NEW WINDOWS PHONE APP - VW BUS EBG

VW Bus - The Essential Buyer's guide, our bestselling iPhone app has now been converted into a Windows Phone app!



NEW Features for Windows Phone!
- Checklist to keep track on what you should look for when viewing a Bus
- Vehicle Notes to add seller and Bus info to the app with an image. Contact the seller direct from the app instead of clogging up your phone's contacts.
- Recorded notes to take down voice memos when viewing a Bus.
- Consistent and familiar design which Windows Phone users love!

Many colour photographs taken especially for this guide
Informative text written by enthusiastic experts with the novice in mind
In-App videos which feature helpful voice-overs by your marque expert, Richard Copping
Three generations of VW Bus covered
Invaluable guide to avoiding pitfalls and getting real value for money
All aspects of buying a VW Bus covered

A unique App dedicated to three generations of VW’s legendary Transporter (almost universally known as the 'VW Bus', whether in Bus, Camper, Van or Pick-up form). Meticulously researched with many model-specific photographs reproduced to illustrate a genuinely informative text.

Covering all the collectable Buses produced by Volkswagen between 1950 and 1990, this App is unique in providing the full story of the high points and pitfalls of buying such models. Written by enthusiasts, the easily readable text is informative to the novice, while still being of considerable value to those who have already owned a Bus. More info

ALL-NEW GOLF GTI READY TO ROCK THE ROAD AT GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

At Volkswagen, the letters ‘GTI’ have stood for superior dynamic performance for over three decades now. In the tradition of previous models by the same name, Volkswagen is introducing the latest version of the Golf GTI at the Geneva International Motor Show. For the first time, the legendary compact sports car is available from the factory with two power levels: the standard 220 PS GTI and the GTI Performance with 230 PS, larger brake discs and a front limited-slip differential (VAQ).

The new GTI is powered by a turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine (TSI) with 162 kW / 220 PS. Also available for the first time is a GTI Performance. In this version, the engine’s maximum power is boosted to 169 kW / 230 PS. Both GTI models develop a maximum torque of 350 Nm. The standard GTI accelerates to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 152 mph. The GTI Performance has a top speed of 155 mph and needs just 6.4 seconds for the sprint to 62 mph.

Both versions are equipped with a Stop/Start system and fulfil the EU-6 emissions standard that takes effect in 2014. With a six-speed manual gearbox, they attain the same low fuel consumption value of 6.0 l/100 km, or 47.0 mpg (CO2: 139 g/km). This means that the latest Golf GTI offers an 18 per cent improvement in fuel economy compared to the previous model. With the optional six-speed DSG gearbox, the two GTI models achieve fuel consumption figures of 6.4 (44.1 mpg) and 6.5 l/100 km (43.5 mpg) respectively (equivalent to 148 and 149 g/km CO2).


The sporty character of the Golf GTI is reflected in its red-painted brake callipers, two chrome tailpipes and sports suspension. The exterior features 17-inch ‘Brooklyn’ alloy wheels with 225/45 size tyres (18-inch ‘Austin’ alloys will be standard in the UK), special side sills, a rear diffuser and smoked LED rear lights, along with LED numberplate illumination. UK specification will also include bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights.

Interior highlights include sports seats with the classic tartan cloth upholstery, a black rooflining and red ambience lighting. GTI drivers will also appreciate the bespoke sports steering wheel, gear lever and instrument cluster, trim strips and stainless steel pedal caps.

An optimal mix of comfort and safety will come as standard in the Golf GTI. In Germany, advance ordering for the new Golf GTI begins on 5 March, and prices start at €28,350. Volkswagen Retailers in the UK start taking orders for the new GTI on 26 March, with the first deliveries due in June. UK pricing and detailed specification are yet to be confirmed.

Source: Volkswagen

WORLD PREMIÈRE: ALFA ROMEO 4C

The final version of the Alfa Romeo 4C makes its début at the 83rd International Motor Show in Geneva. This mid-engined rear-wheel drive coupé with two bucket seats represents the true essence of a sports car at the heart of Alfa Romeo’s DNA: performance, Italian style and technical excellence, offering maximum driving satisfaction in total safety.

Designed by Alfa Romeo engineers and produced in the Maserati plant in Modena, the new compact supercar will be available for purchase in 2013, marking the return of the Italian brand to the United States and inaugurating Alfa Romeo’s global growth plan.

The Alfa Romeo 4C derives directly from the concept which raised many eyebrows in wonder at the Geneva Show in 2011, so much so that it won three prestigious awards: the ‘AutoBild Design Award’ (2011, Germany), the ‘Design Award for Concept Cars & Prototypes’ (2012, Italy) and the ‘Most Exciting Car of 2013’ - ‘What Car?’ (2013, Great Britain).

Acronym 4C

The acronym ‘4C’ draws its inspiration from the brand’s glorious past, projecting the values of technology and emotions into the future. Indeed, it refers to Alfa Romeo’s great sporting tradition: the acronyms 8C and 6C in the 1930s and 1940s distinguished cars – both racing and road – fitted with the powerful ‘eight cylinders’ and the innovative ‘six cylinders’, confirming in its design layout and construction the goal of achieving the power/weight ratio of an authentic supercar, less than 4 kg/HP, yet focusing not merely on the maximum power delivered, but on limiting the weight to guarantee maximum agility and top performance. To this end, the Alfa Romeo 4C uses technologies and materials derived from super sports cars (including the Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione) – carbon fibre, aluminium, rear-wheel drive – and technologies from the latest standard models from Alfa Romeo, but updated to enhance the sports appeal of the new car even further. This is demonstrated by the new 1750 Turbo Petrol all-aluminium engine with direct injection, the sophisticated Alfa TCT twin dry clutch transmission and the Alfa DNA selector with the unprecedented Race mode.

Exterior style

Designed by the Alfa Romeo Style Centre, the 4C immediately brings to mind some of the traditional iconic models which have left a significant mark in the history of the Brand. Above all others, in terms of dimensional and layout similarities, one stands out in particular: the 33 Stradale, a car that combined extreme mechanical and functional requirements with an essential style which ‘clothed’ the engine and chassis appropriately with unmistakable Alfa Romeo treatments. The 4C has followed suit, and thus completes a journey which was embarked upon with the 8C Competizione, emphasising some particular concepts of the brand, such as compact size, dynamism and agility.

Interior design

The elemental design and essential materials also distinguish the interior, which is all designed and built for maximum driving satisfaction. Specifically, the carbon fibre in the interior immediately stands out, used to make the central cell, which has been left in full view to enhance the sense of uniqueness, of technology and light weight.

Dimensions and aerodynamics

The compact dimensions make this car with 2 bucket seats truly unique amid its competitors: it is just under 4 metres long, 200 cm wide, 118 cm high and with a wheelbase of less than 2.4 metres. These dimensions serve both to emphasise the compact size of the car and to accentuate its agility. What’s more, owing to the designers’ excellent work, the car achieves maximum aerodynamic efficiency levels, recording a negative Cz (downforce coefficient) which, as in racing cars, contributes towards achieving increased stability at higher speeds.

New 4 cylinder 1750 Turbo Petrol

An evolution of the engine already in use in the Quadrifoglio Verde version of the Giulietta, the new 4 cylinder 1750 Turbo Petrol engine implements an innovative aluminium block and specific intake and exhaust systems which have been optimised to enhance the sports appeal of the car even further. In addition, it boasts cutting-edge technical solutions including direct fuel injection, dual continuous variable valve timing, a turbocharger and a revolutionary scavenging control system that gets rid of any turbo lag.

Alfa TCT automatic transmission

The 1750 Turbo Petrol engine is teamed with the innovative Alfa TCT automatic twin dry clutch transmission, which is a genuine benchmark in its segment due to its low weight and extreme speed of activation. The gears can also be changed in sequential mode using the shift paddles located behind the steering wheel.

The new Alfa DNA selector with Race mode

The Alfa Romeo 4C also sees the début of the new Alfa DNA selector which not only features the three standard settings available until now – Dynamic, Natural and All Weather – but also a fourth mode: Race, designed to enhance the driving experience on a race track even further.

Excellence made in Italy

The very best technical and industrial expertise of the Alfa Romeo and Maserati brands were used to develop the final version of the 4C. Specifically, the teamwork between the two brands was aimed at the integration of the Alfa Romeo design department with the Maserati production plant. In short, this too is a distinguishing trait of Alfa Romeo, a brand with a century of history that continues to be one of the most famous and popular ambassadors of Italian products across the world.

Source: Alfa Romeo

RITA MOVIE APPEAL - CLASSIC CARS WANTED!

Would you like to lend your classic car for a movie?


Rita productions is looking for vehicles between 1960 and 1978 for the purpose of a movie that will be shot in the Vaud region of Switzerland, and particularly around Vevey.

The following vehicles are particularly required:

• Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I or II
• 4-door Volvo 140 (black or white)
• Ford Taunus Cortina or Break (dark colour)
• Volvo 245
• Fiat 128 red
• VW van or another brand (style road vehicle)
• Police van (any model)
• Police vehicles
• Utility vehicles (snowplough, bucket truck, backhoe loader, other construction vehicle...)
• Ships and boats

Also sought for figuration:

- All types of vehicles, cars, mopeds, motorcycles, trucks, tractors, bicycles. These vehicles must also date between about 1960 and 1978 maximum.

More details here.

PORSCHE’S 911 TO TAKE CENTRE STAGE AT THE 2013 GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED

Goodwood to mark 50 years of Porsche’s iconic 911 sports car with a memorable ‘central feature’ display

Goodwood is honouring one of the world’s most versatile and popular sports cars – the Porsche 911 - with the main ‘Central Feature’ at the 2013 Festival of Speed (11-14 July). The one-off 911-inspired sculpture promises to be a highly distinctive ‘installation’ displayed prominently outside Goodwood House.

Marking the first half-century of the Porsche 911 at Goodwood is hugely appropriate in the Festival of Speed’s 20th anniversary year. To date, this legendary sports car has featured at every single Goodwood Festival, from the first event in 1993 - when an unexpectedly high 27,500 enthusiasts turned-up - to the 185,000+ visitors that attended the world’s greatest celebration of car culture last year.

Whether appearing in action in road and race form on the testing 1.16-mile Goodwood hillclimb, spitting gravel sideways around the Forest Rally Stage, or sitting serenely static yet inviting on the Cartier ‘Style et Luxe’ concours lawn or Porsche exhibition stand, the 911 has played a key role in helping to put the Festival of Speed on the map over the last 20 years.

The 911 has been at the very heart of the Porsche brand for the past five decades. Few other sports cars in the world can look back on such a long tradition and continuity as the Porsche 911. It has been inspiring car enthusiasts the world over since its debut as the model 901 at the IAA International Automotive Show at Frankfurt in September 1963. Today the truly versatile 911 is considered by its many devoted fans to be the quintessential sports car, and the central point of reference for all other Porsche series, as each of the marque’s other models carry a piece of the 911’s philosophy.

Over 820,000 Porsche 911s have been built since 1963, and examples of each of its seven generations will be present at the 2013 Festival of Speed. From the very beginning the car has been at home on circuits all over the world, earning a reputation as a versatile and dependable winner, with two thirds of the 30,000 race victories achieved by Porsche to date being notched up by the 911.

In addition to Goodwood, Porsche will be celebrating the 911’s 50th anniversary around the world, including the USA, China, Continental Europe and Australia. During the summer the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart will also be marking ‘50 years of the Porsche 911’ with a special exhibition featuring the history and development of the car.
Source: Goodwood

MUST HAVE MGs AT RACE RETRO SALE

1954 MG TF

1964 MGB Roadster
Classic and race MGs spanning five decades will go under the hammer at the Silverstone Auctions hosted Race Retro & Classic Car Sale.

The must-attend auction for any serious MG enthusiast or collector takes place at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire on 23rd February as part of the Race Retro weekend. As well as the collection of MGs, the sale will also have other road models, race and rally cars, as well as a wide variety of automobilia.

Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions, said: “There are few marques that can match MG for pure driving pleasure, complimented with style and collectable appeal. It’s no wonder that they provoke such fierce loyalty.”

The oldest of the MG’s on offer, estimated at £22,000 to £26,000, is a beautifully restored 1954 MG TF. As well as its eye-pleasing appearance, complete with light Burgundy paintwork and cream interior, is a very recently rebuilt engine.

Just slightly younger is a 1957 MG A 1500, estimated at between £20,000 to £25,000. Offered in the best colour combination of Old English White with red leather interior, it boasts many of its original features and has an extensive history file.

From 1959 is a stunning MG A Twin Cam Roadster, estimated at between £30,000 to £35,000, that has recently benefited from a full ground up restoration.

The swinging sixties is represented by a 1964 MG B Roadster and a 1969 MGC GT, estimated at between £12,000 to £15,000 and £8,000 to £12,000, respectively.

Presented in excellent condition, the Roadster is an early pull-handle example and comes complete with a large history file with bills and receipts for various works carried out.

Meanwhile, a 1969 MGC GT is just one of only 335 ever made for the UK market. It has been garage stored for its entire life and also has a large history file containing various original documents.

Those looking for their first affordable classic might be tempted by a 1975 MG Midget, estimated at between £3,000 to £5,000. A completely original car with low mileage makes this model very rare but within reach of most budgets.

Last but by no means least, is a 1998 MGF Cup Car, estimated at between £7,500 to £9,000. It is ideal for a club racer, a racing-driver tutor or simply as en economical track-day weapon!

For more information about any of these MGs, or for any of the other models being offered at the Race Retro & Classic Car Sale, visit www.silverstoneauctions.com.

Stop! Don’t buy a classic MG without buying a Veloce Essential Buyer's Guide first!

MG TD, TF & TF1500 – The Essential Buyer’s Guide
By Barrie Jones

Having this book in your pocket is just like having a real marque expert by your side. Benefit from the author’s years of MG TD & TD ownership, learn how to spot a bad car quickly and how to assess a promising one like a professional. Get the right car at the right price!

More info.







MG MGB & MGB GT – The Essential Buyer's Guide
By Roger Williams

A small investment in this book could save you a fortune ... With the aid of this book's step-by-step expert guidance, you'll discover all you need to know about the car you want to buy. Unique point system will help you to place the cars value in relation to condition. This is an important investment - don't buy a car without this book's help.

More info.

FROM 205 TO 208 IN 30 YEARS

It’s happy birthday 205 as Peugeot celebrates with a worthy successor - the new Peugeot 208


On the 15th February 1983 the 205 was born. Although the 201, 202, 203 and 204 came before it, it would be the 205 that really put Peugeot on the world map.

Some 5.3 million models went on to be made before production ended in 1999. Its replacement, the hugely successful 206, has now reached the 8 million production mark making it the best-selling Peugeot model ever in the history of the Company. In the last 30 years, over 17 million 2 series vehicles have been produced by Peugeot in the B car segment.

Today the number may have changed (the new 208 was launched in the UK in June 2012 and succeeded the 207), but the success of Peugeot’s Supermini continues.

In December 2012, just a few months after its launch, the 208 was on top of the European B segment and ended the year with 220,000 sales across Europe.

Produced in France (Poissy) and in Slovakia (Trnava), the 208 was launched in Europe in spring 2012 and reached the UK at the end of June. In a few months, sales will commence in the Russian and South American markets.

The 208 has already recorded a rich mix since launch, with 38% of customers choosing high level versions, the Allure and Feline.

By the end of 2012, 23,000 orders had been received for the new 208 in the UK. This, combined with over 17,000 cars already on the road, makes it one of the fastest selling Peugeots of all time.

The New Year has continued at a pace with 208 orders rising, up 45% in the first six weeks compared to the same period in 2012 for the 207.

The 205 was a ground-breaking product back in 1983 and with the 208, Peugeot returns to form with a car with a wider choice of new engines (3- and 4-cylinder petrol, very low CO2 diesels from 87g/km and all below 100g/km), and a car that is lighter and smaller on the outside yet bigger on the inside than its predecessor.

In April, one of the most anticipated new cars of 2013 comes to market in the shape of the new 208 GTi. Some 29 years since the launch of that iconic car of the ‘80s; the modern day successor to the 205 GTi will deliver a desirable package of style and image with performance in spades.

An awful lot has changed in the world in 30 years, but Peugeot can still be relied on to deliver a winner.

Source: Peugeot

Available from Veloce!
Peugeot 205 GTI – The Essential Buyer’s Guide
By Jon Blackburn

The Essential Buyer’s Guide carefully describes the 205 GTI models that enthusiasts love to drive and own, from the pioneering 1.6 GTi, through various developments to the 1.9 GTI. The CTI cabriolet is also covered. When you consider a potential purchase armed with this book, it’s just like have a Peugeot 205 expert by your side. Buy the right car at the right price.
More info.