BMW i8

THE FUTURE IS HERE
Text and Photos: Reinis Babrovskis

The automotive engineering has come a long way since the days of wooden carriages, steam engines and springleaf suspension. What seemed like science fiction just 20 years ago is a reality at present. We see manufacturers offering hybrid powered, self-driving, self-steering vehicles; the future of motoring is here and it is majestic.

FIA WRC RALLY RACC CATALUNYA - COSTA DAURADA 2015

RALLY – CONNECTING PEOPLE

Text and Photos: Reinis Babrovskis  

It was huge celebrations for the Norwegian fans as the VW Motorsport driver Andreas Mikkelsen with Ola Floene in the co-driver's seat of the VW Polo WRC found themselves on the top of the podium for the first time in their career following Sebastien Ogier’s unexpected crash in the ultimate stage of the Rally Cataluña 2015.

Mitsubishi Lancer EVO IX

The Perfect EVO

Text: Patrick McCullagh
Photos: Reinis Babrovskis

It’s no secret that I love the Lancer Evolution. To be honest I don’t think you could call yourself a true petrolhead and in the same breath say that you “don’t like the Evo” as it’s such a great car even in standard form. “Standard form” is something that can only really be said once when talking about Eddie McConville’s gorgeous Lancer Evolution – the “tech Spec” for this car is quite something. Normally I would run down through the parts this car has through the article but there is WAY too much to actually mention. Make sure you check out the full spec at the end of the article.

Land Rover Defender

Twisted and Bonkers

Text and Photos: Reinis Babrovskis

When designing the Defender Land Rover most likely didn’t expect the car to become an icon in the automotive industry, rather a simple vehicle designed to cross rivers, tackle mountains and transport sheep; in short - just be one touch son-of-a b*tch car; yet here we are at the end of the era of this glorious beast and it is more popular than ever. It is a cult car with a huge following across the globe, and it has sadly come to an end.

IRISH DRIFTING CHAMPIONSHIP 2015 PRO FINAL

THE FINAL BATTLE

Text and Photos: Reinis Babrovskis

After a very exciting and eventful season, it was time to face the final round of the 2015 Irish Drifting Championship (IDC) at the Mondello International racing circuit in Ireland. The boys and girls had been working extremely hard throughout the season, and it was time for the final showdown before the well-earned break over the winter months.

IDC ROOKIE AND SEMI-PRO SEASON FINALE

Eat, Sleep, Drift, Repeat

Text and Photos: Reinis Babrovskis

The last round of the 2015 Irish Drifting Championship (IDC) led us to the Mondello International Racing Circuit in Ireland on September 26-27 for an acion-packed weekend, closing off what had been an amazing season of Irish drifting.

Alltrak Rallysport Charity Event for CRUK

Raising Money in Second Gear

Text and Photos: Reinis Babrovskis

A charity event raising the funds for Cancer Research UK was organised by Megan McKee on October 11. The event was held at the Alltrak Rallysport venue just outside Craigavon, where more than 25 people teamed up to raise more than £1200 whilst having fun behind the wheel of rally cars.

Japfest 2015

JAPFEST

Love and be Loved - JDM

Text and photos: Reinis Babrovskis

The car scene is forever changing and evolving; the times of neons and bodykits are long gone, and it seems the recent trend of modifying German cars has taken over the World, and whilst it may be nice to see all the “stanced dubs”, it was a fresh breath of air to finish the show season with a Japanese manufacturer show here in Ireland. The queues at the entrance of the Mondello International Race circuit  as well as the nearby car washes indicated it was going to be a big one; and it was…

Honda S2000 Megameet 2015

UK Honda S2000 Megameet 2015

Tops down 

Text and Photos: Reinis Babrovskis

More than 50 topless Hondas from across the UK and Europe arrived in Northern Ireland over the weekend of September 18-20 to tackle some of the most scenic roads this island had to offer. This was the 11th Megameet the boys and girls from the UK Honda S2000 forum had organised, and the first one I've attended.

Detailing Addicts NI Meet 2015

Detailing Addicts NI Meet 2015

In Shine We Trust 

Text and Photos: Reinis Babrovskis

Northern Irish car detailing enthusiasts from "Detailing Addicts" held its first public meet on September 18 at the local car care product manufacturer "50cal" base in Belfast. The meet was organized to showcase some of the cleaning products available on the market, exchange some of the detailing tips and obviously to have some fun.

A Lap in the "Green Hell" - Nürburgring

The Green Hell

Text and Photos: Reinis Babrovskis & Ginta Babrovska

Ask a car enthusiast: what is on the top of their bucket list, and I am certain the majority would provide the same answer - a lap on the infamous Nürburgring. For years I could've only dreamt about racing on this circuit, before finally I was given the chance to fulfill my life-long dream, as my dear wife got me a present of a life-time.

FIA WRC ADAC RALLY DEUTSCHLAND 2015

FIA WRC ADAC RALLY DEUTSCHLAND 2015

RALLY IS NOT A CRIME

Text and Photos: Reinis Babrovskis

The curse of VW was broken as the Volkswagen Motorsport claimed a 1-2-3 at the FIA WRC ADAC Rally Deutschland 2015, becoming the first German manufacturer to claim a victory on the home soil. Sebastien Ogier, Jari-Matti Latvala and Andreas Mikkelsen were unstoppable throughout the weekend dominating all but 1 stage, leaving the Citroen, Ford and Huyndai drivers behind.

Hillsborough International Oyster Festival Supercar Sunday

Hillsborough International Oyster Festival Supercar Sunday 2015

Text and Photos: Reinis Babrovskis 

A majort part of the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival is the annual Supercar Sunday where money is raised towards the charity by offering a once in a lifetime chance to experience the thrills of being a passenger in some of the world's most expensive supercars. With prices starting from £10 per passenger run it is a fun day out for the whole family.

BMW M3 E46

BMW M3 E46

That's the "one"

Text: Wayne Douglas
Pictures: Reinis Babrovskis

If your a car guy, then your pretty certain to have a 'list'... A list of cars you would like to own at some point in your life at some stage. We have all said at some point, "oh, I'd like one of those some day" or "that's my next car right there!" as we spot something we really like, be it at the launch of new model, or the first time something has caught your eye, that for some reason you had overlooked until that point.

Honda Civic EK4

HONDA CIVIC EK4

The One That Got Away

Text and Photos: Reinis Babrovskis

We all have that first true love, a car I mean of course; for Andy it was a Honda.
It is hard to explain why a certain car or manufacturer can have such an impact on us, but when that “vtec goes braap braap braap”, it is either a love or a hate with these cars.

Porsche 911 Carrera 2

Porsche 911 Carrera 2

Porker for the worker

Text and Photos: Reinis Babrovskis 

That’s right; if you think Porsches are expensive and exclusive to the rich, think again. This stunning Porsche 911 Carrera Generation 2 costs half of what a modern GTD Golf would be; however, what you get is 10 times the fun.

Chevrolet Bel Air

1957 Chevrolet Bel Air

Fresh Chevy from Bel Air

Text and Photos: Reinis Babrovskis

I love the American classics, even if it is hard to explain why. One doesn’t buy a Mustang or Charger for their handling capabilities, or for the speed – we all agree on that. If a car enthusiast looked for a great driving experience they might consider a Lotus Elise; if it’d be comfort they desired, they’d go for a Mercedes Benz, but American cars, what good are they?!