CARSGM O GLOBALMAG
digital monthly magazine
EYES
ON
GIGI
42
may 16
Beijing Motor Show News!
The new BMW M2 Coupé and the top model Gigi Hadid
interviews PETTER SOLBERG / PATRICK DEMPSEY
CARSGM O 42
digital monthly magazine
may 16
CONTENTS 1 MONTH 6 PICS F R O N T PA G E
5 16
• Eyes on Gigi
MISS OF THE MONTH
26
• Pinifarina H2 Speed - VIDEO
• Setsuna
AUTONEWS
51
Autonews Beijing
RACING SIDE
64
• Formula 1: Enrico’s Notepad
• Interview: Patrick Dempsey
• Interview: Petter Solberg
CLASSIC
96
• Volvo Wagon - VIDEO
GLOBALNEWS • Top Marques Monaco 2016 - VIDEO • Monroe Intelligent Suspension - VIDEO • The tangible proof - VIDEO
104
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performance in all driving conditions. You can also change settings from ‘comfort’ to ‘sport’ at the flick of a switch, and enjoy not just one but multiple driving experiences. No wonder in independent consumer tests, 87% of executive car drivers rated suspension comfort as very good or excellent when driving with
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1 MONTH 6 PICS
Sheldon Creed sweeps “Stadium Super Trucks” week end at the Long Beach Grand Prix (California – USA, April 17)
1 MONTH 6 PICS
Ken Block during the first practice day of the 2016 World Rallycross Championship’s first round in Montalegre (Portugal, April 16) Photo McKlein Photography
1 MONTH 6 PICS
James Cole’s Subaru Levorg GT gets hot under the collar (April 17, Donington Park – UK) during the Dunlop MSA British Touring Car championship first round
1 MONTH 6 PICS
The Talbot 105 Alpine of Gareth Burnett and Martyn Turner put an end to Bentley’s winning streak as it crossed the finish line in what was the toughest Flying Scotsman rally in the event’s eight-year history
1 MO N T H 6 P I C S
The unusual Flying Lady of the Rolls-Royce Black Badge, the most extreme edition from the famous manufacturer
1 MONTH 6 PICS
Hyundai i20WRC takes Rally Argentina victory with Hayden Paddon and John Kennard (April 22/24) Copyright Hyundai Motors Company
FR ON T PA G E
EYES ON
Gigi BMW presents interactive campaign for new BMW M2 CoupĂŠ. One-shot film directed by Marc Forster featuring spectacular vehicle choreography with supermodel Gigi Hadid
EYES ON GIGI
Back in the early 1970s, the BMW 2002 turbo was already causing heads to turn and hearts to flutter. Indeed, the compact highperformance sports car perfectly encapsulated BMW’s resolution to deliver outstanding dynamics, agility and car control. And now, over 40 years on, BMW M is launching the new BMW M2, as if to demonstrate once again that this commitment is alive and well.
EYES ON GIGI
With its high-performance six-cylinder in-line engine, rear-wheel-drive agility, lightweight aluminium M Sport suspension and extrovert styling, the new BMW M2 Coupe has all the ingredients to deliver the last word in driving pleasure. The newly developed three-litre sixcylinder in-line unit powering the BMW M2 uses state-of-the-art M TwinPower Turbo technology to develop 272 kW/370 hp at 6,500 rpm and, in so doing, lays down a marker in the highperformance compact sports car segment. The same applies to power delivery. Peak torque of 465 Nm (343 lb-ft) can be increased to as much as 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) in short bursts under overboost, all of which enables the new BMW M2 with optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) and Launch Control to accelerate from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.3 seconds.
EYES ON GIGI
Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), or 270 km/h (168 mph) if the M Driver’s Package is specified. Yet, with its M DCT transmission, fuel consumption of just 7.9 litres* per 100 km (35.8 mpg imp) and CO2 emissions of only 185 g/km*, the car is also keen to emphasise its outstanding efficiency. And even greater driving pleasure is on the cards when the Dynamic Stability Control system’s M Dynamic Mode (MDM) is activated. MDM allows wheel slip and therefore moderate, controlled drifts on the track.
To
coincide with the market launch on 16 April, BMW released its “digital-first” campaign for the new BMW M2 Coupé. Stars of the campaign “Eyes on Gigi” are the new BMW M2 Coupé and American supermodel Gigi Hadid, who is appearing in front of the camera for an automobile brand for the first time. The dynamic performance and agility of the first-ever BMW M2 Coupé and the sensuous beauty and elegance of Gigi Hadid inspired renowned film producer and screenplay author Marc Forster, who directed films such as “James Bond – Quantum of Solace”, “Monster’s Ball” and “World War Z”, to create a highly unusual spot. The exciting film, which has been initially released (from April 14) exclusively on YouTube and Facebook, invites viewers to play
a very different kind of “shell game”. The film starts with supermodel Gigi Hadid climbing into one of three parked BMW M2 Coupés; from then on, the viewer tries to keep track of Gigi and her BMW M2 Coupé. Within a short space of time, two more BMW M2 Coupés join in and a fast-paced vehicle choreography begins – making the task virtually impossible. At the end of the drive, all five M2 Coupés come to a halt and the viewer has to identify which car Gigi Hadid is in. The spectacular one-shot stunt – captured in a single uncut tracking shot – was filmed at an airfield in California’s Mojave Desert under the direction of Oscar-winning cameraman Mauro Fiore (“Avatar”, “The Equalizer”). The interactive resolution of the game takes place on the campaign microsite EyesOnGi-
EYES ON GIGI At the end of every MotoGP season, the rider with the best qualifying results is awarded an exclusive, customised BMW M car. At the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez la Frontera BMW unveiled the 2016 prize... a new BMW M2 Coupé in Long Beach Blue Metallic.
gi.com, where the viewer can also follow the fast-paced vehicle choreography from a 360-degree perspective. “Eyes on Gigi” is the first time the top model from Los Angeles has officially worked with an automobile brand. “We are delighted to win Gigi Hadid as the face of our global campaign for the new BMW M2 Coupé,” commented Uwe Dreher, head of International Brand Communications BMW, “Gigi and the M2 are the perfect match: Both are strong personalities with fascinating charisma.” Hadid was immediately impressed: “BMW is such an iconic brand. The fact that I get to be the face of this campaign is definitely a career highlight for me. When they came to me with this concept, I loved it, and was honoured to be a part of it. I had a blast working on this project.”
The digital spot kicked off an integrated campaign for global rollout through TV, digital, social media and CRM channels. The “digital-first” approach preferred for the first time for “Eyes on Gigi” also benefits from Hadid’s strong social media presence. With 16.1 million subscribers on Instagram, nearly 1.9 million followers on Twitter and aprox. 2.6 million fans on Facebook, Hadid is extremely successful in this area. If the player picks the right BMW M2 Coupé, the campaign’s sophisticated digital architecture leads into the digital BMW M2 Coupé showroom of the BMW sales company in the player’s country. To guarantee the new “fan of the brand” continued driving fun over, BMW will provide the top model with her own BMW M2 Coupé for six months.
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M IS S O F T HE MO NTH Extraordinary performance and environmentally responsible driving fun
IDROGEN IDROGENIA
NIA Its name is H2 Speed and it is Pininfarina’s innovative vision of a high performance track car based on revolutionary hydrogen fuel cell technology already subjected to severe track testing by GreenGT, a Franco-Swiss company which has been designing, developing and producing clean, sustainable propulsion systems since 2008.
IDROGENIA
IDROGENIA
Halfway
between a racing prototype and a production supercar, the H2 Speed is the world’s first hydrogen, high performance car. It is not by coincidence that its name joins together H2, the formula for gaseous hydrogen, and the English word Speed, as if to say that it is the force and energy of Nature that generate the vehicle’s high performance, fostering the excitement that is typical of passion and sport. Sculpted by efficiency-boosting aerodynamics, the H2 Speed weds blistering performance to refined lines and shapes integrated in a form of strong emotional impact which embraces the driver and represents the best possible expression of Pininfarina DNA: purity, elegance, innovation expressed through the passion that has always pervaded the world of high performance cars.
The H2 Speed was born for high performance. Under the banner of essentiality and rationality, all parts of the layout have been designed for the correct distribution of weights to be able to transfer the power and enormous torque of the Full Power Hydrogen system to the ground. Form and function merge together in the H2 Speed concept to create an external design that highlights the vehicle’s sportiness and performance in every detail. Lines and volumes outline a sculpture that is as powerful as it is intriguing. Although it is based on the traditional styling cues of sports cars (low, aggressive proportions, strong design and an emotional synergy between car and driver), the H2 Speed presents the designer with a two-fold challenge: to design a car on a carbon frame and on the mechanical layout of a high performance car of extreme proportions and at the same time clothe the GreenGT Full Power Hydrogen system, an innovative technology that offers, in terms of vehicle architecture, the necessary originality to generate a unique, outstanding product. The sinuously three-dimensional shape springs naturally from an original styling process where the most important constraint – the two large hydrogen tanks at the side – becomes an opportunity. To avoid weighing down the side of the vehicle, the hydrogen cylinders are faired instead of being incorporated into the body volume but they remain visible through a window in the rear part of the fairing where the fuel cap is easy to access.
IDROGENIA
A vertical fin on the bonnet channels flows to the rear; a big spoiler anchored to the fin creates negative lift and downforce to handle the power generated by the electric motor. Also on the bonnet, two air intakes for the radiators are designed to cool the electric motor.
IDROGENIA
The technology presented by GreenGT is the substantial outcome of a two-year development and testing programme that has embodied the form of the H2 Speed concept. GreenGT proposes ‘Full Hydrogen Power’ technology, a powerful electrichydrogen fuel cell drive chain. The result is a zero emissions vehicle able to reach 300 km/h by releasing just water vapor into the atmosphere. With a maximum power of 503 horsepower, the engine accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds. Also notable is the rapid refueling, unknown to traditional electric cars: a full tank of hydrogen can be done in only 3 minutes.
IDROGENIA
Arising from the marked sidecut, the three-dimensionality can be seen clearly in the plan lines of the vehicle. The geometric composition of the design from above is particularly intriguing: the car seems to consist of two triangular bodies that intersect to generate the front and rear mudguards.
IDROGENIA
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M IS S O F T HE MO NTH The Concept
The Time MACHINE The Setsuna concept defies the notion that cars should only be seen as industrial products loaded with the latest technologies. Toyota’s unique wooden roadster was conceived to embody the affection owners grow to feel for their cars, and to show how cars continue to change and offer new value as they are taken care of with love over time
THE TIME MACHINE
The
short hand in the meter’s aluminum case displays the time of day while the long hand shows the passing of days and the counter meter displays the passing years. This 100-year meter continues to display the passage of time throughout the history of a family as the Setsuna remains constantly by their side. Even when the car is passed on to new generations, the meter continues to turn, taking on a value linked to the memories of a family. The idea of “the accumulation of moments” has been also expressed through a radial, circular emblem. The design evokes a clock that shows each individual moment, while simultaneously giving the impression of a moment blooming like a flower.
As the wooden materials slowly bend over time, the body line takes on a more pronounced, beautiful curve, like a boat. Despite being a concept car, the Setsuna offers basic vehicular performance and is able to drive, turn, and stop. In order to achieve this, each type of wood―including wood selected for use in components―was selected for a specific application. Traditional Japanese techniques such as kuriari and kusabi were used so that the wood could be joined without nails or screws. The lacquer finish used on parts of the vehicle has been carefully applied by hand. To bring out the grain of the wood, wipelacquering has been used for the door mirrors, seats, steering wheel, and body banding lines.
Wood was used as the material for this vehicle as a means of expressing the idea that love grows as time passes. The color and feel of wood changes as it is cared for. It responds directly to the love that it is given. Physical changes to the car embody the changing nature of its bond with its owners, representing memories of time passed together.
Aluminum has been used in parts such as the wheel caps, the steering wheel, and the seat frames. This creates a beautiful contrast that is also in harmony with the Setsuna’s wooden parts. The Setsuna can actually be driven. However, it cannot be driven on public roads like a normal car.
THE TIME MACHINE
The Setsuna’s body is composed of 86 handmade panels. Considerable thought was given to the design and creation of each panel from the outset, and each of these panels will develop and change differently as the car ages. Eventually, when repairs become necessary, individual panels can be replaced rather than needing to replace the entire body. Looking at a panel that has been repaired, owners will be able to see the traces of where work has been done by hand, and sense the memories that have been passed down.
THE TIME MACHINE
Toyota aimed to create comfortable seats that give the impression of being able to kindly welcome and embrace anybody, like a wooden park bench. The castor aralia timber of the seats has been lacquered and the parts that come into most contact with the body have been covered over with leather. The character and depth of the wood, lacquer, and leather in these two seats all evolve with time to gently embrace each member of a family.
THE TIME MACHINE
Main Technical Specifications Overall Length
3,030 mm
Overall width
1,480 mm
Overall Height
970 mm
Wheelbase
1,700 mm
Powertrain
Electric motor
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A U T O N E W S BEI J I NG
Audi TT RS
The new five-cylinder engine in the TT RS produces a remarkable 294 kW (400 hp) of power. The engine’s maximum torque of 480 Nm (354.0 lb-ft) is available between 1,700 and 5,800 rpm. The TT RS Coupé accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.7 seconds, the Roadster in 3.9 seconds – this is on par with the performance of a supercar. Audi can govern the top speed to 250 km/h (155.3 mph) or an optional 280 km/h (174.0 mph).
AUTONEWS BEIJING
BAIC Arcfox 7
This concept of an electric car of the future demonstrates the progress of the Chinese car industry. The 603bhp, 162mph Arcfox-7 is also scheduled to go on sale later this year, surely poised to turn heads with its aggressive futuristic design.
Mercedes-Benz
E-Class long-wheelbase & BRABUS smart Mercedes-Benz presents a luxury saloon tailor-made for the growing Chinese market in the shape of the long-wheelbase version of the new E-Class. The long-wheelbase version of the E-Class is stretched by 140 millimetres, meaning rear-seat passengers enjoy generously extended legroom and seating with a wide array of comfort functions. The Chinaspecific details include the quarter light in the C-pillar inspired by the Mercedes-Maybach models, the ambient lighting with 64 colours and the touchpad in the rear armrest for operating the infotainment system and adjusting the seating positions. With the world premieres of the high-performance smart BRABUS fortwo, fortwo cabrio and forfour smart is addressing the growing demand in China for individually equipped top-of-the-range models. Rated power and maximum torque are up by 5 kW and 23
Nm respectively compared with the previous model to 80 kW (109 hp) at 5,750 rpm and 170 Nm at 2,000 rpm. The performance figures are equally sporty. The smart BRABUS fortwo accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds, while the smart BRABUS forfour reaches a top speed of up to 180 km/h.
AUTONEWS BEIJING
Chery FV2030
At this year’s Auto China 2016, the biggest highlight of Chery’s exhibition booth is undoubtedly the FV2030 concept car (Future Vision 2030). Its smooth body curves,
huge plug-in hub, gullwing door, fantasy 3D holographic screen and smart pilotless technology show the perfect integration of future technologies.
AUTONEWS BEIJING
Infiniti
QX Sport Inspiration
The Infiniti QX Sport Inspiration is an elegant and powerful expression of progressive SUV design. Laying down markers for future Infiniti QX models, the QX Sport Inspiration explores the brand’s vision for a next-generation, premium mid-size SUV. The concept promises off-road versatility, aided by its raised, 230 mm (9.1 in) ground clearan-
ce, as well as the empowering, in-control on-road driving characteristics and cruising comfort that is expected of any Infiniti. The concept features a lean, purposeful form, with a short front overhang and wide stance – total width (excluding rearview cameras) is 1,900 mm (74.8 in), while length is 4,600 mm (181.1 in).
AUTONEWS BEIJING
Jaguar XFL
Building on the success of the new XF saloon, this long wheelbase version has been developed exclusively for the Chinese market, and provides all of the space and refinement expected in the segment. Passenger comfort has been a key consideration and increasing the wheelbase by 140mm to 3,100mm delivers exceptional legroom and kneeroom in the rear seats. With the state-of-the-art InControl
Touch Pro infotainment system, the all-new XFL offers rear seat entertainment through 8-inch screens and digital wireless headphones. The all-new XFL range will consist of: XFL Pure, XFL Prestige, XFL Prestige Lux, XFL Prestige Lux +, XFL Portfolio. The powertrain range will consist of a 200PS 2.0-litre petrol automatic engine; RWD, 240PS 2.0-litre petrol automatic; RWD, 340PS 3.0-litre petrol automatic.
Lexus IS
At the Beijing Auto Show, Lexus has taken the covers off the new IS, armed with a fresh new look and a number of important changes. Because the original styling of the current IS has proved so popular, Lexus has kept the essence of car’s exterior appearance intact. The new IS will have three engine offerings. Highlight is he rear-wheel-drive IS 200t will be powered by the recently-added 2.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged inline-4 with intercooler, which comes mated to a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic transmission. Power is rated at 180kW at 5,800rpm or torque 350Nm at 1,650 to 4,400rpm.
AUTONEWS BEIJING
Mazda CX-4
With SUV-like ground clearance and Mazda’s i-ACTIV AWD*2 all-wheel drive system, the CX-4 is ready to take on a wide range of road conditions and offers a combination of outstanding environmental and safety performance (Sustainable Zoom-Zoom) and a Jinba-ittai driving feel with excellent handling thanks to its low center of gravity. The dynamic design is unmistakably KODO in form and the planted stance and sleek, coupe-like cabin combine to give the model a bold presence.
Renault Koleos
At the Beijing Auto Show Renault revealed the new Koleos, a high-end, redesigned SUV geared to reach 80 markets. Best in class, user-friendly 4x4 technology features all mode 4x4-i technology, an all-wheel drive system that makes it easy to switch back
and forth between 2WD, 4WD AUTO and 4WD LOCK modes. Depending on the market, the new Koleos comes with a large array of driver assistance capabilities and options, all of which can be controlled via the R-LINK 2 tablet.Â
AUTONEWS BEIJING
Volkswagen
T-Prime Concept GTE
The T-Prime Concept GTE concept car is a premium class sport utility vehicle. With plug-in hybrid and all-wheel drive as well as zero emissions on any terrain, the concept car makes an automotive statement in China. The T-Prime is the world’s first car to feature a Curved Interaction Area – a curved infotainment display that blends in with the remaining displays and controls in the futuristic cockpit. The concept car’s 8-speed automatic transmission is controlled
intuitively “by wire” using a glass scroll wheel. One of the many fitting innovations is the plug-in hybrid drive that is practically silent in its electric E-Mode, which makes the T-Prime Concept GTE a zero-emission SUV with a range of up to 50 kilometres. In GTE mode the 280 kW/381 PS concept car demonstrates pure dynamism. Visually, the innovative technical layout is reflected in a charismatic and sporty design.
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THE R A CI N G S I DE
Photo Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team
A NEW…WAY OF CHALLENGING THE TOP TWO
www.enricozanarini.com
ENRICO’S NOTEPAD Enrico Zanarini is one of the most expert and successful managers of the Formula 1circus. Since the mid 80s he’s playing a primary role in the paddock by supporting the career of drivers as Eddie Irvine, Giancarlo Fisichella, Vitantonio Liuzzi just to mention a few. Enrico also manages the activity of important sponsors as he’s at the head of one of the main international sport/management agency. He has recently started writing his reflections about Formula 1 on his own blog and he has also accepted to publish the more interesting thoughts on RACE GLOBALMAG. We are happy to host his “behind the scenes” insights and truly free point of view, even if sometimes these don’t perfectly match the RGM point of view.
Nico Rosberg (Mercedes) during his winning Chinese cavalcade Photo Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team
A N E W ‌ WAY O F C H A L L E N G I N G T H E T O P T W O
Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen Photo Š Ferrari
Mercedes or Ferrari? This is the question and at the same time this year’s F.1 hamletic doubt.
The first three races of the Championship have crowned the Silver Arrows, but not without some question marks. And the uncertainty is given by the fact that the Maranello brothers have never had a clear and proper run. Vettel was dominating the opening round in Australia, but his early lead was handicapped by a red flag and possibly by a pit wall strategy error. Engine reliability on Seb’s car and a poor start by Kimi confused the punters in Bahrain, whilst an improper close encounter between the two red knights, hid the Ferrari potential in Shanghai. As we were all too busy choosing between red and silver, we initially missed the stunning performance by the two Red Bulls in China. My top prize for the weekend goes to Newey’s masterpiece, supported by D & D’s forceful drive. The Milton Keynes’ blue rocket may very well be the car of the year in terms of aero and mechanical design. Maranello and Stuttgart’s BOD’s have one more reason to be happy, having decided not to supply Red Bull with one of their power units and fingers remain well crossed hoping that Renault’s tokens are spent later rather than sooner. By that time, the frontrunners gap may be too big …
Sebastian vettel (Ferrari) during the Chinese Grand Prix Photo © Ferrari
A N E W … WAY O F C H A L L E N G I N G T H E T O P T W O
Mercedes hero Nico Rosberg with some Chinese fans Photo Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team
Russian Daniil Kvyat drives his Red Bull RB12 during the Grand Prix of China at Shanghai, on April 17 Photo Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool
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THE R A CI N G S I DE Interview with Hollywood star and race driver Patrick Dempsey
MY BIGGEST DREAM
A
new role for Patrick Dempsey: the Hollywood star is no longer involved as a race driver but as co-owner of the Dempsey Proton Racing team. In this interview, he speaks about the fascination of car racing, his soft spot for Porsche and the aims he wants to achieve with his team. Patrick, how would you describe your new role as co-owner of Dempsey Proton Racing? “It’s great to be involved in motorsports from a new perspective. Last year I made the decision to mainly focus on motorsports as a driver. I raced in the FIA World Endurance Championship – one of the biggest and most rewarding challenges in my life. This year I am excited to support the team in my new role as a co-owner.”
PAT R I C K D E M P S E Y
How often will we see you at the racetrack? “I’ll try to be at the races as much as my schedule allows me to. I have always been a huge fan of motor sports and I love taking on new challenges. My new role as a co-owner of Dempsey Proton Racing gives me the opportunity to combine both. So far it’s been quite a rewarding experience to learn about the managerial aspects of co-owning a race team.” With Richard Lietz and Michael Christensen, the FIA WEC title defenders are the lineup for your team. Are you proud of having such great drivers? “Oh yes, extremely proud. Richard and Michael are amongst the fastest and most experienced drivers in the field. They have a lot of responsibility to defend the championship and they are the right drivers for this kind of pressure. I am incredibly lucky to have them in our team. But it will not be easy, as they are the only Porsche in GTE-Pro class. And some other manufacturers are racing new cars in a full 2016 specification. Our car is an updated 2015 car. But reliability should be one of our advantages. And whenever the track is wet, the 911 is by far the best car on the grid. We have proven this multiple times in the past season.” What makes it special to drive a 911 RSR? “Driving a 911 RSR is as exhilarating as it is demanding. It’s a very powerful car and there is a lot of force acting on your body, so you need to be in good shape to put in consistent lap times. At the same time it’s very well ba-
PAT R I C K D E M P S E Y
lanced. Feedback is great and it’s easy to feel what the car is doing. Exactly what you want from a good GT race car. It still feels like a 911 road car, but it is even more precise and much faster on the race track. Above all it’s a fun and thrilling experience. There is really nothing else like it.” In 2015 you mainly focused on improving your skills as a driver. Second in GTE-Am in Le Mans and the win in Fuji. How was it for you? “Yes, it is completely a dream realized and come true. I worked very hard that season and it was great to achieve this many goals. It was a very fulfilling experience. As a sportsman success is what you are aiming for. All the preparation, all the workouts you do – you always have this success in mind. That’s your motivation.” Can you describe the feeling standing on the podium – especially in Le Mans – in front of thousands of fans? “This was my biggest dream come true. When you are standing up there in front of this massive crowd – it is hard to put it into words. It was so overwhelming and emotional in the best way. Especially when you think about the meaning and history of Le Mans and all the legendary race drivers who have raced there. I will certainly remember those moments for the rest of my life.” Are there other highlights of the 2015 season you want to mention? “I have tremendous, great memories from the 2015 season. I took my skills as a race
PAT R I C K D E M P S E Y
driver to a new level which felt great. And working so closely with Porsche was really enjoyable. It was an extraordinary year. I look back at the season with great fondness and satisfaction.” Your family will have more contact with the racing scene in 2016. Are you excited about that? “Yes, Porsche and family are all in one. Being involved in endurance racing means a lot of traveling. So being able share the experience and passion for racing with my family more often will be great.” In the past years you became an important member of the Porsche family. How would you describe your relationship with the other drivers and all the other Porsche people? “I have always been a great Porsche fan. And working so closely with them is a truly inspiring experience. They’re great guys. I have a tremendous relationship with everyone in the Porsche family including all the drivers. I love being a part of the team. I got so much helpful advice from some of the best drivers in the world. This was very helpful to improve my skills and achieve these great results.” Where does your fascination for motor racing come from? “My fascination began very early in my childhood. I always loved racing and cars since I was very young. My father would bring me home little Matchbox cars, we would watch or listen to the Indianapolis 500. I just always had an interest in all things racing.”
PAT R I C K D E M P S E Y
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THE R A CI N G S I DE Petter “Hollywood” Solberg
… IT’S ALL FUN From growing up on a farm in Spydeberg, Norway, to standing on the glittering stage in Paris collecting a third FIA world title; the road to success for Petter Solberg has been as twisting as the forest rally stages he made his name on. However while many will know him predominantly for his results in world rally, his seat in the World Rallycross arena marks something of a homecoming for the 41 year old
P E T T E R “ H O L LY W O O D ” S O L B E R G
In
fact the early part of his competitive motorsport career was in rallycross, before he moved to rallying to pursue the dream of becoming a World Champion. He achieved that feat with Subaru in 2003. A decade after his WRC title, Solberg moved back to rallycross, following a lean spell in the World Rally Championship after his last win at the end of 2005, in which time he drove for Subaru before the Japanese manufacturer pulled the plug on its WRC campaign (in 2008), his own team for three years and latterly the Ford World Rally Team, whom fittingly he had begun his professional career with in 1999. His initial return to rallycross didn’t go totally to plan, despite siting it as a development year. Solberg showed blinding pace at almost every event, but only twice finished on the podium in the FIA European Rallycross Championship in 2013. The following year bore the inception of the FIA World Rallycross Championship and Solberg immediately entered the history books as the first ever World RX event winner in Portugal, in May of 2014. Two years on, Solberg heads back to the same event at Montalegre in the Vila Real mountains, not just as a former rally driver and WRC champion, but as a three-time FIA World Champion, back-to-back World Rallycross title-holder and the only man to have his name engraved on the World RX drivers’ champions trophy to date. The boy from Spydeberg, now nicknamed Hollywood and considered a celebrity in his
homeland, is the number one target for all World RX competitors this season. The man says that he’s never felt more ready. “The name “Hollywood” came from when we did some promotion and a lot of filming for Subaru in America, in Hollywood. After that, people started to call me it. I was a little bit embarrassed because I was a professional rally driver. Now I enjoy it – I’ve even put it on my overalls this year. It fits into rallycross much better than rally, and I think it’s quite funny now. People love it, so it’s goo. The car is now much better than last year already, and we will see how many steps the other teams have done also. I feel like we are in a very good position.” One of Solberg’s favourite phrases, especially in interviews with the media is ‘flat-out’. His driving style, especially in the opening laps of free practice at events when his rivals are finding their feet, bears testament to that phrase, but he clearly also knows how championships are won. Heading into the start of the season, the Norwegian appreciates how important consistency will be this term. “I think if you start with the first year (I returned to rallycross) in 2013, we had a very fast car but it was hard. Then we got it right with the first victory in 2014 in Portugal, and we then felt very confident that we had a fast and reliable car after that. You just have to push on to continue on that level. We are improving all the time, so hopefully we will be even faster this year. Of course we want to win.
P E T T E R “ H O L LY W O O D ” S O L B E R G
Obviously the first thing is to get good points, to have a good attack in the four heats, come to the semi-finals and the final at events and then we will see. We are going in very hard to be consistent and to get the stability to try and win the championship again.”
lycross is to get everything right off the start line and stay out of trouble. Some of the other teams try to get you out from races without driving properly. They try to use politics, try to be smart, but we don’t have any problem with that ourselves really.”
Arguably, the 2016 season is going to be the most competitive year of World RX yet. Looking back again to Solberg’s maiden FIA World title in the WRC, he beat a rising French star by the name of Sebastien Loeb. Following his own title success, there was only one other man to win the biggest WRC accolade until the very end of Solberg’s full-time rallying career – Loeb. For 2016, nine-time World Rally Champion Loeb will join Solberg in World RX and while the reigning champion pilots a Citroen DS3 run by his own PSRX (Petter Solberg World Rallycross) squad, Loeb will be driving a Peugeot 208 for Team Peugeot-Hansen, backed by Peugeot Sport. “We finished with the car early, but after we heard Loeb is coming to rallycros we went up one more level with work on the car and the whole team got mega motivated, so now I must say, we are on the case. To be honest in rallycross it is hard all the time. Even without Loeb and Ken Block coming in for this year, there’re so many good drivers and good teams, and there’re so many things that can happen. I think the biggest difference will be that everybody has got more reliability and more tactics this year: I think it will be much closer. The biggest, most difficult thing in ral-
While the hardships have come on track, Solberg rates his triumphs as the growth of rallycross as a whole, and for 2016, World RX will be seen by more eyes than ever before, being broadcast on free-to-air television: “Obviously my own triumph is winning and what we have achieved, but also how quickly the sport has grown. I think the live TV deals are the biggest thing that have come in for the sport, and that’s a huge triumph for everyone.” The eyes on those screens are set for an intriguing battle this year, notably between the former WRC arch rivals. But, there is also another former World Rally champion in the paddock this season, double title-holder Marcus Gronholm, who will be a permanent fixture but not as a driver, rather as a team manager for the OlsbergsMSE squad – with the Finn’s son Niclas driving for the outfit. Away from the competitive hype that is part of the build-up to one of, if not the most highly anticipated seasons in the sport, Solberg is looking forward to banter with old peers: “Having Marcus there as a team manager and Loeb as a competitor also, it’s going to be very good fun to be in the paddock this year. There will be a lot of BS flying around, that’s for sure,” he laughs.
P E T T E R “ H O L LY W O O D ” S O L B E R G
P E T T E R “ H O L LY W O O D ” S O L B E R G
P E T T E R “ H O L LY W O O D ” S O L B E R G
This sport suits his style to a tee; his trademark flat-out approach but also his enjoyment of spending time with his fans, of which he has in abundance and who enjoy the accessibility of a rallycross paddock, where any fan can speak with any driver: “I have great quality supporters and they automatically bring better quality out in you, and then they get that back,” he says. “The great thing is that they are very appreciative of our performances, driving and passion. It’s nice to feel that respect from them and I like to give something back, you know.” Much of Solberg’s life is documented in the Norwegian and Swedish press, but the triple FIA World Champion, who now resides in Sweden, says that he uses that energy to good effect, even if a private life isn’t as easy as it once may have been. “It’s up to you to hide away or get attention. You can choose that yourself I think. Obviously we have a lot of people coming, especially to the workshop – a lot of fans, but everyone is welcome. We look after them and we appreciate having them on board. I think it’s a very positive thing. Think about not having anybody at all, that’s not very good. I never thought about being famous. I’ve always just gone with the flow; I never thought so much about it before it happened. I’m just living the dream and living my life. As long as I’m winning, I’m happy – no problem at all. I enjoy the fans, signing autographs when you are out having dinner or taking pictures at airports. It’s all fun.”
Despite his status, especially in Scandinavia, Solberg manages to lead a relatively quiet life in the off-season in Sweden. The PSRX team is based in Torsby, hometown of the Walfridssons, the family of Solberg’s wife, Pernilla. Swedes and Norwegians are generally not the best of friends, like fans at a derby-match in soccer. The country he lives in isn’t particularly relevant to Solberg, who is quite clearly a family man, as well as motorsport fanatic. “As long as you find a Swedish woman, they take care of you in Sweden, no problem at all,” he jokes. Pernilla was herself a successful and accomplished rally driver and now an integral part of Solberg’s life and career, which inevitably means the World RX team. “We met on the boat to Rally GB. She was a very good rally driver, but gave up her career after winning the Norwegian Championship when we had our son. She is following me and Oliver as much as she can – running the team behind the scenes and taking care of Oliver.” Solberg’s only offspring, 14-year old Oliver, competes in crosskarts in Scandinavia, and shows every sign of being as talented as his father. While Petter grew up on a farm with older brother Henning and no pressure, Oliver could feel the pressure of a three-time World Champion father, but Solberg is keen that his boy should only do what he wants to do, and that includes competing in motorsport. The test Solberg is currently returning from is that of Oliver, where Petter has been using his downtime to mechanic for his son. “I’m not telling him he
P E T T E R “ H O L LY W O O D ” S O L B E R G
should do anything. He is very independent with how he wants to do things. That’s perfect. He loves his driving and he is pushing the limit all the time. But, the most important thing is to see the smile on his face when it’s going well and of course disappointment when it’s going shit. It’s like normal for anyone. I enjoy it, testing with him is a lot of fun. Spending time with him, that’s my hobby – supporting him as much as I can with crosskart and playing rally and rallycross games. Having fun is the main thing we try to do all the time.” Family is important in Solberg’s life and as he embarks on his quest for a fourth FIA World title, it’s his extended family that he’s relying on to help him achieve that dream, in his independent team that is currently without the manufacturer support enjoyed by other outfits in the championship. “Me and the whole team are very proud of what we have done already. Of course I know how it is to be in a factory team and I’m working very hard myself to get everything together with a manufacturer for next year. But, I feel I’m in control over what we have and with our experience. We know what it takes to win and how to make a car that wins; we just try to do the same thing but even better. Many people say that their team is ‘like a family’, but that’s easy to say. We are actually a very close team, with a lot of passion. We all put the effort in to do it, my team is fantastic!” Solberg’s goalposts have moved somewhat
in the last two decades. As a teenager, growing up on a farm in Norway, his targets featured beating his older brother, Henning – himself a multiple podium finisher in the WRC, who also makes ad-hoc appearances in World RX today, to ‘everyone else’. But, Solberg hasn’t forgotten his humble beginnings. “I’m coming from a farm in Norway with nothing. Many of the young guys in motorsport have paid to get the drives and get into the top level, but I’ve never done it because I didn’t have anything, so I needed to be fast. At that time my English was not good – I didn’t speak English at all when I came into World Rally, but you learn quickly. Obviously they took me for the speed and not for the English… so that was a good thing.” Beating ‘everyone else’ isn’t easy, but Solberg has been king of that in the WRC before and in World RX over the last two years, and has been crowned as such. The growth of the FIA World Rallycross Championship is attracting big names in the form of drivers, teams and manufacturers; Loeb with Peugeot, Ken Block with Ford Performance, Volkswagen backing the Volkswagen RX Sweden squad and double DTM champion Mattias Ekstrom continuing his long relationship with Audi Sport with his own EKS World RX outfit…and that’s just a few. The man to beat in World RX 2016 is an independent entry, a 41-year old who grew up with nothing on a farm in Norway. A man nicknamed Hollywood, who is at the top of his game and is as motivated as ever to win another world title.
P E T T E R “ H O L LY W O O D ” S O L B E R G Norway’s Petter Solberg started his World Championship title defence in the best possible way by winning the Bompiso Rallycross of Portugal, the opening round of the FIA World Rallycross Championship. “I’m really happy, my team have put in countless hours working on the car in the factory recently and this win is for them,” explained Solberg. “At the end of Q2, I was seventh – I’ve been in worse positions but we had a team meeting and we made some set-up changes. Today started well but we had a faulty launch control system so I had to do a manual start. For the final, we had the same problem but actually I managed okay, sometimes the old fashioned way can work! Last year we had eight different winners throughout the season and in 2016, we have three or four extra drivers who are very capable of winning events so it’s not going to be easy that’s for sure!”
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CL A S S I C Volvo Wagon History
60 YEARS OF ES The new Volvo V90, just premiered at Geneva Motor Show, benefits from six decades of estate knowledge, starting with the Volvo Duett which was launched in 1953. It was the first car to meet the combined needs of drivers’ active leisure time and practical professional lives.
STATE HERITAGE Volvo has sold more than 6 million estates worldwide, representing around a third of the total number of Volvos sold since the company’s foundation in 1927, giving it a well-deserved reputation for designing and building the ultimate family estates.
6 0 Y E A R S O F E S TAT E H E R I TA G E
DUETT Launched in 1953, the Duett went on to become one of the most loved models ever. It was one of the first Volvos to be
exported to the United States and it was immortalised in 1997 when featured on a Swedish postage stamp.
AMAZON The Duett was followed in 1962 by the Amazon, or the 221 as it was officially known. The Amazon was a significantly more elegant and refined estate than the Duett, which had its origins as a delivery van, while it also offered more space in the boot. At the end of November 1967, Volvo presented the third variant in what was now developing into a complete car family known as the 140 Series: the Volvo 145. This design of the rear section has since become a well-known characteristic of
all Volvo estates. The Volvo 145 quickly became an extremely popular estate and played an increasingly important role within the 140 Series.
6 0 Y E A R S O F E S TAT E H E R I TA G E
1800 ES A refresh of the 1800 sports coupe, the 1800 ES was known in England as a Shooting Brake: a sporty estate with space for hunting gear or golf clubs in the back. The 1800 ES was introduced in the autumn of 1971, and its most exciting feature possibly being the huge rear windscreen that had no bezel whatsoever. Hinges and handles were fixed directly to the glass, which was very modern in the early 1970s. As only around 8,000 1800 ES were built, it has become one of the most sought-after classic Volvo models.
Volvo has been in operation since 1927. Today, Volvo Cars is one of the most well-known and respected car brands in the world with sales of 503,127 in 2015 in about 100 countries. Volvo Cars has been under the ownership of the Zhejiang Geely Holding (Geely Holding) of China since 2010. It formed part of the Swedish Volvo Group until 1999, when the company was bought by Ford Motor Company of the US. In 2010, Volvo Cars was acquired by Geely Holding.
245 In 1974, the archetypal Volvo estate car was launched: the 245 - a car still strongly associated with the brand. It remained in production for almost 20 years until 1993, and was also available in a more exclusive
edition - the 265 with a V6 engine. The 1980s marked the launch of the 245 Turbo edition, the world’s first estate car with a turbo engine.
6 0 Y E A R S O F E S TAT E H E R I TA G E 850 T5-R With its intense yellow paint job, 240 horsepower and acceleration of 0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds, the Volvo 850 T5-R was an estate car like no other ever seen before. Launched as a limited edition, model year 1994-only version of the 850, the T5-R became an instant collector’s item.
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G L O B A L N E WS Top Marques Monaco 2016
The eclipse of the dreams
Top Marques Monaco, the world’s ultimate luxury car show, “eclipsed the dreams” of its organizers’ in terms of innovation and sales. Approximately 42,000 visitors attended the 13th edition of Top Marques
THE ECLIPSE OF THE DREAMS
Manoj The “vintage style” FF Berlinetta by Frigerio Automobili
Bairstow, co-owner of the Monaco auto show, said the 13th edition had been the event’s “best one yet”, with an unprecedented number of sales both in the Supercar Hall and Watches Pavilion. “The 2016 edition of Top Marques Monaco eclipsed our dreams in terms of innovation and sales, and we were delighted with the number of visitors the show attracted,” said Mr Bairstow, speaking on behalf of his partners Steven Saltzman and Mederic del Monaco. “It is always extremely hard to quantify the success of the show, but we know that there were an enormous number of sales carried out by our watch and jewellery exhibitors, as well as upstairs in the Supercar Hall. One exhibitor for example sold a piece of jewellery for 350,000 euro whilst another watch exhibitor sold four watches in one day. In the Ravel, a number of sales were confirmed and one manufacturer managed to sell one of his supercars before the show even opened through publicity surrounding the show,” Mr Bairstow added. “Our figures show that on the first three days a record number of tickets were sold, which is no mean feat. We would like to thank all our sponsors including the Edmond de Rothschild Group for their support in the run-up to, and during the show, as well as all our exhibitors – and of course, the public for turning up!” Approximately 42,000 visitors attended the 13th edition of Top Marques, which opened to the first ever public flight of the ArcaBoard, a ‘flying carpet’ which designers had brought all the way from New Mexico to launch at the show. The 11,000-mile round trip was well worth it, according to Dumitru Popescu, who sold two ArcaBoards in the first two days of the show for a price of $14,900.
THE ECLIPSE OF THE DREAMS
Enjoy the “flying carpet” ArcaBoard
The super-beautiful Mazzanti Evantra “hand-made in Tuscany”
“Top Marques Monaco allowed us to use press and marketing that would have been impossible to reach in another other forum. We are delighted with the way in which our product has been received and would like to thank the Top Marques team for their warm welcome.” Other highlights of the show were the Martin Jetpack, a personal jetpack which will come on to the international market later this year. Mike Tournier, from New Zealand-based Martin Aircraft Company, said: “Top Marques has been an exceptional event for Martin Aircraft Company. It has proved beyond doubt that there is a real appetite for innovative, stylish and exciting new means of private transportation.
The Icona Vulcano entilery made in titanium
THE ECLIPSE OF THE DREAMS We had a lot of interest during the show, particularly from HNWIs, and it has been very fruitful for us. There was a particular interest from superyacht owners who were talking about rearranging their deck space to make room for a Martin Jetpack.” In the Supercar Hall it was impossible to pick out a winner with supercars and luxury vehicles for every taste – but perhaps not every budget. Highlights included the already know and successful Mazzanti Evantra, the striking looking Icona Vulcano, the world’s first ever supercar carved entirely out of titanium and the Arrow by Apollo, a vivid orange supercar which proved popular with car spotters. Top Marques Monaco has become an important event for supercar enthusiasts from all over the world, with hundreds lining the street to watch the test drives organized throughout the show. This year, more than 1,000 VIP guests and journalists were taken for a test drive on a privatized section of the F.1 Grand Prix circuit, with a number of direct sales resulting from this unique selling point of the show. Next year’s Top Marques Monaco will take place from April 20th to 23rd 2017.
The astonishing Martin Jetpack
For more information visit: www.topmarquesmonaco.com
Do you like an orange car?...Apollo Arrow
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G L O B A L N E WS The Infiniti Q50
BMW, RENAULT, INFINITI…
NEW STARS OF THE MONROE UNIVERSE Monroe Intelligent Suspension is designed to respond to changing road conditions within milliseconds and adapt the ride to the driver’s preference for a more dynamic or comfort ride.
ADVERTORIAL
Tenneco
recently announced that it is supplying its Monroe® Intelligent Suspension as part of the Adaptive M Suspension option on the new BMW 3 Series. According to BMW Group, the continuously variable semi-active (CVSAe) dampers in the Adaptive M Suspension system help balance uneven roads and terrain vibrations in the comfort setting, while tighter damper settings in the sport setting create a more dynamic feel. The sport plus setting allows drivers to master tight, precise turns and higher cornering speeds. Drivers can alternate between suspension settings by pressing the “Driving Experience” control button. Sensors on the CVSAe dampers and the steering system continuously transmit data about the condition of the road and the driving situation to an on-board computer, which then adjusts the dampers in real time to get best performance in each of the three selected suspension settings.Today, Tenneco supplies CVSAe dampers to BMW for its 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series and X3 models. Tenneco is also supplying the elegant Renault Talisman with its continuously variable semi-active suspension, part of the company’s Monroe® Intelligent Suspension portfolio of original equipment advanced technologies. The Talisman provides what Renault calls a personalized driving experience via its Multi-Sense technology, which offers drivers the choice of comfort, sport, eco, neutral and perso modes. Tenneco’s CVSAe technology is available as an option within Renault’s Multi-Sense system, allowing drivers to select outstanding ride comfort or dynamic, agile handling for a sportier ride. The Talisman model offers a shortcut button to switch instantly between the comfort and sport modes.
N E W S TA R S O F T H E M O N R O E U N I V E R S E
Monroe ambassador AndrÊ Lotterer during a WEC race with his Audi LMP1 Photo Audi Sport, Ferdi Kräling
“Our Monroe® Intelligent Suspension portfolio offers our OE customers a choice of advanced technologies that can be seamlessly integrated into their vehicle control systems to help deliver a superior driving experience,” said Enrique Orta, Tenneco senior vice president, Ride Performance. “We are delighted that Renault has chosen Monroe® Intelligent Suspension for this innovative new compact, executive sedan with its combination of four-wheel steering and semi-active suspension.” The Talisman is the second model in the Renault range to feature Monroe® Intelligent Suspension. In 2014, Renault launched CVSAe on its new Espace. Finally has to be pointed out that Infiniti also is launching Tenneco´s continuously variable semi-active suspension technology on its 2016 Q50 sedan and all-new Q60 coupe as part of the vehicle’s Dynamic Digital
The Renault Talisman
Suspension system (DSS). The Infiniti DSS system gives drivers the option of adjusting the feel and handling of their ride by selecting comfort, sport or sport plus driving modes. CVSAe adjusts to changing road conditions in real time. It continuously senses the road and driving conditions and adjusts the suspension within milliseconds, offering enhanced ride comfort with outstanding dynamic response. “We are delighted to add Infiniti, a global premium brand, to our growing list of customers who want to partner with Tenneco to differentiate their ride performance with advanced electronic suspension systems,” said Enrique Orta. “Our Monroe® Intelligent Suspension portfolio continues to gain traction with the world’s vehicle manufacturers with a full range of electronic technology options.” Infiniti is the first Japanese luxury brand to choose CVSAe dampers.
N E W S TA R S O F T H E M O N R O E U N I V E R S E
CVSAe is part of the Monroe® Intelligent Suspension portfolio, which includes adaptive suspension solutions (Dual Mode) for compact cars and semi-active solutions with external valve (CVSAe), internal valve (CVSAi) and two independent valves (CVSA2) for mid-range and higher-end cars. The portfolio also includes CVSA2/Kinetic® and ACOCAR® active suspension solutions for premium luxury cars, high-end sports cars and SUVs with off-road capability. Tenneco’s CVSAe dampers are engineered at Tenneco Innovación, Ermua, Spain and produced at the company’s advanced manufacturing facility, also in Ermua.
Tenneco is an $8.2 billion global manufacturing company with headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois and approximately 30,000 employees worldwide. Tenneco is one of the world’s largest designers, manufacturers and marketers of clean air and ride performance products and systems for automotive, commercial truck and off-highway original equipment markets and the aftermarket. Tenneco’s principal brand names are Monroe®, Walker®, XNOx® and Clevite®Elastomer.
The new BMW 330e
for more information visit monroeintelligentsuspension.com
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G L O B A L N E WS Shell unveils ultra energy efficient concept car
THE TANGIBLE PROOF
Independent testing and a rigorous life-cycle study shows that Shell’s Concept Car would deliver a 34% reduction in primary energy use over its entire lifecycle when compared to a typical city car. The Shell Concept Car would use around half the energy required to build and run than a typical small family car available in the UK and 69% less than that of a typical sports utility vehicle available in the UK
T H E TA N G I B L E P R O O F
Shell
has recently unveiled a concept city car which, if it were ever to go into production, could deliver material reductions in energy use in the road transport sector. This three seater car is tangible proof of energy efficiency improvements that can be achieved by using cutting edge technology available today through a process of “co-engineering” whereby vehicle body, engine design and lubricants are all created together The Shell Concept Car is a total rethink of the Gordon Murray Design T.25 city car produced in 2010 for which Shell produced a prototype oil to improve the vehicle’s energy efficiency. The new car is the result of a coengineering collaboration between world leading vehicle, engine and lubricant designers, with each of the three elements of the vehicle tailored to work optimally with each other. The car’s gasoline consumption has been measured using a range of vehicle testing protocols covering both steady state and urban driving styles. Sample test results include a steady state consumption of 107 miles per gallon [2.64Litres per 100km] [38km/Litres] [89.1 miles per gallon US] at 70kmph/45mph and an improvement of 4.67g CO2/km on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) from the use of bespoke lubricants, equivalent to a 5% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to standard lubricants available in the UK. Mark Gainsborough, Executive Vice-President of Shell’s global lubricants businesses which backed the project said: “This is a significant automobile engineering milestone. I’m very proud of what Shell’s scientists and their partners at Geo Technology and Gordon Murray Design have achieved. Insights gai-
ned from this project could be transformational in terms of how we address energy use in the road transport sector. Energy use and climate change are major issues for society. This project shows that if we use the best of today’s technology, including cutting edge lubricants science, we could potentially have a major impact on energy use and reduce CO2 emissions.” The Shell Concept Car was independently tested at a UK certified automotive testing facility alongside a range of other cars under comparable conditions to measure fuel economy and CO2 emissions. In the formal NEDC test the Shell Concept Car produced lower CO2 emissions than both a typical petrol-powered city car (28%) and a hybrid car (32%). Shell provided all the fluids for the car, specially ‘designing’ the motor oil to complement and enhance the overall efficiency of the vehicle, principally by minimising friction. Shell’s Lubricants technology team created bespoke engine oil, based on its premium product Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology. In parallel, engine guru Osamu Goto’s group at Geo Technology optimised the three cylinder petrol engine by re-designing and optimising many of the internal engine components
associated with friction. On the cold portion of the NEDC, these fluids reduced CO2 emissions by 7.1% and on the combined cycle by 5.0%, compared to standard lubricants available in the UK, again highlighting the value of co-designing engine and fluids. Built around Gordon Murray Design’s patented iStream® platform, the Shell Concept Car represents a radical rethink on the way in which cars are designed, developed and produced. It combines cutting-edge lightweight technology – the car weighs just 550kg – and is built using carefully chosen materials which have a low energy and CO2 footprint. Gordon Murray’s experiences in Formula One™ racing have been used to develop the car, particularly its crashworthiness and lightness. From a styling perspective, the Shell Concept Car offers a new take on the ‘tall and narrow’ look, and dials up the fun factor with its sporty central driving position and two passenger seats behind. The design produces an extremely novel seating arrangement allowing three people to be carried despite the car’s diminutive exterior dimensions and gives it a turning circle smaller than that of a London taxi, making it ideal for urban driving.
T H E TA N G I B L E P R O O F
Gordon Murray Design has built a global reputation as one of the ‘finest automotive design teams in the world’ and was established in 2007 to develop an innovative and disruptive manufacturing technology trademarked iStream®. Gordon Murray Design’s first milestone was the T.25 – a proof-ofconcept for the futuristic vision of urban mobility. When it made its debut in mid-2010, the petrol-powered T.25 instantly redefined traditional weight, footprint, safety, usability and efficiency parameters using Gordon Murray Design’s patented iStream® with its innovative use of Formula 1TM technology, simplified for cost for the everyday motorist. Together with the all-electric T.27 that followed in mid-2011, the T.25 was central to both the development and validation of GMD’s ground-breaking iStream® production process.
T H E TA N G I B L E P R O O F
A number of the car’s components were created using 3D printing to accelerate the construction of this prototype vehicle. The car also uses recycled carbon fibre for its body that can be assembled for a quarter of the price of a conventional steel car and almost the entire car can be recycled at the end of its life. The car makes use of a modified version of Shell’s Drive App via a smartphone. This App provides the driver with real time feedback via an on-screen graphic which emphasizes the fact that fuel consumption is highly dependent on driver’s behaviour.
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