Bertone. Giugiaro. Pininfarina… Some of the greatest automotive design names of all time. Their masterful strokes have left an indelible imprint on automotive culture, adding style and passion to the humble motor car. But now there’s a new name to add to that list.. Yours!

Yes indeed, the next big thing in cutting-edge automotive design could be you. Although we’re not offering you your own studio in Turin or anything like that, we are offering you the chance to see your vision made in a production reality by joining in our wheel design comp.

Friday the 23^rd is the closing date, so there are literally just hours left to put the finishing touches to your masterpiece. The lucky winner will not only have their wheel lovingly crafted to their exact specification, before a full set is delivered to their door…but you’ll also get to join us as VIP guests at the World-famous Ultimate Street Car show at Santa Pod between the 6^th and 8^th of August. And that’s worth entering for on its own!

So what are you waiting for? Fame and legendary status awaits you – along with the enviable chance to roll around on a totally unique set of custom rims. The clock is ticking.. so get clicking (link)

Now then, We don’t often get dictatorial here on the Dotz blog.. but for once, we’re going to.. so listen up! Whatever you did have planned for the three days between the 6^th and 8^th of August, cancel it!.. because you’re all hanging out with us, instead! Why? Because dear reader, it’s only the bloomin’ weekend of USC, that’s why!

If you’ve never been before, let me enlighten you with the elevator pitch. The finest drag strip in Europe.  35,000 modifying disciples. (many of which are pert and female) The UK’s most superbly executed show cars.  The best bands, DJs and tuners. Are you in yet? USC has justifiably achieved the status of ‘legend’ on the show calendar, and a single visit will soon tell you why. No other show packs as much into three days, with real heads-up quarter mile action playing out against a backdrop of high-octane antics that make Ferris Bueller’s Day Off look like the Teddy Bear’s Picnic.

 

In addition to a head spinning line up of acts like Slinky, DJ Luck and MC Neat and the Artful Dodger, you can bank on a (literally) record breaking line-up of stunt performers, Monster Trucks, Jet cars and show cars.

Ever ones for a challenge we’ve even added ourselves to that list by creating the Dotz Mod Pod live build area where our carefully assembled team of spanner wielding artistes will be standing by to rip apart and rebuild a stock hot hatch into a modified thing of beauty over the show weekend. Yep, as we spin some of the choicest vinyl in the background, our long-suffering team will be gutting a tuner-scene favourite back to a shell before commencing with a full-bore rebuild including chassis, interior, induction, exhaust, tints, wrap, lighting and audio.. and of course, a simply stunning set of Dotz rims. We have only 3 days to do what takes most tuning houses at least a full week, plus of course, the added pressure of 35,000 petrolheads… and a TV crew. Oh yeah, almost forgot to mention, the entire show is being shot for Eurosport and Motors, so if you, your car, your missus are camera friendly, who knows, you might end up on the telly! Actually, seeing as we are on drinking terms with the producers, rock up with a set of our rims on your motor, and we’ll even put in a good word for you!

We’ll be dropping tunes (and ride heights) all weekend from the early hours until, well.. the early hours really, so come and join us. Feel free to shout encouragement, throw money or bring us food whilst we’re spannering away. Only time will tell if we can get it all done before the end of the show on Sunday night, but all being well, we should be the last car up the strip, closing the show and cruising into the sunset to the enviable sound of a full stainless RAAAAARP and 3000 watts of bass..

Of course, elsewhere on site, there are simply acres of space for club camping, hardcore BBQ action and chance to kick back with a cold beer and recant your tales of quarter mile heroics. Stock up before you arrive, and you’re free to park up the motor and seriously over-indulge for the entire weekend as everything you need is on site, with several bars and even a lap-dancing club!

 

Sprinkle on a side order of Max Power live stage, Lowriders display, Burnout and Flameout comps and the Autoglym showcar paddock and pretty soon, it becomes the ultimate road trip weekend away. You’ll kick yourselves if you miss it, so don’t!

We’ll see you there guys! Check it all out at www.ultimatestreetcar.co.uk

After her superb reportage on our team Autosport outing, we felt it was about time to hand over to the better looking section of our roadshow team, Pippa. As usual, she’s been up to all sorts on our recent team visit to the ever popular Modified Nationals.. and as ever.. there were gratuitous bouts of shopping and partying.. It’s tough at the top eh?

Dotz Does Mod Nats

By Pippa

Modified Nationals.. What a way to spend the weekend! Over the years this show has become one of the favourites on the show calendar, and not without good reason. It’s still one of the biggest and best selections of the latest and greatest show cars from the UK scene. Naturally, as wheel purveyors to many of the great and the good of the tuning scene, The Dotz team had a mahoosive stand from which to ply our wares. And, rather than subject our beloved customers to Dave and Tony’s easy-going sales style.. I thought I’d come along and shake things up a bit!

It all started manically when I realised that I had managed to arrive with no underwear or shorts (easy!!!!) that is no spare underwear or shorts.. What’s a girl to do? Obviously the answer is an impromptu shopping trip with oneself to ensure the appropriate level of sartorial elegance for the weekend…

After battling with the traffic on the way in, and queuing for what seemed like several lifetimes to get into the show, I finally made it to the Dotz stand. As usual, our MD and ex-professional spinner Kev was laying down some quality tunes, and with a nice retro 80s vibe kicking off, I got into my working day. As you can imagine, there was a LOT of brochure, photo and chat related action to be had!

As ever, the lads had done a good job on the stand, with all of the latest designs on show and some superb motors on hand to show them off in their best light. Naturally, it wasn’t too long, before we started cranking up the sound system in the Dotz van and belting out the 80s classic ‘I Ran’, by A Flock Of Seagulls. This classic floor filler soon had the lot of us grooving around the place in a real party atmosphere.

Our very own Dotzmag is always a big hit at the shows – especially as it’s free! Spent a good few hours bagging these up into goodie bags before handing them out to the sprawling masses coming through the doors. It was pretty manic, to say the least!

When you’re on your feet all day, Lunch is a very serious business.. And Team Dotz like to do it right! Sandwiches and a G&T for me! Certainly gives you a little lift for the afternoon, that’s for sure!

Then, of course, it was down to the extremely serious business of judging the Miss Max Power competition. I have to say, the standard was extremely good this year and it was hard to pick an overall winner.. Funnily enough, Kev and Dave seemed to really enjoy this part of the weekend, too.. Hmm.. can’t imagine why..

Evening entertainment is always a welcome relief after a hard day’s graft and a full slap-up feed at one of Peterborough’s finest Thai establishments soon had the whole gang kicking back with a beverage or three and discussing our plans for disco-related antics. It seems to be coming something of a tradition ‘on tour’ these days.

Despite everybody being in a real party mood, being the consummate professionals we are (honest!) we all decided to call it a day (or should that be a night?) at a relatively rock ‘n’ roll 2 am. Hey, come on.. we had to be sparky and fresh the next day didn’t we?

And there you have it! Another day in the life of a Dotz girl. Keep an eye on the site and on the blog to find out when we’re next on the razzle.. and make sure that you come up and say ‘Hi!’ next time we’re on it! Who knows? We might even take you out with us!

See you soon

Pippa x

When it comes to gambling, the Lottery doesn’t usually come to the front of your mind in terms of the most glamorous of activities. Sure, scooping several million squids is pretty cool. Yeah, we all love the end results, but compared to say betting the house at Monte Carlo – or risking it all on ‘black’ at the Bellagio, watching a permatanned Dale Winton poncing around in front of a giant bubble gum machine doesn’t really do it for us.

We felt that the whole lottery formula needed a bit of a shake-up, so in true Dotz style, we’ve not only slapped it around the face, but we’ve also ruffled its hair and given it a wedgie. The Dotz Lottery is better on loads of levels. Firstly, it’s free. So we’ve won that one. Secondly, the prizes are way cooler than the usual tenner for getting some of the numbers right. Who knows? If your luck is in, you could be sitting alongside the legendary 2009 King of Europe Drift Champion, Adan Kerenyi as he skilfully steers and slides his way through one of the 2011 Drift events. In fact, we’ll raise you. You can take a mate as well. Wait…wait, we’re all in!. we’ll even chuck in a full weekend away with all VIP perks and stately accommodation! Believe me, Eamonn Holmes ain’t ever going to do that for you.. He doesn’t even have Adan’s phone number! Us?.. we have it on speed dial!… on ‘1’..

Simply by registering for the Dotz Lottery at www.dotzmag.com/lottery, you’ll immediately become eligible for all of the superb prizes – and you don’t even have to sit through an hour’s worth of crap Saturday night telly to see whether you’ve won or not! Up for grabs is a full set of Dotz Custom Finish rims, complete with TOYO Tires – and for the runners up, another three sets of totally unique Dotz Custom Rims.. it’s all too much I tell thee! Our partners at Foliatec will lovingly graphic your wheels to your own exact design meaning that you will never commit the fashion faux pas of rocking up at a show with the same rims as everybody else. It’s not a good look.. unless they’re ours of course.. in which case, that’s just great minds thinking alike! Lol!

Our partners at Armor-All have also chucked a few car kits into the pot, and to keep things ticking along until the big draw in the autumn, we’re even giving away Gift certificates each month. Five for the Dotz shop. Three for Foliatec and One for Armor All. That’s every month, mind!

So now you can go out and spend Saturday nights doing far more important things like drinking, dancing and trying out your best chat up lines.. Switch off the telly and leave the bonus ball action up to us, instead!

Good luck!

 As an evergreen topic of debate – and disagreement – in pubs, lounges and workplaces everywhere, we all like to think that if you put us in Capello’s shoes – we could pick a better side. With the imminent beginning of the World Cup, the armchair experts have gone into overdrive, quoting goal stats, point differences, transfer values, even right down to bonus payments. If you’re a bit of a closet Mourinho on the quiet, you’ll be delighted to learn about our latest bit of fun and games here at Dotz HQ. Our Dotz Fantasy Football League.

 You see, we love a bit of managerial speculation and debate as much as the next man.. Difference is, like all good managers we like to reward true talent where we see it – so we’ve only gone and chucked a prize in!  Sadly, there’s no five-figure weekly salaries, no signing on fees and alas, your Bentley’s not on order either – but, better than that, our most talented manager will win themselves £100 worth of exclusive Dotz clothing. And no worries if you’re more of a Karren Brady than a Gianfranco Zola – we do a full ladies collection too!

 So, what do you need to do? Well, like the beautiful game itself, it’s all blissfully simple really.. Click to

http://worldfantasyfootball.skysports.com/Register.aspx  to create your team..

 Then enter the Dotz UK League. Our PIN is 1813

 And then amaze us with your insight and acumen. In the usual manner of fantasy league management, we’ll be monitoring the results of our would-be Sir Alex’s and picking a clear winner at the end.

 So ,peeep!!.. there’s the whistle.. Play on!!

Modified Nationals.. It’s What Bank Holidays Were Made For…

Aaah, the fabled second May Bank Holiday weekend. Question is, what are you gonna do? There’s a trip out to Skeg.. A couple of pints in an anonymous boozer with some buddies – or, if you have even an ounce of petrol in your veins, you should get you, your mates and your motors down to the Modified Nationals over the weeeeeeeeeeekend of the 28^th to 30^th of May. Believe me, it’s this last option that ticks all the boxes. Stick it in your phone now. Peterborough Showground. Miss it.. Miss out..

Mod Nats is one of those truly epic ‘must do’ shows, like Fast Show, ISTS or USC. You can’t really count yourself as a true enthusiast until you’ve been there, sampled the atmosphere, done the shots and slept in the same t-shirt for the whole three days. It’s mental, mental, chicken oriental and the true believers will be there from early doors on the 28^th to pack in every precious party moment. Some of them will even get a couple of hours sleep!! The lightweights!

Naturally the Dotz massive will be there with bells on. Not only are we sponsoring Miss Max Power (hey, it’s a tough job.. but somebody has to do it!) but we’re also the official wheel sponsor of the whole shooting match, which means basically we’re there to party for the whole three days… and possibly longer, if boss Kev will let us all take the Tuesday off. So, what can you expect? Girls figure very highly I’m delighted to announce – but don’t think that’s all this show is about.. There are both indoor and outdoor show car areas, a live action arena, show and shine, Kiss live stage, Car Clinic, Max Power stage – and best bit of all, a full-on nightclub after dark which means you can be making shapes into the wee-smalls and practising your best chat-up lines with the many models getting down!

But, I digress.. the main reason to Mod Nats is the cars. Very few shows manage the eclectic mix that this show does with Old-Skool classics rubbing arches with the latest and greatest New-wave machinery and OEM+ masterpieces. I guarantee that no matter which church of modifying you pray to, there’s bound to be a near-religious experience in terms of quality and quantity of metal. If you can’t find at least one truly inspirational ride on site, I will personally refund your entrance fee.. so there!

Whether you make it just for the day, or better still, manage to blitz the entire three glorious days, just remember the essentials. Car. Cash. Mates. Cleaning Kit. Better still, park up for the whole three days and get seriously shipwrecked with us. With banging tuneage on the Dotz stand all weekend and some seriously eye-friendly staff (no, I don’t mean Dave and Kev) plus of course, some of the freshest rims on the planet, I guarantee that it’s a very pleasant place to while away an hour or two – and we promise not to try and sell you any wheels whilst your there. OK, that last bit was a lie, but the rest is gospel…..

So, fill up your tanks, empty your bank account and charge up your party power… We’ll see you there. Check it all out at www.modifiednationals.co.uk

We’re proud to be the sponsor of Miss Max Power for this year’s contest! Last year, Miss Max Power was a massive success and this year should be even bigger.

Max Power are looking for a babe to take the prestigious title of Max Power Babe 2010, who will give her career the ultimate boost with a feature in Max Power and ZOO, as well as a year’s modelling contract with N20 and receive a set of professional photos!

If you’re interested or know anyone that would be, you can find out all about it (including how to enter) here.

Praising us for ‘thinking outside of the square’ and commenting on its innovative design language, the magazine is no stranger to the DOTZ range, with many previous cover stars and feature cars running the desirable rims as the final finishing touch to their look.

Commenting on their latest title, Kevin Greer, M.D of DOTZ Official UK Distributors Alcar, said ‘We’re obviously delighted to receive recognition from Fast Car in this way. That sector of the market is hugely important for the DOTZ brand and FC readers make up a large part of our customer base. We’ve got some extremely innovative and exciting designs coming out over the next 12 months, so here’s hoping for more of the same next year!’

Green was the dominating colour at the Autosalon in Geneva: hybrid-modells, electric engines and compact cars were all over the fair in Western Switzerland. All of that gathered in the “Pavillon Vert”. On top of that, more than 30 world premieres were presented.

The image shows springtime for the automotive industries: almost forgotten the evil sales figures from last year. All prominent producers showed their optimistic face on the shores of the Lake Geneva.

Among others VW-subsidiary Porsche took care, that this side is going to be slightly more green: the first presented 911 GT3-R is outfitted with a hybrid-engine, empowered with 480hp and will bring his power to the streets at the 24-hours-race at the Nürburgring in upcoming May.

©Autosalon Genf

In Geneva Citroen showed his avantgardistic radical study Survolt. With a range of 3,85 metres the Survolt is 17cm longer than the Revolte, but with a height of just 1,20 meters significantly flatter. Some design-elements like the radiator grill and the rear lights are coming from the Revolte.

©Reuters

Big presence showed the german side: at the Mercedes-booth Daimler-CEO Dieter Zetsche met with Formula 1-heroes Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg next to the study F800 Style, which reminds us of american road cruiser. The 800, following the style of the CLS, is powered with a 300-hp-gasoline and a 109-hp-electric engine.

©Reuters

Opel showed with the conceptcar Flextreme the technological combination-possibilities of gasoline- and electric engines: the 1,3 litre four cylinder common-rail-diesel, which is powered by a 27 litre fuel storage, doesn’t directly power the whells – he is the second power unit for batteries instead. With that the Flextreme goes 715km and reaches a high speed of 160km/h.

©Reuters

Once again back to VW: another subsidiary, Audi, presented the other big Geneva-trend to compact cars – the Audi A1. Considering that the A2 wasn´t a huge success, the new baby-Audi wants to attract the Golf-class customers. The energy spectrum reaches from 86 to 122hp. The A1 will be available from 16.000 EUR onwards.

©Reuters

Startling attraction were also the Peugeot-limousine-study WZX and…

©Reuters

…the Nissan Juke. The compact SUV with the buggy-design, which will be in stores October, allows a variable power-distribution at the rear wheels.

©Reuters