DTM in the 1980s: The Golden Era

Check out this uber-cool footage from the late 80s of the German DTM Championships or Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft. Slo-mo's, jumps, crashes- this video has the lot! Thanks for the heads up Lex!

Ravens Rock Rally

As one of the most popular events on the Carrick on Suir Motor Club calendar, The southern Ireland based Ravens Rock Rally took part in Kilkenny at the weekend and I was there to catch the action. The entry list included two E30 M3s, a raft of front and four wheel drive hatchbacks and plenty of the 'old favourite' Mk2 Escorts- it wouldn't be a real Irish rally without 'em.

Also, check out the entry of Dick Dalton and Tommy Murphy- a highly modified cossie engined MK2 Escort complete with MK3 body!

Return of the BMW Art Car

BMW's 'Art Car' is back. Artist and Sculpturist Jeff Koons has taken on the responsibility of designing the paint job for the 18th version of the famous collaberation between racing BMWs and breakthrough 'creative types'.

Dubbed the 'rainbow' treatment, Koons' brush strokes will follow in the footsteps of famous names such as Andy Warhol and David Hockney. The car underneath the rainbow is rather special too. BMW's latest GT2 M3 GTR V8 will compete at Les Mans 24 Hours in 2010, cementing it's place in the history books.

BMW MMMMMMs..........

Two new BMW 'M' variants have appeared today including what may well be the replacement for the previous E46 CSL. Dubbed the 'Competition Package' the latest version of BMW's beautifully balanced two door V8 Coupe will go on sale as a cost option on standard cars in 2011.

With a drop in ride height of 10mm, drool worthy 19 inch wheels and a louder, meaner exhaust the Competition Package is rumoured to cost a premium of approxiamtely £4,000. Inside a full dose of alcantara will finish off the leightweight theme. There is also talk of a full manual gearbox option for those who prefer the full driving experience.

If it looks anything as good as the track biased GTS (above) that appeared towards the end of last year, the M3 Competition Package should be an option worth ticking.

Next on the BMW menu is the latest version of the legendary M5, caught winter testing by a World Car Fans spy photographer. Gone is the raucous and hugely thirsty V10 and in slots a 'greener' twin turbo 4.4 litre V8 packing over 570 hp. Torque figures are up to 531 ft lb and the 0-62 mph time is estimted to drop t0 a paltry 4.4 seconds. You almost feel sorry for the tarmac..