Edition 49/2008 49.832 subscribers
FORWARD TO A FRIEND >
EDITORIAL
In a world where old–fashioned dials and gauges are as unlikely to be found on the dashboard of a car as an Ahoogah! bulb horn, it's satisfying to note that ever–inventive car makers can still come up with something new. Take the new MINI Convertible's 'Openometer'.
It's there to calculate how many hours you've spent with the top down and, as an optional extra, is jolly good fun. A British MINI will barely get off the bottom of the scale, whereas Southern Californian owners would have needles bending under the pressure of so many open–top days.
And, not to be outdone, Audi has a 'thermal cupholder' with 'both hot and cold functionality' in its new Q5 (an excellent car that Charis has tested, and writes about this week). That will impress the neighbours.
I think it's a plot by the motor manufacturers to cheer us up: too much on the performance front upsets the 'greens', while banging on about CO2 and global warming makes more spirited drivers depressed.
Openometers and thermal cupholders make everyone smile — and there's nothing wrong with that.
 |
Steve Wakefield |
THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER
Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand SportDesign analysisChris Hrabalek gives his expert view on the styling of Bugatti's extravagant, open-topped masterpiece. read more... |
 |
Audi Q5Premium 4x4 with sports-saloon dynamicsAudi's new mid-sized 4x4 is an altogether more benign soft-roader than that seven-seater behemoth, the Audi Q7... read more... |
 |
New MINI Convertible Arrives in SpringThe second-generation MINI Convertible is due to reach the UK next March. The British-built best-seller will come in Cooper and Cooper S versions, complete with plenty of new technology and design features. read more... |
 |
New Audi A5 CabrioletS5 cabrio to make an early appearanceThe convertible version of Audi's A5 will be in British showrooms next spring. Unusually, the Ingolstadt company has also announced that the high performance S5 will follow shortly afterwards. read more... |
 |
'GT Racer': Historic Racing TV Series Released on DVDTwo-title set available at an introductory price'GT Racer', the acclaimed six-programme TV series directed by Alexander Davidis first aired on television this year, is now available to a worldwide audience. read more... |
 |
Bonhams at London Olympia - 1st December 2008Bonhams' final UK motoring sale for 2008 realised £2.9 million in total, with 68% of all lots selling. That's not bad for these extraordinary, 'hard-pressed times' — as the British public is constantly being reminded. read more... |
 |
CLASSIC LIFE
Courchevel ExclusiveLuxury in the mountainsCourchevel Exclusive is a limited edition of the most exclusive sort: only 10 of these luxury travel trunks will be made, each crafted to hold a pair of 'Courchevel Exclusive' skis, Lacroix Smartrack bindings, full carbon ski poles, leather ski gloves, ski goggles and two leather pouches. read more... |
 |
THE CLASSIC DRIVER PREMIUM CAR MARKET
MODERN
Ferrari 575 Superamerica
colour Nero Daytona Black |
 |
|
Nero Daytona Black Metallic with Bordeaux Hide with Contrasting Black Stitching.
|
|
Elms Collection Classic and Exotic CarsTown/City: Essex, UK |
 |
CLASSIC
Aston Martin V8 Zagato Volante
|
 |
|
4,750 miles from new. One of only four LHD Auto cars produced, making it one of the rarest examples available worldwide.
|
|
Cummings of BodminTown/City: |
SPORTING
Ford GT 40
colour Yellow |
 |
|
Chassis GT 40 P/1077 was specially built as one of a series of ultra-lightweight 'GULF' specification GT40s by Ford Advanced Vehicles.
|
|
FiskensTown/City: London, UK |
 |
EVENTGUIDE 2008 / 2009
|
08.12. — 09.12. Barons Classic, Collectors & Historic Motor Cars Auction, Esher, UK |
SERVICE
Copyright: |