by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
- SAIC Design Advanced London reveals new R RYZR concept study
- R RYZR combines urban mobility and wearable technology
- Revealed as design studio celebrates three-year milestone
- Global design base for ROEWE, ‘R’ and MG brands
SAIC DESIGN has revealed a vision of future mobility that explores the boundaries between urban mobility and wearable technology.
A fusion between a car and a motorbike, the R RYZR – developed for SAIC’s EV-only ‘R’ brand – is the ultimate symbiosis of man and machine: a car that you actually wear. It features a jacket and a vehicle that interlock to start it, with no need for a key.
Designed to recognise the shift away from crowded public transport and the need for more instinctive experiences, it offers an escape from crowded spaces by combining cutting-edge technical apparel and augmented reality.
It also shares the brand philosophy of ‘R’ – that of effortless power.
“R RYZR is an exciting and visceral vision of the future of urban travel,” said Carl Gotham. “by exploring the unconventional, it unlocks new modes of transports for the future, new experiences and new emotions.”
The concept is designed to achieve the ultimate ease of use – motorcycle agility with car-like stability, while the RYZR clothing concept means no need for an app or a key – the vehicle simply recognises the owner’s jacket instead.
“R RYZR is a useful, agile, practical, and exciting form of urban transport,” added Carl Gotham. “It combines the aesthetic of cutting-edge technical apparel and augmented reality with futurism. It’s an exploration of unconventional mode of transports for the future – new architectures, new experiences and new emotions.”
by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
- 20-Ghost Club re-enacts historic London-Edinburgh Trial of 1911 with the winning Silver Ghost, chassis number 1701
- Starting from the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, the two-day run replicated as much of the original route along the Great North Road as possible
- Trip ends with a celebration at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Edinburgh
- Gearbox locked in top gear for the entire journey to Edinburgh, as required in the original event
“The Silver Ghost is arguably the most famous Rolls-Royce model of all time. It was through its success in the early trials of speed, reliability and endurance that it earned Rolls-Royce its reputation as ‘the best car in the world’. Winning the 1911 London-Edinburgh Trial was a landmark moment for Silver Ghost 1701: that the same car, now a priceless collector’s item, can repeat the endeavour 110 years later is testament to its remarkable engineering, materials and build quality. Our sincere congratulations to our friends at the 20‑Ghost Club on this fantastic achievement.”
Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
History literally repeated itself recently, as Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost 1701 re-enacted its astonishing run in the 1911 London-Edinburgh Trial.
The car, designed as an ‘Experimental Speed Car’, won the original event locked in top gear for the entire 799-mile return trip between the two capitals. Given the primitive state of Britain’s Edwardian roads, its average speed of 19.59 mph was highly impressive – and its then unheard‑of fuel efficiency of over 24 mpg even more so. To prove that the car had not been modified in any way, it achieved 78.2 mph on a half-mile speed test conducted immediately after the Trial; it also became the first Rolls-Royce to exceed 100 mph in a later test at the fabled Brooklands circuit in Surrey.
The re-enactment was as faithful to the 1911 event as possible. The car, now a priceless collector’s item and wearing registration R-1075, departed from the Pall Mall headquarters of the Royal Automobile Club (which oversaw the original Trial) at 06.00 on Sunday 5 September 2021, then travelled to Edinburgh on a route that followed the old Great North Road as closely as practicable – locked in top gear just as it was 110 years before.
To add to the spectacle and sense of occasion, 1701 was accompanied by a further nine Rolls‑Royce Silver Ghosts, all of a similar age and in equally magnificent condition, from the 20-Ghost Club. And to complete the pageant, the cavalcade was escorted all the way to Edinburgh by a brand-new Ghost, handbuilt at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood and finished in Tempest Grey.
The run concluded with a grand reception at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Edinburgh on Monday 6 September 2021.
Andrew Ball said, “Silver Ghost 1701 has a unique and special place in the marque’s history and affections. It’s difficult to think of many machines that can still perform exactly as they did 110 years ago; this extraordinary car is a remarkable tribute to our predecessors who designed, engineered and built it. We’re proud to continue their work and uphold their values in today’s Rolls-Royce motor cars – which are still the best in the world.”
by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
- SAIC Design Advanced London reveals new MG MAZE concept study
- Compact two-seater for urban environments
- Brings together the spirit of mobility and gaming
- London is global design base for ROEWE, ‘R’ and MG brands
SAIC Design has pulled the wraps off a new MG concept to mark its third anniversary and explore a vision of future urban mobility.
The MG MAZE is aimed at the next generation of car users and explores the future of city transport, bringing the fun and pioneering spirit that has always defined MG firmly into the 21st century.
Built around the tag line of ‘Get Out & Play’, the concept brings together mobility and gaming, driven by a consumer appetite for something fresh, bold, brave and exciting.
“With MAZE we wanted to consider what the future of a car community might look like, building from MG’s fan base and following. The move to digital is unstoppable, so we wanted to create a concept that connected this digital realm to the physical one that gives us the real joy in driving,” said Carl Gotham, Advanced Design Director.
“The concept is a reaction to our lives during recent months, where we have been met with restrictions and limitations on our ability to move around and interact. Exploring the idea of ‘mobile gaming’, we used MAZE as platform for people to get out and rediscover their environment in a new and relevant way, opening up new experiences with their city.”
The gaming aspect of the car reflects a desire to discover and reach new achievements, via a points-based reward system. Our car helps users to re-discover their city and their world by seeking exciting digital street art that is interacting with structures, buildings, and landmarks.
The MG MAZE is a compact urban two-seater capable of the utmost agility and functionality in busy urban environments. It’s core focuses are high-technology and emotional design.
The exterior features a transparent shell, emulating high end gaming PC’s with exposed componentry. Its outer surface is fluid and dynamic, exposing aspects of the chassis and interior design, that are otherwise hidden from view.
Inside, floating seats and UX/UI technology have been developed, enhancing the gaming aspect by giving a fun and enjoyable driving experience, while the steering is controlled not by a steering wheel but by the driver’s smartphone.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
- 660cc engine and reduced weight make the Seven 170 a true Caterham® Kei car
- In excess of 170bhp per tonne, the Seven 170 remains a thrillingly pure driving experience
- Road and track-focused S and R variants offer accessible entry point to the Caterham® Seven range
- Available as a complete kit or as a factory build option with prices starting from £22,990 or £199.99 a month
- To find out more about the Seven 170 visit http://caterhamcars.com/seven-170
Caterham® has unveiled the new Seven 170, its lightest ever production car.
The first new model since Caterham’s acquisition by Japan-headquartered automotive group, VT Holdings, the Seven 170 follows in the footsteps of its predecessor, the Seven 160, by complying with Japan’s world-famous Kei car regulations. The 170 not only represents the brand’s lightest Seven produced to date, but measuring 1470mm in width, it’s 105mm narrower than anything else within its current range, making it the smallest Seven as well.
Holding true to the mantra that spawned the original Seven, to ‘simplify and add lightness’, Caterham’s Seven 170 weighs a little over 440kg1, which in part, is thanks to its 660cc turbo-charged Suzuki engine, which produce 84bhp and 116nm of torque, resulting in a power-to-weight ratio in excess of 170bhp-per-tonne1.
Complementing the 170’s favourable power-to-weight ratio is its marrying of a 155-section tyre and live rear axle suspension, which enables drivers of all capabilities to extract the full potential from the latest Seven’s configuration.
An added bonus of the 170’s pared back design lies in its reduced emissions. Though the 0-62mph sprint can be achieved in just 6.9 seconds and top speeds can exceed 100mph, the 170 is one of Caterham’s most environmentally friendly cars to date. Both ULEZ and Euro 6 compliant, the new model boasts Caterham’s lowest emission Seven. With a CO2 figure of 109g/km it is even greener than some hybrid vehicles, including the Toyota Yaris 1.5.
Designed to offer an array of choices to the potential new Seven owner, the Seven 170 is available as either a complete kit or factory built.
There are several features that appear on the Seven 170 that haven’t been on previous production models. These include new alloy wheels, rear LED lights and a new stripe design.
Car buyers can pick from two packs, the road-ready 170S or stripped back, more track-focused 170R.
The 170S, for the more laid-back driver, comes with a five-speed gearbox, road suspension pack, 14” Silver Juno alloy wheels, full windscreen and weather gear including a hood and side screen, black leather seats, a Momo steering wheel and in a choice of four paint colours.
While the 170R, an additional variant not previously available on the Seven 160, comes with a five-speed gearbox, sport suspension pack, 14” Black Juno alloy wheels, composite race seats, a four-point race harness, limited-slip differential, Momo steering wheel, carbon-fibre dashboard and four paint options.
Having the S and R packs means there’s a product to appeal to advocates new to the Caterham brand as well as the more familiar Seven driver.
Available from just £22,990 in kit form and with competitive finance from as little as £199.99 with a cash deposit of £ 6,312.30, the Seven 170 offers not only the opportunity for drivers to experience the paired back nature of the two-seater sports car, but the self-actualisation of building one too.
Caterham CEO, Graham Macdonald, said: “The Seven 170 really distils the brand’s reputation for offering accessible, simple, light-weight sports cars.
“Given the popularity of the 160, we’re really excited by the potential the Seven 170 offers customers.
“We’ve taken what was great about the 160, its performance and competitive price, and built on it by adding even more choice for our customers. We’re confident the inclusion of the 170R, not previously available on the 160, will prove a hugely popular specification for both new and old customers.”
by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
- 70 years since Bentley established own design department in Crewe
- The first Bentley designed in Crewe was the R-Type Continental in 1951
- Design process has matured from wax carving and watercolours into virtual reality, using latest cutting-edge techniques
- Design methods flourish despite global pandemic through diversity
- Design department grows 10 times larger over the last 20 years to meet demand and continually evolve Bentley design DNA
- Location for new Design Studio being drafted as one of the next Crewe Campus developments
Bentley Motors is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of its own Design department at Crewe.
The first Crewe-designed Bentley was the R-Type Continental in 1951, and was the responsibility of John Blatchley, the Head of Styling. John’s previous experience as chief designer from Gurney-Nutting, the coachbuilders responsible for the iconic ‘Blue Train’ Bentley, meant he had a honed sense of proportion and form.
Andreas Mindt, Bentley’s Director of Design, comments:
“Leading the next evolution of Bentley’s design DNA is a true honour, especially after so many decades of exquisite design in our studio in Crewe. There are iconic Bentleys that were created here – beautiful cars that have stood the test of time, and which inspire our styling cues to this day.
“Our team of designers is now engaged with their next opportunity – creating Bentley’s first BEV, which must translate and reshape those classic forms and details to a truly future-facing design. Not only that, the car must be sustainable in more ways than just being electric – so we are exploring sustainable materials, recyclability and new ways of working to ensure the car has a low carbon footprint throughout its lifecycle. Getting this design absolutely perfect will help guarantee the next chapter in this astonishing history of Bentley Design.”
When it was founded in 1951, the design department’s key responsibility was to communicate ideas and design proposals and share their vision with other areas of the business. This was achieved by capturing design sketches as watercolour artworks, painted by hand – beautifully crafted yet with no opportunity to click an ‘undo’ button if a mistake was made.
The watercolour renders were then reproduced in scale or full size technical drawings depicting side, front, rear, plan elevations and sectional views along the body to describe to the model makers the form of the new car.
Model makers of recent times follow the same processes as they did in the 1950’s. To visualise the drawings in three dimensions, a metal framework is covered with a malleable material (historically wax, and more recently clay) then accurately shaped to describe the form of the new vehicle. Measurements could then be taken from the model and cross–referenced back to ensure the drawings were representative.
Nowadays measuring arms and scanning equipment enable quicker assessment of three dimensional models, with accuracy down to hundredths of a millimetre, and provide data as either numeric print outs or cloud data uploaded directly within the design studio for instant virtual reference.
Virtual Reality and Global Pandemics
The latest era of design is now highly computer dependant and can be represented in virtual reality. Designers can now sketch in a virtual world that can be experienced regardless of geographical location on screens or through headsets and augmented reality. Even with new tools and techniques, once the design has reached full maturity a full size model will still be made, ensuring all of the fine details are perfect before release for production.
Darren Day, Head of Interior Design – and the longest serving member of the Bentley design team, comments:
‘Despite the global pandemic we have had to learn to adapt and use the tools around us to continue evolving how we design. I had at least two of my design colleagues working in different locations around the world due to the pandemic travel restrictions preventing their return to Crewe. Using virtual reality we could hold design reviews, assess details, alternate texture, choose colour, swap materials and yet still make progress and achieve our deadlines.’
Darren joined Bentley’s design team 27 years ago and was one of five. Today the design team has grown significantly and is now more than 50 individuals covering design aspects for the interior, exterior, user experience, colour and materials, bespoke requests, and collaborations.
Looking to the future of Battery Electrical Vehicles, design is anticipated to play a key aspect for customers more than ever before, due to similarities offered from electric motors and other similar components. Design will not just play a part in customers vehicles but with enhanced technology they will be intertwined with their lifestyle too.
The design team has already collaborated with other luxury manufacturers sharing knowledge and techniques to bring Bentley’s design language to other areas beyond luxury vehicles.
Beyond Luxury Vehicles
Crafted with passion and finished with love, design from Bentley now stretches beyond luxury vehicles and provides lifestyle options too. Bentley Home furniture can be tailored to meet the customer’s personal tastes, and to fit any elegant home. Sporting a passion for individuality, furniture can be customised in the finishes that have made the British brand unique, from the most exquisite leathers and wood veneers.
Each piece is individually finished by hand and fuses traditional craftsmanship with new technology, embodying the techniques and principles of modern luxury integral to Bentley Motors.
Chris Cooke, Lead Designer, comments:
“We work very closely with our colleagues at Bentley Home to ensure the furniture we create embodies the exacting standard in design and manufacture we have in our cars.
“From the language and flow of the surfaces to the detailed execution of the veneering process, the Bentley Home range is a great example of what we do best, create luxury products for discerning customers.”
The striking furniture pieces draw inspiration from both long-established and modernist design, and interpret the personality and discerning aesthetic of Bentley Motors. The silhouettes and iconic shapes of Bentley models new and old, alongside the precious materials that characterise car interiors, can be seen in the design language of Bentley Home’s beautiful home pieces.
If bespoke furniture is not enough, the world’s first Bentley-branded residences will be in Sunny Isles Beach, Miami. Built to suit luxury car owners, each residence will include an in-unit multi-car garage and a patented car elevator alongside all the most desirable luxury amenities.
The tower will feature uninterrupted views of the ocean and the waterways, bringing the beauty of the outdoors into each new home. Sustainable materials are featured throughout, and with a focus on wellness, the residences are created to appeal to the most discerning customers.
The Future of Design
Pyms Lane has remained the focal point for Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe since the factory was built in 1938. This focus will only increase with Bentley’s plans to develop further areas of the site to support Bentley’s journey towards electrification. After 70 years of design, it would only be appropriate that one of the most inspirational areas of the business is set to relocate to one of the most iconic buildings on the campus for the next era, with the build of a new Design Studio in the months to come.
by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog
- New (500)RED makes its debut at the grand opening of the Fiat Casa 500 and La Pista 500 – Europe’s largest hanging garden at the iconic Lingotto test track in Turin
- The fully-electric New (500)RED is the first (RED) car with the shared message of ‘protect the planet and its people’
- Bono, co-founder of (RED), attended for the announcement of the Stellantis and (RED) partnership and the (500)RED launch
- Fiat, together with Jeep and RAM partner with (RED), answering the call to serve the global fight against pandemics through the launch of special edition (RED) vehicles, helping to deliver more than $4 million to these causes over the next three years
Today, Fiat has announced a partnership with (RED) by unveiling New (500)RED, the first (RED) car in a series of special editions created to help the charity fight against global pandemics.
Together with Jeep and RAM, this partnership will help to provide (RED) with more than $4 million over the next three years.
Alongside John Elkann, Chairman of Stellantis; Oliver François, Fiat CEO and Stellantis CMO; Ginevra Elkann, Chairwoman of the Pinacoteca Agnelli, and Bono, co-founder of (RED) attended the unveiling on the iconic Lingotto test track in Turin.
At the unveiling of Casa 500 and La Pista 500, Olivier Francois, Fiat CEO and Stellantis CMO, said: “Today, Bono and I present the world premiere of the New (500)RED. The mission of this car is to protect both planet and people: it’s electric, to respect the environment and make a contribution to a more sustainable future. That mission is now going even further with (RED) on board. Together with (RED), we also want to combat pandemics, and this is the dual message we intend to convey to the world.”
Francois also added: “This month, I’m very proud to be celebrating my 10th anniversary at the helm of Fiat: 10 extremely challenging years. But we are celebrating with a great result: Fiat currently is the leading Stellantis brand in terms of volume sales, with one million vehicles already sold so far in 2021. This, plus the extra power and resources of Stellantis, allows us to look to the future with optimism. In fact, from 2023, Fiat will unveil at least one new model every year, and each one will also come in a full-electric version.”
Bono, co-founder, (RED), stated: “This partnership with FIAT, Jeep and RAM is a powerful shot in the arm for (RED)’s fight against pandemics and the complacency that fuels them. It’s hard to believe that 15 years on from (RED)’s founding we are now fighting another virus, but it’s even harder to see the virus of injustice that marked the AIDS pandemic is alive and well during COVID. Less than 5 percent of people in Africa are fully vaccinated, while vaccines are plentiful in Europe and America. We have to do more and fast to support the hundreds of millions of people who don’t yet have access to the vaccines, therapeutics or sufficient PPE. Because unless this pandemic is defeated everywhere, no one will be safe anywhere.”
He continued: “This is a real moment for (RED). We have one of the most iconic car companies in the world saying they want to help drive COVID-19 off the face of the planet, and with the New (500)RED they won’t even need petrol to do it. FIAT wants to be as green as they can while they’re going (RED) and that’s a reason to punch the air.”
Jennifer Lotito, (RED) President & Chief Operating Officer, stated: “This is (RED)’s 15th year and we couldn’t be prouder to launch such an exciting multi-year partnership. The global scale and creative energy this will bring to the fight against COVID and AIDS is exactly what’s needed to help us end their devastating impact on so many millions of people. We are deeply grateful to the many teams who have made this launch – and future impact – possible”.
(500)RED Family – (RED)EFINE THE FUTURE
Stellantis has partnered with (RED), and is the first automotive manufacturer to do so, to support the critical work of the Global Fund in fighting against pandemics, including AIDS and COVID-19. From today, it means every (Fiat)RED vehicle purchased from the (500)RED family special series contributes to this cause.
(RED) was founded in 2006 to bring together companies and people in the fight to end AIDS. Today, (RED) is combating two pandemics, AIDS and COVID-19, and has generated nearly $700 million for the Global Fund. The money has helped more than 220 million people, and the money committed by Stellantis will fund more life-saving programs where they are most needed. By partnering with (RED), Stellantis is joining the fight against pandemics and giving its customers a way to join them too.
New (500)RED
The New (500)RED was created in collaboration between Fiat and (RED) with a shared message to care for the planet and for its people.
Fiat aims to convey the (RED) message to every customer, so the special series is now available across the entire 500 family: the New (500)RED, (500)RED and (500X)RED will adopt the colour red as a hallmark externally on the bodywork, logos, mirror caps and design cues on the alloy wheels. It is continued through the interior on the dashboard fascia, design cues on the floor mats and the exclusive seats made using Seaqual® yarn, derived from plastics recovered from the oceans, with the Fiat signature and the (500)RED logo on the backrest. Red will not be the only colour in the (RED) special series; the palette of body colours includes other specific shades for each model.
Each car in the (500)RED Family comes with a Welcome Kit, including a hand sanitizer dispenser and a specific key cover for a final touch of customisation. New (500)RED customers will also receive an email signed by Olivier François and Bono, welcoming them to the (RED) community.
The all-electric New (500)RED includes hallmarks that make it immediately recognisable starting with the 500 logo on the front and the Fiat logo on the tailgate, now red for the first time as a tribute to the partnership. The dedicated badge at the base of the rear window and the 500 logo in the middle of the steering wheel with soft touch upholstery serve as further reminders of the partnership.
As well as the new and exclusive Red exterior paint by (RED), this model also comes in Mineral Grey, Ice White and Onyx Black. Unusually for an interior, the driver’s seat is one colour – red – with the other three passenger seats in black. For those who prefer uniformity of colour, the model is also available with all the seats in black with a contrasting (500)RED logo, or all in red with a black logo. Another unique (RED) touch involves the accelerator pedal in red anodized aluminium, available in combination with black passenger seats and the red driver’s seat.
The New (500)RED comes in two body variants: hatchback and convertible with black soft top, and with two battery options: a 70kW (95hp) e-motor with a range of up to 120 miles (WLTP cycle); the other, 87kW (118hp) with a range of up to 199 miles (WLTP cycle).
The (500)RED mild hybrid is based on the Dolcevita version and, together with the features shared by the entire (500)RED family, has the (500)RED logo on both door pillars. The (500)RED Hybrid is available in Pompeii Grey, Gelato White and Cinema Black, as well as Passione Red.
This version is also embellished with chrome-plated design cues on the front grille, and door handles, while in terms of infotainment, it comes with a 7-inch touchscreen radio with Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™, and 15-inch or 16-inch alloy wheels.
Available in a hatchback version with panoramic glass roof or as a convertible with black soft top, it is equipped with a 70hp 1.0-litre mild hybrid engine.
The (500X)RED is based on the Cross version and is available both as a hatchback and in an open-air version with black Dolcevita soft top. The (500)RED logo appears on the front door pillars, to complement the design cues shared across the (RED) special series. As well as Passione Red, the colour palette includes Moda Grey, Gelato White and Cinema Black, all with red design cues.
The interiors feature an elegant dark shade and the black seats are embellished with red trim and red stitching on the armrest. Connectivity is guaranteed by the Uconnect system with a 7-inch touchscreen with built-in satnav, Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™, and 19-inch alloy wheels. The specifications are completed with parking and dusk sensors, fog lamps and automatic air conditioning.
The car comes with a choice of two petrol engines – 120hp 1.0-litre and 150hp 1.3-litre Firefly models.
About (RED)
(RED), named for the colour of emergency, was founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006 to turn companies into a cavalry to fight the AIDS pandemic. Today, that united network is also fighting the urgent threat of COVID and its devastating impact on the world’s most vulnerable communities, answering the need for a truly global response.
(RED) partners with the most iconic brands and people to create (RED) products and experiences — all of which raise money for the Global Fund, one of the world’s largest funders of global health. (RED) partners include: Amazon, Anova Culinary, Apple, Balmain, Bank of America, Beats by Dr. Dre, Buffalo Games, Claro, eos, Girl Skateboards, The Honey Pot Co., Louis Vuitton, Mavin Records, Montblanc, Primark, Salesforce, Starbucks, Stellantis, Telcel, Therabody, TRUFF, U-Mask and Vespa. (RED) Supporters include: Merck and Roche.
To date, (RED) has generated nearly $700 million for the Global Fund, helping more than 220 million people. The money raised by (RED)’s partners and campaigns goes directly to strengthen health systems and support life-saving programs in the communities where pandemics hit hardest.
