Motoring: New Merc Cabriolet is winter wonder drive
WHILE it might be exceptionally mild for the time of year, the wet weather is hardly conducive to open-top motoring.
Odd then that Mercedes should decide now to launch its stunning new AMG S65 Cabriolet – maybe they were inspired by one of the popular songs of the season when a certain Canadian crooner asks the big fella in the red suit to slip a 65 convertible under the tree.
This might not have been the 65 convertible he had in mind but I’m sure that if someone was generous enough to leave the keys to such a car as a present then few would complain – even taking into account the weather.
The new car is the first time Mercedes has offered a performance car which combines the impressive power of a 6.0 litre V12 biturbo engine with the pleasure of open-top driving for four occupants.
The car marries an output of 463 kW (630 hp) and 1000 nm of maximum torque, with sports suspension based on AIRMATIC.
Should the driver and passengers want to experience the thrills of open air driving in December then the car is equipped with AIRCAP automatic wind protection system, the AIRSCARF neck-level heating system, heated armrests and intelligent climate control.
The three-layered acoustic fabric soft top is available in four colours, and has a very high-quality interior lining in nappa leather and DINAMICA microfibre.
No other car manufacturer in the world offers such a wide portfolio of 12-cylinder models as Mercedes-AMG, with the cabriolet joining a model range comprising the S 65 Saloon, SL 65 Roadster, G 65 off-roader and S 65 Coupé.
Tobias Moers, chairman of Mercedes-AMG, said: “The customer base for our V12 biturbo engine expects the ultimate in every respect.
“That is why we are offering a four-seater high-performance convertible with this legendary power unit for the first time. The new S 65 Cabriolet sets benchmarks for all relevant criteria: Top performance, a breathtaking driving experience and exquisite appointments.”
The dynamic set up enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds. The top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited). The AMG Driver’s package includes an increase in the top speed to 300 km/h (also electronically limited).
The Mercedes-AMG S 65 Cabriolet can be ordered from UK dealers from April 4, 2016, with the first cars in the showrooms next summer.
JLR looks to ease the burden on Santa
JAGUAR and Land Rover have showcased their latest collection of branded goods – just in time for those last minute Christmas presents.
And in a nod to the season, the company unveiled a special ice-sculpture of a Christmas-inspired Jaguar design which should give Santa plenty of reasons to be cheerful.
Codenamed ‘F-SLEIGH’, the Jaguar Christmas sleigh takes inspiration from the Jaguar F-TYPE convertible, but with skates in place of wheels, a generous open luggage compartment for gifts and jet power to generate Jaguar’s renowned supercharged performance through the night sky and ease the burden on Rudolph and his colleagues. A Growler-embossed red nose completes the F-SLEIGH’s festive theme.
Lindsay Weaver, Jaguar Land Rover Director of Branded and Licensed Goods said: “The amazing F-SLEIGH may be a bit of Christmas fun, but it proves that Jaguar Land Rover is now creating much more than world-class cars.
“We have been working tirelessly to develop collections that tell stories and celebrate our great brands, and this 2016 collection is our most desirable ever – we’ve really pushed ahead for design, quality and originality and it’s great to showcase it alongside the luxury goods being produced by our exclusive brand partners.”
Some of the products displayed by Jaguar and Land Rover brand partners included exclusive items from Art Fragrance, Barbour, Bremont, Globetrotter, Menrad, Oliver Sweeney, Landy Books and 2×2 Ltd.
In addition, in-house products from Jaguar and Land Rover including limited edition (199 of each) meticulously hand-crafted 1:8 scale models of iconic Jaguar cars, a Defender pedal car concept, and heritage-inspired apparel and branded accessories were installed as part of the showcase.
Items from the new collections are available to buy at Jaguar and Land Rover retailers and online stores.
Stars line up for Autosport International
DARING motorcycle racer and TV personality Guy Martin has been confirmed as one of the guests at January’s Autosport International, which takes place at the NEC between January 14 and 17.
Having competed in some of the world’s toughest road racing events over the last decade, including the Isle of Man TT, Martin has won fans the world over with his uncompromising style on the bike and his entertaining no-nonsense interviews off it.
In recent years, he’s attracted an entirely new audience with appearances on a variety of TV shows, fronting series that celebrate his love for engineering, famous vehicles and speed. He has been the presenter of shows such as the Channel 4 series Speed With Guy Martin and, most recently, Guy Martin: Last Flight of the Vulcan Bomber. Martin also had a starring role in TT3D: Closer to the Edge, the feature-length movie which celebrated the famous road race.
He will be taking a break from his other day job – repairing lorries – to visit the NEC event where he will be one of the stars of the Live Action Arena. Appearing on both Saturday 16 and Sunday 17, he will be wowing crowds on a Honda CRF450 Short Track bike.
Other famous names from the world of motorsport include Formula 1 world champion turned pundit, Damon Hill, who will be celebrating 20 years since he won the 1996 F1 Drivers’ Championship.
In addition, F1 fans will be treated to a display of iconic racing cars from Williams Martini Racing. It will be the largest collection of Williams F1 cars ever seen outside the team’s Grove headquarters. As part of this feature, Damon Hill will be reunited with his 1996 championship-winning FW18 racing car.
Triple FIA World Champion, Petter Solberg is also due to light up the Live Action Arena with a daring mix of precision driving stunts inside the 5,000-seater indoor arena. He will pilot his World Rally car around the indoor circuit and driving just inches from of the barriers.
Another highlight will be the return of Team Japspeed to the live action arena.
Back by popular demand, Paul Smith, Shane Lynch and Shane O’Sullivan will be thrilling crowds with a precision display filled with slipping, sliding and tyre smoke in their respective cars – 1.5JZ Nissan Silvia S15, 2JZLexus IS200 and RB25 Nissan Silvia S15.
