The UK’s largest independent road safety charity is urging the police to take notice of UK motorists who are calling for them to better utilise equipment already available for speed detection to ensure vehicles have valid insurance, MOT and Vehicle Excise Duty (often referred to as road tax).
The findings come from new research conducted by IAM RoadSmart, which has revealed that nine-in-ten (90 per cent) motorists, who were surveyed as part of the charity’s annual Safety Culture Report, backed the idea that speed cameras should also be used to catch drivers who are flouting these motoring violations.
Estimates suggest that someone is injured every 20 minutes on UK roads by an uninsured driver* and that more than a quarter of motorists don’t even know when their vehicle’s next MOT is due, while there’s around 630,000 unlicenced vehicles in the UK.
Neil Greig, IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy & Research, said: “These results paint a very clear picture. Law-abiding motorists are in favour of the police using existing equipment to help make our roads safer by catching motorists who think the rules don’t apply to them.
“Of course, the primary purpose of catching speeding motorists is paramount but it should not be overlooked the suffering that drivers of vehicles which are uninsured, unlicenced and without a valid MOT can cause other road users.”
Meanwhile, further findings from the in-depth research of motorist attitudes by IAM RoadSmart discovered that an overwhelming majority, (82 per cent), also supported using cameras to automatically fine drivers who run red lights in urban areas.
The research also found that 80 per cent of motorists were in favour of using cameras to automatically fine drivers who drive more than 10mph over the speed limit on residential streets.
Neil added: “There is no excuse for speeding, driving uninsured, unlicenced or without a valid MOT. If speed camera partnerships are issuing speeding tickets they should also follow up on a wider range of offences and this is backed by the vast majority of drivers. Getting law breakers off our roads could significantly help reduce the number of casualties caused by motorists with no regard for their motoring responsibilities.”
It combines trailblazing design and modern luxury with the latest innovations in automated driving, operation, connectivity and digital services. The BMW Group’s new technology flagship focuses on both locally emission-free driving pleasure – combined with the brand’s hallmark sporting ability, efficiency and convincing operating range – and an unwavering, integrated approach to sustainability applied from the ground up.
The most exacting environmental compatibility requirements have been put in place throughout the value chain and for the full life cycle of the BMW iX. The car is currently in the final phase of its series development. At market launch – which will get underway at the end of 2021 – customers will be able to choose from two model variants: the BMW iX xDrive50 and BMW iX xDrive40.
The BMW iX redefines the successful Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) concept. It is the first model based on a new, modular, scalable toolkit on which the future of the BMW Group will be built. The development and production of the BMW iX follow an all-encompassing approach to sustainability involving compliance with strict environmental and social standards in the extraction of raw materials, plus the use of electricity from renewable sources and a high proportion of recycled materials in the mix. The resulting carbon footprint is stated in a validation document endorsed by independent auditors. The certificate for the BMW iX xDrive40, for instance, shows its global warming potential is around 45 per cent lower than that of a Sports Activity Vehicle with a comparable diesel engine over 125,000 miles of use.
“Technology is driving the advances we need to tackle even the greatest challenges. This applies in particular to climate protection,” says Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “We are in no doubt: mobility has to be sustainable if it is to represent a truly outstanding solution. For the BMW Group, premium mobility is not possible without responsibility.”
“We made a promise and we will deliver on that promise: the market launch of the BMW iX will get underway at the end of this year with a two-pronged approach – in the form of the BMW iX xDrive40 and BMW iX xDrive50,” says Pieter Nota, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Customer, Brands and Sales.
“We have already set out the pricing: For example, the BMW iX xDrive40 will start at 77,300 EUR [£69,000 RRP in the UK], which puts it at the level of a comparable BMW X5 with conventional combustion engine. Plus, our customers will now benefit from new additions to the range of vehicle functions that can be uploaded to their cars during ownership, and enjoy a seamless and extremely customer-oriented configuration process with personalised products and services.
Monitored raw materials production, across-the-board green power for manufacturing, high proportion of natural and recycled materials.The BMW Group procures the cobalt and lithium required for the high-voltage batteries from controlled sources in Australia and Morocco, before supplying them to the battery cell manufacturers. As in the production of the overall vehicle at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, the battery cells are manufactured using exclusively green power from certified sources. And since February 2021 the company has bought in aluminium manufactured using electricity from solar energy plants. The importance placed on conserving resources in the production of the BMW iX is highlighted by the high proportion of secondary aluminium and recycled plastic used. The car’s interior features FSC-certified wood, leather tanned with olive leaf extracts and other natural materials. Among the raw materials used for the floor coverings and mats are recovered fishing nets.
“Rather than simply passing responsibility on to the supplier network, we take responsibility together with our direct suppliers,” explains Dr Andreas Wendt, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Purchasing and Supplier Network. “In so doing, we tap into our many years of experience and create processes for attaining greater transparency and traceability.”
Electric motors: enhancing dynamism, reducing the use of critical materials.Added to which, the electric motors for the BMW iX are marked out by a design which enables the use of rare earths to be avoided. They work according to the principle of a current-excited synchronous motor.
The excitation of the rotor in the BMW iX motors is not induced by fixed permanent magnets, but the feed-in of electric energy. This removes the need for the critical materials used to manufacture magnets, and the BMW Group is therefore not reliant on their availability.
This special design also has a positive effect on the motors’ performance characteristics. The precisely controlled excitation of the rotor using electric power enables peak torque to be on tap in full immediately on pulling away. And – unlike with electric motors of conventional design – that torque is maintained over an extremely broad rev band. The defining trait of the driving experience on board the BMW iX is, then, power development that is not only lightning fast but also unusually consistent, underscoring the car’s brand-typical sporting excellence.
In the BMW iX xDrive50, the drive system – which features one electric motor on the front axle and another at the rear axle – produces total output of over 370 kW/500 hp and enables acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under 5.0 seconds. The BMW iX xDrive40 has an output of more than 240 kW/300 hp, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in a shade over 6.0 seconds.
Efficient drive system and the latest battery technology increase range.The electric motor, transmission and power electronics of the BMW iX come together as a highly integrated package within a single housing. This compact construction also benefits the drive system’s efficiency. Indeed, further boosted by optimised aerodynamics and intelligent lightweight design, the BMW iX posts standout efficiency for its segment. The result is average electric power consumption in the WLTP cycle of less than 21 kWh per 62 miles for the BMW iX xDrive50 and under 20 kWh per 62 miles in the case of the BMW iX xDrive40.
Like the electric motors, power electronics and charging technology for the BMW iX, its high-voltage batteries are also the product of fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology.
They are positioned low down in the vehicle floor as an integral component of the body. The gravimetric energy density of the lithium-ion batteries has been increased by around 20 per cent again over the previous-generation battery.
The battery cells are manufactured according to precise specifications from the BMW Group and integrated into model-specific high-voltage batteries. The BMW iX xDrive50 is therefore fitted with a battery with a gross energy content of over 100 kWh at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing, while the battery unit for the BMW iX xDrive40 has a gross energy content of more than 70 kWh. This gives the BMW iX xDrive50 a range in excess of 373 miles in the WLTP test cycle. And the WLTP-calculated range of the BMW iX xDrive40 is more than 249 miles. (All figures relating to performance, energy consumption and range are predicted values based on the car’s current stage of development.)
The new charging technology of the BMW iX enables DC (direct current) fast charging with extremely high charging power. The BMW iX xDrive50 can replenish its high-voltage battery at up to 200 kW, while the maximum charging capacity of the BMW iX xDrive40 is 150 kW. All of which means that a ten-minute plug-in time provides sufficient energy to add more than 75 miles / 56 miles of range. In both model variants, the high-voltage battery’s charge can be increased from 10 to 80 per cent of its full capacity in under 40 minutes.
New technology toolkit underpins further advances towards automated driving.The new technology toolkit making its debut in the BMW iX also provides the platform for significant progress in the areas of automated driving and digital services. For example, the level of computing power has been developed to process 20 times the data volume of previous models. As a result, around double the amount of data from vehicle sensors can be processed than was previously possible.
“We are setting new industry standards with the technology in the BMW iX. The iX has more computing power for data processing and more powerful sensor technology than the newest vehicles in our current line-up, is 5G-capable, will be given new and improved automated driving and parking functions and uses the high-performing fifth generation of our electric drive system,” says Frank Weber, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development.
Fresh design for a new driving experience. The BMW iX is leading the way for a future generation of cars with which the company is redefining sustainability, driving pleasure and what it means to be premium. This trailblazing character is clearly expressed in the car’s design, which has been developed from the inside out. The BMW iX has therefore been created to provide quality of life and wellbeing for drivers and passengers.
The clear and minimalist design of its exterior showcases a new form of mobility geared squarely to the needs of the vehicle’s occupants. Its interior offers those on board innovative options for using the time during a journey – and enjoying relaxation, safety, security, and a new form of luxury in the process.
“The BMW iX shows how we can give new technologies a very modern and emotional design. The car is technologically complex, but it feels very clear and uncomplicated,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “The BMW iX offers a mobile living space in which people will feel at ease, where the car’s intelligence is only there when you need it.”
McLaren Customer Racing has confirmed that an unrestricted version of its 720S GT3 race car, the 720S GT3X, is available to order through the McLaren Motorsport Retailer Network.
Designed and developed in-house by the motorsport arm of McLaren Automotive, the GT3X is for track use only but is not homologated for any racing class or championship. Without the need to comply with competition regulations, increased levels of power and performance have allowed McLaren Customer Racing to further exploit the chassis and aerodynamic characteristics of its latest-specification, race-winning 720S GT3 to optimise circuit driving enjoyment.
Pioneering in the field of lightweight and safety in motorsport, McLaren introduced the first all-carbon fibre chassis to Formula 1 in 1981 with the McLaren MP4/1. Since then, carbon fibre has been at the core of every McLaren and the 720S GT3X features the MonoCage II chassis that provides a strong, light and safe environment for its occupants.
Performance comes from a hand-built 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine, optimised to combine features from the 720S road car and the 720S GT3 race car. Coupled to a six-speed sequential motorsport transmission, a unique version of the M840T engine features a blueprinted cylinder head, strengthened pistons, ‘Diamond Like Carbon’ (DLC) coating and a lightweight performance exhaust system. The track-focused components and systems deliver the same 720PS (710bhp) as the road car, with a further 30PS (30bhp) boost function available to the driver through a steering wheel-mounted ‘push-to-pass’ button.
The lightweight 720S GT3X tips the scales at just 1,210kg (2,668lbs) and displays the extreme weight-saving efforts that have been taken into consideration to remove all non-essential or luxury items where possible, leaving the driver with just what they need to extract the best performance. Each of these measures combine to give the 720S GT3X a power-to-weight ratio of 620PS*-per-tonne.
The development programme has seen a focus on pure engineering, innovative aerodynamics and efficient design, with thousands of track kilometres covered across Europe and the Middle East. Freed from sporting regulations, the 720S GT3X is a performance-optimised version of the already-bespoke GT3 race car, with the bodywork’s flowing lines developed using ‘Computational Fluid Dynamics’ (CFD) and Formula 1 wind tunnel technology. The aerodynamically sculpted shape is hand-finished in metallic MSO Carbon Black paint. A refined pinstripe in heritage McLaren Orange – a nod to the historic race-winning McLaren Formula 1 cars of the 1960s – accentuates the lower edges of the ground-hugging body shape and the outer rim of the gloss black centre-locking wheel rims, while an ‘X’ graphic stretches across the upper canopy.
The stripped-out cabin features extensive use of lightweight carbon fibre and is designed around outright track performance and functionality. A carbon fibre and Kevlar FIA-approved race seat hugs the driver, while the pedal box and steering wheel adjust to ensure the perfect driving position. The ergonomically-designed race steering wheel is fitted with all key functions via intuitive rotary switches and buttons meaning everything is at the driver’s fingertips. Thrill-seeking friends can also experience the speeds and exhilaration of being on a track as the interior of the 720S GT3X has been designed to accommodate a fully safety-compliant race seat on the passenger side of the cabin, complete with six-point race harness. Modifications over the race car include a revised design to the roll-cage to accommodate a passenger without compromising on safety and enhanced crash structures around the occupant safety cell.
In addition to delivering a new type of performance on the track, the 720S GT3X delivers a new level of ownership experience. As part of the purchase and ownership package, McLaren Automotive can provide dedicated technical track support for each owner. This programme is carried out by the customer support engineers from the in-house McLaren Customer Racing division – the team that has designed and developed the model alongside the 720S GT3 global customer race program.
“Due to GT3 balance of performance requirements, the 720S GT3 car has to run with a considerably reduced power output than the road-going 720S Spider and Coupe variants. The brief for the GT3X project was to unleash the full potential of the 720S GT3 car using a massively increased power output to fully exploit the aerodynamics and chassis dynamics of the car. Additionally, the car is now able to carry passengers for the first time, thanks to the re-design of a new bespoke roll-cage and passenger seat installation. Brake cooling has also been improved to cope with the additional demands of increased speed and the mass of a passenger.
The 720S GT3X now offers a unique opportunity to experience a fully-fledged GT3 car. The lap time is significantly reduced from the GT3 benchmark through both the huge standard power increase and the additional 30bhp from the push-to-pass button. The end result is a car that offers a truly unique experience.” Ian Morgan, Director, McLaren Customer Racing
The 720S GT3X is available to order now from the 11 official McLaren Motorsport Retailers worldwide: McLaren Glasgow, McLaren Zurich, McLaren Frankfurt, McLaren Beverly Hills, McLaren Houston, McLaren Newport Beach, McLaren Philadelphia, McLaren San Francisco, McLaren Toronto, McLaren Auckland and McLaren Melbourne. Each retailer can also offer technical and servicing support for the track-only model.
Rob Bell, McLaren Factory Driver, demonstrates the capabilities of the McLaren 720S GT3X on the Portimao Circuit, and can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmY6xYe_BM4
The Warwickshire Collection Part 3 forms part of Classic Car Auctions Spring Live Online Auction, which is just over a week away, taking place on Friday 26th March. The Classic Car Sale will commence at 11am, followed by this collection at 3pm. Classic Car Auctions have now closed their catalogue.
One special car in the private collection is the 1983 Jaguar XJ-S HE 5.3 Lynx Eventer. This example is finished in a beautiful Silver Green with Dark Chocolate leather upholstery and the condition of paint indicates professional respray. The car shows 34,674 unwarranted miles and was once an award winner at Salon Privé 2012 Concours. Classic Car Auctions suggest an element of recommissioning is to be expected prior to the car returning to the road.
Another car included within the private collection is this 1972 Daimler Double-Six Series 1. With six former keepers, it is one of only 534 Series 1 cars with very few left. Presented in a gleaming Sable Brown with a Cinnamon interior and a period Webasto roof – this example is also supplied with a Heritage Certificate and history.
Gary Dunne, CCA’s Sales Manager commented “We are extremely delighted to have the opportunity to offer this significant private collection. It features some interesting examples which are offered without reserve, so this collection is not to be missed. It is such a privilege to be offering the private collection again after selling Part II and our sister company, Silverstone Auctions, selling Part I last year”.
Offered without a reserve is this striking Sapphire Blue 1994 Daimler Majestic (XJ40). This very rare example is just one of 121 that were stretched by Project Aerospace in Coventry and then fitted out by Jaguar SVO. The car has a raised roof with a beautiful limousine-style interior in Ivory with picnic tables and individual rear seats. With a lovely history and 39,025 miles (when tested in 2018) Classic Car Auctions are proud to be offering this in their collection.
The last of four cars to be previewed from this private collection is this 1993 Jaguar XJS 5.3 Auto Convertible. The car is accompanied by an original handbook pack, stamped service book and a history file. Presented in a stunning Westminster blue, the car was last serviced in July 2004 and is showing 34,708 miles after being supplied new by St Helier Garages.
There is just one more week to view the Classic Car Auctions lots prior to the auction. Virtual viewings are by appointment only; to reserve your slot please contact the team on 01926 640888. To register to bid, you will be able to do this online with either Proxibid or The Saleroom, on the phone or via commission. Classic Car Auctions recommend that you complete the process at least 48 hours before the auction.
Five new ultra-limited RS edition models pay homage to celebrated 1994 Avant RS 2 and its bold Nogaro Blue colour
New Audi Sport Nogaro Edition versions of TT RS Coupé, RS 4 Avant, RS 5 Coupé and Sportback and RS 6 Avant
Ultra-limited editions finished in classic Nogaro Blue – just 25 UK specification examples of each
Now available in the UK – OTR prices from £67,765 to £115,240*
Exclusive fixed specification combines exterior and interior detail enhancements with additional equipment including Audi Sport exhaust and Bang & Olufsen audio
It has demanded attention from behind an RS badge since 1994, and thanks to a new five-strong collection of ultra-limited edition Audi Sport road cars all eyes will again be on the fittingly intense shade of blue that perfectly set the tone for the genre-defining Avant RS 2 almost three decades ago.
Nogaro Blue, named after a French race circuit with Grand Prix pedigree, has become something of a hallmark of Audi Sport. To acknowledge its place in the high performance division‘s colourful history the evocative hue forms the basis of new Audi Sport Nogaro Edition versions of the RS 4 Avant, RS 5 Coupé, RS 5 Sportback, RS 6 Avant and TT RS Coupé. Limited to just 25 UK specification examples apiece, and priced from £67,765 OTR, the very special editions feature an exclusive and exceptionally comprehensive fixed specification, and are now available in the UK for Audi devotees who are sufficiently quick off the mark.
“The Avant RS 2 established the concept of the very high performance estate that remains incredibly popular with Audi Sport customers to this day, and that vivid Nogaro Blue paint finish certainly helped the new genre make an impact,“ commented Director of Audi UK Andrew Doyle. “Here, it has the same effect on five already truly exceptional descendants of that original car, which also gain a particularly impressive specification as part of the Nogaro Edition upgrade. For a lucky few, they offer awe-inspiring Audi Sport pace in an even more desirable and exclusive package.“
In the TT RS, RS 4 Avant and RS 5 Audi Sport Nogaro Edition models the famous pearl effect paint finish is complemented by alloy wheels with a 20-inch diameter, the TT RS Coupé featuring a seven-spoke Rotor design and the RS 4 Avant and RS 5 Coupé and Sportback a five-arm flag style. Imposing 22-inch wheels with a black gloss turned finish mark out the RS 6 Avant Audi Sport Nogaro Edition. All are finished in black and combined with red brake calipers carrying the RS logo.
Also common to all Audi Sport Nogaro Edition models is a styling package that trims various elements such as the front spoiler and the side sill and rear diffuser inserts in matt aluminium, and finishes others, including the door mirrors, the Audi rings and the RS badging in gloss black. The twin oval exhaust tailpipes that are a longstanding RS trademark also appear in black in all cases, signifying the presence of the upgraded Audi Sport exhaust system that provides additional aural impact as part of the package.
Inside, Denim blue stitching edging the fine Nappa leather or Valcona leather-upholstered seats, centre console, instrument cover, steering wheel and floor mats subtly references the Nogaro theme. It also lends a more bespoke air that is heightened by additional leather trim elements covering areas such as the upper instrument panel, door shoulders and centre console, and by an Alcantara finish for the steering wheel and gear lever. The driving environment is also enhanced in every case by a Comfort and Sound pack that adds Bang & Olufsen audio, a 360-degree or rear-specific camera depending on model and the Advanced Key access and authorisation system incorporating hands-free electric tailgate opening.
The 1994 RS 2 Avant from which the new Audi Sport Nogaro Edition models draw inspiration was powered by a 2.2-litre turbocharged five-cylinder petrol engine delivering 315PS, an output which remains competitive to this day. Its DNA lives on in the 2.5-litre five-cylinder TFSI engine which endows the TT RS Coupé Audi Sport Nogaro Edition with 400PS and the potential to touch 62mph from a standing start in just 3.7 seconds.
A six-cylinder engine sits at the heart of the RS 4 and RS 5 Audi Sport Nogaro Edition models. The 2.9-litre V6 TFSI is good for 450PS and a 4.1-second 0-62mph sprint time in the RS 4 Avant and enables the RS 5 Coupé and Sportback to complete the sprint in 3.9 seconds. Last, but emphatically never least, comes the RS 6 Avant Audi Sport Nogaro Edition with its twin-turbo V8 TFSI and crushing 600PS output – this eight-cylinder titan is appropriately the most explosive off the line, reaching 62mph in just 3.6 seconds.
The Audi Sport Nogaro Editions – UK OTR pricing (*valid as at March 1, 2021)
TT RS Coupé Audi Sport Nogaro Edition RS 4 Avant Audi Sport Nogaro Edition RS 5 Coupé Audi Sport Nogaro Edition RS 5 Sportback Audi Sport Nogaro Edition RS 6 Avant Audi Sport Nogaro Edition
