british cars
Jaguar X-Type Successor Will be Front-Wheel Drive, Turbo Powered
While the X-type, Jaguar‘s first attempt into the entry-luxury class, was ultimately a failure that earned a spot on Time Magazine’s “50 Worst Cars Of All Time,” Jaguar’s new and rejuvenated line-up of late looks to be the perfect opportunity to try again. This time, due to CAFE regulations, Jaguar must begin preparing a significant…
Lotus Launches in China With Beijing Dealership, 10 More to Follow Next Year
There used to be a time when any car company hoping to succeed in business would open up shop in North America. While North America remains one of the key markets for car companies, the new focus is on emerging markets, with China as the number one choice. Group Lotus is the latest to enter…
2009-2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost Recalled For Defective Electric Auxiliary Water Pump
Back in 1907, Rolls-Royce presented the Silver Ghost as the “Best car in the world.” Unfortunately, more than a century later, the Rolls Royce Ghost models manufactured between September 2009 to September 2010 are now facing a recall pertaining to an electric auxiliary water pump that can overheat and potentially cause a fire. It would…
Land Rover Defender Likely for U.S., DC100 Concept Headed to LA Auto Show
First unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Land Rover‘s DC100 Concept is heading to the U.S., signifying the luxury SUV maker’s intention to eventually offer a production version in North America. Previewing the next-generation Defender SUV, Land Rover’s global brand direct John Edwards has given strong hints that the new model will go on sale…
Buyers Bullish At Brooklands Historic Auction
Other highlights included an ex London Metropolitan Police 1962 Daimler SP250, which originally served as a chase car and sold for £39,500 and a 1973 Rolls-Royce Phantom V hearse with coachwork by Mulliner Park Ward, which went under the gavel for £24,600.
Ultra Rare MG SV-R Heading to Auction [Automotive History Lesson]
The MG SV-R is a car most people in North America (or anywhere else for that matter) haven’t even heard of. But it did exist for a short time, and we’re glad it did. So how did it come about? The project started when MG Rover, wanted a halo car for their brand, to raise…
Prodrive Prepares Hot Mini Countryman
Prodrive is synonymous with turning everyday family runabouts into championship winning rally cars. Most recently, they have competed with a Mini Countryman, which is faring quite well so far. Now Prodrive is turning its attention to making a special version of a Countryman for those who don’t have a race seat in the FIA Rally…
Land Rover Defender To Carry On Until 2017
Fans of the Land Rover Defender worried about the iconic off-roader’s impending demise should feel at ease, because the Defender has a long life ahead of it, with production scheduled until 2017. While a new, more civilized Defender, will bow in 2015, the current vehicle will remain in production until 2017, and possibly as long…
McLaren F1 Successor Testing Underway, 800-HP 5.0 V8 Rumored
With sales of the MC4-12C now well underway in Europe, McLaren has reportedly begun testing on its new hypercar and successor to the F1. Targeting the world’s most exotic exotics, the “mega-Mac” is being benchmarked against cars like the Veyron, as well as the upcoming models like the successor to the Enzo and the Porsche…
MINI Cooper S Engine Fire Concerns Prompt Safety Investigation
The British hot hatch just got hotter. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 12 complaints were received in regards to MINI Cooper S engine fires, 5 of them resulted to total vehicle loss. Concerned that this is not an isolated incident, NHTSA has announced an investigation on 36,000 2007-2008 Mini Cooper S, Mini…
Group Lotus Fields Works Karting Effort
Under the guise of the ‘Lotus Racing Kart’s banner, the company, in conjunction with Jefra Racing, will operated a full factory effort in the 2012 CIK-FIA World Karting Championship and to boot, the team’s cars will sport the unmistakable black and gold livery, made famous by Lotus Formula 1 racers during the 1970s and much...
McLaren Denies Production Stoppage, Says Deliveries Delayed for “Minor Electrical Issues”
Contrary to several erroneous reports, McLaren has not halted production of its MP4-12C says Tony Joseph director for McLaren North America. Joseph is speaking out after some unsourced news stories hit the net claiming a production stoppage at the McLaren factory due to safety concerns and other issues. Speaking with AutoGuide Joseph admits that deliveries…
Ginetta Launches New G60 Model, Uses Mustang V6
There once was a time when the British cottage-car industry was flourishing and they made many unique and interesting cars like TVR, Marcos and Healey. However bad business planning, reliability woes and ever toughening safety and emission regulations have killed off many such niche-market car companies. One of the few survivors is Ginetta. First started…
Bentley Continental GT2 To Launch In 2012
The Porsche 911 GT2 is famous for being a no compromise sports car, but Bentley‘s own offering, set to wear the GT2 moniker, won’t exactly follow in the P-car’s rowdy footsteps. The Bentley Continental GT2 will shed an estimated 440 lbs, but will still weigh a gargantuan 4,850 lbs when it goes on sale in…
Bentley Planning Return to Le Mans Racing
After a 71 year absence from Le Mans, Bentley returned in 2001, but with little success and in-house competition with Audi the decision was made to drop the Speed 8 LMP1 program in 2003. The team did go out with a bang, however, taking the checked flag at the 24 Hours of Le Mans –…
MINI Keeping Manuals Alive with 34% Take Rate
Sadly, manual transmissions are a dying breed. For many, the convenience of an automatic far outweighs the many advantages of driving stick, from the lower cost of the car, to improved driving enjoyment and vehicle control, to better fuel economy (although those pesky dual-clutch units are starting to make this argument obsolete). Several months ago…
Aston Martin and Maybach To Break Their Engagement
It was only a few months ago, when talks of an engagement between Aston Martin and Maybach was making headlines. This partnership would have seen the two uber-luxury brands sharing technology and platforms. Now according to sources, the union has broken before it even started, citing money issues. If the deal had stayed intact, Aston…
Bentley To Add More Continental, Mulsanne Based Models
Before the Mulsanne, Bentley had the Arnage luxury sedan, which over the years was also offered as a convertible called the Azure and a coupe called the Brooklands. Since the Mulsanne was launched in 2010, it has so far been only offered as a one-size fits all luxury sedan. Now according to Bentley’s CEO Wolfgang…
MINI Issues 1950s Style “Becoming a Manual” PSA [Video]
With the launch of its new Coupe model, MINI is continuing to push ahead with its “Manualhood” marketing campaign, releasing a campy new video styled after a 1950s public service announcement. Titled “Becoming a Manual” the PSA outlines that this important stage in growing up. “Manualhood is when your body is craving more exhilaration than…
MINI to Double Model Range
With the addition of the all-new Coupe model, MINI now offers five unique models in its range, but that is only the start say U.S. brand CEO Jim McDowell. Speaking at the press introduction of the Coupe in Nashville last week McDowell indicated that while MINI, “will never be the world’s biggest automaker,” the model…
Land Rover Evoque to Take on Dakar Rally With BMW Power
Nothing can test a truck’s true mettle quite like thousands of miles of sand. For the 2012 Dakar Rally, the British Excite Rally Raid Team plans to enter the most brutal competition on Earth using three specially modified versions of Land Rover‘s new Evoque. Powered by a 3.0-liter turbo diesel straight-six engine by BMW producing…
Rolls-Royce Sales Poised to Reach Record Levels in 2011
While the volatile economy has made for a rough year for many, the gentlemen of Goodwood tell a different story. According to Rolls Royce CEO Torsten Mueller-Oetvoes, Rolls-Royce projects a record number of sales for 2011. Mueller-Oetvoes goes to explain, “I have not seen any reluctance to consider buying a Rolls-Royce… I do not feel…
Lotus Evora GTE Confirmed for U.S. Sale
It’s billed as the most powerful Lotus ever made. Based on the brand’s Le Mans racing car it’s also the most hard core. And now you’ll be able to buy one, in America! Speaking with Ian Fry, platform manager for the Evora at Lotus Cars Limited at the car’s unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show,…
Lotus Evora GTE, Exige S Video First Look: 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show
After having showcased numerous new concept cars at the past several auto shows, one might expect that Lotus had dried up its reserve of new car news. Not so. At the Frankfurt Auto Show the British manufacturer had on display six new or newish models. Many won’t make their way to North America, but some…
