FIVE BRAND NEW ESSENTIAL BUYER'S GUIDES!

STOP! Don't buy any of these cars without the help of an Essential Buyer's Guide -

Citroen ID & DS
Fiat 500 & 600
Subura Impreza
Jaguar XJ-S
Jaguar XJ40
All available now (UK & USA)
Each just £9.99 UK / $19.95 USA

Buy the right car at the right price
Full coverage of all models
In-depth analysis of strengths and weaknesses
Includes market and value data
Advice on choosing the right version and condition
How to avoid buying a 'lemon'
Like having an expert at your side
Quick check guide and also a detailed inspection plan
details of desirable upgrades as well as modifications to avoid
Where and how to buy
Details of clubs and support organisations

DESCRIPTION
Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Benefit from the author’s years of ownership experience, learn how to spot a bad car quickly and how to assess a promising one like a true professional. Get the right car at the right price!

Visit www.veloce.co.uk for more info!

NEW PORSCHE 911 GT3

The new Porsche 911 GT3, which will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 3 2009, is the latest evolution of an iconic sports car. Embodying the essence of more than 23,000 Porsche racing victories, the 911 GT3 is the ultimate integration of driver and car and arrives in the UK this autumn.
In developing the second generation of the Type 997 911 GT3 into the most sporting and dynamic road-going 911 ever with a naturally-aspirated power unit, Porsche has applied a wide range of know-how gained in motor sport. Indeed, this is precisely why the new GT3 is truly impressive not only on the road, but also on the race track.

The 911 GT3 offers an even higher standard above all in two key areas: performance and driving dynamics. The proven six-cylinder naturally aspirated power unit now develops a maximum output of 435 hp (320 kW), up 20 hp over its predecessor. This results first and foremost from an increase in engine capacity by 200 cc to 3.8-litres and from improved cylinder head gas flow: now not only the intake, but for the first time also the exhaust camshafts, are adjusted by VarioCam.
The second emphasis in developing the 911 GT3 to an even higher standard was to further improve the car’s driving dynamics. For the first time, the 911 GT3 comes with a particularly sporting variant of Porsche Stability Management (PSM), offering the facility to deactivate both Stability Control (SC) and Traction Control (TC) in separate steps. And to give the driver unrestricted, individual control over the driving dynamics of his car, these functions are not reactivated automatically even under the most extreme driving conditions, but only at the touch of a button.
Source:newspress

Veloce Special Offer!
THE history of the Porsche 911 - 1963 to 2004 - in five volumes by Brian Long.
First shown as the 901 prototype at the 1963 Frankfurt Show, the 911 quickly built on the Porsche legend established by the 356 models. This and the previously published four volumes looks at the history of the evergreen 911 in definitive detail, covering 40 years of progress from the earliest design studies to the water-cooled cars of today.
Click here for more info about this special offer!

NEW FORD FOCUS RS

In the 40-year story of Ford RS, the marque has been applied sparingly, merited by only the most high-performance Ford machines of the time.

Six years have passed since the last Ford RS – the Mk1 Focus RS – finished its strictly limited production run. Now the famous badge has returned for its league of devoted fans and a new generation of performance car enthusiasts.

This new Focus RS is the product of Ford Team RS, headed by Jost Capito, a committed car enthusiast and racer. Alongside Capito is a small team of dedicated performance car and motorsport engineering specialists, led by Chief Programme Engineer, John Wheeler, whose own expertise stretches over 20 years of Ford performance and motorsport vehicles.

Team RS works hand-in-hand with Ford of Europe experts from across the engineering spectrum to create Ford’s performance road car range. More than 100 engineers have been involved in Focus RS and every one understood the weight of expectation that greets a new Ford RS model.

The 2009 production start for Focus RS has marked the 10th anniversary of Ford Focus and 40 years of Ford RS. More info:www.fordmedia.eu
Source:newspress

Fans of the Ford RS badge and its famous history will find interesting reading in these great books available from Veloce:

Rallye Sport Fords – The inside story by Mike Moreton.
The inside story of how Rallye Sport Fords were created by Ford in the 70s and 80s, enabling works’ and private teams to be fully competitive in national and international rallies and races, to win many championships, and, for RS cars to be bought by over 100,000 enthusiast customers. With over 100 photos and illustrations, many previously unpublished this previously untold story is brought vividly to life. Click here for more info.


Ford Escort RS Cosworth & World Rally Car (Rally Giants Series) by Graham Robson.
The Escort RS Cosworth, which began rallying in 1993, was one of the most ingenious designs of all time, and eventually became Ford's most successful model since the legendary Escorts of the 1970s. The combination of Cosworth power, four-wheel-drive transmission, and an effective aerodynamic package made it a Rally Giant in all conditions, and, until the all-new Focus WRC was launched in 1999, this generation of Escorts was the most effective rally car that Ford had ever produced. Click here for more info.

THE CAFÉ RACER PHENOMENON - BY ALASTAIR WALKER

Forthcoming! The Café Racer Phenomenon by Alastair Walker.
The Café Racer is one of the most enduring styles of motorcycle ever created, capturing the rebellious spirit of the 50s. This is a look back at the glory days of the Café Racer, from Friday night dices on the North Circular, through the street specials craze of the Seventies, to the modern day revival.
Click here for more info about the forthcoming book.

Alastair Walker has been riding motorcycles for over 30 years and writing about them for two decades. Starting off on a BSA like his father and grandfather before him, Alastair owned several Japanese bikes before becoming a freelance motorbike journalist in the late 1980s. Since then he has tested hundreds of bikes, modern and classic, from a humble Honda CG125 to a 5.7-litre, V8 powered, Boss Hoss cruiser.
Alistair has edited motorcycle publications such as Biker, Motorcycle Sport & Leisure, and the ACU's Bike Talk, as well as contributed to Motor Cycle News, Bike, T.W.O. Classic Mechanics, Classic Bike Guide, Used Bike Guide, Moto 73, Cycle World, and Dealernews USA. He currently writes for Carole Nash's web magazine insidebikes, and the Manchester Evening News. This is his second book.

Alastair has started a Cafe Racer discussion on the new Veloce Forum! Click here to view the page.

POCKET ROCKET

The Mitsubishi i MiEV SPORT AIR Concept will be premiered at the forthcoming 2009 Geneva Motor Show in March.

Not a great deal of thought has been given by mainstream manufacturers to the proposition of a proper sports car as an electric vehicle (EV)… until now.


Taking a step beyond being merely ‘green’, this all-electric zero CO2 emission sports concept builds upon the fundamentals of the EV by marrying: the powerful acceleration and high torque inherent to electric motors and the safe driving dynamics that stem from i MiEV’s lithium-ion battery pack located within its long wheelbase and the low centre of gravity.
The i MiEV SPORT ‘AIR’ is a new-age “pocket rocket” and signals the direction in which the Mitsubishi sports EV may take in the future.
Source:newspress

PEKING TO PARIS - INTERVIEW WITH PHILIP YOUNG

Click here, if the video doesn't display. Interview courtesy of theautochannel.com

Click here for more info about Peking to Paris - The Ultimate Driving Adventure.

New book by Philip Young! - How to Build a Successful Low-Cost Rally Car – For Marathon, Endurance, Historic & Budget-car Adventure events
Simple, cost-effective, basic and reliable tips to ensure that any rally car stands a chance of reaching the finishing line. If you are planning a road-based rally, don't even think of leaving home before reading this book and implementing the tried and tested mods it describes so well. Click here for more info.

NOW IN STOCK! - VW GOLF GTI - THE ESSENTIAL BUYER'S GUIDE

VW Golf GTI – The Essential Buyer’s Guide reviewed in Retrocars Magazine.



New! VW Golf GTI – The Essential Buyer’s Guide by Richard Copping and Kenneth Cservenka.

Features
• Compiled by acknowledged experts - authors of Veloce publication 'VW - Golf - Five Generations of Fun'
• Built around the collectable first two generations of Golf
• Concentrates on the hot model – the GTI
• Includes the special edition Mk1 Campaign GTI
• Adds the Rallye Golf and GTIG60 to the Mk2 GTI content
• Special section on the hotter versions of the Golf Cabriolet
• Defines original engine specifications, 1600, 1800, 8-valve & 16-valve
• Predicts which later models will become collectable
• Covers customised models, larger engines and lowered suspension
• Targets would-be owners on a budget as well as the wealthier enthusiast market

Description
While old MkI Golfs have by now largely rusted away, the availability of MkII models at giveaway prices is plentiful ... that is until three magic letters – GTI – appear on the car’s front grille and hatch. Find a good example of the MkI with the aid of this guide and you are in clover! The Buyer’s Guide carefully charts all the models that an enthusiast just has to own, from the iconic late model MkI with its pocket rocket 1.8-litre engine and 5-speed box, through to the exclusive, extremely powerful and much sought-after limited edition Rallye Golf.
Click here for more info about the book.

FIAT AND CHRYSLER CREATE ALLIANCE

Italian carmaker Fiat and US giant Chrysler have agreed to create a global strategic alliance.

Under the terms of the deal, Fiat will get a 35% stake in Chrysler. In return, the US firm will get access to Fiat's fuel-efficient vehicle technologies.

This agreement comes on the back of recent troubles carmakers are faced with. Chrysler has received an emergency loan from the US government worth $4bn, while Fiat has said it needed a partner because it was too small to continue on its own.

Fiat chief executive Sergio Marchionne said the deal represented "a key milestone in the rapidly changing landscape of the automotive sector".
Chrysler chairman Bob Nardelli said that the alliance "creates the potential for a powerful, new global competitor".
Source:news.bbc.co.uk

Coming soon! Dodge Challenger & Plymouth Barracuda – Chrysler’s Potent Pony Cars
By Peter Grist.
The ultimate Chrysler pony car book written in Peter’s now familiar and welcome unpretentious style, that features every series and model of pony car made by the Chrysler Corporation in the 1960s and 70’s including the slippery Barracuda and classic Dodge Challenger along with stars of the big screen and drag strip.

Click here for more info about the book.

Other fantastic Veloce books currently available by Peter Grist!

Click book covers for more info.

VELOCE JOINS VRL

Vintage motoring enthusiasts from around the world are flocking to The Vintage Racing League to share photos, videos, blogs and to interact with one another. If you are not already a member, sign up and add me as a friend!

DIESEL-POWER!

The Volkswagen team made motorsport history in Argentina on Sunday, claiming the first diesel-powered victory in the history of the world’s toughest motorsport event, the Dakar Rally. Not only that, but the team’s South African driver, Giniel de Villiers, led home a Volkswagen 1-2.
De Villiers, his German co-driver Dirk von Zitzewitz, and their TDI-engined Race Touareg crossed the Buenos Aires finish line – after more than 5000 km of competitive rallying – nearly nine minutes ahead of the sister Volkswagen of USA/South Africa pairing Mark Miller and Ralph Pitchford. Third place went to American Hummer pilot Robby Gordon, who was more than 100 minutes adrift.

Volkswagen’s 2009 Dakar Rally achievement is the second time that the manufacturer has claimed a 1-2: in 1980, Swede Freddy Kotulinsky and Frenchman Patrick Zaniroli raced their Iltis machines to the top two overall. The Volkswagen win brings to a close seven years of domination by Mitsubishi.

Source:newspress

NEW SMART MODEL IN 2009

smart widens its appeal going into 2009 by launching a new model which gives customers even more value for money and continuing its drive towards a greener future.

On the back of the recently launched smart mhd (micro hybrid drive), which offers fuel savings of up to 24% in stop-start situations, the eagerly anticipated smart cdi, goes on sale in March 2009. The smart cdi returns a staggering 83.1 miles per gallon on the combined cycle and boasts the lowest CO2 emissions of any current production car at just 88g/km.

The smart brand has also been buoyed by the latest new car registration figures from the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders) which show smart is bucking the trend, despite the current economic doom and gloom. Registrations in 2008, at 7,526, were 43.3% improved on the 2007 figure.

A pioneering market trial of 100 fully electric smart fortwos is also underway in the UK. The smart ed emits no carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, particulate matter or any harmful substance. It has a top speed of 60mph (electronically limited), a range of 70 miles on a single charge, can achieve the equivalent of 300mpg, and is charged by simply plugging it directly into any UK mains 3 pin plug socket.
source:newspress


Coming very soon! the little book of smart – New Edition! by Paul Jackson.
*Brand new chapter brings this book right up-to-date for 2009.

Author and smart fanatic Paul Jackson guides us through the history of the brand, its highs and lows, its successes and failures, up to the present day, with the very latest fortwo line-up promising major sales worldwide and, of course, helping to pave the way for a future for smart in the USA. It’s a fascinating tale, told succinctly and in an entertaining style, and complemented by full colour photography throughout. 144 pages packed with over 100 colour pictures and entertaining text make this a great little book.
Click here for more info about the book.

JEEP® WRANGLER UNLIMITED EV

The Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited EV is a Range-extended Electric Vehicle that provides a glimpse into the future of a “Go Anywhere, Do Anything” vehicle with renowned Jeep Wrangler capability.

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV prototype is a two-wheel drive Wrangler. However, Chrysler’s ENVI organization is exploring four-wheel-drive, in-wheel electric motors to demonstrate the full reach of the Company’s advanced electric-drive technologies. When this technology is developed by ENVI, the instant high torque of the electric-drive motor and the ability to precisely control each wheel independently will result in off-road capability ideally suited for the Jeep brand, without compromising on-road capability.
The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV features a new ENVI Green Pearl exterior color, integrating full body-side “EV” graphics.
Source:newspress

Jeep Wrangler By Robert Ackerson.
This book features all Jeep Wrangler models built from 1987 through 2006. It contains complete details of annual changes, model-by-model, .their prices and those of trim levels, and options. It is illustrated with hundreds of color photographs of virtually every Wrangler model, their interiors, distinguishing features and options. A detailed index assures the reader of quick access to information of interest. Adding to the depth of the book' detailed text are excerpts from interviews with key Jeep officials and designers,as well as contributions from many Wrangler owners and enthusiasts.
Click here for more info about the book.

MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE

The new MINI Cooper and Cooper S Convertible are revealed this month at the Detroit Motor Show.

It includes a powered soft-top roof that allows the driver to open and close it while going up to 30 km-h.
The convertible also features an "Openometre" that records the time drivers spend travelling with the roof down.

The four-cylinder, 1.6-litre standard Mini convertible produces 118 horsepower and retails for $24,550, while the turbocharged Mini Cooper S Convertible, which delivers 172 horsepower, sells for $27,450.

The new Mini Cooper S Convertible goes on sale at the end of March.
Source:newspress

Mini also plays a prominent role in Veloce's forthcoming publications in 2009. All three Mini books coming soon! Click book covers for more info.

THE FASTEST JAGUAR EVER

Jaguar today announces that during a secret speed trial at the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, an XFR prototype recorded a stunning top speed of 225.675mph (363.188km/h), making it the fastest Jaguar ever.

The car – powered by the all-new AJ-V8 Gen III engine – beat Jaguar's previous speed record of 217.1mph (349.4 km/h) set in the XJ220 in 1992.* Paul Gentilozzi – the owner of Rocketsports Racing who successfully led the Jaguar XKR to five series victories between 2001 and 2006 in the Trans Am series in the USA – drove the car on the record-breaking run.

*Note: The Jaguar XJ220 – a mid-engined sports car produced by Jaguar in collaboration with Tom Walkinshaw Racing between 1992 and 1994 – held the record for the highest top speed of a production car until the arrival of the McLaren F1 in 1994.
source:newspress

New in stock! Jaguar/Daimler XJ40 – The Essential Buyer’s Guide by Peter Crespin.
A practical and highly-illustrated hands-on guide, taking you step-by-step through examination and purchase of Jaguar’s highly-developed flagship saloon, which took the company from the Leyland years into private ownership once more. Covering all engine and trim versions, here's what to look for, what to avoid, and whether the car is likely to suit your needs, plus relative values and the best places to buy. Also includes full details on back-up organisations and literature.
Click here for more info about the book.

VELOCE ON YOUR CAR OF THE DAY

This image of a Mercedes 300SL i supplied (taken from the Veloce book La Carrera Panamericana by John Tipler) was awarded car of the day yesterday on the popular website. Click here to visit the site.

New! La Carrera Panamericana – “The World’s Greatest Road Race!” by John Tipler.
The story of the legendary Mexican road race, which lasts for 7 days and covers 2000 miles of central Mexico. Click here for more info about the book or here for Gary Faules review of the book on his renowned Carrera Panamericana blog.

NISSAN ANNOUNCES NEW GT-R SPECV MODEL

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd today announced a new limited-production Nissan GT-R SpecV model, which goes on sale at specially selected Nissan dealers throughout Japan on February 2, 2009. The GT-R SpecV is targeted specifically at enthusiast drivers who desire race car-level performance in a street-legal vehicle.
Developed around the multi-dimensional Nissan GT-R sports car, which was introduced just more than one year ago to universal global acclaim, the new SpecV model builds on the original’s “ultimate supercar that anyone can enjoy driving anywhere, at anytime” philosophy – taking it to an entirely new level of “oneness between man and machine.” The SpecV model includes unique body, interior and performance equipment and modifications, raising the GT-R’s unmatched performance to even higher levels.
The GT-R SpecV’s new exterior features include a carbon fibre rear spoiler, a carbon fibre grille, and carbon fibre brake ducts. The SpecV is available exclusively in Ultimate Black Opal (RP) body colour. Inside, the SpecV’s unique two-seat interior (non-SpecV GT-R models also include a two-place rear seat) offers special Recaro carbon fibre bucket seats, while carbon fibre insets embellish the rear centre storage box, instrument panel and other trim areas.
Performance is enhanced with a new high gear boost control device, which momentarily increases boost of the engine’s twin turbochargers for greater torque in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges to provide a more powerful feeling of acceleration, while also allowing the engine to operate at a lower speed for improved fuel economy. Other modifications include a titanium-coated exhaust system and carbon-ceramic brakes that provide powerful stopping performance.
The GT-R SpecV is also equipped with lightweight, racing-style forged aluminium wheels that were developed for this model and have been sold by Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) since September 2008. The lighter unsprung weight provided by the new wheels, together with the enhanced braking capability, an exclusive suspension and high-grip tyres, combine to deliver the SpecV’s exceptional performance.
Source:newspress

Forthcoming Nissan GT-R books from Veloce!

BRM BRAND REVIVED IN ITS 60TH YEAR

Electric racing car to enter Speed Hillclimb Championships in 2010 and revive BRM marque in its 60th anniversary year

On 16 October, Bee Automobiles Ltd announced that the Bee Four electric racing vehicle (ERV) designed by Martin Ogilvie, would participate in the British Speed Hill Climb Championship, with Graeme Wight Jr as the driver. Bee is now delighted to announce that the ERV will race as the BRM Bee Four ERV, reviving the BRM brand in its 60th year.
The BRM Bee Four ERV - code-named the 'Watt 4' - is an all-electric 4WD vehicle, capable of producing 700hp or 520kW. The ERV uses motor technology developed at Oxford University. Bee is a partner with Energy Efficient Motor Sport - EEMS.
The BRM Bee Four ERV will revive the famous BRM brand. BRM is a previous winner of the British Speed Hill Climb Championship, the F1 world Drivers' and Constructors' championships and a total of 17 F1 Grands Prix, with Graham Hill and Sir Jackie Stewart as two of the winning drivers.

2009 is the 60th anniversary of BRM, so it is very appropriate to revive the brand in an innovative new car. BRM was founded just after the Second World War by Raymond Mays, who had built several hillclimb and road racing cars under the ERA brand before the war, and Peter Berthon, a long-time associate.

Fantastic BRM books available from Veloce. Click covers for more info!

A PACKET OF SWEETS TO PLUG A SPLIT PETROL TANK ...

bathroom sealer to waterproof an engine ... exhaust brakets from a wire coat hanger ... just a few of the many low-cost tips you can find in this new Veloce book.

New in stock! How to Build a Successful Low-Cost Rally Car – For Marathon, Endurance, Historic & Budget-car Adventure events
By Philip Young.

Simple, cost-effective, basic and reliable tips to ensure that any rally car stands a chance of reaching the finishing line. If you are planning a road-based rally, don't even think of leaving home before reading this book and implementing the tried and tested mods it describes so well.

This book concentrates on preparing a car for the many forms of road-based rallies, including Historic Rallying, from weekend club events to the Classic Marathon, with useful preparation for long distance events like the Peking to Paris, road-rallies for modern cars, and the “Budget Adventure” events like the Mongol Rally and Plymouth to Dakar. It concentrates on tips for reliability...items like waterproofing, ensuring the exhaust doesn’t fall off, the radiator doesn’t vibrate lose, engine mountings and the like are regular setbacks on all manner of events and this book gets back to basics, packed with workshop photographs. There is also an event guide, useful contacts, and chapters on personal preparation including staying healthy, coping with borders, and seeking sponsorship.

Philip Young is a former Fleet Street journalist who once helped to run the Daily Mail News Desk...he has written for The Observer, The Times, and The Guardian as well as the Daily Mail, edited two motoring magazines, and twice was awarded the Guild of Motoring Writer’s Motoring Journalist of the Year Award. Philip Young is also the author of the Veloce best-seller Peking to Paris 2007 – The ultimate driving adventure.

Generally credited with having kick-started the historic-rally movement with events like the Pirelli Classic Marathon, Monte Carlo Challenge and Peking to Paris, Philip Young has organised 65 major events and has seen how the same problems crop up time and time again that could have been prevented with some simple modifications in the garage before the start. He co-founded the Historic Rally Car Register in 1982, and more recently started up Endurance Rallying in Britain, events restricted to 1400cc cars with standard engines, such as the Lombard Rally.
click here for more info about the book.

PERAVES MONOTRACER

Found this on a great website called Your Car of the Day, which sends a free daily email bringing you the "hippest, kookiest, most sublime and outrageous automotive moments ever captured on the internet and beyond."
Well worth a look!
Click here for more info about the Peraves Monotracer.

OPENING OF BUS LANES FOR BIKES

London’s red route bus lanes open to motorcyclists for commuter ease and safety.

Honda (UK) today led a snow sprinkled ride out with a number of motorcycle industry partners and the London Mayor’s Director for Transport Policy, Kulveer Ranger, to celebrate the opening of London’s red route bus lanes for motorcyclists, following Transport for London’s (TfL) announcement to allow motorcycles to use red route bus lanes for an 18-month trial period starting from today.

Although red routes make up just 5% of London’s roads, this move by the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, will significantly help cut congestion and keep the Capital moving and safer for all red route bus lane users.

The new ‘Code of Conduct’ for motorcyclists is available through the TfL’s website, www.tfl.gov.uk, or, from the MCIA’s website www.mcia.co.uk

source:honda/newspress