Lord March introduces the Festival of Speed 2016 in a video that showcases the past, the present and future.

Lord March introduces the Festival of Speed 2016 in this film:

http://player.theplatform.com/p/TCy-PC/GoodwoodProdPlayer/embed/select/media/jQecJXJ6OBt7?form=html

The 2016 Festival of Speed theme is “Full Throttle – The Endless Pursuit of Power”, celebrating the most epic machinery ever to grace the race tracks of the world.

Goodwood presents the Full Throttle theme in this film:

http://player.theplatform.com/p/TCy-PC/GoodwoodProdPlayer/embed/select/media/XHZFfszQBVRk?form=html

Since its pioneering days, motorsport’s insatiable thirst for increased speed has been underscored by a parallel quest for power. This year’s Festival will feature the racing machines that, more than any others, have pushed the power envelope, and the intrepid pilots who tamed them.

From monstrous aero-engined leviathans to flame-spitting turbo F1 cars, titanic pre-war Silver Arrows to thundering Can-Am monsters, and fearsome two-stroke Grand Prix bikes to brutal Group B rally cars, the 2016 Festival will feature cars and motorcycles which prove beyond doubt that, where power is concerned, bigger really is better.

Alongside this central theme, the 2016 Festival will pay tribute to BMW’s rich motorsport heritage, as the German manufacturer marks its centenary, with an amazing line-up of cars and bikes. Also celebrated will be 50 years since the inaugural Can-Am championship and the first of the GT40’s four Le Mans win, and 40 years since James Hunt’s World Championship victory.

Thursday 23^rd June will launch the Festival with Press & Preview Day, when the Moving Motor Show will see many cars revealed by their manufacturers in this country for the first time, giving Press and visitors the rare opportunity to get behind the wheel on a drive up the infamous Goodwood Hillclimb.

Goodwood offer the opportunity for a lucky winner to experience the Rally drive of a lifetime during the Festival, with competition details soon to appear on www.goodwood.com.

Festival of Speed founder Lord March said: ‘This year’s Festival will see the wildest, fastest, craziest, baddest cars and bikes ever to ascend the Goodwood Hill. Not to mention of course the heroes that tamed those mighty machines. There will be lots of noise, speed, colour and, of course, power. That’s what the Festival of Speed’s all about. I’m really excited about it and hope it will be an absolutely spectacular and memorable weekend.’’ 

Vauxhall offers VX360° for all servicing & repairs, 7 will email/text you the video & info on work to be completed.

• See and authorise work on your car, from a computer or mobile device
• Available now as a complimentary extra at participating Vauxhall retailers

Vauxhall is offering servicing you can see for yourself with VX360°, a programme that allows onsite expert technicians to capture on video recommended repair work and share it with owners immediately via mobile and email.

Available now as a complimentary extra at participating retailers, VX360° allows Vauxhall customers to authorise work with complete transparency and confidence.

How VX360° works:

1. The customer books in their car at a participating retailer
2. The retailer shares a film of the customer’s car via email or text, providing details, should there be any urgent or recommended work
3. The customer approves the work at the click of a mouse or by emailing their service advisor

“The innovative VX360° system can be requested free as part of a regular service at participating retailers and enables owners to view exactly what the technician sees, thanks to filmed footage of the customer’s vehicle whilst it is in a workshop,” said Alex Shields, Aftersales Business Operations Manager.

“This places customers in a unique position, where they can view the footage and make the choice about whether they wish to proceed and let workshop teams know immediately, saving both time and hassle.”

VX360° is available with different types of work, such as an MOT, servicing or repairs. Customers can request it on the day or when booking their Vauxhall in over the phone or online. 

Toyota Mirai production line: Plant interior and parts selection, plenty of video to watch.

Toyota Mirai production line: Plant interior and parts selection

Toyota Mirai production line: Vehicle trim

Toyota Mirai production line: Chassis and fuel cell system assembly

Toyota Mirai production line: Final assembly

Toyota Mirai production line: Quality control and inspection

Press play to watch the first video, the second and so will carry on after the preceding one.

Toyota ushered in a new era in vehicle technology last November with the launch of production of its Mirai hydrogen fuel cell-powered saloon. The factory chosen for the task is the Motomachi plant in Toyota City, home to many landmark models, most recently the Lexus LFA supercar.

The small but dedicated facility is charged with producing Mirai with the same care and attention to detail that was paid to the LFA. Production of the Lexus V10 coupe was limited to just 500 examples, with the last model coming off the line just over two years ago; Mirai is being manufactured at a rate of around three cars a day.

A new series of short films goes behind the scenes at Motomachi to reveal key stages in the production process, right through to the final inspection every car undergoes before leaving the plant.

Production started at Motomachi in 1959 and in its 56-year history it has produced such renowned Toyotas as Publica, Corona, Cresta, Soarer, Supra and RAV4. Mirai is now on sale in Japan and will be introduced in limited numbers to the UK and other selected European markets during 2015.

USA - Land Rover LR4/Discovery to Become Family of Vehicles in 2015.

In a one-minute teaser clip, Land Rover hints at the new LR4/Discovery lineup. The automaker has announced that in 2015 the Discovery will no longer be a single vehicle, but an entire lineup of different models. While we don't get to see much of it in the clip, we do see an outline at the very end.

Going off the sketchy outline, the new lineup will be very reminiscent of the Range Rover models, giving the automaker a difficult task of keeping the two lineups separate from each other in terms of styling. The current LR4 and LR2 models may not be as luxurious as its Range Rover siblings, but with a new design, that may all change.

This teaser comes in as part of Land Rover's celebration of the 25th anniversary of the LR4 and Discovery models. The automaker is calling for stories that celebrate the history of the model. Land Rover wants to usher in the new age of the LR4/Discovery with the help of current and past owners, and has also launched a special edition model to further the celebration.

REPORT HERE

GENEVA - Honda Civic Type R Concept Unveil

Today sees the worldwide reveal of the Honda Civic Type R Concept model which points to the styling direction for the exterior design of the highly-anticipated production new Type R that will debut in Europe during 2015.

Described by the design team as a ‘racing car for the road’ rather than a high performance version of a road car, the new Type R looks set to signal a new era for the marque – with the most extreme Civic Type R yet. The sleek and aerodynamic profile reflects a car designed for performance whilst maintaining the look of a road car and the distinctive character of Type R.

The styling of the car is heavily linked to performance, with the Type R Concept clearly showing its credentials in the exterior design. Many of the styling features offer real performance benefits, in addition to aesthetics, as confirmed by feedback from prototype testing at the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany. The shape and angle of the stand-out rear spoiler, for example, has been designed to provide additional downforce, as a direct response to information gained through track testing. Additionally, the upper and lower front grilles have been enlarged and air outlets on the bonnet provide cooling for the high-output engine. The front and rear fenders have been widened to accommodate 20-inch tyres and air outlets are integrated to optimise airflow. When combined, these features deliver maximum cooling, greater grip and ultimately, optimum performance.

While further detail on performance is yet to be announced, Honda has confirmed that the forthcoming new Type R will be the first model in Europe to feature one of its brand new VTEC TURBO engines from the Earth Dreams Technology range. The two-litre, direct injection, four-cylinder turbo is expected to deliver class-leading output of at least 280PS and will be EURO 6 compliant. While turbo engines have not been seen in Honda’s production cars in Europe for some time, Honda has continued to actively develop turbo technology on the race track and in other regions. Honda’s successful return to WTCC in 2013, has been instrumental in gathering knowledge that has helped shape the new Type R, providing the development team with analysis and feedback on performance and styling collected from the track.

Honda is also using the 2014 Geneva Motor Show to showcase the powertrain layout of the next generation NSX, set to launch in 2015. Alongside this, Honda’s next generation Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) Concept, makes its European debut at the show, with the company confirming for the first time that the production version will be on sale in Europe from early 2016. 

2014 Toyota AYGO - Get Ready For FUN (VIDEO ONLY)

The New Toyota Aygo will take centre stage on the Toyota stand at the forthcoming 2014 Geneva Motor Show (March 4th – 16th).

The Toyota Aygo will be revealed at the press conference at 8:30AM on March 4th at the Toyota stand in Hall 4.

The show also marks the European Premiere of Toyota’s hydrogen-powered FCV Concept, as well as the FV2, a future mobility concept that explores new interactions between driver, car and environment.

AUTO EXPRESS drives the C-X17 with a video review.

We've had the chance to drive the Jaguar C-X17 4x4 concept in this video review

We’ve waited for a long time to see a Jaguar 4x4, and finally the Jaguar C-X17 concept was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show earlier this year. The blue paintwork of the show car is gone with this version getting silver paint. Jaguar has kindly let us drive it, too – though not for very long.

The most we can really hope to learn from this drive, though, it what the car will look like. In this intense Dubai sun it looks like almost every Jaguar in the range, with the XJ-inspired grille and F-Type-style rear lights meaning it looks fantastic.

It’s likely to stay this way, too. Julian Thomson, Advanced Design Director, told us: “we’re not in the business of letting customers down, we can’t show this concept and then come out with something that looks nothing like it.”

The interior reveals the purpose of this car: you sit low down in the car, which makes it feel much more sporty that something like a Range Rover. You feel quite cocooned in, with the sleek concept styling meaning the interior is very futuristic, too.

The 3.0-litre supercharged V6 engine booms away in the car – it’s the same engine used in the Jaguar F-Type. In this concept car it’s not insulated – so the roar of the engine is always there. The steering is very basic, and the ride is harsh too – but that can be forgiven for a concept car that won’t be driven by customers.

There’s not much we can get out of this drive in terms of handling or performance, but we have learned that this is being launched as the most dynamic, the most efficient and the best-looking” car in the large SUV class.

We wouldn’t bet against the success of the Jaguar C-X17 – or even Jaguar as a company in the future.

REPORT HERE

Dynamo v's David Coulthard

WATCH THIS SPACE - MORE TO COME SOON

Mclaren produces interactive experience online.

• Insight into the groundbreaking aerodynamic technology which has optimised the bodyshape of the McLaren P1™
• Online interactive experience can be found at designedbyair.com

The key to the performance for the McLaren P1™ is aerodynamics, and a new web experience, entitled ‘Designed by Air’, is the first of a two part series telling the extraordinary story behind the car’s design.

The website offers participants a detailed insight as the car is ‘born’ from raw metallic and carbon elements and is crafted by airflow. The journey evolves to unveil the McLaren P1™ within the wind tunnel highlighting the aerodynamic focus of the design.

Expanding into further sections, the story behind the design of the McLaren P1™ reveals an interactive 3D model with further information about the finely honed aerodynamic features. The immersive experience, inspired by McLaren Automotive Design Director Frank Stephenson’s biomimicry design philosophy, showcases the McLaren P1™ in simulated urban, alpine, highway and track environments, detailing how the active aerodynamic systems adjust and adapt to deliver optimum performance for differing driving conditions.

The ‘Designed by Air’ McLaren P1™ experience is socially enabled, with a final section ‘Future Chapters’ inviting users to ‘like’, share and register ahead of future updates on the car’s interior and performance features.

Frank Stephenson, Design Director at McLaren Automotive explains: “Our main objective with the McLaren P1™ was to design the best driver’s car in the world, on road and track. Managing air flow in and around the car’s bodywork and optimising aerodynamics was key in achieving this goal. This design philosophy crafted the highly unique and emotive shape of the car.

“The online ‘Designed by Air’ experience developed for the McLaren P1™ captures the essence and detail of the car’s aerodynamic design in an immersive and engaging way.”

The McLaren P1TM experience can be found at designedbyair.com.

LANA DEL REY RELEASES MUSIC VIDEO FOR NEW TRACK ‘BURNING DESIRE’

SONG ALSO SET TO APPEAR AS SOUNDTRACK FOR NEW SHORT FILM BY JAGUAR AND RIDLEY SCOTT ASSOCIATES

Brit and Ivor Novello award winner Lana Del Rey today released the video for ‘Burning Desire’. It was written and composed by the singer songwriter and will feature as the title track to a special film called ‘Desire’ starring Golden Globe winner Damian Lewis, which has been created by Jaguar and the award winning producers Ridley Scott Associates.

The ‘Burning Desire’ music video was filmed on location in South East London at the infamous Rivoli Ballroom, a Grade II listed former cinema that was transformed in the 1950s and is the only remaining intact ballroom from its period in London.

The distinctive venue’s eclectic mix of neo-classical, deco style perfectly complements Lana’s original style. In the video she is seen wearing a vintage Ghost floor length silk dress as she performs the track.

Lana Del Rey said: “Film has always been so precious to me and I’m so proud to be a part of what Jaguar have envisioned for their new car with Damian Lewis. Making art means making tough decisions. I do believe you create your own life path and that you will be rewarded for following your passions – and sticking to it. It’s just good to know now, with people like Jaguar and working with them, that I’m not the only one out there with such strident, creative beliefs.”

Lana Del Rey’s collaboration with the luxury car brand was first announced last September, with the singer performing the song for the first and only time to an exclusive and intimate audience at Paris’s Musée Rodin at the global reveal of the F-TYPE. The F-TYPE is the first two-seater sports car from Jaguar since the iconic E-type was launched 50 years ago.

Ian Armstrong, Global Marketing Communications Director, Jaguar said: “Lana Del Rey is a world-class singer songwriter. In this video, she has used her unique ability to conjure, reflect and then reinterpret an aesthetic from a different era both for herself and for the F-TYPE.”

The film that features the track tells the story of Clark (Damian Lewis), who delivers cars for a living, running into trouble after a chance encounter with a mysterious, young woman (Shannyn Sossamon) in the middle of a lawless desert. Directed by Adam Smith, this is a story of betrayal, retribution, passion and greed. The film will be released in spring 2013.

McLaren P1™ what more can be said

• Development of the McLaren P1™ continues ahead of its next global appearance
• Film released of the McLaren P1™ undergoing testing, available to view and embed from the official McLaren Automotive YouTube channel – http://youtu.be/VW2LOgchfno
• XP development cars shown carrying race track-inspired camouflage

The McLaren P1™ was unveiled to the world as a design study at the Paris Motor Show in September 2012, and was met with the glare of a thousand camera flashes. Since then, development of the technology beneath the carbon fibre skin has continued at great pace. The team at McLaren Automotive has continued the relentless testing programme for the car. The goal being: to produce the best driver’s car in the world on road and track.

The latest short video gives the most detailed view yet of the production McLaren P1™.  Leveraging five decades of skills and knowledge gained through the company’s involvement at the pinnacle of motorsport and through Formula 1 techniques and processes, the McLaren P1™ promises to raise the supercar performance bar.

Using CFD (computational fluid dynamics) aerodynamic modelling and bespoke Formula 1™-derived dynamics simulation tools, outstanding performance against aggressive targets was established even before the first prototype builds.  Detailed analysis has continued hand in hand with physical testing to accelerate the further development of the McLaren P1™.

A dedicated team of McLaren engineers, technicians and racing drivers are running a fleet of XP-codenamed vehicles, around the clock in some of the most demanding conditions, and on roads and circuits across the globe. The rigorous testing procedures for the McLaren P1™ have seen the development team working closely with McLaren Automotive technology partners on bespoke components and developments, including Akebono on a highly-efficient braking system, Pirelli on high performance tyres and Mobil 1 on leading cooling, lubrication and hydraulic fluids. As all these activities converge on the final specification, a remarkable vehicle is emerging.  The McLaren P1™ is set to deliver truly outstanding road and track dynamics and performance, coupled with levels of driveability and refinement unprecedented in such a supercar.

The obsession to detail which McLaren is known for carries through with the work being done by the McLaren P1™ development team. This fascination that everything should be designed for a reason has filtered down even to the striking camouflage being worn on the development cars. Designed in-house by the team behind the shape of the car, the graphic incorporates the outlines of famous circuits from across the world, each of which is significant in the history of the brand.

The race is now on for the McLaren P1™ ahead of the next public appearance…