After such a long, drawn out process, the Urus from Lamborghini nears its launch date

The design of a Lamborghini is always unmistakable. The Urus is undoubtedly a Lamborghini, taking cues from the LM002 as well as the super sports cars that are fundamental to Lamborghini heritage: the Urus has outstanding proportions, adopting the two thirds body, one-third window ratio of Lamborghini super sports cars.

The front hood starts powerfully low, rising to a proud dome housing the V8 twin-turbo engine. The equally commanding, muscular rear, exudes a new level of power and potential. A dynamic character line along the side of the Urus links a perfect architecture, including angular windows and diagonal lines in both front bonnet and rear glass that echo those of the Countach. Hexagonal wheel arches are cues taken from the first Lamborghini SUV, the LM002, A small triangular air outlet reminiscent of the LM002 features on the side of the Urus, adorned with an Italian flag: the Lamborghini Urus Super SUV is born and made in Italy.

The interior design of the Urus is equally engaging. The driver ‘feels like a pilot’, and the Urus has a low seat position integrated within the interior. An encompassing dashboard and controls ergonomically surround the cockpit, with the Lamborghini hexagonal design theme as evident inside as it is on the exterior.

Europe’s best-selling crossover gets premium upgrades as the new model starts production.

• Europe’s best-selling crossover gets premium upgrades

Production of the new Nissan Qashqai has begun, introducing a raft of premium design, technology and performance improvements to Europe’s best-selling crossover.

Made at Nissan’s plant in Sunderland, UK, upgrades to the new model focus on four areas – a contemporary new exterior design; higher levels of interior quality; improved driving performance; and the addition of new Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies.

The new Qashqai will also be available with ProPILOT autonomous driving capability, which controls the steering, acceleration and braking in a single lane on highways during heavy traffic congestion and high-speed cruising, from Spring next year.

These significant new enhancements will underpin and strengthen the Qashqai’s position as Europe’s number one crossover, and follow a £53m investment in Nissan’s UK facilities, which includes extra production capacity introduced last year to enable Qashqai to be built on both lines in Sunderland.

Made round the clock in Sunderland, the Qashqai is currently the best-selling vehicle built in Britain, and is exported to around 100 European and global markets. It represents almost one in five of all British-made cars, and is Nissan’s most successful model ever in Europe.

Colin Lawther, Nissan’s Senior Vice President for Manufacturing, Purchasing and Supply Chain Management in Europe, said: “The Nissan Qashqai is the original urban crossover and remains the undisputed leader in the segment.

“In the decade since Qashqai launched we have built more than 2.8m in Sunderland, taking plant output to record levels. Offering new premium design features and Nissan Intelligent Mobility technologies, this new model marks a new chapter for Qashqai and for our manufacturing operations.”

Employment supported by Nissan’s UK design studio (Paddington, London), technical centre (Cranfield Bedfordshire), manufacturing plant (Sunderland, Tyne and Wear) and sales and marketing operations (Maple Cross, Hertfordshire) now totals more than 40,000. Nissan has made more than £4bn capital investment in these facilities, and additionally spends £3bn annually in the British economy through suppliers, services and wages.

In addition to the Qashqai, Nissan also manufactures the all-electric LEAF, Juke crossover and Infiniti Q30 and QX30 premium models in Sunderland. With total production last year at 507,436 vehicles, and with more than 30 years of success behind it, Sunderland is the biggest UK car plant of all time.

Following the start of production in Sunderland, Qashqai reached the milestones of 1m and 2m units faster than any vehicle in the history of the UK automotive industry, and is well on the way to reaching 3m units in record time.

The first-generation Nissan Qashqai went on sale in 2007. This new version represents a major refresh for the second-generation model, launched in 2014. It goes on sale across Europe from next month. In October 2016 Nissan announced that production of an all-new, third-generation Qashqai would also be at Sunderland.

The London Taxi Company changes its name as the new model gets ready for release.

New product, new name and new logo signal global ambitions as London Taxi Company transforms

• London Taxi Company becomes LEVC – the London EV Company – to support its global vision to become the urban commercial vehicle provider of choice
• Ambitious commercial vehicle strategy beginning with the electric Taxi, followed by an electric LCV, based on eCity technology
• TX announced as the taxi model name as the final production design is presented in London for the first time
• Drivers of the new electric TX will save on average £100 per week in fuel with no separate battery leasing
• LEVC announces its first major international order and appoints RMC as the importer for the Netherlands with an initial order for 225 vehicles
• The TX order book opens on 1st August 2017 commencing with drivers who have registered an interest

London Taxi Company (LTC) has relaunched as LEVC, marking the next stage in the company’s transformation. Underpinned by an investment totalling £325m, LEVC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Geely, has the single-minded ambition to be the urban commercial vehicle provider of choice for cities around the world.

Chris Gubbey, CEO, LEVC said: “Today is an incredibly exciting day for the company, for the world’s cities, for the air we breathe and for the drivers of commercial vehicles. The launch of LEVC marks Britain’s leadership as a first mover in creating the world’s only dedicated electric vehicle company for the urban commercial market.”

Alongside the unveiling of the new name and brand logo, LEVC also revealed the final version of the new London Taxi – the TX – and its eCity technology comprising of an advanced battery electric powertrain with a small petrol generator. Applied to the all-new electric TX, the technology allows for a range of over 400 miles including well over 70 miles range with zero emissions.

Discussing the benefits that the TX will bring to drivers, Gubbey commented:

“From our heritage as the manufacturer of the iconic London Taxi, we have unparalleled insight into the needs of commercial operators. Drawing on the best of British design and engineering as well as technical expertise from our sister company Volvo, our products will help transform city living and provide taxi drivers with an average weekly fuel saving of £100 compared with our outgoing diesel model.”

Due to launch in London later this year, LEVC is finalising its quality and testing regime for the TX which has taken it to the extreme heat of the Arizona desert and freezing temperatures in the Arctic Circle. LEVC expects strong demand from its launch market in London once the order book opens on the 1st August 2017.

Commenting on London’s leadership in tackling poor air quality, Gubbey added:

“London has led the way in setting out tough measures to reduce taxi and van emissions and in just a few short years we expect EVs for the commercial operator will not just become commonplace, but mandatory in cities around the world creating huge opportunities for LEVC globally.”

A key consideration for the company’s new name and brand positioning is its international strategy, which has been boosted by the news that LEVC has received its first major international order from RMC in the Netherlands for an initial 225 vehicles to be delivered in 2018. RMC, one of the Netherlands’ largest taxi operators, has been appointed as the importer and operator.

Chris Gubbey, commenting on the news, said:

“Today’s announcement that RMC will be our importer for the Netherlands is great news for LEVC and demonstrates the need for EV urban commercial vehicles across Europe and the world. We have been extremely impressed with the vision and business plan presented by the management team at RMC and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.”

From 1 August LEVC will be providing personalised purchase propositions to drivers commencing with those that have registered an interest through www.theelectrictaxi.co.uk 

The Last of the Line storming Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-R, Powered by the 6.2 litre V8, it'll be missed !

The new Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-R is powered by an evolution of the current GTS’s supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine, producing 595PS (up from 576PS) and 740Nm of torque, making it Vauxhall’s most powerful car in the company’s 114-year history.

Production of the Holden Commodore model, on which the GTS-R is based, comes to an end in Australia this October, when Holden’s manufacturing plant finally closes. Vauxhall – a sister brand to Holden in the GM family – has been importing the VXR8 in various forms since 2007, and sells the car through selected dealerships in its network with full service back up and a three-year, 60,000-mile warranty.

As befits its last-of-line status, the GTS-R-R is no ordinary VXR8 – and in this form it’s exclusive to the UK, too. Sending drive via a limited slip differential to the rear wheels, the GTS-R retains the previous GTS’s clever torque vectoring system, but adds an upgraded braking system with six-piston, monoblock calipers and 410mm discs up front. In addition, the GTS-R wears all-new 20-inch forged alloy rims (ten-inch width at the rear, 9-inch at the front).

Visually, the GTS-R has a fresh face, with a new front fascia, splitter, wings and carbon fibre vents, while at the rear there’s a new-look diffuser, spoiler (with carbon fibre upper), lower panel and quad exhaust outlets with diamond-shaped exhaust tips. Inside, the diamond theme continues in the Alcantara and leather seat trim.

The current supercharged LSA engine has been re-mapped and is fitted with a high-flow air filter to achieve its hike in power.

Just 15 Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-R’s will come to the UK, at an on-the-road price of £74,500.

ENGINE

At the heart of the VXR8 GTS-R is a supercharged LSA V8 (identical to that used in the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1), delivering 595PS. Performance figures back this up, with 60mph arriving in just 4.2 seconds from standstill and a limited top speed of 155mph.

The new GTS-R’s Eaton supercharger has 4-lobe rotors, 9psi boost and 1.9 litres of air per revolution. Unlike a turbocharged car, the Eaton supercharger provides the GTS-R with stronger and more linear performance across its entire rev-range. Other LSA features include:

• Stand-alone water to air charge cooling system
• Separate transmission and differential cooling system
• Water to oil engine cooling system
• Bi-modal air-intake system
• High-flow exhaust manifolds and exhaust system with Bi-modal silencers

Delivering drive to the rear axle is a heavy-duty GM/2F 6-speed automatic transmission with Active Select Function and paddle shift. To optimise its performance at higher operating temperatures, the transmission has its own oil cooler.

A 6-speed manual transmission is also available.

DESIGN

The front-end design of the VXR8 GTS-R has bold graphics and shallow ramp angles that emphasise width and stance. The focal point of the new look is a ‘twin-nostril’ grille and an all-new fascia that helps to deliver both an aggressive look and an air intake surface large enough to cool the LSA V8.

In fact, a total of 130,000 square millimetres of open frontal surface was needed to deliver the cooling required for the new engine – 75 per cent more than the previous LS3-engined car.

At the rear, the VXR8 GTS-R has distinctive LED tail lamps, while the ‘diffuser’ rear fascia houses quad exhaust outlets finished in shadow chrome. A unique body-coloured performance rear spoiler with black accents helps set the GTS-R apart still further.

Inside, the VXR8’s cabin design has undergone a raft of design changes. An upgraded instrument panel with suede-style inserts, a new instrument cluster, gauges, centre console, appliques and door trims combine to deliver a more premium look and feel.

Standard in the VXR8 GTS-R, VXR Performance Seats are wrapped in Alcantara leather trim and feature 8-way electric adjustment and seat heaters for both the driver and front passenger.

DYNAMICS

To cater for the extra performance offered by the LSA engine, the VXR8 GTS-R is fitted Brake Torque Vectoring technology. Brake Torque Vectoring helps reduce understeer by generating a ‘rotational moment’ in the rear axle while the car is under power. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system detects the understeer, applies braking to the inside rear wheel and transfers torque to the outside rear wheel, preventing the front end from washing wide.

The VXR8 GTS-R also receives third-generation Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) with three independent settings: Touring, Sport, performance and Track. Hardware and software improvements combine to deliver greater body control, sharper handling and a significantly more pliant ride quality, compared with the previous model.

Wider tyres also offer drivers more grip. Continental 255/35 R20 (front) and 275/35 R20 (rear) were chosen as standard equipment, due to their exceptional performance in both wet and dry conditions.

To assist drivers in manipulating the various electronic vehicle performance systems, a new Driver Preference Dial has been developed. Located behind the gear lever, the Driver Preference Dial adjusts settings to one of four modes: Touring, Sport, Performance and Track. The vehicle’s ESC, Traction Control, Launch Control (manual transmission only), and Bi-Modal Exhaust, as well as its Brake Torque Vectoring and new Electronic Power Steering, are then adjusted accordingly.

TECHNOLOGY

The VXR8 has now come of age, and features an array of technologies never seen before in this model.

In addition to the Side Blind Zone Alert with Reverse Traffic Alert, Automatic Park Assist, Front and Rear Park Assist, Reversing Camera and Passive Entry/Push Button Start, the GTS-R also picks up a number of additional driver convenience and safety technologies.

Head Up Display is standard and shows a raft of driver information on the windscreen, such as vehicle speed, engine temperature, and even G-forces!

Forward Collision Alert is another technology fitted standard to the GTS-R, and is the first system of its kind to be available in a Vauxhall product. A camera, located above the rear-view mirror scans the road ahead up to 14 times per second. When a crash is predicted, the driver is alerted with an audible tone and a visible alert on the car’s HUD. Anticipating hard braking, the system applies sufficient brake pressure to close the space between the brake pads and discs, thus delivering a quicker brake response time.

Using the same camera technology, the VXR8 GTS-R also has Lane Departure Warning. Designed to combat driver fatigue, a warning indicator and audible sound alerts the driver to any unintentional lane departures.

RANGE, PRICING & EQUIPMENT

• Prices start from £74,500 on-the-road
• Choice of manual and automatic

GTS-R trim includes

• Enhanced Driver Interface
• 8-inch high-resolution, colour touch-screen display
• CD player with USB connection
• Aux-in with integrated iPod support
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Sports high performance front styling
• Projector headlights for greater high beam range plus LED daytime running lights
• 20-inch Blade forged alloy wheels – satin graphite
• Sports LED rear lights
• Superflow performance rear spoiler
• Rear bumper incorporating lo-line sports rear spoiler and quad exhaust outlets with shadow chrome tips
• Continental ContiSport Contact 5P tyres
• Choice of touring, sport, performance and track mode
• Choice of traction control, launch control and bi-modal exhaust
• Steering wheel column with reach and rake adjust
• Brake torque vectoring
• Keyless entry and start
• Ergonomically enhanced side bolsters
• Dual-zone electronic climate control
• VXR Performance seats in Alcantara
• Eight-way electric adjustment of driver and front passenger seat
• Heated front seats
• Leather-covered flat bottomed sports steering wheel with perforated gripping zones
• Steering wheel mounted controls for audio system, trip computer, Bluetooth® and EDI
• Auxiliary gauges displaying oil temperature, oil pressure and boost pressure
• Centre console GTS-R I.D. plate
• Leather-covered gear lever
• Sports pedals
• Premium BOSE audio with nine speakers
• Mobile phone system with Bluetooth

The All-New Electric powered TX5 London Taxi will gets a first Glance at this years Goodwood Show.

One of London Taxi Company (LTC)’s all-new range extended electric taxi test vehicles will feature in the ‘First Glance’ paddock at the Goodwood Festival of Speed later this week. This vehicle class showcases the latest prototype and concept vehicles from around manufacturers around the world.

Each day of the Festival, which runs from Thursday 29 June until Sunday 2 July, the electric taxi prototype will silently make the world famous Goodwood Hillclimb, making its world dynamic debut in front of some of the 200,000 visitors at the West Sussex motoring extravaganza.

Taking the wheel will be young racing driver, currently the fastest woman in the Ginetta championship, 17 year old Katie Milner – completing a trio of firsts for the London Taxi Company at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (FoS): the world dynamic debut of their electric taxi, the first taxi ever to feature on the famous ‘Hill’ and the youngest female driver ever to take part in the Hillclimb event.

Each day the electric taxi will also be presented on the live stage at the FoS Michelin Supercar Paddock, alongside some the fastest and most valuable cars on Earth. LTC have been invited to participate on this stage because of the taxi’s adaption of supercar manufacturing techniques. LTC’s extensive use of light weighting means that LTC can get the maximum distance out of the electric battery without impacting the strength and safety of the vehicle.

LTC’s appearance at FoS follows a rigorous period of testing across the world for the all-new electric taxi, which has included weeks and thousands of miles in both hot and cold climate endurance tests in the Arizona desert and Arctic Circle, respectively.

On sale later this year, LTC’s new electric taxi will be the most comprehensively tested product in the company’s history. With well over a million miles covered so far, these test vehicles have been more extensively tested than any of LTC’s last three taxis combined. This is not just to meet the exacting standards of London’s cab drivers but the requirements of drivers and climates of cities all around the world.