Pagani is one of a handful of car markers that is truly boutique. Their offerings including the Zonda and the Huayra are arguably even more special than supercars such as the Porsche 911, the BMW M5 and the McLaren MP4-12C. Whilst the Huayra may be the latest model that Horatio has been wowing the motoring journalist world with, EVO has driven something that, for some, will be even more special. That is the Pagani Zonda 760RS.

Basically a Pagani Zonda R for the road, this is a spectacular car. You’ll not miss one of these going down the road as it sounds extremely like an early nineties F1 machine and the performance probably isn’t too shoddy. The 760 demonstrates the horsepower and the 0-60, whilst not officially listed, is likely to be around 3 seconds or even less. Do we all want one? Oh yes. The only snag is the price tag in excess of £1.4 million. Wow!

The past few years have really, really been tough on the motorist. We’ve been hit with some of the hardest fuel hikes we’ve seen in a long time as well as with rising car tax and the ever increasing congestion on our roads. But it’s not all bad – is it? Of course not. Here’s my top five reasons to be cheerful this year:

1) There are now more cars than ever on sale with less than 100 grammes per kilometre – meaning no road tax! They’re not all horrid eco-wagons either. You could choose the lovely Fiat 500 Twinair or the Renault Clio 1.5 Dci 88 Eco. Both can also achieve over 70 miles per gallon on paper.

2) This year is looking extremely good for performance cars. We have the Pagani Huayra, the Koenigsegg Agera, the new Ferrari V12, the new Dodge Viper… the list goes on. If speed is your thing, there are some serious motors coming our way.

3) The WRC is more accessible than ever with superminis being the order of the day. Go for a DS3 with some decals and look just like your hero Sebastien Loeb.

4) The Formula 1 Grand Prix 2012 is setting itself up to be one of the most hotly contested in history with five winners from five races. Some may think that the sport was getting staid but it definitely can’t be said now.

5) Fuel prices have stabilised – for the moment. That means it’s just about in reach of the ordinary person to continue to use a car – where they have to. There are several retailers that are also offering well-publicised discounts to fuel, so make the most of those.

Vauxhall has this week launched a brand new Facebook competition giving England fans the opportunity to support Roy Hodgson’s men either at Home or Away this summer.

The England Team sponsor used digital agency Skive to develop the competition for fans to support their team in style, with a chance to travel to Ukraine or take part in a VIP match-screening in England, with an England legend.

Fans can take part in a Home or Away quiz based on England team trivia which gives the winner the opportunity to choose where they would like to watch the action this summer.

Peter Hope, Vauxhall’s Marketing Director, said: “As the England Team sponsor we wanted to offer the ultimate fan experience either at Home or Away this summer. We have made a significant investment in our digital football platforms and the response to our activity has been very positive from the fans. Our Facebook competitions have also been very well received and we are always looking to push the boundaries and give fans a unique experience through our sponsorship of the National team.”

Vauxhall’s Home or Away competition app is available via both desktop and mobile Facebook platforms.

Vauxhall launched its football social media platforms in October 2011 and currently has close to 45,000 followers across all four Home Nations.

Become a fan of Vauxhall England on Facebook at www.facebook.com/VauxhallEngland.

For more information on Vauxhall Football go to www.vauxhallfootball.co.uk.

This year’s Silverstone Classic powered by the AA (20-22 July) will be the most entertaining and action-packed yet. Staged at the world famous Silverstone Circuit in Northamptonshire just two weeks after the Santander Formula 1 British Grand Prix, the Silverstone Classic is already established as the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival – and this summer’s event is all set to break yet more records.

Once again both Silverstone’s National and new International Wing pits and paddock complexes will be maximised to house more than 800 of the world’s finest historic racing cars with a packed schedule of races all staged on the full Grand Prix circuit. Adding to the spectacle more than 7,000 classic cars will be displayed over the weekend on the infield with many hallowed marques celebrating important milestones in their evocative histories.

Other highlights include live rock concerts, a special star-studded celebrity race, air displays, a vintage fun fair, a host of retail opportunities and rally car rides plus the exciting new interactive AA World automotive theme park. With so much to experience at the Silverstone Classic, it’s no surprise that advance ticket sales are 31 per cent up on the same period last year – itself a record.

“The Silverstone Classic just gets bigger and better every year with even more for all ages to see and do,” confirmed Event Director Nick Wigley at today’s (Wednesday 9 May) media preview at Silverstone. “The quality and quantity of our grids and car club displays is second to none while our new partnership with the AA is playing a significant role in extending the event’s massive appeal to an even wider family audience. We thought last year’s blockbuster was going to be hard to match but, with so many unmissable highlights already confirmed, it’s clear that this summer’s festival is going to be the best yet.”

For more information visit the official event website www.SilverstoneClassic.com.

This is the 2012 Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet – and what a looker she is, particularly in that finish. It sits at the top of the Cab range, though not the Golf range. That is still taken by the almighty power offered by the Golf R. One of the highlights is the insulated fully automatic electrically powered roof and along with the classic tartan ‘Jacara’ cloth upholstery it really sets the car off.

It’s no surprise that at the heart of the range-topping cabriolet is the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine found in the GTI hatchback, mated to either a standard six-speed manual gearbox or optional six-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox and producing 210 PS. The benchmark zero to 62 mph sprint is covered in 7.3 seconds with either transmission, while top speed is 147 mph (146 DSG). Combined fuel consumption is 37.2 mpg (36.7 DSG), with CO2 emissions of 177 g/km (180 DSG).

The new Golf GTI Cabriolet is now available to order at Volkswagen Retailers across the UK, with prices starting at £29,310 RRP OTR for the manual version and rising to £30,610 for the DSG. This is probably one of the best performance oriented real world cabriolets on the market that is just as capable of lugging around the shopping as it is for a quick B road blast.

Some cars make you drool, others waft you around in comfort, some will roar around the racetrack with reckless abandon. All should bring a smile to your face if you’re a car fan. The Bentley Continental V8 GTC should match all your expectations. However, will it live up to expert reviewer Harry Metcalfe’s?

With awesome power, a fabric roof and 500 horsepower on tap what is not to like?

A few weeks ago I declared Ferrari as my hero and that I would shortly have the opportunity to drive one, courtesy of www.experiencemad.co.uk. Well, that day has been and gone and the following are my thoughts on the experience…

The Ferrari 360 Experience is one of two supercar driving experiences available at Knockhill – my local racetrack. It was a difficult choice, but my reasons for choosing the Ferrari are outlined in the previous post.

The day arrived and – predictably – Scotland served up misty conditions with a side of drizzle and the constant threat of worse. I had chosen an early morning slot and arrived at the track in plenty of time. Sipping my coffee in the restaurant, I watched the hive of activity as employees and instructors prepared the various vehicles for the day ahead.

Following registration, I was introduced to my instructor Rory who fitted me out for a helmet and ushered me to a Seat Leon Cupra R for a briefing. He ran thought the obligatory – but nevertheless important – safety routine and explained that as I was the early bird, I would be enjoying the track to myself. I popped my helmet on, fired up the Leon and gingerly eased out of the pit-lane and onto the track. Rory talked me through each corner; giving constant feedback in a bid to improve my technique and build my confidence. Usefully, cones were positioned to indicate the optimal turn-in point, apex, and the exit point for each corner. While I’m no stranger to a performance car or bit of spirited driving, this was actually my first time behind the wheel on a track. Almost immediately, I noted the degree to which mistakes at the start of a corner are amplified by the end. For example, misjudge your turn-in by a car length or so and, on exit, the car is at the wrong part of the corner and incorrectly aligned for an optimal charge up the next straight.

In total, we I zipped round the track four times in the Leon building my speed on each lap. In many respects, the little Seat was the revelation of the day. Its sharp handling was a joy, and it felt mighty strong for ‘only’ 240bhp. It may not be as raw and exciting as my first hot-hatch – Saxo VTS – but it is in a completely different league in terms of performance.

Back in the pits, I was passed over to another instructor (Craig), who would be taking me out for my Ferrari driving experience. It seemed a little odd to have built up a rapport with Rory, only to be taken around the track in the Ferrari by Craig. To be honest, I have no idea what the reason for it is, but it didn’t matter; Craig was equally friendly and communicative.

Walking over to the Ferrari was such a good feeling. It looked brilliant, and, as an added bonus, it was parked next to an equally beautiful Aston Martin. I swung the door open and dropped down into the seat for the first time. Craig and I chatted for a while and, upon his instruction, I turned over the engine to reveal the sound of that glorious V8. Motorsport regulations that require helmets to be worn somewhat spoiled the show, but the Ferrari still made its voice heard.

Once more, I selected first gear – this time via a paddle shift – and eased out onto the track. Immediately the differences between the Leon and Ferrari were clear; where the brakes in the Cupra were over-assisted, those in the 360 required a far greater shove. Initially it was disconcerting, but I soon got used to it. I also adapted to the extra overall width, quicker steering, and the fact that the bulk of the car is now aft of the cabin.

Over the six laps in the Ferrari I got progressively faster and put more and more trust in the traction and handling. When fully deployed, its 400bhp sounded magnificent and propelled it well up the main straight. It was never a raw and visceral experience though – not that I had expected it to be. A good friend has a TVR Sagaris that shakes, rumbles, squats and squirms according to how far you’ve dared to bury the loud pedal. The Ferrari on the other hand, was a honed and more refined machine; in which you sense the engineers have painstakingly decided which noises, vibrations, and feelings should and should not penetrate into the cabin. This, for some, may lead to disappointment, as the supercars of yesteryear would likely scare you witless and assault your senses. In the modern era Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche have all grown up and evolved. If you want to smell petrol vapour in the cabin, set off car alarms as you drive past, and feel 400bhp tug and pull a car all over the road, then drive a Sagaris – or any TVR for that matter.

As the laps rolled by I dared to get on the gas earlier out of each corner and – damp and patchy track notwithstanding – I found the 360 to have excellent traction and predictable manners. Braking was unfortunately a little problematic. Not only was the ABS a little over-zealous, but my trainer kept catching the underside of the brake pedal causing me to miss my braking points and subsequent turn-in points. I wholeheartedly recommend narrow footwear if you intend to drive a paddle-shift 360.

Pulling off into the pit-lane on cue was hard to do, as I wanted the experience to last forever. Back in the pits, I talked at length with Craig about all things car related as he gave me feedback on my performance. Time ticked by and he noted that he was due to warm up the Aston for the next customer. Kindly, he offered to take me round as a passenger as we continued to talk over the noise from the Aston, which was simply sensational.

Overall, I found the experience to be very enjoyable and find myself left with two hungers: to drive more supercars and to drive on track again. My only slight regret is that my first experience of both was combined into the one event. I found that when I concentrated on my lines, braking zones, and turn-in points, I completely forgot to savour the Ferrari for what it is. Conversely, when I started to concentrate on enjoying the car, I would invariably fluff a corner. If you are new to track driving, then I would recommend you do a track tuition experience prior to an on-track supercar experience. Doing so will give you some track knowledge and allow you to better enjoy whichever supercar hero you choose to drive.

It has now been confirmed that Nissan is to build a limited run of genre-busting 545bhp, 160mph supercar that is the Nissan Juke. The actual limited run production model steps it up a notch in power from the original concept, making this one of the most breathtaking super SUV machines ever built.

Three orders have been confirmed so far and Nissan will build more Juke-Rs upon request. Production will start in earnest in the near future.

Gareth Dunsmore, Marketing Product Manager for the Juke, said: “The Juke-R was originally intended as a one-off concept to marry two of Nissan’s most innovative models. But the reaction we had to the car in Dubai was amazing – people were making offers for the original on the street! With such a strong reaction, and with three genuine offers on the table, we decided we had to make the car a reality. We can’t let down enthusiasts who are this keen to add to their collection of cars. The Juke-R has become something of a phenomenon and I’m enormously proud of the impact it has had. There will be more news to come on Juke later in the year.”

Anyone wishing to register an interest in purchasing Nissan’s most innovative Crossover yet should contact Juke-R@Nissan.co.uk.

To coincide with the announcement, Nissan is also launching a cinematic online movie today at http://www.facebook.com/NissanJukeOfficial, in which the Juke-R stars.

Ginetta Cars

If your date of birth is between 01/01/1996 and 31/03/1999 then you will not want to miss this competition exclusive to the Ginetta Junior Championship 2012 – a great way to get into racing at an early age. The prize is for one lucky youngster a fully-funded season in the prestigious 2013 Ginetta Junior Championship, worth over £40,000.

General Manager of Ginetta, Simon Finnis said; “The Ginetta Junior Scholarship never fails to uncover raw racing talent from kids across the UK. Having seen previous winners Sennan Fielding and Oliver Basey-Fisher on the podium gives Ginetta a great sense of pride. We are dedicated to developing young talent and supporting drivers as they ascend the motorsport ladder, I am sure this year’s scholarship entrants will continue to impress.”

For full details and to enter the competition, visit the official Ginetta website.