Directed by the award-winning Italian director Luca Guadagnino
Starring golden globe winner and Emmy award nominee British actor Josh O’Connor
Art directed by legendary British designer Peter Saville
Musical direction by British songwriter and producer Devonté Hynes
Aston Martin is proud to present the cinematic debut of the brand’s first SUV, DBX.
The company’s first short film has been directed by the Oscar-nominated, Italian director Luca Guadagnino, and stars the golden globe winner and Emmy award nominee British actor Josh O’Connor.
Aston Martin is proud to unveil its new film, directed by Luca Guadagnino, working alongside an impressive creative support team. With art direction by Peter Saville, the film features O’Connor, most recently seen starring as Prince Charles in ‘The Crown.’
Filmed on location in Sicily, the film shows O’Connor undertaking a dream-like excursion at the wheel of the Aston Martin DBX. DBX gives the brand a commanding role in a new sector, the Sports Utility Vehicle. Designed at Aston Martin’s studio in Gaydon, Warwickshire, and built in the company’s state-of-the-art production facility in St Athan, South Wales, DBX shares its DNA with its sports and GT siblings, combining effortless performance, superior dynamics, ultra-luxurious hand-crafted interiors and a truly bespoke customer experience.
‘We have created this movie in which we focus on a man and his mind, as well as his command of a car through a great landscape. It was wonderful how once Josh started to drive the Aston Martin DBX, the car somehow became this unique, beautiful sculptural object,’ said Luca Guadagnino, ‘His figure and line perfectly blend into the line of the car.’
‘The thing that appealed to me first was that Aston Martin is a true British institution, a company that has been ever-present throughout my upbringing,’ O’Connor said, ‘I think the combination of the luxury of the brand, and the luxury of Luca’s vision is perfect and comes through in this very special film. There is a true sense of speed and there are no two ways about it, when you are in the DBX it feels like a true sports car.’
Aston Martin’s Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer, Marek Reichman said: ‘Josh O’Connor is an exceptional actor working at a time of a golden age for drama, while Peter Saville is a true creator of brands. He can turn his talent from creating a stunning logotype, to shaping an iconic image, being a brand ambassador for a city or even re-shaping a whole corporate identity. Together with Luca and Josh, we have three very different but definitive creative characters.’
O’Connor is filmed behind the wheel of a Minotaur Green Aston Martin DBX with a light ivory interior, a contemporary update of a classic colour combination. The camera follows his journey through the island’s vineyards and dirt roads, culminating in a visit to a mysterious but elegant villa. The Aston Martin team joined the production team on set in Sicily to help craft the subtly framed hero shots of the car.
The rich cinematography incorporates overlaid memories and vivid imagery to convey a subtle hint of motivation. As with all his films, Guadagnino demands that the viewer bring their own interpretation to the narrative. In addition to the Oscar-nominated Call Me by Your Name, Guadagnino’s recent films include A Bigger Splash and Suspiria. The director is currently working on his first American production, Bones & All. In parallel to his film career, Guadagnino is also a successful interior designer, working on projects for the wellness brand Aesop, among others.
’My films are always a beautiful interaction between me and the talented people I work with,’ said Guadagnino. ‘We shot the film in May, and the DBX’s beautiful Minotaur Green finish created depth and shade against the Sicilian landscape, which I know so well. The DBX was almost like an Anish Kapoor sculpture, where reflections became very important.’
‘Luca really shared our understanding of the essence of beauty. As a director, he has extraordinary abilities – the way he plays with light is like a dream,’ said Marek Reichman. ‘He also has a fantastic sensibility for materials and form. We wanted to ensure that you could see the sun on the aluminium vanes of the grille, for example, and convey the reflections of sunlight and shadow as they move across the surfaces of the car.’
The experienced director brings a designer’s attention to detail to every frame, visually crafting a powerful and mysterious narrative. With a soundtrack supervised by the celebrated British musician, producer and composer Devonté Hynes, the production was a true collaboration of excellence.
‘We are a 108-year-old ultra-luxury brand. This new film conveys what it feels like to be part of Aston Martin and be truly engaged with the spirit and ethos of the company,’ said Marek Reichman. ‘Luca Guadagnino doesn’t follow trends. He is a true future thinker and we gave him complete creative freedom.’
Aston Martin is proud to be a creative catalyst, bringing experts in their respective fields together to cross-pollinate and push design and culture in new directions. An elegant meditation on desire, dreams and emotions, Luca Guadagnino’s film encapsulates the beauty and strength of the Aston Martin DBX.
About Aston Martin Lagonda:
Aston Martin Lagonda is a luxury automotive group focused on the creation of exclusive cars and SUVs. The iconic Aston Martin brand fuses the latest technology, exceptional hand craftsmanship and timeless design to produce models including the Vantage, DB11, DBS Superleggera and the new SUV, DBX. Based in Gaydon, England, Aston Martin Lagonda designs, creates and exports cars which are sold in 55 countries around the world.
Lagonda was founded in 1899 and Aston Martin in 1913. The two brands came together in 1947 when both were purchased by the late Sir David Brown.
Goodwood Revival to host glamorous vintage Car Boot Sale on Sunday 19 September
Event will include celebrity donations from the likes of Annie Lennox, Livia Firth and many more, organised by The Circle
Revival Style Adviser Bay Garnett will judge the Best Dressed Car Boot Sale Competition
Goodwood Revival is excited to announce its inaugural Car Boot Sale on Sunday 19 September.
But this is by no means your average car booter: a stunning series of classic cars will provide the backdrop for the sensationally stylish shopping event with a range of vendors from East End stallholders right through to vintage and retro specialists offering everything from fashion and accessories to furniture and homewares.
It will be a glamorous affair, where guests can sample a hand-crafted cocktail from the Bar Car while listening to vinyl-spinning DJs as they peruse the delights of the Car Boot Sale and discover some second-hand treasures.
The Car Boot Sale will be graced by a selection of fabulous items from celebrity wardrobes, as organised by The Circle, including pieces kindly donated by Annie Lennox and Livia Firth, with more to be confirmed. Founded by Annie Lennox in 2008, The Circle is a global feminist organisation which uses the collective power of women to support the world’s most vulnerable women and girls. In its mission to create a fairer world, it focuses on economic empowerment and ending violence against women and girls. All monies raised during the Car Boot Sale will go towards this vital work.
Also setting up shop at the Revival Car Boot Sale will be Circle of Style – a new personal shopping subscription service that takes the hassle out of second-hand shopping. Circle stylists elevate your wardrobe and ensure that hardly worn pieces have a second life; helping their customers Revive and Thrive pre-loved items.
The Revival Style Advisor and Queen of Thrift herself, Bay Garnett, will judge the Best Dressed Car Boot Sale competition, carefully considering the styling of each car and its wares. Across the weekend, Bay will also be speaking to visitors to discover the heritage and stories behind their vintage fashions.
The Car Boot Sale is set to be an integral part of the Revival’s celebration of exceptional craftsmanship, style and sustainability, as Goodwood encourages visitors to embrace the event’s thoroughly modern ‘Revive and Thrive’ ethos. To this end, we’ll also have someone assisting with alterations and a team of stylists on hand to suggest different ways of wearing purchased pieces, ensuring that shoppers are able to make the most of their new finds at the event and beyond.
Positioned in a prime location on the infield, alongside the Woodcote Paddocks, the Car Boot Sale will also be the spot where fashionistas can get their hands on the latest version of Goodwood’s much-loved ‘Style Guide’. Printed in limited numbers, the keepsake book showcases the best looks and styles from the Revival era (1948-1966), and over the course of the weekend, customers will be able to get their book signed by The Duke of Richmond.
Car Boot aficionado and Revival Style Adviser Bay Garnett said: “I can’t wait to get down to the Car Boot Sale on the Sunday morning of Revival and discover some hidden treasures. I love nothing more than wandering around a car booter – you never know what you might find – but I do know that I’m sure to find some gems at the Revival Car Boot Sale.”
Raakhi Shah, CEO, The Circle, said: “We’re delighted to be taking part in the first ever Revival Car Boot Sale. It’s a great way for us to raise money to support some of the most vulnerable women and girls across the world. It is also a great opportunity to showcase the work we do, work which fits perfectly with the Revive and Thrive ethos at the heart of this exciting event.”
To experience a Car Boot Sale like no other, purchase a Sunday ticket (now limited availability).
If you would like to participate as a vendor, there are a small number of spaces still available. All plots are free of charge and we are able to assist with sourcing a period vehicle if required. If you have a period vehicle you would like to bring, please provide details and an image, along with details of stock. Our friendly exhibitions team will be happy to assist and can be contacted at eventsales@goodwood.com. Further information for prospective vendors is available here.
New design elements, the availability of SV Bespoke paint and updated technology provide more choice and enhanced wellbeing for Range Rover Velar customers
Luxury of choice: Range Rover Velar customers can now specify impeccable hand-finished paint finishes from SV Bespoke including the Premium Palette colour spectrum and the exclusive Match To Sample service. Following the successful introduction last year, the Velar Edition’ is now also available in all metallic colour options.
Cabin Air Purification Plus: Land Rover’s enhanced Cabin Air Ionisation with PM2.5 filter now automatically manages CO2 levels for optimised wellbeing*, while new Purify Cycle feature allows users to schedule a cleaning cycle, before doors are even opened
Wireless Updates: Available soon via Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) updates, wireless Apple CarPlay® will provide added convenience**. Wireless Android Auto™ will become available at the same time**
Safety and convenience: Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist† and Rear Camera join the comprehensive suite of Driver Assistance Features on the Range Rover Velar. Self-sealing tyres have also been introduced with this model year update
Electrified Efficiency: Refined four- and six-cylinder diesel and six-cylinder petrol Ingenium MHEV engines available, while P400e plug-in hybrid offers all-electric range of up to 33 miles (53km)Δ and CO2 emissions from only 49g/kmΔ
Available to order now: Range Rover Velar is priced from £45,925 in the UK while the Range Rover Velar Edition is priced from £60,345. Specify yours at: landrover.co.uk
Land Rover has enhanced the unique appeal of the Range Rover Velar with a suite of updates, including the extension of colour options on the Velar Edition.
The Range Rover Velar Edition provides enhanced customer choice, with a combination of exterior and interior specification options. Based on the R-Dynamic SE model, the special edition includes a black contrast roof and matching 20-inch black alloy wheels. The distinctive addition to the range is now available in the full extended colour palette, with all standard metallic colours included as an option.
Range Rover Velar customers looking for an even more personalised and exclusive design can now choose from 14 distinctive paint colour options from the SV Bespoke Premium Palette or Match To Sample service. Specially developed hues, such as Tourmaline Brown [pictured] are available in a range of finishes such as satin matte and ultra-metallic.
Anthony Bradbury, Jaguar Land Rover UK Marketing Director said:‘’The Range Rover Velar ‘Edition’ continues to build on Velar’s sophisticated design offering while customers looking to specify something a little more special and personalised can select from one of Land Rover’s SV Bespoke paint colours.’
With enhanced Cabin Air Purification, urban driving is made even more comfortable and added convenience features such as self-sealing tyres ensure Range Rover Velar customers continue to travel in luxury.”
New technology introduced for 2021 focuses on occupant comfort and wellbeing, with the debut of Cabin Air Purification Plus for Land Rover. Building on the existing Cabin Air Ionisation with PM2.5 Filtration, the enhanced new system goes even further to ensure the air occupants breathe inside the cabin is clean, with CO2 sensing and the ability to purify the cabin to start journeys with cleaner air*.
Additionally, Land Rover is introducing a range of new driver assistance features and Software-Over-The-Air updates for the Range Rover Velar, providing greater levels of support and convenience.
Advanced safety and wellbeing Cabin Air Purification Plus for Land Rover makes its debut in the Range Rover Velar, offering improved air quality for all occupants. Building on the existing Cabin Air Ionisation with PM2.5 filtration, the new system optimises cabin air quality by automatically introducing fresh external air when sensors detect CO2 levels fall outside of acceptable levels*, something which can occur in the event of air recirculation being on for extended periods for example in polluted areas, or with several occupants. High concentrations of CO2 can cause drowsiness, reducing driver alertness, so the feature is intended to provide both wellbeing and safety benefits.
Another new air quality feature for 2021 is the Purify Cycle feature, which allows users to schedule an air cleaning cycle inside the vehicle. This is achieved via the climate control system’s fans and recirculation function, which runs as part of climate pre-conditioning. The driver can simply set a departure time using the Land Rover Remote App, or via the infotainment system, to automatically schedule a Climate Pre-conditioning and Purify Cycle, ensuring the cabin air is cleaned and not stale before any journey.
Customers can monitor interior and exterior air quality on the central touchscreen, activating the Purify mode whenever required.
The Range Rover Velar is enhanced with an expanded range of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Rear Camera as standard and Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist†.
Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist enhances driver comfort, especially on long motorway journeys, by gently assisting steering, acceleration and braking to centre the vehicle in lane while maintaining a set distance from vehicles ahead. The feature is fitted as standard to HSE models and is available as part of the Driver Assist Pack.
Self-sealing tyres have also been introduced as a new offering. The feature works using an integrated layer within the tyre which creates an airtight seal over a penetrating object – allowing a customer to continue their journey unaffected.
SV Bespoke Paint Range Rover Velar customers can now also take advantage of the sophisticated, technical exterior body paint colours available from Land Rover SV Bespoke, including the Premium Palette selection and Match To Sample service.
The SV Bespoke Premium Palette colours include Tourmaline Brown, Amethyst-Grey Purple and Petrolix Blue, giving customers even more personalisation potential with impeccable hand-finished quality. Each one is designed to enhance the modernist design of the award-winning luxury mid-size SUV and provides dramatic depth of colour.
Taking personalisation even further, the SV Bespoke Match To Sample service allows customers to blend their own unique colour, matched to any colour sample.
SV Bespoke paint colours are applied at the SV Technical Centre and its state-of-the-art processes have excellent eco-credentials. Each year, the facility saves 2.6 million litres of water by using dry recycled cardboard filter technology while its smart ovens save enough electricity to power more than 65,000 homes.
Across the core Range Rover Velar range, new Ostuni Pearl White replaces Yulong White and elegant Lantau Bronze is available across the entire line-up.
Infotainment and Connectivity Velar features a reductive design, emphasised with beautifully integrated digital screens that are fitted with Land Rover’s state-of-the-art infotainment system, Pivi and Pivi Pro. The intelligent and intuitive system, offered as Pivi ProΔΔ from an S-specification pack, transforms the digital experience inside Velar. Pivi is designed around ease of use, with a simple interface reducing the number of interactions to enhance safety. Crisp graphics and super-fast responsiveness are enabled with a new electrical architecture under the surface, ensuring the screens and navigation system are ready to go in seconds, thanks also to a dedicated power source. Customers can access software updates ‘over-the-air’ (SOTA) reducing the need to visit a retailer.
One such SOTA update coming to the Range Rover Velar in 2021 is wireless Apple CarPlay®** Wireless Android Auto™ will also become available at the same time**.
Range Rover Velar is priced from £45,925 in the UK while the Range Rover Velar Edition is priced from £60,345.
* All emissions, fuel economy and EV-only range figures are EU – WLTP (TEL) Combined Note: EV range figures are based upon production vehicle over a standardised route. Range achieved will vary dependent on vehicle and battery condition, actual route and environment and driving style. The figures provided are as a result of official manufacturer’s tests in accordance with EU legislation. For comparison purposes only. Real world figures may differ. CO2, fuel economy, energy consumption and range figures may vary according to factors such as driving styles, environmental conditions, load, wheel fitment and accessories fitted. ** Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ is intended to be released as part of a wireless software update on all Range Rover Velar models expected later this year, at which point the features will also be available via a SOTA update for all Pivi and Pivi Pro equipped Range Rover Velar models. Software development and releases are subject to movements in planning and programming, and dates may be subject to change. Δ Operational to temperatures up to 25 degrees ΔΔ Pivi Pro available as standard on R-Dynamic S, R-Dynamic SE and R-Dynamic HSE models †Adaptive Cruise Control with Steering Assist is available as part of the Driver Assist Pack and Standard on R-Dynamic HSE
Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) and Molicel have signed a strategic collaboration designed to support the current and next generation of power-optimised battery cells
Molicel currently produces a range of power-optimised cells and is already involved in a number of key projects with Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE), supporting revolutionary new cell development for future applications
Molicel has accumulated extensive expertise and know-how in chemical research and manufacturing engineering during the last 40 years in addition to database design and validation methodologies
WAE will work with the Molicel team on product design and manufacturing engineering to advance future technologies
Williams Advanced Engineering and Molicel have agreed a strategic collaboration to support the next generation of high performance, superior quality, lithium-ion power battery cells.
The collaboration will bring together power-optimised cell technology from Molicel, together with WAE’s advanced system design and control systems know how to deliver a shared vision of high performance battery systems, optimised for power, while also delivering energy density, across a number of industries.
Molicel has accumulated extensive expertise and know-how in chemical research and manufacturing engineering during the last 40 years in addition to database design and validation methodologies. The relationship will initially focus on collaboration to assess and develop technology to support demonstration activities aimed at growing market awareness of this exciting technological development.
“We are committed to the engineering challenge of cell technology development and in conjunction with Molicel, believe we can address a number of opportunities across a wide range of applications and we look forward to working with the team at Molicel,” said Paul McNamara, Technical Director, Williams Advanced Engineering.
Casey Shiue, President of E-One Moli Energy (MOLICEL®), added: “Molicel is on a mission to produce outstanding cells to drive the electric evolution. We will bring our expertise and experiences on consistent high power, low impedance and fast charge to our collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE). Our technology is well suited to the arenas that WAE operates and we are happy to be part of this exciting collaboration”.
Four Aston Martin Vantages to vie for GTE Am class honours at Le Mans
Aston Martin champion Paul Dalla Lana aiming to achieve dream victory
D’station Racing makes Aston Martin debut at Le Mans
TF Sport return to scene of 2020 victory with a two-car attack, including one for ELMS trio John Hartshorne, Ollie Hancock and Ross Gunn
Four Aston Martin Vantage GTEs will return to the scene of the brand’s greatest racing triumph this weekend when three partner teams take on the most famous endurance race of all, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Eleven months ago, Aston Martin clinched the FIA World Endurance Championship GT title by winning both GTE Pro and Am classes at Le Mans. Alex Lynn (GBR), Maxime Martin (BEL) and Harry Tincknell (GBR) took a famous victory after a race-long battle with the works Ferraris and Porsches, while in the Am class works drivers Jonny Adam (GBR) and Charlie Eastwood (IRL) joined Salih Yoluc (TUR) in helping TF Sport complete the double for the British luxury sportscar brand.
This year while there are no works machines in the Pro class, the GTE Am category will feature the highest number of privately-entered Aston Martin GT cars in the modern WEC era. Indeed, this is the largest ever Am entry, with no less the 23 cars participating in the event.
Leading the Vantage charge will be the NorthWest AMR squad, whose owner/driver Paul Dalla Lana (CDN) returns to la Sarthe with his Vantage GTE, this time with his own team NorthWest AMR. Dalla Lana and the 2020 Asian Le Mans Series champion Marcos Gomes (BRA), who lie third in the WEC points standings following a brilliant second place finish in the previous round at Monza, will be joined by FIA GT world champion Nicki Thiim (DEN). For Dalla Lana, who won the GTE Am world championship in 2017 with Aston Martin Racing, winning at Le Mans would be the culmination of a long-held ambition having come so close to victory several times before.
Last year’s winners TF Sport come to Le Mans with an all-new and highly competitive driver line-up with GTE Am race-winner Ben Keating (USA), Dylan Pereira (LUX) and Felipe Fraga (BRA). Having finished second in the opening round of WEC, at Spa in May, the trio were leading the class comfortably last time out at Monza when a puncture cost them track position.
The team also brings a second car to Le Mans for its regular all-British European Le Mans Series crew of John Hartshorne, Ollie Hancock and IMSA GTD championship contender and works driver Ross Gunn.
TF Sport’s involvement doesn’t stop there as it also plays an assisting role in D’station Racing’s first assault on Le Mans with Aston Martin. The Japanese team has entered a Vantage GTE for Super Taikyu Championship leaders Satoshi Hoshino (JPN) and regular co-driver Tomonobu Fujii (JPN) along with rising British GT star Andrew Watson. This trio finished third in the Monza WEC round after a thrilling battle with the NorthWest Vantage.
David King – VP, Special Operations & President of AMR – said: “The Vantage GTE reached an unprecedented milestone at last year’s Le Mans 24 Hours with a double-class victory and the GT manufacturers’ world title win. This year we have seen that in the hands of our capable partner teams it remains a very competitive force. I look forward with confidence to seeing what can be achieved in what will surely be a closely contested GTE Am class.”
This year’s Le Mans schedule has been moved from its traditional June date to a mid-August setting to account for the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. The Le Mans test took place over the weekend, prior to scrutineering commencing in the paddock as opposed to its normal town square venue. Practice and qualifying will run through Wednesday and Thursday while the race will begin at 1600 CET, Saturday, 21 August.
The Le Mans 24 Hours is the fourth round of the 2021 WEC, which features six rounds, beginning with the Total 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (BEL) on 1 May, the 8 Hours of Portimão (POR) on 13 June and the 6 Hours of Monza (ITA) on the 18 July. The series will then conclude with back-to-back races in Bahrain on 30 October and 6 November following this weekend’s Le Mans race.
The final preparations are being made at Farnborough International for the return of The British Motor Show, which will open tomorrow with a display from the British Army Lightning Bolts parachute team.
The event runs from August 19-22 at the Hampshire exhibition centre, located within a two-hour drive for 50% of the UK population, with thousands of car fans and families expected through the doors over the four days.
And with all of the show’s launches, activities and live content now confirmed it’s time to look forward to an event like no other.
The show will be officially opened at 10am on Thursday by The British Army Lightning Bolts parachute team, who will then return on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, dropping into the live arena from 20,000ft at noon each day.
At the heart of the show will be the Live Stage, hosted by CAR SOS Duo Tim Shaw and Fuzz Townshend, who will be interviewing a variety of celebrities and automotive influencers, including TV star Vicki Butler-Henderson, YouTube legend Yianni Charalambous and BTCC leading driver Ash Sutton.
Meanwhile, TV motoring pundit Mike Brewer will be hosting the Live Arena. Over four days, the arena will see a mixture of thrills and spills, as well as parades and comparisons of some of the star cars at the show.
Twice daily, Paul Swift’s stunt team will wow the crowds with a stunt extravaganza, featuring sideways and two-wheel driving, while another key highlights will be the supercar parades, in which an amazing selection of the world’s most exotic cars will rumble into the arena and make some noise.
Other Arena features are the classic car parade and a twice daily show of some of the most important motorsport exhibitors at the show, along with Mike Brewer’s own group tests of some of the most important new cars at the show, from EVs to SUVs.
Each day, the event will close with a round of car football – The British Motor Show’s very own celebrity rendition of the Euro 2020 football championship final, with Fiats and MINIS representing England and Italy. And this time, England hopefully won’t lose on penalties….
Other highlights include the new Select Electric Motor Show packed full of the latest EVs (backed by Select Car Leasing), three major automotive debuts, details of which will be announced on the eve of the show, a supercar paddock featuring more than 50 supercars a day, an official presence from the UK’s best-selling brand, Ford, as well as a number of other key manufacturers.
The Show will also feature the Automotive Careers Expo, which will run throughout the event and support the automotive sector and its employees as the Covid-19 Pandemic comes to an end.
No other Motor Show has ever delivered such a variety of content, celebrity guests and live action, nor has it had such a focus on supporting our incredible automotive industry, which contributes £18.6 billion to the British economy at a time when it needs it most. It has also announced a major partnership with cinch, The UK’s fastest-growing online used car marketplace, which will run for the next five years
The British Motor Show CEO, Andy Entwistle, said: “We’re really buzzing now as the show begins its final countdown. Nowhere else can car fans and their families get such an amazing day out in the 2021 summer holidays, and all for just £18.50 per head, or £37 for a family ticket.”
To find out more about the show, book tickets or keep up with the latest news, visit www.thebritishmotorshow.live
Hydrogen fuel cell drive train delivers sustainable driving pleasure as new element of BMW i brand.
Worldwide-unique combination of high-performance fuel cell and optimised power battery underlines BMW Group’s leading drive system expertise.
Small series for demonstration and testing purposes to be launched in 2022.
The BMW Group is systematically pushing forward with development of hydrogen fuel cell technology as an additional option for sustainable individual mobility.
Two years after unveiling the BMW i Hydrogen NEXT concept car, the company will present the BMW iX5 Hydrogen at the IAA Mobility 2021 in Munich. Currently still in series development, the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) with hydrogen fuel cell drive train will be one of several vehicles visitors can experience as they are driven along the Blue Lane connecting the main exhibition grounds with other exhibition venues in the city centre.
A small series of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, developed on the basis of the BMW X5, will be used for demonstration and testing purposes from the end of next year. Its hydrogen fuel cell system is further proof of the BMW Group’s leading development expertise in the field of electric drive technologies. “With its high-performance fuel cell and optimised power battery, the BMW iX5 Hydrogen’s drive system is unique in the world,” said Juergen Guldner, head of BMW Group Hydrogen Fuel Cell Technology and Vehicle Projects. “With this, we are forging new paths for sustainable driving pleasure.”
With the right conditions, hydrogen fuel cell technology has the potential to become a further pillar in the BMW Group’s drive train portfolio for local CO2-free mobility. The BMW i brand, which is entirely geared towards locally emission-free mobility, could in the future also offer vehicles with hydrogen fuel cell drive trains, in addition to battery-electric models such as the BMW i3, BMW iX3, BMW iX and BMW i4. Provided the hydrogen is produced using renewable energy and the necessary infrastructure is available, this technology can complement the BMW Group’s electrified drive train portfolio – and, in particular, meet the needs of customers who do not have their own access to electric charging infrastructure, frequently drive long distances or desire a high degree of flexibility.
Model-specific design elements 3D-printed for locally emission-free Sports Activity Vehicle. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen is a modern luxury Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) that combines ground-breaking drive technology with the powerful proportions, convenience and versatility of a BMW X model. Individual exterior and interior design elements highlight the car’s ties to the BMW i brand, as well as its specific drive technology. The inner edging of the BMW kidney grille, the inserts in the 22- inch aerodynamic wheels and the attachments in the outer portion of the rear apron are all in BMW i Blue. The entry sills and cover trim for the instrument panel also sport a “hydrogen fuel cell” badge.
The mesh inserts covering the cooling air openings at the front of the BMW iX5 Hydrogen, as well as the rear apron and its diffuser element, also have their own unique design. The ornamental grilles covering the BMW kidney grille, the lower and two outer air inlets and the body elements for the lower rear end trim all come from the BMW Group’s Additive Manufacturing Campus, which uses 3D printing to produce prototype and standard parts. Additive manufacturing enables fast and highly flexible production of components – some of which have geometric shapes that cannot be realised with conventional production methods.
Systematic sustainability: Aerodynamic wheels and tyres made of natural rubber. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen’s aerodynamic wheels come with sustainably produced tyres made of natural rubber and rayon. The raw materials for this are extracted in compliance with the standards of the independent Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) organisation. The BMW Group is the first automotive manufacturer worldwide to use Pirelli tyres made exclusively from certified natural rubber and the wood-based material rayon in its production vehicles.
Hallmark BMW driving dynamics, strong long-distance capabilities. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen combines fuel cell technology with a fifth-generation BMW eDrive. The drive system uses hydrogen as fuel by converting it into electricity in a fuel cell – delivering an electrical output of up to 125 kW/170 hp, with water vapour as the only emission. This drive power also enables it to maintain consistently high speeds over longer distances. The electric motor was developed from the fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology also used in the BMW iX. In coasting overrun and braking phases, it serves as a generator, feeding energy into a power battery. The energy stored in this power battery is also utilised for particularly sporty driving manoeuvres – delivering a system output of 275 kW/374 hp and guaranteeing the brand’s signature driving experience.
The hydrogen needed to supply the fuel cell is stored in two 700-bar tanks made of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP), which together hold almost six kilograms of hydrogen. “Filling up the hydrogen tanks only takes three to four minutes – so there are no limits on using the BMW iX5 Hydrogen for long distances, with just a few, short stops in-between,” explains Guldner.
Hydrogen as part of global activities for CO2-free mobility. According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), hydrogen offers considerable potential as a future energy source in connection with global energy transition activities. Thanks to its storage and transport capabilities, hydrogen can be used for a wide variety of applications. Most industrialised countries are therefore adopting hydrogen strategies and backing them up with roadmaps and concrete projects. In the transport sector, hydrogen can become a further technology option, alongside battery-electric mobility, for shaping sustainable individual mobility in the long term. However, this will depend on competitive production of sufficient quantities of hydrogen from green power, as well as expansion of the corresponding filling infrastructure, which is already being intensively pursued in many countries.
The BMW Group welcomes and supports activities to promote innovation in Germany and Europe that will help build a hydrogen economy and accelerate production of green hydrogen. These specifically include the large-scale hydrogen projects classified as Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI). The projects that comprise this European Union initiative, supported in Germany by the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Transport, span the entire value chain – from hydrogen production to transport to applications in industry.
The new SEAT Ibiza and Arona will make their UK debut with SMC Motor Group at the upcoming British Motor Show.
Both models are available to order now from all retailers across the UK, with the first deliveries expected this September.
The new SEAT Ibiza starts at £16,945 OTR, and features a variety of new exterior design features. These include three new alloy wheel designs, as well as full LED exterior lighting as standard and two new body colour finishes – Sapphire Blue and Asphalt Blue.
The new SEAT Arona starts at £19,260 OTR, and is available in three new body colours (Sapphire Blue, Asphalt Blue and Dark Camouflage) as well as three new contrasting roof colours (Midnight Black, Magnetic Tech and Candy White).
Inside, both the Arona and Ibiza feature newly designed air vents with LED lighting surrounding them, in a colour unique to the chosen trim level.
The infotainment system has been upgraded too, with an all-new 9.2 inch display (on SE Technology trims and above – 8.25 inch on SE), including Full Link smartphone integration and SEAT Connect.
James Kimber, Managing Director of SMC Motor Group, commented: “We are very excited to be attending the British Motor Show this year with the first UK models of the new SEAT Ibiza and Arona. The show is a great opportunity to showcase the newest cars we have to offer, and the new SEAT Arona and Ibiza come with a host of the latest technologies and design features. We look forward to welcoming visitors to experience the new versions of these popular SEAT models for themselves.”
SMC Motor Group will also be exhibiting the SEAT Leon e-HYBRID PHEV, with experts on hand to talk customers through the benefits of plug-in hybrid vehicles.
The British Motor Show will be taking place between 19th – 22nd August 2021, at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre.
From the 1991 PEUGEOT 905 to the 2021 PEUGEOT 9X8: 30 years of outstanding innovation and performance
For more than 210 years, PEUGEOT has been moving with the times, anticipating changes in customer behaviour and paving the way for new mobility solutions. As the ultimate technological testing ground, motorsport gives PEUGEOT the perfect opportunity to fully roll out its innovative abilities: the PEUGEOT 9X8, the brand’s new Hypercar was unveiled at the beginning of the summer and will soon be racing in the World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Thirty years ago, in 1991, it was the PEUGEOT 905 that encapsulated the brand’s pioneering spirit and values – Excellence, Allure and Emotion – which have enabled it to weather all the revolutions of the last two centuries – industrial, technological, political, social, digital and now environmental. This is all part of PEUGEOT’s DNA.
PEUGEOT’s great adventure at Le Mans and in endurance racing began in the early 1990s, when PEUGEOT returned to the Sarthe circuit as an official team. PEUGEOT entered the World Sportscar Championship (WSC, also known as the World Endurance Championship) with the 905 and went on to take part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Endurance with the PEUGEOT 905 The brand clearly displayed its objective of winning the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans with the 905. The development programme for this PEUGEOT Sport prototype was launched in December 1988. Presented in February 1990, the car was a breath of fresh air: it was innovative, had an absolute visual purity, and its front end was characteristic of the brand’s models at the time. Built on a carbon fibre chassis, designed in collaboration with Dassault, it was powered by a 650hp, 3.5-litre, forty-valve V10 engine, very close to Formula 1 standards.
It was a huge success between 1990 and 1993. With the 905, PEUGEOT competed against regular endurance car manufacturers, notably Porsche and Jaguar, and up-and-coming challengers such as Toyota and Mazda.
1992 was a landmark year for PEUGEOT, with two objectives: the Manufacturers’ World Championship title and victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Some major changes were made to the car for the 24 Hours of Le Mans: the front wing was removed, the rear wing repositioned, and the front wing louvers disappeared.
The PEUGEOT team achieved fantastic results throughout the 1992 season (2nd at Monza, 1st and 3rd at Le Mans, 1st and 2nd at Donington, 1st and 3rd at Suzuka, 1st, 2nd and 5th at Magny-Cours). This enabled them to win the 1992 Constructors’ World Championship title.
In 1993, the PEUGEOT brand won 1st, 2nd and 3rd places on the podium at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with its three PEUGEOT 905s – the ultimate accolade for the brand and its teams.
The excellence of PEUGEOT’s technology was at its peak and the brand decided to bow out after this historic result.
2021: Innovation and technical challenges for the PEUGEOT 9X8 After the PEUGEOT 905, then the 908 (in 2007-2011), PEUGEOT is making a strong return to endurance racing with the PEUGEOT 9X8.
Following in the footsteps of its illustrious predecessors in endurance racing, it will carry forward the PEUGEOT brand’s tradition of designing recognisable and high-performance competition cars. PEUGEOT is combining sportiness, technological know-how, efficiency and stylistic excellence with this 9X8.
At the rear, there is a large diffuser framed by finely chiselled elements that house the headlights, and an inscription that underlines the most striking, innovative feature on the 9X8: there is no rear wing!
The PEUGEOT SPORT engineers and PEUGEOT designers were inspired by the new Hypercar regulations, the new premier class of endurance racing. While others have chosen to comply with the new regulations in a more conservative manner, the PEUGEOT teams have preferred boldness and innovation.
As for the engine, PEUGEOT has gone hybrid, combining a 500kW (680hp) V6 petrol Biturbo driving the rear wheels and a 200 kW (270hp) electric motor/generator driving the front wheels. The regulation sets clear limits on the operation of the system, which allows hybrid cars to be driven in four-wheel drive. It defines the threshold for energy transfer to the front wheels, and stipulates that the total average power output of the powertrain cannot exceed 500kW (680hp).
Hybrid technology is therefore both a benefit, as it opens up the possibility of all-wheel drive, but also a huge technical challenge, given the complexity of managing the powertrain.
This is precisely what the PEUGEOT brand is working on. It is committed to the accelerated electrification of its range, and is eager to generate ambitious technical developments and win big in competition.
Front axle: 200kW (270hp) electric motor/generator + gearbox
Battery High density, 900 volts co-developed by PEUGEOT SPORT, TotalEnergies / Saft.
From the 905 to the 9X8PEUGEOT’s new Hypercar also has a new name: 9X8.
The ‘9’ continues the naming pattern of the brand’s extreme competition vehicles, such as the PEUGEOT 905 (1990-1993) and 908 (2007-2011), two of the manufacturer’s iconic endurance machines.
The X refers to the all-wheel drive and hybrid technologies used in the new PEUGEOT Hypercar, which extends the brand’s electrification strategy into competition.
The 8 is a nod to all of PEUGEOT’s new cars: 208, 2008, 308, 3008, 5008 and of course the PEUGEOT 508, developed by the same team of engineers and designers as the Hypercar, to become the first model to carry the PEUGEOT SPORT ENGINEERED label.
Like the 508 PEUGEOT SPORT ENGINEERED, the PEUGEOT 9X8 is part of PEUGEOTS’s Neo-Performance strategy. Close collaboration between the PEUGEOT SPORT engineering team and the PEUGEOT design team was vital to create the 9X8.
1991 BMW 325i (E30) Convertible – just one owner from new
2006 Ferrari F430 Spider ‘F1’ – superbly presented
1985 Lamborghini Jalpa P350 3.5 V8 – only 50,700km.
1986 Porsche 911 3.2 Carrera SuperSport Cabriolet – from long-term ownership
Classic Car Auctions third auction of 2021 is right around the corner on Saturday 25th September.
Whilst The Practical Classics Classic Car & Restoration Show may not have been able to go ahead this year as normal, and as we eagerly await its return in Spring 2022, Classic Car Auctions are delighted to bring you the auction element this September! The auction will take place at the centrally located venue which is Stoneleigh Park.
Classic Car Auctions have launched their early entries for the sale on their website including this 1991 BMW 325i (E30) Convertible. With just one owner from new and garaged all its life, this example is well presented in Lachs Silver with a Black M-Tech leather interior. Showing just 73,665 miles which is supported by a detailed history file, these smart E30 BMW’s are becoming very collectable. Estimated: £10,000 – £12,000.
Superbly presented and attractively finished in Nero Daytona over Nero leather is this 2006 Ferrari F430 Spider ‘F1’. With only 33,889 miles, this example has three main dealer stamps in the service record with invoices. Supplied with its original leather-bound handbook and a recent service in June 2021, this Ferrari is ready to be driven by its next owner. Estimated: £52,000 – £56,000.
Gary Dunne, CCA’s Sales Manager commented “In the last couple of weeks we have launched some of the first entries confirmed for this auction. This is just the start of many with new additions continuing to go live on our website every week. There is still time for you to submit your entry alongside the cars previewed, contact our expert team today and we will guide you through the process.”
Going under the hammer on Saturday 25th September is this 1985 Lamborghini Jalpa P350 3.5 V8. This is a superb Jalpa which has been refreshed and has covered a mere 50,700km. Having been designed by Marcello Gandini of Bertone to rejoin the battle with Ferrari’s 308. This excellent example is on offer from a private collection, accompanied by a good history file and over eight years a limited production of only 410 were made. This is a serious car for the discerning collector and is rarely offered on the open market. Estimated: £50,000 – £60,000.
The final of the cars to be previewed is this 1986 Porsche 911 3.2 Carrera SuperSport Cabriolet. This very rare, UK-supplied (C-16) SuperSport Cabriolet is on offer from 15 years ownership and is showing 104,000 miles which is supported by its original stamped service book. Smartly presented in Guards Red (G1V9) with matching red leather piped in black, this example has an MOT until February 2022 with no advisories. Classic Car Auctions understand that only 75 of these C-16 cars were built between 1984 and ’89 with only 39 being Targas/Cabriolets making this a very rare car. Estimated: £40,000 – £45,000.
To speak to a member of their team about selling your car in this sale, complete the Value My Classic form or contact Classic Car Auctions on 01926 640888 where they can assist you with the process.
