Huge Ram 3500 pickup truck to be built Down Under

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October 7, 2021

Ram Trucks Australia has announced details of the enormous 3500 Heavy Duty Laramie pickup.

It is the latest right-hand-drive truck to be offered in the country, and is fully designed and homologated for Australian customers.

More than 50,000 hours were spent developing the Australian version of the Ram 3500. This was followed by 150,000 km (93,000 miles) of rolling road and real-world testing.

Some 400 locally-sourced parts are used in the right-hand-drive conversion.

Ready to get to work

Making the 3500 HD Laramie stand out from the rest of the Ram range is the use of a two-stage longitudinal leaf solid axle.

This boosts the 3500 HD’s payload capacity to a gargantuan 1,724 kg, letting it carry the largest of loads.

When using a conventional tow bar, the 3500 HD can pull up to 4,500 kg. Adding an appropriate gooseneck fitment, along with air brakes, pushes the towing capacity to 8,000 kg.

All of this is made possible by the standard 6.7-l Cummins inline-six turbodiesel engine. It produces 370hp, combined with a Herculean 850lb ft of torque, which is delivered to all four wheels.

Blue collar ability, white collar price

Despite its propensity for hard work, the 3500 HD Laramie is packed with luxury features. Part-leather trim for the Crew Cab is standard, along with a 12-inch multimedia touchscreen and 10-speaker Alpine sound system.

Such performance and comfort does not come cheap, however. Pricing for the Australian Ram 3500 HD Laramie Crew Cab starts at $162,950 (£87,250) before on-the-road costs.

“The 3500 is a remarkable vehicle that cements our product offering in 2021”, said Ram Trucks Australia national manager, Jeff Barber.

He added: “Only Ram Trucks Australia can deliver such a vehicle, thanks to our robust and detailed planning, development, remanufacturing and testing programme, in conjunction with our local and global partners including Stellantis.”

Australian customers will also be offered the performance-orientated Ram 1500 TRX in the near future.

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Opinion: You’re spending too long at the petrol station

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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October 6, 2021

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parking fines petrol station

The queues for fuel across the UK have finally started to shrink. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll be in-and-out of a petrol station within five minutes.

A while ago, we reported on the chap fined for spending too long at a BP garage. No, not Alan Partridge. There’s no whiff of Lynx Java about this story.

Since then, ANPR cameras and time limits have proliferated at petrol stations. But here’s the thing: if you’re spending half an hour on the forecourt, you’re part of the problem.

Anything longer than 15 minutes, frankly, is inexcusable. I’ve never got a stopwatch out, but assuming there’s no queue, the splash and dash should be completed in less than 10 minutes.

Sure, grab a Dairy Milk or a packet of Wine Gums on your way to the till, but taking anything other than the shortest route between the door and the cashier should be avoided. Pay, get into your car, then go.

The man in our original news story spent 47 minutes at a site in Croydon. Yep, forty-seven minutes. Most of that time was spent queuing behind six vehicles to use the car wash. Seriously, wouldn’t you come back another day?

Another man who received a fine wondered whether an “allowance of 45 minutes would be far more reasonable”, to which I say “NO”. Think about that for a moment: can you genuinely see a scenario in which you’d want to spend three-quarters of an hour at a petrol station?

Why? There must be better things you could be doing with your time.

Won’t get fuelled again

petrol station at night

Almost everything is more expensive at a petrol station, so anything other than a distress purchase should wait for another day. You’re paying for convenience and the fact that the retailer makes virtually nothing out of the highway robbery you experienced at the pump.

It means that today’s petrol station is less about petrol and more about shopping. Even the petrol element is in doubt, with forecourts adding banks of chargers to prepare for our electric future.

Quite how charging fits into the maximum stay limits is a subject for another day…

I have sympathy for drivers caught unaware by the parking restrictions – I’m not siding with any retailers who have misled motorists. But I think spending the equivalent half a football match at a petrol station is time wasted, even if you’re a Man Utd fan.

Casually wandering around a Little Waitrose or M&S Simply Food looking at chilled ready meals, cat food and household cleaning products while your fellow motorists slip into a coma in the queue behind your family SUV just isn’t cricket.

When you’re back in your car, don’t spend an age checking your smartphone, arranging your shopping or having an in-depth conversation with your passenger. Make like a celebrity and get outta there.

A visit to a petrol station should be like an Olympic event. Time yourself from when you open the filler cap to the moment you’ve fastened your seat belt and are ready to go. If you beat your personal best, treat yourself to a mint Aero the next time you fill up.

No queues, no parking fines, no bother. Better for you, better for all of us.

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Call for new driving instructors to clear Covid learner backlog

By

Richard Aucock

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October 6, 2021

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UK adults with full driving licences are being encouraged to train as approved driving instructors to help clear an enormous pandemic-related backlog of driving tests.

The industry is currently suffering an accumulation of 420,000 driving test bookings – one that is growing as more young adults turn 17.

The number of people taking their driving test over the past year fell nearly 73 percent, mostly due to cancelled tests caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Many remain eager to get on the road, along with thousands more who are looking to take up driving and avoid public transport.

Despite this, the number of official qualified Approved Driving Instructors (ADIs) in the UK is actually falling, from more than 39,000 in March 2020 to just over 38,000 in March 2021.

‘Playing catch-up’

Driving school Bill Plant, which is leading the call for adults to train as driving instructors, says the overall ratio of drivers to instructors “has changed dramatically”. This imbalance is predicted to stretch well into 2022.

“After the past 18 months the driving school industry has faced, we’re going to effectively be playing catch-up for a long time,” said head of training at Bill Plant, Peter Brabin.

“We’re calling on adults all over the UK who might be out of work or considering a career change to really think hard about becoming a driving instructor.”

A rise in the pass rate for driving theory tests is further proof of the demand for practical driving tests, added Mr Brabin.

The pass rate has grown 8.6 percent in a year, the highest since March 2014.

As for those lucky enough to get a slot for a practical driving test, records show 51 percent of learners passed first time – meaning the overall pass rate is the highest since records began in 2008.

It seems those who do finally take a practical driving test are making the most of it…

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F1-inspired electric Renault Twizy sells for £27,500

By

John Redfern

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October 6, 2021

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The new owner of an ultra-rare Renault Twizy has guaranteed themselves traffic-stopping status on the road.

Sold by the Collecting Cars online platform, this is one of only five examples of the Formula 1-influenced Twizy.

With custom carbon fibre bodywork, wide wheels and bright green paint, the 2012 electric car commanded enough attention to sell for £27,500.

Paddock pleaser

Oakley Design was inspired by the one-off Renault Twizy F1, built as a promotional tool by the Renaultsport racing team.

Fitted with slick tyres and a KERS power boost system, it was often spotted being driven around F1 paddocks by Sebastian Vettel.

The five Twizys built by Oakley Design lack the slick rubber and KERS system, but still make use of motorsport-influenced parts.

A tarmac-scraping front spoiler is made from carbon fibre. The lightweight material is also used for the side skirts and huge rear spoiler.

Green, but not mean

The wing mirrors are said to be the same as those found on a 2015 Formula 1 racer, while the wheels are magnesium centre-lock items from a Formula 2 car.

However, the Twizy is unlikely to reach speeds that see its aerodynamic appendages producing real downforce.

A standard Twizy electric motor produces only 17hp, but an aftermarket tuning box has increased top speed to 60mph. This also allows the driver to switch between Eco, Normal and Sport modes.

Plug-in baby

For such an unusual creation, bidding was intense in the Collecting Cars auction. Some 49 bids were placed, before the new owner snagged the bright green Twizy for £27,500.

Although they will be able to charge from a regular domestic power socket, they will need to pay £55 to Renault each month for the lease of the battery. This does at least include a lifetime battery warranty.

We imagine the new owner is now enjoying avoiding the queues at petrol stations in their outlandish EV.

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Mitsubishi ends new car sales in the UK

By

Richard Aucock

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October 4, 2021

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British motorists can no longer buy a brand new Mitsubishi in the UK. The Japanese firm’s gradual retreat saw the UK importer close its doors last week.

The Mitsubishi Motors UK website remains operational, and includes listings for models such as the popular Outlander PHEV and L200 pickup. However, a disclaimer from former importer The Colt Car Company (CCC) explains that new models are no longer available in the UK.

Instead, potential Mitsubishi customers are advised to check out secondhand vehicles at dealers.

Aftersales support will stay

Existing owners will remain supported during their ownership, though. International Motors, which represents Isuzu and Subaru in the UK, has purchased the Mitsubishi aftersales business from CCC.

This new subsidiary will continue to trade in the UK under the Mitsubishi Motors banner, and utilise the existing website.

The aim is for Mitsubishi owners to not notice any difference in the standards of service they receive, both from the importer and their former Mitsubishi franchise dealer – which will become an official Mitsubishi Service Centre.

Ex-Mitsubishi director Toby Marshall will lead the new business. “We are excited to be joining the IM Group, which will allow us to continue offering aftersales services for all Mitsubishi customers in the UK,” he said.

“We’re looking to maintain the excellent standards of aftersales care, parts supply and vehicle warranty that our customers have experienced for many years to come.”

HQ on sale for £12 million

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK was established back in 1974, based in the Cirencester region.

Its giant HQ, which oversaw vehicles, parts and accessories, as well as the hub for all UK technician training, customer care and aftersales support, has now been put on the market following CCC’s closure – for £12 million.

Earlier this year, Mitsubishi sold its UK heritage fleet, raising more than £627,000 – with one eager buyer setting a new world record by paying £100,000 for the firm’s Lancer Evolution Vi Tommi Makinen Edition.

In 2020, Mitsubishi announced it was withdrawing from the European market for financial reasons.

It subsequently struck a deal with partner brand Renault to continue sales of rebranded Renault cars in Europe.

However, this deal does not extend to right-hand-drive vehicles, resulting in the demise of Mitsubishi as a new car brand in the UK.

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New Dacia Duster Commercial van is high on space, low on price

By

John Redfern

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October 4, 2021

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Dacia has announced details of the new Duster Commercial, a van version of its no-frills SUV.

The professional conversion to a LCV (light commercial vehicle) removes the rear seats, and offers up to 1,603 litres of cargo space.

Dacia’s commitment to low prices means the Duster Commercial will be the cheapest LCV with four-wheel drive in the UK.

Time to live the van life

Along with removing the back seats, the Duster Commercial’s conversion sees the addition of a flat wooden load floor and a metal bulkhead. The fixed rear windows are tinted for security, with a full-length load cover also fitted as standard.

From the outside, this means the Duster van looks just like the regular SUV.

Seven colour options are available, including Dacia’s distinctive Arizona Orange. A new front grille, flanked by Y-shaped daytime running lights, gives the Duster a strong look.

The cargo area can carry a maximum payload of 503kg, depending on the model chosen, and can accommodate items up to 1,723mm in length.

Petrol engine options range from 90hp through to 150hp, with a 115hp diesel also offered. The latter is available with four-wheel drive. All other engines make use of front-wheel drive.

A six-speed manual gearbox is standard for all apart from the petrol TCe 150, which has a six-speed dual-clutch EDC transmission.

Fully loaded, light on costs

Entry-level Essential models feature air conditioning, cruise control, electric front windows and a DAB radio with Bluetooth. Comfort versions gain a rear-view camera, parking sensors and an eight-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Pricing for the Duster Commercial starts at £12,795 excluding VAT for the Essential TCe 90 petrol model with front-wheel drive.

Topping the range will be the diesel Comfort Blue dCi 115 with four-wheel drive. Excluding VAT, the fanciest Duster Commercial costs £17,595.

Orders are open now, with the first deliveries to customers expected in December.

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Revealed: how to make your 007-spec Aston Martin road-legal

By

Tim Pitt

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October 1, 2021

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Aston Martin DB5 Goldfinger Continuation

To celebrate its long-running assciation with James Bond, Aston Martin has built 25 DB5 ‘Goldfinger’ continuation cars. For £2.75 million – a price even Blofeld might baulk at – buyers got a hand-crafted recreation of 007’s most iconic car, complete with a full set of Q Branch gadgets.

Special equipment on the Goldfinger included front and rear battering rams, a smokescreen delivery system, revolving number plates and twin machine guns (the latter only simulated, sadly).

There is a catch, though: the extensive modifications mean the cars aren’t road-legal.

Back to the future

That’s where R-Reforged comes in. The Warwick-based engineering firm specialises in Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) for low-volume cars such as the DB5 Goldfinger and earlier DB4 GT Continuation (pictured above).

It also builds the Aston Martin Callum Vanquish 25 – Ian Callum’s modified and modernised super-GT, based on the original 2001-2007 Vanquish.

Aside from Astons, other rarities R-Reforged has made MOT-ready include a Ferrari 599 Zagato, Lamborghini Gallardo Zagato Spyder and Land Rover Defender Works V8 70th Edition.

Cleaner classics

Preparing a continuation car for road use takes up to 10 weeks. As a ‘new’ vehicle, it must satisfy modern emissions rules, as well as driver and pedestrian safety standards.

R-Reforged has gained IVA approval for seven of the 19 DB4 GT Continuations built so far. Its fully reversible kit includes upgraded lights, side repeaters, a retractable fog lamp, smoother wheel hubs, E-marked windows and rounded exhaust tips, rather than the slash-cut tailpipes of the original car.

Inside, changes are made to the steering wheel and instruments, while the roll cage is trimmed in padded leather.

Box of delights

Impressively, the exhaust system is also cleaned up with custom silencer and catalytic converter. Alongside engine tuning and changes to the fuel system, it allows a 1960s engine to pass a 2021 MOT.

The kit of parts comes in a plush wooden presentation case, allowing owners to return their cars to standard specification if required.

Whether there’s space for the Goldfinger’s pop-out tyre slashers and ejector seat, we’re not certain.

Ready for the road

“By being restricted to private tracks, owners haven’t been able to extract the full pleasure of driving a newly-built classic,” says Adam Donfrancesco, head of engineering at R-Reforged, whose CV includes stints at Noble, Land Rover and Aston Martin itself.

“With our service, it’s possible to enjoy these special cars on the road. Alongside compliance,R-Reforged’s IVA service incorporates other changes to make these cars more versatile, usable and undoubtedly provide a better return on investment when they can be used and enjoyed every day.”

There’s no word on whether the DB5 Daniel Craig drives in No Time to Die had the same treatment…

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Your Ford could take delivery of Hermes parcels for you

By

John Redfern

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October 1, 2021

0

Owners of certain Ford cars can now have parcels delivered directly to their boot.

Launched in selected areas of the UK, the project is available for deliveries made by Hermes.

The Secure Delivery to Vehicle pilot allows Ford cars to be used as a safe place to leave a parcel when the recipient is unavailable.

More parcels, more problems

A boom in e-commerce, triggered by the global pandemic, means online orders now account for more than 30 percent of retail sales.

The Secure Delivery to Vehicle pilot will let parcels be delivered to Ford cars parked near the owner’s home. No extra cost to the recipient is involved, with Ford and Hermes noting that the new method helps to retain social distancing.

Using the Secure Delivery to Vehicle service also avoids delivery drivers having to find a neighbour to take packages.

It means the days of parcels wedged in wheelie bins or tossed over fences could be over.

How Ford Secure Delivery to Vehicle works

To take advantage of the service, owners need to be FordPass subscribers. Selected online retailers will be able to offer the ‘vehicle delivery’ option.

When the Hermes delivery driver is within 300 metres of the destination, the vehicle’s exact location will appear on their app. Once they reach 50 metres, scanning the barcode on the parcel will generate a token to unlock the Ford car.

If the delivery driver does not lock the car, the vehicle will automatically lock itself after a set period.

Should the car not be within 300 metres of the recipient’s address, a delivery will be made to their home instead. This will also apply for packages that are too large to safely fit inside the car.

Added convenience for all

The Secure Delivery to Vehicle marks the latest in a series of projects between Ford and Hermes. Research into making pedestrian couriers more efficient, and self-driving vehicle options, is also being undertaken.

Mark Harvey, Ford of Europe’s enterprise connectivity director, said: “Together with Hermes, we are looking at more secure and efficient ways to deliver parcels, to match the increasing demands coming from online purchases. Turning the vehicle into a delivery point is extremely convenient for the customer. It puts them in control, to ensure their parcel is where they want it.”

The Secure Delivery to Vehicle pilot follows a similar project undertaken in the United States. This saw Amazon Prime packages delivered to selected Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

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Drift pro Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s Ford GT supercar is for sale

By

John Redfern

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September 30, 2021

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Bring a Trailer Vaughn Gittin Jr Ford GT

Auction website Bring a Trailer is currently hosting the sale of a special 2018 Ford GT.

Along with being a desirable mid-engined supercar, it also happens to be owned by a double Formula D drifting champion.

The chance to buy a second-generation Ford GT is limited at the best of times, let alone one belonging to Vaughn Gittin Jr.

Vaughn to be wild

For the uninitiated, Vaughn Gittin Jr. is one of the most successful drivers in the drifting world. Having competed in the Formula D series since 2005, the Baltimore-born racer won the overall championship in 2010 and 2020.

He has also raced in NASCAR, competed in the King of The Hammers off-road event, and became the first driver to drift the entire Nurburgring-Nordschleife.

In 2009, Gittin Jr. launched his own RTR (Ready to Rock) aftermarket parts company, specializing in performance Fords.

This has included a host of modified Mustangs, along with the Ranger and F-150 pickup trucks.

Lead foot meets Lead Foot Gray

Gittin Jr.’s association with Ford saw him invited to order a second-generation GT. He opted for the special Lead Foot Gray exterior paintwork, adding a considerable $30,000 to the list price.

Xpel paint protection film has been added to keep the bodywork looking sharp, with a matte-finish carbon fiber exterior package specified for an extra $15,000.

The 647 hp twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 was left untouched, although a set of black RTR Aero 5 forged wheels were added by Vaughn. Although the car now wears its original 20-inch wheels, the RTR items will be included in the sale.

Ready to Rock!

Inside, the GT is finished in a Dark Energy color scheme, with carbon fiber Sparco bucket seats in ebony Alcantara. More Alcantara can be found on the center console, door sills, and dashboard.

As might be expected from a professional racing driver, Gittin Jr. specified the GT with anchors for six-point racing harnesses. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is covered in Alcantara, with paddle shifters for the seven-speed Getrag transmission.

With a stable of Mustangs and other cars to drive, it is understandable that the GT has just under 2,000 miles shown on its digital odometer. An oil change was completed at the 450-mile mark, and the car will come with all its original sales literature.

Gittin down to business

Vaughn Gittin Jr.’s car becomes the latest Ford GT to be auctioned on Bring a Trailer by a motorsport star. Earlier this year, IndyCar driver Graham Rahal sold his custom-order Deep Purple GT for $1.05 million.

Bidding for Vaughn’s GT quickly reached six figures. Given the prodigious motorsport background of the car’s owner, and the impressive specification, the numbers are expected to climb higher still.

The auction ends on Monday 4 October . For those who miss out, there is at least a Hot Wheels version of Vaughn’s car available.

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McLaren creates special Daniel Ricciardo Edition 720S

By

John Redfern

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September 30, 2021

0

McLaren Automotive has designed a special edition of the 720S supercar in honour of racing star Daniel Ricciardo.

Created by the bespoke McLaren Special Operations (MSO) division, the customised supercar celebrates the achievements of the Australian Formula 1 driver.

It follows Ricciardo’s first victory for the team earlier this month in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

Antipodean dream

Officially known as the Daniel Ricciardo Edition 720S by MSO, McLaren plans to produce only three examples – and solely for Australian customers.

Being limited to a trio of cars is a direct nod to Ricciardo’s ‘3’ racing number, which makes an appearance on the dihedral doors of the 720S.

All examples will be painted in Papaya Spark orange, with contrasting Burton Blue details. These are the same colours used on the 2021 McLaren Racing MCL35M Formula 1 race car.

Inside, a commemorative ‘One of Three’ dedication plate can be found, along with plenty of bright Papaya trim.

Shoey not included

Other additions include an Australian flag on the side of the 720S, along with carbon fibre side sills signed by the man himself.

On sale later this year, McLaren has not yet confirmed prices for the 720hp mid-engined supercar.

Ricciardo commented that: “One of the great privileges of driving for McLaren is getting behind the wheel of many of the brand’s exhilarating supercars. And while each offers something unique, the 720S is the absolute benchmark.”

It certainly makes for an improvement on the Ricciardo Edition Koleos SUV, launched during his time at Renault…

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