Showing posts with label british. Show all posts
Showing posts with label british. Show all posts

Thursday, March 7, 2024

My FH5 Log: IMPOSSIBLE. DRIVEN

You may remember back in the Winter Wonderland update on Forza Horizon 5, you have been given access to Aston Martin's ultimate masterpiece, the Valkyrie. Now, in the European Automotive update, its track-only equivalent, the AMR Pro, bursts into action.


Having obtained this car in the update's Wet Season Playlist, it's time to get to know about the Valkyrie's track-only equivalent.

Based on the Valkyrie hypercar, the AMR Pro is a track-only version that delivers the same performance and dynamics just like a Formula 1 car.

In addition to its more aggressive aerodynamic upgrades that add more dimension compared to the normal Valkyrie, making it capable of achieving lateral acceleration of more than 3G, the AMR Pro ditches the Valkyrie's hybrid system, trading power for weight loss. The 6.5L Cosworth V12 NA engine remains, producing over 1000PS of power.

During testing, the Valkyrie AMR Pro lapped the Le Mans circuit in 3 minutes 20 seconds, delivering the same performance as an LMP1-class race car.

Only 40 were made and sold. Customers who bought the Valkyrie AMR Pro have gained access to a bespoke track day experience at select FIA-approved circuits worldwide as well as other privileges.



The Aston Martin Valkyrie is known for being the road-legal Formula 1 car thanks to its space-age aerodynamics and dynamics derived from its F1 know-how. With the AMR Pro, well, let's find out how good the track version is by pitting it against its road-going version at the festival grounds. Roll the tape.


And now, the results...

Valkyrie - 1m00.344s

Valkyrie AMR Pro - 59.343s

Even in race-spec configuration, it's too close to call between them. Still, even without hybrid power, it's just as good as its road-going equivalent.


The Aston Martin Valkyrie is the engineering triumph a century in the making, combining most of its racing pedigree from Le Mans to Formula 1 to create a space-age hypercar that shatters expectations and the AMR Pro brings the Valkyrie's trademark performance to greater use. Here's hoping Aston Martin's 2025 WEC ambitions will come to fruition with this one.

This is IMPOSSIBLE, DRIVEN. 

Sunday, March 3, 2024

My FM Log: King's Weapon

The McLaren Senna and the Aston Martin Valkyrie are British hypercars performing exceptionally well not just on the road, but also on the track. With its track-only equivalents roaring in the Forza Motorsport game, it's time to exploit them further.


How do these two hypercar-turned-track weapons differentiate themselves? Let's begin with the McLaren Senna GTR, the track-only version of the King of McLaren Ultimate Series.

Revealed as a concept in 2018 and spawned into a limited-production model moments later, the Senna GTR transforms the already track-proven hypercar with even more potential.

The 4.0L V8 twin-turbo engine from its road-going equivalent remains the same, meaning it still produces 814hp of power, but it's mated to a racing transmission McLaren says it's faster in a straight line compared to the normal Senna.

In addition to its race-tuned aerodynamics that generate 1000kg of downforce, the Senna GT-R comes with a revised double wishbone suspension and slick Pirelli tires for improved grip.

The track-only Senna GT-R is limited to 75 units sold.

Now, let's get to know the Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro, the closest thing you can get from a Formula 1 car.

Based on the Valkyrie hypercar, the AMR Pro is a track-only version that delivers the same performance and dynamics just like a Formula 1 car.

In addition to its more aggressive aerodynamic upgrades that add more dimension compared to the normal Valkyrie, making it capable of achieving lateral acceleration of more than 3G, the AMR Pro ditches the Valkyrie's hybrid system, trading power for weight loss. The 6.5L Cosworth V12 NA engine remains, producing over 1000PS of power.

During testing, the Valkyrie AMR Pro lapped the Le Mans circuit in 3 minutes 20 seconds, delivering the same performance as an LMP1-class race car.

Only 40 were made and sold. Customers who bought the Valkyrie AMR Pro have gained access to a bespoke track day experience at select FIA-approved circuits worldwide as well as other privileges.



To bring out the anger of the beast from these two track versions of British hypercars, I'm heading to Silverstone and find out which of them is the superior king. Let's roll the tapes.



And now, the results...

Senna GTR - 2m11.792s

Valkyrie AMR Pro - 1m52.599s



Thanks to its F1 know-how carried over from its road-legal equivalent as well as other track-based improvements, the Valkyrie AMR Pro massively sliced the Senna GTR into bits around Silverstone.

Regardless of today's result, I'm extremely satisfied that the Senna GTR and the Valkyrie AMR Pro are truly at home in the new Forza Motorsport game because this game served as a chance to demonstrate their de-restricted track capabilities against the world's most demanding race tracks.

Come try Britain's most extreme track weapons in Forza Motorsport if you're brave enough. You're welcome to do so.

Saturday, February 24, 2024

My FH5 Log: A not-for-UK MG flagship saloon

When the UK was under the rule of the Labour, the MG Rover lineage offered us the luxury executive midsize saloon called the Rover 75 and its sporty MG ZT counterpart. Although flawed compared to its German rivals, both the 75 and the ZT proved their point until the fall of the MG Rover lineage to the Chinese overlords.


As MG is under the thumb of SAIC, they've created what's known to be their answer to the Audi A4, something that will drive Brits to tears because this is not available in MG's native land, the United Kingdom.


This is the MG7, the one that I obtained from Forza Horizon 5's Lunar New Year Hot Season Playlist after hitting the 20-point target.


Unveiled in 2022, the second-generation MG7 serves as the flagship of the MG lineup in the Chinese market. When it was launched, two variants were offered such as the entry-level 300 VTGI variant with the turbocharged 1.5L petrol engine producing 188PS of power while mated to a seven-speed DCT, and this, the 405 VTGI Trophy model with the turbocharged 2.0L petrol engine producing 261PS of power while mated to a 9-speed ZF automatic.


As a code of honor, I do not like sampling cars that are not offered in their native land. MG is a British car company from the start and this car is not, much like the un-Korean Hyundai i30 N from last week, the MG6 XPower from a long time ago, and the others.

Riding shotgun with it, I'm starting to have thoughts about the MG7 but still, my mind remains the same despite the sporty handling it delivers. It behaves like a European car but no. I'm still not bothered with it because, like I said, this is a not-for-UK MG flagship saloon that drives Brits to tears, wondering why this A4 rival is not sold in Britain.


Before the sulking continues, the MG7 wants me to take a quick drive on the Marigold against a pack of sports saloons, demonstrating its Euro-tuned dynamics fit for a Chinese-made British saloon. Let's roll the tape.


Not bad but I'm not happy about it.


After spending the whole day driving the MG7, I've learned nothing because if the MG7 did sell in Britain, I would be grateful to drive what's known to be Britain's answer to the Audi A4 but no. MG has no plans to bring the MG7 to the Brits and that's final.

This is a complete waste of time for me because I just drove a not-for-UK MG flagship saloon for all the wrong reasons and I got spiraled.

Dismissed.

Saturday, February 17, 2024

The Grand Tour presents Sand Job

The Grand Tour returns for its biggest and longest adventure yet. Because being the biggest and longest adventure yet, it will take about the length of a Marvel superhero flick to fully watch it.

The Grand Tour presents Sand Job

The latest Grand Tour adventure is titled Sand Job, and in this ultimate adventure, Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May are sent to the remote African country of Mauritania (yes, it's a real place) to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Paris-Dakar Rally while driving used Grand Tourers modified for offroad use.

Clarkson drives a Jaguar F-Type Roadster, Hammond drives an Aston Martin DB9 Volante, and May drives a Maserati GranCabrio.

Started out with the encounter with the longest coal train with the cars attached between it and the guard car, the trio traversed through war-torn Mauritania by surviving the harsh elements of the Sahara desert. 

From a bat-filled cave that led them to a minefield, an Aston went autonomous (sort of), an exploding fuel tanker, a visit to the British embassy, a drag race at a traffic-filled runway, to a shocking ending, it really is the biggest and longest Grand Tour adventure yet. It's worth watching it over and over again if you find it relaxing and funny at the same time.

Although unconfirmed, the Sand Job proved that The Grand Tour really came out with a bang. A big explosive bang.

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

My FM Log: The McLaren 650S

Having fought Update 3.0's Open Tour Series until the January 17th deadline, I got my hands on the McLaren 650S, an instant classic that made its way back to the new Forza Motorsport game.

650s

McLaren Automotive presented the 650S, in coupe and spider variants, at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show and promises that this new model will be their fastest, most engaging, best equipped, and most beautiful series-production supercar yet.

Although some components came from the MP4-12C, McLaren says that the 650S is not the direct replacement for the 12C, even though production of the 12C halted due to the 650S' high demand. It also comes with some components from the now-sold-out McLaren P1 hypercar. The engine, as usual, comes with the same 3.8L Twin Turbo V8 engine, but the power output is a titular 650PS of power output and 500lb-ft of torque, mated to a ‎7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It will do 0-100kph in under three seconds and a top speed of over 333kph.

The 650S was replaced by the 720S in 2017.

650s

It's time to have a one-lap time attack around Silverstone with the 650S and see if it's still as good as it was made.


It may be a 12C bearing the P1's front but the 650S got what it demanded; the demonstration of its track-honed capabilities you would expect from a McLaren.

Enjoy your new ride!

Friday, January 5, 2024

My FH5 Log: Community Day Classic (PART 1)

The Community Choice series update in Forza Horizon 5, running through the whole month of January,  features fan-voted events and challenges as well as a cesspool of returning cars from past installments. What a way to kick off the new year with a blast from Horizon's pasts.

So, the Hot Season Playlist of the FH5 Community Choice series update features an old McLaren supercar and a Bond car. What are these, you may ask?


First up is the McLaren MP4-12C, which can be yours after hitting 20 points on the Community Choice Hot Season Playlist. It's the first all-new McLaren model since the F1. Purely McLaren inside and out, the 12C is powered by a 3.8L V8 Twin Turbo engine that produces 592hp and 442ft-lb of torque while mated to a 7-speed SSG. Apart from the engine, the 12C features Carbon MonoCell, a first in a segment, as well as a Proactive Chassis Control system, double wishbone suspension with coil springs, a Brake Steer, and many others. If you have seven and a half minutes to spare while taking a break at the Ring, this is the McLaren for you.


Lastly is the Aston Martin DBS, which can be yours after hitting 40 points on the Community Choice Hot Season Playlist. Based on the DB9, the DBS is the replacement of the V12 Vanquish that is powered by a six-liter V12 engine producing 510hp and 420ft-lb of torque while mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox. Inside the world of 007, the V12-powered DBS appeared in Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace, starring Daniel Craig as James Bond.



Let's give these classic supercars a quick spin with the 12C battling against other modern supercars in a re-enactment of the streets of Cairo, Egypt, while the Aston Martin DBS drives through the touge roads at the dead of night without rolling over just like what happened in Casino Royale. Let's roll the tapes.



Job well done to these two, that's all I can say.

Next week, let's tackle the Koenigsegg CCX and the Lykan HyperSport at the Storm Season Playlist of the Community Choice update. Insert Fast and Furious joke at the latter, please.

Sunday, December 31, 2023

Rolls-Royce Spectre

Rolls-Royce has officially braced electrification and unlike most luxury carmakers began their road to electrification with nothing but SUVs, the most exclusive carmaker of all kicked off electrification with a grand tourer.

2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre
2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre

This is Rolls-Royce's first-ever electric vehicle, a grand tourer with a dramatic name called the Spectre. Yes, the first electric car is named after the terrorist organization from the world of 007. Villainous the name is, the Spectre is all about blending with the crowd quietly with its classic Rolls-Royce looks, comfort, and silence with a performance unheard of.

2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre
2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre

2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre interior

For a fully electric grand tourer with prices starting at 275,000 GBP but can skyrocket to half a million pounds, the Spectre features the widest Pantheon grille for a production Rolls-Royce road car with individual active shutter panes for aerodynamics. While the sizing is broadly similar to the Wraith, the Spectre's styling is surprisingly dramatic as well as the interior that can be tailor-made according to clients' desires. As expected, it's a four-seater electric coupe, meaning it would be challenging to gain access to the rear seats even with the electric switches to adjust the front seats. Still, you can't complain about the top-notch level of handiwork done to bring out the best of the Spectre inside and out.

The electric powertrain is the hallmark of the Spectre and powering this dramatic grand tourer is a pair of electric motors with one for each axle, making it an all-wheel-drive luxury coupe with 585PS of power and 900Nm of torque. It sprints from 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and is electronically limited to 155mph. As for driving range, the Spectre is good for 329 miles on a full charge and it’ll charge from 10-80 per cent in 34 minutes via a 195kW charger.

Despite being an electric car, the Spectre runs on the same bits and bobs as the Cullinan and today's Phantom but with a stiffer chassis because of the integration of the 106kWh battery into the structure as well as the use of extruded aluminium sections. Although not recommended to be thrashed because of its heavy structure, the Spectre is as quiet and as comfortable as a Rolls-Royce should be.

Although villainous by name, because it was named after the terrorist organization from the world of 007, the Spectre is the ultimate personification of silence Rolls-Royce has ever crafted and if you're in the mood for a fancy road trip, consider this. The classic Rolls-Royce styling, handcrafted interior, and electric powertrain are what made the Spectre special, and that is the bottom line.

Photo: Rolls-Royce

Aston Martin DB12

Aston Martin's glorious era of crafting V12 engines is well and truly over as the DBS 770 marked the end of an era. This is the newest chapter of Aston Martin's 110-year history.

2024 Aston Martin DB12
2024 Aston Martin DB12

2024 Aston Martin DB12
2024 Aston Martin DB12 interior

This is the Aston Martin DB12. Priced at 185,000 GBP plus additional costs, this so-called Super Tourer rewrites Aston Martin's 110-year history with controversial but exciting features that will make you beg to drive one someday.

At first glance, the DB12 is more of a refined version of its DB11 predecessor but with a bigger front grille and the new Aston Martin logo to contemplate the new GT's aesthetics. As for the inside, the DB12 features a rather dramatic cockpit view with a fully functional touch-screen made by Aston Martin themselves rather than the Mercedes-sourced one from the DB11. Despite being a super tourer, it's got two extra seats at the back that can only fit your pet or your extra stuff so clearly, the inside is driver-focused indeed.

Because the DB12 is the "new normal" Aston, the engine that powers it is a controversial 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine that produces 680PS of power and 800 Nm of torque. Mated to an 8-speed AT, it does 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds and flat-out in 202mph, faster than its DB11 predecessor.

Apart from the performance, the DB12's dynamics are dramatic but jaunty behind the wheel thanks to its e-diff, all-new adaptive dampers, revised EPAS, improved suspension setup, improved brakes, and a multi-mode ESP with six-axis inertial measurement unit, among others. When you drive it on the road, the DB12 is beyond compare to other grand tourers because, as Aston said, this is no mere GT. On the track, however, the DB12 is as elegant as chewing a Kouign-Amann cookie served on a golden platter. Divine.

The DB12 truly is a sign of things to come for Aston Martin's future sports cars and with its glorious era of crafting 12-cylinder engines now behind them, it seems that the only way to go is V8 power for the time being until the times demand to eschew it altogether. Sounds controversial but despite the V8 power, the DB12 is a must-have for every Aston Martin fanatic and you can't escape the envy of driving one someday.

Photo: Aston Martin

My FH5 Log: British Scrap

The Winter Wonderland series update on Forza Horizon 5 brought back three British track weapons fresh from Britain's scrapyard for everyone to enjoy.


The first on the list is the Lotus 2-Eleven, obtained as a prize car in Week 1 of the Winter Wonderland playlist. Based on the Exige, the 2-Eleven is a track weapon powered by a supercharged 1.8L 2ZZ-GE engine mated to a 6-speed manual. The track version of the 2-Eleven weighs a devilish 666kg, although an optional extra made the 2-Eleven fully road-legal.


Second on the list is the Morgan Aero GT, the final edition of the Morgan Aero 8 based on a GT3-class car that won a certain race it competed. Limited to 8 units, the final edition of the Aero 8 is the last to be powered by a BMW N62 V8 engine producing 367HP of power and 370lb-ft of torque while mated to a six-speed manual. Obtained from Week 2 of the Winter Wonderland playlist.


Last on the list is the Lotus 340R, a series-limited model based on the first Lotus Elise. Limited to 340 units, the 340R is powered by a 1.8L K-series engine mated to a 5-speed close-ratio gearbox. It produces 177bhp of power output and 172Nm of torque, although an additional extra bumped the output slightly more, making it capable of going 0-60mph in four-and-a-half seconds and flat-out in 133mph.




Let's give the trio of British scrap metal a quick drive around the limited-time Winter Wonderland circuit and see if they're still as good as they were built in the first place. Let's roll the tape.




They may be scrap metal, but they still run smoothly as they were made. That's endurance to you.

The Winter Wonderland is the last FH5 series update of 2023, and as we kick off 2024, expect more junk cars to arrive in FH5 because January's Community Choice update features a dumpsite full of junk cars to obtain. Yes, Horizon Mexico's kicking off the Year of the Dragon with nothing but junk cars.

As they said, brace for impact...er...turbulence, because Forza Horizon 5's nearing its peak for 2024, I believe, but peak aside, Horizon Mexico's packing lots of surprises in store in the new year.

Our fun in Mexico's not over yet even in the next turbulent year we're facing head-on.

Good luck and Happy New Year.

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Doctor Who 2023 Christmas Special

The 15th Doctor's maiden voyage kicked off in the 2023 Christmas Special of BBC's Doctor Who, where he and his new companion, Ruby Sunday, are dealing with a group of mischievous creatures wreaking havoc over the Christmas season.

Doctor Who 2023 Christmas Special

HOLD IT! Ensure you have already watched the episode before my quick review. Come back here when you have already watched it.

Sunday, December 24, 2023

My FH5 Log: SUPER SECRET SANTA

The Winter Wonderland series update on Forza Horizon 5 challenged players to send as many gift cars as possible to hit two desired targets containing two "New to Horizon" cars such as the Gordon Murray T.50 and a Super Secret Car that is Secret...until now.


This is the Gordon Murray T.50 given to players after hitting the 50% mark at the series update's Secret Santa campaign. 

With only 100 units made and sold, the T.50 is the true spiritual successor to the legendary McLaren F1. It features a signature 3.9L natural aspiration V12 engine made in cooperation with Cosworth, producing 663PS power and 467Nm of torque while mated to a 6-speed MT. Because it weighs 986kg, the T.50 has a weight-to-power ratio of 207kg/100PS.

Aerodynamics aside, the GMA T.50 features a controversial rear-mounted 400mm fan that actively manages the body's airflow, balancing drag and downforce at various speeds. It also interacts with a pair of active rear spoilers, generating more downforce when needed.


Lastly, after hitting the 100% mark in the Secret Santa campaign, the secret car is revealed as the Aston Martin Valkyrie, the hypercar that is as close as you can get to a Formula 1 car.

Spawned from the collaboration between Aston Martin and Red Bull Racing as the AM-RB-001 project, the Valkyrie is a hybrid engine-wielding hypercar that features F1-inspired, space-age aerodynamics that makes it capable of taking corners at over 3.3G, as well as carbon blade designed by space shuttle engineers made it capable of impossible performance even at 220mph, Apache-inspired hydraulics, extensive use of lightweight materials, and a naturally-aspirated 6.5L V12 engine developed by Cosworth mated to an F1-derived KERS, producing a total power output of a whopping 1139HP, making it the most powerful Aston Martin road car ever made.

Only 150 of these units were made and sold.


These Secret Santa prize cars are like the past and the future because if the T.50 is a celebration of the past, thanks to the theory that this is the spiritual successor to the McLaren F1, the Valkyrie is what the future of hypercars will be; advanced, fast, and space-age witchcraft straight from sci-fi. Either way, they're fast enough to blow your head off at such intimidating speeds, and always ready for the climax.



Speaking of climax, let's find out which of these Secret Santa prize cars is superior, the celebration of the past or the shape of future hypercars. Because this is the Winter Wonderland series update, the clash between the T.50 and the Valkyrie takes place at the time-limited Winter Wonderland Circuit for a one-lap time attack. As always, the fastest time wins.

Let's roll the tape.



And now the results...

T.50 - 0m59.860s

Valkyrie - 0m58.425s

It's a razor-thin result! Although the futuristic F1-inspired Aston Martin Valkyrie is more powerful than the neo-classic GMA T.50, the gap between them is nearly a second apart, probably because of the technical segments the Winter Wonderland Circuit possesses. Still, it's a win for the Valkyrie, the prize car gifted to all FH5 players after hitting the 100% mark at the Winter Wonderland Secret Santa campaign. Yay.


The GMA T.50 and the Aston Martin Valkyrie are two incredible supercars that have been making headlines for quite some time. Although the Valkyrie is slightly faster than the T.50, the choice between these two supercars comes down to personal preference and which feature set resonates with you the most.

I hope you enjoy driving the two Winter Wonderland Secret Santa prize cars as much as enjoying the holidays in Horizon Mexico.

FELIZ NAVIDAD!

Friday, December 22, 2023

My FH5 Log: England vs. Spain (but crossovers)

Whenever I compare the Aston Martin DBX and the Cupra Formentor VZ5, it reminds me of a match between England and Spain in a certain finals match where one point will determine the winner, minus the post-game you-know-what.


England and Spain are itching for a rematch, this time as crossovers at Horizon Mexico. The Aston Martin DBX and the Cupra Formentor are ready to play ball and determine which crossover is the winner. But first, some introductions...


The DBX is Aston Martin's first-ever sports utility vehicle that competes with the Porsche Cayenne and the Lamborghini Urus. With styling heavily inspired by the Vantage sports car, this luxury five-seater SUV is powered by an AMG-derived 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox. With a power output of 542BHP and 700Nm of torque, it goes 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 181mph. The DBX was produced in Aston Martin's Wales plant.


The Cupra Formentor VZ5 is a limited-edition model, limited to 7000 units worldwide. Under the hood, the VZ5 is powered by a 2.5L 5-cylinder turbocharged engine with a power output of 390PS. Mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG and 4Drive all-wheel-drive, the Formentor VZ5 goes 0-100kph in 4.2 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250kph.



Shucks, the DBX is Welsh-made, and England and Wales are different even though they're part of the UK. But anyway, with their quick introduction done, both the DBX and the Formentor VZ5 are ready for a one-lap duel worthy of being called a rematch between England and Spain. 

This should be interesting because, like the teams themselves, the DBX takes pride in its raw power while the lightness of the Formentor VZ5 is its trump card. Yes, the DBX is more powerful than the Formentor VZ5 but the latter is lighter and easy to get through than the bulky British crossover. Anyway, no time for jibber-jabber because as the whistle blows, the action begins. 

Roll the tape.


And now the results...

DBX - 1m09.002s
Formentor - 1m08.018s

Like the finals, it's a point victory for Spain against England. I guess the Formentor VZ5 proved its worth against the more powerful DBX by a razor-thin margin.



There you have it. England vs. Spain but crossovers. The Formentor VZ5 defeats the V8-powered DBX just like Spain beats England by a point. It's a victory for Spain minus the you-know-what. The folks from Cupra should really be proud of their instant classic that pushed the Formentor to ascension. Those 7000 drivers who drove the Formentor VZ5 weren't wrong about its all-around performance that won the day in style and comfort, no doubt.

Still, having respect to these two crossovers, it's time for a little epilogue to spice things up.





With a little "mirror in", the DBX crossover is getting its Horoscope vibes because, you guessed it, it's festooned with Q-Pit respect all over the bodywork. Thanks, Q-Pit. Hope I can look forward to today's horoscope.




The Formentor VZ5, meanwhile, has 765 million reasons to be idolized because the face of Million Live's Kaori Sakuramori took center stage in my latest makeover for Cupra's instant classic.



With their crossovers becoming "people's idols" for the day, it's time for their moment of fame with these two crossovers as the DBX tackles a somewhat re-enactment of a sprint race from a certain 90s racing game while the Formentor VZ5 takes on a near re-enactment of Sydney Motorsport Park envisioned by a certain game master. That's the magic of EventLab to you. Roll the tapes.



Who says crossovers can't race?



Having enjoyed our little epilogue with the DBX and the Formentor VZ5, these crossovers proved to me that they've proven to be as much as enjoyable as sports cars, like it or not. I know, most people don't agree, but this is the new normal. In the new normal, crossovers and SUVs are like Hollywood superheroes. The more heroic they are, the more sales will generate and that's how crossovers rule the motoring world by a firestorm.

With the whole England v Spain behind me, it's time to do some more Horizon stuff as the adventure continues...