Month: March 2015

The 2015 Aston Martin Racing Evolution Academy squad has been unveiled at the manufacturer’s state-of-the-art headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire UK and includes stars of the future who will race in four of the world’s top national and international GT championships. The ten ‘up-and-coming’ drivers, selected by a panel of judges at Aston Martin Racing, have been named as: Matt Bell (GB); Jamie Chadwick (GB); Jade Edwards (GB); Jody Fannin (GB); Jake Giddings (GB); Ross Gunn (GB); Daniel Lloyd (GB); Devon Modell (GB); Dennis Strandberg (SE); and Jonathan Venter (AU). “We are extremely pleased with the line-up of the inaugural Evolution Academy,” commented Aston Martin Racing’s Team Principal John Gaw. “There’s no doubting we have ten very talented participants but the question is, who will prove to us that they have what it takes to be an Aston Martin Racing works […]

The British Car Club Midlands Centre out of Columbia, South Carolina, held their 9th annual Carolina British Classic show this past Saturday, April, and it was a pleasure to attend. The event was held at historic Columbia Speedway in coordination with Tartan Day South, an annual Scottish festival. Proceeds from the show went to Pawmetto Lifeline. The weather was cool and beautiful – a truly fantastic Spring day. As in years past, the background of the Scottish festival lent a music, food and an amazing array of traditional, and not so traditional, dress to the show. Having a car show in conjunction with an event such as this really makes the whole day more enjoyable for all those attending. The juxtaposition of activities also provides a lot of exposure to the cars that would not have been available in many other […]

Aston Martin has announced it will widen its product offering for markets outside of Europe. Based on a conditional offer of an exceptional regional growth fund from the UK Government, Aston Martin will commence work this year on new models intended to broaden its customer reach in export markets such as China and the Middle East. The UK Government has committed support up to the value of £6.9 million, conditional on investments in new products from Aston Martin. Commenting on this news, Aston Martin CEO, Dr Andy Palmer said: “Expanding our product range to enable a greater reach into export markets is an essential part of our Second Century business plan. Having this support from the Government to help execute the plan is a meaningful vote of confidence in the future of the company.” Press release courtesy Aston Martin, 29 March 2015, […]

Young British sportscar driver Jann Mardenborough has been involved in a crash in a race in Germany which has resulted in the death of a spectator. Mardenborough was competing in the VLN1 event at the Nurburgring Nordschliefe when his Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 flipped up in the air as it crested a rise in the circuit. With the nose of the car pointing up in the air, it soared for around 30 metres before landing on its tail and bouncing over the catch-fencing into a crowd of people. A VLN statement read: ‘The opening round of the VLN Endurance Championship at the Nurburgring was marred by an accident on Saturday which injured several spectators. ‘One of the spectators died, despite the immediate actions of the rescue crew in the medical centre at the circuit. The other injured spectators have been taken […]

According to This Day Livee, Coscharis Motors, the authorised dealer of Morris Garages (MG) in Nigeria, has said it is well positioned to make MG the preferred car for the younger generation and to take the dream further by making MG one of the most popular brand in the country. A statement by Coscharis officials said, “MG is now 90 years since 1924, and no matter how the times change or how technologies move forward, MG 550, has remained the dream car of every younger generation. And yes, it takes you to the new age when the desktop of driving operation can be customised, when the perfect fusion of digital technology and fashion interface.” According to the General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Services, Mr. Babarinde Abiona, “Coscharis Motors, offers to customers unmistakably British standard vehicle (MG) with a unique combination of […]

British Car Week is an annual awareness week for all things pertaining to British cars. All British car owners are encouraged to get their British classics out of the garage more than ever during this week, and show them off to your local communities to raise awareness about classic British cars. This, the 19th annual event, will be held May 30 through June 8, 2015. This in turn, will help strengthen the entire classic British car hobby. This includes the clubs that help keep us together, the magazines that help keep us informed, and the suppliers whom we hope will help us keep our cars safely on the road for many years to come. Need some ideas? Drive your car to work or for errands. Organize a British car get-together somewhere in your community that will allow the local public […]

This just in from the folks at Lotus cars: All car companies, including unconventional specialists like Lotus, always make the most ingenious use of their resources, notably around the time of new car launches. One such new car, the exciting Lotus Evora 400 supercar was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show recently. With a maximum speed of 186 mph (300 km/h) and acceleration 0-60 mph of just 4.1 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds), the new Evora 400 is the fastest car in the Lotus range. With benchmark handling capabilities and a pure driving experience, it is lightweight and efficient and the envy of the supercar scene. So a thought-provoking launch campaign needed to be developed to direct new customers to this thrilling new offering. The solution lies in an ingenious on-line game, accessed through both the Lotus website and […]

The Vulcan, Aston Martin’s “most intense and exhilarating creation to date” will make its first appearance in North America at the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) next month. The Aston Martin Vulcan – a track only supercar producing some 800-plus bhp – joins the British luxury sports car maker’s presence at NYIAS fresh from a global reveal at the Geneva International Motor Show earlier in March. Fronting a new seven-car display led by CEO Dr Andy Palmer, the Aston Martin Vulcan will be joined by examples from the current Aston Martin product range in North America including the new Vanquish Carbon, Rapide S, DB9, V12 Vantage S and the V8 Vantage GT Roadster. CEO, Dr Andy Palmer commented: “We are enormously encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive reaction we have received from customers and sports car fans around the world […]

The Amelia Island Concours D’Elegance, held March 12-15, once again presented an amazing collection of rare, exotic and highly-collectible cars.  There were a smattering of British marques represented at the Concours, with best in class winners of two pre-war Rolls-Royce, an Aston Martin DB4 and gorgeous 1947 Bentley coupe.   The real British-action, however, was experienced in the high-end auctions of Gooding’s and Bonham’s.  So while affordability is in the eye of the beholder, there were several tempting offerings, like a driver-quality 1968 jaguar XKE coupe for $44,000, and a pristine 1952 MG TD for $29,000.  After those, however, the appreciation curve shot upward, with an unbelievably original 1965 XKE Series 1 4.2 coupe going for $200,000 and a similarly original 1961 E-Type Roadster hitting $380,000.  And in the I’ve-never-seen-one-of-those-before, a 1951 Lotus, claimed to be the very first road-worthy […]

The all-new Jaguar XF: lighter and more efficient, with unrivalled refinement, dynamics and design: The all-new XF’s aluminium-intensive architecture enables class-leading weight: 80kgs lighter than the competition* The lowest CO2 emissions of any non-hybrid model in the segment: 104g/km Class-leading efficiency: over 70mpg* Elegant, progressive design combines short overhangs and outstanding proportions with exceptional aerodynamic efficiency: Cd 0.26 Segment-leading rear seat space All-new 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system – InControl Touch Pro Bespoke 825W Meridian digital surround sound system with 17 speakers Reconfigurable 12.3-inch TFT instrument cluster Powertrains from 163PS Ingenium diesel to 380PS V6 supercharged petrol Double-wishbone and Integral Link suspension deliver exceptional ride comfort, handling and unrivalled refinement Torque on-demand all-wheel drive system (AWD) with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics delivers the optimum balance of performance and all-weather capability Full technical and range specifications released 01 April *Ingenium four-cylinder diesel 163PS […]

For the video this week we are going to turn back the clock a bit. Well, a lot. Heck, we are actually having to throw the entire calendar into the way-back machine. We might even have to throw in a bit of Doctor Who‘s timey-wimey travel. Our video this week is of the Standard Triumph factory at Canley in Coventry back in 1965. Think of the Triumph Herald and the Spitfire. For an interesting aerial overview of the Canley factory, take a look at the Canley Triumph Works page over at the Triumph Herald Archive.

This very special edition made its world debut at the 2015 Geneva International Motor Show – combining all the rugged practicality of the MINI Countryman with the sophistication and refinement of one of London’s most distinguished addresses. Available from July 2015, it comes in four engine variants with optional MINI ALL4 all-wheel drive. MINI Countryman Overview Bold with an athletic flair, the MINI Countryman was the first MINI with four doors, a large tailgate, five seats and optional all-wheel drive. It took on the role of an irresistible front-line force from the very start – both in the conquest of additional target groups and off-road driving. The MINI Countryman has enabled the brand to establish a secure standing in the premium compact segment. It brings unmistakable MINI design, premium quality, versatile interior and trademark MINI driving fun together with off-road capabilities […]

Sunbeam Alpines and Tigers unite! Preparations are underway for Rootes United XXXIV to be held in Dayton, Ohio July 30-August 2, 2015. This event is being hosted by Tigers East / Alpines East. “The purpose of Tigers East/Alpines East is to promote interest in the Sunbeam Marque, in general, and the Tiger/Alpine segment in particular; to aid in the restoration, preservation, and enjoyment of these vehicles; to promote cooperation among other similar Sunbeam organizations; and to increase communication and fellowship among those persons so inclined.” Thursday will be arrival day with registration, parts room, and hospitality room set up. Friday morning will feature a tour of the US Air Force Museum where they will have a special reserved parking area for Sunbeam cars. From there the Sunbeams will take a country drive and tour to the world famous Young’s Dairy […]

Caterham Cars has introduced three brand new additions to its existing range of iconic sportscars. The Seven 270, 360 and 420 are all available in the UK immediately. The introduction of these three new variants simplifies Caterham’s range to comprise five core models. In addition, all Caterham Sevens can now be specified with brand new ‘S’ or ‘R’ equipment packages. Like all Sevens, the new variants adhere to Caterham’s brand mantra of delivering ‘accessible fun’ through the traditional Caterham minimalistic, lightweight approach to sportscar engineering. The three new vehicles sit between the existing range bookends – the entry-level Seven 160 and the supercharged 620R, the most powerful production Seven ever built. Launched in 2013, the Seven 160 embodies the pioneering spirit of early Sevens with its compact 3-cylinder engine and live-axle rear suspension. Next up is the new 270 model, […]

MG is launching an improved new MG6 which will further boost the brand’s remarkable revival. The new car, which will go on sale next month, comes as MG sales in the UK continue to increase rapidly, boosted by the opening of a wave of new dealerships across the country. Last year MG was the fastest growing automotive brand in Britain. MG launched the original MG6 in 2011 but the 2015 new MG6 offers major improvements in every area of the car. The 1.9-litre DTi-TECH diesel engine has been developed to give lower CO2 levels and improved mpg figures. Exact figures will be revealed at the car’s launch. Comprehensive updates have been made to the body styling of the car while it retains the driving dynamic qualities that won plaudits from drivers who voted the MG6 the Best Handling car in […]

An ex-London to Sydney marathon car abandoned in a scrap yard has been rescued by enthusiasts at one of the UK’s biggest MG clubs. The car, which took part in the 1968 event, has been dragged out of the Southampton scrappy and given a new home by the MG Car Club. Driven by Jean Denton, UMD534F was not a Works entry, but did receive significant support from the BMC Competitions Department. The car was prepared for racing by her husband, Tony Denton, and Tom Boyce – Jean’s navigator for the rally. That meant double-welded seams, uprated headlamps and a double fuel tank in the boot. The passenger seat could also be converted into a bed. After finishing in 42nd place, the sports car was put out to pasture and finally dry stored in the 1980s. Now the club’s MGB Register […]

Applying the Lotus refined Club Racer principles to the already stunning Exige S results in the most inspiring version of an already class-leading sports car. The Exige S is a model that already excels, thanks to its lightweight aluminium chassis-tub and aerodynamically enhanced composite bodywork. Its 3.5-litre supercharged V6 engine delivers exciting performance, benchmark handling and a pure driving experience combined with a 4.0 seconds 0-62mph (0-100km/h) acceleration time and a top speed of 274 km/h (170 mph). Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus plc, expressed his enthusiasm for the new model:“Factoring the Club Racer ethos into the Exige enhances the track-focussed potential of this important model. It encompasses our legendary benchmark in handling, with lightweight and efficient construction and that we will always put a peerless and pure driving experience first.” The new Exige S Club Racer occupies an […]

Via Aston Martin, Gaydon: Aston Martin is announcing its largest and most ambitious works race programme to date, comprising a five-car campaign in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and 24 Hours of Le Mans, and two GT3 entries in the Nürburgring 24 Hours. In its eleventh year of competition Aston Martin Racing returns to the WEC with three Vantage GTEs in the GTE Pro class and two cars in the GTE Am class. Looking to add to its impressive tally of 19 race wins and three championship titles, the team aims to claim the coveted GT manufacturer’s title, as well as both GT titles at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Meanwhile, in its third year competing at the Nürburgring in the world-famous endurance race’s top SP9 class for GT3 cars Aston Martin Racing is doubling its entry, underlining […]