Bring a Trailer has just closed its 100,000th auction with this Datsun

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March 7, 2023

Auction website Bring a Trailer (BaT) is celebrating the end of its 100,000th auction, marking a major milestone for the online platform.

Started as a blog by Randy Nonnenberg in 2007, BaT has grown to become a leading destination for enthusiasts to buy and sell cars.

Datsun 240Zs have become a staple of BaT auctions. It was therefore fitting that the 100,000 car sold would be this Lime Yellow example, owned by Bring a Trailer Media LLC since 2018.

It even made an appearance in our own ‘behind the scenes’ look at the auction company in 2019, seen residing in the company’s San Francisco headquarters.

An icon of the Bring a Trailer community

Since being added to the BaT fleet in 2018, the Datsun has made multiple event appearances across the United States. This included taking part in events such as the Copperstate Rally, Targa Baja California, and the three-day Overcrest Rally.

It also proved to be a star attraction at several BaT alumni gatherings, held at WeatherTech Laguna Seca Raceway.

Bidding for the special Datsun was predictably intense, with the final winning bid a substantial $124,240 (£105,000).

The car also attracted a huge number of comments from the extensive BaT community, something which has shaped the direction of the auction site over many years.

Building a bright yellow future

For the substantial sale price, the new owner will have a Datsun 240Z powered by an upgraded Rebello Racing straight-six engine. Multiple modifications helped push its total output to a dynamometer-tested 203 hp with an accompanying 190 lb-ft of torque at the rear wheels.

A new five-speed manual transmission was installed prior to the auction, with multiple brake and suspension upgrades having previously been fitted. A set of 16-inch Panasport alloy wheels completed the exterior makeover.

All of the money raised from the auction, including the BaT buyer’s fee, will be donated to the Piston Foundation. This charity helps young technicians build careers in the collector car industry, by funding programs in the skilled trades

It all makes for a successful outcome from BaT’s milestone 100,000th auction event.

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Electrified black cabs now outnumber diesels in London

By

John Redfern

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March 7, 2023

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There are now more London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) TX taxis on the streets of London than diesel TX4s.

The electrified TX, a range-extender hybrid, now represents 40 percent of the officially licensed black cabs covering the capital.

More than 6,000 examples of the Coventry-built TX are working in London. LEVC says this is helping the city transition to a greener fleet of hackney carriages.

A greener black cab

First launched in 2018, the LEVC TX uses a plug-in hybrid drivetrain to offer zero emissions capability. The rear electric motor is solely driven by battery power, which can be recharged by plugging in, or via the on-board 1.5-litre petrol engine.

There is no link between the internal combustion engine and the driven wheels, with petrol power used solely to extend battery range.

Used in pure electric mode, the TX is capable of covering up to 78 miles. With the range extender engine, this is stretched to 333 miles.

The TX boasts space for six passengers inside, and is the only black cab capable of accommodating a forward-facing wheelchair. Luxury car specialists Clive Sutton have even created a VIP version, designed for low-key chauffeured luxury.

Lowering emissions for London

LEVC calculates that since being launched, TX models have accumulated more than 534 million miles across the globe. This is said to have prevented 162,000 tonnes of CO2 from being emitted into the atmosphere.

Alex Nan, CEO of LEVC, commented: “We are witnessing a significant tipping point in the push towards cleaner transportation, with the TX overtaking the diesel-powered TX4 as the cab of choice in London.

“Since LEVC launched the revolutionary TX taxi, it has successfully delivered an unrivalled sustainable mobility solution, perfectly suited for urban environments. With each new TX on the road, we are preventing thousands of tonnes of harmful emissions, helping to create healthier and happier cities.”

Helen Chapman, Transport for London’s director of licensing and regulation, added: “London’s taxi drivers are rightfully proud to be at the vanguard of cleaning up the city’s toxic air. The step-change in the taxi fleet moving to zero-emissions capable is an important part of the bold action the Mayor is taking to deal with the public health crisis that is being caused by deadly pollution, and for tackling the climate emergency.”

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Vauxhall grabs 1-2 in February’s best-selling new cars chart

By

John Redfern

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March 7, 2023

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Vauxhall is celebrating a 1-2 finish in the February 2023 new car sales charts, following the release of Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) registration data.

The Vauxhall Corsa took the top spot as last month’s best-selling new car, with 2,818 examples sold. It was followed by the Vauxhall Mokka in second place, with 1,805 being registered.

Healthy outlook for new car sales

Crossover SUVs like the Mokka proved popular in February, with the Nissan Juke in third place, followed by the Ford Puma. The Hyundai Tucson claimed fifth in the sales charts, with seven of the top ten best-sellers being SUVs.

New car sales as a whole increased by 26.2 percent in February, representing the seventh month of growth in the marketplace.

Hybrid electric vehicles saw a considerable 40 percent jump in sales, with battery electric registrations rising by 18.2 percent. Plug-in hybrids increased by only 1 percent, whilst diesel sales fell by 7 percent.

The SMMT expects sales of new plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles to reach 488,000. However, it says that the “upcoming Budget must deliver measures” that continue to help sales of electrified models.

Vivaro electrifies new van sales

Vauxhall also claimed another top spot in the February 2023 sales charts, thanks to the electric Vivaro van.

It achieved the result of being the best-selling electric Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) in the UK for the month, with 264 examples finding new homes. Combined with the smaller Combi Electric, it means one-in-four electric vans sold had a Vauxhall badge.

Overall van sales increased by 8.5 percent in February, marking the best month for LCV registrations in 25 years. However, total electric van registrations fell by 44.5 percent compared to February 2022.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Following a torrid 2022, the UK van market is returning to sustained growth that is exceeding even pre-pandemic levels. Given the importance of vans to keeping the British economy and society on the move, this growth is good news.

“With the ZEV market still at a very early stage, however, a concerted effort by all stakeholders to accelerate van-suitable chargepoint installation must become an urgent priority, enabling long-term net zero fleet investment at the scale necessary.”

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New Audis to feature YouTube, Spotify, TikTok and other apps

By

John Redfern

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March 6, 2023

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Audi has announced a major update for its in-car MMI infotainment system, including a brand-new app store.

Due for release in summer 2023, the app store will allow Audi drivers to download a host of new applications.

The change means third-party apps can be installed directly into the MMI system, without the need to use a smartphone.

Check out the TikTok trends

A variety of different app categories will be offered at launch, including music, navigation, parking, weather and productivity. For instance, the music options include big-name applications such as Spotify, Amazon Music and Tidal.

Jonathan Tarlton, business development lead at Spotify, says the new platform means “Spotify now feels like it’s seamlessly built into the car. Whether it’s your favourite song, podcast or audiobook, our listeners can now soundtrack their ride in a fun and easy way”.

TikTok will also be one of the available apps to download. This follows news that the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz E-Class will incorporate the infamous social media app into its infotainment system.

Other apps available to Audi Drivers include YouTube, The Weather Channel, Webex remote conferencing and the Vivaldi open web browser.

Audi first, Volkswagens later

The new infotainment system update has been developed by Cariad, the Volkswagen Group’s independent automotive software company.

The Audi A3, A4, A5, Q5, A6, A7, A8, Q8 e-tron and E-tron GT will be the first models to receive the updated technology, starting in June 2023. It will expand to the rest of the Audi range later in the year, with other Volkswagen Group cars to follow.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto users need not worry, however. Audi says it will continue to offer support, via smartphone integration, for those who prefer to mirror their apps instead.

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Honda builds a CR-V powered by an IndyCar race engine

By

John Redfern

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March 3, 2023

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Honda has made a CR-V powered by an IndyCar hybrid engine

Honda has created a one-off, extreme version of its CR-V SUV, fitting the engine from an IndyCar racer.

The CR-V Hybrid Racer was designed by Honda Performance Development (HPD) as a ‘rolling electrified laboratory’.

It previews the hybrid twin-turbocharged V6 engine that will be used by Honda-powered IndyCars for the 2024 season.

Hybrid theory in practice

Compared with a regular Honda CR-V, the Hybrid Racer is somewhat more extreme. A Chromoly tube frame chassis has been used, with the electrified V6 mounted in the middle.

The top half of the bodywork is taken from a standard production CR-V, but the lower half is made of carbon-composite. This includes the jutting front splitter, huge rear wing and numerous vents and flares.

Butterfly doors allow the driver and passenger to climb inside the spartan cabin, which features the steering wheel from an IndyCar.

Other special components include rear suspension from a Dallara IndyCar, with the front setup borrowed from an HPD-developed Acura NSX GT3.

A beast on the streets

A blue and red livery contains a number of ‘easter eggs’, such as ghosted images of Honda-sponsored race tracks and an overhead view of the engine beneath.

“This project vehicle is an IndyCar beast in Honda CR-V sheep’s clothing,” said David Salters, president and technical director at HPD.

According to Salters, the CR-V Hybrid Racer will be used to investigate “where HPD and Honda could go with electrification, hybrid technology and 100 percent renewable fuels. It epitomises Honda’s fun-to-drive ethos, showcases electrification and it just rocks our car culture roots and racing heritage.”

The CR-V Hybrid Racer will make its public debut at this weekend’s NTT IndyCar Series season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Florida. It will also appear at other IndyCar events throughout the year.

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Electric car ownership ‘a gateway to green living’

By

John Redfern

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March 3, 2023

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Electric car owners are seven times more likely to have solar panels fitted to their homes, compared to the national average.

It means nearly a third of EV drivers can potentially use the sun’s energy to charge their car, avoiding high energy prices.

In addition, more than one in 10 EV drivers have a home battery to store surplus energy.

These are some of the findings from the latest EV Charging Survey, conducted each year by the Zap-Map website.

Keen to go green

Zap-Map’s research suggests that electric vehicles can be a gateway to green technologies, although high initial costs may still be a barrier.

Owning an electric car means drivers are 20 percent more likely to have a smart meter fitted at home. Almost three-quarters (72 percent) of EV owners have a way of tracking their energy usage, compared to a national average of 50 percent.

When it comes to the latest clean energy technology, seven percent of EV owners have a heat pump instead of a gas boiler. For comparison, only one percent of the wider population has a heat pump.

Upfront costs still a barrier

Additional research by renewable power supplier Good Energy finds that upfront costs prevent many people from embracing green tech.

The price of installation was a barrier to 64 percent of people when considering a heat pump, while solar panel prices are a stumbling block for 54 percent.

Melanie Shufflebotham, COO of Zap-Map, said: “‘A gateway to clean energy’ is a great way of thinking about EVs. As soon as you change the energy you use to fuel your vehicle, you start thinking about the energy you use elsewhere in your life. Then you realise you can reduce your running costs with solar panels, too.

“That said, the upfront cost of the tech does highlight, once again, the gap between wealthier homeowners with off-street parking and those without a driveway, or who are just not as well off. Which is why we need more affordable on-street or local charging options.”

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Most drivers want dash cams to be standard equipment

By

John Redfern

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March 2, 2023

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A survey of drivers found an overwhelming majority of those who own dash cams believe the recording devices should come fitted as standard.

Some 91 percent of those questioned by Go Compare believed that cameras should be fitted to new cars from the factory.

At present, only 18 percent of UK drivers have a dash cam, with 12 percent having used video footage as part of an insurance claim.

However, dash cam usage looks set to increase, as it becomes an important part of investigations by insurance companies and the police.

An extra layer of protection

Despite the currently low levels of dash cam usage, 82 percent of those without one would change their mind if it reduced their insurance costs.

Ryan Fulthorpe, motoring expert at Go Compare, said: “Dash cams provide brilliant security for drivers, who know that if an incident occurs while they’re on the road, they’ll have evidence of what happened and won’t be blamed if it’s not their fault.

“The footage is particularly helpful in settling insurance claims, making them popular with many providers.”

Ever more drivers are also submitting dash cam evidence to the police, with a 185 percent increase during the last three years.

A joined-up approach to dash cams

The National Dash Cam Safety Portal (NDSP) allows a simplified way to upload clips of poor driving and car crime. It has seen 55,000 incidents of dangerous driving alone reported since 2020.

Certain police forces have seen substantial increases in dash cam footage being shared. Northumbria Police received 14,000 submissions in the past three years, with West Midlands Police being sent 12,500 items of footage.

Bryn Brooker of dash cam manufacturer Nextbase said: “The dash cam has been the fastest growing consumer technology category over the past three years. In the earlier days, they were mostly bought by men aged 40+, but they benefit all drivers and we are seeing more women and younger drivers realising the benefits of having one.”

In relation to the rise in dash cam submissions to the police, Brooker notes: “The increase in submissions stems from a number of factors, the main ones being increased dash cam usage, as well as more police forces joining up to accept dash cam footage from the National Dash Cam Safety Portal.”

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Aston Martin DBX707 heads to Bahrain as new F1 medical car

By

Tim Pitt

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March 2, 2023

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The lights go green for a new Formula One season this weekend, with the Bahrain Grand Prix roaring in action at 3pm on Sunday 5 March.

Taking up its new role as the official F1 medical car, the Aston Martin DBX707 will be on standby in case of emergencies. The flagship 707hp SUV replaces the regular 550hp DBX, which has served as a trackside first-response vehicle for the previous two F1 seasons.

The Aston Martin Vantage F1 Edition (pictured above on the left) will continue its role as the safety car at grands prix, driven by the highly experienced Bernd Mayländer.

Rapid response

As the world’s most powerful SUV, the DBX707 can react to accidents rapidly – and carry all the necessary medical equipment inside its 638-litre boot. As the world’s most powerful SUV, the DBX707 can react to accidents rapidly – and carry all the necessary medical equipment inside its 638-litre boot.

Its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 drives all four wheels via a nine-speed paddle-shift transmission. Use the Race Start function and 0-62mph takes just 3.3 seconds. Maximum speed – on the long back straight at Yas Marina, perhaps – is 193mph.

A few colour/spec options for the Aston Martin DBX707.

New SUV flagship is expected to take 60-65 percent of DBX sales. pic.twitter.com/yTxe1rS2jY
— Tim Pitt (@timpitt100) March 30, 2022

The DBX707 is adapted for its role as a medical car with FIA-approved racing seats, each with a six-point racing harness. Fire extinguishers, medical bags and a defibrillator are also carried on board.

The passengers have a direct line to race control and the FIA marshalling system, along with biometric data from each of the 20 drivers. Specially developed Pirelli P Zero tyres help this 2,245kg SUV lap each circuit as swiftly as possible, too.

Green machines

The DBX707 and Vantage F1 Edition both wear the same Racing Green as the Aston Martin AMR23 Formula One cars piloted by Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.

We drove the hottest DBX last year, concluding: ‘The 707 is brilliantly bombastic, yet sacrifices none of its sibling’s everyday civility. It’s a 21-gun salute to the internal combustion era. And for now, at least, the ultimate SUV.’

Away from the racetrack, the DBX707’s rivals include the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT and new Lamborghini Urus Performante.

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New Countryman will be the first Mini made in GERMANY

By

John Redfern

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March 2, 2023

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Mini has revealed camouflaged images of its new Countryman crossover SUV, ahead of production starting later this year.

The third-generation Countryman will be offered with a choice of petrol engines alongside fully electric battery power.

Significantly, the 2023 Countryman also becomes the very first Mini to be made in Germany.

From Leipzig with love

Previous versions of the Mini Countryman were built around the world, including at factories in Austria, India and the Netherlands. However, no Mini so far has been built in Germany.

BMW has picked its Leipzig facility in Saxony to produce the next Countryman, which the company hails as one of its most environmentally sustainable plants.

The Countryman will be manufactured alongside the BMW 1 Series hatchback, 2 Series Gran Coupe and 2 Series Active Tourer. As such, this also marks the first time Mini and BMW models have been made side-by-side.

Electric versions of the Countryman will use batteries manufactured at the Leipzig site. BMW has invested more than €800 million (£709 million) in the factory’s ability to make EV components, and will employ 1,000 extra staff by 2024.

At present, Leipzig employs 5,600 workers and manufactures up to 1,000 cars every day.

Plant powered by i3 batteries

Electric power is also at the core of the Leipzig’s daily operations, thanks to four 190-metre-tall wind turbines. Combined, they generated almost 22GWh of power in 2021: equivalent to the energy consumption of 5,000 three-person households.

This energy is captured in a storage farm of 700 high-voltage batteries, which are the same as found in the BMW i3 electric car.

Plant director Petra Peterhaensel says the Leipzig site is “the first automotive plant in the world to use a newly developed burner technology in our paint shop that can use green hydrogen instead of natural gas”.

“Hydrogen has already been used in plant logistics since 2013. Today, five hydrogen filling stations provide energy for over 130 fuel cell-powered industrial trucks, the largest fleet in Germany.”

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New campaign to highlight HGV blind-spot dangers

By

John Redfern

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March 2, 2023

0

A new campaign by National Highways aims to raise awareness of how drivers can stay safe around heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

It follows a recent survey that highlighted how more than a third (36 percent) of motorists did not realise how many blind-spots HGVs have.

The same proportion (36 percent) of those surveyed also said they often felt nervous when overtaking an HGV.

How to stay safe when overtaking HGVs

National Highways has worked with haulage industry representatives to create the new safety campaign, designed to keep car and van drivers safe around HGVs.

It includes the key messages to:

Stay visible – HGVs have four large blind-spots at the front, rear and sides. Drivers should not linger in these zones to avoid putting themselves at risk.
Overtake HGVs with care, and ensure they have enough space to pass a longer vehicle safely.
Do not tailgate HGVs, as the driver won’t be able to see you in their mirrors. Dropping back will also give a better view of the road ahead.

Head of road safety at National Highways, Jeremy Phillips, said: “Our advice to motorists overtaking a HGV is simple; avoid tailgating the HGV when considering an overtaking manoeuvre and as the Highway Code states, do so quickly and safely to avoid staying in an area of limited visibility.”

Give HGVs space

Along with backing from major haulage companies, the National Highways campaign has been endorsed by Shannan Paterson. Having risen to fame as the star of the BBC’s Queen of Trucks documentary, the 28-year-old driver is keen to raise awareness of road safety issues.

Paterson said: “Driving a lorry is very different to driving a car. You can’t see anything behind you other than the trailer. Your only vision is in front of you and in the side mirrors. You don’t know if someone is immediately behind you, and they can’t see what is ahead of your HGV, or if you are going to have to brake sharply for any reason.

“If someone pulls in front of a HGV without leaving enough room, the lorry driver might not be able to see them at all in the blind-spot below the cab, and therefore won’t be able to judge their stopping distance properly.”

She added: “I fully support National Highways’ campaign and would encourage drivers to give HGVs space. You have to go through a lot of training to legally drive a lorry, but even professional drivers can’t know that someone is in one of their blind-spots.”

The National Highways campaign will be featured on TV, radio, social media, and posters across the country.

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