Alan Mann 68 Edition Ford Escort makes race debut at Silverstone Festival 2025

Successful race debut for the Ford Escort Alan Mann 68 Edition by Boreham Motorworks four months after its launch Driven by Henry Mann and legendary touring and sports car ace Steve Soper Entered in the Adrian Flux Trophy for MRL Historic Touring Car Challenge, organised by Motor Racing Legends Finishing 25th out of 42 starters in its very own class Hand-built to period-correct specification and finish, delivering authentic, analogue driving feel – only 24 to be produced Alan Mann Racing Mustangs also competed in the Transatlantic Touring Car Trophy (Pre-’66), with strong qualifying and race results Full set of images: https://media.drvnautomotivegroup.com/press-releases/alan-mann-68-edi…ne-festival-2025/ Coventry, UK – August 26th, 2025.Only four months after its reveal in April, Boreham Motorworks and Alan Mann Racing celebrated a landmark moment at the Silverstone Festival 2025, as the Ford Escort Alan Mann 68 Edition took to the track for its first ever competitive outing. Faithfully engineered as an exacting continuation of the famed 1968 Alan Mann Racing Mk1 Escort, the Alan Mann 68 Edition demonstrated its balance, agility and competitiveness in front of packed crowds on the famous British Grand Prix circuit. The Alan Mann 68 Edition programme from Boreham Motorworks recreates one of British motorsport’s most recognisable works Escorts with forensic accuracy. The result is not a restomod, but a faithful race car built today to the exacting standards, spirit and performance that made the original an icon. Its participation at Silverstone showed how naturally the car flows through high-speed corners, with communicative steering, precise braking and the kind of chassis feedback that rewards the driver lap after lap. Standing out as the sole Group 5 entry among a 42-strong grid, the car was quite literally in a class of its own. An impressive debut perfor-Mann-ce!Run under the stewardship of Motor Racing Legends, the Alan Mann 68 Edition took its place in the Adrian Flux Trophy for MRL Historic Touring Car Challenge, the field was a showcase of touring car history. Finishing 25th out of 42 starters, completing the full race distance to the chequered flag, underlining its reliability in true race conditions. Henry Mann, who shared driving duties with Steve Soper, reflected on the car’s performance: “To drive the Alan Mann 68 Edition competitively at Silverstone Festival was truly special. It was an atmospheric pleasure to race, and the changes we made from qualifying to the race made a big difference. Every day we have made a step forward, especially on the balance in high-speed corners. The car is strong on the brakes, and the lightweight means we can defend into the corners under braking. Stiffening the front from qualifying has helped, and there is more to come. It felt every bit as alive and rewarding as the original cars. Sharing the drive with Steve Soper made the occasion even more memorable, and to experience the car in the heat of battle was something I’ll never forget.” This first competitive outing was an important phase of product preparation, testing and development ahead of customer car deliveries. Since arriving at Silverstone, the team worked tirelessly in mixed weather conditions, gathering driver feedback and making set-up changes to extract the very best from the car. The knowledge gained on track will directly inform the fine-tuning of the 24 customer cars, ensuring each customer receives a machine proven in the crucible of racing. Beyond simply validating performance, these learnings will also guide customer racers on how best to set up their own cars, providing them with the insight and confidence to compete effectively from their very first outing. Alan Mann Racing in the Transatlantic TrophyAlan Mann Racing’s presence at Silverstone Festival extended beyond the Ford Escort Alan Mann Edition debut, with the team fielding two Ford Mustangs in the Transatlantic Touring Car Trophy (Pre-’66) – organised by Masters Historic Racing. Both cars, prepared and supported by Alan Mann Racing, qualified strongly in 5th and 6th place, while no fewer than six of the top ten qualifiers were Alan Mann Racing-built machines. In the race itself, the Alan Mann Racing Ford Mustang, driven by BTCC ace Tom Ingram alongside Jack Ruddell, secured 5th place after a thrilling late battle for the lead. The team’s engineering strength was underlined again at the flag, with the top five finishing cars originally constructed by Alan Mann Racing, led home by an iconic red and gold Alan Mann Racing Mustang. About Boreham MotorworksBoreham Motorworks, founded in the United Kingdom, specialises in the design, manufacture, and distribution of iconic Ford road, race, and rally cars. As an official licence holder from Ford Motor Company, Boreham Motorworks is committed to preserving and reimagining some of Ford’s most legendary vehicles. With an ethos built around delivering a Peak Analogue® driving experience, every Boreham vehicle blends stunning performance, authentic character, and true driver engagement. Launched models include the acclaimed Mk1 Escort RS and the limited-run AMR-68, an exacting tribute to the original 1968 Alan Mann Racing Escort. Boreham’s next chapter includes the highly anticipated RS200 programme—continuing its mission to celebrate and revive Ford’s most iconic performance models. Combining meticulous craftsmanship with modern engineering, Boreham Motorworks honours the spirit of classic Ford design while meeting the expectations of today’s automotive enthusiasts. With a passion for motorsport heritage and an uncompromising approach to quality, each vehicle is a living tribute to Ford’s performance legacy.

YANGWANG U9 Track Edition sets new global EV top-speed record: 472.41 km/h

Papenburg, Germany — YANGWANG, BYD’s high-end sub-brand, has set a new global electric vehicle (EV) top-speed record of 472.41 km/h at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg test track in Germany. The feat was achieved with YANGWANG’s latest U9 Track Edition supercar on 8 August 2025, making it the world’s fastest EV. The YANGWANG U9 Track Edition is built upon the same e4 Platform and DiSus-X core technical architecture as the YANGWANG U9 currently on sale in China. On top of this, it features the world’s first mass-produced 1200V ultra-high-voltage vehicle platform, paired with a thermal-management system optimised for extreme conditions. This combination of an existing technical footprint and ground-breaking enhancements elevates the YANGWANG U9 Track Edition’s performance to unprecedented levels. Breaking world records demands both relentless power delivery and exceptional high-speed stability. The YANGWANG U9 Track Edition’s e4 Platform — the world’s first quad-motor system to feature 30,000rpm high-performance motors — delivers peak power of 555kW per motor, with a combined system output exceeding 3,000PS. This grants the vehicle an astonishing power-to-weight ratio of 1,217PS per tonne, placing it among the top tier in the global automotive industry. Beyond this, the e4 Platform’s quad-motor independent torque-vectoring system continuously monitors road feedback, adjusting each wheel’s torque at an ultra-high frequency that exceeds 100 times per second. Even at high speeds, it maintains absolute control over body posture, ensuring no wheel slip or loss of traction. The DiSus-X Intelligent Body Control System performs rapid, independent vertical adjustments to the suspension at each corner of the vehicle during aggressive acceleration and cornering, or on uneven surfaces. This not only suppresses pitch and roll — enhancing driver comfort and confidence — but also actively optimises the contact patch between the tyres and the road, maximising grip. Working in synergy with the e4 Platform, it delivers dual guarantees for vehicle stability and driving safety. Unlike traditional supercars, the YANGWANG U9 adopts the innovative “e4 Platform + DiSus-X” technical architecture, introducing “body posture control” to racetrack scenarios and exploring the boundaries of safety and performance for supercars in track environments. Furthermore, the YANGWANG U9 Track Edition retains the aerodynamic design of the current YANGWANG U9 and is equipped with an enhanced, optional carbon-fiber front splitter that is already in mass production, fully verifying the scientific design and technical reliability of the YANGWANG U9 under ultra-high-speed operating conditions. To enhance tyre performance and durability under extreme driving conditions, YANGWANG, building on data gleaned during extensive testing and achievements in Germany in 2024, has engaged in a collaboration with Giti Tire to develop a track-focused semi-slick tyre. This high-performance tyre features optimised compound materials and a bespoke tread design, while an innovative knurling treatment at the wheel-rim interface, combined with high-viscosity lubricant, minimises relative slippage between the tyre and the rim during hard acceleration or braking. This reduces torque loss and tyre wear, while improving predictability and stability during dynamic manoeuvres. The record was set by German professional driver Marc Basseng, who was behind the wheel for the previous global EV speed record in 2024. After completing the high-speed test for YANGWANG, he said, “Last year, I thought I’d peaked. I never expected to break my own record so soon — but here we are, at the same track, with new technologies that have made it possible.” By setting a new global EV speed record, YANGWANG redefines the sustainable supercar. Backed by BYD’s innovation and sustainability commitments, YANGWANG employs cutting-edge tech to deliver unmatched performance, safety, and driving experience. About BYDBYD is a multinational high-tech company devoted to leveraging technological innovations for a better life. Founded in 1995 as a rechargeable battery maker, BYD now boasts a diverse business scope covering automobiles, rail transit, new energy, and electronics, with over 30 industrial parks in China, the United States, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Hungary, and India. From energy generation and storage to its applications, BYD is dedicated to providing zero-emission energy solutions that reduce global reliance on fossil fuels. Its new energy vehicle footprint now covers 6 continents, over 110 countries and regions, and more than 400 cities. Listed in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges, the company jumped into the top 100 companies in the latest Fortune 500 (91st place) and posted revenues of more than 100 billion euros in 2024. BYD continues to invest heavily in future technologies, with more than 10% of its one million employees devoted to research and development, producing 45 patents every working day for innovations in pursuit of a greener, more sustainable world. About BYD AutoFounded in 2003, BYD Auto is the automotive subsidiary of BYD, a multinational high-tech company devoted to leveraging technological innovations for a better life. Aiming to accelerate the green transition of the global transportation sector, BYD Auto focuses on developing pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. The company has mastered the core technologies of the entire industrial chain of new energy vehicles, such as batteries, electric motors, and electronic controllers. It has witnessed in recent years significant technological advancements, including the Blade Battery, DM-i Super Hybrid Technology, e Platform 3.0, CTB Technology, e⁴ Platform, BYD DiSus Intelligent Body Control System, and DMO super hybrid system. The company is the world’s first carmaker to stop the production of fossil-fueled vehicles on the EV shift and has remained top of new energy passenger vehicle sales in China for 10 years in a row. For more information, please visit www.byd.com. About YANGWANGLaunched in November 2022, YANGWANG stands as BYD’s flagship premium new energy vehicle (NEV) brand. It represents BYD’s pioneering spirit of exploration, ground-breaking automotive technology, and cutting-edge design, crafting premium NEVs that transcend what customers once deemed achievable.

Rolls-Royce Spectre Inspired by Primavera: a springtime vision to carry into the year ahead

Tuesday 26 August 2025, Goodwood, West Sussex Rolls-Royce Motor Cars presents Spectre Inspired by Primavera A Bespoke series inspired by the transient beauty of springtime Includes three expressions celebrating different aspects of the season Features Blackwood interior panels, engraved with a cherry blossom motif Delicate hand-painted floral coachline motif New 23-inch wheel design, inspired by a flower in bloom “Spring is a moment of celebration in cultures around the world. It is associated with youth and romance, the return of light and warmth after the darkness of winter. Its joyous transformation is swift and fleeting, which makes it all the more precious. In Spectre Inspired by Primavera, we captured the emotions this moment brings for clients to enjoy all year round. There is a wonderful contrast at the heart of this Bespoke series: the transience of the season, expressed through the permanence of a Rolls-Royce. Spectre Inspired by Primavera reflects the constant evolution of Rolls-Royce Bespoke, which is shaped by the ever-changing imaginations of our clients.”Martina Starke, Head of Bespoke Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is delighted to announce Spectre Inspired by Primavera, a poetic exploration of spring expressed through a series of highly Bespoke motor cars. Named after the Italian word for spring, Spectre Inspired by Primavera features carefully curated Bespoke details that evoke the feeling of the season: delicate, uplifting, and alive with promise. The Spectre Inspired by Primavera Bespoke series includes three distinct expressions –Evanescent, Reverie and Blossom. Each offers a different interpretation of the season, available to commission until the beginning of next year, with deliveries commencing ahead of spring 2026. Spectre Inspired by Primavera: a poetic expression of the seasonPresented in three different colourways, each motor car features a cherry blossom motif – an evocative emblem of spring. These floral elements were individually hand-sketched by a Rolls‑Royce Bespoke designer before being digitised and translated into exterior and interior features. On the exterior, each motor car is distinguished by a hand-painted coachline motif depicting a cherry branch in bloom. A new, intricate 23-inch alloy wheel design also debuts for this series, evoking a flower in bloom. Its directional form reminds petals gradually opening to meet the spring light – a subtle reference to nature’s vitality. Cherry blossom continues inside: on the Illuminated Treadplates, which also bear the Spectre Inspired by Primavera name, and on the headrests, where a sculptural, silhouette-based stitch embroidery technique captures the appearance of petals. The highlight of each motor car is a uniquely tactile detail: a Blackwood fascia and centre console etched with an expansive, blossoming cherry bough motif. This effect was achieved by experimenting with 37 different laser densities to create a balanced contrast against the polished wood surface, followed by the development of a special sanding process that preserves the detail without diminishing the finish. Inspired by springtime’s changing constellations in the Northern Hemisphere, bringing the bright stars in Boötes, Leo and Virgo – known collectively as the ‘Spring Triangle’ – into view, each motor car features Starlight Doors, which include 4,796 hand-placed illuminations, and an Illuminated Fascia, depicting an abstract constellation of more than 5,500 individual ‘stars’ alongside the Spectre wordmark. Evanescent: Luminous BeautyThe ephemeral nature of spring and its beauty give Spectre Inspired by Primavera ‘Evanescent’ its name. The motor car’s design draws from the unruly beauty of wildflowers, which fill the fields, woods and hedgerows with their vibrant hues and myriad forms. The motor car’s Crystal over Arctic White finish is complemented by a coachline, cherry blossom motif, pinstripe wheel centres and brake callipers in Turchese – a vivid accent that continues inside, paired with Grace White leather. A fine line of piping in Chartreuse adds a flash of contrast. Reverie: Nature’s AwakeningSpectre Inspired by Primavera ‘Reverie’ explores the spiritual significance of spring, with its connections to new beginnings, vitality and a reawakening. In keeping with its name, this serene interpretation of Spectre cocoons its occupants in a dream-like atmosphere of absolute peace and serenity. The exterior is finished in Duck Egg Blue with a coachline and cherry blossom motif hand-painted in Forge Yellow to match the brake callipers and pinstripe wheel centres. The interior is a study in purity, combining Grace White and Charles Blue leather with vibrant Forge Yellow accents. Blossom: Season of RenewalSpring is a season of fleeting brilliance – a dazzling moment between dormancy and full bloom, when nature briefly reveals its most vivid and delicate forms. Spectre Inspired by Primavera ‘Blossom’ captures this spirit through its Velvet Orchid Metallic exterior, a deep, expressive colour that evokes the richness and rarity of early spring blooms. A shoulder coachline and floral motif, alongside brake callipers and pinstripe wheel centres in Forge Yellow, introduce graceful flashes of sunlight and energy. Inside, the cabin pairs Grace White leather with rich Peony Pink accents, while Forge Yellow piping brings a final flourish of seasonal vibrancy. Spectre Inspired by Primavera is a tribute to spring’s fleeting beauty and the emotions it evokes: preserved forever in the permanence of a Rolls-Royce commission. TECHNICAL INFORMATIONSpectre: WLTP: Power consumption: 2.6-2.8 mi/kWh / 23.6-22.2 kWh/100km. Electric range 329 mi / 530 km. CO2 emissions 0 g/km. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a true luxury house, creating the world’s most recognised, revered and desirable handcrafted Bespoke products for its international clientele. There are over 2,500 people working at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, West Sussex. This comprises both its global headquarters and Centre of Luxury Manufacturing Excellence – the only place in the world where Rolls-Royce motor cars are designed, engineered and meticulously built by hand. An independent study by the London School of Economics & Political Science confirms that since the company first launched at Goodwood in 2003, it has contributed more than £4 billion to the UK economy and adds more than £500 million in economic value every year. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is a wholly owned subsidiary of the BMW Group and is a completely…