Inside Lane

Issue 38 Aston’s DBS Retires

Welcome to issue 38 of the Inside Lane magazine. This month one of the worlds most iconic machines celebrates 25 years of leaving us in awe. The Ferrari F40 is still one of the biggest thrills on the road in 2012. Also Aston Martin bid farewell to the fantastic DBS with one final special edition. Over the page you will find all this and more, not to mention the revival of Alpine! What are you waiting for?

Gentlemen...Start.

Your.

ENGINES!

The notion of gentleman race clubs has become more and more popular over the past few years. The

idea is simple. Bring lots of money and a race prepared car to that series’ specification, turn up to

each event, attempt to gain glory against fellow wealthy individuals. Maserati are in their third year of

running a global event staring some rather angry GranTurismo. For 2012 these machines are faster

than ever.

Claiming to be a half second faster than the 2012 cars, these new Maserati GranTurismo racers

consist of a revised aerodynamic package and the loss of a bit more weight. The overall package is a

much sharper racing tool that is ready to compete in the Trofeo World Series. The cost of running in

this 2012 season is set at just under £100,000.

Porsche 911

Club Coupe

The Porsche 911’s strongest attribute is not its

engine layout, not its looks or design. It isn’t

even the badge on the bonnet… No, this cars

biggest strength is its ever loyal fan base.

These ladies and gents literally would not buy

anything else and often band together to form

some of the greatest owners clubs in the world.

The Germans recognize this and to celebrate it

This is the Porsche 911 Club Coupe. Isn’t it just something to behold? Here the astonishing

991 incarnation embraces the classic detailing of its heritage. The ducktail spoiler and retro

inspired rims really do define this handsome machine. Based upon the Carrera S, the Porsche

911 Club Coupe receives 430BHP via the additional Powerkit. To cost £135,000 and be

limited to just 13 examples, this greatest hits model will sell out fast and is sure to be a future

classic.

Classic Motors Free From MOT

Owning and running a car these days is an expensive business. Fuel prices are at extortionate

levels, road tax further drains your bank balance, and lets not forget that pesky congestion zone

in London. Taking pride in a classic car is even more costly as parts don’t come cheap.

However, in a rare turn of events the government is looking to help the motorist out, specifically

those running a classic car.

From November cars registered in 1960 or prior will no longer have to hold an MoT to drive on

UK roads. Roads minister Mike Penning says “they don’t need to be told to look after them,

they’re out in all weathers checking the condition of the engine, tyres and bodywork.” The man

does have a point and the annual saving wouldn’t be snuffed at. We are all for the changes but

do have one slight hesitation. Many people do take good care of their classic cars, but what of

the man who doesn’t? Is his car going to be safe? I must stress this is not an objection, simply

food for thought.

“It’s always me, me, Mii”VW’s little city car appears to be doing rather well now it is out and about in the big wide world. The Up!

is indeed on the up, with sales producing very promising numbers. The well priced midget shares its

platform with sister cars that all remain under the rule of the VW empire. Seats variant, the Mii, has just

added a little bit of spice to the mix.

Testing the water for a potential hot hatch model, the Seat Mii FR Concept brings all the looks of the

performance badge. New body work brings forth a more aggressive side of the pleasant little car. The

contrasting trim as well as swollen bumpers suggests that the 1.0 litre engine may be harboring a few

secrets. Unfortunately not in this concepts case. Despite the spoiler, 16 inch rims and sporty interior that

leads you to believe some engineering magic may have occurred, the machine underneath is actually

standard. If the Mii FR were to come to market then things might get interesting, but right now this

hatchback is simply in a mask.

Madness!!!Rivalries can spark many things. War, jealousy,

hate, greed are all items that are often a

byproduct. However the best thing about rivalry is

that it generates competition and the lust to do

better than your adversary. Audi and Mercedes-

Benz are both in the premium small car market

and both offer, or soon will, performance

orientated variants. Now the last time I spoke

about the new BMW 1 Series I wasn’t very nice

about it, but this M135i might just change that.

We first saw this M135i is concept guise not all that long ago promoting the notion of a 3 door 1 Series.

A range of 3 door models have been launched but this 3.0 litre, 6 cylinder, twin-scroll turbo, pocket

rocket is the real star of the show. Producing 316BHP and achieving the 0-62MPH dash in just 5.1

seconds (manual) or 4.9 seconds (8 speed automatic). Stopping power has been upgraded from the

standard car also with the addition of larger discs both front and rear. Swollen body features further

portray the intentions of this little monster.

Audi and Mercedes would be unwise to write the M135i off.

“TAXI”

“The green hell…” That is what triple Formula One world champion Sir Jackie Stewart described

it as. Arguably the worlds most challenging track, the Nürburgring, is the benchmark for almost

ever car manufacturer. Though a tyre torturing challenge, for a handful of Euro’s you yourself

can take your prized possession for a lap. Don’t feel you have enough talent to keep it out of the

barrier? Jaguar can oblige.

The big cat is launching a new taxi service that will put passengers in the hands of talented

‘Ring drivers that will blitz them around Germanys most belligerent. Jags weapon of choice is

the all-aluminium XJ with 500BHP being produced in the heart of its 5.0 litre supercharged V8.

A 174MPH trip around the Nürburgring sounds like the perfect way to round off any trip to

DBSUltimate

The Aston Martin DBS is a

phenomenal car. Howling

V12 up front, power sent to

the rear and a low slung

cockpit in between. We

would go as far as to say

that it is the best GT car in

the world. These days it is

007’s weapon of choice

making it even more sort

after than it would be alone.

Alas, the end is near for the

DBS. Later this year we will

see for the first time its

replacement, but don’t go

thinking the DBS will simply

fade into the pages of

history. Aston are giving it

one final moment in the

spotlight.

This is the Aston Martin

DBS Ultimate and being

the last of its kind the

British brand have gone all

out. The interior has

diamond quilt stitching with

contrasting thread, carbon

fibre garnishes the diffuser

and rear lights, the artillery

pieces that make up the

exhausts are now coated,

and the callipers come in

an array of colours. The

key thing about this model

is the attention to detail.

Just enough to define this

amazing machine in its

best light. The Aston Martin

DBS Ultimate is available in

both coupe and volante.

Alpine Returns

You know those times when you see kids continuously moan at their parents for something. “Please,

please, please, please, please Mummy, please, please…” 99% of the time Mum or Dad gives in to

grant the world some peace from their impatient offspring. Renault have stood firm despite the diehard

fans scream for a return of Alpine over numerous years. Today the children have been treated with the

toy that they have always wanted.

Celebrating 50 years since the dawn of Alpine, this is the stunning Alpine A110-50. The concept marks

the anniversary with a thundering 395BHP V6. Based upon the chassis of the Megane Trophy, the

flowing body of carbon fibre conceals an overall package that Renault would very much like to produce.

The thought of a well priced mid-engined sports car is something that we can all take solace in;

however, as the French company have said “first we must make the sums work.”

ZagatoSpecialist coach builders don’t come much more legendary than Zagato. The Italians are responsible for

some of the most incredible pieces of design to ever grace the road. Last year the Aston Martin V12

Zagato won multiple awards for its sculpture, now BMW want to get in on the act.

Dubbed the BMW Zagato Coupe, this one-off machine really is something to look at. Based on the Z4,

though BMW are being secretive about technical details, the coupe aims to win the Villa d’Este with its

low slung silhouette and trademark Zagato details. Aston went on to produce the V12 Zagato last year

after a positive reception. It is possible that BMW may also turn the Zagato Coupe into a limited

production model.

Ferrari is the most recognised brand in the entirety of Earth. The black prancing horse is not only a symbol

of performance cars, but Italy itself. Ferrari exists for motorsport. End. The road cars may be awe-inspiring

but their existence has always been a means to an end funding the Formula One team. Enzo Ferrari

himself openly said on many occasions that you would be stupid to buy one of his cars as they simply

bankrolled his addiction to racing. By the 80’s Mr Ferrari was becoming ever more aware of his own

mortality and knew that his time was running short. With other brands such as Porsche surpassing the

performance of Italian stallions on the road, he wanted to make a statement before he died. This statement

would become the Ferrari F40.

Debuting in 1987, the Ferrari F40 was the last car ever sanctioned by the legendary Enzo Ferrari. The

company put to use the racing technology of what was known as the 288 GTO Competizione. The 288

was built to compete in the FIA Group B but before its development ended, the series was disbanded.

Ferrari’s F40 was constructed mainly of carbon fibre, a material that had only found its way into Formula

One a few years prior. Power came from a 2.9 litre twin turbocharged V8 that produced 471BHP. The

result of all this racing technology being forged into a road car was enough to blow the minds of children

and adults alike. The Ferrari F40 was the first road production car to exceed 200MPH, very much putting

Porsche’s 959 back in its place.

The cockpit was cramped, there were no luxuries what so ever, and with that monstrous V8 just inches

from your head the heat becomes apparent very quickly. But that is the point… This car is the very spirit of

Ferrari. It doesn’t care for proper air conditioning or carpets, it is a race-bred machine that’s only focus is

being the ultimate in performance. The Italians built 1,315 examples of the F40 and since then they have

never built a road car more pure. Today it is all about the electronics and flappy-paddle gearboxes, the F40

on the other hand, took no prisoners. You had to work to get the most out of that beast, and if you weren’t

sweating blood after an exuberant drive, you were not using it to its full potential.

I have been lucky enough to experience an F40 for myself, and let me tell you, it is every inch the legend

that you would expect it to be. It is a machine that has no time for posers or the faint hearted. It is

intimidating, it is raw and it is also simply the best car Ferrari has ever made. A real credit to the man who

built it. Happy 25th Birthday Ferrari F40.

Living Legend

“25 years and still one of the biggest thrills you can have on wheels...”

SLS GTThe Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is a very fine

car indeed. Its sleek design with bold

detailing is one that highlights the cars

function for performance. Donning gull-wing

doors, the machine that echoes back to its

forefather makes a statement to the rest of

the supercar fraternity. We wouldn’t change

very much about this car at all, but Mercedes

have seen fit to introduce a more advanced

incarnation of their flagship SLS.

Named the SLS AMG GT, the cars signature

piece is still that bellowing 6.2 litre V8 under

the bonnet, but now it produces 583BHP. As

a result the SLS GT will do 0-62MPH in a

startling 3.6 seconds. This car is not an

addition to the SLS range as it replaces both

coupe and convertible for 2013. The

transmission is still the same 7 speed affair

but the suspension has been completely

revised. The interior experiences a few

minor tweaks keeping you in pure German

luxury all the way up to the SLS AMG GT’s

electronically limited top speed of 197MPH.

M5 Gets Cranked Up To 11!

The BMW M5 is a very special indeed. The original founded a formula so potent that rivals for decades

after would try and reproduce it. A practical luxury saloon that is capable of pure hooliganism a the drop

of a hat. This machine is the automotive Jekyll and Hyde with both contrasting personalities coming

together to form an astonishing piece of kit. The latest M5 continues this tradition but BMW has now felt

the need to crank it up to 11 so to speak.

Being people who appreciate a good bargain, this Performance Edition kicks things off with £22,075

worth of optional gear as standard. Quite the saving! This includes those delectable double spoke rims,

M sport seats, a 12 speaker sound system as well as access

to the internet. Making this car a little more special is a boost

in power bringing the total to 560BHP. This M5 comes in three

unique colours and BMW say that they will only produce 30

units, all have been designated to the UK market.

Free toys, more power and exclusivity that will make this car

a collectors fancy one day. What’s not to like?