World debut for new TVR at British International Motor Show
A stunning, TVR coupe will be launched at this year's British International Motor Show, sponsored by The Daily Telegraph. Based on the underpinnings of the Tamora, the T350C has been styled to suit its use as a GT and one-make racing car.
The design of the car is pure motor-sport – a low drag shape, with a splitter at the front and a diffuser at the back creating down-force over both axles. Because it shares its mechanicals and interior with the Tamora, lucky buyers won't have to wait long as it goes into production just a few weeks after the show ends.
A targa version, the T350T will also be available. Performance looks set to be electrifying with the 350 bhp 3.6 litre TVR Speed Six engine and a weight of just over 1000 kg. More details will be available at the Show on press day, 22 October.
The new T350C will be another show 'star', joining recently announced UK debuts like the Audi S4 quattro Avant, Bentley Continental GT, Seat's Cordoba and Salsa concept car and the Mazda 2, Mazda RX-8, and Mazda 6 MPS concept car
007 CARS TO PREMIERE AT BRITISH INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW
Three
special effects stunt cars filmed for the brand new James Bond movie DIE
ANOTHER DAY will get their world public debuts at The British International
Motor Show, in October.
EON Productions and MGM Pictures’ highly-anticipated James Bond adventure DIE ANOTHER DAY, produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, and starring Pierce Brosnan and Halle Berry will receive its World Premiere on 18 November in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen. Directed by Lee Tamahori, DIE ANOTHER DAY is the 20th release in the most successful film franchise of all time.
In the movie, James Bond will take the wheel of Aston Martin’s latest addition – the new Aston Martin Vanquish. The movie’s villain Zao, will drive a modified 400 bhp Jaguar XKR convertible and the latest Bond girl, Halle Berry, the new Ford Thunderbird. All three cars will be centred in Hall 4 at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, UK.
Chief executive of Show organiser the SMMT, Christopher Macgowan said: ‘We’ve seen the plans for this fantastic feature, and can’t wait to see it live at the NEC. More than half a million people who come to the event are in for a real treat – the ultimate British action-hero at the ultimate motoring event.’
Speaking on behalf of Premier Automotive Group, Stuart Dyble, Director of Communications and Public Affairs added: ‘We chose the British International Motor Show to showcase our involvement with the forthcoming Bond film DIE ANOTHER DAY as it coincides with both the promotion of the movie worldwide, and the huge fan base based in the UK, who I am sure will come to see these unique cars.’
The British International Motor Show takes place from 23 October to 3 November at Birmingham’s NEC with public access from 24 October. Doors open from 9.30am to 7pm on all public days, closing at 5.30pm on the final day.
World line-up for British International Motor Show
With less than two months before the 2002 British International Motor Show opens its doors to over half a million visitors, the line up is set to be the biggest and best to date.
Visitors can look forward to six world debuts, two European premieres and more than 45 UK debuts, as well as an area of the Show dedicated to the wealth of talent in UK specialist sports car manufacture.
The brand new Ferrari Enzo will make its first UK outing alongside the elegant Bentley GT coupé and the Caterham Superlight R300. International players like Ford, Land Rover, Renault, Vauxhall, Citroën and Volkswagen are also getting ready to show-off their latest models to Europe's second largest car market.
With a racing heritage renowned the world over, it comes as no surprise that the biggest stars, the most popular personalities and the most glamorous machinery from the racing world will be heading to Birmingham for the ever-popular Motor Sports Days on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 November.
But it's not just new cars and celebrities that pull in the crowds at the UK's biggest consumer exhibition. A whole host of attractions and exciting events are planned, like MINI Adventure Live! with stunt driving featuring the British-built MINI, air displays and live action stage shows.
Formula One fans can experience pit lane thrills by taking part in an F1 wheel change challenge, while off-roaders will be queuing up to live life on 'The Edge', a 21-tonne steel structure that will take visitors on a white-knuckle ride of their lives.
Commenting on this year's Show, SMMT chief executive Christopher Macgowan said: 'Our aim is to give visitors a major league Motor Show, which will keep them entertained all day. At this year's event there will be something for everyone, loads of fun things to do and see, better amenities, and of course a truly international line-up of new cars.'
Action-packed Motor Show prepares for green light
Car makers are all set to wow fans at this year's British International Motor Show, sponsored by The Daily Telegraph, which is now less than six weeks away. October 23 marks the start of the nation's favourite car-fest as more than 600,000 motoring fans, business people and families pour through doors at the NEC in Birmingham to see the motor industry in the bare metal.
This year's Show promises visitors more to see and do than ever before in the event's 100-year history. Fans of the new MINI will be dazzled by stunt driving in the MINI Adventure Live! arena while outside the halls, the aerobatics come courtesy of Team Alpine's air display team.
Vauxhall's off-road simulation will bring visitors a white-knuckle ride to remember and youngsters will be preparing for track thrills in the Lego Racers Drome, and perhaps a few spills as they paint cars in their own style in the Daihatsu Paint Box feature!
And then there are the cars, and lots of them. More than 700 models will be on show from the world's leading manufacturers, including more than 10 world launches, three European debuts and 45 models seen for the first time in Britain.
Many remain under wraps, but the list of confirmed debuts includes models like the British-built Peugeot 206 GTi 180 bhp, a European first for Daihatsu's Copen, Audi's luxurious A8, the fantastic Enzo from Ferrari and zero-emissions Ford Focus fuel cell vehicle.
More than a quarter of a million people have already taken a virtual tour of the Show by logging onto www.motorshow.co.uk and 20,000 eager visitors have made big savings on normal ticket prices by booking on-line. But Show-goers need to be quick; ticket discounts end at midnight on 13 October 2002.
MOST POWERFUL BRITISH LION ROARS INTO VIEW
Peugeot announces the new 206 GTi 180
The latest Peugeot GTi – built exclusively at the Ryton manufacturing plant near Coventry comes with a 180 bhp engine, making it the most powerful road-going version of the best-selling 206. The car will receive its international première at this year’s Paris Motor Show, and will also be exhibited at the Birmingham International Motor Show in October.
This new three door ‘hot hatch’ will take your breath away with its looks, style, acceleration, and power.
The 206 GTi 180 has been inspired by the success of Peugeot’s World Rally Championship sibling, the 206 WRC, which is dominating this year’s Championship series, and which has secured the manufacturers’ title for Peugeot for the last two seasons (2000 and 2001).
It has a 2.0 litre 16-valve
four cylinder petrol engine which delivers 180 bhp at
7,000 rpm, a top speed of 143 mph*, and a 0-62 mph acceleration time of just
7.1 seconds*. Engine performance has been enhanced with VVT (variable valve
timing), which ensures optimum engine torque is delivered through a wide engine
speed range, for smooth driving around town and performance driving out on the
open road.
* unofficial figures
Distinctive exterior features indicate its sporty intentions: 17" Atlantis alloy wheels, rear spoiler, full body-coloured exterior fittings (bumpers and side rubbing strips), and a new exhaust system finished with a twin chromed tailpipe which gives the GTi 180 a sporty exhaust note.
The GTi 180 has modified front suspension geometry and stiffer springs, compared with the 206 GTi (138 bhp). At the rear, the suspension includes two tie rods to maintain rear axle stability and improve road holding this is similar to that first seen on the recently launched 206 SW. It also has ESP (electronic stability programme), with the combined functions of traction control and directional control, which can be deactivated if required.
The five-speed gearbox has been designed for the keen driver, with a close ratio transmission (except for first gear) optimising acceleration, particularly on winding roads. Changing gear is effected more quickly than in the 206 GTi (138 bhp), as the travel has been reduced, improving the driving experience by facilitating faster gear changes.
Inside, racing-style sports seats hug the driver and occupants both in the front and rear. The instrument binnacle, which houses black dials with chrome surrounds, is finished in leather with contrasting stitching, and contains the following: speedometer, rev counter, oil temperature gauge, water temperature gauge, fuel gauge. The interior is further enhanced by an aluminium gear knob and pedals, as well as a microcarbon look to the centre console which echoes the finish on the exterior door mirrors.
High levels of standard equipment
The 206 GTi 180 has a high level of standard equipment, including: digital air conditioning with climate control, heat reflective athermic windscreen, CD autochanger, automatic windscreen wipers with rain sensor, automatic ‘headlights on’, electrically retractable door mirrors, and luggage net in the boot.
Safety
Due to the very nature of the car, the following safety features come as standard:
Available in four body colours Flamenco Red, Onyx Black, Aluminium and Aegean Blue the new 206 GTi 180 goes on sale in the UK in early 2003. Full specification and pricing details for the UK will be announced at a later date.
The Peugeot 206 Sports range already includes the Quiksilver, XSi, Dturbo and GTi (138 bhp) all of which have proved popular with customers looking for a stylish, fun, value for money performance car. The new GTi 180 will be the most powerful 206 on sale, and will expand the Sports range to five models.
Motor Show UK debut for Bentley GT coupe
Bentley
fans across the country will be rushing to the NEC, Birmingham to catch a glimpse
of the new GT coupé as it makes its UK debut at this year’s Daily Telegraph
sponsored British International Motor Show.
According to Bentley, the as yet unnamed coupé promises to be one of the fastest, most thoroughly developed and advanced cars ever offered for sale to the general public. With a 6-litre twin-turbocharged W12 formation Bentley engine, capable of delivering 0-60 in less than five seconds and reaching maximum speeds in excess of 180 mph, the GT promises supercar performance while maintaining the traditional style and sophistication of the famous Bentley marque.
Whether you’re an established Bentley fan or not, the new GT coupé is definitely one to see and will no doubt be creating excitement at this year’s Show. With a power output in excess of 500 bhp, the GT coupé engine is not only unlike that of any other Bentley ever made, but is also set to be one of the most powerful of any standard production car.
Motorsport fans should make a note that November 1 & 2 are Motorsport days when various racing drivers will be making an appearance.