The Concours of Elegance – famed for gathering together the rarest cars ever created – will showcase some of the world’s finest Ferraris at Hampton Court Palace in this year’s ‘Main Concours’ display.
Taking place from 3-5 September, the event is renowned as one of the top three concours d’elegance events in the world for the quality of cars it attracts; nowhere else in the UK can the public see such a high standard of rare historic vehicles.
Since it started manufacturing cars in 1947, Ferrari has established itself as an icon of automotive performance and innovation. Backed by extensive racing pedigree, with one of the most successful Formula 1 teams in history, the Ferrari marque draws heavily on its motorsport expertise to produce some of the most beautiful and rewarding road cars that the world has ever known.
The earliest Ferrari on display is a rare 1950 Ferrari 166 Inter. The ‘166’ in the model designation referrs to the swept volume of a single cylinder in cubic centimeters, with all 12 adding up to 1,992 cc. The Gioacchino Colombo-designed engine featured a twin distributor and coil ignition system and a single twin choke carburettor producing 110bhp at 6,000 rpm. This particular car is one of three Stabilimenti Farina cabriolet 166s produced, and was also the original 1950 Paris Motor Show car. Having previously been rebodied, in 2016 the car began a three year Ferrari Classiche restoration to original specification.
Among the cars on display sits a stunning 1954 Ferrari 250 GT Europa – the only right-hand-drive version built of the 30 that were made. This particular example was purchased in 1971 by its current owner, and has undergone sympathetic mechanical repair and restoration as necessary since it arrived in the UK, with the aim of maintaining originality. The car has taken part in club racing, three Tour Auto events, and the Mille Miglia. It has also won various Ferrari owners club concours prizes.
Alongside the Europa sits a later 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Coupé with coachwork by Pininfarina. Introduced at the 1958 Paris Motor Show, this version of the 250 brought Ferrari a step closer to true series production, with 353 examples built by the time production concluded. Under the bonnet was Ferrari’s masterpiece, the 3.0-litre Colombo V12, producing 240 horsepower at 7,000rpm with fuel fed through three twin-choke Weber carburettors.
Completing a line-up of 250 cars is one of the most celebrated Ferraris ever, the 250 GT Berlinetta SWB. Designed by Pininfarina and constructed by Scaglietti, the car was a celebration of ‘Form follows function’ – and became the ultimate street racer. Of the 90 ‘street’ SWBs built with a steel body, only 11 were produced in RHD, making this 1962 ‘Verde Tevere’ example a very rare car indeed. Subject to a total restoration in the 1990s, the car has been maintained comprehensively ever since.
Another car on display is a highly original and unrestored 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB. The car was purchased new by popular French actor Jean-Paul Belmondo in 1965, and will be seen for the very first time in the UK at this year’s Concours of Elegance. The car is an early short nose two-cam version of the 275 GTB, finished in a beautiful deep maroon colour. The car is in remarkable condition having had only had four owners from new.
Also at the show is a resplendent 1967 Ferarri 275 GTB/4, one of only six factory black 275 GTB/4s ever produced. The GTB/4, introduced in 1966, added a second overhead camshaft to each cylinder bank, making the 275 GTB/4 the first Ferrari road car to boast dual overhead camshafts. This provided the already potent V12 engine with an additional 20hp. Only 330 examples were ever produced. This car was in single ownership from 1976 until 2014, at which time the new owner commenced a restoration by leading marque experts in North America. The car boasts full matching numbers including chassis, body, engine and gearbox.
The sixth and final Ferrari is something very special. A 1991 Ferrari F40 which was delivered new to Sir Stirling Moss. Since then the car has had two additional owners and has never left the UK. At launch, the Ferrari F40 was Ferrari’s fastest, most powerful, and most expensive car, earning its place in the rarefied 200mph club thanks to its low weight and powerful 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine. This car’s history file is extensive with documented correspondence between Enzo Ferrari and Sir Stirling Moss present where he references that he raced thirteen Ferraris, and won in eleven of them.
Outside of the main display of vehicles, the Concours of Elegance will gather a total of around 1,000 cars in a number of special features and displays, including a Gulf vs. Martini celebration, a display of unique or bespoke modern rarities in the Future Classics class and a line-up of the finest coachbuilt Rolls-Royces. New for 2021 is a collection of 95 British cars gathered to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s 95th birthday, and a 30UNDER30 Concours aimed at inspiring the next-generation of classic car enthusiast.
Away from the automotive displays, Concours of Elegance remains an occasion of pure luxury, with champagne provided by Charles Heidsieck, picnics by Fortnum & Mason, live stage interviews with Chubb Insurance, hosted by Jodie Kidd, and a collection of art, jewellery and fashion displays. Presenting Partner, A. Lange & Söhne, recently confirmed to support the event for a further three years, will continue to showcase some of its most intricate timepieces.
Tickets to the Concours of Elegance 2021 are available now from just £30 for half-day entry, with full three-course hospitality packages from £288. Tickets can be bought from concoursofelegance.co.uk/tickets
Strong financial performance driven by premium brands and Financial Services
Operating result reaches a record level of EUR 4 billion despite continued challenging conditions; Group’s operating return on sales at a strong 8.8 percent
Earnings before and after tax improved significantly to EUR 2 billion and EUR 8.5 billion, respectively
Automotive Division: Very high adjusted net cash flow of EUR 12.3 billion; net liquidity increases to EUR 35.0 billion
Group outlook for operating return on sales for full year 2021 raised by 5 percentage points to 6.0 to 7.5 percent; expectations for net cash flow also raised
CEO Diess: “We’re keeping up our high pace, both operationally and The record result in the first half of the year is clear proof of how strong our brands are and how attractive their products are. The premium segment performed especially well with double- digit returns, as did Financial Services. Our electric offensive is picking up momentum.“
The Volkswagen Group continued its positive business performance and posted a record result despite challenging conditions in the first half of 2021.
This positive development was driven in particular by the premium brands Audi and Porsche and by Volkswagen Financial Services. The impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and global shortage of semiconductors were successfully contained. There was high customer demand for the Group’s attractive model range as markets continued to recover. As a result, deliveries increased by 27.9 percent to 5.0 (3.9) million vehicles over the weaker prior-year period, which was impacted by the pandemic. Sales revenue even rose more strongly by 34.9 percent to EUR 129.7 (96.1) billion. The operating result was EUR 11.4 (first half of 2020 before special items: EUR –0.8) billion, far exceeding the previous record of EUR 10.0 billion (before special items) from the pre-crisis year 2019. The operating return on sales was therefore at a strong 8.8 (first half of 2020 before special items: –0.8) percent. The higher earnings were mainly due to increased vehicle sales, improvements in the product mix and prices as well as positive effects from the valuation of raw material hedges. One-off restructuring expenses of EUR 0.7 billion had a negative impact. Work on ongoing fixed cost programs was vigorously pursued. The Automotive Division generated a very high adjusted net cash flow of EUR 12.3 (–2.3) billion and thus again demonstrated the great efficiency of its business model. The Division’s net liquidity rose further to a very solid level of EUR 35.0 billion. The acquisition of Navistar and its financial impact are not included in the figures. As a result of the extremely good business performance in the first half of the year, the Volkswagen Group has raised the outlook for its operating return on sales for full year 2021 by 0.5 percent to 6.0 to 7.5 percent.
Herbert Diess, CEO of the Volkswagen Group: “We’re keeping up our high pace, both operationally and strategically. The record result in the first half of the year is clear proof of how strong our brands are and how attractive their products are. The premium segment performed especially well with double-digit returns, as did Financial Services. Our electric offensive is picking up momentum and we will keep on increasing its pace in the months to come. We are also realigning the company with our new Group strategy NEW AUTO so that we can tap future profit pools. In doing so, we are preparing Volkswagen to play a leading role in the new world of mobility.”
Arno Antlitz, CFO of the Volkswagen Group: “The Volkswagen Group’s financial performance in the first half of the year impressively proves the robustness of our company. Our operating return on sales after six months was 8.8 percent. In particular, the second quarter was exceptionally strong. Our net cash flow of EUR 10.2 billion is also a solid result and was achieved despite our sizable future investments. We have successfully contained the impacts of the semiconductor bottlenecks to date, although we anticipate somewhat more pronounced effects in the third quarter. Nevertheless, our assessment for our business performance in the year as a whole has improved further, so that we have raised our outlook.”
Operating business remains strong In the first half of the year, the Volkswagen Group increased its global deliveries significantly by 27.9 percent to 5.0 million vehicles over the same period last year, which was impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Global market share of passenger cars declined slightly by 0.2 percentage points to 12.6 percent in the same period. Whereas the Group was able to grow its market share significantly in its home market of Europe and in North America, it recently recorded declines in China, its largest single market, due to the semiconductor bottlenecks.
As planned, the Group has further increased the pace of its successful electric offensive. A total of 171,000 all-electric vehicles (BEVs) were delivered worldwide by the end of June, more than twice as many as in the prior-year period (+165 percent). After 60,000 BEVs were delivered to customers in the first quarter, that figure increased significantly as planned to 111,000 BEVs in the second quarter. The share of vehicles based on the Modular Electric Drive Toolkit (MEB) relative to all BEVs was already over 60 percent in the second quarter. The BEV ramp up will accelerate further in the course of the year due to the expanded model range. The Group has also systematically expanded its portfolio of models with a plug-in hybrid drive (PHEV) – and there is high customer demand for them: A total of 171,000 PHEVs were delivered in the first half of the year, more than three times the figure in the prior-year period (+204 percent).
The premium brands Audi and Porsche performed especially strongly, posting record deliveries for the first half of the year and a double-digit operating return on sales of 10.7 and 17.6 percent, respectively. Volkswagen Financial Services also turned in a very good performance, more than doubling its operating result year on year to EUR 2.3 billion. Among other things, it benefited from strong used car business and a positive trend in risk costs.
Due to increased vehicle sales and stronger demand for higher-margin models, Group sales revenue rose significantly by 34.9 percent to EUR 129.7 (96.1) billion. The operating result was EUR 11.4 (first half of 2020 before special items: EUR –0.8) billion, far exceeding the previous record of EUR 10.0 billion (before special items) from the pre-crisis year 2019. The operating return on sales was therefore at a strong 8.8 percent. The higher earnings were mainly due to increased vehicle sales, improvements in the product mix and prices as well as positive effects from the valuation of raw material hedges. One-off restructuring expenses of EUR 0.7 billion at MAN had a negative impact. Work on ongoing fixed cost programs was vigorously pursued.
Earnings before and after tax also improved significantly to EUR 11.2 (–1.4) billion and EUR 8.5 (– 1.0) billion, respectively. Earnings per preferred share thus reached a solid level of EUR 16.20 (– 2.33).
Automotive Division: Strong cash performance improved further, net liquidity increases again Strong business and cost-cutting measures continued to have a positive impact on financial performance. The reported net cash flow in the Automotive Division was a very high EUR 10.2 (– 4.8) billion. Adjusted for mergers and acquisitions and cash outflows attributable to diesel, net cash flow amounted to a strong EUR 12.3 (–2.3) billion. It was thus around 80 percent higher than the level of the pre-crisis year 2019. Net liquidity in the Automotive Division also showed positive growth again and climbed to a very solid level of EUR 35.0 billion. It was EUR 29.6 billion at the end of the first quarter. The acquisition of Navistar and its financial impact are not included in the figures.
Research and development costs increased to EUR 7.7 (6.7) billion due to necessary future- oriented investments in new models and technologies as well as software. The R&D ratio nevertheless fell significantly to 7.2 percent in the current year, following a figure of 8.7 percent in the prior-year period that was due to pandemic-related low sales revenue. Improved investment discipline and greater use of Group synergies led to significant progress with capital expenditures.
These decreased by 8.5 percent over the prior-year period to EUR 3.8 (4.1) billion. Consequently, the capex ratio fell sharply to 3.5 (5.4) percent, putting it significantly below the level of the pre- crisis half year in 2019 (4.9 percent).
Outlook 2021 Based on the business performance in the first half of 2021, the Volkswagen Group is adjusting large parts of its forecast of core performance indicators.
The risk of bottlenecks and disruption in the supply of semiconductor components has intensified throughout the industry. The adverse impact expected as a result will tend to affect the second half of the year. Consequently, the Group is lowering its forecast for deliveries to customers and assumes that – provided the Covid-19 pandemic is contained successfully – in 2021 they will be noticeably up on the previous year amid continued challenging market conditions. Challenges will arise particularly from the economic situation, the increasing intensity of competition, volatile commodity and foreign exchange markets, securing supply chains and more stringent emissions- related requirements. Sales revenue of the Volkswagen Group in 2021 is expected to be significantly higher than the prior-year figure. In terms of the operating result, the Group anticipates an operating return on sales between 6.0 and 7.5 percent in 2021.
In the Automotive Division, net cash flow is expected much stronger than prior year due to lower cash outflows from diesel and significantly higher effects from mergers and acquisitions. This will lead to a very strong increase in net liquidity. The plans are based on the Volkswagen Group’s current structures. The acquisition of all outstanding shares of Navistar International Corporation and the resulting effects on the results of operations, financial position and net assets have not been taken into account in the Volkswagen Group’s forecast.
VOLKSWAGEN GROUP
Q 2
H 1
2021
2020
%
2021
2020
%
Volume Data1 in thousands
Deliveries to customers (units)
2,546
1,887
+ 34.9
4,978
3,893
+ 27.9
Vehicle sales (units)
2,326
1,799
+ 29.3
4,660
3,736
+ 24.7
Production (units)
2,194
1,665
+ 31.7
4,512
3,662
+ 23.2
Employees (on June 30, 2021/Dec. 31, 2020)
660.0
662.6
–0.4
Financial Data (IFRSs), €million
Sales revenue
67,293
41,076
+ 63.8
129,669
96,131
+ 34.9
Operating result before special items
6,546
–2,394
x
11,358
–803
x
Operating return on sales before special items (%)
9.7
–5.8
8.8
–0.8
Special items
–
–
x
–
–687
x
Operating result
6,546
–2,394
x
11,358
–1,490
x
Operating return on sales (%)
9.7
–5.8
8.8
–1.5
Earnings before tax
6,690
–2,034
x
11,153
–1,352
x
Return on sales before tax (%)
9.9
–5.0
8.6
–1.4
Earnings after tax
5,040
–1,536
x
8,454
–1,019
x
Automotive Division2
Total research and development costs
3,774
3,132
+ 20.5
7,735
6,695
+ 15.5
R&D ratio (%)
6.8
9.7
7.2
8.7
Cash flows from operating activities
10,197
1,464
x
19,088
3,009
x
Cash flows from investing activities attributable to operating activities3
4,711
3,751
+ 25.6
8,897
7,815
+ 13.8
of which: capex
1,853
2,042
–9.3
3,777
4,130
–8.5
capex/sales revenue (%)
3.3
6.3
3.5
5.4
Net cash flow
5,486
–2,288
x
10,191
–4,806
x
Net liquidity at June 30
35,048
18,663
+ 87.8
Volume data including the unconsolidated Chinese joint These companies are accounted for using the equity method. Prior-year deliveries have been updated to reflect subsequent statistical trends.
Including allocation of consolidation adjustments between the Automotive and Financial Services
Excluding acquisition and disposal of equity investments: Q2 €456(– 547) million, H1 €7,359 (6,903)
New Service Activated Roadside Assistance programme
Home, roadside and European assistance provided for 12 months with every service
Applicable for vehicles 3-10 years old and up to 100k miles
Mitsubishi Motors in the UK has launched a new Service Activated Roadside Assistance programme (SARA), which provides Mitsubishi customers with free breakdown and recovery assistance for 12 months when a vehicle is serviced at an authorised Mitsubishi dealership.
For vehicles 3-10 years old and up to 100k miles, the new SARA programme will provide free home, road and European assistance for 12 months, or until the next service, when a customer has their Mitsubishi vehicle serviced at a participating Authorised Mitsubishi dealership, potentially saving customers hundreds of pounds on alternative cover.
Toby Marshall, Director of Aftersales, Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, said, “The SARA programme provides customers with the peace of mind and knowledge that should the unexpected happen, then Mitsubishi Motors in the UK and its dedicated Mitsubishi dealer network are on hand to assist.”
Jon Tolliday, Head of Automotive Roadside and Customer Management Services at Allianz Partners added, ‘‘Allianz Partners have provided Roadside Assistance to Mitsubishi Motors in the UK for nearly 30 years. We are delighted to extend our relationship in supporting Mitsubishi’s Aftersales proposition with the introduction of SARA and how it provides tangible enhanced value to the Mitsubishi Service offer.’’
Following the announcement that International Motors will takeover the Mitsubishi Motors in the UK aftersales business in October, Mitsubishi drivers will see no difference in the standards of service they receive from Mitsubishi Motors in the UK and can continue to rely on their local Mitsubishi dealer for aftersales support.
Bahrain Raid Xtreme (BRX) has redesigned the Prodrive Hunter to meet the new T1+ regulations recently announced by the FIA, which is now the top class alongside T1-E.
The new regulations were introduced to help balance the performance of the four and two wheel drive cars in the T1 class.
The Hunter will run on larger tyres, with increased suspension travel and a wider track. 37” tyres on 17” rims, replace the current 32” tyres on 16” rims, with suspension travel increased from 280mm to 350mm and the body width increased from 2m to 2.3m to accommodate this.
These changes have necessitated some significant changes to the Hunter’s drivetrain; suspension and bodywork. The suspension geometry has been reconfigured with longer wishbones and dampers, and there are larger brakes accommodated in the 17” wheels. The larger tyre radius increases the load in the drivetrain so driveshafts, the propshaft and differentials have all been modified. The wider track has also meant nearly half the bodywork has been redesigned with Callum restyling the Hunter to suit the new regulations, while keeping the same distinctive look.
Prodrive has taken the opportunity to increase the size of the windscreen and fit a new programmable wiper motor to improve the driver’s visibility. The onboard jacks have been improved to not only be lighter and stronger, but to lift the car faster and can now be powered by an electric pump for additional reliability.
Gus Beteli, BRX team principal, said: “We are very pleased the organisers have addressed the disparity in regulations between the buggies and the four wheel drive T1 cars, where larger tyres had an advantage over rough terrain. We’ve learnt a huge amount on our debut this year and have put all this learning into improving the car and believe our new Hunter T1+ is a significant step forward. We are looking forward to returning to Saudi in January, where we will be looking to challenge for victory.”
BRX competed with the T1 car for the last time at Baja Aragon last week, where the Hunter showed its pace setting fastest times on eight of the rally’s 11 sectors.
The first Hunter T1+ car is currently being built at Prodrive’s headquarters in the UK and will run for the first time in September. The new car is also available to customers to compete in FIA Cross Country events, Bajas and at the Dakar in 2022.
PEUGEOT has opened reservations for the new 308 SW, an even more practical and versatile variant of the new 308.
Featuring a bold new design and class-leading safety features, the new 308 SW is available for the first time with efficient plug-in hybrid technology alongside advanced petrol and diesel engines. With reservations now open, the new 308 SW will arrive in showrooms in early 2022.
The new 308 SW adds a new dimension of practicality and style to the compact estate segment. For the first time ever, the new 308 SW is available with plug-in hybrid technology alongside efficient petrol and diesel engines, allowing buyers to choose the powertrain that best suits their needs.
From launch, customers have a choice between two plug-in hybrid powertrains – a HYBRID 180 e-EAT8 or the more powerful, HYBRID 225 e-EAT8, with both vehicles powered by a 12.4kWh electric battery and a 1.6-litre petrol engine. Both models are capable of up to 39 miles in electric mode under WLTP testing. With CO2 emissions from 25g/km, the 308 SW HYBRID models are also eligible for a Benefit-in-Kind rate of just 11%, making them ideal for fleet and business users.
Both plug-in hybrid variants come standard with a 3.7kW on-board charger, with buyers able to add a faster 7.4kW as an option. A full charge with the standard 3.7kW cable takes 3 hours and 55 minutes, decreasing to 1 hour and 55 minutes when using the faster 7.4kW charger.
From launch, the new 308 SW will also be available with PEUGEOT’s advanced petrol and diesel engines. Buyers have a choice between a 1.2-litre PureTech 130 petrol engine and a 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel engine. All models come standard with PEUGEOT’s smooth shifting eight-speed EAT8 automatic transmission with Stop & Start technology.
Julie David, Managing Director, PEUGEOT UK, said: “The new 308 SW is the latest PEUGEOT model to give buyers the ability to choose the powertrain that best suits them. By 2025, our entire model line-up will feature an electrified variant. With a practical and bold design, as well a class-leading levels of technology, the new 308 SW offers buyers a unique and standout proposition in the compact estate segment.”
Sharp and practical design The new 308 SW adds a new level of style and practicality to the competitive compact estate segment. The sloping roof, similar to the new 308, has been designed to maximise internal space for passengers and load items, while the pronounced skirts and sleek lines give the 308 SW an aggressive stand. The new 308 SW comes standard with Eco LED headlights, with GT and GT Premium models featuring Matrix LED lights for improved visibility and safety.
Compared to the new 308, the new 308 SW comes with a 57mm longer wheelbase and a 212mm longer rear overhang for improved space and boot volume. Load volume capacity is 608-litres, extending to 1,634 with the rear seats folded. A smart electric tailgate with foot sensor and pedestrian detection adds convenience and peace of mind and is standard on GT Premium.
The new 308 SW features as standard a three-part rear seat configuration with a 40/20/40 split, with each rear seat able to fold individually to improve versatility. Objects up to 1.85m can be carried inside the new 308 SW.
Inside, all models feature PEUGEOT’s innovative i-Cockpit® interior with a new multifunction compact steering wheel and a 10-inch HD capacitive colour touchscreen. The interior contains PEUGEOT’s trademark ‘Piano Key’ controls alongside the new customisable i-Toggles® (from Allure trim onwards), allowing for easy access to key functions.
Plug-in hybrid models come with Electric, Hybrid and Sport driving modes, while petrol and diesel drivers can choose between Eco, Normal and Sport modes via the drive mode selector.
The new 308 SW is available with the following safety and driver assistance features as standard:
Programmable cruise control and speed limiter
Lane Keeping Assist
Speed limit & traffic sign recognition and recommendation
Driver attention warning
Intelligent Speed Adaptation
Active Safety Brake with pedestrian and cyclist detection
AVAS: Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System (PHEV models only)
Other new technologies include:
360° surround view parking assistance with four cameras (front, rear and both sides)
Semi-automatic lane change – The driver suggests a lane change manoeuver by setting the direction indicators. The system performs a semi-automatic lane change manoeuver if appropriate conditions are met and confirmed by the driver
Anticipated speed recommendation – the system suggests to the driver that they adapt their speed (acceleration or deceleration) according to the speed limit signs
Curve speed adaptation – at speeds of up to 112mph (where legal) the set-up optimises the car’s speed according to the severity of the bend
From launch, the new 308 SW will be available in Active Premium, Allure, Allure Premium, GT and GT Premium trim levels. From Allure trim onwards, buyers can opt for plug-in hybrid variants of the new 308 SW.
Active Premium Active Premium models come standard with 16-inch ‘Auckland’ alloy wheels, a grained black ‘diffuser effect’ rear trim and a grained black rear cluster connecting strip between the tail lights. At the front, Eco LED automatic lights are standard alongside an automatic windscreen wiper, while the rear features full LED lights with PEUGEOT’s ‘three-claw’ signature.
Inside, customers can enjoy a new multi-function split leather and gloss compact steering wheel, as well as the PEUGEOT i-Cockpit® featuring a 10-inch digital instrument panel display with Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto. This trim level also features rear parking sensors, electrochrome frameless rear-view mirror, and driver and front passenger comfort seats for an improved ride.
Allure Moving to Allure sees the new 308 SW upgraded to 17-inch ‘Calgary’ diamond-cut alloys and a front grille with horizontal chrome stamping, while plug-in hybrid models feature bespoke HYBRID badging around the vehicle.
Inside, the driver and passenger seats are covered in ‘Falgo’ Tri-Material with ‘Isabella’ leather effect cloth material and feature Mint stitching, while interior ambient lighting in the door panels add to the atmosphere. From Allure models onwards, all new 308 SW models come with the 40/20/40-split rear seats for improved versatility.
All Allure models come standard with PEUGEOT’s Connected 3D navigation with live traffic updates, the new PEUGEOT i-Connect® voice-operated assistant and the new customisable i-Toggles®. Allure models also come with front and rear parking sensors, and Visio Park 1 with a 180-degree reversing camera, as well as PEUGEOT’s Active Safety Brake technology, which is capable of detecting pedestrians and cyclists by day and at night.
Allure Premium Allure Premium variants of the new 308 SW add PEUGEOT’s Drive Assist Pack, with rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go function and long range Active Blind Spot detection. This trim level also features wireless smartphone charging and wireless connection for Android Auto and Apple Car Play™. Allure Premium models feature 17-inch ‘Halong’ diamond-cut alloy wheels.
GT GT models introduce 18-inch ‘Kamakura’ diamond-cut two-tone alloy wheels and specific GT badging on petrol and diesel variants. The new PEUGEOT lion emblem is also added on the side wings of the 308 SW, while the radiator grille features a dark chrome chequered design, with body sills also extended to the front and sides for a more aggressive stance. The roof also sees bi-tone roof rails added, ideal for roof boxes, bicycles or other goods.
All GT models feature Full Matrix LED headlights and PEUGEOT’s new full LED 3D ‘claw effect’ rear lights with a sequential welcome signature.
Inside, PEUGEOT has installed its new Clean Cabin Technology inside all GT models, which helps reduce the amount of pollutants entering the cabin from the outside. Also standard on all GT models is PEUGEOT’s 3D i-Cockpit® with a configurable 3D head-up instrument panel and a heated steering wheel. GT variants also come standard with PEUGEOT’s Driver Sport Pack, with personalised colour schemes available on the digital display. Drivers can also adjust the steering wheel and accelerator response to a more sporty setting.
The compact steering wheel is enhanced with full grain leather and Adamite green stitching and GT badging, while the cloth seats are made up of ‘Fraxx knit’ Tri-material Alcantara® and come with an ‘Isabella’ leather effect.
Optional from GT is the Focal Premium HiFi 10HP system with four tweeters, two woofers, and one central speaker with sub-woofer for an even better acoustic experience.
GT Premium The range-topping GT Premium models add 18-inch ‘Portland’ diamond-cut two-tone black alloy wheels and feature an AGR-certified (for Aktion Gesunder Rücken) driver’s seat for improved support and comfort, which includes a massage function, while the heated driver and front passenger seats provide four-way electric lumbar adjustment.
All GT Premium models come with PEUGEOT’s Drive Assist Pack Plus – including semi-autonomous lane positioning assist technology – as well as Visio Park 3, which adds 360-degree colour HD camera technology and semi-automatic parking assistance. For added practicality, the tailgate has been upgraded with a smart electric tailgate with foot sensors, allowing users to open when passing the foot under the sensor. This is ideal when carrying heavy loads or bulky items.
Pricing The new 308 SW is now available to configure on the PEUGEOT UK website. Customers can also download the price and specification guide and complete a cash purchase of their new 308 SW, with finance offers available later in the year.
Brooklands hosted the first ever British Grand Prix in 1926
Examples of Grand Prix cars from each decade from 1920s to 2010s, will be at Brooklands Relived on 7th August
Display will show development of motorsport engineering over the past 95 years
First Grand Prix and 2021 British Grand Prix both saw Aston Martins on the entry list
Cars will run on famous Brooklands banked circuit and Finishing Straight
Brooklands Museum has just opened ‘Driven by Design’ exhibition with McLaren Automotive
At Brooklands Relived on 7th August, Brooklands Museum is preparing to celebrate the 95th anniversary of the first Grand Prix to take place on British soil.
Organised by the Royal Automobile Club and held in 1926 at Brooklands, the world’s first purpose-built race track, the first British Grand Prix formed part of the World Manufacturers’ Championship alongside the continental Grands Prix in Spain, France and Italy and the Indianapolis 500. Ninety-five years later, Brooklands will once again welcome some of the vehicles that took part in the very first Grand Prix, along with examples of Grand Prix cars from every decade up to 2013.
Among the cars confirmed are a Delage 15-S-8 as raced in the 1926 Grand Prix, a 1928 Aston Martin LM1, 1960 Cooper Climax and 2013 Mercedes F1 WO4.
Grand Prix racing has long been held as the pinnacle of motorsport and has driven technological development at an unrivaled rate. Brooklands Museum will tell the story of the first Grand Prix and its place in history during Brooklands Relived with the highlight of the day expected to be the ‘race starts’ which will see both cars and bikes setting off at racing speed up the historic Finishing Straight and onto the Members Banking just as they did in 1926.
Brooklands has an unparalleled history in British motorsport and aviation and serves to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and maths. Among the permanent exhibits at Brooklands is ‘Driven by Design’, a new supercar exhibition opened on 26th July in collaboration with McLaren which features a McLaren Senna GTR prototype car, a McLaren Senna GTR concept car and a full-scale LEGO model of a McLaren 720S.
Britain was first awarded the opportunity to run a Grand Prix after Sir Henry Segrave won the French Grand Prix in 1923 putting Britain on the motorsport map and starting a tradition of British Grand Prix winners that continues to this day with seven-time world champion Sir Lewis Hamilton.
Emphasising the close links between the motorsport, experimental engineering and aviation worlds in the 1920s, there were no fewer than five past, present and future Land Speed Record holders competing in the 1926 event.
Samantha Hart, Marketing Director of Brooklands Museum said:
“Anyone who watched this year’s British Grand Prix will understand the importance this event has for the country. In 1926, Britain’s motorsport industry didn’t hold the position it does today. The running of the first British Grand Prix at Brooklands was a huge step for motorsport in this country and brought top level drivers, teams and engineers to compete here. The British motorsport industry has since gone from strength to strength and now employs around 40,000 people, exporting globally. Having Britain as the hub of Grand Prix racing hasn’t just benefited our motorsport industry, it has driven developments in automotive, aviation, marine and even the medical industry. We hope that by bringing together examples of Grand Prix cars spanning ten decades, we can inspire the next generation to see the possibilities that engineering can make into reality and look towards engineering for their future careers.”
Exclusive production run of 30 individually numbered Hennessey Exorcist Camaro ZL1 muscle cars celebrates 30 years of Hennessey making fast cars faster
Hell-raising Hennessey Performance Engineering will offer 30 customers extra-special versions of its iconic Exorcist Camaro ZL1.
Celebrating three decades of making fast cars faster (1991-2021), the Texas-based high-performance vehicle specialist will complete its 100-car production run of The Exorcist with this ultra-exclusive set of muscle cars.
Each Hennessey Exorcist 30th Anniversary Camaro will feature an anniversary logo on the car’s front flanks, set behind each front wheel. In addition, each of the 1,000 bhp models will be individually-numbered with an Anniversary Edition chassis plate denoting each of the 30 models’ build number.
The Exorcist was created by Hennessey to ‘slay the Dodge Demon,’ a task it more than achieved thanks to its 217 mph top speed, 2.1 second 0-60 mph time and 9.57 second ¼ mile. Hennessey’s iconic enhancement of the stock Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 raised the bar on muscle cars with customers worldwide queuing up for its supercharged V8 thrills and 883 lb-ft of torque.
John Hennessey, company founder and CEO: “The Exorcist is the epitome of the American Muscle car and has the off-the-line performance to embarrass almost any car on the planet. We’ve been making fast cars faster since 1991, so our 30th Anniversary Exorcist pools all we know into one ferocious supercar slayer.”
Hennessey’s engineers upgrade, re-calibrate and improve almost every area of the Camaro’s powertrain from installing a high-flow supercharger and air induction system, to a custom Hennessey camshaft, ported cylinder heads, long-tube stainless steel headers, and high-flow catalytic converters. The upgrades and Anniversary Edition Exorcist is priced at $135,000 (including the base Camaro ZL1) with the model benefitting from Hennessey’s two-year / 24,000 mile warranty.
Customers across the US and around the world can specify The Exorcist Anniversary Edition in coupe or convertible form with an automatic or manual transmission. Orders can be placed through authorized Chevrolet retailers or with Hennessey directly by calling 979.885.1300 or visiting HennesseyPerformance.com.
One of the most acclaimed podcast series of 2021 comes to an end this week, as Audi | Behind the Rings goes on a journey through time with acclaimed actor and Audi ambassador Matt Smith.
Matt played the eleventh incarnation of Doctor Who, as well as Prince Philip in The Crown, earning him an Emmy nomination. His latest starring role in the podcast series sees Matt, a long-time car enthusiast, discuss his passion for motoring in the eighth and last episode of the series: A Drive to Remember with Matt Smith.
During a light-hearted and entertaining back-and-forth with host Alex Goy, Matt reminisces about childhood scrapes in his dad’s beloved company car, embarking on road trips across America in a boxy convertible soundtracked by ‘70s funk, and falling in love with his Audi RS6, a vehicle he fondly refers to as ‘The Beast’.
Matt talks of his plans to take the RS6 on a tour of the Nordics, touches on the similarity between petrolheads and sci-fi fans, and sets the controls of the Tardis to see what travel may look like in the future.
It’s a lively, entertaining and often hilarious end to a series which has gained a loyal following. Previous episodes have taken deep dives on subjects as varied as design, sustainability, motorsport, the future, and the famous Audi philosophy of Vorsprung durch Technik.
All episodes are available to stream or download free at Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify.
Prices start from £38,785 OTR for entry-level C 200 Sport Saloon, while the C 200 Sport Estate starts from £40,420 OTR
Choice of four efficient engines available from launch: C 200; C 300 (Saloon only); C 220 d and C 300 d
Every C-Class engine now features 48V mild hybrid system
Available in one of four model lines, including Sport; AMG Line; AMG Line Premium and AMG Line Premium Plus
On sale now, with first UK vehicles arriving late 2021
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is now on sale, with prices starting from £38,785 for the entry-level C 200 Sport Saloon and £40,420 for the Estate. The range-topping C 300 d AMG Line Premium Plus costs £52,125 or £53,425 for the Estate.
Every engine in the new C-Class range features a 48v Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) mild hybrid system. The mild hybrid system features an energy recovery function and the ability to ‘glide’ with the engine switched off to boost efficiency, while supplying an additional 20 hp and 200 Nm to the car’s overall output.
The C 200 features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which generates 204 hp and 300 Nm. Depending on specification, the C 200 can deliver between 41.5 and 44.1 combined mpg (Estate: 40.4-42.2) and emits between 146 and 154 g/km (151-159 g/km) of CO2.
Powered by a petrol 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit, the C 300 (available as a Saloon only) can produce up to 258 hp and 400 Nm of torque, with an additional 20 hp and 200 Nm available from the ISG. It can deliver between 40.4 and 42.2 mpg and emits between 152 and 159 g/km.
The diesel-powered C 220 d – currently the best-selling C-Class engine – uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an output of 200 hp and 440 Nm. The ISG produces an additional 20 hp and 200 Nm. It can deliver between 58.9 and 61.4 mpg (56.5-60.1 mpg) and emits between 120 and 127 g/km (124-131 g/km).
The top-of-the-range C 300 d has a 3.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine which can generate 265 hp and 550 Nm, with an additional 20 hp and 200 Nm from the ISG. The C 300 d can deliver between 53.3 and 55.4 mpg (52.3-54.3 mpg), and emits 133-139 g/km (136-143 g/km) of CO2.
Every C-Class engine is mated to a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission.
Starting from £38,785, the Sport model line – on C 200 and C 220 d only – includes the latest generation MBUX media system, including a high-resolution 11.9-inch central media display; 12.3-inch digital driver display; ‘Hey Mercedes’ virtual assistant; 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels; Agility Control comfort suspension; LED high performance headlights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist; Active Lane Keeping Assist; Active Blind Spot Assist; Parking package with reversing camera; heated front seats and wireless smartphone charging.
For another £1,380, AMG Line models add 18-inch AMG 5-spoke design, alloy wheels; privacy glass; AMG bodystyling; multifunction sports steering wheel finished in nappa leather and visible twin exhaust pipes.
In addition to the above, the Premium equipment line features 19-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels; Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus; Digital Light; ambient lighting; illuminated door sills; KEYLESS GO comfort access, Memory package, including electrically adjustable front seats, steering column and exterior mirrors; MBUX augmented reality for navigation and Parking package with 360° camera. Premium models are available for an additional £2,750 over AMG Line.
Starting from £46,700, Premium Plus adds 19-inch AMG five-double-spoke alloy wheels; panoramic sliding sunroof; head-up display; and Thermotronic four-zone automatic climate control.
On Premium Plus models only, Driving Assistance Package Plus is also available for £1,695 with the very latest driving assistance systems including Active Distance Assist Distronic; Active Steering Assist; Traffic Sign Assist; Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Evasive Steering Assist; Active Brake Assist with cross traffic function; Active Emergency Stop Assist; and Active Blind Spot Assist.
Estate models are also available with an optional tow bar for £750.
