Jaguar announced as the lead technical partner for Guinness World Record attempt on ski's

• Jaguar announced as lead technical partner for Guinness World Record attempt in 2017
• British skiing champion and five time Olympian Graham Bell will attempt to reach speeds of over 160mph with a unique suit propelled by twin micro jets.
• Jaguar to provide expertise in aerodynamics, engineering and design
• High-speed training begins in the Alps skijoring with a Jaguar XE all-wheel drive [AWD]
•  Jaguar Land Rover engineering facilities key to project development
• Jaguar Land Rover cold weather testing facility in Arjeplog, Sweden will host the record attempt in 2017.
• The current World Record is held by Italian Simone Oregone who achieved 156mph skiing downhill.

Today, Jaguar and Olympic skier Graham Bell announced a technical partnership aimed at setting a Guinness World Record in 2017.

Graham, now TV presenter on successful British TV show ‘The Jump’, hopes to become the fastest man on skiis with the support of Jaguar Land Rover engineers, facilities and expertise in aerodynamics. 

Working with Jaguar to develop a unique ski suit and harness containing twin micro jets, Graham hopes to reach speeds of over 160mph – setting a new World Record. He has already begun training for the record by ski-joring behind a Jaguar XE AWD at over 100mph in the Austrian Alps.

Graham Bell said “I approached Jaguar to become my lead technical partner due to their experience in aerodynamics and love of all things involving speed.  As lead technical partner in the attempt, Jaguar will provide the aerodynamic expertise to develop the Iron-Man-style suit I need, as well as helping me acclimatize to speed and external forces using high performance vehicles including the Jaguar XE AWD - designed to provide maximum traction in adverse conditions including snow and ice.”

Ian Anderton, thermal and aerodynamics manager, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “As engineering challenges go it doesn’t get more unique than this, so the next few months are going to be very exciting.

“We kick-started the technical partnership by ski-joring with a Jaguar XE AWD to determine what factors should to be taken into consideration when designing his suit, such as wind, skiing position and chill – especially in minus conditions.

“In many ways, it’s very similar to the car design process, necessitating the perfect balance between aerodynamics, engineering and design for ultimate performance.”

The Jaguar XE has been optimised for ultimate aerodynamic efficiency and stability. It is the the only car in its class to use an aluminium-intensive body structure, making it the lightest, stiffest and most aerodynamic Jaguar yet.  The XE AWD enhances vehicle dynamics and provides greater traction in intense weather conditions, making it a true all-weather sports saloon. 

The record attempt will take place at Jaguar’s cold weather testing facility in Sweden in early 2017. Although there is no comparable record, the current World Downhill Speed Skiing World Record is currently held by Simone Oregone at 156mph.

The Porsche Macan GTS, a Thoroughbred Sports car in an SUV body, dont be fooled, this can be fast.

Increased performance, uprated chassis, distinctive style

The new Macan GTS distinguishes itself with a driving experience that surpasses even that for which the Porsche compact SUV has become renowned. A re-engineered chassis, 20 hp more power and uprated brakes are among the dynamic GTS attributes keen drivers will appreciate. Styling highlights featuring typical Porsche GTS motifs complete the distinctive road presence.

In terms of performance, the 360 hp petrol engine with 500 Nm of pulling power places the GTS between the Macan S and the Macan Turbo in the range line-up. The technical basis for this is the 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V6 of the Macan S, supplemented by the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) seven-speed transmission and Porsche Traction Management (PTM) with variable power distribution to all four wheels. A sports exhaust system gives an aural clue to the potency of the heart beating within.

A more sporting state of tune has been applied to the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which also offers a 15mm lowered ride height. The 20-inch diameter RS Spyder design alloy wheels finished in matt black paint complete the dynamic focus of the GTS. Incidentally, the wider tyres on the rear axle that are a unique feature of every Macan chassis, also provide a particularly purposeful stance to the new model.

Outstanding Porsche dynamic ability combined with characteristic day-to-day versatility are offered by the Macan GTS; 0-62 mph acceleration is possible in 5.2 secs, just 5.0 secs with the optional Sport Chrono package. Top speed is 160 mph. This is balanced by fuel economy of up to 31.4 mpg Combined and CO₂emissions of 212 g/km.

Inside, the athletic style continues with ‘GTS’ sport seats with Alcantara centre panels, and additional Alcantara interior trim. The new Porsche Communication Management with a touch-screen monitor, extended functionality and increased operating comfort first seen in the next generation 911 now celebrates its debut in the Macan. The range of connectivity and infotainment versatility can be extended further with key options, which includes satellite navigation. Together with the optional Connect Plus module, the multi-touch monitor offers online navigation with real-time traffic information and smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay®.

The Macan GTS can be recognised at first glance by exterior accents in black – in high gloss above the waistline and in a lustrous matt finish in the lower areas of the body. This is further complemented by a special version of the Sport Design styling package in GTS-specific colouring. For the first time, the Macan GTS is also available with LED headlights as an option which extend the range of illumination of the road under all conditions.

Together, these special qualities position the new Macan GTS as offering increased dynamic ability as well as further emphasising the traditional Porsche brand attributes. As a result, the GTS supports the claim that the Macan is the sports car in the compact SUV market segment.

The Macan GTS goes on sale in the UK and Ireland from 28 October, 2015, priced from £55,188 RRP.

Standard equipment on every Macan GTS includes Porsche Traction Management (PTM), seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) double-clutch transmission, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), sports exhaust, 20-inch diameter matt black finish alloy wheels, Sport Design exterior styling, sports seats with ‘GTS’ interior highlights, digital radio, front and rear ParkAssist, floor mats, multi-function steering wheel with gearshift paddles, electronic tailgate release, USB port, Bluetooth connection, and a three-year warranty and three year roadside assistance package.

Customers will also be able to explore the potential of their new Macan GTS, and further develop their own skills behind the wheel, by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone.

European Alfa Romeo 4C Spider to debut at 85th International Geneva Motor Show

• European Alfa Romeo 4C Spider to debut at Geneva Motor Show
• As with the Coupé its distinctive Spider styling is driven by the quest for light weight, simplicity and aesthetic purity
• No compromise in terms of performance and driving pleasure compared to the hardtop
• New features include covered xenon headlamps, upgraded audio system, new colour and interior finishes and optional dual-mode Akrapovič exhaust
• On sale in the UK in the summer priced from £59,500 OTR

The new Alfa Romeo 4C Spider will make its European debut alongside the latest Alfa Romeo 4C Coupé during the press preview day of the Geneva Motor Show on March 3 2015. The Coupé enjoys a number of significant changes for 2015, including more standard features and a wider range of options, but it’s the new Alfa Romeo 4C Spider that will undoubtedly dominate the limelight.

Sharing much of its exterior design with its award-winning sibling, the 4C Spider is most noticeably different when viewed from behind, where its pronounced buttresses and body-coloured engine cover, complete with three heat extractors and a subtle rear spoiler, are clearly visible. There are changes at the front, too, with new, covered, projector-style xenon headlamps as standard and rounding out the aesthetic appeal of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, a vibrant new Giallo (yellow) paint scheme also joins the colour palette.

Built around an ultra-lightweight carbon fibre monocoque, weighing just 107kg, minimal structural enhancements were required to transform Coupé into Spider. 

The main developments include a new aluminium rollover structure, which is nestled underneath the black “halo” (a carbon fibre halo is optional), a specially-developed carbon fibre windscreen frame and an engine compartment cross-member made from high-strength steel. 

Special attention has been paid to the aerodynamic characteristics of the Spider to ensure minimal wind and noise intrusion, while a removable and stowable cloth roof can be installed to protect occupants from the elements. 

An optional carbon fibre hardtop will also be available.

New performance features to debut on the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider include the optional Akrapovič titanium exhaust system which is mounted centrally, finished with carbon fibre bezels and offers switchable modes which can be selected depending on the driving environment and driver inclination. 

A new carbon-fibre air intake system, engineered to provide additional transmission cooling for track-focussed drivers, also joins the options list, while a number of all-new wheel designs debut on the 4C Spider too, either in 17/18-inch (front/rear) or 18/19-inch sizes and in silver or dark finishes.

Inside, a new audio system is now available with wide-ranging device connectivity including Bluetooth phone calling and music streaming. To further enhance the Spider’s cabin it can be trimmed in premium leather with accent stitching and carbon fibre vent surrounds to create a more luxurious ambience for the occupants. A traditional tan leather interior is also offered as an option for the first time.

Powered by the same, all-aluminium, 240hp, 258lb.-ft., 1750 TBi engine as the Coupé, performance is on a par with the hardtop model, with a top speed of 160 MPH and a 0-to-60 MPH time of less than 4.5-seconds, as well as the capability to generate the same 1.1g of lateral acceleration and 1.25g of braking deceleration as the Coupé.

The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider was designed by Alfa Romeo Centro Stile and will be produced at the Maserati plant in Modena, Italy, alongside the Alfa Romeo 4C Coupé, which also benefits from a number of features which were previously optional now being made standard, including the Alfa Hi-Fi sound system; luxury floor mats; Bi-LED headlamps with carbon fibre surrounds; an Alfa Romeo 4C car cover and Alfa Romeo car care kit, while parking sensors and cruise control are now free options. 

The covered, projector-style xenon headlamps and Giallo paint will also be made available as an option on new Coupés later in the year.

Due to the increased level of standard specification, prices for the new Coupé now start from £51,500 OTR while the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider will be priced from £59,500 OTR when order books open.

You'll want this, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Red Vapor, whats not to like.....

Plans to continue the success of the remarkable Jeep Grand Cherokee range of 4x4 vehicles have been announced, with details of a formidable new SRT version, the Red Vapor Limited Edition.

Designed to sit competitively in the sports performance sub-SUV segment of the hotly contested 4WD market, the new 6.4-litre V8-powered Grand Cherokee SRT Red Vapor will offer all the presence of Jeep SRT’s legendary muscular sports styling with breath-taking performance. Top speed is 160mph while 0-62mph takes just five seconds.

First shown at last October’s Paris Motor Show, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Red Vapor comes with an assertive and attractive sports appearance, and features a host of desirable equipment befitting of the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT badge. Unique exterior and interior styling cues enhance the car’s distinct, high-performance image and set it apart from other sporting SUVs.

As well as Quadra-Trac ‘Active on Demand’ four wheel drive, anti-lock SRT performance disc brakes and active damping suspension, the Red Vapor also offers premium sports styling in the form of body coloured door handles, black roof moulding, body coloured sill extensions and wheel flare extensions. 

Five-spoke 20-inch Goliath wheels and a specific Black Vapor black chrome finish enhance the exterior while the lower grille, inserts of the upper grille, SRT tailgate badge, side Grand Cherokee badges and bonnet Jeep badge are all glossy black.

The first limited edition of the current Grand Cherokee SRT, Red Vapor is not only available in Metallic Red (Redline). This exclusive car also comes in Bright White and Brilliant Black.

Inside, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear changer complement the exclusive Black Laguna leather and Radar Red suede seats with unique red stitching, luxury front and rear mats and chrome pedals. The SRT badge on Red Vapor’s steering wheel is backlit, and grey chrome replaces the shiny chrome seen on SRT.

The new Red Vapor is also equipped with the 8.4-inch Uconnect™ touchscreen display with integrated 3D navigation, advanced voice recognition, Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free technology.

Further standard features include cross-path detection, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, 825-watt Harman-Kardon audio system with 19 speakers and three sub-woofers, power tailgate, and rear light bar.

Powered by Jeep’s proven 461bhp, 6417cc, 16-valve, V8 engine, and connected to an eight-speed automatic gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddle controls, the car features Fuel Saver technology to cut fuel consumption and emissions. The engine’s sporty note is enhanced by the innovative Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), which uses the audio system to counter any low frequency engine noises.

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Red Vapor will cost £64,999 (OTR) when it goes on sale later this week. That represents one of the best performance and equipment levels against price, among the sports SUV sub-segment.

“Styled and targeted to the high performance SUV market and with an exceptional level of equipment on offer, the Grand Cherokee SRT Red Vapor is very attractively priced,” says Damien Dally, head of brand, Jeep UK.

“With its sporting look, powerful performance and excellent value for money, this limited edition of SRT will, I am sure, appeal to a whole new group of discerning customers.”