At the International Motor Show IAA MOBILITY 2021 in Munich, Volkswagen presents a compact crossover concept car
The ID. LIFE1 embodies sustainability, digital technology, timeless design and an innovative interior
The concept car is consistently focused on users and their needs and provides a glimpse of what urban mobility will look like in the future
Volkswagen is speeding up the transformation to electric mobility with the ACCELERATE strategy: ID. family to be expanded with a new model in the small car segment from 2025 onwards
Volkswagen is once again speeding up the transformation to electric mobility with its ACCELERATE strategy, making sustainable mobility accessible to even more people by 2025, a whole two years earlier than originally planned, Volkswagen will launch an ID. family model for the small car segment.
It will cost approximately 20,000 euros. The ID. LIFE concept car, which was presented at the International Motor Show IAA MOBILITY 2021 in Munich, gives an impression of how a vehicle of this type would look.
The vision of a fully electric small car for the urban environment is centred around people and communal experiences. The concept car combines sustainability and digitalisation with extremely flexible usage: the ID. LIFE can become a mini cinema or a gaming centre, for instance, or simply be used for relaxing in the open air.
“The ID. LIFE is our vision of next-generation fully electric urban mobility. The concept car provides a preview of an ID. model in the small car segment that we will be launching in 2025, priced at around 20,000 euros. This means we are making electric mobility accessible to even more people”, says Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of the Volkswagen brand. “In creating the ID. LIFE, we have consistently focused on the needs of younger customers. We believe that, even more so than today, the car of the future will be about lifestyle and personal expression. The customer of tomorrow won’t simply want to get from A to B; they will be much more interested in the experiences that a car can offer. The ID. LIFE is our answer to this.”
Pared-down design. The design of the ID. LIFE is strikingly clear, pared-down and high-quality. Decorative elements and add-on parts are dispensed with, as is any complex mix of materials. The horizontal division between the body, glass surfaces and roof also contributes to the car’s purist appearance. An individualised and removable roof made of air chamber textile lends an open-air feeling in the ID. LIFE, while also reducing the vehicle weight.
Electric motor drives the front wheels. The ID. LIFE is based on a smaller variant of Volkswagen’s modular electric drive matrix (MEB) that has been developed specifically for the small car segment. This is the first time a vehicle based on the MEB has front-wheel drive. With its 172 kW (234 PS) electric motor, the ID. LIFE accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, while its 57 kWh high-voltage battery enables a range of some 400 kilometres (WLTP).
“The ID. LIFE proves once again how uniquely flexible the MEB is. The platform is suitable for vehicles of all types, from small cars to vans,” says Thomas Ulbrich, member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management for Development. “It’s the most scalable electrical architecture in the industry. We’re just beginning to tap into the potential of MEB. Performance, charging capacity and range will continue to improve with each new model and software update.”
Natural and recycled materials. The sustainable character of the ID. LIFE is reflected particularly in the choice of materials and paint finishes. In the clear coat for the bodywork, wood chips are used as a natural colouring agent along with a bio-based hardener. The air chamber textile for the roof and front cover is made from 100% recycled PET bottles. In the interior, wood in the dashboard and rear seat surrounds is combined with ArtVelours Eco for the seat surfaces and door trims. Bio-oil, natural rubber and rice husks are just some of the materials that serve as a basis for the tyres on the ID. LIFE.
Multifunctional interior. The ID. LIFE is a reliable companion for digital experiences of various kinds. For example, it can be converted into a cinema or gaming lounge in no time at all. The vehicle comes with a video game console and projector, as well as a projection screen that extends from the dash panel when required. Other devices can be connected as needed to the 230-volt / 16-amp power supply in the interior. The seating design, too, is extremely flexible, in keeping with the idea of the car as a companion for all situations and lifestyles. For instance, the front seat bench can be completely folded down, as can the rear seat bench. This enables a range of different possibilities, from cinema seating, to a bed measuring around two metres in length, to a cargo version that maximises luggage volume.
Innovative digital operating concept. Cameras and a display replace both the exterior and interior mirrors. Essential driving functions are controlled via a touch panel on the hexagonal, open-topped steering wheel, and a smartphone can be integrated in the operating system. Personal devices – whether smartphones or tablets – can be used to operate the navigation system, for instance. Music, films and games stored on the device can be used seamlessly in the ID. LIFE, with visuals displayed on the projection screen.
ACCELERATE strategy is speeding up the transformation process. The expansion of the ID. family into the small car segment at prices starting from 20,000 euros is another key step towards fully electrified mobility. By 2030, Volkswagen aims to increase the share of all-electric models in total vehicle sales in Europe to at least 70 per cent and in North America and China to at least 50 per cent.
The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand is present in more than 150 markets worldwide and produces vehicles at more than 30 locations in 13 countries. Volkswagen delivered around 5.3 million vehicles in 2020. These include bestsellers such as the Golf, Tiguan, Jetta or Passat as well as the fully electric successful models ID.3 and ID.4. Around 184,000 people currently work at Volkswagen worldwide. In addition, there are more than 10,000 trading companies and service partners with 86,000 employees. With its ACCELERATE strategy, Volkswagen is consistently advancing its further development into a software-oriented mobility provider.
1 The vehicle is a concept car. The vehicle is not yet available for sale.
Vauxhall announces additional details of eighth-generation Astra
Full-electric version – Astra-e – due to go on sale in 2023
Plug-in Hybrid powertrain available from launch – set to offer two performance levels
Highly efficient petrol and diesel engines complete the drivetrain line-up
Bold and pure design with ‘Vizor’ front end and available with two-tone paint finish
Next generation ‘Pure Panel’ fully digital cockpit with all-new HMI. Features two glass-to-edge 10-inch screens & intuitive controls
Best-in-class Intelli-Lux LED® Pixel Lighting with 168 LED elements
Best-in-class ergonomic AGR-certified seats, optionally in leather and Alcantara
Numerous advanced driver assistance systems for high safety and convenience
Intelli-Drive 2.0 system with Adaptative Cruise Control with semi-autonomous lane-changing, curve speed control and long-range blind sport detection.
Intelli-HuD head-up display
Available to order from Autumn with deliveries from Q1 2022
Sport Tourer version to follow later in 2022
In its eighth generation, Vauxhall’s All-New Astra will be available for the first time as battery electric Astra-e. Plug-in hybrid and highly efficient petrol and diesel versions of the All-New Astra go on sale next month, with the Astra-e following in early 2023.
A Sport Tourer version of All-New Astra will follow the hatchback in late 2022.
Versions with highly efficient petrol and diesel engines in combination with friction-optimised six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions will also be available to order from next month.
The new Astra portfolio has something for everyone in terms of drivetrains. Customers will soon be able to choose between plug-in hybrid or efficient internal combustion engine with a pure-electric version to follow. The power range extends from 110PS to 225PS system output – so superior driving performance is guaranteed. Vauxhall combines driving fun with top efficiency and responsible motoring in the next generation of its compact class bestseller. The new Astra continues Vauxhall’s tradition of always bringing innovative and ground-breaking technologies to the compact class that are affordable for all – also in its powertrain offer.
Astra goes Electric The All-New Astra will be available as a fully-electric model from 2023. And will join the Vauxhall all-electric line-up alongside Corsa-e, Mokka-e, Combo-e Life and Vivaro-e Life, as well as an already fully-electric light commercial vehicle line-up of Combo-e, Vivaro-e and Movano-e. Vauxhall’s line-up will be electrified across the line-up by 2024 and solely fully-electric from 2028 – years ahead of the UK Government’s deadline.
High-tech drive for highest efficiency: The All-New Astra as a Plug-in Hybrid The top-of-the-line hybrid offers system output of 225PS and maximum torque of a powerful 360Nm (fuel consumption WLTP1: 201.8mpg-256.8mpg, 31-24 g/km CO2; both combined). Powerful performance is ensured by the exemplary interaction between the combustion engine and the electric motor. The 1.6-litre four-cylinder produces 180PS. The electric motor contributes up to 110PS. Power is sent to the front axle via a comfortable eight-speed automatic transmission.
Alternatively, a Plug-in Hybrid version with 180PS system output will also be available. The maximum torque here is also a powerful 360Nm (fuel consumption WLTP1: 201.8mpg-256.8mpg, 31-24 g/km CO2; both combined). In this case, the petrol engine contributes 150PS. Both plug-in hybrid vehicles offer a lot of driving fun: they feature sports car-like acceleration from zero to 62mph in 7.7 and 7.9 seconds, respectively, and reach a top speed of up to 146mph and 140mph (electronically controlled).
For emissions-free city driving, the electric mode can simply be selected. Then, thanks to its 12.4kWh battery, the new Astra Hybrid drives up to around 35 miles (WLTP1) purely electrically.
Ultra-modern combustion engines: Lively petrol and diesel engines At the same time, customers can choose the type of drive they want, depending on their requirements and individual preferences. The Astra’s combustion engine portfolio are characterised by high economy and low fuel consumption.
The 1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol direct injection engine with six-speed manual gearbox delivers 110PS (fuel consumption WLTP1: combined 52.3mpg, 125-123 g/km CO2). In addition, the petrol engine is also available with 130PS – with a six-speed manual gearbox (fuel consumption WLTP1: combined 51.4mpg-52.3mpg, 127-122 g/km CO2) or with eight-speed automatic transmission (fuel consumption WLTP1: combined 49.6mpg-51.4mpg], 131-125 g/km CO2). The petrol engine delivers its maximum torque of 230Nm from 1,750 rpm.
The 1.5-litre four-cylinder diesel with 130PS delivers 300Nm maximum torque from 1,750rpm and is available with a six-speed manual gearbox (fuel consumption WLTP1: combined 62.8mpg-64.3mpg, 117-113 g/km CO2) or an eight-speed automatic transmission (fuel consumption WLTP1: combined 60.1mpg-62.8mpg, 121-116 g/km CO2).
Eight Generations – A bestseller for 40 years The success story of Vauxhall’s bestseller began over 40 years ago. With the All-New Astra, the British manufacturer is now opening the next chapter: for the first time, the compact class model is available with electric drive.
The new Vauxhall Astra is also a design statement for the brand. Dynamic as never before, with sheer, taut surfaces, detoxed of superfluous elements and with the new brand face – the Vauxhall Vizor. With the next compact class generation, Vauxhall shows that the Astra is ready to define a new era.
The new Vauxhall Astra will launch this year as a sporty five-door with a low-slung look and yet more space than its predecessor. With a length of 4,374mm and width of 1,860mm, it hits the sweet-spot of the compact sector.
Thanks to the especially short front overhang, the new Astra is only 4mm longer than the previous model, despite the considerably increased wheelbase of 2,675mm (+13mm). Notwithstanding the muscular, confident stance, the new Astra’s practical boot with adjustable floor still offers the driver and four passengers 422 litres of luggage volume.
Like its predecessor launched in 2015 – that was named European Car of the Year 2016 – the newcomer brings innovations to the compact class that customers previously only knew from more expensive vehicles. For example, the Astra can turn night into day: the latest evolution of the adaptive Intelli-Lux LED® Pixel light comes straight from Vauxhall’s flagship Insignia and, with 168 LED elements, leads the way in the compact and midsize market sectors.
A leap in time has taken place in the interior of the new generation Astra. With the fully digital Pure Panel, analogue instruments are consigned to history. Instead, the new human-machine-interface (HMI) with fresh, modern graphics offers customers a pure, more intuitive experience. Passengers can operate the new Astra intuitively via extra-wide touchscreens, just like a smartphone. The Vauxhall designers and engineers have taken great care to ensure that the driver receives all the necessary information and useful operating options, but is not burdened with superfluous data or functions. In addition, key settings such as climate control can still be operated via physical switches and buttons.
Typically Vauxhall is also the outstanding seating comfort of the new compact class model. The front seats, developed in-house, are AGR (“Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.”) certified and, with their exemplary ergonomics, are exceedingly comfortable, especially on long journeys. The driver is supported by state-of-the-art assistance systems ranging from the Intelli-HuD head-up display to the semi-automated Intelli-Drive assistance system and the Intelli-Vision 360-degree camera.
New interpretation of bold and pure Vauxhall design philosophy After the Mokka, Crossland and Grandland SUVs, the new Astra is Vauxhall’s first hatchback to interpret the brand’s bold and pure design philosophy. The Vauxhall Vizor (the new face of the brand first seen on the Mokka and the central exterior design element) follows the Vauxhall Compass where the vertical and horizontal axes – the sharp crease in the hood and the wing shaped graphic of the daylight running lamps – intersect with the Vauxhall Griffin emblem in the middle. Stretching across the front, making the new Astra look even wider, the Vizor also seamlessly integrates technologies such as the ultra-slim Intelli-Lux LED® headlamps and the front camera of the Intelli-Vision system. Viewed from the side, the next-generation Astra looks especially dynamic thanks to the pronounced forward rake of the C-pillar.
At the rear, the Vauxhall Compass is repeated by the centrally mounted Griffin, the vertically aligned high-mounted brake lamp and the tail lamps (energy-saving LED, as is all exterior lighting). The Griffin emblem also doubles as the latch for the tailgate, which is made of state-of-the-art composite material. This technology is not only light in weight and rigid, it also allows the precise execution of design details such as the especially slim tail lamps. The Astra is available with two-tone paint
Mark Adams, Vice-President Design, Vauxhall, said: “The All-New Astra represents the exciting next step of our new design execution. With its bold Vizor front face, strong muscular wheel arch blisters and sheer surfacing, the All-New Astra has a very sporty and confident personality. The interior also takes a bold step into the future. The strong driver-orientated cockpit with seamless glass look of the new Pure Panel will bring a whole new emotional experience to our customers.”
Next-generation Pure Panel digital cockpit with fully-glazed option The same technical precision applies throughout the interior where the absolute highlight is the next generation of the Pure Panel – a concept first introduced in the Mokka. This expansive, digital cockpit features two 10-inch displays, seamlessly integrated with glass-to-edge design – even integrating the driver’s side air vent in a horizontal format. Thanks to a shutter-like layer that prevents upward reflections in the windscreen, the design dispenses with a hood over the displays, which further enhances the high-tech functionality and ambience.
The Pure Panel achieves the optimum balance between digitisation and intuitive operation, detoxed of irritating visual stimuli and without the need for sub-menus. Buttons are present for the most-used functions. There is no need for cables either, since the infotainment system – which can be operated by voice recognition as well as by touch – can be connected as standard on all model variants to wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via compatible smartphones.
Dynamic yet composed handling, braking and stability The new Astra is based on the third generation of the highly flexible EMP2 multi-energy architecture, with Vauxhall DNA built in from the start of development. This means that the handling is composed as well as dynamic.
The steering and lateral stiffness of the chassis – McPherson strut suspension at the front, torsion bar at the rear – are designed for high yaw control (damping of the movement around the horizontal axis). Under braking, the new model delivers strong stopping power and remains highly stable in curves as well as in a straight line. The torsional rigidity of new Astra is 14 per cent higher than its predecessor.
Advanced driver assistance systems including semi-automatic lane change The new Astra’s architecture also incorporates the latest automated driver assistance systems. In addition to the multifunction camera in the windscreen, the technology comprises four body cameras (one at the front, one at the rear and one on each side), five radar sensors (one at the front and one at each corner), as well as ultrasonic sensors front and rear.
Cameras and sensors are integrated with e-horizon connectivity in Intelli-Drive, which extends the range of the cameras and the radar. This enables the system to adapt the speed in curves, make speed recommendations and perform semi-autonomous lane changes. Hands-off detection on the steering wheel ensures the driver remains engaged at all times.
The long list of automated driver assistance systems also includes adaptive cruise control, which increases or decreases speed to follow the vehicle ahead and can brake to a standstill if necessary. With the automatic transmission, driving resumes automatically thanks to “Stop & Go”.
The offer of class-leading assistance systems additionally features a large Intelli-HuD head-up display, long-range blind-spot detection, Intelli-Vision 360-degree camera for easier parking, extended traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert and active lane positioning, which keeps the car in the middle of the driving lane.
New Astra brings premium Intelli-Lux Pixel Light® to compact market sector The Astra’s role as advanced technology carrier continues in lighting and seats, typical areas of expertise for the Vauxhall brand. The previous model played a pioneering role in the introduction of adaptive matrix light in 2015 and the next-generation is now bringing the newest development in lighting to the compact market sector for the first time – Intelli-Lux LED® Pixel Light. This state-of-the-art technology, already available on Vauxhall’s Grandland SUV and Insignia flagships, is upgraded to features a segment-leading total of 168 LED elements – 84 in each ultra-slim headlamp. The main beam adjusts seamlessly in milliseconds, without glare for other road users. Approaching or preceding traffic is “cut out” precisely. The range and direction of the light vary according to the driving situation and surroundings.
Best-in-class ‘AGR’ ergonomic seats with massage and ventilation Vauxhall’s ergonomic AGR seats enjoy an award-winning reputation and the new Astra continues this long-standing tradition. Certified by “Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.” (“Campaign for Healthy Backs”) the position of the front seats is 12mm lower than in the previous model, further enhancing the feeling of a “sporty” drive. Good posture is guaranteed, with the foam density of the seats optimised according to the “Sport” or “Comfort” contours.
The new Astra’s AGR front seats are the best the compact class has to offer and feature a wide range of optional adjustments, from electric tilt to electro-pneumatic lumbar support. In Nappa leather-trim, they even offer ventilation, massage for the driver and heating at the rear as well as the front. Seats trimmed in stylish Alcantara are also available.
Astra goes electric for first time with powerful plug-in hybrids The new Astra will be available from the start of sales with powerful plug-in hybrid electric drive as well as highly efficient petrol and diesel engines, electrifying Vauxhall’s compact class model for the first time in the brand’s history. Power ranges from 81kW (110PS) to 96kW (130PS) with the petrol and diesel variants and up to 165kW (225PS) system output with the plug-in hybrid variants. A six-speed gearbox is standard on the petrol and diesel power units, with an eight-speed automatic transmission (electrified on the plug-in hybrids) optional on the more powerful engines.
Vauxhall will open the order books for the new Astra this autumn. The first customers will take delivery of their cars early next year. Further details including UK pricing and specification will be announced at the on sale date.
As Beaulieu makes the final preparations for the return of its International Autojumble on 4th and 5th September, you still have the chance to join the trading and book your last-minute stand, to sell off your surplus spares and enjoy a great motoring weekend.
Stand spaces in the event fields are almost gone, but you can still book your spot in the Grand Marquee, with 10ft X 10ft covered stands still available that are ideal for a busy weekend of trading, regardless of what the great British summer weather may hold. It’s the ideal opportunity to sell off your unwanted motoring parts, books, automobilia or retro items, and join a community of autojumblers for an unmissable two-day celebration of old motors.
Are you looking to sell your classic or vintage car or bike? Then why not book an Automart space and sell your vehicle at the show, where it will be showcased to thousands of potential buyers over the course of the weekend. Who knows, maybe you’ll find your next project up for sale in the Automart too?
A Grand Marquee space for the weekend is £225, while an Automart vehicle space for the Saturday and Sunday of the show is just £96.50. Book your place by calling the Beaulieu Events team on 01590 614614. Visit beaulieu.co.uk/events/international-autojumble for more details.
A brand new display for this year’s International Autojumble is Forgotten Favourites, with 50 cars representing everyday motoring of the Sixties, Seventies and Eighties already booked in.
From a low-mileage 1964 Austin 1100 and 1978 Triumph Dolomite 1300, super-rare 1975 Wolseley 18-22 ‘Wedge’ and Australian-built 1974 Leyland P76, to a scarcely-seen 1980 Fiat 131 Supermirafiori, a 1960s Vauxhall Viva HA Deluxe, a 1980s Volvo 480ES, a distinctive 1972 Austin-Morris J4 Canterbury Seeker campervan and more, all manner of fascinating motors will be parking up in the colourful display.
While a special line-up within Forgotten Favourites will celebrate Hagerty’s Festival of the Unexceptional, with immaculate examples of cars that were once common but now rarely seen, including a Nissan Bluebird, Volvo 340, Triumph Toledo, Renault 10 and Nissan Micra.
The weekend’s Bonhams MPH auction will have you reaching for your chequebook, as a wide variety of extraordinary cars and treasured collectables go under the hammer. Amongst the lots on offer are a 1905 Lorraine-Dietrich two-seater sports racer, estimated at £80,000 to £120,000, a 1927 Vauxhall 30-98 OE-Type Tourer at £200,000 to £250,000, and a 1959 Bristol 402 Drophead Coupe originally owned by actress Jean Simmons, estimated at £150,000 to £200,000.
Much smaller but equally eye-catching is a 1933 American Austin ‘woodie’ station wagon, a rare transatlantic version of the Austin Seven, estimated at £18,000 to £24,000. A recently restored 1978 Ford Escort Mexico is estimated to fetch £38,000 to £45,000, while a 1985 Land Rover 90 V8 County with just 38,000 miles on the clock is estimated to sell for £22,000 to £26,000.
The sale of automobilia will take place on the Saturday of International Autojumble at 10.30am, while the motor cars sale will take place on the Sunday from 10.30am. Admittance to the sale room is by pre-booked catalogue, visit www.bonhams.com/auctions/26811 to register.
Early one-day and two-dayvisitor tickets are still available, with a limited number of premium tickets giving priority parking, fast entry and a complimentary showguide. For more details and to book your tickets, visit beaulieu.co.uk/events/international-autojumble/tickets. Exhibitors can book their stands by contacting the Events team at events@beaulieu.co.uk or 01590 614614.
Visitor and participant tickets include entrance to all that Beaulieu has to offer, including the National Motor Museum, Little Beaulieu, On Screen Cars, the ancestral Montagu home Palace House, Secret Army exhibition, 13th century Beaulieu Abbey and the stunning grounds and gardens. Visit www.beaulieu.co.uk for more information.
Some of the finest Jaguar E-types will grace the paths of Hampton Court Palace at the Concours of Elegance from 3-5 September in celebration of its 60th anniversary
An early racing E-type raced to victory in period by Graham Hill, an early flat-floor Series 1 car, a 1969 Series 2 car owned by the grandson of Sir William Lyons and a recently restored 1973 Series 3 2+2 will all be on display at the show.
In total, nearly 1,000 vehicles will be on display across the weekend as further features and cars are revealed in the coming months
The Concours of Elegance remains the UK’s top concours d’elegance and among the top three in the world
The Concours of Elegance – famed for gathering together the rarest cars ever created – will showcase some of the world’s most exemplary Jaguar E-types in celebration of the car’s 60th anniversary at Hampton Court Palace in this year’s ‘Main Concours’ display.
Taking place from 3-5 September, the event is renowned as one of the top three concours d’elegance events in the world for the quality of cars it attracts; nowhere else in the UK can the public see such a high standard of rare historic vehicles.
The Jaguar E-type’s launch ranks among the most dramatic automotive unveilings of all time. Jaguar’s then PR Manager Bob Berry drove from Coventry to the Geneva Motor Show in one of the show-stand E-types, to arrive just 20 minutes before it was due to be unveiled. He arrived to an overwhelming demand for the car, and subsequently had to call upon legendary test-driver Norman Dewis to deliver another E-type overnight. Dewis drove from Coventry to Geneva in 11 hours averaging 68mph – man and machine pushed to their limits.
Among the cars on display at the Concours of Elegance is one of the most renowned racing E-types. The car is an E-type Roadster known as ‘ECD 400’. It was the first of seven vehicles prepared by the factory for racing. Its first event was at Oulton Park in 1961, where it won, in the hands of Graham Hill, followed by second at the Spa 500km, second again at Crystal Palace and, later on, a win at Snetterton, driven by Mike Parkes.
The next car is an early flat-floor, outside-bonnet-lock Series 1 model in highly original condition. Chassis 050062 is a very early example of the breed, one of the first 54 right-hand-drive examples built and destined for the Rossleigh Jaguar dealership in Edinburgh. As such, it is among just 92 right-hand-drive Roadsters with externally mounted bonnet locks and a flat floor. In 2017, under the custodianship of TV’s Steve Coogan, the car underwent a root-and-branch restoration, at specialists XK Engineering which took two years to complete.
Next is a 1969 Series 2 Roadster ‘XUC 673H’ which is owned by the grandson of Jaguar founder Sir William Lyons. It was originally supplied by Henlys of Hendon. When the current custodian inherited the car, it required a full restoration which was carried out partly through his own work at RA Creamer & Son Jaguar Main Dealer in Kensington, with the assistance of RS Panels of Nuneaton who repaired, painted, and reassembled the body. Following the car’s restoration in 1996 the car has covered some 18,000 miles including trips to Le Mans and Scotland and has appeared in various books, magazines, adverts and concours events.
Also on display a 1973 Series 3 2+2, recently restored by marque specialist E-type UK. The job was not only to restore but to upgrade the car to the highest standard. The metal work was all been repaired to original specification, a bespoke aluminium bonnet was fabricated to reduce front-end weight, and the car was resprayed to Concours standard in Opalescent Gunmetal paint. The interior of the 2+2 was fully re-trimmed in Oxblood Red, and now benefits from a 15-inch wooden steering wheel, classically-styled inertia reel seat belts, an LED dash light conversion and a period-look stereo system with Bluetooth capability.
These are just some of the stunning E-types that will be on display and form just a small part of the additional content that makes up the near-1,000 cars on display during the Concours of Elegance, also including a collection of 95 British cars gathered to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s 95th birthday, and a 30UNDER30 Concours aimed at inspiring the next-generation of classic car enthusiast.
Special features for 2021 will also gather together a line-up of Future Classics, representing the potential concours d’elegance stars of the next 50 years, the Junior Concours and a Veteran Car Run display, gathering the pre-1905 motoring pioneers that each year make their pilgrimage from London to Brighton.
Away from the automotive displays, Concours of Elegance remains an occasion of pure luxury, with champagne provided by Charles Heidsieck, picnics by Fortnum & Mason, live stage interviews with Chubb Insurance, hosted by Jodie Kidd, and a collection of art, jewellery and fashion displays. Presenting Partner, A. Lange & Söhne, recently confirmed to support the event for a further three years, will continue to showcase some of its most intricate timepieces. New long-term partners joining the event in 2021 include The Peninsula London Hotel and Residences, Gooding & Co and McLaren.
Tickets to the Concours of Elegance 2021 are available now from £45 for an adult day admission entry. Tickets can be bought from concoursofelegance.co.uk/tickets
Hispano Suiza will be present at Salón Privé, which takes place from the 1st till the 5th of September at Blenheim Palace with its iconic hypercar: the Hispano Suiza Carmen.
The all-electric hypercar makes its official UK debut at a legendary event, where exclusivity, luxury and elegance go side by side to offer a unique week in the automotive world.
The Hispano Suiza Carmen is not only a fully electric vehicle delivering outstanding performance thanks to a power output of 1,019 HP.
The hypercar that heralded the return of the Spanish company to the automotive world represents technological excellence, high performance and luxury raised to its maximum power. And that is why it will be present, from today until September 5, at one of the most glamorous events in the automotive sector, Salón Privé.
Undoubtedly one of the unmissable appointments on the British social calendar for all lovers of the world of motoring and luxury, Salón Privé has been chosen for the UK debut of the Hispano Suiza Carmen. During the 5-day show, the luxurious and exclusive vehicle will be on display in the breath-taking gardens of Blenheim Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Britain´s greatest Palace.
Designed, developed and manufactured in Barcelona, the Hispano Suiza Carmen is the highest representation of the values of exclusivity and elegance that Salón Privé transmits. With a design characterised by sportiness and timeless elegance, the Carmen combines the exclusive legacy of the brand in a modern hyper-luxury vehicle and will be one of the main stars of the show, where you can find authentic treasures of the present, past and future. of the automotive industry.
In addition to getting to know the new Hispano Suiza Carmen first-hand, those attending Salón Privé will have the opportunity to discover the latest news from various international manufacturers and enjoy the more than 100 vehicles on display, including cars and motorcycles, at the exclusive Concours d’Elegance. This year, rally legend Richard Burns will be honored with a collection of his racing cars on the 20th anniversary of his historic WRC victory.
All the information related to Salón Privé, as well as tickets, can be consulted through its official website, www.salonpriveconcours.com.
Official Salón Privé Programme 2021
1 September – Salón Privé Concours d’Elégance presented by Aviva
2 September – Salón Privé Concours d’Elégance presented by Aviva
3 September – Salón Privé Ladies’ Day presented by Boodles
4 September – Salón Privé Club Trophy presented by Lockton
5 September – Salón Privé Classic & Supercar
About Hispano Suiza
Hispano Suiza is a historic Spanish car brand owned by the Suqué Mateu family for four generations. Hispano Suiza Fábrica de Automóvil S.A. was founded in Barcelona in 1904 by Damián Mateu, with the help of the technical director and engineer Marc Birkigt, also a partner in the company.
Between 1904 and 1946, Hispano Suiza manufactured more than 12,000 high-performance luxury vehicles and 50,000 aircraft engines. Its headquarters, technical centre and manufacturing plant are in Barcelona (Spain). Hispano Suiza embodies a spirit that combines the pride of being a Spanish brand with a strong family legacy.
Since its foundation, four generations of the Suqué Mateu family have preserved the family brand, providing momentum and dynamism to maintain its significant heritage. Upon taking control of the company Miguel Mateu, the founder´s son, continued to produce luxury high-end vehicles.
In March 2019 Miguel Suqué Mateu, relaunched the brand at the Geneva Motor Show where he unveiled a fully electric, truly breath-taking vehicle: the Carmen. This elegant and exclusive 1,019 hp model has been designed, developed, and built entirely in Spain. Its exterior is inspired by the classic Dubonnet Xenia and shares the values that turned Hispano Suiza into one of the greatest exponents of the luxury automotive industry, with timeless design, meticulous craftsmanship and scrupulous attention to detail. In 2020, Hispano Suiza presented the Carmen Boulogne, an evolution of the Carmen focused on sportiness and tailor-made to reflect the brand’s racing heritage. It boasts 820 kW (1,114 hp), a top speed of 290 km/h and a 0 to 100 km/h time of less than 2.6 s. Thanks to the recently launched Unique Tailormade programme, based on the brand´s DNA values – Heritage, Sport and Elegance – clients can choose from 1,904 ways to personalise their dream car, choosing interior and exterior details that make their hypercar truly unique. Hispano Suiza will only produce 19 units of the Carmen and 5 Carmen Boulogne. On average, building time for each vehicle is approximately seven months.
Hispano Suiza is part of the Peralada Group, which represents the pinnacle of luxury in gastronomy and entertainment through its global portfolio of casinos, restaurants, hotels, golf courses, vineyards, music festivals and marinas.
