C-Class gets a host of revisions in advance of an all new model.

Mercedes-Benz UK has announced a range of C-Class enhancements, including a new model line, new option packages and simplified product offer, representing exceptional price and value.

The new AMG Sport Edition replaces the AMG Sport and AMG Sport Plus model lines and now applicable to all Saloon, Estate and Coupé variants.

The AMG Sport Edition retains the AMG bodystyling, steering wheel, alloy wheels and 15 mm lower sports suspension from the outgoing AMG Sport model, but gains an AMG boot lid spoiler (Saloon and Coupé), dark-tinted headlamps and high-gloss black grille to enhance visual appeal.

Inside, the new trim line benefits from AMG Sport Plus seats upholstered in black Artico and Dinamica with blue/grey contrast stitching and split folding rear seats in the Saloon (already standard in Estate and Coupé). In addition to the dark brushed aluminium trim, the gear shift gaiter also now has grey contrast stitching, as does the Dinamica-covered door panel trim.

When the AMG Sport Edition is fitted with the optional 18-inch seven-spoke AMG alloy wheels (£300 including VAT), it represents a 50 per cent saving versus the outgoing AMG Sport Plus model, which was priced at £3,000 over the Executive SE model line – the new AMG Sport Edition is just a £1,500 price walk.

In addition, there are two optional packages. The first is the Premium Package (£1,595 including VAT), which includes COMAND Online with Media Interface, reversing camera, heated front seats, Lighting Package and DAB digital radio.

The Premium Plus Package (£2,495 including VAT), offers up to a 45 per cent saving on individual options and features the same content as the Premium pack, with the added benefit of a panoramic glass sunroof.

The engine and line combinations for C-Class were made-up of a total of 47 variants, including seven engines and three model lines. The new 2014 enhancements mean that this has now been reduced to just 19, consisting of two trims and four engines.

The new AMG Sport Edition is available on C 220 CDI and C 250 CDI engines from £30,170 OTR for Saloon, £31,370 OTR for Estate and £32,455 OTR for Coupé.

UK - Skoda launches two limited edition Rapid models - To help boost poor sales of the Skoda Rapid ?

ŠKODA has unveiled two limited edition versions of the Rapid hatchback, each with unique features and extra equipment worth thousands of pounds.

The first of the pair is the brilliant Rapid SE Connect. It’s based on the Rapid 1.2-litre TSI 86PS SE, but with the addition of extra value worth an astonishing £3,665.

The enhanced specification includes one of two metallic paint choices, either Brilliant Silver or Denim Blue, as well as 16-inch ‘Antia’ alloy wheels, rear parking sensors and an Amundsen satellite navigation with DAB digital radio.

The Rapid SE Connect is priced at just £12,990 on the road, and is restricted to just 800 vehicles.

The second limited edition ŠKODA is the striking Rapid Sport. It’s based on the 1.2-litre TSI 105PS SE model but includes extra equipment worth £1,250. Additional features include 17-inch ‘Ray’ black alloy wheels, sunset glass, front fog lights, sports seats, steel pedals, black door mirrors and a rear spoiler.

The Rapid Sport is only available in a single exterior finish – Candy White – and is priced at £15,630 on the road. Only 200 units will be available to UK customers, ensuring exclusivity.

Jaguar Land Rover delivers best ever full year global sales performance retailing 425,006 vehicles in 2013, up 19%

• New sales records set in thirty eight international markets for both brands
• Jaguar delivers strongest full year performance since 2005 retailing 76,668 vehicles, up 42%
• Land Rover sets another full year record retailing 348,338 vehicles, up 15%
• Jaguar is the fastest growing brand in Germany, India and the USA
• Global sales success driven by range of new and award winning product introductions
• Jaguar and Land Rover models receive more than 195 international awards with the Jaguar F-TYPE the most decorated vehicle

Jaguar Land Rover, the UK's leading manufacturer of premium luxury vehicles has delivered its strongest ever full year global sales performance thanks to the introduction of a series of multi award winning new vehicles in 2013. Full year retail sales stood at 425,006, up 19%, with strong growth in all major regions and new records set in 38 markets, including Russia, Brazil, Korea and Canada. Regional performance for the full year was as follows: Asia Pacific and the China region up 30%, North America up 21%, the UK up 14%, Europe up 6%, and other overseas markets up 23%.

Commenting on the company’s sales performance, Dr. Ralf Speth, Jaguar Land Rover CEO said: “2013 has proven to be a very positive year for Jaguar Land Rover thanks to continuing strong demand for vehicles across the range. Our unrelenting focus on design, technology, innovation and quality has seen Jaguar Land Rover reach global consumers in more markets than ever before thanks to its most desirable product line-up, enriched further in 2013 by the Jaguar F-TYPE and all-new Range Rover Sport”.

2013 Awards 

Jaguar Land Rover‘s enhanced stable of products received 195 awards in 2013. Jaguar received 80 awards with its most decorated model, the F-TYPE earning the World Car Design of the Year, Germany’s most prestigious award, The Golden Steering Wheel award for the Cabriolet & Coupe Category and BBC Topgear magazine Convertible of the year. Notably Jaguar also received coveted recognition from J.D. Power, being named the UK’s number one automotive brand in the Vehicle Ownership Satisfaction Survey (VOSS) and the highest ranking manufacturer among luxury brands in the US J.D. Power Sales Satisfaction Index Study (SSI).

Land Rover’s full range of vehicles received 115 honours in 2013 with Range Rover topping the Land Rover awards table with 55 accolades including, Luxury Car of the Year by What Car? in the UK, Women’s Luxury Car of the Year by the Women’s World Car of the Year jury and Best Luxury SUV from Edmunds.com and Forbes. Range Rover also achieved the Highest APEAL Score of any model in the J.D. Power 2013 APEAL survey – the first time a model outside the large premium car segment has ranked highest among all models in the industry. The Range Rover Sport, launched in 2013 also received a host of awards including, SUV of the Year by Topgear magazine, Guangzhou Daily in China, Bloomberg.com and EVO magazine in the Middle East.

Jaguar 2013 Sales Performance

Jaguar recorded a 42% year on year increase in sales, selling 76,668 vehicles in 2013 - its strongest full year sales performance since 2005 with new records set in 17 markets including, Brazil, India, Russia and China. The iconic British motoring marque also emerged as the fastest growing premium brand in the USA, Germany and India in 2013. This strong global performance was primarily driven by F-TYPE introduction and a new annual record for XF retailing 47,391 saloon and Sportbrake derivatives. XJ also delivered its best full year performance for ten years with 19,677 vehicle sales with particular strong demand from North America and China thanks to the introduction of the All-Wheel Driveline and an enhanced engine line up which includes the 3.0 V6 and 2.0 4-cylinder petrol engines.

Jaguar delivered year on year increases in every major region with North America now the brand’s top selling region. Full year regional performances were as follows: the China Region up significantly, North America up 44%, Asia Pacific up 33%, Europe up 17%, the UK up 15% and other overseas markets up 31%.

Land Rover 2013 Sales Performance

Land Rover set a new full year sales record retailing 348,338 vehicles in 2013, up 15% on the prior year following record sales of the Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque and an incredible performance from all- new Range Rover Sport which was close to equaling its prior record set in 2007, despite having only been on sale for part of the year. The Freelander 2 also delivered a very strong full year performance, up 20% on the prior year.

Sales were up for Land Rover in every major region with annual sales records set in 42 markets, including the UK, USA, Brazil and India.  Full year regional performances were as follows: Asia Pacific up 29%, the China Region up 17%, North America up 15%, the UK up 13%, Europe up 4%, and other overseas markets up 22%.

Commenting on the sales success, Andy Goss, Jaguar Land Rover Group Sales Operations Director said: “2013 has been a great year in which we have seen some incredibly exciting new models launched to customers across the world. The Range Rover Sport, F-TYPE, new engines and drivetrains, and a number of 14 Model Year enhancements to our existing line up have seen Jaguar Land Rover continue to build strong sales momentum in every global region.

It is not just our customers who are delighting in our strongest ever vehicle line up, international journalists bestowed almost 200 awards on our vehicles in 2013 with the F-TYPE, our star performer receiving more than 59 accolades. This recognition is a demonstration that Jaguar Land Rover’s focus is on delivering cars that surpass customer expectations.”

JLR launches recruitment drive for new Power plant facility in Wolverhampton.

• Jaguar Land Rover launches campaign to recruit world-class manufacturing team at its new Engine Manufacturing Centre
• Phased campaign to recruit circa 600 people in the next four years
• Working in close partnership with local councils, colleges and Jobcentre Plus, a bespoke skills development programme for the unemployed has been created

Jaguar Land Rover has launched the first significant campaign to recruit 1,400 employees at its new state-of-the-art Engine Manufacturing Centre based at the i54 South Staffordshire business park near Wolverhampton. The first phase will see the creation of in the region of 600 manufacturing roles at the plant in the next four years.

Jaguar Land Rover is investing more than £500 million in its new Engine Manufacturing Centre bringing engine supply back to its production doorstep providing significant new resource to support continued innovation. These roles will be required to support the manufacture of Jaguar Land Rover’s new family of high technology, low emission engines. The team will be responsible for the assembly of engine components, operation of the plant’s world class manufacturing equipment, supporting tool changes and material line feed.

Trevor Leeks, the Engine Manufacturing Centre’s new Operations Director said, “Our new Engine Manufacturing Centre is a significant strand of Jaguar Land Rover’s global growth ambitions and it is critical that we have a world-class manufacturing team at the heart of our new plant.

“We are entering the next phase of the programme with our small team moving onsite just last week. Today, we are starting to build our operational team for the future with the launch of our recruitment campaign.

“We are looking for dedicated, committed and passionate people to join the Jaguar Land Rover team at the Engine Manufacturing Centre.”

Jaguar Land Rover has worked in partnership with Wolverhampton City Council, Staffordshire County Council and South Staffordshire Council to create a tailored training programme for local unemployed people to develop the skills required at the plant. The six-week training programme will cover topics such as enhanced literacy & numeracy skills, how to approach competency based interviews, team exercises and interview preparation. The programme will be managed and co-ordinated by JobCentre Plus across Wolverhampton and Staffordshire.

The Engine Manufacturing Centre’s team currently stands at around 100 people including 18 apprentices and 6 graduates. In addition to the manufacturing roles at the plant, there are also additional opportunities available in a range of engineering and supervisory roles.

To apply for a position at the Engine Manufacturing Centre, please visit: www.jaguarlandrovercareers.com.

Laser lights to appear on AUDI Sport quattro Coupe Concept.

• Dynamic coupe has powerful plug-in hybrid drive
• Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of AUDI AG, Technical Development: “This show car embodies our engineering competence and shows cutting-edge electronic features such as high-performance laser-light headlights.”

Dynamic design, immense power and new electronic features: Audi is presenting a fascinating technology concept car at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) from January 6 to 10, 2014 in Las Vegas, USA. The Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept is reminiscent of the classic Sport quattro of 1983 while pointing towards the future – with the latest of the brand's technologies in plug-in hybrid drives, user control and display interfaces and lighting technology.

“The new show car demonstrates technical ‘Vorsprung’ on many levels,” says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg. “On-board this car we have e-tron technology with 515 kW of power and 2.5 l/100 km (94.09 US mpg) fuel economy; laser headlights that leave all previous systems in the dark with its higher performance as well as new display and operating systems with cutting-edge electronic performance. We are showing the future of Audi here.”

The coupe, a new evolutionary stage of the Sport quattro concept, painted in the color Plasma Red, combines the power of the historic Sport quattro with emotional elegance. Its body is tautly set over its large wheels. The overhangs are short, and the car's proportions show a sporty balance. With a wheelbase of 2,784 mm (109.61 in), it is 4,602 mm (181.18 in) long. At a width of 1,964 mm (77.32 in), the two-door model is very wide, and it is just 1,386 mm (54.57 in) tall, which is exceptionally low.

In the dual headlights, a typical quattro feature, Audi is demonstrating the future of lighting technology by combining matrix LED and laser light technologies. Two low-profile trapezoidal elements are visible within the headlights – the outer one generates the low beam light using matrix LEDs and an aperture mask, while the inner element produces laser light for high-beam functionality.

The powerful laser diodes are significantly smaller than LED diodes; they are only a few microns in diameter. Illuminating the road for a distance of nearly 500 meters (1,640 ft), the laser high-beam light has approximately twice the lighting range and three times the luminosity of LED high beam lights. In this future technology, Audi is once again demonstrating its leadership role in automotive lighting technology with a system that will also be used on the race track in the 2014 R18 e-tron quattro.

The angular, swept-back C pillars of the Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept car and the blisters above the fenders are other design elements reminiscent of the classic Sport quattro. The broad shoulders of the body were reinterpreted and intensively sculpted to convey even greater dynamism. Throughout the car, sharp contours frame muscular surfaces – the interplay between convex and concave curvatures defines the athletic character of the coupe.

The hexagonal single-frame grille also offers an outlook on future design of the sporty production models. The lower section is nearly vertical, while the upper follows the contour of the hood; the screen insert is a typical solution from car racing. The low grille emphasizes the show car's width. Two large, vertical blades divide each of the large air inlets; their form is repeated in the creases of the hood. The splitter, which is made of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), is shifted far to the front, as on a race car.

The combination of a swept-back glass cabin and broad shoulders defines the proportions at the rear. Another defining element at the rear of the show car is the CFRP diffuser, which extends upward significantly. Its upper section is honeycombed, while its lower section houses two large, oval tailpipes. The tail lights, which are backed by a black CFRP panel, are rectangular in form – another quattro reference. The luggage space, which is reinforced by a large cross bar stiffener, offers 300 liters (10.59 cu ft) of cargo capacity.

Precise design details round out the dynamic look of the Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept. The sill extensions are made of CFRP, the door handles electrically extend from the door when they detect the approach of a hand. The center locking wheels have a five twin-spoke design.

Lightweight design made visible: the interior
In its generously cut interior, the elegant sporty styling of the show car is continued with dark gray colors and clean lines. The interior design and material selections demonstrate the Audi philosophy of lightweight design. The slender instrument panel is reminiscent of the wing of a sailplane. The supporting structure of the interior is a carbon shell that also serves as a storage compartment in the doors.

A line of trim beneath the windshield wraps around the driver and front passenger and integrates functions such as the inside door handles. The folding race car shell seats with their high lateral supports and integrated head restraints, together with the two rear seats, provide space for four persons. The climate controls are integrated in the air nozzles; a single element is used to control the intensity, temperature and volume of the air stream. In addition to showing climate control settings, the slim display at the centers of the air nozzles also shows media data.

New solutions: displays and controls
The interior of the Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept focuses very much on the driver. Even the multifunction sport steering wheel points the way towards future sporty production solutions. It has two buttons which the driver can use to control the hybrid drive, a red start-stop button, a button for the Audi drive select vehicle handling system and a "View" button to control the Audi virtual cockpit.

All key information is shown on the large Audi TFT display in high-resolution, three-dimensional graphics; a cutting-edge Tegra 30 processor from Audi partner Nvidia processes the graphics. The driver can switch between different modes. For example, in the MMI mode the dominant display elements include the navigation map and media lists, while in the Classic view the speedometer appears in the foreground.

Nearly all functions of the Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept can be controlled from the further developed MMI terminal that is mounted on the center console over the tunnel. Its large rotary pushbutton, which also serves as a touchpad, can be pushed in four directions, and it is surrounded on three sides by four buttons – for the main menu, submenus, options and a back function.

The new user interface has a menu structure whose intuitive layout is similar to that of a smart phone. All frequently used functions can be accessed lightning fast. For most inputs, just a few steps are needed thanks to a new free text search feature; generally just four characters suffice for a navigation address. The driver can quickly scroll through lists or zoom the map image using multitouch gestures on the touchpad. Voice control functionality has also been intensively further developed.

Powerful and highly efficient: the drive system
The plug-in hybrid drive gives the Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept fascinating dynamic performance. Its system output is 515 kW (700 hp), and its system torque is 800 Nm (590.05 lb-ft). Power flows via a modified eight-speed tiptronic to the quattro drivetrain, which features a sport differential at the rear axle. The show car's combined fuel consumption, based on the applicable fuel economy standard, is just 2.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (94.09 US mpg) – which equates to CO2 emissions of 59 g/km (94.95 g/mile).

The combustion engine is a four-liter V8 with biturbo charging; it produces 412 kW (560 hp) of power and 700 Nm (516.29 lb-ft) of torque. The cylinder on demand (COD) system, which deactivates four cylinders under part load and a start-stop system make the sonorous eight-cylinder engine very efficient. Located between the 4.0 TFSI and the transmission is a disc-shaped electric motor that produces 110 kW and 400 Nm (295.02 lb-ft). It draws its drive energy from a lithium-ion battery at the rear, which stores 14.1 kWh of energy – enough for up to 50 km (31.07 miles) of all-electric driving. An Audi wallbox that is used for charging provides for optimal energy transfer.

An intelligent management system controls the interplay of engine and motor on demand. The driver can switch between three different modes. In EV mode, just the electric motor operates; its high torque propels the show car with plenty of power – even outside of the city. The active accelerator pedal indicates the transition to Hybrid mode to the driver – by a change in pedal resistance; this is done so that the driver can intentionally influence the mode selection.

The Hybrid mode aims at optimal fuel-savings in the interplay between the TFSI and the electric motor, and environmental and route data are utilized here. The driver can choose the Hold and Charge modes in the MMI to influence the operating strategy, e.g. if the driver wants to ensure that sufficient electrical energy is available for the final kilometers to the destination. The Audi drive select dynamic vehicle handling system offers even more control options – individual driving profiles are set up for different levels of regenerative braking.

In Sport mode, the operating strategy configures the drive system for maximum power. When the V8 and electric motor are boosting, the Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 305 km/h (189.52 mph).

Body and chassis
A lightweight design strategy also plays a major role in the car's dynamic performance. A combination of ultra high-strength steel sheet and structural elements of cast aluminum is used in the occupant cell. The doors and fenders are made of aluminum, and the roof, engine hood and rear hatch are made of CFRP. This results in an unladen weight of just 1,850 kilograms (4,078.55 lb), including the large battery pack.

The front suspension is comprised of five links per wheel, while the rear suspension is based on the self-tracking trapezoidal link principle of Audi, which guarantees dynamic performance and stability. Stiff tuning of the springs and shock absorbers make the Audi Sport quattro laserlight concept hold tightly to the road, while Audi drive select makes the driving experience even more multifaceted. The dynamic steering system varies the steering ratio as a function of driving speed. The brake calipers grip large, carbon fiber-ceramic brake discs, and the tire size is 285/30 R 21.

Stunning new Huracán from Lamborghini, a worthy Gallardo successor.

• Innovative technology and absolute performance redefine the super sports car experience
• Pure and powerfully dynamic design language
• New V10 with 610 hp, acceleration from 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, top speed of over 325 km/h
• From January 2014: private preview events for qualified prospects

A new era is beginning for Automobili Lamborghini and the luxury super sports car segment: with the brand new Huracán Lamborghini is not only presenting the successor to the iconic Gallardo, but is also redefining the benchmark for luxury super sports cars in this segment.

With its pure and unique design, an innovative technology package, outstanding dynamics and excellent quality, the Huracán offers a super sports car experience on a whole new level. The Huracán combines absolute performance with easy-to drive road behaviour and both luxurious and sport-oriented finish. With the Huracán, Lamborghini is taking a big step into the future, and enhancing the brand's illustrious history with the next automotive legend.

Starting from January 2014 the Huracán will be the protagonist of over 130 private preview events in more than 60 cities throughout the world.

The Lamborghini Huracán will make its world public debut at the Geneva Motorshow 2014.

Name
With a total volume of 14,022 cars produced, the Lamborghini Gallardo has been the most successful Lamborghini ever and, in its ten-year lifecycle, lifted the Lamborghini marque to a whole new level. Its successor, the new Huracán, has been developed from scratch down to the very last detail and, like the Gallardo and most other Lamborghini models, derives its name from the world of
bullfighting. The fighting bull Huracán of the Spanish Conte de la Patilla breed was known for his outstanding courage and strong sense of attack. He fought in Alicante in August 1879, showing his unrelenting character and remaining defiant and invincible, thus entering into the legend of fighting bulls' history.

Design
The new Huracán revolutionizes the design language of the Gallardo and is pure in its lines: precise technology and top level craftsmanship meet an audacious design with sharp edges, monolithic and sculptured volumes and precise surfaces. The starting point is the silhouette of the Huracán, born out of the desire of creating an automobile, whose profile is defined by only one line that merges the front with the cockpit and the rear of the car. The lateral windows come together to create a hexagonal form inserted like a glass jewel in the car's profile.

Also by night is the Huracán unmistakably a Lamborghini. Not only are the main headlamps equipped with full LED illumination, but all other light functions also feature state-of-the-art LED technology as a standard feature for the first time in the segment.

Interior
The interior is dominated by an innovative cockpit. A 12.3 inch full-color TFT instrument panel delivers all car information to the driver, from rev counter to navigation maps and infotainment functions, and can be configured by the driver in different setups. Fine Nappa leather and Alcantara distinguish the interior, with several color combinations offered to ensure broad individualization options. The design of dashboard and central tunnel underline a new lightness in the interior. Superb craftsmanship guarantees the highest quality and sense of luxury throughout.

Chassis and powertrain
Systematic lightweight design and Automobili Lamborghini's extensive expertise in carbon fiber come together in the Huracán's new hybrid chassis -- an integrated structure of carbon and aluminum elements. With a dry weight of 1,422 kg it enables not only the excellent power-to-weight ratio of just 2.33 kilograms per horse power, but also guarantees race-car precision with
outstanding stiffness.

The new 5.2 liter V10 engine delivers a maximum power of 448 kW / 610 HP at 8,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 560 Nm at 6.500 rpm. In the new ''Iniezione Diretta Stratificata'' (IDS), direct and indirect gasoline injections are smartly combined. This results in more power and torque with lower fuel consumption and emissions compared with the Gallardo V10 engine. The top speed of over 325km/h and the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and to 200 km/h in 9.9 seconds only partially describe the dynamic experience at the wheel of the Huracán. Also thanks to the Stop & Start technology, the combined EU consumption figure has been further reduced to 12.5 liters per 100 km (290 g/km CO2 emissions). The engine complies with EU6 emissions regulation.

Driving dynamics
The power of the V10 engine is brought to the road via the new 7-speed dual clutch transmission ''Lamborghini Doppia Frizione'' (LDF) and fully electronically controlled four-wheel drive system. The different driving modes of the Huracán can be selected via a driving dynamics selector switch in the steering wheel -- from traction-oriented on the road to extreme performance on the race track, with three setups of the dynamics system: STRADA, SPORT and CORSA. The different modes ensure extensive modification in road behavior of the Huracán. In particular they influence the set-ups of several systems, such as the gearbox and engine behavior, the sound, the four-wheel-drive system and electronic stability control. The Huracán's carbon-ceramic brakes are a standard feature for consistently superb braking performance. The ''Lamborghini Dynamic Steering'' variable steering ratio system and magneto-rheologic suspension damper control are both available as options for further customization of the Huracán's dynamic behavior. They are also calibrated via the three different dynamic set-ups.

The Huracán is produced at the Automobili Lamborghini headquarters in Sant'Agata Bolognese on an entirely newly-equipped production line. Delivery to the first customers is planned for spring 2014.

Range Rover Sport conquers Empty Quarter Desert - Exclusive Land Rover video

• New documentary film shows the new Range Rover Sport’s 800km dawn to dusk drive across the Empty Quarter desert – setting the fastest recorded time for the crossing of 10 hours and 22 minutes
• Film live on Land Rover’s YouTube channel from today
• Features behind-the-scenes footage with off-road racer Moi Torrallardona as he pilots the standard production vehicle to victory
• Second installment of the Driven Challenges - follows the new Range Rover Sport setting the production SUV speed record at Pikes Peak back in June

Land Rover has today revealed an exclusive new documentary film charting the new Range Rover Sport’s challenge to complete the fastest recorded crossing of the Empty Quarter desert, which it achieved last month.

The video, which can be seen on Land Rover’s YouTube channel here tracks the team’s 849km journey from Wadi Adda Wasir in Saudi Arabia to the border of the United Arab Emirates. The team completed the challenge on November 3rd 2013, finishing in 10 hours and 22 minutes at an average speed of 51.87 mph (81.87 km/h), and the documentary charts the journey from beginning to end.

The short film features spectacular footage from inside and outside the vehicle, as well as epic shots of the barren environment that the team faced as they tackled the largest sand desert in the world.  Viewers will see the new Range Rover Sport pummel the desert flats at full speed, tip toe down the steepest sand dunes and navigate the myriad of obstacles that the desert threw up – including rogue camels appearing from nowhere. Sand storms, immense heat and punishing jumps are just some of the challenges that pushed man and machine to the limit.

Behind-the-scenes footage shows the man behind the drive - 47 year-old Spanish off-road racer Moi Torrallardona – and charts the physical and mental endurance that led to his success. Torrallardona said: “The Empty Quarter was an incredible challenge and one that will live with me for the rest of my life. The Range Rover Sport was the ideal tool for conquering the desert and it is great to be able to relive the challenge through this short documentary. The Empty Quarter provided a unique test for a standard production vehicle and thanks to the ability of the Range Rover Sport we came out victorious.”

The challenge was completed in a standard production new Range Rover Sport with a 510PS 5.0-litre supercharged V8 petrol engine, running standard tyres. The only modification to the vehicle was the fitment of an underbody protection plate. This vehicle was displayed at the Dubai Motor Show on the 5th November, just two days after completing the desert crossing.

The class-leading, genuine Land Rover all-terrain capability, breakthrough lightweight suspension design and innovative dynamic chassis technologies all helped the new Range Rover Sport conquer one of its toughest challenges yet.

The challenge is the second that the new Range Rover Sport has completed in recent months, following its record hill climb for a production SUV at Pikes Peak back in June, the short documentary of which can be viewed here – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaPiM_mish4

These feats are part of a series of global driving challenges in which the Range Rover Sport is pushed to new limits.

The video and further shots can be downloaded from www.uk.media.landrover.com

The Empty Quarter

The Empty Quarter spans four countries in the Arabic Peninsula: Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Temperatures regularly rise above 50°C and any crossing, no matter how well organised, must be approached with extreme caution.

All-new Range Rover Sport

Developed alongside the highly-acclaimed Range Rover, the new Range Rover Sport delivers the brand’s best-ever on-road dynamics together with class-leading, genuine Land Rover all-terrain capability. It presents customers with a more assertive and muscular exterior, more luxurious interior and the flexibility provided by the option of occasional third row seating.

Exploiting Land Rover’s breakthrough lightweight suspension design and innovative dynamic chassis technologies, the all-new Range Rover Sport’s first-in-class aluminium architecture achieves a weight saving of more than 420kg.

Designed and engineered at Land Rover’s development centres in the UK, the new model is produced in a state-of-the-art low-energy manufacturing facility at Solihull, UK.

Jaguar Land Rover delivers strong retail performance in November

• Jaguar Land Rover delivers strong November sales performance retailing 37,403 vehicles, up 25%
• Jaguar sells 6,244 vehicles in November, up 55%
• Land Rover sells 31,159 vehicles in November, up 20%
• Calendar year to date Jaguar Land Rover sells 384,339 vehicles, up 19%

Jaguar Land Rover, the UK’s leading manufacturer of premium luxury vehicles continues its sales success with a strong November performance, retailing 37,403 vehicles in the month, up 25% versus the same period last year. During the first eleven months of the year, Jaguar Land Rover sold 384,339 vehicles, up 19%.

Sustained sales growth continues for Jaguar Land Rover with increases in: the China Region up 42%, North America up 37%, Asia Pacific up 32%, Europe up 7%, other overseas markets up 42%, with UK sales consistent with the previous year. Sales for the first eleven months of the year were up in all major regions with Asia Pacific up 30%, the China Region up 28%, North America up 21%, the UK up 14%, Europe up 6% and other overseas markets up 23%.

Commenting on the November performance Andy Goss, Jaguar Land Rover Group Sales Operations Director said: “November has been another solid month in what has so far, been a great year for Jaguar Land Rover. Our continued sales success is a testament to our sustained investment in new and exciting products which are driving growth internationally and attracting new customers to our brands”.

Jaguar

In November, Jaguar sold 6,244 vehicles up 55% reflecting particularly strong demand for the XJ and all XF derivatives, up 62% and 39% respectively. Jaguar demonstrated significant growth in the China Region, with North America up 105%, Asia Pacific up 62%, Europe up 5%, other overseas markets up 16%, The UK was down 5% as the registration year comes to an end.

Calendar year to date, Jaguar sold 69,655 vehicles up 42% with increases in each major region: the China Region up 144%, North America up 44%, Asia Pacific up 30%, the UK up 17%, Europe up 17% and other overseas markets up 31%.

Land Rover

In November, Land Rover sold 31,159 vehicles, up 20% with strong performances from all models in the range: Defender up 27% and Range Rover Evoque up 10%. Range Rover and Range Rover Sport continue to sell well across all markets. Land Rover demonstrated growth in all major regions: North America up 25%, Asia Pacific up 25%, China Region up 27%, the UK showed an improvement, Europe up 7% and other overseas markets up 45%.

Calendar year to date, Land Rover sold 314,684 vehicles up 14% with increases in all major regions: Asia Pacific up 31%, North America up 15%, UK up 13%, China Region  up 14%, Europe up 4% and other overseas markets up 22%.

REPORT HERE

Jaguar Land Rover parent says company is 'safe in our hands'

The owner of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has vowed that quality and brand values will not be compromised by its overseas expansion plans – and vowed to support the business for decades.

Last week, JLR announced it will open a manufacturing plant in Brazil in a £240m investment, with the first cars expected to roll off the production line by 2016.

This will follow the opening of a joint venture investment worth £1.5bn in China, with Chinese carmaker Chery, due to open in 2015.

Although JLR has not revealed what models will be produced in China and Brazil, Halewood’s popular Range Rover Evoque, which has taken the global market by storm since its launch more than two years ago, will be an obvious contender.

Roger Maddison, chief car industry negotiator for Unite the Union, said he sees no threat to UK jobs from the two proposed international plants.

But concerns have been raised about what impact they could have on the renowned British design qualities of JLR models, and the supreme quality of manufacturing at a company that prides itself on the high standards of its three UK plants in the West Midlands and Knowsley’s Halewood.

However, in an interview at Tata’s global headquarters in Mumbai, Mr Mukund Govind Rajan allayed any fears of compromise on JLR's standards.

He is a member of Tata’s group executive council and also brand custodian and chief ethics officer for the global conglomerate.

He told the Liverpool Post: “In China, setting up shop, a lot has to do with local recruitment and the value of training.”

JLR recently completed  a three- month training programme for China's “first joiners” who were tutored at Halewood in quality standards and will pass on their skills to the rest of the Chinese workforce.

Mr Rajan added: “We have terrific practices in the company and translating this to new facilities is not much of an issue.

“The brand will not undergo any changes in these markets. JLR brands will remain.

“Customers across the world have an affinity to JLR brands and the last thing we need to do as an owner is disrupt that relationship.

“We don’t want to create any kind of trouble for these brands.”

Mr Rajan said Tata had been delighted with the performance of JLR since it bought the group from Ford for £1.15bn and injected a further £1.5bn in 2009 to ensure its survival during one of the worst downturns in the automotive sector in decades.

And he reassured the UK workforce that Tata will be the custodian of JLR for decades to come.

“We have been delighted with the way the company and employees responded to the challenges at JLR,” he said.

“It is not about how do we save cash and cut back. It is about what do we do to build the business in the next 50 years. We don’t enter businesses easily, but when we do we are in it for the long term.

“We are not an aggressive, acquisitive entity, firing management and stripping assets and moving on. We build in the long term.”

When Tata bought JLR,  it also acquired Corus Steel in the UK and Mr Rajan admitted that there was a perception among Indian commentators and market analysts that the JLR deal was the “dodgier” of the two, but he said: “On current form,  JLR is turning out to be one of our outstanding successes.

“We work with the unions and the community and with JLR we have been very lucky and fortunate.

“There is a fair amount of satisfaction that a lot of growth has been seen and perhaps it has surprised the company, particularly the growth in China.

“But when we went in, this company had tradition and a legacy and a very interesting product pipeline and smart managers.

“We committed capital to ensure that pipeline was delivered and we needed leadership that was willing to give people the space to pursue their dreams.

“JLR meant a lot to the Tata group and they have a lot of time for the company and the new owners that inspired the managers.

“They knew we were watching and waiting for their success. It says a lot about the quality of the people we have there.”

REPORT HERE

Jaguar Land Rover to build plant in Brazil, the first British car maker to do so.

• Agreement signed with the State of Rio de Janeiro to build a Jaguar Land Rover manufacturing facility
• Jaguar Land Rover will invest R$750m (£240m) in the programme
• Plant will have an annual production capacity of 24,000 vehicles
• Plant will initially employ 400 people, generating additional jobs in the supply chain
• First vehicles to come off the assembly line in 2016

Jaguar Land Rover is to become the first British carmaker to open a manufacturing facility in Brazil following a landmark agreement between the company and state authorities to build a plant in the State of Rio de Janeiro.

An agreement paving the way for construction of the plant has been signed by Phil Hodgkinson, Global Business Expansion Director of Jaguar Land Rover, and Sergio Cabral, State Governor of Rio de Janeiro.

Jaguar Land Rover’s planned expansion into Brazil is the next major step in the company’s strategy to increase its global manufacturing footprint and create additional capacity. This new facility will play an important role in supporting the significant growth opportunity identified in Brazil and across other South American markets.

Dr Ralf Speth, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover, said: “Brazil and the surrounding regions are very important. Customers there have an increasing appetite for highly capable premium products.

“This new programme will enable us to bring exciting new vehicles to them, with outstanding British design and engineering, creating a world-class Jaguar Land Rover facility incorporating leading premium manufacturing technologies.

“We have established excellent working relationships with the State of Rio de Janeiro, the City of Itatiaia & the Rio de Janeiro State Industrial Development Company and we look forward to attracting new customers to our business in this important market.”

Based in the City of Itatiaia, the new programme represents a total investment of R$750m (£240m) by 2020.

Construction of the premium manufacturing facility will commence in mid-2014. It is anticipated that the first vehicles will come off the assembly line in 2016, subject to the final approval of the plans from the Brazilian Federal Government under its Inovar-auto Programme. The new plant will have a capacity to build 24,000 vehicles annually for the Brazilian market.

Initially, the plant will employ almost 400 people. This number is expected to almost double by the end of the decade. This new manufacturing facility will also create additional jobs across the local supply chain network.

Following a detailed feasibility study, Jaguar Land Rover selected the City of Itatiaia, close to the heart of the emerging Regional Automotive Zone, due to its excellent logistics links, access to the local supplier base and skilled workforce.

Sergio Cabral, Governor of Rio de Janeiro State commented: "The choice of Rio de Janeiro to host the Jaguar Land Rover’s new facility is another historic achievement for our state. We offer perfect conditions to JLR to install its plant in Brazil, as we have an automotive hub in the South Fluminense region that concentrates qualified labour and important suppliers.

It is a privilege to welcome this great group, with an estimated investment of up to R$750 million and we are confident that this agreement will bring to Brazil extraordinary results."

Jaguar Land Rover in Brazil

Jaguar Land Rover has had a presence in the Brazilian market for more than 20 years. Its national sales company is based in Sao Paulo, employing almost 100 people. There are currently 35 dealers across Brazil with further expansion planned in the next year.

So far in 2013, Jaguar Land Rover sales in Brazil have increased by more than 40% to 9,549 vehicles over the 10 month period. The best-selling models in Brazil are Range Rover Evoque, Freelander and Discovery.

Jaguar, Land Rover posts huge sales increases across the board

• Jaguar Land Rover North America increases 37 percent in November, for its best November sales result since 2005
• Jaguar continues industry-leading growth streak with 103 percent growth in November on new XF and XJ All Wheel Drive models and F-TYPE sales
• Land Rover brand has its best ever November sales increasing 25 percent on strong Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque demand

Jaguar Land Rover North America today reported November 2013 U.S. sales: Jaguar sales were 1,446 units, 103 percent up from 713 units in November 2012; Land Rover sales reached an all-time November high of 4,601 units, up 25 percent from 3,687 units in November 2012. Jaguar Land Rover North America November U.S. sales for both brands hit 6,047 units, a 37 percent increase from 4,400 units in November 2012.

Year to date through November, Jaguar Land Rover North America is up 21 percent, with Jaguar up 41 percent and Land Rover up 15 percent.

"Jaguar Land Rover's U.S. business is growing for both brands and across SUVs, sports cars and luxury sedans," said Andy Goss, Group Sales Operations Director, Jaguar Land Rover. "The Jaguar brand has doubled its November U.S. business and Land Rover had its best U.S. November sales ever. We look forward to a strong end-of-year as we strive for benchmark annual results for both brands."

U.S. BRAND HIGHLIGHTS

Land Rover
Range Rover sales were 1,292 units, up 267 percent from 352 in its run out month in November, 2012. Year to date, the Range Rover model is up 60 percent from 2012. In the 2013 J.D. Power 2013 U.S. APEAL Study, the Range Rover was the industry's highest scoring model.

Range Rover Evoque increased 21 percent to 1091 units from 904 units in November, 2012.  Year to date, the Range Rover Evoque is up 31 percent.

Year to date, Land Rover brand is up 15 percent from 2012.

Land Rover's 2014 model year line-up features five models: The 240-hp 2.0 liter powered LR2 and Range Rover Evoque; the LR4 powered by the supercharged 340-hp V6; the Range Rover Sport and Range Rover, both available with the 340-hp V6 and 510-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 powertrains.

Jaguar
For the month of November, the Jaguar XF was the Jaguar volume and growth leader with 656 units sold, up 92 percent from 341 sales in November 2012. Year to date, the XF is up 42 percent. The current MY XF lineup includes the new 2.0T model as well as all-wheel-drive and V-6 options.

The Jaguar XJ sales were 465 units, up 75 percent from 266 in November, 2012. All-wheel-drive models now make up approximately half of all XJ sales.

The F-TYPE convertible sports car added 222 units this month.  The F-TYPE Coupe was introduced at the Los Angeles International Automobile Show in November and goes on sale in spring, 2014.

Year to date, Jaguar sales are 15,408, up 41 percent from 10,962 sales, with both XJ and XF sales increasing on the appeal of new powertrains and all-wheel-drive.

For MY14 the transformed Jaguar U.S. lineup includes:

Instinctive All Wheel Drive™ - Available on both the XF and XJ
Supercharged 340hp V6 engines in the XF and XJ
Turbocharged 240hp four cylinder engine available in the XF
Eight Speed ZF® Automatic Transmissions on all XF and XJ models
Auto Engine Stop/Start on select XF and XJ models

The 2014 Jaguar line-up features four models: The Jaguar XJ luxury sedan, powered by a 340-hp supercharged V6 in rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive configuration, a 470-hp supercharged V8 or a 550-hp supercharged V8 in the XJR model. The Jaguar XF sports sedan powered by a 240-hp turbocharged four cylinder, a 340-hp supercharged V6 in rear-wheel or all-wheel-drive configurations, a 470-hp supercharged V8, a 510-hp Supercharged V8 in the XFR, and a 550-hp Supercharged V8 in the XFR-S. The XK coupe and convertible grand touring cars are powered by either a 385-hp V8 or a 510-hp supercharged V8 in the XKR. Jaguar also offers its highest performance models ever, the 2014 Jaguar XKR-S coupe and convertible with a 550-hp supercharged V8.  The 2014 MY Jaguar F-TYPE convertible comes in three variants, 340-hp F-TYPE, 380-hp F-TYPE S and 495-hp F-TYPE V8 S.

Land Rover dominates at 4x4 Magazine awards ceremony

• Land Rover dominates 4x4 Magazine’s 2014 awards
• Range Rover Sport is winner of the Premium category and overall 4x4 of the Year
• Range Rover Evoque winner of the Top Range SUV class, Defender “highly recommended” in the Hardcore category
• Results reaffirm Land Rover’s leadership in modern SUV design and engineering

Land Rover is the most successful manufacturer in 4x4 Magazine’s 2014 awards, securing two class wins and the ultimate 4x4 of the Year title.

The new Range Rover Sport saw off competition from 24 of the market’s finest all-wheel drive models to take both the Premium class and the overall 2014 honour, while the Range Rover Evoque proved its mettle by claiming honours in the Top Range SUV class. The Land Rover Defender was “highly recommended” in the Hardcore class and the new Range Rover was second only to its Range Rover Sport sibling in the Premium category.

Presenting the results in the winter issue of 4x4 Magazine, Editor Nigel Fryatt said: “The Range Rover Sport is a worthy winner of the prestigious 2014 4x4 of the Year award. Indeed it is such a significant vehicle that you wonder if it is the best product ever to come from the Land Rover stable, of any era.”

After putting the Range Rover Sport through its paces, the judges gave it an unmatched 90 per cent score, highlighting the 3.0-litre SDV6 engine, on-road handling, off-road prowess, towing ability, comfort and design as its stand-out features.

Their report hailed the model as the “revelation of the premium group, if not the whole test” and made special reference to the quality of the Terrain Response 2 system for tackling all kinds of off-road scenarios. Where on-road performance is concerned, they declared the Range Rover Sport is “a pure pleasure to drive” and referenced the contribution made by its independent air suspension on ride quality.

The Range Rover Evoque once again demonstrated that Land Rover’s advanced styling and premium quality are not at the expense of true all-terrain performance. Evoque was the class of the “Top Range” field in the awards test, netting an 88 per cent score from the judges. They appreciated its “boldly styled and superbly crafted interior” and the fact it has “the handling feel of a sport car half its size”. Design, on-road handling and off-road competence were singled out as the qualities defining its success.

Jaguar Land Rover UK Managing Director, Jeremy Hicks, said: “These awards are very much appreciated, not least because 4x4 Magazine subjects its awards contenders to such rigorous, expert scrutiny.

“The results help demonstrate that we are successfully pushing the boundaries of all-terrain vehicle engineering and design to address the changing requirements of today’s customers. We have a great heritage, but it is vital that we continue to build on that foundation with models like Evoque, Range Rover and Range Rover Sport that deliver in terms of style, premium quality and on-road handling as well as fundamental all-terrain capabilities.”

Subaru launches new WRX at Los Angeles Motor Show.

• World premiere of new high performance saloon at Los Angeles Motor Show
• US-specification models equipped with new 2.0-litre turbo Boxer engine
• Choice of six-speed manual and Sport Lineartronic transmissions
• All-new design, greater practicality and higher quality interior for iconic model

The all-new Subaru WRX, the latest in a line of sports saloons from the Japanese brand, today made its world premiere at the 2013 Los Angeles Motor Show. Equipped with Subaru’s famous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and hallmark Boxer engine, the new WRX combines sports-car performance with four-door saloon practicality.

The new WRX adopts some of the design elements of the Concept seen earlier in the year,  with aggressive yet refined styling. The front of the new model features Subaru’s unified design motif, the hexagonal grille, while the shape of the new ‘hawkeye’ headlights helps emphasise the car’s low, wide stance. The base of the A-pillar has been moved forwards 200mm giving the car a sleeker silhouette, while the C-pillar flows more smoothly into the rear of the car which is characterised by a diffuser and twin exhausts integrated into the rear bumper while a lip spoiler is designed to enhance aerodynamic performance.

At its heart, the US specification WRX features a new, high-performance 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed direct injection turbo (DIT) Boxer engine, which offers much improved performance over the outgoing 2.5-litre model. The new engine produces 268bhp at 5,600rpm and 258 lb ft torque from 2,000-5,200 rpm (compared to 265bhp at 6,000rpm and 244 lb ft torque at 4,400rpm for the 2.5-litre engine). It also offers improved environmental performance.

The new WRX is equipped as standard with a six-speed manual transmission and a newly developed Sport Lineartronic CVT with an eight-speed shifting mode is available as an option. The shift response of the Lineartronic transmission has been improved for its application in the new WRX.

Subaru engineers have optimised the WRX’s suspension geometry for high performance handling. A stiffer body and carefully-tuned suspension have quickened the vehicle’s response to driver inputs and raised the WRX’s cornering limits. Combined with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) and Active Torque Vectoring, Subaru has manged to achieve even more predictable, yet engaging handling. The electric power steering features more rigid steering gearbox mounts for improved fuel efficiency and a more direct steering feel.

Greater use of ultra-high tensile steel throughout the body of the car has also made the new model lighter and more rigid than the previous-generation, while new safety structures for the bonnet and bulkhead, and greater use of collision-absorbing materials in the engine bay, further improve crash safety performance and pedestrian protection.

Realising improvements to the WRX’s everyday usability, Subaru engineers have stretched the wheelbase of the new model by 25mm (to 2,650mm), expanding rear legroom and improving elbow- and shoulder-room for all passengers. Door openings for front and rear passengers have been enlarged for easier ingress/egress and boot space has been expanded.

US specification models also benefit from new 17-inch alloy wheel designs which are both more rigid and lighter. LED lighting is employed for front and rear lights.

Crucially, the driver-focused interior of the new WRX features higher quality materials and improved design over the outgoing model, with carbon and metal trim accents throughout the cabin and greater use of soft-touch materials. A new flat-bottomed steering wheel and supportive sports seats leave driver and passengers in no doubt about the WRX’s intentions and sports oriented styling carries into many of the details with subtle silver ‘WRX’ logos, red stitching and red lighting. A new 3.5-inch LCD colour display shows the vehicle status at all times, while a revised multi-function display includes a boost pressure gauge.

The new Subaru WRX will go on sale in North America and Japan later in 2014. It is currently unconfirmed whether a new WRX model will come to the UK.

New ECO A-Class and B-Class CDi SE variants give lower CO2 and higher MPG

With the introduction of all-new ECO models, the A 180 CDI ECO SE and B 180 CDI ECO SE, Mercedes-Benz UK now offers even better economy, with CO2 emissions from just 92 g/km.

The ECO SE vehicles, available from January 2014 production, both feature weight-saving measures, powertrain refinements, improved fuel consumption with no impact on performance, and improved aerodynamics, with the A 180 CDI ECO SE offering a class-leading coefficient drag of 0.26.

These practical changes include the use of an aerodynamic grille element, coupled with underbody panelling and lowered suspension (-10 mm front and 15 mm rear for A-Class, and 20 mm at the front and 15 mm at the rear for B-Class).

Both vehicles feature manual transmissions with longer ratios in the higher gears, an improved energy recuperation system and make use of a lightweight fuel tank to save on weight.

Replacing the current A 180 CDI SE and B 180 CDI SE manual variants, CO2 emissions on the A 180 CDI ECO SE have been reduced by six per cent to 92 g/km, with combined fuel consumption increased to 78.5 mpg, compared with 74.3 mpg on the outgoing model. B 180 CDI ECO SE emissions have also reduced to 98 g/km CO2, a reduction of nine per cent, with the combined mpg increasing by eight per cent to 74.3 mpg. Despite the focus on economy, for both models the power, torque, top speed and 0-60 mph acceleration, remains unchanged.

Both vehicles are free from road tax and the Benefit In Kind company car tax band for the A-Class is just 13 per cent, with qualification for 100 per cent capital allowance until 2015.

In addition to the new ECO SE models, the advanced four-wheel drive system first seen on the CLA 250 4MATIC, comes also comes to the A- and B-Class from January 2014.

4MATIC all-wheel drive ensures optimum traction and driving dynamics in all road conditions, with torque ideally distributed between front and rear axles by an electro-hydraulically controlled multi-disc clutch with variable torque distribution, which allows as much as 50 per cent of power to be sent to the rear wheels.

The A 250 4MATIC is available in both AMG Sport and Engineered by AMG trim, with the B 220 4MATIC exclusively in Sport trim.

The A 180 CDI ECO SE is priced from £21,965 on the road, with the B 180 CDI ECO SE from £22,950 OTR. The A 250 4MATIC is available from £28,985 OTR for the AMG Sport trim and £30,905 for the Engineered by AMG trim, whilst the B 220 4MATIC stars at £28,135 OTR.

New AUDI A3 ready to order now for Spring

Advanced premium compact range adds another string to its bow as soft-top versions open for order in time for April 2014 deliveries

• A3 Cabriolet available to order now, priced from £25,790 to £32,420 OTR
• Engines include the ultra-efficient 1.4 TFSI with Cylinder-on-Demand, the powerful 1.8 TFSI and the frugal 2.0 TDI
• SE, Sport or S line specification available
• First customer deliveries expected in April 2014

Thoughts of spring 2014 may be fleetingly sprung this week by the news that the all-new A3 Cabriolet has just become available to order in readiness for first deliveries next April. Priced from £25,790 OTR, the latest soft-top A3 takes the recently introduced A3 Saloon as its foundation, meaning that its proportions are now not only more beautifully balanced, but also make provision for complete concealment of the fast-retracting powered fabric hood within the sleek new body. A comprehensive choice of engines and an array of technological innovations adopted from the larger Audi models also transfers from the four-door A3.

A soft but extremely hard-wearing fabric roof stretched over a lightweight kinematic mechanism made of magnesium-steel opens the new Cabriolet to the elements fully automatically in a little under 18 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph, and complements the design of the A3 perfectly. When retracted at the touch of a button, the top – complete with heated glass rear window – rests in a tray that barely affects luggage capacity, which amounts to 275 litres.

A second, even more sound-absorbent acoustic soft top with three-layer inner padding is fitted as standard to UK Sport and S line versions of the new A3 Cabriolet and offered as an option for SE models. It is available in black, grey and brown, and its roof liner can be specified in black or lunar silver. In all versions, an active rollover protection system consisting of two spring-loaded plates that are recessed into the body protects occupants in case of a rollover accident.

In entry level form, the A3 Cabriolet weighs just 1,365 kilograms – around 50 kilograms less than its equivalent predecessor despite its increased dimensions and improved comfort. Even taking into account special reinforcements to maximise torsional rigidity, the body-in-white weighs 30 kilograms less than previously, helped by its aluminium bonnet. Weight has also been significantly reduced in the interior and in the engines.

In common with A3 hatchback models, the new Cabriolet will be available with a choice of SE, Sport or S line specification. Standard equipment at entry level includes the fully automatic hood finished in black, plus 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, the MMI radio incorporating an 11 millimetre-thick powered folding screen, Audi Music Interface iPod connection, DAB digital radio, a Bluetooth interface, preparation for SD card-based navigation and a light and rain sensor package.

Three no-cost suspension options

Sport and S line versions upgrade to the acoustic hood and sit 15mm lower on their respective 17-inch and 18-inch alloy wheels thanks to sports suspension. Both can also be equipped at no extra cost with the SE version’s more comfort-oriented standard suspension, while S line models can be taken to the other extreme with S line sports suspension lowered by 25mm and also available at no cost.

Shared Sport and S line features also include sports seats, the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system with five operating modes to fine-tune driving characteristics, dual-zone climate control and a high-resolution colour driver’s information system.

Interior highlights of the S line specification include part-leather-upholstery embossed with the S line logo and an S line sports steering wheel with perforated leather grips and shift paddles where S tronic is fitted.  Outside, 18-inch alloy wheels, S line body styling and xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lamps set the top model apart.

Cylinder-on-Demand technology

In the first phase, the petrol engine range powering the new A3 Cabriolet kicks off with the highly efficient 140PS 1.4 TFSI linked to six-speed manual transmission. It powers the new premium compact soft-top to 62mph in 9.1 seconds, yet achieves up to 56.5 mpg with CO2 emissions of just 114 g/km. A key contributor to this impressive efficiency is Audi Cylinder-on-Demand (CoD) technology, which imperceptibly deactivates two of the engine's cylinders under part-load.

The next step up is the 1.8-litre TFSI, which features impressive headline figures including a 0-62mph sprint time of 7.8 seconds, a top speed of 150mph and a 180PS peak output. Despite the robust performance, state-of-the art technologies including dual injection into the combustion chambers and induction manifold help to maintain a high level of efficiency.

This engine is initially linked exclusively to a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission, which can make further fuel savings by switching into a free-wheeling mode during coasting where the Audi drive select system is fitted and its efficiency mode is selected. According to the combined cycle test this engine and transmission combination is capable of delivering up to 48.7 mpg with CO2 emissions of 133g/km.

The economy champion in the launch range will be the manual transmission-equipped 2.0 TDI with 150PS, offering combined fuel consumption of 67.3mpg and CO2 emissions of 110g/km. It complements this frugality with an impressive 8.9-second 0-62 mph time and a 139 mph top speed.

From February next year, A3 Cabriolet customers will be able to choose from an extended list of engines, transmissions and drivetrains. Highlights will include the 1.6 TDI, which in other versions of the A3 already delivers up to 74.3mpg with CO2 emissions of just 99g/km, and a more powerful version of the 2.0 TDI with 184PS, which will be available with either front wheel-drive or quattro all-wheel-drive. It will also be possible to specify this world-renowned all-weather driving aid in conjunction with the 1.8 TFSI engine, and it will of course feature as standard in the forthcoming 300PS S3 Cabriolet.

The all-new Audi A3 Cabriolet – UK OTR Pricing

Jaguar Land Rover posts higher sales, profits and revenue for Q2

Jaguar Land Rover Automotive plc has today reported its second quarter earnings for the 2013/2014 fiscal year.

Retail sales in the quarter increased 21% year on year to 102,644 vehicles. This reflects strong demand for the new and refreshed Jaguar and Land Rover line up which was enhanced during this period by Jaguar’s 14MY introductions, the sales debut of the Jaguar F-TYPE and Range Rover Sport and a strong Range Rover performance.

Strong global sales volumes resulted in revenues of £4,612m for the second quarter, up 40% on the same period last year.

Profit before tax increased to £668m for the quarter supported by strong sales.

For the first half of the 2013/2014 fiscal year the company reported retail sales of 197,363, up 16% year on year. Revenues were £8,709m, up 26% year on year and profit before tax was £1,083m, up 42% year on year.

Commenting on the results, Jaguar Land Rover Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ralf Speth said: "Our unrelenting focus on design, technology, innovation and quality has seen Jaguar Land Rover reach global consumers in more markets than ever before thanks to its most engaging product line-up.

“Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and we remain committed to exceeding expectations and delivering outstanding customer experience in all areas of our business.”   

USA - Jaguar Land Rover increases October sales by huge percentage

• Jaguar Land Rover North America increases 52 percent in October
• Jaguar continues industry-leading growth streak with 117 percent growth in October on new XF and XJ All Wheel Drive models and F-TYPE sales
• Land Rover brand has its best October sales performance in its 26 year U.S. history, increasing 37 percent on strong Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque demand

Jaguar Land Rover North America today reported October 2013 U.S. sales: Jaguar sales were 1,515 units, 117 percent up from 699 units in October 2012; Land Rover sales were 4,286 units, up 37 percent from 3,129 units in October 2012. Jaguar Land Rover North America October U.S. sales for both brands hit 5,801 units, a 52 percent increase from 3,828 units in October 2012.

Year to date through October, Jaguar Land Rover North America is up 19 percent, with Jaguar up 36 percent and Land Rover up 14 percent.

"The Jaguar Land Rover business in the United States is flourishing in the wake of multiple new product introductions for both brands and rising consumer demand," said Andy Goss, Group Sales Operations Director, Jaguar Land Rover.  The Jaguar brand, led by our updated lineup of sedans and sports cars, continues its dramatic growth streak with a more than doubling of its monthly business. On the Land Rover, side we had our best October ever as the Range Rover and Range Rover Evoque continued their consistent growth pace this year, and we are just starting to ramp up availability of the new Range Rover Sport."

U.S. BRAND HIGHLIGHTS
Land Rover

Range Rover sales were 1,184 units, up 194 percent from 403 in its run out month in October, 2012. Year to date, the Range Rover model is up 49 percent from 2012. In the 2013 J.D. Power 2013 U.S. APEAL Study, the Range Rover was the industry's highest scoring model.

Range Rover Evoque increased 49 percent to 959 units from 645 units in October, 2012.  Year to date, the Range Rover Evoque is up 33 percent.

The Land Rover LR2 and LR4 models are up 44 percent and 19 percent respectively for the month of October.

Year to date, Land Rover is up 14 percent from 2012.

Land Rover's 2014 model year line-up features five models: The 240-hp 2.0 liter powered LR2 and Range Rover Evoque; the LR4 powered by the supercharged 340-hp V6; the Range Rover Sport and Range Rover, both available with the 340-hp V6 and 510-hp supercharged 5.0 liter V8 powertrains.

Jaguar

For the month of October, the Jaguar XF was the Jaguar volume and growth leader with 611 units sold, up 120 percent from 278 sales in October 2012. Year to date, the XF is up 39 percent. The current MY XF lineup includes the new 2.0T model as well as all wheel drive and V-6 options.

The Jaguar XJ sales were 454 units, up 75 percent from 260 in October, 2012. All Wheel Drive models now make up approximately half of all XJ sales.

The F-TYPE convertible sports car added 353 units this month.

Year to date, Jaguar sales are 13,962, up 36 percent from 10,249 sales, with both XJ and XF sales increasing on the appeal of new powertrains and All Wheel Drive.

For MY14 the transformed Jaguar U.S. lineup includes:

• Instinctive All Wheel Drive™ - Available on both the XF and XJ
• Supercharged 340hp V6 engines in the XF and XJ
• Turbocharged 240hp four cylinder engine available in the XF
• Eight Speed ZF® Automatic Transmissions on all XF and XJ models
• Auto Engine Stop/Start on select XF and XJ models

The 2014 Jaguar line-up features four models: The Jaguar XJ luxury sedan, powered by a 340-hp supercharged V6 in rear wheel or All Wheel Drive configuration, a 470-hp supercharged V8 or a 550-hp supercharged V8 in the XJR model. The Jaguar XF sports sedan powered by a 240-hp turbocharged four cylinder, a 340-hp supercharged V6 in rear wheel or All Wheel Drive configurations, a 470-hp supercharged V8, a 510-hp Supercharged V8 in the XFR, and a 550-hp Supercharged V8 in the XFR-S. The XK coupe and convertible grand touring cars are powered by either a 385-hp V8 or a 510-hp supercharged V8 in the XKR. Jaguar also offers its highest performance models ever, the 2014 Jaguar XKR-S coupe and convertible with a 550-hp supercharged V8.  The 2014 MY Jaguar F-TYPE convertible comes in three variants, 340-hp F-TYPE, 380-hp F-TYPE S and 495-hp F-TYPE V8 S