British Racing Motors confirms order for ‘new’ V16 Formula 1 car from historic racing enthusiast, Richard Mille

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

• New BRM P15 V16 will be manufactured by Hall and Hall using original blueprints and drawings from the BRM archive.
• This car will be the second all-new ‘historic’ BRM V16 to be manufactured at Hall and Hall, following the successful completion of the first, which made its debut at Goodwood Revival in September.
• Just three of these ‘new’ BRM P15 V16 racing cars will be manufactured, following the recent discovery of three original chassis numbers dating back to the 1950s.
• With John Owen, son of the original BRM team principal, claiming the first car, and Richard Mille, the second, just one P15 V16 chassis number remains available.
• The ‘new’ V16 will join a unique assembly of historic racing cars owned by Richard Mille, including the world’s biggest collection of original BRMs.

British Racing Motors, the iconic British Formula 1 marque, has confirmed that it has reached an agreement to build the second of three all-new P15 V16 racing cars to be built in celebration of the brand’s 70^th anniversary.

Historic racing fan, sponsor, and racing car collector, Richard Mille, has been confirmed as the customer for the second BRM V16. Richard Mille, more famous for the exclusive global luxury watch business that carries his name, has the world’s most extensive collection ofBRM racing cars including a recently restoredoriginal MK1 BRM V16 and a superb original P30 V16 MK2. The all-new P15 V16 will be added to his collection, when complete,

“I have been a huge BRM fan for many years,” said Richard Mille, “ever since I started collecting historic cars more than 15 years ago, in fact. I knew I was becoming serious about BRM when I invested in the wonderful P115 H16 – but there is something I find particularly fascinating about the V16. Not only is it, to my eye, the most beautiful Formula 1 car of its time, but it is also the most technically complex, particularly if you think about the technology of the day.

“Anybody who knows my watches, will know that I admire technical complexity, attention to detail and quality,” he added. “And for me, the V16 represents all of these elements in one beautiful package. I believe it’s our duty to preserve these incredible pieces of automotive art, and this is a unique opportunity to do just that.”

The new BRM P15 V16 commissioned by Richard Mille, is already in production and will follow the same build process as the first, which was completed in early September, and made its dynamic debut at the world-famous Goodwood Revival event, in front of packed grandstands at the Goodwood Motor Circuit, near Chichester, West Sussex.

The car will be manufactured by BRM specialists, Hall and Hall, using original post-war drawings and blueprints from the BRM archive. As each new P15 comprises more than 36,000 individually engineered parts, the build will take around 24 months to complete. But the final product is a ‘new’ BRM V16 with a degree of authenticity and excellence rarely, if ever, seen in the world of historic motor racing.

The owner of the first ‘new’ BRM P15, John Owen, the son of the original BRM team principal, Sir Alfred Owen, said: “This is wonderful news for BRM, and for all our fans everywhere. With Richard’s support we are giving more and more enthusiasts the chance to hear the unique sound of the V16 again – keeping the BRM legend alive for future generations. 

“I have been fascinated by the V16 ever since I first saw – and heard – one as a young boy. Seeing my own car run at Goodwood was literally a dream come true and perhaps next time we will be able to see it run at racing speeds,” he added.

The creation of three ‘new’ BRM V16s has only been made possible by the discovery of three original chassis numbers, carefully logged in the BRM archives, which had been assigned to P15 production in support of the British Formula 1 team’s racing campaign in the 1950s. The cars were never built, as the competition rules were changed, and the chassis numbers were pigeon-holed when the team moved on to meet new technical challenges.

To mark BRM’s 70^th anniversary, approval was given to assign the three chassis numbers to authentic ‘new’ P15 V16 racing cars to be built using the many thousands of post-war technical drawings and blueprints stored within the BRM archive. With the latest commission from Richard Mille, only one car now remains available.

Aston Martin Vantage returns to winning ways at World Championship Level as TF Sport triumphs in Bahrain

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

• TF Sport claims first GTE Am class win of season in 6 Hours of Bahrain
• Ben Keating, Felipe Fraga and Dylan Pereira close on points leaders in GTE Am standings with victory
• AMR finalises Bahrain WEC Rookie test line-up with partner teams

The world championship-winning Aston Martin Vantage GTE returned to a glorious vein of form in the Bapco 6 Hours of Bahrain, when AMR partner team TF Sport triumphed in Saturday’s fifth round of the 2021 FIA World Endurance Championship [WEC].

Powered by a four-litre, twin-turbo-charged V8 engine derived from the road car, the Vantage swept all before it to win the 2019/20 FIA GT Manufacturers’ crown and helped Nicki Thiim (DEN) and Marco Sørensen (DEN) to the GTE Pro crown in the same season. Now it’s once again proving a force in GTE Am in the hands of TF Sport, Paul Dalla Lana’s NorthWest AMR team and D’station Racing.

But it was TF Sport’s #33 crew of Ben Keating (USA), Dylan Pereira (LUX) and Felipe Fraga (BRA) that earned an emphatic first GTE Am class win of the season for Vantage, underlining their inspired run of form this season, following an impressive charge to second place in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in September.

Keating, Pereira and Fraga executed a strategic masterclass in Bahrain. The American completed two accomplished stints in fierce temperatures upwards of 35 degrees Celsius at the desert venue, before handing over the Vantage to Pereira in the third hour. The Luxembourg national was then able to capture the lead and build a gap that Fraga consolidated in the final portion of the race. Despite intense pressure from various class opposition, Fraga kept his cool and took the chequered flag with a mere five seconds in hand.

Each of the three Aston Martin customer teams led during the race, with the Japanese-based D’station squad of Tomonobu Fujii (JPN), Satoshi Hoshino (JPN) and Andrew Watson (GBR) also surging to the front in the first hour. This preceded a turn in the lead for the #98 NorthWest AMR machine, entered and driven by Dalla Lana (CDN), who was partnered by Marcos Gomes (BRA) and Augusto Farfus (BRA). They eventually claimed fourth position.

But it was the TF Sport trio that stood atop the GTE Am podium – their third appearance on the rostrum in 2021 – reducing the gap in the title chase to just 21.5 points. With 39 points to play for in the 8 Hour final round next Saturday, Keating, Gomes and Fraga are in a strong position to mount a concerted title challenge.

“It was really hot out there today and two hours in the car was demanding but I was able to push, and the handling was excellent, especially the brakes – which are important here in Bahrain,” commented Keating. “It’s enjoyable to have a WEC race win because we were extremely close at Spa, Monza and Le Mans, so it’s really nice to get a win and narrow the gap in the standings.”

John Gaw, Managing Director of Aston Martin Racing, said: “The Aston Martin Vantage GTE has been a force throughout the WEC GTE Am season and is long overdue its first victory of the year. The nature of the win, when it finally came, was emphatic, and the fact that all three Aston Martins were contenders at various stages of the race shows what a mighty prospect the car remains in the hands of talented and motivated customers. We will do everything in our power to ensure that our partners can end the season on a high note.”

The final round of the 2021 FIA WEC is the 8 Hours of Bahrain, which will take place at BIC on Saturday, 6 November.

ROOKIE LINE-UP CONFIRMED
Aston Martin Racing has confirmed the drivers that will test the three Vantage GTEs belonging to NorthWest AMR, TF Sport and D’station Racing during the WEC Rookie Test in Bahrain that takes place on Sunday, 7 November, the day after the 2021 series concludes.

Among those driving will be the most recent winner of the Aston Martin Racing Driver Academy, Valentin Hasse-Clot (FRA), who runs in the #777 D’station Racing car along with GTWC GT4 America series front-runner and Vantage GT4 winner Kenton Koch (USA).

The NorthWest AMR Vantage will be driven by Nürburgring GT racing specialist David Pittard (GBR), and AMR Academy members Nicolai Kjaergaard (DEN) and IMSA Sprint Cup GTD champion Roman De Angelis (CDN). Meanwhile Scott Huffaker (USA), Keating’s former team-mate in IMSA prototypes, and Porsche Supercup driver Florian Latorre (FRA) will drive the #33 TF Sport Vantage.

The successful ID family continues to grow: the new ID.5 is the first electric SUV coupé from Volkswagen

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

• The Volkswagen electric offensive continues its advance with the launch of a new ID. family top model as part of the ACCELERATE brand strategy
• The new ID.5¹ and the sporty ID.5 GTX² with dual-motor all-wheel drive inspire delight with their expressive design, long-distance capability and the latest generation of software
• Comprehensive digitisation and over-the-air updates represent the next milestone on Volkswagen’s journey to becoming a software-oriented mobility provider.
• Sustainable e-mobility: like the ID.3 and ID.4, the new ID.5 is manufactured at the Zwickau plant and both models are carbon-neutral on delivery to the customer.

On the “Way to ZERO”: The new ID.5 does more than just expand the successful ID. family; the new Volkswagen launch moves the electrification of its new car fleet forward and into a new market segment.

The elegant, expressive E-SUV coupé is equipped with the new ID. software version 3.0, which includes improved charging performance and voice control among other features. With the use of swarm data and latest-generation driver assistance systems, Volkswagen is also taking the next step towards automated driving.

“The ID.5 is electric, sporty and elegant. Our premium SUV coupé with all-electric drive marks another milestone in our ACCELERATE strategy,” says Ralf Brandstätter, brand CEO. “It offers locally carbon-neutral driving enjoyment for a discerning customer group. We are breaking into a completely new market segment with this model.”

New from 2022: Volkswagen ID.5 and ID.5 GTX
Elegant and dynamic design, outstanding aerodynamics, extensive range. The new ID.5 and the sporty ID.5 GTX with dual-motor all-wheel drive are the new, long-range top models in the ID. family. Like all ID. models, Volkswagen’s first e-SUV coupé is based on the Volkswagen modular electric drive matrix (MEB).

“The ID.5 is the body style of the future: aerodynamic, expressive, sporty and, thanks to MEB, with short overhangs,” says Jozef Kabaň, Head of Volkswagen Design. “That’s how we have been able to ensure a spacious interior despite the dynamic roof line – this simply wasn’t possible before.”

The new software generation 3.0 allows for over-the-air updates and activation of additional functions, so that the ID.5 can stay up-to-date for a long time. Innovative assistance systems such as Travel Assist with swarm data allow for an even more relaxed and predictive driving experience. The new optional Park Assist Plus with memory function will take care of personalised parking processes on request.

At 4599 mm long (ID.5 GTX: 4582 mm), the e-SUV coupé from Volkswagen will launch in 2022 with three engine options. The ID.5 will be powered by an electric engine in the rear. The dual-motor all-wheel drive of the ID.5 GTX will be powered by an e-motor on the front and rear axles.

“The electronic Vehicle Dynamics Manager is a groundbreaking development by Volkswagen,” says Thomas Ulbrich, member of the Board of Management for Technical Development. “We have networked it with other important control systems, and it is also integrated with the all-wheel control function. This brings an entirely new level of sporty driving pleasure, traction and driving safety.”

All ID.5 engine types are powered by a large, long-range battery. A low drag coefficient of 0.26 (or 0.27 in the ID.5 GTX) increases efficiency and boosts the vehicle’s extensive range. This capability is further supported by the integrated spoiler in the wide-opening, aerodynamically shaped tailgate. Electric cooling air vents in the front of the vehicle open only when necessary, so as to ensure optimal air flow.

The new Volkswagen e-SUV coupé projects independence and uniqueness from every angle. The characteristic LED technology, with light strips on the front (optional) and rear, unmistakably identifies the ID.5 as a member of the ID. family. Many features – including the striking bumper, painted door panelling and new roof line – set the e-SUV coupé apart from the ID.4, which was named World Car of the year. The expressive coupé design has a high recognition value. Its large air inlet and IQ.Light LED matrix headlights with intelligent high beams and 3D LED rear lights as standard give the ID.5 GTX an even more dynamic appearance. The Vehicle Dynamics Manager networks the drive and chassis control systems, while an optional adaptive DCC chassis ensures optimal driving dynamics. The ID.5 and ID.5 GTX coast in driving mode D and recuperate energy in mode B.

The new body style and lounge-like spatial concept highlight the innovative power of Volkswagen and its ID. family. Despite its coupé-type shape, the ID.5 has just 12 mm less headroom in the back than the Volkswagen ID.4. The long 2766 mm wheelbase facilitates interior spatial conditions comparable to those of SUVs in higher vehicle classes. The luggage compartment volume is 549 litres, and the materials and manufacturing of the vehicle are of premium quality. Seat covering materials vary depending on the interior version. The optional Top Sports seats are distinguished by perforated ID logos at the top of the backrests.

The ultra-modern digital cockpit offers a new operating concept. The driver display and high-resolution multimedia system deliver strikingly brilliant visuals. An innovative augmented reality head-up display (optional) within the driver’s field of vision presents additional information. The new ID. software 3.0 features various improvements including natural voice control (“Hallo ID”.) It is now learning-enabled and enables online access to information from the Cloud. For atmospheric interior lighting, the Ambient Lighting feature offers a choice of up to 30 colours. We Connect services provide the driver with real-time online traffic information, online map updates, information about charging stations, web radio and much more.

With Car2X communication, Volkswagen is taking safety to a whole new level. Data from compatible vehicles in the Volkswagen fleet and signals from infrastructure within a radius of up to 800 metres can be locally interpreted in a fraction of a second, enabling driver alerts about dangerous areas, accidents and stationary traffic. The ID. Light in the cockpit helps by providing visual warnings.

With the ID.5 and ID.5 GTX, Volkswagen is tapping into an entirely new market segment and thereby advancing its electric offensive in all vehicle classes in the framework of its ACCELERATE strategy. By 2030, at least 70 per cent of Volkswagen’s unit sales in Europe are expected to come from electric-only vehicles – that is equivalent to more than one million vehicles. In North America and China, the goal is that electric vehicles will account for at least 50 per cent of unit sales. To achieve these goals, Volkswagen is launching at least one electric vehicle onto the market every year. The CO₂ emissions per vehicle are set to decrease by up to 40 percent by as soon as 2030. On its “Way to ZERO”, the company is planning to become climate-neutral by 2050 at the latest.

The new ID.5 and the sporty premium ID.5 GTX with dual-motor all-wheel drive are manufactured at the Volkswagen plant in Zwickau and are carbon-neutral upon handover to the customer. When charged using 100 percent green energy, the vehicles are already virtually climate-neutral. With its We Charge charging system, Volkswagen offers the fastest-growing environmentally friendly system for convenient, networked and sustainable charging. The network has around 250,000 charging points across Europe. Using the standard Mode 3 cable, the e-SUV coupé can also be charged with up to 11 kW of alternating current (AC), even when it is out and about. Charging performance can reach up to 135 kW as standard at a fast-charge station.

¹⁾ ID.5 / This vehicle is not yet available for sale.

²⁾ ID.5 GTX / This vehicle is not yet available for sale.

Citroën launches New ë-Berlingo Electric in the UK

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

• New Citroën ë-Berlingo Electric launches today in the UK, priced from £29,575 MRRP OTR*.
• Zero emissions range of up to 174 miles (WLTP) makes it ideal for both private and fleet customers.
• Available in ‘M’ (Medium) and ‘XL’ body lengths, with five and seven seats respectively.
• Uncompromised practicality, with up to 4,000-litres of boot space and myriad of interior storage options.
• Customers can choose between ‘Feel’ and range-topping ‘Flair XTR’ trim levels.
• To find out more, please click this link

Citroën is pleased to announce the official launch of ë-Berlingo Electric in the UK.

The 100%-electric version of the brand’s multi-award winning MPV is now available at Retailer showrooms across the country. This new Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) represents the latest step in Citroën’s strategy to offer an electrified version of every model in its range by 2025.

Priced from just £29,575 MRRP OTR (incl. Plug-in Car Grant), Citroën ë-Berlingo Electric features a 50kWh battery offering a range of up to 174 miles (WLTP), paired with a 100kW (136hp) electric motor. New ë-Berlingo Electric is fitted with a 7.4kW on-board charger as standard, with a full re-charge taking 7.5 hours. An optional 11kW on-board charger is also available, reducing the charging time to 4 hours 45 minutes with a compatible wallbox. Alternatively, the battery is capable of charging at speeds up to 100kW, with an 80% re-charge taking just 30 minutes.

To further enhance ease-of-use, ë-Berlingo Electric benefits from Citroën’s extensive range of ë-services, including ë-Remote Control, which allows the driver to remotely schedule charging or pre-condition of the car by setting the interior temperature in advance. While on the move, Citroën ë-Berlingo Electric’s 10-inch digital instrument cluster** and 8-inch touchscreen make it easy to view the vehicle’s state of charge, remaining range and energy flows.

With zero emissions, ë-Berlingo Electric keeps running costs low for fleet operators, drivers have the advantage of a Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax rate of just 1%*** and all versions are exemption from London Congestion and Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) charges.

New Citroën ë-Berlingo Electric is available in two body lengths. ‘M’ (Medium) variants comfortably seat five, while ‘XL’ versions are capable of carrying up to seven people thanks to a third row featuring two folding seats. Regardless of length, ë-Berlingo Electric offers exceptional practicality, with boot space in ‘M’ versions ranging from 775-litres to 3,500-litres (with all passenger seats folded forward), while the ‘XL’ model increases available boot space to between 1,050 and 4,000-litres. To maximise storage capacity, there are 26 different compartments inside ë-Berlingo Electric, which combine to add an extra 167-litres of useable space in the cabin.

Customers can choose from two trim levels: ‘Feel’ (offered in ‘M‘ and ‘XL’ lengths) and ‘Flair XTR’ (offered exclusively in the ‘M’ length). Both models feature two sliding side doors and Airbump® exterior styling, an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth®, DAB radio, plus Android Auto and Apple CarPlay™. All models come with a range of safety and driver assistance systems as part of Citroën’s Safety Pack. This includes Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Safety Brake, Cruise Control and Speed Limiter, Speed Limit Recognition and Recommendation, and Driver Attention Alert.

For greater convenience, the ‘Feel’ trim comes fitted with rear parking sensors, while ‘Flair XTR’ adds a 180° colour reversing camera. ‘Flair XTR’ models also gain 17-inch ‘Spin’ alloy wheels, ‘XTR’ badging, black roof bars and door mirrors, orange fog light surrounds and orange flourishes on the Airbump® panels. Additional features inside include a 10-inch fully digital driver’s instrument cluster and a head-up display, as well as Citroën Connect Nav with real time traffic updates and connected services. 

NEW CITROËN Ë-BERLINGO ELECTRIC RANGE & PRICING

Prices for Citroën ë-Berlingo Electric start from £29,575 MRRP OTR after the current Plug-in Car Grant is applied.

* MRRP OTR after current Government ‘Plug-in Car Grant’ of £2,500.

** Standard on ‘Flair XTR’ models.

*** 2021/2022 BiK rate.

Multimatic to be Vehicle Dynamics Partner to McLaren Extreme E

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

• Multimatic will contribute its world-class engineering expertise to McLaren Racing’s newly formed Extreme E team, including access to its extensive UK Vehicle Dynamics Development facilities
• Multimatic’s Leena and Teena Gade will lead the vehicle dynamics team providing race, performance and systems engineering support at the track and in an ongoing collaborative development programme

When McLaren enters Extreme E in 2022, it will do so with Multimatic as its Vehicle Dynamics Partner.

The McLaren Extreme E team has joined the innovative all-electric off-road series and will compete in the five-race global championship in 2022.

Extreme E offers an opportunity to test clean technology innovations in some of the world’s toughest environments, whilst highlighting the impact of climate change. The series is focused on raising awareness of sustainability, by showcasing a low carbon future via the adoption of electric vehicles and by promoting diversity, equality and inclusion.

McLaren will use Multimatic’s Vehicle Dynamics Development Centre to prepare its all-electric ODYSSEY 21 Extreme E SUV ahead of the 2022 race season. Situated in Norfolk, UK, the facility is home to an innovative multi-post rig, one of the company’s Driver in the Loop (DiL) simulators and a state-of-the-art K&C rig.

Multimatic will provide the support of two world-class engineers to the collaborative programme.  Leena Gade will serve as the team’s Race Engineer, while Teena Gade will undertake Performance and Systems engineering.

Best known for scoring three outright 24 Hours of Le Mans victories as a race engineer with Audi Sport, Leena Gade joined Multimatic as Vehicle Dynamics Centre Manager and Race Engineer in 2018. In addition to running one of the UK’s most respected Vehicle Dynamics development facilities, she is the President of the FIA’s GT Commission and a leading voice on the FIA Commission for Women in Motorsport. For the past three years she has also race engineered Mazda’s DPi programme in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

Teena Gade’s engineering background is just as impressive as her older sister’s. She has worked across the spectrum of motorsport engineering, from Formula 1 with Williams, Force India and AlphaTauri, through to World Rally with Prodrive and Skoda and sportscar racing with various teams. She also worked as a data and systems engineer on the JCB Diesel Max land speed record programme.

“This is an exciting challenge for us at Multimatic as it is a new arena so it provides huge opportunity for learning,” said Leena. “McLaren has put together a great team and we have already started work. I’m thrilled to also be working with Teena on this project. We worked together in Superleague Formula many years ago but not to the extent that we are now. I’m often asked what the secret formula is in our family but it’s actually very simple: Our parents always told us that we could do whatever we wanted to do as long as we worked incredibly hard at it.”

Executive Vice President of Multimatic Special Vehicle Operations, Larry Holt added: “We have had a long history of collaboration with McLaren and this is a new chapter in the relationship.  Zak (Brown) has consistently proven his instinct for where are our industry needs to head, and this latest move into Extreme E is another that I fully agree is imperative to focus attention on sustainability, reduced carbon emissions and ultimately the viability of the sport.  Leena and Teena share that same passion for making change and so the decision to take-on the vehicle dynamics aspect of the McLaren programme was a no-brainer.  A further synergy of the initiative is that it coincides with Multimatic’s growing business in the off-road damper sector and so the learnings that come from developing the vehicle dynamics for the massively challenging events associated with Extreme E will undoubtedly strengthen our knowledge and capability in that space.  Oh, and Zak and I share a passion for winning!!”