Suzuki launches an all new, updated, and fresh clothing collection for 2016.

Suzuki has launched its new clothing range for 2016, which sees a number of new lines added, including new additions to its in-vogue heritage collection.

Styling cues taken from mainstream fashion set the Suzuki collection apart from traditional branded apparel and the popular heritage range has been expanded with new t-shirts and a retro jacket.

The Urban Classics collection is new for 2016 and includes t-shirts, shirts, hoodies and hats with an urban-led design and subtle Suzuki branding.

‘Anybody can wear anything’ was a key concept throughout the development process which will broaden the appeal of Suzuki clothing beyond the more traditional Suzuki fan base.

The clothing range was designed by a European team of designers and takes inspiration from Suzuki’s rich Japanese roots and heritage combining this with a European take on fashion.

Suzuki GB’s Merchandise Co-ordinator, Faye Ball, said, “We’re really excited about this year’s collection and the new lines that we’ve added. We’ve bolstered our heritage line-up, which has proven to be a really popular collection every year, but all of our additional items across the whole range mean we can offer customers even more choice and variety, whether they’re after a casual jacket or a smarter shirt.”

McLaren Automotive will be the official Safety Car partner of the SRO-run British GT Championship.

McLaren Automotive has confirmed it will be the official Safety Car partner of the SRO-run British GT Championship for the 2016 season, ahead of the opening round this weekend at the famous Brands Hatch circuit. 

The partnership will see the McLaren 570S Coupé take a lead role in safety and management of the field of GT cars which will include the 650S GT3 and, completing its development season exclusively within the Championship, the recently announced 570S GT4.

The 570S Coupé Safety Car will support each of the nine rounds over seven race weekends, tasked with heading one of the most competitive grids the Championship has ever seen, and ensuring maximum safety for all competitors at all times. Safety is at the very core of the 570S Coupé which features a lightweight, inherently strong carbon fibre chassis – as has every McLaren built for road or track since the MP4-1 Formula 1™ car which contested the 1981 season.

The 570S Coupé was the first model to be launched in the McLaren Sports Series. This third model tier joins the Super Series and Ultimate Series, and brings McLaren technology to the sports car market for the first time. 

With motorsport-derived technologies and performance figures to rival many supercars in the segment above, the 570S Coupé is at home on track as it is on road. 

Power is channelled through the rear wheels from a mid-mounted 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine generating 570PS (562bhp) and 600Nm (443lb ft) of torque, and this combination of light weight and performance produce a power-to-weight ratio of 434PS per tonne. 

Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) takes just 3.2 seconds, while 200km/h (124mph) is achieved in 9.5 seconds and on to a top speed on 328 km/h (204mph).

Commenting on the new partnership with the British GT Championship, Ansar Ali, Motorsport Director at McLaren Automotive, explained: ‘Motorsport is a key element to the make-up of McLaren – both in terms of our hugely successful history but also the extremely exciting future. This latest partnership with the British GT Championship underlines the common links between McLaren road-going and track-dedicated models.

‘The 570S Coupé has received universal praise from the media and customers since it was launched, equally at home on road as it is on track and so is a natural fit as the Safety Car for the Championship. It also complements a strong McLaren presence on the grid, joining the 650S GT3, which has already proven itself as hugely competitive and successful on the world stage, and the 570S GT4, which is being put through its toughest test this season during its final development phase.’

Stephane Ratel, SRO Motorsports Group Founder and CEO added: ‘We are very pleased to confirm McLaren Automotive as the official Safety Car partner for British GT in 2016. I believe it is testament to the growing stature of the championship that such an icon of British and world motorsport recognises British GT as the ideal platform to showcase its road and GT racing products. That is reinforced by the decision by McLaren to develop its all-new 570S GT4 car exclusively in British GT this season.’

Citroen gets set for another dominating year in the World Touring Car Championships for 2016.

The 2016 World Touring Car Championship begins at the Paul Ricard Circuit, a happy hunting ground for Citroën Total. For the final season of its track racing adventure, the two-time World Championship winning team is lining up two Citroën C-Elysée WTCCs on the grid, with José María López and Yvan Muller at the wheel. The Argentine and the Frenchman, who between them have claimed six of the last eight titles will be looking to continue their winning streak.

As in 2014, the FIA World Touring Car Championship gets under way at the majestic Paul Ricard Circuit. After a four-month hiatus, which the teams spent fine-tuning their cars, the moment of truth has arrived.

By claiming 92% of the pole positions and 81% of the race wins over the last two seasons, Citroën Total has made itself the team to beat. As the aggressive new livery of the Citroën C-Elysée WTCC shows, the team will be fighting hard to retain that status in 2016.

To do so, they will have to overcome regulations designed to handicap the reigning World Champion manufacturer. The Citroën cars will carry 80 kg of ballast in the first two meetings of the season, before a rebalancing based on results. Other changes that will force the team to adapt its strategy include the reverse grid for the opening race and the MAC3 (Manufacturers Against the Clock) contest to be held after qualifying.

Over the winter, the engineers and drivers worked on some subtle technical improvements. The most visible are in the car’s aerodynamics, with a redesigned front end. Citroën Racing is also counting on its finely honed knowledge of the car and the range of setups available, as well as the healthy rivalry between José María López and Yvan Muller, to help it fulfil its potential. More than ever, team spirit will be crucial to success.

Team spirit is a quality shared by the drivers of the three cars competing for Sébastien Loeb Racing. In his second season in a Citroën C-Elysée WTCC, Mehdi Bennani will be setting the standard for Tom Chilton and Grégoire Demoustier. All three will be competing in the WTCC Trophy, which is for private drivers only. 

QUOTE, UNQUOTE

Yves Matton (Team Principal, Citroën Racing): “With several big-name drivers switching teams and a new manufacturer in the mix, this FIA WTCC season looks set to be open and closely contested. We are delighted about that, but we will still be aiming to claim as many wins as we possibly can and to retain our Manufacturers and Drivers titles! Our team also has a new look, with two official Citroën C-Elysée WTCCs and three private cars. Alongside Pechito and Yvan, we will be counting on Mehdi, Tom and Grégoire to notch up plenty of points, both in MAC3 and in the races. Results in testing aren’t the be-all and end-all, but it is worth noting that we did clock the seven fastest times over eight sessions in Vallelunga. That was doubtless no accident, but testament to the work the whole team put in over the winter. I hope we leave the Paul Ricard Circuit with a convincing result: in other words, a win!”

José María López (Citroën C-Elysée WTCC No. 37): “I’m really excited about beginning a new season. It’s one of my favourite times of the year! After all the work we have done in recent months, the slate has been wiped clean and we can’t wait to see how we measure up against the competition. The only thing I know for sure is that we have put in some great work. But we’ll have to wait for qualifying, when everyone will put on new tyres at the same time, to get a real idea of the hierarchy. The 80 kg of ballast will certainly be a big handicap, and might cost us over a second a lap on some circuits. It’s going to be tough, but we’re prepared for it. I am also really happy to be starting the season in France. It’s like a second home meeting for me! The team has fond memories of Paul Ricard, having won all four races we have competed in here. My win in 2014, when I recovered from last place, remains one of the best of my career!”

Yvan Muller (Citroën C-Elysée WTCC No. 68): “I haven’t competed for four months. That’s too long for me! I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel of my Citroën C-Elysée WTCC forweekend. We don’t know yet how good our rivals are, but we will definitely suffer during the first two meetings. Any predictions at this stage are based solely on speculation. A win might be hard to achieve, but we need to do the best we can and see how the pecking order stands. Like the whole team, I am always enthusiastic about coming back to Paul Ricard. In the eighties, I used to come and watch the F1 Grand Prix from the stands, and this is where I took part in my first single-seater race back in 1988! Since then, I think I’ve driven on every track layout and in every kind of car!”

USA - Limited run of 300 Ford F-150 MVP edition trucks built at Kansas City Assembly Plant.

• Limited run of 300 Ford F-150 MVP edition trucks built at Kansas City Assembly Plant
• Suggested by a Ford customer, 2016 Ford F-150 MVP edition follows the 1986 Ford Ranger MVP edition – first time Kansas City celebrated a professional baseball world championship
• Midwest Ford Dealers renewed its sponsorship for the 2016 season with Kansas City Royals

Ford, America’s truck leader, salutes Kansas City’s world championship by announcing a limited run of 300 Ford F-150 MVP edition trucks built at Kansas City Assembly Plant.

Based on the F-150 XLT with chrome package and available in either Oxford White or Blue Flame, F-150 MVP edition includes special MVP badging, unique polished stainless rocker panels and a spray-in bedliner. 

The 2016 Ford F-150 MVP edition started as an idea from Marc Lassalle, a Kansas City Royals fan, to celebrate his team’s second world championship. It follows the 1986 Ford Ranger MVP edition, created and sold in 1985 to celebrate Kansas City’s first time as world champions.  

“Like our manufacturing team members at Kansas City Assembly Plant, the Kansas City Royals are a great example of what terrific teamwork can accomplish,” said Gary Johnson, Ford vice president for North America manufacturing.

F-150 MVP edition customizations are added at Kansas City’s unique SubTropolis underground business complex, where Ford applies custom accessories to its vehicles in the energy-efficient cave system.

Ford worked with former Kansas City Royals star Bret Saberhagen, from the 1985 team roster, and Salvador Pérez, from the 2015 Kansas City lineup, to promote the F-150 MVP edition.

Saberhagen will be on hand today to greet Kansas City Assembly Plant employees. Midwest Ford Dealers has also renewed its sponsorship agreement with the Kansas City Royals for 2016.

The F-150 MVP edition is on sale now at Kansas City area Ford dealers.

Lamborghini Winter Accademia has completed its exclusive 2016 driver training program on snow and ice.

• Two exclusive locations chosen: Aspen and Livigno
• 130 participants from 25 different countries
• Track and Pilota programs are about to start

Lamborghini Winter Accademia has completed its exclusive 2016 driver training program on snow and ice with a huge success in terms of participation. From the end of February to the beginning of March, Livigno (Lombardy, Italy) and Aspen (Colorado, USA) hosted 130 participants from 25 different countries almost simultaneously.

Participants were offered two types of course: Intensivo, with a duration of one day and Avanzato (two days). Both programs had the same mission: enabling drivers to improve their skills in low grip conditions and learning to master the power of Lamborghini cars by having fun. All this was achieved through targeted exercises and a progressive approach to driving on snow and ice: a first phase included theoretical lessons, slalom and power oversteer tests, then training focused on track lapping sessions to learn, step by step, how to take cars to the limit.

Lamborghini Accademia provides participants with its experienced, qualified international instructors, all coming from the world of motorsport, ranging from Lamborghini GT3 factory drivers to members of the GT3 Junior Program for young and talented drivers.

Lamborghini Winter Accademia, with a fleet sporting a new 2016 livery, fielded the Huracán LP 610-4 and Aventador LP 700-4 models on track, in both coupe and roadster versions as well as the exclusive Aventador LP 750-4 Superveloce. In addition to all-wheel drive, specifically for winter courses all cars were equipped with Pirelli Winter Sottozero tires, which are specifically studded to further increase the grip.

In Livigno, Lamborghini Squadra Corse added a Huracán LP 620-2 Super Trofeo racecar to the Lamborghini Accademia fleet: it is the protagonist of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo, with the first 2016 European round over the weekend of April 23 - 24 in Monza. The Huracán LP 620-2 was modified for use on the Winter Accademia ice track, in terms of suspension set-up and using rain tires with specific studs, so that it could be driven in the very different conditions than traditional racetracks. Demonstrating the car’s capabilities was the Lamborghini GT3 factory driver Mirko Bortolotti.

Highlight figures for the Lamborghini Winter Accademia 2016:

• 17 days of driving courses
• 25 cars in the Lamborghini Winter Accademia fleet
• 750 HP for the Aventador Superveloce
• 610 HP for the Huracán
• 4-wheel drive for the Huracán and the Aventador
• 1280 studs used on each set of Pirelli Winter Sottozero tires
• 15 instructors
• 130 participants
• 21 the age of the youngest participant
• 60 the age of the most experienced participant
• 34 participants from the USA
• 11 participants from UK and Holland
• 10 participants from Italy
• 9 participants from Luxembourg
• 6 participants from Germany
• 5 participants from Switzerland
• 4 participants from France
• 3 participants from Japan, Hong Kong and Hungary
• 2 participants from Saudi Arabia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, India, Oman and Slovakia
• 1 participant from Bosnia-Herzegovina, Lebanon, Monaco, Malaysia, Poland and Taiwan

Lamborghini Accademia activities will continue throughout the season with Track and Pilota programs, tailored to customers eager to hone their driving skills on the most famous racetracks around the world.

The Track program, which sees the introduction into the fleet of the new Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4 Spyder and the rear-wheel drive Huracán LP 580-2, will take place in Phillip Island in Australia; Imola in Italy; Nürburgring in Germany; Las Vegas in the USA; and Valencia in Spain, the latter at the beginning of December on the occasion of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo World Finals.

The apex of Lamborghini Accademia is the exclusive Pilota program, for which the first event was held at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway last November and will be replicated at the same racetrack, near the famous Strip, next April 7 and 8. During this exclusive program, participants will drive Lamborghini racecars, with the purpose of offering them a real race weekend experience, ranging from practice sessions and qualification to a 30-lap simulated competition with pit stops and driver changes.

Lamborghini Accademia 2016 Calendar

• March: Track Accademia - Phillip Island (Australia)
• April: Pilota Lamborghini - Las Vegas (USA)
• April: Track Accademia - Las Vegas (USA)
• May: Track Accademia - Imola (Italy)
• June: Track Accademia – Imola (Italy)
• September: Track Accademia – Nürburgring (Germany)
• October: Track Accademia – Las Vegas (USA)
• November: Track Accademia – Valencia (Spain)

Signatech-Alpine has finalised its driver line-up for the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC)

• Signatech-Alpine has finalised its driver line-up for the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC)
• Nelson Panciatici is to join forces with David Cheng and Ho-Pin Tung in the N°35 car which will feature the colours of Baxi DC Racing Alpine
• The N°36 car will be shared by Nicolas Lapierre and Gustavo Menezes, supported by Stéphane Richelmi
• Both Alpine A460s will be presented at Le Castellet, France, on Thursday, March 24

Following the recent confirmation of the entry of two A460s for the 2016 FIA WEC, Alpine is pleased to be able to announce the complete driver line-ups. The six men will defend its colours during a season that will see it embark on a world tour, visiting venues as far afield as Mexico and Japan, not to mention the famous Le Mans 24 Hours on June 18-19.

Nelson Panciatici, a cornerstone of the team since Alpine’s return to motor racing in 2013, will compete in the N°35 prototype. The Frenchman’s experience and speed will benefit the DC Racing-led, Signatech-Alpine-run programme, and the 27-year old will share the car with David Cheng and Ho Pin-Tung. The newly-formed trio has set its sights particularly high.

The crew of the N°36 car – namely Nicolas Lapierre, Gustavo Menezes and the recently recruited Monegasque Stéphane Richelmi – has similarly lofty ambitions. After showcasing his skill in GP2 and GT racing, 25-year old Richelmi is a newcomer to prototype racing.

Signatech-Alpine will be able to count on the complementary skills and talent of these two crews in its bid to play a front-running role in the FIA WEC’s LMP2 class.

Following a three-day test at Motorland Aragón, Spain, on March 7-9, the two new Alpine A460s will be presented officially at Le Castellet, France (7pm, Thursday, March 24), before seeing where they stand in relation to rival cars at the 2016 FIA WEC Prologue test.

Philippe Sinault (Team Principal Signatech-Alpine): “We are thrilled to have Nelson Panciatici on board with us once more. He has won two ELMS titles with Signatech-Alpine and will bring his speed and experience to our association with DC Racing. It is also very satisfying to have enlisted the services of Stéphane Richelmi for the N°36 car. Our driver line-ups have now been finalised and I think they illustrate the determination behind Alpine’s racing programme for 2016. In their hands, the two A460s will be capable of fighting at the very front.

“The past few weeks have been quite intense, both for Alpine which recently presented the Alpine Vision show car in Monaco, and for the team which has been busy completing the build of our two cars. All six drivers have visited our base to get better acquainted with everyone, as well as to optimise their respective driving positions and to take part in technical meetings with our engineers. The squad is now raring to get on with what promises to be a challenging season!

“We are also pleased with and proud of DC Racing’s input. It’s an honour to have been chosen to run the technical, sporting and logistical sides of its programme. We are putting all our experience and know-how into making the project a success to a background of promoting Alpine’s reputation in China.

“Last but not least, I would like to express my disappointment at not having been able to keep Paul-Loup Chatin with us in 2016. He has contributed a great deal to the team and to our results these past two seasons. It was a hard decision to take but we hope we will be able to work with him again in the future because he is part of the Alpine family.”

ALPINE’S 2016 DRIVER LINE-UPS

N°35 Alpine A460: Nelson Panciatici / David Cheng / Ho-Pin Tung

N°36 Alpine A460: Nicolas Lapierre / Gustavo Menezes / Stéphane Richelmi

Nelson Panciatici Born 26/09/88 in  Reims (France) French www.nelsonpancia.fr	Nicolas Lapierre Born 02/04/84 in Thonon-les-Bains (France) French www.nicolaslapierre.com
David Cheng Born 21/07/89 in Beijin (China) Chinese/American www.dchengracing.com	Gustavo Menezes     Born 9/09/94 in Los             Angeles (USA)     American  www.gustavomenezes.com
Ho-Pin Tung Born 04/12/82 in Velp (Netherlands) Chinese/Dutch www.hopintung.com	Stéphane Richelmi Born 17/03/90 in Monaco Monegasque www.richelmi.it

2016 CALENDAR

March 25-26: Prologue – Circuit Paul Ricard (France)

April 17: 6 Hours of Silverstone (Great Britain)

May 7: WEC 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (Belgium)

June 5: Le Mans 24 Hours Test Day (France)

June 18-19: Le Mans 24 Hours (France)

July 24: 6 Hours of Nürburgring (Germany)

September 3: 6 Hours of Mexico (Mexico)

September 17: 6 Hours of Circuit of the Americas (USA)

October 16: 6 Hours of Fuji (Japan)

November 6: 6 Hours of Shanghai (China)

November 19: 6 Hours of Bahrain