Automobiles Review

Category: Car Makes

Car Makes

  • The all-new Dacia Sandero and Sandero Stepway

    2021 Dacia Sandero and Sandero Stepway1

    Dacia has refreshed its offer in the compact car segment with the All-New Sandero and Stepway. The latest third-generation models offer simple, spacious, reliable, and robust vehicles with no unnecessary frills, at the most competitive price.

    An iconic and popular model, the Sandero has been the best-selling car in Europe in the retail customer segment since 2017 and the best-selling Dacia model with almost 2.1 million cars sold, representing 32% of the carmaker’s sales since 2004.

    The more adventurous Stepway represents 65% of all Sandero sales, with more than 1.3 million cars sold, and has been the Sandero model of choice for the majority of UK customers in recent years.

    With the same external dimensions as the outgoing models, both versions deliver greater modernity, roominess and versatility with the simplicity and reliability drivers have come to expect from Dacia.

    Thanks to a new platform, they offer increased active and passive safety features, new engines – including petrol and LPG Bi-Fuel – a new automatic transmission and an all-new six-speed manual.

    The All-New Sandero and Stepway continue to give customers greater access than ever before to the best value-for-money cars on the market.

    EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR DESIGN

    All-New Sandero
    Subtle tweaks to the exterior ensure the All-New Sandero delivers a strong and robust presence. The overall lines are smoother, with a more sloped windscreen, a slightly lower roof, and a flowing roofline. Ground clearance is unchanged yet the New Sandero gives the impression of sitting lower and more grounded.

    The front and rear lights display Dacia’s new Y-shaped LED light signature, providing the All-New Sandero with a strong identity. A horizontal line joins the two lights both at the front and rear and extends into the LED lights, giving the car greater visual presence.

    The LED headlights, offered as a standard feature across the entire model range, increase night-time visibility, with a 37% increase in beam length and 9% in beamwidth.

    The pronounced wheel arches reveal 15-inch wheels, while the Comfort version features Flexwheels with meticulously designed trims that replicate the look and feel of real alloy wheels.

    The design of the door handles reveals a focus on quality and more ergonomic shape. Most versions now have an electric boot release on the lower tailgate section, improving the looks and practicality. The new shape of the doors and wing mirrors improves the car’s aerodynamics while reducing air noise for all occupants.

    All-New Stepway
    The All-New Stepway is immediately recognizable at the front with its unique ribbed and domed bonnet, the chrome Stepway logo under the front grille, and the curved fenders above the fog lights. The front and rear bumpers include a metal skid plate designed to give protection from everyday scratches.

    The All-New Stepway offers 174 mm ground clearance (an increase of 41 mm compared with the Sandero) roof bars featuring the logo, wheel arch cladding, and specifically textured reinforced door bottoms for a more crossover-like design.

    Standard versions are fitted with 16-inch Flexwheels, while exclusive 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels are available on the newly introduced Prestige version.

    The All-New Stepway’s modular roof bars look like regular roof bars but are adjustable. Using a key located in the glove compartment, they can be easily dismantled in just a few seconds and turned into a roof rack with a load capacity of up to 80kg.

    PLATFORM AND ENGINES
    The new CMF modular platform underpinning the All-New Sandero and Stepway combines greater resistance and rigidity with less weight. It reduces emissions while complying with more stringent crash-test and pollution control requirements.

    The All-New Sandero and Stepway are fitted with a new front axle with rectangular suspension arms that provide effective shock absorption and enhanced steering. Anti-roll capacity has been improved and the wheelbase extended for greater cornering stability. The new engine mount has been upgraded to minimize vibrations in the cabin.

    Petrol and LPG Bi-Fuel powertrains are available in Sandero and Stepway models, all of which comply with stringent Euro6D-Full emissions standards that come into effect on 1 January 2021.

    The full engine line-up includes:

    • SCe 65: naturally aspirated 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission. Available on Sandero only.
    • TCe 90: turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder unit paired with a six-speed manual transmission or CVT automatic transmission.
    • TCe 100 Bi-Fuel: new LPG bi-fuelled turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder unit paired with a six-speed manual transmission.

    Dacia is the only carmaker to offer LPG Bi-Fuel across its entire range of passenger cars, combining driveability and comfort with lower CO2 emissions and increased range.

    The integration of this technology into Dacia factories, which has been tried and tested on the TCe 100 Bi-Fuel engine, guarantees its safety and reliability. The manufacturer warranty period, servicing, and boot capacity are the same as those of the petrol version (the LPG tank is located where the spare wheel would be).

    Running on LPG, the All-New Sandero Bi-Fuel emits on average 11% less CO2 emissions than an equivalent petrol engine. It is also capable of traveling more than 800 miles with the two tanks combined: 50 liters for the petrol tank and 40 liters for the LPG tank – an increase over the outgoing car.

    A new CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) automatic debuts on the All-New Sandero and Stepway, delivering smoother gear changes and more responsive driving experience.

    Available in combination with the TCe 90 engine, fuel consumption has decreased thanks to a lighter gearbox and better engine management, while CO2 emissions are reduced compared with the previous automatic model (11% reduction for the All-New Sandero, and 4% for All-New Stepway).

    Stop&Start is standard on all engines, which automatically turns the engine off when the car comes to a standstill, such as in traffic, restarts almost instantly.

    INTERIOR AND FEATURES
    Inside, the redesigned dashboard features a fabric-wrapped insert alongside new air vent designs for a more premium design.

    For the All-New Stepway, interior upholstery is customized with the Stepway logo, while the door panels and dashboard get exclusive orange fabric inserts and edging.

    The All-New Sandero and Stepway both feature three rear seats which can accommodate three adults, while a 1/3-2/3 split-fold rear bench seat (depending on the version) brings further practicality. The boot of the Sandero has a generous 328-liter capacity and features a flat floor with an adjustable height floor with two positions.

    Rear seat accommodation is especially spacious, with an additional 42mm of space compared to the outgoing models. Elsewhere, the cabin offers up to 21 liters of storage with cubby holes and pockets featured beneath the central armrest, in the front and rear doors and in the back of the front seats.

    Newly designed front seats provide greater comfort and support with height adjustable headrests and new, more premium upholstery. A wider range of adjustment in the front seat and steering wheel boosts comfort for the driver, while a central armrest available on Prestige versions enhances this further. The gear lever is now shorter, while the power steering offers greater driving comfort – especially in tighter maneuvers or in car parks – with 36% less effort required than the previous Sandero.

    The features available on the All-New Sandero and Stepway are in line with what customers want and need in their cars. We listen to our customers and give them the useful features and technology that they’re asking for, without adding unnecessary costs.

    Standard features across the range include a smartphone holder (removable depending on the version), an on-board computer screen, and a steering wheel featuring a speed limiters. Automatic headlight activation is available from Essential models and up.

    New automatic air-conditioning with digital display is standard on All-New Stepway Prestige, with a hands-free card featuring remote boot release available, as well as an electric parking brake, reverse camera, front and rear parking sensors, and automatic windscreen wipers.

    The All-New Sandero and Stepway offer two different multimedia systems: Media Control and Media Nav.

    With Media Control, smartphones can be placed on clever removable smartphone support in front of the driver to become a remote multimedia system via the new free Dacia Media Control app and a Bluetooth or USB connection.

    The system provides easy access to the radio, music, calls, messages, sat nav apps, and many other features such as Siri and Android voice recognition. Controls are within easy reach either on the steering wheel (for the radio) or behind it (sat-nav) to ensure safer driving.

    Without a smartphone connected to the Media Control, radio and file playback via the USB port is also available, giving customers a wide range of options. Further equipment includes two speakers, Bluetooth and USB connection, and the 3.5-inch TFT digital display between the dials, where the radio settings are also displayed.

    With Media Nav, the console features a large 8.0-inch touchscreen positioned at the top of the dashboard with four speakers throughout the vehicle. The screen is slightly angled towards the driver for greater visibility and ergonomics. The design is sleek, and the intuitive, easy-to-use interface is compatible with Bluetooth and Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.

    A new ‘Car’ tab provides access to specific driver assistance and safety settings. The multimedia system now also features onboard navigation and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus six speakers for the sound system.

    SAFETY
    The All-New Sandero and Stepway are the first Dacia models to be built on the CMF modular platform. Offering superior strength and rigidity, it increases protection in the event of a collision. The structure has been reinforced in the engine bay and the passenger compartment. The new door pressure sensors and accelerometer can detect early side-impact collisions enabling the new curtain and side airbags to inflate rapidly, protecting the stomach, chest, and head.

    The All-New Sandero and Stepway include the following standard features: six airbags, seat belt load limiters, front and back seat belt pretensioners, and an emergency call system (SOS button located next to the dome light in the front of the car).

    The structural frame of the new front seats has been improved and anti-whiplash headrests have been fitted to provide better protection.

    Standard LED headlights to improve visibility, increasing the length of the beam light by 37% (110 m) and the width by 9% (24 m) compared with the halogen dipped beam headlights of the outgoing Sandero, while there’s also a broader selection of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) available.

    In addition to the speed limiter, the latest ESP system, and the steering-wheel-mounted cruise control switch, the All-New Sandero and Stepway feature state-of-the-art driver-assistance systems:

    • Emergency brake assists as standard: Active between 4-106mph. A radar sensor located at the front of the vehicle identifies the distance to the car in front (stopped or in motion). The sensor triggers an audible and visual warning if there is a risk of collision with the vehicle in front, before:
      • increasing the brake force if the driver has applied the brakes but there is still a risk of collision
      • automatically activating or applying stronger braking force if the driver fails to brake hard enough, or soon enough.
    • Blindspot warning: Active from 19-87mph. It warns the driver of a risk of collision with another vehicle located next to or behind the vehicle during lane change maneuvers. An ultrasound detection system comprising four sensors (two at the back, two at the front) detects any moving objects, including cars and motorbikes, in the driver’s blind spot area. When the sensors detect a vehicle or someone in the blind spot area, an LED located on the appropriate wing mirror flashes.
    • Park assist: This system utilizes four radar sensors at the front and at the back, a rear-view camera and dynamic guiding lines, and triggers audible and visual warnings to help with the maneuvering.
    • Hill-start assists: Prevents the vehicle from rolling backward for more than two seconds when drivers lift their foot off the brake pedal to depress the accelerator pedal when pulling away on a hill
    2021 Dacia Sandero and Sandero Stepway
    2021 Dacia Sandero and Sandero Stepway
    2021 Dacia Sandero and Sandero Stepway
    2021 Dacia Sandero and Sandero Stepway
    2021 Dacia Sandero and Sandero Stepway
    2021 Dacia Sandero and Sandero Stepway
    2021 Dacia Sandero and Sandero Stepway
    2021 Dacia Sandero and Sandero Stepway
    2021 Dacia Sandero and Sandero Stepway
    2021 Dacia Sandero and Sandero Stepway
    2021 Dacia Sandero and Sandero Stepway
    2021 Dacia Sandero and Sandero Stepway

  • CUPRA starts production of the new Formentor

    seat cupra1

    CUPRA has today started production of the new Formentor, the first vehicle designed and developed uniquely for the brand.

    The CUPRA Formentor will be available to order in the UK from Tuesday 20th October, starting with the 2.0-liter 310PS petrol engine, and followed by other engines including the plug-in hybrid variant.

    The CUPRA Formentor becomes the sixth model to be produced in Martorell (Barcelona), which has returned to its pre-pandemic production rate. Initial production of Formentor will begin with 160 units per day, however, it will eventually represent more than 10 percent of manufacturing volume at the plant once it is at full production rate.

    In total, manufacturing the Formentor includes 3,000 workers on Line Two of the plant, across three shifts.

    Wayne Griffiths, SEAT and CUPRA President, commented: “The new Formentor is a big step for CUPRA. As its first uniquely developed car, it will make the brand grow, be more visible and more desirable. We aim to exceed our initial goal of doubling CUPRA’s sales volume with the launch of this car and break into new markets thanks to its wide range of engines. I am convinced that this model will change the future of the CUPRA brand.”

    A pillar for CUPRA
    The Formentor is a key pillar in CUPRA’s strategy. With this new model, the brand plans to consolidate itself in the major European markets and enter new markets. CUPRA will also expand its intercontinental footprint across new Latin American markets, as well as Turkey and Israel.

    Formentor is the first model to be homologated under the CUPRA brand, joining the CUPRA Ateca and CUPRA Leon, with all three entering the UK in quarter four 2020. Since 2018, CUPRA has sold more than 55,000 units globally. Both CUPRA Formentor and CUPRA Leon will be available in the UK with plug-in hybrid powertrains and will be joined in 2021 by the all-electric CUPRA el-Born.

    All CUPRA vehicles will be sold via a dedicated network of retailers, reaching almost 520 specialists globally by the end of the year.

    A Formentor for ter Stegen
    The keys to the first Formentor were handed over to FC Barcelona and CUPRA global ambassador, Marc Ter Stegen.

    The German goalkeeper, Marc Ter Stegen, commented: “Since I saw the Formentor for the first time I was convinced to start a collaboration with CUPRA, as I strongly identify with its sporty spirit and sophisticated design. I appreciate the attention to detail, and the Formentor combines all the elements I look for in a vehicle. I’m looking forward to driving it on the streets of Barcelona.”

    The CUPRA Formentor marks the brand’s entry into the CUV segment, which is expected to double its market share in Europe over the next five years. This high-performance crossover, which is named after the iconic cape of the island of Mallorca, combines the brand’s own DNA with cutting-edge technology, striking exterior design, and high-performance engines.

    UK specification and pricing of the CUPRA Formentor will be announced on the 20th of October 2020, when the order books open.

  • Mazda MX-30

    2021 Mazda MX-301

    Full UK specification and pricing has been revealed for the Mazda’s highly anticipated first all-electric production vehicle – the Mazda MX-30. With the UK customer deliveries beginning in March next year, this stylish and versatile crossover EV features an AC synchronous electric motor and a 35.5kWh lithium-ion battery that delivers a range of approximately 124miles and comes with AC charging up to 6.6kW and DC rapid charging designed to meet 125A Combo Charging standards.

    Having previously announced the pricing of the 500-model limited edition Mazda MX-30 First Edition – Mazda UK has now revealed the price and specification of the full MX-30 line-up. Available across three generously equipped model grades – SE-L Lux, Sport Lux, and GT Sport Tech, the three-model line-up, complements the already revealed First Edition.

    Standard equipment on all UK MX-30s includes LED headlights with daytime running lights, reversing camera, Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Intelligent Speed Assist, navigation, and a head-up display. Each MX-30 comes as standard with a Type 2 AC charging cable and a socket for 50kW rapid charging, which can in just 36 minutes deliver up to 80 percent battery charge. In addition, packages for home charging solutions from Mazda’s preferred partner NewMotion ensure MX-30 owners in the UK will be ready for charging convenience.

    The first opportunity to order and take delivery of this unique, stylish, and driver-focused Mazda BEV – the £27,495* MX-30 First Edition can be pre-ordered now and is available with a choice of free-of-charge Ceramic Metallic or Polymetal Grey Metallic single colors. The First Edition can also be ordered with either £950 three-tone Ceramic Metallic or £1,250 three-tone Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint. This three-tone design further marks out the MX-30’s unique styling with a brilliant black roof and metallic dark grey upper side panels to contrast the Soul Red Crystal or Ceramic Metallic main body color. Other standard equipment highlights on the First Edition include adaptive LED headlights, satin D pillar trim and signature LED rear lights. Inside, the First Edition features a light and modern cabin ambiance with light grey cloth and stone leatherette combined with orange seat stitching. Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and chrome interior details, plus heated front seats complement the interior style.

    With UK deliveries starting in March 2021, the 500 First Edition MX-30s will be the debut cars to arrive in Mazda dealerships followed by the now announced full range, which starts with the £25,545* Mazda MX-30 SE-L Lux. Marked out by 18-inch Silver Metallic alloy wheels, black door mirrors, and a black grille, it’s exclusively offered in a single tone paint design with a choice of five colors: standard Arctic White solid, or £550 Polymetal Grey Metallic, Ceramic Metallic, and Jet Black Mica, plus £670 Machine Gray Metallic.

    The £27,545* MX-30 Sport Lux promises to be a popular model in the range. It features 18-inch Bright Metallic alloy wheels and sees an increase in standard equipment with the addition of power seats, lumbar support adjustment, and smart keyless entry. Like the First Edition, there’s the option to choose the optional three-tone design on Soul Red Crystal or Ceramic Metallic main body colors. In addition, Polymetal Gray Metallic can be matched to a Brilliant Black roof and Silver Metallic side panels.

    The range-topping GT Sport Tech costs £29,845* with a light grey cloth interior trim and £30,045* when equipped with a dark grey interior and brown artificial leather. The range-topping GT Sport Tech MX-30’s equipment tally includes a front wiper de-icer and a power and tilt sunroof, while inside a heated steering wheel and 12-speaker Bose surround-sound complement the generous standard specification.

    As can be seen from the specification tables below, all MX-30s come with a comprehensive standard safety specification, while GT Sport Tech adds to this with a host of extra active safety technology and a 360-degree view monitor. Across the entire MX-30 range and the limited-edition First Edition, the MX-30’s distinctive, stylish and sustainable cabin features high-quality materials and a driver-focused interior. The lower console incorporates a 7-inch color touch-screen air conditioning control panel, and in a nod to Mazda’s founding as the Toyo Kogyo Cork Company in 1920, the Mazda MX-30 features cork-lined center console trays and inner side door handles. Harvested from the bark of trees without felling, the use of cork and door trim materials that incorporate fibers from recycled plastic bottles is perfectly suited to Mazda’s first pure-electric production car. Benefiting passengers and drivers alike, the sense of space is enhanced with a floating center console that sits independently from the dashboard, while the use of environmentally-friendly materials has been carefully matched to meticulous quality and finish.

    Externally, the MX-30’s looks will leave just as strong an impression, reflecting a unique expression of Kodo design, the MX-30’s styling emphasizes the car’s beauty as a solid mass, while the freestyle doors and framed glasshouse hint at the open spaciousness of the cabin. The front doors open forward to an angle of 82 degrees, while the rear doors open backward to an angle of 80 degrees to reveal the stylish and driver-focused interior.

    Staying true to the ‘Jinbai Ittai – car and driver as one’ ethos found across Mazda’s combustion engine range, the Mazda MX-30 has been designed to deliver the intuitive responses, natural feedback, and involving handling you’d expect of a Mazda. Electric G-Vectoring Control Plus (e-GVC Plus) enhances chassis performance by using motor torque to optimize the front-rear load shift for improved stability and the MX-30’s Skyactiv-Vehicle Architecture is specifically tailored to complement the smooth power delivery of the e-Skyactiv drivetrain. The dynamic focus also extends to a throttle pedal that delivers a seamless transition between linear power delivery and smooth regeneration on liftoff, equally, the braking system offers a seamless transfer between energy regeneration and hydraulic brake action.

    Commenting on the Mazda MX-30, Managing Director, Mazda Motors UK, Jeremy Thomson, said: “our first all-electric Mazda heralds an exciting start to Mazda’s second century in business. With the First Edition MX-30 order book now open, customers in the UK can reserve a car for just £800 for delivery early in 2021. A battery-electric vehicle conceived and created with Mazda’s well-renowned focus on distinctive styling, innovative technology, driver-focused dynamics, and class-leading interior quality, the MX-30 will be a stand out addition to the rapidly evolving EV marketplace. Part of Mazda’s multi-solution approach to efficient vehicles, the launch of our first pure electric car is a milestone moment for the brand and a landmark moment for our dealers and customers here in the UK.”

    Adding, “with the announcement of pricing and specification of the three-model UK MX-30 line up, our customers and dealers can see that next year we will have a well-equipped EV range that forms part of an electrification strategy that has already seen Mazda M Hybrid, mild hybrid fitted as standard to the Mazda3, Mazda CX-30, and manual Mazda2s. And over the coming months across our digital platforms and our dealer network, we will have a range of opportunities for potential customers to get familiar with the MX-30, ranging from answering their questions to seeing the car and even opportunities for early test drives.”

    2021 Mazda MX-30
    2021 Mazda MX-30
    2021 Mazda MX-30
    2021 Mazda MX-30
    2021 Mazda MX-30
    2021 Mazda MX-30
    2021 Mazda MX-30
    2021 Mazda MX-30
    2021 Mazda MX-30
    2021 Mazda MX-30
    2021 Mazda MX-30
    2021 Mazda MX-30
    2021 Mazda MX-30
    2021 Mazda MX-30
    2021 Mazda MX-30

  • Ferrari Omologata

    2021 Ferrari Omologata1

    A unique Ferrari has been seen lapping Fiorano today during a brief yet intense shakedown. While the V12 engine note reverberating around the track may have sounded familiar, the car’s arresting looks are unique although guaranteed to strike a chord with the marque’s aficionados. With its Rosso Magma finish and sophisticated racing livery, the new Ferrari Omologata is a clear descendent of Ferrari’s great GT tradition spanning seven decades of history.

    Commissioned by a discerning European client, the latest offering in Ferrari’s line of unique coachbuilt one-off models is a vibrant evocation of the values that define Ferrari in relation to GT racing: a car that is equally at ease on the road as it is hitting the apex on the track in the hands of a true gentleman driver.

    The Ferrari Omologata project took a little over two years to complete from the initial presentation of sketches, starting with images that covered a variety of inspirations, from racing heritage to sci-fi and references to modern architecture. The idea from the onset was to create a futuristic design with distinctive elements reinterpreted in a fresh manner to provide the potential for a timeless shape that is certain to leave a lasting impression.

    To achieve this, the designers unlocked every possible area of freedom from the underlying package of the 812 Superfast, keeping only the windscreen and headlights as existing bodywork elements. The objective was to exploit the proportions of the potent, mid-front layout to deliver a very sleek design defined by smooth volumes and undulating reflections, uplifted by sharp graphics with sparingly distilled surface breaks wherever dictated by aerodynamic functions. The trickiest aspect was striking the ideal balance between expressiveness and restraint: the Omologata had to ooze street presence whilst maintaining a very pure formal language.

    The designers carefully studied the stance and attitude of the car from all angles, defining a tapering front volume from the flattened oval grille. The rounded section over the front wheel arches, emphasized by a contrasting stripe wrapping across the bonnet, seems to naturally extrude from the grille. The rear of the door, the flank develops into a very potent rear muscle that neatly blends upwards into the three-quarter panel. The entire volume is rendered deliberately imposing through the elimination of the rear quarter light, while three horizontal transversal cuts in the fastback volume visually lower the rear mass. The tail is surmounted by a prominent spoiler which adds not only downforce but a more aggressive, sporty stance. Overall, the car appears to be poised to attack the tarmac even at a standstill, and, seen from the rear, the deeply set single taillights underline the tension.

    Uniqueness in more than name
    Satisfying every safety constraint for road homologation without interfering with any of the usability and tractability of a Ferrari is always a huge challenge for the design team led by Flavio Manzoni, the more so when starting from an existing platform. Omologata was indeed a keyword that resonated throughout the development of this, the 10th front-engined V12 one-off Ferrari has delivered since the 2009 P540 Superfast Aperta. Beyond the clear instructions coming from the client and down to every detail on the car, the designers effectively took into account countless variables to make this a bespoke model through and through, one which could easily find its place in any Ferrari showroom. The quest for the ultimate touch went as far as developing a new shade of red just for the livery, to match the fiery triple-layer Rosso Magma over darkened carbon-fibre finish.

    Inside the car, a plethora of trim details suggests a strong link to Ferrari’s rich racing heritage. The electric blue seats, finished in a tasteful combination of leather and Jeans Aunde® fabric with 4-point racing harnesses, stand out against a full black interior. In the absence of rear quarter lights and screen, the atmosphere in the cabin is purposeful, reminiscent of a bygone era. Metal parts on the dashboard and steering wheel are finished with the crackled paint effect associated with the great GT racers of the 1950s and 1960s as well as with Ferrari’s engine cam covers. A hammered paint effect so often used in cars such as the 250 LM and 250 GTO finds its way on details such as the inner door handles and on the Ferrari F1 bridge.

    A fitting one-off exercise, the Omologata manages to encompass a range of subtle Ferrari signature design cues without falling into nostalgia. Its hand-crafted aluminium bodywork is sprinkled with almost subliminal details, in a way that challenges the enthusiast to identify the various sources of inspiration that played a part into its inception.

    2021 Ferrari Omologata
    2021 Ferrari Omologata
    2021 Ferrari Omologata
    2021 Ferrari Omologata
    2021 Ferrari Omologata
    2021 Ferrari Omologata
    2021 Ferrari Omologata
    2021 Ferrari Omologata
    2021 Ferrari Omologata
    2021 Ferrari Omologata
    2021 Ferrari Omologata
    2021 Ferrari Omologata

  • McLaren 765LT Visual Carbon Fibre

    2021 McLaren 765LT Visual Carbon Fibre1

    The first customer-ordered examples of the new McLaren 765LT are now being hand-assembled at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, UK. Deliveries of the new McLaren ‘Longtail’ – the most extreme McLaren Super Series model to date – will begin at the end of this month.

    Just 765 individually-numbered cars will be offered globally to customer order with 2020 production fully allocated and expressions of interest far exceeding total production.

    The McLaren 765LT incorporates all of the renowned McLaren LT attributes, including driver engagement, minimized weight, track-focused dynamics, optimized aerodynamics, and increased power. A comprehensive engineering program of weight reduction has resulted in the superlight 765LT tipping the scales at 80kg* lighter than the already class-leading 720S. The 765LT’s bespoke aerodynamics features carbon fiber panels manufactured for the first time at the McLaren Composites Technology Centre in the Sheffield area, plus a ‘Longtail’ active rear wing.

    The combination of the lightweight (1,229kg at minimum dry weight) and the extreme power and torque of the 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 McLaren engine – 765PS and 800Nm respectively – underpins the incredible acceleration of the 765LT. As well as the expected sub-three second 0-60mph and 0-100km/h performance, the new LT is capable of reaching 200km/h (124mph) from standstill in just 7.0 seconds – 0.2 seconds ahead of target. Standing quarter-mile (400m) acceleration is similarly impressive at 9.9 seconds – again, better than expectations.

    The first examples of cars specified by McLaren Special Operations (MSO) are being shared with customers. Operating to its established principle of always pushing the art of the possible, MSO has created a number of innovative and complex paint techniques that showcase a whole new level of personalization possibilities.

    The Strata theme unveils a unique, graphical ‘art in motion’ paint scheme, inspired by a city skyline and realized in a three-color design requiring 390 hours of hand painting and finishing. Strata’s Azores orange base color is fused with Memphis Red and Cherry black, the two overlay colors running through the paint scheme in opposite directions to meet and blend on the panels of the 765LT’s dihedral doors. The unique paint scheme is further enhanced by a cohesive design language across the entirety of the car, both inside and out. The brake calipers form part of the color blend, the front calipers being Volcano Red, and the rears Azores Orange, while the interior boasts a host of color-coded features from the MSO Bespoke range, including orange seat perforation and a push-to-drink system in Memphis Red.

    A second theme based around a 3D honeycomb theme, called ‘GEOHEX’, features a striking combination of MSO Bespoke Tarmac Black and Tokyo Cyan paintwork with Visual Carbon Fibre components from the MSO Defined range along with a number of matching interior details. One of the most captivating projects yet is a car with a full Visual Carbon Fibre (VCF) body, a demonstration model of which has already been produced in response to customer enquiries. The demonstration model has been built in Clear Gloss Carbon Fibre to demonstrate the purity and intricacy within the weave alignment. The 765LT MSO Bespoke Carbon Fibre Body is available in a number of bespoke tints which can vary in complexity depending on the intended design.

    2021 McLaren 765LT Visual Carbon Fibre
    2021 McLaren 765LT Visual Carbon Fibre
    2021 McLaren 765LT Visual Carbon Fibre
    2021 McLaren 765LT Visual Carbon Fibre
    2021 McLaren 765LT Visual Carbon Fibre
    2021 McLaren 765LT Visual Carbon Fibre
    2021 McLaren 765LT Visual Carbon Fibre
    2021 McLaren 765LT Visual Carbon Fibre

  • Ford Mustang Mach-E GT

    2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT1

    Ford today revealed for the first time in Europe the high-performance Mustang Mach-E GT that will deliver 3.7‑second 0-62 mph acceleration1 when introduced to the region in late 2021.

    No other vehicle in its class can accelerate faster than the Mustang Mach-E GT, featuring a 465 PS, all-wheel drive, battery-electric powertrain for drivers ready to take full advantage of the performance benefits of all-electric driving.

    Mustang Mach-E GT will be supported by an industry-leading ecosystem delivering seamless, integrated access to charging across Europe – for complete peace of mind on the move. Ford today announced Mustang Mach-E customers placing an order this year and into 2021 will receive five years of free access2 to the FordPass Charging Network that has grown by almost 25 per cent in less than one year – to now include more than 155,000 charge stations across Europe.

    Mach-E customers will also receive one year of free access2 to the IONITY fast-charging network that has now established more than 270 charging stations en route to a targeted 400 by the end of this year.

    The Mustang Mach-E GT made its European debut today in Rotterdam, Netherlands, as Ford continued its Go Electric roadshow with hands-on, engaging activities to help de-mystify electrification and inspire confidence in consumers about the different types of electrified powertrains available and their benefits.

    “The new Mustang Mach-E GT shows what all-electric performance really looks like, but performance counts for nothing without the confidence to use it. Our charging initiatives mean Mustang Mach-E customers can enjoy the electrified Mustang driving experience with the knowledge that they can recharge quickly and easily across Europe,” said Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe.

    Electrifying performance
    Mustang Mach-E GT delivers the spirited performance and character of the iconic Mustang sports car alongside the ability to carry five occupants in all-electric refinement. A 465 PS, dual-motor powertrain applies 830 Nm of available torque independently to the front and rear axles for even more responsive handling, and 0-62 mph acceleration equal to the Tesla Model Y. Top speed is limited to 200 km/h (124 mph).

    A bespoke specification includes MagneRide adaptive suspension, 20‑inch alloy wheels, red-painted brake callipers and unique exterior colours including Grabber Blue and Cyber Orange. Inside, a 15.5-inch full HD touch display supports a next generation SYNC communication and entertainment system3 that actually learns from driver behaviours to make smart suggestions. The enhanced interior also features Ford Performance seats and a unique steering wheel with suede inserts.

    Mustang Mach-E GT features as standard an 88 kWh (useable) extended-range battery for a targeted WLTP pure-electric driving range of up to 310 miles,4 supported by Intelligent Range, which more accurately predicts how much range drivers have using past driving behaviour, weather forecasts and crowdsourced data from other Mustang Mach-E vehicles.

    Ford also today announced that the standard Mustang Mach-E equipped with an extended-range battery and all-wheel drive delivers 5.1-second 0‑62 mph acceleration5 – equal to the Tesla Model Y Long Range model – and a targeted WLTP pure-electric driving range of up to 540 km (335 miles).4

    The company is delivering peace of mind for its all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle customers via the FordPass Charging Network – the largest network of public charging stations in Europe with approximately 30,000 stations added since October 2019.

    In partnership with NewMotion, Ford customers will be able to use the FordPass app to effortlessly locate, navigate to, pay for and monitor charging at locations across 21 countries – initiating and paying for services from a single account2 for a simplified ownership experience.

    Ford is also a founder member and shareholder in the IONITY consortium – delivering high-power charging stations along motorway routes and at key European locations. The FordPass Charging Network and IONITY initiatives could be particularly beneficial to electrified vehicle owners who do not have the facility for a private charge point at home or at work.

    Charging with up to 150 kW at an IONITY station, Mustang Mach-E in extended-range battery, rear-wheel drive configuration is estimated to add an average of 73 miles driving range within approximately 10 minutes of charging6 and has a targeted WLTP pure-electric driving range of up to 379 miles.4

    No one-size-fits-all solution
    Ford believes a broad range of electrified powertrain solutions is the most effective path to a more energy-efficient future for drivers. Ford is introducing 17 new electrified models to the region by the end of next year.

    Earlier this year the company called on governments, industries and institutions to support the push for electrification with faster expansion of public charging infrastructures. In the meantime, Ford’s diverse range of hybrid vehicles is helping greater numbers of customers save fuel costs, support clean air initiatives and transition to electrification with confidence.

    Seventy-five per cent of Puma models sold up to August this year are equipped with a Ford EcoBoost 48-volt mild hybrid powertrain. Fifty-five per cent of new Kuga sales in the same period have been Kuga Plug-In Hybrid models.

    A U.K. trial of 20 Transit Custom Plug-In Hybrid vans covering more than 150,000 miles found that 75 per cent of the fleet’s mileage in Central London was completed using pure electric power – dramatically reducing tailpipe emissions in the inner city.

    Full hybrid variants of the Ford S-MAX and Galaxy models are joining the Mondeo Hybrid early next year, following a €42 million investment in Ford’s Valencia manufacturing plant, Spain – including a state-of-the-art battery assembly facility.

    “The sales speak for themselves. We believe customers are finding mild hybrid, full hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains fit seamlessly with their lifestyles, and that’s why we’re seeing really encouraging take-up of our electrified models,” Rowley said.

    Ultimate electric propulsion
    Also making its European debut in Rotterdam is the all-electric Mustang Mach-E 1400 – a one-of-a-kind prototype with more than 1,400 PS of power.

    The result of 10,000 hours of collaboration by Ford Performance and tuning specialists RTR Vehicles, Mustang Mach-E 1400 is aimed at bridging the gap between what an electric vehicle can do and what customers tend to believe it can do.

    Aerodynamics are optimised for shape and location, and seven motors have a huge range of adjustability to set the car up for everything from drifting to high-speed track racing.

    “One is a production model, the other an extreme prototype, but our Mustang Mach-E GT and Mustang Mach-E 1400 have something in common, which is immediate, adaptable power delivery, creating a driving experience that has to be experienced to be believed,” Rowley said.

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  • Volvo Polestar Precept

    2021 Polestar Precept1

    Polestar has confirmed it will put the Precept into production. Revealed earlier this year, the Polestar Precept started life as a manifesto to illustrate the brand’s future vision and was described as a commitment car, not a concept car.

    Showcasing the Swedish electric performance brand’s future design direction, Precept also highlights Polestar’s path for digital technology and the use of innovative sustainable materials, inside and out.

    “‘Stunning. Spectacular. Cutting-edge. We’d like to see it on the road!’ – this is what the press wrote about Precept and the public said, ‘We want it’, so we decided to build it,” comments Thomas Ingenlath, Polestar CEO.

    “Consumers want to see a change from this industry – not just dreams. Now, Precept becomes an even stronger statement. We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our cars and our business. The aim has to be climate neutrality, even though I recognize that is a long-term goal.”

    The interior of Polestar Precept features a mix of sustainable materials including recycled PET bottles, reclaimed fishing nets, and recycled cork vinyl. A flax-based composite developed by external partner Bcomp Ltd has featured in many interior and some exterior parts. Polestar’s ambition is to bring much of this sustainability into production.

    With product development underway, Polestar confirms it will produce Precept in China, where a new production facility will be established. The aim is to ensure the facility will be carbon neutral and one of the most intelligent and connected automotive production facilities in the world.

    This climate-positive narrative was started by Polestar’s original manufacturing facility in Chengdu where the Polestar 1 is produced. Inaugurated in 2019, the Polestar Production Centre became the first LEED Gold-rated automotive production facility in China and runs on 100% renewable energy.

    “China is a home market for Polestar and we recognize the increasingly important drive for greater sustainability here,” continues Thomas Ingenlath, speaking at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition 2020. “With this new factory, we will again raise the bar, aiming to produce the most advanced and premium electric car in China with the lowest carbon footprint.”

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  • Audi Q5 familiarity

    2021 Audi Q5 familiarity1

    The reassuringly robust foundations of an SUV and the charismatic curves of a coupé – Audi has already successfully combined these elements to create striking new Sportback versions of its Q3 and e-tron models, and the mid-size Q5 is now following suit. The new Q5 Sportback will appeal to customers who appreciate the innately family-friendly utility and sophisticated technology of the standard Q5 but also admire the expressive and distinctive design of more purebred sports cars. It will line up alongside its perennially popular SUV counterpart with a choice of Sport, S line, Vorsprung and Edition One specification options in the first half of 2021.

    “Form often carries as much weight as function for Audi customers, many of whom have been drawn to the brand by our longstanding commitment to combining design that innovates and inspires with fundamental everyday versatility and usability,” says Director of Audi UK Andrew Doyle. “In new Sportback form the ever popular Q5 makes a far more expressive statement visually, but remains impressively fit for whatever life throws at it. Like the Q3 and e-tron Sportbacks it really is a best-of-both-worlds proposition.”

    The Q5 Sportback has great presence, as is typical of the Q models from Audi. Large air inlets flank the octagonal Singleframe, and the headlights with their distinctive daytime running light signature feature LED technology, with matrix LED units reserved for S line models and above. The continuous, elegantly sweeping shoulder line emphasises the wheels, and the side sill trim on the doors suggests resilience and solidity. The glasshouse extends low over the body and begins its downward slope early so that the third side window tapers sharply to the rear. The sloping rear window and the seemingly high-mounted rear bumper give the Q5 Sportback a very dynamic and powerful appearance. This is particularly true of models equipped to S line specification and above, which combine an even more distinctive rear bumper treatment with exclusive detail enhancements to the Singleframe and side air intakes. In Vorsprung and Edition 1 versions, these are complemented by a black styling package as is customary in the UK Audi range.

    Innovative: rear lights with digital OLED technology
    The state-of-the-art technological sophistication of the new Q5 Sportback is underscored further in Vorsprung versions by rear lights featuring innovative digital OLED technology. The units each incorporate three organic light-emitting diodes, each of which is divided into six segments that can be controlled individually and configured differently. Customers can choose from three different rear light signatures at the point of order, all of which include a dynamic coming-and-leaving-home lighting sequence and an additional safety feature – if another vehicle approaches from the rear to within two metres of the stationary Q5 Sportback, all OLED segments illuminate as a proximity warning.

    At 4.69 metres in length, the Q5 Sportback is seven millimetres longer than its sister model. Its height and width are identical, but its coefficient of drag is lower at 0.30. The long wheelbase of 2.82 metres facilitates ample room for five in the cabin, the focal point of which is the cleanly styled two-section dashboard with its freestanding 10.1-inch MMI display. As in the recently updated Q5 SUV, incorporation of the third generation modular infotainment system or MIB 3 has rendered the rotary MMI control dial obsolete and enabled the introduction of full touch-screen functionality for the monitor, as well as a greatly enhanced natural language voice control system.

    This latest system is able to access information from the cloud to inform its responses, and can be activated by either pressing a button on the steering wheel or by saying “Hey Audi.”

    The Audi Virtual Cockpit plus with its panoramic 12.3-inch display is standard for all versions in the UK, as are MMI Navigation Plus and Audi connect internet connectivity, meaning that when guiding the driver the Q5 Sportback can display high-resolution satellite images from Google Earth and use the swarm intelligence of the Audi fleet to deliver lane-by-lane information on traffic flow and traffic forecasts in real time, as well as providing alerts for upcoming hazards such as slippery roads and fog. Useful resources such as a news feed, weather and travel updates, local fuel pricing listings and an on-street parking assistant that gauges the likelihood of finding a space at a given location also form part of the Audi connect package.

    Vorsprung versions raise the bar even further technologically, adding features such as a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, a head-up display, Audi Phone Box wireless handset charging and a host of advanced driver assistance upgrades covering everything from manoevring into a parking space and then reversing out again to turning at junctions, monitoring blindspots and observing motorway lane boundaries. A step up from the standard cruise control to adaptive cruise assist is also included, enabling the Q5 Sportback to largely take over the tasks of accelerating, decelerating and steering within the limits of what is currently legally permissible. Its presence also helps another high-tech Vorsprung highlight – the predictive efficiency assistant – to automatically adjust the driving speed to suit the situation, the topography of the route, speed limits and road users up ahead, helping to reduce fuel consumption by as much as ten percent.

    Flexible space configuration: rear seat bench plus
    The standard powered tailgate glides upwards to reveal a luggage compartment with a volume of 510 litres, which increases to 1,480 litres when the rear seats are folded down. Vorsprung versions offer increased variability thanks to their sliding rear bench seat plus, which has a 40:20:40 configuration and offers a movable seat base and adjustable backrest angle, liberating extra space for passengers or luggage as required. When its base is positioned as far forwards as possible luggage capacity can be increased by as much as 60 litres to a maximum of 570 litres. The optional storage and luggage compartment package keeps things orderly and holds luggage securely.

    The engine lineup: one TDI and two TFSI units
    The Q5 Sportback is set to launch in the UK with two powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines – a TDI and a TFSI – each with 204PS and therefore identifiable by 40 TDI and 40 TFSI designations. The potent SQ5 Sportback with its 347PS twin-turbo V6 TDI will also form part of the first wave. Plug-in hybrid TFSIe variants with a choice of two outputs will follow a little later.

    The four-cylinder engines are combined with a seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission, while the V6 TDI in the SQ5 Sportback works with an eight-speed tiptronic. All versions are shored up by quattro all-wheel-drive, with some featuring an on demand system that can disengage the rear axle in everyday driving conditions for maximum efficiency, and reconnect it predictively within fractions of a second when required. To further boost economy a mild hybrid system employing a belt alternator starter also stores electrical energy generated during braking in a lithium ion battery. With its help the Q5 Sportback and SQ5 Sportback can coast with the engine idling or completely shut down, and are able to more fully reap the benefit of start-stop technology by disengaging their engines during deceleration at a higher speed of 13mph and below while also restarting impressively smoothly.

    The 2.0 TDI in the Q5 Sportback 40 TDI quattro is not only efficient, but also particularly clean. It meets the limits of the latest emissions regulation Euro 6d-ISC-FCM or EU 6 AP. Thanks to a twin-dosing SCR system with double AdBlue injection, nitrogen oxide emissions are further reduced as appropriate for the respective operating situation. The urea solution is injected into each of two SCR catalytic converters arranged one behind the other in the exhaust system: one close to the exhaust manifold and one farther away from the engine in the exhaust system.

    More ground clearance off-road: the adaptive air suspension
    Comfort for the long haul is assured in all versions of the new Q5 Sportback thanks to its exceptionally lightweight multilink front and rear suspension, which from S line level upwards has a tauter sport tuning. A set-up with adaptive damper control is also available for even keener tracking of the road surface, while an adaptive air suspension system that can vary the ride height of the bodyshell in five stages and by up to 60 millimetres features in Q5 Sportback Vorsprung models. The SQ5 Sportback and SQ5 Sportback Vorsprung are equipped with an S-specific version of this versatile system, which can even make loading easier by lowering the rear axle individually by 55 millimetres at the touch of a button in the luggage compartment.

    The Audi drive select dynamic handling system puts the driver in control of several technical components, including the air suspension in Vorsprung and SQ5 variants, and forms part of the standard equipment package for all models. The driver can choose from up to seven profiles.

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  • Mazda 100th Anniversary

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    Built to celebrate Mazda’s centenary, the 100th Anniversary Special Edition series is a range of special versions of all the key passenger cars in the firm’s global line-up and they’ve now arrived in the UK. Designed to celebrate the company’s centenary, the 100th Anniversary models adopt a white-and-burgundy two-tone exterior/interior combination, inspired by high-grade versions of Mazda’s first passenger car: the Mazda R360 Coupe.

    With Snowflake White Pearlescent exterior paint contrasted with burgundy interior carpet and burgundy leather seats, the 100th cars are a stand-out celebration of Mazda’s centenary. Additionally, the 100th Anniversary Special Edition models feature a host of bespoke touches to further add to their exclusivity. This includes the unique 100th Anniversary badge featuring on the burgundy floormats, on the key fob, and embossed into the headrests. Externally, the same badge is on the wheel centers and the side of the car. Additionally, the 100th Anniversary MX-5 Convertible features a Dark Cherry fabric roof.

    Revealed in Japan earlier this year, the first 100th Anniversary Special Edition models have now arrived in UK dealerships. The £29,995 Mazda3 is powered by the 180ps Skyactiv-X engine and with just 100 examples of this car being sold in the UK, it becomes the unique halo for the award-winning Mazda3 range. Likewise, the £31,695 100th Anniversary Mazda CX-30 shares the same Spark Controlled Compression Ignition SPCCI Skyactiv-X engine and the rarity of just 100 cars being sold in the UK.

    Sure to be popular with British sports car fans, all 100 examples of the £29,995 100th Anniversary MX-5 Convertible are powered by the 184bhp 2.0-liter engine and join the 1.5-liter R-Sport in the limited-edition MX-5 range currently offered in the UK. Even more rare, just five examples of the £20,995 Mazda2 and £33,995 Mazda6 100th Anniversary will arrive later in the Autumn, while five examples of the 100th Anniversary Mazda CX-5 will arrive by the end of 2020.

    Each vehicle will arrive with a bespoke key presentation box to be used on vehicle handover. Following delivery, the customer will also receive a beautifully crafted, limited edition book documenting the 100th anniversary of Mazda, as well as a 1:43 model of the Mazda R360 that inspired this range of special edition models.

    Destined to be some of the most exclusive Mazdas on UK roads, all of these cars wear the unique 100th Anniversary badge inside and out, this special 100th Anniversary symbol overlays the current Mazda badge atop the original round logo of the Toyo Kogyo company. The design of which reflected the desire of Mazda founder Jujiro Matsuda to contribute to the world through engineering and the determination to constantly strive forwards.

    Returning to his native city of Hiroshima having had a successful career in engineering in Osaka, where having started as an apprentice blacksmith, he founded his own foundry company, Matsuda joined the Toyo Cork Kogyo cork company. After renaming the company Toyo Kogyo in 1927, he led the company into machinery manufacturing, which ultimately led to the production of three-wheeled trucks, building the basis of the Mazda we know today.

    Launched in 1960, the Mazda R360 was the firm’s first production car, this stylish coupe micro-car proved to be a huge sales success, and the white body/red roof two-tone design of high-grade versions has 60 years later inspired the exterior-interior color combination of Mazda’s 100th Anniversary models. With just 100 examples of each coming to the UK, the Mazda MX-5 Convertible, Mazda CX-30 and Mazda3 100th Anniversary Special Edition’s will offer a desirable blend of stand-out design and exclusivity for UK Mazda fans.

    Commenting on the 100th Anniversary Special Editions, Mazda UK Managing Director, Jeremy Thomson, said: “ Mazda Corporation has created these special models as a token of appreciation for the customers who have supported Mazda through the years. We are proud to now have special versions of the MX-5 Convertible, CX-30, and Mazda3 in our UK showrooms. UK buyers have always loved special edition MX-5s so I’m sure that with its distinctive cherry roof and burgundy interior, the 100th Anniversary Special Edition Convertible will be very popular, while the first opportunity to have distinctive limited-edition versions of our latest cars: the Mazda3 and Mazda CX-30 are equally exciting”.

    Adding, “Mazda’s have been sold in the UK for over 50 years and today, just as in the past, UK owners love the style, quality and driver involvement of our cars. Since the inception of Mazda UK in 2001, we’ve sold more than 795,000 cars in the UK, so it’s great to be able to celebrate the centenary of Mazda Corporation by offering these special models, at the same time as looking forward to our exciting future, including the launch early in 2021 of our first electric vehicle: the Mazda MX-30.

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  • Hyundai i30 N

    2021 Hyundai i30 N1

    Hyundai Motor has unveiled the new i30 N, which comes with an enhanced design, a new wet-type eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (N DCT), and new advanced driver assistance and safety features, providing drivers with a better experience whether they’re on the road or on the track. With a variety of new features to improve both every day and high-performance driving situations, the new i30 is truly a racetrack-capable everyday sports car.

    The i30 N became Hyundai’s first high-performance production car when it launched in 2017. So far, over 25,000 i30 N units have been sold in Europe.

    The new i30 N builds on the success of its predecessor. As well as offering a range of design and driving enhancements, it is also equipped with more lightweight materials, resulting in more agility and better handling.

    Like the previous version, the new i30 N is available in both hatchback and fastback body types.

    “Since its market debut in 2017, the Hyundai N original high-performance car has received multiple outstanding reviews and awards. Drivers seeking maximum fun-to-drive on the road as well as on the track, now receive an even wider range of performance and design features, with the new Hyundai i30 N,” says Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Head of Product Division at Hyundai Motor Company. “Especially the new design, new wheels, N Light Seats, and the new wet-type eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, make the Hyundai N experience sportier and more convenient than ever before.”

    An enhanced exterior design focused on dynamic performance

    The new i30 N’s design can be described in three words: performance, emotion, statement. Beyond a styling exercise, performance defines the changes made exclusively for the i30 N. Every design feature around the car has been developed with a focus on dynamic performance: the new i30 N’s appearance shows that it was naturally born for the racetrack.

    At the front, the N signature can be found on the wide center grille. Its specific, sharp mesh design reminds the viewer of airplane wings and has been optimized to allow efficient engine cooling. The N logo has also been integrated onto the wheel caps.

    Other design enhancements include new LED headlamps with V-shaped Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). Meanwhile, the outer bumper corners, dominated by the typical aerodynamic side fins, incorporate the air curtains to significantly improve the airflow and reduce turbulence into the wheel housing.

    The new i30 hatchback N features an updated rear-end design, while the rear of the new i30 Fastback N remains unchanged. On the hatchback, the large wing spoiler with the distinctive N triangular brake light creates a downforce and excellent balance, while the rear lamps have also been updated and feature a new LED signature. Two large exhaust pipes integrated into the lower bumper diffuser complete the image of the pure high-performance i30 N.

    The form following function design of the new i30 N makes the car look fast even in standstill. Purposeful and energetic, it is ready to tackle the road and track.

    The new i30 N comes in seven exterior colors, including Performance Blue, which is exclusive to Hyundai N models.

    Exterior colors:

    • Performance Blue
    • Polar White
    • Engine Red
    • Sunset Red
    • Shadow Grey
    • Dark Knight
    • Phantom Black

    The new i30 N with standard trim is fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels. When outfitted with the Performance Package (see below), it comes with a series of design upgrades, including the newly-developed 19-inch forged alloy wheels. The lightweight optimized, five-double-spoke wheels were designed for minimum unsprung mass and high strength. Together, the 19-inch forged alloy wheels are 14.4 kg lighter than the current 19-inch cast alloy wheels. Their dark satin grey matte finish, contrasting with the N-specific red brake calipers with N logo, underlines the racing spirit of the car. The new i30 N with Performance Package has also been outfitted with high-performance Pirelli P-Zero tires, developed especially for the i30 N, while the standard trim offers Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

    Interior design connects the car with the driver

    The interior of the new i30 N is focused on connecting the driver with the car at all touchpoints. The analogue cluster includes features such as the active variable LED red zone, which varies according to engine oil temperature, and the shift timing indicator, which shows the driver the best time to switch gears. The new i30 N is also available with a heated steering wheel and heated front seats.

    The new i30 N features sporty, metal pedals, and Performance Blue stitching on both body types. New to this model are seatbelts with Performance Blue accents. The interior comes in one-tone Black with a full cloth or artificial suede and leather seats.

    N Light Seats

    For the first time, the new i30 N comes with the option of N Light Seats, a set of lightweight, high-performance front seats. These uniquely-designed mono form high-performance sport seats are 2.2 kg lighter than the standard seats. The pronounced bolsters offer excellent lateral support. N Light Seats are made of premium leather and Alcantara materials and come with Performance Blue stitching and an illuminated N logo on an integrated headrest for a high-quality feeling.

    An improved engine delivers an even more intense motorsport feeling

    The new i30 N comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with either a six-speed manual transmission (6MT) or – for the first time – a wet-type eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (N DCT).

    With the standard trim, the new i30 N with 6MT delivers a maximum power output of 250 PS and a maximum torque of 353 Nm. New i30 N customers can also select the Performance Package option. With the Performance Package, the engine delivers 280 PS. This is an increase of 5 PS from the original i30 N and is available with both 6MT and N DCT. The maximum torque for the Performance Package variation has been increased by 39 Nm to 392 Nm.

    The 280 PS engine offers flat power, which ensures high responsiveness and improved acceleration for even more fun on the road or on the track. Flat power provides more torque and power at lower RPMs, thus utilizing more of the engine’s potential in everyday driving situations. The new i30 N keeps maximum torque between 1,950 and 4,600 RPM and achieves maximum power at 5,200 RPM. This improves acceleration in the mid- and high-speed range and delivers consistently high performance even in a variety of ambient conditions.

    Both trim levels have a maximum speed of 250 km/h, and the new i30 N with the Performance Package can go from 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, an improvement of 0.2 seconds or 3 percent as compared to the previous model.

    As with its predecessor, the new i30 N is equipped with a range of high-performance driving features including Rev Matching, Launch Control, Rear stiffness bar, and more.

    N DCT makes the new i30 N even more fun to drive

    The new N DCT eight-speed dual-clutch transmission enables a range of high-performance driving features, making the new i30 N even more fun to drive. N DCT is a wet type transmission, meaning that oil is used to cool the clutch components, which creates less friction and allows a higher amount of torque to be transferred through the gearbox. The new transmission option was designed to provide the engaging experience of a manual transmission with the convenience of an automatic transmission. Drivers can choose to enter manual mode and shift gears either by using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel or the gear stick. The paddle shifters allow the driver to shift gears without taking their hands off the steering wheel for an even sportier experience. If the driver decides to use the gear lever instead, the gear lever comes with sporty shifting logic: to downshift, push forward, and to upshift, pull back.

    The N DCT enables three new N performance functions for even more driving fun: N Grin Shift, N Power Shift, and N Track Sense Shift.

    N Grin Shift (NGS) increases torque by allowing turbocharger overboost and maximizes transmission response for 20 seconds – a performance that is sure to bring a grin to the driver’s face. To activate, the driver pushes a button on the steering wheel, and a countdown begins on the cluster showing the remaining seconds for this function. When NGS is activated, the driver will experience a “push feel” when upshifting.

    N Power Shift (NPS) engages when the car accelerates with more than 90 percent of the throttle, thereby mitigating any reduction in torque by using upshifts to deliver maximum power to the wheels. This gives the driver a responsive feeling of dynamic acceleration when shifting.

    Finally, N Track Sense Shift (NTS) automatically recognizes when the road conditions are optimal for dynamic driving, for example, if it recognizes that the car is driving on a racetrack, and activates automatically. By selecting the right gear and shift timing, it provides optimal performance, just like a professional race car driver.

    N Grin Control System

    As with the previous generation i30 N, the N Grin Control System gives customers the choice between five distinct driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, N, and N Custom. The driving modes adjust the parameters of the engine, the suspension, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), N Corner Carving Differential (Electronically-controlled Limited Slip Differential), exhaust sound, steering, and transmission to optimize them for a variety of driving conditions. In the N Custom mode, drivers can select from Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ settings for each of these components to match driving preferences and road conditions.

    Ride and handling

    As with its predecessor, the new i30 N features an Electronic Controlled Suspension. The suspension and steering systems have been returned, resulting in improved ride and handling performance for both transmission types.

    Customers who select the Performance Package can also benefit from the N Corner Carving Differential, an Electronically Controlled Limited Slip Differential (eLSD). Additionally, for the Performance Package, the front brake disc size has been increased from 345mm to 360mm for better braking performance.

    The weight saved through the high-performance N Light Seats and 19-inch forged alloy wheels result in better performance and handling for a more agile driving experience.

    Safety

    The new i30 N has been upgraded to include more Hyundai SmartSense active safety and driver assistance features. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist has been upgraded to include pedestrian detection (FCA-P). Lane Following Assist (LFA) works to keep the vehicle centered in its lane even before the vehicle begins to drift to one side. The hatchback version of the new i30 N with N DCT comes with the option of Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA-R). This function can activate the brakes to prevent a collision when switching lanes on the highway or when exiting a parallel parking spot. Similarly, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), also available on the hatchback with N DCT, can activate the brakes when an obstruction is detected directly behind the vehicle and the car is in reverse, such as when exiting a normal parking spot.

    Hyundai SmartSense safety features:

    • [NEW] Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with a vehicle and now also with pedestrian detection (FCA-P)
    • [NEW] Lane Following Assist (LFA)
    • [NEW] Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) (hatchback only)
    • [NEW] Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA-R) (only DCT, hatchback only)
    • [NEW] Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Warning (RCCW) (hatchback only)
    • [NEW] Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) (only DCT, hatchback only)

    Another safety feature, e-call, can contact emergency services at the push of a button, and automatically contacts first responders if the vehicle’s airbags have been deployed.

    Tech & Connectivity

    The new i30 N features a Performance Driving Data System to monitor and improve the driver’s track skills, with updated graphics for even more ease of use. This feature saves and displays driving data, including information on PS, torque, turbo boost. It also includes a lap and acceleration timer, which comes in handy on the track.

    The new i30 N comes with an optional 10.25-inch touchscreen navigation system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is also available with the latest version of Bluelink, Hyundai’s state-of-the-art connected car services. This offers a range of new benefits and services for Hyundai customers including Connected Routing, Last Mile Navigation, and live parking information, and a new user profile feature.

    2021 Hyundai i30 N
    2021 Hyundai i30 N
    2021 Hyundai i30 N
    2021 Hyundai i30 N
    2021 Hyundai i30 N
    2021 Hyundai i30 N
    2021 Hyundai i30 N
    2021 Hyundai i30 N
    2021 Hyundai i30 N
    2021 Hyundai i30 N
    2021 Hyundai i30 N
    2021 Hyundai i30 N

  • Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended

    2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost

    Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announce new Ghost Extended, offering the indulgence of enhanced rear seating space with no compromise to Ghost’s driving dynamics. Ghost Extended is the product of an exhaustive process of consultation with a new generation of Rolls-Royce clients. This global, highly dynamic group of entrepreneurs expressed a desire for a chauffeur-driven business tool for the week that can transform into a serenely comfortable and dynamic self-driven saloon at the weekend. Ghost Extended is the response. The first customer deliveries will be made in the fourth quarter of 2020.

    DESIGN

    Ghost Extended offers 170mm more space than Ghost, providing more rear legroom than any four-seat sedan with the exception of a Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended. Customer centricity has informed every step of the development process. A key learning was that Ghost Extended customers wanted no compromise to Ghost’s pure, minimalist design. The marque’s designers worked to cloak the extra length by only extending the rear door and body around the rear door apertures, preserving the lines of the car.

    TECHNOLOGY

    Rear Suite Serenity

    A suite of enhancements to the rear of the cabin reflects Ghost Extended’s flexibility. For the first time, a reclining Serenity Seat can be selected, offering a new dimension of rear-seat comfort akin to a business jet cabin environment.

    The rear cabin also provides the perfect environment to transition from business to leisure. To enhance this, a Champagne fridge is provided between the rear seats and has been developed with exacting attention to the needs of the Rolls-Royce client. To achieve this, the marque’s engineers consulted with a Master Sommelier. They learned that the optimum serving temperatures of non-vintage Champagne is around six degrees centigrade and vintage Champagnes is around 11 degrees centigrade. To that end, the refrigerator operates two cooling modes, chilling to six degrees and 11 degrees.

    Technology Without Obtrusion

    Ghost is the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce ever created. For Ghost Extended’s entrepreneurial customers, access to WiFi, and cutting-edge infotainment systems is essential for use during the business day. However, technological functions have been deployed with care to reflect customer demand for a serene environment, free from unnecessary distractions.

    The commitment to delivering a pure, detoxifying space extends to the air within the cabin. To deliver this, Ghost is equipped with a new Micro-Environment Purification System (MEPS). This technology enhances existing air filtration systems through software and hardware. Highly sensitive Impurity Detection Sensors detect ambient air quality, automatically activating fresh air intakes into Recirculation Mode. If unacceptable levels of airborne contaminants are detected, the air is passed through a nanofleece filter that is capable of removing nearly all ultra-fine particles within the cabin in less than two minutes.

    A suite of technologies enhances the driving experience in urban and country settings. This includes laser headlights with more than 600m of illuminated range and key safety enhancements including vision assist with day and night-time wildlife and pedestrian warning; alertness assistant; a four-camera system with panoramic view, all round-visibility and helicopter view; active cruise control; collision warning; cross-traffic warning; lane departure and lane change warning. An industry-leading 7×3 high definition head-up display and self-park ensure absolute effortlessness whatever the driving conditions.

    ENGINEERING

    All-Aluminium Spaceframe and New V12 Engine
    Ghost Extended is built on the Architecture of Luxury, Rolls-Royce’s proprietary all-aluminum spaceframe that underpins every new Rolls-Royce model. The marque’s hallmark Magic Carpet Ride is delivered by a new Planar Suspension System, the result of more than 10 years’ exhaustive testing and refinement by specialist engineers. Featuring continuously variable, electronically controlled shock absorbers, self-leveling high-volume air strut assemblies, and a world-first upper wishbone damper; this technology has never been previously applied to a production motor car. Ghost Extended also benefits from all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering for the first time.

    Power is provided by a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged engine developed exclusively for Ghost. It produces 571PS and 850Nm of torque. The requirement for silence when traveling is answered through 100kg of acoustic damping materials incorporated into the chassis, bodywork, and tires, delivering exhilarating performance without disturbing the serenity within.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS

    Simplicity Through Complexity
    The pursuit of design simplicity requires highly complex engineering and craft techniques. For example, sophisticated bodywork forms are only achievable through advanced generative design and 3D printing. This is the first time this technology has been incorporated within a component production facility and combined with Rolls-Royce’s craft and engineering competencies.

    For Ghost Extended, beam-melted metal components are welded to the body-in-white, while parts made by multi-jet fusion and selective laser sintering are individually fitted at the Home of Rolls-Royce.

    More traditional craft is given a contemporary expression through the introduction of two new wood finishes, developed especially for Ghost. Obsidian Ayous is inspired by the rich palette of colors found in igneous rocks, while Dark Amber has veins of fine aluminum particles running through the wood. Both are available in open-pore finish, allowing the tactility of the material to fully express itself.

    2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended
    2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended
    2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended
    2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended
    2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended
    2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended
    2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended
    2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended
    2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended
    2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended

  • ŠKODA joins forces with Parkopedia to help drivers find parking spaces quicker and easier in real time

    Skoda1

    ŠKODA drivers now receive enhanced support in their search for vacant parking spaces. To achieve this, the Czech car manufacturer has concluded a cooperation agreement with Parkopedia, the world’s leading parking service provider. As a result, ŠKODA drivers have access to real-time information on millions of parking spaces throughout Europe, which is displayed via the vehicle’s navigation system or the ŠKODA Connect App. The parking space locator is one of many features of the mobile online services included in ŠKODA Connect.

    Finding a vacant parking space or the nearest multi-story car park in a strange town can be a nerve-racking experience. ŠKODA drivers are already supported in their search for a parking space through the mobile online services of ŠKODA Connect. Thanks to a new partnership, the scope of the service have been comprehensively expanded. ŠKODA drivers have access to information on millions of parking spaces throughout Europe as a result of the collaboration with Parkopedia, the world’s leading parking service provider. Using the vehicle’s navigation system or the ŠKODA Connect App, which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, the cheapest and closest parking options are displayed at the respective location or a selected address. In addition to the fees, it also shows whether the parking spaces are actually vacant – in real-time, subject to availability. The latest version of the ŠKODA Connect App or the navigation system can also provide route guidance directly to the selected parking space.

    Jan Havlas, coordinator of Connected Car projects at ŠKODA AUTO, says: “We are constantly expanding our ŠKODA Connect service offers with the aim of making remote vehicle access and communication more convenient for our customers. The partnership with Parkopedia is another important element of this. Parkopedia offers ŠKODA drivers the parking service and integrative user experience via the ŠKODA Connect app and the vehicle’s infotainment display”.

    Founded in 2007, Parkopedia provides detailed information on more than 70 million parking spaces in 15,000 cities and 89 countries worldwide. These include multi-story car parks, public and private parking facilities.