Author: Tom Wiltshire

Cars with a royal connection often command a premium over their standard brethren, but anybody after a right regal runabout could get their hands on a comparative bargain, as Prince Andrew’s former Bentley Flying Spur is up for sale.

The four-door luxury limousine is available at Surrey car dealer Bramley Motor Cars, having been placed on sale just before younger daughter Princess Eugenie’s wedding to wine merchant Jack Brooksbank last Friday.

It’s had one owner since the Duke of York bought it new, but while he may have had some bearing on the sum being asked for, this Bentley is surprisingly well priced. With a tag of £94,450, it’s broadly in line with models of a similar age and mileage available elsewhere.

This example was registered in July 2015 and has just 11,500 miles on the clock, while a similar 2014 model with 21,000 miles is currently for sale at a private dealer for £97,995.

The prince’s Flying Spur would have cost around £150,000 to buy new, and according to the dealer was ‘his formal means of transport and was registered with his private number plate’.

It’s a rather tastefully specified example, too, featuring classically handsome Barnato green paintwork mated to a cream leather and dark wood burr interior. It’s also fitted with the desirable 6.0-litre W12 engine rather than the more practical but less theatrical 4.0-litre V8.

Although the Flying Spur is a particularly sought-after luxury motor, it’s not quite as exclusive as the vehicle that Eugenie and Brooksbank chose for their wedding transport. The couple left their Windsor Castle ceremony in a bespoke Aston Martin DB10 – one of just 10 produced to promote the James Bond movie Spectre.

Bramley Motor Cars, which is near Guildford, is no stranger to handling cars with a royal link. In 2016, a Bentley Mulsanne used by the Queen over two years and across her diamond jubilee celebrations was sold by the high-end dealership for £200,000.

If you’re one of those drivers who keeps a vast history folder of every service record, invoice and tax disc associated with your car, then you could be in luck…

Far from being worthless bits of paper, old tax discs can sell for surprising amounts on the internet – with particularly rare examples fetching more than £1,000.

Tax discs were scrapped in 2014, when a new and non-transferable system of vehicle excise duty came into force. The system is now completely online, which has made the old paper tax disc obsolete.

Yet, like stamps or foreign banknotes, the colours and regional differences of tax discs mean they’ve always been collectible – and being obsolete now makes them even more desirable.

Tax discs from the 1920s can command vast sums on popular auction sites such as eBay – one recently sold for a whopping £1,225, having been placed online with a £100 starting price.

You old tax discs could be worth up to £1,225 – Rare ones selling on eBay to look out for – read more – https://t.co/ACCdrgRp8u

Motorists could make over £1,000 by selling their old car tax disc on eBay.
Tax discs are a thing from the past and they were scrapped back in 2014… pic.twitter.com/RUgwU3iGJT

— NewsFlash – Fresh News (@NewsflashN) October 13, 2018

A pair of discs from 1921 and 1924 recently fetched £860, while a job lot of 1920s items was listed for £599.

Discs from 1921 are among the most sought after, as this was the first year the paper certificate was introduced.

It’s not just vintage tax discs that command high prices, either. A set of 12 discs from the same Honda Accord are currently listed for £719, while a run of tax discs from 2003 that contained a barcode can fetch more than £100 each.

For serial collectors, job lots can be particularly exciting. The most expensive example currently listed is advertised for £4,950, although this collection does include 2,396 individual discs – making them a slightly more palatable £2.07 each.

So if you’ve a file full of old paperwork, see if there are any old tax discs lurking there – they could fetch you some serious cash!

Olympic champion cyclist Sir Chris Hoy has suggested motorists and cyclists should open the lines of communication and put themselves into each other’s shoes, to improve relations on the road and raise safety levels.

The sportsman, speaking at the Cheltenham Festival of Literature, told audiences: “We are people trying to get around, whether you choose to go on foot, cycle, taxi, whatever. We are people trying to get from A to B.”

Hoy suggested both groups should put themselves in each other’s shoes – with drivers recognising how intimidating cars, vans and lorries can be to cyclists, and cyclists being courteous and communicative with drivers.

“If you are cycling and thinking, ‘Well, they can sit behind me for half a mile on this single lane road…’ It’s not about saying you should get out of the way and let them through. It’s about when they do come past, just give them the thumbs-up and you can see the road’s clear. Give them a wave through, say thanks. That little bit of communication helps,” said Hoy.

“Equally, when you are a motorist, to understand what it feels like to have a wing mirror buzz past your ear – it’s absolutely terrifying.

“Most cyclists drive and vice versa. You have to try and put yourself in the shoes of the other person.”

Hoy is one of Britain’s greatest cyclists and the country’s most decorated Olympian along with Jason Kenny. The two men have won six gold and one silver medal each in track cycling.

Hoy praised the ‘brilliance’ of a company in Brazil, which gave bus drivers a taste of passing distances in an innovative study.

The drivers were placed onto stationary bikes by researchers from the Social Transport Service – a non-profit organisation. They were then passed by a bus similar to one they would normally drive. The bus left them 1.5 metres of space – the legal minimum in Brazil.

The UK’s Highway Code contains no such minimum distance. Instead, it specifies only that drivers must give cyclists ‘plenty of room’ and ‘at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car’.

Cycling groups have criticised these guidelines for being unintentionally vague, and called for the introduction of minimum passing distances.

Ford is continuing its mental health campaign in association with the charity Time to Change, and has commissioned a Norfolk artist to ‘paint’ a mural onto a filthy Transit van in support.

‘Ruddy Muddy’ painted a huge elephant onto the van, signifying the act of confronting the so-called elephant in the room – in this case, mental health. Along with the elephant, the van carries the legend: “If your mate’s acting differently – ACT! Don’t let mental health be the elephant in the room,” as well as the #asktwice hashtag.

This #worldmentalhealthday, open up a conversation and don’t let metal health be the elephant in the room. https://t.co/mQl4y5Jgrg

— Ford UK (@forduk) October 10, 2018

Ford’s support for the campaign comes after the manufacturer conducted research and found men working in trade and construction are at the greatest risk of depression. It also found more than half of Brits have had an emotional conversation while in a vehicle, with 60 per cent believing that’s the best place to do it.

Jo Loughran, director of the charity Time to Change, said: “It’s really important to us that we change how people think and act towards those of us experiencing mental health problems. Mental health problems can affect anyone and they can be hard to discuss. Our latest research shows that when asked how we are, three quarters of us will say ‘I’m fine’ even if we’re struggling with our mental health. This World Mental Health Day, we’re encouraging everybody to ask twice.”

“Asking twice – “Are you sure you’re ok?” – means people are much more likely to open up in conversation. We’re proud to be working alongside Ford on their dirty van art campaign.”

Ruddy Muddy, the artist responsible for the portrait, said: “When the mental health campaign was first mentioned I knew I wanted to be on board. Poor mental health has touched both friends and family and I have seen first-hand what a profound impact it can have.

“A chance to do something that increases the awareness of talking and understanding mental health was an extremely interesting idea. If it can help just one person then it is a very important muddy van…”

Ford has been doing its own part to help its employees confront mental health issues. Since April, it has issued daily emails to employees around mindfulness and mental health awareness, trained 50 new mental health first aiders and provided mental health training to 250 others, and launched a dedicated employee wellbeing portal.

Isuzu has introduced the latest in its line of D-Max pickups, this time bringing an aggressive new edge to the truck.

Named the Fury, it’s a limited-run special edition with added styling and comfort tweaks, plus a striking red and black colour scheme.

Anticipating strong demand for the few Fury models available, Isuzu UK has opened order books early for the new pickup, which will arrive in dealerships in January 2019.

Starting with the exterior, all D-Max Furys will be finished in a Magma Red paint scheme, fitted with dark grey 18-inch alloy wheels and a red Isuzu badge in the darkened radiator grille.

There are gunmetal grey side steps, black door mirrors, door handles and tailgate handle and an eye-catching ‘FURY’ decal just aft of the front wheel arch.

That style continues on the inside, with dark grey seats featuring red stitching. The stitching continues on the armrests and steering wheel, while there are Fury-specific carpet mats.

Those lusting after an even more striking interior can specify a full leather package which brings black and red upholstery with stitched ‘FURY’ logos in the headrests.

All standard D-Max features remain, including air-con, a seven-inch infotainment system with reversing camera, and a 1.9-litre diesel engine producing 163bhp and 360Nm of torque.

The new D-Max Fury is available to order now, with first deliveries in January 2019. Prices start from £22,499 excluding VAT for commercial vehicle customers.

BMW lifted the lid on its brand-new 3 Series at today’s Paris Motor Show.

The seventh generation of the manufacturer’s popular saloon has been completely revised, and is due to go on sale from next March.

With prices starting at £33,610, the revamped 3 Series aims to eclipse the success of its predecessor by offering more space and improved handling.

The new car is now 85 millimetres longer than the car it replaces, as well as 16 millimetres wider, and features a wheelbase extended by 41 millimetres as a result of being based on similar underpinnings as the larger 5 Series.

The wait is over. Introducing the new #BMW 3 Series. Find out more: https://t.co/rEboYLsrr4 pic.twitter.com/29aYyA0F2Y

— BMW UK (@BMW_UK) October 2, 2018

The large kidney grilles remain at the front of the car but are now framed by ‘notched’ headlights.

Inside, the 3 Series remains as driver-focused as ever. A large central screen dominates the cabin, aided by traditional button controls for functions such as heating and ventilation.

A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster replaces the traditional dials behind the wheel, supplemented by a 10.3-inch central screen using BMW’s latest infotainment operating system.

The popular 320d model remains, powered by an upgraded 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel, and is available with both rear- and all-wheel drive. The rear-driven 320d can hit 60mph in 6.9 seconds, with the xDrive version shaving that to 6.7 seconds.

A powerful four-cylinder petrol will be used in the 330i and is capable of hitting 60mph in 5.6 seconds while delivering a claimed combined fuel consumption of 48.7mpg.

Overall body rigidity is now up by 25 per cent, while the suspension spring rate has also been increased to help deliver a more sporting drive.

The popular M Sport specification remains too, offering a more dynamic look as well as sports suspension, which drops the car’s ride height by 10mm over the regular model.

What is it?

Mazda has a habit of regularly updating its cars with small refinements and improvements, rather than saving them all for a big update every few years. Such is the way with the 2018 CX-3 compact crossover, which you might find difficult to tell apart from its predecessor.

Small changes aside, it’s the same recipe we’ve come to appreciate from Mazda – good looks, a straightforward interior, smooth, naturally-aspirated petrol engines and excellent driving manners.

Does the extra veneer improve the CX-3’s weak points, though?

What’s new?

Oddly enough given the current anti-diesel rhetoric, one of the largest changes for the updated CX-3 is the addition of a new 1.8-litre oil-burner. Mazda UK admits it’s unlikely to be in huge demand, though – the outgoing 1.5 only accounted for 20 per cent of sales.

Elsewhere, changes are discreet to say the least. There’s a revised front grille and some new LED taillights, while the interior sees a redesigned centre console and some new fabric trim.

What’s under the bonnet?

Of the three engines on offer, it’s the base unit that impresses the most. The naturally-aspirated, 119bhp 2.0-litre is smooth and refined around town and mated to a slick six-speed manual it’s also good fun to wring out. The payoff for going naturally aspirated is that official fuel economy results tend to be far closer to reality – the claimed 45.5mpg is certainly achievable.

Compared with modern turbocharged units it does take rather a lot of thrashing to get up to speed, though – you’ll need to explore those upper rev bands a fair amount to get going, which can become tiring.

Also on offer is a 148bhp version of the same engine, which disappointed with an obtrusive and thrashy engine note, while the new diesel is impressively economical but slightly agricultural in character. Four-wheel-drive is an option for the higher-powered petrol engine, while both petrols can also be had with a six-speed automatic gearbox.

What’s it like to drive?

Mazda is somewhat like Ford – both brands are skilled at making ordinary cars with exceptional handling. While the Focus pips the 3 and the Fiesta the 2, Mazda’s CX-3 certainly has the Ford Ecosport licked when it comes to handling in the compact crossover segment.

The CX-3’s steering is sharp and accurate, and front-end grip inspires more confidence than many other cars in this class. There’s not a huge ride penalty, either, and the CX-3 is vastly more comfortable than a Kia Stonic.

Mazda’s tweaked the suspension to give the car a more grown-up feel, but the slightly soft edge might not be to your taste – it soaks up bumps well but tends to bounce over larger crests in the road surface.

It’s a comfortable cruiser though, despite rather a lot of wind roar from those large side mirrors.

How does it look?

Facelifted Mazda CX-3 still a very pleasant thing. pic.twitter.com/xNeEBxO7iZ

— Tom Wiltshire (@mctreckmeister) September 18, 2018

Much like the old CX-3, and that’s no bad thing. Mazda’s family face sits well on the front of this car, and the overall effect of a smaller CX-5 is quite handsome.

The CX-3’s updated grille is flanked by slim LED headlights, mirrored in the distinctive new LED taillights. The whole effect is lifted further by the addition of Mazda’s Soul Red Crystal paint – one of the best colours available on cars today, and an option box well worth ticking.

To be critical, the CX-3 perhaps isn’t quite as well-proportioned as cars such as the Seat Arona – it’s a little nose-heavy, with a few fussy design details. However, it’s still a smart-looking compact crossover.

What’s it like inside?

The CX-3 lifts its interior from the Mazda 2, so there’s a pleasantly driver-focused aspect to the cabin with a wonderfully straightforward gauge cluster. There are rather a lot of different materials on show, of varying quality – we’re not the biggest fans of the suede stripe across the dash on certain models, but other aspects such as the metal surrounds to the air vents feel solid and premium.

The redesigned centre console drops the manual handbrake for an electric one, but as a side effect the controller for Mazda’s infotainment system moves further forward to a far more comfortable location. The system itself is decent, but we’d suggest adding Apple Carplay and Android Auto to improve it further – an optional, dealer-fit extra.

There’s a decent amount of space on offer, but the CX-3 is still more cramped for rear occupants than some rivals such as the Skoda Karoq.

What’s the spec like?

All CX-3s are well equipped – Mazda’s options list rarely extends further than the paint colour. Trim levels start out with SE Nav+, which brings air-con, cruise control, keyless start and Mazda’s infotainment system.

SE-L Nav+, meanwhile adds rear parking sensors, climate control and some extra safety kit. Top-spec Sport Nav adds leather, a Bose surround-sound system and keyless entry, plus LED headlights.

It doesn’t come cheap – the CX-3 starts from £18,995, where a basic Seat Arona can be had from less than £17,000.

Verdict

For keen drivers, the Mazda CX-3 should still be on the compact crossover shortlist – it’s a great little car to drive in and out of the city. Potential buyers should take a good test drive to make sure the character of the naturally-aspirated engine suits them, though – and if you’re not too worried about premium equipment, there is better value to be found elsewhere. But for the most part this is an excellent car with plenty going for it.

What is it?

Put simply, the Mazda MX-5 is an institution – the world’s best-selling roadster, a Japanese icon and the brand’s best-known car worldwide. It’s the car, Mazda says, that brings interest to the brand – keen drivers are attracted to the rest of the more practical lineup after being drawn in by the sporty and emotive MX-5.

And, with the UK buying more MX-5s than any other country in Europe, we’ve taken to it rather better to the dinky roadster anyone might expect from a country best known for its potholes and drizzle. This facelifted model, then, has to get some crucial elements right if the discerning British market is to continue its adoration.

What’s new?

You’ll struggle to tell updated model from the outgoing car at a glance, as it’s visually identical save for a small hump on the rear, which houses a reversing camera. As before, the manually folding soft-top is available alongside an electric ‘Retractable Fastback’ hard-top.

The changes are mostly under the skin, and the headline alteration is a brand-new 2.0-litre petrol engine to replace the existing unit. It offers 181bhp, up from the old car’s 158bhp, thanks to a raft of upgrades – this is more than just a slight tune-up.

Inside, a few crucial changes have been made off the back of existing owners’ feedback, while there’s also added safety kit. All versions are now compliant with WLTP emissions regulations, too.

Though I like the RF, a soft-top with cloth seats in Soul Red is my favourite MX-5. This thing is pretty mega with the extra grunt. pic.twitter.com/PDtq1Ys0fv

— Tom Wiltshire (@mctreckmeister) September 12, 2018

What’s under the bonnet?

The existing – and brilliant – 1.5-litre engine is carried over to the new car is virtually unchanged, but the headline feature is the new 2.0-litre engine. A power increase of 23bhp is well appreciated, though the five extra Newton-meters of torque is barely worth mentioning.

Of more note is the rev limit, which now sits at 7,500rpm — rather than 6,800rpm in the old car. That allows the driver to play to the MX-5’s strengths even better, as the most fun is to be had when wringing this car by its neck. The new engine is more free-revving than the old one too, giving it a character closer to the superb 1.5-litre. It’s a brilliant update.

Mazda’s refusal to give in to popular convention and turbocharge the MX-5 does mean that a hot hatchback such as the Ford Fiesta ST will easily outpace it, but a 6.3-second 0-60mph sprint is not too shabby. Nor is the claimed 40.9mpg – achieved thanks to Mazda engineers’ fanatical obsession with weight-saving and efficiency at component level.

There is an automatic transmission on offer with hard-top RF models, but the gearbox of choice is definitely the snappy and slick six-speed manual – truly one of the best in the business.

What’s it like to drive?

Drive the MX-5 hard and you’ll be unable to keep the smile from your face. So many of the ingredients are instantly right – with a perfectly low-slung driving position and compact pedal box, plus a thin-rimmed steering wheel with which to keep everything pointing in the right direction.

MX-5s have never been about ultimate pace – rather, how much fun you can have at slower speeds. We’re pleased to report that the chassis of this car is identical to the outgoing model, and so retains the sense of fun that characterizes these cars.

Everything’s fantastically well balanced, and the quick steering allows for lightning fast reactions. Best of all, the Mazda won’t punish inexperienced drivers should they try to press on a little too hard. Even when stressed beyond reasonable limits, the Mazda’s chassis remains safe and predictable.

Yet the MX-5 also remains a very capable daily driver. Though those with long motorway commutes may find it tiring, though it’s almost as much fun nipping through city streets as it is on a fantastic B-road.

How does it look?

There’s little to report here, as Mazda’s kept the styling of the facelifted model virtually identical to the outgoing car. We feel it could have taken this opportunity to tidy up some of the car’s details, though. We’d like to see an integrated aerial replace the old-fashioned stalk of the current car, for example.

Broadly speaking, however, the MX-5 remains a great-looking little roadster, with keen proportions and plenty of slashy styling detail. The new Soul Red Crystal metallic paint finish looks the part, too.

What’s it like inside?

Mazda’s improved the interior based on customer feedback. The flimsy cupholders have been replaced with supposedly sturdier units – we couldn’t notice much difference – while the actions of the seats and doors is also slicker.

Best of all – tall and small drivers rejoice – there’s now reach adjustment to the steering column for the first time. It makes it so much easier to get comfortable.

Though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto don’t feature as standard, they will be available as dealer-fit options.

What’s the spec like?

In typical Mazda fashion, specs are pretty simple and the options list short. All cars come with alloy wheels, LED headlights, keyless entry, and air-conditioning for no extra cost.

If you opt for the 2.0-litre engine, the range kicks off with SE-L Nav+ trim, which brings climate control, DAB radio, cruise control and a 7.0-inch multimedia system, plus 17-inch alloy wheels. Sport Nav+ adds sports suspension with Bilstein dampers, heated leather seats, automatic lights and wipers and a Bose stereo system, while the new top-of-the-range GT Sport Nav+ level brings a bootlid spoiler, stainless steel scuff plates and Sand leather seats.

All 2.0-litre models also come with a limited-slip differential at the rear to mark them out as a real driver’s option compared with the 1.5-litre.

Safety kit has been stepped up for this latest model, too. There is blind-spot monitoring – especially useful in the RF, which suffers from poor rear visibility – lane departure warning, cross traffic alert and front and rear autonomous emergency braking.

Verdict

This modest update to the MX-5 is a brilliant one, as it brings in an engine that finally has the effervescent and fizzy character of the 1.5-litre, but with enough power to delight serious drivers. Outright pace may not have improved that drastically, but the new engine is enough to turn the 2.0-litre MX-5 from a great car into a fantastic one. The additional comfort and safety features are also well appreciated.

Facts at a glance

Model: Mazda MX-5 SE-L Nav+ 2.0
Price: £23,085
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Power: 181bhp
Torque (Nm): 205
Max speed (mph): 136
0-60mph: 6.3sec
MPG: 40.9
Emissions (g/km): 156

Every year during Monterey Car Week, the eyes of the world turn to the exclusive community of Pebble Beach, California. That’s because since 1950, it’s played host to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance – a motor show in which the world’s most interesting, rare and valuable cars are judged on their authenticity, history, style and current condition.

With so many well-heeled car collectors in one place, it’s no wonder car manufacturers have leapt on Pebble Beach as the ideal location to launch their impressive one-off concept cars, high-end production models and design studies.

2018 was no exception, with many new cars and concepts shown off on the immaculately trimmed lawns of Pebble Beach Golf Links. Here are some of the best…

Infiniti Prototype 10

Infiniti may not have a lot of heritage, but you’d be forgiven for thinking it had years of experience in classic motor racing with the evocative Prototype 10. It’s a single-seater electric racer designed to provide the maximum in driving pleasure. Of course, it doesn’t preview any future production car – it’s more an expression of where the brand’s signature angular design language is headed.

A forward-looking realization of the brand’s vision for electrified performance, Prototype 10 hints at future design cues from INFINITI #PebbleBeachConcours #conceptcar #EmpowerTheDrive #Prototype10 pic.twitter.com/WJ7snMkoFx

— INFINITI Motor Co. (@INFINITIMotor) August 23, 2018

Porsche Project Gold

Not strictly speaking a new car, but it’s as good as – this gloriously ‘resto-modded’ Porsche 911 is the product of Porsche’s Classic division, and took 18 months to create. It features a hand-stamped aluminium chassis, brand-new air-cooled engine and a lovingly restored 993 Turbo body. It’s set to go up for auction at Porsche’s 70th anniversary sale in October, where it’s likely to command a huge price.

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ

Lamborghini took the opportunity to unveil its most powerful production car yet at an exclusive gathering at the Quail, ahead of Pebble Beach. The Aventador SVJ takes the already crazy SV and adds even more oomph. With even more power from its huge V12 engine, and a no-holds-barred aerodynamic body kit, this might just be the ultimate embodiment of everything the Italian firm stands for.

Gorgeous scenery, a luxurious lounge and the unveiling of the new Aventador SVJ. Special guests of the week: the Lamborghini Huracán Performante and the Urus. #MontereyCarWeek was all this and much more for #Lamborghinihttps://t.co/3yJ2rmrEXp pic.twitter.com/1bLaKYVsYT

— Lamborghini (@Lamborghini) August 27, 2018

Ferrari 488 Pista Spider

America is the home of the convertible dream, so there was no better place for Ferrari to reveal the drop-top version of its most focused version of the 488. Set to be produced in limited numbers, the Pista Spider is the 50th convertible from the Italian brand and with 710bhp at its disposal, it’s also one of the most potent.

BMW Z4

BMW showed off the Z4 Concept at last year’s Pebble Beach, so the 2018 event was the perfect venue to display the production model. Launched in high-performance M40i form, the soft-top Z4 is sportier and more focused than its predecessor and will share plenty with the upcoming Toyota Supra.

The all-new #BMW #Z4 First Edition at the world premiere at Pebble Beach concours d'elegance: The beginning of a new way to drive the world. pic.twitter.com/mGOWJU1TkH

— BMW (@BMW) August 24, 2018

Mercedes-Benz Vision EQ Silver Arrow

Paying homage to the iconic W125 ‘Silver Arrow’ Grand Prix car was never going to be an easy job, but the 738bhp all-electric EQ Silver Arrow does a fair job. With streamlined bodywork, a cosy single-seat cockpit and retro-styled tailfin, it’s certainly a gorgeous thing – and should have the performance to match.

Audi PB18

Another all-electric, track-focused concept — but the PB18 e-tron is rather special. With trademark Audi styling potentially previewing its status as an R8 replacement, the PB18 adopts the latest solid-state battery tech and quick-charging to reduce weight, improve convenience and deliver a blistering 764bhp.

Showing off at the car show. The PB 18 e-tron concept car debuts at #MontereyCarWeek. pic.twitter.com/4A8OjUZ3YA

— Audi (@Audi) August 24, 2018

Bugatti Divo

Bugatti’s recent creations may be more associated with cruise liners than race cars, but the newly-unveiled Divo bucks that trend. Based on the Chiron, this track-focused machine may be down on top speed compared with its sibling — but it’s also lighter and produces bags of downforce, making it a sure-fire hit on the circuit.