Classic Cars, Events
The winners in the automotive and aviation categories at this year’s charity Heveningham Concours were announced at a summer garden party for owners and guests on Saturday 2nd July at Heveningham Hall in glorious Suffolk.
The judges in the automotive concours Max Hunt (chairman), Ian Callum, Malcolm Wilson, David Gandy, Tony Hatter and Marino Franchitti awarded top prize in the pre-war category to the 1933 MG K3 Magnette.
In the post-war category, the judges awarded top spot to the 1963 Jaguar E-type Lightweight and in the supercar category the winner was the 2021 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+. Over at Horsepower Hill, the winning car in the drag race up the main estate drive was a Ferrari SF90 Spyder.
In the aviation concours, chairman of the judges Vic Norman, who was joined by Paul Bonhomme and Jeremy Warren awarded top prize – the Hanna Aviation Trophy – to the 1934 de Havilland DH.83 Fox Moth Speed Model.
Commenting on the event, chairman of the judges Max Hunt, said: “We brought it back with a bang this year, the terraces lit up with some amazing cars – a huge thank you to all our owners.”
All proceeds and profits from the event go to charity including the East Anglian Air Ambulance and the concours funds a full ‘i-mobility’ scholarship at the Royal College of Art.
Heveningham Concours takes place at the same time as the annual country fair which attracts over 20,000 people for main ring events, entertainment, shopping, livestock, flypasts, agricultural vehicles and more.
Motoring
- The Mazda CX-60 e-Skyactiv D powered by an all-new 3.3-litre in-line 6cyl diesel engine.
- Choice of 200ps or 254ps – up to 550Nm, emissions as low as 127g/km.
- 3.3-litre e-Skyactiv D engine features all-new DCPCI clean burn combustion technology.
Mazda has revealed that a powerful, clean and efficient all-new e-Skyactiv D diesel engine will be added to the Mazda CX-60- line-up in 2023, joining the PHEV CX-60, which is available to order now.
Another demonstration of Mazda’s ‘Multi-Solution Approach’, the new diesel is designed to meet the needs of customers who want an efficient, long distance driving car with great towing capacity.
The company’s multi-solution strategy offers different products and technologies – including more efficient internal combustion engines and a wide range of electrified powertrains, that best suit the local market and society’s demand for sustainability.
The new diesel powertrain that will make its debut in the CX-60 is a Mazda first – a 3.3-litre in-line six-cylinder e-Skyactiv D diesel engine that features Distribution-Controlled Partially Premixed Compression Ignition (DCPCI) Technology. This highly innovative advanced combustion technology makes the new e-Skyactiv D unit one of the cleanest diesel engines in the world, achieving a thermal efficiency of over 40%.
Developed using the ‘right sizing’ concept which optimises displacement to improve both fuel and power efficiency, the all-new 3,283cc longitudinally installed common rail electric direct injection six-cylinder e-Skyactiv D unit will be offered with a choice of two power outputs: 200ps with rear-wheel drive and 254ps with Mazda i-Activ AWD (all-wheel drive).
Featuring a new 48v Mazda M Hybrid Boost system, the all-new diesel engine combines high output with excellent fuel economy. The new DCPCI technology is a highly innovative, advanced combustion system that improves engine efficiency, emissions and fuel economy. These two technologies contribute significantly to the CX-60’s outstanding driving range, performance, frugal fuel consumption and low emissions.
The 254ps e-Skyactiv D delivers impressive performance of 0-60mph in only 7.4 seconds and returns a WLTP average fuel consumption of 53.3mpg with CO2 emissions of 137g/km. The 200ps variant returns a WLTP average fuel consumption of 57.6mpg with CO2 emissions of only 127g/km.
The in-line six-cylinder configuration produces less vibration due to its characteristic ‘perfect balance’, for a smooth and quiet engine tone, whilst delivering a clean and engaging sound. The engine’s high torque delivery gives the CX-60 a 2,500kg trailer weight towing capacity, while as a result of its lightweight construction, the engine weighs similar to the 2.2-litre Mazda Skyactiv D four-cylinder diesel engine used in the Mazda CX-5, which helps handling balance.
An in-line straight-six 3.0-litre e-Skyactiv petrol engine will join the e-Skyactiv D and e-Skyactiv PHEV to complete the Mazda CX-60 powerplant line-up at a later date, offering customers the wide choice of technologically advanced, highly efficient powertrains appropriate to the outstanding levels of craftsmanship and on-board technology offered by the CX-60 model range.
With the launch of the CX-60, Mazda takes another important step in its fleet’s emission reduction on its way to become entirely carbon neutral by 2050. In all, Mazda is launching five new electrified products in the next three years that feature its multi-solution platform architecture. After 2025, the company will launch its brand new Skyactiv EV Scalable Architecture which will allow Mazda to efficiently build electric cars of all sizes using one common platform.
In 2023, the company will launch a new model, the Mazda CX-80, which is larger than the Mazda CX-60 and features three rows of seating. With the all-new Mazda CX-60 PHEV available to order now for September delivery, the all-new Mazda CX-60 diesel will arrive in the UK in the first quarter of 2023.
Motoring
- Van drivers currently underestimate the range of electric vans with an assumed average range of just 67.5 miles
- 71% percent of drivers are concerned about being out of pocket for charging costs of company owned vans
- Over one-third (37%) believe that van drivers should make the switch to electric as soon as possible
- Encouragingly, 6-in-10 admit they still plan to switch to electric in 6 months
Ford’s latest Go Electric report has uncovered that, while there are more electric vehicles on the road, the UK’s knowledge of electric vans still lags behind.
The report includes the views of 500 van drivers* in the UK and found considerable gaps in their knowledge of electric vans and the benefits to their businesses, leading to barriers preventing full electric adoption. This comes as the first jumbo E-Transits are delivered and the smaller E-Transit Custom is announced.
Range anxiety is seen as one of the main concerns of van drivers, with the average range of an electric van thought to be under 70 miles. This is three times less than the actual range of the E-Transit, offering a range of up to 196 miles.**
The pressures around time management continue, with almost half (44%) of van drivers believing they wouldn’t be able to fit charging time into their working schedule. This may stem from a lack of charging options available, with only 20% of respondents saying there are always charging points available at work, and over half (52%) saying they don’t have access at home. On top of this, only 42 per cent of van drivers said they knew how to charge an electric vehicle.
Drivers of company owned electric vans were concerned about being out-of-pocket with 7-in-10 (71%) flagging they’re unsure how they’d get reimbursed for electricity costs if they charged their company vehicle at home. As the UK edges closer to 2030, when the ban on the sale of new combustion engine powered vehicles will come into force, cost still remains a concern among van drivers, with the outright cost of new vehicles (16%) being the biggest financial concern.
For businesses, almost one-third (29%) stated that the initial infrastructure cost of introducing electric vans would be too much of a burden for themselves or their business. In fact, recent statistics from the SMMT revealed that commercial vehicles account for 13% of vehicles on the road (4,604,861), yet data from 2021 showed only 0.3% were fully electric or plug in hybrids (source: SMMT, May 2021).
Despite some drivers having concerns, there is optimism around the future of electric vans too, with almost half (49 per cent) believing electric vans will be the most common type of van on Britain’s roads within the next 10 years – with only nine per cent disagreeing. On this, more than a third (36%) said they or their employer plan on switching to electric vans within the next four to six months and nearly two-fifths (38 per cent) said they thought it was a smart investment.
Showcasing the power of the green pound, over a quarter (26%) of van drivers believed their company would be perceived more positively for driving electric vans. Similarly, almost half (48%) believed if their colleagues or friends were to buy an electric vehicle, it would positively impact their work and lifestyle.
Over half (52%), also agreed with the statement that they, or their company, is planning on making the switch to an electric van because they’re “really cool”!
Mandy Dean, Commercial Vehicle Director, Ford of Britain, said: “With the Ford Transit being the best-selling vehicle in the UK, tackling the concerns of Britain’s workforce is an important task in helping the nation go green and make the switch to electric. Understanding people’s perceptions of electric vehicles is vital to making sure we’re all on board, including within the vital commercial vehicle segment which is so important for keeping the UK’s economy growing. Our research report shows while there are concerns about the switch, van drivers seem willing to embark on the journey to go green and Ford Pro has the capabilities to make the switch easier.”
“With concerns around being out pocket a key worry for drivers, we’ve introduced simplified billing and administration via Ford Pro Charging software which means that fleet drivers can charge at home and the energy cost will be exactly calculated and sent to their business for your reimbursement.”
Busting some of the misconceptions around range anxiety and reducing vehicle down time, the newly introduced Ford Pro software, available on E-Transit and E-Transit Custom to come, has a host of new features to help support van drivers:
- Ford Pro Intelligence includes integrated features within their vehicles that enable customers to better manage and maintain their fleets, such as live vehicle health and telematics data, improved vehicle uptime, safety, and security, and improving overall productivity
- Ford Pro also helps businesses setup and map out the charging infrastructure, be it at home, depot or on the public network, and Ford telematics tools keep an eye on range, nearest charge points and any required maintenance on an individual vehicle
- Charging network operators combine into one “Blue Oval” network, helping fleet systems to identify at home charging and reimburse drivers
- Digital dashboards help businesses manage when to start and stop charging vehicles, to avoid peak times. Charging can also be assigned per route, so vehicles aren’t fully charged when they won’t need it
- Smart support through FordLiive can access the latest 60 days of vehicle health to provide the best advice, anticipate upcoming maintenance needs and reduce turnaround times
*Ford surveyed 500 UK based adult van drivers or owners, the research was conducted by OnePoll, this sample size is representative of UK van drivers and was recommended by OnePoll. Of the 500, 61% own the van they drive, 32% stated their employer owns the van, while 7% responded with “other”. 40% of respondents were female, 59% male, and 1% were “other or prefer not to say”.
** The quoted range of up to 196 mile range relates to the 2-tonne E-Transit, the 1-tonne E-Transit Custom has a range of up to 236 miles
***The main barriers to going electric are:
- Charging time (16%)
- Outright cost of the vehicle (16%)
- Running out of charge (15%)
- Charging point access at home, on the road and at work (13%)
- Cost of maintenance (12%)
Classic Cars, Events
Hundreds of cars gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Motor Museum at Beaulieu as guests and visitors discovered the final selection to tell The Story of Motoring in 50 Objects.
Owners of Seventies classics joined the party in their Escorts, Minis and Ford Cortinas, as some even dressed for the decade to take part in the 1970s Classic Car Drive-In Day on Sunday 3rd July.
Lord Montagu asked young ambassadors of Starter Motor – the charity which aims to get the next generation driving, maintaining and enjoying classic cars – to choose the best car of the show on his behalf. They chose the Lotus Elan Series 4 SE owned by Beaulieu volunteer Kevin Kinsella, who was called from giving a tour in the National Motor Museum to be presented with his winning trophy. Event-goers picked the People’s Choice award, which was awarded to Wayne Rose for his impressive 1972 Toyota Crown Deluxe.
An anniversary golden paddock recreated the Beaulieu car park of 1972. It also displayed some of the amazing vehicles which took part in the original celebratory cavalcade at the museum opening, half a century ago.
Lord Montagu said: “It’s been quite a trip back in time! When HRH The Duke of Kent came to open Britain’s National Motor Museum in July 1972, it was the proudest moment of my father’s life, and what we have in the museum is his greatest legacy.
“In 1972, our exhibits spanned a period of about 80 years; they now account for over 130 years and so it is no surprise that our collections have expanded considerably, especially in the libraries and archives. It has been with these collections in mind that we’ve created The Story of Motoring in 50 Objects, giving you every reason to re-explore the museum. The exhibition launches the start of our sixth decade and a new chapter in the development of Britain’s National Motor Museum.”
National Motor Museum Trust Chief Executive Jon Murden said: “Our next challenge is to take the museum and its collections forward, by reimagining Edward, Lord Montagu’s vision in order to engage with a wider audience and remain relevant for the future.”
At the celebrations, Lord and Lady Montagu cut a cake which was shaped as one of the #50 objects – the 1930 ‘Blower’ Bentley 4½ litre Supercharged. The Carousels entertained guests with hits from the Seventies, while Friends of the National Motor Museum Trust led their own cavalcade before setting off on a Forest Drive. Meanwhile on the Beaulieu Parkland, the National Austin Seven Rally celebrated a century of one of the world’s best-loved cars.
Final #50objects revealed
Inside the museum, event-goers were the first to see the final selection of the top #50objects in the anniversary display The Story of Motoring in 50 Objects.
The objects were carefully chosen from over 1.7 million items in the internationally-acclaimed collection cared for by the National Motor Museum Trust. Curators whittled down the selection to a shortlist of 150, then made the final choice to include the most historically important vehicles, motoring artefacts, film footage, images, documents and books from its archives.
For pioneering motoring, we had to include the 1903 De Dion Bouton 6hp which started our collection when Edward, Lord Montagu put this car on display in the entrance hall of Palace House as a tribute to his father, the motoring pioneer John Montagu. The 1908 Votes for Women! Shell postcard, linking motoring to female drivers, has also made the final cut.
For achievement and endeavour, the 12hp Daimler is one of the most significant cars in our collection and was the first petrol-engined vehicle to enter the Palace Yard of the House of Commons, after being bought by John Montagu MP in 1899. When he entered the Daimler in the 1,000 Mile Trial ground-breaking drive from London to Edinburgh the following year, it was the first time that many people in Britain had seen a motor car on the road.
The precious 1913 racing silks of Percy Lambert, who was the first man to drive a car more than 100 miles in one hour, have also made the final 50, along with the stunning Land Speed Record breaker Golden Arrow which was chosen for its tremendous aircraft power in a car.
For technology, progress and environment, a 1907 Halda taximeter which gave taxi cabs their name, has also made it into the exhibition, together with a brochure weighing up the options of steam, petrol and electricity during the same year. Cat’s eyes and a crash test dummy have been chosen for helping to make driving safer.
For art, advertising and design, the 1911 Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy had to make the top 50, as one of the most recognisable sculptures ever made. It was created by Charles Sykes and some of his work was inspired by Eleanor Thornton, the secretary and mistress of John Montagu. The beauty of Lalique’s exquisite glass mascots also put what is believed to be his first work, Cinq Chevaux, amongst our curators’ first choices.
For industry and economy, road builders’ clogs may be less well-known, while a 1920s children’s book telling the story of charabanc rides carrying workers and their families on day trips to the seaside and countryside is a colourful addition to the exhibition. Archive film of the 1913 Ford production line also shows a transformation in industry, marking the start of motoring factory work as we know it.
And finally for society, mobility and leisure, the 1952 DRH car radio provided the first factory-fitted radios in British cars for driving music. In the year of the Queen’s platinum Jubilee, we also had to choose the 1955 Royal Caravan, which is still owned by HRH The Princess Royal who enjoyed touring Buckingham Palace gardens in it, with a young Prince Charles and their father, Caravan Club Patrol HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh.
Visit the exhibition
Visitors can discover the full set of 50 objects in the National Motor Museum, as the exhibition remains on display until April 16th, 2023 – using the Smartify app to scan objects and uncover more content and stories.
Explore The Story of Motoring in 50 Objects as part of your ticket on a marvellous day out to Beaulieu that the family can enjoy together. See Bond in Motion – No Time To Die, featuring original cars and gadgets from the latest 007 film, the World of Top Gear and On Screen Cars. Ride on a ‘skytrain’ monorail, have big fun in Little Beaulieu’s adventure play area, experience life ‘upstairs and downstairs’ in Palace House, walk in the footsteps of monks at Beaulieu Abbey, find out about special agents in the Secret Army Exhibition and saunter through the beautiful grounds and gardens. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk or call 01590 612345.
See highlights of the 50 objects selection and join the conversation with #50objects on Twitter @Beaulieu_Hants, Facebook at /nationalmotormuseum or Instagram @national_motor_museum
Motoring
- All-new MG4 EV due for UK launch in September – the first of a series of MG models using advanced Modular Scalable Platform (MSP) architecture
- Flexible platform delivers outstanding safety, efficiency, and driver engagement
- Innovative MSP will also be prepared for future technologies, showcasing MG’s forward-thinking design strategy
MG Motor UK has revealed the first official UK images of its all-new MG4 EV, ahead of the launch in September.
The key new model will utilise MG’s innovative Modular Scalable Platform (MSP) – state of the art battery architecture that will underpin the next generation of MG models.
Designed for a wide range of vehicles, the MSP can be used flexibly in models across different vehicle segments, from hatchbacks to SUVs and sports cars – suitable for wheelbases ranging from 2,650 to 3,100 mm. The manufacturer has also revealed its new integrated battery structure has a height of just 110mm, enhancing roadholding and driver engagement even further.
The MG4 EV marks a bold new direction for MG Motor UK, with the company underlining an enhanced driving experience derived from a new rear-wheel drive platform which allows 50:50 weight distribution.
The new MSP has been designed to maximise battery efficiency, with concerted efforts to further reduce weight and allow scalable range and performance for a wide variety of customer requirements, offering enhanced interior space and luggage capacity. Initially available with battery capacities from 51kWh to 64kWh, the MG4 EV will be capable of between 218-281 miles range on the WLTP cycle.
MG has adopted a progressive strategy when designing its new platform; the architecture allows integration with future technologies including battery swap systems, while the Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) will enable vehicles to receive Over-The-Air (OTA) updates throughout their lifecycle.
David Allison, Head of Product & Planning at MG Motor UK, said: “The MG4 EV is a key part of the next phase of growth for MG. Our new MSP architecture will enable us to offer multiple options for the rapidly expanding UK electric car market, with all choices reinforcing our reputation for outstanding design, market-leading technology, and excellent value for money.”
The announcement marks a pivotal moment for MG, following the sales success of its existing range of pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, with the brand growing by 83% in the first five months of 2022 in market which has contracted by 8.7%* during the same period.
Further details on the new MG4 EV will be released soon, including announcements on UK pricing, full specifications and official first UK viewings.
For more details about MG or to find your nearest dealer, visit www.mg.co.uk
