MORGAN MOTOR COMPANY AWARDED £6M WORTH OF FUNDING TO DEVELOP NEW HYBRID POWERTRAIN TECHNOLOGIES

Morgan Developing Hybrid Powertrains

January 23, 2016 Staff Comments Off

Morgan Motor Company is pleased to announce that it will lead a £6m project to develop new powertrain technologies, in collaboration with UK companies Delta Motorsport and Potenza Technology. With funding from the UK’s Advanced Propulsion Centre, the consortium will develop hybrid and electric powertrain systems which will significantly reduce vehicle CO2 emissions and deliver best-in-class fuel economy. The technologies developed through this project will be introduced progressively on Morgan’s range of hand-built sports cars from 2019, with hybrid propulsion available on all of its models by the end of the decade. The advantages in terms of performance, fuel economy and refinement are expected to increase demand across its most important markets in UK and across Europe. This will result in a growth of the workforce at the Malvern factory and within the partnering companies. Morgan Managing Director, Steve Morris […]

Bob Tullius - Vintage Racing’s Premier Organization Salutes Trans-Am’s 50th Anniversary

Bob Tullius SVRA Grand Marshall at Sebring 2016

January 22, 2016 Staff Comments Off

The Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) today announced that hall of fame sports car legend Bob Tullius will serve as grand marshal for its March 3-5 race weekend at the historic airport circuit. SVRA will share the venue with the TransAm Series as it marks its 50th anniversary in 2016. Sebring hosted the very first Trans-Am race in March 1966 and Tullius brought his Dodge Dart sedan home a winner. “Bob Tullius’ contributions to auto racing extend well beyond his hundreds of victories as a driver and team owner on tracks around the world,” said SVRA President and CEO Tony Parella. “Bob set the standard for presenting motorsport as a business platform for sponsors. His cars were always immaculately prepared and he helped usher in the modern era of branding through association with race teams.”

Jaguar Land Rover Manufacturing Lead in Britain

Jaguar Land Rover Lead Britain in Manufacturing

January 22, 2016 Staff Comments Off

Jaguar Land Rover has become the largest automotive manufacturer in Britain. The news follows today’s announcement from the SMMT that UK car manufacturing has had its best year in a decade producing 1,587,677 vehicles in 2015. Jaguar Land Rover produced more than 500,000 cars and commercial vehicles at its three vehicle manufacturing plants in Solihull, Birmingham and Liverpool. Under Tata Ownership, the company has seen a dramatic transformation in its business since 2009 when total annual production stood at 158,000 units. Since that time, Jaguar Land Rover has become the fastest growing UK automotive manufacturer with annual output rising by almost 70% thanks to more than £11bn of R&D investment to create an expanded and enhanced range from the two iconic British marques. In 2015 alone, Jaguar and Land Rover brought 11 new and refreshed cars to market, including the […]

Parts Pirates

January 21, 2016 Robert Morey 3

“Yo ho ho and a bottle of ‘automotive snake oil’ ”??? It seems in today’s “buy it now” world of eBay and Paypal, we can now have useless junk sent directly to our front door without so much as picking it up and saying, “$50 for that?!”

Aston Martin DB10, July 2015. Photo: Drew Gibson

DB10 Aston Martin to be Auctioned for Charity

January 21, 2016 Staff Comments Off

The Aston Martin DB10 – the first car created exclusively for James Bond by British luxury brand Aston Martin – is to go under the auctioneer’s gavel at the London auction house of Christie’s on 18th February with proceeds donated to Médecins Sans Frontières. ‘Spectre – The Auction’ celebrates the release of the 24th Bond film on Digital HD, Blu-ray™ and DVD with 24 special auction lots going under the hammer for charity, led by the Aston Martin DB10. Celebrating the great British brand’s half century with Bond, which started with the iconic DB5, the DB10 gives a glimpse of the future design direction for the next generation of Aston Martins. Production of the DB10 was strictly limited to ten examples of the bespoke sports car which was developed and hand-built by the designers, engineers and artisan craftspeople at Aston […]

Carbon Fibre Confirmed By TVR For New Sportscar

January 21, 2016 Staff Comments Off

The iconic British sports car maker, TVR, has announced that carbon fibre construction options will be available when the car goes on sale in the coming months. TVR will offer a lightweight carbon fibre composite structure to feature on its latest full-production model, thanks to the revolutionary techniques of design legend Gordon Murray, and has confirmed that its initial limited edition production run of cars will feature carbon construction as standard. Famous for his design leads in F1 and on road cars, Gordon Murray has developed an innovative ground effect aero chassis and body package using his innovative iStream® manufacturing methods. iStream® Carbon allows TVR to produce a revolutionary stand-alone tub and shell made from carbon fibre composite at a fraction of the cost that other methods allow.

New MINI Clubman ALL4 Launched

January 20, 2016 Staff Comments Off

MINI is today launching the all new MINI Clubman ALL4 – the brand’s first all-wheel drive model in the C-segment. This launch marks the MINI brand’s further advance into the premium compact segment and represents the first ALL4 model to be built at MINI Plant Oxford. MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system, which has previously only been offered on MINI Countryman models, has been specially redeveloped to ensure sportier handling and improved versatility to further enhance the everyday practicality of the new MINI Clubman. MINI Clubman was launched in October 2015 and is notable as MINI’s first vehicle in the competitive C-segment. Now, the brand is offering something new to the market in the form of Clubman ALL4. Available with two of the latest MINI engines, the MINI Cooper S Clubman ALL4 and the MINI Cooper SD Clubman ALL4.

McLaren Automotive announces four new retail locations 2

McLaren Announces Four New Retail Locations in US

January 20, 2016 Staff Comments Off

McLaren Automotive continues to strengthen its retail footprint with the opening of four new retail locations in the US. The appointment of McLaren retailers in Bergen County NJ, Boston MA, Houston TX and Palm Beach FL is an important step in the development of the brand and follows the introduction of the new Sports Series model range, which just arrived in showrooms a few weeks ago. The four new retail locations now offer sales and aftersales facilities for all McLaren models, and they will soon complete their new state-of-the-art retail facilities featuring the latest McLaren visual identity. These locations will provide the ultimate in retail experience coupled with market-leading customer service and personal approach.

VotW – Group 44 with Bob Tullius

January 20, 2016 Michael Carnell Comments Off

We are very happy for our Video of the Week to feature a snapshot of a fantastic video for fans of Triumphs and racing alike. John Clancy at Triumph DVD has put out a new DVD that brings you the full story of the Group 44 Inc. race team featuring Bob Tullius, his crew and other important people who were there at the time. From their humble TR3 origins to taking Jaguar back to Le Mans in 1984 with the XJR-5 GTP cars, this is the complete, amazing history. This is the complete history of the Group 44 Inc. race team which was so dominant in Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) racing in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. From the origins of the team when Bob Tullius first joined up with fellow racer […]

Triumph TR2, 3, 3A, 4 & 4A - Enthusiast's Restoration Manual by Roger Williams

Review – Triumph TR2, 3, 3A, 4 & 4A – Enthusiast’s Restoration Manual

January 19, 2016 Michael Carnell 1

Triumph TR2, 3, 3A, 4 & 4A – Enthusiast’s Restoration Manual by Roger Williams has been released in ebook format by Veloce Publishing. Previously available as two separate volumes, this book, which covers all Triumph TR2, 3, 3A, 4 & 4A models, explains the characteristics of the different models, what to look out for when purchasing and how to restore a TR cost effectively. As well as his own substantial experience and that of other amateur restorers, the author had the help of various TR specialists and professional restorers. These books, in their separate forms, have been around for years and are the go-to reference works on the subject of the TRs. To be clear, this is not a shop manual or handbook. To carry out any significant maintenance or repair on your TR you will need to obtain one […]

40th Annual All-British Field Meet – Portland

January 18, 2016 Staff Comments Off

Saluting Land Rover – Labor Day Weekend 2016 Bring Your British cars and motorcycles. Join over 800 other British vehicle owners and share your interests with other enthusiasts. Replica cars made in England with British components (e.g. Panther) and specialty cars with British chassis and running gear (e.g. Arkley) are welcome, as are British bodied cars with American engines, including conversions. The weekend kicks off with the Friday Welcome Party, followed by the Saturday car show, which includes a BBQ, a slalom competition, People’s Choice balloting, a Funkhana, a huge photo concours, a Best in Show designation and a Land Rover Adventure Ride sponsored by the Pacific Coast Rover Club. Sunday’s activities include a Rallye, a swap meet and an off-road excursion for registered Land Rovers. People’s Choice ballots are cast for more than 80 classes of British cars, which […]

Silverstone Classic's power show at the NEC 1

Silverstone Classic Icons Wow at Autosport International

January 18, 2016 Staff Comments Off

The world’s biggest classic motor racing festival served up a stunning show of power at the annual Autosport International, staged at Birmingham’s NEC from 14-17 January. The Silverstone Classic teamed up with Classic & Sports Car magazine to create a very special showcase putting the spotlight on several of the mouth-watering race grids that will star on the action-packed racecard at this summer’s spectacular three-day extravaganza (29-31 July). Presented under the evocative ‘When We Were Kings’ banner, the prominent presentation at the NEC was one of the show’s major attractions, proving hugely popular with the sell-out numbers of visitors.

Petersen Museum Steve McQueen 1956 Jaguar XKSS

Petersen Automotive Museum

January 18, 2016 Bob Seidler Comments Off

Editor’s Note: Our “expert of the auctions”, Bob Seidler, recently visited the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles and sent in this report. This was only after texting me far more photos than I can run and making me extremely jealous in the process. For all of us car buffs out there, be sure to add the Petersen Automotive Museum to your must-see list. Over the years, I had heard it was a pretty cool place, and I can now confirm…it is the best automotive viewing experience I‘ve ever had. While many of us have visited museums where the cars are lined up and little ID plates tell the basic facts, The Petersen takes visitor engagement to a new level. Lots of detail and the cars are displayed in a manner that you can walk around them. Most are on […]

36th Annual Mini Meet West 2016

January 17, 2016 Michael Carnell Comments Off

For the Mini/MINI owners the 36th Annual Mini Meet West will take place in San Diego June 6–9 2016. Mini Meet West is an annual gathering of fans of the classic Mini manufactured from 1959 to 2000 (including variants such as Mini-based Wolseley / Rileys, Innocenti / AUTHI, etc.) and the modern BMW MINI that is currently in production. A group of West Coast clubs held the first U.S. Mini Meet in Reno, Nevada back in 1973. There were 43 paid registrations at the first meet. Eventually, the Meet became known as the 1st Mini Meet West after the start-up of the Mini Meet East events in 1975. Registration at http://minimeetwest2016.com

Hudson British Car Show – Quebec

January 17, 2016 Staff Comments Off

For more details see the event website. The Hudson Antique Car Club was started, very informally, in 1980 by a group of local Hudson residents who were interested in driving, maintaining, showing and, most of all, preserving vintage automobiles of all types. Our members cars include everything from London Taxi’s from the 50’s to 300SL & 190SL Mercedes to Morris 8’s, Triumphs, Daimlers, Studebakers, Corvairs, MGA’s, MGB’s, Triumphs and Austin Healey’s. Over the years, this loosely formed group has continued to evolve into the club we enjoy today.

Driver Academy Confirmed by McLaren GT

January 17, 2016 Staff Comments Off

McLaren GT announced at the Autosport International show the formation of the McLaren GT Driver Academy. Alex Fontana (23) from Switzerland and Jersey-born Struan Moore (20) join Northern Irish 2015 McLaren GT Young Driver Andrew Watson (20). All three drivers already hold a wide variety of single seat and GT experience, and the Driver Academy will see them work closely with the team at McLaren GT, including Factory Drivers Rob Bell, Alvaro Parente and Bruno Senna, as they look to establish a successful career in competitive global GT racing. Following the successful debut season of the Young Driver Programme which saw Andrew Watson and Ross Wylie gain valuable experience both on track with customer teams and at the Woking factory throughout last season, the programme has evolved in to a wider reaching Academy designed to offer greater benefits to a […]

MG Kimber Festival

January 16, 2016 Staff Comments Off

You are invited to attend the Kimber Festival 2016! It brings together enthusiasts who are keenly interested in M.G. history. Organized as an “academic conference” by the New England MG ‘T’ Register, the program consists of presentations concerning all M.G.s – with a variety of MG related topics. You do not need to be member of the “T” Register to attend. All enthusiasts are welcome! Friday enjoy the museum in the afternoon, with dinner on your own. Then there will be a “meet and greet” informal social at the host Ramada hotel for the evening for everyone – including a “literature flea market” from 7PM to 9PM. Buy, sell, swap your stuff (no vendors please). Local enthusiasts are also encouraged to attend this Friday even social at no charge – even if they are not coming to Saturday’s seminar, and […]

New Orleans 26th Annual British Car Day

January 16, 2016 Staff Comments Off

All British cars and bikes are welcome. Join the British Motoring Club –New Orleans at Delgado – City Park Campus in New Orleans, Louisiana. Registration is 9 am to noon, with popular choice judging from noon till Registration is 9 am to noon, with popular choice judging from noon till 2pm, awards at 3pm. Host hotel is Ramada of Metairie (504-833-8201). There will be a Welcome Reception Friday evening, March 18th at the host hotel.

Jaguar XE - The Safest Large Family Car Tested by Euro NCAP in 2015 Awards

Euro NCAP Names Jaguar XE Safest Large Family Car

January 16, 2016 Staff Comments Off

The Jaguar XE sports saloon triumphed in Euro NCAP’s prestigious Best in Class Cars of 2015 awards, coming first in the large family car category. The XE has already received the maximum five star rating from Euro NCAP against 2015’s highly demanding test protocols. In awarding the XE with best in class honours, Euro NCAP praised the high levels of active and passive safety systems fitted to the XE as standard. “We set out to develop the driver’s car in the segment, but also we wanted to provide outstanding levels of occupant and pedestrian safety. By combining our Advanced Aluminium Architecture with the most advanced technology available we were able to meet all of our targets. The XE has already proven itself the benchmark for vehicle dynamics, and now this Euro NCAP award is recognition that we delivered on safety […]

MINI USA ANNOUNCES US MARKET PRICING FOR NEW MINI CONVERTIBLE AND ADDITION OF JOHN COOPER WORKS VARIANT 5

MINI USA Announcing Pricing of New Models

January 15, 2016 Staff Comments Off

MINI USA announced pricing Thursday on its all-new 2016 MINI Convertible with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $25,950 for the Cooper model. In addition, the company also introduced the fastest, most powerful convertible it has ever built, the new MINI John Cooper Works Convertible. As one of the newest additions to the MINI product line, the new MINI Convertible represents the first open top MINI powered by BMW Group engines. The premium four-seater soft-top convertible is both practical and customizable, delivering unlimited open-air motoring fun. The latest generation convertible, which was designed, engineered, developed, and assembled in Europe, starts only $250 higher than previous generation car, making it the only true convertible built in Europe priced below $26,000. The Cooper S variant will start at $29,600. All prices exclude the $850 Destination & Handling fee.