The 1st MG CarFest organised by WH Brand, the MG dealership took place last weekend, and nearly 200 cars attended.

Almost 200 automotive aficionados gathered at the WH Brand MG dealership in Lincolnshire last weekend (18 September), to showcase their prized vehicles from the past and present.

The event, which was organised to raise money for the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance, saw a whole host of MG cars displayed – from classics and customs, to kit builds and brand new models.

In addition to hosting the exhibition, the dealership organised a number of stalls, stands and games, while visitors were also able to test drive MG’s latest models – the all-new MG GS SUV and MG3 supermini. A collection for the Air Ambulance was taken throughout the day, raising money for a hugely worthwhile cause.

Adam Brand, sales manager at WH Brand, commented: “We were delighted to welcome so many MG fans to the dealership last weekend for our enthusiast event. It was a brilliant day that showcased pristine examples of British engineering through the ages.

“We’d like to thank the individuals and car clubs from across the region who helped make the day run so smoothly and hope to build on the its success next year with an even bigger and better event.”

Matthew Cheyne, Head of Sales and Marketing at MG Motor UK, added: “WH Brand’s event was an excellent initiative – bringing together the local community and raising money for a great charity alongside. With MGs, both old and new, on display throughout the day, the event was certainly a must see for enthusiasts!”

For more information about the MG model range, or to find your local dealer, visit www.mg.co.uk. For more information about WH Brand, visit www.whbrand.co.uk.

Mike Brewer to attend this years 65th meeting of MGLive at SIlverstone, a great event for MG Fans.

Mike will be heading to the world’s biggest MG event on Saturday, 20^th June, opening the Car Club’s 65^thmeeting at the home of British Motorsport. He’ll be joined by the MGA that he and his sidekick mechanic Edd China restored on the current season of Wheeler Dealers.

Mike said: “There aren’t many marques that are as well-loved as MG. It’ll be my first time at MGLive! and I’m really looking forward to getting down to Silverstone for the day.”

He will be opening the event from the show’s Live Arena before taking time to meet fans and host the world’s first Human Gymkhana! 

The Human Gymkhana will see contestants undertake a variety challenges in the fastest time possible – it will test you both physically and mentally!

As well as his hosting duties in the arena, Mike will be on hand to meet the fans for pictures and to sign autographs.

Mike will be joined in the live arena by Russ Swift – the legendary precision and stunt driver, who’ll be showing his skills demonstrating two-wheeled driving, extreme parallel parking and more.

MGLive! will also feature two days of racing on the historic Grand Prix circuit, the biggest and best traders in the MG world, autojumble, and, on the Sunday, Pride of Ownership and Concours D’Elegance. 

Saturday night boasts a packed programme of live entertainment, including live music, a hog roast, disco and fully-licenced bar and there’s no need to worry about driving, since MGLive! also offers pitches for camping and caravans.

The Lexus RC F, High Performance coupe, the car to be seen in, coming your way, sooner than you think.

The new Lexus RC F is a high-performance coupe with a difference. From the outset it has been designed to reward drivers of all abilities, whether you’re an experienced track driver or an enthusiast who loves the open road.

This versatile character does not mean compromise: the new performance pinnacle of the Lexus range is true to its “F” designation as a powerful and technically advanced machine that has been honed on race circuits around the world. The F denotes Fuji Speedway, the Japanese track where Lexus carries out much of its high-speed product testing.

Yukihiko Yaguchi, the RC F’s chief engineer, explains: “There’s a perception that many high-performance cars are hard to drive. In fact they’re easy in the right hands because they’ve been purpose-built for the skill level of their drivers. It’s the same with the RC F, which I have built to be enjoyed by all enthusiasts, no matter what their level of expertise. 

Electronics can be modified instantly on board to provide performance and protection appropriate to each driver’s abilities. But even in its basic settings, it’s a blast.”

The key ingredients are a new 5.0-litre V8 engine delivering 471bhp and 530Nm of torque, and a significantly upgraded eight-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission that gives the driver a choice of five operating modes, from fuel-efficient Eco to full-blooded Sport S+, plus an option to switch to manual, sequential shift control. 

Lexus has also revised the Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management system with new Sport and Expert settings that let the driver safely exploit the car’s full performance capabilities.

The RC F is the most powerful V8 road car Lexus has yet produced. In raw figures, it covers 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and can reach an electronically governed top speed of 168mph. 

That’s only a fraction of the story, however, as the coupe has been engineered to deliver exceptional grip, agility and high-speed stability with chassis, brakes, steering and suspension all specifically designed and tuned for purpose. The handling package includes and active rear wing and the availability of a Torque Vectoring Differential, technology that’s featured for the first time on a front engine/rear-wheel drive car.

The RC F’s capabilities will be further emphasised by its participation next year in GT3 sportscar competition. Race teams worldwide have been registering interest the car, developed by Lexus International and its subsidiary Technocraft with a more powerful engine, stripped-out interior and high-downforce/low drag bodywork.

The RC F demonstrates Lexus applying many of the ideas and technologies it originally developed for the LFA supercar, including the use of carbon fibre technology for lightweight bodywork elements, clever instrumentation that automatically changes display with different driving modes and a stirring engine note, project into the cabin through an Active Sound Control system.

Unlike the rare and highly exclusive LFA, the RC F will be widely available. In the UK two versions are on offer: the RC F (£59,995) and the RC F Carbon (£67,995), which comes with the Torque Vectoring Differential and Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic composite bonnet, roof and rear spoiler as standard.

Order books are open now with customer deliveries from January 2015.

Lexus at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2014.

The crowds at next week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed (26 – 29 June) will be treated to the first UK appearance of the Lexus RC F, the high-performance coupe that has already generated huge interest in its motor show appearances around the world.

The RC F will be moving off the show stand and on to the track to give just a taste of its performance potential, making speed runs during the “first glance” sessions on the festival’s hill course. The Lexus LFA will also be storming the hill as one of the festival’s supercar competitors.

The RC F, due for market launch at the end of the year, has at its heart the most powerful V8 engine Lexus has yet produced for a road car. The 5.0-litre, 32-valve unit produces more than 450bhp and 520Nm of torque, matched to a specially calibrated, eight-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission.

The new technology that makes the RC F a great handling car as well as out-and-out fast includes the world-first use of a torque vectoring differential in a front engine/rear-wheel drive configuration. Three operating modes – Standard, Slalom and Track – let the driver adjust the system to provide to gain the optimum degree of traction and control.

The coupe’s highly rigid body is a fundamental element in delivering outstanding grip, constructed using a number of specialist manufacturing techniques, including new body adhesives, laser-screw welding and multi-spot welding.

The RC F has evolved from the new Lexus RC coupe, which will follow it to market in 2015. As well as benefiting from a more advanced and powerful engineering package, the RC F has even greater visual impact, reflected in an emphatic treatment of the Lexus spindle grille and cues directly inspired by the LFA supercar. These notably include bonnet air outlets and front cooling ducts. The bodywork includes carbon fibre elements to help keep weight down, including the roof, bonnet and active rear wing.

Lexus RC F preliminary technical specification

Engine capacity (l) and configuration	5.0 V8
Max. power (bhp/kW)	˃450/335
Max. torque (Nm)	˃520
Transmission	8-speed Sports Direct Shift, intelligent electronically controlled automatic
Driven wheels	Rear-wheel drive
Seating capacity	4
Overall length (mm)	4,705
Overall width (mm)	1,850
Overall height (mm)	1,390
Wheelbase (mm)	2,730
Kerb weight (kg)	˂1,800 (target)
Brakes	Power-assisted Brembo discs
Wheels	Front – 19 x 9J Rear – 19 x 10J
Tyres	Front – 255/35R19 Rear – 275/35R19
Estimated top speed (mph)	168 (electronically limited)

USA - Honda motorcycle RECALL - Rocker Arm Shaft Retaining Bolt may Fall Out.

SUMMARY:

Honda is recalling certain model year 2013 CB500 (FA, F, XA, X) and CBR500 (RA, R) motorcycles. The rocker arm shaft retaining bolts may have been manufactured incorrectly resulting in the bolts loosening during engine operation. A loose bolt will initially result in a slow leak of engine oil, but if not addressed, the bolt can come out of the cylinder head entirely.

CONSEQUENCE:

Without a bolt, the engine will have reduced power which may result in a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rocker arm shaft retaining bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in March 2014. Owners may contact Honda Customer Service at 1-866-784-1870.

NOTES:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Makes/Models/Model Years: 
HONDA/CB500F/2013 
HONDA/CB500FA/2013 
HONDA/CB500X/2013 
HONDA/CB500XA/2013 
HONDA/CBR500R/2013 

HONDA/CBR500RA/2013

New Lexus IS F, gives ultimate driving experience.

• Specially built 416-hp, 5-liter V8
• Eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift transmission
• Chassis tuning refined on Nürburgring, Circuit Paul Ricard and Fuji Speedway
• Revised interior trim for 2014

The 2014 Lexus IS F delivers a 416-horsepower wallop on road or track, handling both driving environments with equal aplomb. While bristling with track-focused engine and chassis performance technology, the 2014 IS F also remains comfortable and practical to drive every day, a true dual-purpose machine.

When it arrived for model year 2008, the IS F not only shook up the status quo among high-performance sport sedans, but also foreshadowed the brand’s LFA supercar, which recently completed a 500-unit run. The same passion for performance continues to define the IS F, which for 2014 remains on a thoroughly optimized version of the 2nd-generation IS platform.
The IS F gains interior and trim changes in its seventh year.

What’s New for 2014

• LED foglamps (bulbs changed to LEDs)
• Carbon fiber rear spoiler
• All headrests embossed with “F” logo
• Alcantara trim (black) added to doors and center console cover
• Black full semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats (replaces black Alcantara and leather-trimmed seats)
• Red leather-trimmed seats receive black Alcantara inserts with red perforation and black leather-trimmed headrests
• Exhilarating Performance at Every Turn
• The Lexus IS F combines blistering acceleration with brilliantly controlled chassis performance, yielding a highly satisfying machine for driving enthusiasts of all skill levels.

The muscular rumble issued by the low-restriction dual-exhaust system, which terminates in distinctive stacked quad diffusers, announces the presence of a special high-performance version of the Lexus 5.0-liter V8. Engineered specifically for the IS F, the aluminum V8 emphasizes both high output and high durability. The engine produces a rousing 416 horsepower at 6,600 rpm and 371 lb.-ft. of peak torque at 5,200 rpm. While able to provide an instant rush of power and sustain high engine speeds for track driving, the 5.0-liter V8 remains utterly composed and refined in everyday driving.

The eight-speed Sport Direct-Shift automatic transmission proves a willing partner on road or track. For maximum performance, the driver can shift manually with steering wheel paddle shifters in either “D” or “M” modes, but in “M” mode, the transmission will hold each gear to the 6,800-rpm redline and execute ultra-quick shifts in one-tenth of a second. In “M” mode, the transmission “blips” the throttle to match engine rpm to vehicle speed, which helps maintain traction and control, especially when slowing through curves.

Selecting Normal, Sport or Snow driving modes alters the car’s dynamic control systems to sharpen performance or increase comfort and traction. The driver faces a gauge cluster with a large central tachometer, similar to that in the LFA supercar.  In order to perfect the IS F’s road/track dual persona, Lexus conducted IS F development work not only at Germany’s renowned Nürburgring Nordschleife racetrack, but also at Circuit Paul Ricard in France and Fuji Speedway and the Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Japan. The shape of Turn 1 at Fuji, in fact, inspired the car’s “F” badge design as homage to its home track.

Numerous track-proven modifications to the double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension configurations endow the IS F with uncanny ability through curves while maintaining refined rode comfort. Special rear control arms, high-rate springs, monotube dampers and large-diameter stabilizer bars are among the changes made to this platform for the IS F.

As part of the IS F development program, Lexus worked with Michelin and Bridgestone to develop tires specifically for the car’s 170-mph track capability. The “staggered” wheels and tires follow racecar convention, with wider, lower profile tires on the rear. (The front wheels are 19 x 8.5-inch, with 225/40R19 tires and 19 x 9.5-inch in the rear, with 255/35R19 tires.) You’ll find Brembo® brakes on the world’s best high-performance cars, including, of course, the Lexus IS F. In front, rigid, powerful six-piston aluminum calipers grip 14.2-inch ventilated and drilled rotors, while the 13.6-inch ventilated, drilled rear rotors use two-piston calipers.

A Torsen® rear differential helps provide additional traction in spirited driving. The IS F deftly integrates an array of advanced chassis control systems to help maximize braking and traction performance in the IS F. Specifically, engineers calibrated the brand’s Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management (VDIM) system to support the car’s high dynamic capabilities.

By integrating the car’s dynamic systems, and by combining input from a variety of sensors, VDIM doesn’t merely react to hazardous handling situations but rather can anticipate the onset of a vehicle skid or slide. The system can help correct the situation with a combination of braking, steering and throttle control.

How does it all work in performance driving? Seamlessly. Push the Lexus IS F aggressively through a corner, and VDIM helps prevent the inside rear wheel from spinning, transferring more power to the outside wheel to help maintain traction and momentum.

In Sport mode, VDIM increases steering feel and allows higher dynamic thresholds before intervening with confidence.

High Visual Impact
As if the IS F’s bellowing exhaust note weren’t enough to express the car’s presence, the car’s wide-body design also does much to convey the high-performance capability. The widened fenders were needed to clear the 19-inch low-profile tires, and other body modifications combine function with form, as well. The raised center section in the hood clears the big V8.

Air management for engine and brake cooling can be seen in large upper and lower mesh-type grilles, along with brake cooling ducts in the lower grille and air outlets in the front fenders, where you’ll also spot the discrete silver, black and blue F badge.

Interior Designed for the Performance Driver 
The interior of the IS F features an exclusive design treatment highlighted by aluminized composite trim, striking two-tone upholstery, main gauges, unique steering-wheel design and other special surface treatments. The “F” logo is discretely showcased on the steering wheel, rear-center console and all seat headrests.

Details:Inside the High-Performance Lexus 5.0-liter V8
The extensive roster of high-performance components used to construct the IS F’s 5-liter V8 includes:

• Forged crankshaft with mirror-finish polished journals
• Forged sintered iron alloy connecting rods
• High-flow cylinder heads designed by Yamaha
• Lightweight hollow, chain-driven camshafts with forged lobes
• Titanium valves operated by roller rocker arms
• Dual air-intake system to maximize power at all engine speeds
• Scavenge pump ensures a reliable oil supply even during cornering that exceeds 1 g.
• Variable Valve Timing with intelligence by an electric motor (VVT-iE) to expand VVT operational range to lower engine speeds.
• Connected to the Road, Connected to Your Life

Lexus stands at the forefront of in-car multi-media systems, and that certainly holds true for the high-performance IS F. When equipped with the navigation option, the IS F also features Lexus Enform®. The available Enform service, with Destination Assist, eDestination, and App Suite, comes with the Navigation System/Mark Levinson Audio Package. Lexus Enform provides access to the subscription-free App Suite.  These voice-enabled apps let you search the Internet through Bing™, make restaurant reservations through OpenTable®, get movie tickets via MovieTickets.com™, listen to Internet radio, including , Pandora®, and  iHeartRadio™, search business reviews on Yelp®, and check in on  Facebook Places™.

The IS F’s telematics system, Lexus Enformwith Safety Connect® is available by subscription. Complimentary one-year trial subscriptions are available on all purchases of new Lexus vehicles equipped with these features. Safety Connect is standard on all vehicles while Lexus Enform with Safety Connect is on all vehicles equipped with the optional Navigation system. The Lexus Enform and the Safety Connect response centers operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—every day of the year.

Lexus Enform vehicles are factory ready for subscriptions to a variety of innovative SiriusXM services including NavTraffic, NavWeather, Sports, Stocks and Fuel Prices. SiriusXM services offer complimentary one-year trial data subscription.

Safety/Security Features

• Passive-safety technology in the IS F begins with a reinforced passenger compartment that helps protect the occupants with front-and-rear crush structures.
• In addition to advanced dual-stage front airbags and front seat-mounted side airbags, the Lexus Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) includes side-curtain airbags that extend from A-pillar to C-pillar, plus knee airbags for the driver and the front passenger.
• The available Pre-Collision System (PCS) can help reduce collision damage. The package includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which uses millimeter-wave radar to measure and maintain a pre-set distance from a vehicle traveling ahead. PCS relies on the radar sensor to detect obstacles in front of the car. The PCS computer, taking sensor inputs from vehicle speed, steering angle and yaw rate, is designed to determine whether a collision is unavoidable. In such a situation, PCS preemptively retracts front seat belts and pre-initializes Brake Assist so that increased braking will be applied the instant the driver depresses the pedal.
• Luxury/Comfort/Convenience 

• The IS F interior features specially shaped and trimmed seats that help position the driver comfortably and securely.
• The standard SmartAccess keyless entry and push-button start allow the driver to keep the access fob in a pocket or purse.
• Standard amenities include 10-way power front seats; dual-zone automatic climate control, a pollen filter and smog detector; power moonroof with one-touch open/close and seven open-position settings; power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel; three-position memory function for front seats, steering wheel and mirrors; all power windows with automatic up/down operation and jam protection; an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with a HomeLink® programmable garage door opener; automated rain-sensing wipers and heated auto-dimming outside mirrors with integrated puddle lamps.
• The standard Lexus Premium Audio System features a six-disc, in-dash CD changer, 13 speakers, USB/iPod®connectivity, streaming audio via Bluetooth® and an integrated SirusXM Satellite Radio receiver (complimentary 90-day trial subscription included).
• Lexus Enform 2.0 with App Suite on navigation equipped vehicles.
• Available Bluetooth automatic phonebook download capabilities.
• Available HD Radio™ with iTunes tagging.

 Luxury Options

• The IS F offers a 14-speaker Mark Levinson® Premium Surround Sound Audio System with discrete 5.1 multi-channel playback, 7.1-channel speaker architecture, and 10 amplifier channels providing 300 watts total output at less than 0.1 percent total harmonic distortion from 20 to 20,000 Hz (THD all channels driven).
• The available Intuitive Park Assist (IPA) system uses ultrasonic sensors to detect objects close to the car's front and rear bumpers, alerting the driver and showing distance to objects in the multi-information display within the speedometer.
• The optional Lexus Navigation system features Voice Command casual-language voice recognition, Bluetooth automatic phonebook download, and HD Radio with iTunes tagging.
• The rear back-up camera, included with the available navigation system, automatically projects an image of what its lens can detect behind the car onto the navigation screen when the transmission is in reverse.

Warranty

• 48-month/50,000-mile basic limited warranty with roadside assistance for 48 months/unlimited miles.
• 72 months/70,000 miles powertrain and restraint system coverage.
• 72 months corrosion perforation protection coverage, regardless of mileage.