BMW and it's i3 that takes the inaugural winner of the 2017 World Urban Car award.

• AND NOW THERE IS ONE….
• BMW i3 (94Ah) WINS INAUGURAL WORLD URBAN CAR 

At a press conference hosted by the New York International Auto Show, Bridgestone Corporation, and Autoneum, the BMW i3 (94Ah) was declared the inaugural winner of the 2017 World Urban Car award.

“We are delighted and honored that the BMW i3 has been recognized as the World Urban Car,” said Ludwig Willisch, Head of BMW Group Region Americas. “This award highlights BMW Group’s commitment to sustainable mobility through BMW’s first all-electric vehicle made primarily of carbon fiber. 

The design briefs for the BMW i3 was to create a Mega City Vehicle for the cities of the future. Today, the new 2017 BMW i3 (94 Ah) provides more range paired with a high-level of dynamic performance, making it the perfect urban vehicle for people around the world.”

2017 marks the first year for the World Urban Car award. World Car vice-chairman, Mike Rustherford, commented, "It's an award whose time has come. Everyday cars in many - perhaps most - parts of the world will have to become smaller if road and parking space is to be found for them in increasingly packed towns and cities whose populations are swelling annually. This year's winner in our inaugural World Urban Car category proves that these small vehicles don't have to be cheap, undesirable and unpleasant to drive. Quite the opposite. It is among the best value-for-money products on the market".

This year’s winner was chosen from an initial entry list of 7 cars from all over the world, then a short list of three finalists as announced in Geneva last month: the BMW i3 (94 Ah), the Citroen C3 and the Suzuki Ignis

Vehicles in all award categories are selected and voted on by an international jury panel comprised of 75 top-level automotive journalists from 23 countries around the world. Each juror was appointed by the World Car Steering Committee on the basis of his or her expertise, experience, credibility, and influence. Each juror typically drives and evaluates new vehicles on a regular basis as part of their professional work. Through their respective outlets they collectively reach an audience of many millions world-wide. The international accounting firm KPMG tabulates the jurors’ ballots.

The Road to World Car began in Paris on September 29, was followed by test-drives in Los Angeles in November, continued in Geneva with the Top Three in the World announcement, and finally ended today with the declaration of the winners in six categories at the New York International Auto Show.

2017 marks the 11th anniversary of the partnership between World Car and the New York show, and the fourth consecutive year that the World Car Awards have retained their ranking as the number one automotive awards program in the world in terms of media reach.

The Global Trends Report, co-presented annually by Prime Research and Autoneum, was also released today.The report is the culmination of research and insights across the past six months. Autoneum CEO Martin Hirzel said, “The auto industry is in the midst of an upheaval that goes far beyond anything it has experienced in the past 100 years. Emerging industry trends such as autonomous driving, electric mobility and connected cars are changing not only vehicles and their technologies but also their concepts and forms. As the market leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, Autoneum today already offers a large variety of multifunctional and lightweight technologies and components to meet the requirements of modern mobility. With our recently established “Competence Center for New Mobility” in Sunnyvale, California, Autoneum is taking a committed and active role in driving vehicle advancement by developing innovative technologies and components for all forms of mobility.”

World Car of the Year is more than just an awards program. The World Car community brings together a large cross section of experts and professionals from every segment of the automotive industry. World Car connects the global industry around the very best of today and inspires, with insights, the ideas and trends of tomorrow. Thus defining The Road Ahead platform shared with our presenting partners Bridgestone Corporation, Prime Research, Autoneum and, most recently, Brembo.

“As the world’s largest tire and rubber company, we are proud to partner with the World Car program for the 9th consecutive year,” said Mike Martini, president, original equipment tire sales, U.S. and Canada, Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations. “This is an important forum for leaders in the automotive industry to celebrate achievements in innovation, performance and sustainability. As new mobility preferences emerge, we must continue to collaborate across our industry to deliver cutting-edge technology and world-class products that meet the needs of a changing global customer base.”

In a rapidly changing automotive world, Brembo is also focused firmly on the future and the vehicles it will bring to market. Brembo is committing significant resources to perfecting ever more sophisticated virtual simulation methodologies that includes the study of forms, materials, technologies and surface treatments able to meet the needs of the new-generation vehicles, with a particular focus on environmental impact aspects, which drives all of Brembo’s development activities.

USA - The Mazda CX-9 joins the list on the Inaugural 10Best from car and Driver magazine.

• All-New CX-9 Earns Spot on Inaugural ‘Trucks and Crossovers’ List, Complementing Mazda’s 2017 10Best Cars Winners, MX-5 Miata and Mazda3

From their engaging, confidence-inspiring driving dynamics to their standout KODO—Soul of Motion design, every Mazda is as much a joy to look at and sit in as it is to drive. 

The all-new Mazda CX-9 midsize crossover SUV is no exception, evidenced by it earning a spot on Car and Driver magazine’s first-annual 10Best Trucks and SUVs list.

CX-9 has been lauded for its upscale design, rewarding and surefooted driving performance and innovative engineering. 

It is the final vehicle in Mazda’s lineup to undergo a full redesign, implementing lightweight, efficient SKYACTIV Technology and KODO—Soul of Motion design. Among its most notable new features is its turbocharged SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine, which produces a hearty 310 lb-ft of torque from just 2,000 rpm. Housed in a vehicle weighing approximately 250 lbs. less than its predecessor, the SKYACTIV-G 2.5T helps CX-9 achieve a 25-percent improvement in combined EPA-estimated fuel economy versus its predecessor.

CX-9 puts power to the ground via its predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel-drive system that can adjust power output to each wheel more than 200 times per second to maintain optimum grip. Mazda’s i-ACTIV all-wheel drive integrates the functions of 27 sensors—including thermometers, wheel sensors and even windshield wipers—to accurately paint a picture of road conditions to make sure the driver and passengers feel surefooted even when road conditions become suboptimal.

Last but not least, Mazda introduced the new top Signature trim level on CX-9, which further bolsters the crossover beyond the previous top-tier CX-9 Grand Touring trim level. CX-9 Signature comes exclusively with Auburn-colored Nappa leather seating surfaces, real aluminum whose design takes inspiration from Japanese swords and rosewood interior trim that comes from premium guitar-maker Fujigen.

Mazda CX-9 joins the compact Mazda3 sedan and hatchback and MX-5 Miata soft top and MX-5 RF retractable fastback as 2017 Car and Driver awardees. Mazda3 and MX-5 were announced as winners in the car categories during November’s Los Angeles Auto Show.

Additionally, at the L.A. Auto Show, CX-9 was announced as one of the top-three finalists for the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year by an independent organization of 54 media jurors from around the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The winner will be announced January 9 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

The Land Rover Discovery 4 takes another award as it is about to be replaced.

• Judging panel praise Discovery’s comfort, luxury and go-anywhere capability
• Land Rover Discovery 4 tops 85 awards globally
• Visit http://www.usedvehicles.landrover.co.ukto search for your Approved used Land Rover Discovery

The Land Rover Discovery has added yet another accolade to its enviable roll of honour by scooping the inaugural ‘Best Used SUV’ award at the annual Car Dealer Used Car Awards.

The award adds to the Discovery 4’s enviable and diverse roll of honour already topping 85 awards globally including ‘Tow Car of the Decade’ awarded in June of this year by the jurors of the annual Tow Car Awards.

Each car is judged on the traditional benchmarks of three-years/30,000 miles and the figures show that the Discovery is the clear winner by retaining the highest percentage of value from new, while also spending less time on the forecourts of retailers and used car specialists.

Upon selecting the Discovery, the expert judging panel from Car Dealer Magazine, said: “We’ve researched the numbers thoroughly. We’ve obtained data from Auto Trader, CAP HPI and Glass’s, looking at figures relating to residual values and the number of days it takes to sell. Therefore, the Best Used SUV award goes to the Land Rover Discovery.

“Few things are better than riding around in comfort and luxury in a car that can go just about anywhere, and our best SUV manages both of these things in fine style. It has been incredibly popular amongst both dealers and the public since it was first launched in 1989 as a result.”

The all-new Discovery, unveiled in September this year is set to continue this precedent after industry body CAP calculated class-leading Residual Values for the premium family SUV retaining 59% over three years.

For business customers the strong Residual Values significantly reduce the Total Cost of Ownership of the All-New Discovery, which benefits from seven full-sized seats and a new 2.0-litre Ingenium diesel engine with a 21,000 miles or two-year service interval.

The new Discovery which is available to order now, goes on sale in the UK in quarter one 2017 with a starting price of £43,495 on the road.

The Rolls-Royce Dawn has been named 2016 ‘Design of the Year’ by Robb Report in its Cars of the Year awards.

The Rolls-Royce Dawn has been named 2016 ‘Design of the Year’ by Robb Report in its inaugural Cars of the Year awards, just weeks after the new convertible received global acclaim during its international launch in Cape Town, South Africa.

The world’s most uncompromised open-top motoring experience, Dawn redefines the notion of a true super-luxury Drophead and has won plaudits from some of the most highly respected international commentators.

The fourth distinctive model in the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars family, Dawn is powered by an effortlessly smooth 6.6-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine and features a multi-layer foldaway fabric roof that, when in place, makes Dawn the world’s quietest convertible car. Addressing the desires of a significantly younger customer base, Dawn offers striking and assertive styling, timeless refinement and is the most social car the marque has ever produced.

Robb Report is a world-renowned luxury title, and the first UK edition of the magazine launches on newsstands and online today, featuring the inaugural Cars of the Year awards.

Erin Baker, Robb Report Auto Editor and Cars of the Year judge, explained, “Our Design award acknowledges the most visually stunning cars of the past 12 months – both inside and out. And Rolls-Royce has triumphed with another piece of timeless automotive design in the form of the Dawn.”

Harry Metcalfe, Robb Report Cars of the Year judge added, “This machine is the epitome of elegance – a masterclass by Rolls-Royce design.”

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, commented, “Dawn’s styling is sensuous yet contemporary – it represents the most glamorous expression of Rolls-Royce luxury. Dawn’s sleek and powerful design appeals to a younger group of discerning customers. To be recognised by a true arbiter of luxury like Robb Report for this new model’s aesthetic is an important accolade, and one which is truly gratifying to everyone concerned with the car’s design and development.”

USA - Ford rules the inaugural awards for pre owned cars from 2014 according to TrueCar.

The 2014 Ford F-150, Edge and Transit Connect will retain the highest percentage of their value as they enter the market for resale in 2016, according to TrueCar, which has recognized the three vehicles with its inaugural Pre-Owned Value Awards, making Ford the leader in truck segments.

The new awards, powered by ALG, TrueCar’s analytics division, evaluate pre-owned model-year 2014 vehicles available for resale in 2016 that are expected to retain the highest percentage of their value during the next three years.

The 2014 F-150 won the full-size pickup category in the 2016 Pre-Owned Value Awards. The 2016 F-150 – the toughest, smartest, most capable F-150 ever – has helped make Ford F-Series the best-selling truck in America for 39 years running, and America’s top-selling vehicle for 34 consecutive years. Ford has the most F-Series trucks on the road with more than 250,000 miles compared with any other competitor.

The 2014 Edge won among midsize utility vehicles with second-row seating. With an available 2.7-liter EcoBoost^® V6 engine, available enhanced active park assist and an available front 180-degree camera, the 2016 Edge is a showcase of Ford innovation that helps drivers be unstoppable.

The 2014 Transit Connect won the midsize commercial vehicle category. Strong demand for the current Transit Connect – along with Transit and E-Series – made Ford the best-selling brand of commercial vans in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. in 2015, based on the company’s analysis of IHS Automotive total vehicle registration data and Ford custom segmentation for commercial vans.

TrueCar Pre-Owned Value Award winners are determined through careful analysis of used vehicle performance, brand outlook and product competitiveness. Eligibility for a brand award requires a manufacturer to have vehicle entries in at least four different segments. To account for differences across trim levels, model averages are weighted based on percentage share relative to the entire model line.

Maserati and Cipollini team up to make a One-of-a-kind road bike to be auctioned for charity.

MASERATI CIPOLLINI BOND SILENT AUCTION WILL RAISE MONEY FOR ACTION MEDICAL RESEARCH

To celebrate its partnership with the inaugural Rouleur Classic event, Maserati has teamed up with Italian bike brand, Cipollini to create a one-of-a-kind Maserati Cipollini BOND road bike.

The stunning bike, which will be signed at the show by Mario Cipollini, will be the centrepiece of the Maserati Lounge, where visitors will be invited to join a silent auction to win the bike and raise money for Action Medical Research. 

Action Medical Research has been funding medical innovations since they began back in 1952. 

Breakthroughs such as the first polio vaccines in the UK, ultrasound in pregnancy and the rubella vaccine have helped to save thousands of children’s lives and change many more.

Guests will be able to enter the silent auction at the Maserati Lounge throughout the Rouleur Classic as well as via www.championsofcyclesport.com. 

The auction will then continue on stage at the Champions of CycleSport Dinner on Thursday, 26 November, when the overall highest bidder will be announced at the end of the evening.

The Cipollini BOND frame is painted in Maserati blue and white and features Rouleur Classic and Maserati branding, including the Maserati trident in red on either side of the seat tube.

The partnership pairs two iconic Italian brands with speed and style at their heart.

Peter Denton, Region Manager for Maserati Northern Europe comments, ‘When we started our Maserati Cycling initiative it was with the aim of enhancing the experience of the cycling community through our brand’s involvement in a series of unique and exciting cycling events.

‘The vision behind the Rouleur Classic is absolutely complementary to what we are looking to achieve, and the show promises to become a must-attend destination for the discerning road cyclist.

‘We hope our partnership with Cipollini will add another interesting element to the event. To be able to produce a truly one-of-a-kind Maserati Cipollini road bike which will allow us to raise money for a great charity like Action Medical Research is fantastic. The bike is a beautiful piece of design and represents perfectly the style, tradition and quality that Maserati stands for.” 

Mario Cipollini, owner of Cipollini bikes shares this excitement, ‘To pair two such like-minded Italian brands was an opportunity not to miss, and the Rouleur Classic is the perfect place to show the bike and hopefully raise a lot of money for charity. The lucky winner will be the owner of a truly unique bike.’

The technical specification of the bike, with a RRP of £4500, comprises an Ultegra mechanical groupset, Selle San Marco Aspide racing saddle and a Fast Forward F2A alloy clincher wheelset.

Frameset: Groupset:	Cipollini Bond – Medium (54cm) Ultegra 6800 Mechanical 11 Speed Rear mech – short cage 11SPD Cassette – 11-23 11SPD Cranks – 172.5 Chainrings: Standard 53/39
Handlebars: Stem: Saddle: Handlebar tape: Wheelset: Tyres:	Ritchey WCS Logic II Alloy Handlebar (42cm) Ritchey WCS 4-Axis 44 Alloy Stem (100mm) Selle San Marco Aspide Racing Saddle - Black Selle San Marco Presa Corsa Racing Handlebar Tape - Black Fast Forward F2A Alloy Clincher DT240 Wheelset Challenge Forte Race Clincher Road Tyre (120TPI) 25c

The Rouleur Classic Cycling Emporium - a three day exhibition celebrating the very best in road cycling – runs until Saturday 20^th November. For further information please visit: www.rouleurclassic.cc

For your chance to own this one-off piece of classic Italian design and to raise money for Action Medical Research, place a bid in the silent auction before 16.00 Thursday 26^th November at:

www.championsofcyclesport.com

The Jaguar E-Type has gained another award, this time, the Best British Car Ever in worldwide.

• E-type chosen as Best British Car Ever in worldwide voting poll
• Accolade revealed at inaugural Classic & Sportscar – The London Show
• See the oldest surviving open-top E-type – 77 RW – on display at the show at Alexandra Palace
• Legendary Jaguar test driver Norman Dewis OBE confirmed for the Interview Stage at the show

The Jaguar E-type has added yet another award to its enviable roll of honour after being voted as Best British Car Ever in a worldwide poll run by the inaugural Classic & Sportscar – The London Show, running from 30 October to 1 November at Alexandra Palace.

With thousands of votes cast, the E-type garnered the most votes of the shortlisted cars that also included the McLaren F1, Mini, Bentley Speed Six, Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost plus other British icons such as the original Range Rover and Jaguar’s own XKSS.

John Edwards, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Special Operations, said: “This a fantastic accolade for one of Jaguar’s most recognisable models ever built. The Jaguar Heritage business aims to support loyal and passionate customers so that models such as the E-type can continue to be maintained and enjoyed across the generations. The fact that it has captured the most votes in a global public vote is a testament to its status as one of the world’s most iconic sportscars and now, officially, as the Best British Car Ever.”

James Elliott, Classic & Sports Car magazine group editor, said: "The E-type has it all, looks to stop traffic even today and a driving experience that has stood the test of time. More importantly than that, though, was that at the time you could not have bought more style and performance for the price. It is a car that seduces young and old and is a very worthy winner and rightly the Best British Car Ever.”

Jaguar originally intended it to compete exclusively as a racecar, however, it quickly developed into a road-going grand tourer and sportscar with an open two-seater or fixed-head coupe available.

The car was officially unveiled at the 1961 Geneva Motor Show and was an instant hit. One of the display cars featuring on the showstand in 1961 was an open-top version of the iconic sportscar – 77 RW -- which was driven almost non-stop from Coventry to Geneva by Jaguar’s legendary test driver, Norman Dewis OBE nearly 55 years ago.

Such was the E-type’s popularity it attracted many well-known celebrity and VIP owners such as Steve McQueen, George Best, Sir Jackie Stewart, Brigitte Bardot and Frank Sinatra.

Visitors to the Classic & Sportscar – The London Show will have the opportunity to get up close to this very same car, plus also listen in on interesting insights from Norman Dewis OBE who is confirmed for the Interview Stage.