Staff from MG’s Technical Centre, SMTC, which is based at the company’s Longbridge site in Birmingham.

“Their love of the job doesn’t just stop at the end of the day.”

Staff from MG’s Technical Centre, SMTC, which is based at the company’s Longbridge site in Birmingham, recently hosted a vehicle showcase event to profile the team’s engineering expertise and show off their ‘pet projects’, all in aid of charity and having a good time!

From classic cars and hot rods to a variety of motorbikes, the Vehicles of Interest Day saw a number of projects displayed – each lovingly customised and restored by staff at the SMTC in their spare time. 

Each owner completed an overview fact sheet to share key details about their beloved vehicle, as well as explaining engineering modifications and performance upgrades.

Following the showcase, vehicles were taken to the Curborough Sprint Course in Lichfield for an ‘out-of-hours’ race club. As well as taking their own projects around the course, a number of race-prepared MG3 and MG6 models were also made available for staff to drive.

Throughout the event, a collection was taken for Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity close to the hearts of many staff members at the SMTC. The funds raised will be presented to the charity later this year, alongside proceeds from a number of other events planned over the coming months.

Richard McAlister, Vice Director – Electrical at the SMTC, commented: “Every year, we organise a number of teambuilding events to bring staff closer together and develop a strong working culture.

“As highly trained engineers, a number of our team build, refurbish and modify vehicles in their spare time – their love of the job doesn’t just stop at the end of the day! The Vehicles of Interest day was, therefore, a great teambuilding initiative and feedback following the event has been excellent.”

As an integral part of SAIC Motor Corporation Limited – the parent company of MG Motor – SMTC is responsible for key phases of the engineering, research, design and development programmes for all new MG products worldwide.

McLaren Automotive has today debuted an exclusive 650S project bespoke to the Middle East

McLaren Automotive has today debuted an exclusive 650S project bespoke to the Middle East, as the covers have come off the 650S Spider Al Sahara 79 by MSO. The special edition model lines up alongside the 570S Coupé and a customised example of the McLaren P1™ at the Dubai International Motor Show 2015 as McLaren showcases the recently announced three model tiers – the Sports Series, Super Series and Ultimate Series – in the region together for the first time.

The 650S Spider Al Sahara 79 has been developed by McLaren Special Operations –the division of the company responsible for bespoke craftsmanship – and is available exclusively for Middle East customers. The uniquely formulated paint scheme and bespoke specification have been inspired by the styles, cultures and landscape of the region, and contribute to the name of the latest MSO model.

‘Al Sahara’ translates from the Arabic for desert, and the crisp pearlescent white gold paintwork has a subtle shimmer, inspired by the golden sands which form such a distinctive part of the Middle Eastern landscape. This unique paint finish is achieved through the addition of 24 carat gold particles. The precious metal, associated with opulence and luxury throughout the region has an atomic number of 79.

Contrasting detailing on the exterior of the 650S Spider Al Sahara 79 includes a retractable hard top and lightweight forged alloy wheels finished in gloss black. Carbon fibre is used for the side intakes, front splitter and rear diffuser, while aggressive, full-length carbon fibre MSO-branded Side Blades provide a more purposeful and sculpted appearance. 

A fully custom-zoned interior features black and Almond White leather upholstered electrically-adjustable sports seats with contrasting stitching, with the Al Sahara 79 paint scheme carried through to the steering wheel, centre console and door panels around the heating and ventilation controls. A dark golden finish has been applied to all switchgear and heating vents.

Power comes from the multi-award-winning mid-mounted 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 engine seen in the 650S Coupe and 650S Spider, producing 650S PS (641bhp) at 7,250rpm and 678NM (500lb ft) of torque. 

Performance and economy figures remain unchanged, with zero to 62mph (100km/h) reached in 3.0 seconds, and a top speed of 204 mph (329km/h), while achieving 24.2mpg (EU combined) cycle and CO₂emissions of 275g/km.

The Middle East boasts one of the highest levels of MSO customisation globally, with more than 25 percent of all models bound for the region containing an element of bespoke content. 

This ranges from unique colours, stitching, leathers and aerodynamic upgrades. Design consultations with owners in the Middle East highlighted a desire to see special editions unique to the region resulting in the bespoke project design team at MSO researching regional and local trends, cultures and tastes. 

The McLaren 650S Spider Al Sahara 79 by MSO has a retail price of 1,456,308 AED.

Commenting on the 650S Spider Al Sahara 79 by MSO, Ian Gorsuch, Regional Director Middle East & Africa, McLaren Automotive explained:‘McLaren Automotive is a true pioneer in its approach to the design and development of high performance sports and supercars, and the 650S Spider Al Sahara 79 by MSO is evidence of that. 

This truly unique project – our first in the Middle East – is inspired by a region that is home to some of our most loyal customers.

‘Since launching the brand back in 2011, McLaren Automotive has built extremely close links with the Middle East region. The Sports Series, as the third and final product tier in the model range is, is an extremely important and exciting addition to the line-up alongside the Super and Ultimate Series. 

We are delighted to show examples of each Series for the first time together in the region here at the Dubai International Motor Show, underlining how far the company has progressed in such a short period of time.’

Paul Mackenzie, Executive Director – McLaren Special Operations added: ‘The 650S Spider Al Sahara 79 project offered an exciting opportunity to create a truly bespoke car inspired by the rich history and culture of the Middle Eastern region, which is dominated by the beauty of the desert. It was fascinating to hear the feedback from McLaren owners, and to then assimilate this into a truly bespoke project that reflected the region’s long history of luxury and craftsmanship – which are the foundations of the MSO brand.’

FIRST REGIONAL DISPLAY OF THE THREE MODEL TIERS

In addition to the 650S Spider Al Sahara 79, which represents the McLaren Super Series at the Dubai International Motor Show, examples of both the Sports Series and Ultimate Series will be on display. This marks the first time each of the three tiers has been publicly shown together in the Middle East.

The 570S Coupé is the first model in the recently launched Sports Series, and introduces McLaren design, engineering and performance to the sports car market. 

The vehicle on display is finished in Ventura Orange with a focus on sport through carbon fibre exterior upgrades, sports exhaust, by McLaren Sport Design interior and carbon fibre interior pack. Pricing for the Sports Series starts from 650,000 AED, with deliveries set to commence in the region from next month.

Alongside the newest addition to the McLaren Automotive range is a unique example of the most powerful – the 916PS (903bhp) McLaren P1™. Commissioned by a Middle Eastern customer, the bespoke model features significant MSO content and is finished in white with subtle McLaren Orange detailing to highlight key design characteristics across the aerodynamically-optimised bodywork. 

Customisation continues in the cabin through a blend of raw carbon and contrasting black and orange Alcanatara®.  

The McLaren 650S Spider Al Sahara 79 will make its global debut on Stand SS100, Sheikh Saeed Hall 1 at the Dubai International Motor Show, 10-14 November.

USA - SEMA sees a raft of Sixth generation Camaro Concepts, Performance, Hyper, Black and Krypton.

Customized quartet demonstrate personalization and performance possibilities

With the all-new 2016 Camaro rolling soon into dealerships across the country, Chevrolet introduced four customized concepts at the SEMA Show today – each demonstrating the personalization possibilities enabled by a new lineup of accessories and performance parts.

The customized quartet includes:

• Camaro Chevrolet Performance concept – a Summit White Camaro SS featuring new red accents, billet-cut 20-inch forged lightweight aluminum wheels, lowered suspension and performance upgrades
• Camaro Hyper concept – inspired by Camaro’s heritage, this Hyper Blue Camaro LT coupe with the available 3.6L V-6 engine features white rally stripes, heritage-style fender badges and polished 20-inch forged aluminum wheels
• Camaro Black concept – a blacked-out vision of the Camaro SS, it wears a Mosaic Black Metallic exterior with darkened trim all around, tinted glass and black 20-inch wheels. A lowered suspension completes the sinister stance
• Camaro Krypton concept – in addition to its electroluminescent Krypton Green paint, the exterior features illuminated bowties that cascade down the body sides at the flip of a switch.

These Gen Six concepts blend concept parts and production accessories. Chevrolet will offer elements of some of the concept vehicles in accessory packages in early 2016.

“Since it was introduced in 1967, the Camaro has been one of the industry’s most personal and personalized cars,” said Roger McCormack, director, Accessories & Performance Parts Marketing. “Many customers use the Camaro as a canvas to express their personalities and these concepts serve as inspiration for the many options available from Chevrolet.”

The portfolio of Camaro accessories and performance parts includes:

• Three aluminum wheel designs, in multiple finishes
• Grille kits with six body-color inserts for LT and SS models; inserts are also available in chrome-appearance or primed versions for custom painting
• A blade-style rear spoiler and ground effects kit, each offered in 10 colors
• Four exterior graphics packages, offered in multiple colors, including, “rally stripe,” front-fender “hash mark,” racing stripe designs and a body-side “spear” graphic
• Interior trim kits, offered in multiple colors, including knee pads and door accent trim
• Performance exhaust kits for SS and V-6-equipped LT models (not compatible with the dual-mode exhaust system)
• Suspension lowering kits for SS and LT models (not compatible with SS models equipped with available Magnetic Ride Control)
• Brembo^® performance front brake packages for SS and LT models
• Performance air intake kit for the SS
• Engine covers for SS and LT models.

Customers can view many of the accessories on the new Camaro using the online Camaro Visualizer.

Camaro Chevrolet Performance concept

The Camaro has long been associated with performance and this concept uses new components, including a performance air intake, exhaust system and a red engine cover, as well as a new suspension-lowering kit and a Brembo^® front brake upgrade kit with six-piston calipers.

On the outside, the Summit White exterior color is accented with “Chevrolet Performance” and stripe graphics, a blacked-out panel between the taillamps, concept 20-inch accessory wheels and the following Chevrolet accessories:

• Darkened taillamps
• Blade-style rear spoiler
• Front fascia extension
• SS grille with red insert
• Black front and rear bowtie emblems.

Inside, the Camaro concept is trimmed in Jet Black leather and accented with Chevrolet Accessories components, including Red Hot door accent trim, Chevrolet Performance-logo console armrest cover and floor mats, pedal covers and Jet Black suede knee pads. It also features knee pads with black suede.

Camaro Hyper concept

The Camaro Hyper concept strikes a bold and sophisticated pose with its Hyper Blue Metallic exterior contrasting with a new Ceramic White interior. It’s a combination customers can order with the 2016 Camaro, but this customized version adds heritage-inspired cues, including Chevrolet Accessories white rally stripes and “Camaro” fender badges. It also wears the rear spoiler from the RS package and Chevrolet Accessories 20-inch polished forged aluminum wheels.

The additional exterior and interior features are available from Chevrolet Accessories and Chevrolet Performance. They include:

• Front fascia extension painted body color
• LT upper and lower grilles with Silver Ice Metallic inserts
• Blue engine cover
• Black illuminated front bowtie emblem
• Ceramic White interior knee pads
• Black interior Spectrum door trim lighting
• Camaro-logo embroidered armrest cover
• Camaro-badge floor mats
• Suspension lowering kit
• Performance exhaust.

Camaro Black concept

This blacked-out Camaro SS concept makes a simple-yet-powerful styling statement – one increasingly popular with performance enthusiasts.

“It is a very popular thing customers do with the fifth-generation Camaro and we wanted to be the first to show how it looks with the new Gen Six,” said Adam Barry, senior creative designer, Chevrolet Camaro. “I’ll tell you – it looks pretty sinister.”

Starting with the production Mosaic Black Metallic exterior color, the Camaro features several custom exterior treatments, including Mosaic Black Metallic hood vents, black-outlined SS badges, black-tinted windows, special Black Edition logos on the fenders, steering wheel and console cover – and black 20-inch aluminum wheels.

The additional exterior and interior features come from the new Camaro portfolio from Chevrolet Accessories, including:

• Ground effects kit
• Darkened taillamps
• Rear blade spoiler
• Black bowtie emblems
• Black interior Spectrum door trim lighting
• Chevrolet Performance-logo floor mats with light grey edging
• Black suede knee pads.

The Camaro Black concept backs up its sinister look with new performance parts, including exhaust and air intake kits, a brake upgrade kit and the new suspension- lowering kit.

Camaro Krypton concept

Krypton is one of the six nobles gases and is used to help illuminate fluorescent lights. When combined with other gases, it can create a greenish-yellow luminous lighting effect similar to neon.

That luminescent quality was the inspiration behind the Camaro Krypton concept’s exterior color. The fluorescent green primary color is officially called Krypton Green and is a custom hue developed exclusively for this Gen Six SEMA concept.

Camaro Krypton features an electroluminescent paint technology. With the flip of a switch, the dynamic design comes alive with illuminated bowties on the body sides.

The concept also features the available RS package, which includes 20-inch wheels, high-intensity discharge headlamps custom-trimmed in green, darkened taillamps, unique upper and lower grilles and a rear spoiler. Additionally, this custom Camaro strikes a sportier stance with the new Chevrolet Performance lowering kit and sounds strong with the available dual-mode exhaust – with custom-painted exhaust tips.

At the SEMA Show

The quartet of Camaro concepts are some of more than 20 concept and production vehicles on display this week at the SEMA Show, including additional Gen Six Camaro concepts, as well as Corvette Stingray and Z06 models, Silverado, Colorado and more.

USA - One off "King James" Edition Kia K900 to be auctioned for the LeBron James Family Foundation.

Kia’s Luxury Ambassador and Star of the Fit for a King™ Campaign Auctions Customized K900 at Charitybuzz.com Beginning Today

• Custom Pearl Red Metallic K900 has been driven by LeBron James and displayed inside Madison Square for the NBA All-Star Game in New York City
• Celebrity Auto Group lowered the ride height of Kia’s award-winning flagship and added 22” Custom Monoblock Wheels and Pirelli^® Tires, Alcantara suede headliner, customized Lexicon^® Logic 7^® audio system, King James logos inside and out, and more

Kia Motors and its Luxury Ambassador, LeBron James, have teamed up with Charitybuzz to auction his customized Kia K900 sedan, with proceeds benefitting the LeBron James Family Foundation.  

Working with Celebrity Auto Group, the philanthropist and star of Kia’s Fit for a King™ ad campaign personalized the one-of-a-kind K900 that is now available for fans to bid on at Charitybuzz.com through 3 p.m. ET on May 7, 2015.

“I’m excited to share this custom car with the winning bidder and even more proud that all of the proceeds are going to help my Foundation continue its amazing work,” said LeBron James.  "All of the proceeds raised will help us keep kids in school and give them an education that is extremely important for their futures.”

First unveiled at the 2015 NBA All-Star game at Madison Square Garden, the King James Edition K900 also made auto show appearances in Cleveland and New York in April.  Select customization elements include Alcantara Suede interior and headliner, color-matched diamond contrast stitching throughout, Llumar^®Ceramic window tint, customized Lexicon^® Logic 7^® audio system, personalized King James Limited Edition Plaque #01 and LBJ icons in the headrests.

 “The K900 challenges everything people think they know about Kia, and the King James Edition takes on a new personality by showcasing LeBron James’ unique style,” said Tim Chaney, vice president of marketing communications, Kia Motors America. “We are proud that LeBron chose to drive a Kia, and to provide fans the opportunity to bid on the K900 and have the proceeds go to the LeBron James Family Foundation.”  

Yamaha's yard built story rolls into Summer.

Motorcycle fans have a lot to look forward to on top of warm sunny days this summer as Yamaha steps up its iconic 'Yard Built' activities with exciting new projects. The Gibbonslap kit is now ready to order for the SR400 and the next few months will see new Yard Built XV950 and SR400 based projects by cult customisers. Yamaha will have a major Yard Built presence at the world's coolest custom bike show, Wheels & Waves 2014 in Biarritz where some surprising customised SR400's will be revealed!

Yamaha's 'Yard Built' activity continues to make the dream of owning a custom motorcycle a reality for bikers around the world. An ever-increasing number of the most respected customisers in the industry are collaborating with Yamaha to create beautiful Yard Built specials. The unique aftermarket kits that support selected specials then give the dreamers of the world the chance to make their custom bike a reality.

The story kicks off with news that the custom bike conversion kit for the stunning Wrench Monkees Yard Built SR400 'GibbonSlap' is now available both through Wrench Monkees and German based Parts Specialists KEDO. With no cutting or major frame modification required, anyone with reasonable technical ability can create their own beautiful SR GibbonSlap from the Yamaha model. Everything you need to re-create this build yourself can be found on the dedicated website, http://www.wrenchmonkees.com/the-yard-built orwww.gibbonslap.com. 

Next up is the announcement of an exciting new 'Yard Built' project with Marcus Walz. The German bike builder is a long time Yamaha fan whose first bike at the age of 18 was the cult Yamaha RD350LC. Marcus has already made his mark in the custom Yamaha world with his incredible hyper modified VMAX and TMAX machines. Now the inventor of the world famous Drag-Style frame is turning his attention to the new Yamaha XV950. Embracing a 'performance café-racer' concept theme and classic Yamaha colours means you can expect to see an instant icon when the bike is unveiled at the Intermot show in October.

Hot on the heels of that build comes another 'Yard Built' project to wet the appetite of custom bike lovers. Following a successful partnership with the Wrench Monkees developing kit parts for 'Yard Built' Specials, German company KEDO has been inspired to collaborate on a solo project with Yamaha and is working on two special SR400 builds, to be unveiled at EICMA in November.

Custom fans will be treated to two versions of KEDO's 'Yard Built' SR400, embracing a "Duo" concept by sharing several design queues with two different build philosophies. This is the first yard build where builders are tasked to simultaneously build two bikes at the same time, sharing family DNA yet being totally different in concept. As a specialist parts supplier for Yamaha single and twin motorcycles, KEDO's intimate knowledge of the SR400 should go beyond anybody's expectation to deliver something pretty spectacular!

Next month will see the world's best customisers and their machines descend on Biarritz in France for the amazing Wheels and Waves show from June 12th to 15th. Yamaha is taking this opportunity to allow you to get up close and personal with its entire Yard Built Special collection in one place. This is your chance to feed your imagination and see the result of collaborations with Wrenchmonkees, Deus Ex Machina and others all lined up for inspection.

On the evening of the second day, 13th June, after the classical races have run their course, Yamaha will hold a special 'Meet The Builders' gathering where you can shake hands and ask questions to the clever minds behind some of Yamaha's coolest 'Yard Built' Specials. The gathering will take place from 18.30hrs at the Hondarribia Marina where drinks and good Wheels & Waves vibes will be on hand to guarantee you soak up the real 'Yard Built' atmosphere.

To make the event even more special, Yamaha will unveil two brand new 'Yard Built' Specials live for the assembled fans. The two SR400s, one by leading custom industry icons Deus Ex Machina and the other by German custom Yamaha specialists, brothers Raphael and Christian Bender.If you can't be there in person you can follow the action on Yamaha's Facebook page, here: www.facebook.com/yamaha.motor.eu