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.

2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200

Ducati have released their new 2010 Mulitstrada 1200, a super-trail bike with the BMW 1200 GS firmly in its sights. Ducati aimed to produce a comfortable, reliable touring machine that was able to produce sports bike levels of performance on almost any terrain. Ducati have fitted a smoother, more efficient version of the latest liquid-cooled Testastretta powerplant from their own flagship 1198cc superbike.

Promising 'four bikes-in-one' available by the flick of a switch, the 2010 Multistrada posseses technology in abundance. Four distinct riding modes, Sport, Touring, Urban and Enduro- endow the Multistrada with variable power, torque delivery, suspension and traction control settings. In both Sport and Touring modes the full 150bhp is available, whilst in Urban and Enduro settings, power is limited to a more manageable 100bhp.

Also new is the ride-by-wire throttle system. There is no throttle cable on the new Mulitstrada, the rider's inputs are now electronically transmitted to the throttle bodies. Depending on which riding mode is selected the control unit then decides the ideal power delivery of the engine. Combining this level of computer intelligence with a slipper clutch must make for incredibly smooth progress. All impressive stuff, but I would'nae like to experience a faulty one..

Weighing in at a paltry 189kg (dry) the new Mulitstrada has been on a rather impressive diet. Ducati believe it's the lowest in it's class, although once the 20 litre tank is full of go-go juice, that figure will undoubtedly creep past the 200kg mark.

Advanced instrument controlled Ohlins suspension is supplied on the higher spec 'S' model in the form of Ducati Electronic Suspension. This permits spring pre-load, rebound and compression damping adjustments on the fly. Of the two versions available the Touring model comes with a centre-stand, heated grips and purpose made panniers, whilst the Sport model is a stripped down beasty with various carbon components.

With some added clever touches including hands-free start, adjustable windscreen and LED indicators on the handguards, the punchy 2010 Ducati Multistrada is a direct competitor to BMW's class leading, hardy GS and upcoming Yamaha Tenere 1200. But, if you are a die-hard sportsbike fan looking for a grown up machine with long distance, possible two-up continent crossing abilities, the Multistrada should definately be at the top of your wish list.

I'll take a Touring S model in white please, but don't just take my word for it- hear what MCN have to say about it on video whilst testing the Multistrada in Lanzarote. Now where did I put that £14,000!?

Stirling Moss Acquires Porsche RS 61

British motor racing legend, Sir Stirling Moss has purchased the Gooding & Co Amelia Island auctioned 1961 Porsche RS Spyder, one of the last Spyders built by Porsche that used the potent 4-cam engine. Just one week ago Sir Stirling fell three floors down a lift shaft in his own home, breaking multiple bones and chipping four vertebrae in the process.

Still in hospital recovering, the recent purchase should cheer him up as he acquired the Bob Holbert, Thomas Payne and Millard Ripley 1962 Watkins Glen SCCA National-Winning RS 61. Stirling himself raced the Porsche RS cars of the early sixties and very nearly won the 1961 Targa Florio in a similar car.

Lot 55 receieved a winning bid of USD1.705 million including the buyers premium. Delighted with their latest purchase, Stirling and his wife Suzie commented, "this makes a wonderful 30th Wedding Anniversary present” and added “its something to look forward too” when he recovers from his injuries.

Here is the full specification of the car Stirling has bought:

• The Bob Holbert, Thomas Payne and Millard Ripley 1962 Watkins Glen SCCA National-Winning 1961 Porsche RS 61
• Chassis No. 718.070
• Engine No. P90505
• One of only fourteen RS 61’s built
• Exceptional US racing history with 13 Wins and 20 Podium Finishes in SCCA National Competition
• One of the few RS 60/61’s with original bodywork
• Coachwork by Wendler
• Impressive, known ownership history from new, to which we can add Sir Stirling Moss OBE
• Correct Type 547 engine and Type 718 gearbox
• 1,678 CC DOHC Air-Cooled Boxer 4-Cylinder Engine
• Twin Weber carburettors
• Approximately 180 BHP at 7,800 RPM
• 5-Speed manual gearbox with limited slip differential
• 4-wheel finned alloy drum brakes
• Independent front suspension with trailing arms and torsion bar
• Independent rear suspension with wishbones and coil-over shock absorbers
• Eligible for the Colorado Grand, Tour Auto and the Le Mans Classic

Kids in a McLaren sweet shop!

Following todays official launch of the new McLaren's MP4-12C supercar, who else but the last two F1 world champions should be required to test it around the Goodwood circuit. Jenson and Lewis, you have the best jobs in the world!

BMW S1000RR Tablecloth Trick

I cant make my mind up whether this is staged, but staged or not, it's a mighty fine piece of advertising!

U Rally- The Championship Charity Rally

Do you crave adventure? Do you love road trips? Are you free in August this year? Then why not enter a team into the Championship Charity U Rally, a fundraising event aimed at raising money for schools in Uganda with a mission, "To unlock the potential of Africa by driving for change."

With no set route, the destination is up to entrants, but in order to gain championship points teams must complete 'A series of challenges'. Without sounding like an episode of Top Gear the event promises to be a rewarding adventure. Entrants will have a chance to meet new people and see exciting places along the way whilst helping African children make a start in life.

With very few strict entrance rules, the type of vehicle entered is also entirely up to entrants. Motorbikes, cars, buses or milk floats are all eligible and there is no limit to the amount of passengers per team or vehicle. Several meeting places are also pre-organised, in the name of having a good ol' party.

Similar in spirit to the Mongol Rally, U Rally intends to fundraise as part of the rapidly growing charity Promoting Equality in African Schools (PEAS). Their aim is to widen access to education in Africa by founding and developing sustainable, low-fee secondary schools.

PEAS also work in collaboration with Bounce, the charity who provide sports facilities for schools in Africa.

Porsche 918 Concept Hybrid Spyder

Hot on the heels of Porsche's hybrid GT3 R racer, the sensational 918 Hybrid Spyder has crawled out from under the blankets at Geneva today. Mating a mid-mounted race bred 3.4 litre V8 with a pair of front axel mounted electric motors, this sleek answer to Audi's R8 and e-tron supercars, places Porsche at the forefront of high performance hybrid technology.

Each electric motor produces 109hp which, when used in conjunction with the 500hp RS Spyder derived naturally aspirated V8, results in 718hp! With all that power but still capable of returning 78mpg and 70g Co2/km the 918 Spyder secures the future existence for high powered, highly efficient supercars. Smaller in body than a Carrera GT, the 918 possesses Boxster proportions, albeit capable of a very un-Boxster-like 0-62mph in 3.2 seconds and 194mph.

Resembling an intimidating hungry shark, Porsche designers have adopted styling cues direct from Porsche royalty, the Le Mans winning 917. Brimming with exciting new detail, the 918 is not shy in admitting a racy appearance. Side exit exhausts sit menacingly close to futuristic new wheels hiding electric motors and ceramic brakes. Let's just hope they put it into production.

Porsche have released a slick new video entertaining the idea that they designed the technology for this car over 100 years ago. So, are you still happy with your McLaren MP4 order Sir?

Source: Autoblog

Bonhams Auction- The Pamplona Collection

Bonhams hosted the auction of the Pamplona Collection at the RAF Musuem in London last weekend. The Spanish owned private collection of approximately 100 classic and vintage motorcycles, the majority built before 1950, included many rare models from names including Indian, Harley Davidson, NSU, BMW, Terrot, Peugeot, Wanderer, Griffon and many more. 

Also included in the sale were several in-line four cylinder machines from Henderson, Ace and Cleveland. The feature bike of the auction was a 1931 Brough Superior SS100 with a reserve set at £120,000. Hosted light heartedly by auctioneer Malcolm Barber, a very high percentage of the bikes sold successfully, although the Brough failed to sell with bidding reaching £85,000.

The RAF Museum in Hendon provided a fascinating back-drop for the Bonhams Pamplona Collection, this Phantom F4 fighter sharing hanger space with 1913 Griffon 350cc V-twin pedal assisted machine. The French built Griffon sold for £6,500 plus commission.

Fantastic 1926 Harley Davidson 74ci-1200cc Model J OHV racer was my pick of all the lots. Engineered to perform, this machine boasted an overhead-valve conversion, straight through pipes and with a wonderful period patina, provided an exceptional ownership proposition. Good value at £26,000 plus fees.

BMW was well represented with a range of single and flat twin engined machines including Lot 40, a beautfully presented 1936 494cc R5 reaching double it's estimate at £13,500 plus commission.

Beautifully demonstrated by Pops is this 1937 Czechoslavakian Bohmerland 603cc Langtouren boasting a long, low frame and for the first time on a motorcycle, cast alloy wheels. This ultra rare leading link front forked machine fetched £31,500.

Very rare 1923 Mabeco 596cc V-twin 'Indian Copy' received plentiful interest with a hammer price of £11,500

1931 'Streamline' Henderson 1300cc KJ Four capable of 100mph fetched £31,500 plus commission. 

This stylish 1936 NSU 494cc OSL sold for £5,750 plus commission.

2010 MCN London Bike Show

I've just returned from the MCN Bike Show held at Excel in London and took it on myself to photograph some of the tastiest and newest bikes to go on sale this year. The highlights for me included the BMW S1000R, the new Norton Commando series and an impressively fabricated twin engined Tri-2-ton.

Vyrus 987 C3 4V The Most Powerful Production Motorcycle

Against conventional telescopic forks and underpowered modern bike engines, forward thinking Italian manufacturers Vyrus are now producing the 987 C3 4V, the worlds most powerful production motorcycle, complete with front and rear swingarms. Controlled by a series of rods the front end consists of a hub-centre-steered design, brainchild of ex Bimota deisgner Ascanio Rodorigo.

"The front end of a Vyrus doesn’t dive when you brake into the corners, which means you don’t get the weight transfer on the front wheel. This allows you to brake later and corner harder and always keeps the bike tremendously stable and safe. At the same time when accelerating, the rear end, doesn't 'sit down'. The result is an experience that always feels easy and secure."

Packing over 210 bhp and 107ftlb of torque the flagship supercharged Vyrus will also weigh less than a current R1. Utilising a tweaked version of Ducati's 1198 motor and chassis, Rodrigo believes “Everybody will be able to ride it without killing themselves”. Let's hope so Rodrigo.

Also available will be two non-supercharged versions producing 170 bhp and 184 bhp depending on what level of tune you require. Race spec traction control systems and clever engine management help deal with the power delivery and also help warrant price tags of £44k, £50k and a ridiculous £70k for the supercharged version.