2008 Mazda Kazamai Concept Hits Moscow Review

Kazamai, which means “swirling crosswinds” in Japanese, expresses the powerful yet nimble image of a stylish and compact crossover. The concept is based on Mazda’s long-term vision for technology development ‘Sustainable Zoom-Zoom’ which aims to provide a unique balance between sporty driving fun, and superior environmental and safety performance.

The evolving Mazda design language ‘Nagare’ is evident on Kazamai’s exterior, with panel lines inspired by crosswinds in nature which evoke visual lightness, fused with aerodynamic proportions. The bold five-point grille, accentuated front wheelarches and sleek roof line, combined with large 22-inch diameter wheels, endow Kazamai with high emotional appeal.

Sporty to look at, Kazamai is designed to be spirited and fun to drive, with compact dimensions. The concept’s four-wheel drive Mazda powertrain will consist of a next-generation direct-injection engine and a newly-developed transmission. It is also aerodynamically efficient, with an evolved lightweight and robust body structure that also contributes to the vehicle’s dynamics and safety.

If it were to be built, Mazda’s latest showcar would deliver exciting driving dynamics, frugal fuel consumption and greatly reduced CO2 emissions.

The Mazda Kazamai promises to be another ground-breaking show car from Mazda Design, winner of this year’s Grand Prix du Design in Paris. Created especially for the Moscow International Automobile Salon, Kazamai gives a good indication of where Mazda is going with a possible future compact crossover.

In Russia’s growing automotive market, compact SUVs are the second-largest segment, representing about 13 percent of all new car sales. Consequently, the 2008 MIAS will also mark the Russian debut of Mazda’s CX-9 SUV, which was crowned 2008 North American Truck of the Year in February.

Complete information about Kazamai will be made available immediately after Mazda’s press conference at 10:15 hrs local time, on 26 August.

2008 Zagato GTZ & Spyker Aileron Join Forces Review

Broughtons Specialist Cars, the ‘luxury retailer of the world’s most exclusive cars’, will give UK car enthusiasts their first opportunity to see the sensational Zagato Bentley GTZ and Spyker C8 Aileron when The British International Motor Show opens at ExCeL in London’s Docklands next week.

In total, Broughtons will be responsible for displaying seven supercars at the Show: the Zagato Bentley GTZ, two Koenigseggs and four Spykers. The models will be exhibited in the Ultimate Collection and the Ultimate Collection Public Gallery for the duration of the event – from 23 July to 3 August.

One of the largest privately owned luxury car retailers in the UK, Broughtons is proud to be the exclusive UK Ambassador for Italian Atelier, Zagato and the sole distributor within the UK for the Dutch manufacturer Spyker and Swedish brand Koenigsegg.

Hand-crafted in Milan by Zagato, the new Bentley GTZ is based on the 200mph, 600ps W-12 engined Continental GT Speed and only nine examples will be manufactured. Mechanically true to Bentley’s original vision, the GTZ features many Zagato trade-mark characteristics, with a rounded tail, new rear lamp clusters, narrowed side windows, double-bubble roof design, deeper front grille, full-width lower front air intake and two-tone paintwork.

The Dutch-built Spyker C8 Aileron continues the company’s signature architecture with a mid-engined configuration and aluminium spaceframe chassis, clad in aluminium panels. For the C8 Aileron, the wheelbase is stretched 100mm and the unique glass canopy is extended rearwards – increasing cabin space and reducing aerodynamic drag. The headlamp units have been redesigned to blend more closely with the body lines and feature LED indicators as well as Xenon headlamps.

For the C8 Aileron, the double wishbone suspension is all-new, the AP Racing braking system can be upgraded with (optional) carbon ceramic discs, and the 400ps 4.2-litre V8 engine can be now be specified with a 6-speed Getrag manual or 6-speed ZF automatic transmission.

Founded in 1946 in Cheltenham as a Bentley dealer, Broughtons has grown to represent five of the world’s most glamorous automotive brands – Aston Martin, Bentley, Koenigsegg, Spyker and Zagato – retailed from dedicated showrooms at locations in Cheltenham, Berkshire and Surrey. Further information on Broughtons can be found online at www.broughtons.co.uk.

2008 NICE Ze-O EV Europe Launch Review

Affordable, practical, with low running costs and zero emissions; NICE Car Company today presents the first image of the all-new Ze-O. Making its global debut at the British Motor Show next week, this MPV is the first all-electric car available within a family budget.

“All-electric sports car prototypes are eye-catching and interesting,” said Julian Wilford, co-founder NICE Car Company. “However, we all know customers want practical electric cars and they want them sooner rather than later. The Ze-O is a genuinely spacious and affordable car; it’s coming to the UK this Autumn and to the rest of Europe during 2009. We expect to be very busy at the motor show.”

Styled in Europe and manufactured by NICE’s partners in China, the entry level Ze-O will have a range of up to 65 miles in city driving and top speed of 55 mph. Optional, longer-range lithium-ion battery options will be available soon. Emissions free, the car will be exempt from road tax, congestion charge and boasts running costs of a few pence per mile. That’s a fraction of the cost of a conventional petrol or diesel model.

First picture of £14k, all-electric MPV from NICE Car Company
To be unveiled at British International Motor Show on 22 July 2008
Neither a concept nor prototype; the Ze-O is coming to Europe this year

2008 Peugeot Electric Taxi Unveiled Review

Taxis will be propelled into a new era at this year’s British International Motor Show with the launch of the UK’s very first electric taxi. Launched by Glasgow based Allied Vehicles which builds thousands of taxis each year, the new E7 taxi appears in the electric pavilion for the duration of the motor show.

The electric taxi will be available from October 2008 and is the result of three years research and development by Allied, which is already looking for local authority partners to install recharging networks locally to help drive down urban emissions.

However, a recent snub by Transport for London’s taxi licensing division, the Public Carriage Office, means the UK’s first zero emission taxi will not be appearing on the capital’s streets anytime soon.

The E7 is powered entirely by cutting edge Lithium-ion batteries which have been developed and supplied by Europe’s leading independent manufacturer, Dundee based Axeon Holdings plc. These give the electric E7 a range of up to 100 miles from a single charge and a top speed of 60mph.

Producing no carbon, particulates or other pollutant emissions, the E7 is eligible for a 100% discount from vehicle excise duty, as well as lower daily running costs.

With rising fuel prices an increasing problem for taxi drivers, the electric E7 is cheaper to run than a traditional black cab*. Allied’s confidence in the technology is underlined with batteries featuring a six-year warranty and the base vehicle boasting a two-year unlimited mileage Peugeot warranty.

The electric E7 also provides full wheelchair access. Thanks to its large rear-passenger area wheelchair users can enter the vehicle more easily and be turned into the correct position for travel, before being secured safely with high-quality wheelchair restraints and passenger seat belts.

Each taxi is equipped with retractable side-steps and a specially designed, under-floor wheelchair ramp to further improve accessibility for disabled passengers.

The new E7 taxi combines the comfort and safety required by the modern taxi driver including a driver’s airbag, a feature which is unavailable on traditional black cabs.

“Taxis and their drivers have a hard life and with the rising cost of diesel at the moment, it is only going to get worse,” said Gerry Facenna, Chairman of Allied Vehicles.

“For the majority of taxi drivers, the key issue when buying a new cab is usually the cost to run, service and maintain their vehicle. In the current economic climate drivers are looking for ways to reduce costs and electric power offers an ideal solution, especially for congested urban areas where traffic is stop-start for much of the day.

“We’ve had a positive response to electric vehicles from many local authorities, both in the UK and in Europe. However it’s a shame that London looks set to miss out, especially since its famous taxi fleet is currently responsible for 4% of all emissions in the capital,” he added.

The E7 will cost £39,450. To put this into perspective, a London style black taxi based on a TX4 silver automatic is in the region of £35,455 on the road.

2008 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Confirmed Review

Production of the new MINI began in 2001 in Oxford and soon after, the Cooper Car Company in East Preston launched a wide range of John Cooper Works tuning kits and accessories for MINI. This gave MINI owners, obsessed with personalisation and performance, an even greater opportunity to create their perfect MINI. John Cooper’s achievements in world motor sport laid the foundations for the John Cooper Works brand. Now in 2008, fans of MINI and the John Cooper Works brand have something new to lust after: the new MINI John Cooper Works, hot off the production line at MINI Plant Oxford.

The MINI John Cooper Works will go on sale in the UK from 22 July 2008, priced at £20,995 on the road. First deliveries of the Clubman edition will not take place until early in 2009, when a bespoke aerodynamic kit will have been developed for that model, giving it an even more dynamic presence on UK roads. Pricing for the MINI John Cooper Works Clubman will be confirmed nearer the time.

Both Hatch and Clubman derivatives will be assembled at MINI’s Plant Oxford site. The John Cooper Works models will seamlessly integrate into the production schedule alongside other Hatch, Clubman and Convertible MINIs. Sixty per cent of MINI suppliers are UK-based and with body panels from MINI’s Plant Swindon and engines from Plant Hams Hall, the MINI Production Triangle is a thriving asset to UK manufacturing.

Fastest ever production MINI* is the torque of the town…and track
A strengthened, larger version of the award-winning twin-scroll turbocharger, partly responsible for the grin on the face of every MINI Cooper S owner, is the heart and lungs of the new MINI John Cooper Works. Developing 211hp and an impressive 260 Nm of torque, turbo boost can be extended even further to 280Nm on deployment of the car’s Overboost system. This gives the MINI John Cooper Works the highest peak torque figure ever of any open production MINI. Because full boost is available between 1,850 and 5,600rpm, the car is an outstanding performer on road or track.

A race car for the road…with a conscience
The engine, transmission and braking system of the MINI John Cooper Works Hatch and Clubman models is adapted from the MINI CHALLENGE race car. Little wonder then that a 0-62mph time of 6.5 seconds is the result of extensive performance tuning. All this and a potential 40 miles per gallon. Have your cake and eat it!

The difference is in the differential
To ensure power is transferred to the wheels with minimal fuss and maximum dynamic performance, every MINI John Cooper Works car is supplied with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as standard. ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Electronic Differential Lock Control (EDLC), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Hill Assist complete the line-up of chassis management technologies fitted to the John Cooper Works cars.

Strength of appearance
Making the MINI John Cooper Works stand out from a standard MINI Cooper S is a range of specific styling and performance features. An aerodynamic kit, bespoke 17” alloy wheels, John Cooper Works badges, large disc brakes with upgraded bright red performance calipers and large twin tailpipes denote this car has something special under the metal. A full range of John Cooper Works styling accessories is available from all MINI dealers or online at www.mini.co.uk

MINI John Cooper Works highlights
• On sale in the UK from 22 July 2008 priced at £20,995 for the Hatch model
• Engine modifications produce 211 hp and give the MINI John Cooper Works a 0-62 mph time of 6.5 seconds
• 132 hp per litre
• 40.9 mpg
• Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as standard
• Engine, brakes, suspension and transmission tuning adapted from the MINI CHALLENGE race car

2006 MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit official 0-62mph time was also 6.5 seconds. UK sales of this car were limited to 454 units.

2008 Maserati GranTurismo S First Drive Review

A stellar array of supercars kicked off the 2008 Goodwood Festival of Speed on Friday with manufacturers showcasing the very latest – and fastest – performance icons. Maserati lovers and fellow spectators were treated to the first UK glimpses of the trident marque’s two latest additions: the Quattroporte S and the GranTurismo S.

The Quattroporte S, the latest incarnation of Maserati’s iconic flagship saloon, drew admiring glances thanks to its scintillating performance on the track and its inimitable style in the paddock. The Quattroporte S has a dual soul as a luxury saloon with sports-car performance and is fully responsive in all driving conditions whilst cosseting the driver in its luxurious and distinctive ‘Made in Italy’ interior. It’s equipped with a 4.7 litre V8 delivering a maximum power output of 430 CV at 7,000 rpm, accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 5.4 seconds and has a maximum speed of 174 mph.

The GranTurismo S flew up the hill with supermodel Jodie Kidd behind the wheel on Saturday while celebrity chef and car collector, James Martin, took to the track on Sunday. The GranTurismo S is the ultimate expression of the Trident’s sportiness. Its 440 hp V8 4.7 litre engine, electro-actuated gearbox with fast MC Shift, transaxle layout, sporty exhaust and dual-cast brakes make the GranTurismo S a true ambassador for Maserati’s sporting flair, with acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds and a maximum speed of 183 mph, the highest ever reached by a standard production Maserati.

Official prices for Maserati’s latest models, which will reach the UK showrooms in September were also announced. The new Maserati Quattroporte will be on sale at £79,000 and the Quattroporte S at £85,000. Prices for the GranTurismo S will start at £89,900.

2008 Honda’s New Roadster Unveil Review

Honda will unveil a low-emission, lightweight sports study model at the British International Motor Show later this month. The striking two-seat roadster aims to couple sleek looks with exciting driving dynamics and more efficient engine technology, to give lower exhaust emissions.

The Honda OSM (for Open Study Model), was designed by Honda’s R&D facility in Offenbach, Germany. It’s the latest example of the young talent being developed within Honda’s design studios in Europe – following the Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept (Geneva 2007) and the Accord Tourer Concept (Frankfurt 2007).

At present, there are no plans for this design study model to enter production, although Honda will gather feedback from customers at the show to guide any future developments.

Sitting on sporty six-spoke alloy wheels, the OSM has a slippery, aerodynamic exterior to minimise drag. A wide, sloping rear end incorporates a narrow rear light strip, which wraps around the rump of the car. At the front, a gaping front grille sits between angular headlights that stretch from nose of the bonnet to the top of the wheel arches.

The car will be revealed during the Honda press conference on Tuesday, 22 July at 10.30am, on the Honda stand in the North Hall.

Stand stars
Joining the OSM on the Honda stand will be the FCX Clarity – Honda’s hydrogen fuel cell production car – making its UK show debut. Last month, the first customer car rolled off the line in Japan, and deliveries take place during July. The zero-emission cars are being introduced first in California, before a launch in Japan later this year.

The CR-Z – Honda’s lightweight hybrid sportscar – can be seen for the first time in the UK at this year’s show. The low emission coupe has been confirmed for production and forms an important part of Honda’s commitment to hybrid technology.

These two models are accompanied by the full current range of Honda cars – including an Accord suspended upside down from the ceiling to reflect the recent skydiving advertising campaign for the D-sector challenger.

The Power of Dreamscape
Honda has also taken over the Live Action Arena at ExCel, renaming it ‘Dreamscape’ for the duration of the British Motor Show. This arena will house performances that tell the unique story of Honda, using cars, motorcycles, dancers and even robots!

Helping Honda celebrate its 60th birthday, a cast of actors, drivers and riders will showcase over 40 different products from Honda’s history. ASIMO, Honda’s advanced humanoid robot, will also show off its latest skills, including a new ability to run.

To compliment the high-energy show, urban free-runners will burst onto the scene with an energetic re-enactment in the spirit of the latest TV advert. The arena comprises of a 50 square metre tarmac area with a stage at one end and tiered seating for 2,500 people, plus three projection screen, a super-sound system and live music.

Each Dreamscape performance will last 20 minutes followed by 10 minutes viewing time, where visitors can get close to the stars of the show. There will be at least four shows per day – plus an exclusive premiere on press day (22 July) at 15.00.

Show times (Public days)

11.00
13.00
15.00
17.00

Greener Driving Pavilion
Honda’s environment stand, made from bamboo and other natural materials, provides the ideal surroundings for another public showing of Honda’s clean-living Civic Hybrid, which emits just 109g/km of CO2.

The stand itself will tell the story of Honda’s history of developing cleaner technology for all its products; from 4-stroke marine engines and more efficient generators, to hydrogen fuel cell cars that produce zero emissions.

Visitors to the Honda section of the show will receive an audio guide via headphones, which will provide detailed information on the different areas of the stand.

Freefall with Honda
Showgoers will also be able to experience Honda’s latest TV advert – Jump – in a vertical skydive simulator which will be located between the main hall and the Dreamscape arena on the east side of ExCel.

Honda’s cleaner cars – a brief history

1972 The CVCC engine is developed for the Civic – a low-emission petrol engine that meets strict US regulations

1993 Honda wins prestigious World Solar Challenge with the solar-powered Type Dream car

1996 Honda EV Plus electric vehicle – capable of carrying four adults nearly 140miles on a single charge – is presented to the public

1997 We unveil the Civic GX, which runs on natural gas and is available to buy in America. It becomes the world’s cleanest car

1999 Honda launches the Insight – a petrol-electric hybrid car capable of 83mpg on the combined cycle, with emissions of just 80g/km of CO2

2003 Civic IMA hybrid saloon is launched, with CO2 emissions of 116g/km

2006 New Civic Hybrid goes on sale, with fuel economy of 61.4mpg (combined) and emissions of 109g/km

2007 A lightweight hybrid sportscar, named CR-Z Concept, is revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show, and a version is confirmed for production

2008 Honda unveils OSM study model at the British International Motor Show.
The hydrogen fuel cell-powered Honda FCX Clarity rolls off the production line in Japan, and leasing of these zero emission vehicles starts in the US

2009 A much more affordable hybrid car from Honda is due to go on sale in the UK in the Spring – making cleaner motoring technology available to more people

2008 Suzuki Showcases @ UK Motor Show Review

Suzuki’s vibrant Way of Life! philosophy is represented by one of the UK’s youngest model ranges at the British International Motor Show. More than that, there are two exciting design concepts making their UK debut, plus exhibits from Suzuki’s Swift Sport Cup one-make rally series, its market-leading motorcycle range and its impressive all-terrain vehicle and marine engine line-ups.

On four wheels or two, on the road, off the road and on the water, Suzuki is at the forefront of creating vehicles and engines that deliver excitement, style and performance, while fully pushing its green credentials by addressing the need for lower emissions and greater fuel efficiency.

Suzuki; now in its 99th year, is exhibiting at the show for the first time with the Kizashi concept taking centre stage; a powerful design study that provides a platform for its entry into the European D-segment in 2010. Bold and dynamic, it is a pure expression of the excitement Suzuki is bringing to its new generation of cars.

The Kizashi Concept marks the beginning of the third phase of Suzuki’s global strategy, themed on ‘Status’. It follows on from phase one, ‘Sports’, as expressed by Swift, and phase two, ‘Family’, launched by the new Splash.

Concept Kizashi was first unveiled at Frankfurt in 2007, initiating a design theme that has since been interpreted in two further concept vehicles – Kizashi 2 and Kizashi 3 – presented at the Tokyo and New York motor shows. Kizashi is a Japanese word meaning ‘prelude’ or ‘foretaste’, and so fittingly expresses the concept’s pivotal position as a standard-bearer for Suzuki’s progress into a new market.

More modest in scale, but no less eye-catching, the A-STAR concept is Suzuki’s vision for a new city car that is big on character with clean, efficient performance. Styling cues illustrate both Japanese and Indian cultural elements. The A-STAR concept has been produced by Suzuki’s wholly owned subsidiary in the sub-continent.

The complete current Suzuki model range will also be on view, featuring the recently launched Splash, Swift, Swift Sport, SX4 and Grand Vitara – all new within the past three years – plus the redoubtable, high-value Jimny compact 4×4.

Suzuki’s Swift Sport Cup, a one-make championship designed to promote new rallying talent, will also be represented, together with the best of Suzuki’s motorcycle, ATV and marine outboard engine ranges.

The world of motorcycles will be represented by the all-conquering GSX-R1000 sports bike; the RM-Z450, the world’s first production fuel-injected motocross machine; and the ultimate cruiser, the Intruder M1800R.

More sporting excellence can be witnessed in the limited edition LT-Z400 QuadSport Relentless Special and the mighty DF300 marine outboard engine, which boasts the highest power-to-weight ratio in its class.

2008 Lotus Eco Elise Eco Warrior Review

Lotus unveils the Eco Elise technology demonstrator at the British Motor Show, capitalising on great strides forward in green technology. The Eco Elise project promotes a different perspective on “green”, one which does not revolve solely around tailpipe CO2. This holistic approach is in keeping with the progressive Lotus culture, driving Lotus to become the world’s green automotive consultancy.

Sustainable materials, hemp, eco wool and sisal have been developed for body panels and trim and, combined with hi-tech water based paint solutions, showcase new affordable green technologies. The green credentials of the technology on show in the Eco Elise have been analysed throughout the lifecycle of the car.

A green gear change display has been integrated into the dashboard to promote greener driving as well as a weight reduction programme, illustrating the holistic approach taken. The energy expended to manufacture the car has been evaluated, working to the 3R’s – Reduce, Re-use and Recycle.

Mike Kimberley, CEO of Group Lotus plc commented “This Eco Elise is a great example of the advanced and affordable green technologies Lotus is developing. We are at the cutting edge of environmental technology and are determined to push forward with our green agenda. The Lotus brand values of lightweight, fuel efficient, and high performance are more relevant today than they ever have been. We are keen to ensure that Lotus as a company and its products offer an ethical, green option that appeals to our customers”.

In keeping with the “performance through light weight” philosophy, the Eco Elise weighs 32 kg (70.5 lbs) less than the standard Elise S, which means that the efficient Elise S engine in the Eco Elise will give higher fuel economy figures and even better performance.

Dramatic improvements to the culture and operations at Lotus has rewarded the company with staggering reductions in energy (Electricity 14%, Gas 30%) and water (11%) consumed across the Hethel headquarters in 2007, compared to 2006. These advances have coincided with improvements in recycling, with 57% of waste product now being recycled.

The new green materials sourced for this car have been carefully studied to ensure that each technology used reduces the environmental impact of the vehicle. The life of the components has been analysed; during the production stage, in-use and at the end of the vehicle’s life. The technology used aims to offer lower emissions of both solvents and CO2 in the lifecycle of the vehicle, with reductions in energy consumed during manufacture.

The Eco Elise will be displayed in the Greener Driving Pavilion at the British International Motor Show from 23rd July until 3rd August. The project displays affordable green technology that is intended to be feasible and production viable in the near term future.

The Lotus Eco Elise in more detail
The project focuses on developments in:
Sustainable materials
Cleaner manufacturing processes
Renewable energy generation
Reducing carbon miles
Efficient driving techniques
Weight reduction

The renewable materials have been incorporated into the project, with hemp, eco wool and sisal providing natural, biodegradable engineering materials. Cleaner manufacturing processes have been sought, utilising the latest water based paint technology. Using this paint system saves energy and reduces emissions of solvents from the paint shop. Solar panels have been set into the hemp hard top to help power the electrical systems and give a means of renewable energy generation.

With the use of locally farmed hemp, the carbon miles to produce the Eco Elise are reduced, in keeping with the holistic approach to this vehicle. The Eco Elise puts an emphasis on efficient driving techniques by using an “economy” gear change display to improve fuel efficiency and promote greener driving. The car has undergone a weight reduction programme to add a little extra lightness, assisting in more economical, greener driving.

Sustainable materials
Sustainable hemp technical fabrics have been used as the primary constituent in the high quality “A” class composite body panels and spoiler. The renewable hemp has exceptional material properties that make for a very strong fibre. Historically hemp has been used in the manufacture of rope, illustrating the great strength of the material.

The hemp fibres have also been used in the manufacture of the lightweight Lotus designed seats. An additional benefit of using hemp is that it is a natural resource that requires relatively low energy to manufacture and absorbs CO2 whilst growing as a plant through natural photosynthesis. This hemp material is used with a polyester resin to form a hybrid composite, however it is hoped that a fully recyclable composite resin will be viable in the short-term future.

The Eco Elise seats are upholstered in a durable yet, biodegradable woollen fabric that has been given the EU Flower certificate to exemplify its environmental credentials. This new material is ethically produced and does not use any dyes or harmful processing. In fact the colour is created from the selection of sheep breeds used to produce the wool for the yarn, which increases the natural feel of the wool and reduces the processing of the cloth.

Sisal is a renewable crop that, like hemp, is used for its strong material properties. Sisal has been used for the carpets in the Eco Elise, as it is a tough, abrasion resistant material. The use of these materials illustrates the capability at Lotus of utilising new, advanced materials and the flexibility of the manufacturing facilities.

Cleaner manufacturing processes
Whilst improving the green credentials of the Lotus production facilities, the Lotus Paint Facility, in partnership with Du Pont has developed a totally water-based paint system. This paint solution includes primer, colour coat and lacquer, and it is the first time that it has been possible to hand spray a water based “A” class production paint finish.

In using this progressive water based technology, Lotus is able to achieve impressive savings in energy consumption due to the low cure temperature this paint requires. An additional benefit of this paint system is the reduction in emissions of solvents, all of which contribute to substantial cost savings for Lotus. This is a result of the unique collaboration with Du Pont in pushing forward low-volume paint spraying technology. This technology is anticipated to be available in production cars in the near future.

Renewable energy generation
The hemp hard top on the Eco Elise has two flexible solar panels neatly embedded in the roof, contributing power to the electrical systems and saving energy that would be drained from the engine.

The solar panels have been integrated into the hard top to illustrate the feasibility of applying this technology. This application shows the installation of solar panels into a composite “A” class panel with a double curvature. Using this technology on a greater number of panels would make it possible to provide more power, especially on a larger vehicle.

Reduction in carbon miles
The hemp fibres have been farmed in East Anglia, thus reducing the carbon miles incurred in the production of this Elise. Lotus Manufacturing has component manufacturing facilities and a paint facility at its headquarters in Hethel, Norfolk, with another manufacturing site a short distance away in Norwich. The company operates a carefully managed logistics system operating between sites to improve efficiency, reduce costs and carbon miles. This is a Kanban driven barcode system that has been adopted by key suppliers. The process also uses packaging that is recycled many times over to eliminate waste.

Efficient driving techniques
Lotus cars have red shift lights to help drivers extract the maximum performance from the engine. However for the Eco Elise, Lotus designed software has been developed to assist drivers in maximising the fuel efficiency of the engine. A green gear shift display has been integrated into the instrument panel to ensure that gears are changed at the optimum point to reduce emissions and save fuel.

Weight reduction
“Performance through light weight” is so synonymous with Lotus. The reduction in mass improves the handling and braking performance and also reduces the effort required to accelerate the car. The weight reduction philosophy has even extended to the audio system with an exceptionally lightweight stereo and speaker system from Alpine saving 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs). The system uses MP3/ iPod technology in a sleek modern design.

The Eco Elise uses special lightweight wheels that reduce the unsprung mass and contribute a weight saving of approximately 15.8 kg (34.8 lbs) over the already super light Elise wheels. The weight saving programme for the Eco Elise has resulted in a total saving of around 32 kg (70.5 lbs) over the feather light Elise S, which reduces the fuel required to drive the car.

2008 Ferrari Adds Diversity to Goodwood Festival of Speed Review

Ferrari will be present at the Goodwood Festival of Speed once again this year with a diverse array of exotic and beautiful cars on display, including the UK debut of the performance class-leading 430 Scuderia in Fiorano Ferrari livery and a truly unique 612 Scaglietti which recently completed a 13,000 km journey around India on the Ferrari Magic India Discovery Drive which took place from March to May earlier this year. Together with a stunningly capable 599 GTB Fiorano, these cars will be located in The Sunday Times Supercar Paddock and will be the main attractions of The Sunday Times Supercar Run which takes place twice each day, in the early morning and around mid-day.

The 430 Scuderia is Ferrari’s latest high-performance mid-engined V8 car, with an incredible 510hp from a naturally-aspirated 4.3 litre engine, and several weight-saving initiatives which reduce the weight of the car by 100kg over the F430 Coupe. The 430 Scuderia is the first Ferrari to combine the dynamic advantages of the Electronic Differential of the F430 Coupe with the F1-Trac traction control system which made its debut on the 599 GTB Fiorano in 2006. The car also features several aerodynamic innovations, such as the patented “base bleed” which was developed by the FXX team and makes a significant contribution to the car’s overall dynamic and aerodynamic capabilities.

This particular 430 Scuderia will be appearing in dynamic Fiorano Ferrari livery and is one of five 430 Scuderia cars which Ferrari GB makes available for Ferrari customers in the UK through the exclusive Fiorano Ferrari membership to drive at some of the best and most challenging Formula One circuits in the UK and around Europe. Fiorano Ferrari members also benefit from several other exclusive opportunities, such as VIP Ferrari hospitality at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and membership is open to any Ferrari owners in the UK. For more information about Fiorano Ferrari, please visit www.fioranoferrari.com

Following it in the Supercar Run is a very special 612 Scaglietti in a unique livery which it wore on a recent tour of India, covering over 13,000 km over 72 days on a journey which saw more than 50 journalists from all over the world participate in another of Ferrari’s grand adventures of grand trans-continental travel. The car received only a few minor modifications from standard to cope with the often rough terrain as it travelled around the Indian sub-continent: a ride height increased by 4mm and aluminium underbody protection. This 612 Scaglietti also features a new stratified electrochromic panoramic roof which lends the interior an unparalleled sense of space and airiness, with three levels of glass tint that can be selected to suit varying levels of sunlight.

Ferrari’s third icon of the Supercar Run is the acclaimed 599 GTB Fiorano – voted EVO’s “Car of the Year” and the only GT car granted a 5-star status by Autocar, in addition to a host of other similar awards from the international media. The 599 GTB Fiorano has a development of the iconic Enzo’s 6.0 litre V12 engine, and generates an earth-spinning 620hp which propels the car to 60mph in only 3.7 seconds, while still retaining the comfort and exclusivity of this flagship performance two seater that carries on the tradition started with the similarly iconic 550 Maranello and 575M.

Also making a star appearance at this year’s Festival of Speed is the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro F1 team, with F1 test driver Marc Gene thrilling crowds with demonstration runs in the F2007 car which Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa drove to win the F1 Constructors and Drivers Championship last year. With both titles in 2007, Ferrari extended its record tally of Championships to an incredible 15 Constructors’ titles and 15 Drivers’ titles, strengthening the Prancing Horse’s continued position as the most successful F1 team of all time.