< PreviousIf, like me, you’re one of those petrolheads who scoff at electric cars, thenprepare to eat humble pie. The BMW i3has just been unveiled and seems to bewinning the hearts of even the mosthardened critics of EVs. Actually, let’s step back in time first andconsider how a petrol or dieselcombustion engine works – surely thethought of sitting behind a large metalblock within which fuel is ignited,resulting in many thousands ofexplosions and hot oil being pumpedaround at high pressures, runs shiversdown your spine doesn’t it? If it’s such asafe way to go on, why do fuel stationsgo berserk if we use mobile phones onthe forecourt? More to the point, why dopolice shut down whole motorways everytime there’s a fuel spillage? Now though, the motor industry ismoving faster than ever to bring us newways to keep us mobile without all thisbruhah. Some of these efforts have beenridiculed in recent years - we’ve all heardthe jokes about the Nissan leaf - so whyall the excitement surrounding BMW’s allelectric i3? As our recent test drive reveals, it’s theway it performs - instantaneousacceleration and seamless power deliverythat make you just think, “Wow, I wasn’texpecting that.” Add to that the smoothtake up and directness of steering andyou have an extremely planted drive thatfeels so utterly natural it makes yourealise electric drive vehicles canoutperform petrol and diesel – which isjust as well if the claims that we’ve onlyseven years supply of crude oil left to tap! BMW have overcome issues such asrange and performance by lightening thecar with carbon fibre and using offthrottle deceleration to charge thebatteries. They’ve even come up with arange extender for those who drivelonger journeys on a regular basis, orsimply for those drivers who want thatadded peace of mind between charges.But you probably won’t need it as the i3can be charged in less than thirty minutesanyway, so power points permitting you’llsoon be able to charge up while enjoyinga cappuccino en-route. In fact thecappuccino will even cost more as the i3will only cost £1.25 to ‘fully refuel’.The drive is pretty spectacular too –the first thing we notice is the absence ofengine roar as we hit the start button.Thankfully a rev counter needle tells usthe engine has started or we reallywouldn’t have had a clue. Then as wepull away, the only real sound is tyres ontarmac and hardly any of that as thedesigners have realised, with no enginenoise to drown out road noise, the i3 hasto be as soundproof as possible so thecabin is very hushed. Fortunately pedestrians and cyclistsknow we’re there, as BMW haveintroduced a sort of synthesised hum thatsounds like the cars in a sci- fi film, butvirtually all traces of mechanical knocksand rattles are a thing of the past. The extensive use of carbon fibreensures maximum rigidity while ensuringan ubber lightweight vehicle and thistranslates into improved range andperformance - 0-60mph in 7.9 secondsand a limited top speed of 93 mph. Therange of the i3 (without extenders)delivers 100 miles on one charge and canbe charged from any normal householdsocket. But here’s the best bit – LincolnCity Council are talking about havingcharge points distributed throughout thecity and allowing users to top up free ofcharge, as well as allowing i3 drivers topark for free in their city car parks!The high-torque 170bhp motor offersultra-smooth power flow and as we lift ourfoot from the throttle we can feel theFuture proof motoringthe BMW i390 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYCOUNTY MOTORING090-091:Layout 1 9/8/13 11:29 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY91COUNTY MOTORINGThere are electric cars. Then there’s the all-electric BMW i3. The only car that was born electric. Designed from the ground up to combine the benefits of an electric car with ultimate driving pleasure, it launches in November. And, if you sign up for a test drive* now, you might even be the first person in Britain to drive it.For more information or to arrange a test drive*, call us on 01522 690000 or visit www.soperbmw.co.uk.Soper of LincolnRoman Way, South Hykeham, Lincoln, Lincolnshire LN6 9UH 01522 690000 www.soperbmw.co.uk*Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.BECOME ELECTRIC AT SOPER OF LINCOLN.ASK THE BMW i GENIUS. TEXT 84737TEST DRIVE 01522 690000The Ultimate Driving MachineBMW ibrakes being lightly applied automatically, whichis of course the car absorbing energy to rechargethe batteries even before we touch the brakes.The i3 also looks superb and the ride is suppleto say the least, no nasty rolls or pitches, mainlybecause so much of its weight is low to theroad. It’s also got a remarkably tight turningcircle, so driving in congested areas is a cinchand there’s decent space inside for up to four.Available from November, the prices are yetto be revealed but we reckon they’ll set youback around £25,000 after the governmentsubsidy that’s currently available on EVs. Thathas got to make the i3 one of the best choicesavailable to date. Test car courtesy of Soper BMW Lincoln090-091:Layout 1 9/8/13 11:29 Page 2Opening hours : Sales DepartmentMonday - Friday: 9.00 to 18.00 Saturday: 9.00 to 16.00 Sunday: 11.00 to 16.00Opening hours : Service DepartmentMonday - Wednesday: 8.30 to 17.30 Thursday - Friday: 9.00 to 17.30 Saturday: 9.00 to 12.00Welcome to Just Audi VW Lincoln...Just Audi Volkswagen Lincoln is a dynamic new independent Audi Volkswagen specialist in Lincolnshire, offering sales, service and technical support for all Audi and Volkswagen groupvehicles including Audi, Volkswagen, Seat & Skoda.Based on a 2 acre site in Lincoln on Outer Circle Road, our newly refurbished premisesfeature a superbly appointed showroom, workshop and outdoor display area for over 100vehicles. The workshops are fully equipped with the latest in diagnostic testing facilities.Just Automotive Solutions Ltd, Outer Circle Road, Lincoln LN2 4JA T: 01522 246777 E: sales@justaudivw.co.ukwww.justaudivw.co.ukfrom left to right: Adrian, Steve, Richard & RebeccaFinance available -contact us todaysubject to statusWe Want Your RV!We Want Your RV!Just RVʼs buy RVʼs for CASHWWee aarree ddeessppeerraatteellyy llooookkiinngg ttoo ppuurrcchhaassee ““AA”” CCllaassss RRVV MMoottoorrhhoommeessMMuusstt bbee aabboovvee aavveerraaggee ccoonnddiittiioonn,, wweellll ccaarreeddffoorr,, aanndd bbee nnoo mmoorree tthhaann 1122 yyeeaarrss oollddCCaallll uuss wwiitthh ddeettaaiillss092:Layout 1 9/8/13 11:25 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY93COUNTY MOTORINGWhat’s the essential you alwayscarry with you?Bits of wire and connectors. The bodyis glassfibre, so finding places to makeearth connections for electricalcomponents can always be a potentialheadache without a bit of wire.What’s the engine?A Ford three-litre V6.What would it cost me to get one?As always, age, condition and historymake a big difference, but a good-looking 1973 model has been advertisedfor less than £3500.My other car’s a…Reliant Scimitar GTELots of Lincolnshire motoristscherish cars from bygone motoringeras, when the roads were lesscrowded, and cars had morecharacter.The result is that you’ll sometimessee something a little different onthe roads, a car that will causecomment amongst your passengers,our regular feature picks out some ofthem…Mike Jackson owns a great exampleof Reliant’s more sporty side. How rare is it?Not as rare as you might think. Beingmade of fibreglass, the bodies don’t rust,and Reliant made several thousand ofthem between 1964 and 1986. Is it close to being original?It isn’t, but then I’m not too preciousabout originality. For instance, thesearen’t the original seats – they’re from aJaguar. I just want it to work, and I go towork in it during the summer.Was it expensive?I paid £1500 for it four years ago, soit’s too early to tell. The purchase priceof any classic car should only ever beconsidered as a down-payment; everyclassic is going to need more and moremoney lavishing on it over the years!What work have you done on it?I’ve done lots of work this year, on thesuspension, the electrics and replacedthe battery. The battery was expensive,there’s plenty of power to start itup!Does it travel far? Certainly does! We’vebeen to Wales with a caravanon the back; no problem.Do you have a very special classic car,something really out of the ordinary? If you’d liketo see it featured in this column,email s.pearcey@blmgroup.co.uk.093:Layout 1 9/8/13 11:26 Page 194 LINCOLNSHIRETODAY094-098:Layout 1 9/8/13 12:49 Page 1WHAT’S ON97 What’s OnWhat’s OnGrimsbyFriday 13th SeptemberA Vision of Elvis, Grimsby AuditoriumA Vision of Elvis is now accepted as one the world’s leading touring Elvisproductions. Fresh from a smash hit tour of Europe, Rob Kingsley hasrapidly risen to the top of the Elvis tribute artists in the world today bybeing named Europe’s best Vegas Elvis Tribute. Featuring his spectacularlive band, the show celebrates the music of Elvis Presley from SunStudios, through the Movie Years and the 68 Comeback Special,to the Concert Years providing an uplifting and authenticexperience. Show starts 7.30pm, tickets £21.90 from 01472311300.HullFriday 6th and Saturday 7th SeptemberThe Night Ball, Hull City HallIn celebration of its twentieth anniversary, contemporary dance ensembleballetLORENT present The Night Ball. Inspired by two of the company’smost loved and immersive works, The Ball and la nuit intime, thisspellbinding production combines passionate couple dances, wallflowersolos and exuberant collective pieces. With a team of talented dancersspecialising in everything from ballet to breakdancing, The Night Ballpromises to be an eclectic mix of both modern and traditional dance styles,all executed with precision flair and poise. Show starts 8pm, tickets £12from 01482 300300.LincolnFriday 6th SeptemberVoodoo Room, Drill HallPaying tribute to both Jimi Hendrix and Cream, Voodoo Roomare a new and exciting trio that perform a kicking, world classshow in total appreciation of these two massive pioneers in theworld of classic blues/rock. If you’re missing The Hamsters,Voodoo Room should fill that gap. Show starts 8pm, tickets £10from 01522 873894, £12 on the door.The Night Ball,Hull City HallVoodoo Room, Drill Hall, LincolnLINCOLNSHIRETODAY95094-098:Layout 1 9/8/13 12:49 Page 2Psychic Sally On The RoadWed 11 Sep 7.30pm Tickets: £23.50Rob Kingsley Vision Of ElvisFri 13 Sep 7.30pmTickets: £19.00The OsmondsAmerican Jukebox ShowMon 16 Sep 7.30pm Tickets: £29.50Blofeld & Baxter - Memories of Test Match SpecialSun 22 Sep 7.30pm Tickets: £19.00Gotta Sing Gotta DanceFri 27 Sep 7.30pm Tickets: £21.00 - £23.00Ha Ha Holmes!Starring Joe PasqualeTue 24 Sep 7.30pm Tickets: £17.00 - £19.00Ready Steady Cook LIVE!Thu 26 Sep 7.30pm Tickets: £26.0051 Shades of Maggie 16+Thu 10 Oct 7.30pm Tickets: £20.00The Hitchhikerʼs Guide toThe Galaxy Radio Show Live!Sat 28 Sep 7.30pm Tickets: £19.00 - £25.00The MousetrapTue 22 - Sat 26 OctTue - Sat 7.30pm Wed & Sat 2.30pm Tickets: £10.00 - £27.00Group/ Concessions available on certain shows. Please ask at the Box Office!0844 871 3016* www.atgtickets.com/Grimsby**Booking/transaction fee may apply/ Restoration levy includedBook Now!First for liveentertainment96 LINCOLNSHIRETODAY094-098:Layout 1 9/8/13 12:49 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY97WHAT’S ONSaturday 8th SeptemberThe Wind In The Willows, The OldPalaceJoin Badger, Ratty, Mole and Toad for aperfect summer of adventure. Alive withmusic, song and dance, this magicalfamily show is presented in beautifultraditional costume and features awoodland parade during the interval foreveryone to join in with. There are funand frolics aplenty with this glorious newadaptation of the classic novel loved bychildren and adults alike, performed inthis beautiful venue. Show starts 3pm,tickets from 01522 580000.Thursday 3rd OctoberSisters Under The Skin, LPACCarol Younghusband’s Sisters Underthe Skin is a one-woman comedymonologue that charts the loves and livesof two very different sisters. WhenMargaret leaves her husband andunexpectedly arrives at Chrissie’s doorwith the dreaded matching suitcases, itcould change their lives forever – but notif Chrissie’s got anything to do with it.This will be the first time Sisters under theSkin will be performed in its original Irishversion. Show starts 7.30pm, tickets £10from 0844 888 4414.98 NewarkWednesday 25th SeptemberKate Rusby, Palace TheatreOf all the stars of folk music, few shineas brightly as Kate Rusby. Her soulfulvocals give her that rare ability to takeaudiences on a journey through music.Having just celebrated twenty years in themusic industry, Kate is back in 2013 witha tour that will treat fans to the biggesthits from her back catalogue from thepast two decades. Show starts 7.30pm,tickets £21 from 01636 655755.ScunthorpeSaturday 14th SeptemberPaul Daniels, Plowright TheatreOne of the UK’s favourite entertainerswill be packing up his box of tricks forwhat could be the very last time thisAutumn in a magically mammothnational ‘first farewell’ tour. Paulundoubtedly became the most successfulTV magician of the 20th century and, bycarrying on into the 21st century, becamea true magical legend. Paul presents abrand new show full of his favouritemagic tricks and a number of new tricksnever performed in public before. Tickets£17.50 from 0844 8542776.SkegnessSaturday 24th AugustJackson Live In Concert, EmbassyTheatreMichael Jackson is fondly rememberedas one of the most profoundly influentialartists of all time. Jackson Live in Concertsees the hugely talented Ben recreate theMichael Jackson experience with hisstunning rendition of all his favouritesongs. Ben is joined on the stage by hisincredible live band and amazing dancerswho work their way through all of MJshits with impeccable precision. Showstarts 7.30pm, tickets £19.50 from 0845674 0505.Kate Rusby, PalaceTheatre, NewarkPaul Daniels,Plowright Theatre, Scunthorpe094-098:Layout 1 9/8/13 12:49 Page 4time, presenting a view of whatcraft and design is today and howthis will inform the next ten years ofmaking and curating. Event runs 1pm to4pm, tickets free for booking advised on01529 308710.StamfordSaturday 7th SeptemberThe Jive Aces, Corn ExchangeHaving become the first ever band toWHAT’S ONSleafordWednesday 11th SeptemberThe Shape of Things to Come,National Centre for Craft & DesignAs part of the Centre’s tenthanniversary programme, a wide range ofleading cutting edge artists who aredefining the future of craft and designhave been brought together for the firstJackson Live In Concert, Embassy Theatre, SkegnessThe Jive Aces, Corn Exchange, StamfordThe Great Taste Festival ofFood and DrinkClumber ParkSaturday 21st and Sunday 22nd SeptemberEnjoy a delicious day out at a festival designed to tantalise the taste buds and perk up thepalate. The Great Taste Festival of Food and Drink will bring you exquisite food and drink tosample and take home, the fabulous award winning producers behind the brands, specialguests, demonstrations and exciting dishes to try from bars, pop-up cafés and more!Along with food and drink producers, many of them Great Taste Award winners, there willalso be a live Cookery Theatre offering expert advice and appearances by celebrity chefs. OnSaturday, Celebrity Masterchef winner Lisa Faulkner is in the kitchen, while Sunday will seeFood Glorious Food judge Stacie Stewart will be cooking up a storm.The Great Taste Producers Theatre will be hosted by the Guild of Fine Food. They,along with some of their illustrious judges, will interview the producers to get the storiesand showcase regional produce as well as mouth-watering fayre from amazing food and drink hubs around the UK and Europe, withsessions and tastings throughout the day.The event runs 10am to 6pm on Saturday and 10am to 5pm on Sunday. Ticket prices start from £5 per adult when purchased inadvance and for more information, visit www.festivaloffoodanddrink.co.ukWe’ve got five pairs of tickets to give away. To win a pair, just tell us which TV show Stacie Stewart was a judge on and send youranswer with your name, address and telephone number to Food and Drink Competition, Lincolnshire Today, Armstrong House, ArmstrongStreet, Grimsby DN31 2QE or competitions@blmgroup.co.uk by Friday 13th September.reach the semi-finals of Britain’s GotTalent in 2012, following up with aperformance for Her Majesty TheQueen as part of the Diamond Jubileecelebrations, The Jive Aces have trulyestablished themselves as the UK’s topjive and swing band. The Jive Aces arerenowned for their high energy jumpjive music – the exciting sound whereswing meets rock‘n’roll – andspectacular stage show. Show starts7.30pm, tickets £15 from 01780766455.094-098:Layout 1 9/8/13 12:50 Page 51stissues only £1Great reasonsto subscribe...Each issue is brimming with a diverse topic range...• Heritage • Fashion • Hair & Beauty • Leisure • Homes & Gardens • County Motoring • Dining Out • What’s On • Free Reader Giveaways and much much more…First 3 issues only £1!FREE delivery to your doorReceive your copy before it hits the shopsORDER FORMYes, I would like to subscribe to Lincolnshire Today magazinefor the next 12 months, with the first 3 issues only being £1.Personal Details:First name:Last Name:Address:Town:County: Post Code:Tel: Mobile:Email:Payment by DEBIT/CREDIT cardName as it appears on card:Type of card: Mastercard / Visa / Visa Debit / OtherCard Number:Card Verification number (3 digits on signature strip):Expiry Date:Amount Authorised:Cheque enclosed YES / NO Please post this form back to: Subscriptions,Lincolnshire Today Magazine, Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby. N.E. 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