How to watch the 2023 Indy 500 in the UK

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May 28, 2023

Billed by American enthusiasts as ‘the greatest spectacle in racing’, the 107th Indianapolis 500 takes place this weekend.

The race will see 33 IndyCar drivers fight it out over 500 miles for one of the top prizes in motorsport. Expect plenty of high-speed action, close competition, and even a celebratory bottle of milk.

Our full guide contains all the key information you need to watch the Indy 500 – and enjoy a big slice of American racing here in the UK.

How can I watch the 2023 Indy 500 in the UK?

Sky Sports has the sole UK broadcast rights to the 2023 Indianapolis 500.

Sky Sports subscribers will be able to watch live via the Sky Sports F1 channel, following the conclusion of the Monaco Grand Prix. All the important build-up to the Indy 500 will air on the Sky Sports Arena channel.

General Sky subscribers can use the SkyGo app on their smartphone or mobile device to watch. Non-subscribers can purchase a Now TV Sky Sports day pass to watch the race. This can be used with a smart TV or compatible mobile device.

Is there a live stream for the 2023 Indy 500?

Sadly there is no official internet livestream for those wanting to watch the Indy 500 in the UK.

Viewers in the United States can watch online through the NBC Sports App, or via the NBC Sports website. NBC’s Peacock service will also cover the race in the USA.

What time does the 2023 Indy 500 start in the UK?

The Indy 500 starts relatively early in the United States, with race day traditions beginning at 9am local time on Sunday in Indianapolis. Cars will start appearing on the grid at around 10:30am – equivalent to 3:30pm British Summer Time (BST).

Sky’s coverage of the build-up to the Indy 500 will begin on Sky Sports Arena at 3:30pm BST, with Sky Sports F1 airing the race from 5:30pm BST.

After all the elaborate processions and ceremonies have taken place, the racing should finally begin at 12.45pm local time, or 5.45pm BST.

How many fans will be at the 2023 Indy 500?

Coronavirus meant that the 2020 Indy 500 took place without any fans present in the gigantic grandstands. And in 2021, the race was limited to 135,000 spectators.

Although this may sound like a large crowd, it meant the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was only operating at 40 percent capacity.

Last year, the crowd returned to full size – and for 2023 this should deliver an expected attendance of 300,000 spectators.

Who is on pole position for the 2023 Indy 500?

Everything is bigger at the Indy 500, including a qualifying process that takes place over two days. From the full field of 34 drivers, only 33 are able to start the race. This meant Graham Rahal was the unfortunate driver ‘bumped’ from the grid for 2023, before his unexpected return.

Drivers get four laps in each qualifying run, with an average speed then calculated. The fastest 12 drivers get to run again, fighting it out for a place in the final six, and the chance to claim pole position.

For 2023, Spain’s Alex Palou, the 2021 IndyCar champion, has emerged in pole position. This comes after he won the 2023 Indianapolis GMR Grand Prix earlier in the month.

Palou’s average qualifying speed of 234.217mph saw him claim the second-fastest Indy 500 qualifying time in history.

Which pace car is being used for the 2023 Indy 500?

The official pace car for the 2023 Indy 500 is the mid-engined Chevrolet Corvette Z06, in hardtop convertible guise.

It marks the 20th time a Corvette has been used as a pace car for the event, and the 34th time for a Chevrolet. The Bowtie brand first led the field in 1948, and has held a monopoly on the pace car role since 2002.

Will Romain Grosjean drive in the 2023 Indy 500?

Romain Grosjean exited Formula One in dramatic fashion at the end of the 2020 season, surviving a terrifying accident in the Bahrain Grand Prix. With no Formula One drive lined up for 2021, he made the move across the Atlantic for IndyCar.

When Grosjean initially switched to IndyCar, he was only contracted for races held on street and road courses. This was to avoid putting his family through the additional stress of him competing on high-speed circuits.

However, for 2022 and beyond, Romain has been allowed to enter all races with the Andretti Autosport team. This includes the Indy 500, where he will line-up 19th on the grid.

Are any British drivers in the 2023 Indy 500?

The 2023 Indy 500 sees three British competitors hoping to take victory in the American classic race.

The top British driver in the 2023 Indy 500 is Cambridge’s very own Callum Ilott. Competing in the Indy 500 for the second time, Ilott managed to qualify in 28th position.

Starting 33rd, and last, on the grid is Lincoln-born Jack Harvey. The 30-year-old driver has competed in IndyCar since 2017 but, like others in the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing team, he struggled in qualifying. Harvey managed to secure the final place on the grid with a last-gasp run.

Katherine Legge is making her return to the Indy 500 for the first time since 2013, and is the only female driver on the grid for 2023. She emerged as the top Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing competitor, and took 30th position on the grid.

Stefan Wilson, younger brother of the late Justin Wilson, was due to start the 2023 Indy 500 in 24th position. However, a collision with Katherine Legge in practice saw Sheffield-born Stefan sidelined, with Graham Rahal returning to take his seat instead.

What other big-name drivers are in the 2023 Indy 500?

What makes the Indy 500 special is that experienced drivers will frequently make a return to racing, just to compete in this great event. Teams will sometimes field extra cars to accommodate iconic drivers, just for the one-off race.

Brazilian driver Helio Castroneves is one of the heroes returning to the Indy 500 grid for 2023, doing so as a four-time winner of the race. Helio last won the Indy 500 in 2021, and will be looking to use his talent and experience to do so again this year. The 48-year-old is driving for the Meyer Shank Racing team, and will start from 20th place.

Tony Kanaan, another 48-year-old Brazilian driver, will start the 2023 Indy 500 with a great chance at claiming a second victory. Kanaan took glory back in 2013, and is pictured kissing the yard of bricks in celebration.

Starting from sixth on the grid, and driving for the competitive Arrow McLaren team, TK has a fantastic opportunity to take glory on Sunday.

Why does the Indy 500 circuit feature a yard of bricks?

When the Indianapolis Motor Speedway first opened in 1909, the track surface was covered in a combination of soil, gravel and limestone covered in tar. Fatal accidents after only the first three days of racing led to the need for a new track covering.

Bricks were chosen as offering the best traction, with 3.2 million bricks used to pave the 2.5-mile circuit. This resulted in the nickname of ‘The Brickyard’, with the bricks remaining until 1961.

With the track now covered with asphalt, a symbolic yard of bricks was left to mark the finish line.

Why does the Indy 500 winner drink a bottle of milk?

Arguably one of the strangest traditions in the Indianapolis 500 is the winning driver drinking a bottle of milk to celebrate.

The tradition began in 1933, after Louis Meyer took his second Indy 500 victory. Meyer chose to drink buttermilk after the race, believing it would be refreshing on a hot day. He did the same again after his third Indy win in 1936.

A dairy company executive saw a photo of Meyer drinking milk, leading to the beverage being offered to future Indy 500 winners. Today, the Indiana Dairy association gives the winning driver $10,000 for choosing to drink milk as part of their post-race celebration.

Pictured above is Hélio Castroneves, celebrating his fourth Indy 500 win in 2021.

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UK electric car choice quadruples in five years

By

Richard Aucock

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May 25, 2023

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The choice of new electric cars available to buy in the UK has quadrupled in five years, says the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

There are now around 80 electric models on sale, compared with 21 in 2018. This means that almost one in four new car models is now available with electric power.

Car buyers are increasingly responding to the change, says the automotive trade body. More than 750,000 Brits have already made the switch, and new electric car registrations have risen by more than a quarter so far in 2023.

“Britain’s drivers are benefiting from the massive investment made by manufacturers over many years to deliver an electric car choice for every need,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.

Range anxiety should become a thing of the past as well, reckons the SMMT. Its data shows the average distance a new electric car can travel on a single charge is 236 miles – and for new cars being launched in 2023, it is almost 300 miles. This is around three times the distance an average UK driver travels in a week.

SMMT data also shows there are a further 94 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models and 42 hybrid (HEV) models on sale. It means electrified cars make up almost two in three new cars on sale.

Support for EVs

While the automotive industry is doing its part, it is now time for the government and legislation to step up. “We now require a framework that ensures everyone can benefit from zero emission mobility,” said Mike Hawes.

The SMMT is again calling for improvements to the UK’s charging infrastructure. While more than £2 billion has been committed by the UK government to increase public chargepoint provision, binding targets on chargepoint rollout could help accelerate infrastructure growth.

Such targets would also complement targets on new EV sales due to be set by the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate.

The SMMT is also seeking a “fair and forward-looking” VED (road tax) regime, a fiscal framework that supports company car drivers, and added incentives for private car buyers. It says reducing the VAT paid at public chargepoints to the same level as charging at home would make things fair for all, too.

“These vehicles already offer an outstanding driving experience, but motorists should have lower total running costs, no matter where they live or work, with fair taxation that inspires instead of impedes,” continued Hawes.

“With infrastructure provision accelerated ahead of need, the UK can have a healthy, vibrant market, with ever more model choice to keep the UK as a world leader in net-zero transport.”

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New Aston Martin DB12: suave ‘super-tourer’ debuts with 680hp and new tech

New Aston Martin DB12: suave ‘super tourer’ debuts with 680hp and new tech

By

Tim Pitt

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May 25, 2023

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What car will 007 drive when he next screeches onto our screens? This one, probably. The 26th instalment of the James Bond franchise isn’t due until 2025, but don’t be surprised if MI6’s finest rocks up in an Aston Martin DB12.

Let’s hope so, because the new DB12 certainly looks the part. With a 680hp twin-turbo V8 under its bulging bonnet, it could also lay waste to a few trigger-happy henchmen on a perilous mountain road.

Aston Martin says this is ‘the world’s first super tourer‘ and the start of a new era for the esteemed yet embattled British brand. We’ll be driving the DB12 next month – on perilous mountain roads, no less. Until then, here is everything you need to know.

Licence to thrill

The heart of the DB12 is a reworked version of Aston Martin’s proven 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. Larger turbochargers, new cam profiles and improved cooling result in 680hp at 6,000rpm, alongside a brawny 561lb ft of torque from 2,750rpm (the outgoing DB11 V8, for comparison, mustered 535hp and 513lb ft).

With a dry weight of 1,685kg – reckon on close to 1,800kg with fluids – that’s enough to propel the DB12 to 62mph in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 202mph. Chief engineer Roberto Fedeli promises an “exciting soundtrack” from the switchable exhaust, too.

Power reaches the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. There’s no old-school manual alternative, but you can take control via paddles behind the steering wheel. Brakes are iron discs or optional carbon-ceramics – the latter saving 27kg in unsprung weight – while the bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport 5S tyres were developed specifically for the DB12.

What goes on tour…

Whether you call it a ‘super tourer’ or a supercar, the DB12 remains a GT in the traditional sense: a car built for long European road trips – or revisiting your childhood home in the Scottish Highlands, perhaps?

The default GT drive mode, selected via a knurled controller on the centre console, is said to offer ‘a luxurious ride quality… for sublime yet agile cruising’. Switching to Sport or Sport+ ramps up the intensity, plus there’s a new Wet mode tailor-made for British weather.

This is also the first DB model with an electronic rear differential. Unlike a mechanical diff, it can switch from open to fully locked in milliseconds, helping to enhance turn-in and improve stability at speed. Where conditions allow, it should also help the DB12 go sideways…

‘The sharpest DB ever’

That brings us to the sportier side of the DB12’s character. Aston Martin promises ‘the sharpest DB ever’ along with ‘class-leading driving dynamics’. When your rivals include the McLaren Artura and Maserati MC20, that’s a bold claim.

The car’s bonded aluminium structure is seven percent stiffer than a DB11 and its non-isolated steering column is said to offer improved feedback. We recently tried a similar setup on the run-out Aston Martin DBS 770 Ultimate and were genuinely wowed by how alert and focused it felt.

Drivers can choose from four settings for the stability control: Wet, On, Track and Off. The system relies on numerous sensors around the car, including a new six-axis inertia unit, and is calibrated to work in the background, intervening as unobtrusively as possible.

As seen on screens

If one aspect of the DB11 cried out for an update, it was the interior. Thankfully, its successor boasts an entirely new cabin that banishes the ancient Mercedes-Benz media system for good.

This time, Aston Martin has developed its own in-house infotainment, with two 10.25-inch screens, 3D navigation, online connectivity – including over-the-air software updates – and a dedicated smartphone app. You can also link up your phone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The driver and front passenger are cocooned by a high centre console with a mixture of analogue switches and digital controls. Buyers can pick from hand-stitched leather or Alcantara upholstery, plus endless options for personalisation via Aston Martin’s ‘Q’ division. The DB12’s surround-sound audio system comes from Bowers and Wilkins, the British company that also supplies McLaren.

DB12 gives you wings

Lastly, there’s how it looks. The DB12 is clearly part of a bloodline that began with the DB7 in 1994, but its taut contours and athletic stance are definitely more Daniel Craig than Pierce Brosnan.

Riding on 21-inch forged alloy wheels, it sports frameless wing mirrors, pop-out door handles and a new version of the Aston Martin ‘wings’ badge. Design boss Merek Reichmann says: “We’ve fused everything together on the DB12 – the handling, dynamics, powertrain, sense of space, and styling – and we’ve done it to the max through technology to deliver this new category of performance-design driving experience”.

Whatever the end result – even if, God forbid, Bond went back to BMWs – the DB12 is an incredibly important car for Aston Martin. Come back to Motoring Research soon for our full first drive.

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Goodwood Festival of Speed 2023: What we’re looking forward to

By

Hardie Roberts

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May 23, 2023

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The Goodwood Festival of Speed 2023 takes place from 13-16 July in the beautiful grounds of Goodwood House, West Sussex. Our hope is for glorious sunshine – and that some contemporary F1 drivers will make an appearance before jetting off to Budapest for the Hungarian Grand Prix.

This year marks several important anniversaries, including the 30th Festival of Speed since its inception in 1993. That first event was a relatively humble affair, with only 2,000 people predicted to attend.

In fact, 25,000 joined the likes of George Harrison and Nick Mason, convincing the former Earl of March – now the Duke of Richmond – that he’d started something special.

Celebrating 75 years of Porsche

The Festival of Speed grew almost exponentially into the behemoth we know today, with classic and contemporary racing cars quickly becoming a permanent fixture.

At the turn of the century, the major car brands joined the party, along with technology partners, extreme sports stars and just about anything with wheels and an engine. Today, Goodwood hosts one of the best motoring events on the planet.

For 2023, the ‘central feature’ sculpture celebrates 75 years of Porsche, with numerous famous German road and racing cars taking to the hillclimb throughout the four-day event.

Le Mans legends in action

Porsches will be ever-present in celebrating the centenary of Le Mans, too – expect to see the legendary 917 in action on the hill. Another invited great from the 24-hour race is the Mazda 787B (pictured above). With its piercingly loud rotary engine, it remains the only Japanese car to win Le Mans outright.

The shriek of Formula One engines will also slice through the summer air. Four-time F1 champion Sebastian Vettel will entertain the crowds in Nigel Mansell’s championship-winning Williams FW14B and Ayrton Senna’s McLaren MP4/8. Vettel’s passion for the environment means the cars will run solely on sustainable fuel.

Might we also see another hillclimb record? Nick Heidfeld’s time of 41.6 seconds, set in 1999 in the McLaren MP4/13, still stands in the non-electric category. For those lucky enough to witness Max Chilton’s record-breaking electric run of 39.08 seconds last year, set in the radical McMurtry Speirling, the same car will return to have another crack at bending space and time.

The unofficial British motor show

Beyond the track, the Festival of Speed also looks to the EV future. Electric Avenue showcases the very latest battery-electric vehicles, from urban runabouts to seven-figure hypercars, flanked by interactive activities for visitors of all ages.

Eleswhere, the Supercar Paddock brings together many of the fastest and most exciting cars in the world. Highlights from 2022 included the Mercedes-AMG One, Ferrari SP3 Daytona and Czinger 21C. We got our first look at the BMW M3 Touring (pictured above), too.

The paddock is where the Festival of Speed shows its intimate side, as fans get up-close with famous machines. You can feel the ground shake as an F1 car fires up, or possibly indulge in a bit of celeb-spotting.

A glamorous garden party

Lastly, if you want to escape the commotion, the Cartier Style & Luxe lawn features the most elegant concours cars and radical concept vehicles, all displayed for your viewing pleasure.

Tickets for the 2023 Festival of Speed cost from £60 and are available from the Goodwood website. You can spend vastly more on various hospitality packages, but honestly, we wouldn’t bother. Just take a packed lunch and enjoy the spectacle. It’s really about the cars, after all.

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Car crime on the rise: vehicle thefts rocket by 25% in 2022

By

Richard Aucock

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May 23, 2023

1

Vehicle thefts rose by almost a quarter last year, new figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) – and released to the AA – have revealed.

The total number of vehicle thefts increased from 104,435 in 2022 to 130,389 in 2023: an increase of 24.9 percent.

Thefts from vehicles also climbed by 9.9 percent, with almost 213,000 people having items stolen from their car or van.

The true figure is likely to be higher still, adds the ONS. Devon and Cornwall Police were unable to supply any statistics.

“These figures are in danger of getting out of control,” said AA Insurance Services MD, Guy Park. “This would have significant cost implications, both in terms of the impact to wider society as well as the price policy holders pay.

“We urge police chiefs and crime commissioners across the country to create an action plan to crack the issue.”

Car crime goes high-tech

The latest vehicle theft figures show how car crime has gone high-tech. Relay theft, key cloning and signal blocking continue to be the main methods of illegally obtaining vehicles.

Indeed, as carmakers improve key security and advise motorists to put keys ‘to sleep’ in order to reduce these types of offence, the AA warns that criminals have developed even more advanced practices to attack car security systems.

This is why experts are advising motorists use a physical steering wheel lock; it is a device that cannot be overcome by the technology used by gangs to steal cars.

When it comes to theft from vehicles, more ‘traditional’ techniques such as smashing windows and forcing doors are the preferred methods.

Keeping items hidden away, or not storing valuables in vehicles, may encourage the thief to move on to the next car, rather than attacking your own.

“There is no one thing that can guarantee keeping your car safe from theft, but just making it a bit harder for the thieves can make it less likely that they’ll go for your car,” adds Guy Park.

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How you can report an unsafe lorry, coach or bus driver

By

Motoring Research team

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May 22, 2023

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A large white truck speeds around a wet, curving road surrounded by trees, while cloudy skies loom above. No landmarks are visible.

Have you witnessed an unsafe HGV, bus or coach driver? If you believe one of these vehicles has broken road safety rules, you can report the incident to the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Legitimate reasons to contact the DVSA about a commercial vehicle or public transport driver include:

Breaking drivers’ hours rules (i.e. driving for too long between breaks)
Overloading a vehicle
Using vehicles that are unsafe or unroadworthy
Carrying dangerous or hazardous goods without permission
Driving an excessively smoky and polluting lorry, bus or coach
Using emissions ‘cheat’ devices

Doing so could help improve safety on Britain’s roads and even save lives. So what are the next steps?

What information is required?

A street scene in Belfast shows a bus lane, several cars, and a person walking. Titan signage visible on the sidewalk.

If you decide to report a lorry, bus or coach driver, the DVSA will need to know:

Who is involved (the driver or company name)
The registration number of the vehicle(s) in question
The reason for the complaint
When and where the incident took place.

There are three ways to submit the information:

Email: enquiries@dvsa.gov.uk
Telephone: 0800 030 4103 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6pm)
Post: Intelligence Unit, DVSA, The Ellipse, Padley Road, Swansea, SA1 8AN

Can I report a driver anonymously?

Several trucks and cars traveling on a busy highway. Overcast sky and bare trees visible in background. No specific landmarks or buildings.

The DVSA says it won’t ever ask for names or contact details, phone calls will not be traced and statements will not be required.

Also, if you wish to remain anonymous. you will not be called as a witness or be asked to appear in court.

However, anyone willing to supply details may be contacted for more information. And they could be asked to provide a statement or act as a witness, so think carefully before you submit the information.

What happens after a report is made?

Several white tour buses are parked in a row under a blue sky with clouds. No notable landmarks or people are present.

The DVSA will review the information you provide before deciding whether or not to examine the case.

Other government agencies or the police might then get involved, depending on the severity of the incident.

You will receive feedback after the investigation, when official proceedings have ended. The DVSA cannot provide feedback on an ongoing case, however.

How to report other crimes

A row of white trucks parked in an industrial area, with pallets and a domed structure in the background on a cloudy day.

The process is different for other, non-vehicle-related offences, such as drink driving, speeding and driving while disqualified. In such cases, you should contact the police first.

To complain about a bus driver being rude or buses not arriving as per the timetable, visit the Bus Users website.

If the bus service was in London or Northern Ireland, you should contact London TravelWatch or the Consumer Council for Northern Ireland respectively.

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Kamm 912c is a fresh twist on the Porsche restomod recipe

By

Hardie Roberts

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May 19, 2023

0

Q. When is a 911 not a 911? A. When it’s a Porsche 912. Long before the Cayman and Boxster – and before even the 924 and 914 – this was a budget version of the world’s most famous sports car. It looked like a 911, but had a four-cylinder engine in place of the usual flat-six.

There’s nothing ‘budget’ about the Kamm 912c, a Hungarian restomod priced from £312,000 – or £278,000 if you provide your own Porsche. You may have seen the 912c prototype reviewed in the press last year, but this is our first look at the production version, complete with lots more carbon fibre and an uprated engine.

We’ve already seen countless restomod 911s from the likes of Singer, Theon Design and Paul Stephens AutoArt, but a 912 is an intriguing alternative. One of its chief advantages is light weight: Kamm quotes just 750kg with fluids. For context, that’s nearly 400kg lighter than a basic Ford Fiesta.

Punching above its weight

The 2.0-litre four is rebuilt by Swiss motorsport experts JPS, revs to 7,200rpm and produces 190hp. That’s a specific output of 95hp per litre, or ‘the highest horsepower per litre of any air-cooled street engine’. For comparison, the iconic 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS mustered just 78hp per litre.

With electronic fuel injection, a Life Racing ECU and DBW throttle bodies, the motor is said to deliver ‘constant performance levels in all environments’. Open the rear lid and it looks mouth-watering, too, especially the unadorned carbon fan shroud.

In terms of body and chassis mods, you’ll find Lexan polycarbonate windows, TracTive semi-active coilover suspension and AP racing brakes, including a hydraulic handbrake. Steel-look alloy wheels are optional, or you can choose classic Fuchs or 917-style split-rims.

Want more carbon fibre to accentuate the 912’s small ‘c’? A fully carbon body shell is available, improving rigidity and further reducing weight.

Hungary for more

Inside, the simple cabin prioritises functionality and feedback, with classic Porsche-replica seats, lightweight carpets and electric air conditioning.

A carbon fibre gear lever stirs the five-speed ‘box, which has a racing-style dog-leg first gear. The other key touch-points are a three-spoke Momo steering wheel and AP Racing pedal box.

Each 912c is built to order in Budapest and fully bespoke. The first production car is destined for the USA, with two build slots remaining for 2023. Kamm founder Miklós Kázmér said: “The 912c is designed to be as usable as a modern car but retains the driving experience of a classic racing car. We provide reliability and performance with the analogue feel you would expect from a sports car of the sixties, and this makes it unique in the restomod sector.”

We’ll be driving this first production Kamm 912c next month, so come back to Motoring Research soon for our first drive verdict.

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F1 star Lando Norris takes delivery of custom McLaren 765LT Spider

By

Hardie Roberts

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May 17, 2023

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One of the benefits of being a Formula One driver is a steady supply of cool company cars. Back in 2019, a fresh-faced Lando Norris took delivery of an orange McLaren 570S. Four years later, the F1 ace has upgraded to a 765LT Spider.

Norris collected his car from the futuristic McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, Surrey. The 765LT Spider has been modified by McLaren’s in-house MSO division to the 23-year-old driver’s exact spec, including body panels in blue-tinted visual carbon fibre and bright ‘Lando Yellow’ highlights. An ‘LN’ monogram is embossed onto the headrests of the blue Alcantara seats.

This unique Spider is one of 765 cars made, all of which have now been sold. “I’ve been able to drive a lot of different McLarens, but this is the first car that I’ve designed – this is me in a car,” said Norris.

“I’m a carbon lover, the more carbon I can have, the better. But I didn’t want to have my logo everywhere, I wanted something a bit more subtle and MSO has done a fantastic job to realise my vision.”

Along came a Spider

McLaren launched the 765LT – a harder, faster version of the 720S – in 2020, then the Spider version followed in 2022. It’s the latest in a ‘Longtail’ bloodline that stretches right back to the McLaren F1.

Powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, the 765LT Spider can hit 62mph in a blistering 2.8 seconds. Our review said: ‘The 4.0-litre V8 actually feels a little flat below 3,000rpm, but then it takes off like a lit firework. You’re pinned into the seat, involuntarily holding your breath, fingertips on the right paddle as you watch the change-up lights then grab the next gear. It’s intense.

‘Thankfully, at least for your licence’s sake, the LT is also engaging at sensible speeds. Its hydraulic steering – with a slower ratio for the Spider – is alive with constant feedback, while impressive visibility helps you place it precisely and use every inch of road.’

Compared with Lando’s McLaren MCL60 daily-driver, a 765LT Spider probably feels quite tame. But as a road car, it’s as wild and exhilarating as they come.

From racetrack to road

The MCL60 has come up short from the outset of this season, with McLaren fans left disappointed by its performance. In truth, they may need to look to 2024, as it will be next month before the team’s new wind tunnel is installed and further development can truly take place.

Away from the track, as 765LT production winds down, the men and women of Woking are turning their attention to the new 750S: the lightest and most powerful series-production McLaren ever made. Read our full preview for all the details

The 750S will make its public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this summer. Will Lando Norris be there to pull the covers off – or perhaps do a flat-out demo run up the famous Goodwood hillclimb? Don’t bet against it.

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Concours on Savile Row brings rare classics to free London event

By

John Redfern

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May 17, 2023

0

London’s Savile Row – famous for its high-end tailors – plays host to a display of rare and exotic retro cars next week.

The second Concours on Savile Row promises to be even grander than 2022’s event, with more cars and additional supporting partners.

Taking place on Wednesday 24 May and Thursday 25 May 2023, the covers come off at 10am and the event remains open – with the street closed to normal traffic – until 8pm on both days. Concours on Savile Row is free to attend, with no tickets required.

Classic or electro?

With an expanded array of cars, Concours on Savile Row will stretch the length of the street, seeing cars paired with particular tailors. For 2023, the show has also expanded around the corner, into the area outside the Royal Academy of Arts on Burlington Gardens.

Vehicles on show this year will span everything from a 1957 Ferrari 250 GT Spyder Competizione to a brand new Aston Martin DBX707 SUV.

New marques taking part include Callum Design with its restomod Vanquish 25, and RML with its Ferrari-based Short Wheelbase supercar. Electrified exotics will also be present, including the Bentley S2 Continental by Lunaz and Superformance GT40 from Everrati.

Alfa Romeo is using the event to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Quadrifoglio badge, while Audi will display past and present models with Quattro four-wheel drive.

A red-carpet debut

The significance of the Concours on Savile Row was demonstrated last year by the UK debuts of the Czinger 21C hypercar (pictured above) and McLaren Artura.

On the first evening of the event, EFG Private Bank and the Royal Academy of Arts will host a gala dinner in the Collections Gallery. The Academy will also lead a roundtable discussion on the topic of ‘investment-level collector cars that transcend the car hobby and become rolling works of art’.

Craft displays, live music and pop-up refreshment stalls will complete the event. The weather forecast looks good at the moment, too…

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Hennessey opens new London showroom

Hennessey London opens at new Mayfair showroom

By

John Redfern

-

May 16, 2023

0

Texas-based tuning company and hypercar maker Hennessey has opened a new dealership in the heart of London.

A partnership with H.R. Owen will see Hennessey vehicles sold from a showroom in Bruton Street, Mayfair. Hennessey will also be represented at H.R. Owen’s ‘super site’ in Hatfield, Hertfordshire.

The new Hennessey London location was chosen to ‘serve affluent residents’ in the capital, along with providing a gateway to customers in Europe.

Pushing performance boundaries

John Hennessey established his eponymous company in 1991, quickly building a reputation for extreme tuned cars. In 2011, Hennessey released the Venom GT, a highly modified version of the Lotus Elise that set several (unofficial) world speed records.

Hennessey London will sell vehicles developed from the Venom F5 hypercar. Powered by a 1,817hp 6.6-litre twin-turbo ‘Fury’ V8, the F5 is predicted to be capable of more than 300mph.

At launch, Hennessey noted that the Venom F5 could be built in right-hand-drive form.

John Hennessey said: “We are very pleased to partner with H.R. Owen, the UK’s leading luxury motor group. Its team’s hypercar experience allows us to confidently expand our footprint, knowing that our clientele will be in the care of professionals. We are honoured to align with a professional team that shares our family ideals, brand vision and passion for ultimate performance.”

Hypercar heritage

Although all the planned 24 examples of the Venom F5 Coupe have been sold, Hennessey has since added new variants, including an open-top Roadster.

A track-orientated ‘Revolution’ model was revealed earlier this year, with wild aerodynamic additions to generate 635kg of downforce at 249mph.

Ken Choo, CEO of H.R. Owen, said: “The H.R. Owen Group looks to brands that relentlessly innovate, seeking to be the best no matter the cost or complexity. Hennessey is the perfect addition to our portfolio of partners, with a storied heritage, a proven hypercar that has already received critical acclaim, and a forward-facing vision of the future of performance.”

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