The new Mercedes-AMG GT R* has set the fastest-ever lap time on the Nürburgring Nordschleife

• Around the Nürburgring in 7:10.9 minutes

Just ahead of the winter break due to weather, the new Mercedes-AMG GT R* has set the fastest-ever lap time on the Nürburgring Nordschleife in a test drive conducted by “sport auto”. 

In a time of 7:10.9 minutes, the new spearhead of the AMG model range was faster through the “Green Hell” than any other road-going rear-wheel drive sports car ever tested by the German motoring magazine.

Through the Green Hell in just 7:10.9 minutes – the Mercedes-AMG GT R was faster than any other road-going sports car ever tested. 

The 430 kW (585 hp) “Beast of the Green Hell” more than lived up to its nickname. A lap of the legendary Nordschleife, which ranks as the world’s toughest race track, is the ultimate test of a sports car.

And this exceptional race track, the Nürburgring, is precisely where the Mercedes-AMG GT R has spent a large proportion of its development time. 

Numerous innovations and modifications bear witness that the road-going sports car has racing DNA in its blood. 

The foundations for such exceptional driving dynamics come courtesy of the front mid-engine layout with transaxle, a 430 kW (585 hp) V8 biturbo engine, extensively modified suspension, sophisticated aerodynamics, active rear-axle steering, bespoke tyres and intelligent lightweight design.

USA - Drive the Future of Tough tour offers an opportunity to test the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty ever.

• Drive the Future of Tough tour offers an early opportunity to test drive the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty ever
• 29-city tour continues through Nov. 13, with each site offering vehicle drives, interactive displays and towing demonstrations; product experts are on hand to answer questions on all-new Super Duty’s 17 class-exclusive smart new features
• Consumers can enter for a chance to win an all-new 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty

Ford, America’s truck leader, is offering consumers across the United States an opportunity to test drive the all-new 2017 Ford F-Series Super Duty – the toughest, smartest, most capable Super Duty ever.

Drive the Future of Tough, a 29-city cross-country tour that kicked off earlier this year, continues through Nov. 13. Consumers can schedule test drives at SuperDutyDrive.com, though walk-up participation also is encouraged.

The test route allows truck consumers to experience the all-new Super Duty’s best-in-class capability and its 17 class-exclusive smart new features, including adaptive steering, adaptive cruise control and Trailer Reverse Guidance. Product experts are along for the ride to explain the innovations and answer questions.

“The new Super Duty takes the heavy-duty truck segment to the next level,” says Doug Scott, Ford truck group marketing manager. “Truck customers can learn how it provides best-in-class towing and hauling, and they’ll get to experience Super Duty’s class-exclusive features from the best place possible – the driver’s seat.”

Participants can enter a sweepstakes to win an all-new 2017 F-Series Super Duty. Details are available at tour locations.

The tour includes a variety of well-equipped F-250, F-350 and F-450 models in Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum trim levels. The trucks feature a mix of the 6.2-liter V8 gasoline engine and 6.7-liter Power Stroke^®turbo diesel. F-250 models are equipped with the all-new TorqShift-G transmission.

The tour features interactive displays to help consumers understand how the all-new Super Duty is Built Ford Tough, starting with its high-strength steel frame construction and high-strength, military-grade, aluminum-alloy body and box panels.

Upcoming tour stops include:

• Aug. 16-20, Billings, Montana
• Aug. 19-21, San Antonio
• Aug. 20-28, Louisville, Kentucky
• Aug. 25-27, Dallas
• Sept. 2-5, Henderson, North Carolina
• Sept. 9-18, Puyallup, Washington
• Sept. 9-25, Reno, Nevada
• Sept. 13-15, Grand Island, Nebraska
• Sept. 15-18, Nashville, Tennessee
• Sept. 20-22, London, Ohio
• Sept. 21-Oct. 9, Anaheim, California
• Sept. 24-Oct. 1, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
• Sept. 30-Oct. 11, Dallas
• Oct. 6-8, Concord, North Carolina
• Oct. 13-16, Ormond Beach, Florida
• Oct. 18-20, Moultrie, Georgia
• Nov. 1-5, Las Vegas
• Nov. 8-13, Avondale, Arizona

Media will be invited to participate in select cities.

All-New Renault Mégane will be available to test drive at the Renault Range Roadshow

• All-New Renault Mégane will be available to test drive at the Renault Range Roadshow
• Renault Range Roadshow to take place at iconic motorsport venues in July and August
• Guests can experience the full Renault car range on- and off-track
• Renault Range Roadshow includes family-focused activities for visitors of all ages
• Attendees can enter a competition to win a thrilling passenger ride with Renault Sport Formula One Team driver Jolyon Palmer 

The All-New Renault Mégane will take centre stage at the Renault Range Roadshow – a series of exciting family weekend events where customers will be able to test drive the Renault passenger car range at some of the UK’s most iconic race circuits.

Taking place throughout July and August, the Renault Range Roadshow presents car buyers with the rare opportunity to experience the cutting edge features of the exciting new compact family car in a dynamic track environment.

In a completely controlled and fun setting, drivers of the All-New Renault Mégane will be able to explore such unique-in-class features as Multi-Sense, which allows the driving experience to be personalised, and the 4Control all-wheel steering system that is designed to increase the precision and responsiveness of the car while enhancing cornering stability and agility.

Together with the chance to experience the cutting edge technology and myriad of driver assistance systems in the All-New Renault Mégane, attendees will have the opportunity to put the Renault Kadjar and Captur crossovers, Clio supermini, Twingo city car and the 100 per cent electric ZOE supermini through their paces.

There will be plenty of family fun too, the Renault Range Roadshow offering a host of activities for younger visitors. In partnership with RED driving school, children aged 11-17 years will be able to have their first driving lesson, while there will be Go Karting for those aged 4-11 years, cupcake icing activities and an in-car treasure hunt for families to follow during their test drives on the roads surrounding the legendary motorsport venues. 

Anyone with a valid UK driving licence can also participate in the Renault Twizy Agility Slalom Course, where they will go against the clock in Renault’s all-electric quadricycle.

To celebrate over 115 years of Renault in motorsport, the Renault R30 2010 Formula 1 car will be on static display at each event. Guests will be able to experience a ‘hot lap’ with a professional driver in a Renault Sport Clio Cup race car and will also be invited to enter a competition where they can win a passenger ride with Renault Sport Formula One Team driver Jolyon Palmer around Bedford Autodrome Race Circuit in a Renault Sport Clio Cup race car on 30 August.

The Renault Range Roadshow takes place at:

Donington Park, Heritage Loop, Derby – 16-17 July

Dunsfold Aerodrome, Surrey – 6-7 August

Croft Motor Circuit, Darlington – 13 August

Rockingham Motor Speedway, Corby – 20-21 August

Knockhill Circuit, Dunfermline – 27-28 August

Nick Tame, Sales Director, Groupe Renault UK, said: “Taking place only days after the UK launch of the All-New Renault Mégane, the Renault Range Roadshow present drivers with the opportunity to be amongst the first to fully experience the car’s dynamism and the features that its arrival has brought to the compact family car segment for the very first time, many of which are usually reserved for more expensive and bigger vehicles. 

Together with the availability of the rest of the Renault passenger car range for on- and off-track test drives, an array of family-focused activities and all the action taking place at fantastic venues, the Renault Range Roadshow will be unmissable for anyone who is considering a new car.”

USA - 39 Metro Detroit Dodge dealers are running a “Tickets for Test Drive” promotion for the The Hollywood Vampires/

Test Drive a Dodge Vehicle, Get Two Tickets to 'Dodge Presents The Hollywood Vampires – Alice Cooper, Joe Perry and Johnny Depp' at DTE Energy Music Theatre, July 16

• Nearly 40 Metro Detroit Dodge dealers are participating in "Tickets for Test Drive" promotion
• Take a test drive by July 11 and receive a voucher for two lawn tickets to the much anticipated July 16 Hollywood Vampires concert featuring Alice Cooper, Joe Perry and Johnny Depp
• Ticket giveaway open to Michigan residents 18 years or older with valid U.S. driver’s license
• Additional details available at 
• www.palacenet.com/hollywoodvampires

Thirty-nine Metro Detroit Dodge dealers are running a “Tickets for Test Drive” promotion, now until July 11, giving away up to 4,000 tickets to the “Dodge Presents The Hollywood Vampires” concert on Saturday, July 16 at DTE Energy Music Theatre to consumers who test drive a new Dodge vehicle. The Hollywood Vampires show features Alice Cooper, Joe Perry and Johnny Depp.

The ticket giveaway is open to Michigan residents, 18 years of age or older with a valid U.S. driver’s license at the time of the dealer visit. Each participant receives a voucher for two lawn tickets to the “Dodge Presents The Hollywood Vampires” concert, a total face value of $50. 

DTE Energy Music Theatre fees of $8.50 per ticket will still apply. Vouchers must be redeemed online for printed tickets atwww.palacenet.com/hollywoodvampires. Limit one voucher per person, household or address.

“We encourage Dodge fans and Hollywood Vampires fans to visit a Metro Detroit Dodge dealership to test drive a Dodge vehicle and walk away with a pair of lawn tickets on us,” said Jeff Hines, Director, Great Lakes Business Center, FCA US. “We’re all excited to see Alice Cooper, Joe Perry and Johnny Depp together live and want our local Dodge fans to be a part of the action.”

For full “Tickets for Test Drive” promotion details, participating dealerships and program rules, visitwww.palacenet.com/hollywoodvampires.

To participate:

• Visit one of 39 participating Metro Detroit Dodge dealers in Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties
• Test drive a new Dodge vehicle
• Receive one concert ticket voucher, redeemable for two lawn seats atwww.palacenet.com/hollywoodvampires
• Tickets must be redeemed online and printed. Voucher is not valid for entry. Face value for each ticket is $25. A facility fee of $8.50 per ticket will still apply.

Earlier this year, the FCA US Great Lakes Business Center, the Detroit Pistons and Palace Sports & Entertainment announced a partnership that includes exclusive naming rights to the West Atrium at The Palace of Auburn Hills and naming rights to the Ivy Lounge at DTE Energy Music Theatre.

About Hollywood Vampires

Following their wildly successful concerts at the Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles, in front of 100,000 screaming fans at the Rock in Rio festival, and their spectacular worldwide television debut on the 2016 Grammy Awards® reaching a global audience of almost 25 million people, fans worldwide demanded more. 

The Hollywood Vampires – Alice Cooper, Joe Perry and Johnny Depp – always deliver and arranged their schedules to give their fans what they want. The Hollywood Vampires will perform at DTE Energy Music Theatre on Saturday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. The concert is exclusively sponsored by Dodge, the performance brand of FCA US LLC.

F1 Driver Daniel Ricciardo takes out customers for a test drive in the new Infiniti Q30 hatchback.

A customer at Infiniti Centre Birmingham took a test drive to remember when his driver turned out to be Daniel Ricciardo, the Infiniti Red Bull Racing Formula One pilot.

Last Saturday Infiniti Centre Birmingham provided a special afternoon for their customers with an informal question-and-answer session with top racing driver Daniel Ricciardo. 

For one customer, a Mr Sheng Zhao from Stratford- Upon-Avon, a loyal customer of the centre and a big F1™ fan, it was exceptionally special as he was provided the opportunity to take a passenger ride in a Q30 alongside Daniel at the wheel.

Mr Sheng Zhao who placed an order for a Q30 said afterwards: “I knew I was coming to see Daniel, as I love everything regarding Formula one. I was hoping to maybe get a signature, but to sit alongside him whilst driving around the streets of Birmingham in an Infiniti Q30 was quite something. The team here in Birmingham always treat me exceptionally well but they have surpassed themselves today.”

Daniel stayed at the Infiniti Centre for nearly two hours providing some great entertainment as Fayyaz Ahmed (Team GB Athletics senior Coach and RADA trained actor) fired many questions his way discovering what it took Daniel to get where he is today. This was followed by the audience getting involved with an open forum of questions and then the opportunity to get some Infiniti team caps signed and to chat with Daniel himself.

Among the guests was also Team GB athlete and Commonwealth high jump Silver Medallist Isobel Pooley who posed for some photos alongside Daniel Ricciardo, Fayyaz Ahmed and Marco Fassinotti who is ranked number two in the world for indoor and fifth in the world for outdoor high jump.

Kimi and the F12berlinetta, The ultimate track day driver.

Eleven journalists from the world’s leading motoring publications have taken part in a special F12berlinetta track day at Fiorano. 

Assisted by Ferrari’s engineers and team test-drivers, they were given the opportunity to really clock up the miles as they endeavoured to push both themselves and the car to the limit. The group learned to exploit both the 740 hp unleashed by the mid-front V12 and the sporty car’s brilliant natural balance to the fullest too.

The wet track also allowed the journalists to experiment with the various different Manettino settings to push the car’s performance in a variety of grip levels. But all the various dynamic controls were off when Scuderia Ferrari driver Kimi Räikkönen got behind the wheel and provided some very special instruction. 

The guests then enjoyed the thrill of lapping Fiorano at the World Champion’s side as he gave vent to the F12berlinetta’s enormous power, delivering not just record performance in the fastest car in the Prancing Horse range but also huge fun. An unforgettable experience as can be seen from the onboard video footage of the passengers’ faces.

Swedish Metal takes on German Techno in the Volvo V40 Challenge

Volvo Car UK is taking the unprecedented step of putting its all-new V40 in direct competition with its class rival, the Mercedes A-Class, in a test drive comparison with a difference.

Under the tag line "Bored of German Techno? Try some Swedish Metal", Volvo is asking customers to challenge their perceptions and test drive both the V40 D2 R-Design and the Mercedes A-Class A180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport. After driving the two cars back to back, if the customer still chooses the Mercedes, Volvo will pay the first month's payment*.

Since launch, the all-new Volvo V40 has received many positive media reviews, strong customer feedback and become Volvo's best-selling model in the UK.  A five-seat five-door hatchback with three faces, in the form of the standard V40, the V40 R-Design and the V40 Cross Country, it allows drivers to choose the car that suits them.

The V40 Challenge is being targeted at those considering purchasing the Mercedes A-Class A180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Sport and asking them to give the V40 D2 R-Design a test drive.  If after test driving both vehicles the customer chooses the Mercedes, Volvo Car UK will pay for the first month's payment*.

Jon Wakefield, sales director for Volvo Car UK said: "The all-new V40 has been a roaring success since its introduction and we have such belief in the V40 being a fantastic product that we're being bold enough to put our money where our mouth is. I have no hesitation in telling people what a great car the V40 is, and by getting more and more people to test drive it, I'm sure more and more people will agree with me."

"Some may call us brazen, others may call us bold, but there's no denying that we have such confidence in the V40 that we're prepared to challenge people's opinions and make them consider their options. This campaign is sure to raise a few eyebrows!" says Georgina Williams, head of marketing for Volvo Car UK.

The all-new Volvo V40 was launched in Geneva in 2012 with the R-Design and Cross Country versions launched in Paris in 2012. Up to the end of May, Volvo Car UK have registered 4905 all-new V40s, accounting for just under 36% of all Volvo Car UK sales and successfully taking the place of the C30, S40 and V50.