Automobiles Review

Tag: Speed

  • Bentley Speed Edition 12

    Bentley has made a limited-edition Speed Edition 12 to celebrate its powerful W12 engine, which has been the driving force behind its top-performing cars since 2003.

    The Speed Edition 12 models are based on the Bentayga, Flying Spur, Continental GT, and Continental GT Convertible with unique design upgrades such as Edition 12 badging, numbered engine plaque, and Edition 12 embroidery.

    Additionally, these models feature color-graded seat contrast stitching and a Grand Black veneer fascia with an engine firing sequence etched alongside an inlaid Edition 12 badge.

    Only 120 units of each of the four models will be produced, making the Speed Edition 12 a rare and sought-after tribute to the engine that has powered Bentley’s cars and fortunes for the past two decades.

    The Bentley W12

    Bentley introduced the W12 engine in 2003, powering the first all-new model under Volkswagen Group ownership, the Continental GT. The W-formation of the 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 made it 24% shorter than a comparable V12, without sacrificing power, efficiency, or refinement.

    Over time, the W12 engine has evolved, resulting in a 37% increase in power and a 54% increase in torque. Furthermore, emissions have been reduced by 25%. In the Speed Edition 12 models, the W12 engine can generate up to 659PS (650 bhp) @ 5000-6000 rpm, with a peak torque of 900Nm at just 1500rpm. This famous Bentley torque remains constant up to 5000rpm, creating a tidal wave of power.

    Exterior

    The Speed Edition 12 models have subtle yet distinct external features that make them easily recognizable to those familiar with Bentley. These include silver brake callipers, which are exclusive to this model. Continental GT and Convertible models display Speed Edition 12 badging on the front fender, while Bentayga and Flying Spur models carry Edition 12 badges on the rear quarter, in addition to the existing Speed badge.

    The engine’s cover on these models has a numbered Edition 12 plaque, which is prominently displayed when the bonnet is opened. Furthermore, the exterior features include Blackline specification exterior brightware, 22″ black painted Speed alloy wheels, and self-levelling wheel badges.

    The Speed Edition 12 models offer a new paint colour option called Opalite, which is a light grey-green hue with a subtle copper effect that glows in bright sunshine.

    Interior

    The interior of the Edition 12 models has unique hand-crafted features, such as welcome lamps and illuminated treadplates. These models are available with Bentley’s Speed colour splits, which allow the main color, Beluga black, to be used exclusively or complemented by Brunel blue, Cricketball red, Linen, or Orange. The high gloss Grand Black veneer is consistent in all cases.

    Distinctive features of the limited edition include Mulliner Silver piping and embroidered Edition 12 namestyle on the seats. The upper seat areas are quilted and contrast-stitched in a graduated three-color “fade” from Anthracite through Porpoise to Stratos. The quilted door panels have contrast stitching as well.

    The organ stop air vents have a unique design, with the numeral “12” machined from solid on the control’s face. Additionally, the facia facing the front seat passenger is made of Grand Black veneer and features the firing sequence of the W12 engine etched alongside an inlaid Speed Edition 12 badge, adding a delightful touch to the interior.

    Commemorative 15% scale model W12 block

    As a finishing detail, buyers will receive a 15 percent scale model of the Bentley W12 block to commemorate the limited edition. The miniature W12 engines are cast with aluminum taken from a full-sized W12 engine block and are suitable for display on desks, cabinets, or shelves. They will serve as a permanent reminder of one of Bentley’s most significant and powerful engines.

  • Bentley Flying Spur Speed

    Bentley is completing its new portfolio of Grand Tourers with the Flying Spur Speed, the most driving-focused version of the Flying Spur luxury performance sedan family.

    With millions of ways to configure a Bentley, the latest product portfolio has been tailored to provide customers a simpler pathway to finding the right Bentley that suits their requirements. The portfolio has two sides – one focused on wellbeing behind the wheel, and the other on driving performance, with both arms crowned by Mulliner models that combine the best of both worlds.

    The launch of the Flying Spur Speed completes the model range and mirrors the existing Continental GT and Bentayga range. The Flying Spur Speed is the pinnacle performance model, and together with the Flying Spur Mulliner is the car of choice should a customer desire a W12-powered Flying Spur, with the standard Flying Spur W12 ceasing production in May this year.

    The Flying Spur Speed sits above the S model and boasts an extra 85 PS and 130 Nm more torque, delivering an improvement of 0.4 secs to 60mph and an increase in top speed up to 207 mph reaffirming its superior position. With Electronic All Wheel Steering, Torque Vectoring by Brake technology and Bentley Dynamic Ride as standard, the agility matches the performance of the 626 bhp 6.0-litre twin turbocharged W12 engine.

    The familiar exterior Speed styling cues are apparent with dark tint finishes to front grilles, headlamps and tail lamps, and signature Speed badges on the lower wing. The unique 22” Speed wheel is standard, with finishes including Dark Tint, Gloss Black and silver-painted. A second optional 22” sports design wheel is also available in Gloss Black or Pale Brodgar Satin. The Flying Spur Speed also includes jewelled fuel and oil filler caps. To increase the performance-focused presence even further, Bentley’s Styling Specification (carbon fibre front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser and subtle bootlid spoiler) and Blackline Specification remain available as options.

    With an unmatched balance of performance and luxury, inside the cabin there is a new unique colour way including the use of Dinamica to all of the occupant touch points. Bentley uses Dinamica Pure – the difference over regular Dinamica specifically, is that it is made from 73% recycled Polyester. Interior colour choice increases from five to 15 leather colours with Piano Black veneer as standard, and Crown Cut Walnut, Dark Stained Burr Walnut or Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus as alternative no cost options.

    In the driver’s information panel, new performance infotainment graphics can be seen, taking inspiration from luxury chronographs. The luxury theme continues with front and rear seat comfort specification as standard, including 24-way adjustment for the front seats and 14-way adjustment for the rear seats. All seats include heating, ventilation, massage and two memory positions. The cabin also includes sports pedals, Speed fascia badges and emblems and illuminated Speed inner and outer treadplates.

    The Flying Spur Speed is likely to be favoured in the United States and Europe with an anticipated uptake of around a third of Flying Spur orders, followed by the Middle East where one in five Flying Spur orders are expected to be Speeds.

    Chassis and Powertrain

    The Flying Spur Speed’s powertrain produces 635 PS (626 bhp) and 900 Nm (664 lb.ft) of torque, accelerating the car to 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds (100 km/h in 3.8 seconds), and on to a top speed of 207mph (333 km/h).

    The Flying Spur uses the same 8-speed ZF dual-clutch transmission as the Continental GT for smooth and refined acceleration, quicker gearshifts and improved fuel economy. Faster gearshifts are achieved by pre-selecting the next gear, shortening the interruption of torque to the wheels and so improving performance. Maximum speed is reached in sixth gear, with the overdrive gears (seventh and eighth) used for economic grand touring.

    The Flying Spur Speed has a clutched system which delivers drive to the rear axle. Depending on the road conditions and wheel slip, it will then automatically send drive to the front axle as required, as an active all-wheel drive system. Therefore turn-in response is also improved. The front end of the Flying Spur feels much lighter and changes direction almost at the speed of thought. The understeer effect experienced with fixed all-wheel drive is virtually eliminated, making the car feel more balanced overall.

    Torque distribution varies according to the selected Drive Dynamics Mode. In Comfort and Bentley modes, the system will send up to 480 Nm of torque to the front axle to offer greater grip and driveability. In Sport, the system limits the available torque to the front axle to 280 Nm, maintaining a higher torque level at the rear for a more dynamic feel. Torque is also managed across each axle by a torque-vectoring-by-brake system.

    The Flying Spur Speed inspires confidence through its handling ability and balanced dynamic precision. This is predominantly due to the advanced active All-Wheel Drive, Electric All-Wheel Steering and Bentley Dynamic Ride.

    Electronic All-Wheel Steering is standard, which enhances both stability at highway speeds and manoeuvrability around town. During low-speed manoeuvres, the system steers the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels. This has the effect of shortening the wheelbase, reducing the turning circle, increasing agility and making parking noticeably easier.

    During high-speed manoeuvres, the system steers the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels, increasing stability and making overtaking and lane-changes more assured. Electronic All-Wheel Steering means no compromise between high speed confidence and low speed convenience.

    The Bentley Dynamic Ride System is designed to improve both handling and ride comfort. A 48-volt system controls an electronic actuator unit which manages the stiffness of the anti-roll bar, changing the stiffness on demand to combat cornering forces and keep the Flying Spur level.

    The Flying Spur shares the largest iron brakes in the world with the Continental GT, with 420 mm front discs. The Gloss Red front calipers carry Bentley branding, with a Gloss Black finish as a cost option.

    Increased Presence

    The aesthetics of the Styling Specification complement the Flying Spur Speed’s peerless capabilities, ensuring that Bentley’s new performance model looks as stunning as it is to drive.

    Crafted by hand in high gloss carbon fibre to exact tolerances following an extensive development programme, the Styling Specification includes a front bumper splitter, side skirts with metallic Bentley badges, rear diffuser and boot lid spoiler.

    The Blackline Specification provides a contemporary alternative where most of the brightwork on the exterior of the car is replaced with Blackware, helping to create an even more powerful road presence for the peerless Flying Spur.

    The exterior brightware incorporated in the Blackline specification includes the iconic Flying B mascot, radiator vanes, matrix grilles, side window surrounds, and lower door and rear bumper blades. The front and rear light bezels, door handles, wing vents and the exhaust outlets also receive the same distinguished, darkened treatment.

  • Bentley Bentayga Speed Space Edition

    Bentley Bentayga Speed Space Edition (2022)

    Bentley Orlando has used Mulliner’s extensive capability to produce a bespoke space-themed Bentayga Speed for one of its customers. Using feature content from Mulliner’s personal commissioning guide and a number of bespoke elements, the resulting Bentayga Speed is a stunning individual example of the craftsmanship associated with Mulliner.

    The exterior paint shade of Cypress is famously familiar from the launch of the first generation Continental GT in 2003. The dark metallic grey with subtle green undertones creates a dark, stone-like exterior, with visual presence increased by the use of Blackline Specification – replacing all exterior brightware with gloss black version. Orange Flame accents to the gloss carbon fibre Styling Specification take inspiration from comet dust trails racing across the night sky, and add a bright contrast to the Cypress paintwork. The combination provides a unique backdrop for the bespoke interior.

    Inside the beautifully crafted cabin, the first individual feature visible when opening the doors are the illuminated treadplates depicting planets orbiting a solar system. The eye is quickly drawn to the Orange bezels surrounding the Galaxy Stone fascias set into the dashboard and mirrored on the door waistrails. The smooth bright surfaces contrast the dark grey tactile stone emphasising the highly bespoke nature of this customer commission.

    The cabin is trimmed in Beluga and Porpoise, providing a dark, night-sky-esque backdrop for the accents of colour. Unique satin black speaker grilles, of the class leading ‘Naim for Bentley’ sound system, discreetly hide in the shadows, with the Naim centre badges illuminated like stars in the night. The unique and bespoke fluting in the door recesses can also be seen emanating from the bright orange Bentley seat emblem towards the outer edges of the shoulder area. Orange micro piping trails the seat edges and encircles the floor-mats.

    2022 Bentley Bentayga Speed Space Edition
    2022 Bentley Bentayga Speed Space Edition
    2022 Bentley Bentayga Speed Space Edition
    2022 Bentley Bentayga Speed Space Edition
    2022 Bentley Bentayga Speed Space Edition
    2022 Bentley Bentayga Speed Space Edition
    2022 Bentley Bentayga Speed Space Edition
    2022 Bentley Bentayga Speed Space Edition
    2022 Bentley Bentayga Speed Space Edition
    2022 Bentley Bentayga Speed Space Edition

    The largest splashes of Orange can be found nearest the driver, like solar eruptions. The centre spoke of the steering wheel and gear lever are the brightest areas within the interior, both trimmed in beautiful contrast hide.

    Joseph Wierda, Bentley Orlando General Manager, comments:
    “The Space Coast in central Florida has long been established as the world’s gateway to explore the universe above, so space travel and exploration were the perfect themes to inspire this unique car. Just as space is limitless, the opportunities for customisation with the Mulliner design team were only limited by our collective imagination.”

    Bentley’s in-house bespoke and personalisation division – Mulliner – has already completed 100 unique design requests for 2022, a doubling of demand in comparison to the previous year. 2021 saw the success of the dedicated Mulliner Design team as they completed their 1000th bespoke commission since inception seven years ago. The extensive portfolio includes coachbuilt cars, Blowers, limited editions and an incredible array of individual customer projects.

    The pace of growth has increased at the start of 2022, with continuing demand of individual personalisation of Bentleys across the model range.

    Paul Dickinson, Head of Mulliner Commercial, comments:
    “The rise in popularity of our bespoke commissioning service is testament to the skills of both our Mulliner Design team and the craftspeople working tirelessly to deliver any request. Our Personal Commissioning Guide is the launch pad for so many customer journeys, and this space-themed Bentayga Speed is a stunning example of what’s possible.”

    ‘Rocket-like’ Performance

    The Bentayga Speed takes the Bentayga’s extraordinary abilities to new levels, utilising the 6.0-litre W12 twin-turbocharged engine that delivers peak power of 635 PS (626 bhp). Effortless acceleration is always guaranteed thanks to 900 Nm (664 lb.ft) of torque, available as a plateau from 1,500 rpm to 5,000 rpm.

    With exceptional performance, comfort and handling, maximum speed is 190 mph (306 km/h), while the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint is delivered in 3.9 seconds.

    To use this power with ease the Bentayga Speed is equipped with four on-road Drive Dynamics modes: Comfort at one extreme, Sport at the other and with Bentley mode – the balanced recommendation of Bentley’s chassis team in Crewe – alongside a Custom mode for customers who opt to create their own driving set-up.

    Uniquely, the Sport mode has been calibrated to enhance response from the W12 engine and the eight-speed automatic transmission, together with the air suspension system and Bentley Dynamic Ride. The effect is a more dynamic and engaging drive.

    Bentley Dynamic Ride is the world’s first electric active roll control technology that utilises an unrivalled 48V system. This system instantly counteracts lateral rolling forces when cornering and ensures maximum tyre contact to deliver class-leading cabin stability, ride comfort and exceptional handling. Recalibration of Bentley’s Torque Vectoring by Brake system – whereby the car lightly brakes the inside rear wheel at corner entry to sharpen the front axle turn-in – has made Bentayga Speed even more responsive to drive.

    The Bentayga Speed’s optional carbon ceramic brakes are the largest and most powerful brakes available from Bentley, with a maximum braking torque of 6,000 Nm and engineered to withstand temperatures up to 1,000 °C. They also provide a weight saving of more than 20 kg over iron brakes.

    Bentayga’s Successful Launch

    The first generation Bentayga was launched in 2016 with customer deliveries soon after. Since then, the Bentayga has defined the luxury SUV sector. Over this time Bentley has introduced three further powertains and in 2020 the second generation was revealed.

    By the start of 2022 approximately 28,500 Bentaygas have now been produced. The Bentayga remains Bentley’s best-selling model, and has expanded the luxury SUV sector exactly as the Continental GT did, when launched in 2004. For the Bentayga, maybe the sky is not the limit.

  • Lamborghini Aventador ERA

    2021 Lamborghini Aventador ERA1

    Huber is a bespoke coach builder based in the United Arab Emirates with an international audience of super car owners who seek excellence and world class quality when it comes to refining their vehicles.

    Entitled ‘Era’ to mark ten years of the Lamborghini Aventador, and to pay homage to the end of its production, the team have focused on creating a new kind of aero package that pays homage to the original Aventador DNA. The Huber Era aspires to usher in a new way that automotive design thinks about the aftermarket.

    The brand will be honouring the end of the Lamborghini Aventador production with a facelift of this Italian supercar, showcased through the publication of thirteen images and one video.

    Spearheaded by founder Sean-Peter Huber and a team of passionate designers who share a common vision and journey that goes back to their university days as students of automotive design. This new generation of designers are driven by the common understanding that the aftermarket can apply new aesthetic elements and functionalities to the techniques of OEM design studios to create a new, improved rendition on some of the world’s most revered super cars.

    The unique design endeavour by the Dubai-based company replaces the front and rear bumpers with an entirely new design in carbon fibre, and an optional carbon fibre bonnet for customers and distributors worldwide. Additionally, the parts will be available in exposed carbon fibre in various hues.

    Huber notes, “While we might be the new kid on the block, we feel that when designing new aero packages for a car, you have to consider both a clean sheet of paper and the North Star of its pre-existing DNA as your guide.”

    Huber’s founding mission was to give rise to one-off designs, over the years, the company has developed and evolved a diverse design collection ready for production. The team aims to get many of these designs on the road, and, as Huber explains, “the ERA is just the beginning of a range of designs we wish to bring to fruition”.

    The car they have been working on needs no introduction: “The Aventador has a large following, and many aftermarket players have added their visions to this car. Expectations are high, so we knew to take our time to get it right; and we’ve enjoyed the journey.”

    The brand is on a mission to build a new community of collectors and car enthusiasts. Their passion for car design has put them in uncharted territory that has the potential to open the automotive design world up to a new way of thinking about the aftermarket.

    The fully funded project is independent of Lamborghini and production is complete with first bumper units already promised to selected collectors who have been supporting Huber’s vision from the start. Huber is excited to debut the ERA and is open to partnerships worldwide.

    2021 Lamborghini Aventador ERA
    2021 Lamborghini Aventador ERA
    2021 Lamborghini Aventador ERA
    2021 Lamborghini Aventador ERA
    2021 Lamborghini Aventador ERA
    2021 Lamborghini Aventador ERA

  • Cor.Speed Sports Wheels Europe Volkswagen on big feet: Cor.Speed DeVille at the Arteon

    Volkswagen new1

    Although Volkswagen, after its original name, builds cars for the people, i.e. rather simple and above all affordable cars, this is not always the case these days. After the attempt to place a luxury sedan on the market with the Phaeton more or less failed and has now been terminated, apart from the Touareg, the most luxurious model in the Wolfsburg-based range is currently the Arteon.

    A copy of the four-door coupé has now been equipped with a set of high-quality wheels from Cor.Speed ​​Sports Wheels. The specialists from JM Car Design from Bergheim near Cologne, who act as the Cor.Speed ​​dealer base, were responsible for the conversion. The choice fell on the powerfully drawn DeVille rims in the dimensions 9×21 inches, which are covered with 225/30 tires. With their gunmetal matt finish, they perfectly match the silver-gray paintwork of the VW. The wheel could be mounted without any adjustments to the body – despite the additional KW Variant 3 coilover kit that was installed, which lowered it by 45 millimeters at the front and 40 millimeters at the rear, thus ensuring an even more harmonious appearance.

    2020 JM Car Design Volkswagen Arteon
    2020 JM Car Design Volkswagen Arteon
    2020 JM Car Design Volkswagen Arteon
    2020 JM Car Design Volkswagen Arteon
    2020 JM Car Design Volkswagen Arteon
    2020 JM Car Design Volkswagen Arteon
    2020 JM Car Design Volkswagen Arteon
    2020 JM Car Design Volkswagen Arteon
    2020 JM Car Design Volkswagen Arteon
    2020 JM Car Design Volkswagen Arteon

  • The Ferrari Roma wins 2020 car design award

    Ferrari Roma1

    The Ferrari Roma has won the Production Cars category of the prestigious Car Design Award, which ran from 1984 to 1997 before being relaunched in its current form in 2016. The remote 2020 prize-giving ceremony was held today on the Car Design Award’s YouTube channel. The plaudit is an acknowledgement of the work of the design teams responsible for the automotive sector’s finest production designs of the year.

    Launched in 1984 by Auto&Design magazine, the Car Design Award is aimed at projects that have contributed to the evolution of car design. This year’s winners were selected by an expert jury of 12 journalists from the leading international car publications, including Auto&Design itself. In assigning the Production Cars to the Ferrari Roma, the jury stated that “The Ferrari design team, led by Flavio Manzoni, did an incredible job with the Roma. This car reinterprets the classical lines of a Gran Turismo car and projects them into the 21st century thanks to sensual, evocative and cutting-edge design”.

    The Ferrari Roma is Maranello’s new 2+ coupé, a model with sublimely refined, timeless design and all the power and agility required to guarantee a unique driving experience. Its signature Italian styling is a contemporary reinterpretation of the carefree lifestyle of 1950s and ‘60s Rome, from which it takes its evocative name, Roma. Stylistically, the Ferrari Roma is characterised by clean, symbiotic forms. Its beautifully harmonious proportions and elegantly pure, balanced volumes are very much in line with the Ferrari mid-front-engined grand touring tradition of which the 250 GT Berlinetta lusso is the most iconic example, and from which the car takes its inspiration. It embodies an extremely modern design language, which underlines its authentic, refined styling. Equally, however, its sleek lines retain the sporty vocation shared by all Ferraris.

  • Uniting two icons of speed in one spectacular car: global debut for MclLaren Elva gulf theme by MSO at Goodwood Speedweek

    2020 McLaren Elva Gulf1

    Luxury supercar maker McLaren Automotive today premieres the McLaren Elva Gulf Theme by MSO, a celebration of the renewed relationship between McLaren and the Gulf Oil brand and another example of how designs from McLaren’s racing history are inspiring the brand’s modern-day customers.

    The unique McLaren roadster in blue and orange Gulf colours makes its world debut at Goodwood SpeedWeek, a ‘closed-doors’ live broadcast event bringing together the past, present and future of motoring and motorsport at the Goodwood Motor Circuit in the UK.

    McLaren and Gulf recently confirmed a new partnership that renews a historic union between the two brands that originated in the 1960s, a decade when both companies made their first forays into motorsport. Gulf branding appeared on McLaren’s Can-Am, Formula 1 and Indy cars from 1968 to 1973. Two decades later McLaren F1 GTRs run by customer team GTC carried the famous Gulf livery in global GT racing, including at Le Mans.

    Under the new partnership, McLaren Automotive customers will have the opportunity to commission Gulf-liveried cars directly from MSO. These follow cars inspired by the famous facing livery designed and produced by MSO prior to the renewed relationship being agreed. Most recently, a McLaren Senna GTR LM paying homage to the #24 McLaren F1 GTR that finished fourth in the 1995 24 Hours of Le Mans race was completed as one of five MSO-designed customer cars celebrating the McLaren F1’s domination of that race.

    “The McLaren Elva Gulf Theme by MSO is a striking celebration of both McLaren’s history in sports car racing and our new partnership with Gulf Oil.  McLaren Special Operations is committed to pushing the boundaries of the ‘art of the possible’ and projects like this showcase the increasingly extensive range of personalisation options we can offer customers – in this case, enhancing the authenticity of the livery by incorporating Gulf brand logos into the design.”
    Ansar Ali, Managing Director, McLaren Special Operations

    The Elva, which follows the McLaren P1TM, McLaren Senna and Speedtail in McLaren’s Ultimate Series, links McLaren’s heritage to its present and future with a name and style that recalls the McLaren-Elva sports racers of the 1960s. These were among the first sportscars designed and raced by Bruce McLaren and the company he founded, and the new Elva evokes the true spirit of driving enjoyment symbolised by this era.

    In line with McLaren’s on-going commitment to super-lightweight engineering, the new Ultimate Series roadster retains the lightweight construction philosophy of its forebear and is at the cutting-edge of automotive technology. The body design of the screenless, roofless Elva, for example, incorporates an innovative Active Air Management System (AAMS) that creates a virtual canopy over the seamlessly-integrated cockpit. The 815PS and 800Nm developed by the 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine ensure that the Elva delivers astonishing performance and incredible levels of driving enjoyment.

    With deliveries of the Elva commencing this year, MSO has already completed the specification of the first cars and is well-advanced in discussions with customers to create further dramatic paintwork and liveries. Just 149 examples of the Ultimate Series roadster will be available to customer order, making it one of the rarest McLarens ever produced and, with an almost-limitless degree of personalisation available from MSO, each car will have its own unique identity.

    2020 McLaren Elva Gulf
    2020 McLaren Elva Gulf
    2020 McLaren Elva Gulf
    2020 McLaren Elva Gulf
    2020 McLaren Elva Gulf
    2020 McLaren Elva Gulf
    2020 McLaren Elva Gulf

  • 1929 Chrysler storms to victory in the UK’s first post-lockdown classic car rally

    Images from Bespoke Rallies 2020 Highland 1000 event

    The husband and wife team of Andrew and Anne Davies drove their splendid 1929 Chrysler 75 Roadster to a convincing overall victory in Bespoke Rallies’ recent and much-anticipated Highland 1000 classic rally.

    It was the very first event of its type since the national lockdown, and was achieved before Scotland was again forced to implement major restrictions, and was therefore a unique opportunity for the fun-loving motorsport fraternity to dust off their treasured cars, and briefly once again enjoy the freedom of the open road. The 1000 kilometre rally started and finished in Falkirk, the home of the extraordinary Falkirk Wheel. And, while what could have been a full capacity event was perhaps inevitably affected by COVID-inspired international travel restrictions, the nine teams that were able to participate were blessed with the best of the UK weather at the time, and revelled in clear skies, prolonged sunshine and stunning views of the incomparable West Coast of Scotland.

    The event made full use of Bespoke Rallies’ proprietary Virtual Marshal system, which meant no physical officials were required – a major aid during this period of social distancing regulations. Thanks to the system, the rally ran like clockwork, despite having to cope with 60-plus time controls. The sustained series of regularity sections on this most scenic of routes were divided into three legs of c.205 miles a day.

    The Mini-Cooper pairing of Edmund Peel and Sarah MacDonald were among those quick to praise the Highland 1000: “It was wonderful to get out and participate in what may be the only such rally to take place until sometime next year. The route was outstanding, with great roads and spectacular scenery, and the Bespoke Rallies team were helpful and friendly, as were the other crews. It was the breath of fresh air we needed!”

  • 2015 Goodwood Festival Of Speed Is Almost Here!

    Goodwood Festival of SpeedGoodwood Festival of Speed. One of the biggest festivals in the motorsport world. And now, hours before the official opening, the Moving Motor Show prepares with full force for the event. In fact, the Show is presented by the AA in association with the Telegraph. And as you know, there are thousands of fans, that in 2015 will not only see 21 new models, but will also participate in the record of the biggest crowd, since the first Goodwood Festival of Speed took place back in 1993.

    And there was also a surprise for the most impatient visitors. The Earl of March opened the event with the latest Mazda MX-5. As you know, we have told you a lot about it and there is a reason why. The MX-5 is one of the most anticipated cars for this year and took a ride up the famous 1.6-mile Hillclimb road.

    goodwood festival of speed

    And as we talk about Mazda, let us remind you, that the brand will demonstrate three new models at the Goodwood Festival of Speed: MX-5, CX-3, and Mazda2 for the UK. Furthermore, Mazda the Mazda team will also celebrate its challenge nature with the Central Feature, outside Goodwood House.

    List of car makers, who will present their latest models at Goodwood Festival of Speed

    Furthermore, Goodwood Festival of Speed will witness a total of eighteen car makers, along with AA and Michelin. And here they are:

    • Aston Martin
    • BMW
    • Citroen
    • Dacia
    • Ferrari
    • Ford
    • Honda
    • Infiniti
    • Lexus
    • Maserati
    • Mazda
    • Mercedes-Benz
    • MINI
    • Peugeot
    • Porsche
    • Renault
    • RenaultSport
    • Toyota

    And the visitors to the Goodwood Festival of Speed will also have a chance for an access to the Formula 1 Paddock, presented by Sky Sports F1, Cartier “Style et Luxe”. This will widen the range of products, offered at the festival.

    So, the 22nd year of the Festival promises to be one of the best. Stay with us for further information!

    Source: Goodwood

  • Bentley Continental GTC Speed To Make Public Drive Debut At 2009 Event

    Bentley Motors, founding sponsor of last year’s inaugural Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, will be joining this year’s celebrations (July 18-19) with some more unique cars from the company’s illustrious past. Bentley will also showcase the very best of contemporary British engineering, styling and craftsmanship by debuting the world’s fastest production convertible. (more…)

  • GUMPERT Apollo Speed

    GUMPERT Sportwagenmanufaktur GmbH will be presenting the apollo speed at the 79th Geneva Motor Show.
    Whereas optimum performance for racetracks, lateral acceleration and grip in all situations are the focus of apollo, apollo sport and apollo race, the apollo speed is aimed at an exclusive high speed clientel. Its domain is the mastery of highest speeds. Thanks to polished aerodynamics the drive side values of the speed are far above those of the competition. (more…)

  • Continental Flying Spur and Continental Flying Spur Speed

    Bentley Continental Flying Spur is set to deliver even greater levels of refinement, comfort and opportunities for customer personalisation. The class-leading 12-cylinder luxury saloon will also be joined by the 600 bhp (610PS) Continental Flying Spur Speed. The most powerful 4-door car ever produced by the British manufacturer, the Flying Spur Speed offers the pure driving experience and uncompromising performance synonymous with all Bentleys bearing the Speed legend. (more…)