The first-ever BMW iX3 – Premier UK Imagery

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

The first fully electric-powered BMW X model has broken cover.

The BMW iX3 (WLTP combined test cycle: 0.0 l/100 km; electric power consumption combined: 19.5 – 18.5 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km) combines emissions-free travel, dynamic handling and performance with the comfort, functionality and spaciousness that customers would expect of a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV). The iX3 sees the BMW Group pressing ahead with its electrified model offensive set out in its NUMBER ONE > NEXT corporate strategy. The technological expertise amassed in the development of BMW i models is now coming to the fore in a fully-electric model from the core BMW brand.

The BMW X3 will be the brand’s first model to be available with a pure-electric drive system, a plug-in hybrid system or highly efficient petrol and diesel engines. This embodies the BMW Group “Power of Choice” strategic approach, with the company supporting the broad spread of customer requirements and statutory regulations around the world.

The new BMW iX3 is the result of many years of development work in the electric mobility field. The advances achieved since the market launch of the BMW i3 in 2013 now culminate in the company’s fifth-generation eDrive technology which comprises of a highly efficient electric motor, optimised energy density high-voltage battery and a high charging capacity. Thanks to the BMW Group’s longstanding investment in electric mobility, the use of disproportionately large batteries, which have a negative effect on vehicle weight, driving dynamics and electric power consumption, has been avoided in the development of this vehicle.

UK Launch in 2021.
The new BMW iX3 will launch with an exclusive Premier edition for the UK market in summer next year. Pricing and standard specification details will be revealed in autumn 2020, with pre-ordering opening at the same time.

The iX3 will be launched in some worldwide markets later this year. It will be the brand’s first model to be built for export at the Shenyang plant in China, which is operated by the joint venture BMW Brilliance Automotive.

Fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology.
The premiere of the new iX3 marks the introduction of BMW Group’s fifth generation eDrive technology. Combining the latest electric motor, power electronics, charging technology and high-voltage battery, the fifth-generation system demonstrates clear progress in its performance characteristics, electric power consumption and range. These components, developed in-house by BMW Group, will also be fitted in the BMW iNEXT and BMW i4 models from 2021.

The new BMW iX3 has been designed for the current requirements of the electric vehicle market and with future advances in mind. BMW eDrive technology provides an outstanding basis for economically sustainable applications in volume production models.

The introduction of iX3 is well timed, with the enduring appeal of SAV models and rising worldwide demand for all-electric premium cars.

Highly integrated drive system technology.
The highly integrated drive system technology at the heart of the new BMW iX3 plays a particularly important role in optimising efficiency and power development. The electric motor, transmission and power electronics are now arranged together in a single housing. The electric motor in the new BMW iX3 works according to the principle of a current-excited synchronous motor, without the use of magnets. This design eliminates the use of rare earth materials of the motor.

The power density of the electric motor in the iX3 is 30 per cent greater than that of existing fully-electric vehicles within the BMW Group portfolio. The motor is up to 93 per cent efficient, compared with under 40 per cent for combustion engines. The new drive system unit generates maximum output of 286 hp and peak torque of 295 lb-ft which, unlike with many other electric motors, is sustained at high revs. The new BMW iX3 sprints from 0 to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds, putting it in the same territory as the conventionally powered BMW X3 xDrive30i. Top speed is electronically limited to 112 mph. Sending power to the rear wheels creates a characteristic BMW driving experience with outstanding traction ensured thanks to the standard-fit ARB technology (actuator contiguous wheel slip limitation).

Cutting-edge battery-cell technology plays a headline role in the latest development stage of high-voltage batteries. The storage capacity of the battery has been substantially increased, relative to the installation space required and its weight. The gravimetric energy density of the 188 prismatic cells in the new BMW iX3 is around 20 per cent higher than that of the battery cells used by the BMW Group in its fully-electric vehicles up to now. A gross energy content of 80 kWh – of which 74 kWh is utilised – and the high efficiency of the drive systems allow the new BMW iX3 to offer a range of up to 285 miles (WLTP test cycle).

Another technical highlight making its debut in iX3 thanks to BMW Group’s fifth-generation eDrive technology is the innovative new charging unit, which sends power to both the 400V battery and the 12V on-board power supply. When charging using alternating current, it enables both single-phase and three-phase charging at up to 11 kW. Plugging the vehicle into a direct current rapid-charging station opens the door to charging outputs of up to 150 kW, meaning the high-voltage battery can be charged from 0 to 80 per cent of its full capacity in 34 minutes. Drivers can inject the power required to add 62 miles to the car’s driving range (in the WLTP cycle) in just 10 minutes.

Optimised efficiency enhances capability over long distances.
The outstanding efficiency of its electric motor and its high charging capacity give the new BMW iX3 exceptional long-distance capability. On a trip, a BMW iX3 would need to make fewer charging stops than a comparable electric vehicle whose efficiency is compromised by the presence of larger and heavier high-voltage batteries. And the iX3 stops would be shorter.

Adaptive recuperation enhances efficiency and driving comfort during a journey. The intensity of the Brake Energy Regeneration is adapted to the road situation using data from the navigation system and the driver assistance system sensors. For example, when approaching a junction or a vehicle on the road ahead, recuperation is fully utilised. On the open road, the coasting function is activated whenever the driver takes their foot off the accelerator. As an alternative to adaptive recuperation, in driving position D the driver can choose a high, medium or low Brake Energy Regeneration setting. Engaging driving position B provides the signature one-pedal feeling of BMW Group’s electric vehicles thanks to particularly strong recuperation.

An enhanced heat pump included as standard on the BMW iX3 underscores the efficiency-oriented approach taken to the vehicle’s development.

Sporty handling and supreme traction.
The latest-generation high-voltage battery has a particularly slim construction. Positioned low down in the underbody, it has been integrated into the SAV’s flexible vehicle architecture. This lowers the car’s centre of gravity by around 7.5 centimetres compared with its conventionally powered BMW X3 siblings, noticeably enhancing lateral dynamics. Among the bespoke elements of the iX3’s chassis construction is a rear axle subframe, which provides the required space for the drive system unit. The standard adaptive suspension includes electronically controlled dampers, with characteristics that adapt to the road surface at any given time. This enables carefully judged optimisation of the car’s ride comfort and dynamics. The alternative Adaptive M suspension is tuned to deliver an even sportier damper response.

The instant power development of the electric motor and chassis-specific tuning infuse the new BMW iX3 with sporty, agile driving attributes. The innovative ARB traction system, introduced in the BMW i3, and a high level of directional stability ensure good traction in adverse weather conditions and on loose ground for a Sports Activity Vehicle with a single-driven axle.

Trailblazing: Digital services and outstanding environmental credentials.
BMW assumed a leading role in driving forward electric mobility when it unveiled innovative solutions for charging at home or on the move alongside the introduction of BMW i3 in 2013. This trend continues with the BMW iX3, which includes a newly developed Flexible Fast Charger cable which can be hooked up to both standard domestic and industrial sockets using optional adapters.

Recharging at home is further enhanced with a personal Wallbox. Available through our partner, Smart solutions are also possible to monitor energy usage and cost, as well as keeping a historic record of home-charging energy expenditure, making it very convenient for company car users.

The new cloud-based BMW Maps navigation system enables route and arrival times to be calculated with even greater speed and precision. Services already familiar from the BMW i3, such as navigation with range display on the map and detailed information on public charging stations – covering everything from address, availability and connector type through to charging rate and Chargepoint Operator – are now joined by additional functionality that can be accessed from the car. This capability includes navigation planning with recommendations for charging stops, information on points of interest near public charging stations and the ability to filter search results by fast-charging points.

The exceptionally efficient drive system, extensive use of secondary raw materials in the manufacture of aluminium castings and thermoplastics, absence of rare earths and across-the-board use of green electricity in production, including the cells for the high-voltage battery, are all contributory factors in the impressive CO2 assessment for the new BMW iX3. During the customer use phase, the iX3 outperforms the diesel-powered BMW X3 xDrive 20d by more than 30 per cent when drawing on average European electricity sources or roughly 60 per cent when powered by green electricity.

Proportions and versatility of an SAV, innovative aerodynamic wheels.
The exterior design of the new BMW iX3 displays the typical proportions of a Sports Activity Vehicle, which means it provides a visual showcase for the robust premium character and all-round talents espoused by BMW X models. Model-specific design features optimise the car’s aerodynamic properties at the same time as lending visual expression to its sustainability-focused drive concept. The front apron and BMW kidney grille have a largely enclosed design, while the rear end has also been sculpted with a view to reducing air resistance.

Innovative, aerodynamically designed light-alloy wheels help to control the flow of air around the vehicle. The aerodynamic wheels making their debut on the new BMW iX3 reduce its drag coefficient by around 5 per cent over an equivalent vehicle with conventional light-alloy wheels. This is achieved with the help of sophisticated inserts in the V-spoke base wheel whose surfaces keep the air flowing smoothly. The resulting improvement in efficiency adds around 6 miles to the range of the new BMW iX3 (WLTP test cycle).

This combines with aerodynamic enhancements to the underbody’s rear diffuser and chassis strut area, as well as with the air flap control system, to give the all-electric SAV a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.29.

Premium ambience and BMW IconicSounds Electric in the interior.
Understated blue accents for both the exterior and interior of the new BMW iX3 allude to the presence of its electric drive system. The clearly structured controls, high-quality materials and stylish surfaces combine to create the premium interior ambience associated with BMW SAV models. The versatility of the iX3 is confirmed by spaciousness on a par with that of conventionally powered BMW X3 variants. Thanks to the 40 : 20 : 40 split/folding rear seat backrest, boot capacity can be increased from 510 to a maximum of 1,560 litres.

The debut of BMW IconicSounds Electric in the BMW iX3 provides acoustic feedback to enrich the electric driving experience by lending it added emotional depth. Load changes are signalled by a smoothly modulated sound, and recuperation during overrun and braking is accompanied by a gently filtered acoustic response, meaning that every driving state is accompanied by a matching sound pattern. A newly introduced short sound composition, which is the result of a collaboration between Hans Zimmer and BMW sound designer Renzo Vitale, can be heard when the Start/Stop button is pressed. The drive sound is an original work by BMW’s sound designers and acoustic engineers. Drive soundtracks from the collaboration with Hans Zimmer will be available in electrified BMW models at a later date.

BMW Operating System 7 and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
The BMW iX3 is equipped with the latest generation BMW Operating System 7, which allows for every line of software code in the car to be updated over the air in the future.

The standard-fit BMW Live Cockpit Professional offers a fully-digital screen grouping comprising a high-resolution 12.3 inch instrument cluster behind the steering wheel and a 10.25-inch Central Control Display. 

The enhanced intuitive multimodal interaction allows the driver to take their pick of control interface for the situation at hand: Control Display touchscreen, iDrive Controller, multifunction buttons on the steering wheel, voice control or BMW gesture control.

The latest version of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant takes the connection between driver and car to a new level in the new BMW iX3. Activated by a spoken prompt (for example “Hey BMW”) or at the touch of a button, this digital companion acquires new capabilities all the time. The system helps the driver, learns their preferences and is familiar with their favoured settings – e.g. for the seat heating or the places they drive to frequently using the navigation system (“Take me home”).

Smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
BMW Live Cockpit Professional comes with optimised smartphone integration; in addition to Apple CarPlay, the new iX3 is also compatible with Android Auto. The latter enables customers to access digital services such as Google Assistant, Google Maps, music streaming services like Spotify and Amazon Music, and the WhatsApp messaging service.

Full UK specification and pricing will be announced in autumn 2020. For the latest updates in the meantime, please visit www.bmw.co.uk/ix3.

Rolls-Royce marks founder’s birthday with London pilgrimage

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

• Rolls-Royce marks the 144^th birthday of co-founder The Hon Charles Stewart Rolls on Friday 27 August 2021
• The marque celebrates by taking Ghost on a pilgrimage around London, stopping off at places connected with Rolls’ life and career
• Tour recorded in new images shot at locations including Rolls’ birthplace, the Royal Aero Club, Royal Automobile Club and the site of the original Rolls-Royce car showroom

“While he is of course best known as one of our co-founders, The Hon Charles Stewart Rolls, born on this day in 1877, was also a pioneer of aviation, a successful racing driver and a gifted engineer. His audacity, fearlessness, love of adventure and willingness to push boundaries continue to inspire us and our products. To mark this occasion, which means so much to our company, we’ve visited significant places from Rolls’ story with Ghost – a motor car with technology, performance, craftsmanship and excellence which embodies everything this remarkable man stood for, cherished and pursued during his extraordinary life and career.”
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars marks the 144^th birthday of co-founder The Hon Charles Stewart Rolls on Friday 27 August 2021.

In honour of the occasion, the marque undertook a pilgrimage around London locations associated with the great man’s life and career, capturing striking images of Ghost at each stop along the way. The itinerary took in the following sites:

35 Hill Street, Mayfair
The Hon Charles Stewart Rolls was born in this house close to Berkeley Square on 27 August 1877. As the third son of Lord and Lady Llangattock, he was born into a life of wealth and privilege, going on to be educated at Eton and Cambridge and enjoying the freedom to indulge his passions for aviation and motor racing.

By contrast, his business partner, Henry Royce, came from a humble background. In 1876, aged just 10, he was working as a telegram delivery boy at the Mayfair Post Office. His ‘beat’ included Hill Street, so it is perfectly possible that he delivered congratulatory letters and telegrams to Rolls’ proud parents.

119 Piccadilly
Until 1961, this Grade II Listed building on Piccadilly was the home of the Royal Aero Club, which Rolls co-founded in 1901 with Frank Hedges Butler, a leading London wine merchant, and Butler’s daughter, Vera. Rolls began his flying career as a balloonist, making over 170 flights and winning the Gordon Bennett Gold Medal in 1903 for the longest sustained time aloft. In 1910, he became only the second person in Britain to be awarded an aeroplane pilot’s licence; that same year, he achieved the unique feat of being the first Englishman to fly an aeroplane across the English Channel, and the first aviator ever to fly non-stop from England to France and back again. Though now based outside the capital, the Royal Aero Club remains the national governing and coordinating body of air sport and recreational flying in Britain.

Royal Automobile Club (RAC)
Rolls was also a founder member of the Automobile Club of Great Britain and Ireland, which became the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) in 1897. It was a fellow RAC member, Henry Edmunds, who arranged the historic first meeting between Rolls and Henry Royce at the Midland Hotel, Manchester, on 4 May 1904. The Club’s Secretary, Claude Johnson, was Rolls’ business partner in his car dealership, C S Rolls & Co, and later became the first managing director of Rolls-Royce.

The Club took up residence in its current home at 89 Pall Mall in 1911, a year after Rolls’ tragic early death in a flying accident, aged just 32.

14-15 Conduit Street
This building on Conduit Street, which connects Bond Street and Regent Street, was the West End headquarters of Rolls-Royce Ltd for much of the twentieth century. From 1905 until his death in 1910, Rolls had his office here, and used it as a base for demonstration drives of early Rolls-Royce models. On 22 March 2010, its historic significance was marked with an English Heritage Blue Plaque, unveiled by Lord Montagu of Beaulieu.

Berkeley Street
A stone’s-throw from Rolls’ birthplace and one of the most prestigious addresses in London, Berkeley Street is regarded as the heart of Mayfair. Today, it is the site of Rolls-Royce’s flagship UK store, the first in the world to be transformed with the marque’s new corporate identity.

CO2 EMISSIONS & CONSUMPTION.
Ghost: NEDCcorr (combined) CO2 emission: 343g/km; Fuel consumption: 18.8 mpg / 15.0 l/100km. WLTP (combined) CO2 emission: 347-359g/km; Fuel consumption: 17.9-18.6 mpg / 15.2-15.8 l/100km.

Kia reveals first sketches of the all-new European-market Sportage ahead of upcoming launch

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

• For the first time in its history, the Sportage range will feature a dedicated model that has been designed and developed specifically for Europe
• The global release version has significantly increased its size, while the European version spiritually succeeds the fourth generation
• A daring and intricate front-end design is matched with a muscular swooping fastback rear to create a strong and distinctive road presence
• Digital launch event scheduled for Wednesday 1 September

Kia Europe has revealed the first official sketches of the all-new European-market Sportage.

For the first time in its history, Kia is launching a dedicated Sportage designed specifically for European customers in what is the fifth generation of the brand’s most popular SUV.

The Sportage has been carefully designed and developed to establish new benchmarks in its segment while also catering specifically for European tastes and roads. The advanced exterior and interior design pushes styling boundaries, setting the tone for the next-generation Sportage line-up. State-of-the-art connectivity tech, responsive yet highly efficient advanced powertrains and the very latest passive, active and ADAS safety innovations further enhance the SUV’s premium stature. Developed on a new architecture, the Sportage has also been meticulously honed to offer optimal drive and handling characteristics for European roads. 

Forward-thinking design
Kia’s new design language – Opposites United – is at the heart of the Sportage, influencing every aspect of its appearance and character. Its design builds on the theme ‘Bold for Nature’ and pays homage to nature’s perfection and simplicity whilst connecting with the brand’s new design direction. The sketches revealed today hint at a sporty, assertive and pioneering SUV.

The Sportage will feature a more compact and adventurous profile hinting at heightened levels of agility and performance seen as ideal for European roads. Designed to be the most dynamic and stylish SUV in its segment, the Sportage will feature a muscular stance and a strong yet refined silhouette with crisp, taught character lines that ripple across the surfaces.

The sketches hint at a bold front-end design with a detail-orientated black grille graphic spanning the width of the face. A fresh interpretation of Kia’s iconic floating signature Tiger Nose grille combines with distinctive boomerang-shaped LED DRLs (daytime running lamps) and Matrix LED headlamps.

Representing another first for the Sportage range, the sketches show a black roof that helps to further accentuate the sporting profile of the all-new SUV, while also highlighting a dynamic C-pillar design treatment.

At the rear, powerful and broad shoulder lines meet slim rear LED combi lamps flanked by the new Kia logo. A unique black rear bumper design further emphasises the Sportage’s sporty, youthful character.

Digital launch
Kia’s all-new European-market Sportage will make its debut during a live digital launch event being held on Wednesday 1 September on Kia owned channels at 10am BST. Viewers will be able to learn more about Kia’s first SUV designed specifically for European customers. European sales of all-new Sportage will commence later this year. The UK specification, pricing and line-up will also be announced later this year.

Jaguar XF and XE R-Dynamic Black: Enhanced design and connectivity

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

• New XF R-Dynamic Black models: Accentuate the purposeful, assertive designs of the Saloon and Sportbrake with bespoke Gloss Black elements and richer, more luxurious interiors, while XE R-Dynamic Black gains an enhanced specification
• Desirable and distinctive: Black Pack with Gloss Black mirror caps and side sills, 19-inch Gloss Black wheels, panoramic roof and privacy glass deliver greater visual impact and emphasise the perfect proportions of each model
• Advanced connectivity: Wireless Apple CarPlay^® – available soon via Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) updates – will provide added convenience*. Wireless Android Auto™ will become available at the same time*
• Beautifully crafted interiors: Luxurious materials and exquisite details, further enriched on XF by enhanced Premium Cabin Lighting with a choice of 30 colours
• Enhanced occupant wellbeing: Cabin air ionisation with PM2.5 filtration to capture ultrafine particles and allergens
• Electrified diesel powertrains: Refined, efficient 204PS four-cylinder Ingenium MHEV offers up to 58.9mpg (4.8l/100km)** and CO₂ emissions from 127g/km** for XE and up to 57.6mpg (4.9l/100km)** and from 130g/km** for XF Saloon
• Powerful petrol engines: Smooth, responsive 300PS four-cylinder Ingenium units enable 0-60mph in only 5.6s for XE and 6.5s and 5.8s for XF Saloon
• Intelligent all-wheel drive: Every XE and XF has an eight-speed automatic transmission and is available with all-wheel drive with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics
• Available to order now: XE R-Dynamic Black priced from £33,470.
  XF Saloon and Sportbrake R-Dynamic Black models from £37,535 and £39,395 respectively. Configure yours at jaguar.co.uk

The appeal of the award-winning Jaguar XF Saloon and Sportbrake is heightened further with the introduction of new R-Dynamic Black models, while the Jaguar XE R-Dynamic Black gains an enhanced specification.

Developed from the XE and XF R-Dynamic S, these exclusive models benefit from a number of key features designed to give them an even more confident, assured and purposeful presence.

Each delivers an unrivalled balance of outstanding ride, handling, refinement and luxury together with a focused range of powerful, efficient and electrified powertrains.

Following the introduction last year of the XE R-Dynamic Black, the XF’s Black Pack has been enhanced, with the Gloss Black finish applied to the door mirror caps and side sills in addition to the grille, grille surround, side window surrounds, fender vents, rear badges, and – on the Sportbrake – the roof rails. There’s also privacy glass and a panoramic roof – features that are now standard on the XE R-Dynamic Black too. Complementing these elements are 19-inch wheels with a Gloss Black finish – ‘Style 5031’ for XE and ‘Style 5106’ for XF – together with red brake calipers.

The XE R-Dynamic Black is offered in a select choice of metallic finishes – Firenze Red, Bluefire, Eiger Grey, Santorini Black or new Ostuni White, with the XF R-Dynamic Black models available in the full range of colours.

The luxurious interiors are enriched with beautifully crafted veneers, with Gloss Grey Figured Ebony for XE, and Satin Charcoal Ash for XF. Bright metal pedals add a further finishing touch. The sense of serenity and refinement within XF is heightened still further by the enhanced Premium Cabin Lighting feature, which offers a choice of 30 colours in place of the previous 10.

The fast, intuitive and responsive Pivi Pro infotainment system is now better than ever too. In both XE and XF it already has a range of embedded apps, including Spotify, and Apple CarPlay^® as standard. Android Auto™ is standard too.

Soon, wireless Apple CarPlay^® will become available to customers in a software-over-the-air (SOTA) update*, to make smartphone connectivity even simpler and more convenient. Wireless Android Auto™ will also become available at the same time*. XE and XF’s SOTA capability enables Pivi Pro and vehicle systems to be updated remotely and seamlessly. This means they always have the latest software without the customer having to visit their Retailer – and Pivi Pro’s dual-SIM technology means you can stream music at the same time.

Pivi Pro can also connect two phones simultaneously via Bluetooth, and the optional wireless device charging pad has a signal booster to improve network reception. The system also provides clearer calls with the help of the vehicle’s external aerial.

On the road, the XE and XF continue to set the benchmark with their ideal balance of agility, handling and ride quality. The engaging, rewarding drive they deliver is second to none, and is matched to inherently low levels of cabin noise, which are further reduced on XF using Active Road Noise Cancellation technology. This is especially effective in cancelling out low-frequency sounds, helping to reduce driver fatigue on long journeys.

With a focus on air quality, occupant comfort and wellbeing are prioritised: both XE and XF offer cabin air ionisation systems with PM2.5 filtration to capture ultrafine airborne particles and allergens.

The R-Dynamic Black models, like all XE and XF models, are powered by refined and efficient 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium petrol and diesel engines, the latter electrified with a 48-volt mild hybrid (MHEV) system. All engines are matched exclusively to smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmissions and are available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics.

The full global powertrain range for XE and XF (market-dependant) comprises:

Petrol

• 250PS 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo rear-wheel drive automatic
• 300PS 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo all-wheel drive automatic

Diesel

• 204PS MHEV 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo rear-wheel drive automatic
• 204PS MHEV 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo all-wheel drive automatic

The 204PS diesel engine develops an impressive 430Nm of torque, and its refinement and responsiveness are enhanced with the MHEV system. The Belt integrated Starter Generator (BiSG) recuperates energy usually lost during braking or deceleration by storing it in a compact 48-volt lithium-ion battery: this energy is redeployed to assist the engine when accelerating away. It also makes the stop-start function quieter and faster than conventional systems.

This engine is the most efficient in the XE and XF model ranges and enables the rear-wheel drive XE to deliver fuel economy of up to 58.9mpg (4.8l/100km)** and CO₂ emissions from only 127g/km**. In the rear-wheel drive XF Saloon, it delivers corresponding figures of 57.6.mpg (4.9l/100km)** and 130g/km**.

The smooth, powerful petrol engines are offered in two ratings: 250PS and 365Nm torque, and 300PS and 400Nm torque. The 300PS unit is available exclusively with all-wheel drive, delivering outstanding performance and traction in all conditions. This enables the XE to accelerate from 0-60mph in only 5.6s (0-100km/h in 5.9s), and the XF Saloon 5.8s and 6.1s respectively. Maximum speed for both is 155mph (250km/h).

UK Pricing – Jaguar XE:

UK Pricing – Jaguar XF:

* Wireless Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto™ is intended to be released as part of a wireless software update on all Jaguar saloon and SUV models expected later this year, at which point the features will also be available via a SOTA update for all Pivi and Pivi Pro equipped XE and XF models. Software development and releases are subject to movements in planning and programming, and dates may be subject to change.

** All emissions and fuel economy figures are EU – WLTP (TEL) Combined. The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation. For comparison purposes only. Real world figures may differ. CO₂ and fuel economy figures may vary according to factors such as driving styles, environmental conditions, load, wheel fitment and accessories fitted.

Concours of Elegance 2021: The rarest cars in the world

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

• The Concours of Elegance has revealed the full list of vehicles that make up its Main Concours display of the rarest cars in the world
• From trailblazing pre-war Grand Prix cars to the very Rolls-Royce that gave birth to ‘the best car in the world’ moniker
• Collection of around 60 vehicles sits at the heart of an ever that will welcome around 1,000 cars in total, in a number of special classes and features
• The Concours of Elegance remains the UK’s top concours d’elegance and among the top three in the world
• Tickets can be bought now from www.concoursofelegance.co.uk/tickets

Established in 2012 to bring together the world’s rarest cars, the Concours of Elegance 2021 is once again set to gather the finest line-up of vehicles on display in the UK this year.  

With just two weeks to go until the event opens to the public on Friday 3^rd September, the full list of cars at the heart of the Concours of Elegance has been revealed, charting the full evolution of luxury and innovation in automotive from the pioneers right through to the modern day. Below are just a few examples confirmed to appear.

Alfa Romeo P3 Tipo B
The Alfa Romeo P3 Tipo B was a true trailblazer – it was the first proper single-seater racing car. Powered by a supercharged V8 and weighing a mere 680kg, it was immediately successful, with Tazio Nuvolari scoring a victory in its first event halfway through 1932. He and Rudolf Caracciola would take a further five victories apiece that season.

Money troubles at Alfa Romeo the following season meant that the P3s simply weren’t raced until significant arm-twisting from a certain Enzo Ferrari released the cars to his Scuderia partway through the season. This model, chassis 50007, was ordered direct from Alfa by Scuderia Ferrari in ’32. After the 1935 season, a 19-year-old Count Jose de Villapadierna stole his aunt’s jewels and, with the proceeds, rushed out and bought 50007 from Ferrari. On crossing the border into Spain with the car, he was arrested and jailed until his aunt decided to forgive him. He later raced the P3 over a few seasons, but the Spanish Civil War intervened and he stopped racing, selling the car to England in 1938.

Frank Griswold bought 50007, and in 1939 he hired Louis Tomei to drive it at the Indianapolis 500 Classic, where it finished 15th. Griswold then sold the car to Tommy Lee in LA in around 1945, who entered it at The Brickyard with some success, running the Alfa as the Don Lee Special. The Lee Broadcasting team fitted the world’s first pits-to-car radio system to 50007, and it was the first car to be flown to a race.

Porsche 901
When the Porsche 901 was presented at the 1964 Paris Auto Salon, Peugeot took umbrage at its German rival using any three-digit number with a 0 in the middle. Porsche would change the moniker to 911, despite having built 82 pre-production cars bearing the 901 title. It was claimed no examples were sold to private customers, but some have trickled out of Porsche’s possession over the years.

Chassis 300078 is one such car, and has quite a story, having been displayed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1965, announcing the 911 to the world. Despite the change

in nomenclature, this 901 is one of six believed to be left. Although outwardly very similar to the later cars, the first 82 differ slightly. The earliest examples have their A- and B-pillars trimmed in the same perforated white vinyl as the headlining, while later cars used black vinyl. The engine lid is unique to these cars, too, as was the rear licence-plate holder. The rear crossmember is completely smooth with no pressings, while the front wings house four-hole chrome horn grilles.

Voisin Type C27 Aérosport
The origins of the C27 Aérosport lie in the Aérodyne – a provocative car created for the 1934 Paris Motor Show that didn’t quite hit the mark in terms of sales. After the expo, two roadsters were built on shortened Aérodyne chassis – which became known as the C27. Powered by a 3.0-litre straight-six engine, it was good for 105bhp. However, it is the glorious Art Deco styling that captivates the heart. Using the basic outline of the Aérodyne as a start, it’s lowered, has more luggage space, pentagon side windows, piano-hinged doors and aluminium accents. It also features a sliding roof powered by it own motor that works off the main engine’s vacuum.

In the mid-1950s this car was offered for sale in France by marque expert Robert Saliot and the Saliot Garage. The garage owned all of Voisin’s spare parts, and Robert’s student son used the C27 for day-to-day transport. At this stage, the coachwork was modified, with poor metal-sheet patch repairs to the roof. Stewardship was then passed to a scrap dealer, and the Aérosport disappeared for some time.

One day, Phillip Moch, a Voisin expert and hoarder of marque parts, acquired an ailing Voisin that had a second body. Removing this outer layer, he found the distinctive underslung chassis and the remnants of the C27 Aérosport.

Rolls-Royce 40/50 Silver Ghost
The Rolls-Royce 40/50 chassis and engine had many names and roles – it even formed the basis of a range of armoured cars. However, when The Autocar called it “the best car in the world” and coined the phrase Silver Ghost, a legend was born – the car you see before you.

Chassis 60551 was the 12th 40/50 off the line, and it was destined to be a company demonstrator. Registered as AX 201, it was given a Roi-des-Belges body by Barker, and finished in aluminium paint. At a time when most cars were as noisy as they were unreliable, the model’s distinctive looks and relative serenity in motion lent it the Silver Ghost name. The car would break record after record, one of which included driving between London and Glasgow 27 times over a distance of 15,000 miles. Such reliable service provided the marketing backbone for the then-new Rolls-Royce Motor Company, rightfully earning that “best car in the world” title – one that is still used by the company today.

After a three-year restoration between 1948 and 1951, AX 201 entered service as a promotional tool, travelling around the world. In 1984 Franklin Mint took extensive photographs of the car while it was in storage, and produced a die-cast model that went on to become one of the firm’s best-selling models.

With Rolls-Royce Motors Ltd being sold in 1998, AX 201 ended up in the stewardship of Bentley Motors as part of the purchase of the Crewe Works by the Volkswagen Automotive Group. In late December 2019, AX 201 was purchased from Bentley and entered into private UK hands.

Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ2
Zagato might be known for its outlandish and sometimes challenging designs, but the heart of the Italian carrozzeria’s original mission was always light weight and slippery aerodynamics. The original TZ exemplified this starkly – its Ercole Spada-penned all-aluminium body weighed just 650kg, and was at the cutting edge of bodywork design thanks to its coda tronca ‘Kamm’ tail design.

For the TZ2, Zagato went even further, replacing the aluminium body with glassfibre to shave a further 30kg. Just eight were built, all as racing cars, and they used an Autodelta-tuned 1.6-litre twin-cam four-cylinder that produced 170bhp – good for 152mph thanks to that wind-cheating design.

The car at the Concours of Elegance, chassis AR750113, is the most successful TZ2. In 1966 it took class victories with Autodelta at the Nürburgring 1000km, Trento-Bondone, Circuito Del Mugello, Corsa Della Mendola and the Coppa del Chianti Classico, where it also finished first overall. However, its biggest success came at the Targa Florio, again run under the Autodelta banner. With Enrico Pinto and Nino Todaro behind the wheel, the car finished fourth overall and first in class.

While these cars form the Main Concours that acts as a centrepiece to the event, a total of nearly 1,000 cars will be on display over the course of the Concours of Elegance, including a collection of 95 British cars gathered to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s 95^th 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, a celebration of 60 years of the Jaguar E-type 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 ranging from standard entry tickets to full three-course hospitality packages from £288. Tickets can be bought from concoursofelegance.co.uk/tickets

The full list of vehicles in the Main Concours is:

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About the annual Concours of Elegance:
Established in 2012, the inaugural Concours of Elegance was held within Windsor Castle to mark the diamond jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen’s reign. Organised by Thorough Events, the first Concours of Elegance set a new global benchmark for a classic car concours; winning prestigious awards in the process; unheard of for a ‘start-up’ event in its first year. The second Concours of Elegance was held in 2013 to equal fanfare at the historic Royal Palace of St James in London, with the widely acclaimed third Concours set in the stunning grounds of Hampton Court Palace in September 2014, before heading to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in 2015. Only cars of the highest calibre are invited to the Concours of Elegance, from all over the world, painstakingly selected by the Concours Steering Committee; a respected team of authoritative historic car experts. A key objective of the annual Concours of Elegance is to raise significant sums for charity.
www.concoursofelegance.co.uk

Historic Royal Palaces
Hampton Court Palace is cared for by Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that also looks after the Tower of London, the Banqueting House, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland. We help everyone explore the story of how monarchs and people have shaped society, in some of the greatest palaces ever built. We raise all our own funds and depend on the support of our visitors, members, donors, sponsors and volunteers. With the exception of Hillsborough Castle, these palaces are owned by The Queen on behalf of the nation, and we manage them for the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Registered charity number 1068852. For more information, visit www.hrp.org.uk.