News of Lotus' entry in the GT category of the FIA Rally Championship in 2012, got me thinking about the relationship between road and rally cars and whether we, the customer, are still benefiting from the participation of car manufacturers in the sport.
Well we weren't expecting a Hybrid were we? Be honest, don't get all smug on hindsight. We were so busy focusing on its looks, dynamics and price point that we paid too little attention to its powerplant, and despite its drop-dead gorgeous looks there's far more to this new beauty than meets the eye....
If you've already taken a look through this month's issue of ROAD Magazine (#17) then you'll know that it's devoted to Tim Schrick and the 'Crazy English Edition' of his TV show on Germany's Sport 1 channel.
Tim Schrick is one of the nicest guys in motorsport. He also happens to be one of the best drivers we’ve had the pleasure of riding shotgun with. He has a natural talent and can jump in any car and extract its limits instantly. He’s also a lot of fun to be around.
So, we were...
In this latest issue we get very sideways in the woods with a historic Porsche 911 rally car. We test Subaru's WRX S and STI Imprezas back to back, we get all dirty with 4x4s from Isuzu and Nissan and we take to the scottish highlands in Seat's brilliant Altea.
We've got two videos to join this week's feature comparing the SL63 AMG, 911 Targa 4S and Aston V8 Vantage Roadster. Part 1 features Chris Harris driving all three cars and and sharing his initial impressions.
In Part 2 Chris is joined by Richard Meaden and Jethro Bovingdon as they decide which is their...