Mercedes-Benz models recognised in fleet honours

Posted on May 17, 2012 by GemmaRathbone

Mercedes-Benz has scooped a brace of accolades in the Fleet World Honours, demonstarting the appeal of the manufacturer’s vehicles to company as well as private Mercedes buyers.

The German firm is celebrating another double win for both car and van – the fourth doubles win in a row.

In the top spot is the Mercedes-Benz CLS Class, which has knocked the S-Class off the podium to be named Best Luxury Car.

With the elegance and dynamism of a coupe but the comfort and functionality of a saloon, the CLS Class was the first Mercedes vehicle to have frameless, all-aluminium doors and was also the world’s first passenger car to offer LED High Performance headlights as standard.

And with more than 12 driving assistance systems, including Active Blind Spot Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist, which is linked to ESP, the CLS-Class builds on the pioneering elements of its predecessor.

To be crowned Best Luxury Car for four consecutive years is an outstanding achievement, said Nick Andrews, head of fleet at Mercedes-Benz UK.

Fleet World Editor Steve Moody added: “It may not be the most practical, but the brilliant CLS offers luxurious, stylish motoring thanks to its elegant lines and classy cabin.

“For those at the top end of the executive sector, or somebody looking for a luxurious limousine at a very competitive price, the CLS provides the answer.”

Meanwhile the mighty Sprinter van took the prestigious Safety Award. It has now been given this accolade every year since 2008.

Following the Mercedes philosophy that there is no such thing as too much safety, the Sprinter has always led the way. It was one of the first vans in the UK market to include ESP electronic stability control and a front bulkhead as standard.

New additions such as ADAPTIVE ESP, a driving dynamics system that takes the load situation of the vehicle into account and combines the functions of the anti-lock braking system , acceleration skid control, electronic brake force distribution, Brake Assist and the optional Start-off Assist system, make the Sprinter one of the safest vans on the road.

Customers who want to sell my Mercedes are invited to call 08455 19 20 21 or apply online. You will receive a free car valuation and no obligation cash offers to sell my car from Mercedes buyers nationwide.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Cholmondeley Pageant of Power is licensed to thrill

Posted on May 16, 2012 by GemmaRathbone

The Cholmondeley Pageant of Power is licensed to thrill this year with a selection of modern James Bond cars going on display.

The event, which takes place in June, will leave fans of the MI6 spy shaken and stirred by the thrilling line up of prestige cars.

In association with the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu, which is hosting the Bond in Motion exhibition celebrating 50 years of the iconic films, the 2012 Pageant will showcase some of the cars used in the Pierce Brosnan era. The museum display features many more Bond cars from the last 50 years and is a major highlight in its current collection.

The genuine Bond cars on display at Cholmondeley will give motoring and movie fans the chance to see for themselves just why they were chosen as vehicles good enough for a secret agent.

One of the highlights of the three-day event will be the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish from Die Another Day, the 20th Bond film. On screen the Aston had an ‘adaptive camoflauge2 cloaking system allowing it to blend in to the background at the push of a button. It also came with all the usual Bond gadgets, including twin .50-calibre autocannons, rocket projectiles, dorsal target-seeking shotguns, and a passenger ejector seat – in homage to the original Aston Martin DB5.

Also on show are the Jaguar XKR and Ice Dragster driven by villains Zao and Gustav Graves in Die Another Day, and the BMW Z8 from The World Is Not Enough.

“We’ve announced many new additions for the Pageant of Power in 2012, and I believe that the Bond car celebration will be one of the most popular and memorable,” said James Hall, event director for the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power.

“I can’t guarantee that we’ll be able to fire anyone from an ejector seat or launch any missiles, but crowds will certainly be wowed by these stunning cars.”

Customers who want to sell my Aston Martin are invited to call 08455 19 20 21 or apply online. You will receive a free car valuation and no obligation cash offers to sell my car from Aston Martin buyers nationwide.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Porsche 918 Spyder Begins Driving Trials – Pics

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Paul Walker

The Porsche 918 Spyder is on the road. Driving trials of the super sports car of the future has progressed a step further with completion of the initial prototypes. The 918 Spyder will go into production at the end of September 2013 as planned, with the first customers receiving their vehicles before the end of that year.

“What we are doing with the 918 Spyder is redefining driving fun, efficiency and performance,” Wolfgang Hatz, Member of the Executive Board Research and Development of Porsche AG told AutoVIP News.

With their camouflage harking back to historical Porsche 917 racing cars, the prototypes signal the final touches to the 918 Spyder. The focus is on the integration of the highly sophisticated individual drive components. The combination of a combustion engine and two independent electric motors – one on the front axle and one in the drive line, acting on the rear wheels – poses completely new demands on the development of the operating strategies. “They are therefore a critical component in this vehicle into which we have put all of our expertise and capacity for innovation,” continued Hatz.

These operating strategies and the development of the software to go with them are one of the core competencies at Porsche. The two disciplines have a major influence on the extremely high level of driving enjoyment offered by the 918 Spyder and they deliver a unique combination of minimal fuel consumption and maximum performance. The initial results of the driving trials are in line with the high expectations placed on the 918 Spyder.

The super sports car is designed as a plug-in hybrid vehicle combining a high performance combustion engine with cutting-edge electric motors for extraordinary performance: on the one hand, the dynamics of a racing machine boasting more than 770 hp, on the other hand, fuel consumption in the region of three litres per 100 km.

As a technology showcase, the 918 Spyder breaks further new ground with spectacular solutions such as the full carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque with unit carrier, fully adaptive aerodynamics, adaptive rear axle steering and the upward-venting ‘top pipes’ exhaust system.

In the process, the 918 Spyder is offering a glimpse of what Porsche Intelligent Performance may be capable of in future.

Specifications of the Porsche 918 Spyder*

Body: Two-seater Spyder; carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) monocoque interlocked with CFRP unit carrier; two-piece Targa roof; fixed roll-over protection system.
Drivetrain: Parallel full hybrid; 4.6-litre V8 mid-engine with dry sump lubrication; hybrid module with electric motor and decoupler; electric motor with decoupler and gear unit on front axle; electrical system recuperation; four cooling circuits for motors, transmission and battery; thermal management.
Engine Power: > 570 hp (V8 engine)
~ 90 kW (hybrid module on rear axle)
~ 80 kW (electric motor on front axle)
> 770 hp (combined)
Suspension: Double-wishbone front axle; optional electro-pneumatic lift system on front axle; electro-mechanical power steering; multi-link rear axle with adaptive electromechanical system for individual rear wheel steering
Brake system: High-performance hybrid brake system with adaptive recuperation; ceramic brake discs (PCCB).
Energy supply: Lithium-ion battery with 6.8 kWh capacity (BOL nominal), 202 kW maximum power and mains compatible plug-in charger.
Performance: Top speed > 325 km/h (201mph)
purely electric > 150 km/h (93mph)
  Acceleration: 0 – 100 km/h < 3.0 s
Consumption(NEDC): Total ~ 3.0 l/100 km (94 mpg)
CO2 emissions: Total ~ 70 g/km
Range: Purely electric > 25 km (15 miles)

Customers who want to sell my Porsche are invited to call 08455 19 20 21 or apply online. You will receive a free car valuation and no obligation cash offers to sell my car from Porsche buyers nationwide.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The new BMW 3 Series Touring

Posted on May 15, 2012 by GemmaRathbone

The new BMW 3 Series touring is set to hit the UK roads this September, bringing an even stronger blend of thoughtful practicality and outstanding driving dynamics.

Bigger and more spacious, the new model is truly versatile and has a wide range of practical features sure to please BMW buyers across the country.

The load capacity is the biggest in its class thanks to innovative storage solutions, and the strong but lightweight body follows the same winning formula of previous BMW 3 Series Touring models.

Motorists have three advanced, powerful yet frugal engine choices – the 328i, 320d and 330d.

The 330d option produces 258hp and 560Nm of torque, taking it to 62mph in just 5.6 seconds with fuel efficiency of 55.4mpg on the combined cycle.

As the pinnacle of the diesel line-up, this award-winning 3.0-litre, all aluminium straight-six engine has been substantially modified and redefines smooth performance. Internal friction and weight have been lowered and fuel injection optimised.

Outside the BMW 3 Series Touring is exactly the same as the Saloon from tip to B-pillar, but with a 37mm wider track. From the side it is defined by the sweeping silhouette and 97mm longer overall, with a 50mm longer wheelbase.

Inside it is identical to the 3 Series Saloon, with a sporty interior, clear circular dials and a flatscreen monitor for the iDrive system.

Throughout the cabin BMW demonstrates its commitment to quality, both in the materials used and construction.

The increased exterior dimensions mean 17mm extra knee room and 9mm more headroom, with rear luggage capacity 35 litres bigger at 495 litres.

Practicality has also been well thought-out, with aids at every turn, from luggage securing lugs and coat hugs to a through-loading hole in the centre of the rear seats for skis or snow boards.

Of course there is much, much more, from EfficientDynamics for energy management and performance brakes to outstanding safety features.

Customers who want to sell my BMW are invited to call 08455 19 20 21 or apply online. You will receive a free car valuation and no obligation cash offers to sell my car from BMW buyers nationwide.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mercedes-Benz reaches service milestone

Posted on May 14, 2012 by GemmaRathbone

Mercedes-Benz UK has reached a milestone in its Service Contracts cover.

Some 100,000 vehicles are now covered by the Mercedes service contracts, giving peace of mind to Mercedes buyers up and down the country. Vehicles covered include all sorts of models from the Mercedes range, from smart to Actros.

Even since the beginning of the year Mercedes-Benz some 15,000 cars, vans and trucks have been added to the Service Contracts cover, showing that even during difficult economic times motorists recognise the value of protecting their investment and keeping their vehicle well maintained.

For any Mercedes buyer, a Service Contract is an important consideration to ensure they get the most out of their new car and it continues to perform to its maximum capabilities.

Mercedes-Benz Service Care Plans for passenger cars cover the costs of two, three or four consecutive services and covers labour, Mercedes-Benz parts and fluids cost for the recommended service content. Those who own Mercedes trucks or vans will also get inspections and wear and tear repairs included, with additional options available.

“Our customers understand the benefits of the Service Contracts and using Mercedes-Benz Official Workshops, qualified and highly-skilled specialist technicians and Mercedes-Benz GenuineParts,” said James Ostridge, Service Contracts manager at Mercedes-Benz UK.

“In addition, we are finding that our customers are enjoying the peace of mind that having a Service Care Plan or Complete Contract brings, by making it easier to have real control over their servicing, maintenance and repair costs and avoiding unexpected bills.”

Service Contracts have been revised in recent months to ensure that pricing is easy to understand with a new and used monthly price for each model range, with no price different for body type or engine size.

Any Mercedes buyer can find out about Service Plans through a Mercedes retailer and could find it saves them a lot of money in up-keep and maintenance of their new vehicle over the months.

Customers who want to sell my Mercedes are invited to call 08455 19 20 21 or apply online. You will receive a free car valuation and no obligation cash offers to sell my car from Mercedes buyers nationwide.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ferrari Racing Days return to the home of British motor racing

Posted on May 11, 2012 by GemmaRathbone

The Silverstone Grand Prix circuit, the home of British motor racing, will once again host the Ferrari Racing Days this September.

With a packed schedule of on-track action such as the F1 Clienti, FXX, 599XX, Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli and Ferrari Club Challenge, it is set to be an event not to be missed for the Ferrari tifosi.

Excepting the end of season Finali Mondiali, the Ferrari Racing Days at Silverstone is the only race meeting in Europe that allows fans to see all the different activities on the same track on the same weekend.

The F1 Clienti sees historic and iconic F1 cars from Ferrari’s racing heritage take to the track each day for demonstration laps. The Scuderia Ferrari has won more F1 constructor’s titles than any other team and has some of the most dedicated fans. This event gives the most loyal and passionate Ferrari clients the chance to live the dream and drive a Ferrari F1 car on a GP circuit.

Ferrari’s FXX and 599XX experimental development cars will take to the track twice each for further testing and development work, with client test drivers pushing them to the limit. This is the only opportunity for fans to see, and hear, the FXX Evoluzione and 599XX Evoluzione cars on a UK circuit.

Races from both the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli and Ferrari Club Challenge also take place over the weekend.

The Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli is the one-make racing series for Ferrari’s mid-engined V8 cars, while the Ferrari Club Challenge gives members of the Ferrari Owners’ Club (UK) the chance to compete for class honours in their 355, 360, F430 or 458 models.

And last but not least, Ferrari will also be attempting to reclaim the Guinness World Record for the largest parade of Ferrari cars. The challenge takes place at 6pm on the Saturday evening and hopes to smash the current record of 490 cars.

Customers who want to sell my Ferrari are invited to call 08455 19 20 21 or apply online. You will receive a free car valuation and no obligation cash offers to sell my car from Ferrari buyers nationwide.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Range Rover scoops top title at Diesel Car awards

Posted on May 10, 2012 by GemmaRathbone

Range Rover’s Evoque has scooped the top accolade at this year’s Diesel Car awards.

The model took the title of Best Crossover in the Car of the Year awards and went on to scoop the overall title of Car of the Year 2012.

Land Rover’s Discovery 4 was named the best 4×4.

Over the past year road testers from Diesel Car magazine have put every new model on the market through its paces with a stringent test programme.

They identified the best vehicles in ten segments and drew up a shortlist of the 30 best ones.

Magazine editor Ian Robertson told AutoVIP that the judging gets more and more difficult each year as top-class new vehicles are brought out.

“From the moment the Range Rover Evoque was revealed, it was clear it was going to be a winner and we are so pleased to name the Range Rover Evoque Diesel Car’s Car of the Year 2012,” he said.

“It looks sensational, is neatly kitted out, has exemplary road manners and comes with a price tag that doesn’t usually grace a Range Rover-badged product. It’s a car that its British workforce can truly be proud of.”

The Discovery 4 returned for the third time in best 4×4 category, demonstrating its staying power in the market, and the new BMW 3 Series took the Best Executive Car title.

Other winners included the Kia Rio for Best Small Car, Citroen DS5 for Best Large Car and Ford Focus for Best Medium Car.

The 2012 Car of the Year awards were sponsored by Celtic Tuning – one of the leading companies in diesel engine tuning with more than 22 years of experience.

Anyone wanting to sell my Range Rover for a newer model should seriously consider the Evoque for their next model given its award-winning status.

Customers who want to sell my Range Rover are invited to call 08455 19 20 21 or apply online. You will receive a free car valuation and no obligation cash offers to sell my car from Range Rover buyers nationwide.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ferrari Owners’ Clubs meet for mammoth event

Posted on May 9, 2012 by GemmaRathbone

Ferrari Owners’ Club members from Ireland and Scotland are meeting up for the first time this weekend in what promises to be a mammoth event for owners of Prancing Horse models.

The special meeting in Belfast on Saturday, May 12th, is hosted by the Irish Owners’ Club and Charles Hurst Specialist Cars.

Ferrari owners will go on a special tour of Titanic Belfast and take every opportunity to showcase their classic and modern cars on the very slipways where HMS Titanic set sail on her ill-fated maiden voyage in 1912.

It marks the first time that Ferrari Owners’ Clubs from Scotland and Ireland have worked together on an event and the weekend-long programme of events is set to be an occasion not to be missed for fans of Ferraris.

Owners will also enjoy a scenic drive around the Antrim coast, with more than 20 cars going on show at the new Titanic Centre. These will include the most recent Ferrari – the FF, as well as the F40, 430 Spider, Ferrari Testa Rossa and many more.

“The sight of over twenty Ferraris in front of the staggering new Titanic Centre will be an image that will be beamed across the world,” said Alan Tyndall, coordinator at the Irish Ferrari Owners’ Club.

“We are grateful to the Titanic Centre for allowing us to stage this unique picture opportunity.”
Scottish owners will spend the weekend seeing some of the most iconic sites around Northern Ireland, added Kevin Rogan from Charles Hurst Specialist Cars.

“We’re looking forward to what’s set to be a fantastic event for the Ferrari Owners’ Clubs at Titanic Belfast – the building and slipways will provide a spectacular backdrop for this special Ferrari Owners’ Club event,” he added.

Owners’ clubs and meets such as this are the ideal way for Ferrari buyers to show-off their new purchase and demonstrate their vehicle’s good looks and performance to other fans of the marque.

Customers who want to sell my Ferrari are invited to call 08455 19 20 21 or apply online. You will receive a free car valuation and no obligation cash offers to sell my car from Ferrari buyers UK wide.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

FERRARI AND MOUNTED CARABINIERI TO DISPLAY AT THE DIAMOND JUBILEE PAGENT

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Paul Walker

Ferrari, an icon of Made in Italy excellence across the globe, will be at the very heart of the Diamond Jubilee Pageant to celebrate 60 years of Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, an event of huge importance to the United Kingdom. The marque’s clients and collectors will be parading some of the most beautiful historic and contemporary Ferraris ever built through the grounds of Windsor Castle, with the cars on display for the duration of the event.

Ferrari, however, wanted to involve another icon of Italian excellence and, thanks to its financial contribution made to the organisation, will be accompanied to this very special celebration by the 4th Mounted Carabinieri Regiment performing the famous Historic Carosello, a demonstration of superb horsemanship and synthesis of the level of training reached by the Carabinieri.

The Carosello will stage a stunning display of horsemanship during which they will perform the intricate yet fluid quadrilles, equestrian rides choreographed to music, to showcase the skill and agility of both horses and riders. The programme culminates in the Regiment’s now legendary and extremely thrilling final charge.

The Diamond Jubilee Pageant takes place from May 10th to 13th. It is a source of great pride to Ferrari to be making such a significant contribution to the celebration and also that two such internationally renowned representatives of Italian excellence have the opportunity to pay tribute to one of the most important Monarchs of our time.

Ferrari will be represented by Chairman Luca di Montezemolo on the final evening of the event which will be attended by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Ferrari and the Carabinieri share deep-rooted values, such as respect for tradition and history, but also a sense of determination, innovation and passion. Together these two representatives of Italian excellence are the perfect partnership to represent our nation at its finest.

Customers who want to sell my Ferrari are invited to call 08455 19 20 21 or apply online. You will receive a free car valuation and no obligation cash offers to sell my car from Ferrari buyers UK wide.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

New Porsche Boxster rolls out in time for summer

Posted on May 8, 2012 by GemmaRathbone

A new generation of the Porsche Boxster has hit the streets in time for summer.

The new benchmark roadsters feature an all-new lightweight body, new flat-six engines with direct petrol injection, a revised chassis and evolutionary styling, making it the care to be seen in for open-top driving this summer.

Porsche told AutoVIP: “The Porsche Boxster defines what an open-top sports car should be and core to its enduring appeal is the mid-engined layout that delivers renowned poise and balance combined with precise, agile handling.”

Up to 35kg lower than its predecessor and 60mm longer with a widened track on front and rear axles and larger wheels and tyres, performance is significantly enhanced.

Taking to the Nurburgring Nordschleife track, the optimal example clocked a lap time of 7:58minutes – 12 seconds faster than its predecessor.

“These attributes clearly result in the new Boxster offering a superior level of performance, but also help to deliver – in combination with many other new features – up to 15 per cent greater fuel efficiency,” Porsche added.

The new Porsche Boxster shows clear signals of its unique driving experience, such as shorterfront and rear overhangs, a forward-shifted windscreen and lowered roofline. The appearance is inspired by the marque’s illustrious linage and also takes cues from contemporary Porsche models. For example, there are clear references to the legendary 550 Spyder and 718 RS from the 1950s and 60s, but also subtle cues from modern-day icons such as the Carrera GT.

A new fully electric hood opens to reveal the distinctive interior, where driver and passenger have increased space, and the centre console improves ergonomics further.

Porsche buyers have a choice of flat-six engines with direct petrol injection, with the top-of-the-range 3.4-litre delivering 315hp. Models feature a manual six-speed gearbox as standard with the seven-speed dual-clutch PDK available as an option.

The new Porsche Boxster is priced from £37,589.

Customers who want to sell my Porsche are invited to call 08455 19 20 21 or apply online. You will receive a free car valuation and no obligation cash offers to sell my car from Porsche buyers nationwide.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment