A unique McLaren 720S supercar designed by McLaren Operations (MSO) is the centrepiece of the McLaren display at the 2017 Dubai International Motor Show, which takes place November 14 – 18.

Created as an MSO Bespoke commission, the service from McLaren Special Operations that allows almost limitless enhancement and personalisation of McLaren cars, the 720S is in Zenith Black paint with a satin finish. Gold-coloured alloy wheels, a 24-carat gold engine heatshield and gold-coloured interior components complement the exterior colour.

A plaque inside the car identifies it as a ‘1 of 1’ MSO commission, a fact also communicated by the unique rear wing that bears part of a famous quote by McLaren founder, Bruce McLaren: ‘Life is measured in achievement, not in years alone’, is painted across the upper surface of the wing in gold Arabic lettering, stylised to echo the Dubai city skyline.

The theme of ‘achievement’ was a key sentiment behind the commission, as Andreas Bareis, Managing Director Middle East, Africa & Latin America for McLaren Automotive, explained: “The quote from Bruce McLaren rings true not only of the history of McLaren, but also the achievements of the UAE and the Gulf states over the last four decades. The UAE and the region are very important to McLaren, not only in terms of our client base, but also because of the support from our shareholders. This car pays tribute to that.”

To personalise the car added more than 120 hours to the production process. The rear wing alone took 30 hours to complete, using stencils produced by the MSO design visualisation team to achieve the desired dramatic visual impact of the gold lettering.

With McLaren 720S Performance specification as the starting point – and in addition to the MSO Bespoke elements – the commission added carbon fibre exterior upgrade packs that together encompass the front splitter and air intakes, rear bumper and roof panel. The rear diffuser is also a carbon fibre option, while the door mirror arms, rear aero bridge and deck and engine covers are all from the MSO Defined range of carbon fibre components.

The interior of the car is equally special: black Alcantara and black leather trim are complemented by MSO Defined carbon fibre sill panels, fascia vents and steering wheel, in addition to a regular carbon fibre interior upgrade pack. The MSO Bespoke team added satin gold-painted extended gearshift paddles, a satin gold-coloured centre band to the steering wheel and pinstriping in the same hue to the spokes. A gold-coloured applique on each door inner completes the visual treatment.

The new owner of the MSO Bespoke McLaren 720S on display at the 2017 Dubai International Motor Show will take delivery of the car from McLaren Dubai when the Show finishes. They will enjoy a McLaren supercar powered by a 4.0 V8 twin-turbocharged engine and capable of accelerating from 0 – 200kmph (0 – 124mph) in just 7.8 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 341kmph (212mph).

With a greater number of shoppers relying on online sources for their vehicle research, the use of traditional sources, such as newspapers and magazines, is declining, according to the J.D. Power 2017 India Escaped Shopper Study (ESS), released last week.

Nearly two in three (64%) shoppers use the internet when researching which vehicle they plan to purchase, up from 58% last year and an increase of 28 percentage points since 2012, when it was 36%. In 2012, 50% of all shoppers said they used newspapers and magazines while researching for their new car. This year, however, only 24% say the same.

“As online channels have now become the starting point for more car buyers, shoppers today are increasingly better informed of the alternatives available to them even before they enter a dealership,” said Shantanu Nandi Majumdar, Director at J.D. Power. “That said, dealers will continue to play a pivotal role in the shopping process. However, they will need to evolve, with support from their OEMs, to develop a stronger online presence with information that customers desire, for instance, deals/ promotions, test drive bookings, delivery time and stock level, among others.”

While shoppers continue to visit the manufacturer’s website while conducting their research, for the past three years, increasingly more are turning to social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter (25% in 2017 vs. 8% in 2014). Older shoppers (50 years and older) are also turning to the internet for their information needs, compared with three years ago. This year’s study finds that there is an increase of 10 percentage points from last year in the proportion of older shoppers accessing social networking sites while shopping for their vehicle (26% vs. 16%, respectively).

This year, there are fewer shoppers visiting the dealerships of multiple brands before making a purchase. Five years ago, 82% of shoppers visited at least one other brand’s dealership not including the one they purchased from. In 2017, only 59% have visited at least one other dealership. This decline in visits to physical dealerships is also observed in the decreasing proportion of vehicle buyers who visited multiple dealers of the same brand before making a purchase. In 2012, 51% of all new-vehicle buyers visited at least one other dealer of the same brand, compared with 26% in 2017.

Following are key findings of the 2017 study:

• More female shoppers connected online: Female shoppers use the internet more often than their male counterparts (66% vs. 64%, respectively). As a likely consequence, fewer women than men visit multiple brands’ dealerships (at least one other brand other than the one they purchased) while shopping for their new vehicle (49% vs. 60%, respectively).
• Willingness to spend more: Although “total price too high” remains the main reason for shoppers to reject a model, they are more willing this year to consider another vehicle, which is up to Rs. 150,000 more expensive than the one they eventually purchased. Five years ago, this price ceiling was much lower at Rs. 100,000.
• Brand most often considered by shoppers: Maruti Suzuki is the most considered brand among new-vehicle shoppers for a 13th consecutive year, with 45% of all shoppers purchasing one of its models, which is the same as last year.
• Customer retention improves: Overall customer retention this year is 40%, up slightly from 38% in 2016. Maruti Suzuki improves its customer retention rate the most year over year.

The 2017 India Escaped Shopper Study is based on responses from 7,831 buyers and 3,374 rejecters of new cars and new utility vehicles who purchased their vehicle between September 2016 and April 2017. The study, which examines the reasons new-vehicle shoppers consider but ultimately reject certain models in favor of another, was fielded from March through September 2017.

S. N. Barman, Vice President Sales, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors inaugurated the newest showroom Dulichand Motors in the presence of Ravi Sanei, Dealer Principal, Dulichand Motors Pvt Ltd.

Tata Motors has launched a new passenger vehicle dealership, Dulichand Motors Pvt Ltd. in Kolkata. The inauguration of the 5^th dealership in Kolkata is a step towards Tata Motors’ commitment to increase its network strength to 1500 outlets by 2020.

Inaugurated by S N Barman, VP Sales, PVBU, this state-of-the-art equipment dealership is designed for an evolving segment of customers who value innovation, personal touch and best of hospitality services in their car buying experience. Spanning across 7,000 sq ft area, Dulichand Motors showroom is located on EM Bypass, Near Ruby Hospital. The workshop is located at Jagatipota, Near EM Bypass spans across 30,000 sq ft. area and will provide impressive after sales experience to the customers by using state of the art latest equipment and technology.

Speaking at the inauguration S. N. Barman, Vice President Sales, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, said “We are delighted to expand our footprint in the city of joy. Network expansion plays a critical role in expanding our customer base and this new dealership is a result of our continued efforts to increase our presence across the country to get closer to our customers. Tata Motors is on a growth trajectory with its new generation cars and the addition of this dealership is a step in the right direction towards enhancing our brand presence.”

According to Ravi Sanei, Dealer Principal, Dulichand Motors Pvt Ltd, “We are very Proud and happy to be associated as the Passenger Vehicle dealer with Tata Motors. With a motto to provide an enriched purchase experience during sales and after service to all our customers, we at Dulichand Motors look forward to working with Tata Motors and strengthen this relationship in the years to come.”

After the kick-off of the Land Rover Experience tour in Hyderabad, followed by Kochi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, Indore, Chandigarh and Delhi, Land Rover has brought its adventurous journey to Kolkata where customers and enthusiasts have got an opportunity to explore the capabilities and versatility of Land Rover vehicles on a pre-designed off road terrain.

Rohit Suri, President and Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India Ltd (JLRIL), said: “Over the years, these unique drive experiences have received an overwhelming response and we are thrilled to take the Land Rover Experience to car enthusiasts in more cities across the country this year and provide an opportunity to experience the unmatched drive capability of these cars. Every year we go above and beyond, to ensure that each Land Rover fan and customer gets to experience the breadth of capability of these cars.”

Presently, the Land Rover range in India includes the Discovery Sport (starting at Rs 42.00 Lakh), Range Rover Evoque (starting at Rs 44.44 Lakh), The All-New Discovery (starting at Rs 71.38 Lakh), Range Rover Sport (starting at Rs 93.82 Lakh) and Range Rover (starting at Rs 166.42 Lakh). All prices mentioned are ex-showroom prices in India.

(L-R)- Rafael Treguer, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Renault India and Sumit Sawhney, Country CEO and Managing Director, Renault India Operations at the launch of the Renault Captur

Renault launched its globally successful premium SUV with crossover DNA – Renault Captur in India. Built on the B0 platform, Renault Captur has been designed and developed leveraging the prowess of Renault India and global teams.

Renault Captur has a crossover French design clearly reflecting Renault’s new design DNA. With a design language that is agile and expressive. Together with its global styling cues, the designing of Renault Captur also accounts for Indian conditions and consumers’ preferences, offering the widest and longest in its category, with best-in-class ground clearance of 210 mm (unladen). This is well matched by an elevated driving position that offers wraparound panoramic visibility.

Renault Captur also features an Innovative Lighting Systems (ILS). Renault Captur’s lights provide high impact illumination while being highly energy efficient. The Sparkle full LED headlamps with unique floating side indicators, C-shaped Sapphire LED DRLs and Ripple Tail Lamps add a distinct, instantly recognisable lighting signature to the car, which perfectly complements the LED ambient lighting inside the car. While the Innovative Lighting System give it a truly unique lighting signature, the R17 Crystal Cut alloys enhance its agile stance.

Renault Captur’s powerful bonnet creases and the front bumper, with Satin Finish Front and Rear Skid Plates, together with the thick fenders, lend a strong character to the car. The dash of chrome on its front and sides are both tasteful and stylish.

Renault Captur Platine makes its debut in India. ‘Platine’ is the most premium version across Renault cars, used discerningly for very exclusive offerings. The global-first, exclusive Captur Platine features ultra-premium white and gold interiors and takes the feel of sophistication a notch higher with AC vents engulfed in chrome, along with the stylish bezel with golden finish.

Its Ergo Design leather seats are engineered for comfort, developed post years of global experience and research. These state-of-the-art seats are 6-way adjustable and feature enhanced lumbar support, along with pronounced lateral support. High on style, these custom white leather seats with golden accents create the effect of a sculpted seat, proving superior comfort.

Renault Captur delivers the next level of drive experience enabled by the OneIntegration concept, Renault’s design approach that seamlessly connects car and driver. Through the use of high-end smart cabin design technologies, the car feels at one with the driver in an intuitive, intelligent way.

Renault Captur is equipped with modern hi-tech solutions which makes driving comfortable and pleasant. Together with a smart access card and engine start button, Captur’s connected interior includes technologies that not only meet drivers’ needs, but also makes driving simpler.

On the inside, the Infinity Instrument Cluster enables a complete cockpit experience, blending Renault Captur’s stunning design with intuitive information. The user-friendly new generation Integrated Intelligent ULC 3.0 multimedia navigation system comes with a seven-inch display featuring radio and Bluetooth technology, voice recognition (for iOS), maps along with temperature and time display.

Additionally, to ensure enhanced comfort and convenience for the customers, Renault Captur is equipped with an automatic AC with surround illumination and rear cooling vents which enable better cooling comfort for passengers seated in the rear.

Safety is of paramount importance for Renault Captur and the car is certified to exceed frontal and lateral crash test parameters. With a reinforced body for optimum safety, Renault Captur is equipped with a host of active and passive safety features including dual airbags, side airbags, Antilock-Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill Start Assist.

In addition, it will also come with a Cruise Control feature that helps maintain a pre-selected speed without acceleration and a Speed Limiter, which restricts speed within limits selected by the driver. It will also have 2 lateral ISOFIX fixtures with top-tether in the rear seat for enhanced child safety.

Renault Captur will come with both petrol and diesel powertrains. For the petrol option, it will be powered by the 16 valves 4 cylinder 1.5L H4K petrol engine mated to a 5 speed manual gear box, producing 106 PS at 5,600 rpm and 142 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm.

The diesel version will be powered by the 1.5L K9K diesel engine (common rail injection), mated to 6 speed manual gear box, delivering a maximum power of 110 PS at 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 240 Nm at 1,750 rpm.

Renault Captur takes personalisation to a completely different level. Every aspect of the car has been designed keeping this in mind, led by a wide range of fashion-inspired dual tone body colours. Renault will also offer the option of further enhancing both the car’s interior and exterior with two innovative themed personalisation packs – Diamond Deck and Urban Connect, which are the result of a collaboration between Renault’s design studios in India and France. Also on offer are a choice of add-ons which further enhance the personalisation options.

RENAULT CAPTUR PRICE (EX-SHOWROOM DELHI)

* Dual tone versions available in RXT and Platine at an incremental price of only INR 17,000

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2013. Ford India took the auto market by storm with the launch of the EcoSport which proved to be a game changer for the American car maker in India and went on to win several accolades across the globe making it one of the most awarded cars in the world.

2017. The iconic American auto maker is gearing up to launch the facelifted EcoSport in India which not only carries forward the legacy created but it predecessor but offers much more in terms of style and connectivity.

So What’s New In The 2017 Ford EcoSport? 

• An all-new petrol engine – Three-cylinder 1.5L TiVCT delivering 123 PS of power and 7 per cent fuel efficiency improvement compared to the previous petrol powertrain
• Over 1600 changes including refreshed exteriors featuring a bolder and distinct Ford signature grille; bigger, wider projector headlamps and fog lamp bezel
• Refined interiors including premium leather-stitched seats; bolder, ergonomic instrument panel and cluster; and 25 smart stowage spaces
• An all-new six-speed Automatic Transmission, segment-first paddle shifters, cruise control and hill launch assist
• Better technology including SYNC 3 with a high-resolution 8-inch floating touch screen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

 
More Macho On The Outside

The new EcoSport builds on the dynamic exterior design of its predecessor, starting with a reshaped front, and a large upper trapezoidal grille and lower grille that make it unmistakably a member of the Ford family of SUVs.

The sculpted hood features a wider central dome for a more masculine appearance. At either side, uninterrupted lines flow smoothly from the hood into the A-pillar. Another continuous line running from the belt line along the edge of the hood accentuates sleek new headlamps with LED daytime running lights.

Bold fog lamps complete the face of the EcoSport and give it an edgier, more aggressive look. New Ford EcoSport will feature bigger 17-inch alloy wheels with top-of-the-line Titanium+ variant giving it an even more aggressive stance.

We have been told that Ford’s design and engineering team spent more than a million hours studying computer fluid dynamics, and more than 200 hours in a wind tunnel refining the aerodynamics of the new EcoSport.

More Premium On The Inside

Step inside and you will be welcomed by refreshed interiors with premium leather stitched seats that offer excellent lumber and thigh support. Ford claims that its designers and psychologists spent thousands of hours watching and evaluating how customers interact with their car on a daily basis, using eye-tracking software alongside traditional customer feedback such as identifying which buttons drivers interact with most.

The result: New Ford EcoSport now comes with a more practical and user-centric interior design, inspired by smart devices and tablets in keeping with today’s modern driver habits. The new EcoSport features large and conveniently placed knobs that for adjusting volume, temperature and fan speed making it easier to operate while on the go.

A broad range of other controls have been integrated into an eight-inch touchscreen, featured for the first time in EcoSport. With minimal buttons and controls, the screen has been placed closer to the driver’s line of sight, helping them keep their eyes on the road.

More Space To Carry Your World

Ergonomic design contributes to making the passenger cabin appear more spacious. A centrally located media bin makes it easy to stow a smartphone while charging. Designed to accommodate a phone as large as an iPhone 7 Plus, the bin comes with two illuminated USB ports.

The media bin is just one of 25 compartments throughout the EcoSport’s cabin, offering convenient places for coffee cups, bottled drinks, sunglasses and umbrellas. Fold-flat rear seats maximise rear cargo space.

The boot offers flexible cargo space with an adjustable floorboard which can be mounted on two designated slots to split the boot into different compartments, based on a driver’s need.

Across three adjustable positions, the boot space serves from being a load floor for maximum storage to a secure storage area beneath the floorboard to keep valuables, only to end up creating a cargo floor that lines up with the fold-flat second-row seats.

More Technology, More Connectivity

The new EcoSport features Ford’s in-car infotainment system, SYNC 3, which allows drivers to control their entertainment, climate settings, as well as their connected smartphone, all with conversational voice commands.

This latest edition of Ford’s globally renowned in-car connectivity system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. This allows drivers to make phone calls, access their music, send and receive messages, get directions and more, all while staying focused on the road.

SYNC 3 is Ford SYNC AppLink compatible, enabling new EcoSport owners to use simple voice commands for controlling a range of smartphone apps, including Hungama Drive, InShorts, Maps by MapMyIndia, AccuWeather and Pparke.

New Heart Under The Hood

Under the hood, customers can choose from one of two engines on offer: An all-new Ford 1.5-litre three-cylinder TiVCT petrol engine and the tried and tested 1.5-litre TDCi diesel motor.

The all-new 1.5-liter petrol Ti-VCT engine is smaller, lighter and more fuel efficient than the previous generation. The latest naturally aspirated engine is powered by 3-Cylinders for improved performance and efficiency while reducing size, weight and friction. The 1.5L TiVCT delivers 123 PS of power at 6500 rpm and 150 Nm of torque at 4500 rpm.

The all-new petrol engine will offer a 7 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions and efficiency, through reductions in weight and size, as well as the application of innovative technologies.

1.5-litre Ti-VCT petrol engine

With the new petrol motor, Ford has achieved a 7 per cent improvement in fuel economy to 17 kmpl while efficiency figures for the diesel engine have also improved to 23 kmpl – both are ARAI-ratified figures and would differ in real life driving conditions. Both diesel and petrol engines will come mated with a five-speed manual transmission.

For even greater choice, Ford will offer the all-new petrol engine with an all-new six-speed automatic transmission that offers smooth shifts across rev range. A new, sportier steering wheel with paddle shifters enhances the new EcoSport’s fun-to-drive feeling.

1.5-litre TDCi diesel motor

The 1.5-litre TDCi diesel motor is the same engine that did duty in the outgoing EcoSport. It produces 100 PS of power at 3750 rpm and 205 Nm of peak torque between 1750-3250 rpm and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The engine delivers linear torque across rev range and boasts of good driveability.

So, What Works For The New Ford EcoSport?

• Masculine and dynamic exterior design with refreshed grille, revised headlamps and fog lamps
• Premium leather stitched seats offering better lumber and thigh support
• New 8-inch floating touchscreen infotainment system
• Intelligent space management with 25 stowage spaces
• Good ride and handling with well tuned suspension set up to tackle Indian road conditions
• Low cost of ownership

What Still Has Room For Improvement? 

• The new 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine is fun to drive around in urban city conditions, especially in the sports mode, however, it runs out of breadth on the highway and needs to be pushed hard while overtaking on open stretches. Feels a tad bit under-powered
• In terms of display and visual appeal the instrument cluster could have been more contemporary and stylish in design

Prices of the 2017 Ford EcoSport is start at Rs 7.31 lakhs for the base petrol and Rs 8.01 lakhs for the base diesel trim. Interestingly, these are the exact prices of the outgoing EcoSport model.

Aston Martin Racing has claimed its 50th victory since its inception in 2004, after winning the eighth round of this year’s FIA World Endurance Championship; the 6 Hours of Shanghai.

After taking the GTE Am pole position on Saturday, the #98 V8 Vantage GTE of Paul Dalla Lana, Pedro Lamy and Mathias Lauda converted their advantage to victory, claiming a maximum 26-point haul from the weekend. In what was a trouble-free run throughout the entire six hours, the trio collectively amassed a gap of over one lap by the chequered flag.

The result ensures that the #98 entry reclaims the lead in both the GT AM Drivers and Team championships with a lead of ten in both.

Lamy said following the race, “This win really means a lot. It puts us in a great place for Bahrain as before the championship was looking really close. Obviously, you can never relax but this obviously makes the job much easier. To claim Aston Martin Racing’s 50th victory since the team started in 2004 is a really great achievement and really shows the success of Aston Martin Racing over the years. I hope we can make this 51 next time out.”

In GTE Pro, the team’s #95 and #97 entries finished the race in fifth and seventh position.

Paul Howarth Aston Martin Racing Team Principal said, “Today’s result really demonstrates the quality of this team not only in recent years, but over its entire existence since 2004. To claim 50 victories is a fantastic achievement and comes at an exceptionally important time as we pursue the 2017 GTE AM championship. That was a fantastic performance from Pedro, Mat and Paul, who were both consistently quick and clean out on track. We now need to keep our heads down, provide a similar result in Bahrain and secure both GTE Am titles and make sure we provide the current V8 Vantage GTE with a final win in the GTE Pro class.”

Aston Martin Racing returns for the title decider in Bahrain on Saturday 18 November, for the current V8 Vantage GTEs final race in the FIA World Endurance Championship GTE Pro class.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd. (HMIL) announced the impressive performance continuing the strong momentum of its recently launched Next Gen Verna in India. The sedan has set new benchmark for the segment and received more than 20,000 bookings and more than 150,000 enquiries in a short span of two months of its launch in India.

Commenting on this achievement Y K Koo, MD & CEO- Hyundai Motor India Limited said: “The Next Gen VERNA has outperformed in India once again with more than 20,000 bookings and 150,000 enquiries in a short span of 2 months of its launch in India. We are extremely thankful to our Indian customers for their trust in brand Hyundai. The Next Gen VERNA is beyond the ordinary, a global product that personifies Hyundai’s Modern Premium Brand and a landmark in Hyundai growth story winning many prestigious accolades worldwide.”

Tata Motors is all set to strengthen its Hexa range of SUVs with the launch of Special Urban Edition – Hexa Downtown. The Hexa Downtown will be available in limited numbers from November 3 onwards in two packages- the Absolute Pack and the Indulge pack. The Downtown range starts from 12.18 lakhs (Ex-Showroom – Delhi) for the XE variant.

According to Mayank Pareek, President, Passenger Vehicle Business Unit, Tata Motors, “In order to offer our customers with an adrenaline pumped driving experience, we are happy to introduce the urban edition of the successful and versatile SUV, HEXA. The HEXA has caught the imagination of the country with its distinctive on-road and off-road capabilities. It has completely changed the face of Tata Motors and witnessed a strong traction in the market. The HEXA DOWNTOWN, as the name suggests is a vehicle inspired by the city life to match the customers’ charged urban lifestyle. With the new edition of the HEXA DOWNTOWN, we are sure to take forward our brand promise of offering customers aspirational products along with sheer value.”

The Tata Hexa Downtown stands out on the road in its unique ‘urban bronze’ colour. The bold chrome accessories across the body give the car a dynamic look. The Hexa Downtown comes equipped with features like wireless charger, premium tan seat covers, Blaupunkt rear seat entertainment player, heads-up display with tyre pressure monitoring system among other features. These have been carefully designed keeping in mind the city’s 24×7 living style, tech lifestyle and diverse terrains.

The world’s longest running motoring event delivers a slice of living history as pioneering automobiles tackle their annual outing when hundreds of veteran cars set off from London on their annual pilgrimage to Brighton on Sunday, November 5. A bumper entry of more than 450 horseless carriages will leave Hyde Park as dawn breaks, ready to tackle the epic 60-mile drive from capital to coast.

The London to Brighton Veteran Car Run, which dates back to 1927, was founded to commemorate the Emancipation Run of 1896, which celebrated the new-found freedom of motorists granted by the ‘repeal of the Red Flag Act.’ The Act raised the speed limit to 14mph and abolished the need for a man carrying a red flag to walk ahead of the cars whenever they were being driven.

Acknowledged as the longest running motoring event in the world, this year has a French theme in honour of the country’s contribution to motoring’s early days – in 1903, for example, France built 30,000 cars – more than half of the world’s total production in that year.

Fittingly, almost half of this year’s entry are of French-built cars, and include an 1893 Peugeot Type 14 – the oldest vehicle on the Run and the first car to have been driven on Italian roads.

Renault, like Peugeot, a name familiar to today’s motorists, was another of motoring’s pioneers. The company, a long-time supporter of the Run, has entered a recently restored Type C from 1900, while other French marques represented include De Dion Bouton, Mors, Bolide and even a patriotically-named Napoleon.

Even though few of the cars have any form of protection against the elements, the Run will take place come rain or shine… and there’ll even be a few stars on view, too.

Among the celebrities taking part this year are adventurer Charley Boorman, who will be driving a 1904 Rover 8hp from the British Motor Museum to promote men’s health during the month of November.

As in previous years, BBC presenters Chris Evans and Alex Jones will be following the Run in a fleet of classic buses all carrying successful bidders who raised money for the BBC Children in Need charity.

Due to on-going road works in Brixton, this year’s Run will take a slightly different route out of London. After leaving Hyde Park, the veterans will drive down the Mall past Buckingham Palace, before heading down Horse Guards Parade on the way to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. It will then cross the Thames at Westminster Bridge before heading towards Stockwell, Clapham Common, Balham and Morden rather than Brixton and Croydon.

Upon leaving London, the Run will take in Banstead, Tolworth and Reigate before re-joining the traditional route at Redhill. From here it heads to a spectator-friendly halfway halt at Crawley High Street.

Crawley High Street also marks an important stage on the Run as it’s the start of the Chopard Regularity Time Trial, the only competitive element of the event. Finishing 13 miles away in Burgess Hill, the Regularity Time Trail requires drivers to get as close to a chosen average speed as possible with a Chopard Mille Miglia Chronograph, worth £4,950, awaiting the Trial winner.

After Burgess Hill, the Run tackles yet more scenic but demanding Sussex roads, passing through Hassocks and Clayton where it joins the A23 for the run into Brighton and the finish at Madeira Drive.

Aside from the start – the first car will be flagged away from Hyde Park at 7.03am precisely – timings are approximate, but the first cars are expected at the Crawley halt from 8.15am with the last leaving by 2.00pm. The first car is due at the Madeira Drive finish at shortly after 10 am while to be sure of a finishers’ medal, participants need to make it to the finish before 4.30pm.

“Seeing these lovingly maintained cars is more than a spectacle. It’s a piece of living history, a reminder of the fearless motoring pioneers who, literally, paved the way for all of us,” said Peter Read, Chairman of the Royal Automobile Club’s Motoring Committee.

The Veteran Car Run is organised by the Royal Automobile Club and is the final act in the Club’s annual London Motor Week – seven days filled with an array of functions and events to suit all motoring tastes.