Archive for the 'Motoring' Category

Rosso Corsa – for lovers of Ferrari!

Friday, July 22nd, 2022

A Ferrari is so much more than just a car, and its owners are an international band of aficionados who have long since fallen in love with these powerful beasts of beauty. Rosso Corsa is a place dedicated to the love of all things Ferrari. (more…)

The unique allure of Classic Bikes

Thursday, May 5th, 2022

For decades it seemed the bike world was the domain of fast Japanese machines with the occasional exception of BMWs and Aprilias, but then came a revival of classically-inspired bike manufacturers – and with it a new blend of retro charm that has revived some of the most legendary names in the industry.

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Formula 1 build-up to 2022 Season

Tuesday, March 8th, 2022

 

Few seasons in Formula 1’s 70-year history have ended as controversially as that of 2021, where the nail-bitingly tight title challenge between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen was gradually overshadowed by the off-track decisions of the sport’s race directors – a situation that still haunts Formula 1 as it gets ready for what should be a fascinating new season.

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Fiat 500, dolce vita personified

Monday, January 2nd, 2012

Test driving the Fiat 500Every now and again a car is launched that simply puts a smile on your face. Stepping around it, you can’t seem to get enough of its round, bulbous form, and once seated behind the steering wheel you just want to start the engine and let the fun begin…

At Manifesto we like good design, and this fun little car-about-town proves the point that it doesn’t always revolve around the biggest or most expensive creations. Though measuring just 3,55 metres long by 1,63 wide and 1,49 high, the cinquecento is a well-proportioned bundle of good-natured fun. (more…)

Mini Clubman – Fun on four wheels

Friday, June 10th, 2011

Mini Clubman, photo David TomsSo you may be more accustomed to seeing car reports on Ferraris, Lambos, Bentleys, Rollers and 300k Mercedes, but if articles like this are to do more than allow us to salivate over cars that only a privileged few can really afford then maybe it’s worthwhile to discover that there is a lot of driving fun to had in the affordable price bracket too.

Which is why I decided to focus on the imminent launch of the Mini Clubman, expected to hit showrooms across Europe and America early next year. It seemed appropriate, too, as this pint-sized estate seems just the accessory to take shopping—it looks better on you than a designer handbag and it fits a hell of a lot more goodies too.

But seriously, the Mini Clubman builds on the immense success of the New Mini, as designed by American Frank Stephenson – whose mother was born in Málaga. Incidentally, the very same man who has created the new Fiat 500, also expected to hit showrooms early in 2008. As these two projects bear out, Stephenson is a designer of great ability; a master of retro design, a genre notorious as a minefield. Where so many have failed and created an ill-fated pastiche of nostalgia, Stephenson produced a modern classic with his New Mini, and he seems set to repeat this feat with the new Fiat. (more…)