Iconic electrified DeLorean DMC-12 to star at Salon Privé 2024

Industry News

Electrogenic DeLorean DMC-12 will electrify Salon Privé 2024 ‘Plug and play’ kit finally gives a drivetrain to match Back to the Future star car’s sci-fi looks. Electric conversion halves the DeLorean’s 0-60mph time Guests will have a rare opportunity to inspect the electrified automotive icon up close Salon Privé 2024 at Blenheim Palace to be held on 28-31 August 19th year of Salon Privé in 2024: ‘The UK’s most exclusive automotive garden party’ Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva runs on 28-31 August 2024. Tickets available at https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/ An electrified DeLorean DMC-12 is to be one of the star cars at Salon Privé 2024 after internationally renowned EV technology company Electrogenic confirmed its attendance at the world-famous Blenheim Palace summer season spectacular. The iconic hero car of the Back to the Future films “now finally has the sporting performance its futuristic shape always deserved,” with Electrogenic’s custom ‘plug and play’ EV conversion kit transforming the 1980s supercar. It offers more than 150 miles of real-world electric motoring and can use the latest CCS rapid chargers for speedy top-ups. The DeLorean DMC-12, the vision of former GM executive John DeLorean, was designed in partnership with Lotus, built in Belfast, and launched in mid-1981. Boasting dramatic wedge styling and crowd-pulling gullwing doors, the composite-construction car’s headline feature was its stainless-steel bodywork, guaranteed not to rot. The tech has stood the test of time; remarkably, three-quarters of the 9,000-plus DeLoreans built are still on the road. The low-tech Renault V6 engine was always the weakest link of the DeLorean DMC-12. Strangled by catalysts to meet strict US emissions regulations, it produced just 130hp, meaning performance was infamously tepid. Electrogenic’s drop-in conversion, which is fully reversible, replaces the lukewarm V6 engine with an electric motor producing nearly 220hp. This motor drives a fixed-ratio gearbox that drives the rear wheels. It has a 43kW battery pack, which is fitted in place of the fuel tank under the front luggage compartment and above the electric motor in the rear. Performance is transformed. The petrol-powered DeLorean huffed and puffed to 60mph from rest in just over 10 seconds; the Electrogenic DMC-12 takes under 5 seconds. It is the first Electrogenic car to have launch control, too. There is instant torque and ample power reserves at any speed on the move. It also has adjustable regenerative braking and selectable drive profiles, from range-enhancing ‘Eco’ to ultra-sharp ‘Sport’. Given its starring role in Back to the Future, the EV has fittingly futuristic extra features, too, including touchscreen Apple CarPlay and a bespoke virtual dashboard that displays drive modes, battery usage, and charge status. The air conditioning system has been enhanced, and the EV system has vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, so owners can charge a laptop, power a fridge, or even charge another car on the go. Electrogenic CEO Steve Drummond says the DeLorean DMC-12 is set to be a sure-fire star of Salon Privé 2024. “Our engineering team has been blown away by the response it gets from the public; it generates interest and excitement like nothing else. You’re constantly being stopped by DeLorean fans asking for pictures or wanting to take a closer look at the car. It’s clear that the DMC-12 holds a special place in the hearts of many.” Salon Privé Director David Bagley said: “The world-famous DeLorean is always a huge draw, and this incredible development from Electrogenic creates arguably the finest DMC-12 ever. The engine was always its weakest link, so replacing it with a powerful, long-range electric drivetrain arguably turns it into the high-tech sci-fi car it should have been. “That Electrogenic is a British firm based just up the road from Blenheim Palace in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, makes its appearance at Salon Privé 2024 even more fitting. I can’t wait to see the reaction to this fantastic development, which our guests from the UK and internationally will find fascinating.” Salon Privé Week 2024 27 August – Salon Privé MotorAvia 28 August – Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva Private Clients 29 August – Salon Privé Concours Awards presented by Aviva Private Clients 30 August – Salon Privé Style Friday presented by Boodles 31 August – Salon Privé Supercar Saturday and Club Trophy presented by Lockton Tickets can be purchased via the website: www.salonpriveconcours.com Charity PartnerSalon Privé are proud to support the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). By supporting NSPCC, we hope to make a lasting impact on the lives of children in raising much needed funds to support its life changing services. Donations from the event will go towards supporting the NSPCC’s mission to protect children from abuse and neglect, providing vital services and support to those who need it most across the UK and Channel Islands. Media AccreditationEventageous PR Ltd. Rebecca Leppard – PR DirectorT: 01452 260 063M: 07749 852481E: rebecca@eventspr.co.ukW: www.eventageouspr.co.uk For all event information, please visit https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/You can also follow on Facebook: @salonpriveuk / Instagram: @salonpriveuk / Twitter: @salonpriveuk

Peak Analogue® arrives in the USA: the 355 by Evoluto® is heading to Monterey Car Week

Industry News

Global public debut during the exclusive Monterey Car Week opening event, Motorlux The 355 by Evoluto® to take part in dynamic shakedown and real-world road testing in California First customer cars begin their restoration in Q1 2025 August 12th, 2024, United Kingdom:Evoluto Automobili has arrived in Los Angeles, marking the brand’s first visit to the USA. Ahead of the global public debut during Monterey Car week of the 355 by Evoluto®. While in Los Angeles customers have been invited to an exclusive private viewing of the car ahead of first production beginning in Q1 2025. The 355 by Evoluto® is the first remastered icon from the brand. Bringing together the best in British design and engineering to create a modern-day Peak Analogue® driving experience. Blending modern engineering with the passion for engaging driving. A team of 250 petrolheads have brought this car from concept, through feasibility, CAE Simulation, Detailed Engineering, Chassis Development, Design for Manufacture, ready for production assembly. While in America, the 355 by Evoluto® will begin its final dynamic road testing ahead of the first customer cars beginning their transformation. The DRVN Advanced Engineering team using advanced computer aided simulation have designed, set, and engineered the dynamic targets of the car. Real world testing will validate the simulation and ensure that customers experience Peak Analogue® driving, as the vehicle’s dynamics and suspension are finely tuned and crafted for enhanced handling and tactile, communicative feedback and performance. Along with computer aided dynamic target setting, the location of the bonded structural carbon panels not only increased the tortional stiffness of the car by 23% but also increased the body efficiency by 13%, these were all targeted changes made to improve how the car handles on the road. While in Monterey the 355 by Evoluto® will be attending:– Motorlux – The Ultimate Car Week Kick Off – Wednesday 14th August– The Preserve Concours & Cocktails – Hosted by Luxury Rally Club – Thursday 15th August– Exotics on Broadway – The largest single day free event – Saturday 17th August Be sure to also look out for the 355 by Evoluto® attending car meets all week in Carmel-by-the-Sea, Pebble Beach, and Monterey. Iain Muir, CEO, DRVN Automotive Group, commented “It is with immense pleasure that the Evoluto team can share our car with the most important annual collection of petrolheads on the West Coast of the USA. Having seen the reaction from our VIP guests at Goodwood Festival of Speed and in Los Angeles, I cannot wait to see the reactions in California. Peak Analogue® is our passion and we believe Monterey Car Week is the perfect place to share that ethos for the first time in the USA. We will be back to see East Coast petrolheads very soon.” The car will be joined in Monterey by DRVN Group CEO, Iain Muir, and Technical Director Amjad Ali. Both will be available for interview throughout the week. Please contact Communications Manager, Rob Borrett with interview requests for an exclusive audience with the car. Further information available at www.evolutoautomobili.com

New functions, extensive updates: My BMW App offers decision-making tool for switching from combustion engine to electric power

Industry News

Electric mobility in the spotlight Electric Vehicle Analysis helps customers make an informed decision when choosing a drive type Seamless navigation experience when switching between vehicle and app Charging Wallet with charging tariffs More than 13 million app users globally Note: This press release is a 1:1 copy of the original issued by BMW headquarters in Germany. No adaptations have been made to cater for the UK market. The My BMW App and MINI App are being continuously expanded and improved, with a total of five updates carried out a year. The apps are growing increasingly important for customers, especially when it comes to electric mobility and vehicle charging. Decision-making tool for the switch to electric mobility: Electric Vehicle Analysis.The new Electric Vehicle Analysis function allows customers who drive a BMW with a combustion engine to simulate how well an all-electric BMW would suit their personal driving profile. To carry out the simulation, the customer selects an electric BMW model as an alternative vehicle in the app. Once the combustion-engined model has made at least 200 journeys and covered a distance of 2,000 kilometres (approx. 1,250 miles), the analysis clearly shows the number of journeys that could have been completed with the selected electric vehicle on a single charge. This is intended to combat the range anxiety and concerns about the everyday practicality of all-electric vehicles that are still prevalent* today. For the simulation, the app uses the real-world driving data for the combustion-engined model in question, as generated by the My Trips function. Thanks to this individual database, Electric Vehicle Analysis is able to provide the customer with a sound basis for deciding which drive type to choose in their next vehicle.The function will be upgraded in future to expand the reach of the analysis. Evaluations of the time vehicles are not in use and of long-distance journeys will be added, combined with information on charging facilities and the time required for charging. To use Electric Vehicle Analysis, customers must have a BMW with a combustion engine and BMW Operating System 7 or later and also consent to their driving data being used for the purpose of the analysis. “Electric vehicles can already be incorporated perfectly into the daily routine of many customers – it’s just that the majority of them haven’t tried it yet,” says Dirk Wiedmann, Senior Vice President Sales Steering and Strategy, Digitalisation. “Our app’s Electric Vehicle Analysis helps our customers to make an informed judgement in their choice of drive system.” New functions for seamless interaction between vehicle and app.The latest update introduced a series of features designed to produce a seamless route-planning experience when switching between vehicle and app. Options such as avoiding motorways, ferries or toll roads can now also be set in the app, for example, and are always automatically synchronised in both directions. In addition to this, the My BMW / MINI App with charging-optimised route planning for all-electric vehicles now also makes it possible to add individual charging stops, and these are then synchronised with the vehicle. The apps also notify the user of facilities in the vicinity of charging stations, such as restaurants, cafés, banks and supermarkets, complete with detailed information on them. New Charging Wallet for managing charging tariffs.Drivers of electric vehicles are now able to select and manage preferred charging tariffs from a large number of providers in the app’s new Charging Wallet. When the app user selects a charging station, the applicable prices for the selected charging tariffs are shown, depending on availability, allowing the user to choose the cheapest tariff for them. Wide-reaching app functions are being continuously improved and expanded – with high levels of user satisfaction. 13 million customers around the world use the My BMW App and MINI App, with one million of these based in Germany alone. Both apps have an average rating of 4.8 stars in the App Store.The apps keep drivers informed of the current status of their BMW or MINI, as well as allowing them to lock and unlock the doors, switch on the climate control, send destination addresses to the navigation system, or use the Remote 3D View feature to call up an image of the vehicle’s immediate vicinity or its interior. They can go to the Services & Store tab to check out the available digital services or obtain ConnectedDrive Upgrades. If the BMW or MINI Digital Key Plus has been set up, previously stored manoeuvres and parking functions can be carried out from outside the car while standing nearby Servicing and maintenance requirements can also be managed from the two apps. For example, users receive a push notification if their car needs to be serviced and can make an appointment directly in the app. The app also provides support during the service process, including check-in, service videos, status tracking and payment. Accident and breakdown assistance can likewise be accessed quickly using the app. The availability of individual functions varies according to the vehicle specification and country involved. cf. for example statista survey on “reasons against buying an all-electric vehicle” Press ContactChris OverallBMW GroupTel: +44-1252-92-1809chris.overall@bmw.co.uk

The stars in your own car – Brits’ ideal holiday companions revealed

Industry News

Clarkson to do the driving, Kay, Fry and Mortimer for the stories New research has revealed the celebrities with whom the British people would most like to share a UK holiday journey. Of the famous names known for their driving or love of cars, Jeremy Clarkson is the nation’s top choice to get behind the wheel, with TV and sports stars, along with a particular royal, also among the favourites. The research, carried out for Kwik Fit, the UK’s leading automotive servicing and repair company, also asked people who they would like to join them as fellow passengers to ensure the journey was a happy one. Peter Kay, comedian and star of the TV sitcom ‘Car Share’, came out on top, followed by two other TV stars loved for their broad knowledge and variety of stories – Stephen Fry and Bob Mortimer. The research found that although there is agreement between men and women on their favourite driver, the top five varies between the sexes. Jeremy Clarkson is top choice for both men and women, with David Beckham and Lewis Hamilton also in both top fives. However, the rest of the top five differed, with men choosing comic actor and car fanatic Rowan Atkinson and Clarkson’s long time co-presenter James May. Women opted for style and prestige, with James Bond star Daniel Craig and Princess Anne completing their top five. The nation’s favourite holiday driver – the top five Favourite holiday drivers – top five choices Chosen by: All adults Men Women 1 Jeremy Clarkson Jeremy Clarkson Jeremy Clarkson 2 David Beckham Rowan Atkinson Lewis Hamilton 3 Lewis Hamilton David Beckham David Beckham 4 Rowan Atkinson Lewis Hamilton Princess Anne 5 Princess Anne James May Daniel Craig As with the choice of driver, Kwik Fit found that men and women are aligned when picking their favourite passenger to keep them entertained. Peter Kay is the top choice for both, perhaps appropriate after he created the award winning sitcom Peter Kay’s Car Share, based entirely on the hilarious conversations between two work colleagues during their car journeys. Men opt for people known for storytelling in their top four choices, with Kay joined by Stephen Fry, and comedians Bob Mortimer and Frank Skinner. Their top five is completed by Harry Potter actress Emma Watson. The research found that women are more likely to want to spend some of their journey enjoying music with their top choices more geared towards singers. Adele, Ed Sheeran and Stacey Solomon join Peter Kay and Stephen Fry in their top five. The nation’s favourite holiday car sharers Favourite holiday companions Chosen by: All adults Men Women 1 Peter Kay Peter Kay Peter Kay 2 Stephen Fry Stephen Fry Adele 3 Bob Mortimer Bob Mortimer Stephen Fry 4 Adele Frank Skinner Ed Sheeran 5 Ed Sheeran Emma Watson Stacey Solomon 6 Emma Watson Ed Sheeran Bob Mortimer 7 Claudia Winkleman Dua Lipa Rylan Clark 8 JK Rowling JK Rowling Harry Styles 9 Stacey Solomon Adele Claudia Winkleman 10 Frank Skinner Davina McCall Emma Watson While there were many consistent favourites throughout the country and across different age groups, there were some notable differences. The choice of Scots suggests many of those north of the border are looking for some excitement on their holiday journey. Their top pick for holiday driver is actor Jason Statham, known for his roles behind the wheel in a variety of action films including The Transporter and The Italian Job. Although Peter Kay was top choice of passenger for most people, he lost out to Ed Sheeran in the singer’s home region of Eastern England, as well as in Northern Ireland. In London, Kay didn’t make the top five, despite his sell out residency at the O2. Top spot in London goes instead to local girl Adele. Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, said: “It’s been fun to see who the nation would choose as their driver and fellow passengers to ensure happy journeys this summer holiday. The choices give an indication of how we like to spend our time in the car – sharing stories and songs – but we don’t need celebrities with us to do that. “While it might be nice to imagine handing over driving duties to a celebrity, the reality for most of us holiday motorists is that we are ultimately responsible for the happiness of our passengers. As well as making sure they’ve got the right audiobooks and music downloaded, drivers mustn’t forget to make all the pre-travel checks on their car. The one sure fire way to remove any happiness from a holiday journey is to end up stranded on the hard shoulder.” For advice on pre-travel car checks, drivers can find a wide range of information at kwik-fit.com and can also book a free vehicle health check. For the latest news and updates from Kwik Fit, customers can also follow the company on Twitter at @kwik_fit. Notes to editors1 – Research carried out by Opinium among a nationally representative sample of 2000 UK adults – 28 June – 2 July 2024 About Kwik FitEstablished in 1971, the Kwik Fit Group is one of the largest independent automotive parts, repair and replacement specialists in the world. Kwik Fit has over 600 service centres across the UK, as well as a nationwide fleet of mobile tyre fitting vehicles, and specialises in tyres, brakes, exhausts, MOT and servicing. Details of its range of products and services can be found at kwik-fit.com For further information please contact: Brandon StockwellGullwing CommunicationsTel: 07768 747907Email: brandon.stockwell@gullwingpr.com

Renault Scenic E-Tech 100% electric gives Tesla drivers a cheeky digital heads-up on its Model Y-beating range and price

Industry News

The Renault Scenic E-Tech 100% electric showcases its Tesla Model Y-beating range and price through an innovative digital billboard at a popular London charging station Reactive billboard shows the Auto Express article titled “New Renault Scenic embarrasses Tesla Model Y on price and range”, then swaps to cheeky messages when a Tesla driver approaches Scenic E-Tech 100% electric can cover up to 379 miles (WLTP) on a single charge, which is over 40 miles more than any Tesla Model Y variant, and is nearly £5,000 less than the entry-level Model Y Scenic E-Tech 100% electric available in Comfort Range or Long Range specification, starting from £37,495 OTR The Renault Scenic E-Tech 100% electric is showing Tesla drivers what they are missing through an innovative digital billboard campaign that highlights how the latest all-electric Renault betters the American brand’s Tesla Model Y. Stemming from an article in Auto Express titled “New Renault Scenic embarrasses Tesla Model Y on price and range”, the campaign sees the digital billboard display a series of bespoke messages to Tesla drivers. Positioned next to charging points at a London service station, the billboard – on detecting an approaching Tesla – replaces the default creative of the Auto Express article with such phrases as “This is awkward”, “Elon-ger” and “You’re probably good at other things”. The billboard and how it playfully changes when it detects a Tesla driver will be visualised on TikTok and Meta. The cheeky messages will certainly give Tesla drivers something to think about. With a range of up to 379 miles (WLTP), the techno Long Range version of the Scenic E-Tech 100% electric can cover over 40 miles more on a single charge than any variant of the Tesla Model Y and nearly 100 miles more than Tesla’s entry-level, rear-wheel-drive version. Priced from £40,995 OTR, Renault’s techno Long Range version also significantly undercuts the price of the entry-level Model Y by nearly £5,000. The campaign was developed in conjunction with Publicis London, the long-term creative partner of Renault UK. It is another reminder of the incredible impact of the Scenic E-Tech 100% electric, which since its announcement late last year has won a multitude of awards, including the ultimate accolade of Car of the Year 2024. Lawrence Hamilton, Head of Marketing Communications, Digital & CRM, Renault UK, said: “The Scenic is a true game-changer and that is especially evident by the Auto Express article, which recognises that it beats what has long been the benchmark in its sector in two key areas. This campaign is a great way to spread this message far and wide, being just as innovative and forward-thinking as the Scenic E-Tech 100% electric.” Designed to combine the generous space, comfort, usability and connectivity that a family needs to travel freely and safely, the Renault Scenic E-Tech 100% electric features a compact motor (with 125kW/170hp or 160kW/220hp) plus a 60kW or 87kWh battery pack for a range of up to 379 miles. The 87kWh version is available with a choice of three trim levels – techno, esprit Alpine and iconic – while the 60kWh Comfort Range model comes exclusively in techno trim. The range starts from £37,495 OTR. For more information on the Renault Scenic E-Tech 100% electric, visit: https://www.renault.co.uk/electric-vehicles/scenic.html

smart to enrich its portfolio with the smart #5

Industry News

The all-new smart #5 will be the brand’s most spacious vehicle as it enters a new segment smart presents first design sketches of the smart #5[1] production model The World Premiere of the smart #5 will take place in Brisbane, Australia on August 28 Images: here Milton Keynes, August 12, 2024 – smart is expanding its product portfolio with a third model, following the smart #1 and smart #3. With the all-new smart #5, the brand is bringing the smart Concept #5 to life, after it was unveiled in April this year. As a multi-purpose, mid-size SUV, the smart #5 will open up a new segment for smart, catering to new target groups and consumers with an active lifestyle. The World Premiere will take place in Brisbane, Australia on August 28, and the vehicle will be available in Europe from 2025. Dirk Adelmann, CEO of smart Europe GmbH:“With the smart #5, we have created our most spacious and versatile vehicle to date. The #5 is a great expansion of our existing portfolio and will make the smart brand an attractive choice for more and more customers in Europe.” smart’s portfolio is growing with the all-new smart #5smart is resolutely continuing its product offensive. In April this year, thesmart Concept #5[1] provided a promising preview of a larger multi-purpose vehicle from the brand at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition. Now, the first sketches of the smart #5 reveal that the production version will consistently build on the ideas of the concept car. Designed by Mercedes-Benz Design, the vehicle will adhere to the smart design philosophy ‘love, pure, unexpected’, combining the unconventional smart aesthetic with robust functionality. The vehicle’s exterior design is characterized by its boxy, upright silhouette, a distinctive roofline, and unexpected outdoor elements. Offering a great amount of space and premium comfort, the smart #5 is designed to take its users outside of the city, reflecting the rising demand among customers leading active and flexible lifestyles. Extensive tests under extreme conditionsOver the past few months, the smart #5 has already demonstrated its outstanding outdoor capabilities in rigorous off-road and winter tests[2]. In particular, the performance of the electric powertrain, with the charging capability of the batteries successfully tested under very cold conditions. The driving dynamics, along with the assistance and safety systems[3], were also extensively evaluated in challenging off-road environments. These tests underscore smart’s commitment to providing customers with the best possible products and premium quality. In preparation for entry into the European market, the vehicle will undergo an additional, highly comprehensive testing program in Europe. The European market launch is planned for 2025. About smart:smart Europe GmbH is a wholly-owned subsidiary of smart mobility International Pte. Ltd. and was founded in June 2020 in Leinfelden-Echterdingen, near Stuttgart. smart Europe’s international team is responsible for all sales, marketing and after-sales activities for the next generation of smart vehicles, products and services of the brand in the European market. With Dirk Adelmann as CEO and Martin Günther as CFO, the company is developing its full potential in Europe with a highly efficient and customer-oriented business model. The international smart joint venture was established between Mercedes-Benz AG and Geely Automobile Co., Ltd. smart positions itself as a leading provider of intelligent electric vehicles in the premium segment. [1] Concept car, not available for sale.[2] Professional driver, closed road. Do not attempt. Please avoid dangerous traffic situations and observe the applicable laws and regulations.[3] All smart driver assistance and safety systems are aids and do not release the user from their responsibility as a driver. Observe the information in the operating instructions and the system limits described there. ContactDafydd WoodRegionsmart UKE-mailmedia.uk@smart.com

Škoda Auto: Official main partner of Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift for third consecutive year

Industry News

154 riders in 22 teams will embark on a 950 km route across the Netherlands, Belgium and France Škoda Auto to provide a fleet of 70 electric and plug-in hybrid cars to the race organisers Škoda Auto sponsors the green jersey for the points classification leader; the crystal trophy has been created by Škoda Design Rider Katarzyna ‘Kasia’ Niewiadoma will be sharing updates and insights from the track on the WeLoveCycling social media channels Mladá Boleslav, 9 August 2024 – Škoda Auto is the official main partner of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift for the third consecutive year. From 12 to 18 August, 154 riders from 22 teams will embark on a 950 km route across eight stages through the Netherlands, Belgium and France. Škoda Auto is providing the organisers with 70 electric and plug-in hybrid Škoda cars. Race Director Marion Rousse, will oversee the event from an all-electric Enyaq, which will be serving as the Red Car. Fans can stay up-to-date with the latest news from the peloton and behind-the-scenes insights on the WeLoveCycling social media channels, with posts shared by Polish rider Katarzyna ‘Kasia’ Niewiadoma. Martin Jahn, Škoda Auto Board Member for Sales and Marketing, says: “As a long-standing supporter of cycling, we are proud to be the official main partner of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift for the third year in a row. With our ongoing commitment to women’s cycling, we aim to further strengthen the impact and reach of this wonderful event. We are looking forward to great performances from all the athletes and being close to the fans along the route. With a Škoda fleet of 70 electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles for the organisers, we will maintain a strong presence and visibility of our brand from the Grand Départ to the finish line.” This year, a peloton of 154 riders from 22 teams will tackle the 950-kilometre route through the Netherlands, Belgium, and France. Due to the Olympic Games in Paris, the Grand Départ will take place in Rotterdam. The most significant sporting challenge awaits the athletes on the eighth and final stage from Le Grand-Bornand to Alpe d’Huez. Here, on the Col du Glandon, the riders will reach the highest point of the route at 1,924 metres and conquer a total of 3,900 metres of elevation gain. Fleet of 70 electric and plug-in hybrid Škoda carsŠkoda Auto is providing the organisers with 70 electric and plug-in hybrid Škoda vehicles. The Director of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, Marion Rousse, will use the fullyelectric Škoda Enyaq as a Red Car, overseeing the action on the track from the specially equipped command centre. By offering a choice of vehicles to the race organisers, the Czech car manufacturer contributes to enhancing the sustainability of the fleet and ultimately the race itself. The Škoda brand will also be present in other ways: As in previous years, the car manufacturer is sponsoring the green jersey for the leader of the points classification, and the winner will receive a green crystal glass trophy created by Škoda Design. Women’s Tour up close through the WeLoveCycling.com platformFans will once again have the opportunity to get up close to the racing action through the WeLoveCycling social media channels. Polish cyclist Katarzyna ‘Kasia’ Niewiadoma, last year’s mountain classification winner, will be posting updates from the peloton and behind the scenes. On the WeLoveCycling website, fans can take part in a weekly contest to win exciting prizes: an electric bike, a GPS bike computer and original Škoda green jerseys. Škoda Auto: a long-standing partner of elite cyclingThis year, Škoda Auto has extended its partnership with the organising body A.S.O. and now supports a total of 20 international professional and amateur cycling events for both men and women. Besides the Tour de France and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, these include races such as La Vuelta and La Flèche Wallonne. The car manufacturer also sponsors the L’Étape by Tour de France, an event organised for amateur cyclists.

Singer Presents Turbocharged Coupe, Targa and Cabriolet Restorations

Industry News

Personalization Allows Owners to Restore Their Preferred Body Style through Singer’s Classic Turbo Services LOS ANGELES, August 8, 2024 – Singer highlighted the extent of its collaboration with owners through a Family Portrait showing four Porsche 911s reimagined to reflect individual preferences for coupe, slantnose coupe, targa and cabriolet cars. Singer Founder and Executive Chairman, Rob Dickinson said: “The 911 Turbo was launched fifty years ago. Since then it has been a poster child, autobahn hero and race winner, loved by drivers and enthusiasts around the world. We’re excited to be collaborating with owners to celebrate this icon of road and track and to wish the turbocharged 911 a very happy birthday.” For images and further information: [link] Every restoration begins with the owner’s Porsche 911. Singer’s services reflect the personalization requested by each owner as they reimagine their car around the Type 964 chassis. Only 25 allocations for slantnose coupe restorations were available, and all are spoken for. Restored cars are powered by an evolution of their original Mezger flat-six engines. Twin turbochargers with variable turbine geometry and air-water intercooling boost output to 510HP. Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, with the help of traction control and electronic stability control developed with Bosch, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres. Every owner tailors the character of their car toward sports or grand touring-focused driving as they wish. About SingerFounded in California in 2009, Singer represents a philosophy simply expressed as A Relentless Pursuit of Excellence. The company has become renowned for its collaboration with owners of the air-cooled Porsche 911 to reimagine bespoke restorations. Singer’s philosophy embodies: A highly personalized approach and exquisite execution. A passionate focus on iconic design and a homage to the world’s most iconic sportscars. Modern engineering and material science combined with jewel-like details. A deep connection with California and its automotive zeitgeist. Singer is not sponsored, associated, approved, endorsed nor, in any way, affiliated with Porsche Cars North America, Inc., or Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche, AG. Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG is the owner of numerous trademarks, both registered and unregistered, including, without limitation, the Porsche Crest®, Porsche®, and the model numbers and names and the distinctive shapes of the Porsche automobiles, such as the federally registered 911 automobile. Any mention of Porsche Cars North America, Inc., or Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche, AG. trademarked names or other marks is for purpose of reference only. # # # Contact – Deb Pollack, deb@singervehicledesign.com +1.805.320.9248

McMurtry set NEW TRACK RECORD by over 4 seconds at ‘home circuit’: Castle Combe

Industry News

Running at 80% power with a 155mph speed limit, a lap time of 54.559s was achieved at Castle Combe Circuit, Wiltshire, England during private testing The car is the McMurtry Spéirling PURE (Validation Prototype 1) fan car driven by Max Chilton on 29th April 2024. This is 4.037s faster than the outright fastest race lap record (set by an F3 car in 2021) It is 9.796s faster than the GT3 lap record (set by a Lamborghini Huracán GT3 in 2022) Castle Combe is often referred to as the prettiest village in England, and its race track, Castle Combe Circuit, has a 74 year racing history. It’s 1.85mile long featuring a mix of fast corners, a blind crest and two technical chicanes. McMurtry cars are designed and handbuilt just 30 mins from Castle Combe so the venue holds a special status as ‘home circuit’ McMurtry has performed durability testing here since 2021 and has a long standing relationship with Castle Combe. This is the first time a lap time has been released. McMurtry are testing and verifying increased power modes under different use cases, and this record was set whilst running 80%. Further record attempts will be made throughout the world in 2024 and 2025, as the test programme moves towards the 100% power and 100% downforce settings. High performance Molicel lithium ion cells are used in the battery pack of this car. The McMurtry Spéirling PURE hyper-track car starts at £895k + taxes & delivery. Video here: https://youtu.be/yqk0FkA_Isk The McMurtry team thought it was about time to answer the question asked by a lot of Castle Combe locals in person and online such as ‘how fast is it around Combe?’, ‘Surely it’s got the record already’ & ‘Lap times please???’ On 29th April, The McMurtry Spéirling PURE (Validation Prototype 1) fan car achieved the outright fastest ever lap around the 1.85mile Castle Combe Circuit as a part of routine testing. The time of 54.559s was set by McMurtry development driver, Max Chilton, who also holds the record at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and was 4 seconds quicker than the previous benchmark, set by an open wheel single seater F3 car. And nearly 10 seconds quicker than the GT3 lap record, a large percentage on such a short lap. Interestingly, Castle Combe is McMurtry’s local circuit and is the same venue Max passed his racing license test back in the early 2000s, which gives this lap extra significance to all involved. Max commented ‘Everyone wants bragging rights at their local circuit, and even running at 80% power and with a 155mph speed limit, we’ve knocked 4 seconds off the outright track record. This demonstrates the potential in the car for our customers to achieve the same at their local or favourite circuits’. The McMurtry Spéirling PURE is a hyper-track car available for order worldwide. It utilises a unique downforce-on-demand system to provide exceptional downforce and grip right from 0mph. This system works alongside the 1000bhp electric powertrain, offering selectable performance drive modes from GT3 to F1-level pace. Thomas Yates, Managing Director of McMurtry Automotive, “This is a fun milestone to achieve. It’s not everyday you get to see a car and driver go so much faster than what’s gone before. Having tested at Castle Combe for years, it was about time we showed what the car can do around our local circuit”. McMurtry are now heading to the USA to compete at Laguna Seca in the reverse corkscrew hillclimb with the original Goodwood record holding Spéirling and driver Max Chilton on 10th and 11th August. Spéirling PURE track car objectives To make record breaking performance accessible to track driving enthusiasts. To bring back legendary fan car technology To restore passion for small and lightweight cars McMurtry Company Objectives McMurtry’s ambition is to become one of the world’s most prestigious and long-standing automotive brands, founded on motorsport innovation. Inspired by legends of the past, we champion small and lightweight. We proudly showcase British innovation and engineering design.

Automobili Pininfarina B95 Gotham to make world debut at Monterey Car Week

Industry News

First car from ground-breaking collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP) and Relevance International to make world debut at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering on 16 August A unique ‘one-of-one’ creation, B95 Gotham is inspired by Bruce Wayne, the alter ego of DC superhero Batman Released under WBDGCP’s Wayne Enterprises luxury label, B95 Gotham reflects Wayne’s passion for cutting-edge innovation, sustainable technology, elegance and refinement The perfect illustration of Automobili PIninfarina’s ‘Dream Cars, Made Real’ brand promise Exclusive photoshoot with Batman’s Tumbler, staged in Los Angeles studio featured in The Dark Knight Trilogy (2005-2012) Accompanying assets available to download here (CAMBIANO, ITALY – 8 AUGUST 2024) Automobili Pininfarina will showcase the first physical car from its ground-breaking Wayne Enterprises Experience collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP) and Relevance International when the bespoke B95 Gotham receives its world debut at this year’s Monterey Car Week. The open-topped two-seat Barchetta will be one of two vehicles on the Italian ultra-luxury car maker’s stand at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering in California on Friday 16 August. The B95 Gotham is a unique ‘one-of-one’ creation inspired by the luxury lifestyle of billionaire Bruce Wayne, the civilian persona of DC superhero Batman. The physical world premiere follows the car’s virtual debut on 30 April this year, when the launch of four bespoke one-off vehicles was revealed during the partnership announcement. The four are the B95 Gotham – being shown at The Quail – plus Battista Gotham, B95 Dark Knight and Battista Dark Knight. Only one example of each will ever be produced, guaranteeing complete exclusivity and collectability for the client. While the B95 Gotham going to Monterey is a showcar, the first of the four client cars is in-build at the company’s atelier in Cambiano, Italy. The range of vehicles are released under WBDGCP’s new luxury brand inspired by Bruce Wayne. The two specifications, Gotham and Dark Knight, represent the two distinct and complex sides of Bruce Wayne’s character. Respectively, they characterise his public persona as a suave tech-focused innovator and entrepreneur, and his private life as Gotham’s City’s mysterious masked vigilante. The collaboration between Automobili Pininfarina and WBDGCP arrives as Warner Bros. Discovery celebrates 85 years of Batman in 2024. Dave Amantea, Chief Design Officer at Automobili Pininfarina, said: “The B95 Gotham exemplifies how we bring our brand promise of ‘Dream Cars, Made Real’ to life for our clients. We place them at the centre of everything we do, and delivering bespoke and coach-built cars like this one is all driven by our vision and commitment to design unforgettable client experiences.” The B95 Gotham reflects Bruce Wayne’s passion for cutting-edge innovation and sustainable technology, as well as his elegant and refined taste, while showcasing a unique and carefully curated specification. Like all versions of the B95 Barchetta, the design incorporates two innovative electronically adjustable aero screens to deflect air over the open cabin. Wayne Enterprises logos on the body, chassis plate and door plates complete the exterior. The elegant bodywork is finished in Argento Vittorio gloss black paint, with unique wheels featuring a distinctive matt black inner and gloss black outer ring. Titan calipers and a brushed aluminium anodised black centre lock ring complete the look. Inside, B95 Gotham reflects the sophisticated tastes of Bruce Wayne and is upholstered in a distinctive tan leather that includes bespoke quilting in the centre panels, with complementary tan stitching. It also features a bespoke Wayne Enterprises-inspired HMI display, with a virtual assistant voice inspired by Alfred Pennyworth, the Wayne family’s legendary butler. The car is completed with a bespoke driver’s side door plate, which is laser-engraved with the words “All men have limits… I ignore mine.” It’s a famous quote attributed to Bruce Wayne in the original comic books. Paolo Dellachà, Chief Executive Officer, Automobili Pininfarina, said: “Our collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products is a perfect fit. Bruce Wayne’s values – vision, courage, and the relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence – mirror our own. In the real world, this partnership provides us with a unique platform to reach a broader audience, inspiring a new generation of enthusiasts to appreciate Italian artistry, high-performance engineering and rich storytelling.” As with all four of the Bruce Wayne-inspired editions, the B95 Gotham generates 1,900hp, powering the car from 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in less than two seconds – the most powerful road car ever produced in Italy. In 2024 Automobili Pininfarina returns to Monterey Car Week for the fifth time, delivering on the promise made 12 months ago to the same audience – that designing, developing and building bespoke and coach-built ultra-luxurious cars for discerning clients around the world remains at the heart of the business. End. Press Contacts Richard YarrowPR Director(M) +49 (0) 160 552 3375 r.yarrow@automobili-pininfarina.com Akira ShinonumaCommunications Manager(M) +49 (0) 1511 0949270a.shinonuma@automobili-pininfarina.com For more information, visitautomobili-pininfarina.com/media-hub EDITOR’S NOTES ABOUT AUTOMOBILI PININFARINAAutomobili Pininfarina is based in operational headquarters in Cambiano, Italy, with a commercial office in Munich, Germany, and resourced with a team of experienced automotive executives from luxury and premium car brands. Designed, engineered and produced by hand in Italy, with a focus on designing experiences for the world’s foremost taste makers, all of Automobili Pininfarina’s vehicles embody the PURA design philosophy. This philosophy will also permeate all future production cars, seamlessly blending classic inspiration with cutting-edge technology. ABOUT AUTOMOBILI PININFARINA BATTISTA (LINK TO PRESS KIT)Battista is the most powerful car ever designed and built in Italy and it delivers a level of performance that is unachievable today in any road-legal sports car featuring internal combustion engine technology. Faster than a current Formula 1 race car in its 0 -100 km/h sub-two second sprint, and with 1,900 hp and 2,340 Nm torque on tap, the Battista combines extreme engineering and technology in a zero emissions package. Battista’s 120 kWh battery provides power to four electric motors – one at each wheel – with a combined WLTP range of up to 476 km (U.S. combined EPA: 300 miles) on a single charge.…