After years of being lucky enough to inhabit petrol head nirvana I’ve finally taken the plunge and “gone green” and bought a “plug-in hybrid” from BMW.
Called the i8, it’s a sort of cross between a supercar and a milk float. It’s been a long decision process, extending back 3 years or more.
Some History Over the last 30 years I’ve been a committed petrol head. I’ve run all sorts of cars, from modestly decent performance things to near-on super cars including an Aston Martin V8V, Porsche Cayman, Mercedes C63, Audi S8, Lotus Elise and a fair selection of fast mainstream stuff.
Over the years I’ve only ever had one diesel car, an Audi A8 - and that was used as a tow car. Since the mid nineties, every car has been over 200bhp per tonne.
I also ride bikes. Currently a 205bhp Ducati 1299 Panigale, and this follows on from a handful of other super bikes from Ducati plus more modest Japanese stuff. I’ve also run motor cross and enduring bikes in the UK and abroad.
I’ve completed more than 100 laps of the feared Nurburgring circuit in Germany on both bike and in a car. I’ve also taken part in over 100 track day events in the UK, France, Holland, Belgium, Germany & New Zealand.
Furthermore, I raced national touring and international endurance cars for 5 years in the early noughties - finishing over 50 race events. I won many races and finished in the top 5 for 3 years running in my race series and have a garage full of cups and momentos. I also have the odd distinction of winning both my first and last UK national race.
I am one of the most petrolhead folks you’ll meet. By far. But I’ve now gone and bought hybrid vehicle. Am I mad?