’ wages. The Mulsanne was the first entirely new Bentley in 80 years, with an opulent cabin and a 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. How will Germany respond?
Germany – Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
There’s a lot to love about the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The gullwing doors provide crowd-pleasing theatrics, while the 6.2-litre V8 is a German masterpiece. This is a tough one. Keen not to show any bias, we’re giving this one to the Germans, but it’s by the narrowest of margins. That’s 7-5 to Germany with two rounds to go. It’s not looking good for England.
2014
England – Aston Martin DB10
But we needn’t have worried, because you can always rely on James Bond to keep the English end up. The Aston Martin DB10 was created for Spectre, in which 007 takes on Mr Hinx in a Jaguar C-X75.
Germany – BMW i8
On another day, BMW’s futurist i8 might have won this, but not today. This round belongs to James Bond and to England. To paraphrase a Bond villian, do you expect us to justify our decision? That’s 7-6 to Germany.
2018
England – McLaren Senna
Chasing a goal to grab a late equaliser, England has a formidable bench to choose from. The Jaguar I-Pace, Aston Martin Vantage, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and TVR Griffith fail to make the cut, leaving it to the McLaren Senna. We’re out testing it, so we’re unable to deliver our definitive verdict, but the signs are good. Besides, adding some Brazilian flair to the England attack is a compelling proposition.
Germany – Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Germany isn’t short of new talent: the BMW 8 Series, Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door, Ruf SCR and Audi Q8, to name a few. But even the Porsche 911 GT3 RS is unable to resist the full force of the McLaren Senna. The tournament has finished 7-7, so it’s time for penalties.
2018: Penalties
The Jaguar I-Pace steps up like a silent assassin to win it for England. Why? Because the electric car takes the fight to Tesla and sees Jaguar beating the Germans to the market. England winning against Germany on penalties – now there’s a thing. If you’re still here, thank you, we know you have better things to do.
More than 300 supercars fans converged on HR Owen’s Lamborghini Manchester showroom as it hosted its Supercar Sunday event. Around 40 supercars sweltered in the heat, with visitors given the chance to look inside the Manchester showroom and workshop.
Predictably, the Lamborghinis stole the show, as our highlights will show…
Bandiera d’Italia
This Tricolore display of Huracan Performante Spyders is rather special, but HR Owen also hosted some classics from Lamborghini’s past. Rupesh Jethwa, HR Owen Lamborghini brand director, said: “Supercar Sunday was a hugely popular event and one we’re immensely proud of. There was a fantastic, festival atmosphere and a superb array of supercars on display. Only HR Owen could bring together such amazing cars in one place and share it with both enthusiasts and customers. We’re looking forward to next time!”
Lamborghini Aventador
HR Owen hasn’t confirmed when the next Supercar Sunday will take place, so in the meantime here’s a Lamborghini Aventador to whet your appetite. The Aventador was launched in 2011 and is powered by a 6.5-litre V12 engine developing 691hp and 509lb ft of torque.
Lamborghini Countach LP5000 Quattrovalvole
The Lamborghini Countach LP5000 Quattrovalvole – or QV – was introduced at the 1985 Geneva motor show and represented the third major update for Marcello Gandini’s masterpiece. Even today, this example manages to upstage the new metal on display in Manchester.
Lamborghini Aventador S
Another Lamborghini Aventador, this time a brand new one, which, as the number plate would suggest, is a dealer demonstrator for HR Owen. This is the Aventador S, introduced in 2017, which offers even more power, four-wheel steering, suspension tweaks and a top speed of 217mph. The colour, in case you’re wondering, is called Grigio Astarte.
Lamborghini Jalpa
Tucked away in the HR Owen workshop is a classic from the 1980s. Launched in 1981, the Bertone-designed Lamborghini Jalpa had its roots in the Urraco, but was essentially a facelift of the Silhouette. Power was sourced from a 3.5-litre engine developing 250hp, and 420 were built before production ceased in 1988.
Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera
A case of beauty and the beast? Here we see a Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera parked alongside a Bentley Bentayga. Where’s a Lamborghini Urus when you need one?
Lamborghini Diablo SV
The Lamborghini Diablo SV – or Sport Veloce – was unveiled at the 1995 Geneva motor show. As a replacement for the Miura and Countach, there was a great deal resting on the shoulders of the Diablo, but it more than delivered. Over the course of a decade, Lamborghini shifted almost 3,000 units.
Lamborghini Huracan Super Trofeo
Ashley (@supercaroneleg) and Oliver James Webb took delivery of this Lamborghini Super Trofeo in May 2017. Instagram reveals plenty of action for the Lambo, including track time at Spa and Silverstone. Now, it’s up for sale, with a price tag of ‘POA’. If you have to ask…
Lamborghini Urraco
Another classic from the Marcello Gandini collection, the Lamborghini Urraco was unveiled in 1970 before going on sale in 1972. Launched with a 2.5-litre engine, the Urraco would later gain a larger 3.0-litre unit. The entry-level Lamborghini wasn’t hugely successful, with only 780 units sold, rather than the forecast 2,000 a year.
Lamborghini Aventador S
Another Lamborghini Aventador S, this time finished in Blu Nila paint. HR Owen’s demonstrator also sports an optional carbon spoiler.
Ford GT
A change of scenery, in case you’ve had your fill of Lamborghinis. Not many Fords would be welcome at a supercar event, but a GT can mix it with the best of them. This particular Ford GT is a regular spot in the north west. It’s hard to blend in when you’re wearing a full Gulf Racing livery.
Bugatti Veyron
Speaking of being unable to blend in, a Bugatti Veyron would steal the show at just about any supercar event.
McLaren 720S
Another imposter, this time in the form of the McLaren 720S. We’ve just spent a week with the Woking wonder. Our verdict: “The Lamborghini Huracan Performante has the edge in terms of outright excitement. Perhaps the Ferrari 488 GTB does, too: I haven’t driven one. But a Performante isn’t a well-rounded supercar like the 720S, and both the Italians have – to my mind – a rather divisive image. Being from somewhere as incongruous as Woking doubtless helps, but the McLaren seems the epitome of tech-led, wildcard cool.”
The generation game
Three generations of the Lamborghini family, which begs the question: left, right or centre?
The works
Visitors were given the chance to take a wander through HR Owen’s immaculately prepared workshop. Some showrooms don’t look this tidy, let alone garages.
Reversing a Countach
Reversing a Lamborghini Countach isn’t easy, which explains this photo. Caution is required when you’re parking at a supercar event.
In the showroom
Keen to do a little window shopping, we took a look at the HR Owen website to peruse its used stock. The most expensive Lamborghini is an Aventador LP750-4 Roadster at £439,950, while the cheapest is Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder at £137,950. If you’re feeling flush, the Gallardo is available for ‘just’ £2,909 a month.
Demonstrators
Here’s that pair of HR Owen dealer demonstrators once again.
An expensive queue
Not your average line-up outside a dealer showroom. Keep clicking for more photos from HR Owen’s Supercar Sunday event at Lamborghini Manchester.
Click to see more images of Manchester’s Lamborghini-infused Supercar Sunday
On the eve of the 2018 Le Mans 24 Hours, Ferrari has revealed a special new Piloti Ferrari specification for the 488 Pista. Why the debut at Le Mans? Because only Ferrari owners involved in the firm’s various motorsport programmes will be allowed to order one…
This includes Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado, who will be driving AF Corse’s number 51 car this weekend, still revelling in their status as 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) title-winning drivers and manufacturers.
Fittingly, the two drivers have helped reveal the 488 Pista Piloti Ferrari over at the Le Mans 24 Hours.
The Piloti Ferrari 488 Pista, created by the firm’s Tailor Made division, has been inspired by the two champs’ winning racer. The bespoke livery in the tricolore of the Italian flag has been developed from their 488 GTE racing car; it even carries the FIA WEC logo and the ‘PRO’ logo that identifies the class it raced in.
The tricolore continues down the sides, which also boast a race number: the launch car carries the 51 of the title-winning drivers, but clients will be able to pick their own number.
Other exterior differentiations include a matt black finish for the S-Duct, vent surrounds and carbon fibre ‘dovetail’ rear spoiler. Colours? Pick from four suitably motorsport-inspired hues: Rosso Corsa, Blu Tour De France, Nero Daytona and Argento Nürburgring.
Inside? More Italian flag inspiration: the black Alcantara seats contain a special perforated tricolore centre section and, brilliantly, the national colours also feature on the gearshift paddles.
Floor mats are given an Italian flag edge too (and they’re made from a “special technical fabric”), while the number chosen by the owner for the outside is replicated on the base of the steering wheel. All the carbon fibre elements are also finished in matt, and there is a special identification plate and carbon fibre door sills to finish it off.
And the engine? The same 720hp 3.9-litre turbo V8 that’s just been voted best engine in the world in the 2018 International Engine of the Year Awards – for the third consecutive year.
The first ever F1 car driven by Ayrton Senna was a Williams, which he piloted at Donington in the summer of 1983. It was Keke Rosberg’s FW08C Williams-Ford – and now, 35 years on, Guy Martin has announced he’s going to rebuild it and use it to race Jenson Button during the 2018 British Grand Prix.
Jenson’s car for the challenge? A Williams FW08B: an unusual six-wheel Williams prototype that itself would have raced in 1983, if it hadn’t been banned just before the season began.
It’s all part of a new show Guy’s filming for Channel 4, called ‘Speed with Guy Martin: Classic F1 Driver’. He’s working with Williams Heritage to rebuild the ‘83 racer, and it’s a genuine two-pronged challenge. First, he has to get up to speed with the specialist F1 engineering used in an early-1980s race-winner…
… Then he has to learn how to drive it.
‘All bets are off’
Typically, Guy’s up for the challenge. “I feel that I’m in good company behind the wheel of the Williams FW08C. It was the first F1 car to be driven by the great Ayrton Senna and it won the 1983 Monaco Grand Prix.
“It’s been a real privilege to work with Williams on bringing this iconic piece of motoring history back to life. Jenson may be a world champion but with a stunning vehicle like this all bets are off.”
“Guy has proved himself to be the consummate professional yet again, being both mechanically adept and having a real feel behind the wheel of a racing car.
The challenge will take place on the opening day of the 2018 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. If you want to see who wins ahead of the documentary airing on Channel 4 later this year, get your tickets now before they sell out…
It’s Father’s Day this weekend (you hadn’t forgotten, had you..?), so we thought it was time to trawl the archives in search of cars your dad drove… and those he dreamed about.
In each case, we’ve selected the sensible and the sexy, or the humdrum and the hero.
Honda Accord
Spare a thought for your poor, beleaguered father. At the end of the 1990s, he was preparing to wave goodbye to more than just the last millennium. A receding hairline was a sign that his best days were behind him, with his misery compounded by the list of potential company cars faxed to him by his fleet manager.
If he was lucky, the company would offer him a Mondeo, but the spectre of the original Vectra was a looming menace. Sensibly he avoided the Avensis and opted for the reliable Honda Accord, which ensured he would make it home for tea and your weekend trips to the seaside would pass without a call to the AA.
Honda Accord Type R
“The Accord has the lowest running costs, the best residual values and one of the most comprehensive warranties in its class. It’s also well built and has a better image than most of its rivals. Extremely well equipped and tremendous value, in SE trim it costs around £1000 less than the equivalent Passat and comes with cruise control and ABS as standard,” said Fleet Car Business in 1999.
Which is all well and good, but as your father browsed the Honda website, he couldn’t help but have his head turned by the Accord Type R. He pleaded with Colin the fleet guy, but even the prospect of a delete option on that rear spoiler wasn’t enough for him to put a four-door saloon with the performance of a touring car in the office parking lot.
Ford Sierra
When the Ford Sierra arrived in the UK in 1982, its space-age styling wasn’t exactly met with universal applause. Even some dyed-in-the-wool Ford fans preferred the outgoing Captain Sensible Cortina to the Kool & The Gang Sierra. Others simply switched allegiances to the Vauxhall Cavalier.
But soon, the Sierra cemented itself as part of the furniture in 80s Britain, alongside Daisy Duke’s shorts, Sonny Crockett’s espadrilles and Terry Wogan’s microphone. Some 3.4 million Sierras were sold before it made way for the Mondeo.
Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
As if to motivate your father to try even harder at work – “these paperclips won’t sell themselves, you know” – Ford unleashed a number of ‘sportier’ models. The fuel-injected 2.0iS was within reach, as was the XR4x4, if your dad spent less time eating Early Starters in the Little Chef.
But no hostile boardroom takeover would be complete without an in-yer-face Sierra RS Cosworth. In excess of 200hp, a top speed of 149mph and a 0-60mph time of 6.5 seconds. In his head, your father’s 1.8-litre LX was a pair of Recaro seats and a whale-tail away from a Cossie. The reality was quite different.
Vauxhall Cavalier
Back in the day, your father would do anything to get ahead in the office, even if it meant jumping the queue once in a while. Insert something here about a high-flying career or a jump in sales.
The little badge on the back of the Cavalier acted like a barometer of success. An ‘L’ delivered a Philips stereo radio cassette player, remote-controlled door mirrors and flush wheel trims. But a man in a CD was a man in control. His Cavalier offered electric windows, mirrors and aerial, plus power steering, sunroof, central locking and a tiltable steering wheel.
Vauxhall Cavalier Calibre
Your dad was happy cruising in his Cavalier CD, sunroof open, Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald cassette on repeat to sooth away the miles spent on the M1. Happy, until he saw a blaze of Carmine Red exiting the Roadchef at Watford Gap. Your father’s ‘Lady in Red’ wasn’t a lady at all, it was a Vauxhall Cavalier Calibre.
These run-out models were styled and converted by Tickford and Irmscher and only 500 were built, each one commanding a price tag of £13,000. Even today, your father probably daydreams about turning up at a meeting in a Calibre, so best not tell him there are believed to be four on the road.
Ford Cortina
Ford knew how to tickle the fancy of the average company car driver. In the days before motivational memes, a Ford Cortina brochure could make the difference between jumping out of bed and pressing ‘snooze’ on the bedside teasmaid.
Over the course of two decades, the Cortina was the archetypal fleet and family car, being cheap to run, cheap to service and good to drive. It also was named after an Italian ski resort, which added a touch of glamour to the otherwise worthy saloon.
Ford Cortina Lotus
But your dad didn’t want to be ‘Jim from sales’, he wanted to be Jim Clark. Which is why he had his eyes on the Lotus version. The recipe was delightfully simple: add a Lotus twin-cam engine to a Cortina bodyshell to create an instant legend.
To your father, the Lotus Cortina was as tantalising as a free bar at a sales conference with drinks served by Diana Rigg in a catsuit.
Peugeot 405
We hate to break it to you like this, but once upon a time, your dad fancied himself as Surbiton’s answer to Tom Cruise, and your mum was his Kelly McGillis. All that was needed to complete the effect – aside from a pilot’s licence – was the Porsche 356 Speedster replica as seen in Top Gun.
Only your father couldn’t stretch to a 356, which is why the sight of a Peugeot 405 blazing a trail through a field of burning maize took your dad’s breath away. The British-built 405 became a sales sensation (just like your dad).
Peugeot 405 Mi16
Your dad would have been happy in his 405 GRD, until Peugeot decided to up the ante with the 405 Mi16. This was less a case of having your cake and eating it and more having your cake and slapping it in the face of your unsuspecting work colleagues. The Mi16 was a race-bred hero.
Drivers would gleefully inform anyone who’d listen that the engine was derived from the 205 T16 Group B rally car, which is why your father fancied one parked outside his three-bed Poco Home.
Ford Capri
The Ford Capri should have been enough for your father. Although it was based on the humble Cortina, the transformation from everyday to exciting was quite remarkable.
Even the lowly 1.3- and 1.6-litre versions looked the part and while he wouldn’t like to admit it, the Capri offered the much needed comfort and practicality a traditional sports car couldn’t offer.
Ford Capri RS3100
Throughout its long and illustrious career, the Capri range featured a range-topping model, kicking off with the Advanced Vehicle Operations RS3100. The pert ducktail spoiler sat on the back, encouraging your father to spend the best part of £2,500 on the flagship Capri.
The V6 Capris were the cars you always promised yourself, the others were merely pretenders.
Vauxhall Viva
Vauxhall did its best to extol the “sporty qualities” of the Viva, positioning the HB version as “Britain’s sportiest 1.1-litre gadabout”. There aren’t enough gadabouts in today’s new car market.
It handled well enough, but the Viva wasn’t exactly what you’d call exciting. Even the Brabham failed to live up the promise made by the illustrious connection.
Vauxhall Viva GT
The Vauxhall Viva GT, on the other hand, was a different kettle of carp. That it was more a rival to the Escort Twin Cam and Cortina GT than the Lotus Cortina hardly seemed to matter, because the hot Viva looked the part.
The contrasting bonnet was an option, but the bonnet scoops were standard fit, guaranteed to turn heads on the King’s Road. The GT took Viva drivers somewhere they’d never been before: 100mph.
Austin/Rover Montego
Naming a car after an exotic location is a clever marketing trick – witness what the Cortina name did for Ford’s family saloon. Montego, then, should conjure up images of long days relaxing by the ocean on Jamaica’s north coast.
In truth, the Montego felt about as exotic as a Rustie Lee leftover curry in the TV-AM studio, but it sold well enough and was more than attractive to fleet buyers. But your father didn’t fancy Rustie Lee, he was after the automotive equivalent of Grace Jones.
MG Montego
“The quickest MG production car of all-time,” proclaimed the headlines, as Austin Rover waved the MG Montego Turbo under your father’s nose. “Quicker than a BMW 325i, a Porsche 924 or a Ferrari Mondial,” claimed the ailing British company, knowing full well that your dad would be impressed.
It was faster than a Grace Jones right hook on an unsuspecting Russell Harty, and Austin Rover even managed to tame the torque steer. If only somebody was on hand to tame Grace Jones, thought Harty. Probably.
Volvo 240
During the late 70s and throughout the 80s, nothing said ‘middle class family man’ quite like a Volvo estate. Only wrapping yourself in After Eight mints and sticking a Sade compact disc on repeat would be more middle class.
Your dad pretended he was happy with his 2.4 children and golden retriever. But in truth, his head had been turned by a hot Swede. No, not Britt Ekland…
Volvo 240 Turbo
Secretly, in 1985, your dad was watching Swedish porn, as the Volvo 240 Turbo romped to victory in the European Touring Car Championship. This was as far away from daytrips to the in-laws as your father was from marrying Felicity Kendal.
Your dad’s heart rate had just returned to normal when Volvo decided to go racing again, this time in an 850 estate. Well, strike me down and call me Björn Borg.
Peugeot 406
A Peugeot 406 towing a caravan could act like a metaphor for your father’s life. No, really, it could. Sure, the 406 estate is handsome enough and certainly capable of living a long and fruitful life, but it’s not exactly svelte, suave and sophisticated.
And that caravan weighing things down at the back represents a mortgage, bills and responsibilities. Ouch.
Peugeot 406 Coupe
Looking at the Peugeot 406 Coupe, it’s hard to believe it’s related to the more humdrum versions. Fact is, Pininfarina penned one of the most beautiful cars of the turn of the millennium, which seems to look better with every passing year.
Something your father was reminded of, as a 406 Coupe whooshed past in a display of French glamour, as he trundled along the A303 to screams of “are we nearly there yet?”
The McLaren Senna is the cover car star of Forza Horizon 4, the latest instalment in the Microsoft Forza franchise – and visitors to last weekend’s E3 Expo in LA got an early chance to test drive the virtual Senna in the new game.
Set in Britain for the first time, Forza Horizon 4’s Senna star car is a nice follow-on from Forza Motorsport 5: that game featured the McLaren P1 as the cover star, with a real-life P1 gracing the E3 stage back in 2013.
“We are delighted to be working so closely with Microsoft on their Forza racing franchise,” said McLaren’s executive sales and marketing director Jolyon Nash.
“Videogames are now so realistic and our relationship with Forza has been a powerful tool both to grow brand awareness and show what makes McLaren cars so special.
“So few people will ever get the chance to pilot the McLaren Senna, but now a whole new audience can experience the thrill of driving our ultimate track car virtually on the roads of Britain.”
The 800hp car, named after three-time world champion Ayrton Senna, is McLaren’s most extreme road car ever; it does 0-124mph in 6.8 seconds, 0-186mph in 17.5 seconds (perfect for going flat-out on the free-roaming Forza roads), and is the firm’s lightest car since the original F1. Only 500 will be made, each costing from £750,000 – and they’ve all long since sold out.
“We are proud of our long-term partnership with McLaren with whom we have a rich history,” said Alan Hartman, studio head of Microsoft’s Forza developer Turn 10 Studios.
Forza Horizon 4 will be officially launched on 2 October, for Xbox One, Windows 10 PCs and Xbox Game Pass. There’s going to be a garage of over 450 cars to choose from at launch… and “more surprises and activities are planned later in the year as the McLaren and Forza partnership continues”.
Do you remember when Alfa Romeo set impressive lap times around the fearsome Nordschleife Nürburgring circuit? We’ll forgive you if you don’t, as it seems a manufacturer notches up a new ‘Ring record every other week.
However, Alfa is suitably proud of the times it achieved with the Quadrifoglio Stelvio SUV and Giulia saloon models, and is building limited edition versions of both to celebrate. Their names are almost as long as the 12.9 miles of the Nürburgring. Say hello to the Stelvio Quadrifoglio NRING and Giulia Quadrifoglio NRING Nürburgring Limited Editions.
So what do you get? Well, each comes with the exclusive ‘Circuito Grey’ matte paintwork, matched with side skirts, mirror caps, and grille inserts in carbon fibre. There is more carbon fibre inside, covering the dash, gear knob, steering wheel inserts, and the shells of the Sparco bucket seats. Leather and Alcantara covers the remainder of virtually anything not bedecked in carbon.
Being based on the Quadrifoglio models means that both Stelvio and Giulia are powered by the thumping 2.9-litre V6 Bi-turbo engine, producing 510hp and 443lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard regardless of bodystyle.
The Stelvio uses Q4 all-wheel-drive, whilst the Giulia is the choice for drifting with rear-wheel-drive. Brakes are carbon ceramic for track-ready stopping power.
Go saloon and you’ll be able to achieve 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, and a substantial top speed of 191mph. Plump for the Stelvio, and the AWD traction means 0-62mph in a quicker 3.8 seconds, but top speed is ‘just’ 176mph.
Most important of all are those Nordschleife lap times, of course. The Stelvio set a new SUV record with a time of 7 minutes 51.7 seconds, whilst the four-door Giulia is even quicker at 7 minutes 32 seconds.
Just 108 examples of each NRING model will be built, and buying one gets your far more than just the car. Before the car is even delivered, lucky owners will be sent a 1:18 scale model to stare longingly at.
There are even more goodies when taking delivery. Buyers get a set of Sparco race gloves, customised jacket, an Alfa-branded sports bag, special cufflinks, and even a pair of bespoke shoes. Owners will also get the chance to attend a driving event at the Nürburgring in 2019.
Those in the UK interested in buying one of the NRING limited editions will have their chance to see them first at the Goodwood Festival of Speed next month. Prices, and numbers of how many cars will be coming to the UK, will be confirmed nearer the time.
Do you hear that noise? That’s the sound of the World Cup bandwagon, and we’re just about to climb aboard for a ride. We’re comparing the ‘best’ English and German cars from each World Cup year since 1966 with the aim of selecting an overall champion.
More than 300 supercars fans converged on HR Owen’s Lamborghini Manchester showroom as it hosted its Supercar Sunday event. Around 40 supercars sweltered in the heat, with visitors given the chance to look inside the Manchester showroom and workshop.
On the eve of the 2018 Le Mans 24 Hours, Ferrari has revealed a special new Piloti Ferrari specification for the 488 Pista. Why the debut at Le Mans? Because only Ferrari owners involved in the firm’s various motorsport programmes will be allowed to order one…
The first ever F1 car driven by Ayrton Senna was a Williams, which he piloted at Donington in the summer of 1983. It was Keke Rosberg’s FW08C Williams-Ford – and now, 35 years on, Guy Martin has announced he’s going to rebuild it and use it to race Jenson Button during the 2018 British Grand Prix.
It’s Father’s Day this weekend (you hadn’t forgotten, had you..?), so we thought it was time to trawl the archives in search of cars your dad drove… and those he dreamed about.
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