Some Hollywood glitz and glamour were sprinkled onto a corner of Wales recently, when Nissan handed over a very special one-off Batman-inspired Juke NISMO to its lucky new owner.
Carmarthen residents were amazed to see the famous Tumbler drive through their town with Nissan's Dark Knight Rise Juke NISMO following just behind it. Bringing some big screen drama to west Wales, the two cars then took pride of place in front of Carmarthen Castle where the keys to the unique Juke were given to competition winner, Adam Williams.
Self-confessed action film fan and local baker, Mr. Williams bagged the Dark Knight Rises™ Juke NISMO after taking Nissan's Thrill Test. He said: "I can't believe I've won this fantastic car. It was the biggest surprise of my life and I was so excited to take delivery of it. I'll certainly turn a few heads driving around Carmarthen. It's great to think I'm the only person in the world with my very own version of the Batmobile!"
Produced to celebrate Nissan's partnership with Warner Bros and the release of the third film in Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy on DVD and Blu-Ray, the Dark Knight Rises Juke NISMO features a host of Batman-inspired details making it the envy of every movie fan and car buff.
Based on the new Juke NISMO, The Dark Knight Rises Juke NISMO features the same 1.6-liter turbocharged engine driving the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox - giving it a 0-62 mph time of 7.8 seconds - as well as a NISMO body kit, uprated suspension and enhanced interior. But in addition, it has a whole host of Batman-inspired details that will make Adam Williams feel just like Bruce Wayne.
Matte black paint gives a menacing look reminiscent of the on-screen Tumbler, while a shark fin antenna replaces the standard car's conventional aerial. In addition to NISMO badging, there are aluminum Bat badges on the front grille and tailgate while the unique gloss black 18-inch alloy wheels include bespoke red detailing, matching the eye-catching pinstripe on the bumpers and sills of the standard Juke NISMO.
Open the door and you're greeted by Bat logos on the kickplates and reflective Bat badges on the headrests of the suede-trimmed NISMO sports seats. Thanks to down lighters mounted under the door mirrors the famous Bat signal can be projected onto the floor area around the doors. A clever uplighter projects the same signal onto the black headlining inside too.
The Dark Knight Rises Juke NISMO was the work of Nissan's very own Batcave - Nissan Design Europe, based in London's Paddington, the same studio responsible for the design of the original Juke.
Expanding on the style, efficiency and driving enjoyment that has made the Fiat 500 an icon for nearly 57 years, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L expands the Cinquecento’s appeal by offering 42 percent extra interior space with comfortable seating for five, engaging driving dynamics and a 160-horsepower 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine with two fuel-saving, six-speed transmissions. All this comfort and technology is wrapped in contemporary Italian design with a starting U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $19,100 (plus $800 destination).
“The all-new Fiat 500L expands the reach of the FIAT brand in North America, appealing to customers who like the contemporary Italian style of the Fiat 500 but need more space and functionality to match their lifestyle needs,” said Jason Stoicevich, Head of FIAT Brand North America, Chrysler Group LLC. “The Fiat 500L offers the whole package, with best-in-class interior space, class-leading horsepower, exclusive technology features and the style that only Italians can create.”
Value-loaded Models Leveraging the style, technology, efficiency and convenience features that made the modern Fiat 500 an international success, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L builds upon these attributes through four exciting models.
Fiat 500L Pop Designed for customers who want Italian style, versatility, efficiency and personalization options, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L Pop includes a 1.4-liter MultiAir Turbo engine with six-speed manual transmission, premium Koni frequency selective damping (FSD) front struts and rear shock absorbers, bi-halogen headlamps with daytime running lamps, 16-inch chrome-accented wheel covers, all-season tires, stainless-steel exhaust tip, black exterior mirrors with driver- and passenger-side spotter mirrors; heat, air conditioning, power lock and windows with one-touch up/down, cruise control, body-color instrument panel, six speakers, Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with trip computer, miles-to-empty, average fuel economy and tire-pressure monitoring (TPM) display; steering wheel controls, six-way cloth seats with driver and front-passenger height adjust, 60/40 split-fold rear seatbacks with segment-exclusive fore-aft adjustment, recline and tumble/slide feature; tilt and telescoping steering column, 12-volt console and auxiliary power outlets, multi-position cargo area trunk panel, cap-less fuel-filler door, floor mats, interior observation mirror and dual sun visors with vanity mirrors.
In addition, the Fiat 500L Pop includes the innovative Uconnect 5.0 with its 5-inch touchscreen display, radio voice commands, handsfree phone, Bluetooth-audio streaming, text message reader, personalization settings and media hub (USB and auxiliary ports) for seamless integration of portable devices. Safety features include seven standard air bags, reactive front head restraints, vehicle theft security alarm, child seat anchor system and electronic stability control (ESC) with Hill-start Assist.
The 2014 Fiat 500L Pop model has a starting U.S. MSRP of $19,100 (plus $800 destination charge).
Fiat 500L Easy Providing customers with versatility and efficiency and even more style and comfort features, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L Easy takes the Fiat 500L Pop model and adds standard 16-inch aluminum wheels, deep-tint rear glass, body-color exterior mirror caps, front-seat center console with armrest, leather-wrapped square-in-circle designed steering wheel, premium leather-wrapped shift knob with chrome accent, vinyl-wrapped instrument panel available in three colors, unique cloth seat fabric and six-speaker FIAT premium audio system with 520-watt amplifier.
The 2014 Fiat 500L Easy model has a starting U.S. MSRP of $20,195 (plus $800 destination charge).
Fiat 500L Trekking For customers who want the perfect blend of rugged styling and versatility to match their active lifestyle, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking adds to the Fiat 500L Easy model with aggressively designed two-piece front and rear fascias with Grigio Chiaro (graphite) inserts, fog lamps, satin-finished “whiskers,” door handles and unique lower front- and rear-fascia accents, Grigio Chiaro wheel arch and body-side sill moldings, Grigio Chiaro recessed license plate area and lower left- and right-side reflector surrounds, and larger 17 x 7-inch aluminum wheels with wider 225/45R17 all-season tires. Inside, the Fiat 500L Trekking features a painted instrument panel bezel and a unique two-tone Nero/Marrone (black/brown) interior environment that carries through on its leather-wrapped steering wheel, door and door-panel armrest bolsters, low-back bucket premium cloth seats and floor mats.
The 2014 Fiat 500L Trekking model has a starting U.S. MSRP of $21,195 (plus $800 destination charge).
Fiat 500L Lounge Tailored for individuals who want their all-new Fiat 500L to reflect their stylish lifestyle and need for premium appointments and convenience technologies, the all-new 2014 Fiat 500L Lounge model adds on to the Fiat 500L Easy model with an innovative Euro Twin Clutch six-speed transmission, 16-inch aluminum wheels, fog lamps, chrome body-side moldings and mirror caps, dual sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, premium vinyl-wrapped instrument panel available in two colors, premium heated leather front seats with power four-way adjust, two-way power driver’s side lumbar, 60/40 split-fold rear seatbacks with segment-exclusive fore-aft adjustment, recline and tumble feature; integrated armrest with cup holders, automatic dual-zone climate control and auto-dimming rear-view mirror with compass.
The 2014 Fiat 500L Lounge model has a starting U.S. MSRP of $24,195 (plus $800 destination charge).
Premier Packages Include No-charge Technology Features and More than $1,700 of Added Value During the first year of Fiat 500L production, a no-charge Premier Package will be included with Easy, Trekking and Lounge models. This limited-time launch package will include ParkSense rear-park assist, ParkView rear back-up camera and Uconnect 6.5 with a larger 6.5-inch touchscreen and navigation. The Uconnect 6.5 features voice operation of navigation, AM/FM and mobile phones; handsfree phone and Bluetooth-streaming audio, text message reader, personalization settings, premium media hub with SD card reader, auxiliary jack and USB inputs.
For customers that want even more technology on the Fiat 500L Easy and Trekking models, the Premier Package +Beats/SiriusXM is available and adds SiriusXM and Beats Audio studio-quality sound system with six premium speakers, 6.5-inch dual-voice coil (DVC) subwoofer with trunk-mounted enclosure and eight-channel amplifier with Beats Audio digital sound processing (DSP) algorithm.
About the Fiat 500L Since the modern Fiat 500’s global launch in 2007, more than 1 million of these efficient and city-friendly vehicles have been sold in more than 110 countries worldwide. And now with the all-new Fiat 500L, the Cinquecento has grown up to accommodate even more of life’s greatest experiences and emotions all together: children, friends, journeys, music and community. Customers can visit:http://www.fiatusa.com/en/2014/500L/ to obtain more information about the all-new Fiat 500L
BMW and Pininfarina areamong the most tradition-swathed names in the motoring world. Each is a byword for cutting-edge technology, style, dynamics and aesthetics. With the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé, the two time-honoured companies are unveiling the outcome of their first collaboration at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2013. The BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé is a one-off and represents the exclusive interpretation of a luxurious BMW Coupé as seen through the eyes of Pininfarina. Working in close consultation, the two design teams have created a new automotive persona brimming with character and ready to join the high-end luxury class – typically BMW while sporting the distinctive signature of Pininfarina.
With the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé, the BMW Design team took up exclusive design aspects such as luxury and elegance and fed them into a creative exchange with long-established specialist car designer and manufacturer Pininfarina. In this elaborately created one-off, the renowned companies BMW Group and Pininfarina joined forces to bring an idea to fruition: “The appeal of this collaboration with Pininfarina is that you get another, very different and special angle on facets like luxury and exclusivity,” notes Karim Habib, Head of BMW Design. “The Italian company, after all, has always been a byword for these criteria in particular, demonstrating time and again its keen sensitivity and exceptional finesse in these areas. In Pininfarina we have found the ideal partner to lend shape to this vehicle concept.”
“The result of this cooperative venture is far greater than the sum of its parts,” says Fabio Filippini, Head of Design at Pininfarina. “When two such tradition-rich and experienced brands join forces to turn a vision into reality, something utterly new and exciting emerges. From start to finish, this project was defined by a mutual respect for the identity of the other company.”
Consummate elegance The BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé adds a new dimension to the BMW claim to exclusivity. This painstakingly created one-off captivates the viewer at first glance. Liberal surface areas and taut contours are the distinguishing elements of an elegant car body. Typical BMW proportions – a long wheelbase, stretched bonnet and set-back greenhouse – imbue the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé with imposing dynamics even when stationary. At the same time the car exudes balance and harmony: BMW values such as technology, dynamics and precision are complemented by the skilled craftsmanship of Pininfarina to create a very special holistic experience. “The BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé has an extraordinary impact. It expresses hallmark BMW values such as luxury and sheer presence in a highly elegant form,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “I admire the reductive clarity and precision in Pininfarina’s design. Their expectations for the end result have been just as high as ours, and their understanding of design perfectly complements the BMW design DNA for a vehicle of this kind.”
Dynamic presence – the front view. With its broad, wheel-focused stance, the front of the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé radiates sheer presence and dynamics. The hallmark double-kidney grille and the road-focused headlights with their suggested twin circular look reveal at a glance the family bond with BMW. At the same time the distinctive Pininfarina elements have been interpreted with Italian finesse to lend the front end a special flair.
The trademark BMW kidney grille forms the central element of the front-end design, and all surfaces and lines take their bearings from it. It symbolically points to the engine at the heart of the vehicle, its size reflecting the power of the V12 unit nestling behind it. The “kidneys” are angled towards the road, citing the typical BMW “shark nose” and lending the front end an even more dynamic look, particularly when seen from the side. Viewed up close it discloses highly accomplished detail work: the front part of the bipartite kidney grille is made of matt-sheen aluminium, while behind it an identically shaped part in high-gloss black adds visual depth and makes for an exciting contrast of materials.
Above the kidney grille the bonnet stretches across the front of the car, its subtle contours appearing to emanate from the BMW emblem and lending the bonnet a dynamic elegance. The flat headlights underline the road-focused look associated with a BMW and round off the “face” of the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé. Their dynamic contours are in perfect harmony with the classic BMW twin circular look in an interpretation that leaves them open at the top. The use of LED technology creates a technically premium impression while adding a striking depth to the headlights.
The eye-catchingly sporty front apron concludes the front end of the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé as it dips towards the road. The flat, one-piece air intake accentuates the breadth of the front, an impression reinforced by chrome trim that adds a classy touch. The air intake is larger at the wheels and draws attention to the car’s wide, sporty track. Just above the road surface, discreet Pininfarina lettering points to the contributing partner from Italy, like a signature on a work of art.
Elegant sculpture – the side view The designers at BMW and Pininfarina set particular store by creating the right proportions. The car’s surfaces display the elaborate form language of BMW while being sculpted with a clarity that is hallmark Pininfarina. Within a powerfully present silhouette, convex taperings on the side add a dynamic elegance and give the body a tautly athletic shape.
At the same time the reduced, precise contours stretch the vehicle and underline its exclusivity with a contemporary touch. The high shoulder line extends almost horizontally along the entire side of the car, imbuing the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé with stature and presence. Above it the long roof line flows elegantly into the rear to define the short tail end. Below the shoulder line, a striking countersweep to the roof line emanates from the Air Breather behind the front wheel. Ascending towards the rear, it lends the back section of the car a light and dynamic appearance. All the lines have been designed with keen sensitivity: as they trace their course they become stronger or weaker and, through the changing play of light and shadow, show off the surrounding surfaces to their best effect.
Numerous details accentuate the elegance of the side view. The matt-sheen embellishment behind the front wheel adds a stylish accent as it integrates the side indicator. Another signature BMW detail is the Hofmeister kink – the eye-catching forward bend in the window graphic that is perfectly integrated into the surrounding play of lines. Behind it the V12 logo indicates the powerful engine within the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé. Pininfarina lettering in the side panel points to the definitive role played by the Italian design company in creating this vehicle, with the Pininfarina logo above it indicating that the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé was also built by Pininfarina.
The exclusively designed 21-inch wheels perfectly augment the sporty, elegant statement made by the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé. Five trios of graceful yet powerfully sculpted spokes display a strong visual depth through the application of matt-sheen aluminium, black and black chrome. As such the wheel design blends an elegant multi-spoke style with the sportiness of five-spoke rims.
Sophisticated stance – the rear view The elongated side profile leads to a slender and elegant tail end. Striking horizontal elements imbue the entire rear end with a very broad, flat impression. At the same time, the generous surface design of the rear lends it a powerful presence. Between the surfaces, precise contours and horizontal lines break up the rear aspect, resulting in a clever interplay of light and shadow that partitions the entire design and brings it alive. An eye-catching detail is the transition from the roof to the rear lid: two elaborately shaped struts extend the roof pillar towards the rear, ensuring an elegantly fluid transition of the roof line into the tail section.
Extending from the sides, the tail lights embrace the rear end in a single sweeping gesture that brings the side and rear together visually. The tail lights reveal elaborately detailed workmanship and lend the BMW L-shape a slender, almost filigree interpretation. They are set – jewel-like – within high-grade trim in matt-sheen aluminium. A particular highlight is their open design, allowing air to flow through them.
A contemporary take on classical values – the interior The interior of the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé takes up the accomplished fusion of modern elegance and authoritative dynamics as displayed by the exterior. Here the melding of sportiness, exclusivity and comfort makes for a unique interior experience. The fluid underlying geometry of the interior design by BMW takes on an individual character courtesy of the Pininfarina touch. With a special colour concept, choice materials and geometrical details in the doors, centre console and dashboard binnacle, Pininfarina lends further emphasis to signature BMW elements such as the driver focus and layering principle, while accentuating the sporty character of the interior with a fine instinct for cutting-edge and elegant details alike.
The four-seater luxury coupé rolls out an exclusive ambience to welcome driver and passengers. The front and rear seats from the Pininfarina drawing board embrace all occupants with sporty side supports while providing the highest levels of comfort. From the driver’s seat, a sideward glance will initially reveal the hallmark BMW driver focus: all driving-related functions and controls are slightly angled towards the driver to be within optimal ergonomic reach. The horizontal alignment of the surfaces and lines of the dashboard create an expansive sense of space. The doors take up the flow of lines and invest them with greater dynamics as they follow their course, while the door handles cite the incisive shape of the tail lights as well as the side-panel embellishments as they bring these styling cues into the interior. The rear of the cabin likewise boasts spacious design, with legroom in the back seats of the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé almost on a par with that of a large luxury sedan.
Select materials and top-quality craftsmanship The exclusive colour and material concept is one of the stand-out features of the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé and eloquently reflects its unique character. Extensive handcraftsmanship further enhances the interior ambience. Finest leather and kauri wood aged more than 48,000 years lend the cabin of the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé a special aura. The high-grade leather from the Foglizzo leather factory – in black and a light shade of Tobacco Brown – creates a warm, exclusive ambience. Metal highlights in black chrome set a technical counterpoint to the extensive application of natural materials.
All the wood elements in the cabin are sourced from a single piece of kauri wood selected by the Italian timber experts of Riva 1920 exclusively for the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé. Kauri wood has a unique grain and shifts in colour from gold to red to brown, depending on the incidence of light and angle of view. Simply polished and oiled, it exudes a particular warmth and naturalness in league with the exclusive leather surfaces of the interior. Native to New Zealand, kauri wood is among the rarest timbers in the world. Its special character derives from the fact that the toppled kauri trees have been preserved in swamps for millennia and can be processed like fresh timber after being retrieved from the fossil swampland.
The roof liner of finest Italian virgin wool features the striking “Principe di Galles” pattern. This grey plaid strikes a bold contrast to the traditional materials used for the doors and dashboard. The brown leather seats also pick up on the pattern in their all-round piping. Allowing extra light into the interior is an oblong aperture in the roof liner which is additionally illuminated by white LEDs. In the footwell areas, a soft deep-pile carpet in dark grey adds to a subtle sense of wellbeing. Another interior detail are the freestanding B-pillars, whose elegant design when viewed from the outside creates a homogeneous glazed area and frameless doors that appear very light.
Pininfarina Pininfarina ranks as one of the most time-honoured names in automotive design. What began in the 1930s as a “carrozzeria” building one-offs and limited editions, alongside the visual refinement of high-end automotive technology, has today become one of Italy’s leading design companies. Its operating spectrum stretches far beyond automobiles to include product and industrial design. Through numerous collaborations with a wide range of carmakers, Pininfarina has established itself as a style-defining partner. Simplicity and harmony in look and feel, perfect proportions and innovative functionality are the hallmarks and underlying concept of each and every Pininfarina design.
Away from the clamour created by the recently-launched Jaguar F-Type, aficionados of the marque will be making a bee-line to Weybridge, Surrey, on Saturday June 1st where Jaguar’s most evocative star of the past comes to auction.
At its major summer sale, classic car auction specialist Historics at Brooklands will be selling one of the finest remaining examples of the most iconic sports car of all time - the Series One Jaguar E-Type.
When launched in 1961 at a very affordable £2,250 (£38,000 in today’s money) the E-Type immediately gained celebrity status when praised by Enzo Ferrari as the most beautiful car in the world. It was also, for a time, the fastest production car on the planet, and quickly became a fashion icon through owners that included Steve McQueen, Brigitte Bardot and Britt Ekland.
Today, the legacy of the E-Type is alive and well in one of the last Series One, left hand drive models to leave the Browns Lane, Coventry factory – a rare, 1967 all black Series One 4.2 litre – one of over 100 fine classics that will fill the auction hall at Historics on June 1st .
Some measure of the esteem in which the E-type is held, and the exquisite condition of this car, is in the expected sale price of between £110,000 and £130,000.
The fortunate new owner will enjoy driving a car that is better today than when it was built. Indeed, such is the faith the present owner has in the painstaking, two-year, nut and bolt restoration following its return to UK shores from California in 2010, that the sale includes a 12-month unconditional warranty.
During restoration, attention to enhancing still further the dynamics of the car was lavished in numerous areas including the famed straight-six, twin-cam 4.2 litre engine, the gearbox – fully rebuilt with steel synchromesh rings - braking and suspension. In common with all aspects of the car, attention to detail and quality has been of the highest order.
With a recorded mileage of less than 50,000 miles and the painstaking restoration and upgrades, this Series One Jaguar E-Type is anticipated to attract substantial international interest as one of the finest examples available, and will continue to represent a very significant investment opportunity.
London Motorexpo, already the UK’s largest free-to-attend motoring event, is set for a record year in 2013 thanks to an unprecedented quantity of exhibiting car manufacturers, vehicles on display and cars available to drive. The event, which takes place within the unique setting of the Canary Wharf business and leisure district, will also host a number of significant UK public motoring-event debuts – notably for the critically-acclaimed Jaguar F-TYPE and the hotly anticipated all-new Range Rover Sport.
The organisers of Motorexpo are expecting a bumper crowd for this year’s event, with the growth in numbers of business and residential occupants on the Canary Wharf estate helping the attendee tally to exceed 460,000.
In 2013 the London Motorexpo will welcome an even wider range of car brands. Wowing the crowds will be a bumper crop of high-octane sports cars and supercars, from iconic marques such as Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, McLaren, Maserati and Porsche. Competing for the limelight will be the latest models from prestige carmakers including BMW / MINI, Infiniti, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes and Volvo, and popular cars from Chrysler, Jeep, Kia, SEAT and many more.
Interactivity remains a key feature of Motorexpo – visitors are not kept behind barriers but are instead encouraged to touch, feel and sit in the cars. Many of the vehicles on display will also be available to drive, thanks to the return of the Motorexpo DriveME feature. This enables visitors to test drive everything from superminis to supercars out on the public highways in and around the Canary Wharf business and shopping district, the only event in the UK where this is possible on this scale.
The unique format of Motorexpo ensures a motor show experience unlike any other, being entirely free to visit with no tickets and no queues. As well as all of the exhibits and interactive displays of Motorexpo, Canary Wharf is home to over 240 shops and restaurants, making it the ideal destination for a great day out. There are excellent public transport links via the Docklands Light Railway, London Underground and numerous bus lines. There is also parking on the estate for over 2,900 cars.
For the second year, the London Motorexpo will be hosting and co-sponsoring The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ annual International Automotive Summit. Held at Clifford Chance Auditorium, Canary Wharf on Thursday 13 June, the Summit will attract around 250 senior delegates from the breadth of the motor industry to discuss the most pressing issues affecting the global automotive sector. For full information regarding the Summit visit www.smmt.co.uk/summit.
“This free-to-attend event is like no other in the UK, bringing together a fascinating and very broad range of carmakers and vehicles, and offering numerous opportunities for visitors to get behind the wheel and drive,” explains Graeme Carver, Motorexpo’s CEO. “This year’s event promises to be the biggest and best yet, not least due to some eye-catching public debuts and an even wider range of facilities on the Canary Wharf for attendees to also enjoy – including hundreds of shops, bars and restaurants throughout the 97-acre estate.”
Motorexpo is open daily from 10am to 6pm (Monday 10 to Saturday 15 June) and 11am to 5pm on Sunday 16 June. Entry is free. Full details on how to get there and information on the show is available at www.motorexpo.com.
The 2013 Cholmondeley Pageant of Power (14 to 16 June; www.cpop.co.uk), the UK’s biggest celebration of power and speed, will play host to some of the world’s greatest modern supercars, as the latest models from illustrious marques including Lamborghini, McLaren, Aston Martin, Bentley and many more go head-to-head to claim victory in the Pageant’s timed Supercar class.
The Supercar class is the most hotly contested element of the Pageant’s on-track action, and is also the class which has most consistently produced the winner of the fastest-lap award each year. Entrants in 2013 will include the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera Edizione Tecnica and McLaren 12C, two of the most iconic supercars of the moment. Cholmondeley’s demanding 1.2-mile circuit will give crowds the chance to see which is fastest as they each attempt to beat the course record over the weekend.
For many drivers and petrolheads, merely going quickly isn’t necessarily enough, however, and a number of ultra-exclusive hypercars will also be taking to the track to win visitors’ hearts as well as the event’s podium places.
Among these will be the two fastest road cars in the world – the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport (1,184 bhp and a top speed of 268 mph) and Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, the fastest convertible ever produced, with a top speed of 254 mph. The technological landmark Lexus LFA also joins the hypercar pack as one of the most dramatic vehicles the world has ever seen, and also one of the rarest. The Pageant of Power will be one of the only opportunities that visitors get to see these hallowed cars in one place in the UK this year.
Also taking to the Cholmondeley circuit will be the Bentley Continental Supersports Convertible ‘Ice Speed Record’ car, which in 2011, set a new ice speed record of 205.5 mph at the hands of rally-ace, Juha Kankkunen.
Other entrants into the Pageant of Power’s fastest racing class are the new Porsche 911 Carrera 4S,Bentley Continental GT Speed, and a host of home-grown British supercar talent, including the stunning newJaguar F-Type, Noble M600 and Morgan Aero Supersports.
Beyond the glitz and glamour of most entrants to the Supercar class, however, lightweight ‘giant-slaying’ sports cars from Great Britain remain strong favourites to clinch the outright lap record, despite costing a fraction of their competitors. These include the Ariel Atom 3.5, Radical SR8 RX, BAC Mono and Caterham SP/300.R. The Caterham set a new fastest lap for a car around the 1.2-mile circuit in 2012, with a blistering time of just 61.89 seconds.
Centenary celebrations for Aston Martin, and a 50th birthday for iconic Italian brand Lamborghini will also give visitors the chance to get up close with some of the most beautiful and most powerful sports cars ever made. Over 100 Aston Martin models and more than 30 Lamborghinis will be on display throughout the weekend, including the all-new Aston Martin Vanquish, and the new Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster, making its UK debut at the Pageant of power. Both are famous for their power, beauty and sheer theatre.
“The Supercar class gives visitors to the Pageant the ideal opportunity to witness the sights, sounds and awesome power of some of the rarest and most beautiful road cars currently in production,” commented James Hall, Event Director at the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power. “Last year’s lap record, set by the giant-slaying Caterham SP/300.R, is sure to have ruffled some feathers in the class, so I’m sure that we’re in for a thrilling on-track battle this June.”
Now in its sixth year, the 2013 Pageant will take place on the Cholmondeley Estate in Cheshire from 14 to 16 June, celebrating power and performance in its many forms.
Citroën DS3 has been ranked ‘Best Supermini’ in the 2013 What Car? JD Power survey. In its very first showing, DS3 received an 82.2% satisfaction score - the overall industry average was 77.6% - with a maximum five-star rating awarded by its owners for Performance, Service and Running Costs.
The high score means Citroën DS3 is ranked an impressive 4th in the overall results out of a total 116 models, led only by Skoda’s Superb and Yeti, and the Jaguar XF.
Chas Hallett, What Car? Editor-in-chief, commented; “The Citroën DS3 sitting at 4th place is a great achievement for the French brand, the best-selling DS3 supermini proved to be a joy to own with its funky styling and low running costs.”
Citroën DS3 knocked the Honda Jazz off the top spot to be crowned “king of the superminis”, championing other rivals including the Skoda Fabia, Hyundai i20 and Volkswagen Polo. The Citroën model’s design, quality, comfort and enjoyable performance were all referenced as part of the positive owner experience.
Citroën’s dealer network was praised for its “clean facilities and professionalism” and DS3 owners also claimed to enjoy the lowest fuel costs and service repair bills in the segment.
Linda Jackson, Citroën UK’s Managing Director, said; “This is a simply fantastic result for DS3 and the Citroën brand. The JD Power survey ranks the views of real car owners so this is very meaningful recognition for a model that continues to go from strength to strength and is obviously rewarding drivers with an outstanding ownership experience.”
Twin’Run drove its first laps today in front of spectators at the Monaco Grand Prix weekend. Monaco, with its legendary track, is the ideal theatre for the concept car’s debut. Twin’Run is a performance car through and through and cultivates the Renault brand’s passion for racing, picking up where the famous R5 Turbo and Clio V6 left off.
The public at Monaco got to see the three racers in action in a pursuit race organised to celebrate Renault’s motorsport history. Twin’Run led the way with Carlos Tavares, Chief Operating Officer, at the wheel, tailed by a Clio V6 driven by F1 star Charles Pic and a Maxi 5 Turbo with its celebrated driver, Jean Ragnotti, at the helm.
Twin’Run: compact, potent and playful!
Twin’Run ties in perfectly with the series of concept cars illustrating Renault’s design strategy. The diamond-dominated front end underlines Renault’s new styling approach through its new brand identity. Like Twin’Z, Twin’Run gets blue paint in reference to the “Play” petal of the fifth stage in the French marque’s design strategy. Twin’Run’s stomping ground is the world of motorsport.
“Twin’Run is a cocktail of energy, passion and athleticism, rekindling the memory of emblematic Renault racing cars,” says Laurens van den Acker, Senior Vice President, Corporate Design at the Renault group. “Following its twin, Twin’Z, a stylish urban concept car, Twin’Run shows that personalisation is a core strategy at Renault.”
Twin’Run, has a compact, ultra-dynamic body. The wheels set in the far corners, minimal overhang and high waistline underscore the dynamic feel and promise a great drive.
Blue and red:
The blue paint finish on Twin’Run features taut, graphically drawn lines with emphatic shoulders enhanced by touches of red on the strip running all the way along the body, as well as two red bands on the roof. Red also figures at the front, where it underlines the grille and air intakes, and on the ultra-slim door mirrors and the tips of the rear airfoil. A red surround emphasises the circumference of the black and white wheels.
Homage to a prestigious forerunner
The “5” on the doors refers to the R5 Turbo, the emblematic 1980s rally car.
A host of details pay homage to this illustrious forerunner, including the design of the headlights and the generous haunches at the back. The four additional, extra-flat headlights with LED technology are a modern-day take on the light racks used in night rally specials. The fully customisable light sequences are controlled by an in-car system, the development of which was a real challenge as the designers had to provide a powerful light source in a lamp measuring just 25 mm.
“Twin'Run embodies the mad genius Renault has been known for over the decades, to the delight of motor sports enthusiasts. No one has forgotten the R5 Turbo and the Clio V6. Twin’Run is the true heir of those racing cars that had so much appeal,” says Axel Breun, Head of Concept Car Design.
II. Twin’Run: a real racing car
Twin’Run was developed with the assistance of Tork Engineering / Poclain Vehicules, a French firm specialised in the preparation of chassis for competition. The concept car is a real racing car that has benefited from such competition expertise. The composite material bodywork covers a multi-tube steel chassis powered by a mid-engine engine derived from Mégane Trophy.
A V6 engine for competition
Twin’Run is fitted with the V4Y engine from the Renault-Nissan Alliance, which is used on the road for Laguna, Espace and Latitude, as well as in competition with the Mégane Trophy racer. Mounted longitudinally ahead of the rear axle centreline, the V6 3,498cc powerplant delivers 320hp at 6,800 rpm and torque of 380Nm at 4,850 rpm. The engine is full-bodied and generous from low revs, delivering linear acceleration and providing excellent traction around bends and in acceleration. Unsurprisingly, it also makes a great noise.
The V6 is mated to a SADEV six-speed sequential gearbox with limited slip differential, enhancing Twin’Run stability and traction in curves. The twin clutch is also borrowed directly from competition.
The air intake vents are positioned at the level of the rear wheel arches. Air extractors in the rear quarter lights help keep the engine cool. The cooling system has received special treatment with polished aluminum pipes set visibly into the cabin floor. The engine is separated from the driving position by a plexiglass panel.
The concept car is well balanced with a 43/57 weight distribution, to ensure it remained so given the mid-engine architecture, various components were positioned under the bonnet, including include the fuel tank, radiator and the hydraulic system.
Composite body
The bodywork in a glass-polyester composite has also benefited from racing expertise. This includes carbonfibre for the front blade, roof, rear vent and wheelarches. Carbon fibre technology combines aesthetics and efficiency, while keeping costs down.
Design intelligence informed by the world of motorsport
The design process was been led by a continuous effort to avoid reinvention with a common sense approach. The chassis has been made of a combination of track-proven elements, allowing to develop quickly a very efficient racing car.
Competition aerodynamics
The two-box architecture of Twin’Run creates lift at high speeds. The aerodynamics have received special attention with a vent channelling the air flow under the car and a fixed airfoil for enhanced aerodynamic support at high speeds.
A racing chassis
Twin’Run sits on a multi-tube high-performance steel chassis derived from aeronautics and used in competition. The chassis was developed entirely by Tork Engineering. The ground link is provided by front and rear axles fitted with double-wishbone suspension with independent pivots. The four pivots, in solid aeronautical quality aluminum, deliver high performance on the track. For filtering and body stability, Twin’Run is fitted with OHLINS spring shock absorbers at the front and rear.
The axles have an anti-roll bar with a diameter of 22 mm at the front and 25 mm at the rear. Roll is perfectly controlled for agility and responsiveness.
The aluminum wheel covers feature a special hub with a central bolt that can be dismounted in three parts and fit 18” Michelin tyres.
Jean Ragnotti: an expert view
Rally champion Jean Ragnotti was involved in the final tuning of the chassis system of Twin’Run. He shared his impressions with us while taking a look back at the R5.
“Following this first drive, I’d say that this is a sound car with a strong pedigree. It’s easy to control. You can feel straight away that it’s a sports car. In terms of balance and ride, it brings the R5 Turbo to mind to some extent.
The gearbox is smooth and you’ve got powerful brakes. Excellent traction with a responsive engine delivering full power at all revs, rounder and with more torque than the R5 Turbo, making it particularly efficient and easy to drive, unlike the R5, which required more technique.
It’s definitely an efficient car with surprisingly good vertical comfort, including in zones of high compression where we’re still a long way from the travel stops. All we need to sharpen our attacking edge a bit more are racing tyres. There’s a slight roll but no understeer. A gradual performance, no surprises, taking corners easily. This concept car is a worthy heir to the Maxi 5 Turbo.”
Note:
Jean Ragnotti is widely recognised as the celebrated rally driver of the R5 Turbo in the 80s. He won three famous World Rally Championship races driving the high-performance Renault: Monte Carlo in 1981, as well as the 1982 and 1985 Tour de Corse races. He still has the opportunity to drive the R5 Turbo and Maxi 5 Turbo for exhibition sessions all over Europe.
A cabin dedicated to performance
Twin’Run has the cabin of a performance car, underlined by the tubular chassis and SPARCO seats fitted with safety harnesses. Nevertheless, the emphasis placed on interior design extends well beyond anything normally seen in the world of motorsports. The door panels and dashboard are upholstered in black and red “alcantara effect” suede. The padded bucket seats, upholstered in three shades of alcantara and carrying the Twin’Run signature, allude to the “French touch” of this one-off concept car.
The driver gains a motorsports steering wheel and sequential gear lever with a high-mounted layout for fast gear changes. The joint welded handbrake is positioned on the same level as the gear lever for demonstration figures such as a 360° rotation.
Under the driver’s feet, the aluminum pedal assembly is pure motorsport. Designed for easy heel-toe moves, it has been tried and tested on many track vehicles (Lodgy Andros / Duster No Limit).
Positioned in a white lacquer console, the instrument cluster is dedicated first and foremost to driving, as on any sports vehicle.
Twin’Run features a 5.5 inch LCD screen positioned just behind the steering wheel. The red and blue multi-page display shows the vehicle speed, gear speed and engine speed, as well as fuel pressure, clutch pressure and oil pressure. Two red pressure gauges with centrally positioned needles show the oil temperature and water temperature, a last nod to the R5 Turbo.
TECHNICAL DATA
Dimensions:
l x w x h: 3,680 mm x 1,750 mm (1,970 mm with door mirrors) x 1,493 mm
Front track: 1,522 mm
Rear track: 1,497 mm
Fuel tank: 40 litres
Unladen weight: 950 kg
Body :
- Composite glass-polyester bodywork
Engine :
- Renault V4Y / Nissan VQ35 from the Renault-Nissan Alliance
- Mid-engine longitudinally mounted
- V6 (60°) – 24 valves – 3,498 cm3
- Bore – travel: 95.5 mm x 81.4 mm
- Injection / ignition: built-in management system SODEMO EV14
- Max power 320hp at 6,800 rpm
- Max torque 380Nm at 4,850 rpm
- Max engine speed 7,500 rpm
The stars and the Jaguar cars entered into the Mille Miglia 2013 are all featured in a new short film (below).
The 1,000 mile tour, which is a celebration of 'The World's Most Beautiful Race', captures the feedback from the high profile line-up of drivers that accepted invitations from Jaguar to partake in the epic drive event across Italy.
In the seats of three stunning examples of the Jaguar XK120 were driver pairings of Sir Chris Hoy and Andy Wallace; Daniel Day Lewis and Jim Gianopulos and David Gandy partnering Yasmin Le Bon.
The cavalcade of official Jaguar Heritage Racing cars in the event was doubled in size by the entries of three remarkable C-Type sports cars. Driver double-acts in lightweight C-Types included Jaguar Regional Director for Europe Bernard Kuhnt and actress Hannah Herzsprung, Alex Buncombe with Chris Harris, and Salvatore Ferragamo Jr. alongside Michael Quinn - the grandson of Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons.
More than 400 classic race and road cars of unique heritage were entered into the Mille Miglia this year. The record number of entries meant that the Jaguar drivers - of which only Jim Gianopulos and Bernard Kuhnt have previous experience- were jostling on road with some of the most significant sports cars ever built by the world's most prestigious manufacturers.
Sir Chris Hoy, an Ambassador of the Jaguar Academy of Sport, said,"Being asked to drive with Le Mans winner Andy Wallace in the Mille Miglia was a privilege and I was delighted to take part. It is a technical event that participants take very seriously - I enjoyed its deeply competitive nature and I'm delighted to have made my debut with Jaguar."
Globally-recognised supermodel David Gandy commented,"The Mille Miglia is an event like no other. It was on my 'bucket list' and despite gruelling hours spent on the road each day in difficult weather conditions, the reaction to our car from thousands of fans across Italy and the euphoria Yasmin and I experienced crossing the finishing line made it all worthwhile."
Jaguar is committed to celebrating its unique, rich heritage as the company continues its recent exciting growth. Bernard Kuhnt said,"Our presence at the Mille Miglia was particularly significant this year as we are launching the new F-TYPE sports car across the world. To bring together the finest Jaguar cars ever made, with some remarkable characters behind the wheel, and to have five F-TYPEs chasing them throughout beautiful Italian countryside was a sight to behold.
"I am extremely thankful to the drivers in our team for spending their valuable time with Jaguar and I am grateful to the Mille Miglia organisers for allowing us the opportunity to enter this spectacular celebration of classic motorsport."
As part of the continued celebrations for the 50th anniversary of McLaren, a commemorative model is to be produced, celebrating five decades of race-winning technology and expertise of the British brand. Production of the McLaren 50 12C will be strictly limited to a maximum of 100 globally, split between just 50 examples of the 12C and 50 of the 12C Spider.
The McLaren 50 12C and McLaren 50 12C Spider feature a number of bespoke styling and specification enhancements to mark the milestone event, which will be celebrated on 2 September. These have been produced by McLaren Special Operations (MSO), the division of McLaren Automotive responsible for the delivery of bespoke projects, in conjunction with the McLaren Automotive design team led by Design Director, Frank Stephenson.
Revisions include a remodelled, CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics)-optimised front bumper from MSO, which provides increased levels of front downforce, and is inspired by the limited-run HS Edition models, to create a more dynamic visual impact. The lower section of the colour-coded bumper, framing the air intakes, is constructed from carbon fibre, while the front floor is made from race-derived carbon Kevlar. Above the bumper, a black McLaren F1-inspired heritage badge, previously only available to MSO clients, is also fitted on the bonnet.
As standard, the McLaren 50 12C and 12C Spider models are fitted with the carbon ceramic brake upgrade, with 394x36mm discs at the front, and 380x34mm at the rear. Offering enhanced stopping power, these sit behind bespoke McLaren 50 Ultra Lightweight wheels finished in Satin Black. This unique design, 19-inch at the front and 20-inch at the rear, offers a combined 2kg saving over the optional Super Lightweight wheels.
Inside the cabin, the McLaren 50 12C models are upholstered with a full leather upgrade, while subtle branding to the carbon fibre sill panel and floor mats is complimented by an anniversary dedication plate on the driver’s door which highlights the limited run.
Available in one of three colour finishes – Carbon Black, Supernova Silver or heritage McLaren Orange – exterior aesthetic enhancements for the McLaren 50 12C continue with carbon fibre turning vanes offering further visual appeal, and featuring the McLaren 50 logo.
Each of the McLaren 50 models will be presented with a monogrammed black and silver car cover, limited edition key, carbon fibre presentation key box and a specially commissioned print signed by McLaren Automotive Design Director, Frank Stephenson.
The recommended retail price in the UK for the McLaren 50 12C is £196,000, and £215,500 for the McLaren 50 12C Spider.
The engine is directly connected to the monocoque of the Audi.
The Audi R18 e-tron quattro’s monocoque has high torsional stiffness.
Four more weeks until the Le Mans 24 Hours celebrates its 90th anniversary. Audi has set standards with its ultra-lightweight design in the area of the sports prototypes. In 15 years of development, the motorsport engineers have achieved best marks.
Since 1999, ultra-lightweight design has been playing a central role with Audi’s Le Mans prototypes (LMP). Materials, such as CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced plastic), harbour major potential for optimising weight.
“In the space of 15 years, we’ve also achieved major progress in the area of ultra-lightweight design,” stresses Head of Audi Motorsport Dr. Wolfgang Ullrich. “Audi’s LMP sports cars have continually become lighter, stiffer, safer in crashes and more efficient. There is hardly another motorsport discipline in which the creativity of the engineers is rewarded as highly as it is with the Le Mans prototypes. Whether in terms of engineering design details or materials: many of the ultra-lightweight ideas from motorsport have the potential of positively influencing the development of Audi’s production models. Reducing the weight of the cars is the key to our successful future – in motorsport and in production.”
Even in its first LMP sports car – the 1999 R8R – Audi used a carbon fibre monocoque. Audi has significantly been reducing weight to this day:
As the central chassis component, the monocoque supports the front axle, the front and lateral body parts and, since 2012, the hybrid system. The engine is directly connected to the rear. The monocoque thus transmits the torsional and bending forces which are introduced through the wheel suspensions, and absorbs the impact energies that are generated in accidents – in frontal or side crashes as well as in roll-overs.
The Audi R8R (1999), the R8 (2000-2005), the R10 TDI (2006-2008) and the R15 TDI (2009-2010) all had open monocoques. For the R18 TDI (2011), Audi used a closed cell for the first time. Its one-piece design is a trend-setter for safety and weight. Up to then, the closed monocoques of competitors, for manufacturing reasons, had been made up of several elements.
Although a closed cockpit requires the use of more material Audi has managed to cut the weight of the monocoque in half between 1999 and today, while surpassing all the safety and crash requirements of the FIA. Furthermore, Audi managed to again increase the torsional strength of the monocoque during this period of time despite the 50-percent reduction in weight. The comparison with a production car reveals interesting facts: with comparable torsional values, the weight of the carbon cell of the R18 only amounts to about a fourth of the weight of a body-in-white made of steel sheet.
The torsional and bending stiffness of the cockpit can only be completely effective if the fully stressed assemblies of the engine and transmission provide the corresponding stiffness. The V6 TDI engine with a 120-degree cylinder bank angle is based on an innovative architecture of the crankcase: Underneath the main bearing, the crankcase is of a ladder frame design. The lateral suction port of the dry sump and the finning connect the bearing blocks with each other. In combination with the upper crankcase deck, this creates a stiff unit. The engine and the monocoque have nearly the same stiffness. This chassis design is complemented by the transmission housing. Since 2012, it has been made of a lightweight and stable full-carbon construction in which the mounting points for the rear axle are integrated. In addition, very light backstays from the monocoque to the transmission housing optimise the stiffness of the rear end.
A chronological comparison illustrates the significance of the progress that has been made in ultra-lightweight design: The weight of a diesel engine, due to its design, exceeds that of a comparable gasoline engine in the two-digit percentage range. At the same time, the Audi R18 e-tron quattro, since 2012, has been accommodating a hybrid system including a motor at the front axle. Still, the basic weight of the race car is below the minimum of 915 kilogrammes. Ballast weight is used to improve the set-up. The 1999 R8R, with a gasoline engine and without a hybrid system, weighed almost exactly 900 kilogrammes and hardly offered any latitude for ballast.
Numerous smaller solutions have been accompanying the major steps. The carbon fibre gas pedal in the Audi R10 TDI already saved a few hundred grammes of weight compared with an aluminium version. The lithium-ion battery that was used for the first time in the 2009 R15 TDI even proved to be seven kilogrammes lighter than a lead storage battery.
This street circuit is extremely tight and twisty, rendering overtaking almost impossible. It also has the biggest elevations of any grand prix circuit. The cars power up the Beau Rivage to Casino Square and then wind their way back down through the famous hairpin section.
There is very little grip, so soft tires and the highest possible downforce setting are the order of the day. Most corners are taken in first or second gear, requiring teams to install low ratios.
The most challenging corners are Turn 1, Sainte Devote, where drivers are greeted with an Armco barrier if they turn in just 1km/h too fast. It's easy to miss the braking point as the entrance to the corner is so bumpy. Massenet, at the crest of the Beau Rivage, is blind on entry, and often the scene of pile-ups. The Hairpin – the most famous turn in F1 – is also the slowest and requires full lock and gentle throttle application. The Tunnel - the only one in F1 - really is a shock to the eyes as drivers plunge in and out of darkness; the sound as the engine noise bounces off the walls is incredible. The chicane at the Swimming Pool really does defy physics as the cars bounce across its curbs.
This circuit requires 100 percent concentration from all the drivers, as the slightest mistake could ruin their weekend. After qualifying, the drivers' eyes appear to be on stalks.
Local start time: 14h00 Number of laps: 78 Circuit length: 3.340km Race distance: 260.520km Grand prix debut: 1929 Lap record: Michael Schumacher (Ferrari, 2004), 1:14.439
2012 QUALIFYING: 1) Michael Schumacher (Mercedes) – started with grid penalty 2) Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing) 3) Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) 10) Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2012 RACE RESULTS: 1) Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing) 2) Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) 3) Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) 4) Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
Jim Harbaugh, head coach of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, will drive the all-new 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Pace Car to lead the pack of 33 racers to the start of the 97th running of the Indianapolis 500, this Sunday.
Harbaugh, who took the 49ers to the Super Bowl in 2012, is no stranger to Indianapolis. He was a quarterback for the Colts football team from 1994 through 1997. During his time with the Colts, he was named AFC Player of the Year and named to the Pro Bowl in 1995.
Harbaugh is also a racing fan and a principal at Panther Racing, which fields the two-car, Chevrolet-powered IndyCar team with drivers J.R. Hildebrand and Townsend Bell. Hildebrand will drive the No. 4 National Guard Chevrolet in Indianapolis 500 and Bell will compete in the No. 60 Sunoco “Turbo” Chevrolet.
“As a longtime racing fan and someone who has always followed the Indianapolis 500, the honor to drive the pace car comes as a tremendous thrill,” said Harbaugh. “Doing it in the all-new 2014 Corvette Stingray makes it even better. It’s an iconic car leading an iconic race.”
Harbaugh’s stint behind the wheel of the Laguna Blue Pace Car marks a record 12th time the Corvette has served in the role, starting in 1978. The 2014 Corvette Stingray coupe goes on sale this fall, with a convertible model coming a few months later. It is powered by an all-new 6.2L LT1 engine, which features advanced technologies including direct fuel injection, continuously variable valve timing and Active Fuel Management, also known as cylinder deactivation, , to help produce 455 horsepower more efficiently.
The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray coupe will be available later this summer and have a suggested U.S. starting retail price of $51,995.
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4.5 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality.
