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Lovers of computer and video driving games will love this! The Driving Games Manual from Haynes Publishing. One hundred and seventy-four pages, between decorated hard covers, jam packed with full colour ,full-on action, illustrations of screenshots and moto photos to excite even the most laid-back ,seen-it-all, racing games player. As a student of the video game genre, the Driving Games Manual takes you through four decades of spectacular games development from 1974.

But more than a detailed history of the car video game, Driving Games Manual is a Guide that will enthuse the ‘newby’, and also help hone the skills of the more experienced driving player. As a Guide, it reveals in wonderful clarity the speed of change in both software and hardware. We have the arcade consoles period of rise to eminence, and the continuing improvement of the console design to provide a realistic racing experience in the home.

A key benefit of this ultimate guide to car computer and video games is that,being a book, it can be constantly to hand as a reference source and treasury of tips and facts, and it offers a break from the tension and excitement of the on screen racing action. At leisure, in your armchair at home, you can explore the intricate nature of car set-up,for instance, or develop a strategy for your track technique with basic and defensive racing lines, and many other driving techniques.

As with any cutting edge technologies, driving games have impressed at each stage of their development, but they have had to evolve to stay ahead and realistic. This they have successfully done,and in so doing have endured to this day commanding a huge global following.

If you grew-up driving Gran Trak 10 or the first Gran Turismo, the grand daddy of them all,or Pole Position (1982), the graphics were spellbinding for their time,and now we have Gran Turismo 5 … and others. This evolution in graphics,audio and A1 is entertainingly covered in the The Driving Games Manual. You will also be able check-out all time best driving game titles and The Driving Games List of more than 400 releases for both arcade and home since the early 1970s.

For me (and clearly for Bruno Senna who provides an insightful foreward) The Driving Games Manual is a must. Excellent value from most main book retailers, this book will keep you entertained for hours and hours.

If you wish to purchase a copy online- and what a Christmas gift!- you can go to Driving Games Manual: The Ultimate Guide to All Car-based Computer and Video Games

From 14th March to 16th March,Race Retro,the international motorshow,is to celebrate 100 years of racing. On parade at Stoneleigh Park will be a 100-year old Panhard Levasser Grand Prix car,a 1960 Ferrari Dino,a 1986 Loyus 98T F1 car, and many,many others that have graced motor racing from 1908 to the present day.

As well as a wealth of retro racing car hardware,there will be many famous drivers and co-drivers attending the event.To name a few: Paddy Hopkirk,Markku Alen, Rosemary Smith,Malcolm Wilson (Principal of M Sport and in association with Ford WRC cars),and Stuart Turner.

The show will also have a hall dedicated to Bio-Fuels. Retro racing is keen to show that it is supporting the essential move to ‘greener’ motoring – it is widely recognised that motorsports can play an invaluable part to develop and trial new technologies to promote more efficient engines and alternative fuels. On site will be classic cars converted to use of bio-fuels. The display will also include the Honda Hybrid Rally Car and the Ford E85 Fiesta.Greenergy will be promoting their 99 octane race fuel, and Anglo-American Oil will be doing the same with their E85 fuel.

If some or all of this would ‘float your boat’ why not get-on down to the ‘Park’?Full details of the show’s stars ,and the booking arrangements ,can be obtained here by one click.

Oh,and I could not help but place at the top of this post, the photo I had in my files of a 1954 Lancia D50 being driven in the wet at a Goodwood Festival of Speed.For me ,it evokes a little of what you can expect to enjoy at the Race Retro Show. Though you will not likely see this beauty at Stoneleigh, Lancia Sport will be represented by a descendant of the D50,the 037 from the 1980s, to be driven by Markku Alen,in the Manufacturer’s championship.There is so much more I could have mentioned about this absolutely crammed couple of days of the best of historic racing cars. See Race Retro. Click here.

Priceless original last-of-the-line Audi quattro is stored in secret UK location

It is almost twenty years since the last Audi quattro rolled of the production line.Now its famous again as the star of the BBC TV drama series,’Ashes to Ashes’,set in 1980. Though the actual model to be catapulted to stardom on February 7th,was not made until 1984, nothing will detract from its appeal or performance as an example of the legendary sports car that pioneered four-wheel drive for production road cars.

The TV star car has a strong rival as the ‘most wanted’. Audi has under lock-and-key a quattro as it left the line, unused with no miles on the clock.It is so rare its location is kept a secret. Yes, this pristine car is also probably priceless to a collector, but Audi will never sell it.
Jeremy Hicks,Director of Audi UK says,”We would never be able to replace this car and its value to the brand is inestimable.”

Both cars have the same red colour.

Footnote:Audi has just launched the latest manifestation of the quattro line with the 580PS RS 6 quattro Avant priced from £77,625 on the road. Capable of up to 174mph, the RS6 – the most powerful road Audi ever made – arrives with its first UK customers in May.

You may remember my earlier post with news of Race Retro 2008 (December 20th,2007). Now Green Car Guide reports that:

Race Retro 2008, the International Historic Motorsport Show, will be looking towards biofuels to help historic motorsport become more environmentally-frendly. Held from 14th to 16th March at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, Race Retro willbring together biofuel suppliers, experienced users and specialist equipment manufacturers, who provide tanks, seals, fuel hoses, fire extinguishers etc, to present an opportunity for race organisers, competitors and car preparers to discuss the merits of using biofuels in historics.

This feature area will be situated in the engineering area of Hall 2 and manned by experienced users of biofuels. Competition cars set up to use E85 fuels and E5 (95 per cent gasoline), will also be on display.

“The objective is to highlight conversion problems for historic and classic race and rally cars and improve understanding of the fuel and technical issues, so as to pave the way for the event organisers, competitors and motorsport to move forward,” says Race Retro director Ian Williamson.

“Some UK fuel suppliers are already blending high octane fuel using ethanol, which is available at pumps and so meets the MSA criteria that pump fuel for competition should not exceed 100 octane (RON) and 2.7 per cent oxygen. The FIA specification allows 102 octane (RON) and a higher oxygen content (3.7 per cent), which allows ten per cent ethanol to be added. So far as it is known, this fuel can be purchased directly for racing, but is not yet available at the pump.

“

The debate is therefore about the effect of higher concentrations of biofuels in gasoline, both on weakening mixtures beyond the carburettor (caused by more oxygen) and the potentially corrosive effect on seals, rubbers and fuel hoses, as well as some metals.

While 2008 sees the introduction of Junior WRC Ford Fiestas running on E85, A1 GP running on E30 and the BTCC permitting biofuel blends, these are all modern vehicles. Cars made before the early 1990s may only run efficiently on E5 or E10 blends because they don’t have knock sensors. To use E30 or E85, the car may need to have tanks replaced, all the rubber seals changed, etc.

”

With the first UK bioethanol plant, which uses sugar beet, already in operation, plus five biodiesel plants, the government has already sanctioned that all pump fuel should contain 2.5 per cent biofuel in 2008. However the EU has proposed that pump fuel should contain 5.7 per cent biofuel by 2012, a blend which Formula 1 has already decided to adopt in 2009.

Ian added: “Historic Motorsport needs to be seen to be making an environmental effort. Who knows what innovations the future will bring, but as public pressure and perception are growing, doing nothing is no longer an option. By bringing all the various parties together at Race Retro, we hope to inform the historic sector on the solutions available.”

Race Retro is an official Campaign Partner of EEMS, the Energy Efficient Motorsport Programme supported by Motorsport Development UK. For more information on Europe’s premier historic motorsport show and the latest updates, visit www.raceretro.com

retrostoreworld has just received this exciting news from the world of classic motorsport:
The cars deemed too fast to race, the exhilarating Group B Rally cars will be wowing the crowds at Race Retro 2008, the international historic motorsport show. Held from 14th to 16th March at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry, the cars are being brought to the show by the Slowly Sideways Group GB and will roar along the three quarter mile tarmac rally demonstration stage on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th March.

2008 will see the first appearance of the very rare Michelotto prepared Ferrari 308GTB QV Group B cars of the 1983 season, which have never been seen outside mainland Europe, as well as an example of the most spectacular Audi rally car of all, the hugely be-winged 600 bhp E2 Quattro. They will be joined by the MG Metro 6R4s, Renault Maxi Turbos, Audi Quattros and Ford RS200.

A selection of Group B monsters with African rallying history will also be in action, headed by the 1988 Juha Kankkunen Paris Dakar winning Peugeot 405 T16 model, recently released from the Peugeot factory collection and thought to be appearing in public for the first time since its glory days in African. Also in action will be four former Safari rally cars including an ex-works Peugeot 205 T16, ex-works Opel Manta 400’s in both Rothmans and Marlboro colours, and an ex-works Lancia 037 Rallye in Martini colours. To round off the African theme, these will be joined by an ex-works Toyota Celica Turbo from the Bandama rally, in the familiar Marlboro livery.

And to add the celebrations of forty years of the Ford Escort in competition, the Slowly Sideways GB Group B cars will be joined in action on the stage by three rally winning ex-works examples of Escort Mk1, Escort Mk2, and Escort RS Cosworth machines. All of these impressive vehicles will be driven on the live action rally stage by celebrity drivers from the original Ford works rally squad.

With informed live commentary provided by Tony Mason, 1972 RAC rally winning co-driver with Roger Clark in the Escort Mk1 and former Ford works team rally manager, the live action rally stage demonstrations are not to be missed by thrill seeking spectators. Entrance to the rally stage is included free in the ticket price for Race Retro 2008 Other features include a replica Ace Café and Fire Engine Bar, informative seminars, celebrity autograph signings and photo opportunities. There is also the Bonhams Classic and Historic Motorsport Auction as well as the opportunity to conduct private car sales and test drives. With historic kart racing demonstrations, a popular and growing discipline, and championship level autotests, showcasing expert car control, as well as the vintage ‘Wall of Death’, a great travelling live show featuring Indian V-Twin motorcycles, visitors will have plenty to keep them entertained.

For more information on Europe’s premier historic motorsport show and the latest updates, visit raceretro.com

Fiat 500 Voted Car of the Year 2008

Launched in July and promising to be the most eagerly awaited car for many a year, the Fiat 500 scooped the top award as Car of the Year 2008 when ,this month, 57 out of 58 specialist journalists on an international panel from 22 European countries voted for the super-compact. Auto Express, the car news weekly, in its list of New Cars for 2008 places the 500 at the top of its 10 Most Wanted, ahead of the Jaguar XF at number 2.Described as ‘retro without being kitsch…fresh,funky and fantastic to drive’ ,the 500 is destined to go places.

The Green Car Guide says that ‘Fiat has announced prices of the eagerly-awaited new Fiat 500, which goes on sale in the UK in January.

‘And the good news is that prices start at just £7,900. At the top end of the range, a highly specified version with a larger engine costs only £10,700 – including air conditioning and alloy wheels as standard.

‘The 500 is available with a choice of three Euro 5-ready engines: 69 bhp 1.2-litre and 100 bhp 1.4-litre petrol, or 75 bhp 1.3-litre MultiJet turbodiesel. The base 1,242cc petrol engine returns 55 mpg economy and emits 119g/km of CO2. The 1.3 Multijet diesel can manage 67.3 mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 111g/km.

‘The 500 can be ordered in three different trim levels – Pop, Sport and Lounge. Standard equipment in the entry-level Pop includes ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD, driver, passenger, side and driver’s knee airbags, radio/CD/MP3 player, power steering, electric mirrors, colour coded bumpers and chrome-plated door handles. The options list includes ESP, glass sunroof, metallic paint and parking sensors.

‘Sport and Lounge versions start at £9,300, while specifying a larger engine in any trim level adds £1,400. Standard equipment on both Sport and Lounge versions includes the Blue & MeTM hands-free media system, air conditioning and 15” alloy wheels. Sport specification includes a rear roof spoiler, fog lights, sports interior and dark tinted rear windows, while Lounge trim includes a split, folding rear seat and fixed glass roof.

The Fiat 500 goes on sale through Fiat’s 162-strong UK dealer network in January 2008.’

Copyright (c)2006 CFM(Services)Limited.All Rights Reserved.

In 1982, the programme Knight Rider burst literally onto our TV screens. K.I.T.T, the sleek black Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was arguably the star of the show.However, there had to be a hero for this ’sort of Lone Ranger with a car’ series and this was provided in the form of David Hasselhoff playing the ubiquitous crime-buster, Michael Knight. Wherever the villains were operating in the US, mainly in Southern California,there would be the duo to bring justice on behalf of the private crime fighting unit within the Knight Organisation,known as FLAG.

Although the original series finished in 1986, I understand that a new series may be screened soon with David Hasselhoff in it, but with the stories very much involving a character who is his son.

So clearly, interest has not waned too much in the more than twenty years since the first series. I shall try to bring you further news on developments,in due course. Meanwhile, the spirit lives on, and you can share in the growing excitement in anticipation of a returning sensation by buying a sleek radio controlled model of K.I.T.T. available to buy for £29.95. Whilst it may not be bomb and bullet proof (or travel at 300 mph) it has some very good moves,I hear. For further details and specifications you should go to Firebox

Copyright (c) 2007 CFM (Services)Limited.All rights reserved.

This short post is by way of an update.Always delighted to report on an event promoted here (see 8th November). On 9/10/11th November the Classic Motor Show (see above poster) was successfully held at Birmingham’s NEC to packed houses.

Held alongside the MPH show, the CMS ,owned by Clarion Events NEC,broke its attendance records.An estimated 70,000 visitors were treated to ‘a breathtaking display of 1,000 beautiful vehicles ranging from classic British sports cars to American hot rods,carparades,300 trade stands,a car restoration theatre and classic gameshows. The eventual winner of the Meguiars Club Showcase concours competition was the Jaguar XK150 S Type Roadster owned by John Brewster.’

For information visit the Classic Motor Show website

In 2008, the Classic Motor Show will be held on Friday 14th November to Sunday 16th November.

The cars are, very much, the stars! The Classic Motor Show hosts an amazing display of over 1,000 cars to see. There is something for all levels of enthusiasm, whether you are a hardcore classic fan or you just love cars. Whether vintage Bentleys are your scene or maybe 70’s Fords, maybe early Morris or Maserati? The Classic Motor Show has them all. Whatever your favourite “classic” is, get up close to it at the show and spend a unique day amongst like minded people who all share your passion for cars, cars, and more cars!

So, says the blurb from the organisers of this massive show.No one will disagree! For more details of how you can get involved in this exciting and prestigious event click here

But hurry! The show only runs from 9-11th November 2007.

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