jason Plato wins his 500th BTCC race in style and over the three races, the team took a large haul of points and podium placings.

Silverline Subaru BMR Racing driver Jason Plato started the weekend on a high qualifying with pole position for what would be his 500^th race of his Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship career.

He set an impressive lap time during the final seconds of the qualifying session on Saturday afternoon and came out on top with team mate Colin securing his place in the top five with James setting the fourteenth quickest time and Warren twenty first.

Race One saw Jason take a lights to flag victory and his first race win of the season in his all new Subaru Levorg GT bringing his total wins to a staggering ninety-five.

Jason led the race throughout managing to hold off the threatening BMW of Jack Goff who took second place with Colin bringing his Subaru Levorg home in third and taking the final spot of the podium.

James brought his car home in a point scoring position of fifteenth but there was dismay for Warren who was tapped into a spin and subsequently forced into retirement from the race.

Race Two once again saw Jason lead the race from the off until the chasing pack of Jack Goff in the BMW and Colin in his Levorg were bunched up behind him during a safety car period.  Colin endured a race long battle with the BMW’s of Goff and Tordoff and then Jordan.  The Honda of Matt Neal passed both Colin and Goff and into third after contact was made between the pair at the hairpin. 

With 75kgs on board Jason was eventually passed by both Tordoff and Neal and finished in third position having held them of until the final two laps with Colin was just behind in fourth.

There was disappointed for both James and Warren who had incidents with James being sent into a spin due to contact but managed to bring his machine home in 21^st and Warren was tapped from behind and put into the gravel trap and had to retire from the race for the second time of the day.

The Silverline Subaru BMR Racing drivers were lucky in the reverse grid draw for the third and final race of the day with Matt Jackson’s number being drawn from the barrel, promoting Colin up to third and Jason to fourth.  James started from 21^st and Warren 27^th.

Colin got a good start retaining his position whilst Jason lost a place to the BMW of Rob Collard on the run down to the first corner.  After a brief safety car period allowing the cars to bunch up, Colin was on the attack of the Collard, and the BMW of Goff was in turn on the attack of Colin, bringing yet another Subaru and BMW battle.  Then disaster struck when there was contact between Collard and Colin sending them both into a spin and ending their races.

Jason then enjoyed a third place battle with the Honda of Scotsman Gordon Shedden but managed to keep him at bay.  Jackson took the lead, Tordoff came in second and Jason brought home the Subaru Levorg in third for the final podium spot.

James finished in his second point scoring position of the weekend in thirteenth with Warren completing the race in twenty fifth.

Rounds 22, 23 and 24 of the 2016 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship take place at Rockingham on 27/28 August, we hope to see you all in the stands.

Silverline Subaru BMR Racing comments from Knockhill:

Paul Tunnicliffe, Managing Director of Subaru UK commented:  "Another good day's work for the team, with steady progress continuing to be made.  I was particularly delighted for Jason, who, in true JP style, marked his 500th BTCC race with a pole, and a lights to flag victory.  Colin continues to show gritty determination, carrying out crucial overtaking manoeuvres to keeps his title hopes alive.  Personally, I wouldn't bet against us being there or thereabouts come Brands Hatch.  Roll on Rockingham."

Jason Plato commented: “What a fantastic weekend!

“It was great to get back to standing on the top step of the podium especially as it was on such an amazing milestone in my career. I was on Pole and finished second in my first ever BTCC race in 1997 and nineteen years later went one better in my 500^th BTCC race with Pole and a Win.

“To leave Knockhill as top points scorer with a first and two third places was a fine reward for all at Silverline Subaru BMR Team, they have worked so so hard.

“Race One was pretty straight forward, I nail the start, built up a lead and then controlled the pace, but, the safety car was deployed late in the race which eroded my lead and produced a tense last few laps.

“Race Two on the other hand was tense throughout, laden with 75kgs of success ballast I couldn’t breakaway and was under severe pressure throughout the race until I lost rear grip with four laps to go, as it turned out the one of the other cars was laying oil around the circuit and I lost the lead and slipped back to third when Matt Neal rattled inside me at turn seven. Still a good result.

“Race Three was all about being patient and letting the race come to me, I was sat in fifth keeping a watchful eye on the leading three starting to get a bit feisty and slightly desperate as Jackson was holding them up. Turkington made a last minute silly lunge on Collard which resulted in him taking both of them out of the race, and nicely promoted me to third. I then got onto the back Tordoff and we both applied serious pressure to the leader Jackson for some eighteen plus laps. Despite all our efforts neither of us could get past the “Slow in the corners, too fast on the straights’’ Jackson. A second third place podium of the day was a great reward.

“Rockingham can’t come soon enough, hopefully we should be on the pace but we are all very nervous about not having enough straight line speed for the flat out sections to combat the Ford and BMW cars.”

Colin Turkington commented:  “I come away from Knockhill focusing on the positives and another strong weekend for the team.  We were fast in every session and I was pleased to qualify strongly with championship ballast in the car for the first time.  This was the best the car has felt all season in race trim and I was really able to bring the fight to the table.  We're moving the Subaru forward at a fantastic rate each time out and considering this was our first time at Knockhill we can all be pretty satisfied. I really enjoyed the intensity of the racing at Knockhill.  I had a car that I could push to the limits and there is no better feeling.

“I’m confident about the remaining three events and I'm committed to giving my best.  We may have lost the points in Race Three but nothing changes – I’m here to challenge for the title."

James Cole commented:  “Before we get onto my weekend I first want to once again congratulate Jason Plato and Colin Turkington on another mega weekend. 

"My own weekend was filled with positives and frustrations. The team prepared a perfect car both days. Myself and my engineer, Richard Owen, are now getting into the nitty gritty of the Subaru's performance to best suit my driving style. 

“Our times in Race One showed real top ten pace, which is where I feel I now should be. Sadly driving standards outside the top ten are in my opinion the worst I've ever seen. A distinct lack of respect between a few of the drivers is really ruining it for most. 

“It only takes a few to spoil the party. Hopefully we will start to see improvements in the next round as having your own race ruined by the actions of others is tiresome. 

“My speed is increasing, my knowledge of the car is improving and I'm certain all of this will be reflected in the results if we can all race properly.”

The Ford Galaxy Takes The Scottish MPV Of The Year Award with the S-Max and C-Max taking 2nd and 3rd.

All-new Ford Galaxy claimed overall “MPV of the year” at the 2015 Scottish Car of The Year awards. S-MAX and C-MAX were placed second and third in this highly competitive segment. All-new Ford Galaxy was praised by judges for its space and practicality, as well as high level of technology available.

Alisdair Suttie, President, Association of Scottish Motoring Writers, said: “If you’re looking for a large people carrier that’s fun to drive, seats seven, and is packed with the latest technology the Ford Galaxy is very hard to beat. It combines family practicality with premium quality in a package that’s top of its class.”

New Ford Galaxy boasts Ford’s SYNC 2 connectivity system with voice control; Front Wide View camera enabling you to better navigate tight corners; Intelligent Speed Limiter helping drivers avoid exceeding speed limits and incurring costly penalties; and new segment-first ability to raise and fold the third-row seats at the push of a button.

This fourth generation model from Ford offers a sophisticated exterior with slim-line headlamps, raised beltline and a large glass area. The stylish interior features a retractable panoramic glass roof and eight-way adjustable Multi-Contour seats.

Galaxy also delivers a refined driving experience with new integral link rear suspension offering a smoother and quieter ride, and range-topping manoeuvrability and precision with new Adaptive Steering option. The Galaxy tops a totally renewed MPV range this year, with fresh S-MAX and C-MAX also debuting in dealerships.

Andy Barratt, chairman and managing director, Ford of Britain, said: “This award for the new Galaxy and recognition of Ford’s newly revised MPV range is testament to the ongoing investment Ford is making across its product portfolio. This wave of brand new, high-tech family cars alongside our award-winning small car range, dominant commercial vehicle line-up and spine-tingling performance cars in Focus RS and Mustang is excellent news for Ford’s UK business and its dealers.”

Ford Galaxy first arrived in dealerships in 1995 and since then more than 186,000 have sold in the UK.

DRIVER POWER - Jaguar celebrates a quartet of great results in the AE Driver power 2015 results.

• Jaguar XJ tops executive car class and finishes seventh overall in the Driver Power top 100
• Jaguar F-TYPE finishes second in the sports car category, with the XK in third
• The Jaguar XF scores best-in-class for ride quality, finishing fourth in the executive car class
• Strong scores and rankings prove the current Jaguar model line-up is a hit with owners

Jaguar has scored an impressive set of results in this year’s Auto Express Driver Power customer satisfaction survey with an executive car category win, second and third place in the sports car category and several best-in-class awards. 

Top of the executive car table was the Jaguar XJ, scoring 92.46 per cent for customer satisfaction. Owners praised the flagship luxury saloon for its eye-catching styling and winning blend of comfort, performance and in-car technology. 

Plaudits also came for the XJ’s ease of use and, thanks to its aluminium construction and efficient 3.0-litre V6 petrol and diesel, and 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engines, its running costs. As a result, the XJ finished comfortably inside the overall top ten, in seventh place. 

The Jaguar F-TYPE finished second in the sports car category in its Driver Power survey debut. As you’d expect for a Jaguar sports car, owners sung the praises of the F-TYPE’s blistering performance and its handling, seat comfort and ride quality. 

Finishing just behind the F-TYPE was the XK, which won plaudits for its glamorous looks, ease of use and comfort. Owners ranked the XK as second overall in terms of performance.

Completing an excellent run of results was the XF, which was voted best-in-class for ride quality and finished a brilliant fourth overall in the executive car class. Owners eulogised about how easy it is to drive and also how impressive its performance is, with top ten finishes in both these categories

Steve Fowler, Editor-in-chief of Auto Express said: “Jaguar has stormed back to the top in the Driver Power ratings recently, and its cars continue to impress owners. The XJ took an impressive victory in the executive class and finished in the top 10 overall. Jaguar’s sports cars also score highly with owners – both the F-Type and XK/R ranked highly in Driver Power 2015.” 

Jeremy Hicks, Jaguar Land Rover UK Managing Director, said: “We’re enormously proud of these results as they’re proof that the Jaguar range is strong across the board, with all our cars winning praise from owners whether they are looking for a comfortable executive car or a thrilling sports coupé. What is even more exciting is that with the XE, new XF and F-PACE on the way, the Jaguar line-up is only going to get stronger.”

Earlier this month, Jaguar Land Rover UK launched a new Approved Used Programme offering increased benefits and peace of mind to customers wishing to buy a used Jaguar. 

It provides vehicles under five years old and under 100,000 miles with a premium-sector leading two-year unlimited mileage warranty, 165 checks and a consequential damage guarantee up to the vehicle purchase price.

Vehicles purchased through the programme also get an independent history and mileage check, MOT cover, complimentary seven-day drive away insurance, UK and Europe road side assistance and a 30-day/1,000 mile vehicle exchange policy.

MG rated third best brand in annual Driver Power survey, yeah right, better than Lexus, Mercedes and more...... mmmmm....

• British motorists have voted MG third best manufacturer in UK
• Awards voted for by 50,000 car owners  and readers of Auto Express; the UK’s biggest selling weekly automotive magazine
• MG6 also wins Auto Express 2014 Driver Power award for Best Handling
• SMMT figures show MG is fastest growing brand in UK in 2014
• MG6 range from just £15,455 to £21,195 and PCP from only £199 a month
• MG3 range from £8,399 to just £9,999 or PCP offers from just £99 a month or zero deposit

MG adds another podium position to its 90^th year celebrations after being voted the third best manufacturer in the UK in the highly influential 2014 Auto Express Driver Power Survey.  

This tops off a superb return to Driver Power for MG, which also saw the MG6 take sixth place in the model rundown as well as being crowned best-handling car. British brands took second and third place with MG finishing just behind Jaguar, with scores of 89.34 per cent and 88.98 per cent respectively. 

Steve Fowler, Editor-in-Chief of Auto Express, said: “While some brands have exceeded expectations and scored highly for particular categories, MG has scored well across the board. It took second place in the handling section and third place for both ride quality and seat comfort. It’s great to see British brands doing well.”

Guy Jones, Sales and Marketing Director of MG Motor UK said “MG has made a significant investment in British design, engineering and assembly and we are delighted to see that this has resulted in UK customers loving our new range of cars. The goal of the British team based in Birmingham is to continue to deliver the MG brand values and create affordable British cars with character making them great value and fun to drive, buy and own.  With these awards and SMMT figures showing that MG is the fastest growing brand in the UK this year, we are clearly succeeding”

He continued: The launch of our new supermini MG3 has increased brand awareness and enabled us to significantly expand our UK dealer network attracting thousands of new customers into the brand. The appeal of the MG6 has also been significantly increased with the addition of the superb new high-tech, performance diesel with only 129g CO₂ resulting in zero road tax in the first year. Both cars have extremely low insurance groups from just 4E for MG3 and 13E for MG6 meaning you can have a car that is fun to drive at a low cost to insure, which is especially important for younger drivers”. 

This year MG celebrates its 90th anniversary with the business in better shape than it has ever been.  In the UK, MG is not only winning awards for its cars but it is also winning on the track, with the MG6 GT jointly leading the fiercely competitive British Touring Car Championship.  Globally MG is expanding in over 40 markets with major investment in new models from parent company SAIC. To celebrate this milestone year, MG is inviting both new and old fans of the brand to see past present and future MGs at the MG 90 event on 21^st and 22^nd June at the world famous Silverstone race circuit.

Driver Power is the annual reader survey of Britain’s top-selling weekly car magazine, Auto Express. Now in its 13th year, the survey questions motorists on all aspects of the ownership experience, including reliability, running costs and comfort. The results will be published in the 30 April issue of Auto Express, while autoexpress.co.uk will be providing analysis of the data.

Top 30 Manufacturers for 2014

1. Skoda
2. Jaguar
3. MG
4. Lexus
5. Dacia
6. Porsche
7. Kia
8. Mazda
9. Mercedes
10. BMW
11. Volvo
12. Audi
13. Honda
14. Peugeot
15. Renault
16. Subaru
17. Toyota
18. Hyundai
19. Volkswagen
20. Land Rover
21. Alfa Romeo
22. Nissan
23. Mitsubishi
24. Seat
25. Ford
26. Citroen
27. Fiat
28. Jeep
29. Vauxhall
30. Mini

About MG Motor

Since the first MG went on sale 90 years ago in 1924, the iconic British brand has become world famous for making stylish cars that are fun to drive and own, at remarkably affordable prices. The latest offering, the MG3 is no exception; the new, small modern MG brings style and fun to a new generation - giving a fresh twist on the innovation, sporty performance and statement style that first made the MG badge famous.

Modern MGs are designed, engineered and undergo final assembly at MG’s historic home in Longbridge, Birmingham. 

Today, MG is owned by the SAIC Motor Corporation. SAIC Motor is currently rated 103^rd in the Fortune 500 and, in 2013, achieved record global sales of over 5.1 million units, an increase of 13.71% on 2012 sales. SAIC Motor is the first Chinese automotive manufacturer to exceed five million units in a year, and 230,000 units of this extraordinary figure can be attributed to sales of the MG and Roewe marques worldwide.

AUTOCAR scoops third generation Mini

The third-generation ‘new’ Mini produced under BMW has been photographed undisguised, months ahead of its expected debut towards the tail-end of the year.

The look of the new Mini is greater removed from its predecessor than had been expected, with a few notable design changes at the front giving it greater visual distinction in the switch from second-gen model to third than first to second.

The circular LED rings in the more prominent headlights are perhaps the most significant change, these having been previewed on the 2011 Rocketman concept.

The front-end design is softer than before but much more distinctive with it; the front grille taller and narrower, and with more rounded edges and a 3D effect. The lower grille is also more pronounced, and is flanked by more prominent fog lights.

In profile, the new Mini looks slightly longer with a longer wheelbase and increased front overhang. The glasshouse has been narrowed slightly and the roofline angled more towards the rear tailgate.

At the rear, there is more of a nip and tuck than a change in philosophy, with the light graphic of the current car carrying over in larger rear lights. The lower bumper has been reprofiled, and the twin central exhausts of the Cooper S model (both Cooper and Cooper S variants have been snapped undisguised) made more prominent.

Previous spy pictures of the interior have revealed an adoption of a BMW iDrive-style controller for the infotainment functions, and more conventional dials under the large circular screen in the centre console. Insiders have reported a big leap in quality for the new interior.

The new three-door Mini hatchback scooped here is the first of 11 Minis and up to 12 BMWs that will be spun off a new front-wheel-drive platform known internally as UKL1. The platform, thanks to its longer wheelbase, is said to greatly improve the ride quality of the Mini and also further sharpen up the handling.

The new Mini will be offered with a choice of a petrol or diesel three-cylinder 1.5-litre engines from a new family to be shared with BMW in the UKL1 range. Higher performance 1.6-litre turbos are expected to continue in the Cooper S and eventual JCW versions.

A six-speed manual gearbox will be available as the standard transmission, with an eight-speed automatic transmission optional. More Mini models may also receive four-wheel drive in the future as demand grows, with the technology an integral part of the UKL1 strategy.

CREDITS - CARPIX
CREDITS - AUTOCAR

AUDI A8 L RECEIVES ITS OWN AUTOMOTIVE “BAFTA”

Official car of the 2013 EE British Academy Film Awards  gets some recognition of its own in industry-acclaimed chauffeur awards

• Audi A8 L takes home trophy in £50,000 to £75,000 category
• Second consecutive win and third overall victory since awards began
• Priced from £57,650 OTR to £95,440 OTR
• Engines range from 204 PS 3.0 TDI to 500 PS W12 quattro
• Audi A8 L hybrid priced at £65,405 OTR

The Audi luxury car that whisked many of the stars of stage, screen and TV to the red carpet last night for the 2013 EE British Academy Film Awards (the BAFTAs) has just attracted some limelight of its own. The long wheelbase A8 L has been voted Chauffeur Car of the Year in the £50,000 to £75,000 category by leading online industry magazine thechauffeur.com.

This year’s Chauffeur Car of the Year category award is the third for the opulent long wheelbase luxury saloon, which also took the top spot in 2005 and 2011. It was bestowed not just on the strength of the car itself, but also by virtue of the successful Audi UK chauffeur programme through which professional drivers can run one on a contract hire basis and benefit from exceptional support.

Paul Gibson, Editor of thechauffeur.com, commented:  " The A8 L offers the chauffeur an excellent all-round package. Excellent economy, comfort, all-wheel drive and workable boot space are key factors which helped it clinch the award.”

He added: “ When putting it against its competitors, it was also obvious that the manufacturer’s dedicated chauffeur programme is one of the best in the marketplace.”

James Douglas, Head of Fleet Sales at Audi UK, added: “I am delighted that thechauffeur.com not only believed the A8 was deserving of such a hard fought award, but also saw fit to commend the Audi chauffeur programme which provides access to it. We have gone to great lengths to structure a programme which we believe makes obtaining and running one of our luxury cars as stress-free as driving one, and it is immensely encouraging to know that this specialist title views it so positively.”

Luxury now with even greater efficiency

The excellent economy which was instrumental in the latest victory for the A8 L is commonly associated with the TDI versions, but it can now also be enjoyed in petrol models with even lower CO2 output and the potential for zero emissions driving – the A8 hybrid and A8 L hybrid.

Powered by a 2.0-litre TFSI four cylinder petrol unit working in conjunction with a 40 kW electric motor, the A8 L hybrid can drive using electric power alone at  speeds of up to 62 mph. When outright performance takes precedence, outputs of 245 PS and 480 Nm enable acceleration from zero to 62mph in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 142mph. At the same time, equally important running costs can be kept in check  thanks to the potential for in excess of 44 mpg, equating to CO2 emissions of 149g/km – the lowest in the A8 L range.

In common with all A8 L models, the hybrid adds 130mm of extra leg room for rear seat passengers, and expands the lavish A8 equipment list to include features such as heated front and outer rear seats, electric sun blinds and deluxe four-zone climate control.

Prices start at £57,650 OTR for the A8 L SE, rising to £95,440 OTR for the flagship 6.3-litre W12 quattro. The A8 L hybrid is priced at £65,545 OTR.