All the remaining Lotus 49 F1 cars will get together at the Autosport International event.

• Autosport International to host display featuring all seven remaining Lotus type 49 cars thanks to their owners from around the world
• Celebrations at Autosport International to mark 50 years since this pioneering F1 car first raced
• To this day, the Lotus 49 realised the greatest step in Grand Prix performance ever
• The Lotus type 49 was designed in conjunction with the Ford DFV engine
• Autosport International is the only place to see this unrivalled collection of iconic Lotus 49s in one place
• From 1967 to 1970 they were raced by Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Jo Siffert, Jackie Oliver, Mario Andretti, Jochen Rindt, Richard Attwood, John Miles and Emerson Fittipaldi
• To get your tickets to the show, visit www.autosportinternational.com today

A truly incredible collection of Formula 1 heritage is set to go on display for the first time at Autosport International in January. Classic Team Lotus have confirmed all seven remaining Lotus type 49 racing cars will be present at Europe’s foremost motorsport show between 12-15* January.

The late Colin Chapman and Maurice Philippe designed the Lotus 49 with a Ford Cosworth DFV (Double Four Valve) engine at its heart. 

The show at the NEC in January 2017 marks 50 years since this pioneering F1 car first raced – and won – with the legendary Jim Clark behind the wheel at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort.

The type 49, in combination with the DFV engine, realised one of the greatest leaps in F1 performance to date. According to the Pomeroy Index, the type 49 still represents the greatest ever step in Grand Prix performance. In 1967 the Lotus increased the previous year’s speed by 7.7 per cent - a feat yet to be surpassed.

This acceleration in performance was largely thanks to the advanced chassis configuration, which saw the front of the engine bolted to the monocoque and the suspension and gearbox attached to the rear of the powerplant. Since the type 49, virtually all Formula 1 cars have been designed in this way.

Between 1967 and 1970, Jim Clark, Graham Hill, Jo Siffert, Jackie Oliver, Mario Andretti, Jochen Rindt, Richard Attwood, John Miles and Emerson Fittipaldi raced the Lotus type 49. The story of the Lotus type 49 was captured in 1967 by the Ford film documentary 9 Days in Summer.

This collection of F1 cars on the Classic Team Lotus stand in Hall 20 (Stand 2270) represents the very first time that all seven remaining race machines will be together under one roof. The list of display cars are as follows:

R2/R11 (26 Grands Prix)

This is the car Jim Clark took to victory at its race debut at Zandvoort 1967, in addition to further wins at Silverstone and Watkins Glen. 

It is also the same car he drove at Monza, in what has been considered the Scotsman's greatest performance, where he led the race until lap 12, picked up a puncture and lost an entire lap. Clark then spent the next 48 laps recovering through the field, taking the lead on lap 60 before succumbing to a faulty fuel pump on the final lap dropping him to third place.  

Clark’s 1968 Tasman Championship-winning car was loaned to Rob Walker – in the wake of the Lotus R4 destruction – for Jo Siffert, before updating to the B-spec for Jackie Oliver. 

The car was re-identified as R11 and sold to Pete Lovely (raced by Mario Andretti in South Africa, before delivery) who raced it in six Grands Prix as a privateer. Restored in 2010 to 1967 specification. The R11 is still regularly raced by American owner Chris MacAllister still regularly races the R11.

R3 (8 Grands Prix)

The R3 is the car Graham Hill raced for the second half of the 1967 season but victory eluded him. The R3 was later sold to John Love for racing in South Africa. It has since been restored to 1967 specification by Doug Nye and others, before its acquisition by the Beaulieu National Motor Museum.

R5/R10 (22 Grands Prix)

The R5 car won its first F1 race at Monaco 1968 with Graham Hill at the wheel. Hill raced the R5 at six Grands Prix before Mario Andretti put it on pole at Watkins Glen, the debut race for the future champion. The car was later re-identified as the R10 for Rindt in the 1969 Tasman Series. 

The R10 was the machine that helped Graham Hill win the Monaco GP again in 1969, a truly remarkable and unique double. The R10 saw another future world champion make their debut, as Emerson Fittipaldi raced in his first three F1 races in the Lotus during the 1970 season.

R6 (20 Grands Prix)

The R6 was new for Jackie Oliver in 1968, who raced it twice before a massive accident in practice for the French GP.  

The car was repaired in time for Graham Hill at Monza. The Brit then raced it to win the 1968 World Championship in Mexico.  In 1969 the R6 raced in eight Grands Prix for Jochen Rindt, including the Germans first F1 victory at Watkins Glen. 

The car raced in four more races during the 1970 season, including Rindt’s dramatic last lap Monaco victory. It was then sold by Team Lotus in 1977. The car is now in the collection of Richard Mille.

R7 (24 Grands Prix)

The R7 was sold new to Rob Walker for Jo Siffert in 1968, who won the British GP on the car's first outing. It was the last privateer GP win. 

The R7 was then raced by Siffert in 1969 and then by Graham Hill – for Rob Walker – in 1970. In 1999, Geoff Farmer acquired the R7 from the Walker Family and has raced it occasionally, including a victory at the Goodwood Revival.

R8 (4 Grands Prix)

New for 1969 the R8 was Graham Hill’s Tasman Championship car. It was then raced by Richard Attwood at Monaco and Graham Hill for the British GP. The R8 was then sold to Jo Bonnier who, after taking it to two Grands Prix, sold it on to Dave Charlton for racing in South Africa. 

The car was then acquired by Australian collector, the late Hon. John Dawson-Damer, who conducted a painstaking restoration. The car is now owned by renowned F1 designer Adrian Newey, who restored it to the 1969 specification then race prepped her for racing at the 2016 Monaco Historique. 

R12

Constructed by Team Lotus for the Ford Motor Company, for use as an exhibition car. The first showing of the R12 was at the Racing Car Show, Olympia in January 1969. It was later donated to Donington Collection and has recently been commissioned as a runner. It is now in the collection of Richard Mille.

Make sure you visit the Classic Team Lotus Stand to see this incredible display in Hall 20, Stand 2270.

USA - Ford issues two seperate recalls, for various reasons amounting to 10,000 Units

Ford Motor Company is issuing two safety recalls in North America. Details are as follows:

Ford issues safety recall for certain 2017 Ford Super Duty vehicles to inspect and install a fuel tank strap reinforcement

Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 8,000 2017 Ford Super Duty vehicles to inspect and install a fuel tank strap reinforcement. 

In the affected vehicles, over time, a missing reinforcement could lead to a fuel tank strap separating from the frame, resulting in the fuel tank moving out of position and potentially contacting the ground, increasing the risk of a fuel leak. 

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

Ford is not aware of any fires, accidents or injuries associated with this issue.

Affected vehicles include certain 2017 Ford Super Duty vehicles built at Kentucky Truck Plant, Aug. 10, 2016 to Sept. 17, 2016.

There are approximately 8,069 vehicles affected, including 7,103 in the United States, 964 in Canada and two in federalized territories. The Ford reference number for this recall is 16S45.

Dealers will inspect for the presence of a reinforcement bracket on the No. 3 crossmember at the front fuel tank strap attachment location. If no reinforcement bracket is found, the dealer will install one at no cost to the customer.

Ford issues safety recall for certain 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-17 Ford Flex, 2017 Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility and 2016-17 Lincoln MKT vehicles with 3.5-liter GTDI engines to inspect and replace leaking turbocharger oil supply tubes

Ford is issuing a safety recall for approximately 1,300 2016 Ford Taurus, 2016-17 Flex, 2017 Explorer and Police Interceptor Utility and 2016-17 Lincoln MKT vehicles with 3.5-liter GTDI engines to inspect and replace leaking turbocharger oil supply tubes. In the affected vehicles, improperly brazed turbocharger oil supply tubes may leak engine oil on the turbocharger and surrounding components. An oil leak in the presence of an ignition source may increase the risk of fire.

Ford is not aware of any fires, accidents or injuries associated with this issue.

Affected vehicles include certain:

• 2016 Ford Taurus vehicles built at Chicago Assembly Plant, Oct. 18, 2016 to Nov. 2, 2016
• 2016-17 Ford Flex vehicles built at Oakville Assembly Plant, Oct. 18, 2016 to Nov. 10, 2016
• 2017 Ford Explorer vehicles built at Chicago Assembly Plant, Oct. 15, 2016 to Nov. 12, 2016
• 2017 Ford Police Interceptor Utility vehicles built at Chicago Assembly Plant on Nov. 2, 2016
• 2016-17 Lincoln MKT vehicles built at Oakville Assembly Plant, Oct. 18, 2016 to Nov. 10, 2016

There are approximately 1,352 vehicles affected, including 1,157 in the United States, 126 in Canada and six in federalized territories. The Ford reference number for this recall is 16S46.

Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary right-hand and left-hand turbocharger oil supply tubes at no cost to the customer.

The iconic Ford Mustang has added yet another award to its trophy case – Women’s Performance Car of the Year 2016.

The iconic Ford Mustang has added yet another award to its trophy case – Women’s Performance Car of the Year 2016.

Up against a staggering 294 competitors, Mustang emerged as the top performance car in the Women’s World Car of the Year awards. 

The awards are determined by 17 judges across 14 countries – the only vehicle honors in the world granted by a panel made up entirely of women. 

Mustang’s closest contender was the critically acclaimed Ford Focus RS, with just one point separating the two.

“Ford Mustang is surprisingly loved by women who are after a sexy, sporty, masculine car that turns heads,” said Juliet Potter, Women’s World Car of the Year jury member from Australia. 

“Combining the car’s silver-screen celebrity status with real-life practicality, Mustang screams, ‘I am in control!’ and delivers the same behind the wheel with above-average grip and suspension.”

USA - Honda has a number of models that lead their respective sales segments.

• Accord, Civic, CR-V and Odyssey are America's best-selling vehicles in their respective segments to individual car buyers in 2016
• Honda has America's most popular car, SUV and minivan for 4th straight year
• Honda is fastest growing automaker in retail sales

When there was just more than a week remaining in 2016, Honda is already assured of having the #1 and #2 best-selling cars, the #1 SUV and #1 minivan in America with individual car buyers, the company announced today. 

American Honda, including the Honda and Acura brands, is the fastest growing automaker¹ in the U.S. in retail sales, according to data from Automotive News.

Highlights of Honda's projected year-end retail-sales achievements:

• Civic will post the all-time best sales performance in its 44-year history, making Civic America's best-selling car with individual car buyers.
• Accord will post a fourth straight year of retail sales leadership among midsize cars. 
• CR-V will post a seventh straight year of sales gains and further cement its position as America's best-selling SUV over the past 21 years.    
• Odyssey will be the best-selling minivan with retail buyers for a seventh straight year. 
• Civic, CR-V and Accord will be the three highest retail-selling vehicles in the auto industry after full-size pickups and will combine for sales of more than 1 million units for the fifth straight year in 2016. 

"We want to thank our customers for the trust they've placed in Honda, which is the basis for everything we do," said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division.  "Retail sales are the results of customers voting with their wallets and pocketbooks, and we think that's the only true measure of customer demand and product appeal."

Total Honda Division sales are up 4.5 percent through the end of November to 1,333,253 Honda cars and light trucks, as the brand prepares to post a third straight year of record sales.  Honda will continue its momentum into the new year as the strong cadence of new models continues in 2017 with the launch of a redesigned Odyssey; the Si Coupe, Si Sedan and Type R variants of the tenth-generation Civic; and the introduction of the Clarity Battery Electric and Clarity Plug-In Hybrid and more.

Reworked Škoda Octavia Scout with various innovations in technology and equipment.

• Reworked ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT with various innovations in technology and equipment
• Two engines are available from 110 kW (150 PS) to 135 kW (184 PS)
• Wide range of driver assistance systems in the ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT sets benchmark within its segment

The comprehensive revision of the ŠKODA OCTAVIA family continues. Now, after the hatchback, Estate and the fastest model variant – the ŠKODA OCTAVIA vRS, comes the most versatile member of the family with various innovations in technology and equipment. 

The upgraded ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT launches with two engine variants and state-of-the-art all-wheel-drive technology with electronically controlled, hydraulic multi-plate clutch. 

With a ground clearance that has been increased by 30 mm in comparison to the ŠKODA OCTAVIA Estate, the compact five-door also masters rough terrain. 

Beyond that, it impresses with good climbing capability, a high towing capacity and numerous ‘Simply Clever’ features from ŠKODA.

Versatile character

The robust all-rounder impresses with a distinctive off-road look, innovative all-wheel drive, the best driving characteristics and increased versatility both on and off the road. 

The comprehensively reworked ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT bears the same front as the newest generation of ŠKODA OCTAVIAs and thereby underlines the family resemblance: it features a more prominent bonnet, the new front end with wide radiator grille and additional headlights with a crystalline look, full-LED headlights with adaptive front headlights (AFS). 

Also the modified fog lights and tail lights are equipped with LED technology. Its independent character is recognisable by silver-coloured underbody protection at the front and the rear. 

Furthermore, the Rough-Road package is also part of standard equipment and features plastic covering for the undercarriage as well as the brake and fuel lines.

The ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT impresses with its interior space, which for the compact car segment is particularly generous, good body layout, distinct versatility, high level of functionality and great driving characteristics. 

Besides the increased ground clearance, the all-wheel drive with electronically controlled, hydraulic multi-plate clutch, which comes as standard, also ensures even greater driving pleasure off the road. 

When driving on rough terrain the advantages of the ramp angles, which have been increased to 16.6 degrees at the front and 14.5 degrees at the rear, become apparent.

Both the front and rear axle of the ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT are fitted with an electronic differential lock (EDL) as standard. EDL allows the car to pull away smoothly on difficult surfaces, transmitting drive to both the front and rear axles.

For safer and easier descents on rough terrain the Off-Road function is available for the ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT. 

When in use the speed of the vehicle is consistently maintained without the driver needing to do anything. Modern engine management, which increases safety during descents using braking, makes the driver’s life easier.

The ‘Simply Clever’ features include a heated steering wheel and seats with the Thermo-Flux function which, from time to time, increases the air and moisture permeability and provides considerably more riding comfort in different climatic conditions – the upgraded ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT is therefore an adventurer in the truest sense. 

The boot has a capacity of 610 to 1740 litres and thanks to its width of 1010 mm, is also perfectly suited to transporting bulky loads without any problems. Numerous storage solutions in the interior increase its practicality. 

The towing capacity is up to two tonnes, depending on the engine version.

Technology and engines

The reworked adventurer is available from market launch with two different four-cylinder engine variants:

2.0 TDI: 110 kW (150 PS), top speed 129 mph, 0 – 62 mph in 9.1 seconds, combined consumption 56.5 mpg, CO2 130 g/km

2.0 TDI: 135 kW (184 PS), top speed 136 mph, 0 – 62 mph in 7.8 seconds, combined consumption 55.4 mpg, CO2 133 g/km.

Infotainment and ŠKODA Connect

The current ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT is equipped with all the modern infotainment systems of the new ŠKODA generation. All of the capacitive touch displays feature a glass design. 

As the top-of-the-line version, the Columbus navigation system has a 9.2-inch monitor and an LTE module, and provides passengers with a Wi-Fi hotspot. The automatic ‘eCall’ emergency call is available as an option. 

The mobile online services from ŠKODA Connect are the ideal complement to the modern infotainment. They set new standards in navigation, information, entertainment and assistance and can even be configured using your home computer.

Driver assistance systems

The wide range of driver assistance systems in the ŠKODA OCTAVIA SCOUT sets new standards within its segment. Innovations here include Trailer Assist, Blind Spot Detect (warns of any vehicles in the blind spot) and Rear Traffic Alert (monitors traffic coming from the sides and behind when manoeuvring). 

The Crew Protect Assist function, which closes windows and the sunroof in the event of an impending accident and tensions the seat belts on the front seats, is connected to the improved Front Assist function, which includes the City Emergency Brake and predictive Pedestrian Protection functions. 

Park Assist’s functions have been further perfected.

USA - BMW has a number of premieres at this years North American International Auto Show

BMW has chosen the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, taking place on 8 – 22 January 2017, to stage the world premiere of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan and the US premiere of the BMW Concept X2. 

Also part of the line-up at the BMW stand are the new BMW 530e iPerformance plug-in hybrid, the sporty BMW M550i xDrive, and the luxurious BMW 6 Series model range. 

Plus, BMW ConnectedDrive will be showcasing a selection of new services.

• World premiere: The new BMW 5 Series model range sees the world’s most successful business sedan enter its seventh generation. Further enhanced dynamics, unbeatable assistance systems, an unmatched level of connectivity, and a new and innovative operating system headline the most important new features.
• The BMW 530e iPerformance will add a plug-in hybrid variant to the latest-generation BMW 5 Series model range from March 2017. The sporty BMW 530e iPerformance Sedan combines the dynamic flair for which the brand is renowned with the ability to run purely on electric power – and therefore with zero local emissions
• The premiere of the new BMW 5 Series will also feature the presentation of the new BMW M550i xDrive. With its powerful M Performance TwinPower Turbo engine, rear-biased BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system and M Performance-specific suspension set-up, the new BMW M550i xDrive is a four-door sports car and business sedan of unrivaled dynamic aptitude.
• The BMW 6 Series model range, due to go on sale in spring 2017, offers attractive new additions to its list of optional equipment. The options available exclusively for the BMW 6 Series Coupe, BMW 6 Series Convertible, and BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe add eye-catching exterior and interior accents which vividly showcase the sporting character of the three luxury-class models.
• US premiere: The sporty, urban concept underpinning the BMW Concept X2 – the new kid on the block in the compact segment – blends dynamic excellence and solidity with a design that stands apart from the other X models.
• The new BMW 5 Series Sedan also introduces buyers to the next development stage of BMW Connected, complete with additional digital services. These include BMW Connected Onboard – a personalised start screen on the car’s display – and Remote 3D View, which allows users to monitor the area around their car at all times on their smartphone. Additionally, BMW ConnectedDrive now includes a hazard preview feature as part of the Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) service.