Alfa Romeo reveals UK’s best tunnels for driving sound

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January 27, 2022

The best tunnels for drivers to enjoy the sound of their cars have been assessed and ranked by Alfa Romeo.

Featuring both objective and subjective measurements, the ‘Sound Tunnel Index’ comprises a top 10 list of subterranean roads to enjoy.

Alfa believes the chosen 10 tunnels are the best possible environment to appreciate a car’s engine and exhaust sound.

Exhaustive evaluations

To narrow down the list of tunnel options, the company asked Alfa enthusiasts to make their recommendations. This created a shortlist of tunnels.

An Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio SUV was then driven through each one. Dynamic mode was engaged, ensuring maximum noise from the 510hp 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine.

Detailed sound recordings were taken from each tunnel, with the passenger window down to ensure the engine and exhaust note were captured fully.

The records were then handed to acoustic experts, Sandy Brown. Measurements of engine and exhaust sound, along with tyre, road and wind noise, were all used to produce an objective score. A subjective score was also generated, with the two combined for the overall Sound Tunnel Index.

Top tunnel of love

Topping the 2022 Sound Tunnel Index is the Penmaenbach Tunnel in North Wales. With one-way traffic, a smooth road surface and an optimal U-shaped design, it ensured maximum aural pleasure.

The Saltash Tunnel in Cornwall and Beaminster Tunnel in Dorset claimed second and third places in the ranking respectively.

Richard King, associate at Sandy Brown, said: “The shape and size of tunnels, their length, the speed of the road, background sounds such as other cars, airflow and tyre noise, all have an impact on the sound you hear while driving.

“This is heightened in a performance SUV like the Stelvio Quadrifoglio, where the combination of the V6 turbo engine and exhaust sound add to the excitement. This index will help petrolheads and car lovers across the UK make the most of their drives.”

Alfa Romeo Sound Tunnel Index

Tunnel	Objective Rank	Subjective Rank	Overall Rank
Penmaenbach Tunnel, North Wales	2nd	1st	1st
Saltash Tunnel, Cornwall	1st	4th	2nd
Beaminster Tunnel, Dorset	3rd	6th	3rd
Hindhead Tunnel, Surrey	7th	3rd	4th
Holmesdale Tunnel, Enfield	4th	7th	=5th
Queensway Tunnel, Cheshire	9th	2nd	=5th
Dartford Tunnel, Kent	5th	8th	=7th
Hatfield Tunnel, Hertfordshire	8th	5th	=7th
Limehouse Tunnel, Poplar	6th	9th	9th
Tyne Tunnel, Tyneside	10th	10th	10th

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What is The Highway Code Hierarchy of Road Users?

By

Richard Aucock

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January 27, 2022

1

The Highway Code has introduced new regulations for 2022 called ‘The Hierarchy of Road Users’.

The objective is to encourage those who can do the greatest harm to others to reduce the danger or threat they pose.

It is intended to alter motorists’ behaviour behind the wheel, so they are more aware of the disparity in risk, and potential to suffer injury, between different road users in the event of a collision.

Here, we explain how the Hierarchy of Road Users will work.

The Hierarchy of Road Users concept

In the Hierarchy of Road Users, those at most risk in the event of an accident are at the top of the hierarchy.

The idea is for drivers of larger vehicles to look after more vulnerable road users.

The Hierarchy of Road Users comprises:

Pedestrians, in particular children, older adults and disabled people
Cyclists
Horse riders
Motorcyclists

Despite what some critics have suggested, the Hierarchy of Road Users does not give priority to pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders in every situation.

How to pass horses safely on the road

Rather, it aims to encourage more mutual respect and consideration of others, to keep all road users safe.

To clarify this concept, there are a number of rules to support the Hierarchy of Road Users. These are called the ‘H’ rules.

H rules and the Hierarchy of Road Users

The ‘H’ rules ‘tackle one of the safety issues pedestrians encounter or perceive when walking’, says the government.

Rule H1

It is important that ALL road users are aware of The Highway Code, are considerate to other road users and understand their responsibility for the safety of others.

Rule H1 explained: those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger to others.

But cyclists and horse riders likewise have a responsibility to reduce danger to pedestrians.

Rule H2

Rule for drivers, motorcyclists, horse riders and cyclists

Rule H2 explained: drivers and motorcyclists should give way to pedestrians waiting go cross at a junction. They MUST give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing, and should give way to those waiting to cross.

Horse riders should also give way to pedestrians on a zebra crossing.

Cyclists should give way to pedestrians on shared-use cycle tracks – and only pedestrians may use the pavement.

Rule H3

Rule for drivers and motorcyclists

Rule H2 explained: motorists should not cut across cyclists going ahead when turning into or out of a junction, just as they wouldn’t turn across the path of another vehicle.

Drivers should also not turn at a junction if doing so would cause a cyclist to swerve or stop.

They should stop and wait for a safe gap in the flow of cyclists, which includes when cyclists are moving off from a junction, passing stationary or slow-moving traffic, and travelling around a roundabout.

What are the other changes to The Highway Code in 2022?

Overall, there are four new rules and 49 changes to The Highway Code in 2022.

Updates include:

Giving priority to people walking across and people cycling straight ahead when turning in and out of junctions
Leaving at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph – and even more space when passing at higher speeds
Pass horse riders at speeds under 10mph, leaving at least 2 metres of space
Keep to a low speed and leave at least 2 metres of space when passing a person walking in the road
Encouraging the ‘Dutch Reach’ when exiting a car – opening the door with the hand furthest from the door, to help over-shoulder glances
Cyclists are allowed to ride in the centre of the road, or two abreast, for their own safety – but should allow others to overtake where safe to do so

The government is also reminding motorists that many of the rules in The Highway Code are legal requirements.

If motorists disobey the rules, they’re committing a criminal offence – and if they do not follow the other rules in the code, it could be used as evidence in court to establish liability.

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Used cars for £2k and under FELL 25% in 2021

By

Richard Aucock

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January 27, 2022

0

There is a dire shortage of affordable used cars with the number of secondhand motors on sale for £2,000 or less falling 25 percent in 2021.

Experts are now warning low-cost motorists are ‘being priced off the road’.

There are now 23 percent fewer Vauxhalls on sale for £2k and under, and 17 percent fewer Fords.

Car buying website Desperate Seller has compiled the data and says the ‘unprecedented’ situation is being caused by a ‘perfect storm’.

There has been a long-running shortage of new cars due to the semiconductor crisis, which is now being felt in the secondhand market as fewer cars come off PCP and lease agreements.

This supply-and-demand imbalance is pushing up prices across the used car chain.

“The timing for this could not be worse for many consumers, set against the backdrop of the current cost of living crisis,” said Desperate Seller’s Henry Smith.

“Customers are faced with less choice, and potentially a longer distance to travel to see these cars in person – a luxury many shopping in this price bracket cannot afford.

“The worsening situation could result in vehicles being out of reach for low-income households – the people who often rely the most on having a reliable car.”

How can I buy an affordable used car?

Desperate Seller advises people in this price bracket to keep their options open. “You might have a dream car in mind but don’t narrow your search unrealistically.

“Be willing to compromise on make, model, colour, even miles on the clock. Be willing to compromise and you might just end up with a belter of a bargain.”

Used car buyers should not add the pressure of a deadline – but should be ready to move fast when the right car does crop up. Have everything in place, including finance and all the relevant documents.

It’s also important to resist the temptation of shopping in an unreliable, unestablished location. “It’s critical that you don’t make the wrong choice, or buy something shady that will give up on you in a few days or weeks.”

What are the best-selling cars for £2,000 or less?

Peugeot 206
Citroen Xsara Picasso
Suzuki Carry
Peugeot 307
Vauxhall Vectra
Volvo S40
Ford C-Max
Citroen C2
Suzuki Wagon R
Mitsubishi Colt

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Trio of 304mph Bugatti Chiron Super Sports delivered to London

By

John Redfern

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January 27, 2022

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HR Owen Bugatti Super Sport HR Owen Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300

The H.R. Owen Bugatti dealership in London has amassed an incredible collection of record-breaking hypercars.

Before being delivered to their very fortunate owners, the three Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ models were gathered together for photographs.

Bugatti will build just 30 examples of the ultimate Chiron. The three cars thus account for 10 percent of the entire production run.

A triple threat

Revealed in 2019, the Chiron Super Sport 300+ became the first series production car to break the 300mph barrier.

Driven by Bugatti test driver Andy Wallace at the Volkswagen Group’s Ehra Lessien facility in Germany, the Super Sport reached a top speed of 304.773mph – blasting it into the record books. The celebratory run of 30 cars was announced shortly afterwards.

Powering the Super Sport 300+ is an upgraded version of the mighty 8.0-litre W16 engine. Larger turbochargers, reinforced pistons and a more efficient oil cooler lift total output to 1,578hp, an increase of 99hp over the ‘standard’ Chiron.

To enable the incredible top speed, Bugatti made numerous detail changes to the car’s bodywork. These included replacing the electronically controlled rear wing with a more aerodynamic ‘longtail’ design.

Sold-out superstar

The Chiron Super Sport 300+ also has bespoke bumpers, vertical exhaust pipes and a rear diffuser that is 32 percent larger. Longer gear ratios were needed for the transmission to reach the ultimate top speed.

Each example of the €3.5 million (£2.95 million) Super Sport 300+ is finished in black carbon fibre with Jet Orange body stripes.

Special ‘Nocturne’ magnesium alloy wheels, plus a Bugatti logo made of genuine silver with black enamel, mark this out as a special edition.

All of the planned 30 cars have already sold out, as has the Chiron’s entire production run.

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Bentley details £2.5bn electric car model blitz: FIVE new EVs from 2025

By

Richard Aucock

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January 26, 2022

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Bentley will launch a new electric car every year from 2025. The plan is part of a £2.5 billion sustainable investment that will also transform its famous Crewe works into a futuristic eco factory.

The Five-in-Five plan will coordinate the roll-out of new electric Bentleys. It accelerates the electrification of the firm’s luxury cars, which is already underway with the new Flying Spur PHEV plug-in hybrid.

By the end of this year, one in five new Bentleys will be a hybrid. Come 2025, the five new electric derivatives will see electrification grow much further.

Bentley Beyond100

It marks the ramping up of Bentley’s ‘Beyond100’ strategy, and the firm isn’t stopping with just electric cars.

Bentley is turning its famous Crewe headquarters into a zero-emission ‘dream factory’, building on the carbon neutral landmark it achieved back in 2019.

Now, Bentley wants to become fully carbon neutral across all products and non-factory operations.

The number of solar panels on-site will grow from 30,000 to 40,000, while water consumption, waste to landfill and other environmental impacts will also be minimised.

Bentley says the Crewe factory will become ‘a digital, zero environmental impact, flexible and high-value manufacturing facility’.

Even its dealers are set to play their part, with Bentley’s retailer network aiming for carbon neutrality by 2025 – and ‘possibly even sooner’.

Leading in sustainability

Bentley calls Beyond100 the boldest plan of its kind in the luxury car sector.

Accelerating it further, along with the ‘Five-in-Five’ EV plan, ‘confirms the initiation of a major transformative phase in the company’s long and illustrious history,’ says Bentley chairman and CEO Adrian Hallmark.

“The world is changing and we need to play our part in neutralising our environmental impact.

“That means delivering on our aim to be end-to-end carbon neutral by 2030, and reaffirming our role as the leader in sustainable luxury mobility.”

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Toyota Land Cruiser buyers in Japan could wait four years for delivery

By

John Redfern

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January 24, 2022

0

Toyota has warned Japanese buyers they could face a long wait to own a new Land Cruiser SUV.

Customers placing an order now may not have their Land Cruiser delivered until 2026.

Toyota has not confirmed the cause of the extreme delay. However, the problem is not due to the ongoing global semiconductor shortage.

Counting down the days

In a statement on its website, Toyota has said: ‘We sincerely apologise for the fact that Land Cruiser has been very well received, not only in Japan but also around the world, and it is expected that it will take a long time to deliver it after receiving an order’.

The company adds: ‘The delivery time for ordering from now on may be about four years. We will do our utmost to shorten the delivery time of our customers, and we appreciate your understanding’.

A report by BBC News notes that, unlike delays affecting other models, Toyota has said the Land Cruiser shortage is ‘not related to current semiconductor shortage or supply chain issue’.

Tackle the toughest terrain, eventually

The latest 300 Series is the first all-new Land Cruiser since 2007. Launched in June 2021, it makes use of the TNGA-F platform, which also underpins the North American-market Toyota Tundra pickup and Sequoia SUV.

Toyota has dropped the option of a V8 engine for the 300 Series Land Cruiser. Depending on the market, buyers can pick from a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6, 4.0 naturally aspirated V6 or twin-turbo V6 diesel.

A new GR Sport trim level has been added, with unique styling and upgraded suspension. Toyota plans to use the Land Cruiser GR Sport in the 2023 Dakar Rally.

More than 10.6 million examples of the Land Cruiser have been built since 1951.

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Hennessey VelociRaptor Bronco charges into production

By

John Redfern

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January 23, 2022

0

Impatient Ford fans patiently waiting for a performance version of the Bronco SUV may have a way to speed up the process.

Texas-based Hennessey has brought forward production of its VelociRaptor 400 Bronco, due to “unprecedented demand”.

The news comes as Ford is imminently due to announce its own Bronco Raptor.

Sportiest Utility Vehicle

Powering the VelociRaptor 400 Bronco is a modified version of the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 found in the regular SUV. Hennessey’s upgrades include new engine management software, a stainless steel exhaust system, and a high-flow induction kit.

This results in a substantial 411 horsepower, with 603 lb-ft of torque. The 0-60 mph sprint takes just 4.9 seconds, making this a seriously sporty SUV.

As part of the package, Hennessey also installs a set of 18-inch wheels, a larger intercooler, and unique VelociRaptor-branded bumpers.

The interior gains Hennessey-embroidered headrests, and a numbered build plaque.

New level of Bronco Fever

Pricing for Hennessey’s VelociRaptor 400 Bronco package begins at $24,950. This includes full installation, testing on a dynamometer and the road, plus a three-year / 36,000-mile warranty.

As part of the VelociRaptor 400’s launch in Scottsdale, AZ, Hennessey has also unveiled a special optional livery.

Adding an additional $6,000 to the price, it includes double body stripes and racing roundels for the doors.

Rapid queue jump

Hennessey will limit production of the VelociRaptor 400 to just 200 units each year. Buyers will be able to pick from two- or four-door bodies, and with the option of a soft-top roof.

Customer deliveries of the VelociRaptor 400 Bronco are due to begin now, as Hennessey races to meet demand.

John Hennessey, Hennessey’s founder and CEO, said: “Since we announced our plans for the Bronco mid-last year, we’ve been inundated with customer requests to take our upgraded version.

“For so many of our customers, the Bronco is a special car they’ve always loved – now we can give them a VelociRaptor 400 Bronco with the power and style to make it a truly special vehicle.”

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Brabus reveals sinister 800hp G-Class pickup truck

By

John Redfern

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January 23, 2022

0

German tuning company Brabus has revealed one of its most extreme creations to date.

Branded the 800 XLP Adventure ‘Superblack’, the custom pickup truck has gained a new sinister black finish inside and out.

The regular 800 XLP, revealed in 2020, already comes with portal axles, bespoke suspension, and almost 800hp.

It seems the last thing it needed was ever greater presence on the street.

Powerful and practical?

Using the ladder frame chassis of a G-Class SUV as a base, Brabus stretches the wheelbase and adds bespoke bodywork. The rear wall of the cab is crafted from steel, whilst the truck bed is made from a combination of steel and carbon fibre.

Brabus also fits custom suspension parts, including height-adjustable coilover dampers plated with titanium. Portal axles allow for greater articulation, and give the Superblack a ground clearance of 49cm.

Power comes from an enhanced version of the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine found in the G63 AMG. Larger turbochargers and an ECU remap help take the output to a huge 789hp with 737 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, of course, as is a nine-speed automatic transmission.

Despite weighing almost 3,000kg, the Superblack can still accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds. Top speed is limited, perhaps sensibly, to 130mph.

Black is the new black

The reason for the limited top speed are all-terrain tyres, fitted to the 22-inch black Monoblock wheels. These sit beneath flared carbon fibre wheel arches, which added an extra 11.6cm to the width of the Superblack.

More carbon fibre trim can be found across the bodywork, including the front skid plate and detailing around the truck bed. The remainder of the exterior is finished in black, including the running boards and spare wheel carrier.

Brabus is particularly pleased with the performance exhaust system. It offers a choice of two volume levels to avoid upsetting the neighbours. The illuminated ‘Launch Ambience Lights’ that surround the side-exit tailpipes are another matter, however…

Almost all of the interior is finished in black leather, with the remainder covered in black Alcantara. Carbon fibre trim makes an appearance on the dashboard, steering wheel, and door handles. A further 206 elements are covered in shadow chrome.

Special anniversary present

Many of the interior trim items feature a ‘Heritage’ design, with embossed ‘77’ logos found throughout the cabin. This is a deliberate nod to the 45th anniversary of the company’s founding in 1977.

The market for the 800 XLP Adventure Superblack is likely to be limited, given the extreme levels of performance and extravagance on display.

A starting price of €725,900 (£605,000) is also likely to reduce the number of potential customers.

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Street lights could gain new tech to help self-driving cars

By

John Redfern

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January 21, 2022

0

Street lamps will be key to helping prepare the nation’s roads for a digital revolution.

That is the message from National Highways, which says new technology such as 5G will allow street lighting to be used for far more than just illumination.

It follows a successful ‘proof of concept’ trial, which saw intelligent street lighting installed at the M40 junction 15 Longbridge roundabout, near Birmingham.

Illuminating the future

National Highways says drivers will have ‘been oblivious to the CCTV and communications technology hidden away in the street lamps’ at Longbridge. This was thanks to the work being done at the same time as an upgrade to LED lighting.

Conducted over five months at the end of 2021, the trial (fittingly named ‘Illuminate’) demonstrated the potential of street lighting. The lights were able to communicate data back to remote office equipment and tablet computers.

Illuminate’s initial success will now be used to help shape National Highways’ approach to managing Connected and Autonomous (CAV) infrastructure.

Truly smart roads

National Highways envisages the ability to communicate information to autonomous vehicles, such as speed limit restrictions, or warnings about hazards. Connected cars would receive these messages directly, rather than relying on drivers seeing overhead gantry signs.

The emergence of 5G connectivity allows the additional bandwidth to connect multiple cameras and wireless access points to street lighting.

National Highways’ innovations lead for the Midlands, Lisa Maric, said: “These are exciting times as we progress on our Digital Roads journey with the growth of digital technology and the move to electric, connected and autonomous vehicles that will fundamentally change how we use roads in the future.

“National Highways is committed to ensuring we are at the forefront of this digital revolution and is preparing the way for the greener and safer roads of tomorrow.

“Initial trials such as Illuminate will help us identify new innovations, technology and methods to meet our digital goals. We were pleased with how Illuminate performed as a proof of concept and the useful knowledge gained as we continue to plan for the roads of the future.”

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Showroom-fresh Porsche Carrera GT sells for a record $2 million

By

John Redfern

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January 20, 2022

0

A 2005 Porsche Carrera GT supercar with just 250 miles on the odometer has set a new auction record.

Sold through US website Bring a Trailer, the $2 million (£1.471 million) winning bid becomes the highest sale price achieved by the online platform.

It surpasses the already impressive figure of $1.9 million (£1.4 million), which was achieved by a Carrera GT on Bring a Trailer earlier this month.

Continental cruiser

One of 1,270 Carrera GTs built by Porsche between 2003 and 2007, this particular car was delivered new to St. Petersburg, Florida. It later moved to Kansas, before being acquired by the Illinois-based seller.

The Carrera GT was clearly not driven on its trans-American journey, given its incredibly low mileage.

It means the previous owners have demonstrated plenty of restraint. With a 5.7-litre V10 engine, the Carrera GT’s 605hp output allows for a top speed of almost 210mph. The 0-62mph sprint takes just 3.9 seconds, but this requires mastering the Carrera GT’s six-speed manual gearbox and infamous clutch.

The Porsche was the first production car with a carbon-ceramic clutch. It requires particular care, with replacements costing upwards of $20,000 (£14,700).

Expensive service history

The car auctioned on Bring a Trailer is finished in trademark GT Silver metallic paint, which covers the lightweight carbon monocoque and body panels. A previous owner added a ceramic coating, plus paint protection film, to help preserve the Carrera GT’s exterior.

Inside, the car is trimmed in bold Terracotta leather, which covers the dashboard, steering wheel and bucket seats with Kevlar shells. A matching luggage set was included with the sale.

Despite its low mileage, the Carrera GT has received plenty of expenditure on maintenance. A complete service was performed in January 2021, at a considerable cost of $18,000 (£13,200)

This included the installation of a new water pump, engine belts, spark plugs and a battery.

More records to break

With Carrera GT values already being pushed higher, this barely used example was bound to attract interest when auctioned.

A total of 44 bids were received, helping the Porsche to set a new Bring a Trailer milestone.

The Bring a Trailer online auction platform also set new records for overall sales during 2021. With some 17,846 cars sold, it exceeded the previous year’s total by 108 percent.

Total sales were valued at $828 million (£608 million), and Bring a Trailer says it is now the largest online auction platform for collectable cars.

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