The Dacia Sandero is available for just £99 a month, over a three-year term, in a headline-grabbing new deal from the value brand.
It isn’t the basic entry-level model, either: the £13,545 Sandero Comfort TCe 90 comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, keyless entry, rear parking sensors and automatic headlights.
So what’s the catch? It’s not a PCP deal, but a PCH leasing offer, meaning motorists don’t get the option to buy or trade in the car at the end of the term – they simply hand it back.
What’s more, the upfront advance rental payment is a not-inconsiderable £4,026.
Personal contract hire is becoming a popular way into new car ownership, as list prices continue to rise. Leasing helps keep monthly payments more manageable.
It also simplifies things for owners, many of whom use PCP finance deals largely like a leasing package: they simply trade into a new car every three years.
PCH simply cuts out the complication of part-purchasing a car before swapping it for another one – provided, that is, owners can stretch to the not-inconsiderable advance payment.
Motorists who take on a £99 Sandero are also contracted to 6,000 miles: exceeding this will result in a financial penalty for every mile over the agreed total.
And just to be clear, Dacia stresses that ‘you will not own the car’ in its terms and conditions.
The £99 Dacia Sandero PCH deal runs until 30 November and cars must be registered before 31 March 2021.
The navigation option will be available offline, and can also be enabled through Amazon Alexa’s Complete Control integration.
Lamborghini says this collaboration produces the ‘best user experience’ for drivers of the Huracan Evo.
Global navigation, squared
Launched in 2013, What3Words works by dividing the globe into 57 trillion three-metre (10-foot) squares. Each square is then assigned a unique combination of three words, allowing non-traditional addresses to be located.
Using voice commands to enter a three-word phrase is said to be easier than reciting an entire address. What3Words also says it avoids the confusion from duplicate road names, and allows navigation to places without an address.
What3Words has already been adopted by Mercedes-Benz, Triumph, Lotus and Ford. Numerous emergency services have also used it to help locate those in need of assistance.
However, some have criticised the risk of similar words being found close together, along with local accents and spelling errors causing confusion.
Progress through technology
Lamborghini’s integration of Amazon Alexa into the Huracan Evo allows drivers to play music, control smart devices at home, and get updates on the status of their car with voice commands.
Adding What3Words is seen as the next step in ensuring Lamborghini offers the latest technology.
Luca Giardino, head of connectivity at Lamborghini, said: “The future of mobility demands the most advanced technology, and that is why today Lamborghini is announcing the roll-out of What3words. Our drivers can experience the most seamless way to navigate by voice.”
Held between Thursday 11 November and Sunday 14 November, Velocity Invitational will feature a host of on-track action, plus a luxury experience for fans.
A total of 10 race groups will compete over the weekend. These range from Brass Era models through to modern sports cars, GT prototypes, and even Formula 1 machines.
Multiple Ford GTs in action
One of the star attractions among the multiple motorsport classes on-track is a collection of Ford GTs. Seven of the eight Ford GT LM GTE Pro race cars built will be at Laguna Seca over the weekend.
It marks the first full reunion for the LM GTE Pro cars since Ford’s historic victory at the 2016 Le Mans 24-Hour race.
Along with being on static display in the paddock, the Ford GTs will perform demonstration runs. Joey Hand, Le Mans LM GTE Pro class winner, will be at the wheel.
For historic Le Mans contrast, a 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe will also attend the event.
Mustang vs. Mini night race
Although Velocity Invitational will feature many races over the weekend, Friday plays host to a special night race. A field of Ford Mustangs will challenge a squad of motorsport-prepared classic Mini Coopers.
It should make for a true ‘David and Goliath’ battle, with the featherweight Minis taking on the iconic pony car from the 1960s. Starting when dusk falls at 4:50 PM, more then 30 cars will take part.
For those who miss the on-track clash on Friday, a daytime ‘Mustangs vs. Minis’ race will be held on the Sunday.
Flying Finn Mika Häkkinen to star
A key partnership with the McLaren Racing Formula 1 team will see former star drivers, and the cars they used, take center stage.
Double Formula 1 World Champion Mika Häkkinen leads the McLaren action at Velocity Invitational. He will be joined by his 1998 Formula 1 championship-winning MP4-13 race car.
Other McLaren Racing highlights include the 2011 MP4-26 and 2012 MP4-27, along with the unique MP4-98T two-seat F1 car.
Trackside banquet with automotive leaders
Along with the on-track action, the Petersen Automotive Museum will host ‘The Future of Motorsports Panel Discussion and Auction’ discussion on Thursday 12 November.
Headlining the panel will be Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, and Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing. They will be joined by other automotive industry executives.
Following the discussion, attendees can bid on motorsport items. These include a race suit worn by Dan Gurney, plus an electric guitar signed by Metallica frontman, James Hetfield.
RADwood display at the center of Laguna Seca
Taking over the central island at Laguna Seca will be a display by RADwood. On both November 13 and 14, a curated line-up of 50 cars from the 1980s and 1990s will be on show.
Expect a mixture of retro supercars, mini trucks, motorcycles and hot hatchbacks.
Tickets for Velocity Invitational are still available, ranging from single-day passes through to full weekend admittance.
The 2020 motoring events calendar was almost totally wiped out by the coronavirus pandemic. However, 2021 has shaped up to be a classic year for car enthusiasts, with a huge number of motoring events to attend.
We’ve researched some of the UK’s biggest and best car shows and motorsport events, making sure we include something for everyone.
However, as last year taught us, everything is subject to change, and sadly, some shows are cancelled for 2021 too. Here, though, are the events currently confirmed to be going ahead.
2021 MOTORING EVENTS GUIDE
Classic Motor Show – 12-14 November
The Classic Motor Show is a good way to end the show calendar. A chance to chat with like-minded enthusiasts before prized classics are put into winter hibernation. The NEC is your destination for this annual classic car curtain call.
Look out for updates and details of new events over the coming weeks and months.
CANCELLED FOR 2021
Auto Royale – 16-18 July
Auto Royale 2020 was billed as a “true ‘festivalised’ event which will attract the very affluent and high net worth collectors along with ABC1 owners and enthusiasts of the automotive lifestyle.” That was before it was postponed until 2021… and sadly, despite a move from Althorp to Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire, it has now been postponed indefinitely.
Events you’ve missed
Here are the events that have been and gone in 2021. If you like the sound of them, keep an eye out for 2022 dates!
Simply Electric – 23 May
Beaulieu’s 2021 events calendar sparks into life with Simply Electric. It’s the first of 15 ‘Simply’ events scheduled to take place this year, with a range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles on display in May. Visit the Beaulieu website for details of this and other events.
Retro Rides Weekender – 29-30 May
Fans of pre-1998 cars will be converging on Goodwood for the Retro Rides Weekender. Retro parking, club displays and track time are the order of the day for this popular event.
Masters Historic Festival – 29-30 May
Head to Brands Hatch for two days of historic touring cars, endurance legends, historic F1 and sports cars, plus pre-1966 Minis.
June Scramble – 5-6 June
Summer 2021 sees the return of the hugely popular Sunday Scramble at Bicester Heritage. The first-ever two-day Scramble will be held on 5 and 6 June 2021.
Haynes Breakfast Club – 6 June
The Haynes Breakfast Club is back! If you missed out on the two events in May, be sure to book early for events in June, July, August, September, October, November and December. Future classics (post-1980) are welcome on the first Sunday of every month, while pre-1980 cars are invited to the second Sunday. Booking is essential.
London Concours – 8-10 June
New for 2021, London Concours is introducing a third day, creating three different themes: VIP Preview Day, Style Edition Day and Supercar Day. Expect champagne receptions, the world’s most exotic sports cars and the sharpest suits and dresses.
Land Rover Legends and Thruxton Historic – 12-13 June
Following its postponement in 2020, Land Rover Legends will take place at Thruxton on 12-13 June. You can expect feature displays, the leading Land Rover clubs and awards for the best vehicles. Advance tickets are available, although children under the age of 16 are free and do not need a ticket. The event coincides with the Thruxton Historic.
E-Type 60 – 12-13 June
There are many events at Shelsley Walsh in 2021, but E-Type 60 is likely to be one of the best. All 13 versions of the Jaguar E-Type will be on display, including one of the original press cars.
BTCC Snetterton – 12-13 June
The BTCC calendar got underway at Thruxton in May, with BTC Racing’s Josh Cook claiming two victories. The next race is at Snetterton in June.
Yorkshire Motorsport Festival – 25-27 June
Former Top Gear presenter Julia Bradbury was due to be the host of the Yorkshire Motorsport Festival in 2020. The event will now take place in June 2021, albeit with crowds capped to 4,000, with the timetable including the first closed road hillclimb to be held in the North of England. Around 80 mainly pre-1986s cars will compete for the fastest time on a 0.8-mile track.
London Classic Car Show – 25-27 June
With Covid-19 restrictions in mind, the London Classic Car Show is moving from Excel London to an outdoor event at Syon Park. The 2021 event will celebrate 135 years of the motor car, 1930s style and elegance, ‘80s Brutalism and contemporary supercars. The show will also showcase 60 years of the Jaguar E-Type.
Truckfest Midlands – 3-4 July
There are eight Truckfest events in 2021, with the Three Counties Showground in Malvern playing host to the West Midlands event in July.
Goodwood Festival of Speed – 8-11 July
The Goodwood Festival of Speed will return in July 2021, with the organisers promising to celebrate the 2020 theme of ‘The Maestros – Motorsport’s Great All-Rounders’. We understand this isn’t a celebration of the Austin Maestro.
British Grand Prix – 16-18 July
All tickets for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone come with a Covid-19 guarantee. If spectators are not allowed at the event due to government guidelines, ticket holders will be able to transfer their ticket to 2022 or receive a full refund.
Carfest North – 23-25 July
Carfest North takes place at Bolesworth Castle in Cheshire. You can expect the usual mix of music, cars and family fun, with a large percentage of the proceeds going to support BBC Children in Need. Tickets for 2021 are sold out.
Bug Jam – 23-25 July
Billed as “the original and best VW fest”, Bug Jam is certainly one of the best Volkswagen events in the UK. If you love Dubs, head to Santa Pod in July.
MotoFest Coventry – 17 July – 8 August
MotoFest Coventry is a free motoring event in the UK City of Culture 2021. It’s perhaps most famous for the ring road becoming a sprint circuit for the weekend. Also look out for Formula Gymkhana and the Autotest National Championship.
Silverstone Classic – 30 July – 1 August
The Silverstone Classic is one of the highlights of the motoring calendar – a three-day, non-stop historic racing extravaganza. You can expect to see around 10,000 classic cars and live motor racing.
Festival of the Unexceptional – 31 July
Owners of unexceptional cars of the 1960s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s are invited to the Festival of the Unexceptional for a celebration of saloons, hatchbacks and estates. Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire is the new venue.
Shelsley Walsh Autojumble – 7 August
New for 2021, Shelsley Walsh is launching what it calls its first proper autojumble. The paddock garages will be full of spare parts, tools and ephemera, while the main field will play host to trade and private stands. Camping facilities will be available to traders.
Electric Vehicles Festival – 7 August
The Electric Vehicles Festival celebrates its third year in 2021, running at the British Motor Museum in Gaydon on Saturday 7 August. Billed as a celebration of all things motoring electric, the event brings together both EV owners and those who are ‘EV-curious’. And a £40 family ticket for two adults and three children even includes entry to the British Motor Museum itself!
Ford Fair – 8 August
Europe’s biggest Ford event is returning to Silverstone for its 36th year. Around 5,000 Fords are expected to attend, with tickets available from £27.
Retro Carfest – 13-15 August
This new addition to the Carfest calendar will take place at Bicester Heritage in August. It’s a celebration of the 1960s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s, featuring cars, film, television, toys, gadgets, fashion and music from a bygone era.
The British Motor Show – 19-22 August
The British Motor Show will take place at Farnborough International in August. Highlights include The Caterham Experience, The Paul Swift Stunt Driving Experience and Under 17 Driving Lessons. Also look out for the latest new cars and celebrities including Mike Brewer, Tim Shaw, Fuzz Townshend, Vicki Butler-Henderson and Mike Rutherford.
Le Mans 24 Hours – 21-22 August
The 89th running of the Le Mans 24 Hours will take place later than normal this year, on 21-22 August. Le Mans is less than three hours from the ferry terminals at Cherbourg, St-Malo and Le Havre.
Historic Rally Festival – 21-22 August
A new event for 2021 sees Weston Park playing host to a celebration of Group B rally cars on former stages of the RAC Rally. Around 80 cars will take part in a demonstration run on the 1,000-acre estate.
Retro Rides Gathering – 21 August
The Retro Rides Gathering is one of the best events for fans of retro and modified cars. Check out the Retro Rides Facebook page for more details.
Carfest South – 27-29 August
Carfest South takes place at Laverstoke Farm in Hampshire. It’s essentially a southern version of Carfest North, so you expect music, cars and family fun. Tickets for 2021 are sold out.
Ford Show – 29 August
Modern Ford hot hatches will line up alongside classics like the Capri, Cortina, Escort and Puma at this Ford extravaganza. Now taking place at the end of August.
Salon Prive – 1-5 September
Salon Prive went ahead in 2020, despite restrictions that saw the majority of similar events postponed or cancelled. For 2021, the Concours d’Elegance will return to Blenheim Palace for the 16th consecutive edition. Around 1,000 supercars will take centre stage on the South Lawn, while Ladies’ Day plays host to the Boodles Best Hat Competition.
Concours of Elegance – 3-5 September
Like Salon Prive, the Concours of Elegance event at Hampton Court Palace went ahead in 2020. You can expect more of the same in 2021, when 300 of the world’s finest and rarest motor cars appear at the Palace. Full details to be announced.
Fully Charged Live – 3-5 September
Fully Charged Live was another victim of the pandemic in 2020. The good news for fans of electric cars is that the event is back for 2021, with Fully Charged Live moving to a new venue at Farnborough International. Ideal for anyone preparing for the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.
International Autojumble – 4-5 September
If rummaging for oily car parts is your idea of a dirty weekend, the International Autojumble is the event for you. Some 2,000 stands are expected to fill the grounds of the Beaulieu Motor Museum, making it the biggest outdoor sale of motoring items this side of the Atlantic.
Japfest – 4 September
Around 4,000 cars are expected to converge on Silverstone for Europe’s biggest Japanese car show. Tickets are available from £27.
Goodwood Revival – 17-19 September
The Goodwood Revival will take place in September 2021. Visitors are encouraged to dress in period clothing to celebrate the golden era of motorsport. Isn’t it good to be back at Goodwood and escape from the present day for a weekend?
Gravity – 19 September
Gravity is one of the largest modified car shows in the UK. To celebrate its fifth anniversary, the event will take place in four exhibition halls and two outdoor arenas at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. Around 1,000 modified, classic, drift and race cars will be on display.
Classics on the Common – 22 September
For one day every year, Harpenden is invaded by classic cars as it plays host to the UK’s largest weekday car show. If you want to book a day off work, Classics in the Common will take place on Wednesday 22 September 2021.
McRae Rally Challenge – 2-3 October
Billed as one of the biggest celebrations since Colin McRae became World Rally Champion in 1995, this event will commemorate Colin, as well as Jimmy, Alistair and rising star Max McRae. Knockhill is the venue for this great event.
GTI Festival – 10 October
Another Santa Pod event, this time for Volkswagen enthusiasts. This is one of the last events of the year before we start thinking about putting our cars into winter hibernation.
Goodwood 78th Members’ Meeting – 16-17 October
The rescheduled 78th Members’ Meeting will take on the weekend of 16 and 17 October. All tickets will automatically roll over from 2020 and remain valid for the new dates in 2021.
London to Brighton Veteran Car Run – 7 November
Last year was the first time the London to Brighton Veteran Car Run has been cancelled since 1947. Hopes are high that the event will go ahead in 2021, when cars registered before 1 January 1915 set off from Hyde Park for the 60-mile journey to Brighton.
Used car prices rose for the 19th consecutive month in October 2021 – with almost £3,000 being added to the price of the average car in just five months.
A typical second-hand car now costs £16,878, up from £13,973 in early summer.
Remarkably, says Auto Trader, which analyses more than 900,000 vehicle prices daily, almost one in four nearly-new cars are now more expensive than their new equivalents.
“This is a significant jump on the previous all-time high of 17 percent recorded in September,” says Auto Trader.
In January 2021, just four percent of cars up to 12 months old cost more than a brand new model.
“What we’re currently seeing in the market is the result of basic economics,” said Auto Trader data and insights director, Richard Walker. “Exceptionally strong consumer demand and a constrained supply chain that simply cannot catch up.”
There’s no let-up in store either, he said, with the current trajectory expected to continue well into 2022.
“For year-on-year growth to slow to the low single-digit levels we saw pre-pandemic, supply and demand levels will need to even out.
“From what we’re seeing in the market, the wider economy, and the hundreds of thousands of daily price observations we’re able to track across the live retail market, there’s simply no evidence to suggest that will be anytime soon.”
Electric car surge
Interest in electric cars on Auto Trader continues to “considerably” outpace the wider market. Volume-brand electric car demand was up 130 percent and premium EV demand grew almost 100 percent.
With demand far outstripping supply, volume brand EV prices increased 20.7 percent in October alone, and even prices of more established premium electric cars grew 3.8 percent.
This isn’t coming at the expense of petrol and diesel cars, though – and as the numbers of such vehicles on the market falls due to supply constraints, prices have strengthened accordingly.
The average price of a petrol car rose by 26.2 percent in October, while diesel prices went up 26.7 percent.
Meanwhile, consumer demand was up 7.2 percent for petrol cars, while diesel interest ticked up just slightly, by 1.7 percent. Increases, then, but nothing like the growth in interest for electric cars…
The first Aston Martin Valkyrie customer car is complete and ready for delivery.
Assembled at the company’s headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire, the hybrid Valkyrie is described as ‘the first true F1 car for the road’.
Aston Martin CEO Tobias Moers commented: “It is an immensely proud moment for us to complete our first ever hypercar. The Valkyrie programme has tested everyone who has worked on it to the limit, but the commitment to the dream has produced a truly incredible car”.
Gives you wings
Only 150 Valkyrie coupes will be made, followed by 85 open-top Spiders and 25 examples of the track-only AMR Pro.
Hand-building a Valkyrie takes 2,000 man-hours and each car is track-tested at Silverstone before sign-off.
Its handling was honed by Red Bull Racing F1 drivers Alex Albon and Max Verstappen, along with GT racer Chris Goodwin – formerly chief test driver at McLaren.
Revs to 11,100rpm
The Valkyrie’s heart is a 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 tuned by Cosworth, which revs to 11,100rpm.
This is supplemented by a hybrid system – including batteries from Rimac, the Croatian EV manufacturer that now owns Bugatti – for a total of 1,155hp.
Standstill to 62mph takes 2.6 seconds and an F1-style KERS system allows even greater bursts of acceleration.
No time to buy
Aero-sculpted bodywork keeps the Valkyrie glued to the road or racetrack, with up to 1,816kg of downforce at top speed (217mph, since you ask). A kerb weight of 1,030kg is around 100kg more than a Lotus Elise, aided by a carbon fibre chassis and minimalist interior.
As for the price, reckon on £2.5 million, or north of £3 million for the Spider or AMR Pro.
The entire production run is now sold out, but wannabe owners can opt for the ‘son of Valkyrie’ Valhalla supercar – as seen in recent James Bond outing, No Time to Die – forecast to cost £650,000 and due in 2024.
The Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) has named the all-new Toyota Tundra as the official Truck of Texas for 2022.
More than 50 vehicles were evaluated during the two-day event, held at the Star Hill Ranch outside of Austin, Texas.
Assessing the trucks and SUVs were 44 journalists and writers. Evaluations were made from on-road performance, along with how each vehicle tackled a specially designed off-road course.
2022 Tundra is a winner
The 2022 Tundra was revealed earlier this year, as the third generation of Toyota’s American-made full-size pickup truck. Being manufactured in Texas meant the Tundra had a home-field advantage.
Equipped with a 3.5-l twin-turbo V-6 engine, or optional twin-turbo V-6 hybrid, the new Tundra can tow up to 12,000 lb. New multi-link rear suspension and a host of off-road technology also helped the Tundra to succeed.
TAWA president, Kristin Shaw, said. “TAWA journalists had the privilege of driving the brand-new Tundra on- and off-road at the same time as the national launch. By the end of the Texas Truck Rodeo, our members’ votes were loud and clear: the 2022 Tundra is a winner.”
Official SUV of Texas 2022
Built as a homage to the original luxury SUV of 1962, the new Grand Wagoneer represents a renaissance for Jeep as a premium brand.
Although it lacks the vinyl woodgrain exterior trim of Grand Wagoneers from the 1980s, the new model did enough to be crowned the 2022 SUV of Texas.
It marks a continued run of good form for Stellantis SUVs at the Texas Truck Rodeo. The Dodge Durango took the top prize for 2021, with the Maserati Levante winning the 2019 event.
Stellantis wins big in Texas
Stellantis won eleven prizes in total at the 2022 Texas Truck Rodeo. Winners included the Ram 1500 TRX performance truck taking Best Luxury Pickup.
The 702 horsepower supercharged 6.2-l Hemi V-8 engine that powers the Ram TRX was picked for Best Powertrain.
At the opposite end of the scale, the new plug-in hybrid Jeep Wrangler 4xe was named the 2022 Green Vehicle of Texas.
A virtual awards ceremony was held this month to announce the winners. However, TAWA plans to host a full celebratory event at the Houston Auto Show in January 2022.
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Audi has given its luxurious A8 a mid-life facelift after four years on sale.
The flagship saloon gets fresh styling and even more technology to take on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series.
The makeover starts with new front and rear bumpers, plus an even larger front grille – toothy chrome on most versions; menacing black if you go for S-Line spec. The latter also comes with larger alloy wheels and sportier seats.
You’ll have seen the new Audi RS3 hot hatchback with its flashing ‘R-S-3’ headlights. Not to be outdone, the latest A8 has digital OLED (organic light-emitting diode) rear lamps that change shape when you select Dynamic mode.
You can pick from two light signatures when you order the car (three with the S8), and warn off tailgaters with the proximity indication feature. If another vehicle comes too close, the back of the A8 lights up like a Christmas tree.
Inside, the A8 retains the intuitive MMI media system, with two large touchscreens and ‘Hey Audi’ voice control. Rear passengers can now enjoy a pair of 10.1-inch HD screens, mounted on the backs of the front seats, which sync with smartphones for music or video streaming. Opt for the long-wheelbase A8 L and they get a heated, massaging footrest, too.
Engine options are largely unchanged, comprising 3.0-litre V6 petrol or diesel, 4.0 V8 petrol and a 3.0 petrol-electric plug-in hybrid that offers around 30 miles of EV range.
There’s also the S8 super saloon, with a 571hp twin-turbo V8 for 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds, plus a sport differential and ‘sound flaps in the exhaust’.
The refreshed Audi A8 is available to order from December and reaches showrooms in spring 2022. Prices start from £73,375.
New car registrations in October 2021 fell to the lowest level since the 1991 recession, with sales plunging almost 25 percent.
Just over 106,000 new cars left retailer showrooms as the industry continues to be hit hard by the global semiconductor shortage.
It is the fourth consecutive month of new car sales decline and continues the stall in a post-pandemic recovery.
Electric cars continue to be a good news story though, with October sales of 16,155 cars equalling a 15.2 percent market share.
Plug-in hybrids added another 7.9 percent for electrified car take-up.
Indeed, the switch to electrified driving has been so swift, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is now predicting electric cars and plug-ins will overtake diesel car sales as soon as next year.
Overall plug-in sales for 2021 will exceed the decade-long total for the whole of 2010 to 2019 combined.
‘Supply constraints’
“The current performance reflects the challenging supply constraints,” said SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes, “with the industry battling against semiconductor shortages and increasingly strong economic headwinds as inflation rises, taxes increase and consumer confidence has weakened.
“Electrified vehicles, however, continue to buck the trend, with almost one in six new cars registered this year capable of zero-emission motoring, growth that is fundamental to the UK’s ability to hit its net zero targets.”
Mr Hawes added that 2022 is looking brighter, and predicts the switch over to electric cars will continue apace – but only if government support such as incentives remains in place.
“Continuation of this transition will depend on the preservation of incentives that overcome the affordability barrier, and the ability of the public and private sectors to increase public on-street charging to allay EV driver concerns.”
October’s chart-toppers
In a sales chart surprise, the Volkswagen Polo emerged as the best-selling car in October 2021, just pipping the Mini.
Nissan was third with the Qashqai, again just ahead of the Ford Focus.
While the Vauxhall Corsa was down in fifth place for October, it continues to be the UK’s best-selling car for 2021 overall, by a clear margin over the Volkswagen Golf.
Other October successes include the Kia Niro in sixth, the Volvo XC40 in seventh and Hyundai taking a top-10 spot with the distinctively styled new Tucson.
Mike Flewitt recently announced he will step down as CEO of McLaren Automotive, after eight years in charge. Flewitt joined in 2013, the same year the game-changing P1 was launched, and during his tenure McLaren expanded into a world-leading supercar brand. Here we’ve republished an interview from late 2020, which reveals much about the man and his passions.
Braking hard from 170mph on the Hangar Straight, another McLaren 765LT looms large in my mirrors. Two corners later, it’s almost nudging my diffuser. Admitting defeat, I pull over and wave the faster driver through. Airbrake aloft and tailpipes glowing blue, he kisses the kerb at Abbey, applies a flick of opposite-lock and blasts away.
Only after I return to the Silverstone pit lane do I realise my on-track adversary was Mike Flewitt. The CEO of McLaren Automotive looks as comfortable in a supercar as a shareholder meeting.
Before he joined McLaren in 2012, Flewitt was Vice President of Manufacturing at Ford of Europe, plus his CV includes stints at Rolls-Royce and Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR).
The pandemic has, inevitably, been difficult, but Mike seems in good spirits. Perhaps he knows how much slower I am. We grab a coffee and begin…
How would you sum up 2020 for McLaren?
“Horrible. We came into the year really well, then the pandemic progressively hit us. We closed our factory and most retailers at the end of March, so at that point the business was pretty much stopped. We weren’t building cars or selling cars.
“That was really grim, and a huge financial strain, but we secured financing that saw us through. In terms of development, our two priorities have been this car [the 765LT] and the new hybrid Artura.
McLaren 765LT tailpipes glowing blue after hot laps at Silverstone.
This quad-exit titanium exhaust is 40 percent lighter than a stainless steel system.
“We had to go through some redundancies and, to pay down our debt, we’re doing a sale and lease-back of the McLaren Technical Centre in Woking. Frankly, most companies don’t own their headquarters – we were just very fortunate that, after many successful years of Formula 1 under Ron Dennis, McLaren could buy the premises outright.
Tell us about McLaren’s hybrid future.
“We built the first of the ‘hybrid hypercars’ with the P1, a hugely exciting car with extreme power. It showed everyone that hybrids weren’t just an environmental game to play; they could also offer a performance advantage – and be thrilling for the driver.
“More recently, we used a different hybrid system in the Speedtail. From zero to 300kph [186mph], it’s the fastest car in the world. Quite staggering. We had to evolve into making more hybrids, though; it brings a complete step-change in CO2 levels – halving them compared with our twin-turbo V8s. But to get the real benefit, we needed a new platform to suit.
“Our factory in Sheffield will build the Artura’s carbon fibre tub, while the electric motors are also made in the UK. It’s a very important step for us and we’ve invested a lot of money, as this hybrid platform underpins the next 8-10 years of cars. We’re very excited about bringing it to market.”
What about electric cars – will we see a McLaren EV?
“Yes, but not until the latter part of this decade. It’s hard to get the balance of power and range with performance cars. You could have an extremely fast EV, but it will have very little range – and it won’t offer enough engagement and excitement.
“Primarily, we make cars that are exciting, and performance is part of that. Yet a lot of that sensation also comes from the powertrain, and that’s missing with EVs.
“I think our GT product range will be first to go electric, then it will evolve into the supercars. We have a couple of development cars running around, and we’re working on chassis dynamics. We want to make an EV that’s as thrilling as the 765LT you’re driving today.”
Speaking of the 765LT, what’s your verdict?
“I adore it. The performance is astonishing. The chassis has been developed much more for track use, so it’s very focused. Speed is relentless, grip is tremendous.
“Cars like this are totally indulgent, but we are selling an emotional experience – and the 765LT delivers that better than anything I’ve driven in a long time.”
You’ve had some bad press regarding depreciation. Is McLaren making too many cars?
“We are sensitive to this and I’d love my owners not to lose a penny. That said, depreciation is the most significant cost for any car owner, and very, very few cars actually appreciate.
“So the question is how much the individual is prepared to pay for the privilege of owning something like a 720S.”
This was still under embargo yesterday, but here’s the first MSO-modified McLaren 765LT.
Full ‘Visual Carbon Fibre’ body is available in various tints.
“There was a time when there were a lot fewer supercars and manufacturers in the market, so you could buy some cars and trade them after a year with very little depreciation. We retailed about 4,500 cars in 2019 and we’ll be back to that level by 2022 or 2023.
“We are careful to manage supply and we run a qualified scheme for previously owned cars at McLaren dealers. That’s the best way to maintain value.”
Gordon Murray’s T.50 is arguably the spiritual successor to the McLaren F1. What’s your take on it?
“All credit to him. I like Gordon and plenty of people will admire the T.50 and see it as a modern-day F1.
“It’s a uniquely positioned car that doesn’t meet global homologation standards – and that’s fine as he’s only producing 100 for out-and-out enthusiasts. But it isn’t going to change the supercar world. The 765LT is far more relevant in terms of the market.
“In the niche he’s playing in, though, it’s a brilliant piece of engineering.”
It’s 25 years since the F1’s historic victory at Le Mans. Would you like McLaren to race there again?
“I’d absolutely love to. We planned all sorts of celebrations to mark that win, and sadly they were all cancelled. Le Mans was closed to spectators, after all.
“We’re having an amazing 2020 in GT3 and GT4 racing – we’ve just won the championship in GT4. It would be great to build on that and grow back into Le Mans, which is the senior category for sports cars. I don’t see it happening in the next year or two, but it’s on the wish-list.”
Let’s talk about your interest in cars…
“I love modern supercars. I drive a McLaren GT every day and have a 675LT at home. But I also race classics – in fact, I was here at Silverstone last week doing a test day in a 1955 Lotus Mark IX.
“Cars aren’t just transport to me, they’re really something to enjoy.”
Which other car brand do you most admire?
“I admire Porsche hugely for its engineering and commercial structure. The company builds a quarter of a million cars a year, yet still retains a perceived exclusivity. It also has segment-leading products in most of the areas where it competes.
“I’ve got a lot of time for Ford and BMW, too. They both demonstrate you can have great driving dynamics at different price points. I drove a Ford Focus for years and it was brilliant. We also have a BMW M2 and a Range Rover at home.”
Which McLaren road car are you proudest of?
“That’s a really hard one. I am desperately proud of the 765LT. Before this, I’d have probably said the 675LT. We took the 650S and made it a little lighter, faster and more aerodynamic, but the result was way more than the sum of its parts.
“In truth, I’d struggle to separate my 675s from my 765s. Perhaps the LT [Longtail] brand is what I’m proudest of. The cars are daily usable and very exciting even at low speed, yet they’re amazing on a track. They absolutely hit the spot for McLaren – and for me.”
