NEW SMART MODEL IN 2009

smart widens its appeal going into 2009 by launching a new model which gives customers even more value for money and continuing its drive towards a greener future.

On the back of the recently launched smart mhd (micro hybrid drive), which offers fuel savings of up to 24% in stop-start situations, the eagerly anticipated smart cdi, goes on sale in March 2009. The smart cdi returns a staggering 83.1 miles per gallon on the combined cycle and boasts the lowest CO2 emissions of any current production car at just 88g/km.

The smart brand has also been buoyed by the latest new car registration figures from the SMMT (Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders) which show smart is bucking the trend, despite the current economic doom and gloom. Registrations in 2008, at 7,526, were 43.3% improved on the 2007 figure.

A pioneering market trial of 100 fully electric smart fortwos is also underway in the UK. The smart ed emits no carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, particulate matter or any harmful substance. It has a top speed of 60mph (electronically limited), a range of 70 miles on a single charge, can achieve the equivalent of 300mpg, and is charged by simply plugging it directly into any UK mains 3 pin plug socket.
source:newspress


Coming very soon! the little book of smart – New Edition! by Paul Jackson.
*Brand new chapter brings this book right up-to-date for 2009.

Author and smart fanatic Paul Jackson guides us through the history of the brand, its highs and lows, its successes and failures, up to the present day, with the very latest fortwo line-up promising major sales worldwide and, of course, helping to pave the way for a future for smart in the USA. It’s a fascinating tale, told succinctly and in an entertaining style, and complemented by full colour photography throughout. 144 pages packed with over 100 colour pictures and entertaining text make this a great little book.
Click here for more info about the book.

JEEP® WRANGLER UNLIMITED EV

The Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited EV is a Range-extended Electric Vehicle that provides a glimpse into the future of a “Go Anywhere, Do Anything” vehicle with renowned Jeep Wrangler capability.

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV prototype is a two-wheel drive Wrangler. However, Chrysler’s ENVI organization is exploring four-wheel-drive, in-wheel electric motors to demonstrate the full reach of the Company’s advanced electric-drive technologies. When this technology is developed by ENVI, the instant high torque of the electric-drive motor and the ability to precisely control each wheel independently will result in off-road capability ideally suited for the Jeep brand, without compromising on-road capability.
The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EV features a new ENVI Green Pearl exterior color, integrating full body-side “EV” graphics.
Source:newspress

Jeep Wrangler By Robert Ackerson.
This book features all Jeep Wrangler models built from 1987 through 2006. It contains complete details of annual changes, model-by-model, .their prices and those of trim levels, and options. It is illustrated with hundreds of color photographs of virtually every Wrangler model, their interiors, distinguishing features and options. A detailed index assures the reader of quick access to information of interest. Adding to the depth of the book' detailed text are excerpts from interviews with key Jeep officials and designers,as well as contributions from many Wrangler owners and enthusiasts.
Click here for more info about the book.

MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE

The new MINI Cooper and Cooper S Convertible are revealed this month at the Detroit Motor Show.

It includes a powered soft-top roof that allows the driver to open and close it while going up to 30 km-h.
The convertible also features an "Openometre" that records the time drivers spend travelling with the roof down.

The four-cylinder, 1.6-litre standard Mini convertible produces 118 horsepower and retails for $24,550, while the turbocharged Mini Cooper S Convertible, which delivers 172 horsepower, sells for $27,450.

The new Mini Cooper S Convertible goes on sale at the end of March.
Source:newspress

Mini also plays a prominent role in Veloce's forthcoming publications in 2009. All three Mini books coming soon! Click book covers for more info.

THE FASTEST JAGUAR EVER

Jaguar today announces that during a secret speed trial at the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, an XFR prototype recorded a stunning top speed of 225.675mph (363.188km/h), making it the fastest Jaguar ever.

The car – powered by the all-new AJ-V8 Gen III engine – beat Jaguar's previous speed record of 217.1mph (349.4 km/h) set in the XJ220 in 1992.* Paul Gentilozzi – the owner of Rocketsports Racing who successfully led the Jaguar XKR to five series victories between 2001 and 2006 in the Trans Am series in the USA – drove the car on the record-breaking run.

*Note: The Jaguar XJ220 – a mid-engined sports car produced by Jaguar in collaboration with Tom Walkinshaw Racing between 1992 and 1994 – held the record for the highest top speed of a production car until the arrival of the McLaren F1 in 1994.
source:newspress

New in stock! Jaguar/Daimler XJ40 – The Essential Buyer’s Guide by Peter Crespin.
A practical and highly-illustrated hands-on guide, taking you step-by-step through examination and purchase of Jaguar’s highly-developed flagship saloon, which took the company from the Leyland years into private ownership once more. Covering all engine and trim versions, here's what to look for, what to avoid, and whether the car is likely to suit your needs, plus relative values and the best places to buy. Also includes full details on back-up organisations and literature.
Click here for more info about the book.

VELOCE ON YOUR CAR OF THE DAY

This image of a Mercedes 300SL i supplied (taken from the Veloce book La Carrera Panamericana by John Tipler) was awarded car of the day yesterday on the popular website. Click here to visit the site.

New! La Carrera Panamericana – “The World’s Greatest Road Race!” by John Tipler.
The story of the legendary Mexican road race, which lasts for 7 days and covers 2000 miles of central Mexico. Click here for more info about the book or here for Gary Faules review of the book on his renowned Carrera Panamericana blog.

NISSAN ANNOUNCES NEW GT-R SPECV MODEL

Nissan Motor Co., Ltd today announced a new limited-production Nissan GT-R SpecV model, which goes on sale at specially selected Nissan dealers throughout Japan on February 2, 2009. The GT-R SpecV is targeted specifically at enthusiast drivers who desire race car-level performance in a street-legal vehicle.
Developed around the multi-dimensional Nissan GT-R sports car, which was introduced just more than one year ago to universal global acclaim, the new SpecV model builds on the original’s “ultimate supercar that anyone can enjoy driving anywhere, at anytime” philosophy – taking it to an entirely new level of “oneness between man and machine.” The SpecV model includes unique body, interior and performance equipment and modifications, raising the GT-R’s unmatched performance to even higher levels.
The GT-R SpecV’s new exterior features include a carbon fibre rear spoiler, a carbon fibre grille, and carbon fibre brake ducts. The SpecV is available exclusively in Ultimate Black Opal (RP) body colour. Inside, the SpecV’s unique two-seat interior (non-SpecV GT-R models also include a two-place rear seat) offers special Recaro carbon fibre bucket seats, while carbon fibre insets embellish the rear centre storage box, instrument panel and other trim areas.
Performance is enhanced with a new high gear boost control device, which momentarily increases boost of the engine’s twin turbochargers for greater torque in the intermediate-to-high speed ranges to provide a more powerful feeling of acceleration, while also allowing the engine to operate at a lower speed for improved fuel economy. Other modifications include a titanium-coated exhaust system and carbon-ceramic brakes that provide powerful stopping performance.
The GT-R SpecV is also equipped with lightweight, racing-style forged aluminium wheels that were developed for this model and have been sold by Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) since September 2008. The lighter unsprung weight provided by the new wheels, together with the enhanced braking capability, an exclusive suspension and high-grip tyres, combine to deliver the SpecV’s exceptional performance.
Source:newspress

Forthcoming Nissan GT-R books from Veloce!

BRM BRAND REVIVED IN ITS 60TH YEAR

Electric racing car to enter Speed Hillclimb Championships in 2010 and revive BRM marque in its 60th anniversary year

On 16 October, Bee Automobiles Ltd announced that the Bee Four electric racing vehicle (ERV) designed by Martin Ogilvie, would participate in the British Speed Hill Climb Championship, with Graeme Wight Jr as the driver. Bee is now delighted to announce that the ERV will race as the BRM Bee Four ERV, reviving the BRM brand in its 60th year.
The BRM Bee Four ERV - code-named the 'Watt 4' - is an all-electric 4WD vehicle, capable of producing 700hp or 520kW. The ERV uses motor technology developed at Oxford University. Bee is a partner with Energy Efficient Motor Sport - EEMS.
The BRM Bee Four ERV will revive the famous BRM brand. BRM is a previous winner of the British Speed Hill Climb Championship, the F1 world Drivers' and Constructors' championships and a total of 17 F1 Grands Prix, with Graham Hill and Sir Jackie Stewart as two of the winning drivers.

2009 is the 60th anniversary of BRM, so it is very appropriate to revive the brand in an innovative new car. BRM was founded just after the Second World War by Raymond Mays, who had built several hillclimb and road racing cars under the ERA brand before the war, and Peter Berthon, a long-time associate.

Fantastic BRM books available from Veloce. Click covers for more info!