HERITAGE REIMAGIN ED

AMIDST THE SHIFTING LANDSCAPE OF OWNERSHIP AND TECHNOLOGY, HERE’S A LOOK AT THE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BRITISH AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR

WORDS SONY THOMAS

British Car Manufacturing Boasts

A RICH HISTORY that stretches back over a century and features renowned brands that have made a lasting impact on the industry. These iconic marques have left their mark with unique designs, impressive engineering achievements and notable contributions to motorsport. However, it is worth noting that many of these beloved British brands are currently owned by nonBritish companies, adding an interesting dynamic to their legacy. Jaguar and Land Rover are under India’s Tata Group, Bentley is part of the Volkswagen Group, RollsRoyce and Mini belong to Germany’s BMW Group, and Aston Martin is owned by Canadian billionaire Lawrence Stroll. Moreover, this diverse ownership landscape has been instrumental in the success and advancement of these brands, granting them access to cutting-edge technologies, global distribution networks and enhanced financial capabilities. The parent companies have also preserved the British brands’ individual identities, design philosophies and manufacturing operations within the UK, ensuring their heritage and craftsmanship. Here are the latest developments in the British automotive sector.

Aston Martin Db12

Aston Martin celebrates its 110th anniversary and 75 years of the DB line with the launch of the DB12, a Super Tourer which offers exhilarating driving dynamics, refined luxury and advanced technology. Equipped with an incredibly powerful 680-horsepower V8 twinturbo engine, the DB12 delivers outstanding performance, accelerating from 0-60mph in just 3.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 202mph. The car’s handling and dynamics have been meticulously refined, promising a sharp and engaging driving experience. Its bold and muscular exterior design, featuring a larger radiator aperture, LED headlights and 21-inch forged alloy wheels, showcases both power and elegance. Inside, the DB12 provides a driver-centric environment with intuitive technology, which includes a multimode ESP system, customisable drive modes and a range of personalisation options. With its bold design, powerful performance and meticulous attention to detail, the Aston Martin DB12 redefines the legendary DB bloodline.

ROLLS-ROYCE SPECTRE

Rolls-Royce has announced its commitment to an all-electric future, planning to make its entire line-up fully electric by 2030. Leading this transition is the Spectre, an ultra-luxury electric super coupe. The car boasts a groundbreaking “Decentralised Intelligence” system that enables seamless communication between over 1 000 vehicle functions, enhancing the renowned Rolls-Royce ride quality. Drawing inspiration from haute couture, modernist sculpture and nautical design, the Spectre flaunts a striking appearance with a wide grille, split headlight treatment and sharp lines. Its all-aluminium architecture accommodates the electric powertrain while improving the stiffness and sound insulation. The interior offers advanced bespoke features like Starlight doors and an illuminated fascia with over 5 500 stars. With a digital architecture named Spirit, the car’s functions can be accessed remotely via an application. The Spectre has also undergone rigorous testing to ensure superior performance and responsiveness in various conditions, with expected power, acceleration and range figures suggesting a 320-mile electric range, 900Nm of torque and a 0-60mph acceleration in 4.4 seconds. The Spectre is available for commission, with deliveries scheduled for late 2023, and is positioned between the Cullinan and Phantom models in terms of pricing.

Mini Cooper Electric

The electric Mini Cooper SE saw a significant increase in sales, becoming the most popular Mini model with well over 43 000 units sold worldwide. With one in five Mini vehicles now electric, the fifth generation of the Mini three-door car embraces the emissions-free era. The Mini Cooper Electric comes in two power levels: the Mini Cooper E with 135kW and the Mini Cooper SE with 160kW, offering instant torque and uninterrupted acceleration. The lithiumion high-voltage battery is positioned on the floor, enhancing road holding, weight distribution, stability and agility. Mini says this approach helps redefine the hallmark go-kart-like dynamics that it’s cars are known for. To achieve improved driving dynamics, Mini also leveraged the development expertise within the BMW Group. With the introduction of the Mini Cooper Electric and the upcoming production of the Countryman at the BMW Group Plant Leipzig in November 2023, Mini is prepared for an all-electric future. Furthermore, the concept SAV Aceman will join the model family in 2024. ■

Range Rover Sport Sv

The new 2024 Range Rover Sport SV represents the epitome of power, performance and luxury in the Range Rover Sport line-up. With a potent 626-horsepower 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 gas engine, it is the most powerful Range Rover Sport model ever and delivers blistering acceleration and a top speed of 180mph. With its high-performance capabilities, it seeks to set a new standard in the world of SUVs. The advanced 6D Dynamics suspension system promises exceptional handling and stability, while weight-saving measures such as carbon-fibre wheels and carbon-ceramic brakes further enhance performance. Inside, the SV edition offers exclusive touches, including SV Performance Seats and an immersive audio experience with the haptic Body and Soul Seat system. As part of the refreshed Range Rover Sport line-up, it is accompanied by a new plug-in electric hybrid variant and a host of advanced technologies. The New Range Rover Sport SV is a remarkable SUV with state-of-the-art features, making it an excellent option for SUV enthusiasts who appreciate the best.

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