New

A special ceremony held at Subaru's Gunma factory in Ota-city, Japan, marked the start of production of one of this year's most anticipated new models, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT 86. BRZ stands for Boxer, Rear-wheel drive, Zenith. That’s pretty clear isn’t it? Well, the first two parts are, and as for Zenith, that’s just Subaru’s way of saying this is the best.

The landmark event in the collaborative agreement between Subaru's parent company Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd (FHI) and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) was attended by the presidents of both corporations.

Subaru's Gunma Main Plant, which will produce both the Subaru and Toyota versions, has undergone a significant re-fitting to cope with the extra capacity. Subaru plans to produce the Impreza at the same…

Kells Town Council may have to introduce by-laws restricting heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) if trucks continue to drive through the town, according to local councillors. While the volume of traffic through Kells has reduced significantly following the opening of the M3 motorway, there is still a substantial number of lorries passing through the town every day. The cathaoirleach of Kells Town Council, Cllr Conor Ferguson, said there were still plenty of trucks passing through Kells and he believed councillors would have to look at bringing in by-laws to restrict HGVs driving through the town. He said trucks travelling from Ardee to the west didn't seem to realise that they could bypass the town and he believed that many truck drivers didn't realise that the bypass of Kells was actually toll-free. Source: The…

The Flying car has been one of my dreams since childohood... Just imagine a world with "Bladerunner" movie style flying cars. Well, the Terrafugia Transition is a two-seater car that can convert from road to air in less than a minute, without the driver leaving the vehicle. The sci-fi inspired "roadable aircraft" is powered by the same 100-bhp engine whether it is on the ground or in the air. Certified as a Light Sport Aircraft, the Transition will require a Sport Pilot license or higher to fly. It can take off or land at any public use general aviation airport with at least 2,500 feet of runway. Before flying, the pilot extends the wings and performs a standard preflight. The engine power is directed to…

As primary schools nationwide close for the summer holidays, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) is asking motorists to be aware of children when using the roads and to take extreme care when driving. Parents and guardians are also being reminded to teach their children about road safety and ensure they play safely during the summer holidays. Mr Noel Brett, CEO of the RSA said: “All around the country, primary school children are looking forward to their summer holidays as schools to close until September. It’s an exciting time for them but it’s important for all of us who use the roads to be extra cautious. During the summer months, children will be spending more time outdoors. We don’t want what should be a time of fun and games to turn to tragedy. So we would ask all road-users…

Mary Cummins and her her 30-year-old Fiesta entered the record books this week, when she "scrapped" her aging car in Favour of a new 2010 model. Mary says they have had the car so long that it has become like an extra member of their family. They affectionately called it the "Red Ferrari" and the car achieved something approaching celebrity status on the roads around Kilmessan in the last few years. The standard equipment on Mary and Pat's new Fiesta (1.25 litre petrol) such as ABS, electric mirrors and windows, air bags, remote locking etc. are items that could very well have featured on the 1980s hit TV show, 'Tomorrow's World', when their original Fiesta first hit the road. Speaking at the handover of a new 2010 Ford Fiesta to Mary,…

At long last and after much staunch opposition from rural publicans the new lower drink- driving limit was voted through in the Dáil last night. The Bill passed through the Dáil without a vote as agreement on its contents was reached  on all sides. It now moves to the Seanad where it is due to be dealt with next week. The limit for learner and professional drivers has been cut from 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood to 20mg and from 80mg to 50mg for other drivers. Studies have shown that dropping the limit to 50mg/100mls can significantly reduce road deaths. When Sweden…

Deaths per million population cut by half in Ireland since 2001. 22 June 2010, Brussels – Ireland and Estonia have been recognised with the “2010 Road Safety PIN Award” at the 4th ETSC Road Safety PIN Conference in Brussels today for their sustained efforts in reducing road deaths. Since 2001 Ireland has seen a rapid improvement in road safety, with deaths down by 41%. Ireland is now 7th out of 27 EU Member States in road deaths per million population. One of the most important measures was the introduction of Mandatory Alcohol Testing in 2006 and tougher penalties for drink driving offences in 2007. The legislations have also been underlined by hard hitting mass media campaigns to change attitudes and behaviour…

Fancy a Jag baby? Austin Powers' Jag: One of the world's most iconic E-Types is up for grabs on the internet, and it's like, totally groovy! Film fans now have the chance to own this piece of movie memorabilia. The 1970 E-Type Jaguar used to promote 1999's ‘Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery' movie is up for auction on ebay. Is this your favourite movie car? Let us know via the comments box below. Source: Top Gear Post By: Patrick…

Welcome to the brand NEW ISM: Irish School Of Motoring Blog. Over the coming, days, weeks and months we hope to bring you lots of interesting posts/articles, news, quizzes and videos. The Blog will address a range of topics: Driver safety, tips on learning to drive and passing the test. We will also be doing car reviews and looking at all other types of vehicles too, while also trying to bring you the hotest and latest motoring news from motorshows around the world. There will be fun stuff too, including videos and quizzes! If you have any ideas on how we can make our blog better please feel free to email us - we want to hear from you: info(AT)ism(DOT)ie We do hope you will check back with us regularly or even add us to your RSS Feed if you like what we are doing! Editor - Patrick…