Tag Archives: firm

News

Le Mans-winning Ferrari 499P gives rise to £4.6m track car

Ferrari has created a new track car based on its Le Mans-winning 499P racer, called the 499P Modificata. Although Ferrari has not provided specific performance figures, racing driver Antonio Fuoco achieved a top speed of 213mph during testing of the 499P, and it is expected that the more powerful Modificata version will at least match this figure.

One of the major challenges for Ferrari was to engineer the powertrain of the 499P Modificata in a way that makes it accessible to less experienced customers. The engine mapping has been fine-tuned to ensure that torque can be easily managed, even at the car’s limit.

The torque output has not been disclosed by Ferrari, but it has been revealed that the electric motor produces 132lb ft and in the 296 GT3 model, the V6 engine produces 525lb ft. Therefore, the combined torque output of the two power sources in the Modificata could be around 660lb ft.

Ferrari paid significant attention to the development of bespoke Pirelli tires for the Modificata. The tires were designed to prioritize vehicle dynamics and powertrain delivery management, making them suitable for long, continuous runs. They feature a bespoke tread pattern and are easier to manage during warm-up.

The Modificata does not need to adhere to homologation requirements, which means it is not subject to Balance of Performance constraints. This allowed Ferrari to make the car “more accessible” for less experienced drivers, primarily through aerodynamic enhancements.

Olivier Beretta, the ambassador driver for Ferrari, expressed surprise at how well the Modificata performed, especially considering the extent to which Ferrari pushed its limits.

Ferrari 499P Modificata

News

New Lexus LF-ZL: A Future Flagship with Customizable Features

Lexus has unveiled the LF-ZL concept, a preview of their upcoming premium electric SUV. This innovative vehicle is expected to use advanced hardware and software to provide a personalized driving experience.

The LF-ZL has a large SUV design with an exterior that builds upon previous Lexus models like the RZ. However, it features a completely revamped interior. This concept was showcased alongside the LF-ZC saloon concept at the Tokyo Motor Show.

While Lexus plans to release a production version of the LF-ZC in 2026, they have not announced a timeframe for a model based on the LF-ZL. For now, the focus is on demonstrating how the company’s next-generation technology will revolutionize the driving and ownership experience.

With a length of 5300mm, the LF-ZL is notably longer than other Lexus models like the LM luxury MPV and the Toyota Land Cruiser-based LX. It measures 2200mm wide and 1700mm tall, with a spacious wheelbase of 3350mm to maximize interior room.

Lexus LF-ZL side with doors open

Similar to the LF-ZC and the Toyota concepts unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show, the LF-ZL is built on Toyota’s next-generation modular electric architecture. This platform offers flexibility in terms of vehicle size, shape, and powertrain layout.

To achieve this flexibility, the vehicle is divided into three parts: front, center, and rear. The use of a new gigacasting production process allows for more freedom of form. Additionally, cars on this platform are assembled on a “self-driving assembly line,” where they move autonomously using their own battery and motor.

The LF-ZL features design elements found in the current RZ electric SUV, but it introduces a new form and identity for the Lexus brand. The front grille has been redesigned, and the overall shape of the car is a sleek SUV with a long bonnet and a spacious, rounded cabin leading to a short rear end.

The interior of the concept is even more futuristic, with wide-opening front and rear doors. The front cabin showcases a driver-focused dashboard with a bold steering yoke, indicating the use of Lexus’s steer-by-wire system. Additionally, there are two digital control panels on either side.

News

Report: 10,000 Jaguar Land Rover cars stuck waiting for parts

According to a report by Car Dealer Magazine, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) workshops are facing a crisis due to a global shortage of parts. The company has also exhausted its fleet of courtesy cars.

The trade publication reveals that approximately 10,000 customer cars in the UK are currently waiting for parts, with around 5,000 of them off the road at dealerships.

The news was disclosed by Andrew Woolliscroft, JLR’s UK client care director, during a network summit held at the British Motor Museum earlier this month.

Affected models are believed to include the Range Rover Velar and the Land Rover Discovery. The issues originated from JLR’s newest parts facility, Mercia Park.

Woolliscroft informed the summit that there is a backlog of orders at Mercia Park and revealed that they currently have 80 lorries waiting to unload. He expressed frustration at the situation, calling it “unacceptable” and stating that it has nearly paralyzed workshops from functioning properly.

In a statement to Autocar, JLR explained that their efforts to achieve carbon net-zero by 2039 have resulted in temporary delays in parts delivery. They assured that they are working closely with distribution partner Unipart to resolve the issue.

Woolliscroft further stated that JLR expects the situation to improve in about six weeks. However, he noted that they have already run out of cars for clients and space to park the cars awaiting parts.

Some franchise leaders and dealerships expressed their concerns at the network summit, pointing out that these issues have been ongoing for months and that customers are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the situation.

Woolliscroft assured the summit that JLR is taking comprehensive measures to rectify the problem, with the UK market being the highest priority. It remains unclear if the situation is affecting other international markets as well.

News

Aston Martin to Enter Le Mans in 2025 with Valkyrie Racer

Aston Martin has confirmed its entry into Le Mans in 2025 with the Valkyrie racer. While the driver lineup has not been announced, a selection process will begin next week. It is important to note that the team’s current Formula 1 drivers will not be participating.

The testing phase is scheduled to begin next year, with the racing career of the car commencing in January 2025.

Derived from the AMR Pro, the Valkyrie racer will not feature the hybrid drivetrain of the road car. Furthermore, its total power output will be limited to 670bhp, adhering to LMh balance of performance regulations.

In collaboration with US-based sports car squad Heart of Racing, which currently competes in the GT class of sports car racing, Aston Martin’s Valkyrie will also participate in the Le Mans 24 Hours, Rolex 24 at Daytona, and the 12 Hours of Sebring. Consequently, Aston Martin will become the only manufacturer with a presence across all levels of sports car and GT racing, in addition to Formula 1.

The development of the racing Valkyrie will benefit from Aston Martin’s extensive expertise gained through its involvement in Formula 1. This knowledge will eventually trickle down to the brand’s road cars.

The prototype of the Valkyrie racer is presently undergoing testing at Silverstone. It will be equipped with a specially optimized and detuned version of the 6.5-liter, naturally aspirated, 11,500rpm Cosworth V12 used by the road-going Valkyrie.

News

Ora Funky Cat gets a larger battery for a range of 260 miles

The Ora Funky Cat, a unique competitor to the Volkswagen ID 3, produced by Chinese company Great Wall Motor, now comes with an upgraded battery that provides an improved range. Previously, the electric hatchback offered a 48kWh battery with a range of 193 miles. However, customers can now opt for a 63kWh battery, which offers a range of 260 miles, according to the WLTP test cycle.

The First Edition+ model, equipped with the larger battery, comes with a price tag of £33,795, which is £1800 more than the standard Funky Cat. This variant also includes additional features such as heated, ventilated and massaging front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, and parking assistance. Buyers of the First Edition+ model will also receive unique badges, mats, and keys.

Initially, only 50 examples of the First Edition+ will be available in the UK. Orders for this limited edition will begin on 12 October. Ora states that the First Edition+ is the first in a series of planned updates for the Funky Cat. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also being tested and are expected to be available across the range through a software update.

The Funky Cat made its entry into the UK market last year in limited First Edition form, with a 48kWh battery offering a range of 193 miles. All models come with standard equipment including adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, wireless phone charging, and wired smartphone mirroring.

The Funky Cat, with its larger battery, offers more than double the range of the similarly priced Mazda MX-30 and slightly more range than even the top-of-the-line Renault Zoe. There will also be a mid-range option with a 58kWh battery providing a range of 209 miles in the future.

All models are capable of charging at 80kW from a CCS fast charger, while standard charging options include 6.6kW single-phase and three-phase 11kW AC charging.

News

The Hidden Hero Behind Just-in-Time Car Manufacturing in the UK

Have you ever heard of Priority Freight? Probably not. But this little-known company is playing a vital role in the automotive industry. They are the unsung heroes that come to the rescue when car makers are facing a crisis.

Based in Dover, Priority Freight has a strong presence in the UK with three bases, as well as six bases across mainland Europe. They receive a massive number of inquiries every day, and their impressive turnaround time is just 15 minutes from the moment they receive a call. The majority of their clients are tier one and two Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

“Our focus is on speed and helping our customers save time,” explained Andrew Austin, the commercial director of Priority Freight.

When car manufacturers encounter issues, such as their main transport contractors lacking the flexibility to navigate border crossings or time zones quickly enough, they turn to Priority Freight for assistance.

Motorsport

Classic BMW 2002 Tii Alpina Tuned To 200 HP By Manhart

German tuning firm, Manhart, known for modifying modern performance vehicles, introduces its third project under the new Classic Cars division. Following their work on the Lancia Delta Integrale and BMW M3 (E30) restomods, the Wuppertal-based company now focuses on another sports car from the past – the BMW 2002 tii with factory modifications from Alpina.

At the heart of this classic car is a 2.0-liter M10 inline four-cylinder engine, featuring a single throttle system and an Alpina manifold. Manhart also adds a K&N airbox and other minor hardware upgrades, resulting in a significant increase in engine output. The original engine produced around 130 horsepower and 131 pound-feet (178 Newton-meters) of torque, but thanks to Manhart’s enhancements, these numbers are boosted to 200 horsepower and 158 lb-ft (215 Nm) of torque.


News

Total overhaul for interior of 2024 Skoda Kodiaq PHEV

The interior of the next-generation Skoda Kodiaq has been previewed by the Czech firm, with new images revealing that it will retain physical dial controls for critical functions.

The three dials, located between the centre console and the dashboard, can be customized to control different functions. Official images show the system set up to manage the climate settings for the front occupants, with stereo volume control between the two dials.

The dials on either side of the front occupants can control the cabin temperature, seat heating or seat ventilation, based on user preference. The central controller, meanwhile, can adjust the fan speed, air direction, volume of the sound system, selected driving mode, or the zoom level of the sat-nav map.

The new images also reveal that the Kodiaq will feature a large 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument display.

2024 Skoda Kodiaq interior dials

In addition, the automatic gear selector has been relocated from the centre console to a stalk on the steering wheel, providing more legroom for the front occupants.

Connectivity has also been emphasized in the design of the new Kodiaq. USB-C ports are featured on the rear-view mirror and centre console, which also integrates a 15W wireless phone-charging box.

First drive: 2024 Skoda Kodiaq prototype review

Even the most iconic movie trilogies (including The Godfather and The Dark Knight) tend to lose steam by the third installment.

But it’s a different story with Skoda SUVs. The Czech automaker has released a successful three-part series, starting with the Skoda Kodiaq as a great debut, followed by the highly acclaimed Skoda Karoq and Kamiq. Now, the company is turning its attention back to where it all began, with a new Kodiaq set to be released in the first quarter of 2024.

The second-generation large SUV will continue to share components with other Volkswagen Group models, including the new VW Tiguan, which we’ve also seen as a prototype. Prices, trims, and equipment details will be confirmed later this year, but there will be a choice between a standard Kodiaq and a sportier-looking SportLine version, with most models offering seven seats. A more powerful Skoda Kodiaq vRS version is expected to join the lineup about a year later.

News

Alfa Romeo CEO: Prioritizing Driver-Focused Interiors

Alfa Romeo is set to adopt Stellantis’s new electronic architecture for its new Giulia in 2025. However, CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato has clarified that this update will not result in a complete overhaul of the brand’s interior design philosophy or an attempt to compete with German manufacturers in terms of in-car technology.

Imparato acknowledges and respects the digital technology advancements made by Mercedes, but he believes that Alfa Romeo customers are not looking for excessively large infotainment screens or a multitude of digital assistance systems. He states, “We’re developing our technology, and you will see what we’re working on in 2025 when Alfa Romeo becomes the first to deploy the Stellantis group’s all-new electronic architecture, STLA Brain. But it won’t change how our cars speak or appeal to our customers. We must continue to play to our strengths.”

Based on customer research, Alfa Romeo has discovered that its buyers desire a captivating telescopic double-cowled instrument panel and an infotainment system that provides them with specific information about the car’s condition without overwhelming them with unnecessary data.

Imparato confirms that the future Alfa Romeo models will retain the distinct cannocchiale aesthetic and will feature larger central displays where appropriate. He also expresses interest in implementing a larger head-up display that projects a “ghost car” on the road ahead, helping drivers position their vehicles as they drive. This feature aligns with Alfa Romeo’s goal of enhancing the driving experience and keeping the driver engaged. Imparato emphasizes, “What I don’t need is to know the weather for three weeks’ time. I don’t care – I’m here to drive.”

In terms of autonomous driving technology, Alfa Romeo plans to offer separate driving modes: “I want to drive” and “I want to be driven.” Drivers will be required to select the appropriate mode at the beginning of each journey, preventing any confusion between semi-autonomous operation and full human control.

News

Singer to Showcase 690bhp DLS Restomod at Goodwood

Restomod company Singer is set to unveil its new DLS at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed. The DLS, made with a carbon fiber body, is a tribute to the Porsche 934/5 endurance racer from the 1970s that won six out of eight races in the 1977 SCCA Trans-Am series.

Two cars will be showcased at Goodwood and Car Week in California, one in Blood Orange and the other in Moet Blanc. The Blood Orange DLS, expected to be at Goodwood, is built specifically for the track with an adjustable rear wing and front splitter. On the other hand, the second car is designed for road use, featuring a rear ducktail spoiler and a milder front bumper. Customers can choose either configuration when ordering.

The DLS, based on the 964-generation 911 sports car, incorporates insights from two previous Singer projects, the Dynamics and Lightweighting Study (DLS) and the Turbo Study. Its aerodynamically optimized bodywork is designed to cool the already powerful engine. It features a central front intake, a vented bonnet, and intakes on the rear fender. Naca ducts in the body enhance the braking and turbocharger cooling.

Under the hood, the DLS boasts a 3.8-liter flat-six engine with two electric wastegate-equipped turbochargers and air-to-water cooling. The engine achieves a remarkable 690bhp with a redline of 9000rpm. Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.