McLaren takes its first ever Internship, the student from New Zealand will work at the Woking centre.

McLaren Automotive has awarded its first international internship to a student from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. 

Following in the footsteps of the McLaren founder, Bruce McLaren, Andrew McLaren (no relation), a third-year student in the Faculty of Engineering studying Mechatronics Engineering, will spend nine weeks at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, working alongside the company’s Research and Development engineers.

Nearly 60 years beforehand, the McLaren founder, Bruce McLaren, travelled to England on a similar ‘Driver to Europe’ scholarship to pursue his motorsport aspirations and founded his own racing company in 1963. 

Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Bruce McLaren studied at the Auckland University of Technology and was an accomplished engineer and innovator as well as a successful racing driver.

Andrew McLaren was born in Dargaville, New Zealand and attended Dargaville High School before starting his Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics. Mechatronics is a mix of mechanical, electrical and computer engineering.

Andrew McLaren’s particular focus is in the Research and Development of future products, and especially the company’s efforts to reduce the emissions of the next generation of sports and super cars. 

Commenting on the internship, Andrew said: “I can’t wait, it’s a field that is very hard to get into because there is very little opportunity in New Zealand, so I thought I would never get a chance like this. 

I would love to be at the forefront of that kind of innovative thinking. I’d really like to do something that would benefit society,” Andrew continued.

Commenting on the internship, Brand Ambassador for McLaren Automotive and daughter of Bruce, Amanda McLaren said: “I’m delighted to welcome Andrew to McLaren Automotive to continue his education. 

Even though my father passed away many years ago, the connection between McLaren and New Zealand still remains very strong and the parallels in both of their early careers is especially poignant.”

Jaguar launches an all new car, the I-Pace is a new SUV powered by battery, and will be launched in 2018.

First Jaguar electric vehicle revealed through a world first virtual reality experience

• Jaguar tears up the rule book creating a concept with supercar looks, sports car performance and SUV space, in one electric package
• A long distance sprinter that accelerates to 60 mph in around 4 seconds, with a range of more than 500km (NEDC cycle) and rapid charging of 90kWh battery
• Driver-focused all-wheel-drive performance from twin-electric motors generating 700Nm of torque and 400PS
• Jaguar confirms production I-PACE will be on the road in 2018, with precise, agile driving dynamics as yet unseen on an electric vehicle
• World-first, live cross-continent VR reveal experience transports audience into a unique virtual world to explore the I-PACE Concept using tech from world-leaders HTC VIVE™ and Dell Precision
• Jaguar fans, guests and customers, including James Corden, Michelle Rodriguez, Miranda Kerr and David Gandy joined the car’s creators in this unique virtual world
• To be one of the first owners go to jaguar.com and click the ‘I want one’ button

The Jaguar I-PACE Concept car is the start of a new era for Jaguar.  This is a production preview of the Jaguar I-PACE, which will be revealed next year and on the road in 2018.  Customers can register now at jaguar.com to be one of the first I-PACE owners.

Jaguar’s engineering and design teams have torn up the rule book to create a bespoke electric architecture, matched with dramatic design. The result is a no-compromise smart, five seat sports car and a performance SUV in one.

Ian Callum, Director of Design, said: “The I-PACE Concept represents the next generation of electric vehicle design. It’s a dramatic, future-facing cab-forward design with a beautiful interior – the product of authentic Jaguar DNA, electric technology and contemporary craftsmanship.

“Our virtual reality reveal today has pushed technology boundaries as well, and captures the hi-tech essence of the concept car. We only have one concept car and it is in LA for the reveal. For the first time, VR has allowed us share it across the globe in the most immersive way possible.”

This unique and world-first ‘social VR’ reveal is believed to be the largest live and connected VR event of its type to date. Throughout the day more than 300 guests were transported into a specially created life-like virtual space, into which, two of the car’s creators, Ian Callum and Ian Hoban were projected.

From VR hubs in Los Angeles and London, groups of 66 guests including A-list stars Michelle Rodriguez, Miranda Kerr and James Corden, used HTC Vive Business Edition headsets, powered by Dell Precision workstations, to put themselves inside the concept car and interact live with other participants. Guests ‘sat’ on the concept’s virtual seats, had a 360⁰ view of Venice Beach as the concept was built piece by piece around them, and saw the I-PACE Concept race towards them across a virtual desert.

Dr Wolfgang Ziebart, Jaguar Land Rover, said: "This is an uncompromised electric vehicle designed from a clean sheet of paper: we’ve developed a new architecture and selected only the best technology available. The I-PACE Concept fully exploits the potential EVs can offer in space utilisation, driving pleasure and performance."

The state-of-the-art electric motors and 90kWh lithium-ion battery pack were designed in-house by Jaguar Land Rover to give the best possible performance and range for most daily journeys.  Where ever you are in the world you can simply plug your car into a wall socket overnight, and have more than enough range to complete the average daily commute of around 50 km.

For rapid charging, using a typical public 50 KW DC charging network, a full charge will take just over 2 hours.  Enough to deliver more than 220 miles range (measured on the US EPA test cycle) or more than 500 km range (measured on the European NEDC test cycle).

The I-PACE Concept transforms the electric driving experience and offers the driver-focused performance and response Jaguar is renowned for. To help deliver this, the I-PACE has electric motors on the front and rear axles. Their combined output is 400PS and 700Nm of torque – the same torque rating as the F-TYPE SVR.

Ian Hoban, Vehicle Line Director, described the set up to VR guests who were able to use virtual reality to get under the skin of this ground-breaking technology. He said: "Electric motors provide immediate response with no lag, no gearshifts and no interruptions. Their superior torque delivery compared to internal combustion engines transforms the driving experience. With 700Nm and the traction benefits of all-wheel drive, the I-PACE Concept accelerates from 0-60mph in around four seconds."

The virtual reality experience also allowed participants to sit in the front and rear of the Jaguar I-PACE Concept and explore the beautiful interior, discovering hidden details and features.

Ian Callum said: “The interior of the I-PACE Concept is finished with beautiful, premium materials and an unwavering attention to detail. Throughout the interior you will discover a host of beautiful details to surprise and delight. From the expansive panoramic glass roof to the sporting, beautifully finished seats, every feature bears the hallmark of British craftsmanship.

“And there is digital craftsmanship too, with two touch screens serving up information when and where you need it, limiting distraction and improving the driving experience”

Renowned VR Director, Alexander Horton, led the creative direction. Participants experienced the car being built around them, speeding towards them and appearing to fall to Earth from another planet – clearly signalling the future-forward nature of the revolutionary Jaguar.

The new and exciting VR platform pushed the boundaries further than ever before, with the inclusion of social interaction and a live presenter broadcast into a single VR world.

Groups in both LA and London were able to communicate and interact with one another, all whilst watching Ian Callum and Ian Hoban explain through high-end real-time 3D graphics both the design process and technology behind this forward-thinking concept car.

The VR content from the reveal will now be available on Viveport through a dedicated Jaguar app allowing consumers to experience the I-PACE Concept at home.

Jaguar joined forces with VR leaders HTC, Computer experts Dell and Creative agencies ReWind and Imagination to create the world’s largest, global, connected VR experience.

Dan O’ Brien, Vice President Virtual Reality at HTC said:  "Jaguar Land Rover is renowned for its innovative spirit, and with Vive Business Edition we’re thrilled to be the virtual reality partner to help bring their latest launch into an immersive VR landscape and to VIVE users at home. With the blend of cinematics and Vive’s room-scale VR technology, the I-PACE Concept VR experience offers an incredible level of immersion, and showcases an exciting reimagining of the traditional car launch.”

Dell Precision workstations powered the design and development of the Jaguar I-PACE Concept and the VR reveal experience. Dell Precision Tower Workstations are configured specifically with the increased performance, graphics and memory for VR content creation and advanced commercial visualization, making these types of applications possible in new areas of business, such as automotive.

Rahul Tikoo, Vice President and General Manager for Dell Precision, said: “Dell has long been involved in VR. We’ve been evolving our business model to introduce solutions that are optimized for the future of VR, from our VR-ready XPS and Alienware devices for the best VR experience to VR-ready Dell Precision solutions for professionals to create it.  The Jaguar I-PACE Concept, designed and introduced with VR, reinforces the incredible innovation that’s possible with VR technologies and the potential to ultimately transform industries.”  

Ross Wheeler, Head of Automotive at Imagination, said: “For the first time in history, a global automotive brand has used fully immersive VR to launch their latest car. This launch takes the individual far beyond any new car experience they would have witnessed before, allowing people across the world to connect in real time, be fully immersed within the vehicle and share live together their experience of Jaguar’s first ever electric vehicle.”

“Jaguar, by embracing cutting-edge technology in this way, has created an experience rich and rewarding for its consumers. It has undoubtedly redefined the future of how automotive brands introduce their new vehicles to customers.”

USA RECALL #5 - Jeep is recalling the Cherokee models for possible wrong torque tightening to specification.

RECALL Subject : Improper Torque on Seat Fasteners

Report Receipt Date: AUG 10, 2016
NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V590000
Component(s): SEATS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,824 

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)

SUMMARY:

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 Jeep Cherokee vehicles manufactured July 29, 2013, to February 5, 2016. The seat fasteners on the first or second row seats may not have been tightened to the proper torque specification.

CONSEQUENCE:

Loose fasteners may allow the seats to move, increasing the risk of injury to the seat occupants in the event of a crash.

REMEDY:

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the seats or seat sets, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on September 23, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall S63.

NOTES:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

jason Plato wins his 500th BTCC race in style and over the three races, the team took a large haul of points and podium placings.

Silverline Subaru BMR Racing driver Jason Plato started the weekend on a high qualifying with pole position for what would be his 500^th race of his Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship career.

He set an impressive lap time during the final seconds of the qualifying session on Saturday afternoon and came out on top with team mate Colin securing his place in the top five with James setting the fourteenth quickest time and Warren twenty first.

Race One saw Jason take a lights to flag victory and his first race win of the season in his all new Subaru Levorg GT bringing his total wins to a staggering ninety-five.

Jason led the race throughout managing to hold off the threatening BMW of Jack Goff who took second place with Colin bringing his Subaru Levorg home in third and taking the final spot of the podium.

James brought his car home in a point scoring position of fifteenth but there was dismay for Warren who was tapped into a spin and subsequently forced into retirement from the race.

Race Two once again saw Jason lead the race from the off until the chasing pack of Jack Goff in the BMW and Colin in his Levorg were bunched up behind him during a safety car period.  Colin endured a race long battle with the BMW’s of Goff and Tordoff and then Jordan.  The Honda of Matt Neal passed both Colin and Goff and into third after contact was made between the pair at the hairpin. 

With 75kgs on board Jason was eventually passed by both Tordoff and Neal and finished in third position having held them of until the final two laps with Colin was just behind in fourth.

There was disappointed for both James and Warren who had incidents with James being sent into a spin due to contact but managed to bring his machine home in 21^st and Warren was tapped from behind and put into the gravel trap and had to retire from the race for the second time of the day.

The Silverline Subaru BMR Racing drivers were lucky in the reverse grid draw for the third and final race of the day with Matt Jackson’s number being drawn from the barrel, promoting Colin up to third and Jason to fourth.  James started from 21^st and Warren 27^th.

Colin got a good start retaining his position whilst Jason lost a place to the BMW of Rob Collard on the run down to the first corner.  After a brief safety car period allowing the cars to bunch up, Colin was on the attack of the Collard, and the BMW of Goff was in turn on the attack of Colin, bringing yet another Subaru and BMW battle.  Then disaster struck when there was contact between Collard and Colin sending them both into a spin and ending their races.

Jason then enjoyed a third place battle with the Honda of Scotsman Gordon Shedden but managed to keep him at bay.  Jackson took the lead, Tordoff came in second and Jason brought home the Subaru Levorg in third for the final podium spot.

James finished in his second point scoring position of the weekend in thirteenth with Warren completing the race in twenty fifth.

Rounds 22, 23 and 24 of the 2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship take place at Rockingham on 27/28 August, we hope to see you all in the stands.

Silverline Subaru BMR Racing comments from Knockhill:

Paul Tunnicliffe, Managing Director of Subaru UK commented:  "Another good day's work for the team, with steady progress continuing to be made.  I was particularly delighted for Jason, who, in true JP style, marked his 500th BTCC race with a pole, and a lights to flag victory.  Colin continues to show gritty determination, carrying out crucial overtaking manoeuvres to keeps his title hopes alive.  Personally, I wouldn't bet against us being there or thereabouts come Brands Hatch.  Roll on Rockingham."

Jason Plato commented: “What a fantastic weekend!

“It was great to get back to standing on the top step of the podium especially as it was on such an amazing milestone in my career. I was on Pole and finished second in my first ever BTCC race in 1997 and nineteen years later went one better in my 500^th BTCC race with Pole and a Win.

“To leave Knockhill as top points scorer with a first and two third places was a fine reward for all at Silverline Subaru BMR Team, they have worked so so hard.

“Race One was pretty straight forward, I nail the start, built up a lead and then controlled the pace, but, the safety car was deployed late in the race which eroded my lead and produced a tense last few laps.

“Race Two on the other hand was tense throughout, laden with 75kgs of success ballast I couldn’t breakaway and was under severe pressure throughout the race until I lost rear grip with four laps to go, as it turned out the one of the other cars was laying oil around the circuit and I lost the lead and slipped back to third when Matt Neal rattled inside me at turn seven. Still a good result.

“Race Three was all about being patient and letting the race come to me, I was sat in fifth keeping a watchful eye on the leading three starting to get a bit feisty and slightly desperate as Jackson was holding them up. Turkington made a last minute silly lunge on Collard which resulted in him taking both of them out of the race, and nicely promoted me to third. I then got onto the back Tordoff and we both applied serious pressure to the leader Jackson for some eighteen plus laps. Despite all our efforts neither of us could get past the “Slow in the corners, too fast on the straights’’ Jackson. A second third place podium of the day was a great reward.

“Rockingham can’t come soon enough, hopefully we should be on the pace but we are all very nervous about not having enough straight line speed for the flat out sections to combat the Ford and BMW cars.”

Colin Turkington commented:  “I come away from Knockhill focusing on the positives and another strong weekend for the team.  We were fast in every session and I was pleased to qualify strongly with championship ballast in the car for the first time.  This was the best the car has felt all season in race trim and I was really able to bring the fight to the table.  We're moving the Subaru forward at a fantastic rate each time out and considering this was our first time at Knockhill we can all be pretty satisfied. I really enjoyed the intensity of the racing at Knockhill.  I had a car that I could push to the limits and there is no better feeling.

“I’m confident about the remaining three events and I'm committed to giving my best.  We may have lost the points in Race Three but nothing changes – I’m here to challenge for the title."

James Cole commented:  “Before we get onto my weekend I first want to once again congratulate Jason Plato and Colin Turkington on another mega weekend. 

"My own weekend was filled with positives and frustrations. The team prepared a perfect car both days. Myself and my engineer, Richard Owen, are now getting into the nitty gritty of the Subaru's performance to best suit my driving style. 

“Our times in Race One showed real top ten pace, which is where I feel I now should be. Sadly driving standards outside the top ten are in my opinion the worst I've ever seen. A distinct lack of respect between a few of the drivers is really ruining it for most. 

“It only takes a few to spoil the party. Hopefully we will start to see improvements in the next round as having your own race ruined by the actions of others is tiresome. 

“My speed is increasing, my knowledge of the car is improving and I'm certain all of this will be reflected in the results if we can all race properly.”

1961 Jaguar E-Type recreates an iconic speed test in Belgium, and achieves 146mph, just shy of the 1961 figure.

1961 Jaguar E-Type chassis 860001, the very first right-hand-drive production Fixed Head Coupé restored by Classic Motor Cars Ltd (CMC), has been driven to 146 mph on a German autobahn by British Hill Climb Champion, David Franklin.

David was recreating for Octane magazine’s 150^th issue one of the most famous road tests ever undertaken, attempting to match the 150 mph a Jaguar E-Type reached on a Belgian motorway in 1961, and he nearly made it!

David said:  “I saw 146mph and it was still accelerating when I had to back off because of cars and lorries in the distance.  When you’re travelling at that speed you have to err on the side of caution. You’re catching other traffic up quite quickly and you have to remember that there’s no ABS, although the brakes felt strong and progressive.It would comfortably have reached 150mph. Of that, I have absolutely no doubt.”

In 1961, Autocar took E-Type 9600HP to Belgium for a high speed test, looking to assess Jaguar’s claim that a standard roadgoing E-type could achieve 150mph.  This claim was validated in the historic road test, and Octane ventured to recreate the event using a similar car, E-Type 1VHP, chassis 860001.

The car was restored in the early 2000s by CMC, one of the world’s leading restoration companies, and is regularly serviced and prepared by the company.

Nick Goldthorp, Managing Director of CMC, said: “For safety’s sake, we could leave nothing to chance with the preparation of the car.  The demands of running at 150mph are very different from those required at half that speed.”

For this occasion, the team at CMC went through the car with a fine attention to detail, fitting new wheels and Avon CR6 ZZ tyres and checking every mechanical element. The car’s engine was even dyno-tested on a rolling road and a higher capacity fuel pump was installed as well.

Peter Neumark, Chairman of CMC and owner of the car 1VHP, said: “Chassis 860001 was built on 10 July 1961 and despatched on 26 August to Henlys in London as a demonstrator, which makes you wonder how many famous personalities sat in it during the first few weeks. We restored it to factory condition in the early 2000s and I drive it a lot.”

David Franklin, who has been competing in motor sport since 1965 and has been a champion in disciplines ranging from HSCC Historic GTs to hillclimbs and sprints, was incredibly impressed with the condition of the E-Type.  He said: “It rode very well, and the engine seemed notably smoother above 3500rpm.”

The official reading on E-Type chassis 860001 was 146.49mph, a result that greatly impressed Peter, who said: “I thought it would do well to get to 135, maybe 138mph, so I’m absolutely delighted. Well done to David Franklin!”