Bentley launches new models, to build SUVs

According to a press release, Bentley Motors UK has confirmed that it will build the world’s fastest and most luxurious SUV - the first off-road vehicle in the marque’s history.

This was announced at the launch at its Crewe HQs, of three new Bentley models, namely, the Flying Spur sedan, the Continental 4.0 litre GT V8 S and the 6.0 litre Continental GT Speed Convertible. The later is considered the world’s fastest four-seat production convertible.

Bentley Flying Spur

Continental GT V8 S

Continental GT Speed Convertible

The production of the new model will create new 1,000 jobs at Bentley and its suppliers.

The company recorded strong sales increases through the first three quarters of 2013 (delivering a total of 6,516 cars against 5,969 in 2012) and opening of 23 international dealerships in locations from Bucharest, Lyon and Minsk through to Hanoi (Vietnam) and the famous Silk Road city of Urumqi.

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Proton UK to release newer models

Looks like Proton, the Malaysian car manufacturer is set to release 3 new models in the UK after a long gap.

No information about the price or when they would be released but their homepage shows the Preve sedan and Exora compact MPV models, saying "New products coming soon".

Via Paul Tan.

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Some great concepts from Mitsubishi: video

Mitsubishi showed off some great concept cars at the Tokyo Motor Show 2013.


MITSUBISHI Concept XR PHEV


MITSUBISHI Concept AR


MITSUBISHI Concept GC PHEV

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Classic car fan gets a surprise

A classic car fan received a grand surprise. Kevin Matthews won their "if you had to pick one...." competition and Royal Mail literally delivered this Jaguar E-Type to his doorstep.

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Selling your car with confidence

Most people thinking of selling their car are increasingly going on to the net to do so. The most popular online car selling site has got to be Auto trader here in the UK. I sold my last car on eBay - another site which is quite popular with a lot of private car sellers as well. However, if you live in the north of England, you may want to check out The car buying service. They are in nine locations, namely, Ashton-under-Lyne, Cheadle, Liverpool, Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Sheffield and Doncaster.

The company buys all types of car models and makes and is the online car buyer approved by RAC. You can value your car online in just four steps. First of all out your car registration number and then hit the 'Value my car' button.

You then provide more information about the car and your contact details after which you get the value of the car. If you feel that the price is right, you can then book an appointment. The great thing about this company is that the price quoted is the price you have to pay. There are no hidden "admin charges" that gets added to your bill afterwards.

Just check out their new TV advert:

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Jaguar unveils the F-TYPE Coupé at the LA Auto Show

The F-TYPE Coupé made its global debut on 19 November in Los Angeles.

The all-aluminium F-TYPE Coupé is available in three versions: F-TYPE R, F-TYPE S and the F-TYPE. All engines drive the rear wheels through an eight-speed 'Quickshift' transmission with full manual sequential control via steering wheel-mounted paddles or the central SportShift lever.

The F-TYPE R Coupé is powered by Jaguar’s 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine, delivering acceleration to 60 mph in 4 seconds, and a top speed of 186 mph (electronically limited). The F-TYPE R delivers enhanced agility and handling via Jaguar’s second-generation Electronic Active Differential, Jaguar’s new Torque Vectoring by braking system and a Carbon Ceramic Matrix (CCM) braking system.

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THE TURTLE 1 ( GHANA )

TURTLE 1

African Automotive design is alive and well in Western Africa. Ghana to be precise. This is an intriguing concept vehicle that found life in the middle of a project and a local community.  Here is a brief detail on how it all came about.  

" Visual artist Melle Smets, researcher Joost van Onna traveled  to Kumasi in February 2013 to build a African concept car, in collaboration with the local community.

 They Set up Shop and created a unique automobile in three months. Philosopher Bram Esser joined the team and worked as an apprentice in local workshops to learn from the life in Suame Magazine. Filmmaker & Photographer Teun Vonk documented the building process of the concept car. The development of an African concept car is the connecting theme guiding the viewer through the international flow of waste processing as well as the local automotive cottage industries."

courtesy of 

 http://www.setupshop.eu/

http://www.hathawaydesigns.org/set-up-shop.html

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Riding with the stars

Wonder what Malaysian actress Maya Karin, actor and singer Shaheizy Sam, DJ Yoon, Hong Kong heartthrob Him Law, and Bii, the Taiwanese sensation, have in common?

Well, PETRONAS is now giving you the chance of joining your favourite celebrity on a five-day road trip across the country. Not only that - you also stand the chance of winning a cash prize of up to RM100,000 as well as gift cards and Mesra points.

The ‘FUELLED BY FANS, POWERED BY PRIMAX’ contest started on 14 October 2013. However, you still have time to enter as the cut-off date for participation is 24 November 2013.

Each of the five teams will be provided a car, a preloaded Mesra Card and a smartphone with data plan. They have to use these with their own smarts and the aid of fans and Twitter followers to win the challenge. Starting off from PETRONAS Solaris, Serdang, all the way to PETRONAS Kulim in Kedah, the challenge is not about who finishes first but rather, who travels the farthest.

To take part in the contest all you have to do is spend RM30 at any PETRONAS station or purchase a Mesra combo.

You can also download the entry form at www.like2savefor.my/fuelledbyfans and drop it off at any PETRONAS station.

There’s also over 800 prizes worth up to RM 1,000,000 to be given away, including 215 bi-weekly winners for each of the three contest rounds with cash prizes, PETRONAS vouchers, Gift Cards and Mesra points!

If you are undecided on which star to support, just log on to the site and watch the stars tell you why you should pick them.
FYI, PRIMAX was specially formulated by Petronas, for fuel efficiently by producing a finer fuel spray thus giving you smoother acceleration and a more economical drive. This means more savings for things that matter.

You can join in the conversation at facebook.com/PETRONASBrands or @PETRONASBrands on Twitter. Use the tag: #LIKE2SAVEFOR

NOTE: Contest open to residents of Malaysia only.

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Toyota at the 2013 SEMA show

The Toyota Scion FR-S, a.k.a the GT86, has been named the Hottest Sport Compact at the 2013 SEMA show in Las Vegas. This is the second year running that Toyota has won the title for the car.

Toyota showed off four specially kitted and tuned coupes at the show. This included the GREDDY x Scion Racing FR-S racing prototype and the FR-S Steve Aoki Art Car, a music-themed version of the FR-S originated by star DJ and producer Steve Aoki.

Bulletproof FR-S Concept

FR-S Steve Aoki Art Car

Urban GT Sports Coupe

GREDDY x Scion Racing FR-S.

Check out the Toyota blog for more details.

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Audi's new all-wheel-drive quattro technology in ad

See the new Audi all-wheel-drive system in action in their "Land of quattro" TV advert set to air tomorrow. According to Audi, the new quattro technology allows their cars to adapt to all conditions, while giving complete control and dynamic driving performance.

See our revolutionary

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VW Beetle Hot Rods

VW has had a bit of problem selling the Beetle to male customers and despite launching a New Beetle specifically targeted at guys, was not particularly successful.

This may change the perception of the Beetle as a "cute" car:

On closer inspection, they are not the newer versions of the Beetle but rather modified versions of the popular model.

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The Citroën C Elysée

Sebastian Loeb and Team Citroën unveiled the new C Elysée car and preview WTCC season at the Frankfurt Motor show 2013.

The Citroën C-Elysée WTCC is the very first vehicle to be designed in accordance with the new FIA regulations for the category, will be driven in the the World Touring Car Championship in 2014 by Sébastien Loeb.

The model is a C-segment saloon aimed principally at high-growth, international markets such as those in Latin America, the Mediterranean region, China and Russia.

According to Citroën, it is 30% ahead of its initial sales target, with 30,000 orders placed.

The car features 18-inch wheels, an integrated aerodynamic splitter, and widened front and rear wings.

The Citroën C-Elysée WTCC is powered by the same 1.6-litre direct injection turbocharged engine as the DS3 WRC. With a wider booster flange, power output is now close to 380bhp. The car comes with a front-wheel drive transmission, controlled by a six-speed sequential gearbox.

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Win a classic car for a weekend

As part of the British Auto Legends campaign, they are running a competition where lucky winners will get the chance to win a classic car for a weekend with Royal Mail.

All you have to do is go to their Facebook page: www.ifyouhadtopickone.com and then choose your favourite classic car from the the Royal Mail collection to be in with a chance of winning.

Hurry the contest ends this coming Monday.

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London Taxis back in production

Production of the iconic London Taxis - the new TX4 model, has resumed at the London Taxi Company factory at Hollyhead road in Coventry, six months after the firm was rescued by the Geely Group. Geely Group Chairman Li Shufu and Business Secretary Vince Cable were present to officially start production.

Pic from their Twitter page

The Chinese owners bought the company for £11.4 million in February this year. With a £150m five-year investment plan, and 65 new jobs in Coventry and new sales staff in London, the company is hoping for a brighter future. - The company has a total workforce of around 170 and aims to produce 10 cars a day.

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The BMW i8

The BMW i8 plug-in hybrid is the perfect dream car for me - an eco friendly high-performance sports car. It features a passenger cell made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and BMW eDrive technology that enables it to be driven on electric power alone.

Here are some pics from Frankfurt:

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Jaguar Land Rover announces £1.5 billion investment

Dr. Ralf Speth, Chief Executive Officer of Jaguar Land Rover today announced the major investment approaching £1.5 billion at the Frankfurt Motor Show. This will also include the creation of 1,700 new jobs at their Advanced Manufacturing Facility in Solihull, UK. This brings the total number of UK manufacturing jobs announced by Jaguar Land Rover over the last three years to almost 11,000. The car maker owned by Tata plans to deliver an enhanced range of models for both the Jaguar and Land Rover brands in new segments and markets.

The first new model to utilise the new technically-advanced aluminium vehicle architecture will be an all-new mid-sized sports sedan from Jaguar which is expected to be launched in 201. This vehicle will feature the first engine to be built at Jaguar Land Rover’s new £500m Engine Manufacturing Centre. The plant will build the new family of high-output, fuel efficient petrol and diesel engines for Jaguar Land Rover.

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The C-X17 concept

Updated: 10 Sept, 2013

Jaguar's first ever sports crossover concept vehicle - the C-X17, has been revealed at Frankfurt 2013.

The C-X17 is a design study to introduce Jaguar's all-new advanced aluminium architecture. Jaguar hopes that this modular, scalable architecture will allow them to grow its product portfolio, and target high-growth areas of the premium market, beginning with a new mid-sized C/D segment sedan in 2015.

The C-X17 concept combines the character and driving experience of a sports car with increased presence and flexibility.

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JLR live at the Frankfurt Motor Show

Here is the live stream of JLR at the Frankfurt Motor Show below:
Looking forward to the C-X17 Concept, interviews with Jaguar executives and guests.

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Seat Belts and the New Volvo coupe concept

An interesting titbit about the new Volvo coupe concept was on the Volvo Facebook page:

"Volvo invented the 3-point belt back in 1959. In our mission to make all car travel safer we gave the idea away, license free, to all manufacturers. It set the standard for safety and the inclusion of this special buckle in the Concept Coupe pays homage to our legacy."

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The new Peugeot 308

Peugeot's new model, the Peugeot 308 will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motorshow next week.

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3 Big Benefits of Carports

Across the UK homeowners are protecting their cars with outside shelters to shield against the unreliable elements and add a stylish extra to their home’s appearance. 123v is a reputable and industry leading supplier-installer of carports and canopies. Their carports are designed and manufactured in-house by an expert team adept at customising domestic and commercial carports and canopies to your taste.

Want an affordable outdoor shelter for your car? Take a look at these three major reasons why you should consider a domestic carport for your home:

Weather Protection
Ensure your car is kept clean and shielded from the impact of volatile weather conditions. 123v supply carports that offer UV protection, which prevents bodywork deterioration, and sturdy covered parking to control the effect of extreme weather. Over the winter period do you grow tired of heavy snow blocking up tyres and freezing conditions causing an ice blanket over your car? Invest in a robust carport.

Create Storage Space
123v carports and canopies also provide shaded and sheltered areas for social events. Host an outdoor party or a summertime barbecue under cover. Domestic storage is something we all look for, so pack away your outdoor furniture, bicycles and anything else; a carport provides weatherproof protection for anything you wish to keep… not just your car.

Save Money
A carport is a cost effective (and cheaper) alternative to a household garage. Not only that, but it will add to the value of your property. As a practical and budget-friendly shelter to provide covered parking, a 123v carport is available to install across the UK. Get ready to load and unload your car under cover from the rain!
123v supply a variety of car shelter sizes and styles, there is a range of carport structures from which to choose. Individual structures include cantilever, traditional and freestanding carports, and the installation process normally takes just a few hours. 123v will even assist with your planning permission applications and, on completion, each purchase includes a ten year warranty, which is a guarantee of high-class service and product quality.

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Aston Martin V12 ZAGATO

To mark the 50th anniversary of the Iconic DB4GT Zagato, Aston Martin unveiled the V12 Zagato at the 2011 Villa d’Este Concours d’Elegance. Due to overwhelming response to the concepts, they decided to put into production a limited run of the V12 Zagato road-cars.

About the car:

This rear wheel drive sports coupe has a front mid-mounted V12 engine mated with a 6 speed manual transmission. It takes the car from 0-100 KM/H (0-62 MPH) in just 4.2 secs.

Check out the V12 Zagato site here: http://www.astonmartin.com/cars/aston-martin-v12-zagato

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Are Logbook Loans For You?

Do you need quick cash? A logbook loan can help cover medical fees, home repairs and household bills and is a straightforward solution that provides same day financial support. V5 Loans is a flexible logbook loan lender that offers secure alternatives to banks and other high street lenders.

A logbook loan may suit you if you have a poor credit rating or no credit history, so take a look at these helpful tips to see if a short-term finance loan can help you out.

Instant Cash

Rejected by the banks and require fast cash? V5 Loans can offer between £500 and £20,000, based on the value of your vehicle, within 24 hours. Instant funds are available even if you have poor credit history since the loan is determined by a prompt valuation of your car. As long as you own a vehicle which is free, or almost free, of finance, and have a proven stream of income, then you may be eligible for same day approval. Most applicants can start using the money within a few hours.

Secured Loan

As a secured loan, logbook loans are administered with your car used as collateral. V5 Loans not only offers same day personal loans, but applicants are also allowed to keep their vehicle throughout the duration of the loan process. So if you need your car for work, or for whatever purpose, then you can carry on driving.

Reliable Loan Lender

It is important to choose a trustworthy and reliable cash lender. Select a logbook loan company which is governed by Consumer Credit Law, like V5 Loans. A Consumer Credit License demonstrates the company’s confidentiality and quality of service. Avoid unregulated lenders and make sure you choose a company that is transparent and offers the kind of service you need.

Repayment Plans

Looking for a loan repayment schedule tailored to your lifestyle? V5 Loans can help. They offer flexible payment schemes to suit you; whether weekly or monthly, timely repayments can even help to boost your credit file.

If you are in need of speedy financial solutions then get in touch with a reputable logbook loans company. A logbook loan is not a long-term financial solution but it can ease short-term money pressures and repair your credit rating. Get the money you need… today!

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New Volvo coupe concept

Volvo has released pictures and video of their new coupe concept.

It looks fabulous. A number of commentators noted that it looks like the classic Volvo P1800 sports car.

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Volvo V40 makes Malaysian debut

The new Volvo V40 models made their Malaysian debut at Mid Valley, Megamall concourse today. The models were the new Volvo V40 T4, the Volvo V40 T5 and the Volvo V40 Cross Country. The Volvo V40 boasts a 5 star NCAP rating and a host of new innovations such as Knee Airbags for the driver and radar based Cross Traffic Alert.

At the launch was Keith Schäfer, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia, who has taken over the reins from Goran Larson (retiring Volvo Car Asia President), a couple of weeks ago.

According to the press relese, the V40 T4 model will be available from RM173,888 for the V40 T4 model, RM188,888 for the T5 model and RM198,888 for the V40 Cross Country. In addition, they come with 5 years free servicing, inclusive of parts, 5 years free warranty and 5 years Volvo On-Call cover.

Keith Schäfer, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia together with Mr. Lee Ming Tiong, Sales Director of Volvo Car Malaysia

Volvo V40 Cross Country

(From left to right): Sales Director of Volvo Car Malaysia Lee Ming Tiong, Managing Director of Volvo Car Malaysia, Mr. Keith Schäfer, and President of Volvo Car Asia,Goran Larsson

Thanks to David Lau for the info and pics

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LARAKI MOTORS Returns (MOROCCO/ AMERICAN RELAUNCH)

LARAKI MOTORS (MOROCCO/ AMERICAN RELAUNCH)

The Epitome is Laraki’s extreme, yet elegant interpretation of the mid front engine hypercar theme. Designed and built by Laraki Designs, in California, Epitome is aggressive, muscular and fearless, but still inviting. She is all about proportion, play of light, shapes and unusual surface treatment that finally work in harmony, to give her the unique character and stance she enjoys.
At a glance, one immediately knows the kind of performance Epitome is capable of. The hypercar uses carbon fiber and aluminum extensively, for their mechanical and light weight properties. The result is a 1400 Kg performer, powered by a 1100 hp quad turbo, 7 liter V8 engine. And there you have it, the universal formula for extraordinary cars. Light weight and high power. Nevertheless, the chassis and suspension are at the state of the art, to ensure unmatched performance.
More than a hypercar, the Laraki Epitome is a work of art, as it triggers one’s deepest emotions and senses. Even the smallest detail was created in that perspective. Components such as the side mirrors, the doors, the hood, the air ducts and other parts were given the highest attention to their esthetics, that they could be considered works of art in their own right.
Only a handful Epitomes will be ever made, for the world to appreciate and exclusive owners to enjoy.

Abdesslam Laraki
CEO, Laraki Designs California

Source 
larakiyachtdesign.com

A pure dream turned into reality. More is more. Be it the price, the size, the horse power its alright. Elegance is a state of being. Take it as you will, Laraki is the bold statement from a Moroccan Yacht and car designer.

African Automotive design is a rhetoric that observes and identifies syllables that echo Africa's rich heritage.

AADA-design-language

Previous posts featuring Laraki's earlier vehicle developments.

laraki-fulgura-concept-2007
laraki-borac
laraki-fulgura-2004 B
laraki-fulgura A

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British Auto Legends stamp campaign

Check out what the postman dropped off yesterday: It's a bright red Royal Mail tool box, personally engraved with my name.

I am delighted to be invited to take part in the Royal Mail British Auto Legends stamp campaign - celebrating 10 of the most famous British classic marques:

Inside was a first day cover with letter, the new British Auto Legends stamp collection, a USB stick shaped like a key and containing all the information about the collection including the cars, a ticket for the Cheshire classic, vintage and sportscar show on thew 17-18 of August (which I was unable to attend) and finally, a small stainless steel forged spanner.



The Thoroughbreds

1. Jaguar E-Type
2. Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow
3. Aston Martin DB5
4. MG MGB
5. Morgan Plus 8
6. Lotus Esprit

The Workhorses

1. Morris Minor Van
2. Austin FX4
3. Fords Anglie 105E
4. Land Rover Defender T10

The workhorses received a bit of flak from the Top Gear team, especially the Ford Anglia 105E, which was the favourite of the British police in the 1960s.

My favourite has to be the Aston Martin DB5, which became famous after appearing in the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger. This car was launched in 1963 and had a 4-litre (3995cc) engine with 242bhp (5500rpm) and a top speed of 144mph (232kph).

Which one is your favourite classic car?

Visit their facebook page www.ifyouhadtopickone.com for a chance to win one of these great cars for a weekend.

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2014 BMW M4 Concept

The BMW Concept M4 Coupe was unveiled at the “Concours d’Elegance” in Pebble Beach on the 16th of this month. A peek into their vision of the future sports car.

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Commedian Tim Allen featured in new episode of GQ’s Car Collectors

In this episode of GQ’s Car Collectors, Tim Allen shows off his collection including a Volkswagen Beetle with a 200-hp engine and his Studebaker Sleeper Cab that doubles as a campground for his four-year-old daughter.

He starts off with a very long "ahhhhhhhhhhhhh"

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Fasten your seat belt [Video]

Really beautiful video titled 'Embrace Life'. The message gets through without a single word being spoken and not a car in sight.

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Meaning of the warning lights on your dashboard

I have had my car serviced and MOT done recently but the service reminder light still comes on. The workshop did not know how to solve the problem ( I did not go to TMS - the authorised dealers of Volvo in Coventry, this time) and so I turned to my trusted Guru - YouTube. I soon found a video showing how to reset the service light indicator on a Volvo S40. Watch below:



Anyway, according to Britannia Rescue, most drivers do not have a clue what all the lights on their dashboard stand for. I found a great guide on the VW Facebook page with explanations of the lights. They might differ from car to car.

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Watercar Panther

The Watercar Panther is claimed to be the fastest amphibious car in the World. The car is powered by a Honda V6 V-Tec engine and can travel at speeds over 40 miles an hour on water.



For more information visit their website: http://watercar.com/

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World Premiere of the BMW i3

The BMW i3 was launched today simultaneously in New York City, London and Beijing.

It is the first purpose-built plug-in electric production vehicle to be made primarily from carbon fiber.

Watch it here:




http://www.live.bmwgroup.com

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