Rugby and Range Rover - Thats the latest collaboration with England star Owen Farrell

• England and Saracens star Owen Farrell readies himself for British & Irish Lions Tour to New Zealand 2017 with unique Land Rover challenge
• Timed bleep-test demonstrates the all-terrain performance and speed of the new 290hp Ingenium petrol-powered Range Rover Evoque
• The Range Rover Evoque is powered by Land Rover’s new 290hp 2.0-litre Ingenium petrol engine delivering 0-60mph in 6.0 seconds flat
• Fly-half recently won European Player of the Year award

How do you help a top British Lions rugby player get to peak fitness for a tour of World Rugby Champions New Zealand?

England and Saracens star Owen Farrell pitted himself against a unique opponent; Land Rover’s best-selling luxury compact SUV, the Range Rover Evoque, in a battle between man and machine.

Farrell tackled the new high-performance Range Rover Evoque, powered by the new 2.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium petrol engine in an all-terrain bleep test – the ultimate test of endurance. The renowned SUV, with its new 290hp engine, accelerates from 0-60mph in only 6.0 seconds– making it the fastest sprinting Evoque to date.

Jaguar Land Rover’s new four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine is now in production at the company’s £1 billion Engine Manufacturing Centre. Designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK, it is one of the most advanced engines the company has ever developed, delivering up to 25% more power than the engines it replaces and offer fuel consumption reductions of up to 15%.

Saracens and England player, Owen Farrell, Land Rover fan and the inaugural winner of the Anthony Foley Memorial Trophy for the European player of the year, said: “Every sportsman knows bleep tests are one of the toughest tests on the road to peak fitness because there is no hiding place. The bleep test was a great way to challenge myself because the Evoque was relentless.”

Farrell completed a bleep test between two fixed points on two different terrains in the unique challenge, gradually increasing the pace to keep time with the ever more frequent bleeps. The international rugby star, who will be part of the British & Irish Lions on tour in New Zealand this summer, is famous for his uncompromising approach and was up against an equally tough competitor.

The powerful Evoque lined up alongside Farrell, with international rugby union referee Wayne Barnes on hand to make sure both parties played by the rules.

Land Rover’s new British-built Ingenium petrol engine is available in two variants in the Range Rover Evoque; 240hp and 290hp. It features a twin-scroll turbocharger for improved performance on the road and low-resistance technologies for an ever more refined drive.

The Rasa is a unique lightweight two-seater car with a range of up to 300 miles on 1.5kg of hydrogen.

• The Rasa is a unique lightweight two-seater car with a range of up to 300 miles on 1.5kg of hydrogen
• It’s designed from a clean sheet of paper to run on hydrogen and has a completely different architecture to conventional cars
• It has the lowest carbon emissions for any vehicle 'well-to-wheel', and water is the only output
• Public Beta trial of 20 vehicles with prospective customers proposed for later this year
• Car expected on the market from 2018 through a “sale of service” ownership model which is the first of its kind

Riversimple Movement Ltd is pleased to announce the unveiling of the “Rasa”, a road-legal engineering prototype of its first two-seater hydrogen powered road car, built for full European type approval.  

Supported by a £2m grant from the Welsh government in 2015, every aspect of the Rasa has been tailor-made and interrogated for lightness, strength, affordability and safety, to produce a vehicle that will maximise hydrogen as a fuel source and minimise pollution.

Riversimple will offer the car to motorists through its unique “sale of service” model. For a fixed monthly fee and mileage allowance, similar in expenditure to leasing and running a new family-sized hatchback, the company will cover all repair, maintenance, insurance and fuel expenses.  Customers will never actually buy the car and experience the burden of depreciation; they will simply exchange or return it at the end of the ownership period.  

Led by Riversimple’s Founder, Hugo Spowers, the Rasa has been engineered by a highly-skilled team from some of the world’s most renowned carmakers, Formula 1 teams and aerospace engineering companies.  Its elegant and clean lines have been styled by Chris Reitz, one of Europe’s leading car designers.  With a total kerb weight of just 580kg (nearly half of a small car), it features a carbon composite chassis and only 18 moving parts in the entire powertrain.  Furthermore, Riversimple will adopt an open-source approach to its technology and componentry to encourage the proliferation of its technology and economies of scale within the sector.

When the vehicle is in motion, hydrogen passes through the small 8.5kW fuel cell (the size currently used in forklift trucks, equivalent to 11hp), where it combines with oxygen to form water and electricity to drive the motors positioned in each of the four wheels. More than 50% of the kinetic energy produced under braking is recovered and turned into electricity to boost acceleration via a bank of super-capacitors.  The result is a range of up to 300 miles on 1.5kg of hydrogen, estimated fuel economy equivalent to 250mpg, and a top speed of 60mph.  At around 40g CO₂/km, the Riversimple car has the lowest carbon emissions for any vehicle 'well-to-wheel', and water is the only output.

Starting later this year, following funding to match a €2m EU grant, Riversimple will be conducting a public 12-month Beta trial of 20 Rasa prototype cars as part of the continued development of the first full production model which will come to market in 2018.  It will be offered to individuals in a strategically planned phased roll-out by region in order to support a low risk, commercially practical introduction of profitable hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.

Hugo Spowers, Founder of Riversimple Movement Ltd, said: “The Rasa engineering prototype marks another key milestone in bringing an affordable and highly-efficient hydrogen-powered car to market. We really have started from a clean sheet of paper.  The Rasa gives us the opportunity to introduce customers to a more convenient concept of motoring, a lightness of ownership that neither places a burden on the pockets of motorists or the surrounding environment.  The car is simple, light and fun in every respect.”

Aston Martin to show the new DB10 James Bond Spectre Supercar at this months Regent Street Motor Show.

007’s bespoke Aston Martin DB10 to feature at this month’s Regent Street Motor Show

Just a few days after the premiere of Spectre, James Bond’s latest car – the unique Aston Martin DB10 – will be one of the attractions of the annual free-to-view Regent Street Motor Show (Saturday, 31 October).

Created specially for the movie, the hand-built DB10 is the latest in a long line of Aston Martins to have been driven by UK’s favourite secret agent. Bond’s first Aston was the famous DB5 from Goldfinger in 1964.

As well as the DB10, Aston Martin will also be displaying a number of cars from its current model range including the latest DB9 GT, limited edition Vantage GT12 and a four-door Rapide S.

The Regent Street Motor Show is just one element in the Royal Automobile Club’s London Motor Week, seven days when the capital honours cars.

Enticing as many as 350,000 visitors last year, London’s premier shopping street is closed to traffic for the day to allow cars from the past, present and future to be displayed for all to enjoy. The Regent Street Motor Show attracts not just petrol-heads but also tourists and people shopping early for Christmas.

The Show’s centrepiece will be a display of more than 100 veteran cars all taking part in the prestigious EFG International Concours d’Elegance. Many owners and their passengers will be in period costume, preparing themselves for the famous Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, which sets off from nearby Hyde Park early the following morning (Sunday, 1 November).

The veterans will be rubbing shoulders with classic cars, bikes, new cars and futuristic ‘low or no’ emission electric and hybrid vehicles. The latter display is backed by two organisations helping to shape our motoring future – Go Ultra Low and Transport for London (TfL).

Amarok concept débuts at Worthersee, but don't expect to see one, on the high street !

• One-off Amarok Power features 5,000-watt sound system
• Ultimate portable DJ station developed by Volkswagen for Wörthersee festival
• Unique finishes and materials inside and out

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is set to be one of the loudest attractions at the Wörthersee GTI festival after unveiling a unique Amarok Power concept. The one-off model incorporates a power-packed 5,000-watt sound system that’s guaranteed to get visitors to the annual tuning festival rocking.

The Amarok Power showcases the pick-up’s remarkable practicality, integrating not only the sound system, but also deck space for the DJ. The kit has been designed to be fully portable, and can be set up and packed away by a single person.

In keeping with the hard rock image, the Amarok Power features a host of special finishes and materials, including special Dynamic Grey metallic paint, complete with micro glass flakes that help intensify the shine.  Wing mirror covers and mighty 22-inch alloys are painted in Gunmetal, while orange-painted brake calipers and decals further enhance the Amarok Power’s unique appearance. Additional exterior styling highlights include bi-xenon headlights with chrome inserts and chrome-plated twin tail pipes.

Inside, the Amarok Power continues the exclusive feel, with black and orange Nappa leather, a black Alcantara steering wheel, bucket seats and door trim and special carbon leather trim on other panels. Completing the interior makeover are special laser-etched seat fabric graphics.

The load bed of the Amarok houses one of the loudest portable sound systems ever built. The centrepiece of the DJ equipment is an Allen & Heath Xone:92, with

Pioneer CDJ900NXS units used as input devices. Sound output comes via two VOID ACOUSTICS Impulse 3t speakers – designed specifically for Volkswagen’s acclaimed pick-up. A similarly adapted VOID ACOUSTICS Stasys Xair subwoofer ensures that the Amarok Power can accurately reproduce exceptionally high frequencies with no distortion.

The VOID ACOUSTICS mycro 6-loudspeakers used as monitors have been integrated into dedicated functional sound boxes while the VOID ACOUSTICS loudspeakers are driven by amplifiers from MC². All of the individual components have been designed in such a way that when assembled they perfectly fill the cargo bed of the Amarok.

The Wörthersee festival takes place on the banks of Lake Wörthersee in Austria, and runs from 30-31 May 2014.

Built to celebrate five million Porsche fans on Facebook

• Built to celebrate five million Porsche fans on Facebook
• Bespoke specification was chosen following an on-line competition
• 911 Carrera 4S is painted in distinctive Aqua Blue with contrasting white wheels
• Competition on Facebook offers chance to win a drive of this unique car at Silverstone
• "5 million reasons to celebrate!" – it was this slogan that got sports car enthusiasts on the worldwide web revved up to design a unique Porsche 911.

The Stuttgart sports car manufacturer launched the special social media campaign to show its appreciation for the five million ‘Likes’ it has received from fans on-line. Porsche is now running a follow-up global competition on its Facebook page (facebook.com/porsche) until 18 August for the chance to win a drive in a special one-off 911 at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone. Nine scale models of the vehicle will also be available to runners-up.

As part of the of the 50th anniversary celebrations for the Porsche 911, 54,000 social media users voted for their ideal specification of the new car. Working in conjunction with Porsche Exclusive, the custom-tailoring and personalisation department at the factory, the vehicle was painted in the unique metallic colour Aqua Blue and equipped with 20-inch Carrera S wheels with a special white finish.

The unique model also features the Aerokit Cup package, consisting of a front apron with additional front spoiler lip and a new rear engine cover with fixed spoiler. The purposeful exterior styling hints at the added performance provided by the Powerkit fitted to the 3.8-litre flat six engine. This lifts output from 400 hp to 430 hp and enables acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 4.0 seconds. The Powerkit includes the Sport Chrono package with dynamic engine mounts and a sports exhaust system.

Graphic motifs specially developed for this 911 model with the wording ‘5M Porsche Fans’ along with custom door entry guards inscribed with ‘Personally built by 5 Million Porsche Fans’ identify this car as a genuine original. It will soon be possible for all Porsche enthusiasts to experience this 911 – which is right-hand drive – on the driving courses offered at the Porsche Experience Centre.

The runners-up in second place through to tenth place in the competition will receive a 1:43 scale model of the 911 Carrera 4S ‘5M Porsche Fans’. The competition is open to anyone with a Facebook account and a valid driver's licence. For more information about the competition and the unique model, along with the terms and conditions of participation, visit porsche.com/5million and porsche.com/exclusive.

Ford F-150 raptor special Edition, why is this not available in the UK

New Ford F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition answers customer calls for more exclusivity in addition to Raptor’s unmatched off-road capability
Raptor Special Edition features a unique exterior color, exterior graphics and interior styling
Raptor Special Edition helps continue Raptor’s sales success

 Ford’s F-150 SVT Raptor, the ultimate high-performance off-road pickup truck, has a new Special Edition package customers can order that adds more unique touches to the hot-selling pickup.

Ford today reveals the 2014 F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition, which adds unique new touches to Raptor’s existing Luxury Package, including a Ruby Red Metallic exterior color and box-side graphics. Interior upgrades include Brick Red seat bolsters with black inserts and cloth honeycomb highlights, console top finish panel, and center stack and door panel appliqué accents. Raptor Special Edition is also available in Tuxedo Black Metallic.

The 2014 F-150 SVT Raptor Special Edition goes on sale this fall.

“Raptor owners are looking for a high-performing, uncompromising off-road pickup truck with the features and luxuries found in today’s premium trucks,” said Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager. “Since its launch in 2009, we’ve continually moved Raptor forward in capability and design, and the 2014 Special Edition is the best Raptor yet.”

Raptor has found an enviable niche in full-size pickups. SVT Raptor sales are up 14 percent in 2013, with five out of the past six months seeing record sales. More than 13,000 Raptors were sold in 2012.

SVT Raptor prowess and power

Since launching as a 2010 model, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor has set the benchmark for low- and high-speed off-road performance through aggressive all-terrain tires, industry-exclusive internal triple-bypass FOX Racing Shox™ dampers, skid plates and standard Hill Descent Control™.

A Raptor development imperative has been continuous improvement, so Ford expanded Raptor’s footprint for 2011 with a four-door SuperCrew model joining the two-door SuperCab original.

For 2012 Ford began offering a grille-mounted camera to improve driver visibility when climbing over rocks or other obstacles. The 2012 addition of a Torsen® limited-slip differential to Raptor’s 4WD system enables the truck to balance traction between both front wheels.

For 2013 industry-exclusive beadlock-capable wheels were added to help increase grip in low-traction conditions, along with high-intensity discharge headlamps for improved visibility. SYNC® with MyFord Touch® was also made available for added connectivity.

SVT Raptor is available exclusively with a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing best-in-class 411 horsepower and 434 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to an electronic six-speed automatic transmission with tow/haul mode and SelectShift Automatic® functionality. The 4WD system features electronic shift-on-the-fly capability for the transfer case.

The front axle features a Torsen® differential with 4.10 to 1 gearing. The rear axle is also 4.10 to 1, with an electronic-locking differential.