It has been a quiet week for the motoring industry as it slows down as the festivities of December creep upon us however Honda, McLaren and DS have ensured we have something to talk about.
The UK welcomes Honda’s Clarity Fuel Cell
The first examples of Clarity Fuel Cell, Honda’s most advanced zero emissions vehicle, have arrived in Europe this week. The first six vehicles will be based with customers in London and Copenhagen as part of the Hydrogen for Innovative Vehicles (HyFIVE) demonstration project, partly funded by the Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking (FCHJU).
The new Clarity Fuel Cell features Honda’s latest technological enhancements in the field. It is the first fuel cell sedan to house the entire stack underneath the bonnet, making the cabin spacious enough to carry five occupants. A recent US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) test measured an effective range of 366 miles (589km), greater than any other production zero emissions vehicle.
McLaren Automotive announce track pack for the 570S
McLaren Automotive has announced the first details of its new Track Pack which will be offered as an option exclusively for the multi-award-winning McLaren 570S. The Track Pack, available to order immediately, is designed to deliver enhanced levels of driver engagement for owners who enjoy occasional track day activity without compromising the car’s all-round usability and includes a discretely extended rear wing to generate additional downforce.
The Track Pack is inspired by McLaren’s long and illustrious racing history, including recent success in GT3 and GT4 categories. And like the road-going, and sold out, iconic McLaren 675LT, the Track Pack for the McLaren 570S exploits all the benefits of light weight and aerodynamic downforce to deliver the most gifted on-track ability of any member of the Sports Series family.
Track Pack is available to order now with deliveries beginning in early 2017. The option is priced at £16,500.
Westfield London becomes home to the DS Urban Store
The DS network has just been expanded with a new concept – the DS Urban Store. Always located in the heart of popular and prestigious urban centres, a DS Urban Store can either be a stand-alone facility in a shopping mall or have a shop front on the high street. Its purpose is to promote the brand to prospective DS customers, precisely where they regularly spend their leisure time.
The DS Urban Store is about inviting guests to immerse themselves in the values of the DS brand, complete with its colour codes, fragrant aroma and interior design touches. It uses interactive digital technology and virtual reality to give visitors the opportunity to configure, personalise and view their very own DS.
Earlier this week, the first DS Urban Store officially opened its doors at the hugely popular Westfield London shopping centre.
Each DS Urban Store features five different areas:
- The DS EXHIBITION area, giving pride of place to a flagship model from the DS collection;
- The DS VIRTUAL VISION area, for an immersive 3D journey into the DS range of premium cars. Wearing a virtual reality headset, guests can view all of the different personalisation options available. The experience is dynamic, interactive and engaging, particularly as those using the technology ultimately find themselves on the Place de la Concorde in Paris, face-to-face with the DS of their choice;
- The DS BOUTIQUE, with a large collection of DS lifestyle products inspired by DS Automobiles’ distinctive brand values – French expertise in luxury, refinement, personalisation and advanced technology. Whether guests are DS enthusiasts, or are unfamiliar with the brand, everyone will find something to complement their lifestyle.
- The DS LOUNGE, where guests can work on the configuration of their car, guided by a DS Advisor.
- The DS BIJOUTERIE is the most private area within a DS Urban Store, which is normally reserved for clients who wish to confirm the purchase of their new car.
