Ferrari BR20: Maranello’s latest One-Off revealed

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

• A unique new car designed by Ferrari designers to a client’s brief
• The BR20 is a two-seater V12 coupé based on the GTC4Lusso platform
• A sublime marriage of dynamic, modern good looks and styling flair inspired by Ferraris of the 1950s and 60s

The Ferrari BR20, the latest addition to the Prancing Horse’s One-Off series, was unveiled today and joins the most exclusive group in Maranello’s range: unique, absolutely bespoke cars crafted to the specifications of a client and designed as a clear expression of their own unique requirements.

The BR20 is a two-seater V12 coupé developed on the GTC4Lusso platform, which in terms of its philosophy and styling approach, cleverly references the magnificent Ferrari coupés of the 1950s and 60s, without the slightest hint of nostalgia. Instead, it pulls off the challenging feat of marrying timeless elegance with muscular sportiness, effortlessly incorporating styling themes typical of some of the most iconic 12-cylinders in Ferrari history, including the 410 SA and 500 Superfast.

The GTC4Lusso’s two rear seats have been removed to add extra dynamism to the BR20’s ultra-sleek fastback line. The new car is three inches longer than the original, thanks to a specific rear overhang treatment designed to create a silhouette that beautifully emphasises its proportions. One of the cornerstones of the design process for this one-off was the radical modification made to the cabin volume. This in turn gave the design team, led by Flavio Manzoni, the freedom to conceive the innovative proportions that ultimately produced a powerful yet stylistically coherent exterior design theme.

The new cabin design solution creates the impression of a pair of arches running lengthwise from A-pillar to rear spoiler. The rear volume of the arch has been hollowed out to create an aerodynamic channel with the air outlet concealed by the black rear fascia under the spoiler. This modern take on Ferrari’s “flying buttress” theme firmly connects the car to signature Prancing Horse styling cues not just from Ferrari’s GT tradition, but also sports cars such as the 599 GTB Fiorano. To visually lighten the cabin, the black paint of the roof visually connects the windscreen to the rear screen, which stands above the surface of the rear tailgate as if to channel the air flow.

A muscular rear bumper melds beautifully with the aggressive look of the rest of the car: twin taillights create a visual dialogue with the tailpipes, which are lower and set into a prominent aerodynamic diffuser with active flaps on the underbody. Even the BR20’s twin round exhaust tips were designed especially for this bespoke model.

The BR20’s many carbon-fibre details highlight the edgy dynamic characteristics and powerful performance of this extraordinary four-wheel drive car. High, sinuous sills add an extra hint of dynamism to the lower section of the flanks as well as emphasising the front air vents on the wheel arches. The wide front grille sports an upper carbon-fibre element, a note of stylistic consistency with other recent Ferrari one-offs, while unusual chrome side inserts help underline the car’s dynamic front stance.

The BR20’s unique identity is further underscored by the front grille’s striking new horizontal slats that lend a powerful sense of three-dimensionality. A virtually endless list of elements was designed specifically for the BR20, not least its modified headlights. They are lower in height compared to those of the GTC4Lusso with slimmer DRLs, which makes the bonnet seem even longer and sleeker. The 20” tone-on-tone diamond-finish wheels were also created especially for this unique car.

The BR20’s interior is no less impressive, trimmed in two shades of brown leather and carbon-fibre, an exquisite combination developed according to the client’s indications. The seats are trimmed in dark brown Heritage Testa di Moro leather and sport an exclusive pattern at the front as well as silver cross-stitching. The cabin volume runs uninterrupted from the windscreen to the luggage compartment at the rear, creating a sense of unique lightness and airiness for occupants. Oak trim with carbon-fibre inserts adorns the rear bench and luggage deck, which conceals a deeper loading area when folded flat, as well as the door handles.

Designed for a longstanding client who was deeply involved in every step of its creation, the Ferrari BR20 represents a true interpretation of the traditional coachbuilder’s art, successfully transforming an existing model in a masterful and unique way taking inspiration from and paying homage to the company’s core values of innovation and passion.

SPECIAL PROJECTS
The Special Projects programme is aimed at creating unique Ferraris (the so-called “One-Offs”) characterised by an exclusive design crafted according to the requirements of the client, who thus becomes the owner of a one-of-a-kind model. Each project originates from an idea put forward by the client and developed with a team of designers from Ferrari’s Styling Centre; after having defined the car’s proportion and forms, detailed design blueprints and a styling buck are produced before starting the manufacturing process of the new One-Off. The entire process lasts on average more than one year, during which the client is closely involved in assessing the design and verification phases. The result? A unique Ferrari, which sports the Prancing Horse logo and is engineered to the same levels of excellence which characterise every other Maranello production car.

Honda enhances Jazz e:HEV line-up with new EX Style grade

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

• Introduces unique exterior styling enhancements: New alloy wheel design,
  a painted two-tone roof, and black detailing on the spoiler, mirrors and more
• Connectivity features include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Sat Nav, parking camera and Blind Spot Monitor
• All Jazz models feature Honda’s advanced e:HEV powertrain as standard
• Available from £24,845 on the road*

Honda has added a new ‘Style’ grade to its Jazz e:HEV line-up, bringing new levels of design sophistication and individuality to the award-winning compact city car.

Available on top-grade EX models, Style specification stands out with a range of black-themed styling enhancements and a bespoke new alloy wheel design.

On sale from £24,845 on the road* and available to customers from £259 per month*, the EX Style version is easily identifiable through its black body-side mouldings, mirror caps, rear spoiler and a painted two-tone roof. These are complimented by model-specific 16” alloys in black with a machined finish.

Style models retain Honda’s intuitive infotainment technology with seamless in-car connectivity provided by Android Auto and Apply CarPlay, accessed via the 9-inch touchscreen. As with the rest of the Jazz line-up, the Style grade also incorporates Honda’s innovative Magic Seats, which fold completely flat or flip up to offer unrivalled levels of usability.

Completing Honda’s connectivity offering, the Jazz EX Style also benefits from integrated satellite navigation, a parking camera, and Blind Spot Information, in addition to the comprehensive suite of Honda SENSING safety technologies that is included as standard on all models.

Part of Honda’s e:TECHNOLOGY line-up of efficient hybrid and electric vehicles, all versions of the Jazz are available exclusively with the brand’s advanced e:HEV two-motor hybrid powertrain technology. The all-new Jazz has been engineered to deliver an exceptional blend of strong performance and impressive efficiency, to complement its class-leading interior comfort and usability.

The new Style grade is being introduced a year on from the launch of the latest generation Jazz e:HEV, in which time it has received multiple awards from around the world, including the prestigious Red Dot Award for product design.

Prices for the new Jazz EX Style edition start from £24,845* on the road* and available to customers from £259 per month*.

The view from up here: The UK mountains that offer an easy climb in exchange for breath-taking views

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

Land Rover has analysed 40 of the UK’s tallest mountains to form the Epic Mountain Guide – a ranking of the hardest to easiest mountains to climb

• Scotland’s Aonach Beag, standing at 1,234 metres high, has been ranked the hardest mountain to climb, taking on average six hours to reach the peak
• If you’re after an easy climb, Sawel mountain in Northern Island is the quickest, taking people on average just one hour to reach its 678-metre-high peak
• Snowdon in Wales is the most loved mountain on Tripadvisor with a total of 2,665 reviews and an average review score of five stars (the maximum score)
• Instagrammable views more your thing? Snowdon once again takes the top spot with close to 423,000 hashtags from proud climbers who’ve reached the top

This year, the UK has relied on natural beauty close to home more than ever. For many, this meant exploring the adventurous hotspots right on our doorsteps, including the epic mountains of the UK. In fact, over the past year Snowdon has had 40% more visitors than in 2018¹.

With this rise in interest, Land Rover has analysed over 40 mountains across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales to create the Epic Mountain Guide. Each mountain has been examined against a set criterion with metrics looking at the height of the mountain and the average time to the top, to discover the easiest and hardest to climb across the UK.

In addition, to uncover the mountains that are the most loved by climbers, Land Rover has also looked at the mountains with the most Tripadvisor reviews and the highest average score. With the view from the top being a highlight of the climb, the research also includes the most picturesque mountains, consisting of those which are most Instagrammed (number of hashtags of the mountain name).

So, whether you’re a novice or an expert, and whether you want to strive for the most popular or the most beautiful, Land Rover has got you covered in their Epic Mountain Guide.

The top 10 most challenging mountains in the UK
Scotland claims a total of nine out of 10 places in the top 10 hardest to climb mountains in the UK, due to the height of the Scottish Highland area.

Aonach Beag, just 3km east of Ben Nevis takes the top spot as the hardest mountain to climb, even though it is far from the tallest. It stands at an impressive 1,234 metres but takes climbers on average six hours to reach the top due to its tricky terrain. Snowdon comes in as the second most challenging mountain to climb in the UK at 1,085m tall and with the average hiker taking 6 hours to reach the peak.

Rounding out the top three, Braeriach mountain is the third highest mountain in the British Isles and takes the third most challenging climb in the UK, with an average of five hours to climb.

But, if we’re going on height alone, the tallest mountain in the UK is Ben Nevis, with an elevation of 1,344 metres. Despite its height, the mighty Ben Nevis has been named the sixth hardest hike with climbers taking on average four hours to reach the top. This is partly due to the more built-up climbing experience at Ben Nevis – in comparison to the lesser-known neighbouring mountains – but also due to it only being a mountain that the more experienced climbers try their hand at.

Land Rover ambassador Kenton Cool said, “Scottish hills may appear small compared to places like the Alps and the Himalayas, but they pack a BIG punch.”

“The weather in Scotland is driven by maritime systems so expect huge variations in weather- extreme temperature is always something to be aware off. A cloudless sky as you leave the car park can easily be howling wind and lashing rain by the time you get to the summit.”

“ALWAYS carry a hard copy map and a compass- and know how to use it. The remote Scottish hills don’t always have cell signal meaning online mapping won’t work, in addition just a hand-held device with a map on can lead you into the proverbial creek without a paddle if the battery should run out.”

The top 10 least challenging mountains in the UK
If you’re new to hiking or you’re after an experience that will take just a couple of hours, one of the least challenging mountains might be more your style.

Northern Ireland dominates the top 10 least challenging mountains list with Sawel Mountain taking the top spot. Standing at just 678 metres high, this peak takes people on average just one hour to reach the top.

But the smallest mountain of the study is Slieve Muck in Northern Ireland (674 metres). This peak will take people on average two hours to reach the top, meaning it comes in at number three on the list.

Two Welsh mountains also make the list of the least challenging mountains to climb – Glyder Fach and Glyder Fawr. The two mountains are neighbours to each other and as both will take you just 1.5 hours to climb each, you could comfortably climb both in a day if you’re looking to make your hike more adventurous.

The UK’s most beautiful mountains as told by Instagram
Being present in the moment is incredibly important when it comes to hiking but you’ll want a picture to remember it too.

The UK’s mountains have been shared close to 1.2 million times on Instagram (1,153,357 total hashtags) and so it shows that all-important snap of the view from up there is part of the experience too.

Snowdon in Wales is the most popular mountain on Instagram with close to 423,000 hashtags of its view – that is over 180,000 more than the second most popular mountain on Instagram. With spectacular views of the rolling hills and peaks, stunning lakes and mountain streams, and beautiful blue skies or low-lying clouds, it’s no surprise Snowdon sits firmly at the top of the list.

Cairn Gorm in Scotland stands at 1,245 metres high and is the second most Instagrammed mountain with a total of 242,505 hashtags. Some of the top posts on Instagram feature beautiful snowy peaks and routes, the formation of rocks and stones at the top of the summit against a cloudy sky, and views of magnificent sunsets/sunrises and dazzling lakes, which showcase exactly why it’s snapped and shared so many times.

When it comes to difficulty, the Scottish mountain is ranked the ninth most difficult mountain to climb, making it harder than Snowdon (ranked 10^th) – so worth sharing a picture at the top to catalogue that achievement!

The UK’s most-loved mountains
Snowdon in Wales takes the top spot on Tripadvisor with a total of 2,665 reviews and an average score of 5 stars. One user commented as part of a 5* review that Snowdon is an “Amazing place to be. Many routes going up to suit all levels”. Others titled reviews “Bucketlist adventure” and highlighted that “the views and sense of achievement are well worth it.”

Snowdon is part of the Three Peak Challenge alongside Ben Nevis (Scotland) and Scarfel Pike (England) and so it’s no surprise that all three of these make the top five most popular ranking.

But it’s Ben Macdui, the second highest Scottish Mountain, that takes the crown as the second most-loved mountain. The mountain boasts a total of 2,542 Tripadvisor reviews and an average star score of 4.5 stars, with reviewers commenting that it’s “a great way to spend some of your day, whether you want to walk up some of the trails during the day or take the train up and down the hill” and that “it was worth the journey just for the views from the top of the mountain”.

Wherever you hike around the UK, you’ll want the weather on your side. But this doesn’t mean you have to stick to a Spring or Summer hike.

Kenton Cool at Land Rover comments: “The British weather is a beast, and anything can be thrown at us- but a crisp autumnal day in North Wales or the Lake District is hard to beat. With the glory of the leaves turning golden and the autumnal light which makes photos so special I think it’s my favorite season to experience the wonderful hills we have in the British Isles.”

To find out more about the UK’s top mountains, for beginners through to experienced hikers, as well as the best for views and reviews, visit the Land Rover Epic Mountain Guide.

Kia teases Concept EV9 – A manifestation of its vision as a sustainable mobility solutions provider

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

• Kia Concept EV9 hints at an exciting ideation for its next all-electric SUV
• Bold exterior highlights Kia’s pioneering electric vehicle design language
• Interior images show state-of-the-art tech, including an adaptive and smart lounge space
• Kia Concept EV9 set for global debut at AutoMobility LA 
  

Kia today revealed the first official images of the Kia Concept EV9, an all-electric SUV concept that embodies the company’s commitment to become a sustainable mobility solutions provider.

Following the launch of EV6, the Kia Concept EV9 is an intriguing glimpse into the future direction of the all-electric SUV, combining progressive design, state-of-the-art tech, and an advanced all-electric powertrain in one pioneering package.

The first visuals of the concept SUV show an ultramodern exterior design, the schematics of which hint at a contemporary recreational treatment that’s brought to the fore by an upright and capable stylistic stance.

The renderings illustrate a highly conceptual cabin that has been honed to give the driver and passengers a light, flexible and adaptive interior space as the experience of the journey evolves. A stunning interactive ultra-wide display and a radical new take on the traditional steering wheel are just two of the standout interior features.

The Kia Concept EV9 preview images have been revealed ahead of AutoMobility LA, which starts next week. Kia will unveil its all-new electrifying take on the SUV form at 11:15 a.m. PST (19:15 GMT) on 17 November at the LA Convention Center.

Subaru’s First Global All-Electric Vehicle SOLTERRA Makes World Debut

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

Interior design of the Radford Lotus Type 62-2 revealed with inspiration from British Luxury Watch Brand, Bremont

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

• Radford Lotus Type 62-2 interior reveals bespoke Bremont application in the dashboard
• Interior design elements balance the legendary Lotus lightweighting ethos with Radford’s renowned luxury and customisation capabilities
• Featuring modern day technology, whilst paying homage to the original stunning Lotus Type 62 from 1969
• One of only twelve to be built in the ultra-limited, world-famous black and gold John Player Special (JPS) livery

British luxury coachbuilder Radford has today revealed the inspirational interior design for the Radford Lotus Type 62-2 sportscar at an exclusive showcase at Bremont’s new 35,000 sq ft state-of-the-art Manufacturing & Technology centre in Henley-on-Thames, UK.

Fulfilling the promise that every Radford will be bespoke built to precise customisation requirements from clients, it has partnered with world-renowned makers of British mechanical timepieces, Bremont Watch Company, to integrate exquisite analogue dials within the dashboard.

The completely bespoke interior pays homage to the essence of Lotus’s lightweighting philosophy. It features blacked-out window tinting with carbon fibre accents throughout, including a-pillars, headliner and floor lining, capturing the light, agile essence of its sportscar underpinning. The centrepiece of the cabin is a pair of beautiful Bremont dials, a clock and a stopwatch.

Mark Stubbs, Radford Design Director “I always ask myself, what would Harold have done? Radford embraces and amplifies what the original manufacturer would do. We build upon it. With this interior, we still want it to be a Lotus Type 62-2, but with expert craftsmanship and using the finest materials available that don’t take anything away from a lightweight sportscar driving experience. This interior expertly finds the fine line between luxury bespoke and high-quality craftsmanship but whilst still conveying the essence of an out and out sportscar.

 “We’ve got the same milled and turned finish from the body of the clocks in our switches, so we’ve really integrated them and embraced what Bremont has crafted into this design. The analogue displays are a beautiful homage to the era of the Type 62-2 and its heritage. We want the driver to feel 100% focused on the joy of driving.”

Nick English, Co-Founder of Bremont: “We’re thrilled to have been asked to create a beautiful mechanical rally timer featuring a stopwatch and clock for the interior of this car, all exquisitely engineered in Britain, just like the Radford Lotus Type 62-2 itself. Radford is reviving the art of coachbuilding and Bremont has been proudly spearheading the revival of British watchmaking for nearly 20 years, there is a lovely synergy between both businesses in terms of celebrating the best of British manufacturing and design.”

The interior design features a beautiful sweeping line that tracks all the way around the interior of the car, from the back of the driver’s shoulders through and around the screen display. This key element can be customised in any kind of finish desired, from precious metals through to carbon fibre, as shown on the interior reveal car.

The door opening is a design element from the original Lotus Type 62, with a high sill and cut out roof. Once inside, the closeness of the glass gives the driver the feel of being in the cockpit of a Le Mans prototype.

Mark Stubbs “Everything is driver centric and built around that. It’s all about experiences, and the feeling the driver gets when getting in and out of the car is really important. You step into the car and slide into the interior, where the seat grips you and urges you to drive.”

For the purists, Radford has designed a fully exposed gear linkage for the manual transmission, an embracing homage to the ‘last of the manual’ era of motor cars. The start-stop button on the console is housed in a design that echoes the double ducktail exterior; a small visual queue to the spectacular iconic body shape. The interior also reflects elements of the JPS livery, with a perfectly balanced 2.5% blacked out cabin and subtle accents of gold.

Keeping to the philosophy of a lightweight, driver-oriented sportscar, the UI screen is subtle and all the in-car controls are physical toggles and switches, crafted with the finest materials.

The digital screen has a user interface that is designed bespoke for the Type 62-2 and has customisable elements for each client. There are three smaller screens inside the cockpit, ​​one which flanks each side and one in the centre. These are the side view and rear camera displays, with external cameras built into the very small wing “mirrors” and at the rear of the car, as there’s no rear glass. The cameras give the driver the visual confidence of the view around them.

Another element of technology in the interior is hidden behind the build plaque, which will designate the build number of the strictly-limited 62 examples. It is sculpted from a floating, glass fronted mounting piece, behind which is a magnetised mobile phone dock and wireless sheet charger. Drivers can connect via Bluetooth for navigation and audio – and specify their preferred position for the plaque, or request it to be deleted entirely for a completely uninterrupted driving experience.

The Lotus Type 62-2 coachbuilt by Radford will be the world’s first modern Radford. The mid-engined two-seater coupe with luxurious appointments befitting a high end bespoke coachmaker, has been created using Lotus technologies. Powered by a 3.5-litre supercharged V6, shared with Lotus’s new Emira sports car, the Classic Type 62-2 produced 430bhp. Radford Gold Leaf models are upgraded to 500bhp, and the limited-edition John Player Special models, with upgraded supercharger, take the output to 600bhp.

Radford will create contemporary luxury commissions true to classic timeless designs, bringing a modern and relevant version of coachbuilding, to a new discerning clientele.  Potential buyers are invited to visit the Radford website to register their interest.

Originally founded in 1948 by Harold Radford, creator of bespoke vehicles for sixties icons including The Beatles, the Radford name has been revived as a coachbuilder for the 21st century by leading British car designer Mark Stubbs, TV presenter and Mechanical Engineer Ant Anstead, Business expert Roger Behle, and former Formula One^TM  World Champion, Jenson Button. Dan Burge has been recently appointed as CEO.

To register interest, visit: https://radford.co/

We did it, the All New 2021 Ford Escort MK1 is here… on 71 plates!

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”14″ display=”pro_horizontal_filmstrip”]

MST Cars brings you the first Brand New Mk1 since the 1970’s, hand built in North Wales, UK!

Officially launched this weekend at Manchester Central, Late Brake Show with Jonny Smith.
Next stop: The Classic Motor Show NEC, Birmingham, 12 – 14 November, come and say hello, we will also be giving away our new 2022 parts catalogue
MST Mk1 & Mk2 are all bespoke and build to order, for touring, fast road, race or rally.
Brief spec of this car:
Brand new hand built rally spec bodyshell, bubble arched with weld in cage
2.0L BDG race engine, de-tuned for road use
5-speed close ratio gearbox
Rally spec Atlas axle with LSD
Bilstein coilover suspension
AP Racing Brakes
Genuine Minilite wheels
LIFE Racing ECU & PDM / CANbus electrical system
Electric power steering
Fully bespoke interior trim, featuring real leather and Alcantara
Various options and upgrades include:
Millington Diamond 2.5 to 2.8L engine
2.5L Duratec engine
6 speed H-pattern or sequential gearbox
Paddle & flat shift, launch & traction control
Reiger suspension
Various wheel sizes
Road or full race / rally trim
Prices start from £85k + VAT
World wide export
Please get in touch for more info
MST Cars Ltd.
MST Cars Ltd / Motorsport Tools UK Ltd. Is not authorized or otherwise affiliated with the Ford Motor Company.
MST Cars Ltd.

All-new DS 4 open for orders in the UK

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

Concours of Elegance prepares for special tenth anniversary edition in 2022

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

• Spectacular 10^th anniversary showcase planned for Concours of Elegance 2022, including a reunion of the most amazing cars from the debut 2012 event
• An all-new Prince of Michael of Kent class will gather the winners of each previous Concours of Elegance, crowning a best-of-the-best
• Gooding & Company will once again host an exclusive global auction of rare vehicles at the Concours
• ‘The Collector’ feature, introduced for 2022, highlights Jack Boyd-Smith and a world-famous line-up of his extraordinary Packard Twelve motorcars
• Grand Prix class will gather race winners and Formula One innovators
• Royal heritage is celebrated with an official display of the Royal Household vehicles, alongside royal cars gathered from all over the world

With a full line-up of the world’s rarest cars and a collection of luxury partners more impressive than ever at Concours of Elegance 2021, planning for a special 10^th anniversary event in 2022 is now underway.

The UK’s finest concours d’elegance will evolve from September 2-4^th next year with a three-day celebration of both Her Majesty The Queen’s 70^th year as monarch and the event’s 10^th anniversary.

In 2012, the event was born with a collector car showcase that transformed the automotive landscape in the UK. Never before had there been a concours d’elegance with the calibre of venue and quality of automotive displays to sit shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este or the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Ever since its debut, the Concours of Elegance has had an association with Royal Palaces and the Jewels of the car world, hosted at Windsor Castle in 2012 and subsequently at St James’s Palace, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and Hampton Court Palace.

In 2022, the Concours of Elegance evolves once more. Returning to Hampton Court Palace’s Fountain Gardens, where it has been held since 2017, it will be a reunion of all of the finest cars to ever grace the event. Each of the winners from 2012 through to 2021 will be invited, and in honour of the event’s Patron will be called The Prince Michael of Kent Class.

Alongside them will be many of the stars from the inaugural edition at Windsor Castle in 2012, each handpicked to join the celebration of an event these very same cars helped to establish. Our Steering Committee of motoring experts, who each year invite cars and owners to the Concours of Elegance, agreed from the very beginning that once a car was displayed at the event it couldn’t be seen again for another 10 years. Now, in 2022, our early supporters have the first opportunity return to the event. 

In homage to its royal roots, with the patronage of HRH Prince Michael of Kent, and its unique royal palace venues, the Concours of Elegance will be showcasing a number of the Royal cars for official display. What’s more, royal vehicles from all over the world, past and present, will also be invited to attend, including the famous Rolls-Royces of the Maharajahs.  And in the year of Her Majesty The Queen’s 70^th year as monarch, a unique display will be curated to showcase one example of automotive endeavour and innovation from each year of her reign.

A new Grand Prix class will celebrate race-winning single-seaters from the top-tier of motorsport, including early Formula One Championship winners and innovators. Cars that have become just as iconic as the gladiatorial racers that drove them.

Concours of Elegance’s long-term auction partner, Gooding & Co, returns with another spectacular global sale of rare collector cars. The sale will provide enthusiasts and attendees the thrilling opportunity to view and purchase some of the world’s most prized, revered, and valuable concours-quality cars. Gooding & Company is currently accepting consignments for a limited number of spots in this extraordinary curation of highly sought-after marques and models

As with all of Gooding & Company’s auctions, the sale at the Concours of Elegance will have online bidding capabilities, allowing everyone around the world to take part in the action. In 2021 alone, the auction house conducted two highly successful online-only sales with viewing in the UK, and attracts buyers across the globe to participate in upcoming opportunities through its digital platform.

The Concours of Elegance’s traditional feature displays, including The Club Trophy – for the UK’s finest car club concours winners – and the Junior Concours will be joined once again by the 30UNDER30 feature that debuted in 2021, welcoming the next-generation of automotive enthusiast into the Palace. A brand new ‘The Collector’ feature will shine a spotlight on the incredible line-up of Packard Twelve models owned by Jack Boyd-Smith, with a gathering of six of these legendary American pre-war luxury cars.

Away from the automotive displays, Concours of Elegance will continue to be a showcase for the finest luxury brands in the world, with Presenting Partner A. Lange & Söhne already committed to returning in 2022, alongside the Peninsula London Hotel and Chubb Insurance.

The Concours of Elegance 2022 will take place at Hampton Court Palace from the 2^nd-4^th September. Tickets and further details will be announced towards the end of 2021.

ŠKODA Karoq: A mainstay of the model range

by gaukcars.com | Oct 1, 2024 | Blog

• More than half a million units produced since the SUV’s introduction in 2017
• ŠKODA’s best-selling SUV and the brand’s second most popular model overall after the Octavia in 2020 and in the first half of 2021
• Second model from the ŠKODA SUV campaign has won numerous awards
• The revised ŠKODA Karoq will make its debut in a digital media presentation on 30 November

Since its introduction in spring 2017, the ŠKODA Karoq has contributed substantially to the Czech car maker’s success.

Alongside its older sibling the Kodiaq, this compact SUV has won over numerous customers and car magazines worldwide, playing a key role in shaping the development of the ŠKODA brand in recent years. More than 500,000 units of the Karoq have rolled off the production lines since 2017. In 2020 and in the first half of 2021, it was ŠKODA’s best-selling SUV and the brand’s second most popular model overall after the Octavia. The freshened ŠKODA Karoq will make its debut in a digital media presentation on 30 November.

Martin Jahn, ŠKODA AUTO Board Member for Sales and Marketing, says: “With its generous amount of space and typical ŠKODA functionality, the Karoq has delighted our customers right from the start. It was our most popular SUV model during the past year and the first half of 2021 – which illustrates its importance within the model portfolio. I am convinced that we will build on this success story with the new edition of the Karoq and attract new customers to the brand.”

Introduced in 2017, the ŠKODA Karoq represented the second stage of the ŠKODA SUV campaign, making this model series a key part of what has become a genuine success story – in 2020, this vehicle segment already accounted for almost 40 per cent of ŠKODA’s global sales figures. Indeed, in 2020 and the first half of 2021 the Karoq was ŠKODA’s most popular SUV and the Czech car maker’s second best-selling model overall, behind the Octavia. More than 500,000 units of the Karoq have rolled off the production lines since 2017, and it’s currently available in 60 countries worldwide. ŠKODA manufactures this model in the Czech Republic and Slovakia as well as in Russia and China.

An exciting design and typical ŠKODA virtues
The Karoq was launched with the same exciting design language as the Kodiaq, complete with crystalline elements, dynamic shapes and sharply defined lines. It also continued the ŠKODA convention of having SUV model names start with a K and end with a Q. Its name harks back to the language of Alaska’s original inhabitants, the Alutiiq. Its compact dimensions make the Karoq the perfect car for urban environments, while its off-road mode and high ground clearance as well as an optional all-wheel drive system ensure it excels just as much on more challenging terrain. With its exceptional spaciousness and large luggage compartment, it is the ideal car for families and lifestyle-focused customers. Optional VarioFlex rear seats are just one of many Simply Clever features offered by the functional Karoq. It also offers superior active and passive safety, numerous assistance systems, even better comfort and a wealth of advanced connectivity features.

Numerous awards from the international automotive media
In addition to its great popularity with customers, the ŠKODA Karoq is very highly regarded by the international motoring press, as evidenced by the host of awards it has won since its debut in 2017. In its first year of sales, the Karoq received instant honours from the most prominent car magazines in Germany, the largest single market for ŠKODA worldwide. Auto Bild awarded it the “Golden Steering Wheel” as the best small SUV, while auto motor und sport honoured it with the “AUTONIS” award for best new compact SUV design. The KAROQ also beat the competition to win Auto Zeitung’s “Auto Trophy” as the best import SUV in the price bracket up to 25,000 euros in 2017, 2018 and 2019. In 2018 it won the title as the best import vehicle in the compact SUV and off-roader category in the auto motor und sport “Best Cars” readers’ choice award; this was complemented by the Czech and Greek “Car of the Year” awards and the “SUV of the Year” award in Bulgaria and at “The Fleet News Awards” in the UK. The German company car magazine firmenauto has presented the ŠKODA Karoq with its “Company Car of the Year” award for three years running, from 2019 to 2021, in the compact SUV and crossover category. In 2021, in addition to winning “Best Family SUV” in British What Car? magazine, the KAROQ has also brought home two awards in Russia, where it was declared Autoreview “Car of the Year” and “Best compact 4×4 Crossover” at the Za Rulyom Grand Prix awards.