by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
- Shadow Edition for MINI Clubman and MINI Countryman: exclusive to UK.
- Midnight Black exterior body colour, with Shadow graphics, logos and an exclusive bonnet design.
- Available on Cooper, Cooper S and All4 Plug-In Hybrid engine variants.
- Available to order now, priced from £26,805 RRP, with customer deliveries in April.
MINI announces the new Shadow Edition for the MINI Clubman and MINI Countryman, designed exclusively for the UK market.
The MINI Shadow Edition includes a higher standard specification across both models, as well as edition-exclusive bonnet design and decals.
The new Shadow Edition has Midnight Black Metallic exterior body paint, with contrasting Silver roof and mirror caps and a Piano Black exterior, creating a dramatic and streamlined look.
Customers can choose between the Cooper and Cooper S engines, in both manual and automatic transmission, with the All4 Plug-in Hybrid also available on MINI Countryman.
Based on the Sport trim level, the Shadow Edition exterior features include 19” John Cooper Works Circuit Spoke alloy wheels, John Cooper Works aerodynamic kit including John Cooper Works spoiler, and LED front and rear lights.
The special edition has a graphic on the bonnet and the A-panel, while the lower roof features the Shadow logo. Black roof rails are offered as standard to customers selecting the MINI Countryman, and as an option for those choosing MINI Clubman.
Inside, the Shadow Edition has Anthracite headlining and a Piano Black trim and both the dash trim and tread plates also feature additional graphics. The model also has John Cooper Works sport seats and a sports leather steering wheel with contrast stitching in Chili Red.
Continuing the high standard specification, the Shadow Edition comes equipped with the new 5.5-inch Digital Display Cockpit, Bluetooth with USB audio, Rear Park Distance Control, Interior Lights Pack and MINI Driving Modes, allowing drivers to switch between Sport, Mid and Green settings.
The MINI Excitement Pack, including MINI logo projection and LED mood lighting, and Navigation Pack, offering an 8.8-inch display with MINI Navigation, Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI), Apple CarPlay and Intelligent Emergency Calling, both come as standard. Comfort Pack, Comfort Plus Pack and Navigation Plus Pack, which includes Wireless Charging and Head Up Display, are optional.
The MINI Shadow Edition is available to order now from retailers nationwide, with first customer deliveries in April 2021. Prices start from £26,805 RRP for the MINI Clubman and £28,755 RRP for the MINI Countryman. For more information visit www.mini.co.uk.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
- Five Aston Martin Vantage GT3s to fight for Asian Le Mans Series GT title
- Full weight of Aston Martin Racing to support partners through 2021
- Aston Martin works drivers integrated into partner race programmes
- Factory technical hub to provide maximum always-on engineering support
The 2021 international GT racing season marks a new chapter in the history of Aston Martin Racing.
Engaging the full weight of its world championship-winning experience and pedigree on its Vantage GT customer programmes this year, Aston Martin aims to build on the 26 titles the car delivered in 2020, with an extensive and wide-ranging race programme that spans the full spectrum of the GT racing ecosystem.
An ever-expanding number of partner Vantage GT3 and GT4 teams are poised to contest more than 20 major international series globally this season, and they do so with access to an unprecedented level of support from the British luxury sportscar manufacturers’ racing factory. A significant number of engineers and technicians responsible for winning the 2019/20 GT FIA World Endurance Manufacturers’ and Drivers’ championship titles have been deployed to assist key partners, including those participating in this weekend’s opening rounds of the Asian Le Mans Series in Dubai.
Moreover, in a time when the Covid-19 pandemic has necessarily restricted international travel, AMR has moved to minimise this disruption for its teams by creating a world-class strategic and engineering support hub, led by AMR Head of Performance Gustavo Beteli and his team, operated in real-time out of Aston Martin Racing’s headquarters in Banbury.
“We are still able to fully support our customers, wherever they are racing in the world,” said Beteli, “as was the case in Daytona recently. In many of these cases we are using the remote-support hub, where we are able to collect live data from the cars, timing and keep a direct link with the teams to be able to provide the best service and guidance possible.”
Partner teams will also be able to call on the use of an extensive and decorated list of works drivers to support their line-ups in 2021. The roll of honours includes world champions Nicki Thiim (DK), Marco Sørensen (DK), 24 Hours of Le Mans class winners Darren Turner (GB), Jonny Adam (GB), Maxime Martin (BE) Charlie Eastwood (IE), as well as rising star and former British GT4 champion Ross Gunn (GB). Aston Martin Racing Driver Academy winners Valentin Hasse-Clot (FR) and Tom Canning (GB) will also integrate into race programmes with partner teams in 2021.
While the US endurance racing season may have already begun with the Rolex 24 featuring strong showings from Heart of Racing and TF Sport two weeks ago, the two-round, four-race Asian Le Mans Series provides another starting gun for the international calendar.
The opening double-header, at the Dubai Autodrome, features no less than five examples of the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 – a car which shares the same design principals and philosophy as the world championship-winning GTE and is in contention for its first Asian LMS title thanks to several strong team and driver line-ups.
Japanese squad D’station Racing, which is also making the step up to the FIA WEC this season, will field the #77 car for team owner Satoshi Hoshino (JP), Tomonobu Fujii (JP), and Tom Gamble (GB). Meanwhile, reigning GT World Challenge Pro-Am champion Alexander West (SE), leads a two-car Garage 59 assault alongside #88 co-drivers Martin, and Hasse-Clot. Yuki Nemoto (JP), Mike Benham (GB) and Marvin Kirchhöfer (DE) will drive the sister #89 Vantage GT3. Meanwhile, TF Sport returns to action with two exciting line-ups; John Hartshorne (GB), will share the #95 with Ollie Hancock (GB) and team regular Eastwood (IE), while Oman Racing with TF and Ahmad Al Harthy (OM), Canning (GB) and Adam (GB) will race the #97 car.
David King, President of Aston Martin Racing, said: “This exceptionally strong Asian Le Mans Series entry is a clear message of intent from Aston Martin Racing and defines our objectives for 2021. This year is about our partners and their continued success, and through them we intend to demonstrate why Vantage is an excellent platform to build an international GT campaign on. From WEC and IMSA, through the full spectrum of international and domestic GT3 and GT4 series, we expect to see Aston Martins racing and winning. Our clear aim is to build on the excellent tally of 26 championships titles in 2020.”
The Asian Le Mans Series will be contested over two consecutive weekends, with the first two four-hours races taking place in Dubai on Saturday, 13 February at 1415 (+4 hours GMT) and Sunday 14 February at 1245 (+4 hours GMT). The final two rounds will take place at the Yas Marina Grand Prix circuit in Abu Dhabi on Friday 19 February and Saturday 20 February.
Free practice begins on Thursday, preceded by two days of testing with GT class qualifying for Round 1 taking place on Friday 12 February at 0955 (+4 Hours GMT).
by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
- Motorhome Qualification Scheme will give customers confidence in safety and quality of motorhome and camper conversions
- Converters will have to meet a series of strict criteria to be certified
- Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is committed to driving standards in the growing sector
- More than 200,000 customers started configuring their dream California and Grand California campers in 2020
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles has launched a Motorhome Qualification Scheme to give customers confidence when buying a converted Volkswagen campervan, with the market soaring in 2020.
With more families opting for remote staycations due to COVID-19 travel rules, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recorded a 36 per cent year-on-year increase on its campervan web pages in 2020, and more than 200,000 customers started configuring their dream California and Grand California vans. Similarly, Google search terms for campervans and motorhomes in 2020 were up 53 per cent and 41 per cent, respectively.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, the only OEM to offer a true factory-built camper with the California and Grand California, has created the Motorhome Qualification Scheme to ensure high standards are followed by aftermarket converters.
The scheme represents the highest standards in the industry, with criteria for inclusion requiring converters to meet National or European Type Approval, pass the stringent National Caravan Council standards, have a three-year trading history, register on the Body Builder Database, and provide a minimum of £5 million liability insurance.
In addition, converters are committed to offering the same warranty to match the base vehicle, giving customers clarity on one term to cover maintenance of the entire vehicle. Converters who meet all the standards required by the scheme will receive official certification to use on their website and products, giving customers confidence when purchasing.
Nick Axtell, Specialist Sales Manager for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “As the number one manufacturer of campervans, we have a duty of care to our customers to drive better industry standards across the sector, especially at a time of huge growth. The scheme recognises the converters who have made an investment in developing and selling conversions based on our products, while giving customers peace of mind when it comes to the safety and quality of any product with a Volkswagen badge on the front.”
For more details on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ award-winning range of products and services, or to find your nearest Van Centre, please visit www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
- Flying Spur’s luxury and sports capabilities recognized with Drivers’ Choice Award by long-running American automotive TV series
- Technological tour de force of innovation, connectivity and comfort
- Driver engagement sets the bar for modern luxury Grand Touring sedans
- Driver-focused cabin blends the best of cutting-edge technology and modern craftsmanship
- “World’s best luxury four-door grand tourer” now available with hugely popular Bentley V8 powertrain alongside iconic W12.
The Flying Spur W12 has been recognized in MotorWeek’s 2021 Drivers’ Choice Awards as the Best Dream Machine.
Since 1981, MotorWeek judges the best in the automotive industry, looking at the buyer’s point of view and considering industry trends while looking towards the most innovative cars in the industry.
Now, with more than 40,000 examples sold since its launch in 2005, the Flying Spur continues to set the bar as the most successful luxury sports sedan in the world. Sporting details including industry-first three-dimensional leather, cutting edge Bentley Rotating Display, and a retractable, illuminated “Flying B”, each detail continues to be carefully created.
The bold exterior design of the Flying Spur is based on a new and modern vision that is unmistakably Bentley, utilizing the latest technologies in aluminium extrusions and castings. Longtime Creator, Host and Senior Executive Producer of MotorWeek, John Davis, comments:
“The Bentley Flying Spur is a car that fully lives up to our lofty automotive dreams when it comes to luxury, and then far exceeds them when it comes to performance. It effortlessly races to 60 miles per hour in well under 4.0-seconds, which is truly not enough time to enjoy the meticulously hand-crafted embrace that is the Flying Spur’s cabin.”
Bentley Americas CEO and President, Christophe Georges, comments:
“The Flying Spur has been part of Bentley since 2005 and since then has set the bar for the best of both worlds, combining limousine luxury and sports car performance, resulting in the ultimate Dream Machine. Our entire team is honoured that MotorWeek has also recognized the Flying Spur as a leader in the industry.”
Effortless Luxury
Seamlessly integrating the very best in British craftsmanship with cutting-edge, innovative technology, the third-generation Flying Spur has become the new Bentley flagship.
The bold exterior design of the Flying Spur is based on a new and modern vision that is unmistakably Bentley. The latest generation Flying Spur has increased road presence from stronger, more muscular styling, which is evident the full length of the car.
The interior of the Flying Spur showcases Bentley’s expertise in creating a modern cabin of unrivalled luxury and innovation. Stylish and unique, featuring supremely comfortable seats with Bentley’s ‘Wing’ theme across the lower console and fascia.
Sweeping horizontal veneer flows across the dashboard and into the doors, emphasising the spacious width of the cabin. Crown Cut Walnut is offered as standard, which uses a straight cut process to provide a contemporary finish.
The Flying Spur incorporates a class-leading portfolio of intelligent and intuitive equipment tailored to the driver and passengers. An embedded SIM is provided, meaning My Bentley connected car features no longer require customers to provide their own data connection.
Other features include Apple CarPlay®, photorealistic landscapes through satellite maps and advance warning of changing road or traffic conditions via the local hazard information service displayed on the vehicles infotainment system.
Through a range of optional equipment including Rear Seat Entertainment tablets, audio options up to the industry-leading Naim for Bentley system and even the luxury of an onboard two-bottle drinks cooler, the rear cabin of the Flying Spur is the ultimate place to work or relax while on the road.
All Flying Spurs are produced at Bentley’s home in Crewe – the world’s first carbon-neutral factory for luxury car production. Bentley’s unique application of cutting-edge and modern technology, seamlessly integrating the latest British craftsmanship with innovative features, pushes the existing boundaries of refinement and attention to detail to create the finest super-luxury sports sedan ever built.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
- The plug-in hybrid pioneer – the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV – has closed out 2020 as Europe’s best selling plug-in hybrid SUV and the second best-selling PHEV across all segments
- A total of 26,673 examples of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV were sold across Europe in 2020, with 3,736 of those sold in the UK
- As part of Mitsubishi Motors’ Winter Sales Event, a new Outlander PHEV is available in the UK from £31,890 OTR with three years’ free servicing
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has closed out 2020 as the top-selling plug-in hybrid SUV in Europe with sales topping 26,673 (Source: JATO).
The pioneering Outlander PHEV also remains the second-best seller across all segments despite a huge number of competitors entering the market in 2020.
In the UK, sales of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV since 2014 have now topped 53,000 with Outlander topping the SUV PHEV charts in 2020 with 3,736 sales including 320 Commercial versions.
The popularity of PHEVs is growing across Europe with many governments now incentivising the technology to encourage customers to take their first steps towards electrified transportation. Recent studies carried out on behalf of Mitsubishi Motors in the UK show that PHEVs are accelerating an attitudinal shift for the future with 70% of PHEV owners now considering a fully electric vehicle for the next purchase compared to just 27% of ICE drivers.
As part of Mitsubishi Motors’ Winter Sales Event, a new Outlander PHEV is available in the UK from £31,890 OTR, including a customer saving of up to £4,500 and three years’ free servicing. A variety of competitive finance packages are also available.
The Winter Sales offer is available through the Mitsubishi Motors dealer network or using Mitsubishi Motors’ own convenient online shopping service and vehicles can either be safely collected directly from a local dealership or delivered directly to the customer’s door.
The new Mitsubishi range is available to order now from Mitsubishi showrooms and via Mitsubishi Motors’ Buy Online service: mitsubishi-motors.co.uk/buy
by gaukcars.com | Oct 2, 2024 | Blog
- 1968 Ferrari 330 GT Coupé by Pininfarina
- Recent Classiche accreditation applied for
- Supplied in May 1968 to dealers in Verona, Italy
- Classically finished in gleaming coat of Rosso Corsa with a Nero interior
Silverstone Auctions lot list is rapidly growing full with a range of classic cars, competition cars and automobilia for The Race Retro Live Online Auction, taking place on Saturday 27th March.
One of the star cars recently confirmed for the sale is this 1968 Ferrari 330 GT Coupé by Pininfarina which has been fully inspected for official Ferrari ‘Classiche Certification’ and the £8,400 account has been paid with the glorious ‘Red Box’ expected any day now.
This simply lovely example of one of the best-looking cars in history is classically finished in a gleaming coat of Rosso Corsa, with a Nero interior with long-term ownership between 2005 and 2017 with over £30,000 spent during this period with JDR, TDH Classics and Hoyle-Fox. The car has been fully retrimmed with a new boot carpet and a new headlining fitted, all interior woof finishes, door capping’s and the dashboard, the Borranis were rebuilt and the spinners re-chromed, the carburettors were rebuilt, a new stainless-steel exhaust fitted, the brakes rebuilt and the distributors were adjusted to suit the new electronic ignition.
Beneath the 330 GTC’s stylish and elegant bonnet nestled the 4.0 litre, 300bhp version Ferrari’s familiar, twin-cam, 60-degree V12, as used in the 330GT 2+2 enabling 0-60 in less than 7 seconds and over 150mph in true V12 GT style. The rear suspension incorporated the five-speed gearbox in a transaxle, an arrangement that created more even weight distribution and a delightful handling balance.
Gary Dunne, Silverstone Auctions Sales Controller, commented, “We are once again thrilled with the growing lot list we have consigned for our first sale of 2021. The 1968 Ferrari 330 GT Coupé really is a credit and privilege to offer in our tenth year as the official auction partner for Race Retro!”
In light of government restrictions, Silverstone Auctions date for this auction is Saturday 27th March. Pre-sale viewings are important for their customers; therefore, with this revised date they can hopefully provide this service in due course where interested bidders can come and see this classic sixties outstanding GT Ferrari.
Silverstone Auctions are still inviting entries to join the superb lot list for their live online auction. The UK market leading classic car auction house can be contacted on 01926 691141, by email enquiries@silverstoneauctions.com or via their website.
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
PR CONTACT
Louise Joiner
louise@silverstoneauctions.com
01926 691141
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.
