Security around the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show will be increased after protests involving damage to luxury cars.
A group calling itself ‘Rocks in the Gearbox’ is currently being investigated by police in relation to the vandalism. Forty upmarket cars at a dealership in Frankfurt were targeted, including Aston Martins, Land Rovers and Jaguars.
Damage was caused to bodywork and windows were smashed, which the group took responsibility for.
A statement from Rocks in the Gearbox seemingly threatens the Frankfurt Motor Show itself:
“In two weeks Frankfurt will once again launch a propaganda show where the outmoded, climate and environment destroying transportation system is hyped.
“We want to expose this show for what it really is: profits made on the backs of the poorest and at the expense of future generations … We think it is time to throw rocks into the gearbox of capitalist and automotive profit logic.”
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It isn’t just environmental matters that the protests relate to, but working conditions in areas such as precious metal mining for batteries.
The VDA, Germany’s auto industry association, has attempted to calm the situation. Environmental activists from Deutsche Umwelthilfe and Greenpeace will be invited to a panel debate with executives from major German marques such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. They’ll be talking about the environmental crisis and the future of the car.
Visitors to Frankfurt are being warned to expect delays and queues when trying to enter the event, given the heightened security measures.
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With the Frankfurt Motor Show just days away, we’ve taken a look at the most important new cars set to cause a stir in Germany. Among the wealth of reveals and debuts, these are the cars that matter.
Electric power takes a starring role in many of the expected new machines, while the rise of the SUV certainly isn’t over yet. Here’s what’s in store…
Porsche Taycan
The first all-electric Porsche has undergone extensive testing. Recently, it covered 2,100 miles in 24 hours at the Nardo high-speed track. The four-door prototype has also set a lap record around the fearsome Nurburgring circuit.
The launch of the Taycan, which is capable of covering 300 miles on a single charge, will take place a few days before Frankfurt on 4 September. However, with more than 20,000 customers already expressing an interest, it will be a major attraction at the show.
Volkswagen ID 3
Electric vehicles will play a large role at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show more generally. Volkswagen’s ID 3 is the first car to be launched on its bespoke electric ‘MEB’ platform. The brand hopes it will follow the Beetle and Golf in capturing mainstream sales.
Similar to Tesla, a range of battery sizes will be offered, allowing customers to tailor the ID 3 to their needs. Initial pre-order interest in the ID 3 actually broke Volkswagen’s website, with unprecedented demand for the £34,000 1st Edition model.
Land Rover Defender
Ignore the leaked images, Lego models and disguised prototypes testing in the desert. On Tuesday 10 September 2019 we will finally see the finished article. Providing the show floor doesn’t collapse under the weight of expectation, that is.
Land Rover knows it has to win over the purists, and prove the new Defender can live up to the legendary original. To that end, one is being driven from the Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan all the way to Frankfurt.
Audi A3
The original Audi A3, launched in 1996, was one of the first premium hatchbacks. Fast-forward 23 years, and Ingolstadt is adding the finishing touches to its fourth-generation car.
Expect styling changes to be evolutionary, with elements borrowed from the smaller A1. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit system, as seen in the latest Q3 SUV, will also make an appearance. Engine choices will include mild-hybrid technology, whilst a full plug-in hybrid follows later.
Cupra EV concept
Another Volkswagen Group brand means another all-electric new car. Seat’s sporty offshoot Cupra is promising a battery-powered concept with ‘confident exterior design’ and a ‘sculpted yet versatile interior’.
So far, Cupra has only teased us with this exterior image, showing a four-door crossover. Although this is Cupra’s first all-electric road car, it previously produced a battery-powered e-Racer touring car with 500kW of power.
Mercedes-Benz ESF 2019 Concept
Based on the current GLE SUV plug-in hybrid, what will impress about the ESF 2019 concept is an incredible array of experimental safety technology. Level 4 autonomy capabilities are also included, allowing the car to take charge of driving.
Most noticeable are the lights and exterior displays, used to indicate what the car is doing when acting autonomously. This includes a front LED screen that shows pedestrians if the car is slowing down at a crossing. Inside, there’s a range of safety features, including a special carbon fibre baby seat.
Lamborghini hybrid hypercar
Only a cryptic social media message has hinted at the future for Lamborghini. Other than the words ‘something new is on the way’, the Italian company is keeping quiet about what it plans for Frankfurt.
However, all rumours point towards a hybrid version of the Aventador supercar. Not even the iconic V12-powered machine can escape the move to hybridisation, it seems. If it’s anything like the Terzo Millennio concept shown in 2018, though, fans should be excited about this secret project.
Honda E
Two years after the Urban EV Concept wowed crowds in Frankfurt, the finished production Honda E makes its debut. Journalists have already tried the prototype version, with our Richard Aucock suitably impressed by the battery-powered supermini.
In fact, the only remaining changes to the prototype are said to be interior trim tweaks and a working infotainment system. We’ll also get details of the battery range, which Honda has previously stated will be more than 125 miles.
Vauxhall Corsa-e Rally
Vauxhall has already released details of the battery-powered version of the new Corsa supermini. However, the company also wants to prove that electric propulsion can be exciting. On show in Frankfurt will be the first all-electric rally car offered for customer motorsport.
The 130hp Corsa-e Rally will compete in its own ADAC Opel e-Rally Cup in Germany. Priced at around €50,000 (£46,000), normal commuters might prefer the regular road-going Corsa-e, which costs a more palatable £26,490.
New 2020 Audi RS6 Avant
Does anyone need an estate car with 600hp and 800lb ft of torque, capable of 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds? Possibly not, but Audi’s latest addition to its hot wagon line-up is something to be celebrated. Dramatic bodywork, 21-inch wheels and giant oval tailpipes will give it serious Autobahn presence.
The 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 has mild-hybrid technology, allowing the RS6 to coast for up to 40 seconds with the engine turned off. There is an impressive 1,680 litres of luggage space with the rear seats folded down, too.
BMW 3 Series Touring
Slightly less dramatic than the Audi, the new 3 Series Touring continues the tradition of BMW’s compact estate series. While many of the details were revealed earlier this year, Frankfurt will mark the first major show debut for 3 Series wagon.
More than 1.7 million examples of the 3 Series Touring have been produced since 1987, and the new model is likely to be very popular. Its redesigned boot is bigger than its predecessor, and the new Touring benefits from the range of technology upgrades seen on the saloon.
Alpina will also reveal a tuned version of the new 3 Series Touring, with the potential for 400hp.
BMW X6
If you were concerned that the existing BMW X6 coupe SUV doesn’t look aggressive enough, worry not. Set to debut in Frankfurt, the third-generation X6 is larger in every direction, including the size of its front grille.
It even comes with an option to have its kidney grille illuminated: helpful to warn-off smaller cars on the road. BMW will also display its incredible ‘Vantablack’ version of the X6, described as the ‘blackest black’ ever made. Its space-age nanotechnology absorbs almost all external light, making objects appear two-dimensional.
Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet
With the demise of the Range Rover Evoque Convertible, the new Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet is your default choice if you desire a drop-top SUV. Apparently, this is the first cabriolet offered in the crossover class.
The automatic roof can be retracted in just nine seconds, and operates at speeds of up to 19mph. A reinforced windscreen frame and a pop-up rear roll bar ensure the T-Roc cabrio is as rigid as the regular version.
Mercedes-AMG GLB 35 4Matic
Like the sound of the new Mercedes-AMG A35 hatchback, but wish it was a compact SUV? Say hello to the new GLB 35 4Matic. GLB production only began in July, but there has been no delay in making a hot version.
Its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produces 302hp. This is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, allowing the GLB 35 to hit 62mph in 5.2 seconds.
Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4Matic Coupe
Hold the phone, there is another new performance Mercedes-AMG SUV making its way to Frankfurt. Alongside the launch of the second-generation GLE Coupe, a hot AMG 53 version will also be on show.
Mercedes promises a greater emphasis on coupe-like styling, along with improved aerodynamics and updated infotainment. The GLE 53 is powered by a turbocharged six-cylinder engine, generating 435hp. Hybrid technology offers an extra 22hp boost when needed.
Hyundai i30N Project C
Hyundai is rightly proud of the success of the i30N hot hatch. Now it has created a limited-edition version, which removes weight to offer more performance. Carbon fibre is used for the body panels, motorsport-derived alloy wheels are added, and the suspension is lowered.
The bad news? Hyundai will not produce any of the 600 units in right-hand drive, denying it to UK buyers. Sorry.
Hyundai ‘45’ EV concept
Along with the i30N Project C, Hyundai will also display a new electric concept at the Frankfurt show. The ‘45’ fully-electric car is said to show the direction for battery-powered Hyundais in the future, and is inspired by the brand’s first car from 1970.
A new electric Hyundai racing car will also be unveiled, although details are limited so far.
Vauxhall Grandland X Hybrid4
Already available to order for UK buyers, the plug-in hybrid version of the Grandland X SUV makes its public debut at Frankfurt. Priced from £35,590, Vauxhall hopes to lure in a new audience to plug-in hybrid technology.
The combination of two electric motors and a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine results in a combined output of 300hp. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes just seven seconds, but the Hybrid4 can still achieve a potential 176.5mpg. It can also travel up to 32 miles in all-electric mode.
Seat Tarraco FR PHEV
One of the competitors for the Grandland X Hybrid4 will be the newly announced Seat Tarraco FR PHEV. Combining a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an 85kW electric motor, Seat aims to offer a sporty driving experience.
Like the Vauxhall, an all-electric range of around 32 miles is available. CO2 emissions are said to be below 50g/km on the WLTP test cycle. FR trim also brings new 19-inch alloy wheels, wider bodywork and sports seats.
Skoda Kamiq Monte Carlo
The Kamiq SUV might be one of the newest additions to the Skoda range, but the Czech brand is already offering up sporty trim levels. Monte Carlo branding was seen previously on the Fabia, and pays tribute to the company’s historic success on the Monte Carlo Rally.
Special badges will mark out the Kamiq Monte Carlo, along with black trim for the grille and roof rails. Skoda has also confirmed that the new Scala hatchback will receive the Monte Carlo treatment, with both on show in Frankfurt.
Mercedes-Benz EQV
Touted as the first fully-electric MPV, the production-ready EQV will be on show in Frankfurt. A choice of wheelbases will be offered, and a top speed of up to 100mph is promised.
The headline-grabbing figure is a range of up to 252 miles when fully charged. The 90kWh battery is replenished via an on-board water-cooled charger. Positioned below the floor, the battery pack is also said to have no impact on interior space.
Hyundai i10
Along with electric cars and hot hatches, Hyundai will also use Frankfurt to reveal its latest version of the i10 supermini. This sketch shows a more aggressive and angular design, with a wide front grille and triangular air intakes.
Hyundai also promises the new i10 will offer features such as wireless smartphone charging, a rear-view camera and a range of active safety tech. This will include Driver Attention Warning and Lane Keep Assist as standard.
BMW M8 coupe and convertible
BMW has gone all-out for the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show, filling its stand with a wealth of new models. These include the Competition versions of the M8 coupe and convertible. A 625hp output means a 189mph top speed (with the correct options package).
A production version of the four-door M8 Gran Coupe is also expected to take centre stage in Frankfurt.
Renault Captur
Since launch in 2013, Renault has sold 1.2 million examples of the Captur compact SUV. As the most popular car in its class in Europe, Renault has taken its time developing an all-new version.
Styling is evolutionary, but more space can be found inside, along with an optional digital dashboard. Significantly, a plug-in hybrid version will be on sale from 2020.
BMW 1 Series
First revealed in May this year, Frankfurt marks the first proper motor show outing for the third-generation BMW 1 Series. Switching to front-wheel drive may have upset some commentators, but is apparently what customers requested.
The result is greater interior space, with more technology included. Buyers can also specify options such as a head-up display and panoramic sunroof. A 306hp M135i xDrive model acts as the range-topping hot hatch.
Bugatti is officially back as the king of speed. Driving a specially-prepared Chiron, race ace Andy Wallace burst through the 300mph barrier, achieving a top speed of 304.77mph at Volkswagen’s Ehra-Lessien test-track.
It beats the official 277mph record that Koenigsegg scored two years ago with the Agera RS.
The 300mph Bugatti
As you can tell by looking at the pictures, this is no ordinary Chiron (if any Chiron could be called ‘ordinary’). It features extensive modifications, both visible and under the skin, to make it a 300mph car.
At such speeds, the air is your enemy. To help defeat it, the Chiron has modified bodywork, including a 250mm longer tail with a reduced cross-section for increased stability.
Stacked quad exhausts protrude from the rear, to keep the hot gasses from interrupting airflow. These were also seen recently on the Bugatti Centodieci ‘EB110 tribute’, revealed at Pebble Beach.
Speaking of interrupting airflow, this is the first Bugatti of the modern era without any sort of spoiler, active or fixed. The Chiron’s hydraulic item has been ditched to save weight. At the front, the horseshoe grille is engorged, along with the flanking vents, to suck in as much air as possible and cool the Chiron’s many radiators.
The front wheelarches evacuate air through new vents in the bodywork. The ones on the top, in particular, are very reminiscent of the EB110 SS.
Those radiators have more work to do than ever. The 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16 engine in this prototype produces 1,600hp. That power goes to all four wheels via the regular Chiron transmission. On the inside, the passenger seat has been removed, although we don’t expect any production version to be a single-seater.
When the Chiron was first revealed, Bugatti seemed nonplussed about speed records. The car could top 260mph, but was electronically limited. It dismissed questions about an attempt, saying tyres were the limiting factor.
Clearly that’s no longer the case. Michelin has been working closely with the marque on the triple-tonne project over the past six months.
As for what this new Chiron actually is, it’s not clear. At the moment, it’s a one-off. Bugatti refers to it as ‘a near-production derivative of the hyper sportscar Chiron’, so we can probably expect a limited run soon, akin to the Veyron Super Sport of 2010.
You can bet Bugatti’s sales team are already fielding phone calls from people whose bank balances have more digits than their phone numbers…
The government has made it a lot easier to get your local road closed to make a ‘play street’.
The phenomenon of making ‘play streets’ out of roads by closing them is a relatively new one, and increasingly popular. Some close-knit communities hold regular events in their streets. With cars temporarily banned, people are free to roam and mingle, and children are free to play.
Play streets can be used for anything from sporting events to community gatherings. It’s a concept being pushed by the government and community organisations alike.
In an update to existing guidelines, the Department for Transport has now given councils powers to make ’special event’ orders on request. Roads can be closed for ‘play’, without the need for advertising.
Councils can also use single consent applications for multiple ‘play’ days over a 12-month period. Individual applications for each closer are no longer necessary.
“Play streets offer wonderful opportunities for children to get outdoors and for families and communities to get together,” said Roads Minister Baroness Vere.
“A generation ago, it was common to see young people playing out in the street but today it can be a rare sight.
“That’s why I’m delighted to be making it easier for those who want to create Play Streets, boosting the health and wellbeing of children, families and communities.”
“We are delighted that the government has now issued guidance for councils to support play streets,” said Alice Ferguson, Director of Playing Out.
“Children need the chance to play out freely near home, as was the norm a generation ago. Heavy traffic and other conditions have made this increasingly difficult.”
McLaren is flexing its official Certification program by MSO again this year, by showing off chassis F1 #63in a freshly-restored and newly-certified state. You can see it in person at Hampton Court Concours d’Elegance 2019 next week.
The restoration took 18 months, and involved a full engine and transmission rebuild, and a complete interior retrim.
On the inside, new leather and alcantara trim is complemented by a new steering wheel taken from MSO’s stockpile of original parts. The owner kept the original wheel as a memento – so cool.
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Following the rebuild, the BMW V12 engine was even dyno-tested to make sure it produced figures befitting an F1.
Other parts were also sent back to their original suppliers for refurbishment and rebuild. The dampers went back to Bilstein while the driveshafts and hubs were also refreshed by their original supplier.
The result, after those 18 months, and 3,000 man-hours, is a near good-as-new McLaren F1, track-proven and complete with a certificate of authenticity and history file. The owner even got a scale model created from a laser scan of the car.
MSO’s certified program is pretty well the closest thing anyone will get to experiencing taking delivery of a brand new McLaren F1. The catch is that you have to own one to send in for a restoration in the first place…
“Just 12 months ago we announced the MSO McLaren F1 Heritage programme with the unveiling of F1 25R, resplendent in Gulf Racing Colours”, said Ansar Ali, Managing Director, McLaren Special Operations.
“Following an extensive restoration, which was very much a labour of love for our team, it’s an honour to now display chassis 63 at the Hampton Court Concours d’Elegance.
“With the work the team has carried out, this car will continue to fulfil the original brief for the McLaren F1; to create the world’s finest road car.”
Many cars come to auction with celebrity ownership stories. But very few will have ownership provenance like this humble Land Rover.
Forget being part of a collection owned by a sports star or musician. This 1966 Series IIA was originally the property of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.
It was even used as his official vehicle during the early years of his exile to India, and this special vehicle will soon be available for auction.
Holy roller
Built in February 1966, the 88-inch short-wheelbase station wagon was delivered to Nepal the same month.
There it entered ownership of the Dalai Lama, and became his personal vehicle. Based on the documents shown by RM Sotheby’s, the name of His Holiness, Jetsun Jamphel Ngawang Lobsang Yeshe Tenzin Gyatso, does appears on Indian registration documents.
Befitting the leader of Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama did not drive the Land Rover himself. Instead, his brother (Tenzin Cheogyal) took responsibility for ferrying him around the rocky roads of the Dharamsala region of India.
For a decade the Series IIA was put to use in the hills of India, whilst the Dalai Lama remained exiled from Tibet. Tenzin Cheogyal was in charge of maintaining the Land Rover and its four-cylinder engine.
Even after His Holiness had stopped using the Series IIA, Tenzin Cheogyal and his family continued to keep it running until 2005.
Then the four-wheel drive vehicle was donated to the Dalai Lama Foundation in Palo Alto, California in December 2005. The aim was to help raise funds for Tibetan refugees living in the United States.
Reborn from the original
Upon arrival in California, it became clear that the Land Rover was in need of restoration work to capture its original glory.
Worked on by Land Rover specialists throughout 2006, the final bill for repairs came to an impressive $49,000 (£40,000). This included bringing the classic Bronze Green paint scheme back to life.
Tenzin Cheogyal had preserved the original seats, interior parts, and even the tires from when the vehicle was new, adding to its history.
Due to the incredible ownership lineage of this particular Series IIA, it has been the cover star of Land Rover Lifestyle magazine. Original documents, including the insurance policy listing His Holiness as the owner are included as part of the sale.
The Series IIA is set to be sold at the RM Sotheby’s Auburn Fall sale, held at Auburn Auction Park in Auburn, Indiana.
Crossing the block on Saturday August 31st, bidding is expected to be high for the chance to own this unique vehicle.
If you’re considering an electric car, you might be getting tangled up in the various charge point types. Unfortunately, there’s no industry standard for these, so it pays to do a little homework before you buy an EV.
There are three types of electric car charge points: rapid, fast and slow. The names represent the charging speed, with power measured in kilowatts (kW). Here, we provide a brief description of the three different charge points and the associated connectors.
Rapid chargers
You’ll find rapid chargers at motorway service stations and close to major roads. As the name suggests, these provide the quickest charging time, recharging batteries up to 80 percent in just 20 to 40 minutes.
Manufacturers and press articles will often refer to an ‘80 percent’ charge in electric car literature as chargers have an automatic cut-off at this point. The reason is to protect the life of the battery.
You’ll find three different types of rapid charging in the UK: rapid AC (alternating current), rapid DC (direct current) and the Tesla Supercharger. The charging ranges from 43kW to 120kW, depending on the connector type.
The cable is tethered to the charging unit and only cars with rapid-charging capability can use the machines.
Rapid AC chargers use a Type 2 connector to will deliver power at 43kW, with the car’s onboard rectifier converting AC into DC. The Renault Zoe and Renault Kangoo ZE are examples of cars using rapid AC.
Rapid DC delivers power at 50kW straight to the electric car, bypassing the converter, making it quicker than rapid AC. There are three connectors: CHAdeMO (Charge de Move), CCS (Combined Charging System) and Tesla Type 2.
Cars with a CHAdeMO connector include the new Nissan Leaf and Kia Soul EV. Those with a CCS connector include the BMW i3, Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Ioniq and Jaguar I-Pace. As the name suggests, the Tesla Type 2 unit uses a Type 2 connector, but delivers charge at 120kW for Tesla vehicles only.
In the future, we can look forward to 150kW and 300kW chargers, which will deliver incredibly quick charging times.
Fast chargers
You’ll find fast chargers in locations where cars tend to be parked for longer periods of time, such as car parks, supermarkets, leisure centres and retail outlets. All fast chargers draw AC current from the grid and use the car’s onboard converter to turn it into DC.
This is the most common charger type, and almost all EVs can use fast charge points, with the network featuring both tethered and untethered units.
The majority of fast chargers are untethered and deliver power at 7kW, with a 30kWh battery recharged in 3-5 hours. A more powerful 22kW charger will do the same in just 1-2 hours.
Most EV owners will find a Type 2 connector in the boot, giving them full access to the fast charger network. Other fast chargers use a Type 1 connector (7kW) or Commando (7-22kW). Tesla ‘Destination’ chargers deliver 11kW to 22kW of power.
Slow chargers
Slow chargers tend to be found in homes and offices, where a car can be left on charge overnight or during the working day. Most are 3kW, but some lamp-post installations will charge at 6kW.
Charging can be carried out by a standard three-pin socket, but the installation of a charging unit is highly recommended. There are three connector types: Type 1, Type 2 and Commando. All of these deliver power at 3kW, and it will typically take up to 12 hours to charge an electric car.
To find a charge point near you, visit Zap-Map.com.
Porsche has announced the expansion of its vehicle subscription and rental schemes to four new cities across North America.
The news follows an 18-month pilot scheme, undertaken in Atlanta, Georgia, which saw more than 1 million miles driven. In addition, 80 percent of users in the trial period were new to the Porsche brand.
Now San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Toronto residents will all be able to access Porsche Passport and Porsche Drive.
Passport to a new motoring lifestyle
Porsche Passport is the company’s monthly subscription service. Users can reserve a range of Porsche cars via a smartphone app, and swap their ride as many times as they like.
Cars are then delivered to the user by a concierge, and collected when they are finished with it. The aim is to offer drivers the flexibility to use a car which meets their changing needs.
Passport subscriptions start at $2,100 per month for ‘Launch’ specification cars. This set of six cars includes the 718 Cayman and Panamera.
Upgrading to the $3,100 per month ‘Accelerate’ plan opens up the potential for seven more cars, which includes the Porsche 911 Carrera.
Get ready for date night in style
By contrast, Porsche Drive is aimed at short-term rental users who may need a Porsche for a few hours or days.
Porsche believes that this could be for useful for weekend getaways, or even just making ‘date night’ extra special.
As with Porsche Passport, rental users can have cars delivered and collected to locations which suit them best.
Increasing the options
Expanding these two programmes in North America adds to the growing number of options for people to drive a Porsche. In California, Porsche worked with car-sharing outfit Turo to offer the Porsche Host service.
Klaus Zellmer, President and CEO of PCNA, commented that the expansion is important “because consumers increasingly want more flexibility, more individual choice, and to have this on their mobile devices.
“We want these consumers to have the same superb level of Porsche experience that we provide for our customers who buy or lease”.
New research has found that driving with an unrestrained pet in the car results in increased levels of stress and distraction.
More worryingly, the survey data, released to coincide with International Dog Day 2019, discovered that unsafe driving activities more than doubled with a free-roaming pet.
This comes despite the fact the survey showed substantial numbers of pet owners would splash out on expensive birthday presents, or even parties, for their beloved animals.
Distracted and dangerous
Undertaken by Volvo USA and The Harris Poll, some 2,000 drivers responded to the online survey. A further 15 were then chosen to be observed by researchers, lifting the lid on the impact pets have on driving.
Where dogs were allowed to roam free in the cabin, the observed incidences of unsafe driving more than doubled. By comparison, just 274 instances were seen when dogs were properly restrained, compared to 649 examples for those with pets loose in the car.
Drivers were also much more likely to be distracted behind the wheel with a free-roaming pet in the car. With dogs restrained, drivers were distracted for an average of 1 hour 39 minutes, compared to 3 hours 39 minutes for those unrestrained.
A stressful situation for all concerned
The research found that allowing pets to travel unrestrained had an impact on the stress levels of animals as well as humans.
Heart rates for both increased, with unrestrained dogs being measured with a heart rate 7 beats per minute faster than restrained hounds. Their human companions also demonstrated up to a 34 beats per minute reduction when their dogs were buckled in.
It should perhaps be no surprise that 77 percent of respondents felt dog safety was not a priority for drivers. Conversely, some 32 percent said they had left their pet at home because they did not believe their car was safe enough to transport them.
Potentially devastating consequences
If causing their pets additional stress is not enough to cause drivers to invest in pet safety, Dr. Elisa Mazzaferro, Staff Criticalist, Cornell University Veterinary Specialists, has a warning for pet owners.
Dr. Mazzaferro commented that whilst having: “pets roaming around the car can be cute and convenient, it poses serious risk for both drivers and their pets, both in terms of causing distractions and increasing the chances of serious injury in the event of an accident”.
Like many manufacturers, Volvo offers a dedicated range of pet accessories designed to help safely transport furry friends. This includes dog harnesses, safety gates, load compartment dividers, and protective grilles.
Performance BMWs will always be desirable, but some are even more appealing to collectors.
This 1974 CSL ‘Batmobile’ coupe, currently available on auction website Bring a Trailer, is one of those cars.
From the dramatic bodywork, to the eye-searing paint and retro-tastic interior, this special machine has true motorsport pedigree.
Homologation creation
First launched to the world in 1972, the 3.0 CSL was made to let BMW go racing in the European Touring Car Championship.
Developed by what would become BMW M GmbH, engineers worked with Stuttgart University to create the aggressive body kit. The end result created the ‘Batmobile’ nickname, such were the dramatic fins, wings, and spoilers attached to the regular 3.0 CS coupe shape.
Offered as an option for road cars, the extra aerodynamic goodies were reportedly supplied in the trunk of German models, to be fitted post-purchase.
More power, less weight
Along with the bodywork, BMW also worked to remove weight from the normal CS coupe. Thinner steel was used for the chassis, whilst the doors, hood, and trunk lid were all made from lightweight aluminum.
Even perspex was used for the side windows, helping BMW shaving more than 300 lb from the normal production car.
Factory power initially came from a 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 206 horsepower. Later cars would gain a larger 3.2-liter unit, and both made use of a four-speed manual transmission connected to a limited-slip differential.
Jolly green giant
Beneath the hood of this particular CSL is now a rebuilt 3.2-liter inline-six engine. Built by Terry Tinney Performance Motors of Livermore, California, only a few hundred miles are said to have been covered since installation.
The car was subject to a full bare metal respray in 2015, using the correct shade of the vivid Taiga Metallic green paint. Some bodywork was also replaced at the time to deal with rust issues.
A BMW Classics Certificate confirms the car as being one of the four originally produced in Taiga Metallic, plus its build date of May 2nd 1974.
Keeping it retro
Inside the CSL is a reminder of the homologation origins of this competition crusader. Fixed-back Scheel bucket seats are trimmed in black fabric, with Coco checkered mats cover the lightweight factory carpets.
An original Petri three-spoke steering wheel has been kept, as have the wooden trim inserts which cover the dashboard and door panels.
Included in the dashboard is a tachometer that redlines at 6,400 rpm, along with an odometer showing 46,000 miles. The total mileage for the car is noted as being unknown.
Green with envy
With just over 1,200 examples of the CSL built between 1972 and 1975, this is already a rare machine. That only 57 ‘Series 2’ models – offered in different paint schemes – left the factory makes in even scarcer to own.
Add in the fact this car won first place at the 2015 Legends of the Autobahn show, and took third-in-class at the 2019 San Marino Motor Classic, and it becomes a great example.
Bidding on Bring a Trailer finishes on Thursday August 29th, and is likely to attract a substantial sum of money to capture this Incredible Hulk.
Many cars come to auction with celebrity ownership stories. But very few will have ownership provenance like this humble Land Rover. 
Built in February 1966, the 88-inch short-wheelbase station wagon was delivered to Nepal the same month. 
For a decade the Series IIA was put to use in the hills of India, whilst the Dalai Lama remained exiled from Tibet. Tenzin Cheogyal was in charge of maintaining the Land Rover and its four-cylinder engine. 
Upon arrival in California, it became clear that the Land Rover was in need of restoration work to capture its original glory. 
Due to the incredible ownership lineage of this particular Series IIA, it has been the cover star of Land Rover Lifestyle magazine. Original documents, including the insurance policy listing His Holiness as the owner are included as part of the sale. 
Porsche has announced the expansion of its vehicle subscription and rental schemes to four new cities across North America.
Porsche Passport is the company’s monthly subscription service. Users can reserve a range of Porsche cars via a 
By contrast, Porsche Drive is aimed at short-term rental users who may need a Porsche for a few hours or days. 
Expanding these two programmes in North America adds to the growing number of options for people to drive a Porsche. In California, Porsche worked with car-sharing outfit Turo to offer the Porsche Host service. 
Undertaken by Volvo USA and The Harris Poll, some 2,000 drivers responded to the online survey. A further 15 were then chosen to be observed by researchers, lifting the lid on the impact pets have on driving. 
The research found that allowing pets to travel unrestrained had an impact on the stress levels of animals as well as humans.
If causing their pets additional stress is not enough to cause drivers to invest in pet safety, Dr. Elisa Mazzaferro, Staff Criticalist, Cornell University Veterinary Specialists, has a warning for pet owners. 
Performance BMWs will always be desirable, 
First launched to the world in 1972, the 3.0 CSL was made to let BMW go racing in the European Touring Car Championship. 
Along with the bodywork, BMW also worked to remove weight from the normal CS coupe. Thinner steel was used for the chassis, whilst the doors, hood, and trunk lid were all made from lightweight aluminum. 
Beneath the hood of this particular CSL is now a rebuilt 3.2-liter inline-six engine. Built by Terry Tinney Performance Motors of Livermore, California, only a few hundred miles are said to have been covered since installation.
Inside the CSL is a reminder of the homologation origins of this competition crusader. Fixed-back Scheel bucket seats are trimmed in black fabric, with Coco checkered mats cover the lightweight factory carpets.
With just over 1,200 examples of the CSL built between 1972 and 1975, this is already a rare machine. That only 57 ‘Series 2’ models – offered in different paint schemes – left the factory makes in even scarcer to own.