Weekly Motoring news Roundup May 28th

The Ultimate open-top roadster experience: windscreen version of ultra-exclusive McLaren Elva

The Ultimate open-top roadster experience: windscreen version of ultra-exclusive McLaren ElvaAs we come to the end of another week  we look at some of the motoring news which you may have missed starting with the windscreen version of ultra-exclusive McLaren Elva which enters production

Luxury supercar manufacturer McLaren Automotive will shortly commence production of the windscreen version of its Elva roadster. Designed for customers who prefer to have a physical screen rather than the barrier of air provided by the Active Air Management System (AAMS), as well as to meet local legal requirements in some states in the USA, the windscreen variant – which will be among the rarest of McLarens – is revealed today in full for the first time, with images of the prototype car.

While having had its own engineering programme to optimise aerodynamic and dynamic performance, the windscreen Elva shares all of the ethos and performance of the original car: neither has a roof, side windows or rear screen, which when combined with a dry lightest weight of less than 1300kg* and a mid-mounted, 815PS, twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine, delivers the ultimate in driver exhilaration.

The screenless Elva is McLaren Automotive’s lightest-ever road car and the target for the windscreen version is only 20kg* heavier, even with the inclusion of electronically synchronised rain-sensing wipers, washer jets and sun visors, as well of course as the heated glass windscreen within a carbon fibre surround. The Active Air Management System (AAMS) is deleted as it has no role to play in the windscreen car.

The Ultimate open-top roadster experience: windscreen version of ultra-exclusive McLaren ElvaThe Ultimate open-top roadster experience: windscreen version of ultra-exclusive McLaren Elva

 

 

The acceleration of both versions is comparable with that of a McLaren Senna, the screenless model reaching 100km/h from standstill in 2.8 seconds* and covering 0 – 200km/h in 6.8 seconds*. Dynamic performance and vehicle stiffness also remain unchanged from the screenless car, as does the scintillating driving experience. The windscreen, which is a permanent fixture, affords greater protection from the elements but it does not in any way reduce the levels of excitement.

The Elva links McLaren’s heritage to its present and future with a name and style that recalls the McLaren-Elva race cars of the 1960’s. These were amongst the first sportscars designed and raced by Bruce McLaren and the company that he founded, and today’s Elva was created to evoke the spirit of driving enjoyment symbolised by these cars.

Created as an homage to Bruce McLaren’s legendary race cars, heritage liveries like that of the Satin Casa Blue windscreen model prototype pictured have captured the imagination of Elva owners. Demand for bespoke customisation of this kind by McLaren Special Operations (MSO) has produced a series of dramatic and unique cars that stand out even among one of the rarest of McLarens – no more than 149 examples of the Elva will be specified and built to customer order.

New Jeep Wrangler 4xe: The best of 4×4 goes electric to go anywhere

The first examples of the windscreen Elva will be delivered to customers towards the end of this year, following personalisation by McLaren Special Operations.

No peak is too high to be reached and no boundary is too challenging to be pushed, this has always defined the Jeep® Wrangler. It is a model which is literally capable of overcoming any obstacle and this is the true strength of a brand boasting 80 years of achievements, insights and innovations. Today the Jeep technical evolution continues with the new Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid, the most capable, powerful, efficient, eco-friendly and technically advanced Wrangler ever introduced in Europe.

Jeep® Wrangler 4xe RubiconIn 1941 the legendary Willys MA/MB, the first Jeep vehicle, brought to the world the concept of the 4×4 and the idea that any terrain can be tackled with the right vehicle. Wrangler has taken on its legacy, embodying and evolving its brand values – first of all, freedom.

In 2021, the new Wrangler 4xe further reinforces the concept of freedom, allowing customers to truly go anywhere. The natural heir to the first Jeep vehicle, the Wrangler 4xe combines the best 4×4 and electric technology to reinforce its iconic status within the brand portfolio, while representing another step towards a conscious and more sustainable future. All this while proving that off-road can be eco-friendly, emotion can be efficient and electric driving can be fun.

The 4xe technology enables customers to travel in full-electric mode on their everyday commutes around the city and enjoy an efficient and fun on-road driving experience, while benefiting from enhanced all-terrain performance in nearly absolute silence.

Marked by exclusive electric blue exterior design cues, the new Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid skillfully combines the most advanced technology with the freest and most authentic Jeep spirit. Indeed, it fully appeals to off-road enthusiasts, courtesy of electrification that improves its legendary capability. At the same time, it is the ideal solution for those customers who are looking for an SUV to be used every day and are unwilling to compromise between freedom, fun and respect for the environment.

This gave birth to a Wrangler, 100 per cent unstoppable, as per the Jeep tradition, and sporting unprecedented features. It is the most eco-friendly and capable off-road Wrangler ever, while maintaining the open air freedom that has always been a hallmark of its driving experience. Performance has also been enhanced with Wrangler 4xe accelerating from zero to 62mph in 6.4 seconds and delivering a combined output of 380hp and 637Nm of torque. In addition, it it four-wheel-drive in “pure electric” mode, with never-seen-before low-end control, and can ensure more than 31 miles of pure electric, zero emissions range (in the urban WLTP cycle). Full battery recharge is available in less than three hours with options for scheduling, and – courtesy of the Max Regen feature – to increase the battery charge when coasting.

The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid is equipped with two electric motor generators and a high-voltage battery pack, with a high-tech turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine and the proven TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. The instant torque availability and the improved performance promised by the pairing of the turbo petrol engine and electric motor make the undisputed off-road champion even more capable and unstoppable on trails. It is off-road that 4xe technology takes the new Wrangler plug-in hybrid to the next level, offering four-wheel drive in full-electric mode for benchmark all-terrain performance and the pleasure of listening to the sounds of nature.

All this while maintaining the unmatched ‘Trail-Rated’ technical content of the Wrangler. Depending on the trim, it offers two advanced four-wheel drive, active, on-demand full time systems (Selec-Trac or Rock-Trac), next-generation Dana axles, Tru-Lok electric front- and rear-axle lockers, Trac-Lok limited slip differential and electronic front sway-bar disconnect. In addition to making it a sustainable and efficient 4×4 vehicle, 4xe technology guarantees an easy and extremely fun driving experience.

Charging the new Jeep Wrangler 4xe is also an easy and intuitive operation, courtesy of public and home charging solutions with the easyWallbox – ensuring a full charge in less than three hours at 7.4 kWh.

BMW Group launches BMW Charging and MINI Charging in the UK

With the launch of BMW Charging and MINI Charging, BMW Group customers in the UK now have access to one of the world’s largest public charging networks, using just one RFID card or App.

Using their single BMW Charging or MINI Charging card, or the new BMW or MINI Charging App, customers can charge at more than 11,000 charging points from different operators across the UK, as well as 173,000 charge points across Europe.

BMW Group launches BMW Charging and MINI Charging in the UKBMW and MINI drivers benefit from access to charge points from a range of operators, with the current network including bp pulse (including ChargeYourCar), ESB, Osprey, Source London and Chargepoint Network UK (including INSTAVOLT) and others. High-power charging stations via IONITY are also part of the BMW Charging network. Combined, this gives drivers access to over 8,500 AC and 1,500 DC charging points across the UK, plus a further 162,000 AC and 11,000 DC charging points across Europe.

BMW or MINI Charging customers can register for a pay-as-you-go ‘Flex tariff’, which provides the driver with access to all included network operators using a single charge card, without the need for a monthly membership or subscription to each individual operator. Customers choosing this tariff simply pay each month for the charging they have used.

For drivers who use public charging more frequently, BMW and MINI Charging offers two additional monthly subscription packages. The ‘bp pulse’ package (£7.85 per month) offers customers preferential pricing per/kWh when charging at over 5,500 bp pulse charging points. Customers using up to 22kW AC pay just £0.12 per kWh, up to 43kW AC or 50kW DC is £0.15 per kWh, and up to 150kW DC at £0.27 per kWh.

For drivers who use the IONITY charging network, the ‘IONITY Plus’ package (£11.30 per month) provides access to a preferential rate of just £0.26 per kWh, saving drivers £0.43 per kWh compared to the pay-as-you-go rate when using up to 350kW DC charging.

Customers who purchase a new fully-electric or plug-in hybrid BMW or MINI via a BMW or MINI Centre – including the new MINI Electric – are offered the ‘bp pulse’ package for 12 months without subscription fee. BMW customers who purchase a new BMW iX3 or BMW iX vehicle via a BMW Centre are also eligible for the ‘IONITY Plus’ package for 12 months, without subscription fee.

Drivers can see a breakdown of their charging history and fees using the App or at the new BMW or MINI Charging website, with the cost of completed charging sessions and any optional package subscriptions invoiced monthly.

To locate nearby charge points, customers can use the My BMW App, MINI Connected App, new BMW/MINI Charging App or BMW/MINI Charging websites. The BMW and MINI Navigation system also shows nearby charge points, and all charging points within the network.

All-electric Nissan Ariya takes to the famous Monaco street circuit for its public driving debut

Nissan Ariya has made its first public appearance, fittingly undertaking its debut drive around the iconic Circuit de Monaco in the glamourous French Riviera.

All-electric Nissan AriyaThe all-electric coupé crossover’s sleek and seamless design was perfectly complemented by the stylish Monaco backdrop, as Ariya completed laps of the famous street circuit which has hosted Nissan’s latest electrifying journey in Formula E.

“Ariya’s public driving in the streets of Monaco is a great way to witness the capabilities of our e-4ORCE technology. Ariya is the epitome of Nissan’s innovation in electric mobility and this event marks a defining moment in the next chapter of Nissan’s EV journey.” said Arnaud Charpentier, Region Vice President, Product Strategy and Pricing, Nissan AMIEO.

Combining powerful performance, connected technologies and a revolutionary new EV design, the Ariya all-electric coupé crossover is the icon of Nissan’s innovative and electric future. Featuring advanced connectivity, technology, a competitive range of battery capacities and the unique e-4ORCE drivetrain, Ariya is designed to enrich people’s lives through a seamless, intuitive and adaptive experience.

Nissan’s electrification strategy draws on over a decade of EV expertise and transferring knowledge and technology between the racetrack and road, providing the best possible electric vehicle offering for customers.

Formula E has captured the imagination of people around the world and spotlighted the thrilling possibilities for electric vehicles. Ariya’s first outing on the iconic Circuit de Monaco demonstrates to a global audience the excitement of zero-emissions electric vehicles is something everyone can experience.

This season, the Nissan Formula E team is strongly connecting its competitiveness to its production EVs. New for the 2020/2021 season, the team has named car No. 22 after Nissan’s all-electric LEAF road car and car No. 23 after the Nissan Ariya all-electric crossover SUV.

Bentley celebrates 75 years of manufacturing cars in Crewe

Bentley Motors marks 75 years of car production from the luxury marque’s iconic factory in Crewe, England. The revered Mk V, the very last car to be built in Derby before the dawn of the Crewe era in May 1946, today stood proudly on display along Pyms Lane as the current generation Bentley models rolled off the production line at record levels.

75 years at Crewe - 1 - Bentley MK VDuring this 75 year period, 197,086 luxury cars – 97 per cent of Bentley’s entire production – have been handcrafted, an extraordinary milestone when considered that just 38,933 were built before modern day models such as the Continental GT and Bentayga were introduced from the turn of the century.

Remarkably, records show that 84 per cent of all cars built in Crewe for the UK market are still on the road today, with that number growing at unmatched levels. Bentley is currently building 85 cars per day; one month’s output, two decades ago.

Commenting on the significant achievement, Peter Bosch, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Manufacturing, said:

“For 75 years Crewe has been synonymous with luxury car manufacturing – a global showcase of craftsmanship and quality. In that time, our colleagues have produced some of the world’s most iconic and desirable products, including cars for global royalty and unique personal commissions.

“Beyond bricks and mortar, this milestone pays homage to the colleagues who have built our brand in Crewe, and I’d like to express my thanks and admiration for their dedication over three quarters of a century.

“With our most recent investment we have transformed our historic factory into a collaborative modern campus; a carbon-neutral, innovative, low environmental impact site that retains the best of our heritage while looking strongly to the future. In many factory areas, modern, digitised production systems complement traditional craftsmanship skills employed on our cars since 1946.

“As we cautiously emerge from the pandemic, we look forward to welcoming our customers back to Crewe to experience our unique factory and meet our colleagues in person.”

A110 x Felipe Pantone

From the sidelines of the Monaco Grand Prix, Alpine unveils an exceptional A110 designed by Felipe Pantone, the second collaboration piece to debut since the partnership with the artist began in April.

The first collaboration “Alpine F1 x Felipe Pantone” was presented a few weeks ago, where Felipe Pantone delivered his artistic interpretation of Formula 1 with Alpine on a 1/2 scale model that was exhibited on the first floor of the Atelier Renault dedicated to Alpine.

A110 x Felipe PantoneA110 x Felipe Pantone

 

 

Now, the second collaboration between Alpine and Felipe Pantone showcases a piece of Felipe Pantone’s work on the Alpine A110, the brand’s iconic model. Before tackling this project, Felipe Pantone spent long hours studying the brand and its history, as well as driving an Alpine A110 to feel the unique personality of the French sports coupe. The result is a modern, dynamic and elegant interpretation of the A110. The graphic lines follow the shape of the A110 which give an impression of speed even when the car stands still. It also features the signature colours of Felipe Pantone, black and white.

“My idea regarding the work on the A110 is to evoke a sense of “ultradynamism”. Visual speed is something that I have been investigating for years now and I feel it really comes together on this car, emphasising its brilliant design with a fast, technological look”, says Felipe Pantone.

The paint job on the body, carried out entirely by hand by the artist, represents several weeks of work. For even greater exclusivity, each of the three models offered for sale will feature subtle graphic variations to make each of these A110s a unique piece.

“Through this second collaboration with Alpine, Felipe Pantone once again demonstrates the extent of his talent. The creative work and its execution are exceptional. The colour schemes, geometric shapes and optical effects reveal the A110 in a new light, with a heightened sense of movement. This work results in a modern, dynamic and captivating work of art” said Cédric Journel, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Alpine.

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