Articles by Mark Hinchliffe

A survey of car dealers has uncovered a raft of customer complaints such as vehicles taking four months to be delivered, problems with accessories and customers being pressured into accepting an alternative vehicle after the wrong one was ordered.The RACQ survey found just over one in four customers (27 per cent) indicated they needed to return their car for follow-up fitment of dealer-added accessories, warranty-related faults or to have a concern checked.However, the RACQ survey found 85 per cent of first-time customers to a dealership said they would buy again from the same dealer and 95 per cent of repeat customers said they would return.Motor Trades Association of Australia spokesman Colin Duckworth said pushy car sales people were "dinosaurs on the way out"."The average dealer principal these days goes out of their way to keep customers," he said."They really don't make a lot of money out of selling a car - bugger all. Their main profit centres are finance and insurance, and the ongoing service of the vehicle. I don't deny that there are the odd ones that are pushy and try to upsell customers but I wonder how much of that comes from the suppliers who instruct them to push customers into higher-spec vehicles. They would rather dealers sold their floor stock than raise an order for a special vehicle."RACQ spokesman Steve Spalding said respondents' comments about car dealership staff included that they were "rude", "far too pushy" and "too busy", "lacked interest once the contract was signed" and "didn't care whether I bought there or not".Others said the manager was "quite unethical" and the purchasing process was "generally unpleasant".Spalding said the survey showed that dealers had improved their customer satisfaction ratings, but still had a lot of work to do."Overall, dealers generally met buyer's expectations in how well they performed although they need to improve their performance in responding to customer's enquiries and reduce their tendency to pressure the customer when dealing with them," he said."Customers rated the dealer's showroom and facilities well above their expectations which is a positive reflection of the high standard typically found in a new-car dealership. Dealers could also work to lift their performance in how they communicate with their customers and follow up by ensuring they do as promised. If dealers lose the confidence of a customer shortly after purchase they are potentially missing out on that customer's business for ongoing servicing work, which can amount to several hundred dollars a year. Worse still, that customer will tell others about their bad experience," he said.The survey also found 90 per cent of customers were happy with "most of the major" brands of vehicle, ranging from 87 per cent for Ford owners to 91.5 per cent for Hyundai owners.Carsguide resident mechanic Graham Smith said the worst habit of sales staff was upselling with items such as rust and paint protection, extended warranties and unnecessary servicing."Customers assume that what the dealer sells them is a factory product, but clearly paint protection and aftermarket LPG systems are not. Extended warranties also don't come from the factory but from an insurance company. Buyers need to be a bit more smart and understand what warranties cover. The first mistake people make is believing the guy on the other side of the desk is their mate and things will be ok and they will look after them when things go wrong."

Well, we don't have any dates for bullfighting or mountaineering, but we can report a full year ahead of motorsports starting with the gruelling Dakar Rally this month right through to the exciting finale of the V8 Supercars in Sydney in December. On the world scene, Aussies to watch are Mark Webber in the F1, Marcos Ambrose in Nascar, Will Power and Ryan Briscoe in IndyCar and the ubiquitous Chad Reed in the American and world supercross, motocross and Motocross of Nations in Belgium. Click to jump to each calendar: One-off events V8 Supercar Championship Fujitsu V8 Supercars Series Australian V8 Utes Australian Endurance Championship Touring Car Masters Formula One NASCAR Sprint Cup Chase For The Sprint Cup Indy Car Super World Rally Championship Production Car World Rally Championship Australia Rally Championship Classic Australian Targa Championship MotoGP World Superbikes Australian Superbike Championship Australian Motocross Championship AMA/World Supercross FIM Speedway Grand Prix Speedway World Cup One-off events January 1-15 Dakar Rally, Argentina, Chile, Peru January 5-8 Summernats, Canberra January 27-29  International Phillip Island (motorcycle) Classic January 28-29 24 Hours of Daytona, US February 24-26 Bathurst 12 Hour March 9-11 Phillip Island Classic, Victoria May 27 Indianapolis 500, Indiana June 9-11 Finke Desert Race, Northern Territory June 16-17 Le Mans 24-Hour, France June 28-July 1 Goodwood Festival of Speed, UK August 18-19 Leyburn Sprints, Queensland August 12, FIM Junior Motocross World Championship, Bulgaria September 14-16 Goodwood Revival, UK September 24-29 International Six Day Enduro, Germany September 28-29 Deni Ute Muster, Victoria September 29-30 Trials des Nations, Switzerland September 30 Bay to Birdwood, SA September 30 Motocross of Nations, Belgium October 16-23 World Solar Challenge, Darwin to Adelaide October 24-27 Australian Four Day Enduro, Gippsland Back to top V8 Supercar Series March 1-4  Clipsal 500 Adelaide March 15-18  Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne March 30-April 1 Tasmanian Challenge Symmons Plains, Launceston April 20-22 ITM400 Hamilton, New Zealand May 4-6  Barbagallo, Perth May 18-20 Back to top Fujitsu V8 Supercar Series March 1-4  Clipsal 500 Adelaide May 4-6  Barbagallo, Perth July 6-8  Townsville 400, Reid Park August 3-5  Ipswich 300, Queensland Raceway August 24-26  Winton, Victoria October 4-7  Bathurst 1000, New South Wales November 30-Dec 2  Sydney, Olympic Park Back to top Australian V8 Utes March 1-4  Clipsal 500 Adelaide March 30-April 1 Symmons Plains, Launceston May 4-6  Barbagallo, Perth June 15-17  Hidden Valley, Darwin August 24-26  Winton, Victoria October 4-7  Bathurst 1000, New South Wales October 19-21 Gold Coast 600, Queensland November 30-Dec 2  Sydney Telstra 500 Back to top Australian Endurance Championship March 23-25 Fernvale, Queensland April 6-9 Oberon, New South Wales April 21-22 Collie, Western Australia May 5-7 Toorbul, Queensland September 7-9 Wagin, Western Australia November 24-26 Red Range, New South Wales Back to top Touring Car Masters March 1-4 Clipsal 500 Adelaide May 25-27 Phillip Island, Victoria June 15-17 Hidden Valley, Darwin August 3-5 Queensland Raceway, Ipswich September 1-2 astern Creek, Sydney September 14-16 Sandown 500, Melbourne October 4-7, Bathurst, NSW November 2-5 Sandown, Victoria Back to top Formula One March 18 Australian GP, Albert Park, Melbourne March 25 Malaysian GP, Sepang April 15 Chinese GP, Shanghai April 22 Bahrain GP, Sakhir May 13 Spanish GP, Catalunya, Barcelona May 27 Monaco GP, Monte Carlo June 10 Canadian GP, Montreal June 24 European GP, Valencia July 8 British GP, Silverstone July 22 German GP, Hockenheimring July 29 Hungarian GP, Budapest September 2 Belgian GP, Spa-Francorchamps September 9 Italian GP, Monza September 23 Singapore GP, Marina Bay October 7 Japanese GP, Suzuka October 14 Korean GP, Yeongam October 28 Indian GP, Buddh, Greater Noida November 4 Abu Dhabi GP, Yas Marina November 18 United States GP, Austin, Texas November 25 Brazilian GP, Sao Paulo Back to top NASCAR Sprint Cup Feb 18 Shootout, Daytona Feb 26 Daytona 500 Mar 4 Phoenix Mar 11 Las Vegas Mar 18 Bristol Mar 25 Los Angeles Apr 1 Martinsville Apr 14 Fort Worth Apr 22 Kansas Apr 28 Richmond May 6 Talladega May 12 Darlington May 19 Charlotte May 27 Charlotte Jun 3 Dover Jun 10 Pocono Jun 17 Michigan Jun 24 Sonoma Jun 30 Kentucky Jul 7 Daytona Jul 15 New Hampshire Jul 29 Indianapolis Aug 5 Pocono Aug 12 Watkins Glen Aug 19 Michigan Aug 25 Bristol Sep 2 Atlanta Sep 8 Richmond Back to top Chase For The Sprint Cup Sep 16 Chicagoland Sep 23 New Hampshire Sep 30 Dover Oct 7 Talladega Oct 13 Charlotte Oct 21 Kansas Oct 28 Martinsville Nov 4 Fort Worth Nov 11 Phoenix Nov 18 Miami Back to top Indy Car March 25 St. Petersburg, Florida April 1  Birmingham, Alabama April 15  Long Beach, California April 29 Sao Paulo, Brazil May 27  Indianapolis, Indiana June 3 Detroit, Michigan June 9  Fort Worth, Texas June 23 Newton, Iowa July 8 Toronto, Ontario July 22 Edmonton, Alberta August 19 Qingdao, China August 26 Sonoma, California September 2 Baltimore, Maryland September 15 Fontana, California October 14  Las Vegas, Nevada Back to top Super World Rally Championship January 17-22 Rallye Monte-Carlo February 09-12 Rally Sweden March 29/April 1 Rally of Portugal June 22-24 Rally of New Zealand August 02-05 Rally Finland September 13-16 Rally of Great Britain October 04-07 Rally of France November 01-04 Rally of Spain Back to top Production car World Rally Championship March 08-11 Rally Mexico April 27-29 Rally Argentina May 25-27 Acropolis Rally June 22-24 Rally of New Zealand August 24-26 Rally of Germany October 18-21 Rally of Italy November 01-04 Rally of Spain Back to top Australia Rally Championship March 1-4, Rally Calder, Victoria March 31/April 1 Quit Forest Rally, WA May 26-27 International Rally of Queensland July 28-29 Scouts Rally, SA October 13-14 Coffs Coast Forest Rally, NSW November 9-10 Rally Victoria Back to top Classic Australian Targa Championship January 28-29 Targa Wrest Point, Tasmania April 17-22 Targa Tasmania August 22-26 Supaloc Classic Targa, Adelaide November 2-4 Targa High Country, Victoria Back to top MotoGP April 15 Doha/Losail, Qatar* April 29 Jerez, Spain May 6 Estoril, Portugal May 20 Le Mans, France June 3 Catalunya, Spain June 17 Silverstone, UK June 30 Assen, Netherlands July 8 TBC, Germany July 15 Mugello, Italy July 29 Laguna Seca, US August 19 Indianapolis, US August 26 Brno, Czech Rep September 16 Misano, San Marino September 30 Motorland Aragon, Spain October 14 Motegi, Japan October 21 Sepang, Malaysia October 28 Phillip Island, Australia November 11 Valencia, Spain (* Evening race) Back to top World Superbikes February 26  Phillip Island, Australia April 1 Imola, Italy April 22 Assen, The Netherlands May 6  Monza, Italy May 13 Donington, UK May 28 Miller Motorsport Park, US* June 10 Misano, San Marino July 1 Motorland Aragon, Spain July 22 Brno, Czech Republic August 5 Silverstone, UK August 26  Moscow, Russia September 9 N#adiurburgring, Germany September 23 Portimo, Portugal October 7  Magny-Cours, France (* Monday) Back to top Australian Superbike Championships February 24-26 Phillip Island, Victoria (World Superbikes) April 20-22 Hidden Valley, SA May 4-6 Barbagallo, WA (V8 Supercars) May 18-20 Phillip Island, (V8 Supercars) Jun 1-3 Queensland Raceway, Ipswich August 17-19 Phillip Island, Vic September 14-16 Queensland Raceway, Ipswich Back to top Australian Motocross Championship April 1, Queensland April 14-15 NSW April 28-29  Victoria May 12-13 WA May 20 SA July 1 Queensland July 15 Victoria July 29 NSW August 19 NSW August 25-26 Queensland (Venues to be announced) Back to top AMA/World Supercross January 7 Angel Stadium, Anaheim January 14 Chase Field, Phoenix January 21 Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles January 28 Overstock.com Stadium, Oakland February 4 Angel Stadium, Anaheim February 11 Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego February 18 Cowboys Stadium, Arlington February 25 Georgia Dome, Atlanta March 3 Edward Jones Dome, St Louis March 10 Daytona, Florida. March 17 Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis March 24 Toronto, Canada March 31 Reliant Stadium, Houston April 14 Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans April 21 Qwest Field, Seattle April 28 Rice-Eccles Stadium, Salt Lake City May 5 Sam Boyd Stadium, Las Vegas Back to top >FIM Speedway Grand Prix March 31 Auckland, New Zealand April 28 Leszno, Poland May 12Prague, Czech Republic May 26 Gothenburg, Sweden June 9 Copenhagen, Denmark June 23 Gorzow, Poland July 28 Gorican, Croatia August 11 Terenzano, Italy August 25 Cardiff, Wales September 8 Malilla, Sweden September 22 Vojens, Denmark October 6 Torun, Poland Back to top Speedway World Cup July 7 Bydgoszcz, Poland July 9 King's Lynn, Great Britain July 12 & 14 Malilla, Sweden Back to top NOTE: Dates correct at time of publication but may change throughout the year.

Evoque by name, evocative by nature.Our judges applauded the fact it has gone virtually straight from designer Gerry McGovern's drawing board to concept to sheet metal production and the showroom floor without major alterations.On the street - or out in the bush where it is not out of its depth with its Feerlander II underpinnings and Terrain Response drive system - it is a bold statement.It comes in five-door and three-door variants. The one we got was the Miranda Kerr version. Skinny and sexy.Unfortunately form overcomes function in the three-door model with long, heavy and cumbersome doors, difficult rear access and a claustrophobic feel in the back where the slit-sized windows won't even wind down.It's also expensive. And the options fitted here make it more so.Judges winced at $1300 for the cold climate pack which features heated seats, mirrors and stuff; $1495 for keyless entry and $1300 for metallic paint. However, we would consider selling our first born for the $2385 Meridian audio system - truly the best sound on four wheels.The expense would be bearable if it wasn't for the fact that the car comes with a temporary spare tyre and the interior light hadn't fallen out in our hands.Ford's ride and handling circuit at the You Yangs proving ground reveals a sophisticated suspension set-up that copes with high-speed bumps and thumps and hangs on with Tarzan's grip.Some judges didn't like the floaty feel or lack of steering feedback, but conceded it was good for a heavy car being pushed to the limit.Safety is assured with seven airbags and a host of driver aids, but rear vision is limited by the design so the $1090 park assist option is a necessity.VERDICTLike the Mini or the BMW X6, this is a decision for the heart, not the head and the heart says va-va-voom! But too many pragmatists on our judging panel marked it down on practicality. Range Rover Evoque Si4 5-door wagon autoPrice: $75,895 ($98,759 as tested)Engine: 2.0-litre turbo petrol, 177kW/320NmTransmission: 6-speed auto, four-wheel driveThirst: 8.7L/100km; 199g/km.

Which BMW two-seater costs less than $35,000, will accelerate two seconds faster than an M3 and includes hi-tech such as electronic suspension adjustment and adaptive headlights? It's the K 1600 GT, the Bavarian bike maker's two-wheeled gran turismo machine. This six-cylinder bike comes in GT and GTL versions that convincingly knock off the Honda Gold Wing as the ultimate luxury tourer. VALUEWe tested the GT which costs $34,990 and doesn't have some of the extra technology or luggage capacity of the GT-L which is more of a direct comparison for the Gold Wing. The GT is probably more comparable in agility and capacity to the sports tourers.While it is about $10,000 more than the Honda ST1300, Kawasaki GTR1400 and Yamaha FJR1300 A, it comes with a lot more kit such as radio/CD player, cruise control, electronic suspension, tyre pressure monitors, handlebar and seat warmers, remote lockable luggage, satnav capability, electronically adjustable windscreen, bluetooth and selectable engine mapping to suit the rider and conditions. Most of this technology is selectable from the handlebars via an infotainment controller which is not dissimilar to the iDrive controller in a BMW car.TECHNOLOGYThe K 1600 is powered by one of the most compact six-cylinder engines in the world. Despite being a transverse engine, it looks and feels much slimmer than the Gold Wing and is marginally wider than the sports tourers. It is a lusty unit with 175Nm of torque and the ability to pull from as little as 1500rpm. At the top end there is 118kW of trouser-tingling power. The smooth engine is married to a close-ratio six-speed transmission and maintenance-free shaft drive. SAFETYThis is one of the safest bikes yet produced. Not only does it have ABS, but also traction control and three engine maps to suit conditions such as wet roads. The rider is also assisted by adaptive headlights that turn into the corner to illuminate where you are going, rather than the other side of the road. Another safety device is the tyre pressure monitor which will detect slowly leaking tyres before the rider can feel the effect on handling. DESIGN The bike looks sleek, although some of the big slabs of fairing and pannier would be better served with two-tone paint. It is highlighted by the daytime running light "Corona" rings from BMW cars and the fit and finish is superb. The remote lockable panniers system is cavernous taking two full-face helmets. It also closes with a confident and effortless "click".RIDING For such a big tourer, this bike feels as agile as something half its size. During this test, I rode two-up with luggage.Initially it felt like a barge to steer and handle.However, after I chose the correct suspension setting it transformed into the best handling two-up machine I have ridden. Steering is light and responsive and the bike flicks from side to side through twisty back roads as if there is no one on the back seat. It should be noted that the GT has a higher seat than the GTL and when the two-up suspension setting is chosen, it rises even higher, which might rule it out for some people. I'm 185cm tall and am just able to get my heels down on the ground while the bike is stationary. Seating is on the firm side and the rider's seat it too wide up front. Comfort seat options are available. The engine is not only smooth and powerful, but also has a slightly grainy feel and a deep exhaust roar. However, the audio system either needs to be more powerful or the mufflers quieter because it is impossible to hear the music at more than 80km/h. The shaft drive has a snatchy feel which is only a nuisance when negotiating slow roundabouts or u-turns, requiring the rider to slip the clutch to smooth it out. The close-ratio box is great for quick acceleration. You can go straight to fifth at just 60km/h where it is revving at about 1800rpm yet there is still plenty of oomph for roll-on acceleration without having to change down. In sixth at 100km/h it purrs along at 2800rpm which is also just fine for spirited overtaking. VERDICT This is the best two-up tourer I have ridden.BMW K 1600 GTPrice: $34,990Warranty: 2 years/unlimited kmService: 1000km/10,000km/12monthsEngine: 118kW/175Nm, water-cooled, in-line, 1649cc sixDimensions: 2324-2489mm (L), 1000mm (W), 1440-1465mm (H) 1680mm (WB)Transmission: 6-speed, shaft driveThirst: 4.5L/100km at 90km/h (GT), 26.5-litre tank; 95 RONSuspension: Duolever front, Paralever rear, electronic adjustmentTyres: 120/70ZR17; 190/55ZR17BRAKES320mm discs, ABSColours: Red and white/greySupllied by: Motorline BMW, Daisy Hill

Five-time Bathurst winner Craig Lowndes said Dumbrell was "shaping up as the leading contender" for a co-driving position in TeamVodafone in the endurance races at Sandown and Bathurst next year. Lowndes has claimed four of the last six Bathurst titles and finished second this year with Mark Skaife who will no longer be eligible to drive because he has taken up a position as chairman of the V8 Supercars Commission. "Paul is definitely a wanted man for the enduros because of his fitness and he's still currently one of the top drivers even though he's retiring," Lowndes said yesterday in Brisbane before heading off to Sydney for the season finale at Homebush. "He has a lot to contribute going into Sandown and Bathurst next year. "He understands the business and the game and he goes really well at Bathurst. "I think he will be one of the guys you'd want to partner with. "He's a little bit shorter and skinnier than me and all that comes into account when making quick pit changes." The decision will not be made solely by Lowndes, but in consultation with team principal Roland Dane. "Knowing Roland, he would already have had a quiet word to Paul," Lowndes said. Dane confirmed he had "a list of people" including overseas drivers he was considering as co-drivers in the endurance events for Lowndes and teammate Jamie Whincup. "We'll make an announcement early in the new year, so they get more time to participate in tests and the Friday practice sessions throughout the season," he said. Meanwhile, Lowndes and Whincup said they would "race to win" this weekend, despite securing the top two positions in the championship whether they finish a race or not. Whincup leads Lowndes by 188 points with 150 points each for the races on Saturday and Sunday. "We've still got to race it out," Whincup said. "I'm definitely going to try to win both races." Lowndes concedes it's an uphill battle for him. "I have to win both races and hope Jamie finishes out the top six," he said. "Saturday is crunch day for me. The whole season has come down to one race. "If I can't reduce the points gap to Jamie by 38 on Saturday it's all over for me." Brisbane-based TeamVodafone has already wrapped up their third team championship this year and is guaranteed of the top two driver placings. Whincup has won 12 races and Lowndes four out of the 26 so far. If Whincup wins this weekend, he will join Lowndes and Peter Brock with three championships. Only Ian Geoghegan, Dick Johnson, Mark Skaife, Allan Moffat, Bob Jane and Jim Richards have won more championships. Lowndes is guaranteed his seventh-straight finish in the top four in the championship since 2005. He was runner-up in 2005 and 2006 in addition to his three titles in 1996, 1998 and 1999.

1. The Flintstones carHow could this not be the ultimate cartoon car? To start, it's a rag top, so it's got sex appeal. It's a family car, seating a whole family and its pet dinosaur. Most importantly, it's the ultimate in green power. Forget about hybrid machines and electric power, this car was powered by foot and included two-foot brakes. And it came with leather seats. The number plate was XYZ643 not YABADO as in '94 movie.2. Homer Simpson's carIndestructible and pink. Homer's car was crashed so many times, yet it kept returning to each episode brand new - except for a minor dent in the front. It features a driver's side airbag, a bent radio aerial, and an eight-track audio system. While it is modelled on a 1973 Plymouth Valiant, Homer's mechanic says in one episode it is made from Soviet tanks and built in Croatia. The orange station wagon driven by his wife Marge is also similarly indestructible.3. The HomerYes, from the same cartoon show, this was Homer's vision of the perfect car. It was the height of sex appeal with its shag carpeting, tailfins and three horns that played La Cucaracha. Homer said the engine sound causes people to think the world's coming to an end and has "power like a gorilla, yet soft and yielding like a nerf ball". But its crowning glory was its family values with its separate sound-proofed dome to enclose the kids in the back seat, including restraints and muzzles. It also had supersized cup holders. It cost $82,000 and sent his half-brother's company bankrupt.4. Scooby Doo Mystery MachineThis multi-coloured psychedelic van was a mystery because it seemed to be able to fit a huge number of people: a Great Dane, four teenagers, the Harlem Globetrotters and various guest stars. The van was bought by redhead Daphne Blake's rich dad. He should have bought the rights to it as well, because millions have been made on the toy version.5. Speed Racer's Mach 5At 5000 horsepower this race car has five times more power than a Bugatti Veyron. It has many features such as being able to drive on the ocean floor, jacks for super jumps and quick repairs, and seven buttons on the steering wheel that could adjust road traction - 40 years before Ferrari thought of doing it with its F1 race car.6. Lightning McQueenThe star of the Pixars film, Cars, is an amalgam of three of the best-loved sports cars of all time: Chevy Corvette C1, Mazda MX-5 and Dodge Viper. Add a big smile on its face and give it a bright disposition and who couldn't love it? The car is mistakenly believed to be named after Hollywood star and car nut Steve McQueen, but is actually named after a Pixar worker who died of skin cancer.7. The GadgetmobileInspector Gadget's car was, of course, loaded with gadgets. They include the ability to turn itself into any other type of vehicle, radar to track Gadget's location, tyres that expand upwards and retractable jail bars for criminals in the back seat. But it's really a hoon machine with its rear-mounted powerful engine and constant law-breaking speeds. The Gadgetmobile says: "Speed limits are for cars, not the Gadgetmobile."8. The Compact PussycatPenelope Pitstop's compact pink convertible in the Wacky Races had red lip bumpers and was a beauty parlour on wheels. She often used these features in her car to improve her appearance and distract the other drivers in the race. Sometimes they even let her pass. Typical!9. Spider-MobileSpiderman's car wasn't ostentatious like the Batmobile, but a fun dune buggy. Spider-Man was asked by Corona Motors to drive a non-polluting vehicle but he asked friend Johnny Storm to customised a dune buggy. It features web-launchers, a spider-signal and could be disguised as a normal car. It was wrecked but later modified to go up walls and drive itself.10. Hong Kong Phooey's PhooeymobileThe "number one super guy" travels around in the Phooeymobile fighting crime with the aid of his manual, The Hong Kong Book Of Kung Fu. He's an incompetent anti-hero and a shocking driver who crashes into everything but gets away with it. When he drove the Phooeymobile through wet cement, splattering workers, they said it was an honour to have a whole day's work ruined by "the great Hong Kong Phooey". The perfect car for incompetent drivers.

The first two road-going versions of the Ford F150 Raptor SVT Baja 1000 desert racer have arrived and will be used as "chase trucks" in the Targa rally series. They have been imported in left-hand drive and converted by Vehicle Development Corporation (VDC) in Melbourne.VDC spokesman Jim Cody says pricing for the road-going version of the Baja 1000 desert racers is yet to be finalised but they will cost about $125,000.The first two have been bought by VDC's Queensland representative, Neill Ford, and son Daniel. They will use them as support vehicles for the 2012 defence of their Targa Tasmania class trifecta in Corvette Z06 sportscars this year with Dick Johnson."It's like driving a lounge chair," says Daniel Ford. "It gets about 15.4 litres per 100km, depending on how you drive it, but it's got all the power you need."The most powerful half tonner in the world is driven by a 6.2-litre V8 petrol engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It produces 306kW of power and 585Nm of of torque and has a 110-litre fuel tank.The 3.6m pick-up can run in two-wheel drive and switch to four-wheel drive on the fly. It also has low range, hill descent and a lockable rear differential. Baja additions include BF Goodrich 315/70 R17 desert tyres, Fox twin rear racing shocks and dual exhaust pipes. However, its performance characteristics also reduce towing capacity."Basically a recreational vehicle," says Cody."We have about 15 orders and it's quite interesting because the people that are buying them use it as a work vehicle which is not quite what we expected. We thought it might appeal more to the off-road enthusiast. It will also appeal to people who want to tow a boat or race vehicle, rather than a heavy horse float."While towing capacity is down, the job made easier with the aid of a rear camera that zooms in on the tow ball so the driver can easily line up the hitch on the screen embedded in the rearview mirror. It also includes electric trailer brakes as standard. Other features include rear sensors, electric rear sliding window, electric sunroof, six-stack CD player, Bluetooth, MP3 connectivity, four airbags, an extender tray and a fold-down step on the tailgate.Neill Ford says supply will be difficult because the American border patrol has ordered 2600. VDC's conversion is a professional job that looks just like the original. They use factory-style injection moulded plastic for the dashboard rather than rattly and shiny fibreglass. The only concession to left-hand-drive is that the bonnet latch is in the left foot well. It has a foot-operated parking brake in the driver's foot well.F trucks have the highest resale value of any vehicle in Australia with some limited edition models fetching more than their original price. Ford stopped importing them in 2007. This Baja model is not the first race special produced by Ford who made a Nascar edition about 10 years ago. VDC's next big project is to import and convert even-bigger F550 pick-up trucks for use by emergency services."They will probably be used by rural fire brigades, but we have no orders yet," Ford says. "It's all about getting to the fire quickly carrying more water and these also have water cannon fitted to the front."VDC was set up by Ford in 1992 and is now a separate company with a "working relationship" with Ford in Australia and America.

ITALIAN automakers have long been the bitterest rivals. Lambo versus Ferrari, Ducati versus MV Agusta. Who is fastest? Who is prettiest?In the motorcycle world it's tit for tat: The 2012 Ducati 1199 Panigale arrives in April with more power than the current MV Agusta 998cc F4, but there is an F4 R coming later in the year with a 998cc Corsa Corta engine that has exactly the same power as the Panigale.This is where the MV wins the war, outright. Since the new Australian importers have taken over, MV prices have come tumbling down. Great for newcomers to the marque, but not good for loyal owners' resale values. The F4 used to cost $29,990 before on-road costs, but you can now ride away on one for just $24,990. That's not bad for Varese exotica with all the trimmings. The new 1199 Panigale will arrive at $26,990 for the base model, rising up to $39,990 for the Panigale S Tricolore.The heart of the F4 is a smooth four-cylinder engine producing 137kW at 12,900rpm with a stratospheric rev limit of 13,500rpm. Ducati's new over-square L-twin has grown only 1cc to 1199cc but power is up almost 20kW to 145kW with torque of 133Nm. MV has substantially redesigned their engine with more crankshaft inertia and lighter internals for quicker throttle responses, and shorter intakes for greater efficiency at all revs.The rider can dial in their level of traction control on the comprehensive LCD screen which features lap timer, vehicle speed, engine rpm, gear map, everything but a fuel gauge. However, when fuel is low it tells you how many kilometres you have travelled since the light came on; just in case you were too busy watching the road ahead to notice. The digital dashboard uses CAN line technology which reduces the wiring harness and therefore weight.Both Ducati and MV have been lauded by critics for their beautiful sportsbikes. Ducati was voted the most beautiful at the recent Milan bike show, while many consider the F4 the most beautiful bike of all time. The most striking feature of the F4 has always been the four underseat exhaust pipes that look like round organ pipes. Now they have been squared off and are not near as pretty.Ducati has moved away from underseat pipes to a stubby side pipe. The F4 retains the sharp, angular bodywork that makes it look like it's going a million kays an hour while standing still. The new Ducati has moved toward slightly more rounded shapes that make it look a little bloated.Panigale has selectable traction control plus incredibly strong Brembo front brakes and ABS. The CD display shows the speed in large digits, but the screen blanks out if you wear polarised sunglasses. Rear vision is good for a sportsbike with your elbows only slightly obscuring the view in the mirrors and no vibration from the super-smooth engine.This is one radical riding position for a road bike. In an effort to reduce weight and improve handling, MV has made a very compact motorcycle. Consequently, the distance to the pegs is short, the seat hard and the riding position cramped. Most of the rider's upper-body weight rests on their wrists and there is no relief until travelling more than 120km/h when the air resistance lifts the body slightly. The bike geometry makes it nimble yet incredibly stable at high speeds. Although the suspension is rock hard, it absorbs high-frequency hits well and will not get bumped out of line by big impacts. Tight u-turns are difficult because your thumbs will be jammed against the tank, yet most roundabouts are easily and quickly negotiated thanks to quick turn-in. The F4 engine provides smooth delivery of power throughout the rev band with an accompanying symphony that sounds like an F1 at full cry.Buy one and put it on a mirror in your lounge room so you can admire it every day. Opportunities to ride it - really ride it - will be limited to track days.

The findings of a GIO/Suncorp survey follow comments from Tour de France winner Cadel Evans in Brisbane this week complaining about ``nasty'' drivers.He said riders chose to hit the streets early to avoid conflict with car drivers.GIO/Suncorp spokesman Duncan Bone said their findings showed about four out of five motorists believed the road was a dangerous place for cyclists.``This likely stems from recognition of cyclists being the most vulnerable road users, and a lack of trust on both sides," he said.``In any accident the cyclist always loses, and taking this into consideration is an additional stress for drivers.''The research found about four out of five motorists reported having seen cyclists breaking the law or riding dangerously, and the same number believe drivers need to pay more attention to cyclists.

And now Chrysler devotees Nancy Clarke and Mark Collins are partners. "I had a Chevy when I was young and it got stolen," says Collins. "I wanted a car that wouldn't get stolen so I bought a Valiant; they didn't become popular with car thieves until the '80s. I always stick up for the underdog." The 50-year-old sales rep still owns the 1974 six-pack Charger ex-cop car he's had since 17 and also owns a stunning 1967 Plymouth GTX with matching numbers on the chassis and 440 Big Block. "That's where the money is; the future is matching numbers in cars," he says. Economics forced accountant Clarke, 40, to switch from a V8 Holden to a Hemi Valiant.  "I had a Holden and had to trade it in because I couldn't afford to run the V8, so I bought the biggest six-cylinder car I could find," she says. It was a 1970 VG Valiant Regal two-door hardtop she bought in 1995 for $2900. She crashed it in 1997, spent $100,000 restoring it and now it's a successful show car that has scooped eight major awards this year. "It's not insured for enough; just $37,500," she says. "There was a lot of panel work involved. I gave $20,000 to the body shop. We had to go to Oakey to pick up one rear quarter panel which cost $1000." Clarke also owns a 2006 Chrysler 300C three-litre, V6 turbo diesel with two-tonne towing capacity to haul a horse float. "I just like Chrysler because they're are different and don't follow a trend," she says. The Chrysler fans got together in 2001 and now store their motoring treasures in a big shed on a acreage property outside Brisbane. Collins bought his GTX in May for $35,000 from Gold Coast Muscle Cars which imported it from the US. The left-hooker has 59,000 miles (94,9512km) on the clock and is in original condition. Chrysler optioned the car up and offered a choice of the two biggest engines they had: the 440 and the 426 Hemi. This one features the 7.2-litre V8 with 279kW of power. "You take this on at the traffic lights at your peril," says Collins, a founding member of the Queensland Chrysler Association since 1984. He hasn't raced it - yet - but he calculates from the power, weight and 8 3/4 Posi Traction 2.75:1 diff that it should do about 14.4 seconds in the quarter mile. One of the quirky features of the Plymouth is that the seat backs don't lock into position. But Collins says they don't rock dangerously forward when you hit the brakes. "That's because the anchors don't work very well. They're not power assisted and they're discs on the front and drums in the rear," he says. The car is one of only 12,000 made and the only one registered in Queensland. "We know this because they had to make a new category at Queensland Transport," says Collins. "She is also the only one insured with Shannons so we don't know if she is the only one on the road in Australia but it must be close." 1967 PLYMOUTH GTX Price New: $3178 Price Now: $38,000 Engine: Super Commando 440 (7.2-litre) HP2, 279kW Body: Four-door "Belvedere" sedan Transmission: 3-speed auto Did you know: Valiant and Plymouth are sub-branches of Chrysler. Plymouth began in 1928 and was axed in 2001. It was considered the cheaper, practical and more performance-oriented brand of Chrysler. Valiant was available in Australia from 1962 to 1981 and was initially a rebadged American Plymouth Valiant. Got a special car you'd like featured in Carsguide? Modern or classic we're interested in hearing your story. Please send a pic and brief info to mark.hinchliffe@carsguide.com.au