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 Ultimate Range Rover
Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations has launched a pair of exclusive new Range Rover special editions created by its SV Bespoke personalisation team.
The new Range Rover SVAutobiography Ultimate editions represent the pinnacle of Land Rover’s luxury SUV family, elevating the range-topping SVAutobiography and SVAutobiography Dynamic models even higher with a suite of complementary hand-finished SV Bespoke features.
Curated by the SV Bespoke commissioning experts at the Special Vehicle Operations Technical Centre in the UK, the Ultimate editions showcase the full range of personalisation touches that can be applied to the timeless Range Rover design. Key to the exclusive Ultimate edition design theme is the combination of newly formulated satin-finished Orchard Green paintwork complemented by a Narvik Black roof and copper detailing.
The SV Bespoke team’s attention to detail extends to the Gloss Black knurled infill and copper-edged metal Range Rover badging on the bonnet and tailgate, a copper-plated and black enamel SV roundel on the B-pillar, SV roundels embroidered on all four headrests, plus illuminated Ultimate edition treadplates. The finishing touch is a ‘SV Bespoke Ultimate edition’ commissioning plaque on the centre console, complete with copper-finished SV roundel.
Mark Turner, Commercial Director, Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, said: “Range Rover has defined the luxury SUV segment for more than half a century, with our SVAutobiography models offering customers a world-class travel experience – whether driving, or being driven. These new Ultimate editions elevate that refinement and sophistication even further.”
Clare Hansen, Director, Land Rover Vehicle Personalisation, said: “Our SV Bespoke commissioning experts have taken the classic combination of a green and black exterior and given it a thoroughly modern twist, using a contemporary satin paint finish and copper detailing. This elegant combination is strengthened further with the recommended Vintage Tan interior themes available.”
The long-wheelbase SVAutobiography provides first class travel with serene refinement, including power-closing rear doors. Reclining airline-style heated and cooled semi-aniline leather Executive Class Comfort-Plus rear seats provide over 1.2m of rear legroom, hot stone massage function, plus calf and footrests for rear occupants. A full-length centre console with integrated Zenith timepiece, refrigerated compartment and deployable tables creates the perfect space to work and relax on the move.
The recommended Ultimate edition specification features Vintage Tan leather interior trim and Copper Weave Carbon Fibre finishers. Customers can also opt for leather upholstery from the Italian artisans at Poltrona Frau for a truly cosseting experience.
This flagship model is available with a choice of powertrains, including the 565PS Supercharged V8 petrol and highly efficient P400e plug-in hybrid, which is capable of up to 40km (25 miles) of all-electric driving and provides overall CO2 emissions as low as 75g/km**.
The exclusively 565PS Supercharged V8 petrol SVAutobiography Dynamic is the most driver-focused of the pair. Available only as a standard-wheelbase vehicle, the suspension geometry and steering calibration are optimised to provide more agile responses. Land Rover’s advanced Dynamic Response active roll control system also enhances composure, while the ride height is lowered by 8mm – delivering more engaging on-road driving dynamics and a more purposeful stance.
Forged 22-inch alloy wheels feature a five split-spoke design finished in Gloss Dark Grey with contrast Diamond Turned finish, while side vent, bonnet finisher, grille and front bumper accents are all finished in Graphite Atlas. Inside, a knurled finish for the rotary shift controller, starter button and pedals, plus anodized Red paddle shifters, underline the performance focus of SVAutobiography Dynamic.
The recommended SVAutobiography Dynamic interior theme features Ebony / Vintage Tan trim with diamond-quilted semi-aniline leather seats, an Ebony headlining and Steel Weave Carbon Fibre finishers.
The New Range Rover SVAutobiography Ultimate edition with 565PS Supercharged V8 is priced from £183,706 OTR in the UK. The SVAutobiography Dynamic equivalent is priced from £147,441.
Mercedes-AMG defines the future of Driving Performance
With the future electrification of the drivetrain, Mercedes-AMG is combining superior performance and impressive driving dynamics with maximum efficiency. The development of future drive concepts has benefited and will continue to benefit from the valuable experience gained from close cooperation with the Formula 1 experts at Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains (HPP) and the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team. The cooperation between the three performance specialists will be intensified even further in 2021, which will be reflected, among other things, in the bundling of motorsport activities. Above all, however, the mutual transfer of knowledge also makes fascinating AMG models possible, such as the Project ONE hypercar, which brings Formula 1 hybrid technology almost one-to-one to the road. Further electrified road models will debut later this year. The new drive strategy rests on two pillars: on the one hand, on the offer of performance hybrids with a completely independent drive concept under the technology label E PERFORMANCE. The second pillar is formed by battery-electric AMG derivatives based on the new Mercedes Electric Vehicle Architecture (EVA) for luxury- and premium-class vehicles. Extensive modifications to the drive, chassis, design and equipment offer the hallmark emotively appealing AMG driving experience even with all-electric drive.
“With our new drive strategy, we are transporting our hallmark DNA into an electrified future. Our performance hybrids, developed entirely in Affalterbach, will even surpass the driving dynamics of our current models and thus absolutely do justice to our new technology label E PERFORMANCE. With the all-electric derivatives based on the Mercedes-EQ models, we as Mercedes-AMG are also continuing to take off with the electrification of the portfolio. We are thus opening ourselves up to new target groups who can experience Mercedes-AMG as the Performance Luxury brand of the 21st century,” says Philipp Schiemer, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
“Mercedes-AMG has always stood for top performance and maximum driving dynamics. When developing our new E PERFORMANCE hybrid strategy, it was therefore immediately clear that we would pursue an independent concept for AMG. The layout with the combustion engine at the front and Electric Drive Unit on the rear axle offers numerous advantages. The resulting optimised weight distribution, the best possible utilisation of torque and the very immediate power output promise driving dynamics at the highest level. Added to this is the High Performance Battery we developed, which boasts twice the power density of conventional drive batteries and, like many other components, is inspired by technology from Formula 1,” says Jochen Hermann, Chief Technical Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
TUMI unveils premium capsule luggage and travel collection inspired by McLaren
TUMI, the leading international travel and lifestyle brand, today unveils its new collection designed and developed in partnership with luxury supercar maker and Formula 1 team, McLaren.
McLaren’s designers, engineers, and racers travel thousands of miles around the world each year in pursuit of perfection.
Just as each driver relies on their car to get them across the finish line, the team depends on their luggage and travel necessities to get them to their destination. That inspiration is manifest in the superior made-to-last quality of the collection.
For over 45 years, TUMI has built a reputation for innovation, functionality and durable design, with a focus on optimising the journeys of global citizens.
Since announcing in 2019 that the two companies would work together, TUMI’s Creative Director Victor Sanz and Rob Melville, McLaren’s supercar Design Director have created a premium capsule collection of elegant business, travel and everyday essentials. Each piece is designed to uncomplicate, while elevating performance in all aspects of life on the move.
From automotive to sports, TUMI is inspired by the world’s most innovative industries. For McLaren — a renowned global leader in embedding cutting-edge technology into products with a clear design aesthetic — travel and lifestyle are integral.
The two brands share the common vision of continually pursuing higher levels of excellence, which is reflected in the considered details and choice of materials in the McLaren inspired TUMI range.
Embodying TUMI and McLaren’s mutual ethos of performance luxury, the capsule collection is comprised of nine pieces. Each encompasses elements of McLaren’s sleek, bold supercars and race cars. All are highlighted with McLaren’s signature Papaya colourway and feature CCX6® carbon fibre accents.
Pricing announced for new Volkswagen Caddy California, starting from £29,965
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has announced pricing for the new Caddy California, starting from £29,965*, with order books for the compact camper open from late-May.
The Caddy California completes Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ camper line-up and stands alongside the T6.1-based California and Crafter-based Grand California, meaning the brand which invented the original iconic campervan now has a touring model for every budget, every journey and every adventure.
The compact camper, based on the award-winning fifth-generation Caddy, is a unique offering within the camping segment enabling variable living, sleeping and storage space for everyday life and travelling.
It features a new, foldable bed (1,980mm x 1,070mm), with cup springs and high-quality mattress, that is stored in the parcel shelf and opens out above the rear seats. There is seating for five, with the second row entirely removable for complete flexibility while a standalone tail-tent providing additional living space and sleeping compartment is available as an accessory.
A retractable mini-kitchen is included as standard, extending from the rear with single-burner cooker and integrated gas bottle. Clever and practical stowage compartments house cutlery, and California camper chairs and camper table. Interior blinds for the rear windows double up as window storage bags. Light is provided from integrated LED reading lights in the passenger compartment and tailgate.
Air conditioning, power-adjustable wing mirrors and anti-theft alarm are included as standard. While both front seats feature manual height and lumbar adjustment. In addition, the compact camper is packed with driver assistance technology such as Driver Alert system, Lane Assist, Cruise Control including Speed limiter, Front Assist, and towing protection.
Abarth celebrates 72nd anniversary
On 31 March 1949, Italian-Austrian engineer Carlo Abarth founded Abarth & C., creating a brand that would become a performance legend, creating record-breaking cars, revolutionary tuning kits and winning historic races. The famous scorpion logo recognised by motoring enthusiasts worldwide was inspired by the founder’s zodiac sign.
Abarth’s history and its logo are intertwined with its sporting victories, which began very early on. The first was a category victory in the famous ‘Palermo-Monte Pellegrino’ hill-climb in 1950 with Tazio Nuvolari at the wheel of an Abarth 204A. In 1954, Carlo Abarth decided to complement the logo with the introduction of a two-tone shield, the emblem of victories in sporting battles, as the background for the Scorpion.
In 1962, the Abarth 1000 Bialbero won the first of six consecutive manufacturer world championships in Division One, and three new elements were added to the logo to celebrate this important title, namely a black-and-white checkered flag, the words ‘Campione del mondo’ (World Champion) in red block letters on a yellow background, and a stylised laurel wreath.
A refreshed version of the logo was launched in 1969. The biggest changes were to the Scorpion, the very symbol of the Turin-based company, to become completely black, and – for the first time – with both pincers pointing upwards. The lettering also changed to white on a blue background and simply featured the word ‘Abarth’.
In 1971, Abarth was acquired by Fiat and the Italian flag appeared on the logo in the background behind the word Abarth to underscore its Italian character.
Today’s logo was completely redesigned in 2007 and incorporates all the distinctive features of the Scorpion but in a decidedly more up-to-date and modern style with the pincers of the black silhouette resting on the diagonal of the shield.
In 2019, a celebratory version of the shield, featuring a checkered flag was introduced on the occasion of Abarth’s 70th anniversary. This logo can be found exclusively on cars made during the 70th anniversary year. A celebratory colour version of the badge was also created that year, specifically developed only for the Limited Edition 695 70th Anniversary, of which just 1949 units were made to reference the year the brand was founded.
All Abarth cars display a second logo on the rear end of the two side panels echoing an emblem that Abarth racing cars have sported since the 1960s. This logo picks up the typical yellow and red Abarth shield surrounding the scorpion with the addition of a thunderbolt in the colours of the Italian flag. It is a heartfelt tribute to Abarth’s commitment to racing that since the earliest days was seen as the fitting testing ground for innovative technical and technological solutions aimed at increasing the performance and reliability of Abarth racing cars that would later benefit the production of cars.
The commitment to racing continues to this day, both on track and gravel. On track, Abarth is the engine supplier of the Italian and German F4 Championships, the training ground for the F1 champions of tomorrow and in rallies, the Abarth 124 rally will be the protagonist of the FIA-ERC, the European Rally Championship for the third year running in 2021.
Thanks to the Abarth values of performance, style and agility, commercially the Scorpion brand has been a success, particularly by increasing its market share by 50% in 2020 versus 2019.
Abarth has just launched the new 2021 range with the 595, Turismo, Competizione, and Esseesse versions. Four different trims, all united by the typical features of the icon of sportiness: driving pleasure, high-adrenaline performance, and exhaust roar. New colours and new details are also available, like the exclusive leather seats. To pay homage to its history and rally racing successes, the new matte Blu Rally paintwork of the new 595 Competizione hints at the Fiat 131 Abarth Rally of the 1970s, while the new 17-inch alloy wheels are a nod to those of the Lancia Delta Rally Integrale of the 1990s.
Kia EV6 now available for pre-reservation in the UK
The all-new Kia EV6 is now available for pre-reservations in the UK. Customers can secure an early ordering slot for the new battery electric vehicle (BEV) with a fully refundable £100 charge. Pre-reservation customers will then be invited to place their order during an exclusive two week ordering period in May, ahead of general sale.
When pre-reservation customers opt to fulfil their order they will benefit from a tailored charging service, featuring one year’s free subscription to KiaCharge Plus, alongside access to Ionity’s pan-European ultra-rapid EV charging network.
Kia Motors (UK) Limited has also revealed basic pricing for the UK EV6 line-up. The baseline EV6 will start from £40,895, while sports-inspired EV6 GT-line models start from £43,895. Pricing for the high-performance GT model starts from £58,295. More detailed UK specifications will be announced from May 2021. UK deliveries of the new Kia EV6 will commence from October 2021, with the EV6 GT to follow in 2022.
Volkswagen offers a first glimpse of its new sporty SUV coupé set to launch at the end of the year
The new Taigo is raring to go! Ahead of the model’s official European première, Volkswagen has revealed the name of its upcoming crossover model. The Taigo is a new addition to Volkswagen’s range of SUVs in the small vehicle segment. It impresses with a dynamic and emotional design. The new model also comes with a multitude of assistance systems and state-of-the-art connectivity.
The wait is over for those who have been looking for a CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) that combines an elevated seating position with a sporty coupé silhouette. The new Taigo will be launched on the market with economical TSI engines, LED headlights as standard, a modern operating concept, a fully digital cockpit and a multitude of assist systems.
The Taigo is based on the successful Nivus model from Brazil, and will be manufactured for the European market in Pamplona, Spain. The new CUV will make its début this summer and will be launched on the market at the end of 2021.
The vehicle is a near-production concept car and not yet available for sale in Europe.
Virgin Galactic and Land Rover announce global partnership extension as new spaceship is revealed
Land Rover has announced a three-year extension to its global partnership with Virgin Galactic, the world’s first commercial ‘spaceline’.
Virgin Galactic’s latest spaceship was unveiled today, supported by a Range Rover Astronaut Edition. Land Rover will remain an integrated part of Virgin Galactic’s day-to-day operations as the company completes test flights with ‘SpaceShipTwo’ and begins a regular commercial service.
Land Rover vehicles are part of daily life for the Virgin Galactic team, with roles which include towing the space vehicles, carrying equipment and clearing runways before take-off. They played key roles during the company’s first two spaceflights which saw Virgin Galactic become the first private company to fly humans to space on a spaceship designed for commercial service. A fleet of Land Rovers also supported Virgin Galactic’s relocation from its manufacturing and test facilities in Mojave, California, to Spaceport America in New Mexico – the world’s first purpose-built commercial spaceport.
Virgin Galactic has already signed-up around 600 Future Astronaut customers, who will be transported to their flights from Spaceport America, in Land Rover vehicles.
