Are you quicker than Lewis Hamilton? Now’s your time to prove it! Motorsports fans throughout the world can now prove they’ve got what it takes to perform in the toughest on-track driving conditions by playing Mobil 1’s new online game, The Mobil 1 Global Challenge.

Thanks to its innovative recording function, you can race head-to-head with your friends or the top Formula 1 drivers, Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton. Play the game here: www.grid1.tv/game

The team behind Mobil 1, the world's leading synthetic motor oil brand, has drawn on its expertise from diverse motorsports series to develop the free-to-join game. It was launched to coincide with the new series of ‘Mobil 1 The Grid’ – the weekly motorsports television programme.

The Mobil 1 Global Challenge is made up of four different race series to progress through: Rookie, Amateur, Pro and All Star.

It also contains a celebrity league for players to pit their skills against the world’s motorsports heroes. From the Egypt Sahara - Off Road Challenge, to the Russia Tundra - Ice Drift Challenge among others. the game features tracks from across four continents to illustrate the extremes of performance required of both driver and engine technology in some of the most demanding racing conditions.

The overall winner will be the person ranked number one in the world by the end of September 2010, coinciding with the season finale of ‘Mobil 1 The Grid’.

You can even challenge your friends by Facebook!

The Mobil 1 Global Challenge builds on the success of Mobil 1’s Will You Be The 1 game from 2009, which saw 62,000 racing fans from 26 countries competing to set the fastest lap time on Lewis Hamilton’s Mobil 1 Supercircuit. It was won by Christian Kesteloo in the Netherlands with an amazing 14,254 points!

Coming just a few months after the 2010 Frankfurt Motor Show unveiling of the Ferrari 458 Italia on which it is based, the Ferrari 458 Challenge introduces a number of important modifications to adapt it for competition use.

Ferrari 458 was presented the 2010 Frankfurt Motor Show. Lately, the Ferrari 458 Challenge has made its world premiere debut in Maranello during the Annual Dealer Meeting.

With the new 458 Challenge, Ferrari is offering its sportier clients - professional and gentlemen drivers alike - a car that is extremely responsive, with great performance and superb handling. This mid-rear V8-engined berlinetta will allow Ferrari Challenge participants to enjoy to the full the exhilarating cut and thrust of the race weekends on the world's leading circuits, as well as the passion that has always been an integral part of Ferrari's one-make championship.

The Ferrari 458 Challenge introduces a number of important modifications to adapt it for competition use.

This car use the direct injection 4497 cc V8 remains strictly in production tune, with an output of 570 hp at 9,000 rpm. That said, modifications have been made to the gear ratios and calibration of its dual-clutch F1 gearbox to assure gamier torque at bluer revs.



The Ferrari 458 dispute are as well equipt with the E-Diff electronic differential already employed on the road-going adaptation, a 1st for Ferrari’s track-only automobiles.

BMW has announced that it will use carbon fibre to provide extra safety in its battery-powered city car. The same light weight material is used to protect Formula One drivers.

The German company will use the fabric to construct a passenger-safety cell for the upcoming city car. According to Klaus Draeger, BMW’s development chief, the mixture of carbon fibre and aluminium will reduce as much as 350 kilograms of additional weight from the car.

As consumers and government shift their focus on alternative fuel cars, the world’s largest luxury car maker is hurrying up to manufacture battery powered vehicles. Some other car manufacturers like the General Motors Co. and Nissan Motor Co. are also expected to bring forth their electric vehicles this year.

The company will weave the carbon fibre at a $100 million factory near Seattle that the company is building together with its partner SGL Carbon SE.

The fibres, which are composed of 50,000 filaments, will be made into fabrics and then hardened into components at facilities in Germany.

The car manufacturer is not revealing any details related to the price of the car. BMW has turned to carbon fibre to reduce the size and cost of the battery required to run the city car.

The city car will be equipped with a 96-cell lithium-ion power pack.

“Weight in electric vehicles takes on a totally different dimension, and this weight improvement you can only get through carbon-fibre parts,” Herbert Diess, BMW’s purchasing and logistics chief had earlier said.


The BMW’s passenger cell will have enough space for four adults. “It’ll be the first large-scale vehicle with a passenger cell out of carbon,” Draeger said. “BMW will bring a revolutionary vehicle to the streets.”

Nissan is in limelight with its latest Electric Vehicle, Leaf, and there are a few more zero emission vehicles that the car manufacturer would launch.

In the meantime, the company has introduced a number of new developments to its powertrain range. The Japanese company has currently shifted its focus on reducing emissions and increasing the fuel efficiency of its vehicles.

The new range of engines takes off with the Micra which will be launched in the country on the 14th of July.

The 3-cylinder HR12DE engine features a Start-Stop option as standard in Japan, which is if combined with a XTRONIC CVT gives a mileage of 26km/l. Like most other car manufacturers would downsize the engines and add turbochargers/superchargers to improve power and fuel economy.

The Nissan Juke will come with a 1.6L turbo-petrol engines that churns out 187bhp (HR15DE). The Nissan X-Trail will get a new clean diesel engine ((M9R) too. This engine, which will be paired with an automatic transmission, will comply with the most stringent global emission norms.

Nissan has also come up with a unique hybrid system which is targeted to be the most efficient 1-motor, 2-clutch parallel full hybrid system. This system will be available on the Infiniti M in late 2010.

There is another advanced fuel-efficient technology to be launched in FY2010 is Nissan’s new 1.5-liter engine (HR15DE), which happens to be the world’s first mass-produced 1.5-liter engine with dual injectors (2 compact injectors per each cylinder).

This engine is currently in the Nissan JUKE that was launched in Japan in June 2010.

Additionally, there is a newly developed 1.6-liter Direct Injection Gasoline Turbocharged Engine, which follows the company’s downsizing concept. It will combine a turbocharger with a low displacement engine and will offer both higher power output and lower fuel consumption.

This engine will be available in the Nissan JUKE in the second half of FY2010.

Jaguar confirms a new baby roadster, a truck crash in New York puts a rare Gumpert Apollo S in risk of losing it's life, Fiat announces the first sales of the 500 in the U.S., and new details on the upcoming Jetta Coupe in our Internet Rumor Mill. Fast Lane Daily hosted by Derek DeAngelis.

Once upon a time, a bunch of guys got together with a crazy idea - build rockets that go farther and faster than mankind had ever gone before.

It's nice to know that America still builds rockets - The 2011 Chevrolet Corvette

Lotus builds an extended-range version of its Evora sports car.

Surprise:Toyota hybrid race car to race in the 24h of Le Mans in 2010

3 guys and a bouncy castle hijack an International Sailing Regatta

London-based friends Jack Winter (25), Chris Hall (24) and Dave Larcombe (25) created a sensation at the normally serene Riva Del Garda today by making the first recorded crossing of the iconic Italian lake on a giant inflatable castle. The young trio undertook the challenge as part of their participation in the Live Every Litre project by Honda (www.liveeverylitre.com).

The giant red and yellow castle set off at 9am across the lake, making good progress with a combination of paddles and the wind. Escorted by the Italian Police who kept an incredulous eye on proceedings, the Londoners still managed to gate crash an international sailing regatta. After successfully navigating their way through the melee of Lazer class sailing dinghies, the intrepid group came ashore in Riva Del Garda, where astonished tourists formed an unofficial welcoming committee.

The trio are no strangers to adventure having battled against the odds to drive from London to Mongolia last summer in a charity banger rally. Their latest challenge was the brainchild of Jack who convinced his fellow adventurers that being the first to successfully navigate the largest of the Italian lakes was an accolade worth aiming for.

Self-appointed group leader and mentor, Chris, was delighted to have made history, commenting: “Great Britain has such a great tradition as a sea fairing nation and we really feel we have played no role at all in adding to this. That said it was possibly the most fun we have ever had and we really never believed this most frivolous of dreams would ever be realised.”

First mate, Dave, added: “When Honda called us to say we had been cast in the final movie we thought they must be joking, and even now it doesn’t seem real. Hopefully after the weekend we can have confirmation from the Italian authorities that this really is the first time this has been done, but I am sure this is just a formality...”

The triumvirate are just one of a number of stories making up the Live Every Litre crowd-sourced documentary film in which members of the public have been nominated by the project’s online community to realise their dream in the new Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe. The journeys which make up the road movie range from the pure fun of the London Schoolboys, to the poignant journey of “Bowman” who will revisit the site he came ashore during the D-Day landings. These stories are being filmed by award winning Swiss Director, Claudio Von Planta, best known for filming the “Long Way Down and “Long Way Round” expeditions with Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman. The 35 day journey can be followed at liveeverylitre.com, the Facebook Group or by following @liveeverylitre on Twitter.

For Environmental Consultant, Tom Green (24, Newcastle), meeting Metallica back stage at a gig was the realisation of a dream that he has spent over £15,000 chasing. While taking part in the Live Every Litre Documentary film project by Honda, the heavy metal enthusiast was given the opportunity to meet his idols.

Driven by his passion for Metallica and the environment, Tom got involved in the Live Every Litre project to realise his dream of meeting the band and also to gain a greater understanding of hybrid cars. His application on www.liveeverylitre.com was filled with the enthusiasm and determination which captured the imagination of the site’s community leading to him being selected to participate in the ground-breaking documentary film project.

The environmental campaigner drove to the Lisbon concert in a new Honda CR-Z, which had been customised for the occasion with a distinctive rock paintjob. The bonnet of the CR-Z coupe had been spray painted by graffiti artist, Diego from www.monkeyb.es, in Madrid at the Gruta 77 bar and was driven to Portugal adorned with a suitable, heavy metal inspired motif.

Many people hold bands in high-esteem; some people have all of their albums and go to see them live if they are in their town. However Tom takes his passion to a different level. Although he became interested in Metallica only in his mid-teens, the former Newcastle University student has already seen the band live 20 times and travelled across Europe to see his heroes perform. His fierce loyalty to the band is such that he arrives at every gig hours beforehand to secure a coveted spot at the front of the mosh pit and alongside his best friends Louis McClean and Erik Lysen.

Louis is recognised as Metallica’s global number two fan and he is now good friends with their number one fan. This accolade is given by the band who have seen them so frequently at the front of gigs that they recognise them in amongst the mayhem and moshing of a Metallica concert. For Tom to breathe the rarefied air of the backstage area was a dream come true and one he never thought he would experience, commenting: “Wow, that was unbelievable, Backstage is like a promised land for heavy metal fans, somewhere you always hear about, but never get to experience. To actually go back there before a concert and meet the guys was something I will never forget. It’s even more awesome because so much of the build-up and event was filmed for the documentary so I will be able to relive it again and again.”

Tom’s journey and meeting with Metallica can now be seen at www.youtube.com/liveeverylitre Tom’s story is just one of a number of stories making up the Live Every Litre crowd-sourced documentary film in which members of the public have been nominated by the project's online community to realise their dream in the new Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe. The journeys which make up the road movie range from the pure fun of the London Schoolboys, to the poignant journey of "Bowman" who will revisit the site he came ashore during the D-Day landings. These stories are being filmed by award winning Swiss Director, Claudio Von Planta, best known for filming the "Long Way Down and "Long Way Round" expeditions with Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman.

The events were recorded from traffic cams ...

Please use your brain and drive safe! Life is so important!

On Saturday 29 May Paris was momentarily brought to a standstill as Agent Lynch (London, 26) performed the world’s first guerilla burlesque routine in the streets of Monmartre as part of the Live Every Litre film project.

As the rain clouds cleared around Sacre Coeur, Agent Lynch strode into the middle of Place de Tertre and immediately became the main attraction. She performed her favourite burlesque routine, inspired by artist Yves Klein and French New Wave cinema to the track ‘Je t’aime’ by Serge Gainsbourg & Jane Birkin.

Lynch tantalised the unsuspecting audience with a striptease from her vintage dress right down to her lacy lingerie. Just when the crowd thought they had seen it all, she poured a tin of blue paint all over her naked body before imprinting herself on a white and red satin flag to complete the French tricolore.

Agent Lynch, aka Kate Rawlinson (originally from Newcastle), was one of the first people to apply to star in the Live Every Litre film back in February 2010. After receiving thousands of ratings from the online community, Agent Lynch was selected to be a part of the project by film director, Claudio von Planta. Von Planta explained: "Agent Lynch is fantastic. She has an incredible spirit and we were immediately impressed with her vivacious attitude. The burlesque world is mysterious, glamorous and unknown which was what intrigued me to include her story in the film."

A paint-splattered Kate said: "To perform my show in the streets of Paris was a dream come true. I was so nervous before I started dancing but once the music kicked in, I forgot my nerves and really started to enjoy it. The crowd were amazing too. I’m so happy I could bring burlesque to the masses – this is my love letter to the French!“

Having taken the Parisian streets by storm, Agent Lynch was then whisked off to her next adventure as part of the Live Every Litre project – an afternoon with Europe’s undisputed Queen of Burlesque, Immodesty Blaize.

Recently dubbed ‘The Goddess’, Immodesty imparted her wisdom to Agent Lynch as the two dancers discussed the choreography of Lynch’s new routine.

The final part of Agent Lynch’s journey led her to watch a performance at the Crazy Horse, described by Lynch herself as "the holy grail of the showgirl." Founded in 1951 by Bernardin, Crazy Horse continues to stage inventive and stylish cabaret under the choreography of Philippe Decoufle.

Embracing her Parisian experience and employing all of Immodesty Blaize’s advice, Agent Lynch will perform another routine on Saturday 5 June in Carnaby Street, London as part of the Summer of Love Festival arranged to celebrate the street‘s 50th anniversary.

Agent Lynch’s story is just one of a number of journeys making up the Live Every Litre crowd-sourced documentary film in which members of the public have been nominated by the project's online community to realise their dream in the new Honda CR-Z hybrid coupe.

The journeys which make up the road movie range from the pure fun of the London Schoolboys, to the poignant journey of "Bowman" who will revisit the site he came ashore during the D-Day landings. These stories are being captured by award winning Swiss Director, Claudio Von Planta, best known for filming the "Long Way Down and "Long Way Round" expeditions with Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman.

The Mazda MX-5. Once driven, thrills are harder to find.

Condor Hang Gliding in the Andes, somersaulting from the nose of a 40 ton whale and racing your friends in a buffalo stampede are examples of the lengths MX-5 drivers have to go to find comparable thrills.

Once you've experienced the heart-racing excitement and wind-in-your-hair exhilaration of the agile Mazda MX-5 roadster you’ll understand.

Burton and Kurt Busch get together which spins Busch around and Reed Sorenson gets turned pileling up everyone else behind.

Mark Martin, Juan Montyoya, Joey Logano among others. Ryan Newman and Jimmie Johnson get chitched up in the air thankfully not tumbling over. Everyone was ok!

Pagani's Zonda R attempts to better the 599XX's lap time around the Nurburgring. Marc Basseng is the driver!

A TV report from Belgique Television back in the 1960's introduces a strange new animal - the Vacheval.

Across between a horse and a cow, it was reared in an attempt to create CO2 reducing transport system.

Shot in 1963, this is previously unseen report footage from Belgique Television. It tells the story of a strange animal called a Vacheval.

Reared on a farm just outside Leuven in Belgium, it was a cross between a cow and a horse and was reared as a new form of CO2 reducing transportation.

Alain du Monde, an eco extraordinaire who worked for Belgique Television at that time, recalls the Vacheval; "The Vacheval were magnifique, they were not only eco but they were chic too, those behind the Vacheval were clearly visionary in recognising the future environmental issues facing man-kind" he says.

No one knows whether they actually exist today. There are rumours they all now live on a special retreat in the Alps, whilst some say they fled Europe in search of work. With little records of their existence, who knows what actually happened to the Vacheval?