Unique £20 million Rolls-Royce Boat Tail revealed

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May 20, 2022

Rolls-Royce has unveiled its latest coachbuilt creation, to be shown at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este event this weekend.

Commissioned by a Rolls-Royce customer to pay homage to his family’s business in the pearling industry, the Boat Tail is described as ‘a coveted objet d’art’.

Built entirely by hand, the car has a unique exterior finish, with an impressive butterfly-style rear deck that includes a built-in parasol.

Sailing on cognac seas

The Boat Tail’s body panels are shaped from single sheets of aluminium, designed to resemble racing yachts from the early 20th century. The front grille has been milled from a solid billet of aluminium, with the Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet mascot finished in rose gold.

At the start of the build process, the Boat Tail’s owner presented Rolls-Royce with four pearl shells. These provided inspiration for the bespoke exterior colour, which mixes oyster and rose with large pearlescent flakes.

The bonnet is painted a contrasting cognac, with bronze and gold coloured aluminium mica flakes and a matt clear coat.

Rose gold is weaved into the carbon fibre lower sills, and also appears in the details of the alloy wheels.

Ultimate al fresco dining

The Boat Tail’s pièce de résistance is the rear deck, with an obvious visual reference to classic yachts. Opening at the press of a button, the royal walnut veneer panels open to reveal bespoke cutlery and crockery for hosting the most elaborate picnic.

Royal walnut was chosen by the owner because it will mature over time, ageing to resemble a cognac colour.

More royal walnut veneer can be found inside the car, with rose gold pinstripes and mother-of-pearl accents. A dashboard clock is finished in mother-of-pearl taken from the owner’s personal collection.

There’s also yet more mother-of-pearl detailing on the instrument dials, along with various switchgear parts around the cabin.

‘Truly one-of-a-kind’ creation

This represents the third and final car in the planned Boat Tail commission series. Its price hasn’t been made public, but one of the previous Boat Tails, bought by Jay-Z and Beyonce, reportedly sold for £20 million.

Alex Innes, head of Rolls-Royce Coachbuild Design, said: “Boat Tail is a step-change in ingenuity and creative liberty. Building a motor car by hand offers a new realm of exploration and possibility: we can accomplish things and resolve challenges that normal industrialised methods would prohibit. This is the tale of two worlds: a modern motor car of contemporary design, made possible by historical techniques and time-honoured craft. It is truly, one-of-a-kind.”

The last Boat Tail makes its public debut this weekend at the exclusive Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, held on the shores of Lake Como in Italy.

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Hertz to offer 900hp Shelby Mustang GT500-H ‘Rent-a-Racer’ for hire

By

John Redfern

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May 19, 2022

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Hertz customers can hire a 2022 Shelby Mustang GT500-H with an incredible 900 horsepower from this summer.

Selected airports across the United States will offer the most powerful rental car that Shelby has ever built, thanks to a three-year deal.

Along with the ultimate GT500-H, Hertz customers can also opt for the 450 horsepower Shelby Mustang GT-H.

Return of the Rent-a-Racer

The new Shelby GT500-H is inspired by the original 1966 Mustang GT350H. Advertised by Hertz as ‘Rent-a-Racers’, many ended up in production sports car competitions.

Shelby will produce 25 examples of the GT500-H for rental use, including 19 fastbacks finished in Shadow Black. A further six convertibles will be painted in Oxford White to celebrate Shelby’s 60th anniversary. Both versions have gold ‘Le Mans’ stripes, just like the classic GT350H.

Based upon the existing Shelby GT500, the new Hertz rental machine features a 5.2-liter V-8 engine. A 3.8-liter supercharger, also finished in gold, results in the astonishing output of more than 900 horsepower at the rear wheels.

Other changes include a lightweight carbon fiber hood, 20-inch black alloy wheels and a bespoke exhaust system by Borla.

Pushing the rental car limits

The Shelby GT-H is powered by a 450 horsepower 5.0-liter V-8 and fitted with a Borla exhaust. Offered in both fastback and convertible body styles, a Shelby aero kit will be added to each model.

Available to rent from this summer, the GT500-H will be offered by Hertz in Fort Myers, Las Vegas, Miami, Orlando, Phoenix and Tampa. More locations across the country will offer the GT-H.

“Hertz and Shelby American have created driving magic again,” said Stephen Scherr, CEO of Hertz. “This partnership has made automotive history many times over the years, and we look forward to future collaborations that will continue to both push limits and delight our customers with exciting cars and experiences.”

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Sutton CS850R: UK’s most powerful Ford Mustang is tuned for the track

By

John Redfern

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May 17, 2022

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American car specialist Clive Sutton has created a new track-focused version of the UK’s most-powerful Ford Mustang.

Called the CS850R, the modified Mustang packs a colossal 847hp and has received a comprehensive makeover both inside and out.

It follows on from the Sutton CS850GT, launched last year to meet demand for a right-hand-drive answer to the Shelby GT500.

Doubling up on ponies

The CS850R uses a 5.0-litre V8 engine with a custom-tuned Whipple supercharger. Along with an XForce exhaust system and a new intercooler, this almost doubles the standard Mustang’s 454hp power output.

A six-speed manual transmission handles the 665lb ft of torque, helped by a Torsen differential specific to the CS850R. The final-drive ratio has been lowered to make acceleration feel even more aggressive.

The standard MagneRide suspension has been replaced with new Pro Active dampers. Upgraded springs and anti-roll bars, along with detailed tweaks to the Mustang’s alignment, improve its cornering ability.

Performance DBA brakes are hidden behind 20-inch Vossen wheels.

A large carbon (fibre) footprint

Sutton took inspiration from the Shelby GT500 for the CS850R’s styling. This includes a carbon fibre bonnet, deeper front splitter and upgraded LED headlights. The latter can be adjusted via a Bluetooth app to change their colour.

More carbon fibre is used for the side sills, boot lid, rear bumper and diffuser. Customers can specify a larger fixed rear spoiler, which is also made from carbon fibre.

The interior is dominated by a set of Recaro bucket seats, finished in a combination of leather and Alcantara. Red stitching is used throughout the cabin, including for the black Alcantara headlining.

Carbon fibre trim covers the dashboard, with a red billet starter button fitted for good measure.

Big power, big price

We previously tested the (slightly) less powerful CS800 Mustang from Clive Sutton. Our Tim Pitt said: ‘With stiff suspension and slightly vague steering, the CS800 is no paragon of poise, but nor is it simply an unreconstructed drag racer’.

With the wealth of chassis upgrades thrown at the CS850R, expect it to be a much sharper track tool.

Prices start at £121,000, with multiple options for additional customisation on top. Buyers can also make use of Sutton’s new online configurator to design the Mustang of their dreams – then submit it for a build-quote.

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This is Ken Block’s insane 1,400hp Pikes Peak Porsche

By

John Redfern

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May 17, 2022

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Rally driver and stunt supremo Ken Block has announced dramatic plans to take on the 2022 Pikes Peak International Hillclimb.

The Californian will drive a unique 1,400 horsepower mid-engined Porsche 911, built especially for his assault on the 12.42-mile course.

Dubbed ‘Hoonipigasus’, the car wears a livery that pays homage to the 1971 Porsche 917/20 ‘Pink Pig’ Le Mans racer.

It will certainly make a dramatic statement at the Colorado event, which celebrates its 100th running this year.

Made from prime cuts

Hoonipigasus has been specially designed to suit Block’s driving style. With styling inspired by classic Porsche 911s, the 2,200 lb (1,000 kg) machine is cutting-edge underneath.

It includes the wonderfully named ‘Chorizo Tunnel’ transmission, responsible for sending power to the front wheels. Starting at shoulder height, the tunnel heads down to the front axle, and is said to result in a lower center of gravity.

The suspension features a clever GPS adjustment system, altering itself based on telemetry taken from the previous year’s hillclimb.

With Pikes Peak featuring 156 corners, many with sheer drops at the edge, all help is welcome in The Race to the Clouds. The elevation gain of 4,725 feet sees racers dealing with changeable weather conditions, with the finish line at 14,115 feet above sea level.

Pushing Porsche boundaries

Block and his Hoonigan Racing Division have worked with the BBi Autosport team to create Hoonipigasus. BBi hopes to add to its record of eight podiums, including five class wins, at Pikes Peak.

“The Hoonipigasus is an absolute dream-come-true type of build,” said the founder of BBi Autosport, Betim Berisha. “It doesn’t get any more mental from a tech, power, aero and visual standpoint.”

Completing the ultimate Porsche racer is the livery designed by street artist Trevor ‘Trouble’ Andrew, also known as Guccighost. Andrew’s designs will feature on all of Block’s race cars in 2022, including his Hyundai i20 WRC rally car.

The Mobil 1 Pegasus logo will also appear on Hoonipigasus, with the oil company providing technical support for the Pikes Peak run.

A mountain to climb

This will not be the first time Block has taken to Pikes Peak. In 2005 he entered a Group N rally car in the event, as part of his first full year of motorsport competition. He later returned to the mountain in 2017, creating his ‘Climbkhana: Pikes Peak’ film.

Revealing the Hoonipigasus, Block said: “The Pikes Peak Hillclimb is one of the big reasons as to why I’m a rally driver. The list of drivers who have raced and won this hillclimb includes many of my heroes: Walter Rohrl, Ari Vatanen, Michelle Mouton, Sebastien Loeb and Rod Millen to name a few.

“I’ve always wanted the chance to race Pikes Peak at the top level and compete for an overall win – and with our team and BBi Autosport creating this amazing Porsche, we’ve got a good shot.”

We’ll learn if Block can add his name to the list of those who have mastered Pikes Peak on Sunday 26 June 2022.

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McLaren will enter electric Formula E championship for 2022

By

John Redfern

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May 16, 2022

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McLaren Racing has announced plans to enter the FIA Formula E World Championship for the start of next season.

Instead of creating a brand-new team, McLaren plans to buy and rebrand the existing Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team.

The official Mercedes-Benz works outfit had previously announced plans to leave Formula E at the end of the 2021-22 season.

Mercedes-EQ won the 2020-21 Formula E Teams’ Championship, with driver Nyck de Vries topping the Drivers’ standings.

Papaya army continues to grow

Formula E is another step in the continued expansion of McLaren’s motorsport activity. Last year, the company acquired a major stake in the Arrow McLaren SP IndyCar team, and entered the 2022 Extreme-E off-road series.

Through its McLaren Applied technology division, the company already has a longstanding involvement with Formula E. It previously supplied electric motors, and is the current manufacturer of batteries used by all the teams.

However, a move into Formula E competition itself will bring new challenges, as the sport switches to the dramatic new ‘Gen3’ race car.

Increased performance will see Formula E racers top 200mph for the first time, with ultra-rapid 600kW chargers allowing for mid-race pit stops to add power.

Understanding EV racing

McLaren and Mercedes-Benz both have considerable motorsport history, including a 20-year partnership in Formula 1. Mercedes-Benz previously had a 40 percent stake in McLaren between 2000 and 2009.

We can expect announcements by McLaren on its Formula E driver lineup and powertrain provider before the start of next season.

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, said: “As with all forms of the sport we participate in, Formula E has racing at the centre, but will be strategically, commercially and technically additive to McLaren Racing overall.

“I firmly believe that Formula E will give McLaren Racing a competitive advantage through greater understanding of EV racing, while providing a point of difference to our fans, partners and people, and continuing to drive us along our sustainability pathway.”

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Smart motorways to get new safety tech by September 2022

By

John Redfern

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May 13, 2022

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New safety equipment will be added to smart motorways without a permanent hard shoulder.

The National Highways agency is currently upgrading almost 100 safety cameras, and installing 330 extra signs to keep drivers informed.

Radar-based technology is also being added to more than 200 miles of All-Lane Running (ALR) motorways, with the work due for completion by the end of September 2022.

A five-year trial

It follows the decision, taken earlier this year by the Department for Transport and National Highways, to pause the roll-out of any new ALR motorways.

No extension of the ALR scheme will be allowed until five years of safety and economic data is available.

Safety concerns about smart motorways were raised through multiple Transport Committee inquiries. Independent research by road safety organisations also highlighted concerns about ALR motorways, and that many drivers do not trust the existing safety technology.

As part of its latest Smart Motorway Stocktake, National Highways has published extensive analysis of motorway accident statistics.

Are smart motorways safer?

The data shared by National Highways shows that ALR smart motorways have lower rates of collisions between moving vehicles. However, collisions with a stopped vehicle are found to be higher, demonstrating a concern raised by many drivers.

On controlled motorways, with speed limit signs but a permanent hard shoulder, stopped-vehicle collisions accounted for 2.36 percent of all crashes. On conventional motorways, this increased to 2.99 percent.

When it comes to ALR motorways, however, stopped-vehicle crashes account for 5.36 percent of all collision types.

RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: “While good progress is being made in upgrading existing smart motorways by installing stopped-vehicle detection technology and more refuge area signage, the key question is whether these changes are enough to reassure drivers, many of whom firmly believe that removing the hard shoulder compromises safety.

“The Government is keen to point out that ALR smart motorways tend to have a better overall safety record than conventional motorways, but the safety comparisons with other types of smart motorways are less impressive.”

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New 2022 Rolls-Royce Phantom offers illuminated luxury

By

John Redfern

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May 12, 2022

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Rolls-Royce has revealed an updated version of its flagship Phantom saloon, shaped by requests from customers.

The exterior looks little changed, but there is now an even wider range of options for personalisation.

As Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, explains: “With Phantom Series II, we have retained and carefully protected everything our clients love about this superlative and luxurious item. Subtle yet meaningful enhancements reflect their evolving tastes and requirements.”

A commanding presence

The main visual update for the Phantom is a redesigned ‘Pantheon’ front grille. A subtle tweak to its shape sees the Rolls-Royce badge and Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet mascot made more prominent.

Illumination for the grille is now standard, while the headlights have gained intricate laser-cut starlights.

Phantom owners also requested the ability to specify a dark chrome grille, black bonnet reins and black window surrounds – and Rolls-Royce acquiesced. It’s the closest you’ll get to a Phantom Black Badge.

New wheel options include intricate milled stainless steel rims, or a 1920s-inspired disc design.

Whisper, don’t shout

There’s no hybrid or electric tech for the Phantom just yet; it remains powered by a majestic 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12.

Rolls-Royce has also left the Phantom’s interior unchanged, other than fitting a slightly thicker steering wheel.

The addition of the Rolls-Royce Connected service is new, however. This works with Whispers, the company’s smartphone app, allowing owners to send an address directly to their Phantom’s navigation system.

The status of the car, its location and any servicing requirements can also be viewed remotely via Whispers.

The platinum experience

To celebrate the launch of the Series II update, Rolls-Royce has created the one-off Phantom Platino. Named after its silver-white platinum finish, it boasts an interior with hand-painted and hand-embroidered silk upholstery.

Other bespoke details include a Starlight Headliner with fibre optic ‘shooting stars’. To quote Müller-Ötvös again: “As Sir Henry Royce himself said: ‘Small things make perfection, but perfection is no small thing’.”

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Brabus goes wild with 900hp G-Class dune buggy

By

John Redfern

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May 11, 2022

0

German tuning outfit Brabus, famous for its modified Mercedes-Benz cars, is celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2022.

As you’d hope from the company that created a 900hp V12-powered G-Class, the occasion is being marked in some style.

Brabus has made the first vehicle in its history with a bespoke chassis, creating an outrageous off-road buggy.

Jumping for joy

A high-strength tube-frame chassis has been developed in-house by Brabus. While the exposed carbon fibre bodywork has a passing resemblance to a G-Class, the car is solely the work of the tuning company.

Adjustable shock absorbers offer ground clearance of up to 53cm, aided by a set of 20-inch Brabus Monoblock HD forged wheels and off-road tyres.

The interior leaves the four occupants exposed to the elements and features bucket seats made from carbon fibre. These are finished in bright red Silvertex, a fabric developed from a range of high-performance boats made by Brabus.

Red anodised aluminium elements complete the cockpit, with intercom-equipped helmets supplied for all.

Outrageous off-roader

At the heart of the 900 Crawler is a 4.5-litre twin-turbocharged V8 developing 900hp. Although the engine can muster up to 922lb ft of torque, it has been restricted to ‘only’ 774lb ft.

A nine-speed automatic gearbox is standard, along with all-wheel drive. As a result, the Crawler can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds.

Top speed has been limited to 99mph, which is probably as fast as you’d realistically want to go in this Brabus buggy.

An expensive anniversary gift

Given the Crawler is a very niche product Brabus has decided to build just 15 examples. Five will be delivered this year, with five more to follow in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

Buying one will cost €749,000 (£640,000) before taxes. Note, however, that the buggy is not legal for use on the road.

It makes for a bombastic and somewhat ridiculous way to celebrate an anniversary, but we’d expect nothing less from Brabus.

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New Bentley Bentayga EWB is world’s most luxurious SUV

By

Tim Pitt

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May 10, 2022

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Bentley has been without a flagship model since the Mulsanne wafted effortlessly into the ether in 2020. Now, that void has been filled by a longer and more luxurious version of the Bentayga SUV.

The Bentayga Extended Wheelbase – or ‘EWB’ to its friends – is stretched by 180mm to provide rear-seat passengers with ‘a true chauffeur-driven experience’.

I was granted a secret preview at Brooklands, a former racing circuit steeped in Bentley history, ahead of the car’s launch later this year.

A subtle stretch

Whatever you think about the Bentayga’s styling (I’ve warmed to it, particularly since the facelift two years ago), the EWB hides its extra inches very effectively. The stretch is all incorporated in the rear doors, which merge into muscular haunches filled out by 22-inch wheels.

Other cosmetic updates include a vertical vane grille and a repositioned sunroof – shifted rearwards by 125mm to benefit those in the back.

You can have your EWB with four or five seats, plus a new ‘4+1’ option with a fold-away central perch.

Flying at ground level

The box you really need to tick, though, is for Airline Seat Specification, described as ‘the most advanced seat ever fitted to a car’. Along with 22-way power adjustment, these rear armchairs feature a postural adjustment system that applies continuous, but barely detectable, pressure changes to enhance comfort and minimise fatigue.

They also keep track of your body temperature and humidity, applying the seat heating or ventilation for ‘optimum thermal wellbeing’.

A touchscreen remote control offers a choice of seating modes, too. Select ‘Relax’ and the chair reclines to 40 degrees, while a padded footrest deploys from behind the front passenger seat. The temptation to kick off my shoes and have a nap was almost overwhelming.

Other luxuries among the big Bentayga’s 24 billion trim combinations include beautiful quilted leather, heated rear armrests and power-closing doors. Not forgetting a champagne fridge, obviously.

Steer from the rear

The Bentley is powered by a 550hp 4.0-litre V8, which drives all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. With a hefty kerb weight of 2,514kg, it gallops to 62mph in 4.6 seconds and 180mph flat-out.

I was told there won’t be a 635hp W12-engined Speed version of the Bentayga EWB. However, the 449hp V6 plug-in hybrid drivetrain is “being considered”.

As the first Bentayga with rear-wheel steering, the EWB should be more nimble than it looks; a turning circle of 11.8 metres is seven percent smaller than the regular car. Bentley Dynamic Ride is also standard, with 48V active anti-roll bars to tighten chassis response without ruining the ride.

We’ll find out how it drives – and hopefully experience being chauffeur-driven – in the coming months.

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MOT test every two years branded ‘irresponsible’ by experts

By

John Redfern

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May 10, 2022

0

Criticism of the UK Government’s idea to increase the interval between MOT tests to every two years has intensified.

The potential change was suggested as a way to help motorists save money during the current cost-of-living crisis.

Around 40 percent of cars fail their MOT test at the first attempt. Industry experts believe allowing the two-year interval for MOTs will result in unsafe vehicles being driven on the road.

‘Simply irresponsible‘

Peter Golding, managing director of FleetCheck, notes that company cars and vans often cover 20-30,000 miles in a year. He says the annual MOT test acts as a “valuable backstop” to ensure vehicles are being maintained to correct standards.

He added: “In my previous life, I owned and managed commercial garage workshops and it is no exaggeration to say that I have seen hundreds of unsafe vehicles kept off the road by the annual MOT test.

“A lot of degradation of a vehicle can and does happen in a year between MOTs, and the idea that it is safe to double this time to protect motorists from rising costs is a falsehood that can only compromise road safety.”

Due to the shortage of new vehicles, fleet operators have taken to keeping existing cars and vans for longer.

However, with such increased use, Golding believes: “The MOT test plays an essential role in ensuring that vehicles such as these remain in a roadworthy condition and, in our opinion, it is simply irresponsible to consider a switch to two years.”

‘Don’t undermine the safety net‘

Other automotive industry experts have already criticised the idea of moving to a biennial MOT testing schedule.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said: “The industry shares the widespread concern over rising prices and the squeeze on household incomes. Safety, however, must always come first and, whilst today’s vehicles are more reliable than ever, regular MOTs ensure safety-critical components such as brakes and tyres, which wear out as a result of normal operation, are properly inspected and maintained.

“Stretching MOT intervals will undermine the safety net at a time when vehicle miles driven are increasing. To ensure the safety of our roads, drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other road users, inspections and maintenance must be carried out annually following their first presentation in year three.”

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