Lifestyle: Motoring – Jaguar Land Rover; Rolls-Royce; Aston Martin

JAGUAR LAND ROVER is to give US buyers at taste of what can be expected from its new – and as yet, unofficial – Special Vehicle Operations division.

The company is opting to use the annual Pebble Beach Automotive weekend in sunny California to give the new 550HP Range Rover Sport SVR it global debut. It will also be giving a glimpse of the US production version of the Jaguar F-Type Project 7 supercar, unveiled at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed and the prototype of the new Jaguar Lightweight E-Type – of which six are being built and if rumours are to be believed have already been pre-sold at seven figure prices.

The Pebble Beach weekend gathers the world’s top automotive aficionados, collectors and vintage racers together for a celebration of great performance, heritage and luxury automobiles.

All three vehicles will make their public debut at the Jaguar Land Rover Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance party on Thursday at the Pebble Beach and Tennis Club. They will be shown throughout the weekend at various events.

The Project 7 and Range Rover Sport SVR are both from SVO – the engineering and vehicle division of Special Operations – while the new Lightweight E-Type is the first recreation from Special Operation’s Jaguar Heritage team.

Jaguar will feature its full product line up at the Pebble Beach Automotive Weekend, including the all-new F-Type coupe.

However, a highlight is expected to the debut of the US production version of the F-Type Project 7, an all-aluminium, fully road-legal two-seater roadster with bespoke carbon-fibre aerodynamic aids. The car is based on the 2014 Jaguar F-Type and features a Jaguar D-Type inspired fairing, as this year marks the 60th anniversary of the iconic Le Mans-winning Jaguar D-Type.

The Range Rover Sport SVR is the first model to wear the new SVR designation and is sure to be a major draw in what is one of JLR’s key markets.

Rolls-Royce confirms new development programme

MAINTAINING the luxury focus, Rolls-Royce has confirmed a new development programme, with the new car set to reach the market by mid-2016.

The car will build on the success of Phantom, Ghost and Wraith by continuing to boldly shape the future of the marque with contemporary, graceful and sensuous styling.

The company said the new car would deliver “effortless, open-top touring through the perfect marriage of modern Rolls-Royce luxury, style and elegance with an engaging and exhilarating driving experience”.

Speaking from the home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood, West Sussex, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “I am truly delighted to confirm the development of our new model which will open an exciting new chapter in the great story of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. We are currently developing an exciting and thoroughly contemporary interpretation of a pinnacle drophead tourer which will introduce even more discerning men and women to Rolls-Royce ownership.”

Peter Schwarzenbauer, Chairman of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, has welcomed the announcement.

He said: “The announcement of a new Rolls-Royce model is always a seminal moment in the automobile industry. When it arrives in 2016, this elegant and sensuous new car will build on the success of our current models and will play a key part in fulfilling Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ commitment to long-term sustainable growth.”

The new car is currently undergoing a rigorous process of prototype testing as it enters its next stage of development.

Apprentices offered the chance to shape the future of Aston Martin

SPEAKING of next stage development, Aston Martin is searching for the very best of tomorrow’s automotive design talent with news that the luxury sports car brand is recruiting clay sculpting apprentices.

The two apprenticeships on offer present the right candidates with the opportunity to enter the highly acclaimed Aston Martin Design Department and, quite literally, help shape the future of the great British brand.

Would-be clay sculptors are being invited to apply for a four-year apprenticeship programme that begins in January 2015. This unique scheme will offer individuals the chance to develop the practical skills required to mould forthcoming generations of the world’s most beautiful sports cars, with the opportunity to progress to a Higher Apprenticeship.

The successful candidates will be helping to sculpt cars that will be assured of a truly global presence, supporting the growth of the world-class sports car maker.

Aston Martin said the ideal applicants should have creative flare, a good eye for proportion, be enthusiastic and passionate about the Aston Martin brand, whilst having the ability to tackle problems and challenges in an innovative manner.

The specialist role will provide the chosen candidates with the necessary training and support to become successful clay sculptors. Those fortunate enough to be selected will be learning from some of the industry’s most talented and skilled craftspeople and, by the end of this programme, will be able to take a design from initial concept to an accurate full-size model of the final car for both the exterior and interior.

The company, based at Gaydon in Warwickshire, is aiming to add two new apprentices to the 12 already recruited across the business and due to start work in September this year.

The expansion to include Clay Sculpting within the apprenticeship programme is a new direction for Aston Martin and it said this demonstrated the importance the company placed on developing the next generation of top-class automotive talent.

Design Director Marek Reichman said: “A skilled clay sculptor has the ability to turn a 2D sketch into 3D life-size reality. Clay sculpting remains an integral part of the design process at Aston Martin and is vital in helping the Design Team visualise future models.

“We’re looking for creative young people with a keen interest in the motor industry and a passion for all things Aston Martin.

“This is an incredible opportunity for talented and ambitious individuals to join one of the world’s most respected automotive design teams and work on new cars that, I’m sure, will be admired around the world.”

The apprenticeship programme will be delivered in-house in partnership with Walsall College through formal learning at the company’s Technical Academy at Gaydon and knowledge and skills within the workplace.

Details of how to apply for an apprenticeship are available at: http://www.thebusinessdesk.com/cms/www.astonmartin.com/careers/apprenticeships

Good luck.