THE RUSTY RALLY 2017

3:13 AM

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rally

The ultimate motoring adventure is coming!

The Outward Bound Trust�s Rusty Rally returns in 2017 to challenge a new crop of participants to navigate their way through some of the world�s most famous driving roads in an old banger. With two firmly established routes, it has been heralded as the ultimate European adventure for the mediocre motor car.
In the Rusty Rally, entrants compete in teams of at least two, navigating Europe�s spectacular driving roads and traversing six countries in three days � in a car worth at most �500.

Two routes are offered � the �Italian Route� which will run from the 8th to the 11th of June, and the �Viking Route�, which will be held from the 14th to the 17th of September. The routes are between 800 to 1000 miles and see The Rusty Rally Headquarters relocate to a different town each evening, in which competitors will get together to swap tales of adventure.
The �Italian Route� travels through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and Switzerland to finish in Italy. You�ll drive through the Black Forest, see the Rhine Falls, drive one of The Alps� highest mountain passes and finish by the Italian Lakes. The Vikings will cross France, Belgium, Holland, Germany and Denmark on their way to Sweden in a stunning and scenic adventure north.

The challenge is for a good cause as well, raising funds for The Outward Bound Trust, which contributes to bursary schemes that give disadvantaged young people a chance at life-changing education. Each team will strive to raise a target of �10,000, and all of that will go to The Outward Bound Trust�s bursaries.
For the full details and to complete an application form to enter, see The Rusty Rally�s website at www.rustyrally.org.uk and to check out some photos from previous events click here for The Italian Route and here for The Viking Route.

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BRITISH MOTOR HERITAGE LAUNCHES LONG-AWAITED REPLACEMENT BODYSHELLS FOR MK1 MINI

3:32 AM

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mini

The values of MK1 Minis continue to rocket, increasingly justifying the cost of the part or total restorations that will be required for most examples sooner or later. British Motor Heritage (BMH) has long since been at the forefront of supplying individual panels for all marks of classic Minis, and complete bodyshells for models from 1976 onwards. What�s been missing until now is the Holy Grail, a full replacement shell for the MK1, but the wait is now over!

Mini enthusiasts were given a glimpse of what was to come on BMH�s stand at the NEC Classic Motor Show last November, and the response was universally positive. The first production batch of 15 bodies will therefore commence in April, with deliveries occurring through May and June. The launch price is �9,950 inc. VAT and the company is accepting orders accompanied by a 25 percent deposit.

The early body is markedly different from its later counterparts. The major variances include:

Smaller: door aperture with different step profiles; sliding window doors with external hinges; rear window; rear side windows; rear light mountings
Different: �A� panels and hinge reinforcements; cant rails; floors; sills; front and rear parcel shelves; switch panel; boot panel, bonnet and inner valences; front valance and number plate mounting
Since creating the prototype body, BMH has commissioned additional tooling to refine the finish and improve the build quality. The company is indebted to M-Machine for allowing it to use their MK 1 floors and sills, as the cost of retooling these items would have made the project unviable. BMH has also used the later front bulkhead crossmember assembly as retooling for this non-visual part would have been prohibitive, and opted not to form the rotodip hole in the rear seat squab; recognising that a significant element of demand for the new shells will almost certainly be for historic motorsport.
� AVAILABLE NOW FROM VELOCE! �

ANATOMY OF THE CLASSIC MINI � The definitive guide to original components and parts interchangeability by Mark Huthert

This book�s title sums up its purpose. Anatomy of the Classic Mini is the result of years of research, and documents the many variations of the same components, explaining which model and date each is for. An essential reference book for all restorers of classic Minis! More info.

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ROLLS-ROYCE VISION NEXT 100 � A GRAND VISION OF THE FUTURE OF LUXURY MOBILITY

3:59 AM

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rolls-royce

In a spectacular event at London�s Roundhouse yesterday, the Rolls-Royce VISION NEXT 100 was presented. The car defines the future of luxury mobility. Codenamed 103EX, it is the marque�s first ever pure �Vision Vehicle�.

The Rolls-Royce VISION NEXT 100 presents an intriguing and aesthetically dynamic vision of the future of luxury mobility � a completely personal, effortless and autonomous Rolls-Royce experience, wrapped in a design that ensures a �Grand Sanctuary� for its occupants, and a �Grand Arrival�.

The Rolls-Royce VISION NEXT 100 anticipates the mobility demands of the luxury customer of the future. Brought to life by Rolls-Royce after many months of study and consultation with current patrons of the brand, the car represents their clearly expressed desire for an assurance that the marque�s plans for the future of luxury personal mobility will continue to embody the key attributes that have made Rolls-Royce the preferred marque of the most discerning and powerful patrons in the world for over a Century.

With the Rolls-Royce VISION NEXT 100, the brand provides just such an assurance to its valued customers � present and future. It makes a bold and definitive statement of confidence in a future where Rolls-Royce rejects the notion of anonymous, utilitarian and bland future modes of mobility. Through an intimate understanding of its customers� thinking and their demands in the future, Rolls-Royce presents an exciting and highly appealing vision of effortless, autonomous, spacious and beautiful luxury mobility, as personal as each individual customer.

Source: Rolls-Royce

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THE WORLD�S FIRST MINI CENSUS � THE RESULTS!

7:50 AM

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mini

Over half of the world�s Minis are boys, with the most popular name being Marvin, according to the world�s first ever Mini Census.

The survey, carried out by the organisers of Mini World Live, which takes place at Rockingham Motor Speedway, Northants, on July 10, 2016, received responses from Mini owners all over the globe, including places as far afield as Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Malta and the USA.

The results show that in total, 51% of the world�s Mini population is male, 35% are female and 14% are neither � although anyone who�s ever owned a Mini knows it�s more than just a car.

Among the boy Minis, the most popular names are Marvin, Tommy (Cooper) and Jack, although there�s a developing trend towards the names Dave, Stuart and Bob, made famous by Minions - The Movie. Girl Minis tend to follow a more alliterative tone, with Minnie (perhaps unsurprisingly), Mollie and Millie being the three most favoured names.

Some of the more unusual names that owners have given their Minis include Pingu (because he�s white with a black roof), Tetley (because he has more holes in him than a tea bag) and Mojo Jojo (after the evil monkey in The Powerpuff Girls). Randomly, one correspondent has also named her Mini Leigh Halfpenny after the Welsh rugby international (because he�s smallish, gorgeous and powerful).

The survey also proves the diversity of the world�s Mini owners, with the youngest respondent being 17-year old Luke from Auckland, New Zealand, who has a male Mini called Sheldon, after Sheldon Cooper from the Big Bang Theory. The oldest respondent was 80-year old John from Bangor, North Wales, who has a female Mini called Mavis, named after his late wife.

Commenting on the survey, Mini World Live event manager, Katherine Chappell, said: �Mini owners have a real sense of community, and their cars are just as much a part of that community as they are. Minis, both old and new, are the most celebrated and characterful cars in the world, and with Mini World Live we want to celebrate that character.�

Following the show�s debut in 2015, which brought thousands of Mini enthusiasts to the Northants venue, the organisers are promising even more action and more of a festival feel for the show, which is backed by three major Mini-related magazine titles � MiniWorld, Mini Magazine and Modern MINI.

The show will feature attractions catering for fans of both classic and modern Minis, including a concours competition, individual entries, a huge retail village, show and shine areas, club displays and on-track action, the details of which will be confirmed nearer to the date.

Visitors will also be able to enter a competition to win a Mini, sponsored by specialist insurers Carole Nash. The classic is currently being restored by the magazine teams, and will be on display at the Show. Modified Mini owners will also be able to enter a �Best Wheels� competition, in association with Wheel Whores.

Live music and refreshments will also form a core part of the event, with camping available the evening before to ensure it benefits from a vibrant, festival feel.

Full details of the show, along with the opportunity to buy advance early bird tickets saving at least �4 on show entry, are available at Mini World Live.

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MORGAN LAUNCHES EV3

4:15 AM

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morgan

The Morgan EV3 today makes its world debut at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. The EV3 looks at the world of zero emissions motoring from an entirely different perspective, what if an all-electric vehicle was bespoke, hand crafted and exhilarating to drive? The EV3 embraces new technology, delivers responsible driving excitement and continues to celebrate traditional British craftsmanship.

Following a soft launch of the Phase 1 concept EV3 in 2015, Morgan is excited to showcase the final �pre-production phase� car which reveals the restyled body and interior. Weighing less than 500kg, the all-electric 3 Wheeler has a range of 150 miles.

Lightweight agility is complemented by performance figures that challenge those of the petrol 3 Wheeler. 0-62mph takes less than 9 seconds and a top speed in excess of 90mph. Encased within the tubular space frame chassis is a 20KWh Lithium Battery and a liquid cooled 46kW motor driving the rear wheel.

The EV3 is the first Morgan vehicle to utilise composite carbon panels in its body construction. The carbon bonnet, tonneau cover and side pods are made in the UK, and much like the remaining aluminium panels, are hand worked over an ash wood frame. Taking inspiration from 1930�s aeroengine race cars, classic motorcycles and 1950�s fantasy automatons, the face of the EV3 is designed to function. Brass conductive cooling fins encase the batteries and an off-centre tri-bar headlight adds to the overall asymmetry of the design.

The dramatic tail lift once seen on 1930�s Morgan 3 Wheeler race cars, has been re-introduced, subsequently creating a visually forward stance. This is enhanced with low slung running lights that carry through the cylindrical form of the side pods. An entirely new dashboard arrangement features a classic �magneto� switch for drive selection, a digital screen, wood, brass and polished aluminium. The EV3 will go into production in the fourth quarter of 2016 and will be priced comparably to the petrol 3 Wheeler. This launch coincides with an announcement that the Morgan Motor Company will receive government funding towards a �6m consortium based project developing future hybrid and full EV Morgan vehicles.

More info: Morgan Motor Company



� AVAILABLE FROM VELOCE �

The Morgan 3 Wheeler � back to the future! by Peter Dron.
Revealing why Morgan returned to its original 3 Wheeler concept after a century. How the new 3 Wheeler was created, became a best-seller, and was made, this book shows what it�s like to drive, strengths, weaknesses, and factory improvements made since the 2011 launch � from modifications, possible developments, and even why it is � or isn't � your kind of vehicle. More info.

Making a Morgan � 17 days of craftmanship: step-by-step from specification sheet to finished car by Andreas & Dagmar Hensing.

A look at Morgan�s unique way of making cars, recorded step-by-step over 17 days. From customer�s specification sheet, to finished car, see how individual craftsmen build a Morgan. More info.

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GROUPE RENAULT UNVEILS PLANS FOR ALPINE

6:26 AM

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automotive news

Today Alpine officially unveiled the Berlinette of the 21st Century.

Alpine Vision
At the home of the world-famous Monte Carlo Rally and on the Col de Turini, site of some of racing�s most memorable moments, Groupe Renault today announced plans for a new Alpine sports car, and unveiled the Alpine Vision show car.

�Motorsports and sports cars are deeply rooted in the DNA of Groupe Renault,� said Carlos Ghosn, Groupe Renault Chairman and CEO. �Earlier this month we announced our return to Formula One with a Renault team, and today we are announcing Alpine. This is an exciting next step in our strategy to leverage talent and technology between road and track, and we look forward to reaching new customers in the sport premium cars segment.�

The show car Alpine Vision combines sensual design with outstanding agility, true to the great Alpine A110 Berlinette loved and admired by enthusiasts around the world. Alpine Vision is powered by a new 4 cylinder turbocharged engine, built by experts at Renault Sport, and its low weight will allow the car to achieve 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in less than 4.5 seconds - the target for the future production model.

Alpine will be managed by a small team of passionate experts within Groupe Renault, with one sole mission � to meet and exceed the expectations of the demanding sport premium customer. Michael van der Sande will lead as Alpine Managing Director, and Antony Villain will head Alpine design. Alpine will draw on the extensive resources of Groupe Renault, and Renault Sport.

�All of us at Alpine are proud to have been entrusted with the task of bringing back Alpine to sports car lovers around the world�, said Michael van der Sande, Alpine Managing Director. �Our job is to faithfully re-interpret famous Alpines of the past and project Alpine into the future with a beautifully designed, agile, high-performance sports car. Our Alpine Vision show car is immediately recognizable as an Alpine yet resolutely modern. We look forward to revealing the production model later this year.�

Alpine A110
Over the next 12 months, the Alpine team will focus on building an outstanding car, very close to today�s show car in terms of design, weight, handling, agility and attention to detail. Priorities will also include building out the team and the network, and finally, to pursue racing. The current Signatech-Alpine Racing Team has already won two European endurance championships, and won the LMP2 class in the World Endurance Championship last year in Shanghai; and this year, the team will enter two Alpine LMP2 cars in the World Endurance Championship, including Le Mans.

Made in Dieppe, France, the new Alpine will go on sale in 2017 initially in Europe, followed by other markets worldwide.

� AVAILABLE FROM VELOCE �

Alpine Renault � the fabulous berlinettes by Roy Smith

The beautiful design of the Alpine Renault �berlinettes� and their extraordinary performances in competition made them the cars to beat in the late 1960s and early 1970s. This book brings to life the efforts, successes and failures of the engineers and drivers that worked with the cars, and explores the berlinettes� development and history in fascinating detail. More info.

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THE NEW BUGATTI IS TO BE CALLED CHIRON� WORLD PREMIERE IN GENEVA IN 2016

2:27 AM

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Bugatti

The next Bugatti is to be called Chiron. It will be named after Louis Chiron, a legendary racing driver who won virtually all the major grands prix for the brand in the 1920s and 1930s. His name is more closely connected with the history of Bugatti than any other racing driver.

The world premiere of the new super sports car from Molsheim in France is planned for the 86th Geneva Motor Show in 2016. With the Chiron, Bugatti will continue to produce the world�s most powerful, fastest, most luxurious and most exclusive production super sports car. The Bugatti Chiron is currently being shown to selected customers and the feedback is outstanding; more than 100 orders have already been received.
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�The development brief for the Chiron can be summarised in one sentence and is probably the shortest in the history of the automobile: we want to make the best significantly better,� says Wolfgang D�rheimer, President of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. �The Chiron will set new standards in every respect. We will continue to produce the world�s most powerful, fastest, most luxurious and most exclusive production super sports car. This is the claim of Bugatti and our customers.�

�In Louis Chiron, we found a worthy patron for a new model in the history of our brand,� D�rheimer continues. �The name of the best racing driver and the most successful Bugatti driver of his time for the best super sports car of the present day � that is the ideal combination.�

Currently, the Chiron is undergoing final testing. A number of prototypes are on the road in several continents for the fine tuning of the vehicle � right down to the last detail under a variety of road and climate conditions. No other production super sports car of this calibre will be subjected to such a stringent, comprehensive test programme.

At the same time, pre-marketing of the Chiron is now underway. Bugatti has invited selected customers in the brand�s key markets to private previews. �The feedback from our customers concerning the Chiron is outstanding,� says the Bugatti President. �Our order book is steadily filling up. More than 100 customers have already ordered the Chiron despite the fact that they have had no opportunity so far to experience the fantastic driving properties of the Chiron.�

Lydie Barre-Chiron, descendant and biographer of Louis Chiron, recently visited the Bugatti�s headquarters in Molsheim to inspect the vehicle that will bear the name of her famous forebear. �The Chiron is a modern super sports car that is instantly recognisable as a Bugatti,� says Lydie Barre-Chiron. �It looks fantastic, just magnificent. The design already indicates that this car will be very powerful and very fast. If Louis Chiron were alive today, I�m sure he would be proud that such an extraordinary sports car is to bear his name and is to represent the brand with which he achieved his greatest successes.�

� Available from Veloce �

Bugatti Type 57 Grand Prix - A Celebration

A comprehensive, radical look at the history and development of the Type 57 Grand Prix Bugattis. New material challenges traditional beliefs about these historic cars, and rejects some long-standing conventions. Here, myths are explored and truths are revealed in a book celebrating all aspects of these remarkable cars and their creators.
More info.

Bugatti 57 � The Last French Bugatti � Classic Reprint

The concise history of the Bugatti Type 57, 57S, 64 & 101.
The magnificent Type 57 was the final flowering of the genius of Ettore and Jean Bugatti, and the last truly new model from Molsheim, France.
Packed with over 300 images - mostly contemporary - this book is recognised as THE standard reference on the 57 and its close relatives.
More info.

Bugatti Type 46 & 50 � The Big Bugattis

A Veloce Classic Reprint of the only book dedicated to the Type 46 & 50 Bugattis.
The book features over 200 period plates, many rare and previously unpublished, showing a galaxy of superb coachbuilt and standard bodies on T46 and T50 chassis as well as much mechanical detail.

Regarded as THE standard reference to the Type 46 & 50.

More info.

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