McLaren takes its first ever Internship, the student from New Zealand will work at the Woking centre.

McLaren Automotive has awarded its first international internship to a student from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. 

Following in the footsteps of the McLaren founder, Bruce McLaren, Andrew McLaren (no relation), a third-year student in the Faculty of Engineering studying Mechatronics Engineering, will spend nine weeks at the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, working alongside the company’s Research and Development engineers.

Nearly 60 years beforehand, the McLaren founder, Bruce McLaren, travelled to England on a similar ‘Driver to Europe’ scholarship to pursue his motorsport aspirations and founded his own racing company in 1963. 

Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Bruce McLaren studied at the Auckland University of Technology and was an accomplished engineer and innovator as well as a successful racing driver.

Andrew McLaren was born in Dargaville, New Zealand and attended Dargaville High School before starting his Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics. Mechatronics is a mix of mechanical, electrical and computer engineering.

Andrew McLaren’s particular focus is in the Research and Development of future products, and especially the company’s efforts to reduce the emissions of the next generation of sports and super cars. 

Commenting on the internship, Andrew said: “I can’t wait, it’s a field that is very hard to get into because there is very little opportunity in New Zealand, so I thought I would never get a chance like this. 

I would love to be at the forefront of that kind of innovative thinking. I’d really like to do something that would benefit society,” Andrew continued.

Commenting on the internship, Brand Ambassador for McLaren Automotive and daughter of Bruce, Amanda McLaren said: “I’m delighted to welcome Andrew to McLaren Automotive to continue his education. 

Even though my father passed away many years ago, the connection between McLaren and New Zealand still remains very strong and the parallels in both of their early careers is especially poignant.”

PSA takes the award for best International Engine in the 1.0 litre-1.4 litre category.

At the 18^th International Engine of the Year Awards held in Stuttgart on 1 June 2016, the 1.2‑litre three-cylinder Turbo PureTech petrol engine developed by PSA Group was named Engine of the Year in the 1-litre to 1.4-litre category by a panel of international journalists. 

The award received for the second time is just the latest achievement for the engine model, which is manufactured at the Française de Mécanique plant in Douvrin, France.

Expanding the range of new generation PSA Group petrol engines 

Due to the popularity of the three-cylinder petrol engine family, PSA Group has decided to increase its production capacity to support the energy transition. 

Nearly 370,000 Turbo PureTech engines have been produced at the Douvrin plant since 2014. An additional production capacity of turbo petrol engines will be manufactured at the Trémery plant in eastern France, lifting potential annual output to 670,000 engines by 2018. 

Reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions while optimising vehicle performance

With 120 patents to its name, the three-cylinder Turbo PureTech petrol engine cuts fuel consumption and CO₂emissions by 18% compared with its four-cylinder petrol predecessor. 

The engine holds two fuel economy records. It claimed its first in Europe in 2014, with a manual transmission vehicle. Its second came in China this year, when an automatic model travelled 1,878 kilometres on a single tank, achieving a record-breaking 2.93 litres per 100 kilometres. 

The engine also offers one of the most comfortable driving experiences on the market – even at the lowest speeds – and the best low speed/power compromise: 130 hp with torque of 230 Nm. The 1.2 PureTech 110 hp and 1.2 PureTech 130 hp engines are fitted on B and C segment vehicles. 

First launched in March 2014 on the Citroën C4 Picasso and the Peugeot 308, the PureTech engine is now fitted on more than 60 different models worldwide, including the new Peugeot 3008 unveiled on 23 May 2016.

Commenting on the award, Christian Chapelle, Vice-President, Powertrain and Chassis 

Engineering, PSA Group, said: "Receiving this award for the second year in a row is a testament to our technological expertise and efforts to optimise our engines and reduce their environmental footprint while at the same time delivering high-quality performance."

Ford's super frugal 1.0 litre EcoBoost engine takes it's ninth win in the International Engine of the Year awards.

• Ford’s 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine is named 2016 International Engine of the Year “Best Engine Under 1.0-litre” for the fifth consecutive year – despite increased competition from major global automotive manufacturers in the sub 1.0-litre class
• Ford achieves ninth win for fuel-efficient and sporty engine, previously overall winner a record three times, and best newcomer; powers one in five Ford vehicles sold in Europe
• Ground-breaking 1.0-litre EcoBoost is class winner for drivability, performance, economy, refinement and technology. EcoBoost ingenuity now being employed in new EcoBlue diesel engines

Ford’s tiny yet powerful 1.0‑litre EcoBoost engine has been voted best in class at the International Engine of the Year Awards for the fifth year in a row. Judges praised the combination of drivability, performance, economy, refinement and technology that continues to set the standard.

The frugal three-cylinder EcoBoost engine was named “Best Engine Under 1.0-litre” by a panel of 65 automotive journalists, from 31 countries, to win its class each and every year since launch. This year it finished ahead of 32 competitor engines, 19 more than it competed against in 2012. Significantly, 2015 also saw an increase in competition from global automotive manufacturers of sub 1.0-litre, turbocharged engines with direct fuel injection.

In 2014, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost became the first engine to be named overall International Engine of the Year for a third time in a row, and also was in 2012 named “Best New Engine.”

“The 1.0-litre EcoBoost was a game-changer, and despite others following our lead, it remains the undisputed benchmark in its class five years on,” said Joe Bakaj, vice president, Product Development, Ford of Europe. “The spirit of innovation continues to drive us as we look to use the same smart thinking for a new breed of efficient, clean and powerful down-sized diesel engines.”

Available with 100 PS, 125 PS and 140 PS, and even 180 PS in the Ford Fiesta R2 rally car, the 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine powers vehicle

Engine of the year awards the Ferrari 3.9 litre twin turbo three awards and the overall title, at long last a decent winner.

Ferrari takes a record number of prizes at the International Engine of the Year Awards

The 3.9-litre twin-turbo takes no fewer than three categories along with the overall Engine of the Year Award

The F12tdf’s 6.3-litre V12 takes the Above 4-litre category

Ferrari has been honoured to receive a record number of awards at the International Engine of the Year Award ceremony, held at the Engine Expo 2016 in Stuttgart, this morning.

With 63 jurors from more than 30 countries, the International Engine of the Year Award is one of the industry’s most coveted honours.

Ferrari took the most important of them all, the overall International Engine of the Year Award, with the twin-turbo V8 that powers the 488 GTB, 488 Spider and, with a slightly different displacement, the California T. In fact, this engine also won the Performance Engine and New Engine categories, as well as the 3-litre to 4-litre displacement category. 

Ferrari’s naturally-aspirated 6.3-litre V12 engine that powers the F12berlinetta and F12tdf also received the Above 4-litre award.

A concentration of uncompromising engineering solutions, Ferrari’s return to twin-turbo technology for the V8 range has set a new benchmark for turbo-charged engines. Zero turbo lag and a progressive delivery of torque throughout the rev range maintain unprecedented levels of driver involvement, as well as providing a signature Ferrari soundtrack and power delivery that propels the Prancing Horse into the lead in this segment.

According to Graham Johnson, co-chairman, International Engine of the Year Awards,

“It’s a giant leap forward for turbocharged engines in terms of efficiency, performance and flexibility. It truly is the best engine in production today and will forever be remembered as one of the all-time greats.

The Green Apple Awards for 2015 names the Mazda2 as it's Best Supermini.

• 2015 International Green Apple Awards name the all-new Mazda2 1.5 SKYACTIV-D Best Supermini.
• Green Apple Awards recognise and reward environmental best practice.
• All-new Mazda2 1.5 SKYACTIV-D has a combined economy of 83.1mpg and emits 89g/km of CO₂.
• Motoring section of the Green Apple Awards judged by the Midland Group of Motoring Writers.

The all-new Mazda2 has been named ‘Best supermini’ in the 22^nd annual Green Apple Awards. With the motoring section of the environmental awards judged by journalists from the Midland Group of Motoring Writers (MGMW), the 1.5-litre diesel SKYACTIV-D Mazda2 took top honours in the supermini category at the awards ceremony held recently at the Houses of Parliament.

MGMW Chairman Ian Donaldson commented, “the Mazda2 sets an engaging, practical and efficient benchmark in the class, making economy enjoyable while also providing sensible running costs. Mazda shows that using a larger engine than the competition and applying clever technology can provide fine economy and a car that’s good to drive.”

Having already claimed the Car Dealer Magazine Car of the Year Award earlier this year, the Green Apple Award’s acknowledgment of the all-new Mazda2’s blend of efficiency and performance comes on the back of the 105ps SKYACTIV-D Mazda2 exceling in the recent MPG Marathon, where it recorded an average fuel consumption of 103.42mpg – an impressive 24.45 per cent better than the official combined economy.

Equipped with Mazda’s i-stop system, which delivers the world’s fastest restarts on a diesel engine, the all-new 1.5-litre SKYACTIV-D engine embodies Mazda’s clean-sheet approach to combustion engines. The 1,499cc common-rail diesel engine features a lightweight all-alloy construction and an ultra-low 14.8:1 compression ratio that radically optimises the engine’s compression ratio to achieve superior air-fuel mixture levels and more uniform combustion for improved economy.

At the same time Mazda’s latest generation small diesel impresses with its combination of refinement, throttle response and performance.  As well as proving the real-world benefits of Mazda’s SKYACTIV technology, the all-new Mazda2’s KODO: Soul of Motion style and engaging driving experience help it stand out in this ultra-competitive sector.

International three day eventer, Tom Crisp is to be sponsored by SsangYong - Still want to test the Tivoli !!!

International three day eventer, Tom Crisp is to be sponsored by SsangYong, and will be driving a SsangYong Korando Sports 1 tonne pick-up to all the leading eventing venues this year.

Tom has produced several successful horses and is a regular at major events including international four-star competitions at Badminton, Burghley, Pau in France and Luhmühlen, in Germany.  

An accomplished rider in all three eventing disciplines and excelling at cross country, he has enjoyed considerable success, finishing 11^th at last year’s Burghley CCI**** on Cooly’s Luxury.

Paul Williams, CEO of SsangYong Motor UK commented, “We are delighted to be supporting Tom who will be presenting our vehicles to the eventing and wider equine community.  The Korando Sports pick-up with its four wheel drive and 2.7 tonne towing capacity is perfect for pulling a two horse trailer, while its five seat double cab, large load area and 1 tonne payload make it ideal for anyone with a horse.”

Added Tom:  “This is a great opportunity for us.  I am delighted to have teamed-up with this great Korean brand and look forward to representing SsangYong as I travel to events around the UK and abroad.  With the support of great sponsors and owners I am optimistic of achieving even more success in the future.”

Tom and his wife Sophie run Team Crisp Eventing from their yard in Mayfield, East Sussex, where he also works as a retained firefighter.

MG 3 - Two International Footballers name the MG3 as a match winner.

International soccer stars at Premier League side Burnley FC have voted the MG3 a real match winner. Two of the fast-selling super-minis caught the eye of Welsh International striker Sam Vokes and England Under-23 full-back Kieran Trippier who play for the Clarets.

The international duo were on hand to receive the cars, presented by one of MG’s newest dealers Steve Durkin MG, to Burnley FC’s recently launched Burnley FC in the Community project.

Vokes and Trippier were joined by Burnley goalkeeper, Tom Heaton, and dynamic attacker Ashley Barnes at the handover. One of the MG3s is in Cherry Bomb, almost the same colour as Burnley’s home kit, while the second is in Hello Yellow, which may become the club’s new away shirt colour next season.

The Burnley FC in the Community project will see the MG3s being used across Lancashire in support of sports, education, health, social inclusion and community projects.   

Steve Durkin, Managing Director, of the dealership on Turner Road, Nelson, said: “The lads really liked the MG3s and it’s great that we can be involved to support the club in their programme to reach out to the community.

“When you think that Premier League players are often linked to some pretty exotic cars, they took a surprisingly strong interest in the new MGs. But then that’s also the reaction we're getting when customers come to the showroom and especially after they've had a test drive."

Neil Hart, Burnley FC’s Head of Community, said: “We're really pleased that Steve Durkin MG are a local business and are supporting us in our community programme. The MG3s have been very well received and we will be using them to go to the hundreds of events that we are planning to be involved in this year.”

On home match days the MG3s can be seen on display at the entrance to the main Burnley FC car park.

Matthew Cheyne, MG’s Head of Marketing, said: “Steve Durkin has shown real initiative with this and has helped get the MG3 into the heart of his local community. The Burnley club’s scheme will help lots of local people and it’s great that we can be involved too.”   

Third Generation Octavia wins yet another award, to add to a large tally so far won.

The third generation ŠKODA Octavia is going from strength to strength. The latest proof is receiving the award for the best imported car in the compact class in the readers’ choice ‘Best Cars 2015’ organised by the German car magazine ‘Auto Motor und Sport’ (AMS). Since its market launch in early 2013, the ŠKODA bestseller has won 44 national and international car awards so far.

​The ŠKODA Octavia has also been a great hit on the international markets, with more than 500,000 of the third generation Octavia already having been delivered to customers around the world. In 2014 sales of the model increased 8.1% to 388,800. In Western Europe, sales grew by an incredible 22.5% in 2014. Last year, the ŠKODA Octavia was the best-selling new car in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Finland, Poland, Slovakia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iceland. 

“The Octavia is very special to us at ŠKODA. We have put our heart and soul into developing this car. Wining this award from the ‘Auto, Motor und Sport’ readers is further proof that we’ve got a lot of things right,” explains ŠKODA CEO Prof. Dr. h.c. Winfried Vahland. 

The third generation Octavia truly is one of a kind, and is the largest, safest, lightest, most practical, comfortable and environmentally friendly Octavia of all time. 

The whole model series is also more versatile than ever. There are currently eight versions in the range: the Octavia hatchback, Octavia hatchback 4x4, Octavia Combi (estate), Octavia Combi (estate) 4x4, Octavia RS, Octavia G-TEC, Octavia Scout and the especially environmentally friendly Octavia GreenLine. The top of the European line also includes the exclusive Octavia L&K version.

Consumers, car experts and the trade media alike value the product features and versatility of ŠKODA Octavia very highly. To date, the ŠKODA Octavia has won 44 renowned national and international car awards, making it one of the most awarded vehicles in its class. Over the last two years, the third generation of the model has won prizes in twelve countries, including the Czech Republic, Germany, China, Russia, India and even Australia.  The Octavia was recognised primarily as being a great family car, with exceptional functionality, stable resale value, excellent value for money, and not least its attractive design.

Awards for the third generation ŠKODA Octavia since 2013:

2013:

› Fleet Award – Germany

› Honourable mention at the ‘Red Dot’ design awards - Deutschland

› 5-star evaluation in the  Euro NCAP crash tests

› Company car of the year – Germany

› Category winner in the Automotive Brand Contest – Germany

› Best resale price (Octavia Combi (estate)) – Germany, Czech Republic, France, Italy, United Kingdom 

2014/2015:

› Best Cars 2015 (AMS) – Germany

› Green Car of the Year 2015 (Octavia G-TEC ) - Czech Republic

› Car of the Year 2014 – Slovenia

› Car of the Year 2014 (KMN, KMP, SDA, AutoSAP) – Czech Republic

› Car of the Year 2014 (Tuulilasi) – Finland

› IL Car of the Year 2014 – Finland

› Best Cars 2014 (AMS) - Germany

› Golden Klaxon – Best Golf-Class Car - Russia

› Most rational buy of 2014 – Germany

› Value Champion 2014 (Auto Bild) – Germany

› Best Cars 2014 (AMS) – Czech Republic

› Design Gipfel Award (Auto Bild) – China

› Marcus Award 2013

› 4x4 of the year 2014 (Octavia Combi 4x4) - Auto Bild Allrad – Germany

› Car of the Year 2014 – Russia

› TOP-5 AUTO 2014 - Russia

› Golden Klaxon – Russia

› Za Rulyom Grand Prix 2014 - Russia

› Family car of the year 2014 (Octavia Combi) - AUTOStraßenverkehr und ELTERN - Germany

› 2014 Auto Design Award (Autobild) – China

› 2013 China Fashion Car-Fashion Design Award (Auto Fashion News) – China

› Car of the year 2014 – Denmark

› Business car of the year 2014 – Denmark

› Saloon of the year (BBC Top Gear) - India

› Midsize saloon of the Year (NDTV Car & Bike Awards) - India

› Executive saloon of the Year (Car India) - India

› Midsize saloon of the year (Zigwheels) - India

› Saloon of the year (Golden Steering Wheel – Auto Bild) - India

› Best premium saloon of the Year (Motor Vikatan) - India

› Executive Saloon of the year ( Top Gear Malayalam - God’s own Car & Bike Awards) – India

› Family Car of the Year – Belgium

› Slovenian Car of the Year 2014 – Slovenia

› Business car of the year 2014 (Fleet awards) – Slovakia

› Woman’s Family Car (Twój STYL magazine) – Poland

› The Best Car 2013 plebiscite! (onet) – Poland

› Brand Automotive Fleet 2014 - Poland

› Business Car of the Year 2014 – Poland

› PLAYBOY Car of the Year 2014 (Octavia RS) – Poland

› Australia’s Best Cars Award – Australia

USA - Kia K900 Flagship Luxury Sedan wins International Car Of The Year.

K900 Recognized for Distinctive Design, Advanced Technology and Unmatched Luxury

• 2015 K900 luxury sedan earns top honors from Road & Travel Magazine International Car of the Year (ICOTY) jury

• Kia claims unprecedented third consecutive ICOTY victory with new flagship sedan

In conjunction with the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show, Road & Travel Magazine (RTM) has named the 2015 Kia K900 as its International Car of the Year. 

The K900’s stunning design combined with luxurious amenities, impressive performance and great value propelled the Kia brand to an unprecedented third consecutive win of the prestigious ICOTY award.  The ICOTY jurors honored Kia’s Cadenza premium sedan last year and the best-selling Optima midsize sedan in 2012.

“Since arriving in the U.S. market 20 years ago, Kia has repeatedly defied conventional industry thinking, and the K900 is our boldest move yet, making a significant leap forward for the brand and bringing new and affluent customers into our retail showrooms,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing & communications, KMA. 

“To win the prestigious ICOTY award three years running is a clear indication that our products consistently offer a world-class balance of design, amenities, luxury and value for today’s discerning car buyers.”

This year marks a new format for RTM’s annual “Of the Year” award.  Previously, one award for car of the year and one for truck of the year were announced.  

Beginning in 2014, RTM is honoring a single annual winner, adding greater significance to the K900’s victory amidst some very tough competition from Hyundai, BMW and Mazda.  In addition to product attributes such as style, comfort and performance, the award also considers how well the brand connects emotionally with the consumer through its marketing efforts.  

The winner is chosen by the ICOTY jury, which consists of nationally renowned automotive journalists from respected publications such as Consumer Guide^® Automotive, MSN Autos, New Car News Syndicate and RTM.

“Three years in a row for the same brand is a first for RTM, and it says a lot about Kia's growth and its continuous introductions of exceptional new vehicles,” said Courtney Caldwell, editor-in-chief of Road & Travel Magazine. 

“Not only is the car a beautiful piece of art inside and out, but Kia’s advertising agencies did a remarkable job of getting it into the hearts and minds of luxury sedan shoppers before it even hit the road. Overall, the car is stunning and affordable, making upscale style and performance attainable to mid-America. We applaud Kia's rapid rise from underdog to unbelievable!”

New, old Livery for Dodge Viper SRT GTS-Rs Debuts at Watkins Glen International

New Livery for Dodge Viper SRT GTS-Rs Debuts at Watkins Glen International

SRT (Street and Racing Technology) Motorsports is honoring the Dodge Viper’s racing heritage by molting its ‘skin’ and returning to the Viper’s classic red and white livery, beginning at the upcoming Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen race weekend, June 27-29, at New York’s Watkins Glen International circuit.

The SRT Motorsports Viper entries – the No. 91 and No. 93 Dodge Viper SRT GTS-Rs – will compete in ‘Viper Red’ and ‘Race White’ for the duration of the 2014 IMSA TUDOR United SportsCar Championship season. The classic colors are the same worn by Dodge Viper entries that took the overall victory in the Rolex 24 At Daytona in 2000, a GTS class win in the 2000 24 Hours of Le Mans, and American Le Mans Series championships in 1999 and 2000.

“We are honoring the racing history of the Dodge Viper by returning to its classic colors as we are in the midst of celebrating the Dodge brand’s 100th anniversary and 100 years of American performance,” said Ralph Gilles, President and CEO of SRT Motorsports and Senior Vice President of Product Design for Chrysler Group LLC. “The new livery not only brings back this classic look but also enables us to continue to connect our Viper racing program to its spirited racing heritage.”

In addition to the new livery, the team is carrying a special 100th anniversary logo on both IMSA TUDOR Vipers.

The classic-colored Dodge Viper SRT GTS-R will first take to the track on Friday, June 27, for the initial practice for the Sahlen’s Six Hours of the Glen race weekend. The third endurance race of the 2014 IMSA TUDOR season, part of the North American Endurance Cup (NAEC), will take place at Watkins Glen International on Sunday, June 29, starting at 11:15 a.m. EDT.

About SRT Motorsports

SRT Motorsports has partnered with Riley Technologies, based in Mooresville, N.C., on the design and build of the Dodge Viper GTS-R race cars. Two identical Viper GTS-Rs compete in the production-based GT Le Mans (GTLM) class in the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship, where the various GTLM class entrants share many styling similarities to their showroom brands.

Toyota concept appaers at Tokyo Toy Show, and it fun for all, adults included.

Kids – and grown-ups – who love design and finding out how things work will find plenty to entertain them in the latest development of the Toyota Camatte, a car designed for all ages to drive and enjoy.

The Camatte returns to the International Tokyo Toy Show for the third year running this week, with a new Sport version on display in the Toyota Design Lab. Visitors of all ages are invited to create their own colourful digital designs and see them reproduced on the car by a mass of LEDs  across the bonnet.

Those more interested in the car’s nuts-and-bolts qualities can learn about how the car is constructed and the functions of its working parts in a stripped-down model featured in Toyota’s Tech Lab.

Camatte has been created to help inspire the drivers of the future and show them how car design and engineering can be rewarding and fun.