USA - The 2016 Yukon SLT Premium Edition – a chrome-trimmed special version of the ever popular Full Sized SUV.

• Unique chrome accents, 22-inch wheels offer upscale style

GMC today announced the 2016 Yukon SLT Premium Edition – a chrome-trimmed special model offering a premium, personalized appearance on SLT models.

It goes on sale this summer, offered on Yukon and Yukon XL models. Features include:

• Unique design 22-inch chrome-wheels
• Unique design chrome grille
• Bright chrome body-side moldings
• Polished exhaust tip

“The new Yukon SLT Premium Edition adds distinction and personalized style to the already well-appointed Yukon SLT model,” said Stu Pierce, senior marketing manager, GMC Trucks & Full-size SUVs. 

“For discerning customers seeking uncompromising capability and unparalleled refinement in a full-size SUV, Yukon SLT Premium Edition delivers with the latest in technologies, amenities and a unique and premium style.”

Yukon and Yukon XL SLT models are powered by an advanced 5.3L V-8 engine that offers the segment’s best V-8 fuel economy: an EPA-estimated 23 highway mpg (2WD models).

Additional standard and available features on SLT models include:

• Fold-flat second- and third-row seats that enhance cargo capability and convenience, including an available power-folding feature
• Power rear liftgate with multiple programmable height settings and hands-free operation
• Wireless phone charging
• Standard 8-inch-diagonal color touch-screen radio with enhanced IntelliLink and available navigation
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone projection compatibility
• Keyless Open and Start
• 8,500-lb. max trailering for Yukon and 8,300-lb. max trailering for Yukon XL (2WD models)

The Yukon lineup also incorporates technologies that help protect the driver and passengers before, during and after a collision. They include a forward radar system and the segment’s only Front Center Air Bag (models with front bucket seats), which deploys from the inboard side of the driver’s seat and inflates between the driver and front passenger, providing added protection for both front occupants in side impacts.

Phone projection technology

Through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability, Yukon’s IntelliLink infotainment system provides simple and intuitive use of smartphones in the vehicle. It integrates certain phone functions onto the 8-inch-diagonal color touch screen, allowing you to call up music, navigation apps and more.

Using either application is simple. A “Projection” icon on the IntelliLink screen is visible when a phone is not connected and changes to indicate CarPlay or Android Auto when a compatible phone is connected through a USB. Android Auto requires a phone running the Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system or higher, while Apple CarPlay requires an iPhone 5 or later models.

OnStar 4G LTE and available Wi-Fi hotspot complement IntelliLink to enhance Yukon’s connectivity.

Fast Fact: Yukon and Yukon XL sales were up more than 11 percent for the first four months of 2016.

USA - Jaguar North America to unveil the new XE and F-Pace at customer events throughout the country.

• Jaguar continues momentum to target heart of luxury market with retailer debut of all-new Jaguar XE & F-PACE
• Thousands of consumers get first-look at Jaguar's latest vehicles

Today, Jaguar North America announced retailers throughout the country will be hosting exclusive customer events this spring to introduce the brand's latest compact sports sedan, the Jaguar XE & Jaguar's first ever compact SUV, the F-PACE. 

Attendees will be amongst the very first consumers to see Jaguar's latest five-model line-up, which has the capacity to reach a far wider range of potential luxury customers than ever before.

Events will be taking place through the month of May, with over 75 taking place May 23-31. 

Jaguar retailers will welcome the vehicles in grand style, with events that include social media contests for weekend vehicle loans, interactive bars and live music. Retailers, including Barrett Jaguar in San Antonio, Texas will be unleashing the cats at their event, as they send aerialists and body-painted Jaguar cats into the crowd to unveil the XE & F-PACE, while Jaguar Sacramento will be hosting an evening party at Mather Aviation for an impressive unveiling with music by DJ Louie, a San Francisco-based DJ.

Jaguar Main Line will be taking their event to the outdoors at the Devon Horse Show, which will feature a five-car Jaguar display, tickets to carnival rides and a raffle of an all-new Jaguar F-PACE, with all proceeds benefitting Bryn Mawr Hospital. 

Throughout the events, attendees and dealership personnel will be sharing images and information via social media using #NewGenJaguar.

"This is a major milestone for the Jaguar brand and we are excited to have our retailers showcase the expanded lineup of Jaguar models to a larger target audience during their New Generation of Jaguar events," said Chris Marchand, Vice President, Operations, Jaguar Land Rover North America. 

"Guests will be among the first to experience the XE and F-PACE and learn about our all-new ownership package with best in class coverage, Jaguar EliteCare¹."

For added piece of mind, all 2017 Jaguar models sold in the U.S. now come equipped with Jaguar EliteCare, a best-in-class ownership package¹ offering a new vehicle limited warranty with complimentary scheduled maintenance, roadside assistance and Jaguar InControl® Remote & Protect™ for five-years or 60,000 miles.

The competitively priced Jaguar XE and F-PACE add relevance for the Jaguar brand placing them in a strong position in the luxury segment. The 2017 Jaguar XE is currently available with an MSRP starting at $34,900², and the 2017 Jaguar F-PACE with an MSRP starting at $40,990². 

¹  Class is cars sold by luxury automobile brands and claim is based on total package of warranty, maintenance and other coverage programs. For complete details regarding Jaguar EliteCare coverage, please visit JAGUARUSA.COM, call 1.800.4.JAGUAR or visit your local Jaguar Retailer.

² All prices shown are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. Excludes $995 destination/handling charge, tax, title, license, and retailer fees, all due at signing, and optional equipment. Retailer price, terms and vehicle availability may vary. See your local authorized Jaguar Retailer for details.

USA RECALL - Ford and Lincoln issue a recall each for two separate issues.

Ford Motor Company is issuing one safety recall and one safety compliance recall in North America. Details are as follows:

Ford issues safety recall for certain 2013-2014 Ford F-150 vehicles in North America to replace their brake master cylinders.

Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 271,000 2013-2014 Ford F-150 vehicles to replace brake master cylinders. In some vehicles, it is possible brake effectiveness could be reduced due to brake fluid leaking from the brake master cylinder into the brake booster, increasing the risk of a crash. The brake fluid leak affects brakes to the front wheels only and does not affect rear wheel braking.

Ford is aware of allegations of nine accidents with no injuries, and one alleged injury involving interaction with the vehicle’s brakes but not associated with an accident.

Affected vehicles include certain 2013-2014 Ford F-150 vehicles equipped with 3.5-liter GTDI engines built at Dearborn Truck Plant, Aug. 1, 2013 through Aug. 22, 2014; and Kansas City Assembly Plant, Aug. 1, 2013 through Aug. 31, 2014. There are 270,873 vehicles affected including 225,012 in the United States and federalized territories, 43,682 in Canada and 402 in Mexico.

Dealers will replace the brake master cylinder at no cost to the customer. Additionally, dealers will replace the brake booster if they find leaks from the brake master cylinder.

Ford issues safety compliance recall for certain 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles to replace seatback trim cover for second-row seat

Ford is issuing a safety compliance recall for five 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles to replace the seatback trim cover for the left-side second-row seat and to install a tether cover bezel. In certain vehicles, the trim cover used for the second row was intended for the China market. As a result, the center tether anchor is covered by the trim cover.

Ford is not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with this issue.

Affected vehicles include five 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles built at Oakville Assembly, Sept. 24-25, 2015. All are located in the United States.

Dealers will inspect and replace the seatback trim cover for the left-side second-row seat and install a tether cover bezel at no cost to the customer.

Maserati GB officially unveiled the hotly anticipated Levante Sports Utility Vehicle to a star-studded crowd.

Maserati GB officially unveiled the hotly anticipated Levante SUV to a star-studded crowd at the renowned Royal Horticultural Halls tonight in London.

The event was hosted by TV and radio presenter Lisa Snowdon alongside Giulio Pastore, Maserati Europe’s General Manager and was attended by a host of celebrities and VIPs, including Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Alex James, Olivia Grant and Leigh-Anne Pinnock.

Celebrations began with the unveiling of the Levante to the audience with the party continuing afterwards with music from celebrity DJ duo, Amber Le Bon and Becky Tong.  Guests were also enthralled by the talented reportage artist Anna-Louise Felstead who painted a real-time canvas depicting the Maserati Levante with a London skyline backdrop in her signature style.

The Levante is the brand’s first luxury SUV, encompassing the design, performance and exclusivity central to all Maserati vehicles since the Italian marque’s inception in 1914.

The new Levante is the ideal complement to the existing Maserati range. Combined with the Quattroporte, Ghibli, GranTurismo and GranCabrio, the range now covers the entirety of the global luxury automotive market.

Giulio Pastore commented: “The launch of Levante tonight marks a truly significant moment for Maserati in the UK. With strong demand for luxury SUVs, we are now able to appeal to an even wider audience. 

“The best thing about Levante is that it’s a true and pure Maserati that has perfect on-road and off-road capabilities, offering owners the ultimate in terms of elegance, practicality and comfort of a luxury SUV yet retaining the marque’s performance DNA.” 

Featuring active air suspension as standard, which offers five varying ride heights, the Levante boasts the lowest centre of gravity in its class, a 3.0 litre V6 Turbo Diesel engine, and a luxury ride comfort synonymous with the Italian brand.

In the UK, the Levante Diesel will start at £54,335 OTR and can be upgraded to include either a Luxury or Sport pack at £60,285 OTR.  The Levante can also be equipped with the Luxury Pack Zegna Edition at £61,185 OTR, featuring bespoke Zegna Mulberry Silk. 

Pricing and specification for the All-New first Edition SEAT Ataca has been announced ahead of it's launch.

• Following successful online crowd sourcing data competition, with close to 13,000 entries, SEAT UK has confirmed pricing and specification for new Ateca First Edition
• Exclusivity guaranteed with only 200 Ateca First Edition models destined for UK
• Online “lifestyle configurator” highlighted most popular Brit specification choices as 18-inch bi-colour alloy wheels, satellite-navigation system with eight-inch touchscreen, Keyless Enter & Go (KESSY), electric tailgate with virtual pedal for opening and closing, rear parking sensors with rear-view camera, dark-tinted rear windows, black roof rails and window surrounds
• First Edition competitively priced at £21,995 (1.0 TSI) and £24,305 (1.6 TDI), with over £3,500 more equipment than SE upon which it is based, offers customer saving of £1,100
• Ateca First Edition available with two engines: 1.0 TSI 115PS and 1.6 TDI 115 PS
• Pre-orders for Ateca range, including new First Edition, being taken from 1^st June 2016, ahead of UK showroom launch on 9th September

Following the huge success of its latest UK marketing initiative to tap into the British psyche and discover the perfect recipe for a compact SUV, SEAT is now able to confirm pricing and specification for its new Ateca First Edition.

Created purely as a one-off launch trim level, exclusivity for the extremely well-specified and striking First Edition is assured, with just 200 examples destined for UK retail buyers.

SEAT has taken its time with its first-ever SUV, to create what it believes is the best car of its ilk to live with everyday. So, in an effort to match Ateca to the needs of British buyers as closely as possible, it ran an online ‘lifestyle configurator’ on its website, to seek crowd-sourced information upon which to base an ideal specification.

Smashing its internal forecasts and no doubt testament to the growing buzz surrounding Ateca, over the course of six weeks  close to 13,000 Brits took part in the competition, which included a top prize of an all-expenses paid family trip to Barcelona, SEAT’s home city.

Responding to a series of seven questions about their lifestyles and character, with 192 possible outcomes, the online system then generated an Ateca version to suit their specific needs. The most popular proved to be ‘Horizon Chaser’. Translating it into a UK production car has led to the following items of standard equipment being included: 18-inch bi-colour alloy wheels, satellite-navigation system with an eight-inch touchscreen, Keyless entry (KESSY), electric tailgate with virtual pedal, rear parking sensors with rear view camera, dark-tinted rear windows, black roof rails and window surrounds.

Slotting into the Ateca range above SE and below the flagship XCELLENCE, the high-spec new First Edition offers more than £3,500 of additional equipment over the former, saving customers over £1,100.   

The First Edition is available in two engines,1.0 TSI 115PS and 1.6 TDI 115 PS,  and is competitively priced at £21,995 and £24,305 respectively. It comes in a choice of three colours, Nevada White, Rodium Grey and Samoa Orange.

Priced from £17,990, the eagerly-awaited Ateca range will be available to pre-order from 1^st June 2016, ahead of official showroom launch on 9th September.

Renault Sport have unveiled a new concept car on the streets of Monaco’s famous Grand Prix circuit today.

• Concept car celebrates Renault Sport’s 40th anniversary and return to Formula 1
• Clio R.S. 16 grafts the Renault range’s highest-performing engine into a Renault Clio and features the colours of the 2016 R.S. 16 F1 single-seater
• Clio R.S. 16 to be unveiled at the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix
• Press Kit on Clio R.S. 16 available to download

Renault Sport have unveiled a new concept car on the streets of Monaco’s famous Grand Prix circuit today driven by Renault Sport Formula One Team’s Kevin Magnussen.  The Clio R.S.16 is the highest performance Renault Sport road-going vehicle ever and its reveal in 2016 celebrates both 40 years of Renault Sport and Renault’s return to Formula One as a constructor.

Developed in record time

“Our aim was to produce a concept car with genuinely outstanding performance credentials,” notes Patrice Ratti, Managing Director of Renault Sport Cars, leader of the project which particularly inspired the development team’s specialists. “On paper, producing a Clio R.S. powered by our most potent engine – namely the 275-horsepower two-litre power unit which delivers peak torque of 360Nm – was an extremely appealing idea, but we had to make sure it was feasible.”

Thanks to new working procedures involving teams from the worlds of motorsport and road cars, the development of the highest-performance road-going Renault Sport car ever took just five months from start to finish.

A variety of technical challenges

Finding the ideal way to house the engine, transmission and cooling system of the Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R was a significant challenge. The exhaust system was also revised as a function of the engine’s potential, while the suspension was engineered to match the car’s outstanding performance characteristics. Careful attention was paid to the sound produced by the car, too, and an Akrapovič twin exhaust system was selected.

Performance-led design

The design and development team dealt successfully with the constraints inherent in the Clio R.S. 16 project (body widened by 60mm, 19-inch wheels and optimisation of the engine cooling system) to produce an expressive, sporty stance. The result is enhanced by an LED R.S. VISION chequered-pattern lighting signature featuring exclusive multi-faceted reflector technology.

Renault Sport’s trademark Liquid Yellow has been combined with gloss black details to mirror the livery of Renault Sport Formula One Team’s R.S.16 F1 single-seaters.

After today’s first public airing in the streets of Monaco, the car’s next official appearance will be the Goodwood Festival of Speed on June 23-26.

AUTOCAR AWARDS - The Storming Ferrari 488 GTB takes the maximum 5 Star award at this year's ceremony.

• “The best chassis in the business meets the best turbocharged engine”

Ferrari’s Chief Test Driver, Raffaele de Simone, collected an award for the Ferrari 488 GTB from Autocar at Silverstone Circuit last night. 

The award was for the 488 GTB achieving Autocar’s maximum 5-Star rating in their comprehensive Road Test which includes an extensive evaluation of the car on road by the Autocar editorial team, as well as performance testing at MIRA in Northamptonshire. 

With a time of 1’8.0” around the MIRA handling circuit, the 488 GTB was 0.3 seconds quicker than the 458 Speciale around the same circuit. But the most notable aspects of the Award are the summary comments from the Autocar Editorial team:

“Ferrari’s greatest achievement with the 488 GTB is not simply how fast it goes. Nor is it how it has integrated turbochargers onto its mid-mounted V8 yet retained far more character than any other manufacturer has tried artificially aspirating its engines. 

Nor is it that it has given the 488 all the track poise and agility of the 458 Speciale which went before it.”

“No, the feat is how all of the above have been melded into what is undoubtedly today’s greatest supercar. “World-beating. Likely to be benchmarked and copied – much like the 458 Italia.”

Ferrari also collected the trophy for Britain’s Best Driver’s Car at the Autocar Award ceremony last night, an accolade which the 488 GTB won at Autocar’s traditional “Handling Day” test at Snetterton in October last year.

The 488 GTB is Ferrari’s first mid-engined turbocharged supercar since the Ferrari F40 and retains that car’s extreme driving performance and excitement, while maintaining unprecedented levels of usability and practicality. 

With the Ferrari Genuine Maintenance package that covers all major servicing costs for 7-years, the 488 GTB is a world-beating supercar that can be driven every day.