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Powered by a 300PS turbocharged 1.8-litre engine with a six-speed manual gearbox, all versions of the Mégane R.S. Trophy-R feature bespoke performance parts engineered in cooperation with key partners, including Akrapovič for the exhaust system, Brembo for the brakes, Bridgestone for the tyres, Öhlins for the shock absorbers and Sabelt for the lightweight bucket seats. With a reduced weight of 130kg over the standard R.S. 300 Trophy, the Trophy-R is identified by its unique mother-of-pearl paint finish and red highlights as well as carbon composite bonnet, carbon rear diffuser and Fuji Light 19’’ alloy wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza S007 tyres developed specifically for Renault Sport. Inside is a stripped-out interior that features a pair of composite Sabelt one-piece seats, an Alcantara covered steering wheel and 7-inch R-LINK 2 infotainment complete with R.S. Monitor, which allows in-depth access to performance data and telemetry. The removal of the rear seats means the addition of a special luggage retention net that’s secured to the strengthening strut between the rear suspension towers. Under the skin is a totally bespoke suspension system featuring revised geometry and Ohlins adjustable dampers, bi-material front brakes and an Akrapovič titanium exhaust. The £63,140 Carbon Wheel pack vehicle adds four Carbon Revolution 19-inch wheels in addition to the standard Fuji Light rims. A world first in this sector, these special rims save an extra 2kg per wheel in unsprung mass. Secured in tailored storage bags and stored in a special cradle behind the front seats, these wheels have been designed to unlock even greater on track potential. For the ultimate Mégane R.S. Trophy-R experience, the £72,140 Nürburgring Record Pack version brings the car up to the same specification as that driven by Renault Sport test driver Laurent Hurgon on his record-breaking laps. In addition to the carbon wheels, customers also get a carbon ceramic front braking system - another first in this class. Featuring larger 390mm discs and gold finished Brembo calipers this set-up provides unrivalled stopping power. On top of this, there’s the dynamic air intake, which replaces the R.S. Vision 4 lighting in the lower bumper. Not only does this unit save 2kg in weight, it provides both better cooling and breathing for the engine. All versions of the Mégane R.S. Trophy-R can additionally be specified with several R.S. Performance upgrades, including a lightweight lithium-ion battery that saves 4.5kg, six-point harnesses for the Sabelt seats and an accessory ducting pipe for the dynamic air intake that feeds straight into the engine’s intake system.
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Ford press release  Ford Reveals Special Edition Mustang55 5.0-litre V8 Anniversary Model and Revised Mustang 2.3-litre EcoBoost
 COLOGNE, Germany, 25 July 2019 – Ford has announced the new Ford Mustang55 special edition model for customers in Europe, celebrating the 55th anniversary of the famous sports car. Based on the 450PS Ford Mustang 5.0-litre V8, the new Mustang55 Edition features unique exterior styling including distinctive bonnet and side-stripes, badging, and optional rear spoiler, alongside a high-specification interior.   In addition, the Ford Mustang 2.3-litre EcoBoost now delivers styling upgrades inspired by Mustang Shelby models, and features as standard Ford’s Active Valve Performance Exhaust that enables drivers to adjust the intensity of the Mustang’s exhaust note to suit their mood and driving scenario.
New Mustang colours introduced across the range include Twister Orange, Grabber Lime, Iconic Silver and Lucid Red. Also FordPass Connect on-board modem technology turns Mustang into a mobile WiFi hotspot with connectivity for up to 10 devices. “Mustang is one of an exclusive group of vehicles to achieve more than half a century of continuous production, and customers’ appetites for the world’s best-selling sports car show no sign of waning,” said Roelant de Waard, Ford’s European Marketing, Sales and Service vice president. “Our new Mustang55 is the essence of Mustang, combining exciting performance, bold design, and comfort-enhancing technologies like our FordPass Connect on-board modem and B&O Sound System.” Mustang earlier this year celebrated 55 years since its introduction on April 17, 1964, and in 2018 was the world’s best-selling sports coupe for the fourth consecutive year. The new Ford Mustang55 5.0-litre V8 and Ford Mustang 2.3-litre EcoBoost are available to order from August. 55 years and counting The new Mustang55 special edition – available in fastback and convertible body styles – delivers a unique twist on the Ford Mustang’s sleek and athletic styling with black, dissolve-effect stripes for the low-profile bonnet and lower body sides, and a black painted roof for fastback models that complements the gloss-black 19-inch alloy wheels. Shadow Black Mustang55 models feature silver stripes, and convertibles models feature a black cloth roof. The upper and lower front grilles are finished in two-tone gloss black and Pillar Black with the upper grille incorporating a Pillar Black pony badge. Pillar Black 5.0 front wing badges also feature an exclusive Colorado Red execution for the decimal point. An optional Pillar Black raised boot-lid spoiler completes the bespoke exterior look. Mustang55 models equipped with Ford’s six-speed manual gearbox feature a unique moulded gear-shift knob, while 10-speed automatic models feature a unique alloy metal gear-shift knob. Standard comfort and convenience technologies include heated and cooled front seats, Ford’s sophisticated SYNC 3 connectivity system now with DAB+ radio, a premium 12-speaker B&O Sound System, and FordPass Connect on-board modem for enhanced connectivity and functions including Remote Start* for automatic models, Remote Door Lock Unlock and Vehicle Locator. Shelby-inspired style Ford Mustang Shelby models including the Mustang Shelby GT350 and GT500 models have delivered enhanced performance and unique styling for Mustang customers for more than 50 years, and now also inspire enhancements for the Mustang 2.3-litre EcoBoost fastback and convertible models. Door mirrors and a boot spoiler finished in Magnetic Grey, and unique dissolve-effect black bonnet stripes that hug the power bulge are among the charismatic additions, as is a Magnetic Grey California grille incorporating the classic tri-bar pony badge first seen on 1965 Mustang models. Machined-finish 19-inch alloy wheels further enhance the revised look. Now standard for the 2.3-litre EcoBoost, Active Valve Performance Exhaust technology includes an innovative Good Neighbour Mode that can be programmed to automatically limit the exhaust’s noise output at pre-programmed times of the day to avoid disturbing neighbours. The system automatically adapts alongside electronic stability control, throttle response, automatic gear-shift patterns and steering settings according to the selected Drive Mode: Normal, Sport, Track, Snow/Wet, Drag Strip and customisable My Mode. The world’s best-selling sports car Ford will also continue to produce special edition Mustang BULLITT models for customers in Europe for a second year. Powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine enhanced to deliver 460PS and 529Nm of torque, Mustang Bullitt is offered in classic Dark Highland Green of Shadow Black. Unique features include 19-inch Torq Thrust-style wheels; red Brembo™ brake callipers; a faux Bullitt fuel-filler cap; a bespoke black front grille; green stitching for the standard seats and optional Recaro® sports seats; and a white cue ball gearshift knob. Mustang remained the world’s best-selling sports coupe for the fourth consecutive year in 2018, selling 113,066 cars, according to data from IHS Markit. Ford sold 5,500 Mustangs in Europe in the first half of 2019, an increase of more than 5 per cent compared with the same period last year.** More than 500,000 sixth-generation Mustangs have been sold worldwide since 2015, including more than 48,000 in Europe. # # #
The declared fuel/energy consumptions, CO2 emissions and electric range are measured according to the technical requirements and specifications of the European Regulations (EC) 715/2007 and (EC) 692/2008 as last amended. Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are specified for a vehicle variant and not for a single car. The applied standard test procedure enables comparison between different vehicle types and different manufacturers. In addition to the fuel efficiency of a car, driving behaviour as well as other non-technical factors play a role in determining a car's fuel/energy consumption, CO2 emissions and electric range. CO2 is the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. Since 1 September 2017, certain new vehicles are being type-approved using the World Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) according to (EU) 2017/1151 as last amended, which is a new, more realistic test procedure for measuring fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Since 1 September 2018 the WLTP has begun replacing the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC), which is the outgoing test procedure. During NEDC Phase-out, WLTP fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are being correlated back to NEDC. There will be some variance to the previous fuel economy and emissions as some elements of the tests have altered i.e., the same car might have different fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. *In regions where permitted by law **The Euro 20 markets are: Austria, Belgium, Britain, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Romania, Sweden and Switzerland. The most powerful Ferrari car ever references Scuderia Ferrari  The new chapter in Ferrari’s history was launched on 29th May 2019 with the introduction of the SF90 Stradale PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). The new model delivers 1000cv from a new mixed power source and a weight to power of 1.57 kg/cv. This now top of the range model produces 390 kg downforce at 250 km/h and places a V8 at the top of the range for the first time. The new car references the 90th anniversary of Scuderia Ferrari and achieves a strong link between race and road car production. The car is powered by a 4 litre 90° V8 twin turbo producing 780cv and a max engine rpm of 8000, with the extra 220cv delivered by 3 electric motors. The third motor known as the MGUK (Motor Generator Unit, Kinetic) is placed between the engine and the gearbox The other two motors are fitted to the front axle and make this the first Ferrari sportscar to be fitted with 4WD All this power is electronically controlled using 4 modes through an 8 speed gearbox and producing a 0-100km/h of 2.5 sec and 0-200km/h of 6.7 seconds. The car controls are fully digital and almost all aspects of the car can be controlled by just using your thumbs on haptic buttons on the steering wheel.  FUNCTION MODES The internal combustion engine and electric motors work in synergy to generate an incredible 1,000 cv, which puts the SF90 Stradale at the very top of the range in performance terms. The control logic optimally manages the power flows either with the emphasis on efficiency or performance depending on the user profile selected by the driver. Thanks to an additional steering wheel-mounted selector, dubbed the eManettino (analogous to the Manettino which is used to set the electronic vehicle dynamics modes), the driver can choose from four different power unit management modes: eDrive: the internal combustion engine remains off and traction is entrusted entirely to the electric front axle. Starting with a fully charged battery, the car can cover up to 25 km in this mode. This mode is ideal for city centre driving or any other situation in which the driver wishes to eliminate the sound of the Ferrari V8. Hybrid: this is the default setting when the car is turned on, in which the power flows are managed to optimise the overall efficiency of the system. The control logic autonomously decides whether to keep the internal combustion engine running or turn it off. If it is on, the internal combustion engine can run at maximum power thus guaranteeing powerful performance whenever the driver requires. Performance: unlike ‘Hybrid’, this mode keeps the ICE running because the priority is more on charging the battery than on efficiency. This guarantees that power is instantly and fully available when required. This mode is best suited to situations in which driving pleasure and fun behind the wheel are the main focus. Qualify: this mode allows the system to achieve maximum power output by allowing the electric motors to work at their maximum potential (162kW). The control logic prioritises performance over battery charging. See the Ferrari website for more details. https://www.ferrari.com/en-GB/auto/sf90-stradale?from=websitecar%2F
The new Ford Focus ST will be available this summer and looks like it has found the top of its game.  Now available with a 2.3l petrol engine, using a twin scroll turbo and producing 280ps and 420 n/m torque, or a 2.0l turbo diesel engine, producing 190ps and 400 n/m torque. Like the current ST, it will be available in 5 door and estate versions, but an optional Performance Pack is available.
The car should be a better drive this year, with an electronic limited slip differential to help traction and cornering for the first time, as well as a rev-matching short shift six-speed gearbox or a seven-speed auto.
The rev-matching software electronically blips the throttle to match engine speed with gearbox speed for smooth changes. Both gearboxes have paddle shift. New for this year’s model are selectable driving modes with 'wet/slippery' mode for that extra grip, ‘normal’ mode for your usual drive and ‘sport' which improves throttle response, exhaust note and steering feedback.
The performance pack adds another mode, ‘track', which adjusts most of the electronic stuff like the LSD and throttle mapping to suit the driving scenario. It even controls the electronic sound enhancement, although I am not sure if I would rather have an exhaust valve and side pipe with flames for this bit. You also get launch control with the performance pack for a sub 0-60 in less than 6 seconds. Exterior colour options chosen to emphasise the Focus ST’s dynamic styling include exclusive Ford Performance Blue and Orange Fury, alongside Frozen White, Magnetic Grey, Race Red, Ruby Red and Shadow Black. Bold alloy wheel options include 18-inch Dark Sparkle and Magnetite designs, with a 19-inch wheel also offered in Magnetite
The range of driver assist technologies are included and provide:-:
The ST is fitted with the Synch 3 infotainment system which is excellent. After having owned the current model for a while, I can’t wait to have a look at this one.  Sandicliffe Ford at Nottingham 26th January 2019Informed of the launch of the new Ford Ranger Raptor at Sandicliffe, we just had to have a look. Our experience of Sandicliffe is that we are made welcome, and the staff are always chatty and welcoming. We were quickly pointed in the direction of the new Raptor.  The new Raptor is all about off-road performance and ability.
The new Raptor stands out against the standard Ranger. When we test drove the Ranger, we were impressed. When compared to other Utility vehicles, the Ranger performed favourably and we can easily see the upgrades the Raptor offers. We were surprised that at the moment it is only being made available with a 210bhp diesel engine, which although smaller than the standard 2.2l or the 3.2l in the standard Ranger, provides more performance than the older engine design. In the days of expensive diesel and the current dislike for diesel pollution, I would expect an alternative petrol engine to be available for Europe. Although, almost all its competitors are also diesel, so maybe it's not quite so strange a selection. Compared with one of its direct rivals, the Isuzu D'Max Arctic Trucks AT35 which we have also test driven, it not only looks like it was specifically designed for the intended work, it also looks more robust. The AT35 looks mean, but also looks like a modified, if upgraded standard D'Max, whereas the Raptor looks factory made and original in design. The Isuzu has only 165bhp so the 210bhp for the Raptor is actually pretty good.
 Inside the Raptor The seats have car comfort, and with the new 10 speed automatic, it will be a very relaxing drive. The Raptor is designed to excel in off road work and comes with several selectable modes. With the push of a button, you can choose from six different modes for different terrain: Normal mode, Sport mode, Grass, Gravel and Snow mode, Mud and Sand mode, Rock mode, and off-road performance - Baja mode. The suspension is also re-designed and upgraded to provide improved grip through its large tyres and a better, more protected ride for the driver. The controls are standard Ford.  I think the only downside is the load carrying capacity of 640kg and also a low towing weight of only 2.7 tonne compared to others at 3.5 tonne. All my quoted capacities are from the current US model and things could change on the final import model. The model we viewed at Sandicliffe was a LHD and no prices or delivery dates have been released yet, though they anticipate if you place an order at a dealership, you could possibly expect delivery for May/June.
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