Wörthersee to Wolfsburg: Volkswagen GTI festival is coming home

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March 1, 2023

The Wörthersee GTI-Treffen in Austria rose to become one of the largest events for Volkswagen enthusiasts in the world.

More than 200,000 people flocked to Lake Wörthersee every year, with the show gaining official support from Volkswagen, along with its sister brands: Audi, Seat and Skoda.

New concept cars and production models were unveiled at the GTI-Treffen, while Volkswagen apprentices had a chance to show-off their custom creations.

However, despite being a fixture of the VW scene since 1981, the municipality of Maria Wörth has decided hot Volkswagens are no longer welcome in Wörthersee. Concerns about climate change and sustainability were the reasons cited for cancelling the event.

From Austria to Autostadt

It’s not all bad news, however. Volkswagen clearly understands just how important the Wörthersee GTI-Treffen is to thousands of enthusiasts. Cars revealed at the festival have included the Volkswagen Up GTI, Seat Leon ST Cupra 280 and even a 600hp Audi TT Clubsport Turbo concept.

To continue the GTI love, Volkswagen now plans to host its own festival in Wolfsburg, close to the company’s main factory.

It will use the space surrounding the Autostadt museum, which has special pavilions dedicated to the Volkswagen Group brands.

Bringing the GTI home

From 2024, the GTI Coming Home event will host vehicle launches, stage shows and club displays. Volkswagen also promises ‘interesting events and surprises’ for the modified car community.

“Our GTI fans are of great importance to Volkswagen and that’s why the exchange with them is very dear to us,” says Imelda Labbé, member of the board of management at Volkswagen.

“For this reason, after the GTI Meeting at Lake Wörthersee was unfortunately cancelled, we decided pretty quickly to offer the GTI fan community in Wolfsburg a new home for the event. When planning the event, we also want to take into account the ideas of the fans, because it should above all be a meeting for them. Accordingly, we will certainly be able to offer some highlights and surprises in the coming year.”

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New ‘Sleep Pack’ transforms your Dacia Jogger into a bedroom

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John Redfern

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March 1, 2023

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Dacia has announced a new option package for the Jogger, which creates a mobile bedroom inside the no-nonsense MPV.

Designed to make the Jogger better suited to camping trips, the Sleep Pack offers space for two people and can be easily set up within minutes.

It comes as Dacia launches a new Extreme trim level across its range, with design elements inspired by the great outdoors.

Sleep tight, on a budget

The Sleep Pack for the Jogger is offered on all trim levels, and is part of the Renault-owned brand’s new InNature range.

Setting up the bed is a one-person job, but requires the removal of the Jogger’s third row of seats. The whole package weighs a modest 50kg, and has a built-in mattress that measures 190cm x 130cm.

Dacia says that with the double bed in place, the Jogger still has 60cm of headroom. A 220-litre box beneath the mattress provides storage for camping supplies.

For those who want more space, Dacia also offers a bespoke tent that connects to the tailgate. Blackout blinds are available to provide some privacy, too.

Taking things to the Extreme

The new Extreme trim is available for the Jogger, Duster and Sandero Stepway models, bringing an off-road theme to the Dacia range.

Cedar Green paintwork contrasts against Copper Brown exterior detailing, with a topographical pattern found on the side trims. Alloy wheels in Brilliant Black are fitted, along with a black shark fin antenna on the roof.

More Copper Brown is found on the inside, along with a continuation of the topographical pattern. To add some off-road ability, Dacia’s Extended Grip setting for the electronic stability control is standard, improving traction on loose surfaces.

Dacia is now accepting orders for its new Extreme models. The Sleep Pack will become available in the second quarter of this year.

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New Mercedes-Benz E-Class to feature TikTok and a selfie camera

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New Mercedes-Benz E-Class to feature TikTok and a selfie camera

By

John Redfern

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February 28, 2023

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Mercedes-Benz has revealed details of the technical innovations coming to the interior of its 2023 E-Class saloon and estate.

Highlights inside the new executive car include extensive use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help develop routines, along with a display screen for the front-seat passenger. Oh, and an integrated selfie camera.

The optional front-passenger screen will be able to display TV or video streaming content even when the car is in motion.

An advanced, camera-based ‘visual shield’ will prevent the driver from seeing what is being watched, or being distracted by the screen’s brightness.

Just ‘appy to be here

A key part of the updated MBUX infotainment system inside the new E-Class is a plethora of smartphone-style apps.

Included from launch are the TikTok social media app, along with the Angry Birds game, plus collaboration platforms Zoom and Webex.

The latter pair will be familiar to anyone who has worked from home in recent years. However, the optional MBUX Superscreen will create the potential for working from your (stationary) E-Class, too.

An integrated interior camera atop the dashboard allows for video conferencing, along with the potential to take selfies.

AI becomes a creature of habit

Mercedes-Benz wants the E-Class to learn and adapt to the routines of its driver through the use of AI.

Initially, this will involve the driver creating routines for themselves. For example, telling your E-Class to automatically turn on the heated seats and set ambient lighting to orange whenever the temperature drops below a certain level.

Over time, Mercedes wants the E-Class to notice and automate recurring tasks by itself. AI-generated routines will be limited to heating and ventilation initially, but their scope will be expanded in future.

The first completed examples of the new E-Class should reach European dealers this summer, with North American deliveries beginning in the autumn.

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Drivers paying 20p MORE for diesel despite falling wholesale costs

By

John Redfern

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February 27, 2023

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New analysis by RAC Fuel Watch has uncovered a large disparity in the prices being charged for diesel fuel in the UK.

According to the RAC’s latest data, British drivers are currently paying an average of 20p per litre more for diesel than petrol.

This is despite the difference in wholesale costs, where diesel is just 6p per litre more expensive.

Diesel subsidising cheaper petrol

The RAC says fuel retailers are making a margin on diesel that is more than twice that on petrol. It believes cheaper petrol prices are ultimately being subsidised by higher diesel costs.

RAC calculations show that if diesel was sold at a fairer rate, drivers would need to pay no more than 155p per litre. This would save £7 per fill-up for an average family car with a 55-litre tank.

Instead, diesel drivers are currently paying an average of 168p per litre. Unleaded petrol pump prices are typically around 148p per litre.

The RAC is urging fuel retailers to follow the lead of Costco, which cut diesel prices by 4p per litre last week.

Time to make diesel cheaper

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “While our data shows petrol is generally being sold at a fair price at forecourts at the moment, drivers of the country’s 12 million diesel cars – as well as almost every white van driver – have every right to feel hard done by, as they’re paying a huge premium for the fuel that in no way reflects its lower wholesale cost.

“For nearly a month, the gap between wholesale petrol and diesel prices has been less than 10p a litre and in recent days it has reduced to just 3.5p, yet average diesel prices at the pumps remain stubbornly high, having fallen by only 2p since the start of February. The fact membership-only retailer Costco has been able to cut the average price of a litre of diesel by a massive 4p this week shows what’s possible, but we badly need other fuel retailers to treat drivers of diesel vehicles fairly.

“Even though the price of diesel is not being cut as quickly as it should be, the gap between the average prices of petrol and diesel has dropped to less than 20p (19.99p) for the first time since 10 October 2022. If retailers now do the right thing this should reduce significantly, saving drivers who rely on diesel a lot of money every time they fill up.”

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EV drivers want better coffee when using public chargers

By

John Redfern

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February 25, 2023

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A new survey reveals that electric car drivers want public charging points to offer better hospitality and retail facilities on-site.

The research, undertaken by Deloitte as part of its Global Automotive Consumer Study, sought the opinions of 1,500 British consumers.

More than one-fifth (21 percent) of those surveyed said they looked for dedicated EV charging sites with amenities when away from home.

Keeping caffeinated

The biggest priority for EV drivers while charging is access to coffee and other drinks. This was important for almost two-thirds (64 percent) of those surveyed. On a related note, toilet access mattered to 56 percent.

Wi-fi connectivity was another noted factor, with more than half (55 percent) making this a consideration.

Options for snacks and light meals were listed by 43 percent of respondents when choosing where to charge their electric car, with a lounge area useful for 42 percent.

New dedicated EV charging hubs, such as Gridserve’s Electric Forecourts, have incorporated many of the conveniences noted in the survey.

Jamie Hamilton, head of electric vehicles at Deloitte, said: “Traditional amenities such as coffees and bathroom access remain a priority for consumers. However, there is growing demand for other retail services that consumer businesses should consider trapping into as drivers wait for their vehicles to charge.”

Charging is leisure time

The Deloitte survey also offers insight into how long drivers will wait to charge their EV.

More than a third (36 percent) of those surveyed said they would wait between 21 and 40 minutes to charge their car from empty to 80 percent battery capacity, while a quarter (25 percent) would wait between 41 minutes and an hour for the same charge.

Andreas Scriven, head of leisure and hospitality at Deloitte, added: “Greater electric vehicle adoption has prompted a new market for hospitality services, with battery charging times also doubling as leisure time.

“Those businesses that look to new charge point locations and create the venues and services that consumers are demanding will make the most of the opportunities posed by EV charge-time windows.”

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Win Queen Elizabeth II’s old Jaguar X-Type for Comic Relief

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John Redfern

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February 24, 2023

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A 2009 Jaguar X-Type Estate, previously owned and driven by HM Queen Elizabeth II, is being raffled to raise money for Red Nose Day.

The special Jaguar has been donated to the Comic Relief charity draw by Chris Evans’ Carfest.

Entering the prize draw offers a chance to own a genuine piece of royal household history.

By royal appointment

Finished in Emerald Fire green with a Barley leather interior, the Jaguar X-Type Estate was purchased from new by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

It’s said to have been an alternative to her favourite Land Rover Defender, with the Ian Callum-designed wagon offering a useful boot for her beloved corgi dogs. Her Majesty was often seen driving the Jaguar around the Windsor estate, making use of it until at least March 2022.

Queen Elizabeth II was clearly not one for hanging about. Powering the X-Type is the range-topping 228hp 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, combined with all-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox.

Fittingly, the Jaguar was specified in the Sovereign trim level, with climate control air-con and wood trim found inside.

A historic car for a good cause

Following the Queen’s death last year, the Jaguar was sold in November by Historic Auctioneers.

A sale price of £35,000, with buyer’s fees adding an extra £8,000, made for a rather expensive X-Type.

Entering the Red Nose Day draw is substantially cheaper – at £10, plus the cost of a text message – and will see the lucky winner benefit from a limited warranty and a contribution to insurance costs.

The prize draw for the Jaguar X-Type is now open, and closes on 31 March 2023. This year’s Red Nose Day will take place on Friday 17 March.

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Ski-special Land Rover is first project from Aubrey Automobiles

By

John Redfern

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February 24, 2023

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A 1973 Land Rover Series III, previously a ‘rusty old farm hack’, has been transformed into a bespoke lifestyle SUV.

The restored Land Rover is the first completed car from London-based Aubrey Automobiles, christened ‘Aubrey 001’.

For Georgia Peck, the owner of Aubrey Automotive, the ethos behind vehicles like the Series III is to restore them to better-than-new condition, while “keeping their period look and ‘old’ soul”.

A new lust for life

The Series III is the property of a Devon-based family, who previously used it as a working farm vehicle. They commissioned Aubrey Automotive to create an updated Land Rover that could support a new life in the Swiss Alps.

More than 1,000 hours were spent over eight months to rebuild Aubrey 001 from a bare shell. The work included a new galvanised chassis, a rebuilt 2.25-litre petrol engine and a left-hand drive conversion.

Other mechanical upgrades include new brakes and suspension, along with an electric power steering system inside the steering column.

“It brings me immense joy to take cars that I love so much, then transform them cosmetically and mechanically to give them a new lease of life for future generations,” said Georgia Peck.

A roof for every occasion

Unlike some restomod Land Rovers, the bold orange paint found on Aubrey 001 is entirely period-correct.

The bodywork was taken back to the metal before a respray, with the original Safari roof fully restored. A bespoke six-point roll cage sits beneath the roof, but can be removed if desired.

Aubrey has also designed the B-pillars to be removed, while the heated front windscreen folds flat. A total of eight roof configurations are available in total, with an interchangeable ski or bicycle rack fitted at the rear for good measure.

On the inside, the six heated seats are trimmed in Connolly leather. Each row of seats benefits from its own charging points, along with an adjustable fan heating system.

Time to hit the slopes

Wenge wood is used for the decking in the rear load area, where you’ll also find a drinks cabinet.

Hidden within the leather-finished dashboard is an Apple CarPlay-compatible touchscreen, with satellite navigation and a premium sound system.

It all makes for a thoroughly modernised classic Land Rover, fit and ready for its Alpine adventure. Aubrey 001 will make its public debut at the International Concours of Elegance in Saint Moritz, Switzerland, fitted with snow chains and skis.

Having completed the Land Rover Series III, Aubrey Automobiles is now turning its attention to a 1988 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen.

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Porsche salutes a 50-year-old icon with special edition GT3 RS

By

John Redfern

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February 23, 2023

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Porsche has revealed a new special edition 992 GT3 RS that pays tribute to its first roadgoing Rennsport model: the 911 Carrera 2.7 RS of 1973.

While ‘911 GT3 RS Tribute to Carrera RS Package’ doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, it makes no bones about this supercar’s iconic inspiration.

The Tribute to Carrera RS Package is limited solely to Porsche customers in the United States, with first deliveries due next month. However, given the feverish market for Porsche GT cars, don’t be surprised if a few examples make it across the pond.

Lean and green

Porsche has chosen eye-catching Python Green, from its Exclusive Manufaktur paint palette, for the 911’s alloy wheels, side mirror caps and GT3 RS sill graphics.

More Python Green is used for the Porsche text on the massive rear spoiler, while the wing end plates feature an American flag design.

Modifications inside include bright green contrast stitching, keys painted in white, and illuminated door sill guards with a ‘Tribute to Carrera RS’ script.

Buyers also get a host of special accessories, such as a bespoke Porsche Design wristwatch, custom car cover, RS-branded valve caps and two Porsche scale models.

‘A perfect homage’

The GT3 RS is mechanically unchanged, which means a 4.0-l naturally aspirated flat-six engine producing 525hp. The Weissach Package is included as standard, featuring lightweight carbon fibre components for the bodywork and suspension.

Choosing the Tribute to Carrera RS Package for a new 911 GT3 RS takes the total price to $312,550 (approximately £258,000). Porsche fans can see the car for the first time at next month’s 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race in Florida.

“This package pays tribute to the 911 Carrera 2.7 RS, an absolute driver’s car and an icon,” said Kjell Gruner, president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America.

“Today, nothing epitomises the idea of a driver’s car more than the new 911 GT3 RS. Like the original, it uses cutting edge aerodynamics to achieve incredible performance, making this a perfect homage to the legend from 1973.”

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Government provides £56 million funding boost for EV chargers

By

John Redfern

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February 23, 2023

0

The government has announced a major increase in funding to support the roll-out of public electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

A total of £56 million will be made available, with the aim of delivering 2,400 new EV charging points in the near-future.

The money will also help local authorities to plan for thousands more charging devices in the longer term.

The announcement follows analysis earlier this year that showed the UK was lagging behind its target to install 300,000 public electric car charge points by 2030.

Extra EV funding across the UK

The new funding will expand the existing Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) pilot scheme, taking it from three to 16 local authority areas.

This includes £1.9 million for Cumbria, £2.5 million for Waltham Forest and a substantial £8.5 million committed to the West Midlands.

In total, £22 million from central government funding will be supported by £17 million from private initiatives. A further £2 million will come from public funds across the various local authorities.

A new £8 million LEVI Capability Fund will help local authorities to put in place the right staff and systems to plan for EV charging infrastructure.

Helping drivers switch to EVs

As part of the package of measures, the government has also committed £7 million to the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS).

This provides funding for local authorities to locate chargers in areas without off-street parking. Some 3,000 devices have already been installed through ORCS, with a further 10,000 on the way.

Transport minister for technology and decarbonisation, Jesse Norman, said: “The government is giving local authorities across England additional help today to energise their charge point roll-out plans.

“[This] commitment will lead to thousands of new chargers being installed, and plans for tens of thousands extra in due course, so that more people than ever can make the transition to using EVs.”

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BMW is the biggest exporter in the United States, again

By

John Redfern

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February 23, 2023

0

For the ninth year in a row, BMW Manufacturing is the largest automotive exporter in the United States.

New data from the U.S. Department of Commerce shows that BMW vehicle exports totalled $9.6 billion (£8.75 billion) during 2022.

Among all the X-branded SUVs and SUV coupes produced at BMW’s huge facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina, some 227,029 cars were assigned for foreign markets.

Building to an electric future

Electrification was a major factor in BMW exports from Spartanburg last year, with a total of 69,200 plug-in hybrid models produced.

These included the first examples of the new XM SUV (pictured above) – the first M performance model with an electrified powertrain.

BMW has invested heavily in an electric future for its North American manufacturing site. A total of $1 billion (£825 million) has been committed to preparing Spartanburg for production of electric vehicles, with an additional $700 million (£575 million) to build a high-voltage battery assembly site in Woodruff, South Carolina.

Last year saw the six-millionth BMW leave the Spartanburg production line. The Java Green Metallic BMW X6 M will be kept at the factory and become part of a heritage collection.

Germany is BMW’s top export market

BMW exported South Carolina-built products through six different ports across the southern United States, with 17,000 cars distributed via rail.

During 2022, Germany became the top export market for Spartanburg vehicles, accounting for 15.5 percent of the total. China was second on 13.5 percent, followed by South Korea (12.8 percent), Canada (7.5 percent) and the UK (5.6 percent).

The Spartanburg plant is the largest BMW factory in the world, capable of churning out 1,500 new cars every day.

“Customers around the world continue to seek out premium quality BMWs made in South Carolina, and we are proud to be the largest automotive exporter by value for the past nine years,” said Dr Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing.

“Our success is due to the highly skilled and dedicated workforce at Plant Spartanburg. These achievements are significant and clearly reinforce BMW’s ongoing commitment to South Carolina and the United States.”

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