Author: PA Media

The behaviour of a biker who was chased by police for miles at speeds up to 125mph was “frankly ridiculous and posed a real danger to other road users”, officers have said.

William Daniel Wark was going so fast on his 750cc Kawasaki bike that officers abandoned their pursuit as it was getting too dangerous, North Yorkshire Police said.

The force has released video of the riding after confirming that Wark, 24, was given a 10 month suspended prison sentence and banned from the road for 12 months at Bradford Crown Court.

The force said he was recorded riding at 111mph on the A65 between Clapham and Ingleton on April 21.

125mph police pursuit biker William Daniel Wark, 24, from #Pontefract, handed a 10 month suspended prison sentence and banned from the roads for 12 months for dangerous driving on the A65 between Clapham and Ingleton on 21 April 2018 https://t.co/9LB4NP7Fgg pic.twitter.com/5O7C5BgUAM

— North Yorkshire Police (@NYorksPolice) June 20, 2018

When police went to stop him, he led them on a pursuit that lasted for several miles and reached speeds of 125mph.

Police eventually called off the chase but Wark was tracked down through the registration plate of his Kawasaki Zephyr 750 and arrested the next day, a spokesman said.

Officers said machinist Wark, of Pontefract Road in Pontefract, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving at Skipton Magistrates’ Court on May 11 and was committed to the crown court for sentencing.

He was also ordered to carry out 200 hours of community service.

Roads Policing Officer Mark Brook, who was involved in the pursuit and led the investigation, said: “The speeds Wark reached were frankly ridiculous and posed a real danger to other road users.

“We cannot and will not tolerate that sort of behaviour on North Yorkshire’s roads.

“So I’m glad that the court has reflected the severity of his offending in the sentence they handed out.”

He said: “Wark obviously didn’t consider the consequences of riding at that speed.

“However, we see the consequences first hand.

“We have to gather body parts off the carriageways at fatal collisions.

“We have to break devastating news to partners or parents when we tell them their loved one is lying in a morgue.

“If people could see what we see, they’d never ride like that.”

In order for an engine to function, it requires air. This air needs to be clean to ensure it runs as efficiently as possible.

To remove unwanted particles such as dirt, pollen and salt from the air that your engine will suck in to create the controlled explosion that powers your car, it incorporates a filter, designed to do just that.

An air filter is fitted to the engine’s intake manifold, working as a defence barrier to all the dirty particles. However, like most things, the air filter will gradually become less effective and will need to be changed regularly.

How will changing my air filter be beneficial?

Carrying out this simple task will do as much as increase fuel efficiency, reduce emissions and even prolong your engine’s life. An engine needs to intake a significant amount of clean air to run at its optimum level of efficiency – if you starve your engine of the air it needs, it will have to drink more fuel in order to create the big bang it requires to drive your wheels.

An engine is pretty robust, but if a filter begins to fail and allows those dirty particles to enter its complex system, it could cause serious damage to its internal parts in the long run, costing you a fortune as a result – it’s the sensible option to spend £10 on a filter today than have to spend more than a thousand on a new engine in the future.

If this isn’t enough incentive, remember that neglecting your vehicle’s air filter could result in you pumping more carbon into the atmosphere, as your emission levels gradually increase.

How often should I change my air filter?

Air filters tend to have a life span of 12 months – or 12,000 miles – depending on how regularly you drive, which is why they’re usually changed during your vehicle’s annual service. But you could actually save some pennies by carrying out this task yourself, and it shouldn’t take you very long – especially if you’re a commuter.

How do I change my air filter?

• First, you need to buy your new filter. You can do this by visiting your local car parts suppliers, such as Euro Car Parts. All you’ll need is your vehicle’s year, make and model to determine which filter you require.
• Next, you’ll need to locate your vehicle’s air filter box. It’s probably best to have a read through your owner’s manual if you’re not sure where the box is located under the bonnet. It’s pretty easy to spot, though – just look for the plastic box sitting on top of or to the side of your engine, which a large hose connected to it.

• Once you’ve found the box, you’ll need to open it in order to access the filter. You’ll either need a screwdriver to loosen a handful of screws securing the box, or it’ll be clasped with metal clips, which you’ll you just need to unclasp.
• Once you’re in, remove the filter. Make sure you give it a check over – if you see lots of dirt, grime and discolouring, it’s time for a change!
  The next, and final step is to slot in the fresh new filter. Make sure the filter is securely in place and snug in the plastic box before securing the lid.

Voila! You’ve successfully changed your filter and your engine will be running like a dream again – and it will only cost you five minutes of your time.

Fuel prices are on the increase in a big way – May saw the worst increase in the price of petrol in 18 years.

Thanks to a jump in the price of oil and a poor exchange rate with the dollar, the average prices of petrol and diesel across the country are currently 129.4p and 132.4p respectively. For many people, that’s enough to sack off the idea of a relaxing summer drive and break out the hiking boots instead.

But fun cars don’t have to be thirsty. We’ve rounded up ten of our favourites that should bring a smile to your face without breaking the bank…

Mazda MX-5

It’s one of the go-to names on the summer sports car segment – the Mazda MX-5. Providing wind-in-your-hair thrills for little outlay, the MX-5 is a reminder of why cars needn’t pack 500bhp to be fun to drive. Also, the MX-5 won’t cost the earth to run, thanks to decent economy figures and relatively low emissions.

Mazda claims that the smaller-engined MX-5 will return 47.1mpg on the combined cycle while emitting a respectable 139g/km CO2. These figures mean that you shouldn’t be spending too much time at the pumps, or paying all that much in vehicle tax, either.

Audi TT Ultra

If you’re looking for a refined, easy to drive and premium sports car, then you needn’t look too much further than the Audi TT ultra. We’ll agree, diesel engines don’t often fit the overall feel of a compact sports model, but the 2.0-litre turbocharged oil-burner under the bonnet is punchy enough to feel exciting.

It’s well worth mentioning that Audi claims that the TT Ultra will achieve over 60mpg on the combined cycle – so if you’re after a sports car with few drawbacks, then this is the one for you. It’s even got a decent amount of luggage space, so you won’t have to cut back on the amount of kit you bring along for the ride, either.

Fiesta ST

The previous Ford Fiesta ST gained near-legendary status among petrolheads for being one of the best hot hatchbacks you could buy. The latest model moves the game on even further, and continues to offer the best handling in the business – but now wrapped up in a more appealing, premium package.

The star here is the engine – it’s a 1.5-litre three-cylinder pumping out 197bhp and capable of 0-60 in just 6.2 seconds. Yet take it gently and the Ford will return 55mpg on the combined cycle, with usefully low tax and insurance to sweeten the deal.

BMW 218d Convertible

The BMW 2 Series is arguably one of the best-proportioned cars on sale today, with dynamic styling and premium touches combining to create an extremely attractive compact two-door. Though it’s available with a wide variety of powertrains, the 218d is our pick of the bunch if you’re looking to keep fuel costs to a minimum.

The 2.0-litre engine under the bonnet is punchy enough to keep things entertaining, while the 2 Series is also graced with excellent steering and inherent balance. It may not be the quickest car in the segment, but it’s easily one of the most enjoyable to drive. With a claimed fuel economy of 54.3mpg too, that enjoyment won’t be spoiled by having to fill up all that often.

Mercedes E220d Convertible

If you want one of the most stylish, premium and yes, practical convertibles around, a big Mercedes has always been a sound choice. But now the E220d adds low running costs to that list, with an impressive claimed fuel economy of 57.7mpg on the combined cycle. That’s lower than some superminis.

Don’t think you’ll be compromising either, as the 220d diesel delivers a 0-60mph sprint of 7.5 seconds and a top speed of 147mph. It’s all wrapped up in a slinky body with four genuinely usable seats, a good-looking and quick-folding fabric roof, and one of the most premium interiors on the market.

Caterham 160

When you think of a Caterham, images of screaming engines, bugs-in-your-teeth and frequent trips to the filling station may spring to mind. However, that needn’t be the case, as Caterham build a car that is designed to be enjoyed with as few drawbacks as possible – the 160. Underneath the bonnet thrums a Suzuki-sourced three-cylinder turbocharged engine with just 80bhp and, though that may not sound like much, it’s enough to propel the lightweight 160 to 60mph in just under seven seconds.

The low capacity engine, combined with the car’s overall low weight, means that the 160 sips fuel. Plus, with a fuel tank the size of a pipette, fill-ups really aren’t going to break the bank.

Fiat Panda 100hp

The little Fiat Panda 100hp has come to become somewhat of a cult classic. Despite its low power output – funnily enough, just under 100bhp – the Italian hatch is a huge amount of fun to drive, thanks to high grip levels and plenty of feedback to the driver.

In addition, as a result of being based on the regular Panda, replacing parts on the 100hp isn’t going to be a costly affair. You’ll find the same if you ever need to change up an exterior panel too. You’ll be able to snag a decent, reasonable-mileage 100hp for under the £3,000 mark – making it exceptionally good value-for-money.

Smart Roadster

Mercedes’ recipe for the Smart Roadster was about as unconventional as it was possible to be. A tiny body covered in plastic panels, a rear-mounted, 0.7-litre three-cylinder engine, a semi-automatic gearbox, and either a lift-out targa roof or a retracting convertible top.

The end result did have its flaws – notably the awkward and slow-shifting transmission – but the payoff for all of its compromise was the weight – or lack of. At under 800kg with a hilarious rear bias, the Roadster was more fun in the corners than many supercars – but cost a fraction of the price. That tiny engine promises fuel economy of well over 50mpg, and the plastic panels are easy to replace in the event of a ding. Prices are rising fast, but you can pick up an early model for around £1,500. Budget £3,000 for a tidy Roadster-Coupe, and more still for a desirable Brabus.

Skoda Fabia vRS (Mk1)

A diesel hot hatchback seemed like heresy, but the Fabia vRS showed the world it was not only possible but that the end result could be genuinely brilliant. With its peppy 1.9-litre, 130bhp diesel, the Fabia had a totally different character to most hot hatchbacks but retained strong performance, good handling and a compact frame.

That engine had a couple of advantages too. First, those inclined to tune their cars would find a simple remap could take the engine up to a safe 170bhp and beyond. Then, there was the fuel economy – Skoda claimed that the vRS was capable of 53.3mpg and many owners saw figures well in excess of this. Prices on the used market start at around £1,500.

Lotus Elise (Mk1)

What kind of car does £15,000 buy you these days? A dull, diesel hatchback? A leggy executive saloon with a salesman’s bum-print in the leather? How about a pedigree British sports car? Step forward the Lotus Elise.

The Elise is the Norfolk-based manufacturer at its best – a tiny body and super low weight means that the Elise makes the most of its modest 118bhp, and will outrun many a modern hot hatchback with its 5.8-second 0-60 sprint. It won’t break the bank either – the 1.8-litre K-Series lump is super easy to get parts for, while up to 50mpg on a long run is very impressive.

Think hot hatch and you’re almost certainly going to think of the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

It may not have been the first of its kind, but it was the one that brought performance and practicality to the mainstream when it was introduced back in 1976. Since then, it’s crafted a legacy of some incredible — and a few not-so great — pieces of machinery. We rank them from worst to best.

MkIV (1997-2004)

The Mk4 Golf GTI is one of the most maligned cars in history – and for good reason. It besmirched an already iconic name, and while it was the most convincing GTI yet as a daily driver, it was by far the worst for blasting down a back road by virtue of increased weight, low power, and minimal thrills.

Volkswagen’s reluctance to make the Mk4 a truly ‘hot’ hatchback led to a car that was bloated, lifeless, and downright dull.

MkIII (1992-1997)

The Golf GTI bloodline took a bit of a dip following the Mk2, with the Mk3 failing to capture the essence of the well-loved hot hatch.

Although it gained more power thanks to a larger 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, it took on a lot more weight and, as a result, was actually slower than its predecessor. To many at the time, it seemed like a disappointment and one not worthy of carrying the legendary GTI nameplate.

MkVI (2009-2012)

The Mk6 GTI built on the successful formula of the Mk5, but the limited range of a cursory facelift meant that it was looking dated and tired alongside contemporary rivals. A mere 10bhp power boost and minor tweaks to the suspension meant that slightly more unhinged rivals, such as the Ford Focus ST, were able to steal the thunder.

MkV (2004-2008)

It was a return to form for the Golf GTI with the Mk5. Its credentials as a performance car were revived thanks to a turbocharger, and it continued to be an everyday usable machine.

It looked the part, too. The Mk4 was arguably too understated for a GTI but this was rectified with the return of the red-trimmed grille and the introduction of striking alloy wheels. Some enthusiasts still felt there was more to be done by VW to create another truly great Golf GTI, but it was without a doubt a step in the right direction.

MkVII (2012-2016)

After the mildly disappointing Mk6, Volkswagen turned up the volume dial with the Mk7. This was a car on an all-new platform, with updated engines and a raft of extra technology to make it the most luxurious hot hatchback on the market.

With engine power upgraded to 217bhp, the car was faster than ever, too.

MkII (1983-1992)

The Mk2 Golf GTI had some seriously big shoes to fill. The original was a huge success right off the bat, bringing the first real affordable performance hatch to the masses — and its successor managed just that.

Despite growing a little in size, it managed to retain the formula of the original machine and brought even more performance to the table.

MkI (1976-1983)

The original Golf GTI is a true icon, and its prices on the classic market reflect that. Make no mistake, this a car with values heading in the same direction as the Mk1 Ford Escort.

It still holds up even by today’s standards, though. A compact and super light weight body, coupled with a perky 112bhp engine mean that the GTI’s performance is thoroughly modern, capable of 0-60mph in just over 8 seconds. Its iconic styling endures through the ages, too – with tartan seats, a golf ball gear knob and red detailing are a feature on just about every GTI.

MkVII.5 (2017-Present)

The latest incarnation of the Golf GTI is the best yet. It combines everything VW has learned over four decades of the GTI and the end product is the most powerful, most exciting and most usable of all the generations.

Though there are numerous special editions, including hardcore Clubsport models, the vanilla GTI – as well as Performance Pack equipped models – are still fantastic cars.

It’s fair to say that few companies have shaken up the market like Tesla has. The brand’s small range of all-electric cars are generally well-received by critics and buyers alike, and the charismatic figurehead – Elon Musk – rivals Donald Trump for the attention he receives on Twitter.

And from the outside it would appear that the company is going from strength to strength. Its new products aren’t just packed with the latest technology and bang up-to-date electric powertrains, but Tesla is also at the forefront of home solar energy generation, electricity storage in batteries, and autonomous driving.

But what lies beneath the surface? Here are some of the issues Tesla faces before it can truly crack into the mainstream market and be considered alongside giants such as Toyota or Volkswagen.

It keeps missing targets

Type ‘Tesla missed targets’ into a search engine and you’ll find countless news stories dating back years. The worst culprit was the Model 3 – the brand’s first mass-market electric vehicle, with a price of $35,000 bringing electric mobility to middle America.

Reason RBC question about Model 3 demand is absurd is that Tesla has roughly half a million reservations, despite no advertising & no cars in showrooms. Even after reaching 5k/week production, it would take 2 years just to satisfy existing demand even if new sales dropped to 0.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 4, 2018

But a string of missed targets means the majority of those who pre-ordered the Model 3 have yet to receive it. The brand aims to produce 5,000 Model 3s a week by the end of June – a target that’s been pushed back multiple times – but self-confessed ‘production hell’ means it may end up being even later than that.

Elon Musk is a mad genius

The figurehead of Tesla is Elon Musk, who made his millions through founding PayPal among other ventures. He’s not a traditional CEO, and the company seems to operate on his whims – a policy that’s come under criticism for distracting from the issue at hand.

Problem is journos are under constant pressure to get max clicks & earn advertising dollars or get fired. Tricky situation, as Tesla doesn’t advertise, but fossil fuel companies & gas/diesel car companies are among world’s biggest advertisers.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 23, 2018

For example, as Model 3 production stalled and those who placed reservations became more and more angry and irate, Musk chose to announce a new Roadster. The trick worked – the Roadster, despite being little more than a concept, successfully drew headlines away from Model 3 and gave the Tesla-loving community something new and shiny to look forward to.

Musk drew more criticism just recently though, when he refused to answer so-called ‘dry’ questions from financial analysts during a conference interview and has since taken to Twitter to attack journalists. The market saw through all this, though, and the brand lost $2bn in market value overnight.

It’s not actually making any money

Tesla announced record quarterly losses of almost $710 million (£523m) in the three months leading up to March, but announced that it would be profitable by the end of 2018 – providing it manufactures 5,000 Model 3 vehicles each week.

La la lahttps://t.co/rLQfmrcNO2

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 2, 2018

These losses were nearly double that posted in the same time last year, showing that despite consumer interest in the brand remains strong, Tesla is struggling to translate this to profit. Incredibly however, the company is still worth more than General Motors.

The build quality isn’t up to scratch

Most modern car manufacturers have had decades to perfect their manufacturing processes, and the results show – it’s genuinely quite difficult to find a badly built car today. But Teslas are less than impressive on this front, and numerous owners have complained of electrical bugs, terrible fit and finish and some worrying design oversights.

Perhaps the worst issues were with the Model X SUV and its party-piece ‘falcon wing’ doors, which can sometimes simply refuse to work. A US-based engineering firm also exposed several worrying safety flaws with Tesla vehicles, such as the Model 3’s rear doors which don’t have a mechanical override to open them in the event of electrical failure.

The Tesla fan community/cult

Fanboys are no new thing — but say anything out of place about Tesla, and an army of Elon Musk devotees will come tear your house down.

Ok maybe not for real, but they’re a dedicated and stubborn bunch. They’re quick to dismiss any negative points, and will often point to the straight-line performance of the firm’s machines — regardless of the point you made.

Production issues? Who cares, my Model S can beat a McLaren off the line. The company is quite possible firing itself into bankruptcy? Not a problem, the Model X can monster a Ferrari in a 30 yard sprint.

Thought you’d say that. Anytime anyone criticizes the media, the media shrieks “You’re just like Trump!” Why do you think he got elected in the first place? Because no ones believes you any more. You lost your credibility a long time ago.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 23, 2018

Buying a Tesla seems like buying into a cult, and for us, that’s a bit terrifying.

Volume manufacturing is hard

Mass-producing a product is no easy task — especially not a car. And that’s totally fine, but Tesla doesn’t seem happy to admit that.

It set incredibly ambitious targets when producing the Model 3 — and many seemed impossible to meet for a firm like Tesla. That has so far proven too ambitious, resulting in many bottlenecks and delayed deliveries.

Look Tesla, it’s tough to suddenly begin mass producing cars and there’s no shame in that — just admit that.

Tesla isn’t really a car company, it’s a tech company

Tesla may make cars, but the reality is that it is a tech company at heart. They’re doing some really pioneering stuff in electric car technology and for that it should be commended — but going, that should remain its focus.

With its on-going production issues, questionable long-term reliability and the fact its seemingly nose-diving into bankruptcy at its current rate, we think a future in producing and developing powertrains would be a better move for the firm — especially with the increasing need for small car manufacturers to turn to electrification, which is an expensive game as of itself.

The word ‘underrated’ and ‘performance cars’ don’t tend to go hand-in-hand. They’re the types of cars adored by petrolheads — and even those not actually that interested in cars — across the world.

Many get a reputation far above their actual capacity (looking straight at you, E46 BMW M3) and almost all have a contingent of die-hard followers.

That said, some slip under the radar — and perhaps undeservedly so. Here’s what we think are seven of the most underrated performance cars ever made.

Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R

Adding a Nissan Skyline of any kind to a list of ‘underrated performance cars’ might seem ludicrous but bear with us.

The R33 Skyline is something of an ugly duckling in the legendary Japanese machine’s family history. The R32 before it held all the motorsport glory and earned the nickname ‘Godzilla’ as a result, while the succeeding R34 found fame as the face of video game franchise Gran Turismo while also being an icon in the Fast & Furious film series.

Meanwhile, the R33 never found much relative fame, often disregarded it as the ‘mid-life crisis’ for the Skyline, despite carrying over the magnificent RB26 engine from the R32 and wrapped it in an enhanced chassis and a lower drag body.

However, a gentleman’s agreement between Japanese manufacturers to cap power output at 276bhp on all cars meant the R33 never filled its true potential.  It remains a seriously capable machine in its own right, and with prices rising for all Skylines, now might be the time to invest in this sleeping beauty.

Porsche 718 Boxster

The Porsche 718 Boxster (and its Cayman sibling) were practically written off from the moment they were revealed.

Former versions of the car utilised free-revving, naturally aspirated straight-six engines. Then came the 718 twins, which replaced that much-loved recipe with a turbocharged four-cylinder unit.

Sacrilege cried the purists, and that along with the car’s already-existent reputation as a poor mans’ 911 doomed it from day one. In reality, though, the 718 is one of the most capable machines on the market — offering a hard-to-match driving experience in a stylish and quality package. We wouldn’t say no to the return of a six-cylinder engine, though…

Ford Mustang EcoBoost

We’ll be the first to admit that a Ford Mustang isn’t really quite right if it doesn’t have a snarling V8 engine underneath the bonnet — but what can’t be overlooked is just how good the four-cylinder version is.

Using the same 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine from the widely-adored Focus RS — here tweaked to suit the muscle car — the EcoBoost might be the thinking man’s Mustang, and certainly makes more sense on paper in the UK.

It’s no slouch — with 286bhp and 440Nm of torque — and that power is more usable everyday than the 5.0-litre V8s, while also delivering markedly improved efficiency figures. If you can get past the lack of an eight-cylinder burble, the EcoBoost Mustang might just be a smart choice to make.

Audi S1

Amidst all Audi’s RS variants, the plucky ‘S’ models often get left behind. Perhaps the biggest victim of this is the S1. When people think about supermini-based hot hatches, they all go screaming to Ford, Renault and Mini for their renowned hatches, but the poor Audi S1 seems to end up being nearly entirely forgotten.

Granted, it may be a bit long in the tooth now and overdue a good refresh, but even four years into its model run – or eight years if you think of when the A1 first reached showrooms – it still has a better, more luxurious and refined interior than some all-new hot hatches. And with 228bhp on tap from its peppy 2.0-litre petrol engine and Quattro all-wheel-drive, it puts in a unique position for a supermini hot hatch.

Add in the fact it’s available as a three- or five-door hatch and it can get from 0-60mph in under six seconds and it seems even stranger that the S1 gets unnoticed. Yes, it might be expensive new, but there are some cracking examples on the used market from as little as £15,000. Take that, Fiesta ST.

Hyundai Coupe

The Hyundai Coupe never really set the world alight — and we won’t argue it should have done — but it’s definitely one many forget when it comes to compact sports coupes.

We think a lot of this has to do with its looks. You’d be forgiven for taking a glance at the South Korean machine and expecting there to be a punchy turbocharged engine sending power to the rear wheels. In reality, though, the most potent models featured a sluggish V6 engine developing a mere 162bhp — poor at the time, let alone by today’s standards.

What few know though is that it’s a pretty capable machine in its own right, offering good driving dynamics and thanks to little mainstream attention when it was on sale new — prices on the used market are pretty low, making this is a bit of a performance bargain.

Volvo V60 Polestar

It’s certainly impossible to miss the Volvo V60 Polestar – after all, despite being a sensible estate car, it’s fitted with massive 20-inch alloy wheels and painted in an eye-catching shade of bright blue. It’s far from the standard V60, having been breathed on by Volvo’s in-house performance arm, Polestar – it features one of the world’s most powerful four-cylinder engines as well as virtually limitless traction courtesy of four-wheel drive.

So if the Polestar is that great, why don’t people buy them? It may be the car’s image. Though Volvos are becoming cooler and hip as time goes on, the old V60 has a certain whiff of antiques dealer about it – even in Polestar Blue.

Vauxhall Astra VXR

The Astra’s abilities are only underrated by some of the population – for many, fast Vauxhalls are near-perfect, and those people won’t need any persuading. Others may need coaxing past the car’s almost comically chavvy image or require reassuring that the legendary torque-steer and, let’s say, difficult handling won’t be an issue on the road.

All this is true, and while the Astra VXR is nowhere near as poised as rivals such as the Golf GTI, it’s incredibly fast, surprisingly decent to live with and – importantly – an absolute bargain on the used market. Being unpopular has its plus points when it comes to buying used.

 

A teacher’s dash cam captured her drink-driving and crashing into a parked car.

The footage shows 41-year-old Louise Willard swerving along the A27 in East Sussex at 70mph and mounting the grass verge while crossing a busy roundabout.

She then narrowly misses passing cars, trees, hedges and roadworks while travelling at up to 50mph on the A259 and country lanes before crashing into an Audi A4 in Bexhill. She initially reversed and drove off before stopping nearby.

Police were called at around 5.30pm on April 4 by two members of the public who were worried about the actions of the driver of the white Vauxhall Corsa.

Willard, of Bexhill, failed a roadside breathalyser test after being found with 94mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath in her system – nearly three times the 35mcg legal limit.

She was charged with drink-driving and failing to stop after a crash and pleaded guilty at Hastings Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Willard was disqualified from driving for 24 months and sentenced to a 12-month community order to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work, and has to pay £170 in costs and victim surcharge.

Pc Nathan Langley, of the Sussex Police Polegate Roads Policing Unit, said the “shocking” footage was released to highlight the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol.

He added: “The scary thing is this isn’t a particularly unusual or extraordinary example of drink-driving; the driver has displayed a number of characteristics which you would typically expect. What you wouldn’t expect, of course, is for someone in such a state to get behind the wheel of their car.”

A company director who fitted a laser jammer to his Range Rover and gave speed cameras the finger has been jailed for perverting the course of justice, police said.

Timothy Hill, 67, threw the device in a river behind his home in Grassington, North Yorkshire, when he found out that officers were investigating the rude gestures made from the distinctive white vehicle with personalised number plates.

At first he lied about where the car was and tried to destroy the jammer.

But North Yorkshire Police said he was jailed for eight months and banned from driving for a year for perverting the course of justice.

Hill drove past mobile speed camera vans on the A19 near Easingwold, Thirsk and Crathorne three times in December and each time he was photographed gesturing to the camera with his middle finger.

Police detected that a jammer was fitted to his Range Rover, and he eventually admitted it was his when he was later questioned.

His speeds could not be determined so he was charged with perverting the course of justice, which he admitted on Monday.

After the case, Traffic Constable Andrew Forth said: “If you want to attract our attention, repeatedly gesturing at police camera vans with your middle finger while you’re driving a distinctive car fitted with a laser jammer is an excellent way to do it.

“It’s also an excellent way to end up in prison.

“As Hill’s case shows, perverting the course of justice is a very serious charge which carries a custodial sentence.”

By Tom Wilkinson

The Ferrari 488 Pista is the latest lightweight supercar to come from the Maranello-based manufacturer, following in a long line of ultra-focused, track-ready models.

According to a Ferrari spokesperson, only 10 per cent of owners are expected to use it on track – but that doesn’t stop the Pista from being as hardcore as possible.

Here, are the key things you need to know.

Engine

The 488 Pista is powered by the same 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 as the standard 488, but it has been upgraded to deliver 711bhp at 8,000rpm and 770Nm of torque.

That represents a 49bhp increase in power over the engine in the standard 488, affording the Pista with even more brutal performance.

Performance

It only takes 2.65 seconds to do 0-60mph and can carry on to a top speed in excess of 211mph.

Incredibly, that beats the official acceleration time of Ferrari’s LaFerrari hypercar. It matches the figures set by the Pista’s main rival – the Porsche 911 GT3 RS too. The German manufacturer claims a 0-60mph time of 2.6 seconds, as well as a top speed of 211mph.

Gearbox

The 488 Pista features a gearbox capable of high-performance shifting, which is available in the race position.

This reduces shifting time and allows for more positive acceleration when a higher gear is engaged. Large gearshift paddles are located behind the steering wheel, allowing for easy shifts.

Lightweight interior

The 488 Pista’s cockpit has been designed to feel like the inside of a racing car. There are no luxuries, with lightweight materials such as carbon-fibre and Alcantara being used as much as possible.

Triangular- patterned hand-stitching, tread plates and heel rests are included, but the glovebox has been removed as part of weight-saving efforts in the under-dash area.

Strong exterior design

The design of the 488 Pista was guided by aerodynamics, as the car is totally geared towards performance. The S-duct at the front of the car was used by the designers as an opportunity to shorten the vehicle’s nose.

The splitter in the side air intakes has been removed and aerodynamic profiles run along the length of the car. The dolphin-tail rear spoiler gives an impression of lightness and the rear diffuser juts out prominently. To top it all off, a two-tone livery covers the whole car and completes the sporty look.

Price

Order books for the 488 Pista opened after the car’s debut at the Geneva Motor Show at the start of March.

Even before options, it costs £252,695 – though this could easily get close to £300,000 after a few options boxes have been ticked.

It’s a ‘special series’ car, meaning that it’ll have a fixed production run but won’t be limited in number – however Ferrari won’t confirm how long that production period will be.

F1-inspired aerodynamics

The 488 Pista is 20 per cent more aerodynamic
than the car it’s based on, thanks to a number of advancements made by the marque’s engineers.


The front radiator arrangement has been completely redesigned, with hot air being directed to the underbody ahead of the front wheels.

Rear intercooler performance has been improved by 10 per cent and the virtual fairing of the exposed area of the tyre cuts drag by seven per cent.

Lower centre of gravity

The Pista is 90kg lighter than the standard 488, making it more agile and responsive. These reductions have been made in the most weight- sensitive areas of the car, away from its centre of gravity.

A side slip control system has been incorporated, along with a lateral dynamics control system.

What’s in a name?

Well, the name ‘Pista’ means ‘Track’ in English – and this acknowledges Ferrari’s extensive motorsport heritage.

Carbon-fibre wheels

The 488 Pista is available with lightweight carbon-fibre wheels. These come with a composite aluminium and ceramic coating on the inside of the wheel.

An extreme homage to #Ferrari’s unparalleled heritage in motor sports. #Ferrari488Pista

— Ferrari (@Ferrari) March 20, 2018

As well as being impressive light – 40 per cent lighter than a standard wheel, in fact – the alloys have been tested to withstand temperatures of up to 1,200ºC.

That coating helps protect the carbon-fibre from the high temperatures of the carbon-ceramic brakes, which can hit up to 800c.

Motorsport-inspired mechanicals

The 488 Pista uses many components from Ferrari’s 488 GTE and 488 Challenge race cars.

Our racing heart beats fiercely. #Ferrari #488GTB pic.twitter.com/CVExwHLf3u

— Ferrari (@Ferrari) March 19, 2018

These parts include the engine and aerodynamics, while the weight saving measures taken also come from the high-performance racers. They help make the Pista 90kg lighter than a standard 488 GTB.

Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer

The Pista is the first car to benefit from Ferrari’s Dynamic Enhancer system. This system uses software to adjust the brake pressure at each individual wheel.

Introducing the extremely high performance of the #Ferrari488Pista: https://t.co/ePYTl6MO4q pic.twitter.com/4ucHWqscIB

— Ferrari (@Ferrari) March 19, 2018

Why? It means that the car can actively change the amount of brake used at any given time, helping improve cornering speeds as well as with traction coming out of the bends.

Incidentally, the Pista’s brake servo comes from the 488 Challenge race car, and that means that braking is immediate, without any ‘softness’ at the top of the brake pedal’s travel.

Fast lap times

The 488 Pista posted a lap time of 1:21:5 around Ferrari’s Fiorano test track. Incredibly, that’s 1.5 seconds quicker than the regular 488 GTB – showing that the car’s updates really do help it achieve the best times on the circuit.

Advance orders are now being taken for the Polestar 1 hybrid performance car – the first to come from the Volvo spin-off brand.

Potential UK buyers of the electrified machine can secure a place in the production queue with a €2,500 (circa £2,220) deposit, which is fully refundable should any minds change. Applications to buy a Polestar 1 can be made online, with those successful then able to use a configurator to spec the car to their liking before ordering.

Final pricing hasn’t been revealed for the Swedish performance machine, but Polestar has confirmed that the car will only be available on subscription, requiring monthly payments. As well as the cost of the car, the payments will also cover servicing and give customers the option to rent Volvo vehicles plus other future Polestar models.

Thomas Ingenlath, chief executive of Polestar, said: “With over 7,000 people interested in owning a Polestar 1 since its reveal, we are extremely encouraged by the passion shown for our product. We will now take the next steps towards delivering this beautiful car to our first customers.”

Set to arrive in mid-2019, the Polestar 1 features an electric drivetrain supported by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 592bhp and 1,000Nm of torque. It’s also capable of travelling 90 miles on battery power alone.

This is the first car to come from the Volvo-owned brand, which was revealed as a spin-off in 2017. The Polestar 1 will be produced in China at a purpose-built facility in Chengdu that will finish construction later this year. Polestar plans to produce just 500 examples of the 1 annually.