Time Warp pre production 1991 Ford Granada Scorpio to go under the hammer by Classic Car Auctions.

• A pre-production 1991 Ford Granada Scorpio with just 1,325 miles on the clock, will be offered at auction by CCA.
• The car has been in storage for over two decades and been preserved in excellent condition.
• The car narrowly avoided scrappage thanks to its owner, making it an exceptionally rare find on the market.

A pre-production 1991 Ford Granada Scorpio, used exclusively by Ford for training purposes, will be offered at auction by Classic Car Auctions (CCA) on 3^rd December at the Warwickshire Exhibition Centre.

An incredibly rare find, the car was saved from destruction by its current owner with just 1,325 miles on the clock, and has spent almost all of its life in dry, heated storage having never been road registered.

The right-hand drive, automatic 24V example was built by Ford and donated to a technical college in Belfast, Northern Ireland, to be used for the training of technicians before the production model was launched to the open market.

After a stint in Belfast, the car then visited numerous colleges across Country Antrim as it continued its career as a test vehicle. Once training phases were completed, the car was put into a storage facility.

Training cars were usually scrapped at this stage, but this car, with its demanding technical specification, remained in storage for a number of years.  However, when the current owner, a lecturer at the college, heard that it had been scheduled for disposal, he stepped in to take ownership of the car and save it from being destroyed.

“When I heard the car was going to be destroyed I just couldn’t let it happen,” explains the car’s owner. “It’s in stunning condition and has barely been used. I planned to keep the car forever, but a change in my circumstances means that, sadly, I have to let it go. I’m hoping another Ford fanatic, like myself, will give the car a good home.”

Today, after years of careful preservation, the car appears to be in incredible ‘time-warp’ condition. An inspection of the car reveals that all electrical items are fully functioning, with the interior and exterior looking 'as new', commensurate with its tiny mileage.

Presented in stunning black with a black leather interior, this unique Ford will be offered at ‘No Reserve’ when it goes to auction.

“This car has spent almost all of its life preserved in heated, dry storage and has an unbelievably low mileage for a car that’s 25 years old,” comments Guy-Lees Milne, auctions manager at CCA. “Ford fans and collectors won’t find another pre-production, training car out there in this condition on the market.”

Tivoli range to be extended with XLV - the multi-role compact SUV with increased load carrying capability

86^th Geneva International Motor Show 2016

Stand: 4131

• Tivoli range to be extended with XLV - the multi-role compact SUV with increased load carrying capability
• Mild hybrid SIV-2 concept hints at a future midsize contemporary multi-purpose crossover

International launch of the SsangYong Tivoli XLV

Following the successful launch of Tivoli, SsangYong will launch an extended car at Geneva to provide even more carrying capacity and practicality - Tivoli XLV. The car was shown as the XLV Air concept at the IAA motor show in Frankfurt last year, and following extremely favorable feedback the company has decided put the car into production.

Sharing the same platform and 2,600mm wheelbase as the Tivoli, the XLV features a lengthened body from behind the C pillar, an increase of 235mm over the standard car, expanding the load capacity to a huge 720 cubic litres of space. Meanwhile, the styling cues that distinguish Tivoli are retained, including its harmoniously fused SUV body design, sports coupé look and floating roofline.

Designed to offer a multi-role, multi-function solution to a wide range of customers, Tivoli XLV provides just the versatility needed to meet a wide range of individual lifestyles. It will be offered with a choice of a Euro 6 compliant 1.6 litre petrol or 1.6 litre diesel engine, and matched with the option of a 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed Aisin automatic, two-wheel drive or four wheel drive. 

Note: UK specification to be determined.

SIV-2 development concept

SsangYong will also showcase its SIV-2 (Smart Interface Vehicle) midsize premium SUV concept at the show.

As the next iteration on from the SIV-1 concept which was shown at Geneva in 2013, this takes a step further under the design concept of ‘Dynamic Motion’.

Based on SsangYong’s development theme of ‘Robust, Specialty, Premium’, this new concept pursues the emotional interface between the driver and car, and will evolve to become a key strategic model within the SsangYong range.

The SIV-2 is a mild hybrid, powered by a 1.5 litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine combined with a 10kW electric motor-generator and a 500Wh lithium ion battery. This creates a 48V mild hybrid system which offers quiet and efficient driving, reduced CO₂ emissions and silent running when idling and at slow speeds.

This eco-friendly concept features a lightweight body, a low centre of gravity and a chassis and suspension system that can be further developed to create alternative models with high efficiency powertrains such as HEV, PHEV and EV to future proof the SsangYong brand.

The Frankfurt Auto Show sees more new concepts from SUV maker, Ssangyong, the XLV-Air & XAV-Adventure.

66th Frankfurt International Motor Show 2015

Ssangyong to showcase Tivoli Diesel and two new concept models, XLV-Air and XAV Adventure.

• International launch of Tivoli diesel Offering dynamic driving and fuel economy
• World Premiere of XLV-Air, the pre-production model of long-bodied Tivoli
• Unveiling of XAV-Adventure, an authentic SUV concept with a contemporary touch

SsangYong Motor Company (CEO Johng-sik Choi; www.smotor.com/en) will Introduce diesel Tivoli - the smart compact SUV, and two concept models based on the Tivoli platform, XLV-Air and XAV-Adventure at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show. 

Powered by a 1.6 liter diesel Euro 6 engine, diesel Tivoli offers a Powerful yet eco-friendly and quiet driving performance, and is available with manual or automatic transmission Either, 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive.

XLV-Air (smart Exciting Lifestyle Vehicle) is the pre-production model of the long-bodied Tivoli qui Will Be lancé early next year. As a multi-role SUV it offers Increased luggage space, and comes with a choice of 1.6-liter petrol or 1.6-liter diesel engines, matched with the option of a six-speed automatic (Aisin) or manual transmission, and two or four wheel drive .

XAV-Adventure is the latest compact SUV concept from SsangYong, a reinterpretation of the company's iconic Korando brand with a modern and masculine touch. Targeting active and young generations, XAV-Adventure offers maximum drivability and off-road capability as authentic a compact SUV.

Land Rover to have a hguedisplay of pre production, full series & latest Defenders at the Goodwood Revival.

• Celebration of 67 years of Land Rover Series/Defender production at Goodwood Revival, 11^th to 13^th September

• Land Rover stand to chart the birth of the legendary Series I and its progress to the ultimate Defender of today

• Daily parade of more than 50 pre-1966 Land Rovers

• Bonhams to show The Defender 2,000,000 ahead of its auction for charity in December

Land Rover’s celebration of 67 years of Series Land Rover and Defender production will continue with a not-to-be-missed spectacle at this year’s Goodwood Revival taking place from the 11 – 13 September 2015.

The engineering bloodline that links the original Land Rover Series One with the 21^st century Defender will be celebrated in a special presentation and displays at this year’s Goodwood Revival. 

The Land Rover stand will capture the birth of the legendary vehicle and its progress through the past seven decades as a model that has constantly defined the concept of “go-anywhere” all-wheel drive engineering. 

Faithful to the retro spirit of the meeting, Land Rover will be recreating key elements from the development of the original Series I, which made its UK public debut at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show, including drawing board plans and an early pre-production chassis. 

A Series I model will be shown tilted at 45 degrees, demonstrating the unprecedented capabilities it brought to the market, and the team manning the display will be dressed in replica engineering smocks worn by the 1940’s production workers.

The culmination of the presentation is the latest Defender Autobiography, a model that brings together the robust qualities of the original with bespoke and contemporary design features.    

Land Rover owners will be taking part in a daily parade of more than 50 pre-1966 Series models, including many special conversions body styles and will be on static display on Lavant Bank for the rest of the event. One highlight includes; the bright yellow 1950 Series I Bertam Mills Circus vehicle.

This fascinating Land Rover was built by Bertam Mills Circus in the late 1950s. It was designed to give the impression that the circus elephant, named Kam, was driving the car.

In addition, 11 of the owners of pre-production Land Rovers have confirmed that they are to participate in the celebration weekend. The vehicles, which all descend from the famous pre-production vehicle number one, ‘HUE 166’ are believed to be the largest number of pre-production vehicles ever seen in motion.

The sheer breadth of Land Rover vehicles, and conversions will span fire tenders, military conversions, prototypes, recovery vehicles, ambulances, Tickford conversions, mobile welders and even a tracked Cuthbertson 88" to make for an incredible spectacle.

Jeremy Hicks, Jaguar Land Rover UK Managing Director said: “To see such a brilliant coming together of so many significant Land Rovers in one place at Goodwood Revival is not to be missed. The Parade will demonstrate the sheer enthusiasm for the marque and will provide owners and visitors the perfect opportunity to celebrate this iconic vehicle.”

The Bonhams’ stand at the revival meeting will be showcasing Defender 2,000,000, a unique version that has been specially built as a tribute to the model’s production heritage and its two million production landmark at Solihull. 

The vehicle will be offered for sale at a charity auction hosted by Bonhams in London on 16 December, with the money raised going to support Land Rover’s humanitarian and conservation partners, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Born Free Foundation.

New Mazda2 goes on nationwide dealer tour, in advance of first orders being taken.

• Exclusive customer event set to give first look at stylish new supermini
• All-new Mazda2 will visit 119 dealerships across the UK
• New model combines elegant design, with efficient engines
• Oculus Rift technology promises to enhance customer experience

From the 17^th January two pre-production models of the all-new Mazda2 will visit 119 Mazda dealers across the country, covering more than 6,000 miles in a total of six weeks.

The fourth generation supermini has already been revered in the press for its good looks, sharp handling and fuel efficient engines, and now prospective customers will be among the first in the country to experience the car for themselves.

As well as getting up close and personal with the all-new Mazda2, the exclusive invite-only events will also give attendees the opportunity to try Oculus Rift virtual reality technology, allowing them to experience the all-new Mazda2 in the virtual world. 

“This convention-defying dealer tour is a fantastic opportunity for new and existing customers to really get a feel for the all-new Mazda2 and take advantage of the Oculus Rift headsets to virtually experience what the car would look like in different colours and trims,” commented Jeremy Thomson, UK Managing Director of Mazda.

“The Mazda2 is our best-selling model in the UK and its successor marks an important milestone for the brand. It has already won the coverted Japanese Car of the Year title, which goes to prove we’ve taken the right direction with our focus on design, driving fun and our innovative SKYACTIV technology.”

As well as featuring the striking ‘KODO – Soul of Motion’ body styling, the brand has also optimised its range of ultra-efficient SKYACTIV powertrains for the all-new Mazda2. Including a new 1.5 litre SKYACTIV-G petrol available in three power outputs and with new five and six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearboxes, there’s also a new 1.5 litre SKYACTIV-D diesel with a six-speed manual gearbox, which returns incredible fuel economy and CO₂ emissions of 83.1mpg and 89g/km – putting it among the cleanest cars in its class.

Building on the strengths of its current B-segment model as well as its highly successful new-generation model line-up, the all-new Mazda2 raises the bar in design, performance, handling, equipment, comfort and safety.

Mazda has recently announced pricing and specification of the all-new Mazda2 ahead of it going on sale on the 20^th March. With prices starting from £11,995 up to £17,395, the 16-strong model range will be available in five generous trim levels – SE, SE-L, SE-L Nav, Sport and Sport Nav. Packed with high levels of standard equipment, the stylish supermini provides the perfect compromise of premium quality, efficiency and good looks.

Thanks to innovative technology, Oculus Rift, customers will be able to experience a 360^o view of the interior.

Determined to offer its customers unbeatable deals, from 1 January Mazda will offer its all-new city car with a combination of zero deposit and 5.9% APR when purchased with a Mazda PCP finance package, or 0% APR Conditional Sale with a minimum 50% deposit. Buyers of the Sport Launch Edition can also benefit from a £750 Mazda deposit contribution, whilst all other derivations will be offered £500.

Detroit Electric launches first ever car, well, not really it is a Lotus with a battery and new badge.

• Exterior and final interior designs for SP:01 pure-electric sports car revealed
• On-road testing of SP:01 under way, ahead of start of production in early 2015
• SP:01 features bold new fastback design and futuristic, sporty interior
• Range of interior and exterior enhancements available at introduction
• Detroit Electric announces the appointment of Integrated Energy of South Korea as its first importer and distributor in Asia

Detroit Electric has revealed the confirmed interior and exterior designs of its SP:01 pure-electric sports car, the next significant step in the re-birth of the iconic electric vehicle brand. Pre-production prototypes are currently undergoing extensive testing at Detroit Electric’s state-of-the-art production facility in Leamington Spa, UK, ahead of the start of production in early 2015.

The lightweight SP:01 will be the world’s fastest pure-electric production two-seater sports car when it goes on sale in Asia, Europe and North America next year. The SP:01 features a 285 HP / 210 kW electric motor, carbon fibre body panels and manual transmission as standard. An optional single-speed and twin-speed automatic transmission are also available. The SP:01 promises to deliver blistering acceleration, reaching 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds) and an impressive top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h).

Exterior design

The design of SP:01 has been subtly updated since the prototype was unveiled at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show, to further improve the vehicle’s aerodynamic performance. The changes to SP:01’s design ensure that it will deliver on its promise to set new standards for performance and handling in the EV segment.

The most striking element of the design is the new fastback configuration, which replaces the prototype’s flying buttresses on either side of the rear window.  A large sculptural rear wing and under-body diffuser have also been incorporated to reduce lift and improve handling at higher speeds.

A range of exterior styling options will be available from launch, including a carbon-fibre rear spoiler, diffuser and battery cover. Metallic paint options for the SP:01 include Performance Black, Performance Blue, Performance Green, Performance Orange and Performance Silver, as well as ‘Special White’ and ‘Special Red’. Customised paint colours are also available.

Interior design

In harmony with the bold exterior, the cabin of the SP:01 evokes the brand’s mantra of ‘Pure Electric Performance’ through a futuristic, sporty design, with sweeping lines and bold shapes suggesting speed, agility and athletic poise.

In order to create a clean, streamlined cabin, the SP:01’s centre console features a prominent 8.4-inch touchscreen tablet, which replaces all analogue dials and switches on the fascia. Detroit Electric’s SAMI (Smartphone Application Managed Infotainment) application utilises an open-source Android operating system, which provides access to a wide range of functions, including music player, HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning), satellite navigation and vehicle systems status, such as battery charge, V2X (Vehicle-to-Grid and Vehicle-to-Home) and other vehicle telemetry. 

Via mobile connectivity, SAMI can also be used to make mobile telephone calls, stream data and access the internet, while providing remote access to a range of vehicle functions, including the control of charging/discharging, climate control, and full vehicle telemetry. The open-source platform will enable Detroit Electric’s customers to access apps developed by third parties via SAMI’s in-car interface, providing numerous opportunities to enhance the user experience.

The SP:01 offers a choice of leather or Alcantara sports seats (black, with body-colour accents), power electric windows, power central locking, ambient cabin lighting, embroidered floor mats and Bluetooth connectivity. Customers can also choose to personalise their vehicle with seating and interior décor options, including coloured leather seats (red, beige, tan and black) or two-tone leather seats (black with a choice of red, beige, blue, orange or grey), and optional leather trim for door panels, door sills and dashboard.

A selection of bespoke alloy wheels, designed by Detroit Electric’s Head of Design, Jerry Chung and named ‘Anderson Diamond’, ‘Anderson Satin’ and ‘Anderson Gloss’ after the founder of Detroit Electric, William C. Anderson, will be available at launch.

Distributor partnerships

As Detroit Electric builds up to the start of full-scale production, the company recently announced the appointment of Integrated Energy as its official importer and distributor in South Korea. As part of the agreement, the first Detroit Electric showroom in Asia is scheduled to open in Seoul in early 2015. Detroit Electric and Integrated Energy will further extend their cooperation to develop V2X (Vehicle-to-Grid and Vehicle-to-Home) technology by establishing a pilot programme in Jeju Island, South Korea, with a fleet of vehicles supplied by Detroit Electric.

“This is a strategic step in the development of Detroit Electric business in the global market and we are delighted to partner with Integrated Energy to deliver our high performance vehicle and services to Korean customers,” commented Albert Lam, Chairman and Group CEO of Detroit Electric. “With the vision beyond the EV business, the joint V2X pilot project in Jeju Island with Integrated Energy will certainly be a showcase of our innovative technology and sustainable business model.”

Detroit Electric was revived in 2008 by Albert Lam, former Group CEO of the Lotus Engineering Group and Executive Director of Lotus Cars of England, with a vision to produce an electric vehicle that seamlessly integrates refined aesthetics, innovative technology and superior handling and performance.