Birkdale in Top Gear
30 April 2008
The Rover P4
Birkdale School Design and Technology department held an Automotive Engineering day this week. Five cars of class and distinction, each with unique engineering design were on display for the pupils to view first hand.
Three of these were rally cars. The Proton prototype newly arrived fresh from the factory certainly held everyone’s attention with its power and speed as expected from a top class FIA car. This will sell at around £250,000 when production starts. The larger Bowler off-road rally car weighed in at 1 ½ tonnes and is designed to compete in the Dakar race, whilst the Rover P4 with its V8 engine made a splendid contrast and is one of a few to have completed the Peking to Paris rally.
The modern car was represented by what will clearly be the next generation of cars in a more energy efficient world. The Toyota Pruis hybrid electric and petrol car with its automatic parking facility was impressive for its silent engine and for sheer style and luxury the new Jaguar XF provided the top of the range production car.
To compliment this event, South Yorkshire Police have been invited to talk to the sixth form about the dangers facing inexperienced drivers and driving too fast. Hopefully what they have to say will make students think about the importance of driving sensibly.
Click here to see more photos from the Automotive Engineering Day
The Bowler
The Proton
