
More castle than hill here.
In the for what it’s worth department this morning, Abarth is celebrating a new Guinness World Record after one of its 124 spider models achieved the ‘fastest figure of eight, between two cars’ in 45.66 seconds. At the wheel was (publicity) stunt driver Alastair Moffatt.
The record was set during the 2018 Chateau Impney Hill Climb in July this year but has only now been officially recognized by the famous world record organization. Alastair executed the astonishing maneuver of a figure of eight, sliding neatly between two other Abarth 124 spiders, five times in succession.
The vehicle used had no modifications made to the engine, gearbox, chassis or brakes, according to FCA. The electronic stability program (ESP) was shut off to allow the Abarth 124 spider to be controlled using the handbrake, and the tire pressures were increased to compensate for the abrasiveness of the surface.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Abarth 124 Spider Sets Guinness World Record
More castle than hill here.
In the for what it’s worth department this morning, Abarth is celebrating a new Guinness World Record after one of its 124 spider models achieved the ‘fastest figure of eight, between two cars’ in 45.66 seconds. At the wheel was (publicity) stunt driver Alastair Moffatt.
The record was set during the 2018 Chateau Impney Hill Climb in July this year but has only now been officially recognized by the famous world record organization. Alastair executed the astonishing maneuver of a figure of eight, sliding neatly between two other Abarth 124 spiders, five times in succession.
The vehicle used had no modifications made to the engine, gearbox, chassis or brakes, according to FCA. The electronic stability program (ESP) was shut off to allow the Abarth 124 spider to be controlled using the handbrake, and the tire pressures were increased to compensate for the abrasiveness of the surface.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.