The Blog

Winter tyres feature specially designed tread patterns, which perform best when you are driving in cold weather. From seven degrees Celsius and below, these special patterns work together with bespoke rubber compounds to keep motorists on the road.Read More

MOT rules are changing in the UK from May 2018. Here’s what is being changed and how it could affect you. 

The Driving and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) is making changes to the way the MOT test is carried out. The changes will take effect from 20th May 2018 and will affect the testing procedures and standards for MOT tests in England, Scotland and Wales.

Find out more here:-

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mot-changes-20-may-2018

What are the changes?

An updated inspection manual for MOT testers

A new MOT inspection manual will be introduced. The manual will be used by authorised MOT testers across the UK. The government has issued a draft manual which highlights the proposed changes. Changes may still be made before the final manual is issued in May.

New defect categorisations

Each defect found will be categorised as either

• dangerous,
• major
• or minor.
• Manual advisories will no longer be given.

Dangerous and major defects will cause a car to fail its MOT test and drivers will be advised not to drive the vehicle away in its current condition.

Minor defects can be considered as being similar to advisories in the current test. A vehicle will still pass its MOT if it only has minor defects.

It is hoped that the changes will make it easier for motorists to see which areas of their vehicle need more attention.

Vehicle exhaust emissions checks

New limits will be introduced for vehicle exhaust emissions testing with lower limits for diesel cars.

Classic cars exemption

Some classic cars (vehicles over 40 years old) may be exempt from statutory MOT testing. To qualify for exemption, these older vehicles must be registered as a ‘vehicle of historic interest’ with the DVLA and should not be extensively modified.

Additional components listed

Several components have been added to the draft manual issued by the DVSA that must be checked during an MOT test.

These are:

Lamps

• Front fog lamps (fitted to vehicles first used from 1st March 2018)
• Daytime running lamps (fitted as original equipment on or after 1st March 2018)
• Reversing lamps (fitted to vehicles first used from 1st September 2009)

Steering

• Steering gear casing
• ‘Fly by wire’ steering systems

Brakes

• Endurance braking system (applies to larger vehicles such as caravans only)

Other equipment

• Noise suppression systems (including exhaust silencers and under-bonnet deadening material)
• Anti-theft device

Why are the changes being made?

The changes are being made to comply with the EU roadworthiness directive, which is a broad set of rules covering everything from the technical inspection of cars to the registration of vehicle documents.

The DVSA carried out public consultations to inform the changes made to the MOT testing system. It hopes that these changes will benefit both MOT testers and customers, by improving the structure of the test and making the results easier to understand.

Did you know Ricci Concept are official Racingline Performance Dealers? We can offer the full range of Racingline Performance products! From Big Brake Kits and suspension upgrades. To Induction Kits, engine products, exhaust Systems and alloy wheels. Call us on 01482 322446 for full details and pricing.

We have been chosen to represent OZ racing alloy wheels with the full range of wheels available direct from italy through Ricci concept.

The range includes ranges from Sparco and MSW also made by OZwheels

Find out more here:- http://www.ozracing.uk/wheels

APR is pleased to present the ultimate engine control unit (ECU) upgrade for the Q5 2.0T EA888 Gen 3 engine.

The APR Stage I ECU Upgrade is the first step towards making more power!

This simple upgrade requires no engine hardware modifications, and produces 288-299 HP with 363-374 FT-LBS of torque depending on fuel grade. Gains as high as 66-75 HP and 93-104 FT-LBS of torque are available throughout the power band, depending on fuel grade and factory output, making the vehicle exceptionally quicker in all scenarios.

Also fits the ROW Market A4, Allroad and A5. 

Ricci Concept have teamed up with scorpion to offer the full range of automotive systems which can be supplied and also if required fitted here in Hull.

Scorpion exhausts have been helping to win motorsport championships for over 20 years, consistently beating teams heavily supported by rival exhaust manufacturers. Those who follow motorsport, will most likely have seen the Scorpion support team in attendance at a huge range of motorcycle, and four wheel series, often without even knowing it. As Scorpion moves into a new era, the intention is to adopt a higher profile with their motorsport program, providing the most relevant development environment to allow true technology transfer from track to road. In particular they intend to build on successes in the BTCC- 4 out of the last 5 championship winning teams have won with scorpion exhausts! Porsche Cup, VW Racing Cup, World Endurance, Time Attack and Superbike.

These craftsmen are the same engineers that build the race systems and the systems fitted to the road cars…. Share the excitement.

Give us a call to see what scorpion can offer for your car.

PART NUMBER: VWR49G700 (PIANO BLACK) /// VWR49G701 (TITANIUM SILVER FINISH)

It’s all about the attention to detail. And what is more important than the elements of your car that you see and touch every time you drive?
Currently Golf 7 DSG only – but more models in development!
Our new DSG Paddle Replacements are exquisite CNC-machined billet aluminium, beautiful to look at and cool to the touch. The +/- symbols are delicately cut out of the top of each blade.
By extending the size of the paddles above and below the steering wheel spokes, it makes pulling that next gear easier in tight turns when your hands are busy with the steering.
There are many cheap ‘stick-on’ paddles available. But as a full replacement unit, the RacingLine versions are completely different. The stick-ons, as they rely on double-sided foam tape laid on top of the factory plastic paddles will never give the positivity or rigidity that you or your car deserve.
As with all our upgrades, the quality and attention to detail on our DSG Paddle Replacements is instantly apparent. Polished, then gloss-anodised in a choice of Piano Black or Titanium-Silver before a laser-etched RacingLine logo is placed on the bottom of each blade as a discreet assurance of quality

The APR Cast Downpipe Exhaust System replaces the restrictive factory catalyst cross pipes and resonators with an upgraded 76mm stainless steel mandrel-bent system, featuring port-matched cast inlets, high-flow catalysts and various other features. Expect better throttle response, more horsepower and an intoxicating exhaust note, while remaining civilized during normal daily driving. It’s the best performance upgrade for the 4.0 TFSI following the APR ECU Upgrade and it’s all designed and assembled in-house, using premium materials and world-class manufacturing techniques few can match.

Volkswagen Racingline go to endless lengths to perfect every one of there suspension upgrades – by benchmarking against the very best ride & handling set-ups anywhere in the industry.The full range is available here at Ricci Concept

The APR Carbon Fiber Intake System is an attractive high performance upgrade for the latest 1.8T and 2.0T engines as found in various MQB platform vehicles.
The factory intake design has the foundation for excellent performance, but much of this is sacrificed in an effort to meet other design requirements. With requirements set forth for only supporting factory power output levels, low engine sound levels and long service intervals, there is plenty of room for improvement.
The APR Carbon Fiber Intake System increases performance primarily by improving mass airflow through the system while still proving adequate filtration. Expect greater horsepower and torque through the power band with a more direct and responsive feel upon pressing the throttle. Sounds from the engine and turbocharger are enhanced and some may even experience better fuel economy depending on driving style.
Carbon Fiber Intake System for VW/Audi’s latest lineup of 1.8T/2.0T vehicles is now available for the Audi TT & TTS with our new TT Adapter Bracket.

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