Families enjoy toy car driving with Toyota's New Camatte Vision.

Debut for new augmented reality app and new Hajime concept at the Tokyo Toy Show

Have you ever wondered how you would look racing to rescue a cat from a tree in a purple fire engine? Or cruising around town in a hot pink hot-dog van? 

Toyota is making it possible to step into the world of toy cars and trucks with Camatte Vision, an all-new interactive experience for families which is being unveiled at the International Tokyo Toy Show this week (18 – 21 June).

Camatte Vision is part of Toyota’s Camatte series of concepts designed to change the way children play and learn with toy vehicles. Its aim is to provide a way for youngsters and their parents to share in the excitement of cars and trucks.

Using an innovative augmented reality tablet app, you can see how you and your family would look in a vast range of different vehicles and colours.

Blazing fast hot rods, life-saving ambulances, chunky construction trucks, and many more are available through the app, all in bright rainbow hues.

As well as the virtual world of Camatte Vision, Toyota has added a genuine nuts-and-bolts member to the Camatte concept family. Called Hajime, it will be on display for families to explore at the toy show.

How Camatte Vision works

The first step is for families to get inside Hajime and take a photo of themselves. Using a tablet, Camatte Vision then lets them customise the car’s appearance, mixing and matching 13 body types and 12 colours. Holding the tablet above a road course lay-out shows the vehicle as if in motion, with the family inside.

Camatte Hajime

Although the name Hajime means “beginning” in Japanese, it is actually the sixth member of Toyota’s Camatte family, following the Sora, Daichi, Takumi, 57s and 57s Sports that debuted at previous Tokyo Toy Shows. Hajime was named to signify that the fun has just begun with the Camatte concept and there is much more to come.

Building on Camatte’s spirit of customisation-friendly design and fun, Hajime features Camatte’s signature swappable exterior panels, and adjustable pedals and driver’s seat that let children get behind the wheel while their parents are  close behind in the two rear seats.

The Camatte Hajime is a real working car, but won’t be drivable during the Tokyo Toy Show. Youngsters will still be able to get inside, buckle up, turn the steering wheel and push the pedals.

Camatte Hajime specifications

Length	3,020 mm
Width	1,320 mm
Height	1,240 mm
Wheelbase	1,800 mm
Seating capacity	3
Powertrain	Electric motor

Nissan makes large investment into Sunderland Plant for new press machines.

• New extra-large press line to be installed at UK plant
• £37m investment to support Nissan’s leadership in Crossovers and Electric Vehicles

Nissan today underlines its commitment to lead in crossovers and electric vehicles following the start of extension work for a new extra-large press line at its manufacturing plant in Sunderland.

This £37m investment will see the plant extended and a new 5,200 tonne press installed, supporting ongoing UK production of Nissan’s best-selling Qashqai and Juke crossovers, the Nissan Note and the all-electric Nissan LEAF.

Nissan’s Senior Vice President for Manufacturing, Purchasing and Supply Chain Management in Europe, Colin Lawther, said: “Nearly 3 million customers have bought a Nissan crossover that was manufactured here in the UK, and the 33,000 Nissan LEAFs made here have helped it to become the best-selling electric vehicle in history.

“This fresh investment is a clear signal of our intent to continue leading in these key areas for the Nissan brand, with our crossover and electric vehicle success founded on the exceptional quality and delivery standards achieved by our workforce here in Sunderland.”

Going into production in 2017, the new press line and panel storage area requires a building extension totalling 6,780m², taking the total built up space on site over 362,000m², the equivalent of more than 50 football pitches.

Councillor Paul Watson, Leader of Sunderland City Council said: “This is tremendous news. Nissan Sunderland's record-breaking productivity and continued growth are key to the export strength of the UK car industry. 

The plant extension and new equipment at the Sunderland plant, ahead of the Infiniti production, underpin the company’s leading position and reinforce Sunderland's aim to be the automotive hub of the UK.”

To be built alongside the existing seven press lines in Sunderland, the new line will be the biggest at Sunderland and the first of its type in the Renault-Nissan Alliance, pressing panels with a total force of 5,200 tonnes.

Weighing approximately 2500 tonnes and 10.5m in height, a programme of engineering work is now under way ahead of the scheduled start of production in 2017, with a 6.5m deep ‘pit’ currently being excavated for the foundations.

The new press line will make larger panels for all the Nissan vehicles produced in Sunderland, and will also provide panels for two forthcoming compact Infiniti models, the Infiniti Q30 and Infiniti QX30.

Mike Hawes, CEO of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said: “This is great news for Nissan and its Sunderland workforce and follows more than £1 billion of fresh investment into UK vehicle production already announced this year. 

UK automotive is experiencing a renaissance and continued investments like this will help Britain build on its growing reputation for low-carbon vehicle development. 

With commitment to both electric vehicles and crossovers, this is also an example of a manufacturer investing in two market segments which are seeing strong growth both in the UK and abroad.”

TESLA continues to expand it's network of charging points within the United Kingdom.

Expanding the UK Supercharger Network

Tesla’s UK Supercharger network continues growing to enable routes to the West of Scotland and Eastern England. Seven Supercharger stations will be added at motorway services with additional UK motorway locations in the works to be announced soon. 

The Supercharger network extends across Europe as well, so Model S drivers can drive from Edinburgh to Venice or from Tenby to Trieste.

In just one year, Tesla Superchargers throughout the United Kingdom have powered more than two million electric miles. 

Starting with the first Tesla supercharger location in Royal Victoria Docks, London, there are now 68 Superchargers at 22 Supercharger stations across the country. They have enabled Model S drivers to save more than 350,000 litres of petrol and 1,000 tons of CO2.

With a range of up to 310 miles and Tesla’s worldwide fast charging network, Model S makes road trips a pleasure. Supercharging is free for long distance travel on any properly equipped Model S and provides half a charge in as little as 20 minutes. New UK supercharging stations will be conveniently located on motorways. 

Existing Superchargers are on major routes near amenities like hotels, business parks and restaurants to allow travellers to stop for a quick meal or coffee break.

Building a dense network of charging solutions is just one of the ways Tesla is proving the benefits of owning a Model S, whether the road takes you to Loch Lomond or Ljubljana. 

#BritishModelS owners talk about their road trips:

Owners Tony and Jenny regularly travel abroad with their Model S; “For every day and long distance driving and ownership experience, the Tesla takes first prize every time. We've driven it down to the French Alps three times, and toured Scotland, Wales and Cornwall.”

Tom has made several trips to France in his Model S with his family; “We've now completed three trips to Europe in our Model S, totalling about 3,000 miles; we’ve driven to Cannes, Brussels and most recently Paris. The Model S is a brilliant touring car.”

Rolls Royce motor Cars returns to the scene of one of the brands most defining moments, 1907, Scotland.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars returned in magnificent style to the Scottish roads that, in 1907 set the scene for one of the marque’s defining moments. 

Wraith, Ghost Series II, Phantom and Phantom Coupé all paid homage to the achievements of the Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, which, by completing a 14,371 mile virtually non-stop run, forged the marque’s reputation as purveyor of the ‘Best Car in World’.

The 1907 Scottish Reliability Trials

The petrol-powered automobile was still in its infancy in 1907, and the greatest concerns for the motorist were a car’s ability to cope with gradients, the ease with which it could be steered, stopped and started again, but above all, its reliability.

However, very few early manufacturers could truly meet these requirements. Indeed, Rudyard Kipling, an ardent motoring enthusiast, summed up the mood of the time by saying: “I like motoring because I have suffered for its sake”.

Ever the innovators, Sir Henry Royce set out with Charles Rolls to build the best cars in the world and conceived a challenge, the successful completion of which would show the world what their motor car could achieve.

The challenge was not one to be taken lightly. A six-cylinder Rolls-Royce 40-50 h.p. (later known as the Silver Ghost) was to be driven over 5,000 miles in less than a month, without once entering a repair shop for the duration of the trial. 

The mileage was twice the annual mileage a motorist would be expected to cover at that time and 748 miles would be covered as part of the gruelling challenge that would become known as the Scottish Reliability Trials.

Run in various forms since 1901, the Scottish Reliability Trials were administered by the Scottish Automobile Club and designed as the ultimate test over some of the most demanding and remote roads in Great Britain. 

Starting and finishing in Glasgow, the route stretched as far as Aberdeen, Inverness and Pitlochry. Providing one of the greatest challenges was the already well-known Cairnwell Hill, on the route to Braemar, which included the Devil’s Elbow and is still the highest pass in Great Britain, peaking at 2,200 feet above sea level.

The 748 miles took five days to complete and 14 of 104 cars failed to make the finish. The Rolls-Royce 40-50 h.p. completed the Trials in style, comfortably taking the gold medal in its class.

While the Silver Ghost competed in the Trials alone, it was accompanied to Scotland by three other cars from the Rolls-Royce stable. That many owners took in Scotland as part of their travels made the Scottish Reliability Trials particularly relevant to Rolls-Royce, but the 1907 Trials were part of a bigger test and immediately the victorious car was again on the road. 

Within two weeks of completing the Scottish Reliability Trials, the 40-50 h.p. had completed over 5,000 miles. That this had been done without once visiting a repair shop was an outstanding achievement for the time.

In 1911, Rudyard Kipling bought a Rolls-Royce. The only car he could afford, he said, ‘because they did not break down’.

Over a century later, the four contemporary Rolls-Royce models revisited some of the original routes conquered by the Silver Ghost. 

The quartet completed a tour around the Cairngorms and Trossachs, including Cairnwell Hill, touring through the breathtaking scenery with an ease only to be expected from the descendants of the Silver Ghost. 

Technology may have moved on immeasurably in 108 years, but the aim is still the same for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars today: to produce the best cars in the world.

Volkswagen launches the ONLY factory built Camper van in the world, the All New California.

• New engine range with fuel efficiency improvements of up to 15 per cent
• DSG and 4MOTION options – power outputs from 102PS to 204PS
• New driver assistance features, adaptive suspension and new infotainment system
• New safety systems; Driver Alert, Brake Assist and Automatic Post-Collision Braking
• Acclaimed layout and interior packaging retained and improved

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is set to kick-start the summer holiday season with the official unveiling of the new California. 

Based on the recently revealed Transporter T6, the new California remains the only factory-built camper van on the market, and offers a host of improvements and new features for buyers who want the ultimate home from home.

The new California is the fourth model to bear the name, and builds on the strengths of its highly successful predecessors. 

The range incorporates all the key features introduced on the new Transporter T6, including new, more efficient engines that are up to 15 per cent more economical than the outgoing units. 

The new California also features a range of advanced technologies designed to make life safer and even more enjoyable for occupants. These include driver assistance systems, a completely refreshed infotainment system and the availability of adaptive suspension.

The launch engine range includes both diesel and petrol options, along with DSG and 4MOTION four-wheel-drive derivatives. Power outputs for UK models range from 102 PS for the entry-level 2.0-litre TDI engine (Beach models only) up to 204 PS for the 2.0-litre TSI petrol unit (Ocean models only).

Naturally, the new California retains the legendary practicality and storage ingenuity of its predecessor. Available in two forms; Beach and Ocean (which replaces the current SE model), the California can sleep four occupants courtesy of its acclaimed pop-up roof (electro-hydraulic on Ocean models) that neatly integrates a 1.2m x 2m double bed. 

Ocean models also feature a fully-equipped kitchen, complete with 42-litre refrigerator, twin-burner hob and stainless steel sink unit. 

Ocean models also gain a dimmable LED lighting system for the pop-up roof and tailgate and a clever multi-functional holder for the rear compartment that incorporates a cup, ashtray and towel holder all in one.

Driver and passenger safety is another area where the new California excels. Among the many advanced features introduced on the fourth-generation models are a Driver Alert System, Brake Assist and an Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. 

The former is fitted as standard on all models and can detect any deviation from normal steering patterns. If deviation is detected, the system uses visual and acoustic warnings to recommend that the driver takes a break. 

Brake Assist adds another layer of security by registering the speed at which the brake pedal is pressed. During emergency braking, it ensures full brake pressure is applied more quickly. 

Finally, Volkswagen’s acclaimed Automatic Post-Collision Braking System triggers braking after a collision, with the aim of preventing secondary collisions.

After a short delay, the vehicle begins a phased braking action down to 6mph, during which the driver can take control at any time.

UK prices and final specifications for the new California range will be announced shortly.

Beautiful Movie Car to go under the hammer at Coys Blenheim Palace Car Auction.

An ‘extraordinary’ car, and one of the most famous movie vehicles in the world

Captain Nemo's six-wheeled Nautilus car from Sean Connery’s adventure movie The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen will be sold by international auctioneers Coys at their Blenheim Palace auction on July 11th.

Designed by production designer and art director Carol Spier and one of only two made, this fully functional and complete vehicle was used throughout the film and features heavily on the promotional posters. Its twin was rigged with scaffolding for filming the actor's close-ups.

Chris Routledge, Managing Partner of Coys, said: “We have a long tradition of selling film, television and celebrity cars, and having such a cool car from such a cool film is really exciting. 

We are offering an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire one of the cars that actually appeared in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and which will undoubtedly increase in value in years to come.”

The vehicle started life as a Land Rover fire tender, adapted via a steel frame with the addition of a Rover V8 engine. The chassis is covered in an intricate ivory coloured fibreglass shell and features a wealth of elaborate embellishments in an aged gold effect on both the exterior and interior. 

Inspiration for the decoration was taken from the Hindu god Ganesha and assorted flora and fauna. The interior is trimmed with faux leather and even features the original Land Rover dials.

The wheels each measure 72cm and hidden within the arches are hydraulics to adjust the ride height. The car retains most of its original functionality and shows signs of wear and evidence of running repairs from on-set use. In spite of this wear, the car is in running condition.

For the last few years, the car has been part of a large collection of movie props and costumes at Prop Store’s UK facility. It is estimated at £18,000 to £25,000.

Stephen Lane, founder of Prop Store, said: “I bought the Nautilus from the film company after The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen came out because I loved the car, loved the design and felt it was one of the most emotive vehicles I have ever seen, a true design icon. 

I have taken it to Essen, driven it at the Lord Mayor’s Show and now feel its time to let somebody else own it and enjoy it.”

Bentley launches a stunning droolworthy new V8 Flying Spur - The Beluga

• New optional specification affords luxury four-door sedan an enhanced athletic stance
• Striking exterior and interior styling cues boost visual appeal
• Features 20” alloys, gloss black radiator and cabin styling highlights
• Available exclusively on 4.0-litre twin-turbo Flying Spur V8 models

Bentley Motors is launching a new specification level exclusively for its Flying Spur V8 model – Beluga Specification.

The contemporary trim level affords the Flying Spur sedan a more athletic stance and purposeful visual appeal. Featuring exclusive 20” Black and Bright machined alloy wheels, a gloss black radiator matrix and a body-coloured lower grille bar, the Beluga specification is the perfect enhancement for a modern performance saloon that perfectly blends craft and comfort.

Inside the Flying Spur V8’s sumptuous handcrafted cabin, buyers will find swathes of piano black veneer, knurled gear shift paddles, contrast stitching to the luxurious seats and steering wheel as well as deep pile floor mats and boot carpet with contrasting leather binding.

When customers also specify the highly popular Mulliner Driving Specification, in combination with Beluga specification, the striking 21” 6-spoke Extrovert wheel is included. The Mulliner Driving Specification includes features such as diamond quilted hides, a knurled gear lever, drilled alloy pedals and an indented hide headlining.

In 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 guise it develops 507 PS (500 bhp), sprinting from 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds (0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds) while at the same time offering a single-tank range of 500 miles.  The athletic design of the Flying Spur combines traditional Bentley styling cues with a dynamic stance and contemporary details, further enhanced in the Beluga specification.

Designed for comfort and refinement, the Flying Spur has benefitted from a suite of upgrades and enhancements for 2015. The exquisite cabin gains modern and tactile new features (as well as onboard WiFi) to maintain Bentley’s reputation for interior style and usability.

Flying Spur V8 Beluga is available to order now worldwide with first customer deliveries in the autumn.