by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
Volvo Cars and technology company ECARX are planning to set up a new joint venture for the development and commercialisation of a cutting-edge infotainment system platform.
The planned joint venture would allow both companies and the wider Geely Group to speed up technology development, improve cost efficiency and create new revenue streams.
Volvo Cars has worked with Google on the development of the Android Automotive operating system since 2017. In 2020, Volvo Cars and Polestar were the first car makers to introduce infotainment systems based on the Android Automotive operating system with Google apps and services built in.
Through the new joint venture, Volvo Cars and ECARX will continue and expand the development of Volvo Cars’ infotainment system platform. The joint venture will make the platform available to all Geely Group and affiliate brands, while also providing the platform to third parties through ECARX.
“The infotainment system in Volvo’s latest cars is one of the best on the market, rivalling mobile phones in user experience,” says Henrik Green, Chief Technology Officer at Volvo Cars. “Through this joint venture, we can speed up development of the system, bring high-quality infotainment to more cars and maximise incentives for companies and developers to create great services and apps for the users of the platform.”
ECARX is a new, stand-alone and fast-growing technology company that has had a global footprint since its expansion to Europe in December 2020. It has extensive experience in developing and integrating high-quality Android-based infotainment systems for brands such as Geely Auto, Lynk & Co and Proton.
“With profound accumulation in in-vehicle infotainment systems and the intelligent connected field, ECARX is committed to becoming the leading power in automotive intelligence technology in China,” says Ziyu Shen, Chief Executive Officer at ECARX. “This joint venture will be another important move for ECARX’s globalisation strategy. It will start the partnership between ECARX and Volvo Cars, integrates their respective technical advantages to bring global consumers connected infotainment experiences that lead the industry, and paves the way for further cooperation.”
Volvo Cars initially plans to integrate the platform developed in the joint venture into Volvo Cars and Polestar cars, with their own unique user interfaces.
ECARX will be the exclusive commercialisation partner for the integration of the platform into other vehicles worldwide and in combination with its existing ECARX automotive services offering in the China market. Volvo Cars and ECARX are also investigating the use of ECARX automotive services in the China market and hardware from ECARX.
When established, the joint venture will be led by Jan-Erik Larsson, currently the Head of R&D in China for Volvo Cars. Following final negotiations, and subject to finalisation and execution of relevant agreements between the parties, the company is set to become operational in the third quarter of 2021.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
- McLaren Sports Series production ended in December 2020 with build of final 620R
- Sports Series debuted in 2015 with the 570S unveiling at the New York Auto Show
- Major chapter in the McLaren Automotive story, with seven different models
- Last examples of the McLaren 620R competition-inspired coupé being delivered across Europe, the Middle East and Africa
McLaren is bidding farewell to its Sports Series designation with the last examples of the final model, the 620R, now dispatched from the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, UK.
Serving for many customers as an entry point to the McLaren brand, more than 8,500 Sports Series cars have been sold globally since the range was introduced in 2015 with the 570S Coupé. A further six core models followed – the 540C, 570GT, 570S Spider and the limited-volume 600LT Coupé, 600LT Spider and 620R. The final 620R models, built in December 2020, are now on their way to customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, together with earlier cars that have benefitted from personalisation by McLaren Special Operations.
The most powerful Sports Series derivative – its 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V8 produces 620PS (611 bhp) and torque of 620Nm (475 lb ft) – the 620R was inspired by the McLaren 570S GT4 race car and is the first car in its class to offer true motorsport credentials in a fully road-legal package. Sharing aerodynamic, hardware and chassis components with the GT4 car, the limited-volume coupé – just 225 production cars were built – was designed to provide a seamless transition from race to road, free from any restrictions that motorsport regulations apply.
The 620R develops 185kg of downforce at 250km/h (155mph), its circuit performance being further enhanced by a wider track, lowered suspension and two-way manually adjustable GT4 dampers featuring 32 clicks of adjustment. Carbon ceramic brakes, centre-locking wheels and a low-exit, stainless steel sports exhaust additionally contribute to the overall experience of a racecar for the road.
The majority of 620R models sold across Europe, Middle East and Africa have been ordered with the optional R Pack, which includes a Gloss Finish Visual Carbon Fibre Roof Scoop; Titanium SuperSports Exhaust with Gloss Nano Black finishers; Gloss Finish Visual Carbon Fibre Front Fender Louvres and a Carbon Fibre Interior Pack. Containing several design and engineering upgrades, the R Pack further intensifies the immersive driving experience of the most track-focused and powerful Sports Series model ever.
Further information about the 620R and details of McLaren retailers can be found at: cars.mclaren.com.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
- The Continental GT Speed is the most capable, performance-focused Bentley ever – with no compromise to comfort or luxury
- Highly advanced chassis – with four new technologies – increases sporting ability yet maintains ride comfort
- All-wheel steering and electronic rear differential enhance vehicle agility and stability
- Newly-engineered carbon ceramic brakes for incredible stopping power
- Revised version of renowned 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine delivers
659 PS (650 bhp) and 900 Nm (664 lb.ft) - 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds); top speed 208 mph (335 km/h)
- More purposeful styling matches Continental GT Speed’s performance credentials to create extraordinary journeys
- Unique exterior detailing includes 22” Speed wheels and sports sills
- Unique Speed interior trimmed in hide and Alcantara with 15 colours and 11 further combinations
- Introduction of new Dark Tint Engine Turned Aluminium optional technical finish to the centre console
- Designed, engineered, developed and exquisitely handcrafted at Bentley’s carbon neutral luxury automotive factory
Bentley Motors today releases details of the new Continental GT Speed – the most dynamic road car in Bentley’s 101 year history and ultimate performance-focused interpretation of the world’s benchmark luxury Grand Tourer.
Designed, engineered, developed and handcrafted in Bentley’s carbon neutral luxury automotive factory, this new third-generation model builds on a long tradition of Speed variants. Originally introduced with the highly-acclaimed, first generation Continental GT Speed in 2007 – itself inspired by the 3-Litre Speed models of the 1920s. The latest GT Speed continues the bloodline by representing the ultimate combination of luxury and performance in a Grand Touring package.
Dr. Matthias Rabe, Member of the Board for Engineering at Bentley Motors, comments:
“The new Continental GT Speed represents the very pinnacle of performance grand touring. This new model is the most powerful expression of Continental GT values, exciting and dynamic, with unique Speed detailing to enhance the ownership experience and offering customers more control over the character of the car.
“The world’s most luxurious Grand Tourer is now truly more capable than ever before, with a new sportier edge which will appeal to performance-focused drivers. The Speed is the latest chapter in the Continental GT story, helping Bentley customers to create their own extraordinary journeys.”
New Chassis Technology – True Sporting Potential
The pinnacle performance Continental GT features advanced chassis technology harnessed specifically for the new model.
New Electronic All-Wheel Steering enhances the dynamic nature of the Speed in BENTLEY and COMFORT driving modes. However, this is even more apparent in SPORT mode, as the steering combines with Bentley Dynamic Ride and an electronic limited slip differential for a level of agility unlike any other Bentley road car.
At low and medium speeds, the GT Speed’s rear wheels are steered in the opposite direction to the front wheels to aid a rapid change of direction, noticeably increasing the feeling of nimbleness. The steering feels sharper and with a quicker ratio, and a commensurate increase in steering feel provides even more driver confidence. At high speeds, the rear wheels steer in the same direction as the front, to improve stability. The system is significantly more active on the GT Speed than it is on the Flying Spur, where its primary purpose is a reduction in turning circle and enhanced high-speed stability.
Featuring Active All-Wheel drive, the traction control and torque distribution has been recalibrated in all driver modes to provide a noticeable character shift relative to the standard Continental GT.
Maintaining Bentley’s philosophy of the vehicle feeling progressive and secure, yet still be dynamic, this approach rewards drivers of all abilities. To achieve this philosophy in BENTLEY and COMFORT mode, overall grip is balanced between the front and rear wheels, in SPORT this mode has been calibrated with a more rear-biased torque–split in all driving scenarios.
For the first time in a Bentley, the latest generation of the Continental GT Speed introduces the use of an electronic rear differential (eLSD).
Specifically tuned hand-in-hand with the traction control and active chassis systems, the eLSD provides increased lateral capacity, improved longitudinal stability, enhanced on-throttle adjustability and delivers better traction in adverse road conditions.
In BENTLEY and COMFORT mode this provides improved traction, provides a greater level of confidence for the driver and makes the vehicle feel more stable at high speeds. In SPORT mode, the eLSD has been tuned to balance on and off throttle adjustability, improved turn-in response and increased straight-line performance. The combined benefit means the Continental GT Speed is now more adjustable and more driver-focussed than ever before without compromising comfort or stability.
Improved cornering dynamics and the extra grip provided by the new systems allows the driver to exit any corner with an increased level of precision and confidence. In turn, the vehicle is able to extract the maximum performance from the available traction to deliver stunning acceleration and composure from the apex. In SPORT mode, the traction management system sends a greater proportion of power to the rear axle to allow for even greater on-throttle control of cornering line.
Working alongside these systems are the key chassis technologies that deliver body control and ride comfort with no compromise to one another – namely Bentley’s three-chamber active air suspension with adaptive damping, and Bentley Dynamic Ride – the 48V active anti-roll control system that Bentley pioneered on the Bentayga and third-generation Continental GT. This innovative system features powerful electric motors within each anti-roll bar to resist body roll. In their firmest setting, the motors can deliver 1300 Nm in 0.3 secs to counteract cornering forces and keep the body level.
Meanwhile, depending on the mode, the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) System allows the driver to experience an even greater level of freedom before the Speed’s safety systems intervene to correct any anomalies. With the ESC engaged, the car provides reassuring stability over uneven surfaces, abnormal cambers or in inclement weather conditions. When switched to Dynamic mode, the ESC extends the freedom of the driver, allowing the experienced pilot to set and alter the cornering stance of the car at their discretion.
With the ESC switched off, the mechanical grip and inherent balance of the GT Speed comes to the fore, allowing a driver-focused experience previously only seen in Bentley’s racing machines. After utilising strong turn-in performance thanks to the All-Wheel Steering and eLSD, on track the driver can choose to balance throttle and steering to deliver effortless, progressive yaw angles.
To complement the extra capability of the chassis, a newly-engineered Carbon Ceramic brake system has been introduced as an option on the GT Speed. Carbon Silicon Carbide discs provide additional brake bite, with a strong, firm brake pedal feel and excellent brake fade resistance. Ten-piston front callipers and four-piston rears supply incredible braking force – needed when up to 10 MJ of energy are converted to heat in a full stop from top speed. The carbon ceramic material also saves over 33Kg of weight (all of it un-sprung mass) and produces extremely low levels of brake dust, helping to maintain the fresh look of the 22” unique Speed wheels.
Continental GT Speed – Thrilling Performance
The new GT Speed is the ultimate performance-focused expression of Bentley’s definitive Grand Tourer, yet maintains the luxury, comfort and usability of its siblings. It is equipped with an uprated version of Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre W12 TSI engine, delivering 659 PS (650 bhp) – a 4 per cent increase of 24 PS over the current W12 model – whilst maintaining an extraordinary 900 Nm (664 lb.ft) of torque. With exceptional handling, this results in a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h) and 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds), a reduction of 0.1 second.
Both engine and transmission have been deliberately calibrated to suit the car’s driver-focused credentials. This is most noticeable in SPORT mode, where the twin-turbocharged W12 has been tuned to keep the engine in the power band longer by up-shifting later, or downshifting earlier. This creates a more eager response to the driver’s throttle inputs.
The dual-clutch, eight-speed transmission shift is twice as fast in SPORT mode as in the standard W12 model, in keeping with the Speed’s ethos. This combines with a greater exhaust character during start-up and downshifts.
Not only does the Continental GT Speed offer impressive performance, to maximise efficiency the model benefits from Bentley’s Stop-Start technology where the engine rests not only when the vehicle is stationary, but also at near-to-stop speeds.
Bentley’s Variable Displacement system shuts down half of the engine’s 12 cylinders under certain conditions with the transitions between the two being imperceptible to the driver. Intake and exhaust valves, fuel injection and ignition are all shut down on defined cylinders, with the engine running as a six-cylinder for improved fuel efficiency.
Exterior Detail – GT Speed’s Statement of Intent
The muscular bodywork of the Continental GT has been amplified still further on the GT Speed. Unique exterior detailing complements a powerful, athletic stance, blending seamlessly with the effortless elegance inherent to the Continental GT.
Speed models add a Dark Tint radiator grille and lower bumper grille, as well as unique, more sculpted sports sills, a Dark Tint radiator matrix and discreet Speed badging in chrome on the front fender.
Another signature feature of the most potent version of the Continental GT is unique, 22” Speed wheels in bright silver, with the option of a dark tint or black gloss finish. “Jewel” versions of the fuel and oil filler caps are standard, while illuminated Bentley treadplates to both sills are a nod to the Speed’s performance credentials.
A Unique and Luxurious Cabin
The cabin of the new Continental GT Speed showcases Bentley’s expertise in creating the world’s finest automotive interiors. Handcrafted materials blend with unique trim and badging that are only available in the Speed and can be further personalised if desired.
The Continental GT Speed’s credentials are further highlighted by a unique duotone colour split handcrafted in hide and matching Alcantara, which is also applied to the steering wheel. The exterior badging is matched with an elegant Speed icon on the passenger fascia.
The luxurious interior can be further personalised with a choice of 15 main and 11 secondary hide colours, as well as the use of leather in lieu of Alcantara for the Speed colour split. The centre console can be finished in new dark tint engine turned aluminium, bringing a geometrically perfect machined surface and a beautifully patterned finish.
Bentley’s Diamond in Diamond quilting is included as standard, and Speed embroidered headrests distinguish the cabin of the most potent Continental GT.
A range of veneers are available in GT Speed, starting with Piano Black veneer as standard. Customers can also choose Crown Cut Walnut, Dark Stained Burr Walnut and Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus at no extra cost, with three open pore options (Dark Burr Walnut, Crown Cut Walnut and Koa) available as additional options.
As with all Continental GTs, the Speed offers four seats and exceptional grand touring luggage capacity of 358 litres. Packed with exquisite detail, a technologically advanced instrument panel and the acclaimed Bentley Rotating Display, the new driver-focused model widens the Continental GT’s performance credentials.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
- Heart of Racing stars in close GTD battle during US endurance classic
- Vantage GT3 records second podium finish of 2021 international season
- Aston Martin Racing works driver Ross Gunn records first IMSA podium
The Aston Martin Vantage GT3 recorded its second international podium finish of 2021 as partner team Heart of Racing recorded a brilliant third place in the Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring on Saturday evening.
It was also the second time in a row that the Seattle-based team had finished on the podium at the Florida venue.
The #23 Heart of Racing Vantage, driven by team principal Ian James (GB), Roman De Angelis (CN) and Aston Martin Racing works driver Ross Gunn (GB), ran near the front of the GTD class for the majority of the race, having quickly worked their way up from P9 at the start. A smooth run through the event with strong stints from both his team-mates allowed Gunn to inherit the lead when he climbed into the car for his final stint, only to drop to third as the pitstops cycled through.
But then a late Full Course Yellow with 30 minutes to go in the incident-packed race meant that the Englishman had to withstand immense pressure in the final stages. This only subsided when a rival Porsche was served with a penalty on the penultimate lap, freeing Gunn up to take his first IMSA Weathertech Sportscar Championship podium.
“This was an awesome result and the team thoroughly deserved it,” said Gunn. “We looked strong at Daytona back in January, and we’ve performed well all day again today, so the Aston Martin Vantage was good for this result. The more we race it over here in the US, the faster it seems to get, so let’s hope it can land a victory soon!”
James added: “Great day here at Sebring to get consecutive 12 Hour podiums for the Heart of Racing Aston Martin. I’m super proud of all the team. Roman and Ross drove really well and everyone executed all race long. This puts us in a good points position heading into the next race and leaves us excited for the rest of the season.”
Aston Martin Racing President David King added: “The Sebring 12 Hours is a gruelling event and tough for drivers, cars and teams, as it proved again this year, so to finish on the podium is an excellent performance from our partners Heart of Racing. It’s also another demonstration of the Aston Martin Vantage GT3’s growing competitiveness as a customer-based GT car in the USA and fully justifies our commitment to customer racing around the world in 2021.”
The next race in the IMSA Weathertech Sportscar Championship is at Mid-Ohio on 14-16 May.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
- The Aston Martin ‘A3’, the earliest surviving car from the British marque, will be on display at Concours of Elegance 2021
- Built in 1921, ‘A3’ – which was a Type A and the third car constructed by Aston Martin – is currently celebrating its centenary year
- Driven extensively by Lionel Martin himself, A3 also set speed records, including averaging more than 86mph over 100 miles at Brooklands
- In total, nearly 1,000 vehicles will be on display across the weekend as further features are revealed in the coming months
- The Concours of Elegance remains the UK’s top concours d’elegance and among the top three in the world
- Tickets can be bought now from concoursofelegance.co.uk/tickets
The Concours of Elegance, presented by A. Lange & Söhne, will host the oldest surviving Aston Martin during its 2021 event at Hampton Court Palace this September.
Aston Martin ‘A3’ was the third car ever built by Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford, and was extensively driven by the founders. This year, it celebrates its centenary.
The Concours of Elegance was first established in 2012 to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, with a collection of 60 of the rarest cars in the world in the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle. Since then the Concours of Elegance has evolved into a world-renowned celebration of craftsmanship, design and innovation, hosted since 2017 at Hampton Court Palace, but always with spectacular cars like the Aston Martin ‘A3’at its heart.
Given its name because it is built on chassis no.3 and uses a Type A engine, ‘A3’ produces just 11hp from its four-cylinder side-valve engine. Nevertheless, it was raced in period, and proved capable of setting speed records, achieving an average of more than 86mph over 100 miles at the Brooklands circuit.
By 1923, the car’s life as a factory prototype was complete and it was sold to a customer. It changed hands a number of times until history shows it under the ownership of R.W. Mallabar in 1927. Following a con-rod failure, the car returned to Aston Martin for an engine rebuild, at which time the car was refinished in pale grey (rather than its original black) with red wheels.
The next time ‘A3’ reappears in the history books is 2002 when it was identified at auction as the third Aston Martin ever produced. In 2003 a generous donation enabled ‘A3’ to be purchased by the Aston Martin Heritage Trust, who entrusted it to Ecurie Bertelli for a full restoration to as close as original specification.
A new body was designed and hand-beaten into shape to replace the later green body that had been added at some point in A3’s life, a new ash bodyframe was built, the engine was rebuilt, the radiator was refurbished and the chromium finish removed. The car is presented today in full working order, with its factory specification black paintwork, preserving an extremely important part of Aston Martin history.
The display of Aston Martin ‘A3’ is just the latest in a spectacular partnership between Aston Martin, particularly the Aston Martin Owner’s Club (AMOC), and the Concours of Elegance. At the inaugural event in 2012, Mark Donoghue of the AMOC arranged for sixty Aston Martins – one from each year of Her Majesty The Queen’s reign – to be lined up along Windsor Castle’s Long Walk. Then, in 2019, Donoghue was responsible for arranging AMOC’s show-stopping display of one example of every single Aston Martin Zagato model produced, many of which are one-offs.
The ‘A3’ will form part of the Main Concours display at Concours of Elegance 2021, a line-up of the world’s rarest cars set to go on display at Concours of Elegance 2021, taking in some of the finest European coachbuilt cars ever built, a collection of Gulf and Martini-liveried motorsport heroes and the very latest bespoke hypercars. The event will also welcome a number of special features and displays, including a celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s 95th birthday, bringing with it a British car from each year of Her Majesty’s life. In total, over 1,000 rare and exotic cars will be on display across the weekend.
Outside of the automotive displays, Concours of Elegance remains an occasion of pure luxury, with champagne provided by Charles Heidsieck, picnics by Fortnum & Mason, live stage interviews with Chubb Insurance, hosted by Jodie Kidd, and a collection of art, jewellery and fashion displays. Presenting Partner, A. Lange & Söhne, recently confirmed to support the event for a further three years, will continue to showcase some of its most intricate timepieces.
Tickets to the Concours of Elegance 2021 are available now from just £30 for half-day entry, with full three-course hospitality packages from £288. Tickets can be bought from concoursofelegance.co.uk/tickets.
General information:
Iain Campbell, Thorough Events Ltd
Tel: 020 3142 8542
Email: iain@thoroughevents.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/concoursofelegance
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ConcoursUK
About the annual Concours of Elegance:
Established in 2012, the inaugural Concours of Elegance was held within Windsor Castle to mark the diamond jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen’s reign. Organised by Thorough Events, the first Concours of Elegance set a new global benchmark for a classic car concours; winning prestigious awards in the process; unheard of for a ‘start-up’ event in its first year. The second Concours of Elegance was held in 2013 to equal fanfare at the historic Royal Palace of St James in London, with the widely acclaimed third Concours set in the stunning grounds of Hampton Court Palace in September 2014, before heading to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in 2015. Only cars of the highest calibre are invited to the Concours of Elegance, from all over the world, painstakingly selected by the Concours Steering Committee; a respected team of authoritative historic car experts. A key objective of the annual Concours of Elegance is to raise significant sums for charity.
www.concoursofelegance.co.uk
Historic Royal Palaces
Hampton Court Palace is cared for by Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that also looks after the Tower of London, the Banqueting House, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland. We help everyone explore the story of how monarchs and people have shaped society, in some of the greatest palaces ever built. We raise all our own funds and depend on the support of our visitors, members, donors, sponsors and volunteers. With the exception of Hillsborough Castle, these palaces are owned by The Queen on behalf of the nation, and we manage them for the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. Registered charity number 1068852. For more information, visit www.hrp.org.uk.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
The Castle Combe Circuit team are delighted to announce that TV star and acclaimed racing driver, Tiff Needell, will be the special guest on the venue’s upcoming Combe TV one-year anniversary show, set to air at 7pm on Thursday, 25 March.
Needell will speak to commentator Chris Dawes and Sales & Marketing Director, Tom Davis, about his colourful motorsport and media careers so far, as the popular lockdown-conceived live show celebrates its first anniversary with 45 episodes already under its belt.
2021 is a particularly poignant time for Needell to be interviewed by Castle Combe as it marks the 50th anniversary of his first competitive appearance at the venue in the 1971 Formula Ford championship.
He’s raced in Formula Fords at Combe on a number of occasions since too, with his most recent appearance being in 2019, as well as briefly dabbling in F1. Another highlight was his visit to the 1997 National Motor Museum Raceday where he demonstrated the 1967 ex-Graham Hill Lotus 49 Cosworth DFV F1 car on the 1.85-mile track.
More recently, the circuit has provided Needell the backdrop to a number of Top Gear, Fifth Gear and Love Cars episodes that he’s presented, meaning he’s very familiar with the venue and is sure to have a number of memories from his time spent there.
About Combe TV
Combe TV was launched on 25 March 2020, aiming to offer some light entertainment to motorsport fans around the world who were under Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
Averaging almost one episode per week ever since and attracting hundreds of thousands of views in the process, it’s now become a staple of many Castle Combe fans’ weekly schedules.
To mark exactly one year since the first show aired, presenters Tom Davis and Chris Dawes will reflect on the successes of the series so far before they introduce Tiff Needell to the show.
How to Watch
Tune in to episode 46 of Combe TV at 7pm on Thursday, 25 March to watch Tiff Needell live using the below links. These links will also allow you to watch-back the episode any time after it’s been streamed.
Watch live (and previous shows) at Castle Combe Circuit’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/CastleCombeCircuitUK
Or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/castlecombecircuit/live
