Wanderlust

Tag: green

  • Unique Sonderwunsch Model with Extraordinary Paintwork

    Unique Sonderwunsch Model with Extraordinary Paintwork

    To provide customers with support in developing their ideas for their own personal dream car, Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur has configured a 911 Turbo S as an example of Sonderwunsch Factory Commissioning. The vehicle made its most recent appearance at the Fuori Concorso. In keeping with this year’s motto “British racing green”, the customised vehicle shone in the Urban Bamboo effect paint finish.

    [source: Porsche]

    With many special features such as the extraordinary “Chromaflair”-effect paint in Urban Bamboo, painted design strips on the body, and the leather trim offset with different colours and copious cross-stitching, this model exemplifies everything that is possible with the help of the Sonderwunsch programme.

    The appetiser was such as success that it sealed its own fate: the Sonderwunsch model has since been sold to an enthusiast. Guglielmo Miani, head of the Milan-based luxury brand Larusmiani, fell in love with the unique vehicle during a consultation in Zuffenhausen. The sports car could then be seen at the “Fuori Concorso 2022” at Lake Como. Established by Guglielmo Miani, this event series celebrates the most attractive aspects of automotive culture. 

    The inspiration for the extensively configured, Sonderwunsch model was one of the four Porsche 959s that the department that was the predecessor to the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur had built for a customer in the late 1980s. With its decades of experience, the sports car manufacturer has been one of the pioneers of factory customisation. With more than 1,000 additional options across all model lines, Porsche has more than doubled its customisation options since 2012.

    Handcrafted: elaborate “Chromaflair” process

    Among other features, the Sonderwunsch 911 Turbo S Coupé shares its striking paintwork with the Porsche 959. Today’s interpretation eschews polarising Dark Gold, however, in favour of a painstakingly hand-painted Urban Bamboo using the “Chromaflair” process. With this technology, a total of five coats of paint are applied. The special feature is the wafer-thin pigments in the top coat, which result in the beholder seeing different shades of colour depending on the viewing angle and light. In addition to Urban Bamboo, Porsche also offers the “Chromaflair”-effect paint in Python Green, Magic Magenta, Shifting Carbon and Explosive Gold.

    As with the historic 959, a tri-colour design stripe extends from the front wings and across the doors and shoulders all the way to the rear. The line followed by the stripe was first adapted and optimised for the shape of the 911 by designer Grant Larson of Style Porsche using tape in the design phase. The painted-on stripe is applied by hand in the colours Rock Green Metallic (699), Jet Green Metallic (Z6H) and Anthracite Brown Metallic (M8S).

    This theme continues in the interior: three stripes of colour also adorn the centre of the door panels. The centre panels of the front seats also form a contrast to the black leather upholstery, and are colour-blocked in Slate Grey, Agave Green and Island Green. The cross-stitching in Island Green is another eye-catcher in the interior. These elaborately hand-stitched seams can be found at the top of the dashboard, in the door panels, and in the side panels in the rear. The all-leather luggage compartment underlines the elegant character of this 911 Turbo S.

    The equipment list for this Sonderwunsch model includes almost 50 items. A very special detail, however, is available free of charge for each unique item: the Sonderwunsch mark. This also indicates the year in which the respective project was completed. Inspired by the historic Manufacturer’s World Champion decals of the 1970s, the round marking is positioned in the rear side window on the driver’s side. In the 911 Turbo S showcased here, the marking is also embossed into the lid of the storage compartment on the centre console.

    About Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur

    Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur and Porsche Classic enhance and restore unique sports cars with a combination of skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail. As part of its strategy, the sports car manufacturer is reinterpreting its legendary Sonderwunsch programme from the late 1970s, which will enable it to design individualised, one-off cars – co-created by the customer and professionally produced by Porsche.

    This range of services encompasses the areas of Factory Commissioning for individual customer colour and material requests directly in production, as well as subsequent Factory Re-Commissioning, and Factory One-Off after vehicle delivery to the customer. Whereas Factory Re-Commissioning is all about individual colours and materials, the Factory One-Off service is a systematic new technical development. Depending on the vehicle’s age, the technical experts at Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur or Porsche Classic take care of implementation.

  • Jaguar Marks Sports Car Anniversary with Final F-Type

    Jaguar Marks Sports Car Anniversary with Final F-Type

    • Final F‑TYPE to be placed into official Jaguar Heritage collection, 50 years to the day since the last E‑type was produced
    • Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust (JDHT) adds final coupé and convertible to its collection of iconic examples of the brand’s rich provenance
    • F‑TYPE available to buy until early 2025 as production ends at Castle Bromwich
    • Jaguar is preparing to take its founding vision into a new all‑electric era from 2025

    [source: Jaguar]

    The final Jaguar F‑TYPE sports car made at the brand’s manufacturing facility in Castle Bromwich will join the Jaguar Heritage collection – 50 years to the day since the last Jaguar E‑type drove off the production line.

    The final F‑TYPE is a 5.0 litre V8 Convertible in Giola Green with a black roof and a Tan Windsor leather interior – similar to that of the 5.3 litre V12 final E‑type Series III Convertible built in 1974 and registered as HDU 555N.

    This special F‑TYPE will be handed to the custodians of Jaguar’s history, the Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust (JDHT). It will join its E‑type predecessor in the official Jaguar Heritage collection and take part in a series of special events and activities this year.

    Both F‑TYPE and E‑type marked the end of their production on almost the same day and on the threshold of a new and exciting era. Just as the last E‑type in 1974 heralded the birth of the radical Jaguar XJ‑S, the final F‑TYPE has been produced as Jaguar readies an even bolder transformation – spearheaded by a four‑door electric GT that promises to be a copy of nothing when it is revealed in 2025.

    “The singular vision of Jaguar’s founder, Sir William Lyons, was to always be future‑facing, relevant and original. This has been the foundation of Jaguar through almost a century of evolving contemporary British luxury

    “Today, as we celebrate F‑TYPE and our 75‑year history of innovative Jaguar sports cars, we are also looking forward to the beginning of a new era. We will reimagine and elevate the Jaguar brand that will be focused on growing client intimacy and engagement, underpinned by our purpose to inspire like no other.” – Rawdon Glover, Managing Director, Jaguar

    F‑TYPE was first launched as a convertible in 2013 and was Jaguar’s first two‑seat sports car in almost 40 years. It received universal acclaim and was named 2013 World Car Design of the Year. The coupé made its debut the following year. 

    87,731 F‑TYPEs have been produced and it will continue to be available until early 2025. JDHT records show that Jaguar produced 72,528 E‑types, ending with a special run of 50 cars. All but one was painted black, while the second‑to‑last car was British Racing Green and was supplied to a private Jaguar collector.

    Both cars will reside in the JDHT at Gaydon alongside the last series XE, XF, and XF Sportbrake which also finished manufacture recently.

    About Jaguar 
    Jaguar will transform into an all‑electric luxury brand by 2025, with uniquely expressive vehicles defined by pioneering technologies and visionary design. A copy of nothing.

    We are already on the journey to electrification, with a curated range of electric hybrid and full electric models. Today’s Jaguar range comprises the I‑PACE all‑electric performance SUV, F‑PACE performance SUV, E‑PACE compact performance SUV, XE and XF saloons, XF Sportbrake and F‑TYPE sports car.

    Jaguar is designed and engineered in the UK and sold in 117 countries. It belongs to the JLR house of brands with Range Rover, Defender and Discovery.

  • Three Unique Bentaygas to Celebrate International Women’s Day

    Three Unique Bentaygas to Celebrate International Women’s Day

    • Three bespoke Bentaygas inspired by the ‘Bentley Girls’ of the 1920s
    • Mary Petre Bruce, Dorothy Paget and Diana Barnato Walker each played an extraordinary part in building the Bentley story
    • Details taken from Mary Bruce’s 4½ Litre, Dorothy Paget’s supercharged Blower and Diana Barnato Walker’s Spitfire aircraft 
    • Designs incorporated into one-of-one Bentayga S, Azure and EWB specifications 
    • Unique materials and details honour the stories of these powerful women
    • Bentley celebrates project with female ideation, designers and implementation throughout pushing ‘Extraordinary Women’ program further 

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, England – In honour of International Women’s Day and the wider Women’s History Month, Bentley Motors is excited to announce three special Bentayga specifications to celebrate the famous ‘Bentley Girls’: Mary Petre Bruce, Dorothy Paget and Diana Barnato Walker.

    Two bespoke designers – Emma Carruthers and Georgia Gough – commissioned three unique interpretations inspired by the amazing women that held defining roles in the brand’s 105-year history. While the Bentley Boys may have set the pace, the Bentley Girls refused to take a back seat, making their mark in inimitable Bentley style. Now, their lives and achievements are celebrated in three one-off Bentayga specifications, with the Bentayga’s go-anywhere luxury a perfect match for the incredible lifestyles they led. 

    Each unique specification incorporates special design cues from the storied past of each Bentley Girl defining a modern interpretation of their vehicle of choice today.  

    Karen Lange, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Human Resources, comments:

    “The Bentley Girls each played a crucial role in Bentley’s history and it is important to bring their involvement to light. We are always striving to expand the ‘Bentley Family’ and sometimes that means looking back and honoring important people who brought so much meaning to the Bentley brand we know today. These three cars are an homage to the lives of the Bentley Girls, and the contributions they made to the Bentley we know and love today.”  

    Mary Petre Bruce: Born For Speed

    The Bentayga Azure celebrating Mary Petre Bruce is inspired by the 4½ Litre Bentley she drove at Montlhéry, France for 24 hours on 6 June 1929, to capture the world record for single-handed driving, averaging more than 89 miles per hour. Mary had never driven a Bentley until the day of the record attempt and had to borrow cushions from the official timekeepers so she could reach the pedals. Despite fog, cold and treacherous track conditions she covered 2,164 miles in 24 hours. 

    In the same year she set a powerboat record for the fastest double-crossing of the Channel before buying herself an aircraft and learning to fly in just six weeks. Then she set off on a solo round the world flight, breaking record after record on her way – becoming the first woman to circumnavigate the world alone.

    The Mary Petre Bruce Bentayga Azure features Parson Green Pearlescent Paint over matching heritage hide, both a direct connection to her 4½ Litre. The interior features 24-karat gold organ stops, aligning with her winning mentality and lavish lifestyle. Mother of pearl crossbanded veneer is also included – a nod to a celebrated quote from Mary: “I was never keen on overalls or slacks, but always drove in a blouse, tailored skirt and a string of pearls”. Further inspiration from her 4½ Litre includes vertical fluted quilting seat uppers and doorcards as well as Mother of Pearl Marquetry reading ‘YV 7263’ – the number plate of the car she drove. A finishing touch is a chequered flag D pillar badge alongside Blackline Specification, reflecting the sporting minimalism of the 4½ Litre’s design and as a tribute to Mary’s racing past.

    Dorothy Paget and the Blower Bentley

    Dorothy Paget played a vital role in the creation of one of the most iconic Bentleys; the 4½ Litre Supercharged, commonly known as the Blower Bentley. While other young ladies prioritised finding a suitor, Paget focused her passion for speed and power. Her interest in motor racing first developed on a visit to Brooklands, where she took driving lessons from Bentley Boy and racing driver Sir Tim Birkin. He described her as one of the finest women drivers he had ever come across, ‘capable of handling any make of racing car produced in this country or abroad.’

    By 1929, Birkin had become obsessed with driving more performance from the Bentley 4½ Litre. He was convinced that Amherst Villiers’ supercharger was the way to do it, and despite the opposition of W.O. Bentley himself, Dorothy Paget sponsored a racing team of supercharged Blowers. Four 4½ Litre Supercharged Blowers were built, and Birkin’s team competed alongside Bentley’s Works team at Brooklands and Le Mans. The #2 Team Car, raced by Birkin himself at Le Mans in 1930, has since become the most famous, most iconic and most valuable Bentley in the world – a car of legend, despite never winning a race.

    The Dorothy Paget Bentayga Extended Wheelbase (EWB) Mulliner features solid Blower Green Exterior paint over minimal color split interior hide of Cumbrian and Blower Green – colour-matched to Team Car #2 itself. The EWB Mulliner – the pinnacle of the Bentayga range – was chosen to express and showcase Dorothy’s extraordinary lifestyle. There are further inspirations from the Bentley Blower which she helped create, including Nickel Painted Self Levelling Wheel Accent Bezels and Painted Nickel Veneer Carriers to the interior – both a reference to the Blower’s radiator. To the inside, engine spin aluminum fascias echo the dashboard of the Blower. 

    Diana Barnato: Bentley’s Flying Lady

    Daughter of three-time Le Mans winner Woolf Barnato, Diana Barnato Walker inherited her father’s flair and courageous spirit. She was an accomplished horsewoman and keen motorist, driving a Dove Grey Bentley 4¼ Litre Park Ward saloon.

    Like Mary Petre Bruce, flying became Diana’s lifelong passion. She flew solo at the Brooklands Flying Club in 1938 after only six hours of instruction and joined the Air Transport Auxiliary in 1941, delivering aircraft from the factories to front-line squadrons. It was a dangerous job – she had to navigate herself without any ground contact, as the radio frequencies were reserved for the frontline squadrons. Famous for her glamorous appearance and exceptional flying skills, by the end of the war she had delivered 260 Spitfires and numerous other aircraft to their squadrons.

    The Diana Barnato Bentayga S is inspired by her favorite aircraft – the Spitfire – and so features a Smoke Green exterior and the interior hide split of green and saddle, referencing the Spitfire Mk9’s cockpit. Additionally, the car features a bespoke D Pillar badge with the Spitfire emblem and Signal Yellow accents replicating the colour of the wing’s leading edge.

    Extraordinary Women 

    Bentley Motors’ Extraordinary Women initiative is a global mentoring programme that is committed to inspiring and developing the next generation of young female leaders, specifically female students in the fields of engineering, design, technology and business. The project supports Bentley’s Beyond100 strategy, including the aim for Bentley to become the most diverse luxury car company with colleagues as individual as its cars.

  • First Bespoke Limited “Opulence Edition” in India Curated by Bentley Mulliner

    First Bespoke Limited “Opulence Edition” in India Curated by Bentley Mulliner

    • First ever Mulliner Bespoke Edition created for Indian market
    • Collection includes Continental GT Speed, Flying Spur Speed and Bentayga EWB Azure
    • A harmonious fusion of power, grace and natural beauty, with colours and materials featuring the Indian national colours of green and orange
    • First use of Scarab green paint from Mulliner coachbuild programme
    • Unique fascia design depicts wild horses and mountain peaks, traditional symbols of good luck and prosperity as per Indian feng shui

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, England – Five individually curated Bentley models, commissioned by a Bentley retailer, comprise the first Mulliner Bespoke Edition created exclusively for the Indian Market. All feature an extensive specification, with unique exterior and interior finishes inspired by the colours of the Indian flag. Each example is handcrafted in Crewe, England, by Mulliner, Bentley’s in-house personalisation and bespoke department.

    The Opulence Edition for India is limited to just five vehicles: a Continental GT Speed, a Flying Spur Speed and three Bentayga EWB Azure models. All five are presented in Scarab Green exterior finish, an exclusive Mulliner development inspired by the iridescent green exo-skeleton of the Scarab beetle. Complemented by bespoke interior colourways of Mandarin and Cumbrian Green hide, each car is a tribute to India’s national colours. 

    Bespoke elements of the Opulence Edition

    Although different in character, all five models in the Opulence Edition have key bespoke elements in common. All feature the lustrous Scarab Green exterior finish that was first developed for Bentley’s first coachbuilt barchetta, the Bacalar. Inside, the orange and green of India’s national colours are represented by upholstery of Mandarin main hide and Cumbrian Green secondary hide. The mirror-like Piano veneer of the fascia and trim is also finished in Cumbrian Green, with an inset chrome motif on the fascia of wild horses and mountain peaks. From the initial brief, designers and artisans painstakingly produced multiple depictions until the perfect composition was achieved. The design was ultimately hand-drawn, and carefully applied to the fascia using a chrome overlay technique. This unique colour and trim specification is the outcome of close collaboration between Bentley Mumbai and the Mulliner team, and celebrates the first-ever Mulliner bespoke edition created for the Indian market. 

    Performance delivered by the Opulence Edition Continental GT Speed 

    The 659 PS Continental GT Speed is the ultimate performance-focused iteration of the world’s benchmark luxury Grand Tourer, and the Opulence Edition complements its character perfectly. The Scarab Green exterior and 22” Speed wheels in dark tint finish focus one’s attention on its poised and muscular lines, while the LED welcome lamps, and self-levelling wheel centre badges are typical of Mulliner’s perfectionist attention to detail. 

    Open the driver’s door, and the full drama of the two-colour interior is revealed, with knurled switchgear and instrument bezels set on a fascia of Cumbrian Green in a piano finish. Contrast stitching in Mandarin picks out the lines of the upholstery and the diamonds of the quilted sections. The Opulence Edition Continental GT Speed was limited to one example, and this has already been delivered to its delighted owner. 

    Opulence Edition Flying Spur Speed’s bespoke craftsmanship

    The Opulence Edition Flying Spur Speed’s lavish specification includes diamond knurling on bezels and switchgear, Naim for Bentley audio and the unique Bentley rotating display. Throughout the cabin, the perforated, quilted seat upholstery is bordered by side bolsters with Mandarin contrast stitching and Speed-embroidered headrests.

    This Bentley’s performance focus finds the perfect expression in the Opulence Edition’s Scarab Green exterior finish, complemented by 22” dark tint Speed wheels with self-levelling wheel centre badges. The illuminated Flying B radiator mascot is finished in polished stainless steel, providing a contrast to the dark tint brightwork of the Speed specification. 

    The pinnacle performance model of the Flying Spur line up is powered by a 626 bhp 6.0-litre twin turbocharged W12 engine, with Electronic All Wheel Steering, Torque Vectoring by Brake technology and Bentley Dynamic Ride as standard. Just one Opulence Edition Flying Spur Speed will be produced.

    The Opulence Edition Bentayga EWB Azure

    While the Bentayga EWB is more than capable of soul-stirring performance, the emphasis with the Opulence Edition is on space, wellbeing and abundant luxury. The Opulence Edition Bentayga, of which three examples will be made, comes in four-seat configuration with the Mulliner console bottle cooler separating the two rear seats. Contrast stitching in Mandarin runs around the lip of the fascia top roll, and around the edge of the Cumbrian Green seat bolsters, while contrast stitching in Cumbrian Green can be seen in the outer diamonds of the quilted seat inner areas and the Azure-embroidered headrests. 

    With the Bentley Dynamic Ride 48V active anti-roll control system providing the optimum balance between ride comfort, handling and body control, the Opulence Edition Bentayga EWB Azure provides a haven of calm and comfort.

  • Aston Martin Racing Green Takes Pole Position as Brand’s Most Popular Color Choice Following F1 Success

    Aston Martin Racing Green Takes Pole Position as Brand’s Most Popular Color Choice Following F1 Success

    • Racing Green becomes the most popular Aston Martin colour choice 
    • 24% of new car buyers choosing one of the company’s nine shades of green
    • New data shows spike in new car orders in Aston Martin Racing Green following the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® team’s first podium of the 2023 season 
    • Aston Martin has an iconic association with the colour green, from its early heritage in motorsport to today’s AMR24 challenger

    [source: Aston Martin]

    Gaydon, UK – Aston Martin’s iconic Racing Green (racinggreenmetallic; metallic UNI; AST1140; Aston Martin) has officially become the most popular colour choice amongst new car buyers, for the very first time.

    As the eyes of the motorsport world turn to Bahrain for the first Grand Prix of the 2024 Formula 1® season, new retail data shows that nearly a quarter (24%) of Aston Martin customers are selecting one of the marque’s nine exclusive shades of green for their dream car, with the official Aston Martin Racing Green colour now the number one choice, ahead of traditionally popular paint colours such as Xenon Grey and Magnetic Silver.

    Aston Martin Racing Green was introduced by the marque to celebrate its return to the pinnacle of motorsport in 2021 and proved an immediate hit with customers. Representing around 7% of new car orders in the immediate 12 months following Aston Martin’s return to the grid, the trend has consistently increased year-on-year, with 12% of new Aston Martins now adorned in the official Aston Martin Racing Green colour – almost twice as many as the second most popular exterior option, Xenon Grey (6.8%).

    Fernando Alonso’s historic first podium for the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® Team at last year’s season-opener in Bahrain delivered a 29% increase in website traffic, while the team’s strong start to the 2023 season supported a spike in customer orders for Aston Martin Racing Green sports cars in April 2023.

    Marco Mattiacci, Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer of Aston Martin said: “Aston Martin was born out of racing, so 111 years on, it is fitting that this iconic brand sits at the pinnacle of motorsport, supercharging our ultra-luxury and high-performance credentials while engaging a passionate community.

    “Our presence on the grid has propelled the brand onto the global stage, but also captured the imagination of loyal and new customers who are specifying more cars in green than ever before. Just as James Bond made the Silver Birch paint tone synonymous with DB5 and the brand more broadly, 60-years on, Aston Martin’s on-track success is putting Aston Martin Racing Green at the forefront of customers’ minds when purchasing their Aston Martin.”

    Helped by Aston Martin’s main F1® livery colour and the company’s refreshed brand identity, demand for different shades of green has soared across its high-performance product portfolio. Aston Martin now extends its core colour palette to nine green variants, up from four offered at the beginning of 2021, prior to Aston Martin’s return to F1®. For discerning customers looking for a more exclusive palette of colours, the Q by Aston Martin bespoke division has helped customers specify cars in 30 unique shades of green, as well as providing match-to-samples capability for those wanting something entirely exclusive.

    Boosted by the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One® team’s success in 2023, claiming eight podiums and 280 Championship points, the global platform of F1® is attracting a new breed of customers to Aston Martin. 72% of buyers of the racing-inspired Vantage F1® Edition model launched in 2021 were new to the Aston Martin brand, while market research indicates that 88% of luxury car buyers interested in Formula 1® are more likely to buy an Aston Martin because of the brand’s involvement in the sport. In Aston Martin’s largest commercial market, the United States, 98% of customers also said that the brand’s F1®association makes their cars more exciting to drive.

    In the 2023 season Aston Martin experienced a 20% increase in online configurations sent to dealers on race weekends, compared to non-race weekends. This was supported by becoming the first manufacturer to allow customers to digitally specify their dream car in the surroundings of a Formula 1® pit garage in Silverstone as well as on the Las Vegas Grand Prix circuit.

    Aston Martin’s iconic association with the colour green began many decades ago, following a tradition established in the early days of motorsport that teams would race in national colours, or in the case of British manufacturers, a colour that became known as British Racing Green. Since then, Aston Martin race cars have competed in various shades of green before resting on the now familiar green which adorns its Formula 1® cars on the grid.

    Further building on the synergies between road and track, earlier this month, Aston Martin boldly launched its new Vantage sports car and Vantage GT3 racer on the same day as the marque’s new AMR24 Formula 1® challenger was unveiled ahead of its competitive debut at the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix this weekend.

    -ENDS-

    Note to editors:

    • 2023 data is based on Aston Martin retail sales for 2023 model year core products (March 2023 – October 2023) including those specified in exterior colours of Aston Martin Racing Green and Satin Aston Martin Racing Green.
    • Comparisons since Aston Martin’s return to Formula 1® are based on retail sales of Aston Martin core products in Aston Martin Racing Green and Satin Aston Martin Racing Green from March 2021 – October 2023.
  • Bespoke Bentley Bentayga Hybrids for The Peninsula London

    Bespoke Bentley Bentayga Hybrids for The Peninsula London

    • The Peninsula’s new flagship Belgravia hotel commissions four bespoke Bentayga Hybrid models for guest transportation
    • Bentayga Hybrid chosen for its remarkable quality and comfort, proven sustainability credentials and effortless performance
    • Bespoke Mulliner features and finishes include exterior paintwork in ‘Peninsula Green’ with two-piece coachline in ‘Honey’
    • Interior specification includes Saddle main hide with Beluga secondary hide, Burr Walnut veneer and ‘The Peninsula’ illuminated treadplates 
    • Up to 28 miles range in zero-emission EV mode; ideal for guests exploring London’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone 
    • The Bentayga Hybrids are The Peninsula Hotels’ first luxury hybrid SUV fleet, maintaining its tradition of luxurious transportation.

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, England – Guests of the new Peninsula London hotel can now experience the company’s legendary luxury even before alighting at the hotel entrance, as they are driven through London in one of the property’s new, bespoke Bentayga Hybrids. Four Bentayga Hybrid SUVs have been commissioned by The Peninsula London to provide luxurious, near-silent transportation for guests, whether within the city’s Ultra-Low Emission Zone or further afield. 

    Bentley’s Bentayga Hybrid is the only hybrid SUV in the bespoke automotive sector and offers a compelling blend of refinement, effortless performance, and cosseting luxury. The combination of 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, electric motor and 18.0 kWh battery deliver a remarkable spectrum of performance, from the calm of near-silent zero-emission EV mode to powerful open road acceleration. An EV range of up to 28 miles will enable the majority of The Peninsula London’s journeys to be completed without emitting a single gram of CO2. For journeys further afield, the combined output of 462 PS (456 bhp) delivers the effortless performance that Bentley is renowned for. 

    Bespoke specification, executed by Mulliner
    The Peninsula’s exacting specifications were executed by the artisans of Mulliner, Bentley’s personal commissioning division. Finishes and trim were carefully chosen to reflect the Group’s distinctive livery, recognised the world over. Exterior bodywork, roof rails and brightware are finished in Peninsula Green, with the subtlest of two-piece coachlines in Honey. A discreet ‘The Peninsula London’ graphic adorns the front doors. Unique welcome lamps project The Peninsula logo upon the ground to guide guests when the doors are opened. 

    All four Bentayga Hybrids feature the Azure specification, with its emphasis on wellness and comfort. Saddle main hide colour and Beluga secondary hide create an ambience of timeless serenity; the seat backs feature ‘wellness quilting’, while the deep gloss of Burr Walnut veneer provides a tactile and visual contrast to the soft sheen of the hide. Veneered picnic tables and individual entertainment screens are provided for each of the rear compartment’s passengers. Bentley mood lighting and Signature audio system provide atmosphere and entertainment. 

    For the comfort and convenience of its guests, The Peninsula London also specified bespoke metal badges across the interior denoting bespoke areas for tissues and used refreshment towels in the rear doors, stowage for periodical magazines in the front seat backs, and notifications inviting guests not to smoke. Additional USB sockets, and bespoke ‘The Peninsula’ illuminated treadplates complete the cabin.

    A shared commitment to excellence
    The latest addition to The Peninsula Hotel’s portfolio, The Peninsula London is located in the heart of Belgravia and is a showcase for the best of British craftsmanship and design. The Peninsula London’s choice of Bentley’s Bentayga Hybrid for its liveried fleet confirms the two companies’ shared commitment to the highest standards of luxury. Guests will be able to settle into the welcoming comfort of Bentley’s hand-crafted, flawless hide upholstery for their journey while the landmarks of London spool silently past. 

    Sonja Vodusek, Managing Director of The Peninsula London comments: “The Peninsula is known for its global collection of impeccable bespoke vehicles, and Bentley makes a natural fit with our standards and ethos. As a brand, Bentley has a remarkable heritage of British design and craftsmanship, yet the Bentayga Hybrid shows the company is meeting the challenges of the future with confidence. Sustainability and enlightened luxury matter to The Peninsula Hotels and we welcome Bentley’s luxury hybrids to The Peninsula London’s fleet.”

    About The Peninsula London     
    Ideally situated in the heart of Belgravia, with views over Hyde Park Corner and Wellington Arch, The Peninsula London occupies one of the city’s most prestigious addresses. The newly built hotel, impeccably designed to harmonise with surrounding heritage buildings is just moments away from the city’s most iconic attractions, including Three Royal Parks, Buckingham Palace, Harrods, and Big Ben. Its 190 light-filled guest rooms and suites have been exquisitely designed by Peter Marino; its gathering spaces include several world-class restaurants and bars, including Brooklands helmed by Michelin-starred Chef Director Claude Bosi; the idyllic Peninsula Spa, and a luxury retail arcade.
    www.peninsula.com

    Bentayga Hybrid WLTP drive cycle: fuel consumption, mpg (l/100km) – Combined 94.2 (3.0). Combined CO₂ – 68g/km.

  • Final Mulsanne Adds a Royal Touch to Bentley Heritage Collection

    Final Mulsanne Adds a Royal Touch to Bentley Heritage Collection

    • The last Mulsanne to be built comes home to Crewe, after service with Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
    • Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase commissioned by the Queen, in Barnato paint with a Twine and Cumbrian Green interior
    • Joins Bentley’s Heritage Collection, to live alongside the second production Mulsanne built (2010) and pinnacle Mulsanne Speed (2019)
    • Unique interior features – including a custom cubby for a handbag – define a cherished vehicle
    • The Heritage Collection now comprises 45 cars spanning the company’s 104-year history

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, England –  Bentley Motors today announces the most recent and prestigious addition to its rejuvenated Heritage Collection – a bespoke 2020 Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase, the final example of the Mulsanne handcrafted at Bentley’s Dream Factory in Crewe, which has now returned home after service with the Royal household.

    The last Mulsanne was commissioned by, and built for, Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and includes a range of bespoke features to ensure the car was fit for royal duties. The starting point was an exterior in solid Barnato green (barnatogreen; metallic UNI; 6602 / 9561028 / LK6A; Bentley), paired with an interior in Twine and Cumbrian hide, Burr Walnut wood veneers and deep lambswool carpets. To this, the specification added rear privacy curtains and the Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom inlaid into the door waistrails, while the front centre armrests were removed in lieu of a custom-sized tray to accommodate the Queen’s handbag. 

    Discretely concealed blue police lights, a siren and a bullhorn were also installed, with a dedicated switch panel hidden beneath a walnut-veneered door behind the gear lever. 

    Bentley’s famous 537PS 6.75-litre V8 engine, 21” alloy wheels and chrome brightware for the grille and front wing vents and the iconic Flying B complete the car, which will be retained as the third and final Mulsanne in Bentley’s Heritage Collection. It will join the second Mulsanne ever built, VIN 0002 from 2010, and a 2019 Mulsanne Speed that previously saw service on Bentley’s press fleet. The three Mulsannes are part of an expanded 45-car Collection, 2.5 years into a three-year programme to completely rebuild a family of cars that together explain and describe Bentley’s 104-year history.

    A History of Mulsanne

    Launched at Pebble Beach in 2009, the Mulsanne was developed from scratch, housing a new variant of Bentley’s 6.75-litre V8 engine, a new chassis, as well as new exterior and interior designs.

    In 2016, a new Mulsanne was launched at the Geneva Motor Show, with the car further raising the standards of luxury with a redesigned interior – featuring new seats, door trims, armrests, navigation technology and a brand new infotainment system. The front end of the car was also upgraded with new grilles, lights and a new bonnet.

    Alongside the new Mulsanne in 2016, Bentley also launched the Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase, with a 250 mm extension of the Mulsanne’s footprint enabling space for an ornate folding table, centre console, electronic leg-rests and privacy curtains to deliver the best in class luxury experience for the rear-seat passengers.

    Bidding farewell to the Mulsanne in 2020, the final 30 series production cars formed the unique ‘6.75 Edition by Mulliner’, with the name derived from the car’s legendary 6.75-litre engine – which also came to the end of production alongside the Mulsanne after more than 60 years.

    The Mulsanne was in production for over a decade, with each of the 7,300 cars handcrafted at Bentley’s factory in Crewe.

    The Bentley Heritage Collection

    Bentley’s Heritage Collection now consists of 45 cars, from the oldest Bentley in the world (the 1919 3-Litre EXP2) through to the 2021 Continental GT Speed, with some of the most extraordinary Bentleys ever made representing every decade of the company’s 104-year history. 37 road registered, road legal cars describe the development of the Bentley model range over the same period, bolstered by eight of the most famous motorsport and record-breaking vehicles – including three Speed 8s, both generations of Continental GT3, and Pikes Peak and Ice Speed Record cars.

    All of the cars in the Heritage Collection are maintained and on display at Bentley’s carbon neutral Dream Factory in Crewe, England. Customers, VIPs, media guests and Bentley colleagues are all able to view the company’s history through the Collection as part of the factory tour experience.

  • Audi TT Roadster Final edition Celebrates Legacy of Original Audi Design Icon

    Audi TT Roadster Final edition Celebrates Legacy of Original Audi Design Icon

    • TT Roadster Final edition features unique design details, including a gray convertible top, carbon fiber inlays, 20-inch wheels, and S line exterior
    • Available only as Roadster and painted in Audi exclusive Goodwood Green pearl effect with Palomino Brown leather interior
    • Limited to 50 units and only for the United States

    [source: Audi of America]

    RESTON, VA – Today, Audi of America celebrates three generations of iconic design with the 2023 Audi TT Roadster Final edition. Finished in an Audi exclusive shade of green – Goodwood Green pearl effect (goodwoodgrün; pearl effect UNI; Z6X; Audi), the TT Roadster Final edition includes unique elements including a modern interpretation of the original TT’s baseball stitch seats. Only 50 units are available for the U.S. market.

    TT Final edition celebrates the original Audi design icon
    The TT Final edition features unique design elements that celebrate the heritage of the Audi TT and embody the model’s reputation for transcendent design.

    The TT Final edition presents an exclusive list of equipment not available on other Roadster models, including:

    • Audi exclusive Goodwood Green pearl effect
    • Audi exclusive Palomino Brown stitching
    • Audi exclusive floor mats
    • Audi magnetic ride
    • Extended leather package in seat color
    • Gray convertible top
    • 20×9-inch 10-Y-spoke design forged wheels
    • Carbon fiber inlays
    • S line exterior

    Unique design elements
    The TT Final edition is available only as a Roadster and comes finished in Audi exclusive Goodwood Green pearl effect paint, which was offered as a series production color for the first generation TT Roadster. Platinum gray matte exterior bumper trim and side trim elements are integrated with the S line exterior, which is offered for the first time on the third generation TT Roadster, and comes equipped without S line badging for increased exclusivity. Complementing the gray accents of the S line exterior is a gray convertible top. The gray color soft-top was only previously used on the 2019 TT Roadster 20thAnniversary edition, and features an electrohydraulic drive system that can raise and lower the roof in just 10 seconds while the vehicle is driving at speeds of up to 31 mph.

    Inside, the TT Final edition is finished in Palomino Brown leather, which nods to the first generation’s iconic baseball stitch leather. When paired with the Audi exclusive Goodwood Green exterior, it creates a timeless combination and is a tribute to the first generation TT Roadster. Furthermore, the TT Final edition comes standard with an extended leather package, which finishes the door armrests and center console in the same Palomino Brown leather and stitching, as well as black leather covering the airbag cap and instrument cluster hood. Audi exclusive Palomino Brown stitching was added to the steering wheel and gear selector boot, and the floor mats are trimmed with Palomino Brown leather piping and stitching to complete the look of the interior.

    The TT Roadster’s S sport seats are also equipped with neck-level heating to keep you warm on chilly days with the top down and include built-in seatbelt microphones for optimizing Bluetooth and voice recognition operation. Finally, Carbon fiber inlays adorn the interior surfaces, underlining the sporty character of the TT Roadster Final edition.

    Legendary TT performance
    The TT Roadster Final edition comes standard with 20×9-inch 10-Y-spoke design forged wheels, wrapped with 255/30 R20 92Y XL summer tires, borrowed from the sporty TTS. Also taking a cue from the TTS is the Audi magnetic ride suspension system, which adapts the damping forces depending on the driving situation for increased driving dynamics, as well as provides a lower center of gravity with its 10mm reduction in ride height compared to the standard suspension.

    The TT Roadster features a 2.0-liter four cylinder turbocharged engine with 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque that comes mated to a 7-speed S tronic dual clutch transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The TT Roadster can sprint from 0-60 mph in as little as 5.5 seconds.

    It is all in the name
    The model name “TT” is reminiscent of the legendary Tourist Trophy on the Isle of Man – one of the oldest motorsports events in the world where Auto Union brands, NSU and DKW, celebrated great successes with their motorcycles. NSU would later use the TT nomenclature to commemorate the brand’s historic race championship on its sporty small car – the TT Prinz.

    In 1998, Audi debuted its TT Coupe to the world – and followed with a Roadster model just one year later. The Bauhaus inspired design challenged conventional ideas of Audi design, while the Audi TT’s name itself was a deliberate departure from the brand’s usual nomenclature to underscore the novelty of the model line.

    A fond farewell
    Over the years, the TT model line often served as the technology leader for the brand, launching several iconic design and technology firsts including – the electronically deployable rear spoiler, Audi virtual cockpit, and the first Audi with available OLED taillights.

    The Audi TT closes production after the 2023 model, ending a chapter of iconic design for the brand with four rings.

    On sale now
    The Audi TT Roadster Final edition is on sale now for the U.S. market with an MSRP of $67,800 plus $1,095 destination charge.

    ABOUT AUDI OF AMERICA
    At Audi of America, we believe the future is electric. By 2025, our U.S. model lineup will be at least 30 percent electrified, including fully electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Globally, we are committed to net CO2 neutrality by 2050. In 2022, Audi sold 186,875 vehicles in the U.S., sold more fully electric models than ever before, and achieved a record-breaking year in after sales. Learn more about who we are and how we’re working to create a more sustainable, innovative, and inclusive future at audiusa.com or media.audiusa.com. 

    This information and any vehicle specifications are preliminary and subject to change.

    Always obey local speed and traffic laws.

    MSRP excludes taxes, title, other options and dealer charges. Dealer sets actual price.

  • One-of-One Bentley GT Speed Celebrates 20 Years of Continental Success at Monterey Car Week

    One-of-One Bentley GT Speed Celebrates 20 Years of Continental Success at Monterey Car Week

    • Mulliner creates a modern interpretation of the original Continental GT
    • Unique car brings 20th birthday celebrations to a close
    • 2023 Continental GT Speed inspired by the specification of the very first production Continental GT from 2003
    • One-of-one car sold to American collector
    • Both cars displayed at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering as part of Monterey Car Week
    • Celebratory ‘baton’ starts 20-stop global tour, connecting 20 individual Continental GT reviews

    Crewe, England – Bentley Motors brought the 20th birthday celebrations of its now-iconic Continental GT to a close with the reveal and immediate sale of a one-of-one Continental GT Speed, with a specification inspired by that of the very first production Continental GT from 2003. The muse for the project – VIN20001, the first GT off the Crewe production line – was displayed alongside the 2023 version at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, also celebrating its 20th birthday and an ongoing part of Monterey Car Week.

    Having redefined the Bentley brand for the 21st century when it was launched in 2003, catalysing a ten-fold increase in sales, the Continental GT continues to be the benchmark for modern, luxury grand tourers. The first production car – the most important modern car in Bentley’s rejuvenated Heritage Collection – was finished in Cypress Green (cypressgreen; metallic UNI; 6604 / 9560119; Bentley) paint, with an interior of Saddle leather upholstery and Burr Walnut veneer. The bespoke 2023 Continental GT Speed displays a specially commissioned interior inspired by that of its illustrious forbear.

    While Saddle leather and Burr Walnut veneer feature in both cabins, the third-generation model features subtle enhancements of the original model’s theme. The rich Saddle colour is complemented by an accent hide in ‘Special Green’, with contrast stitching in the same shade throughout. The fascia and waist rails feature two different veneer finishes – open pore Dark Burr Walnut over high gloss Dark Burr Walnut – separated by a painted pinstripe in Cypress, connecting the interior with the exterior.

    An extensive list of features includes the Blackline, Touring and Styling Specifications – together bringing polished black exterior brightware, a suite of technical enhancements and a carbon fibre front splitter, side skirts, diffuser and subtle boot lip spoiler respectively. Self-levelling Mulliner wheel badges finished the 22” Sports Wheels in unique Dark Grey Satin. The interior features Naim for Bentley audio and the Bentley Rotating Display, while the personalised treadplates read, ’20 years of the Continental GT by Bentley Mulliner’. Outline representations of the 2003 and 2023 Continental GTs feature on the fascia, centre console and outer sill. This celebratory one-of-one car has already been sold, was handed to its new owner at The Quail, and represents the highlight of four months of activities and events to celebrate this milestone in Bentley’s history.

    20 Years and three generations

    The impact of the first-generation Continental GT was seismic, not only redefining Bentley as a modern luxury brand but also creating a new market sector. The first all-new Bentley with no carried-over components since the original 3 Litre of 2019, the Continental GT was designed at the Crewe studio under then Design Director Dirk van Braeckel and Head of Exterior Design Raul Pires. The sleek lines of Bentley’s new grand tourer were inspired by those of the 1952 R Type Continental, with a Bentley ‘powerline’ that starts low at the front and follows the shoulder line of the bonnet and door before meeting a muscular rear haunch. Twin round headlamps and a Bentley mesh grille gave a subtle nod to the company’s thunderous Le Mans-winning racers of the 1920s.

    Under the bonnet was an all-new 6.0-litre twin-turbo 48-valve W12 engine. This compact, smooth and powerful design developed 550 bhp and 650 Nm, powering all four wheels via a ZF six-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration from 0-62 mph took 4.8 seconds and top speed was a shade under 200 mph.

    During the seven years the first-generation Continental GT remained in production it sired a family of models including the Continental GT Convertible, Continental Flying Spur, Continental GT Speed and Supersports.

    Arrival of the V8

    The second-generation Continental GT, launched in 6.0-litre W12 form at the Paris Motor Show in 2010, also saw the arrival of a second all-new Bentley engine. The efficient and charismatic 4.0-litre V8, which made its debut in 2012, endowed the Continental GT with an eager, agile and responsive character, accompanied by a characterful V8 exhaust backbeat. In 2017 the line-up was joined by the limited edition 710PS Supersports, its conception inspired by the Team Bentley racing GT3.

    2018: the third generation

    Bentley’s third generation Continental GT was launched in 2018. An entirely new design, its sharper, sleeker lines took full advantage of a new, purpose-designed platform. Even its W12 engine was all-new, paired with a new dual-clutch transmission. Highlights of the new model’s specification included three-chamber air springs and 48V electric active anti-roll control, while the on-board technology took a major leap forward thanks to all-new electrical architecture. It was simultaneously faster, more comfortable, more efficient and more luxurious than its predecessors – yet unmistakably still a Continental GT.

    Around the world in 20 reviews

    A Bentley ‘baton’, designed and created in house to represent the key lines of the Continental GT, visited Monterey to start a global journey – travelling in a variety of Continental GT models across Europe, the Middle East, China, Asia Pacific and the US before returning to Crewe. At journey’s end at Bentley’s Dream Factory in Crewe, the baton – which will contain 20 mementoes of the tour – will become a time capsule as a permanent reminder of a unique journey.

  • Speed Six Continuation Series Debuts at Goodwood Festival of Speed

    Speed Six Continuation Series Debuts at Goodwood Festival of Speed

    • The first car in the Speed Six Continuation Series makes its global debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed
    • ‘Speed Six Car Zero’ is the engineering development car for the programme, and will be retained by Bentley
    • Continuation Series by Mulliner based on original drawings and mechanic’s notes drawn from the archive
    • 1930 24 Hours of Le Mans competitor ‘Old Number 3’ and Bentley’s own Speed Six (GU409) provide real-world references
    • Finished design includes race improvements found between the 1929 and 1930 iterations of the 24 Hours of Le Mans
    • 600+ new components comprise 6½-litre six-cylinder race-spec engine
    • Initial engine tests indicate peak power of 205 bhp, within 5 bhp of original Le Mans spec engine of 1929 and 1930
    • One ‘Factory Works’ car and 12 pre-sold customer cars to follow, with each customer offered a personal fitting service for their car
    • Every single car handcrafted from scratch in the Mulliner workshop in Crewe, with each taking 10 months to complete

    [source: Bentley]

    Crewe, England – The first new Speed Six in 93 years will makes its global debut at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. The most successful Bentley racing car ever, the Speed Six is regarded as one of the most important Bentleys in history. The newest Speed Six – Car Zero – will be used in a development programme consisting of real-world durability and track based testing, before being retained by Bentley ahead of the build of 12 customer cars – all of which are already sold. 

    So much more than a replica, a continuation car is built to the same designs, using the same processes, as the original car that inspires the series. The Speed Six is the second pre-war Continuation Series by Mulliner, Bentley’s bespoke and coachbuilding division, following the Blower Continuation Series which itself was the first pre-war continuation ever created.

    Extensive research has been undertaken to ensure the content of the Speed Six is correct and authentic, with particular focus on the specification and setup of the original cars for the 1930 24 Hours of Le Mans. As many original drawings have been used as possible; with 80% of the originals found via the WO Bentley Memorial Foundation. The drawings have been supplemented by original mechanic’s notes that detailed the changes between the 1929 and 1930 races, alongside data taken from the 1930 Speed Six in the Bentley Heritage Collection and an original 1930 Le Mans racer, known as Old Number 3.

    In excess of 600 individual new parts have been required for the creation of the new 6½-litre six-cylinder race spec engine. Initial dyno testing has shown the first engines to develop 205 bhp at their peak, within 5 bhp of that documented for the original race-tuned engines in 1930.

    Many of the authentic materials used on the Blower Continuation Series have also been utilised for the Speed Six, particularly on a number of the trimmed elements. Mulliner team members revisited the archives at the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, Hampshire in order to offer five authentic period Parsons exterior paints. Speed Six Car Zero is finished in Parsons Napier Green, with an interior in Tan leather.

    Speed Six Car Zero has been built over the last ten months by an exceptionally skilled team of Mulliner artisans and specialists. As with the Blower Continuation Series, a major driver of the Speed Six programme is the development and retention of modern and traditional coachbuilding skills, and the build has seen craftspeople with decades of experience working alongside the younger generation so that skills are passed on. The finished car is a work of art, having been built and trimmed entirely in the Mulliner workshop at Bentley’s Dream Factory in Crewe.

    Over the next six months customers will have chance to discuss their specifications in further detail in personal commissioning sessions. Customers will be offered a personal fitting service in the second development car, known as Speed Six Factory Works, to ensure each car is built to each individual customer’s comfort needs.

    The validation programme for Speed Six Car Zero is comparable to that for  Blower Car Zero, and will include real world mileage accumulation and two race simulations.

    The History Of The Speed Six

    The Speed Six became the most successful racing Bentley in history, as a high-performance version of the 6½ Litre, and won Le Mans in 1929 and 1930 at the hands of Woolf Barnato, Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin and Glen Kidston.

    W.O. Bentley believed that the best way to increase power was to increase capacity, as opposed to Tim Birkin’s faith in supercharging. He therefore developed a new, larger engine to succeed the 4½-litre. With a bore of 100 mm and a stroke of 140 mm, his new straight six had a capacity of almost 6.6 litres. In base form, with a single Smiths five-jet carburettor, twin magnetos and a compression ratio of 4.4:1, the 6½ Litre delivered 147 bhp at 3500 rpm. 362 examples were built at Bentley’s factory in Cricklewood, North London, on a variety of chassis of different lengths depending on the body style requirements of individual customers. 

    The Speed Six chassis was introduced in 1928 as a more sporting version of the 6½ Litre. The engine was modified to liberate more power, with twin SU carburettors, a higher compression ratio and a high-performance camshaft, responsible for an increase to 180 bhp. The Speed Six chassis was available to customers with wheelbases of 138 inches (3,505 mm), 140.5 inches (3,569 mm), and 152.5 inches (3,874 mm), with the short chassis being the most popular. 182 Speed Six models were built between 1928 and 1930, and the factory race cars were built on a 134 inch (11’2”) chassis frame.

    The racing version of the Speed Six had a further-developed engine running a compression ratio of 6.1:1 and producing 200 bhp. Two wins at Le Mans in 1929 and 1930 cemented the Speed Six’s place in Bentley history, with the 1929 victory setting a new benchmark for dominance at the race. Driven by Woolf Barnato and Sir Henry ‘Tim’ Birkin, a Speed Six led from the first lap until the chequered flag, followed by a procession of three other Bentleys. A new lap record of 7:21 had been set by Birkin, taking 46 seconds off the previous best and requiring an average speed of 83 mph, and in covering a 2,844 km distance, a further record was also attained. Such a dominant performance by one manufacturer was not seen again at Le Mans for nearly 30 years.

    Real Life Endurance 

    Speed Six Car Zero, which will be displayed at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, will show further instrumentation that will not be fitted to customer cars.  This has been added to the car to support the validation process and record many different aspects of data during the next six months.

    With the build of Car Zero now complete, a programme of real-world durability testing will begin. The test programme is designed to achieve the equivalent of 35,000 kilometres of real-world driving across 8,000 kilometres of track driving. Intervals of gradually increasing duration and speed will check functionality and durability under the most challenging conditions; giving confidence in future customer cars. 

    The first customer car will start build in October of this year, and the series of 12 customer cars is due to be completed by the end of 2025, with each car taking 10 months to complete.