Mini has expanded the range of models that can be specified with its monochrome Shadow Edition package.
Earlier this year, Mini launched the blackout option for the Clubman estate and Countryman SUV.
Now customers can specify it on all Mini vehicles, including the Mini Hatchback, Convertible and battery-powered Electric.
Ready for the blackout?
The Shadow Edition is an exclusive offering for UK customers, but follows a tried-and-tested formula seen on other ‘Black Edition’ cars.
Midnight Black metallic paint is used for most of the exterior, with the roof and mirror caps finished in contrasting silver. Mini Electric models have the roof and wing mirrors painted black instead.
Both the Hatchback and Convertible Shadow Editions are based upon the Sport trim level. This means a black front grille and headlight surrounds, plus a black Mini badge to complete the noir makeover.
Bespoke Shadow Edition graphics can be spotted on the front wing and scuttle panel. Hatchback versions also gain a new logo on the roof.
Heart of darkness
Inside, Piano Black trim is used on the dashboard, with a Shadow Edition badge. The same branding appears on the new sill plates, with Mini adding an anthracite headlining and John Cooper Works sports seats.
Standard specification includes an 8.8-inch infotainment screen, Bluetooth connectivity and LED lights all-round.
Prices start at £22,340 for the three-door Shadow Edition hatchback, with the five-door model costing £23,040. Opting for the Electric costs £35,050 including the Plug-in Car Grant. The Mini Convertible Shadow Edition starts at £25,600.
The new 2022 Range Rover will offer peerless refinement and unmatched capability within a breathtakingly modern design, Land Rover has claimed, as the covers come off its all-new car.
Revealed via a livestream on YouTube, the new Range Rover follows the 50-year DNA of earlier models, but aims to raise luxury to a whole new level – one well clear of Mercedes-Benz and BMW, and more akin to Aston Martin and Bentley.
Offered with a range of engines, including plug-in hybrid EV, plus a pure electric version from 2024, the Range Rover comes in standard or long-wheelbase versions. It also offers four, five or seven seats for the first time.
The PHEV provides an electric driving range of up to 62 miles, and will deliver either 440hp or 510hp.
As well as straight-six turbo petrol engines, there will be a 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo range-topper, sourced from BMW, which produces 530hp for 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds.
Orders for the new Range Rover are open now, with prices starting from £94,400.
Pinnacle of luxury
JLR chief creative officer Prof. Gerry McGovern says the fifth-generation Range Rover is “informed by creative intellect and a desire for perfection.
“It doesn’t follow fashion or trend, but a modernist design philosophy… from the impeccable restraint of its exterior to the flawless tranquil sanctuary of its cabin.”
This is the first Range Rover to have power-assisted doors, lightening the load before you even get inside. Land Rover says cabin tech has been designed to ease the cognitive load on the driver, too.
There’s even next-generation active noise cancellation, which plays through the in-car entertainment system’s 35 speakers, including those in the head restraints.
Perfect air quality is guaranteed by Cabin Air Purification Pro, using ‘nanoe X’ technology that is ‘scientifically proven to significantly reduce viruses and bacteria, including SARS-CoV-2 viruses’.
Amazon Alexa voice AI is built in, as are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The new Range Rover is also going vegan, with premium upholstery that combines Ultrafabrics and a Kvadrat wool blend. This material generates just 25 percent of the CO2 of traditional leather.
Centrepiece of the dashboard is a curved and ‘floating’ 13.1-inch Pivi Pro infotainment screen, providing haptic feedback when users touch it. There’s a new semi-floating 13.7-inch interactive driver display as well.
Sophisticated styling
Features such as an unbroken waistline give the Range Rover a sophisticated look. Cleverly, there are no rubber strips where the edge of the door meets the glass, as the waist finisher is hidden beneath.
The ‘milled from solid’ look results in a drag coefficient of just 0.30 – making this the most aerodynamic luxury SUV in the world.
Other features include ‘hidden until lit’ lighting within the new boat tail-style rear (but Range Rover fans can rest easy: the famous split tailgate is retained).
On-the-road sophistication is promised from air suspension that uses eHorizon navigation data to ‘read the road ahead and prime the suspension to provide perfect responses’.
All new Range Rovers have all-wheel steering, making them more stable at speed and, by creating a turning circle of less than 11 metres, easier to manoeuvre around town.
Owners can also use an app to ‘remote control’ their new Range Rover from the outside. Useful for parking in tight spaces.
As for reliability, Land Rover – which filed 125 patents during development of the new Range Rover – says it will be a ‘new quality benchmark’, thanks to 140,000 hours of computational analysis and a particularly punishing global testing programme.
As with every Range Rover in the past 50 years, the car will be built exclusively at Land Rover’s Solihull plant, now redeveloped as ‘a new, ultra-modern centre for Range Rover production’.
A 2017 Ford GT owned by legendary actor and comedian Tim Allen is currently available for auction.
Listed on the Bring a Trailer website, it becomes the latest celebrity-owned GT to come up for sale.
With a low mileage, choice upgrades and a famous owner, this seems a particularly desirable example of Ford’s flagship supercar.
Michigan icons together
A prolific car collector, Allen has owned vehicles ranging from a classic Ferrari 330 to a Mercedes-Benz 500E. However, having grown up in Michigan, and even worked at General Motors, domestic performance cars have always been part of his passion.
While starring on Home Improvement, Allen entered the 24 Hours of Daytona race in 1997. Although his Saleen Allen Speedlab team only finished in 68th place, it demonstrated Allen’s enthusiasm for power.
Being such a high-profile car fan will have helped Allen secure a second-generation Ford GT. The car was ordered new from Galpin Ford, and was tailored to Allen’s specification.
No need for home improvements
The GT’s carbon fiber bodywork is finished in Ingot Silver paint. Exposed carbon fiber trim can be found on the front splitter, wing mirrors and engine bay louvres. Although paint protection film has been applied, some scuffs are noted on the front end.
The 20-inch wheels are made from carbon fiber, with lightweight titanium wheel nuts. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires help control the power on offer.
Despite his love for hot rodding, Allen has left the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine relatively untouched.
Like fellow celebrity Ford GT owner Jay Leno, Allen has opted for a Heffner titanium exhaust system. This is designed to complement the standard 647 hp output from the GT.
No DIY required
Allen opted for the ‘Dark Energy’ interior package when specifying his GT. This means carbon fiber bucket seats wrapped in Ebony Alcantara, with the same material used for the two-spoke steering wheel.
More Ebony Alcantara appears on the headlining and roof pillars. Matte dark stainless detailing is used on the instrument panel, with the paddles for the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission also in black.
Despite all his effort specifying the mid-engined Ford, Allen has driven it just 700 miles. Given the rarity of second-generation GTs, this auction offers the chance to grab one almost like new.
Celebrity GT showdown
Bidding for the Ford GT has already hit seven figures, making for a notable profit on the $487,500 Allen originally paid for it. It remains to be seen just how high it will go.
Earlier this year a 2018 Ford GT owned by IndyCar racer Graham Rahal sold on Bring a Trailer for $1,050,000. Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s own GT reached $910,000, but failed to pass the reserve set.
Potential new owners, and interested observers, will not have to wait long to see the result. The Bring a Trailer auction is due to run until Wednesday 27 October.
Prodrive will become one of the first teams in the world to use sustainable fuels in an FIA championship.
The Oxfordshire-based motorsport specialist has developed its own ECOPower formula in collaboration with Coryton Advanced Fuels.
It will be used in Prodrive’s own Hunter T1+ off-road racer (pictured), which competes in the FIA World Cup for Cross Country Rallies later this year.
Greener off-road racing
An eight-month development programme has created ECOpower, which is intended to show the potential of sustainable fuels. Components are taken from agricultural waste, and also from capturing carbon in the environment.
Prodrive claims this reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent compared with regular unleaded petrol.
David Richards, Prodrive’s chairman, said: “I am a great advocate of motorsport taking the lead in developing, proving and promoting new technologies that can help address climate change.”
No modifications were needed to the engine in the Hunter T1+. An entry into the 2022 Dakar Rally should offer a serious test of the fuel’s performance.
Race for sustainability
It marks the latest move by motorsport teams and organisers to increase environmental sustainability.
Formula 1 has already begun research into using sustainable fuel. New rules to be introduced in 2022 will require teams to use an E10 fuel blend, derived from food waste and biomass.
Bentley revealed a Continental GT3 race car powered by sustainable fuel in April this year. The bewinged racer was entered into the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb to help evaluate biofuels.
Next year will also see the British Touring Car Championship make a move to hybrid powertrains.
Motorists who drive plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles into central London are no longer exempt from the £15 daily Congestion Charge as Transport for London tightens up eligibility.
Previously, PHEVs emitting no more than 75g/km CO2 qualified for a 100 percent ‘cleaner vehicle discount’ (formerly called the Ultra Low Emission Discount, or ULED).
From 25 October 2021, only pure zero emissions cars – those emitting 0g/km CO2 – qualify for the cleaner vehicle discount.
This restricts it to battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. PHEVs, even those driven entirely on electric power within the Congestion Charge zone, will now have to pay up.
TfL is also signalling the end of the cleaner vehicle discount entirely. From 25 December 2025, the discount for EVs and fuel cell cars will be discontinued.
“From this date, all vehicle owners, unless in receipt of another discount or exemption, will need to pay to enter the Congestion Charge zone during charging hours.”
Congestion Charge clampdown
Many motorists who regularly commute into central London had chosen a plug-in hybrid as a way to escape paying the charge.
The Congestion Charge zone is around 13 square miles in size, which would allow many modern PHEVs to travel in and out on electric power without fully depleting the batteries.
It marks her second title in the single-seater formula, following her success in its inaugural 2019 season.
The 23-year-old put on a dominant display, taking two victories at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.
Double decadence
With no competition held in 2020, Chadwick now has a 100 percent success rate in the W Series championship.
As the 2021 season finale, this weekend’s W Series round took on a double-header formula. Despite appearing strong in practice, Chadwick only qualified second for the first race.
Starting behind fellow British driver Abbi Pulling, however, Chadwick grabbed the lead in Saturday’s race one by the first corner.
Somerset-born Chadwick kept the lead for the remainder of the race. Her championship rival, Alice Powell, came third and also set the fastest lap of the race.
Cruising to victory
Chadwick’s dominance continued in the second race on Sunday. Starting from pole position, she was able to build a substantial lead for a relatively easy win.
It meant Chadwick took her second championship by 27 points over Powell. Finland’s Emma Kimilainen came third in the final season standings.
Abbie Eaton was forced to withdraw from Sunday’s race, having suffered a compression fracture in race one on Saturday. Marta Garcia was unable to compete due to illness.
‘A mega end to a mega year‘
Winning the 2021 season will give Chadwick 15 FIA Super Licence points.
These are crucial for competing in Formula 1, with Chadwick already working as a development driver for Williams. A cheque for $500,000 will also help further her career.
With her second-place championship finish, Alice Powell collects 12 FIA Super Licence points.
After the race, Chadwick said: “That was a mega end to a mega year. It feels so good to finish it off like that – what a win! Thank you to W Series, Veloce, Formula 1 and everyone who’s supported me. It means so much to defend my title. It’s been really hard work this year as I’ve been pushed all the way by Alice.”
The Bentley Continental GT enjoys something of a cliched relationship with footballers. However, a combination of pace, luxury and all-round usability make its appeal easy to understand.
Ronaldo purchased the GT Speed during his first stint playing for Manchester United. The 2008 to 2009 season saw him score his 100th goal for the team, helping them to claim the Premier League trophy.
Such success, both domestically and in the 2008 World Cup, led to him being crowned the 2008 World Player of the Year.
We can only speculate whether the Bentley, which was delivered to the Portuguese forward in September that same year, helped inspire him on the pitch.
More bling, more power
Ronaldo opted for subtle Sapphire Blue exterior paintwork for his Bentley. This is complemented by a Magnolia leather interior, with dark wood trim on the dashboard, plus drilled alloy pedals.
Exterior changes for the Speed model included a new chrome grille and wider exhaust tailpipes.
However, the star of the Speed show was the upgraded twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 engine.
Back of the net!
Bentley did not simply up the boost from the turbochargers to gain extra performance. Upgraded cooling, new pistons, an improved exhaust system and a reprogrammed ECU were all added.
This pushed engine output from 552hp to 600hp, and boosted torque from 479lb ft to a thumping 553lb ft – enough to cut the 0-62mph time to 4.3 seconds.
Tipping the scales at 2,350kg, the GT Speed was certainly not a lightweight. A Premier League footballer’s salary would help with its running costs, too.
Second chance at success?
Following Cristiano’s ownership, the car continued to have a Bentley main dealership service history until 2016. It was then placed into storage by the late vendor.
With Ronaldo now playing for Manchester United once again, he could perhaps be tempted to buy back his old car.
Should he so choose, he’ll need to be at the NEC on Saturday 13 November, ready to bid.
Although the traditional five-day working week could be over, motorists say they are still reliant on their cars.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, some 49 percent of drivers commuted to work five days each week. Now, just 32 percent expect to do the same in the future.
Yet despite this predicted fall, research undertaken by the RAC has found increased levels of car dependency.
Daily commute coming to an end
Of those surveyed, driving to a workplace three times a week is likely to become the new normal. Almost one-fifth (19 percent) expect to stop commuting by car and work from home permanently.
Some 12 percent of respondents said they would continue to commute by bus, train, tube, walk or bike – as they had done before the pandemic.
Public transport has, predictably, fallen out of favour with commuters. Fewer than half of drivers (46 percent) said they would use their cars less if public transport improved.
This is a drop from 59 percent just three years ago.
Critically, 45 percent said they expect to use public transport less due to the pandemic. Only 22 percent now see it as an attractive alternative to the car.
Motoring reliance increases
The RAC’s Report on Motoring found that 82 percent of drivers said they would struggle without a car. It marks the highest level recorded since 2006, and increased from 74 percent in 2019.
Rural drivers (87 percent) were more likely than urban dwellers (77 percent) to be dependent on their cars.
Those in the West Midlands were most likely to rely on their cars, followed by drivers in Yorkshire and the North East.
Reasons for relying on a car focused on speed compared to public transport. The struggles of carrying everything when grocery shopping is also a concern.
RAC data insight spokesman Rod Dennis said: “One of the starkest findings from our report is around attitudes towards public transport.
“If the challenge faced by policymakers in getting drivers out of their cars before the pandemic was akin to trekking up a steep hill, our research suggests they now have a veritable mountain to climb.
“Just a fifth of drivers see public transport as an attractive alternative to driving and less than half say they would use their cars less even if public transport was improved.
“What’s more, most drivers say the pandemic has made them more wary of using public transport in the future.”
A special collaboration has created a working hydrogen-powered 1:10-scale replica of the Toyota Mirai.
Working with experts from Bramble Energy and Tamiya, Toyota helped build the UK’s first hydrogen-fuelled radio control (RC) car.
The miniature Mirai was mentioned this week by our friends at the Motoring Podcast. Its first outing took place at the Old New Inn Model Village in Bourton-on-the-Water.
Miniaturised hydrogen tech
An off-the-shelf Tamiya TT-02 RC chassis was used as the basis for the scaled-down Mirai. The aim was to create a hydrogen-powered RC car that would demonstrate how simple the conversion process can be.
Bramble Energy specialises in producing small-scale hydrogen fuel cells. It was able to miniaturise its printed circuit board to fit the Tamiya chassis.
A new control system, along with parts for storing and regulating the hydrogen fuel, were also added. Bramble Energy fitted two hydrogen canisters, allowing for quick replacement when running low.
As the RC car expert, Tamiya produced a bespoke 1:10 Toyota Mirai body shell. It was then painted in the same Scarlet Flare red as the real thing.
Small scale, big potential
The complete hydrogen fuel cell system fitted by Bramble Energy provides the RC Mirai with 20 watts of power. This has doubled its running time compared to a regular battery-powered RC car.
Earlier this year, a full-size Toyota Mirai set a new Guinness World Record. It covered an astonishing 845 miles on a single tank of hydrogen.
Although not quite offering the same range, Toyota hopes the RC Mirai will help promote hydrogen fuel cell technology.
David Rogers, Toyota spokesperson on alternative fuels, commented: “Cars are the tip of the iceberg for Toyota in terms of progress towards a hydrogen society. Hydrogen will play a key role in meeting our future energy needs, bringing zero emission driving for both big cities and small villages.”
Porsche’s DC rapid charging network for electric cars has become the largest across Europe and North America.
More importantly, the combined power of the Ionity and Electrify America networks has now surpassed 1.21 gigawatts.
Fans of the Back to the Future movie franchise will recognise the importance of this figure. And Porsche executives seemingly enjoy the iconic films, too
Going nuclear
In the Back to the Future movies, the DeLorean Time Machine requires 1.21 gigawatts of energy to achieve time travel. Its ‘Mr Fusion’ onboard nuclear reactor is perhaps the ultimate in convenience.
In the real world, however, being able to charge a Porsche Taycan from five to 80 percent in 22 minutes is a strong runner-up.
Between the 670 Electrify America and 372 Ionity locations, Porsche owners now have access to more 4,800 individual charging points.
More time travelling
Porsche has created a special one-minute film, highlighting the power of its EV charging network.
The company picked 21 October as the ideal date to release the finished film. Movie buffs will know it as the day Marty McFly time-travels to in the original Back to the Future film.
Featured in the movie is actor and electric vehicle enthusiast, Donald Fullilove. A star of the first Back to the Future in 1985, Fullilove played the role of Goldie Wilson.
Originally a cafe worker, Fullilove’s character goes on to become mayor of the fictional Hill Valley.
