Tag Archives: commemorative

Motorsport

Toyota’s Tech Museum Hides Gems Like This Electric 2000 GT

Back in 1994, Toyota established a particular museum – formally often known as the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology – that shows prototypes and improvement autos, and this heart is now a well-liked vacation spot for followers of the model. Larry Chen, at present one of the vital prolific automotive vloggers, just lately toured the museum, and his newest video reveals some actual treasures, together with a totally electrical 2000GT sports activities automotive.

The footage reveals a white 2000GT that isn’t precisely mint on the skin however that’s not a very powerful factor about it. Under the glossy physique, it hides a totally electrical powertrain, and whereas the video doesn’t present extra info, we’re fairly assured that is the 2000GT Solar Electric Vehicle idea developed by a staff of fifty Toyota engineers. How do we all know that? The inexperienced stripes within the inside are the giveaway.

In its authentic kind, the automotive had a particular livery displaying the logos of all the businesses that helped construct it, together with Panasonic, Denso, and Gentex. The cabin is usually inventory with black leather-based seats however there are particular elements which can be unique to this construct – the rearview mirror is a video digicam and the seven dials throughout the sprint now show information on the battery cost and efficiency.

The largest change, clearly, is below the pores and skin. The 2.0-liter inline-six engine was changed by a single electrical motor sending 161 horsepower to the rear wheels. The power was offered by a 35-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Known because the Crazy Car Project, the electrical 2000GT had a particular sound system that lets pedestrians know a automotive was approaching and in addition created a way of velocity for the motive force. We do not know what a part of these options continues to be operational in the present day, although. Nevertheless, a really cool automotive.

News

Manual Volkswagen Golf GTI Ends with Special Edition in the US

The manual Volkswagen Golf GTI bids farewell after 47 years with the introduction of the commemorative GTI 380 edition in the US market. This special edition pays tribute to the rich heritage of this iconic hot hatchback.

Earlier this year, Autocar reported that the Volkswagen Golf lineup is set to become automatic-only in 2024 due to the impending Euro 7 emissions regulations. It was uncertain whether this change would also apply to US production. However, Volkswagen of America has now confirmed that all future GTI and R models will indeed be automatic-only.

The GTI 380, launched as a celebration of the final year of manual GTIs, is exclusively available in the North American market. It will go on sale in the early autumn with prices starting at $32,485 (£25,200) and offering three trim levels. The top-of-the-line Autobahn edition will be priced at $40,625.

Peter Danilovic, Volkswagen of America’s product marketing and strategy boss, said: “The GTI 380 conveys our appreciation for the enthusiasts who have continually demonstrated their love for the manual-equipped GTI for over four decades.”

Named after the current eighth-generation Golf’s internal model code, the 380 edition also pays homage to the previous GTI 337 special edition based on the Mk4 Golf. It features a distinctive specification, including a black roof and mirrors, red interior detailing, black 19-inch wheels, and the option of a bespoke Graphite Grey metallic paint. Additionally, it comes equipped with the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) handling package as standard.

The GTI 380 marks the end of an era for the manual GTIs, which have always featured the iconic golf ball shifter since 1976.

In terms of performance, the 380 edition remains unchanged from the standard GTI, powered by the 242bhp 2.0-litre EA888 engine. It has a 0-62mph time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 155mph.

The discontinuation of the manual gearbox is a significant moment for the genre-defining hot hatch as it approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025. However, it is yet to be seen when the Golf will lose its manual option in mainland Europe and the UK, which is expected to take place during the planned facelift for the 2024 model year.

Currently, the automatic Golf GTI is priced from £39,435, which is £1500 more than its manual counterpart. If prices slightly increase across the lineup with the updates for the Mk8.5 Golf, there is a high probability that no GTI will be available for less than £40,000.

Earlier this year, Volkswagen’s technical development boss, Kai Grünitz, confirmed to Autocar that “With the next generation of the Golf, there will not be one with a manual gearshift.” The decision was made to ensure compliance with emissions regulations. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the move has not yet been officially confirmed and is subject to any changes in the Euro 7 legislation before it is finalized.

Lamborghini

Lamborghini Hatfield: Official Opening of Eleventh UK Lamborghini Dealership

Expansive new showroom inaugurated together with unveiling of commemorative Lamborghini 60th anniversary artwork

Sant’Agata Bolognese/Hatfield 22 June 2023 – The Lamborghini Hatfield dealership has officially opened with a gala VIP event at its new location, making it the eleventh official franchised outlet for Automobili Lamborghini in the UK. The dealership, owned and operated by HR Owen Group, one of the UK’s largest luxury and sports car dealer groups, features a spacious showroom and aftersales facilities to cater to the growing Lamborghini car market in the UK.

The Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, Stephan Winkelmann, expressed his appreciation for the investment made by HR Owen in the new dealership. He stated, “This is a very significant investment and commitment by our franchise partner HR Owen, that reflects the strength of the Lamborghini brand in the UK and in turn our commitment to the UK market. Lamborghini’s appeal, not only in terms of our models’ desirability but a fascination with the brand, continues to build in the UK and around the world: this new dealership and its representation of our marque is an endorsement of Lamborghini’s attractiveness as a super sports car manufacturer and global luxury brand.”

The Lamborghini Hatfield showroom, located in Mosquito Way, Hatfield, is spread across 500 sq m and features an upstairs mezzanine lounge offering views of the showroom below. It also includes a dedicated Ad Personam studio, where customers can personalize their new Lamborghini by choosing from a wide range of color and trim options. Additionally, the 870 sq m aftersales facility comprises a 14-bay technical center and a drive-in service reception that utilizes advanced scanning technology to appraise the condition of cars upon check-in.

Over 200 guests, including Lamborghini executives and Lamborghini Hatfield and HR Owen management, attended the grand opening event. As part of the Lamborghini 60th anniversary celebrations in 2023, a unique artwork by local artist Mark Evans was unveiled at the dealership. The artwork features a bull etched on leather and is one of many commissioned by Lamborghini dealers worldwide.

The showcased cars at the event included the new Lamborghini Revuelto, the brand’s first V12 super sports plug-in hybrid HPEV (High Performance Electrified Vehicle). The Huracán Sterrato, produced in a limited quantity of 1499 units, all of which are sold, was also on display along with a Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 and the current Huracán and Urus Super SUV ranges.

HR Owen CEO Ken Choo commended the opening of Lamborghini Hatfield, emphasizing the significant investment and commitment made by HR Owen to Lamborghini. He stated, “Our Hatfield development, the culmination of Berjaya Group founder, Vincent Tan’s vision to create the ultimate supercar experience, is truly a destination for our Lamborghini clients, with the space and facilities to not only display new and pre-owned models and provide the best aftersales care possible, but to create events and host activities that reflect Lamborghini’s Italian super sports heritage and lifestyle.”

Automobili Lamborghini currently has eleven dealerships in the UK, including locations owned by HR Owen in London, Manchester, and Pangbourne, as well as Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leicester, Chelmsford, Tunbridge Wells, Bristol, and Leeds. In 2022, Automobili Lamborghini achieved its best-ever annual results, with global deliveries reaching 9,233 units and turnover exceeding €2 billion for the first time. The UK is the fourth largest market for Lamborghini worldwide, following the USA, Chinese mainland/Hong Kong/Macau, and Germany. In 2022, the UK delivered 650 cars, reflecting a 15% increase compared to the previous year.

[1] The vehicle is not yet offered for sale and is therefore not subject to Directive 1999/94/EC. The fuel consumption and emissions data are in the type of approval stage.

[2] Fuel consumption and emission values of Huracán Sterrato; Fuel consumption combined: 14,9 l/100km (WLTP); CO2-emissions combined: 337 g/km (WLTP)