Maserati supports the Royal Academy of Arts

Maserati has been confirmed as the official partner of the Royal Academy of Arts new exhibition - In the Age of Giorgione.

Celebrating art and style, which is at the heart of the luxury Italian car manufacturer, Maserati will be supporting the Italian-focussed exhibition, which runs until 5th June 2016.

This unique exhibition is a focused survey of the Venetian Renaissance during the first decade of the sixteenth century, a pivotal period, which laid the foundations for the Golden Age of Venetian painting. Works by Giorgione, Titian and Giovanni Bellini, among others are presented in the exhibition, offering visitors the opportunity to view these major works of art, first-hand.

Peter Denton, Region Manager for Maserati North Europe, said, “We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with the Royal Academy of Arts. Art has always been at the heart of the Maserati brand; one of the founding Maserati brothers, Mario, was an artist by trade and it was he who chose the iconic Trident symbol as the Maserati emblem you see on our cars today. Over 100 years since then, it’s fantastic to be merging the worlds of Italian art and car design together.” 

Christopher Le Brun, President of the Royal Academy of Arts added, “This is a fantastic partnership for the Royal Academy of Arts. It is a rarity for the Royal Academy to work with automotive brands and to have the iconic manufacturer Maserati onboard working so closely with an exhibition is very exciting.”

In the Age of Giorgione brings together around 50 works from major public institutions and private collections from across Europe and the United States.

Tickets are available daily at the RA or online at www.royalacademy.org.uk.

Mercedes-AMG reveals GLC 43 4MATIC

Mercedes-AMG has added a sporty GLC 43 4MATIC to its mid-size SUV range.

Offering an AMG model in the mid-size SUV segment for the first time, the 367hp, 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine is mated to an automatic transmission 9G-TRONIC with shortened shift times for 0-62 mph time of 4.9 seconds and an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph. The 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission is especially matched to the demands of the GLC 43 4MATIC with model-specific software to reduce the shift times. The multiple downshift allows even faster short bursts of speed, while the double-declutching function in the “Sport” and “Sport Plus” transmission modes makes for an even more emotive driving experience.

The ‘precise’ AMG speed-sensitive sports steering and the 4MATIC rear-biased torque distribution of 31 percent at the front axle to 69 percent at the rear, offer ’substantial contribution’ to the agile driving experience. The AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension with adaptive damping adjustment is available in three levels, with the mode selectable via a button.

The design has been enhanced with silver chrome coloured and high-gloss black features. It builds on the AMG Exterior line with a diamond radiator grille featuring chrome-plated pins, a louvre in high-gloss black with inserts in high-gloss chrome and the AMG lettering. The sportily air intakes in the AMG front apron feature fins in silver chrome. Down below, the silver chrome front splitter ensures an optimal flow of air to the cooling modules.

High-gloss black-painted, high-sheen 19-inch AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels dominate the side view. There are also high-gloss black door mirror caps and the silver-coloured “BITURBO 4MATIC” lettering on the front wings. At the rear, two four-pipe chromed tailpipe trims and AMG-specific rear apron sports trim in silver chrome have been added.

The interior includes numerous specially designed details while the multifunction sports steering wheel in black leather features a flattened bottom section and red contrasting topstitching. The driver and front passenger find a secure position in the sports seats even when driving at speed, thanks to the improved lateral support. The upholstery in black ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre boasts its own seat upholstery layout plus red topstitching.

With two large round dials and central colour multifunction 5.5-inch display, the AMG instrument cluster places all the important information in the driver’s field of vision. The ECO display supports a fuel-saving driving style. Dials in a chequered-flag look and the distinctive typography lend the large displays an especially sporty touch.

The new Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 4MATIC will be revealed at the New York International Auto Show, and goes on sale 4 April.

Jaguar team up with skier Graham Bell for Record attempt

Jaguar and Olympic skier Graham Bell have teamed up to try and break a Guinness World Record.

The technical partnership is aimed at setting the World Record for the fastest man on skiis in 2017. Bell, now a TV presenter on the TV show ‘The Jump’, hopes to achieve the record with the support of Jaguar Land Rover engineers, facilities and expertise in aerodynamics.

Working with Jaguar to develop a unique ski suit and harness containing twin micro jets, he hopes to reach speeds of over 160mph – setting a new World Record. He has already begun training for the record by ski-joring behind a Jaguar XE AWD at over 100mph in the Austrian Alps.

Graham Bell said “I approached Jaguar to become my lead technical partner due to their experience in aerodynamics and love of all things involving speed. As lead technical partner in the attempt, Jaguar will provide the aerodynamic expertise to develop the Iron-Man-style suit I need, as well as helping me acclimatise to speed and external forces using high performance vehicles including the Jaguar XE AWD - designed to provide maximum traction in adverse conditions including snow and ice.”

Ian Anderton, thermal and aerodynamics manager, Jaguar Land Rover, said: “As engineering challenges go it doesn’t get more unique than this, so the next few months are going to be very exciting. We kick-started the technical partnership by ski-joring with a Jaguar XE AWD to determine what factors should to be taken into consideration when designing his suit, such as wind, skiing position and chill – especially in minus conditions.”

The Jaguar XE has been optimised for 'ultimate aerodynamic efficiency and stability'. It is the the only car in its class to use an aluminium-intensive body structure, making it the lightest, stiffest and most aerodynamic Jaguar yet. The XE AWD enhances vehicle dynamics and provides greater traction in intense weather conditions.

The record attempt will take place at Jaguar’s cold weather testing facility in Sweden in early 2017. Although there is no comparable record, the current World Downhill Speed Skiing World Record is currently held by Simone Oregone at 156mph.

New BMW M760Li xDrive V12 revealed

BMW has added a new flagship model to its 7 Series range - the M760Li xDrive V12.

Debuting the M Performance TwinPower Turbo V12 engine, headline performance figures of 600hp and 800Nm of torque ensure a 0-62mph time of just 3.9 seconds, on to a limited top speed of 155mph. With Auto Start-Stop the flagship 7 Series has an official combined fuel consumption figure of 22.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 294g/km.

The M aerodynamic package fitted as standard to the M760Li xDrive V12 offers 'greater visual presence'. The new front apron features two large air intakes with highlights in Cerium Grey. The same colour appears along the sides of the car with trim elements on the lower edge of the doors, the air breathers and the door handle trim. Exclusive mirror caps, “V12” badges on the C-pillars and the M logo on the front wings – once more in Cerium Grey – finish the look. At the rear, the sporting design of the rear apron with its black central area highlights the M sports exhaust system’s Cerium Grey twin tailpipe embellishers. An optional M rear spoiler optimises the flow of air.

Inside, ‘carefully selected’ details emphasise the car’s sporting character: door sill plates in Fine Brushed Aluminium with an illuminated V12 logo; an M leather steering wheel featuring an M logo on the centre spoke and gearshift paddles on the reverse; multifunction buttons on the steering wheel spokes and the spoke inlays finished in Pearl Gloss Chrome. The instrument cluster contains a special speedometer that now extends as far as 205mph, though in the UK the car is electronically-limited to 155mph. This combined with other elements such as the M pedals reinforces the driver focus of the interior.

As a flagship, the M760Li x Drive V12 features an extensive list of equipment as standard. In addition to the hardware already detailed, there are BMW Icon adaptive LED headlights with anti-dazzle High-beam assistant, the keyless Comfort Access system and Dynamic safety to optimise occupant protection. Electrically adjustable Comfort seats at the front and rear, BMW Gesture control,  sunblinds for the rear windscreen and rear windows, Exclusive Merino leather trim with extended features, an Alcantara headliner, Fineline black fine wood trim with high-gloss metal effect are also included to name but a few key highlights.

A ‘V12 Excellence Design’ package shifts the focus away from the dynamic appearance of its M Performance sibling to emphasise the cars ‘comfort-related attributes’ says BMW.

Externally, the V12 Excellence Design package trades the M aerodynamic package for visual cues from the Pure Excellence exterior design package. These include 20-inch BMW Individual, high-gloss polished, light-alloy wheels in W-spoke 646 design and brake calipers in high-gloss Black. The front end has a chrome bar extending across the full width of the car in the upper section of the air intake grille, while the kidney grille bars are in Silver with chrome fronts, and their surrounds likewise sport bright chrome. LED fog lamps return to the front apron.

On the car’s flanks, a bright chrome finish adorns the window frames, the air breathers with door trim element and the V12 lettering on the C-pillars. The M logos rearwards of the wheel arches are removed and its two chromed, rectangular tailpipe embellishers are now framed in the rear apron by an additional chrome surround.

The Pure Excellence interior design package shifts the design focus within the cabin. For example, the Alcantara headliner, door sill plates in Fine Brushed Aluminium with illuminated V12 badge, precise decorative stitching in the lower section of the instrument panel, fine wood inlays for the seat belt outlet covers, armrest and rear roof grab handles, plus deep-pile floor mats for the rear compartment all emphasis further the luxurious nature of the car. The leather steering wheel now features wood elements, and when the driver fires up the engine a V12 emblem lights up in the centre of the instrument cluster – whose speedometer extends as far as 160mph.

The BMW M760Li xDrive V12 goes on sale towards the end of 2016 with prices being announced nearer the time.

Lexus to unveil LC 500h in Geneva

Lexus will debut to the LC 500h luxury coupe at the Geneva Motor Show.
 
Powered by Lexus's next generation hybrid powertrain, the ‘Multi Stage Hybrid System’ found in the LC 500h coupe will provide ‘higher performance, more driving pleasure and greater efficiency’.

The LC made its debut at the 2016 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit as one of Lexus’s flagship models. The LC is built on a new Lexus architecture that ‘promises greater dynamic capabilities’ says the Japanese brand. The coupe, inspired by the LF-LC concept that was revealed in 2012, marks the beginning of a new phase for Lexus with a shift in engineering processes and design ideologies.

Lexus will also display the LF-FC concept at Geneva. Making its first European appearance, the concept vehicle offers a glance towards Lexus’s design and technology direction for a future flagship saloon. First seen at last year’s Tokyo motor show, the LF-FC is powered by a high-output fuel cell system and features advanced, touchless controls and automated driving technologies.

The Geneva Motor Show runs from 3-13 March.

Mourinho keeps his cool as he masters ice driving

José Mourinho has been mastering the art of high speed drifting and ice driving on a 60km frozen lake at Jaguar Land Rover's extreme testing facility in Arjeplog, Sweden.

 The ex-Chelsea football manager was testing a high performance Jaguar F-PACE S prototype as part of an extreme driver training experience just 40 miles from the Arctic Circle.

In temperatures as low as -30 degrees, Mourinho's driving skills were tested to their extreme limit in the Jaguar F-PACE by Finnish professional driver, Tommi Karrinaho. 

Mourinho said: "The flying lap with Tommi sent my adrenaline soaring. It's something I've only ever experienced before when I have walked out in front of 80,000 football fans."

The three-time Premier League-winning manager is experiencing widespread interest about his future right now, but he was philosophical about his next move. 

"I have worked for as long as I can remember as a manager and this is now the second time I have stopped in 16 years. So it's not a drama, but for sure I will be back soon... I don't know where football will take me because in football you never know, but for sure as a family our home will still be in London." 

Customer deliveries for the new F-PACE are set to kick off in late spring 2016, and Mourinho, who already owns an F-TYPE Coupé, is among the first to have placed an order.

Jaguar will be rolling out the Ice Drive Experience to customers from all over the world in 2017.

Mercedes confirms new SL pricing

Mercedes has announced pricing for the new SL will start at £73,805 for the SL 400 AMG Line.

The SL range comprises of four petrol engines. The entry level SL 400 comes with a 4.0-litre V6 engine (175 g/km of CO2), which produces 367 hp – 34 hp more than its predecessor – has a 0-62 time of 4.9 seconds, and will be limited to just 130 vehicles. The SL 500 costs from £82,850 OTR and features a 4.6-litre V8 motor (205 g/km) with an output of 455 hp – for a 0-62 mph time of 4.3 seconds.

The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 will cost from £114,100 OTR and is powered by a 5.5-litre V8 engine (234 g/km CO2) with 585 hp, meaning it can sprint from 0 to 62 in 4.1 seconds. The SL 65, priced at £173,295 comes with a 6.0-litre V12 engine (279 g/m), which has an output of 630 hp and a 0-62 time of four seconds.

The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 and SL 65 adds extra equipment, including: AMG high performance composite braking system; AMG DYNAMIC SELECT; AMG performance steering wheel in nappa leather; AMG Sports Exhaust System; AMG sports suspension; and ‘V8 BITURBO’ lettering on the front wings (‘V12 BITURBO’ for SL 65).

The entire SL range is optionally available with Night Package (SL 400: £895; SL 500 £495; SL 63 £2,475; SL 65 £795). The Package consists of 19-inch AMG alloy wheels with a seven-twin-spoke design (20-inch alloy wheels with a cross-spoke design available on SL 63 and SL 65); a diffuser trim strip and front splitter in high-gloss black and exterior mirror housings in high-gloss black.

The KEYLESS-GO Comfort Package (£1,605) allows the vehicle to be accessed without the driver having to touch the key. Additionally, the HANDS-FREE ACCESS function includes fully automatic opening and closing of the boot lid with a simple ‘kicking movement’ under the rear bumper.

Inside, the SL 400 and SL 500 come with the new aluminium trim with dark longitudinal grain as standard, while SL 63 and SL 65 come with as standard with the AMG carbon-fibre trim. A light carbon grain trim as also been added as a no-cost option. Brilliant Blue has now also been added to the SL’s colour palette, and, like its other metallic colour options, is available at no extra cost.

For an additional £2,730, customers can add the Luxury Package which includes: Active Body Control including Curve Tilt Function; Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system; Active Multicontour Seat Package; climatised seats including seat heating and ventilation; and power closing for doors and boot lid.

The Mercedes SL is available to order now.

Mercedes confirms E-Class Saloon pricing

Mercedes has revealed prices for the new E-Class Saloon.

Available to order in the UK now, there are two trim levels, the SE and AMG Line and two engine choices, the E 220 d and E 350 d.

The range starts with the E 220 d SE, priced from £35,935, and the E 220 d AMG Line from £38,430. The E 350 d SE costs from £44,930, while the E 350 d AMG Line starts at £47,425.

The E 220 d uses an all-new four-cylinder 2.0-litre bi-turbo engine producing 195 hp and 400 Nm, with the nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox as standard on all new UK E-Class Saloon models. The 9G-Tronic gearbox helps contribute to the E 220 d’s 102 g/km CO2 rating and 72.4 mpg economy. By comparison the previous-generation E 220 CDI Saloon, launched in 2009, produced 170 hp from its 2.1-litre engine, and returned 53.3 mpg and 139 g/km of CO2. Acceleration from 0-62 mph in the new E 200 d takes 7.3 seconds – 0.4 seconds faster than the outgoing E 250 CDI.

First deliveries of the six-cylinder E 350 d are due in the summer. This produces 258 hp and 620 Nm for 0-62 mph in 5.9 seconds, while emitting 133 g/km and returning 55.4 mpg. These are improvements over the previous-generation of E 350 CDI Saloon of 27 hp; 80 Nm; 0.9 sec; 48 g/km and 14.5 mpg.

The petrol-electric hybrid E 350 e (279 hp; 600 Nm; 6.2 sec; 49 g/km; 134.5 mpg) joins the UK line-up later in 2016.

Standard features on the SE include a Garmin Map Pilot navigation system with 8.4-inch display; Parktronic parking sensors with reversing camera and Park Pilot self-parking system; Collision Prevention Assist Plus autonomous emergency braking system; 64-colour selectable LED interior lighting; leather upholstery with heated front seats; LED headlights and taillights; and 17-inch wheels (18-inch on the E 350 d) to name a few. AMG Line models come with AMG exterior styling including unique bumpers and side skirts; 19-inch alloy wheels; perforated front brake discs; three-spoke AMG steering wheel; and Artico leather and Dynamica microfiber upholstery with seat comfort package.

All E 350 d models come with Air Body Control multi-chamber air suspension as standard, as well as COMAND satellite navigation with 12.3-inch display and remote online services.

First customer deliveries are expected in May 2016.

New Genesis Brand Launches Flagship G90

The first model from Hyundai’s new luxury brand - the Genesis G90 - has been unveiled in Detroit.

The new model is the flagship of the brand’s line-up and will compete at the top of the premium luxury car segment. It features ‘world-class technological innovations and the highest levels of refinement, convenience and dynamic performance’ according to Hyundai.

Created by the new Prestige Design Division, the G90 represents the brand’s ‘Athletic Elegance’ design theme. The silhouette is described as both powerful and refined, with its prominent bonnet, generous wheelbase and minimised overhangs. Inside the cabin, fine materials and textures from top automotive suppliers meet human-centered ergonomics to provide occupants with ‘absolute convenience and luxurious comfort’. At the front a ‘CREST’ grille features the winged Genesis emblem. Available with full-LED signature headlights (V8 model) they flow from fascia to wing – a key design element of the new Genesis brand. On the lower fascia, standard LED Daytime Running Lights add to the distinctive illumination signature.

The new saloon features GENESIS SMART SENSE, a suite of active driver safety technologies. These cover the full spectrum of safety says Hyundai, from driver alertness and focus to total occupant safety, and even the safety of other drivers around you. This suite brings together systems such as Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Smart Cruise Control, Smart Blind Spot Detection and Lane Keep Assist.

The G90’s Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) uses sensor fusion technology to help avoid a potential collision or reduce its impact. With this system, the car will employ automatic braking when it detects another vehicle or pedestrian at an unsafe closing rate of speed. This system uses the front radar from the Smart Cruise Control system and the forward camera from the Lane Keep Assist (LKA) to provide this extra margin of safety.

Hyundai says G90 owners will ‘immediately notice’ the highest standards of refined performance and describes these characteristics as central to the Genesis brand, adding that ‘even with this sporty and responsive character, the G90 interior environment remains well-mannered’. Power comes from either an all-new 3.3-litre direct-injected, twin-turbocharged V6 or the Tau 5.0-litre direct-injected V8 for ultimate power.

The Genesis brand was created for a new generation of discerning consumers, which will see six new Genesis models launched by 2020.

Bentley ‘Monster by Mulliner’ unveiled at CES

Bentley’s bespoke coach-building division Mulliner has teamed up with high-performance audio brand - Monster - for a special edition Continental.

Making its world debut at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the unique Monster-inspired 'Monster by Mulliner' is based on a Bentley Continental GT V8 S, and is ‘designed to appeal to the target market of young professionals and movers and shakers in sports and music’.

Monster says all genres of music, including Hip Hop, Rap, EDM and Rock, will be heard ‘with new ears’ via the custom sound system not available in any production car in the world. A total of 16 hand selected Monster speakers, personally tuned by Head Monster Noel Lee, delivers 3,400-watt of ‘Pure Monster Sound’ - the company’s signature audio profile.

Embodying the Monsters colour scheme of red and black within the cabin, Mulliner’s skills are showcased by the Hotspur Continental GT V8 S Beluga hide and steering rim colour selections. Based on the Monster logo, Mulliner created a unique 3D laser-etched fascia panel designed exclusively for this vehicle, complementing the Piano Black finish. The Continental GT V8 S also features the Monster motto: “Always Lead, Never Follow” and “Monster by Mulliner” headrest embroidery.

The exterior is finished in a ‘stunning colour scheme and intricate flourishes’. Its Onyx exterior coloured paint is highlighted with Hotspur accents including a unique body kit and radiator shell bezel. Along with red brake calipers and a gloss black polished wheel, the black bonnet vents are also stylised. This vehicle also includes the GT Design Seat by Mulliner.

Head Monster Noel Lee noted: “Monster is proud to collaborate with Bentley on bringing the sound and look of a Monster ride to those who want something bold and different. With our Pure Monster Sound system, the drive will be truly incredible and brings a new level of excitement to the driving experience. That’s why this collaboration for the Continental GT V8 S is such a perfect fit. Our Monster motto ‘Always Lead Never Follow’ has never been more appropriately applied than in association with this impeccably designed automobile.”

Geoff Dowding, Director of Mulliner, said: “The inspiration for this Mulliner commission came from a meeting with Monster’s CEO Noel Lee at Pebble Beach in 2015, where we exchanged business cards. The card contained several brand details, such as the Monster-pattern design and the red, black and silver colour scheme. It was the ideal starting point from which to create this incredible vehicle.”

If you like Bentley's check out our Continental GTC review here:

Rolls-Royce tests new space-frame structures

Rolls-Royce has now begun the testing phase of its new aluminium space-frame architecture, using engineering mules on public roads around the world.

“Since 2003 and the commissioning of the new Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has reset the benchmark for luxury motoring,” comments Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “Now it is time to take the next step in the luxury journey. This is why I am announcing today that on-road testing of our all-new proprietary architecture is beginning. This new architecture of pure luxury represents considerable investment in the future of our great brand.”

Engineering mules will be assessed on public roads in various locations around the globe to ensure that the new space-frame structure delivers the company’s trademark ‘magic-carpet ride’ on a variety of surfaces and that it is resilient to extreme weather conditions. 

The assessment is the first stage of a development programme that will see a new generation of Rolls-Royce cars – underpinned by this new architecture – become available from early 2018.

Jaguar unveils F-TYPE British Design Edition

The Jaguar F-TYPE British Design Edition

Jaguar has launched an exclusive British Design Edition of its F-TYPE sportscar.

Based on the F-TYPE S Coupe and Convertible, and featuring a range of visual enhancements and additional equipment, the special edition is offered either in an Ultimate Black finish, or in one of three colours from a palette inspired by the Union Jack: Caldera Red, Glacier White and Ultra Blue.

Further enhancements come from the Sport Design pack, Satin Grey 20-inch Cyclone wheels and discreet British Design Edition badges front and rear, with unique branding on the centre console, headrests and the stainless steel tread plates.

The Jet leather interior is finished with contrast stitching in a choice of three colours - Red, Ivory or Reims Blue - with carbon fibre trim around the centre console. Jaguar’s InControl Touch and InControl Touch Plus infotainment systems support a range of apps to improve driver connectivity, and are offered with upgraded Meridian audio equipment.

Power comes exclusively from the 380PS/ 460Nm supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, matched to the eight-speed Quickshift transmission with all-wheel drive. 

The F-TYPE British Design Edition is available to order now at Jaguar UK retailers priced from £75,225 for the Coupe version and £80,390 for the Convertible.

Customer deliveries are set to begin in the Spring.

Bentley introduces stone veneers by Mulliner

Bentley’s bespoke division, Mulliner, has unveiled a new stone veneer interior finish.

State-of-the-art stone veneer technology has been utilised, says Bentley, ‘to make a luxurious, contemporary feature of a natural product formed over 200 million years’.

Sections of slate and quartzite stone, sourced from quarries in Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh, India, are split from larger pieces and cured using glass fibre and a bespoke resin. 

Finally, they are shaped and hand finished by Bentley’s Mulliner coachbuilding team at the company’s headquarters in Crewe, England.

The stone surfaces of the veneers are just 0.1 mm thick, so they are both extremely light and translucent, allowing the grain and pattern to be visible to the interior occupants. 

Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, comments: “We are the established experts in the handcrafting of wood and
leather, and now we are exploring new, fine and rare materials to offer even more bespoke tailoring and choice to our customers. Stone veneers are another first for Bentley – but only the beginning of what we plan to do with this luxurious and unique material.” 

Mulliner is offering Stone Veneers in a natural finish, in four different colours on the Continental and Flying Spur: Galaxy, Autumn White, Terra Red and Copper. Mulliner’s bespoke team will work with individual customers to discuss their unique requirements.

Lamborghini confirms track driving courses for 2016

Automobili Lamborghini has announced details of its programmeme of Esperienza and Accademia track driving courses for 2016, with locations in Europe, America, Asia and Australia.

The 2016 season will get under way in Europe, with the Winter Accademia on the evocative icy surface of Livigno, Italy, to be held in late February. Hot on its heels, the famous resort of Aspen, Colorado, is the venue for the American event.

Following the winter dates, the Phillip Island circuit hosts the first Accademia course in Australia. After the first leg at Italy’s Imola circuit, the Accademia will follow some important European rounds of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo one-make series, including the historic Nurburgring circuit, and Valencia, which is also the location for the race series’ world finals.

In the United States the Accademia will be held at the Laguna Seca circuit, while Las Vegas is the setting for the second edition of the Pilota Lamborghini course, dedicated to competitive racing.

The 2016 Lamborghini Esperienza calendar will also take in four continents, with more than twenty dates scheduled at some of the most prestigious circuits in Europe, the United States, Asia and Australia.

Lamborghini Esperienza is the first step for those who wish to get closer to the world of Lamborghini, providing an introduction to the Raging Bull brand and its legendary super sports cars. For the Imola Esperienza, activities include a visit to the Lamborghini factory and museum in Sant’Agata Bolognese (Bologna), as well as the track driving.

The Lamborghini Accademia offers fans the chance to drive on the track (Track Accademia) or on ice (Winter Accademia). Each Accademia offers two types of programme – intensive and advanced – giving the participants the opportunity to take their first steps towards the world of competitive racing. 

The course involves multiple training sessions during which drivers undertake various exercises including slaloms, acceleration, braking and oversteering.

Each track day is open to a maximum of 24 participants on the intensive course, and 20 on the advanced course. Drivers are divided into small groups to make the experience highly exclusive and personalised.

The most advanced stage of the Accademia course is the Pilota Lamborghini course, the first edition of which was held in November at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This new programme is for those with the desire to become a racing driver, through a series of tests which simulate a full-on competitive race weekend.

Over 2,000 attendees are expected at the Esperienza and Accademia courses during 2016. All participants will be able to put themselves to the test and perfect their driving aboard the Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4, the V12 benchmark for luxury super sports cars, and the Lamborghini Huracan, in the Coupé, Spyder and 2WD versions.

The Esperienza and Accademia courses are part of the Lamborghini Squadra Corse programme, which since 2013 has offered an integrated approach to Lamborghini driving experiences, right through to the world of competitive racing with the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo and GT3.

Like this year, in 2016 Lamborghini Squadra Corse will also select drivers from the Young Drivers and GT3 Junior Programme to participate as instructors at the Esperienza and Accademia events around the world.

Mercedes Roadster revamped and renamed SLC

Mercedes is revamping its SLK Roadster model and relaunching it with a brand new name – SLC.

In March 2016, 20 years on from the arrival of the first SLK Roadster, the new SLC will arrive with a new look and upgraded technology.

The name change is said to acknowledge the close relationship with the C-Class, from which much of the roadster’s technology is derived. 

As part of the facelift, there’s a new front section with a steeply raked radiator grille designed to elongate the appearance of the arrow-shaped bonnet. All SLC models feature a diamond radiator grille as standard, but the new LED Intelligent Light System is only available as an optional extra.

There’s also a new addition to the model line-up in the shape of the sporty, 3.0-litre V6 biturbo-engined Mercedes-AMG SLC 43.

Sporting a modified version of the suspension carried over from the Mercedes-AMG SLK 55, the range-topper can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, thanks to its 367hp and peak torque of 520 Nm.

The SLC’s dynamic characteristics can be adjusted at the touch of a button, modifying the engine, transmission, steering and suspension to suit the driver’s taste. The DYNAMIC SELECT system offers a choice five driving modes – Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Eco and Individual – and is fitted as standard in the 300, the 250 d and the SLC 43.

In addition, a range of technology upgrades to the SLC’s safety, comfort and infotainment systems includes the fitment of Active Brake Assist, an improved vario-roof design and a larger media display featuring extended functionality.

Prices will be announced when the SLC is available to order in mid-January 2016, with first cars arriving in showrooms from April 2016.