This years Goodwood festival of speed was a buzz with some of the most interesting machines to grace tarmac. We had not one, but two, LaFerrari as well as a whole host of legendary racing cars. It really was a vintage year and one that shouldn’t have been missed! However, if like me you are a bit disheartened about missing the show (don’t feel too sorry for me as I was on holiday) we have a fantastic photo gallery coming up. One of the stars of 2014 was the all-new Ford Mustang as the Blue oval let it rip up the hill.
Driven by precision driver Paul Swift, a V8 Mustang gave those famous hay bails something to think about. Roaring past the crowd and wooing passersby whilst stationary, this taster of what will soon hit UK roads is more than enough to get us salivating. Available in the UK as a 2.3 litre 305BHP contender or an almighty 5.0 litre V8, the all-new Mustang promises to appeal to even the most sceptical European pallet. We look forward to snagging the keys and finding out for ourselves in the future.
Considering the massive demand for modern, flexible SUVs in Europe these days, it is somewhat surprising that one of the world’s biggest motoring powerhouses has yet to introduce a true mid-sized 4×4 to the old continent. We refer of course to Ford who, after many years of producing top notch family cars such as the Focus and Mondeo have recently been mounting an SUV offensive on our shores. After the launch of the Kuga compact SUV and the all-new EcoSport mini SUV, the blue oval have at last thrown their hat in to the mid-sized SUV ring with the all-new Edge.
First launched in North America in 2007, the Edge was one of the earliest examples of a true Ford crossover. Record sales stateside in 2013 have prompted the US marque to spread its net further afield and now, for the first time, the second generation model of the Kuga and EcoSport’s bigger brother is set to be rolled out globally.
Set to showcase some never-before seen Ford Tech in Europe, the new Edge is a high-tech mid-sized SUV that will go on sale across Europe for the first time in 2015. As with the previous generation US model, the all-new Edge will be offered as a spacious five-seater. A full design overhaul sees the second generation model gain a few inches on its predecessor along with an imposing hexagonal chrome grill, two side air intakes and much more prominent lines stretching along the bonnet and side panels. Also on show are the newly-designed headlamps and tail lamps plus a set of 20 inch alloy wheels whose tyres have been specifically designed to keep road noise to a minimum.
The practicalities don’t stop there, as the Edge benefits from a generous array of techy toys. On the road, intelligent all-wheel drive, adaptive cruise control and adaptive steering will help ensure a smoother ride, whilst other gadgets such as active cabin noise cancellation and a front mounted 180-degree camera system have both been carried over from across the pond for the first time by Ford. Inside too, the Edge does not lack for premium comfort-orientated features including a heated steering wheel, heated-and-cooled front seats and, curiously, inflatable rear seatbelts.
At launch, Ford’s newest SUV will be offered with two versions of its 2.0-litre Duratorq TDCi diesel engine. The smaller 178bhp variant delivers 295 lb/ft of torque and comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox whilst the larger 207bhp option offers slightly more power at 332 lb/ft in paddle-shift automatic guise.
Pricing and spec for the all-new Edge will be revealed closer to the 2015 release date.
A lot of big names are celebrating milestone moments this year. You have both the Mazda MX-5 and Land Rover Discovery hitting 25 years, the legendary BMW M5 reaching the big 3-0 and Maserati turning 100 years old. Another nameplate of note that has a big Birthday to mark is the Ford Mustang. This year it is 50 years old and has not only endured, but also become one of America’s biggest selling cars. Obviously the Ford Mustang 50th Anniversary Edition car had to become a reality at some point.
Galloping onto the show floor is the 2015 Ford Mustang 50th Anniversary Edition, a car that will only number 1,964 to honour the year it was produced. Based upon the 5.0 litre Mustang GT fastback, it receives additional chrome trim, lowered three-quarter windows like the original and various special edition badges. Power is boosted via Ford’s performance pack meaning there is 414BHP and 390lb ft of torque on tap. 19 inch alloy wheels conceal uprated brakes. The interior gets unique logos and a new steering wheel.
Although the new Mustang is coming to Europe, it is highly unlikely that this special edition car will ever make it into the UK.
When the sun is shining in the sky and there is not a cloud in sight, owning a convertible is one of the most fantastic feelings as you take the top off and go for a ride. That sensation is multiplied when your car is not only something of envy, but also highly capable. As summer gears up the 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible has come out to play.
The new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 wowed us all with ZR-1 levels of permanence really separating itself from the Stingray. This convertible variation not only puts the wind in your hair, but will potentially remove it from your head due to its colossal amount of power. A supercharged 6.2 litre V8 empowers this American monster with 625HP and 635lb-ft of torque. All of that potential is sent to the rear wheels via a 7 speed manual gearbox. This is the first convertible Z06 GM has ever made and that is thanks to the engineers making it almost a light as the coupe.
The 2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Convertible will make its debut at the New York motor show. Want one? I know I do!
The American dream is something that has fuelled entrepreneurs for a very long time. Lately the vision of becoming America’s new superpower in terms of very fast machinery came true for Hennessy and their record breaking Venom GT. From tuners to supercar manufacturer, their name is what finally took the crown from Bugatti. However, whilst you are king of the hill there is always someone else wanting to take your place. Trion Nemesis Claims 1973BHP.
Trion are new to this game but their proposed machine could become a force to be reckoned with. Powered by a twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the Trion Nemesis boats 1,973BHP and a 0-60MPH time of just 2.8 seconds. Its top speed is expected to be over 270MPH. The car has a “predator mode” which changes the cars ride hight and rev limiter for maximum performance.
This car is still in its early stages of development and so these figures are backed up by nothing other than good intentions. However, we shouldn’t discount these small ambitious companies. Just looks what Hennessy achieved.
They say that necessity is the mother of invention. Back in 1941, with the Second World War still raging, the US army was in desperate need of a small, fast yet rugged and reliable transport to ferry its troops safely across hostile terrain. The solution to this conundrum was not only a success on the battlefield but also evolved into a cult symbol worldwide. We refer of course to the instantly recognisable Willys Jeep. More than 70 years on and the firm that conceived that icon, Jeep, is still going strong as one of biggest hitters in the 4X4 business. The spirit of the original Willys Jeep lives on through its direct descendant the Wrangler, these days accompanied by an extended family of off-road siblings such as the Cherokee and the Compass.
As announced by Jeep on the opening day of the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, the latter of these is set to be phased out in autumn 2014 and replaced by a brand new offering; the 2015 Jeep Renegade.
The Renegade name first surfaced as an options package on the original first generation Wrangler but now Jeep is giving it a new lease of life in the pintsized form of the brand’s first ever compact SUV. With the all-conquering Nissan Juke blazing a trail in this field, competition is bound to be stiff, but the Renegade will be able to call on an extensive list of all-terrain tech which should make it more comfortable off-road than its more highway-orientated counterpart.
To start with, its advanced 4X4 system is transplanted from the new Cherokee and thus benefits from Jeep’s Active Drive system which can channel 100 percent of the engine’s available torque through any wheel, for optimal grip. The Renegade will also be the first small SUV to feature a disconnecting rear axle for on demand all-wheel drive and a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Added to the standard package is the Jeep Selec-Terrain system, with four settings ready to tackle diverse driving conditions from mud and gravel to sand and snow. The even more durable Trailhawk edition adds Rock mode to that list plus several other practical tweaks for those lovers of real hard-core off-roading, including increased ride height, skid plates, front and rear tow hooks, 17-inch all-terrain tyres and hill-descent control.
A plethora of under the bonnet options is available on the Renegade, with 16 different powertrain combinations fully tailored to meet the needs of markets around the world. The range consists of four petrol and two diesel engines, including the 2.4-litre MultiAir2 petrol option.
The design is clearly highly evocative of the Wrangler’s utilitarian style, particularly in terms of its square proportions, front and rear headlamps and trademark Jeep grill.
Another segment-exclusive feature is the Renegade’s removable panoramic roof. Manually or electrically powered, the fibreglass roof panel retracts to instantly convert the cabin in to your own personal sun trap. The rear cargo floor panel is also removable and, much like the fold-forward front-passenger seat, can be reversed or adjusted as and when required. The interior design definitely has that tranquil crossover feel to it and accordingly features a snazzy 5.0 or 6.5-inch touchscreen display, however bold utilitarian additions like the passenger grab handle quickly remind you where the Renegade’s natural environment really is.
To be built in Italy, the 2015 Jeep Renegade will be rolled-out worldwide to over 100 different countries, with the first steps on to UK soil expected to be taken early next year.
Man has always craved speed. From gaining an advantage whilst hunting to battling the laws of physics to break speed records, going as fast as possible has captivated engineers since the dawn of the motor car. The McLaren F1 held the record for fastest road production car for over a decade. To say that it was head of its time would be an understatement. Bugatti’s Veyron shot to fame as the next top speed king and through various derivatives has conquered the ever enthusiastic Koenigsegg. However, the Bugatti Veyron has now lost its crown. Hennessey Venom GT becomes the Worlds Fastest Car.
The 1,184BHP, Lotus Exige based Hennessey Venom GT has become the worlds fastest road production car with a top speed of 270.49MPH. This beats the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport’s record of 268MPH. These speed tests were done at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in America. The key to the Venom’s triumph is its lack of weight. Whilst the Bugatti has to carry all of the luxuries that its customers demand, the Venom has similar power outputs but weighs much less. Below is the video for this record run. Congratulations to Mr Hennessey, this is quite the achievement and something that might just spark the race to 300MPH.
So it is Valentines day and as the rush of men who totally forgot builds in connivence stores everywhere for the purchase of chocolate. Ford came prepared and is way ahead of you on the chocolate and candy front. Using the same advanced 3D printing techniques that are finding their way into the manufacturing of your car, the blue oval has recreated perfect scale replicas of the 2014 Ford Mustang out of chocolate and candy. The four inch ‘stang made from plastic is a work of, whilst the baby one inch chocolate models look like the perfect gift for the petrol head in your life. Check out the video, 3D printers are fascinating things to watch! This is in fact the first scale replica of a car that is edible.
Mother Nature can be a cruel mistress. Hurricanes, floods, arctic snows, we have seen it all over the past few months. Many peoples pride and joys have become collateral damage to these events not only leaving them car-less, but also missing something with sentimental value. A number of cars of high monetary and historic value have been lost at the National Corvette Museum in Kentucky, not through theft, but via the elements. Like something out of a science fiction film, a sinkhole opened up right beneath part of the museum disposing of several cars. This shocking CCTV footage shows the moment this cavern made itself known. For those who aren’t geologists, KY has large deposits of limestone and over time this is eroded away by acidic rain leaving large caves underground. When enough limestone has been dissolved by the rain, and if you are unlucky enough to have something built on top of the now empty space, the weight can get too much and the result is the devastation you see before you. Luckily this happened at night whilst there were no visitors in the museum. The full extent of the damage is not yet known. Watch a Sinkhole Swallow the National Corvette Museum.
Some people absolutely have to be the first, or one of, to get something. You know the type… The ones that stand in line on day one for a new iPhone or games console. Come to think of it, I am one of those people and so I know sometimes our impatience gets the better of us. We will stand in line at unearthly hours for what we want! Well, the chap who so very badly wanted the first 2015 Mustang has just paid $300,000 for it.
You read the title correctly, the first 2015 Ford Mustang sells for $300,000 at the Barrett-Jackson car auctions. All of the money has gone to a charity called JDRF that is the leading research organisation for diabetes. The new GT fastback is quite the departure from the car it replaces looking very modern and also making its way to UK dealerships for the first time. 2014 marks the 50th anniversary for Mustang and so Ford had to come up with something special. Independent suspension, reworked engine including a new 2.3 litre designed with Europe in mind, and an interior which blend tradition with the modern age. Though Ford has yet to announce pricing for its new pony car, it wouldn’t be a poor guess to say that the first 2015 Ford Mustang has sold for 10 times its retail price. However, the money has gone to the right place and so Ford must be congratulated.
