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Ford sells first privateer rally Focus
Multiple Middle-East rally champion Mohammed bin Sulayem will be the first privateer to take ownership of a Ford Focus WRC. In recent years he has run an M-Sport prepared Ford Escort. With 10 titles to his name he will be eager to secure his 11th in the new Focus.
NASCAR
Round 2 of the Winston Cup was staged on Sunday 21st Feb, at the North Carolina Speedway. It was Ford's day...
Do not forget that we are now www.carenthusiast.co.uk
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FEBRUARY 26 1999
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New Toyota super-mini launched in Japan
The Yaris goes on sale in Europe at the end of this year, scheduled to be produced in France. The Japanese market, however, has already received the car - badged the Vitz. The design of the car was shown towards the end of 1998 as a concept at the September Paris Motor Show. Neat details include the jewelry lights at each corner and a very distinctive swage-line from front to rear. The car will be available with 3 or 5 doors and one engine option to begin with - an ultra-low-emission 1.0-litre 16v 4 cylinder with advanced variable valve timing (VVT-i).
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Toyota has record year in Europe
Provisional figures for 1998 show that Toyota has sold more than half a million cars in Europe - the first time ever. This equates to a market share of 3%, giving Toyota the number one title in Europe among the Japanese makes. The major contributing factor (as well as the WRC publicity) is Toyota's frenzy of new car launches, and better cars! The latest Corolla is now seen as a little more special than a mini-cab, likewise the Carina-replacing Avensis - up 26% on sales alone - probably due to the name change! Lexus' performance has dramatically improved too, with a doubling of sales over 1997. Both the GS300 and LS400 have been updated. They are joined this year by the exciting new IS200. More details of this BMW-basher will be available here soon.
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Motorsport Bonanza
The motorsport world is hotting up nicely right now. We are going to be rushed off our fingers trying to keep you informed. This week, the 3rd round of The World Rally Championship has begun - the preview is here and the full report will be available next week. The first Formula One race is only a few weeks away (7th March) - our season preview is now online. The "lesser" formulae will not be ignored, however. We aim to eventually bring you reports and pictures from most of the world's racing - that is the advantage of the Internet - it is possible. We are constantly looking for contributors - email [email protected] if you are interested.
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