The Auto Press

The Auto Press November 2011 Issue 4

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leaders from the worlds of art and fashion.

One of the most distinctive voices in contemporary British fashion, Alice Temperley, MBE, is renowned for creating designs that combine meticulous detail with an English personality. She created a gown for Rolls‑Royce that can be described as the embodiment of 'the graceful little goddess' and this was presented at the grand opening, straight from the catwalk at London Fashion Week.

Rolls-Royce opens new showroom in Paris

ROLLS-ROYCE OPENS NEW SHOWROOM IN PARIS Rolls-Royce has opened a showroom in the centre of Paris, in the fashionable 17th arrondissement. The state-of-the-art facility was unveiled

by Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, at a grand opening attended by customers, VIP guests, celebrities and the media.

The 300 square metre showroom provides space for three Rolls-Royce motor cars, an espresso bar and customer configuration lounge, including colour and trim samples.

Speaking at the grand opening, Torsten Müller-Ötvös said, “Paris is a global capital of style and fine living. I am delighted to see the new French home of Rolls-Royce in the heart of Paris, which complements the unique mood of the city, as well as the core values of our company.”

Eric Neubauer, Dealer Principal of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Paris, said, “The investment in our new showroom underpins our successful business partnership with Rolls-Royce in France. Working with our architects we were keen to create an atmosphere befitting the Spirit of Ecstasy, as we celebrate the centenary of this famous figurine.”

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Spirit of Ecstasy, Rolls-Royce has commissioned a series of innovative collaborations with

Another outstanding project is the exhibition of images from the Rankin: Spirit of Ecstasy collection.

The renowned photographer Rankin is capturing 100 images inspired by the figurine and a selection of striking portraits shown for the first time in France at the showroom opening.

Global sales for Rolls-Royce continue to show a healthy percentage increase, with significant sales growth seen across all regions and continued strong demand for both Phantom and Ghost. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has also recently announced a £10 million expansion of the manufacturing plant at Goodwood in response to increased customer demand.

British Motorists Suffer Sat Nav Rage ,Six in ten sat nav users have fallen victim to 'Sat Nav Rage' - losing their temper with their dashboard gadget, a new skobbler study has revealed.

The survey which interviewed 2,000 male and female drivers across the UK has found that millions of motorists have ended up shouting and swearing at their navigation system.

Unclear directions, annoying voiceovers, out of date and expensive maps, and taking them on unnecessary round-about journeys are most likely to test a driver's patience. One in ten has ended up stopping the car in frustration whilst one person even admitting to throwing their sat nav out of the window.

The study quizzed Brits aged 17-45 on their driving habits, relationship with and reliance on their satellite navigation system. It found one in five frequently get riled by their sat nav, and one in ten said something happens every journey which stresses them out. Nearly half (47 per cent) said they have a love/hate relationship with their sat nav.

The majority polled get annoyed by being sent in the wrong direction and 44 per cent are adamant they aren't taken the quickest route.

Three in ten hate having to put up with it losing GPS signal and a quarter struggle to keep the device stuck to the windscreen. But that's left half swearing, shouting and getting worked up when attempting to get to meetings or holiday destinations, with partners often in the firing line.

Marcus Thielking, co-founder of skobbler who carried out the research in preparation for the launch of its new sat nav app* said, "We felt it important to gain consumers' views on their sat navs to assist us with our future product development and it certainly seems that drivers are experiencing a new form of rage as a direct result of the shortfalls of their sat nav device. The sole purpose of any sat nav is to assist drivers in getting from A to B, safely and efficiently, and it appears that some sat navs are simply not living up to motorists' expectations.

20% of those polled say that map updates are too expensive, which might explain why a whopping 51% have never updated them. Interestingly, a further 11% didn't know they had to update their maps.

"This is most likely a significant contributing factor towards drivers' frustrations of their sat navs sending them in the wrong direction," explained Thielking. "Thankfully, some modern smartphone navigation apps now come with fast free map updates for life, and as with our new navigation app, have the option to store map data on the phone which eliminates data drop off."

It comes as no surprise that 70% of those polled say that smartphone navigation apps will substitute dedicated sat nav devices in the future, with 40% saying they'd never buy a dedicated sat nav device again.

Whilst a quarter of those surveyed admit they blindly follow what their sat nav says, more than half (51 per cent) have tried to outwit their sat nav with one in five having then ended up lost, and one in twenty finding themselves stuck down a narrow road.

TOP 10 SAT NAV ANNOYANCES It takes me in the wrong direction I'm pretty sure it doesn't take me the quickest route The annoying voice It often loses GPS connection The maps are out of date If frequently falls from the windscreen Map updates are expensive It's difficult trying to input post codes It's slow It's a faff trying to get it to stick to the windscreen * skobbler Navigation 2 is a next generation smartphone navigation app due for launch in October this year for iOS . By providing the option of having maps stored on your smartphone, Navigation 2 by skobbler will offer the ability to navigate both online and offline, depending on driving requirements and availability of GPS signal, whilst avoiding unnecessary data roaming charges if navigating abroad. As with all skobbler navigation apps, map updates are lightening fast and free for life.

SWIFT DDiS BREAKS 86MPG IN MPG MARATHON Class win with 28 per cent improvement on official combined figure

"The conclusion we draw from the survey is that whilst sat nav is here to stay, the dedicated sat nav device is out of date, expensive, inconvenient and not very user friendly. It's only a matter of time before the more convenient and wallet friendly smartphone navigation application takes the top spot."

Suzuki’s latest addition to the Swift range, the 1.3-litre DDiS, took part in the recent 2011 MPG Marathon and has achieved a spectacular result ranking second overall in the competition. The new Swift with 67PS diesel engine was driven by Southern Group Regional journalists Dave Randle and Peter Cracknell and achieved an overall fuel consumption figure of 86.40mpg, winning the class 3 category for percentage improvement over the official combined fuel consumption figure.

The survey also found the average Brit makes at least nine journeys in their car a week and uses their sat nav on at least two journeys, but the destination would have to be at least 38 miles away before getting it out of the glove box.

The Swift achieved an overall improvement of 28.3 per cent on the combined figure of 67.3mpg with a second DDiS driven by last year’s class winners Dave Moss and Mike Hull not far behind either with a very impressive 25.8 per cent (84.6mpg).

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Swift DDiS breaks 86mpg in Fleet world MPG Marathon

The MPG Marathon; organised annually by Fleet World magazine took 37 competing vehicles on a challenging 372-mile route designed to reflect normal daily driving conditions and included major roads, motorways and dual carriageways. The Swift used just 19.6 litres of fuel on the route.

Speaking about the event, Dale Wyatt, Director Sales and Marketing commented; “The 2011 MPG Marathon has again been an excellent opportunity to showcase Suzuki’s commitment to producing fuel efficient, cleaner cars and this event has certainly endorsed that.”

The Swift is one of the cleanest cars in the Supermini sector with emissions of 109 g/km for the DDiS model and only 116g/km for the 1.2-litre petrol engine; it also offers low cost of ownership from its £20 annual VED charge and group 8E insurance. Until the end of the year the Swift range is available with no VAT payable which means that Swift SZ2 three-door 1.2-litre petrol now costs just £8,880. The 1.3 DDiS model is available as a five-door model in SZ3 trim at £11,125 representing a customer saving of £1,855.

To find out more about the Suzuki automobiles range, visit www.suzuki4.co.uk.

Swift DDiS breaks 86mpg in Fleet world MPG Marathon

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VOLKSWAGEN MOTORSPORT PREPARES TO HIT THE STREETS OF MACAU With a wealth of history, and the best young drivers competing in a unique setting around one of the most challenging city street circuits, the Macau Grand Prix, or FIA F3 Intercontinental Cup, is rightfully regarded as the impressive culmination of the Formula 3 season. Volkswagen returns to next month’s glittering season finale, which takes place

17-20 November, to defend its crown after consecutive victories in 2009 and 2010, bidding to become the most successful engine manufacturer in the event’s history.

Drivers from the European and Asian Formula 3 championships, including newly crowned British F3 champion, Felipe Nasr, and ATS Formula 3 Cup Champion, Richie Stanaway, are among 15 drivers from 12 nations, who will compete around the 6.120 km (3.803 mile) street circuit, powered by a near-210 bhp Volkswagen engine.

Reigning British F3 champions, Carlin, travel out to Macau with a fourstrong driver line-up led by Brazilian Felipe Nasr, who claimed the 2011 championship at Rockingham last month. He is joined by championship runner-up Carlos Huertas from Columbia, the Dane Kevin Magnussen, who finished the championship in third place, and Jazeman Jafaar from Malaysia. Hitech Racing, who also contests the British Championship with Volkswagen Power, have submitted entries for Pietro Fantin from Brazil, Portuguese driver António Félix da Costa, and Hannes van Asseldonk from the Netherlands.

finished as the runner-up last year.

A new addition to the team is Carlos Sainz Jr., the son of World Rally Champion and Dakar winner Carlos Sainz. The 17-year-old Spaniard is a rookie at the Formula 3 Grand Prix, but not to the Macau circuit. The Red Bull Junior shone as a guest entrant last year, clinching victory at the Formula BMW Asia-Pacific.

The Motopark team will field two drivers, Japanese Kimiya Sato and Jimmy Eriksson from Sweden, while the ATS Formula 3 Cup is represented by Frits van Amersfoort’s championship winning team, who completes the Volkswagen-powered line-up. Richie Stanaway, the dominating champion in Germany’s highest-ranking formula racing series – like van Asseldonk, Eriksson, Fantin, Magnussen and Sainz – will contest the event for the first time.

Macau: the most successful engine manufacturers Toyota and Volkswagen, 7 victories each; Opel, 4; Mugen-Honda and Mercedes-Benz,

2012 Yamaha Paddock Blue Gear The ever popular Yamaha Paddock Blue casual range has been refreshed for 2012 and will be arriving at your nearest Authorised Yamaha dealer soon. Continuing the racing theme, the new gear has retained the embroidered Yamaha Racing logos, but now includes contrasting navy blue accents to really set the design off.

The new line-up also sees the introduction of hoodies and a re-introduction of Junior items.

The 2012 collection is a comprehensive one, including key garments like jackets, fleeces, t-shirts and shirts, with the addition of the hoodies giving a new dimension. Junior items for children from 7-10 years, which

3 each; Renault, 2; Alfa-Romeo and Fiat, 1 each.

Macau: Volkswagen victories at the Formula 3 Grand Prix 1984 John Nielsen (DK), Ralt RT3 Volkswagen 1985 Maurício Gugelmin (BR), Ralt RT30 Volkswagen 1986 Andy Wallace (GB), Reynard 863 Volkswagen

2012 Yamaha Paddock Blue Cap

1989 David Brabham (AUS), Ralt RT33 Volkswagen

has been absent from the line-up for a couple of years, makes a welcome return for 2012 meaning that the entire family can once again show their allegiance to Yamaha.

1990 Michael Schumacher (D), Reynard 903 Volkswagen 2009 Edoardo Mortara (I), Dallara F309 Volkswagen

Quality is as you would expect from a product with the Yamaha name on it, with the fit, finish and design

2010 Edoardo Mortara (I), Dallara F309 Volkswagen

Following Edoardo Mortara’s backto-back victories with the Volkswagen For more information on Volkswacustomer team gen Motorsport, Signature in please visit www.

2009 and 2010, volkswagen-mothe French Euro torsport.info.

Series team will field German duo Marco Wittmann and Daniel Abt, Colombian Carlos Muñoz and Belgian Laurens Volkswagen Motorsport prepares to hit the Vanthoor, who streets of Macau

2012 Yamaha Paddock Blue Hoodie

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superbly executed using top quality materials. Prices start at just £9.99.

For more details on the complete range of 2012 Paddock Blue gear, please log onto our website; www. yamaha-motor.co.uk/accessories or get down to your nearest Authorised Yamaha dealer.

Qype Partners BMW To Bring App To UK Drivers Europe's largest reviews site now available on BMW ConnectedDrive

Qype, Europe's leading consumer reviews site, has struck a deal with car giant BMW to bring Qype's app to BMW drivers across the UK. One of the fastest-growing mobile experiences on the web, Qype gives consumers access to over two million reviews across 166,000 cities worldwide, covering everything from bars and beauticians to plumbers and primary schools.

Drivers with BMW Online or BMW Live can now access the Qype app at the touch of a button, through the car's iDrive operating system. Using BMW's location-based technology, the Qype app will find the best places around you across almost 1,000 different categories.

The easy-to-use app provides added convenience for drivers, giving them access to user-generated reviews of restaurants, hotels, shops and services before they arrive at their destination. Using BMW's text-to-speech function drivers can listen to reviews and recommendations on the move.

"With over one million downloads to date, Qype's app is already one of the most popular on the market and we're delighted to be working with BMW to make it available to BMW drivers," says Qype CEO Ian Brotherston.

"More and more people are accessing the web on the go, and Qype's app, coupled with BMW's innovative location-based technology, is the perfect companion when you're travelling," continues Brotherston.

The app is available free of charge to all BMW ConnectedDrive customers with an inbuilt mobile phoneenabled navigation system.

Parrot MINIKIT+: The Portable And Vocal Hands-Free Kit Parrot, leader in wireless peripherals for mobile phones, reveals Parrot MINIKIT+, a brand new portable hands-free kit, which manages two mobile phones simultaneously and is controlled vocally.

Simultaneous management of two mobile phones Parrot MINIKIT+ is a portable hands-free kit capable of simultaneously managing two Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones, due to Parrot "Dual Mode" multipoint technology.

The driver chooses one main telephone out of the two connected and the Parrot MINIKIT+ associates different ring tones to each.

Parrot MINIKIT+ automatically synchronizes its phonebook with the connected mobile phones, and can store up to 2,000 contacts.As with all Parrot hands-free systems, Parrot MINIKIT+ is compatible with all brands of Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones and Smartphone on the market. Note: up to 10 mobile phones can be paired to the Parrot MINIKIT+ (20,000 contacts in total).

Hands-free management of calls For incoming calls, the driver just has to say the words "accept" or "reject" to take or reject a call, without touching the mobile phone or the Parrot MINIKIT+.If the caller is present in the phonebook of the connected mobile phones, the handsfree kit will state the name of the incoming caller. To make a call, the driver just has to press the green button on the Parrot MINIKIT+ to launch the voice recognition and say the name of a contact in their main phonebook. The Parrot MINIKIT+ will automatically dial the number.

Vocal Service for text messages and email management Reading and sending emails and text messages whilst driving is dangerous and numerous countries have legislation against it. TextFriendlyTM service*, accessible from the Parrot MINIKIT+, allows users to vocally manage emails and SMS while keeping their hands on the steering wheel. Users just need to register the number of the TextFriendlyTM voice server in their phonebook to access the service directly from the Parrot MINIKIT+ and then say

the required action (listen or write emails or text messages).*Service on subscription to be available soon in the UK. For further information: http://www.parrot.com More than a hands-free kit A2DP Bluetooth technology enables users to listen to the music on their Smartphone directly on the Parrot MINIKIT+.Also, information and add-ons on Smartphone driving assistance applications, like Satnav instructions, can be broadcast on the loudspeaker integrated in the Parrot MINIKIT+. When a call is incoming, music or Satnav guidance will stop, starting again at the end of the conversation.

Great ease of use The Parrot MINIKIT+ is equipped with a vibration sensor which will turn the unit on and automatically reconnect it to the mobile phone(s) as soon as the vehicle's door opens.

The Parrot MINIKIT+ is designed to be attached to the sun visor and can be easily adjusted when the sun visor is up or down, due to an elastic strap with two zones of insertion.

The Parrot MINIKIT+ will benefit from free regular software updates.

To update the software, users simply put the MINIKIT+ on "update" mode via the vocal menus, connect it to a computer and 'drag&drop' the update to the kit.

THE NEW BMW 6 SERIES COUPÉ BMW’s latest Gran Tourer blends elegant design in a luxurious and dynamic package M Sport derivative comes to the UK Two turbocharged petrol engines and a twin-turbocharged diesel EfficientDynamics technologies as standard across range including all-new ECO PRO fuel saving mode Newly-developed chassis offers dynamic ability and refinement Highest ever level of standard specification on a Six

Now in its third generation, the new BMW 6 Series Coupé takes

When technological innovation meets performance Although it looks similar to another Parrot hands-free kit, the Parrot MINIKIT+ benefits from new electronic architecture, especially a new generation of Parrot P6i processors (416MHz) dedicated to portable applications, more powerful and consuming less energy.

The Bluetooth stack benefits from more than 10 years of Parrot knowhow and offers a larger compatibility with the mobile phones and Smartphones available in the market. Parrot's Digital Signal Processing helps to eliminate surrounding noises, improves the fluidity of conversation and optimizes audio quality whatever the volume of the Parrot MINIKIT+.

Price and availability The Parrot MINIKIT+ will be available from November 2011 at £64. 99 MSRP Technical information available at www.parrot.com For more information about the Parrot MINIKIT+ or Parrot range of hands-free kits and systems, please visit www.parrot.com

the luxury 2+2 concept a step further by matching enhanced comfort and elegant design with sporting performance on a even higher level.

The BMW 6 Series Coupé features a sweeping coupé roofline while the long bonnet, short over-hangs, setback passenger compartment with Hofmeister kink, long wheelbase and flat waistline embody the typical proportions of a BMW coupé more than any other model.

Two exceptional BMW turbocharged petrol engines and a twin turbocharged diesel powerplant, a newly developed chassis and a host of class-leading driver assistance technology ensure that the new BMW 6 Series Coupé is full of substance, while interior space and comfort have been enhanced.

Model Power

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Hp Torque Nm 0 – 62mph Seconds Top Speed Mph Combined Mpg CO2 Emissions g/km BMW 650i Coupé 407 600 4.9 155* 26.6 246 BMW 640i Coupé 320 450 5.4 155* 36.2 181 BMW 640d Coupé 313 630 5.5 155* 51.4 145 * Electronically limited Design The new BMW 6 Series Coupé features a long sweeping bonnet, set­back passenger compartment and flowing roof-line. Its now traditional BMW “shark nose”, with a large, forwardslanted BMW kidney grille, broad air intakes, wide, contoured bonnet and muscular wheel arches, allude to the powerful engine beneath. Inspired by the movement of water, the fluid lines of the car combine with the subtly curved surfaces to create a look of athletic elegance, which together with the 74mm increase in length and 5mm lower height creates a powerful stance.

Character lines stretching the full length of the body define the side view of the BMW 6 Series Coupé.

The long, flat bonnet elongates the silhouette while the roof sweeps down in one fluid line, combining with the main body effortlessly, in an elegant coupé fashion, while the frameless doors and chrome side window border emphasise the tight lines of the typically BMW Hofmeister kink.

From the rear, bulging wheel arches and horizontal lines highlight the wide track of the new BMW 6 Series Coupé, alluding to its sporting performance and impressive road holding. Two-part rear light clusters give the typical BMW L-shape lights a particularly sporty, dynamic edge.

Inside the units, two LED-powered

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light strips create a striking night­ time look. The rear indicators and brake lights also use LED units.

Longer, lower and wider, the new car is larger in every dimension than its predecessor except height, where it now stands half a centimetre closer to the ground. At 4,894mm in length, the new model is 74mm longer than its predecessor, while the wheelbase has stretched similarly, to 2,855mm.

The car has also grown by 39mm in width, and now measures 1,894mm across, while 5mm have been shaved off its height.

As standard the new BMW 6 Series Coupé is equipped with xenon headlights that have BMW’s familiar double corona look while high­ -quality chrome elements, such as the fog lamps consisting of a string of three LED units, on the outer edges of the front apron accentuate the width of the car.

Optional Adaptive LED Headlights are available for the first time and provide a bright white light, similar to natural daylight, with low beam and high beam LED light rings.

Horizontal LED ribs are positioned in the centre of the light rings ensuring BMW’s hallmark twin round headlight look is expressed in a strikingly fresh way. More than just style over substance, the Adaptive LED lights automatically pivot and adjust to the line of the corner depending on the car’s speed, steering angle and yaw rate to provide the best visibility possible for the driver.

The interior: made to measure luxury for four Despite its lower height, the new 2+2 BMW 6 Series Coupé offers greater headroom in both the front and the rear, and height adjustment

The new BMW 6 Series Coupé

of the driver and front passenger seats now cover a greater range too.

The individual rear sets also provide passengers with additional shoulder and elbow room, making for more comfortable cruising.

The front passenger area is bordered by a surface curving elegantly from the armrest over the side edge of the centre console, upwards and outwards into the instrument panel and then horizontally into the door trim, surrounding the front passenger area with a feeling of exclusive security.

In tune with the rest of the car’s optimised performance and greater comfort, the new BMW 6 Series Coupé is fitted with newly developed lightweight seats with an integrated seatbelt system and Easy Entry function to the rear passenger compartment: a brief tap of a switch automatically moves the seat as far forward as possible. Sports seats and Comfort seats can be fitted as an option too. The boot can accommodate 460 litres of luggage, equivalent to three 46­inch golf bags or two medium hard­-shell cases and a flight case. To utilise the rear space further the rear seats can be specified with a through-­loading ski hatch, allowing two pairs of skis to be transported with ease.

Drivetrain The new BMW 6 Series Coupé is available with two petrol engines and one diesel engine: the 650i, 640i and 640d respectively.

The new BMW 6 Series Coupé

The world’s sportiest diesel engine is a 3.0­litre twin­-turbocharged in-­line six­ -cylinder unit producing 313hp at 4,400rpm and 630Nm of torque from only 1,500rpm with the help of variable geometry turbo-charging.

The BMW 640d Coupé is capable of accelerating from zero to 62mph

in 5.5seconds before topping out at an electronically­limited top speed of 155mph.

It achieves this performance courtesy of sequential turbochargers, one smaller than the other, that provide a near continuous wave of torque from low revs. A complex arrangement of waste gates in the exhaust ensure the smooth transition from one turbo to another as the revs increase. The BMW 640d Coupé is fitted as standard with an eight­ -speed automatic transmission with Auto Start­-Stop and active air flaps behind the kidney grille. Such engineering expertise is the reason why the model offers rapid performance but can still achieve 51.4mpg on the combined cycle and record CO2 emissions of 145g/km.

Model Power Hp Torque Nm Zero – 62mph seconds Top speed mph Combined mpg VED band CO2 g/km BIK % BMW 640d Coupé 313 630 5.5 155* 51.4 F 145 22 Mercedes­ Benz CLS320CDi BlueEFFICIENCY 265 620 6.2 155* 46.3 G 160 25 * Electronically limited The 4.4­litre eight­cylinder engine in the new BMW 650i Coupé is unique in that the brace of turbochargers are positioned in the V­shaped area between the cylinder banks. This design results in more efficient packaging and greater engine efficiency.

A maximum 407hp is developed between 5,500 and 6,400rpm, with peak torque of 600Nm available between 1,750 and 4,500rpm.

The new BMW 650i Coupé sprints from zero to 62mph in 4.9 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 155mph. For a model of such blistering performance and refinement, it is also extraordinarily

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efficient, with average combined fuel consumption of 26.6mpg and CO2 emissions of 246g/km.

Model Power Hp Torque Nm Zero – 62mph seconds Top speed mph Combined mpg VED band CO2 g/km BIK % BMW 650i Coupé 407 600 4.9 155 26.6 L 246 35 Jaguar XK 5.0 V8 Coupé 380 515 5.6 155 25.2 M 264 35 Mercedes­Benz SL500 383 530 5.4 155 24.4 M 272 35

controlled at both the front and the rear with the help of electric motors.

This precisely harmonised system offers extraordinary agility in dynamic driving situations, while allowing for an impressively deft touch around twisty mountain passes and in city traffic.

Pricing and specification including M Sport for the first time

* Electronically limited The six­ -cylinder in­ line engine in the new BMW 640i Coupé uses single turbocharger technology alongside petrol direct injection with VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control. This enables the 3.0­litre unit to develop a maximum 320hp at 5,800rpm and maximum torque of 450Nm between 1,300 and 4,500rpm. This engine propels the BMW 640i Coupé from zero to 62mph in 5.4 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Perhaps even more remarkable are its efficiency figures. The BMW 640i Coupé achieves 36.2mpg on the combined cycle, while CO2 emissions are only 181g/km, proving that at BMW luxurious sporting performance does not come at the expense of economy. Indeed, this model, like the 640d, is fitted as standard with an automatic transmission that features Auto Start­-Stop technology and an automatic active air flap control behind the car’s kidney grille for optimum engine performance.

Model Power Hp Torque Nm Zero – 62mph seconds Top speed mph Combined mpg VED band CO2 g/km BIK % BMW 640i Coupé 320 450 5.4 155* 36.2 I 181 29 Mercedes­Benz SL320 311 360 6.2 155* 29.1 L 226 35

The new BMW 6 Series Coupé

encourage an economical driving style.

As with all BMWs, the new 6 Series Coupé comes with a raft of BMW Efficient-Dynamics measures to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. In addition to the features highlighted on the 640i Coupé and 640d Coupé, all models have technology such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering (EPS), the need­based operation of ancillary components and intelligent lightweight construction to ensure maximum efficiency as standard.

Transmission An eight­ -speed Sport automatic gearbox is standard fitment on all three models, and its wide range of ratios offer a perfect balance of muscular, sprinting performance, refined high speed cruising and low speed efficiency.

Chassis

Both the double wishbone front axle and the integral rear axle are made predominantly from aluminium. The chassis set­up is geared to the requirements of drivers looking for a sporting character, although the dampers also respond sensitively to bumps in the road surface under high lateral acceleration.

In addition to the standard electromechanical power steering, another unique feature in this segment is the optional Integral Active Steering system. This system combines Active Steering for the front axle with a steering rear axle, allowing the steering angle and power assistance to be

The BMW 6 Series Coupé is now available in M Sport specification.

The M Sport package adds the M aerodynamic body-styling package, 19­ inch M light alloy wheels, dark chrome exhaust tailpipes, High-­gloss Shadowline exterior trim and black brake 8 callipers. Inside Anthracite headlining, Aluminium Hexagon trim, Sport seats and M Sport multi­ function leather rimmed steering wheel are fitted.

At the same time as M Sport and the 640d derivative come to the UK for the Coupé, the 6 Series Convertible can now also be specified with M Sport.

Optional equipment Includes Surround­ -view, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Parking Assist, Lane Change Warning System, Lane Departure Warning System, Speed Limit Display and, still unique in the segment, Head­ -up Display.

Model Price OTR BMW 650i SE Coupé £67,340 BMW 650i M Sport Coupé £71,840 BMW 640i SE Coupé £59,565 BMW 640i M Sport Coupé £64,230 BMW 640d SE Coupé £62,080 BMW 640d Coupé M Sport £66,745

* Electronically limited EfficientDynamics Fuel saving technology called ECO PRO mode is offered on the 6 Series. By a touch of the Drive Dynamic Control button ECO PRO mode tweaks the engine management system, accelerator mapping and gear­ shift characteristics to favour a relaxed, low­ revving driving style. At the same time, power usage for electronically operated functions such as climate control is regulated to ensure maximum efficiency. A display on the instrument cluster keeps the driver informed of the levels of energy efficiency being achieved to

The newly developed chassis of the new BMW 6 Series Coupé comes as standard with Drive Dynamic Control, which allows drivers to choose how responsive they want the gearbox, steering and throttle to be, while the Adaptive Drive system is available as an option with electrically controlled dampers and anti­roll stabilisation.

The new BMW 6 Series Coupé comes with the highest ever level of standard specification on a Six. Standard for the 640i Coupé and 640d Coupé are 18­inch light alloy wheels, while the 650i Coupé comes as standard with a 19­inch light alloy wheel. All derivatives feature Dakota leather upholstery, eight­-speed Sport automatic transmission, electric seat adjustment with memory, BMW Professional Multimedia Navigation system, Xenon headlights, LED front fog lights and front and rear Park Distance Control to name but a few of the standard specification highlights.

Most advanced audio system ever to grace a BMW offered

The new BMW 6 Series Coupé

Exclusively developed as an option for the new BMW 6 Series,

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the Bang & Olufsen High­-End Surround Sound System produces an exceptionally natural sound from 16 speakers distributed around the cabin. Jointly developed by the Danish audio specialists and BMW, the superb sound system, comprising of two bass speakers, seven mid­ range speakers and seven tweeters, all with individual amplifiers, uses Dirac Dimensions technology to recreate the acoustics of a reference listening room. This allows all passengers to enjoy the same outstanding sound quality regardless of where they are sitting.

In addition a number of other options, exclusive to the premium luxury segment, can be specified such as Surround­-view, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Parking Assist, Lane Change Warning System, Lane Departure Warning System, and Speed Limit Display. The new BMW 6 Series Coupé is also the only car in its segment to be available with a Head­-up Display. The latest generation Head-­up Display system uses a broader palette of colours and three­-dimensional graphics to create an even sharper image.

Sales BMW UK expects to sell circa 1,100 6 Series Coupés in its first full year with the diesel­ powered model accounting for 90 per cent of sales.

Historic sales Model 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 BMW 6 Series Convertible 1,355 1,218 915 718 311 262 BMW 6 Series Coupé 1,538 1,667 1,053 1,001 538 472 For further information please visit: http://www.press.bmwgroup.co.uk http://www.press.bmwgroup.com www.bmw.tv

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New High-tech Features Boost 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8® 392’s Overall Performance

band is extremely flat allowing for strong standing starts and improved straight-line performance throughout the rpm range. An advanced active intake manifold along with high-lift cam with phasing provides maximum low-end torque and highend power while still delivering 23 miles per gallon on the highway with both the standard manual transmission or available automatic transmission. Performance-tuned engine mounts improve idle stability and ride control at all speeds.

Proven 392-cubic inch (6.4-liter) HEMI® V-8 engine offers 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque across a wide rpm range while delivering 23 miles per gallon on the highway New two-mode adaptive damping suspension system offers selectable suspension tuning and automatically adapts to road and driver inputs for optimal vehicle control New, exclusive SRT® heated steering wheel features mounted paddle shifters for hands on the wheel shifting both on road and at the race track New 18-speaker Harman Kardon® audio system, with innovative GreenEdge® technology is available with 900 watts of power Newly formed SRT brand led by President and CEO Ralph Gilles will continue to build benchmark high-performance vehicles for the Chrysler Group

Standard Fuel Saver Technology (four cylinder mode) in automatic transmission equipped models allows the engine to operate economically on four cylinders or use the power of all eight cylinders when needed. The EPA fuel economy miles per gallon (mpg) (City/Hwy) ratings for the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 are 14/23 for manual or automatic transmission models.

For 2012, the Dodge Challenger SRT8® 392 adds even more hightech performance features to solidify its place as the brand’s ultimate modern American rear-wheel-drive muscle coupe. This 470 horsepower machine promises a balanced performance approach with outstanding straight-line acceleration, world-class ride and handling, highperformance braking and the most up-to-date technologies that deliver more driver excitement and control.

And it still gets 23 miles per gallon on the highway.

A look under the hood reveals unique valve covers with painted silver ribs and the “392 HEMI” logo, which gives the engine a unique, clean and aggressive look.

The 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 features a standard Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission and a dual-disc high performance clutch – a proven performer that was first offered on the 2008 Dodge Viper SRT10®.

The optional five-speed automatic transmission features new, standard steering wheel mounted paddle shifters that join the center console mounted Auto Stick, allowing for a choice of spirited shifting on both the road and the race track. Both methods give the driver the ability to manually select specific gears on the transmission.

The 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 accelerates from 0-60 mph in the high 4-second range; runs the quarter mile in mid-12-second range with the automatic transmission (high 12-second range with the manual); goes from 0-100-0 mph in the low 15s, reaches a top speed of 182 mph with the manual transmission (175 mph with the automatic) and stops from 60-0 mph in just 117 feet.

Awe-inspiring powertrain The 392-cubic inch (6.4-liter) HEMI® V-8 delivers 470 horsepower (351 kW) and 470 (637 N•m) lb.-ft. of torque. The torque

2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

In “Drive,” the transmission controller will automatically shift the vehicle.

The aggressiveness of the shifting is defined by the mode chosen - either “Normal” or “Sport.” Fully adaptive electronic control of all shifting makes the powertrain more responsive while minimizing harshness.

In “Manual,” the shift method is defined by the driver choosing to use either paddle shift or Auto Stick. The “Sport” mode adds a hold function to the calibration in all gears, allowing the driver full control of the shifting schedule.

Outstanding ride, handling and capability The adaptive damping suspension (ADS) system is new for 2012 and tuned specifically for the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392.

In “Auto” mode, a wide range of on-road and driver inputs – such as vehicle speed, steering angle, steering speed, brake torque, throttle position and lateral/vertical accelerations – automatically tune the suspension for specific conditions. In “Sport” mode, the damping system rebound and compression is locked to the higher damping rate. Drivers can easily choose between settings to quickly change the shock damping and harshness characteristics from “Auto” for everyday commuting to “Sport” for more spirited driving situations.

The ADS system on the Challenger SRT8 392 features the fastest turnin and most nimble handling characteristics of any SRT product. In the “Sport” setting, the system provides the highest damping rates allowing the driver to push the handling envelope like never before.

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The race-inspired interior begins with a new, leather wrapped, heated, SRT-exclusive steering wheel that features a unique satin chrome rim section with a flattened bottom surface that showcases the SRT logo.

The optional automatic transmission includes paddle shift controls on both sides of the new contoured palm rests. All audio and Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) controls are accessible from the horizontal spokes on the steering wheel.

2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

The performance SRT-tuned, fullyhydraulic steering system features a heavy-duty pump combined with a damped steering gear to give drivers more direct response and on-center feel.

Sitting a half-inch lower than nonSRT models, the 2012 Challenger SRT8 392 rides on either the standard five-spoke, 20 x 9-inch fully forged aluminum wheels or available seven-spoke, 20 x 9-inch lightweight forged aluminum wheels with satin black painted pockets. Standard Goodyear RSA All-Season tires or available Goodyear F1 Supercar Three-Season complement the performance design cues and deliver serious gripping performance and handling.

The handling result is .90g capability on the skid pad – the most of any production Challenger and on par with some of the world’s best-handling performance coupes.

Benchmark braking The standard SRT performance brake package produces world-class stopping power of 60 to 0 mph in just 117 feet from 14.2 inch (front) and 13.8 inch (rear) vented/slotted rotors with four-piston Brembo fixed calipers painted red. The threemode electronic stability control system with knockback mitigation also includes four-wheel ABS, all-speed traction control, electronic brakeforce distribution, Brake Assist and Hill-start Assist (HSA).

The Ready Alert Braking system anticipates when the driver quickly releases the accelerator pedal and may initiate an emergency brake stop, after which the electronic stability control pump engages to set brake pads against rotors in order to

decrease the time required for full brake application.

Improved brake cooling and fade performance comes courtesy of wind-tunnel designed brake cooling ducts that direct airflow to the vented rotors for consistent stopping power.

Aggressive and functional exterior Exterior styling of the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 remains unmistakably Dodge, with proportions that continue to evoke a bold, instantly recognizable performance coupe that has a wide, stable stance on the road.

The large front splitter and integrated front fender spats and body color rear decklid spoiler provide stable high-speed aerodynamics and overall balance while the front fascia chin spoiler also improves aerodynamics and is accented in black for a more aggressive look. The front grille features a bright grille surround.

The trapezoidal instrument panel features a four-bomb gauge cluster with chromed accent rings and unique SRT graphics. Inside the cluster, the SRT-exclusive Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with performance pages provides the driver with trip information, multimedia information from the Media Center radio, along with instant feedback on 0-60 mph time, 60-0 mph braking, G-forces, one-eighth mile and quarter-mile times.

Power lumbar-equipped front seats are standard. The driver’s seat features seatback tilt with memory and an easy to reach release handle, while the front-passenger seat adds tilt and slide with memory, which makes it even easier for passengers to get in and out of the back seat.

Interior color combinations include Dark Slate Gray, and new for 2012 Radar Red/Dark Slate Gray, which adds color to the seats, door bolsters and rear seat armrest.

Safety and security The 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 features more than 35 advanced safety and security features, including standard Keyless Enter-N-Go and three-mode electronic stability control (ESC) with segment-exclusive Ready Alert Braking and Rain

For 2012, available exterior colors include: Bright Silver, Bright White, Header Orange, Pitch Black, Redline Red and Tungsten Metallic.

Dual, full-body stripes are available in black, grey metallic, red and silver metallic.

Unique “392 HEMI” badges flank both fenders touting the historically significant V-8 engine that remains true to its high-performance roots and powers the highest rated Challenger in terms of horsepower and torque ratings. From the rear, the 4-inch rectangular exhaust tips deliver the 392’s performance exhaust note while adding the styling cue of a serious muscle car.

Race-inspired performance

and

highinterior

2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

Brake Support safety features to improve overall vehicle handling and performance.

In addition, standard front-row reactive head restraints, standard fulllength side-curtain air bags, driver’s knee bag and standard front seatmounted side-thorax air bags offer enhanced occupant protection to passengers in the event of a collision.

Connectivity and Infotainment For maximum convenience and to keep passengers connected, a wide array of connectivity, infotainment and mobile multimedia options are available on the 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8.

The innovative Uconnect® Media Center 430, 430N and 730N radios integrate a 6.5-inch touchscreen display, with a hard drive where more than 150 hours of music and photos can be stored. Uconnect Media Center radios also offer two navigation options, including: segment-leading Garmin® Navigation guidance and mapping (Uconnect Media Center 430N), or premium GPS Navigation with SIRIUS Traffic (Uconnect Media Center 730N).

Both navigation solutions feature SIRIUS Travel Link, providing realtime weather, fuel prices and more while on the go.

New for 2012, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 features an available 900-watt, 18-speaker premium SRT performance audio surround-sound system from Harman Kardon. The system offers world premier innovation, featuring a 32-volt TPS (Tracking Power Supply) 12-channel Class D amplifier that delivers outstanding acoustics and brings multi-dimensional, quality sound for all interior occupants.

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SRT Track Experience Owners of any Chrysler Group SRT vehicle receive one day of professional driving instruction from the Richard Petty Driving Experience as part of the SRT Track Experience, designed to maximize their driving knowledge and skills on the street or track. Sessions are held throughout the year at selected tracks.

2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

The new system uses GreenEdge® speaker and amplifier technology to offer superior sound quality and high Sound Pressure Level outputs with minimum energy consumption.

GreenEdge amplifiers alone outperform traditional amplifier efficiency by up to 55 percent, representing a net efficiency of more than 90 percent in some cases. The speakers are tuned for maximum efficiency and perfectly matched to the amplifier output.

The system’s 18 GreenEdge highefficiency speakers include: Seven 3.5-inch Unity coaxial mid-range speakers with seven integrated tweeters located in the front dash, rear doors and rear deck Two 6 x 9-inch subwoofers located in the front doors Two 10-inch subwoofers in a trunk mounted enclosure The 2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 will be built at the Brampton Assembly plant in Brampton, Ontario, Canada.

2012 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392

392’s Storied History The original 392 HEMI engine was introduced in the new 1957 model year Chrysler and Imperial products.

It replaced the 354 cubic-inch version of the original HEMI launched in 1951.Compared with the 354 engine, the 392 was completely revised and improved, with larger valves and ports, a beefier block and crankshaft and improved bearings. In short, the 392 HEMI, often affectionately referred to simply as the “92,” was perfect for drag racing.

More than a few racers at that time immediately enhanced the performance of the newest HEMI by bolting on six or eight carburetors, installing new camshafts, etc., and went racing.

Racing legend Don ‘Big Daddy” Garlits ran a 392 in his infamous Swamp Rat I dragster at record speeds of faster than 180 mph on nitro with no supercharger. Garlits also used a 392 HEMI to officially break the 200-mph barrier when his Swamp Rat went 201.34 mph at Atco, N.J., in 1964.

But the 392’s success went beyond the drag strip. It also set records at the Bonneville Salt Flats and in boat racing. Drag racing boats were no different than their land-based counterparts in the use of the 392.

Famous HEMI engine builder Keith

Black was better known on the water than on the land, until he teamed up with Tommy Greer and hired Don “The Snake” Prudhomme to dominate Top Fuel in California in the early 1960s using a 392 HEMI. After 1958, the 392 HEMI was gone as a production engine, but it still remains a legend. Collectors are now preserving many historic 392-powered race cars and hot rods and proudly displaying them on show car circuits.

In 2007, Mopar – Chrysler Group LLC’s service, parts and customercare brand – helped celebrate the 50th anniversary of the original 392 by launching a modern, crate engine version of the 392 HEMI.

Lotus Eterne: The Vision Enter the Eterne, the four door super saloon from Lotus. If the Elite is elegance incarnate then the Eterne is elegance redefined.

The Eterne is a true four door, four seater sports GT. It’s the ultimate expression of refined style, sophistication and grace. But wait. An elegant, graceful sports car? Surely not.

A sports car by definition can’t be graceful.Powerful,exciting,aggressive yes, but not graceful. Yet here it is, the ultimate paradox - the Eterne.

Power and grace, performance and elegance, beauty and strength all in one stunning package.

With a 5.0 litre pressure charged V8 engine delivering up to 620 PS the Eterne is aiming for best in class performance and efficiency.

In keeping with the rest of the new line-up, the Eterne will benefit from hybrid technology.

Dany Bahar, Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus, said: “The Eterne is sensational to look and as with the rest of the range it also over delivers in all other aspects as well. Similar to the Elite, it’s a car of perfect contradictions, it’s compact yet spacious, high performing yet low emitting, relative lightweight yet still reassuringly solid.”

“We truly believe that there is a market for the Eterne, there is nothing else like it out there both in terms of design, capacity and performance. The biggest difference between the Eterne and it’s class competitors is that it’s not an evolution of an existing twodoor model, it’s a deliberate and considered stand-alone creation. It’s the ultimate four door sports car.”

Sometimes there are no rules to be

Lotus Eterne

broken, so it is time to define them instead.

Eterne Specification Layout: 4 seater, front-midengined, rear wheel drive, all wheel drive is optional Engine: Petrol, hybrid optional Hybrid Technology: Hybrid gearbox with integrated electric motors and KERS Cylinder: V8 Capacity: 5.0 litre Power/Torque: 620 PS / 720 Nm Rev limit: 8,500 rpm 0-100 km/h: 4.0 seconds Top speed: 315 km/h CO₂ approx (CO₂/km): 220 g/km** Weight: 1,800 kg Seats: 4 Transmission: Full Hybrid transmission Drive: RWD, AWD optional Start of production: Early 2015 Enters the market: Spring 2015 Price indication: Circa £120,000 **Using optional hybrid

PIXIE LOTT SCORES TRACK TIME WITH CITROËN DS3 RACING IN NEW MUSIC VIDEO British pop starlet Pixie Lott is continuing her musical relationship with Citroën. The triple-platinum selling singer-songwriter takes the special edition DS3 Racing for a spin in her new music video for single What Do You Take Me For.

Lotus Eterne

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Featuring U.S. hip-hop artist Pusha T, the new track, out 7 November, is taken from Pixie’s forthcoming second studio album, Young Foolish Happy. The first single, All About Tonight, debuted at number one in the UK Singles Chart – Lott’s third UK number-one.

Directed by Declan Whitebloom, the video is a high-energy sequence of contemporary dance with both Pixie and Pusha T putting their best feet forward in an explosive and upbeat performance.

Marc Raven, Citroën Communications Director, commented: “Citroën’s association with Pixie is a great way to introduce DS3 to a younger generation of music lovers. Having the video on our Facebook channel is also a fantastic way to reward our loyal fans – almost 70,000 of them and still growing. The new single is a stand-out track, full of energy and fantastic performances – the ideal environment for DS3 Racing.”

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ROLL UP, ROLL UP… ORDER BOOKS OPEN FOR NEW VOLKSWAGEN up!

New city specialist packs big car space and features into a compact body Three doors; four seats; three trim levels plus special edition from launch BlueMotion Technology version expected to return 67.2 mpg and 97 g/km* Open for ordering today with prices starting at £7,995 RRP OTR

The new Volkswagen up! is now available to order, ahead of the city specialist arriving in UK showrooms

of a larger car, its prices are in keeping with its small footprint, starting at £7,995 (RRP OTR), and rising to £11,180.

Shown in production form at this year’s Frankfurt Motor Show, the up! is an entirely new vehicle that offers space for four, the latest technology and highly efficient engines.

From launch, the up! will be available with two 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine options as well as a BlueMotion Technology version; it will have three doors and three trim levels – Take up!, Move up! and High up! – plus a special edition, the up! black and up! white. A five-door version is expected to join the line-up in the second half of 2012.

Take up! The range starts with the £7,995 1.0-litre 60 PS Take up!.

Key items of specification include body-coloured bumpers, daytime

The turbo-charged 207hp engine delivers a 0-62mph time of just 6.5 seconds, and at the same time is environmentally responsible with 44.1mpg fuel efficiency and just 149g/km CO2emissions.

Pixie Lott scores track time with Citroën DS3 Racing

Move up! For £8,970, customers can upgrade to the Move up!. This brings a host of comfort-oriented features, including remote central locking, air conditioning, electric front windows, easy-entry seats, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, variable-height load floor and 60:40 split/ fold rear seats. Outside, the Move up! gains body-coloured door mirrors and handles.

For just £360 more, the Move up!

BlueMotion Technology adds a Stop/ Start system that reduces urban fuel consumption by up to six per cent, battery regeneration and low rolling resistance tyres. These measures enhance combined fuel economy to an expected 67.2 mpg*, and reduce CO2 emissions from 105 g/km to a forecast 97 g/km* – making it exempt from road tax.

High up! The £10,390 75 PS High up! model is perfect for sophisticated urbanites, coming as it does with heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake grip, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors, the Maps & More personal infotainment device and a choice of dashboard colour.

From the outside, the High up! is distinguished by its front fog lights and 15-inch alloy wheels.

Developed by WRC winning team Citroën Racing, the special edition DS3 Racing fuses sporting pedigree with bold styling, racing inspired design, an uncompromising choice of premium materials and extensive equipment specification.

Pixie Lott is a 20-year old multiaward-winning artist from London.

She rose to fame with her June 2009 debut single ‘Mama Do (Uh Oh, Uh Oh)’, which went straight to number one in the UK charts. Her debut album produced five consecutive Top 20 singles. In February, Pixie was awarded Hottest Female in the 2011 Virgin Media Music Awards.

CD radio with aux-in, rear ISOFIX points, and 14-inch steel wheels.

in spring 2012. While the up! might have the interior space and features

running lights, front and side head/ thorax airbags, the new RCD 215

up! black and up! white For the sybaritic, the special edition £11,180 up! black and up! white models are based on the High up!, but add even more style, from the deep black pearl or pure white metallic paint to the chrome door mirror caps and door side strips to the 16-inch alloy wheels with body-coloured centre sections.

Inside there is a body-coloured dash, special ‘stripes’ upholstery and carpet mats.

Options will be kept simple, with a choice of eight packs available, as detailed below.

Sensor pack (£350): parking sensors, cruise control, multifunction computer Driver’s assistance pack (£400): City Emergency Braking, ESP, passenger airbag deactivation switch Comfort pack (£350): remote central locking, electric front windows, height adjustable driver’s seat Winter pack (£350): front fog lights, heated front seats, electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors Chrome pack (£250): chrome door mirror caps and side strips Sports pack (£450): 16-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension and tinted

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glass from the B-pillar backwards Sound pack (£100): four additional speakers (two front, two rear) Leather-look pack (£650): leather-look seats, leather-covered steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake, plus carpet mats Details of finance, maintenance and insurance packages designed especially for the up! will be released nearer the car’s UK launch.

Order books for the up! open on 7 October, with the first customer deliveries expected in spring 2012. For more information please visit your Retailer or www.volkswagen.co.uk.

WHY DOES IT ALWAYS RAIN ON ME? Driver training specialist IAM Drive & Survive is offering weekly motoring tips to drivers from its head of training, Simon Elstow. This week he gives advice on driving in heavy rain.

Before you set off, set your heater controls – rain makes the windows mist up in seconds. You don’t want to be fiddling with controls when you should be concentrating on the road Slow down. In the rain your stopping distance should be at least doubled. Giving yourself more space helps you to avoid spray, especially when following a large vehicle Keep your eyes on the road ahead and plan your driving so that you can brake, accelerate and steer smoothly – harsh manoeuvres will unbalance the car If you have cruise control, avoid using it on wet roads – it may create problems if you start to aquaplane See and be seen. Put your lights on – as a rule of thumb, whenever you need to use your wipers you should also turn your headlights on, and before overtaking put your wipers on their fastest setting Making sure your car is properly maintained will make a difference too. Check your wipers regularly, that your tyres are properly inflated and have enough tread, and that all of your lights work and are clean. By law, you must keep the windscreen washer filled, but remember, to keep your windows clean, you must do the inside as well Elstow said: "There’s nothing quite like getting to your car in the rain.

It’s a haven from the elements. But be cautious, especially after prolonged dry spells – rain on a dry road is dangerously slippery.

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“And think about the people on the pavements – remember it is illegal to splash pedestrians.”

Honda Chooses SERV As Its Nominated Charity Honda (UK) is delighted to announce the acclaimed 'blood runners' charity, SERV (Service by Emergency Rider Volunteers), has been nominated by staff as the company's supported charity for the year.

SERV, a member of NABB (Nationwide Association of Blood Bikers), is a charity that transports blood, plasma, platelets, samples, vaccines and other urgently required medical items to hospitals completely free of charge. It is run by dedicated volunteers who receive no financial compensation for their time or costs, allowing the NHS to divert funds to where they are needed most.

delivers vital blood supplies to hospitals in his local area.

This mini-documentary is the third in a series of short feature films which explore and celebrate reallife people who use their Honda motorbikes, cars, ATVs, lawn mowers, generators and marine engines in unusual and extraordinary ways.

The first featured Philippa, an alpaca breeder in Oxfordshire, who tends to the animals on her farm using her trusty Honda ATV. The second starred Ben, a night fisherman from Brixham Harbour in Devon who takes his boat, powered by two Honda BF135 marine engines, out at night to catch fish in the dark.

This latest short film features a gentleman called Roger who volunteers for SERV with his trusty ST1300 Pan European motorcycle. Roger voluntarily dedicates his evenings to transporting blood from central blood banks to hospitals across his

businesses and not for profit organisations can work together to benefit the community at large."

Steve Martindale, Honda (UK) Motorcycles General Manager said, "SERV is a highly regarded charitable organisation and the work they do, coupled with the dedication and passion of their volunteer riders, is truly humbling and worthy of total support. There were a number of motorcycling related charities we identified but our staff voted unanimously to support SERV, mainly because it is a service which can potentially benefit everyone and anyone, and not just those within the motorcycling industry or community, and Honda and two-wheels being 'out there' in local communities is something we all at Honda feel strongly about."

To find out more about SERV and how you could get involved, support or donate, visit www.serv.org,uk or

Having formed in 1981 so celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, SERV is now seeking to expand.

This will enable them to provide a more comprehensive service within their current fourteen operating areas across the South East - which respond to over 5000 emergency calls annually across the region - as well as grow the national coverage of this vital service through setting up new SERV branches, as well as working in partnership with other 'blood runner' organisations across the UK. Honda (UK)'s support includes a financial donation as well as ongoing fundraising activities being organised internally with Honda employees undertaking their own initiatives which are fund-matched by Honda (UK). SERV will be promoting Honda and its products to its dedicated and loyal two-wheel volunteers, whilst also benefitting from increased exposure and awareness by the charity being showcased at a number of Honda's activities in the coming months, including a presence on Honda's stand at the forthcoming Motorcycle Live event at the NEC from 19-27 November. he association with SERV is also timely, as it coincides with the recent launch of the latest mini-film in Honda's Channel 4 documentary sponsorship 'idents' running until the end of October, now focusing on one SERV volunteer, Roger, who

local area in the home counties on his beloved Pan-European. He has ridden Hondas since he was 16 years old and he now relies on his PanEuropean to regularly ride 100 mile journeys in the middle of the night.

To view the full two-minute version of the mini-documentary visit www. honda.co.uk/bloodbike.

Tim Goodman, Chairman of SERV, commented, "We have some great Honda motorcycles on the SERV fleet and it is also the most popular choice of bike manufacturer amongst our volunteer blood runners who use their own machines as well - they have time and again proved to be an ideal equipment partner. We are absolutely delighted that Honda's staff have chosen SERV as their nominated charity. We believe the opportunity of a partnership with the Honda brand will provide enhanced recognition for SERV, and encourage a better public understanding of the ways in which socially caring

Twitter @SERV_Bloodbikes. For further information about Honda's great range of motorcycles, cars and power equipment, visit your local Honda dealer, go to www.honda. co.uk, call 0845 200 8000 Facebook Honda UK Motorcycles or Twitter @HondaUKBikes.

Ducati Preview 2012 Range With New Streetfighter 848 Ducati preview 2012 range with new Streetfighter 848 Ducati confirm their 2012 Streetfighter 848 with the first officially released images of the brand new model set to add everyday accessibility to the Italian

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manufacturer's famous naked sport bike family.

Combining a new and brilliantly engineered 848 Testastretta 11° engine with the enhanced geometry of a chassis that provides confidence-inspiring agility, the Streetfighter 848 has enriched its user-friendliness with a smooth and flexible power delivery, revised ergonomics and Ducati Traction Control.

The Ducati Streetfighter scored a round one knock-out when it entered the ring for the first time at the Milan show back in November 2008, winning the 'Most Beautiful Bike' award and raising the bar for extreme nakeds. Its asphalt-ripping reputation became the desire of sport naked connoisseurs throughout the world and the Streetfighter 848 will now widen that appeal even further with enhanced usability.

Available from November 2011 onwards, the new fighter is dressed in red for Ducati traditionalists, while

Streetfighter 848

yellow makes a return for mid-range purists and "dark stealth" provides a matte-black reminder of the Streetfighter's aggressive image.

Fuel duty puts foreign truckers miles ahead of UK, says FTA Foreign truckers get more mileage for their money thanks to

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the disproportionately high rate of fuel duty imposed by the Government on UK hauliers.

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) says that ÂŁ1,000 of diesel bought at a forecourt in Europe will take a typical heavy goods vehicle over 280 miles further than one that filled up at a forecourt in the UK. That is the equivalent of travelling from Dover to Bedford and back, (see illustrative map: http://bit.ly/pdkULN ). Even if one accounts for the fact that most UK hauliers buy their fuel in bulk, the extra mileage achieved by a foreign truck carrying ÂŁ1,000 of fuel bought on the other side of the Channel is still a staggering 220-plus miles. Such stark fuel price disparity is putting domestic hauliers under increasing pressure to compete.

Theo de Pencier, FTA's CEO, said: "With rates of duty on the Continent up to 24 pence per litre lower than on this side of the Channel surely it is in the UK's best interests for Government to level the playing field. If something isn't done to redress this imbalance we will see more domestic hauliers pushed to the limit to try to remain competitive; the result will inevitably mean more costs being passed on, which will stoke inflation further, or, worse still, mean more redundancies and more companies going bust."

Excluding VAT, fuel duty accounts for around 50 per cent of the cost of diesel in the UK, compared with an average of just 35 per cent in the EU. This is at a time when UK transport operators have seen the cost of bulk diesel shoot up by 15 per cent over the past 12 months. Fuel duty is the number one concern of FTA's 14,000 members and as more companies struggle to achieve profitability this concern is becoming more pressing. A recent survey by leading trade publication Commercial Motor found that 89% of respondents from the haulage industry said a cut in fuel duty topped their wish list of the changes they would most like to see in the industry, up from 61% in 2010. de Pencier continued: "Fuel now accounts for around 40 per cent of total truck operating costs in the UK; with persistently tough trading conditions and cheaper competition from overseas, our logistics sector is under increasing pressure to maintain an even keel.

Streetfighter 848

"While we secured a fuel duty reprieve in the budget this year, plans to increase it in 2012 could hit us hard and effectively price the UK off the road to recovery. We urge Government to reconsider these plans or else risk widening the gap between UK and European hauliers."

FTA is a lead partner in the Fair Fuel UK Campaign to see a fairer deal on fuel and to scrap two rises planned for 2012. To sign the 100,000+ petition visit: www.fairfueluk.com/ government_e-petition.html

Vauxhall provides whole picture for fleet costs with online calculator Fleet decision-makers and company car drivers can now make more informed decisions about their next fleet of vehicles or individual cars using a smart new online tool from Vauxhall that provides whole life costs.

Luton: With the Whole Life Cost Calculator, available on the main Vauxhall Fleet website at www.vauxhall.co.uk/fleet, fleet decision makers can create a fleet of vehicles online and calculate whole life costs. It also allows company car drivers to work out which model makes the most sense for them, both financially and personally, with access to all information on Vauxhall models, as well as all other manufacturer data for the most comprehensive comparison.

"Understanding whole life costs, from taxation to residual values, can be incredibly complicated," said Steve Catlin, Fleet Marketing Manager at Vauxhall. "Our new Whole Life Cost Calculator helps fleet managers to work their way through complex data and make informed decisions that are best for them."

"The calculator is also handy for company car drivers in understanding their tax implications and fuel costs of any models that they may be looking at for their next company car, as well as any technical information about the model."

Data for the Whole Life Cost Calculator is supplied by CAP and all information and comparisons created can be downloaded as a PDF.

Advertising and Sponsorship For advertising and sponsorship opportunities please contact advertise@mediasyrup.co.uk