Latest car, EV, sportscar, supercar and motoring news, facts and industry gossip from Smart-Motoring.com.
This year the Ferrari F40 celebrates it’s 25th birthday which, in some people’s eyes, now categorises the car as an official classic. Where better to celebrate than at the Italian Car Day at Brooklands Museum sponsored by Auto Italia which is just one year older than the car itself. This year’s event was the biggest […]
Auto Italia's Italian Car Day at Brooklands Museum 2012 Read Post »
Fans of American classic muscle cars could be in for a treat in the coming months as British Car Auctions (BCA) is set to offer the chance for enthusiasts to get their hands on some rare models. An auction is set to be hosted by the organisation on June 21st at BCA Nottingham, with eight
Muscle car auction 'to get pulses racing' Read Post »
Brooklands Museum hosted the Auto Italia Italian Car Day this weekend which is the biggest day on the venue’s calendar. To help Auto Italia celebrate the 26 year anniversary of the Italian Car Day Performance Direct ran a number of competitions. This included a chance to win free tickets for the event and a under-18’s
Lamborghini Aventador Winner at Auto Italia's Italian Car Day, Brooklands Museum 2012 Read Post »
Research carried out by the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has highlighted the shocking statistic that ten per cent of young male drivers admit to having driven under the influence of cannabis. According to the organisation's findings, this correlates to approximately 750,000 young male motorists who have broken the law in this manner, while a
Crackdown on drug driving called for Read Post »
I have been fortunate to film drifting displays and drift races from the trackside of some of the UK’s best racing circuits. Although I had seen drift cars on the TV several times before, I only saw it for myself for the first time a couple of years ago at the Japfest event at Castle
Drifting – in miniature. Radio Controlled RC Drift Cars are here. Read Post »
The MINI has gone through some turbulent times in the past, but with things looking decidedly on the bright side, the anticipation is building over at MINI HQ as they prepare for the launch of the MINI John Cooper Works Grand Prix II. The pending model has been spotted in testing near the Nurburgring ahead
The new MINI John Cooper Works Grand Prix II Spotted at Nurburgring Read Post »
Proof that social networking sites can have a positive effect was revealed this week as the CarFest publicity machine announced that there will be a second CarFest this year at Cholmondeley Castle in Cheshire. This followed a successful Twitter campaign by car fans based in the north. Chris Evans announced the good news on his
CarFest Announce CarFest North Car Show for 2012 Read Post »
The 2012 Geneva Motor Show saw the long awaited release of the Lamborghini’s latest hypercar, the Aventador, affectionately known as the LP700-4. I have had a soft spot for Lamborghini’s radical design ethos ever since I was a child and had the iconic poster of a white Countach proudly displayed on my bedroom wall. While
Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Modified by Oakley Design Read Post »
Brooklands Museum host a range of fantastic events throughout the year and one of the biggest is happening this forthcoming weekend. On Saturday 5th May 2012 Brooklands Museum will host the Auto Italia sponsored ‘Italian Car Day’ which is described as the finest all-Italian car event in the UK. You can win free tickets to
Win Free Tickets to Auto Italia's Italian Car Day 2012 at Brooklands Museum Read Post »
Thousands of classic car owners across the UK could be unknowingly breaking the law when it comes to the paperwork for their beloved vehicles, it has been revealed. Research carried out by Footman James has revealed up to 35 per cent of the UK's classic car owners may be unlawfully keeping their vehicle uninsured, as
Classic car owners 'could be breaking the law' Read Post »
Known as the racing reverend, Simon Butler – a classic car racing enthusiast and the associate rector of Ashtead Parish in Surrey – will be taking to the track to take part in the upcoming RAC Woodcote Trophy. "Racing embodies for me the idea of living life to the full," commented Mr Butler. "When I'm
Racing vicar fancies Woodcote Trophy Read Post »
Individuals planning to head along to this year's Donington Historic Festival are in for a treat both in terms of the action on the circuit and the array of attractions of it. The first Donington Historic Festival took place last year and the classic car showpiece is coming back in 2012 on May 5th and
Donington Historic 'not just about on-track action' Read Post »
Classic car enthusiasts who own a rare MGB may have found it difficult to find parts in recent years, but British Motor Heritage (BMH) has now come to the rescue. MGB owners in need of a new bumper may have been unable to find the part just a few weeks ago, but BMH has now
MGB rubber bumper announcement Read Post »
The development of advanced driver assistance systems could help to reduce the number of accidents on the UK's roads by their integration into the latest vehicles, it has been claimed. According to Thatcham Research, technological developments like autonomous emergency braking (AEB) could pave the way towards a significant reduction in personal injury claims for motorists
New technologies 'could reduce whiplash claims' Read Post »
Fans of classic vehicles from across the UK and in Scotland in particular have been urged to come out in force to show their support for the annual Scottish Malts rally, which will be taking place next week. Organised by the Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation (Hero), the Scottish Malts will see participants embarking on a
Classic car fans urged to support the Scottish Malts rally Read Post »
Motorcycle enthusiasts across the UK have witnessed an increase in the cost of running their vehicles over recent years, it has been claimed. Jeff Stone, media and public relations manager at the British Motorcyclists Federation, said there are presently 1.4 million motorcyclists in the UK – just a fraction of the 32 million registered car
Costs 'are increasing' for UK motorcycle owners Read Post »
The Brough classic and iconic motorcycle the 'Old Bill' is set to come to auction in the coming months, with the model set to go under the hammer for the first time ever. Launched in 1922 and known as the 'spit and polish' to riders due to its immaculate appearance, the Old Bill has become
'Old Bill' coming to auction Read Post »
This year's Cholmondeley Pageant of Power (CPOP) is set to feature an array of vehicles to get the pulses racing of motorcycle enthusiasts following a partnership between the event's organisers and Ace Cafe London. Launched in 2007, this year's CPOP will take on June 15th to 17th and is set to deliver an array of
Bikes to feature heavily at CPOP Read Post »
This year's National Austin 7 Rally is set to take place in Beaulieu in July and will see the celebration of 90 years of the iconic vehicle. The classic Austin 7 was only produced between 1922 and 1939, but it has built a massive following of fans in the years following and the car now
National Austin 7 Rally to take place at Beaulieu Read Post »
Drivers are increasingly using the phrase 'sorry mate, I didn't see you' – known colloquially in the automotive sector as SMIDSY – to explain away their own poor driving, it has been revealed. As part of the Institute of Advanced Motorists' (IAM) Drive & Survive initiative, the organisation is keen to improve the skills of
Drivers urged to be more vigilant behind the wheel Read Post »
When Ferdinand Alexander Porsche died at the age of 76 on 5th April 2012, he left behind a rich, iconic history trail. Ferdinand Porsche was the design chief who gave us the timeless wonder of the Porsche 911. FA Porsche was the son of Ferry Porsche and the grandson of Ferdinand Porsche; the man who
Individuals interested in performance motorcycles may be pleased to learn the new Suzuki 2012 GSX-R1000 model has represented itself strongly in the opening races of this year's British Superbike Championship. The first races of the new season took place over the Easter weekend at Brands Hatch, with the Tyco Suzuki team achieving pole position in
Suzuki 2012 GSX-R1000 shows winning pedigree Read Post »
The UK motoring public do not back plans to increase the cost of fixed penalty notices for convicted drivers, it has been revealed. According to research from the Institute for Advanced Motorists (IAM), government plans to raise these fines from £60 to £90 do not have public support, with half of respondents (51 per cent)
Plan to raise motoring fines 'not backed by public' Read Post »
Jaguar have really taken the saying, “All good things come to those who wait” a little bit too far. After years and years of waiting we finally get a look at a new F-Type Jaguar. Will it live up to our expectations? Is it an E-Type for the 21st Century? Rumours of a brand new
Jaguar F-Type: New Sports Car Revealed at the New York Show Read Post »
