The decision follows the conclusion of a ground-breaking new labour agreement which was approved by the Vauxhall workforce yesterday. The agreement comes into force in 2013 and runs through the life of the next-generation Astra, into the early 2020s.

As part of the agreement, the plant will implement a number of creative operating solutions to improve flexibility and reduce fixed costs and hence significantly improve its competitiveness. As a consequence, the Ellesmere Port plant will become one of the most competitive plants in the Vauxhall/Opel manufacturing network.

Assembly of the new compact car is scheduled to start in 2015. Operating on three-shifts, the plant is expected to run profitably at full capacity utilisation. The plan agrees a minimum of 160,000 vehicles to be produced each year. Vauxhall/Opel intends to invest £125 million into the facility in Ellesmere Port in order to upgrade it to the latest manufacturing standards and prepare for production of the new model. The company expects to create circa 700 new direct jobs in order to facilitate the three-shift operation.

Vauxhall will also raise the local supply content for the Astra to be built in Ellesmere Port to at least 25% which will create further employment locally and in the UK overall and further increase the plant’s competitiveness.

Vauxhall Chairman and Managing Director, Duncan Aldred, said: “This is great news for the Ellesmere Port plant, our employees, the local community, our suppliers, the Vauxhall brand and the UK. We have been able to develop a responsible labour agreement that secures the plant’s future. This is assisted by the government‘s industrial strategy; increasing its focus on the manufacturing sector and creating ideal ground for companies to build up long term investments.

With Ellesmere Port’s proven build quality and a new agreement that ensures excellent cost competitiveness, this facility will provide additional employment and, as the lead plant for the next-generation Astra, will be one of the cornerstones of our European manufacturing footprint.”

Vauxhall is quintessentially British and has been manufacturing motor vehicles in the UK seamlessly since 1903. This announcement, allied to Vauxhall’s continuing launch of award-winning, stylish and innovative new products, its sponsorship of the Home Nations football and its industry-leading Vauxhall Lifetime Warranty, underpins the brand’s commitment to the UK market and its loyal customers.

Source: Vauxhall

Cars on show during the three-day event will include the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish from DIE ANOTHER DAY. Featuring in the 20th Bond film, the car featured an ‘Adaptive Camouflage’ cloaking system, which allowed it to become invisible to the naked eye at the push of a button. The Vanquish was also equipped with a generous quota of Bond gadgetry, including twin .50-calibre autocannons, rocket projectiles, dorsal target-seeking shotguns, and a passenger ejector seat – in homage to the original Aston Martin DB5.

Also on show at the 2012 Pageant will be the Jaguar XKR and Ice Dragster driven by Bond-villains Zao and Gustav Graves in DIE ANOTHER DAY, and the beautiful BMW Z8 from THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH.

The 2012 Pageant’s 007 celebration is a satellite exhibition of Beaulieu National Motor Museum’s ‘Bond in Motion’ season, which features many of the most famous Bond cars from the last 50 years. The exhibition is currently a major highlight of the museum’s celebrated automotive collection.

“We’ve announced many new additions for the Pageant of Power in 2012, and I believe that the Bond car celebration will be one of the most popular and memorable,” said James Hall, Event Director for the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power. “I can’t guarantee that we’ll be able to fire anyone from an ejector seat or launch any missiles, but crowds will certainly be wowed by these stunning cars.”

Alongside the Bond car celebration, visitors to the 2012 Pageant will also be treated to a 50th anniversary celebration of the seminal AC Cobra, as well as the appearance of a range of aero-engined cars such as the BMW ‘Brutus’ – featured on the most recent series of BBC2’s Top Gear.

Now in its fifth year, the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power will take place on the Cholmondeley Estate in Cheshire from 15 to 17 June. A full event schedule and list of participants will be announced over the coming weeks, as Pageant organisers continue to reveal exciting new additions and features for 2012.

To buy tickets or find further information, visit www.cpop.co.uk. For further information on Beaulieu National Motor Museum’s ‘Bond in Motion’ exhibition, visit www.beaulieu.co.uk.

“What we are doing with the 918 Spyder is redefining driving fun, efficiency and performance,” said Wolfgang Hatz, Member of the Executive Board Research and Development of Porsche AG.

With their camouflage harking back to historical Porsche 917 racing cars, the prototypes signal the final touches to the 918 Spyder. The focus is on the integration of the highly sophisticated individual drive components. The combination of a combustion engine and two independent electric motors – one on the front axle and one in the drive line, acting on the rear wheels – poses completely new demands on the development of the operating strategies. “They are therefore a critical component in this vehicle into which we have put all of our expertise and capacity for innovation,” continued Hatz.

These operating strategies and the development of the software to go with them are one of the core competencies at Porsche. The two disciplines have a major influence on the extremely high level of driving enjoyment offered by the 918 Spyder and they deliver a unique combination of minimal fuel consumption and maximum performance. The initial results of the driving trials are in line with the high expectations placed on the 918 Spyder.

The super sports car is designed as a plug-in hybrid vehicle combining a high performance combustion engine with cutting-edge electric motors for extraordinary performance: on the one hand, the dynamics of a racing machine boasting more than 770 hp, on the other hand, fuel consumption in the region of three litres per 100 km.

As a technology showcase, the 918 Spyder breaks further new ground with spectacular solutions such as the full carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) monocoque with unit carrier, fully adaptive aerodynamics, adaptive rear axle steering and the upward-venting ‘top pipes’ exhaust system.

In the process, the 918 Spyder is offering a glimpse of what Porsche Intelligent Performance may be capable of in future.

Specifications of the Porsche 918 Spyder*

Body: Two-seater Spyder; carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) monocoque interlocked with CFRP unit carrier; two-piece Targa roof; fixed roll-over protection system.

Drivetrain: Parallel full hybrid; 4.6-litre V8 mid-engine with dry sump lubrication; hybrid module with electric motor and decoupler; electric motor with decoupler and gear unit on front axle; electrical system recuperation; four cooling circuits for motors, transmission and battery; thermal management.

Engine Power: > 570 hp (V8 engine)
~ 90 kW (hybrid module on rear axle)
~ 80 kW (electric motor on front axle)
> 770 hp (combined)

Suspension: Double-wishbone front axle; optional electro-pneumatic lift system on front axle; electro-mechanical power steering; multi-link rear axle with adaptive electromechanical system for individual rear wheel steering

Brake system: High-performance hybrid brake system with adaptive recuperation; ceramic brake discs (PCCB).

Energy supply: Lithium-ion battery with 6.8 kWh capacity (BOL nominal), 202 kW maximum power and mains compatible plug-in charger.

Performance: Top speed > 325 km/h (201mph)
purely electric > 150 km/h (93mph)
Acceleration: 0 – 100 km/h < 3.0 s
Consumption(NEDC):
Total ~ 3.0 l/100 km (94 mpg)
CO2 emissions: Total ~ 70 g/km
Range: Purely electric > 25 km (15 miles)

* Provisional specifications

Source: Porsche

To add to the flying fun, there will be a large collection of vintage cars and motorcycles, children’s entertainment, 4×4 off-roading and great food, as well as a 1940s charity dinner and dance on Saturday evening.

Wickenby Airshow always entertains the crowds and Wickenby Wings and Wheels 2012 will not disappoint. The show line up will feature displays from Britain’s top aerobatic pilots including a flypast from the Royal Air Force aerobatic team the Red Arrows on Saturday and The Matadors featuring former Red Bull Air Race pilots on Sunday. Awe-inspiring displays will entertain on both days from The Blades, British Aerobatic Champion Gerald Cooper performing unlimited aerobatics in the Sbach aircraft and the breathtaking Twister Duo display.

In keeping with Wickenby Aerodrome’s 70 year aviation history, nostalgia comes in ample supply with displays from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Hurricane and Dakota, the WW1 Airco DH2, Morane and iconic Tiger Moth and 1940s-style wing walking with Aerobatic Tactics’ Boeing Stearman. Add in theJet Provost, Microlight Jousters and Dennis Neville’s Flying Circus and there really is something to suit all tastes.

Train as a Wing Walker
Have you ever fancied becoming a wing walker like the 1930s barnstormers? Wickenby Airshow is offering the unique opportunity to train with Aerobatic Tactics’ experienced air display team on their Boeing Stearman Biplane during Wickenby Wings and Wheels weekend. The experience includes a full safety brief and walk through the practice display. Once airborne you will take part in a 10 minute display practice in front of your friends and family including fly pasts at various angles of bank and finish with a zoom climb from 135 mph. After landing you will receive a certificate confirming you are a trained wing walker.

To register your interest or perhaps to surprise your dad for father’s day, submit an enquiry form via http://www.aerobatictactics.co.uk/wing_walking.html quoting reference WWW to receive further details and costs. Please note Wing Riders must be under 12 stone (77kg) and sign a fitness declaration.

‘Fun in the 40s’ Dinner & Dance
On Saturday evening Wickenby Aerodrome will host a ‘Fun of the 40s’ charity dinner and dance in aid of the Lincolnshire Air Ambulance and The RAF Association, which provideswelfare to current and former members of the Royal Air Force and their families.

‘Fun in the 40s’ will provide a fantastic atmosphere that rivals the post-war victory parties. The authentic 1940s marquee is a great backdrop for the live swing band and bar and the perfect excuse to don vintage Military uniform or tea dresses to do the Lindy Hop on the dancefloor. Ticket prices include a hot carved buffet followed by strawberries and cream. Breath-taking aerial displays will entertain at sunset with aerobatics from Gerald Cooper in the Sbach 300 and the Twister Duo.

To book your tickets to Wickenby Wings and Wheels and ‘Fun in the 40s’ visit http://www.wickenbyairfield.com/www/tickets.html

What Kahn say about the BMW X5 5S.

One must not also forget that the new BMW X5 5S 3.OD auto by A. Kahn Design is not only a powerful ‘machine’ – it is practical, luxurious and makes a formidable family car.

You cannot really comprehend or understand the feel of this irresistible vehicle until you actually get behind the wheel yourself.

Complete with a very special interior package consisting of stunning quilted perforated leather interior seats and a Kahn glove box complete with carbon effect inserts – the principal British designer states he has designed this BMW X5 5S 3.OD for a BMW owners club.

In addition, the entire Kahn package on any X5, (2007 onwards including all parts) is available for £2,150.

The company will be also releasing a revolutionary state of the art interior package in the coming weeks ahead.

Kahn Specification

Brake Calipers Finished in Liquid Red
Exterior – Kahn Enamel Tailgate Logo
Exterior – Kahn Enamel Wing Shields
Front And Rear Bumpers and Wide Wheel Arches
Privacy Tinted Glass
Sports Lowered Suspension
22″ Kahn RSL Alloy wheels in Silver Palladium Finish
Black Alcantara Steering Wheel
Sport Style Multi Function Steering Wheel
Floor Mats (Toughened Rubber)
Kahn Silver Rev Counter
Kahn Speedo in Red

Standard specification:

Air Conditioning with Auto Temperature Control
Auto-Dim Mirrors
Dynamic Pack
Heated Seats Front and Rear
M Sport Bodystyling with Extended Wheel Arches and M Sport Front & Rear Bumpers
Professional Navigation System
Thatcham Cat 1 Alarm/Immobiliser
Aluminium Running Boards
BMW 6 Disc CD
Extended Interior Light Package
High Beam Assist
Mobile Phone Prep
Rear View Camera With Parking Aid
TV Tuner
Anthracite Headlining
Cruise Control
Head Up Display
High Gloss Shadow Line
Panoramic Glass Sunroof
Roof Rails
Xenon Headlamps

One of the side-effects of the current recession in Britain is likely to be the increase in popularity of used cars from motors.co.uk. The fact is that cars are something a great many people need to have in order to be able to get to work and to run their home and family lives, but the cost of a new one may now be out of reach for many people – making used cars an affordable alternative. The results of a recent survey showed that, of all the used cars sold in Britain during 2011, it was used Ford vehicles – such as the Ford Focus – that proved to be the most popular.

The Ford Focus was marketed by Ford as a small compact car which could conceivably be used either by someone with a family or a single person, looking for a car to get them to and from work each day. Unlike other Ford models it is perhaps not specifically designed with one section of the public in mind, making used Ford Focus vehicles good choices for a wide variety of different people in need of an affordable vehicle. It is likely that it is this cost element that will be a major factor in determining who used versions of this particular car is good for.

The survey results do indicate that Ford vehicles such as the Focus proved to be the most popular choices of used car in the south of England, but were less popular in the north of England and Scotland – where Vauxhall proved to be a more popular make of used cars. – As the south is traditionally a more affluent area than the north and Scotland, this suggests that Ford models such as the Focus are more expensive to buy used than other brands. Therefore, a car such as this will probably be good for someone looking to reduce their costs, but who is not in serious financial trouble due to the recession.

The escalating value of fuel has led to thefts from vehicles increasing by 25 per cent in the past year to a reported 4,500 cases in the UK annually.

While Ford Easy Fuel – fitted as standard to top-selling models including Ford Fiesta, Ford Focus and Ford Mondeo – was designed to make refuelling simple and error-free, it also makes syphoning extremely difficult.

“Our novel Easy Fuel feature ensures that Ford owners put the right fuel in their car,” said Andy Barratt, Ford Britain sales director. “Another customer benefit is that it acts as a deterrent by slowing down the fuel thief.”

The technology behind Easy Fuel adds extra layers of security behind the external fuel filler opening, which is anyway secured as part of the vehicle’s central locking, to inhibit forced entry and syphoning.

Easy Fuel’s spring-loaded flap is held closed by two latches that can only be released by a standard-size fuel nozzle. When the proper nozzle is inserted into the filler neck of the system, the latches release and the nozzle pushes the spring-loaded flap to the open position. When the nozzle is removed, the flap is automatically and firmly closed by the spring.

Easy Fuel also has a patented inhibitor designed to prevent improper fuelling and syphoning.

The inhibitor consists of a fuel nozzle detector that guides the nozzle to the opening. If a nozzle or foreign tube of a different size – a diesel nozzle or plastic hose, for example – is placed in the filler neck of a petrol-powered vehicle, the latches will not release. For a diesel-powered vehicle, the inhibitor will keep out the smaller nozzles.

Another deterrent in Ford vehicles stems from its refuelling vapour recovery system. The purpose is to prevent vapours from escaping during fuelling, but syphoning efforts are also thwarted because it closes automatically after the process starts by detecting the pressure of liquid fuel as it passes.

Source: Ford UK

The Lewis Hamilton collection features different merchandise in support of the driver whose name the collection bears. One part of the collection includes autographed photo prints. The prints are also framed and offered in the collection. Four specific races are featured in these prints. These would include the Hungary race in 2007 and the US race in 2007. Two Monaco races are featured in the prints showing them in 2007 and 2008. These prints are collector’s items which means their value will only increase over time.

The second collection features the other member of the racing team, Jenson Button. This features a wide range of merchandise bearing the name of Button. Both women and men have been included in the items selected for the collection. Clothing items such as caps and t-shirts were chosen. Another unique item within this collection is a scaled down replica of the helmet worn by Jenson Button. Composed of fiberglass, the helmet measures 13 cm tall. The helmet was created with collectors in mind.

Like the Jenson Button collection, the Lewis Hamilton collection does offer its own helmet replica. It does use the same scale as is used with Button’s helmet. However, there is a unique difference. There is an option to choose a helmet that has been autographed by Lewis Hamilton, making it even more valuable as a collector’s item. Check out the various products at Mclarenshop.com.

So we know that car safety is important. Of course we do, we knew that to begin with! But what must a car go through to be declared “safe”. What sorts of stresses must it withstand? What tests must it undergo? We’ll take a look now at what goes into car safety testing…

Vehicle crash testing focuses on four main points: the front impact, the offset, side impact and the roll over tests.

All of these tests are performed using a crash test dummy designed to replicate the average human being. The test dummy is a standard size of 5ft 10 inches and 77kg in weight. Throughout each test, the dummies have three different devices attached to them: an accelerometer, load sensor and motion sensor. The accelerometer is a device for measuring the speeds at which the dummy is travelling, and test staff will be watching it carefully for any abrupt fluctuations in speed being experienced by the dummy. Sudden changes in speed mean a lot of stress on the body, and so keeping the readings steady on this meter will be crucial. The load sensors on the dummy show, in real terms, the level of stress placed on the body by G-force consequently indicates what potential exists for bone breakages and other damage. Finally, the motion sensor determines the risk of chest injury by tracking how well the dummy is secured into its seat. With all the relevant sensors in place, the rigorous testing can begin!

The front impact test involves slamming the vehicle, dummy and all, into a concrete wall in order to simulate the impact that would occur in a head on smash with another vehicle or stationary object. The test is carried out at a speed of 35mph. Now, during this test, it’s the ‘crumple zones’ which the testers will be watching very closely. Crumple zones are areas of material weakness strategically placed in the vehicle. When the car is involved in an impact, these zones buckle and deform so that they absorb much of the kinetic force of the blow. That way, the car’s occupants are spared a sudden, jolting stop that can break bones, damage joints and cause severe internal damage.The side impact test involves a 3000 lb. sled being forced into the side of the vehicle at speed. Unlike in the front impact test, the car has no crumple zones in the sides to rely upon, so the side impact test is more dependent on a car’s sheer structural strength. This, of course, prepares the car primarily from other motorists who might not have seen the car pull out into traffic.

The offset test is similar to the front impact test but instead a smaller section of the front of the car is used. This is an important test due to the fact that a smaller portion of the car has to be able to withstand a similar force to that of a frontal impact. It replicates what would happen when a vehicle turns out of a road into oncoming traffic and suffers a more glancing blow at a sharper angle than in a head-on collision. Here again, the crumple zones are what will absorb most of the damage. The final test, the roll-over test involves, just as the name would suggest, flipping the car onto its roof. The objective here is to test the amount of stress that can be tolerated by the car’s central pillars which connect the roof to the rest of the chassis. If a car is rolled over in an accident, its occupants lives depend on its ability to remain intact.

The results of all the above tests are recorded and the empirical data is translated into a star rating which is used to categorise the car’s safety level. The star rating is on a scale of 5 down to 1 with 5 being the safest. The higher the rating means that there is less than a 10% chance of serious injury to the occupants in a head on smash at 35 mph. For side impact the figure is 5%.

The objective of crash testing is to minimise injury. In a moving vehicle, humans have a certain amount of kinetic energy. In a crash that kinetic energy is reduced to zero but it has to go somewhere. Sudden changes in kinetic energy are what cause damage, so it’s crucial to ensure that, when a car is brought to an abrupt stop in an accident, it happens as smoothly as possible.

This is where seat belts come in. After hitting an object, the belts which are now required by law in all cars play a crucial role. Seat belt tensioners and force limiters act to take away some of the initial kinetic energy as we move forward. As the tensioners tighten up, the force limiters activate to make sure the belt itself doesn’t cause injury. The air bag is then deployed to further cushion the impact, as well as preventing the head and face from hitting anything. The crumple zones are then the final link in the chain and absorb what energy is left from the impact. It’s an interesting fact to note that the more mangled a car appears after an accident, the greater the chances that its occupants walked away, since those deformations will have dissipated a great deal of damage.

In the future car safety systems and structures will become far more effective. Already some car manufactures are introducing the ‘smart air bag’ which opens in accordance with how bad the impact is and reacts in milliseconds. This is on the back of certain incidents whereby airbags have actually been responsible for injury and even death, particularly when children have been in the front seat. Seat belts and tensioners will also be more advanced with mechanisms able to determine the weight and position of the occupant. Most certainly, there has never been a safer time to drive a car!

This look at what goes into making your car safe was brought to you by the automotive enthusiasts at Vroomvroomvroom.co.uk, providing car rental in Liverpool, London, Manchester and elsewhere around the UK.

Personally, I’m delighted to see the 300C return, having been rejuvenated to compete for attention amongst motorists familiar with German executive cars. It’s impossible to ignore its frankly threatening looks! It is big, powerful and appealing to Mercedes or BMW fans at a time when money is tight.

The Visual Statement

What does the Chrysler 300C say about the person who drives it? Don’t make eye contact when they get out of the car! No, in truth it’s actually a lovely, classy design, and the latest model has some great chrome finishing on the wing mirrors and door handles.

The huge bonnet drops onto an enormous rectangular grille, which extends all the way to the low front bumper. The result is a very chunky and square fascia, giving the car an imposing presence that might please a Sicilian businessman!

But, although it’s a car you’d rather not see pull up beside you at lights, it does project an image of quality and stability. At almost 2 tonnes, the 300C looks as though it would soak up just about any bumps in the road. The overall style is of an American muscle car with its Rolls Royce suit on!

Big Changes Inside

Chrysler is serious about this being a cheaper alternative to European executive cars, as the interior makeover attests. To start out, there’s a keyless entry system, which immediately shows a new attention to detail. Just open the door with the fob somewhere about your person, sit down and hit the start button. The materials used throughout the cockpit are high quality and there’s an enormous sunroof, which lets the daylight flood into all seats.

There’s an excellent 8.4” Blue-lit LED touch-screen on the centre console, which controls just about everything. The U-Connect phone system is top drawer, syncing your contacts to the display screen and clearly displaying SMS messages. The controls, as well as those for the sound system, are on the steering wheel.

On the central touch-screen you’ll also see controls for radio, temperature and inbuilt Garmin navigation. I have to say that the learning curve for the 300C’s Infotainment set-up is about 5 minutes. Sometimes these screens can be unnecessarily complex, but Chrysler has made the interface highly intuitive, and good on them for that. They’ve even included a slot for an SD card, which you can just stick straight in a view pictures immediately.

The temperature control system goes well beyond the basics, featuring: heated seats, heated steering wheel and ventilated seats. The heated wheel is a nice touch that will be familiar for anyone used to premium European vehicles.

Thoughts On Performance

Needless to say, the 300C is not exactly light footed! It doesn’t handle all that elegantly around the corners. But let’s get that out the way, because in all honesty I don’t think it should matter that much. This car is fun for taking off in a straight line, and cruising along smoothly.

There is a V8 petrol engine available, with 363bhp, which rockets you to 60mph in around 5 seconds. The alternatives are 3 diesel V6 units, which all offer sufficient power to experience the 300C as it should be (0-60mph in 7.6 seconds).

But there’s more to driving than just stepping on the gas and going in a straight line! Thankfully, this car makes up for its handling shortcomings with, possibly, the most comfortable ride I’ve ever experienced. It just absorbs all imperfections on the road surface (of which there are tragically many here in the UK) to the extent that you almost feel as though you’re hovering off the ground!

Hydrobushings on the front suspension, accompanied by shock absorbers, are partially responsible for this. But the feeling of being cacooned in a space disconnected from the world around you is enhanced by wheel liners, underbody close-outs and a wind-shield that totally block out noise. I could travel for long distances in the 300C very happily, as a passenger or driver.

Actually, perhaps slightly more happily as a passenger, since this is not a cheap vehicle to run! The V8 engine performs, optimistically, at 16mpg in the city and 25 on the motorway. Meanwhile the V6’s are slightly better at 19mpg for urban driving and 31mpg for motorways.

Intelligent Safety Features

Chrysler’s new found attention to detail is apparent in several of the safety features included in the 300C. There is some excellent braking technology used, like Rain Brake Support, which optimizes safety on wet roads to prevent accidents. The all-wheel drive also interchanges (automatically) with rear-wheel drive, depending on the road conditions.

Blind spot detection is an excellent new addition to the new 300C, which undoubtedly makes multi-lane driving safer. An LED light appears in the wing mirror when a car moves into your blind spot on the adjacent lane. This is becoming a very popular feature, and is particularly useful in big cars.

Airbags are fitted all around, in curtain, side, front and knee positions. The headrests make use of anti-whiplash technology, moving up and forwards to meet the driver or passenger’s head before damage is done.

Conclusion

The 300C is a big, powerful car with wonderful ride quality and a high spec interior, on the market for less than its European rivals. You don’t get the handling precision that would be expected from the German manufacturers – nothing like. But the feeling of being in a powerful, modern, high quality executive car is very much there. So, at a time when people are happy to save a bit by sacrificing a few luxuries, I think the Chrysler 300C may well prove a hit in the UK market.

Author
Josh Austin is a motoring enthusiast who works for County Motor Works, new and used car dealers in Essex with a recently opened Chrysler showroom.