Rarest supercars from most revered marques to star at London Concours 2022 in under one week’s time
‘Pursuit of Speed’ class to star 15 examples that push the boundaries of performance
A further 45 exotic high-performance machines to roll into the Honourable Artillery Company on 30th June, for Supercar Thursday, presented by Drivers Union and Amari.
Sixth annual London Concours kicks off in under a week, running from the 28th to 30th of June in the heart of the City.
The London Concours, presented by Montres Breguet, has revealed the line-up of exotic supercars that will be on show in the heart of the City in just under a week’s time.
A fantastic array of the most spectacular machinery will be on display during the three-day event, which will feature the ‘Pursuit of Speed’ class, comprising 15 of the most outlandish super and hypercars. A further 45 exotics will then roll into the Honourable Artillery Company grounds on the 30th of June, for the dedicated Supercar Thursday, sponsored by Amari Lifestyle and in association with Drivers Union. The range of exceptional cars – from the 1970s right up to the present day – will drive into the intimate central London setting, adding to the Concours’ already mouth-watering range of metal, which is set to span over 100 years of motoring.
The array of automotive exotica is set to include what for many remains the ultimate supercar: the inimitable Ferrari F40. Launched in 1987 at the relatively low-profile Civic Centre in Maranello, the F40 quicky captured the imagination of car fans around the world. The stripped-out, Pininfarina designed two-seater packed a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that Ferrari officially rated at 470 bhp; in practice most believe it was producing slightly more – likely well over 500 bhp. Weighing just 1100 kg dry and with 426 lb/ft of torque to call on, the F40’s performance was fearsome; in the right hands it could hit 60 mph in 4 seconds and 100 mph in just 8, going on to a top speed of 201 mph. Handling was equally special, making it one of the most complete, involving drivers’ cars of all time. Its legend has only grown in the decades since its launch; 35 years later, the iconic F40 still possesses a unique magnetism. Our event, in under one week’s time, will offer a fabulous opportunity to savour this most iconic of Supercars, right in the heart of London.
The HAC will also play host to the F40’s direct successor, the Ferrari F50, which entered production in 1995, conceived to celebrate the Maranello marque’s 50th anniversary. After the wild, turbocharged F40 and 288 GTO, Ferrari returned to the purity of natural aspiration for the carbon-tubbed F50. What an engine it was; a spine tingling F1 derived 4.7-litre V12 driving through a 6-speed manual gearbox. Officially rated at 512 bhp, the F50 struggled in terms of outright performance when pitted against its older turbocharged brother. Such was the performance discrepancy between the two cars that journalists were not allowed to figure the F50 at launch. The relative lack of firepower contributed to somewhat mixed reviews in period. However, this high-tech, highly-strung supercar has been looked upon much more favourably in recent years, with that astonishing, highly-responsive engine and overall purity of driving experience more than making amends for a slight death in terms of outright grunt. Just 349 of the limited-run specials were built during the three-year production run. Today it sits among the all-time supercar greats.
Ferrari fans will also be excited to hear that the F40 and F50 will be joined by the Maranello ‘halo car’ that came next, officially code named the F60, more commonly known as the Enzo. Launched twenty years ago, the Enzo stood out as a technical tour de force when introduced at the 2002 Paris motor show, with a titanic 650 bhp, 485 lb/ft 6.0-litre ‘F140’ V12 – derivatives of which would go on to power numerous Ferraris in the decades that have followed – and an F1 inspired 6-speed Graziano automated manual ‘box. The Enzo packed performance back in ‘02 that wouldn’t look out of place on a supercar today: 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 217 mph. 400 of the Pinifarina styled two-seater coupes were produced, going into battle with the period rivals, the Porsche Carrera GT and Mercedes-McLaren SLR. Those who took Ferrari up on the invitation to buy one back in 2002 – one had to be invited – for £450,000 made a very canny acquisition; Enzos now change hands for millions.
A very special iteration of an aforementioned Enzo rival will also be on show in under a week’s time: the Mercedes-McLaren SLR ‘MSO Edition’ – a special SLR variant honed an improved by the team at McLaren’s Special Operations department. The car on display is one of just 25 examples of the Gordon Murray designed hyper-GT that was overhauled and upgraded by the talented McLaren team. Works to improve and modernise the 5.4-litre supercharged machine included a weight-saving ceramic exhaust system that let the thunderous all-aluminium 617 bhp motor breathe more freely, liberating a savage V8 bellow – particularly in the largely unsilenced ‘straight through’ mode. The MSO edition cars also sported an uprated radiator for markedly improved cooling. Externally the SLR was fitted with new wheels, as well as new McLaren designed carbon-fibre front and rear bumpers – significantly increasing downforce vis a vis the original cars. The team at MSO also worked their magic on the dynamics of the SLR, revising both the shocks and dampers, as well as fine tuning the steering, all to deliver more precise, more ‘McLaren’, handling. The event next week will offer a fantastic chance to pore over this dramatically styled, uniquely evolved supercar.
The show will also feature an extreme incarnation of perhaps the archetypal supercar, the Lamborghini Diablo, in optimised SV form. A iconic poster car to rival even the F40, the low, wide and bewinged SV will add further visual drama to the line-up on show at the HAC. The SV or Super Veloce – was introduced by Lamborghini back in 1995, reviving the SV moniker for the first time since the hallowed Miura SV of the early ‘70s. The Diablo SV was firmer, lighter and more aggressive than the standard Diablo – Italian for Devil – already a fearsome proposition, while also being strictly rear-wheel drive. The breathed upon 5.7-litre V12 put out 510bhp in SV trim, some 35bhp more than in the standard car, driving through a 5-speed dog leg open-gated manual, and gargantuan 335-section rear Pirellis. Despite being just two-wheel drive, the SV could sprint to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and hit 204 mph flat out. With VW and Audi taking the company’s reins in 1998, the raw SV can be seen as the last of the breed of true Lamborghinis – a wild swansong for the sant’agata marque’s old-school supercar era.
These fantastic supercars and many more besides will be on display in just under a week’s time. Two special, supercar focused Concours trophies will also be up for grabs at this year’s event. The first, the Supercar Thursday Trophy will see one of the 45 ‘Supercar Thursday’ exotics chosen by the London Concours judging panel as the most exceptional of them all. The second award, the Drivers Union Trophy, will see the owners themselves select the supercar they would most like to drive home, aside from their own.
Andrew Evans, London Concours Director, said: “We’re delighted to reveal more of the exotic machines that will take on a starring role at our event in just under a week’s time. Supercars are always central to the London Concours, and we know just how popular they are with our guests. We’ve pulled out all the stops this year to put one a show like never before, with great support from our partners Drivers Union and Amari. The 6th edition of our automotive garden party will feature the most spectacular range of automotive exotica yet – it certainly isn’t one petrolheads will want to miss.
“Away from the cars, visitors will be treated to a delectable array of food and drink options, as well as a painstakingly curated line-up of luxury brands and boutiques. London Concours 2022 is set to once again be an occasion of total indulgence; proving once again why it’s the Capital’s ultimate automotive summer garden party. We really can’t wait to welcome everyone to the HAC next week.”
In fact, such is the popularity of the Aston Martin, the package accounts for just over a quarter of the provider’s individual supercar marques, and has sold twice as many as the second most popular offering.
Dan Jones, operations manager at TrackDays.co.uk, commented: “From David Beckham to James Bond, Aston Martins are the supercar of choice of countless British icons, and if our booking data is anything to go by, it’s clear that Brits share this sense of style with the A-listers.”
Meanwhile, second on the podium is another great British supercar brand – the McLaren, in the form of TrackDays.co.uk’s McLaren 570S Blast with High Speed Passenger Ride. This means that British-produced supercars are now the most popular offerings for the first time in the provider’s history.
Dan added: “You could be forgiven for thinking that the world’s most popular, and glamorous, supercars belong to Italy in the form of the Ferrari and Lamborghini.
“However, our booking data has revealed that thrillseekers have more of an appetite for British supercar brands, proving British engineering can possess even more allure than its European rivals!”
24 June marks the anniversary of the brand’s foundation: a day for all the clubs to celebrate their passion for Alfa Romeo
The Arese Museum is celebrating this major occasion with a weekend of special events for its tribe
Alfa Romeo is paying a genuine tribute to its Clubs around the world with a permanent display inside the Museum and another in the outdoor area
On Sunday, 26 June, the Giulia’s 60th birthday will be celebrated with a flashmob of vintage saloons and a backstage conference
The full schedule for the weekend of celebrations (24 to 26 June) at the Alfa Romeo Museum can be viewed at www.museoalfaromeo.com
For the Alfisti, 24 June is a special date.
It marks the foundation of Anonima Lombarda Fabbrica Automobili in Milan in 1910, a company that would soon become Alfa Romeo and would go on to win the hearts of many generations of motorists. This year there will be no shortage of celebrations to mark the occasion.
From Friday 24 to Sunday 26 June, the Alfa Romeo Museum will be holding a weekend of events for the brand’s tribe. Everything is ready to welcome Alfisti enthusiasts, who come together in Arese every year from all round the world, to share their pride and passion for the brand.
Proud to drive their Alfa Romeo on the Museum’s internal track and in the parades that mark the beginning and end of each day of celebrations. A passion to be shared with the clubs themselves, the brand’s true ambassadors.
To mark its 112th anniversary, Alfa Romeo is paying tribute to its Clubs by dedicating part of the Museum to them. On two walls, the permanent display will depict the lives and passion of the Alfisti, in a series of videos made directly by the Clubs. Images coming in from every continent – from China to Latin America, New Zealand to South Africa, speaking of the commitment to enhance both the brand and Made in Italy products, all round the world.
Outside, in the green area in front of the Museum entrance, Trees4Clubs is due to be inaugurated: every tree will bear a plaque produced by a Club, to cement their strong bond – and their deep roots – within the brand. The plaques will be unveiled on Saturday, 25 June at 11am, followed at 3pm by the Club Meeting in the Giulia Hall, the annual get-together for Alfa Romeo Clubs, dozens of which have already signed up from around the world.
Sunday, 26 June will focus on another major anniversary, the Giulia’s 60th. As part of the family, on the track and in uniform, the Giulia is an Alfa Romeo symbol and the icon of an era. Dozens of saloons from the 1960s and ’70s will step out on the Museum’s internal track, to take part in a flashmob.
Afterwards, the Giulia Hall will host a conference forming part of the ‘Backstage’ programme, including a parade of the different versions and variants of this legendary car. The participants will include a Giulia belonging to the State Police force from the Autocentro in Turin, in a perfect juxtaposition with the model on show in the Museum’s ‘Alfa in Uniform’ display.
Finally, two specimens of 1950s Alfa Romeo vans will be on show all weekend: a ‘455’ and a ‘Mille’ from the Marazzato Collection of classic vehicles in Stroppiana (Vercelli province). Consisting of over 200 automobiles, most of the collection is made up of vintage trucks and buses.
For more information and to see the full schedule of celebrations taking place across the weekend at the Alfa Romeo Museum, Arese visit www.museoalfaromeo.com.
Artura GT4 to appear at Goodwood Festival of Speed; global public debut for McLaren Automotive’s latest customer racing GT4 car
Artura GT4 features all-new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture (MCLA) monocoque, providing a weight reduction over the current 570S GT4
Compact and powerful V6 engine is both lighter and more fuel efficient than the previous GT4 V8, with improved throttle response
Increased use of bespoke motorsport components, including:
Transmission with shorter gear ratios than 570S GT4 and a mechanical limited slip differential for increased performance
A full Bosch Motorsport control system and modular motorsport electrical harness for increased team and driver versatility
Bespoke motorsport endurance braking systems with a sliding pedal box to enhance performance at the most demanding circuits
720S GT3-style steering wheel for increased driver interaction
Continued focus on ultimate driver engagement for both Amateur and Professional drivers
High levels of safety and improved serviceability access; increased lifing schedule
Customers can register interest in the new Artura GT4 now, through McLaren Motorsport Retailers
McLaren Motorsport today reveals the new Artura GT4 race car, ahead of its global public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, Sussex, England on June 23-26.
Based on the all-new McLaren Artura luxury supercar, the Artura GT4 builds on the huge successes of the multi-championship-winning 570S GT4 and 720S GT3 competition cars.
The new Artura GT4 shares much of its technology with the all-new McLaren Artura road car, which debuts the McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture featuring a carbon fibre monocoque at its core. This motorsport-inspired chassis design and construction is the ideal platform for a race car, as a rigid structure enables a wider setup envelope for the driver as well as providing a strong and extremely safe driving environment.
The minimisation of weight is a key element of the Artura road car, and this philosophy continues in the race car – with a compact V6 engine and ancillaries including the exhaust system all weight-optimised, the new GT4 car is more than 100Kg lighter than the outgoing 570S GT4.
The Artura road car has a hybrid powertrain with an all-new, compact twin-turbo 120-degree V6 petrol engine, allied to an Axial Flux E-Motor located in the transmission. The V6 engine alone generates more than enough output for the tightly-controlled GT4 racing requirements, where regulations do not permit hybrid powertrains. The lack of hybrid components delivers a weight-saving of 130kg on an already super-lightweight car, while the space within the carbon monocoque for the hybrid battery of the road car now houses the fuel cell and ancillary drive system, keeping weight central and low down.
The new V6 engine features fast-responding twin turbochargers situated within the engine vee and the unit has been designed to offer improved throttle response and fuel economy compared to the older M838 V8 used in the 570S GT4, even without electrification. Considerably lighter and smaller than the older unit, the new V6 engine further improves power-to-weight, lowers the car’s centre of gravity and benefits weight distribution.
The V6 engine is controlled by a Bosch Motorsport ECU to fine-tune Balance of Performance management, essential for competing in the GT4 category. The Artura GT4 also features a modular motorsport wiring harness for serviceability, reducing repair times and costs. This interfaces with a motorsport electrical system for enhanced versatility, with the benefit of more robust and variable control systems.
Power is delivered through a seven-speed gearbox with an improved set of ratios optimised for performance and the transmission system has onboard diagnostic software. The unit is not the same as the Artura road car’s eight-speed seamless shift gearbox as this employs the E-motor for reversing; GT4 regulations demand that the car must have a reverse gear.
The Artura road car carries the McLaren design principles of ‘everything for a reason’ and accordingly has high aerodynamic efficiency. The GT4 iteration extends this further with an aerodynamic package that offers greater downforce than the outgoing 570S GT4 particularly at the front end, which features a bespoke splitter, dive planes and bespoke bonnet duct. At the rear a high efficiency wing incorporates seven angle settings to cover a wide spectrum of circuit types.
Track excellence is an important part of the GT4 equation, but the Artura GT4 is designed to race in a category governed by Balance of Performance technical regulations that are intended to equalise a wide range of supercars and GTs with differing chassis layouts, power outputs and weights. Much attention, therefore, has been paid to the accessibility and safety of the Artura GT4 to both drivers and race teams.
Drivers of McLaren Automotive road and race cars have always enjoyed excellent visibility for both placing the car on track and in the intensity of wheel-to-wheel racing and the Artura GT4 further improves upon the 570S GT4 in this regard. Ingress and egress is also better, important for swift driver changes mid-race. Safety levels are on a par with the 720S GT3, including the fixed FIA 8862 spec driver’s seat with adjustable pedals for reach and the steering wheel is also inspired by the GT3 car with illuminated buttons for competition in all conditions at both day and night. The cockpit also features a new Bosch DDU instrument display, with enhanced graphics.
Suspension and handling is enhanced over the 570S GT4 with the front wheel width increased for more grip and less tyre degradation with development carried out in conjunction with tyre partner Pirelli. At the rear a mechanical Limited Slip Differential offers increased grip and performance with the benefit of improved rear brake wear, performance and reduced fuel consumption over the 570S GT4’s Electronic Stability Program system. Damping has also been improved, as has brake cooling efficiency. Driver aids include motorsport-specific Anti-lock Braking and Traction Control systems with adjustment for different grip conditions.
The Artura GT4 has also been built with bespoke motorsport-specific components to enhance performance, durability and serviceability for the extreme conditions of racing at the most demanding circuits. All of these components have been subjected to rigorous assessment to ensure that they have an increased lifing schedule.
Serviceability improvements include a removeable bonnet for ease of access and a 110-litre fuel cell with two motorsport lift pumps and a main pump for increased reliability and performance. The rear wing is mounted to the chassis using a new ‘G-Pylon’ design that means the rear bodywork can be removed without having to dismantle the wing. In the interests of robustness in the heat of battle, the Low Temperature Radiators have been moved inboard while the high-level exhaust system is now solely mounted to the powertrain; sound volume is recorded at 105dB static.
Purchasers of the Artura GT4 will also be able to order from a comprehensive list of options to support a range of competition and track environments. These include the fitting of a passenger seat and harness. Both seats can be specified in a variety of sizes.
Additional driver aids available to purchase include a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, V-Box telemetry and a Collision Avoidance System radar, and a data pack is available with laser ride height sensors, damper potentiometers and brake Infra-Red sensors. Endurance racing options include additional lights for night racing and a drinks system, while left-hand fuel fill and air jack lance are available for differing pit-lane demands.
“The Artura GT4 is the second race car to be built from the ground-up by McLaren Automotive’s Motorsport division. Based on the revolutionary new McLaren Artura, it represents a significant step up from the outgoing 570S GT4, itself a hugely successful competition car which has achieved many race and championship wins with our customer racing teams. With lighter weight, extremely precise handling characteristics and enhanced durability – as well as the packaging and efficiency advantages and all-round serviceability for mechanics of the new V6 powertrain – the Artura GT4 will set new class standards, as we are already seeing from our extensive test and development programme.” Ian Morgan, Director of Motorsport, McLaren Automotive
The Artura GT4 will make its global public debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on June 23-26, where visitors will be able to see it in action on the hill ahead of its competitive debut. At the wheel will be McLaren Factory Driver Rob Bell, winner of last year’s Timed Shootout Final in the McLaren 720S GT3X.
McLaren Automotive’s motorsport division will continue an intensive test and development programme ahead of the 2023 season when the first customer cars will compete. Customers can register interest in the new Artura GT4 now, through McLaren Motorsport Retailers.
Iron Dames trio of Sarah Bovy, Michelle Gatting, and Rahel Frey appearing on all four days at Goodwood Festival of Speed from June 23 to 26
The all-female racing team will feature the striking magenta livery on the Ferrari 488 GTE, encouraging and inspiring women in motorsport at all levels
2022 Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard sees the return of a full crowd after the COVID-19 pandemic
Today, all-female racing team, Iron Dames, has confirmed its participation at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed presented by Mastercard, with Sarah Bovy, Michelle Gatting, and Rahel Frey driving their Ferrari 488 GTE car up the iconic Hillclimb on all four days of the iconic motoring event.
With cars from the past and present appearing at Goodwood House in West Sussex, England on 23-26 June, the event is a perfect opportunity for the Iron Dames to show its striking livery as well as spread the team’s message of female inclusivity in motorsport. Iron Dames was established in 2019 to encourage women into motorsport at all levels, from drivers, through to management and engineers and is achieving great results on track.
Iron Lynx Team Principal, Andrea Piccini, said: “We are honoured to be invited and take part in the Goodwood Festival of Speed with one of our GTE cars. It’s one of the most beautiful and iconic motorsport events in the world, with some incredible winning cars from the past several decades on show for everyone to see.
“It will be a memorable experience for the whole team, and especially the Iron Dames, as this is the first time we have taken part in an event such as this. It’s not really about racing and being the fastest on the Hillclimb, but more about sharing a mutual love and passion for racing.”
The 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed will run from Thursday 23 June to Sunday 26 June. You can also follow Iron Dames on social media platforms here.
Over 5,400 visitors and participants took part in Beaulieu’s vibrant Hot Rod and Custom Show, with a busy line-up of impressive customised cars and bikes, dancing, music and trade stands making it an enjoyable Father’s Day out for all the family.
Show-goers were spoiled by rows of colourful machines at the busy show, held in association with the Solent Renegades club, on Sunday 19th June in the grounds of the National Motor Museum. More than 350 eye-catching motors parked up in the showground, ranging from cool customs and powerful bikes and trikes, to awesome rat rods, huge American motors and all manner of pre-1980 classics.
Show ambassador and famous custom car builder Andy Saunders arrived in style in his 1937 Cord Westchester Tetanus, before spending the day talking to other custom car owners and enthusiasts about car builds of the past, present and future. He then selected his favourite car of the show, as part of the presentation of awards for the most remarkable vehicles of the day.
Winning the Andy Saunders Award was Mike Wareham from Bournemouth, with his distinctive 1968 Volvo Amazon estate. Mike said: “I’m over the moon with the award, chuffed to bits. It was scrap when I bought it, so I’ve rebuilt it with a Mazda MX-5 engine and air ride suspension.”
Andy said: “This custom Volvo is a very pretty car, and was built on a low budget. For anyone wanting to build a custom, it’s achievable and very affordable. There’s so much work that has gone into it, such as the recessed door handles and the ‘frenched’ front sidelights – all these little bits make it look like a West Coast custom. If it inspires somebody else to build their own custom car, then it deserves to be applauded.”
The Best in Show Award went to the 1963 Chevrolet C10 Fleetside pick-up of Michelle and Martyn Marsh from Frimley, which turned many heads as it rumbled into the show. Presenting the award to Martyn, the Chief Executive of the National Motor Museum, Dr Jon Murden, said: “What an amazing truck this is, from its colour to the look of its huge wheels. I haven’t even looked at the mechanical specification, although I certainly heard it! It’s so hard to judge the Best in Show, but this is a very worthy winner.” Martyn said: “The Chevy is named Brutus, thanks to its big-block 7-litre engine. With 550bhp, it’s very quick!”
The Solent Renegades Best American Award was presented by Malc Nichols of the club to David Southcott of Hastings for his gleaming 1956 Buick Special. David said: “I’m very pleased, I’ve only had the car for a year. This is my second year coming to the Hot Rod and Custom Show. The car was a mess when I bought it, I’ve spent all my time on it, every minute that I have!” Malc said: “It’s been the hardest year to choose the winner of the Best American award, the competition was so tough this year.”
Jim Turnbull from Dorset won the Best Hot Rod Award for his stunning 1932 Ford Roadster. With its gleaming Flathead V8, Jim’s Roadster is equally at home on the street as it is on the drag strip. Jim said: “I’ve done a lot to this, as I’ve had it for 32 years. I just use it, abuse it, and fix it – I just love it.”
Winning the Best Bike Award was Martin Bradbrook from Shaftesbury, for his impressive Harley-Davidson Ironhead 1000cc Special, named ‘Moody Blue’. Martin said: “She’s called Moody Blue because she’s blue and very moody! It’s a complete custom one-off, I’ve hand-built the whole thing, including the frame, fuel tank, handlebars, seat and exhaust, while all the engraving was done by expert Don Blocksidge.” Presenting the award, the Chief Executive of the National Motor Museum, Dr Jon Murden, said: “I love this bike, with all the work that’s gone into it, it’s a work of art.”
The vibrant red 1956 Ford Thunderbird belonging to Leigh La-Reservee of Poole was chosen for the Best Custom Award. Leigh said: “I’m dead chuffed, I only got it a few months ago as something to do together with my dad. I’m fairly new to the old classics, but we’re in the process of re-upholstering the interior.” While the gleaming 1967 Dodge Coronet of Michael Nash was the heat winner of Classic American magazine’s Car of the Year competition. As well as his trophy, Michael received automatic entry into the competition finals at the NEC’s Classic Motor Show in November.
Throughout the day, The Bandits and Company B got showgoers’ feet tapping by performing rousing retro tunes on stage, while Jitterbug Jive offered how-to dancing demonstrations on the dance floor that everybody could get involved with. Vintage hair stylists offered retro styles, with face painting for youngsters.
The National Motor Museum Trust team were also engaging with visitors on their stand throughout the day, spreading the word about the National Motor Museum’s 50th anniversary. Marking this historic occasion, a 1970s Classic Car Drive-In Day will be taking place on Sunday 3rd July, with cars from the decade of the museum’s creation being the stars of the show. Opening that day, the National Motor Museum’s brand new exhibition, The Story of Motoring in 50 Objects, will also mark the special anniversary.
The Hot Rod & Custom Show is just one of the exciting motoring events at Beaulieu for 2022. For more high-octane excitement Beaulieu Supercar Weekend on 6th – 7th August is a must-see show, then find your dream classic car for sale at International Autojumble on 10th – 11th September. For Beaulieu’s full 2022 event calendar, visit www.beaulieu.co.uk/events.
