VELAR - For those that know is a name so well known within Range ROver circles, now it is a brand name.

• A new addition to the Range Rover family, filling the white space between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport
• Land Rover reaffirms its position as the world’s leading SUV brand
• From a bloodline like no other, Velar name is derived from the original Range Rover prototypes of 1969
• World premiere on 1 March 2017

The luxury SUV was created in 1970 when Land Rover launched the original Range Rover. Almost half a century later that spirit of innovation continues with the introduction of the fourth member of the Range Rover family, to be unveiled on 1 March 2017.

Elegant simplicity, a visually reductive approach and pioneering consumer technology are the hallmarks of the new Range Rover Velar. 

Land Rover Chief Design Officer, Gerry McGovern, said: “We call the Velar the avant garde Range Rover.  It brings a new dimension of glamour, modernity and elegance to the brand. The Range Rover Velar changes everything.”

Refined for every occasion, for every terrain, Velar uses unique sustainable materials and advanced engineering to continue Land Rover’s drive to go Above and Beyond.

The origin of the Velar name (pronounced vel-ar) dates back to the first Range Rover prototypes of the Sixties: the pioneers of the luxury SUV landscape.

When development engineers needed to hide the true identity of the 26 pre-production Range Rovers, they chose the name Velar, derived from the Latin velare meaning to veil or cover.

BMW Group see's a huge jump in sales for the first month of teh year worldwide.

• 163,288 vehicles delivered worldwide, up 6.8%
• BMW sales up 7.2%, totalling 143,553
• MINI sales grow 3.7% to 19,563
• BMW electrified models double sales in January
• Sales growth achieved in all world regions

Following on from a sixth consecutive record-breaking year, sales at the BMW Group achieved their best-ever start to the year with January figures showing increased deliveries in all world regions. 

With its three premium brands, BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group delivered a total of 163,288 vehicles worldwide, an increase of 6.8% compared with January last year.

“We’ve started the year well, building on the success of 2016,” said Dr Ian Robertson, Member of the BMW AG Board of Management with responsibility for Sales and Marketing BMW. 

“We’re confident that the new models we’re bringing to market this year, especially the new generation BMW 5 Series which is about to arrive in dealerships, will ensure further momentum as the year goes on. We continue to focus on profitability and sustainable levels of growth distributed around the world,” he added.

Sales of BMW brand vehicles grew 7.2% compared with January last year; a total of 143,553 BMWs were delivered to customers around the world. Increased sales were achieved throughout the model range. 

For example, deliveries of the BMW X1 rose 40.2% (20,059); BMW 3 Series sales grew 6.3% (28,684) and the brand’s flagship BMW 7 Series achieved a 29.8% jump in sales, with 4,403 units handed over to customers around the world. 

Further momentum in BMW brand sales will come with the market launch of the all-new BMW 5 Series, which will start delivery from mid-February.

Meanwhile sales of BMW Group electrified vehicles continue to reflect the ongoing increase in customer demand for alternative drive vehicles: deliveries were up 115.8% on the same month last year with 5,232 BMW i and BMW iPerformance vehicles handed over to customers in January. 

Sales of electrified BMW Group models are set to increase still further in 2017 with the introduction of the BMW 530e iPerformance in March and the MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 plug-in hybrid in June.

MINI also achieved increased sales in January: with a total of 19,563 delivered to customers around the world, sales were up 3.7% compared with the same month last year. The MINI Cabrio (1,517 / +690.1%) and the MINI Clubman (3,693 / +60.5%) were the brand’s main growth drivers. With the market launch of the MINI Countryman being rolled out from February, sales at MINI are set for continuing growth in 2017.

Following record sales of more than a million vehicles in 2016, January deliveries of BMW and MINI in Europe were up 3.5% (63,915). While almost all markets registered growth, the BMW Group’s home market, Germany, saw registrations increase 17.2% (20,034). Sales in the UK, the region’s second largest market, grew 4.9% (9,921) and deliveries in France rose by 5.4% (5,556).

Sales of BMW and MINI vehicles in Asia achieved double-digit growth with 66,719 vehicles delivered to customers (+12.1%). Sales in the region’s largest market, Mainland China, topped the 50,000 mark for the first time in a single month, with deliveries totalling 51,345, an increase of 18.2%.

Overall BMW and MINI sales in the Americas were stable with a 1.0% increase compared to the same month last year (26,940). In the USA, a total of 21,219 vehicles were delivered to customers (-0.5%) while Canada grew sales by 2.5% (2,337).

BMW Motorrad also had a good start to the year with a total of 7,503 motorcycles and maxi-scooters delivered to customers, an increase of 0.2% on the same month last year.

BMW Group sales in January 2017 at a glance

	In January 2016	Compared with previous year
BMW Group Automotive	163,288	+6.8%
BMW	143,553	+7.2%
MINI	19,563	+3.7%
BMW Motorrad	7,503	+0.2%

Hexagon Classics offers a rare Ferrari at it's next auction, the 1975 365 GT4 BB.

• Leading London classic car retailer Hexagon is pleased to offer for sale one of the ultimate ‘Berlinetta Boxer’ Ferraris
• Beautiful 1975 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB is one of just 58 cars ever brought to the UK and is also considered the lightest and purest of the breed
• The subject of an extensive and sympathetic restoration, it is presented in Rosso Chiaro paintwork with Nero leather
• Right-hand-drive car has covered 43,570 miles from new and comes with full Ferrari Classiche certification
• For more information, please visit http://hexagonclassics.com/

Hexagon Classics is delighted to offer for sale one of the most revered ‘Berlinetta Boxer’ Ferraris – an immaculate 365 GT4 BB, one of just 58 cars brought to the UK.

Launched at the 1971 Turin Auto Show, the range-topping 365 GT4 BB was Ferrari’s first road-going model with a mid-mounted flat-12 cylinder engine, a layout inspired by Ferrari’s three-litre F1 cars. 

Gaining the nickname ‘Boxer’ because of its opposing piston design, the 4,390 cc engine produced 380hp and featured four Weber twin-choke carburettors. Released in late 1973 a total of 387 cars were built until the

512 BB replacement arrived in 1976.

The 365 GT4 BB is regarded as the original and purest of all the Berlinetta Boxer models. It features eye-catching styling treatments such as triple rear lights and 'pea-shooter'-style exhaust pipes, marking it out from the later 512 BB models, which remained in production until 1984.

Together with its relatively short production run and the fact it was much lighter than 512 BB-badged cars, the 365 GT4 BB is regarded as the most valuable and sought-after of the entire Boxer family, making it a must-have in any Ferrari enthusiast’s car collection.

Originally supplied new in 1975 through Maranello Concessionaires, Surrey, chassis number 18153 is perhaps one of the finest Boxers currently on sale anywhere in the world.

It has benefitted from an extensive yet sympathetic restoration with works carried out by a leading Ferrari marque specialist and no limitations placed on cost. The entire interior is original and very well preserved.

Presented in Rosso Chiaro paintwork with Nero leather and having covered 43,570 miles from new, this 365 GT4 BB also comes with full Ferrari Classiche certification, two sets of keys, all original handbooks, original cased tool kit and a very extensive sheaf of service invoices and receipts.

Hexagon Classics Chairman Paul Michaels said: “The 365 GT4 BB is rightly regarded as one of the ultimate boxer-engined Ferraris. It’s the supercar that kick-started a long Maranello love affair with the flat 12-cylinder engine, which continued through the years with the 512 BB, 512 BBi, Testarossa, 512TR and finally the 512MM.

“The purest of them all, the 365 GT4 BB deserves a place in any classic car enthusiast’s collection and the example we are privileged to have on sale right now is outstanding. It has been treated to one of the most extensive, money-no-object restorations I’ve ever seen – but the work has not come at the expense of originality, with an interior that exhibits the most wonderful patina.

“Opportunities to own a car like this don’t come up very often, particularly not a rare right-hand-drive car of which only 58 came to the UK. Move quick is all I will say – this won’t hang around long.”

This Ferrari 365 GT4 BB is available to view now at Hexagon Classics’ flagship showroom in north London.

- ENDS -

Sam Hardy, Influence Associates

Tel: +44 (0) 2072 879 610

Mob: +44 (0) 7815 863 968

Email: samh@influenceassociates.com

Notes to editors:

Hexagon

Hexagon has had one careful owner for over 50 years. Paul Michaels, Hexagon Chairman, started the business in 1963. From a small mews in north London, Hexagon quickly built a reputation for being passionate about road and racing cars.

It became the official dealer of some of the most prestigious brands in the world, including Porsche, Alfa Romeo, Lotus and Reliant, not to mention London’s leading BMW dealer for over 45 years.

During that time, Hexagon also committed to car racing. It began racing D-Type Jaguars, Formula 5000 and during its most adventurous period, entered into F1 in 1973/74, with John Watson driving a Brabham BT44 to its best finish of 4^th in Austria and picking up six points for the season.

Racing, with a particular emphasis on history, remains a passion, evidenced by the purchase of a 1987 Porsche 962, raced twice at Le Mans finishing 4^TH and 8^th respectively. But as the classic market continues to prosper and diversify into the more modern classic models, Paul and his team – lead by Jonathan Franklin – is harnessing its experience to bring the very best the market has to offer.

Its unrivalled contacts and reach across the world means that if the car you want is not in stock, it will know where and who to go to get it. And no car is offered to customers until a full and detailed inspection is undertaken.

Hexagon Classics focuses all types of classic car.

From the rarest and most collectable marques in the world to collectable air-cooled Porsches. Hexagon Classics usually has over 40 Porsche models in stock at any one time. From the 356, through to the best of the 911s – the 930, 964, 993, 996, and the 997. And extending to one of Paul’s personal favourites and one he believes is under-rated, the 928 GT.

Given that Porsche was one of the marques Hexagon sold new, it’s entirely possible that one day the same car will re-enter stock as a classic.

Hexagon’s partnership with Lotus marks a return to new cars, but with the Lotus’ heritage steeped in racing and some iconic road-going models, it’s a move that fits in with the ethos of the brand.

Geneva is lucky enough to debut the new Audi RS3 Sportback quattro, Thee Storming car !

Even more powerful and well connected five-door RS regains its place in the range alongside the recently launched RS 3 Saloon

• 400 PS five-cylinder engine delivers a concentrated dose of driving pleasure
• Wider track and pronounced sills are hallmarks of the RS design
• World premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show
• UK ordering possible from the summer, first deliveries later in 2017

The RS 3 Sportback - the original entry point to Audi RS ownership - has taken a back seat recently to allow the new RS 3 Saloon its share of the limelight, but at next month’s Geneva Motor Show the muscle-bound five-door will make its comeback emboldened by the latest 400PS five-cylinder TFSI engine and a raft of design and connectivity upgrades. 

Following its world public debut in Switzerland on Tuesday March 7 the Audi compact segment spearhead will become available to order in the UK in the summer and will touch down here towards the end of the year.

“The Audi RS 3 Sportback offers our customers an attractive introduction to the RS world,” said Stephan Winkelmann, CEO of Audi Sport GmbH. 

“Since 2011 the sporty compact model has proved itself extremely successful on the market. And with the new five-cylinder engine, the Audi RS 3 Sportback is at the head of its class and continuing that strong track record.”

From 0 to 62mph in 4.1 seconds

Behind the impressive performance of the Audi RS 3 Sportback is the world’s most powerful production five-cylinder engine – the 2.5 TFSI. It delivers 400PS – 33PS more than its predecessor – and is 26 kilograms (57.3 lb) lighter thanks to its aluminium crankcase, among other features. 

Its maximum torque of 480 Nm (354.0 lb-ft) is available from just 1,700 rpm and remains at the driver’s disposal right through to 5,850 rpm.

This wide tract of torque facilitates an exhilarating 4.1-second 0-62mph sprint time, the effect of which is heightened by the five-cylinder unit’s unmistakably full-bodied and characterful sound. 

Top speed is limited to 155mph, but if the optional dynamic package plus is specified a de-restriction to 174mph is among the extra features it brings.

For better mixture preparation, the new 2.5 TFSI engine employs dual injection into the intake manifold and into the combustion chambers. On the exhaust side, the Audi valvelift system controls the duration of valve opening depending on the throttle and engine speed – for moderate fuel consumption at low and partial load as well as optimal throttle response and a high level of tractive power at full load. 

In the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) test the RS 3 Sportback returns 34.0mpg – a creditable figure considering its performance capabilities which equates to 189 grams of CO₂ per kilometre.

quattro drive with variable distribution of power

The proven channels for the mighty engine’s output are the S tronic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive based on an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch which distributes the drive torque variably between the axles. 

The share it allocates to the rear axle automatically varies depending on speed and cornering forces, but its bias can also be influenced by the driver using the standard Audi drive select system, which can also influence the response of the steering, transmission, engine management, adjustable exhaust flaps and optional RS sport suspension with adaptive damper control. 

It offers three modes - comfort, auto and dynamic. Cornering attitude is also further enhanced by the Electronic Stabilisation Control (ESC) with wheel-selective torque control and the sport mode specially tuned for the RS.

Wider track and sporty suspension setup

With its standard progressive steering and sophisticated multi-link suspension with wider front track positioning the stocky body 25mm lower than the A3, the RS 3 Sportback is set up to deliver compelling grip and adjustability with extraordinary poise. 19-inch alloy wheels framing 310-millimetre brake discs front and rear are factory fitted, and as an alternative customers will be able to choose carbon-fibre ceramic front discs.

Distinctive RS design

Externally, the flared front arches that evocatively link the RS 3 Sportback with its Eighties quattro coupé forebears continue to lend just the right air of power and purpose to the latest car, while subtle styling revisions based on the recent updates made across the A3 range also lift its look. The Singleframe grille with its gloss black honeycomb mesh and the large air inlets and angular sill trims which flank it are now also complemented by a redesigned blade in the bumper which serves to make the car appear even more broad-shouldered. At its ends it forms narrow, upright funnels. LED headlights with their distinctive lighting signature are standard, and matrix LED headlights are available from the options list. At the rear an elongated RS roof edge spoiler, a diffuser insert and the RS exhaust system’s large oval tailpipes add further emphasis to the high performance hatchback’s foursquare stance.

Lap timer, boost pressure indicator and special RS screen

In the equally focused cabin the two circular instrument dials with their black faces, white scales and red needles sit either side of a driver information system that includes a boost pressure indicator, an oil thermometer and a lap timer. In the latest car this configuration can now be replaced by the fully digital Audi virtual cockpit which is newly available. A special RS screen shifts the tachometer to the centre, displaying on either side the readings for torque, g‑forces and tyre pressure. When the S tronic transmission is operating in manual mode, a scale with a colour background prompts the driver to use the steering wheel paddle or selector lever to upshift when approaching maximum rpm.

Sport seats with RS seatback emblems in black fine Nappa leather are standard, and for even greater support RS sport seats with more contoured profiles and integrated head restraints for the driver and front passenger are available as options. The RS sport leather steering wheel is flat-bottomed and features buttons for operating the infotainment system. The main control element is the rotary/push-button control on the console of the centre tunnel. A touchpad can be integrated in its surface, enabling the driver to scroll, zoom and enter text. Also included is a free text search feature that automatically completes the user’s input after just a few letters have been entered. The voice control can process user questions and commands formulated in everyday language.

Online with Audi connect

When it comes to infotainment, the RS 3 Sportback is even more versatile than before. The Audi Smartphone Interface is now standard, enabling users to access selected apps on their handsets from the car’s onboard monitor via Apple Car Play and Android Auto, and an LTE module brings the Audi connect services on board, including navigation with Google Earth and Google Street View, as well as information on fuel prices, weather, travel and traffic. The Audi MMI connect app lets users transfer their smartphone calendars into the MMI system. Drivers can also send destinations from Google Maps and special destinations to the navigation system, and also stream music from the internet. In addition, the navigation system includes a Wi-Fi hotspot that enables passengers to connect their mobile devices to the internet. 

Other highlights include the Audi phone box for wireless connection to the car’s onboard antenna and inductive charging of handsets equipped to the QI standard, the Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 705 watts of power, and many driver assistance systems. In slow-moving traffic up to 40mph, for example, the traffic jam assist keeps the car at a safe distance from the vehicle in front and can briefly take over the steering. Also new in the Audi RS 3 Sportback are the emergency assist, which automatically stops the car if required, and cross traffic assist rear. The latter system looks out for crossing vehicles when the driver is pulling out of a parking space.

Market launch and prices

Orders for the RS 3 Sportback and the RS 3 Saloon will be accepted in the UK from the summer, and UK pricing for both variants will be confirmed closer to that point.