Being Specific – Audi S1 quattro

If you hadn’t noticed, we’re big fans of the Audi S1 here at EngageSportMode. The combination of the highly regarded Audi A1, combined with a 2.0 litre turbo engine, quattro drivetrain and manual gearbox make it something of a hot hatch hero. But, if you’re lucky enough to be in the market for one, how does…

Hidden Desires #3 – Chrysler Crossfire

Sometimes there are cars you harbour a fondness for, despite all the sensible parts of your brain telling you it’s wrong. The Chrysler Crossfire is one of those vehicles featured here as part of our Hidden Desires series.  Cast your mind back to 1998, and the merger between Daimler-Benz and Chrysler Corporation, forming the DaimlerChrysler company. What…

Editorial – Let’s not pretend motosport isn’t dangerous

It’s been difficult to escape the news about the deaths on the Jim Clark Rally this past weekend. But the reactions of some leave a lot to be desired. It’s rare that national level rallying makes headlines with the mainstream media. For it to get a mention on local news is often an achievement in itself….

Caterham Seven 250R Kamui Kobayashi Special Edition

Adding another name to the list of F1 inspired road cars, is this special edition of the Caterham Seven. So is it marketing over substance, or does the lightweight roadster gain anything by being associated with the Japanese driver? Let’s get this out-of-the-way, They’re only making 10 examples, and they’re only going on sale in Japan;…

MINI Superleggera™ Vision – Details and Photos

German manufacturer turns to an Italian coach builder to produce attractive version of a British car. Despite sounding like the start to some complicated joke, it’s real and the MINI Superleggera™ Vision is the end result. We haven’t necessarily been the kindest critics to MINI’s latest styling direction – well, evolution of the same style, rather…

Friday Video – Honda Civic Tourer BTCC Trophy Challenge

There’s no BTCC action this weekend, but instead Honda has released a video to promote the link between the Honda Civic Tourer road car, and the successes of its racing counterpart. We’ll be honest, it’s a little bit cringeworthy, but probably no more so than that Rockstar energy hat Shedden usually wears around the paddock. Don’t call…

Editorial – Have you got fuel economy OCD?

Motorway cruising has got our editor thinking about just how far do you need to go in the pursuit of fuel economy, especially when it’s probably an impossible task. Driving down the A1(M) in the Polo R-Line the other day, sulking whippet in the boot, something struck me about the traffic that was being generated. Usually on the A1(M)…

Friday Photo – Audi A3 quattro clubsport concept

Yes, it’s another blue Audi, and whilst this one might not have lasers for headlights it does pack a whole host of other cool stuff. Not least a 518 bhp engine and a air-brake that works to cut stopping distances; on a compact saloon! Audi’s A3 and S3 saloon offerings have only been around for…

BTCC 2014 – Thruxton – Round 7, 8, 9 – Review & exclusive photos

If you’ve already read the editorial you’ll know ESM attended Thruxton for the BTCC at the start of the month. Now, here’s our BTCC Correspondent’s full round-up. Forgive him for the delay; he’s had a first-born child to christen. Jordan On Form As Plato Falters The latest rounds of the 2014 British Touring Car Championship brought more…

Mégane RenaultSport 275 Trophy – Renault wants its record back

Over the past few months we’ve heaped a lot of attention on the new SEAT Leon Cupra and the Spanish company’s claim on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife record lap time for a production front-wheel-drive car. SEAT took that prize from Renault who, it seems, don’t want to give it up lightly. Enter the Mégane Renaultsport 275 Trophy….

Audi R8 LMX Limited Edition – Lasers Fitted as Standard!

We’ve mentioned Audi’s recent fascination with laser lights before, seeing them fitted to its R18 e-tron quattro Le Mans racer and also the Sport quattro concept. Finally, after all that teasing, you can now have the chance to use a car on the road with actual frickin’ laser beams for headlights. Based on the already rather special R8…