Articles by Staff

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 […]

(MAHWAH, N.J.) – Jaguar North America announced that the ‘British Villains‘ marketing campaign, starring the 2015 F-TYPE Coupe, a two-seat sports car focused on performance, agility and driver involvement, has been honored with Regional AME Platinum and Gold AME Awards for the ‘World’s Best Advertising & Marketing Effectiveness’ in the automotive category. The 2015 international AME Grand Jury, comprised of interactive and multidisciplinary marketers, planners, and creatives, awarded a total of 25 Gold AME Awards, 25 Silver, 26 Bronze, and 20 Finalist Certificates to entries submitted from 18 countries on five continents. Award-winning campaigns successfully demonstrated groundbreaking solutions to challenging marketing problems. The “British Villains” campaign was launched in January 2014 and captured the premise that Brits have long made the best villains in landmark films, combining intelligence with charm, restlessness with calm, and are always confident. The brand and […]

20 March 2015, Gaydon: This weekend (Saturday & Sunday, March 21 & 22) Aston Martin will display some of James Bond’s most famous cars in London’s Covent Garden.  Bond in Motion is the largest collection of original Bond vehicles in the world, currently celebrating its first anniversary at the London Film Museum. Among the line-up on show for one weekend only will be an original Aston Martin Vanquish from Die Another Day, as well as the iconic Aston Martin DBS sports cars used in Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace. There will also be a selection of current Aston Martin models on display, as well as a line-up of classic Aston Martins courtesy of members of the Aston Martin Owners Club. Due to popular demand, Bond in Motion will now remain open at the London Film Museum until further notice. […]

The Lotus Elise 20th Anniversary Special Edition celebrates the unveiling of the iconic sports car at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1995. 20 years ago, the Lotus Elise revolutionised the sports car world, setting the benchmark for handling, purity of the driving experience, lightweight and efficiency. Its pioneering and advanced bonded aluminium chassis was a market-leading technological innovation at the time and over the years has improved and evolved and remains core to the Elise’s exceptional performance today. Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus plc, welcomes the Elise 20th Anniversary model, “It is sometimes hard to believe that the Elise has been around for 20 years. It was ground breaking when it was launched and continues to be the benchmark for handling and performance in its class. Over the years we have improved and refined the Elise but we […]

MG is using Benedict Cumberbatch in a series of very ‘Sherlockian’ ads for their launch of the MG3 in Thailand. All those sightings of Benedict in London filming a few days ago can now be officially confirmed that he was indeed filming an advert for the 2015 MG GS crossover car. You can view some of the videos here with even the music echoing to the famous detective. More of these videos and Benedict in Thailand – http://events.youku.com/2015/mggs/

The all-new 2016 Jaguar XF model will make an extraordinary journey across London on March 24, one week ahead of its public motor show debut in New York. Jaguar has teamed up with expert British stuntman Jim Dowdall, veteran of dramatic action stunts in movies including Bond, Bourne and Indiana Jones, to perform a world’s first high-wire water crossing in the all-new Jaguar XF. The dramatic drive, across two 1.3in (34mm)-diameter wires suspended high above water will highlight the lightweight and agile credentials of the new Jaguar XF and will be streamed globally on jaguarusa.com/NewXF at 3:00PM EST (19:00 GMT) on 24 March 2015. XF was first launched in the UK in 2007 and in North America in 2008 , and is Jaguar’s biggest selling and most awarded car. The next generation XF is completely new from the ground up and will […]

MG Motoring Memories is our video of the week this go round. Composed of current and old footage from MG’s heyday, this video from the Magnificent Motorcars series by Green HD Production really does bring back the memories. Part of the real interest in this video is that it documents not only MG’s history, but the brands history in the United States and how that affected cars in both America and Europe. The influence of MG on the Chevrolet Corvette is a primary focus. I also have to say, on a personal note, that the video mentions Clemson University, the college that my son is currently attending. How can a connection like that be resisted?

13 March 2015, Jakarta: Aston Martin is continuing its confident global expansion with the opening of the luxury British sports car brand’s first dealership in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta. Created in partnership with PT Pesona Intan Abadi, the impressive new two storey showroom is conveniently situated in the prime location of Jalan H.O.S Cokroaminoto 70, Menteng, Central Jakarta. Set to open to customers in April 2015, the new showroom capitalises, too, on a healthy rise in interest in the High Luxury Sports (HLS) sector in Asia. Welcoming the announcement of the new dealership in Jakarta, Aston Martin Global Sales Director Christian Marti said: “I’m very happy that we are able to develop this stunning new facility in Indonesia. “Offering the highest levels of sales and aftersales service to our owners around the world is fundamental for our business, and I’m […]

Thursday, May 7th- Sunday, May 10th– Texas MG Register 40th Annual Gathering of the Faithful, Salado, Texas. Great MGs, a car show and awards banquet, activities including a couple of driving events will be topped off with a tech session with the MG guru, John Twist, University Motors. For specific details, times and the host hotel go to www.TMGR.org. THURSDAY • 2:00 – 3:45 Registration at Room 115 Patio, near Pool • 4:00 – 6:00 Wine Tasting at Salado Winery, located at 841 N. Main Street. Hosted by Sheryl & Mike Mann & Randy Zimmerman. • 7:00 – 9:00 Dinner & Trivia/Quiz Night at Johnny’s Steak and Barbeque, 301 Thomas Arnold Road (walking distance from the Stagecoach) Organized by Cindy & Stu Bauman, dinner on your own dime. FRIDAY • 9:00 – 11:30 Registration at Room 115 Patio, near Pool […]

Is it possible to be more British than British? Well, according to the forthcoming report of the Automotive Council, yes. British cars, meaning those made within the confines of the British geographical region, are being made with more British-sourced parts as the upswing in UK car production continues. The report shows that homeland component makers sold 19% more products to UK vehicle producers last year than in 2013. Yes, that means the cars are 19% more British. Currently, approximately one-third of the components in a UK-built car are domestically sourced. This is far down from the heyday of the mid-1970s when that number was more than 90%. However, vehicle manufacturing in the UK is undergoing rapid growth – British car production has increased by more than 50% since 2009, and this is creating new opportunities for domestic suppliers. The Automotive […]