Tag Archives: British

Technology

The Reason Why British Aircraft Carriers Have Two Islands

The British have found a clever solution to aircraft carrier design by incorporating two separate islands with independent exhaust and air intake systems. This design offers several advantages over a single large island.

One advantage is that the two smaller islands have a smaller combined footprint, which creates more space on the flight deck. This additional space allows for a full off-site construction of each unit. Another advantage is that each island can mount powerful radar systems without interference. If the radars were mounted closer together in a shared space, there would be significant interference.

However, there are some drawbacks to this design. Navigation is typically handled from the front island, while aircraft operations are carried out from the rear island. This requires heavy reliance on an intercom system for communication, as in-person communication between the two islands is not possible. Some people argue that the two islands detract from the aesthetic appeal of a carrier, but this could simply be a matter of getting used to.

The innovative approach of using two islands is currently employed in two Queen Elizabeth-class carriers: HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. Both ships were commissioned in 2017 and 2019 respectively. Aside from the dual islands, these carriers also feature facilities such as a cinema, five gyms, and four galleys with a staff of 27.

Featured

Aston Martin Announces New Aero Kit For The AMB 001 Motorcycle

With Brough Superior, Aston Martin has brought its iconic blend of British automotive luxury and performance from needing four wheels to only two. With the new Aston Martin x Brough Superior AMB 001 Pro motorcycle, the same sophisticated and suave aspects of the Aston Martin brand that has rendered it so celebrated translate to a luxurious, sporty, and exclusive motorcycle. Adding to its splendor, Aston Martin has announced a new aerodynamics kit that improves further on the AMB 001 Pro, promising “more extreme performance.”

With a turbocharged engine capable of 180 horsepower, that performance is undoubtedly impressive, and the motorbike’s exclusivity, with only 100 examples bing made, it fitting for the Aston Martin brand. With a new performance-enhancing aero kit, the ultra-exclusive Aston Martin AMB 001 Pro turbocharged motorcycle becomes an even more exciting venture between Aston Martin and Brough Superior than it already has been. Despite having two wheels instead of the typical four, Aston Martin still manages to combine speed and style in a way only Aston Martin can.

View All Aston Martins For Sale

 
Motorsport

Aston Martin Valour Configurator Is Now Available With a Wide Range of Color Options

The Aston Martin Valour made its debut just yesterday, and the British automaker wasted no time in adding the model to its online configurator. With only 110 units available, the chances of actually purchasing one might be slim, but this is an opportunity to play around and design your dream version.

Aston Martin provides a plethora of paint choices, categorizing them into Blacks & Greys, Purples & Blues, Greens, Reds, Bronzes & Oranges, and Silvers & Whites. The available colors range from dark and understated to vibrant and attention-grabbing. We opted for the striking Digital Violet.


News

RST Unveils The New IOM TT Crosby 2 Summer Jacket

RST, a well-known British manufacturer of motorcycle gear and apparel, has released the IOM TT Crosby 2 summer jacket. This jacket is designed for motorcyclists who enjoy riding in the hot summer months. It features a retro-style design and is made from a breathable and abrasion-resistant cotton canvas material.
RST Unveils The New IOM TT Crosby 2 Summer Jacket

The Crosby 2 jacket from RST is equipped with Level 1 shoulder and elbow protectors, providing reliable impact protection while ensuring comfort. It also has a pocket on the back for easy compatibility with a conventional back protector, adding an extra layer of security. The jacket is PPE Certification Class A compliant, demonstrating RST’s commitment to meeting industry standards.

On the interior, the Crosby 2 jacket features a permanent mesh lining with the innovative Sinaqua Membrane. This combination offers excellent ventilation and effective water repellency, keeping riders comfortable and dry during their ride. Additionally, the jacket comes with a detachable lightweight thermal lining for added warmth without restricting movement. It also has four interior compartments for safely storing essentials, as well as two exterior zippered pockets and two outer press-stud pockets for quick access to items on the road.
RST Unveils The New IOM TT Crosby 2 Summer Jacket

The RST IOM TT Crosby 2 jacket features distinctive branding with Isle of Man TT logos on the back, an embroidered RST logo on the chest, and woven IOM TT badges on the shoulders. It is available in retro-style colors of charcoal and green. The jacket is priced at £199.99 (approximately $257 USD) and availability may vary by region. For more information, visit RST’s official website or contact your local dealer.

Motorsport

Alpine A110 S Enstone Edition Debuts With Carbon Trim, Matte Black Wheels

Alpine has unveiled a special edition A110 S to mark its Formula 1 team and the upcoming British Grand Prix. The limited-production model pays homage to the BWT Alpine F1 Team by incorporating carbon-fiber elements from the same Enstone workshop where the racing outfit is based.

This is the first time that Alpine has produced interior carbon components using the tools, molds, and autoclaves from the Alpine F1 factory. The instrument cluster visor, center console, and drop zone all feature these exclusive carbon-fiber materials. The bill and console are branded with Alpine’s A arrow mark and the signature of the BWT Alpine F1 Team.


Motorsport

Caterham Project V Teases Rear Ahead Of July 12 Debut

Caterham has released a new teaser for the Project V EV, giving us a glimpse of the vehicle’s rear. The British automaker has also shared a short video showing a bit more of the body. The Project V will make its debut on July 12 and will be on display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, starting on July 13.

The rear of the Project V features prominent oval-shaped taillights, while the roof has a rounded shape. When viewed from the side, the vehicle has arching fenders, and the front nose has large inlets in the lower corners. However, the teaser image only reveals the horizontal running lights, and the main lamps are not visible.

 

Based on the teasers, it appears that the Project V is a two-seater, and the rear seat might be cramped if it exists at all. Unfortunately, there are no images or videos showcasing the cabin or dashboard layout.

The look of the Project V was created by Italdesign. Unlike Caterham’s classic Seven models, this one features an actual roof, and the brand claims that it showcases their new styling language.

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Caterham has not yet disclosed any mechanical details about the Project V, except to mention that it features a fully electric powertrain. Given the brand’s reputation for building lightweight vehicles, it remains to be seen whether the EV can maintain the low mass seen in their previous offerings.

After its debut at Goodwood, the exact date of the start of Project V deliveries is still unknown. Additionally, the price of the model has yet to be revealed.

Caterham began teasing the Project V shortly after unveiling the EV Seven, a one-off proof of concept. The EV Seven is equipped with an electric motor producing 240 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. With this power, it can reach 60 miles per hour in just 4.0 seconds. Impressively, the EV Seven weighs only 154 pounds more than the existing combustion-powered Seven 485.

In April 2023, Caterham began moving to a new 54,000-square-foot headquarters in Dartford, Kent, England. This new facility brings together all production, engineering, motorsport, and commercial employees under one roof. The company aims to increase production by 50 percent, to around 750 cars per year.

News

2024 Triumph Speed 400 Single-Cylinder Naked Street Bike Breaks Cover

The partnership between British motorcycle maker Triumph and Indian motorcycle maker Bajaj has finally produced its first results. Triumph Motorcycles has officially announced its first two TR-series motorcycles, made in cooperation with Bajaj Motorcycles. These motorcycles are powered by a 400cc single-cylinder TR engine and draw styling cues from other Triumph models.


2024 Triumph Speed 400 and Scrambler 400 X - Parked

65 Photos

2024 Triumph Speed 400 Engine

The 2024 Triumph Speed 400 is equipped with a new liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 398cc single-cylinder TR-series engine. It produces 39.5 brake horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 27.6 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 rpm. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox.

Chassis, Suspension, Brakes, Wheels, Tires

The Speed 400 features an all-new hybrid spine and perimeter frame design made from tubular steel. It has a pair of 43mm upside-down Big Piston Forks in the front and a remote preload adjustable monoshock in the rear. The bike is equipped with ABS, stainless steel brake lines, and 17-inch cast aluminum alloy wheels with Metzeler Sportec M9RR tires.

Dimensions

The 2024 Triumph Speed 400 has a 54.2-inch wheelbase, 24.6-degree rake, and 4-inch trail. It has a fuel capacity of 3.43 gallons and a claimed curb weight of 375 pounds.

Rider Aids and Technology

The Speed 400 is equipped with ride-by-wire throttle, switchable traction control, ABS, and a torque-assist clutch. It has an analogue speedometer with an integrated LCD screen and a USB-C charging port.

Other Features

The 2024 Triumph Speed 400 has full LED lighting, integrated front and rear lights (in applicable markets), separate turn signals (in markets with regulations), a steering lock, immobilizer, and a transponder chip in the key for added security.

Pricing, Availability, And Colors

The 2024 Triumph Speed 400 comes in three two-tone paint schemes: Carnival Red, Caspian Blue, or Phantom Black. It will be available in various markets worldwide, starting with India in July 2023. Pricing will be announced upon availability, and the bike is expected to be available in Q1 of 2024.

News

From the archive: on this day in 1933

As the 1990s began, MG was facing a difficult situation. The new owner, British Aerospace, had finally allocated the budget to create a new roadster that the public had been eagerly awaiting. However, the new model, known as the F, would not be ready until 1995. Meanwhile, Mazda was experiencing tremendous success with its new MX-5, and TVR was set to revitalize its roadster.

In response to these challenges, MG decided to restart production of its iconic B model. Despite being discontinued for over a decade and originally dating back to the 1960s, the B was given a few modern upgrades on a limited budget. British Motor Heritage provided the B shell for classic restorations, and MG added new bumpers, wider tracks, new dampers, Rover’s 190bhp 3.9-litre V8 engine, and a more sophisticated wood and leather interior.

MG openly acknowledged that the new RV8 was “a recreational pursuit that just happens to take the form of a motor car.” In our review, we noted that the RV8 would not appeal to buyers looking for dynamic performance in a British sports car. Despite giving the RV8 only two stars due to its outdated feel, we acknowledged that it could be suitable for a particular type of driver. We compared it to TVR’s new Chimaera, which offered better performance, a larger boot, a roomier cabin, and less wind noise for just £800 more.

In the end, only 330 RV8s were sold in the UK, highlighting its limited success in the market.

Asian royals spending billions on hoarding rare cars

After gaining independence in 1984, Brunei experienced an economic boom, and its royals indulged in a lavish lifestyle. Sultan Hassanal and Prince Jefri secretly amassed a massive collection of luxury cars, many of which were custom-made. In 1993, reports indicated that the Brunei royals owned over 100 Rolls-Royce vehicles, a similar number of Ferraris (including five F40s), three out of the seven Cizeta V16Ts ever built, and a staggering 63 new Mercedes-Benz 600 SECs, which were given as gifts to dinner guests. Although the Bruneian embassy downplayed the size of the collection, evidence and rumors continued to surface in the following years.

News

BTCC 2023: Hill and Turkington make history with BMW domination

In a remarkable display of dominance, West Surrey Racing swept all the races at Oulton Park in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) on Sunday. Jake Hill and Colin Turkington led BMW to victory, leaving their competitors trailing behind.

Hill had an almost perfect day individually, securing two wins, a second place, and three fastest laps for Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport.

Turkington’s performance was equally impressive. Starting last on the grid in the first race, the four-time champion made stunning progress and continued to excel in the second race. In the final race, he charged ahead to claim his 65th BTCC career win.

Ash Sutton, Tom Ingram, and Adam Morgan also achieved podium finishes, creating a significant shift in the title race halfway through the season. Sutton’s lead in the drivers’ standings has narrowed to just six points ahead of Ingram, while Hill and Turkington remain in close contention.

The second half of the BTCC campaign will resume at Croft in North Yorkshire on July 29-30.

Hill establishes BMW dominance with a win in race one

Hill kickstarted his 2023 campaign with an impressive victory in the first race.

Throughout the season, the Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport racer consistently showcased his talent, earning three second-place finishes. However, this win elevated his title challenge to new heights.

Hill made a fantastic start, overtaking pole-sitter Sutton in his BMW 330e M Sport on the run down to turn one. He successfully defended his position in the opening laps and gradually pulled away from championship leader Sutton in his Napa Racing UK Ford Focus ST.

Ingram of Bristol Street Motors with Excelr8 secured the final podium spot after a strong performance, coming through from sixth on the grid.

Hill secures a double win at Oulton Park

Hill continued his incredible form by claiming his first-ever BTCC double, winning the second race from start to finish.

Despite facing an early safety car period, Hill maintained his lead throughout the race and pulled away to secure another victory ahead of Sutton.

The battle for the final podium position intensified as Ingram successfully held off a late charge from Turkington, who showcased his exceptional skills once again by making significant progress.

VauxhallUk

VAUXHALL WINS BIG AT THE GREAT BRITISH FLEET AWARDS 2023

 

  • Vauxhall takes home the title of ‘Fleet Manufacturer of the Year’ at the Great British Fleet Awards 2023
  • Vauxhall Corsa was also awarded the ‘Best Fleet Supermini’, Vauxhall Astra was named ‘Best Lower Medium Fleet Car’, and Vauxhall Vivaro took ‘Medium Van of the Year’ at the awards
  • Vauxhall is one of the few brands able to offer fleets a fully electric van across its entire LCV line-up
  • By 2028, Vauxhall’s entire car and van range will be fully electric – seven years ahead of the Government deadline

Vauxhall has been awarded the title of ‘Fleet Manufacturer of the Year’, at last night’s Great British Fleet Awards 2023 in Milton Keynes organised by Fleet World. The Vauxhall Astra, Corsa and Vivaro were also celebrated, taking home the ‘Best Lower Medium Fleet Car’, ‘Best Fleet Supermini’, and ‘Medium Van of the Year’ titles, respectively.

The ‘Fleet Manufacturer of the Year’ title reflects Vauxhall’s position as one of the UK’s most versatile fleet operators. Across its Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment, it is one of the few manufacturers in the country able to offer fleets an electrified variant across its entire model line-up, alongside diesel versions. Vauxhall has been the UK’s best-selling e-LCV manufacturer for the past two years running.

Vauxhall’s passenger vehicle range has also grown significantly over the course of the past 12 months, with the brand now selling electrified variants across every model with the exception of the Crossland. By 2028 it will be an electric-only manufacturer, seven years ahead of the UK Government deadline. Vauxhall’s commitment to electrification, and its versatile product range is making it easier for businesses to go green.

The Vauxhall Vivaro was named the ‘Medium Van Of the Year’ at last night’s awards. The award winning Vivaro has been the UK’s best-selling electric light commercial vehicle for two consecutive years. Available with a 50kWh or a 75kWh battery, the Vivaro Electric achieves a WLTP range of up to 205 miles from a single charge and comes with a maximum payload of up to 1,226kg. The Vivaro Electric is joined by the Combo Electric and Movano Electric. 

The Fleet World judges named the Vauxhall Corsa as their ‘Best Fleet Supermini’, a fitting title for the UK’s best-selling supermini of 2022, while the Astra took home the award for ‘Best Lower Medium Fleet Car’.

Both Corsa and Astra continue to be popular options for both private and fleet buyers. Astra offers efficient petrol and diesel variants as well as a highly efficient Plug-in Hybrid model capable of travelling up to 43 miles (WLTP, EAER) on electric power alone. Corsa has been available as a fully electric variant since 2020. The latest Corsa Electric provides up to 222 miles of range (WLTP) from its 50kWh battery, while a 0-80% charge takes just 30 minutes to complete from a 100kW rapid charger. The Astra Electric and Astra Sports Tourer Electric will be joining the Vauxhall range later this year, providing even more electric vehicle options for fleet customers.

John Challen, Editor, Fleet World, said: “Vauxhall has always been committed to the demands of fleet drivers and the latest Astra is just one example of how it still has its eye on the ball. The arrival of plug-in hybrid and electric versions of its core fleet models ensures that the brand will remain a popular choice as the market moves away from diesel and petrol power.”

James Taylor, Managing Director, Vauxhall, said: “I’m delighted to see that Fleet World has recognised Vauxhall as ‘Fleet Manufacturer of the Year’. It is a true indication of Vauxhall’s commitments to fleet users and how the latest Vauxhall range continues to adapt to meet the needs of today’s drivers as we move towards a fully electric car and van range from 2028.”

With the recent launch of the Astra GSe and the Astra Sports Tourer GSe, fleet users can now enjoy uprated electrified drivetrains and improved handling thanks to suspension and steering upgrades. Astra GSe and Astra Sports Tourer GSe are both eligible for a Benefit-in-Kind rate of just 8% and 12%, respectively.

 

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