Pole Postion for CRC Speedshow's New Owner

             The CRC Speedshow came back to Auckland under new ownership. Organiser Ross Prevette embarked on driving the show into a successful future. Speedshow is still one of those conventions confused about its purpose. The event is still at cross-roads between adolescence and adult-hood. However, the record 30,000 fans had a different view. They came to look at the cars, bikes, outdoor arena action and everything in between. I decided to head along knowing that there would be a plethora of interesting people from different backgrounds to talk to.

Upon arrival I was confronted by an illustrious layout of cars starting with every model of Porsche 911 to celebrate 50 years of the iconic model, 100 year’s worth of Aston Martin marques such as: the DB5, AM V8, Virage and the all new carbon fibre Vanquish. It reminded me of attending combined birthday party’s growing up. Lamborghini was celebrating 50 years too! Their line-up included the 400 GT, the Miura, Countach, Diablo, Murcielago, Gallardo and Aventador. General Manager of Independent Prestige, Greg Brinck presented the display saying that “the Giltrap name has been put aside for the weekend and this is about Lamborghini turning 50. We are lucky that this display features 100 per cent local cars”.

Legends of Speed

Tony Quinn's Mclaren MP4-12C GT3

Tony Quinn of VIP Pet Foods and owner/developer of the new Highlands Motorsport Park made an appearance at the show. I was lucky enough to have a long conversation about the recent development of the track in Queenstown. The candid feedback from Tony was that the Speedshow was “Pretty Cool” and he was "particularly impressed by the Hot Rod display". Quinn could not contain his praise for V8 Supercar and V8 Supertourer driver Shane Van Gisbergen. Tony said, “Shane is the most polite young man I have ever met, and is an absolute full credit to his family”. Tony is “over-the-moon” with the new team and with its success in the V8 Supercar Championship.

V8 Supertourers, along with arched rivals NZV8 made an appearance. Tension was running high between the two V8 franchises with NZV8 firing up one of their cars directly after a public announcement about the SuperTourers. Ant Pedersen, who is currently second in the championship, had his car on display and the franchise was promoting its next race weekend taking place at Taupo on the 31^st of August. I would have accepted the free family pass, but I don’t have any children…that I know of. Marketing and Event Executive Siobhan Page, confidently fronted the works stand to promote the growing New Zealand Motorsport Franchise. Page added that “Speedshow was an opportunity to promote the young series to fans and the free family pass allows those with interest in the series to get a taste without the ticket price. People give so much to the Motorsport community and V8 Supertourers want to give back”.

‘Legends of Speed’ were the organiser's firepower for the show. They showcased 17 selected vehicles to represent each motor racing legend. Among them, Reece Fishes top fuel dragster that boasts 8,000 horsepower. The purpose of the legends of speed was to recognise the achievements of all the household kiwi names that have succeeded on the world stage. Ross Prevette recognises that people will have their own ideas of who they regard as legends. “But, as a motorsport fan from way-back myself, the exploits of Possum Bourne, Rod Millen and Paul Radisich have literally made these men household names”.

Beacham Jaguar made an inaugural appearance at the show fronted by Managing Director, Alexander Beacham. The new Jaguar XJ, XF Sportbrake and 2013 Range Rover made up the minimalist but effective stand. When asked about the arrival of the new Jaguar F-Type to the independent dealer’s showroom, Beacham gave a short answer of “3 weeks” which is understood to be ahead of Jaguar New Zealand’s first batch of customer orders.

The weekend was not without its hurdles. Organisers cancelled the D1NZ drifting in the outdoor arena on Sunday as a result of heavy fines by Auckland Council due to excessive noise and smoke levels. Greg Murphy’s body language said it all when he staggered out of his Go-Kart and keeled over. Murphy reportedly walked away with a couple of broken ribs compliments of the bumpy surface on the outdoor arena.

I pay full compliments to Ross and Brenda Prevette who brought the Speedshow into 2013. The predecessor owner had the intention of cramming every exhibitor and his dog into the venue. The feasible direction intended by new management payed off. My advice: don't miss next year's show scheduled for 19 and 20 July. 

Beacham Stand 

Aston Martin DB5 @ 100 Years of Aston Martin

2013 Bentley Flying Spur: the full 360

The Geneva Motorshow is considered the world’s most important auto show. Motoring manufacturers from around the world consider it an opportunity to showcase new models to the valuable European Market. An iconic model from England making its way to Geneva this year is the new Bentley Flying Spur – the world’s fastest four-door saloon and the fastest ever built in Bentley’s history. At first glance, the design cues unique to the Flying Spur model are subtle but appealing. All the usual exterior features fitted to current models are in abundance – LED daytime running lamps are incorporated into the headlights and LED tail lamps complete the Flying Spurs' characterised rear profiles.

                

Bentley's fastest ever four-door features the  6.0 litre twin-turbocharged W12 that was fitted to the successful predecessor model and can be found in the new Flying Spur with 616BHP producing 800Nm of torque. We would expect these figures from a vehicle that weighs a grossly 3 tonnes. However, a 14 per cent improvement to the power-to-weight ratio compared with the outgoing model will take you to 0-100km/h in just 4.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 322km/h. To put the icing on the driveline cake, the 8 speed transmission will enable for low RPM cruising speeds.

Dr Wolfgang Schreiber’s two-cents on the new Flying Spur denote it to be “Bentleys ultimate luxury performance sedan. The new Flying Spur is equipped both for business and relaxation whilst remaining a car to enjoy from behind the wheel”.

On the inside, being a passenger in the new Flying Spur has become all the more enticing. The car will feature its own Wi-Fi hotspot  for those owners who want to post a real-time Facebook statuses or photos while on the fly. Literally. All the technical bells and whistles will feature, such as 14 way electric front seats, 8” touch screen fitted to the centre console, USB charging ports, HDMI connectivity for 10” screens fitted in the rear as a cost extra and an 1100 Watt Naim sound system. This car is exploding with modern technology. We already get the impression that this new Flying Spur continues to have the edge over its ostentatious rival – The Rolls-Royce Ghost.

Having driven the outgoing model on a regular basis, the Flying Spur from Bentley still remains my first choice in the luxury performance sedan class. Although the exterior features of the new model produce a taut and more aggressive stance, the Flying Spur allows for drivers to use it for any occasion; whether it be collecting the kids from Saturday morning sport or attending the Opera.

The Flying Spur will be showcased in the flesh at the 2013 Geneva Motor show on the 5^th of March.

Words By Andrew Beacham  

The New Bentley Flying Spur is Coming

Hot off the motoring press this morning: Bentley has announced the newest model to join its illustrious line up.  Scarce details have been released about the new model, however they've released this teaser film to get our tails wagging. Enjoy!