MacG Racing, the UK’s only distributor of the current AC Cobra brand, will be launching the first right-hand-drive MK VI at The Performance Car Show this month.

• First ever right hand drive AC Cobra MK VI to be launched by the UK’s first and sole distributors, MacG Racing
• Come and see the unveiling of this 437hp V8 supercharged sports car for the UK market in Hall 19 on stand 19210
• FIA Homologated GT4 race car to follow
• Each car is handmade according to customer specification and continues the heritage of one of Britain’s oldest car manufacturers
• Get your tickets at www.performancecarshow.com today

MacG Racing, the UK’s only distributor of the current AC Cobra brand, will be launching the first right-hand-drive MK VI at The Performance Car Show this month.

Handbuilt in Germany, this is the first chance for petrolheads to see this version of the exquisite and powerful AC Cobra. AC Cars is one of the UK’s oldest car manufacturers and was first established in 1901 when John Weller set up a garage in London to realise a passion for building cars. 

It was in 1903 that Weller, with the backing of wealthy businessman John Portwine, helped bring the concept to reality as Weller debuted two versions of his ‘Autocar’ at the British Motor Show that year – in a twin-cylinder 10-horsepower and a four-cylinder 20-horsepower configuration. For the first time in 1915, the abbreviation AC was used, and in November of that year a new company was formed called Autocarriers Limited.

Fast-forward 101 years and the latest iteration of the venerable AC Cobra, will be one of the stars of the Performance Car Show. The Mk VI’s engine is a 6.2-litre, 434bhp V8, enabling the stunning car to go from 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds and reaching a top speed of 173mph (278 km/h). The car is fully homologated for worldwide sales and meets all current emission Standards. Information will also be available on an FIA Homologated GT4 race car currently in development.

MacG Racing, a family run motorsport and engineering team with over 15 years experience of running vehicles in various national level championships, will be launching the car as part of its overall activity at the Performance Car Show in January.

Richard MacGregor of MacG Racing, said: “The AC Cobra is an iconic model which has remained extremely popular throughout its different versions. The MK VI retains all of the beauty and charm of the original AC Cobras, with a modern update.

“Previously only available in left hand drive, we are thrilled that we can now launch a version better suited to British roads and can’t wait to introduce the right hand drive version of this incredible machine at the Performance Car Show in January. Our Racing Team are also excited about our involvement in the development of the GT4 version and being able to race it in due course”

This is just one of the many highlights at the Performance Car Show. Visitors will also be treated to an exciting range of cars on the Autocar and Pistonheads.com stand, including a Ford GT, Aston Martin DB11 and Honda NSX.

In addition, there will be a very special display of rarefied road-going and race Sierra RS500 Cosworths to mark the iconic performance car’s 30th anniversary.

The Ferrari World Finals event in Daytona this weekend saw the unveiling of it's latest model

The Ferrari World Finals event in Daytona this weekend saw the unveiling of the latest model to join the ranks of Ferrari’s prestigious international Challenge racing series for clients. 

The 488 Challenge is the sixth model to participate in the one-make series which, in 2017, celebrates its 25^th anniversary.

Since the announcement of the racing series in 1992, there have already been over 1000 races, with over 1000 drivers taking part in up to three series organised on three continents. 

Over the years, the Ferrari Challenge has proved to be an ideal platform for drivers looking to compete in international GT and prototype championships, and an impressive number have gone on to win in Grand-Am, IMSA, the FIA World Endurance Championship and even the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The 488 Challenge is the first ever turbo-charged model to race and is the most powerful Challenge car ever, powered by the 670 cv 3.9-litre V8 derived from the series production engine that took the overall 2016 International Engine of the Year Award.

Thanks to extensive development of the car’s engine, aerodynamics and chassis, the 488 Challenge reaches new levels of performance, chopping a second off the Fiorano lap time of the preceding 458 Challenge EVO for a new record of 1’15.5”.

Compared to the production 488 GTB V8, the Challenge’s powertrain features specific engine mapping, optimised for racing performance, and shorter gear ratios. 

The variable torque management has been modified to prompt the driver to shift up at the ideal moment during longitudinal acceleration, thus making maximum use of the performance characteristics of the turbo engine. 

The F1 DCT transmission features a new racing shift strategy which enables the car to accelerate from a standstill to maximum revs in 4^th gear in just six seconds. Further improvements include a reduction in overall powertrain weight.

With regard to vehicle dynamics, Ferrari’s patented Slip Slip Control (SSC) software makes its first ever appearance on a Challenge car. 

The SSC is integrated in the vehicle electronic dynamic controls and is calibrated, along with the traction control and E-Diff3, to improve turn-in, cornering and acceleration out of corners ensuring that maximum traction is ensured throughout.

To enable Challenge drivers to tailor the car’s handling to their driving style to an even higher degree, the vehicle control functions (traction and braking) are now governed independently thanks to the adoption of three manettinos. 

One is dedicated just to braking, while the other two, set either side of the steering wheel, govern the traction control and electronic differential.

These two manettinos regulate the two phases of traction control, meaning they work independently on when and how the intervention activation occurs. The right-hand manettino (TC1) governs ‘when’, in other words the point of intervention under acceleration. The left-hand one (TC2) instead governs ‘how’, controlling the degree of intensity of torque reduction as it senses the rear wheels spin.

In such a race-oriented application, the combined action of the two regulations provides a greater integration between the driver’s expectations and the vehicle’s response, especially when referred to the varying conditions met during racing. 

As a result the average acceleration out of a reference bend (Monza) is improved by 11.6%, thanks to the better torque delivery controlled by the evolved traction control and differential.

The most noticeable changes to the 488 Challenge compared to the production car regard the aerodynamics. 

To achieve the technical objective of increasing the car’s aero efficiency while respecting the design, the engineers worked closely with the Ferrari Styling Centre. 

The front radiator layout was reworked, inverting the rake so that they are now inclined towards the rear. This solution improves the air flow over the radiators in racing conditions whilst, at the same time, reducing drag. 

The new layout required new vents at the bottom of the bumper ahead of the wheels.

The front bumper itself has been completely redesigned with a more pronounced splitter and flicks to increase downforce and balance the rear load, for a 7% improvement in efficiency compared to the 458 Challenge EVO.

The front bonnet is all new with triple vents and integrated flaps to direct the hot airflow from the radiators rearwards. 

To increase stability at high speeds, the 488 Challenge features a bigger rear wing, with an air foil profile similar to that used on the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship-winning 488 GTE, which alone increases efficiency by 9% compared to the 458 Challenge EVO.

The intakes on the rear flanks now take cooling air to the rear brakes, optimising downforce, while the engine air intakes are now positioned laterally under the rear spoiler, taking advantage of the high pressure generated in this area.

USA - The first All New Subaru Impreza rolls of the production lines at the US Subaru production facility.

Highly-anticipated all-new 2017 Subaru Impreza will be built in Subaru of Indiana Automotive Plant

The first all-new 2017 Subaru Impreza rolled off the assembly line at Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA), officially launching the first-ever American-made Impreza from the automaker. 

The Impreza had historically been produced only in Japan. The start of Impreza production marks the culmination of more than three years of preparation and highlights the consistent growth in Subaru demand in the United States (U.S.). 

The positive economic impact of that growth is clear in the investment Subaru made to increase SIA’s production capacity and prepare for Impreza production. SIA invested $1.3 billion over the past four years, and hired an additional 1,400 associates in the past year.

“In a time when some manufacturers are moving work out of the United States, we’re proud to be bringing Subaru Impreza production to the heartland of America,” said Tom Easterday, Senior Executive Vice President of SIA. “The move has allowed us to create hundreds of new jobs not only at SIA, but also at our suppliers in Indiana and across the country.”

The all-new 2017 Subaru Impreza is the first vehicle built using the new Subaru Global Platform architecture that is designed to enhance safety, comfort, agility and driving pleasure. Available in sedan and 5-door models, the 2017 Impreza is equipped with new driver assist technology, multimedia features and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The new Impreza will be available in base, Premium, Sport and Limited trim lines starting in late 2016.

“As we continue our phenomenal growth across the country, Subaru is proud that drivers can now buy an all-new Subaru Impreza that is made in America,” said Thomas J. Doll, President and COO, Subaru of America, Inc. “We are looking forward to this new vehicle supporting our continued growth in 2017 and beyond.”

SIA’s parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), decided to move the production of the Impreza to the U.S. because of increasing American demand for Subaru vehicles, evidenced by eight consecutive years of increased Subaru sales in the U.S., as well as the high level of operational and production quality the plant has demonstrated over its nearly 30-year history.

SIA will produce over 380,000 vehicles annually with the addition of the Impreza, and SIA associates have built nearly five million vehicles since SIA’s start of production in September 1989. SIA Associates remain committed to quality, safety and environmental stewardship. As a result, SIA has completed an expansion to help meet the needs of the growing production in its facility. SIA’s expansion included building a new paint shop and enlarging the engine assembly, trim and final assembly, and stamping sections.

The all-new Impreza comes in sedan and 5-door versions and will be reaching retailers in the next few weeks. Pricing begins at $100 over the previous model year at $18,395.

Harrods and caterham collaborate for a special edition model designed by the store and available in many variants.

British car manufacturer Caterham has launched its first personalisation programme – Caterham Signature – with a special edition Seven designed by world-famous department store, Harrods.

The Harrods special edition car is now on sale exclusively in store and includes a host of special features which demonstrate the breadth of options new Caterham buyers can add to their vehicles.

These include paint colours and designs, dashboard and interior styling, embroidery and even the colour of the chassis.

The £59,999 Harrods special edition is on display in the famous London store throughout October for Harrods Man month, starting from Friday October 7. The special edition Harrods Seven – a 420S under the skin – is painted in Harrods green, with a custom white stripe and gold pinstripe while, beneath the bodywork, the chassis has been powder-coated in gold.

Inside the cockpit, the butterscotch leather upholstery also reflects Harrods’ colour scheme, while the store name is embroidered on the seat backs and the Harrods ‘H’ adorns the gear knob.

The car’s styling was created in conjunction with Harrods and its design team and buyers can pick one up in store along with their fashion and luxury items.

Caterham’s Chief Commercial Officer, David Ridley, said: “The Caterham Seven has always been one of the easiest cars on the road to personalise, because every car is hand-built and bespoke for each customer.

“But now we’ve formalised the personalisation options available to our customers into the Caterham Signature programme, which will outline the almost infinite combinations of options you can select. You can even have your name stitched into the seat.

“A Caterham Seven isn’t a car you need to buy, it’s a car you buy because you want it. As such, we believe you should make it your own in every way.

“Harrods is a global brand as proudly British as Caterham so it makes perfect sense that the very first Caterham Signature car has been created in partnership.”

Guy Cheston, Media Director of Harrods, said: “Caterham is one of Great Britain’s most famous and instantly recognisable motoring brands and it has been a pleasure to partner with the team there to create this Harrods special edition of the legendary Seven.

“We wanted to make our Harrods car a real object of desire, so our Harrods touches are subtle and understated and, at the same time, reflect genuine quality.”

The Harrods Seven is on sale exclusively in the Knightsbridge store, while the Caterham Signature programme is available now to new customers looking to place their orders.

USA - First ever production pink Beetle to be launched with its name being a Hashtag, #PinkBeetle, it's different !

First production pink-colored Beetle is destined to be an instant social media influencer

• Exclusive limited-edition model will be built as a coupe and a convertible
• Features unique Fresh Fuchsia Metallic paint and vibrant interior trim
• First vehicle to be named as its own hashtag

Volkswagen of America Inc. announced today that the #PinkBeetle will go into production as a 2017 model, having been shown as a concept at the 2015 New York Auto Show. 

The first vehicle ever to officially be named as its own hashtag, the exclusive run of #PinkBeetle models will be available in coupe and convertible configurations and will go on sale in the Fall. 

Pricing of this value-oriented limited-edition model will be announced closer to launch.

The 2017 #PinkBeetle will be offered in limited quantities across the United States. 

With a 1.8-liter turbocharged direct-injection TSI® engine and a six-speed automatic transmission, #PinkBeetle produces 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, and is poised to become an immediate automotive trending topic.

Offered in its own unique shade of Fresh Fuchsia Metallic paint, the special edition Beetle model’s eye-catching paint is contrasted by gloss-black mirror caps and black running boards. 

Coupes are fitted with 17-inch multi-spoke Linas aluminum-alloy wheels, while #PinkBeetle Convertible models feature the 18-inch five-spoke Twister design. Both coupe and convertible versions have Bi-Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights, LED taillamps and LED rear license plate lighting as standard.

Interior design features of the #PinkBeetle include a black dashpad with surrounding pink accent and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters. 

The Pink Club cloth seats are reminiscent of the signature plaid inserts of the GTI, replacing the classic design’s red striping with a perfectly-matched pink hue.  

Standard equipment includes Volkswagen’s MIB II infotainment system, which serves as the foundation for the VW Car-Net® App-Connect suite of features. 

App-Connect technology enables smartphone integration through three major platforms—Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®—allowing seamless connectivity for compatible devices.

The #PinkBeetle is fitted with Volkswagen’s Composition Media infotainment system that has a 6.3-inch screen with a capacitive touch sensor (similar to smartphone and tablet technology) to enable gesture controls like swiping and pinch-zooming. 

MIB II also features a proximity sensor, which detects when a hand is nearby and automatically switches its display to allow easier selection of specific features. 

USB and Bluetooth® connectivity for compatible devices is standard, along with a rearview camera and a 3-month trial of SiriusXM® Satellite Radio. Other standard equipment includes heatable front seats and KESSY® Keyless access with push-button start.