As we come to the end of another week we look at some of the motoring news which you may have missed starting with a chance to own the ultimate luxury four-door.
Bentley is offering customers a final opportunity to purchase a piece of automotive history – one of the British brand’s most unique and distinguished models, the Mulsanne Grand Limousine by Mulliner. Five examples of this rare, modern coachbuilt car, which was specifically designed for customers seeking the finest in luxury limousine transportation, have recently become available for purchase. These five cars were all built by hand by Mulliner in 2015, and shipped to their destination in the United Arab Emirates – but never used nor registered.
Designed and built entirely by hand, the Mulsanne Grand Limousine by Mulliner includes a 1,000 mm stretch to the body, as well as a raised roof to provide an additional 79 mm of headroom in the rear, to create a passenger experience like no other.
Originally created as a private commission, Bentley Mulliner was then given consent to build a limited run of cars for like-minded customers. Five of these have recently become available for purchase through Bentley’s retail partner in the United Arab Emirates, Bentley Emirates, with delivery anywhere in the world available as required.
The Mulsanne Grand Limousine by Mulliner is the ultimate demonstration of the extraordinary skills and abilities of Bentley’s in-house bespoke division. With production of the Mulsanne having ceased last year, these models represent a unique chance for customers to acquire an iconic piece of modern Bentley history.
The Mulsanne Grand Limousine by Mulliner was designed around the need for four passenger seats of equal comfort. Their arrangement, which was inspired by luxury private aviation, includes two rear-facing seats, allowing passengers to talk face-to-face.
Emphasising the truly luxurious travelling experience, a bottle cooler with crystal flutes sits between the front facing seats, with a beverage cabinet with bespoke crystal tumblers between the rear facing seats. Veneered, folding picnic tables allow the occupants to work comfortably on the move, with iPad docking and charging stations. Bentley craftsmanship is further evidenced by the three handmade dials, which display UK and local time, alongside the exterior temperature.
The finest materials have been applied throughout, utilising Bentley’s world-renowned skills with leather and wood, with the higher roof and extra length offering a true sense of space in which to relax. The Mulsanne Grand Limousine by Mulliner is truly the ultimate space in which to work or relax on the move.
A custom heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system was designed and built by Bentley Mulliner, specifically for the Mulsanne Grand Limousine. With two discrete zones, it provides each of the four rear passengers control of their own micro-climates, without affecting the experience of their travelling companions.
Among the many additional bespoke digital features, the limousines are equipped with an intercom system for communication with the driver. The interior division between the front seats and the rear features electrochromic ‘smart glass’, the first time this technology has been implemented in a Bentley. At the touch of a button, the entire panel can be switched from transparent to opaque, for complete privacy.
The stretched model sits on a chassis and suspension that were specially re-engineered by Bentley. Power is provided by Bentley’s iconic 6¾-litre twin turbo V8 engine, with 505 bhp (512 PS) and 1,020 Nm (752 lb.ft) of torque. Unique 21” wheels have been treated to match the car’s exterior paintwork, while even its stainless steel Flying ‘B’ bonnet mascot is a bespoke commission: its plinth is engraved with the words: ‘Coachbuilt by Mulliner’.
Perhaps most remarkable of all is the elegant profile of the car itself. Unlike traditional ‘stretched’ limousines, it has been carefully designed to preserve the Mulsanne’s effortless lines and aesthetic purity. The result is the longest manufacturer-built limousine in the world, its shape adapted beautifully to the length of its wheelbase.
New Morgan Plus Four CX-T, the Morgan built for overland adventure
Morgan unveils the Plus Four CX-T, a car with adventure at its core. A vehicle with capability not yet witnessed on a Morgan sports car, it opens up the possibility of routes, landscapes and destinations inaccessible by Morgan cars until now.
The Morgan Plus Four CX-T is inspired by Morgan’s well documented history of competing in all-terrain endurance trials. As early as 1911, Morgan sports cars were competing and winning in trials competitions, and this spirit of adventure has been key to shaping the Morgan brand ever since. The more adventurous journeys that are frequently undertaken by Morgan customers all over the world have further fuelled the desire for Morgan to imagine the Plus Four CX-T.
Following the launch of the Plus Four in 2020, Morgan partnered with Rally Raid UK, renowned creator of Dakar race cars, to jointly design and engineer the Plus Four CX-T. One of the aims of the project is to demonstrate the capability and durability of Morgan’s new CX-Generation platform, along with the Plus Four upon which the CX-T is based.
Just eight vehicles will be built, priced at £170,000 plus local taxes and supplied in full overland specification, with each customer having the opportunity to work alongside Morgan’s design team to specify their own CX-T. Every Plus Four CX-T is built at Morgan’s factory in Malvern, Worcestershire, before undergoing the final preparation and setup at Rally Raid UK’s own workshop facilities. Morgan’s design and engineering team have worked alongside Rally Raid UK throughout the programme to define the concept, specification, technical attributes, and aesthetic of the model.
The exterior of the Plus Four CX-T is designed to maximise luggage and equipment carrying capacity, and provide the occupant protection necessary for extreme environments. Simultaneously, Morgan has ensured that its visual design reflects this capability and purposefulness.
Most prominently, the rear panel of the vehicle has been replaced with an equipment rack, with unique side body panels designed to be reminiscent of the classic four-seater Morgan.
The rack houses two ruggedised and waterproof Pelican luggage cases, a Zarges aluminium tool/storage box, two Rotopax 11-litre containers and two spare wheel/tyre assemblies. Additionally, for those who venture further off the beaten track, recovery equipment is mounted on the exterior of the car within easy reach when required. All exterior mounting systems for all storage and equipment have been painstakingly engineered to be tough and easy to access when needed.
The external protective exoskeleton can also be adapted to carry leisure equipment such as bikes and surf boards, to compliment the lifestyle activities of the owner, while the removable side screens can be mounted onto the roof of the vehicle, allowing them to be carried unobtrusively in case of a change in weather conditions.
Rally Raid UK undertook a complete study of the standard Plus Four vehicle to determine the possibilities for the conversion. This study included durability assessments of the platform, drivetrain, and suspension systems.
The suspension has been designed to be expedition ready: tough and fit for purpose. Durability, and a drive-over obstacle clearance of 230mm, has been achieved using modified Plus Six wishbones. These widen the track and allow for the extra arc of movement required to achieve the desired suspension performance. The wheel arch apertures have also been modified, allowing the suspension to compress deep into the wheel well, providing maximum traction and stability.
EXE-TC coilover assemblies with internal bump stops are used, these have been developed by EXE-TC specifically for the vehicle. These assemblies are born from off-road competition, and are calibrated to provide the ideal balance of compliance and durability.
In addition to the main suspension hardware, the lower suspension arms contain bespoke bushes which further increase durability. The combined suspension package is optimised to undertake journeys never before attempted in a Morgan sports car, while ensuring composure and comfort during any excursion into the back country.
A five-piece underbody protection system – comprising an engine guard, rear chassis guard, mid-section shield and rear undertray – helps to protect the chassis and important components from damage when driving in extreme conditions. The car is also fitted with a full bespoke exhaust system with rear side-exit that improves the departure angle and contributes to 230mm of ground clearance.
The Plus Four CX-T uses a BMW X-Drive electronic differential with bespoke software, calibrated and tested specifically for the application. Switches inside the cabin allow a choice of three modes to be selected depending upon the driving conditions; each mode varies the degree of differential lock that is applied. Selecting ‘Road’ mode fully opens the differential, while ‘All-Terrain’ mode applies approximately 45% lock to the rear differential, allowing some variation torque distribution between the rear wheels. ‘All-Terrain – Extreme’ mode fully locks the rear differential, providing equal torque to both rear wheels. The two All-Terrain modes are designed to be used when tackling rough surfaces and low-traction conditions. The final drive ratio has also been shortened to account for the larger diameter tyres and suit all-terrain usage.
Inside the cabin of the Plus Four CX-T features have been added to improve occupant comfort and usability in remote environments. A RAM mount track is built into to the dashboard to allow the secure fixing of a variety of devices such as phones or cameras. A flexible map light, pencil and notebook holder have also been integrated, all designed to withstand operation in harsh driving environments.
Cabin stowage has also been optimised with the addition of a removable map/document holder and insulated cool bag, both located in the passenger footwell. A custom-made first aid kit is mounted to the internal roll cage behind the seats. Just like the exterior equipment, every interior feature has been designed with accessibility and convenience in mind, whether this is for use in remote conditions or the leisure pursuits of the owner. The cabin is enclosed within a composite hard top which is unique to the Plus Four CX-T and has been intricately engineered to fit between the internal and external roll cages.
Czinger 21C smashes lap record at WeatherTech Laguna Seca Raceway
Czinger, the trailblazing company that uses revolutionary design and manufacturing technologies to build state-of-the-art, homologated high-performance vehicles, has set a new lap record at WeatherTech Laguna Seca Raceway, smashing the old record by an astonishing two seconds!
On July 21 at 7:43pm PT, the Czinger 21C Hypercar, with driver Joel Miller behind the wheel, set the record in a multi-GPS verified time of 1:25:44. The previous track record was held by the McLaren Senna, with driver Randy Pobst setting a time of 1:27.62.
Under ideal conditions – the weather was clear, with a wind direction of about nine mph NW and an air temperature of 60 degrees – the Czinger vehicle also broke the previous record on two other laps, with times of 1:27:4 and 1:26:6.
The car, which ran on fully road legal Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2R tires, was designed, manufactured and assembled in Los Angeles.
“As a blue-collar kid growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, I used to lie awake at night thinking about my racing hero, Jim Hall, his latest innovations, the technology-packed Chaparral cars his team built, and racing on the legendary Laguna Seca Raceway,” said Kevin Czinger, the Founder and CEO of Czinger Vehicles and of Divergent 3D, the company that is revolutionizing the car manufacturing industry. “The era and the AI-based and sustainability-focused technologies available are different but the animating spirit remains the same – living the American Dream at speed.”
Czinger will showcase the record-setting 21C at the company’s private Pebble Beach home during Monterey Car Week, August 12-16th.
Ultra-low emissions Tiguan eHybrid joins Volkswagen range, priced from £35,515 OTR
The fleet-friendly Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid has opened for order to UK customers today, priced from £35,515 OTR in Life trim. The latest addition to Volkswagen’s plug-in hybrid range is a key piece in the company’s Way To Zero climate strategy. The newest PHEV model from the brand has a CO2 output from just 38 g/km (WLTP) and fuel economy of up to 176.6 mpg (WLTP, combined), with the capability to travel up to 30 miles purely on electric power from a single full charge.
The eHybrid drivetrain combines a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine and a powerful electric motor, resulting in peak system output of 245 PS. It is available on value-packed Life, luxury-focused Elegance, and sporty R-Line trims, with respective WLTP CO2 emissions of 38, 43 and 41 g/km. The Life, starting at £35,515 OTR, also boasts a low P11D price of £35,460, and BIK taxation rate from only 11%, while the other trim levels represent similar value, especially to fleet customers, with respective BIK taxation rates of 13% and 11% for the Elegance and R-Line.
The high power output of the Tiguan eHybrid is complemented by an abundance of instant torque from the electric motor, while the petrol engine provides 250 Nm of twisting force, available between 1,550 and 3,500 rpm. These contribute to a top speed of 127 mph (where permitted) and a brisk 0 to 62 mph acceleration time of 7.5 seconds, while maintaining the low running costs associated with plug-in hybrid models.
An electric-only range of up to 30 miles (WLTP combined, and depending on specification) is available from the Tiguan eHybrid’s 10.4 kWh battery, and depending on the power source, charging takes place with 2.3 or 3.6 kW alternating current (AC). When supplied with 230 volts at 2.3 kW via the normal domestic grid, the battery can be fully charged in five hours from empty. This is reduced to three hours and 40 minutes using a 3.6 kW wall box or public charger.
The Tiguan eHybrid always starts journeys in all-electric E-MODE if the battery is sufficiently charged (except at battery temperatures of below -10°C), meaning that for those who travel less than 30 miles in a day, all-electric running will likely become an everyday occurrence. E-MODE can also be used at speeds of up to 80 mph (where permitted), making this setting suitable for all types of UK roads can be undertaken with zero tailpipe emissions.
Lap record on the Nordschleife: Audi RS 3 fastest in the compact class
With a time of 7 mins 40.748 secs, the new Audi RS 3 Saloon (Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 8.7 – 8.2; Combined CO2 emissions in g/km: 198 – 188) with racing and development driver Frank Stippler at the wheel beat the lap record for the compact class on the Nürburgring Nordschleife by 4.64 seconds. Above all, the torque splitter, with its fully variable torque distribution on the rear axle, contributed to the record time – Vorsprung durch Technik.
“I’m proud of the whole team. Everyone worked hard for this day,” said Audi RS 3 Technical Project Leader Marvin Schwätter when the record time appeared on the board. “When we started development, we didn’t know just how quickly our compact sportscar would really be on the Nordschleife,” he explained. “But over the course of endurance testing, we determined that we could reach very good times and set a new record.”
Before the record-setting lap, Frank Stippler’s team only adjusted the tire pressure in the Pirelli P Zero “Trofeo R” semi-slicks to the track conditions. “We don’t have unlimited opportunities to try for a record like this,” said Stippler. “That’s why a little is always necessary on the day when it matters – particularly with respect to tire pressure, because that also affects how the torque splitter functions. We succeeded. It was a triumphant day all around”
The Audi RS 3 Sportback and RS 3 Saloon are available from mid-August in the UK. The base price for the Audi RS 3 Sportback is set at £50,900, while the Audi RS 3 Saloon is listed at £51,900. Full UK pricing and specifications will be announced at market launch.
Renault Clio Lutecia Limited Edition
The award-winning Renault Clio range is now even more attractive with the addition of the eye-catching Lutecia Limited Edition.
Boasting Diamond Black metallic paint as standard, which is set off by contrasting brass detailing, the Lutecia Limited Edition has a stylish, elegant appearance that perfectly lives up to its naming that is derived from the ancient name for Paris.
The special edition, of which only 300 will be available in the UK, adds even more sophistication via a high level of standard equipment that is designed to enhance connectivity, convenience, comfort, and safety. Its rarity and extensive specification ensure the Lutecia Limited Edition is certain to be a hit with Clio buyers who are looking for a highly desirable version of the iconic supermini.
Sitting above the S Edition in the Clio range, but also with additional features to the flagship R.S. Line version, the Lutecia combines its bold, standout styling with an efficient drivetrain. Customers enjoy the simplicity of the latest Clio variant being available solely with the turbocharged petrol TCe 90 engine, which fuses nimble performance with frugal fuel economy of up to 53.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 119g/km.
The Lutecia Limited Edition will be priced from £20,200 on-the-road. It is available to order now with first deliveries starting in September.
Standard features exclusive to the Lutecia include a heated leather steering wheel, heated seats, Blind Spot Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control with Detector, 17-inch Viva Stella alloy wheels with brass detailing, modal fabric upholstery made of Tencel™ fibre with brass piping and a brass-coloured front grille. In addition to the equipment of the S Edition, it adds extra tinted windows, 9.3-inch EASY LINK touchscreen with satellite navigation and shark fin antenna.
The generous equipment of the Lutecia Limited Edition also encompasses climate control, MULTI-SENSE including ambient lighting and selectable driving modes, front parking sensors and rear-view camera, electronic parking brake with autohold, electric windows and 7-inch TFT driver infotainment display.
In addition, it also benefits from the safety features that are found in all Clio variants, such as Hill Start Assist, Active Emergency Braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, Emergency Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Departure Warning, Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) and Renault Automatic Emergency Assist.
Honda confirms pricing for all-new HR-V e:HEV
Honda has confirmed pricing details for its all-new HR-V compact SUV. Starting from £26,960, all variants of this latest generation HR-V are equipped as standard with Honda’s advanced two-motor e:HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) powertrain technology, representing the latest step in the brand’s commitment to electrify all of its mainstream models in Europe by 2022.
The range consists of the Elegance grade, starting at £26,960 which features LED headlights, heated front seats, 18” alloy wheels and seamless smartphone connectivity as standard. Sitting above this is the Advance, which starts from £29,210 and adds a power tailgate with ‘Walk Away Close and Handsfree access’, heated steering wheel, and a synthetic leather and fabric interior trim. The Advance Style derivative is available from £31,660, and adds premium audio, unique details and stand-out design elements such as a two-tone exterior paint finish and orange detailing to the cabin. The car will be available through Honda Finance Europe Plc, starting at £269* per month.
Honda’s proven e:HEV hybrid technology, available in a HR-V for the first time, delivers CO2 emissions from 122g/km (WLTP combined cycle) and fuel economy of 52mpg / 5.4L/100km. The e:HEV set-up includes three interchangeable drive modes that are selected automatically according to the prevailing driving conditions. The technology delivers an enjoyable and responsive EV-like driving experience and maximises efficiency at all times.
The all-new HR-V has a bold, coupe-SUV silhouette that is sleeker than its predecessor, and its modern design is in keeping with other recent Honda models. The spacious and versatile interior is designed to reflect the lifestyle of the owner with vibrant, high-quality materials and trim elements used throughout the cabin.
As with all new Honda models, the all-new HR-V is equipped with Honda SensingTM, which includes a comprehensive range of class-leading safety technologies and driver aids. The new model also introduces Hill Descent Control functionality for greater control on steep slopes and low-grip surfaces. HR-V owners additionally benefit from seamless in-car connectivity, with a 9-inch touchscreen interface enabling smartphone mirroring via Apple CarPlay (through Bluetooth, WiFi or cable) and Android Auto (cable).
Updated 2022 Mazda2 on sale from 1st October
The 2022 Mazda2 goes on sale from the 1st October. The latest update to Mazda’s popular supermini, the 2022 model-year sees the introduction of new trim levels and improved efficiency across the range. As before, the Mazda2 range is powered exclusively by the 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G petrol engine, and for the 2022 model year, the 115ps version has been reintroduced alongside the 75ps and 90ps outputs.
Starting with the £16,475 75ps SE-L, the seven-model 2022 Mazda2 range is topped with the new £20,845 115ps GT Sport Tech model. The 90ps engine is offered in SE-L and Sport trims, with Sport cars offered with manual and automatic transmission. The popular 90ps engine is also offered in GT Sport trim and the 2022 model year sees this trim also offered with a choice of transmission for the first time. The flagship 115ps GT Sport Tech is exclusively matched to the six-speed manual transmission, and with the exception of the entry-level 75ps SE-L, all manual versions of the 2022 Mazda2 feature Mazda’s M Hybrid mild-hybrid system and now wear the e-Skyactiv G badge.
Across all models the 1.5-litre petrol engine has been refined to offer considerable efficiency improvements. The compression ratio has increased from 13.1 to 15.1 with the exhaust upgraded from a 4-1 to a 4-2-1 manifold. As a result Co2 emissions have dropped by 11 to 14g/km depending on output and transmission. As an example the popular 90ps Sport manual has dropped from 120g/km to 107g/km, while across the range the corresponding improvements in economy further enhance the Mazda2’s excellent cost of ownership credentials.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars celebrates sporting and country pursuits
The ongoing success of the world’s pinnacle marque is based on an intimate understanding of the unique lifestyles of its clients. Whether it be watching the ‘sport of kings’, fly fishing or driving out to the most rural of locations to capture stunning photography of beautiful landscapes on a drone, Cullinan is perfect for travelling to adventures. With its hand-crafted interior, Cullinan offers luxurious comfort and utility, without compromising on Rolls-Royce’s unstinting commitment to deliver the remarkable and push the boundaries of luxury. It is truly Effortless, Everywhere.
Since its launch in 2018, Rolls-Royce Cullinan has embarked on a remarkable journey. An all-terrain motor car that makes the idea of authentic, luxury off-road travel a reality for the first time. Named after the largest diamond ever discovered, which now resides in the British Crown Jewels, Cullinan makes luxury travel, whether it be driving over land, up rocky hills or through mud, Effortless, Everywhere. Tested to destruction all over the planet, Cullinan is an incredibly capable off-roader that sees the development of the ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ for off-road enjoyment.
The unequalled notions of practicality and luxury that Cullinan embodies, make it the ideal way to travel to, prepare for, and experience all the great outdoors has to offer. Its cavernous rear compartment makes Cullinan ideal for those intending to transport large items (or perhaps their dogs) to and from their adventures. For those wishing to carry long items back from their trip – whether it be polo mallets, or fly fishing rods – clients can electronically raise the boot floor to meet the seat base, allowing the items to slide through effortlessly.
Additionally, Cullinan can be fitted with a suite of Bespoke features, developed specifically for the many various lifestyles of its owners. The Viewing Suite, the Hosting Service and the Recreation Module offer Cullinan’s owner the flexibility and comfort to enjoy their chosen pursuits, entertain guests and take a moment to reflect on the day’s adventures.
Part of the enjoyment of a quintessential day out in the countryside is meeting with family and friends to watch a game unfold or an event take place. What better way to host and celebrate than by preparing and serving a drink from the Hosting Service, a permanent Bespoke feature, housed in the rear of your own vehicle? Suited to hosting up to eight adults, the Hosting Service marries craftsmanship, practicality and luxury, and comes complete with glassware and the utensils for creating and serving a refreshing beverage. Elegant highball glasses are adorned with discreet Rolls-Royce monograms whilst wooden cutting boards are made of the highest quality American walnut.
The Recreation Module, a motorised drawer cassette, designed to fit comfortably and invisibly into the luggage compartment of Cullinan, offers patrons the facility to enjoy a relaxing day out. At the touch of a button, the Recreation Module slides open to reveal equipment, accessories and paraphernalia personally configured according to clients’ wishes.
In addition to the Recreation Module, the rear compartment offers another Bespoke feature, unique to Cullinan – the Viewing Suite. Two rear facing seats are automatically deployed on either side of a cocktail table. The Viewing Suite is truly the best seat in the house, ideal for watching a game of polo or jotting down some notes on a Rolls-Royce Writing Pad, or simply taking time out to admire breath-taking views of the great outdoors.
With its unique Bespoke features, spacious interior, off-road capability and the opportunity to entertain guests in style, Rolls-Royce Cullinan is the ultimate way to experience and enjoy country and sporting pursuits.
BRX to compete with Prodrive Hunter T1+ at Dakar 2022
Bahrain Raid Xtreme (BRX) has redesigned the Prodrive Hunter to meet the new T1+ regulations recently announced by the FIA, which is now the top class alongside T1-E. The new regulations were introduced to help balance the performance of the four and two wheel drive cars in the T1 class.
The Hunter will run on larger tyres, with increased suspension travel and a wider track. 37” tyres on 17” rims, replace the current 32” tyres on 16” rims, with suspension travel increased from 280mm to 350mm and the body width increased from 2m to 2.3m to accommodate this.
These changes have necessitated some significant changes to the Hunter’s drivetrain; suspension and bodywork. The suspension geometry has been reconfigured with longer wishbones and dampers, and there are larger brakes accommodated in the 17” wheels. The larger tyre radius increases the load in the drivetrain so driveshafts, the propshaft and differentials have all been modified. The wider track has also meant nearly half the bodywork has been redesigned with Callum restyling the Hunter to suit the new regulations, while keeping the same distinctive look.
Prodrive has taken the opportunity to increase the size of the windscreen and fit a new programmable wiper motor to improve the driver’s visibility. The onboard jacks have been improved to not only be lighter and stronger, but to lift the car faster and can now be powered by an electric pump for additional reliability.
Gus Beteli, BRX team principal, said: “We are very pleased the organisers have addressed the disparity in regulations between the buggies and the four wheel drive T1 cars, where larger tyres had an advantage over rough terrain. We’ve learnt a huge amount on our debut this year and have put all this learning into improving the car and believe our new Hunter T1+ is a significant step forward. We are looking forward to returning to Saudi in January, where we will be looking to challenge for victory.”
BRX competed with the T1 car for the last time at Baja Aragon last week, where the Hunter showed its pace setting fastest times on eight of the rally’s 11 sectors.
The first Hunter T1+ car is currently being built at Prodrive’s headquarters in the UK and will run for the first time in September. The new car is also available to customers to compete in FIA Cross Country events, Bajas and at the Dakar in 2022.
