Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.

Friday 16 May 2014

Nissan to launch new C-Segament car and give it the classic PULSAR nameplate.

  • Innovative new family car to be named Pulsar
  • Nissan re-enters the core C-segment and builds on the success of Qashqai
  • On sale across Europe from autumn 2014
Nissan is to return to the C-segment with an all-new model called Pulsar. Set to be revealed on 20th May, 2014, the spacious five-door hatchback has been designed to meet the specific demands of European car buyers and will be built at Nissan's Barcelona, Spain, factory.
The Pulsar will re-establish Nissan's strong link with the C-segment - the second largest sector in the European car market. Designed with the same high quality, high innovation approach that has come to typify Nissan models, the new Pulsar will go on sale from autumn 2014.  


The Pulsar name enjoys a rich history in Nissan's product timeline, having first appeared in 1978. Widely used for models in Asian and Australasian markets over the course of the last four decades, the Pulsar badge also appeared in certain European markets in the early 1990s on the N14 model. 

Bentley ready to return to UK racing.

  • M-Sport Bentley set for Blancpain Endurance race at Silverstone
  • Team targets another strong finish after learnings from opening round
  • First Works-associated Bentley racing in the UK for over 80 years
M-Sport Bentley creates another piece of racing history next weekend as the team prepares to return factory-affiliated Bentleys to a British racetrack for the first time in over 80 years. Looking to build on the strong finish and learnings from the opening round of the Blancpain Endurance Series at Monza in April, M-Sport Bentley will field two Continental GT3s driven by the six modern-day Bentley Boys at the Silverstone circuit.
With practice sessions on Saturday 24th May, and qualifying and the three-hour race following on Sunday 25th, the Silverstone round marks the return of Bentley Motorsport to the British Isles since the RAC Tourist Trophy race at Ards near Belfast on 23rd August 1930. In a race won by the legendary Tazio Nuvolari, the highest-placed Bentley finished 11th. Bentley’s Director of Motorsport, Brian Gush, is hoping for a better result at Silverstone:  
“The team has come a long way since the first race. As a new team, we learnt a great deal over the race weekend at Monza and we’ve had time to work on every area for improvement. We’re expecting the Continental GT3 to be well-suited to the long, fast corners of Silverstone so I’m hopeful of another strong finish in the points.”


Bentley Boy Duncan Tappy, who shares the #8 Continental GT3 with Jérôme D’Ambrosio and Antoine Leclerc, comments:
“We’re definitely looking to improve on our 7th place finish from Monza. The team has worked incredibly hard on every detail of our race operation to give us the best chance of success, and I can’t wait to take the car racing in our home country. We’re expecting a good crowd, and particularly a large turnout from the Bentley factory in Crewe. It’s a real honour to be one of the drivers bringing Bentley back to racing in the UK again.”
The sister #7 Continental GT3 will once again be piloted by the all-British team of Guy Smith, Steven Kane and Andy Meyrick. They finished one place behind #8 at Monza, and the team is hoping to raise the bar at their home track. Andy Meyrick comments:
“The Silverstone race weekend is set to be really exciting for us as a team. If the car is fast here, it’ll give us real confidence for the rest of the season. Racing in the UK in any car is always fantastic – to do it in a Bentley makes it incredibly special. We really want to give the British fans something to cheer about.”
M-Sport Bentley’s progress over the weekend can be followed at @BentleyComms, where live updates will be posted from the track, while Motors TV will provide live television coverage.

Guess what, GM orders yet another recall for dodgy auto brake.....

General Motors is recalling 140,067 Chevrolet Malibus from the 2014 model year for a problem with the electronic brake control module that can increase the risk of crashes.
The recall covers models with a 2.5-liter engine and a stop/start system, which is the base powertrain.
The cars are prone to having their brake vacuum assist and hydraulic boost assist disabled, in which case "increased brake-pedal effort and stopping distance will be required, increasing the risk of a crash," GM said in a recall bulletin it sent to U.S. Chevy dealers this week. 
A GM spokesman said that GM “will have a recall statement on Thursday” but would not comment further. 
Meanwhile, GM has hired a law firm to review how information about defective ignition switches in its cars reached board members, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing a person close to the board.
Board members were not apprised of the matter, in which small cars stalled due to faulty switches, and called for a review to ensure vehicle safety issues are brought to their attention quicker, the newspaper reported. The board appointed New York law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz to conduct the review, the Journal said.
Neither GM nor Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz were available for comment.
Accelerated reviews
The latest recall campaign brings GM’s recall count this year to at least 20, covering about 8.5 million U.S. vehicles, although that figure counts some vehicles more than once because they are being called back to fix multiple potential safety defects.
The spate of recalls comes as GM accelerates its review of potential safety problems in the wake of its recall in February of 2.6 million vehicles to correct faulty ignition switches that the company has linked to 35 crashes and 13 deaths.
GM is the subject of at least four federal investigations and is conducting its own probe into the company's handling of the defective switch, which was used in small cars from model years 2004 to 2011 before GM finally recalled the cars in February.
Pickups targeted
On Wednesday, the National Legal and Policy Center, a nonprofit advocacy group, posted a letter on its Web site written to GM CEO Mary Barra requesting that the company recall some 6 million pickups and SUVs from the 1999-2003 model years for brake line corrosion.
The group said that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has received 890 complaints about corrosive brake lines in the vehicles, involving 13 crashes and two injuries. NHTSA has been investigating the problem since March 2011, the agency's Web site shows. 

Barra has vowed to prevent future lapses by "redoubling" GM's safety focus.
Last month, GM said it had boosted its team of product investigators to 55, up from 20 previously. The investigators analyze reports of crashes, customer complaints, lawsuits and other data relayed to the company that could indicate a safety problem.
That team reports to Jeff Boyer, who was appointed in March to a newly created post of global safety chief. GM also has created a system internally that encourages employees to speak up if they see a potential safety problem.

BMW May move some MINI production to Mexico, Remember what BMW did to Rover !

BMW Group may build Minis alongside BMW 3-series and 1-series cars at a new plant in Mexico, a German newspaper reported.
BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer has said that the company will need an additional factory in North America to meet rising demand but so far the company has not said whether it favors Mexico or the United States for the plant. The automaker also has not said which vehicles it would build at a new factory.
Handelsblatt said BMW executives favour Mexico for the factory and the company is considering building Minis and its smallest BMW brand vehicles there because these are lower margin vehicles and building them locally would boost profits.

 
A decision on the plant will be made by the BMW supervisory board in the second half, the paper said in a report published Wednesday, citing company sources.
A BMW spokesman declined to comment, telling Automotive News Europe that the report was "mere speculation."
BMW is keen to boost output in North America to save costs associated with importing smaller, lower-margin models under a strong euro.
The company is raising annual capacity at its plant in Spartanburg, S.C., by 50 percent to 450,000 vehicles as it adds a large SUV called the X7.
A plant in Mexico would raise North America production capacity to 600,000 vehicles, Handelsblattsaid.
BMW currently builds Minis in Oxford, England, but the plant has reached its capacity of about 260,000 units per year. The company is adding additional Mini production in the Netherlands.
David Jolley

Mazda increases presence in Europe with continued launches of new product.

  • Unconventional automaker hikes new car sales by almost 30 per cent in April
  • Mazda posts double-digit increases in most countries, raising market share
Mazda maintained a brisk pace of growth in passenger car sales in April. On the strength of its convention-defying new model generation, the Japanese carmaker sold 13,201 cars in Europe last month, an increase of 29.2 per cent versus April 2013. Year-on-year growth for the first four months of 2014 stood at 27.6 per cent, enabling Mazda to extend its European market share to 1.4 per cent, up from 1.2 per cent last year*. The figures made Mazda Europe’s fastest-growing volume automaking group last month as well as so far this year.
 
Boosted above all by the now completed pan-European rollout of the all-new Mazda3 compact and unyielding popularity of the Mazda CX-5, the company easily outpaced the Europe’s recovering passenger car market, which expanded by 4.2 per cent in April and 7.1 per cent for the year-to-date.
Featuring the company’s revolutionary SKYACTIV Technology and stunning KODO – Soul of Motion designs, Mazda’s award-winning new model generation epitomises the sustainable turnaround of the company following the global economic crisis and the end of Mazda’s partnership with Ford. The company has adopted a truly unconventional approach to designing and manufacturing uncompromising cars that are exceptionally fun to drive, frugal and surprisingly affordable while offering some of the best resale values and lowest ownership costs in the industry.
“This momentum is sustainable because it is built on excellent products, and I can tell you that we have a lot more of those on the way in the next couple of years,” says Mazda Motor Europe COO Philip Waring. “With growing production capacity around the world, we’re also in a position to contend with such ever-increasing demand. The strategy we’ve chosen at Mazda is certainly proving to be a winner, as the recognition of growing numbers of customers confirms.”

Jaguar XF still winning awards six years after launch.

  • Jaguar XF wins best Large Executive Car at Honestjohn.co.uk awards
  • Honestjohn.co.uk awards are the only motoring awards decided on by which model receives most interest from readers
  • XFR one of just eight cars honoured with Five-Star Accolade in Autocar road tests
The Jaguar XF has won not one but two awards this week, with nods from both Autocar and Honestjohn.co.uk. 
The XFR was one of just eight cars currently on sale to win a coveted Five-Star Accolade in the famously demanding Autocar road test. While the standard XF won Large Executive Car honours at the Honestjohn.co.uk awards – for the third year in a row.  

 
The Honestjohn.co.uk awards are unique in the motoring world in that the winners aren’t picked by a panel of judges, they’re selected by which model in each category received the most page views from readers over the previous year.
In other words, the winners are the cars that attract the most attention from the site’s visitors, of which there are 1.6 million every month.
Honestjohn.co.uk editor Dan Harrison said: "The British-built Jaguar XF competes in a tough market and is up against several of the German manufacturers, but Honestjohn.co.uk users clearly love the style and class of the Jaguar, with it coming top in the Large Executive category. We're also fans of the XF due to its luxurious interior and immense refinement, so it's no surprise to see it winning this award for the third year running.”
And, as well as proving to be a huge hit with car fans on Honestjohn.co.uk, the XF has also wowed critics with its performance – especially in XFR form. 
Only a handful of cars manage to escape the Autocar road test team’s ruthless scrutiny with a full five-star rating in tact – making it one of the most sought-after plaudits in the car industry. And the XFR was one of the lucky few in 2014. 
The Autocar team said: “Jaguar’s XF redefined the company’s range.  The XFR super-saloon redefined its sense of fun.”

Thursday 15 May 2014

Host of stars take part in 2014 Mille Miglia for Jaguar Heritage Racing.

  • Jaguar Heritage Racing gets ready for the off with Martin Brundle and Bruno Senna leading the charge in a ‘Long Nose’ D-type 
  • Famous 1956 car was the penultimate example built and is the only D-type taking part in the Italian event  
  • Jaguar Heritage Racing is fielding ten 1950s models in the 2014 Mille Miglia, including XKs and C-types
  • Top racers plus household names from stage and screen as well as fashion, motor sport and music celebrities driving with Jaguar Heritage Racing
With the flag about to drop on the 2014 Mille Miglia, Jaguar Heritage Racing is revving up for 1,000 miles of high-speed driving through Italy – led by Martin Brundle and Bruno Senna, who are piloting a genuine piece of Coventry history.
Ex-Jaguar Le Mans and World Sports Prototype Championship winner, Formula 1 driver and SKY F1 TV pundit Brundle along with ex-Formula 1 racer Bruno Senna are sharing the famous ‘Long Nose’ Jaguar D-type.  
Martin Brundle commented: “As some people know, I’m a fan and owner of the E-type – but this D-type is phenomenal car. I can only imagine how brave my racing driver predecessors were to pilot it at 190mph-plus down the Mulsanne Straight. 



“Bruno and I will make sure we do this legendary British racing car justice. We have discussed our strategy for the Mille Miglia and feel quietly confident. We haven’t raced together before but we share a huge amount of enthusiasm for this amazing rally.”

Bruno Senna added: “The D-type is one of the most beautiful racing cars ever made – and it’s a real privilege to drive it on the Mille Miglia in its 60th anniversary year.


“This ‘Long Nose’ car has such an incredible history, you can feel that from every detail, from the competition-worn aero windscreen to the seats and of course that remarkable tail fin. Martin and I won’t be holding back. We’re heading the Jaguar Heritage Racing charge and will do so in style.”

The penultimate example built, the D-type carries the registration 393 RW and is a true racing thoroughbred. Produced in March 1956 for the works team, it won the Reims 12-hour race, driven by Duncan Hamilton and Ivor Bueb then went on to finish sixth in the Le Mans 24 Hours.


Such is its originality, 393 RW carries the same wraparound aero windscreen, passenger seat, door and famous integrated tailfin as it did when it competed in 1956. After retiring from European competition, the car even had an extended career on American shores too, finishing third in the 1957 Sebring 12-hour race.
With D-type production beginning in 1954, the sight of this legendary Jaguar model in this year’s Mille Miglia is a fitting way to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2014.
Jaguar Heritage Racing will be tackling the legendary Mille Miglia classic car endurance event from 15-18 May with a line-up of top-name drivers, which will be traversed over 1,000 grueling miles from Brescia-Rome-Brescia in ten of the most revered and sought-after historic Jaguar cars ever produced. As with all of the Jaguar Heritage Racing cars competing in the Mille Miglia, support will come from classic car technical experts, JD Classics.
A number of new Jaguar F-TYPE Coupés will support the Jaguar Heritage Racing team, following the full Mille Miglia route through Italy with broadcast crews and VIP guests.
The drivers making up the Jaguar Heritage Racing team will be tweeting live throughout the event, which was famously once proclaimed as: ‘The most beautiful race in the world’.

Live updates will be available through Jaguar official social media channels, as well as Twitter profiles of drivers using hashtag: #JaguarMille
Twitter profiles to watch for the latest personal updates on the event include:
Jaguar Heritage Racing DriverTwitter profile name
Jay Leno@LenosGarage               
Martin Brundle@MBrundleF1                 
Bruno Senna@BSenna                        
Jodie Kidd@RealJodieKidd             
David Blakeley@daveblakeley               
Milow@milow                            
Elliot Gleave (Example)@example
Erin Gleave@Erin_McNaught            
Brian Johnson@BrianJohnson      
In addition Jaguar will be publishing live updates from 14-18 May at: www.facebook.com/Jaguar andwww.twitter.com/jaguar

Jay Leno joins Ian Callum for 2014 Mille Miglia

  • Jaguar Design Director will partner US TV chat show host in unique 1951 XK 120 roadster
  • Ex-Sir James Scott-Douglas race-winning car features full Ecurie Ecosse period livery and is only surviving example
  • Jaguar Heritage Racing to field ten 1950s models in the 2014 Mille Miglia including XKs, C-types and one D-type
  • Top racers plus household names from stage and screen as well as fashion, motor sport and music celebrities will drive
This year’s Mille Miglia is packed full of famous cars and equally famous drivers – but when it comes to prodigious competition histories paired with A-list names, the combination of Jaguar Heritage Racing’s 1951 Ecurie Ecosse XK 120 roadster with Jay Leno and Ian Callum is hard to beat.
US TV chat show host, Jaguar collector and classic car enthusiast, Jay Leno, and Jaguar Design Director, Ian Callum, are legends of the automotive industry – and at the Mille Miglia this year their presence is complemented by that of the 1951 XK 120 Ecurie Ecosse roadster.

 

One of the most valuable and important XK 120s in the world, ‘LXO 126’ is the only surviving example of three original cars built to launch the Scottish racing team in 1952. A race winner in its period, it is most famously associated with raffish Anglo-Scottish aristocrat Sir James Scott-Douglas.
Scott-Douglas competed in a number of endurance races across Europe with Ecurie Ecosse and even went on to keep ‘LXO 126’ as a road car in 1953. In the same year, the car returned to the race track at the infamous Nurburgring; Ecurie Ecosse mechanics hastily converting it back into a competition car when one of the team’s C-type’s met with an accident.
Since then the car has been the subject of a meticulous restoration. Resplendent in the classic Flag Metallic Blue of the Ecurie Ecosse racing team, it was recently sold by Bonhams Auctions for £707,100 at the end of 2013 and has been loaned to Jaguar Heritage Racing for the Mille Miglia.
It won’t be the only Ecurie Ecosse car in Italy for this event – the Ecurie Ecosse C-type and D-type the original Ecurie Ecosse racing transporter will also be present at the start of the Mille Miglia in Brescia. 
Ian Callum, Jaguar Design Director, said: “As a Scotsman, Ecurie Ecosse is incredibly close to my heart – so the chance to drive this incredible XK 120 through Italy is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Factor in a co-driver who’s almost as much of a Jaguar man as me – and there’s no doubt I’m going to love every minute!”
Jay Leno commented: “I’m fortunate to have an XK 120 in my garage – not to mention a few other incredible cars from Coventry - but this Ecurie Ecosse XK 120 is one of the most beautiful Jaguars ever built. I absolutely adore it. It’s a real honour to be asked to drive it on the Mille Miglia and to be able to revel in its history with someone like Ian is a true privilege.”
Jaguar Heritage Racing will be tackling the legendary Mille Miglia classic car endurance event from 15-18 May with a line-up of top-name drivers, which will be traversed over 1,000 gruelling miles from Brescia-Rome-Brescia in ten of the most revered and sought-after historic Jaguar cars ever produced.
Live updates will be available from 15-18 May through Jaguar official social media channels (www.facebook.com/Jaguar and www.twitter.com/jaguar), as well as Twitter profiles of drivers using hashtag: #JaguarMille

The Audi A3 clubsport quattro concept - YES PLEASE !

S3 Saloon-based concept car features a blistering 2.5 TFSI five-cylinder engine producing a colossal 525 PS and 600Nm
  • Board Member for Development Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg: “Extreme power and dynamics in compact format”
  • 2.5 TFSI engine developing 525 PS and 600Nm – 0-62 mph in 3.6 seconds, 192 mph top speed, 1,527 kg
  • Wörthersee Meeting in Reifnitz, Germany from May 28–31
The Audi S3 Saloon surrenders to the Wörthersee treatment this month, swapping its already potent 300PS output for a mighty 525PS and metamorphosing into the A3 clubsport quattro concept for the annual meeting of fans of the Volkswagen Group brands in Reifnitz, Germany (May 28-31).
Adding 600Nm of torque to the mix courtesy of a 2.5-litre, five-cylinder TFSI engine which replaces the S3 Saloon’s four-cylinder TFSI, the A3 clubsport quattro concept will be the Audi star of a show that will also include the 420PS Audi TT quattro sport concept and a host of other Audi models.  


“The Audi A3 clubsport quattro concept shows our car and tuning fans at the Wörthersee just how much sporty potential there is in the A3 family and in our top‑of‑the‑line engines such as the 2.5 TFSI. We have pushed the limits in every respect with this show car: power, dynamics, sound, design,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development.
The powerful five‑cylinder TFSI engine is already available in the first ever SUV to wear the renowned RS badge – the RS Q3. The turbocharged engine with direct injection boasts an impressive CV - since 2010, it has been voted “International Engine of the Year” in its category four times in succession.
192mph potential
In the show car, the 2,480 cc five‑cylinder unit has a specific output of 211 PS per litre, and combined with a kerb weight of 1,527kg the power-to-weight ratio of the concept stands at an impressive 343.8PS per ton. The 600 Nm (442.5 lb‑ft) torque peak is available between 2,300 and 6,000 rpm, pushing the A3 clubsport quattro concept from 0 to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds on the way to a top speed of 192 mph. Extensive modifications make this extreme performance possible. These include a large turbocharger with up to 1.5 bar of relative boost pressure and a modified intercooler.
The basic concept behind the five‑cylinder already makes it a special engine. The 1-2-4-5-3 ignition sequence gives it its own unique rhythm, which in the A3 clubsport quattro concept is reinforced by an intake and exhaust system designed for maximum throughput. The characteristic sound of this TFSI engine is a throaty snarl. In addition to its distinctive sound and technology, the 2.5 TFSI also looks stunning set beneath its carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) bonnet.

 

The Audi A3 clubsport quattro concept features a seven‑speed S tronic transmission with a compact three‑shaft layout. Its tall seventh gear reduces fuel consumption, and the final gear ratio has been modified accordingly. The driver can allow the dual‑clutch transmission to work fully automatically in modes D and S or choose to change gears manually using the paddles on the steering wheel or the shift lever. A launch control function manages starts with maximum power and controlled wheel slip.
The heart of the quattro all‑wheel drive system is a hydraulically activated, multi‑plate clutch on the rear axle that has been specially designed for the high torque of the powerful five‑cylinder. Like the engine management system, its electronic controller is integrated into the Audi drive select driving dynamics system for the best configurable dynamics in any situation required by the driver.
The clutch can direct a portion of the torque from the front to the rear axle if the driver turns sharply into a corner. Its advanced chassis enables the Audi A3 clubsport quattro concept to deliver its tremendous power to the tarmac with impressive control and composure.
Aluminium components in the front MacPherson suspension reduce the weight of the unsprung masses. The four‑link rear suspension can process the longitudinal and transverse forces separately. The steering rack of the progressive steering system is designed so that the steering ratio becomes more direct with increasing steering input. In addition, steering boost decreases as speed increases.
Adjustable suspension
Compared to the production Audi S3 Saloon, the body has been lowered by 10 mm and spring and damper settings have been adjusted to suit the increased performance. All three parameters can be adjusted via the struts of the coilover suspension so that the show car can be perfectly adapted to the task at hand, be it on the road or the race track.
The Audi A3 clubsport quattro concept rides on 9.5 J x 21 wheels shod with size 275/25 R21 tyres. The internally vented front brake discs measure 370 mm in diameter. All four discs are made of carbon fibre‑ceramic, making them extremely lightweight and abrasion-resistant.  


The ESC electronic stabilisation control, which can be partially or completely deactivated, supports the show car's responsive handling with lightning-fast reactions. At the cornering limit, torque vectoring via brief applications of the brakes of the inside wheels ensures that the Audi A3 clubsport quattro concept turns easily into the corner. It enables maximum mid-corner adjustability, with the front axle straightening the show car out again as it exits the corner.
The Audi A3 clubsport quattro concept is based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB). This enables a low centre of gravity and a finely balanced distribution of axle loads, which is a prerequisite for the car's handling ability. Hot‑shaped steel components in the floor of the passenger cell form a strong structure. The extreme strength of the steel allows for thin walls and thus very low weights.
The spectacular appearance of the Magnetic Blue body immediately conveys the dynamic potential of the Audi A3 clubsport quattro concept. The Singleframe grille up front is framed in matt aluminium. A quattro badge adorns the grille's high-gloss black honeycomb insert, which has been optimised for high flow. The bonnet, whose front edge extends slightly over the grille and the LED headlights, sports the four rings.
A distinctive element at the front of the show car is the continuous blade of exposed CFRP below the Singleframe grille. Like the winglets on a model aeroplane, its ends are bent upward to structure the large air inlets framed in massive edges. As with a racing car, a splitter at the bottom of the front skirt increases the downforce on the front axle.
The side view of the saloon has also gained some sharp accents. Two straight edges above the wheels that end in the doors frame the wing and the rear sidewall. The “blisters” give the body broad shoulders while also evoking the classic quattro models from Audi and the current RS 4 Avant. The round fuel cover in the C‑pillars and the more compact side mirrors are further typical Audi sports car elements. The side sill trims are made entirely of CFRP (carbon fibre-reinforced polymer).
At the rear, a large diffuser that extends upwards in the middle makes a bold statement. Three fins divide its high-gloss black honeycomb insert; two additional grilles joined by a blade conceal the tailpipes of the exhaust system.
Air brake boosts stopping power
When the driver of the Audi A3 clubsport quattro concept applies the brakes at high speed, the air brake is activated. Electronically actuated, the rear segment of the boot raises from its standard spoiler setting to a near-vertical position in the blink of an eye. At 155mph, the air brake reduces the stopping distance by around twelve metres, in part because the ESC can allocate more braking power to the rear axle thanks to the increased downforce.
The cabin of the Audi A3 clubsport quattro concept seats four comfortably. Racing seats with high side bolsters await the driver and front passenger. The backrests are open-worked below the integrated head restraints and CFRP shells cover the backs – a visual expression of Audi's lightweight construction concept.
Black faces, red needles and white numbers define the look of the instrument cluster. A shift light in the rev counter indicates when the rev limit of 6,900 rpm is reached, and the seven‑inch monitor of the MMI navigation plus system displays a special graphic when the engine is started. Two large, separate buttons on the three‑spoke, multifunction sport steering wheel are used to start and stop the engine as well as to choose Audi drive select modes.
Black is the dominant colour in the show car's interior. The upholstery features light grey piping and contrast stitching in Sepang Blue. The headlining and the pillars are covered in black Alcantara, and the decorative inlays are brushed aluminium.
Fine details emphasise the performance potential of the Audi A3 clubsport quattro concept. The footrest and pedals are made of stainless steel; two open-worked bars form the handles for the door openers. The selector lever of the seven‑speed S tronic transmission sports a red ring, a CFRP badge and a clubsport logo. The show car’s name can also be found on the instrument cluster and on the door sill trims.
This year's motto at the Wörthersee meeting is “Audi Sport,” and the Audi stand has been transformed into the Audi Pit Lane. In keeping with this, the A3 clubsport quattro concept is joined by a familiar sports car from the line of show cars and ten additional high-performance models from various vehicle classes.

Special Britain only Bentley to celebrate 95th Anniversary.

  • 15 unique ‘Mulsanne 95’ models celebrate company’s 95th anniversary
  • British-inspired materials and design showcase the very best of Bentley’s craftsmanship
  • Elegant blend of contemporary and heritage bespoke features
  • Exclusively reserved for customers in the UK
Bentley is marking its 95th anniversary in the UK by unveiling the ‘Mulsanne 95’, a striking special edition of the company’s luxurious flagship model. Only 15 examples will be hand crafted by Bentley’s Mulliner division in Crewe and all are reserved for customers in the United Kingdom. Their British-inspired colours, as well as a unique wood veneer and range of design cues, all emphasise the exclusive nature of the Mulsanne.


Three bespoke exterior colours; Britannia Blue, Empire Red and Oxford White – created especially for this limited run of cars and then hand-finished at Bentley’s own paintshop – have been conceived for the Mulsanne 95 with each option reflecting Bentley’s proud British roots.
The classic red, white and blue colour palette is complemented by some eye-catching exterior design touches unique to Mulsanne 95, with a dark tint finish given to the iconic Flying B bonnet mascot and the striking 21-inch five-spoke wheels.
The cabin of the Mulsanne 95 showcases Bentley’s ability to skilfully blend contemporary features with the luxurious wood veneers and leather hides for which the company is renowned.
Illuminated treadplates featuring a bespoke ‘NINETY FIVE’ script and union flag detail turn the simple act of opening the door into an occasion.  A distinctive ‘95’ emblem has been embroidered onto the front and rear seats as well as featuring on the passenger fascia panel.
 

Bentley’s passion for uncovering beautiful and sustainable wood veneers that bring character and great decorative taste throughout a cabin means the company has a team of experts searching around the globe for new designs. For this distinctly British model, however, the team found inspiration closer to home.
The Mulsanne 95 features a particularly rare and noteworthy wood veneer selected by Bentley from a huge walnut tree – estimated to be between 300 and 400 years old – which came down at Fulbeck Hall in Lincolnshire during a heavy storm in 2007. The Fulbeck Walnut veneer features in the signature ‘ring of wood’ that encompasses the entire interior, and its complex pattern displays a rare rippled effect which sweeps through the cabin.  This unique veneer is complemented by a blue and white two-tone leather split with red contrast stitching to elegantly continue the British theme.
The 15 Mulsanne 95 models are available for customer order now through Bentley’s network of 22 UK sales locations.

New Yamaha Majesty 'S' more fun in the city.

Yamaha offers a wide choice of urban scooters that combine style, fun and convenience. With its modern design, lively performance and masculine appeal, the new Majesty S joins the high wheel Xenter and the more feminine retro-style D'elight to complete the Yamaha 125cc urban scooter
segment.

Yamaha's urban scooters are specifically designed to enhance the daily commuting experience by offering Japanese quality, advanced design and class-leading reliability with an affordable price. As well as the added satisfaction that comes with owning a premium brand, Yamaha customers
can also be assured of a first class spares, service and warranty back up from our comprehensive European dealer network that is on hand to offer friendly and professional advice.

The Majesty name is and has been a mainstay of the Yamaha scooter line for a number of years, with over 150.000 units sold for the 125 to 180cc versions. During this time it has come to represent convenience and affordability, and for 2014 the new Majesty S is ready had to this strong reputation an extra fun factor to attract a new generation of urban commuters.
 

The New Majesty S

To complete its urban scooter segment, Yamaha now introduces the Majesty S, a compact and affordable new 125cc scooter that offers an attractive combination of value, practicality and ease of use. Aimed at the discerning urban commuter who is looking for economy and convenience together with style and reliability, the new Majesty S gives cost-conscious customers the chance to own a quality scooter at an affordable price. The lively 125cc liquid-cooled engine and agile chassis make light work of urban and suburban commuting - with the well-known dynamic
performance that Yamaha can deliver. The new Majesty S thus brings extra spice to the 125cc scooter category.

MAJESTY S DESIGN FEATURES

Comfortable and compact

Yamaha's design team have paid particular attention to the ergonomics on the new Majesty S, and we have succeeded in creating a compact and manoeuvrable 125cc scooter that delivers very good levels of comfort together with high quality features.

One of the main chassis aspects sure to be appreciated by commuters is the large, flat footboard area and stepped dual seat that give a natural and relaxed riding position, and also allow for easy leg access to the ground - making the Majesty S ideally suited to the typical 'stop-start'
nature of urban riding. An automatic seat opening device gives quick access to the storage compartment, and passenger comfort is assured thanks to the fold out footrests as well as the plush stepped dual seat and grab bars.

Plenty of onboard storage space

A number of spacious storage compartments underline the Majesty S's focus on day-to-day practicality. Under the stepped dual seat there's space for a single full-face helmet plus other small items, and in front of the rider there's a large inner box that can easily accommodate a 500cc
drink bottle. Up front there is also a convenience hook that is designed to carry small bags, and Yamaha offer a number of optional top cases for those owners who wish to carry larger loads.

LED lights and modern instruments

To give the Majesty S a sleek new look that matches its lively character, the new model is equipped with an LED position lamp. Inspired by our Yamaha 'MAX' scooter family, the new LED taillight accentuates this 125cc scooter's dynamic character. Completing the package are newly designed instruments featuring a comprehensive 3-gauge design that displays a range of clear and useful information via the analog tachometer, tripmeter and digital speedometer.

 

KEY DESIGN FEATURES

  • Stylish, functional and affordable new 125cc urban scooter
  • Compact, practical and dynamic new bodywork
  • Natural and ergonomic riding position
  • Spacious flat footboard area
  • Easy access to the ground
  • LED position lamp and LED tail light
  • Stylish 3 gauge instrument panel
  • Underseat storage for one full-face helmet plus other small items
  • Front storage compartment and convenience hook
MAJESTY S TECHNICAL FEATURES

Powerful 125cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke engine Powering the Majesty S is a refined version of the highly regarded 125cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke SOHC 4-valve design that was originally developed for the Xenter. This engine is built to deliver punchy and responsive acceleration away from a standing start, and keep the rider one step ahead of the traffic.

A highly efficient fuel injection system makes this one of the most economical ways to commute, and for a smooth and relaxing ride the engine is equipped with a single shaft balancer and a stepless, lowmaintenance CVT transmission.

Monoshock rear suspension

The Majesty S also benefits from a new monoshock rear suspension system that uses a horizontal single shock absorber that gives smooth and stable roadholding. This monoshock rear suspension helps to give a more centralized mass for increased handling agility, while its progressive linkage ensures responsive and comfortable rear suspension characteristics over a wide range of riding conditions.

Large diameter wave discs

The affordable new Majesty S is equipped with a number of features usually found on more expensive models, underlining the great value for money offered by this new scooter. The large diameter 267mm front wave disc and opposed piston caliper give plenty of strong braking power, and there's also a large diameter 245mm rear wave disc brake for smooth and controlled braking.

Lightweight 13-inch wheels

To complement this urban scooter's attractive looks and high quality design, the Majesty S is equipped with 13-inch diameter alloy wheels. Featuring a stylish 5-spoke layout, these lightweight wheels keep the unsprung weight low and help to ensure smooth and responsive suspension characteristics for a comfortable and confident riding experience.

KEY TECHNICAL FEATURES

  • Responsive and economical 125cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke engine
  • (8,8 kW @ 7,500rpm)
  • Horizontal rear shock absorber with progressive characteristics
  • Side-mounted radiator
  • 13-inch front and rear 5-spoke alloy wheels
  • Large diameter front (267mm) and rear (245mm) wave disc brakes
  • Good high-speed stability on the highway combined with easy
  • manoeuvrability in the city
Colour Options

SW (Silky White)
MT1 (Mat Titan)
SMX (Midnight Black)