The Ferrari J50 ultra limited edition takes the Red Dot Best of the Best Award for 2017

• The Ferrari J50 takes top honours in the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2017
• The GTC4Lusso, LaFerrari Aperta and 458 MM Speciale receive Red Dot distinctions

For the third year running, Ferrari has taken the Red Dot: Best of the Best award for the maximum expression of design quality and ground-breaking design. 

The model to receive the top Red Dot Award in the prestigious annual Product Design competition this year was the Ferrari J50, the strictly limited series of bespoke cars built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Ferrari in Japan.

A sophisticated two-seater, mid-rear-engined roadster based on the 488 Spider, the J50 features a radically futuristic design language and was praised by the Red Dot jurors for its innovation. 

Designed by the Ferrari Design team under the direction of Flavio Manzoni, just 10 examples of the J50 will be built in the spirit of Ferrari’s fuori serie tradition.

The international jury of design experts also awarded Ferrari Red Dot distinctions for the high design quality of the GTC4Lusso, LaFerrari Aperta and the 458 MM Speciale. The award ceremony held the evening of the 3rd of July at the Aalto Theater in Essen thus focussed attention on the design excellence that characterises Ferrari’s entire model range in the year that the company celebrates its 70th anniversary.

Ferrari’s unique heritage, in fact, is encapsulated in the most extensive and diverse range of sports cars in the automotive sector. The GTC4Lusso is Ferrari’s flagship GT production car, an exclusive interpretation of the four-seater concept, combining extraordinary performance in all driving conditions with sporty elegance and luxurious comfort. The LaFerrari Aperta is a limited-edition special series, an open-top version of the acclaimed LaFerrari supercar which represents the finest expression of the marque’s technical capabilities in both GT and Formula 1 engineering. The 458 MM Speciale instead is one of the latest creations from Ferrari’s special One-Off programme, a bespoke service for clients who desire a truly unique car with innovative, individual styling.

Hexagon Classics is selling a mint concours 28 year old Mercedes 500 SL with just 965 miles.

• Hexagon Classics presents possibly one of the best Mercedes R107s on sale anywhere in the world
• Incredible UK-supplied 500 SL has been cherished from new having covered just 965 miles since 1989
• Production of the R107 spanned 17 years and it played starring roles in popular TV series such as Dallas
• Example at Hexagon is not only in timewarp condition but also one of the last R107s made making it highly collectable

Leading London classic car retailer Hexagon is delighted to offer for sale an outstanding R107 Mercedes-Benz 500 SL – a 956-mile car that is potentially the best on sale in the world right now.  

Having covered an average of just 34 miles every year over its 28-year lifespan, this remarkable 500 SL is in true timewarp condition, completely cherished from new with flawless black paint and completely unmarked Cream Beige Hide.

A 1989 right-hand-drive UK-supplied car, it is also one of the last R107s produced – the model range was completely replaced by the R129 series in the same year – and represents a unique opportunity for a collector. 

First launched in 1971, the R107 became the company’s second longest running production model of all time. Based on the W114 saloon, but with engines from the larger and more powerful S-Class, it blended speed, refinement, safety and style, and was over-engineered in famous Mercedes-Benz style.

A stylish two-seater drop head with occasional seating for two in the rear, the car was an immediate success, thanks in part to its fully lined roof that made it usable daily in all climates. The R107 also made numerous appearances on popular TV shows, including a starring role in Dallas.

Supplied new on 1^st November 1989, the 500 SL at Hexagon Classics features a 242bhp 5.0-litre V8 and has a host of options including ‘Tempomat’ cruise control, air conditioning, green-tinted sun-deflecting glass, heated seats and a separate hard top. Accompanying this ultra-rare, low mileage Mercedes is its original tool kit and book pack with two hardtop release handles.

Paul Michaels, chairman of Hexagon Classics, said: “This is an unmissable opportunity for someone to purchase a true collector’s item. It is always difficult to find Mercedes of this era with low mileage – like Porsches they were built to be used daily after all – but to find an R107 500 SL with less than 1,000 miles on the clock is just unbelievable. This example is perfect in every way and looks like it has just driven out of a showroom in 1989.”

This remarkable Mercedes is priced at £94,995 and is available to view at Hexagon Classics’ showroom in north London.

Singapore's first hypercar, the all-electric Dendrobium concept, has made its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show

• Singapore's first hypercar, the all-electric Dendrobium concept, has made its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show
• High performance zero emission two-seater comes from Singapore electric mobility experts Vanda Electrics
• Striking design features an automatic roof and doors, which open in a synchronized manner
• Performance targets are a top speed in excess of 200mph and 0-60mph in 2.7 seconds
• Vanda Electrics' technical partner is Williams Advanced Engineering, the technology and engineering services division of the Williams Group

The covers have come off Singapore's first-ever hypercar, the Dendrobium, which has made its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show. The brainchild of Singapore electric mobility experts Vanda Electrics, Dendrobium is a two seater all-electric sports car concept, which features a striking design and a target top speed in excess of 200mph.

Specializing in battery technology, research, innovation and design, Vanda Electrics is one of Singapore's leading e-mobility companies. Its revolutionary strategy is to develop a range of global electric products that capitalize on the trend towards zero emission mobility and focus on three key segments: luxury, consumer and industrial.

With the launch of a fast-charging zero emission electric light commercial vehicle (http://vandaelectrics.com/pro-anttruck/) and electric mini scooter (http://motochimp.com) taking place later this year, the company has chosen the 2017 Geneva Motor Show to unveil its most exciting model yet, a high performance halo product that will sit in the luxury sector.

A project that has resided within the design team for many years, Dendrobium is finally being realised thanks to the rapid advancements in electrification technology, which allows headturning styling to be combined with high performance, compact e-powertrains.

Vanda Electrics has also engaged a small number of key partners to develop the Dendrobium concept car.

Technical partner is Williams Advanced Engineering, the technology and engineering services division of the Williams Group. The division specialises in a number of core areas that are highly relevant to Dendrobium, including aerodynamics, lightweight structures, vehicle integration and, of course, electrification. Williams Advanced Engineering has taken the project from the design stage to dynamic concept car.

Innovative, dramatic design

Designed by Vanda's in-house team, Dendrobium's remarkable shape incorporates an automatic roof and doors, which open in a synchronized manner, resembling a fully-opened dendrobium flower, a genus of orchids native to Singapore.

This unique feature is not just for show either - it also improves access to the cockpit, making ingress and egress easier than other hypercars. The tear drop shape that forms around the cockpit and ends in the tail - where the plug-in port is located, just behind a panel above the charging light, which shows the status of the car's battery - is a design feature that has remained a key part of Dendrobium from the initial sketches.

Other highlights of Dendrobium's exterior are the aerodynamic floor, rear double diffuser and front splitter. At the back, the rear light bar elegantly floats over the tail of the car, and throughout the design there is pure, motorsport-inspired functionality, such as the exposed double wishbone front and rear suspension. That motorsport theme is continued in the materials used. In order to meet its target weight of 1,750kg, Dendrobium features a composite monocoque chassis, carbonfibre body panels, carbon ceramic brake discs and lightweight alloy calipers inside 20-inch front and 21-inch rear alloy wheels, wrapped in Michelin high performance tyres.

Driver-focused interior

Carbonfibre is also used extensively in the interior, fitting with Dendrobium's minimalist but functional design brief. Step inside and it is immediately obvious that the driver is the absolute centre of attention. He or she enjoys a bright red body-hugging sports seat - which contrasts dramatically with the predominately black interior. Both driver and passenger seats feature stitching and motifs inspired by muscle fibres.

The interior of the Dendrobium concept has been trimmed using leather from Scotland's Bridge of Weir Leather Company, which sources the best hides from the best heritage breeds and has adopted the very latest technology. The result is the lowest carbon tannery and leather product in the world - the perfect material for a zero emission halo model.

Sitting in the driver's eye line is a digital dashboard flanked by two rear-view displays, which take feeds from wing-mounted cameras. All of the dashboard buttons are hexagon-shaped: a recurring design theme throughout Dendrobium, replicated in the air vents, front grille and headlight bezels.

Hyper-mobility: target in excess of 200mph

Although strictly a concept car at this stage, performance targets for Dendrobium are a top speed in excess of 200mph and 0-60mph in 2.7 seconds. The project will feature the latest lithium-ion battery and electric powertrain technology calling on Vanda Electrics' own expertise and, of course, that of technical partner Williams Advanced Engineering.

The Grove-based organization is an electrification world-leader; it is currently the sole battery supplier to Formula E and an electric motor and e-powertrain integration expert thanks to its pioneering F1-bred hybrid systems and its key role in the rapid development of the Jaguar C-X75 supercar.

Should Dendrobium go into production, a layout featuring two inboard-mounted electric motors per axle, with a single-speed gearbox and differential at the front and a multi-speed gearbox and differential at the rear, is envisaged. If Vanda Electrics receives enough positive interest at the Geneva Motor Show, the first model is expected to hit the road by 2020.

Larissa Tan, Vanda Electrics CEO said: "Dendrobium is the culmination of a dream. Our design team has had sketches of an electric hypercar on the drawing board since the mid-90s, but that vision was many years ahead of its time. As electric technology has advanced, we have been able to revisit this vision and now, as we launch our revolutionary global e-mobility strategy, the timing is finally right for us to take the wraps off a halo model.

"Dendrobium is our interpretation and expression of what pushes the boundaries in the development of an electric performance car. We have engaged some expert partners to help us achieve this such as Williams Advanced Engineering. With its skills in electrification, aerodynamics, lightweight structures, vehicle dynamics and integration - and even lowvolume build - we could not think of a more appropriate partner.

"We are looking forward to seeing the world's reaction to Dendrobium. This electric hypercar may just be a concept for now, but we have every intention of putting it into production. It sits at the top of our range and the production version will be a fitting showcase for the best in design and e-technology."

Fancy a Sports car, or an Electric car ? well have both, the Renault Zoe e-sport concept.

• Two-seater ZOE e-sport concept draws on technology developed for Formula E Championship.
• Twin electric motors provide 340kW (nearly 460bhp) and torque of 640Nm.
• ZOE e-sport concept powers from standing to 62mph in 3.2 seconds. 130mph is reached in under 10 seconds.
• Use of carbon fibre and kevlar allows weight of just 1,400kg, including battery (450kg).
• Lowered ride height, wider tracks and four wheel drive provide exceptional cornering ability.
• Double-wishbone suspension, 20-inch wheels, bigger brakes and Öhlins four-way adjustable dampers.   
• Cockpit has Recaro bucket seats with racing harness and Formula E style controls.
• Four driving modes allow drivers to choose balance of performance and range.
• Renault is Europe’s leading EV manufacturer.

The Renault ZOE e-sport concept car revealed at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show showcases Renault’s commitment to the ongoing development of electric vehicles.

Based on the all-electric ZOE’s supermini platform, ZOE e-sport concept draws on Groupe Renault’s three years of success in the FIA Formula E Championship. This all-electric single-seater series, fought on challenging street circuits around the world, has proved a popular and accessible way for the public to enjoy high-performance electric racing. 

The two-seater ZOE e-sport concept echoes the styling of the latest Renault single-seater race cars, and its colour scheme reflects the livery of the e.dams team. The lightweight body structure is made of carbon fibre, and the car tips the scales at just 1,400kg, including the battery (450kg). This minimal weight in addition to excellent aerodynamics, power close to 460bhp and torque of 640Nm, helps the car to accelerate from standstill to 62mph in 3.2 seconds.

“The brief for the Renault ZOE e-sport concept couldn’t have been simpler: ‘Have fun!’. So we came up with something midway between a production model and a racing car… It’s perfect for lovers of extreme driving sensations!” Stéphane Janin, Director, Concept Car Design

“At Renault, we believe that electric cars are capable of addressing the needs of all types of customers, with the emphasis on driving enjoyment… The Renault ZOE e-sport concept is a stunning expression of this!” Éric Feunteun, Director, Electric Vehicle Programme

Renault launched a full range of EVs in 2012 and continues to stand out as the market leader today. The brand continues to explore every facet of electric motoring thanks to a programme spearheaded by the ZOE.

The Renault ZOE is an all-electric car that delivers a smooth, agile ride. Uniquely enjoyable to drive, it is built to the highest environmental standards.

The New Renault ZOE premiered at the 2016 Paris Motor Show and marks an important step in the development of mass-market electric vehicles. Its driving range is 250 miles (NEDC), equivalent to real-world range of around 186 miles in summer and 124 miles in winter. The New Z.E.40 battery takes the worry out of charging the car while opening up a wider spectrum of journey options. The New ZOE also comes with a new, improved suite of connected services to make electric motoring easier, including Z.E. Trip and Z.E. Pass.

Sporty styling with Renault’s hallmark French design

The ZOE e-sport concept’s connection to Formula E is immediately apparent thanks to a colour scheme inspired by the reigning champion Renault e.dams team’s 2016/2017 livery. The dominant colour is Satin Blue with flashes of yellow on the door mirror and the front and rear bumper beading. The bumpers, lip spoiler and headlight/air intake surrounds have a carbon fibre finish.

The 20-inch diamond-cut aluminium alloy Sport wheels feature contrasting angles highlighted by a two-tone finish in black and Shadow Chrome. These rims come with a central locking nut.

The overall design retains traditional Renault styling cues, plus elegant flourishes from higher-end high-performance models. The ZOE e-sport concept has extra-tinted windows. Its doors are opened by a simple tap on the ‘open’ zone incorporating tactile sensors.

The headlights carry over the C-shape that has become a hallmark of the latest Renault models. The prominent vertically mounted backlit Renault front and rear diamond logos echo the styling of the Renault TreZor concept car unveiled at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.

Inside the cabin, the colours and materials express the car’s sport pedigree. Black is the dominant colour, with a few splashes of blue and – notably for the controls – aluminium. The seats, steering wheel and door panels are trimmed with overstitched Alcantara.

Built for speed – and great handling

The ZOE e-sport concept’s stiff, lightweight structure allows for high performance, with superb grip and handling. Like the Renault e.dams Formula E single-seater, the bodywork is made from carbon fibre. The chassis features a tubular steel roll cage with protective Kevlar panels. It complies with FIA safety standards, allowing the ZOE e-sport concept to be used on race tracks.

Outstanding aerodynamics are achieved with the aid of a front air dam, flat undercarriage, a Formula E-inspired diffuser and a large carbon fibre tailgate spoiler with a linear braking light.

Inside, the ZOE e-sport concept has two Recaro bucket seats equipped with competition harnesses and a driving position that is ideal for track driving. A rectangular steering wheel gives drivers the broader field of vision enjoyed by Renault’s Formula E drivers.

As in Formula E, the driver can adjust the powertrain settings and control energy consumption. The dash panel features three zones that permit management of the gearbox, driving mode (four options available) and brake distribution.

Energy efficiency from Renault Sport’s unique expertise

The ZOE e-sport concept’s powertrain is inspired by technologies developed by engineers at Renault Sport Racing and Renault e.dams.

Two motors deliver a total of 340kW – almost 460bhp. By comparison, rules laid down by motorsport’s governing body the FIA, limit Formula E single-seaters to 270bhp. The two motors are identical, with one at the front of the car, the other at the rear. And, as in Formula e, they feature high-capacity permanent magnet technology to maximise energy efficiency. To exploit all this power, the ZOE e-sport concept’s battery has a capacity of 40kWh.

As in Formula E, an air-and-water cooling system with a front-mounted radiator is used to make sure that the battery and control systems operate at the ideal temperature.

The ZOE e-sport concept also benefits from Renault’s Formula E experience in terms of optimised power delivery to the wheels. Renault-developed power electronics govern battery energy accurately and dynamically to meet the driver’s needs at any time. Energy management is completely configurable and adjustable after each drive or during race weekends.

The electronic settings offer four driving modes that adapt, depending on whether the driver wants performance or a longer range. They can also be tailored to suit different types of circuit and driving styles, adjusting the power delivery between the two motors to place greater emphasis on front- or rear-wheel drive.

Renault Sport Racing: #1 in the FIA Formula E Championship

In addition to its status as an expert in both electric road cars and electric motor racing, Groupe Renault is one of the driving forces behind the growth of the FIA Formula E Championship. It has been involved in the series as a technical and sporting partner since the competition’s inaugural season in 2014/2015.

Renault e.dams is the team with the highest number of titles in the FIA Formula E Championship, setting the standard in the discipline with two Team crowns, one Driver’s title, plus 10 race wins.

The Renault team is led by four-time Formula 1 world champion Alain Prost and DAMS founder Jean-Paul Driot.

Its drivers for Season 3 are the defending champion Sébastien Buemi and Nicolas Prost, and the team is targeting further glory in 2017.

Renault e.dams benefits from the technical support of Renault Sport Racing, Renault’s motorsport department which has enjoyed successful campaigns in every form of motorsport.

The Renault Z.E.16 single-seater features a SPARK-Renault SRT_01E chassis and is powered by a Z.E.16 powerplant developed by Renault Sport Racing at its facility in Viry-Châtillon, near Paris. This powertrain is one of the grid’s most powerful and technically advanced units.

Race-inspired suspension ensures superb handling

The design and set-up of the ZOE e-sport concept’s chassis benefit greatly from the expert input of Renault Sport’ Racing’s specialists and their work on Groupe Renault’s most extreme performance cars.

Built by TORK Engineering, the tubular steel chassis is based on those used by Renault Sport cars competing in hill climbs and ice races.

The ZOE e-sport concept has a lowered ride height, wider track and four-wheel drive to guarantee maximum cornering stability. The double-wishbone suspension front and rear was developed for racing and maintains efficient axle geometry in all situations.

The Öhlins four-way adjustable dampers are another by-product of motorsport and can be adjusted to suit different circuit types or driving styles, like those selected for the Renault Mégane R.S. 275 Trophy-R.

The ZOE e-sport concept’s large, 20-inch wheels are able to transfer all the car’s significant power to the road. Fitted with 245/35 R20 tyres, they are an unusual sight on a racing circuit. Suitably large brake discs ensure competition-style stopping power.

Electric motors deliver instant acceleration

The ZOE e-sport concept accelerates to 62mph (100kph) from rest in 3.2 seconds. Its maximum speed is capped at 130mph (210kph) and takes fewer than 10 seconds to achieve it. The high torque output of 640Nm (320Nm per motor) is available almost instantly. Electric motors deliver all their performance the moment they are activated, and it takes only a few tenths of a second for the ZOE e-sport concept’s motors to reach 4,300rpm. The acceleration is linear, uninterrupted by gear changes.

The electric powertrain does not have the jolts or loud noise emitted by an internal combustion engine. Like those generated by a Formula E car, noise levels are limited to the sounds of the transmission and tyre scrub.

ZOE supermini offers unrivalled range

The ZOE supermini is now available with a high-energy-density Z.E. 40 battery, and this large storage capacity converts directly into an extended range of 250 miles (NEDC). This translates to a real-world range of 186 miles in summer and 124 miles in cold winter conditions.

When fitted with the Z.E. 40 battery, the ZOE boasts the longest driving range of any mass-market fully electric car, yet it is still the market’s most affordable electric car. Orders have risen by nearly 40 per cent in Europe since the new version was released in October 2016.

Since 2015, the ZOE has been fitted with an all-Renault motor that combines outstanding efficiency with optimal electronic battery management, which restricts the level of electricity consumption on the move without reducing power.

Driving a Renault electric vehicle is punchy, smooth and reassuring. The all-electric ZOE delivers all these sensations thanks the brand’s EV technology and to management of the delivery of power to the wheels, geared toward driving enjoyment. The ZOE takes a fresh approach to electric mobility by ensuring a dynamic, noise- and vibrations-free experience, with no gearshifts required, and it emits no carbon dioxide or other regulated pollutants during road use.

The ZOE delivers its full potential instantly in the form of crisp, jar-free pull-away and mid-range acceleration performance. High torque is available from very low revs. The R90 motor delivers peak torque of 225Nm in a fraction of a second, allowing the ZOE to accelerate from rest to 31mph (50kph) – the most frequently used range when motoring in built-up areas – in just four seconds.

Being able to pull away swiftly from traffic lights, along with slick manoeuvring in slow-moving traffic and safe overtaking are all facilitated by the ZOE’s immediate response.

The ZOE makes range anxiety a concern of the past. In addition to routine daily journeys, this extended range means the ZOE can also be used for longer trips

Renault’s leading position

Renault tops the electric vehicle sales charts in Europe in a consistently expanding market. Renault is still the only carmaker in the world to offer a commercially available comprehensive range of electric vehicles to cover a wide variety of uses.

• More than 100,000 Groupe Renault electric vehicles are already on the road.
• More than one electric vehicle in four sold in Europe in 2016 was a Renault.
• The ZOE was Europe’s top-selling electric car for the second year in a row.
• There’s an electric car for everyone, from the Twizy city car and ZOE supermini to the Kangoo Z.E. light commercial vehicle.
• At the 2017 Brussels Motor Show Renault announced that the Kangoo Z.E. Van will receive significant improvements to its range (168 miles NEDC) and charging system from the Summer of 2017 and a new Master Z.E. large van will be made available from late 2017.
• Groupe Renault was the first European carmaker to launch all-electric vehicles back in late 2012 and its strategy is to continue developing mass-market electric cars.