Back to business for week 44 with a rafter of new models, new venues, a supercar invasion of London’s Mayfair and a feature from a member of our Royal Family. So without any further ado, here’s what’s new for week 44.
MINI unveil their first plug-in hybrid model : The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 and all new Countryman model.
The new MINI Countryman is the biggest and most versatile model to be launched in the brand’s 57-year history. With its larger external dimensions, and increases in space throughout the cabin and luggage area, it offers occupants even greater comfort and a genuinely premium ambience. Useful new features such as electric tailgate control with touch-free opening and unique options, including a fold down picnic bench at the rear, add to the ownership experience.
The Countryman’s on- and off-road ability is readily apparent throughout its design, which fuses familiar MINI styling with the tough look of a crossover thanks to the extended ground clearance, large wheel arches and short overhangs.
For the first time MINI is offering a plug-in hybrid model with the new MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4. Drawing from expertise gleaned from across the BMW Group, this new hybrid features a turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor, reducing fuel consumption to 134.5 mpg yet also enabling a 0-62 mph time of just 6.9 seconds.
The MINI Cooper S E Countryman ALL4 is the perfect vehicle for those who wish to enjoy the benefits of purely electric mobility when commuting between home and work every day for example, while at the same time benefiting from unlimited long-distance suitability at the weekend.
HRH The Princess Royal opens Bentley Motors HQ
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited the Bentley Motors headquarters in Crewe earlier this week to open a new research and development centre – 25 Pyms Lane – which is home to more than 400 Bentley engineers. The new building covers 7,200 square metres over four storeys and was constructed in just seven months. The building marks the first stage of Bentley’s headquarter expansion which continues to develop the site as an industry-leading, modern, efficient manufacturing facility.
Commenting on the visit, Wolfgang Dürheimer, Bentley Chairman and CEO, said:
“Our research and development centre, 25 Pyms Lane, is where a new generation of Bentleys will be developed, which will continue our commitment to luxury, performance, quality and engineering excellence…We are honoured that we could welcome Her Royal Highness once again to our expanding headquarters, not just to celebrate the continued evolution of our site, but to demonstrate first-hand the skill of our engineers, craftspeople and trainees here in Crewe.”
Supercars take over Mayfair with H.R Owen
H.R. Owen’s Supercar Sunday event brought one of Mayfair’s most famous streets to a standstill, with owners and enthusiasts touching down at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London in Berkeley Square to celebrate the group’s most exciting models.
From 9am-12pm on Sunday 23 October, over 50 of the best supercars in the world were on display in Mayfair from across H.R. Owen’s high-end brand network.
The leading luxury dealer group deals with some of the biggest and most desirable marques in the business, including BAC, Maserati, Rolls-Royce, Bugatti, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Bentley and Lamborghini.
Rolls-Royce unveil first ever Rolls-Royce Boutique in Dubai
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars this week unveiled its first ever ‘Rolls-Royce Boutique’, a highly progressive new concept in luxury, in Dubai, UAE. Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, presided at the official inauguration ceremony, alongside officials from AGMC, the sole and authorised representative for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates of the UAE.
The new space speaks of Rolls-Royce’s commitment to effortlessly integrating itself into the lifestyles of its patrons. The location, at the centre of Dubai’s City Walk, a globally recognised luxury and hospitality hot-spot, therefore boldly counters traditional automotive thinking in placing the house within a centre of fine fashion, art and cuisine that Rolls-Royce customers frequent.
The permanent Boutique has been created in the same spirit as the marque’s highly successful Summer Studio in Porto Cervo, Sardinia which has rapidly established itself as a celebrated centre of ‘true luxury’ in one of the world’s most exclusive enclaves. The Boutique therefore blends spaces that bring to life the spirit of the marque’s Centre of Excellence in Goodwood, England with a vibrant, social atmosphere. The Boutique is set to become a place to see and be seen for the region’s most discerning and eminent patrons of luxury.
The Hyundai IONIQ hits the UK market
Hyundai’s ground breaking IONIQ – the world’s first car to offer three electrified powertrains on one platform – is now officially on sale in the UK.
First available in Hybrid and Electric variants, a Plug-In Hybrid version will join the range in 2017 giving customers unrivalled choice thanks to Hyundai’s completely electrified portfolio. The IONIQ Hybrid range starts at £19,995 and develops up to the IONIQ Electric Premium SE model which is available from £26,295.
