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 17 February 2017

Timewarp MGB GT with just 1,500 miles on the clock to go up for auction.

  • 1980 MG B GT in original, preserved and unrestored condition for auction with CCA
  • More than 30 years in dry storage and just 1,500 recorded miles
  • Offered at an estimate of £12,000 to £15,000 at the Practical Classics Classic Car and Restoration Show
A 1980 MG B GT in time-warp condition with an incredibly low mileage will be offered by Classic Car Auctions (CCA) in its biggest sale ever on 1st and 2nd April at the NEC, Birmingham.
Presented in spectacular, original condition, the right-hand drive manual MG B GT was first registered on 17th September 1980, the very last year of production, and will be offered at auction at an estimate of £12,000 to £15,000.

Quite remarkably, this amazing MG B GT has had just one registered owner from new who has preserved the car to appear as it did the day he purchased it. Not only has the car barely been touched, it has hardly been driven with just 1,500 miles recorded since leaving the British Leyland dealership in September 1980.
The car has spent over 30 years in dry storage, remaining almost untouched other than to be treated with rustproofing to be serviced in April 1982. It was made ready for the road in December 2014, and shortly after enjoyed its first ever MoT with 1,348 miles showing.
Today the car presents beautifully in its original Brooklands Green paintwork with the rare orange and brown 'Deckchair' trim, as well as the chrome works, glass, headlining, dashboard and carpets all retained in very good condition.
“This is a genuine, preserved, unrestored example of a much-loved and enjoyable, classic British sports car,” explains Nigel Gough, classic car specialist, CCA. “Rarely do we see a car of this age with such a low mileage, and the owner has clearly kept the car this way intentionally to create what we call a time-warp example of the model, which is highly collectible.”
Included in the sale is original documentation including the initial bill of sale, an invoice for ‘Protectol' rustproofing service costing £112.00 and the original service book with one entry on 26th April 1982 indicating a mileage at that point of 984.
“This near 37 year old car is something special. It's a little piece of late summer in 1980,” concludes Nigel.

2016 saw the Volkswagen Touran take the number one spot throughout Europe as best selling MPV.

  • Touran developed in 2016 into No. 1 in all MPV classes
  • Handles stop-and-go traffic automatically with new ACC
Volkswagen's Touran is, for the first time, Europe’s most successful MPV. According to renowned market research company IHS Automotive, the Touran took top spot on the European Continent as the best-selling MPV with a total of more than 112,000 new registrations in 2016. 
The latest generation of the all-rounder, with its innovative driver assistance and infotainment systems, is sold in more than 40 countries worldwide. 
Thanks to the fold-flat seating (with up to seven seats and 834 litres of boot space) the Touran ranks as one of the most versatile multi- purpose vehicles of any class.

Volkswagen recently updated one of the Touran's most important driver assistance systems: the ACC (including Front Assist surroundings monitoring and City Emergency Brake function). 
The adaptive cruise control now covers the speed range from 30 to 210 km/h (previously 30 to 160 km/h). Combined with a dual clutch gearbox (DSG), this spectrum widens from 0 to 210 km/h. 
With ACC and DSG, the Touran now moves through stop-and-go traffic almost automatically, as – within the system limits – it slows to a stop and pulls away again autonomously. 
The specialist family vehicle’s further highlights include technologies such as the 3-zone-Climatronic system (high air quality thanks to an active biogenic filter) and the Car-Net Cam Connect camera system – where a GoPro® camera removes the need for parents to turn around by showing a picture of children in the back on the infotainment system’s monitor.

Already the most capable production vehicle in the world, Jeep® Wrangler is about to deliver even more capability.

  • Increased 4x4 capability and protection from the most rugged terrain, courtesy of a front axle upgrade, enhanced off-road rock rails and heavy-duty cast differential covers
  • New 17-inch Low Gloss Granite Crystal-painted aluminum wheels, optional body color fender flares and unique red interior accents
  • Available in Jeep® showrooms later this month
Already the most capable production vehicle in the world, Jeep® Wrangler is about to deliver even more capability – specifically more protection from the most severe, rugged off-road terrain – with the addition of the new Wrangler Rubicon Recon. Improved off-road prowess is a result of a stronger front axle, enhanced rock rails and heavy-duty cast differential covers.
“With an array of beefed up off-road components, the new Rubicon Recon provides even more legendary Jeep Wrangler capability,” said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global. “With unmatched capability and a unique appearance, Rubicon Recon is the perfect Wrangler for our most loyal, diehard off-road enthusiasts who love to tackle the most demanding trails.”

 
The new 2017 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition arrives in showrooms later this month at a U.S. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $39,145 for the two-door model and $42,945 for the Wrangler Unlimited (four-door) model.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition

Based on the Wrangler Rubicon model, the Rubicon Recon Edition ups the off-road ante with a front axle upgrade that features strengthened tubes and heavy-duty end forgings, heavy-duty cast front and rear differential covers and enhanced off-road rock rails that are shortened to accommodate up to 35-inch tires. 

It is equipped with Wrangler’s part-time four-wheel-drive system that has electronic-locking front and rear Dana 44 axles with power being sent to each through a Rock-Trac transfer case with a “4-Low” ratio of 4:1. A 4.10 front and rear axle ratio is standard as are Tru-Lok locking differentials. 

With a six-speed manual transmission, the Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition has an impressive crawl ratio of 73.1:1 that makes climbing obstacles easy.  
Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition is offered in seven colors:  Black, Bright White, Billet Silver, Firecracker Red, Gobi, Rhino and Granite Crystal.
Wrangler Rubicon Recon Edition has many different features that make it distinctive, including a half-inch lift, new 17-inch Low Gloss Granite Crystal-painted aluminum wheels wrapped in 32-inch BF Goodrich KM off-road tires, optional body-color fender flares and a dual-vented Power Dome hood with a black-silhouette “Rubicon” decal on both sides.    
A Low Gloss Black grille with Low Gloss Granite Crystal inserts and headlamp rings, Low Gloss Black off-road bumpers and Jeep badge with a red base give the Wrangler Rubicon Recon a toughened exterior look. The steel front bumper features a winch-capable design and removable end caps that help the Wrangler Rubicon Recon climb obstacles without any issues and reduce damage on the trail. 

Red tow hooks in front and back also provide the Rubicon Recon with added protection and help separate it from the rest of the Wrangler lineup.
Inside, the Wrangler Rubicon Recon comes standard with an eight-speaker audio system, black leather heated seats with a “Rubicon” embroidered logo and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with red accent stitching. 

Black vinyl-wrapped front door armrest and console lid with black stitching, red accent netting on front and rear door pockets and the center console, and red accent-colored seatbelts help to distinguish the Rubicon Recon from the rest of the Wrangler lineup. A dashboard plaque displays information regarding the front and rear axles, front sway bar, transfer case and tires. 

A Premium Sunrider soft top is standard while a body-color hard top is also available.
A unique gauge cluster features exclusive styling and also features a premium Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with added read-outs, such as oil pressure, transmission and coolant temperatures, digital speed and individual tire pressure, which are helpful when out on the trail. 

The passenger grab handle features Midnight Star Black accents that are also found on the vent rings, steering wheel spokes and door pulls.
Final design touches include all-weather slush mats with a red accent “Jeep” logo and red accented axle locker and sway-bar disconnect switches. Jeep’s Connectivity Group, Power Convenience Group, Satellite Radio, remote starter and auto temperature control are also standard.

USA - Mitsubishi launches a new Limited Edition trim level of the Outlander Sport.

  • Top selling model for the brand gets new packaging
  • Limited Edition trim level offers updated styling and advanced technology for $21,995
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) will unveil a Limited Edition trim level for the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport at the Chicago Auto Show. Positioned directly above the ES base model, the Outlander Sport Limited Edition offers customers striking style and technology enhancements at an affordable price.

The Outlander Sport Limited Edition boasts bold new exterior aesthetics including an alloy fuel door, black painted door mirrors and 18" alloy wheels, fog lamps, HID headlamps, a rear view camera and a Limited Edition badge. While the Limited Edition trim is available in all Outlander Sport exterior colors, the interior receives a custom design with black fabric and red stitching on the steering wheel, shift knob and brake lever exclusive to the LE trim. Other interior features include aluminum pedals, heated front seats and a display audio system with Smartphone Link for Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™.
"As the brand sales leader, Outlander Sport does an exemplary job of offering consumers unmatched value at an attractive price," said Don Swearingen, executive vice president and chief operating officer, MMNA. "We've now taken that approach one step further by integrating additional standard equipment and technology into the Limited Edition at a price point that is unprecedented within the broader CUV segment."
The Outlander Sport Limited Edition will be in dealerships later this month for $21,995 and available through the end of the model year.

The New C-Aircross Concept from Citroen, the next chapter in updating the range.

Exactly one month ahead of the Geneva Motor Show, Citroën has revealed its C-Aircross Concept, which offers a new vision of the compact SUV. 
With its original design and strong identity, this new concept embodies Citroën's capacity to be different, whatever the segment. The unique design adds to the dynamic attitude of the SUV, thanks to the fluidity of its aerodynamic lines and a fresh new colour scheme. 
On-board, C-Aircross Concept reflects a new step for the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme, with a light and airy cabin, and technologies that makes life easier. 
With its World Premiere set for the Geneva Motor Show on 7 March, the C-Aircross Concept heralds Citroën's global offensive in the SUV sector.
Citroën has revealed a daring new concept car with a strong and colourful identity – C-Aircross Concept. This interpretation of a compact SUV marks a new stage for Citroën in the deployment of its product strategy. 
With the C-Aircross Concept’s internationally-oriented body style, the Citroën brand confirms its offensive in the SUV market – an offensive that began with the reveal of the Aircross Concept in 2015.  
The Citroën C-Aircross Concept’s unique identity is inspired by New C3, although clearly adapted for a new sector of the market:
  • DESIGN– The C-Aircross Concept marks its difference in the world of the SUV thanks to its strong, original and fresh design. Assertive in its appearance, the C-Aircross Concept boasts a unique balance between protection and the fluidity of its lines. The exterior immediately gives an impression of space on-board. Inside, the use of colour and specially chosen materials creates a modern and relaxed atmosphere, with an overall impression of minimalist style.
  • COMFORT– A modern SUV, the front doors – and the rear-hinged doors at the back – open to reveal a spacious cabin, ensuring complete peace-of-mind for all occupants. The concept offers wide, quilt-effect seats and plenty of light from its large windows and panoramic sunroof. Thanks to the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme, the concept’s technologies serve to enhance ease-of-use. For example: a colour head-up display, a single spoke steering wheel with intuitive controls, rear facing cameras and wireless induction charging for smartphones.
"The C-Aircross Concept demonstrates Citroën's pursuit of its international product offensive. Based on the state-of-mind of New C3, it illustrates a different vision for the compact SUV segment, full of confidence and boldness.  This concept also embodies the ambitions of the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme, making its interior space a source of well-being."  Linda Jackson, Citroën  CEO
01 – DESIGN: AN ASSERTIVE SUV
Confident and relaxed
Staunchly optimistic, the C-Aircross Concept boasts an assertive and singular personality in the world of the SUV. Its modern design offers the feeling of robustness and energy, along with an impressive, yet non-aggressive presence. The design is visually enhanced by the protective trim found on the lower parts of the body. The Citroën Style team has cleverly combined seamless, flowing lines with the features of an SUV, on a compact body (length: 4.15m, width: 1.74m, height: 1.63m).
Based on the style markers featured on New C3, the C-Aircross Concept contrasts smooth surfaces with bold graphic elements that are brought to life with splashes of colour. 
The blue body paint contrasts elegantly with Fluorescent Coral highlights, which bring out the fun side of this concept. The brightly coloured personalisation elements can be seen around the headlights, on the wheels, on the side guards and on the roof bars – which also incorporate LED lighting at the front.
In terms of posture, the C-Aircross Concept stands out with its short and raised bonnet, and its sturdy front end. Its assertive, reassuring lines and moulded panels further accentuate its strong identity. 
Always ready for adventure, the C-Aircross Concept is equipped with front and rear protection shields with a glossy black finish, and wheel arch extensions with a ‘stealthy’ camouflage design. 
To further emphasise its go-anywhere nature, this new concept is equipped with large wheels featuring a unique design that suggest a raised driving position and off-road capabilities.
In line with the exterior styling codes of New C3, C-Aircross Concept inherits the brand’s split level light signature at the front. The daytime running lights are integrated into the grille and are separated from the main lights, which sit below them. 
The rear is just as assertive in terms of style and comes complete with new 3D lights, each with three floating sections. These rear clusters share their graphic design with the decoration on the floating and backlit rear quarter windows. 
A key design characteristic, the rear quarter windows were conceived as aerodynamic features of the car and conceal the interior of the vehicle without preventing light from entering the cabin.
Aerodynamic efficiency is also enhanced with air inlets located in the front bumper, air outlets built into the side door guards, and a diffuser at the rear. Each surface has been designed to take air flow into account.
A sleek and stylish cabin
The C-Aircross Concept features ‘opposing opening doors’, including rear-hinged doors at the back for better accessibility, a design reminiscent of the Aircross and CXperience concepts.  
Citroën’s designers opted for an elevated one-piece dashboard, and for suspended and raised seats that complement the interior architecture – which is primarily horizontal in design for an impression of fluidity, modernity and space.
In addition to the single spoke steering wheel (a nod to the brand's heritage), the fabric-covered dashboard features a tinted ‘head-up display’, which is directly in the driver's field of vision. Information is displayed in colours that perfectly match the interior colour scheme of the vehicle. In the middle of the dashboard, a 12-inch touchscreen takes centre stage, displaying driving information and infotainment updates. 
The lower centre console extends from the front seats right through to the rear, and boasts a number of useful storage spaces.
Entirely designed in a combination of light grey and orange, the floating dashboard features a large storage compartment that stretches right across the car.
The Fluorescent Coral colour that dominates the floor and carpeting creates a welcoming tone-on-tone effect, and there are splashes of colour on the air vents and the seatbelt buckles too. This warm and colourful combination also features on the sofa-style seats, along with thick and soft-to-the touch fabric.
02 – COMFORT: A MODERN SUV
As with New C3, the C-Aircross Concept benefits from the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme. Designed as a cocoon and comfortable living space for its driver and passengers, the interior of the  C-Aircross Concept is equipped with a number of features that promote physical and mental well-being.
Seats are an invitation to travel
As soon as you enter the car, you experience a sense of well-being, both visually and physically. The C-Aircross Concept offers an immediate feeling of comfort, with four contoured, enveloping seats.
Both in the front and in the back, the wide and enticing seats are covered in a warm, embossed Alcantara with a quilt-effect. Inspired by the world of bedding, the seats adapt to the shape and size of each occupant, ensuring a relaxing on-board experience.
Numerous clever storage compartments
In the quest for everyday practicality and functionality, the cabin contains a large number of spacious and easily accessible storage spaces. 
Up front, the driver and passenger benefit from a storage area that runs right across the length of the dashboard. There are other clever spaces too, including large storage compartments in the doors and an area for storing bags out of sight under the centre console.
The designers have also added storage to the seat backs and seat side panels. Lastly, the centre console is equipped with a compartment dedicated to wireless induction charging for smartphones.
Rear passengers can even place their tablet computers on the backs of the front seats to watch a film.
Bathed in light
C-Aircross Concept has a large glazed area, including the innovative and stylish rear quarter windows that let light into the cabin. The large panoramic glazed roof also lets daylight into the vehicle.
These many sources of light reinforce the impression of space and well-being. They contribute directly to the everyday comfort of the vehicle's passengers, providing a true ‘Feel Good’ experience. 
Technologies dedicated to the on-board experience
On-board, the latest technologies are designed to enhance convenience. Useful, intuitive and in keeping with the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme, these technologies benefit all of the vehicle's occupants.
To aid the driver, the steering wheel controls are easy to use. Key driving information is displayed within the driver’s field of vision via ‘head-up vision’ and ‘high-tech rear vision’ functions. Two cameras take the place of traditional door mirrors. For an optimal view from the rear of the vehicle, a camera is integrated into the roof spoiler at the back of the car.
Ultra connected
The C-Aircross Concept is equipped with a smart and intuitive Human-Machine Interface. The driver and front passenger are able to control all of the main functions via the 12-inch central touchscreen.
The system also features Citroën Connect Nav, a 3D connected navigation system with voice recognition. Occupants can choose their own music or even choose to watch their favourite film. Depending on the on-board experience desired, an array of screen configurations are possible – 1/3 -2/3, 2/3 -1/3 or full screen. As such, the passengers can be as active during the journey as the driver.
In order to encourage information sharing and discussion on-board, the Citroën C-Aircross Concept gives passengers the opportunity to automatically synchronise all of their electronic devices via the Mirror Screen functionality. Mirror Screen connectivity is already available across the Citroën range.
The C-Aircross Concept also features ConnectedCAM Citroën™, the on-board HD camera that premiered as a world first on New Citroën C3.
The C-Aircross Concept also comes with a ‘Share with U’ app already installed. This new service enables those inside the car to share their media files (games, music and videos) with their travelling companions and to enjoy them on-board.
For true acoustic comfort, the front and rear headrests are equipped with built-in speakers and microphones, creating ‘sound experience’ audio bubbles. Now everyone can choose to communicate with the other passengers, or to keep to themselves.
Off-road capabilities
The SUV-style C-Aircross Concept is equipped for everyday urban journeys or mountain and coastal getaways. The car comes with a Grip Control dial built into the central console for a more versatile drive. This smart technology is designed with 5 operational modes:
  • STANDARD: This mode is for normal road conditions (main roads, motorways and urban roads)
  • SAND: This mode uses the two front wheels simultaneously to reduce the risk of getting stuck in sand or on soft ground
  • OFF-ROAD: This mode acts as a Limited-slip Differential and ensures optimum traction on slippery surfaces (mud, wet grass or dirt roads)
  • SNOW: This mode instantly adjusts the rotation of each of the driven wheels to the grip available on snow-covered surfaces
  • ESP OFF: This mode allows the driver to deactivate the ESP (active up to 50km/h or 31mph)
Visit the Citroën stand at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 March (press days) or from Thursday 9 to Sunday 19 March (public days), to see the Citroën C-Aircross Concept make its World Premiere.

WORLDWIDE SALES JANUARY - JLR - Jaguar has a massive increase in sales, whilst LR dips a little.

January% increase YOY
Jaguar Land Rover47,6934%
Jaguar13,94976%
Land Rover33,744(11%)
Strong sales across North America and China helped Jaguar Land Rover achieve its strongest global January sales to date, selling 47,693 vehicles, up 4% year-on-year. The month’s performance was driven by improved sales of the Land Rover Discovery Sport, the Range Rover Sport and the Jaguar F-PACE.
Jaguar Land Rover delivered solid retail sales growth across many of its key regions year-on-year: North America up 29%, China up 14% and the UK up 3%. Europe and other overseas markets were down for the month.
Andy Goss, Jaguar Land Rover Group Sales Operations Director said: “Impressive performances across North America and China have boosted our sales this month, helping us to achieve record January results. Collectively, these two key markets have achieved almost 23,000 sales.
Land Rover sales are set to strengthen in the coming months, as the all-new Discovery hits global dealerships.”
Jaguar recorded its best ever January, delivering 13,949 vehicles, up 76% on the previous year, reflecting continued success of the F-PACE and the XF.
Land Rover sold 33,744 vehicles in January, down 11% due to the run-out of the previous generation Discovery. The best-seller for the month was the Discovery Sport, retailing 10,454 vehicles, up 10% year-on-year.