Bentley;s latest batch of apprentices will renovate a 1965 T-Series, putting it back into factory new condition.

• Trainees start apprenticeships at Bentley Motors
• Apprentices will develop new skills to renovate 1965 Bentley T-Series
• Restoration project forms part of learning programme for apprentices

Over half a century after its initial assembly, a 1965 Bentley T-Series has returned to the company’s headquarters in Crewe to be restored by Bentley apprentices to its original factory specification.  

The renovation project forms a key part of the Bentley apprenticeship learning programme.     

The new apprentices will complete and assemble the trim section and restore the car’s body, paint and engine, putting into practice the modern skills they will gain during their apprenticeship while becoming familiar with traditional techniques. 

Post completion, the classic car will join Bentley’s celebrated heritage fleet where it will attend car events across the world. 

Commenting on Bentley’s commitment to skills development, Marlies Rogait, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Human Resources, says: 

“Bentley’s apprenticeship scheme offers a solid foundation to enable our trainees to learn and grow. Working on one of the most iconic Bentleys from our illustrious past is a truly unique experience, and one which will enhance their skills and knowledge and help them become experts in their chosen field.”    

The Bentley T-Series - which the manufacturing apprentices will work on - was assembled  between the years of 1965 and 1970, and featured the first monocoque chassis seen in a Bentley. In this five year period, 1,004 T-Series models were produced. With a maximum speed of 115mph and capable of achieving 0-62mph in 10.9 seconds, it contained an early version of the 6¾ litre V8 engine found in Bentley’s present day flagship; the Mulsanne.

Bentley Master Trainer, Colin Jackson, who is leading the project, said “This is something everyone involved in can feel very proud of. Having the opportunity to bring back to life such an iconic Bentley doesn’t happen very often.  The challenge of restoring this car means that our apprentices will develop the traditional skills that Bentley is so famous for, and sets them up for their careers building Bentleys of the future.”

Over half of the new intake of apprentices (19) are undertaking a three year manufacturing apprenticeship programme. The curriculum is designed and delivered by Bentley Master Trainers, during which apprentices will develop skills in areas such as coach trimming, wood, paint, mechatronics and production maintenance as well as developing know-how in production technologies of the future.

The apprenticeship scheme has been running for more than 40 years and offers an invaluable way of gaining nationally recognised academic and vocational qualifications, while undertaking tailored development at Bentley.  The other 17 apprentices will be based in business areas at Bentley’s headquarters in Crewe, including Engineering, Sales and Marketing, Purchasing and Human Resources.

In addition to the 36 new apprentices Bentley has also recently welcomed 40 undergraduates and next month 23 graduates will join the business.  Last month Bentley received a Princess Royal Training Award in recognition of their outstanding training and skills development programmes.

To further enhance the company’s future investment in its employees and the community, Bentley is also playing a pivotal role in supporting the recently opened University Technical College in Crewe.  The new school which will focus on Engineering and Design, will provide an aspirational learning environment, incorporating the latest technology and equipment to give students a head start within industry and academia.

Kit Harrington, the Game of Thrones Actor takes centre stage in the first of three short films to launch the Infiniti Q60.

• Kit Harington, Emmy-nominated actor stars in new INFINITI Q60 film
• One-minute short film showcases INFINITI and Harington’s shared ability to deliver an exhilarating performance

INFINITI marks the launch of the dynamic INFINITI Q60 with a film starring one of the world’s most talked about actors, Kit Harington. Emmy-nominated Harington is a fearless craftsman who has risen to prominence through his much-lauded recent performances on stage and screen.  Now, he stars in an exhilarating short film for INFINITI’S Q60 titled Tyger.

The one-minute film opens with Harington striding towards the Q60. He settles in the car and dramatically begins reciting William Blake’s primal poem, The Tyger. Harington’s intense performance is awakened as he takes both the Q60 and the poem for a visceral, winding drive. The film ends with an effortless stop from the Q60 and a knowing glance by Harington.

“What inspires me personally in my life, is a beautiful piece of writing. Something which is specific, delicate and beautiful,” says Kit Harington. Blake’s The Tyger is an inspiring reflection of such writing and also captures the high performance empowerment of the Q60 – they are both an exploration of aesthetic beauty, primal ferocity, ambition and seduction.

Melissa Bell, INFINITI’s Senior Director of Marketing said; “Kit Harington is a unique and refined talent. He is performance orientated with intelligence and a passion for his artistry and the Q60 has inspired a powerful performance from him in Tyger. In this one-minute drive we’re thrilled to take viewers on a test-ride through multiple emotions. The Q60 is a dynamic automobile, driven by one of the world’s best actors – a winning combination.”

Harington’s Tyger film is one of three new films being released to mark the launch of the Q60. INFINITI are due to release web films in the coming weeks of Audio Engineer and Music Technologist Young Guru and Sneaker Designer Sophia Chang.

The Q60 featured in this film is a premium sports coupe that combines expressive design with exhilarating performance and dynamics. The taut, muscular lines of the exterior hint at the Q60’s considerable performance potential –enhanced with the all-new 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine.

And the TOP Gear Magazine Car of the year is....... find out within, along with the entire rundown of all awards.

“You don’t always need to spend big money to have a huge amount of fun”

BBC Top Gear Magazine Awards Issue, celebrating the greatest cars of the year and representing the best of the best.

The Ford Focus RS, has claimed the title of BBC Top Gear Magazine’s Car of the Year, beating off serious competition from the significantly higher priced models, such as Porsche and Ferrari, to be the overall winner for one of the most coveted awards in the motoring industry.

Every year, Top Gear Magazine rates and reviews over 300 new cars. Each award winner is selected by Top Gear's expert motoring journalists – including some help from The Stig - and now the top 18 have been named.

The Focus is the latest in the long line of fast Fords to carry the iconic RS badge and the judges described it as a car that “combines such vivid personality with real practicality and serves it up at such a tempting price”. Naturally, it also picked up a second award in the Hot Hatch category. With a £29,995 price tag, the Ford Focus RS is one of cheapest cars on the list with a top speed of 165mph and hitting 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds. Winning Car of the Year is no stranger to Ford; the Fiesta ST also won the award in 2013.

Charlie Turner, Editor-In-Chief, Top Gear Magazine says “The Focus RS really is the complete package and claims our top award ahead of other category winners costing ten times as much. It delivers accessible performance and entertainment, with looks and practicality thrown in, and proves you don’t always need to spend big money to have a huge amount of fun. When it came to the voting the decision was unanimous - the Focus RS is a hugely worthy winner of the TopGear Car of The Year.”

In the Manufacturer of the Year category, McLaren picked up the award after launching three world beaters in 2015 with the 570S, 675LT and P1 GTR. A triumph for the (relatively) young car company from the UK.

Other notable winners include: Mazda, who picked up the Roadster of the Year Award for the new version of the iconic MX-5; and Urban Warrior of the Year for the CX-3, described as an “urban SUV with a sense of humour”.

Porsche once again demonstrated their performance pedigree; picking up two awards; the Hardcore Car of the Year with the Porsche 911 GT3 RS and Sports Car of the Year for the Porsche Cayman GT4.

Top Gear magazine has had a complete overhaul, with a fresh look and re-design. There are new sections, layouts and feature formats. Plus, some of the new presenters from the show are featured in the Awards Issue with Chris Evans, Eddie Jordan, Chris Harris and Rory Reid all contributing.

The full results and details are available in the special Awards issue of the magazine on sale Wednesday 23 March 2016.

TopGear Magazine Awards 2016 winners in full:

• Car of the Year 2016 - Ford Focus RS
• Hot Hatch of the Year - Ford Focus RS
• Manufacturer of the Year - McLaren
• Coupe of the Year - BMW M2
• Estate Car of the Year - Mercedes-AMG C63 Estate
• Family Car of the Year - Land Rover Discovery Sport
• Freak of the Year - Ariel Nomad
• Hardcore Car of the Year - Porsche 911 GT3 RS
• Luxury Car of the Year - Rolls-Royce Dawn
• Muscle Car of the Year - Ford Mustang GT350R
• Noise of the Year - Range Rover Sport SVR
• Roadster of the Year - Mazda MX-5
• Saloon of the Year - Jaguar XF
• Sports Car of the Year - Porsche Cayman GT4
• Supercar of the Year - Ferrari 488 GTB
• Urban Warrior of the Year - Mazda CX-3
• Zen Car of the Year - Volvo XC90
• Engine of the Year - Ferrari F12tdf

DS Automobiles launches the new DS3 hatch and cabrio, now with a revised front end and better interior.

New DS 3 & DS 3 Cabrio are the latest models to be unveiled by DS Automobiles. The hatchback & Cabrio versions have new design features, latest-generation technology, ultimate attention to detail & a uniquely refined, yet dynamic character that are hallmarks of the DS brand.

Since the launch of DS 3 in 2010, 390,000 customers have succumbed to the charms of this hip and stylish Parisian supermini. From London to Tokyo and Sydney to Buenos Aires, DS 3 has become a true automotive icon that is renowned for its distinctive personality, unique styling, driving pleasure and leading-edge technology. Both DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio have always offered drivers the best possible blend of comfort and dynamism.

New DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio – unveiled today – are even more attractive, with new design features (revised front end and personalisation possibilities) and enhanced functionality (connectivity, driving assistance systems). For top-level performance, both in the city and out on the open road, the DS brand’s versatile new models can be specified with the latest PureTech 130 three-cylinder turbo petrol engine and offer the latest-generation EAT6 automatic gearbox with the PureTech 110 petrol engine. New DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio will also be available in Performance specification, boasting an impressive 208hp (153kW).

The reveal of New DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio will be of significant interest to UK new car buyers. Britain is already the leading market for DS 3 sales. More DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio models were sold in the UK last year than in France or any other global market. 

 

“An icon”. “A unique object”. “The DS 3 has revolutionised automotive cues”. “A car that has marked its time”.     This is how drivers talk about their DS 3s. They are proud to own a car that reflects their individual image, a car that stirs desire and puts the magic back in to everyday life. That feeling is wholly shared by the DS design team. Renewing a car of this stature was both a pleasure and a challenge. 

The goal was to build on what has already made DS 3 a success – personalisation, styling and vitality – and to enhance it with contemporary technology and equipment, including efficient engines and a connected touchscreen. Also key to the project was the unwavering passion and attention to detail shown by the stylists, technicians and engineers.   

“The New DS 3, a true success story, is reaffirming its brand kinship. With it, the DS family is complete. Refined, high-tech and high-performance, the stylish Parisian car appeals to customers looking for expressiveness, personalisation and motoring thrills. This sparkling model expresses an ‘art de vivre’ in town and country alike.”

Yves Bonnefont, CEO of DS Automobiles

Avant-garde design: from the new front end to the personalisation options

DS 3 has always embodied avant-garde design and was the first DS to feature the highly expressive “DS LED Vision” light signature. Now it also boasts the DS Automobiles front end with “DS Wings” that are sculpted around a vertically-oriented grille that proudly wears the DS emblem. Surrounded in chrome to underscore its elegance, the grille extends towards the LED headlamps and fog lamps via two chromed-finished wings.  The new front end perfectly complements the styling of the car, with the double wings making their debut on a DS model. After all, it is entirely natural for the first-ever modern day DS, and a DS brand icon, to lead the way. The DS design team has retained much of the car’s original look, including the floating roof, two-tone body/roof colours and the shark fins on the sides, which are so emblematic of the DS 3’s personality. 

“The DS 3’s compact and dynamic body style, enhanced by chrome-finished signatures, makes it a unique, expressive and appealing car. These personality traits are underlined by its rear styling, notably featuring hypnotic 3D LED lights.”

Thierry Metroz, Design Director, DS Automobiles

New DS 3 is more unique than ever in terms of personalisation possibilities, including options for the roof, body, rear view mirror housings, dashboard and gear knob. Customers can now choose from 78 body/roof colour combinations and four fabric roofs for the DS 3 Cabrio.

A resolutely technological object

Unrivalled lighting quality with DS LED Vision headlights 

As with New DS 4 and New DS 5, the new headlights – that were originally introduced on DS 3 in the summer of 2014 – combine LED technology (three jewel-like modules in each unit) and Xenon technology, with sequential LED indicators and new LED fog lamps.

The combination of LED and Xenon technologies generates a powerful, broad and harmonious light flow for improved visibility and driver comfort at night. It also reduces the energy consumption on the dipped beam setting by 50% (67% with the main beams switched on).  

Mirror Screen compatible with iOS and Android

New DS 3 models are equipped with Mirror Screen functionality, comprising Apple CarPlay™ or MirrorLink^®(for Android phones), bringing drivers a smarter, safer and more enjoyable way of experiencing all the personalised features of their smartphones.

The New DS 3 driving experience is more high-tech than ever with the new 7-inch colour touchscreen.  The latest-generation screen provides simpler access to all of the main vehicle functions (with 20 fewer buttons on the central fascia). It also houses Mirror Screen, a connectivity solution compatible with Apple CarPlay™ and MirrorLink^®. Drivers can use Apple CarPlay™ to intuitively make calls, consult maps, listen to music and check their messages, either by using the Siri voice recognition technology or via the touchscreen.

New DS 3 drivers can also extend the motoring experience on their smartphones with “MyDS”, a free app informing them of their servicing schedule, fuel economy and parking location. MyDS is available for Android and iOS.

Drivers with Android smartphones that are compatible with MirrorLink^® can also use MyDS to listen to and send text messages hands-free from behind the wheel of their New DS 3. Proving that DS cars are resolutely technological objects, all DS models are now fully connected. As with the rest of the range, from early 2016 DS 3 will be available with the DS Connect Box including: 

• SOS & Assistance pack: a standard-setting system that makes automatic emergency and assistance calls, where necessary to call out the emergency services,
• Monitoring pack: a virtual maintenance manual (automatically monitoring mileage and upcoming services), with eco-driving advice based on the technical information generated by the car,
• Mapping pack: vehicle localisation with customisable alerts via email, for example when the car enters or leaves a geographical area,
• Tracking pack: in the event of theft, the geographical position of the car is transmitted to the police.  

Active City Brake 

The Active City Brake system helps to prevent minor collisions at low speeds. A short-range sensor, located at the top of the windscreen, detects obstacles such as a stationary vehicle. At speeds of up to 30km/h (18mph) it identifies potential risks and communicates directly with the braking control unit without the driver having to touch the brake pedal. 

The purpose is to avoid collisions or to limit the consequences of an accident by reducing the speed of impact. Automatic braking may bring the vehicle to a complete halt where the situation requires it. In this case, the car is held in a stationary position for around 1.5 seconds so that the driver can regain control.

Before activating the automatic braking – if the system identifies an at-risk situation – the car primes the hydraulic braking system for improved reactivity in the event it is required.

New equipment for day-to-day comfort

New DS 3 is now equipped with front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera with visual indicator guide lines on the 7-inch screen and Hill Start Assist (manual gearbox only). Day-to-day usability and comfort is also provided by a spacious boot with the largest load volume in each segment (285 litres for the hatchback and 245 litres for the Cabrio). 

Comfort is a key word when driving DS 3 Cabrio. The roof can be opened and closed at motorway speeds and the car provides outstanding acoustic comfort.

New DS 3 also scores highly for rear passenger comfort. Both New DS 3 and New DS 3 Cabrio can accommodate the driver and a passenger in the front of the car and three adult passengers in the back.

Refinement and attention to detail 

With more than 20 limited editions since launch, 78 body/roof colour combinations and over three million personalisation options, New DS 3 has a powerful character and plenty of personality. Personalisation choice is now greater than ever, with ten roof decals available for the hatchback and four fabric roofs on the Cabrio, together with a host of further details.

As a stylish Parisian supermini forever at the cutting edge of fashion, New DS 3 is available with new trims and new interior design schemes (for example, Basalt Black Dinamica cloth, Topaz dashboard). New DS 3 also comes with a new body colour (Sport Red) and a new roof colour (Topaz, which is inspired by gemstones), as well as new alloy wheels.

Fashion is also the inspiration inside New DS 3. Leather – a material that never goes out of style – features on the signature watchstrap-style seats. This DS hallmark design uses premium Nappa leather. Nappa leather is also used for the leather-upholstered dashboard on Ultra Prestige models.

As an ultimate example of attention to detail, New DS 3 combines technology and refinement with laser engraving on the dashboard trim and on the door mirrors.

Beautiful and bold, New DS 3 shakes up automotive design cues and breathes new life into French-style luxury. For the hatchback and the Cabrio, the keywords remain appeal and vitality.

Dynamic and high-performance 

New DS 3 may well have appeal as an urban car, but it is equally at ease out on the open road due to its compact dimensions, agility and, above all, to its high-performance engines. New DS 3 will be available in the UK with seven engines, including three PureTech three-cylinder petrol engines (the DS brand’s PureTech engines won an International Engine of the Year award in 2015). 

There are also two THP four-cylinder petrol units and two BlueHDi diesels. There are two types of gearbox – manual and a latest-generation automatic. The result is CO₂ emissions as low as 87g/km (for the BlueHDi 100) and no more than 129g/km for the range as a whole, making New DS 3 ideal for all uses.

Three specific points are particularly noteworthy: the EAT6 latest-generation automatic gearbox; the new PureTech 130 three-cylinder turbo petrol engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission; and a new dynamic model called “DS 3 Performance”, with a powerful new engine.

PureTech 110 S&S EAT6 auto: the perfect combination 

The latest-generation EAT6 fully automatic gearbox is mated to the PureTech110 S&S three-cylinder petrol engine, which is fitted with a turbo for generous torque at low engine speeds. This ideal gearbox-engine alliance makes for a supple and dynamic drive. 

Drivers get faster and more seamless gear changes, and enhanced driving pleasure, responsiveness and acceleration. The figures speak for themselves, with combined-cycle fuel consumption of 61.4mpg and CO₂ emissions of 105g/km for the hatchback and the Cabrio – not forgetting 205Nm of torque. 

PureTech 130 S&S 6-speed manual: verve and vitality

Available for the first time in DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio, the PureTech 130 S&S delivers generous torque at low engine speeds and maintains it over a broad operating range. The engine gives New DS 3 even more verve and vitality while ensuring the lowest CO₂ emissions in its class at just 105g/km, and combined-cycle fuel consumption of 62.8mpg.

With maximum power of 96kW (130hp) at 5,500 rpm and maximum torque of 230Nm from 1,750 rpm, the PureTech 130 S&S engine is a perfect match for New DS 3.

New DS 3 Performance: matching performance with refinement 

The New DS 3 range will include powerful and dynamic DS 3 Performance versions. These distinctive cars combine trademark DS comfort, refinement and style – with athleticism and excitement.

“The Performance models are the dynamic and distinctive versions of the New DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio. They feature all the qualities of these latest models and take them to new, previously unattained levels. Powerful and refined, they bring drivers incomparable at-the-wheel thrills and all new styling, while retaining all the DNA of DS cars.”

Eric Apode, Products and Development Director, DS Automobiles

The pedigree of DS 3 Performance can be neatly summed up in a few key figures: 208hp, 300Nm of torque and CO₂ emissions of 125g/km. These qualities are a result of the tremendous work done by the 

DS Performance team, who chose to equip the cars with a top of the range 1.6 THP S&S engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox with shorter gear ratios. The New DS 3 Performance versions also come, as standard, with a Torsen^® limited slip differential for outstanding traction, road-holding and handling.

For even more agility, the suspension has been lowered by 15mm and the front and rear tracks have been widened (by 26mm and 14mm respectively). The New DS 3 Performance models are also fitted with larger 323mm brake discs at the front (with special Brembo calipers), and 249mm discs at the rear.

Naturally, style was also high on the list of priorities. Some components were redesigned to showcase and underline the vehicle’s dynamic qualities at first glance: a special twin tailpipe, carbon side mouldings, a new sill plate design and Matt Black wheel arch extensions. Not forgetting the vehicle interior, inside there are leather and Alcantara upholstered bucket seats, with special DS Performance embroidery.

Offering a number of personalisation possibilities, customers will be able to choose from four body colours (Polar White, Shark Grey, Perla Nera Black or Sport Red), two roof colours for the hatchback (white or black) and special DS Performance graphics.

NEW DS 3 IN FIGURES

• 2 body styles: Hatchback and Cabrio
• 390,000 sales worldwide since launch
• A Performance version (208hp,300Nm, Torsen^® limited slip differential)
• Hatchback launched in March 2010, Cabrio in early 2013
• 78 body/roof combinations
• 21 limited edition models worldwide since launch (e.g. DS 3 Dark Light, DS 3 1955)
• DS 3 Cabrio roof can be opened at speeds of up to 70mph and seats 5 adults
• Best-in-class CO₂ emissions

Dimensions: 3.95m long; 1.71m wide; 1.46m high

Turning circle of 10.2m or 10.4m