Volvo Cars, the premium carmaker, is celebrating 20 years of mechanical All-Wheel Drive

Volvo Cars, the premium carmaker, is celebrating 20 years of mechanical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) by putting some of its most capable cars through their paces on the frozen lakes around the Northern Swedish ski resort of Åre.

The Swedish car maker is running a winter test drive showcasing its leading mechanical and new electric All-Wheel Drive solutions on the all-road, all-weather XC90, V90 Cross Country and V40 Cross Country models.

“Volvo cars are well known for what we call ‘framkomlighet’ in Swedish – the ability to get you wherever you want to go – regardless of the weather conditions.

This is an important part of our heritage and a clear reflection of who we are and where we come from. With the recent addition of electric All-Wheel Drive to our top-of-the-line products we have further refined our performance in this important area,” said Henrik Green, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Cars.

Advances in AWD technology mean that improved handling, stability and traction continue to provide a confident, agile and enjoyable driving experience while reducing fuel consumption.

“Electrification will bring ever more flexibility to AWD. You can see the first signs of this in our XC90 T8 Twin Engine, where we have an electric rear-axle drive unit powering the rear wheels. 

As we move to full battery electric vehicles and other powertrain applications, we will see increased opportunities to control each motor and wheel independently, based on either the surface conditions or the desired driving style,” said Henrik Green.

As AWD technology has advanced, the weight of mechanical systems has come down and efficiency has improved. Since the introduction of efficient ‘Active On Demand’ technology, all four wheels are always engaged to allow for the instant distribution of torque to the rear wheels when needed. 

The actual torque applied is controlled to constantly deliver the right properties regarding handling, stability and traction at any moment. Volvo Cars’ current mechanical AWD system is modular in design and used on all Volvo models.

“We understand the needs of our customers. We understand the need for a flexible AWD solution that quickly and automatically adapts to different real-world, all-weather circumstances. 

AWD is as much a safety feature as it is a vehicle dynamics system and we are committed to delivering a confident, balanced and enjoyable driving experience that delivers a feeling of full control,” added Henrik Green.

All-Wheel Drive variants account for over 50 per cent of new 90 Series car orders for the Swedish carmaker. Across the wider Volvo Cars model range, the figure is over 40 per cent.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, London celebrates 2016 as its most successful year ever.

• Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London is celebrating 2016 as the most successful year ever in the dealership’s history
• Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London reports substantial growth in 2016, a testament to London’s standing as a global centre of entrepreneurship
• The British marque’s flagship showroom in the heart of Mayfair sold the third most cars worldwide over the course of 2016 and attracted a younger, more dynamic breed of businessperson

H.R. Owen dealership Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London is celebrating the most successful year in its history.

This exceptional result has been driven by sustainable growth in new car commissions, Provenance pre-owned and Bespoke.

Located on the iconic Berkeley Square in Mayfair, the dealership placed an impressive third in the world for Rolls-Royce in terms of individual customer commissions in 2016, rising up from seventh the previous year.

The marque’s Bespoke Financial Services offering, affording successful entrepreneurs flexibility when commissioning their Rolls-Royce motor cars, also enjoyed a remarkable year – driving a new, younger breed of customer to the brand for the first time.

Rolls-Royce’s flagship dealership celebrated substantial growth over the course of the year, as Britain’s entrepreneurs continued to turn to Rolls-Royce as the ultimate symbol of attainment.

The world’s most successful and influential entrepreneurs from around the globe call London their home, with their investments into Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London serving as investments to Britain itself.

“This historic record result for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London is testament to the capital’s position as a global centre of entrepreneurship. These highly successful men and women are the drivers of our economy, creating jobs and wealth and to them the commissioning of a Bespoke Rolls-Royce stands as the ultimate reward for their success,” said Claus Andersen, Brand Director of Rolls-Royce.

“Our iconic showroom in Berkeley Square has proven the perfect place in which to serve this growing new breed of the successful businessperson. We are proud to deliver an exquisite, hand-made British luxury good to the world’s most influential men and women.”

Rolls-Royce’s operations in the UK as a whole grew by an impressive 27 per cent, adding up to the company’s second most successful year in its history.

The introduction of highly successful new collections was the drive behind such impressive figures, with the launch of the dynamic Black Badge series and the stylish Dawn drophead coupéattracting a younger, more dynamic breed of entrepreneur to the marque.

Automobili Lamborghini has rounded off events celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Miura

Automobili Lamborghini has rounded off events celebrating the 50^th Anniversary of the Miura with a journey back to the roots of its moniker: “Back to the Name”. 

A Miura SV from the Museum at Sant’Agata Bolognese and six brightly-coloured Lamborghini Huracáns and Aventadors travelled over 600 km from Madrid to Lora del Rio, in Andalusia, on 2 December. 

Their destination was the famous bull breeding farm run by the Miura family, one of the oldest and most highly reputed “ganaderías” in Spain, founded 175 years ago. 

Today, the farm is run by Eduardo and Antonio Miura, the sons of Don Eduardo who met Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1966, the year when the world was introduced to what would soon be considered an icon in the history of sports cars.

It was a fitting conclusion to the important anniversary celebrations: events scheduled throughout the year included top international Concours d’Elegance (such as Amelia Island, Villa d’Este and Goodwood) and an Italian tour held in June with 20 Miuras coming from all over the world to take part.

The final Lotus car in a trilogy has been announced to end the celebrations of 50 years producing cars at Hethel, Norfolk

• Final anniversary edition celebrating 50 years at Hethel
• Based on the exceptional Exige Sport 350
• Distinctive lightweight options as standard, saving 26 kg
• Weighs 1,099 kg and delivers 314 hp/tonne benchmark performance

Saving the hardest until last, the new Lotus Exige 350 Special Edition is a fitting completion to the trilogy of Lotus 50th celebration editions.

Based on the most extreme Exige to date, the Sport 350, the new special edition adds a number of lightweight, performance-enhancing features, as well as unique paint and interior options as standard.

 Long regarded as the enthusiast’s favourite, the new Lotus Exige 350 Special Edition takes the model’s benchmark handling and raw performance and adds a sense of occasion.  Packing a supercharged 345 hp, V6 3.5 litre engine, and weighing 26 kg less than the Exige Sport 350, the new Lotus Exige 350 Special Edition accelerates to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds (0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds) before reaching a top speed of 170 mph (274 km/h). It’s also capable of the lapping the famous Hethel track in 1 minute 29.8 seconds.

Jean-Marc Gales, CEO of Group Lotus plc, commented, “The Lotus Exige is the quickest point-to-point sports car on the road; nothing can match its levels of accessible performance and grip. It’s lightweight, responsive and exceedingly fast, with the purity expected of a Lotus. It is a real beast that needs taming but it won’t bite back. ”

Complementing this class leading performance, the car receives a revised front access panel cover, as first seen on the Exige Cup 360, lightweight carbon-fibre sports seats, lightweight forged alloy wheels, and a Lithium ion battery as standard to keep kerb weight at a minimum. A choice of four colours help the Lotus Exige 350 Special Edition stand out, while the interior offers the choice between black leather or Alcantara upholstery with bespoke contrast stitching.

Helping to celebrate the company’s 50 years in Norfolk, the special edition coupe is limited to 50 examples, available on a first-come, first-served basis. Like the already sold out Evora 400 Hethel Edition and Elise 250 Special Edition, this Exige is built to mark 2016 as this anniversary year.

Jean-Marc Gales continued, “This Exige 350 Special Edition joins the Evora and Elise editions that we have already produced to celebrate our half century in Hethel and our connection to Norfolk. Judging by the demand for the other models, I expect that the Lotus Exige 350 Special Edition will sell out quickly as it combines exclusiveness and limited production wrapped up in a great design.”

Lotus Exige 350 Special Edition in more detail

The new Lotus Exige 350 Special Edition features a number of changes to the accomplished Exige Sport 350. Lighter and faster than its predecessor, the Exige S, it packs performance-enhancing components and styling features as standard. Substantially cheaper than a similarly equipped standard model, it provides an outstanding ownership proposition for those to demand the purest driving experience.

Weighing just 1099 kg, theLotus Exige 350 Special Edition has shed an impressive 77 kg, when compared to the previous generation Exige S. The result of a thorough re-evaluation, every component has been scrutinised in order for the car to possess the purity of drive and benchmark handling which all Lotus cars are renowned for.

Amongst the many enhancements, the use of a louvered tailgate panel, a lighter battery, lightweight engine mounts, a lightweight centre console featuring an exposed gearshift mechanism, lighter HVAC pipework and the optimised use of sound insulation have all contributed to the extreme Exige’s focused drive. A total of 26 kg has been excluded from the car through the careful application of performance components:a 5 kg saving from the use of forged wheels, 10 kg from theLi-Ion battery, 6 kg from the carbon seats and 5kg from the vented, two-piece brake discs.

To reflect its enthusiast-orientated personality, theLotus Exige 350 Special Edition is only available with a slick, six-speed manual gearbox. Aesthetically appealing, as well as technically accomplished, the distinctive exposed gear-change mechanism perfectly embodies Lotus’ lightweight ethos. Employing machined and cast aluminium components, the linkage uses precision engineering to deliver faster, more precise gear changes. Stopping power is provided by AP Racing four-piston brake callipers, front and rear.

The aerodynamics of the Lotus Exige 350 Special Edition have received careful attention, including the use of a revised front access panel. This sculptured component improves air flow exiting the car’s horizontally mounted radiator and the light weight louvered tailgate improves engine cooling. The rear wing, combined with the flat underside and rear diffuser, help contribute to the 42 kg of down force generated at 100 mph (160 km/h).

The Lotus Exige 350 Special Edition also features Lotus’ Dynamic Performance Management (DPM) which, selected via a dashboard switch, provides ‘Sport’ and ‘Race’ settings. Proportionally increasing throttle response, lowering traction slip thresholds and removing understeer recognition, it allows enhanced control before the system intervenes. DPM also utilises an engine exhaust bypass valve at mid-to-high engine speeds, increasing throttle responsive in both ‘Sport’ and ‘Race’ settings.

The new car retains the Exige Sport 350’s excellent suspension setup, including firmer dampers and optimised geometry to deliver more responsive handling. Key weight-saving features, including the louvered tailgate, not only cut weight but also lower the car’s centre of gravity, contributing to its sharpened dynamics.

Available in four of Lotus fans’ favourite colours, the new Lotus Exige 350 Special Edition comes in Essex Blue, Old English White, Dark Metallic Grey, or Motorsport Black, all finished with contrasting racing stripes. The car’s bright red brake calipers are offset with black forged alloy wheels and, as standard, the front splitter, rear wing, front access panel, roof panel, wing mirrors and rear transom are finished in matt black.

In addition to the special interior, Lotus Exige 350 Special Edition customers will enjoy cruise control and floor mats as standard. An integrated in-car entertainment system can also be specified, including iPod® connectivity and Bluetooth® functionality along with full carpets and enhanced sound insulation.

The Lotus Exige 350 SE is on sale now.

Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price

UK (Pound Sterling)	£61,900
Germany (Euros)	€81,900
Japan (¥ Yen)	¥11,690,000

Technical Specification:

PERFORMANCE	MANUAL
Max power	345 hp (350 PS, 258 kW) at 7000 rpm
Max torque	400 Nm (295 lbft) at 4500 rpm
0-60 mph	3.7 seconds
0-100 km/h	3.9 seconds
Max speed	170 mph (274 km/h)
Fuel Consumption mpg (l/100 km)
Urban Extra Urban Combined		19.5 (14.5) 37.2 (7.6) 28.0 (10.1)
CO2 emissions		235 g/km