LISTER MOTOR COMPANY TO DEBUT HIGH-POWERED CONVERTIBLE

British Automaker Set to Release the LFT-C…

In response to customer demand, Lister Motor Company is poised to launch its most powerful open-top supercar this summer: the LFT-C.  The LFT-C has a top speed in excess of 205mph and a 0-62mph time of just over three seconds, thanks to its Lister-tuned and supercharged 666 bhp V8 engine.

Lister has also uprated the suspension and braking systems and added a custom-built exhaust system to enhance the sound of the supercharged engine to work perfectly with an open cockpit vehicle. Other LFT-C features include Lister’s exclusive carbon fiber body panels, along with front bumper, front splitter, rear diffuser, real-lip spoiler, rear extended wheel arches, a new grille design and new lightweight alloy wheels fitted with Michelin tires.

Every LFT-C will be personalized to customer specifications, from wheel design to paint finish, and will come with a luxurious interior trimmed by hand with UK Nappa hides from Bridge of Weir and a solid silver number plaque affixed to the engine cover. In keeping with the Lister tradition of producing unique and limited-edition cars, the LFT-C production will be limited to just 10 examples worldwide, with pricing to start at $156,550 US (£139,000).

The all-new supercharged LFT-C from Lister Motor Company boasts a top speed of 205 mph and 0-62 mph in just over three seconds. The company will limit production to 10 vehicles worldwide, each built to customer specifications.

GEM Motoring Issues Safe Driving Advice

Tips are aimed at Senior Drivers, But Good for All…

According to GEM Motoring Assist, older drivers can stay safe longer by reflecting on their driving and knowing where they can get expert advice.  The statement follows the release of figures from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), a UK government organization, showing that almost 22,500 senior motorists had their licenses revoked on medical grounds in 2018.

“Reaching a certain age does not automatically mean a complete loss of your ability to drive, judge distances and read road signs,” said Neil Worth, GEM road safety officer. “Today two thirds of people aged 70 and over still hold a driving license, compared with less than 40 percent in the mid-1990s.”  While Worth acknowledged that popular opinion might suggest that older drivers are a menace and should undergo mandatory retests, he emphasized that paying attention on the road and staying physically fit  “is a good way for a senior driver to stay as safe as possible for as long as possible.

To this end, GEM offered some helpful tips, including:

• Get fit and stay fit—exercise 15 to 20 minutes daily.
• Get a regular eye test.
• Make sure the car you drive best suits your current needs.
• Avoid journeys that cause stress or discomfort.
• Reflect on your driving, learn from mistakes and near misses.
• Plan your journeys to avoid using roads at really busy times and build in plenty of breaks on longer journeys.

GEM Motoring offers tips and tactics to help UK senior drivers—and other motorists—stay safe as possible on the road.

ITALIAN AUTOMAKER SET TO RELEASE ELECTRIC HYPERCAR

Zero-Emissions Pininfarina Battista to Debut in 2020…

Italian car designer and coachbuilder Automobili Pininfarina recently unveiled the pure electric Pininfarina Battista sports car at the Geneva Motor Show. Named in honor of the company’s founder, Battista Farina, the car has four individual motors placed at each wheel and is claimed to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0–100 km/h) in about 2 seconds, from 0-186mph (0–299 km/h) in 12 seconds, and has a claimed top speed in excess of  217mph.

The car has a carbon fiber monocoque chassis with aluminum crash absorbers at the front and the rear and most of the body panels are built from the same material to keep the weight low. The 21-inch wheels are wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires.

The adjustable suspension system will be tuned for maximum road comfort, while an active rear wing acts as an air brake to improve stopping power. The car also features carbon ceramic brake discs measuring 15 inches (390 mm) at the front and rear and is equipped with six piston calipers front and rear. The interior, customizable to customer specification, includes leather upholstery and a carbon steering wheel flanked by two large screens on either side, displaying data to the driver.

“The Battista is a truly beautiful, guilt-free hypercar—the first EV to really fall in love with—because electricity enables us to develop it with zero emissions and as the most powerful car that will have ever been designed and built in Italy,” said Michael Perschke, CEO of Automobili Pininfarina.

The zero-emissions Pininfarina Battista, billed as the most powerful car ever designed and built in Italy, is destined to hit the road in 2020. The automaker will produce a limited run of only 150 cars to ensure rarity and desirability in the market.

UK AUTO MANUFACTURING SUFFERS DECLINE

Production Drops 18 Percent…

UK car manufacturing fell by just over 18 percent in January as a result of model changes and falling demand. The January figures follow a depressing overall decline of 9.1 percent in 2018, the same year investment in the UK automotive industry fell by 46.5 percent.

January’s sharp drop in productivity represents the eighth consecutive month in which manufacturing contracted, with the industry branding the continued fall as a serious concern.  Some 120,449 cars rolled off assembly lines in January, compared with 147,507 in January 2018, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).  The number of UK-made cars going to UK homes saw a drop of 4.8 percent, with political uncertainty over Brexit blamed for further damage to consumer confidence.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of SMMT, said the figures were of “serious concern.” He cited “falling demand in key markets”—such as China and EU27 countries—as well as “escalating global trade tensions (and) the need to stay at the forefront of future technology” as three key challenges facing the industry.

Some 1.52 million cars were built in the UK in 2018, a decline of 9.1 percent from 2017. Current production figures indicate continuing decline, the result of falling demand in key markets and political uncertainty over Brexit.

FORD HONORS MUSTANG LEGACY

Celebrating 55 Years Of Continuous Production…

From the moment the Mustang galloped onto the scene in 1964, the iconic pony car has captured the hearts of enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Though officially available in Europe only since 2015, imported American versions have been gobbled up by enthusiasts in Europe and elsewhere for decades.

To commemorate the car’s 55^th birthday, Ford locations in the UK and Germany—along with local Mustang owners—came together for a celebratory gathering on Wednesday, April 17, exactly 55 years to the day that the Mustang officially went on sale. Ford locations in Canada, China, Lebanon, United Arab Emirates and the U.S. also hosted Mustang owners and their vehicles, while in Dunton, UK, 66 enthusiasts brought their Mustangs and joined four brand-new models and classics from Ford’s own heritage collection.

Still the best-selling coupe in the world, the Ford Mustang, introduced in 1964, is one of fewer than 10 nameplates to enjoy continuous production for more than 50 years.

2019 DESIGN COMPETITION TESTS STUDENTS’ CREATIVE TALENTS

Seventh Annual Challenge Aims To Inspire, Engage Next Generation…

According to a recent announcement, the search is now underway to find the next generation of talented automotive designers to compete in the SAIC Design Challenge. Fully supported by MG Motor UK, the competition is run by the British brand’s parent company, SAIC Motor, and for 2019, will task students to deliver their own design interpretation under the theme ‘Intelligent Frontier 2030.’

The theme aims to test students’ abilities in designing the MG of the future where emerging technology, such as intelligent driving systems, are expected to underpin future mobility. In conceptualizing their concepts, students can bring their imagination to life with scale-model concept cars that will exist in a hyper-connected urban environment in 2030 and beyond.

The competition was officially launched at London’s Royal College of Art (RCA) and is open to all college and university undergraduate and postgraduate students in Europe with a design-related major. Up to six finalists will be selected to spend two months at one of the SAIC Design’s European Advanced Design Studios to refine their proposals under the guidance of fulltime designers.  Their digital-based models and animations will be judged at the Europe Region Awards Ceremony in September. Students have until June 6 to submit their entries. www.saicmotor.co.uk/saicdesignchallenge.

Trym Abrahamsen, 2018 European design award winner, shown here with his award-winning concept.

BigFoot Car Detailing Centre Partners With Italian Tool Maker…

Johannesburg, South Africa-based BigFoot Car Detailing Centre is an official part of RUPES S.PA., headquartered in Milan, Italy. BigFoot bills itself as automobile surface appearance specialists, utilizing all the innovative ranges of the RUPES and BigFoot systems to eliminate defects, drastically enhance vehicle appearance and ensure surfaces remain defect-free. The company’s services, which also include interior detailing and engine detailing, extend to private jets, motorbikes, yachts as well as residential and commercial applications.

GROUPE RENAULT HONORS GRADUATES

Students Receive Technician Credentials…

Eighteen young technicians recently completed and graduated from Groupe Renault’s Advanced Apprenticeship Programme. The youngsters were presented with their qualifications at a special ceremony at Group Renault’s state-of-the-art training facility in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.

The training and development provided through the Groupe Renault UK Advanced Apprentice Programme is second to none, comprising state-of-the-art facilities and equipment backed by highly experienced technical training staff. During the program, apprentices take part in a number of modules at the Doncaster training center. At the end of the course, the students are awarded Groupe Renault’s Advanced Apprenticeship certificate, which is recognized by the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI) and become qualified technicians, with an option to further their training to become senior technicians and ultimately master technicians. https://life.renault.co.uk/careers/dealer-apprenticeship.

Groupe Renault recently presented its Advanced Apprenticeship certificates to 18 graduates of the company’s technician training program.

JAGUAR LAND ROVER SCORE TRIPLE WIN

Zero-Emissions Jaguar I-PACE Takes Top Honors at New York Auto Show

The Jaguar I-PACE was a triple winner at the New York International Auto Show, earning the top prize in three categories: 2019 World Car of the Year, 2019 World Green Car and the 2019 World Car Design of the Year. The win represented the first time in the World Car Awards’ 15-year history that one car has achieved a win in all three categories.

Over the years, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has done well in the World Car Design of the Year category. This year marked the company’s third consecutive win and the fifth time overall, having previously won design of the year awards in 2018 for the Range Rover Velar, in 2017 for the Jaguar F-Pace, in 2012 for the Range Rover Evoque and for the Jaguar F-Type in 2013.

“It is an honor that the Jaguar I-PACE has received these three accolades from the prestigious World Car jurors,” said Prof. Dr. Ralf Speth, CEO, Jaguar Land Rover. “We started with an ideal to move towards our Destination Zero vision: zero emissions, zero accidents and zero congestion. I-PACE is our first step to achieving this, and it was conceived when EVs were little more than a niche choice.”

The zero-emissions Jaguar I-PACE won three prestigious awards at the New York International Auto Show: 2019 World Car of the Year, 2019 World Green Car and the 2019 World Car Design of the Year.