Motoring December 2019 by The Malta Independent

IN THIS ISSUE: JUSTIFY NOTHING. ESPECIALLY NOT YOUR FREEDOM, THE NEW MERCEDES-BENZ B-CLASS | INSIDER REPORT - CAR DESIGN IS RAPIDLY EVOLVING INSIDE AND OUT | JAGUAR XE REIMS EDITION PAYS HOMAGE TO MOTORSPORT HISTORY | LAND ROVER UK INTRODUCES THE RANGE ROVER VELAR R-DYNAMIC BLACK LIMITED EDITION | NEW MCLAREN 620R SETS THE PACE AS ROAD-LEGAL VERSION OF MCLAREN GT4 RACE CAR | NISSAN LEAF BECOMES SPARKLING NISSAN CHRISTMAS TREE, POWERED BY REGENERATIVE ENERGY

The Malta Independent on Sunday. December 2019

JUSTIFY NOTHING. ESPECIALLY NOT YOUR FREEDOM

THE NEW MERCEDES-BENZ B-CLASS

INSIDER REPORT

CAR DESIGN IS RAPIDLY EVOLVING INSIDE AND OUT

Mercedes EQC

AS THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY UNDERGOES MASSIVE CHANGES, IT IS ALSO USHERING IN NEW FRONTIERS FOR DESIGN – FROM MATERIALS TO MANUFACTURING EXECUTION. BY SIDDHARTH VINAYAK PATANKAR

t can be said that design is more important to manufacturers, is at its most evocative and imaginative, and is also more crucial to consumers today than ever before. Yes, that generalises and by no means is meant to trivialise the journey that car design has seen since the first cars were sketched on paper. It is, after all, a time when the most diverse materials are being used to style and shape exterior and interior design today. From carbon fibre in body panels, to magnesium in gearboxes, to hemp-based fibres in car interiors – every aspect of design, be it styling or engineering design – is now at its most diverse. Designers are also working more closely than ever with their engineering counterparts – to help achieve impossible targets on aerodynamics, weight reduction, performance and comfort. This has also increasingly become true as the vehicles themselves are changing more dramatically and more quickly than ever before. There was a time, not so long ago, when any manufacturer would almost intentionally ensure that its ‘green’ car model – hybrid, electric, fuel cell, or other – would necessarily be designed to ‘look different’. Think of the early Toyota Prius and the cars its success spawned – from the first Honda Insight to the

VW T-Cross 02 motoring | December 2019

recent Hyundai Ioniq. But as electrics and hybrids get better on performance and ‘regular car’ attributes, so are their designs evolving to becoming more mainstream. Several design bosses privately agree that their boards do not need the EV to look like the flag bearer of their green efforts. Consumers now seem to prefer being seduced by attractive design – regardless of what propels the vehicle. As an example, take the first generation Nissan Leaf (2010) and then compare it to the second generation (2018). The first electric from Mercedes-Benz and a World Luxury Car nominee this year, the EQC is illustrates the same point. It maintains a similar profile to its sibling – the GLC – from which it is derived in some senses. But while its one thing to look ubiquitous or mainstream, to help win consumers over, there are also some inherent advantages an electric car provides from a design standpoint. You don't need to worry about having a large engine ‘up front’, or a transmission tunnel, and then there’s the centre of gravity advantage by housing the battery pack in the car’s floor. This change is now freeing designers to really start with a blank sheet of paper, unless the brand specifically wants to maintain

a certain silhouette or family look. So, while the latter may be claimed true in the case of the Audi e-tron, look at how Jaguar’s first electric, the IPace – World Car and World Car Design of the Year 2019 – has been shaped. Every bit the sibling of the FPace and other Jaguars in the face, its big USP is freeing up space to provide a roomy cabin, while maintaining a relatively compact footprint. But while electrics are opening up a new paradigm for automotive design, they are also providing interesting challenges to ensure that even the so-called conventional cars can slip in electrification – either as a variant or future strategy for the OEM. Cars like the Kia Soul EV illustrate that point emphatically. It is every bit the Soul in its visual character, and yet a smart and efficient urban EV underneath the skin. Kia is also getting a lot of attention for its Seltos and Telluride SUVs this year. The latter celebrates a conventional SUV silhouette and yet provides modern form and context. Its cousin – the Hyundai Palisade goes in a different direction, playing up new themes like slim LED lighting elements. Significant SUV design action comes also from the Mercedes-Benz GLB, which steps out of the brand’s SUV design mould, Mazda’s compact little CX30, the Cadillac XT6, Range Rover Evoque, the DS 3 and 7 Crossback, Ford Kuga/Escape, Peugeot 2008, Renault Captur, Skoda Kamiq, and VW T-Cross. The latter is also getting a lot of attention for use of colour in everything from wheels to seat and dash highlights. In fact, colour is becoming very much the playground of many OEMs, with many also choosing accessorisation or customisation as a way to attract their buyers. Contrasting roofs and ambient lighting are becoming par for the course nowadays, right? Of course the sedans and hatchbacks are also well represented. Think of the Hyundai Sonata’s LED signature lights travelling up its hood, the Mazda3’s swooping hood, the Cadillac CT5’s aggression, or the evocative expression of the new Toyota GR Supra. There is a diverse offering – and the list of World Car nominees is even longer than the cars mentioned here! All of this finally leads to the fact that most of these trends are no longer the preserve of either the luxury set nor the developed markets alone. As the pressure to keep sales going is more and more apparent, car makers are rushing new trends and ideas to market – every market – worldwide. So it will be an interesting design horizon going forward. And for 2020 we can promise you our design panel has its hands full to whittle it down and bring our 86 jurors a carefully curated list of shortlisted design finalists that will vie for the World Car Design of the Year, 2020.

JAGUAR XE REIMS EDITION PAYS HOMAGE TO MOTORSPORT HISTORY

• JAGUAR HAS REVEALED THE NEW XE REIMS EDITION, EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE IN THE UK AND LIMITED TO JUST 200 UNITS • THE XE REIMS EDITION MARKS THE RETURN OF FRENCH RACING BLUE PAINT TO JAGUAR’S RANGE; PREVIOUSLY ONLY USED ON JAGUAR’S MOST EXTREME MODELS, THE XKR-S AND XFR-S • NAMED IN HONOUR OF THE FAMOUS REIMS-GEUX CIRCUIT IN NORTHERN FRANCE AT WHICH THE JAGUAR D-TYPE TOOK ITS MAIDEN VICTORY IN 1954, THE REIMS EDITION ALSO FEATURES A HOST OF ADDITIONAL FEATURES

he Jaguar legend has been built atop extreme performance cars and heroic ontrack victories. The latest special edition Jaguar XE Reims Edition pays homage to both, with a name inspired by perhaps the most iconic Jaguar racing car of all time, and an appearance that mimics two of the most hardcore Jaguar road cars ever built.

The Jaguar XE Reims Edition celebrates the Jaguar D-Type’s maiden victory in 1954 at the 12-hours of Reims, piloted by Ken Wharton and Peter Whitehead completing over 2,000km at an average speed of 105mph. Commemorating this momentous victory, the JaguarDaimler Heritage Trust has fitted a plaque on the preserved Jaguar branded pit on the disused Reims-Geux circuit in the Champagne region in France.

In recent Jaguar history, cars that wore the famous French Racing Blue paint were the most extreme – the limited XKR-S and XFR-S are two examples – but for now, it makes a return on the limited XE Reims Edition. The XE Reims Edition will be the first of a series of ‘Jaguar Factory Specials’; limited production run vehicles with bespoke features and details overlaid on the current awardwinning vehicle range.

Offered exclusively with the 2.0-litre Ingenium petrol (P250) engine in R-Dynamic S guise, every Jaguar XE Reims Edition is fitted with a number of bespoke and standardised options. Each of the 200 units will be painted in French Racing Blue, with a number of unique contrasting elements including a black contrast roof, black mirror caps, black sill inserts and fitted with 19-inch, five split-spoke, gloss black alloys.

Options that have been standardised include privacy glass, exterior Black Pack that includes gloss black grille with gloss black surround, gloss black side window surrounds and gloss black side vents, badge deletion, heated seats and Cold Climate pack that includes heated windscreen, heated steering wheel, and headlight washers. All 200 of the limited run XE Reims Editions will enjoy the myriad of upgrades that were added to the new XE, featuring an enhanced exterior design, allnew luxurious interior delivering more comfort, quality and connectivity for occupants and advanced technologies as standard. These include all-LED headlights, Apple CarPlay, a rear parking camera and front rear parking aids.

LAND ROVER UK INTRODUCES THE RANGE ROVER VELAR R-DYNAMIC BLACK LIMITED EDITION he Jaguar legend has been built atop extreme performance cars and heroic on-track victories. The latest special edition Jaguar XE Reims Edition pays homage to both, with a name inspired by perhaps the most iconic Jaguar racing car of all time, and an appearance that mimics two of the most hardcore Jaguar road cars ever built. The Jaguar XE Reims Edition celebrates the Jaguar D-Type’s maiden victory in 1954 at the 12-hours of Reims, piloted by Ken Wharton and Peter Whitehead completing over 2,000km at an average speed of 105mph. Commemorating this momentous victory, the Jaguar-Daimler Heritage Trust has fitted a plaque on the preserved Jaguar branded pit on the disused Reims-Geux circuit in the Champagne region in France. In recent Jaguar history, cars that wore

the famous French Racing Blue paint were the most extreme – the limited XKR-S and XFR-S are two examples – but for now, it makes a return on the limited XE Reims Edition.The XE Reims Edition will be the first of a series of ‘Jaguar Factory Specials’; limited production run vehicles with bespoke features and details overlaid on the current award-winning vehicle range. Offered exclusively with the 2.0-litre Ingenium petrol (P250) engine in R-

Dynamic S guise, every Jaguar XE Reims Edition is fitted with a number of bespoke and standardised options. Each of the 200 units will be painted in French Racing Blue, with a number of unique contrasting elements including a black contrast roof, black mirror caps, black sill inserts and fitted with 19-inch, five split-spoke, gloss black alloys. Options that have been standardised include privacy glass, exterior Black Pack that includes gloss black grille with gloss black surround, gloss black side window surrounds and gloss black side vents, badge

deletion, heated seats and Cold Climate pack that includes heated windscreen, heated steering wheel, and headlight washers. All 200 of the limited run XE Reims Editions will enjoy the myriad of upgrades that were added to the new XE, featuring an enhanced exterior design, all-new luxurious interior delivering more comfort, quality and connectivity for occupants and advanced technologies as standard. These include all-LED headlights, Apple CarPlay, a rear parking camera and front rear parking aids. December 2019 | motoring 03

NEW MCLAREN 620R SET PACE AS ROAD-LEGAL VER OF MCLAREN GT4 RACE C • LIMITED-EDITION, COMPETITION-INSPIRED COUPÉ JOINS MCLAREN SPORTS SERIES • ROAD-LEGAL VERSION OF A RACE CAR, BORN FROM SUCCESSFUL MCLAREN 570S GT4; MAXIMISES DEPLOYMENT OF MOTORSPORT TECHNOLOGY FREE FROM RESTRICTION OF RACING REGULATIONS • ULTRA-DESIRABLE AND ULTRARARE: JUST 350 WILL BE MADE, ALL HAND-ASSEMBLED IN WOKING, UK • THE MOST POWERFUL CAR IN THE MCLAREN SPORTS SERIES, WITH 620PS AND 620NM FROM 3.8-LITRE TWINTURBOCHARGED V8 ENGINE • SHARES AERODYNAMIC HARDWARE AND CHASSIS COMPONENTS OF 570S GT4 – OFFERING RACE CAR PERFORMANCE AND FEEL, AND FASTEST LAP TIME OF ANY SPORTS SERIES MODEL • DEVELOPS TOTAL OF 185KG OF DOWNFORCE ACROSS THE AERODYNAMIC BODYWORK AT 250KM/H • OPTIONAL TRACK-ONLY, BESPOKE PIRELLI SLICK TYRES AVAILABLE TO OPTIMISE MECHANICAL GRIP – STANDARD TYRE IS ROADLEGAL PIRELLI P ZERO TROFEO R TYRE • CARBON CERAMIC BRAKES, CENTRE LOCKING WHEELS AND LOW-EXIT STAINLESS STEEL SPORTS EXHAUST • LOWERED SUSPENSION WITH WIDER TRACK; MANUALLY ADJUSTABLE GT4 DAMPERS • LIGHTWEIGHT INTERIOR WITH CARBON FIBRE RACING SEATS, 6-POINT RACING HARNESSES AND ROAD SEAT BELTS • CHOICE OF THREE MCLAREN RACING COLOURS – MCLAREN ORANGE, SILICA WHITE AND ONYX BLACK – ALL WITH GT4 RACE LIVERY AS STANDARD; MCLAREN SENNA GTRINSPIRED LIVERY ALSO AVAILABLE • OTHER BODY COLOURS AND BESPOKE DETAILING AVAILABLE THROUGH MCLAREN SPECIAL OPERATIONS (MSO) • FIRST DELIVERIES FROM FEBRUARY 2020 04 motoring | December 2019

cLaren today announces the 620R, the first car in its class to offer true motorsport credentials in a fully road-legal package. The limited-edition coupé – just 350 will be built – evolves the competition specification of the McLaren 570S GT4 to deliver a race-car experience on either track or road. “The McLaren 570S GT4 is a first-class GT race car that having won races in every championship it has competed in since its first appearance in 2017 is attracting an increasing number of customer racing teams. Now, in response to repeated customer requests, we have homologated that class-leading package for the road in the new McLaren 620R, a limited-edition, 620PS superlight coupé that is the perfect choice for an enthusiast wanting an authentic motorsport driving sensation – and performance to match – on both track and road.” Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive. McLaren has enjoyed significant GT race success with Customer Racing teams and in recent seasons the 570S GT4 has been instrumental in adding to that record of success. Since the customer debut in 2017, the car has become the most successful GT race car built by McLaren, achieving more race wins and podiums than any other to date; in 2019, the 570S GT4 has competed in championships on four continents. Now, as the ultimate trackfocused, track-ready but roadgoing McLaren Sports Series model, the McLaren 620R – a car destined to be both rare and collectable, thanks to its strictly limited production run – celebrates the achievements of the 570S GT4. The McLaren 620R is a unique proposition, delivering a pure motorsport experience in a road car with authenticity: it looks like a race car, handles like a race car, performs like a race car and feels like a race car. The result overall is a seamless transition from race to road – and vice versa. Exclusive and extreme in equal measure, the McLaren 620R retains the DNA of a fully homologated track car yet is free from the restrictions that race

regulations apply. A high level of commonality with a 570S GT4 race car has been integral to the development of the 620R from very outset. They have the same, single-piece carbon fibre Monocell II chassis providing the foundations for the strength and light weight of the car, with a targeted lightest dry weight of 1,282kg. This carbon fibre core – a McLaren signature that in different guises features in every car in the company’s range – also underpins the dynamic precision and composure for which McLarens are renowned. These characteristics have been enhanced in the 620R by the inclusion of the GT4’s adjustable aerodynamic elements, race-derived suspension components and powertrain recalibration to increase power and performance. The 620R has the same M838TE 3.8litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine used in the GT4 car, but with a significant difference in power output; freedom from racing regulations has allowed the engine ECU and turbocharger management to be reconfigured to achieve 620PS (610bhp), making this the most powerful Sports Series car yet. The engine also develops torque of 620Nm (457lb ft) and even with lap times more important than sheer top speed, the combined outputs helps to deliver benchmark performance figures of 0100km/h (62mph) in 2.9 seconds and 0200km/h (124mph) in 8.1 seconds. Maximum speed is 322km/h (200mph). The use of stiffer powertrain mounts reduces drivetrain forces under acceleration, minimising the effect of inertia under high load, while the 7speed Seamless Shift Gearbox (SSG) delivers super-fast shift times, further aided in Track model by McLaren’s Inertia Push technology, which converts built-up flywheel energy into a momentary burst of torque on upshift. For added drama on the road the driver can select Sport mode and hear the upshift ‘crack’ created by a split-second cut of the ignition spark during a gearshift. Fitment of the GT4’s two-way manually adjustable coilover motorsport dampers, which feature 32 clicks of adjustment per corner to allow a driver to tailor

compression and rebound rates to suit their driving style and track conditions, adds to the 620R’s motorsport credentials. The dampers also help to bring weight down overall, being more than 6kg lighter than the regular Sports Series units. The suspension which features lightweight aluminium wishbones and uprights and stiffer anti-roll bars and springs than fitted on a regular Sports Series model, is further enhanced by swapping rubber top mounts for solid stainless steel alternatives to provide noticeable improvements in steering control and feedback, above and beyond the very high standards enjoyed in all McLaren cars. Stopping power comes from McLaren’s latest lightweight braking system, which in the track-focused set-up on the new

TS THE RSION CAR

620R comprises carbon ceramic discs (390mm front, 380mm rear) and forged aluminium brake calipers all round, with improved pedal response, modularity and resistance to fade even after repeated hard-driven circuit laps. The braking performance is unsurprisingly also extremely impressive on the road, where the 620R runs as standard with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tyres, but drivers who swap to the optional, full-slick motorsport tyres when they arrive on circuit will experience a whole new level of braking. Specially developed for McLaren by Pirelli’s Motorsport team, the slick tyres are optimised to complement the motorsport brakes and race-derived suspension of the 620R. They unlock a contact patch 8% larger than that of the road tyre, increasing lateral G-forces and enabling quicker lap times.

This is the first time that a road-legal car with 19-inch front wheels and 20-inch rear wheels has been engineered to be able to run on slick tyres without the need for additional mechanical adjustment. This means that if weather conditions allow, owners can on arrival at a circuit either fit a second set of wheels or change tyres and go straight out on track without further delay. High levels of mechanical grip are an essential part of the 620R’s track parentage, but it is the car’s aerodynamic performance that elevates it to the status of a road-legal GT4 racer. The adjustable carbon fibre rear wing is the same component fitted to the 570S GT4. Raised 32cm (12.5in) into the cleaner airflow above the vehicle to increase downforce while minimising drag, the wing is road legal thanks to its newly incorporated third brake light. Customers will receive their cars with the wing set to the least aggressive of its three available angles, optimising front/rear balance for road driving. The more aggressive angles – which can be set by a McLaren retailer – increase rear downforce still further, contributing to a maximum of 185kg (408lbs) and enabling even quicker circuitrunning. While the rear wing quite literally stands out as an obvious distinguishing feature on the 620R, it is not the only component adapted from the GT4’s aggressive track specification to meet road homologation standards. The front bumper, splitter and bonnet have been redesigned – the splitter retaining pronounced aero blades and cut-out – while the carbon fibre bonnet has twin nostrils to aid downforce and clean up the airflow over the top of the car. Downforce at the front of the car is further increased by dive planes that create vortices of low-pressure air at track level and help accelerate airflow along the

car’s sides, as well as significantly aiding brake-cooling. The dive planes contribute up to 30kg (66lbs) of downforce as part of the 65kg (143lbs) delivered by the full frontal aero package. The performance, feel, feedback and handling characteristics of the 620R will leave a driver in no doubt that it is a race car at heart, but there are other obvious clues that are apparent before the engine is even started. The interior clearly and immediately stands out as track-inspired any GT4 race driver will feel instantly at home. As with any serious circuit car, it is as much about what has been stripped out as what has been included - the 620R does not have a floor carpet or a glovebox. Airconditioning, IRIS Navigation and an audio system are also missing from the standard specification, although all can be selected at no additional cost. A lightweight Bowers & Wilkins upgraded audio system is also available, as a cost option. Driver and passenger are secured in super-lightweight carbon fibre racing seats by six-point racing harnesses, fitted as standard. Key ‘track touchpoints’ include the red 12 o’clock mark on the steering wheel and door pull straps to aid door closure when a driver is held in place by the harnesses. Structural carbon fibre elements such as extended shift paddles, steering wheel spokes and centre console enhance the sense of being in the cabin of a race car. A McLaren Track Telemetry (MTT) system is standard and is displayed on a centre-mounted 7-inch touchscreen. If buyers specify the optional MSO Roof Scoop Upgrade Pack, which features the striking scoop first seen on a Sports Series at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2018, the MTT system can be upgraded to include the three-camera system that is also available as a standalone option. Each 620R features a dedication plaque

on the centre console with numerical identification (1 of 350; 2 of 350, etc). As with every McLaren road car, each 620R can be configured to be distinctively individual. Single elements, for example the colour of the brake calipers, can be chosen as a solus specification; alternatively, buyers can opt for upgrade packs such as the Gloss Finish Visual Carbon Fibre Exterior Pack, which adds visual drama to everything from the side intakes to the door mirror casings. McLaren Special Operations (MSO) provides further personalisation choices, with a range of MSO Defined Exterior options that includes a titanium SuperSports Exhaust with Nano Black Exhaust Finisher and MSO Defined interior upgrades that incorporate a choice of harness colour. All three exterior colours available as standard on the 620R are inspired by GT4 race cars – McLaren Orange (with white racing stripes), Silica White (orange stripes) or Onyx Black (orange stripes) – and each can be optioned with race number decals and/or partner decals. Further body colours are available in the MSO line-build palette. An even more exclusive decal livery inspired by the McLaren Senna GTR is also available. 620R production will be limited to just 350 customer orders, all hand-built at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, Surrey. Production will begin in January, with each car costing from £250,000 including taxes (UK); for buyers purchasing in Europe and the USA, the price includes a Pure McLaren Track Day, with expert driving tuition at a race circuit. To discover more about the new McLaren 620R ‘road-legal GT4 race car’, customers can go to https://cars.mclaren.com/en/latest/post/mclar en-620R or contact a McLaren retailer. December 2019 | motoring 05

DRIVING OHM FOR CHRISTMAS – NISSAN LEAF BECOMES SPARKLING NISSAN CHRISTMAS TREE, POWERED BY REGENERATIVE ENERGY

• THE BEST-SELLING NISSAN LEAF ELECTRIC VEHICLE TRANSFORMS ITSELF INTO A NISSAN TREE • THE CHRISTMAS CAR FEATURES A SPECTACULAR FESTIVE LIGHT DISPLAY, POWERED ENTIRELY BY ITS OWN REGENERATIVE BRAKING ENERGY SYSTEM THROUGH E-PEDAL AND B MODE • INNOVATIVE NISSAN E-PEDAL AND B MODE REGENERATE ENERGY UNDER BRAKING AND DECELERATION, EXTENDING THE VEHICLE’S DRIVING RANGE • ENERGY REGENERATED THROUGH DRIVING THE NISSAN LEAF FOR 11,000 MILES REPRESENTS 20% OF THE OVERALL DOMESTIC ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION OF AN AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD FOR ONE YEAR.

issan will be dashing through the snow this Christmas with a bright festive Nissan LEAF powered by its own regenerated energy. To bring Christmas cheer while celebrating the power of regenerative energy, the special one-off vehicle sees the Nissan LEAF transformed into a Nissan (Christmas) TREE. Decked out in a spectacular light display, the Nissan TREE showcases the way the electric car regenerates power when braking or decelerating. Two driving functions provide energy regeneration in the Nissan LEAF. The Nissan LEAF e-Pedal allows the driver to start, accelerate, decelerate and stop

using only the accelerator pedal. The ePedal also helps the car harvest energy via regenerative braking. This works by recycling the energy from the movement of the car during braking or deceleration, which then goes straight back to the batteries, where it is used to recharge the cells. Meanwhile, B mode is a driving function that regenerates energy under braking, with drivers using the traditional brake pedal as normal.

Let it glow, let it glow, let it glow Fitted with thousands of LEDs, shimmery baubles and a reindeer, the car

is brighter than Rudolph’s nose. The sparkling display reminds sustainablyminded drivers about the energy generation made possible through owning an electric vehicle. In fact, the average Nissan LEAF driver regenerates 744kWh* of clean energy if they drive 11,000 miles. This energy saving is equivalent to 20% of the overall domestic electricity consumption of an average household. Nissan LEAF drivers would generate enough energy to power up**: • 266 Christmas trees with 700 incandescent lights for a full hour of joy • 297 ovens for one hour to cook your Christmas dinner • 744 televisions for five hours to watch

your favourite Christmas movies • 10,783 houses with 1,000 LED lights for five hours “Santa shouldn’t be the only one with a festive mode of transport. We wanted to make the Nissan LEAF more fun at this time of year whilst driving home a very important message,” said Helen Perry, head of electric vehicles for Nissan Europe. “We hope this custom-made vehicle inspires people about the benefits of regenerative energy. After nearly ten years since LEAF was first introduced in Europe, Nissan continues to be fully focused on providing consumers a more sustainable lifestyle through electric mobility.”

MOPAR LAUNCHES HERITAGE PARTS RANGE FOR LANCIA DELTA INTEGRALE • MOPAR, WITH FIAT CHRYSLER AUTOMOBILES HERITAGE, IS LAUNCHING A HERITAGE PARTS RANGE DEDICATED TO CLASSIC CARS • FIRST COMPONENTS AVAILABLE FOCUS ON LANCIA DELTA INTEGRALE AND INTEGRALE EVOLUZIONE • PARTS ARE CREATED THROUGH THE USE OF ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT FOUND AT SAN BENIGNO PLANT • ALL PARTS CAN BE PURCHASED VIA AUTHORISED FCA RETAILERS OR THE MOPAR E-STORE 06 motoring | December 2019

MOPAR, alongside FCA Heritage, is enriching its genuine parts range by launching a heritage parts department dedicated to its classic cars, thanks to the tracing of original equipment. Beginning with one of the icons of FCA history, the first parts available focus on Lancia Delta Integrale and Integrale Evoluzione. Unlike alternative options, which include using rarely-available original parts or fibreglass copies, the heritage parts range uses the original materials to produce Lancia Delta Integrale front and rear bumpers. The bumpers are created through the use of four pieces of original equipment that were found abandoned at the San Benigno plant. Having undertaken extensive maintenance to check all moving parts and electric and hydraulic circuits, the equipment is now used as the standard moulding process for the bumpers. The process starts with a plastic granulate, which is injected at

high temperature through the presses into the cavity of the die to produce the parts. The Lancia Delta Integrale bumpers are created using a polymer thermoplastic (POCAN S1506) which is non-reinforced with improved impact strength. It offers a high heat resistance, strength and hardness, low susceptibility to stress cracking and low moisture absorption. For the Delta Integrale Evoluzione version, the bumpers use a different type of polymer thermoplastic (Xenoy CL101), which has excellent solvent resistance and is extremely malleable even at low-temperatures. It also has a proven track record in off-line exterior paint applications. All bumpers will also be delivered in unique ‘Lancia Classiche’ packaging and will be priced from £1,170 for the front bumper and £1,035 for the rear. All parts are street legal and can only be purchased through MOPAR via authorised FCA retailers or the MOPAR e-store.

JUSTIFY NOTHING. ESPECIALLY NOT YOUR FREEDOM THE NEW MERCEDES-BENZ B-CLASS

he exterior of the New B-Class is described to be “More practical than ever, more chic than ever,” with the long wheelbase with short overhangs, slightly lowered roof line and larger, 16- to 19-inch wheels making for dynamic proportions. The same is true of the new lowprofile headlamps, the inside of which is already high-grade, detailed and precisely designed on the basic model with headlamps and LED daytime running lights. The optional MULTIBEAM LED headlamps allow fast, electronically controlled adjustment to suit the current traffic conditions. The ambience lighting with 64 colours and ten colour worlds, allows individual customisation. The seats offer a flatter and, more comfortable seating position as well as a larger adjustment range, which also increases the maximum headroom within the B Class. The New B-Class features the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) multimedia system, which ushered in a new era with Mercedes me Connectivity. Its ability to learn thanks to Artificial Intelligence makes the system

unique. It creates an emotional link between vehicle, driver and passengers. Its other strengths include touch screen control as standard as well as, depending on equipment, a high-resolution widescreen cockpit, navigation display with Augmented Reality technology plus intelligent voice control with natural speech recognition. The new B-Class comes with driving assistance systems with cooperative driver support, thus providing one of the highest levels of active safety. For the first time, the B-Class is able to drive semi-autonomously in certain situations. To do so, it employs improved camera and radar

systems to anticipate the traffic up to 500 metres ahead while using map and navigation data for assistance functions. The starting price of the New BClass is €32,800. Certain features

mentioned, are available as optional. For further information send an e-mail to sales@autosales.com.mt or visit our Mercedes-Benz showroom in Mosta Road Lija.

December 2019 | motoring 07