As we come to the end of another week we look at some of the Motoring news which you may have missed starting with the new BMW M5 CS: The most powerful BMW M car ever.
Even sportier, even more luxurious, even more exclusive: BMW M GmbH is expanding its ranks of specialised performance-focused CS models with the introduction of the BMW M5 CS (fuel consumption, combined: 25.0 – 25.9 mpg, CO2 emissions, combined: 257 – 248 g/km) – the most powerful production car in the history of the company.
Searingly fast yet eminently usable, the BMW M5 CS is the ultimate incarnation of the BMW M5 and it is the first time there has been a special edition of the iconic model. It blends the kind of performance you might expect of a supercar – 0-62mph achieved in only 3.0 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 189mph – with everyday usability. It is a luxury saloon equally at home on the road as it is on the racetrack.
The BMW M5 CS builds on the established presence of the BMW M3 CS, BMW M4 CS and BMW M2 CS. As the flagship model in the range, the BMW M5 CS represents the highest rung of the BMW M ladder and sets new standards, combining standout performance attributes with an exclusive and luxurious appearance.
Power is provided by a 4.4-litre V8 engine with BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology that develops 635hp – 10hp more than in the BMW M5 Competition. Its track suitability is elevated by its lightweight design, bespoke chassis tuning and the M xDrive system, with its centralised intelligent control approach for the Active M Differential.
The M5 CS is priced at £140,780 on-the-road. Deliveries will begin in spring 2021.
Hyundai Motor reveals sporty N Line trim of all-new TUCSON
Hot on the heels of the recent launch of the all-new TUCSON, Hyundai Motor has unveiled a sporty N Line trim of its best-selling model in Europe. The all-new TUCSON N Line combines the futuristic design, comfort and advanced connectivity of TUCSON with the motorsport-inspired styling and attitude of N Line.
The all-new TUCSON N Line offers sporty and distinctive exterior design features and differentiating interior details so customers can enjoy a driving experience with even more attitude.
Like the standard model, the all-new TUCSON N Line stands out for its progressive design, integrating sharp lines, angles and shapes, as well as TUCSON’s new signature parametric jewel patterns.
The muscular stance of the all-new TUCSON N Line’s exterior design is based on Hyundai’s “Sensuous Sportiness” design identity, while at the same time offering refined performance-oriented design prompts. As with the standard TUCSON, the N Line trim features prominent geometric patterns known as “parametric jewels”, giving it a powerful and energetic character. In addition, a low and wide stance emphasises its sporty credentials.
At the front, parametric jewels are displayed elaborately on the grille, which sits taller and is wider than on the all-new TUCSON. For the N Line version, the parametric jewel patterns on the grille pieces have been elaborated with edges, creating additional reflections depending on the angle. The grille also incorporates the N Line badge. Under the grille sits a rectangular shaped bumper and a refined air intake, which is taller and bigger than on the standard TUCSON for a sportier look. The bumper, which is replicated at the rear, works harmoniously with the bright silver skid plates. Meanwhile, striking black bezels frame the head lamps.
At the side, the all-new TUCSON N Line is characterised by an energetic-looking side moulding in body colour which offers dynamic proportions and lines to provide a slimmer look. This is complemented by a vibrant daylight opening (DLO) in glossy Black. The DLO terminates in the fast angle of the C-pillar, which generates a race track-inspired feeling of forward motion. Stylish Phantom Black side mirrors further enhance the all-new TUCSON N Line’s sleek styling.
To emphasise the car’s sporty appearance at the rear, the all-new TUCSON N Line is outfitted with an aerodynamic spoiler that is longer than that of the standard model and garnished with fins. The lower rear is accentuated by a red reflector band and a diffusor. Aggressive twin tip muffler exhausts further underline the fact the model’s designers took many cues from the world of high-performance cars.
The all-new TUCSON N Line is equipped with stronger and sportier 19-inch alloy wheels. Continuing the Sensuous Sportiness theme, parametric patterns emphasise their geometric structure. These are supplemented by wheel arches which match the body colour of the car.
All-new TUCSON N Line customers can choose from seven exterior colours. For even more personalisation, customers can select an optional two-tone roof in Phantom Black with five colour trims.
80,000 individual examples of the Continental GT
The Home of Bentley in Crewe, UK has produced the 80,000th individual, made-to-order example of the Continental GT – the world’s definitive luxury grand tourer. The 80,000th car – a right-hand drive Continental GT V8 in Orange Flame – was handcrafted earlier this week, in the world’s first carbon neutral factory for luxury car production.
A statement of true luxury, the third generation Continental GT represents the pinnacle of Bentley’s two-door design and engineering achievements. Effortlessly elegant and more sculpted and sharply defined, the body and materials combine to create truly breath-taking cars.
With a choice of powertrains, one of the most extensive colour palettes in the world and with almost limitless interior options, unique configurations can run into billions of variations. Indeed, there are currently a total of 17 billion ways in which a customer can specify a Continental GT. Beyond that, through the services of Bentley Mulliner – Bentley’s in-house bespoke division – the only limitation is the imagination of the customer. Owning a Continental GT guarantees both individuality and exclusivity, despite being part of a family now 80,000 strong.
David Brown Automotive to deliver latest Speedback GT commission to Germany in beautiful ‘Blue Moon’
David Brown Automotive has completed its latest build of a striking Speedback GT, finished in their bespoke brilliant ‘Blue Moon’ hand-painted finish. A true example of personal expression, the grand tourer is destined for a customer in Germany and is a showcase of David Brown Automotive’s ability to offer bespoke solutions for any style, with this car custom-built with a number of exclusive accessories and bespoke options.
The iconic Speedback GT model – the staple of David Brown Automotive’s product line-up since the famous British brand was launched in 2013 – underwent an 8,000-hour build process at the luxury sports car maker’s purpose-built Silverstone manufacturing facility, where the company crafts its Mini Remastered and Speedback GT cars by hand, carried out by highly skilled technicians who specialise in traditional coachbuilding techniques.
This latest Speedback GT order was entirely bespoke, with a completely unique combination of handcrafted leathers, wood veneers, bespoke brightware plating and unique picnic seat feature. Every Speedback GT made by the Silverstone outfit is a unique masterpiece, with this newest car distinguished not only by its blue hue but also with its bespoke build extras. The car will be delivered with 19-inch polished stainless steel wire wheels for use in the summer, surrounded by David Brown-branded tyres, developed specially for this wheel option by British firm, Avon Tyres. The car is also handed over with a set of bespoke Union Flag-inspired alloy wheels for the winter months. A black mesh satin grille is fitted, complete with inset auxiliary LED lighting.
Inside the Speedback GT, the car is given a one-of-a-kind look and feel with hand-crafted Elm Burr satin lacquered wood veneers and a ‘Tabak’ tan leather interior that gives light colour shades to complement the tint of the extensive wood materials used throughout. All of the brightware has been milled from solid billets of aluminium and then plated in nickel chrome to give additional warmth to the cabin.
The jewel in the crown of this Speedback GT’s interior options list is a custom drinks set that holds the owner’s preferred gin and tonic and two crystal highball glasses, along with a bespoke woollen picnic blanket, situated underneath the picnic seat that extends out of the boot of the car, a feature made famous by Speedback GT. This bespoke addition can be specially designed for customers who want to serve passengers drinks, or to park up for the night and enjoy a G&T. This customer spent a day at David Brown Automotive’s headquarters in Silverstone to refine their bespoke specification, settling on the drinks set as a ‘quintessentially British’ signature of the car.
The 80,000th vehicle is an eye catching Continental GT V8 in Orange Flame, finished with the optional Blackline Specification and Styling Specification, both adding to the car’s presence and hinting at the GT’s performance credentials.
Celebrating 70: Jaguar C-type joins Classic Continuation family
Jaguar Classic is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the legendary C-type sports racer by creating a strictly limited production run of new C-type Continuation cars, which will be hand built at Jaguar’s world-class Classic Works facility in Coventry.
The C-type Continuation programme will allow historic motor racing enthusiasts to purchase a new factory-built example of the ultimate 1953 disc-braked ‘works’ C-type direct from Jaguar for the first time.
The C-type, which was originally made between 1951-53, was famed for its exceptionally fluid shape by Jaguar Cars designer, aerodynamicist and artist Malcolm Sayer. The C-type won the gruelling Le Mans 24 Hours on its debut in 1951, scoring the first of Jaguar’s seven outright wins at the French endurance race.
From 1952, the C-type pioneered the adoption of innovative disc brake technology in motorsport, with a revolutionary system developed by Jaguar and Dunlop scoring the first win for a disc-braked car with Stirling Moss at the Reims Grand Prix in France and contesting the 1000-mile Mille Miglia in Italy.
The C-type won the Le Mans 24 Hours again in 1953, another first for disc brakes, and also enjoyed success in the hands of private owners, which contributed to Jaguar finishing vice-champion in the inaugural World Sportscar Championship.
Jeep® celebrates 80th birthday in 2021
2021 is a special year for Jeep® as the brand marks its 80th birthday with a celebration of eight decades of 4×4 leadership, open-air freedom and adventure.
The Jeep legend began in 1941 with the fabled Willys MB – the first ever mass-produced 4×4 vehicle – and grew over the decades with the launch of new products which helped build an enduring reputation that has seen the brand become synonymous with off-road excellence. Constant innovation has seen the legend evolve, with comfort, handling and connectivity now every bit as much of the Jeep DNA as its off-road prowess.
As the Jeep brand celebrates its eighth decade, it is entering the next exciting phase in its history; this, of course, involved electrification with the launch of its first plug-in hybrid model. As the first vehicle to carry the 4xe badge, Renegade 4xe is the Jeep take on electrification and offers zero-emission mobility, when driving in full electric mode. This has been coupled with the all-terrain safety of the Jeep eAWD system that activates when needed. The 4xe badge identifies Jeep vehicles offering the best possible balance between efficiency and driving fun.
The 80th anniversary celebrations will continue throughout the whole of 2021, with dedicated events created to bring customers and enthusiasts closer to the brand and its heritage. The first event, a web conference, saw the unveiling of the new 80th Anniversary special-edition models. Not only do these models pay tribute to the brand’s 80-year history, they also continue the long-established tradition, started in 1966, of producing special-edition models to mark special anniversaries or achievements.
The Jeep Renegade and Wrangler 80th anniversary special-series will be available to order from Spring 2021, with UK pricing subject to a further announcement.
The new Volkswagen ID.4 goes on sale in the UK
For the first time ever Volkswagen is offering a fully electric SUV – the ID.4. As the second model from the brand to be launched on the dedicated MEB platform, it boasts class-leading digitalisation and connectivity, allied to a highly-efficient electric powertrain and battery layout – this time with the availability of four-wheel drive at a later date. Like the ID.3 the new model is being launched as a limited-run 1ST Edition with a range of pre-configured trim levels to follow later in the year. The ID.4 1ST Edition will cost £37,800 RRP OTR after the plug-in vehicle grant is applied, and is expected to arrive in dealerships during March.
Unveiled during a digital world premiere last September, the ID.4 is the second model in the ID. family and the first to be sold globally. From today customers in the UK will be able to place their orders for the ID.4 1ST Edition. This highly-advanced, all-electric SUV is priced at £40,800 RRP OTR (before any Government grant is applied).
Facelifted Subaru XV available to order in the UK from March
Subaru is pleased to launch the facelifted version of the XV crossover in the UK. It is available to order in all official dealerships from 1st March, with prices starting from £31,665 – the same price as the current model.
Buyers can choose from two trim levels – SE or SE Premium. Standard equipment on both trims include Permanent Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Subaru’s bespoke EyeSight driver assistance safety technology, automatic LED headlights equipped with high beam assist, 18” alloy wheels, heated front seats, an intuitive 8” multifunction colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ plus Keyless Entry & Push Button Start System.
Customer can upgrade to the SE Premium for £33,665 which includes all the aforementioned equipment, along with leather seats, 8-way power adjustable driver sear, satellite navigation and sunroof.
