New flagship SUV celebrates ‘Shackleton’s Return’ the recent 30-day Antarctic expedition by Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Great Grandson.

• New flagship SUV celebrates ‘Shackleton’s Return’ the recent 30-day Antarctic expedition by Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Great Grandson, which was completed in a Hyundai Santa Fe
• Initially limited to 500 models, the Santa Fe Endurance will be based on the 7-seat Premium SE 2.2-litre diesel with Convenience Pack and automatic transmission and will feature 19-inch alloy wheels and ‘Endurance’ logos. The Endurance edition sits at the top of the range and will be priced at £38,995. Customers can order from 18 May 2017.
• The Expedition saw standard 2.2-litre diesel Hyundai Santa Fe with limited modifications traverse the Antarctic continent from Union Camp to McMurdo and back again driven by Patrick Bergel, great-grandson of Sir Ernest Shackleton

Hyundai Motor UK announces the launch of a highly-equipped SUV perfect for those who consider every drive an expedition – the Sante Fe Endurance Edition. 

Sitting at the top of Hyundai’s range, it celebrates a recent history-making drive by Patrick Bergel, the Great Grandson of legendary polar explorer, Sir Ernest Shackleton. 

In December 2016, Bergel completed a 30-day expedition in a near-standard 2.2-litre diesel Santa Fe, driving across Antarctica from Union Camp to McMurdo and back again, commemorating the centenary of Shackleton’s heroic Trans-Antarctic expedition of 1914-16.

This was the first time a passenger vehicle had ever traversed the Antarctic continent and the standard 2.2-litre Santa Fe used by Bergel featured only a handful of modifications to counter the tough Antarctic conditions, such as the fitment of large, low-pressure tyres, a 250-litre fuel tank and a pre-heater for the cold.

To commemorate this incredible achievement, Hyundai Motor UK will make just 500 Endurance Edition models available.

Each car is based on the 2.2 diesel 7 seat 4WD Automatic Sante Fe in Premium SE trim with Convenience Pack, which boasts Smart Electric Tailgate, Panoramic Sunroof, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Smart Cruise Control and Around View Monitor. In addition, the Santa Fe Endurance will also feature additional special equipment.

Customers can choose from five limited colours: solid Creamy White, pearl White Crystal, metallic Titanium Silver, pearl Phantom Black and metallic Mineral Blue - the same colour as that of Bergel’s expedition car.

Endurance Editions are further marked out by 19-inch alloy wheels – wrapped in 235/55 R19 tyres – Side Bar Sport running steps. The final touch is a special Endurance logo, which can be found on the B-pillar and interior floor mats. The eye-catching logo commemorates Shackleton’s Endurance expedition and features the Shackleton Family Motto and a 28-point compass representing the 28 crew that survived.

The Santa Fe Endurance will be priced at £38,995, representing a saving of £2,400 over a standard Premium SE with Convenience Pack and Automatic transmission and can be ordered from 18 May 2017.

Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO of Hyundai UK said: “This new Endurance Edition offers customers an incredibly well-equipped Santa Fe, one that will be able to tackle everything family life throws at it….and more. As Sir Ernest Shackleton’s Great Grandson, Patrick Bergel proved just a few months ago, with just a few choice modifications, you could even traverse Antartica!”

Mitsubishi and Jamie Barrow, sets a new World Guinness speed record for a snowboarder being towed by a car

Britain's fastest snowboarder, Jamie Barrow, and the Mitsubishi ASX returned to the frozen lake of St. Moritz, Switzerland with the purpose to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest speed on a snowboard towed by a vehicle^[1].

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK supported Jamie with his ‘Adventure Advanced’ journey, providing him with the perfect vehicle – a 2.2-litre ASX 4. The smart and efficient compact crossover, with four-wheel-drive capability, Mitsubishi Active Stability Traction Control^[2] and a top five-star Euro NCAP rating for safety was an integral part of the stunt.

Being on a frozen lake, safety and preparation were a major factor when planning the project. The track was fenced off and piste bashers groomed the snow especially for the Guinness World Record attempt.

Strict criteria had to be met for the Guinness World Record officials, including completing a run in both directions with recording equipment to be set at 100m apart by an official. With 200m needed either side so that the Mitsubishi ASX could accelerate and slow down safely on the snow, a total run of approximately 500m was prepared.

On the morning of Thursday 28th January, Barrow prepared for the stunt and inspected the conditions; the piste bashed track was bumpy and the snow was soft.  These were not ideal conditions but Barrow felt comfortable on the warm up lap and confident that he could beat the record, which he managed to do on his first attempt!

The very out run was recorded at 100.840 Kph, but because the criteria for the Guinness World Record states that two runs, one in both directions, has to be recorded, the return run back was recorded at 98.901 Kph.  With both runs averaged, it gives the Guinness World record speed of 99.871 kph.

About his newly set Guinness World Record, Jamie said:

“I’m ecstatic at beating the record! I do think though that I could’ve easily handled going a lot faster if it wasn’t for the soft snow due to unseasonably mild weather.  I’m really looking forward to returning and attempting to beat my own record with the Mitsubishi ASX when there are more favorable weather conditions!”

Stewart McKee, General Manager of Press, Public Affairs and Events at Mitsubishi Motors in the UK, said:

“We are delighted to be supporting Jamie in this way. What he has achieved is truly remarkable and perfectly encapsulates Mitsubishi’s ASX “Adventure Advanced” message, seeing amazing individuals taking on amazing challenges^[3].”

Guinness World Record – “Fastest speed on a snowboard being towed by a vehicle”

Event Date:   Thursday 28^th January 2016

Location:      St Moritz, Switzerland

Vehicle:        Mitsubishi ASX

Speed:          Out run - 100.840 Kph

                      Return run - 98.901 Kph

                      Average of 2 runs for record - 99.871kph