Innholdsfortegnelse for #277 19-07 i Just Cars

Following Jaguar’s decision to offer an electric engine conversion for classic E-Types and other XK-engined Jaguars (see JUST CARS #273), Aston Martin announced in December that they will offer a similar service. As part of Aston Martin Lagonda’s wider electric vehicle (EV) strategy that will see fully electric Lagonda models offered in the near future, the electric engines and compatible battery systems will be offered to suit older Aston Martins (what Aston calls ‘Heritage’ models) as a way to “future proof” these classics. HERITAGE SPARK Led by Aston Martin Works at the company’s Newport Pagnell headquarters in the UK, the electric drivetrain technology to suit classic models is a combination of work already done in creating the Rapide E and technologies that will be applied to the upcoming range of…

The latest bespoke Ferrari to roll out of Maranello is the ‘SP3JC’; a one-off created for a long-term Ferrari client and collector. Based on the running gear of the F12tdf (and the only bespoke Ferrari commissioned off this platform to date), the brief that the client gave to the Ferrari Styling Centre for this project was to create “a pure, uncompromising roadster”. The low-slung stance, with smooth, but muscular sculpting of the flanks, is noticeably different from the F12tdf, which itself was a notable departure from the F12 berlinetta. The front end is almost entirely new, with only the headlights carrying over, while a quirky touch is the see-through panels at the bonnet’s trailing edge that allow the 6.3-litre 574kW/740Nm V12 from the F12tdf to be seen. Beyond the bonnet,…

This past December, Nissan confirmed their ‘GT-R50 by Italdesign’ prototype will go into production as a limited edition. Described by Nissan as “the ultimate expression of the GT-R”, the production version of the prototype first shown at the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK will be limited to just 50 units. The prototype, the product of a collaboration between Nissan and Italian styling house and coachbuilder Italdesign, featured a tuned version of the regular GT-R’s 3.8-litre twin turbo V6 producing 530kW and 780Nm – 89kW and 128Nm more than even the top-spec GT-R Nismo. The prototype’s hot engine, along with parts like the exhaust system, reinforced dual-clutch six-speed transaxle, stronger driveshafts and Bilstein adaptive dampers were lifted from Nissan’s GT3 racing programme. It’s believed most of these components…

The new year is here and that means the annual Phillip Island Classic is just around the corner. The 2019 edition of Australia’s largest historic motor racing event takes place on 8 – 10 March; the weekend before the 2019 Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix at Albert Park. Conducted by the Victorian Historic Racing Register, this year’s Phillip Island Classic is expected to once again draw more than 500 entries, with vehicles coming from around the world to compete. The 30th Anniversary of the event this year coincides with other significant motoring and racing anniversaries, such as the 60th anniversary of Formula Ford, 60 years of the Mini, 50 years since the launch of the Bolwell Nagari, as well as the 50th anniversary of the Alfa Romeo Car Club and…

With classic motoring under threat from a number of fronts leading to developments like electric vehicle conversions for classics (see lead News item), the FIVA (the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens - International Federation of Historic Vehicles) is urging enthusiasts from every corner of the globe to work together to protect the future of the historic vehicle movement. “While more and more countries are joining the international historic vehicle movement, it’s vital that we continue to extend the reach of our shared values and heritage,” said FIVA President Patrick Rollet (pictured) at the federation’s annual General Assembly on 17 November, 2018. “FIVA members currently comprise 86 historic vehicle clubs and federations from 66 countries, representing more than a million and a half enthusiasts around the world, with nations such as…

A field of almost 40 cars from all over Australia capped the competition year for the HTCAV with brilliant racing at Phillip Island for the Island Magic event. Six Camaros, eight Mustangs, six Toranas, four Chargers and much more proved this meeting is a must for Historic Touring Car followers. RACE 1 – ONE OF THE BEST EVER Chev Camaros filled the first two rows of the grid, with pole winner Dean Neville in his ’69 model smoking the tyres off the line, allowing Darren Pearce’s ’68 version to slip into an early lead. Neville was soon on his tail, though, as was Historic Sandown race winner Aldo de Paoli and Darren Collins, both in ’69 Camaros. John Mann made it five Camaros in the top six until a clash…

This is BMW’s sister car to the Toyota Supra. It’s a roadster, and an actual canvas one rather than the old folding hard-top. Most of the mechanical bits and electronics are drawn from BMW’s shelves (and the Supra will be the same under the skin although differently set up). The wheelbase is much shorter than any other BMW to make it agile, and there’s a unique aluminium subframe to make the front suspension more precise. The test car is the M40i, outfitted with all the right six-cylinder power and various M parts in the brakes. Like all the new Z4s, it’s only available with the eight-speed auto. Other engines on offer are the 20i with 145kW or the 30i with 190kW. They’re the same 2.0-litre four with different degrees of…

Holden has launched a new competition for the new year – “Power & Passion” – where the major prizes are a pair of hot Chevrolet Performance V8 engines. The 476hp (355kW) 6.2-litre LSX and 556hp (415kW) supercharged 6.2-litre LSA V8s are part of a prize pool created for Power & Passion by GM Holden’s main aftersales brands – Holden Genuine Parts, ACDelco, Holden Trade Club and Chevrolet Performance Parts. Both engines are loaded with Chevrolet Performance Parts and also come with a Holden Genuine remanufactured automatic transmission, ready to drop into your project. Secondary prizes include a VIP weekend at the 2019 Bathurst 1000 as guests of the Red Bull Holden Racing Team and monthly giveaway guest rides (from January to June) in the 3500hp ACDelco CV8 Monaro Pro Slammer.…

 In Australia, automotive rivalry was - up until a couple of years ago – defined by Ford versus Holden. In America, it’s pretty much always been Ford versus Chevrolet. The battle lines over there now aren’t as clearly defined as they used to be, but go back 90-odd years and the rivalry between Ford and Chevy was very, very real. FIGHTING THE GIANT It’s an automotive icon today, but for the first decade of its existence, Chevrolet was just another car brand in the US. Founded in late 1911, Chevrolet was outsold by the likes of Studebaker, Dodge, Buick and Willys-Overland in its early years, as well as now-forgotten marques like Maxwell and REO. Chevrolet didn’t really gain traction until the 1920s, but even then, it was a long way…

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