Volkswagen Beetle 1300

After over 2 weeks in the dark, well busy, I'm back with a classic, the Volkswagen Beetle 1300. This one was spotted in France during the summer and looks like it has been painstakingly well restored. Not much to say in terms of performance -around 50bhp for a top speed of about 74mph or 119km/h- but the Beetle is a true icon. 

Audi RS5 2013

Time flies and I have just realised it is over a week since I last posted anything, so let's get back into it with this Audi RS5 spotted in Hale a few weeks ago. As mentioned in previous posts, the RS badge on Audis tells us we have a supersport version of the original model, here the A5. The RS5 has a 4.2 V8 which produces 450bhp and takes the car to 62mph from 0 in just 4.5 seconds, up to the usual limited top-speed of 155mph or 250km/h.

Insider 19 - Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder

Today we are inside a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder at the HR Owen Lamborghini dealership in Stockport. I'm not really keen on the steering wheel, looks plastic to me...

TVR Cerbera Speed Eight 2000

TVR today with this Cerbera spotted in Altrincham a few weeks ago. This particaular Cerbera has the 4.5 V8 engine which produces 420bhp. As far as performance is concerned, 0-62 takes 3.9 seconds and the top speed is 195mph (314km/h) Another icon from my Gran Turismo years!

Ferrari 458 Speciale 2014

Caught on camera last week at Stratstone Ferrari in Wilmslow, the brand new ultimate 458, the Speciale. 0-62 in 3 seconds and a top speed of 202mph or 325km/h for this 4.5 V8 597bhp version of the 458. Ferrari claim that this is the "fastest, most advanced but also most fun to drive mid-engined V8 sports cars" they've ever built. And by the look of it and of its performance, I can believe them!

source: http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/ferrari/458-speciale 

Alfa Romeo 156 GTA 2002

 

According to Jeremy Clarkson, you are not a true petrol-head until you have owned an Alfa Romeo (preferably with a 3.2 V6 under the bonnet!). I do like Alfas and today I came across one I used to really like over 10 years ago but completely forgot about since as you don't come across them very often: the 156 GTA. The GTA was the 'super-sporty' version of regular Alfa Romeos, mainly the 147 and the 156. I have always wanted a 147 GTA but like with the 156, they are not easy to find. So what was particular about the GTA version? Well it had a specific body kit as well as a beautiful sporty interior. Under the bonnet you would find the 3.2 V6 with 250bhp which allowed the 156 to reach 62mph in 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. The GTAs might be over 10 years old but they still really appeal to me!

Insider 18 - Peugeot RCZ-R 2014

Today, we are inside the R-version of the Peugeot RCZ. The pictures were taken at the Sale dealership where I must say, staff were very helpful. The RCZ-R is powered by an impressive 270bhp 1.6 turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. It gives the little French coupe astonishing performances: 0-62 in only 5.9 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155mph or 250km/h. There are also a few changes to the standard versions such as a fixed rear spoiler, specific alloys, dual exhaust and specific R interior with these beautiful sport seats.