An extremely rare 1979 Holden Torana GTR XU1-Bathurst will be amongst the star lots of the Classic Car Auctions sale to be held at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show in March 2022.
Believed to be possibly the only Holden Torana GTR XU1-Bathurst car in the Northern Hemisphere, the car is one of only 150 built in the period to achieve homologation for racing. Peter Brook took his first of 9 Bathurst wins in a similar 1972 car. The engine number for each of the 150 specials was recorded in the service manual by Holden, so that technicians would be able to service the vehicle in accordance with specific requirements for this model. All of the original books are present with the car, which is offered in the original “Strike Me Pink” livery.
The car is UK registered and has been owned by the vendor for 29 years. Last started in 1985, and in need of restoration, this is likely to be the only one of its kind offered for sale in Europe, or perhaps even the entire Northern Hemisphere. The car is offered with a guide price of between £45,000 – £55,000. The last example sold at auction, as a fully restored vehicle, topped £160,000 and significant interest is expected in this rare car.
The Holden will feature in an extensive catalogue that marks the return of Classic Car Auctions to the March show for the first time in three years. The leading auction house for Everyman classics, Classic Car Auctions is a division of the UK’s market leader for specialist and classic cars, Silverstone Auctions. Over the past two years Classic Car Auctions have sold over £15,000,000 of client vehicles and the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show will be the largest of the companies four sales scheduled for 2022. Consignments are currently open for the show, and Classic Car Auctions offers a free valuation service via the website. Bidding on the March event auction is available in person at the event or by phone, commission and online bidding for those unable to attend.
£310.8m of classic and collector cars sold at auction in 2021
£15.5m paid for 1995 McLaren F1 at Pebble Beach
Ex-Lewis Hamilton F1 car sells at British Grand Prix for £4.7m
1998 Subaru Impreza STi 22b breaks records at £240,000
Wrecked Jaguar sells for almost £100,000
1988 Escort Ghia with royal connections achieves over £52,000
Online bidder pays over £1m for a Ferrari F40
Last year, Hagerty tracked more than 12,500 UK and European auction results, over double those observed in 2020.
The numbers were huge: a total of £310.8 million in classic and collector vehicles sold, including 14 for over £1m, a significant increase from 10 last year.
Some of this increase was undoubtedly due to the expansion of Hagerty’s valuation operations, now called Automotive Intelligence, that tracks auctions, insured values and other data sources all around the world. But the increase is also a result of continued confidence in the market after the brief pause in early 2020. The specialist vehicle market seems to be moving onwards at a rate almost entirely unconnected to the pandemic.
Throughout this year of increased sales, it is inevitable that certain vehicles stand out. These are sometimes the most valuable, the rarest or those that indicate an emerging trend in the market, but others are notable just because they are really interesting cars. Here is Hagerty’s selection of 2021’s most influential global classic vehicle sales.
Most valuable: 1995 McLaren F1, £15.5m
Starting with the biggest sale of 2021 – the 1995 McLaren F1 sold by Gooding & Company at Pebble Beach in August. The final result was $20,465,000 (£15.5m) just shy of the Hagerty Price Guide condition 1 ‘concours’ value. Hagerty is aware of other, private sales that have been higher, but this was a world record price for the F1 at public auction.
Formula One royalty: 2010 McLaren MP4-25, £4.73m
The first of Lewis Hamilton’s F1 race and Grand Prix-winning cars ever offered to the public, it won the 2010 Turkish Grand Prix. This car is undoubtedly a piece of motoring heritage, as it was raced by Hamilton against the other dominant F1 legend of the modern era, Michael Schumacher. Sold by RM Sotheby’s at a special, single-lot auction at the British Grand Prix, it sold for £4.73m, just short of its top estimate.
Turning Japanese: 1998 Subaru Impreza STi 22B, $317,555 (£240,000)
As Hagerty has written about a great deal this year, Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) car values have been flying high in America. Some, like this 1998 Subaru STi 22B, don’t yet even qualify for the country’s 25-year import rule (only vehicles aged 25 or older may be imported to the US without having to meet the national vehicle regulations), but that doesn’t put buyers, off as seen back in April when it sold for a record-breaking $317,555 (£240,000) via Bring A Trailer.
The model hasn’t yet achieved the same level of value here in the UK: back in May, one of just 16 UK-spec 22Bs was sold by Silverstone Auctions for £171,000, more than expected but still a long way short of the Bring A Trailer record. Then, in November at the NEC sale, Silverstone tried again – this time with a 15,500-mile from new example that was estimated at an eye-watering £230,000 to £280,000. Bidding reached £200,000 and it did not sell.
Wrecked exotic: 1960 Jaguar XK150 S Drophead, £90,000
There are some auction results that are surprising, even to the seasoned observer who thinks they have seen everything. This car, offered by Bonhams MPH in May, was crashed by its previous owner in 1996. And it wasn’t just a small shunt: spinning off the road into a tree, the car took a huge impact to the front and sustained damage all along the right-hand side. The driver’s chest broke the steering wheel and his hair was still embedded in the windscreen! And yet, someone saw the potential for restoring this car back to its glory days and paid a very robust £90,000, just shy of our current £102,000 Price Guide value for an ‘Excellent’ example.
Group B stuns again: 1988 Audi Sport Quattro, €2.017M
An undoubted highlight of the Artcurial Paris sales of February 2021, exceeding its expectations by the largest amount and selling for €700,000 over its €1M to €1.3M pre-sale estimate. Hagerty has tracked the values of all Ur Quattros increasing significantly over the past 18 months. However, the value achieved – three times the top Hagerty Price Guide figure of £408,000 for the standard Sport Quattro – set a new level.
The Ugly Duckling: 1993 Jaguar XJ220, £460,000
An exceptional XJ220 with just 385 miles on the clock in factory Monza Red and a clean bill of health from marque specialists Don Law Racing, its sale may mark a watershed for the model.
A highlight of the Bonhams Goodwood Revival sale, it was the first time an XJ220 had exceeded our (then) top Hagerty Price Guide value of £445,000 and is a record for a public auction sale. It was quickly followed up by RM Sotheby’s sale of a similarly impressive example in their London sale in November which exceeded its pre-sale top estimate selling for £432,500. It’s notable that ten of the highest 11 values of the model at auction have been since 2019.
One royal owner: 1981 Ford Escort 1.6 Ghia, £52,640
Hagerty has tracked examples of the third-generation Ford Escort selling for more than £50,000 but they have been low-mileage examples of sporting models such as the RS Turbo and RS1600i. So, what made a slightly tired, 83,000-mile, 1.6 Ghia example, offered by Reeman Dansie, so sought-after? In May 1981 it was given as an engagement present by Prince Charles to the then-Lady Diana Spencer. This sale, in a specialist royal auction, fetched around ten times what Hagerty expects a very good example to reach without its amazing history.
Online landmark: Ferrari F40, £1,000,500
The Market’s July sale of ‘F40 BLU’, a 1989 Ferrari F40, for £1,000,500, was another watershed moment: the first time a car sold for over £1m in a dedicated UK online auction. Interestingly, it lacked the originality usually demanded of such top cars, having been painted in Porsche Aqua Blue, but made up for it in online presence, generated by its owner Sam Moores, the Car Chat podcaster and photographer. Interestingly, four bidders were still competing even after the car reached £980,000. Hagerty has tracked the values of F40s rising steadily over the last few years: from 2016 until 2021, top values in the Hagerty Price Guide rose by 11 per cent.
Two more exceptional examples sold in the US at Monterey in August, one for $2.89M (Gooding and Co) and another for $2.42m (RM Sotheby’s). With over 50 per cent of F40 owners who insure with Hagerty born since 1965 (up from 28 per cent in 2018), younger money is coming into the market, reinforcing the F40’s position as a key collectable car in the present climate.
It appeared to be a basket case, a supercar in component parts and in urgent need of saving. Yet this 1982 Lamborghini Countach LP 500S restoration case was sold by Historics in September for £257,600 – well over its top £180,000 estimate.
The LP500s (often called the 5000s) was the original Athena poster model. This one, stripped down and ready for a full restoration, was an ultra-rare right-hand drive example, one of just 37 made. Hagerty’s ‘Excellent’ value at the time was £334,000, not giving the new owner too much leeway for a full-cost restoration, but then again it’s rare for buyers in this part of the market, where money isn’t always a concern, to be presented with a blank canvas to restore to their own specification.
Volvo Car UK achieved growth in both its new car sales volume and market share in 2021
Total sales increased by 4% year-on-year to 48,260 cars, raising Volvo’s market share from 2.85 to 2.93%
Results outperform the overall UK market growth of 1% and contribute to Volvo’s increased global sales total
Surge in sales of Volvo Recharge plug-in hybrid petrol-electric and pure electric models to 15,376 units and more than one third (37%) of current customer orders
XC40 remains Volvo’s most popular model and the UK’s best-selling premium SUV
Mid-size XC60 and large luxury XC90 SUVs complete Volvo’s top three sellers
Further sales growth for the Volvo Selekt Approved Used Car programme, despite industry-wide supply issues
Volvo Car UK has again demonstrated the quality and appeal of its cars and the strength of its business, recording growth in both its new car sales volume and its market share in 2021.
The achievement is set against the challenging trading conditions for the global automotive industry, caused by the continuing pandemic and associated vehicle supply issues.
In total, 48,260 new Volvo cars were registered in the UK, an increase of 4% on 2020’s figure, outperforming the market as a whole, where volume grew by 1%. As a result, the company’s market share rose from 2.85 to 2.93%.
Central to this performance was the success of Volvo’s fast-expanding Recharge range of electrified – plug-in hybrid petrol-electric and pure electric – models: with sales more than doubling to 15,376 units year-on-year, these accounted for 32% of all Volvo’s UK sales in 2021. Order books show that proportion rising to more than one third (37%) of the total, reflecting the momentum of growth in customer demand for low- and zero-emission cars.
This strong UK performance has contributed to Volvo Cars’ global growth. Worldwide, the business saw its sales rise by nearly 6% to 698,693 units; international Recharge model sales increased by 64% compared with 2020.
The XC40 compact SUV was again Volvo’s UK best-seller – its total sales of 25,242 units reaffirming it as the country’s most popular premium SUV for a second consecutive year. The XC40 was also the third-best-selling plug-in hybrid car of all in the UK in 2021. The mid-size XC60 and large luxury XC90 SUVs held second and third places in Volvo’s rankings, with 10,131 and 7,221 sales respectively.
The high demand for Volvo products extended to the pre-owned market, with the Volvo Selekt Approved Used Car operation recording 32,401 sales – up 12% on 2020’s business, despite reduced supply.
Matt Galvin, Volvo Car UK Commercial Operations Director, said: “This continues to be a challenging time for the automotive industry, but these excellent results demonstrate how the strength of our products and the way we are adapting our business are inspiring customer confidence. Having seized the initiative with our Recharge electrified model range, and by progressing towards all-digital car sales, we are reaping the rewards of innovation while preserving the qualities and values that are central to our brand.”
Kristian Elvefors, Volvo Car UK Managing Director, said: “It is hugely rewarding for everyone at Volvo to see their hard work and dedication delivering this strong sales performance. My thanks go to them, and to the growing number of consumers who are making Volvo their preferred choice. I am confident that the coming year has the potential to deliver greater rewards as we expand our Recharge portfolio and continue to evolve business models that address new consumer preferences for accessing mobility.”
For more information on the Volvo range, and to use the online configurator, please go to www.volvocars.co.uk
Corsa-e and Mokka-e ranges in WLTP cycle increase to 222* and 209 miles respectively
Range-extension through optimisation of heat pump, transmission reducer and tyres
Vauxhall to have a fully electric vehicle range by 2028
Thanks to the continuous development of its electric vehicles, Vauxhall’s Corsa-e and All-new Mokka-e ranges have increased in the official WLTP (Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure) cycle.
On a single charge of its battery, the Corsa-e, can now cover up to 222 miles* according to the WLTP, up from 209 miles previously, an increase of around six per cent. The range of the Mokka-e has increased to 209 miles (WLTP), up from 201 miles previously, an increase of around four per cent.
The range increases have been achieved through the optimisation of the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) and propulsion systems of the Corsa-e and Mokka-e.
The range increases have been achieved through the following measures:
The efficiency of the heat pump, which warms and cools the interior and is standard equipment on both models, is now even higher than before. Heat pumps are more efficient than conventional HVAC systems, as they require less energy from the battery, to the benefit of driving range. Customers will notice the improvements particularly when driving in the winter months.
A new transmission reducer that converts the motor revs into wheel speed helps optimise the range.
A+ rated 16-inch (Corsa-e) and 17-inch (Mokka-e) low rolling resistance tyres for even greater efficiency.
Available to buyers across its electric car and van range, including Corsa-e and Mokka-e, Vauxhall’s new Plug & Go offer includes a free home charging unit, eight years’ roadside assistance and battery warranty, a free six-month BP Pulse subscription and three years’ free servicing. The Plug & Go offer helps remove the barriers to making the switch to electric and simplifies the EV ownership experience – find out more here.
Corsa-e and Mokka-e form part of the British brand’s comprehensive electrification offensive. Vauxhall will offer an electrified variant across its entire model line-up by 2024 and will have a fully electric vehicle range by 2028 – years ahead of the UK Government deadline.
Across cars and LCVs, Vauxhall already offers five fully-electric models and, following the launch of All-new Astra, two plug-in hybrid models. One of those fully-electric models, All-new Combo-e, lands on UK shores this month, completing Vauxhall’s fully-electrified LCV line-up.
The first of nine Plus 8 GTR special editions has completed build at Morgan’s Malvern factory
The model is based on the Morgan Plus 8 and takes cues from Morgan’s racing history
Every Plus 8 GTR is a bespoke commission, with owners working alongside Morgan’s design team
Exclusive images show the first Plus 8 GTR, finished in Yas Marina Blue
Performance enhancements have increased the Plus 8’s power output to 375bhp, making it the most powerful Morgan ever
The first Morgan Plus 8 GTR, the most powerful car in the company’s history, has completed build at the company’s factory in Malvern Link, Worcestershire.
Finished in striking Yas Marina Blue, the first example is evocative of the original design sketches — which pay homage to prominent nineties Plus 8 race car ‘Big Blue’ — that were released to announce the model in February 2021. Limited to just nine examples, the Plus 8 GTR project has only been possible due to the recent availability of a number of Plus 8 rolling chassis.
The remaining eight cars are all in production, with several finishing build before the end of the year and the remainder being completed in the first quarter of 2022. Each customer has worked closely with Morgan’s design team to commission their own bespoke example, further demonstrating the company’s personalisation capabilities. The nine cars are built in varying configurations of transmission and drive side according to customer requirements, with five of the eight vehicles being exported globally.
Performance upgrades include a new engine tune and cannon-style twin-exit sports exhausts. These enhancements improve throttle response and increase the power output over the previous production Plus 8.
Steve Morris, Chairman & CEO, Morgan Motor Company, said: “We are excited to release the first images of the Plus 8 GTR following the design sketches published earlier this year. The Plus 8 GTR represents an opportunity for Morgan to celebrate the V8 engine once again, something we did not expect to do since finishing the Plus 8 and Aero 8 models in 2018. Striking design, the finest craftsmanship, and an exhilarating sports car to drive, the Plus 8 GTR is the perfect swansong to the Morgan V8. We have been delighted to work alongside customers from around the world during the design and build process, and we look forward to sharing the final examples over the coming months.”
The Plus 8 GTR explores design themes such as the high shoulder line, not seen on a traditional Morgan body for decades. Its five-spoke centre-lock wheels are reminiscent of Morgan’s 1990s Plus 8 race cars, framed perfectly by subtly re-sculpted wheel arches. Further design elements include a revised rear end, front wings, and front splitter, all of which are hand crafted using aluminium. Fitment of a hard top with cockpit vent completes the race-inspired aesthetic. The interior features new door cards to fit with the high door tops, bespoke GTR dials and the option of carbon fibre racing seats and harnesses. Unique graphics feature throughout and each GTR is fitted with a plaque denoting its number in the build sequence.
One design inspiration was the Plus 8 race car that competed in the GT series throughout the late nineties, more commonly known as ‘Big Blue’. This car served as the testbed for Morgan’s first bonded-aluminium chassis, which would go on to underpin the Aero 8 and ‘Aero-chassis’ Plus 8 models. It seemed fitting, following the more recent launch of Morgan’s CX-Generation bonded-aluminium platform, to use this opportunity to pay tribute to the car that pioneered Morgan’s use of aluminium structures. As with every Morgan, each Plus 8 GTR is hand crafted using traditional coachbuilding techniques.
The Plus 8 GTR is the second Morgan special project of the year, following the Plus Four CX-T. Whilst different in their function and appearance, both models demonstrate the flexibility of the Morgan brand, celebrating craft, design and driving experience.
21” front wheel and 18” rear, long travel suspension and generous ground clearance: the DesertX is designed to perfectly tackle the most demanding off-road
Powered by Testastretta 11° engine, the new DesertX guarantees a comfortable, easy and safe ride in a variety of travel situations thanks to the obsessive attention to ergonomics, in-depth aerodynamic studies as well as latest-generation technological features
The new Ducati DesertX was unveiled to the public in the sixth episode of the Ducati World Première 2022
In the sixth episode of the Ducati World Première 2022, the new DesertX was unveiled to all motorcycle enthusiasts.
The new DesertX is a bike with an intense off-road attitude, that effectively enlarges the boundaries of what can be done with a Ducati. Desert dunes, narrow off-road paths, gravel roads and mountainous twisties: with DesertX travellers dreams know no more limits.
Fitted with 21” front wheel and 18” rear, the new DesertX has been designed to tackle even the most demanding off-road. The specifically off-road-focused development matched with Ducati valuable road expertise give life to a responsive, easy-to-approach bike, at ease on any route and asphalt.
The DesertX project was born in 2019 when Ducati presented the eponymous concept to the public, generating a strong and positive reaction from motorcyclists around the world. This important feedback gave the Bologna-based manufacturer the decisive push to transform that concept into this functional, competent and effective motorcycle.
The design of the DesertX represents a contemporary interpretation of the lines of the Enduro motorcycles of the ‘80s, created by the Ducati Centro Stile in keeping with essentiality and robustness criteria.
The bike is visually composed of 3 macro elements: a unique volume that includes the tank and the side shields, the saddle and the windshield that embodies the distinctive double headlight and further reinforces the uniqueness of this bike. Additionally, stylistic emphasis is given by the use of black and white areas. The surfaces in contact with the rider are properly large and harmoniously connected to better support every off-road riding phase.
The chassis layout of the new Ducati DesertX includes a new steel trellis frame, which works in combination with long travel suspension with dedicated settings, to ensure effective operation even in the most demanding off-road conditions. The optimisation of all components led to an efficient bike, all packed in 202 kg (dry weight). The choices in terms of chassis make DesertX an easy bike to ride and able to give the right dose of feeling and safety on any surface. Furthermore, the new DesertX offers a great capacity to absorb road imperfections.
On suspension front, the DesertX stands out for its premium fitting. It is offered with 46 mm diameter upside-down Kayaba fork with 230 mm travel and Kayaba monoshock. Both elements are adjustable in compression, rebound and preload. The Kayaba monoshock is perfectly married to the aluminium swingarm and allows a rear wheel travel of 220 mm. In addition, the new DesertX has a generous 250 mm ground clearance, which results particularly suitable for more extreme off-road adventures.
It is noteworthy that the new DesertX features unprecedented tyres size for a Ducati: 21” at the front and 18” at the rear. The original equipment tyres are the Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR, 90/90-21 and 150/70 R18: the perfect choice for a brilliant all-round use of the bike. DesertX will also be homologated to fit both off and on-road-oriented tyres.
Like all Ducati motorcycles the braking system of this new bike benefits from ABS Cornering function. The front features Brembo M50 monobloc radial calipers with four 30 mm diameter pistons, axial pump with adjustable levers and double 320 mm discs with aluminium flanges. At the rear there is a single 265 mm diameter disc on which works a twin-piston floating caliper, always by Brembo. The braking power setting has been conceived to offer great modulability in off-road driving as well as on slippery surfaces, not to mention the fact that it grants the right dose of power in road use.
The ergonomics of the new DesertX have been developed over long and demanding off-road and on-asphalt test sessions. The saddle-footrest-handlebar triangulation gives its best in stand-up riding and offers a good level of comfort even on on-road riding. The result is a bike with an extremely slim fitting area and perfectly linked surfaces that guarantee the rider maximum control and handling. Saddle is 875 mm high. The combination of a particularly narrow inner leg curve and initial suspension compliance ensures good contact with the ground. The saddle height can still be reduced by means of a lowered saddle (available as an accessory) and can be further lowered thanks to an ad hoc kit.
Ducati technicians have also worked hard on a full suite of contents, that make DesertX a true enjoyable tool on every road. The riding position, for example, results even more comfortable for rider and passenger alike, thanks to the definition of shape and padding targeted for each of the two seats. Heat management is studied in detail with openings and flows of fresh air whilst aerodynamic protection is ensured by the great care taken in defining the shape and size of the original windshield and the even more protective accessory one.
Proper range to face longer journeys is guaranteed by the fuel tank with over 21 l of capacity and thus offering the opportunity of mounting a second tank (available as accessory) in the rear area, adding further 8 l of fuel. Fuel transfer from the rear to the front tank is enabled when the fuel level in the main tank falls below a certain level and can be activated from the dashboard.
DesertX also has an excellent load capacity, almost 120 l of volume available including bags and aluminium top case. The specific choice of tubeless tyres is functional to the journey and to safety. It allows a combination of greater reliability, greater safety in the event of a puncture and easier repair.
The admired 937 cc liquid-cooled Testastretta 11° Desmodromic valvetrain engine is the heart of the new DesertX. Characterized by an excellent reliability, this engine delivers 110 hp at 9,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 92 Nm at 6,500 rpm* in Euro5 configuration.
Solid Ducati performance is combined with regular and always manageable delivery, providing the rider with a bike capable of tackling any route with great confidence. The engine can count on all the improvements already seen on the Monster and Multistrada V2, including the extremely light and compact 8-disc clutch and the gearbox equipped with a geardrum mounted on bearings to reduce friction and improve precision and smoothness while shifting. This contributes also to a reduction of the total weight of the engine of 1.7 kg compared to the previous version.
To offer the best performance in off-road riding and in various uses, the Testastretta 11° has been specifically optimised. In fact, the gearbox has different dedicated ratios with respect to those of the Multistrada V2. As a matter of fact the ratios have been shortened overall on all gears up to fifth, to ensure the best off-road behaviour. First and second gears, in particular, are much shorter, in order to facilitate the low-speed driving phases of certain difficult passages typical of off-road use. Sixth gear is properly long to facilitate highway handling while maintaining low engine speeds; this means a contained fuel consumption and an increased level of comfort.
A special mention is deserved by state-of-the-art electronic systems, which offer first-rate performance and safety also in terms of rider aids. New DesertX in fact comes with 6 Riding Modes working in combination with 4 Power Modes – Full, High, Medium, Low – that modify the power and responsiveness of the Testastretta engine. The main new features are specific settings for the Enduro Riding Mode and the introduction of the new Rally Riding Mode, in addition to Sport, Touring, Urban and Wet.
To be precise, the Enduro Riding Mode, thanks to the reduced power and the specially designed control settings, allows the rider to tackle the most demanding dirt roads with greater safety and makes it easier for less experienced users to ride off-road. The Rally Riding Mode, on the other hand, with full engine power and reduced electronic controls, is designed for more experienced riders who want to make the most of DesertX’s off-road performance.
Each Riding Mode, also thanks to the presence of the Bosch IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), can change the character of the bike according to the rider’s input, by acting on the intervention levels of the various electronic controls: Engine Brake Control (EBC), Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Ducati Wheelie Control (DWC), Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up & Down and ABS Cornering.
ABS Cornering, in particular, can be set on 3 levels to be able to adapt to whatever situation and rider skill. In the Riding Modes dedicated to off-road (Enduro and Rally), ABS Cornering can also be completely deactivated via the switch cube with a specific button.
The dashboard of the DesertX, vertically oriented and positioned to offer clear information also in stand-up riding, features a high resolution 5” full-TFT colour display. The instrumentation is predispose to integrate the Ducati Multimedia System which allows the rider to connect the phone, thus activating new functions such as music and incoming/outgoing calls or Turn-by-Turn navigation** (optional), which displays directions directly on the dashboard.
The rider is offered the opportunity to choose between two as-standard Info Modes: Standard and Rally. The Standard option provides for all the road information: tachometer and speedometer are clearly visible, as well as the engaged gear, fuel level and other useful journey information. The trip master function is part of the Rally Info Mode. This simulates the operation of the trip master used in rally motorcycles and allows to manually adjust the odometer indication, using the buttons on the left switch cube.
Premium technological features are also represented by the lighting system, which is full LED. The double front headlight has two twin-function poly-ellipsoidal modules with Daytime Running Light (DRL) and has been designed to ensure excellent visibility, particularly important for a motorcycle capable of travelling in all conditions. The rear light is equipped with the Ducati Brake Light, a particular system that, in the event of sudden braking, automatically activates the flashing of the rear light to alert the following vehicles, a solution that further improves rider’s safety.
Such multi-faceted motorcycle can be further customised by the riders according to their own spirit and mood by drawing on the broad range of Ducati Performance accessories. Among the most appealing items: the rally saddle, which marries the rider and passenger seats for greater effectiveness in off-road activities, and the additional 8-l tank. Touring experience can be further improved with the aluminum side panniers which, combined with the top case, give the bike a total load capacity amount of 117 l, additional LED spotlights, central stand and heated grips. Termignoni exhausts are also available, both homologated and racing. The latter increases the values of power and torque of +7% thanks to the dedicated mapping.
Ducati DesertX intense character deserved a special homage. That’s why the Ducati Centro Stile designed, for the first time, a dedicated capsule collection that takes up the livery of the bike. An outstanding line inspired by the iconic “Dakarian style” and named 21/18, a celebrative tribute to this bike’s tyres size. The technical suit includes jacket, trousers and helmet and will be available in a limited edition. Part of this exclusive collection is a range of lifestyle apparel, specifically designed for this model, consisting of a sweatshirt, two T-shirts and a cap.
The DesertX will be available at dealerships in the Ducati network starting from May 2022. The motorcycles will also be available in a depowered version for A2 license holders. The Bologna-based motorcycle company offers the exclusive “4Ever Ducati” warranty, valid for 4 years with unlimited mileage that relies on the service offered by the entire network of dealers***.
The video-presentation of the new DesertX can be viewed on the Ducati YouTube channel. Star of this exciting video is five-time Enduro world champion Antoine Meo, who had the pleasure of appreciating the excellent potential of this bike at the Fossil Rock in the Sharjah Desert of the United Arab Emirates.
* Only in countries where Euro 5 legislation is in force
**Ducati Multimedia System and Turn by Turn navigation are accessories. The availability of these services may vary depending on the country, smartphone model and operating system version
*** Only for EU countries where “4Ever Ducati” warranty applies. More information are available on Ducati.com
Over the next few weeks we will be highlighting some of the intelligent innovations which have been designed into the Fering Pioneer to ensure it treads lightly on the planet while remaining uniquely capable in extreme conditions.
This week we take a look at the its striking wheel and tyre combination and discover they are more about function than fashion.
One of the most striking elements of the Fering Pioneer’s appearance are the huge wheels. At 22.5-inches, the rims are bigger than those fitted to the kind of ‘bling’ SUVs you will see cruising the boulevards of Los Angeles.
Add in the chunky tyres and the overall diameter of the wheels is a massive 40-inches.
There’s no doubt that they look purposeful, especially as the Pioneer is actually comparatively compact, taking up no more room on the road than a medium-size van. But unlike fashion-first 4x4s, the Fering’s rims are fitted with pure functionality in mind.
Besides offering exceptional grip and helping the Pioneer achieve its astonishing off-road performance, the wheels are designed to accept standard sized truck tyres. These are extremely tough and universally available, which could be a literal lifesaver in remote locations.
Firstly, these thick-walled tyres are far more resistant to damage in the first instance. The sidewalls are tough and shrug off impacts which would shred a conventional car tyre. As the sidewalls only have to support the comparatively light weight of a Fering Pioneer rather than a heavy truck, they are also capable of keeping the vehicle mobile while deflated.
If the tyre does need replacement, the universally available sizing means drivers will be able to find supply in the most far-flung corners of the globe. Fering drivers won’t have to wait days for an expensive replacement tyre, or carry numerous bulky spares.
Truck tyres can be easily and safely ‘retreaded’ too, which saves 80% of the materials required for a new tyre and reduces the waste going to landfill or incineration. Although retreads (or remoulds) have a poor reputation among car drivers, they are considered normal for commercial vehicles and prevent 182kg of CO2 being released into the atmosphere – per tyre. They are subject to the same safety standards as all-new tyres.
Besides the benefit of being universally available, greener and tough, the huge tyres have other advantages on a vehicle which is designed to explore some of the harshest – and yet delicate – environments in the world.
Ben Scott-Geddes, Fering’s founder, explains: “To get a big patch of rubber in contact with the ground, you can either have wide tyres, or have them tall, but narrower. The latter option gives big benefits in off-road situations and makes the contact patch longitudinal.
“It gives extra grip on and off the road, but a bigger contact patch also means there is less pressure on the surface we’re driving on,” he says. “Think of it like the soles of shoes: a heavy 4×4 on small wheels is like a large man wearing stilettos. You’re going to sink into soft ground and make a mess of the turf. Our tyres and the overall light weight of the car mean it is like a toddler wearing skis in comparison.”
This is crucial in environmentally sensitive areas such as Arctic tundra where there are legal restrictions on the amount of ground pressure which can be applied by vehicles – hence the toy-like balloon tyres which are fitted to 4x4s in Arctic regions. The Pioneer will not require them in most areas, or can be fitted with commonly-available larger agricultural tyres in extremely delicate environments.
There are downsides to Fering’s ‘big is best’ strategy of course. The sheer size of the wheels requires a sophisticated suspension system and an incredibly stiff bodyshell – both of which are provided by the Pioneer.
The tyres themselves are heavy too, which is at odds with the light weight strategy which has been applied to every aspect of the Pioneer, and has resulted in it weighing less overall than a family hatchback.
Ben explained: “We have taken mass out of every area on the Pioneer, using the same ruthless scrutiny that we’d use for racing and engineering the most exotic hypercars. But we knew the tyres were a weight worth having, so we set about offsetting it with custom-made wheel rims. Making them to our own design means we can ensure they are lighter, easy to clean, strong, and resistant to damage. Owners will also be able to change the tyres without needing anything more than a tyre iron and a wheelbrace.”
These unusual wheels and tyres are just one of the ground-breaking and intelligent solutions which have been incorporated into the ‘clean sheet’ Fering Pioneer to make it truly fit for purpose.
Fering Technologies was born out of a mission to develop a vehicle that could traverse the globe with a lighter impact. A requirement to create an expedition vehicle for the polar regions, that could also cruise efficiently across open desert.
The vehicle has been designed, developed and tested from the ground up to ‘go anywhere, anytime’. It allows you to explore the deserts of Africa one week and the snow drifts of the Arctic circle the next.
The modularity of the Fering Pioneer allows for mission specific configuration and for personal luxuries to be added or removed with ease.
A working prototype is currently undergoing extreme testing; the first customer cars will be delivered in late 2022.
The team behind the Fering Pioneer Ben Scott-Geddes: Previously Director of Innovation, Body In White at Ferrari, Fering’s founder Ben has a history of creating and developing pioneering new automotive technologies and vehicles. He was formerly Head of Advanced Concepts at McLaren and Technical Director of Caparo Advanced Composites, where he was responsible for the record-breaking T1. He worked under Gordon Murray building the McLaren F1, the F1 Le Mans winners in 1995 and subsequently the winning BMW V12 LMR in 1999.
Kieran Singleton has extensive experience of programme management of new vehicle concepts for automotive OEMs, including management of R&D activity, design & engineering, prototype build and whole vehicle testing. Kieran served as an officer in the British Army and his portfolio includes military vehicles, electric city car concepts and the TVR Griffith.
David Seesing is an experienced design manager with a long history of working in the automotive industry, delivering concept and production vehicle designs. His prior design roles include work for Bentley, Bugatti, Daimler and TVR, leading the design development of the TVR Griffith. David holds an academic position at the Royal College of Art.
Dan Primrose has worked the design offices of McLaren Automotive, the Red Bull F1 team, Caparo Vehicle Technologies and most recently Gordon Murray Design. His design work includes the McLaren SLR, Advanced Concepts for MP12c onwards, Caparo T1, BMW i5 Concept and the Zoox concept.
Chris Wright is a specialist in advanced composite construction, with experience of working in automotive and marine. He has been involved in building power boats and racing yachts, most recently with Sunseeker International. In automotive he has worked with Aston Martin, Caparo, McLaren and Mercedes-AMG.
Mac MacKenney is one of the world’s most accomplished automotive expedition leaders. Since 1996 he has planned, trained, equipped, supported and led teams on expeditions throughout the world. Mac is also Founder and Director of Driven to Extremes, an organisation that supports military veterans suffering from PTSD by taking them on challenging vehicle adventures and expeditions.
Chris Brady is an engineer, designer and entrepreneur. He founded and built Acro Aircraft Seating to a world-leading position, securing BGF funding and winning the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 Award in 2017.
Will Archer is an entrepreneur, investor and start-up specialist. He has built global businesses in research, consulting, recruitment and benchmarking. Will has extensive advisory experience with government agencies and education providers worldwide.
For the men and women making the future: the latest generation of the pick-up is being unveiled next year
“I’ll be back”: from 2022, the new Amarok will impress again with numerous innovations
Draft design shows the off-roader’s numerous possible uses
Whether it be getting medicine and food to remote locations, protecting wildlife in the African savannah or saving lives at the beach, the places where pick-ups are used are infinitely varied.
The highlights of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ new Amarok are without doubt its versatility and off-road capabilities. Developed by teams in Australia and Europe, the premium pick-up will be produced in future in South Africa. In 2022, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ new Amarok will make its debut and be available then to order in the first few markets.
No matter whether it be in South Africa or Australia, pick-ups represent an approach to life and without them certain tasks would be impossible to master. When faced with large loads, challenging country tracks or off-road terrain, everyone is happy to have a pick-up they can rely on. The Amarok has thus, for example, been used for wildlife preservation in South Africa since way back in 2011, and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is a partner of the Wilderness Foundation Africa (WFA) in its important rhinoceros protection work.
Completely new vehicle with “clear Volkswagen DNA” Looks good, and is highly capable: the new Amarok not only has a completely new appearance inside and out, but in future will also have even more extensive equipment on board. “The Amarok makes possible what in many places appears impossible at first sight: it makes things easier for its users by assisting them in their work and everyday lives,” says Dr Lars Krause, Brand Board of Management Member for Sales and Marketing at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. “That’s because the Amarok provides solutions that enable our customers to achieve their goals – especially when things get difficult.”
Now in its third generation, the new vehicle has significantly more driver assistance systems and will impress customers with its connectivity. The Amarok will, from 2022, feature innovations that have not been seen before in this segment. And it will still, of course, not be deterred by any rough terrain.
As Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ all-rounder, the new Amarok impresses with its compelling lines and its overall appearance. “The striking front, and above all the defining X design clearly distinguish the new Amarok and emphasise its claim to be leading the way,” confirms Albert-Johann Kirzinger, Head of Design at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. “We’ve given the strength and power of the new Amarok an unambiguous expression – with clear Volkswagen DNA, inside and out.” This shows the confidence of the model.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ Amarok has been in series production since 2010. The premium pick-up used to be made in Hannover and will continue to be built in Pacheco in Argentina. The newest version will also be built in future in the South African city of Silverton. Over the last decade, more than 800,000 vehicles have been sold globally, solving challenges for their owners and drivers on many continents.
In the southern hemisphere, the vehicle – the only one to date with V6-cylinder diesel engines to make a name for itself in pick-ups’ so-called B segment – is still going strong. In Europe it will again be possible to order the Amarok as a new vehicle from late 2022.
Legendary Mille Miglia-winning Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR “722” drives through the heart of central London along famous sites
Part of a farewell tour before the car returns to the Mercedes-Benz Museum
The film is to be published worldwide on all Mercedes-Benz social media channels
“Who do you think you are? Stirling Moss?”
This, so the story goes, is what a policeman asked the legendary British racing driver following a particularly ‘daring’ overtaking manoeuvre on the streets of London. “Yes sir, I am” was the honest reply.
There’s a nod to this legendary tale – and a number of other aspects of Moss’s life and career – in “The Last Blast”, a new short film by Mercedes-Benz Classic. A police motorcycle outrider admonishes the over-enthusiastic driver of the very Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR made famous by Moss’s win in the 1955 Mille Miglia race. As the camera zooms in on the front wing of the bike, we see a sticker bearing the famous question.
With this, part of a police-escorted drive across central London, ‘The Last Blast’ celebrates the life of Moss, who died on 12 April 2020 at the age of 90. Filming took place at the end of September 2021 in London – where he lived for more than 60 years – yet somewhere the famous Mercedes-Benz racing car, with its legendary Mille Miglia starting number of 722, has never been driven before.
But while the Silver Arrow is the visible star of the show, there’s an invisible one, too: the late racing driver himself. In this very car, together with navigator Denis Jenkinson, he achieved a famous victory for Mercedes-Benz in the 1955 road race from Brescia to Rome and back. And it is in Moss’s honour that the company had the straight-eight engine howl for one last blast on a drive across central London before the car is retired, returning to its permanent home in the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.
The result is a moving three-and-a-half minutes of film. The starting point of the drive, very early one Sunday morning, is The Temple. It then takes in the Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square, the Royal Automobile Club and the The Ritz hotel. On the way, “722” passes what was Sir Stirling’s very own 300 SL “Gullwing” – the car in which he travelled from London to the Mille Miglia in 1955. Its drive through the city ends in front of Moss’s own home in a Mayfair mews. There, his son, Elliot Moss, stands in front of the door and looks at the watch on his wrist, which his father wore for many years. It’s exactly 7:22 am, the original start time of Moss and Jenkinson’s Mille Miglia entry and the reason for the car’s racing number. The 300 SLR rolls to a halt one final time, and its engine is switched off.
This is Mercedes-Benz Classic’s tribute and thanks to Sir Stirling Moss who dedicated decades of service to the brand. And also to his family, for the unwavering support they showed him, and for their personal involvement in this very special film project.
Factsheet for “The Last Blast”
Feature-film cinematography and production
Drive with the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR (W 196 S) through London
Designed to honour Sir Stirling Moss and ‘his’ 300 SLR number 722 from the 1955 Mille Miglia road race
Multiple references to the life and work of the British racing driver
Also a farewell tour for this original 300 SLR racing sports car before it returns to the Mercedes-Benz Museum: it has also made guest appearances at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the British Grand Prix and the Goodwood Revival in 2021
Elaborate film work
Filmed on a Sunday morning with around 50 cast and crew
Eight police motorcycle outriders on duty
Renowned production advisers INP Media Limited and Samuelson Wylie Associates with considerable Hollywood action movie experience
Helicopter shots by the team best known for their aerial work for the James Bond franchise, as well as for flying under Tower Bridge for the 2012 Olympics Opening Ceremony film
Preparation of the 300 SLR by Mercedes-Benz Classic
Special permits for trucks entering London
Media mix and period of playout
planned channels: TV and the established worldwide Mercedes-Benz social media channels
