by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
- Ford introduces the most agile Focus ST to date, with high-specification adjustable suspension and lightened alloy wheels for increased cornering precision and response
- Focus ST Edition accompanied by suspension guide to help enthusiasts optimise driving dynamics – including special Nürburgring setting.
- Distinctive design includes exclusive Azura Blue exterior with high gloss black detailing, unique ST badging and part-leather Recaro sports seats
Ford today announced a new, special edition version of the Focus ST five-door hot hatchback that enhances driving dynamics with upgraded suspension and light-weight wheels for ultimate road and track driving experiences, alongside unique exterior and interior specifications.
The Focus ST Edition is available to order in selected European markets, including the UK priced from £35,785. The most dynamic version yet of the fourth generation Focus ST offers true driving enthusiasts the opportunity to tailor the driving dynamics to their personal preference using a Ford Performance-tuned adjustable coilover suspension system.
Cornering responses and driving dynamics are further enhanced with standard flow-formed alloy wheels that reduce unsprung weight, and Sports Technologies including a hydraulically-activated electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) and selectable Drive Modes, including Track Mode, contributing to an even more rewarding and confident Focus ST driving experience.
Ford Performance has developed the Focus ST Edition exclusively in five-door hatchback body style to ensure the lowest possible weight for optimised control and precision, and with the 2.3‑litre EcoBoost petrol engine and six-speed manual transmission, 1 for maximum driver engagement.
A unique exterior is distinguished by an Azura Blue finish unavailable elsewhere in the Focus line-up, eye-catching high gloss black detailing and a distinctive black roof. Interior enhancements include part-leather Recaro sports seats, blue detail stitching and a red ST starter button.
“The new Focus ST Edition takes the hot hatchback to a new level of handling precision and control,” said Stefan Muenzinger, Ford Performance manager, Europe. “Not only does it offer increased poise and responsiveness for the enthusiast, but also gives the ability to tailor the feel and handling balance of the car to the customer.”
Precision and control
The Focus ST Edition will arrive with customers featuring a factory chassis configuration that has been extensively tested and developed by Ford Performance, including at Germany’s Nürburgring Nordschleife.
Fine-tuned to optimise balance and control through corners while working hand-in-hand with the vehicle’s high-performance powertrain, the chassis also offers drivers the flexibility to further tailor suspension settings to their specific driving style or environment.
The two-way adjustable coilover suspension system, produced by motorsport specialists KW Automotive, features twin-tube stainless steel damper housings and powder-coated springs, with a distinctive Ford Performance Blue finish. Focus ST Edition’s ride height is lowered 10 mm front and rear compared with the standard Focus ST, with a further adjustment of 20 mm available to the customer. Spring rates are increased by more than 50 per cent compared with the standard Focus ST.
Twelve jounce settings – the degree of upward damper movement allowed as the wheel contacts a bump in the road, and 16 rebound settings – the speed at which the damper returns to position after an upward movement, give Focus ST drivers an even greater degree of control over cornering responses.
The Focus ST Edition is also supplied with a technical document providing recommended suspension settings for a variety of driving conditions – including a dedicated setting for the Nürburgring – to help performance driving enthusiasts fine-tune their driving experiences.
The lightweight 19-inch alloy wheels, equipped as standard with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, reduce unsprung mass by 10 per cent at each corner of the vehicle. The wheels are constructed using a flow forming process, which compacts the aluminium alloy to retain tensile strength and increase shock resistance while using less material. Able to more effectively follow the profile of rougher road surfaces and reduce the demand on the Focus ST Edition’s dampers and springs, the lightened wheels improve tyre contact with the road for enhanced grip and responses.
The Focus ST Edition continues to utilise sophisticated Sports Technologies to enhance performance, including an innovative eLSD that uses hydraulically activated clutches to redistribute up to 100 per cent of the available torque to the wheel with more traction to counteract wheelspin. Faster-acting and more precise than a conventional mechanical LSD, the system can pre-emptively adjust torque based on inputs from engine and vehicle sensors.
The 2.3-litre EcoBoost all-aluminium engine uses a low-inertia twin-scroll turbocharger alongside an optimised air intake and exhaust system to deliver 280 PS of power at 5,500 rpm and 420 Nm of torque from 3,000 rpm to 4,000 rpm. Anti-lag technology inspired by the Ford GT supercar and F-150 Raptor pick-up also delivers even faster power delivery in Sport and Track drive modes.
Acceleration from 0-62 mph takes 5.7 seconds, with standing start performance supported by flat-shift capability that holds the throttle open when the clutch is disengaged during upshifts through the six-speed manual gearbox. The Focus ST Edition can reach a top speed of 155 mph.
Drivers can also use selectable Drive Modes 2 to adjust eLSD, throttle mapping, electronic power-assisted steering (EPAS) and electronic stability control (ESC) characteristics to match the driving scenario. A dedicated Track mode provides the sharpest responses and the most freedom within the ESC system for the maximum driver feedback and engagement.
As with the standard Focus ST, an optimised steering knuckle design; responsive, two turn lock-to-lock EPAS; and performance braking system with 330 mm front, 302 mm rear discs and optimised fade resistance support enthusiast driving on track.
Distinctive design
The Focus ST Edition’s practical five-door hatchback body benefits from exclusive features and specification inside and out.
The unmistakeable Azura Blue exterior paint colour contrasts with High Gloss Black detailing on the upper grille, front bumper wings and door-mirror caps, as well as the rear roof spoiler and rear diffuser panel. The roof panel is also finished in high gloss black and is complemented by ST badges edged with a black surround.
Inside, the Focus ST Edition’s standard part-leather Recaro sports seats are edged in Ford Performance blue stitching, with the same effect used on the leather ST steering wheel, gear lever gaiter, centre console knee pads and floor mats. The engine start button is also finished with sporty red lettering to complement the ST badges.
The Focus ST Edition joins the existing, Ford Performance-developed Focus ST line-up that offers five-door and wagon body styles, 280 PS 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol 1 and 190 PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel1 engines, and a seven-speed automatic transmission option for the EcoBoost petrol.
# # #
1 Ford Focus ST Edition 280 PS 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol homologated CO2 emissions 185 g/km and fuel efficiency 8.1l/100 km WLTP.
Ford Focus ST 280 PS 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol homologated CO2 emissions 184-186 g/km and fuel efficiency 8.1 l/100 km WLTP
Ford Focus ST 190 PS 2.0-litre EcoBlue diesel homologated CO2 emissions 139 g/km and fuel efficiency 5.3l/100 km WLTP.
2 Driver-assist features are supplemental to and do not replace the driver’s attention, judgement and need to control the vehicle.
The declared WLTP fuel/energy consumptions, CO2-Emissions and electric range are determined according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulations (EC) 715/2007 and (EU) 2017/1151 as last amended. The applied standard test procedures enable comparison between different vehicle types and different manufacturers.
About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford designs, manufactures, markets and services a full line of connected, increasingly electrified passenger and commercial vehicles: Ford trucks, utility vehicles, vans and cars, and Lincoln luxury vehicles. The company is pursuing leadership positions in electrification, connected vehicle services and mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 186,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Motor Credit Company is available at corporate.ford.com.
Ford of Europe is responsible for producing, selling and servicing Ford brand vehicles in 50 individual markets and employs approximately 43,000 employees at its wholly owned facilities and consolidated joint ventures and approximately 55,000 people when unconsolidated businesses are included. In addition to Ford Motor Credit Company, Ford Europe operations include Ford Customer Service Division and 14 manufacturing facilities (10 wholly owned facilities and four unconsolidated joint venture facilities). The first Ford cars were shipped to Europe in 1903 – the same year Ford Motor Company was founded. European production started in 1911.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
- 2020 Toyota Yaris GR (Circuit Pack) – Just 29 miles from new
- 2020 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Pro – One owner from new
The lot list for Classic Car Auctions sale on Saturday 25th September is rapidly increasing with new entries going live weekly.
This is set to be a standout catalogue with a number of unrepeatable examples confirmed including a 2020 Toyota Yaris GR (Circuit Park) and a 2020 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Pro.
Confirmed for the auction is this 2020 Toyota Yaris GR (Circuit Pack). This sparkling, Flame Red Yaris GR has covered just 29 miles from new and Classic Car Auctions are delighted to be offering such an unrepeatable example in their next sale. With a six-speed manual gearbox and four-wheel drive, this gleaming example dates from December 2020 with a massive standard specification. Fitted with the Circuit Pack which includes 18” BBS forged alloy wheels, red brake calipers and much more, Classic Car Auctions have sensibly guided this truly exceptional example at £28,000 – £34,000.
Gary Dunne, CCA’s Sales Manager commented “Our lot list is rapidly growing by the week, and we are delighted with the examples that are already confirmed. Our auctions have fully resumed as events, meaning our customers benefit from in-person inspections, bidding in the room and having our team of experts on hand to chat to – whether they are buying or selling. There is still time to submit your entry before the catalogue closes on Sunday 5th September so get in touch by calling 01926 640888.”
Another truly unmissable car going under the hammer at our sale is this 2020 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Pro. This is a fifth-generation 3-litre Supra in GR-Pro spec which has covered just 2,384 miles in the careful hands of its only owner. Designed in collaboration with BMW and built by Magna Steyr in Austria – this is the first time a Supra has been built outside Japan. This immaculate example was first registered in January 2020 and is finished in Downshift Blue with a black interior and was ordered in GR Supra Pro-spec which includes 19″ black and silver forged alloy wheels (5-double-spoke) and much more. Estimated at £35,000 – £40,000.
There are many more examples now live on Classic Car Auctions website now. To submit an entry alongside the examples previewed above, please contact Classic Car Auctions today on 01926 640888 or email enquiries@classiccarauctions.co.uk to ensure you don’t miss out.
Images
2020 Toyota Yaris GR (Circuit Pack)
2020 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 Pro
Forthcoming Auctions
Saturday 25th September – The Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show Sale
Saturday 11th December – The December Sale
Links
Website: http://www.classiccarauctions.co.uk
Twitter: www.twitter.com/classiccarauc
Facebook: www.facebook.com/classiccarauc
by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
- New Range Rover Sport SVR Ultimate edition adds SV Bespoke exclusivity to 575PS high-performance flagship – the fastest and most powerful SUV available from Land Rover
- New Ultimate edition is available in three paint colours: exclusive Maya Blue Gloss or Marl Grey Gloss, featuring spectacular glass flake base coats for an intense star-like sparkle, or stealthy Satin-finished Ligurian Black
- Contrasting Fuji White details extend to the side vents and edges of the Gloss Black knurled Range Rover lettering on the tailgate and body-coloured vented carbon fibre bonnet
- Further exterior enhancements include a Narvik Black contrast roof, Gloss Black 22-inch five split-spoke forged alloy wheels and black brake calipers
- Interior features an SV Bespoke Ultimate edition commissioning plaque, chrome SV Bespoke B-pillar badges, illuminated Ultimate edition treadplates, and black anodised metal gearshift paddles
- Ultimate edition will debut on the Special Vehicle Operations stand at Salon Privé, Blenheim Palace, UK, on September 1-5
- Range Rover Sport SVR Ultimate edition is now available to order via Land Rover Retailers worldwide, priced from £123,900 in the UK. Visit: www.landrover.co.uk/svo
- Prospective customers for Land Rover SV Bespoke services are invited to discuss their requirements with SV Bespoke’s personalisation experts at Salon Privé or via their local Land Rover retailer
Range Rover Sport SVR Ultimate edition from SV Bespoke enhances Land Rover’s fastest and most powerful SUV with exclusive colour combinations and detailing
Special Vehicle Operations has launched a special edition Range Rover Sport SVR with spectacular new solid glass flake paintwork options for the first time.
Featuring a selection of exclusive paint colour combinations and tailored interior detailing by the SV Bespoke vehicle personalisation team, the 575PS Range Rover Sport SVR Ultimate edition enhances the visual appeal of the fastest and most powerful vehicle in the Land Rover family.
Three hand-finished exterior paint choices include new Maya Blue Gloss and Marl Grey Gloss colours, both of which are exclusive to the Ultimate edition. Delicate and highly reflective fine white glass flake particles in the solid base coat give an intense star-like sparkle. A third option, for a more stealthy look, is Ligurian Black Satin. Each colour features a Narvik Black contrast roof.
The SV Bespoke team’s attention to detail extends to Black knurled Range Rover lettering on the bonnet and tailgate, with exclusive contrasting Fuji White edging which is also used for side fender accents.
A body-coloured carbon fibre vented bonnet, 22-inch five split-spoke forged alloy wheels and black brake calipers reinforce the Ultimate edition’s strong presence, complementing the SVR’s Narvik Black contrast roof, door mirror caps, front grilles and grille surrounds, front wing detail and tailgate finishers.
Range Rover Sport SVR is the fastest, most powerful and most dynamic Land Rover ever produced. Now in its second generation, the current model is powered by a 575PS version of the 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine, which produces 700Nm of torque – sufficient to power the SVR from 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds (0-100km/h in just 4.5 seconds) and a top speed of 176mph (283 km/h).
Mark Turner, Commercial Director, Land Rover SV Bespoke, said: “Range Rover Sport SVR redefined Land Rover high-performance capability when it was introduced in 2014. We’ve sold more than 20,000 examples to date and demand for the SVR’s characterful mix of power, luxury and thrilling dynamics continues to grow every year. The SV Bespoke personalisation features of this Ultimate edition elevate its appeal even further.”
The craftsmanship of the SV Bespoke team is also evident inside. Specially commissioned chrome-finished SV Bespoke B-pillar badges, black anodised metal gearshift paddles and Ultimate edition illuminated treadplates enhance the recommended Ebony and Cirrus interior, which incorporates SVR-embossed lightweight Performance Seats in Windsor leather and contrasting Suedecloth.
Hannah Custance, Design Manager, SV Colour and Materials, said: “Our SV Bespoke design team is always pushing the boundaries to create stunning vehicle colours with enhanced individuality. This is the first SV Bespoke edition we’ve offered with beautifully textured and reflective glass flake paint finishes, which puts the Range Rover Sport SVR Ultimate edition at the forefront of our innovative approach to personalisation.”
The new SVR Ultimate Edition will make its public debut on the Special Vehicle Operations stand at Salon Privé, Blenheim Palace on September 1-5, following global order books opening on August 24.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
- Long-term partnership announced with specialist insurance broker Lockton
- 2021 Club Trophy will have more car clubs than ever before
- Anniversary celebrations include 50 years of Maserati Bora, Lamborghini Countach and Ferrari 365 GT/4 B
Having welcomed more than 1,000 cars in 2020, the Salon Privé Club Trophy presented by Lockton is set to return to Blenheim Palace on Saturday 4 September as part of Salon Privé Week.
The UK’s most prestigious car clubs come together in majestic surroundings, and this year there will more of them than ever before.
The 2021 Club Trophy is particularly significant because Salon Privé has announced a long-term partnership with Lockton, whose Private Clients and Performance division specialises in arranging insurance for prestige marques such as Bentley, Porsche, Aston Martin and Ferrari.
‘The Salon Privé Club Trophy is the perfect event for us to partner with,’ said Rachel Gilliam, Partner and Head of Lockton Private Clients. ‘We share a passion for all things automotive, and seeing those great cars against the backdrop of Blenheim Palace, and meeting their enthusiastic and knowledgeable owners, will make for a truly memorable day.’
A number of significant anniversaries will be celebrated this year, including half-centuries for three Italian greats. The Lamborghini Countach stunned the world when it was first shown as the LP500 concept at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show, and although it didn’t go into production until 1974, the Bertone-styled sensation went on to become the ultimate ‘pin-up’ supercar.
It shares an anniversary with the Ferrari 365 GT/4 BB, which was introduced at the 1971 Turin Motor Show. Its use of a mid-mounted flat-12 engine was a radical departure for Ferrari road cars at that time, and marked the beginning of a line that would continue into the Testarossa during the 1980s.
The last of the ‘Italians at 50’ is the Maserati Bora. The Giorgetto Giugiaro design was the Modena-based marque’s first mid-engined car, and fewer than 600 were built between its launch in 1971 and the end of production in 1978.
Other milestones being celebrated during the Salon Privé Club Trophy presented by Lockton include 70 years of the Jaguar C-type, 40 years of the Lotus Esprit Turbo, and 20 years of the Aston Martin Vanquish. The iconic Jaguar E-type, meanwhile, is 60 years old in 2021, and Salon Privé will honour this most beautiful of automotive designs with a series of special events across the week.
There will be a Manufacturer’s Award and a Secretary’s Award for each club, with the top prize going to the most exceptional car in attendance, as shortlisted by the club judges and manufacturers. The awards conclude with a grand parade of the winning cars.
Salon Privé Director David Bagley said: ‘The Club Trophy is always an enjoyable part of Salon Privé Week, and we’re delighted to announce our long-term partnership with Lockton. This year’s event will be even more exclusive than in previous years – attendance will be limited to owners of a model from one of the selected marque clubs. It should make for a very special atmosphere.’
After experiencing the spectacle in the club paddocks, guests can explore the South Lawn. There they will find some of the most experienced and knowledgeable specialists and restorers in the UK, and will be able to enjoy unrivalled access to the automotive industry’s latest releases. There’s also a brand-new feature for 2021 in the shape of the Red Collection, a carefully curated set of cars that will be unveiled on Wednesday 1 September. The line-up will include the 1933 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Monza Zagato Spider that won last year’s Best of Show in the Concours d’Elégance.
With a full programme of events, this year’s Salon Privé Week is set to be the ultimate end-of-summer motoring garden party. Whether you’re looking to get close to some of the world’s finest cars, enjoy the latest designs from leading watchmakers in Salon Privé TIME, or be surrounded by retail therapy courtesy of the most luxurious international brands, Salon Privé has something for everyone.
Now in its 16th year, Salon Privé Week is a must-attend series of events for any car enthusiast or aficionado. A Partner Concours to the Peninsula Classics’ Best of the Best Award, Salon Privé is now recognised as one of the top events in the world alongside Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Held annually within the grounds of Blenheim Palace, Salon Privé is firmly established as the UK’s most exclusive automotive event.
Salon Privé Week 2021
1 September – Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance presented by Aviva
2 September – Salon Privé Concours d’Elégance presented by Aviva
3 September – Salon Privé Ladies’ Day presented by Boodles
4 September – Salon Privé Club Trophy presented by Lockton
5 September – Salon Privé Classic & Supercar
Tickets can be purchased via the website www.salonpriveconcours.com or by calling the Ticket Hotline: 0808 100 2205.
Charity Partner
Salon Privé is proud to once again have Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity as its charity partner. The organisation provides emotional and practical support to families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness, and thanks to the generation donations of guests and Concours entrants, the event has so far raised in excess of £1.1 million for these great causes.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
- Twin motors boost power output to 195kW (265PS) – the most powerful Enyaq iV to date
- 82kWh battery (77kWh net) delivers WLTP range of 303 miles
- 125kW DC rapid charging as standard – charging to 80% in just 38 minutes
- Priced from £46,610 OTR – available to order now
ŠKODA is expanding its acclaimed Enyaq iV electric SUV line-up with the arrival of a new, all-wheel-drive 80x SportLine model. Priced from £46,610, the new model is also the most powerful Enyaq iV to date with an output of 195kW (265PS).
The 80x SportLine is fitted with a second electric motor that drives the front axle. The combined 195kW output of the front and rear motors means that the newest addition to the Enyaq iV range is also the fastest with a 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds. The 80x model also delivers significantly more torque than the standard rear-wheel drive SportLine model thanks to its twin motor arrangement. The combined torque figure for the 80x SportLine is 425Nm, which provides exceptional levels of agility and acceleration.
In terms of power consumption and range, the 80x SportLine has a WLTP range figure of 303 miles. Official consumption is 3.5 miles per kWh under WLTP test conditions. 80x SportLine models are equipped with 125kW rapid charging capability as standard, which means the newcomer can charge from 0-80% in as little as 38 minutes when connected to a 150kW+ DC rapid charger. A charge from empty to full will take around 13 hours on a domestic wallbox with an output of 7.2kW.
Like the rear-wheel drive model, 80x SportLine is equipped with a sports chassis set up as standard. This features a lower ride height (15mm lower at the front, 10mm at the rear) that reduces the centre of gravity for even more agile handling. Drive Mode Select and progressive steering are also standard while Dynamic Chassis Control is available as an option.
The Enyaq iV 80x SportLine comes with full LED Matrix headlights as standard. Each Matrix high beam module features 24 LEDs, which can be controlled individually and enable the driver to have the high beam on at all times without dazzling other road users. This intelligent technology automatically turns off individual segments of the light beam when the camera on the windscreen detects vehicles, as well as people and objects, reflecting the light.
Inside, the 80x SportLine’s upholstery and roof lining are predominantly black. The dashboard is upholstered in a black synthetic leather with grey contrasting stitching and features carbon-effect trims, which provide visual highlights and can also be found on the door panels.
The SportLine Design Selection also includes unique black sports seats with integrated headrests. These are upholstered in Alcantara/Leather and feature grey piping. A three-spoke multifunction leather sports steering wheel comes as standard and allows numerous vehicle functions to be controlled from its buttons and knurled wheels. The leather-covered steering wheel rim features grey contrast stitching, while the lower spoke has a badge bearing the SportLine lettering.
The 80x SportLine is priced from £46,610 OTR and available to order now. First deliveries are expected later this year.
