Audi R8 V10 plus

The new car might look remarkably similar though beefier and more muscular, but it's lighter, more powerful, has better economy and is even faster...

Gone is the V8 and in its place are two V10s...one knocking out 532bhp, and the Plus version with a mighty 602bhp on tap. That's close to a 50% increase over the original 4.2litre V8 eight years ago, not that I ever recall that car being accused of being the underpowered.

The new dual clutch seven-speed S Tronic auto box has lightning changes and mates perfectly with the 5.2litre powerhouse delivering eye-watering acceleration - 0 to 62mph in 3.2secs for the Plus and 3.5secs for the basic - alongside top speeds of 205mph or 198mph.

But it's not just about raw power. The new lighter space frame construction which has been pared down by 50kg is 40% stiffer and directly linked to sports suspension enhancing ride, handling and ultimate adhesion. Like the previous model, the new R8s benefit from Quattro four wheel drive.

Without a suicide-wish it's impossible to explore the outer reaches of the R8 Plus's cornering ability on public roads, suffice to say that it follows the driver's path faithfully with little sign of either understeer or oversteer has the speeds rise. Despite roll-free, phenomenally quick speeds around bends the ride via magnetic dampers is comfortable though obviously firm.

Dynamic Drive allows the driver to switch between comfort, auto and dynamic modes. The Plus adds to its repertoire by also offering a choice of wet, dry and snow settings which tailor the engine mapping, ratios and suspension to the conditions.

The steering, though high-ratioed and direct, lacks some of the feel and emotion of super-sensitive Ferrari or Porsche systems.

The pureness of sound and the instant response of the V10, unencumbered by turbochargers, has to be experienced to be believed. The needle flies around the tachometer to 8,250rpm accompanied by a glorious cacophony of almost orchestral proportions.

The cabin with its digital dash and 12.3-inch display and pin-sharp graphics, Nappa leather and multi-functional steering wheel is a great place to be. But I wish the wheel was round rather than flat-bottomed and I would avoid the optional bucket seats which, by their very nature, are not adjustable for backrest rake.

Audi prides itself on new tech and demonstrates an almost schoolboy one-upmanship in beating the opposition at the game. Its latest coup is the introduction on the R8 of laser lights to supplement the excellent LED system which instantly turns night into dazzling daylight.

Price ticket of around £134,500.

Portsmouth Triathlon

South Central Race Series

14 June 2015

A team of 17 Jacksons Jersey Tristars made the trip over to Portsmouth to take part in the British Triathlon South Central Series event at the weekend.  After swimming running and cycling their way to the finish line there were a large number of podium finishes for the Jersey youngsters.

First to race in a field of 53 triathletes were the oldest Tristars 3 age group with a large Jersey contingent made up of Jack Kennedy, Peter Holmes, Will Atkinson, Archie Swain, Harvey Butler, Lily McGarry and Adele Maher.  Six of the Jersey seven were in the group of leading athletes as they exited the water after a cold 300m sea swim. After the 6.8km cycle and 2.4km run Peter Holmes, with a particularly strong bike leg, had pushed himself up through the leaders to finish in second place with Jack Kennedy, returning from injury, just missing the podium in fourth.  In the girls’ race Lily McGarry, after a typically strong swim, lost places on the bike but finished with a strong run to take fourth girl . Adele Maher finished a very creditable seventh girl. 

Competing against 59 other triathletes, a small squad of Tristars 2 was made up of Daniel Roderick, Jonty Butler, Thomas Atkinson and Lily Scott.  Atkinson was the leading Jersey competitor finishing the 200m swim, 4.8km cycle and 1.8km run in a time of 23:07 to take third in the boys category.  Scott and Roderick had their own private battle as they fought out a sprint finish to the line with Roderick finishing inside the top ten in eighth and Scott finishing fifth in the girls category.

Jersey’s Tristars 1 team was packed with quality and several of Jersey’s competitors were thought to have a strong chance of victory in a field of 35.The boys’ team was made up of Luke Holmes, Freddie Lucas, Charlie Hart, Adam Kennedy and Casper Whitewood while Elizabeth Atkinson was the sole girl in the team. As expected the Jersey athletes packed out the leading positions and as they came off of the bike it was a Jersey 1-2-3 as Lucas led Hart from Holmes.  Atkinson was not far behind in close competition with the leading girl.  After a fraught transition it was Holmes who emerged ahead of his team-mates whilst two other competitors had sped through transition to lead the Jersey group.  Holmes battled on through the run to regain the lead by the finish line whilst Lucas fought hard to take the final podium place. The quality of this particular team shone through with the boys, taking five of the top seven positions and Atkinson didn’t disappoint either taking second taking, just eight seconds behind the winner in the girls category.

The Jersey athletes were congratulated by the travelling coaches as well as other teams who were clearly impressed by the visitors’ performances.  The children, coaches and parents would like to thank Fintan Kennedy for organising what is the largest group trip to date for the growing Jersey Tristars.  Details of all Tristars training and racing can be found on the website at www.juniorjerseytri.com.

Jacksons’ only female apprentice Mercedes-Benz technician has won a top industry award.

Jodie Fallaize (21) was named Technical Apprentice of the Year at the Mercedes-Benz Apprentice of the Year Awards 2015. More than 400 apprentices from across the United Kingdom were considered for the illustrious award.

"I wasn’t expecting it at all, it was a total surprise. I was the only woman nominated so I was absolutely delighted, even though it was a complete shock," said Miss Fallaize.

"I’ve always been into cars. My dad was a technician so it probably comes from there."

Miss Fallaize, who studied engineering at the College of Further Education, joined the dealership’s parts department as an adviser in 2012. She is in the second year of her Mercedes-Benz technician apprenticeship.

Bob Snell, general aftersales manager, said Miss Fallaize had shown great promise from the start of her time with Jacksons.

He said: "Jodie showed herself to be hardworking and proficient in her role as a parts adviser and during the 2013 apprentice intake, when Jodie applied, there was only one winner. To see Jodie not only blossom in this programme, but achieve UK recognition for her skill, knowledge and attitude, is a very proud moment for Jacksons. Our people are our greatest asset and work really hard to set us apart from the competition. Jodie’s award further demonstrates that we have some great and talented people here in Guernsey.

"Our normal apprentice route, would be to enrol our apprentices into the Guernsey College of Education apprenticeship programme, to which we have had good input and success, bringing through talented individuals. But Jodie didn’t join us directly from school and had some good life skills. We looked at this as an option to try a manufacturer apprenticeship programme and to be honest, we haven’t looked back."

Jacksons currently has six apprentices at various levels of the apprenticeship programme.

Once qualified, they begin their journey to become a Master Technician. Jacksons currently has 14 technicians within the dealership, with eight of them holding current Master Technician status and training plans in place for the others to reach this level.

Many thanks to Bailiwick Express for the story.

What Car? Test Drive - BMW M4 vs Lexus RC-F

Lexus has made a muscle car to take on the mighty M4. Is sheer brawn going to be enough though?

The Contenders:

BMW M4 DCT - Range-topping 4 Series offers huge performance, a long kit list and a suitably premium image.

Lexus RC-F V8 - A big V8 engine, but a big kerb weight with it. Can the bulky RC-F keep pace with the M4?

On the face of it, the BMW M4 and Lexus RC-F have quite a lot in common. Both are two door sports cars, both have more than 400bhp, both are rear-wheel drive and both cost close to £60k. However, there are also big differences.

The most obvious is weight. The bulky Lexus carries around an extra 200kg over the BMW, which for a sports car can only be a bad thing. Another difference is power. The V8 Lexus has more of it, but unlike the BMW it has no turbochargers, so it  is completely different in character.

What are they like to drive?

The BMW’s power delivery is markedly different, because its turbochargers mean maximum torque arrives at just 1900rpm (compared with a heady 4800rpm in the Lexus). So, it’s no surprise the M4 feels the more eager car in more situations.

Put your foot down hard and the M4 can accelerate with a ferocity that the RC-F simply can’t match. However, we tested these cars on a soaking wet day and the BMW struggled to put its power down off the line. This explains why our 0-60mph time (4.7sec) is a long way off what we got for what is essentially a four-door version of the M4, the M3: 4.0 seconds.

Another area in which the M4 shows up the RC-F is with its gearbox. The BMW’s seven-speed dual-clutch automatic ’box provides quick, smooth changes, is intelligent when left to its own devices and responsive when you take charge using the wheel-mounted paddles. The Lexus’s eight-speed ’box is perfectly smooth when cruising, but ask anything more from it and it starts to feel slow and dim-witted, even when use the paddles.

On a twisty B-road the M4 is the more competent car. Its body moves around less than the Lexus’s, its front wheels grip harder when turning into bends and its steering gives a much greater sense of connection with the front wheels. In fact, the M4 is so capable it’s hard to find the car’s limits on most UK roads.

What are they like inside?

You’ll fit more into the BMW’s boot, too. On paper, it offers nearly 80 litres more space, and the fact that it’s considerably wider explains why. Unlike the Lexus, the BMW’s rear seats also split 60/40 and fold almost flat to open up the space, making it possible to carry much longer items.

What will they cost?

Just £450 separates the brochure prices of these cars, and given their relative newness and exclusivity, you’ll do well to haggle any sort of discount at the dealer.

Running either won’t be cheap, but you’ll save yourself more than £2000 over three years by choosing the BMW. That’s partly because the M4 is predicted to hold on to its value for longer, but also because of its lower CO2 emissions and better real-world fuel economy. Then there’s the BMW’s insurance group (42), which is significantly lower than the Lexus’s (48). The BMW’s more favourable CO2 emissions mean it’s also the cheaper car for Benefit-in-Kind tax.

Standard equipment is as generous as you’d expect. Both cars get alloy wheels, climate control, electric windows, heated and electrically adjustable leather seats, front and rear parking sensors, satellite-navigation, a DAB radio, xenon headlights and Bluetooth as standard.

Verdict

The Lexus finishes second, but this is far from a disgrace. Push it hard and it’s genuinely exciting, and it plays the hushed cruiser card far better than the BMW.

Sports cars have to be judged on their dynamic ability, though, and that’s why the M4 wins here. Yes, you have to be doing big speeds before it starts to come alive, but its sheer ability, practicality and cheaper running costs make it easier to live with.

1st BMW M4 DCT Summary

Ferocious performance; staggeringly capable; brilliant gearbox
Verdict Fast, agile and desirable – a brilliant sports car

For more information on the unbeatable BMW M4 call Jacksons Jersey on 01534 497777 or Guernsey on 01481 235441.

Source - What Car?

Jacksons Falcons Match Report

Jacksons Falcons maintained their unbeaten run in the 2015 JSA Indoor Softball league to seize victory in the final against their rivals CPA Global Pirates on Wednesday evening and taking their tally to 7 wins from 7 games. Pirates were on great form, having battled to gain their final spot, but after a somewhat slower and more defensive start than they were used to, Falcons stepped up the gear in the second inning and took control of the game. Building a good rhythm at bat, Jacksons Falcons soon opened a comfortable gap, with home runs coming thick and fast from Kirsty Hawksworth, Michelle Thomson (R), Gary Coleman, Ric Pedro and for Paulo dos Reis, who hit 3 home runs during the game, and denied a 4th by the narrowest of margins. The Jacksons team fielding was again all but flawless, with great partnerships between Pedro and Thomson, and dos Reis pitching consistently throughout the game. Final score Jacksons Falcons: 73 – CPA Global Pirates 52

Team Captain Robin Tadier said “I could not be more happy with the way the team performed this Season, again building on the successes of last year, and making a great start to our 2015 campaign.”

Jacksons Duathlon Series – Race 3

Les Quennevais 31/01/15

The Jacksons Junior Duathlon at Les Quennevais on Saturday was round three of the Tristars winter series. Cold conditions greeted the young triathletes but it turned out to be a successful morning for two families. While Will Atkinson took the honours in the boys’ Tristars 3 event younger brother Tom won Tristars 2 with sister Elizabeth winning the girls’ category in Tristars 1. Meanwhile Libby Hart tasted victory for the third time in a row in Tristars Start with big brother Charlie first across the line in the Tristars 1 category.

The Tristars Start race was started proceedings with competitors tackling a 400m run, 1.5km cycle and a final 400m run. With little time to spread out and strong determination on display, this category is always a close affair. With little to choose between a group of athletes after the first run it was the bike which saw Libby Hart, Emily Le Gros and Tyler McGlinchy emerge at the front. There was little to choose between the girls through the final transition e McGlinchy set off in pursuit a little further back. McGlinchy caught and passed Le Gros and then Hart, the latter fighting hard all the way to the line but unable to hold off McGlinchy who took first place overall. Hart, pipped on the line, still had victory in the girls race ahead of Le Gros in third. Elsa Wanless ran well to make up time on the run and take third in the girls’ competition. Next home for the boys were Jacob Mauger and Ruairi Boxall who could not be separated in a dead heat after a sprint for second place.

In Tristars 1 Freddie Lucas set the pace on the run once again Charlie Hart managed to keep the deficit to a few seconds. Elizabeth Atkinson had her usual strong run coming into transition nearly 30 seconds ahead of Hannah Worth. Hart dominated the bike leg to build himself a reasonably comfortable cushion going into the last run, while Luke Holmes surprised spectators by coming off the bike ahead of Lucas. Holmes, suffering with cold hands, struggled to change shoes in the final transition giving Lucas the chance to get back with him as they headed out onto the run but Holmes surprised Lucas with a gritty determination over the final 800m run to rebuild the gap and take second place. In the girls’ race Worth cycled well but could only make up a handful of seconds on Atkinson who was left to run to a relatively comfortable victory.

Tristars 2 and 3 raced together, with the younger group completing one less lap on the cycle leg. Will Atkinson set out fast, leading the group round the first 1.5km run, but the girls’ in this age group were in good form and Lily McGarry managed to keep the deficit to just four seconds. Next in was a small group including second boy Harvey Butler, second girl Adele Maher and leading Tristars 2 competitor Thomas Atkinson. Onto the bike and the girls took charge, racing into a commanding lead with Maher taking over first position as McGarry attempted to minimising the gap. Last week’s Tristars 3 winner Harley Cadoret was also fast on the bike overtaking all of the boys and running as high as third position.

As the younger Atkinson brother came in at the end of his ride he had closed the gap on big brother Will, who still had another 1.5km lap to complete, and given himself a comfortable run to Tristars 2 victory ahead of Jonty Butler, who pipped Dan Roderick to the silver.

As the leading Tristars 3 completed their cycle Maher had managed to eke out a lead of around 20 seconds over McGarry and despite losing time changing shoes in transition and a few more on the run she was able to do just enough to hold on for victory by just four seconds. Meanwhile the oldest of the Atkinson competitors repassed Cadoret on the run to take third overall and first boy, Cadoret held on for third in the girls’ race and Archie Swain took second in the boys’ race following a typically strong bike ride.

The race organisers would like to thank all parents and coaches who turned out to help on what was a very cold morning.

Category winners:
Tristars Start - Libby Hart, Tyler McGlinchey
Tristars 1 - Elizabeth Atkinson,  Charlie Hart
Tristars 2 - Thomas Atkinson
Tristars 3 - Adele Maher, Will Atkinson

Good turn-out for Junior Trithalon...

The Jacksons Junior Duathlon at Les Quennevais on Saturday saw another record turnout for Jersey Tristars as the winter duathlon series got underway.

With 40 athletes racing in four categories conditions were perfect for the event which consisted of a run, a cycle and then a second run as a continuous timed event.

The Tristars Start category (under 8) saw a large number of youngsters taking part in their first multisport event. Tackling the 400m run, 1.5km cycle and final 400m run it was Libby Hart who took the overall victory with Lucy Cohu and Saffy Butler battling it out for second and third. Ruairi Boxall was the boys winner with Henry Lucas and Oliver Stocke making encouraging debuts.

In Tristars 1 there was little to choose between Freddie Lucas and Charlie Hart in a see-saw battle in which Lucas finally came out on top. Luke Holmes raced well having just stepped up to this age group to place third. Elizabeth Atkinson cruised to a comfortable victory in the girls’ race ahead of Hannah Worth, both Atkinson and Worth’s achievements were also notable having just made the step up to Tristars 1 also.

The final event saw Tristars 2 and Tristars 3 set off together on a 1500m first run, with the younger athletes cycling 6km compared to the 7.5km course for the older group before both finally finished with an 800m run. Jack Kennedy built a large gap on the first run followed by a group of three including leading girls Adele Maher and Lily McGarry and the leading Tristars 2 competitor Tom Atkinson who entered transition together thirty seconds later.

On the bike Kennedy and Atkinson were both able to consolidate their leads with some fast bike splits and a rapid 800m run to victory. Behind Atkinson in Tristars 2 there was a great battle between Dan Roderick and Liam Cadoret with nothing between them as they entered the final run. Roderick was able to stretch his legs on the final run to take second ahead of Cadoret. Lily Scott was out on her own in Tristars 2 to take the win with Ellie Boustouler in second.

In the Tristars 3 girls race Maher had managed to edge a small gap on McGarry over the course of the five lap cycle but a very strong run from McGarry was enough to overturn the margin and take victory. Harley Cadoret took third in the girls race. Race organisers thanked Jacksons for their continuing commitment to the club and to all of the volunteer marshals and helpers.

Category winners:
Tristars Start - Libby Hart Ruairi Boxall
Tristars 1 - Elizabeth Atkinson Freddie Lucas
Tristars 2 - Lily Scott Thomas Atkinson
Tristars 3 - Lily McGarry Jack Kennedy