New Ford Capri prices to start from £42,075

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July 11, 2024

The new Ford Capri is now open for orders in the UK. Ford expects deliveries to begin in late October 2024 for its electric SUV coupe.

For now, the entry-level Ford Capri is the Select RWD version, with a 77kWh Extended Range battery. Prices start from £48,075.

The new Ford Capri Select RWD 77kWh Extended Range has a 286hp electric motor that allows for 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds. It has a fully charged range of 389 miles.

The higher-spec new Ford Capri Premium 77kWh Extended Range uses the same motor and battery. However, its bigger 20-inch wheels reduce the range slightly, to 369 miles. It costs from £52,175.

The new Ford Capri is also available in twin-motor, all-wheel-drive guise, a setup restricted to top-spec Premium trim. It produces 340hp and hits 62mph in 5.3 seconds.

Opting for the Ford Capri Premium AWD 77kWh Extended Range will set you back £56,175. It offers a range of 346 miles.

A more affordable Capri with a smaller 52kWh battery, called Select 55, follows later in 2024. This will cost from £42,075.

Ford Capri models and equipment

There are only two trim levels offered on the Ford Capri, called Select and Premium. As standard, the Capri Select has 19-inch alloy wheels, an electric driver’s seat with massage functionality, partial Sensico trim and a seven-speaker sound system with an integrated sound bar.

The Ford Capri Premium has larger 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic glass roof, 10-speaker premium B&O sound system, power tailgate and matrix LED headlamps.

Ford says an energy-saving heat pump is optional, as are 21-inch alloy wheels. There are six paint colours to choose from: Agate Black, Frozen White, Magnetic Grey, Vivid Yellow, Blue My Mind and Lucid Red.

Inside, all new Ford Capris have a 14-6-inch Sync Move touchscreen in the centre. This can slide back and forth so it’s easier to reach, and reveals a hidden stowage box behind. A wireless smartphone charger is standard, as are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The new Ford Capri measures 4,634mm long, 1,872mm wide and sits 1,626mm tall. It weighs from around 2.1 tonnes.

As you’d hope, this is a practical, family-sized car. The hatchback reveals a boot with a capacity of up to 572 litres, which extends to 1,510 litres with the rear seats folded.

The new Ford Capri also has a novel 17-litre ‘MegaConsole’ underneath the front seat armrest for in-cabin stowage. This consumer-friendly feature was inspired by the ‘MegaBox’ ultra-deep boot space inside the best-selling Ford Puma.

Horse power! Evoluto Ferrari 355 restomod debuts at Goodwood

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John Redfern

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July 11, 2024

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Evoluto Automobili has unveiled a ‘reimagined’ version of the Ferrari F355 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The project aims to propel the iconic, V8-powered Ferrari firmly into the 21st century.

Produced between 1995 and 1999, the mid-engined F355 has a deserved reputation as one of Maranello’s most rewarding road cars.

The 355 by Evoluto aims to introduce modern engineering and technology to the Italian supercar, Crucially it will do so without diluting the analogue driving experience.

The result, seen here for the first time, gives restomod enthusiasts a Ferrari-flavoured alternative to what companies such as Singer Vehicle Design have done with the air-cooled Porsche 911.

Redlined raised to 8,500rpm

UK-based Evoluto Automobili has thoroughly reworked the F355’s naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V8 engine, fitting more than 200 new components. Output has increased to 420hp, with a higher redline of 8,500rpm. A redesigned titanium exhaust promises a suitably epic soundtrack.

To ensure maximum driver engagement, a six-speed, open-gate manual transmission is fitted as standard.

The updated engine is installed in a chassis rebuilt from the ground up, using extensive carbon fusing. This process achieves a 23 percent increase in torsional stiffness, with all chassis hard points fortified to minimise flex.

Evoluto has a target kerb weight of 1,230kg, which undercuts the efforts of Ferrari’s own engineers when the F355 was new.

Updating a classic

Reworking an icon like the F355 is not for the faint-hearted, so Evoluto turned to legendary British designer Ian Callum and his Callum Designs consultancy for the task.

A widened stance, reshaped splitter and deeper front cooling vents are part of the careful makeover. New wing mirrors are said to improve aerodynamic performance, while the door handles are now flush-fitting.

Importantly, Callum Designs has retained the F355’s retro pop-up headlights – now updated to LED units. Distinctive daytime running lights create a new visual signature, too.

A set of 19-inch forged alloy wheels wear Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, with Brembo GT six-piston brakes fitted as standard. Customers can upgrade to carbon-ceramic brakes for even more stopping power.

Evoluto says the 355 will have ‘an ideal balance of speed and playfulness’, and can even indulge in some drift action.

A driver-focused cockpit

Evoluto 355 buyers can opt for extensive customisation, with bespoke paintwork to ensure each completed car is a one-of-a-kind creation.

On the inside, Callum Designs has reimagined the classic Ferrari cabin. Evoluto intends to offer a truly bespoke service here too, mixing ‘timeless design with modern luxury’.

Owners can choose from numerous leather and trim materials, all based around a ‘driver-centric cockpit’ that enhances the level of technology from the 1990s original. We rather like the wall-to-wall blue Alcantara pictured here…

Exclusivity guaranteed

Only 55 examples of the 355 by Evoluto are planned. However, the company says it has not quoted a price due to the unique nature of each vehicle to be produced.

Every car will be tailored to suit its new owner, with the design and build process said to include ‘a concierge-level customer journey’.

Following a private launch and preview event alongside the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the 355 by Evoluto will make its full public debut at Monterey Car Week in California next month.

Unique Caterham Seven uses parts from an RAF helicopter

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John Redfern

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July 9, 2024

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Caterham has revealed a one-off example of the Seven 360R, built using parts from an RAF helicopter.

As part of a project to raise money for injured servicemen and women, components from a Puma HC2 helicopter have been repurposed for use in the Caterham sports car.

Following its debut at the British Grand Prix, the special Seven 360R will appear at various events throughout the summer before being auctioned.

From chopper to roadster

Puma XW232 first entered service in 1972, and was deployed for operations in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Iraq – the latter during both Gulf conflicts.

Now at the end of its working life, XW232 contributed various components to the Seven 360R. Building it was a joint effort between Caterham engineers and serving personnel from RAF Benson, where the Puma was based.

Aluminium skin from the doors and tail rotor of the helicopter is used to form the Seven’s bodywork. This includes the internal rear bulkhead, which still features the helicopter’s door release handle.

NATO Green paint is kept for the bodywork, with a Desert Sand hue used on the car’s chassis.

All for a good cause

On the inside, the helicopter’s quilted soundproofing lines the door panels and transmission tunnel. The Puma’s evacuation instructions are still stitched into the material.

A unique satin black dashboard features military grade switches, including a three-stage ignition process for extra theatre. A navigation clock forms a centrepiece on the dash panel, too.

Caterham plans to display the special Seven at selected events over the coming months, then auction it through the Collecting Cars online platform.

Bidding will be open from 15 August to 12 September 2024, with the funds raised going to Mission Motorsport and the RAF Benevolent fund.

New Gridserve app to save EV owners 20% this summer

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Richard Aucock

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July 9, 2024

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Electric car charging giant Gridserve has launched a new app – and, to mark its launch, it is offering EV drivers 20% off charging throughout summer 2024.

The new Gridserve smartphone app is available through the Apple App Store or Google Play. It helps users find, pay and monitor EV charging sessions.

Until 1 October 2024, anyone paying for EV charging through the new app will automatically receive the 20% saving.

Gridserve says it can be used at more than 190 locations, including its Electric Forecourts, motorway Electric Super Hubs, and Electric Retail Hubs at locations such as Dobbies garden centres.

Rebecca Trebble, Gridserve’s chief customer experience officer, said 200,000 charging sessions are recorded on the Gridserve network every month and “the new app will make those charging sessions even easier.

“We have listened to our users and made it easier to receive receipts too.” Following the end of a charging session, receipts are automatically emailed to users, along with a charging summary.

Up to 12 previous charging sessions can also be stored on a user’s account.

Gridserve adds it is stepping up its roll-out of high power chargers across the UK, with more than 160 of its 190-plus sites now having ultra-fast chargers.

The electric car charging network boasts more than 1,400 charging bays across the country.

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Sainsbury’s Smart Charge now allows EV drivers to collect Nectar points

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Sainsbury’s Smart Charge now allows EV drivers to collect Nectar points

By

Richard Aucock

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July 9, 2024

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Sainsbury’s electric car rapid charging service Smart Charge has become the first EV charging network in the UK to offer a loyalty scheme.

Smart Charge customers with Nectar accounts will be able to collect points, at a rate of 1 Nectar point for every £1 spent on EV charging.

Nectar is the largest multi-partner loyalty scheme in the UK, allowing customers to spend points at Sainsbury’s, Argos, British Airways and others.

Sainsbury’s Smart Charge launched in January 2024. It is an ultra-rapid EV charging network with more than 400 charging bays and counting.

It doesn’t require a subscription or an app, and offers contactless payment.

Notably, Smart Charge is the only fully owned and managed EV charging business from a UK supermarket.

The food retailer now has 50 Smart Charge EV charging locations, with the latest to open being a 12-bay site at Sainsbury’s London Enfield superstore, just off the A10.

Sainsbury’s director of property, procurement and EV ventures, Patrick Dunne, said becoming the first EV charging provider to offer a loyalty scheme was a huge milestone. “Customers using any of our 400 Smart Charge bays across the country will now be able to benefit from collecting Nectar points.

“With bays in more locations than ever before, it has never been easier for EV drivers to access ultra-rapid facilities – and now they can reap the benefit of Nectar points too.”

How to collect Nectar points at Sainsbury’s Smart Charge EV chargers

Because it doesn’t require an app, collecting Nectar points at Smart Charge EV chargers is a more manual affair.

Once owners have tapped to pay via contactless payment, and plugged in their car, a ‘follow on mobile’ QR code appears on the charger screen.

Once scanned, an ‘add Nectar card number’ button will appear, followed by an ‘enter your Nectar card number’ window.

EV owners then type in their Nectar card number – which is a bit of a long-winded affair, but will see the points added.

Smart Charge has a top tip to save time here, too: if you have the Nectar app, tap the card icon and you’ll be able to copy and paste your number.

We’re sure the process will become easier with time – perhaps with a Smart Charge app, or integration into the Nectar app?

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TV’s George Clark to tackle Goodwood hill in classic Ford Transit

Ferrari destroys more than 400,000 fake items – including 3 CARS

M25’s Cobham Services hosts its first ever wedding

TV star George Clarke to tackle Goodwood hill in classic Ford Transit

By

John Redfern

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July 8, 2024

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Architect and TV presenter George Clarke will be driving a classic van at the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed this week.

Best known for hosting Amazing Spaces, a show about the creative use of small and unusual living spaces, Clarke will get behind the wheel of the eBay Lounge: a specially converted 1975 Ford Transit Mk1.

Clarke’s hillclimb attempt will be part of a major presence for eBay at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex.

Interactive competitions and talks by automotive experts will also feature on its award-winning show stand.

McLaren F1 to Ford Transit

The Ford Transit might not seem the most obvious vehicle for the famous Goodwood hillclimb course, but this particular van does boast a motorsport connection.

Peter Stevens, responsible for shaping vehicles such as the McLaren F1, Subaru Impreza WRC and Jaguar XJR-15, also helped to design the eBay Lounge.

Previously used by the German fire service, it has since been restored and updated to be a multi-purpose, camper-style van and event support vehicle.

Period-correct parts were used to refresh the running gear, suspension and brakes of the classic Transit. Naturally, all parts were sourced through the eBay marketplace, before the interior underwent an extensive makeover.

Seeking the best van conversions

The Transit has been restored to promote eBay’s Van Conversion of the Year Awards. Following on from last year’s event, the competition will search for everything from the best trade transformation to the coolest camper conversion.

George Clarke and Peter Stevens will both be part of the judging panel for the Van Conversion of the Year Awards.

Entries for the competition are open now and run until 11 August 2024. The winner will receive a £10,000 cash prize, with individual category winners claiming a £250 eBay voucher.

The 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed takes place between Thursday 11 and Sunday 14 July. You can see George Clarke driving up the hill on the opening day.

Ferrari destroys more than 400,000 fake items – including 3 cars

By

John Redfern

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July 5, 2024

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As one of the world’s most recognisable brands, Ferrari takes no prisoners when it comes to protecting its identity.

The Cavallino Rampante (prancing horse) was ranked as the world’s strongest brand in 2019 and 2020. And even against a host of tech giants, it still claimed 10th position in the 2024 Brand Finance Global 500 report.

Ferrari’s success means its name and logo hold appeal for those creating counterfeit goods, ranging from football shirts to complete cars.

However, the Italian marque does not mess around when it comes to dealing with fakes, given the importance of its own licensed products.

Destroying Ferrari fakes

As reported on Twitter, Ferrari was responsible for having more than 400,000 imitation items destroyed in 2023.

These included more than 100,000 items of clothing, 17,438 pairs of shoes and close to 70,000 wristwatches. Not forgetting 30,161 examples of knock-off Ferrari perfumes.

Other highlights from the action taken by Ferrari’s legal office included the destruction of 800 imitation kick scooters – and even three fake cars.

Speaking to Ferrari’s in-house magazine about the counterfeit cars, Carlo Daneo, general legal counsel of Ferrari, said: “Some vehicles are realised so well that they end up going to auction and it is our task to report them to the auction houses so that they are taken off the market.

“Our objective is always the same: it is not always enough to take them off the market, we want all the fakes to be destroyed.”

Rewards for informing

At the end of 2023, the marque launched its own Ferrari Anti-Counterfeiting Reward scheme, offering owners and enthusiasts the ability to report fake items.

A dedicated section of the Ferrari website allows details and images to be submitted, directing the company (and its lawyers, of course) to the faux finds.

Those who successfully report items that infringe the Ferrari trademark can be rewarded with free officially branded gifts.

Hennessey celebrates Independence Day with special V8 pick-ups

By

John Redfern

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July 4, 2024

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What better way to celebrate Independence Day than with an all-American pick-up truck that pays homage to the Hemi V8 engine?

Meet the Hennessey Mammoth 400 Ram Sport: a partnership between the Texas-based tuning company and suspension supplier Fox Factory Inc.

Just 250 examples will be produced, all featuring a colour scheme inspired by another American icon: the Dodge Viper.

A final salute to the Hemi V8

For the 2025 model year, Ram is killing off the 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine for its 1500 pick-up. Instead, the popular truck will be offered solely with a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six.

The loss of an engine as beloved as the Hemi V8 is reason enough for Hennessey to build the Mammoth 400 Ram Sport special edition.

Company founder and CEO John Hennessey said: “We are excited to partner with Fox to build a special sport truck with a uniquely American livery for the final Hemi V8-powered Ram trucks. Our Mammoth 400 Ram celebrates American independence with patriotic colours combined with the ‘fireworks’ that only the Hemi V8 engine can deliver.”

Hennessey has left the 395hp V8 unaltered, but has added a Borla sports exhaust system with carbon fibre tips.

An aggressive sport truck

A set of Fox Factory suspension dampers are combined with a RideTech lowering kit, dropping the Ram Sport closer to the ground, which makes for a meaner stance on the standard 22-inch alloy wheels.

Hennessey has fitted its own carbon fibre bodykit, with bespoke front and rear bumpers, along with special side skirts.

There is also Hennessey exterior badging and embroidered seat headrests, plus each Mammoth 400 Ram Sport comes with a numbered plaque inside its engine bay.

The Red, White and Blue

Completing the makeover is a choice of colour schemes that patriotically reference the American flag, along with the Dodge Viper sports car.

Hennessey made its name by tuning the Viper in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The Mammoth 400 Ram Sport comes in a choice of GTS Blue with white stripes, Viper Red with white stripes or Viper White with blue stripes – a direct link to those glory days.

The 250 examples are available to purchase through authorised dealerships in the United States, or by contacting Hennessey directly. Each truck even comes with a three-year or 36,000-mile warranty as standard.

M25’s Cobham Services hosts its first ever WEDDING

By

John Redfern

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July 3, 2024

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Would you get married at McDonald’s? Or say “I do” outside a Starbucks? That was the case for one happy couple, who held their wedding at Cobham Services in Surrey.

The Extra MSA location is, we believe, the first motorway services to have staged a wedding reception. More than 40 guests travelled around the M25 to attend.

It helped fulfil a childhood dream for bride Stacey, who had always wanted to experience a fast-food wedding reception.

Wedding trendsetters

Stacey’s grandmother, Dawn, acted as the wedding planner for the big day, and suggested Cobham on the M25 as the perfect location.

Dawn commented “The very nice lady on the phone was quite surprised by our request, but within a day of making the enquiry, I’d had an email back from the general manager to say they’d be delighted to host us.

“They cordoned off a designated area and set up tables and chairs to suit our seating plan and guest numbers, and even arranged coach parking for the vintage bus we’d hired as transportation.”

Dawn added: “Several families at the services said to us what a great idea it was to host a wedding reception at a motorway service station, so who knows, maybe we’ve started a trend!”

They’re lovin’ it

Stacey, who is from Surrey, said of her wedding venue choice: “Back from when I was a child I’d always dreamed of wearing a pink princess dress and having my wedding reception in a fast food outlet. I’ve repeatedly stated that fact, but even just two days before my wedding, my siblings couldn’t believe I was choosing to have it in a motorway service station – but it’s what I’d always wanted!”

Tom Dobson, CEO at Extra MSA, said: “A huge congratulations to Stacey and her partner. It was a pleasure to welcome them to Cobham, and to play our part in their big day. While we’ve never had the privilege of hosting a wedding at one of our motorway service areas before, we always try to go the ‘Extra mile’ for our customers – and we’re thrilled that we could make this unique celebration a reality.”

As a wedding gift, Cobham Services presented Stacey and her partner with £300 in vouchers, which can be redeemed at the on-site food and drink venues.

Aston Martin DBX707 AMR24 Edition brings F1 style to hot SUV

By

John Redfern

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July 3, 2024

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Aston Martin has revealed a new limited-edition version of its flagship DBX707 SUV, with a direct link to the marque’s Formula 1 team.

The Aston Martin DBX707 AMR24 Edition shares a name with the company’s latest F1 racer, driven by Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll.

There is also a deliberate nod to the DBX707 currently supplied by Aston Martin to act as one of the Official Formula 1 Medical Cars.

From the race track to the road

The Aston Martin AMR24 Formula 1 car is the first racer to be designed and built at the state-of-the-art AMR Technology Campus at Silverstone. As such, Aston has chosen to channel the design elements from the F1 machine into the DBX707.

Customers can choose from Podium Green, Onyx Black or Neutron White paint colours, with contrasting Lime Green or Trophy Silver accents found on the exterior trim. These latter accents, placed on gloss black and carbon fibre, are a direct link from the AMR24 F1 car.

This unique colour combination extends to the choice of Aston Martin Racing Green or AMR Lime brake calipers. These are nestled behind 23-inch ‘Fortis’ alloy wheels, which can be finished in either satin or gloss black.

An exclusive AMR24 engine plaque is included as the finishing touch.

Bold interior choices encouraged

On the inside, there is a choice of two colour schemes for the ‘Inspire Sport’ cabin. Buyers can pick Onyx black with Lime stitching, or Onyx Black / Eifel Green Duotone with more Lime highlights.

Interior details can be finished in carbon fibre and dark chrome jewellery, or titanium mesh matched with satin chrome. A unique hand-stitched lime leather strap above the wireless smartphone charger.

A new sound system, created with Bowers & Wilkins, is included with the DBX707 AMR24, being combined with the recently revised multimedia touchscreen.

Bespoke AMR24 door sills are fitted to complete the interior makeover.

Ready for Silverstone action

Aston Martin has left the DBX707’s powertrain untouched, although the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 is hardly short on performance. The 707hp output allows for a 0-62mph time of 3.1 seconds, with a potential top speed of 193mph.

Marco Mattiacci, Aston Martin’s global chief brand and commercial officer said: “Now with a technically advanced interior to match its class leading performance, the DBX707 AMR24 Edition is a stand-out ultra-luxury SUV with incredible road presence.”

The Aston Martin DBX707 AMR24 Edition is available to order now, just ahead of this weekend’s British Grand Prix.