Volkswagen Group’s Software Organisation and Microsoft will build an Automated Driving Platform for the agile development of automated driving functions
With the cloud-based platform, Software Organisation will simplify its development processes on Microsoft Azure to bring automated driving solutions to the Group’s cars even faster
With the Volkswagen Automotive Cloud, the automated driving functions can be tested, deployed and operated
Volkswagen Group further strengthens its capabilities in the development of automated driving (AD) solutions.
The Group’s software company Car.Software Organisation will collaborate with Microsoft to build a cloud- based Automated Driving Platform (ADP) on Microsoft Azure and leverage its compute and data capabilities to deliver automated driving experiences even faster at global scale. With ADP running on Azure, Car.Software Organisation will increase the efficiency of the development of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and AD functions for passenger cars across Volkswagen Group brands. Volkswagen and Microsoft have been strategic partners on the Volkswagen Automotive Cloud since 2018, which will span all of Volkswagen’s future digital services and mobility offerings.
“As we transform Volkswagen Group into a digital mobility provider, we are looking to continuously increase the efficiency of our software development. We are building the Automated Driving Platform with Microsoft to simplify our developers’ work through one scalable and data- based engineering environment. By combining our comprehensive expertise in the development of connected driving solutions with Microsoft’s cloud and software engineering know-how, we will accelerate the delivery of safe and comfortable mobility services,” said Dirk Hilgenberg, CEO of the Car.Software Organisation.
“This is the next evolution of our foundational work with the Volkswagen Group to enhance their transformation as a software-driven mobility provider,” said Scott Guthrie, executive vice president, Cloud + AI at Microsoft. “The power of Microsoft Azure and its compute, data and AI capabilities will enable Volkswagen to deliver secure and reliable automated driving solutions to their customers faster.”
Build AD and ADAS solutions faster with one development platform ADAS and automated driving vehicles can help improve passenger safety while reducing congestion and making mobility even more comfortable. Building these solutions requires large-scale computational capabilities. Petabytes of data from road and weather conditions to obstacle detection and driver behavior need to be managed every day for the training, simulation and validation of AD functions. Machine learning algorithms that learn from billions of real and simulated miles driven are key to connected driving experiences.
Car.Software Organisation will address these challenges together with Microsoft by simplifying the developer experience and leveraging the “learnings from miles driven” through one database comprising real traffic data from the Group’s vehicles as well as simulation data. Microsoft Azure compute, data and machine learning services as well as Microsoft’s know-how in agile software development will enable one development environment for Car.Software Organisation’s developers globally. ADP will help reduce the development cycles from months to weeks and efficiently manage the huge amount of data. The companies will start working on ADP immediately and are looking to continuously expand the functional scope of the development platform.
Both companies intend to enable technology partners to build tools and services that integrate with the platform to enhance the creation of AD and ADAS solutions.
Volkswagen Group increases in-house development of software in the car The Volkswagen Group is driving forward the digitalisation of the car rapidly. By 2025, the Group will invest around EUR 27 billion in digitalisation and increase the proportion of in-house development of software in the car to 60 percent from 10 percent today. Founded last year, the Car.Software Organisation plays a key role in the transformation of the Volkswagen Group towards a software-driven mobility provider. It bundles and continuously expands the Group’s software competencies, including the development of high-performance driving functions for passenger cars that will be integrated into future models of Volkswagen Group’s brands.
Deploy and operate ADAS and AD solutions with Volkswagen Automotive Cloud Since 2018, Volkswagen and Microsoft have been collaborating on the Volkswagen Automotive Cloud (VW.AC), which is focused on integrating all the digital services and mobility offerings across the Group brands and models in the future. VW.AC’s engineering team, based in Seattle, has enabled data to be exchanged between the vehicles and the cloud through Azure edge services. The cloud connectivity is also enabling Volkswagen to deliver vehicle updates and new features independently of the vehicle hardware to continuously improve the customer experience.
The first VW.AC connected test fleets are expected to hit the road in 2021. Production rollout is planned for 2022. Car.Software Organisation will integrate ADP and VW.AC as the company moves toward further integrating their software solutions, tools and methods to empower its engineering teams, customers, and partners globally. With VW.AC, the AD and ADAS functions developed on top of ADP can be tested, deployed and operated across the Group’s vehicle fleet.
2005 Maserati Quattroporte for auction with The Market
Ordered new by Sir Elton John with a whole host of extras
Incredibly low mileage and in excellent condition
Online auction to start on Thursday 18th February and close on Thursday 25th February
A stunning, low mileage, 4.2-litre V8 2005 Maserati Quattroporte, first owned by Sir Elton John, CBE, will be auctioned by the original online classic car auctioneer, The Market.
Added to Sir Elton’s extensive collection of thoroughbred cars back in 2005, this particular Italian beauty features a whole host of extras which ensured Elton and his passengers were transported in complete luxury and comfort. Some of the added bells and whistles of mid-noughties nostalgia include a rear DVD player and screen, games input, two headphones, remote control and a six CD autochanger.
The winning bidder will also receive a number of really special and quite unique extras to accompany the car, like the official Maserati welcome letter addressed to ‘Mr John’ and a copy of the original V5 certificate donning Sir Elton’s name and the current number plates.
“Sir Elton is a national treasure and a global superstar, who has impeccable taste when it comes to buying cars,” comments Tristan Judge, director, The Market. “Indeed, the car is in excellent condition and has evidentially been treated like a celebrity itself over the years.”
The Market is no stranger to selling classics previously owned by A-list celebrities and in 2021 has already sold a BMW 635CSi formerly owned by acting legend, Sir Sean Connery, and a Range Rover Sport owned by former England captain, David Beckham.
“This is a very special opportunity for worlds to collide for enthusiasts of both music and collectible cars, grabbing themselves a genuine piece of memorabilia,” adds Judge. “The vehicle’s new owner will be able to enjoy the kind of luxury drive you can expect from a top of the range Italian beauty, as well as revel in the history this car has had in the hands of a music icon.”
Having been purchased by the current vendor in 2016, the car has covered just 1,000 miles since then and has been dry stored for some of that time, adding to its well-preserved condition. Indeed, the car’s odometer shows it has covered just 28,493 miles during its lifetime and is backed up with a host of main dealer and specialist service stamps, to further authenticate and confirm the care and attention it has received so far.
Expected to sell for between £15,000 and £40,000, the car is finished in Verde green paintwork complemented by a Cuoio, biscuit interior and rosewood veneer.
The auction of this Maserati Quattroporte will start on Thursday 18th February and end on Thursday 25th February.
Citroën C3 Aircross SUV has been updated with a fresh new look and more Advanced Comfort features.
Customers now have a choice of 70 colour combinations and exterior styles for ultimate personalisation.
New C3 Aircross SUV gains an entirely restyled front end, paired with enhanced practicality and versatility.
Ride comfort is improved with the addition of new Advanced Comfort seats, while upgraded interior technology and 12 driver aids improve well-being and safety.
New C3 Aircross SUV is available with a range of efficient and high-performance PureTech petrol and BlueHDi Diesel engines.
New Citroën C3 Aircross SUV will arrive in UK showrooms in June 2021.
With 330,000 vehicles produced since its launch at the end of 2017, C3 Aircross SUV has proved very popular in the highly competitive B-SUV segment.
From launch, customers have been impressed by its ultra-customisable and unique design, and by its spaciousness and unrivalled practicality.
Showcasing the importance of personalisation, the majority of current C3 Aircross SUV customers have opted for high-end versions, with the ‘Shine Plus’ trim level now accounting for 75% of UK sales. Offering real versatility in use with its compact exterior dimensions and generous cabin space, C3 Aircross SUV is an ideal vehicle for motorists with active lifestyles – particularly those looking for more comfort and practicality from their vehicle day to day.
Now, for the summer of 2021, New C3 Aircross SUV has been restyled with a distinctive new look, even greater in-cabin comfort, enhanced personalisation options and more features for customer peace of mind.
“New Citroën C3 Aircross expresses modernity and originality with a true SUV attitude, featuring unmatched roominess and modularity, and technologies that make everyday life easier. We wanted to capitalise on these strong points, creating a more mature vehicle in the expression of its design and extra comfort on board. Its face has been updated radically with a more angular and assertive front-end, and the new seat construction reinforces the well-being experience inside the vehicle. New C3 Aircross ticks all the boxes of an SUV “by Citroën” and has all the assets to continue its commercial success.”
Vincent Cobée, Chief Executive Officer, Citroën
MORE ASSERTIVE DESIGN AND ENHANCED PERSONALISATION
New C3 Aircross comes with a more assertive SUV-like design, a spacious interior and a dominating stance due to its raised ground clearance and large wheels. Its appearance is underpinned with lower-body and wheel-arch protection, front and rear skid plates, and stylish roof bars. New C3 Aircross SUV is now more self-confident and mature, featuring a more premium look that is consistent with evolving customer expectations in the segment.
MORE EXPRESSIVE FRONT END New C3 Aircross SUV features an entirely redesigned front face. Inspired by the CXPERIENCE concept car – and first introduced on New C3 in 2020 – it represents Citroën’s new design language, with a bold and unique identity.
The improved front end design features a new LED headlight signature, while the chrome-trimmed chevrons have been updated, extending out towards the LED lights – similar to the look on New C3 and New C4. Featuring LED lights as standard, New C3 Aircross also sports a new grille with a brand-new geometric pattern and a new aluminium-grey skid plate with coloured inserts that enhance the model’s sturdy appearance. A higher-set bonnet is the final design change at the front. New C3 Aircross boasts an impressive look that instantly sets it apart in the B-SUV segment.
ADDED PERSONALISATION The personalisation possibilities with New C3 Aircross SUV have also been upgraded, to satisfy every customer need.
There are now 70 exterior combinations in total, made up as follows:
New C3 Aircross is available with seven different body colours. Three are new for 2021: ‘Khaki Grey’, ‘Voltaic Blue’ and ‘Polar White’.
Customers have a choice of four Colour Packs, including two new colour themes playing on higher-end textured effects: ‘Anodised Orange’ and ‘Anodised Dark Blue’. The Colour Packs comprise original and eye-catching coloured inserts on the leading edges of the front skid plate, on the door-mirrors and on the rear quarter-lights. The quarter-lights are also home to a new graphic signature in which the distinctive coloured louvres are supplemented by new cube-shaped designs according to the Colour Pack selected – a mirror-chrome louvre effect (chrome quarter-light decor) for the ‘Shiny Black’ and ‘Anodised Dark Blue’ Colour Packs, a white cube effect for the ‘Polar White’ Colour Pack, and an orange cube effect for the ‘Anodised Orange’ Colour Pack.
A choice of three roof colours: monotone (body-coloured), white or black.
New C3 Aircross SUV is available with new 16 and 17-inch diamond cut or full black alloy wheels that feature a completely new design.
The personalisation upgrades continue inside. New C3 Aircross SUV is available in the UK with three ambiences, each with its own separate identity:
The standard ambience has grey seat decor, combined with a textured grey dashboard for a pure and clean look.
The ‘Metropolitan Graphite’ ambience combines a graphite leather-effect material with a flecked grey fabric, alongside a strip on the upper part of the seat backrests and a dashboard strip in flecked grey for a cosy and modern look.
The refined ‘Hype Grey’ ambience features grey-green leather and black leather-effect fabric, a grey-green leather dashboard strip and strips on the upper backrests with a chevron motif.
Both the ‘Metropolitan Graphite’ and ‘Hype Grey’ ambiences feature Citroën’s distinctive new topstitching, which is unique to the segment. This topstitching was first introduced on New C4 and ë-C4.
BRINGING SERENITY TO ACTIVE LIFESTYLES
ADVANCED COMFORT PROGRAMME® New C3 Aircross SUV makes customers feel like they are at home by further enhancing in-car comfort through the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme.
In addition to class-leading ride comfort, New C3 Aircross SUV offers even greater comfort when travelling with its new Advanced Comfort seats – an innovation first seen on C4 Cactus and C5 Aircross SUV. Available with the ‘Metropolitan Graphite’ and ‘Hype Grey’ ambiences, Advanced Comfort seats improve perceived comfort in four ways: visual comfort, initial comfort, postural comfort and dynamic comfort:
Visual comfort is all about appearance, and comes in the form of unique padding and distinctive Citroën stitching that gives an immediate visual impression of soft and cosy cushioning.
Initial comfort is provided by an insert of an extra 15mm of foam, boosting comfort and support. The difference is noticeable immediately when you first sit down in the car.
Postural comfort is characterised by the reinforced support offered by the broad and generously sized seats.
Dynamic comfort makes longer trips more comfortable through the use of a high-density padded section in the centre of the seat alongside thicker, more structural foam.
CLASS-LEADING SPACE AND VERSATILITY New C3 Aircross SUV keeps all of its predecessors’ class-leading versatility and spaciousness. With its compact body length of 4.16m, New C3 Aircross features unrivalled cabin space in the segment.
Boasting outstanding interior space, with exceptional rear leg and headroom for the segment, New C3 Aircross SUV offers unparalleled versatility thanks to a rear bench seat that can slide longitudinally by 150mm. Featuring a 60/40 split design, both parts can be moved independently for added practicality. A flat-folding front passenger seat is also available that gives New C3 Aircross SUV a maximum load length of 2.40m – ideal for transporting particularly long objects such as items of furniture and sports equipment. Boot volume can be increased from 410-litres to 520-litres with the rear bench placed in its forward-most position. Up to 1,289-lites is available with the rear bench fully folded down.
Another key strength of the interior is its exceptional brightness and airiness, thanks to the amount of glass around the cabin and the optional panoramic opening glass sunroof that lets the light flood in.
New C3 Aircross SUV is even more functional than before, thanks to a new central console featuring a large storage space at the rear that can be accessed by both the front and rear passengers, and closed with a sliding shutter.
Storage spaces are laid out conveniently for all occupants, including a small tray in front of the front seat passenger, cup holders built into the folding central armrest on the rear bench, pockets on the backs of the front seats and numerous storage areas at the bottom of the central console.
TECHNOLOGIES THAT SIMPLIFY LIFE AND HEIGHTEN ADVENTURE New C3 Aircross SUV is equipped with useful technologies for even more serenity and safety at the wheel. Depending on the version, it features a new, larger 9-inch touchscreen for improved interaction, clarity and practicality. The new, higher-quality screen highlights the Citroën Connect Nav functionality, along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay™. Wireless smartphone charging and Citroën Connect Assist are also available.
New C3 Aircross SUV comes with up to 12 intuitive driving aids that simplify everyday life and make each journey easier and safer. Safety technologies, depending on version, include a colour head-up display to keep useful information in the driver’s line of vision, speed sign recognition and recommendation, Active Safety Brake and automatic high/low-beam headlights. New C3 Aircross SUV is also available with equipment that simplifies daily life, such as keyless entry and start, Park Assist and the Citroën brand’s Top Rear Vision reversing camera, which displays a clear image of the area behind the vehicle on the touchscreen.
Finally, to underline its SUV nature and to effortlessly handle most types of terrain, New C3 Aircross can be equipped with Grip Control® with Hill Descent Assist – a system that enables drivers to deal with challenging weather and road conditions. The system enables the driver to adjust the car’s front-wheel traction depending on the terrain, and to maintain a safe speed when descending hills, even on steep inclines.
New C3 Aircross SUV is available with a range of efficient PureTech petrol and BlueHDi Diesel engines.
From launch, the following four configurations are available:
PureTech 110 6-speed manual
PureTech 130 6-speed automatic
BlueHDi 110 6-speed manual
BlueHDi 120 6-speed automatic
New C3 Aircross SUV arrives in UK showrooms in June 2021.
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS § Length: 4,160mm § Width: 1,760mm § Height: 1,640mm § Wheelbase: 2,600mm § Boot volume: 410-lites to 520-lites, and up to 1,289-litres
This 1962 Aston Martin DB4 is an incredibly exciting and original discovery out of over 40 year ownership.
Blue with red leather interior. Retaining its matching numbers engine, this DB4 has been sitting in storage for the last 30 years patiently awaiting restoration and is the very first Series IV DB4 ever produced. After the previous owner returned from Vietnam in the 1970’s, he went back to work at a local body shop. When his boss asked him to help with a repair on his own car, he agreed to go over to his house and work on the car. He worked on the car over the course of a few weeks and once he completed the job, his boss gifted him the Aston Martin DB4. He had the car towed home and planned on restoring it but just never got around to it. He parked it in a barn where it sat until recently when it finally saw the light of day after over 30 years in storage. This is the ideal restoration candidate. This once in a lifetime opportunity to own the very first Series IV DB4 ever produced is not to be missed by any collector or or enthusiast of the marque.
The introduction of the Aston Martin DB4 marked a new era for the British sports car manufacturer that would restore performance and prestige to the fabled marque. Wrapped in a seductive, lightweight alloy body fashioned by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan and featuring a powerful 3.7-litre engine, the DB4 offered performance to match its pedigree, becoming the world’s first production car to achieve 0-100-0 mph in under 30 seconds.
The Very First Series IV DB4 Ever Produced
Exceptionally Original and Rare DB4
Retaining its Matching Numbers Engine
Offered from 40+ Year Ownership
A True Barn-Find Out of 30 Year Storage
The Ideal Restoration Candidate
A Rare and Collectible Aston Martin from the Golden Era
We knew there was going to be an iron fist in this particular velvet glove, but at today’s world premiere of the new fully electric Audi e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT the knockout performance capability of the beautifully sculpted sports cars was revealed in all its instantly accessible and environmentally benign glory!
For grin-inducing rapidity and gripping handling look no further than the e-tron GT with its 530-horsepower peak output and e-quattro drive.
Or for sheer jaw-slackening pace that feels more akin to teleportation try the RS e-tron GT. Capable of mustering up to 646 horsepower and bludgeoning 62mph in just 3.3 seconds, it’s notable as the most powerful production road car ever to hail from our Audi Sport division.
Orders for both will be acceptable from the spring, with reservations available right now (online or in dealership), and as usual in the UK we’ll be offering Vorsprung versions with a similarly breath-taking specification.
Find out more about our brand-shaping new model here: Audi eTron
Hyundai’s first uncrewed ultimate mobility vehicle (UMV) concept is revealed today as TIGER, which stands for transforming intelligent ground excursion robot.
TIGER is intended to carry payloads over remote and inaccessible terrain and designed to operate as a four-wheel drive vehicle or a four-legged walking machine.
The vehicle is being developed by Hyundai Motor Group’s New Horizons Studio in partnership with Autodesk and Sundberg-Ferar.
New Horizons Studio is developing multiple technologies for innovative vehicle platforms.
Hyundai Motor Group has revealed TIGER (Transforming Intelligent Ground Excursion Robot), the company’s second Ultimate Mobility Vehicle (UMV) and the first designed to be uncrewed.
The transforming intelligent ground excursion robot is designed to carry various types of payload while traveling over challenging terrain.
TIGER is being developed by Hyundai Motor Group’s New Horizons Studio, headquartered in Mountain View, California. The studio was established in late 2020 to develop UMVs drawing on research and innovation leadership from Silicon Valley and other innovation hubs.
“Vehicles like TIGER, and the technologies underpinning it, give us an opportunity to push our imaginations,” said Dr. John Suh, Head of New Horizons Studio. “We are constantly looking at ways to rethink vehicle design and development and re-define the future of transportation and mobility.”
Concept vehicle showcases capability across remote and inaccessible terrain TIGER’s exceptional capabilities are designed to function as a mobile scientific exploration platform in extreme, remote locations. Based on a modular platform architecture, its features include a sophisticated leg and wheel locomotion system, 360-degree directional control, and a range of sensors for remote observation. It is also intended to connect to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which can fully charge and deliver TIGER to inaccessible locations.
A large load bay housed within its body means TIGER can carry goods for delivery, or be deployed to deliver aid packages in emergency situations. Leg-wheel articulation enables TIGER to tackle a range of extreme situations while keeping payloads more level than a typical ground vehicle.
With its legs retracted, TIGER drives like an all-wheel drive vehicle and is in its most efficient mode because it moves by rolling traction. But when the vehicle gets stuck or needs to travel over terrain that is difficult or impassable for wheels alone, it uses its walking ability to get unstuck or more easily travel over that terrain. This was a feature previously seen in Elevate, Hyundai Motor Group’s first-ever UMV concept with moveable legs, which debuted at the 2019 Consumer Electronic Show (CES).
Like Elevate, Hyundai’s other transforming four leg-wheel ground vehicle, TIGER shares similar characteristics such as its legs and wheels. The difference between Elevate and TIGER is that, while the former can carry passengers, the latter is uncrewed. Both TIGER and Elevate blend robotic and wheeled locomotion technologies, allowing them to traverse terrain beyond the limitations of even the most capable off-road vehicle.
First version designed in Silicon Valley with global development partnerships The first version of TIGER is X-1 (the X stands for experimental) and brings together a wide-range of technological and design expertise. The project is being led by Hyundai Motor Group’s New Horizons Studio, while working in close partnership with Autodesk, a leading engineering design software company.
“Working closely with the team at Hyundai on the TIGER X-1 vehicle, using advanced technology such as generative design to push the boundaries of increasing strength while reducing weight in transportation, is exactly what we mean when we talk about creating the new possible,” said Srinath Jonnalagadda, Vice President of Business Strategy for Design and Manufacturing at Autodesk. “New design, engineering and manufacturing techniques enabled by Autodesk Fusion 360 help today’s modern, collaborative teams get to production faster and more efficiently.”
TIGER X-1 fuses Autodesk’s generative design capabilities with Hyundai’s growing R&D capabilities in mobility. The teams have been working together to create a lightweight but incredibly strong structure, with the legs and certain chassis elements created using carbon fiber composite additive printing.
Collaborating with external concept design experts Sundberg-Ferar, New Horizons Studio has been developing TIGER X-1 to deliver and retrieve critical payloads across rugged terrain. These capabilities make the concept vehicle ideal for 360-degree surface evaluation, in areas struck by natural disaster, while tackling challenging terrain, or even exploring the surface of another moon or planet.
“While developing TIGER with New Horizons Studio, the team at Sundberg-Ferar was looking to create a robot that maximized the efficiency of wheeled motion with the articulation of a quadruped to expand the possibility of reaching more remote locations,” said David Byron, Manager of Design and Innovation Strategy at Sundberg-Ferar. “TIGER is a modular platform design allowing different bodies to be attached to the chassis for unique applications such as cargo delivery or surveillance in locations not suitable for humans.”
New Horizons Studio – home to Hyundai Motor Group UMV development New Horizons Studio, headquartered in Mountain View, California, develops vehicles with unprecedented mobility. Products from the studio target users with a need for travel and mobility across unconventional and off-road terrains, including places that cannot be reached by conventional wheeled vehicles. UMVs developed by New Horizons Studio can be subject to more challenging applications and environments, and adaptable to changing conditions.
New Horizons Studio has been focused on developing technologies to enable concept vehicles such as TIGER. These technologies include wheel-leg locomotion, high-performance materials and structures, high-performance power systems, chassis and body systems, virtual development and evaluation systems, and human-centered design and systems. Each of these represents significant technical progress that can be applied to any vehicle and will speed the development of advanced mobility solutions.
New Horizons Studio furthers Hyundai Motor Group’s vision to shape the future of mobility and brings onboard forward-thinking, innovative leadership from Silicon Valley and other innovation hubs. UMV concepts in development do not rely solely on wheels and are expected to address challenging driving situations – for example, a car with robotic legs could save lives as the first responder in natural disasters; or people without access to a curb ramp could hail a car to walk up to their front door, level itself and allow wheelchairs to roll in.
Using a combination of robotics and wheeled locomotion technology, Elevate, TIGER and other vehicles by New Horizons Studio are expected to redefine vehicular mobility.
About Sundberg-Ferar Sundberg-Ferar, born in Detroit, in 1934 is a product innovation studio and we exist to help our customers uniquely differentiate their products, services and experiences increasing their profit margins, market share, and ultimately advancing strong and sustainable brands. Sundberg-Ferar’s innovation process cross-references multiple user experiences, cross pollinate multiple industry categories, study competitors’ vulnerabilities to reveal uncontested white market spaces for our clients in the consumer products, commercial equipments and new-mobility domains. More details on www.sundbergferar.com and to chat, drop a line at hello@sundbergferar.com.
About Autodesk At Autodesk, we exist to turn ideas into new realities that shape a thriving future. Our software and services harness emerging technologies—such as additive manufacturing (3D printing), artificial intelligence, generative design, and robotics—that give companies and individuals the power to work more quickly, effectively, and sustainably throughout the entire project lifecycle. For more information visit autodesk.com or follow @autodesk.
About New Horizons Studio New Horizons Studio builds vehicles to wander with unprecedented mobility, using a combination of robotics and wheeled locomotion technology. The products target customers who have a need for travel in unconventional and off-road terrain, including places where vehicles have never roamed before. These vehicles are subject to more challenging applications and environments, adaptable to changing conditions. New Horizons Studio furthers Hyundai Motor Group’s vision to shape the future of mobility and onboard forward-thinking, innovative leadership from Silicon Valley and other innovation hubs.
About Hyundai Motor Group Hyundai Motor Group is a global enterprise that has created a value chain based on mobility, steel, and construction, as well as logistics, finance, IT, and service.
With about 250,000 employees worldwide, the Group’s mobility brands include Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.
Armed with creative thinking, cooperative communication and the will to take on any challenges, we strive to create a better future for all.
New Combo-e Life arrives with a zero emissions range of up to 174 miles in WLTP testing
Available in Medium and XL variants, with five or seven seats
Supports up to 100kW rapid charging, with an 80% charge taking just 30 minutes
Up to 2,693 litres of boot space with three ISOFIX child seat points
Rated to tow up to 750kg and available with trailer stability control
Class-leading levels of safety technology and driver aids
Arriving in showrooms this autumn
Vauxhall has released first images of the new Combo-e Life, a fully electric variant of its award-winning Combo Life van – giving families and fleets a practical, zero-emissions, choice on their next vehicle.
With a range of up to 174 miles in WLTP testing from a single charge, the new Combo-e Life is available in two sizes, a Medium and a longer XL variant, with Medium models available in five and seven seat configurations and XL vehicles offered exclusively with seven seats. The new Combo-e Life also supports up to 100kW rapid charging, with an 80% charge taking just 30 minutes. The new model will be arriving in showrooms later this autumn.
Electric Performance: Ideal for short and long journeys The new Combo-e Life features a 50kWh lithium-ion battery and a 100kW (136PS) electric motor capable of up to 260Nm of torque. The Combo-e Life can accelerate from 0-60mph in 11.2 seconds.
Drivers have access to a sophisticated two-mode regenerative braking system, with ‘B’ mode increasing the regenerative braking for maximum energy recovery.
The 50kWh battery is made up of 216 cells and 18 modules and is packaged under the floor between the front and rear axles, resulting in no compromise in boot space or interior room compared to the petrol and diesel Combo Life variants. The battery placement also ensures the new Combo-e Life is stable on motorways and when cornering.
Under WLTP testing, the Combo-e Life is capable of up to 174-miles from a single charge and supports a number of charging solutions. It can be fully charged via a three-pin domestic plug, a Wallbox charger or up to 100kW rapid charging via public charging stations. All Combo-e Life variants come standard with a single-phase 7.4kW on-board charger, with an optional three-phase 11kW charger also available. A full charge via 100kW rapid charging can be completed in just 30 minutes.
Practicality and Versatility: Ideal for families and businesses The new Combo-e Life is available in two sizes, Medium and XL variants. Medium variants measure 4.40 metres long and are available in five or seven-seat configurations. Larger XL variants measure 4.75 metres long and are exclusively offered with seven seats.
Medium variants with five seats feature up to 597 litres of boot space, extending up to 2,126 litres of space with the rear row folded. XL variants come with 850 litres of space, and up to 2,693 litres with the rear rows folded. In addition, the front passenger seat can be fully folded extending the length of the load area so that even large items, such as surfboards can be carried inside the Combo-e Life.
For improved versatility, the new Combo-e Life is also rated to tow up to 750kg and comes with trailer stability technology that reduces vehicle speed when it detects the trailer swerving.
The second rows for both Medium and XL variants is available with either three individually folding seats or with a 60/40 split (a 35/30/35 split is also available as an option).
In both cases, each individual seat has its own ISOFIX child seat bracket, allowing owners to fit three child seats next to each other.
For improved natural light, the new Combo-e Life is available with an electronically controlled panoramic roof. The panoramic roof also adds an extra overhead storage compartment with an additional 36-litres of space and comes with LED roof lights.
Infotainment and Driver Aids:Improved entertainment and safety All Combo-e Life models come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, and are available with Vauxhall’s Multimedia Navi Pro system featuring a large 8.0-inch touchscreen with live traffic updates.
To ensure the safety of drivers, passengers, and other road users, the new Combo-e Life is available with a number of class-leading driver aids and safety features, including; forward collision alert with pedestrian protection, automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, driver drowsiness alert, traffic sign recognition, and hill descent control. Drivers can also opt for the Surround Rear Vision camera that gives a 180-degree view of the rear of the car when reversing.
Intelligrip electronic traction control improves traction in adverse driving conditions by allowing the driver to modulate the traction control to suit the road conditions. Drivers can choose between Normal, Snow, Mud, and Sand modes for optimal grip.
Connected e-Services: Remote access and features To ensure the new Combo-e Life is easy to live with, it features the latest in Vauxhall’s connected features. With VauxhallConnect, drivers have access to a number of features including live traffic updates when on the move, vehicle information and charge status displayed, while in the event of an accident the e-Call technology will automatically alert emergency services. Drivers can also plot a route using the navigation, with charging points visible on the map.
The MyVauxhall smartphone app lets drivers use their phone to check the vehicle’s charge status and even programme delayed charging to take advantage of off-peak electricity tariffs.
Hagerty monitors the global classic car market providing insight to the car community and media alike.
John Mayhead, Head of UK Valuations, has recently appeared in a number of interviews across BBC TV and radio discussing the impact Brexit has had on the classic car market and shares his thoughts in Hagerty UK’s latest market report.
At 11 pm on December 31st, 2020 the United Kingdom ended the transition period from membership in the European Union and began trading under terms agreed with the EU just a few days before. The result has been increased red tape and a fair amount of confusion. After years of speculating about the potential impact of Brexit on the UK classic and collector car world, we are now experiencing it first-hand.
Any new system was always going to cause confusion at first, and Britain’s new relationship with the EU comes with a raft of new bureaucracy where almost none previously existed.
“We could plan for a no-deal, as we knew what that would look like’ said Peter Bonham Christie, founder of Straight Eight Logistics, one of the UK’s top historic vehicle transport firms “but we only found out what was in the treaty a week before we had to put it into practice, and now about 90 percent of my working life is spent working with the customs agency.”
Every vehicle movement from the UK now requires an ATA Carnet. An Access/Temporary Access Carnet is like a passport for goods, a bond that guarantees that your items won’t disappear after they enter the country. While an ATA costs just a few hundred pounds, a returnable bond payment of 40 per cent of vehicle value also has to be presented. Even if the value of a car is only £10,000, the bond is £4000; for a £1m vehicle it is £400,000.
Newly introduced costs and paperwork are also affecting British exporters. Julian Majzub of classic-specialist manufacturer Blockley Tyres told Hagerty “The paperwork, aggravation, increase in costs, real delays and inconvenience to customers will impact us. Obviously, we’ll make the best of it, but I’ve now got quite a heavy monkey to carry on my back that my competitors don’t.”
Dealers serving the enthusiast market have not been greatly affected: It’s a quiet time of the year for classic sales, and British buyers tend to favour right-hand drive cars from the home market. For those selling more expensive cars though, things are different.
“Our business is very international,” said leading collector car dealer Max Girado “The new rules are quite draconian, and everyone is getting used to them. With time we will all adapt, but from a business perspective, Brexit has not helped us in any way.”
Dealers of more modern collectable cars have their own specific issue—the addition of a 20 percent value-added tax (VAT) to the import of used cars from Europe that are less than 30 years-old. “This is a real problem,” said Edward Lovett, leading dealer, and founder of Collecting Cars. “A buyer searching for a rarer modern performance model might typically have looked in Europe. Now that comes with a hefty additional cost.”
UK-based auction houses have historically held sales all over Europe and also welcomed EU-consigned cars to British auctions. Now cars (and their sales rostrums, speakers, and other paraphernalia) will have to be temporarily imported, with all the extra paperwork that entails. But, have sales been affected? Mark Perkins, founder and managing director of Historics auction house set an optimistic tone when asked about its Monaco sale scheduled for 23rd April. “Significant collector car consignments have already been sourced from UK vendors, together with serious consignment interest received at our UK and European offices by non-UK domiciled vendors. Three months before the sale, it’s too early to comment meaningfully on bidder registration but that again will give us some useful insights into UK/International buying patterns.”
Many in the industry claim the rules aren’t clear. Whether UK historic vehicles are still exempt from EU low-emission zone regulations, whether spares can be boxed together under one carnet, and what happens to them if they’re used rather than new; the answers are impossible to find in official literature and will only be discovered later, as the rules are tested. However, the current COVID crisis could be unexpectedly acting in the industry’s favour as lockdown has given breathing space to many as they investigate how it all works.
Some within the industry fear that COVID could be shrouding the true depth of the crisis. “How much of the downturn we have yet to feel is COVID and how much is Brexit?” asks Julian Majzub. “The British Government say everything is down to COVID, but when the country comes off furlough in June, we’ll see the state of things and where unemployment really is.”
John Mayhead, Head of UK Valuations, concluded “It’s a fair prediction to say that summer 2021 may be a watershed for the UK historic vehicle community. What effect this may have on the average enthusiast is yet to be seen, but most seem determined to work around the problems and get back to normal as soon as possible. The UK has always been a mainstay of the classic car industry and it seems our industry is determined to succeed; whatever barriers are put in front of them.“
The full report, including detailed quotes from industry experts, can be read here.
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.
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).
