Rocket propelled bicycle beats Ferrari in drag race

The Ferrari lines up next to the rocket powered bike

A French cyclist has ridden a rocket-equipped push bicycle into the record books by attaining speeds of 207mph (333km/h) at a racetrack in France.

Francois Gissy took just 4.8 seconds to accelerate to his top speed at the Circuit Paul Ricard racetrack, near Marseille.

To demonstrate just how fast this bike is, Gissy decided to go head to head with a Ferrari in a drag race. And the bike breezes past the Ferrari with ease!

And he’s not finished just yet as he wants to keep pushing the boundaries and believes he can achieve 250mph on his next run on the bike. However, he must first raise the much needed funding required to keep going.

The rocket-propelled bicycle, named Kamikaze 5, was designed by Mr Gissy’s Swiss friend Arnold Neracher, and has been used in a series of ever-faster speed challenges organised by the two men since 2011.

Speaking to the BBC about the new record Gissy said:

“It’s extremely intense, that’s why it’s a real feat,”

“The bicycle is extremely lightweight, there’s no aerodynamic covering and the force of the drag is extreme – maybe 200kg [440lb] of force on my body.

“At the moment [of riding] it’s very scary – there’s no pleasure like you would get from a motorcycle.

“But when you stop, you think – yes, that was amazing.

Audi teaser of new four door concept car

Teaser of new Audi Concept

German car makers Audi have released a new teaser video, giving only the slightest of hints in regards to the styling of their latest concept car.

The car is set to be unveiled at the Los Angeles motor show later this month, with many critics suggesting it could well be the forthcoming A9, which will become a sportier, alternative to the German company’s current flagship model, the A8.

Not a lot of the car can be seen in the video, though from what can be seen, it’s clear this car shares same angular headlights and stand out grille that make other cars in the current Audi line up instantly recognisable.

Also featured in the video is new design chief, Marc Lichte, who discusses his inspirations, his ambitions for Audi and what he considers to be the brands past highlights.

Land Rover team up with Holland & Holland to create Luxurious SUV

Holland & Holland Range Rover

Yes, I know… another SUV related story for this week, you’re probably sick of them at this stage but Land Rover has announced that their Special Vehicle Operations division has joined up with renowned British gunmaker Holland & Holland to create a special edition Range Rover – a vehicle that they say will be their “most luxurious SUV ever”.

Based on the Range Rover Autobiography Black – which has to be said is be no means lacking in luxuxury or equipment – this exclusive SUV will be consigned to only 40 units per year over a three-year period. The collaboration demonstrates the new SPO division’s rapidly growing and ambitious repertoire of high-end luxury bespoke commissions, as well as extreme performance vehicles.

The Holland & Holland Range Rover is available with a choice of powertrains: the diesel-powered 4.4-litre SDV8, which delivers 339PS and the 510PS petrol-powered 5.0-litre V8 Supercharged.

Land Rover and Holland & Holland’s collective skills instantly stand out  thanks to the unique Holland & Holland Green that grace the bodywork, mirrors and bonnet vent of this opulent 4×4. To compliment this colour, the grille is painted in the same deep green and comes with chrome highlights.

And the premium features aren’t just reserved for the exterior, as on the inside, the Range Rover Autobiography Black has been tailored to accommodate the lifestyle pursuits of Holland & Holland’s customers. The Executive Class seating package in the long wheelbase car makes the most of the additional 7.3 inches of legroom. Two individual fully adjustable seats are complemented by an extended and re-designed centre console with electrically deployable walnut tables, integrated USB charging sockets, enhanced stowage and bespoke lighting.

The cabin is upholstered in soft tan leather, which complements the dashboard’s French walnut veneer and in a nod to the skills of Holland & Holland’s engravers, the door handles and elements of the centre console have been turned into “works of art”.

What really sets the new Holland & Holland Range Rover apart, though, is the boot. A stunning leather-trimmed aluminium loadspace cabinet has been designed especially for this car. Its espresso Alcantara-trimmed interior can be precisely fitted to safely transport the owner of the car’s pair of Holland & Hollands shotguns.

So what kind of price tag has reserved for this type of luxury and exclusivity? Prices start from £180,000, and only 120 of these vehicles will be made.

Holland & Holland Range Rover

Holland & Holland Range Rover Luxurious Seats

Holland & Holland Range Rover Dash

Holland & Holland Range Rover Door Sill

Holland & Holland Range Rover Control Panel

Holland & Holland Range Rover Engraved Door Handles

Holland & Holland Range Rover Boot

Crazy Kart XL – Christmas isn’t just for kids

Crazy Kart XL

Christmas is just around the corner so it won’t be long before your loved ones begin to drop a few hints on what it is they want this year. Or maybe you will be dropping the hints, if that’s the case then I’d like to direct your attention to the new ‘Crazy Kart XL’.
Produced by Razor, creators of the original ‘Crazy Kart’, this new model is 60% larger than its predecessor, which means it’s big enough for the big kid that lives within us all.
The width and length of the vehicle was carefully thought out, it’s narrow enough so that it can fit through most doorways yet it can still comfortably accommodate a full sized adult.

In addition to up-sizing the product, the power output, components and drive train have all been upgraded and the ‘XL’ comes equipped with an uprated 500w motor and a powerful 36 Volt, quick change battery system. This enables it to maintain speeds of up to 17mph, which is more than enough to initiate all the drift action you could possibly want.

The ‘Crazy Kart XL’ will reach shops in December and just 1,600 models have been made in time for Christmas. Although this product doesn’t come cheap, priced at around £400-450, the enjoyment you’ll have with a product like this will soon make up for that.

Drivers urged to check drink measures as Christmas approaches

Drivers are being urged not to drink and drive

As the festive period fast approaches, motorists are being urged to check the measures of the drinks they have before they decide to drive. Many drivers are being served drinks that are larger in measure than they realise, which could lead to them unwittingly drink-driving.

A survey carried out by Direct Line, has found that 15% of pubs in the UK do not offer the smaller 125ml wine glass measure, yet many do not advertise the fact they serve larger measures which could in turn cause a driver to be over the drink drive limit without them knowing it.

This raises concerns for motorists who decide to have a drink but wish to limit their alcohol consumption so they aren’t over the limit. Under the Licensing Act 2003, still wine in a glass must be offered to customers as a 125ml measure and must be displayed in a menu or price list for customers to see.

This problem can affect women in particular, who are more likely to order a glass of wine than men. The study shows that wine is the drink of choice for 76% of women in a bar or pub.

Even more worrying, was the fact that the study also found that 58% of women did not know how much wine they could consume and still legally drive. The number of drink-drive convictions for women has almost doubled between 1998 and 2012, rising from 9% of all drink-drive convictions to 17%.

Rob Miles, director of motor at Direct Line said: “We’d urge anyone who does plan to drive not to drink at all. The majority of pubs and restaurants now offer a 250ml glass of wine, which few people realise, is a third of a bottle and often contains three or more units of alcohol. This would push many drivers over the legal limit with potentially lethal consequences.”

University of Munich unveils electric car concept

TUM Visio.M Concept side

The Technical University of Munich (TUM) has thrown down the gauntlet to car manufacturers, after unveiling its own electric car.

Called the Visio.M concept, the small hatchback has been unveiled ahead of its public debut at German trade fair eCarTec later this year. It was jointly developed by university researchers and industry experts – including figures from BMW and Daimler – and is being billed as a sporty, safe and affordable electric vehicle.

The Visio.M is powered by a 13.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, which feeds an electric motor that develops 20 bhp. Despite the meagre power output, the car is light enough to reach a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) and travel up to 160 km (99.4 miles) on a single charge. When the battery is depleted, it can be recharged in approximately three to four hours with a typical 230 V outlet.

Automotive professor Markus Lienkamp, chair of technology at TUM, explained the team’s approach: “Light weight is essential for an electric vehicle because more weight requires more battery performance for the same range and thus generates higher costs. More weight also means poorer driving dynamics at the same performance.”

Taking this into consideration, engineers developed a carbonfibre monocoque and have used lightweight materials such as polycarbonate windows in the vehicle’s construction. As a result the Visio.M weighs in at just 450kg when the batteries are removed.

Does this researcher’s concept have what it takes to compete with the new electric car ranges from the likes of BMW and Audi? Check out the gallery and have your say below.

TUM Visio.M Concept side

TUM Visio.M Concept front

TUM Visio.M Concept rear

TUM Visio.M Concept Interior

This article was also featured on AOL Cars

BMW produce most powerful M5 yet

To mark the 30-year anniversary of the BMW M5, BMW has come up with an exclusive, special model version of the current, fifth-generation model.

The BMW M5 “30 Jahre M5” (30 years of the M5) will be produced in a limited run of 300 examples vehicles worldwide.

Developing 600 horse power and 516 lb-ft of peak torque the new special model (fuel consumption combined: 9.9 l/100 km [28.5 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 231 g/km) is not only the most powerful BMW M5 ever to emerge from series production under the auspices of BMW M GmbH, but also the most powerful car in the history of the brand.

BMW say “The ’30 Jahre M5′ sprints from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in a lightning 3.9 seconds. Its strikingly exclusive, BMW Individual-inspired looks and numerous dynamics and comfort-enhancing equipment details make this special model a highly desirable collector’s item.”

Sneak peek at the new Mercedes-AMG GT

Mercedes have given us a sneak peek at their next AMG performance car, the Mercedes-AMG GT. 

Although were are only getting a few teasing interior shots of the car, MB say the car will feature “aviation-inspired design” and that it will “define the concept of Modern Luxury”.
After looking at the interior shots they have given us this certainly seems to be true, with the GT clad in fine leather with a striking black and red colour combination, an impressive centre console that emerges from an armrest emblazoned with the AMG logo,  which leads to a large tablet style control centre where you can command the AMG gadgetry that this car is sure to come packed with.
The car won’t be officially revealed until Autumn of this year, but lets hope some more images of the car are released before then. 

A closer look at the Toyota FT-1…

If you haven’t seen this yet, you should definitely check it out.

The developers of the Toyota FT-1 visit Jay Leno’s Garage to give us a closer look at the makings of what is potentially the most exciting car Toyota will ever make (if it goes into production).
As a car fan I find it hard to put into words how excited I am just thinking about this cars potential and the fact that if it is put into production it will bring Toyota back into their element and more in line, possibly even ahead of competitors such as Nissan with their GT-R. I feel that the GT-86 was a great way to edge their way back into the sports car market, I just hope they continue on this path and deliver cars like this as well as reviving some of the others from their old line up such as the Celica and MR2.

TOYOTA… MAKE THIS HAPPEN ALREADY!!!

Sketches of the new TT revealed ahead of Geneva

Audi have released a few sketches of the new TT ahead of its unveiling at the Geneva motor show.

They say this third generation model will “reinterpret the ideas” from the first TT, which was a huge milestone for Audi when it was initially released, in terms of both design and performance.

It seems the car has undergone a complete re-design with the bonnet line reminiscent of their R8 and wider rear arches that give a more aggressive and sporty look. Audi say this car hasn’t just been changed on the outside, they have gone with a completely new chasis for the mk3 2015 TT.

In terms of power plants, I expect there to be a few 2.0L turbo variants and a 2.5 L turbo for the all action RS model.

Stay tuned for more when the car is unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in  early March.