$23,500 GT 86 RC model revealed

What weighs 40kg less, and costs potentially $14,500 fewer than a standard Toyota GT 86?

The GT 86 in RC form does, and is the latest development in the exciting story that is, GT 86 and BRZ.

However, aspirational Australians shouldn't get too excited. The RC is intended to be a JDM-only model aimed at those wanting to modify their GT 86 straight off the showroom floor.

The RC is tipped to retail for 1,990,000 Yen, which roughly equates to $23,500 AUD, and will join regular GT 86 models in Japanese Toyota showrooms in April.

The RC model comes with unpainted front and rear bumpers, door handles and rear view mirrors, along with bare 16" steel wheels and 205/55 tyres as opposed to 17" alloys and 215/45 tyres.

Crucially, the RC spec lacks other models' Torsen LSD.

Also missing are front auxiliary lamps, plastic engine cover, and boot lamp.

The interior is devoid of aircon, stereo, cupholders, dash fascia garnish and leather coverings for steering wheel and gear shifter.

These omissions are not aimed at saving weight for a Colin Chapman-esque performance improvement (though the 40kg reduction would help), but demonstrate Toyota's understanding of its target market.

If this sort of flexibility is available from launch, just imagine the performance potential once Toyota applies some effort to a stripped out track special, with mechanical massaging to compliment the potential weight savings!

Whilst on the topic of Arab drifting....

May I also draw attention to the similar pursuit of driving on two wheels.

The skill of these drivers is amazing, as they manage to adopt the two-wheeled pose without the assistance of ramps, then continue on for great lengths of time, even around corners!

I find the most impressive example though, is the Arabian wheel change technique seen below:

Those who've changed a 4WD tyre will know how cunbersome they can be whilst stationary and on a jack, let alone perched atop the vehicle while its travelling on a 45 degree angle!

Bizarre, yet amazing.

Arab drifting goes mainstream

Arab drifting, or Hagwalah, is one of the most bizarre gifts that the YouTube phenomenon has graced the world with in the last 10 years or so.

A quick 'arab drifting' search will result in a huge array of amateur films of the practice, which generally involves hurtling a car from high speed, along a motorway into a number of spins until it comes to rest.

These manoeuvres are only vaguely controlled by the drivers, and often result in collisions, rollovers, and vehicle disintegration. They are also often accompanied by jubilant machine gun fire from passengers.

These films make for fascinating viewing to western society, leaving one wondering 'how on earth do they get away with that?!'

See here and here for typical examples.

Another bizarre element of the footage is that the vehicles are generally mid-sized passenger sedans such as Honda Accords, Hyundai Sonatas and Toyota Camrys, with the odd Chevrolet Caprice (nee Holden Statesman) also. This contrasts with the traditional hoon video subjects which are generally modified or powerful, or at least vaguely interesting.

The practice is indeed illegal, and is generally undertaken on motorways populated by other innocent motorists. Several of the videos portray police attempting to halt the activity also.

There must be a degree of planning behind the pursuit of arab drifting, as the videos often feature large crowds gathered at the roadside. Disturbingly, the vehicles often career into these crowds, no doubt resulting in fatalities.

British pop artist M.I.A has now brought Hagwalah to the mainstream via her new music clip for the single Bad Girls.

The clip features several Hagwalah manoeuvres being undertaken by admittedly unconventional 3-Series BMWs and an Alfa 156, with lyrics that bear no real relevance to the activity.

Nonetheless, stay tuned for it to form the backing music of choice for future Hagwalah videos.

#1 Conrod Straight changes hands yet again

The embattled Citigate hotel along the Mount Panorama racing circuit will be rebranded as Rydges Mount Panorama Bathurst by next Monday, says a report today in the Western Advocate.

Once a highlight of the 2004 redevelopment of the circuit, the $50 million property has been in receivership since 2007, after significant construction delays and limited success in its original form as a residential property.

The Rydges Hotels and Resorts Group will now take control of the property, after a sale for a reported $20 million.

The 118 room facility was considered an ambitious project by many at its inception, given its lack of proximity to the town centre.

There is at least one weekend of the year where the hotel experiences a roaring trade, however.

The Rydges website advises that bookings are available from February 13, which leaves plenty of time to permit bookings for the Armor All Bathurst 12 Hour, being held February 24-26.

Two that got away: KE15 and KE20 Corollas

Many are saying that the time is now for purchasing classic cars, and this is supported by the relatively attractive prices being seen at auctions around Australia at present.

Fans of early Japanese models will be writhing with frustration having missed these two early model Corollas which found new owners at the recent Shannons Melbourne Summer Classic Auction.

This second-generation KE20 model sold for a very achievable $2600, which is half the value that similarly original, unmolested examples are generally advertised for these days. However, the real 'opportunity lost' story lies below.

This first-generation KE15 model, the rare fastback bodystyle, and even rarer in two-speed Toyoglide automatic form, sold for an incredibly low $1250.
The pictures provided by Shannons suggest a relatively rust free body, with all original trim intact, down to the fastback-specific hubcaps.
The engine bay looks to be completely original too, and very clean despite obvious use throughout the last 44 years.

Both of these vehicles prove that classic motoring is still well within reach to the common man, and such Japanese examples are generally more rust resistant and feature a far greater engineering integrity than more commonly sought after European alternatives.

Beyond this, early Japanese classics are becoming increasingly cool, so represent excellent investment potential.

DJR launches Moffat's 2012 livery with unique assembly

It was an assembly of another kind this afternoon as Dick Johnson Racing launched James Moffat's #18 Falcon livery at a public demonstration in Parramatta.

Sampling the style used by the McLaren F1 when launching their 2011 car, DJR unveiled its livery by attaching the exterior panels to the car piece by piece, slowly revealing new title sponsor Norton.

Norton have been a personal sponsor of Moffat's since 2010, but have stepped up to major sponsor for 2012, replacing previous title sponsor Jim Beam.

Team boss Dick Johnson was on hand at the public event on the steps of Parramatta Town Hall, along with Moffat's father, touring car legend Allan Moffat.

Demonstrating the 'built for purpose' nature of modern V8 Supercars, the assembly of #18 was completed in  7 mins, 45 seconds, and utilising both DJR team members and three lucky prize winners.

Channel 7 personality Grant Denyer and Nova FM host Meshel Laurie played MCs for the unveiling, awarding prizes among the 1000-strong crowd with a chocolate wheel.

Dick Johnson even delivered one of his trademark one-liners tone of the prize winners, offering his best advice to a hot lap winner: "Let me tell you, you won't be in that crap shirt!" The winner was wearing a Team Vodaphone polo shirt at the time.

What's wrong with this picture: VW Passat R36

Spotted this morning at a used car yard on Parramatta Rd:

Whilst it is technically possible to fit a turbo or two to an R36, this relatively scarce example of VW atmospheric induction was not so equipped.