Rugby and Range Rover - Thats the latest collaboration with England star Owen Farrell

• England and Saracens star Owen Farrell readies himself for British & Irish Lions Tour to New Zealand 2017 with unique Land Rover challenge
• Timed bleep-test demonstrates the all-terrain performance and speed of the new 290hp Ingenium petrol-powered Range Rover Evoque
• The Range Rover Evoque is powered by Land Rover’s new 290hp 2.0-litre Ingenium petrol engine delivering 0-60mph in 6.0 seconds flat
• Fly-half recently won European Player of the Year award

How do you help a top British Lions rugby player get to peak fitness for a tour of World Rugby Champions New Zealand?

England and Saracens star Owen Farrell pitted himself against a unique opponent; Land Rover’s best-selling luxury compact SUV, the Range Rover Evoque, in a battle between man and machine.

Farrell tackled the new high-performance Range Rover Evoque, powered by the new 2.0-litre turbocharged Ingenium petrol engine in an all-terrain bleep test – the ultimate test of endurance. The renowned SUV, with its new 290hp engine, accelerates from 0-60mph in only 6.0 seconds– making it the fastest sprinting Evoque to date.

Jaguar Land Rover’s new four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine is now in production at the company’s £1 billion Engine Manufacturing Centre. Designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK, it is one of the most advanced engines the company has ever developed, delivering up to 25% more power than the engines it replaces and offer fuel consumption reductions of up to 15%.

Saracens and England player, Owen Farrell, Land Rover fan and the inaugural winner of the Anthony Foley Memorial Trophy for the European player of the year, said: “Every sportsman knows bleep tests are one of the toughest tests on the road to peak fitness because there is no hiding place. The bleep test was a great way to challenge myself because the Evoque was relentless.”

Farrell completed a bleep test between two fixed points on two different terrains in the unique challenge, gradually increasing the pace to keep time with the ever more frequent bleeps. The international rugby star, who will be part of the British & Irish Lions on tour in New Zealand this summer, is famous for his uncompromising approach and was up against an equally tough competitor.

The powerful Evoque lined up alongside Farrell, with international rugby union referee Wayne Barnes on hand to make sure both parties played by the rules.

Land Rover’s new British-built Ingenium petrol engine is available in two variants in the Range Rover Evoque; 240hp and 290hp. It features a twin-scroll turbocharger for improved performance on the road and low-resistance technologies for an ever more refined drive.

Aston Martin and Hogan collaborate on a limited edition set of training shoe, available soon.

During London Fashion Week Men’s, Aston Martin and Hogan are announcing a new partnership that will see the two luxury brands collaborate on an exclusive ‘Aston Martin x Hogan’ limited edition luxury sneaker for the Autumn Winter 2017/18.

Available later this month, the exquisite ‘Aston Martin x Hogan’ luxury sneaker will be presented in four striking colour ways.

“Collaborating with brands that share our views on quality, style and elegance is important to us,” said Marek Reichman, EVP & Chief Creative Officer at Aston Martin. “Working with creative teams outside of the automotive industry helps to broaden our designers’ minds, and this is always a positive experience for both myself and my team at Gaydon. We take inspiration from all walks of life and our work with Hogan will help to shape and inspire many aspects of our future creations”.

Aston Martin’s modern and sophisticated aesthetic combines with Hogan’s beautiful Italian construction for this unique line of shoes. Based on an iconic Hogan design named ‘Olympia’, and offered in four seasonal colours, the palette is versatile yet striking. 

Leather is paired with nylon mesh to create a look that is as casual as it is smart, creating a contemporary urban feel.

The exclusive sneaker reflects the elegance of the silhouette of an Aston Martin sports car and includes detailing from Aston Martin’s artisan leather craft. Applied to the exterior of the shoe, layers of leather create a wave of beautiful colours and materials that are sewn with exquisite attention to detail.

The tongue of the sneaker is cut from Aston Martin’s classic kestrel tan leather with pinched seam detailing and feature the iconic Aston Martin wings. Each ‘Aston Martin x Hogan’ sneaker is crafted to the same high standards that are expected by customers of the luxury British marque’s sports cars and those of the Italian master of casual-luxury shoes.

“Hogan’s attention to detail and passion for beautiful products, and Aston Martin’s beautiful craftsmanship made this project a natural fit,” said Sergio Azzolari, General Manager from Hogan. “It was a pleasure for us to collaborate on a shoe that reflects the attention to detailing in Aston Martin sports cars.”

Limited to a run of 3,000 pairs, the ‘Aston Martin x Hogan’ exclusive collection will be available at Hogan flagship stores worldwide, on Hogan.com and at the Aston Martin Dover Street brand centre from the end of June.

The All-New Suzuki Swift, the best ever swift comes with deposit allowance and a loyalty bonus for existing owners.

• All-new Swift – Now on sale in the UK.
• Available as a Five-door model only, priced from £10,999 for SZ3 model.
• £500 finance deposit allowance offered on SZ-T and SZ5 two-wheel drive with 2.9 per cent APR finance.
• £500 loyalty offer towards Accessories for existing Suzuki owners.

The all-new Swift went on sale last week and Suzuki is pleased to announce the availability of its attractive PCP finance offers. Personal Contract Purchase is an ideal way for customers to take delivery of a new Suzuki with a very low deposit and low monthly payments too. Suzuki Financial Services is also offering a £500 deposit allowance with 2.9 per cent APR finance on SZ-T and SZ5 two wheel drive models until the end of June.

Taking an SZ-T with 1.0 Boosterjet engine as an example with the £500 deposit allowance on offer, no further deposit is required and payments are then spread over 48 months at £185 per month with an APR of just 2.9 per cent. 

Monthly payments can be lowered to £159 per month for the SZ-T if a small deposit of £1,163 is made. As with any PCP agreement, an optional final payment is required to keep the car which for this model is £4,645.

Moving to the top of the range SZ5 1.0-litre Boosterjet 2WD with the £500 deposit allowance, just £1,305 is all that is needed as a customer deposit followed by 48 monthly payments of £179 and an APR of 2.9 per cent. The optional final payment for this model is £5,153.

For even greater fuel efficiency, the SZ5 2WD with manual transmission is equipped as standard with SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) as standard. In situations that require higher fuel use, such as when starting from a standstill or accelerating, SHVS helps suppress fuel consumption by providing electric motor assist using electricity generated through regenerative braking. Because the system uses a belt drive rather than a conventional starter motor to restart the engine after an engine stop it allows for a quiet and smooth start.

The six speed automatic transmission equipped SZ5 is also included in the low rate and deposit allowance offers with a customer deposit of £1,543 required followed by 48 monthly payments of £199 .

Suzuki has introduced a new and comprehensive Accessories programme to enable customers to fully personalise their new Swift. As an introductory offer Suzuki will contribute £500 towards these to all existing Suzuki car owners. The only stipulation is that customers must have had a Suzuki car in the same household for at least 90 days and the accessories are ordered at point of purchase.

Specification Highlights

Standard equipment for all Swift models in the range is comprehensive and the SZ3 model with 1.2-litre Dualjet engine and manual transmission includes six airbags, air conditioning, leather steering wheel, DAB radio with Bluetooth and four speakers, rear privacy glass, LED daytime running lights, 15-inch wheels, body coloured door mirrors and front electric windows.  

Pricing

1.2-litre SZ3 Dualjet - manual transmission	£10,999
1.0-litre SZ-T Boosterjet - manual transmission	£12,999
1.0-litre SZ5 Boosterjet SHVS - manual transmission	£14,499
1.0-litre SZ5 Boosterjet  - automatic transmission	£15,849
1.2-litre SZ5 SHVS ALLGRIP - manual transmission	£15,499

USA - The US gets a limited 500 units each of the Subaru WRX STI Type RA & BRZ tS

Subaru of America, Inc. has announced two new performance models: the 2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA and 2018 Subaru BRZ tS. Both are performance focused derivatives engineered by Subaru Tecnica International, Inc. specifically for driving enthusiasts. Each vehicle is limited to 500 units and vehicles will arrive at Subaru retailers in early 2018.

WRX STI Type RA

The RA designation stands for “Record Attempt” and has been applied to various Subaru performance models. The original venture took place in 1989 when a competition version Subaru Legacy broke the FIA World Speed Endurance Record by clocking over 62,000 miles in 18 days and set a top speed record of 138 mph. Furthering this spirit of endeavor, a special race model WRX STI Type RA NBR Special will attempt a Nürburgring speed record this summer.

In keeping with this tradition, the 2018 WRX STI Type RA delivers increased performance through weight reduction, suspension and engine upgrades. The new, numbered limited edition model comes standard with a carbon fiber roof panel, the removal of the spare tire, a carbon fiber pedestal wing and lightweight BBS® 19-in. forged alloy wheels shod with 245/35R19 Yokohama Advan Sports tires.

Powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, the limited edition WRX STI Type RA increases horsepower to an estimated 310hp with the help of an STI-specified new cold air intake and high flow performance exhaust. A retuned ECU and stronger pistons also contribute to the increased engine performance. The six-speed transmission features a revised 3rd gear ratio paired with a short throw shifter. The weight reduction, additional horsepower and revised gearing all contribute to faster acceleration.

Handling has been upgraded with inverted front struts and rear double wishbone suspension all with Bilstein® dampers. A modified multi-mode VDC gives the car better stability control to keep it on its intended path. The Brembo® brake system, with monoblock 6-piston front calipers and dual-piston rear calipers, features an exclusive silver finish and is paired with cross-drilled rotors for better heat dissipation.

The WRX STI Type RA is immediately identified by an exclusive Cherry Blossom Red accent around both the front mesh grille and new rear bumper cover. An STI front underspoiler has also been added for better stability at high speeds. The exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals, a roof-mounted shark fin antenna and STI fender badges now come in a black finish. The rear deck lid displays the WRX STI Type RA badge.

In addition to the eye-catching exterior, the WRX STI Type RA cabin features Recaro® performance design front seats with red bolsters and stitching as well as an embossed STI logo on the head restraints. The signature red stitching and accent trim is visible throughout the cabin. The steering wheel is wrapped in Ultrasuede® for better grip and has a black gloss-finish center spoke insert with STI logo. Push-button start with Keyless Access is also standard equipment. Each of the 500 WRX STI Type RA produced for retail sale has been individually numbered with a plaque mounted on the center console.

BRZ tS

The 2018 BRZ tS (tuned by STI) delivers the highest level of “fun to drive” and “pure handling delight” through greater flexibility, better control and stability.

BRZ is renowned for its ultra-low center of gravity and precision handling, and the new BRZ tS adds STI-tuned front and rear SACHS® dampers and coil springs as well as flexible V-braces in the engine compartment. New draw stiffeners are added to the chassis and sub-frame to improve steering response. 

The BRZ tS is also equipped with 18-in. lightweight STI wheels (the first time that a BRZ has been offered with 18-inch wheels) mounted with 215/40 R 18 Michelin Pilot® Sport 4 tires for superior grip and quicker turn-in. Brembo® brakes at all four corners round-out the package.

The exterior also adds a more aggressive look with an exclusive STI rear carbon fiber spoiler. The spoiler is manually adjustable to fine-tune rear downforce. The addition of STI front, rear and side underspoilers helps control airflow for better traction and stability.

The BRZ tS is also adorned with an exclusive Cherry Blossom Red accent around the front grille and unique rear bumper cover. The rear hatch displays the official BRZ tS badge. The exterior foldable mirrors, roof-mounted shark fin antenna, BRZ and SUBARU badging all have a black finish. Also, the fog lights have been removed and replaced with STI fog light covers.

The cabin features black leather and Alcantara® upholstery with contrasting red stitching and accents throughout the interior, including steering wheel, door and dash panels, knee pads, shifter and emergency brake boots. front seats have red leather bolsters and the seatbacks are embroidered with the tS logo. 

The visor over the gauge cluster is unique to this model, as is the interior door trim. The center console has been updated to a cast black finish. The BRZ tS also comes standard with red front seat belts and a frameless interior rear view mirror.

Both the 2018 WRX STI Type RA and BRZ tS will be available in WR Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Silica and Crystal White Pearl. Both models will be distributed throughout Subaru’s retailer network beginning in the first quarter of 2018.

Exact specifications and pricing will be announced later this year.

WORLDWIDE SALES MAY - AUDI - The luxury brand drops sales in the month and YTD

• Sales in North America up 4.6 percent in the month, cumulative sales up 6.6 percent
• Around 159,600 deliveries worldwide in May – down 2.8 percent
• Sales chief Dietmar Voggenreiter: “Following agreement in China on our way to former market position” 

In May, AUDI AG delivered around 159,600 cars to customers, 2.8 percent less than in the same month in 2016. Around 738,300 deliveries over the first five months of the year represent a decrease of 5.9 percent worldwide. 

Despite the downturn of the total U.S. market, Audi managed to further increase sales in the United States in May too, achieving substantial growth in North America overall since the start of the year (+6.6%). In China, the sales balance for the past month (-4.0%) was still influenced by the negotiations on future collaboration, which have now been brought to a successful conclusion. 

The intended comprehensive deal was sealed in the second half of the month. The Chinese Audi dealers reported 48,012 units delivered in May, the highest monthly sales figure in the year to date.

“The breakthrough achieved with our partners in China opens the door for us to the market potential of the next decade. And it gives us a positive outlook for developments over the next few months,” says Dietmar Voggenreiter, Board member for Sales and Marketing at AUDI AG. “The last few days of May have already shown that we will see sales recover rapidly in China and that we will quickly get back to our former market position.”

Due to substantial falls over the past few months, sales in the Chinese market are down 15.2 percent year-on-year since January. For the month of May, deliveries were 4.0 percent below the 2016 figure. With 48,012 deliveries, Audi already managed to sell around a quarter more units in May than the monthly average total from January through April. In the first five months of the year, a total of 202,885 Chinese customers received keys for their new Audi.

In Western Europe, Audi sales increased slightly by 1.0 percent since the start of the year to around 357,750 cars. Sales of around 71,500 units in the past month were up 0.9 percent year-on-year. “The stable development in Europe is pleasing given the model changeovers for the A5 and Q5, as well as the very positive trend in our order balance,” says Voggenreiter. In particular, the ongoing model changeover for the Audi Q5 currently still has a dampening effect on deliveries. 

Engine variants will successively be available at dealerships for the much sought-after new edition of the SUV bestseller. The Q2 successfully opens up a new SUV segment for Audi: In Western Europe alone, around 33,750 customers decided to buy the all-new premium compact SUV in the first five months of the year. 

Across all models, Audi set a new record for cumulative sales in Germany (+0.8% to 139,297 cars). In May, the Four Rings closed the month on a par with 2016, up 0.3 percent to 28,118 units. France (+7.6% to 5,630 cars in the month) and the Southern European core markets in particular provided a positive impetus for Audi in the past month. 

In Italy, the brand’s sales were up another 5.5 percent to 5,826 customers in May. The books reflect cumulative growth of 9.0 percent with a total of 28,676 cars sold. Spain reported 5.8 percent growth to 5,141 units for May; 25,060 cars sold since January represent a year-on-year increase of 5.7 percent.

In the United States, Audi sales once again grew in the past month despite the declining overall market. Deliveries increased by 2.5 percent to 19,197 in May. The success of the Audi Q7 is a key factor in the substantial growth for the brand since the turn of the year (+6.5% to 83,555 cars). 

The full-size SUV continued to progress significantly in its largest sales market in May, with sales up 12.3 percent to 13,618 U.S. customers since January. The high level of demand for the Q family’s current top model ensures that in Canada Audi is making the largest gains overall of any of its major markets, with cumulative sales up 14.7 percent to 14,347 units. 

With the successful local market launch of the new A5 Sportback, May (+16.6% to 3,852 cars) was the strongest sales month ever in Audi history in Canada. For the region of North America as a whole, around 103,500 deliveries since January equate to growth of 6.6 percent; about 24,400 customers in May represent an increase of 4.6 percent.

Sales for AUDI AG	In May			Cumulative
	2017	2016	Change from 2016	2017	2016	Change from 2016
World	159,600	164,114	-2.8%	738,300	784,314	-5.9%
Europe	76,100	75,987	+0.2%	378,600	376,599	+0.5%
- Germany	28,118	28,031	+0.3%	139,297	138,138	+0.8%
- UK	13,824	14,020	-1.4%	74,786	75,405	-0.8%
- France	5,630	5,232	+7.6%	27,097	26,500	+2.3%
- Italy	5,826	5,520	+5.5%	28,676	26,312	+9.0%
- Spain	5,141	4,860	+5.8%	25,060	23,699	+5.7%
USA	19,197	18,728	+2.5%	83,555	78,489	+6.5%
Mexico	1,356	1,303	+4.1%	5,601	6,054	-7.5%
Brazil	736	795	-7.4%	3,646	5,804	-37.2%
China (incl. Hong Kong)	48,012	50,002	-4.0%	202,885	239,118	-15.2%

The new 2018 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series Coupe from Porsche is the most powerful 911 Turbo S ever.

• Intricately refined 911 Turbo S Coupe limited to 500 units worldwide

The new 2018 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series Coupe from Porsche is the most powerful 911 Turbo S ever. The Coupe makes 607 horsepower and is limited to 500 units worldwide. 

In addition to an increase of 27 horsepower, the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series distinguishes itself from other 911 Turbo S models with its unique design, specialty materials, and luxurious details. 

The sports car is being meticulously finished by hand in the new Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur at Porsche AG's headquarters in Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen. 

Previously known as "Porsche Exclusive," the in-house workshop specializes in customization and is responsible for limited-edition vehicles. For the first time ever, Porsche customers can have the optional matching chronograph from Porsche Design configured in the same specification as their car.

Increased power and performance

The 3.8-liter, twin-turbo flat-six engine with a power kit delivers a maximum torque of 553 lb.-ft. between 2,250 and 4,000 rpm. 

This results in the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series Coupe accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds, and it takes 9.6 seconds to cross 124 mph making it 0.3 seconds faster than the standard 911 Turbo S. The top track speed is 205 mph. 

The 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series comes standard with 20-inch center-lock wheels painted in black, with highlights carefully finished in Golden Yellow Metallic using a new laser technology. For the first time, the brake calipers for the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system are available in black with the Porsche logo in Golden Yellow Metallic. 

The active sports chassis with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) and the Sport Chrono package are included as standard. Rear-axle steering and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC) further enhance handling and stability.

Exceptional design

What makes the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series Coupe so distinctive is the exclusive Golden Yellow Metallic paint finish and various carbon fiber components, including the front trunk lid, roof, and side skirts. The two carbon-weave strips that contour the roof and front trunk lid accentuate the sporty look of the car. 

The rear view is characterized by the rear wing of the Turbo Aerokit, a new rear fascia, and the exhaust system with twin tailpipes which are finished in black. The fenders are decorated with Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur plates. In addition to Golden Yellow Metallic, the vehicle is offered in other select exterior colors.

Interior craftsmanship

The interior is both elegant and unique. The 18-way adjustable sports seats are covered in perforated leather. The inside layer has two stripes in Golden Yellow, creating a unique effect. 

The seams and the Turbo S lettering stitched into the headrests are also finished in Golden Yellow, and the roof lining is made of Alcantara with a Golden Yellow double-stripe look. Fine copper thread is integrated into the trim strips of the carbon fiber interior package. 

The plate featuring the limited-edition number on the passenger's side underlines the car's exclusivity. The door sill guards, also finished in carbon fiber, include illuminated Exclusive Series lettering.

Truly hand-crafted

For more than 30 years, Porsche customers have been able to enjoy extensively customized individual components. With the introduction of this new limited production vehicle, Porsche is beginning a new chapter: Porsche Exclusive will now be presented across the globe with the new "Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur" brand. 

This in-house workshop specializes in custom Porsche modifications. The range of services available also includes customer consultation, developing special equipment options for each model range, and producing limited production cars.

Exclusive Chronograph from Porsche Design to match the vehicle

The Porsche Design Chronograph 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series represents the first occasion where Porsche Design has released a Chronograph for limited production car customers with design features corresponding to those used in the vehicle. 

The exclusive Chronograph combines the characteristic features of Porsche Design watches with the character of the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series Coupe. Its housing is made of lightweight titanium, and its black titanium carbide coating emphasizes its sporty design. The carbon dial is taken from the striking carbon weave stripes on the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series and finished in the paint color used on the vehicle. 

The rotor design is modeled after the rims on the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series and is painted in the same color. The winding mechanism features a typical Porsche center-lock with the Porsche crest on the movement.

High-quality accessories

Customers can also enjoy the unique Exclusive Series design outside their vehicle with the leather Exclusive Series luggage set that has been developed especially for customers who buy a vehicle from the limited production vehicle. 

The visual details on the luggage set as well as the dimensions of the two weekender bags, the handbag, and the garment carrier, are the perfect fit for the luggage space available in the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series Coupe.

Pricing and sales launch

Suggested retail pricing for the 2018 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series Coupe will start from $257,500. The Porsche Design Chronograph 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series will be optionally available at Porsche dealerships for those who buy the vehicle, and can be ordered to the customer's requirements at the same time they order the vehicle. 

U.S. pricing for the watch has yet to be determined. The five-piece luggage set costs $6,324 and is available to owners of the 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series Coupe in conjunction with delivery at the factory for customers who select European Delivery, or from the Porsche Tequipment range available for ordering at any Porsche dealership.