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 Golf R Estate the most powerful and dynamic Golf Estate to date.
The new Golf R Estate is the most powerful and dynamic Golf Estate to date. More power and driving dynamics, numerous innovations, more space and strong emotions: this is what makes the new Golf R Estate better than ever before. The standard 4MOTION all-wheel drive with R Performance Torque Vectoring is powered by a 2.0 TSI engine with a maximum torque of 420 Nm.
Power is transmitted via an R-specific 7-speed dual clutch gearbox. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. With the optional R Performance package, a top speed of 270 km/h is possible. The package also includes 19-inch wheels and the additional driving modes Special (Nürburgring mode) and Drift (for power slides). A host of assist systems and the latest-generation Infotainment system guarantee even more safety, comfort and convenience.
The Golf R Estate may be exceptionally sporty, but it also retains all the characteristics you’d expect from a Golf estate: this is a versatile all-rounder, a comfortable leisure-oriented and family- friendly estate car for all walks of life. Its suitability for everyday use is in no way compromised by the R-specific sports running gear (lower by 20 mm) and the fact that it is designed with motor racing in mind. “The Golf R Estate is the perfect combination of a compact Golf R2 and an estate. Sportiness, performance and emotions meet space, versatility and innovation,” says Sven Smeets, Head of R Business Unit. The interior of the R Estate fully benefits from the 66 mm longer wheelbase of the Golf Estate compared with the Golf.
Especially passengers in the back profit from the generous proportions: The maximum legroom expands from 903 mm to 941 mm. The vehicle has a luggage compartment volume of 611 litres, which increases to a maximum of 1,642 litres if loaded up to the roof and with the second row of seats folded down. For the first time, the Golf R Estate is available with an optional ball coupling with a permitted maximum trailer weight (braked) of up to 1.9 tonnes and a drawbar load of 80 kilograms.
Fitted as standard in the new Golf R Estate are the new multifunction sports leather steering wheel and premium sports seats at the front, among other things. These have integrated head restraints sporting blue R logos. The seat centre panels are covered with the fabric seat covers “R” in black-blue. The inner side of the seat cushion bolsters is made of ArtVelours microfleece in Flint Grey. The optional Nappa leather package can also be ordered. It includes active climate control for the front seats and, on the insides of the doors, carbon-look elements with blue applications.
Compared to those in its predecessor, the driver’s controls have been almost completely redesigned. Touch buttons, touch sliders and touch screens substitute the functions of classic controls and analogue displays. The R-specific Digital Cockpit Pro offers exclusive features such as a new, horizontal engine speed display at the upper edge of the fully digital display as well as a lap timer for keeping time on the race track. And you can operate the vehicle with the new, natural, learning voice control, if you wish.
As with all Volkswagens, the new Infotainment system MIB3 provides modern connectivity. It is networked with the various online services of the brand’s own Volkswagen We ecosystem and enables Cloud-based personalisation by means of the Volkswagen ID. The Digital Cockpit Pro and the Infotainment system are arranged in the driver’s line of sight and easy to see and operate at all times.
The new Golf R Estate can be ordered in Germany and Europe from 8 July 2021. Prices start from EUR 51,585 (including 19% VAT)3.
A new era starts: Volkswagen ID.4 GTX electric performance SUV now on sale to UK customers
The Volkswagen ID.4 GTX is now available for UK customers to order, with the first of Volkswagen’s zero tailpipe emissions performance sub-brand starting at £48,510 OTR. The first wearer of the new GTX badge is available in two versions – GTX and GTX Max (£55,540 OTR), the former focussing on performance, with the latter offering a comprehensive and compelling package of equipment.
The ID.4 GTX and GTX Max are the inaugural models of the new all-electric ‘GTX’ performance line, and the first ID. models to feature dual-motor all-wheel drive. Both offer the availability of 299 PS and 310 Nm of torque*, contributing to impressive performance – the GTX models accelerate to 62 mph from a standstill in just 6.2 seconds, which is quicker than a Golf GTI. The ID.4 GTX also reaches a top speed of 112 mph (where permitted) – 13 mph quicker than the regular model.
This sporty drivetrain is complemented by sports suspension and progressive steering systems, both of which sharpen the handling of the ID.4, alongside the standard-fit Vehicle Dynamics Manager and XDS electronic differential lock. The sports suspension comes as part of the Sport Package fitted as standard to the GTX models, while the GTX Max features Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive dampers as standard.
The ID.4 GTX offers the best of both worlds when it comes to performance and sustainability. Just like the rest of the ID. family, the GTX is delivered to customers as a ‘net climate-neutral product’ according to the independent auditing body TÜV NORD, which examines the entire supply chain, manufacturing process and all logistics. With a green energy provider such as Octopus Energy, customers can continue this environmental balance into the car’s working life.
Ford and M-Sport Reveal New Puma Rally1 WRC Prototype; Electrifying Hybrid Performance Breaks Cover at Goodwood
The M-Sport Ford World Rally Team (WRT) revealed for the first time a prototype of the new Puma Rally1 rally car that will help usher in an exciting new era of electrified competition in the FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) from 2022.
Making its global public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the M‑Sport Ford Puma Rally1 features a next-generation hybrid powertrain that seamlessly combines the performance of a championship-winning, turbocharged 1.6-litre EcoBoost petrol engine with a sophisticated 100 kW electric motor and 3.9 kWh battery.
The ultimate expression of the fun-to-drive appeal offered to customers in the Ford Puma compact SUV, 1 the new rally car also reflects Ford’s commitment to going all-in on electrification. The company earlier this year announced that 100 per cent of its passenger vehicle range in Europe will be zero-emissions capable, all-electric or plug-in hybrid by mid-2026; moving to all-electric by 2030.
The electrifying performance of the Puma Rally1 prototype will be demonstrated on the famous Goodwood hill climb from July 8-10, driven by M-Sport Ford WRT driver Adrien Fourmaux and M-Sport Ford test driver Matthew Wilson, before being used as a development car ahead of the 2022 season.
New Vauxhall Corsa retains its place as UK’s best selling car
The New Vauxhall Corsa is the UK’s best-selling new car so far this year, according to the latest new car sales and registration figures released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
24,399 Corsas have been registered in the first six months of 2021. Vauxhall’s all-electric Corsa-e was also the best-selling all-electric model in its segment, as the brand continues its electric vehicle expansion with the goal of offering an electrified variant across its model line-up by 2024.
The Corsa-e has been the best-selling new electric car in the small Battery Electric Vehicle sector this year, with 2,795 registrations in 2021. The success of the Corsa and Corsa-e has helped Vauxhall increase its share of the passenger car and LCV market by 0.2 of a percentage point, having sold 53,443 vehicles so far in 2021.
Dacia’s world premiere at IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich
Munich will be the venue for the brand’s next world premiere as it unveils its all-new ultra-versatile 7-seater family car.
With the launch of the All-New Dacia Sandero and Logan at the beginning of the year, followed by the springtime release of Spring, and the New Duster in June. Dacia continues to renew its range as it lives up to the announcements made during the strategic plan presentation earlier this year.
Radford acquires trademark for iconic John Player Special livery
Radford, the global luxury coachbuilding brand with a British heart and soul, has today announced the acquisition of a US trademark for one of the world’s most iconic race liveries, John Player Special (JPS). The trademark of the livery is now owned by Radford in the US, and will be used on future Radford models.
The John Player Special livery is one of the most famous and significant racing car liveries. Its legendary black and gold colour scheme is most instantly recognisable from the bodywork of the Lotus Type 72D which Emerson Fittipaldi raced to five victories and championship victory during the 1972 Formula 1 season.
The JPS livery was present on Lotus Formula 1 cars until 1986 and the Lotus 98T driven by the legendary Ayrton Senna – it epitomised the glamour era of motor racing in the 1970s.
Rimac and Bugatti combine forces in historic new venture
Rimac Automobili announces another major milestone in its history, as it combines forces with iconic automotive brand, Bugatti Automobiles, to create a new automotive and technological powerhouse.
In just 10 years, Rimac Automobili has progressed from one man garage start-up, to announcing a new company with one of the world’s most iconic car brands to create Bugatti Rimac d.o.o. (in English – LLC).
In an industry evolving at ever-increasing speed, flexibility, innovation and sustainability remain at the very core of Rimac’s operations. The Croatian-based brand has proven that it can not only keep up, but be the trailblazer, setting the performance and technological benchmark for others. Uniting Rimac’s technical expertise and lean operations with Bugatti’s 110-year heritage of design and engineering prowess, represents a fusion of leading automotive minds.
As part of the deal, the newly-formed Rimac Group will be the major shareholder with a 55% stake. Mate Rimac will retain his original shareholding in Rimac Group at 37%, with Porsche at 24%, Hyundai Motor Group doing the same at 12% and other investors at 27%. The development, production and supply of battery systems, drivetrains and other EV components that Rimac is known for and trusted by many automotive manufacturers will be separated into a new entity – Rimac Technology, which will be 100% owned by the Rimac Group. Rimac Technology will remain an independent company working with many global car manufacturers.
Mate Rimac will lead the new company. As CEO of Rimac Group, he will run both Bugatti Rimac and the new division, Rimac Technology. Bugatti and Rimac will both continue as separate respective brands, retaining existing production facilities and distribution channels. Bugatti Rimac represents the company that will develop the future of both Bugatti and Rimac vehicles, by joining resources and expertise in research and development, production and other areas.
Rimac Group will continue to innovate, creating both its own hypercars, as well as developing systems and technologies for many global OEMs. Such innovative technology can also be deployed in future Bugatti and Rimac models.
Both brands will continue to operate independently, with Rimac Automobili retaining its current premises on the outskirts of Zagreb, Croatia and Bugatti production continuing in Molsheim, France.
Battista hyper GT leads the way for sustainable luxury at Goodwood’s Electric Avenue
Automobili Pininfarina will be at the forefront of the electric revolution at the 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed, from the 8th to 11th July, with the Battista pure electric hyper GT*. Aiming to lead the sustainable automotive luxury movement, Automobili Pininfarina will take the centre stage at Goodwood’s Electric Avenue exhibition space.
The Electric Avenue display will be located at the heart of the event and forms part of the Festival’s ongoing focus on innovation, immersing visitors in the journey towards zero emissions as they explore the diverse range of electric vehicles available.
The Battista launch model will be showcased within this section, giving Goodwood visitors a first chance to view the hyper GT at the world-famous event. It channels more than 90 years of iconic Italian heritage and is the most powerful Italian sports car ever made, combining exquisite design with luxurious sustainable materials and a sophisticated pure-electric powertrain to represent the pinnacle of the EV technology.
Per Svantesson, Chief Executive Officer, Automobili Pininfarina, said: “We are excited to bring Battista to the iconic Goodwood Festival of Speed for the first time. This hyper GT and our future portfolio of luxury electric cars will offer the beautiful design and personalisation opportunities one expects from Automobili Pininfarina, with thrilling performance enabled by zero-emissions powertrain technology and an array of sustainably sourced design features and finishes. Goodwood’s Electric Avenue is a perfect showcase for this vision of future luxury.”
Maserati meets Massimo Bottura
Tradition is an ingredient that drives us into the future. This idea brings together Maserati with Massimo Bottura, born and raised in Modena, Trident Brand Ambassador and protagonist of Italian cuisine, with a genius for taking the best of the past and bringing it into the future. Levante Trofeo Fuoriserie Edition for Massimo Bottura, presented on 1st July, is the outcome of a partnership between the company and the chef, both originating from Italy’s Emilia region and, both capable of reaching beyond all expectations. The car is the sum of this collaboration, an explosion of creativity, a rare display of freedom of expression and the visual impact of a life lived in vivid colours.
Levante, the first Maserati SUV, is a car that accepts no boundaries, making it the ideal blank sheet for a powerful burst of energy. In the top-of-the-range Trofeo trim, with a 580 horsepower V8 engine, it unites performance, driving enjoyment and speed. This Fuoriserie Edition’s Blu Stradale exterior is painted with multi-coloured splashes, also featured on the interior inserts, the central console and the dashboard, creating a Maserati that is an explosion of creativity from every point of view.
In Massimo Bottura’s imagination, the experience of driving off-road, Levante’s natural habitat, is like a work of action painting. Growing up in the Motor Valley, he loved racing through the Emilian countryside in vintage cars with his older brothers. At the end of these adventurous days, the cars’ bodies were covered with splashes of mud, or ‘racing scars’, as the chef affectionately calls them. Life is very similar in that each one of us is the protagonist of an adventure: we are transformed by experiences lived, shaped by encounters, moulded by victories and defeats, and marked by the vibrant colours of culture. In the end, while still remaining ourselves, we have also become something different. To remember the value of this lesson, after his off-road races Massimo Bottura habitually did not wash the mud off the car for days.
This special Levante Trofeo belongs to the Maserati Fuoriserie customisation programme, with its various options allowing customers to have a Maserati tailored to their tastes. The car is viewed as a garment, to be worn proudly on the world’s roads in a gesture of self-expression, and as a symbol of the concept of contemporary luxury.
Maserati Fuoriserie is a blank sheet of paper and the Brand offers a wide range of drawing tools and colours, leaving everything else to the inspiration of the customer, allowing them to take on the role of trendsetters and express their own, personal creativity.
To help customers find their way around the thousands of possible combinations, Maserati has created three basic collections as starting-points: Corse, Unica and Futura. They are three clusters that express the brand’s power and represent its values, uniting sportiness with elegance and innovation. The programme offers a lavish set of contents on the Ghibli, Quattroporte and Levante range. New external paints and liveries, wheel and brake caliper colours, are now available for order, as well as specific cabin combinations with different stitching colour schemes and interior layouts. The new MC20 super sports car can also be customised, characterising the exterior with a rich selection of colours and paintworks. The Fuoriserie collections are to be enriched and renewed over time, and the programme also features the additional “Sartoria” level, for even more bespoke tailor made requirements.
Levante Trofeo Fuoriserie Edition for Massimo Bottura, presented during Motor Valley Fest 2021 in Modena, embodies a concept of creativity that the Maserati Fuoriserie customisation programme and Massimo Bottura share: the creativity to be open to experience, vulnerable to beauty, and willing to discover your true self through encounters with others along life’s journey.
