by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
The world’s oldest surviving automotive brand is reaffirming its personality and character with a new logo. It is starting a new chapter of history.
PEUGEOT New Brand Identity
PEUGEOT has launched a new logo and brand identity in only the 11th update to its iconic lion emblem since 1850. Created by the PEUGEOT Design Lab and featuring a roaring lion’s head inside a coat of arms, the new design is part of PEUGEOT’s latest brand identity developed around the concept of ‘time’ and living in the moment.
The new visual language reflects PEUGEOT’s bold electrification strategy and its desire to enhance the ownership experience through pioneering new technologies.
The new PEUGEOT logo features an all-new take on the iconic PEUGEOT lion, with a roaring lion’s head inside a new PEUGEOT coat of arms. The emblem has been created to acknowledge PEUGEOT’s evolution as a brand, its innovative and successful model line-up and its continuing transition to electrification, having committed to offering an electrified variant across its entire model line-up by 2025.
The new look will be accompanied by an international campaign and new-look website, as well as a new lifestyle collection of clothing and accessories later this year. The new logo also showcases PEUGEOT as a timeless brand, celebrating its more than 210-year history, while also looking to the future, towards new technologies and innovations provided by the new Stellantis partnership.
The logo has been designed to last and will feature proudly across all new models, starting with the all-new PEUGEOT 308, which will make its world premiere later this year.
Julie David, Managing Director, PEUGEOT UK, said: “A new logo and brand identity are significant developments for any marque, let alone PEUGEOT, who has a history spanning more than 210 years. The new logo reflects our changing model line-up and new philosophy around living in the moment, and we are very excited to showcase both the logo and the brand identity to our customers this year.”
The new brand identity celebrates the concept of ‘time’ and living in the moment. Time is an increasingly rare commodity in today’s world and PEUGEOT is looking to help people make the most of every day, through new technologies and innovations. It is working to streamline the customer journey, from purchasing their new car to every aspect of driving and owning a vehicle.
The new identity will span everything from retailers and signage to the creation of a new PEUGEOT website that will make interacting with the brand even easier. Already, through its Buy Online platform, customers can configure a new PEUGEOT vehicle, obtain a part exchange valuation, personalise their finance package and complete their purchase online using a laptop, smartphone or tablet, all from the comfort of their own home.
PEUGEOT has produced its first brand campaign in 10 years: THE LIONS OF OUR TIME.
A new ‘LIONS OF OUR TIME’ campaign and new website will launch in March, and will feature both new and existing PEUGEOT customers. The campaign aims to celebrate ‘Today’s Lions’ of all ages and cultures and highlight the value of quality time in our lives.
The international campaign will be followed by a new PEUGEOT lifestyle collection, featuring everything from clothing and leather goods to electronic accessories and stationery. The new collection will echo PEUGEOT’s attention to detail and design when it launches later in the year.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
Motorists can now make an eco-responsible choice, save money and increase range as Michelin’s e.Primacy tyre hits the shelves.
The Michelin e.Primacy was engineered to be carbon neutral at the point of purchase, taking into account emissions from raw material extraction to delivery to the customer.
To achieve this, in addition to efficient manufacturing processes, Michelin has invested in projects that avoid, absorb or offset carbon emissions, including tree replanting and the installation of less energy-intensive cooking equipment in various countries.
Environmental responsibility was at the heart of the design process from day one, resulting in a tyre with the lowest rolling resistance in its category, reduced CO2 emissions and fuel savings for the customer.
Michelin-commissioned tests show that drivers using e.Primacy save around 0.21 litres of fuel per 100kms, and about £70 over the life of the tyre.
The exceptionally low rolling resistance of the Michelin e.Primacy equates to 174kg less CO2 emitted over the life of the tyre, and an increased range of up to seven per cent for electric cars.
Packed with technology – including “energy passive” high elasticity compounds, improved elastomer-filler coupling, thinner top belts, cool-running sidewalls and a hermetic belt to reduce energy loss – the Michelin e.Primacy also delivers exceptional driving performance that’s made to last.
Michelin Group Executive Committee member Scott Clark, said: “This is a world first that will open the way to a new generation of products.
“Environmental issues are central to our strategic priorities. To reduce its environmental footprint more quickly, Michelin has pledged to lower CO2 emissions from all its production facilities by 50 per cent by 2030 compared with 2010, with the ultimate goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
“Michelin is also developing solutions to use renewable or recycled materials to manufacture its tyres, while enhancing their performance even more. By 2030, MICHELIN tyres will be 20 per cent more energy-efficient than they were in 2010.”
The Michelin e.Primacy is available now in a range of sizes, from 15 inches to 20 inches.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
Building on decades of Land Rover V8 heritage, the powerful Defender V8 joins the range of Plug-in Hybrids, and efficient Ingenium petrol and diesel powertrains.
- Defender V8 90 and 110: New 525HP supercharged engine powers fastest and most powerful production Defender ever made; 0-60mph in 4.9 seconds, 149mph top speed (Defender 90)
- Power meets durability: Bespoke chassis settings and transmission tuning combine to make Defender V8 the most capable and dynamic example of Land Rover’s award-winning 4×4
- Potent new flagship: New Limited Edition Defender V8 Carpathian Edition combines the power and capability of Defender V8 with a unique combination of design elements
- New special edition model: New Defender XS Edition replaces the successful First Edition and features unique exterior design enhancements and comprehensive specification
- Height of personalisation: New Bright Pack and Extended Bright Pack options provide even greater scope for customer personalisation across the Defender line-up
- Larger screen: New optional 11.4-inch touchscreen* – over 60% larger than existing 10-inch display – now available for intuitive Pivi Pro infotainment, plus wireless device charging with new signal boosting technology* for enhanced convenience
- Extended family: Defender range offers incredible breadth of choice with 90, 110 and Hard Top derivatives, petrol and diesel engines, and a Plug-in Hybrid capable of 27 miles** of EV driving
- Choose your model: Defender 90 Hard Top priced from £36,886 OTR (plus VAT), 90 bodystyle from £44,825 and 110 from £46,215 OTR in the UK. Find out more at www.landrover.co.uk/Defender
Land Rover has launched the powerful Defender V8 as part of a range of enhancements to its unstoppable and award-winning 4×4 family. The new 525HP Defender V8 and flagship Defender V8 Carpathian Edition provide a unique combination of performance and capability, with bespoke chassis settings delivering new levels of driver engagement and agility both on and off-road.
The powerful new models build on decades of Land Rover V8 heritage – spanning the original Stage I V8 of the Seventies, North American Specification models of the Nineties and powerful Defender Works V8 – as the characterful engine joins the latest range of efficient Ingenium petrol, diesel and advanced Plug-in Hybrid Land Rover powertrains.
The V8 petrol engine isn’t the only introduction. There’s also a new XS Edition, fresh exterior design packs that provide greater personalisation potential and an optional larger 11.4-inch Pivi Pro infotainment touchscreen.
Defender V8 builds on the rugged 4×4’s class-leading capability, delivering new levels of performance and driver engagement by combining a powerful 525HP 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol engine with expertly developed suspension and transmission tuning to create the fastest and most dynamically rewarding Defender yet.
The exclusive new Carpathian Edition is based on the Defender V8 and represents the ultimate expression of Defender design, performance and capability, while a new XS Edition replaces the hugely successful First Edition and combines bespoke design and specification enhancements inside and out.
Defender’s personalisation potential has also been expanded with the introduction of new exterior packs. The Bright Pack, Extended Bright Pack and Extended Black Pack feature bespoke exterior trim to enhance Defender’s unmistakable silhouette.
Heightened connectivity is also part of the updates. Defender’s state-of-the-art Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment is now available with a range of desirable new features, including the option of a larger 11.4-inch touchscreen display*. Wireless device charging with integrated signal booster is now included in the Comfort and Convenience Pack for improved convenience and call quality.
David Hemming, Chief Product Engineer, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “The introduction of our V8 powertrain adds a new dimension of driving engagement and off-road capability to Defender. Fast and fun to drive, it represents the pinnacle of the Defender family and is as rewarding on the road as it is capable off it. We’ve also broadened the appeal of the entire Defender line-up with new derivatives, option packs and enhanced connectivity, so there really is a Defender for everyone.”
New Defender V8
New Defender V8 is the ultimate expression of Land Rover’s toughest 4×4 and recalls the rich heritage of eight-cylinder Land Rovers dating back to the 1970s. The potent new V8 supercharged engine is available in both 90 and 110 body designs and delivers elevated performance and driver engagement without compromising Defender’s unstoppable capability.
With unique suspension and transmission tuning, including bespoke spring and damper rates and a new Electronic Active Rear Differential, it delivers more agile and engaging handling with heightened body control – all accompanied by a characteristic V8 soundtrack.
Power comes from Land Rover’s 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol engine, which produces 525HP, 625Nm of torque and drives through an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Defender V8 90 accelerates from 0-60mph in just 4.9 seconds (0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds) with a top speed of 149mph (240km/h) and delivers fuel consumption of up to 19.5mpg (14.5l/100km) with CO2 emissions from 327g/km**.
Exceptional off-road capability is a Defender hallmark and the V8 adds a new layer of driver appeal, with the introduction of a new Dynamic mode within the Terrain Response system – only available on V8-powered Defenders. It helps drivers to exploit the more dynamic character and handling balance of the 525HP model on tarmac and loose surfaces. Engineered to be the fastest and most engaging production Defender ever, it delivers unrivalled agility and driver appeal.
Iain Gray, Senior Manager, Powertrain Advanced Engineering, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “The 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine further enhances the unique character of the Defender. It sounds fantastic and delivers incredible performance – providing new levels of driver appeal. Our engineering focus has been to optimise powertrain calibration for Defender to deliver both responsive on-road performance and fine control off-road – all without compromising Defender’s unstoppable all-terrain capability and wading ability.”
Larger-diameter and solid anti-roll bars help reduce body roll in extreme cornering, while the unique Electronic Active Rear Differential introduces a Yaw Controller that allows fine control of the Defender V8’s cornering attitude as it reaches and exceeds the limit of grip.
Careful calibration of the new Dynamic mode in Terrain Response 2, gives Defender V8 a more agile, playful and responsive character. In this setting, a sharper throttle response and bespoke tuning for the Continuously Variable Damping combine with the stiffer suspension bushes for immediate steering responses. Working in harmony with the Torque Vectoring by Braking technology, Traction Control Systems and new Yaw Controller, the Defender V8 is faster, more engaging and more controllable than ever.
Instantly recognisable, the Defender V8 features a number of unique exterior enhancements; bespoke exterior badging, quad exhausts with distinctive tailpipes and unique 22-inch alloy wheels with a Satin Dark Grey finish combine to set the most powerful model in the line-up apart. The Defender V8 is further identified by its Xenon Blue brake calipers on the front.
Careful acoustic tuning of Defender V8’s induction and exhaust systems provides a purposeful and authentic sound. Calibrated to suit every driving situation, this evocative soundtrack can be enhanced by selecting Dynamic mode in the Terrain Response system.
Customers have a choice of three colours – Carpathian Grey, Yulong White and Santorini Black – with the grey and white options offering a contrast roof in Narvik Black. Shadow Atlas exterior detailing completes New Defender V8’s distinctive exterior finish.
Inside, Defender V8 features seats trimmed in unique Ebony Windsor Leather with Dinamica® suedecloth and Robustec accents, while the Defender’s exposed Cross Car Beam has a special Satin Black finish. The four-spoke steering wheel is enhanced by an Alcantara rim and tactile satin chrome gearshift paddles, which are unique to V8 models. Leather covers the airbag housing and gear lever, while illuminated treadplates are completed with a V8 script.
Defender V8 Carpathian Edition
The exclusive new Defender V8 Carpathian Edition is the ultimate expression of performance, durability and design, and represents the very pinnacle of the Defender range. Finished exclusively in Carpathian Grey, it is distinguished by a Narvik Black contrast roof, bonnet and, for the first time on New Defender, taildoor. Additional visual highlights include Satin Black towing eyes and distinctive Xenon Blue front brake calipers.
The unique exterior is finished with Land Rover’s Satin Protective Film. The PU-based wrap is applied to external bodywork giving the 4×4 a contemporary semi-matte finish that also protects against everything from car park scratches to off-road bramble rash.
Inside, the Defender V8 Carpathian Edition features the same upgrades as the V8, with seats finished in Ebony Windsor leather with Dinamica suedecloth and Robustec accents, an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and illuminated treadplates.
Defender XS Edition
The new XS Edition replaces the hugely successful First Edition. Positioned above the SE models, it features a unique exterior and interior treatment and is available in both 90 and 110 body designs.
Externally, the XS Edition is identified by its bespoke body-coloured lower cladding and lower wheel arches, and distinctive 20-inch, contrast Satin Grey with diamond turned wheel. A choice of four exterior colour options is available: Silicon Silver, Hakuba Silver, Gondwana Stone and Santorini Black.
Inside, the XS Edition’s 12-way, heated and electric memory seats are finished in an optional Khaki Grained Leather, while the Cross Car Beam has a Light Grey powder coat brushed finish.
Comprehensive standard specification includes Electronic Air Suspension, Adaptive Dynamics and Configurable Terrain Response. In addition, the XS Edition benefits from Matrix LED headlights with signature DRL, ClearSight interior Rear View camera technology and the state-of-the-art Pivi Pro infotainment system with 11speaker Meridian sound system.
The XS Edition is available with a choice of powerful and efficient powertrains, including the P400 MHEV petrol, P400e Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) and D250 Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) diesel.
Pivi Pro upgrade
New for 2022 model year, Defender is available with wireless device charging, which features a signal booster for optimised network reception and Wi-Fi signal.
Connectivity is also enhanced by the latest evolution of Pivi Pro infotainment, available with an optional larger 11.4-inch touchscreen* for the first time. The new interface is 60 per cent larger than the standard screen, making it even easier to follow navigation route guidance. The fast and intuitive Pivi Pro system provides immediate responses.
A simple menu structure allows the most commonly used functions to be accessed directly from the home screen to reduce driver distraction. The system can be easily customised to suit the preferences of individual customers. Additional app ‘panels’ can be added, moved and removed, while swiping left or right of the screen quickly reveals the most relevant information at a glance, ensuring the driver’s concentration stays on the road.
The advanced navigation uses self-learning algorithms and dynamic guidance to optimise routing, while Smart Voice Guidance knows to cancel audio instructions in familiar surroundings. Navigation mapping is always up to date thanks to Defender’s Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) technology†.
Intelligent learning allows the navigation system to identify routes customers use regularly, even without inputting a destination, and use this information to inform drivers of the fastest route to their likely destination based on current traffic conditions. If a faster route becomes available, Pivi Pro will propose this as an alternative.
Greater personalisation with new Exterior Packs
Customers can now choose from three new exterior design packs. The Bright Pack, Extended Bright Pack and Extended Black Pack further extend the personalisation potential of New Defender.
Available on all Defender models, the Bright Pack features a Noble Chrome finish for the front and rear skid plates, plus a Noble Chrome Grille bar and badging. The Extended Bright Pack adds Ceres Silver to the lower body cladding and wheel arches.
Defender X, Defender X-Dynamic and Defender V8 customers can select the new Extended Black Pack. It provides a Gloss Black finish for the front and rear skid plates, grille bar, bonnet chequer finisher, mirror caps, badging, lower body cladding and wheel arches for a stealthy and purposeful appearance.
Prices for the New Defender V8 start at £98,505 for the 90 and £101,150 OTR for the 110 in the UK. For more information and to configure New Defender visit: www.landrover.co.uk/Defender
*Optional feature
**All fuel consumption and CO2 data quoted above relates to Official EU-WLTP TEL Combined Test Figures for five-seat derivatives. 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 and accessories.
† Self-learning car and navigation features will continue to be enhanced via Software-Over-The-Air updates
by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
Since revealing the renderings, specification ethos and registering significant customer interest for its Moderna-codenamed project, GTO Engineering has confirmed a pivotal development stage has been completed for its new car, and confirmed production.
Keeping to the promise that its new car will be a celebration of the best of Sixties motoring with a modern and motorsport-derived engineering twist, the quad-cam V12 engine that will be at the heart of GTO Engineering’s all-new vehicle is getting closer to being finalised and built. Likewise, the outer design modelling is about to commence as the team finalises the drawings of the body shell, which still maintains a mix of modern and period features as seen in the initial sketches. The engine development and design styling are both centred around GTO Engineering’s commitment to create a sub-1,000 kg sports car with a manual gearbox and a naturally aspirated engine, devised around a visceral experience in and out of the car.
With a track record of building cars from the ground up, either with restorations or its popular Revival series vehicles, GTO Engineering’s development of the Moderna project is led by Founder Mark Lyon who said,
“After the exceptional reception from interested owners and fans who would like to own a car such as ours, we’re now making it happen and publicly documenting the development process. For our team the engine and the aesthetics are two of the most important parts of any car, especially this one, which is why we were keen to start here.
“The quad-cam V12, with the help of our specialist in-house engine builders, is beginning to be finalised. At the same time our designers have been working with us on the outer body to finalise the surfaces before transferring it to modelling. To ensure we keep to our goals we’re working around a custom ‘muletto’ chassis, which is situated in the GTO Engineering workshops. It’s a daily reminder of how we need to not only keep the design’s proportions right, as well as weight distribution and ergonomics. People have got a little taller since the Sixties, so we’re looking at the packaging with the design too, ensuring that the driver and passenger have enough room in the cabin and ample luggage space in the car.”
GTO Engineering’s team has chosen to maintain a traditional tubular steel chassis while adding modern, lightweight but high strength aluminium subframes. Its development chassis, nicknamed ‘muletto’ is the formation of the packaging and design layout for the Moderna-codenamed project. It sits in the firm’s UK HQ and is used as a layout buck to ensure packaging and size of the new vehicle is optimised for weight distribution as well as driver and passenger ergonomics and storage.
This development update follows the initial renderings and intentions for the new vehicle, which was initially announced in November 2020. Since then, the team continues to grow with in-house and external consultants collaborating together, all working on the same goal to create one of the most exciting enthusiast cars of the decade.
GTO Engineering has also formally opened its order books since it feels confident in the car’s capabilities and production schedule for deliveries. All interested drivers should contact Ferrari@gtoengineering.com or call +44 (0) 118 940 1101 to discuss the specification and ordering process with the team.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
- Nissan’s engineering and design teams worked to maximise Ariya’s driving range with a decade of electric vehicle know-how
- Targeted drag coefficient of 0.297 means Ariya is expected to become the most aerodynamic Nissan crossover
- Ariya’s meticulously-shaped design seamlessly slices through the air, helping to maximise driving efficiency
Drawing on a decade of technical expertise in electric vehicle and crossover innovation, Ariya is expected to become the company’s most aerodynamic crossover, targeting a drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.297*.
From the precisely shaped body lines to strategically placed air ducts, Ariya’s advanced aerodynamics are anticipated to enhance the long-range performance of its all-electric powertrain. All these efforts, led by the engineering teams from around the globe, will result in an expected increase of range that will be made official later in the year.
“Following official homologation of the Nissan Ariya later this year, we anticipate the range to improve compared to the 310 mile figure shared in 2020 during the World Premiere. This will give drivers more efficiency and confidence to go even further on a single charge,” said Marco Fioravanti, VP Product Planning, Nissan Europe.
Each element of Ariya’s shape was adjusted in microscopic detail by the engineering teams at Nissan Technical Centre Europe in the UK. Ariya’s flat underbody produces a stable and predictable ride, while the front-facing aerodynamic intelligent shield and clean body lines reduce drag. Refined by design teams in Japan and the UK, the result is a clean shape that helps the vehicle slice through the air, optimising it for highly efficient driving.
“With the growing shift towards electric mobility, aerodynamic testing is becoming increasingly important. The aerodynamics of electric vehicles are directly linked to how efficiently the vehicle moves – less drag and better stability allows the customer to drive longer distances before having to recharge,” said Sarwar Ahmed, Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics Engineer at Nissan Technical Centre Europe.
Defined by the pursuit to meet the needs of drivers, Ariya is the epitome of Nissan’s innovation in electric mobility. Offering customers a new level of driving range, the advanced electric coupé crossover is ready for the drivers of tomorrow and marks the start of a new era for Nissan electric vehicles.
Helen Perry, Head of Electric Passenger Cars & Infrastructure for Nissan in Europe, said: “The Nissan Ariya is the result of a truly global effort. Together, we worked to bring new creative aerodynamic features to Ariya which – combined with its powerful performance, connected technologies and revolutionary new EV design – will, with no doubt, meet our customers’ expectations.”
Behind-the-scenes video content revealing the expertise behind Ariya’s aerodynamic performance can be watched on YouTube here.
To be the first to receive exclusive updates on Ariya, you can join the 27,000 people who’ve registered interest across Europe by visiting here.
Find out more about wind tunnel and aerodynamic testing here.
*Current assumption, pending final internal testing and homologation.
For more information about Nissan’s products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit
nissan-global.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.
