by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
- Second ŠKODA model based on the India-specific MQB-A0-IN platform
- Choice of two powerful and efficient TSI engines
- Up to six airbags and a wealth of assistance systems
- Volkswagen Group is investing one billion euros in the ŠKODA AUTO-led INDIA 2.0 project
Following the launch of the KUSHAQ, ŠKODA is set to unveil the second stage in its product campaign for the Indian market later this year.
The Czech car manufacturer’s latest model, the SLAVIA, completes their range of saloons and offers generous amounts of space, as is typical of the brand. The A0 mid-size saloon will be offered with a choice of two powerful and efficient TSI engines, as well as a host of comprehensive safety features which include up to six airbags and numerous assistance systems. Volkswagen Group is investing one billion euros in the INDIA 2.0 project headed by ŠKODA AUTO.
Thomas Schäfer, ŠKODA AUTO CEO, said: “Following the successful launch of our compact SUV, the KUSHAQ, we are now upping the ante with this latest model, the SLAVIA. I feel confident this saloon will appeal to new customers in India. We are taking the next step towards achieving our ambitious goal of developing ŠKODA AUTO into the leading European car manufacturer in India.”
Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director of ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Private Limited, explained: “With the new ŠKODA SLAVIA, we are continuing our model campaign under the INDIA 2.0 project. Following hard on the heels of the KUSHAQ – which is highly appreciated by Indian customers for its robust build, safety, high quality and excellent value for money – the SLAVIA will deliver on all these aspects and set new benchmarks for design and performance in its segment. Built in India for India and the world, our latest model illustrates the skills and expertise of our local engineers who contributed significantly to its development, in collaboration with the global team.”
Zac Hollis, Brand Director ŠKODA AUTO India, said: “With our new SLAVIA, we are launching a feature-rich vehicle that offers outstanding design, build quality, reliability and driving dynamics. The SLAVIA combines the benefits of a mid-size saloon with ŠKODA’s emotive design language, modern technology and state-of-the-art assistance systems.”
The brand-new SLAVIA: a homage to ŠKODA AUTO’s heritage
The model name of this latest saloon commemorates the beginnings of Laurin & Klement in Mladá Boleslav. Just one year after the company was founded, in 1896, Václav Laurin and Václav Klement successfully marketed their first bicycles under the brand name SLAVIA. The ŠKODA SLAVIA is now set to mark a new era, this time on the Indian market – with its model name paying homage to the company’s beginnings.
Compact, spacious and with an emotive design
The SLAVIA is 4,541 mm* long, 1,752 mm* wide and has a height of 1,487 mm*; the wheelbase measures 2,651 mm*. While its compact exterior dimensions make it a perfect fit for cities, this brand-new car is also ideally suited for everyday family use thanks to its brand-typical generous interior.
Numerous assistance systems for increased comfort and high levels of safety
The brand-new saloon comes with excellent active and passive safety features. Occupants are protected by up to six airbags – for the driver and front passenger, as well as optional front side airbags and head curtain airbags.
Powerful, globally proven TSI engines with low fuel consumption
There is a choice of two powerful and efficient TSI engines for the new ŠKODA SLAVIA. They offer both superior driving performance and high levels of efficiency. The entry-level 1.0-litre TSI develops 85 kW (115 PS)* from its three cylinders, while the four-cylinder 1.5-litre TSI has an output of 110 kW (150 PS)*. Both engines transfer their power to the front wheels. The SLAVIA comes with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. A six-speed automatic transmission is optional for the 1.0-litre TSI while the 1.5-litre TSI can also be paired with a seven-speed DSG. The 1.5 TSI is offered with active cylinder technology (ACT), which automatically shuts down two cylinders when the engine load is low. This enhances fuel efficiency.
Winner of local design competition creates the special camouflage
The camouflage for the SLAVIA is the work of an Indian designer. More than 200 motifs were submitted to ŠKODA AUTO India as part of a competition, and five creations were selected for the final round. The jury – Gurpratap Boparai, Managing Director of ŠKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Private Limited, Zac Hollis, Brand Director of ŠKODA AUTO India, and Oliver Stefani, Head of ŠKODA Design – chose the wraps created by Shreyas Karambelkar, who won a trip to Prague and a meeting with Oliver Stefani.
INDIA 2.0: investments of one billion euros and localisation of up to 95%
The Czech carmaker oversees the activities of the ŠKODA, Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini brands in India for Volkswagen Group, with more than 25 models that cater for various market segments and price points. With the INDIA 2.0 project, the Group aims to strengthen the presence of ŠKODA and Volkswagen in the country for the long run and, depending on market and segment development, achieve a combined market share of 5% by 2025.
Investments in the project total one billion euros, including 275 million euros in the research and development of new models in the country’s high-volume segments. The Czech car manufacturer has set up a new MQB-A0-IN production line at its Pune plant which means the SLAVIA has been built with local talent. The platform was predominantly developed at the technology centre (also based in Pune) and, as a result, ŠKODA AUTO has achieved a localisation level of up to 95%. In the medium term, the carmaker intends to export the models built in India to other emerging markets.
* Provisional information – final data will be published once the car has been homologated.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
- With the ULEZ expansion coming into effect from 25 October, UK Range Rover specialist Kingsley Cars is proudly launching its fully compliant ULEZ Reborn Range Rover Classic series
- Kingsley Cars has addressed classic Range Rover weak points such as corrosion, engine and drivetrain, and added additional driver and passenger-centric technology aids and refinement
- Available as a two or four-door, each model is completely re-engineered, stripped to a bare shell, seamlessly welded, future proofed for UK roads and then sprayed with high-quality solvent paint as a final finish
- Fitted with a 4.0-litre fuel injected 220 bhp V8 engine, or an optional 4.6-litre fuel injected 270 bhp V8, each ULEZ Reborn Range Rover Classic also has an uprated ZF 4HP22 automatic gearbox and a fully rebuilt Borg Warner transfer box
- Ensuring that drivers can navigate with ease and passengers can travel with entertainment, the ULEZ Reborn Range Rover Classic can be optioned with technology additions including reversing camera, front and rear sensors, cruise control and rear iPad entertainment
- Optional engineering upgrades including Kingsley Fast Road Suspension Kit with uprated anti-roll bars, useful for speed humps as well as countryside road trips, as well as its Kingsley Big Brake Kit (with six-pot billet front and four-pot billet rear calipers and larger discs) available
- Prices start from £125,000 plus specifications, such as optional Apple CarPlay integration, wireless smartphone charging, ambient lighting and Forged Aluminium wheels
Proving that it’s not just the new kids on the Range Rover block that are compliant with the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) expansion (from 25 October), UK Range Rover specialist and restorer Kingsley Cars has launched its ULEZ Reborn Range Rover series.
Retaining the synonymous design and charm of a Range Rover Classic, the British team has completely re-engineered a ULEZ compliant model. It has upgraded the engine to either a 4.0- or an optional 4.6-litre V8 with a modern ZF automatic gearbox and given it a driver-focused, technology-oriented facelift to ensure its city-dwelling owners can commute and beat the ULEZ in style, with prices starting from £125,000 including UK taxes.
Available as a two or four-door, each ULEZ Reborn Range Rover Classic by Kingsley Cars has been re-engineered with London city living and long-distance driving in mind. Starting from the beginning, each ULEZ compliant (pre-1981 thus classed as a historical status vehicle) Range Rover Classic is stripped to a bare shell, engineered and future proofed to remove any opportunity of rust getting into the metal. It is repaired when needed, seamlessly welded, protected with seam sealer and a rubberised coating and then finished with high quality paints, with a three-year guarantee against corrosion. Kingsley Cars ULEZ Reborn Range Rover Classic comes with a re-engineered 4.0-litre fuel injected 220 bhp V8 engine as standard or an optional 4.6-litre fuel injected 270 bhp V8. Both are fitted with an uprated ZF 4HP22 automatic gearbox and a fully rebuilt Borg Warner transfer box to maintain reliability. These configurations can return up to 25 mpg.
The attention-to-detail doesn’t just stop there. Having restored over 400 Range Rover Classics and delivered tens of Kingsley Cars Reborn Range Rover models, the team can add its famed Kingsley Fast Road Suspension Kit with uprated anti-roll bars, which will be useful for speed humps as well as countryside road trips, as well as its Kingsley Big Brake Kit (with six-pot billet front and four-pot billet rear calipers and larger discs), to each of Kingsley Cars’ ULEZ Reborn Range Rover Classic customer cars. Other cost options include Forged Aluminium wheels that are available to assist with unsprung mass and strengthened rigidity over potholes, too.
With technology at the heart of most Londoners’ lives, Kingsley Cars’ ULEZ Reborn Range Rover Classic owners are also able to specify their vehicle from a range of modern options that enhance driver usability. These optional features can include front and rear sensors with a reversing camera, switchable and variable assistance electric power steering, LED headlamps with washers, Kingsley JL Audio 700w seven speaker system with DAB, as well as rear iPad entertainment integration for passengers. Apple CarPlay integration is also available on the options list, alongside wireless smartphone charging neatly configured in the cabin, and ambient lighting.
The interior is as special as the exterior design and engineering additions. Kingsley Cars has designed each ULEZ Reborn Range Rover Classic to have modern convenience yet retain a nod to the car’s past. For instance, the interior seats come heated as standard and the rear seats have two headrests and three armrests. Available to be trimmed in a range of tweed fabrics and leathers, Kingsley Cars’ team also offers customers custom colour-matched seatbelts alongside the standard, black-coloured variants. All windows are electric, alongside adjustable electric mirrors, and sound deadening has been added to the shell including the doors and panels.
With over 20 years’ experience in restoring classic Range Rovers for clients all over the world, Kingsley Cars specialises in giving a new lease of life to pre-loved Range Rovers, now with a modern twist. The UK-based company has a dedicated workshop specifically for both Range Rover and Land Rover models, including paint, parts, trim and welding departments where the team is able to work on up to seven vehicles at one time, and with over 400 vehicles restored to-date it’s no wonder Kingsley Cars has such a loyal customer base.
Damon Oorloff, Founder of Kingsley Cars said: “Having been around classic Range Rovers for most of my life and after building a business around these vehicles, it was crucial for the company to come up with a way to not only continue to restore classic Range Rovers and Land Rovers but to enhance them for modern use. And so, our classic Range Rover Reborn series was created. Designed for fans and enthusiasts of the classic model, it ensures that when driving in London, road users will not be hit by the ULEZ charge following its expansion to both the North and South Circular roads.
“It’s so important for businesses like ours [Kingsley Cars] to keep classic cars on the roads, they are real head turners on the commute. As a team we want to establish our vehicles as the alternative to modern Range Rovers and SUVs, by offering our customers modern technology that fits seamlessly into their everyday lives and enhances the usability of our cars, while retaining the vintage look and charm that comes with owning a classic.”
Customers wishing to order a Kingsley Cars ULEZ Reborn Range Rover Classic should register their interest with Kingsley Cars’ sales team on sales@kingsleycars.co.uk. Prices start from £125,000 including UK taxes, with the build process taking around six to eight months depending on specification, meaning that orders placed in November 2021 will be delivered in Summer 2022.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
- UK exclusive Shadow Edition now offered across whole MINI range.
- Midnight Black exterior body colour, with Shadow graphics, logos and exclusive bonnet design.
- Available on models with Cooper and Cooper S engines, and MINI Electric.
- Available to order now, priced from £22,340 OTR.
Following its introduction on the MINI Clubman and MINI Countryman in early 2021, the Shadow Edition is now available to order on the MINI Hatch, MINI Convertible and MINI Electric.
Offered exclusively to the UK market, the Shadow Edition comes with a higher standard specification, focuses on blacked out features and edition-exclusive bonnet design and graphics.
The new Shadow Edition has a Midnight Black metallic exterior paint colour, with contrasting Silver roof and mirror caps and Piano Black Exterior, creating a dramatic and streamlined look.
Customers can choose an all-electric powertrain with the MINI Electric, or between Cooper and Cooper S engines, in both manual and automatic transmission on the MINI Hatch and MINI Convertible models
The Shadow Edition for MINI Hatch and Convertible is based on the Sport trim level, including 18” John Cooper Works Course Spoke alloy wheels, Silver roof and mirror caps, John Cooper Works aerodynamic kit including John Cooper Works spoiler, and LED front and rear lights.
The MINI Electric Shadow Edition is based on the Level 3 model and comes with 17” Tentacle Spoke alloy wheels as standard, alongside Piano Black Exterior and Midnight Black metallic roof and mirror caps.
All models benefit from special edition graphics on the bonnet, integrated scuttle trim and the A-panel, while MINI Hatch also includes the Shadow logo on the lower roof.
Inside, the Shadow Edition has Anthracite headlining and a Piano Black trim with both the dash trim and tread plates also featuring special graphics. John Cooper Works sport seats and a sports leather steering wheel with contrast stitching in Chili Red complete the interior design.
Continuing the high standard specification, the Shadow Edition comes equipped with an 8.8” infotainment screen with MINI Connected, Bluetooth with USB audio, Rain sensor and automatic headlight activation, LED headlights and rear lights and Intelligent emergency calling (E-Call). Comfort Pack, Comfort Plus Pack and Navigation Plus Pack, which includes Wireless Charging and Head Up Display, are all optional.
Pricing (OTR)
| |
Manual |
Automatic |
| MINI 3-Door Hatch Shadow Edition |
From £22,340 |
From £23,740 |
| MINI 5-Door Hatch Shadow Edition |
From £23,040 |
From £24,440 |
| MINI Convertible Shadow Edition |
From £25,600 |
From £27,000 |
| MINI Electric Shadow Edition |
N/A |
£35,050 (inc.PiCG) |
The MINI Shadow Edition is available to order now from retailers nationwide. For more information visit www.mini.co.uk.
The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. The BMW Group production network comprises 31 production and assembly facilities in 15 countries; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.
In 2020, the BMW Group sold over 2.3 million passenger vehicles and more than 169,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2020 was € 5.222 billion on revenues amounting to € 98.990 billion. As of 31 December 2020, the BMW Group had a workforce of 120,726 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
www.bmwgroup.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup
Twitter: http://twitter.com/BMWGroup
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/BMWGroupView
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/
by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
- Bentley Mulliner produces Russian Ballet themed collection
- Unique ballet detailing to denote a regional commission of six cars – all of which are already allocated
- Celebrates six specific ballet moves of momentum, speed and precision
- Bentley Mulliner craftspeople inspired by Russia’s great cultural heritage to create handcrafted details
Bentley Mulliner – Bentley’s in-house bespoke division – has created the world’s first car collection paying homage to Russian ballet, one of the most graceful and emotive expressions of human artistry.
Based on the Bentayga Speed, the pinnacle of the range and powered by a W12 engine handcrafted in Crewe, this six car collection opens the first chapter of the Russian Heritage Editions, an annual project to create exclusive thematic versions especially for Russian customers.
Bespoke content centres around iconic ballet moves, with each car in the collection focusing on a different motion. Handcrafted details celebrate the dramatic beauty of ballet in the finest materials and with unrivalled precision.
Each of the six vehicles has a different exterior paint from the extensive Bentley palette, including three vehicles in duo-tone. The interiors are based on four different specifications, consisting of a bespoke interior split, unique contrast stitching, bespoke ballet embroidery in silver and a contemporary ballet overlay on the passenger fascia.
- Windsor Blue over Light Windsor Blue – Twine and Imperial Blue leather combined with Liquid Amber Veneer
- Silver Storm over Damson – Autumn and Damson leather combined with Koa Veneer
- Moonbeam over Moroccan Blue – Twine and Imperial Blue leather combined with Liquid Amber Veneer
- Damson – Autumn and Damson leather combined with Koa Veneer
- Spectre – Cashew and Burnt Oak leather combined with Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus Veneer
- Magnolia – Shortbread and Cricketball leather combined with Grand Black Veneer
The Mulliner team has configured the Bentayga Speeds’ luxurious interiors to include silhouettes of a performing ballet dancer as inlays to the front fascias matched by unique embroidery in each seat. All cars in the collection are named after a unique move which is displayed on the treadplate and share the same ballet imagery throughout the cabin.
Christian Schlick, Head of Bentley Russia, says, “We are excited to present the exclusive Bentayga Speed Russian Heritage Collection to our Russian customers. This project is built on the passion for perfection, which Bentley shares with such a grand and sophisticated art as ballet, the central motif of this year’s limited edition. These six unique SUVs will be delivered by Bentley Moscow and Moscow-Volgogradskiy at the end of the year, as all of the cars are already allocated.”
Cultural Heritage Mirrored With Contemporary Luxury
The regional collection sports a purposeful exterior look. Dark-tint headlights, body-coloured side skirts, unique front and rear bumpers and a striking, elongated tailgate spoiler characterise the Bentayga Speed’s performance credentials. Dark-tint radiator and bumper grilles, a unique 22-inch wheel design, and unique Russian Heritage LED welcome lighting represent the Bentayga’s aesthetics and power.
The Speed colour split is enhanced by the use of dark accents running throughout the seats and interior trim. Elegantly crafted ‘swooshes’ of contrast leather swipe around the doors, along the edges of the seat cushions and backrest bolsters, and on the lower console. The regional commission builds on the automotive benchmark for seat comfort with high-quality leather throughout and accentuated with detailed contrast stitching.
Dynamic and Powerful
The Bentayga Speed expands the Bentayga’s extraordinary abilities to new levels, utilising the 6.0-litre W12 twin-turbocharged engine that delivers peak power of 635 PS (626 bhp). Effortless acceleration is always guaranteed thanks to 900 Nm (664 lb.ft) of torque, available as a plateau from 1,500 rpm to 5,000 rpm. With exceptional dynamics, comfort and handling, maximum speed is also increased to 190 mph (306 km/h), while the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint is delivered in 3.9 seconds.
Bentley Dynamic Ride is the world’s first electric active roll control technology that utilises an unrivalled 48V system. This system instantly counteracts lateral rolling forces when cornering and ensures maximum tyre contact to deliver class-leading cabin stability, ride comfort and exceptional handling. Recalibration of Bentley’s Torque Vectoring by Brake system – whereby the car lightly brakes the inside rear wheel at corner entry to sharpen the front axle turn-in – has made Bentayga Speed even more responsive to drive.
Mulliner’s Bespoke Collections
This unique collection of regional commissions has been created using the knowledge and content from Mulliner’s own personal commissioning guide. The Mulliner Design offering is a core part of Mulliner portfolio strategy, with the team working across all three areas of Bentley’s bespoke and personalisation division – from Classic, to Coachbuilt, to Collections.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
Completely Re-Engineered Vintage Porsche 356 Will Accomplish More than 356 Miles on Ice
Valkyrie Racing’s upcoming ‘Project 356 World Rally’ ice challenge has hit the perfect trifecta when it comes to extreme. From racer and philanthropist Renee Brinkerhoff who is spearheading the completion of her 7th continent of endurance racing, coupled with a humanitarian effort to combat child trafficking — to Jason de Carteret, famed world-record holder in polar exploration, serving as her navigator (with more than 50 expeditions under his belt) — and finally, to the completely re-engineered 1956 Porsche 356A vintage vehicle that has been transformed with solar panels and a crevasse bar to sympathetically traverse Antarctica’s challenging terrain and withstand the severe weather conditions. The impending 356-mile ice trek, scheduled to begin December 5, 2021, will mark the conclusion of a near 20,000-mile commitment to pursue the ultimate endeavor by one woman, one car and one global mission to end child trafficking.
In nearly a decade, Brinkerhoff has established a podium-finishing name in rallies such as the notorious La Carrera Panamericana, while founding a successful non-profit, Valkyrie Gives, to provide much needed funds to support pre-vetted shelters within remote areas including China, Mongolia, Peru, India and Kenya. Each contribution received goes directly to education, rescue, and restoration for child trafficking survivors, and continues to foster awareness that can help to end the global issue.
According to Brinkerhoff, Valkyrie Racing has generated exposure to bring to the forefront one of the darkest and most dangerous illegal industries. “Our racing efforts have given us a voice on a global platform to put an end to child trafficking.” said Brinkerhoff. By racing our ’56 Porsche in extreme rallies that have never seen this type of vehicle before, we are a unique anomaly and use this recognition to give a voice to put an end to child trafficking.
Her personal involvement includes her selection by a U.S. based NGO to be part of a carefully vetted group of volunteer operatives that partake in global undercover assignments. Each mission aids local area police in evidence gathering with a goal to rescue and restore victims, including children who are sex trafficked, and to prosecute their traffickers. Brinkerhoff has already participated in operations in Southeast Asia and Latin America.
STAYING CARBON POSITIVE AND ICE SAFE
After more than 18-months of re-engineering the road-going vintage Porsche 356 for Valkyrie Racing’s coldest and most dangerous endeavor, UK-based Senior Chassis Design Engineer Kieron Bradley has succeeded in creating a one-of a-kind ice machine — it’s an engineering marvel. With reinforcements to the chassis ranging from aesthetics to safety and environmental considerations, a combination of skis, tracks and a crevasse bar with a dual-sided solar panel are the outward retrofits first noticed, with a particularly bold and aggressive design for the overall exterior.
But according to Bradley, not only do the skis make a good looking technologically advanced statement, but they were specifically designed to be supported by all the other components to make less of an impact on the snow than a footprint. “The ski and track combination increase the flotation by as much as 300 percent when compared to Antarctic 4×4 support vehicles on 42” tires – and the 356 will be gliding and leading the tracks throughout the entire journey.”
Significant retrofits include:
- Crevasse bar that supports dual-sided solar panel (reflecting both sun and snow)
- Twin solar panels to product a minimum of 150W at peek saturation
- Roll cage TIG welded/T45 material
- Rear track suspension mount frame TIG welded T45
- Track bearing system running Dupont Krytox low temp grease
- 12V low temperature compressor
- 4-ton bag jack to lift vehicle in soft snow
- Rear engine frame winch point
- Temperature gauge for early gearbox overheat detection
- Ability for occupant to have rear window exit option
- Accessibility from with the cabin area to reach survival dress, water, and communication equipment
Technical Considerations:
- Design must accommodate the fitting of pre-approved spiked ice tires with no wheel alignment change
- Operational temperature range -50°C to +55°C
- Vehicle must use original rally-prepared suspension and steering system with only complementary suspension to control the tracks
- Use of simple hand tools is only permitted on the ice to constrain running tool mass
- Crevasse Bar to not impair driver vision
- All track and ski fitment to be accomplishable by one person
- Recommended speed for component durability 40k mph
- 2psi maximum ground pressure at 50mm soft snow depth
JOIN VALKYRIE RACING IN ANTARCTICA
Valkyrie Racing/Valkyrie Gives has created the ability for a community of supporters worldwide to join them in Antarctica and be part of a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience. The name of each donor who contributes a minimum of $356 will be inscribed inside the hood of the car, receive a photograph of their name, and an exclusive ‘Antarctica Ice Challenge 356’ hat to commemorate their involvement. Donations can be made directly to www.valkyrieracing.com/donate356 .
ABOUT VALKYRIE RACING
Learn more about the exciting story of Valkyrie Racing/Valkyrie Gives and follow Renee Brinkerhoff and her team’s progress on the website at www.valkyrieracing.com , through Instagram @valkyrie_racing or @valkyrieracing on Facebook. Lead sponsor for Valkyrie Racing’s Antarctica Ice Challenge will be PXG, the global golf research and development powerhouse founded by American entrepreneur and philanthropist Bob Parsons – underscoring the company’s commitment to taking extreme measures in the name of performance and, more importantly, providing hope.
