As we come to the end of another week we look at some of the motoring news which you may have missed starting with Rolls-Royce who have revealed subtle clues to mysterious Wraith Kryptos Code
Rolls-Royce have revealed a clue to its recently unveiled Wraith Kryptos Collection. As clients around the world begin to receive their highly limited Wraith Kryptos cars, they will embark on decoding the mysterious messages found within the Bespoke elements of the motor car’s interior and exterior.
Unveiled in July 2020, each of the 50 cars in the Wraith Kryptos Collection is embellished with a cipher created by Rolls-Royce Bespoke Designer, Katrin Lehmann. Previously, Lehmann commented that finding the ‘key’ is the first step in uncovering the mysterious code.
With no successful decryptions to date, Rolls-Royce reveals today that the Spirit of Ecstasy figurine on this enigmatic Collection conceals the word KRYPTOS, in code. These seven deciphered characters will aid clients on their journey of discovery as they begin to identify these letters on Wraith Kryptos’ complex fascia.
Similarly, the embroidery on the headrests translates as the double-R monogram, rendered in the cipher. The Bespoke team hopes that, together, these clues may provide a ‘way in’ that enables owners to attempt the puzzle.
Clients will be invited to submit their efforts at cracking the code via the marque’s Whispers application, from February 2021. The first to complete the puzzle will be awarded a unique and prestigious prize.
Only two people at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex, know the full resolution of the sequence – the designer and the Chief Executive Officer. The answer remains in a sealed envelope in the CEO’s safe.
Bridgestone launches its flagship Potenza Sport tyre
Bridgestone, a global leader in advanced solutions and sustainable mobility, has announced the launch of its new flagship ultra-high performance tyre: the Bridgestone Potenza Sport. The tyre combines Bridgestone’s pioneering spirit and expertise in high performance tyres with extensive market research to keep drivers in control while unlocking the performance of their vehicle.
In the Potenza Sport, Bridgestone wanted to create a tyre that meets the expectations drivers have in high performance tyres, while also addressing the everyday challenges they face. That is why comprehensive market research was undertaken to begin the Potenza Sport development: Bridgestone interviewed over 3,800 end-users across Europe. Their input gave Bridgestone the foundations to engineer an ultra-high performance tyre that meets driver needs and expectations of control and confidence.
To achieve the Potenza Sport’s cutting-edge performance, Bridgestone applies various new, innovative technologies in tread pattern, compound and construction. The tyre’s tread design applies several new cutting-edge technologies, including innovative 3D sipes to increase shear stiffness, with benefits in braking and abrasion resistance; the compound, thanks to an optimized formula combined with innovative mixing technology, improves wet and dry performances. Bridgestone also uses a new hybrid crown reinforcement to maximise the tyre’s stability performance at high speed. A sporty carcass package is also applied to increase stability performance and steering response, while optimising rolling resistance.
Fundamental to the design and creation of the Potenza Sport is Bridgestone’s proprietary timesaving, environmentally friendly virtual tyre development technology. The technology enables Bridgestone to very accurately predict a tyre’s performance at development stage, without physically producing and driving it. Not only does this bring environmental benefits by saving resources, it also reduces the length of the development process and cuts the project’s time to market.
Hyundai confirms pricing and specifications for Kona hybrid and mild hybrid ranges and the new N Line
Hyundai UK has confirmed pricing and specifications for its comprehensively updated Kona sub-compact SUV, which now includes for the first time a sporty N Line trim, as well as a full hybrid option and 48-volt mild hybrid technology on all other variants.
The Kona’s design has been enhanced inside and out. Revised suspension and new connectivity and in-car convenience features make it even more comfortable and enjoyable for driver and passengers alike.
With the all-new N Line version the Kona wears its sporty dynamics on its sleeve, thanks to unique design features front and rear, bespoke diamond-cut wheel design, and comprehensive interior styling enhancements.
The 2021 Kona range starts from £21,060 on-the-road for the Kona SE Connect 1.0 T-GDi 48-volt MHEV. The dynamic new N Line specification is available from £23,590 on-the-road.
The Kona is equipped with Hyundai’s 1.0-litre T-GDi Smartstream petrol engine with 48-volt mild hybrid technology and six-speed Intelligent Manual Transmission (6iMT).
Hybrid versions of the Kona are equipped with a Kappa 1.6-litre GDI petrol four-cylinder engine and an electric motor linked to a 1.56 kWh lithium ion polymer battery pack. Transmission is via a six-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (6DCT).
First seen in the new i30 and the all-new i20, the iMT’s clutch operates electronically, decoupling the engine from the transmission after the driver releases the accelerator, saving fuel by switching off the engine and activating ‘coasting’ mode. The engine restarts in the same gear as soon as the driver presses either the brake or the accelerator pedals, thanks to the power provided by the Mild Hybrid Starter Generator.
Celebrating 20 years of a performance icon: The Renault Clio V6
Renault is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Clio Renault Sport V6, one of the most iconic and revered models to ever be produced by its specialised Renault Sport division.
From the reveal of the original concept at the 1998 Paris Motor Show through to the current day, the Clio V6 has captivated car enthusiasts with its absolute commitment to performance and extreme mid-engine design, the latter ensuring it has more in common with supercars and formidable 1980s Group B rally cars than the compact front-wheel drive hatchback upon which it is based.
At launch, the Clio V6 was simply unrivalled. It was the world’s only mid-engine hatchback, offering superior performance to more expensive prestige sports cars, and such was its fiery nature that customers were invited to take part in the ‘V6 Experience’ where they could test drive the car in a controlled proving ground environment and enjoy training from qualified instructors.
The exclusivity of the Clio V6 was further heightened through its limited production run. Manufacturing of right-hand drive versions was restricted to 400 cars per annum and on its announcement in 2000, 500 orders for RHD cars had already been placed. Those who heard the news and were inspired to join the queue had to wait for an expected delivery date of 2002. Each car’s individual build number was shown on a plaque positioned in the centre console.
From the oft, the race-bred Clio V6 also hit a chord with the motoring press, with Jeremy Clarkson notably commenting at the time: “In my perfect ten car garage I would definitely have one of these – no question”. evo magazine was another fan, Richard Meaden including in his launch review: “Flooring the throttle unleashes a memorable soundtrack that builds from a low-rev rumble, through rich, resonant waves of mid-range muscularity to a bellowing, almost operatic crescendo at peak revs. It’s a combination quite unlike anything I’ve heard before.”
Twenty years after its official announcement and the Clio V6 is more sought-after than ever, with surviving examples now selling for more than double the original cost, its specialised design and rarity ensuring it’s recognised as a highly collectable modern classic.
A highlight in the history of Renault, the Clio V6 epitomises the company’s passion for innovation and highly focused road cars. Its commitment to an uncompromised performance driving experience continues to have an influence on every performance Renault model.
Introducing the Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo SV: The ultimate all-electric gaming endurance racer
A maximum speed of 255mph, an aerodynamic design honed to perfection and race-winning powertrain technology define the Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo SV – the latest all-electric virtual race car developed for Gran Turismo, and built in the real-world as full-scale design study.
The Jaguar Vision Gran Turismo Coupé – the first all-electric Jaguar sports car created for the globally-renowned Gran Turismo series revealed in October 2019 – has already proved highly successful, attracting gamers with its radical, heritage-inspired design, driver-focused interior, and outstanding ride and handling.
Yet to the team from Jaguar Design, SV and Jaguar Racing, the Vision GT Coupé represented only the starting point for development of the Vision GT SV. It was an opportunity to re-evaluate everything that could improve performance and in doing so, re-think what an electric Jaguar endurance race car could be.
Fundamental to that process was detailed analysis of gamer feedback from online videos and forums. This ‘virtual world testing’ combined with many hours ‘behind the wheel’ enabled the design and engineering teams to determine exactly how to optimise the Vision GT SV to create the perfect electric gaming endurance race car.
Paddy Hopkirk MBE takes delivery of new Limited Edition MINI, named in his honour
Northern Irish rally driver Patrick ‘Paddy’ Hopkirk MBE is among the first of just 100 customers in the UK to receive the MINI Paddy Hopkirk Limited Edition, named in his honour to commemorate his triumph at the 1964 Monte Carlo Rally in the classic Morris Mini Cooper S Mk1.
When asked what the special edition means to him Paddy said, “I’m so flattered to have a MINI named in my honour. Motorsport is long behind me now and for my win at the Monte Carlo Rally to be remembered in this way is a great thrill and honour. The designers at MINI have done a wonderful job. They’ve got a lot of the features on it just like the classic Mini I took to victory, with the number 37, the bonnet stripe and the colours – it reminds me of my very lucky days and wonderful memories.”
The Paddy Hopkirk Limited Edition is based on the MINI Cooper S 3-Door Hatch and available with automatic or manual transmission. The engine delivers 178hp and 280Nm torque, reaching 0-62mph in just 6.7 seconds (6.8 manual).
Patrick ‘Paddy’ Hopkirk clinched the first victory behind the wheel of the classic Mini Cooper S number 37 at the Rally in 1964. Driving the small British car with his English co-pilot Henry Liddon, Hopkirk overcame the odds against competitors with significantly greater engine power.
Charging forward: ŠKODA announces fleet of electrified models that will power UK’s blue-light services
Emergency services will soon be powered by plug-in hybrid technology as ŠKODA adds the brand’s first electrified vRS model – the Octavia vRS iV – alongside the Octavia iV and Superb iV to its blue-light squad.
The addition of the three iV models, each available in hatch and estate body styles, marks ŠKODA’s first electrified offering for emergency services. Police, ambulance and fire and rescue authorities across the UK can take advantage of the performance, practicality and reliability that is synonymous with ŠKODA models, along with the added economic and environmental benefits associated with lower emission vehicles.
Hyundai Motor’s Mini ‘45’ EV Puts Emotions in Motion
Hyundai Motor Company unveiled details of its one-of-a-kind mini EV based on the ‘45’ concept car in a short film on YouTube. The 6-minute video shows how the minicar uses Emotion Adaptive Vehicle Control (EAVC) technology to support young patients at the SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital in Spain as part of the ‘Little Big e-Motion’ project.
EAVC is an artificial intelligence-based technology that optimizes vehicle environment based on information from both inside and outside the vehicle. Hyundai Motor Group is leading the development of this next-generation technology, as part of an academic research collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab.
EAVC technology monitors facial expressions, heart rate and respiratory rate, and combines these readings with input from the vehicle including speed, acceleration, noise and vibration. The technology then processes the data utilizing machine learning to optimize the vehicle environment and actively controls vehicle systems such as lighting, climate, music and fragrance dispenser.
EAVC is at the heart of Hyundai’s ‘Little Big e-Motion’ project. Equipped with this technology, the mini EV – designed by the same team that oversaw the ‘45’ concept – will be used to support the treatment of young patients at hospitals. Hyundai donated this one-of-a-kind EV to SJD hospital in Barcelona where it will be used to support the mobility of young patients from hospital bed to treatment room, which is considered one of the most stressful trips for the children.
“We want our technology to help improve the lives of our customers in various mobility spaces beyond the roads,” said Jinmo Lee, Senior Research Engineer at Hyundai Motor who led the project. “We hope the EAVC technology on the minicar will provide a fun, safe mobility experience for young patients and help improve their health outcomes.”
The video follows a day of treatment for a young patient at SJD hospital. She is anxious about the treatment at first
Morgan Motor Company releases world’s first gin infused with ash wood
The Morgan Motor Company has long been famous for its use of ash wood in the construction of its cars, but the 111-year-old firm has now discovered a creative use for the surplus material, with the launch of its Morgan x Piston Gin, produced in collaboration with Piston Distillery.
Believed to be the world’s first ash-infused gin, it is made using delicate shavings of the wood that is used to form the body-supporting frame on every Morgan. This frame sits on the CX-Generation bonded aluminium platform – or, historically, Morgan’s venerable steel chassis – on every four-wheeled Morgan, supporting the car’s bodywork. The use of wood – chosen for its pliable nature, light weight and sustainability – has been part of Morgan’s coachbuilding method since it launched its first car, a three wheeler, in 1909.
Morgan x Piston Gin features notes of natural crisp sweet apple and delicate wood from the carefully selected shavings of ash. Its signature pour is a ginger ale mixer, garnished with fresh blackberries and plenty of ice.
The spirit is produced by Piston Distillery, a gin maker founded in 2018. Its award-winning gin combines 14 botanicals to deliver a unique taste and captivating experience from the moment the stainless steel bottle top is removed. A distinguished local producer with a shared dedication to skilled craftsmanship, high quality, and an appreciation of classic style, its values perfectly reflect Morgan’s. Based in Worcester, just nine miles from Morgan’s famous factory on Pickersleigh Road in Malvern, the fellow Worcestershire-based brand was also chosen as part of Morgan’s commitment to working with local businesses.
Morgan x Piston Gin is on sale now from Morgan’s online shop, priced at £45.00, or £55.00 presented in a gift box.
