Top-5 dream cars for dads over forty

When you’re a dad of a certain age new rules apply. Rules, let’s be honest, that kids just don’t get. So to celebrate Father’s Day on June 16^th here are fashion-be-damned Top 5 Ultimate Dad Cars.

While your kids mutter about dodgy dancing, duff jeans and suspect shoes, not to mention the sheer unimaginable embarrassment of being seen out in public with you, the self-assured father can get on with the simple task of doing what the hell he likes. Which is the single greatest benefit of getting old and exactly what our Top 5 Dad Cars are all about. Call them old skool or retro or whatever you fancy, but the plain fact is that the Ultimate Dad Cars eschew youthful notions of cool, style and fashion.  They are Ultimate Dad Cars because they can be. No justification required, end of conversation. So here they are, our Ultimate Dad Cars – embarrassing to anyone under the age of 25, sheer unadulterated joy to anyone with more hair in their ears than on their head.

1. Ford Mustang

Small children and old men cannot get enough of the venerable Pony Car. It's about as subtle as a sledgehammer but that's exactly the point because when you're choosing a Dad's Car it doesn't matter what people think. If the Mustang's sheer scale doesn't turn heads its V8 burble will. Of course, for any self-respecting Dad the Holy Grail is a Bullitt-spec replica as driven by the saintly Steve McQueen. But pretty much any 'stang will do, provided it is V8 equipped.

2. Corvette Stingray

Americans favor of big bold curves and razor sharp edges. And why not. The Corvette has more front than Pamela Anderson, more presence than Santa. Corvette sets out its stall under a sign marked 'So what?' And any self-respecting Dad should do the same. The Corvette sticks two stubby fingers up at what other people think.

3. Jensen Interceptor

An American muscle car in a handmade Italian suit, the West Brom bullet is British Dad's Car. If you're of a Brit certain age (usually one starting with a 4) then chances are that you've always hankered after a Jensen. Not only does it have possibly the greatest car name of all time but the Interceptor furrows its own path deeper than anything sold by Massey Ferguson. Its thirsty 7.2 litre V8 thumbs its nose at common sense so just ease back in the thick hide interior, flick it into drive and let the long bonnet reach towards the sky. You don't have to explain that to anyone.

4. Jaguar Mk2

If you can remember a time when ITV showed Jaguar saloons being driven on the doorhandles by no good slags then you'll probably love the Jaguar Mk2. Of course, the crims drove S-Types if you want to get technical, the independent rear suspension probably saving them from heading for the hedges rather than out-running Thaw  Waterman in their Consul. For anyone under the age of 30 a Mk2 is just an old car. For anyone over they know that this was the Subaru Impreza of its day with up to 220 bhp on tap. And still one of the most beautiful saloon cars of its day. Drive it like you stole it or pootle around the country lanes − this is a car to enjoy just being in.

5. Ford Capri

The car you always promised yourself. And now you can. No self-respecting Dad can fail to see the appeal of the humble Capri, particularly in full fat 2.8 or 3.0 V6 form. With its pseudo-transatlantic styling, all big-bonnet and fastback finish, the Capri is a handy reminder of life before kids and responsibility came along. The Capri's Dagenham Dustbin reputation disguises what is an attractive, capable sports car with space for 4 − if you can trick the kids into riding with you.

List above is based on Great Escape Classic Car Hire’s most-rented-by-old-farts list.

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New Porsche LMP1 did its first test run today

Here's the new Porsche LMP1 sports prototype all camouflaged.

The new Porsche LMP1 sports prototype, which will compete in the sports car World Endurance Championship (WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 2014, successfully completed its first run today at the Porsche test track at the company’s Research and Development Centre in Weissach, near Stuttgart, Germany. Before the eyes of the entire Board of Porsche AG, factory driver Timo Bernhard took his new ‘wheels’ through its initial function check.

The LMP1 racer turned its first laps on the circuit several weeks earlier than originally planned.

“We are well on schedule,” said Fritz Enzinger, Head of the LMP1 programme. “Our newly-formed team has worked with utmost concentration on getting this highly complex vehicle on the track as soon as possible. This allows us a few additional weeks for more testing and further development. From 2014, the regulations are primarily based on efficiency. This makes the competition amongst engineers more interesting and presents us with completely new challenges.”

Since Porsche made the decision in mid-2011 to return with an LMP1 racer to the top category of endurance motorsport as a ‘works’ factory team, the Motorsport Centre at Weissach has grown significantly. A workshop and an administration building were built and accommodate around 200 employees who are responsible for the design, assembly and deployment of the LMP1 car. From the 2014 season, the racer will be fielded by a Weissach-based works squad.

“I was involved in the development of the new car right from the outset,” says Porsche factory driver Timo Bernhard (Germany). “I’m very proud that I was the one to take our baby through its first paces today. Already now the car feels great. I look forward to testing the vehicle in the coming weeks and months with my friend and colleague Romain Dumas.”

Bernhard (32) and Frenchman Dumas (35) are the first two regular drivers in the LMP1 project and will carry out the majority of testing on various international circuits.

“During the development of our new LMP1 race car, we faced the same challenge as in the series production development of our road cars,” said Wolfgang Hatz, Board Member for Research and Development, Porsche AG. “Our aim was to achieve the best possible efficiency without compromising performance.”

Matthias Müller, Chairman of the Executive Board, Porsche AG, particularly emphasises the benefits customers will enjoy from the development of the high-tech race car.

“The engineers were able to start with a blank sheet of paper in the design of the new LMP1 car that was out here today on the Weissach race track for the first time. Hence, they were able to apply many new technologies within the framework of the regulations that will also benefit the customers of our road-going automobiles in the future. After all, there’s a race car in every Porsche.”

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New Nissan Note offers 360-degree helicopter view

This is Nissan Note's new camera. Keeping the thing clean at all times posed a challenge to engineers.

The all-new Nissan Note is packed with innovative technology. Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning and Moving Object Detection combine to form the Nissan Safety Shield, complimenting the 360-degree helicopter view offered by the Around View Monitor parking aid to break new ground in the B-segment.

But there's one small yet highly significant innovation which ensures all of these functions are fully optimised - Nissan's intelligent self-cleaning rear view camera.

In order to make premium technology features accessible to the B-segment, Nissan's engineers have developed all the functions of Safety Shield to rely on only the rear view camera. That means the costly radar, laser or front-facing camera technology needed by many premium models are not needed, and real-world cost savings are passed on to Note customers.

However, with so many functions relying on the unblinking operation of the wide angle rear view camera,  engineers realised the lens would need to be clear of dust and dirt at all times.

Richard Picton, Nissan's Safety Shield engineer takes up the story: "The rear camera is critical to the functionality of Safety Shield, as well as the rear view used for Around View Monitor. We couldn't allow the camera's lens to get dirty at any time because it would detract from the technology's performance in everyday use with the customer. However, we didn't want the task of cleaning the lens to fall at the hands of the driver, so the intelligent self-cleaning system was developed."

With no input from the driver the rear camera is kept clear of accumulated dirt or water drops. This fully automated function relies on advanced algorithms processing more than 3 million pixels from the rear camera every second to determine when the image is obscured. Inputs are also taken from windscreen wiper functions to help to ascertain the prevailing driving conditions.

First the image from the camera is received and processed into a view which the human eye can easily see. In order to see beyond 180-degrees, the lens protrudes from its position on the tailgate and has a ‘fish-eye' shape. As a result it captures a stretched image that needs to be digitally remapped to appear on the flat 5.8-inch Connect screen on the Note's dashboard.

The downside of the camera's location is that it is exposed to dirt, dust and water, which could obscure the image. So, the next step is a continual analysis which determines if the lens is dirty and then determines the type of grime that's obscuring the picture. Intelligent enough to know the difference between mud or simply rain water, the self-cleaning system then uses its tiny water system and compressed air blower to clear the lens.

Picton explains: "Light dust is best cleared with a blast of air. A splash of muddy water from a puddle will need a full wash, so water is squirted at the lens and blown off again with air."

There is even a function for rain, where testing revealed that the best way to keep the camera functioning is to keep it wet with a very small but steady stream of water to avoid large water drops forming on the camera and obscuring the processed image.

Extensive digital modelling and real-world testing has proven water consumption from the system to be minimal, drawing negligible amounts from the Note's standard windscreen washer vessel. The jet of air is fed from a tiny compressor mounted underneath the rear of the Note.

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MG increase investing in British design

Today (June 12) SAIC Motor’s European Design Centre at the MG Birmingham site was opened. It has more than doubled in size just three years after the original design studio opened.

The latest investment from SAIC Motor, MG’s parent company, follows on from more than £500 million invested in the development of new models for Europe. 

Staff in the newly expanded Design Centre are already working on a range of future MG models, including the new MG3. The latest investment allows the studio, now the fifth largest in Britain, to carry out even more advanced design work. The original studio was part of a £5 million investment programme.

An advanced five-axis milling machine, which allows models in clay or hard materials to be produced within 36 hours, is a major part of the latest upgrade and spending on sophisticated equipment. It also includes a Visualisation Suite where life-size images of models can be projected onto a giant screen that has 2D and 3D capability.

A second design plate, an extremely accurate steel plate set to fine tolerances, has been installed. This allows highly-skilled clay modellers to work on future generations of MG cars. 

More than 160 designers at two studios – Shanghai and the MG site in Birmingham – come under the leadership of Anthony Williams-Kenny, SAIC’s Head of Global Design who flew in from China for the opening. Canadian-born Martin Uhlarik heads the European Design Centre in Birmingham.

The designers work closely with the 300 professional engineers at the adjoining SAIC UK Technical Centre. More than 400 people are employed at the MG Birmingham site where the new MG3 will roll off the assembly line later this year. It will become the second modern MG to come out of the Birmingham factory following the MG6 GT fastback and Magnette sport saloon range of petrol and diesel models.

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New Insignia under the looking glass

These are Vauxhall’s / Opel's first official pictures of the New Insignia range, which goes on sale today with first deliveries to customers in October after its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Available as a five-door Hatch, four-door Saloon and Sports Tourer estate, the new range now starts at just £16,279, nearly £2,000 less than entry into the outgoing line-up.  There are four new engines including: a 99g/km 140PS 2.0 CDTi offering large cost benefits to fleet and high-mileage drivers; an all-new 1.6 SIDI 170PS Turbo; and a new 250PS 2.0 SIDI Turbo petrol. Existing diesel units have also benefited from refinement improvements.

An all-new infotainment system, incorporating Bluetooth-operated internet connectivity, an 8-inch touchscreen, and 3D navigation and voice control, is fully compatible with a driver’s smartphone and allows drivers unrivalled communications while on the move. A DMB (Digital Media Broadcast) radio is now standard across the range.

Since its launch in 2008, the Insignia has largely dominated the mid-size sector and launched the eye-catching design philosophy that has permeated all subsequent new models. The Insignia’s classic exterior lines remain for the new range, with only subtle enhancements made to its styling, but inside there are important changes to the car’s instrument cluster and centre console design, as well as improvements to its control-functionality.

The Insignia’s range has been simplified, too. There are now eight trims (down from 14 in the outgoing line-up), ranging from Design to Elite, with a mixture of new models that will appeal to both retail and fleet buyers.

New Powertrains + Chassis Enhancements  

Across the New Insignia range, there have been improvements to the car’s ride and handling. Damper and anti-roll bar settings have been revised for better ride and control, while the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system standard in all but the VXR models has been reprogrammed for improved feel. Noise Vibration and Harshness (NVH) levels have also been reduced for enhanced occupant comfort.

The New Insignia range’s powertrain line-up has been broadened still further with the addition of an all-new petrol engine and new derivatives of the existing 2.0 CDTi unit.

Now available with a choice of three power outputs – 120PS, 140PS and 163PS – the New Insignia range’s 2.0 CDTi engine offers drivers ultra-low CO₂ emissions of 99g/km (76.3mpg 3.08 L/100km combined) for the lower two outputs and 114g/km (65.7mpg ( 3.50 L/100km combined) for the higher output unit (figures for Hatch models). But performance hasn’t been compromised, with even the 120 and 140PS models producing up to 320 and 370Nm of torque respectively, and the 163PS model up to 380Nm.

For company car drivers, the new diesel engines offer an even more compelling argument, with both the 120 and 140PS ecoFLEX Hatch versions emitting just 99g/km of CO₂ and dipping in to the 14 per cent Benefit-in-Kind category for the 2013/14 Tax Year.

Also new to the engine line-up are two direct injection petrol units: the new-generation 1.6-litre SIDI (Spark Ignition Direct Injection) producing 170PS/280Nm that recently launched in the 2013 Cascada convertible, and the 2.0-litre SIDI, producing 250PS/400Nm. Both engines provide an exceptional mix of refinement, economy and performance. They can be coupled with a six-speed manual transmission and Start/Stop function, or with a new, low-friction six-speed automatic gearbox. In addition to front-wheel-drive, the 2.0-litre SIDI Turbo is also available with four-wheel-drive.

Interior Design and Infotainment  

The biggest change existing Insignia customers will see when they sit in the new car is a completely re-designed centre console and instrument cluster. The centre console has been simplified and now has fewer buttons for more intuitive operation of common functions, such as air conditioning and infotainment, while the instrument cluster has new dials and a fresh, high-tech look.

Optional across the range is an 8-inch screen infotainment display (up from 5-inches in the outgoing range) and a new, upgraded instrument cluster with an 8-inch, high-resolution colour display. The cluster incorporates two outer dials showing fuel and revs, while in the centre sits a speedometer that can be displayed in analogue or digital form, or changed to show functions such as smartphone or audio use, or navigation.

The 8-inch infotainment display has touch-screen functionality, allowing drivers to access all functions and sub-menus such as radio stations, song titles, smartphone connection or 3D navigation in an intuitive and safe way. Its illuminated, touch-sensitive surface reacts immediately to finger movements, with even individual letters and numbers being accessible via this method. Up to 60 favourite menus can be stored from all functions and Apps can also be downloaded via the car’s Bluetooth-connected internet.

In addition to button, touchscreen and touchpad operation, Insignia drivers can also control the infotainment system via re-designed controls on the new-look steering wheel. The advanced voice recognition function can also be operated by a single push of a button on the steering wheel.

Stylish new leather and cloth trims are available in the New Insignia range, complemented by upgraded dashboard materials and decors.

Exterior Design & Technology  

With 40 industry awards to its name – including the coveted European Car of the Year in 2009 – the outgoing Insignia has earned respect from media and customers alike. One of the pillars of its success has been its premium design – we called it ‘sculptural artistry meets technical precision’ at launch – and with the new range this has been enhanced still further.

Starting at the front of the car, the high-gloss chrome grille is wider and lower than before. The logo-bar that cradles the Griffin badge is thinner and includes winglets that link with the re-designed headlamps. On Elite models, these feature bi-xenon lamps with AFL (Advanced Forward Lighting), which is optional on all other models.

Standard headlamps are trimmed in high-gloss black with chrome-embedded accents, with the up-level AFL lights getting a ‘wing-signature’ daytime running light with energy-saving LEDs.

The lower front fascia inserts are designed to appear slim and wide to emphasise the upper grille size. Fog lamps are combined with wide, black inserts and chrome accents, which grow in width as they near the cabin.

In profile, the New Insignia range’s Hatch and Saloon models are better defined through their unique tailgates and rear spoilers. The crease line on the C-pillar of the Hatch fades out before it reaches the spoiler’s trailing edge, giving it a classic coupe silhouette. On the Saloon, the crease line continues along the edge of the spoiler to emphasise the body’s length.

At the rear, the New Insignia range models appear wider and lower. The high-gloss chrome logo bar has been positioned lower on the tailgate. It extends into the tail-lights and incorporates the slim-look reversing lamps. The tail and stop functions of the two-piece tail-lights are illuminated by LEDs throughout the range.

The New Insignia range offers a raft of technology, safety and comfort highlights. These include state-of-the-art radar and camera-based assistance systems (including adaptive cruise control and second-generation park assist), premium seats, and ‘Open & Start’, the keyless entry and start system, to name just a few.

Two new exterior colours – Emerald Green and Aurum Green – join the exciting 10 colour choices.

Range  

The New Insignia range comprises eight trim levels starting with Design, and going up to Elite. There are also two trims – Energy and Limited Edition – which package generous equipment levels popular with retail buyers. And a further two trims – Design and Tech Line – that package comprehensive levels of equipment for company car drivers.

All models have a long list of standard equipment, which includes:

• DMB digital radio
• Bluetooth connectivity
• USB connection and aux-in socket
• CD/MP3 player & stereo radio
• LED daytime running lights
• Leather covered steering wheel
• Cruise control and trip computer
• Electric four-way lumbar adjustment on driver’s seat
• Electric height adjustment on driver’s seat
• Six airbags
• Remote control security alarm and deadlock
• Electronic Stability Control
• Electric Park Brake
• Electronic climate control
• Automatic lighting control
• Electrically operated front windows
• Electrically adjustable/heated door mirrors  

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Gucci designed Fiat 500s return to U.S.

It's small, it's all about style. The Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci Edition, the combination of Italian craftsmanship and style in a small car, brings two of Italy's most respected brands together for an encore. The new limited-edition 2013 Fiat 500 and 500c Gucci Edition models will return to America with a new discrete appearance inside and out while continuing to meet the popularity and market demand of the previous edition.

"It doesn't get better than this: two brands like Gucci and Fiat collaborating on an encore of the fastest-selling Fiat 500 that we ever had in our U.S. portfolio," said Jason Stoicevich, Head of Fiat Brand North America - Chrysler Group LLC. "The success of the Fiat 500 by Gucci demonstrates that there is a clientele in America that appreciates and demands high-quality small cars loaded with the craftsmanship, technology and the style that only the Italians can offer. Almost all of the vehicles of this new edition have been spoken for by our studios, and they can't wait to start selling them again.

2013 Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci Edition
For 2013, the Gucci Edition models now offer a new Nero (black) monotone interior environment that complements Gucci Nero or contrasts Gucci Bianco (white) eye-catching glossy pearl-glass exterior paint and Gloss Nero lighting bezels. The new Nero interior space is stylish yet functional, down to every last detail: chic embroidery, exclusive materials, bright (with Gucci Nero) and satin (with Gucci Bianco) chrome accents, the velvety varnish on the instrument panel and seats wrapped in Poltrona Frau leather with signature "Guccissima" print. Premium Nero leather accents are also found on the interior door panels and on the hand-stitched leather-wrapped steering wheel.

For customers who prefer a two-tone environment, the 2013 Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci Edition models reintroduce the original two interior color schemes. Tied to the Gucci Nero exterior color is an interior detailed with Bianco/Nero seating and accents, while the Gucci Bianco exterior color features the reciprocal Nero/Bianco theme.

The 2013 Fiat 500 and 500c by Gucci Edition models feature several exclusive design elements that highlight the Cinquecento's iconic style. A signature Gucci Verde/Rosso/Verde (green/red/green) web stripe runs along the entire bodyside perimeter on the Fiat 500 by Gucci, or across the length of the power-retractable cloth top on the Fiat 500c by Gucci model. Chrome cursive "Gucci" signatures complete the door frames and hatchback, complementing the bright (Gucci Nero) or satin (Gucci Bianco) chrome-accented exterior mirrors, door handles and hood spear. Adding to the vehicle's sculpted fenders are uniquely designed, retro-inspired 15-inch aluminum wheels color-keyed to the Gucci Nero or Gucci Bianco exterior paint. For even more sophistication, the wheel design includes center caps with interlocking "GG" hubcaps and brake pads lacquered in signature Gucci Verde (green).

The 2013 Fiat 500 by Gucci Edition has a starting U.S. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $23,750, while the 2013 Fiat 500c by Gucci Edition model starts at $27,750 (both models do not include $800 destination). The new Gucci Edition models arrive in spring of 2013 and will be offered for a limited time only.

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1000 Mile Trial from 1900 re-enacted

Couple of days ago I raved about the re-enactment of 1913 Alpine Rally. Today it was announced that The Royal Automobile Club, in partnership with the Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation, is to re-create the 1000 Mile Trial, which was first run in 1900.

At a press briefing at the Royal Automobile Club, HERO announced that it had come to an agreement with the Club to re-run, in July 2014, the first ever-British endurance and reliability trial. Classic car enthusiasts owning pre-war and veteran cars will have the opportunity to follow the original trial route, where possible, in a six-day challenge from the Woodcote Park clubhouse, near Epsom, to Edinburgh and back.

“The Thousand Mile Trial was an incredible feat and an event that introduced the motor car to the populace. Quite simply, it put motoring on the map,” said Ben Cussons, Chairman of the Motoring Committee of the Royal Automobile Club. “In 2014, we will be honouring all those adventurous motorists who drove around Great Britain in 1900. Claude Johnson, the first Secretary of the Club, described it as, “the biggest, most important thing done in this country.  We are delighted that HERO will be promoting and organising this important event for us. Over the last few years HERO has proved to be a professional organisation run by true enthusiasts with tremendous expertise.”

The joint Managing Director at HERO, Tomas de Vargas Machuca, said: “We have wanted to create an event for older cars for quite some time. It is clear that pre-war car enthusiasts prefer being on events amongst competitors with similar cars.

“The 1000 Mile Trial will be competitive and fun, capturing the spirit of the original event. For this reason and to make the event as spectacular as possible we will encourage both competitors and marshals to dress in period costume. Furthermore, all competing vehicles will be placed in Parc Fermee’in front of a panel of judges for the 1000 Mile Trial Concours d’Elegance. It is a great privilege for us to work closely with the Club and be offered the opportunity to put on a world-class event together. “

He added: “We are expecting a large variety of vehicles from different countries around the world which should add to the attraction of the event, placing Great Britain at the very heart of international historic motorsport. We decided to recreate the trial to show the public that the motor industry is an important part of UK history. The intent is the same as it was in 1900, to test elements of human endurance as well as the machinery for reliability and safety.”  ?? ok??

The route will be as near to the original as is practical visiting Britain’s major towns and cities, to allow the public throughout the UK to witness the spectacle and demonstrate that the motor car was a practical form of locomotion.

Tomas added: “In 1900, when a large number of people in Britain had not seen a motor car, and many laughed at the idea that it could become a commercial or practical success, the Automobile Club organised the thousand mile adventure that would join Britain’s major cities by car. We are delighted to be working with one the most famous motoring organisations in the world to re-create the event.”

In 1900 very few motorists had driven 100 miles in a single day. Tomas said: “After driving an open motor car in all weathers, with no sign posts along the way, no mobile phones and very few static phones for that matter, it took drivers 20 days to complete the route. We expect to do it in less than a week, with a dedicated leg for veteran cars an additional feature on the last day.

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