Posts tagged with "motor trend"

Ferrari Testa Rossa J

The Little Car Company is excited to announce that the Ferrari Testa Rossa J is on permanent display at Selfridges’ flagship department store, in London. In partnership with the luxury Oxford Street store, The Little Car Company’s limited-edition vehicle is on show for all shoppers to see up close.

Presented on its own unique display installation in the Technology department on the lower ground floor, the Testa Rossa J is exhibited in a beautiful historic paint scheme incorporating an Argento Nurburgring (Silver) body, with a Rosso Mugello (Red) livery, which takes up to 160 hours to complete by hand. Inside, the car is exquisitely trimmed in Bordeaux leather, from the same tanneries that supply Ferrari for their current road cars, featuring black piping and tone on tone stitching.

Strictly limited to 299 vehicles, Ferrari has led every aspect of the project, in collaboration with The Little Car Company, a UK-based firm specialising in the production of electric scaled cars. Developed and handcrafted from the original drawings held by Ferrari Classiche, with design oversight from Ferrari’s Centro Stile, the intricate chassis of the 250 Testa Rossa was scanned and digitally recreated before being scaled down 25%.

Visitors to Selfridges can view the 75% scale vehicle up close and use the material sample pod to view a selection of the many vehicles’ leather and paint samples. Ferrari’s Classiche department carried out extensive research into all the liveries that have adorned the 250 Testa Rossa throughout its racing career, allowing prospective clients to choose from 14 historical liveries, 53 bodywork colours and additional personalised racing liveries, all authentically in keeping with Ferrari style.

Shoppers can enquire with one of the store’s friendly sales team about reserving an exclusive build slot on the Ferrari Testa Rossa J, as well as any of The Little Car Company’s other products.

Ben Hedley, CEO of The Little Car Company, said: “We are thrilled and extremely proud to launch our very own display at Selfridges’ iconic flagship store, on Oxford Street.

“To have the car on display for all visitors to see, with the stamp of approval from one of the world’s most celebrated luxury department stores, is a huge privilege. This collaboration demonstrates the remarkable quality that the Ferrari Testa Rossa J exhibits, and the phenomenal level of detail that goes into every car we handcraft.”

On every element of the Testa Rossa J, Ferrari and The Little Car Company have ensured the product is as true to the original car as possible. The steering wheel is supplied by Nardi, makers of the original steering wheel, and the same steering and suspension geometry have been replicated, giving the electric car authentic handling. The body is also made of hand-formed aluminium, which goes through the same process used on the 250 Testa Rossa.

As a nod to the current generation of road cars, the paint is the same as that applied to Ferrari’s current range of cars, as is the front badge. The pedals are from the F8 Tributo and the tyres are supplied by Pirelli, Ferrari’s official technical partner, fitted on the handmade 12-inch wire wheels. Next to the repurposed instruments on the vehicle’s interior dashboard – which now show battery temperature and charge level dials – is a beautifully designed Manettino, inspired by that used in the Ferrari 812 Superfast, allowing the driver to change the driving mode of the car.

To cater for drivers of all ages and abilities, four driving modes have been carefully developed to make the driving experience as safe as possible:

• NOVICE MODE: 1kW / 24 km/h

• COMFORT MODE: 4kW / 40 km/h

• SPORT MODE: 10 kW / 80 km/h

• RACE MODE: 12kW / 80 km/h

The three batteries powering the electric engine are positioned at the front of the car, and provide approximately 90 km range, depending on driving style.

For further information on the strictly limited-edition Ferrari Testa Rossa J, or to configure your very own, please visit HERE.

Ferrari Testa Rossa J inside 360 MAGAZINE

Bugatti Ending Chiron Production

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With global demand for the Bugatti Chiron surging in Q3 2021, production of the limited run of 500 has now entered its final phase. Fewer than 40 Chiron models remain available to order, in a Chiron Pur Sport or Super Sport model, rounding off a remarkable era of Bugatti’s history

The Bugatti Chiron quickly established itself as the new benchmark of the hyper sports car market. As the fastest and most powerful production vehicle in the marque’s 112-year history, the Chiron pushed the boundaries of automotive design, technology, engineering and manufacturing.

Four years since the very first of 500 bespoke units left the Atelier in Molsheim, the Chiron now enters its final production phase in Pur Sport and Super Sport form only, with less than 40 build slots left to be allocated. The final units of the Chiron and Chiron Sport are already being handcrafted, or scheduled to be built at Bugatti’s Molsheim Atelier, making way for the final encore of the Chiron era.

Since its highly anticipated reveal at the Geneva International Motorshow in 2016, the global success of Bugatti’s most recent hyper sports car platform has been unprecedented. 18 months after its initial announcement, 300 of the limited 500 series run of the Chiron had been sold. This sales momentum has continued throughout the years and into 2021, despite global challenges such as COVID-19. The United States is Chiron’s strongest market, contributing significantly to a record-breaking quarter in Q3, which welcomed Chiron sales that doubled year-on-year and even tripled in some regions.

With the revival of in-person events such as Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and a range of exclusive customer and media drive events, the Chiron continues to help drive Bugatti’s momentum, attracting universal acclaim, as the model becomes an increasingly rare proposition.

Hendrik Malinowski, Director of Sales and Operations, comments: “Our discerning customer base across the world consists of true Bugatti connoisseurs. They are hard-working, self-made individuals who regard owning one or multiple Bugatti masterpieces as the realization of a dream. They understand the devotion behind the pioneering design and engineering of each Chiron model. Their appreciation for the provenance and performance of our hyper sports cars comes from a genuine passion for the brand.

“With the Chiron Pur Sport and Super Sport, we are offering customers the culmination of years of continual development of the Chiron platform. This spectrum of performance, whether it be hitting the apex on-track, or cruising on Autobahns in total luxury, takes the Chiron to an entirely new level. Now with so few build slots remaining, the purity of the W16 recipe is being honored in style.”

Hitting the ground running

Throughout its lifetime, the Chiron has collected a multitude of accolades for its design and performance capabilities, solidifying its position in automotive history as one of the all-time greats. With a peak power output of 1,500 PS-a record for a series-production vehicle-1,600 newton meters and a host of surplus technological innovations, the Chiron redefined the pinnacle of automotive engineering in the 2010s. Sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.4 seconds, 200 km/h is reached in 6.1 seconds, with the 300 km/h mark achieved in 13.1 seconds.

The Chiron wasted no time in securing its first production car record in 2017, setting a new 0-400-0 km/h world record in a mere 41.96 seconds – the fastest time ever reached and officially measured at the time. Continuing a run of unrelenting success, just two years later, the Chiron reached speeds once thought to be unreachable by a road car. A near production prototype derivative of the hyper sports car surpassed the magic 300 mph limit with a speed of 304.773 mph (490.484 km/h)-a world record that stunned the automotive world and secured the Chiron’s status as an unquestionable automotive legend.

Building on a winning formula

Joining the Chiron family in 2020, the Chiron Pur Sport built upon the exceptional Chiron foundation to offer customers a truly uncompromising hyper sports car that is optimized for dynamic agility and downforce. With an entirely new aerodynamic, transmission and weight configuration, the Chiron Pur Sport effortlessly delivers the pin-sharp handling of a thoroughbred, hitting apexes in its stride. A 50-kilogram weight reduction and firmer suspension, combined with a 1.90 meter rear wing and close-ratio transmission mean the Chiron Pur Sport radiates connection and feel between driver and road surface.

2021 saw the unveiling of Bugatti’s latest masterpiece–the Chiron Super Sport–which alongside the Pur Sport will make up the final 40 units of Bugatti’s 500-strong Chiron production run. As the quintessence of luxury and speed, the Chiron Super Sport has been designed to embrace supreme longitudinal speed without compromising luxury and comfort.

As such, the Chiron Super Sport is regarded as the ultimate Grand Tourisme, capable of crossing continents in a heartbeat. Defined by its longtail design, the Super Sport achieves extreme levels of aerodynamic efficiency, enabling the hyper sports car to reach speeds of up to 440 km/h. With an upgraded version of the renowned Bugatti 8.0-liter W16 engine, the Super Sport outputs 1,600PS – increasing power by 100PS over the base Chiron.

Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport

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Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport Receives High Marks in North America: The Pur Sport continues to impress in the U.S.

Following its virtual debut last year, the Chiron Pur Sport has arrived in the United States. Limited to only 60 units, the newest production model from Bugatti is a pure driving machine designed for increased agility and handling – an uncompromising hyper sports car created for corners.

“The Pur Sport offers U.S. customers a new dimension of the Chiron that doesn’t require the Autobahn to fully experience,” said Cedric Davy, Chief Operating Officer of Bugatti of the Americas. “We now have the car for those customers who have been waiting for a Chiron geared more towards agility and dynamic cornering.”

In the short time, the Pur Sport has been in the United States, it has earned top marks from some of the country’s most prominent automotive publications:

“The Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport is the best car I’ve ever driven. Period. Full stop. End of story. It just is.” – Motor Trend

“Less weight, more grip, and shorter gearing make the Pur Sport an even wilder Bugatti Chiron.” – Car and Driver

“The Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport Is Worth Every Penny. Your $4 million car better be good, and this Bugatti delivers.” – Autoweek

In addition to rave reviews by journalists, the Chiron Pur Sport left a lasting impression on 24 Hour of Le Mans class winner and longtime Bugatti test driver Butch Leitzinger while testing in Southern California. “The seamless marriage of agility and brute force gives the Pur Sport abilities that are unmatched, not only by any other car but also by any other Bugatti.”

The Pur Sport has a starting price of $4 million and features a W16 engine that generates 1,500 horsepower and 1,180 lb.-ft. of torque.

For more information, please visit Bugatti’s website.

2018 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE TRACKHAWK

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The hawk is one of the most powerful birds in the sky. It dominates its territory by fiercely navigating the air, swooping in on its prey with incredible speed and accuracy. Now apply those characteristics to a vehicle and you discover something that is ferociously fast, nimble and adaptable with unprecedented performance.

by Anthony Sovinsky × Vaughn Lowery

The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is an AWD SUV equipped with the notorious Hellcat engine. A supercharged 6.2 liter V8 delivering 707hp with 645 ft-lb of torque in a 8-speed automatic with Quadra-Trac active on demand 4WD that catapults this brute from 0-60 in 3.5 seconds, howling across the quarter mile in 11 seconds and reaches a top velocity of 180 mph. There are no other SUVs in the world exhibiting this type of performance besides the Lamborghini Urus (650hp w/ 626lb-ft torque starting around $200,000). With a height of 67.9 inches, you will be staring at the roof of many vehicles which are capable of keeping up, especially if you follow Launch Control instructions – this bird soars 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds.

Weighing in at 5,636lbs, it is armed with an enlarged Brembo performance anti-lock braking system. Up front, the Trackhawk is fitted with big 15.8-inch rotors with 6-piston calipers; and in the back end, it passes 13.8-inch rotors with 4-piston calipers, making it come to a halt from 60 mph in a mere 114 feet. The bright yellow calipers nicely compliment the 20×10 inch black satin aluminum wheels ($995) encased in meaty 295/45ZR20 BSW 3 season tires ($895). Moreover, Blistein competition suspension containing active dampening keeps it firmly planted with very slight roll. Select-Track system allows the driver to elect five different modes – auto, sport, track, snow and tow (w/ 7200lb capacity).

Many drivers in a metropolis are defensive, but some aren’t able to concentrate on what’s in our peripheral during a concrete jungle safari. Precisely for that reason, several safety features have been implemented: parallel and perpendicular park assist; LaneSense lane departure warning; full speed forward collision warning; advanced brake assist; adaptive cruise control to stop, blind spot and cross path detection; park view rear backup camera; and last but certainly not least, a valet mode that significantly reduces horsepower (to about 200 hp) and torque to make the car more manageable to the unfamiliar.

Carrying on to the exterior, the Jeep is tastefully badged with “Trackhawk” emblems (on floor mats as well as rear back gate) and a “Supercharged” side door steel plate informing spectators of what’s under the hood. The front-end features a seven-slot grille equipped with Bi-Xenon HID headlamps. And, similar to its Challenger Hellcat sibling, it features functional air intakes which replace fog lamps to help cool the powerful engine. Continuing towards the boot, Fiat-Chrysler North America (NA) added quad exhaust tips, causing the vehicle to appear more aggressive on most angles.

Upon entering the cabin, drivers and passengers are welcomed by Napa/Suede “Trackhawk” stamped performance seats, carbon fiber trim, blackened chrome accents and a three-spoke flat bottom steering wheel with paddle shifters. Adjacent, lies the Uconnect 4C NAV with 8.4 inch display which is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Furthermore, the screen can access various drive modes as well as engine performance readouts for the more avid aficionado. And, if you go on to purchase the 2XV package, not only will you have access to a high performance vehicle, but a high performance audio system ($1,995). Outfitted with 19 Harman Kardon speakers alongside a subwoofer and an 825-Watt amplifier. With ample head and leg room, one can expect space for the entire modern family – driver, four passengers and a small to medium sized dog to comfortably run circles in the trunk area. Moreover, there’s adequate room for a few weekender bags to stealthily fit underneath the trunk matt right above the spare tire.

It’s almost hard to believe that such an SUV exists at such an affordable price point: supercar power plant, all-terrain capabilities, tenacious brakes, moderately precise steering (best in track mode), enhanced suspension offers comfortable cornering and hypersensitive acceleration – no one will ever ask, “Are we there yet?” The 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk base price is close to $85,900 and the customer preferred package 2XV adds another $4,980 for a total of $90,880. In short, Fiat Chrysler NA once again delivers a huge bargain which cannot be ignored while delivering tremendous curb appeal. Hence, the Trackhawk will leave enthusiasts watering at the mouth for years to come.

http://www.jeep.com/2018/grand-cherokee/performance.html

INFINITI RETURNS TO PEBBLE BEACH

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INFINITI Returns to the 2017 Pebble Beach Automotive Week With Innovative and Immersive Experiences

INFINITI and TEN: The Enthusiast Network Bring the Latest in Technology and Automotive Design to Life at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

– Discover first-hand what it’s like behind the wheel of the INFINITI QX50 Concept through our SOUL OF THE MACHINE virtual reality experience

– INFINITI Pavilion features the future of INFINITI luxury vehicles, including the QX80 Monograph and QX50 Concept

INFINITI is partnering with TEN: The Enthusiast Network during the 2017 Pebble Beach Automotive Week to showcase the best in automotive and technology, and to honor its bold spirit of innovation and commitment to delivering an unparalleled driving experience through “Soul of the Machine,” an interactive activation that places guests at the center of the action.

Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance

INFINITI is offering an immersive, narrated virtual reality (VR) experience featuring the QX50 Concept at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®. As guests enter the VR experience space, they are invited to take a seat in an INFINITI driver’s seat and are fitted with VR goggles and headphones. Guests trigger the experience with their actions and immediately begin seeing car parts drift toward them from the horizon to form a QX50 Concept around them. As participants visually explore the car, guided by narration, new experiences are activated to highlight its interior and exterior, Drive Assist Technologies designed to enhance drivers’ senses and the world’s first, production-ready variable compression turbocharged (VCT) engine, an innovation 20 years in the making.

In addition to the VR experience, there will also be an interactive wall featuring the VCT engine’s power and efficiency modes. Using directional body and/or hand movements, participants will be able to activate the modes, allowing them to see firsthand the compressions and various features of each mode.

“Now in our fourth year, INFINITI and TEN’s partnership at Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance continues to deliver one-of-a-kind opportunities to engage directly with INFINITI in fresh and innovative ways,” said Phil O’Connor, director of marketing communications and media for INFINITI. “We are pleased to showcase INFINITI’s industry leadership in technological and design innovation, and our ongoing commitment to placing the driver at the heart of all we do.”

INFINITI will host a Ride & Drive at the INFINITI Pavilion, featuring its full line of luxury vehicles including the Q50, Q60 and QX80 Limited. Test-drives will take place Friday, August 18 and Saturday, August 19 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (both days), starting at the INFINITI Pavilion and throughout the Del Monte Forest and iconic 17-Mile Drive^®.

Also at the INFINITI Pavilion is a Wine and Cheese Reception featuring a selection of local artisan cheeses and wines for guests to enjoy. The reception takes place Friday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Back this year, INFINITI will be hosting Pastries at the Pavilion on Concours Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

The INFINITI Pavilion is located at the Pebble Beach Concours Plaza on the corner of Forest Lake Road and Portola Drive in Pebble Beachand will be open to guests during the following times:

Friday, Aug. 18, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 19, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. for a private event)
Sunday, Aug. 20, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering

As a Platinum Sponsor of this exclusive event, INFINITI will once again, for a 4th year in a row, participate in one of the most intimate and celebrated events, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. INFINITI is the Official and Exclusive Courtesy Vehicle of The Quail, providing eight QX80 vehicles and shuttle service solely for Quail Lodge and Golf Club guests and VIPs. INFINITI will also be sponsoring its private Quail Rally event earlier in the week, where guests can test-drive the Q60 Red Sport 400. The Quail attendees will have the opportunity to explore the INFINITI Project Black S at the infield display. New this year, guests will be able to enjoy hand-rolled 10Below Ice Cream compliments of INFINITI.

INFINITI will also be showing the Prince R380, one of Japan’s first purpose-built race cars, in The Quail’s postwar race class. The R380 broke several landspeed records before winning the second Japanese Grand Prix in 1966. The Prince Motor Company is considered one of Japan’s first premium automotive brands, and some of its product line can be considered predecessors of INFINITI’s Q50 sports sedan, Q60 sports coupe and Q70 luxury sedan.

About INFINITI:

INFINITI Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with representations in 50 markets around the world. The INFINITI brand was launched in 1989. Its range of premium automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan, the United States, United Kingdom and China. INFINITI design studios are located in Atsugi-Shi, near Yokohama, London, San Diego and Beijing. INFINITI is in the middle of a major product offensive. The brand has been widely acclaimed for its daring design and innovative driver-assistance technologies. From the 2016 season, INFINITI is a technical partner of the Renault Sport Formula One team, contributing its expertise in hybrid performance.

More information about INFINITI and its industry-leading technologies can be found at www.INFINITI.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.

About TEN: The Enthusiast Network

TEN: The Enthusiast Network is the world’s premier transmedia network of enthusiast brands, such as MOTOR TREND, AUTOMOBILE, HOT ROD, SURFER, TRANSWORLD SKATEBOARDING, and GRINDTV. With more than 60 websites, 50 publications, 50 annual events, the Motor Trend OnDemandsubscription video-on-demand service, as well as the world’s largest automotive and action/adventure sports media platforms, TEN inspires enthusiasts to pursue their passions. For more information, visit enthusiastnetwork.com.

Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance

June 18, 2017 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

RODEO DRIVE
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

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The Rodeo Drive Committee, in conjunction with the city of Beverly Hills, presents the annual Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance.

A Father’s Day tradition for over 20 years, the annual Rodeo Drive car show is free and open to the public and draws high quality classic automobiles and luxurious new models to Beverly Hills, year after year. Some of the automobiles shown include the 2015 Ford Mustang, a 1927 Rolls-Royce Phantom and a McLaren 12C. The coveted automobiles are displayed along iconic Rodeo Drive for auto-enthusiasts of all kinds to admire up close.

The Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance is also used as a platform for major product launches and announcements. In 2010, Jaguar launched the all-new Jaguar XJ model, and Learjet parked a mockup of the new private Learjet 85 in 2013 in celebration of its 50th anniversary. The event also welcomed George Barris’ 1966 TV Batmobile on Rodeo Drive for thousands of people to see.

Previous themes include, “THE BRITISH ARE COMING!” with Aston Martin as a featured marque and “100 Years of Horse Power,” a celebration of Beverly Hills’ centennial year in 2014.

Named one of the “300 Unmissable Events & Festivals Around the World” by top travel publisher Frommer’s, the Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance is an event you won’t want to miss

For more information visit Rodeo Drive Concours d’Elegance.