Pricing for the potent new CUPRA Leon is announced, starting from £35,660 RRP
CUPRA Leon 300PS is an evolution of two decades of performance heritage
Powerful 2.0 TSI powertrain is coupled with a DSG-auto transmission
Orders open with generously-equipped VZ2 and VZ3 trim levels
Available to configure now at www.CUPRAofficial.co.uk and orderable at one of 58 retail spaces across the country
CUPRA has opened the order books for the latest variant of its iconic Leon hatchback with the launch of the 300PS 2.0 TSI powertrain.
The brand’s flagship performance hatch is now available to order with prices starting from £35,660 RRP for the CUPRA Leon Hatch VZ2 TSI DSG-auto 300 and rising to £37,390 for VZ3 trim.
Available exclusively with the DSG-auto transmission, the latest iteration of the renowned 2.0-litre TSI four-cylinder engine develops 300PS and 400Nm of torque.
The turbocharged, direct injection petrol engine propels CUPRA Leon from 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds and is limited to a top speed of 155mph.
As well as an increase in power output over its predecessor, the new CUPRA Leon is also more efficient, returning up to 37.2mpg on the combined WLTP cycle and CO2 emissions from 171g/km.
An exhilarating driving experience is guaranteed as standard, with CUPRA Leon featuring four driver selectable modes (with changes to throttle response and gear shifts), speed sensitive power steering and Dynamic Chassis Control.
The range kicks off with the VZ2 trim, featuring a host of performance upgrades as standard, including 19” machined black and silver alloy wheels, sports bumpers, black brake calipers, black headlining, CUPRA’s unique chrome and copper interior detailing, a CUPRA flat bottomed perforated leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, sports bucket seats and a rear diffuser with oval quad exhaust pipes.
A comprehensive selection of technology comes as standard too, with highlights including a digital cockpit, a 10” infotainment system with navigation and Full Link smartphone integration (compatible with Mirror Link, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Google Android Auto), four USB-C charging ports, wraparound ambient interior lighting, illuminated door sills, three-zone climate control, cruise control with speed limiter, keyless entry and start and a rear view reversing camera.
VZ3 trim adds 19” Aerodynamic machined sport black and silver alloy wheels, wireless phone charging, heated front seats, leather upholstery, a power driver seat with memory function and a heated steering wheel.
A panoramic sunroof, a choice of seven paint colours, two nappa leather colours (VZ3 only) and three levels of the Safety and Driving Pack (M, L or XL) can be additionally specified by customers.
CUPRA is an unconventional challenger brand based on stimulating style and contemporary performance that inspires the world from Barcelona with progressive cars and experiences. Launched in 2018 as a stand-alone brand, CUPRA has its own corporate headquarters and a racing car workshop in Martorell (Barcelona), in addition to a network of specialized points of sale around the world.
In 2020, the brand maintained its upward trend with an 11% growth and 27,400 vehicles sold, thanks to the strong performance of the CUPRA Ateca and the CUPRA Leon as well as the market entry of the CUPRA Formentor, the first model uniquely designed and developed for the brand. In 2021, CUPRA aims to prove that electrification and sportiness are a perfect match with the launch of the plug-in hybrid versions of the CUPRA Formentor and its first 100% electric model, the CUPRA el-Born.
CUPRA will participate this year in the off-road electric SUV’s competition Extreme E. Additionally, it is also FC Barcelona’s official automotive and mobility partner and World Padel Tour’s premium sponsor. The CUPRA Tribe is made up of a team of ambassadors who share the brand values, such as the German goalkeeper Marc ter Stegen, the Swedish driver Mattias Ekström and five of the best padel players in the world, among others.
Hyundai Motor UK launches ‘Charge myHyundai’ – a new service that offers convenience and peace-of-mind to owners of Hyundai battery electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV)
New service provides access to the largest public charging network across the UK using a single account
Charge myHyundai customers need just one app and a single card to use the service
High quality live data integration of Charge myHyundai will be available on Hyundai’s next generation battery electric cars, starting with IONIQ 5
Hyundai Motor UK has today launched Charge myHyundai – an integrated public charging service offering Hyundai electric and plug-in hybrid vehicle customers a convenient charging solution.
Owners of the brand’s BEV and PHEV models will have access to the largest charging network in the UK and can enjoy a streamlined one-payment solution via a single app or single radio-frequency identification (RFID) card. The service offers transparent tariffs for all customers, designed to fit their individual charging preferences.
Charge myHyundai gives Hyundai drivers access to over 15,000 charge points across the UK. Customers will be able to use charge points from most of the main operators via a single platform, with a flexible pay-as-you-go tariff making the use of public charging more simple and convenient.
Ashley Andrew, Hyundai Motor UK’s Managing Director, commented: “We’re excited to introduce Charge myHyundai to the UK for Hyundai electric vehicle customers as we know that public charging is one of the biggest perceived barriers for EV ownership. Charge myHyundai provides a comprehensive service where customers can easily locate and access public chargers, with a simplified payment solution giving BEV & PHEV owners peace-of-mind.
“You’ll see that as we continue to launch our next generation of electric cars, like the forthcoming IONIQ 5, Charge myHyundai will be integrated into the car’s head unit making it even more convenient and seamless.”
Charge myHyundai can be downloaded on iOS and Android devices, it enables intelligent route planning to help users find charging stations easily at their final destination or along a route. Users have real-time price information of the charging points in the app and have full price transparency of the charging service. The simple pay-as-you-go (PAYG) tariff gives the customer the freedom to charge whenever and wherever they need to with no monthly subscription fees (some network providers may offer a membership to access reduced tariffs).
Charge myHyundai customers can also access the public charging networks via a single RFID card. Upon registration, users will be sent an RFID card to use as a backup for areas with poor mobile phone reception.
The Charge myHyundai app brings together all relevant information, including the charging network map, tariffs, and customer’s Charge myHyundai account management. Overall, it offers easy access, a simple payment facility and a straightforward monthly bill – rather than individual bills from a multitude of public charging network providers.
Charge myHyundai can also be used in conjunction with Hyundai’s Bluelink® Connected Car Services. Bluelink connects drivers to their cars through their smartphones via the Bluelink app which enhances their driving experience and makes life on the road more comfortable, convenient and safe. For full-electric vehicle owners, this includes the ability to charge vehicles remotely, check battery status, set a charging schedule, and switch on the car’s climate control before setting off on a trip to heat or cool the interior.
Concours Austin-Healey 100/4s uprated to works M specification are rare and highly desirable, but ‘706 XVG’ is especially so as it comes complete with eligibility and registration for the Mille Miglia, the world’s premier classic car rally.
This splendid, fully-restored example of a much-loved breed will go under the hammer at Hampson Auctions’ sale, Thornton Manor, Wirral on April 28.
It vacated the Longbridge production line in October 1955 bound for the car-friendly climate of Melbourne, Australia. Prior to its repatriation in 2019 the car was treated to an extensive rebuild by the globally-renowned Healey specialist Steve Pike of Marsh Classic Restorations. Then following its arrival on these shores it was uprated to full M specification by long-term Healey aficionados Murray Scott-Nelson of Scarborough, North Yorkshire. The notably low 63,000 miles currently displayed is believed to be genuine.
The Healey was displayed at the 2019 NEC Classic Car Show and, by invitation, at a GRRC Members’ meeting at Goodwood last summer. Superbly finished in Healey blue over white bodywork teamed with white-piped blue leather interior trim, the car is being sold complete with Brantz rally timer, FIVA ID card and Heritage Certificate, as well as the aforementioned Mille Miglia registration. Commenting on this very desirable BN2 model, Hampson’s Managing Director Zach Hamilton said: “The 100/4 will appeal to Healey lovers everywhere, but would be doubly perfect for anybody seeking an ultra cost-effective entry into the Mille Miglia.”
‘706 XVG’ carries a pre-sale estimate of £100,000-110,000. Further details on the Healey and all other cars so far consigned for the April auction can be found at www.hampsonauctions.com.
Volvo Cars and Geely Auto have agreed on a wide-ranging collaboration that will maximise the strengths of the Swedish and Chinese automotive groups, delivering synergies in powertrains, sharing of electric vehicle architecture, joint procurement, autonomous drive technologies and aftersales.
Powertrain operations to be combined in new company focused on next-generation hybrid systems and internal combustion engines
Expanded use of shared modular architectures for electric vehicles (EVs)
Enhanced collaboration in autonomous and electric-drive technologies
Joint procurement to cut purchasing costs
Lynk & Co to expand globally by utilising Volvo distribution and service network
Companies to retain independent corporate structures
Following a detailed review of combination options, Volvo Cars and Geely Auto have concluded they can secure new growth opportunities in their respective markets and meet evolving industry challenges through deeper cooperation, while preserving their existing separate corporate structures.
The deeper collaboration will enable existing stakeholders and potential new investors in Volvo Cars and Geely Auto to value their respective standalone strategies, performance, financial exposure and returns. We will also have the opportunity to explore capital market options.
The collaboration will be overseen by a new governance model, supported by Geely Holding, the lead shareholder in both companies.
Volvo Cars and Geely Auto confirmed the combination of their existing powertrain operations into a new standalone company. The company, expected to become operational this year, will provide internal combustion engines, transmissions, and next-generation dual-motor hybrid systems for use by both companies as well as other automobile manufacturers.
Through the collaboration, the two companies will focus on the development and sourcing of next-generation technologies, from connectivity and autonomous drive to car sharing and electrification. They are planning to share and jointly source batteries, electric motors and connectivity solutions that will generate valuable synergies. This will include the joint development of a world-leading autonomous driving (AD) solution under the lead of Zenseact, Volvo Cars’ AD software development company.
The two companies, which are planning to share the new SEA and SPA2 electric architectures among their brands, have launched combined efforts to drive speed and efficiencies in the development of hardware and software for the next-generation world-leading modular EV architectures. Intended sharing of platforms and architectures between the companies will drive additional synergies and allow for an expansion of product portfolios across the Volvo Cars, Geely, Lynk & Co and Polestar brands, and external partners.
Leveraging Volvo Cars’ existing distribution and service network, the two companies will also collaborate on the global expansion of the jointly owned Lynk & Co brand.
Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Cars, said: “Having evaluated different options to realise value, we concluded jointly that a collaboration model between two standalone companies is the best way to secure continued growth and at the same time achieve technological synergies in many areas. We welcome the opportunity of further and deeper collaboration with Geely Auto.”
An Conghui, President and CEO of Geely Auto, said: “Geely Auto looks forward to partnering more closely with Volvo Cars, achieving significant synergies for our respective businesses. This will enable Geely Auto to accelerate its global expansion, to capitalise on our strengths in China and develop a new generation of world-class new-energy vehicles and associated mobility services.”
The collaboration agreement has been welcomed by Li Shufu, Chairman of Geely Holding, the parent company of Volvo Cars and the largest shareholder in Geely Auto.
“As shareholders and portfolio-managers of both wholly owned and listed companies, Geely Holding sees significant benefits from deeper partnerships and alliances while maintaining independence,” said Li Shufu. “We are encouraged by the potential synergies and growth opportunities created by this collaboration, which will create two even stronger globally competitive companies in the rapidly changing world of automotive technology and new mobility services.”
The East African safari winning Tuthill Porsche 911, started life in January 1975 as a relatively rare Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 MFI Coupe where it was then converted into a rally car in the early 1990’s and campaigned extensively by legendary Irish tarmac rally driver, Billy Coleman.
The car was hired in 1998 for The RAC Historic rally by Silverstone Auctions Managing Director, Nick Whale. Nick realised the cars potential and decided to then own the car, going onto win the 1999 Safety Devices Rally Challenge outright. Not only this, but also The British Historic Rally Championship held in 2000 over eight rounds, four tarmac and four gravel events. Every time the car went out, it was successful.
The car was sold in May 2002 and rallied for the next decade before being converted by Tuthills, into a full house East African Safari spec rally car. Much work was then done to this superb car at the time in which it has continually benefited from Tuthills ongoing maintenance and improvements.
Nick Whale, Silverstone Auctions Managing Director, commented, “We are thrilled to offer a car with such outstanding history and one that I have previously owned and won in, for our first sale of 2021. The 1975 Porsche 911 Carrera MFI Safari Rally Car really is a credit and privilege to offer in our tenth year as the official auction partner for Race Retro!”
This striking car has completed in no less than four East African Safari events, finishing every one! Finally, in 2017 the car was taken to the very top step on the podium and won the event outright – what an achievement by Silverstone Auctions private vendor and world class rally driver, Ryan Champion. This Porsche 911 was even selected by Porsche Club GB as one of 30 specially invited cars to attend as well as participating in Porsches 50th Birthday celebrations at Brands Hatch circuit in 2018.
As well as the cars outstanding history and provenance is MSA papers and an FIA HTP. This is a great basis for another Safari project that Tuthills have indicated can be brought up to current front running specification for a spend of about £40,000. Newly built cars today are around £300,000 plus VAT, making this car with such an outstanding pedigree.
Silverstone Auctions are offering a dedicated, one-to-one, virtual viewing of cars of interest to you from 24th February through to the 26th March. Viewing the cars in person is permitted to specialists who have been instructed to inspect vehicles of interest on your behalf and members of the trade. Bookings are arranged by appointment and this should be made by calling 01926 691141.
Silverstone Auctions are closing their catalogue in just under two weeks. Entries are still invited to join the rapidly growing lot list for their live online auction. The UK market leader classic car auction house can be contacted on can be contacted on 01926 691141, by email enquiries@silverstoneauctions.com or via their website.
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2021 AUCTIONS
The Race Retro Live Online Auction: 27th March
The May Sale: 22nd May
A Sale of Ferraris in association with Ferrari Owner’s Club GB: 5th June
The Classic Sale at Silverstone: 30th July – 1st August
The NEC Classic Motor Show Sale: 12th – 14th November
ABOUT SILVERSTONE AUCTIONS Formed in 2011, Silverstone Auctions is a world-class, specialist auction house for the sale of classic cars, modern supercars, all types of competition cars, modern and historic motorcycles as well as automotive memorabilia.
We hold the exclusive automotive auction rights for Silverstone circuit and host sales as stand-alone events as well as an integrated element of some of Europe’s biggest motorsport events such as the Silverstone Classic Festival.
In addition to our sales at the circuit, we also host a number of auctions each year at other major classic car events including the NEC Classic Motor Show and Race Retro.
At Silverstone Auctions we take pride in selecting the very best of breed vehicles for our sales which not only attracts buyers from around the world, but has already helped us achieve a number of record-breaking auction prices on behalf of our vendors.
We are committed to providing the best possible service for both buyers and vendors alike, so if you’d like to know more about buying or selling a classic vehicle with Silverstone Auctions, call us today on +44(0)1926 691141.
Ferrari announces the start of the Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) programme that from 2023 will see the manufacturer enter the new top class of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Following a period of study and analysis, Ferrari has kicked off the development of the new LMH car to include in recent weeks the design and simulation phases. The track testing programme, the name of the car and the drivers who will make up the official crews, will be part of future announcements.
Fifty years after its last official participation in the premier class of the World Sports Car Championship in 1973, Ferrari will take to the track in the Hypercar class of the FIA World Endurance Championship, which it proactively helped to establish. It has a respectable record in closed-wheel competition with 24 world titles (most recently in 2017) and 36 victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Ferrari President John Elkann commented: “In over 70 years of racing, on tracks all over the world, we led our closed-wheel cars to victory by exploring cutting-edge technological solutions: innovations that arise from the track and make every road car produced in Maranello extraordinary. With the new Le Mans Hypercar programme, Ferrari once again asserts its sporting commitment and determination to be a protagonist in the major global motorsport events”.
