Win Queen Elizabeth II’s old Jaguar X-Type for Comic Relief

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February 24, 2023

A 2009 Jaguar X-Type Estate, previously owned and driven by HM Queen Elizabeth II, is being raffled to raise money for Red Nose Day.

The special Jaguar has been donated to the Comic Relief charity draw by Chris Evans’ Carfest.

Entering the prize draw offers a chance to own a genuine piece of royal household history.

By royal appointment

Finished in Emerald Fire green with a Barley leather interior, the Jaguar X-Type Estate was purchased from new by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

It’s said to have been an alternative to her favourite Land Rover Defender, with the Ian Callum-designed wagon offering a useful boot for her beloved corgi dogs. Her Majesty was often seen driving the Jaguar around the Windsor estate, making use of it until at least March 2022.

Queen Elizabeth II was clearly not one for hanging about. Powering the X-Type is the range-topping 228hp 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, combined with all-wheel drive and an automatic gearbox.

Fittingly, the Jaguar was specified in the Sovereign trim level, with climate control air-con and wood trim found inside.

A historic car for a good cause

Following the Queen’s death last year, the Jaguar was sold in November by Historic Auctioneers.

A sale price of £35,000, with buyer’s fees adding an extra £8,000, made for a rather expensive X-Type.

Entering the Red Nose Day draw is substantially cheaper – at £10, plus the cost of a text message – and will see the lucky winner benefit from a limited warranty and a contribution to insurance costs.

The prize draw for the Jaguar X-Type is now open, and closes on 31 March 2023. This year’s Red Nose Day will take place on Friday 17 March.

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Ski-special Land Rover is first project from Aubrey Automobiles

By

John Redfern

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February 24, 2023

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A 1973 Land Rover Series III, previously a ‘rusty old farm hack’, has been transformed into a bespoke lifestyle SUV.

The restored Land Rover is the first completed car from London-based Aubrey Automobiles, christened ‘Aubrey 001’.

For Georgia Peck, the owner of Aubrey Automotive, the ethos behind vehicles like the Series III is to restore them to better-than-new condition, while “keeping their period look and ‘old’ soul”.

A new lust for life

The Series III is the property of a Devon-based family, who previously used it as a working farm vehicle. They commissioned Aubrey Automotive to create an updated Land Rover that could support a new life in the Swiss Alps.

More than 1,000 hours were spent over eight months to rebuild Aubrey 001 from a bare shell. The work included a new galvanised chassis, a rebuilt 2.25-litre petrol engine and a left-hand drive conversion.

Other mechanical upgrades include new brakes and suspension, along with an electric power steering system inside the steering column.

“It brings me immense joy to take cars that I love so much, then transform them cosmetically and mechanically to give them a new lease of life for future generations,” said Georgia Peck.

A roof for every occasion

Unlike some restomod Land Rovers, the bold orange paint found on Aubrey 001 is entirely period-correct.

The bodywork was taken back to the metal before a respray, with the original Safari roof fully restored. A bespoke six-point roll cage sits beneath the roof, but can be removed if desired.

Aubrey has also designed the B-pillars to be removed, while the heated front windscreen folds flat. A total of eight roof configurations are available in total, with an interchangeable ski or bicycle rack fitted at the rear for good measure.

On the inside, the six heated seats are trimmed in Connolly leather. Each row of seats benefits from its own charging points, along with an adjustable fan heating system.

Time to hit the slopes

Wenge wood is used for the decking in the rear load area, where you’ll also find a drinks cabinet.

Hidden within the leather-finished dashboard is an Apple CarPlay-compatible touchscreen, with satellite navigation and a premium sound system.

It all makes for a thoroughly modernised classic Land Rover, fit and ready for its Alpine adventure. Aubrey 001 will make its public debut at the International Concours of Elegance in Saint Moritz, Switzerland, fitted with snow chains and skis.

Having completed the Land Rover Series III, Aubrey Automobiles is now turning its attention to a 1988 Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen.

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Porsche salutes a 50-year-old icon with special edition GT3 RS

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John Redfern

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February 23, 2023

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Porsche has revealed a new special edition 992 GT3 RS that pays tribute to its first roadgoing Rennsport model: the 911 Carrera 2.7 RS of 1973.

While ‘911 GT3 RS Tribute to Carrera RS Package’ doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, it makes no bones about this supercar’s iconic inspiration.

The Tribute to Carrera RS Package is limited solely to Porsche customers in the United States, with first deliveries due next month. However, given the feverish market for Porsche GT cars, don’t be surprised if a few examples make it across the pond.

Lean and green

Porsche has chosen eye-catching Python Green, from its Exclusive Manufaktur paint palette, for the 911’s alloy wheels, side mirror caps and GT3 RS sill graphics.

More Python Green is used for the Porsche text on the massive rear spoiler, while the wing end plates feature an American flag design.

Modifications inside include bright green contrast stitching, keys painted in white, and illuminated door sill guards with a ‘Tribute to Carrera RS’ script.

Buyers also get a host of special accessories, such as a bespoke Porsche Design wristwatch, custom car cover, RS-branded valve caps and two Porsche scale models.

‘A perfect homage’

The GT3 RS is mechanically unchanged, which means a 4.0-l naturally aspirated flat-six engine producing 525hp. The Weissach Package is included as standard, featuring lightweight carbon fibre components for the bodywork and suspension.

Choosing the Tribute to Carrera RS Package for a new 911 GT3 RS takes the total price to $312,550 (approximately £258,000). Porsche fans can see the car for the first time at next month’s 12 Hours of Sebring endurance race in Florida.

“This package pays tribute to the 911 Carrera 2.7 RS, an absolute driver’s car and an icon,” said Kjell Gruner, president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America.

“Today, nothing epitomises the idea of a driver’s car more than the new 911 GT3 RS. Like the original, it uses cutting edge aerodynamics to achieve incredible performance, making this a perfect homage to the legend from 1973.”

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Government provides £56 million funding boost for EV chargers

By

John Redfern

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February 23, 2023

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The government has announced a major increase in funding to support the roll-out of public electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

A total of £56 million will be made available, with the aim of delivering 2,400 new EV charging points in the near-future.

The money will also help local authorities to plan for thousands more charging devices in the longer term.

The announcement follows analysis earlier this year that showed the UK was lagging behind its target to install 300,000 public electric car charge points by 2030.

Extra EV funding across the UK

The new funding will expand the existing Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) pilot scheme, taking it from three to 16 local authority areas.

This includes £1.9 million for Cumbria, £2.5 million for Waltham Forest and a substantial £8.5 million committed to the West Midlands.

In total, £22 million from central government funding will be supported by £17 million from private initiatives. A further £2 million will come from public funds across the various local authorities.

A new £8 million LEVI Capability Fund will help local authorities to put in place the right staff and systems to plan for EV charging infrastructure.

Helping drivers switch to EVs

As part of the package of measures, the government has also committed £7 million to the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS).

This provides funding for local authorities to locate chargers in areas without off-street parking. Some 3,000 devices have already been installed through ORCS, with a further 10,000 on the way.

Transport minister for technology and decarbonisation, Jesse Norman, said: “The government is giving local authorities across England additional help today to energise their charge point roll-out plans.

“[This] commitment will lead to thousands of new chargers being installed, and plans for tens of thousands extra in due course, so that more people than ever can make the transition to using EVs.”

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BMW is the biggest exporter in the United States, again

By

John Redfern

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February 23, 2023

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For the ninth year in a row, BMW Manufacturing is the largest automotive exporter in the United States.

New data from the U.S. Department of Commerce shows that BMW vehicle exports totalled $9.6 billion (£8.75 billion) during 2022.

Among all the X-branded SUVs and SUV coupes produced at BMW’s huge facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina, some 227,029 cars were assigned for foreign markets.

Building to an electric future

Electrification was a major factor in BMW exports from Spartanburg last year, with a total of 69,200 plug-in hybrid models produced.

These included the first examples of the new XM SUV (pictured above) – the first M performance model with an electrified powertrain.

BMW has invested heavily in an electric future for its North American manufacturing site. A total of $1 billion (£825 million) has been committed to preparing Spartanburg for production of electric vehicles, with an additional $700 million (£575 million) to build a high-voltage battery assembly site in Woodruff, South Carolina.

Last year saw the six-millionth BMW leave the Spartanburg production line. The Java Green Metallic BMW X6 M will be kept at the factory and become part of a heritage collection.

Germany is BMW’s top export market

BMW exported South Carolina-built products through six different ports across the southern United States, with 17,000 cars distributed via rail.

During 2022, Germany became the top export market for Spartanburg vehicles, accounting for 15.5 percent of the total. China was second on 13.5 percent, followed by South Korea (12.8 percent), Canada (7.5 percent) and the UK (5.6 percent).

The Spartanburg plant is the largest BMW factory in the world, capable of churning out 1,500 new cars every day.

“Customers around the world continue to seek out premium quality BMWs made in South Carolina, and we are proud to be the largest automotive exporter by value for the past nine years,” said Dr Robert Engelhorn, president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing.

“Our success is due to the highly skilled and dedicated workforce at Plant Spartanburg. These achievements are significant and clearly reinforce BMW’s ongoing commitment to South Carolina and the United States.”

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Government urged to ‘axe the pavement tax’ for EV charging

By

John Redfern

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February 22, 2023

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Campaign group FairCharge is demanding action on the higher VAT rates for public electric vehicle charging.

Ahead of the Chancellor’s forthcoming Spring Statement, FairCharge founder Quentin Wilson wants to see tax on public EV charging reduced.

It forms part of FairCharge’s six-point action plan, intended to help more drivers make the switch to EV ownership.

Time for a ‘generational commitment’

At present, VAT on public EV charging stands at 20 percent, compared to the five percent levied on domestic electricity. FairCharge calls this disparity the ‘pavement tax’.

Some 38 percent of UK households lack the ability to charge an electric car at home, increasing to 90 percent of homes in London and Glasgow. As a result, FairCharge highlights that more than a third of the population is forced to pay more VAT by using public chargers.

Quentin Wilson said: “The Chancellor should use the Spring Statement to make a generational commitment to the future of UK electrification to create investment confidence for the industry, increase energy security, and help clean up our urban air. Cutting VAT on public charging is essential.

“The Treasury is disadvantaging drivers by forcing them to pay four times the rate of VAT simply because they don’t have a driveway. These higher costs are also slowing EV adoption.”

Keeping the EV revolution rolling

FairCharge has set out details of its action plan, which places an emphasis on UK Government action to boost EV ownership. The six points are:

Axing the pavement tax by reducing public charging VAT from 20 percent to five percent
Publishing a zero-emissions vehicle mandate to create confidence and investment in the UK manufacturing sector
Delivering chargepoint funding, guidance and standards
Mirror US and European schemes to help low-income drivers access EVs
Decouple the wholesale price of electricity from gas to reduce energy bills
Increase the provision of EV charging signage to help current and future electric car drivers

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Hyundai and Genesis design chief SangYup Lee is World Car Person of the Year 2023

By

Richard Aucock

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February 21, 2023

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SangYup Lee, executive vice president and head of the Hyundai and Genesis global design centre, has been named World Car Person of the Year 2023.

It is the second year running a Hyundai Motor Group executive has won the award. The 2022 World Car Person of the Year was the South Korean auto giant’s design president and chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke.

Lee has been at Hyundai since 2016. He previously worked at Volkswagen AG, where he oversaw the Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur. He was also involved, alongside Donckerwolke, with the design of the Bentayga.

Prior to that, Lee was at GM, where he led design of the 2010 fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro.

South Korean SangYup Lee studied at the famous ArtCenter College of Design in California.

Collective passion

At Hyundai, Lee has already been involved in the Hyundai Ioniq 6, the upcoming new Hyundai Kona and the stunning Hyundai N Vision 74 concept.

“This honour is not the recognition of an individual but a testament to a shared collective passion for creativity encouraged by the dedication of Hyundai top management who set us high standards to achieve,” he said.

“It is the unwavering diligence of the many talented people who contribute to making Hyundai Design what it is today.

“Hyundai is taking on many challenges, but this is just the beginning. We believe our greatest achievements lie ahead of us.”

SangYup Lee was one of five finalists for the 2023 World Car Person of the Year award. The others, fellow leaders in the auto industry, included:

Wang Chuanfu, chairman and president of BYD
Dr. Stella Clarke, research engineer, open innovations, BMW Group
Peter Rawlinson, CEO and CTO, Lucid Motors
Naoyuki Sakamoto, chief engineer, GR Corolla, GAZOO Racing Company, Toyota Motor Corporation

The World Car Person of the Year is one of seven awards presented each year by World Car Awards.

The awards initiative is the largest in the world, claiming the top spot for the 10th consecutive year in 2022.

The countdown is now on for the 2023 awards, which will be presented on April 5 live from the New York International Auto Show.

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Aston Martin opens its doors to ambitious women and girls

By

John Redfern

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February 21, 2023

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Aston Martin has extended a special invitation to women and girls interested in a career in the automotive industry.

To mark International Women’s Day on 8 March 2023, the doors of Aston Martin Works will be opened.

Attendees can experience a day in the life of an employee at the famous Newport Pagnell site in Buckinghamshire.

Finding talent for the future

The day will include a tour of the historic Aston Martin Works facility, including the dealership for heritage cars, plus a CV-writing workshop.

A conversation and panel event will be held in partnership with the Aston Martin Formula 1 team. Female leaders from across the company will be present, including Clare Lansley – chief information officer for the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 team.

Aston Martin says it hopes to have 25 percent of all leadership roles filled by women within the next five years.

Simon Smith, chief people officer at Aston Martin, said: “Aston Martin is passionate about increasing female leadership at the company, as well as inspiring girls to consider the huge career opportunities within the automotive sector.

“Through initiatives like this event on International Women’s Day and our successful graduate and apprenticeship programmes, we are confident that we can find the right talent for the future of Aston Martin.”

Driving an inclusive workplace

Clare Lansley added: “This year, the Aston Martin Aramco Cognizant F1 team joins forces with Aston Martin in a bid to embrace equity and offer opportunities to ambitious women and girls.

“We are excited to host the event at Aston Martin’s heritage site in Newport Pagnell and look forward to the future generations of women and girls joining our organisations – as we continue to drive an inclusive workplace for all.”

Registration for the event is now open through the Aston Martin Careers website. Places for this special day are strictly limited on a first-come, first-served basis.

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National Highways in £8m boost to EV charging at motorway services

By

John Redfern

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February 20, 2023

0

Electric car charging infrastructure at motorway services across Britain is set for an important upgrade.

National Highways has made an £8 million investment in energy storage systems, destined for motorway service stations where the electricity supply is insufficient at present.

It means seven motorway service locations will be able to offer reliable, high-power EV charging in the future.

Banking power for the future

The seven motorway services identified do not currently have the electrical infrastructure to support rapid (150kW+) electric vehicle chargers.

The use of energy storage systems is a temporary measure until the grid in those areas can be upgraded.

Energy storage systems use large-scale batteries, held inside air-conditioned shipping containers. These store energy from the electricity grid during quiet periods, then supply it to rapid EV chargers when needed.

They have a typical storage capacity of 2MWh: enough power to provide more than two million miles of EV motoring each year.

Just one charge from the grid would allow an energy storage system to power an average home for eight months.

‘Accessible and reliable’ EV charging

The seven motorway services identified for the energy storage system roll-out are:

Beaconsfield on the M40
Corley on the M6 northbound
Clacket Lane on the M25, both eastbound and westbound
Maidstone on the M20
Taunton on the M5 northbound
Tebay on the M6 northbound

National Highways aims to have each site hosting at least six rapid EV charging devices by the end of 2023.

Transport decarbonisation minister Jesse Norman said: “Expanding the UK’s rapid charging network is essential if more people are to switch to electric vehicles, and should make charging cheaper and more convenient.

“Drivers today are never more than 25 miles away from a rapid chargepoint anywhere on England’s motorways and major A-roads. But this news marks another innovative step to making sure that rapid charging is accessible and reliable.”

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Updated Porsche app will point you to the best driving roads

By

John Redfern

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February 20, 2023

0

Porsche has announced a major update for its Roads smartphone app, designed to find the most scenic routes for drivers.

First launched by Porsche in 2019, the free app has gained more than 180,000 users around the world. It allows drivers to form communities, and meet up in the real world to explore new roads.

Compatible with Apple CarPlay, it also provides navigation directions for routes that should be fun to drive – particularly in a Porsche.

AI for driving enjoyment

A ‘scenic route generator’ is a key part of the latest Roads update, featuring a new algorithm to tailor routes to the preferences of individual drivers. Beautiful landscapes, spectacular sights and ‘untouched villages’ are promised.

Robert Ader, chief marketing officer at Porsche, says the algorithm “allows driving fans to find their own individual dream route with just a few clicks.

“AI works out a suitable route based on various parameters, such as the curves of the road, the topography, landscape features, or exciting points of interest. From their starting point, the user can plan a circuit route or navigate to a specific destination – no matter where in the world they are.”

Porsche ownership not required

Drivers are able to specify exactly how demanding and dynamic they’d like their roads to be, then later save and evaluate the route generated.

The best can also be shared with other app users, benefiting the wider Roads community.

App shortcuts can be used to find the most popular roads, with a ‘route of the week’ suggested to provide extra inspiration.

Owning a Porsche is not necessary to use the app, but Roads is currently only available on Apple iOS smartphones. An Android version is said to be in development.

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