Limited to just 400 cars, a special Red Edition has joined the Mazda2 range.
Limited Edition
SUV, Family Car, Diesel, News
MINI launches limited edition Countryman
MINI is launching a new Countryman Special Edition for the UK.
Developed by the MINI's Special Order programme, the Countryman Special Edition features exclusive Space Grey Metallic roof and mirror caps, teamed with 18" 5-Star Double Spoke alloy wheels in black and Absolute Black Metallic body paint.
Only 250 Countryman Special Edition models will be available for customers in the UK. The latest edition to the range comes with standard equipment including MINI Navigation System, Voice Control, MINI Connected, Enhanced Bluetooth with USB audio and multi-function steering wheel. Front Seat Heating, Automatic Air Conditioning and Xenon Headlights are also included as standard.
Inside, the Special Edition has been styled to match the exterior, with interior surfaces in Piano Black and leather upholstery in Gravity-Carbon Black.
Customers can choose between two model variants - the Cooper S ALL4 Countryman or the Cooper SD ALL4 Countryman in either manual or automatic transmissions. Both model options are paired with MINI's ALL4 all-wheel drive system which provides 'excellent traction and quickly reacts to changes in road conditions'.
The MINI Countryman Special Edition is available to order now.
New Jeep 'Night Eagle' Cherokee
Jeep has added a new 'Night Eagle' version to its Cherokee line-up.
The new Night Eagle model is limited to just 350 examples for the UK and is based on the Longitude 'Plus' mid-trim level.
The new model features black styling cues and a 'bold' new appearance with satin-finished grey elements on the front grille-mounted Jeep badge, the fog light frames and black gloss roof bars. A dedicated Night Eagle name badge has also been added along with deep tint sunscreen glass, while the 4x4 also runs on exclusive 18-inch black gloss alloys.
Inside, a leather steering wheel joins exclusive leather upholstery, heated front seats with electric lumbar adjustment on the driver's side, Uconnect with 8.4-inch screen, navigation system, Bluetooth and TFT instrument panel.
Other standard equipment on the Cherokee Night Eagle includes a nine-speaker sound system with subwoofer, cruise control, dual-zone climate control, electric tailgate, rear parking sensors, automatic headlamps with washer, rain sensing wipers, and auto-dimming rear mirror. This edition comes in four colours: Brilliant Black, Bright White, Billet Silver and Granite Crystal.
Power comes from the new 2.2-litre MultiJet II turbo diesel engine delivering 200 hp which, combined with Jeep's nine-speed automatic transmission and rugged Active Drive I 4x4 system, gives the car a top speed of 127 mph and 0-62 mph time of 8.5 seconds, while returning up to 49.6 mpg on the combined cycle.
The new Jeep Night Eagle Cherokee will cost £36,795 OTR when it goes on sale later this week.
Limited Edition Mazda MX-5 Sport Recaro unveiled
Mazda has teamed up with German sports seat company Recaro for a limited edition MX-5.
The new Mazda MX-5 Sport Recaro has joined the company's sports car line up and is based on the 2.0-litre 160PS Sport Nav model. Limited to just 600 cars it benefits from 'added exclusivity and sporty styling enhancements' inside and out.
Created with the 'discerning sports car fan in mind' says Mazda, the Sport Recaro adds a Brilliant Black Sports Aero kit that includes a rear spoiler, plus front, side and rear skirts. Piano Black door mirrors and 17-inch Diamond Cut alloy wheels with an engraved MX-5 logo complete the stand out exterior appearance.
Inside, the MX-5 cabin naturally gets standard Recaro seats finished in Alcantara on the seat cushion and seat back, while red seat piping compliments the red stitching found on the dash, handbrake and gear lever. An Alcantara dashboard panel, alloy pedals and unique floor mats can also be found. Designed to deliver 'outstanding lumbar and lateral support' the heated Recaro seats complement the MX-5's driver-focused cabin and communicative controls.
Features on the Sport Recaro model include LED headlights, a leather steering wheel, climate control air-conditioning, rain sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, smart keyless entry, a premium Bose sound system and cruise control, plus Mazda's MZD-Connect connectivity and infotainment system with 7-inch Colour touch-screen display and Multimedia Commander.
With a dynamic set-up that includes Sports suspension featuring Bilstein dampers, a limited slip differential and strut tower bar, the Sport Recaro MX-5 is the first Limited Edition version of the new model offered in the UK. Its exclusivity is marked out by an individually numbered badge located on the centre storage box lid.
Available to order now, the Mazda MX-5 Sport Recaro costs £24,295 OTR.
Limited edition Ferrari F12tdf unveiled
Ferrari has revealed a new limited F12tdf - paying homage to the Tour de France road race.
The legendary endurance road race was dominated by Ferrari in the 1950s and '60s, particularly with the 1956 250 GT Berlinetta which won four consecutive editions. A race that rewarded cars that combined maximum performance with the driveability and ease of use, the new F12tdf is described as 'the ultimate expression of the concept of an extreme road car that is equally at home on the track'. Only 799 will be built.
Powered by a 780 cv, naturally-aspirated V12 engine, derived directly from the F12berlinetta's engine. The car's 'exhilarating' dynamic behaviour, specifically its lateral acceleration in corners, is due to an 8 per cent increase in the ratio of the front tyres compared to the rear ones. The car's natural tendency to oversteer as a result of the change in tyre sizes is compensated for by the rear-wheel steering system - known as the Virtual Short Wheelbase, which is integrated with the other vehicle dynamic control systems.
Cornering speeds are also higher thanks to the significant increase in downforce, +87 per cent. A redesign of the bodywork, interior, engine, transmission and running gear, along with the abundant use of carbon-fibre inside and out, has slashed 110 kg off the car's overall weight. All of these factors combine to produce 'record performance figures' of 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds and 0-124mph in 7.9 seconds.
The F12tdf's specification is completed by lightweight alloys with five twinned spokes that are designed to have the narrowest section possible to reduce unsprung weight. Behind the alloys, stopping power comes from new 'Extreme Design' one-piece brake callipers already seen on the LaFerrari. This new-generation system means the car can brake from 62-0mph in just 30.5 metres and from 124-0mph in 121 metres.
Prices have yet to be announced.
Supercars, News, Coupe, Sports Car, Convertible
McLaren reveals limited 650S Can-Am edition
McLaren has unveiled a limited edition 650S Can-Am, of which only 50 examples will be produced globally.
Based on the 650S Spider, the new model was created by the McLaren Special Operations (MSO) department and honours the 50th anniversary of the inaugural 1966 Canadian-American Challenge Cup, or Can-Am, season. Taking its inspiration from the race cars of this age of motorsport, McLaren established itself throughout the 1960s and 70s as a 'world-beating force' in one of the most extreme forms of motorsport, winning five consecutive championships between 1967 and 1971.
The Can-Am was a no-holds-barred battle of power and speed around some of the most iconic circuits in North America and Canada. It attracted the best drivers of the time including Graham Hill, John Surtees, Jackie Stewart and, of course, Bruce McLaren. The championship started in 1966, only a year after Bruce McLaren Motor Racing was established and in the series that followed, the young Kiwi became one of most successful names in the sport.
McLaren says key to its success in the the Can-Am series was the use of the latest technologies and materials. This principle has been carried through to today's 650S Can-Am, where lightweight materials such as aluminium and mallite were used in the construction of yesterday's racers, the modern-day car features extensive carbon fibre not least in the construction of its lightweight MonoCell chassis.
A carbon fibre retractable hard top features for the first time while further carbon fibre is used for the bonnet, Airbrake, front splitter, rear bumper centre, door blades and 650S Can-Am branded sill cover. MSO has also created a unique set of lightweight forged alloy wheels inspired by those of the 1960s racers with a gloss-black finish on each of the five spokes and a diamond cut rim. Held in place by titanium bolts, the wheels are shod with Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres. Carbon ceramic brakes with black painted callipers are standard equipment.
Further unique features inspired by the iconic Can-Am racers include carbon fibre louvered front wings and a new quad-exit, polished stainless steel exhaust system. The louvres are designed to reduce pressure over the front wheels and increase downforce, while the four circular tailpipes at the rear of the car housed within a new visual carbon fibre rear grille 'echo the aggressive throttle trumpets' of the historic models. They also provide the 650S Can-Am with a 'unique soundtrack'.
Like the 650S Spider, this limited production model is powered by a 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 which producing 650PS (641bhp) and 678Nm (500 lb ft) of torque, for a 0-62 mph time of only three seconds and its top speed is 204 mph.
The 650S Can-Am is available in three colours. The launch colour, Mars Red, is directly inspired by the M1B raced by Bruce McLaren and his teammate Chris Amon in the debut season. The second colour, Papaya Spark, is described as a modern and metallic take on the famous Can-Am racing McLaren Orange. The final option is Onyx Black which is similar to the base colour used by many of the McLaren customer teams in the later seasons. Each is additionally available with a corresponding racing livery to give an even closer visual association with the historic Can-Am series, says McLaren.
Inside, the standard sports seats are upholstered with leather and Alcantara which complement the exterior. Carbon fibre features extensively throughout the cabin while a further bespoke Can-Am touch is the unique dedication plaque on the driver's door.
The new 650S Can-Am can be commissioned for a price of £255,850 with deliveries set to commence in the spring of 2016, 50 years on from the first race at Mont Tremblant, Canada.
Coupe, Diesel, Sports Car, News
Mercedes confirms C-Class Coupe pricing and spec
Mercedes has confirmed the new C-Class Coupe will be priced from £30,955 OTR.
Available to order now ahead of first UK deliveries in December, the new C-Class Coupe comes with four engine options and two model lines. The new Coupe builds on the specification of the Saloon and Estate variants, and starts with the C 200 petrol engine, which produces 184 hp and is available with a six-speed manual (123 g/km of CO2) or 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic gearbox (125 g/km). The new C 300 engine produces 245 hp and comes only with the 7G-Tronic gearbox, with CO2 from 146 g/km.
Two diesel engines are available: the 170 hp C 220 d, with a six-speed manual (106 g/km) or 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic gearbox (106 g/km), and the C 250 d, which produces 204 hp and comes with a 9G-Tronic gearbox (109 g/km).
The two model lines are the Sport and AMG Line. Standard equipment includes LED headlights and tail-lights; Active Park Assist; PARKTRONIC parking sensors; a reversing camera; sports seats with ARTICO upholstery including heated front seats; 7-inch colour screen; Garmin navigation; electrically folding mirrors and Collision Prevention Assist Plus automatic braking system. The C 300 model also features, as standard, a sports exhaust system with switchable sound.
The Sport model comes with a gloss black interior trim with aluminium inlays in the doors, 17-inch alloy wheels and a 'diamond grille with black-painted pins'.
The AMG Line includes black ash wood trim, an AMG sports steering wheel with flat bottom, brushed steel sports pedals and a black roof lining. The exterior features an AMG bodystyling kit, 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, the diamond grille and 15mm lowered sports suspension.
Two options packages are available: Premium and Premium Plus. The £1,695 Premium Package includes a panoramic glass roof, keyless go, seat memory package and ambient lighting. To this the £2,995 Premium Plus Package also adds a Burmester surround sound system and COMAND online with 8-inch screen. A £1,695 Driver's Assistance Package includes DISTRONIC Plus with stop and go (adaptive cruise control); Active blind spot and lane-keeping assist, Pre-safe with pedestrian detection (anticipatory safety system).
Topping the range is the £61,160 Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe. With a 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine and AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed automatic gearbox, the C 63 produces 476 hp and 650 Nm, and can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 4.0 seconds. The £66,910 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S produces 510 hp and 700 Nm, with 0-62 mph taking 3.9 seconds.
From launch, a limited-edition C63 S Edition 1 is also available. It features unique details including diamond-stitched nappa leather upholstery with contrast yellow stitching; carbon fibre interior trim; graphite AMG decals on the bonnet, roof and sides; an AMG aerodynamic package and bespoke 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels, and is available for £76,900. The Edition 1 motorsport package adds to this yellow AMG decals, designo selenite grey magno paint, AMG high-performance ceramic composite braking system and exclusive 19inch front and 20-inch rear wheels with yellow detailing for an extra £3,000.
Aston Martin Vulcan meets Avro Vulcan
As the last remaining airworthy Avro Vulcan prepares for its final flight, the iconic 50s bomber meet its modern namesake, the Aston Martin Vulcan.
The Avro Vulcan XH558 is currently the only flying example in the world yet is retiring from 'active service' later this month as the age of the plane's airframe and engines mean the support companies which keep the bomber aloft have decided they have to end their support in October.
Aston Martin's Vulcan is the a new track-only supercar. Described as the British luxury car maker's 'most intense and exhilarating creation to date', the supercar is born out of 'extensive motorsport experience' as the 800-plus bhp, all-carbon fibre Aston Martin Vulcan delivers truly extreme performance. Limited to just 24 examples worldwide - owners have the opportunity to precisely tailor their track day experience through a graduating scale of detailed power and dynamic performance adjustments.
CEO Dr Andy Palmer said: "Clearly the Avro Vulcan provided the inspiration for the naming of our most extreme sports car, and I'm delighted that we have been able to unite the 'two Vulcans' and deliver our own tribute to this world-renowned aeronautical phenomenon."
Vulcan XH558 is flown by Martin Withers DFC, Chief Pilot and Operations Director. He said: "Being at the controls for this unique fly-past was a memorable occasion. Personally, it is great to know that the Vulcan name will live on not only in the history books, and at the new educational centre in Yorkshire, but via Aston Martin's incredible new sports car."
Following retirement the plane will form the centrepiece of the educational Vulcan Aviation Academy and Heritage Centre at her home base, Robin Hood Airport near Doncaster.
First deliveries of the track-only Aston Martin Vulcan to customers worldwide will take place before the end of 2015.
Concept Car, Coupe, Sports Car, News
007's Aston Martin DB10 set for Regent Street Motor Show
Following the premiere of the new Bond film Spectre, 007's latest car - the bespoke Aston Martin DB10 - will be one of the star attractions of the annual free-to-view Regent Street Motor Show in London.
Created specially for the movie, the hand-built DB10 is the latest in a long line of Aston Martins to have been driven by UK's favourite secret agent. Bond's first Aston was the famous DB5 from Goldfinger in 1964. As well as the DB10, Aston Martin will also be displaying a number of cars from its current model range including the latest DB9 GT, limited edition Vantage GT12 and a four-door Rapide S.
Enticing as many as 350,000 visitors last year, London's premier shopping street is closed to traffic for the day to allow cars from the past, present and future to be displayed. The Show's centrepiece will be a display of more than 100 veteran cars all taking part in the EFG International Concours d'Elegance. Many owners and their passengers will be in period costume, preparing themselves for the famous Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, which sets off from nearby Hyde Park early the following morning (Sunday, 1 November).
The veterans will be rubbing shoulders with classic cars, bikes, new cars and futuristic 'low or no' emission electric and hybrid vehicles. The latter display is backed by two organisations helping to shape our motoring future - Go Ultra Low and Transport for London (TfL).
The Regent Street Motor Show takes place from 10:30 until 16:00 on Saturday 31 October and is just one element in the Royal Automobile Club's London Motor Week, seven days when the capital honours cars.
DS Automobiles targets Westfield's luxury label shoppers
DS Automobiles will be displaying its latest models to shoppers at London's Westfield shopping centre in Shepherd's Bush over the next 6 months.
Keen to emphasise that the marque's style draws upon expertise from non-automotive fields like haute-couture fashion, leather-making and jewellery, the DS Automobiles display is positioned at the entrance to The Village - Westfield's luxury shopping hub - alongside some of the world's most renowned fashion brands, including Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Burberry, as well as up-and-coming new designers such as Anya Hindmarch.
Shoppers will be able to get up close to the new DS 5 as well as the latest DS 3 Dark Light Limited Edition, while a team of DS Automobiles staff will be on hand to answer any questions or assist users via an interactive touch-screen display. Inspired by the brand's flagship dealership and showcase centre, DS World Paris, there will also be a range of exclusive branded merchandise on sale.
Mark Blundell, UK Marketing Director of the DS Brand commented; "Westfield is one of the world's premier shopping destinations, making it the perfect backdrop for DS. Visitors to Westfield London will have an exclusive opportunity to explore the world of DS Automobiles in a relaxing environment, surrounded by the very best in premium retailing."
DS Automobiles will be on display at Westfield London, Shepherd's Bush for the next 6 months. Taking in the festive season, Westfield estimates around 12 million visitors will pass through the shopping centre during the period.
Limited Abarth 595 Trofeo Edition for UK customers
Limited Edition Zagato binoculars by Leica
Premium camera manufacturer Leica has unveiled a special limited edition set of binoculars, created in collaboration with Italian design house Zagato.
The Ultravid 8x32 'Edition Zagato' blends elegant design with outstanding, cutting-edge optical technology, says Leica, and is strictly limited to just 1,000 sets globally.
Combining quality, craftsmanship and tradition to reflect the values and heritage of both companies, they have been crafted with an aluminium outer shell, featuring hundreds of fine grooves milled into the surface - resulting in a unique, tactile finish, while the front lenses feature two red anodised rings inscribed with the Zagato name.
To complement these special binoculars, the 'Edition Zagato' also includes a case designed by Zagato, with a matching carrying strap and hand strap in genuine Italian leather.
Zagato was founded in Milan in 1919 by Ugo Zagato, famous for having been the first in the automotive industry to apply advanced, lightweight aviation technology to design more aerodynamic car bodies. Zagato's Atelier and Total Design Centre remains in Milan, where it continues to design and build unique, limited-series collectible cars.
The Leica Ultravid 8x32 'Edition Zagato' will be available in the UK from September from selected UK Leica stockists, at a suggested retail price of £2,465.
Exclusive Bentleys inspired by Breitling Jets
Bentley has unveiled the exclusive Continental GT Speed Breitling Jet Team Series.
Limited to just seven cars, each is inspired by one of the seven Breitling Jets, commemorating their forthcoming grand tour across the United States and Canada.
Bentley's Mulliner division has re-imagined the Continental GT Speed to mirror the distinctive look of the Breitling Jets, with the exterior painted in a duo-tone split of Hallmark and Onyx with highlights colour-matched to the exact Pantone reference of the Swiss watch company's unique Yellow, reflecting the trademark look of the L-39 Albatros Jets.
The colour theme is continued on the interior, with unique sculpted seats featuring accents in Breitling Yellow.
Each car is individually numbered and corresponds to one of the seven Breitling Jets. The dashboard's carbon fibre fascia panel displays an image of the seven planes in their signature Avenger flight formation, with the corresponding jet highlighted in Breitling Yellow.
Similarly, Mulliner has matched the hide and thread to Breitling's signature yellow and designed a series of logos and graphics for the headrests that highlight the number of each car and the jet that inspired it. The tread plate plaques are also individually numbered.
The series will debut at the Boeing Seafair Airshow on 31 July in Seattle, where the Team is performing. The key for each car will be handed over to its owner by the corresponding plane's pilot, but not until they have experienced a flight in the jet that inspired their car.
Geoff Dowding, Director of Mulliner, said: "The Continental GT Speed Breitling Jet Team Series demonstrates the level of customisation Mulliner can achieve for customers. Creating this very special edition has been an exciting experience for the entire team, taking inspiration from the Breitling Jet Team's grand tour."
The Breitling Jet Team is the world's largest professional civilian flight team performing in jets. The team is comprised of seven L-39 C Albatros jets that can reach speeds of up to 565 mph and fly within just a few feet of each other.
Widely recognised for their precision and seamless coordination displayed throughout high-speed aerobatic performances, the France-based team is appearing in North America for the very first time.