Geneva: Bentley Brooklands Coupe

Named after a racetrack located in Surrey, England, Bentley Azure’s coupe sibling is all you’d expect from a company that makes cars for the ultra-rich: super-luxurious, extra-powerful, unique and of course, handmade. Powered by the most powerful Crewe-built V8 engine ever produced, the Brookland’s twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre unit develops 530bhp and 1.050 Nm of torque. Even if you have the dough though, you’d better hurry up and sign-up for one as the Brookland’s production will be strictly limited to just 550 cars with deliveries expected to start in the first half of 2008. -Continued: Click “Read More…” bellow for a high-res image gallery & the press release

PRESS RELEASE: Bentley Brooklands – the world’s most exclusive coupé 6 March, 2007

-The world’s most exclusive coupé: limited to just 550 cars-
-The most powerful V8 engine Bentley has ever produced-
-Inspired by the exploits of the ‘Bentley Boys’ at the famous Brooklands racetrack-
-Powerful, muscular and rakish with classic British proportions-

Introduction

The Bentley Brooklands is a stunning new model that marks the company’s return to the luxury coupé market and reaffirms its reputation as creator of the world’s most exclusive coupés. It is the ultimate Bentley: a stylish, four-seat, grand touring coupe with classic British proportions and muscular performance.

Bentley’s chairman Dr Franz-Josef Paefgen describes the motivation behind the new coupé: “Bentley’s proud sporting pedigree, forged by the exploits of the immortal ‘Bentley Boys’ on the famous Brooklands racetrack in the 1920s, was the inspiration for our new coupé, capturing all the style, power and splendour of that era.” *

Sporting design cues are matched by the phenomenal performance engineering of Bentley’s legendary Crewe-built V8 engine. The new Bentley Brooklands possesses the most powerful V8 the company has ever produced – a 530bhp, twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre unit that also produces a prodigious 1050Nm of torque.

Each Brooklands coupé will be hand-assembled, employing traditional coach-building techniques and the craftsmanship skills in wood veneer and leather hide for which Bentley is renowned. To ensure exclusivity, lifetime production will be strictly limited to just 550 cars, with deliveries expected to start in the first half of 2008.

Exterior Design: Classic British Proportions

Bentley’s rich coupé heritage provided the stimulus for Director of Styling, Dirk van Braeckel and his design team. For van Braeckel, the task was very clear: “To create a powerful, muscular and rakish grand touring coupé with classic British proportions, in the finest Bentley tradition.”

While the new Brooklands is influenced by Bentley’s fine coupé lineage, its design and engineering are thoroughly contemporary. The proportions of long bonnet, short front overhang and long rear overhang achieve the design objective perfectly, while the low roofline, steeply raked screens and pillarless side glass convey both power and movement.

As the Brooklands will be built in very limited volume, the designers were able to introduce unique features that necessitate specialist coach-building techniques, as Programme Director, Ashley Wickham, reveals: “The Brooklands’ beautiful flowing lines are testament to the traditional coach-building skills and craftsmanship of Crewe’s highly talented workforce.”

The ‘floating’ rear screen, for example, is a contemporary take on traditional coachbuilt Bentleys. The lower edge of the screen sits well above the upper edge of the boot lid to provide a flowing, flawless line to the back of the car. This can only be achieved by individually hand-welding the rear wings to the C-pillars

The fitment of 20-inch diameter wheels as standard, signalling the surefooted, robust and dynamic character of the new model, reaffirms the powerful stance of the new Bentley coupé.

Interior Design: Peerless Craftsmanship with a Sporting Character

Dirk van Braeckel describes the mission for the Bentley interior design team: “To create the perfect Bentley coupé: sumptuous hand-crafted luxury with a distinctly sporting character.”

As in every Bentley, peerless craftsmanship is to the fore, enhanced by the warmth and richness of the finest natural materials. To tailor for their individual requirements, customers may choose from an extensive palette of hides, veneers, carpet tones and seat belt colours.

Its four-seat architecture and deeply bolstered seats lend the Brooklands’ interior a distinctly sporting atmosphere, complemented by design accents such as aluminium foot pedals and footrest. A new, single-piece, hide-trimmed roof lining flows uninterrupted from the front windscreen all the way to the rear of the car, mirroring the long, sleek profile of the elegant exterior.

The interior designers sought to offer the very highest levels of comfort and legroom, in true Bentley grand touring tradition, while the pillarless window design enhances the feeling of space.

The Brooklands’ cabin is wider both front and rear than the previous Bentley Continental R coupé – the rear by 10 percent – and it easily exceeds the interior leg, knee and headroom of any luxury coupe on sale today. This allows four adults to be accommodated in supreme comfort. Individual rear seats with electrically operated sliding cushions, set further back than on the Azure, are separated by a new centre console, incorporating both storage and cup holders.

Most powerful Crewe-built V8 ever – 530bhp, 1050Nm

Beneath its muscular, rakish, coach-built body lies the most powerful Crewe-builtV8 engine ever produced, developing 530bhp. Maximum torque is an astonishing 1050Nm, the highest ever developed by a production V8 engine. Although performance figures are subject to final confirmation as part of the on-going development programme, the new Bentley coupé will deliver supercar levels of in-gear acceleration combined with Arnage refinement.

At the beginning of the project, Dr Ulrich Eichhorn, Member of the Board, Engineering, tasked his power train specialists to deliver an extraordinary driving experience in the Bentley coupé tradition: “Exhilarating, effortless, accessible performance for those truly passionate about their driving was our prime objective.”

Launched in the Bentley S2 saloon in 1959 with a capacity of 6.23 litres, the legendary, Crewe-built V8 engine has continually evolved. The first V8 was very advanced for its time with an all-aluminium construction, a five-bearing crankshaft and a well-supported camshaft, producing nearly 200bhp and 400Nm of torque. The result was a light and supple powertrain that produced maximum torque at low engine speeds, the hallmark of every Bentley ever produced.

1969 saw the capacity grow to 6.75 litres, where it remains to this day, but by far the most significant change came in 1982, with the introduction of a turbocharger to create the near-300bhp Mulsanne Turbo, a car that transformed the image of Bentley. In 1999, the single turbo engine, by now featuring port injection and charge cooling, was installed in Arnage, with twin turbos arriving in 2002, developing up to 450bhp.

For the 2007 model Arnage, the V8 engine saw a step-change in performance and refinement which became the starting point for the new Bentley Brooklands. A re-profiled camshaft and new, low-inertia turbochargers, which operate with greater efficiency at lower engine speeds have resulted in reduced turbo lag, enhancing that prodigious wave of torque at any revs, the hallmark of a true Bentley. These changes extend the power potential of the V8 in the Arnage to 500bhp and 1000Nm of torque. For the Bentley Brooklands, further component optimisation and engine calibration ensure record power and torque levels from this hand-assembled engine.

As with the latest Arnage, the V8 engine is mated to a six-speed transmission with strengthened casing that transforms the way in which both parts of the drive train communicate. A sophisticated, locking torque converter and ESP system ensure that the driver can readily access the prodigious power. A semi-automatic function allows manual gear selection for even greater driver control.

*The challenging Brooklands banked racetrack, which this year celebrates its centenary, was the birthplace of British motor racing. During the 1920s and early thirties, Brooklands, located in Surrey, England, was the scene of some of Bentley’s greatest racing triumphs, forging an inextricable link between the company’s motorsport heritage and this historic race circuit.

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Geneva: Seat Altea Freetrack 4x4 Concept

We’re off to a good start this morning as Seat surprised us with a pre-production version of the upcoming Altea Crossover. Dubbed Altea Freetrack, the concept is equipped with VW’s 4WD system and its powered by the Leon Cupra’s 240Hp 2.0 TFSI engine. Four-wheel drive system and 4x4 design elements apart, the Freetrack justifies its crossover name with an additional 185mm’s in road-clearance in comparison with the stock Altea. According to Seat, the (toned-down) production version of the Freetrack will soon be making its debut on the road. Thing is, since the stock Altea has an identity crisis –it doesn’t know if it’s a practical hatchback or a sporty MPV, I’m guessing this will be another all-round, all-nothing model.-Continued: Click “Read More…” bellow to see the high-res image gallery & the press-release




PRESS RELEASE: SEAT ALTEA FREETRACK PROTOTYPE - The eagerly awaited 4x4 from SEAT is here

-Marks the pinnacle of the new generation of SEAT models
-Prototype preview of how future SUV will look
-An authentic 4x4 with a 240 hp 2.0 TFSI engine

This year, SEAT has once again succeeded in surprising visitors to its stand in Geneva with a concept car that showcases the look of a forthcoming road-going model: the Altea Freetrack Prototype. Far from being a mere styling exercise for the Technical Centre in Martorell, the SEAT concept car unveiled at the Swiss show gives a preview of the styling and technological innovations of the Altea Freetrack that will soon be making its debut both on our roads and off them.

The Altea Freetrack Prototype has an aggressive look which is fully in keeping with its adventurous character, along with sporty and dynamic lines, to reflect the character of the Spanish brand. Every detail of its interior exudes luxury. Thanks to both the design and materials used, the Freetrack Prototype is ready to offer passengers a first-class journey.

185 mm higher than the Altea XL, the Freetrack Prototype achieves excellent figures for its angles of approach and departure and its ramp breakover angle. These features, combined with its full four-wheel-drive system, make the Freetrack Prototype a genuine off-roader, with the vehicle also incorporating a 240 hp 2.0 TFSI engine and six-speed manual gearbox. This goes to show that the Altea Freetrack Prototype does not just have sporty looks: it is an authentic sporty 4x4 in its own right.

Moving inside, the model's 2+2 layout and racing-style bucket seats immediately demand attention. In addition, there is a practical storage area situated between the rear seats.

Multi Driving Concept (MDC) has been consolidated

This prototype represents the culmination of SEAT's Multi Driving Concept (MDC) first launched four years ago with the Salsa concept car and later consolidated with the Salsa Emoción, both of which had their origins in the new generation of SEAT models. This concept promotes the traditional MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle) from its predominantly family niche to the status of an all-terrain vehicle with sporty, aerodynamic lines as well as a level of interior versatility and spaciousness that satisfies all demands. This is a vehicle for non-conformists who are looking for that little bit more.

The use of the Multi Driving Concept marks out the Freetrack Prototype as a model offering the loading capacity and interior space of a family vehicle, the technology and preparation of an authentic 4x4, and the thrills and performance of a sports model.

Ready for anything

The Altea Freetrack Prototype's styling takes its cue from the Altea XL. However, a raft of modifications has been incorporated to adapt the new model's performance to the terrain it will be tackling.

The principal change is a chassis with 310 mm of ground clearance. The Altea Freetrack Prototype measures 1,766 mm in total, making its angles of approach and departure and its ramp breakover angle those of a true off-roader: 26 , 29 and 23 respectively.

The vehicle's width has also been increased by 60 mm, mainly to accommodate the imposing 255/50 mixed-size tyres mounted on 8J x 19 wheels.

The boldly styled oversized bull bars leave no doubt as to the robust nature of the Altea Freetrack Prototype. The same goes for the plastic side guards with aluminium inserts, which protect the body against knocks from rocks and other obstacles.

At the front end of the vehicle, there is an attention-grabbing exclusive bumper with hexagonal grille air intakes, a totally new feature in the SEAT range. The bumper itself is totally smooth with no moulding or edges, while the lower section incorporates two LED fog lights with aluminium casings. Bi-xenon headlights with AFS technology display the number 4 inside the chassis, highlighting the car's off-road character.

At the rear of the vehicle, the most eye-catching feature is the spare wheel which is fitted into the hatchback, and is covered with a plastic trim printed with a SEAT and an originally "4x4" logo. The Freetrack's boot is accessed by opening the spare aluminium wheel holder, which incorporates the model's name.

Another couple of attention-grabbing details at the back of the Altea Freetrack Prototype are two triangular-shaped tailpipes integrated into the bumper. The tail lights, meanwhile, are made with transparent glass, allowing the inside to be seen. Both the tailpipes and rear lights give the model a distinctly sporty feel.

Viewed side on, the impressive 19 inch wheels, which are by no means a typical feature on this type of vehicle, really stand out. The design of the five twin-spokes shows off the Altea Freetrack Prototype's brake discs, with callipers of eight and four pistons. Another design touch worth mentioning are the plastic guards located on the lower part of the doors - and the same protection can also be found on the wheel arches. These additions give the Altea Freetrack Prototype the undeniable air of a 4x4, while aluminium headlamps add a touch of elegance.

A further noteworthy element are the door mirrors, featuring integral indicator lamps as well as an absolute first for any SEAT model: their location on the doors and not on the A pillar.

The Altea Freetrack Prototype has been designed to enable customers to enjoy the great outdoors and reach areas which are out of reach for most vehicles. The model offers a stunning panoramic tinted roof, to make the most of the view, while it can also prevent too much sunlight from entering the vehicle and overheating the interior. The luggage rack, exclusive to this model, is also located on the roof. The Altea Freetrack Prototype also differs from other SEAT models in that it has no roof-mounted aerial; instead, it is integrated into the rear window.

The final feature requiring a mention - and one that cannot be missed - is the colour used for the concept car: an exclusive matt white finish which was developed exclusively for this prototype. This hue marks the Freetrack out as having a positive, open character with an affinity for nature. However, at the same time it still has an aura of sportiness that is inherent to this colour.

The excitement of a real adventure

It is quite evident that the SEAT Altea Freetrack Prototype is a fully-fledged all-terrain vehicle. However, the robustness of the vehicle's drivetrain and its exterior is in stark contrast to an interior that has been styled to ensure maximum enjoyment of all the vehicle's features. Enjoy the great outdoors and a sense of adventure without having to compromise on comfort in any way.

The two-tone brown and white leather upholstery produces a level of elegance and brightness inside the car which is further emphasised by the aforementioned panoramic roof. The robust feel of its exterior is mirrored in the interior by individual bucket seats which are designed to provide their occupants with an added sense of safety, thanks to their excellent hold. Furthermore, there is a storage area between the rear seats.

The 2+2 seating arrangement allows each of the passengers in the Freetrack Prototype to enjoy the pleasure of travelling in individual seats. Each seat is the personal micro-habitat of its occupant.

Special attention was devoted to the concept car's dashboard, both in terms of design and materials. The driver's section is covered in dark brown leather, while the instrument binnacle hood is white. The same hues are used on the exclusively designed steering wheel, which apart from brown and white leather, also features aluminium.

The passenger section of the dashboard has a soft, light finish, which is both pleasant to touch and pleasing on the eye, making for a top-quality interior.

The centre console really catches the eye. Two screens concentrate driving information in the upper section, including data for off-road driving, and air conditioning information in the lower section. The air diffusers are a new design, exclusive to Freetrack, and have an original vertical layout on the centre console, and a circular layout on the sides.

The instrument panel is also exclusive to this model, with two dials located on the right-hand side and a multi-function screen to the left.

Finally, the absence of a luggage tray for the boot adds to the feeling of space inside the vehicle. The boot also offers a clever solution to the problem of shifting luggage: a panel on a guiding wire holds bags in place.

Top-class engine

The Altea Freetrack Prototype comes with the same power unit under its bonnet as the new León Cupra: the 240 hp 2.0 TFSI, which is perfectly equipped for whatever the journey ahead holds in store, be it over asphalt roads or dirt tracks. The 2.0 TFSI engine's power is directed to the four wheels via a Haldex-type arrangement with a hydro-mechanical connection and electronic control, to ensure that the tractive force is distributed permanently in a progressive and precise manner.

As such, the Altea Freetrack Prototype represents the definitive solution for anyone who wishes to explore the roughest and most challenging off-road terrain with the whole family, but is also looking for a high-performance vehicle that allows them to enjoy on-road motoring to the full.

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Geneva: Opel GTC Concept – Videos & Press release

Tonight Opel officially revealed its Gran Turismo Coupe to the members of the press prior to the concept’s public debut. We’ve already given you a thorough sneak peak of the 300Hp GTC last week so we’ll just let you enjoy the two videos (including static & Geneva Show shots and comments from former Chrysler designer, Bryan Nesbitt) that we batched up from Opel’s press pack along with half a dozen extra pics and of course, the usual official press release. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see one more video, an extended image gallery and the press release

PRESS RELEASE: Opel GTC Concept Heralds New Design Era for the Brand

Dynamic and unexpected: New interior and exterior design language

Striking and elegant: Lighting concepts provide new signature style

Flexible and innovative: From four to two-seater at touch of a button with “Flex4”

Intelligent and variable: Four-wheel drive for optimum traction in all driving situations

Rüsselsheim/Geneva. The world premiere of the GTC Concept (Gran Turismo Coupé) at the 77th Geneva Motor Show gives an insight into how dynamic and refreshing Opel’s new design language will look in the future. “This concept car demonstrates the new interpretation of the Opel brand,” explains Alain Visser, Executive Director, European Opel Marketing. “The GTC Concept embodies the confident, emotional direction we’re taking with Opel. Its exciting lines combined with its high driving dynamics and interior flexibility reflect what the Opel brand trademark characteristics will be in the future.” Even a new, more refined brand emblem, with the Opel name proudly embossed into the Blitz ring, is suggested.

“The GTC Concept importantly signals the next chapter in Opel’s design identity,” says Bryan Nesbitt, Executive Director, GM Europe Design. “Our team strategized to envision the new essence of Opel – more confident, relevant and distinctive – in a high-performance, yet versatile, four-seat coupé. This style is what to expect of future Opel products.

“You have seen a number of recent concept cars become reality at Opel,” says Hans Demant, Opel´s Managing Director and GME Vice President Engineering. “Concepts like the GTC Genève and Antara GTC or the Flex-Fix rear carrier system from the TRIXX previewed their production variants. This car is a confident ambassador for the brand and could play a similar role for us, previewing the engineering and design cues of our next-generation Opels.”

The four-seat coupé is powered by a 220 kW/300 hp, 2.8-liter V6 turbo gasoline engine and features an intelligent, electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system, which provides optimum traction and stability as well as excellent agility in all driving conditions.

Brand-typical on-board flexibility is ensured by the thoughtful “Flex4” system (patent application submitted). The backs of both rear seats can be docked separately to the front seats by remote control, creating a spacious three or two-seater with flat load floor and up to 1020 liters of luggage compartment capacity. As is typical of Opel cars, the seats do not have to be removed or installed.

Dynamic design: Visually communicating the Opel brand promise

The GTC Concept reveals the next-generation of Opel styling. Much like the Opel Speedster did in 1999, or the GTC Genève Concept did in 2003 this car marks a break in the evolution of Opel’s design language and signals that the next chapter is about to be written.

Key elements of the silk grey-lacquered Coupé concept car finished with a matte grey paint (length/width/height: 4830/1867/1432 millimeters, wheelbase: 2737 mm) begin with an aggressive front end performance face emphasized by large aluminum vertical intakes that intersect the headlamps. These vertical elements are mimicked in the rear exhaust elements, proposing an unmistakable down-the-road signature performance graphic, coming or going.

The proud front is highlighted by a prominent, trapezoidal grille with signature Opel bar and Blitz, executed in polished aluminum, and gracefully finished with a bolder Opel Blitz emblem concept. The centerline crease coupled with the distinctive aluminum vertical intakes and outboard LED vertical driving lamps choreograph in harmony to visually communicate power and strength. The distinctive design continues with LED technology, enabling creative headlamp inner shapes that propose a night time signature illumination graphic in the front and rear lamps.

Another significant design cue of the two-door sport-coupé with its sleek silhouette is the sophisticated bodyside shapes and surfacing. The sheetmetal surfaces suggest athleticism coupled with elegance to provide tasteful distinction in a visually loud marketplace. The car features sculpted side lines that further progress the Opel profile shown on the Antara and Opel GT production vehicles.

In addition, large flares hug the aggressive wheel and tire package, visually suggesting road confidence to the customer. Thanks to the wide track (front/rear: 1627/1629 mm), the Opel GTC Concept provides a commanding stance, planted by 20-inch rims with 245/40 R20 “red line” styled rubber. The wheels reference the motor sport aesthetic of black rims - however, elegantly finished with high- gloss black spokes contrasted with machine polished edges, alluding a signature performance wheel look.

The GTC Concept’s rear visual solutions strategically echo the design language of the nose with an integrated rear bar and blitz emblem resting on the distinctive Opel rear center crease. Sophisticated surface development sculpturally integrates the rear spoiler into the sheetmetal to visually communicate performance. The rear appearance features Opel signature shaped rear lamps, uniquely displaying a LED night lighting graphic showcasing the exterior brand identity. The smart exterior shape and aerodynamic characteristics are rewarded by the c_D value of 0.25.

Interior design: Warmer and more inviting

Opel’s interior designs have progressed to become warmer and more inviting in products like the new Corsa, Antara and Opel GT. However, the Opel GTC Concept significantly represents the next chapter of Opel’s interior brand identity. Echoing the exterior, the interior shapes and surfaces are sculpturally-crafted to visually articulate a dynamic driving experience. The dashboard’s top-pad wraps around from the instrument panel to the door, embracing the occupants. The sweeping décor dynamically stretches one’s eye from the surfaces of the door and instrument panel, creating a memorable environment. The horizontal theme is secured with a large integrated centerstack design floating above the décor surface, an appearance reminiscent of premium audio equipment.

Complementing the exterior material theme, matte ebony surfaces are contrasted with rich high-gloss piano black décor finishes and structurally elegant aluminum accents, revealing a new standard of Opel aesthetics. The U-shaped aluminum graphic on the steering wheel is reflected again on the center console and the gear shifter, visually connecting the driving interfaces to emphasize Opel’s driving dynamics. The rotating navigation control is ergonomically positioned, allowing it to easily be located and controlled by the driver, without having to remove his/her eyes from the road. The four, sporty, round instruments encircled by translucent rings are backlit in dynamic red, replacing Opel’s traditional amber tones. These interior appearance solutions intentionally reinforce the dynamic ownership experience Opel provides.

As a final identity concept, the refined “redline” graphic of the tire pattern is vertically woven into the contoured sport seat surfaces and the centerline of the steering wheel, proposing that a visual performance identity can be distinctive without compromising taste.

Intelligent packaging: Compact exterior with spacious, flexible interior

“In the last few years, many cars have gotten bigger without passengers benefiting from it. We have reversed this trend with the Opel GTC Concept. In comparatively compact exterior dimensions, we optimized the decisive feel-good dimensions in the interior,” says Frank Leopold, Manager GME Innovation, Show Cars and Advanced Packaging. “In this way, the car fits like a glove.”

With the lower seating position and vertical hip point − known as the H-point− , both front occupants sit perfectly integrated in the car. Thanks to the lower-set instrument panel, outward visibility remains excellent. This also provides a generous sense of space, an effect strengthened by its color: the instrument panel’s upper section is dark, while the lower section is light.

The intelligent packaging is further highlighted by plenty of space in the rear of the Opel Concept car, despite its flat roof line: rear headroom is 920 millimeters. The rear seats are set low, but the four-seat, two-door car still offers Opel’s brand-typical flexibility thanks to a novelty developed by Opel engineers: the “Flex4” interior concept (patent application submitted).

“Flex4” enables the backs of both the rear seats in the Coupé concept car to be moved forward separately at the touch of a button via sensor-control and docked to the front seats. The luggage compartment cover is thereby automatically pulled over the remaining seat surfaces in the floor. This creates a three or two-seater with a flat load floor up to 1.80 meters long. Luggage compartment capacity increases from 500 liters to 755 liters (three-seater) or up to 1020 liters (maximum capacity: up to waistline).

Powerful engine and intelligent four-wheel drive system

The Opel GTC concept car is powered by a turbocharged, 220 kW/300 hp, 2.8-liter V6 gasoline engine with two variable camshafts, which is combined with a six-speed manual transmission. Maximum torque of 400 Nm is available from 1850 up to 4500 rpm, and accelerating from zero to 100 km/h is calculated to take around six seconds. Top speed is limited to 250 km/h.

The power from the high-tech turbo engine is channeled via an advanced, electronically-controlled four-wheel drive system, which is fully integrated into the car’s adaptive IDS-Plus chassis management system. An electronically-regulated torque transfer device seamlessly distributes power between the front and rear axles for optimum traction and driving performance. The high-speed control allows more power to be provided to the rear axle before any traction loss can occur, for example during quick acceleration. This creates a driving feel similar to a sporty rear-wheel drive car. An electronically-controlled limited slip differential at the rear axle provides additional stability and traction thanks to torque distribution between the rear wheels.

Major benefits of the Opel GTC Concept’s intelligent four-wheel drive system are: optimum traction and stability in all driving conditions as well as excellent agility and an active driving feel.

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Mazda RX8 Kuro & MX-5 ZSport - Mazda UK adds limited editions to the range

Geneva Show aside, Mazda UK just announced that it’s adding two new special edition versions to its RX-8 & MX-5 range. The MX-5 2.0 ZSport is priced at 19.995 BP and it'll be available in just 400 examples. Unique exterior features include Radiant Ebony Mica paintwork, 17’’ BBS alloys, a chrome front grille surround complete with other exterior chrome touches while in the interior, Mazda has added Stone-coloured leather upholstery, a brushed aluminium dash panel, chrome air vent bezels, climate control a/c and alloy pedals.

As for the RX-8 Kuro 231Hp, it costs 23.995 BP and it features Sparkling Black Mica paint with special exterior badging and five-spoke 18” dark silver alloys along with a unique ID displayed on its stainless-steel scuff plates and as the Zport, it also gets Stone-coloured leather upholstery. The Kuro will be strictly limited to 500 vehicles in the UK. No word out yet if these special editions will be available in other countries. -Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see more high-res pics & the press release

PRESS RELEASE: ‘SPECIAL EDITION’ SPORTS CARS ZOOM-ZOOM MAZDA INTO SPRING

Continuing to celebrate its status as ‘Britain’s favourite sports car brand’ – delivering one in every five sports cars sold in the UK – Mazda is introducing two ‘Special Edition’ models to its established Zoom-Zoom product line-up this spring.

The Zoom-Zoom desirability of the iconic Mazda MX-5, the world’s best selling roadster, is boosted by the special edition Mazda MX-5 2.0i ZSport. Priced at £19,995 on-the-road, it costs just £1,045 more than the Mazda MX-5 2.0i Sport with six-speed transmission, but offers further value with more than £2,250 worth of additional or exclusive extras.

Exclusive exterior features of the MX-5 ZSport include unique Radiant Ebony Mica paintwork, bespoke 17-inch BBS multi-spoke alloy wheels, a stylish chrome front grille surround complete with other exterior chrome touches and discreet ZSport badging.

Inside, there is special Stone-coloured leather upholstery, a brushed aluminium dash panel, chrome air vent bezels, climate control air conditioning and alloy pedals. Just 400 examples of the ZSport will be available in the UK.

This spring, the Mazda line-up includes a new version of the high power Mazda RX‑8 four-seater, four-door sports coupé – the Mazda RX-8 Kuro Limited Edition. With a power output of 231ps and six-speed transmission, the Mazda RX-8 Kuro will be strictly limited to 500 vehicles, every one finished in unique Sparkling Black Mica paint (‘Kuro’ translates as ‘Black’ in Japanese), with special exterior badging and five-spoke, 18-inch dark silver alloy wheels.

Appropriately for a limited-edition model, each Mazda RX-8 Kuro has its own unique vehicle number clearly displayed on its bespoke stainless-steel scuff plates, while the seats and interior are trimmed in unique Stone-coloured leather, with co‑ordinated stitching featured on the leather-wrapped steering wheel, gear knob and hand-brake lever. Costing just £23,995 on-the-road, the Mazda RX-8 Kuro is priced keenly at £505 less than the standard high power Mazda RX-8 and comes with more than £1,000 worth of extras.

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