Jeremy Clarkson has topped a poll of the celebrities Britons would least like to share a driving adventure with, according to research by Continental Tyres.

The Top Gear presenter was rated as the worst person to share a 4×4 drive across the Sahara Desert. Glamour model Katie Price (aka Jordan) came in second, and British Prime Minister David Cameron was a close third.

The poll of 2000 motorists identified a good sense of humour as the top trait for a co-driver, ahead of motoring knowledge and survival skills. The research was conducted as part of the launch of this year’s Conti 4×4 Trophy, where people compete for a place driving a GM Hummer across the Sahara.

Tim Bailey, spokesperson for Continental Tyres, said: “Jeremy Clarkson might have motoring credentials, but either his calamitous road trips on Top Gear, his lack of practical skills or his outspoken views mean most people would leave him behind.”

Others on the reject list: British Deputy PM Nick Clegg, Madonna and Simon Cowell.

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In the 1970s Cadillac saw its reputation for technical leadership gradually being overtaken by such marques as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Jaguar. It was a humiliation for the self-proclaimed “Standard of the World,” and Cadillac was determined to arrest the erosion.

In 1982 it launched its LTS (luxury two -seater) project to create a technology leader for the ultra-luxury, sporty car market. It came to fruition as the 1987 Cadillac Allante, with its main target being the Mercedes-Benz 560S Roadster.

The Allante was not only intended to showcase General Motors technology, but to inject some new spirit into Cadillac’s staid, vinyl roof, wreath-and-crest image. And since General Motors had committed to front-wheel drive in the ’80s, the Allante had front-drive. It would be the only front driver in its class.

To accommodate the limited production quantities and add some European cachet, Cadillac contracted Italy’s famed Turin-based stylist/coachbuilder Pininfarina to style and largely build the bodies. Pinanfarina responded with a tastefully crafted package that was appropriately understated, sporty without being garish or gimmicky.

The traditional Cadillac egg-crate grille was retained, the windshield was slanted sharply and the rear end was dominated by huge, flush tail lamps. Not prepared to totally abandon its wreath, Cadillac placed one in the grille, one on each wheel cover and one tastefully integrated into the deck-mounted, high-level stop lamp.

To assemble the Allante, Cadillac created what it called the “Allante Airbridge.” Eldorado platform and cowl assemblies, with the wheelbase shortened 218 mm (8.6 in.) to 2,525 mm (99.4 in.), were shipped to Italy where Pininfarina fitted the complete two-seater convertible bodies. They were then air-freighted back to Detroit for installation of running gear, suspension and other components.

Cadillac mounted its 4.1 litre overhead valve, aluminum block, iron-head V8 transversely, driving the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transaxle. With electronic port fuel injection and ram-tuned induction it was tuned to produce 170 horsepower @ 4,400 rpm, 40 more than regular Cadillacs.

Suspension was by MacPherson struts in front with an anti-roll bar. At the rear struts and control arms were used with springing by a transverse fibreglass leaf spring, a la the Corvette.

Power rack-and-pinion steering was fitted, and brakes were four-wheel discs with anti-lock. The Goodyear Eagle VL P225/60VR15 tires were initially limited exclusively to the Allante. Although it had an aluminum hood, deck and removable 23 kg (50 lb) hardtop – there was also a manual soft top – the Allante weighed a husky 1,588 kg (3,500 lb).

When the Allante bowed as an early ’87 model, it received generally favourable reviews from the motoring press. Car and Driver (3/’87) was impressed with the styling, interior and leather seats, but not with

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The Irish Times – Wednesday, February 8, 2012

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ROAD TEST: OPEL ASTRA GTC2.0 CDTI The GTC proves that there remains some strong design pedigree at the Opel brand but the sporty Astra is up against some tasty rivals, writes Motoring Editor
MICHAEL McALEER 

APPARENTLY OPEL’S Astra GTC wasn’t manufactured, it was born, which must have made for some rather gory scenes at the production plant in Germany. Perhaps the advertising campaign hints at some psychological desire for a rebirth within the brand.

If we were to anthropomorphise the motoring world, then there might well be a case for Opel to be taken into care.

It’s a strong, earnest brand that has been regularly mistreated or threatened with abandonment by its parent.

In the last decade it has suffered under the vagaries of a host of parental approaches, the final one being an attempt to offload the brand in the midst of General Motor’s financial crisis, only to haul it back into the family at the last minute just as it was preparing to tie the knot with a new partner.

Amid the rancour and turmoil of the last five years and as GM fought for its survival, Opel’s future was never certain. That the brand could survive was in little doubt, but under whose ownership was always open to question. Reports from the US suggest senior management in Detroit continue to ponder whether to sell off the European brand, which is hardly the sort of message that promotes positive attitudes in Germany.

Amid all the turmoil and rancour, along with several senior management departures, it’s remarkable that its engineers have managed to bring out two of its best cars in several years. The first, the Insignia, has been less of a sales success than we expected but it retains its head-turning appeal. Sit inside and the car’s styling and finish still seems incredibly fresh.

The Astra has perhaps followed more of a traditional route, lacking some of the innovative styling of Insignia. However, with the GTC it proves that there remains some strong design pedigree at the brand.

This is the “sporty” three-door version of the Astra, aimed at the young and young-at-heart who don’t regularly use the rear seats. The lozenge design fits the bill for a sleek coupe, while retaining much of the hatchback DNA. Added features, like the LED rear lights, set off the car’s image and while they might cost an extra €155, it’s well worth the money.

The downside of trying to accommodate

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On the Road

By: Aida Sevilla Mendoza
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Is the 2012 Chevrolet Orlando a multipurpose vehicle or a crossover? Whichever, it is built on the same GM Global Delta Platform by General Motors Daewoo in South Korea, as the Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan has the same 1.8-liter Ecotec engine as the Cruze.

Given the seven-passenger capacity of the Orlando and its bigger, flat cargo area (1,594 liters) when its second and third row seats are pushed down into the floor, it qualifies more as a MPV than a crossover, which is how the seven-seater Chevrolet Captiva is categorized. Viewed from the side, the Orlando appears to be longer and broader than the Captiva and its exterior styling indicates that it is a family carrier rather than a sport utility vehicle. The flexible seating configuration inside further confirms this.

The Orlando’s ace card is its utilitarian versatility. The big doors swing wide open for easy ingress and egress. During the time a test unit was with me, we were able to load four bulging suitcases and three heavily packed carry-on luggage in the back by merely folding down the third row seat. The second row seat was left open and vacant to comfortably accommodate my visiting daughter and her Canadian boyfriend on the long drive to the airport.

Fold flat

The second row seat splits 60/40 while the third row splits 50/50, allowing you to fold down flat one-half of both or either one for the cabin to accept longer cargo. However, the front passenger seat does not fold down flat. The second and third rows are raised theatre style so that all rear seat passengers get a decent view of the road and environs. But the third row seat is cramped, has barely adequate headroom and would not be comfortable for adults.

Aside from offering one of the largest and most flexible cargo areas in the compact MPV segment, the Orlando has many cupholders, cubbyholes and convenient compartments to stow small belongings. The neatest one is a compartment behind the radio fascia that houses the USB and auxiliary inputs. You can plug in your iPod and close the fascia to keep your gadgets hidden and safe from prying eyes. Aside from a radio/CD player with six speakers, MP3 input jack and iPod connectivity, there are 12-volt power sockets in the second row and load areas.

The Orlando’s Corvette-inspired dual cockpit interior resembles the Cruze’s in layout and design with an infotainment display, large, logically arranged and user-friendly controls, easy-to-read analog clusters in ambient blue backlighting, an integrated center stack and a blend of jet black and

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Free Speech, you’ve lost the plot! How many 50-year-old German engineered bakkies are there on the roads? Open your mind! The advert is about pick-ups NOT cars!!!

Report this

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As the Detroit Auto show continues we are seeing some great new models being showcased. We have already told you about the new Ford Fusion and Dodge Dart that have made their debuts. Now we can help you get to know the 2013 Cadillac ATS.

General Motors is hoping to offer with the new Cadillac ATS the American answer of compact luxury motoring. It is being aimed at consumers who would normally buy the BMW 3 series. According to a report on the Detroit Free Press it will be the brands first compact car since the 1980s.

The ATS comes in smaller than its sibling the CTS sedan and has a curb weight below 3,400 pounds, which makes it lighter than an Audi A4, Mercedes C250, and Lexus IS 250. Its short overhangs and wide track gives the ATS a firmly planted stance, while its taillights are reminiscent of the rest of the Cadillac range.

There are three engines to choice from; a 200-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder, 270-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine or 318-hp 3.5-liter V6. Transmission comes via a six speed manual or automatic flavor, as well as a four wheel drive version. Fuel economy from the most fuel efficient model will be over 30 mpg on the open road.

GM is planning on selling the ATS in the US and later in China, but there are no immediate plans to sell it in Europe. Over at the Chicago Tribune there are some up close images of the ATS that include some of the interior. The interior is up to BMW 3 series standards with carbon fiber and stitched panels on the dash and doors.

Inside the fronts seats are a decent enough size with plenty of adjustment, but the taller driver may find the headroom slightly tight. The rear seats may be too low for some adults while the center driveshaft takes up room where your feet go. The trunk has only 10.2 cubic feet but is still deep enough for a full size suitcase, but interior space is comparable with rival cars in the sector.

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I was at a panel discussion a couple of years ago with David Plouffe, campaign manager for President Obama’s 2008 campaign. David said one of the revelations they had during the campaign was that if it wasn’t on video, it didn’t happen. In a similar vein, social media works best when, well, when there is something to be social about and very few things are as social as sports. In fact, four of the top 10 most tweeted moments have been sports moments and every one of those four beat tweets of Osama Bin Laden’s death and all but one beat the Japanese Earthquake and Tsunami. It should come as no surprise then that the Super Bowl represents for advertisers, not just millions of eyeballs watching the broadcast but also millions of fingers simultaneously sharing their thoughts on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites. As social media matures, advertisers are becoming savvier in their ability to use it as part of the overall media mix. This year, the Super Bowl gives us a good look at current practices using a combination of traditional and digital media. During this year’s Super Bowl, advertisers will be anticipating that viewers will access the Internet while watching the game.

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The MCN Motorcycle Show is under way at ExCel London.

Now an established event on the London motoring calendar, hundreds of companies will be there including all of the major manufacturers, from BMW and Honda to Triumph and Ducati.

The show is a great chance for the public to get their first close look at many of new models that will be gracing showrooms in the spring.

Some of the world’s top racers will also be on hand to launch new products and meet the public, and in some cases, to take part in spectacular stunt shows. It is also an excellent place to buy all sorts of equipment, from specialist parts, tools and gear to general kit and warm weather clothing, with huge discounts available.

We’re not talking a show isn’t just for hardened hairy bikers and city-slicker scooter riders either. Get On! will look to encourage those (men AND women) interested about getting on to two wheels.

Experienced riding instructors will be on hand to give visitors a free 20-minute taster lesson, introducing them to the controls and let them ride on a small course, as well as answering any questions they may have about learning and living with motorcycles or scooters. There’s no need to book for those interested in converting to two wheels – just pop over to the Get On! stand.

With ever increasing costs and congestion on the capital’s public transport network, and the prospect of worse to come this summer, the Get On! stand will, no doubt, be a popular place for Londoners wanting an alternative way of getting around town, just as last month’s cycle show was.

The London Motorcycle Show is open between 10.00-17.00 on Thursday and Friday, and 09.00-18.00 over the weekend.

Tickets cost £25 on the door for adults. Entry for a single accompanying child under 16 is free, with additional children costing £10.

MCN London Motorcycle Show
2-5 February

London ExCel
One Western Gateway
Royal Victoria Dock
London
E16 1XL

Transport: Custom House DLR
Cost: £25 adults, one child under 16 is free, additional child £10

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Focus Challenge
winners get cars, ‘ordained’ Ford Ambassadors
By Moses Akaigwe
[igwemos@sunnewsonline]
Friday February 03, 2012

• The Ford focus winners, Meshioye and Mpi with her daughter

Photo: Sun News Publishing

T he Ford family in Nigeria, last week, presented two units of the 2012 Focus to winners of the Ford Focus Relay Challenge that climaxed in Lagos in December, 2011, as part of activities to usher the all-new model into the Nigerian market.
The winners – Elizabeth Azuka Mpi and Tunji Meshioye – were members of Team Yellow, which slugged it out with other teams in an exercise that lasted from November to December, with a grand finale at the Oceanview Restaurant, Victoria Island.

At the presentation ceremony held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, representatives of the two Ford dealers in the country, Coscharis Motors and BriscoeFord, hailed the winners for their performance during the challenge, which they said had earned them the positions of ‘Ford Ambassadors’ in Nigeria.

In his remarks’, the Deputy General Manager (Ford Fleet), Cocharis Motors, Adenuga Olalekan, said the elaborate introduction of the all-new Focus underscored the high premium the Ford family placed on the brand in the country which is already paving the way of success for the vehicles in the market.

“When we started, it was only Ranger that we had, but today, the Ford brand is becoming so successful that if you look at any official convoy, you must see some Ford cars”, Adenuga told the guests, including family members and friends of the winners.
The Coscharis Motors Deputy General Manager predicted that considering the growing popularity of

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