Renault Twingo Gordini 100

French manufacturer Renault has announced the arrival of the Twingo Gordini 100. The newcomer costs £11,395 (based on the forthcoming 20 percent VAT rate) with deliveries starting in January.

The Renault Twingo Gordini 100 is powered by a 1.2 TCe (Turbo Control Efficiency) petrol engine developing 100hp at 5,500 rpm that can push the car to up to a top speed of 117 mph. The Renault Twingo Gordini 100 has the GT chassis with stiffer shock absorbers and bushes, and a recalibrated sports steering. The official Renault Twingo Gordini 100 specs list says the car offers a 49.5 mpg combined fuel consumption and a 132 g/km CO2 emissions level.

Other than that the Gordini recipe remains the same – blue, black or white paintwork with contrasting stripes, gloss black trim and colour-coded inserts inside. Standard kit includes a 4x20W RDS radio with single CD MP3 player, Bluetooth, audio input, air conditioning, 15-inch Turini alloy wheels with polished face and black inserts, cruise control, speed limiter and electric windows.

Inside a automobile is also influenced by a Gordini treatment, with dim CO cloth seats with embossed Gordini trademark and white stitching, blue doorway trim inserts with white stitching and blue leather-trimmed steering circle with dual white stripes, as good as Gordini blue rev-counter and change doorknob and a shimmer black centre console and aluminium pedals.

Recreating Gordini hatches has been hugely successful for Renault, especially amongst young and female drivers. Two thirds of Renaultsport Twingo 133 sales and one third of Renaultsport Clio 200 sales are now Gordini versions.




Press Release

Within a matter of months since the launch of the Gordini versions of the Renaultsport Twingo and Clio, Renault is now poised to launch an even more affordable, twin-striped version of its smallest model, Twingo, priced �11,395.

The new Twingo Gordini 100, powered by the 1.2 TCe (Turbo Control Efficiency) petrol engine, is aimed squarely at customers looking for good handling and affordable running costs, wrapped up in a chic and sporty three-door package.

The appeal of the Gordini versions of Twingo and Clio Renaultsport to a younger audience has
already surpassed expectations, with sales of both models having risen significantly. So much so, that since their arrival across Europe, the halo version of the Twingo now accounts for two-thirds of sales and one-third in the case of Clio. The French marque is now aiming to emulate such runaway success of its �French flair� models with its latest model, which slots into the range above Dynamique, in place of the former GT.

The newcomer is instantly recognisable as a Gordini, through its trademark twin racing stripes with subtle �G� badging across the bonnet, roof and tailgate. Its striking apparel continues with gloss black front and rear bumpers, extra-tinted rear windows and tailgate and discreet Gordini Series badging.

The sporty theme continues with its colour palette choice of three � Malta Blue, with white Gordini stripes and matching details (foglight surrounds, door mirrors and rear spoiler), or Pearlescent Black and Glacier White. In the case of the latter, the styling details are picked out in anthracite.

On the inside, the bespoke ambience continues. The Gordini 100 features dark carbon cloth seats with embossed Gordini logo and white stitching,
blue door trim inserts with white stitching and blue leather-trimmed steering wheel with two white stripes to indicate the straight ahead position. The Gordini rev-counter naturally comes in trademark blue with white background and bezel, while the Gordini gear lever knob shares the same blue hue, as does the gear lever base. Completing the raft of accoutrements is a gloss black centre console and aluminium pedals.

The upmarket feel also crosses over to its equipment level. Standard kit on the trendy addition to Renault�s popular city car line-up, includes 4x20W RDS radio with single CD MP3 player, Bluetooth� and aux input, air conditioning, 15-inch �Turini� alloy wheels with polished face and black inserts, cruise control, electric windows, speed limiter and independent sliding and folding rear seats.

Twingo Gordini 100 can also be ordered with features previously unavailable on GT, including polished alloys with blue inserts and leather upholstery, to be precise, leather-faced Gordini seats with blue detailing. Other options include climate control, metallic paint and electric panoramic sunroof with sunblind. The Gordini stripes on the bonnet, roof and tailgate are a no-cost removable option.

Under the bonnet of the latest version is the responsive 1.2 TCe petrol engine, pushing out 100hp at 5,500 rpm, with a top speed of 117 mph. Meanwhile, beneath the chic Gordini TCe 100 body, lies the GT chassis with stiffer shock absorbers and bushes, and recalibrated sports steering.

With its sporty styling and dynamic on-road performance, you could be forgiven for thinking that its environmental credentials would inevitably suffer. But, you would be wrong. With CO2 emissions of 132 grams per kilometre, the Gordini TCe 100 qualifies for the Renault eco� signature, as well as offering impressive combined fuel economy of 49.5 mpg. Crucially for a car of its ilk, and especially its appeal to younger buyers, its insurance group is likely to be competitive when it is formally announced soon.

Thirty years on from its heyday, the Gordini name, not to mention its inimitable look, still holds a special place in many people�s hearts. Today, its timeless French style means that nine out of every ten customers chooses the blue livery, while only one per cent of buyers order a Gordini without stripes. Overall, the Gordini line-up has enabled Renault to extend its reach to a younger, more style-conscious audience, with Twingo Renaultsport's market share up by five percentage points in the thirty to forty age group.

The Gordini name has also attracted a sizeable cult following. Its fan community on Facebook has over 28,000 fans, while the Gordini iPhone� application has been downloaded more than 115,000 times. Interestingly, the Facebook community's profile differs from that of the conventional Renaultsport models, in that it has twice as many female followers and is on average 15 years younger.

Twingo Gordini 100 is now available to order ahead of deliveries from mid-January 2011, priced �11,395 (based on 20% VAT). All of the latest Renault news is available at www.renault.co.uk, Renault TV on Sky Guide 883 and Freesat 651, or by following on twitter @renault_uk.

2011 Land Rover Discovery 4 Landmark Limited Editions

Land Rover will mark the new year with the launch of a new special edition Discovery. Called the Landmark limited editions, the newcomer will be available in a unique Black and White colour scheme.

The Land Rover Discovery 4 Landmark is offered with the automaker's Terrain Response TM system and power will be provided by the new 3.0-litre SDV6 twin turbo diesel engine which is 9 percent more fuel efficient and emits with 10 percent less CO2 than the old 2.7-litre engine.

The exterior has been gifted with a Santorini Black-finished grille, Satin Black roof rails, tinted windows, as well as 20-inch five-spoke diamond-turned alloy rims that use a gloss black finish.

Inside, the Landmark offers a higher level of luxury – the high-specification Taurus interior leather comes in either Ebony or, for the first time in a Disco, Ivory. Offsetting the Grand Ivory veneer with a contrasting top stitch creates a duo-tone look, offering bold colour combinations to give both versions a striking, contemporary finish.

The Discovery Landmark gets a choice of Santorini Black or Fuji White paint jobs with Santorini Black grille vanes, gloss black 20″ alloys, privacy glass and satin black extended roof rails. Inside there’s a choice of Ebony or Ivory Taurus leather (the first time Ivory has been an option on the Disco – be still my beating heart) with contrast stitching and Grand Ivory veneer.

The Land Rover Discovery 4 Landmark price will be 46,945 GBP.




Press Release

Land Rover will introduce the new Discovery 4 ’Landmark’ Limited Editions in January 2011 featuring unique Black and White colour themes.

This new variant brings a fresh, more contemporary sense of design to the latest Discovery 4 line-up. Both the Black and White models blend high-end interiors with bold, contemporary colour schemes, giving the Discovery 4 a more upmarket look. In keeping with the core appeal of the Discovery 4, this Limited Edition offers on-road refinement to match most executive saloons, the versatility of a large people carrier and unrivalled off-road capability.

"The new Landmark Limited Edition Discovery 4 has been created to offer our customers more choice," said Land Rover design director Gerry McGovern. "The Discovery 4 is already the ultimate all-purpose vehicle, but we’ve brought a new, bolder, more contemporary edge to the design, offering a higher level of luxury in the cabin."

The Landmark is available in Santorini Black or Fuji White colour schemes. A high-specification Taurus interior leather comes in either Ebony or - for the first time in a Discovery - Ivory. Offsetting the Grand Ivory veneer with a contrasting top stitch creates a duo-tone look, offering bold colour combinations to give both versions a striking, contemporary finish.

The exterior also benefits from Santorini Black finish grille vanes, gloss black 20" 5-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels, privacy glass, and Satin Black extended roof rails that create a unique side silhouette.

The Landmark is powered by Land Rover’s highly efficient 3.0 litre SDV6 twin turbo diesel engine that offers a nine percent fuel economy improvement (EU combined cycle), compared to 2.7 litre engine it replaced and ten percent less CO2, re-affirming the brand’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability.

All variants come with Land Rover’s award-winning Terrain ResponseTM system, which optimises the vehicle set-up for virtually all on-road or off-road driving situations, with five different settings to suit different terrains.

The Land Rover Discovery first went on-sale in 1989 and since then has received over 150 awards from all over the world. The Discovery 4 has won a number of awards, including, in the UK, 4x4 Magazine’s Car of the Year and the Scottish Car of the Year and, internationally, the Best 4x4 for Spain’s Car and Driver, Best Annual SUV for Autocar in China and All-Round SUV of the Year for Bloomberg’s USA.

The Discovery 4 Limited Editions will go on-sale from in the UK from January 2011, priced at £46,945 OTR.

Autonomous Audi TTS Takes Pikes Peak

The autonomous Audi TTS built by Volkswagen Group Electronics Research Lab, Stanford University and Audi has taken an important first step toward its ultimate goal: participating in the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. The self-driving TTS officially completed a test run – all the way to the 14,110 foot summit – earlier this year, clocking a time of 27 minutes, which is pretty good considering that race officials typically expect a human driver to do it in around 17 minutes.

12.42 miles uphill, with no driver behind the wheel. This is the achievement of the first autonomous vehicle built by an established manufacturer, the Audi TTS. And even if it didn't set a record when it comes to speed, it certainly managed to impress through its actions.




Press Release

• The autonomous Audi research car completed a non-stop ascent up the legendary 12.42-mile rally race route in September
• Results certified by organizers of Pikes Peak International Hill Climb
• Motivation for the research is to develop technologies that could help motorists steer their way out of severe danger

HERNDON, Va.: November 18, 2010 - The Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak research car achieved its initial goal of completing the 12.42-mile course of the world-famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb race in Colorado without stopping and without a driver behind the wheel.

The research car – jointly developed by Audi, Stanford University, the Volkswagen Group Electronics Research Lab in Palo Alto, Calif., and Oracle – conquered the challenging route up the mountain, which serves as the venue for one of the world's most thrilling rally races each June.

In September, the Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak drove to the 14,110-foot summit in Colorado without stopping. Organizers of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, the second-oldest race in America, certified that the Autonomous Audi TTS completed the twisting course. On the last remaining dirt section, which offered the sternest test of autonomous high-speed handling, the car reached speeds of 45 mph.

Five other times during the weeklong testing the car ran the complete course, only pausing briefly on its own to confirm its reading of route data.

Overall, the Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak completed the mountain course in 27 minutes, as verified by Pikes Peak International Hill Climb officials. No human rally driver has completed the course in fewer than 10 minutes, despite driving cars that produced more than 900 hp. The Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak generates 265 hp. Race officials told researchers they would expect an expert race driver on the course to finish in around 17 minutes in a car similar to the TTS.

The successful result proved that autonomous technology can handle difficult driving courses and conditions, engineers on the project said.

"By partnering with leading institutions in Silicon Valley we seek to bring innovative technologies into our vehicles and redefine what is possible," said Dr. Burkhard Huhnke, director of the Electronic Research Lab in Palo Alto, Calif., which co-developed the Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak. "The goal is to improve driver safety and save lives by creating extremely robust electronics."

ERL and Stanford have been at the forefront of autonomous driving research for several years, including involvement in past DARPA Challenges sponsored by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. The Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak reflects the ERL-Stanford strategy of conducting research in tiers that thoroughly investigate technologies needed to perform different autonomous driving tasks ranging from low-speed maneuvering in urban environments to high-speed handling on varied road surfaces on a challenging course like Pikes Peak.

When research began on the Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak research project just over a year ago, the direction was clear: employ emerging software, algorithms and electronics to help everyday drivers stay in control, and safely on the road, even during extreme driving conditions.

The aim of the Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak research was to develop a technology that would enhance a driver's abilities, much as computerized systems of passenger jetliners assist skilled pilots.

"We are not trying to replace the driver," said Professor Chris Gerdes of Stanford University, "Instead we want to learn how the best drivers control the car so we can develop systems that assist our robotic driver and, eventually, you and me."
Working together, Audi, Stanford University, the Volkswagen Group Electronics Research Lab and Oracle developed a distinct engineering achievement. The Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak integrates advanced algorithms, the Oracle Java real-Time System (Java RTS), Oracle Solaris and GPS with safety and navigation systems found in stock Audi TTS models to maintain control at a physical performance extreme.

Java and Oracle Solaris provide a significant advancement over traditional execution models in terms of reliability, transparency, debugging capability, programming model, predictable response-time characteristics, and cost. Using the standard Java programming model and memory management functionality, developers were able to program the Autonomous Audi TTS to easily differentiate processes based on their importance and precisely determine when time-critical functions should be executed.

"Oracle Java RTS is the first enterprise-class solution to formally address the issues of latency and unpredictable response times for Java applications and we're thrilled to be part of this research project," said Greg Bollella, chief architect, Embedded Java, Oracle. "For the Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak, Java was used to acquire GPS position coordinates and distribute those coordinates to all of the other components in the system. It also served as the safety controller for the vehicle, responsible for gracefully bringing the car to a stop if any of the traditional systems malfunctioned."

Deciding on a location to prove the technology was an easy choice as the Pikes Peak route offered steep inclines, switchbacks and varied road surfaces for the autonomous Audi TTS to navigate. Pikes Peak is also the place where Audi technology became legendary in the rally racing world a generation ago thanks in large part to the distinctive quattro® technology, which this year celebrates its 30th anniversary as a technological all-wheel-drive breakthrough exclusively on Audi vehicles.

The Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak achieved this year's goal on the mountain. The next stage of the research project will involve autonomous high-speed handling on paved surfaces. The research team is evaluating race tracks where they can conduct the next phase of this research.

In keeping with all trials of the technology, the Autonomous Audi TTS Pikes Peak research team worked with local authorities to conduct the mountain testing during closed-course runs that emphasized public safety.