FORD PLUG-IN HYBRID TRANSIT HEADING FOR SPAIN

Ford Partnership With City Of Valencia Reflects Investment In Electrified Vehicles…

Ford Motor Company, which has been exploring how plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) can benefit fleets while addressing emissions concerns in London, has teamed up with government entities in Valencia, Spain, to take on air quality and productivity challenges there.

According to Ford, its partnerships with the Generalitat Valenciana and the city of Valencia not only complements testing in London, but also reflects an investment of $11 billion that Ford is making in its electrified portfolio to include 40 electrified vehicles globally, including 16 full battery electric vehicles by 2022.

“At Ford, we are committed to tackling urban mobility challenges, moving people and delivering goods and service through innovation and technology,” said Steve Armstrong, president and CEO of Ford of Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Our research in Valencia will help us gain a meaningful understanding of the benefits that small and medium fleets running primarily on electric power can bring.”

Ford, which is currently road testing plug-in hybrid Transit vans in London to assess how the vehicles can help address emissions concerns, has launched a second-phase initiative in Valencia, Spain.

HONDA UK CREATES FASTEST FRONT-WHEEL-DRIVE PICKUP

Turbocharged Civic Type R Concept Vehicle Turns Heads…

Honda UK engineers have reportedly developed the world’s fastest front-wheel drive pickup, turning a modified Honda Civic into a supercharged speedster, which made its recent head-turning debut at the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders Test Day in Bedford, England.

The 306-hp 2.0 liter turbocharged inline-four is paired with a six-speed manual transmission that will reportedly hit speeds in excess of 165 mph.  Its zero to 62 mph is estimated at less than six seconds.

“We have a special projects division at the factory in Swindon, and this project was a fantastic opportunity for the team to show just what their creative minds could do,” said Honda UK project lead Alyn James. “The passion that our engineers have for Honda is shown in our latest creation, and we are even considering taking it to the Nurburgring to see if we can take the record for the fastest front-wheel drive pickup truck.”

The Rallye Red concept truck, complete with a movable rear wing designed to allow direct and easy access to the rear of the truck, provided the Honda UK engineering team a chance to show off its creative capabilities.

ROLLS-ROYCE CRAFTSMANSHIP ON DISPLAY

London Craft Week Showcases Cullinan SUV Artistry…

With Roll-Royce poised to soon debut its all-terrain Cullinan SUV, the meticulous artistry bestowed on the much-anticipated new vehicle was on full display recently at the headquarters of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex, England. The display featured an exhibition of images captured by portrait photographer Cat Garcia in collaboration with Leica Camera. The images showed the men and women who can claim that their gifted hands built this high-bodied vehicle.

“As we prepare the imminent arrival of Cullinan, our highly anticipated all-terrain SUV, it (gave) us much pleasure to present a series of images by celebrated photographer Cat Garcia. London Craft Week (was) the perfect platform to demonstrate the passion behind the hand-craftsmanship applied to every motor car that leaves the home of Rolls-Royce,” said Torsten Muller-Otvos, CEO.

Photographic images showcasing the intricate craft of hand-building the all-new Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV were on display recently at the automaker’s West Sussex, England headquarters.

KIA UNVEILS ITS NEXT-GENERATION ELECTRIC VEHICLE

Niro EV Incorporates Practicality And Appeal Of Compact SUV…

The Niro EV, the latest all-electric vehicle from Korean automaker Kia, features an aerodynamic body, exclusive radiator grille, futuristic air-intake and arrowhead-shaped LED daytime running lights. With a “Clean and High-tech” design concept, the slim character line and tapered rear windows emphasize the car’s sleek profile, while allowing greater room for the vehicle’s muscular wheel arches.

The Niro EV is powered by a next-generation electric vehicle powertrain. Equipped with a high-capacity 64 kWh lithium-polymer battery pack, the Niro EV is able to drive more than 380 km on a single charge with zero emissions.  According to Kia, the vehicle is slated to go on sale in Korea later this year, and will be introduced in other markets in the future.

As automakers move to introduce more and more emissions-friendly electrified vehicles, Kia expands its electric vehicle lineup with the rollout of the Niro EV, which was inspired by the Niro EV Concept.

RENOWNED BRITISH CUSTOMIZER LAUNCHES CUSTOM-BUILD PROGRAM

Sutton Bespoke Transforms 1967 Mustang Into Modern-Day Muscle Car…

Clive Sutton, the distinguished customizer behind Sutton Bespoke, and his talented team, recently debuted the high-performance Mustang GT500CS at the 2018 London Motor Show. The GT500CS was built using an original 1967 chassis that underwent a ground-up restoration using a rotisserie jig and features new bodywork hand crafted to modern quality standards.

The vehicle is finished in Magnetic Metallic paint from Ford’s current color palette set off with black racing stripes. Exterior bright work and the 18-inch alloy wheels were powder coated in satin black, with LED lighting adding a modern twist. The vehicle is powered by a 5.4-liter, 520hp V8 engine, and sports a modern five-speed manual transmission. The interior was refashioned to reflect a contemporary look with carbon-fiber trim and dashboard, along with period-style dials inset with LED gauges and a full-custom leather interior. In addition to the Mustang GT500SC, Sutton Bespoke also showcased the first Dodge Challenger SRT Demon available in the UK, along with a modified Ford F-150 Raptor Super Crew.  www.suttonbespoke.co.uk.

The hand-crafted Mustang GT500SC from Sutton Bespoke underwent a full ground-up restoration, inside and outside, before making its debut at the 2018 London Motor Show.,