Jenson Button’s Radford reveals Lotus-inspired sports car

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August 10, 2021

Ex-Formula 1 world champion Jenson Button’s coachbuilding company, Radford, has unveiled its first car – a retro-styled coupe that pays homage to the Lotus Type 62 racer.

The 62-2 is the US-based company’s debut vehicle after the Radford name was revived earlier this year. The project is being backed by Lotus.

Power comes from the same 3.5-litre Toyota-derived V6 that appears in the new Lotus Emira.

Two versions of the 62-2 are being offered from launch: Classic and Gold Leaf. The standard 62-2 produces 435hp and weighs around 1,000kg. The Gold Leaf gains upgraded pistons, conrods, camshafts and electronic mapping to boost power to 506hp.

The design takes inspiration from the 1960s Lotus Type 62. It stands just 1,133mm (45 inches) tall, with wide wheelarches and side air intakes. A rear ducktail spoiler can be fitted to Gold Leaf models. Radford says the driver’s eye view is akin to that of a 1970s endurance racing car.

Radford was founded in 1948 as Harold Radford Coachbuilders Ltd. Its original projects included the Bentley Countryman and fibreglass bodywork for the prototype Ford GT40.

The company later became famous for custom Bentleys and Minis. Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein commissioned Radford to create one-off Minis for the Fab Four.

Button announced he would bring back the name earlier this year, alongside car builder Ant Anstead, designer Mark Stubbs and business adviser Roger Behle.

“Creating a car that is simultaneously luxurious and comfortable, and great to drive, is a tough challenge, but the first Radford of the modern era delivers. The Type 62-2 is a driver’s car at its heart – when you see the design, it looks just like a 70s Le Mans car,” Button said.

“And when you sit behind the steering wheel and look through the curved windscreen, you can see the front wheelarches – something you just don’t experience on road cars today.

“With such a low centre of gravity, the car’s body doesn’t roll. The chassis exhibits all the hallmarks of a beautifully set up race car for the road – giving the driver supreme confidence to extract maximum enjoyment every journey.”

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Covid lockdowns delayed driving tests by 9 months

By

Daniel Puddicombe

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August 9, 2021

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The coronavirus pandemic has delayed learner drivers gaining their licence by an average of nine months, according to new research.

The survey by Gocompare found it took teens nine months longer than normal to pass their test. The delays were mostly caused by lockdown restrictions, which resulted in cancelled tests and driving lessons.

The comparison website quizzed 1,010 parents of learner drivers. More than quarter (29 percent) believed the pandemic delayed their children from passing their driving test by a whole year or more.

For some, however, the enforced break from learning to drive resulted in them giving up altogether. More than a quarter of learner drivers (27 percent) have not returned to the driver’s seat, and 11 percent are less inclined to get back in a car and learn to drive, the survey revealed.

However, the appetite for learning to drive remains healthy, with more than half (52 percent) of parents saying their children were keener than ever to get in a car, learn to drive and pass their test.

‘Parents are having to fork out’

“Even though Department of Transport figures show that nearly half of learners passed their test between April 2020 and March 2021, the number taking practical tests is vastly reduced,” said Ryan Fulthorpe from Gocompare.

“Our research has shown that the pandemic has clearly had a huge effect on the numbers of learner drivers being tested, the length of time it’s taking them to pass, and the amount of extra money parents are having to fork out to make up for extra lessons due to the restrictions.

“While these figures prove that learner drivers have been pretty hard hit by the pandemic, it’s encouraging to see that most are keen to get back behind a steering wheel and work hard to pass their test, often with the help of the bank of mum and dad.”

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A fifth of drivers used Covid MOT extension

By

John Redfern

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August 9, 2021

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New research by the AA has unearthed the huge volume of drivers that made use of the lockdown MOT extension.

Introduced at the height of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020, cars, motorcycles and light vans were granted a six-month MOT exemption.

A survey of more than 14,000 UK drivers found that a fifth (20 percent) of those asked had used the exemption.

Based on the AA’s calculations, this could mean more than 5.5 million cars had their MOT inspection legally delayed last year.

Beware ‘Super September’

In England, drivers in the North East were most likely to have made use of the exemption. Some 23 percent of those questioned in the region had used the MOT deferral.

Across the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland saw a staggering 71 percent of drivers taking the exemption route.

Adding to this may have been the chaos arising earlier in 2020. Unsafe ramp lifts closed 48 out of 55 Northern Irish MOT centres.

The exemption ended on 1 August 2020, meaning September 2021 could be a bumper month for MOT testing. A ‘Super September’ could cause booking issues, as delayed MOT tests are mixed with regular ones.

Full service history included?

The AA’s research also highlighted the differing standards for how frequently UK drivers service their cars.

A substantial 75 percent claimed to have their car fully serviced each year, with 19 percent doing so less than once a year.

However, six percent claim to not have their car serviced at all. Younger drivers and low-income households were least likely to undertake regular car servicing.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, commented; “With more than 5.5 million cars deferring an MOT, it is crucial they are tested to ensure they are safe to use.

“Usually people leave booking their MOT to the last possible moment, drivers won’t have that luxury this time,” added Cousens.

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McLaren set to acquire major stake in IndyCar racing team

By

John Redfern

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August 8, 2021

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McLaren Racing, the iconic British Formula 1 team, has announced plans to purchase a major stake in an IndyCar team.

The successful F1 outfit will purchase 75 percent of the Arrow McLaren SP team, becoming the majority shareholder.

It follows two seasons of McLaren Racing acting as a partner to the Indianapolis-based team, but without ownership involvement.

A history of success

Formed by Sam Schmidt in 2001, the team competed in IndyCar for several seasons as Sam Schmidt Motorsport. Electronics firm Arrow became the team’s title sponsor in 2019, followed by the joint-entry partnership with McLaren the following year.

During the 2021 season, Arrow McLaren SP has enjoyed its best year to date. Mexican driver Pato O’Ward currently lies second in the drivers’ championship, having taken two race victories.

McLaren competed under its own name in IndyCar during the 1970s, winning the Indy 500 with Johnny Rutherford in 1979.

More recently, Fernando Alonso contested the Indy 500 under the McLaren banner.

Pursuing the American dream

With Zak Brown as McLaren Racing’s CEO, the company has looked to increase its presence in the United States.

Speaking about the new ownership deal, Brown commented: “McLaren Racing believes IndyCar will continue to build our brand in North America, serve our expanding US fan and partner base across our racing portfolio and drive long-term value.

“The racing is second-to-none, with world-class competitors in both drivers and teams and a passionate, highly engaged fanbase.”

A new five-person board will be created to govern the new team. This will feature three representatives from McLaren Racing, along with Sam Schmidt and Ric Peterson. There are no plans to move the team from its prime Indianapolis location.

Financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed, with the transaction due to be completed by the end of the year.

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Volkswagen’s U.S. boss wants to save the manual gearbox

By

John Redfern

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August 8, 2021

0

Volkswagen is on a path towards electrification, but the company’s top North American executive still loves a traditional hot hatchback.

Scott Keogh, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, recently sampled a pre-production version of the 2022 Golf R.

Along with the 315 hp on offer, Keogh’s greatest excitement came from being able to shift gears manually. His post on LinkedIn made his feelings clear about the latest fast VW.

Enthusiast spirit

Despite having stepped out of an ID.4 electric SUV, Keogh declared that the Golf R is “the heart and soul” of the Volkswagen brand.

He added that the new performance Mk8 model acts as a reminder “that the Volkswagen enthusiast spirit is alive and well!”

To complete his LinkedIn post, Keogh included a #savethemanuals hashtag.

Keogh’s post highlights the fact North American enthusiasts can buy the new Mk8 Golf R with a six-speed manual transmission.

Apart from Canada and the United States, other markets around the world are forced to have a seven-speed version of Volkswagen’s DSG dual-clutch automatic.

Both the Golf GTI, and related Jetta GLI, are sold in the USA with a manual ‘box.

This is not the first time North America has received special treatment with manual gearboxes. BMW famously offered the V10-powered E60 version of the M5 with a six-speed manual for Stateside customers.

The rest of the world had to make do with BMW’s divisive SMG-III seven-speed automatic instead.

Sticking it to the man

Saving the manual transmission is likely to be a tough task, given Volkswagen’s march towards more electric models.

Earlier this year, Keogh took responsibility for the ill-received early April Fools’ prank about renaming the company to ‘Voltswagen’.

In comments made to Automotive News, Keogh admitted that the intent of the Voltswagen stunt was “to have a little bit of fun and get us focused on electrification.” He added that he would repeat the prank again, although he “would oversee the execution better.”

However, Keogh’s time in charge of Volkswagen North America has seen the brand rapidly expand its enthusiast fleet. If anyone can save the manual gearbox, it is likely to be him.

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‘Brand new’ 2007 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 up for sale

By

Daniel Puddicombe

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August 8, 2021

0

Fancy a new Lamborghini Murcielago? This 14-year-old LP640 has covered just 197 miles in its lifetime – and it could be yours.

Sold by Paul Bentley Limited and advertised on Pistonheads, the right-hand-drive example has had one owner since new and comes with ‘extensive’ history and documentation.

The Murcielago LP640 is finished in Nero Aldebaran black with matching quilted leather trim. The leather even extends to the headlining and sun visors.

It rides on ‘Hemera’ 18-inch alloy wheels with yellow brake calipers, and also comes with (presumably rather dated) inbuilt sat-nav.

According to the advertisement, the car had paint protective film applied to keep it pristine and features a car cover, tracker and a tool kit. The seller says it will benefit from a full service and MOT before passing to its new owner.

Power comes from a 639hp 6.5-litre V12, which revs to 8,000rpm. It catapults the Lamborghini to 62mph in 3.4 seconds and onto a top speed of 212mph. In case you wondered, that’s 7mph more than the ‘standard’ Murcielago.

The asking price is £248,850 – or nearly £50,000 more than the original showroom price back in 2007. It’s a lot of money, but what price an ‘unrepeatable opportunity to purchase an as-new Murcielago LP640’?

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Morgan goes off-road with rally-inspired Plus Four CX-T

By

Daniel Puddicombe

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August 7, 2021

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British sports car manufacturer Morgan has revealed an off-road rally version of its Plus Four roadster.

Called the CX-T, just eight examples will be hand-built at the Malvern factory. Morgans have been competing in trials events since 1911, and the company says the car pays homage to previous off-road competition vehicles.

Morgan has worked with engineering firm Rally Raid UK, which has a history of building vehicles for the Dakar Rally. Once the cars are assembled, they will undergo final preparation work at Rally Raid’s Huddersfield workshops.

The exterior of the Plus Four CX-T has been ‘designed to maximise luggage and equipment carrying capacity and provide the occupant protection necessary for extreme environments’. Changes from the standard car include the rear panel being replaced with an equipment rack, plus unique side bodywork.

With one eye on ‘lifestyle’ pursuits, the CX-T can also be adapted to carry bikes and surfboards.

The Plus Four’s standard chassis and 259hp 2.0-litre turbocharged BMW engine are retained. However, the car uses modified suspension arms and bushes from the larger Morgan Plus Six, bigger wheels and tyres, and EXE-TC coilover suspension units. These help increase ground clearance from the standard 120mm to a lofty 230mm.

Underbody protection – comprising an engine guard, rear chassis guard, mid-section shield and rear undertray – has also been installed to protect the chassis and vital components from damage when driving in extreme conditions.

Inside, a mount track is incorporated into the dashboard to allow the secure fixing of devices such as phones or cameras. A flexible map light, pencil and notebook holder have also been added – all designed ‘to withstand operation in harsh driving environments’.

The CX-T is priced from £170,000 plus local taxes (£204,000 including VAT), but prospective buyers will need to be quick. Just three of the eight vehicles remain unsold.

“The Morgan design team has been conceptualising modern day trialling vehicles for many years. Around 18 months ago, our investors and CEO, Steve Morris, were in the studio and remarked how incredible it would be to bring one of these drawings to life,” said Jonathan Wells, head of design at Morgan.

“The project was unrestrained and born entirely from a desire to create an exciting British adventure vehicle. The CX-T, like many recent Morgan vehicles, demonstrates the flexibility of the Morgan design. For me, it’s a complete package: historical integrity, legitimate capability, and a brand-new adventure-led aesthetic.”

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Less than 1 in 2 know how to safely transport their dog

By

John Redfern

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August 6, 2021

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The Coronavirus pandemic and associated lockdown has driven a major increase in dog ownership across the United Kingdom.

Research by Halfords has revealed that one third of those surveyed had bought or adopted their canine companion in the last 18 months.

With ‘staycations’ on the cards for many, over half of those asked (52 percent) plan to travel with their new pet this summer.

Dog days of summer

Despite this, only 43 percent of those asked said they ‘completely understand’ how to safely transport their dog.

More worryingly, 20 percent do not believe their dog would be adequately protected in the event of a crash.

Of the 1,000 people surveyed, 79 percent said they do not always strap their dog in when travelling. One in ten even allow their dog to sit on a lap when driving.

Halfords has reported a staggering 908 percent increase in the sale of car harness connectors. Actual pet harness sales have risen by 757 percent.

Leading the way on pet travel

In response, Halfords has trained 1,500 staff across the country in pet travel advice. It has also appointed a special ‘Bark and Ride’ product specialist.

Emily Hussey, the new Bark and Ride ambassador, suggests that drivers should:

Ensure their pets are securely strapped in, using either a dedicated harness of a special pet travel crate or cage,
Prevent their dog from overheating in transit, making use of the air conditioning to keep the car interior at a cool temperature,
Consider whether a roof box will create more interior space, allowing pets and passengers to be accommodated in comfort.

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‘Pingdemic’ blamed for weakest car sales since 1998

By

Daniel Puddicombe

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August 5, 2021

0

Last month was the weakest July for car registrations since 1998, according to new statistics from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The industry body blames the ‘pingdemic’ – alerts from the NHS app requiring customers to self-isolate – and ongoing semiconductor shortage for stifling sales.

In total, 123,296 new cars were registered in July – a fall of 22.3 percent compared with the average figure recorded over the last decade. It’s also a drop of 29.5 percent compared with July 2020.

However, the SMMT noted the comparison with figures from 12 months ago is ‘artificially heightened’ as registrations rose dramatically when car showrooms enjoyed a full month’s operation following the first 2020 coronavirus lockdown.

The decline was predominantly within large fleets, with registrations 28.7 percent lower than the average recorded over the past decade. However, private registrations also declined – albeit to a lesser extent – with demand down by 10.7 percent to 59,841 vehicles.

Down versus last decade

As a result of the ongoing supply issues, the SMMT now estimates 1.82 million cars will be registered this year, down from the 1.86 million forecasted in April. Although the projected figure is an 11.7 percent increase on 2020, it’s still some 21.5 percent lower than the new car market recorded in the last decade.

On a more positive note, the bumper growth in plug-in cars continued, with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounting for nine percent of registrations last month. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) reached eight percent. The SMMT says it expects BEVs to make up 9.5 percent of all new car registrations by the end of the year.

“The automotive sector continues to battle against shortages of semiconductors and staff, which is throttling our ability to translate a strengthening economic outlook into a full recovery,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive.

“The next few weeks will see changes to self-isolation policies which will hopefully help those companies across the industry dealing with staff absences, but the semiconductor shortage is likely to remain an issue until at least the rest of the year

“The bright spot, however, remains the increasing demand for electrified vehicles as consumers respond in ever greater numbers to these new technologies, driven by increased product choice, fiscal and financial incentives and an enjoyable driving experience.”

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Citroen rolls out sign language screens to car dealers

By

Daniel Puddicombe

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August 4, 2021

0

Citroen is offering car buyers the opportunity to communicate with dealership staff using British Sign Language.

Using video feeds linked to an interpreter, deaf and hard-of-hearing people will be able to speak to staff at its 190 sales and aftersales centres across the UK. Citroen has also pledged to increase accessibility for the deaf community, including by using sign language in its advertising campaigns.

According to Citroen, there are more than 11 million people who are deaf or have hearing difficulties in the UK. The video feeds are being provided by SignLive, with an interpreter appearing to help relay conversations between customers and staff.

Staff to receive training

The average wait time is 15-20 seconds, so the system ‘will allow deaf customers to communicate with a Citroen representative swiftly and efficiently, helping them to book servicing or find out more about the latest models and consumer offers’. Employees will also receive training so they can operate the service.

“By partnering with SignLive, we once again demonstrate how our customers inspire our thoughts and actions as we improve the way we serve deaf and hard of hearing people,” said Eurig Druce, managing director of Citroen UK.

“The nationwide adoption of SignLive across Citroen UK’s retailers will transform the car buying process for thousands of motorists, ensuring that it’s not only our products that deliver comfort and serenity for all – the customer experience does as well.”

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