Venom Hits Staggering 270mph!

Cape Canaveral, Florida—On February 14, 2014, the Hennessey Venom GT set a new world speed record for 2-seat sports cars by reaching a top speed of 270.49 mph (435.31 km/h). The run was performed at the Kennedy Space Center on the 3.2-mile Space Shuttle landing runway. Brian Smith, Director of Miller Motorsport, experienced race driver and a former Michelin tire test engineer, drove the Venom GT to its record speed.

A representative from Racelogic, world-renowned maker of GPS data-acquisition systems, was on hand to independently verify and document the Venom GT's speed record. "The Venom GT attained a maximum speed of 270.49 mph as measured by our VBOX 3i GPS system," said Racelogic engineer Joe Lachovsky. The VBOX GPS data showed that the Venom GT was still accelerating at an average rate of 1 mph per second as it took just 10.1 seconds to go from 260 to 270 mph. The record run was made over a distance of 2.4 miles, which allowed the Venom just eight-tenths of a mile to stop. Thankfully, its Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes were able to haul the car down from 270 mph well before the end of the runway's 1000-ft. threshold. 

 "I knew the car had it in it, but it's a thrill to officially validate the Venom GT's 270-mph speed," said Hennessey CEO Don Goldman. "Venturing anywhere above 200 mph—let alone 270—is not to be taken lightly, and we're elated to have accomplished our goal." 

The Hennessey team can now add absolute top speed to its growing list of speed records. The Venom GT also owns the title for world's fastest from 0-300 km/h (13.63 sec.) and 0-200 mph (14.51 sec.). With a curb weight of 1,244 kilograms (2,743 lb.) and a power output of 1,244 bhp from its 7.0-liter twin turbo V8 engine, the Venom delivers 1 horsepower per kilogram of curb weight, making it the hardest-accelerating and fastest series-produced vehicle in the world. 

Achieving the world record is a dream realized for company founder and president John Hennessey. "I wanted to be an astronaut when I was a kid. Neil Armstrong was my childhood hero. Even though the astronaut thing didn't work out for me, I am humbled to have had the opportunity to set our speed record on the hallowed grounds of the American space program," said Hennessey. "Building and validating our Venom GT as the world's fastest has been a long journey and a lot of hard work. But as President Kennedy once so eloquently said, 'We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard.' As a result we have built a better car and a better team at Hennessey Performance (HPE)."

"It was still pulling," said driver Brian Smith after the record run. "If we could run on an 8-mile oval we could go faster than that. On the very top end there was a little wandering but, hey, we're going 270 mph! The Venom GT didn't require any big corrections, and the Michelins held traction really well." 

To date, HPE has built and delivered eleven Venom GTs to owners around the world. Each vehicle is built to order and takes six months to complete. As the production run will be limited to a total of just 29 units worldwide, the Venom GT is not only the fastest but also one of the most exclusive hypercars ever produced. Its components and systems, by necessity, need to meet the extraordinary demands inherent in achieving such rarefied velocities, and the Venom GT's Pennzoil Platinum synthetic motor oil is no exception. Said Chris Hayek, Global Brand Director for Pennzoil: "We constantly pursue the latest advancements in technology, and we couldn't be more excited that Hennessey Performance achieved this world speed record using Pennzoil's new full synthetic motor oil made from natural gas."

Ducati End 2013 With Record Sales

- With 44,287 motorcycles registered, 2013 represents another record for Ducati, continuing the positive growth trend of recent years

- The US continues as Ducati's top market,  followed by Italy and Germany

Borgo Panigale (Bologna), 28 February 2014 - The year 2013 closed with significant achievements for Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A, both in terms of new product and sales performance. Ducati's sales network of 817 dealers across 88 countries, delivered 44,287 motorcycles to customers, an increase over the 2012 total of 44,102.

Ducati, which has also increased its workforce by 83 to a total of 1,281 employees, is a global company whose sales are achieved around the world with 51% of sales recorded in Europe, 24% in North America and the remaining 25% in Asia and South America.

"We are very proud and satisfied with our results in 2013," commented Claudio Domenicali, CEO of Ducati. "Despite market uncertainties, especially in Southern Europe, Ducati has achieved positive results, confirming the strength of our products and the appreciation of our brand. For the second year running we have achieved record results, selling over 44,000 motorcycles, helped also by the introduction of new models such as the Hypermotard and 899 Panigale.

"Results for 2013 also confirm positive sales trends in emerging markets such as Asia, which grew by 26% compared to 2012 with 5,200 motorcycles sold, and Brazil, where Ducati only started sales activities in the second half of 2013 and already delivered 700 motorcycles in that period of time. The United States, accounting for 24% of sales, continues to be our largest market followed by Italy with 11.3% and Germany with 10.7%.

Continuous development of the product range and the success in new markets makes us confident that 2014 will see further growth for our company.

"These results allow us to continue our commitment to new product development plans and, in line with our main shareholder - the Audi Group - continuous technological and design innovation remains the cornerstone of our industrial strategy."

The arrival of new models for 2014, such as the new Monster 1200 (now available at Ducati dealerships) and the 1199 Superleggera (a limited edition of just 500 units which was already 90% sold-out before its official presentation at the Milan show) enable Ducati to look ahead with confidence and optimism, confirming the company's prestigious role for "Made in Italy" excellence in terms of technology, design and performance.

New Lexus Coupe Set To Rock The World At Geneva 2014!

Lexus will unveil its RC coupe for the first time in Europe at the 2014 Geneva motor show. Lexus has confirmed a 2015 launch for the car, which will be available with a 2.5-litre version of Lexus' full hybrid drive system, named RC 300h.

First revealed at the 2013 Tokyo motor show, the RC is a stand-alone model, rather than a two-door derivative of a sedan. Based on the GS platform, it differs in all dimensions from the GS and IS model lines.

The new RC model range features the latest Lexus advanced technology developments, including a new, touch-operated Remote Touch Interface (RTI), and an upgraded Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) safety system.

The new RC model range aims to raise Lexus' profile with a broader audience. The purity of its design and its engaging driving experience inject even more emotional appeal into a Lexus DNA already renowned for build quality, refinement and reliability.

BMW i3 Claims UK Car Of The Year Award 2014!

The BMW i3 has been honoured with the title of UK Car of the Year 2014, at the inaugural awards. It has also triumphed in the 'Supermini' category, while the BMW 5 Series came out on top in the 'Executive' car class. 

The UKCOTY Awards bring together judges from all corners of the UK, as well as from a wide variety of backgrounds, to make this the most complete judging panel of any motoring awards. The awards aim to provide an independent set of awards for the car industry, highlighting the best vehicles in the market in a range of categories for UK buyers. 27 journalists judged cars across 12 categories for the first UK Car of the Year awards.

Guy Bird, UKCOTY judge, said of the BMW i3: "'Game-changing' is such a cliché but that is what i3 is. From the eco-focused technology that underpins it, to the modern and functional design and material choices - including the most original production car interior this century - the i3 is far more than just a new car. Indeed, with its connected drive approach seeking to make links with other forms of transport and the surrounding infrastructure, rather than simply impose itself upon its environment, the i3 represents the start of a whole new way of thinking about getting from A to B."

Uwe Dreher, BMW UK Marketing Director, commented on the win: "For the BMW i3 to be voted as the first ever UK Car of the Year is real testament to the years of research and development that have gone into making BMW's first electric production car.  The BMW i3 has pushed the boundaries in every way from sustainable production, to its unique construction and revolutionary ownership proposition. The judging panel clearly recognise this and we are delighted to be given such an independent accolade."

The new BMW i3 is the first model to launch within the BMW i range.  Two BMW i cars are confirmed for production, the fully-electric BMW i3 megacity vehicle and the plug-in hybrid BMW i8 sports car. The BMW i3 is BMW's first fully-electric production car and is priced from £369 a month* or £25,680** OTR. First deliveries of the BMW i3 were made to customers in the UK in February 2014, meanwhile the BMW i8 will go on sale in the UK in 2014 priced at £99,845 OTR.

*Finance based on a 36 month Personal Lease agreements for models stated. Initial payment £2,995.00 inc VAT and contract mileage of 24,000 miles. Figures shown incorporate Government plug-in car grant.  Excess mileage and vehicle condition charges apply. Subject to status and available to over 18's in the UK only (not the Channel Islands or Isle of Man). Retail customers only. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. Prices are correct at the time of going to print (July 2013) and are subject to change without notice. Lease is provided by BMW Financial Services, Europa House, Bartley Way, Hook, Hampshire RG27 9UF. Participating dealers only.

**With £5,000 OLEV Government grant.

Audi A3 Voted Best Small Hatch of 2014!

 ·       Audi A3 marked out in the Best Small Hatch category at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2014

·       Prices start from £18,280 OTR for the A3 1.2 TFSI SE, rising to £29,435 OTR for the A3 2.0 TDI 184 PS quattro S tronic ·       Sportback models carry a £620 price premium over three-door

·       A3 Saloon prices range from £22,825 OTR for the 1.4 TFSI Sport with Cylinder-on-Demand (CoD) to £27,905 OTR for the 2.0 TDI S line S tronic

·       A3 Cabriolet priced from £25,790 OTR to £32,420 OTR

·       Top-of-the-range S3 variant accompanies all body types, offering 300 PS and 380Nm  

Where the Audi A3 is concerned, a panel of the UK's most accomplished motoring experts has collectively reached the same conclusion as tens of thousands of UK Audi customers - they believe that it is the pick of the class, and have rubber stamped their decision by honouring it with a coveted 2014 UK Car of the Year Award.      

The plaudits which led to the Best Small Hatch Award for the Audi A3 came from the 27-strong UK Car of the Year judging panel, which comprises a broad spectrum of leading motoring journalists from across the industry. All judges write for a range of digital and print media outlets that have the potential to reach more than 80 million consumers a month.

Commenting on the winning formula that has now been carried over to the sleek new A3 Saloon, accomplished freelance writer and design expert Nargess Shamanesh Banks said: "Audi has balanced the proportions perfectly with the A3 Saloon, without taking away the close relationship with its hatch sibling," while Editor-in-Chief of Autotrader Jon Quirk added: "Great image and residuals, combined with big car refinement and technology; the A3 would make downsizing a pleasure."

Further praise for the "no-nonsense, everyday practicality, combined with peerless build quality and superior ergonomics" came from respected writer Anthony Ffrench-Constant, while Editor of Fleet World Steve Moody called the Audi A3 Sportback "the small hatch most buyers aspire to, and most manufacturers want to copy."

A3 - now there are four

The Audi A3 range now extends to four separate variants, appealing to the broadest customer base in the history of the premium compact. Prospective buyers can choose from a three-door hatch, the versatile five-door Sportback, the spacious saloon and the all-new four-seater Cabriolet, which now features a fully concealable fabric hood.

A host of efficient and powerful engines can be specified in the A3 three-door and Sportback, from the 105 PS 1.2 TFSI to the 184 PS 2.0 TDI quattro. Prices start from £18,280 to £29,435 OTR, with a £620 premium for equivalent Sportback models.

Notable as the first ever 'three-box' A3, the spacious new saloon offers more seats-up luggage capacity than the five-door Sportback and the same deceptively generous helping of cabin space. The engine line-up starts with the entry-level 1.4 TFSI engine with Cylinder-on-Demand, which is capable of up to 60.1mpg on a combined cycle and emits just 109g/km of CO2 when fitted with S tronic transmission (58.9mpg combined and 111g/km for six-speed manual versions). A 180 PS 1.8 TFSI tops the petrol selection, while the 74.3mpg 1.6 TDI with 105 PS and 68.9mpg 2.0 TDI with 150 PS complete the diesel contingent. Prices start from £22,825 OTR, rising to £27,905 OTR.

Completing the line-up, the new A3 Cabriolet is now ready to order, priced from £25,790 OTR for the 1.4 TFSI SE with Cylinder-on-Demand to £32,420 OTR for the 1.8 TFSI in S line specification.

Performance enthusiasts can also choose their Sportback or Saloon in 300PS, quattro-equipped S3 form. S3 prices start from £30,640 OTR, £31,260 OTR for the Sportback, and from £33,240 OTR for the S3 Saloon.