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

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July 5, 2024

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

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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

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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

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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.

Ferrari ups warranty cover to 16 years for electrified supercars

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John Redfern

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July 2, 2024

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Ferrari has launched two new extended warranties for those who buy – or already own – one of its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) supercars.

The cover is intended to provide extra peace of mind for those choosing a car from the famous Italian marque.

Offered for various Ferrari models, from the 296 GTS (pictured above) to the extreme SF90 XX Stradale, the extended warranties are in addition to the standard five-year cover provided on hybrid components.

Dedicated to hybrid Ferraris

The two new warranty programmes, named ‘Warranty Extension Hybrid’ and ‘Power Hybrid’, can be purchased through the Ferrari dealer network.

Owners can choose warranties in renewable two to four year packages, which can be transferred when their Ferrari is sold.

Even cars outside of the existing four-year standard factory warranty period are eligible to upgrade, following a technical inspection by a Ferrari dealer.

Opting for the Warranty Extension Hybrid programme means Ferrari will cover the electrified powertrain for up to eight years.

Choosing the maximum eight-year period also means Ferrari will replace the high-voltage battery pack (HVB) at no extra cost.

Cover for up to sixteen years

Choosing the Power Hybrid warranty lets owners extend cover to include all major elements of the car’s powertrain.

This comprehensive warranty spans from years eight to sixteen of the car’s life, and sees another HVB replacement included at no additional cost.

Ferrari has also committed to future-proofing owners against developments in battery technology. The company will guarantee that any replacement HVBs will be a brand new component, able to match the performance of the original factory item.

Both the new warranty packages are available to buy from Ferrari dealers now.

MOKE International names Bremont watch co-founder as new chairman

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Richard Aucock

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June 26, 2024

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Nick English, who co-founded luxury brand Bremont Watches with his brother Giles, has been appointed executive chairman of heritage automotive brand MOKE International.

English will spearhead a major growth phase for MOKE, which has already sold 500 vehicles to date, and is now in talks with strategic partners and investors.

His appointment is effective immediately, as current CEO Isobel Dando steps away from her role.

“Hiring Nick is a real coup for MOKE,” she said. “He is passionate about British engineering – be it flying planes, making watches or driving cars – and, as a serial entrepreneur, I believe he has exactly what we need to further develop the business.”

MOKE International owns the original 1964 European MOKE trademark; the famous Mini MOKE was conceived in the early 1960s as a military utility vehicle by Austin Mini designer Sir Alec Issigonis.

In 2023, an Electric MOKE was launched, helping the firm become the first heritage automotive brand to go 100% electric.

The cars are built in Northamptonshire – “just miles away from where the original MOKEs were built in the 1960s” – and the firm currently has a wating list of around 800 orders, which is worth $25m.

Pivotal time

English says he is joining MOKE at a “pivotal time… I look forward to working with the talented team to build on its legacy, continue and grow the manufacturing of the cars in the UK, and explore new opportunities for innovation and expansion”.

Impressively, the Electric MOKE has already been homologated for use in both Europe and the USA, and the company now plans to take it even further afield.

In 2022, MOKE attracted a bid worth $120m for the business, but remains proudly independent, and has raised $35m of investment to date.

After handing over Bremont to new management as part of a strategic investment round that valued it at £100m, English will now use his experience in manufacturing and lifestyle brands to further develop MOKE.

He will remain a board director of Bremont.

ECOBEST Challenge 2024 to discover real-world EV range

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Richard Aucock

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June 26, 2024

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The ECOBEST Challenge 2024, which rates the real-world range of electric cars, begins this week with 14 new EVs set to be tested until their batteries run flat.

The fourth running of the ECOBEST Challenge will again take place in Vairano, Italy, using a combination of public roads including motorways, national roads and city centres.

The independent test aims to reveal the true green credentials of the latest electric cars, including the real-world battery range and how far an EV will travel when the range display is showing zero.

Key cars taking part in the ECOBEST Challenge 2024 include the award-winning BYD Dolphin and Kia EV9, the new Mini Cooper, best-selling Tesla Model Y and the long-range Volkswagen ID.7. The full list of contenders is below.

Each EV will be driven until its battery is completely flat. Drivers include media from across Europe, who are instructed to apply their typical real-life driving styles.

They are also encouraged to use all onboard tech, including the climate control system and other power-munching tech.

To prevent driving style bias, drivers are rotated every 25 kilometres (15.5 miles).

The ECOBEST Challenge 2024 is organised by AUTOBEST, the largest independent motoring awards initiative in Europe, in partnership with new EV brand VinFast.

AUTOBEST chair Dan Vardie said the challenge “delivers real information on the range a customer can expect, how big the battery reserve is worth, the energy efficiency, and more”.

It is certified by official organisation Bureau Veritas, meaning “the entire driving method is consistent with the randomised ‘human factor’ defined by AUTOBEST, and based on the diversity of members coming from all around Europe”.

ECOBEST Challenge 2024 takes place between 26-28 June. Full results will be announced following final verification and approval by Bureau Veritas.

ECOBEST Challenge 2024 contenders

Audi Q4 e-tron
BMW i5 Touring
BYD Dolphin
Fiat 600e
Honda e:Ny1
Hyundai Kona
Kia EV9
Lancia Ypsilon
MINI Cooper
Opel / Vauxhall Corsa
Tesla Model Y
Smart #3
Volkswagen ID.7
Volvo EX30

New V12 Aston Martin Valiant is Fernando Alonso’s side project

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John Redfern

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June 26, 2024

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Aston Martin has released the first images of its new limited-edition supercar, created by the company’s in-house Q division.

The Valiant is based on a personal commission for Aston Martin’s very own F1 team driver, Fernando Alonso.

The Spanish star requested a more hardcore, driver-focused version of the 2023 Aston Martin Valour, with less weight and the ability to be driven hard on-track.

Alonso will demonstrate the 745hp, V12-engined Valiant at this summer’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Pinnacle of performance

A press release describes the Valiant as the ‘pinnacle of ferocious front-engined Aston Martin limited edition specials’. Its twin-turbocharged 5.2-litre V12 is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.

Multimatic Adaptive Spool Valve (ASV) dampers, as seen on the Ford Mustang GTD, are fitted to the Valiant. With unlimited tuning potential, owners will be able to perfect their setup for specific race circuits.

Carbon ceramic brakes are included, while the distinctive 21-inch alloy wheels are made from magnesium. This has allowed Aston Martin to reduce unsprung mass by 14kg.

A new 3D-printed rear subframe also removes 3kg in weight, with a magnesium torque tube saving a further 8.6kg. A motorsport-spec lithium-ion battery is 11.5kg lighter than the item used in the Valour.

More visual aggression

Aston Martin’s design team has taken the Valour and ramped up its visual aggression. New parts include a deep front splitter, full-width carbon fibre grille and carbon aero discs for the 21-inch wheels.

The discs are inspired by the 1980 RHAM/1 ‘Muncher’ Le Mans racer, and are mounted directly to the magnesium rims. Reducing turbulence and drag, they also help channel air to cool the brakes.

At the back, a new spoiler sits above the Kamm tail, designed to balance the downforce created by the splitter. The one-piece rear clamshell has an opening panel to provide access to luggage space.

Completing the Valiant’s makeover is a functional rear diffuser, shaped by computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Along with reducing lift, it also serves to highlight the quad-exit titanium exhaust system.

Inside the Aston Martin Valiant

Although designed with track use in mind, the Valiant will be fully homologated for the road. That won’t mean a traditionally luxurious interior, however.

Instead, the Valiant has a stark, race-bred feel, with satin-finish carbon fibre throughout its two-seat cabin. A cutout in the transmission tunnel allows occupants to see the workings of the six-speed manual gearbox.

Lightweight Recaro Podium bucket seats are fitted, with strategic padding to maximise ventilation. Four-point harnesses can be mounted to the standard built-in roll cage.

Furthering the motorsport theme, lightweight fabric interior door pulls save a few grams on either side

‘Born to drive at the limit’

Talking about the project, Fernando Alonso said: “Valour was a spectacular celebration of Aston Martin’s 110th anniversary, and stirred me to create a more extreme, race car-inspired version that was track-focused, while also delivering a thrilling drive on-road.

“Valiant is born from my passion for driving at the limit and I have enjoyed working closely with the Q by Aston Martin team on both the design and technical specification. I believe we have created a masterpiece.”

Alonso will drive the Valiant on demonstration runs at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, which takes place between 11 and 14 July.

Want a Valiant for yourself? Perhaps inevitably, all 38 examples have already been sold. The first lucky customers should take ownership in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Revealed: new Bentley Continental GT Speed is firm’s most powerful car yet

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John Redfern

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June 25, 2024

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Bentley has revealed the new, fourth-generation Continental GT Speed. The luxurious grand tourer swaps its former W12 engine for a V8 boosted by plug-in hybrid technology.

However, while the cylinder-count in the new Continental GT Speed has decreased, power and performance have both ramped up.

In fact, the one-two punch of a 4.0-litre V8 engine and an electric motor make this the most powerful road-going Bentley ever sold.

Bentley will also launch both body styles – the Continental GT Speed coupe and GTC convertible – together for the first time.

Outgunning the old W12

Bentley has already announced the big numbers for the new hybrid powertrain, including a headline-grabbing power output of 782hp.

The 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 engine produces 600hp on its own, with a 25.9kWh battery pack feeding the 190hp electric motor. Still more impressive is a peak torque figure of 738lb ft, an 11 percent increase versus the W12.

With an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an electronic limited-slip differential, the 2024 Continental GT Speed can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 3.1 seconds.

Top speed is a heady 208mph, and Bentley has already set an unofficial ‘underwater speed record’ in the world’s deepest tunnel.

The first hybrid Continental GT

Huge performance is only half the story with the new Continental GT Speed, as the plug-in hybrid tech also delivers major efficiency gains.

In the official WLTP test, the GT Speed returns CO2 emissions of just 29g/km, helped by its ability to cover 50 miles on battery power alone.

Multiple performance modes, including a fully electric setting, help the driver to deploy this power effectively. Replenishing the Continental GT Speed’s battery takes two hours and 45 minutes when connected to a fast-charging device.

The extra hardware does impact on the Bentley’s weight, though. The new hybrid tips the scales at 2,459kg in coupe guise, compared with 2,273kg for the outgoing W12 version.

Inspired by coachbuilt Bentleys

While its powertrain grabs much of the attention, the Continental GT Speed also debuts a new design language for Bentley’s popular coupe and convertible.

Inspiration comes from the coachbuilt Bentley Batur and Bacalar models. A single headlight is used on either side; the first time a production Bentley has featured such a setup since 1959.

A ‘horizontal eyebrow’ cuts through each headlight, featuring a deep crystal effect and 120 separate LEDs. At the rear, new tail lights are more prominent, with the boot lid now incorporating a pop-up spoiler.

Mood lighting in 30 colours, an optional 2,200W Naim audio system and a new, precision-made quilt pattern for the seats are highlights of the interior.

Green with envy yet?

To mark the launch of the new Continental GT Speed, Bentley has introduced new paint colours to the extensive range already available.

Tourmaline Green (seen here) will be the car’s signature hue, with Gravity Grey leather now available for the cabin. The latter can be chosen with matching exterior paint, said to reveal a copper effect in direct sunlight.

Delving into Bentley’s near-endless range of personalisation options will add to the Continental GT Speed’s price tag, which starts from £236,600 in the UK. Deliveries of the first completed cars are expected in the third quarter of 2024.

Ford RS200 and Escort Mk1 to make an official comeback

By

John Redfern

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June 24, 2024

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New versions of classic fast Fords are coming soon – including a restomod and a series of continuation cars.

Boreham Motorworks of County Durham has gained official permission from Ford to create a series of ‘reborn’ icons, based upon some of the blue oval’s most important vehicles.

The project kicks off with a reimagining of the Ford RS200, coinciding with the Group B rally car’s 40th anniversary. Details so far are scant, but we’re told it will deliver ‘a peak analogue driving experience’.

Singing the blues

Along with the new RS200, Boreham Motorworks has also gained permission to make ‘blueprint-accurate, period-sympathetic vehicles with continuation VIN numbers’.

These continuation cars will recreate historically significant fast Fords, beginning with the Mk1 Escort in Group 5 racing specification. Campaigned in the British Saloon Car Championship by Alan Mann Racing, the distinctive red and gold Escort claimed the overall title with Frank Gardner in 1968.

It is no coincidence, perhaps, that Boreham Motorworks is part of the DRVN Automotive Group, along with Alan Mann Racing. The latter has recently been involved in building electrified versions of the classic Ford Mustang.

Praise the Ford

Darren McDermott, executive chairman of the DRVN Automotive Group, said: “We are thrilled to embark on this journey with Ford Motor Company and kickstart a series that will redefine and remaster these icons of the past.

“We aim to redefine automotive innovation and push the boundaries in terms of driver engagement and design. Our shared commitment to this incredible project will create an outstanding analogue driving experience and leave a lasting legacy for the true petrolhead.”

Although the RS200 and Mk1 Escort are the opening salvo from Boreham Motorworks, the company plans to bring back at least five other important classic Fords.

Those keen to own one of the first ‘new’ Fords can register their interest on the Boreham Motorworks website now.

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