In the lead up to the Monster Energy Grand Prix de France in Le Mans, Repsol Honda Team’s Casey Stoner surprised the racing world by announcing his retirement at the end of the 2012 MotoGP season. At the same time Valentino Rossi confirmed he will be continuing in the sport for at least another two years.

Stoner had previously dismissed his retirement plans as rumours, however he has now publicly stated that he will not continue racing past the end of the 2012 season.

“After a long time thinking, a lot of time talking with my family and my wife, this has been coming for a couple of years now but at the end of this 2012 season I will be not racing in the 2013 Championship,” Stoner said at Thursday press conference.

“I will be finishing my career at the end of this season in MotoGP, and go forward in different things in my life.

“After so many years of doing this sport which I love, and which myself and my family made so many sacrifices for, after so many years of trying to get to where we have gotten to at this point, this sport has changed a lot and it has changed to the point where I am not enjoying it.

“There are a lot of things that have disappointed me, and also a lot of things I have loved about this sport, but unfortunately the balance has gone in the wrong direction. And so, basically, we won’t be continuing any more. It would be nice if I could say I would stay one more year, but then where does it stop? So we decided to finish everything as we are now.”

As for the race in Le Mans, Stoner hopes to resolve the chatter issues which have plagued him throughout the season so far.

“The last two races we’ve struggled a little bit with chatter, especially the last two, and it’s something we want to really reduce so we have to work hard here.”

Yamaha Factory Racing’s Jorge Lorenzo, who lies just one point behind the reigning world champion was shocked by the Australian’s announcement and said it was a surprise for him and for everyone.

“I didn’t expect it. I heard the rumours and I thought there was a possibility, but I thought he would continue next year. Now he has told us, it’s not good news for MotoGP I think, but his decision is to live quietly with his family and we must respect his decision.”

Lorenzo will be looking to snatch back the lead in the championship this Sunday at a track he really enjoys.

“Le Mans is one of my favourite tracks. Since my first ever-front row in 2003 I have always had good results, so I’m happy to be here.”

Monster Yamaha Tech 3’s Cal Crutchlow saw the lighter side of Stoner’s announcement.

“With Casey making that announcement, maybe he can slow down and let me have a place in the top three. They [the aliens] don’t make many mistakes. Maybe they need to change what they have for dinner the night before or something.”

And following a race to forget at Le Mans last year for the team, Crutchlow is looking to carry his good form this season into this round.

“I’m looking forward to it, yet it can always throw a few things with the weather. I think we’ve had some not so bad performances this year, although Estoril was disappointing. We really struggled a little bit with the set-up, and maybe a little bit with myself. But hopefully we can get on with it this weekend at Le Mans.”

Valentino Rossi also had some big news as he announced he would continue racing a further two years past 2012, yet not before commenting on Stoner.

“Yes, it’s a big surprise. I think it’s bad news for all the MotoGP world because at the end of the season maybe we’re losing one of the great riders and a great rival. It’s negative, but it’s his own decision. For me it’s very difficult to understand where my retirement news started from, as I never spoke about my retirement. I want to race in MotoGP for the next two years for sure.”

Le Mans was the place of his only podium with Ducati last year, which he is taking confidence from.

“I have had some bad results in Le Mans, but also good memories from the past. We had a not so bad weekend in Portugal and we’ll try and continue on that way and try to improve our performance to try and get closer to the guys in front of us. Last year was the best result with the Ducati, so we are optimistic.”

The new BMW 3 Series Touring is a dynamic flair with practicality wrapped in a sporty and elegant design.

The new edition of the BMW 3 Series Touring makes its mark in the premium sports estate segment with its hallmark BMW dynamic prowess, enhanced practicality and versatility, and a range of standard equipment features assembled to meet the challenges of everyday life. The new car’s larger interior is extremely versatile and designed to adapt to everything its customers’ modern, active lifestyles can throw at it. In this role, the new BMW 3 Series Touring convinces equally as both a sporty, elegant and dynamic way to eat up the miles and a comfortable and spacious vehicle for sports and leisure pursuits.

Its harmonious proportions ensure the new BMW 3 Series Touring appears from every angle as if cut from a single mould and proves that impressive practicality and dynamic design need not be mutually exclusive. The sweeping silhouette with smoothly sloping roofline, side windows extending well back to the rear and a powerful rear end all combine to create a distinctive Touring character and highlight the huge potential of the new BMW 3 Series variant at first glance.

With 97 millimetres added to the car’s overall length and 50 millimetres to its wheelbase, the new BMW 3 Series Touring offers extra room for passengers and luggage alike. Plus, this space can be adapted for a variety of uses, allowing the new car to turn its hand to a range of activities.

A 35-litre increase in capacity (to 495 litres) means the load compartment can offer more space than any of the Touring’s rivals. Standard equipment designed to meet the challenges of everyday life, such as the 40:20:40 split/folding rear seat bench, the automatic tailgate with separate rear window opening, the stainless steel protective strip on the comfortably low loading sill (62 centimetres from the ground), the separate partition net and a luggage compartment cover that stows away neatly into an underfloor compartment highlight the ability of the new BMW 3 Series Touring to adapt as required to the situation at hand.

Made-to-measure options like the adaptive attachment system with variable plug-in elements for the load compartment floor, the hands-free tailgate opening function as part of the Comfort Access option, and the electrically pivoting trailer coupling further enhance long-distance comfort and make it even easier to transport a variety of gear.

Alongside its extra practicality and versatility, the new BMW 3 Series Touring also benefits from enhanced ride comfort, the availability of the new Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line equipment packages, and the materials and colour concept familiar from the recently introduced 3 Series Sedan. An optional M Sport package will also be available from launch.

Agility and dynamic performance are among the other qualities which set the new BMW 3 Series Touring apart. There are three refined, economical and punchy engines at launch all of which boast BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. Alongside the new four-cylinder petrol unit developing 180 kW/245 hp and revised 2-litre diesel with 135 kW/184 hp, the line-up also includes an optimised six-cylinder diesel producing 190 kW/ 258 hp that combines sporty dynamics with significantly reduced fuel consumption and emissions.

All engines fulfill the stipulations of the EU5 (Euro) exhaust standard, while the 320d diesel unit can be further optimised to meet EU6 specification, if desired. The Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode, meanwhile, opens up extra fuel-saving potential for all engine variants.

A sporty six-speed manual gearbox sends power to the rear wheels in the four-cylinder models. And BMW also offers an innovative eight-speed automatic transmission – fitted as standard in the six-cylinder diesel model – as an option. A further option is the eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifts on the steering wheel. Both transmission variants link up with the fuel consumption-reducing Auto Start-Stop function.

Advanced suspension technology, featuring a large number of light-alloy components and new tuning, the torque steer-free Electric Power Steering, an up to 40-kilogram lighter overall weight and finely-balanced axle load distribution set the seal on the car’s dynamic concept. State-of-the-art electronic control systems enhance the dynamic potential of the new BMW 3 Series Touring and help to ensure it displays the perfect combination of sporting prowess and ride comfort. The new Touring can be ordered with M Sport suspension or the Adaptive M Sport suspension as an option.

In addition to its enviable practicality and sporting dynamics, the outstanding fuel economy of the new BMW 3 Series Touring helps maximise driving pleasure. The key here is the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, whose influence can be seen in virtually every area of the new model. In addition to the ultra-frugal petrol and diesel engines, the intelligent lightweight construction concept, optimised aerodynamics and other measures including the Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, Optimum Shift Indicator and on-demand operation of ancillary components, ensure that the powerful BMW 3 Series Touring also boasts impressively low fuel consumption and emissions. The Driving Experience Control switch with ECO PRO mode offers further potential for fuel saving.

An extensive selection of driver assistance systems and mobility solutions, offered as standard or as options under the BMW ConnectedDrive programme, allows the new BMW 3 Series Touring to set the benchmark in its segment in terms of safety, convenience and infotainment. One highlight of the range is the latest-generation full-colour Head-Up Display, which projects key information onto the windscreen in sharp resolution. Included alongside an array of other comfort and safety-enhancing assistance systems is extremely effective interface technology that allows extensive use of external mobile phones and numerous Bluetooth office functions for internetbased services.

The Apps option and the free BMW Connected app provide a gateway to services such as social networks, web radio and the iPhone calendar function. Finally, information and office services along with travel and leisure planners further enhance the individual convenience and comfort of travelling in the new BMW 3 Series Touring.

There is an age old battle between owners of 4WD vehicles as to which one is the best on and off road. Mitsubishi came into the fight in Australia in 1983 and have not looked back, as every year they continue to improve the capabilities of this go anywhere 4WD.

The current Pajero is the fourth generation and leaves many other 4WD’s in its dust off road while making a statement on the road. As a go anywhere car the Pajero is well thought-out and designed and makes you feel like you can tackle any road in Oz.

The VRX is one of five in the range and offers all the right gear for the traveler. Having all the features of the GLX and GLS and a few more, there is a lot on offer in and out of this car. The exterior shows a tough and strong feel with side steps, fog lamps, the addition of 18 inch alloy wheels, body coloured door mirrors and a rear spoiler and the finish is one worth staring at.

Getting aboard the beast is not that much of an effort thanks to the side steps and the large doors all round. The seats are a good size but offer less support then we would have liked in a 4WD. The sports cloth and leather trim defiantly give the seats a good feel and there is more than enough room in the front and second row.

The driver’s seat has an 8-way adjustment and includes lumber support and both front seats are heated for that extra comfort. Grabbing on to the leather bound steering wheel which holds many a button for Bluetooth, stereo and cruse, gives the real sense that this 4WD has a lot to offer.

The dash cluster is large but the way the lighting is and how close the numbers are together makes reading the speed rather difficult. The VRX we tested had the Adventure Navigation Pack fitted which includes satellite navigation, reversing camera and iPod control. Although we did not really need the satellite nav around the city, the operation and control of the system is simple to use.

In such a big vehicle the reversing camera did wonders for rearward visibility as without this it was very difficult to see. When plugging in my iPod the system was also easy to use. One of the best features of this Pajero is the 860 Watt 12 speaker Rockford Acoustic stereo system which includes a subwoofer. Whether we were watching a DVD in the roof mounted player, which also plays through the front screen when stopped, or just cranking up the golden oldies the sound system was fantastic.

Moving to the third row of seats, which when not used fold flat and into the floor, there is very little room for anything. A family with a few children would enjoy this extra room but it would not be too long before they out grow the third row seating position. When the seats are folded there is more than enough boot space and the tailgate is not overly heavy and can be locked open if needed.

Driving along most roads the suspension does a great job in keeping the ride smooth. The downfall to making the ride so smooth is the lack of handling when taking a corner. The Pajero will still stick to the road like hot tar to your boots but the fun of driving on the road is not there. Pushing it into the corners all you get is a lot of body roll and very noise tyres. Off road on the other hand the Pajero is in its element. The dirt and gravel roads seem to not worry the all terrain tyres and we were surprised by where we could get the Pajero into and best yet out of.

The VRX diesel has plenty of power and is not the worst in fuel economy. The 3.2L CDI DOHC intercooled turbo diesel offers power when needed but can be driven around at a steady pace to conserve fuel. The output of the engine is 147kW at 3800rpm and 441 Nm at 2000rpm which always seemed more than enough to get us out of trouble. The combined fuel usage is said to be 9L/100km, which we believe is achievable on long drives. In everyday driving we could only get at best 12.3L/100km but we were still happy with that.

The 5-speed automatic transmission with “Sports Mode” sequential style shift change and INVECS II ‘Smart Logic’ did not seem all that smart to me. Yes it worked well with the diesel however it seems to lack the ability to find the correct gear when you really want one and it could really do with sixth. The options offered in the transmission are 2H (2WD High Range), 4H (4WD High Range), 4HLC (4WD High Range w/Locked Centre Differential) and 4LLC (4WD Low Range w/Locked Centre Differential). All work well when used in the correct application.

ADM Opinion

The Pajero VRX diesel is a fantastic 4WD. It goes anywhere, with some limitations, and looks the part. The sound system and options make this an everyday vehicle and one that does not take long to enjoy. The ride is good and engine and road noise is very minimal. The transmission could do with a little improving but it is by far not the worst on the market. The feel of the build is good and it does not feel like a cheap build. Well worth the look if shopping for a real 4WD.

Specifications

Engine: 3.2L CDI DOHC intercooled turbo diesel
Drivetrain: 5-speed automatic transmission with “Sports Mode” sequential style shift change and INVECS II ‘Smart Logic’
Power: 147kW & 441 Nm
Weight: 3030kg (Gross weigh)
Towing Capacity (Braked): 3000kg
Wheels: 18” x 7.5 6-spoke alloy – 265/60R-18
Fuel Tank Capacity: 88 litres
Fuel Consumption: Tested average: 12.3L/100km – Official average: 9L/100km
2012 Model Cost: $70,890
Metallic Paint $495
Navigation Pack $2300
MRP – Manufacturer Retail Pricing as at 1 April 2012
Prices exclude dealer delivery and statutory charges

Likes
Size
Sound System
Navigation System
Power

Dislikes
Handling
Third row seats
Automatic

ADM give the 2012 VRX Pajero Diesel 3.5/5 helmets

Mazda Motorsport and NSW PR manager Allan Horsley has announced his retirement after a hugely successful career with Mazda Australia spanning over 30 years.

Horsley’s decision to retire comes after he delivered another motorsport win for Mazda with the Mazda3 MPS dominating the Showroom category, finishing an impressive sixth outright at this year’s Targa Tasmania rally.

Successes such as this and an unwavering determination to succeed have defined Horsley’s career with Mazda and made him one of Australian motor sports most respected team bosses.

Horsley’s Mazda Motorsport career started in 1981 when he was hired as team manager of Allan Moffat Racing and launched the team’s successful RX-7 touring car program.

It was only a matter of months before Horsley, Moffat and the RX-7 tasted success with a win at Surfer’s Paradise in late 1981. This signaled the beginning of three decades of motorsport triumphs for Mazda.

Three successive Australian Endurance Championships followed for the RX-7 between 1982 and 1984 but perhaps Horsley’s greatest achievement was a hat-trick of victories at the James Hardie Bathurst 12 Hour between 1992 and 1994.

While some may be content to take their foot off the gas after this level of success, Horsley’s character is perfectly summed up by what he did next. Determined not to be outdone by European rivals, including Porsche, Horsley created the turbo-charged RX-7 SP and with Dick Johnson and John Bowe recruited, the Eastern Creek 12 Hour title was duly secured.

Horsley then masterminded a change in direction for Mazda Motorsport with tarmac rallying and Targa Tasmania in particular becoming the focus.

This change of direction only spurred Horsley and Mazda Motorsport on to further success with Horsley’s ability to get the best from both driver and machine further enhanced as he delivered no less than 11 Targa Tasmania class wins between 1994 and 2012.

However, Horsley’s impact on Mazda Australia has also been felt beyond motorsport as his role as a key figure in Mazda’s Public Relations team enabled him to deliver many engaging drive programs and memorable launch events.

Mazda Australia managing director, Doug Dickson worked closely with Horsley for over 30 years and is well-positioned to assess the qualities he brought to Mazda.

“Allan’s passion for fast cars and motorsports promotion was always going to be of great benefit to Mazda and so the last three decades have proved. His ability to overcome challenges and deliver giant-killing victories has played a huge role in putting Mazda Motorsport and our brand on the map,” he said.

“His contribution to our motorsports program and our Public Relations efforts over such a long period are to be applauded and on behalf of Mazda Australia I’d like to extend my sincere gratitude to Allan and wish him all the very best in his retirement,” Dickson concluded.

After such a long and successful career, Horsley is looking forward to the future.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with Mazda and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with so many great people across both motorsport and Public Relations. I’m sure that many of these relationships will continue and with a lifetime of motorsport in the blood, I’m sure I won’t be losing my interest in cars any time soon.”

The second round of the 2012 Tighe Cams Hillclimb series was not one for the faint hearted of driver as the weekend was full of sliding, spinning and slipping in the wet weather.

Saturday afternoon saw competitors turn up to the Mt Cotton track wearing rain coasts and changing from their slicks to full wets as the rain was relentless. As drivers gathered round for the briefing, some old faces could be seen amongst the new and regulars. One of the old faces was Bill Norris who was having his first drive at the hillclimb in more then six years.

When the event got underway the rain was still coming down strong and many drivers decided it was not time to hit the track. The few that did found the driving slow and treacherous with slow times being laid down.

The fastest driver of the first run was Shane Merrick in his 2-litre Datsun 1200 Coupe with a time of 57.50 seconds. As the weekend went on Merrick posted his fastest time on run four with a 49.83 second pass. With is his best time posted on Sunday Shane ended the weekend first in class and 14^th outright.

The early battle for outright position was between Danny Mischok in his beast of a Ford Escort and Warren Robb in the Dino Kart. Danny chose to miss his first run of the day but took to the road on run two and set a fast time of 54.83 seconds. This was not fast enough to take the lead as Robb ran a 51.44 second pass on his second outing.

Run three was faster again for Mischok but still not enough to take the lead. On his forth run Mischok would not see the finish line as the wet conditions got the better of this talented driver. With little damage to the car, Mischok would continue the event and set a time in the rest of the runs for the weekend where he ended first in class and fifth outright.

Robb in the Dino would continued improving his times over the weekend and set his fastest time on run seven. This time of 47.53 seconds would set this driver up for a first in class and at third outright.

Second place outright was taken by a driver who elected to run only five of the nine runs and the third of those runs would be his best. Paul Van Wijk driving the BKZ 07 chose the only dry run of the weekend to set a time of 45.82 seconds. With this time he walked away with a first in class and second outright for the event.

The time difference between first and second was 0.31 seconds, but that was all that was needed for Warwick Hutchinson in his powerful Van Dieman RF92-RPV02 to take the win. Having not turned a wheel on Saturday and coming out on Sunday to post a 45.51 second run on only his second outing for the event, Hutchinson proved he is a force to be reckoned with this year.

A number of other drivers were picking runs throughout the weekend trying to do all they could to be best in class and as high up the outright order they can. One of these drivers was Ken Graham in his Datsun 1600 SSS powered by a 2.4-litre engine. Going out in the rain on Sunday Graham set a time of 61.68 seconds but ended his weekend with a class winning time of 49.17 seconds.

The next event on the Hillclimb calendar is the Queensland Hillclimb Championships on the weekend of June 2 and 3. The Championships always brings out the best in drivers and is an event worth getting to.

Photos by Phil Melvin

A record 100 vehicles, including 13 from overseas, have been entered for the Brakes Direct International Rally of Queensland on the Sunshine Coast at the end of this month.

The entry list includes drivers from as far afield as Britain, Sweden, India and Japan, who will pilot some of the world’s fastest rally cars in round three of the FIA Asia Pacific Rally Championship.

Chris Atkinson, Australia’s most successful international rally driver, will lead the fight in a Skoda Fabia S2000 for the Indian MRF team, with Indian Rally Champion Guarav Gill in an identical second car recently imported from Europe.

The pair has claimed a win apiece, one second and one third place in the previous rounds in New Zealand and New Caledonia, setting a major catch-up challenge in Queensland for the defending Asia Pacific Rally Champion Alister McRae and his factory Proton team from Malaysia.

McRae, a former British Rally Champion, has yet to take a podium place this season while teammate PG Andersson of Sweden, a two-time Junior World Rally Champion, has scored only a second place in NZ.

However, McRae, Andersson and the British-run Proton team may draw benefit from their concurrent experience in the 2012 Super 2000 World Rally Championship, Andersson having won at his home event in February.

Leading international contenders in the class for two-wheel drive cars will include former Production World Rally Champion Karamjit Singh of Malaysia – popularly known as the Flying Sikh – in a Japanese-entered Proton and Frenchman Jean-Louis Leyraud in his New Caledonia-based Citroen C3.

Round three of the Bosch Australian Rally Championship promises to be no less competitive, with four-time champions Simon and Sue Evans returning to the sport in a new two-wheel drive Mazda 2 to rival the Italian-built official Honda Jazz team of Simon’s younger brother Eli and the experienced Mark Pedder.

In the four-wheel drive category, 24-year-old Perth driver Tom Wilde is an impressive leader after winning the first two rounds.

A total of 24 cars will contest the BARC, while 23 are listed for the 50th-anniversary Queensland Rally Championship opening round.

With a crack Classic field including Neal Bates (Toyota Celica), Ross Dunkerton (Ford Escort) and Jeff David (Porsche 911) and 10 entries in the new Side-by-Side Rally Challenge including Cody Crocker, Michael Guest and V8 Supercar star Tim Slade, the Brakes Direct International Rally of Queensland has never offered spectators a greater line-up of top talent or diversity of cars in its 44-year history, says Event Director Errol Bailey.

“This will be a spectacle not to be missed, whether you are a dedicated rally fan or a casual spectator looking for a great family outing,” Mr Bailey said.

“We are bringing truly world-class drivers and world-class cars to the Sunshine Coast – and Australia – for the only time this year and if people haven’t seen them in action before they will be amazed at the skill and speed.

“With competitive stages or meet-and-greet activities at two Caloundra locations and at Kenilworth, Imbil and Pomona, the rally provides plenty of opportunity for spectators to be part of the action and we’re hoping for big crowds to welcome the teams.”

The Brakes Direct International Rally of Queensland will kick off with a free open-air “Start Your Engine” party at Caloundra’s Kings Beach from 6pm on Friday 25 May. Drivers will turn out for autographs and there will be food, drink and a live band.

The rally returns to Caloundra Aerodrome on Saturday night for the “Main Event” Super Special Stage, featuring two stage runs on the closed runways, spectacular Pro Drift cars and fireworks.

After a service stopover at Kenilworth Showgrounds on Saturday morning the field covers forestry and shire-road stages across the weekend at Imbil and Pomona, before finishing in Imbil on Sunday afternoon.

Mr Bailey said the big entry list demonstrated a healthy following for rallying in Australia and the Asia Pacific region and would bring wide attention to the Sunshine Coast and Gympie-Cooloola regions.

“A field this size will mean an estimated 2000 team members, supporters, media and officials visiting for up to a week. Those from outside Queensland make no secret that the Sunshine Coast’s warm autumn weather, scenery, tourist attractions and facilities and the welcome, as well as a cracking competition, are all reasons they enter the Brakes Direct International Rally of Queensland,” he said.

“We also expect extensive media coverage and bigger audiences for our dedicated national and international television broadcasts.”

Early-bird tickets discounted until 21 May are on sale from $20 at www.rallyqueensland.com.au or the events centre in Caloundra for spectating at the Main Event, Imbil stages and the BP Ultimate stage at Pomona. Entry is free for the Start Your Engine Party, Kenilworth service stopover and Hella Service Park and official podium finish at Imbil.

The adult ticket price for the Main Event is $25 if purchased before 21 May, but a total saving of $30 on the gate price is available by purchasing a $45 Event Super Pass providing unlimited access to all venues.
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Evo and Toyota photo provided by Duncan Wild

Infiniti, the luxury vehicle brand of the Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has signed a memorandum of understanding with Magna Steyr, an operating unit of Magna International, for the assembly of a future luxury entry level Infiniti compact vehicle. Production of the vehicle is due to start in 2014 and this tentative agreement follows an engineering assignment which Magna Steyr is already intensively working on.

“This new vehicle represents a significant opportunity for the Infiniti brand to reach new consumers and grow in key markets such as Western Europe,” said Andy Palmer, Nissan Motor Company executive vice president who is responsible for Infiniti.

“We are pleased to be working with Magna Steyr to realize this important product.”

Günther Apfalter, President of Magna Europe and Magna Steyr, stated, “We are very delighted to sign this first vehicle assembly agreement with Infiniti. It is an important milestone to further diversify Magna Steyr’s customer portfolio as a supplier of engineering services and complete vehicle assembly.”

Both companies are currently finalizing the details for the manufacturing and supply agreements with no additional details released.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the ninth-generation Honda Civic has advanced safety features that help take the worry out of motoring.

Safety is Civic’s number one priority, with features such as Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) and Motion Adaptive Electric Power Steering working together to help keep you safe and in control in a potential emergency situation.

Honda Australia Spokesperson, Mr. Lindsay Smalley said; “Civic’s five-star ANCAP safety rating and advanced safety features are some of the reasons why customers will love the all-new Civic.

“Not only will the Civic help to keep you safe on the road, its great driving dynamics, improved handling and class-leading fuel efficiency make it the best buy in the small segment.”

The Civic also features Honda’s Advanced Compatibility Engineering (ACE) body structure, which works to disperse collision forces away from the cabin, helping to keep the driver and passengers safe. In a crash where the vehicles are of very different sizes, ACE helps to minimise the impact on both cars.

Anti-lock brakes, six airbags and whiplash mitigation headrests are other features of the all-new Civic that provide further peace of mind. Rain sensing wipers (Sport and hybrid models) and integrated hands-free Bluetooth also help ensure your focus is solely on the road.

CDR Yamaha enjoyed a glorious return to Western Australia on Sunday, 13 May, for the fourth round of the Monster Energy MX Nationals at the sand-filled Wanneroo Motocross Park.

MX1 series leader Josh Coppins picked up his second win of the season in an impressive performance, winning motos one and three to extend his championship lead to 42 points despite riding through the pain of a pinched nerve in his neck.

“The last round didn’t go to well for us, so it’s nice to bounce back and I really want to thank CDR Yamaha for all their hard work,” the New Zealander said.

“We’ve been working really hard, they’ve been looking after me and I can’t say thanks to the team enough. It’s pretty tough out there, so I just want to try get rid of my injury, loosen up and try ride a bit better as the season goes on.”

Despite the relentless sand whoops of Wanneroo that formed throughout the round, Australia’s leading contenders pushed at 100 percent during all three of the pro motos in the series’ first visit to WA since 2009.

Backing Coppins up to make it a Yamaha 1-2 was teammate Lawson Bopping, who picked up his second podium of 2012 after a consistent effort. Bopping claimed second in moto one, third in moto two and sixth in the final outing.

Continuing his spectacular run of results since joining Motul Pirelli Suzuki was Todd Waters, finishing third overall in what was his third podium in four rounds. Waters was fourth in motos one and two, before a third in the final moto sealed the podium.

Completing the top five was Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing’s Brad Anderson and Waters’ teammate Cody Cooper. Top privateer finisher was Simmonds Racing Honda rider Tye Simmonds in sixth.

The hard-luck story of the round was defending four-time champion Jay Marmont, who broke through for his first win of the season for the Monster Energy squad in moto two. His day ended early in moto three though, forced out late in the moto as his pre-season knee injury continues to take its toll.

Motul MX2 championship leader Luke Styke picked up his second overall of the season for Serco Yamaha Metal Mulisha Racing, winning motos one and two before finishing fourth in the gruelling final moto.

“After putting in hard this weekend, I just want to thank the Serco Yamaha Metal Mulisha Racing team and the club for a great event,” Styke said.

“It was a good weekend and it feels good that all the hard work is paying off for all of us, but it’s early in the season and we need to keep trying the best we can.”

Styke won ahead of DPH Motorsport Honda’s Cheyne Boyd, who enjoyed a consistent round for his first podium of the season. After setting pole on Saturday, Boyd raced to second in moto one and third in the final two motos of the round.

Zero Seven Motorsports Suzuki rider Adam Monea was third overall, winning the final moto in a dominant performance. The Victorian was yet again back to his best in WA, edging out fellow Victorian Kade Mosig for the final position on the podium by just a single point.

Motorex/KTM’s Josh Cachia completed the top five despite battling through the day with an expected bout of appendicitis, heading another Victorian in Lewis Woods. Woods enjoyed his best round of the season by far for the Hart and Huntington/InsureMyRide team.

Title contenders Ford Dale (Carlton Dry Honda Thor Racing) and Kirk Gibbs (Serco Yamaha Metal Mulisha Racing) had a day to forget, with Dale taking seventh after a troublesome day, while Gibbs will have to settle for 13th after a flat tyre in moto one forced him out of the points.

Styke now enjoys a handy 39-point lead in the series ahead of Dale, while Gibbs remains third as we approach the halfway point.

The Australian Motocross Championship will now head straight to Murray Bridge in South Australia for round five of the Monster Energy Mx Nationals this weekend on 20 May. Visit www.mxnationals.com.au for further information on the Monster Energy MX Nationals series.

2012 Monster Energy MX Nationals, Australian Motocross Championship
Round Four – Wanneroo, WA

MX1 Overall Results:
1. Josh Coppins 72
2. Lawson Bopping     57
3.Todd Waters 56
4. Brad Anderson 50
5. Cody Cooper 46
6. Tye Simmonds 45
7. Daniel McCoy 42
8. Jay Marmont 38
9. Mike Phillips 33
10. Gordon Crockard 32

MX2 Overall Results:
1. Luke Styke 68
2. Cheyne Boyd 62
3. Adam Monea 55
4. Kade Mosig 54
5. Josh Cachia 46
6. Lewis Woods 44
7. Ford Dale 42
8. Scott Columb 38
9. Luke Arbon 38
10. Kirk Gibbs 37

MX1 Championship Standings (after 4 of 10 rounds):
1. Josh Coppins 253
2. Brad Anderson 211
3. Todd Waters 208
4. Lawson Bopping     203
5. Cody Cooper 183
6. Tye Simmonds 178
7. Jay Marmont 177
8. Jake Moss 157
9. Daniel McCoy 125
10. Daniel Reardon 107

MX2 Championship Standings (after 4 of 10 rounds):
1. Luke Styke 260
2. Ford Dale 221
3. Kirk Gibbs 199
4. Cheyne Boyd 198
5. Josh Cachia 195
6. Kade Mosig 194
7. Adam Monea 190
8. Justin McDonald 143
9. Lewis Woods 134
10. Errol Willis 131

Electric vehicles are the new black in the auto industry and right now every manufacture is trying to produce the best they can. Toyota is one company that is leading the way with electric car and has now revealed the all-new RAV4 electric vehicle at the 26th annual Electric Vehicle Symposium in Los Angeles.

The RAV4 EV has an expected driving range rating of approximately 160km and charging time of approximately six hours on a 240V/40A charger.

The RAV4 EV’s driving performance, dynamics and cargo capacity are equal to or exceed the petrol-powered RAV4 V6.

Bob Carter, group vice president and general manager of Toyota in the United States, said the RAV4 EV did not compromise on performance, comfort or versatility.

“It’s all about blending the best of two worlds,” Mr Carter said.

“The all-new RAV4 EV marries the efficiency of an EV with the versatility of a small SUV – in fact, it is the only all-electric SUV on the market.”

The RAV4 EV is the product of a unique collaboration with Tesla Motors spurred by Akio Toyoda, president and CEO of Toyota Motor Corporation. Twenty-two months after the project announcement, Toyota and Tesla engineers have succeeded in bringing the vehicle to market.

The RAV4 EV combines a Tesla designed and produced battery and electric powertrain with Toyota’s popular SUV. The front-wheel-drive RAV4 EV allows drivers to select from two distinctly different drive modes, Sport and Normal.

In Sport mode, the vehicle reaches 60 mph (96.6 km/h) in just 7.0 seconds and has a maximum speed of 160 km/h. Normal mode achieves 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds with a maximum speed of about 137 km/h (85mph). Maximum output from the electric powertrain is 115kW @ 2,800 rpm.

RAV4 EV offers an exceptionally smooth, quiet ride and comfortable handling due in part to its low coefficient of drag and low centre of gravity. At 0.30 Cd, RAV4 EV achieves the lowest coefficient of drag of any SUV in the world.

Compared with the petrol-powered RAV4, Toyota re-styled the front bumper, upper and lower grille, side mirrors, rear spoiler and under body design to provide optimum air flow around the vehicle.

The RAV4 EV’s battery pack is mounted low and to the centre of the vehicle, contributing to a more sedan-like ride.

The vehicle will go on sale in the United States late in the northern hemisphere summer. There are no plans to sell it in Australia.

“We believe that the RAV4 EV will attract sophisticated early technology adopters, much like the first-generation Prius,” Mr Carter said.

“It’s designed for consumers who prioritize the environment and appreciate performance.”

In July 2010, Toyota Motor Corporation and Tesla Motors jointly announced an agreement to develop an all-electric version of the RAV4, with the intent to bring the vehicle to market in 2012.

Tesla contributed its EV technology expertise, daring spirit, quick decision making and flexibility.

Toyota contributed design, engineering, manufacturing and production expertise.

In an industry where development cycles are typically five years, Toyota and Tesla brought a dynamic product to market in less than half that time.