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 Jeep Wrangler MY21.
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. While looking back at past endeavours, Jeep is updating the Wrangler for model year 21 (MY21) with the introduction of enhanced safety features, increased off-road capabilities and a range of new colours, as well as introducing the new 80th anniversary edition.
For MY21, all Jeep Wrangler models will be fitted with the 2.0-litre 272hp Euro6D final petrol engine, combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This new engine results in CO2 emission ranging between 243-251g/km, a reduction of 10g/km over the previous generation, when fitted to the Sahara, Overland and the new 80th Anniversary models, while the off-road focused Rubicon emits between 261-271g/km CO2.
To assist on-road driving, enhanced additional safety features are now included as standard across the UK Wrangler range. These include the addition of adaptive cruise control (ACC) with stop and go, accident emergency braking (AEB) and auto high beam.
Off-road driving has also been enhanced with a series of new features added to the Wrangler range as standard, making it even easier to go anywhere and do anything. Selec-Speed control, an off-road cruise control, allows the driver to maintain a steady speed during rock crawling and other types of low speed manoeuvring. A selectable tyre fill alert can now be set through the 8.4-inch touchscreen. Ideal for off-road adventurers who deflate the tyre pressures to get grip on off road courses when traversing mud and rocks, the system will give an audible warning when the desired tyre pressures have been reached.
Exclusively available on the Rubicon, the new Off-Road+ (OR+) mode provides unique powertrain and chassis tuning. Specifically tailored for high range ‘sand’ performance and low range ‘rock’ activity, OR+ adjusts the ABS, ESC, accelerator pedal, traction control and transmission calibrations . Sand mode is enabled when OR+ is activated while in 4H gear and rock mode is enabled when OR+ is activated while in 4Low.
A new range of body colours, Hydro Blue, Snazzberry and Sarge Green, are now available on the Wrangler range, paying homage to the models history. Nacho will also be available as a limited run, exclusively on the Rubicon.
The MY21 Jeep Wrangler range and 80th anniversary special-series are now available to order, with prices starting from £49,450 OTR for the Wrangler Sahara 2-dr .
Mercedes-Benz prepares to go all-electric
Mercedes-Benz is getting ready to go all electric by the end of the decade, where market conditions allow. Shifting from electric-first to electric-only, the world’s pre-eminent luxury car company is accelerating toward an emissions-free and software-driven future.
By 2022, Mercedes-Benz will have battery electric vehicles (BEV) in all segments the company serves. From 2025 onwards, all newly launched vehicle architectures will be electric-only and customers will be able to choose an all-electric alternative for every model the company makes. Mercedes-Benz intends to manage this accelerated transformation while sticking to its profitability targets.
“The EV shift is picking up speed – especially in the luxury segment, where Mercedes-Benz belongs. The tipping point is getting closer and we will be ready as markets switch to electric-only by the end of this decade,” said Ola Källenius, CEO of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG. “This step marks a profound reallocation of capital. By managing this faster transformation while safeguarding our profitability targets, we will ensure the enduring success of Mercedes-Benz. Thanks to our highly qualified and motivated workforce,
I am convinced that we will be successful in this exciting new era.”
To facilitate this shift, Mercedes-Benz is unveiling a comprehensive plan which includes significantly accelerating R&D. In total, investments into battery electric vehicles between 2022 and 2030 will amount to over €40 billion. Accelerating and advancing the EV portfolio plan will bring forward the tipping point for EV adoption.
The New McLaren GT Ride-On: The Talk of the Playground
Cruising onto the supercar scene is the newest addition to McLaren Automotive’s junior Ride-On model range – the McLaren GT.
Inspired by the luxury supercar makers most refined model to date, the new GT Ride-On follows the successful P1™, 720S and McLaren Senna electrified children’s models.
Supercar fans from three to six years old can now discover what it is like to drive their very own McLaren GT, based on the lightest and quickest accelerating vehicle in its class.
The new Ride-On has an impressive list of standard options including authentic McLaren design detailing. Working dihedral doors make for the ultimate entrance and getaway and a functional storage compartment is ideal for stowing any junior driving essentials.
Just like the real thing, the GT Ride-On has workable dashboard controls with key start that activates McLaren engine sounds.
Tiny journeys can also be accompanied by music, played through an infotainment system that can access files from a USB device or SD card with optional MP4 display screen.
Junior drivers will get a thrill from the working accelerator with revving sound and brake pedal with brake light function as they speed off on their mini McLaren GT adventures.
The McLaren GT Ride-On is available in six authentic and eye-catching McLaren colours including: Burnished Copper, Silica White, Onyx Black, McLaren Orange, Amaranth Red and Burton Blue.
Set to be the most thrilling toy of 2021, the McLaren GT Ride-On is priced from £163.00 to £234.00, depending on the options selected, and is available to order now from selected global toy retailers.
MILITEM FERŌX ADVENTURE ready for international markets
The new MILITEM FERŌX ADVENTURE represents the latest and finest in MILITEM’s ‘American tech/Italian made’ philosophy and is ready to be distributed in international markets.
After the Principality of Monaco, distribution partners for the brand are set to follow soon in Germany, Czech Republic and Poland.
Each and every MILITEM vehicle is the perfect blend of American DNA and majestic Italian styling.
MILITEM has redefined iconic American models with craftsmanship, class and unmistakable ‘Made in Italy’ taste, improving the style and driving experience to create unique vehicles for the luxury-premium market segment.
As the name itself suggests, MILITEM FERŌX ADVENTURE is the new status symbol for driving and exploring new horizons, living emotions in a natural setting. It is the ideal model to enjoy your free time partnering your passion for open-air sport and outdoor holidays. This might be while tapping into the latest outdoor trend for glamping, or exploring the seas, lakes, mountains and typical roads of Tuscany. There are no limits in the MILITEM FERŌX ADVENTURE.
The MILITEM FERŌX is based on the 4-door Wrangler JL. It features a 2.0 litre 272 hp petrol engine or a 3.6 V6 e-Torque Mild Hybrid, producing 285 CV. Alternatively, a 2-door version is available with a 3.6 V6 and an e-Torque engine.
The e-Torque Mild Hybrid system, employs a 48 V generator and recuperates and stores energy during braking. This is then used to start the car when in start-stop mode and to provide more punch and torque when overtaking, reducing consumption and emissions.
All versions of the car are fitted with 4WD and an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Rolls-Royce adds Black Badge variants to Escapism Luggage range
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has added Black Badge editions to its Escapism Luggage Collection. The new luggage is designed to complement the darker, edgier personas of the marque’s Black Badge motor cars, which cater to patrons with a bold, confident, and uncompromising attitude to life.
The new range complements and extends the marque’s Escapism Luggage Collection launched in 2020, for those clients who favour a more informal, relaxed appearance. To appease the Black Badge clients, each piece has been designed from the ground up, reflecting the particular tastes, requirements and personalities of Rolls-Royce’s bold alter ego.
The five new pieces – 48hr Weekender, 24hr Weekender, Holdall, Tote Bag and Organiser Pouch – are handcrafted from the finest leather and soft canvas, together with a new material inspired by the unique technical-weave fabric first used in the interior of Cullinan Black Badge. This combination gives the luggage a soft, relaxed and informal feel, with a distinctive technical look.
Patrons can choose from colourways which include bold, eye-catching hues from the Black Badge colour palette or more understated tones. Each item is finished with intricate contrast piping detail – a first for Rolls-Royce luggage, which clients can personalise if they wish – and a metal plaque bearing the Black Badge ‘Infinity’ lemniscate icon.
The Black Badge Escapism luggage collection can be ordered as a five-piece set or as individual items from Rolls-Royce dealers. Prices for the five-piece set start from 22,075 GBP, excluding local taxes.
Hennessey Boosts Bronco Power Past 400 bhp
Hennessey Performance Engineering (HPE), the Texas-based hypercar manufacturer and high-performance vehicle creator, has turned up the power on the new Ford Bronco with its acclaimed VelociRaptor package. The all-new Hennessey VelociRaptor 400 Bronco boasts 405 bhp at 5,700 rpm and 503 lb-ft torque at 3,900 rpm as a result of comprehensive reworking by the experts at Hennessey.
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he team’s engineers fit new intake and exhaust systems to the 2.7-litre twin-turbocharged V6 powerplant, in addition to recalibrating the engine to maximize power. The VelociRaptor package adds 75 hp to the range-topping, Bronco Wildtrak and adds 88 lb-ft to the stock torque figure enabling the 4×4 to sprint from 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds.
With Hennessey’s Off-Road Package, owners can individualize their Bronco further with 35-inch off-road tires on 18-inch Hennessey wheels; front and rear VelociRaptor bumpers; retractable side steps; and VelociRaptor branding. Thanks to the extensive Hennessey R&D process, all of the Bronco’s engine modes and off-road systems are retained, plus Hennessey provides a 3-year / 36,000-mile warranty as part of the $80,000 price that the typical customer will pay (including the base Bronco Wildtrak).
UK order books open today for new SEAT Arona
SEAT has announced the pricing and technical specifications for the eagerly awaited new Arona, now available to order in the UK.
Prices start at £19,260 OTR for the Arona SE 1.0 TSI EVO 95PS, and go to £25,835 for the Arona XPERIENCE LUX 1.0 TSI DSG-auto 110PS.
Customers can choose from six distinct trims (SE, SE Technology, FR, FR Sport, XPERIENCE and XPERIENCE Lux), matching the desired trim level to the power output that suits them best.
The new Arona 1.0 TSI EVO 95PS can be specified with SE and SE Technology trim, whereas the 1.0 TSI 110PS is available from FR trim upwards. The 1.0 TSI DSG-auto 110PS can be paired with all trim levels, while a sportier 1.5 TSI DSG-auto 150PS is available exclusively with FR and FR Sport trims.
The Bentley Continental GT Ice Race Car is the latest thrilling addition to the DIRT 5™ game
Bentley’s Continental GT Ice Race car joins the new DIRT 5™ Super Size Content Drop on July 20, allowing players to experience the thrill of the ice race, sporting bespoke Bentley liveries, 
from the comfort of their own home. DIRT 5™ is the award-winning off-road racing game from Codemasters® known for spectacular scenery and exhilarating circuits, playgrounds and stadiums. The amplified, off-road racing experience will now offer a Bentley off-road grand tourer, ready to take on all terrain and all challengers.
The cover star of the DIRT 5™ game update is the Bentley Continental GT Ice Racer. However, don’t be fooled by the name and inspiration behind the virtual car, while this Ice Racer will indeed be right at home on sub-zero surfaces at New York, Norway and Nepal this 626 bhp racecar will tear up all surfaces in DIRT 5™ on its 22-inch rims; a perfect blend of luxurious design and extreme performance.
Kia Ceed range gets extensive design, tech and powertrain upgrades
Kia’s best-selling Ceed range has received a range of bold and contemporary enhancements for 2021, including dynamic and athletic design accents. The Ceed five-door hatchback, Ceed Sportswagon estate and ProCeed shooting brake versions will each reveal an entirely redesigned front-end, sporty updates to the rear, restyled alloys and refreshed body colours and interior when the new models go on sale at the beginning of Q4.
From the outside, the rejuvenated exterior speaks of vitality, creating a contemporary and dynamic stance. A completely redesigned front end features Kia’s new logo, a simplified graphic of the company name that reflects the ethos ‘movement that inspires’. Special attention has been given to make each variant (including GT Line and GT versions) more unique and distinct from each other.
The iconic tiger-nose grille, which makes the Ceed a recognisable Kia, is upgraded to a black gloss finish with satin chrome upper and lower wing-shaped garnish for a sleek and modern appearance. To the sides, two large side air intakes shoot through the front bumper creating the sportier look. The ‘wing’ inspired theme repeats in other elements of the front redesign, such as the satin chrome trim on the lower air intake grille and the sweeping side garnish which extends into the front wheel arch. On the rear, to highlight the simplicity of the new Kia badge, the surface between the LED combi lamps has been smoothed out to accommodate the sleek new brand emblem. A new glossy black diffuser is added to the sporty rear bumper, which also echoes the satin chrome finish seen at the front of the car.
New headlamp designs have been introduced on all Ceed models, with full LED headlamps on ProCeed ‘GT-Line S’ and ‘GT’ versions featuring daytime running lights for added road presence and safety. Three arrow-shaped modules surround an integrated LED fog light and high/low beam modules. These daytime running lights (DRLs) also act as the Ceed’s turn signals. GT-Line variants of the five-door hatch gain newly designed LED combination lamps comprised of 48 honeycomb-shaped modules surrounded by a red frame. The multi-functional lamps are positioned into five rows, covered with tinted glass. The LEDs on certain rows light up sequentially when the driver uses the turn signals.
The side view reveals eye-catching new alloy designs across all variants in the line-up. Six striking styles are now available, three of which have been launched for the first time with this latest update: 16-inch alloys finished in silver; glossy black 17-inch alloy rims available exclusively on the GT-Line; and super sporty 18-inch alloys with red accents for GT variants.
The ProCeed GT will turn heads thanks to bespoke design upgrades, including vibrant red accents at the front, side and rear to highlight the car’s sporting prowess. The signature tiger-nose grille on this range-topping model is formed from two-shot injection moulding to create a distinctive glossy black and red finish with dark chrome upper and lower trim. To the front, the GT’s bumper displays a glossy black air intake grille with a specially developed ‘GT red’ trim at each end of the air intake grille. The sporty rear diffuser is accented by round dual exhaust tips and the distinctive new red trim. The GT now sits proudly on 18-inch dark metal alloys in a dedicated GT design with unique red wheel caps.
To further enhance the exterior updates, two new colours are added to the line-up to replace the current Copper Stone option: Orange Fusion and Machined Bronze.
Onboard the updated Ceed, the driver is instantly welcomed by chic interior décor, sophisticated soothing colours, tactile materials, and a layout designed to put all occupants at ease. The panoramic sunroof provides a connection to nature and creates a greater sense of space for occupants to feel inspired.
Seating is available in nine upholstery finishes, four of which are new with this upgrade. Choices include the black suede leather bucket seats with contrasting edge stitching in grey on GT Line and signature red on GT models. GT Line and GT models benefit from a newly designed gear knob for a modern look. DCT versions get an added touch of luxury with a perforated leather gear knob for an improved tactile experience. All DCT versions come with a glossy black PRND display panel.
The Ceed interior now blends a modern style in look and feel with premium functionality and new technology. For ProCeed GT-Line S models, a large 12.3-inch instrument cluster screen is paired with a 10.25-inch screen to further enhance driver interaction with the vehicle. Every aspect of the interior overhaul has been designed with usability in mind, such as the electronic parking brake switch and other features based around the ‘easy to use, easy to see’ principle which underlines the cabin design.
The new Ceed range offers buyers a fully comprehensive choice of powertrain configurations, including mild-hybrid diesel engines (MHEV), with horsepower ranging from 99bhp to 201bhp. Ceed customers are also presented with a choice of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, the 1.0- and 1.5-litre petrol and the 1.6-litre diesel powertrains all benefitting from Kia’s Smartstream technology.
Smartstream engine technology incorporates Kia’s Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) to optimise performance. CVVD also serves to improve fuel efficiency alongside a Low-Pressure Exhaust Gas Recirculation (LP-EGR) system, which returns some of the hot gases produced by the engine to the combustion chamber to reduce pumping losses and improve fuel economy.
Launched in the UK earlier in 2021, the new 1.5-litre T-GDi engine is produced in Kia’s Slovakia plant – also home to the production of the Ceed family. This new Smartstream engine, which replaces the previous 1.4-litre T-GDi, is paired either to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (7DCT) or a six-speed manual transmission (6MT) and delivers 158bhp while offering reduced emissions. 1.6-litre diesel variants of the Ceed, delivering 134bhp, are only available as a mild-hybrid, and can be paired with either a six-speed intelligent manual transmission (iMT) or 7DCT.
The iMT ‘clutch-by-wire’ system contributes to the MHEV system’s enhanced fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions while retaining the driver engagement of a conventional manual gearbox.
GT models are presented with an exclusive 1.6-litre T-GDi engine with a unique sound. The petrol engine is mated to the 7DCT and delivers a huge 201bhp. The experience behind the wheel can be further tailored to suit the driver’s mood and road conditions via paddle-shift levers and three drive modes: Eco, Comfort and Sport modes. These each tailor throttle response, steering weight and transmission shift times to match the desired driving experience.
The renewed Ceed family will go into production at Kia’s European manufacturing plant in Žilina, Slovakia this August and will be available across Europe by Q4.
Full UK specifications and pricing will be announced shortly before sales commence in the UK later this year.
