The Ford Mustang is the most popular high-performance sports coupe on sale in Britain, with year-to-date sales 60% ahead of its nearest rival.
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Classed as sports cars boasting 250hp or more, the high performance car sales chart sees Ford beating the Jaguar F-Type, BMW 6 Series and Porsche 911.
Surprisingly, the perennially-popular Audi TT is down in sixth place, behind the Porsche Cayman. That’s probably because most TT sales have less than 250hp: not a problem for the Mustang, which produces 314hp even in ‘standard’ 2.3-litre Ecoboost guise.
The 5.0-litre V8 GT produces 418hp.
70% of all UK Mustang sales are of the V8 engine: understandable, given a list price from £34,995 (the Jaguar F-Type starts at £51,775). The Ecoboost is priced from £30,995, or the same price as a Ford Focus RS.
Since introducing the Mustang to Europe in autumn 2015, Ford has sold 19,500 Mustangs across the region: 4,000 of them are in Britain alone.
Aston Martin has revealed a new open-top Volante version of the limited-to-99, now-sold-out Vanquish Zagato at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
The Vanquish Zagato Volante will also be limited to 99 units and deliveries will begin in 2017. It is likely to cost upwards of £500,000.
Aston Martin says it’s “overwhelming customer interest” for the coupe that encouraged it to take the logical step of launching an open-top version: it’s a trick McLaren also used with the 675LT. Expect the Vanquish Zagato Volante to sell out similarly swiftly.
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The roof has been Zagato-ised: the soft-top is a bespoke hood derived from the regular Vanquish Volante, that drops beneath twin cowls on the rear deck.
Generally though, it’s the same car as the striking, stunning Vanquish Zagato, which designer Marek Reichman says has emphasised surfaces changes and intersections to make it look more muscular.
“We’ve endeavoured to create an elegant, flowing shape that really works to emphasis the car’s sculpted rear haunches”.
Inside, there’s plenty of Zagato ‘Z’ logos; Z quilt patent stitch on the seats and the door sections is complemented by embossed ‘Z’ logos on the headrests and, rather snazzily, stitched into the centre console.
Under the bonnet, sitting behind those distinctive LED running lights, is a pumped up version of the 6.0-litre Aston Martin V12 (the normally aspirated one, rather than the latest 5.2-litre twin-turbo in the new DB11); this produces 592hp for 0-62mph in a predicted 3.7 seconds.
Aston Martin has been working with Zagato for six decades and this is not the first Zagato convertible the Gaydon-based firm has made. The V8 Vantage Volante was launched in 1987 and the wonderful DB AR1, a Zagato version of the DB7, was launched in 2003 (and created for the North American market).
“The Vanquish Zagato Volante illustrates the ways in which Aston Martin design can evolve in collaboration with such a trusted and long-standing partner,” said Reichman, “strengthening the association between these great automotive marques in the process.”
Five gamers have set a new Guinness World Record by racing a Ford GT in Forza Motorsport 6 for more than two days solid.
The new Guinness World Record holders for ‘longest video marathon on a racing game’ raced the virtual Ford GT for 48 hours 29 minutes and 21 seconds, getting through industrial-level supplies of sweets and energy drinks in the process.
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One of them, Cara Scott, was a Brit: also driving were Helene Cressot from France, Johannes Knapp from Germany, Italian Andrea Lorenzo Facchinetti and Spain’s Jesus Sicilia Sanchez, who all survived the two-day marathon by taking power naps (oh, and drinking 32 energy drinks, 146 bottles of water and 47 bottles of soft drinks).
The marathon challenge took place at Gamescom in Cologne, Germany, and saw the gamers each drove 603 laps of the simulated Le Mans 24 Hours circuit. Compare that to Ford GT racer Stefan Mucke, who waved off the race: he drove for ‘just’ 9 hours 5 minutes and 136 laps at the real Le Mans 24 Hours this year.
But the gamers haven’t had it easy, he said. “Just like driving at the real Le Mans, this achievement required extreme levels of concentration, attention to detail, and most importantly endurance – because they had to keep going for twice as long as we did.”
“Two days of racing is a superlative effort,” agreed Guinness World Records official adjudicator Lena Kuhlmann. “The endurance of the gamers is remarkable. They were engaged, concentrating and having fun even after the record was broken.”
Neatly, Ford also stationed a real GT in view, which Kuhlmann reckoned was an important touch: it helped “keep the gamers from getting completely immersed in the virtual world”.
We’re also sure the 3kg of sweets the gamers munched through helped keep them alert, although we don’t envy the comedown from the sugar rush…
Huge demand for the new Ford GT supercar has led the company to take the unusual step of doubling its production lifespan: Ford will now build the GT for four years instead of just two.
This should see twice as many GT build as originally forecast – which may upset a few values-conscious car collectors but should otherwise raise a universal cheer.
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Many Ford loyalists have recently been disappointed to receive a letter informing them they hadn’t made the grade to own a GT: the firm opened applications a while back and hand-picked those it felt would be the most suitable brand ambassadors.
This may have put some noses out of joint, as Ford Performance global director Dave Pericak tacitly admitted: “While we can’t build enough Ford GTs for everyone who has applied, we are going to produce additional vehicles in an effort to satisfy more of our most loyal Ford ambassadors.
“We want to keep Ford GT exclusive, but at the same time we know how vital this customer is to our brand.”
How will it work? The third year of production will be for for applications placed on the waiting list by Ford. Year four will be for deferred applicants and those who missed the initial application window.
This additional application window doesn’t open until 2018 though. Which leaves plenty of time for those most determined to own a GT to get purchasing Focus RS, Mondeo Vignale and range-topping Ecosport to show how committed they are to the brand.
Not familiar with the Mercedes Unimog? It’s a beast of a vehicle. Seriously. The off road workhorse-cum-plaything has been taking humans to places where vehicles shouldn’t go since the 1940s – and it even does a good impression of a train.
Yup, the Unimog U 423 proves that the Mercedes 4×4 truck thing is the most versatile vehicle ever – with the latest version about to be revealed at next month’s Innotrans exhibition in Berlin.
Packing 231 hp, the long-wheelbase Unimog U 423 can tow an incredible 1,000 tonnes of train – thanks to its four-wheel-drive system and torque-converter clutch.
Likely to be bought by rail companies for carrying out essential tasks like overhead cable maintenance, the U 423 features a elevating work platform – and it can even be driven remotely.
It also complies with strict fire regulations, available with a fire alarm and fire extinguishing system in the engine compartment so it can be used to carry out work in tunnels.
When it’s not pretending to be a train, it can also be driven on the road like a regular Unimog. OK, you might not want to use it for the school run, but its regular road tyres are up to the job of carrying out any tarmac-related duties you may have for it.
The new Unimog U 423 will be shown at the Innotrans exhibition in Berlin on 20-25th September.
The new Honda Civic hatchback has been officially revealed by Honda North America after earlier being scooped by the firm setting sail across the Atlantic.
The Swindon, UK-built five-door is the first hatchback to be sold in the U.S. and it seems the firm is getting rather excited about it – rushing out details of the new car ahead of its European colleagues who developed and will build the car.
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The official studio images confirm the new Civic hatchback will be little-changed from the striking concept car revealed at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show; Honda’s even showing the new car in a similar matt grey paint finish (sadly sans the lime green detailing of the concept).
Honda North America’s anticipation stems from the fact this 10th generation Civic, in saloon and Coupe guise, is the reigning 2016 North American Car of the Year; it’s expected the new five-door hatch will be similarly impressive.
To be launched in autumn 2017 – hence the boat-loads of new Civics now headed across the Atlantic – Honda North America has confirmed further details about the new Civic hatch.
It’s to be offered with just a single engine initially: a new 1.5-litre direct injection turbo, producing either 174hp or 180hp – the extra 6hp comes on Sport models, which have a high-flow centre-exit exhaust (as featured on the Geneva Motor Show concept car).
Pair it either with a six-speed manual or a so-called “sporty” CVT: Honda says the latter will deliver class-leading fuel economy. European cars will also get an upgraded version of Honda’s 1.6-litre i-DTEC turbodiesel.
Following criticism of the down-specced suspension on the current model, the new Civic hatch returns to independent suspension front and rear, with fancy liquid-filled bushings. The bodyshell is stiffer, to further aid ride and handling, and the electric power steering is promisingly described as “sport-tuned” with variable ratios.
It will be big, too: class-leading volume includes the best rear legroom and the biggest boot in its sector. Those in the back will even enjoy the option of heated rear seats.
Honda’s current dreary infotainment system will get a big lift with a new Honda Display Audio system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The new Civic hatch has been jointly developed by Honda in Europe and Japan, says Honda North America: the Swindon, UK plant will be the only one in the world producing it. And Honda U.S. enthusiasts can’t wait for it to arrive.
“The Civic Hatch has been a staple for Honda in Europe, but has long been the forbidden fruit for Honda fans in the U.S.,” said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division of American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
“Now, we’re bringing this sporty, stylish and versatile Civic Hatchback to North America, as we amp up the performance of our incredible Civic lineup with each new Civic model.”
More news on the European-spec new Civic hatch is expected in coming weeks: it will make its motor show debut at Paris next month.
Unscrupulous car thieves are attending shows and fitting DIY tracking devices to desirable motors – allowing them to return at a later date and steal them when they’re not being used.
Ford fans who attended the recent Ford Fair at Silverstone have reported finding the trackers attached to the underneath of their vehicles using magnets.
One enthusiast, Terry Griggs, posted on Facebook that his modified Focus ST had been stolen after the show – but his mate had a lucky escape after getting a puncture and finding a tracking device underneath his rare Mk1 Ford Escort.
He said: “[He] went to change the wheel and found [the tracker] when he went to put the jack under his car.
“He then had his garage broken into. Sadly for the scum he had moved it to a safe place.”
The trackers are about four inches long and are made using a battery and a SIM card from a mobile phone.
Police are said to have taken one of the devices for finger printing but no arrests have been made.
A McLaren driver who was involved in a collision with a tractor just weeks into ownership has successfully claimed compensation for the enjoyment he was deprived of while his supercar was being fixed.
Charles Gow demanded a like-for-like replacement from the tractor driver’s insurers, NFU Mutual, after he was deemed not to be at fault for the crash involving his McLaren MP4-12C.
Although Gow said he was willing to accept a Ferrari, no courtesy car was forthcoming from the insurance company for the weeks his McLaren was off the road.
Despite owning two Aston Martins, a Range Rover and a BMW 5 Series, Gow eventually hired a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG to drive instead of the McLaren.
Gow’s barrister, Guy Vickers of Exchange Chambers, accepted that insurance companies generally only need to provide a replacement car if they can establish a need for a replacement.
However, he said: “In most cases this is a straightforward matter of simply pointing to the fact that the damaged car was the only car the claimant had the use of before the accident… but in [this case] the defendant argued that, because of his other vehicles, Mr Gow could not establish need.”
NFU Mutual refused to pay for the hire of the Mercedes, pointing out that damage to the McLaren was minimal and Gow had use of a number of other cars.
But Gow argued that he should be entitled for a like-for-like car, and his own Aston Martins were older and not as special as the McLaren.
Vickers added: “Mr Gow successfully argued that, in this context, need was to be assessed not in some objective utilitarian sense, but by considering what type of vehicle the claimant had the use of before the accident and whether any of the other cars he already owned could replace that use.
“So although he had other cars, some of them objectively highly desirable, none of them was a supercar like his McLaren and the defendant, having to take his victim as he found him, was obliged to recompense him the cost of hiring an equivalent to his own.”
The judge agreed, concluding that the £190,000 McLaren was a ‘particularly special’ car – and nothing in Gow’s car collection made up for the enjoyment he was deprived of while it was off the road.
As such, he ordered NFU to compensate the McLaren owner for the Mercedes SLS AMG hire car – and even reimburse him for general damages caused by having to use his older Aston Martin for the two months before hiring a car.
The Auto Trader Best Bike Awards 2016 have been revealed, celebrating the very best in the UK motorcycle market. It’s a sector in great shape, and 2016 has been a classic year for new model launches. Auto Trader has chosen the very best of the best.
British bike market in 2016
Almost 80,000 new motorcycles have been registered in the UK already in 2016, a healthy rise of nearly 6% on 2015. Although sales of entry-level bikes are down, bigger-engined motorcycles are doing well: the 126-650cc category is up an impressive 8.4%.
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The biggest new bike category is for stripped-back Naked bikes, beating even Scooters and Adventure Sports bikes in the popularity stakes.
Biker boom
There are now 1.25 million motorcycles in use on UK roads, a number that’s been growing over the past few years. There are lots of active riders in Britain and, as bikes become ever-better and boast ever-more-attractive deals, many will be in the market for a new machine.
Here’s the pick of the UK new bike market in 2016.
Best bike for AM licence holders: Peugeot Django 50cc
The 50cc motorcycle 16-year-olds should be riding in 2016 is the retro-look Peugeot Django 50cc. It retains the award it won last year for its combination of cool looks and everyday usability. There’s even a 12-volt charger, so smartphone obsessives can top up their battery on the move.
Best bike for A1 licence holders: Honda CB125F
Riders aged 17 should hot-foot it to the local Honda dealer to pick up a bargain-priced CB125F. Not for nothing is it the UK’s best-selling 125cc machine. It costs from just £2,699, does 151mpg and looks far cooler than you’d ever believe a beginner’s motorbike could.
Best bike for A2 licence holders: Honda CB500F
Riders aged 19 or over can choose a full-size motorcycle that’s restricted to 47hp. Once they pass their full test, this restrictor can be taken off. The best choice here is, again, a Honda; the CB500F is the perfect step-up machine from the CB125F.
Best Scooter: Vespa GTS 300
Who doesn’t want a classic Vespa? Now there’s reason to want a modern Vespa: the GTS 300 has scooped this category three years running and Auto Trader says it’s hard to see anything beating it. It even has heated grips for winter!
Best Commuter: Honda NC750X
Commuter motorcycles should be painless and easy to ride, with a good seating position for excellent visibility. Cue the NC750X, a genuine twist-and-go machine with clutchless transmission and, new for 2016, cooler and edgier looks. Again, it’s a three-time category winner.
Best Naked: Triumph Speed Triple R
The most popular new motorcycle category in Britain right now is the Naked sector. Ooh-err. Aggressive looks, minimalist bodywork and savage power make them real thrillers – none more so than the 138hp race-bred Triumph Speed Triple R.
Best Retro: Triumph Thruxton R
Retro bikes are more classically-styled Naked machines – and Triumph has this sector sewn up too, with the beautiful Thruxton R. It builds upon the established Thruxton range with improved dynamics and engine power. “It’s the retro Triumph you’ve been waiting for,” said Auto Trader editor-in-chief, Jon Quirk.
Best Adventure: Honda Africa Twin
We’ve been waiting a long time for a new Honda Africa Twin, but at last it has arrived – and Auto Trader says the wait has been worth it. It’s one of the best motorcycles to come out of Honda in years, and is “a phenomenal all-rounder… If you want a reason not to buy a BMW GS, this is it”.
Best Tourer: BMW S 1000 XR
Planning on riding across Europe this summer? You need a BMW S 1000 XR. It’s a superbike engine in a sports touring chassis that, says Auto Trader, creates the motorcycle equivalent of a performance SUV. This, ladies and gentlemen, is a BMW X5 M for riders.
Best Sports: Yamaha YZF-F1
The fearsome Yamaha R1 has done it again. A sublime track bike, Auto Trader reckons it’s a bike that wins over both head and heart in an instant. It’s also a race bike for the road that you can thrash all day long without fear – mechanical integrity is second to none. “It’s staggering,” say the editors.
Best Cruiser: Indian Springfield
You may not have heard of the Indian motorcycle company but you’ll certainly have heard of the motorcycle brand it’s beaten to best Cruiser 2016: Harley-Davidson. The Springfield has “the ride quality of an ocean liner and a finish that out-luxes all-comers.” Just for added reassurance, it even has a five-year warranty. Born-again bikers, you need this in your life!
Best Manufacturer 2016: Triumph
Despite building more than 54,000 motorcycles overseen from its Hinckley, Leicestershire HQ, Triumph keeps on innovating, with models such as the Thunderbird, Bonneville and modernised Speed Triple range. It’s a brand that shows the future really is looking bright for the British motorcycle industry, says Auto Trader – which is why it didn’t hesitate to award it the Best Manufacturer 2016 gong.
Best Bike 2016: Honda Africa Twin
The Auto Trader judges were unanimous in picking the new Honda Africa Twin as their Best Bike 2016. They said its ability both on- and off-road is “staggering”, the engine is superb, it’s comfortable to ride and it offers tremendous value for money. An all-round champ that stands clear as Britain’s best in 2016.
A driver in the USA suffered a pulmonary embolism while he was driving his Tesla Model X – so he told the car’s autopilot feature to take him to the nearest hospital.
37-year-old Joshua Neally was driving home from his Missouri office in the SUV when he suffered a piercing pain in his stomach and chest.
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Instead of calling for an ambulance, Neally, a lawyer, instructed the Tesla to use its Autopilot feature to navigate to a hospital emergency department.
The system is able to control braking, accelerating and steering for sections of motorways, but isn’t capable of driving through towns.
Neally’s Model X reportedly drove 20 miles towards a hospital emergency department, before he managed to take over and park the electric SUV.
The Ford Mustang is the most popular high-performance sports coupe on sale in Britain, with year-to-date sales 60% ahead of its nearest rival.
Aston Martin has revealed a new open-top Volante version of the limited-to-99, now-sold-out Vanquish Zagato at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Five gamers have set a new Guinness World Record by racing a Ford GT in Forza Motorsport 6 for more than two days solid.
Huge demand for the new Ford GT supercar has led the company to take the unusual step of doubling its production lifespan: Ford will now build the GT for four years instead of just two.
