by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
As Aston Martin continues to celebrate 20 years of one of its iconic supercars – the original V12 Vanquish – it is now also celebrating a new record for the largest gathering of V12 Vanquish ever seen.
Aston Martin Works in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire – the heritage home of the marque and the place where all 2,589 V12 Vanquish, V12 Vanquish S, and V12 Vanquish S Ultimate Edition models were built between 2001 and 2007 – hosted its unique Vanquish Day on Sunday 31 October when owners from all over the UK attended in their cars to create the new record.
A total of 78 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish from all corners of the country made the trip to the heritage home of the brand to celebrate the two decades since the first production version of the sports car was revealed.
Also in attendance were cars that highlighted the significance of the V12 Vanquish story in the history of Aston Martin – from the Project Vantage concept car which pointed the way to its production-ready cousin when it was revealed in 1998, to the Aston Martin CALLUM Vanquish 25, a modern reimagining of the original car created by its designer Ian Callum.
The world-renowned former Aston Martin designer of cars such as the DB7 and V12 Vanquish took time out to attend the event and addressed the scores of owners who had travelled to Newport Pagnell for the record-breaking celebration.
A unique, and light hearted, V12 Vanquish-only ‘concours’ competition was officiated by Aston Martin Owners’ Club Chief Judge Mark Donoghue, with all those who attended on the day also receiving a very special Aston Martin Works shield car badge denoting their participation in the celebrations.
President of Aston Martin Works, Paul Spires, commented: “We are indebted to the owners of these remarkable cars for making Sunday such a fantastic day, and by turning out in such numbers ensuring we set a new V12 Vanquish record.
“Despite dubious weather and, in many cases, big distances to drive, the celebration was hugely well supported, and I’m very pleased that so many people were able to help us mark this important anniversary for what was, until the marque’s Continuation programme was established in 2017, the final Aston Martin production car to leave Newport Pagnell.”
by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
- Holistic safety concept of the Audi RS Q e-tron
- Valuable knowledge from circuit racing flows into Dakar project
- High standards of passenger protection are a tradition at Audi Sport
Long before Audi unveiled the RS Q e-tron to the public in summer 2021, the racing engineering team was already intensively involved in the Dakar Rally.
The risks in off-road racing were at the centre of the considerations for a sophisticated safety concept. From the electrical safety of the high-voltage system to optimum passenger protection in the event of accidents, the design department mastered many challenges.
The protective and load-bearing basic structure of the Audi RS Q e-tron consists of a tube frame. The regulations stipulate that this structure be made of metallic materials. Audi has opted for a heat-resistant, alloyed quenched and tempered steel from the aerospace industry that contains the alloying elements chromium, molybdenum and vanadium (CrMoV). The tube frame complies with the geometry defined in the regulations and fulfils the required static pressure tests. Audi additionally protects the drivers with panels made of composite materials in the spaces between the frame. These components made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP), in some cases supplemented by the tear-resistant Zylon, prevent the penetration of sharp and pointed objects from outside.
Likewise, they protect the drivers and co-drivers from any problems with the high voltage system. “The structural design of the frame incorporated methods and findings that we have honed over decades in many disciplines,” says Axel Löffler, Chief Designer RS Q e-tron. These include the tubular frame designs from the DTM (2004 to 2011) as well as the sheet steel chassis in rallycross (2017 to 2018) and the CFRP monocoques in the LMP sports cars (1999 to 2016), in the DTM touring car (2012 to 2020) and single-seater racing in Formula E (2017 to 2021).
Hardly any other automobile manufacturer has realized so many programs with such breadth and success. But it is not only in the chassis area that Audi benefits from its valuable wealth of knowledge. Depending on the component, the body is made of CFRP, Kevlar or composite construction, in some cases supplemented by an internal honeycomb structure. In the interests of high scratch resistance, a heated laminated glass windshield from the Audi A4 is used, while the side windows are made of lighter polycarbonate. Minimizing occupant stress is helped by the maximized field of vision and the seal against dust. In the cockpit, the driver and passenger sit in CFRP shells. Their design is similar to that of the DTM and LMP. The deformability in the shoulder area required by the regulations is one of the few differences. While all the seat shells are identical, the foam inlays and inflatable seat cushions adapted to each body individually perfectly absorb impacts.
The high-voltage system of the electric drive with its energy converter requires multiple protection. The encapsulation of the centrally located and thus particularly safe high-voltage battery comprises CFRP structures, some of which are reinforced by Zylon. The protection at the bottom is very complex. In off-road sports, the underbody is the assembly subjected to extreme stresses, including meter-high jumps, whirled-up stones and large ramp angles. Its lowest layer consists of an aluminium plate. It resists abrasion by hard objects and partially absorbs impact energy. The energy-absorbing foam above absorbs the impacts and distributes them to the sandwich structure above. This third structure protects the high-voltage battery and the gasoline tank of the energy converter. The CFRP sandwich structure performs two main tasks: The absorption of the surface load, which is passed on from the aluminium plate via the foam, and the dissipation of energy by crushing when the surface load is exceeded. This controlled collapse thus protects the battery above. In the event of excessive damage, the assembly can be easily replaced during the evening service in the rally bivouac.
In total, this underbody with its triple protection against impacts and intrusions is 54 millimetres thick. “With these designs, we see a direct transfer of our knowledge from the circuit to cross-country rallying,” says Axel Löffler. “And there are further parallels, for example in the loads for the chassis and underbody. Admittedly, the energies are higher offroad because of the long suspension travel, the duration of the load and the vehicle mass. But the g-forces measured are similar to those of Le Mans prototypes.”
Further measures complete Audi’s high-voltage protection concept. An ISO monitor, known from LMP and Formula E, detects dangerous fault currents. In the event of maximum kinetic loads, such as a collision, the system switches off automatically above a threshold value. Control lamps on the body and an acoustic signal tone serve as danger warnings to the outside world – for example after an accident. Optimum insulation of the system against water during river crossings and an electrically insulating extinguishing agent in the onboard fire extinguishing system protects passengers in these extreme physical situations. The entire team, including drivers and co-drivers, also underwent high-voltage training in advance, as did rescue teams from the organizer.
Other regulations and devices provided by the organizer round off the overall safety concept. For example, the occupants can make an emergency call via a safety tracking system including an SOS switch and be found quickly. An accident data recorder records the most important measured variables for later analysis. An onboard surveillance camera shows what is happening in the cockpit. The Sentinel system makes overtaking safer in the dust typical of the desert. And finally, the regulations limit the top speed in the T1 category to 170 kph.
With this holistic approach, Audi is now continuing its role as one of the masterminds of safety in motorsport in the desert as well. Audi factory drivers Stéphane Peterhansel, Carlos Sainz and Mattias Ekström as well as their co-drivers Edouard Boulanger, Lucas Cruz and Emil Bergqvist can look forward not only to the RS Q e-tron as the most innovative prototype for cross-country rallying but also to maximum safety.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
- Three stunning cars form centerpiece of Classic Investments’ display
- Flawless Jaguar E-type and Dodge Charger to be joined by definitive Gaz M20 ‘Pobeda’
- End-to-end restoration services, from chrome plating to bespoke luggage
Classic Investments, the UK-based restoration specialist, will be going big and small at this year’s Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show at the NEC Birmingham 12-14 November, as it presents three very different, but still outstanding, restoration projects.
For its debut in Birmingham, Classic Investments will be showing a matching numbers 1966 E-type FHC RHD Series 1, which will line up with a matching numbers 1970 Dodge Charger 1970 and a diminutive Gaz M20. Each distinct in their personality, the triptych covers the sublime to the surprising on one stand.
Already recognized a leader in delivering bankable classics, the UK based specialist will be showcasing its hand-in-hand approach to restorations, which allows clients to be fully engaged on the project from anywhere in the world.
One of only 1,583 Right-Hand drive Series 1 4.2 Coupes built, Classic Investments’ 1966 Jaguar E-type must rank as one of the most meticulously finished and presented examples in existence. With matching numbers and a documented history, it’s believed that the 24,555 miles shown on the odometer are correct. Finished in a contemporary Opalescent Gunmetal with a with red Italian leather interior, it’s a fitting car to see out the 60th anniversary of the legendary Jaguar.
A true icon on the road and on the silver screen, the mighty Dodge Charger needs no introduction and Classic Investments’ reputation for restoring these behemoths will be cemented with the 1970 318CI (5.2-litre) model presented at the show. Fully rebuilt and with a mirror black finish, every inch of the car has been worked on – from the chrome plating to the retrimmed interior. A rare feature in itself, the car also features original R2V air conditioning, fully restored and operational. Nominated in last year’s highly respected Virtual Concours competition, this year enthusiasts get to enjoy the sheer scale of the car in the metal.
Despite its diminutive size, Classic Investments’ one-off Gaz M20 ‘Pobeda’ project hasn’t received less attention that its stablemates, with thousands of hours spent bringing the Russian car to a condition substantially better than when it left the factory. Probably the definitive M20 restoration in existence, it perfectly encapsulates Classic Investment’s ability to deliver any car as concours ready. The finished car does remain faithful to the original, however, with a factory correct engine and gearbox, and period correct interior.
All Classic Investments’ cars undergo the same level of work with founder’s Agris Alksnis mantra of ‘Do It Once, Do It Right’. Whether clients desire a factory original specification, or a range of discreet upgrades designed to help the car perform on modern roads, or even a hand-crafted steering wheel, the company ensures that the restorations that emerge from its workshops are not just perfect cars, but the owners’ perfect cars.
In addition to its vehicles, Classic Investments will be showing some of the services that distinguish its work including its custom and bespoke luggage. Using traditional techniques and materials to create mounted luggage or enclosed trunk luggage, it can create contemporary pieces or articles indistinguishable from the original.
The Classic Investments presentation of vehicles can be found at stand 3-528.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
- Fast-moving pace of automotive innovation reflected in bolder presence for IMI at The 2022 British Motor Show
- IMI partnership includes sponsoring of the Tech Theatre and Tech Zone at The British Motor Show 2022
- Feature will move to Hall Two, and host industry and press briefings and live tech demos
- Manufacturer bookings already confirmed for August 18-21 next year
- Over 47,000 tickets sold in 2021 as The British Motor Show declared a “staggering success”
- Live stage, live action and interactive elements transform the motor show experience and turn tradition on its head.
The British Motor Show and the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) have renewed their partnership for 2022, in a move that sees the show expand on its commitment to supporting the industry and showcasing the latest in automotive innovation.
In its role as tech partner to the show, the IMI will help the show extend its focus on automotive technology. The IMI will retain its sponsorship of the Tech Theatre, which moves to a more prominent position in Hall Two. Daily briefings will be held to help visitors understand the scale and pace of automotive development and the role that the UK plays in the global car market.
New for 2022 will be The IMI Tech Zone, which will showcase a variety of automotive tech suppliers. Education exhibits will also feature and the Automotive Careers Expo will be expanded further from its debut in 2021. Plus all of the show’s career content will move to the Tech Theatre with press and trade briefings taking place there on 18th August.
Commenting on the partnership, Steve Nash, CEO of the IMI said: “The pace of change in the automotive sector is rapid, with electric, hydrogen, autonomous and connected advances all contributing to a safer and more sustainable motoring environment. And the British Motor Show provides a fantastic forum to showcase the latest innovations as well as help everyone involved in the sector, and the wider motoring community, understand the huge potential. Whether it’s learning how the new generation of vehicles should be serviced and repaired or finding out about the exciting career opportunities, the IMI Tech Zone and Tech Theatre will provide many of the answers.”
The British Motor Show is set to make a powerful return in 2022 following the staggering success of this year’s event, which saw over 47,000 visitors flock to Farnborough International for the UK’s return to the global motor show stage.
In 2022, the event will take place from August 18-21 at the same venue, but will be even bigger and will feature even more interactive content, as manufacturers and exhibitors have already booked stand space following the show’s triumphant return.
The British Motor Show CEO Andy Entwistle added: “Britain has always been – and remains – a leader in automotive technology and in 2022 we want to make a lot more noise around our country’s importance to the global car industry as we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic and acclimatise to life after Brexit. Britain is very much open for business and continues to lead the field in automotive technology, which is why our partnership with the IMI is so exciting – it gives us a real scope to tell this story to a huge audience at the most interactive motor show ever.”
Run alongside a major partnership with cinch, the UK’s fastest-growing online used car marketplace, the show will continue for the next four years, returning to the same venue.
The 2021 show featured an amazing mix of new, used and classic cars, supercars, driving displays and marketplace sellers, with the halls and outdoor areas of the show packed throughout.
But unlike traditional motor shows, it was the event’s multiple interactive and live elements that really set it apart, with visitors praising its size, value, layout and content.
Celebrity guests included Fuzz Townshend and Tim Shaw form Car SOS, TV motoring pundit Mike Brewer, presenter Vikki-Butler Henderson and YouTube sensation Yianni, who mixed happily with the crowds.
With a Live Stage and a Live Arena featuring the Paul Swift Stunt Show, the British Army Lightning Bolts parachute display team, Car Football, supercar and motorsport displays, many guests returned for a second day to make sure they got to see everything that was happening.
No other Motor Show has ever delivered such a variety of content, celebrity guests and live action, nor has it had such a focus on supporting our incredible automotive industry, which contributes £18.6 billion to the British economy at a time when it needs it most. The British Motor Show is delighted to confirm it’ll be returning to Farnborough on August 18-21, 2022.
To find out more about the show, book tickets for 2022 or keep up with the latest news, visit www.thebritishmotorshow.live
by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
- Morgan Motor Company provides race cars for Mission Motorsport beneficiaries to drive in Race of Remembrance
- One of the vehicles has been specially adapted allowing a paraplegic driver to race a Morgan for the first time
- Mission Motorsport beneficiaries are working collaboratively with Morgan Motor Company, The University of Wolverhampton’s School of Engineering and the University’s racing team (UWR) to provide trackside and workshop engineering support
- The initiative comes as part of Morgan’s continued support for Mission Motorsport, and follows the company’s recent recruitment of three service leavers through the charity
Mission Motorsport, The Forces’ Motorsport Charity, has today announced its support from Morgan Motor Company at this year’s Race of Remembrance.
Morgan will provide vehicles to be driven and supported by Mission Motorsport’s team of beneficiaries at the 12-hour endurance race, which takes place during remembrance weekend (12-14 November) and is combined with poignant remembrance service.
The iconic British car maker is working with the charity to not only provide cars, but by the fitment of hand controls, allowing paraplegic and amputee veterans to participate in the event. It is believed to be the first fitment of this type of system to a Morgan, and underlines the company’s ambition for inclusivity.
One of vehicles being driven by beneficiaries is the automatic variant of the all-new Morgan Plus Four race car. It marks the vehicle’s competitive debut, and will be joined by the manual version of the car.
Mission Motorsport beneficiaries, alongside The University of Wolverhampton’s School of Engineering and racing team (UWR), recently completed testing of the car at Silverstone Circuit, assisting with the development of bespoke adjustments to the cars.
James Cameron, CEO of Mission Motorsport said, “Having recently employed three Service Leavers, Morgan’s unwavering support for the wider Armed Forces community has been fantastic. The provision of these cars means more of our beneficiaries have the chance to drive a car that would normally be out of their reach, and an unrivalled opportunity to learn and interact with others qualified in the industry.”
Steve Morris, Chairman and CEO of Morgan Motor Company said, “Morgan continues to support the work of Mission Motorsport, a charity which reflects our values and beliefs. Only recently, and through Mission Motorsport, Morgan has employed three service leavers in the engineering and experience teams. Although not from a familiar civilian background, we believe these individuals possess skills ideally suited to work in the automotive sector. Through Race of Remembrance, we hope to offer a unique experience to beneficiaries that will bring lasting benefits.”
A highlight in the UK motorsport calendar, Race of Remembrance (RoR), now in its eighth year, is a weekend of activity enabling people to come together as one community to take part in a unique and poignant pitlane Service of Remembrance to commemorate those who have lost their lives in military operations and to reflect and support those who remain behind. Streamed live, the Service of Remembrance is open to anybody who wishes to attend.
Reaching a larger audience than ever before, the #YourRoR appeal sees activity across the UK over the remembrance weekend, including a karting Race of Remembrance at Thruxton, an online Race of Remembrance, and service of remembrance at Brands Hatch.
More images available here – https://www.flickr.com/photos/80110474@N08/albums/72157720045004469
For more information on Race of Remembrance, please visit www.raceofremembrance.com
To find out more about Mission Motorsport visit www.missionmotorsport.org
About Mission Motorsport – The Forces’ Motorsport Charity
The Forces’ Motorsport Charity, which has a motto of “Race, Retrain, Recover” is MoD’s competent authority for motor sport as a recovery activity, and is a Royal Foundation (the charitable trust of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) initiative.
A Service Charity and a member of the Confederation of Service Charities, Mission Motorsport has an award-winning collaborative model of working with government and the other service charities.
As part of the MoD’s Career Transition Partnership, the charity helps those leaving the military to find employment in the automotive industry. A newly appointed IMI training centre, Mission Motorsport’s Training Wing delivers Industry recognised Electric Vehicle qualifications in addition to Level 3 Diploma courses and full apprenticeships enabling service leavers to bridge the gap between military service and second careers as civilians, beyond injury.
Now in our 10th year of operations, Mission Motorsport has delivered more than 6,000 training days of sport for 2000 wounded, injured or sick beneficiaries, leading to over 400 placements and over 200 jobs. The Charity’s veteran employment programs have paved the way for over 2000 veterans into employment in the Automotive Industry.
