AutoNews | Patrick James

Archive for AutoNews

Patrick James | January 14, 2009

At Last… 525hp Audi R8 V10

Now this is trullt beautiful… and it’s official! 525hp Audi R8 V10

Even though the 4.2-litre V8 in the current R8 offers outstanding performance, pundits wondered why Audi didn’t adapt the more potent V10 engine from its S8 saloon for use in the hottest car it has ever made. Audi answered the challenge with the introduction of its new R8 5.2. Faster and more powerful than its V8 sibling, this latest exotic from Ingolstadt goes on sale in Europe in the second quarter for 142,400 euros.

The 5.2-litre V10 in this R8 generates 525 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque — considerably more than the V8, which puts out 420 horses and 317 lb-ft of torque. The company did not say how much the R8′s new engine has in common with the V10 in the Audi S8 saloon or the Lamborghini Gallardo (Volkswagen/Audi owns Lamborghini).

MORE PHOTOS!

Source: MSN Cars

Category: AutoNews, BHP, Petrol-Head | Tags: Audi, Cars, Motoring, Photos, R8, V10

Patrick James | November 19, 2007

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Disqualified Drivers Avoid Longer Bans

In an interesting and disappointing turn of events, ireland.com reports that: Motorists convicted of drink driving before March this year will not face new, longer driving bans which the minister introduced that month, the High Court has heard.

On March 5th, the Government extended the disqualification periods for convicted drink drivers.

In a controversial move, the then Minister for Transport, Martin Cullen, also stated that the extended disqualifications would apply retrospectively to all drivers banned at the time.

Francis Leeson, who was convicted of drink driving, challenged the retrospective element of the new penalties in a judicial review hearing before the High Court on Monday.

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Category: AutoNews |

Patrick James | November 16, 2007

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World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims

Sunday 18th November 2007

The Road Safety Authority and PARC (Public Against Road Carnage) – Promoting Awareness Responsibility and Care on our roads have joined forces to mark ‘World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims’, which takes place on Sunday 18th November 2007.

Specifically both organisations are appealing to the public to take some time out on Sunday 18th November, to reflect on their own behaviour when using the roads, as a mark of respect to those who have died on Irish roads.

Mr. Gay Byrne, Chairman, Road Safety Authority, said “On Sunday 18th November we have an opportunity to remember them and the pain and suffering of families and friends who continue to grieve the loss of their loved ones.”

He added, “To mark World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in a practical way the Road Safety Authority will be distributing over 400,000 high visibility arm bands to the public. It’s all part of a major road safety blitz by the RSA aimed at protecting vulnerable road users, i.e. pedestrians and cyclists during the dark winter months. Wintertime is traditionally a high risk period for pedestrians and cyclists as poor light and weather make using the roads more dangerous.” Continue reading “World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims” »

Category: AutoNews |

Patrick James | November 9, 2007

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OPEL CARNIVAL WEEKEND – STOP DREAMING & START DRIVING!

We have just got some hot news on the Opel Carnival Weekend and a whole load of very good offers that Opel is running, including a €200 Dunnes Stores voucher and the return of the very popular 50/50 offer.

Saturday and Sunday, 10^th and 11^thof November is Opel Carnival weekend! All weekend long, Opel dealerships across the country are unveiling their latest offers and newest range of cars. And with a great Carnival atmosphere, there will be lots to keep the kids entertained while the “big kids” take the latest Opel cars out for a spin. Continue reading “OPEL CARNIVAL WEEKEND – STOP DREAMING & START DRIVING!” »

Category: AutoNews |

Patrick James | November 9, 2007

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Ten Go In Twingo.

It’s a bizarre story… maybe even the sort of news that would catch the attention of the folks at The Guinness Book of Records. RTÉ News is reporting this week on what could be a wonderful ad for the Renault Twingo:

Police have fined 10 people who were crammed into a tiny Renault Twingo car that was stopped during a routine traffic control in western Germany.

Seven children and three adults were packed into the tiny car as they travelled to a birthday party, local police chief Frank Hey said.

They were fined €40 each.

‘Nobody had their seat belt on and there were no child car seats,’ Chief Hey added.

The 29-year-old driver had forgotten her driver’s licence as well.

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by Patrick James

Category: AutoNews, Chuckle Motoring! |

Patrick James | November 8, 2007

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Toys 4 Big Boys

Here’s something worthwhile for the weekend. RDS Dublin is holding the Toys 4 Big Boys on 8-11 of November. Last year’s show was a massive success and this year promises to be better, as Toys 4 Big Boys has teamed up with New Car magazine to bring you some of the finest motoring exotics from around the world. The lads feature mind blowing cars on a regular basis but to bring you such rare machinery they drafted in the expertise of Sport & Classic to allow you get up close to some of the world’s finest automobiles. The first car that we are particularly proud to say will be on display is the Aston Martin Vanquish S. This is currently one of only 20 examples that have been handcrafted as flagship models for Aston Martin.

To find out more or get tickets before they are all gone CLICK:

by Patrick James.

Category: AutoNews |

Patrick James | November 5, 2007

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Taoiseach Launches New Road Safety Strategy

A copy of the Road Safety Strategy 2007 to 2012 can be downloaded from www.transport.ie

Minister Noel Dempsey Announces Changes to Driver Licensing Laws for Learner Drivers

Over 400 lives will be saved over lifetime of the strategy

25 October 2007

An Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern T.D., the Minister for Transport, Mr. Noel Dempsey T.D., and the Minister for Justice Mr. Brian Lennihan T.D. have launched Ireland’s third Road Safety Strategy, in Government Buildings, today Thursday 25^th October.

The primary aim of the Road Safety Strategy 2007 to 2012, which has been developed by the Road Safety Authority, is to reduce collisions, deaths and injuries on Irish roads by 30%.

It aims to bring Ireland in line with countries that are considered to have the safest roads in the world, countries such as the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and the United Kingdom.

There are a total of 126 specific measures or actions identified in the strategy which must be implemented by the end of 2012.

The primary actions include;

To reduce road deaths to no greater than 60 fatalities per million by the end of 2012 with demonstrable downward reductions in each year of the strategy.

To reduce injuries by 25% and develop a reliable database for serious injuries based on data from the healthcare system and insurance industry by 4^th quarter 2008.

Implement a Safety Camera Network in the region of 6,000 hours enforcement per month to increase conformity with speed limits.

Increase adult front seatbelt wearing rates from 86% to 95% or better and increase the adult rate in the rear seat from 63% to 85% or better by 2012.

The Strategy also identifies the need to

Legislate for and introduce a reduction in the legal Blood Alcohol Level for drivers.

Review legislation on the issue of drug driving and consider appropriate enforcement options.

An Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern T.D., speaking at the launch today said; “This is the third national Road Safety Strategy which builds on the adoption of a strategic, planned approach to reducing road deaths and injuries, an approach which we have adopted since 1998. The implementation of road safety measures has had a significant impact on the level of road deaths in recent years, but such measures will not work alone. Road users must take responsibility for driving behaviour and each and every one of us can help to reduce the level of road deaths and injuries.” Continue reading “Taoiseach Launches New Road Safety Strategy” »

Category: AutoNews | Tags: Driving, Driving Licence, Motoring, Noel Dempsey, Road Safety Strategy, RSA

Patrick James | November 2, 2007

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Sci-Fact… Police Testing Horror Siren.

In a conversation recently, I told a friend my favourite genre of film was sci-fi, followed in second place by horror. They thought this was a strange blend. I don’t think so, as the future is always unfolding and often those changes have frightening possibilities… Case in point, was this next article I found from Motor Authority. Police in the US are testing a new siren that uses inaudible shockwaves, sending tremors through the ground as opposed to a loud wail. I can only imagine what effects that would have on a pace-maker of someone nearby… The potential for misuse of the development could be endless… not to mention harmful.

The siren works by projecting inaudible soundwaves that are powerful enough to shake everything around the vehicle, including the earth. The system uses two subwoofers and an amplifier to pump out soundwaves that can be felt up to 60m away. Little wonder Washington police have nicknamed it the “Rumbler.”

One officer told the The Washington Post that “it vibrates everything” and that it “definitely attracts a lot of attention.”

Motorists often totally ignore emergency vehicles because they get distracted by loud stereos or general traffic noise, something the use of the Rumbler would avoid. We’re seriously hoping the technology remains in the hands of the police. The last thing everyone needs is the hip hop crowd getting their hands on it and disrupting traffic everywhere.

by Patrick James.