Jaguar ‘British Villains’ Campaign Honored

March 21, 2015 Staff Comments Off

(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 […]

Anniversary Edition Lotus Elise

March 20, 2015 Staff Comments Off

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 Using Benedict Cumberbatch in Thailand

March 19, 2015 Staff Comments Off

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/

VotW – MG Motoring Memories

March 18, 2015 Staff Comments Off

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?

Britishness of British Cars Increasing

March 17, 2015 Staff Comments Off

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 […]

Morgan Thrill-On-The-Hill

March 16, 2015 Staff Comments Off

On Saturday 11th July 2015 the stunning Shelsley Walsh Hill Climb in Shelsley Walsh, Worcestershire, England, will become the setting for one of the UK’s largest gatherings of Morgan vehicles. Sports cars from past and present will delight the crowds as hundreds of them will tackle the challenging climb. With music, entertainment and much more to see and do, this is a ‘not to be missed event’ for any Morgan enthusiast and their family. Morgan is pleased to announce that tickets for Thrill On The Hill 2015 are now on sale via their website. Having held two very successful events over the past two years, they are pleased to offer even more this year and expect tickets to sell very quickly. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets

New Aston Martin Dealership in Reading

March 14, 2015 Staff Comments Off

13 March 2015, Gaydon: Aston Martin has opened its latest new dealership in the UK in Pangbourne, Reading, as dealer partner H.R. Owen further extends its longstanding association with the luxury British sports car maker. The new dealership, officially opened last night by General Manager Claus Andersen, complements H. R. Owen’s existing Cheltenham business. The state-of-the-art facility features luxurious showrooms for new and pre-owned Aston Martin sports cars, a dedicated aftersales team and a workshop staffed by world-class Gaydon-trained technicians. Located in a prime position close to both the M40 and M4 motorways, the showroom opening was attended by invited guests and key members of the Aston Martin senior executive team including Marek Reichman, Chief Creative Officer; Ian Minards, Director of Product Development; Christian Marti, Director of Sales Operations and Marcus Blake, General Manager, UK & South Africa. Christian Marti […]

All British & European Car Day, Texas

March 13, 2015 Staff Comments Off

What: Join the area clubs for their 31 st annual exhibition of British and European vintage motoring. Bring any ‘show’ or ‘driver’ vehicle or motorbike to compete for awards. Each class has 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. Plus a Best of Show-Classic, Best of Show-Modern, and Diamond-in-the-Rough! When: Sunday, May 3, 2015; Gates open 10am Where: Dreyfus Club Point, White Rock Lake Park (Lake Highlands & Buckner Blvd), Dallas, TX Why: This event benefits Shoes for Orphan Souls. Make a difference in a child’s life and bring a pair of new, closed toe shoes (athletic, canvas, or black school shoes in sizes youth 4-adult 11). Sponsors: Jaguar Owners Association of the Southwest & Kip Motor Company Online Registration: Registration: $20 pre-registration for each show vehicle, $25 at the gate. $10/$15 for motorbikes. Information and Online Registration: www.allbritishcarday.com Free to spectators, food vendors […]

Ian Callum’s Mark 2 Vision

March 12, 2015 Staff Comments Off

A unique Jaguar Mark 2 redesigned by Ian Callum, Director of Design at Jaguar Cars, and re-engineered by leading restorers Classic Motor Cars Limited (CMC) was unveiled last year at the opening of the company’s new headquarters in Bridgnorth, Shropshire. The second of these amazing cars is currently in production. The building was officially opened by motorcycle and Formula One Grand Prix world champion John Surtees OBE and the car was unveiled by Jaguar’s legendary test driver Norman Dewis. CMC’s new building complex is one of the biggest of its kind in the UK. Fitted out to the highest standards and with new paint and trim shops, it provides some 40,000 square feet of production space, allowing CMC to cover every aspect of a car’s restoration in-house, except for chrome plating. Another 24,000 square feet is provided for bespoke classic […]

MG Looking To Add Dealerships in UK

March 11, 2015 Staff Comments Off

The Longbridge-based car-maker has identified 30 ‘hot spots’ which it is keen to fill as it expands its dealer network. MG is aiming to recruit 30 new dealers across the UK as it seeks to build on a year of sales success in 2014. The move comes on the back of a successful year for MG in 2014, which saw it lay claim to being the fastest-growing automotive brand in Britain. Its sales increased by 361 per cent from just 513 cars in 2013 to 2,326 in 2014 – a year which saw UK car sales return to pre-recession levels. Overall the UK market grew by 9.3 per cent over the previous year, with MG seeing its sales increase by 38 times that figure. A total of 2,476,435 new cars were registered in the UK in 2014 – the most […]

VotW – Top Gear in the Beginning

March 11, 2015 Staff 1

Most automobile enthusiasts love the BBC program Top Gear. Actually, a lot of people who don’t care a wit about cars enjoy the program as well. At least the version of the show from the UK as created by the BBC. We won’t talk about the US version. In fact, let’s forget I brought it up at all. The British version, the real version, of Top Gear is a phenomenon. By many accounts it is the most watched factual, meaning not drama or fiction, program in the world. Though originally a regional program hosted by Angela Rippon, one of the main reasons for the current popularity is host Jeremy Clarkson. Clarkson hosts along with co-hosts James May and Richard Hammond. Not only is Clarkson humor, entertaining, and a good driver, he is loud, rude, and prone to get into trouble […]

Amazing Collection Sold For £20 Million

March 10, 2015 Staff Comments Off

John Collins bought the incredible collection of 27 cars which includes models from the likes of Aston Martin, Ferrari, Porsche and Lamborghini. And among the “Aladdin’s Cave” of cars are an – which is the British car maker’s ultimate hypercar – and a Ferrari 288 GTO, currently one of the fastest appreciating classics. The vast majority of the cars have hardly been driven – with a 1982 Lamborghini LP500S having a mileage of just 500 miles. Mr Collins was contacted about the collection, which has been hidden away in storage just outside London, and was asked if he was interested. The businessman was away at the time but jumped at the opportunity to seal a deal. It is thought the cars are worth around £20 million, making it one of the biggest sales of a private collection in British history. […]

Geneva Motor Show

March 6, 2015 Staff Comments Off

Just a few more photos to round out a week filled up with the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. The 85th annual show opened to the press in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday, March 3, and then opened to the public on March 5. The show continues through the next week, but it can be assumed that most of the big announcements have now been made. New Rolls Royce Serenity (AP Photo/Keystone,Sandro Campardo) Lotus Evora 400(AP Photo/Keystone,Sandro Campardo) Wolfgang Duerheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley, presents the New Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 Concept. (AP Photo/Keystone,Sandro Campardo) Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 Concept(AP Photo/Keystone,Sandro Campardo) Aston Martin Vantage GT3(AP Photo/Keystone,Sandro Campardo) McLaren 675 LT(AP Photo/Keystone,Sandro Campardo) McLaren 650 S(AP Photo/Keystone,Sandro Campardo)

Aston Martin Luxury 4×4

March 5, 2015 Staff Comments Off

James Bond is set to go electric as luxury British sports car maker Aston Martin took the wraps off a new hybrid beefed-up coupe. Codenamed DBX, the two-door 4×4 grand tourer aimed at wealthy families was a surprise unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show, where the world’s car bosses are meeting. Although the car unveiled is an all-electric 4×4 with four separate motors at each wheel, Aston Martin’s final production version is set to be a four-door hybrid petrol-electric hatchback crossover. This is aimed more at Mr and Mrs Bond and their children than the suave superspy alone. It is set to hit showrooms within three years priced at around £160,000 with the aim of widening the brand’s appeal to a much wider audience. It comes as a specially created DB10 car appears in the new 007 movie SPECTRE now […]

Debut of 2015 Morgan Aero 8

March 3, 2015 Staff Comments Off

The 2015 Morgan Aero 8 makes its global debut at the 85th International Geneva Motor show, 15 years since the launch of the original Aero Eight. Significant visual and mechanical changes make the 5th generation of this iconic model the most refined Morgan Aero product to date. Exterior Styling of the new Aero 8 was influenced by classic open cars from the 1960s, reflecting a trend of long, fast and low shoulder lines and cabin focused bodywork. From above, the view echoes that of a boat deck, enhancing the sense of adventure and escapism. A dramatic rear opening clamshell boot is used to both tension and hide the new double-lined mohair hood. Occupants are seated low in the vehicle, which in turn enables a sleek roofline and balanced vehicle proportions. The Aero 8 is available with an optional hardtop that […]

Bentley Unveils EXP 10 Speed 6

March 3, 2015 Staff Comments Off

(Geneva, Switzerland. 3 March 2015) Bentley unveils the future direction of luxury and performance with the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept at the Salon International De L’auto 2015. The concept is a British interpretation of a high performance two seater sportscar. From the racing success of the company’s early years to the international motorsport success of today, ‘speed’ is part of Bentley’s DNA. This inspiration is expressed throughout the EXP 10 Speed 6, where iconic Bentley design cues are fused with progressive craftsmanship techniques and modern technologies. “Making its global debut at the Geneva Show, the EXP 10 Speed 6 is the ultimate expression of our vision for Bentley’s future – a powerful, exquisite and individual concept. This one car showcases modern automotive design, highly skilled British handcrafting, the finest materials and advanced performance technology. This is not just a […]

Veteran Receives Restored MG at Show

March 2, 2015 Staff Comments Off

According to the New Orleans Picayune, while tailgating at a New Orleans Saints game, Kim and Matt Cole were introduced to veteran Robert Phillips. It was an auspicious meeting, as Kim Cole was looking for someone to fix a 1972 MG, originally a gift from her mother to her father, that she inherited. Matt was supposed to be the caretaker of the car, but due to injuries sustained in 2005 during a tour of duty as a Marine in Afghanistan, he is in a wheelchair, and could not keep up with it. Kim and Phillips said he would do it at no cost, as a thank-you for Matt’s service to our country. Soon, other members of the club found out and 20 volunteered to work on it, beginning on Jan. 3, 2015, at no cost to the Coles. What started […]

Carmen Jordá Closer to Lotus F1 Team Goal

February 27, 2015 Staff Comments Off

Carmen Jordá is one step closer to her goal of racing in Formula 1 today, as it was announced she would be joining the Lotus F1 Team family for the year as a Development Driver. With her sights firmly set on driving the E23 Hybrid before the year is out, Carmen will work closely with the team on an intensive simulator programme in Enstone, while being put through her paces thanks to a comprehensive fitness regime to prepare for the opportunity. Combined with attending Grands Prix and tests for Lotus F1 Team, Carmen’s role will focus on assessing the latest developments of the team’s 2015 challenger. With racing experience in both Europe and America, Carmen’s distinctive perspective will serve to further enhance the E23’s evolvement curve. Daughter of ex-driver Jose Miguel Jorda, Carmen Jordá has been racing professionally since 2001 […]

Aston Martin Vulcan – A New Supercar

February 26, 2015 Staff Comments Off

Introducing the Aston Martin Vulcan – a track-only supercar and the British luxury brand’s most intense and exhilarating creation to date. Born out of extensive motorsport experience – and using the brand’s acknowledged flair for design and engineering ingenuity – the 800-plus bhp, all-carbon fibre Aston Martin Vulcan promises truly extreme performance. Uniquely for Aston Martin the new supercar – limited to just 24 examples worldwide – will allow owners the opportunity to precisely tailor their track day experience through a graduating scale of detailed power and dynamic performance adjustments. CEO, Dr Andy Palmer, said: “Aston Martin Vulcan is, by its very nature, a rare and thrilling supercar. Designed and engineered to deliver a genuinely bespoke driving experience that draws on our rich heritage, this car tailors its power and handling to both the capabilities of the driver and the […]

VotW – Jaguar F-Type R Coupe

February 25, 2015 Michael Carnell Comments Off

We take a look at Jaguar this time for our Video of the Week. In fact, we take a look at one of the newest big cats with the review of the 2015 Jaguar F-Type R Coupe produced by The New York Times. According to The Times, “The Jaguar F-Type Coupe is as much Rodin as road machine, with performance to match the undulating aluminum panels draped over a bonded and riveted aluminum platform.” Car and Driver said of the F-Type, “As Jaguar’s most powerful and athletic offering, the F-type R coupe—and convertible—combine brute force with gorgeous sheet-metal. Powered by a 550-hp supercharged 5.0-liter V-8 mated to an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive, the F-type R can hustle with the best of them. It also heralds its sporting intentions with a cacophony of cracks and pops from its exhaust. The […]