BRITAIN’S BLENHEIM PALACE WELCOMES 2018 SALON PRIVÉ

Annual Event Showcases Automotive Heritage…

Set against the backdrop of historic Blenheim Palace, the 2018 Salon Privé recently brought together some of the rarest and most iconic classic cars, supercars and racecars for an event that also included upscale shopping and fine dining. Among the vehicles attracting attention at the dress-up affair: Brabham Automotive’s newest racecar venture, the high-performance Brabham BT62.

“Salon Privé is all about automotive excellence, where stunning automobiles and bikes grace the lawns of one of the most spectacular estates in the United Kingdom,” said David Brabham, managing director of Brabham Automotive and the son of three-time Formula One World Champion Sir Jack Brabham. “To be invited to showcase our new Brabham BT62 high-performance track car at this event is very special. The BT62 is a vehicle that will take the iconic Brabham racing name into the future.”

The 2018 Salon Privé featured a vast display of iconic motorcars set against the idyllic backdrop of Blenheim Palace.

 

The all-new Brabham-built BT62 5.42 liter V8 produces 700hp and 492lb/ft. of torque, resulting in blistering on-track performance.

 

U.K. CLEAN-AIR ZONES TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN 2019

Study Shows Many Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses Unaware of Costly Violations…

According to a recent study by the British Vehicle and Leasing Association, four out of 10 small- and medium-sized businesses are unaware that clean-air zones (CAZs) will start being implemented in towns and cities across the U.K. as early as next year.

More than a third also don’t know the zones will likely involve charges for all but the most modern and least-polluting diesel vehicles. In some cities, failure to comply may result in charges as high as $131 (£100) per day for a heavy truck and $16.40 (£12.50) for other vehicles, such as vans and taxis.

In addition to calling for more publicity around CAZs and what they will mean, the association is encouraging national and local policymakers to introduce measures that will help business fleets make the transition to cleaner vehicles and encourage use of more sustainable modes of transport.

Clean-Air zones will go into effect in cities and towns throughout the U.K. next year.

 

FORD RELEASES RANGER RAPTOR IN GERMANY

Midsize Truck to Offer Superior Off-Road Capabilities…

Developed by Ford Performance for the true off-road enthusiast, the first-ever Ranger Raptor will go on sale in Europe in mid-2019. The pickup, powered by a twin-turbo version of Ford’s 2.0L, 4-cylinder EcoBlue diesel, was recently unveiled in Cologne, Germany.

The Ranger Raptor features unique underbody protection to deflect off-road obstacles. Flared fenders and side steps help to prevent damage from road debris, while the super-strong reinforced chassis frame uses high-strength, low-alloy wheels to endure the punishment delivered by off-road racing.  Other features include a new grille inspired by Ford’s high-performance F-150 Raptor, along with a front bumper that includes LED fog lamps with functional air-curtain ducts that improve airflow around the truck body.

“Our new Ranger Raptor is a different breed, a thoroughbred desert racer and extreme lifestyle off-roader that can tow, haul and toil with the best of them in the harshest of working conditions. It’s the ultimate adventure pickup,” said Leo Roeks, Ford Performance Director-Europe.

The Raptor Ranger, to go on sale in Europe in 2019, is described by Ford as the ultimate adventure pickup.

 

INFINITI PROTYPE DEBUTS AT PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS

Electrified Prototype 10 Shows Design Evolution…

The Infiniti Prototype 10, a low, angular, single-seat car, made its debut recently at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in Northern California. According to the automaker, the vehicle showcases the evolution of design language seen on the Q Inspiration concept shown at the 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit—design cues to be seen on the Nissan luxury unit’s forthcoming electric vehicles.

The Prototype 10 “echoes the layout and design of some of the most evocative car designs of all time, where power was celebrated through high-powered, single-seat competition cars,” said Karim Habib, Infiniti’s executive design director.

The clean and forward-looking appearance of Infiniti’s Prototype 10 concept car hints at the design language due on the brand’s forthcoming electric vehicles.

 

U.K. USED-CAR EXPERT AUTHORS NEW GUIDEBOOK

TV Personality Mike Brewer Shares Car-Buying and Selling Advice…

Mike Brewer, U.K. television personality and used-car guru, has collaborated with Blackball Media and Kelsey Media to produce his “Ultimate Guide to Used Cars.” The new “bookazine” features 115 pages of high-quality content, including tips on buying and selling used cars, a series of engaging feature articles as well as Brewer’s predictions as to which used cars are worthy of investment.

“I’ve wanted to do something like this for a while, and, alongside my new website, www.mikebrewermotoring.com, it’s a great opportunity to share my car buying and selling experience, as well as some of the inside stories about how TV magic happens,” said Brewer. The guide can be purchased online at https://shop.kelsey.co.uk/product/BZMBREWER.

Mike Brewer’s “Ultimate Guide to Used Cars” can be purchased at newsstands and online.

 

MORGAN CARS AND PASHLEY CYCLES COLLABORATE ON TWO WHEELS

Centuries of Heritage and Craftsmanship Combine to Produce Concept Bikes…

The Morgan Motor Company and Pashley Cycles, founded in 1926, have joined forces to develop concept bicycles. Launched in August at Morgan’s Thrill on the Hill event, the Pashley-Morgan lineup will include two new bikes, which will be produced at Pashley’s Stratford-upon-Avon factory and sold directly through Morgan Motor Company.

The bicycles have a stylish hand-crafted frame, which incorporates a custom-formed tube top, frame-mounted race plate, distinctive S-bend seat stays and unique track ends with etched stainless faces. The Pashley-Morgan 8 is finished in light pearl gray and features subtle touches inspired by Morgan’s racing heritage, including hand-stitched black leather grips complemented by Morgan aluminum end caps based on dashboard controls. The Pashley-Morgan 3 is finished in British Racing Green, and features hand-stitched honey leather grips, Morgan aluminum end caps and a Brooks B17 saddle with walnut-laminated wood veneer.

British craftsmanship was on display with the unveiling of Pashley-Morgan bikes, the result of a joint venture between Morgan Motor Company and Pashley Cycles.