As we merge into the quiet summer time, the motoring industry continues to tick away under the surface with announcements this week coming from Renault, Jaguar Land Rover and Mazda.
Lamborghini launches the Ad Personam Studio
Lamborghini launches the Ad Personam Studio at its historic Sant’Agata Bolognese headquarters: an area dedicated entirely to the company’s customization program, which enables each customer to create his or her very own, Lamborghini.
The Ad Personam Studio is located in the heart of the company’s production facility, and its concept and furnishings inspired by creative spaces and design studios. It is designed to offer Lamborghini customers the unique experience of being aided by an Ad Personam specialist at every step of the process, in order to select colors, interior trim and the materials of their future super sports car.
Before specifying their car, the prospective owner visits the factory on a guided tour, so he or she can view possible configurations on actual Huracán and Aventador models. Next, the customer is hosted in the sophisticated yet minimal atmosphere of the Ad Personam Studio, which includes displays of leathers, colors, materials, seats and rims, and includes an advanced car configurator for digital simulation of possible options. The lounge area is also used for displaying the particular Lamborghini model ordered by the customer.
The Ad Personam program is available for both Huracán and Aventador. As one of the company’s strategic offerings, the program not only ensures the best possible customer experience, but also enhances the product and brand in a broader sense.
Renault extend the Megan Family
After the reveal of All-New Mégane in 2015 and All-New Mégane Sport Tourer in March 2016, th All New Mégane Grand Coupé is the latest model in the Mégane family.
The new four-door saloon is part of the renewal of the Renault range. Its dynamic and prestigious styling is reflected in sculpted surfaces, well-balanced proportions, a Renault-family front end, and a distinctive C-shaped front lighting signature.
Depending on the country, the engine range comprises of two petrol engines:
- The SCe 115, available with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission (CVT)
- The TCe 130, available with a 7-speed dual-clutch EDC automatic gearbox or a 6-speed manual gearbox
Three diesel engines are available, also depending on the country:
- The dCi 90, available with a 6-speed manual gearbox
- The dCi 110, available with a 6-speed manual gearbox or the EDC 6-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox
- The dCi 130, available with a 6-speed manual gearbox
The All New Mégane Grand Coupé will be produced at the Bursa plant in Turkey.
Jaguar Land Rover unveil Autonomous all-terrain driving research project
Jaguar Land Rover has demonstrated a range of innovative research technologies that would allow a future autonomous car to drive itself over any surface or terrain. The multi-million pound Autonomous all-terrain driving research project aims tomake the self-driving car viable in the widest range of real life, on- and off-road driving environments and weather conditions.
Tony Harper, Head of Research, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Our all-terrain autonomy research isn’t just about the car driving itself on a motorway or in extreme off-road situations. It’s about helping both the driven and autonomous car make their way safely through any terrain or driving situation.
“We don’t want to limit future highly automated and fully autonomous technologies to tarmac. When the driver turns off the road, we want this support and assistance to continue. In the future, if you enjoy the benefits of autonomous lane keeping on a motorway at the start of your journey, we want to ensure you can use this all the way to your destination, even if this is via a rough track or gravel road.
“So whether it’s a road under construction with cones and a contraflow, a snow-covered road in the mountains or a muddy forest track, this advanced capability would be available to both the driver AND the autonomous car, with the driver able to let the car take control if they were unsure how best to tackle an obstacle or hazard ahead. We are already world-leaders in all-terrain technologies: these research projects will extend that lead still further.”
To enable this level of autonomous all-terrain capability, Jaguar Land Rover’s researchers are developing next-generation sensing technologies that will be the eyes of the future autonomous car. Because the sensors are always active and can see better than the driver, this advanced sensing will ultimately give a vehicle the high levels of artificial intelligence required for the car to think for itself and plan the route it should take, on any surface.
Mazda release the Mazda2 Red Edition
It’s time to see red this September, as Mazda’s stylish and sophisticated supermini range is enhanced with the launch of the Mazda2 Red Edition. With high levels of standard specification, eye-catching styling enhancements and a striking cabin, the Red Edition’s stand-out appearance complements the Mazda2’s stylish KODO: Soul of Motion design and sporty proportions.
“Thanks to its combination of fun-to-drive handling, stylish looks and generous equipment, the Mazda2 is already winning over UK supermini buyers and our latest special edition model offers stand-out looks and a bold cabin for those customers who want to make a statement with their car. With free-of-charge metallic paint and its striking styling enhancements, the Mazda2 Red Edition is a colourful addition to the Mazda2 range, that I’m sure will be popular with younger buyers.” comments Peter Allibon, Sales Director of Mazda Motors UK.
Unique inside and out, the £14,995 on-the-road Mazda2 Red Edition is limited to just 400 cars.
