New Shelby Super Snake Mustang brings 830 horsepower to UK motorists

Industry News

UK buyers can now order an 830 horsepower Shelby Super Snake Mustang through high-performance specialist, Clive Sutton Available in left- and right-hand drive, the comprehensively enhanced 2024 Mustangs are the highest-performing Shelby Super Snake vehicles in history Enhancement to powertrain, suspension, brakes, cooling, wheels, and body make the Shelby Super Snake Mustang a technically sophisticated and highly capable performance car Images: 2024 Shelby Super Snake Mustang from Clive Sutton – DOWNLOADVideo: 1 min action – All-New Shelby Super Snake: WATCHB-roll: Driving & outside / Studio London, 13 June 2024 – London-based high-performance vehicle specialist, Clive Sutton, has opened order books for the 830 horsepower 2024 Shelby Super Snake Mustang. The limited-edition Shelby American enhancement to the new S650 Mustang is available from the Sutton team in left- and right-hand drive, in coupe and convertible form, featuring a supercharged 830hp V8 engine. The new model is available in fastback or convertible form, with either a manual or automatic transmission. As the highest performing Shelby Super Snake in history, the 5.0-litre V8-powered Mustang features a host of enhancements, from uprated suspension, and better cooling, to bigger brakes, and a high-flow exhaust. The Shelby model also features lightweight improvements, including an aluminium bonnet, magnesium wheels, and a carbon fibre rear wing – which also contributes to the car’s more agile handling. Joe Conway, CEO of Shelby American: “We designed the Shelby Super Snake to be the pinnacle of our performance cars based on Ford’s world-class Mustang sports car. It follows Carroll Shelby’s vision that each generation of car improves the breed – this is our best Shelby Super Snake yet.” Priced from £220,000 on-the-road and inclusive of all modifications, taxes, and import duties, buyers interested in the powerful new Mustang can reserve one of the 250 exclusively limited build slots now through specialist retailer Clive Sutton, for delivery in early 2025. Every model is entered in the official Shelby Register and comes with a comprehensive 3-year / 30,000-mile warranty. Clive Sutton, Founder and CEO: “We have a long history of bringing UK enthusiasts the most powerful and desirable Mustangs. I’m confident that the Shelby Super Snake Mustang will excite many of our UK customers. The fact we handle all import technicalities and can offer this model in right-hand drive with a three-year warranty, means UK buyers essentially get a full vehicle manufacturer-style turnkey experience.” The Shelby Super Snake was inspired by the 1966 race bred Mark IV Ford GT, which won Le Mans that year. The first Super Snake was a one-off experimental model built for high-speed track testing. Over the years, the iconic model line has evolved, while retaining its ‘competition-edged’ personality. Clive Sutton has imported Shelby vehicles to the UK for more than 16 years and is the UK’s only official Shelby American distributor. Alongside the new Shelby Super Snake Mustang, the Sutton team offers Shelby’s range-topping Super Snake F-150 trucks, and the new Shelby Cobra. The Super Snake F-150 brings super-sized power and presence with 775bhp of all-American performance. Meanwhile, the new CSX10000 Shelby Cobra faithfully reinvents the iconic 1960s sports car with a new 5.0-litre V8 engine and a host of modern enhancements. Buyers interested in the Shelby range, or the Sutton team’s other luxury and high-performance vehicles, can call the London-based team on +44 (0)20 7483 6500 or visit CliveSutton.co.uk. Clive Sutton specialises in luxury and high-performance vehicles, bringing UK buyers some of the most unique, powerful, and desirable cars, trucks, and SUVs from the US and around the world.

Bentley Environmental Foundation celebrates first anniversary and three new partnerships

Industry News

Bentley’s global sustainability initiative commemorates highly successful first 12 months Three new partnerships take tally of Foundation organisations to ten Hubbub, Forum for the Future and Renewable World become latest partners Announcement re-confirms luxury marque’s commitment to environmental enterprises and sustainability Bentley Environmental Foundation targets next generation solutions to environmental challenges as part of firm’s Beyond100 strategy (Crewe, 13 June 2024) The Bentley Environmental Foundation today celebrated its first anniversary with the announcement of three new partnerships. The latest group of organisations – Hubbub, Forum for the Future and Renewable World – to join the Foundation takes the total number of partners to ten in just 12 months, further reflecting Bentley’s ongoing ambitions to help preserve and regenerate the planet for future generations. UK-based charity Hubbub brings businesses, organisations, local authorities and community groups together to create environmental campaigns. Last year, the award-winning charity delivered 49 projects, encouraging over six million people to think differently about environmental issues. A Hubbub poll found 78 per cent of people felt better after spending time in nature, yet more than a third spent less than an hour a week doing so. With support from the Foundation, Hubbub plans to bring people closer to nature by connecting community-led green spaces across the UK, with work starting this summer. Forum for the Future is a leading international non-profit that, for the last 28 years, has been working to accelerate the shift towards a just and regenerative future. Through a series of partnerships with governments, businesses and local groups, Forum has focussed attention on how we produce, consume and think about our food and energy. Forum’s ‘Business Transformation Compass’, launched in 2021, urged companies to step up to sustainability challenges and put people and the planet at the heart of their response. The Foundation will support a new phase of the project, developing and sharing revised guidance on how businesses can drive lasting change along with real-world examples of trailblazing businesses already putting theory into practice. Renewable World enable people living in poverty to transform their lives by improving their access to clean energy, empowering them to develop sustainable and resilient livelihoods, and mitigating the impact of climate change. The Foundation will be supporting The CLASS Project in western Nepal’s Banke National Park, which will pilot clean energy approaches to improve livelihoods, conservation, safety and sustainability. Part of the luxury marque’s industry-leading Beyond100 strategy, the Bentley Environmental Foundation highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting sustainability initiatives on a global scale. In its first 12 months, the Foundation’s existing seven partners have already achieved a number of key milestones. These include: A series of SeaTrees projects in Kenya, Spain and Portugal have resulted in the planting of over 200,000 mangrove trees, the restoration of 15,000 m2 of seagrass and the creation of local jobs Both SeaTrees and river clean-up charity everwave have also featured in the BBC’s Blue Horizons documentary series Foundation funding has successfully transitioned the Biomimicry Institute’s Ray of Hope Prize from a ten-week prize competition into a six-month accelerator, with a series of new start-ups due to be announced shortly Elsewhere, Blue Marine Foundation funding supported a scientific expedition in the Dominican Republic – the investment ensured the country committed to protecting over 30 per cent of its waterways A Volkswagen Group collaboration with the Audi Environmental Foundation and the Ferry Porsche Foundation in Thailand will start collecting over 20 tons of river waste every month, while a new education programme will raise awareness of the problem of river waste Last month (May 2024), the Bentley Environmental Foundation welcomed the launch of Drawdown’s Capital Coalition. The new initiative for impact investors and philanthropists guides private capital to strategic, science-based climate solutions, all under the watchful eye of Dr. Jonathan Foley Finally, closer to the Bentley headquarters in Crewe, England, a project with The River’s Trust is well underway to regenerate the Valley Brook River, with two traineeships improving local environmental skills Beyond the impact of philanthropy alone, the Bentley Environmental Foundation has enjoyed further achievements. Alumni of the Biomimicry Institute’s Ray of Hope Prize pitched to Bentley’s own design department, inspiring its internal team to consider the further integration and application of nature-inspired projects. A ‘Let’s Talk Sustainability’ forum was created to discuss sustainability topics, hosted by Bentley’s expert partners for more than 4,000 colleagues in Crewe. Meanwhile, volunteering opportunities for Bentley colleagues have been hosted throughout the year, with integrated content from Foundation partners also added to the company’s eAcademy curriculum. Bentley also continues to inspire and educate early career colleagues by providing placements via the Foundation, who have recently become proud members of the Environmental Funders Network and Catalyst 2030. Commenting on the new partnerships, Gavin Ellis, Director and Co-Founder of Hubbub, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Bentley Foundation to increase both access and connection to nature for communities across the UK. Our work together will support grass roots community-led green spaces to thrive, which will lead to multiple environmental and wellbeing improvements for those who use them.” Dr Sally Uren OBE, Forum for the Future’s Chief Executive, said: “At Forum for the Future, we believe the next wave of sustainability will be centred around a ‘just and regenerative’ mindset – one that puts people and planet at the heart of responses to the issues we face. That’s why we’re partnering with the Bentley Environmental Foundation. Together, we will update the ‘Business Transformation Compass’, which originally launched in 2021. The revised toolkit is set to inspire by providing real-world examples from trailblazer companies already putting guidance into practice. Forum will also step up its outreach – working alongside business schools to reach future generations of business leaders.” Eamon Cassidy, CEO of Renewable World, added: “We are delighted by our new partnership with the Bentley Environmental Foundation. Our partnership will support communities and other stakeholders seeking to build sustainable livelihoods, tackle climate change and reduce human-wildlife conflict. This is a great opportunity to test a package of recently piloted…

Ultra-rare Siata 208 CS to star at Concours of Elegance 2024

Industry News

One-of-nine Siata 208 CS Balbo confirmed for Concours line-up Steve McQueen nicknamed his 208 CS ‘Little Ferrari’ It’s one of 70 of the world’s rarest cars set to join the event in the Main Concours display, with over 500 cars in total set to be on display across the weekend Other highlights include live discussions, special features and luxury retail display Event will run from 30th August to 1st September; tickets are on sale now here Full selection of images: here London, UK (13th June 2024): The Concours of Elegance is proud to announce the addition of a truly unique and historically significant automobile to its 2024 line-up: the 1953 Siata 208 CS Balbo. With only nine originally built and seven still in existence, this rare gem is set to be one of the highlights of this year’s event; a spectacular example of the model that Steve McQueen christened his ‘little Ferrari’. The 1953 Siata 208 CS Balbo, chassis number CS 071, is powered by a Fiat 8V eight-cylinder engine and features a stunning Carrozzeria Balbo-bodied aluminum coupe design. This particular example boasts a remarkable history of single-family ownership since 1959, meticulously documented from its origins to the present day. It also retains its matching numbers as per its Siata body tag. Initially imported to the United States by renowned dealer Tony Pompeo, the car quickly entered the racing circuit. It was competed across the northeast United States from 1953 to 1959, participating in events such as the Floyd Bennett Grand Prize Cup and the Keene Mountain Hill Climb. Following its racing career, the car was discovered on a used car lot in Queens, New York, by Dr. Julius Eisenstark in 1959. It was love at first sight, and Dr. Eisenstark purchased the car, marking the beginning of a multi-decade relationship between the Eisenstark family and this extraordinary vehicle. Under Dr. Eisenstark’s care, the Siata underwent numerous modifications to transition it from a bare-bones race car to a more civilized GT suitable for everyday use. In 2017, the car was involved in an accident but was subsequently restored to its former glory by Automotive Restorations Inc. of Stratford, Connecticut. This meticulous restoration returned the car to its original colours and included a comprehensive repair of its aluminium body and a rebuild of its original Fiat 8V engine. The restoration effort was rewarded with a Best in Class win at the 2018 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Since then, the Siata has continued to be a showstopper, appearing at prestigious events in the USA such as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It also made a star turn in the popular show “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee” with Jerry Seinfeld and his guest, the comedian Steve Martin. The car’s legacy is a testament to its exceptional design and engineering, as well as the dedication and passion of its owners. The 1953 Siata 208 CS Balbo represents one of the 70 rare and spectacular cars that will be showcased at the Concours of Elegance 2024. This event promises to be a celebration of automotive history and luxury, featuring live discussions, special displays, and a range of luxury retail experiences. Away from the automotive displays, Concours of Elegance 2024 will again be an occasion of pure luxury, with champagne provided by Charles Heidsieck, picnics by Fortnum & Mason, and a collection of art, jewellery and fashion displays. Presenting Partner A. Lange & Söhne will once again showcase some of its most intricate timepieces. Tickets to the Concours of Elegance are available now from www.concoursofelegance.co.uk/tickets.

Alpine A290, the hot hatch for the electric age

Industry News

IntroductionAlpine ushers in a new era with the launch of the A290—the era of the electric sports car in Alpine mode, respecting the brand’s three pillars: performance, agility and lightweight, as well as French savoir-faire. The A290 is a new entry point into the Alpine world and inaugurates Alpine’s 100% electric Dream Garage. A GT C-Crossover and the new A110 will join the A290. The A290 incorporates all the sensations so appreciated behind the wheel of the A110 into an urban sportscar. Developed in perfect keeping with Alpine’s DNA, the A290 is compact and agile, offering easy-to-use high performance while guaranteeing comfortable everyday use. Its Ampere-derived electric platform and energy services to optimise home recharging, including Mobilize Power and bi-directional V2G recharging, make it part of a complete electrical ecosystem offering the best possible experience. With its cutting-edge design, first-class technical features, ultra-complete connectivity and numerous possibilities for personalising driving, the Alpine A290 is a true Alpine, a new generation designed to embrace the electric era. It has been designed to appeal to a new range of male and female customers, some of whom will be performance-oriented, while others will be more focused on style. The A290 is assembled at the Manufacture in Douai, within ElectriCity. The electric motor is also built in France at the Megafactory in Cléon. The battery will be produced in France beginning in the summer of 2025. Quote: Philippe Krief, CEO Alpine“Our Alpine A290 is the first model of a new electric generation, inaugurating our Dream Garage in the finest possible way. This urban sportscar marks the introduction of Alpine to a broader public and resurrects a forgotten category, the hot hatch, so much loved for the driving pleasure it delivers.” 1-An exterior design as a pure expression of sportinessProportions play a fundamental role in giving such a small urban car of less than 4 metres a muscular appearance commensurate with the performance it delivers. The AmpR Small platform provides an excellent basis for this, reinforced by a 60mm widening of the track to achieve the visual presence desired by the Antony Villain-led Alpine design team. As a result, the A290 can offer the attitude of a muscular hot hatch ready to spring into action. Its dimensions remain very compact: length 3,990 mm, width 1,820 mm, height 1,520 mm, wheelbase 2,530 mm. The A290 had to offer a distinctive character in the tradition of Jean Rédélé’s creations… A character made first and foremost by its unique lighting signature, recognisable from afar and comprising four headlamps, as on all Alpine models. In this case, they feature X-shaped motifs reminiscent of rally cars and automatically display a welcome animation when the hands-free card is detected as the owner approaches. The list of elements that contribute to the bold expression of this body is long: the wide wings, the side skirts incorporating a subtle body-coloured edging that refines them, the aluminium roof edge (or anodised blue as standard on specific versions), the optional French flag on the C-pillar, the black shark antenna (standard), the wing logos (depending on version), the black lacquered body surround and wings, the distinctive line animating the rear door and, finally, the diffuser on the rear bumper. At the front, Alpine is spelt out, and a typical snowflake motif is integrated into the exclusive sports bumper. At every stage of the body design process, the aerodynamic factor has been considered, which is particularly important when maximising electric range. Pursuing maximum efficiency has shaped the air intake in the bumper to create a beneficial air flow, as well as the wide side skirts, the diffuser, the vanes and the shape of the rear lights. The A290 does not incorporate an oversized spoiler that would have disrupted the rear flow, but rather a ‘ducktail’ at the tailgate to underline its sportiness. The standard 19-inch alloy wheels come in two exclusive designs. The Iconic wheel design was created to reference the wheels on the Alpine A310. In contrast, the Snowflake wheels recall the origins of the Alpine name and are available in gloss black, semi-diamond black or diamond black finishes. A blue background behind the Alpine logo on the wheels is available as an option. The Brembo 4-piston monobloc front brake callipers with Alpine branding are the same as those on the A110. The front and rear callipers are available in Racing Red or Alpine Blue. The catalogue includes four body colours, including a new Alpine Vision Blue, a signature colour that has been given particular depth to provide greater contrast between light and dark areas. The A290 is also available in Deep Black, Nival White and Matte Tornado Grey. A limited Première Edition of 1,955 will be available at launch in 4 versions: Première Édition, Beta, La Bleue, La Grise. Quote: Antony Villain, Alpine Design Director“We conceived the A290 as an ultra-compact variation of the A110, in the purest style of small sports cars or hot hatches. A small Alpine with a character that, at first glance, expresses its potential for driving pleasure to appeal to styling fans and performance enthusiasts alike. The A290 incorporates into a production model the directions from 2023 with the A290_β concept, a true concentrate of Alpine.” Encadré:The A290_β show-carIn 2023, Alpine presented its A290_β (A290 ‘beta’) show car, a preview of what the production A290 would become. It was revealed spectacularly with BWT Alpine F1 Team drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon. The show car interprets the design intentions for the A290, representing the first model in Alpine’s Dream Garage. With two front motors and torque vectoring, FFSA homologation for track use, a central driver position and two side passenger seats, the A290_β is conceived as a next-generation electric racing car. Designed in the same spirit as the Alpenglow concept car, it cultivates the brand’s codes, reinterpreted in the light of the electric era. It contains many of the same features as the production A290, including the typical X-shaped visual signature of the four lights, the distinctive wing treatments,…

Polestar opens eighth Space in Sheffield

Industry News

Sheffield, UK – 13 June 2024. Polestar, the Swedish electric performance car brand, will open its eighth UK Space in the Meadowhall Shopping Centre in Sheffield on Friday 14 June, replacing its temporary pop-up location at the popular retail destination. The Space will be part of Meadowhall Shopping Centre’s large array of 310 shops, restaurants, and leisure spots. The opening coincides with the arrival of the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4 later this year. The Space, located on the first floor of the shopping centre, will feature a sleek, minimalist design complemented by seamless digital interactions and knowledgeable product specialists. Customers will have the freedom to tailor their entire journey, from initial enquiry through to the delivery of their preferred Polestar model. On-site test drives will be available, with options for deliveries to home or office addresses. Meadowhall Shopping Centre has also contributed to the promotion of electric vehicles by installing 30 charging points throughout the centre. Furthermore, it hosts the largest solar panel installation of any UK shopping centre, comprising 3,418 panels covering 60,000 square feet. This installation generates 770,000 kWh of solar energy annually, equivalent to the electricity consumption of 230 average UK households. Sheffield City Council also created a Clean Air Zone last year in a bid to increase air quality in the city. Head of Polestar UK, Jonathan Goodman said: “We are thrilled to be opening our eighth Space in the United Kingdom during what promises to be an exciting year for the brand. The timing is perfect with the upcoming arrival of the Polestar 3, our luxury SUV, and the Polestar 4, our SUV coupé. As a shopping centre committed to a sustainable future, Meadowhall was an obvious choice for our next Polestar Space.” Darren Pearce, centre director at Meadowhall, commented: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming Polestar to Meadowhall. It’s set to be a really exciting addition to the centre, with its sustainable ethos reflecting our own commitment to making a positive impact on the planet. “We’re constantly looking to bring new, premium brands to the centre, enhancing the experience for our customers, and Polestar is one of a number of exciting arrivals on The Avenue this year. As the only Polestar Space within Yorkshire, we’ve no doubt it’s set to be a hit.” Polestar Sheffield opens its doors to the public on Friday 14 June. Ends.

Maserati Grecale features at 50th G7 summit in Borgo Egnazia, Puglia

Industry News

Modena, 13 June 2024 – Maserati Grecale is the official car of the 50th meeting of the G7, taking place under the Italian presidency at Borgo Egnazia, in the municipality of Fasano di Puglia, from 13 to 15 June 2024. In one of the most important and significant institutional events in the world, Maserati Grecale is confirmed as the ideal vehicle for official events: an “everyday exceptional” car in all its guises. A fleet of 20 Grecales, in the Modena version, accompany the representatives of the participating countries in their movements during the summit, providing the comfort and elegance ensured by the Trident’s 100% “Made in Italy” SUV.All the cars feature Storm Black metallic paint, black leather interiors with grey stitching, privacy rear windows and 20” wheels in gloss black, with their red brake callipers standing out. With its 330-hp 4-cylinder mild hybrid engine, Grecale Modena perfectly embodies the concepts of innovation, versatility and luxury, offering an optimal driving experience in everyday use. Grecale Modena guarantees the utmost space, innovative technological content, a discreet style, but is at the same time dynamic and captivating, sealed by the unmistakable sound of the Maserati engine and the power of the three-dimensional Sonus faber audio system.Grecale is also available in the GT variant, equipped with a 300-hp 4-cylinder mild hybrid; in the powerful Trofeo version with the 530-hp Nettuno V6; and in the innovative Folgore version, with its 100% electric 410-kW engine and 400-volt technology, the Trident’s first full-electric SUV. At the Press Room, set up in a dedicated area of the Fiera del Levante trade fair venue in Bari, Maserati is exhibiting two cars: a GranTurismo Trofeo, a veritable icon of the House of the Trident, in the Giallo Genio colour; and the MC20 Cielo spyder super sports car, featuring Blue Victory livery. Maserati S.p.A.Maserati produces a complete range of unique cars, immediately recognizable for their extraordinary personality. Thanks to their style, technology, and innately exclusive character, they delight the most discerning, demanding tastes and have always been a benchmark for the global automotive industry. A tradition of successful cars, each of them redefining what makes an Italian sports car in terms of design, performance, comfort, elegance, and safety, currently available in more than 70 markets internationally. The Maserati line-up includes the Grecale, the “everyday exceptional” SUV, and the GranTurismo, the iconic Italian grand tourer, all models characterised by the use of the highest quality materials and excellent technical solutions. A range equipped with 4-cylinder hybrid powertrains – available for Grecale – and V6 petrol, with rear-wheel and four-wheel drive, embodying the performance DNA of the Trident brand. The top of the range is made up of the MC20 super sports car and the MC20 Cielo spyder, powered by the ground-breaking 100% Maserati Nettuno V6 engine, which incorporates F1-derived technologies into the power unit of a standard production car for the first time. The new GranTurismo is available with both the high-performance V6 petrol engine, derived from the Nettuno, and a 100% electric version: the GranTurismo Folgore, the first car in the Modena-based brand’s history to adopt this solution. Today the full-electric range includes also the Grecale Folgore, Maserati’s first full-electric SUV. By 2025, all Maserati models will also be available in a full-electric version, and the entire Maserati range will run on electricity alone by 2028. For further information:MASERATIDavide Kluzer – Product Communication Responsible, Maserati – davide.kluzer@maserati.com

The new BMW M2

Industry News

New BMW M2 further raises the bar for driving pleasure, combining compact dimensions, updated chassis technology and 20 hp increase in power output. New exterior design accents, a refreshed interior, and the introduction of BMW Operating System 8.5. 14 exterior paint colours including new Sao Paulo Yellow and BMW Individual Paint Finishes Java Green, Voodoo Blue, and Twilight Purple. Priced from £63,360 RRP, the new BMW M2 is available to order at BMW retailers across the UK, with customer deliveries starting in autumn 2024. The new BMW M2 once again sets the benchmark for driving pleasure in a compact two-door form, featuring a straight-six engine, an optional six-speed manual gearbox, and rear-wheel drive. Combining compact dimensions, improved chassis technology, and state-of-the-art operating concept with the M Setup functionality, the new M2 is poised to write the next chapter in BMW M’s history of success in this segment. The new BMW M2 (fuel consumption, combined: 28.8 – 29.4 mpg; CO2 emissions, combined: 223 – 218 g/km in the WLTP cycle, CO2 class: G) offers more power, new exterior design accents, a refreshed interior, and the introduction of BMW Operating System 8.5. With 20 hp added to its output, the high-revving six-cylinder in-line petrol engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology now tops out at 480 hp. The new BMW M2 will be built alongside the new BMW 2 Series Coupé at BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí in Mexico with production starting in August 2024 and first UK customer deliveries in autumn 2024. The new BMW M2 is priced from £63,360 RRP and available to order at BMW retailers across the UK from today. Model Max Power1 (hp) Peak Torque1 (Nm) Acceleration1(0-62mph) (secs) Top Speed2(mph) CO2Emissions*(WLTP) (g/km) FuelConsumption Combined* (WLTP) (mpg) RRP Starting Price(excluding OTR costs) BMW M2 480 600 /(550)3 4.0 /(4.2)3 155 / (177)4 223 – 218 28.8 – 29.4 £63,360 1 All figures relating to performance, consumption and emissions are provisional. All the stated technical data including fuel consumption and emissions figures relate to the offering in the German market. Dimensions and measurements refer to vehicles with basic configuration in Germany. These may vary depending on the wheel/tyre size and items of optional equipment selected. 2 Electronically limited. 3 When optional manual gearbox is fitted. 4 Top speed with optional M Driver’s Package. Six-cylinder in-line engine with extra output and torque.As well as raw power, the unique way in which the six-cylinder in-line engine delivers that power plays a key role in the performance experience offered by the new BMW M2. The upgraded version of the engine provides a stronger linear delivery of power, sustained into the higher reaches of the rev range – a hallmark feature of M models. Its maximum torque is on tap across a wide rev band between 2,650 and 6,130 rpm and the new BMW M2 with the optional six-speed manual gearbox, peak torque remains 550 Nm. When power is channelled via the standard eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, the figure rises to 600 Nm. The engine produces its increased maximum output of 480 hp at 6,250 rpm, with revs topping out at 7,200 rpm. Further improvements have been made to the accelerator mapping and response in all drive modes selectable via the M Setup menu. As a result, the new BMW M2 offers noticeably more rapid reactions to the driver’s requests for acceleration – both when specified with the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission and with the optional six-speed manual gearbox. The ability of the new BMW M2 to offer improved power delivery is rooted in an exceptionally strong technological base – its 3.0-litre engine only slightly differs from the unit in the BMW M3/BMW M4 range. Racing expertise delivers smile-inducing performance.As well as its pair of mono-scroll turbochargers, an indirect intercooler and an electronically controlled wastegate, the M TwinPower Turbo technology of the straight-six engine also includes High Precision Injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-VANOS fully variable camshaft timing. The engine has an array of details borrowed directly from racing car design including its lightning-fast response, appetite for revs and high-performance capability in track use. These details include an extremely rigid crankcase with a sleeve-free, closed-deck construction, a forged crankshaft with lightweight design, cylinder bores with a wire-arc sprayed iron coating and a 3D-printed core for the cylinder head. The M-specific cooling system ensures the powertrain components maintain an optimal operating temperature even under heavy loads and the oil circuit is designed to handle extreme dynamic driving situations. A map-controlled oil pump ensures reliable oil supply even under extreme acceleration. The engine sends its drive power through an eight-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic as standard. The Drivelogic button integrated into the selector lever makes it possible to alter the transmission’s shift characteristics, with a choice of three clearly distinguishable settings. Both the selector lever in the latest M design and the gearshift paddles on the steering wheel enable sequential interventions in the gear selection process at any time. Drivers keen to blend an intensely engaging performance experience with even more direct interaction with the powertrain can specify the six-speed manual gearbox as an option. This links up with the Gear Shift Assistant, which uses engagement speed control to ensure slip-free operation when downshifting under braking into corners. Whichever transmission customers choose for their BMW M2, the increased engine output shaves 0.1 seconds off its 0 to 62 mph time: the new BMW M2 records a figure of 4.0 seconds with the standard transmission or 4.2 seconds if specified with the optional six-speed manual gearbox. The increase in power also makes its presence felt over the 0 to 124 mph sprint, delivering an improvement of 0.6 seconds in the case of the BMW M2 with eight-speed M Steptronic transmission (now 12.9 seconds), and lowering the time posted by cars with the optional manual gearbox by 0.6 seconds (to 13.7 seconds). The top speed of the new BMW M2 is 155 mph but can be increased to 177 mph with the optional M Driver’s Package. The dynamic power delivery is backed by an emotionally rich engine note conjured by the M-specific…

NewRiver REIT plc and Osprey Charging Network form new EV rapid charging partnership

Industry News

NewRiver REIT plc (“NewRiver”) and Osprey Charging Network open their first EV rapid charging site in the heart of Warminster, part of their new partnership. New public charging facility is open at NewRiver’s Three Horseshoes Walk Shopping Centre in central Warminster, Wiltshire, comprising four rapid EV chargers compatible with every Electric Vehicle (EV) on the market. Charge points will add 100 miles of range in around 35 minutes, and are simple to use and pay for with the tap of a bank card. The new partnership gives the potential for an additional 31 reliable, rapid charging points across NewRiver’s UK-wide retail portfolio, complementing existing charging points. Customers of major retail brands including M&S Food, Boots and B&M are set to benefit from improved access to EV charge points whilst they shop. Osprey Charging, one of the UK’s largest and leading rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging networks, and leading Real Estate Investment Trust NewRiver REIT plc (“NewRiver”), who own and manage of a portfolio of community shopping centres and conveniently located retail parks across the UK, announce a new partnership, part of NewRiver’s ongoing commitment to its sustainability strategy. An Osprey Charging facility providing four rapid charge points is open for customers at NewRiver’s Three Horseshoes Walk Shopping Centre in central Warminster, which will improve access to charging in Wiltshire, whilst the wider collaboration will improve the convenience of public EV charging for customers of major retail brands such as M&S Food, Boots and B&M. The charge points are compatible with every EV on the market today and typically add 100 miles of range in around 35 minutes, making them the ideal choice for a charging up whilst visiting the myriad of shops, cafes and eateries in central Warminster. Furthermore, the chargers are easy to use and designed with simple payment for all drivers, accepting contactless bank cards, Apple/Google Pay, the Osprey App and RFID card payments, as well as payments through all major third-party payment methods including fleet cards. EV charging differentiates retail locations and future-proofs the asset, attracting en-route fleet and private drivers as well as local residents and businesses for the long-term. And with access to charging being one of the greatest barriers to EV adoption, the introduction of more charger locations is critical. Installing reliable chargers at busy shopping areas, where high volumes of existing customers drive each year, gives consumers confidence in choosing electric cars which is why NewRiver’s popular retail destinations are so well-suited. Osprey cover all costs associated with installing and servicing the rapid charging points while sharing the profits, minimising financial risk. Andrew Nosworthy, Commercial Director at Osprey Charging said: “We’re delighted to be working with NewRiver to help future-proof their retail destinations by providing reliable, rapid EV charging for their retailers’ customers. This first charging site in Warminster is part of the re-charging network that will enable the decarbonisation of transport in the UK, and NewRiver’s forward-thinking strategy will ensure they stay ahead of the curve by equipping their retail locations to meet growing EV charging demand.” This announcement is Osprey’s latest partnership in the retail property sector, where the charging business has a five-year track record of installing over 200 rapid charge points for portfolio owners including Ediston, London & Scottish Investments, M7 Real Estate and Brookhouse Group. ENDS Notes to editorsFor more information about Osprey, images and to arrange interviews, please contact:media@ospreycharging.co.uk About NewRiver REITNewRiver REIT plc is a leading Real Estate Investment Trust specialising in buying, managing and developing resilient retail assets throughout the UK. NewRiver’s portfolio totals £0.54 billion, covering 6.1 million sq ft and comprises 24 community shopping centres and 12 conveniently located retail parks occupied by tenants predominately focused on essential goods and services. In addition NewRiver manage 18 retail parks and 5 shopping centres on behalf of Capital Partners, taking total Assets Under Management to £1.3 billion. NewRiver’s objective is to own and manage the most resilient retail portfolio in the UK, focused on retail parks, core shopping centres, and regeneration opportunities in order to deliver long term attractive recurring income returns and capital growth for its shareholders. NewRiver has a Premium Listing on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange (ticker: NRR). Visit www.nrr.co.uk for further information. About Osprey Charging NetworkOsprey Charging Network is a UK-wide, rapid electric vehicle charging network. Osprey fund, install and manage their network on behalf of landlord partners. The Osprey network is built to be reliable and easy to use. All Osprey chargers accept contactless payments, App payments, RFID payments and payment through all major third-party payment methods including fleet cards. Every charging point is also powered by 100% renewable electricity. Osprey Charging has been voted as one of the Top 3 Charging Networks in Zapmap’s annual rankings, and has been awarded ‘EV Driver Recommended Network’ status for the fourth consecutive year. At the 2023 Transport and Energy awards, Osprey was named Best EV Charging Network, and this was followed by a quadruple win at the Electric Vehicle Innovation and Excellence Awards (EVIEs). These awards included Chargepoint Network of the Year and Private Sector Infrastructure Strategy of the Year. More information on Osprey can be found at https://ospreycharging.co.uk

The New MINI Cooper 5 Door

Industry News

New addition to the MINI line up provides further comfort and interior space. Choice of two petrol engines, three trims and nine exterior paint colours including brand new Icy Sunshine Blue. Built at the home of MINI, MINI Plant Oxford alongside 3-door model. New MINI Cooper 5 Door is priced from £24,050 OTR, with first customer deliveries commencing in August 2024. A few months after the launch of the three-door, the five-door Cooper now joins the new MINI family. With extended space and innovative in-car technology, the new MINI Cooper 5 Door is offered with two efficient petrol engines that deliver hallmark MINI go-kart feeling. At 4,036mm in length, 1,744mm in width and a height of 1,464 mm, the MINI Cooper 5 Door is almost identical in dimension to its predecessor. Its wheelbase is 72mm longer and 172mm longer than the MINI Cooper 3 Door, giving passengers increased comfort and space. Offered with two petrol engines – C and S – and a choice of three well-specified trims – Classic, Exclusive and Sport – the new MINI Cooper 5 Door is priced from £24,050 OTR, with first customer deliveries commencing in August 2024. Model Max Power (hp) Peak Torque (Nm) Acceleration (0-62mph) Top Speed (mph) OTR Price MINI Cooper C 156 230 8.0 seconds 140 £24,050 MINI Cooper S 204 300 6.8 seconds 150 £28,450 The new MINI Cooper 5 Door with petrol engine.The new MINI Cooper 5 Door is available with a choice of two petrol engines with different designations of C and S. The MINI Cooper C offers a 115 kW/154 hp three-cylinder engine (consumption combined: 6.6 – 6.0 l/62 miles; CO2 emissions combined: 149 – 136 g/km according to WLTP) with 230 Nm (170 lb/ft) of torque, providing a top speed of 140mph and a 0-62mph time of 8.0 seconds. The MINI Cooper S boasts a 150 kW/201 hp four-cylinder engine (consumption combined: 6.8 – 6.3 l/(62 miles; CO2 emissions combined: 153 – 141 g/km according to WLTP) with a maximum torque of 300 Nm (221 lb/ft), acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 150 mph. Comfortable yet dynamic performance.The MINI Cooper 5 Door features a suspension and damping system for dynamic performance, a precise steering feel, and powerful brakes. Highly preloaded anti-roll bar mounts on the axles ensure balanced body handling, while selective tuning of the steering and all stability control system ensures a solid experience in all driving situations. Finally, the increased tyre diameter of 625mm gives the vehicle improved ride comfort and driving dynamics. New MINI design style.Short overhangs, a small bonnet, a long wheelbase, and large wheels make the MINI Cooper 5 Door instantly recognisable. Combined with a three-part visual division of a clearly designed body, wraparound window area and steeped roof mark the iconic MINI design. A minimalist front end with round headlights, octagonal front grille and LED headlights which are individually adjustable into three light signatures, complete the models front design. Clear surfaces, flush-fitting taillights, and a black handle strip with distinctive model lettering at the rear round off the vehicle design. Three trims with individual equipment options.The new MINI Cooper 5 Door is available in three trims: Classic, Exclusive and Sport, with each trim offering an array of exterior and interior personalisation options. Classic trim presents a reduced overall appearance while highlighting key elements such as the MINI wings logo, which is finished in Vibrant Silver. A range of five exterior paint finishes, two contrasting roof colours, and two different wheel options give customers maximum flexibility. Exclusive trim brings further customisation options, adding British Racing Green and all-new Icy Sunshine Blue exterior paint, Vescin Nightshade Blue interior, a dark interior headliner and the front grille in Vibrant Silver. Exclusive customers also receive 17” U Spoke Silver wheels as standard, with two 18” wheel designs available optionally. Finally, Sport trim offers Sports Transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel, a distinctive front and rear design featuring a high-gloss black hexagonal patterned grill surround and logo, and a rear spoiler with airblades. 18” JCW Lap Spoke 2-Tone Alloy wheels are offered as standard, alongside black brake callipers with JCW badging. A contrasting Chili Red roof and red/black bonnet stripes are also available. Inside the vehicle, Sport trim features a JCW black/red dashboard knit, a partially perforated Vescin steering wheel with red accents, and a lidded storage box in red/black knit. The interior.The interior of the new MINI Cooper 5 Door is focused on the circular infotainment screen, characteristic toggle switch and steering wheel. Behind the steering wheel is a slim head up display, ensuring all relevant content appears in the driver’s field of vision. An innovative use of materials creates a versatile cabin using a specially developed knitting process to create an easy-care structure in a two-colour design of recycled polyester which extends across the curved dashboard and into the door panels. The generous space in the front seats and the clean lines give the cockpit a modern look while the panoramic glass roof ensures a bright and open cabin with room for three passengers in the rear. Interior trims for increased personalisationClassic Trim offers a three-spoke steering wheel with a textile band at the six o’clock position, black/blue Vescin/cloth upholstery as standard across the seats, dashboard and door contrasts, or grey/blue Vescin/cloth optionally. Exclusive trim offers sports seats in Vescin Nightshade Blue as standard or Beige optionally, while Sport Trim offers a performance interpretation of the new material concept combining Vescin and Cord in dark night, with red accents also found on the dashboard and door trims. High-resolution OLED display revolutionises user experience.Central to the MINI Cooper’s interior is a circular, 24cm OLED display, where all vehicle functions can be operated via either touch or voice control using MINI Operating System 9. The upper half of the screen displays vehicle-related information such as speed and important information on vehicle status, while the lower area houses Navigation, Media, Phone and Climate. All other functions can be accessed via the menu with the display…

BYD reveals OTR prices for SEAL U DM-i family-sized SUV with next level PHEV technology in the UK

Industry News

BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles, officially announces UK pricing for the much-anticipated BYD SEAL U DM-i. The new BYD SEAL U DM-i, a spacious and comfortable five-seater D-segment SUV, is the brand’s first plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) in Europe, and with a premium interior and high level of standard equipment, represents excellent value in its class. For the first time, UK consumers can experience all the benefits of BYD’s advanced Super DM (Dual Mode) Technology which sets a new standard in intelligent PHEV innovation for exceptional energy efficiency, low fuel consumption and motoring performance. Practical for longer worry-free journeys, the BYD SEAL U DM-i also produces a quiet, smooth ride that feels more like that of a pure-electric vehicle, with powerful acceleration and performance to match. Offered in two trims with attractive pricing, the BYD SEAL U DM-i Design (all-wheel drive) on the road (OTR) price is £39,905 with the BYD SEAL U DM-i Boost (front-wheel drive) OTR priced at £33,205 in a choice of 4 exterior paint colours, namely Delan Black, Time Grey, Snow White, and Tian Qing. BYD Super DM (Dual Mode) Technology prioritises eco-friendly, efficient electric driving with ultra-low petrol consumption, and longer rangeDiffering from other PHEV technologies, the BYD Super DM drivetrain prioritises electric power with minimal reliance on fuel, making it kinder to the environment, while effortlessly adapting to different driving conditions. It comprises a highly integrated Electric Hybrid System, a 1.5L Xiaoyun Hybrid Engine (two variants depending on trim choice – Design or Boost) with world-leading thermal efficiency and the ultra-safe, extremely durable cobalt-free (LFP) BYD Blade Battery tailor-made for the hybrid platform. A significant feature of the Electric Hybrid System is its ability to intelligently switch between the two modes (EV and HEV) to prioritise electric propulsion whenever possible providing an efficient and more environmentally friendly vehicle. The engine charges the battery so electric driving is always available, with battery charge further assisted by regenerative technology. The BYD SEAL U DM-i in Design trim (AWD) features two high power electric motors (150 kW front and 120 kW rear) and an efficient 18.3 kWh BYD Blade Battery, complemented by the in-house developed 1.5L four-cylinder turbo powered petrol engine, producing 96 kW. When working in conjunction with the two electric motors, the total system maximum power is 238 kW and the total maximum torque 550 Nm. There is also the BYD SEAL DM-i Boost trim front-wheel drive option, powered by a 1.5L hybrid engine producing 72 kW operating with the 145 kW high-power electric motor, and also utilising the 18.3 kWh BYD Blade Battery. This produces total system power of 160 kW. The maximum torque power is 300 Nm. The BYD SEAL DM-i Boost offers an electric driving range of 49.7 miles (WLTP combined) and a total range of 671 miles when fully charged/fully fuelled. Elegant and dynamic Ocean-Inspired Design LanguageThe BYD SEAL U DM-i uses Ocean-inspired design aesthetics, and is characterised by sleek, dynamic lines, and balanced proportions, with a distinctive X-shaped front face and U-shaped headlights that fit seamlessly into the body. A pronounced upper beltline extends to the taillights with sleek, defined side skirts accentuating the body shape, giving the BYD SEAL U DM-i an elevated and stylish SUV presence. The 19-inch alloy wheels give the car a sporty vibe. All this, combined with smooth and natural flowing lines, gives the vehicle a sense of power, strength and agility. The interior is equally enthralling. Inside, the BYD SEAL U DM-i has a premium and refined feel, with a high-quality finish throughout, with ergonomically designed vegan leather upholstered seats, wrap-around multi-colour ambient lighting, crystal ‘water-droplet’ gear shift and a large 15.6-inch rotatable touchscreen being just a few examples of many features. The panoramic electric sliding sunroof makes the cabin light, airy and spacious and the car offers generous legroom for occupants. The rear seats can be folded to enhance luggage capacity in the boot. Exceptional intelligence, safety and high standard specificationWith an abundance of equipment and intelligent technology, and a high specification as standard, the BYD SEAL U DM-i provides a rich environment of smart connected experiences, and represents exceptional value in its category. The BYD Intelligent Cockpit System is operated via the central touchscreen, offering smart 4G connectivity and a range of infotainment, with OTA updates. Occupants can enjoy a premium 10 speaker audio system. Features such as Head-Up Display and Intelligent Voice Control are standard, plus two front charging points (one of which is wireless) and two rear USB charging points. Optimised for safety, the BYD SEAL U DM-i also has a comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance System, with both active and passive features to make driving easier and safer. Structurally the car is exceptionally designed too. It uses high-strength steel for many parts of the body structure, and incorporates a special design for impressive occupant protection in case of a side and frontal impact. Vehicle to Load (V2L) is also standard and a handy feature for powering electrical devices while out on journeys or family adventures. Both trim versions offer the convenience of 18 KW DC charging from 30-80% in only 35 minutes. The BYD SEAL U DM-i will be offered with a 6 year/93,750 miles full manufacturer’s warranty, 8 year/125,000 miles warranty on at least 70% of the battery’s original capacity, as well as 8 year/93,750 miles warranty on the electric motor as standard. The BYD SEAL U DM-i is available to order from official BYD dealer partners throughout the UK with sales commencing September. For more information, customers can visit https://www.byd.com/uk/car/seal-u-dm-i. #### About BYDBYD (Build Your Dreams) is a multinational high-tech company devoted to leveraging technological innovations for a better life. BYD now has four industries including Auto, Electronics, New Energy, and Rail Transit. Since its foundation in 1995, the company quickly developed solid expertise in rechargeable batteries and became a relentless advocate of sustainable development, successfully expanding its renewable energy solutions globally with operations in over 70 countries and regions. BYD has now…