After trying to become enthusiastic about camping with my children perhaps this is the best thing to have for you children while you inhabit the VW California and let them get on with it. Bound to Set to set a trend the new Peppermint Green VW Camper Van Tent will be the one to have at festivals this summer. Check it out.  A row of them camped out would look pretty cool.

Firebox presented the VW Camper Van Tent last year with great success. 120K “Likes” on Facebook not bad.

The ‘tent that think’s it’s a camper van, simply a brilliant idea”.

An Official lIcensed product the four-man tent is a luxe, full-size replica of the legendary 1965 VW Camper. Synonymous with hippies, surfers and cooler types all over the globe. The tent is large enough for campers to party in, incredibly strong and weather proof with street appeal.

Ben Redhead at Firebox said, “We have high hopes for the VW Camper Van Tent for 2012 as, despite not yet seeing a festival season, this retro-warrior was consistently one of our best-sellers for 2011. We expect the latest, perfectly-on-trend, Peppermint Green version to also be a hit and join its colourful companions across festivals and campsites this summer.”

Check it out on Firebox Now Snooze or lose… when’s the purple one available.

The Maserati Gran Turismo Sport is on its way, more performance and an elegant re-style putting more emphasis on its aggressive and sporty looks.

An innovative redesigned new front bumper maximises the front air flows for both engine and brake cooling. The front also incorporates new headlights with DRL led beams. The elegant rear of the new Gran Turismo Sport flaunts new tail lights in an deeper, more aggressive, darker shade.

The interior is restyled with completely redesigned front and rear seats and a new steering wheel with a more sporty and muscular look.

Macho, Mucho,  The new Gran Turismo Sport will see a further improvement in its performance thanks to a 4.7 litre V8 engine now capable to deliver 460 HP.

Yes Please! Check out the Gran Turismo Sport and the rest of the range here

Ninety years has brought a lot of change to the car industry – Fords limited colour choice is now old hat. Ford designers are visiting Milan this week for Fashion Week to talk about the new Ford B-MAX compact multi-activity vehicle. The car whose paint and interior colours were inspired by the world of fashion, furniture and high-end gadgets.

“People like to feel great and look great, whether it’s wearing their favourite outfit or sitting behind the wheel of a car,” said Serife Celebi, colour and material design supervisor, Ford of Europe, who together with her team, closely-monitors the latest trends in colours, textures and patterns. “Unlike fashion designers, we can’t present a new range every six months,” she added. “But we can make sure that our vehicles are completely in tune with contemporary tastes and styles, and remain so for years to come.”

Ford B-MAX colours including Burnished Glow and Tectonic Silver embody the current trend towards subtle luxury, the feeling embodied by fashions from Gucci.

“Burnished Glow is reminiscent of a sunny autumn day, has a very natural, welcoming feel and echoes the colours we have been seeing at design shows like the Milan Furniture Fair,” said Celebi, who studied Textile Design before joining Ford’s colour and material group in 2000. Her passion for colour, textiles and design came from her family roots in Turkey where her grandmother created yarn from sheep’s wool to make carpets.

“Tectonic Silver blends silver with a warm hint of gold,” she added. “This is the kind of luxurious colour you might see on the catwalk in the collections of Versace or Miu Miu

The high series Ford B-MAX Titanium models also feature a sophisticated pin-stripe cloth inspired by classic Savile Row tailoring, and modern interpretations by designers like Paul Smith.

“The embossed pattern allows us to create an exciting contrast between matt and shiny surfaces, which is a popular trend in sports clothing as well as men’s and women’s fashions,” said Celebi.

“We have also used contrasting textures to great effect with the smart high gloss black finish we use on the control panels and centre console. This was inspired by high-end gadgets and snowboards, creating a very modern and exclusive appearance.”

The All-New Ford B-MAX goes on sale in Britain later in the year.

Face Britain has the backing of HRH The Prince of Wales and is the brainchild of his charity The Prince’s Foundation for Children & the Arts.   Everyone in the UK, aged between 4 and 16 years, is invited to submit a self portrait onto an Online Gallery in an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the “most artists working on the same art installation”.  With thousands of portraits already submitted, one of the national tours aims is to highlight some of the stunning artwork already created and encourage more schools to take part.

Another goal for the Face Britain team on its tour is to film at some of the UK’s best loved landmarks. Starting from their base in Cornwall, sites such as Lands End, Stonehenge, Big Ben, The Angel of The North and the Giant’s Causeway are all on the itinerary to name but a few.

Mark Terry, Managing Director Chevrolet UK said: “It’s fantastic to be given the opportunity to take part in this record-breaking attempt and we can’t wait to see the completed film and all the portraits on display later this summer.”

As well as being involved in the record breaking attempt, the children’s portraits will also have the chance to be added to a giant montage image of The Queen that will be projected onto Buckingham Palace in April, at the start of the Jubilee and Olympic celebrations.

The montage image will also be showcased on the national network of BBC Big Screens / Olympic Live Sites and on over 400 digital advertising screens in train stations and shopping centres across the UK.

Closing date to upload portraits onto the Online Gallery is the 31^st March.  For further information Visit Face Britain Now

Chevrolet has produced an ultra roomy estate with almost 1,500 litres of load space. The new model complements the saloon and hatchback versions. Together, these have achieved combined sales across the world of over one million since the saloon variant debuted in 2009.

“The Cruze Station Wagon caters to an important market segment. It ticks all the boxes for European drivers in terms of distinctive design, dynamic driving, space and economy,” said Chevrolet Europe President and Managing Director Susan Docherty.

It features generous storage space and a choice of powerful and efficient engines, including a new 130bhp 1.7-litre VCDi diesel engine, with start-stop technology as standard and CO₂ emissions of 119g/km.

At 4,678mm, the Station Wagon is slightly longer than the hatchback (4,510 mm) and saloon (4,597 mm) models. Load space ranges from 500 litres up to the window line in the rear to nearly 1,500 litres up to the roof top with the rear seats folded down.

The Station Wagon is immediately recognizable as a new variant of the best-selling Chevrolet Cruze, double winner of the world Touring Car Championship. The exterior design features a tapering single arch roofline and comes with roof rails as standard, providing convenience while maintaining a poised and sporty look.

A number of exterior and interior styling changes are being introduced in 2012 for all Cruze models. These include a remodeled front fascia, modified head-lamp interiors and fog lamps, and new wheel styles on the exterior and refinements to the center console and a greater choice of seat finishes for the interior.

In the most comprehensive programme of enhancements since 2008, the revised 4.7-litre 420bhp (426PS/313kW) entry-level V8 Vantage features a raft of improvements first seen in the critically acclaimed Vantage S. The standard six-speed manual transmission remains, but the optional six-speed Sportshift™ automated manual transmission has now been replaced with the seven-speed Sportshift™ II. With an additional gear, closer ratios, lower final drive and a quicker, refined shift quality, this new gearbox – designed and manufactured specifically for Aston Martin – provides faster and more precise shifts, optimises acceleration and delivers a sporting driving experience.

Further dynamic enhancements centre on the V8 Vantage’s chassis, which features developments from the Vantage S. Quicker steering, bigger brakes and wider tyres have all been fitted to further enhance the V8 Vantage’s class-leading poise and make it even more responsive and exciting to drive. A new steering column installation, re-valved power-steering pump and a quicker ratio of 15:1 compared to 17:1 on the previous model ensure the new V8 Vantage steers with even greater precision, handles with more agility and provides more feedback for a completely engaging drive.

Stopping power and pedal feel have been significantly increased thanks to new 380mm two-piece ventilated cast-iron front discs and six piston callipers. This new braking system also includes Hill Start Assist (HSA) for more precise control on steep inclines. The V8 Vantage also comes with tyres that are 10mm wider than the outgoing model. Not only does this increased contact area improve the V8 Vantage’s already prodigious levels of road-holding, but it allows the more responsive steering and stronger brakes to be fully exploited.

To reflect its enhanced performance the V8 Vantage has received a number of styling changes inspired by the Vantage S and N400 limited edition. At the front a lower bumper – complete with aerodynamic splitter – houses a larger air intake that feeds the engine and front brakes. At the rear a diffuser creates added drama and function, while sculpted race-derived side sills complete the V8 Vantage’s more muscular look.

These technical and styling changes have been applied to both the V8 Vantage Coupe and Roadster models, with prices starting from RRP £84,995 / €108,500 (Germany).

The RRP £99,995 / €128,500 (Germany) Vantage S remains the most generously equipped, highest performing and most driver-focussed V8-engined model in the range. Developing 430bhp (436PS/321kW) at 7300rpm and 490Nm (361lb ft) of torque at 5000rpm the Vantage S’s more potent state of engine tune perfectly complements the Sportshift™ II close-ratio seven speed automated manual transmission, which is fitted as standard. A sports exhaust system unique to the ‘S’ further emphasises its sporting credentials, delivering a rousing soundtrack, totally in keeping with the intensity of the driving experience.

Carbon fibre detailing of the Vantage S’s motorsport-derived aerodynamic package makes a discreet and highly appealing visual distinction from the V8 Vantage, while inside the ‘S’ variant features a sumptuously trimmed interior that demonstrates Aston Martin’s unique ability to combine the craftsmanship of traditional hand-stitched leather upholstery with striking modern design. The company’s fully integrated satellite navigation system developed in conjunction with Garmin is now fitted as standard along with Bluetooth and cruise control.

Production of the sensational V12 Vantage continues unchanged; this acclaimed model delivering its unrivalled blend of extreme performance, exclusivity and practicality in one unique package. Powered by a 6.0-litre V12 engine producing 510 bhp (380 kW / 517 PS), and 570 Nm (420 lb ft) of torque, this remarkable evolution of the Vantage has a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h) and 0-62 mph (0-100 kp/h) time of 4.2 seconds while its uniquely thrilling character distinguishes it from the rest of the range.

Later this year the Vantage range will be joined by the exotic V12 Zagato, created in 2011 to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the iconic DB4GT Zagato. A prototype V12 Zagato caused a sensation by winning the prestigious Villa D’Este concours and competing in the Nürburgring 24-hour race. Now, less than 12-months after its dramatic debut, the V12 Zagato – employing a unique blend of bespoke Italian design, hand-built craftsmanship and advanced technology – is poised to enter strictly limited production, with first deliveries to commence later this year.

Racing is in Aston Martin’s DNA and the Vantage is at the forefront of Aston Martin’s motorsport activity. The Vantage first went racing in 2006, when Aston Martin’s CEO Dr Ulrich Bez and members of the company’s engineering department took a near-standard V8 Vantage to the gruelling Nürburgring 24 hour race. Since then GT4 versions of the V8 Vantage have become a force to be reckoned with, spawning one-make race series and winning their class in Dubai, Nürburgring, Silverstone and Spa 24-hour races. For 2012 Aston Martin Racing is stepping up a gear with the new V12 Vantage focused race car. Currently undergoing an extensive test programme this spectacular new racing car will be in action throughout the 2012 season.

Combining iconic styling, thrilling performance, true craftsmanship and exclusivity the revitalised Vantage range boasts unprecedented breadth and appeal. The revised V8 Vantage together with the rest of the range is available to order now from Aston Martin’s global dealer network.

The MINI Clubvan Concept proves that style can also be practical, and that practicality can be attractive. The MINI Clubman-based concept car combines all of the driving fun and distinctive design for which MINI is renowned, with an increased load-carrying capability. The Clubvan concept opens the door to a completely new market for MINI, premium small businesses who want to combine sharp driving dynamics with low cost of ownership, while also making a style statement with their company van.

Over the years the ability to adapt goes back to the heart of MINI’s heritage. I remember sitting in the back of a MINI Butchers Van as early as sometime in the sixties, shortly after the car’s birth the Morris Mini Van was born. Now, more than 50 years on, the MINI Clubvan Concept is coming soon. Not finally announced for production, but rumours say it will be soon.

Limiting the car to two seats creates the capacity needed by small business owners day to day. The car Minivan naturally is suited to a whole world of customisation potential. The flat load area extends from the split rear doors right up to a partition grille behind the two seats making maximum use of the interior’s depth. Six recessed attachment loops use bungie straps to hold cargo. The fixed partition grille, made from solid aluminium in the lower part and a stainless steel honeycombe grating, ensures items stowed in the rear won’t fall into the front cabin.

Exterior design cuts a distinctive figure.

The MINI Clubvan Concept shares the same exterior dimensions as the MINI Clubman. The exterior of the car marks it out immediately as a MINI, offering customers the opportunity to combine their need for a practical, compact and easy-to-run to run van with the appeal of individual style and distinctive design, synonymous with the MINI brand.

The MINI Clubvan Concept is finished in British Racing Green paintwork, which extends to the roof, C-pillars and exterior mirror caps. The rear side windows are opaque with polycarbonate sections and are painted in the car’s body colour. The rear doors feature heavily tinted glass making it difficult to see into the load compartment.

This ultra-versatile MINI can carry both its cargo and its business’s promotional message in a uniquely stylish way. The unbroken paintwork along the car’s flanks offers extensive scope for individualisation and the use of larger graphics.

The Concept showcases how signwriting might look on a MINI Clubvan. Possibly a van for a sign writing business wasn’t a good choice, I do see problems with equipment fitting in, but for many businesses it must be one of the best looking small vans out there.

Examples of the dominant Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union Silver Arrows cars are to race alongside contemporary rivals from Italy, France and Great Britain. I have gone back and found some images of these legendary racers.

After much speculation and excitement, Goodwood has now confirmed the sensational news that 75 years after the first appearance of the legendary pre-war ‘Silver Arrows’ in the UK, the 2012 Goodwood Revival on the 14-16 September will stage arguably the most spectacular historic vehicle demonstration of all time.

The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the famous Silver Arrows Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union Grand Prix cars once again being driven in anger at a British motor circuit for the first time in 75 years will make the 2012 Revival a must-attend event for all motor sport enthusiasts.

The iconic Mercedes-Benz W25, W125, W154 and W165, plus examples of the Auto Union Type C and Type D, will be in action at race-speeds in September, with well-known top-level racing drivers behind the wheels of these awesome and significant cars.   This promises to be on of the most spectacular races in historic motor sport for decades.

Alongside the Silver Arrow racers will be many of the cars that competed against – but were totally out-classed – the dominant Mercedes-Benz and Auto Unions in the late 1930s.  Expect to see examples of ERA, Maserati, Riley, Bugatti and MG on the legendary Goodwood track, alongside the Silver Arrows.

A Brief History of the Silver Arrows

The introduction of the 750kg formula in 1934, along with the promise of significant funding from the German government, led to the arrival on the Grand Prix scene of two of the most evocative names in motor sport history: Mercedes-Benz and Auto Union. Built with little regard for cost, their cars were light years ahead of the opposition, and dominated Grand Prix racing from 1934 until the outbreak of war in 1939.

Abandoning the traditional German racing white in favour of bare metal (legend has it that this was to save weight, in order to keep them below the 750kg maximum weight limit, although the truth of this story is still debated), the cars quickly gained the nickname of ‘Silberpfeil’ (Silver Arrows in German)’, creating a legend that endures to this day.

By 1937, when the cars raced in the UK for the first time, power outputs were approaching 600bhp – a level that would not be equalled in Grand Prix racing until the turbo era of the 1980s. Such was the speed and sound of these monstrous machines, and the astonishing feats of the daredevils who drove them, that the English crowd – more accustomed to seeing Rileys, MGs and ERAs with less than half the power of the German cars, competing in handicap races – were rendered utterly speechless.

With the full support of Mercedes-Benz and Audi, the 2012 Goodwood Revival will recreate the spirit of that momentous day in 1937, with a race-speed demonstration of as many as ten of these fabulous machines, including examples of the Mercedes-Benz W25, W125, W154 and W165, and Auto Union Type C and Type D.

Piloted by world famous drivers, the Silver Arrows will stage a carefully choreographed ‘race’, alongside examples of the British and Continental ‘cannon fodder’ that raced against them in period – providing all the spectacle of a real race, but without risk to these priceless machines.

Low-speed demonstrations by individual Silver Arrows are an impressive sight, and this will be the first time that so many of these mighty machines have been driven together at full racing speed since the Yugoslav Grand Prix, on 3 September 1939 – the day after WWII broke out. As such, it will be a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience – arguably the most momentous occasion in the history of historic motor sport.

To complete the spectacle, the cars will be housed in an authentic recreation of a period pit/paddock building, based on the distinctive structure at the Bremgarten circuit in Switzerland, alongside period transporters.

Switzerland had strong links with the Silver Arrows. The Swiss Grand Prix was a highlight of the European Championship from 1935-39, with the Bremgarten track was regarded as one of the most challenging in the world:

Additionally, the European Hillclimb Championship was very important during the 1930s, being won by such star drivers as Hans Stuck and Rudolf Carraciola. The Klausen Pass event was one of the most popular on the calendar, won in 1934 by Carraciola in a Mercedes-Benz W25, beating his rival Hans Stuck in an Auto Union.

This year also feature the AC Cobra race special, more information about this Special Goodwood Revival 2012 spectacle will be confirmed soon. Tickets for the Goodwood Revival 2012 are available Now.

FairFuelUK are demanding an urgent cut in fuel taxes in response to news that diesel has reached a record high. You help by coming to lobby your MP.

National spokesman for the campaign Quentin Willson said, ‘All through last year we told the Government that this would happen.  They abandoned rises in fuel tax but this diesel price surge has shown that was not enough. The Government needs to cut fuel duty decisively now’

The National FairFuel Day on March 7^th is a unique opportunity to personally fight for lower fuel duty. On this day there will be the chance to convince the Government to get the UK economy motoring and for the Treasury at last, to hopefully see sense. We have to tell MPs directly how high fuel prices are crippling our lives, our businesses and our economy. Please take some time to attend and make your personal case to your own MP. This really is your chance to make a difference.

The more motorists, white van drivers, hauliers, truckers, taxi drivers and all those that need their wheels to exist yet alone work, that come and mass lobby Parliament on March 7th, the more likely MPs will put pressure on the Treasury to act.

The Govt have to recognise that a significant cut in fuel duty will help the economy and not affect its tax revenues. The consequences are clear: a significant cut in fuel duty will stimulate the economy. It’s plain common sense!

SO! The only way to make this happen is by putting pressure face to face on MPs, who in turn will then make representations to the Treasury. We need as many people as possible to be outside Parliament on March 7th after PMQs.

For Further information

Register your intention to come along and lobby your MP on National FairFuel Day

A massive showing of ‘sticker support’ will also help boost the campaign message nationally.  So please show your support for cutting fuel duty and get yours now

We only have 32 days to the Budget. You can make a massive difference to what happens in George Osborne’s Budget….Its time to talk plainly to your MP!

Very kind regards,

Peter Carroll
and the FairFuelUK Team

The on the road pocket rocket prices have been confirmed at £41,020. Deliveries are due in the second half of 2012.

Powered by 2.0-litre TFSI engine delivering 256PS at 6,000rpm and 350Nm of torque between 2,500 and 4,500rpm, 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds, top speed 152mph, combined mpg 32.8, CO2 199g/km

Unique and extensive exterior and interior specification, over 600 components either reworked or replaced
Audi UK has confirmed that the ultra-exclusive 256PS A1 quattro will be priced at £41,020 OTR when an extremely limited quota of just nineteen UK-bound, left-hand-drive examples officially becomes available to order in early March. UK Audi Centres already have deposits for the vast majority of these exceptional high performance subcompacts, which are not only unique in featuring quattro all-wheel-drive, a larger capacity 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine and rally-inspired styling, but also an all-encompassing specification including equipment upgrades to the value of over £11,000.

More than 600 components have been either reworked or replaced in the creation of the A1 quattro, one of the most prominent of which is the engine. The turbocharged and directly injected 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit has been adopted from the TTS, and delivers its specially tuned 256PS output at 6,000rpm, and its punchy 350Nm torque peak between 2,500 and 4,500rpm. It enables the A1 quattro to power from rest to 62mph in 5.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 152mph, while also returning up to 32.8mpg according to the combined cycle test.

Power is channelled via a quick-shifting six-speed manual transmission to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, the heart of which is an electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutch whose package of plates rotates in an oil bath. The clutch is mounted on the rear axle in the interest of optimum weight distribution. Handling precision and adjustability are also enhanced by an XDS selective differential lock and a specially configured Electronic Stability Program (ESP) which offers a sport mode with a higher threshold for intervention and can be switched off entirely for track use.

The chassis of the Audi A1 quattro also borrows heavily from the TTS, particularly the advanced multi-link rear set-up. Responsive and efficient electrohydraulic power steering with a direct 14.8:1 steering ratio complements this taut and well balanced configuration, as do ventilated disc brakes with high performance 312mm front discs.

With its Glacier White metallic paint, Glacier White 18-inch turbine design alloy wheels, high-gloss black roof complete with prominent spoiler and deep-set bumpers with 100-millimetre tailpipes at the rear the A1 quattro looks fresh from the rally stage. The quattro badges on the grille, roof arch and rear hatch further reinforce this.

Purposeful black dominates the interior, a focal point of which is the multi-adjustable Silk Nappa leather-upholstered S sport seats with their pronounced bolsters, integrated head restraints, red stitching and quattro insignias. Eye-catching features also include white needles, the red-faced rev counter and the flat-bottomed multi-function sports steering wheel with contrasting red stitching and an inset limited edition plaque.

As befits its standing at the pinnacle of the range the A1 quattro will be suitably lavishly equipped with virtually the full complement of equipment, which if added to a standard series production A1 would boost its price by over £11,000. Features include xenon plus headlights, the high-beam assistant, adaptive brake lights, an LED interior lighting package, light and rain sensors, the acoustic rear parking system, automatic air conditioning, a storage package, the convenience key and cruise control.

Entertainment and information features will be even more exceptional, with a CD changer, DAB digital radio, Audi Music Interface iPod connection, hard disk-based MMI navigation plus, a 465-watt 14-speaker BOSE sound system with illuminated woofers in the doors and Mobile Phone Preparation High with Online Services all included as standard. The Mobile Phone Preparation High system enables a Bluetooth-equipped online car phone to connect to the Internet and deliver special web services, including Google Earth, to the car. Passengers can also connect their mobile devices to the integrated Wi-Fi hotspot.