Bentley Motors has announced an extension of its forward-thinking Beyond100 business strategy, now called Beyond100+, from 2030 to 2035. Bentley has also confirmed that its first fully electric car to be revealed in 2026 promises to create an entirely new segment, the world’s first true Luxury Urban SUV. This model, designed, developed and to be produced at its headquarters in Crewe, will be the first of a new PHEV or BEV model to be launched every year over the next decade as Bentley’s product and investment offensive continues at pace with an ambition to be building only fully electric cars from 2035.
Bentley, already leading the way in the luxury hybrid car sector, will consequently further cement this position by extending the lifecycle of PHEV models beyond 2030, to 2035. And the Continental GT coupe, Convertible and Flying Spur models are now exclusively offered with an Ultra Performance plug-in V8 hybrid powertrain following the discontinuation of Bentley’s iconic W12 engine after over 20 years of production in Crewe.
Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, said: “Four years almost to the day that Bentley initially outlined its Beyond100 strategy, we adapt to today’s economic, market and legislative environment to initiate a major transformative phase for tomorrow. Beyond100+ becomes our guiding light as we extend our ambitions beyond 2030, while maintaining our aim of a decarbonised future, including offering only fully electric cars from 2035, and reinforcing our credentials as the British creator of extraordinary cars for over a century and beyond.”
Beyond100+ also endures a fundamental reinvention of the Crewe manufacturing infrastructure, and helps secure Bentley’s future at Crewe for the next generation of products and colleagues.
The company has already made enormous strides in reinventing the historic Crewe site, creating an industry-leading certified carbon neutral facility, and focus now turns to building a ‘Dream Factory’ for an electric future.
The largest self-funded site investment programme in Bentley’s illustrious 105-year history continues with a new state-of-the-art Design Centre, Paint Shop and BEV assembly line, transforming an 85-year-old site for a new age of electrification, and a new benchmark in next generation, digital, flexible and high-value manufacturing operations.
In February 1954, senior engineers at Rolls-Royce were already thinking about the replacement for Silver Cloud – even though Silver Cloud itself was still being finalised and would not actually be launched until the following year.
The reason was simple; times were changing, and the company could foresee that, in the future, owners would want motor cars that were more compact overall, but not to the point of sacrificing interior space. This was extremely difficult to achieve using the traditional technique of mounting coachbuilt bodywork on a rolling chassis; the construction method used for every Rolls-Royce motor car since 1906. The engineers knew that the answer lay in monocoque construction, where the body and floorpan are integrated into a single ‘unibody’, with the suspension and other mechanical components carried on the front and rear subframes.
Work on the new design began in earnest in 1958, with two experimental models: one with a 126-inch (317.5cm) wheelbase, of which only three were built, and another 6.5 inches (16.51cm) shorter. They soon realised that the smaller version was the way forward and it entered full development under the codename ‘SY’. It was this shorter-wheelbase version that would become the new model, named Silver Shadow, which made its debut in 1965.
Silver Shadow’s broad concept and detailed design were the work of chief styling engineer John Blatchley, who had joined Rolls-Royce in 1940 from coachbuilder Gurney Nutting. His unenviable brief was to produce an up-to-the-minute design that could also remain in production for up to 10 years, to recoup the high tooling costs associated with monocoque construction.
His task was complicated further by the fact that Silver Shadow was, by some distance, the most technically advanced car in the world at that time. Indeed, it ranked alongside the Silver Ghost and Phantom III – and Ghost in the modern era – as the most radical advance in design in any single Rolls-Royce model.
Although the engine and its Hydramatic four-speed automatic gearbox were carried over from the preceding Silver Cloud III, practically everything else about Silver Shadow was new. The most obvious innovation was the three-box bodyshell which, despite being much smaller, offered increased interior passenger space, a larger fuel tank and greater luggage capacity than Silver Cloud.
Comfort, handling and quietness were also substantially enhanced. This was due to the monocoque body’s higher torsional rigidity, and the Vibrashock mountings that isolated the subframes from the bodyshell, reducing noise, vibration and harshness transmitted from the road surface. Other ‘firsts’ included four-wheel disc brakes, hydraulically operated, self-levelling independent rear suspension, and electrically operated gear-change selector and front-seat adjustment.
The designers understood that there would still be a market for a ‘sportier’ version of Silver Shadow. However, since they were not prepared to deviate from the monocoque form that gave the bodyshell its strength and structural integrity, they could not leave this to the few remaining independent coachbuilders. Their solution was to use their own in-house coachbuilders, Mulliner Park Ward Ltd, to assemble and finish bodyshells specially prepared by the suppliers, Pressed Steel Company Ltd. The resulting fixed-head two-door saloon and drophead coupé models were introduced to the public in 1966.
Further technical changes followed in 1968, when the four-speed Hydramatic gearbox was superseded by the three-speed GM400 with a torque convertor. At the same time, the suspension, which had proved admirably suited to American roads, was stiffened slightly to better reflect European conditions, in what owners everywhere judged a pleasingly excellent solution.
The Belgian author and motoring journalist Paul Frère (1917–2008), who also won the 24 Hours of Le Mans, described one memorable drive in a Silver Shadow. “I did the trip from Brussels to Monaco in one day. It felt strange speeding down the Autoroute at 110 mph with no noise coming from the engine or road, and the air conditioning keeping the temperature inside the car perfect. On reaching Monte Carlo, one impression of the Silver Shadow was dominant. I was fresh, relaxed and not in the least bit tired – a remarkable tribute to a car after having driven 700 miles.”
In 1969, Rolls-Royce began offering Silver Shadow in long-wheelbase form, with and without divisions, and mostly with a smaller rear window. These were created by Mulliner Park Ward, who simply cut the standard bodyshells in half and lengthened them by 4.5 inches (11.43cm) to increase rear passenger legroom.
1971 marked a key juncture for Rolls-Royce. Its motor car and aero engine activities were split into two separate entities, a distinction that remains to this day, with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW Group, and entirely unrelated to Rolls-Royce plc. In what were economically uncertain times, the automotive division made a bold move by announcing improved Mulliner Park Ward motor cars, still based on the original SY design, under the name Corniche. Their final iteration, Corniche Series IV, ceased production in 1995.
By 1977, Silver Shadow had evolved sufficiently to warrant its formal redesignation as Silver Shadow II. This was more of a ‘driver’s car’, with revised suspension settings, rack-and-pinion steering and a cleaner, more efficient exhaust system. All occupants benefitted from improved ergonomics and an advanced split-level air conditioning system, with controls housed in a completely new fascia. These Series II motor cars were easily identified by their large-section black polycarbonate bumpers required by regulators in the United States; outside the US, Silver Shadow II sported a full-width front spoiler – which Rolls-Royce termed an ‘anti-lift panel’ – for added straight-line stability at speed. As Series II cars, the long-wheelbase Mulliner Park Ward variants were designated Silver Wraith II.
Silver Shadow was finally replaced in 1980 by Silver Spirit – essentially the same SY floorpan and mechanics with restyled bodywork – which remained in production until 1997. The SY design had thus proved so enduringly successful, it served Rolls-Royce for more than three times the 10-year lifespan originally anticipated for it. While precise figures are impossible to come by, it is generally accepted that some 37,000 Silver Shadows and Corniches were built, making it the most successful design in the company’s history prior to the contemporary Goodwood era. Even today, nearly 60 years on, Silver Shadows can still be seen wafting along Rodeo Drive, Champs-Élysées, Sheikh Zayed Road, New Bond Street and other prestigious haunts in the world’s great cities.
Andrew Ball, Head of Corporate Relations & Heritage, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “Silver Shadow is a pivotal model in the Rolls-Royce story. It marked a decisive shift away from traditional rolling chassis and coachbuilding to monocoque construction, and was the first Rolls-Royce to be offered only as a complete motor car. At the time of its launch in 1965, Silver Shadow was the most technically advanced motor car in the world, and its underlying design was enormously influential on Rolls-Royce models that followed it. Created by the legendary John Blatchley, it was originally intended to have a 10-year lifespan: in the end, it underpinned models including Silver Spirit and Corniche right up until the late 1990s. Sixty years on, it has become a true modern classic, fondly remembered by those who knew it at the time, and increasingly popular with a new generation of Rolls-Royce enthusiasts, owners and collectors.”
Bengal Speed Festival 2024 put the industrial town of Haldia on India’s motorsports map as automobile enthusiasts, motorsports fans, and local residents made up a 5,000 strong crowd to witness the thrilling autocross action during the 2-3 November weekend.
This was the fifth year of the National Autocross Championship qualifier with other supporting 4W Autocross being held in Haldia which witnessed a neck-to-neck competition amongst the top drivers of the eastern zone.
With the support of Shrachi Sports as Title Sponsor, this event got a great boost. Other sponsors such as Vamcy Merla, Haldia Municipality and Haldia Development Authority among many other organizations also extended their patronage to make this event a grand success.
The event was a combination of 4Wheeler Autocross and East Zone Qualifier of Indian National Autocross Championship 2024. The total number of entries registered for the event was a staggering 146 amongst which there were two lady participants.
In 4W Indian National Autocross Championship Qualifier, Karan Chaudhury clocked the best timing of the event with 1 minute 56.337 seconds followed by Saujatya Kole, Areeb Rahman, Nilanjan Banerjee and Uday Ganguly.
Saujatya Kole registered the fastest time with 1 minute 37.636 seconds in Open Autocross followed by Karan Chaudhury, Raunak Jana, Uday Ganguly and Sourabh Choudhury.
Speaking on the occasion, Saurav Chatterjee & Sk. Ajgar Ali, the main organisers of this event explained that autocross is not only about raw speed; one has to match that with driving acumen and physical stamina as well. They also added that the aim of the event is to woo the youth away from road racing to regulated motorsports, where safety of the drivers is of paramount importance.
The goal of FMSCI, the apex body of Indian Motorsports, is to identify young budding talents from the regional zones and thus Bengal Speed Festival 2024 is a big step forward to the eminent goal.
Calcutta Motor Sports Club and Kolkata Automotive Sports Association along with Motor Sports Association of Eastern India, the organising motorsports clubs of Bengal Speed Festival 2024 shall together be the guiding force of raw talents in the near future.
This October, Uber riders in London will have the chance to experience high-end luxury and sustainability in one ride, as a fleet of ultra-luxurious Lotus Eletre Hyper-SUVs joins the Uber Green fleet for a limited time. Riders can book these cutting-edge electric vehicles via the Uber app’s Uber Green option and experience the future of zero-emission transport.
With nearly 30% of Uber’s miles in London now fully electric, the initiative supports the city’s journey toward a cleaner, greener future. To encourage more riders to go electric, Uber has launched a special competition: the rider who saves the most emissions by the end of November by taking Uber Green trips will win free Uber Green rides for a decade.
Riders will have until November 30 to rack up their electric miles. All Uber riders can track the emissions they’ve saved by taking Uber Green using the in-app Emissions Savings tool, which launched earlier this year.
Andrew Brem, General Manager for Uber UK, said: “We’re thrilled to team up with Lotus to combine cutting-edge luxury with sustainable travel. Uber drivers are already leading the way, going electric far quicker than regular motorists – making London Uber’s global capital for electrification. Now we’re excited to allow our riders to experience one of the world’s most exciting electric cars.”
Conor Horne, Commercial Director of UK and Ireland at Lotus said: ”We are incredibly excited to partner with Uber to have a fleet of our all-electric Lotus Eletre available in London via the app for passengers to experience and enjoy. We hope this initiative will not only enhance the riding experience for Uber customers but also contribute to a greener city, something we at Lotus are very passionate about.”
Uber Green, which first launched in central London in 2021, allows riders to book a zero-emissions ride for the same price as an UberX, since its launch Uber has saved 55,000 tonnes of carbon emissions in London. Drivers taking Uber Green trips also earn 10% more on those trips compared to an UberX. Uber drivers are making the switch five times quicker than regular motorists.
The Eletre, Lotus’ first all-electric Hyper-SUV, redefines the passenger experience by combining luxurious comfort with cutting-edge technology. Passengers can enjoy a spacious interior designed for relaxation, featuring premium materials and a world-class infotainment system.
Through the combination of exceptional aerodynamics, outstanding comfort, and true Lotus performance, the Eletre is the perfect option for those seeking an exceptional drive with a new luxury experience.
The cars will be licensed and managed via Otto Cars, London’s largest private hire provider. Gurinder Dhillon, Otto Cars CEO, said: “We are delighted to power-up this concept for Uber and Lotus. Let’s prove that a sustainable ride can be a thrilling experience, without the smoke.”
SAIC Motor, a global Fortune 500 company with a presence in over 100 countries and JSW Group, a revered Indian corporate with varied business interests entered into a joint venture – JSW MG Motor India Pvt. Ltd. in 2023.
At the time of formation of the joint venture, JSW MG Motor India announced that their goal will be to build a smart and sustainable automotive ecosystem while continuing to stay focused on developing a diverse portfolio of vehicles to give car buyers better access to advanced technologies and futuristic products with attractive value propositions.
Fast forward to September 2024 and JSW MG Motor India has launched their first car since the formation of the JV – the MG Windsor EV. Launched at the price of a manual compact SUV, the Windsor, combining the comfort of a sedan and the expanse of an SUV, will be offered with innovative aerodynamic design, spacious and premium interiors, smart connectivity, driving comfort, and many hi-tech features.
Built on a ‘Pure EV Platform’ with BaaS – a unique ownership program, MG Windsor is being offered at an industry disrupting price of Rs 9.99 lakhs + Rs 3.5 per kilometre of battery usage – a path-breaking ownership concept introduced by a carmaker for the very first time in India.
And for the conventional purists who believe in the age-old concept of outright purchase, the Windsor comes at an unbeatable ex-showroom price of Rs. 13.49 lakhs for the base variant going upto Rs 15.49 lakhs for the top trim.
Recently, we were invited for the national media drive of the MG Windsor. Read on to find out all that you want to know about the newest kid in the block.
Design and Engineering
The MG Windsor is being positioned as a CUV or Crossover Utility Vehicle. It is an interesting cross between a sedan and a compact SUV. From the engineering standpoint, balancing and blending two different body styles isn’t an easy task, however, the designers at MG deserves a pat on their back for pulling it off well.
The MG Windsor measures 4,295mm in length, 2,126mm in width, and stands 1,677mm tall. The best-in-segment 2,700mm wheelbase ensures that the MG Windsor offers a great balance between ride & handling and comes with a specious passenger cabin.
The MG Windsor features an AeroGlide design language, which is futuristic and transcends the concept of traditional segmentation. The nose and bonnet have a distinct two-deck layout. The horizontal daytime running lamps strip forms the base of the bonnet, while the headlights sit below in the bumper. Integrated into the headlight area is a mirror-like panel that reflects images with clarity. MG has added some black trim bits bracketing the headlights, with the one inside connecting the two units and carrying the Morris Garages lettering, above which sits an illuminated MG logo.
MG’s AeroGlide design language is more prominently visible when viewed from the side. The MG Windsor features smart flush door handles which look very trendy. The R18 diamond cut alloy wheels further enhances the striking good looks of the MG Windsor. At the top, the roof rails add to the aesthetics.
At the rear, the LED tail lights look sleek, and the lower bumper edge is finished off with a nice diffuser-style contrasting black panel. Topping the rear is a spoiler with an integrated stop light. Overall, the MG Windsor EV looks impressive and is sure to turn heads on the road.
The NVH levels are also well contained. The MG Windsor is being offered in three variants: base trim Excite, mid-level variant Exclusive, and top-of-the-line Essence; and four colours: Starburst Black, Pearl White, Clay Beige, and Turquoise Green.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside the MG Windsor EV and you will be welcomed into a premium passenger cabin with aero lounge seats that can be reclined upto 135 degrees, coupled with the expansive infinity view glass roof, adding to the business class experience.
The cabin is spacious with adequate head, shoulder and knee room for both front and rear passengers along with easy ingress and egress. The seats are well bolstered & comfortable and wear an opulent look. The front seats are ventilated with the driver’s seat coming with a 6-way adjustable option.
Immersive entertainment and smart connectivity features are powered by a massive 15.6-inch Grand View Touch Display in the central console. For music lovers, the MG Windsor also comes equipped with nine speakers (4 speakers, 4 tweeters, 1 subwoofer) that make your listening experience more pleasurable.
The MG Windsor also allows you to choose from an array of 256 ambient lighting options with auto change technology and make your drives express the way you feel. Other features in the MG Windsor includes Wireless Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, multi-function steering controls, wireless smartphone charger, wooden finish highlights, driver armrest storage, rear-centre armrest with cupholders, and 604 litres of boot space – all of which makes the MG Windsor an attractive proposition.
Performance and Handling
The MG Windsor comes equipped with the powerful PMS Motor which is IP67 certified. Impressive performance is derived through a 38 kWh Li-ion battery pack and four driving modes (Eco+, Eco, Normal and Sport) that deliver 100KW (136PS) power and 200Nm of instant torque, offering a range of 331 kilometres. The battery can be charged in 40 minutes at any DC fast charger. The prismatic cells battery meets the optimal safety standards and is certified to operate with durability and stability.
The throttle response in great with almost no power lag. Driving the Windsor both within the city or on the highway feels like a breeze. The MG Windsor stays firmly planted on the ground even while navigating tight corners. The engineers at MG has achieved a commendable balance between good ride and handling. The suspension set up featuring MacPherson strut in the front and torsion beam at the rear is well tuned for Indian road conditions and absorbs the undulation on the road with relative ease. On the whole, the MG Windsor promises to be a good city car while also proving its worthiness on the highway.
Safety
With growing awareness among consumers, safety has emerged as one of the top priorities of carmakers around the world. The MG Windsor comes with 6 airbags (dual front, side & curtain) as standard across all variants. It also features 360° surround view cameras and rear parking sensors to ease your parking woes in tight spaces especially in the crowded neighbourhood within the city. Electronic stability programme, electric parking brake auto hold, hill-start assist control, auto dimming inside rear view mirror, hill descent control, rain sensing wipers, and tyre pressure monitoring system are some of the other features in the MG Windsor EV which assures you of great all around safety.
Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS)
For the first time in India’s passenger vehicle segment, JSW MG Motor India is introducing an innovative ownership plan through Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) offering, which makes owning an electric CUV at the price of a manual engine-based compact SUV possible. This flexible ownership program eliminates the upfront cost of the battery, enabling customers to pay only for its usage. Essentially, buyers pay a nominal fee per kilometre driven, which is 40% of the fuel costs of conventional vehicles. This model significantly reduces the initial acquisition cost and lowers the per-kilometre expense, ensuring an economical and hassle-free ownership experience.
In addition, the company is offering a first-of-its-kind lifetime battery warranty to the first owner of MG Windsor. With the eHUB by MG app, the company is offering one year of free public charging, making it easier than ever for Windsor owners to power up anytime, anywhere. JSW MG Motor India is also introducing its 3-60 assured buyback plan for the Windsor which ensures that it will retain 60% of its value after 3 years/45,000kms.
Verdict
The MG Windsor is the first car that has come out of the JV between JSW & MG Motor India. The whole team has worked very hard to bring this car to India. As a crossover utility vehicle, the Windsor successfully manages in merging the comfort of a sedan with the expanse of an SUV, making it an ideal car for the Indian household. With its delightful features and easy to drive dynamics, MG Windsor will certainly invite newer sets of customers to try EVs. It is an ideal vehicle for customers looking to beat the bustling urban roads and tighter spaces in smaller towns, in comfort and style. With its advanced features, innovative design, and disruptive pricing, the Windsor most definitely sets a new benchmark.
The most powerful W12-engined Bentley – the highly exclusive Batur Convertible – has begun its final suite of sign-off testing. Created by Mulliner, Bentley’s in house bespoke division and the longest standing coachbuilder in the world, the Batur Convertible is the third car in Mulliner’s Coachbuilt family, following the Bacalar barchetta and the Batur coupe. Strictly limited to just 16 units, the Batur Convertible is the most powerful W12-powered drop-top Grand Tourer in Bentley’s history.
Bentley announced the retirement of the W12 engine earlier this year, with the last engine leaving the production line in July. The 16 customer examples of the Batur Convertible will be among the recipients of the final W12 engines, each producing 750 PS as the most powerful iteration of the engine ever developed.
The validation activities include durability for both the engine and whole vehicle, environmental compatibility and sunlight simulation, high speed stability, aerodynamics, noise and vibration, and driving dynamics. More than 120 individual tests in all cover everything from the quality of the surface finish of the gold “organ stop” ventilation controls to the new W12 engine hardware and software. Over 58 weeks of vehicle validation have been scheduled across a pair of pre-series cars – Batur Convertible Car Zero and the Batur Convertible Engineering Car.
The real-world testing campaign started with an extensive 3,000 kilometre , five-country drive across Europe to simulate real world conditions. The route left Germany and travelled through Italy, France and Spain, across mountains, highways and cities, with the cars pausing briefly for an afternoon in Monaco for photography before continuing their journey to Idiada in Spain, where high speed testing will begin on private test tracks.
Paul Williams, Chief Technical Officer for Mulliner, comments: “The purpose of an engineering validation public road drive is to test a vehicle’s performance, safety, and reliability under real-world conditions. It allows our engineers to assess how the vehicle operates in a variety of environments, traffic scenarios, and weather conditions that cannot be fully replicated in controlled testing environments. This stage is critical for identifying potential issues, validating system integration, and ensuring the vehicle meets regulatory standards and customer expectations as part of the engineering development test program. At the start of the project it was clear that this car had to be the ultimate open-air Grand Tourer and so every element from the exterior design, engine power and hand-crafted interior has been created without compromise.”
At the proving grounds, the Batur Convertibles will begin seven weeks of durability work on handling tracks, mixed road conditions, high speed testing and abusive surface conditions. During all of these activities data and feedback are collated ensuring the technical targets are being met.
The Final W12 Grand Tourer The Batur Convertible furthers the innovative design DNA introduced by its coupe sibling that will ultimately guide the design of Bentley’s future cars.
Created by Mulliner, the Batur Convertible follows the exquisitely hand-crafted Bacalar barchetta and Batur coupe. With the Batur Convertible, Mulliner continues its long tradition of crafting truly individual cars, tailored to the wishes of each of its extraordinary clients.
The Batur Convertible retains the most powerful version of Bentley’s iconic W12, with a 750 PS, hand-assembled 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine that has metaphorically and literally powered Bentley’s success for the last two decades. The Batur Convertible will be the last ever Bentley to use this incredible powertrain.
The convertible roof delivers an aesthetic of beauty as a modern, tactile alternative to a hardtop roof. A combination of insulation material, sealing system refinements and acoustic treatments create a cossetting environment in a system which can be deployed or stowed in just 19 seconds, with the car travelling at speeds of up to 30 mph (50 km/h), transforming the car from a luxurious coupe into an open-top Grand Tourer at the touch of a button.
Mulliner’s in-house design team will help co-create every Batur Convertible with its customer, working together through a specially created Mulliner visualiser that allows any part of the car to be customised in colour and surface finish. Endless samples of unique materials bring texture to the process, and the resulting designs will be truly individual and created by the customer – limited only by their imagination.
Batur Convertible Car Zero Like all Mulliner Coachbuilt vehicles, the Batur Convertible is infinitely customisable – with each customer able to specify the colour and finish of literally every single surface of both the exterior and cabin of the car.
The engineering development car – Batur Convertible Car Zero – has had the same level of attention to detail as a customer’s own specification. The exterior paintwork is a bespoke colour – Vermillion Gloss over Vermillion Satin Duo tone – that provides a vibrant colour across the contemporary surfaces. The bodywork is underscored by front splitters, side skirts and rear diffuser in high gloss carbon fibre.
The front of the car features a grille of exceptional art – with the main matrix finished in Gloss Dark Titanium, accented with contrast chevrons in a horizontal ombré pattern that flows from Beluga in the centre and lighten to the vibrant sides in Vermillion Gloss. The “endless bonnet” line is finished in Gloss Dark Titanium paint, as are the 22” wheels – with the spokes in Gloss and Satin Black Titanium with Vermillion Gloss accents.
The second development car – known simply as the ‘Engineering Car’, features an entirely different specification. Midnight Emerald exterior paintwork is finished with a high gloss carbon fibre body kit and Satin Dark Titanium finished bonnet brightware and lower bumper meshes The wheels are tri-tone – with a Satin Dark Titanium body, gloss Porpoise accent faces and gloss Mandarin pinstripe. The same combination of Satin Dark Titanium and Mandarin is joined by gloss Beluga for the three-colour ombré fade to the front grille. The cabin echoes the exterior, with Cumbrian Green and Porpoises leather being accented with Mandarin stitching and piping, complemented with machined titanium Organ Stops and Bullseye vents. The veneer is Mulliner’s exquisite “guitar fade”, where the colour across the width of the cabin changes gradually from gloss Beluga, to high gloss carbon fibre, and back to gloss Beluga, and finished with a laser-etched audio signature of the W12 engine.
Aston Martin is proud to present the DB12 Goldfinger Edition, crafted by the ultra-luxury marque’s bespoke personalisation service, Q by Aston Martin, in celebration of 60 years of the iconic association between Aston Martin and the James Bond film franchise.
What has become one of the most notable partnerships in cinematic history began with the release of Goldfinger in 1964, when the Aston Martin DB5 made its silver screen debut. The DB5 went on to become one of the world’s most recognisable cars and a crucial step in the brand’s illustrious ‘DB’ bloodline. Now, the latest evolution in that lineage is getting the 007 treatment.
To mark this historic milestone, just 60 DB12 Goldfinger Editions will be released worldwide, paying tribute to a relationship that has spanned over half of Aston Martin’s illustrious 111-year history.
DB12 Goldfinger Edition Whilst the DB5 that featured in Goldfinger was equipped with all the gadgets needed to escape Bond’s adversaries, the DB12 Goldfinger Edition is focused on providing a more indulgent James Bond driving experience, incorporating subtle touches from the Goldfinger film.
Presented in the iconic Silver Birch paint colour synonymous with the DB5 in Goldfinger, the DB12 Goldfinger Edition establishes an immediate statement. Striking 21-inch multi-spoke wheels with a unique silver colour with a diamond treatment finish are complemented by black brake calipers, bespoke gold side strakes and a unique Aston Martin logo in silver with a black enamel. Crowned with a bright chrome ‘Q’ fender badge gives confirmation that this DB12 has received some truly special touches.
Inside this special edition, the leather Sports Plus seats are finished in the classic DB5 fluted style with an intricate Prince of Wales check perforation pattern, in a nod to a classic James Bond suit. This pattern extends to both the door inserts and the headliner, as well as being etched onto a unique treadplate. A polished sill plaque adorns the Goldfinger 60th anniversary logo.
Adding an elevated level of ultra-luxury to the interior of the car and awaiting the driver’s touch is 18k Gold Plated interior accents, decorating the drive mode rotary dial and the roller controls, as well as the notched gear selector which takes design inspiration from the golden tracking device used by Bond in the film. This theme is also continued through the trim inlays, as gold metal fibres are weaved into the 2X2 Twill Gloss Carbon Fibre.
A subtle nod for Bond aficionados is the ’eight of hearts’ embroidered onto the drivers’ sun visor, which references the playing card seen in last draw during the famous Miami pool scene in Goldfinger.
Unique gifting for DB12 Goldfinger Edition owners Each Aston Martin DB12 Goldfinger Edition is presented with an array of gifts that are as exclusive as the car itself. Owners will receive a custom car cover and luxury key presentation box, along with a Silver Birch Speedform model and for something truly unique, a section of the iconic Furka Pass scene in Goldfinger in 35mm film. A 1/60 golden limited edition Aston Martin magazine will also be gifted to the new owners of the DB12 Goldfinger Edition. This selection of bespoke gifts will be presented in a Globe-Trotter attaché case, which replicates the design of the car; a Silver Birch body and a Prince of Wales check interior.
Owners can also enjoy a magnum of 2007 vintage Champagne Bollinger, individually numbered, with four exclusive Bollinger 007 glasses, elegantly presented in a bespoke Globe-Trotter Air Cabin Case.
Q by Aston Martin DB12 Goldfinger Edition has been created by the marques in-house design experts at Q by Aston Martin; a personalisation and bespoke service – much like ‘Q Branch’ in the Bond films, that delivers endless possibilities. By accessing the skills of Q by Aston Martin’s designers and craftspeople, customers are invited to take a unique personal commissioning journey; one that encompasses everything from a single small distinguishing detail to full-scale engineering and production of entirely bespoke components. Nothing is out of reach with the design team with endless possibilities to make their car a true one of a kind.
“The relationship between Aston Martin and the James Bond franchise is something that is always treasured”, said Marco Mattiacci, Global Chief Brand and Commercial Officer. “It is an incredible occasion to be able to recognise six decades of this partnership with an extraordinary special edition, and pay homage to the very first – and perhaps most famous Aston Martin Bond car. Incorporating these subtle but impactful touches, developed by our own ‘Q’ department has created a very unique offering; one that will be adored by Bond fans across the world.
“Q by Aston Martin allows us to create truly unique vehicles, often initiated by the imaginations of our esteemed customers and I am delighted that we are able to support these ideas, not matter how big or small”.
The Ultimate Super Tourer meets 007 The Aston Martin DB12 delivers a sublime blend of performance, ultra-luxury and style, pushing the renowned DB bloodline to new heights. Powered by a formidable 4.0-litre V8 Twin-Turbo engine, producing a best-in-class power output of 680PS/800Nm with an advanced suspension system, DB12 ensures a thrilling yet refined driving experience.
DB12 was the first of Aston Martin’s next generation of sports cars to showcase the marques new infotainment system, designed and developed in-house using state-of-the-art technology. Offering the perfect balance between touchscreen controls and tactile physical switches, this is the first infotainment system built in-house at Aston Martin, which has allowed the brand to provide a uniquely bespoke system for entertainment and navigation. When driving a Bond inspired DB12, occupants need a soundtrack to match and as such, the Goldfinger Edition also comes with the Bowers & Wilkins halo audio system as standard
The Aston Martin DB12 was the first of the next generation of sportscars from Aston Martin. Since its 2023 debut, the super tourer has been joined by the new Vantage, DBX707 and the newly-unveiled Vanquish. First deliveries of this unique offering will commence in Q2 2025.
Nissan today announced it will launch affordable on-board bi-directional charging on selected electric vehicles from 2026. The initiative forms a key step towards its vision of creating a sustainable energy ecosystem.
The project progresses the commitment made in Nissan’s business plan, The Arc, delivering differentiated innovation that enables the EV transition, while unlocking new revenue streams. It also supports the company’s long-term vision, Ambition 2030, to create a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive world.
The Vehicle to Grid (V2G) technology, which allows EV owners to use electricity stored in their car’s battery to power their homes, or sell it back into the grid, will launch in the UK initially, followed by other markets in Europe.
The project is underpinned by Nissan’s extensive experience in V2G, with around 40 pilot projects conducted worldwide throughout the past decade.
Following a successful year-long project at The University of Nottingham, UK, Nissan has become the first car company to gain G99 Grid code certification with an AC-based solution, needed to supply electricity into the UK national energy supply.
Under the banner of Nissan Energy, the company’s aim is to roll-out V2G technology across markets in Europe and beyond, empowering consumers with either AC or DC-based V2G solutions, in alignment with local infrastructure and regulatory requirements.
Benefits of Vehicle-to-grid technology By using Nissan’s on-board bi-directional V2G technology, customers can cut the annual cost of powering an EV by 50%. The same technology can also reduce net CO2 emissions from charging by 30% per year, per EV for the average UK household.
EVs equipped with V2G technology can play a crucial role in integrating and increasing the mix of renewables into the energy supply, by storing electricity generated by wind or solar, and directing it back into the grid when needed, reducing dependency on fossil fuels.
As one of the bi-directional systems Nissan plans to offer, this AC-bidirectional system certified in the UK will leverage an integrated on-board charger to deliver a lower cost of entry, allowing the technology to be accessible to more people. Nissan aims to offer its AC bi-directional charger at a price comparable to a mono-directional charger available today.
As well as lowering the cost of entry, Nissan’s V2G system will give customers complete control and flexibility over their energy via a dedicated App.
The launch forms part of Nissan’s strategy to create a fully integrated energy ecosystem – sustainably manufactured EVs providing zero emission motoring, charged using clean energy and capable of providing power back to the home as well as to the grid.
Hugues Desmarchelier, Nissan Vice President, Global Electrification Ecosystem & EV Programs, said: “The technology we are bringing to customers is a potential game-changer for how we view the car. Not just as a means of getting from A to B, but as a mobile energy storage unit, capable of saving people money, supporting the transition of our energy systems away from fossil fuels and bringing us closer to a carbon-free future.
“Nissan is proud to democratise technology for the benefit of society. The breakthrough in an on-board solution for two-way charging will be a substantial reduction in the cost of integrating a future EV into your energy supply, and the ability to leverage the car as a source of income over its lifecycle.”
Nissan aims to become a truly sustainable company, and in the Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania region (AMIEO) is using its unique diversity to drive locally-focussed action and scalable solutions that contribute to a cleaner, safer and more inclusive world for everyone.
Strong partnerships support successful UK trial The V2G UK trial has been partly funded by the UK Government’s Advanced Propulsion Centre, a body established to support and accelerate the automotive industry’s transition towards net zero. The V2G UK trial has been partly funded by the UK Government’s Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC), a body established to support and accelerate the automotive industry’s transition towards net zero.
APC Chief Executive, Ian Constance, said: “This is a significant milestone for the collaborative research and development project, led by Nissan Technical Centre Europe and supported by the Department for Business and Trade through the APC. Investing in pioneering vehicle-to-grid technology and R&D in the UK is part of a system-level approach to decarbonisation.”
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood, said: “Vehicle to grid technology is a fantastic innovation which has the potential to save people money and accelerate the UK’s transition to electric vehicles.
“A greener transport network is a key priority for this Government, and by working together with industry we will boost consumer confidence and achieve our shared goal of getting more EVs on the road.”
During the trial, Nissan worked with several partners including Dreev and Enovates. Dreev, a joint venture between EDF and NUVVE, was responsible for data collection, customer profiling and setting the charging and discharging plan by analysing information from the wall box.
Eric Mévellec, CEO for Dreev commented: “We have been working alongside Nissan for years on this revolutionary technological adventure, and we are thrilled to be a part of this new chapter. We are convinced that, by reducing the electricity bill for the customers while providing huge storage capabilities for the electrical system, V2x technology has a major role to play in the energy transition”
Enovates, a Belgian-based mobility technology company, developed the wall box, or Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), including set-up and test certification.
The wall box acts as the system hub, sending and receiving information on energy demand and supply from the Dreev cloud, and directing the car to charge or discharge electricity at a set amount to the home or grid.
Bart Vereecke, CEO of Enovates, said: “Enovates is proud to partner with Nissan in demonstrating through the Field Operating Test the real-world benefits of AC V2G technology. This test marks an important step in creating a sustainable, interconnected energy future where electric vehicles play a central role in sustainable mobility solutions and resolving energy grid congestions.”
“Enovates has always been committed to pushing the boundaries of V2G technology, and we are excited to bring our expertise in AC charging to this project,” added Stijn Vispoel, R&D Manager. “Our certified AC V2G chargers represent the next generation of energy technology, offering accessible, efficient, and smart solutions for the future of transportation and energy.”
The University of Nottingham was also pivotal in the trial, providing a base of operations at its on-campus Creative Energy Homes and supporting academic research.
Nissan is continuing to work with these, and other partners, to achieve the necessary grid certification in other markets, develop a seamless user experience and expand the technology availability to more customers.
Chairperson of Nissan’s Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania region, Guillaume Cartier, commented: “One of the big challenges faced by society today is energy supply – how do we make it affordable, reliable and clean.
“At Nissan, we see a future for our customers where their energy comes from the car on the driveway – not only the power station – fully integrated, flexible and cleaner.”
Hyundai Motor Company is marking its historic achievement of producing 100 million vehicles worldwide with the grand opening of its ‘One step further’ exhibition at Hyundai Motorstudio Seoul. The exhibition showcases the driving forces behind the 100-million-unit production milestone and conveys Hyundai’s gratitude to those customers who have been part of the journey.
This exhibition is a continuation of the 100 million production celebration held at Hyundai Motor’s Ulsan Plant on September 30. At that event, the company delivered the 100 million and first vehicle, an IONIQ 5, to its new owner, representing the brand’s gratitude to its customers for their unwavering support.
“It takes thousands of parts and pieces to build a car, with combined efforts of millions of people involved in R&D, design and manufacturing over many years,” said Sungwon Jee, Senior Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer at Hyundai Motor Company. “We wanted to shed light on these behind-the-scenes efforts that went into producing 100 million vehicles and tell the story of Hyundai Motor’s transformation from a traditional automaker to a leading smart mobility solutions provider.”
Spanning five floors, the exhibition begins on the first floor by introducing the journey to 100 million units, featuring the Cortina Mark 2, Hyundai Motor’s first production model; and the Pony, Hyundai Motor’s first independently developed model.
The second floor offers a retrospective on how Hyundai has helped its customers’ lives and showcases the history of major Hyundai Motor plants, including the evolution of production processes over time.
The exhibition’s third floor highlights key drivers in achieving the production milestone of 100 million vehicles globally, focusing on three iconic models: the first-generation Sonata, the first-generation Elantra and Scoupe. These vehicles exemplify Hyundai Motor’s relentless pursuit to go ‘one step further’ in driving its incredible achievement.
The first-generation Sonata showcased Hyundai’s craftsmanship and dedication to enhancing product quality. The first-generation Elantra, a steady seller, laid the foundation for the company’s 100-million-unit production capability with the introduction of an automated production line. The Scoupe – equipped with the Alpha series, Hyundai’s first proprietary engine – pioneered the sports car segment in Korea and demonstrated the company’s engineering prowess.
The exhibition’s fourth and fifth floors feature the brand’s modern SUV lineup – Santa Fe, Kona and Inster; and electric vehicle (EV) lineup – IONIQ 5, IONIQ 5 N and IONIQ 6. This final section looks ahead to Hyundai Motor’s future as it moves ‘one step further’, transforming from a traditional automaker to a smart mobility solutions provider.
The exhibition is testament to Hyundai Motor’s unwavering commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction and a future of continued growth and success. Held from October 10 to November 10, admission is free to all visitors.
In a globally challenging market, the BMW Group increased its sales of fully-electric vehicles by +19,1% in the first nine months of 2024, with a total of 294,054 BEVs delivered to customers. During this period, BMW brand sales of fully-electric models rose by +22.6% to 266,151 vehicles. The MINI brand also grew its fully-electric vehicle sales by +54.3% in the third quarter, delivering 16,536 BEVs to customers.
“Our fully-electric vehicles are winning over customers worldwide – as shown by the significant double-digit growth in our BEV sales during the first nine months of the year,” said Jochen Goller, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales. “We also grew our sales in the Europe region. Our attractive model line-up, which is designed for technology openness, gained traction in the marketplace, despite the challenging conditions overall. The BMW brand captured market share in Europe and significantly outperformed the region’s total market,” Goller continued.
In Europe, the BMW brand delivered 577,803 vehicles to customers between January and the end of September (+7.6%), with particularly high demand in countries including the UK, Italy and France. The BMW brand’s fully-electric models also performed exceptionally well in the European region, with 121,844 vehicles delivered to customers – an increase of +35.8%.
The BMW Group delivered a total of 1,754,158 BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce vehicles to customers in the year to the end of September (-4.5%). This downward trend can be partly attributed to delivery stops associated with the supplied Integrated Braking System (IBS), which significantly impacted the third quarter, as well as the difficult market environment in China. In light of this development, on September 10, 2024, BMW AG revised its sales targets for the financial year 2024.
Between January and September, the BMW brand experienced strong demand for its fully-electric models, with a total of 266,151 (+22.6%) vehicles sold. Most notably, the BMW iX1 and BMW i4 showed positive sales development. The BMW brand sold a total of 1,583,485 vehicles (-2.3%) in the year to the end of September. BMW M GmbH delivered 146,574 vehicles in the first nine months of 2024 (+2.0%), with growth driven by the BMW M2 and BMW M3 Touring models, among others. The MINI brand, which is updating its entire portfolio this year, delivered a total of 166,703 (-20.9%) vehicles to customers in the year to the end of September. In the third quarter, fully-electric MINI models were particularly in demand, with 16,536 vehicles delivered to customers, representing growth of +54.3%. In the first nine months of this year, the Rolls-Royce brand presented a total of 3,970 motor cars to their new owners worldwide (-12.8%).
Between January and September, BMW Motorrad delivered 163,436 (-0.9%) motorcycles and scooters to customers.
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