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 BMW M135i xDrive.
BMW has honed the track-inspired characteristics of its four-cylinder high-performance model for the premium compact segment. Detail upgrades to its chassis components endow the BMW M135i xDrive (fuel consumption combined: 7.8 – 7.3 l/100 km [36.2 – 38.7 mpg imp] as per WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 177 – 167 g/km as per WLTP) with noticeably enhanced performance qualities. And the retuned drive soundtrack in the cabin makes the driving experience even more emotionally engaging.
The standout power of the 225 kW/306 hp four-cylinder unit with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology under the bonnet of the BMW M135i xDrive is harnessed more effectively than ever to produce the captivating dynamics and driving experience for which BMW is renowned. Detailed set-up modifications for the bespoke chassis technology result in even better mounting, ensuring precisely controllable driving characteristics even when pushing hard on the track. The optimised traction enables drivers to explore the car’s performance limits with confidence, especially when cornering at extremely high speeds.
The twin-tailpipe exhaust system facilitates power delivery from the engine with its reduced backpressure, while also producing a characterful acoustic accompaniment. The distinctive, emotion-stirring sound is also transmitted into the interior, where it is carefully amplified through the audio system’s speakers.
The revised soundtrack conveys the signature four-cylinder engine note of a BMW M model to those on board more authentically than ever. The instant response to every movement of the accelerator is translated into corresponding acoustic signals. From the powerful building of torque under acceleration through to the drop-off in load on the overrun, the power unit’s operating state is clearly discernible at all times. Starting the engine prompts a sound composition specially created for this model, adding another facet to the rich acoustic experience inside the car.
A new selection of particularly striking paint finishes has been introduced to accompany the performance enhancements and underscore the individual character of the BMW M135i xDrive. BMW Individual paint finishes and special customer requests can also now be incorporated into the manufacturing process at BMW Group Plant Leipzig, where the compact model is built. The special colours require additional servicing and technical support work, with an increased number of manual processes. To cater for this, an existing paint shop was modified and the number of employees working there increased by ten.
The BMW Individual paint finishes bring even greater visual impact to the high-performance model’s modern design language and bespoke styling features. New additions to the range of exterior colours for the BMW M135i xDrive include the M paint shade Sao Paulo Yellow non-metallic, as well as the Frozen Orange metallic and Frozen Pure Grey finishes.
Continental Drift – a new film from Bentley Motors
As customer deliveries of the new Continental GT Speed begin, Bentley Motors is today releasing a new film capturing and celebrating the incredible dynamic ability of the GT Speed. Called ‘Continental Drift’ and filmed at an abandoned air base on the Italian island of Sicily, the film shows the scope of performance of Bentley’s pinnacle GT, including incredibly precise drifting through dramatic locations.
The dynamic-focused chassis and rear-biased torque split of the GT Speed – which under most conditions will send the majority of the W12 engine’s 659 PS of power to the rear wheels – has made this new kind of film possible for Bentley.
Improved cornering dynamics and the extra grip provided by a suite of new systems (including eLSD, all-wheel steering and new ESC) allow the car to tackle any corner with an increased level of precision and confidence. In turn, the car is able to extract the maximum performance from the available traction to deliver stunning acceleration and composure from the apex – either with perfectly balanced grip or in a deliberate, controllable slide. With the powertrain delivering 900 Nm of torque, the GT Speed is a Bentley that can be driven on the limit with incredible ease and confidence.
The film was shot over of the course of a day during the recent Global Media Drive for the GT Speed on Sicily. For this event, Bentley converted the abandoned NATO base previously known as Comiso Air Station into a gymkhana-style track. Originally built in 1936, Comiso was rebuilt in the 1980s as the home to 112 Ground Launched Cruise Missiles, each with a nuclear warhead, and was the largest NATO air base in southern Europe. Abandoned almost 30 years ago and having been slowly reclaimed by nature since, Comiso proved to be the ideal place to create a safe yet challenging environment to demonstrate the performance credentials of the GT Speed.
Vauxhall Insignia named ‘Best Upper Medium Car’ at Business Car Awards 2021
The Vauxhall Insignia has won the Best Upper Medium Car at the Business Car Awards 2021, with the All-New Mokka also ‘Highly Commended’ in the Best Compact SUV category.
With an all-new range of fuel-efficient powertrains as well as revised technology for 2021, the Insignia impressed Business Car judges with its efficient running costs and high levels of equipment across the model range.
Martyn Collins, Editor, Business Car, said: “Recent improvements, including the addition of an impressively frugal new diesel engine option, have taken the Insignia to the top of the class in the eyes of our judges, building on its existing strengths of comfort, style, practicality, and extensive standard spec.”
Updated for 2021, the Vauxhall Insignia consumes up to 18 per cent less fuel than the outgoing model thanks to a range of powerful high-efficiency engines. With up to 61.4mpg and emissions as low as 122g/km CO2 from its 1.5 Turbo D diesel engine, the Insignia is an ideal choice for fleet operators looking for an efficient and economical vehicle. Benefit-in-Kind rates for the Insignia start from 28%.
Mark Pinkney, Fleet Operations Director, Vauxhall, said: “We are delighted that the Vauxhall Insignia has been recognised by Business Car as its Best Upper Medium Car. The Insignia has proven extremely popular among both fleet and family buyers thanks to its sleek design, spacious interior, equipment and low running costs.”
The Business Car Awards 2021 win comes after the Insignia was named Upper Medium Car of the Year for the fourth year in a row at the Company Car Today CCT100 Awards earlier this year.
Kia announces UK pricing for updated Ceed
Kia have announced pricing and specifications for the new Kia Ceed, which has been given a significant range of updates for the 2022 model year. The newly upgraded model family, 
which comprises the Ceed five-door hatchback, Ceed Sportswagon (SW) estate, and ProCeed five-door shooting brake, introduces a range of new features and technologies, and dynamic and athletic design updates. The new model also bears Kia’s new logo for the first time, following its introduction earlier in 2021.
The new Ceed model family is now available to order from Kia’s UK dealer network, with first customer deliveries now taking place. Prices for the new model start from £20,105.
Beaulieu unveils new Bond exhibition for No Time To Die
No Time To Die filmmakers gathered at Beaulieu as Lord Montagu made a Bond-style entrance by driving into the National Motor Museum in an Aston Martin DB5 to launch the new Bond in Motion – No Time To Die exhibition.
Dressed in a black tie and dinner suit, Lord Montagu unveiled the display of the iconic cars, gadgets and costumes from No Time To Die with the film’s Special Effects Supervisor, Oscar-winning Chris Corbould.
Guests and Beaulieu visitors saw the first glimpse of Bond’s iconic silver birch Aston Martin DB5, as Lord Montagu pulled back its cover to reveal the stunt car’s sensor-activated machine guns and rolling LED number plate.
Tim Browning also stood with fellow guests beneath the submersible glider he designed for the movie. The glider, named ‘Stealthy Bird’ by Q, now perches in its new home overlooking the exhibition.
Lord Montagu said: “Exhibiting Bond cars in the National Motor Museum is a great way of combining our subject – the history of motoring right up to the present day – with one of the best known themes from the world of entertainment. I am delighted that Eon have given us the opportunity to stage this exhibition as I feel sure it will be very popular with our visitors.”
Chris Corbould said: “The Bond in Motion – No Time To Die exhibition sums up everything we did in the film. The original vehicles are all there in one place to see – from the classics to up-to-date and even state-of-the-art cars. It’s a wonderful collection.’’
Bond in Motion – No Time To Die follows in the footsteps of Beaulieu’s popular Bond In Motion exhibition, which opened ten years ago showing 50 original vehicles from 50 years of Bond.
The new exhibition will offer the first opportunity for the public to see many of the original vehicles, gadgets and costumes from No Time To Die, against the backdrop of large screens showing action shots from the recently released film.
Four-wheel drive enthusiasts will enjoy Bond’s Land Rover Series III and the Land Rover Defender 110. A Triumph Scrambler motorcycle and Royal Alloy Scooter will be crowd-pleasers for fans of two-wheelers.
Visitors can see the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, driven in the film by new agent Nomi, the No Time To Die Aston Martin V8 – which was last seen in The Living Daylights (1987) – and the Chevy Bel Air.
Incredible gadgets on show from the Secret Intelligence Service Q Branch include Bond’s Q-enhanced Omega Seamaster Diver 300M watch, alongside technical plans for vehicle designs and DB5 weapons.
Costumes and accessories for Bond and Primo will stand as sentinels keeping watch from display cases inside the exhibition’s stainless steel cage. Visitors can swipe electronic tablets to read captions for all of the exhibits from the 25th Bond film.
Start your engines: line up to race the LEGO® Technic™ McLaren Senna GTR in Asphalt 9: Legends Grand Prix
Until October 30, racing fans will be able to vie for pole position and win prizes in the LEGO® Technic™ McLaren Senna GTR by taking part in the first ever LEGO Technic McLaren Grand Prix event in an Asphalt game.
For the first time ever, supercar lovers, motorsports fans and LEGO builders alike can get behind the wheel of the LEGO Technic McLaren Senna GTR model in this action-packed collaboration between the LEGO Group, luxury supercar maker McLaren Automotive and Gameloft for brands.
Those who make it through two adrenaline-fuelled qualifying rounds will win a place in the hotly contested final rounds from October 22 to October 31. Only ninelegends selected among winner pools will be crowned champion at the end and be in with the chance to win LEGO Technic McLaren Senna GTR sets and in-game rewards. Playable on mobile, Nintendo Switch and PC.
The gamified LEGO Technic McLaren Senna GTR is packed with the same features and functions as its real-life counterpart, making it one of the most extreme contenders on the grid. The 830-piece design of the LEGO model has been recreated in meticulous detail in the digital world, including its V8 engine, moving pistons, beautiful aerodynamic curves, opening dihedral doors and a one-of-a-kind blue livery. Over 160,000 digital triangles were used to ensure no compromises when it comes to recreating the unrivalled style of the supercar.
“Through this collaboration between McLaren Automotive, the LEGO Group and Gameloft, we are excited that supercar, racing and McLaren fans will now be able to experience and share the thrill of driving our McLaren Senna GTR ultimate racer in its LEGO® Technic™ form in an incredible gaming experience – and with the chance to win some fantastic prizes!’’
Gareth Dunsmore, Chief Marketing Officer, McLaren Automotive
“We are always looking to give our fans new ways to enjoy the LEGO Technic play experience. This collaboration gives our fans the chance to get behind the wheel of this one-of-a-kind model for themselves and take it for a spin. When we designed the LEGO Technic McLaren Senna GTR we pushed ourselves to the limit to do justice to the engineering excellence of McLaren Automotive, and we’re thrilled to be able to replicate it virtually in such a standout way with Gameloft. We can’t wait to see our fans on the track!”
Niels Henrik Horsted, Head of LEGO Technic Products, LEGO Group
“We’re thrilled to partner with the LEGO Group and McLaren Automotive to offer players and fans a new way to experience one of the most prestigious and famous supercars – albeit in a digital and block form!This in-game event shows Gameloft for brands illustrating how gaming can be the next level engagement tool for brands in a kid safe and respectful environment.”
