Sports Car

Sports Car, Coupe, News

Volkswagen Scirocco gets special Black Edition models

·

Volkswagen has added a GT Black Edition and R-Line Black Edition to its Scirocco range.

The special editions get black painted alloy wheels, a black painted contrast roof, door mirrors and rear spoiler, and 90 per cent tinted rear windows as standard.

The Scirocco GT Black Edition includes 18-inch Black Lisbon alloy wheels, while the R-Line Black Edition receives arch-filling 19-inch Black Lugano alloy wheels. Priced from £23,135 OTR for the GT Scirocco Black Edition 1.4-litre TSI BlueMotion Technology - a premium of £550 over the equivalent GT and R-Line trims - the new models 'offer great value for money' says VW. As an example, the 18-inch Lisbon alloy wheels alone would otherwise be a £610 option on the GT trim, while the cars' 90 per cent tinted windows are a £70 option.

In new GT Black Edition and R-Line Black Edition guise the petrol range comprises a 1.4-litre 125 PS or a 2.0-litre 180 PS unit while two diesel engines, both 2.0-litre, offer either 150 PS or 184 PS. The 1.4-litre TSI comes with a six-speed manual gearbox, while all other engines are fitted with a standard six-speed manual gearbox or the option of a six-speed DSG gearbox.

Performance over the 0-62 mph sprint ranges from 9.3 seconds to 5.5 seconds, depending on engine and transmission choice, while top speeds range from 126 mph to 155 mph (limited).

The Scirocco GT includes, in addition to the standard features, a Composition Media system, dynamic navigation based on TMC+, preloaded European navigation data and Fast, Short and Eco route options as well as 2Zone climate control; front and rear parking sensors; the 'chequered flag' dash inserts and aluminium-look pedals and cloth and part Alcantara-trimmed upholstery.

The R-Line model comes with R-Line-specific bumpers and side skirts; R-Line scuff plates; an R-Line-specific steering wheel, handbrake and gear lever; 'carbon-look' dash inserts; and heated, electrically adjustable 'Vienna' leather sports seats.

Top-of-the-range Scirocco R models adds Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC); lowered 'R' sports suspension; Bi-xenon headlights with dynamic curve lighting, static cornering function; black brake calipers with 'R' logo; LED daytime running lights set into the front bumper; a bespoke 'R' styling pack; leather trimmed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel Vienna leather upholstery and front sports seats with embossed 'R' logo.

The Volkswagen Scirocco GT Black Edition and R-Line Black Edition models are available to order now, with first deliveries due in January 2016.

Sports Car, Saloon, News

Jaguar XE gets AWD and new engine option

·

The 2016 Jaguar XE will be available with all-wheel drive (AWD) and with a new 2.0-litre 180 PS diesel engine.

Shown at the LA Auto Show, the latest XE has been upgraded with InControl Touch Pro - Jaguar's next-generation infotainment system, as well as torque on-demand all-wheel drive, F-Type-derived Configurable Dynamics and a wider range of advanced driver assistance systems.

Available exclusively with the 180PS Ingenium, the all-wheel drive enhances vehicle dynamics and provides greater traction. Torque is only transferred to the front wheels when needed, maintaining the XE's inherent agility and rear-wheel drive character. Adaptive Surface Response (AdSR) makes the AWD system even better by changing the mapping of the powertrain and Dynamic Stability Control system according to the conditions.

Together with 'class-leading' chassis design, the combination of AWD, AdSR and the All Surface Progress Control system gives the driver greater confidence in adverse conditions.

InControl Touch Pro is designed around a tablet-style 10.2-inch touchscreen featuring highly responsive, high quality graphics. With intelligent navigation that can tell others if you're running late and a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices, the XE ensures connectivity.

Configurable Dynamics, first developed for the F-Type sports car, is now offered in the XE and enables the driver to tailor the car's character by selecting individual settings for the throttle response, transmission shifts and the Adaptive Dynamics continuously-variable damping system.

The XE also benefits from an enhanced range of assistance systems including Lane Keep Assist and Driver Condition Monitor - a feature which can detect and warn against driver fatigue. The Jag also offers the Adaptive Speed Limiter: an intelligent technology which can support the driver by increasing or decreasing vehicle speed when speed limits change.

The new Jaguar XE range will consist of XE SE, XE Prestige, XE R-Sport, XE Portfolio, XE S with prices starting at £26,990 OTR.

Sports Car

Facelifted Mercedes SL revealed in LA

·

Mercedes unveiled its facelifted 2016 SL at the Los Angels Auto Show.

With order books opening in January and first deliveries from April 2016, the revised SL features a host of 'significantly enhanced technical and visual features'.

The front end in particular has been made 'significantly sportier' says Mercedes, and as a result the bonnet, bumper and headlamps, among other features, are all new. The diamond radiator grille extends downwards, while two 'powerdomes' accentuate the long, drawn-out bonnet. Also adding to the SL's new appearance is the new standard-fit LED Intelligent Light System with headlamp housing extending far to the outside. The sporty silhouette is emphasised by the enlarged cosmetic air outlets with wing-like chrome inserts in the dynamic, broad vehicle wings and the exterior mirrors positioned on the beltline.

More powerful engines, the automatic transmission 9G-TRONIC, DYNAMIC SELECT with five transmission modes and Active Body Control with the curve tilting function all feature on the latest model. The vario-roof now opens at speeds of up to 25mph.

Ola Kallenius, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, Mercedes-Benz Cars Sales & Marketing: "The SL is an all-season vehicle that is fully suited for daily use, but above all it is a dream car for those special moments as a couple. Whatever its owner desires - it fulfils the expectations with technical perfection."

The model range now comprises the SL 400 with V6 engine uprated to 270 kW (367 hp) and 500 Nm (additional 25 kW/35 hp and also 20 Nm) as well as the SL 500 with the powerful 335 kW (455 hp) V8 engine. As standard the power transfer is handled by the new 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission. With DYNAMIC SELECT the vehicle characteristics can be adjusted in seconds at the touch of a button, as the system modifies the setup of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering at the driver's behest.

Additional variants include the two Mercedes-AMG models in the guise of the SL 63 and SL 65, the latter with a V12 engine.

Sports Car, News

Le Mans-winning Jaguar XJ-R9 LM tested against new XJR

·

Le Mans 24 Hours winner Andy Wallace relived his 1988 victory by taking to the Silverstone circuit in his Jaguar XJR9-LM.

Wallace also took new 550PS, 5.0-litre Supercharged V8 Jaguar XJR for a spin, during back-to-back day and night sessions. Driving at night on the Silverstone circuit gave Wallace the opportunity to test the new LED headlights on the new XJ, which are a first for Jaguar.

"Driving at Le Mans back in 1988, it was so hard to see at night," said Wallace. "We were travelling at around 240mph and it was too fast to see the road ahead. We used the lights more to catch glimpses of landmarks as they whizzed past, so we knew where we were.

"These days, modern road cars have incredible lights. LED technology allows you to see three times the distance we could back then, while active steer and bend also help target the lights to the places you want to see.

The 2016 XJ has had, what Jaguar calls a 'thorough exterior design refresh' and the full LED headlights with unique double 'J-Blade signature' daytime running lights are one of the key additions, and are unique in the Jaguar range.

Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director, XJ said: "The XJ is now more dynamic and distinctive than ever, and taking the high-performance XJR to Silverstone gave an excellent demonstration of how the new LED lighting fitted to the car can benefit the driver."

The LED headlights provide a colour temperature closer to that of daylight than the Bi-Xenon lamps they replace, improving visibility and driver comfort and also delivering a significant improvement in energy efficiency.

The most advanced lights ever seen on a Jaguar or Land Rover product, they also accentuate the 'quad lamp' design - a feature that also appeared on the XJR9-LM.

The new Jaguar XJR SWB 5.0P S/C costs from £92,405 OTR.

Sports Car, News, Vintage Car

The Stig names Ford Mustang as ultimate stunt car

·

The all-new Ford Mustang has been named the ultimate stunt car by Ben Collins, aka The Stig.

Also a top Hollywood stunt driver, racing driver and former Stig (for eight years) on the BBC's Top Gear - Collins has a new film out called "Ben Collins: Stunt Driver". In the new film, the Ford Mustang fastback - powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine - beats an array of high-performance road and competition cars during 48 hours of explosive, high-speed challenges featuring aerobatic planes, helicopter gunships and military machines.

"The point of this adventure was to find the perfect car for an epic, high octane, Hollywood-style car chase, and it's the iconic Ford Mustang that gets top billing," Collins said. "Mustang has starred in many a classic car chase during the past 50 years, and is still the stunt driver's weapon of choice to leave the bad guys standing in a cloud of tyre smoke."

Collins' movie stunt driving credits include the James Bond films Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre, as well as The Dark Knight Rises and Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation. Collins has also competed in Le Mans, GT and NASCAR race series.

The Mustang helped Collins evade baddies in his new film with all-new front and rear suspension systems including integral link independent rear suspension, and standard performance brake packages behind 19-inch wheels. The lightweight chassis delivers up to 0.97 g-force when cornering, says Ford. Launch Control also helps, with the 5.0-litre V8 Mustang sprinting from 0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds.

"Mustang has made more than 3,700 movie appearances and has kept cinema-goers on the edge of their seats in car chases from the legendary 'Bullitt' sequence in 1968, to the first movie to feature the all-new Mustang, 'Need for Speed' in 2014," said Roelant de Waard, vice president, Marketing, Sales and Service, Ford of Europe. "Being named the ultimate stunt car in 'Ben Collins: Stunt Driver' further cements Mustang's place as an automotive and screen icon."

The all-new Ford Mustang is now on sale in the UK now with prices starting from £29,995 (EcoBoost) and £33,995 (V8). The new DVD, Ben Collins: Stunt Driver is out this week.

News, Sports Car

Zenos plans more powerful E10 'R'

·

Zenos Cars has confirmed a new E10 model will be its fastest, most focused model to date.

Called the E10R, the British company has released teaser images and details of its super-high-performance brief. The latest addition to the E10 range gets a large increase in power, representing a logical progression for the model says Zenos.

Featuring a carbon and aluminium chassis, carbon fibre bucket seats and running on 12-spoke OZ Racing alloys, the E10R sits at the pinnacle of the range and 'will stay true to the Zenos philosophy of low-cost ownership, offering maximum performance and affordability'.

Mark Edwards, Founder and Managing Director, asks of the new model: "Is it indulgent? Maybe. Is it insane? Very possibly. Is it astonishing? Absolutely!"

The company's first car, the mid-engined E10 is built around a rigid tub and backbone, bonded together to form an 'immensely strong' platform. With the use of recycled carbon fibre, the tub offers 70 per cent of the mechanical performance of new carbon fibre at around 10 per cent of the cost.

Production of the E10 began in January 2015 with the range expanding quickly, producing the E10S, offering 250 bhp from Ford's turbocharged 2.0-litre EcoBoost engine. Zenos Cars was established in 2012 to design and produce high-performance, ultra-lightweight yet affordable sports cars that deliver maximum driving thrills. The company is 100 per cent British-owned, and the cars it produces are 100 per cents British-designed, British-supplied and British-built.

Convertible, News, Sports Car

Limited Edition Mazda MX-5 Sport Recaro unveiled

·

Mazda has teamed up with German sports seat company Recaro for a limited edition MX-5.

The new Mazda MX-5 Sport Recaro has joined the company's sports car line up and is based on the 2.0-litre 160PS Sport Nav model. Limited to just 600 cars it benefits from 'added exclusivity and sporty styling enhancements' inside and out.

Created with the 'discerning sports car fan in mind' says Mazda, the Sport Recaro adds a Brilliant Black Sports Aero kit that includes a rear spoiler, plus front, side and rear skirts. Piano Black door mirrors and 17-inch Diamond Cut alloy wheels with an engraved MX-5 logo complete the stand out exterior appearance.

Inside, the MX-5 cabin naturally gets standard Recaro seats finished in Alcantara on the seat cushion and seat back, while red seat piping compliments the red stitching found on the dash, handbrake and gear lever. An Alcantara dashboard panel, alloy pedals and unique floor mats can also be found. Designed to deliver 'outstanding lumbar and lateral support' the heated Recaro seats complement the MX-5's driver-focused cabin and communicative controls.

Features on the Sport Recaro model include LED headlights, a leather steering wheel, climate control air-conditioning, rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, smart keyless entry, a premium Bose sound system and cruise control, plus Mazda's MZD-Connect connectivity and infotainment system with 7-inch Colour touch-screen display and Multimedia Commander.

With a dynamic set-up that includes Sports suspension featuring Bilstein dampers, a limited slip differential and strut tower bar, the Sport Recaro MX-5 is the first Limited Edition version of the new model offered in the UK. Its exclusivity is marked out by an individually numbered badge located on the centre storage box lid.

Available to order now, the Mazda MX-5 Sport Recaro costs £24,295 OTR.

Convertible, Sports Car, News

Mazda MX-5 concepts revealed at SEMA

·

Mazda has pulled the covers off two MX-5 concepts at the The Specialty Equipment Market Association show (SEMA).

The two concepts, the MX-5 Spyder and MX-5 Speedster have shaved off more weight while accentuating open-air driving.

The MX-5 Spyder features a 'bikini top', Mercury Silver exterior, carbon fibre aero kit, grille intake, lightweight 17-inch Yokohama ADVAN Racing RS II wheels and a Spinneybeck PRIMA natural full-grain leather interior. The MX-5 Speedster, meanwhile, pares the roadster back to the bare essentials - it even has a deflector in place of the windscreen. With carbon fibre doors and seats as well as custom 16-inch RAYS 57 Extreme Gram Lights wheels resultsin the Speedster tipping the scales at 943kg. It is also 30mm lower than the production MX-5 thanks to an adjustable coilover suspension. Both are powered by Mazda's SKYACTIV-G 2.0 DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder with VVT.

"Both MX-5 Spyder and MX-5 Speedster are uncompromising designs that highlight the core strengths of MX-5," said Ken Saward, design manager at Mazda North American Operations. He and his colleagues at Mazda collaborated with various aftermarket parts suppliers and performance shops to create the two concepts. "With the all-new 2016 MX-5, we have a clean sheet to show how the aftermarket can go wild on our flagship sports car while staying true to its mission."

The SEMA Show in Las Vegas runs until the 6th November.

Sports Car, News

Two Mazda MX-5 Concepts set for SEMA show

·

Mazda has confirmed two vastly different takes on the fourth-generation MX-5 will be revealed at the 2015 SEMA Show.

The Specialty Equipment Market Association show takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Centre, for which the Mazda designers wanted to see what they could do if the MX-5 was 'taken to the extreme'. The result was an MX-5 Spyder Concept and a MX-5 Speedster Concept.

The MX-5 Spyder captures the character of a vintage roadster and translates it into a modern-day design, including bespoke leather interior details and is finished in a new Mercury Silver concept paint colour.

The MX-5 Speedster is described as a 'study in the extremes of lightweight, purpose-built performance', paying homage to minimalist roadsters of the 1950s. The Blue Ether-painted MX-5 Speedster is uncompromised in its approach to wind-in-the-hair driving, deliberately avoiding the use of a traditional windshield for a lighter deflector.

Both cars are significantly lighter than the 1057kg MX-5 roadster.

The SEMA Show takes place from 3-6 of November.

Electric, Sports Car, News

First Detroit Electric SP:01 leaves factory

·

The first Detroit Electric sports car has rolled off the production line.

The SP:01 is described as the 'lightest and fastest two-seat pure-electric sports car in the world', and is manufactured in Leamington Spa.

The lightweight SP:01, which goes on sale in Asia and Europe over the coming weeks, combines a carbon fibre body with an aluminium chassis and features a 0-60mph time of 3.7 seconds, with the 6-speed manual, and a top speed of 155mph.

Powered by a 285HP / 210kW electric motor, the car is fitted with a single-speed automatic transmission as standard, with the option of twin-speed automatic or the 6-speed manual transmissions.

Albert Lam, Chairman and Group CEO of Detroit Electric commented: "We are thrilled to see our first production car roll off the line at our UK manufacturing site. Our first customer is sure to appreciate the unique experience of driving the SP:01 as we've worked hard to develop technologies that ensure it is one of the most rewarding pure electric sports cars to drive.

"Seeing our vision realised is hugely satisfying and we can now focus on fulfilling a growing bank of orders. As our production process builds momentum, we look forward to providing this unique electric sports car to our customers all over the world," he added.

Detroit Electric describes the battery as the most 'energy-dense automotive battery pack in the world', offering over 140Wh/kg and comes with built-in bi-directional charge and discharge capability. Made possible via the Detroit Electric home charging and power back-up unit - named '360-Powerback' - the unit turns the vehicle into a power source for both the grid and the home.

Pricing for the Detroit Electric SP:01 will be announced shortly.

Sports Car, News

Yamaha reveals new sports car in Tokyo

·

Yamaha has unveiled a new sports car concept at the Tokyo Motor Show.

Called the Sports Ride Concept, Yamaha has released few details about the new car but has labeled it a 'Special exhibit/Experimental vehicle'.

The concept employs the iStream design process for the car's underpinnings, developed by McLaren F1 designer Gordon Murray Design Limited, to produce a lightweight, high-rigidity vehicle structures rooted in Formula One technology.

This design concept takes a 'uniquely Yamaha' approach by putting the 'involved and active' feeling of riding a motorcycle, or "Live and Ride" into a vehicle with quintessential sports car proportions for a driver-machine relationship close in feeling to the world of motorcycle riding.

Yamaha says it devoted much attention to the high-quality details and was inspired by the artistic style of 'Elementarism' when designing the concept.

No word yet on whether the 2-seater will go into production.

Sports Car, News

Mazda unveils RX-Vision at the Tokyo Motor Show

·

Mazda has pulled the covers off a new rotary-engined RX-Vision sports car in Tokyo.

Powered by Mazda's next-generation SKYACTIV-R rotary engine, this technology allows for what Mazda calls an 'exquisitely proportioned' front-engine, rear-wheel drive car. Rotary engines are unique in that they generate power through the rotational motion of triangular rotors (unlike pistons in conventional engines). Overcoming numerous technical difficulties, Mazda succeeded in commercialising rotary power, first in the Cosmo Sport 110S in 1967 and then in several other models.

Although not currently mass-producing any rotary models, Mazda says it never ceased its R&D activities, choosing the SKYACTIV-R label for the next-generation rotary engine.

"I look forward to talking with you more about this vision we revealed here today at the Mazda stand," said Mazda's Representative Director, President and CEO Masamichi Kogai. "Mazda will continue to take on new challenges in an effort to build a special bond with our customers and become their one and only brand."

Further details have yet to be announced.

Sports Car, News

Porsche Macan GTS revealed

·

Porsche has added a new Macan GTS to its range.

Featuring a re-engineered chassis, 20 hp more power and uprated brakes, the dynamic GTS includes attributes 'keen drivers' will appreciate, says Porsche. The 360 hp petrol engine with 500 Nm of pulling power places the GTS between the Macan S and the Macan Turbo in the range line-up. The technical basis for this is the 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V6 of the Macan S, mated to the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) seven-speed transmission and Porsche Traction Management (PTM) with variable power distribution to all four wheels. A sports exhaust system gives an 'aural clue' to the tuned engine under the bonnet.

A more sporty set-up has been applied to the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which also offers a 15mm lowered ride height. The 20-inch diameter RS Spyder design alloy wheels finished in matt black paint complete the dynamic focus of the GTS. The wider tyres on the rear axle are a unique feature of the Macan chassis, and also provide a 'purposeful stance' to the new model. Acceleration from 0-62 mph takes 5.2 secs - or 5.0 secs with the optional Sport Chrono package - while top speed is 160 mph. This is balanced by fuel economy of up to 31.4 mpg Combined and CO2 emissions of 212 g/km.

The GTS Macan can also be recognised at first glance by exterior accents in black - in high gloss above the waistline and in a lustrous matt finish in the lower areas of the body. This is further enhanced by a special version of the Sport Design styling package in GTS-specific colouring.

On the inside, 'GTS' sport seats with Alcantara centre panels is joined by the new Porsche Communication Management with a touch-screen monitor, extended functionality and increased operating comfort, first seen in the next generation 911.

Prices for the new Porsche Macan GTS start at £55,188 OTR, and goes on sale 28 October, 2015.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car, Saloon, Sports Car, News

Lexus LF-FC concept revealed in Tokyo

·

Lexus has pulled the covers off a new flagship LF-FC concept.

Unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, the LF-FC presents a new styling theme that 'embodies Lexus's L-finesse design philosophy' says the Japanese automaker and provides a glimpse into Lexus's design and technology direction for a future flagship saloon.

The front end features an evolution of Lexus's signature grille, with a new mesh design along with L-shaped daytime running lights which 'emerge seamlessly' from the front wings with a floating effect, that is mirrored in the tail-lights. Featuring a flowing roofline in the style of a four-door coupe, the concept runs on 21-inch alloy wheels with carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) rims adding an 'extra dash of flair'.

A high-output fuel cell power system is at the heart of the LF-FC, which drivers the rear wheels and also sends power to two in-wheel motors at the front for all-wheel drive. This drive system allows precise torque distribution control, giving the vehicle 'exceptional handling and stability'. The location of the fuel cell stack at the rear and the power control unit at the front and the arrangement of the hydrogen fuel tanks in a T-formation result in 'optimum' front-rear weight distribution for a sporty saloon.

On the inside, a spacious interior wraps its occupants in what Lexus calls a comfortable yet futuristic environment. Viewed at eye-level, the front seats appear to be 'floating' says Lexus. The rear seats offering a reclining feature and plenty of head and knee room. High-quality aniline leather on the seats, doors and dashboard enhances the level of luxury in the interior.

The LF-FC features an advanced human/machine interface that can be operated using simple hand gestures, with no need to touch a panel or switch. A small holographic image on the centre console indicates where the system can interpret hand gestures to control the audio system and ventilation. The concept uses automated driving technologies, with an elevated level of traffic environment recognition, prediction and judgement functions to provide a safe and efficient driving experience.

The Tokyo Motor Show runs until 8 November.

Sports Car, News, Hatchback

New flagship trim levels for Alfa Romeo MiTo and Giulietta

·

The Alfa Romeo MiTo and Alfa Romeo Giulietta ranges have both received new trim levels.

A new Collezione specification is available in both models, while a new Sprint Speciale version joins the Alfa Romeo Giulietta range.

The Collezione versions are the new flagships of their respective ranges, offering a more 'luxurious and elegant specification' than the sporty QV Line models. In the case of the Alfa Romeo MiTo Collezione, standard equipment includes 17-inch 'Collezione Bronze' alloy wheels with matching bronze-effect door mirrors and satin-effect headlight and tail light surrounds.

The interior is trimmed in special Collezione cloth and 'eco-leather' upholstery, with brown stitching on the flat-bottom steering wheel, gear knob and handbrake gaiter. A split-folding, three-seat rear bench, sports dials, special Collezione vintage floor mats and a Uconnect NAV infotainment system with TomTom satellite navigation and DAB radio round out the flagship spec.

Offered with a choice of a 0.9-litre TwinAir Turbo 105hp or 1.4-litre Turbo Petrol 140hp engines (the latter with Alfa's six-speed ALFA TCT twin-clutch transmission and uprated Brembo brakes as standard) the Alfa Romeo MiTo Collezione is priced at £17,660 OTR and £19,210 OTR respectively.

The Giulietta Collezione builds on the high specification of the Exclusive trim with a gloss-black painted roof and matching door mirrors, front and rear parking sensors and unique, dark-finish, 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, the seats are trimmed in bespoke 'Collezione' leather with heated front seats, joined by a 6.5-inch Uconnect NAV system with advanced voice operated sat nav with 3D mapping and DAB digital radio as standard.

Prices for the Giulietta Collezione start at £24,820 for the 1.4 MultiAir Turbo Petrol 170hp six-speed manual, or £26,245 with the six-speed Alfa TCT twin-clutch transmission. The diesel Giulietta Collezione range starts at £25,680 for the 2.0 JTDM-2 150hp manual, with the 2.0 JTDM-2 175hp ALFA TCT version completing the new Collezione range at £27,840.

A new Giulietta Sprint Speciale also joins the range, building on the specification of the Sprint model to offer further performance-oriented equipment. The Sprint Speciale adds sports suspension, 17-inch sports alloy wheels, Brembo brakes, aluminium pedals and Quadrifoglio-style sports seats as standard, along with dual-zone climate control, rear parking sensors, special silver dashboard trim, the 'Visibility Pack' and cruise control.

The engine range includes the 1.4 TB MultiAir 150hp, priced from £23,320 with a six-speed manual or £24,745 with the six-speed ALFA TCT (including steering-wheel mounted paddle-shifters). The Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint Speciale powered by the 2.0 JTDM-2 150hp is priced from £24,180 while the 2.0 JTDM-2 175hp ALFA TCT version is priced from £26,340 OTR.

Sports Car, News

Abarth 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition

·

Abarth has revealed a new 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition.

It comes as part of Abarth's role of Official Sponsor and Car Supplier to the FIM MotoGP Championship. Created from a partnership with Yamaha, the new edition comes in a choice of seven colours and is 'packed with sporty features'.

Running on 17-inch matt black alloy wheels, the 595 also includes painted brake callipers and optional matching Abarth side stripes and mirror covers. Darkened windows, a flat-bottom leather steering wheel, aluminium pedals and a special 'Yamaha Factory Racing' badge - all as standard - enhance the model's sporting credentials. Xenon headlamps, leather interior and dual zone air conditioning are among the options.

Powered by an upgraded version of Abarth's potent 1.4-litre T-Jet engine, the 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition is further enhanced with a Record Monza exhaust system, Koni shock absorbers with FSD valves and Eibach lowering springs. With a top speed of 130 mph, the special edition 595 accelerates from 0-62 mph in 7.4 seconds.

"The new 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition adds a new dimension to the Abarth 595 line-up" says Gerry Southerington, brand manager, Abarth UK. "With an upgrade to 160 horsepower, lowered suspension, sporting looks and a great sounding exhaust system, we expect a lot of interest in this car from Abarth enthusiasts and new customers alike."

The Abarth 595 Yamaha Factory Racing Edition is available to order now, priced from £17,420 OTR.

Coupe, Sports Car, News

New BMW M2 revealed

·

BMW has revealed its new M2 compact sports coupe.

The new coupe from BMW's M division, the M2 features the latest in motor sport derived technology. The result is a powerful performer, which BMW says 'delivers genuine driver satisfaction on the road, and extreme capability on the racing circuit'.

Powered by a new, specifically developed, 3.0-litre straight-six engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, it kicks out 370hp for an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. When equipped with the optional seven-speed M DCT gearbox, the M2 can sprint from rest to 62mph in 4.3 seconds.

This performance is expressed visually via unique enhancements to the base 2 Series Coupe body, majoring on style but also reflecting the aerodynamic, cooling and chassis requirements of the new car. Engineers have worked to reduce weight wherever possible, improve rigidity and hone the M2's responses via 'sophisticated chassis technology and electronics'.

Track tested on the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit, the new model runs on 19-inch aluminium forged wheels, and also features an M Quad sports exhaust system. On the inside of the driver-focused interior there are sports seats, M steering wheel and M gearlever. Combined mpg comes in at 33.2 (35.8 with the M DCT) and CO2 Emissions of 199g/km (185g/km - M DCT)

On sale April in 2016, prices start at £44,070 OTR.

Hybrid, Sports Car, News, Electric, Concept Car

Rinspeed reveals new driverless Etos concept car

·

Rinspeed has revealed plans to show a new driverless Etos concept car, at the CES Consumer Electronic Show 2016 in Las Vegas 2016.

The hybrid sports car features a personal autopilot and drone on board. Frank M. Rinderknecht, the boss of Rinspeed said: "The major and especially the disruptive innovations in future automotive engineering will come from the digital realm. That is why all major manufacturers and suppliers are now present at the CES Consumer Electronic Show."

The Swiss company's approached to the topic of 'driverless cars' is largely from the point of view of drivers and passengers, and has generated a number of ideas including an 'intuitive, adaptive autopilot capable of learning'.

The new concept's interior adapts to the particular driving situation 'as if by magic' according to Rinspeed: In autonomous mode, the steering wheel folds up and retracts completely into the dashboard. The two curved widescreens individually move closer to the occupants to provide a better view.

To provide the passengers with a unique infotainment experience, the Etos uses Harman Connected Car technologies. Like a personal assistant, the system operates in a thinking, courteous and anticipatory manner. In addition, it delivers entertainment, connectivity and maximum safety.

The sporty hybrid is also fitted with its own drone that has its a landing pad on the rear end. The Swiss firm says the drone 'could fetch a bouquet of flowers the driver ordered online and even deliver it directly to the lucky recipient. It could also take a video of the wild ride on your favourite road and stream it live to friends'.

The 22nd concept vehicle designed in-house at the brands "innovation lab" also includes innovative surface finishes that are still completely alien to car designers, asking CES visitors to 'touch it, feel it - it's magic!'.

The CES Consumer Electronic Show Las Vegas runs from 6-9 January 2016.

Vintage Car, News, Coupe, Sports Car

Businessman leaves £10m Ferraris to RNLI

·

Businessman Richard Colton has left a rare Ferrari 275 GTB/4 and Ferrari 250 GT SWB to be auctioned, with the proceeds going to the RNLI.

Initial estimates place the combined value of the two Ferraris as potentially topping Ten million pounds. Richard Colton was a Northamptonshire-based businessman, who for 40 years collected and actively campaigned sensational classic cars. Described by close friends as a shy and private man, he was known to be 'somewhat nervous of the sea', which may have added to his great respect for the men and women who risk their lives daily around Britain's coast.

Colton was keen that his legacy be sold by a British classic car specialist auction house - hence H&H was chosen by his executors. Working closely with the auction house, Jim Kearns Senior Partner at Wilson Browne Solicitors was tasked, as joint executor, with ensuring that Colton's estate was executed in line with his wishes, that all proceeds be bequeathed to the RNLI.

Jim Kearns commented; "It is a remarkable and generous legacy. All of us at Wilson Browne Solicitors are proud to be part of such an exciting and wonderful bequest and it's testament to the faith Richard had in us as experts in the field that he not only relied on us for his Will but asked us to ensure that we got the best possible price (as joint executors) so the money could be put to work for the RNLI."

Kearns added; "The exquisite cars really were the impossible gift. To leave them to an individual would have incurred 40 per cent inheritance tax meaning that the cars would most likely have to be sold to pay for it. Leaving them to a charitable cause as noble as the RNLI means that they get the maximum value."

Money raised from the sale will be used to build a new lifeboat called Richard and Caroline Colton, named after Richard and his late wife.

Guy Rose, Legacy Manager at the RNLI, said: "We are deeply grateful and humbled by Mr Colton's generous gift and his decision to benefit the RNLI in this way. Six out of every 10 lifeboat launches are only made possible because of gifts left to us in Wills, so they are vital to saving lives at sea. Mr Colton's generosity will be felt most by our volunteer crews and the people whose lives they save."

The auction takes place on 14 October 2015 at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, Cambridge.