Automotive Press

HISPANO SUIZA CARMEN BOULOGNE

2020-03-04T14:06:00.001+00:00

The motorsport-inspired Carmen Boulogne pays homage to Hispano Suiza's competition heritage. Building on its sibling’s substantial credentials, the Carmen Boulogne boasts 820kW (1,114PS) up by 70kW (95PS); more speed 290km/h (180mph) up by 40km/h (25mph) and a 0-100km/h time of under 2.6 seconds.

Utilising the Carmen's expertly engineered chassis and powertrain technology, the Carmen Boulogne delivers a blend of exhilarating power, exceptional luxury and elegant design.

Born of the brand's 'Unique Tailormade' department in Barcelona, the infinitely-customisable Carmen Boulogne embodies the sporting spirit of Hispano Suiza alongside a strong family legacy.

The new sportier variant of the Carmen is the next stage in the evolution of the resurgent Spanish luxury car brand. Designed, developed and manufactured in Barcelona, the fully-electric Carmen Boulogne shares its sibling’s classically-inspired design, but applies sportier styling and showcases the extent of customisation available to the five customers who will own one of the hyper-exclusive models.

Combining its enhanced, fully-electric 820kW (1,114PS) powertrain with a bespoke super-stiff carbon fibre monocoque, stiffer double-wishbone front and rear suspension, and torque vectoring, the Carmen Boulogne delivers exceptional dynamics, with a focus on thrilling performance. With such prodigious power, and a kerb weight of 1,630kg, the new variant has world-class performance capabilities: 100km/h is reached in under 2.6 seconds, while the top speed is 290km/h.

The car’s exquisitely-precise carbon fibre bodywork is proudly displayed beneath a clearcoat varnish, which emphasises its aggressive sportiness while retaining the Carmen’s timeless elegance. Inside, the Carmen Boulogne variant is distinguished from its sibling through the use of suede or black Alcantara across the bulkhead and door panels.

The car’s design, engineering and production has been undertaken in Barcelona by a skilled team of highly-experienced experts from Hispano Suiza and QEV Technologies – a company that specialises in electric powertrain development and motorsport engineering.

The Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne will cost from €1.65m (plus taxes). The five special edition Boulogne variants join 14 Carmen or Carmen customised models to complete the total 19-unit production run, with the first customer taking delivery in 2022. Prospective customers can now register their interest to purchase one of the hyper-exclusive models.

A product of the brand’s ‘Unique Tailormade’ operation, the Boulogne features design enhancements that reference Hispano Suiza’s racing vehicles from the 1920s, while building on the Carmen’s exhilarating performance and exceptional luxury.

The Boulogne moniker dates back to 1921 and the George Boillot Cup, in which Hispano Suiza competed with a performance-focused version of the company’s H6 Coupé. The endurance race saw competitors battle for victory for more than 3.5 hours, on the roads around the French town of Boulogne.

Hispano Suiza achieved three consecutive race wins, with drivers André Dubonnet (1921), Paul Bablot (1922) and Léonce Garnier (1923) driving specially-modified versions of the Hispano Suiza H6.

Purposeful sports styling, builds on Carmen’s contemporary reimagination of a classic shape Hispano Suiza

The Carmen’s styling is deliberately provocative, intended to generate an emotive reaction, and to be instantly recognisable. The Carmen Boulogne extends this theme, adding a layer of menacing mystique through its exposed carbon fibre – deeply polished beneath a lustrous clearcoat.

Emphasising its enhanced performance capabilities, the new model features copper-coloured livery that highlights the car’s aerodynamic form. It makes use of the original model’s large air inlets that flank the grille, sitting above a ‘floating’ front splitter, which channels air under the car.

The Carmen Boulogne carries the same semi-circular combination headlamps and aggressive ‘frown’ as its sibling, but is clearly differentiated by its dominating copper-coloured grille.

Visual theatre is a key element of the Hispano Suiza DNA. Before even entering the car, the driver and passenger are provided with a dramatic performance as the scissor doors rise and pivot in one smooth, elegant movement. With the doors closed, the Carmen’s distinctive aerodynamic teardrop profile is revealed. Here, a key styling element that differentiates the Boulogne variant appears where the concave bodyside scoop ends, just as the dramatic rear haunch takes over – the rear wheel is exposed rather than being shrouded.

This unobscured view of the 20-inch rear wheels serves to emphasise the new model’s sports focus while also enhancing cooling of the carbon ceramic brakes (discs: AP Racing 380mm x 34mm; calipers: AP Racing Radi-CAL - 6 pistons). Newly-styled wheels are proudly displayed with 10 curved trapezoidal shapes set around the outer rim and a series of concentric circles framing the central Hispano Suiza emblem. With front and rear wheels on show, the Carmen Boulogne is visually more balanced than its Grand Tourer sibling, and benefits from a more menacing stance – a characteristic emphasised by its black carbon fibre bodywork.

Viewed from the rear, the taught haunches that arch over the covered rear wheels also feature copper-coloured detailing. They taper slightly, flanking a dramatic narrowing of the roofline and rear screen that ends in a distinctive, sharp, rear-facing point – the trailing tail of the teardrop.

The circular rear combination lamps feature the signature Hispano Suiza stork graphic within the rear-light cluster. When seen from an angle, the indicator pulses along the length of the rear-lamp cones creating an arresting visual spectacle.

The performance focus of the Carmen Boulogne capitalises on the car’s low drag coefficient (Cd 0.325), lower than the Porsche 918 Spyder (0.34), Koenigsegg Agera R (0.37) and Ferrari F12 (0.33). In accelerating to its top speed of 290km/h, it makes full use of its streamlined form, combined with the front splitter, flat floor and rear diffuser that work in unison to reduce lift.

Exquisite and luxurious interior blends modern technologies with contemporary design cues

The passenger cabin of the Carmen Boulogne is a more contemporary take on Hispano Suiza’s blend of premium quality materials and classic design cues. The Carmen’s refined and luxurious wood trim is replaced by suede or black Alcantara, while chrome trim is changed for anodised metal in a striking Orange Tulipwood colour.

Awaiting the occupants inside the car is a combination of the finest leather and Alcantara that is used to trim the heated, 3D / 6 motion power-adjustable carbon fibre composite seats, as well as the door panels and roof lining. All upholstery is hand-trimmed and hand-sewn in-house at Hispano Suiza’s Barcelona assembly facility, helping ensure that the driver and passenger are cosseted within an authentically sumptuous environment.

Such is the focus on the ultimate ownership experience, each Carmen Boulogne is almost infinitely customisable via the brand’s ‘Unique Tailormade’ department. Buyers can pick the specific shade of leather, the set-up of the interior mood lighting, and can even specify a custom-perfumed interior, developed with the buyer to ensure the car is aligned perfectly with their preferences.

The artisan craftsmanship that is apparent throughout the interior retains a direct lineage to the brand’s history. For example, the dash reflects the characteristics of the Carmen Boulogne’s predecessors, with anodised Orange Tulipwood-coloured metalwork perforated by authentic toggle switchgear for reassuring mechanical tactility. The clockface at the centre of the dash features a Swiss mechanism with design and development by a Spanish watch maker. It echoes the position and status of the timepieces that featured in the brand’s earlier cars. Similarly, the triangular gear selector is a direct reference to the art deco steel triangle that featured on the dash of Hispano Suiza’s in the company’s historic models.

While the style is unashamedly retrospective, the technologies employed deliver the best experience possible for occupants. Ambient LED lighting strips are hidden along the door panels and in the footwells to ensure that the interior is a welcoming and inviting space.

The steering wheel spokes feature smartphone and multimedia controls, while a highly-intuitive user interface sits at the centre of the driver-focused infotainment console. A high-definition, 10.1-inch touchscreen display allows owners make infotainment selections and configure vehicle settings with ease. The screen is also where video output from the rear parking camera is presented. High-fidelity audio is delivered by six premium speakers and a subwoofer, providing a unique 360-degree audio experience.

A dedicated Hispano Suiza mobile app enables owners to remotely set cabin temperature, operate the lights, and set the alarm, as well as monitoring the battery charge status.

Advanced electric powertrain delivers motorsport-inspired performance

Achieving enhanced performance, to elevate the Carmen Boulogne to even greater heights, was the primary focus for the Hispano Suiza technical team. Inspired by the brand’s race-winning successes of the 1920s, the engineers set out to boost the Carmen’s exceptional power even further.

Building on the Carmen’s substantial credentials, the Carmen Boulogne boasts 820kW (1,114PS) up by 70kW (95PS) on its sibling. With a longer-ratio gearbox, a new silicon carbide transistor, and stiffer suspension, the performance variant has a higher top speed 290km/h (180mph) up by 40km/h (25mph), and boasts a 0-100km/h time of under 2.6 seconds.

The Carmen Boulogne is powered by two 410kW permanent-magnet synchronous motors (PMSM), one for each rear wheel. Each motor’s significant torque is controlled through sophisticated torque vectoring systems developed in-house. From 0-6,500rpm, the motors are capable of 1,600Nm maximum torque, enabling the car’s blistering acceleration and seemingly endless pulling power.

The high-energy battery pack is T-shaped, running as a central spine of the car and behind the seats. It also serves as a tuned mass damper (TMD), providing stability and reducing structural vibration.

The Lithium Ion polymer battery pack boasts an available capacity of 80kWh. High-efficiency mechanical and electric components give a total energy loss from the battery to the ground of less than 10%, maximising vehicle range, which is targeted to exceed 400km.

The battery pack – made up of 700 cells – was designed and produced entirely in-house, including a complete temperature control system to ensure the cells can operate optimally. The battery monitoring system ensures stable charge and discharge performance and delivers the required safety strategies.

The new model also features >80kW DC Fast Charging capability, requiring just 30 minutes to charge from 30-80% via a CCS2 Fast Charger. It also features CHAdeMO and GB/T charging options.

The battery and electric powertrain components are liquid-cooled via three front radiators: one under the hood at the front of the car for battery cooling, and one each side, inboard of the front wheel arches, for cooling powertrain components. The three front air intakes provide airflow to help cool the electric drivetrain system and battery. The location, size and diffuser-style shape of these intakes, together with split planes, distribute the air in the radiator’s core to achieve the optimal balance of drag and high air flow across the radiators. The outlets in the hood that expel air from the front radiator, and those in the front wheel arches that expel air from the side radiators, have been carefully designed and located to minimise drag.

Battery heat expulsion is controlled by the front central radiator and condenser. The battery thermal management system uses a passive heat exchanger (radiator) and an active cooling system, which shares its refrigeration cycle with the passenger cabin’s air conditioning. Also, a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater warms the battery in cold conditions.

The car’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software manages all vehicle power and control strategies, continuously interrogating myriad data streams and instruction actuators to control vehicle behaviour. These strategies are all developed and tested in-house by Hispano Suiza software engineers. A complex network feeds a huge amount of data to the ECU at a rate of up to 1,000 samples per second.

Data is also fed via the cloud to the Hispano Suiza back office infrastructure to ensure that vehicle status and condition is monitored by Hispano Suiza in real time to ensure ultimate reliability. This 4G functionality also enables eCall emergency services as required.

Hispano Suiza’s production partner – QEV Technologies – has extensive experience in developing electric vehicle powertrain technology, specifically for teams participating in FIA Formula E and FIA Electric Production Car Series (EPCS). As such, QEV Technologies brings unprecedented levels of engineering know-how to the Carmen Boulogne’s electric powertrain, contributing to its exceptional performance, efficiency, reliability and safety.

Bespoke carbon fibre monocoque chassis

The Hispano Suiza Carmen is one of the most carbon fibre intense cars in the world. Carbon fibre composites are employed extensively throughout the vehicle, and account for the vast proportion of vehicle structures.

Even in this, the most elementary structure of the Carmen, Hispano Suiza has created a unique work of art: the hand-laid carbon fibre deployed for the monocoque chassis is specifically oriented in a mirrored opposing weave pattern. This results in a forward-facing directional arrow shape down the centre-line of the car from back to front. Uniquely, in the Carmen Boulogne, this detailed and beautiful carbon fibre craftmanship is proudly displayed beneath the car’s clearcoat varnish.

Carbon fibre composite is also used for the crash protection structures that absorb and dissipate impact energy to protect the monocoque at the front and rear. Unusually, the rear subframe is also constructed in carbon fibre and is bolted to the primary chassis structure.

The monocoque chassis weighs only 195kg and exhibits exceptionally high rigidity to provide a torsional stiffness rating of 50,000Nm/deg. This not only contributes to a stronger and safer passenger cell, but also benefits the car’s dynamic performance. The Carmen’s stiffness-to-mass ratio (256Nm/deg per kg) out-performs any other hypercar: for comparison, the Lamborghini Aventador’s stiffness-to-mass ratio is 237Nm/deg per kg.

Through extensive development of the Carmen during the past year, the Boulogne boasts a weight of just 1,630kg, a saving of 60kg versus its sibling. The enhancements have been achieved through a newly optimised suspension (-25kg); a new sub-chassis (-15kg); chassis lay-up optimisation (-15kg); new CNC parts and carbon fibre roof (-6kg). The 11 carbon fibre body panels are also incredibly lightweight, tipping the scales at just 64.5kg – including the front splitter and rear diffuser.

Even the seat structures and interior upholstery-support panels are carbon fibre composites. Furthermore, composites are also deployed as electric insulation materials and as part of the car’s NVH management, as a sound and vibration dampening substance.

Inspired by the brand’s performance-focused past, the Carmen Boulogne’s blistering straight-line speed is married with driver-focused dynamic capabilities thanks to the highly experienced team. It has developed and integrated a range of advanced chassis systems to achieve the dynamic goals for the car. Not only will the Carmen Boulogne exhibit exceptional handling, but the characteristics and behaviour of the car should be predictable and easy to drive. Carmen Boulogne is a racing-inspired car for the road that embraces and harnesses the most advanced motorsport-inspired technologies and techniques to engage and bring joy to the driver.

Double wishbone suspension is fitted at the front and rear, which is paired with adaptive damping control and variable roll stiffness distribution technologies to deliver precise and responsive handling, while retaining a refined and comfortable ride. Notably, the suspension set-up of the Carmen Boulogne has been stiffened slightly to account for the car’s sportier nature.

True torque vectoring manages the distribution of the two motors’ torque to each rear wheel, according to driver inputs and levels of grip available. This provides a series of benefits, particularly in dynamic response during the most spirited driving, greater high-speed stability, and improved safety on low-grip surfaces.

Additional active safety technologies include anti-lock braking (ABS), traction control (TCS) and electronic stability control (ESP) systems. Meanwhile, the Carmen’s brakes are powerful carbon-ceramic composite units from AP Racing. The 380x34mm front and rear ceramic discs work with the six-piston Radi-CAL calipers to ensure the Carmen Boulogne can shed speed rapidly and consistently.

A proud Spanish spirit and strong family legacy

Hispano Suiza was responsible for the design and manufacture of more than 12,000 luxury performance cars and 50,000 aeroplane engines between 1904 and 1946. Even before he joined Hispano Suiza as its Technical Director, Marc Birkigt experimented with cutting edge technologies in the new era of the automobile, leading a team that built one of Spain’s first electric car prototypes in 1899.

Some of the innovations that he later went on to develop helped Hispano Suiza cars to be considered among the world’s finest and most advanced. Indeed, many media and high-profile automotive enthusiasts considered the brand’s cars among the best in the world. Even three decades after Hispano Suiza stopped making cars, other luxury brands were still using automotive technology licenced from Hispano Suiza.

Hispano Suiza is a fourth-generation family business. Its president, Miguel Suqué Mateu is the great-grandson of the brand’s founder, Damián Mateu. It is believed that Hispano Suiza is unique in nurturing an unbroken family lineage in the reintroduction of an automotive brand born in the first era of the automobile. The company is intensely proud of its Spanish roots – its headquarters, technical centre, and manufacturing facility are all based in Barcelona, and more than three-quarters of the Carmen’s components are sourced in Spain.

Through the President, the Mateu family retains an intimate relationship with the reborn Hispano Suiza operation, influencing the brand’s direction, management, and planning, plus the design and specification of the new Carmen Boulogne.

Grup Peralada

Grup Peralada was established in 1904 and has been owned and managed by the Suqué Mateu family since it was founded. The group of businesses has continued to grow and represents the pinnacle of luxury in gastronomy and entertainment. Its highlights include a three-time Michelin star restaurant – Castell Peralada – in north-east Spain, where it also owns 12 award-winning wineries, an 18-hole golf course and hotel and offers the world’s first wine-spa health treatments. It also hosts the annual Peralada International Music Festival, celebrating the arts, opera and ballet. It operates 21 restaurants, eight casinos and six five-star hotels across Europe and Latin America.

Technical specification: Hispano Suiza Carmen Boulogne

General
Body type	2 doors, 2 seats, Grand Tourer
Top speed	290km/h
Cd	0.325
Mileage (NEDC)	≥400km
Energy consumption	<24.0kWh/100km
Gradeability	≥30º
Turning radius	12.5m
Length	4733mm
Width	2040mm
Height @ 100mm	1242mm
Wheelbase	2800mm
Kerb weight	1630kg
GVW front load ratio	40%
0-100km/h acceleration	<2.6s
Driving modes	(Sport, Eco, Comfort)
Motor and transmission
Type	PMSM
Cooling	Liquid cooled
Controller	SiC Mosfet
Layout	2 x rear (410kW)
Maximum power	820kW (1114PS)
Maximum torque	1,600Nm from 0-6500rpm
Torque vectoring	●
Battery
Type	Lithium Ion
Available capacity	Base 80kWh (upgradeable)
Charge protocol	CCS2
AC charging power	22kW
DC charging power	>80kW
Charging time (AC)	<6h
Charging time (DC)	<0.5h (30~80%)
Chassis, suspension and brakes
Drive type	Rear Wheel Drive
Front suspension	Double-wishbone
Rear suspension	Double-wishbone
Monocoque CFRP	●
Electronic parking brake (EPB)	●
Brake disc – carbon ceramic (front & rear)	AP Racing 380mm x 34mm
Brake calipers (front & rear)	AP Racing Radi-CAL - 6 pistons
iBooster	●
Brake by wire	●
Electric Power Steering (EPS)	●
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)	●
Wheels and tyres
Front tyre	265/30 R19
Rear tyre	305/30 R20
Driving safety assistance system
ABS	●
TCS	●
Hill-start assist	●
ESP	●
Airbag
Front airbag: driver and passenger	●
Parking assistance system
Reversing radar	●
Front parking radar	●
Rear parking camera	●
Convenience
Interior lightning delay	●
Headlights auto delay	●
Steering
Leather steering wheel	●
Multi-function steering wheel	●
A/C
Auto A/C	●
Remote A/C	●
Air filtration system	●
Key
Remote key app	●
Automatic door opening	●
Keyless entry	●
Start / Stop	Auto
Seats
Racing seats	2
Leather seats	●
Heated seats	●
3D / 6-motion electric driver seat	●
3D / 6-motion electric passenger seat	●
Lumbar support	●
Dashboard
Leather / carbon fibre / suede / Alcantara	●
LCD display	●
Instrument panel screen	●
Entertainment
Touch screen	●
10.1-inch LCD screen	●
Multimedia system	●
USB interface / charger	1
Wireless charger	●
Premium speakers	6
Bluetooth	●
Hi-tech specification and telematics
Vehicle remote control (mobile app)	●
Vehicle status remote supervision	●
GPS	●
4G	●
Alarm	●
Lights
LED high beam	●
LED low beam	●
Auto high beam	●
LED daytime running lights	●
High-mount brake lamp	●
Interior accent lighting	●
Adaptive front lighting system	●
Windows
Electric windows	●
Anti-pinch electric window	●
Windshield defrosting system	●
Windshield demisting system	●
UV & insulated glass	●
Doors
Scissor doors	●
Central locking	●
Automatic latch	●
Door close alarm	●
Safety belt
Seat belt	3 points
Seat belt warning – driver	●
Seat belt warning – passenger	●
Mirror
Rear view mirror	●
Auto folding wing mirror	●
Wing mirror heating	●
Anti-glare rear view mirror	●
Sun visor & vanity mirror	●

AIWAYS REVEALS NEW U6ION ELECTRIC CROSSOVER COUPE CONCEPT

2020-03-04T14:02:00.002+00:00

AIWAYS, the Shanghai-based personal mobility provider, has lifted the covers on its U6ion electric crossover coupe concept. With a focus on class-leading aerodynamics, intelligent technology and sporty design, the U6ion investigates the exciting future of the AIWAYS brand.

The concept arrives just ahead of AIWAYS’ European launch. The U6ion’s sibling, the proven U5 all-electric SUV, will be available in select European markets from August this year. The two share AIWAYS’ innovative MAS (More Adaptable Structure) platform, a unique system that supports high-range electric vehicles to suit a variety of lifestyles, functions and configurations. The U6ion capitalizes on the relatively low weight of the MAS platform, combining it with a light motor, battery pack and interior to further improve vehicle range.

The U6ion’s distinctly sporty and flowing design elements are thanks to the tutelage of Ken Okuyama, AIWAYS’ Chief Advisor for Design and Arts. The team worked to create a design language that embodied ‘intelligent and simplified technology’ – the concept at the heart of AIWAYS product development ethos.

Alex Klose, EVP of Overseas Markets at AIWAYS, commented: “The AIWAYS design team is building upon the success of the U5. Intended for youthful, environmentally-conscious buyers, the U6ion concept represents a sportier and more characterful expression of the AIWAYS philosophy. Options remain limited in the all-electric SUV market and we are aiming to meet the needs of young people with a vehicle that suits their lifestyle.”

Exterior designDesigned from the outset to be a wide-body crossover coupe, the U6ion features sporty and muscular lines. A fastback style roofline incorporates a dome glass surface that finishes in a sharp-edged C-pillar. Flared haunches add to the visual theatre initiated by the sleek and purposeful front fender, which incorporates a number of functional aerodynamic elements. Uniquely styled LED headlights are paired with a daytime running light system that includes position lights and turn signals. Underneath each headlight is an independent air intake that directs flow to the braking system for cooling.

Aerodynamic performance was a key focus of the AIWAYS’ design team. The rear fender and wheel arches follow pneumatic engineering principles, using shark fins and lipped edges to ensure a clean separation of airflow, thereby reducing drag. Toward the rear of the vehicle is a two-tone curved spoiler that accentuates the U6ion’s sleek design. The 21-inch, two-tone, low-drag sports wheels not only look distinctive, they also provide excellent heat dissipation and aerodynamic performance, all while being relatively lightweight. Combined, these details give the U6ion a class-leading drag coefficient of 0.27 – a true testament to the design and engineering teams’ efforts.

AIWAYS chief designer Dongfei Luo explained: “The U6ion brings a new level of excitement to the crossover segment. It is a dramatic design with sharp lines and flowing elements. Its width provides ample space to sculpt muscular features, bold haunches to attract younger buyers to the zero-emission SUV market. The U6ion evokes a connection between modern craftsmanship and the technology of the future – a symbol of AIWAYS’ ambition as an electric mobility pioneer.”

Interior designThe well-appointed and energetic interior highlights the technology-focused design of the U6ion and draws from lightweight themes. Reinforcing the sporty styling of the external surfaces, the interior features striking colors and interesting details.

When the driver first sits down, they are greeted by a squared multi-function sport steering wheel, providing an immediate idea of the vehicle’s capability and intent. Behind the wheel sits a 7-inch floating gauge cluster that provides the driver with essential driving and system information. The ‘grip shift’, down by the driver’s side, is a unique drive selector design inspired by the throttle levers in power yachts.

Racing style ‘tab’ door handles complement the four integrated sports seats. Rear passengers can make use of safety grips behind the front seats, which are accompanied by another ‘tab’ that details the owner's ‘exclusivity number’.

For control of the vehicle settings and multi-media system, the U6ion uses a freestanding 14.6-inch touchscreen mounted centrally in the dashboard. Mounted atop the dashboard is a ‘little robot’ – a human machine interface with advanced voice recognition that can talk and listen to occupants and be used to control numerous vehicle and entertainment features. Alongside the touchscreen, a number of easy-access controls are mounted below the ‘grip shift’ using capacitive touch glass.

The doors are able to showcase the owner’s personality with customizable backlit panels. Considerations have even been made for all-weather use, with capsule umbrellas stored integrally within the doors.

A series of inventive storage solutions highlight the intended market for the U6ion. Specific drone and remote-control stowage spaces sit between the rear passengers, ensuring that U6ion users never miss an opportunity to take the perfect shot. In the boot, AIWAYS has fit a hidden compartment specifically for the quick and easy deployment of an electric scooter – a modern short-distance commuting solution.

Technology focusMuch like the U5, the U6ion boasts a host of advanced features to make occupants’ journeys safer and more comfortable. From an integrated AI voice assistant to innovative driver aids, the U6ion validates its aesthetic design with AIWAYS most advanced technologies.

The engineers at AIWAYS see the implementation of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) as essential to safety. The U6ion utilizes all of the ADAS and assistance systems of the U5 including Auto Emergency Brake (AEB), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC), Lane Keeping System (LKS), driver fatigue detection, and more.

Winter Wang, Chief Technical Officer, explained: “Incorporating advanced safety and convenience systems into our vehicles was a priority from the beginning. These features are particularly appreciated by European customers. I am proud to say that the U6ion has a feature lists to rival the most forward-thinking and pioneering automotive brands in the world. It brings these technologies together in a sporty design that will resonate with a youthful and active audience.”

LONGEST-EVER WATCH & AUTOMOTIVE PARTNERSHIP CELEBRATED WITH STUNNING BREITLING PREMIER BENTLEY MULLINER LIMITED EDITION

2020-03-04T14:00:00.001+00:00

To celebrate its extraordinary partnership with Bentley Motors, Breitling today reveals a special limited edition watch, the Breitling Premier Bentley Mulliner Limited Edition. This exquisite new timepiece shares the inspiring values of Bentley’s design DNA as showcased in the pinnacle of luxury grand touring, the Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Convertible.

The new Breitling watch commemorates 17 years of collaboration – the longest-ever partnership between a watch brand and an automobile manufacturer – and focuses attention on Bentley’s Mulliner bespoke department which, since 1959, has crafted the world’s leading luxury car maker’s most unique tailor-made models.

Bentley’s partnership with Breitling can be traced back to 2002, when the iconic automotive brand was designing its legendary Continental GT. Bentley commissioned Breitling to create an onboard clock that would reflect the unparalleled luxury, peerless quality, and extraordinary performance of the new grand tourer, which was debuted in 2003. The values that have always defined the partnership between the two world-leading brands are once more on display with the Breitling Premier Bentley Mulliner Limited Edition. As its name suggests, the new Breitling watch has close links to Bentley’s Continental GT Mulliner Convertible.

Adrian Hallmark, Bentley Chairman and CEO, commented “The long-standing relationship between Bentley and Breitling is a reflection of the values we both share and our dedication to world-leading performance, luxury, innovation and refinement. The links between the new Breitling Premier Bentley Mulliner Limited Edition watch and Bentley’s Continental GT Mulliner Convertible can be seen in the exquisite engraving detail of the watch and the design features that reference the Breitling clock in the GT’s dashboard – a perfect display of Bentley Mulliner product craftsmanship.”

Georges Kern, Breitling’s CEO, says that the new chronograph underscores one of his brand’s most important partnerships: “The Premier Bentley Centenary Edition that we launched a year ago was warmly received, both by Bentley and Breitling fans. The Breitling Premier Bentley Mulliner Limited Edition, with its clear links between Bentley’s and our DNA, is a logical next step in our shared story and it is also a testimony to Bentley Mulliner, whose name is synonymous with heritage, craftsmanship and outstanding performance.”

The Breitling Premier Bentley Mulliner Limited EditionA Breitling watch worthy of the Bentley and Mulliner names is a very special fusion between two brands attuned to the distinctive needs of their customers. The new chronograph has close links to the interior of the Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Convertible, the most luxurious GT ever designed, and particularly to the Breitling clock in the luxury automobile’s dashboard.

The Breitling Premier Bentley Mulliner Limited Edition is limited to 1,000 pieces. It features a 42-mm stainless steel case presented on a blue alligator leather strap echoing the Imperial Blue leather interior of the car. Its elegant silver dial recalls the Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Convertible’s dashboard clock. The watch boasts blue subdials – a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and a small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock – an indication of the Breitling Manufacturer Caliber 01, with an impressive power reserve of approximately 70 hours.

The dial features a white tachymeter scale on a blue inner bezel around the dial, with a red tachymeter inscription. The red second hand and centered 60-minute scale mirror the red stitching found throughout the interior cabin of the Bentley Continental GT Mulliner Convertible. The links between the watch and the Continental GT Mulliner Convertible clock are further strengthened by their complementary sets of Arabic numerals: the dashboard clock features the numerals at 12, 3, 6 and 9, while the watch has them at 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10 and 11. Sharing these numerals across these two pieces is a nod to the design DNA they share.

On the left side of the case is a plate with an engraved “Bentley” inscription, whose design is based on the engine spin dashboard found in historic Bentleys. Around the watch’s transparent sapphire caseback is an inscription saying “MULLINER EDITION – BREITLING – ONE OF 1000”. The Breitling Premier Bentley Mulliner Limited Edition is a COSC-certified chronometer.

The Bentley Continental GT Mulliner ConvertibleRepresenting the pinnacle of luxury grand touring, the Continental GT Mulliner Convertible builds on the success of two other Bentley special models in the Centenary year of 2019, GT Number 9 and the GT Convertible Number 1 Limited Editions. A perfect display of Bentley Mulliner product craftsmanship, the Continental GT Mulliner Convertible is the only Continental GT to have a Breitling Edition Clock in the car. Its silver face mirrors that of the Breitling Premier Bentley Mulliner Limited Edition watch. Blue, red and white accents highlight the importance of British design.

The Bentley Mulliner WorkshopBentley’s Mulliner department is an extension of Mulliner, a family company that can be traced back to carriers and saddlers in 1559. But real prominence can be traced back to 1760 when Francis Mulliner was commissioned to build and maintain carriages for the Royal Mail. In 1870 Francis’s son, Robert Bouverie Mulliner, who shared his father’s restless pursuit of perfection, started his own coachbuilding company called Mulliner London Limited. For nearly 150 years, Mulliner has been renowned for its bespoke handcrafted coaches, created to the highest standards to meet the exacting requirements of its clients. Mulliner first began coachbuilding for Bentley in 1923, before entering into a partnership with the automotive brand in 1959, and for more than 60 years has given life to Bentley’s creativity and to its customers’ dreams. Each Bentley Mulliner model is a product created with an impeccable level of detail.

Breitling and BentleyWhile Breitling’s partnership with Bentley Motors can be traced back to 2002, there are historic links between the companies that go back even further. Willy Breitling, the visionary watchmaker and grandson of founder Léon Breitling, was a committed Bentley owner who, from the late 1940s, was a familiar sight on Swiss roads at the wheel of one of his beloved Bentleys. Willy, a man with flawless design instincts and a stylish personal flair, could not have imagined driving another automobile.

Bentley at Le MansWhile Bentley is known for its luxurious road cars, the brand also has an impressive history on the track. Between 1924 and 1930, the famous “Bentley Boys” won the 24 Hours of Le Mans race five times. That success, however, did not only remain a part of the brand’s past. In 2003, Bentley returned to Le Mans, taking the first two places. In that year of the world’s most famous endurance race, Breitling was Team Bentley’s proud main sponsor and created a limited-edition chronograph, the Bentley Le Mans, to celebrate the feat.

The Breitling Premier: for men and women of style, purpose and actionWhen it was launched in 2018, the Breitling Premier collection reintroduced a name that had a special significance for the prestige watch brand. In the 1940s, Breitling introduced its first collection of truly elegant watches, defined by their stylishness. The new Breitling Premier collection combines purpose with quality, performance, and timeless design that are worthy of the watch brand’s proud legacy.

The original Breitling Premier watches made powerful fashion statements and were perfect accompaniments to the remarkable changes taking place all over the world in the 1940s. The new Premiers extend that legacy, reflecting Breitling’s heritage and the historic design codes, but they also express an urban flair and a passion for excellence. They express a proud history, yet will never go out of style. Further, their elegance, performance, and quality are everything you would expect from Breitling, which now, more than ever, is an authentic brand for individuals of style, purpose and action.

The Breitling Premier watches that are inspired by the partnership with Bentley hold a privileged place in the collection. No luxury car brand in the world better reflects the essence of the Premier family, with its elegance, flair, performance and timeless design.

- ENDS –

Notes to editors
KEY FACTS ABOUT THE WATCH:
PREMIER B01 CHRONOGRAPH 42 BENTLEY MULLINER LIMITED EDITION

Reference: AB0118A71G1P1 or AB0118A71G1P2

WATCH MOVEMENT
Caliber: Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01
Diameter: 30 millimeters
Depth: 7.2 millimeters
Winder: self-winding mechanical, bidirectional with ball bearing
Power reserve: approximately 70 hours
Number of components: 346
Balance frequency: 28,800 a/h or 4 hertz
Chronograph: column-wheel, vertical clutch, 1/4th second, 30-minute counter
Display: hour, minute, second
Certification: COSC-certified

CASE
Material: stainless steel
Diameter: 42 millimeters
Height: 13.65 millimeters
Water resistance: up to 10 bar (100 meters)
Glass: sapphire, convex, double anti-reflective
Case back: screwed steel, sapphire glass
Crown: non screw-locked, two gaskets

DIAL/HANDS
Silver with contrasting blue chronograph counters
Super-LumiNova® luminescent hour and minute hands

STRAPBlue alligator leather strap with pin or folding buckle

Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Bentley Mulliner Limited Edition (1,000 pcs) with Silver dial, blue subdials, blue alligator strap with folding clasp
CHF: 8,300
GBP: 6,820
EUR: 8,100
USD: 8,650

Premier B01 Chronograph 42 Bentley Mulliner Limited Edition (1,000 pcs) Silver dial, blue subdials, blue alligator strap with tang-type buckle
CHF: 8,000
GBP: 6,580
EUR: 7,900
USD: 8,350

For more information about the Breitling Premier Bentley Mulliner Limited Edition, please visit: https://www.breitling.com/zz-zz/watches/premier/premier-b01-chronograph-42/AB0118A71G1/

ASTON MARTIN V12 SPEEDSTER: A PURISTIC LIMITED EDITION FOR THE MOST DEMANDING DRIVERS

2020-03-04T13:58:00.001+00:00

The Aston Martin V12 Speedster has made its global debut today, with just 88 examples of this puristic limited-edition model set to hit the road.

Created by luxury British marque’s bespoke customisation service ‘Q by Aston Martin’, the Aston Martin V12 Speedster is a truly visceral driver’s car that draws inspiration from both the brand’s rich racing history and aeronautical design. Today’s example is showcased in a conceptual F/A-18 livery, also curated by the same artisans.

Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO, Dr Andy Palmer said: “It makes me enormously proud to reveal Aston Martin’s latest, most exciting special model today. The V12 Speedster is an incredible demonstration of the breadth of capability and determination from the ‘Q by Aston Martin’ team, who have worked tirelessly to create this stunning, two-seat sports car aimed at our most demanding and enthusiastic customers.”

Conceived a little over 12 months ago, the V12 Speedster has undergone an intensive development programme, going from drawing board to production reality within that short period. Demonstrating the skills and meticulous planning of ‘Q by Aston Martin’ and Aston Martin Design, the V12 Speedster is a living show car, underlining the company’s commitment to deliver customers a stunning driver’s car, using the engineering ingenuity and advanced materials evident throughout the entire Aston Martin range.

Utilising Aston Martin’s latest bonded aluminium architecture, the V12 Speedster utilises elements from both the DBS Superleggera and Vantage model lines to create its own unique platform. With independent double wishbone front, and multi-link rear suspension with coil springs and adaptive damping offering Sport, Sport+ and Track modes, the V12 Speedster also benefits from standard 21-inch forged centre lock alloy wheels. Carbon Ceramic Brakes of 410mm on the front axle and 360mm at the rear are also standard equipment.

Over the V12 Speedster’s unique chassis is a bespoke body constructed almost entirely from carbon fibre. Miles Nurnberger, Director of Design, Aston Martin Lagonda, said: “With the V12 Speedster we do go back a step and look into our past for inspiration. Since the DB11 launch, everything has been focused and very forward looking. Here though, we find a different tempo. There’s clear lineage from the 1959 Le Mans winning DBR1 to our Centenary celebratory CC100 Speedster Concept in 2013. There is also a bit of 1953 DB3S in the mid-section, so it really is our latest incarnation of the Speedster concept. It’s also inspired by fighter jets as much as it is by our history, and it has been created to deliver an incredibly visceral experience, hence why it is a V12, rather than a V8. With the V12 Speedster we are amplifying all the emotional strings that we can to the absolute maximum.”

Nurnberger adds: “No roof or screen, a big engine, low, with broad shoulders and exaggerated and emotional styling with twin humps and the spine separating the driver and passenger. The light, low, rear end contrasts with the bold, enlarged grille, unique headlights and bonnet nostril at the front. The bonnet nostril we haven’t done in a very long time, but we’ve brought them back. It’s a neat trick visually to allow us to win some space for the V12. It creates this iconic looking vent.”

The interior specification pushes new boundaries, using a mix of traditional and modern materials. Structural satin carbon fibre, contrasts with traditional hand-crafted Saddle Leather, chrome, aluminium and even 3D printed rubber. Visually and physically the interior reduces mass, for a leaner, efficient style, but one that retains all the emotion and craftsmanship Aston Martins are renowned for. In front of the passenger is a removable leather bag in place of a traditional glove box, while there’s additional storage space under the rear bumps for luggage.

Unveiled here today at Aston Martin’s Gaydon HQ, the V12 Speedster has been shown in a conceptual specification that is inspired by the legendary F/A-18 and will be available for customers to order. Born from an exciting new collaboration with Boeing and created by the brand’s bespoke customisation service ‘Q by Aston Martin’, this striking livery takes the legendary fighter jet for inspiration and is finished in Skyfall Silver, with contrasting satin black on the exhaust tips, vent grilles and vanes. The dark theme is carried through to the interior, with satin dark chrome, machined aluminium, black leather, black technical textile, black carpets and vivid red Aston Martin scripted door pulls, creating a purposeful look for this conceptual styling.

Powering the V12 Speedster is Aston Martin’s scintillating 5.2-litre, Twin-Turbo V12 engine, with a peak output of 700hp1 and 753Nm1 of torque. Front mid-mounted, the all alloy, quad cam 48-valve engine is mated to a ZF 8-Speed automatic transmission with a limited-slip differential driving the rear wheels. The V12 Speedster is able to accelerate to 62mph (100km/h) in 3.5 seconds on the way to a limited top speed of 186mph (300km/h)1.

The iconic V12 engine promises scintillating performance, but further underlining the V12 Speedster’s abundant character and unparalleled commitment to a thrilling drive is an even more invigorating aural signature. To create this Aston Martin’s engineers have created a bespoke stainless-steel exhaust system exiting centrally into the diffuser surface at the rear of the car for an even more rousing, characterful sound from the drivetrain. With the V12 Speedster, every element of the drive is experiential, most obviously the removal of the windscreen adding to the visceral engagement, heightening the driving experience to new levels.

Matt Becker, Aston Martin Chief Engineer, said: “for raw, driving thrills the V12 Speedster is unparalleled, the fully open element of the car adding a new dimension to the experience. It engages on every level, delivering a precise, involving driving experience, with agility and poise backed by abundant power from Aston Martin’s twin-turbo 5.2-litre V12. Driving doesn’t get any purer than this.

Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO, Dr Andy Palmer said: “nothing demonstrates Aston Martin’s commitment to providing unique, special models to its customers more than the V12 Speedster. The 88 hand-built cars will be sought after by driving enthusiasts and collectors alike all around the world. I’m excited not just about what they offer drivers, but of what it represents. The V12 Speedster not just showcases our incredible engineering capability and ambition, but also celebrating Aston Martin’s rich heritage.”

Orders are now being taken for the V12 Speedster, with pricing starting at £765,000 including VAT and deliveries expected to begin in the first quarter of 2021.

1Estimate

MORGAN MOTOR COMPANY REVOLUTIONISES ITS MOST-LOVED MODEL WITH LAUNCH OF ALL-NEW PLUS FOUR

2020-03-03T10:48:00.000+00:00

A new dawn for Morgan Motor Company

The Morgan Motor Company today introduces the next iteration of its core model, with the launch of the all-new Morgan Plus Four. The car represents a revolutionary successor to the Plus 4, a model that has formed the backbone of Morgan production since its debut in 1950. Now, 70 years after the first Plus 4 rolled off the production line at Morgan’s Pickersleigh Road factory in Malvern, UK, a new chapter begins.

Design & Dynamics

The Plus Four is based on the bonded aluminium CX-Generation platform, so called because it made its debut in Morgan’s 110th year (2019). Exponentially more rigid than the outgoing steel ladder chassis, yet astonishingly lightweight at just 97 kg, this advanced platform transforms the car’s ride and handling capabilities, making it truly competitive against its 21st-century competition. However, the famed Morgan driving experience of the model hasn’t been forgotten – its agility, response and balance will be instantly familiar to anyone who has driven a Morgan sports car past or present.

Despite sharing the CX-Generation platform with the Morgan Plus Six, the design of the Plus Four is markedly different. Four-cylinder Morgan cars have always featured a narrower body than the larger-engined models in the range, and the new Plus Four is no exception. Compared to the Plus Six, the Plus Four is 104mm narrower in the central body and 78mm narrower overall, and features uniquely profiled wings.

The Plus Four retains a similar footprint to the model it replaces but, thanks to the advanced packaging of the CX-Generation platform, brings increased interior passenger and luggage space. Furthermore, ingress and egress have been dramatically improved. Together, these advancements enhance the day-to-day usability of the car, and make it available to an even greater number of customers.

The all-new Plus Four boasts a number of ‘firsts’ for a CX-Generation Morgan, not least of which is the availability of new 15” wire wheels. The addition of this wheel design, which represents a core part of the company’s design language, required extensive development work, including redesigned wishbones, suspension uprights and braking components. A newly designed alloy wheel style, which references sports cars of the 1960s and 70s as well as Morgan wheel designs of old, is also available.

Powertrain, Performance & Emissions

Morgan has built on its long-standing relationship with BMW, choosing to use its 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo engine. It marks the first time a four-cylinder turbocharged engine has featured in a Morgan car, and produces 255 bhp (190 kW) along with, in the automatic variant, 295 lb ft (400Nm) of torque. In combination with a dry weight of just 1009 kg, it provides effortless performance: 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) takes just 4.8 seconds; top speed is 149 mph (240 kph). The manual variant develops 258 lb ft (350 Nm) of torque, which combined with a dry weight of 1013 kg, results in a 0-62 mph (100 kph) time of 5.2 seconds. Power and top speed match the automatic model.

While headline power and torque figures remain consistent with BMW applications, the engine mapping has been specifically calibrated to allow optimum driveability and response in the Plus Four. As with the Morgan Plus Six, a sport plus mode is available, engaged using a button on the centre column. It sharpens the throttle response, releasing a whole new dynamic character from the car. Overall, engine output is comparable with the outgoing, steel-chassis Morgan Roadster, however, real-world performance and dynamics have been taken to a completely new level.

The all-new Plus Four also marks the introduction of a manual gearbox for the first time in a CX-Generation platform Morgan. The six-speed gearbox has been optimised to provide a perfectly weighted movement which, combined with its carefully chosen ratios, delivers an engaging driving experience. The gearbox pairs beautifully with the 2.0-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo engine and offers further choice to the customer.

For the first time in the model, an automatic gearbox is also available from the factory. The eight-speed automatic features paddle shift, and has already proven to be a perfect match to both the CX-Generation platform and a BMW engine in the acclaimed Plus Six. Moving the gear selector away from you puts the Plus Four into sport mode, which changes shift patterns and response, resulting in a more dynamic driving experience. Ratios can also be chosen manually, using either the gear selector or the steering-column-mounted paddles.

While power and torque levels have risen by more than 65% compared to the outgoing Plus 4, the cutting-edge drivetrain technology provides the Plus Four with a similar fuel economy of 40 mpg (7.0l/100km), and a reduction in CO2 to just 159g/km for the automatic variant (manual car: 39 mpg (7.3 l/100km); 165 g/km CO2). The lower emissions ratings, representing a 30% decrease versus the outgoing Morgan Roadster, make the car more accessible in overseas markets where taxation is linked to CO2 output.

Craftsmanship, Specification & Pricing

Traditional Morgan values remain crucial to the production of the all-new Plus Four. Every Morgan sports car is built at the company’s Malvern home, and uses time-proven production methods: a hand-made ash frame, hand-beaten aluminium panels and hand-trimmed leather interior. Craftsmanship is, and continues to be, at the very core of Morgan production, where the ethos of 21st-century coachbuilding is practiced daily.

The Plus Four has an extensive standard specification, which includes features new to the model such as automatic LED front and rear lighting, remote central locking and ABS, as well previously optional items such as power steering, a mohair hood, sun visors and door check straps. All-new optional equipment includes puddle lighting and an in-car audio system with Bluetooth connectivity. In total, one trillion combinations of options are available, allowing the individual desires of every customer to be fulfilled.

The all-new Plus Four is available to order from today (3 March 2020), with customer deliveries commencing during Q2 2020. Prices start at £62,995 inc. VAT in the UK. From launch, the car is available to build to your exact specification on the Morgan Car Configurator at configure.morgan-motor.com/plusfour/

Show car drive-back

Morgan is a company that thrives when presented with a challenge, and just days before the planned unveiling of the Plus Four at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show, it was presented with one, when the show was cancelled following the coronavirus outbreak.

An alternative event was planned, to take place at the Morgan factory in Malvern, UK, but the show-stand car needed to be brought back. With only the weekend to spare, and car transporters unable to driven on Sunday in continental Europe, Morgan Head of Design, Jon Wells, and Lead Digital Designer, Michael Smith, were dispatched with immediate effect to drive the car home.

Taking the first available flight to Europe, and armed only with a set of number plates and their overnight bags, the pair tracked down the car, which had just arrived by transporter in Geneva. Battling a variety of weather conditions, and with just enough time in hand to visit some iconic locations along the way, they covered more than 1000 miles as they made their way back to Malvern. The journey was not just an early indication the car’s long-distance touring ability, but a valuable proving of its durability.

Morgan Motor Company Chairman and CEO, Steve Morris, said:

“The all-new Morgan Plus Four represents the very best of the Morgan Motor Company. It features rare craftsmanship, the instantly recognisable Morgan silhouette, and now, industry-leading technology thanks to our CX-Generation aluminium platform and BMW powertrains.

“A fitting successor to one of the world’s longest established nameplates, this new model displays some of the most celebrated key features of our classic range, and strikes the perfect balance between tradition and modernity.

“The all-new Morgan Plus Four represents a four-year development programme, carried out by our world-class design and engineering team.”

Morgan Motor Company Head of Design, Jonathan Wells, said:

“This project has presented Design and Engineering with an incredible task: to protect and preserve our core model’s unique proposition while completely redesigning it.

“Despite the packaging constraints that complex that modern architecture presents, I believe the team have managed to protect what was important – the proportions, the posture, the tradition and the human-mechanical interaction.

“Almost every component has been evaluated and redesigned, and while many of these studies addressed small details, it is the quality and culmination of them that deliver an entirely new Plus Four today.”

Specification & Options

The Morgan Plus for is available as in manual and automatic variants, priced at £62,995 and £64,995 respectively
A range of solid colours are available as standard. Further solid colours, metallic colours, matte, two-tone and three-stage pearl finishes are also available, as are the options of paint protection film, and a polished bonnet and cowl
A newly styled 15” alloy wheel design comes as standard, finished in silver or black as an option. A new 15” wire wheel design is also on offer, in a choice of silver, black and polished finishes
A black mohair hood is now standard equipment. Other colours, as well as contrast piping, are available
As with the outgoing model, a rear-mounted spare wheel is available. A luggage rack is also available, for both four- and five-wheel cars.
LED front and rear lighting, automatic headlights, ABS, power steering, sun visors and door check straps are now standard.
An all-new discreet in-car audio system with Bluetooth connectivity is available
Optional puddle lighting system is now available for the first time in a Morgan core model
Remote central locking is now included as standard, again, for the first time in a core model
A newly introduced, fine-grade pebble grain leather is standard on the Plus Four, and a premium soft grain leather interior is available as an option. Premium saddle leather details enhance the interior door handles and seat belt guides
Interior carpet can be upgraded to a box weave finish as an option, available in a range of colours
The seat backs are finished in black composite as standard, or can be specified as leather wrapped or painted to match the body colour
Seat finish options include horizontal pleating, quilted twin needle stitch and square box stitch, while headrest embroidery options comprise the Morgan logo, Plus Four script or a custom design. Contrast colour seat stitching, and piping are available as options
Lumbar adjustment is standard. Heated seats are available as an option.
The hand-crafted interior is brought to life through a range of dashboard and centre column top finishes. The dashboard and centre console are available in a selection of finishes, including body coloured, a variety of gloss and matte wood veneers, and leather wrapped

Technical Specification

	Automatic	Manual
Engine	BMW 2.0-litre TwinPower Turbo, inline four-cylinder
Gearbox	Eight-speed automatic with comfort, sport, sport plus and manual shift modes	Six-speed manual
Maximum power	255 bhp (190 kW) at 4400 rpm	255 bhp (190 kW) at 5500 rpm
Maximum torque	295 lb ft (400 Nm) at 1000-4300 rpm	258 lb ft (350 Nm) at 1000-5000 rpm
0-62 mph (0-100 kph)	4.8 seconds	5.2 seconds
Top speed	149 mph (240 kph)	149 mph (240 kph)
Power to weight	253 bhp / tonne	252 bhp / tonne
Fuel consumption (combined)*	40 mpg (7.0 l/100km)	39 mpg (7.3 l/100km)
CO2 emissions*	159 g/km	165 g/km
Length	3830 mm	3830 mm
Width	1650 mm	1650 mm
Height	1250 mm	1250 mm
Dry weight	1009 kg	1013 kg
Homologation	European Community Small Series Type Approval. Euro 6 emissions standard
Fuel tank capacity	46 litres	46 litres
Chassis	CX-Generation bonded aluminium platform

*WLTP declared values

LIGHTER, MORE POWERFUL, EVEN MORE ENGAGING – AND UNIQUELY McLAREN: THE NEW 765LT IS REVEALED

2020-03-03T10:43:00.000+00:00

Lighter, more powerful and with even higher levels of performance on both road and track, the McLaren 765LT is today revealed as the latest in a line of ‘Longtail’ McLarens and the most dynamically advanced and engaging LT model ever from McLaren Automotive.

The 765LT opens a new chapter in the ‘Longtail’ story that began with the McLaren F1 GTR race car in the 1990s and since 2015 has seen road-legal LT models introduced. The new car elevates to new levels the attributes that underpin every LT: driver engagement, track-focused dynamics, minimised weight, optimised aerodynamics and increased power are all amplified – particularly the first two. The LT promise of being ‘limited to the few’ is also fulfilled, with just 765 individually numbered cars available globally for customer order.

Advanced carbon fibre technologies and bespoke carbon fibre LT body panels and aerodynamic features are key to an 80kg (DIN) weight reduction over the 720S. Together with power of 765PS and torque of 800Nm from the 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged McLaren V8 engine, transmission gearing optimised for scintillating in-gear acceleration and LT-specific suspension springs and dampers, this is the basis for the wholly immersive driving experience the new 765LT delivers.

“The 765LT is the most accomplished and exhilarating LT model ever from McLaren Automotive. Incredible performance and astonishing levels of driver engagement – the result of hundreds of detailed engineering actions undertaken to ensure the purest possible connection between driver and car – are the stand-out attributes of an LT developed with single-minded determination to deliver a wholly immersive driving experience to those who secure one of the 765 available to customer order.”Mike Flewitt, CEO, McLaren Automotive

Customers wanting to learn more about the 765LT can do so at https://cars.mclaren.com/en/super-series/765lt. McLaren retailers are taking expressions of interest in the new ‘Longtail’ now, with pricing announced shortly. Deliveries will commence from September of this year.

The highest levels of driver engagement
The dynamic ability and precision of the 765LT on both road and track is simply outstanding, taking circuit performance to new heights and making every road drive a joy. Driver satisfaction is guaranteed by extraordinary levels of engagement between driver and car, the result of absolute focus on delivering unparalleled feedback and connection.

The renowned McLaren Super Series chassis dynamics have been further enhanced in the 765LT, to provide the ‘communication and feel’ that allow a driver to fully exploit the extreme performance of the car when appropriate, but also enjoy it at lower speeds. The steering of the 765LT retains McLaren’s distinguished electro-hydraulic assistance but has been further honed with a quicker ratio and a stiffer torsion bar for even purer driver feedback. The state-of-the-art, linked-hydraulic Proactive Chassis Control II suspension introduced with the 720S features updates to both software and hardware to meet the dynamic requirements of the 765LT; advances made during the development of the McLaren Senna and Speedtail have seen the suspension system algorithms revised to ensure even greater precision and control.

In comparison to the 720S, front ride height is reduced by 5mm (rear is unchanged) and front track is 6mm wider, changes that together improve both grip and balance. New lightweight main springs feature additional ‘helper’ springs to reduce unsprung mass and maintain load in the suspension on full rebound, while the use of two springs saves weight in comparison with one larger dual-rate spring. Roll stiffness is increased, further enhancing vehicle stability.

“The 765LT is faster, lighter and more powerful than any previous car with the LT badge and delivers almost telepathic driver engagement. The connection through the seat and feedback from the steering wheel is incredible, allowing a customer to fully exploit every aspect of the ‘Longtail’ abilities or simply take pleasure from each drive. This car is the very essence of an LT.”Andreas Bareis, Vehicle Line Director – Super Series, McLaren Automotive

The aerodynamic performance of the 765LT is key to the abilities of the car on track, but also influences higher-speed road driving behaviours. The extended front splitter and elongated active rear wing work in conjunction with the carbon fibre floor, unique door blades and the extended rear diffuser to deliver aerodynamic downforce 25% greater than that available to a 720S driver, adding a further dimension to already excellent aerodynamic performance.

The new, high-set static position of the ‘Longtail’ active rear wing aids powertrain cooling by drawing hot air out of the engine bay as well as increasing downforce, while the airbrake functionality reduces dive sensitivity under heavy braking. This allows the front springs to be softer than would be required if they were solely responsible for maintaining the front ride height, which in turn enables improved front axle compliance characteristics, to the benefit on-road driving.

The hydraulically actuated rear wing has three main operational positions, with deployment settings bespoke to the 765LT:

Driver Downforce (active wing partially deployed, dependent on speed) is engaged when the Aero button is pushed in the cabin, increasing downforce levels during high-speed cornering

DRS automatically delivers drag reduction functionality when accelerating in a straight line, up to the maximum vehicle speed

High Speed Braking fully deploys the active wing in less than half-a-second, increasing rear downforce by more than 60% to improve high-speed braking stability and reduce braking distances

The increased surface area and new static position of the wing – 60mm higher than on a 720S coupé – ensure additional downforce is created even with the wing fully retracted. The increased performance of the rear wing and aerodynamic performance overall is particularly showcased on high-speed, high-downforce circuits where greater rear aero bias is beneficial.

Gearbox and suspension characteristics are adjustable through Comfort, Sport and Track modes settings using the Powertrain and Handling settings within McLaren’s trademark Active Dynamics Panel. A new ‘limit downshift’ transmission function is introduced on the 765LT. Previously, a downshift would be refused by McLaren’s 7-speed Sequential Shift Gearbox if the resulting change would over-rev the engine; on the new LT, the transmission software will acknowledge the downshift request and change gears accordingly when the engine speed and road speed can be harmonised. This feature is designed to give a driver greater freedom on when to select gear changes as well as creating audible drama inside and outside the car by allowing the engine revs to ‘bounce’ momentarily on the rev-limiter before the next gear engages.

Braking performance is immense. Latest-generation carbon-ceramic discs, together with calipers from the McLaren Senna provide precise pedal feel and astonishing stopping power. Formula 1-inspired integrated caliper cooling – a technology introduced with 765LT – delivers cooling air to the front calipers and discs, reducing brake pad temperatures by up 50 degrees during track driving and ensuring that both consistency of pedal feel and outright braking performance remain impeccable.

765LT buyers planning extensive circuit driving can specify a track brake upgrade that comprises the carbon ceramic discs fitted to the McLaren Senna and bespoke LT brake pads. Some 60% stronger than conventional carbon ceramic discs and with four times the thermal conductivity – and therefore heat management – the upgraded brake discs reduce brake fade and wear rates.

A new 10-spoke Ultra-Lightweight forged alloy wheel has been created for the 765LT. Together with titanium wheel bolts and bespoke Pirelli P Zero™ Trofeo R tyres, the wheels – which are standard specification – enable a weight saving totalling 22kg over the standard 720S wheel and tyres, further benefiting dynamic performance.

The Pirelli tyres developed for the 765LT play a significant role in both ultimate grip and steering feedback. Engineers from McLaren and Pirelli worked closely together to ensure the bespoke tread and construction of the tyres heighten the sensations reaching the driver’s fingertips, as well as operating in conjunction with the revised chassis dynamics and increased performance to help enable the fastest lap times of any McLaren Super Series car.

LT power and performance taken to another levelThe performance of the 765LT more than lives up to the expectations set by its looks. The engineering philosophies that underpin the car have their roots in the first-ever LT, the McLaren F1 GTR ‘Longtail’ race car, but push onwards in the 765LT well beyond the credentials developed with the previous road-legal modern-day models.

The new 765LT is the most powerful and responsive road-legal McLaren LT to date. A 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 McLaren M840T engine – which has a flat-plane crankshaft and dry sump lubrication, together with ultra-low inertia twin-scroll turbochargers and electronically controlled wastegates – features LT-specific forged aluminium pistons, a three-layer head gasket used in the McLaren Senna and ultra-efficient, carbon-coated followers in the valve train. An additional fuel pump and revised oil pump optimise flows and a recalibrated engine management system controls the increased power, with torque delivery and throttle response tuned for maximum driver engagement. Peak power is 765PS (755bhp) at 7,500rpm and maximum torque 800Nm (590lb ft) at 5,500rpm.

Transmission gearing is optimised for acceleration, delivering virtually instant response to throttle inputs and in-gear acceleration up to 15% quicker than the class-benchmark 720S, itself a remarkable car in this respect. The extraordinary performance of the 765LT is summarised by its benchmark acceleration statistics: 0-100km/h (62mph) in 2.8 seconds (0-60mph in 2.7 seconds) and 0-200km/h (124mph) in 7.2 seconds.

Stiffer engine mounts are used not only to meet dynamic performance targets, but also to increase the physical and emotive engagement with the V8 powertrain by transferring and radiating the engine’s low-frequency sounds into the cabin. Every change in rpm is amplified, not only to occupants’ ears but also as a feeling through the seats because low-frequency sounds can be both heard and felt.

“Any ‘Longtail’ is a very special McLaren, a car that drives our designers and engineers to question how much more we can do, how far we can go. In the 765LT this has resulted in new McLaren carbon fibre technologies enabling vital weight savings, the most power and torque ever in an LT, the quickest acceleration and the highest levels of driver engagement. “
Filippo D’Adamo, Programme Manager – McLaren 765LT

The highly intense, emotional connection is further enhanced through the unique full-titanium, quad-exit exhaust. The ‘LT soundtrack’ the 765LT produces is not merely the result of the material choice, but also the design, diameter, angle and spacing of the four, centrally mounted round exhaust pipes. The pipe diameter increases the exhaust volume, while the relative position of each pipe to the others delivers the precise harmonic content required to create a high-pitched, engaging note that becomes sharper as it builds to an incredible crescendo at high engine revs.

Tightly packaged and engineered to reduce weight, the exhaust system has no tailpipe finishers to add weight. Depending on where the vehicle is sold, two titanium valves are additional to the titanium exhaust pipes; standard-fit under EU legislation, this arrangement enables a quieter exhaust note at lower engine speeds, or a more engaging tone and sound at higher revs.

Absolute focus on reducing weightThe lightweight design and engineering philosophy that McLaren pursues in all its cars is even more important in an LT model. Reducing vehicle weight lessens inertia while amplifying acceleration, braking and steering inputs, a recipe that creates a car that reacts immediately to every ‘request’ from a driver’s hands and feet. Driven by a determination to minimise weight at every opportunity, McLaren engineers achieved an 80kg (DIN) saving over the superlight 720S coupé, itself a leader in power-to-weight comparison with direct competitors. At 622PS per tonne at lightest dry weight, the 765LT redefines the class, bettering rivals by more than 50PS per tonne.

The reduction in weight has been achieved through extensive use of carbon fibre – a material in which McLaren has renowned expertise – in body panels and components, as well as by optimisation of powertrain and chassis parts and deletion of comfort and convenience features (although these can in most cases be specified if preferred, at no additional cost).

“A McLaren LT really challenges us to push the boundaries of what is possible – especially with regards to weight reduction – and the 765LT is no exception. The 720S is already very light, helped by innovations developed in previous LT programmes, but we have investigated every area of the car to deliver even further savings: ‘helper’ springs in the suspension enable a 1.5kg reduction, a bespoke lightweight centre tunnel saves 1.4kg and optional carbon fibre fenders are 1.2kg lighter than the standard panels.”James Warner, Chief Engineer – McLaren 765LT

The changes start at the very front of the 765LT, where the most everyday of items has been re-evaluated in the relentless pursuit of saving weight: the licence plate holder is carbon fibre. The elongated front splitter, new front bumper, front floor, side skirts, rear bumper, rear wing and lengthened rear diffuser are also constructed in carbon fibre – and all bespoke to the 765LT. The bonnet, front fenders, doors and rear fenders – lightweight aluminium as standard – are optionally available in carbon fibre to further reduce weight. Several 765LT carbon fibre components, including the front floor and active rear wing, are produced at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre (MCTC) in Yorkshire, UK.

Determination to minimise weight while improving component performance is evident throughout the car. The front floor, for example, is a one-piece carbon panel that is both lighter and stiffer and beyond the aerodynamic benefits generated by the revised underbody design, also reduces vehicle inertia. The pinion and crown wheel within the transmission final drive are formed from 20NiCh, a high-performance nickel chrome that is more commonly used within Formula 1 rather than road cars but provides the ideal balance of weight and specification for use in the 765LT’s transmission. Even the next-generation, lithium-ion battery is lightweight, saving 3.0kg over the battery fitted to the 720S.

The use of carbon fibre throughout the track-focused interior of the 765LT brings further weight-optimisation. The standard lightweight, carbon fibre-shelled racing seats are a combined 18kg lighter than the 720S sports seats. The bespoke lightweight central tunnel is of carbon composite material and has a panel thickness of just 0.8mm. Carbon fibre forms the window switch surrounds, steering wheel clasp and Active Dynamics Panel surround, limiting every possible gram. Customers wanting to further reduce weight can specify even more carbon fibre options from the MSO Defined range developed by McLaren Special Operations.

Carbon fibre isn’t the only light-weighting tactic deployed in the new LT. Lightweight Alcantara® trim is used extensively inside the cockpit of the car and there is no carpet on horizontal floor areas. Door stowage nets replace hinged door pockets and reach and rake adjustment on the steering wheel is manual. Air conditioning and an audio system are not fitted as standard, although both can be optioned at no additional cost.

For the first time on a modern-day McLaren LT, the thickness of the side window glass has been reduced. The windscreen is also thinner, and the glazed C-pillars and rear screen are formed from lightweight, motorsport-style polycarbonate. The upper sections of the dihedral doors feature lightweight carbon fibre panels. The 765LT also features a full-titanium exhaust system, which at just 10.9kg is 40% lighter than a comparable steel system, 3.8kg less than the exhaust of a 720S and even more weight-efficient than an Inconel exhaust.

Adopting every weight-saving measure available when specifying a 765LT results in a lightest dry weight of just 1,229kg. To reach this level, customers will need to include options such as the Super-Lightweight Carbon Fibre Racing Seats. Developed for the McLaren Senna and crafted in carbon fibre, the seats are constructed using an innovative double-skin shell technology that reduces weight by one-third in comparison with the same seat shell manufactured using conventional carbon fibre processes. Each seat shell weighs just 3.35kg.

Aerodynamically sculpted in carbon fibre“A McLaren LT is defined by its rebellious spirit and a distinctive, striking appearance is an important part of that appeal, but the dynamic attributes of a ‘Longtail’ also demand their own physical changes. The stretched silhouette that enhances aerodynamic performance and the honed physique that improves downforce and cooling – especially on track – immediately identify the new 765LT as a car that will deliver on the promise of the purest driving thrills.”Rob Melville, Design Director, McLaren Automotive

As well as being the most powerful McLaren LT ever, the new 765LT is physically the most extreme. The front splitter sits closer to the ground because of a 5mm reduction in front ride height that increases vehicle rake to create more front downforce. The nose of the car has been lengthened by 48mm, both the front bumper and front splitter moving further forward. The new ‘Longtail’ active rear wing stretches rearwards by an additional 9mm, the two changes together adding 57mm to the overall length of the car.

The design of the rear of the 765LT is just as focused. Slightly longer, as befits an LT, the bodywork has less physical volume, increasing heat evacuation from the engine bay and reducing air pressure within the wheelarches. The reduction in pressure is achieved by pushing the rear bumper even closer into the engineering hard points, exposing the rear tyres.

Lengthened compared to a 720S wing – and with a surface area 20% greater – the 765LT rear wing sits proud of the rear deck, curving upwards towards the middle, rather than swooping downwards in line with the rear bodywork. The newly elevated static position increases downforce levels even when the wing isn’t deployed and with the new design having a minimal effect on drag, aero efficiency – the downforce-to-drag ratio – also increases by 20% over the 720S. A cut-out in the centre section of the wing both maintains rear visibility and ensures that high temperatures from the exhaust do not impact the wing when a vehicle is stationary after extended circuit running.

In addition to the front splitter’s functionality in cooling the Low Temperature Radiators (LTRs), the outer edges feature distinctive vertical blades. The outer surface of the blades guide airflow around the front wheels and calms the aero wake, working in conjunction with the airflow coming out of the LTR exit vents above. Upturned aero blades, which sit between the inner surface of the vertical blades and the front bumper, act as dive planes equivalent to the features on the McLaren 720S GT3 race car and track-only McLaren Senna GTR. Rather than being exposed, the blades have integrated into the area between the front splitter and front bumper, with air directed up and over them to create additional front downforce.

The door blade philosophy has its basis in the legendary McLaren P1™ and is used to great effect on the 720S. On the 765LT, the principle remains the same, but the door blade has been modified to integrate an additional vertical blade that extends from the skirt of the vehicle and controls turbulent air as it exits the front wheelarch, helping to guide it into the intakes ahead of the rear wheelarch. These intakes have also been expanded and pulled out from the bodysides, to capture additional airflow. Their purpose is to feed the lower section of the high-temperature radiators (HTRs), increasing the efficiency of the cooling system without the need for greater radiator capacity.

Motorsport-style polycarbonate rear glazing is another feature new to this generation of McLaren Super Series road cars. Lighter than glass, the material allows for a unique double curvature in the rear screen that dips down in the centre to aid airflow under the active rear wing and help drive cooling air over the exhausts. The glazed C-pillars and powertrain service cover are also in polycarbonate.

A unique optional feature on the 765LT allows for a double-glazed panel within the rear luggage shelf, exposing the top of the powertrain and bringing the engine visually and audibly ‘into’ the interior. Visible literally over the driver’s shoulder, a 765LT-branded carbon fibre frame supports the glass screen to showcase the McLaren ‘Speedmark’-branded plenum, which has a dark, high-temperature powder-coat finish. The engine is additionally visible from outside the vehicle through the polycarbonate rear screen (unless privacy glass is specified), with rear visibility unaffected.

Track efficiency and supercar luxury – with MSO for added choice…The cockpit of the new 765LT is an enticing blend of generous interior space and excellent ergonomics, with racetrack efficiency and supercar luxury combining to create an overall ambience of cutting-edge technology and high-level craftsmanship in an environment defined by its driver focus. A wealth of personalisation opportunities are available, from unique exterior colours and soft-grain leather to a world-class audio system, while customers who wish to explore their own unique specification can turn to McLaren Special Operations (MSO) for even greater choice. A debossed 765LT logo on the facia and a numbered LT dedication plaque further underline the exclusivity of each car.

Eight bespoke ‘By McLaren’ interior colour themes have been designed to complement the adventurous nature of the 765LT. The first introduces a subtle hint of colour throughout the lightweight Alcantara® interior, replacing the standard Carbon Black stitching with McLaren Orange. Three themes go further, introducing an additional Alcantara® colour with a complementary stitch on specific areas – including the seats and doors – on a Carbon Black Alcantara® base. Dove Grey Alcantara® with Situs Grey stitching, Burnt Orange Alcantara® with Carmine stitching and Midnight Blue Alcantara® with Kingfisher Blue stitching are available.

These four themes each feature a graphic laser-cut into the seats, respectively exposing McLaren Orange, Situs Grey, Carmine or Azura Blue secondary colours which correspond with the coloured stitching. A further four ‘By McLaren’ themes offer a luxurious alternative to Alcantara®, combining Carbon Black softgrain leather with contrasting colour stitching in McLaren Orange, Situs Grey, Carmine or Kingfisher Blue. All the ‘By McLaren’ interiors can be specified, at no cost to the customer, with a 12 o’clock stripe on the Alcantara® steering wheel, in McLaren Orange, Burnt Orange, Blue or Dove Grey.

The primary hub in the 765LT for driver convenience, comfort and connectivity functions – including McLaren Track Telemetry (MTT) – is an 8.0-inch, high-resolution Central Infotainment Screen that works in conjunction with a Folding Driver Display to provide an integrated driver information platform. The Folding Driver Display and Central Infotainment Screen surrounds are available in carbon fibre to complement the finish of the window switch surrounds, steering wheel clasp and Active Dynamics Panel surround. Further carbon fibre is available from the MSO Defined range, including satin finish visual carbon fibre for the air vents and extended sill trims with unique 765LT branding.

Customers who value convenience features more than pursuing the maximum possible weight saving have ample choice from the 765LT’s equipment portfolio. Door stowage pockets and a central tunnel with lockable stowage can be specified as options in lieu of the lightweight nets and carbon fibre central tunnel fitted as standard. A driver-controlled vehicle lift system that raises the nose of the car when needed – for instance over speed bumps or when entering or exiting a car park – is a cost-option.

While there is no audio system in the standard specification – saving 1.5kg of vehicle weight – a lightweight, McLaren 4-speaker audio system with AM/FM radio, DAB or SiriusXM radio (depending on region), Bluetooth telephony, iPod/iPhone Integration and audio voice prompts can be specified at no cost. An upgraded, world-class audio system, developed specifically for the second-generation McLaren Super Series by Bowers & Wilkins, is available at additional cost.

Additional convenience options include a choice of high-definition reversing camera or an enhanced 360-degree park assist system with one front, one rear and two door-mirror mounted HD cameras that together provide a ‘bird’s-eye’ view of the vehicle’s surroundings during parking and low-speed manoeuvres. In markets where it is offered, Homelink® allows for the remote opening of up to three electric garage doors or house gates.

The 765LT is not a car for those wanting to keep a low profile and the standard colour choices reflect this. There are 17 exterior paint colours, including two – Nardo Orange and Smoked White – unique to the new LT. Chicane Effect, which was first seen on the 600LT and is a reminder of the original Chicane grey available for the 675LT, is also offered. A further 13 exterior colours are in the MSO Defined range available through McLaren Special Operations, while beyond this there is the opportunity for any colour that is technically possible through an MSO Bespoke commission.

To complement or contrast with the chosen exterior colour and finish, brake calipers are available in a range of finishes and colours. The 10-spoke Ultra-Lightweight forged wheels developed for the new 765LT are in Platinum as standard, but are also available with Black Gloss, Stealth or Satin Diamond-Cut finishes. Where it is a cost-option, the finish also includes a 765LT logo, laser-etched on the wheel rim.

While the combustion requirements of the new 765LT are satisfied by the rear fender air intakes, customers do have the option of specifying an MSO Defined roof scoop that provides additional cooling for the powertrain, forcing intake air over the plenum and engine at high speed and cooling the charge air temperatures in the plenum. The ‘snorkel-style’ scoop, which is only available in conjunction with the glazed engine ‘window’, is separated from the body to create the most efficient air path to the powertrain while minimising compromise to rear visibility.

The aluminium bonnet can be replaced with an MSO Defined carbon fibre panel that is painted on all surfaces as standard but is also available with a ‘surprise and delight’ clear lacquer gloss visual carbon underside, or in full VCF (visual carbon fibre). The MSO Defined range for the 765LT also includes vented carbon fibre front fenders in lieu of aluminium fenders, the carbon fibre louvres having a visual gloss finish.

“Customers who want to further reduce the weight of their new 765LT, add individual touches of luxury or enhance the car’s already striking looks – or indeed do all of this and more – are catered for by personalisation services available from McLaren Special Operations. Carbon fibre panels and components, from vented fenders, bonnet or roof scoop through to individual interior enhancements, are at the heart of MSO’s offer, but beyond this are MSO Defined exterior paint colours, visual carbon finishes and even the option of a full MSO Bespoke commission to satisfy customer inspirations.”Ansar Ali, Managing Director, McLaren Special Operations

Drivers intending to spend a significant amount of time on track are expected to gravitate to the MSO Clubsport and MSO Clubsport Pro packs. The Clubsport Pack includes Super-Lightweight Carbon Fibre Racing Seats as fitted to the McLaren Senna; a track brake upgrade that features the high-performance brake discs from the same car as well as bespoke LT brake pads; McLaren Track Telemetry (MTT) with a lap time function and three cameras; and MSO Defined satin finish visual carbon fibre air vents. The Clubsport Pro Pack adds – where legislation permits – an MSO Defined dark titanium harness bar and MSO Defined six-point harnesses finished in black.

Normal service intervals for the new 765LT are one year or 20,000 km (12,400miles), whichever occurs first. McLaren’s Vehicle Warranty covers the vehicle for three years from purchase without mileage limitation, while paint surface is warranted for three years, visible cosmetic corrosion for five years, and perforation corrosion of the vehicle body for 10 years. The 765LT is also eligible for the McLaren Extended Warranty, which is available from time of first purchase in 12- or 24-month periods until the vehicle is 10 years old, making it possible to cover the car for up to 12 years.

Customers interested in ordering one of the 765 examples of McLaren 765LT that will be offered should contact a McLaren retailer, or can find further Information about the new LT at https://cars.mclaren.com/en/super-series/765lt.

WORLD PREMIERE: AUTOMOBILI PININFARINA UNVEILS BATTISTA ANNIVERSARIO

2020-03-03T10:35:00.000+00:00

Automobili Pininfarina has unveiled the ultimate expression of the world’s first luxury pure-electric hyper GT, the Battista Anniversario. The Battista Anniversario celebrates 90 years since Battista ‘Pinin’ Farina created the legendary Pininfarina coachbuilder and design house, and is the most powerful sports car ever to be designed and built in Italy.

Battista Anniversario cars will be hand-crafted in Cambiano, Turin, where Pininfarina has established its design centre and headquarters. Just five will be created, each priced from €2.6 million, making the Battista Anniversario one of the world’s most exclusive automobiles.

Michael Perschke, CEO, Automobili Pininfarina: “For 90 years, the Pininfarina name has been at the forefront of automotive design and performance, and the Battista perfectly encapsulates these values. This ultimate expression of Battista, the Anniversario, is the distillation of everything that the brand has stood for in the past and which we now strive for in the future, creating a new pinnacle of desirability for sustainable and luxurious electric cars.”

Paolo Pininfarina, Chairman, Pininfarina SpA: “My grandfather always had the vision that one day, there would be a stand-alone range of Pininfarina-branded cars. The Battista Anniversario, named in his honour to mark 90 years of the carrozzeria that he started, is a glorious way to link our past with the future of motoring.”

The Battista Anniversario delivers an added level of dynamic ability and a bespoke heritage-inspired anniversary livery. Each of the five Anniversario cars is finished in a combination of three signature colours: Bianco Sestriere, the never-seen-before Grigio Antonelliano, and Automobili Pininfarina’s signature Iconica Blu. Skilled artisans in Cambiano take several weeks to paint each car, building up the finish layer-by-layer and colour-by-colour – all by hand. The body is disassembled and reassembled three times so pinstripes in the three separate colours can be hand-painted directly onto the body.

Luca Borgogno, Chief Design Officer, Automobili Pininfarina: “Battista Anniversario features one of the most complex paint finishes in the world. The process of creating such a finish is akin to a great artist completing an Old Master painting. The result is more than just a visual work of art. Styling, balanced with ultimate performance, produces a genuine Pininfarina: the beauty of power and the power of beauty.”

Battista Anniversario is also equipped with the ‘Furiosa’ package, now available to specify with any Battista, comprising a revised carbon fibre front splitter, side blades and rear diffuser. Exclusively on the Anniversario, these parts are finished in a two-tone combination of exposed signature carbon and carbon tinted in Iconica Blu with pin stripes in Bianco Sestriere. Besides the exclusive livery, a bespoke rear wing, rear aero fins and other bespoke details are unique to the Battista Anniversario. The aerodynamic enhancements enabled by the Furiosa exterior changes deliver increased downforce and greater stability at higher cornering speeds and a more dynamic balance to the car.

The Anniversario’s handling dynamism is further sharpened by a reduction in unsprung weight of almost 10 kg, thanks to a new wheel design which features centre-lock forged aluminium wheels. The rear wheels grow from 20-inch to 21-inch. Together with the performance-oriented tyres, the new rims enable the car to achieve its top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph). The optional ‘Impulso’ wheels complement the options programme available for Battista.

Further bespoke details include Anniversario’s unique seats, finished in sustainably crafted black leather and black Alcantara. In addition, the limited-edition hypercar features an engraved chassis plate, headlight engraving, ‘Anniversario’ script on the side wings, black anodized dedication door plaques with a homage to the founding of Carrozzeria Pinin Farina in 1930, signature ‘Pininfarina 90’ logos, and a specially engraved chassis plate between the seats.

The Anniversario shares its technical underpinnings with the Battista. Its carbon fibre monocoque chassis and body provide the strong foundation and backbone of the hyper GT, with its four electric motors generating 1,900 hp and 2,300 Nm torque, apportioned to each wheel by the most advanced torque vectoring system. This delivers a level of performance that is unachievable today in any road-legal sports car with an internal combustion engine. Faster than a current Formula 1 car in the sub-two second 0-100 km/h sprint, the Battista accelerates from 0 to 300 km/h in less than 12 seconds.

These levels of performance are delivered alongside a zero-emissions range of over 500 km, thanks to the car’s 120 kWh battery pack, mounted within a strong T-shaped carbon frame low down in the chassis.

The reveal of the Battista Anniversario comes as the dynamic testing phase of Battista accelerates, with impressive early results: powertrain prototypes are already achieving 80% of their performance capability, with further tests scheduled in the hands of legendary racer Nick Heidfeld, now Development Driver with Automobili Pininfarina.

Nick Heidfeld, Test and Development Driver, Automobili Pininfarina: “I have piloted the quickest road and race cars in the world. I’ve never driven anything as powerful as the Battista. The Battista is faster than many race cars, but it is not a pure racing machine. Drivability in all situations is its primary focus. We will now concentrate our time testing and developing Battista to deliver a car that’s at the forefront of technological possibilities and innovation.”

During the summer of 2020, a very limited number of potential customers will also have the opportunity to experience the Automobili Pininfarina Battista’s thrilling performance at special drive events created around the world. Overall no more than 150 Battista hypercars, including five Battista Anniversario cars, will be hand-crafted in Italy and are expected to enter into production and be with first owners by the end of 2020.

BACALAR SPEARHEADS BENTLEY MULLINER’S RETURN TO THE PINNACLE OF COACHBUILDING

2020-03-03T10:33:00.000+00:00

Bentley Mulliner has revealed the all-new Bacalar at the home of Bentley in Crewe, England this morning. The rarest two-door Bentley of the modern era, and the ultimate expression of two-seat, open-air luxury, this definitive Grand Tourer spearheads a return to coachbuilding by Bentley Mulliner – the oldest coachbuilder in the world.

Just 12 examples of this striking, limited edition model are being created, guaranteeing rarity and exclusivity, and offering supreme luxury and breath-taking performance. Bacalar looks to the future of bespoke luxury motoring - each model will be handcrafted in Bentley Mulliner’s workshop in Crewe, according to the individual customer’s personal tastes.

This exceptionally rare car is appropriately named after Laguna Bacalar in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, a lake renowned for its breath-taking natural beauty, continuing Bentley’s strategy of naming cars after remarkable landmarks which started with Bentayga in 2015.

Bacalar has been brought to life by Bentley Mulliner, reviving its specialism in providing rare coach-built cars to only a few discerning customers. A roofless Barchetta design with all-new and highly muscular coachwork, embracing a myriad of options and materials, each Bacalar will be truly unique, the result of direct interaction between the Bentley Mulliner design team and the individual customer.

The most exclusive two-door Bentley of the modern era launches a new Bentley Mulliner operation, and forms part of a new strategy for the world’s oldest coachbuilder that will see the division offer three different portfolios: Classic, Collections and Coachbuilt.

Bentley Mulliner has an illustrious history and can proudly trace its roots back to the 1500s when the company’s original focus was customising luxurious, horse-drawn carriages. The remarkable Bacalar is therefore the culmination of almost 500 years of expertise and heritage in the art of vehicle design.

Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, comments:
“The Bentley Mulliner Bacalar is our ultimate expression of an open-top, luxury grand tourer, and of the immense capabilities of our team in Crewe.

“In Bacalar, we have created a fully bespoke Bentley, orientated towards a two seat open top experience, and carrying a number of the forward thinking elements of future luxury, first heralded in our EXP100GT as part of our Centenary celebrations last year.

“Bacalar is a rare and remarkable Bentley, and whilst clearly defined, will be an extraordinary and collaborative experience for just twelve discerning people who will now co-create, collect, drive and treasure one of twelve being built.

“Our customers are as excited as we are about Bacalar, as it brings our team and discerning enthusiasts together, to create the finest bespoke, hand-built cars, and push the boundaries of our imagination and capabilities.”

A masterpiece of craftsmanship, the Bacalar is a seamless fusion of materials with an intelligent curation of technology. It draws on design DNA from the beautifully sculpted, award-winning EXP 100 GT which was recently crowned ‘Most Beautiful Concept Car of the Year’ at the prestigious French Festival Automobile International and ‘Concept Car of the Year’ by GQ magazine.

A statement of purpose for the future, Bacalar now propels Bentley into a new century of extraordinary, as the design team has envisaged the most dynamically sculpted model to date. The dramatic, tapered cowls at the rear hark back to the Barchetta sports cars of old, whilst underlining the promise of a dynamic, driver-focussed adventure in a cosseting, cocooned environment.

Pure in line and execution, the distinctive, wraparound cockpit flows from a new, steeply angled centre console seamlessly into the dashboard and doors. These then wrap rearwards towards the semi-enclosed luggage compartment behind the two seats.

Sustainable, ethically-sourced materials previewed in the EXP 100 GT concept car last year have now become reality in the Bacalar – just eight months after first being previewed. These include paint containing ash from rice husks, which provides a sustainable way of delivering a rich metallic finish, natural British wool and 5,000-year-old Riverwood sourced from the ancient Fenlands of East Anglia.

The Bacalar features an enhanced version of Bentley’s peerless 6.0-litre, W12 TSI engine. The most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world, it produces 659 PS (650 bhp) and 900 Nm (667 lb.ft) of torque.

An advanced Active All-Wheel-Drive System varies the torque split between front and rear wheels. It allows the Bacalar to use rear-wheel drive as much as possible during normal driving for optimum efficiency and dynamic performance. The drivetrain is at the heart of the Bacalar, creating the ultimate open-air, two-seat luxury Grand Tourer available in the world today.

All examples of the exquisite Bentley Mulliner Bacalar have already been allocated to customers from around the world.

Bentley Mulliner Returns To Coachbuilding
With the Bacalar, customers will again have the ability to work closely with a team of specialist designers to enhance their vehicle with a selection of unique materials and specially curated options. The Bacalar will be the first – but other new bespoke Bentleys will follow as part of the Bentley Mulliner Coachbuilt portfolio – one of three new divisions of the Bentley Mulliner organisation.

The Bentley Mulliner Classic offering was introduced last year with the announcement that Bentley’s 1929 Team Blower is to be reborn with a new build of 12 supercharged 4½-litre examples of the iconic car. These models, each individually handcrafted by a team of specialists from Bentley Mulliner, will form the world’s first pre-war race car continuation series. This subdivision of Mulliner also completed an immaculate restoration of the 1939 Bentley Corniche last year.

The third arm of the business – Bentley Mulliner Collections - will continue to offer customers luxury-focused derivatives of the core Bentley range, such as the new Continental GT Mulliner Convertible, as well as the opportunity to personalise their new Bentley. An expansive number of options is available across the full line-up of current production cars – from unique colour-matched paint, hide and thread combinations, to bespoke feature content.

Tracy Crump, Bentley Mulliner’s Head of Commercial Operations, comments:
“While Bentley’s motto is ‘Be Extraordinary’, at Bentley Mulliner we look to take it one step further, ‘Beyond Extraordinary’. With the new Bacalar we have been able to do exactly that, providing a select number of customers with the opportunity to express their personal taste in a truly remarkable grand tourer. Meanwhile, Bentley Mulliner Classic will breathe new life into the most iconic cars from our past, while our Collections team continue their work to offer a bespoking service to each and every Bentley customer.”

Bacalar – A Dynamically-Sculpted Design For The Future
The new Bentley Mulliner Bacalar is a genuine ‘roofless’ Barchetta – a luxury, two-seat, open-air performance car, the likes of which has never been seen before. Handcrafted to the individual customer’s personal tastes, Bacalar is the ultimate expression of an open-top Grand Tourer: a spirited GT combining traditional handcrafted techniques with the latest cutting-edge technology.

The Bacalar shares no body panel with any other car in the Bentley model line-up and derives inspiration from the dramatic EXP 100 GT concept car conceived to mark the company’s centenary last year. Indeed, it only shares one exterior component with a Continental GT – the door handle, simply because it contains the keyless entry system.

Stefan Sielaff, Bentley’s Director of Design, comments:
“You can clearly see echoes of the EXP 100 GT in the Bacalar, as well as the influence of the past. Bentley has a rich history of open-cockpit cars – the design of the Birkin Blower Bentley of the late 1920s was also an inspiration. We needed to push the boundaries as far as possible – customers were asking what Bentley’s take on a more expressive-looking car at this price point would look like. We were also tasked with starting to deliver on Bentley’s promise to use sustainable materials. Within less than a year of revealing our future-focused concept, we have already delivered on this promise.”

The rear clamshell and top deck of the Bacalar are crafted from lightweight aluminium, while the doors and wings are carbon fibre. Combined with the use of three-dimensional printing, it has allowed designers to create an even more distinctive car.

The Bacalar sits on extended haunches, with the rear track 20 mm wider than a Continental GT, to provide a more muscular, sporting stance. They house bespoke, 22-inch tri-finish wheels with dramatic depth and contour on the road. The unique front and rear horizontal lights add the distinctive, dynamic character that was first seen on the EXP 100 GT.

Instead of a traditional badge, Bentley designers went the extra mile to find a special way to identify the car. Uniquely, the Bacalar name appears on the rear panel, ‘hidden’ behind the lacquer of sustainable rice husk paint, with the capital ‘A’s influencing the contours of the lower bumper area.

The exterior look of each model will be completed in collaboration with individual customers, who are able to further personalise their car, choosing from rare paint options, exterior treatments and design themes. The Bacalar represents a return to the exciting early years of Bentley, allowing owners to help shape the car of their dreams.

A Unique Wraparound Cockpit
Inside the luxurious cabin, Bentley craftspeople have created a cockpit like no other. The architecture of the Bacalar has allowed Bentley Mulliner designers to seize the opportunity to create a theme that not only blends the interior and exterior together but also emphasises the two-seater character with a ‘wraparound’ cockpit design.

Pure in line and surface execution, the wraparound design flows from a steeply angled centre console into the dashboard, before sweeping into the door panels. These then wrap towards a uniquely styled, semi-enclosed luggage compartment behind the seats.

This ingenious space is purposely designed for bespoke Schedoni fitted luggage, the Italian company that has designed luxury luggage for the automotive industry for almost 140 years. Created exclusively for the Bacalar, the optional luggage perfectly matches the trim and materials of the cabin. These two luggage ‘pods’ flow from the interior into the exterior, enveloping the seats and creating a true two-seater cabin.

Uniquely designed details and features in the cabin emphasise the coach-built character of the car, with an almost infinite number of ways for customers to express their personal taste and commission a unique interior.

Every detail has been uniquely designed. A new, knurled pattern was created for the iconic ‘bullseye’ vents – a pattern that was repeated around the interior on areas like the steering wheel controls, media and climate controls and even the intricate speaker frets. Each element has a fine, Dark Bronze detail to further enhance the finish, with Midnight Black Titanium detailing.

The dark, anodised titanium finish on the main controls and a metallic dark bronze on the iconic Bulls-eye air vents have been used to highlight further details.

The interior can be finished in any number of ways, with each car co-created and commissioned in conjunction with the Bentley Mulliner team. Every car will be individually specified and finished using any of the many Bentley colours and materials available.

The finest Beluga leather is carefully sewn together with Bentley’s heritage semi-gloss leather and natural wool to create a dark ‘tone-on-tone’ character. For the first demonstration car, the use of Bentley Mulliner’s Khamun accent leather highlights the wraparound cabin theme and matches the new and unique Yellow Flame exterior paintwork perfectly.

Every element that falls to hand has been specifically designed for the Bacalar. A new D-shaped steering wheel features Alcantara inserts, with a contrast accent top marker. The gear-shifter is also finished in Alcantara with Dark Bronze detailing. Unique leather strap door and seat releases, unique digital instrumentation and a unique key design enhance the luxurious cabin still further.

At the heart of the centre console is the now famous Bentley Rotating Display. This digital MMI display has been elegantly designed by Bentley with a customer-configurable home screen. The system involves 40 moving parts and revolves the Riverwood veneer when the engine is started to reveal the high-resolution touchscreen.

Three configurable windows are able to display the driver’s preferred functions, such as telephone, media and navigation. The interface is designed to operate like a modern smartphone, with menus that are structured and simple to follow. The third side of the Bentley Rotating Display presents three, elegant analogue dials that display outside temperature, a compass and chronometer – providing an alternative to the touchscreen when the driver wants to digitally detox.

Each car also features a unique clock face with individual one-of-12 badging.

Owning a Bacalar is the start of a journey of discovery for the owner. Every element has been carefully and meticulously designed with a depth so great that over the course of time, each customer will discover new and interesting details.

From the use of precious inlays and unique finishes to the driver controls, to the 148,199 individual stitches needed to embroider the unique Bacalar quilt on each seat, owners will find details and parts not seen before on a Bentley.

Sustainable Craftsmanship And Ethically-Sourced Materials
Bentley has entered into collaborative relationships with carefully selected industry experts to create the new Bacalar. Each one uses sustainable and innovative techniques that exemplify the best craftsmanship that the world has to offer, in many cases fine-tuned over centuries, and using ethically-sourced materials.

A focal point of the cabin is the wraparound dashboard cut from rare Riverwood, a sustainable wood from naturally fallen trees that has been preserved for 5,000 years in peat bogs, lakes and rivers found in the Fenlands of East Anglia, England.

This exquisite wood was chosen for its striking black aesthetic, the result of lying untouched in wet earth for thousands of years. The wood has been air-dried in a controlled environment over a long period of time to prevent damage and conserve its unique, natural characteristics. The straight grain enhances the Bacalar’s sweeping interior contours, giving it genuine soul and drama.

Once veneered, the dashboard is literally sliced in two, creating an upper and lower element divided by a 3mm chrome strip. The upper Riverwood is finished as open pore – a semi-matt finish that shows off the veneer’s grain and colour.

The lower panels are a high gloss finish but with a modern twist to the traditional process. The Bacalar’s lower dashboard blends seamlessly from veneer into a high gloss piano black, further underlining the unique and bespoke finishes that are available. Because the Bacalar has no roof, this stunning marquetry is clearly visible from outside the car.

Bentley Mulliner has also collaborated with a traditional British textile mill to produce bespoke natural wool cloth akin to a fine tailor’s suit. Bentley Mulliner has embraced the expertise and knowledge of these centuries-old methods to create an exclusive and unique woven cloth especially for the Bacalar, and customers will have the option to co-create their own bespoke fabric blend.

This traditionally-produced textile is used in the seat inserts, seat backs and the side of the head restraints. Following the interior styling lines, it also flows from the side of the centre console and lower instrument panel into the doors.

Further promoting sustainable craftsmanship and supporting a unique industry, the luxury overmats are precision woven on traditional Wilton looms in England using the finest natural yarns. These Wilton-woven pure wool deep pile carpets are hand-carved for the footwell and rear luggage compartment, following the embroidered pattern found on the seats.

Thanks to a partnership with another local supplier, based in the nearby Peak District, the Bacalar also offers customers the rare opportunity to create individual artisan piping, chosen to enhance the dynamic styling lines of the seat architecture. This piping can be designed and customised to feature unique patterns, colour combinations and personal embossed effects, such as a customer’s signature or special, individual customer motifs.

Even the paintwork on the Bacalar has been specially chosen for its sustainable characteristics. The pigment reflects an eye-catching transition of colour that intensifies the drama, form and contours of the sculpted exterior in different lights.

The pigment is synthetically-manufactured silicon dioxide platelet coated with iron oxide. This synthetic process uses rice husk ash – a by-product from the rice industry – to create 90 per cent pure silicon dioxide, thereby reducing rice husk landfill waste.

Each Bacalar will be hand-crafted in Mulliner’s dedicated workshop at the Bentley factory in Crewe – the world’s first certified carbon neutral factory for luxury car production.

A Unique Driving Experience
The Bentley Bacalar combines bespoke, hand-crafted luxury with state-of-the-art technology to guarantee an extraordinary driving experience.

With all-new coachwork brought to life by Bentley Mulliner, at the heart of the Bacalar is Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 TSI engine mated to a technically-advanced drivetrain.

The Bacalar’s dual-clutch, eight-speed transmission offers faster, more efficient gear changes. An adaptive chassis uses Bentley’s intelligent, 48-volt Dynamic Ride System to ensure a responsive ride and exceptional handling and refinement in all conditions.

The air suspension system controls ride comfort and lateral roll, cushioning passengers from excessive movement, as well as making the Bacalar feel effortlessly precise.

The Legend Of Mulliner
The legend of Mulliner is woven into the very fabric of Bentley. The tradition of bespoke craftsmanship has been passed down from generation to generation since the 1500s, when Mulliner was founded as a saddler.

In the 1760s, the Mulliner family business refocused on coachbuilding and rose to prominence when it was commissioned to build and maintain carriages for the Royal Mail postal service. With the arrival of the motor car, the company stepped away from horse-drawn carriages and focussed on coachbuilding for mechanical propulsion.

The then independent Mulliner crafted a bespoke, 3-litre, two-seater Bentley for the 1923 Olympia Show in London, creating a bond between the two companies that would last for decades. Mulliner bodied over 240 Bentley chassis in the 1920s alone and became renowned as the very best of the new coachbuilding firms.

Perhaps the most famous was Mulliner’s design for the 1952 R-Type Continental, still considered one of the most beautiful cars of all time. The fastest, four-seat sports car of the era, the R-Type’s iconic beauty continues to influence design today through the Bentley Continental GT.

Mulliner cemented its partnership with Bentley in 1959 by becoming part of the business. It later moved into the old engineering experimental department at Bentley headquarters in Crewe and has remained there ever since. Today, around 40 employees, ranging from specialists with over 40 years of Mulliner experience to apprentices learning the skills that have been honed over decades of manufacturing, work for the company.

LONDON CONCOURS 2020 TO HOST STUNNING DISPLAY OF FERRARI DINOS

2020-02-03T10:24:00.001+00:00

The London Concours has announced the first of its exceptional special features; a uniquely colourful celebration of one of the most iconic Ferraris of all-time: the Dino. Presented by the UK's oldest independent Ferrari specialist, Foskers, this privately-owned collection of Dinos will be the headline feature of the capital's finest automotive garden party.

Not initially badged as a Ferrari, the Dino was developed to honour the memory of Enzo Ferrari’s late son ‘Alfredino’, and has gone to become one of the most cherished models to have ever been produced at Maranello.

At the London Concours 2020, taking place from 10-11 June, a unique line-up of eight Ferrari Dino models will gather – each one in a different factory-produced colour. It’s the flagship feature in a show that will see the rarefied lawns of the Honourable Artillery Company HQ – just a stone’s throw from Bank and Moorgate in the City of London – transformed into motoring nirvana for just two days. Over 100 automotive icons will gather in classes, ranging from ‘The Pursuit of Speed’ to ‘The Era of the Hypercar’.

First introduced in 1967, the Dino 206 GT was the first mid-engined car from Ferrari, and the first to use a V6 at a time when all of its cars were V12-powered. The 2.0-litre V6 engine itself was adapted from one of ‘Alfredino’ Enzo’s racing car designs for road car use. And so, with the release of the new ‘Dino’ brand and the 206 GT, Ferrari stepped into the fray against the all-conquering Porsche 911.

With a lightweight aluminium body, a more compact footprint than existing Ferrari models, perfect weight distribution thanks to the transverse mid-engined layout and advanced independent double wishbone suspension all-round, the Dino was a handling revelation. And just two years after the 206 GT’s introduction came the Dino 246 GT to bolster its success.

With an increase in engine size to 2.4-litres – hence 246 GT – came more power and a slight increase in performance; it could have been more but Ferrari decided to switch back to heavier steel body panels, adding around 50kg to the kerbweight. Nevertheless, the 246 GT was a runaway success, selling more than 3,500 between 1969 and 1974. In total around 3,700 Dino 206 and 246 GT/GTS were built, transforming Ferrari’s business and production numbers.

Showcasing the gamut of outlandish original colours offered to Dino customers, the London Concours will gather examples in Rosso Chiaro red, Grigio Ferro grey, Blu Dino, Nero black, Nuovo Giallo yellow and more. Among them is a rare ‘Chairs and Flares’ version of the Dino, just one-of-five UK-delivered examples with these sought-after additions; wide wheelarches and ‘Daytona’ seats.

Andrew Evans, London Concours Director, said: “Before the Dino, Ferrari was building enormously powerful V12-engined cars in exceedingly small numbers. It’s not an overstatement to say the business was transformed by the popularity of this nimble, beautifully balanced and lightweight sports car. The Dino set a template for a whole range of mid-engined Ferrari models that continues to this day, and includes legends like the 355, 430 and even the latest F8 Tributo. It’s hard to pick just one Maranello icon to honour at London Concours this year, but our car selection committee is in total agreement; the Dino deserves time in the spotlight, and we’re more than happy to oblige.”

The London Concours 2020 takes place from 10-11 June. Tickets are available to buy now from www.londonconcours.co.uk/tickets

FORD DEVELOPS 3D-PRINTED LOCKING WHEEL NUTS TO THWART THIEVES

2020-02-02T10:15:00.001+00:00

As car security systems become increasingly more sophisticated, thieves are targeting car parts instead, including alloy wheels.

One method to deter wheel thieves is to use locking nuts, one on each wheel, which require a special adapter, or key, to loosen. But even these are vulnerable, leading Ford engineers to harness 3D printing technology to develop next-generation locking wheel nuts.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5F4GQXy_2I&feature=youtu.be

Voice pattern defines the nut’s shapeTogether with EOS, a leading supplier for high-end solutions in additive manufacturing, Ford has created locking nuts with contours based on the driver’s voice.

Like an iris scan or a fingerprint, a person’s voice can be used as a unique biometric identification. Engineers record the driver’s voice for a minimum of one second, saying something like “I drive a Ford Mustang”, and use software to convert that singular soundwave into a physical, printable pattern. This pattern is then turned into a circle and used as the design for the locking nut’s indentation and key.

With the geometry in place, the nut and key are designed as one piece, then 3D-printed using acid and corrosion resistant stainless steel. When finished, the nut and key are separated, with a small amount of grinding required to make them ready for use.

The design also includes second-level security features that prevent the nut from being cloned or copied. The unevenly spaced ribs inside the nut and indentations that widen the deeper they go prevent a thief from making a wax imprint of the pattern, as the wax breaks when it is pulled from the nut.

If not using the driver’s voice to create the contours, the nuts could feature designs specific to a vehicle, such as with the Mustang logo, or use the driver’s initials. The design could also take inspiration from a driver’s interest, for example, by using the outline of a famous racetrack.

Expanding the use of 3D printing3D printing, or additive manufacturing, offers design flexibility to help reduce weight, improve performance and create parts that wouldn’t be possible using conventional methods. For more than 30 years, Ford has increasingly used 3D printing to make prototype parts which help reduce the development time for new vehicles.

The company has also used this technology to create parts that feature in the Ford GT, Focus and Mustang GT500, and will make more 3D-printed parts in the future. Special bespoke car parts are also 3D printed, including the intake manifold in Ken Block’s Hoonitruck and the pair of wind louvres found on the M-Sport Ford Fiesta World Rally Championship car.

On the Ford production line, 3D printing is used to create assembly line tools that are up to 50 per cent lighter, which makes repetitive tasks less physically stressful and helps improve manufacturing quality. As many of these tools are made of nylon, Ford has introduced a recycling programme that turns old 3D-printed pieces and plastics from manufacturing areas into 100 per cent recycled nylon. Ford also creates 3D-printed safety equipment, such as protection sleeves for rotating tools used on the production line, which prevent operators from incurring finger and arm injuries.

Raphael Koch, Ford Advanced Materials and Processes research engineer, said: “It’s one of the worst experiences for a driver, to find their car up on blocks with all four wheels gone. Some alloy wheels can cost thousands to replace, but these unique rim nuts will stop thieves in their tracks. Making wheels more secure and offering more product personalisation are further proof that 3D printing is a game-changer for car production.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6uNLvs62pw&feature=youtu.be

BORN TO RACE . . . INTRODUCING THE TERA

2020-02-02T10:09:00.001+00:00

Introducing the tera ®, Building The Legend Limited’s own unique quad-cam V12 engine. The type of power unit which could have been heard howling down the Mulsanne Straight at Le Mans in 1966 and beyond.

A beautifully sculptural engine and unashamedly “of the period”. Designed to be seen and with a purposeful beauty hinting at the power lying within.

The tera ® draws inspiration from Claude Baily’s (former Chief Designer, Jaguar) legendary quad-cam racing engine – an engine designed to power the sublime 1966 XJ13 Le Mans Prototype and return Jaguar to its glory days of Le Mans triumphs and domination. Sadly, the XJ13 was destined to never turn a wheel in anger and the potential of its mighty power-unit was never fully realised. Instead, Jaguar re-designed Baily’s racing engine into a SOHC version more suited for road-use in their rather more sedate road cars.

In the words of Jaguar’s Walter “Wally” Hassan …

“… Between 1949 and 1957 Jaguar were actively involved in motor racing in order to create the sporting image for their cars. Amongst their successes were the winning of the Le Mans 24 Hour Race in the years of 1951, 1953, 1955, 1956 & 1957 as well as Sebring and many other international races and rallies. These cars were powered by the six-cylinder XK twin-cam engine and it was thought to be desirable to develop a successor to compete in future races, particularly Le Mans …. in order to provide the maximum potential in power, a 12 cylinder ‘Vee’ configuration … was conceived to provide for safe running at 8000-8500 rpm. By way of comparison the 6 cylinder twin cam XK engine had been designed without racing in mind.

… during the development period it was decided to withdraw from racing and these policy changes eliminated the need for a competition engine and emphasis shifted to the production (SOHC) version.”

The tera ®

Drawing inspiration from Baily’s V12 and other classic racing engines of the period, Building The Legend’s tera ® represents an evolution of Baily’s concept. A “what might have been”. An engine born to race but whose potential was never fully realised – until now …

The engine is of course normally-aspirated and drivers of these cars will gain the full visceral experience of a howling V12 race-engine. Distributor-less with choice of period Lucas Mechanical or Electronic Fuel injection. Safe running rev-limit of 8,000 to 8,500 rpm. Available from street-spec to full-race. Applications of this engine are limited only by your imagination!

Building the Legend can upgrade your Classic Jaguar! From a “refresh”, engine-swap, full-restoration and everything in between.

Public launch:

To hear more about it, why not come and visit us at Race Retro on stand 2-136 21-23 February 2020 | Stoneleigh Park, Coventry

For further information visit: www.BuildingTheLegend.co.uk

Engine Specifications:

Capacity:           6.1 L (372 cu in); 6.8 L (415 cu in)
Bore x Stroke: 96 x 70 mm (3.8” x 2.8”); 96 x 78.5 mm (3.8” x 3.1”)
Power:               250 – 650 hp   (261 – 485 kW)
Torque:             300 – 600 lb ft (407 – 813 Nm)
Compression: 11.7:1
2-valve, over-square architecture, duplex-chain-driven cams with convenient Vernier adjustment.

INTRODUCING THE TDF-1: A GENUINE FORMULA 1 CAR REDEFINED FOR PRIVATE OWNERSHIP

2020-01-23T11:54:00.001+00:00

Modern-era Formula 1 engineering expert, TDF, has today opened the order book for the TDF-1, a truly unique package that provides enthusiasts with the opportunity to own and drive a modern F1 car in a more reliable, usable and affordable package.

The ultimate machine for private racetrack use, the TDF-1 is comprised of a 2011 Marussia or 2012 Sauber chassis, suspension and associated mechanicals, which is Powered by TDF. This means that the TDF-1 uses a bespoke race-proven powertrain comprising a state-of-the-art turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which develops 600bhp at 9,000rpm, mated to a six-speed semi-automatic gearbox. Both engine and gearbox are stressed members, in keeping with the chassis’ original design. Crucially, the complete package is designed to maintain the original car’s factory-honed chassis/engine geometry.

The result is a car that delivers 95% of the on-track performance of an equivalent F1 car, with all of the visceral driving dynamics felt by the Marussia and Sauber drivers during the 2011/2 seasons. In qualifying set-up, the TDF-1 will generate 4.0G in a high-speed corner and 4.5 G under braking. However, TDF’s powertrain is exceptionally robust and far more reliable, providing owners with a highly usable package that is affordable to run and maintain. It can be started at the press of a button on the steering wheel and only needs to be serviced annually.

Wherever possible, the TDF-1 has been engineered to remove driving complexity. Gear ratios and steering wheel functions have been simplified so drivers can focus completely on the driving experience and less on the systems management that modern Formula 1 cars demand. Importantly, great care has been taken to retain the TDF-1’s original factory aerodynamic package, as developed by the Marussia and Sauber teams, while the car’s Drag Reduction System (DRS) has been upgraded so that it will automatically close during a steering or braking input, for added stability.

The TDF-1 is offered with a full suite of spare parts to keep the car and its driver on track for longer. Spares range from tyres - which are manufactured to order by the original tyre supplier, Pirelli, in soft, medium, hard and wet compounds - to original and remanufactured bodywork and suspension components. With its reduced engineering complexity, the TDF-1 can be maintained for a fraction of the cost of a conventional F1 car by TDF’s team of expert engineers.

Matt Faulks, Director of TDF, said, “As a core part of our business is maintaining modern-classic F1 cars, we know the complexities of keeping these cars on the track – from maintenance and repairs to running costs and the sheer skill needed to drive them well. With TDF-1, we wanted to create a package that allows driving enthusiasts the ability to have a genuine F1 experience that is more accessible and cost-effective.”

Jessica Hawkins, TDF-1 Development Driver, said: “Driving a TDF-1 is like no experience I’ve had before; the responsiveness, balance and agility is second to none, and the raw speed is incredible. As a professional racing driver, I’ve been behind the wheel of some impressive cars in my career, but nothing comes close to the TDF-1. We’ve worked hard to develop a range of set-ups that suit all levels of experience and ability. The end result is a package that helps drivers build confidence and start to push the limits of TDF-1.”

TDF-1 has been engineered and developed by one the world’s most knowledgeable modern F1 experts, TDF. Formed in 2009, TDF is staffed by ex-F1 engineers from a number of teams, including Marussia, Mercedes-AMG, Renault F1 and Williams.

It has more than a decade of experience maintaining and running modern-classic Formula 1 cars, from the mid-1990s onwards. Its in-house design, engineering and manufacturing unit, based in Bedfordshire, England, produces high-performance components for several F1, hypercar and defence applications.

POWERTRAIN Powered by TDF

The brief when developing the powertrain for the TDF-1 was to create a driving experience as intense as that of the original powertrain, while being more usable, reliable and easy to maintain.

TDF-1’s power unit is a 1730cc four-cylinder turbocharged engine, based on existing race technology from Mountune, which has been optimised by TDF’s engineers to produce 600bhp at 9,000rpm. The TDF-1 power unit offers around 90% of the power output of the original 2.4-litre naturally aspirated engine, but has a wider power and torque window, making it easier and more rewarding to use for the majority of drivers.

Limiting the engine to 9,000rpm with turbocharging also helps prolong the life of the engine and reduce the need for costly maintenance. Where the original engine would need to be preheated before running and rebuilt after each race weekend, the TDF-1 power unit can be started at the press of a button and only needs to be serviced once a year or every 3,000km.

The power unit is mated to a six-speed semi-automatic gearbox via an AP Racing multi-plate clutch with fly-by-wire control. The gearbox, which is made of magnesium and carbon fibre construction, is the first composite gearbox available to the private market. It is longer lasting than the original and designed to make ratio changes quicker and easier.

Both the engine and gearbox are installed as stressed members, as intended by the original Marussia and Sauber design teams.

CHASSIS

Every chassis used to create a TDF-1 is an original Marussia or Sauber chassis that competed on track in the 2011 or 2012 season. It does not use crash test or development chassis and ensures that each chassis is comprehensively stress-tested and scanned for imperfections before it becomes a TDF-1. For maximum safety, all crash mechanisms are designed and loaded to work in exactly the same way as when the original F1 was on track.

Wherever possible, the TDF-1’s chassis remains original to the Marussia or Sauber F1 car on which it is based. This results in a dry weight of just 600kg, which yields a power-to-weight ratio of 1000bhp/tonne. The TDF-1’s aerodynamic profile and performance remain exactly as the teams’ highly skilled aerodynamicists intended.

The TDF-1’s Drag Reduction System (DRS) has been updated to provide an additional layer of security. DRS is a mechanism used to ‘open’ the car’s rear wing, reducing downforce and increasing straight-line speed. In Formula 1, DRS can be closed manually or will close automatically at the end of an allotted ‘DRS Zone’. This means that if the driver makes a sudden steering input, lifts off the throttle or applies the brakes with the DRS open, the car will become unbalanced, resulting in a serious accident. On TDF-1, DRS can be opened and closed manually by the driver but, if the car detects a steering, throttle or brake input that could make it unsettled, it will automatically close DRS.

The TDF1’s suspension uses double carbon fibre or carbon fibre-shrouded steel wishbones at the front and rear with titanium flexures or spherical links. Ohlins dampers are used all round with a torsion bar spring at the front and coil springs at the rear. It uses Hitco carbon discs and carbon pads all round with AP Racing or Brembo four-piston calipers, as originally supplied to Marussia and Sauber.

Wheels are made bespoke for TDF-1 by Formula 1 supplier, O.Z. Racing, while tyres are made to order in soft, medium, hard and wet compounds by original tyre supplier, Pirelli. This ensures that the grip profile of the tyres is the same as experienced in a Formula 1 car.

OWNERSHIP

The TDF-1 is designed to be a Formula 1 car that can be easily and safely enjoyed as regularly as possible. It is a unique proposition within the market, providing modern-era Formula 1 performance and dynamics with usability that negates the need for full team support, expertise and vast IT capabilities.

To ensure drivers get the most from their car, TDF provides a comprehensive driver training course with the purchase of the TDF-1. This includes one-to-one training and driver coaching with TDF-1 Development Driver, professional racing driver and W Series star, Jessica Hawkins. Drivers will also have use of TDF’s own F1-grade driver simulator, to hone their skills.

The TDF-1 will also be set up by TDF’s expert engineers to the driver’s preferred driving style, while the driver will also receive a bespoke seat and attend a driver fit to check for pedal and wheel positions.

By reducing complexity, TDF-1 in standard trim is able to be run with just one trackside mechanic. However, an onboard start package and radiator fans mean that the driver can also opt to run the car entirely by themselves.

On delivery of the TDF-1, drivers will also receive a complete set of pit equipment and circuit spares, as well as flight cases for movement of the car.

TDF-1 drivers will receive invitations to a number of TDF-hosted driving days, which take place on international racing circuits often featured in the Formula 1 calendar, such as Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya, Spain and Circuit Paul Ricard, France.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Chassis
2011 Marussia MVR02 or 2012 Sauber C31: carbon fibre monocoque and nose box.

Suspension
Front:	Double carbon fibre/carbon fibre-shrouded steel wishbones with Ohlins dampers and torsion bar spring.
Rear:	Double carbon fibre/carbon fibre-shrouded steel wishbones with Ohlins dampers and coilover springs

Brakes
Front:	AP Racing/Brembo four-piston calipers and carbon pads. Hitco Carbon brake discs with 280mm diameter.
Rear:	AP Racing/Brembo four-piston calipers and carbon pads. Hitco Carbon brake discs with 280mm diameter

Wheels and tyres
Front:	Pirelli P Zeros in soft, medium, hard and wet compounds, on 13in rims
Rear:	Pirelli P Zeros in soft, medium, hard and wet compounds, on 13in rims

Weight
Dry weight:	600kg

Dimensions
Length:	5,200mm
Width (across body):	1,800mm
Height:	950mm
Wheelbase:	3,400mm

Engine
Configuration	Turbocharged in-line four cylinder
Displacement	1780cc
Construction	Aluminium, steel and carbon fibre
Valvetrain	DOHC, five valves per cylinder, cam on bucket
Fuel type	Sunoco 260GT Plus
Power output	600bhp @ 9,000rpm

Transmission
Six-speed semi-automatic with reverse gear, constructed in magnesium and carbon fibre. AP Racing multi-plate fly-by-wire clutch with steering wheel controls.

Performance
Top speed	200+mph (322+km/h)
Acceleration 0-62mph	<2.0 seconds

MAXIMUM-SPEED RUNS AT KENNEDY SPACE CENTER CONCLUDE McLAREN SPEEDTAIL’S DYNAMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

2020-01-06T12:11:00.001+00:00

The dynamic development programme for the fastest and most technically advanced McLaren ever has concluded in fitting fashion with McLaren chief test driver, Kenny Brack, taking the new Speedtail up to its maximum speed of 403 km/h (250mph) at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, USA.

The final high-speed tests in the ground-breaking hypercar’s extensive engineering validation process saw Speedtail prototype ‘XP2’ reach its maximum speed more than 30 times on the space shuttle landing runway at the Johnny Bohmer Proving Grounds. The exercise concluded a programme of high-speed running carried out at multiple test facilities worldwide, including Idiada in Spain and Papenburg in Germany.

Build of the first of 106 Speedtails that will be hand-assembled to customer order has now commenced at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, UK, with deliveries scheduled from February 2020.

“It’s fitting that the Speedtail’s high-speed test programme concluded with multiple maximum-speed runs at a location strongly associated with pushing the boundaries of extreme performance and engineering excellence,” commented McLaren Automotive CEO, Mike Flewitt. “The Speedtail is a truly extraordinary car that epitomises McLaren’s pioneering spirit and perfectly illustrates our determination to continue to set new benchmarks for supercar and hypercar performance.”

Blending sleek and seamless beauty with pioneering technologies and truly remarkable performance, the Speedtail sits at the pinnacle of the McLaren Ultimate Series. At almost 5.2 metres long, the carbon-fibre-bodied three-seat Hyper GT is the most aerodynamically drag efficient McLaren ever and a showcase for the brand’s expertise in lightweight engineering.

The Speedtail’s petrol-electric hybrid powertrain delivers the greatest power and torque of any McLaren road car, with a combined 1,070PS (1,055bhp) and 1,150Nm (848lb ft). The straight-line acceleration and maximum speed of the car set new benchmarks for McLaren, with 0-300km/h (0-186mph) achieved in less than 13 seconds and the Speedtail able to reach 403km/h (250mph).

The McLaren-developed battery pack has a power density of 5.2kW/kg, which is the best power-to-weight ratio of any automotive high voltage battery system. The batteries constantly self-charge when the Speedtail is driven – there is no ‘plug-in’ element – however, a wireless charging pad that trickle-charges and maintains the battery’s status when the vehicle is not in use is also included as standard.

Further information about the Speedtail can be found on the McLaren Automotive website, at: https://cars.mclaren.com/en/latest/post/mclaren-speedtail-hits-250mph.

REVOLUTION IN THE UNDERGROUND CAR PARK – VOLKSWAGEN LETS ITS CHARGING ROBOTS LOOSE

2020-01-06T12:06:00.003+00:00

Volkswagen provides a glimpse into the future in which the search for charging stations for electric cars comes to an end. Volkswagen Group Components’ mobile charging robot takes over this task – and drives to the electric car completely autonomously.

After it is started via app or V2X communication, the mobile robot drives itself to the vehicle that needs charging and communicates with it. From opening the charging socket flap to connecting the plug to decoupling – the entire charging process occurs without any human interaction. The highlight: the mobile robot brings a trailer in the form of a mobile energy storage device to the vehicle and connects them; it then uses this energy storage device to charge the battery of the electric vehicle. The mobile energy storage device stays with the vehicle during the whole charging process. The robot, in the meantime, charges other electric vehicles. Once the charging service is complete, the robot collects the energy storage device and brings it back to the charging station.

“The mobile charging robot will spark a revolution when it comes to charging in different parking facilities, such as multistorey car parks, parking spaces and underground car parks because we bring the charging infrastructure to the car and not the other way around. With this, we are making almost every car park electric, without any complex individual infrastructural measures”, summarises Mark Möller, Head of Development at Volkswagen Group Components. “It’s a visionary prototype, which can be made into reality quite quickly, if the general conditions are right”, Möller continues. Volkswagen Group Components is researching different approaches to the assembly of charging infrastructure and has already developed several successful products. The flexible quick charging station and DC wall boxes are already part of a future charging family. Customer-oriented, intelligent and flexible approaches to charging are at the centre of the research. Other innovative products such as the charging robot are currently being developed.

Autonomous, compact and flexibleThe prototype consists of a compact, self-driving robot as well as flexible and agile energy storage devices, also known as battery wagons. When fully charged, these are equipped with an energy content of around 25 kWh each. A charging robot can move several battery wagons at the same time. When called via app or V2X communication, it brings the energy storage device to the electric vehicle and connects them both autonomously. With its integrated charging electronics, the energy storage device allows for DC quick charging with up to 50 kW on the vehicle.

The robot, which can drive autonomously, is fitted with cameras, laser scanners and ultrasonic sensors. The combination of these systems not only allows the robot to carry out the charging process completely autonomously but also to move around freely in the parking area, to recognise possible obstacles and to react to these. Depending on the size of the parking area or the underground car park, several charging robots can be employed simultaneously so that several vehicles can be attended to.

Every car park can become a flexible charging pointThe mobile charging robot can be put to use in various ways. It isn’t just a robot arm that connects a car to a fixed charging station. Instead, drivers have the choice to park in any available space, independent of whether a charging station is free or not. The robot brings the charging station in the form of a mobile energy storage device directly to the vehicle. For operators of different parking facilities this is a quick and easy solution to electrify every parking space. “This approach has an enormous economic potential”, says Möller. “The constructional work as well as the costs for the assembly of the charging infrastructure can be reduced considerably through the use of the robots.”

The compact design of the charging robot is perfectly suited for use in restricted parking areas without charging infrastructures, such as underground car parks. Möller continues: “Even the well-known problem of a charging station being blocked by another vehicle will no longer exist with our concept. You simply choose any parking space as usual. You can leave the rest to our electronic helper.”

The mobile charging robot is a prototype by Volkswagen Group Components, which gives an insight into the future of charging infrastructure. A possible date for the market launch of the charging robot has not been set yet.

Volkswagen engages in initiatives to establish a charging infrastructure at many levels. Together with its dealers, the company is installing a total of 36,000 charging points throughout Europe by 2025. A large proportion of these will be publicly available. Volkswagen is also launching its own wallbox for home charging called the ID.Charger. And as a co-founder of the IONITY joint venture, Volkswagen participates in installing 400 fast-charging parks on major European highways. Medium-term, charging an EV is to become as easy as charging a smartphone.

*) ID.3. – The vehicle is not yet available for sale in Europe

AIRBUS TEAMS UP WITH ASTON MARTIN TO LAUNCH THE ACH130 ASTON MARTIN EDITION

2020-01-06T12:03:00.001+00:00

The ACH130 Aston Martin Edition, the first offering from the recently-announced partnership between Aston Martin Lagonda and Airbus Corporate Helicopters, was revealed today at Courchevel in the French Alps.

This stylish special edition of the ACH130 helicopter comes equipped with a range of four interior and exterior designs generated by Aston Martin, which will delight helicopter owners and pilots who appreciate the pleasures of possessing and driving high performance bespoke luxury cars.

The aeronautical designers at Airbus Corporate Helicopters (ACH) and the automotive designers at Aston Martin have worked closely together for over a year, marrying ACH’s key values of excellence, quality and service with Aston Martin’s commitment to beauty, handcrafting and automotive art to bring a new level of aesthetics and rigorous attention to detail to the helicopter market.

Available in four external liveries with complementary interiors, the helicopters are embellished with Aston Martin signature elements, starting with the iconic Aston Martin wings, which are embossed onto luxury leather features, tastefully positioned throughout the cabin.

The Stirling Green-themed external scheme, which is already flying on the first aircraft, features a painted gradient, which fades down into Jet Black on the underside of the helicopter with Skyfall Silver around the cowlings. Further external liveries are available with other Aston Martin paint colours including Xenon Grey, Arizona or Ultramarine Black exteriors.

Inside, the automotive-inspired cabin, which offers a higher level of comfort, is trimmed in Pure Black ultra-suede with a palette of selectable leathers comprising Oxford Tan, Pure Black, Cormorant and Ivory.

On the rear of the front seats the same brogue detailing that is found in a DB11 runs down the centre of the seat and the doors have been trimmed with leather to provide passengers with comfortable touch points during their flight. By using materials from the Aston Martin automotive palette the interior of this special edition of the ACH130 sits in harmony with the interior of Aston Martin sports cars.

Each of these special edition helicopters will have a plaque included on the instrument panel which shows the partnership logos, the edition number and the owner’s name, should they wish to have it included.

Aston Martin Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman, said: “We have our own set of automotive design principles but in recent years we have been learning how to apply our principles to other areas of design, such as architecture, motorcycles and now helicopters. This first application of our design practices to a helicopter posed a number of interesting challenges but we have enjoyed working through them. Beauty is of vital importance to Aston Martin and to our customers and we think the ACH130 Aston Martin Edition is an inherently beautiful machine. It provided a wonderful canvas for our team to work on so we now look forward to seeing everybody’s reaction.”

Frédéric Lemos, Head of Airbus Corporate Helicopters, also commented: “The ACH130 Aston Martin Edition is optimally positioned in the market for hands-on owners who draw satisfaction from personally piloting their aircraft and it generates strong brand-loyalty. In the same way Aston Martin’s products are cars for drivers who relish being at the wheel and they inspire a comparable attachment to the brand. So they are the perfect partner for us in developing this superb new ACH130 Aston Martin Edition.”

The ACH130 Aston Martin Edition is available on request with deliveries taking place from Q1 2020. For further information please visit: www.airbuscorporatehelicopters.com

LIMITED EDITION CONTINENTAL GT CELEBRATES BENTLEY’S PIKES PEAK RECORD

2019-12-05T10:27:00.003+00:00

Bentley has announced details of a striking Continental GT Limited Edition that celebrates a record-breaking automotive achievement from earlier in the British marque’s centenary year. The run of special coupes is restricted to just 15 examples and honours Bentley’s accomplishment at the demanding International Hill Climb event in the USA in June.

The world’s finest Grand Tourer shaved an impressive 8.4 seconds off the existing record for the 12.42-mile course in Colorado, making it the fastest production car ever at Pikes Peak. Driven by three-time champion, former ‘King of the Mountain’ Rhys Millen, the W12-powered Continental GT climbed almost 5,000 ft through 156 bends in just ten minutes, 18.4 seconds.

Chris Craft, Member of the Board for Sales, Marketing and Aftersales at Bentley Motors, said:

“The new Limited Edition Continental GT is distinguished by a number of carefully curated features to honour that outstanding record run. It reflects Bentley’s spirit of endeavour, one that has been a constant throughout the last 100 years and remains at the beating heart of the company.”

The celebratory model is available to order from December 2019.

A Striking Limited Edition

The new Limited Edition is distinguished by a carbon fibre body kit and eye-catching Radium by Mulliner paintwork, mirroring the colour scheme used on the record-breaking car. Gloss black detailing has also been added to the front lower bumper inserts, roof panel, wing mirrors and rear surfaces.

Acid Green brake disc calipers, Pirelli P Zero Colour Edition tyres in Radium Finish and a Pikes Peak decal to the front bumper hint at the Limited Edition’s record-breaking lineage, while 22-inch Mulliner Driving Specification wheels in Gloss Black are standard. An optional ‘100’ grille is a reminder that the Continental GT’s impressive hill climb achievement took place in Bentley’s centenary year.

Inside the cabin, Alcantara with contrasting Radium thread stitching adorns much of the soft trim areas, matched with Beluga secondary hide. The steering wheel features a honeycomb stitching design and a centre stripe both in Radium, as per the Pikes Peak GT race car. Carbon fibre fascias and wasitrails are complemented by a Piano Black centre console, all adding to the sporting theme. The passenger-side fascia features a graphic showing a section of the Pikes Peak track, with five different graphics being used across the 15-car run, along with the record-setting time of 10:18.488.

Pikes Peak embroidery to the seat headrests in Radium stitching, Pikes Peak treadplates and exclusive B&O speaker covers in Black Anodised and Radium finish further enhance the interior appeal. The Continental GT’s luxurious cabin includes the ground-breaking Bentley Rotating Display, deep pile overmats and Front Seat Comfort Specification.

Like the Continental GT that broke the Pikes Peak record earlier this year, this new model features the world’s most advanced 12-cylinder petrol engine in the twin-turbocharged Bentley W12. This mighty engine develops 626 bhp and 900 Nm of torque, effortlessly accelerating the Continental GT from 0-100 km/h in 3.7 seconds (0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds), with a top speed of 333 km/h (207 mph).

MAKING A MASTERPIECE: BENTLEY CELEBRATES ITS CENTENARY WITH A THRILLING JEWEL

2019-11-21T10:52:00.001+00:00

From deep within the African landscape to the luxurious jewellery halls of Bahrain, the Bentley Centenary jewel wakes from a geological sleep of millions of years to a new life as a stunning diamond pendant.

Revealed at the Jewellery Arabia Show in Bahrain in its glorious gold and platinum setting, the 20.08 carat pear-shaped fancy-yellow diamond sparkles with the mystery and magic created by master cutters to reveal the brilliant beauty and fire of the stone.

THE MAKING OF THE DIAMOND PENDANT
Design for a special stone

The pendant’s journey starts with Bentley designer Chris Cooke, who created the original designs for the magnificent gold and platinum settings displaying the unique jewel chosen to celebrate this year’s centenary of Bentley Motors. He was inspired by the EXP 100 GT, the concept car that embodies the brand’s vision of luxury mobility during the next phase of its future development.

“The collaboration between Heinz Mayer and Bentley Motors showcases the pinnacle in handcrafted quality and design,” commented Chris Cooke.

“For our centenary, we created a one of a kind jewellery piece pulling inspiration from the heart of the EXP 100 GT. The centre piece in our concept car is an elegant visualisation of the users contact point with the vehicle. With this jewellery piece we wanted to echo that.

“The design is a similar dynamic form manipulated in such a way that supports and protects the teardrop shape of the stone. Its overall purpose is to be a beautiful visual contact point between the customer and the rare stone. “

The final designs are then given to expert Master Goldsmiths at Heinz Mayer in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, for a feasibility study. The first prototypes are crafted, checked and compared to the original design files. Through this painstaking method, the collaborative arts of graphic computer design and craftsmanship develop and fuse into one.

Expert Craftsmanship
After the design is finalised and approved, the work of expert craftsman and women, trained in the hallowed traditions of jewellery-making which date back to Roman times, is brought into play. Wing- like shapes are meticulously honed in platinum, and bent to hold a cradle of 18 karat yellow gold, encrusted with 56 natural diamonds and a laser engraved insignia, to commemorate 100 years of Bentley.

This cradle is later put to use as the holder of the prestigious pear-shaped yellow diamond of 20.08 carats. A hidden treasure is added. An inside plank of yellow gold follows the curve of the platinum and is welded and soldered to it, eventually becoming one fluid shape. This cocoon will hold 30 full-cut round natural diamonds to surround the precious pear in the centre.

Yards of Italian platinum chain are then brought into the workshops where specially trained chain-goldsmith experts cut the chain into more than two dozen segments, before soldering them back together with 18 karat gold mountings. The exquisitely crafted chain holding 20 white round natural brilliant cut diamonds.

Together with a platinum clasp and two Bentley wing badges, holding the inscriptions of diamond weights and clarity, as well as the serial number, the chain is finally assembled. An equally well-crafted extender is added so that this masterpiece can both be worn at two lengths of 42 cm and 45 cm.

In the scientific wording of the laboratory report of the prestigious Gemological Institute of America, Bentley’s Centenary jewel is: Natural fancy intense yellow even body Colour; Cut grade: Very Good; Purity or inclusion: VS2; Fluorescence: none; Total weight 20.08 carats. The remarkable yellow colour of the diamond is the result of nitrogen in its composition – the nitrogen molecules absorb blue light which differentiates the radiant yellow diamond from their colourless counterpart.

Polishing and setting the stone
After the work of the master goldsmiths is done, the mounting is brought to the polishing department, where a senior craftsman with a lifetime of dedicated attention and judgment brings out the first sparkle. Again, traditional tools, leather as well as modern polishing cloths, perform the task.

It takes hours of discussion with the team before the gemstone setter then goes to work. Years of training, decades of hands-on experience. A good eye. A steady hand and the heart of a lion are now called upon. Careful and expert craftsmanship ensures that no slip or unnecessary excessive force can harm the work that has gone into this piece of art. Carefully, the master setter bends and shapes the claws, to hold the stone securely. Masterfully, he gently forces them to sit in the place where they should secure the stone for the next 100 years or longer.

Now, the finished piece is once again brought to the polishing department. While the pre-polish was a demanding task that took several hours, the final polish will take well over a whole day. Now, the polisher executes his art with an extra dash to bring out the final sparkle of brilliance and scintillation.

Platinum requires different methods to apply polish than gold, and the polisher is the master of both techniques. It’s a testament to the great skill-set of the Heinz Mayer craftsmen that the centre stone is protected while the surrounding metals are polished and the chain is kept apart from the high-revving polishing wheels.

Viewing the finished pendant
Finally, the work is done. After weeks and weeks in the workshop, the team of craftsmen and designers come together to view the result of their hard work. After they have reviewed their handiwork and accepted the result, all the moulds are destroyed to ensure that the masterpiece stays forever truly unique - and can never be duplicated.

The pinnacle of craftsmanship in platinum and yellow gold, with a fancy yellow pear-shaped natural diamond of 20.08 carats in the middle, and a further 1.00 carats of round brilliant-cut natural diamonds to adorn it finally come together, to salute the 100 years of Bentley in this one of a kind jewel.

Detailed specifications

GIA certified diamond identified

Cut grade of diamond: Very Good

Purity or inclusion: VS2

Fluorescence none

Total weight 20.08 carats

Platinum & 18 karat Yellow Gold setting

106 diamonds feature on the pendant – 20 in the chain, 30 under the centre stone and 56 in the surrounding setting.

Underside of the setting features the Bentley 100 Extraordinary Years logo

The Bentley emblem, inscriptions of diamond weight, clarity and serial number are engraved on the chain’s plaque.

Price: POA

FALCON WRAITH FEATURES MOST DETAILED ROLLS-ROYCE EMBROIDERY EVER

2019-11-21T10:49:00.000+00:00

CANVAS: WRAITH

MEDIUM: EMBROIDERY, PAINT

The most detailed ever single embroidery to feature in a Rolls-Royce motor car has been designed and created at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex. A Peregrine Falcon, the fastest bird in the world, famed for its power and speed, has become the subject of scrutiny for the marque’s talented Bespoke Design team. An embroidery featuring the bird of prey is befittingly lavished on Wraith, Rolls-Royce’s powerful, dynamic Grand Tourer.

This intricate embroidery is the latest masterpiece from the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective. The bird of prey, designed by the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Design Team, is interpreted in photo-realistic complex detail amongst clouds on Wraith’s headlining. Consisting of nearly 250,000 stitches, the dramatic embroidery took a team of designers, craftspeople and engineers over one month to develop.

Josh Liles, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Bespoke Embroidery Specialist is highly skilled at interpreting clients’ wishes and translating them into embroidery. Before becoming an apprentice in the Rolls-Royce leathershop, Liles was trained in Mechanical Engineering and 3D Design and Architecture. After nine years with the marque, he now leads a team of talented craftspeople assuming responsibility for all of the marque’s embroidery.

“The design required hours of observation of a Peregrine Falcon – we needed to understand the musculature, the movement, the shading of the feathers. We wanted the bird to adopt an alert and predatory stance. We created multiple iterations of the embroidery – the direction, length and spacing of the stitch can have a great impact on the final image. We purposefully shaped the beak and angled the eye to create a sense of aggression.” Liles commented.

He continued, “The Falcon embroidery became a labour of love. Technically, it is exceptionally difficult to embroider this density of stitches onto leather. Embroidery puts stress and tension on leather causing a physical wave in the material, which naturally, is unacceptable in a Rolls-Royce.”

The sky resonates throughout this specially commissioned Wraith with signature elements expertly incorporated into key focal points of the motor car. Inspired by towering contemporary architecture that reaches into the clouds, a distilled artistic motif features throughout the car’s interior which can also be read as an abstract interpretation of a Falcon’s wing. The design is initially encountered on Wraith’s Bala Blue and Andalusian White exterior in the form of an Arctic White coachline, painted by hand using a fine squirrel hair paintbrush. Inside, the motif is used as an embellishment between the rear occupant’s seats. Additionally painted onto the motor car’s piano finish fascia, the motif brings the interior leather colour of Charles Blue to the forefront. A Bespoke Rolls-Royce clock completes the aesthetic in Baby Blue, with guilloché inspired detailing – most commonly found in fine jewellery and horology.

THE FERRARI 488 GT3 EVO 2020: THE CONTINUING EVOLUTION OF A LEGEND

2019-10-28T10:48:00.000+00:00

The new version of the 488 GT3, which will compete in the main international GT championships in 2020, has just been unveiled at the Ferrari Finali Mondiali at Mugello. The new Evo package is the result of Ferrari’s desire to further refine certain aspects of one of the most successful cars in the marque’s history. This has been achieved using innovative concepts derived from its track experience and feedback from the teams competing with the 488 GT3.

Aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, ergonomics, safety and reliability were the main focuses of development, all, of course, in compliance with the strict power and aerodynamic efficiency performance limits imposed by FIA regulations.

The engineers honed the 488 GT3 Evo 2020's aerodynamics to boost the car's stability with the new front-end design making a significant contribution. Over 18,000 hours of calculations and CFD simulations, followed by wind tunnel testing, went into the design of a new bumper with a smaller frontal section under the headlights. This has allowed the introduction of a pair of flicks to generate more downforce, making the car more stable without modifying the aero balance thanks in part to turning vanes inside the splitter. Aerodynamic development also extended to other areas of the front of the 488 GT3: the vents on top the wings are larger than the current model and the front section of the door is now more tapered to more efficiently channel lateral flows. The vents on the rear wing have also been completely redesigned.

The 488 GT3’s vehicle dynamics have been key in its success, and this area has been further improved in the new 488 GT3 Evo 2020. The wheelbase is longer, as in the 488 GTE, to optimise tyre use, reduce tyre wear and facilitate the conversion from GT3 to GTE. The engineers also focused on reducing the car's weight with the result that more ballast can be used to attain the minimum weight imposed by the Balance of Performance, thus lowering the centre of gravity. In addition all the vehicle dynamic controls, including the traction control and ABS, have been optimised.

No performance upgrades have been made to the engine, a twin-turbo V8 with a 90-degree angle between the cylinder banks, nor have any components been modified. However, it does benefit from a new engine management system which improves reliability and guarantees smoother, more precise torque delivery.

Endurance racing has evolved to the extent that it is increasingly resembling extended sprint racing. This demands meticulous attention to detail, including in the cockpit. The 488 GT3 Evo 2020 debuts a new seat which meets the new FIA safety regulations. Developed jointly with Sabelt for both the GT3 and GTE, it is not only more rigid and robust but is also 2.4 kg lighter with new belts and a new buckle.

The additional 24H/Endurance package is specifically designed for clients interested in that particular type of racing. The basic equipment includes a front bumper with additional headlights, quick-fill couplings for engine oil and coolant, carbon-fibre clutch, brake callipers adopted from the GTE and steel wheel nuts. Optional features include sensors for the coolant level and refuelling completion with warning lights, and Le Mans-type, 4,500 lumen LED main headlights.

The new components and improvements introduced in the 2020 version of the 488 GT3 Evo are also available as upgrade kits for existing cars.

FERRARI 488 CHALLENGE EVO

2019-10-28T10:43:00.001+00:00

The new 488 Challenge Evo has made its debut during the Ferrari Finali Mondiali underway at the Mugello Circuit. Three years after the presentation of the 488 Challenge during the Finali at Daytona, the Prancing Horse has developed a kit that increases the car’s overall performance and its consistency in race conditions, and also improves the handling for even better feedback and driving pleasure.

The aim of the Evo package is to maximise the synergy between aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics - that is, the interaction between tyres, balance of downforce and electronic controls. Better performance is guaranteed by higher downforce and new Pirelli tyres, while driving feedback was addressed from the early stages of development using Ferrari’s GT driving simulator, revising the aero balance between the axles. To improve turn in and reduce understeer out of corners, in fact, the downforce over the front has been increased.

The aerodynamic balance 'dialogues' with the E-Diff3 and F1-TCS control systems based on the Side Slip Control (SSC), which offers new dedicated settings. The SSC concept, which is based on the estimation of the yaw angle, has been modified in view of the new levels of performance. This has made it possible to provide the control systems with a common language designed to maximise agility in cornering and traction on exit.

The proven collaboration between the technical department and the Ferrari Styling Centre resulted in a comprehensive redesign of the front of the car to ensure an increase of 30% in aerodynamic efficiency compared to the 488 Challenge. The length of the front overhang has been altered to boost overall downforce and optimise the balance. The profiles of the radiator grille intakes have been lengthened and, at the centre of the bumper, a U-shaped intake feeds the front brakes and underlines the 488 Challenge Evo's sporty character. In the lower part of the bumper, a large splitter with turning vanes at the ends improves the control and direction of the airflow from the side vents. The sides of the bumper have been re-proportioned by reducing the surface volume to allow the adoption of a second side flick, improving the quality of the airflow. The car thus has 50% more overall downforce than the current 488 Challenge.

On the flank, below the rear-view mirror, there’s a new small wing with endplate designed to divert air flow towards the intercooler. The rear, on the other hand, includes clear references to the FXX-K. The sides of the bumper feature an extremely aerodynamic surface with two vents to extract the flows generated inside the wheelarches. Below the rear spoiler, a new air vent set in the engine air outlet grille increases downforce. There is also a new nolder on the rear wing that produces an increase in the coefficient of downforce.

The 488 Challenge Evo introduces a first for the Prancing Horse's one-make series: the option to modify the front downforce independently of the rear, so that the driver can set up the balance without having to change the ride height. The driver can select different configurations ranging from high downforce to low downforce before each race, depending on the circuit's characteristics and the weather conditions. These developments ensure an increase of more than 20 percentage points in the downforce over the front axle compared to the 488 Challenge.

The braking system includes a number of innovations that maintain its performance over a race. In particular, there is a significant reduction in brake wear thanks to the adoption of a new front disc design and larger rear discs.

New Pirelli tyres - 275/675-19 (front) and 315/705-19 (rear) – have also been introduced. During nigh-on seven months of development, the new tyre was tested not only in the laboratory but also on the new car at various European circuits, including Vallelunga, Mugello, Le Castellet and Silverstone. As well as seeking to boost overall performance, these tyres also ensure greater consistency in lap times during a long run session.

The interior, with its decidedly racing character, features a conceptually different kind of steering wheel, developed from the experience gained with the FXX-K Evo and the 488 GTE, which triumphed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year. The steering wheel, with integrated paddle shift, significantly improves ergonomics so the driver can always keep their hands in an ideal position, bringing advantages in terms of visibility and control of the car’s systems. There is a new ABS management strategy incorporated in the manettino. The driver can select four different modes, two dry and two wet, which implement a strategy focused on performance or stability.

A new rear camera derived from the 488 GTE has been introduced in response to feedback from the participants in the championship's various series (Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, along with last year's addition of a new UK national series). This considerably improves rear visibility.

The new components and improvements introduced with the 488 Challenge Evo are also available as upgrade kits for existing cars.

ASTON MARTIN AND BROUGH SUPERIOR TO COLLABORATE ON LIMITED EDITION MOTORCYCLES

2019-10-28T10:40:00.002+00:00

The iconic Aston Martin wings will appear on a motorcycle for the first time when the initial product of an exciting new collaboration between Aston Martin Lagonda and Brough Superior is revealed at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan, Italy.

Brough Superior, the eponymous performance motorcycle brand created by George Brough in 1919 and resurrected by enthusiasts long after his death is, like Aston Martin, a luxury brand with great heritage. Both Brough Superior and Aston Martin place huge importance on developing a brand that customers are proud to be part of and products that strike the perfect balance between performance and design.

Both masters of craftsmanship who use the finest materials to breathe life into their designs, as independent companies they also revel in their ability to offer bespoke design and engineering solutions so a collaboration between the two brands is virtually guaranteed to produce something very special.

The first new motorcycle is the combined vision of Aston Martin Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman and Brough Superior CEO Thierry Henriette, who are both motorcycle enthusiasts.

Reichman said: “This is a fascinating and very popular project for myself and my team. The opportunity to collaborate with Brough Superior has given us the chance to bring our own unique views on how beauty and engineering can combine to create a highly emotive piece of vehicle design. We’re excited about the end result and can’t wait to see the reaction the motorcycle receives when it is revealed next year.”

Henriette commented: “Aston Martin and Brough Superior are two luxury automotive manufacturers sharing the same passion for exclusive design and performance, the idea of developing a motorcycle in a frame of a close partnership came naturally.”

Full details on the strictly limited edition motorcycle will be revealed in Milan on 5 November. Brough Superior’s stand at EICMA is located in Hall 24, Stand C68.

JAGUAR DESIGNS ALL-ELECTRIC VISION GRAN TURISMO RACE CAR FOR GRAN TURISMO SPORT

2019-10-28T10:38:00.001+00:00

Jaguar has today unveiled its first all-electric virtual sports car – the Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo Coupé. The futuristic EV is set to join the grid as the latest addition to the Vision Gran Turismo line-up for the Gran Turismo series.

The all-electric Jaguar Vision GT Coupé has been designed and developed from the ground up taking inspiration from the brand’s incredible racing lineage. The iconic C-type and D-type influence its fearless futuristic design, while Jaguar’s I-TYPE 4 Formula E and I-PACE eTROPHY racing cars provide the technical foundations for its uncompromising racing performance.

Jaguar’s team of designers were given complete creative freedom to develop the perfect proportions and beautiful surfaces of this virtual Jaguar of the future.

Julian Thomson, Jaguar Design Director, said: “This project has been completely led by our young designers and represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to create a vehicle steeped in our incredible heritage but pushing the boundaries of future design. The team have done an incredible job in creating something which is clearly identifiable as a Jaguar, inspired – but not constrained – by our iconic past.”

Providing gamers with 1,020PS (750kW) of power, 1,200Nm of torque, a 0-100km/h time of less than two seconds and perfectly balanced handling, the Jaguar Vision GT Coupé will be on the starting grid for GT Sport fans from the end of November.

Kazunori Yamauchi, Gran Turismo creator, President of Polyphony Digital Inc., said: “We are delighted to today announce the Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo project. It was a great experience for us to work with Julian Thomson who is the new design director now at Jaguar. The design and performance of this car is a result of the team's skill, craftmanship, and long years of collaborations together. We look forward to having drivers get behind the wheel next month.”

Exterior DesignThe influence of Jaguar’s rich racing pedigree is clear to see in the Vision GT Coupé’s assertive exterior lines and powerful, sculpted fenders which reflect those of the iconic Le Mans-winning C-type and D-type racing cars.

Where these heritage Jaguars pushed the boundaries of aerodynamics and braking technology, the Jaguar Vision GT Coupé features a deployable, active aero wing to optimise energy efficiency while generating the perfect amount of downforce.

Oliver Cattell-Ford, Exterior Designer, Jaguar Advanced Design, said: “This was the dream project for a car designer, creating a futuristic sports car for Gran Turismo means our designs and ideas could be truly limitless. It has to excite future generations and most importantly, look and feel unmistakably Jaguar.”

Beautiful shapes and purposeful proportions from three key cars in Jaguar’s racing heritage, the C-type, D-type and E-type, have influenced the form and graphics of the Jaguar Vision GT Coupé. Radical front fenders are reminiscent of the C-type, the epic plan shape is inspired by the ‘Long Nose’ D-type, and the fast and elegant cabin hints at the Lightweight E-type.

The virtual sports EV is crafted from experimental lightweight materials, with the light and stiff monocoque made from carbon-fibre composites and advanced aluminium alloys. This focused lightweight construction ensures the Jaguar Vision GT Coupé weighs just 1,400kg and delivers near 50:50 weight distribution.

The Vision GT Coupé is the first Jaguar to feature the iconic Leaper on the front grille. Elsewhere the historic references continue with the twin-charging sockets flanking the rear haunches, inspired by Jaguar’s revolutionary 1968 XJ saloon.

Interior DesignThe interior of the Jaguar Vision GT Coupé has been designed to fuse Jaguar’s heritage with its contemporary interior philosophy of progressive luxury, purity, driver focus, and stunningly intricate details, all of which are allowed to breathe through the simplicity of the car’s design.

Chris Shaw, Interior Designer, Jaguar Advanced Design, said: “We’ve really pushed the limit to imagine how a future Jaguar sports car interior could look. The architecture is visually lightweight, simple, and dramatic; featuring advanced and experimental materials and finishes. Sitting in the stunningly considered cockpit and looking out onto the gracefully long bonnet of the Jaguar Vision GT Coupé – a view that is unmistakably Jaguar – the player will be fully immersed in the action.”

This selection of inspired details and inventive, innovative flourishes include hologram technology. The car features an on-board artificial intelligence system affectionately named “KITT-E” – a companion that would operate systems, and interface between the driver and machine to enhance the emotional connection with the car*. This technology can also display other useful information to the driver in a variety of formats, including three dimensional maps, and essential vehicle data.

The cockpit has been crafted to envelope the driver, creating a racing experience reminiscent of Jaguar’s Le Mans-winning D-types. It also features augmented reality digital side glass for enhanced vision either side of the car; the glass being able to highlight danger and obstacles, therefore increasing driver perception. Complimenting this, ahead of the driver is a transparent information cluster, displaying three-dimensional information inspired by iconic Smiths gauges, with rearward vision integrated either side in the screen’s simple wrapped design – all in perfect eye-line of the road ahead.

A unique soundscape has also been created to immerse the driver in a pure Jaguar racing experience. Led by the team responsible for the Jaguar I-PACE’s soundtrack, the Vision GT Coupé’s distinctive sound was created using brand new recordings of the 1957 Le Mans podium-finishing ‘603’ Long Nose D-type. Its race-spec 3.8 litre XK engine provides a unique layer, manipulated and woven into a futuristic and distinctive electric soundtrack.

PerformanceTo create the Jaguar Vision GT Coupé’s uncompromising racing performance the design team called on the same Panasonic Jaguar Racing engineers who lead the design and development of the brand’s I-TYPE 4 Formula E and I-PACE eTROPHY race cars. The car is powered by three powerful, compact motors – one driving both front wheels, the other two driving a rear wheel each – which together produce a combined 1,020PS (750kW) and 1,200Nm. Players will be propelled from 0-100km/h in less than two seconds and on to a maximum speed of more than 200mph.

James Barclay, Team Director, Panasonic Jaguar Racing said: “The opportunity to take what we have learned on the track from our time in Formula E and apply it to a futuristic Jaguar race car has been a great challenge for the Jaguar Racing engineers. With its all-electric motor design drawing on the technology from both the Jaguar I-TYPE 4 and eTROPHY race cars, we have accurately modelled the performance of the Jaguar Vision GT Coupé in the virtual world, creating a car that will be exhilarating to drive and a real threat to the competition.”

The Jaguar Vision GT will be available for players to download in Gran Turismo Sport for the Sony PlayStation 4 from the end of November and will first be driven by competitors in the latest round of Sony’s Gran Turismo World Tour event at the Tokyo Motor Show, Japan, from 26-27 October.

REGENT STREET PEDESTRIANISED TO SHOWCASE MOTORING'S ELECTRIC FUTURE

2019-10-21T10:12:00.002+01:00

On Saturday 2 November 2019, Regent Street will be pedestrianised to celebrate the Illinois Route 66 Regent Street Motor Show: the country’s biggest free-to-view car-themed spectacle. With 2019 marking Regent Street’s 200th anniversary this year is set impress the 500,000 visitors who attend the show each year.

The annual Motor Show on Regent Street will feature the full spectrum of remarkable automotive history alongside an array of activities for all ages to enjoy. This year, visitors will also be able to explore the topical modern generation of low emission vehicles as well as viewing cars from throughout the last 120 years, too.

With eyes on both the present and future, Go Ultra Low will provide visitors with an insight into the benefits of electric vehicles that are cheaper to run, cleaner, quieter and lots of fun to drive. The joint campaign from the Government and car industry will be providing the facts and answers to help those considering a switch to electric to make an informed decision. Given the extensive history of petrol and diesel vehicles, Go Ultra Low appreciates that many motorists have serious questions about the switch to electric. On the day of the Show its experts will be on Regent Street offering advice on electric vehicles whilst several of its manufacturer members will be offering test drives in their latest state-of-the-art plug-in models.

Poppy Welch, Head of Go Ultra Low, said: “We’re delighted to be back at the Regent Street Motor Show for 2019. The event is a fantastic opportunity for us to engage directly with consumers addressing their concerns and answering questions they might have about making the switch to electric cars.

"The market for electric vehicles is showing no signs of slowing down with registrations up 122 per cent this year, compared to the same period in 2018. So, it’s great for us to get the chance to showcase the benefits of these fantastic cars. For visitors attending the Show they’ll get the chance to get up close and personal with some or the latest models on the market and even get to test drive some.”

More details on the comprehensive line-up of cars taking part in the Show with Go Ultra Low on Saturday 2 November will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Early Victorian and Edwardian days will also be wonderfully represented at the Motor Show. Over one hundred extraordinary pre-1905 pioneers will be present with the vehicles taking part in the annual Veteran Car Concours d’Elegance on Regent Street, ahead of the Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run which takes place the following morning.

These veteran motors will be joined by collections of evocative classic and desirable contemporary cars bridging time within automotive history as the Show celebrates the past and showcases the future.

Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club, said: ‘The Regent Street Motor Show is all about telling the story of the automobile through the ages. Electric vehicles are now a big part of the current story, so it’s fitting that we are now welcoming Go Ultra Low onboard as the latest partner of the Show. Drivers considering a switch from combustion engines to electric ones need to be informed about the facts and should be taking the time to experience what an electric vehicle is like to drive. With Go Ultra Low offering both their expertise and short test drives of electric vehicles on the day of the Show, it’s a great opportunity for members of the public to become better informed about going electric.’

With Regent Street honouring its 200 year history both as an internationally renowned shopping destination, these celebrations will take on even more significance this November.

For more information on the Illinois Route 66 Regent Street Motor Show, visit the event’s official website: www.regentstreetmotorshow.com

ASTON MARTIN DBX ACCESSORIES SET TO DELIVER LIFE OF LUXURY

2019-10-21T10:08:00.000+01:00

DBX may be a luxury SUV with sports car performance, but today, Aston Martin has announced a range of accessories that will transform DBX into a car that will not only enrich the lives of its owners on the road, but in every other aspect of their everyday lives.

Set to be available at launch, 11 optional accessory packs will help tailor DBX to a broad range of pursuits and hobbies. If skiing is a passion then the Snow Pack provides a ski bag, roof-mounted ski rack and snow chains. This pack goes above and beyond the winter necessaries. Reflecting the indulgence that you would expect from an Aston Martin, the Snow Pack also includes a boot warmer. In the same way that DBX’s heated seats – offered as standard – are a cosy delight when climbing into the car on a cold morning, the boot warmer makes the first ski run of the day that little bit more pleasurable.

Available for grand tours or long weekends away, the Touring Pack comprises a four-piece luggage set, cabin saddle bags, lockable stowage under the front passenger seat and an emergency first aid kit. An even more extensive six-piece luggage set is also an option, with two large suitcases, two small suitcases and two holdalls, each one stitched and trimmed in the elegance of Aston Martin.

A Pet Pack includes a partition to give animals their own space in the boot of the car, keeping them from roaming inquisitively about the cabin. There is a bumper protector to keep the paintwork pristine when scrabbling paws are clambering in and out of the vehicle and in to the luxurious 632-litre boot space. If muddy puddles have been an integral feature of a day’s activities, then the portable washer is an ideal solution for keeping the countryside on the outside of the car.

If you simply wish DBX to provide a little extra cosseting on the school run or on the way to the office, then the Essentials Pack bundles together useful accessories like a centre console organiser, a rear seat entertainment holder and a heated cup. If the school run is likely to be particularly rowdy, then the Essentials Pack could be paired with the Interior Protection Pack, which provides seat covers, a rear bumper protector and all-weather mats throughout the car.

Of course, DBX is set to be equally adept at adapting to more social situations. The Event Pack will provide a modular picnic hamper, picnic blanket and event seating to cater for every occasion from Royal Ascot or Goodwood, to an impromptu al fresco lunch. Aston Martin is a British brand and naturally understands that the weather doesn’t always align with the best laid plans. As such, the Event Pack also includes extra umbrella storage.

The options available within each of these carefully selected packages, encompass everything from exquisite details such as illuminated tread plates, polished carbon fibre tail pipe finishers and valve caps with Aston Martin wings, to larger options for carrying bicycles or surf boards on the roof. Suffice to say, Aston Martin has worked with its trusted brand partners to ensure that it is offering the best solutions to customers, whatever the usage, journey or destination.

While many options remain bundled together, Aston Martin will offer a variety of individual accessories too, including three special-edition Maxi-Cosi child and baby seats. All are recommended for use with Aston Martin’s official 3wayFix ISOFIX base, trimmed in leather and are available for use with babies (45-75cm), toddlers (67-105cm) and children (15-36kg).

Aston Martin Lagonda President and Group CEO Dr. Andy Palmer said ‘From the outset it was envisaged that DBX would become an integral part of customers’ everyday lives. With the lifestyle packs I think we have been able to ensure that DBX is a vehicle that not only enables but also enhances experiences.’

Pricing for each of these specific optional accessory packs will be made available upon the launch of DBX.

BLOODHOUND LSR TEAM LANDS IN DESERT AND GEARS UP FOR HIGH SPEED RUNS

2019-10-21T10:04:00.002+01:00

The Bloodhound LSR car has arrived safely at the Hakskeenpan desert, Northern Cape, South Africa, which for the next month will be home for the team, and the setting for the car’s first high speed test runs.

Before that can happen, the initial task is to re-assemble the car, which has travelled in a semi‑dismantled state from Luxembourg to Johannesburg by airfreight, before making the final 570‑mile journey to the desert on the back of an articulated lorry.

The high speed tests will see the Bloodhound LSR car blasting along the Hakskeenpan desert racetrack for the very first time, providing a spectacular showcase of British engineering to a global audience. The Bloodhound team’s primary objective is to engage and inspire people of all ages through the most extreme application of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The most powerful straight-line car ever was transported on the same pneumatic tyres as the car ran on in Newquay, and, as well as allowing the car to be manoeuvred on tarmac, they also increase the effective damping of the car, further protecting the car and systems from any shocks during its travels. Unable to stand up to the extreme stresses of high speed driving, these will be swapped out for precision machined solid aluminium wheels ahead of launch.

Once these narrower wheels, made specifically for desert testing, are fitted, engineers will be able to re-attach sections of carbon fibre composite bodywork to the front of the car, along with the nose section, which is vital for effective aerodynamics. The tail fin will also be fitted, completing the chassis and making the car ready for action.

The 25-strong team who flew out with the car joined an advance party who have been working tirelessly beneath the South African sun to set up the 50 x 50 m Desert Technical Camp on the edge of the Hakskeenpan desert. As well as the Bloodhound car itself, it houses a temporary workshop, complete with the precision tools needed to fine tune performance and maintain the car, including a lathe, milling machine and welding equipment.

The Bloodhound LSR car will be unveiled in all its fully assembled glory on the 21st October, before it begins the high speed test programme, during which it will build speed gradually in 50 mph increments over a month. The culmination of the four to five weeks will see the car hitting mind-blowing speeds of 500+ mph (800+ km/h).

Bloodhound LSR driver and current World Land Speed Record holder Andy Green said: “After years of work to prepare the car, and following almost a decade of preparation of our desert track by the Northern Cape Government, we’re delighted to finally be here. The next few weeks will allow us to test the car and train the team, ready for our assault on the Outright World Land Speed Record next year.”

World’s New Straight-Line Racing TrackThe 10 mile (16 km) desert racetrack has been prepared by 317 members of the local Mier community, funded by the Northern Cape Government. They have moved a staggering 16,500 tonnes of rock from 22 million square metres of dry lakebed – the largest area of land ever cleared by hand for a motorsport event, and testament to the partnership forged between the Bloodhound team, the local community and the Northern Cape Government.

Bloodhound CEO Ian Warhurst explained: “The section of the track we’ll use is 16 km (10 miles) by 250 m, with large safety areas on both sides. This allows us to lay out up to 25 individual tracks side by side, if we need them. This is important as we can’t run over the same piece of ground twice because the car will break up the baked mud surface as it passes. We need multiple tracks so we can build speed slowly and safely – going up in 50 mph (80 km/h) steps, comparing real-world results with theoretical data – and Hakskeenpan is the perfect place to do this.

“The surface is hard, too, which means we’ve been able to design slightly narrower wheels that reduce aerodynamic drag. The desert surface also has a slight degree of ‘give’, which will work with the suspension to give a smoother ride, reducing vibration inside the car.”