UK - Nissan beats previous sales record with significant increase.

• Nissan sold 118,061 cars in the UK in 2013, up 11.5 per cent on 2012
• Nissan market share in the UK was 5.2 per cent – sixth biggest brand in the UK
• Qashqai sold 50,211 units, up 9.9 per cent, making it UK's sixth best-selling car
• Juke sold 37,488 units, up an incredible 29.9 per cent
• Sunderland production facility output tops 500,000 for a second year

Sales records have been beaten for another year at Nissan, with 118,061 cars sold in 2013, an increase of 11.5 percent on 2012 – itself a record year.  Including LCVs, Nissan sold 128,680 vehicles in the UK, up 11.0 percent from 115,970 in 2012.

Key to these record figures were the performance of two British-built stars: the Juke and Qashqai. Despite the imminent arrival of the second-generation model – which has just arrived in UK showrooms – the Qashqai continued its remarkable success story, notching up 50,211 sales, an incredible 9.9 per cent increase on 2012 and the first time the Qashqai has topped the 50,000 mark. The figures consolidated the Qashqai’s position as the UK’s sixth best-selling car.

The Juke also enjoyed a stellar year, with sales up from 28,862 in 2012 to 37,488 in 2013 – a 29.9 per cent increase. Now in its third year, the British designed and built supermini crossover was boosted by the arrival of a Nismo version that added a sporting edge to the range.

The all-electric LEAF also had a busy year up from 699 sales in 2012 to 1,812 in 2013. As part of Nissan’s growth plan for electric vehicles, European production of a revised LEAF started at Nissan’s Sunderland production facility in April, with the model range growing substantially.

Nissan’s remarkable sales success was set against the backdrop of a record year at Nissan's Sunderland manufacturing facility, which broke the 500,000 unit production barrier for the second year in a row, building an incredible 501,756 vehicles.

NissanLCVs also proved popular with buyers in 2013, with 10,619 light commercial vehicles sold – an increase of 4.7 per cent. The NV200 and Navara were the two biggest sellers, notching up 4,230 and 4,484 sales respectively.

Jim Wright, Managing Director at Nissan GB said: “These figures prove that Nissan is continuing to reap the rewards of hard work and intelligent planning. For the Qashqai to break the 50,000 sales mark in its sixth year of production is testament to its remarkable design and value.

“I’m also immensely proud of our other British success stories, namely the Juke, new Note and LEAF. The Juke’s performance proves that British buyers value bold and innovative design, while the Note and LEAF are welcome additions to the Sunderland stable. To break the 500,000 production barrier for a second year is incredible, especially as the plant has been busy integrating new facilities for new Note and LEAF. With the new Qashqai rolling off the lines, I’m sure that 2014 will be another year to remember.”

Aston Martin: 100 Years of Sports Car Excellence

• Millions witness exceptional centenary events around the world
• New models celebrate brand’s success; a concept car looks to its future
• The most valuable collection of Aston Martins ever assembled is created for one day only in London
• The Aston Martin Yearbook is available at www.astonmartinyearbook.com  

The Aston Martin centenary celebrations throughout 2013 were a glamorous global showcase of all that makes the luxury British sports car maker one of the world’s most admired, and desired, brands.

As the centenary year draws to a close, the exclusive band of owners past and present, along with many of the brand’s enthusiasts worldwide can look back on an unrivalled 12 months of activity.

The marque has compiled a digest of its centenary year highlights and is creating a special section on its website: www.astonmartin.com/100 – that acts as a digital store for its centenary memories.

Events to celebrate the brand’s 100th birthday started in London’s Henniker Mews on 15 January 2013. A ceremony was held outside the premises in Chelsea where Lionel Martin and Robert Bamford took the momentous decision to found what was to become one of the world’s most renowned sports car companies. A plaque now hangs at the site of the firm’s first premises in Chelsea.

Just a few days later the centenary focus moved to Dubai where the ultimate GT, the Vanquish, made history by becoming the first car to be airlifted onto the helipad of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. The sports car was placed precisely 1,000ft above the ground, in front of some of the region’s most important dignitaries, media and enthusiasts. The video of that exceptional feat has since gone on to receive more than half a million views on YouTube.

In March, came celebrations in Switzerland as the brand unveiled perhaps the most tangible, and exclusive, of its centenary activities: the Centenary Edition sports cars at the Geneva International Motor Show. Limited to just 100 of each model – Vantage, DB9, Rapide S and Vanquish, these cars feature details carefully created to honour Aston Martin’s 100 years of craftsmanship.

At the Nürburgring 24 Hours in Germany in May, the 200,000-strong crowd of spectators at what is one of the most gruelling races in the world witnessed a number of centenary-themed occasions.

First came the global public debut of the exceptional CC100 Speedster Concept. Created as a stunning celebration of 100 years of sports car excellence, the CC100 looks both to the past and the DBR1 – Aston Martin’s 1959 Le Mans and World Sportscar Championship winning car – and to the future with its teasing glimpses of potential future design direction.

Just ahead of the start of the 41st Nürburgring 24 Hours, a cavalcade of more than 100 Aston Martins took to the infamous road circuit for a celebratory parade lap.

Led by the CC100, the parade comprised cars from the marque’s glittering past and stylish present with numerous VIP drivers and scores of enthusiast owners who had travelled across Europe to take part in the iconic gathering.

Among the 100 models making the 22 km lap were the DB5 used in the James Bond film, Skyfall, a One-77, the 1959 Nürburgring 1000 km-winning DBR1 with its original driver Sir Stirling Moss at the wheel, and a Centenary Edition Vanquish bearing the number plate ‘100 YRS’.

Also in May the focus returned to the UK, and to the historic home of the marque at Newport Pagnell, where Aston Martin Works hosted the Aston Martin Centenary Sale. The annual Bonhams auction of Aston Martin and Lagonda cars, the 14th to be held at Works, celebrated 100 years of the marque and saw the unique Bertone Jet DB4GT achieve a world record price of £3,249,500, the highest price ever paid at auction for an Aston Martin.

June witnessed Aston Martin’s annual pilgrimage to the world’s most famous 24 hour race at Le Mans, with Aston Martin Racing fielding a strong team for the endurance classic.

On Friday prior to the race, members of the Aston Martin Owners Club from around the world journeyed to the Hotel de France in La Chartre-sur-le-Loir, their traditional pre-event meeting spot and home to numerous Aston Martin racers over the years including the race-winning team of 1959. On race day itself a selection of rare and historic Aston Martin sports cars from across the years paraded around the circuit ahead of the start in front of hundreds of thousands of spectators.

It was back to the track in July as the Aston Martin Centenary Festival brought race cars ranging from classics such as the DB4 Lightweight up to the DBR9 and the latest Vantage GT3 onto the Brands Hatch GP circuit. In the same month the brand took the starring role at the Silverstone Classic, a long-weekend of amazing motorsport memories billed as “the world’s biggest classic motor racing festival”.

Meanwhile, the exceptional CC100 Speedster Concept was running demonstration laps throughout the quintessentially British Goodwood Festival of Speed. The 6.0-litre V12-powered concept car made its UK dynamic debut in West Sussex as a special centenary treat for the fans of the famous event.

Completing the British brand’s participation at Goodwood was Aston Martin Racing’s World Endurance Championship car – the Vantage GTE – piloted by AMR Works drivers, Darren Turner and Bruno Senna.

July also witnessed what was, perhaps, the highest profile activity in its centenary year with a public celebration in Kensington Palace Gardens, London.

The ambitious event, jointly organised by Aston Martin, the Aston Martin Owners Club and the Aston Martin Heritage Trust – and staged in partnership with The Royal Parks and The Royal Household – saw rare and historic cars exhibited, together worth more than £1 billion.

A Centenary Timeline display took visitors to the event on a 100-year journey from the origins of the marque in Henniker Mews, Chelsea, to the current global headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire. Every iconic Aston Martin road car was represented from ‘A3’, the oldest surviving car, to the most current models.

A Centenary Selection display comprised a diverse collection of cars rarely seen outside private collections including a brace of bespoke Zagatos and the trio of Bertone Jets. Aston Martin’s 50-year ‘love affair’ with James Bond was celebrated in fine style as seven of the movie cars were on display, including the iconic DB5 from Skyfall.

Aston Martin owners from across Europe got their chance to participate in the centenary festivities by joining an epic 1,000-mile rally. Travelling through seven countries in just five days the route took in some of the most scenic drives in Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and France before arriving at July's Aston Martin centenary celebrations in London.

July also saw a special Centenary Week of activities at the brand’s global headquarters in Gaydon. Conceived for owners and enthusiasts to be involved as never before, events included factory visits, design master classes, exhibitions and an unprecedented “Dine on the Line” pop-up restaurant delivering Michelin star-standard cuisine at the very heart of the production line.

In August, the brand’s American fans had their chance to witness centenary celebrations at the 2013 Pebble Beach Automotive Week, where Aston Martin had the honour of being a featured marque.

CC100 made its North American debut and shared the limelight in California with two of Aston Martin’s newest models – the extreme V12 Vantage S and luxurious Vanquish Volante.

Also that month, the brand’s Chinese dealers offered their own take on 100 years of sports car success. China’s first Aston Martin rally set off for Hong Kong from the marque’s impressive showroom in Pudong, Shanghai.

Participants travelled through nine cities over the course of nine days finishing in Hong Kong with a dramatic closing ceremony held with the amazing view of Victoria Harbour as its backdrop.

Into September, and the centenary focus once again turned to Europe, with the eyes of the automotive world on the Frankfurt Motor Show. Aston Martin chose to emphasise both the historic, and the modern, with the DBR1-inspired CC100 Speedster Concept sitting alongside examples of the Vanquish Volante and V12 Vantage S in Germany.

Meanwhile, back in Britain and back on the track, the marque was stealing the show at the Goodwood Revival where the Aston Martin Project 212 car was driven to victory in the Revival’s blue riband event, the Royal Automobile Club Tourist Trophy Celebration race.

In November Aston Martin was once again in the news, this time courtesy of its place at the historic pageant, the Lord Mayor’s Show. No fewer than six of the brand’s sports cars – including a unique Vanquish dressed in the livery of the British Government’s ‘GREAT’ campaign – made their way through the city’s streets as tens of thousands of admiring spectators looked on.

Aston Martin’s centenary artist-in-residence, James Hart Dyke, encapsulated the spirit of the centenary by unveiling the exceptional works he created over the course of the year to record the celebrations for posterity.

Hart Dyke’s works were previewed by luminaries from the world of art in W-One, the exclusive Aston Martin brand centre in London’s Mayfair.

Of course there have been a myriad of other celebration activities around the world during 2013 as owners, enthusiasts and dealer partners have taken every opportunity to display their affection for this great British luxury sports car maker.

Summarising the highlights, Aston Martin Global Brand Communications Director, Janette Green, said: “Condensing 100 years of achievement into 12 months of celebration brought many planning and logistical challenges as we organised a multitude of events and activities around the globe. However as the centenary year draws to a close everyone associated with the brand can reflect proudly on the fun, commitment and passion displayed by Aston Martin staff, owners and enthusiasts worldwide.”

The Aston Martin Yearbook includes exclusive content of some of the most iconic Aston Martins from the past 100 years, as well as full pictorial coverage of the celebrations throughout 2013. The centenary souvenir is available to order at www.astonmartinyearbook.com

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.

Stunning Alfa 4C gain FHM Magazine "car of the year" title

• Alfa Romeo 4C takes top honours in the 2013 FHM Car of the Year awards
• Lauded for its advanced, lightweight construction and immense driver appeal, the Alfa Romeo 4C is described by FHM’s influential editors as “a magic car”
• This prestigious accolade is a significant endorsement for both the Alfa Romeo 4C and the Alfa Romeo brand from the UK’s biggest men’s lifestyle brand

The Alfa Romeo 4C has been named FHM Magazine’s 2013 Car of the Year. The editors of the UK’s biggest men’s lifestyle brand regard the Alfa Romeo 4C as the vehicle that the British man most aspires to, respects and desires. Alfa Romeo 4C has seen off significant competition to claim the overall victory in FHM’s inaugural Car of the Year awards, and the win highlights not only the appeal of the Alfa Romeo 4C to driving enthusiasts and petrol-heads, but also the broader desirability and allure of this exotic sports car and the Alfa Romeo brand.

Described by FHM as “one of the most exciting sports cars on the planet”, the Alfa Romeo 4C is lauded for its “supertech carbon-fibre chassis, super-lightweight body and clever steering” as well as the note of its engine and the “laser-precision” of its dynamics.

Designed, engineered and built in Italy as a pure driving machine, the mid-engined Alfa Romeo 4C is powered by a new, all-aluminium, 240hp, 1750 Turbo Petrol engine and features Alfa Romeo’s latest-generation ALFA TCT transmission and Alfa D.N.A. driving mode selector - now with a new “Race” mode. The 0-62 mph sprint takes just 4.5 seconds and top speed is 160 mph, but thanks to its light weight and advanced engine and transmission technologies, its official combined-cycle fuel economy figure is 41.5 mpg and its CO2 emissions are just 157g/km.

The Alfa Romeo 4C’s compact shape accentuates its remarkable agility: With a dry weight of 895kg; a 40:60 front-to-rear weight distribution; track-honed double-wishbone suspension and Brembo brakes, the Alfa Romeo 4C is capable of generating 1.1g of lateral acceleration and in excess of 1.2g of deceleration force.  The exhaust has been tuned to emit a full, rich sound and the unassisted steering is progressive, direct and engineered to convey as much feedback and feel as possible. The steering ratio (16:2) is such as to allow 90% of bends to be taken without having to take your hands off the steering wheel.

Conor McNicholas, FHM Motoring Editor commented: "After much deliberation, there was only one car that could take the accolade of FHM's Car of the Year. With its neck-tingling speed, dramatic looks and real-world price, the Alfa Romeo 4C was the car that most turned us on in 2013."

Damien Dally, Head of Brand, Alfa Romeo UK noted: “We’re thrilled that the Alfa Romeo 4C has taken top honours in the inaugural FHM Car of the Year awards. FHM has its finger on the pulse of what’s cool and desirable and for the editors to rate the Alfa Romeo 4C so highly is indicative of just what a game-changer this new supercar is.”

Priced from £45,000 OTR, the Alfa Romeo 4C will be available to order shortly, but with some customers putting their names forward when the concept was first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011 most, if not all, of the UK’s production allocation for 2014 is already spoken for.

2014 Nissan GT-R, refined, relaxed and re-imagined

• Recalibrated suspension for more sophisticated ride and better road-holding
• Enhanced exterior with LED lamp technology and distinctive front and rear design
• Added premium cabin interior with improved quality and trim options

Evolution never stops for the Nissan GT-R.  Nissan's iconic sports car brings a refreshed vision of "innovation that excites" with the introduction of the 2014 model offering a new level of sophistication, yet with no compromise in performance.

The sales of 2014 Nissan GT-R begin in Japan on December 2, to be followed by sales at Nissan dealerships in other markets worldwide.

The 2014 Nissan GT-R offers smoother ride comfort, more refinement and benchmark fit and finish, in the spirit of a great "GT", while delivering breathtaking performance and road-holding. Its "multi-dimensional performance" means the driver can enjoy the full depth of the GT-R's capabilities, whether navigating corners of a winding mountain road, cruising on the highway or even in an urban environment.

Adding premium appeal to the exterior and interior design, the 2014 Nissan GT-R delivers sophisticated driving pleasure and is the ultimate embodiment of Nissan's brand philosophy: "innovation that excites."

2014 Nissan GT-R Overview

Outstanding performance meets a new level of sophistication

Mechanical Updates

Chassis

With outstanding adhesion from its tyres, the GT-R is capable of stunning confident acceleration and braking performance

• The suspension was fine-tuned to reduced load fluctuation between the four wheels, giving better stability and more consistent grip.
• More constant tyre contact is achieved by optimized electronic control of the shock-absorber valves, as well as modified front stabiliser spring rates and updated bush link. The tuning of these parts, which makes best use of the suspension strokes and enhances road-holding capability, gives a poised, confident ride and outstanding traction on rough roads.
• With minute vibrations and road noise reduced, a relaxing, comfortable ride is assured. An additional benefit is improved straight-line stability, with fewer small steering corrections needed to maintain the correct trajectory during highway driving.
• The upgraded GT-R is now fitted as standard with Dunlop SP Sport Maxx GT 600 DSST CTT tyres, for outstanding road-holding and precise response in all conditions thanks to stiffer sidewalls which reduce deformation, improving steering response under hard cornering. At the front, their specification is: 255/40ZRF20(97Y) and at the rear: 285/35ZRF20(100Y)
• The braking calibration has been retuned for a more firm, linear response at everyday speeds, making smooth braking more intuitive, generating greater confidence, particularly in wet conditions.
• The GT-R's steering has been fine-tuned to reduce the effort required for in-town manoeuvers, while maintaining its exceptional feedback during high-speed driving. The combination of retuned suspension and exceptional steering feel give outstanding confidence at high speed.

Exterior design

Dazzling motion when standing still 

• The 2014 Nissan GT-R maintains its position as one of the most striking supercars in the market. Significant updates to the Nissan GT-R's lights both enhance the visual impact of the car. Customers looking for added visual impact now have a wider color palette to choose from.The 2014 Nissan GT-R sports new efficient, high-intensity, multi-LED headlights that create a distinctive "lightning" motif, generating a striking exterior visual signature. With such a unique visual reference, the GT-R's road presence is enhanced, particularly in low-light and at night - while the fitment of the new headlights gives the driver increased visibility.
• The new headlights feature AFS (Adaptive Front lighting System*) that automatically adapts the angle of the light beam according to the speed of the car. At highway speeds, actuators in the headlight unit adjust the angle of the projectors to project the light further. The four LED units are configured with new intensive LED hi-beam and three different LED low-beams including long-distance-illumination and wide-illumination.
• At the rear, the GT-R's distinctive four-ring tail light signature now forms coherent circles of illumination, giving the GT-R an equally distinctive appearance, making it easily recognisable to fellow owners and enthusiasts.
• Upon start up, the full new lighting signature is illuminated, creating a dramatic start-up procedure.
• Visual appeal is reinforced with the addition of a new body colour called Gold Flake Red Pearl. As its name suggests, there are microscopic gold-tinted glass flakes infused into the red paint, creating a spectacular effect in the deep, lustrous paint as the light catches the finish.

Interior

Upscale cabin appointments

• Choice of three interior colour schemes includes a new pale ivory trim option.
• The steering wheel is trimmed in leather, for premium tactility, while the part-aniline leather seats are further embellished with stitched accents, giving the ambience of a genuine GT designed for cross-continental, first-class travel.
• Body construction

Advanced body construction

• To achieve the project's ambitious targets for high-speed handling and ride comfort, Nissan enhanced the level of precision-constructed body elements and advanced assembly methods to create the 2014 Nissan GT-R.
• Each part is made of materials selected for optimum performance: Precision-constructed, multi-material hybrid body combines steel, carbon fibre and die-cast aluminum to achieve high stiffness and light weight.
• Thanks to the rigidity of the GT-R's body construction, suspension precision is guaranteed while refinement is enhanced, resulting in exceptional cabin refinement even at high speeds and under hard cornering.
• Thanks to optimised insulation and acoustic tuning, even at high speeds, the occupants are able to enjoy the sporty engine sound.
• An optional carbon rear wing is offered, which is attached to a carbon boot lid, giving a weight saving of half compared with the standard boot lid.

*Adapative Front lighting System is unavailable in some regions.

Three world premieres at Motor Shows in Los Angeles, Tokyo and Guangzhou for Porsche

• Three world premieres at Motor Shows in Los Angeles, Tokyo and Guangzhou
• All-new Porsche Macan headlines at Los Angeles Auto Show – bringing Porsche performance to the compact sports utility segment of the market for the first time
• 570 hp Panamera Turbo S Gran Turismo debuts at the Tokyo Show
• Los Angeles also sees the 911 Turbo Cabriolet and Turbo S Cabriolet unveiled
• 918 Spyder plug-in hybrid super sports car makes first formal public appearance in Los Angeles and Guangzhou

From November 20, Porsche will unveil a total of three new models at Motor Shows in Los Angeles (USA), Tokyo (Japan) and Guangzhou (China). The highlight of this cavalcade of trade fair appearances will be the global unveiling of the new Porsche Macan at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which brings Porsche performance to a completely new segment of the market. The world premiere of the Macan signals the official start of communications for this exciting new member of the Porsche family.

The new 911 Turbo Cabriolet will also be making its début in Los Angeles, while the Panamera Turbo S will be unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show. Almost simultaneously, the 918 Spyder super sports car will be premiered to the Chinese and US public in Guangzhou and Los Angeles.

The new Macan will be showcased for the first time at the Los Angeles Auto Show on the Porsche stand in the Petree Hall. The model will be unveiled on the eve of the Show on 19 November, at 19:55 (20 November, 3:55 CET). The premiere of the Porsche Macan will be broadcast live at the following link: www.porsche.com/macan.

The Porsche press conference on 20 November will take place at 11:35 (20 November, 21:35 CET) at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The press conference from the Tokyo Motor Show, at which the Panamera Turbo S will be unveiled for the first time, will take place on 20 November at 13:15 (20 November, 4:10 CET).

The new 911 Turbo Cabriolet and 911 Turbo S Cabriolet will also make their first public appearances in Los Angeles. The open-roofed 911 Turbo models deliver the same blend of dynamism, performance and efficiency as the Coupé introduced a few months ago. The twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre six-cylinder engine delivers 520 hp (383 kW) in the 911 Turbo and 560 hp (412 kW) in the Turbo S, with the capability to reach a top speed of up to 197 mph. Both the new Cabriolet models balance this outstanding performance with fuel economy of 28.5 mpg on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), equivalent to 231 g/km CO2.

In Tokyo, Porsche is presenting a new addition to the Panamera range that epitomises the Gran Turismo attributes of performance and luxury: the Turbo S is the fastest, most powerful and most luxurious Panamera yet. With a power output of 570 hp and a top speed of 192 mph, plus a breadth of dynamic and comfort features, the Panamera Turbo S is guaranteed special status at the top of the range.

The 918 Spyder will be making its formal public débuts in China and the USA. The super sports car with plug-in hybrid drive represents the ultimate extension of the traditional Porsche DNA in a ground-breaking manner. Designed from the outset to be a high-performance hybrid sports car, the 918 Spyder boasts an unprecedented combination of performance courtesy of its 887 hp combined output and the virtually silent propulsion of an electric vehicle. The vehicle is able to accelerate from 0 - 62 mph in 2.6 seconds and offers a standard level of fuel consumption of between 91 mpg and 94 mpg.

Double Jaguar XJ220 Photoshoot in Hampshire

With just 275 units produced throughout its two year production run, the Jaguar XJ220 is one of the rarest supercars even constructed. While its rarity is certainly notable, it is nothing compared to the fact that in 1992 it was the world’s fastest production car with a top speed of 213.1 mph.

Additionally, the Jaguar XJ220 held the production car lap record around the Nurburgring with a time of 7:46.36 from 1992 until 2000. As a result, it comes as no surprise that photographing a Jaguar XJ220 is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many. However, Hampshire Photography recently had the chance to photograph not one but two Jaguar XJ220s! If that wasn’t enough, the yellow car pictured is one of six 1993 Jaguar XJ220S Coupe’s ever produced.

Fitted with an uprated 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, the Jaguar XJ220S delivers a potent 700 hp. This power is sent through a five-speed manual transmission. Making this Jaguar XJ220S all the more unique is the fact that it has been painted in a bright shade of yellow making it a truly one-of-a-kind XJ220.

By comparison, the standard Jaguar XJ220 is fitted with the same engine but ‘only’ delivers 540 hp. As a result, it can hit 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds. However, there’s no telling just how fast the Jaguar XJ220S could be in the right conditions.

The following photoshoot took place at an unused Spitfire hanger in the U.K. with both vehicles being privately owned.

REPORT HERE

Alfa Romeo 4C marks a return to lightweight sports coupés for the brand

• Alfa Romeo 4C marks a return to lightweight sports coupés for the brand
• Advanced materials and construction ensure lightness and rigidity
• Compact, agile and engineered for pure driving satisfaction
• Supercar performance with impressive economy and emissions
• On sale in October priced from £45,000 OTR

Designed, engineered and built as a pure driving machine, the all-new Alfa Romeo 4C is an uncompromised thoroughbred that marks the return to the world of lightweight sports coupés for the Alfa Romeo brand.  Its "natural beauty" is defined by function; the need to wrap the engine and chassis in a compact, aerodynamically-efficient shape, making it a worthy descendent of one of the most beautiful coupés of all time: the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

Designed and engineered by Alfa Romeo and built at the Maserati plant in Modena, the mid-engined Alfa Romeo 4C employs the latest technologies of Alfa Romeo's newest models: The new, all-aluminium 1750 Turbo Petrol engine; the latest-generation "Alfa TCT" dry twin clutch transmission and theAlfa DNA drivingmode selector - now with a new “Race” mode.

Carbon-fibre was chosen for the one-piece monocoque due its high levels of structural rigidity and exceptionally low weight –just 65kg – and is built using sophisticated Formula 1-derived technologies, evolved especially for Alfa Romeo for series production of up to 1,000 units per year. SMC (Sheet Moulding Compound), which is lighter than both steel and aluminium, is used for the bodywork while even the thickness of the glass has been slimmed down by 15% to help reduce the Alfa Romeo 4C’s overall weight.

Less than 4m in length and with a wheelbase of 2.38m, the Alfa Romeo 4C’s compact shape accentuates its remarkable agility: With a dry weight of 895kg and a 40:60 front-to-rear weight distribution, the 4C is capable of generating 1.1g of lateral acceleration and in excess of 1.2g of deceleration force.

To optimise handling, its double-wishbone front suspension is secured directly to the monocoque while the rear uses a performance-tuned McPherson arrangement. The brakes, engineered with track use in mind, employ a patented aluminium/cast iron hybrid construction complete with ventilated, cross-drilled 305mm/292mm discs (F/R) clamped by Brembo callipers. 17-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels are standard, while 18/19-inch wheels with Alfa Romeo’s signature, five-hole “telephone dial” design are optional.

Power comes courtesy of a new four-cylinder turbo engine which, thanks to its aluminium block, is 22kg lighter than the engine that powers the Alfa Romeo Giulietta QV. Turbo-charged and with direct injection, this new1750 Turbo Petrol unit sets new torque and specific power records for this size of engine, at over 200Nm- and 137hp-per-litre respectively. Its maximum power output is 240hp at 6,000 rpm while its maximum torque output is 350Nm (258 lb ft), available between 2,100 and 4,000 rpm. To underline the flexible nature of this new engine, just 80% of its torque is available from just 1800 rpm.

Accelerating from 0 to 62mph takes just 4.5 seconds in the new Alfa Romeo 4C and top speed is 160mph, but this supercar performance isn’t at the expense of the environment. Due to its light weight and advanced engine and transmission technologies, the emissions of the Alfa Romeo 4C fall well within the strict limits of Euro 6. Its official combined-cycle fuel economy figure is 41.5MPG and its CO2 emissions are just 157g/km.

Being an Alfa Romeo, the driving experience is more than just raw statistics. The exhaust has been tuned to emit a full, rich sound and particular attention paid to the seat design so the movement and reactions of the car can be 'felt' properly. The steering, unassisted, is progressive, direct and engineered to convey as much feedback and feel as possible. The steering ratio (16.2) is such as to allow 90% of bends to be taken without having to take your hands off the steering wheel. Both brake and throttle responsiveness have also been tuned to match with the dynamic nature of the Alfa Romeo 4C.

Inside the Alfa Romeo 4C, the exposed carbon-fibre chassis and driver-oriented controls leave you in no doubt as to the purposeful nature of the car. In place of traditional dials, a multi-function, digital display occupies the instrument binnacle and the steering wheel is a bespoke, flat-bottomed, two-spoke item with integrated paddle gear-shifters. The remaining controls are grouped together on the tunnel console, including the button-operated TCT transmission selector and the DNA system selector, which alters the operational parameters of the engine, transmission, ESC and electronic Q2 differential depending on the driver’s requirements. Composite bucket seats and aluminium pedals complete the minimalistic, drive-focussed cabin.

The all-new Alfa Romeo Romeo 4C goes on sale in the UK in October priced from £45,000 on the road, with first deliveries expected early in 2014. In total, global production for the Alfa Romeo 4C is limited to just 3,500 units.

Whilst the all new Alfa Romeo 4C officially goes on sale in the UK in October, due to an exceptionally high demand and limited product availability, prospective buyers are invited to register their interest now for deliveries in late 2014. In total, worldwide production for the Alfa Romeo 4C is limited to just 3,500 units per year.