Eatron Technologies and Syntiant to introduce AI-powered BMS-on-chip solution

Industry News

New chip integrates Eatron’s Intelligent Software Layer into Syntiant’s low-power NDP120 Neural Decision Processor Low-power solution unlocks latent battery capacity, extends longevity, and enhances safety Optimised and cost-effective design offers ease-of-integration and reduced time-to-market 14th June 2024 – A new system-on-chip, the result of an ongoing collaboration between battery management experts Eatron Technologies and edge AI leader Syntiant, offers an unprecedented turnkey solution to the challenges of battery performance and safety for light mobility, industrial and consumer electronics applications. The integration-friendly AI-BMS-on-chip can unlock 10% additional capacity and enhance battery lifespan by up to 25%, while substantially reducing time-to-market. The optimised solution delivers exceptional performance and efficiency in a remarkably cost-effective package, combining Eatron’s Intelligent Software Layer with Syntiant’s ultra-low power Neural Decision Processor. Eatron’s pre-trained models deliver state-of-health, state-of-charge, and remaining useful life assessments with exceptional accuracy out of the box, thereby maximising available power. Predictive diagnostics, meanwhile, can detect potential battery issues long before they occur, enhancing safety. By capitalising on the efficient processing power of Syntiant’s NDP120, the AI-BMS-on-chip can operate on the edge, where it can deliver real-time analysis and decision-making directly on the device without needing to rely on complex cloud infrastructure that would otherwise introduce cost, latency and power consumption issues. The jointly-developed plug-and-play solution will bring performance, safety and longevity enhancements to a wide range of battery-powered applications, from consumer electronics and e-bikes to micro LCVs and forklifts. The AI-BMS-on-chip can be customised through a user-friendly toolchain that allows it to be optimised to each individual application, while existing BMS hardware can be easily upgraded to take advantage of its best-in-class performance. “We are now running our latest AI models completely integrated on the edge in the Syntiant chip,” said Amedeo Bianchimano, Chief Product Delivery Officer at Eatron Technologies. “With AI-BMS-on-chip, we can ensure any battery-powered application can be deployed in the millions in complete safety while getting the most out of the battery.” “Our NDP120 allows Eatron’s software to process all the data on the edge for batteries,” said Mallik P. Moturi, Chief Business Officer at Syntiant Corp. “It enhances battery life, safety and performance. This makes it perfect for everything from consumer electronics all the way to commercial vehicles.” Eatron and Syntiant will demonstrate the AI-BMS-on-chip at The Battery Show Europe 2024 from 18th-20th June at Messe Stuttgart, Germany. For more product details and a short video on the benefits of the AI-BMS-on-chip, please visit: The Future of Battery Management: AI-Power on the Edge (eatron.com) For further press information or to arrange an interview, please use the media contacts below.

Volvo XC90 honoured as the UK’s best seven-seater in the Auto Trader New Car Awards 2024

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Volvo’s large SUV combines contemporary style with supreme practicality Seven seats as standard on all XC90 versions The Volvo XC90 has triumphed in the Auto Trader New Car Awards 2024, winning the title of the UK’s best seven-seater. Its success was secured thanks to the positive opinions and experiences of owners who were among more than 200,000 UK motorists who took part in Auto Trader’s latest annual survey, rating their cars across different criteria, from reliability and performance to appearance and running costs. Announced at an awards ceremony in London yesterday, the honour commends the XC90 for its impressive balance of style and practicality. While it displays the cool, contemporary design cues that distinguish today’s Volvo models, it offers a generous combination of passenger and load space. The load compartment in the petrol version offers up to 356 litres of space when all seven seats are being used, or a maximum of 1,856 litres with all the seats folded down. For families on the move, the XC90 provides many useful features for making journeys easier and more comfortable. Standard equipment across the range includes individual folding second- and third-row seats, four-zone climate control with an advanced air-quality system, air-conditioning for the third-row seats, hands-free tailgate operation, a rear parking camera, front and rear parking sensors, and a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance systems. Erin Baker, Auto Trader Editorial Director, said: “Volvo’s stylish, beautifully built XC90 offers everything you could ever need from a seven-seat car.” She highlighted the positive opinions expressed by owners and their appreciation of the XC90’s family-friendly features, interior space, ability to take long journeys in its stride and generous equipment levels. Nicole Melillo Shaw, Volvo Car UK Managing Director, said: “It is fantastic to win this Auto Trader award, not least because it is voted for by owners who live with the car day in, day out. “In all the advances we have made in design, engineering, safety and new technologies, we have never forgotten the importance of day-to-day practicality – a hallmark of our brand over many years. Customers clearly value the fact that the XC90 is an authentic, premium-quality seven-seater without compromise.” The XC90’s success comes just a week after the first of Volvo’s fully electric EX90 seven-seaters came off the assembly line in the USA. For more information on the Volvo XC90 and to use the online configurator, go to www.volvocars.co.uk.

News in brief – latest technology upgrades for Swace

Industry News

Following on from its powertrain and equipment upgrades last year, the Swace Full Hybrid model has recently received some upgrades for mid-2024 offering an even higher level of technology as standard. Intelligent Speed Assistance (ISA) is now included for both Motion and Ultra grades. Combined with Adaptive Cruise Control, ISA is designed to help drivers keep to legal speed limits. ISA will audibly inform the driver to change the vehicle speed when the road speed limit changes as recognised by the Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR) system. Moving up to Ultra now adds navigation as standard and even easier to read information from a new colour LCD meter display that has increased in diameter from seven to 12.3-inches. The central touchscreen display audio unit is also of new design and has increased in size from eight to 10.5-inches in diameter. With it’s full hybrid drivetrain, Swace complements the rest of the Suzuki passenger car line-up which offers hybrid as standard. It means Suzuki customers never pay extra for the fuel saving and low CO2 emissions benefits of hybrid. With Swace, the benefit is fuel economy of up to 62.7mpg and CO2 emissions of just 102g/km. Up to Seven Years Warranty.Low cost of ownership is also bolstered for all Suzuki customers with the inclusion of up to seven years warranty. This is offered free of charge once the car reaches the end of its standard manufacturer warranty period and is then booked in for its next scheduled service within the Suzuki Dealer network. Since launch last year, over 26,000 customers have registered their cars to enjoy this benefit. This warranty stays in place until the next qualifying service and is then simply renewed again up to a maximum vehicle age of 7 years / 100,000 miles – whichever comes first. Major components are covered, and should a customer decide to sell their car between services and within the seven-year qualifying period, the warranty can simply be transferred to the next owner – again free of charge.

Times are changing – preservation beats restoration at world-class concours

Industry News

For the very first time, a ‘preserved’ car has won Best of Show at a world-class concours event – a moment of huge significance for the historic vehicle movement. At last month’s Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2024, the coveted Trofeo BMW Group – overall award for Best of Show – went to the 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 by Figoni, owned by 27-year-old Belgian collector Thibault De Meester. “The huge significance of this moment is that a car which has been largely preserved, rather than restored, took the highest accolade,” says Tiddo Bresters, President of FIVA (the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens or international federation of historic vehicles). “It clearly highlights the trend towards preservation over restoration, a shift that FIVA has long championed. We are proud to say that FIVA has been a frontrunner in the battle for preservation and authenticity, having launched our FIVA ‘Best Preserved Vehicle’ award at Pebble Beach in 1999. Nor is the Villa d’Este result a one-off. In 2023, a Duesenberg SJ that was last restored more than 20 years ago won Best of Show at Villa d’Este, and now this perfectly preserved 1932 Alfa Romeo has confirmed that attitudes have changed.” Bresters concludes: “Looking ‘brand new’ isn’t the point – the importance of a car is in its history; its authenticity; its place in our automotive heritage. It’s extremely encouraging to see this appreciation of a well-preserved car spreading through the highest echelons of the historic vehicle world, as well as through the bedrock of the classics owned, maintained and enjoyed by the millions of enthusiasts we represent around the globe.” FIVA now looks forward with great interest to Pebble Beach 2024. Whether or not a ‘preserved’ vehicle takes the top prize there in August, FIVA – in partnership with the Hagerty Drivers Foundation – will again be presenting trophies during Monterey Week, at both The Quail Motorsports Gathering and Pebble Beach, awards that have been renamed ‘in honour of Dr Frederick Simeone’, the preservation award judge and automotive historian who passed away in 2022. Notes to Editors: FIVA (the Fédération Internationale des Véhicules Anciens) is the worldwide organisation dedicated to the protection, preservation and promotion of historic vehicles and related culture, as well as their safe use. Since 2017, FIVA has been a non-governmental partner of UNESCO. For more press information, or to speak to a FIVA representative for a specific country, please contact Gautam Sen, FIVA’s Vice President Communications on communications@fiva.org, +33(0) 6 87 16 43 39 (mobile), or +33 9 66 12 44 64 (landline)

Aston Martin returns to Le Mans with two Valkyrie LMH hypercars in 2025

Industry News

Aston Martin with Heart of Racing will enter two Valkyrie AMR-LMH hypercars in the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship and 24 Hours of Le Mans Aston Martin supports FIA/Automobile Club de l’Ouest regulations ratifying two-car minimum works entries in the top WEC class from 2025 Valkyrie AMR-LMH testing continues as track test debut approaches Aston Martin and Heart of Racing remain committed to IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship for Valkyrie AMR-LMH debut in 2025 Friday, 14 June, 2024, Le Mans, France: Aston Martin and works team Heart of Racing will return to the top class of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with two Valkyrie AMR-LMH hypercars in 2025, as the ultra-luxury British sportscar brand bids to win the famous race outright for the first time since 1959. Aston Martin intends to enter two of the Valkyrie AMR-LMH hypercars in all rounds of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship [WEC], subject to its entry being accepted. This follows a regulation change by Le Mans event organiser the Automobile Club de l’Ouest [ACO] and the sport’s governing body the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile [FIA], stating that each participating manufacturer must enter at least two cars in the Hypercar class from 2025 onwards. The new rule was announced earlier this morning during the official press conference ahead of this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans race. Aston Martin and its works partner Heart of Racing are delighted to support this change in the regulations, in the interests of working together to improve the sporting environment for the benefit of all. Aston Martin will continue to work closely with both organisations moving forward and through the duration of the Valkyrie AMR-LMH programme. Adam Carter, Aston Martin Head of Endurance Motorsport, said: “You can trace the roots of Aston Martin’s endurance racing back to the earliest days of the brand. Indeed we first raced at Le Mans more than 95 years ago – something no other road-going hypercar manufacturer can say. We are very proud of our association with this wonderful event, and with that in mind, it’s very clear that we are committed to WEC’s hypercar concept and bringing our famous Wings back to the very forefront of international sportscar racing, including at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 2025, with our works team the Heart of Racing, we intend to put two Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR-LMH hypercars on the grid, to compete alongside a fantastic array of the world’s best sportscar manufacturers, and we are doing all we can to ensure that we can fight at the front of that space. The Valkyrie AMR-LMH programme is on schedule with a significant amount of development taking place behind the scenes and ahead of the car’s track debut later this summer. We then anticipate an intensive period of testing to put miles on the car and learn all we can ahead of its planned homologation in the autumn.” The race-optimised carbon-fibre chassis Valkyrie AMR-LMH will use a modified version of the sensational Cosworth-built 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine originally produced for the Valkyrie road car, which in standard form revs to 11,000rpm and develops over 1000bhp. The power unit is being enhanced further to incorporate the critical Balance of Performance requirements of the Hypercar class and developed to withstand the rigours of top level long-distance competition. As with the Valkyrie AMR Pro track-car, the battery-electric hybrid system that features on the road-specification Valkyrie is absent from the race car. Development of the Valkyrie AMR-LMH is already well advanced, with recent on-track evaluation of integral systems having taken place at Aston Martin’s Silverstone testing facility and the Portimao circuit in Portugal. Heart of Racing also recently established a UK team headquarters for its WEC programme, near where the racing cars are being constructed in co-operation with Aston Martin Performance Technologies, based at Silverstone, which is overseeing the design and development of the Valkyrie AMR-LMH. Aston Martin with Heart of Racing also plans an IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Programme for the Valkyrie AMR-LMH, to run the US-based endurance series’ GTP class. This will be run out of Heart of Racing’s Phoenix HQ in North America. “With this new direction of the WEC ruleset we have had to bring forward our plans to run multiple cars in the WEC Hypercar class. This has obviously condensed our build-up process, but we are very excited about the prospect of having two cars in the field. We will be proud to be a part of this class, which has seen a meteoric rise in the past couple of years, and offers amazing racing and fan interaction. The challenge ahead is immense, and we are looking forward to the journey.” said Heart of Racing Team Principal Ian James. Aston Martin’s entry into the Hypercar class ensures that the British ultra-luxury sportscar manufacturer will have a presence in all aspects of endurance racing from the gentleman racer through to the very pinnacle of the sport. Indeed, from 2025, Aston Martin will be the only manufacturer competing at all levels of sportscar and GT racing (from Hypercar to GT4) and the FIA Formula 1® World Championship. In total, more than 240 drivers have raced Aston Martins at Le Mans over the past 95 years in 27 different chassis and engine combinations, through virtually every era. No other venue has given Aston Martin so much success, or more steadfastly proven that our DNA is forged out of the very essence of competition.

HORSE and WEG sign memorandum of understanding for powertrain partnership

Industry News

R&D partnership between HORSE and WEG focuses on development of Range Extender technology for light commercial and heavy duty vehicles. As part of the agreement, WEG to supply electric generators, e-motors, electrical inverters and battery packs Range Extender powertrains also can use bioethanol and flex fuels, allowing the vehicle to achieve comparable emissions to fully electric vehicles HORSE, a global leader in innovative and low emissions powertrain systems, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with leading Brazilian electronics manufacturer, WEG for a Research & Development partnership on its new Range Extender powertrain. This commercial partnership is HORSE’s first as a division of HORSE Powertrain Ltd. As part of this agreement, HORSE and WEG will jointly-develop a market-leading Range Extender powertrain for light commercial and heavy duty vehicles, with WEG supplying the key components for the technology. Upon completion of the R&D study, HORSE will become the system owner and supplier to customers. HORSE will own the electronic architecture of the Range Extender, integrating components within existing requirements, as well as supplying the 1.0-litre ‘HR10’ engine and Control Module. WEG will supply the electric generators, e-motors, and electrical inverters. Julien Faure, Chief Technology Officer at HORSE, said: “HORSE is focused on delivering decarbonisation technologies around the world, and this partnership with WEG will help to democratise the Range Extender powertrain solution. Working with a world-class electrical technology provider like WEG demonstrates our ability to create world-class powertrain solutions for the world’s differing needs and technical requirements.” A Range Extender is made up of six key modules: The combustion engine, which generates mechanical energy that powers the electric generator. The electric generator, which converts mechanical energy from the engine into electric charge for the battery. The electric inverter, which converts direct current into alternating current, and enables communications between electronic components. The electronic control unit, which issues real-time instructions for vehicle components and electronics. The e-motor, which converts charge from the battery into mechanical traction for vehicle propulsion, as well as providing regenerative braking functionality. The battery, which stores the electrical energy originating from the electric generator and e-motor. This partnership with WEG will grant HORSE preferential access to these critical components for its fully integrated Range Extender units, allowing continuous supply for customers. Designed for both light commercial and heavy duty vehicles, the Range Extender features an optimised battery pack and HORSE’s 85kW 1.0-litre, three-cylinder ‘HR10’ engine. The HR10 can use flex fuels, allowing the Range Extender’s total emissions profile to be comparable to that of a fully electric vehicle. The benefit of a Range Extender is the engine constantly operates in its most efficient operating window, minimising fuel consumption and emissions. HORSE: a leader in automotive innovationHORSE was created to provide highly efficient, low-emission engines, transmissions, and technologies to meet the varying power generation needs around the world. HORSE operates eight production plants across seven countries, three R&D centres and a head office based in Madrid, Spain – the company produces 3.2 million units per year for its customers around the world.

Victory for voltage as electric dominates Auto Trader New Car Awards 2024

Industry News

Tesla Model Y crowned New Car of the Year 2024. 23 award categories, with finalists and overall winners determined by the real-world opinion of more than 200,000 UK car owners. Electric sweeps the board with record number of wins. 14th June 2024, London: Yesterday the Tesla Model Y was crowned Auto Trader’s New Car of the Year 2024, according to a consumer vote featuring the real-world opinions of more than 200,000 car owners at the eighth annual Auto Trader New Car Awards. The huge number of consumer votes not only makes the Awards a genuine and accurate reflection of car owner sentiments, but it also marks the largest automotive vote of its kind. With climate concerns high on the world stage and in the public’s consciousness, electric vehicles (EV) dominated the Awards once again in 2024, with an EV taking the top spot for the fifth consecutive year. In fact, this year 11 electric models won one of the 23 different award categories, the highest number since the inaugural Auto Trader New Car Awards in 2017. Given the growing popularity of electric, this year marks the second year Auto Trader has awarded the Best Home Charger, which was won by Easee. In addition to the Tesla Model Y taking this year’s most prestigious Award, other notable electric wins include the Best Car for Families category (Kia EV6), as well as Best Car for City Drivers (MINI Electric), Most fun to drive (CUPRA Born), the Best Car for Dog Owners (Kia EV6), and Best Value Electric Car (BYD Atto 3). The Auto Trader New Car Awards are different from other car awards as the majority of winners aren’t decided on by the opinions of motoring journalists or ‘industry insiders’, but by the people whose opinion matters most to automotive brands: car owners. This year, over 200,000 UK car owners completed an online survey sharing exactly what they think of their car, with their thoughts and opinions (obtained from real-world experience) determining the winners of 20 of this year’s 23 award categories, with the exception being The Erin Baker Award, The Rory Reid Award, and the Sustainability Initiative Award. Electric models were also crowned the winners of the much-coveted Erin Baker Award which is chosen personally by Auto Trader’s Editorial Director. Her stand-out new car this year was the Renault Scenic E-Tech. Even Rory Reid, Auto Trader’s YouTube Director, and more traditionally into old-fashioned V8s, couldn’t resist the allure of voltage this year. For the Rory Reid Award category, he chose the Hyundai IONIQ 5N. The winners for the Auto Trader New Car Awards 2024 are: New Car of the Year – Tesla Model Y *electric vehicle Best Car for Families – Kia EV6 *electric vehicle Best Car for City Drivers – MINI Electric *electric vehicle Best Value New Car – Dacia Sandero Stepway Best Car for Long Distances – Nissan ARIYA *electric vehicle Most Fun to Drive – CUPRA Born *electric vehicle Best Car for New Drivers – Audi A1 Best Car for Dog Owners – Kia EV6 *electric vehicle Best 7-Seater Car – Volvo XC90 Best Car for Towing – Land Rover Range Rover Sport Most Loved Car – Porsche Macan Best Hybrid – Lexus NX 350h Best Value Electric Car – BYD Atto 3 *electric vehicle Best Premium Electric Car – Audi e-tron GT *electric vehicle Best Luxury Car – Land Rover Range Rover Most Loved Brand – Alfa Romeo Most Reliable Brand – Lexus Car brand with the best tech – Tesla *electric vehicle Best Value Brand – Dacia The Erin Baker Award – Renault Scenic E-Tech *electric vehicle The Rory Reid Award – Hyundai IONIQ 5N *electric vehicle Sustainability Initiative Award – Bentley Best Home Charger – Easee Erin Baker, Auto Trader’s Editorial Director, said: “Since our last New Car Awards there’s been a huge amount of change in the new car market. Supply returned at pace, the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars was delayed until 2035, new regulatory targets came into effect, and sales grew consecutively, albeit fuelled primarily by fleet and leasing. These last 12 months have also seen a dazzling array of impressive new models released from established and well-known brands, as well as from less familiar new entrants to the market. With so much choice, finding the right car to match your needs isn’t easy, which is where our Awards can really help. With over 200,000 owners telling us exactly how they feel about their new car, it’s the most accurate insight into genuine ‘real-world’ owning experiences, not just how it feels to drive. “Although there remain challenges to the mass adoption of electric vehicles, many of which stem from the spreading of unhelpful misinformation, their growing influence and appeal continues to surge. And as our Award’s survey concludes, for those that make the switch, there’s no turning back.” Within the survey, car owners who have bought, driven and lived with their cars were asked to rate them according to a range of lifestyle factors. This methodology ensures that these awards are a true reflection of what UK consumers think of their car and what they want from it. People were asked to rate their cars across 16 different criteria, from reliability and performance to appearance and running costs. They were also asked about their overall satisfaction with their car and how likely they would be to recommend it to others. Independent analysts then used this data to determine the finalists for 21 of the categories – the full list of which can be found below. A full list of winners can also be found here: www.autotrader.co.uk/new-car-awards

Landmark Porsche 911 anniversary celebrations at Salon Privé Club Trophy presented by Lockton this August

Industry News

Salon Privé 2024 at Blenheim Palace will see two landmark Porsche 911 anniversaries celebrated this August 50 years of the iconic Porsche 911 Turbo and 25 years of the Porsche 911 GT3 – with 50 Turbos and 25 GT3s on display Set to be the biggest-ever show of Porsche models at Salon Privé Salon Privé 2024 at Blenheim Palace to be held on 28-31 August Salon Privé Club Trophy presented by Lockton on 31st August 2024. Tickets available at https://www.salonpriveconcours.com/ A perfect parade of pristine Porsche 911’s is set to be a star draw at the Salon Privé Club Trophy this year, with a remarkable double celebration of 50 years of the Porsche 911 Turbo and 25 years of the Porsche 911 GT3. In what’s set to be a world-class spectacle, a total of 50 911 Turbos and 25 GT3s will be displayed on the South Lawns of Blenheim Palace. The Salon Privé Club Trophy presented by Lockton on Saturday 31st August will feature the landmark Porsche 911 celebration, with the confirmed line-up of cars highlighting some very rare limited-edition 911 Turbos along with the very first UK-registered 911 GT3. With space still available in the Porsche Paddock for owners keen to join the celebrations, it will be the biggest-ever display of Porsche models at Salon Privé. A star of the Porsche 911 Turbo showcase will be an ultra-rare 964 Turbo S Leichtbau (Lightweight). This particular example is the first ever lightweight turbo produced by Porsche, and one of only 11 in right-hand drive. Part of a private collection, chassis number 86 has recorded just 800 miles since new. Finished in Grand Prix White with Flamenco Red leather interior – plus purple wheel centres and gold brake calipers – it is one Porsche not to be missed! The Porsche 911 GT3 celebration stretches right back to the very first UK-registered model, a pristine 996 GT3 Clubsport in Arctic Silver. One of the final hand-assembled road-going Porsches by the firm’s motorsport division, this 996-generation car was registered in July 1999 and has since covered only 45,000 miles. Just 28 Mk1 GT3 were fitted with the track-ready Clubsport trim, which included a half roll cage, fire-retardant Nomex bucket seats embossed with the Porsche crest, fire extinguisher, battery cut-off and a single-mass flywheel for faster response. The 25-year Porsche 911 GT3 anniversary display will also feature 997, 991 and 992 models in various specifications including Touring and RS. “Porsches are always a star car at any Salon Privé event, and this year, we are delighted to have the biggest-ever gathering which includes our two spectacular feature celebrations,” said Director David Bagley. “Presenting the evolution of two of Porsche’s most iconic models, the 911 Turbo and 911 GT3 on the South Lawns of Blenheim Palace will be a spectacular showcase and a fitting celebration for owners and enthusiasts alike.” Entrance-only tickets are now available – click HERE – or if you’re a Porsche (or supercar owner) and wish to display your car in the Salon Privé Club Trophy presented by Lockton, click HERE. Current Entry List Porsche 911 Turbo 50th Anniversary Display Model Year 930 3.0 1975 930 3.3 1979 930 3.3 1979 930 3.3 1979 930 3.3 1979 930 3.3 1981 930 3.3 1981 930 3.3 1983 930 3.3 1985 930 Turbo LE 1989 964 Turbo 1992 964 Turbo 1992 964 Turbo S Leichtbau 1994 993 Turbo 1995 993 Turbo 1997 996 Turbo 2001 996 Turbo 2002 996 Turbo 2002 996 Turbo 2002 996 Turbo 2002 996 Turbo Cabriolet 2004 996 Turbo 2004 996 Turbo Cabriolet 2004 996 Turbo S 2004 997 Turbo 2007 997 Turbo Cabriolet 2007 997 Turbo 2008 997 Turbo 2010 997 Turbo 2011 997 Turbo 2011 991 Turbo 2013 991 Turbo S 2013 991 Turbo 2014 991 Turbo 2014 991 Turbo S 2014 991 Turbo S 2016 991 Turbo S 2017 991 Turbo S 2017 991 Turbo S Cabriolet 2017 992 Turbo S 2020 992 Turbo S 2021 992 Turbo S 2021 992 Turbo 2022 992 Turbo S 2022 992 Turbo S Lightweight 2022 992 Turbo S 2023 992 Turbo S 2023 992 Turbo S 2023 992 Turbo S 2023 992 Turbo S Cabriolet 2023 Porsche 911 GT3 25th Anniversary Display Model Year 996 GT3 Clubsport 1999 996 GT3 2003 996 GT3 2004 996 GT3 2004 997 GT3 2006 997 GT3 2007 997 GT3 2007 997 GT3 Clubsport 2009 997 GT3 2009 997 GT3 RS 2011 991 GT3 2014 991 GT3 2014 991 GT3 2014 991 GT3 2016 991 GT3 RS 2016 991 GT3 RS 2016 991 GT3 2017 991 GT3 RS 2019 992 GT3 2022 992 GT3 Touring 2022 992 GT3 2023 992 GT3 2023 992 GT3 2023 992 GT3 2024 992 GT3 Touring 2024 992 GT3 RS 2024 A few entries remain open for the 19th edition of the Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva, with classes as follows: Pre-War Open Pre-War Closed/Elegance Post-War Open Post-War Closed International Post-War Closed British Sports Racer Ferrari Classiche Ferrari – Celebration of 60th Anniversary of Ferrari 275 Bugatti – From Grand Prix to Grand Touring Porsche ‘Rennsport’ Inspiring Greatness – 120 Years of Rolls-Royce Legendary Liveries Supercar Icons pre-2004 Owners interested in entering this year’s event should contact Concours Coordinator Nick Wilkes on +44 (0) 7795 213 361 or on: NickW@salonpriveconcours.com

Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera: celebrating 120 years of legacy

Industry News

Hispano Suiza marks its 120th anniversary with the world premiere of the Sagrera, the third hypercar in the Carmen range. The Sagrera boasts an updated design, featuring a large stork-wing shaped rear spoiler and new interiors that redefine the Gentleman Driver concept. Equipped with second generation 103kWh battery, the Carmen Sagrera offers a driving range of up to 480 km (WLTP). DOWNLOAD MATERIAL Hispano Suiza has unveiled the Carmen Sagrera, the third model in its range of electric hypercars, celebrating the brand’s 120th anniversary. This new hypercar features an updated design, enhanced performance, and a new 103 kWh battery. The new model was presented at Finca Mas Solers in celebration of the company’s 120th anniversary. The event brought together the Hispano Suiza team, media, ambassadors, customers, and friends of the brand. According to Miguel Suqué, President of Hispano Suiza, “There is no doubt that we still maintain the pioneering spirit that characterised my great-grandfather Damiàn Mateu and his inseparable friend and business partner Marc Birkigt 120 years ago. This is a story of people, of cars, and of numbers, of course. But above all, it is about people who work as a team and love a unique and challenging project—a project with a lot of soul.” The CEO of Hispano Suiza, Sergio Martínez Campos emphasised that “with the Sagrera we are consolidating in style the Carmen range that was born in 2019. We are very proud of what we have achieved in just five years. This 2024 is the year of acceleration in which we are going to conquer key markets for us such as the United States, we will complete the European homologation and, of course, it is a year to celebrate our legacy.” A light and dance show by internationally renowned dancer Sol Picó introduced the new Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera, driven on stage by development driver and brand ambassador Luis Pérez Sala. The performance’s ‘leitmotif’ was the oriental legend of the red thread, which suggests that certain encounters are predestined. The re-evolution of electrical technologyThe Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera incorporates the brand’s second generation of batteries, with a total capacity of 103 kWh. As the brand’s Technical Director Juan Fernández pointed out, “this technology has been developed and manufactured 100% at the Hispano Suiza facilities in Montmeló, Barcelona.” The new battery is improved in all key aspects, with the adaptation of new state-of-the-art lithium-ion cell packs: there are 15 modules of 24 cells each, 360 in total. It weighs just 612 kg and can operate at a maximum voltage of over 750VDC. The battery capacity has been increased from 80 kWh to 103 kWh, enhancing energy density by allowing more energy to be stored within the same volume. This upgrade extends the driving range by approximately 100 km, bringing the total range to 480 km according to the WLTP cycle. In addition to the new cells, the Carmen Sagrera features an improved cooling system that is lighter, less complex, and made from more sustainable materials. According to Fernández, “this results in more effective temperature control and lower energy consumption.” The battery’s central T-shaped position also improves the car’s weight distribution and dynamic performance. Hispano Suiza Carmen Sagrera: a declaration of intent The evolution of the Sagrera’s front-end design boldly embraces its sporty character, with a pointed grille shape paying homage to the luxurious Hispano Suiza Alfonso XIII sports cars of the early 20th century. Redesigned front bonnet vents not only enhance aesthetics but also improve functionality, now flowing seamlessly with the rear ones. New side sills gracefully rise along the car’s profile, complementing the rear panel’s design. Francesc Arenas, head of design at Hispano Suiza, explains that his team aimed “to uphold the brand’s sporty legacy, drawing inspiration from iconic designs such as the Alfonso XIII and from the original the Gentleman Driver concept. I dare say – he remarks – that with the Sagrera, we have refined the concept of sportiness, while maintaining our tradition of excellence and setting the stage for future designs, fulfilling the desires of our customers”. The rear-end underwent significant design and aerodynamic changes, highlighted by the addition of a large spoiler resembling stork wings, a tribute to the brand’s logo. This divided spoiler optimizes aerodynamics, seamlessly blending solid-painted side panels with carbon fibre, while the diffuser, integrated with copper accents in Boulogne style, enhances both aerodynamics and design, adding elegance and tradition. These aerodynamic enhancements significantly increase downforce and grip, improving cornering and lateral acceleration capabilities. Inside, the sporty ambiance continues, with a redesigned centre console and infotainment system, upholstered in alcantara with black and red leather details, emphasising exclusivity and quality. The multimedia system offers comprehensive connectivity options, with customisable welcome messages for individual users. For the worldwide reveal, the Sagrera is presented in a Cava Gold tone, chosen for its rich nuances evoking the wine culture ingrained in the Perelada Group’s DNA, owned by the Suqué Mateu family, which also holds Hispano Suiza. A matte finish which varies with the light, a first in the Carmen range, perfectly balances elegance and sportiness. Performance and technology to match the designThe Sagrera features four 205 kW (around 275 hp) motors, delivering a combined power output of 1,100 hp and 1,160 Nm of torque, with a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 2.6 seconds. The motors are axial-flux permanent magnet and connected in series: two on the left rear wheel and two on the right. The transmission transfers power to the rear axle and features a virtual self-locking differential, ensuring optimal track performance and efficient torque transfer to the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres. Developed in collaboration with Michelin’s technical centre, these tyres boast a unique design inspired by the storks and mosaics of legendary Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, further enhancing the vehicle’s exclusivity. The Sagrera’s suspension system, designed based on extensive dynamic simulations, delivers racing-level performance. Both axles feature a deformable parallelogram suspension with adjustable shock absorbers for compression and extension settings, along with coil springs adjustable in…

Auto Trader response to Labour Manifesto

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Ian Plummer, commercial director at Auto Trader, said;“We would welcome the restoration of the 2030 date change in regards to the ban on new petrol and diesel sales. Manufacturers and broader industry are already working towards this date following the Zero Emissions Mandate that the Government announced last year, so it makes sense to align consumer expectations providing them more certainty. “We also welcome the broader commitments to standardize battery information to reassure buyers, given battery health worries are proving a blocker for some consumers considering making the switch. Although there is more a new Government could do – such as cutting VAT on public charging and supporting the used EV market– to encourage greener motoring.”