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

Industry News

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

Industry News

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

Industry News

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…

Versatile, sporty, and digitally connected: the new Audi Q3 Sportback

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The all-new, second-generation Q3 Sportback joins the premium compact segment Powerful plug-in hybrid technology and efficient combustion engines available Driving assistance and lighting technology from the full-size class plus innovative operating concept for even more comfort Q3 SUV on sale in September, priced from £38,300 (OTR) for TFSI, £40,000 (OTR) for TDI, and £45,800 (OTR) for e-hybrid Q3 Sportback follows in October, and carries a £1,500 premium over the SUV For additional information please visit https://press.audi.co.uk/en-gb/ Ingolstadt, August 25, 2025 – The Audi Q3 has been a well-established bestseller in the premium compact segment for more than 10 years. Now the third generation SUV is setting new standards in several respects. In its exterior design, the Q3 conveys confidence and emotion both as an SUV and Sportback. Numerous innovative features turn the Audi Q3 into a digital companion. They provide a first-class user experience and ensure greater comfort and safety for the driver and other road users thanks to many assistance systems. In addition to the well-balanced suspension, the digitalization of light also enhances customer benefits. A high degree of personalization and adaptive, high-resolution light functions are made possible with the new micro-LED technology in the digital Matrix LED headlights. Another feature of the new Audi Q3 is an efficient, partially electrified combustion engine with mild-hybrid technology and a plug-in hybrid model with an electric range of up to 72 miles. Gernot Döllner, CEO of AUDI AG: “With a total of more than two million vehicles sold worldwide since the launch of the first generation, the Audi Q3 is one of our best-selling models and has a high status in our product portfolio. With the third generation of the Audi Q3, we are renewing an important model family as part of our product initiative and strengthening our range with a powerful plug-in hybrid and efficient combustion engines. The new model combines efficiency, driving dynamics, and comfort.” In addition to efficient and partially electrified combustion engines, the Audi Q3 offers a new adaptive suspension that enables a balance between comfort and dynamics. Geoffrey Bouquot, Member of the Board of Management for Technical Development at AUDI AG, adds: “With the Audi Q3 interior, we are transferring the digital stage from the full-size class to the compact segment. An innovative operating concept and numerous assistance systems increase safety and comfort and make the Audi Q3 the ideal digital companion for everyday life.” Compared to its predecessor, the new Audi Q3 has an even more emotional design. The wide Singleframe and the sleekly tapered headlights are fully integrated into the aerodynamic concept. Viewed from the side, a horizontal shoulder line between the headlights and rear lights visually divides the car into two parts, creating a very special distribution of light and shadow. In addition to classic SUV advantages like easy entry, excellent visibility, and a practical interior layout, the second generation of the Audi Q3 Sportback combines the strengths of an SUV with the aesthetics of a coupé. Its roofline, which slopes downward from the A-pillar, is 29mm lower than that of the SUV. This gives the Audi Q3 Sportback an even sportier appearance and a faster silhouette. The rear section is adorned with digital OLED rear lights (optional on Edition 1), complemented by a continuous LED light strip and the illuminated rings (standard on S line and above). This level of lighting technology offered in the new Audi Q3 is available for the first time in the Audi compact segment. The front of the compact SUV features digital Matrix LED headlights (standard on Edition1) that use the micro-LED module for the first time in the Audi Q3. The use of this micro-LED technology improves illumination significantly and thus ensures a strong contrast on the road. The light guidance functions are now much more closely linked to the driver assistance functions. The digital daytime running lights with LED technology, consisting of 23 segments per side, create distinctive light signatures that make the vehicle easily recognizable on the road. In the interior, the new steering wheel control unit means more storage space in the centre console, a new user experience, and a better sense of space. The steering wheel control unit integrates two new steering column levers for the first time. The lever on the right serves as a gear selector, the one on the left as a control element for the light functions and windshield wipers. Also, for the first time in the compact segment at Audi, acoustic glazing for the front side windows comes as standard which makes for better interior acoustics, particularly at high speeds. The 488-litre boot (375 litres on e-hybrid) also demonstrates the practicality of the Audi Q3. With the seat bench folded down, the storage space for the Audi Q3 increases to up to 1,386 litres (1,293 litres e-hybrid) and 1,289 litres (1,196 litres e-hybrid) in the Q3 Sportback. The seat bench can be moved lengthwise, and its angle can be adjusted as standard. The Q3 has a towing capacity of up to 2,100kg. The entry-level model in the Audi Q3 family is the Audi Q3 TFSI 150PS, a four-cylinder petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology. The Audi Q3 TDI 150PS is particularly suitable for driving long distances. The Audi Q3 e-hybrid 272PS can charge up to 50kW with DC power under ideal conditions and is more powerful and efficient than ever before. A high-voltage battery with a gross capacity of 25.7 kWh (net 19.7 kWh) was installed for that purpose. This battery enables an electric range of up to 72 miles in the WLTP test cycle. The further developed standard suspension delivers an improved driving experience. The sports suspension (standard on Edition 1) and the suspension with two-valve damper control (available on S line and Edition 1 as part of the optional Sound & Vision Pack Pro) offer an optimally balanced driving experience. One driving assistance highlight is the driver attention and fatigue monitor. For even greater safety on the road, an interior camera also monitors the driver…

Škoda Vision O: The first look inside reveals a brand new design concept

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Images are for editorial use only. Evolution of Modern Solid: Teaser video provides a first glimpse of the completely redesigned interior concept of the Vision O study car Customer-focused: The interior is characterised by a spatial layout, comfort, and intuitive functionality, while featuring harmonised aesthetics through clean lines Closing the loop: The Vision O focuses on the use of recycled and renewable materials, promoting circular economy principles Mladá Boleslav, August 25, 2025 – Škoda Auto releases a teaser video showcasing the first interior details of the Vision O design study. It offers a glimpse into the future of Škoda’s new interior design concept, emphasising a harmonious and customer-focused layout – based on the next generation of Škoda’s Modern Solid design language. The interior and its materials will focus on circular economy principles, considering waste by-products as a valuable resource. Oliver Stefani, Head of Škoda Design, has stated: “The interior design concept of the Vision O showcases our commitment to combining simplicity and sustainability with enhanced comfort. The combination of clean lines and intuitive functionality reflect our efforts to create a harmonious and functional interior. It features materials and design elements that are not only aesthetically an evolution of our Modern Solid design language but also emphasize environmental responsibility.” A first glimpse of the interior concept of the Vision OThe new interior design features a spacious layout and an ergonomic design, ensuring comfort and practicality. The minimalist style with clean lines and simple shapes creates a feeling of calmness and safety. Practical use of space and intuitive controls enhance functionality and simplify the driving experience. Unique 3D printed headrests feature an airy design for both the driver and front passenger, contributing to a comfortable atmosphere within the interior of the car. Focus on sustainable materialsThe use of uniform materials ensures a consistent look and feel inside the car. Following circular economy principles, plant-based and compostable components play an important role inside the car and are used to reduce the environmental footprint. New concept to be unveiled in SeptemberŠkoda Auto will unveil its Škoda Vision O design concept, which represents the brand’s future direction in the estate segment, during its world premiere on September 8, 2025, in Munich. Interested parties will be able to watch the presentation online on Škoda Auto’s YouTube channels. Škoda Auto is successfully steering through the new decade with the Next Level Škoda Strategy; aims to become one of the top three best-selling brands in Europe by the end of the decade by offering its customers the best of both worlds through a range of attractive BEV, hybrid & ICE products; effectively exploits the potential in important growth markets such as India, Vietnam and the ASEAN region; currently offers customers 12 passenger car model ranges: Fabia, Scala, Octavia, Superb, Kamiq, Karoq, Kodiaq, Elroq, Enyaq, Slavia, Kylaq and Kushaq; delivered more than 926,000 vehicles to customers worldwide in 2024; has been part of the Volkswagen Group, one of the world’s most successful car manufacturers, for more than 30 years; is part of Brand Group CORE, an organisational merger of the Volkswagen Group’s volume brands, with the aim of achieving joint growth and significantly increasing the overall efficiency of all five volume brands; independently develops and produces components such as MEB battery systems, engines and transmissions for other Volkswagen Group brands; operates three production plants in the Czech Republic; has production capacities in China, Slovakia and India, mostly through group partnerships, as well as in Vietnam and Ukraine in cooperation with a local partner; employs around 40,000 people worldwide and is active in almost 100 markets.

Phantom at 100: from rock ‘n’ roll to rap – Phantom’s bold century in music

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Rolls-Royce celebrates the enduring links between Phantom and the world of music Spanning every era of modern music, from jazz and rock to rap and R&B Embraced by artists from Marlene Dietrich to Sir Elton John, John Lennon and 50 Cent Explores Phantom as a canvas for personal expression and an icon of icons Click here to view Rolls-Royce I Behind The Scenes: Diving into Rock ‘n’ Roll Legend “From the Golden Age of Hollywood to the rise of hip-hop, over the last 100 years, music artists have used Phantom to project their identity and challenge convention. Their motor cars often became icons in their own right, with a lasting place in the history of modern music. This enduring connection reminds us that Rolls-Royce and the extraordinary people who are part of the marque’s story are united by one ambition: to make their presence felt.”Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars The connection between Rolls-Royce and the world of popular music is almost as old as the recording industry itself. Long before icons like John Lennon, Elvis Presley and Pharrell Williams wrote themselves into Phantom’s story, artists including Duke Ellington, Fred Astaire, Count Basie, Ravi Shankar, Edith Piaf and Sam Cooke all travelled by Rolls-Royce, recognising the brand as the definitive symbol of success and artistry. Personalities for whom the term ‘music mogul’ was created, including Brian Epstein, Berry Gordy and Ahmet Ertegun, were also among the marque’s most notable owners. Across genres, geographies and generations, Rolls-Royce remains the ultimate reward for creative brilliance and a canvas for personal expression. Of all models, Phantom – the pinnacle of the marque – is the Rolls-Royce most closely associated with the world of music. Over eight generations and 100 years – a centenary the nameplate celebrates in 2025 – this extraordinary motor car has been consistently chosen by some of the most creative and influential figures in musical history. Phantom’s appeal to these individuals endures; it retains its status as the world’s pre-eminent luxury product, comprised of the very best in engineering excellence, fine materials and exquisite, highly skilled craftsmanship. It also offers its owner the freedom to define their identity – a quality that has helped many Phantoms owned by musical luminaries achieve legendary status in their own right. MARLENE DIETRICH: FALLING IN LOVE AGAINMost actors travel to Hollywood in search of stardom. Marlene Dietrich arrived already part of the constellation. Fresh from her breakout role in The Blue Angel, and having introduced the world to what would become her signature song, Falling in Love Again, she travelled to California in 1930 to begin filming Morocco. Her welcome was as dramatic as her screen presence: at Paramount Studios, she was greeted not only with flowers, but with the gift of a green Rolls-Royce Phantom I. Morocco earned Dietrich an Academy Award nomination – and her Phantom also took its share of the spotlight, appearing in the film’s closing scenes and publicity images. ELVIS PRESLEY: ALL SHOOK UPIn 1956, a self-titled album by a promising young singer named Elvis Presley became the first rock ‘n’ roll album to top the Billboard chart, where it remained for 10 weeks. In 1963, at the height of his fame, ‘The King’ bought a Midnight Blue Phantom V with a host of Bespoke features. In what may have been an early version of in-car karaoke, the features included a microphone, a writing pad in the rear armrest – ready for flashes of inspiration – along with a mirror and clothes brush to ensure Elvis was always ready to make an entrance. In a charming domestic detail, the original mirror-polished paint famously attracted the attention of Elvis’s mother’s chickens, which would peck at their reflection in the coachwork. The motor car was refinished in a lighter Silver Blue that did not show the chips. JOHN LENNON: LOVE ME DOIn December 1964, John Lennon rewarded himself for The Beatles’ A Hard Day’s Night by commissioning a Phantom V. The motor car was entirely black, including the windows, bumpers and hub caps; it also boasted a cocktail cabinet and a television, as well as a refrigerator in the boot. However, like Elvis’s Phantom V, Lennon’s would also undergo a complete transformation. In May 1967, just before Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band was released, the motor car was resprayed yellow, then hand-painted with swirls of red, orange, green and blue, with floral side panels and Lennon’s star sign, Libra, completing the motor car’s new persona. For the younger generation, Lennon’s Phantom perfectly captured the mood of the carefree ‘Summer of Love’ that year. To their elders, it was an outrage, memorably summed up by a woman who, on seeing the Phantom driving down London’s Piccadilly, shouted, “How dare you do that to a Rolls-Royce!” before swatting at the paintwork with her umbrella. When the motor car sold in 1985, it reached $2,299,000, almost 10 times the reserve price. It was both the most expensive piece of rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia at the time, and the highest price ever achieved for a motor car sold by auction. This Phantom is arguably the most famous Rolls-Royce connected with Lennon, but he owned another. Lennon purchased a white Rolls-Royce Phantom V in 1968 to coincide with the launch of the White Album and to mark a new phase of his life with Yoko Ono. This was characterised by his wearing white clothes, decorating the interior and exterior of his Berkshire home in bright white, and pursuing a distinctly minimalist aesthetic. Originally commissioned in a two-tone black-over-green by Wing Commander Paddy Barthropp, a wartime Spitfire pilot turned chauffeur, Lennon individualised this motor car in line with his personal style at the time. He paid £12,000 – equivalent to the price of a sizeable house at the time – to have the motor car transformed to white inside and out, and had it fitted with a sunroof, Philips turntable, 8-track player, telephone and television. It would later appear in the Beatles film Let It…

Volkswagen cars now more finely tuned than ever before

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Images are for editorial use only. Volkswagen Summer Drives playlist compiled in online poll Perfect soundtrack for festival and bank holiday road trips In-car features make sure people won’t miss a beat Milton Keynes – Millions of motorists are about to hit the open road as they head to music festivals and make the most of the August Bank Holiday – so Volkswagen has created the perfect playlist for summer drives. Whether singing along to The Beatles in a Beetle or blasting N-Dubz in a V-Dub, the best road trips are accompanied by the perfect soundtrack. Volkswagen fans across the UK were asked online to suggest songs that make them wind down the windows and turn up the volume. From festival anthems to classic hits and nightclub bangers, the result is almost three hours of Volkswagen-inspired tunes. The playlist is available on Spotify – just search for Volkswagen Summer Drives. Highlights include California Soul, VW Van and Young At Heart, which featured in a memorable Volkswagen TV advert in the early 1990s. Other favourites include Ride Like The Wind, In The Summertime and Ventura Highway; there’s even space for more niche tastes, with Autobahn by Kraftwerk. The Summer Drives playlist is part of the new Volkswagen UK account on Spotify, which also lists hot hits and trending tunes from Volkswagen Retailer staff across the UK. Search for Volkswagen Retailer Top Hits to listen to their favourite tracks. Whatever the preferred tunes or genres, Volkswagen’s latest cars make sure passengers can hear every beat, high note and harmony. Smartphones can be paired wirelessly with infotainment screens in seconds using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and models fitted with Harman Kardon speakers deliver razor-sharp acoustics. From Beach Boys nostalgia to electropop DragonsVolkswagen fans clearly have wide-ranging tastes in music. The Summer Playlist spans more than five decades of hits, from timeless classics to modern anthems. The oldest song is from 1964 (I Get Around by The Beach Boys) while the youngest was released in 2017 (Thunder by Imagine Dragons). American rock seems to be the pick of the genres, followed by pop with a smattering of country, blues and electronic music. Volkswagen drivers also seem to like songs that are energetic and nostalgic; 12 songs on the list match both of these moods, the rest being uplifting, melancholic and dreamy (playlist facts compiled with the help of AI). About the Volkswagen brand: A total of 166,304 new Volkswagen passenger vehicles were registered in the UK in 2024, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This equated to a market share of 8.52 per cent, matching the brand’s market share in 2023, and made Volkswagen the UK’s best-selling new-car brand for the fourth year running. The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand has a global presence, producing vehicles at 29 locations in 12 countries, and employs 170,000 people. In 2024, Volkswagen delivered around 4.80 million vehicles worldwide. These included bestsellers such as the Polo, T-Roc, T-Cross, Golf, Tiguan and Passat, as well as the successful all-electric ID. models. Volkswagen handed over about 383,000 all-electric vehicles to customers worldwide in 2024 and, with its ACCELERATE strategy, is consistently advancing its ambition to become the most desirable brand for sustainable mobility.

GEM welcomes the prospect of changes to driver eyesight regulations

Industry News

Images are for editorial use only. Reform to the current regime is ‘long overdue’, says GEM It’s vital to reduce the number of people – of all ages – who drive with defective vision Any changes need to be communicated properly to road users Road safety and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist welcomes the prospect of changes to current UK driver eyesight regulations. GEM has long campaigned for reforms to these rules, and has described recent proposals for compulsory eyesight tests as ‘long overdue’. However, the road safety organisation believes all drivers should be tested, not just those aged 70 or over. GEM is also urging the government to implement an ambitious, first-rate communications strategy alongside any legislative change. GEM’s head of road safety James Luckhurst said: “Regular eyesight tests would help protect all road users by identifying visual impairments that could compromise safe driving. “For too long we have relied on self-reporting of eyesight problems, and we welcome the prospect of this welcome shift toward proactive safety enforcement. Too many people – and not just those aged 70 or over – are driving with defective eyesight that has deteriorated to a dangerous level. “To reduce this risk, we want all licence holders to undergo a professional eye examination every two years as a matter of individual responsibility and public safety. “We believe that reform to driver eyesight rules shows a commitment to making the roads safer for everyone and has nothing to do with unfairly targeting people because of their age, or seeking to restrict anyone’s freedom. Mandatory eye tests are essential for everyone’s safety. “Let’s also ensure that details of these updates reach road users who don’t currently see road safety as relevant to them and bring the public on board to help change minds and behaviours which ultimately save lives. We need to ensure the communication mistakes made at the introduction of the Highway Code ‘hierarchy of road users’ in 2022 are not repeated.” Ends Notes for editors GEM Motoring Assist provides two levels of recovery service; Recovery EXTRA and Recovery RECLAIM, to suit all needs and pockets. GEM provides a comprehensive and competitively priced Roadside Assistance and Vehicle Recovery Service. GEM is a Which? Recommended Provider for Breakdown Services 2024. GEM was Highly Commended in the Personal Finance Awards in 2022, 2023 and 2024. GEM’s breakdown cover has also been awarded a 5-star rating by Defaqto, meaning GEM provides one of the highest quality offerings in the market. GEM Motoring Assist was established in 1932, as an independent driver-based road safety association. GEM’s aim is to improve safety for all road users through the sponsorship and initiation of accident prevention measures throughout the UK and to provide motoring and safety information to its own members. Member benefits include a quarterly magazine, free literature and advice and discounts on insurance and other services. Press information: James Luckhurst is available for comment on 07770 608153 or editor@motoringassist.com Alternatively, you can email press@motoringassist.com for any further information.

Polo is crowned Best Car of the Half Century

Industry News

Images are for editorial use only. Major accolade for Volkswagen’s ever-popular supermini This year the Polo celebrates its 50th anniversary With 20 million sales over the course of six generations, the Polo is one of the world’s most successful small cars Milton Keynes – The Volkswagen Polo has been voted Best Car of the Half Century as part of the Best Cars of the Year – The New Car World Championships. The award was announced ahead of this year’s British Motor Show in recognition of the Polo’s 50th anniversary – echoing the same honour given to the Golf last year during its 50th birthday celebrations. The Polo is one of many cars taking centre stage at this year’s British Motor Show, which starts on Friday 15 August at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre. The judging panel for the award comprised independent world-renowned car designers, engineers, auto industry figureheads, motorsport personalities, journalists, broadcasters, media professionals, vehicle retailers, automotive consultants, motor club chiefs and motoring event organisers. Among them was automotive journalist Mike Rutherford, founder of the Best Cars of the Year – The New Car World Championships. “The 20 million motorists who have been buying Volkswagen Polos since 1975 cannot be wrong,” said Mike. “It’s the most consistently credible supermini of the past 50 years and has repeatedly hit the sweet spot in terms of understated design, overall dimensions, build quality, competitive retail pricing, efficiency and low standing and running costs. It’s super strong on overall affordability, durability and longevity. “And it’s fair to say that since the birth of the MK1 version in 1975, it has grown in size, stature, quality and market relevance. No longer is the Polo a basic supermini to be driven on tight, slow streets in busy towns and cities across the world. At more than four metres long in its current Mk6 guise, it’s more of a small, credible, borderline premium family hatchback. “No wonder it remained one of the top 20 best-selling cars in Europe last year.” With more than 20 million sales worldwide, the Polo is one of Volkswagen’s most successful cars to date, and it continues to stand for affordable mobility – a car for everyone. ‘Small but mighty’ is the perfect way to sum up the Polo, not just in terms of looks but also in its sporty credentials. In the World Rally Championship, the Polo R WRC has won an impressive four world titles. For everyday driving, the GT and G40 series have added excitement, while the GTI continues to deliver thrilling performance today. (ends) VW25039 TR/rp Press contactVolkswagen (UK) Press Team Mike Orford 07467 442062Grant McPherson 07774 684222Trevor Rickwood 07407 826649Nicki Divey 07802 248310 Volkswagen Press and PRVolkswagen (UK)Yeomans DriveBlakelandsMilton KeynesMK14 5AN www.vwpress.co.uk Twitter: @VWUKPress About the Volkswagen brand: A total of 166,304 new Volkswagen passenger vehicles were registered in the UK in 2024, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). This equated to a market share of 8.52 per cent, matching the brand’s market share in 2023, and made Volkswagen the UK’s best-selling new-car brand for the fourth year running. The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand has a global presence, producing vehicles at 29 locations in 12 countries, and employs 170,000 people. In 2024, Volkswagen delivered around 4.80 million vehicles worldwide. These included bestsellers such as the Polo, T-Roc, T-Cross, Golf, Tiguan and Passat, as well as the successful all-electric ID. models. Volkswagen handed over about 383,000 all-electric vehicles to customers worldwide in 2024 and, with its ACCELERATE strategy, is consistently advancing its ambition to become the most desirable brand for sustainable mobility.

Broad Arrow presents stunning and un-raced Jaguar D-type at inaugural Zürich Auction

Industry News

Images are for editorial use only. One of only 71 Jaguar D-Types produced Rare example that has never been used in competitive motorsport Matching engine and chassis numbers Meticulously cared for by current Swiss owner for past three decades Highly desirable Jaguar D-Type will be one of the highlights of Broad Arrow Zürich Auction in partnership with Auto Zürich on 1 November D-Type estimated to bring CHF 5’250’000 – 6’250’000 London, England (12 August 2025) – Broad Arrow Auctions, a Hagerty (NYSE: HGTY) company, is proud to offer one of the most pristine examples of the iconic Jaguar D-Type at its inaugural Zürich Auction this November. One of only 71 produced, Chassis XKD 551 is a rare short-nose version of the D-Type and one of the last to have been manufactured. Its desirability is undeniable and further enhanced by the fact that it has never been used in competition, which will undoubtedly generate intense interest among the international collector car community. The Jaguar D-Type will be a highlight of Broad Arrow’s Zürich Auction, which will be held in partnership with Auto Zürich at the world famous Dolder Grand hotel on Saturday 1 November 2025. “We are extremely honoured to have been granted the opportunity to offer this incredible Jaguar D-Type at our first Zürich Auction,” says Yves Boitel, Car Specialist, EMEA, at Broad Arrow Auctions. “The fact that this car has never been used competitively and has been meticulously cared for throughout its life, makes it one of the most exceptional D-Types in existence and one that will surely create great excitement among collectors.” Manufactured in 1956, chassis XKD 551 was sold to its first private owner in October 1957, who rather than heading to the nearest racetrack as many D-Types did, carefully converted it to semi-XKSS specification, removing the central bulkhead, adding a passenger door, and fitting a full-width windscreen. In 1963, ownership moved to Hon. James Dawnay, who famously owned and raced the Aston Martin DBR1/1. Motorsport provenance continued when it was sold to Australian Formula 1 driver Paul Hawkins. The 1970s saw another owner remove the XKSS-style modifications to return this highly collectible D-Type to its original configuration, and it eventually landed with its current Swiss owner in 1994. Prior to this, the original XK inline-six engine (no. E 2070-9) had been removed to ensure its preservation, with a correct specification engine fitted in its place. The new owner invested in a significant rebuild of the original engine, which continued to be preserved in storage for the next two decades. Recently, XKD 551 was reunited with its original engine, still fresh from its 2005 rebuild, and this incredible D-Type was treated to a service by the renowned Swiss specialists Graber Sportgarage in preparation for the sale. This extremely rare, un-raced example of the iconic Jaguar D-Type, complete with matching chassis and engine numbers, represents a remarkable opportunity for any discerning collector. It is also accompanied by previous FIA Historical Identity Form (1992), FIA Passport (2009) and FIVA Identity Card (2012), and is eligible for the world’s most celebrated historic racing events, including the Goodwood Revival, Silverstone Classic, Mille Miglia Storica, Le Mans Classic, Monaco Historic Grand Prix, and Spa Classic. “The excitement is building ahead of our inaugural Zürich Auction,” says Paul Gaucher, Head of Consignments for Switzerland at Broad Arrow Auctions. “The addition of this truly superb example of the iconic Jaguar D-Type will undoubtedly add to that excitement among international car collectors. There is plenty more to come and we can’t wait to share additional news on the highly desirable models that will be joining the catalogue soon.” Additional information on The Zürich Auction is available at broadarrowauctions.com. Collectors interested in consigning to or attending the auction are invited to speak with a Broad Arrow car specialist about this very special addition to the international collector car calendar. Ends. Editor’s Notes About Broad Arrow AuctionsBroad Arrow Auctions, a Hagerty (NYSE: HGTY) company, is a leading global collector car auction house. Founded in 2021 by highly experienced industry veterans, Broad Arrow offers exceptional quality cars to collectors and enthusiasts around the world. As the fastest growing auction house in its segment, Broad Arrow’s flagship annual events include The Monterey Jet Center Auction, in conjunction with Motorlux in California, The Amelia Auction, as the official auction of The Amelia (Concours d’Elegance) in Florida, and The Porsche Auction, in conjunction with Air | Water by Luftgekühlt in California. Broad Arrow expanded its global footprint in 2023, with renowned car specialists joining the team in the UK and Europe. Broad Arrow launched its first auction in Europe in May 2025 as the new official auction house of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Italy in partnership with BMW AG. Broad Arrow now expands its global auction footprint with three new auctions in 2025 to be held during Zoute Grand Prix, Concours at Wynn Las Vegas, and Auto Zürich. Learn more at broadarrowauctions.com and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. About Hagerty, Inc. (NYSE: HGTY) Hagerty is an automotive enthusiast brand committed to saving driving and to fueling car culture for future generations. The company is a leading provider of specialty vehicle insurance, expert car valuation data and insights, live and digital car auction services, immersive events and automotive entertainment custom made for the 67 million Americans who self-describe as car enthusiasts. Hagerty also operates in Canada and the U.K. and is home to Hagerty Drivers Club, a community of over 875,000 who can’t get enough of cars. For more information, please visit www.hagerty.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn. Forward-Looking Statements – This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements provided, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements, including those regarding Hagerty’s future operating results and financial position, Hagerty’s business strategy and plans, products, services, and technology implementations, market conditions, growth and trends, expansion plans and opportunities, and Hagerty’s objectives for future operations. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “envision,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,”…