Australian octogenarian still leading Peking to Paris Rally

With just over a week to go in the Peking to Paris Rally, its still all to play for the in Classics Division with the top five crews all in with a shout of ending up on the rostrum. However the Vintageants’ competition seems to be a ‘fait accompli’ with the current leader holding a 40-minute lead on first place. But with four countries and over 3,280 kilometres still to travel, the race isn’t over yet.

The Australian octogenarian Gerry Crown and his teammate Matt Bryson are currently in the lead in the 1973 Leyland P76 with the British duo of Peter Lovett and Tim Smith in second place in their 1965 Porsche 911. After mechanical issues that nearly saw the end of the road for the ex-1974 World Cup Rally winning Citroen DS23, Robbie Sherrard and Peter Washington have managed to cling on to third place.

The Leyland has an overall total of 164h 06m 02s with the Porsche around 23 minutes behind with a total of 164h 29m 13s. The Citroen is just eight minutes adrift on 164h 38m 49s, with the fourth place 1970 VW Beetle of American’s John and Brett Layzell and fifth place 1968 Datsun P510 of Paul and Mariella Kirkham chomping to get into overtaking distance.

In the Vintageants group, the British team of Phil Garratt and Kieron Brown has a comfortable lead as their red 1937 Chevy Fangio Coupe has a total of 179h 11m 44s. New Zealanders Bruce and Ben Washington sit in second place with their 1929 Chrysler 75 Roadster, with a gap of around 40 minutes, while former leading Brits Mike Reeves and Michelle Jana Chan in the 1940 Ford Coupe, are in third place.

With just over a week left until the teams see the chequered flag in Paris, there’s no time for the drivers to take their foot off the accelerator though as the final days see them travel through Slovenia, Austria, Switzerland and into France. There are still plenty of challenges ahead including several mountain climbs, as Time Trials, closed down specially for the Rally in both Austria and Switzerland, and circuit tests before then, all of which could have an impact on the car and crew as well as the end result.

For more results, rally reports and exclusive picture galleries of the Peking to Paris Rally and information on future Endurance Rally Association events, visit www.endurorally.com.

Read More

Caterham starts its first ever Le Mans 24 Hours

The Caterham Motorsport team will start its first ever Le Mans 24 Hours from 21st on the grid, 13^th in the LM-P2 category, following two strong qualifying sessions for the team.

Caterham was forced to sit out Wednesday night’s qualifying session, as the team worked to re-build the Zytek Z11SN-Nissan following an accident in free practice.

In a gutsy display, a valiant team effort by the Caterham Motorsport crew and their Greaves Motorsport colleagues saw them work through the night to repair the #41 car in time to take part in Thursday’s two qualifying sessions.

In the first opportunity for the Caterham Motorsport LM-P2 machine to take part in competitive on-track action at the La Sarthe circuit, it was Tom Kimber-Smith’s lap time of 3m44.621s that secured 13^th in the LM-P2 grid.

The session began in the wet; Tom Kimber-Smith gained some vital track-time and, as the track surface began to dry, the double-LM-P2 class-winner made strong progress, making up for time lost in Wednesday’s night-time session. 

The 120-minute session was curtailed to just 90 minutes, after being red flagged for lengthy barrier repairs and, as Thursday’s first session drew to a premature close, the #41 car placed 19^th in the LM-P2 standings.

With final set-up tweaks made, the final qualifying session of the day got underway at 2200 CET, as Caterham’s three drivers drove into the night for the first time at the 8.47-mile track.

As the session began, a damp track necessitated intermediate Dunlop tyres for Kimber-Smith, who was the first man out on track for Caterham Motorsport. It was then the turn of Caterham F1 Team Reserve and Caterham Racing GP2 driver, Alexander Rossi, to take to the la Sarthe circuit – the first competitive drive of the week for the young American.

Still on intermediate rubber, Rossi immediately made an impact on the timing screens, placing third in his class on only his second flying lap.

On an ever-evolving track, Kimber-Smith was soon back behind the wheel; the 28-year-old was the first of the trio to switch to slick tyres and it was evidently the right move, as the Briton topped his class by over three seconds, with a time of 3:44.621.

Rossi too proved quick on slick rubber, with his first and second sector times placing him within the top six in terms of class pace.

The American was unable to fully unlock his potential, as he was first held up by GT traffic in the Porsche Curves, before being called in for fuel.

As the chequered flag fell just after midnight, the starting positions were determined by the best times set across the three qualifying sessions.

Caterham Technology CEO, Mike Gascoyne, said: “We’re very pleased with our starting position for our first ever Le Mans 24. In the face of our early setback, the team really upped the ante and worked phenomenally hard to give Alexander, Tom and Eric the best possible shot at securing a strong grid position.

“All three drivers put in some strong laps on Thursday and, while the race will not be without its challenges, I’m confident that this good pace from the team will translate into a strong race result on Sunday.

“We’re continuing to learn a great deal about the track and the car, which is vital, both in terms of final touches ahead of Saturday’s race, but also in terms of the knowledge and insight that we’re gaining with regard to the development of our own customer sports prototype chassis in future.”

The Le Mans 24 Hours marks Alexander Rossi’s first foray into international sportscar racing and the Caterham protégé was thrilled to get behind the wheel, having missed out on any competitive running thus far.

He said: “It was nice to finally drive this week. Practicing at night was good for me to get used to before the race. After losing out on the first practice day, there was a bit of pressure to find the time and be on pace as quickly as possible, but I think we did a good job and I believe we can be very pleased with today.

“The night driving is tricky, especially because the track was in transition from wet to dry so it was difficult to distinguish the damp parts. There is room for improvement but there's not much to complain about. Importantly, there were no issues with the car. The team did a great job last night, the balance was good so it gave me confidence to push straight out of the box.

“Now comes the next challenge for me with a 24-hour race. Tom has a lot experience at Le Mans and he's in great form. He has been helping a lot from day one and we're already able to work together and learn from each other. I think we're in a good position.”

This year’s Le Mans 24 Hours is the first time that the Caterham name has ever raced at the famous round-the-clock race, as the British marque looks to investigate the viability of producing a customer sports prototype chassis as part of its longer-term growth plans.

The race will begin at 1500 local time on Saturday, June 22.

Read More

Electronic Break Light communicates with the car behind

Ford has participated in a special test of a high-tech early warning “brake light” that can warn drivers following behind even if they are around a bend or behind other traffic.  

The technology is one of 20 potential future systems Ford tested as part of Safe Intelligent Mobility – Testfield Germany (sim^TD), a four-year joint industry research project.

In emergency braking situations, the experimental “Electronic Brake Light” transmits a wireless signal to illuminate a dashboard light in cars following behind. The study found the technology could enable drivers to brake earlier and potentially mitigate or avoid a collision.

The sim^TD field tests involved 500 test drivers in 120 vehicles – including 20 Ford S-MAX models. Testers logged more than 41,000 hours and almost a million miles on public roads and an enclosed test track in Germany.

“Car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure communications represent one of the next major advancements in vehicle safety,” said Paul Mascarenas, Ford’s chief technical officer and vice president, Ford Research and Innovation. “Ford is committed to further real-world testing here and around the world with the goal of implementation in the foreseeable future.”

Ford used specially-equipped Ford S-MAX models to help test the potential of car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure communication; also testing Obstacle Warning system, which alerts to the presence, position and type of potentially hazardous objects in the road, and Traffic Sign Assistant, that keeps in contact with traffic management centres for up-to-date information.

Engineers from Ford’s European Research Centre in Aachen, Germany, led the Electronic Brake Light development, testing and data analysis.

Further technologies tested for sim^TD included:

• Public Traffic Management, which provides exact traffic prognosis based on comprehensive information; this includes identifying likely traffic scenarios and their impact at the point in the journey when they are encountered rather than at the point of departure   
• In-car Internet Access, which, for example enables the driver to receive information about free parking spaces or check traffic hotspots by receiving up-to-date pictures from traffic cameras.

As a global leader in researching car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure communications, Ford is engaged in the European Commission-supported field operational tests DRIVE C2X, and in the U.S. contributing to Safety Pilot Model Deployment, a field test of more than 2,800 vehicles in cooperation with the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Collating results from these programmes supports Ford’s objective of harmonisingstandards for messaging and hardware globally that would enable the delivery of new technologies faster, more efficiently, and more economically.

sim^TD is a joint project by leading German automotive manufacturers, component suppliers,  communication companies, research institutions and public authorities. The funding for the project was approximately £45million, of which £26million of direct project promotional support was provided by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi) together with the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

Read More

Aston Martin V12 Vantage S accelerates like a bolt of lightning

Aston Martin’s most extreme sports car, the new V12 Vantage S, is today confirmed as the brand’s fastest accelerating production car to date – with the exception of the limited edition, and sold-out, One-77 hypercar.

Taking just 3.7 seconds to sprint from 0-60 mph (3.9 seconds 0-100 km/h) the sports car underlines its position as not only the brand’s fastest accelerating production car, but also the most potent Vantage in Aston Martin’s glittering 100-year history.

Equipped with the new 573 PS AM28 6.0-litre V12 engine, featuring latest generation engine management, the car is capable of reaching 205 mph making it, also, the fastest sports car to wear the iconic Aston Martin wings – One-77 excepted.

With 620 Nm of torque available at 5,750 rpm the V12 Vantage S is as flexible as it is powerful. Low rev torque – measured at just 1,000 rpm – stands at 510 Nm and, driving the rear wheels through the new Sportshift™III AMT (automated manual transmission) ensures the car boasts true sporting driveability.

Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez said: “The new V12 Vantage S brings our winning GT3 race formula to the road. It’s a car for those customers who want superior sporting performance in a ‘gentleman’s suit’. It’s the most pure, yet understated, driving machine we can imagine today.”      

As might be expected of such a potent machine, race car technology features throughout the V12 Vantage S. Aside from significant development time spent lapping the ‘green hell’ of Germany’s infamous Nürburgring to hone its dynamic capabilities and, of course, that motorsport-derived paddle shift gearbox, the new car includes such track-inspired components as CNC machined combustion chambers and hollow cam shafts.

Ian Minards, Product Development Director at Aston Martin, said: “Harnessing the sheer, raw, power of the AM28 engine – ensuring it is delivered in the most coherent, engaging way – has been a challenge for the Engineering team, but this record acceleration figure ably demonstrates that it is one we have more than met.

“With great motorsport successes already under our belt such as the WEC win at Silverstone and our superb showing at the recent Nürburgring 24 Hour race, plus the excitement of Le Mans just around the corner, it seems fitting that our most extreme road-going Vantage yet claims this acceleration record now.”  

Nuanced, as well as potent, the new car includes technology which allows its driver to accurately tune its ride and handling. Three-stage adaptive damping means the driver can more precisely tailor the car’s dynamic character and exploit its clear performance potential. ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Track’ modes provide a broad swathe of dynamic capability, while the system also governs the level of power steering assistance offered.

Working alongside the extended adaptive damping system is a ‘Sport’ mode, controlled via a button on the centre console, which alters throttle response, gearshift speed and timing, and exhaust note to, once again, tune the character of the car to the driver’s requirements.

The new ZF-Servotronic™power assisted steering boasts a quicker 15:1 ratio, in line with the car’s sporting pedigree, linked to the adaptive damping button. It offers two-mode steering assistance designed to best match the ‘Sport’ or ‘Normal’ settings generated by the Adaptive Damping System.

Pricing for the new V12 Vantage S is also confirmed.  

In the UK the new car is available from £138,000 RRP; Germany €179,950 RRP; USA $184,995 MSRP; Dubai $230,995 (US$) and Australia AU$ 389,300, excluding local taxes where applicable.

Read More

KITT is becoming a reality with ADAM the Speaking Car

As if the ADAM’s multi-million configurations weren’t headline-grabbing enough, Vauxhall has today revealed that it will be the first car in its class that drivers can hold a conversation with, allowing them to give voice commands and receive a verbal response from the car itself.

When fitted with the innovative IntelliLink infotainment system, ADAM is now available with full integration for Siri Eyes Free, the unique intelligent assistant from Apple that helps you get things done whilst driving just by asking.

Using a steering wheel-mounted button, customers with a compatible iPhone running iOS 6 can direct Siri Eyes Free to perform a number of tasks while they keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. This is more than traditional voice activation: you can speak to Siri Eyes Free in ADAM in a conversational tone, just as you would with a friend.

To minimise distraction, Apple and Vauxhall have taken hands-free functionality even further by using Siri Eyes Free mode to interact with an Apple device using nothing more than the driver’s voice. The device screen does not display the Siri text conversation while using the feature in ADAM; this is one of the important safety measures Apple and Vauxhall took during the integration development to ensure the upmost focus on safety.

Siriis available free of charge in all IntelliLink-equipped ADAMs which are ordered from today. Customers who already own an ADAM with IntellilLink can also benefit from Siri Eyes Free, via a free update available from next month. The innovative IntelliLink system can be continually updated throughout the customers’ ownership to ensure in-car infotainment is just as up to date as their mobile communication. Updates are available for ADAM owners through their nearest Vauxhall dealer.

To start sessions with Siri in Eyes Free mode, ADAM owners simply connect their Apple iOS device with the IntelliLink infotainment system via Bluetooth, pair with the system, and use the steering wheel voice activation button. Siri Eyes Free can be activated while other apps such as BringGo continue running in the background. Music or nav directions are automatically muted during this time.

In the Vauxhall ADAM equipped with the IntelliLink infotainment system, owners can use Siri Eyes Free to:

• Make voice-activated, hands-free calls to Contacts on their iPhone
• Play chosen songs in their iTunes libraries without having to spend time scrolling through menus – and therefore being distracted while driving
• Listen to, or compose and send an iMessage, text message or mail to a phone number or anyone in saved Contacts
• Access Calendar and add appointments, read incoming notifications as well as configuration for alarm and notification settings
• And, of course, Siri also answers simple questions such as game scores, weather or the dates of national holidays

Many capabilities for ADAM’s IntelliLink infotainment system

Vauxhall’s new IntelliLink infotainment system, which made its debut in ADAM, is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, as well as Android devices. The full scope of options IntelliLink offers in ADAM also includes TuneIn, a global radio access app, BringGo, a navigation app, and Stitcher, a global podcast internet radio app. IntelliLink brings the connectivity and functionality of smartphones safely inside the car via a seven-inch, high resolution, full colour touch-screen display with Bluetooth or USB connections. IntelliLink, the ultra-modern infotainment system, can therefore be as personal to use as the content kept on an iPhone or Android device. At the same time, Vauxhall IntelliLink is an affordable system, costing just £275.

Standard infotainment for ADAM JAM, ADAM GLAM and ADAM SLAM is a CD 3.0 BT system with radio and CD players, featuring DAB and Bluetooth to enable hands-free calling and USB connections. And the whole infotainment system can be further enhanced with an impressive Infinity Sound System including eight loudspeakers.

Read More

Fiat 500L MPW - midsize 500 for the family

Fiat presents the first official photos of the Fiat 500L MPW (called ‘Living’ in the rest of Europe), the new model that will have its world preview in July on the sixth anniversary of the 500 family.  A development of the icon launched in 2007, the new car is for living life to the full, a car which reaches out directly to a diverse public, attentive to new features and looking for a balance of functionality and design, to make room for their many interests and intended uses without compromising on style.

The new Fiat has all the charm of the 500, the agility of a city-car, is as compact as a mid-size car, has the comfort and contents of a C-segment station wagon or saloon and the space and the versatility of an MPV. These are the ingredients of a new conception of the car, which is not based solely on technical specifications, but also on how it is experienced in life, to create a magic combination. 

The 500L MPW is therefore the perfect marriage of effective use of space and unmistakeable ‘made in Fiat’design. With an additional third row of seats, the new car is the most compact ‘5 + 2-seater’ MPV in its segment: it is 435 cm long, 178 cm wide and 167 cm high. What’s more, despite being 20 cm shorter than a C-segment Station Wagon, the Fiat 500L MPW ensures exceptional values in terms of comfort, space and load capacity, as demonstrated by a volume of 638 litres. 

The new model therefore assumes its position as the first car for the whole family which reaches out to all consumers, able to win over both men, thanks to its characteristics of functionality and efficiency, and women, due to its beauty, intelligence and style. And it’s bound to please children as well: to their eyes it will be attractively spacious. In short, the Fiat 500L MPW  is the superlative expression of Fiat’s characteristic ingenuity in creating vehicles that make everyday life more simple, and a bit more fun as well.

At launch, the Fiat 500L MPW will be equipped with two petrol engines - 95 HP 1.4 16v and 105 HP 0.9 TwinAir Turbo - as well as two turbodiesels: 105 HP 1.6 MultiJet II and 85 HP 1.3 MultiJet II, the latter also with automatic transmission.

The range includes two trim levels (Pop Star and Lounge), both with 5 or 7 seats, 19 body colours (including 11 two-tone combinations) and 6 interior trims, 15 different types in terms of alloy wheels and hub caps: in total, no fewer than 282 combinations are possible. The new Fiat 500L MPW offers equipment worthy of a higher segment, as demonstrated by the new leather interiors, integrated navigation system and rear camera to assist with reversing manoeuvres.

The Fiat 500L MPW will be produced in the new Serbian factory at Kragujevac, while orders will open in July in Italy, to be extended progressively to the other countries of Europe.

Read More

Aston Martin Vanquish Volante: The Ultimate Convertible Super GT

Aston Martin today unveils the Vanquish Volante - a stunning new luxury sports car that brings the thrill of open top motoring to the super GT class.

Alongside its coupe sibling, launched to worldwide acclaim last autumn, the new Vanquish Volante sits at the pinnacle of the luxury British car maker's sports car lineup.

Benefitting from all of the technical, engineering and design advances present in the Vanquish coupe, the new Volante enhances the driving experience still further through the option of exciting convertible driving.

Instantly becoming one of the most beautiful cars in its class, Vanquish Volante crucially retains the coupe's full breadth of dynamic character and sporting capability. It boasts the same new AM11 6.0-litre V12 engine as the coupe and the same performance figures, meaning the top speed stands at 183 mph.

Vanquish Volante is the first fully carbon fibre-skinned Volante in the brand's 100- year history, while also being the stiffest Volante body structure yet created by the engineering team at Aston Martin's global HQ in Gaydon, Warwickshire, England.

The new car's triple-skin lightweight fabric roof can be operated at speeds of up to 30 mph and takes just 14 seconds to fold - meaning the switch from enclosed to open top motoring, or vice versa, can be made effortlessly while on the move.

Announcing the arrival of the Vanquish Volante Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez said: "This car is what luxury super GT driving is all about. Great performance, fantastic style and exhilarating Volante motoring in one superb package.

"Aston Martin is celebrating 100 years of excellence in 2013, and the arrival of this new sports car - our ultimate Volante - underlines that our mission to make the next 100 years even more successful is starting perfectly."

The design of Vanquish Volante represents the latest take on Aston Martin's iconic visual language. Styling cues such as the elegant waist, elongated side strakes and LED rear light blades are derived from the One-77 supercar while the folding fabric roof sits beneath a tonneau and decklid that have been aerodynamically tuned for optimum performance.

The windscreen, meanwhile, is now full height - a first for Aston Martin - which means that the glass runs up to meet the fabric roof, thereby reducing visual 'clutter'.

The Vanquish Volante's 'suit' of carbon fibre panels cloaks a cabin that is both sophisticated and comfortable. The 2+2 cabin is elegantly attired in authentic and luxurious materials: full grain Luxmil leather with optional quilting, Alcantara and satin chrome underscore the car's well-appointed nature.

Each body panel on the car is constructed from carbon fibre not just because of its high strength-to-weight ratio, but also for its flexibility of form. This not only reduces mass but means that fewer individual body panels are required - reducing joints and contributing to a more coherent and svelte shape.

As practical as it is well-dressed, the Vanquish Volante boasts a boot that's fully 50% larger than that of the previous DBS Volante. It measures 279 litres - roof up or down - and makes the new Aston Martin a viable choice for continent-crossing grand tours as well as daily drives.

Perhaps one of the most striking interior design elements is the centre stack with refinements providing a more elegant form that is also more intuitive and accessible for both driver and front seat passenger.

A direct descendent of the One-77 centre stack, the Vanquish and Vanquish Volante's set-up retains familiar elements such as the ECU engine start button and gear selection buttons while featuring a new infotainment system and a significantly more user-friendly design. The facia trim now stretches down the whole centre stack and is manufactured from a single piece of material giving a uniform finish.

The user interface offers a more user-friendly and ergonomic layout as well as technological updates that make it one of the most advanced in-car systems available.

Capacitive glass buttons with illumination and haptic feedback feature in the rest of the centre stack's switchgear. Haptic feedback is more commonly found in touchscreen mobile phones and Aston Martin became among the first significant luxury car manufacturers in the world to use the technology in a series production model when it debuted on Vanquish coupe in 2012.

Aston Martin Design Director Marek Reichman explained: "Vanquish Volante is a sports car, of course, but more even than that it is the ultimate Volante. A car which follows a long line of elegant Aston Martin convertibles, this super GT is sculpted to convey sophistication as much as raw power.

"The aerodynamically shaped tonneau, the proportions of the folding fabric roof, the luxurious nature of the cabin - these elements have been pored over by the Design team, working with our Engineering colleagues, to ensure we deliver the aesthetic appeal for which Aston Martin is renowned around the world."

Under its curvaceous carbon fibre bonnet the Vanquish Volante comprises the latest generation AM11 naturally aspirated 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine which drives the rear wheels via a Touchtronic 2 six-speed automatic gearbox.

The V12's power peak of 565 bhp arrives at 6,750 rpm while the torque peak of 457 lb ft is available at 5,500 rpm. These numbers translate into performance that matches the Vanquish coupe's and ensures the new car supports its Super GT billing.

The dynamics have been tuned precisely, with new springs and damper settings calibrated to deliver the same crisp handling yet compliant ride as the coupe.

Strenuous efforts have been made to limit the new car's weight; contributing to its impressive performance, agile handling and compelling power-to-weight ratio. The combination of controlled weight, near-perfect 51:49 weight distribution, a powerful V12 engine and a performance-honed six-speed transmission unite to make the Vanquish Volante as rewarding on the move as it is beautiful standing still.

Like its coupe cousin, the Vanquish Volante uses the latest generation of Aston Martin's class-leading VH (Vertical Horizontal) architecture, a lightweight bonded aluminium structure that provides outstanding strength and rigidity. In this iteration, the Vanquish now includes the addition of significant semi-structural carbon fibre components, as well as the use of bonding derived directly from the latest aerospace technologies.

As well as being light, strong and flexible in its application, the gen4 VH architecture is also extremely rigid. The new Vanquish Volante is 13% torsionally stiffer than the DBS Volante which preceded it, making it highly resistant to flex and allowing for responsive and predictable handling.

This rigid structure also provides an ideal foundation from which the suspension can control the vehicle effectively, further highlighting the importance of the body structure and the effect it has on the dynamic performance of the car.

Aston Martin's engineering teams have worked particularly hard to minimise the weight outside the wheelbase of the new car to reduce yaw inertia. As a result, carbon fibre has been used extensively in the rear structure and the weight of the aluminium front structure has been limited.

To take full advantage of its precise and rigid architecture, the Vanquish Volante employs a battery of sophisticated technologies including Dynamic Stability Control and Positive Torque Control.

Aston Martin's Adaptive Damping System (ADS) allows the driver to switch between three distinct damping modes: Normal, Sport and Track, delivering instant adjustment of the car's ride and handling characteristics.

The ADS automatically alters the suspension settings to ensure the driver has high levels of control at all times, with the ability to respond quickly to different driving conditions. The different damping modes available help significantly broaden the Vanquish Volante's character, adapting its set-up to suit the driver's mood and requirements. Thus it can be a cruising GT car in Normal mode with the capacity to morph into an assertive sports car in Sport and Track modes.

The damper settings are determined by an electronic control unit which takes sensor readings from the car's systems, including throttle position, brake position, steering wheel rotation and vehicle speed. This data establishes the prevailing driving conditions and the demands the driver is making on the car.

Steering, too, is crisp, precise and communicative. The rack's quick 15:1 ratio - 2.6 turns lock-to-lock - is allied to speed sensitive power assistance that's tuned to deliver optimum assistance.

The car's braking system features third generation Brembo Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) brakes to deliver shorter stopping distances with resistance to fade in even the most demanding driving conditions. CCM brakes are also lighter than a conventional system, reducing the weight of the car overall and, in particular, the unsprung weight and rotational masses, further enhancing the performance of the suspension.

The front brakes use 398 mm x 36 mm CCM brake discs with larger front brake pads and six-piston brake callipers from the One-77, while the rear brakes use 360 mm x 32 mm CCM brake discs with a four-piston calliper.

Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez added: "Vanquish Volante, like the Vanquish coupe before it, uses the very latest technologies employed in the very best ways to create a sports car which is easy to control, and to enjoy dynamic performance at the finest level.

"This is not simply a great-looking car - this is a great car engineered and crafted for the connoisseur by people dedicated to delivering exceptional sports cars with clearly defined characters."

Priced from $297,995 RRP in the United States, first deliveries of the 2014 Vanquish Volante are expected to begin across the Americas from early next year.

Read More

2014 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan goes on sale soon

The 2014 Buick LaCrosse luxury sedan goes on sale later this year with a suggested retail price of $34,060, including a $925 destination charge. Standard equipment includes next-generation IntelliLink connectivity, an eight-inch reconfigurable color cluster display, eight air bags and an eAssist powertrain that offers an EPA-estimated 36 highway mpg.

An all-new Ultra Luxury interior package is available. The package includes a unique dark stained Tamo Ash wood throughout the cabin, jet black synthetic suede on the headliner and vanity mirrors, and Semi-Aniline full leather seats in sangria color. It is available on select trim levels as a $2,495 option.

Every 2014 Buick offers a full suite of active safety technologies, and two available package groups comprise the offerings for LaCrosse. A Driver Confidence I package includes Forward Collision Alert, Side Blind Zone Warning, Lane Change Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, articulating high-intensity discharge headlights, and a head-up display for $2,125.

The Driver Confidence II package includes Adaptive Cruise Control, an Automatic Collision Prep system, and a patented Safety Alert Seat that directs the driver’s attention using vibrations through the surface of the seat bottom. It is a $1,745 option that must be paired with Driver Convenience I.

LaCrosse is available with all-wheel drive on many V-6 models for customers who want the most sure-footed traction possible. On-demand traction is delivered via an advanced Haldex all-wheel drive with an electronic limited slip rear differential.

A 304-hp 3.6L V-6 engine is a no-cost option for the LaCrosse. With EPA estimates of 18 city/28 mpg highway for front-wheel drive models and 17/26 mpg for all-wheel drive, the 2014 model gains 1 mpg highway for both models and 1 mpg city for front-drive.

Other standalone options include various wheel choices, Bose audio, navigation, rear seat entertainment, and a sunroof.

Additional equipment, including rear park assist, a rear vision camera, passive entry and passive start, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, a power rear sunshade, and real-time dampening, are included as standard equipment in various LaCrosse equipment groups.

Every 2014 LaCrosse comes standard with two years or 24,000 miles of included regular maintenance and five years of OnStar RemoteLink Key Fob services. Regular maintenance includes oil and filter changes, tire rotations, and multi-point inspections. OnStar RemoteLink Key Fob services allow owners to lock and unlock the vehicle’s doors or activate remote start (on applicable models) using a smartphone app.

Read More

Leon FR 2.0 TDI 184 PS is available now

The SEAT Leon FR 2.0 TDI 184 PS offers hot hatch performance, with low running costs (an official 67.3 mpg (3,5 l/100km) combined fuel consumption rating and CO₂ emissions pegged at just 109 g/km)

The Leon FR 2.0 TDI 184 PS is a tremendous feat of engineering: it is 11.9 mpg more efficient on average than the outgoing Leon Mk II 2.0 TDI 170 PS, while being 0.7 seconds quicker to the 62 mph benchmark. In fact, it offers the very same combined mpg rating as the outgoing Leon 1.6 TDI 105 PS.

Arguably the best quantifiable measure of its performance advantage over its predecessor is its torque figure, which is 30 Nm higher but comes in at the same point in the rev range – just 1,750 rpm, giving the Leon FR 2.0 TDI 184 PS its astonishing flexibility.

For example, compare 380 Nm @ 1,750 rpm to the 370 Nm @ 4,750 of the Porsche Cayman R and it’s clear just how much low-end punch this Leon has.

The 2.0-litre TDI engine that powers the Leon is part of the very latest generation of common rail diesel engines from the Volkswagen Group, featuring direct injection and turbocharging. The 184 PS engine comes with Ecomotive Technology as standard, which means it has Start/Stop engine shut-off to preserve fuel when the car is at a standstill and in neutral. 

Available with a six-speed manual gearbox only, the Leon FR 2.0 TDI 184 PS costs from  £22,075 in UK.

Any Leon wearing SEAT’s iconic black and red FR badging includes LED tail lights, 17-inch alloy wheels, FR-specific front- and rear bumpers, dark tinted windows, twin chrome exhaust pipes, sports suspension (lowered by 15 mm from standard), dual-zone climate control, front sports seats, SEAT Easy Connect media system including full colour touch screen interface, Bluetooth audio streaming and eight speakers, and SEAT Drive Profile. By altering the throttle management, steering feel and gearbox settings (in DSG-equipped cars) between three modes, SEAT Drive Profile allows significant alteration of the feel of the driving experience.  

MacPherson-type suspension is standard at the front of all Leon models, with a semi-rigid axle (torsion beam) at the rear for cars with engines up to and including 150 PS. This solution saves weight and cost – which can be passed on to the buyer – without impacting ride comfort or overall refinement.

A multi-link suspension setup is more suitable to higher performance driving, with five links per side allowing greater lateral movement for improved contact with the road, particularly during high-speed cornering when the tyres are at the limit of grip; the rear torsion beam allows some twist and flex, but the multi-link setup does so even more.

Read More

Farewell Cabezon! Ferrari legend passed away at age of 90

A great friend of Ferrari passed away 15 June, José Froilan Gonzalez died at the age of ninety in his native Buenos Aires. His name will forever be linked to that of the Scuderia; indeed he was the one, who on 14 July at Silverstone, sixty two years ago, took the Prancing Horse’s first victory in a Grand Prix counting towards the Formula 1 World Championship.

“The news of the death of Gonzalez saddened me greatly,” President Luca di Montezemolo told ferrari.com from Maranello where he was attending a day for the families of all the employees of the company. “We had spoken not that long ago, talking about cars and racing, the topics he was most enthusiastic about. Over all these years, he was always very attached to Ferrari and, as a driver and a man, he played an integral part in our history. His death means we have lost a true friend.” The last meeting between “El Cabezon” and the team with which he was linked above all others in his racing career, took place appositely enough on 10 July two years ago at Silverstone. On that day, Fernando Alonso actually drove the 375 F1 that Gonzalez took to victory in 1951 in the British Grand Prix, an exhibition that had previously taken place back in 2001, when the Argentine driver was there in person to share the pleasure of the moment with Michael Schumacher. A few hours after the more recent demonstration, as if scripted by fate, Fernando won the race, to give the Scuderia its only victory in 2011.

“I only realised what it meant to have won this race on the following Wednesday when I met Don Enzo at Maranello,” said Gonzalez in an interview he gave to our website on the sixtieth anniversary of the Silverstone win. “In his office there was a big photo of the victory right behind his desk! He asked me to sign it and to tell him every last detail about the race and then he gave me a gold watch with the Prancing Horse on the face. Only three days later did I really understand that it was a special win. Ferrari is the top in the world of motoring. For me, it has always been a cause of pride that I managed to take this first win, especially given what the marque went on to achieve in the past sixty years all over the world.”

Read More

Retired teacher has soon driven 3 million miles with his Volvo

That's right: 3 (three) MILLION miles. In a journey that has lasted nearly half a century, spanned the globe and elicited awe from generations of car lovers, Long Island's Irv Gordon has a phenomenal achievement in his sight: driving 3,000,000 miles in the same car - a shiny, red 1966 Volvo P1800. 

I have a red shiny Volvo too, but it only has 220 000 kilometers on its odometer. 

P1800 is absolutely beautiful car. Roger Moore drove one on 60s hit series The Saint (just before he landed on the role of James Bond)

When Irv Gordon drove off the lot in 1966, he began a movement. That movement continues to grow through the collective experience and passion of current Volvo owners. As Gordon approaches the milestone, Volvo Cars of North America (VCNA) is bringing the nation along for the journey with a special campaign in the months ahead. Those interested can visit 3MillionReasons.com for additional information about Gordon's story and a map and image gallery from his road trips.

"It's not about getting to the three million miles; it's about the trips that got me to the three million miles," Gordon said. "I never had a goal to get to one million, to two million. I just enjoyed driving and experiencing life through my Volvo.

"The best way to explore America is by car," Gordon added. "I challenge everyone to go out and see as much as possible. Find your own journey and reason to believe because you only have one life to live. No matter how many roads I've been on, there's always one I haven't taken. That's what makes it exciting."

Gordon, a 73-year-old retired science teacher from Patchogue, N.Y., holds the Guinness Book of World Records recognition for most miles driven by a single owner in a non-commercial vehicle, and has driven more than 2.99 million miles in his shiny red Volvo.

"I bought my Volvo P1800 on a Friday, and immediately fell in love," Gordon recalled. "I couldn't stop driving the car. It was a long holiday weekend, and I brought the car back to the dealership the following Monday for its 1,500-mile service."

With a 125-mile round-trip daily commute, a fanatical dedication to vehicle maintenance and a passion for driving, Gordon logged 500,000 miles in 10 years.

Besides being a Volvo, one of the main reasons the car has lasted so long is that Gordon has brought his P1800 to the same certified Volvo technician for more than 15 years. Nino Gambino, a technician with an "A" rating at Volvoville in Huntington, N.Y., the same dealership where Gordon purchased his car in 1966, said, "Because Irv follows the owner's manual and truly cares for and loves his car, I have no doubt he'll reach three million. Irv always says he takes better care of the car than himself! And he's fun to ride with on trips because you don't need a map." 

In 1998 with 1.69 million miles, Gordon made the Guinness Book of World Records for most miles driven by a single owner in a non-commercial vehicle. In 2002, he drove the car's two-millionth mile down Times Square to international media attention.

Irv holds a record that will not likely be broken any time soon.

As Gordon points his car to its three-millionth mile, "I'm realizing this will be a record that no one will surpass," he said. "So, these next few thousands of miles will be special and sentimental for me. I'm looking forward to visiting my favorite places in big, beautiful America - from national parks to roadside cafes, from the Pacific Coast Highway to small roads that are miles from the Interstate. Send me an invite and maybe I'll meet you for a cup of coffee."

Based on his calculations, Gordon plans to reach three million miles in Alaska this September. America's last frontier is one of two U.S. states Gordon has never visited and a fitting backdrop for his three million mile moment.

"For every mile Irv has logged in his Volvo, there have been just as many reasons why he's been able to do it - from his meticulous care, on-schedule oil changes and his safe driving practices - all the way to Volvo's legendary attention to engineering," said John Maloney, president and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America and long-time friend to Irv. "A distant predecessor to today's models, the Volvo P1800 and Irv are the living embodiment that Volvos are enduring and designed around you. We look forward to following him on this journey, and finding ways to bring our customers and car enthusiasts everywhere along for the ride."

Read More

U.S. pricing for Audi SQ5 crossover begins at $51,900

Pricing for the all-new 2014 Audi SQ5 high-performance luxury crossover – the first-ever S variant of any Audi Q model – will begin at $51,900. The Audi SQ5, which blends sportiness and sophistication with space and functionality, is expected to arrive in U.S. showrooms later this summer.

The SQ5 adds to the highly-successful Q5 model lineup -- the second best-selling model line for Audi last year. In addition to the high-performance SQ5, the Q5 model line is also enhanced for the 2014 model year with the addition of the all-new fuel-efficient Q5 TDI clean diesel model, which joins the current lineup of 2.0T, 3.0T and hybrid variants.

Performance
The Audi SQ5 boasts a supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI direct-injection V6 engine that achieves 354 hp and 347 lb-ft of torque. Propelling from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds, the SQ5 reaches a top track speed of 155 mph.

Mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, the Audi SQ5 features the Audi quattro all-wheel drive system for superior traction and handling.

All Q5’s feature a roof rack detection system that is directly linked to the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) control unit. When the crossbars are installed, a signal is sent that adjusts driving dynamic relevant parameters according to the center of gravity. When the crossbars are not installed, the ESC program adjusts dynamics to allow for more enthusiastic driving.

Exterior
The Audi SQ5, with classy aluminum roof rails and a gracefully-sloped roof, will feature standard 20-inch wheels and will also offer 21-inch wheels.

Featuring all the signature elements of Audi S models – including S model front and rear bumpers with Platinum Gray grille and diffuser, Aluminum exterior mirror housings and quad exhaust tips – the Audi SQ5 has a sporty and distinctive look.

Additionally, with the Audi Singleframe grille and Audi Xenon plus headlights with automatic self-leveling and LED daytime running lights, the SQ5 has an unmistakable Audi appearance.

Interior
The SQ5 has a spacious and sporty interior, with a three-spoke multifunction flat-bottom steering wheel with alu-optic shift paddles and contrast stitching, Gray instrument face with white needles, pedals with aluminum inserts, and SQ5 specific leather/aluminum shift knob.

Leather/Alcantara sport seats are standard and Fine Nappa interior and comfort package (Milano leather seats when equipped with ventilated comfort seats), is available.

New layered Aluminum/Black wood decorative inlays are also available in the SQ5.

Technology and driver assistance
Audi advanced key (keyless start, stop and entry) is standard on the SQ5. Audi side assist – which helps monitor blind spot areas, as well as fast-approaching vehicles, at a range of approximately 150 ft. to the rear of the car – is available as a standalone option on Premium plus models (delayed availability).

Audi adaptive cruise control is also optional, helping to monitor the road ahead and changing speed to maintain a predetermined distance.

The SQ5 model’s optional Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 14 speakers, standard Audi music interface with iPod integration and standard Bluetooth wireless technology help enhance the overall driving experience.

Audi connect
The 2014 Audi SQ5 offers the award-winning infotainment system Audi connect when MMI Navigation plus is ordered. Audi was the first global auto manufacturer to offer factory-fitted in-vehicle Wi-Fi connectivity for passenger use, enabling the Audi connect system to deliver connectivity to up to eight wireless devices. With Audi connect – offered complementary for six months and available for as little as $15 per month thereafter – the onboard Audi MMI Navigation system is enhanced with Google Earth maps for a true aerial view of the route. Audi connect also features real-time localized weather, news and live fuel prices; Google Voice Local Search for detailed information about travel destinations, such as restaurant or hotel hours, pricing and customer reviews; and the myAudi Destination feature, which allows users to log on to Google Earth from virtually any location in the U.S. and download up to 50 destinations to the vehicle. Audi also offers real-time Sirius XM Traffic information via enhancements to the Audi MMI Navigation plus system (active Sirius XM Traffic subscription required).

Read More

Volvo willing to pay your first payment for Mercedes A-class!

Volvo's challenge shows extreme balls, but might be ... well, dumb.

Volvo Car UK is taking the unprecedented step of putting its all-new V40 in direct competition with its class rival, the Mercedes A-Class, in a test drive comparison with a difference.

Under the tag line "Bored of German Techno? Try some Swedish Metal", Volvo is asking customers to challenge their perceptions and test drive both the V40 D2 R-Design and the Mercedes A-Class A180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport. After driving the two cars back to back, if the customer still chooses the Mercedes, Volvo will pay the first month's payment.

Since launch, the all-new Volvo V40 has received many positive media reviews, strong customer feedback and become Volvo's best-selling model in the UK.  A five-seat five-door hatchback with three faces, in the form of the standard V40, the V40 R-Design and the V40 Cross Country, it allows drivers to choose the car that suits them.

The V40 Challenge is being targeted at those considering purchasing the Mercedes A-Class A180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport and asking them to give the V40 D2 R-Design a test drive.  If after test driving both vehicles the customer chooses the Mercedes, Volvo Car UK will pay for the first month's payment*.

Jon Wakefield, sales director for Volvo Car UK said: "The all-new V40 has been a roaring success since its introduction and we have such belief in the V40 being a fantastic product that we're being bold enough to put our money where our mouth is. I have no hesitation in telling people what a great car the V40 is, and by getting more and more people to test drive it, I'm sure more and more people will agree with me."

"Some may call us brazen, others may call us bold, but there's no denying that we have such confidence in the V40 that we're prepared to challenge people's opinions and make them consider their options. This campaign is sure to raise a few eyebrows!" says Georgina Williams, head of marketing for Volvo Car UK.

The all-new Volvo V40 was launched in Geneva in 2012 with the R-Design and Cross Country versions launched in Paris in 2012. Up to the end of May, Volvo Car UK have registered 4905 all-new V40s, accounting for just under 36% of all Volvo Car UK sales and successfully taking the place of the C30, S40 and V50.

Of course a load of terms apply to this.

Read More