Just when we thought the pace of news in the motoring industry was halting we’ve been hit with a raft of news from some of the biggest names in the automotive world as an extra Christmas gift. New models, exciting technology and a new London display, there’s been plenty to talk about in Week 51.
Ferrari unveil limited series – The J50
During a special celebration held at the National Art Center in Tokyo to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Ferrari in Japan, Ferrari revealed a new strictly limited series of bespoke cars, the J50.
The Ferrari J50 is a two-seater, mid-rear-engined roadster that marks a return to the targa body style evocative of several well-loved Ferrari road cars of the 1970s and 1980s. Created by Ferrari’s Special Projects department and designed by the Ferrari Styling Centre team in Maranello, just 10 examples of the J50 will be built and, in the spirit of Ferrari’s fuori serie tradition, each one will be tailored specifically to the customer’s requirements.
Volvo announce in-car connectivity update
Volvo Car UK has further improved its in-car connectivity with the introduction of Android Auto smartphone integration to its range-topping 90 series models.
Android Auto, which is now available as part of a new Smartphone Integration package that allows users of Android smartphones to connect their device directly to their Volvo’s Sensus media system. A wide range of Android-optimised apps – including Google Maps and Google Play Music – are then available directly via the car’s touch screen. Users can also make and receive calls, and send and receive text messages using Android Auto. Alternatively, these functions can be controlled using the car’s or the phone’s sophisticated voice control system, so users can stay connected while keeping their eyes safely on the road at all times.
Smartphone Integration includes a second USB socket and is available now on the S90, V90, V90 Cross Country and XC90, priced at £300. Existing owners of these models (those built after April 2016) who already have Apple CarPlay can benefit from a complimentary upgrade to Smartphone Integration as part of their car’s routine servicing schedule at an authorised Volvo dealership.
Mercedes introduce the all-new E-Class Coupé
With its clear and sensual design and its ability to comfortably seat four people, the new E-Class Coupé combines stylish design cues with state-of-the-art technology. It also offers the intelligence of the E-Class family with full smartphone integration, Widescreen Cockpit and the latest driver assistance systems with the option of semi-autonomous driving. Powerful engines with low exhaust emissions and comfortable suspensions with selective damping provide the guarantee of a sporty and agile driving experience.
UK pricing and specification will be announced later this month, with first deliveries arriving April 2017.
BAC expand into Taiwan
Briggs Automotive Company (BAC) is continuing to take the world by storm and has launched a brand new venture in South-East Asia – BAC Taiwan. With exclusive rights in the territory, BAC Taiwan has signed a one-year deal with the Liverpool-based manufacturer and will have five stunning Monos to sell over the course of 12 months.
Neill Briggs, BAC Co-Founder and Director of Product Development, added: “We’re absolutely thrilled to launch BAC Taiwan and continue our expansion around the world. Having a specialist dealer in a country where the Mono isn’t road-legal is testament to just how impressive a machine it is and just how competitive it is as a track car. Taiwanese people love their cars and, clearly, they’re big fans of the remarkable engagement and accessibility of the Mono.”
H.R Owen host iXOOST ESAVOX display in London showroom
Leading luxury dealer group H.R. Owen is displaying the €20,000 iXOOST ESAVOX speaker system for the very first time at its Lamborghini London showroom in the run-up to Christmas. Inspired by Lamborghini and two years in the making, ESAVOX embraces the Lamborghini brand like no other gadget on the market and will be available to view in the famous South Kensington showroom from Tuesday 20 December.
Like the road cars, the ESAVOX is also powered to the max, with an incredible 800 Watt output, and while it may not be able to compete with the symphony created by a V12 at high revs, you can be assured that it will please any audiophile.
Over the busy Christmas period, visitors to the H.R. Owen dealer will be able to see the speaker in all its glory through the window, as well as the latest and greatest Lamborghinis on the market – including the Aventador SuperVeloce and the Huracán LP 610-4.
ESAVOX is available to view at Lamborghini London from Tuesday 20 December until the middle of January, costing €19,900 plus VAT.
Introducing the new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman
The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman offers all the style, practicality and fresh-thinking of the Clubman, combined with the high performance and sporting dynamics of the John Cooper Works range.
The result is a unique and exclusive proposition that combines the John Cooper Works-specification engine and corresponding modifications with MINI’s ALL4 all-wheel drive system. In creating this potent model, able to take full advantage of the maximum possible traction in all conditions, MINI has created a powerful but practical vehicle that’s fun to drive in the true spirit of a MINI.
The new MINI John Cooper Works Clubman is now on sale across the UK.
