4x4, News

Land Rover celebrations at Goodwood Revival

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Land Rover's celebration of 67 years of Series Land Rover and Defender production will continue at this year's Goodwood Revival from 11-13 September.

The engineering bloodline that links the original Series One with the latest Defender will be marked in a special presentation and displays capturing the birth of the iconic 4x4 and its progress through the past seven decades.

Faithful to the retro spirit of the meeting, Land Rover will be recreating key elements from the development of the Series I, which made its UK public debut at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show, including drawing board plans and an early pre-production chassis. A Series I model will be shown tilted at 45 degrees and the team manning the display will be dressed in replica engineering smocks worn by the 1940s production workers.


Land Rover owners will be taking part in a daily parade of more than 50 pre-1966 Series models, including many special conversion body styles such as the bright yellow 1950 Series I Bertam Mills Circus vehicle, custom-built in the late 1950s to give the impression that it was being driven by the circus elephant, named Kam.


In addition, 11 pre-production Land Rovers (descendants of HUE 166) are to participate in what is believed to be the largest number of pre-production vehicles ever seen in motion.


The culmination of the presentation is the latest Defender Autobiography, a model that brings together the robust qualities of the original with bespoke and contemporary design features.

The Bonhams' stand at the revival meeting will be showcasing Defender 2,000,000. This unique vehicle, which was specially built to celebrate its production landmark at Solihull, is set to go under the hammer at a charity auction in London on 16 December.

Diesel, News, SUV

Audi Q7 gets new diesel engine

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A new 218PS version of the Audi's 3.0-litre TDI engine has been added to the new Q7 range.

Joining the 272PS version of the V6 diesel unit, the new lower output option is capable of returning over 49mpg with CO2 emissions as low as 148g/km. 

The EU6-compliant unit's 218PS, available from 3,250rpm through to 4,750rpm, and the 500Nm peak torque, delivered between 1,250rpm and 3,000rpm, are converted by the eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission into a 0-62mph time of 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 134mph. 

The new Audi Q7 3.0 TDI quattro 218PS is available in SE and S line specification. Fitted with 19- and 20-inch alloy wheels respectively, these can deliver up to 48.7mpg according to the combined cycle test, equating to CO2 output of 150g/km. Customers who choose the SE, can also specify a smaller 18-inch wheel as an alternative to further reduce consumption and emissions to 49.6mpg and 148g/km. 

Priced from £47,755 OTR, the new The 218PS version of the Q7 is due to reach UK customers in October.

Crossover, Diesel, News

All-new Honda HR-V lands in the UK

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The first shipment of Honda's all-new HR-V crossover has arrived in the UK at Bristol docks.

Due into dealerships at the end of the month, Honda says the new HR-V has already generated almost 350 orders despite customers not having driven, let alone even seen the car in the metal.

It is available at launch with a choice of 120 PS 1.6 litre i-DTEC diesel or 130 PS 1.5 litre i-VTEC petrol engines, both part of Honda's Earth Dreams Technology series.

Philip Crossman, Managing Director at Honda UK, commented: "The HR-V is back.  These are some fantastic pictures of the new HR-V
being driven off the boat having arrived from Mexico and it is only a matter of weeks before we start seeing the car out on the road."

With pricing starting at £17,995 for the entry-level S grade petrol model, the new HR-V tops out at £24,945 for the flagship EX diesel.

Crossover, Concept Car, SUV, News

Mazda to unveil new crossover concept in Frankfurt

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The Mazda Koeru crossover SUV concept is set to make its debut at the 2015 Frankfurt International Motor Show.

Koeru - Japanese for 'exceed' or 'go beyond' - was the name chosen for Mazda's latest entry into the growing crossover SUV market, which features the company's trademark KODO - Soul of Motion design - expressing "the power and vitality of a predator along with a unique level of refined dignity", according to Mazda.

Mazda will also display its new-generation model line-up in Frankfurt with highlights including an all-new MX-5 complete with accessories as well as several SKYACTIV powertrains. 

Mazda's Frankfurt Motor Show press conference takes place on 15 September and the doors open to the public from 17-27 September.

Vintage Car, News

Vauxhall marks Chevette's 40th birthday

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Vauxhall is to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Chevette at the Footman James Sywell Classic - Pistons and Props motoring festival in September.

There will be several examples of the celebrated marque on display such as the Chevette HS2300 plus the Cavalier Mk1, also celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2015. 

All of the Vauxhall owners clubs have been invited to join the party. 

The organisers are also giving private owners of the Vauxhall Chevette the opportunity to get involved, with 20 places allocated within the Vauxhall Heritage display.

Denis Chick, Director of Communications at Vauxhall Motors, said: "We're delighted to be celebrating 40 years of the Chevette at Sywell Classic and look forward to showing some of our Vauxhall heritage fleet as well as meeting owners who have kept their Chevettes in such excellent order and still on the road today. The Cavalier will also join in making this a double anniversary celebration."

Also on show will be the Biggles Bi-Plane, a replica BE-2c aircraft from the 1914/18 war which is supported by Vauxhall. It was commissioned in 1969 by the makers of the film 'Biggles Sweeps the Skies'. As well as taking to the sky it will be displayed alongside an original Vauxhall 1914 D-Type army staff car and the striking Biggles liveried Vauxhall Zafira Tourer support vehicle.

Sywell Classic Event Director Tom Siddall added: "This is the first time a major manufacturer has supported Sywell Classic and we're thrilled to have them on board for a celebration of their strong heritage."

Bringing Vauxhall right up date will be an example of the all-new Astra, launched just two weeks before at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The Astra is British-built at Vauxhall's factory in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. Vauxhall will also be showing the recently launched new Viva, a car that revives memories of its very successful 1960s predecessor. 

Now in its third year, Sywell Classic will be held at Northamptonshire's Sywell Aerodrome on the weekend of 26-27 September.

News

Halloween date for Regent Street Motor Show

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The Regent Street Motor Show is set to make its return on Saturday 31 October.

Described as the largest free-to-view motor show in the UK, it showcases 125 years of motoring history on one of London's most iconic shopping streets.

On the day of the Show, Regent Street will be closed to through traffic from Oxford Circus to Piccadilly Circus, providing a safe environment for visitors.

"The Regent Street Motor Show is now established as a great day out for all the family, and is a real celebration of more than a century of our motoring history," said Peter Foubister, Motoring Secretary of the Royal Automobile Club.

Among the highlights, the 2015 event will celebrate the earliest days of motoring with the pre-1905 veteran cars on display as part of the EFG International Concours d'Elegance.

Motoring enthusiasts from around the world attend the Show each year and in 2014, 17 per cent visited from overseas while just over half the Show visitors came from closer to home, attending from the Greater London area.
  
A variety of exhibits ranging from the horseless carriages from the dawn of motoring to the cars of today and tomorrow are designed to capture the imagination of visitors - whether they have come specifically to see the show or simply catch it while out shopping. 
 
The Show takes place from 10:30am until 4pm on Saturday 31 October.

Coupe, News, Sports Car, Concept Car

Aston Martin DB9 GT at Pebble Beach

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Aston Martin's new 2016 DB9 GT will make its global debut as part of the marque's presence at the Pebble Beach
Automotive Week.

Aston Martin will also offer a glimpse of its 'Second Century' with the DBX concept, Lagonda Taraf and Vulcan supercar all set to make appearances.

The GT claims the title of the most potent DB9 yet devised, by virtue of its uprated 6.0-litre V12 engine which now pumps out 540bhp - accompanied by a raft of engineering, equipment and styling developments.

Aston Martin's 'Second Century' plan was announced by Dr. Andy Palmer after completion of his first 150 days as CEO of Aston Martin. A strategy for the ongoing development of the 102-year old sports car maker laid out the principle mid-term actions that will drive the growth of the company.

The DBX concept, now confirmed for production, signals expansion into the luxury GT crossover market as part of a wider strategy to develop the strongest and most diverse product portfolio in the company's history.

Having made a surprise global debut at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, Aston Martin says the DBX has generated interest beyond expectations. 

The 800+bhp Aston Martin Vulcan makes its second bow in North America following a New York debut in April and will also be on display alongside the DBX. Styled entirely in-house by the design team led by Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman, the Vulcan is powered by the most potent iteration yet of Aston Martin's naturally-aspirated, 7.0-litre V12 petrol engine, developed in conjunction with Aston Martin Racing.

Marking a first appearance in the North American market, the new Lagonda Taraf super saloon draws inspiration from the highly sought-after William Towns-designed Lagonda of 1976 and features many of the same cutting edge engineering techniques seen in modern Aston Martin sports cars, such as the extensive use of carbon fibre body panels.

The car is hand-built at Aston Martin's state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Gaydon in a dedicated building previously given over to the creation of the One-77 supercar. 

The Lagonda Taraf will be exclusively available for viewings to customers and invited guests as well as leading the marque's presence at Quail: A Motorsports Gathering on 14 August.

Guests will again be hosted at the exclusive Aston Martin Estate, a private venue, situated high above Carmel with panoramic views across the Monterey Bay, which will also serve as the location for a number of exclusive events including private viewings of new Aston Martins and test drives of the current line-up.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car, News, SUV

Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell breaks zero-emissions record

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Two eco-pioneers have taken real-world zero-emission motoring to a new level by driving a Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell 2,383 kilometres - 1481 miles - in 24 hours.

Arnt-Goran Hartvig (Sports Scientist) and Marius Bornstein (Master of Physics) travelled around the clock on public roads in Germany, emitting nothing but water vapour from the fuel cell electric vehicle. To achieve this distance, the two Norwegians covered the 300-plus kilometre route between Vatenfall's hydrogen station in HafenCity, Hamburg and a Shell hydrogen station in Sachsendamm, Berlin as many times as possible in 24 hours. Refuelling the car takes as little as three minutes, enabling the drivers to maximise the distance covered.

Their route included city driving as well as high-speed roads, testing the suitability of the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell for everyday use in all situations. "We wanted to see what the combination of a state of art fuel cell electric vehicle and ditto hydrogen refuelling station are capable of today. The result is stunning", stated the team after accomplishing their journey.

This accomplishment by the duo is the latest in a series of challenges to showcase the potential of fuel cell technology. In June last year the two chose the ix35 Fuel Cell to travel a record 700 kilometres on one tank of hydrogen. They have also driven from Oslo to Monaco, refuelling only at the hydrogen stations already installed along the 2,260-kilometre route.

The ix35 Fuel Cell is fitted with a 100 kW (136 ps) electric motor, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 160 km/h. It produces no harmful emissions - only water vapour comes from the tailpipe - and has an official driving range of almost 600 kilometres on one tank of hydrogen.

Thomas Schmid, Chief Operating Officer at Hyundai Motor Europe, commented: "This endurance drive highlights both the practicality of our fuel cell electric vehicle's long driving range and the environmental credentials of our technology. Our Fuel Cell programme has already delivered many world firsts, so it is fitting that the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell has once again delivered a new benchmark."

Prices for the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle start from £53,105 OTR with part-funding from the HyFive project - saving customers nearly £15,000 off the un-funded on-the-road-price of £67,985.

News

UK's new car market continues to grow

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The first six months of 2015 represented an all-time record high for new car registrations.

That's according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) who confirmed that this July marked the 41st consecutive month of increases, thanks to prevailing economic confidence combined with low interest rates and attractive finance deals. A more modest increase in July however is suggestive of a more stable second half of the year as demand levels.

178,420 new cars were registered in July - a rise of 3.2 per cent on the same month last year - with year-to-date registrations up 6.5 per cent to 1,555,309 units.

The top-selling segments so far this year have been the Supermini, Lower Medium (small family cars) and Dual Purpose (SUVs and crossovers). Volume growth in all three segments reflects a shift in buying habits over the past decade, with the Supermini and Dual Purpose segments enjoying the biggest gains.

In particular, demand for Superminis has grown 22.7 per cent since 2005 - a result of consumers downsizing to smaller cars that offer significantly improved refinement, comfort and specification than their equivalents a decade ago. The market for Dual Purpose vehicles, meanwhile, has seen a staggering 88.5 per cent leap over the past decade as manufacturers have introduced new models to cater for buyers seeking more versatility.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, "While more moderate than in recent months, July's rise in new car registrations is good news, and indicative of what we expect for the remainder of 2015. With demand having reached a record high in the first half of the year, we anticipate more stable growth in the coming months."

The best selling car in July was Ford's ever-popular Fiesta, followed by the Ford Focus then the Vauxhall Corsa. Fourth spot was taken by the Volkswagen Golf with Nissan's Qashqai SUV close behind followed by the Audi A3, Volkswagen Polo, Fiat 500, Vauxhall Astra and Mercedes C-Class in tenth spot.

Crossover, News

Fiat 500X gets new Mopar accessories

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Fiat's accessory brand Mopar has unveiled a range of extras for the new Fiat 500X crossover.

Over 100 accessories have been designed specifically for the 500X crossover to enhance its functionality and allow customers to adapt the look of their vehicle to their particular personalities. Unique Mopar 18-inch alloy wheels are offered in a range of colours and aesthetic treatments, including machined silver with white recesses, red wheels with black recesses and all-black wheels, priced at £816 for a set of four.

Door mirror fairings are offered in nine colour options for £61 a pair, while door moulding inserts are available in five finishes from £214 a set and there are also a range of original decals for the roof, bonnet and upper and lower body sides in a variety of colours designed to coordinate with other accessories in the same colour.

There are six "Xtra Pack" kits available which combine a selection of options in single, great-value bundles. The kits - offered in white, red, bronze and beige - feature matching bonnet/roof stripes, mirror fairings and door moulding inserts and are priced at just £305. For those who prefer the classic look, the Chrome Xtra Pack (Pop, Pop Star and Lounge only) includes chrome-effect mirror fairings, door moulding inserts, fog light trims and a chrome bonnet moulding, while the Black Xtra Pack includes black bonnet and roof decals and black mirror caps but excludes door moulding inserts as the mouldings are already black.

Functionality is enhanced by a range of roof systems, from the 360-litre Freebox (£259) to sports equipment systems (from £112). The Winter Xtra Pack, for example, combines custom-fit roof bars with an adaptor capable of securely and safely carrying four skis or two snowboards as well as a moulded cargo bay protector for snow-covered boots and clothing. The Summer Xtra Pack consists of the same roof bars combined with a bike carrier and moulded cargo area tray and is currently available for £235, a saving of £78 compared to the price of buying the roof bars (£137), boot protector (£40) and bike carrier (£136) separately.

A detachable tow bar (£360) with wiring systems (from £168) and a towbar-mounted two-bike carrier system (£613) are also available, while a variety of key covers (£43 per twin pack) and carbon-look mirror fairings (in white or black from £120) round out the options currently available for the 500X.

The Mopar 500X accessory range is available to order at Fiat dealership throughout the UK.

The Fiat 500X range starts at £14,595 OTR for the entry-level 1.4 Pop.

Saloon, Sports Car, News

Audi unveils 605 bhp S8 plus

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Audi has revealed a new performance saloon - the S8 'plus'.

Audi's engineers have further advanced the 4.0 TFSI engine for the new S8 plus, with the V8 biturbo engine now pumping out 445 kW (605 hp) - a 85 hp increase - and a maximum torque of 700 Nm in overboost mode. Audi says it can even produce 750 Nm. Accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, the S8 plus can optionally be increased to 189 mph.

"The new Audi S8 plus has a substantial gain in power and defines the pinnacle of sporty performance in the segment. That is why 'plus' appears in its name." says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Technical Development at AUDI AG.

Another reason for the performance figures is the S8's lightweight design, with the body made almost entirely of aluminium. Based on the Audi Space Frame (ASF) and weighing just 231 kg (509.27 lb), Audi says this is the lightest among the competition.

Modifications made to the 4.0 TFSI range from a special engine control with speed and charge pressure boosting to its modified exhaust valves and the inner geometry of the turbocharger that was optimised for efficiency. An eight-speed tiptronic distributes the forces that are generated by the power-boosted V8 engine to a quattro drivetrain with a sport differential. Chassis highlights include the adaptive air suspension sport and dynamic steering, both of which 'chassis experts' tuned specifically for the S8 plus. UK specification models are fitted with 21-inch alloy wheels in a unique high-gloss black double-spoke design shod with specially designed size 275/35 tyres.

Upon choosing the optional dynamic package, top speed increases to 189mph, and fade-resistant carbon-fibre reinforced ceramic brakes are added, featuring brake calipers finished in anthracite-grey with the Audi ceramic logo.

Styling wise, the new S8 plus features a standard spoiler lip on the rear lid, painted in the exterior body colour, which is also available in carbon fibre as an option. The flaps in the side air inlets and the blade on the front apron are made of carbon fibre. The mirror housings in body colour are optionally available in gloss black or carbon. The Singleframe grille and double bars are in gloss black, while the honeycomb structure of the side air inlets and radiator screen are in matt black. Distinctive design characteristics of the S8 plus also include darkened tail lights and a gloss black diffuser insert, which has an additional carbon surround. The standard dual-branch sports exhaust system opens out into two oval high-gloss black tailpipes on the left and right giving the S8 plus a 'sporty V8 sound'.

The interior of the S8 includes numerous sporty details, with contrasting stitching in Arras red used throughout the black full-leather interior. Piping, also in Arras red, trims the comfort sport seats as well and 'emphasises the stylish side' of the sport saloon. The headlining and rear parcel shelf are designed in black Alcantara.

A contrasting red thread woven into the upper inlay can also be specified in favour of the carbon atlas inlays fitted as standard. Black piano paint trims the gear selector lever of the tiptronic and the centre console. Characteristic of the interior of the S models are the round instruments with grey dials and white needles and the stainless steel pedals. There is a decorative red ring on the start-stop button, and an S8 logo adorns the three-spoke sport leather steering wheel.

Audi delivers the new S8 plus with the normal wheelbase and offers 'extensive' standard features that include ambient lighting, a convenience key with sensor-driven luggage compartment locking, full-leather interior package, Alcantara package, power-assisted door closing and a DVD/CD changer.

The new Audi S8 plus will open for ordering in October, priced from £97,700 OTR, with first UK deliveries expected to commence in January 2016.

News

Lexus reveals fully functioning hoverboard

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Lexus has revealed a fully functioning hoverboard.

The hoverboard doesn't need electricity to work, it uses a permanent magnet and liquid nitrogen cooling, down to -197 degrees keeping the superconductor cold. Essential to the hoverboard working is a metal track, hidden under the specially constructed "Hoverpark" skate park. The Hoverpark was constructed in Barcelona, using around 200 metres of magnetic track set beneath the surface of an area similar to a conventional skate park. This gives the opportunity to demonstrate tricks that no skateboarder could ever perform, including travelling across water.

The Lexus Hoverboard features two cryostats, reservoirs which contain superconducting material, kept at the aforementioned -197 degrees through immersion in liquid nitrogen, creating cool-looking steam. The board is placed above a track fitted with permanent magnets to achieve magnetic levitation.

Dr Oliver de Hass, CEO of evico, said: "The magnetic field from the track is effectively 'frozen' into the superconductors in the board, maintaining the distance between the board and track - essentially keeping the board in a hover. The force is strong enough that the rider can stand and even jump on the board."

A short film - Slide - captures the success of the latest project in Lexus's 'Amazing in Motion campaign', together with the new GS F saloon, the forthcoming addition to Lexus's F-designated range of high-performance models.

The task of putting the machine through its paces fell to international pro-skateboard star Ross McGouran, who said: "I've spent 20 years skateboarding, but without friction it feels like I've had to learn a whole new skill, particularly in the stance and balance you need to ride the hoverboard."

Mark Templin, Executive Vice President Lexus International, said: "We set out to push the boundaries of technology, design and innovation to make the impossible possible, collaborating with partners who share our passion for creating enjoyment out of motion.

"As we combined our technology and expertise, we discovered that making a hoverboard isn't an easy process. We've experienced highs and lows and have overcome a few challenges, but through mutual determination we have created a demonstration of our philosophy in design and technology to create Amazing in Motion."

While potentially appearing like a publicity stunt, the Lexus Hoverboard is actually genuine!

Hatchback, News

Forza Focus RS heads to Gamescom

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A unique Ford Focus RS, featuring an exterior designed by players of Forza Motorsport for Xbox has been revealed.

Unveiled at a special Microsoft event ahead of the international 2015 Gamescom - Europe's largest interactive games trade fair event in Cologne - the special Forza Focus RS will feature in the new Forza Motorsport 6 game for the Microsoft Xbox One console.

The one-off Focus RS livery was the winning design from a competition for players of the Forza Horizon 2 open-world racing game, organised by global gaming website IGN. Ford also has teamed up with Microsoft to also feature the all-new Ford GT ultra-high-performance supercar in Forza Motorsport 6, the latest title in the racing simulation franchise for Xbox.

Forza Motorsport 6 makes its European debut at Gamescom before going on sale later this year, and visitors to the event will be able to view the all-new Ford GT - the game's cover star.

The all-new Focus RS is the third generation of Focus RS cars, following models launched in 2002 and 2009. Developed by a global Ford Performance team, the RS features a specially-engineered 350PS 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, Ford Performance All-Wheel-Drive system and is the first RS to offer selectable Drive Modes - including industry-first Drift Mode - and Launch Control.

The pinnacle of the Ford Performance line-up, the all-new Ford GT uses an aerodynamic carbon fibre body and twin-turbocharged V6 EcoBoost engine to deliver one of the best power-to-weight ratios of any production car. The 'state-of-the-art' Ford GT chassis features an active racing-style torsion bar and pushrod suspension, with adjustable ride height, and carbon-ceramic brake discs.

"In Forza Motorsport 6, racing and gaming enthusiasts all over the world will be the first to experience Ford's new ultra-high-performance supercar, the Ford GT," said Dan Greenawalt, creative director at Turn 10 Studios in Redmond, Washington, U.S. "In Cologne we're excited to showcase the real all-new Focus RS clad in a special paint scheme created by the Forza community. During Gamescom, gamers will also get to see the Forza Motorsport 6 cover-car Ford GT in person."

Gamescom takes place August 5-9.

Coupe, News

One-off Lexus RC F reacts to heartbeat

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Lexus has created a one-off RC F that directly translates the driver's heart patterns into a visual display across the bodywork.

Driving a great car can stimulate the senses and quicken the heartbeat, and the RC F is Lexus's most powerful production V8 coupe yet. The special model is the result of collaboration between Lexus and the creative agency M&C Saatchi. Different technologies have been integrated into the car to monitor the driver's heartbeat and use the data captured to send an electric charge through the bodywork.

The body panels are finished in an electro-luminescent paint, produced by the US specialist Luminor, which reacts to the charge with an intense glow, pulsing in the same rhythm as the driver's heart rate. 

Sean Hanley, Lexus Australia Chief Executive, said: "This latest concept follows other innovative projects we have developed this year, including smart outdoor advertising billboards that respond to the car you're driving. The heartbeat car also links to another key part of Lexus - high performance vehicles - via our F marque models, and the emotional responses a machine like the RC F can inspire in a person."

Powered by a new 5.0-litre, 32-valve unit developed specifically for the RC F and matched to a specially calibrated eight-speed Sports Direct Shift transmission, the new Lexus delivers over 450bhp and 520Nm.

The UK will receive two versions - the RC F and the RC F Carbon with prices starting at £59,995 OTR.

News

German car giants jointly buy Nokia mapping service

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Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz parent company Damiler AG have acquired Nokia's mapping and location services business 'HERE'.

The acquisition aims to secure the long term availability of HERE's products and services as an 'open, independent and value creating platform' for cloud-based maps and other mobility services accessible to all customers from the automotive industry and other sectors.

The three partners will each hold an equal stake in HERE with none seeking to acquire a majority interest. Subject to the approval of the relevant antitrust authorities, the transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2016. HERE currently provides mapping and location intelligence for nearly 200 countries in more than 50 languages and is one of the main providers of mapping and location services. 

With autonomous cars becoming more of a reality, the HERE system is laying the foundations for the next generation of mobility and location based services. For the automotive industry this is the basis for new assistance systems and ultimately fully autonomous driving. Extremely precise digital maps are increasingly important and will be used in combination with real-time vehicle data in order to increase road safety and to facilitate innovative new products and services. On the basis of the shared raw data, all automobile manufacturers can offer their customers differentiated and brand-specific services.

"Our environment is constantly changing. That's why the information in digital maps has to be continually updated so that maximum utility can be offered," stated Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. The high-precision cameras and sensors installed in modern cars are the digital eyes for updating mobility data and maps; in this way, information such as speed limits or critical driving situations are already recognised today. All data gained will be processed in compliance with strict data-protection rules.

"HERE will play a key role in the digital revolution of mobility, combining high definition maps and data from vehicles to make travel safer and easier for everyone," explained Harald Kruger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.

This knowledge will be to the benefit of all carmakers and their customers. "High-precision digital maps are a crucial component of the mobility of the future. With the joint acquisition of HERE, we want to secure the independence of this central service for all vehicle manufacturers, suppliers and customers in other industries," stated Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG.

The social benefits of 'swarm intelligence' are enormous: They facilitate warnings of hazards in real time, of icy roads for example, based on calculations of individual data such as ABS activations and outside temperature. Upcoming traffic jams will be identified more precisely in the future, significantly reducing the risk of accidents. In this way, the vision of accident-free driving is gradually becoming reality. In a further stage, the data could be used to learn about critical bends on the road, in order to warn drivers in good time or to activate assistance systems. Anticipation of green phases of stoplights could navigate vehicles through an urban area on a "green wave" with the appropriate engine performance and minimised fuel consumption.

High-precision maps are important for autonomous driving and many other forms of assistance systems, as these technologies require an up-to-date plan of a vehicle's surroundings exact to the nearest centimetre, in order to react in real time. While HERE already produces extremely precise static maps, they can be verified more exactly and continually updated with a constant flow of data from vehicles' surroundings.

The company will continue to develop its position as a strong and independent provider of maps and location-based services, will expand its product offering and continue to make it available to all customers across industries. The management of HERE will continue to be independent - with the goal of moving the business case forward as a platform, open to all customers.

News

Rolls-Royce reveals Wraith Inspired by Music

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Rolls-Royce is celebrating its links with the world of music and artists by unveiling a Wraith 'Inspired by Music'.

Since the launch of Wraith in 2013, customers have been able to commission their own with Bespoke Audio - which Rolls-Royce describes as 'the most exhaustively designed sound system in automotive history'. The new Wraith Inspired by Music edition uses precious materials in the Bespoke Audio system, creating 'the most exclusive music venue'.

Rolls-Royce is building on its history and connction to the musical world. In 1961 Elvis Presley walked into the Beverley Hills Rolls-Royce dealership and ordered a Rolls-Royce Phantom V, Keith Moon, drummer for British band 'The Who' parked his Roller in a hotel swimming pool and John Lennon famously had his Phantom V, which came equipped with a record player, painted in psychedelic colours.

The latest Wraith features a 'Lyrical Copper' exterior paint finish, combined with a blend of brushed and polished textures which hints at the use of copper found in only the very best audio systems. On the inside, there are re-imagined speaker grilles, presented in the copper theme and engraved with the words 'Bespoke Audio'. The door panniers and floor mats have been crafted from finely-woven leather while copper-coloured door inserts, which start at the front of the cabin before tapering at the rear, have been included in the design to emphasise Wraith's internal curves.

A copper finish features for the first time on the Wraith's fascia, extending the car's theme. The same copper tone adorns to Wraith's signature 'seat bullets'. Rolls-Royce says the 'fastidious detail' that went into the development of the car's sound-system is employed in every facet of the construction of the car. For example, the chaplets on the clock have been crafted with a combination of copper and silver, whilst the radial lines of the outer bezel emulate the look and feel of vinyl records.

The Bespoke Audio system was created from scratch by a team of the 'world's very best' automotive audio engineers. The two-year development process saw the team work closely with Rolls-Royce interior designers to ensure the system was perfectly tuned to the interior of the cabin. The clarity of sound and dynamic range is delivered via a 1300W, 18 channel system comprising two highly powerful bass speakers, seven tweeters and seven mid range speakers. Two 'exciter' speakers hand-fitted in the car's headlining play a vital role in bringing the sound to the listener at ear-level; ensuring the output perfectly imitates the way music is experienced in a live setting. Microphones constantly monitor ambient and exterior noises and will adjust volume and tone settings automatically to ensure no external agent detracts from the user's listening pleasure.

The Wraith Inspired by Music completes a trilogy of distinctive Bespoke Collections. The first, Wraith 'Inspired by Film' celebrated Rolls-Royce's long association with the silver screen while the Wraith 'Inspired by Fashion' allowed customers to commission a true piece of automotive haute couture inspired by the materials and motifs of cutting-edge high fashion.

Torsten Müller Otvos, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said: "Wraith 'Inspired by Music' appeals to those looking to Rolls-Royce for unique and creative motor cars. Its effortlessly cool appearance complements the superior Bespoke Audio system; the contemporary use of copper creates an atmospheric setting for the most encompassing music system on the market".

News, People Carrier

Volkswagen Caddy pricing confirmed

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Volkswagen has confirmed that pricing for the fourth-generation Caddy van will start at £15,600.

The Caddy Life and the longer wheelbase Maxi versions - including Maxi Life, Maxi Kombi and Maxi Window van - are now available to order ahead of first UK deliveries in September.

The short wheelbase Caddy Life 2.0-litre TDI 102 PS Euro 6 engine costs from £15,600 while the Caddy Maxi Life, with the same engine, starts at £17,985.

As with the new Caddy Panel van which opened for ordering at the start of July, these models feature the same technology, comfort, convenience and safety systems. These include a composition colour infotainment system with DAB, Bluetooth, heated windscreen, post-collision braking, daytime running lights and BlueMotion Technology modifications, for added efficiency and lower emissions, as standard.

The Caddy Life and Maxi Life include, with what Volkswagen describes as, 'a significant amount of standard equipment'. These new models all come with the 2.0-litre TDI Euro 6 engines and are available with a 102 PS or 150 PS power output. They also have BlueMotion Technology modifications as standard, which include low-rolling-resistance tyres as well as regenerative braking and stop/start systems. The most economical 102 PS engine has a combined fuel consumption of up to 65.7mpg and a CO2 output of 114g/km.

Volkswagen's Caddy Life offers flexible seating for up to seven passengers, including the driver. The two rear rows of seats can be folded, double folded or removed to leave a loading space of up to 3,030 litres. The Caddy Maxi Life, with its extra 420mm length, offers an additional 340 litres, bringing the total loading area up to 3,370 litres.

The new Caddy Maxi Kombi will be N1 type approved and starts from £17,510 for the 2.0-litre TDI 102 PS Euro 6 engine. The new Caddy Maxi Window Van will start from £17,185 for the same engine and will be M1 type approved.