Lightweight & extreme, that will be the New Aston Martin Vantage special edition limited to 100 cars

• Lightweight and extreme Vantage special edition limited to 100 cars
• Motorsport-derived chassis, aerodynamics and handling
• Bridges the gap between road and race track driving

Aston Martin is today revealing the first details of its most potent and uncompromising Vantage to date: the track-inspired Vantage GT3 special edition. With production strictly limited to just 100 examples, the new model combines all of Aston Martin’s learning from its years of sports car competition around the globe to produce its most performance focused road-going Vantage.

Equipped with a new iteration of the brand’s 6.0-litre V12 engine which is capable of generating up to 600 PS¹, the car weighs in at 100kg less than a standard V12 Vantage S.

Comprehensively re-engineered, as well as significantly restyled, the GT3-inspired special edition is lower and wider than any of its siblings in the Vantage family. A broader track – front and rear – brings even more composed cornering thanks to a reduction in lateral load transfer, while the use of Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres provides even more assured handling.

Thoroughly equipped with cutting edge motorsport-inspired features, from the extensive use of carbon fibre inside and out to the track-focused aerodynamics pack – which includes a prominent rear wing and pronounced front splitter – the race-derived new Vantage brings more focused and uncompromising capability and styling to a road-going Aston Martin.

The aerodynamics package in particular has a profound effect, producing significant downforce to provide even greater levels of grip and stability at higher speeds.

Inspired by Aston Martin Racing’s successful campaigns, this new GT3-derived Vantage has been designed and engineered exclusively at Aston Martin’s Gaydon Headquarters in Warwickshire, England, to be the most overt expression of everything that defines Vantage: an inspirational sports model offering supreme driveability on the road, and uncompromising dynamic performance on track.

New flared carbon fibre front wings, carbon fibre bonnet, a lithium ion race-derived battery, carbon-fibre door casings, optional carbon fibre roof, optional weight-saving polycarbonate rear window and rear quarter windows are just a few of the measures which illustrate the engineers’ determination to eliminate mass wherever possible. That determination has paid off, too, as the new car weighs in at only 1,565 kg².

Under the skin lie a number of bespoke engineering upgrades, aside from the new 600 S¹ V12 engine. Magnesium inlet manifolds with revised geometry, a lightweight magnesium torque tube and a full titanium exhaust system with centre outlets are just a few of the features that underline the rigorous re-engineering of this exclusive new Vantage.

The car’s interior is comprehensively reworked, too, with a full carbon fibre centre stack and touch-sensitive control array; race-derived carbon fibre sports seats; Alcantara trim and the option of numerous bespoke features courtesy of the brand’s popular personalisation service: Q by Aston Martin.

Announcing the arrival of the Vantage GT3 special edition, Aston Martin CEO Dr Andy Palmer said: “Motorsport is in our blood at Aston Martin. The Vantage is the car we campaign in top level sports car racing around the world and so it seems only fitting that we offer an exclusive, limited edition Vantage that expertly fuses our motorsport know-how with our road car prowess.”

He added: “The Vantage GT3 special edition is an uncompromising example of our design and engineering expertise and I’m sure the 100 owners who secure one of these cars will savour every second behind the wheel; whether on the road or on the track.”     

     

The Vantage GT3 special edition will make its public debut on 3 March at the 85^th Geneva International Motor Show (Hall 5, Stand 5253), with first customer deliveries beginning in the third quarter of 2015.

¹ Predicted power output

² Predicted kerb weight

First ever Golf GTD Estate to be unveiled at Geneva Motor Show in March.

• First ever Golf GTD Estate to be unveiled at Geneva Motor Show in March
• Like the iconic diesel hatch, GTD Estate features 2.0-litre 184 PS TDI engine
• Combines sporting performance with combined fuel economy of over 64 mpg*
• Sporty design cues inside and out match those on GTD hatchback

Since 1982 Volkswagen's GTD logo has stood for Gran Turismo Diesel, with its promise of sporty yet economical motoring.  Now for the first time, the GTD initials grace the Golf Estate, which like the Golf GTD, boasts the 184 PS engine.  The new model is set to make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The Golf GTD Estate is well placed to establish itself as an iconic long-distance cruiser.  The 184 PS TDI engine takes the Golf GTD Estate to 62 mph in just 7.9 seconds with the 2.0-litre unit delivering a maximum torque of 380 Nm – and yet this sporty Estate car boasts an impressive combined fuel consumption figure of 64.2 mpg*.

 VW Golf GTD Estate

Other VW Golf Estates

The car’s sporty character is reflected in its exterior design: along with special GTD bumpers and the honeycomb radiator grille, the Golf GTD Estate also features smoked rear lights and flared sills.  The look is completed by 17-inch Curitiba alloys, black roof rails and dual chrome tailpipes. 

Also standard on-board the Golf GTD Estate are bi-xenon headlights, sports suspension with ride height lowered by 15 mm, and progressive steering, which gives a sharper response during high-performance driving as well as ensuring greater comfort in ordinary conditions.

Inside, the dynamic theme continues, with sports seats in Clark tartan, illuminated door sills, black headliner and black pillar trims.  Added to this, there are numerous decorative inserts and panels in Checkered Black, plus stainless steel pedal caps.  Further refinements include the multifunction steering wheel with aluminium trim and the gear knob styled as a golf ball.

The Golf GTD Estate is also available with 18-inch Nogaro alloy wheels and seat covers in a choice of Alcantara or Vienna leather.  Optional extras include a Sports and Design package featuring driving mode selection, Nogaro 18-inch alloy wheels, red brake callipers and tinted windows.

The Golf GTD Estate is expected to go on sale in the UK in April, with first deliveries in June. UK pricing and specification will be confirmed closer to launch.

Volkswagen Caddy Black edition is so popular they have extended the production run.

• Limited-run Caddy Black Edition now extended until 31 March 2015
• Deep Black Pearlescent paint and unique styling features as standard
• Leather and Alcantara interior trim plus generous equipment specification
• Retail price - £17,860 (OTR ex. VAT)

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is extending the production of its Caddy Black Edition due to popular customer demand. The striking new model has been on sale since 1 October 2014 and will now continue to be available until 31 March 2015. Based on the Highline specification, the UK special edition includes £2,150 of additional equipment, representing a customer saving of £1,515.

The specification includes body-coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles, fog lights, rear parking sensors, climatic air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity with trip computer and multi-function display. 

The Caddy Black Edition boasts striking Deep Black Pearlescent paint, unique black and polished 17-inch alloy wheels and silver roof rails and radiator grille surround. Drivers also benefit from a multi-functional steering wheel, leather gear knob and gaiter, heated wing mirrors and electric windows as standard.

Available in short-wheelbase panel van form only, the Caddy Black Edition is powered by a frugal 1.6-litre TDI common rail direct injection engine that develops 102PS and 250Nm of torque, and is offered with a five-speed manual transmission. BlueMotion Technology means drivers can expect fuel economy of 55.4mpg (combined) and low CO2 emissions of just 134g/km.

To give the Black Edition a sportier appearance and improved handling, the Dynamic Suspension reduces the ride height by 27mm. Inside, the seats are trimmed in leather and Alcantara, while the cabin is separated from the load cube by a full-height solid bulkhead.

The Caddy Black Edition costs £17,860 (ex. VAT).

Detroit Electric launches first ever car, well, not really it is a Lotus with a battery and new badge.

• Exterior and final interior designs for SP:01 pure-electric sports car revealed
• On-road testing of SP:01 under way, ahead of start of production in early 2015
• SP:01 features bold new fastback design and futuristic, sporty interior
• Range of interior and exterior enhancements available at introduction
• Detroit Electric announces the appointment of Integrated Energy of South Korea as its first importer and distributor in Asia

Detroit Electric has revealed the confirmed interior and exterior designs of its SP:01 pure-electric sports car, the next significant step in the re-birth of the iconic electric vehicle brand. Pre-production prototypes are currently undergoing extensive testing at Detroit Electric’s state-of-the-art production facility in Leamington Spa, UK, ahead of the start of production in early 2015.

The lightweight SP:01 will be the world’s fastest pure-electric production two-seater sports car when it goes on sale in Asia, Europe and North America next year. The SP:01 features a 285 HP / 210 kW electric motor, carbon fibre body panels and manual transmission as standard. An optional single-speed and twin-speed automatic transmission are also available. The SP:01 promises to deliver blistering acceleration, reaching 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds) and an impressive top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h).

Exterior design

The design of SP:01 has been subtly updated since the prototype was unveiled at the 2013 Shanghai Motor Show, to further improve the vehicle’s aerodynamic performance. The changes to SP:01’s design ensure that it will deliver on its promise to set new standards for performance and handling in the EV segment.

The most striking element of the design is the new fastback configuration, which replaces the prototype’s flying buttresses on either side of the rear window.  A large sculptural rear wing and under-body diffuser have also been incorporated to reduce lift and improve handling at higher speeds.

A range of exterior styling options will be available from launch, including a carbon-fibre rear spoiler, diffuser and battery cover. Metallic paint options for the SP:01 include Performance Black, Performance Blue, Performance Green, Performance Orange and Performance Silver, as well as ‘Special White’ and ‘Special Red’. Customised paint colours are also available.

Interior design

In harmony with the bold exterior, the cabin of the SP:01 evokes the brand’s mantra of ‘Pure Electric Performance’ through a futuristic, sporty design, with sweeping lines and bold shapes suggesting speed, agility and athletic poise.

In order to create a clean, streamlined cabin, the SP:01’s centre console features a prominent 8.4-inch touchscreen tablet, which replaces all analogue dials and switches on the fascia. Detroit Electric’s SAMI (Smartphone Application Managed Infotainment) application utilises an open-source Android operating system, which provides access to a wide range of functions, including music player, HVAC (heating, ventilating and air conditioning), satellite navigation and vehicle systems status, such as battery charge, V2X (Vehicle-to-Grid and Vehicle-to-Home) and other vehicle telemetry. 

Via mobile connectivity, SAMI can also be used to make mobile telephone calls, stream data and access the internet, while providing remote access to a range of vehicle functions, including the control of charging/discharging, climate control, and full vehicle telemetry. The open-source platform will enable Detroit Electric’s customers to access apps developed by third parties via SAMI’s in-car interface, providing numerous opportunities to enhance the user experience.

The SP:01 offers a choice of leather or Alcantara sports seats (black, with body-colour accents), power electric windows, power central locking, ambient cabin lighting, embroidered floor mats and Bluetooth connectivity. Customers can also choose to personalise their vehicle with seating and interior décor options, including coloured leather seats (red, beige, tan and black) or two-tone leather seats (black with a choice of red, beige, blue, orange or grey), and optional leather trim for door panels, door sills and dashboard.

A selection of bespoke alloy wheels, designed by Detroit Electric’s Head of Design, Jerry Chung and named ‘Anderson Diamond’, ‘Anderson Satin’ and ‘Anderson Gloss’ after the founder of Detroit Electric, William C. Anderson, will be available at launch.

Distributor partnerships

As Detroit Electric builds up to the start of full-scale production, the company recently announced the appointment of Integrated Energy as its official importer and distributor in South Korea. As part of the agreement, the first Detroit Electric showroom in Asia is scheduled to open in Seoul in early 2015. Detroit Electric and Integrated Energy will further extend their cooperation to develop V2X (Vehicle-to-Grid and Vehicle-to-Home) technology by establishing a pilot programme in Jeju Island, South Korea, with a fleet of vehicles supplied by Detroit Electric.

“This is a strategic step in the development of Detroit Electric business in the global market and we are delighted to partner with Integrated Energy to deliver our high performance vehicle and services to Korean customers,” commented Albert Lam, Chairman and Group CEO of Detroit Electric. “With the vision beyond the EV business, the joint V2X pilot project in Jeju Island with Integrated Energy will certainly be a showcase of our innovative technology and sustainable business model.”

Detroit Electric was revived in 2008 by Albert Lam, former Group CEO of the Lotus Engineering Group and Executive Director of Lotus Cars of England, with a vision to produce an electric vehicle that seamlessly integrates refined aesthetics, innovative technology and superior handling and performance.

Volkswagen showcases ultimate Amarok pick up, limited, so be quick.

• UK special-edition limited to 500 vehicles
• Highest standard specifications ever offered on an Amarok
• Prices start from just £29,555 (Ex VAT)
• On sale now

Volkswagen’s Amarok has always appealed to customers who appreciate the finer things in life.  So, to celebrate the very best the brand has to offer, buyers can now order the most luxurious version to date - the Amarok Ultimate. 

Limited to only 500 vehicles, the Amarok Ultimate showcases Volkswagen’s purposeful design and features a host of premium features that make it a truly unique package.

The exterior design is distinguished by bi-xenon headlights, 19–inch Aragonit polished alloy wheels and double chrome strips on the radiator grille. Available for the first time on an Amarok are striking LED daytime running lights that frame the headlights and give the vehicle a unique light signature at night.

Standard equipment also includes electrically foldable, heated and adjustable door mirrors featuring enhanced chrome detailing. Darkened tail light lenses and a new LED number plate light complete the exclusive exterior design package.

Inside, the Amarok Ultimate treats is occupants to a first-class travelling experience thanks to standard-fit Alcantara-trimmed seats, leather multifunction steering wheel, alloy pedal covers (automatic only), heated driver and front passenger seats and satellite navigation.  A reversing parking camera is also part of the Ultimate’s standard specification list, along with rear privacy glass and Bluetooth.

The Amarok Ultimate’s sleek appearance is matched by the power that drives it. The model comes with Volkswagen’s top of the range 2.0-litre BiTDI 180PS engine, offering up to 420 Nm of torque and a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,200 kg. 

Customers can choose between the six-speed manual selectable 4MOTION® or with eight-speed auto-permanent 4MOTION®. 

The Amarok Ultimate is available in two colours,Reflex Silver or Deep Black – both feature ‘Ultimate’ decals on the side doors.

Amarok Ultimate	Manual	Automatic
Engine	2.0 BiTDI (bi-turbo with intercooler)	2.0 BiTDI (bi-turbo with intercooler)
Power (PS/rpm)	180 PS at 4,000 rpm
Torque (Nm/rpm)	400 at 1,500-2,000	420 at 1,750
Number of gears	6	8
Top speed (mph)	111	108
0-62mph (seconds)	11.0	11.3
CO2 emissions (g/km)	211	224
Gross vehicle weight (kg)	3170
Unladen weight (kg)	2,100	2,099
Payload (kg)	1,070	1,071
Axle load limit front/rear (kg)	1,385/1,860	1,415/1,860
Towing limit (braked, kg)	3,000/750	3,200/750
Gross train weight (kg)	5,550	5,950
Fuel economy (mpg): Urban Extra-urban Combined	30.7 38.7 35.3	28.0 37.2 33.2

Retail prices start from £29,555 (excluding VAT) for the manual transmission and rise to £30,970 (excluding VAT) for the automatic transmission. The Amarok Ultimate is on sale now.