SEVEN’s design and innovation previews Hyundai’s future sport utility electric vehicle (SUEV)
Expansive design leveraging Hyundai’s E-GMP platform explores a new SUV typology optimised for dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV)
Interior architecture assures greater freedom and comfort for passengers, while furniture-like seats and features provide premium lounge experience
SEVEN’s hygienically focused functions, sustainable materials and space innovations highlight Hyundai Motor’s relentless focus on customers
Growing lineup of IONIQ BEVs bolsters Hyundai Motor’s electrification strategy and supports its commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2045
Hyundai Motor Company today revealed SEVEN, the new sport utility electric vehicle (SUEV) concept at AutoMobility LA.
This category-bending electric SUV concept will be on display in Hyundai Motor’s booth, along with other segment-leading products such as IONIQ 5, and XCIENT Fuel Cell, at the LA Convention Center, Nov. 19-28.
Following the 45 concept in 2019 and the Prophecy concept in 2020, the SEVEN concept opens a new chapter for the IONIQ brand, Hyundai’s dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) showcase. These differentiated design and technology innovations prioritise customer values over industry norms. SEVEN is also a clear representation of Hyundai’s commitment to carbon neutrality by 2045.
“The SEVEN concept demonstrates Hyundai’s creative vision and advanced technological development for our electrified mobility future,” said José Muñoz, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. “Its innovative interior space, eco-friendly powertrain and cutting-edge safety and convenience technologies reveal an exciting future for Hyundai SUV customers.”
The SEVEN debut press conference can be viewed at Hyundai Motor America website. Hyundai Motor also released a lifestyle-oriented storytelling video, featuring SEVEN’s customer experience concept and its various in-car appliances. The film can be viewed at HyundaiWorldwide YouTube channel.
IONIQ: Dedicated BEV brand embodying Hyundai’s future mobility vision Every vehicle developed for the IONIQ brand offers a next generation customer experience that seamlessly integrates the most advanced technologies into everyday life settings. SEVEN concept is the perfect example of IONIQ, with its space innovation and hygienic features transforming the vehicle as an innovative living space on wheels.
“As a tangible proof of Hyundai’s vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’, IONIQ changes the paradigm of electric vehicle customer experiences, accommodating diverse lifestyles without constraints,” said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer, Hyundai Motor Company. “SEVEN represents our commitment to a human-centered approach to redefine everyday experiences.”
Redefining SUV with aerodynamically pure exterior and powerful presence SEVEN concept is built upon Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), a dedicated BEV architecture. E-GMP’s long wheelbase and flat platform floor enables a completely new class of vehicle that offers new experiences for customers.
SEVEN has an aerodynamically pure silhouette instinctively divergent from a typical SUV. The low, leading edge of the hood, a single, streamlined roofline and elongated wheelbase communicate a clear break from traditional SUVs powered by internal combustion engines. The pure volume of SEVEN’s minimal forms contrast with the powerful stance and commanding, rugged presence.
In support of SEVEN’s powerful road presence are wheels that feature integrated Active Air Flaps, which deploy or retract depending on brake-cooling or low-drag requirements.
Even under darkness of night, SEVEN is easily identified by IONIQ’s signature Parametric Pixel lights that deliver a Welcome Light Sequence on start-up. Parametric Pixels provide a common design thread, linking digital and analog styles, a reminder that its designers considered every aspect of SEVEN’s design, down to a single pixel.
A welcoming, premium lounge style interior for the autonomous driving era SEVEN’s interior design priority lies in the space innovation offering greater freedom for our customers than ever before. SEVEN’s wheelbase reaches 3.2 meters, thanks to its design cue to push the wheels outward to extend the wheelbase as much as possible.
The flat floor allows Hyundai Motor to explore an alternative to the traditional row-based seat arrangements, creating a more fluid interior layout. The Pillarless Coach Doors offer a grand entrance to reveal a welcoming interior with a completely new dimension of space. The streamlined roofline, long wheelbase and flat floor that extends to the third row opens new opportunities to furnish the interior like a premium lounge.
SEVEN also embodies Hyundai’s future vision of autonomous mobility. The driver’s seat features a retractable control stick that hides away when not in use. Without the need for the usual driver’s equipment, the ultra slim cockpit and integrated screens create a lounge-like experience. The seat arrangement is unlike traditional SUVs, with swiveling lounge chairs and a curved bench seat. This seat arrangement can be customized depending on driver-controlled or autonomous driving modes.
SEVEN offers flexible space and various in-car appliances that can be personalized for individual passengers. This human-centered approach allows SEVEN to envision a future of mobility and connectivity whilst laying the foundations for future IONIQ models.
SEVEN has a Universal Island console, specially designed home appliances and a multi-functional Smart Hub graphic user interface. When the Smart Hub and front seats combine with the rear chaise-lounge seating, SEVEN becomes an environment where customers can experience quality time alone or together in the glow of side-door ambient light. In transit, SEVEN’s built-in mini fridge provides chilled refreshment on the go and shoe-care compartments refresh passengers’ footwear.
The concept’s vision roof features a panoramic screen that not only displays various content based on passengers’ tastes, but also changes the overall interior atmosphere to guarantee maximum relaxation and pleasure during the journey.
“SEVEN dares to break from the beaten path,” said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President, Head of Hyundai Global Design. “SEVEN paves the way forward for what an SUV needs to become in the EV era with a unique aerodynamic pure form that does not compromise on its rugged personality. The interior opens up a new dimension of space that cares for its passenger as a family living space.”
A sustainable and hygienic mobility environment Hyundai Motor has focused on developing vehicles to always ensure a safe and healthy travel experience. SEVEN uses various eco-friendly materials while offering segment-leading hygienic features, such as Hygiene Airflow System and UVC Sterilization.
Hyundai applied bio-paint to SEVEN’s exterior and hygienically-recycled and renewable materials throughout the interior. Mineral plaster, bamboo wood and carpet, bio resin and interior paint are based on renewable sources that can reduce pollution from the production process. Extensive use of copper and hygienically treated fabric with proven antibacterial functions ensure all surfaces inside SEVEN remain clean at all times.
The Hygiene Airflow System takes inspiration from the sophisticated airflow management of passenger aircrafts. In its vertical mode, air is taken in through built in air intakes in the roof rails from which the air travels from above to below, and extracted through the exterior vent behind the rear wheels. In its horizontal mode, the air flows from the slim dashboard to the rear vents.
Most importantly, this system can activate independently whether the vehicle is in motion or not to reduce cross-contamination among passengers and isolates the airflow between front and rear occupants.
UVC Sterilization activates once the vehicle is vacated of its passengers. The control stick, first-row storage drawer and speakers pop up. Then, integrated sanitizing UVC lights help clean the living space of bacteria and viruses. In addition, there are sanitizing storage compartments in the bench and Smart Hub console for personal belongings.
Powerful Performance with an all-electric range target of over 300 miles Thanks to its versatile E-GMP platform, SEVEN will be able to provide outstanding driving range and ultra-fast charging capabilities, delivering a driving experience tailored to customer’s needs. In a real-world situation with a 350-kW charger, SEVEN is capable of charging from 10 percent to 80 percent in about 20 minutes. The concept is also engineered to achieve a target range of over 300 miles.
XCIENT Heavy Duty Fuel Cell Truck Debut at AutoMobility LA Hyundai Motor’s new XCIENT heavy-duty fuel cell truck will make its North American auto show debut at AutoMobility LA. Hyundai has partnered globally to deploy XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks for commercial transportation and 46 are already operating in Switzerland. Now, Hyundai Motor is expanding its efforts in California, with the largest deployment of these vehicles in the U.S. XCIENT will be prominently on display in the Hyundai booth, with technology experts onsite to assist with inquiries.
IONIQ 5 Debut at AutoMobility LA IONIQ 5 will also make its North American auto show debut at AutoMobility LA. IONIQ 5 is Hyundai’s all-new, all-electric, midsize CUV. Its design explores new experiences only possible with E-GMP. The RWD version targets a 300-mile all-electric range. Its interior leverages unique proportions with a 3,000-mm wheelbase and raises the bar of comfort and usability with a flat floor. The interior also reflects Hyundai’s commitment to sustainability by utilizing eco-friendly materials and nature-inspired colors on many touchpoints. IONIQ 5 also provides Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, which can turn the vehicle into a charger on wheels to power various compact devices on the go.
* Note: SEVEN is a concept vehicle, and its specifications should not be considered as those of an upcoming production model.
The first fully rideable prototype of the NAWA Racer e-motorbike, developed by an expert group of partners comprised of leading French energy storage experts NAWA Technologies, AKKA Technologies, Pronergy, FAAR and YSY Group will be revealed at EICMA 2021
NAWA Racer features a revolutionary 100% electric powertrain that combines NAWA Technologies’ ‘NAWACap’ next-gen lithium-ion ultracapacitors, resulting in a world-first hybrid e-powertrain
Visit NAWA’s stand, Booth B79, Pavilion 18, at EICMA Milan from 25-28th November to see both the NAWA Racer and NAWACap ultracapacitor technology
NAWA Technologies (NAWA), pioneers of revolutionary 3D nano-technology to unleash efficient, green mobility, will be showing its NAWA Racer electric motorbike at the world’s biggest two-wheeled show, EICMA 2021 in Milan, from 25-28th November.
NAWA Racer is a zero-emission motorbike concept that illustrates how NAWA’s next-gen nano-based ultracapacitors, called NAWACap, can be applied to a real-world electric vehicle (EV) powertrain, by combining them with conventional lithium-ion cells to create a hybrid battery system.
Optimising both energy sources, the innovation opens up new possibilities for all e-powertrains, greatly improving efficiency, reducing the size of the lithium-ion battery as well as charging times, potentially doubling range and extending entire system life. Entirely modular and scalable, the system is perfectly suited for two-wheelers but also applicable to any electric vehicle.
For the initial design of the NAWA Racer concept, NAWA Technologies was supported by expert design and engineering services provider Envisage Group – based in Coventry, UK. To develop a fully functioning prototype, NAWA has had the support of InnoEnergy, the innovation arm of the European Innovation Institute, assembling an expert consortium of French partners consortium comprised of NAWA itself, AKKA Technologies, Pronergy, FAAR and YSY Group. NAWA will bring the next evolution of this concept to EICMA 2021 (Booth B79 – Pavilion 18).
Intended to turn heads as well as offer a ground-breaking electric powertrain, NAWA Racer can reach a range of up to 300 km in an urban environment. NAWA Racer brings a modern twist to its retro looks with simple, smooth lightweight composite panels and rear arm and an in-wheel motor. NAWA Racer will also focus on customisation with multiple ways to tailor and futureproof its striking design.
Pascal Boulanger, Founder of NAWA Technologies, and CTO said: “NAWA Raceris our vision for the electricmotorbike of tomorrow – a retro café racer-inspired machine, but one that is thoroughly modern. It is lightweight, fast and fun, perfect for an emission-free city commute that will put a smile on your face. But thanks to its revolutionary electric powertrain, which combines NAWA’s ultracapacitors with lithium-ion, it also lays down a blueprint for the future.”.
New versions of the T-Roc, the T-Roc R and the T-Roc Cabriolet at dealers in spring 2022
Compact crossover model equipped with technology from higher vehicle classes: partly automated driving and IQ.LIGHT with LED matrix headlights
High-quality interior with newly designed dash panel and Infotainment display, with Digital Cockpit as standard
The latest chapter in the story of success: over one million units sold worldwide within just four years
With a fresh design, innovative assist systems and numerous digital services, Volkswagen is continuing the success story of its compact crossover model. A sharpened exterior defines the unmistakable appearance of the new T-Roc, T-Roc R and T-Roc Cabriolet.
The interior was refined with high-quality materials, a redesigned Infotainment display and the Digital Cockpit as standard. Innovative technology from higher vehicle classes has now been integrated into the compact SUV model family – in the shape of IQ.Light, with LED matrix headlights, and the assist systems of IQ.Drive with Travel Assist, as well as predictive ACC cruise control. In this way, Volkswagen is making great strides towards becoming a software-oriented mobility provider as part of its ACCELERATE strategy.
The combination of a progressive look, sporty performance and rock-solid versatility have made the T-Roc a popular, best-selling car over the course of the last four years. Without a direct predecessor, it became a key pillar in Volkswagen’s product programme overnight. Since its market launch in 2017, more than one million units of the compact SUV have been sold. Since the end of 2019, the model range has included an extremely sporty T-Roc R. Since the spring of 2020, the T-Roc Cabriolet has united the strengths of an SUV with the option of driving with the top down.
Sophisticated interior, sharpened exterior design With a foam-backed surface and distinctive seams, the new dash panel brings modern and top-quality design highlights to the interior of the new T-Roc. The Infotainment display is now designed like a tablet and positioned on the dash panel in a line of sight with the instrument cluster behind the steering wheel. Depending on the equipment, the Infotainment display measures either 8.0 inches or 9.2 inches. The compact SUV comes as standard with a digital instrument cluster which is optionally available at a size of up to 10.25-inches as the Digital Cockpit Pro. The multifunction steering wheel, which is also part of the standard package, has a new design that contributes to the vehicle’s intuitive control.
High-quality fabric door trim is now standard. In the Style and R-Line equipment lines, door trim and arm rests are made of leatherette and boast designer seams, just like the head restraints. Another feature of the Style equipment line are the centre panels of the comfort seats in ArtVelours. In conjunction with the R-Line, top-of-the-range sports seats for both driver and front passenger (previously only to be found in the T-Roc R), as well as Nappa leather upholstery, are available as an option.
The lines of the new T-Roc exterior have been sharpened, making its unmistakable crossover design all the more striking. LED headlights and darkened rear lights are included as standard. IQ LIGHT with LED matrix headlights and an illuminated radiator grille strip, as well as tail light clusters with a new graphic structure and dynamic turn signal are available on request. Five new colours of exterior paint and newly designed 17- and 19-inch alloy wheels provide customers with even more opportunities to customise their car.
New levels of digitalisation and connectivity The new T-Roc comes with the advanced assist systems Front Assist and Lane Assist as standard. Moreover, the new IQ.DRIVE Travel Assist and Predictive Cruise Control enable assisted steering, braking and acceleration at speeds of up to 210 km/h. By integrating the signals from the front camera, as well as GPS and map data, the vehicle control system can incorporate local speed limit information, town boundary signs, junctions and roundabouts.
The new T-Roc features the third generation of the Modular Infotainment Toolkit (MIB3), This enables the use of a variety of online-based functions and services. We Connect Plus services can be used free of charge in Europe for one year as part of the standard package This means that natural online voice control and streaming services are available. Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ functions can also be integrated wirelessly into the control system via App-Connect Wireless, if desired.
Efficient TSI and TDI engines, 7-speed DSG and 4MOTION available as option In the diverse drive portfolio of the new T-Roc there are three TSI and two TDI engines to choose from. Depending on the selected drive, a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed DSG powers the front axle. The 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder engine has a maximum output of 81 kW (110 PS)1. The four-cylinder drives generate 110 kW (150 PS) as a 1.5-litre TSI2/3 and 140 kW (190 PS) as a 2.0-litre TSI4. The range is rounded off with two 2.0-litre TDI four-cylinder engines offering an output of 85 kW (115 PS)6 and 110 kW (150 PS)7 respectively. As an alternative to front-wheel drive, 4MOTION all-wheel drive in conjunction with the 110 kW (150 PS)8 diesel engine ensures superior power transmission. The 2.0-litre TSI with 140 kW (190 PS)4 is combined with 4MOTION as standard.
Available in a basic version and three further pre-configured equipment lines The T-Roc can be adapted even more easily to individual tastes, thanks to the reorganisation of equipment lines. In addition to the basic T-Roc version, the compact SUV is available throughout Europe in the newly configured versions Life, Style and R-Line. The Style equipment line boast two-tone paintwork, additional chrome elements, background lighting and convenience seats in the interior. The R-Line exterior design and equipment is now based to an even greater extent on the top model T-Roc R. The unique character manifests itself in many ways such as in a striking, sporty bumper design and multifunction sports steering wheel with touch control. In addition, the new T-Roc in conjunction with the R-Line equipment line has a sports package including driving profile selection, progressive steering and sports running gear. Moreover, customers can opt for a Black Style design package in conjunction with the Style and R-Line equipment lines. Its exterior and interior black design elements create a subtly sporty look.
The new T-Roc R: versatile performance With its 221 kW (300 PS)5 four-cylinder engine, the new T-Roc R is the most dynamic compact SUV of the model family. The standard sports running gear and 4MOTION all-wheel drive also contribute to this. Aside from the distinctive sound, the sporty performance is also visually accentuated in the interior and the R-specific exterior. The newly designed sports leather steering wheel features touch controls and the model-specific R button for direct access to driving profile selection.
The new T-Roc Cabriolet: Driving fun, freedom and a zest for life The new version of the T-Roc Cabriolet signalises now more than ever driving fun, freedom and a zest for life. As an open-top crossover model, it unites the robustness of an SUV with the pleasures of a convertible. The new T-Roc Cabriolet features an electrically operated, three-layer, fabric soft top that can be opened in under nine seconds. The open-top four seater comes in the Style and R-Line equipment lines. Customers can choose from a 1.0-litre TSI engine with 81 kW (110 PS)9 and a 1.5-litre TSI with 110 kW (150 PS)10/11.
As soon as the end of this week, the new T-Roc and new T-Roc Cabriolet are available for order; the new T-Roc R is available from the beginning of the new year. In spring 2022, all models will then be available from dealers.
The entry price for the new T-Roc with 1.0 TSI engine is 23,495 euros (incl. VAT); prices for the new T-Roc Cabriolet start at 31,850 euros (incl. VAT) in the Style equipment line with the 1.0 TSI engine.
The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand is present in more than 150 markets worldwide and produces vehicles at more than 30 locations in 13 countries. Volkswagen delivered around 5.3 million vehicles in 2020. These include bestsellers such as the Golf, Tiguan, Jetta or Passat as well as the fully electric successful models ID.3 and ID.4. Around 184,000 people currently work at Volkswagen worldwide. In addition, there are more than 10,000 trading companies and service partners with 86,000 employees. With its ACCELERATE strategy, Volkswagen is consistently advancing its further development into a software-oriented mobility provider.
1 T-Roc 1.0 TSI 81 kW/110 PS, 6-speed manual gearbox, fuel consumption l/100 km (NEDC): urban 6.2 / extra-urban 4.6 / combined 5.2; CO2– emissions (combined) in g/km: 118; efficiency class: B
2 T-Roc 1.5 TSI 110 kW/150 PS, 6-speed manual gearbox, fuel consumption l/100 km (NEDC): urban 6.2 / extra-urban 4.7 / combined 5.2; CO2 emissions (combined) in g/km: 119; efficiency class: B
3 T-Roc 1.5 TSI 110 kW/150 PS, 7-speed DSG, fuel consumption l/100 km (NEDC): urban 6.7 / extra-urban 4.6 / combined 5.4; CO2 emissions (combined) in g/km: 123; efficiency class: B
4 T-Roc 2.0 TSI 4MOTION 140 kW/190 PS, 7-speed DSG, fuel consumption l/100 km (NEDC): urban 7.5 / extra-urban 5.7 / combined 63; CO2emissions (combined) in g/km: 145; efficiency class: C
5 T-Roc R 2.0 TSI 4MOTION 221 kW/300 PS, 7-speed DSG, fuel consumption l/100 km (NEDC): urban 9.3 / extra-urban 6.9 / combined 7.8; CO2 emissions (combined) in g/km: 179; efficiency class: E
6 T-Roc 2.0 TDI 85 kW/115 PS, 6-speed manual gearbox, fuel consumption l/100 km (NEDC): urban 5.6 / extra-urban 3.5 / combined 4.3; CO2 emissions (combined) in g/km: 113; efficiency class: A
7 T-Roc 2.0 TDI 110 kW/150 PS, 7-speed DSG, fuel consumption l/100 km (NEDC): urban 4.9 / extra-urban 3.8 / combined 4.2; CO2 emissions (combined) in g/km: 110; efficiency class: A
Awe-inspiring GT Speed to compete in Real Racing 3 mobile game by Electronic Arts
New ‘in-game’ event allows players to earn their own virtual GT Speed
Real Racing 3 is an award-winning franchise for global gamers
November 16 launch for week-long ‘in-game’ challenge event – formidable GT Speed available for in-game purchase thereafter
Real-life Bentley Continental GT Speed is the most dynamic road car in Bentley’s 102-year history
New model races from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds (0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds) and on to a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h)
The new Bentley Continental GT Speed has joined the starting grid of the latest update to Real Racing 3 – an award-winning, free to play mobile game by Electronic Arts (EA).
The announcement coincides with an exclusive week-long event, where players will be able to compete in a series of racing challenges to win their own virtual GT Speed track car.
The seven-day, ‘in-game’ challenge starts 16 November, giving Real Racing 3 fans the chance to earn a high-performance GT Speed to drive against other global competitors. Thereafter, any player can purchase Bentley’s breathtaking grand tourer to race from the game’s store.
Real Racing 3 is an ultimate car racing experience, challenging players around the world to simultaneously pit their virtual driving skills against each other at 40 famous circuits. The multi-player mobile game has been downloaded over 500 million times, with meticulously detailed cars and high quality visuals.
The new, real-life Bentley Continental GT Speed already has the perfect sporting credentials for gamers. A formidable, 6.0-litre W12 engine is tuned to a unique Speed calibration, creating the most dynamic road car in the company’s illustrious 102-year history.
Enhanced with an innovative suite of technologies, such as Electronic All-Wheel Steering, Torque Vectoring and Bentley Dynamic Ride, the latest model races from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 thrilling seconds (0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds) and on to a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h).
Phillip Dean, Lead Mulliner & Motorsport Designer at Bentley, said: “Real Racing 3 is an award-winning driving experience that sets the standard for mobile racing games. The new Continental GT Speed will offer discerning players incredible agility, thrilling driver engagement and immense power from its sublime W12 engine.”
Real Racing 3 was launched in 2013 by Australian-based Firemonkeys Studio and published globally by Electronic Arts. Since then, over 13 billion races have been completed in 100 countries – currently more than 10 million races a day. The app can be downloaded for use on iOS, Android or Amazon devices.
The virtual game to win the GT Speed begins 16 November.
Tickets are now live for Bicester Heritage’s first Scramble event of 2022 on the 16th of January, with the release of 5000 tickets for historic motoring enthusiasts.
From 9am until 2pm, attendees will be able to take a glimpse behind the doors of the 45 industry-leading Specialists, experiencing a range of showrooms and workshops that the Bicester Heritage hub for historic motoring enterprise is renowned for.
The best-preserved WW2 RAF Bomber Station in the country is normally accessible by appointment only, with the Scramble event promising hands-on access to the world of heritage motoring. Guests will also be able to enjoy refreshments from on-site beverage producers Wriggly Monkey Brewery and Sky Wave Gin and experience the world of vintage aviation on the site’s active grass airfield.
2022 will be the eighth year of the Scramble events, attracting tens of thousands of automotive enthusiasts from around the world and celebrates the ongoing partnership with classic vehicle insurer Hagerty.
The recently-launched Bicester Heritage Scramblers membership club will also be present onsite, promising a range of curated delights for attendees who have had enough festive cheer.
Scramblers and the Scramble events exist to celebrate the historic motoring sector and the magic in the driving and preservation of classic cars, while making these experiences accessible for future generations.
Dan Geoghegan, CEO, Bicester Heritage adds: ““We are looking forward to starting 2022 in spectacular fashion as we open up our Heritage Quarter for the first event of the year. Our Scramble events always promise a day out that the entire family will enjoy.”
Bicester Heritage: Bicester Heritage has created a revolution in historic vehicle ownership. Founded in 2013 Bicester Heritage has gone from a standing start to a home for 45 specialist businesses, and growing, with a collective turnover of over £50m, making it the largest player in the industry and set to grow exponentially with a global reach.
The unique ecosystem of businesses based at the beautiful 444-acre former WW2 RAF Bomber Training Station acts as ‘marina-like’ cluster, promoting skills and expertise, employment, qualified customer footfall, shared business incubation and aggregate growth. The site is all about driving the future of the past.
The former RAF Bicester site on which Bicester Heritage is now based, is of national historic importance. Neglected for the best part of 40 years, it was added to Historic England’s ‘At Risk Register’ in 2008 and designated the most ‘at risk’ of all Defence Estates in the UK.
Since Bicester Heritage’s tenure, over 95% of the buildings have been delicately restored or re-activated for modern business use, with the site now held as a national exemplar of constructive conservation by Historic England. The time-warp base is truly unmatched in evocative character and an active airfield and test track complete its dynamic operation.
Bicester Heritage is a component part of Bicester Motion, an incomparable visitor attraction which will offer an authentic collection of dynamic and inclusive visitor experiences, less than an hour from London.
Thornley Kelham has revealed the ultimate evolution of its hand-crafted Aurelia ‘Outlaw’, the lighter and more powerful ‘European CSL’ model
The three final Outlaws will be aluminium-bodied, ‘Busso’-engined European CSL variants; about 75kg lighter and 100bhp more powerful than previous commissions
Designed to ‘fast road’ specification, with a limited slip differential, completely revised front suspension, independent rear suspension, disc brakes and other upgrades
Each ‘Outlaw’ is intricately crafted from the ground up, during a 5,000-hour modification process – 800 hours are dedicated to preparation and paintwork alone
The project is inspired by Giovanni Bracco’s Mille Miglia Le Mans Aurelia B20GT, which Thornley Kelham restored and took to Pebble Beach. That car famously raced in the early ‘50s and was modified in period with a lower roofline
Thornley Kelham’s Lancia Aurelia ‘Outlaw’ programme is a coming together of years of meticulous Lancia research and expertise with a fresh set of ideas to help reinterpret one of the world’s great GT/rally cars.
Only nine will ever be built, with the first six already built or in-build, and now, Thornley Kelham has revealed all-new developments for the final three: the lighter and more powerful ‘European CSL’.
The ‘European CSL’ preserves the modernised styling and low-slung stance of previous commissions, marked out most obviously by its lowered roofline, inspired by aerodynamic modifications made by Lancia in period to perhaps the most famous Aurelia in the world. But rather than wearing a body hand-crafted from steel, it uses lightweight aluminium panels, contributing to an expected weight saving of around 75kg. The body is entirely shaped by hand during a meticulous process of creation that leaves no part of the car untouched; in total 5,000 hours are spent on the transformation from basket case Aurelia to Outlaw Aurelia European CSL.
Reconstructing, strengthening and modifying the chassis and body of each example alone is a process that takes around 2,200 hours, introducing new design features throughout. The lowered roofline and shorter front windscreen flow gracefully into a new low-slung silhouette, while the widened front and rear wings – rolled and beaten into millimetre-perfect shape – add a subtle presence. A simplified deguttered roof, nickel-plated brightwork, graceful, curving bonnet locks and a Monza-style filler cap are all Lancia-inspired but very much Thornley Kelham modifications.
Along with its new lightweight construction, the ‘European CSL’ is fitted with a ‘Busso’ 3.2-litre V6 engine, complete with fully mapped fuel injection and balanced, ported and polished cylinder heads, mated to a five-speed transaxle. All engine modifications are carried out in-house by a team that has tuned some of the most powerful engines on the historic motorsport circuit. The new engine will deliver in excess of 300bhp – a significant upgrade over both the previous iterations of the ‘Outlaw’, at around 220bhp, and the original Aurelia itself, which offered around 118bhp.
The standard ‘Outlaw’ package is well equipped to handle the additional power but, just as relentless development was at the core of Lancia’s philosophy, so too is it a part of Thornley Kelham’s. It has been designed to a ‘fast road’ specification, delivering an experience very much in the image of the Aurelia’s nimble road rally personality – albeit one more in line with the expectations of the modern performance car owner. Weighing in at a little over 1,100kg, the European CSL is incomparably light by modern standards, offering an entirely different thrill to heavy modern road cars with turbocharged engines and wide tyres. It offers a razor-sharp purity that simply can’t be recreated, even in the most driver focused road cars of today.
The final three iterations of Outlaw will not only receive the modern disc brakes, pedal box, rack and pinion steering and uprated suspension of previous commissions, but will also be fitted with a Limited Slip Differential, revised front suspension, optional power steering and fully uprated rear suspension.
As with each of the previous ‘Outlaws’, the ‘European CSL’ is centred around bespoke. The interior is completely revitalized with full Connolly leather, air-conditioning, a variety of front seat options, Alcantara headlining, a fully built-in roll cage and a wood-rimmed competition steering wheel. It can be further personalized with two-tone finishes, elegant rear stowage areas or customized dashboards – each car is commissioned and created to a customer’s exact desires.
Each Aurelia ‘Outlaw’ is designed and built to be true to its original Lancia DNA. Giovanni de Virgilio, son of Francesco de Virgilio who designed the Aurelia V6 engine, married into the Lancia family and is often regarded as the father of the Aurelia project, even said of the ‘Outlaw’: “It’s a very purposeful and realistic car that Gianni Lancia could have built for a friend.”
The whole project is inspired by a restoration undertaken by Thornley Kelham of perhaps the most famous Aurelia of all, Chassis 1010 – bought and campaigned by privateer racer Giovanni Bracco. He immediately entered his Aurelia into the 1951 Mille Miglia – virtually undeveloped. The car was a resounding success, coming second overall. It went on to show its prowess on the toughest competitive events such as Le Mans (1st in class), the Pescara 6-hour (1st), Caracalla Night Race (1st) and the 1951 Carrera Panamericana.
One of the key moments in the restoration of 1010 was the discovery of an article in ‘Auto Italiana’ magazine about the Pescara 6-hour race held in the summer of 1951. The text – and a tiny photo – confirmed that Lancia and Bracco had lowered the roof of his car in the quest for aerodynamic improvement – particularly as the 2-litre engine gave little scope for increased power.
Taking into account the extensive bodywork, interior trimming, mechanical restorations and paintwork, the Thornley Kelham team spent well over 4,000 hours and more than three years restoring the ex-Bracco Aurelia B20GT. Each Aurelia Outlaw is completed to the same exacting standards, requiring around 5,000 hours to complete, 800 of which is spent on the preparation and paintwork alone. It’s all part of Thornley Kelham’s dedication to perfection in every aspect: The Design, The Details, The Drive.
Simon Thornley, co-founder of Thornley Kelham, said: “The Aurelia ‘Outlaw’ project has now reached its ultimate evolution, with just three remaining cars to be built, each with a new set of meticulously developed upgrades. But this doesn’t mark the end of our bespoke commissions. In fact, the European CSL is the first of a new line-up of projects we have developed to launch in the coming years that will be badged as ‘The Europeans’ by Thornley Kelham. As with the Aurelia commissions, these will be built around iconic performance cars, developed with fresh designs, upgraded performance and a meticulous eye for detail.”
About Thornley Kelham Founded in 2009, Thornley Kelham Ltd is a specialist in concours restoration, maintenance, servicing, rally preparation and support of iconic vintage and classic cars. From its Cotswold headquarters, the team of 36 manage, restore and prepare examples of collector cars for global concours and motorsport events from a state-of-the-art 32,000 sq/ft facility.
With in-house bodywork, paint, engine and fabrication shops, Thornley Kelham is widely regarded for the quality of its restorations of historically significant, often unique vehicles across a variety of marques including Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Lancia, Lamborghini, Mercedes-Benz, Rolls-Royce and Porsche as well as Amilcar, Bizzarrini and others.
Its prize-winning restorations are frequently shown at top-tier concours such as Pebble Beach, the ‘Royal Concours’ at Hampton Court Palace, Chantilly and Salon Privé, while a dedicated motorsport team supports clients at rally events worldwide including the Mille Miglia, Tour Auto, Targa Florio and Peking to Paris.
Thornley Kelham strives to create an enjoyable, informative and collaborative restoration process for the customer, with customer service as important as the restoration itself.
Thornley Kelham is also well known for the creation of the limited-edition, bespoke ‘Outlaw’ Lancia Aurelia B20GT project, details of which can be found at www.fuorilegge.co.uk.
