Hydrogen-Fuelled Toyota Hilux
Toyota has continued its progress towards its zero carbon mobility goals with the unveiling of a prototype hydrogen fuel cell powered Hilux. This prototype is
Toyota has continued its progress towards its zero carbon mobility goals with the unveiling of a prototype hydrogen fuel cell powered Hilux. This prototype is
The East Coast Truckers 36th Convoy is set to take place on Sunday 27th August. This is an incredible event that sees over 80 trucks
Throughout automotive history, there are certain vehicles that stand out as true icons. The 1962 Ferrari 330 LM / 250 GTO by Scaglietti, chassis number
On 1st September, car enthusiasts will get a rare opportunity to become the new owner of a very interesting car, as Auctioneum auctions a unique
To celebrate its 110th anniversary, Aston Martin has revealed the Valour – a stunning V12-powered, ultra-exclusive, special edition sports car that has been built for
In what could easily be confused as a prank, Suzuki made something of a major announcement regarding the future of daily transportation. Suzuki has signed
In 2022, more than 77,000 speeding offences were recorded in Kent alone. If that wasn’t worrying enough, over 500 drivers were actually recorded travelling at
When delivering classic cars, it’s always important to take extra care. Even small dings can cause much more damage than you might expect. When a
After months of research and development, the team here at Bridge Classic Cars are extremely excited to reveal the first stage prototype of our submarine
Princess Anne visited our neck of the woods recently, spending some time in Southwold where she went to the Adnams brewery. She visited the Suffolk
Some of the team here at Bridge Classic Cars recently had the opportunity to hear the story of Rogue Trader, Nick Leeson from the man
On 29th March 1927, on Daytona Beach in Florida, Major Henry Segrave drove a Sunbeam, known as ‘The Slug’, over 200mph. This was the first
The BBC has announced that filming of series 34 of Top Gear has been halted following Freddie Flintoff’s crash back in December. The accident happened
Rolls Royce has been given funding from the UK Space Agency to continue its research into how nuclear power could be used to support a
Despite the automotive industry drastically shifting towards electric vehicles and other green alternatives, General Motors have made an announcement that proves the V8 has not
Laura Kennedy founded London’s first all female garage, Spanners With Manners, in her endeavour to make the industry more inclusive.
Toyota has continued its progress towards its zero carbon mobility goals with the unveiling of a prototype hydrogen fuel cell powered Hilux.
This prototype is the latest addition to a range of vehicles helping the brand move towards sustainable travel as well as suiting different needs and operating conditions. With a range of powertrain options such as hybrid electric, plug-in hybrid electric, battery electric and fuel cell electric, Toyota is demonstrating the broad scope of its multi-technology strategy to reach that fabled zero-carbon mobility.
The potentially ground-breaking Hilux made its debut at Toyota Manufacturing UKโs Burnaston car plant in Derby, where it has been developed in a joint project with consortium partners, supported by UK Government funding.
The new powertrain features core elements from the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric saloon. This is technology that has been in commercial production for almost 10 years and has proved its worth and quality over that period of time.
While driving, the fuel cell produces no tailpipe emissions other than pure water.
It has a driving range of 365 miles, which is quite a bit further than is likely to be achieved with a battery electric system. This increased range comes from the three high-pressure fuel tanks that are used in the prototype Hilux. Additionally, the battery stores electricity produced on-board by the fuel cell and is positioned in the rear load deck, which avoids any loss of cabin space.
In early 2022, the project commenced with a feasibility study conducted by TMUK and Toyota Motor Europe, in collaboration with consortium partners Ricardo, ETL, D2H Advanced Technologies, and Thatcham Research. Subsequently, funding was secured from the UK Government through the Advanced Propulsion Centre, a non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing cleaner technologies and innovative mobility concepts. This financial support paved the way for an intensive design and development program that kicked off on July 1st, 2022, with additional assistance from Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC).
Prototype construction began on June 5th this year, adhering to the Toyota Production System principles within a dedicated section of the TMUK facility. Amazingly, the first vehicle was completed just three weeks later, marking the beginning of a series of ten vehicles planned to be completed by the end of 2023. These vehicles will undergo rigorous global testing to ensure they meet the safety, dynamic performance, functionality, and durability standards required for a production model.
This project has provided TMUK members with an opportunity to acquire and apply new expertise in the field of fuel cell electrified vehicles and hydrogen system components. The consortium members have all played pivotal roles in the initial project phase. Ricardo, for instance, has supported preparations for the prototype build, handling design and development tasks, and validating the entire manufacturing process concurrently with TMUK teams. Over the coming months, they will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the vehicle.
Additionally, Thatcham Research, an automotive risk intelligence firm dedicated to comprehending the potential and risks of emerging vehicle technologies, has contributed to the project by offering sustainable repair consultancy and preparing hydrogen-related training materials for the repair market.
Minister for Industry and Economic Security Nusrat Ghani said: โWe have an amazing manufacturing sector here in the UK, and this is a great example. Itโs fantastic to see Toyota reach another milestone on their journey to zero emissions here in Britain, and I congratulate the project team for their success on this cutting-edge development. This is a great vote of confidence in UK manufacturing and its potential to deliver carbon-free vehicles to meet future targets.โ
Richard Kenworthy, TMUK Managing Director, said: โThe project team have accomplished an incredible job in a very short space of time, from creating the prototype build area to completion of the first vehicle. The UK Government funding has enabled us not only to develop a new vehicle in record time, but also to upskill our teams to work on hydrogen-related technologies, something we hope to build on in the future.
Ian Constance APC Chief Executive, said: โThe Toyota Hilux project is a fantastic example of collaborative R&D which has designed, integrated, and delivered a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. UK Government funding through the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) anchors capability in R&D, which helps safeguard and creates new jobs for the future. It embeds the next generation of net-zero vehicles and technologies in the UK.“
โThe project consortium has made significant progress to deliver several vehicle demonstrators developed and built in the UK. Seeing the prototype hydrogen fuel cell Toyota Hilux global launch within a year of the start of the project is a clear demonstration of the capabilities and strengths of the UKโs automotive supply chain.โ
Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) produces Corolla Hatchback, Touring Sports and Commercial models at its production centre in Burnaston, Derbyshire, and hybrid engines at its facility in Deeside North Wales. TMUK began production in 1992 as Toyotaโs first fully owned manufacturing business in Europe and went on to become the companyโs first location for hybrid electric vehicle manufacturing outside Japan. To date, Toyota has invested more than ยฃ2.75 billion in its UK manufacturing operations; TMUK currently employs more than 3,000 people and supports many further jobs in its extensive UK supplier network.
Ricardo is a global strategic engineering and environmental consultancy specialising in the transport, energy and scarce resources sectors. Ricardo has supported the technical integration of the fuel cell components into the Hilux chassis.โฏ
ETL (European Thermodynamics) is committed to delivering high-integrity thermal solutions through excellence in design and innovation. ETL has studied reversible and multi fan arrangements.
D2H Advanced Technologies provides high-technology engineering services in simulation, modelling, aerodynamics, thermodynamics and design for motorsport and other high-performance industries. D2H has completed CFD analysis to highlight where improvements could be made.
Thatcham Research was established by the UKโs motor insurance industry in 1969, with the aim of containing or reducing the cost of motor insurance claims while maintaining safety standards.โฏIt will support the project in validating repairability and creating FCEV training package for the repair market.โฏ
The East Coast Truckers 36th Convoy is set to take place on Sunday 27th August. This is an incredible event that sees over 80 trucks take children with disabilities from Norwich to Pleasurewood Hills, before returning via the seafront at Great Yarmouth.
This is a big day for all involved and it is all for an extremely good cause.
Everyone here at Bridge Classic Cars wishes everyone taking part the very best and we hope the day goes smoothly.
Sunday 27th August 2023 – approximate timings :
10:00 – Leave Colman’s (opposite County Hall), Norwich
10:30 – Acle Roundabout
10:45 – Great Yarmouth (Vauxhall)
11:00 – Gorleston
11:30 – Arrive at Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park
*****
17:00 – Leave Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park
18:00 – Marine Parade (Seafront), Great Yarmouth
19:00 – Arrive at Colman’s, Norwich
Throughout automotive history, there are certain vehicles that stand out as true icons. The 1962 Ferrari 330 LM / 250 GTO by Scaglietti, chassis number 3765, is undoubtedly one such masterpiece. On November 13th 2023, this one and only factory-owned Ferrari 250 GTO Series 1 race car is going to auction with RM Sotheby’s in New York.
It is estimated to sell for in excess of ยฃ47,000,000, thanks to its historical significance, rarity, and racing pedigree.
With only 36 Ferrari 250 GTOs ever being produced, every one of them is special. However, this one, chassis 3765 is extra special as it was the only one that was owned by the Ferrari factory and raced by the Scuderia Ferrari team.
Other than the Ferrari factory, the car has also been owned by the chairman of the Ferrari Club of America. Its current ownership has lasted 38 years and has included fastidious care keeping the vehicle in stunning condition.
Beyond its stunning visual appeal and rarity, chassis number 3765 boasts an awe-inspiring racing pedigree. The 1962 Ferrari 330 LM/250 GTO was born in an era when motorsport was a crazy mix of skill and bravery, and this car achieved huge success throughout its racing life. Under the guidance of legendary drivers such as Mike Parkes and Lorenzo Bandini, this vehicle raced in some of the most well-known races in the world, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions, at RM Sothebyโs, said:
“The 1962 Ferrari GTO we’re bringing to market is more than a classic; it’s a legend. Being the only series GTO to ever race as a factory campaigned car, it represents an unparalleled piece of automotive history. Its appeal transcends the automotive sphere and reaches every kind of collector. This is the one–the car that collectors can only dream of acquiring and weโre thrilled to be able to provide someone the chance to make a dream come true. To me, there is no better place to showcase this automotive icon than New York City at Sothebyโs.“
Mari-Claudia Jimรฉnez, Sotheby’s Chairman, President, Americas and Head of Global Business Development said:
“As the holy grail of collector cars, it is entirely fitting that Sothebyโs is presenting this icon of motor history and design during our Marquee sales of Modern and Contemporary Art this November in New York. Our Fall auction series has borne witness to record-breaking sales of some of the most important objects of Fine Art and Design in history. The presentation of such an exceptional example of one of Ferrariโs most successful sports cars ever campaigned and their most sought-after collector car, marks an exciting chapter with our partners at RM Sothebyโs and solidifies our deep commitment to offer our clients universally desired masterpieces.“
With its racing pedigree, unique lineage, and unparalleled rarity, this piece of automotive history is set to become one of the most expensive cars ever sold at auction. The new owner will certainly be in possession of one of the best and most rare cars out there.
On 1st September, car enthusiasts will get a rare opportunity to become the new owner of a very interesting car, as Auctioneum auctions a unique 1988 Hustler 1.3L wooden six-wheeled car. The car in question was designed by the renowned William Towns, perhaps better known for being the man behind the design of the now iconic Aston Martin Lagonda.
Mr Towns sold the instructions for building the kit car from his home, with each vehicle being handbuilt by their owners making each one an entirely one-of-one example. Less than 400 of the kit cars were ever built, however, most of these were made from fibreglass. Very few were made from wood like this one, and it has been finished exceptionally well.
The quality of the build should come as no surprise seeing as the owner and builder is John Brazier, a former Rolls-Royce engineer who also helped work on the supersonic jet, Concorde back in the 1960s. After his time as an engineer, Mr Brazier went on to become a woodwork and metalwork teacher.
Putting this incredible car together took Mr Brazier three summers in the mid-1980s before it became the family’s main car. Used regularly for more than 13 years, the Hustler took the Brazier family on a number of road trips and holidays before being put into dry storage in the early 2000s.
With room to seat eight people, the new owner of The Hustler will be able to make the most of the six wheels, a period tape deck, along with handmade wooden gear knob, handbrake lever, and steering wheel. In addition to the look of the car, Mr Brazier has said that it has never failed an MOT!
The wooden Hustler goes to auction with an estimate of ยฃ2000 – ยฃ3000 and is likely to generate a lot of attention. Just in case the new owner would like to know more about their purchase, Mr Brazier has said he is very happy to show the buyer around the vehicle and is also happy to discuss its building and operation. He’s even included a small box of assorted spares in the sale.
The Hustler will be sold in Auctioneum’s โFine Art, Antiques & Classic Carsโ auction on 1st September in Bath.
The lot listing describes The 1988 Hustler’s condition as:
“The vehicle has been dry stored for its entire life and appears in excellent order. The vehicle was lovingly maintained its entire life, and everything was taken care of and fixed where required. At the time of parking, it suffered just a simple flat battery that was never attended to. The vehicle is free-wheeling and able to be pushed with relative ease”.
To celebrate its 110th anniversary, Aston Martin has revealed the Valour – a stunning V12-powered, ultra-exclusive, special edition sports car that has been built for maximum driver experience and timeless classic appeal.
The Valour is directly aimed at the purists who want to enjoy a truly involved driving experience. There is no doubt that Aston Martin’s commitment to giving the Valour era-defining performance and stimulation has been a priority throughout the design and build process. As the only front-engined V12 sports car available with a manual transmission, it really does offer a drive like nothing else.
Aston Martin developed the Valour using the very latest technology, methods, and materials, all fused together in something of a tribute to Aston Martin’s greatest front-engined models. Said to be the antidote to the modern cars that aim to isolate drivers from the process of driving, the Valour goes against the grain when it comes to the current car market.
Inspired by the original V8 Vantage and the incredible Vantage-based RHAM/1 โMuncherโ Le Mans racer from 1980, the Valour’s design and flawless execution is a nod to the One-77 supercar, while its intense driver-centric character creates a connection between the Valour and the one-off Victor.
Production is limited to just 110 cars globally meaning it will be amongst the most collectible of all Aston Martins. To make the Valour even more appealing, it mates the 715PS/753Nm twin-turbocharged 5.2-litre V12 to a bespoke six-speed manual transmission for the very first time.
Aston Martin Executive Chairman, Lawrence Stroll said: โValour is a celebration of Aston Martinโs passion for driving and extraordinary heritage, but it is also emblematic of todayโs vibrant and revitalised brand. A modern icon that fuses classic character with contemporary execution, Valour captures the essence of excitement and exclusivity that defines this storied automotive marque. A showcase for our world-class design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities, Valour is further proof of Aston Martinโs position as the driverโs champion and maker of the worldโs most exciting, exclusive and desirable ultra-luxury high-performance carsโ.
With a unique powertrain calibration, power and torque outputs are unrestrained and offer full performance and control in every gear. A mechanical limited-slip differential, electronic traction and stability control systems, along with multiple driving modes make driving the Valour a memorable experience.
Designed to be predominantly a road car, the Valour has a bespoke suspension, with adaptive dampers, springs, and anti-roll bars that have all been honed specifically to the car. The custom body structure features front and rear shear panels, a rear suspension tower strut brace and fuel tank bracing – all of which maximise torsional and lateral stiffness allowing the suspension the best possible platform to deliver precise body control.
With standard-fit Carbon Ceramic Brakes, Valour has ample stopping power courtesy of front discs measuring 410mm x 38mm and gripped by 6-piston callipers. At the rear, 360mm x 32mm discs are paired with 4-piston callipers. Offering increased braking performance and a significant 23kg reduction in un-sprung mass versus steel brakes, these CCB discs are engineered to resist brake fade at temperatures up to 800 degrees, enabling the driver to explore Valourโs full performance potential with maximum confidence and precise control.
Completing Valourโs impressive hardware package are a set of 21โ lightweight forged alloy โHoneycombโ wheels, which are fitted with the very latest AML-specific Michelin Pilot Sport S 5 tyres – 275/35 R21 front tyres and 325/30 R21 on the rear.
Simon Newton, Aston Martinโs Director of Vehicle Performance, said: โInspired by the iconic, muscle cars from our past, we have endowed Valour with an abundance of power and torque while using modern technology and engineering to make that performance more exploitable and enjoyable. A big part of honouring that driver-pleasing character was mating our fabulous V12 engine to a manual transmission. It was a unique part of the brief and the end result is something truly unforgettable; a state-of-the-art driverโs car that thrives on being pushed to its limits and has the true heart and soul of a timeless analogue classicโ.
The two-seater cockpit of the Valour is simply designed but offers timeless style and luxury. A choice of machined aluminium, titanium, carbon fibre or walnut for the gearknob is offered to pair with the exposed shift mechanism.
The masterful use of materials has long been an Aston Martin hallmark, so it should come as no surprise that Valourโs interior features original combinations from which customers can create their own unique specifications. For example, traditional woollen tweed, inspired by the seat coverings of Aston Martinโs 1959 Le Mans-winning DBR1, can provide a stunning contrast against the high-tech weave of carbon fibre used to form the shells of Valourโs lightweight performance seats, bespoke door cards, fascia air vents, upper centre console and transmission tunnel.
Further customisation is also offered in the form of livery. Separating Valourโs body into four areas โ front, bonnet, sides and rear โ customers can choose from an extensive range of hand-painted stripes and graphics designs, which can be applied in any one of 21 paint colours.
Despite these generous customisation options, if a customer wants to go beyond the standard Valour options then they can call upon the services of Q by Aston Martin to create a truly bespoke specification. Examples of this include the design of a one-off livery, fully exposed 2×2 twill carbon fibre bodywork with a choice of a red, blue or green tint, painted wheels, Mokume carbon fibre interior detailing or a choice of Johnsons of Elgin tweed and cashmere fabrics for the seats and headlining.
Miles Nurnberger, Aston Martinโs Director of Design, said: โAt Aston Martin, our design is always progressive, but when it comes to celebrating a significant milestone โ in this instance our 110th birthday – we allow ourselves a little latitude. Consequently, Valour is gloriously unapologetic; an old-school brute refined and reimagined through the lens of 2023. Making a return to a chiselled shape, moving away from the more sculptural forms that define current series production Aston Martinโs, with bold details and modern materials rooted in the present. We were keen to ensure its looks reflect the driving experience. The raw physicality of the shape should tell you all you need to know about the ferocious performance and analogue thrills of taming a 715PS manual transmission sports car, yet the clear use of the latest technology points to a car with modern manners and exceptional dynamic capabilitiesโ.
Valour production is set to begin at Aston Martinโs Gaydon Headquarters in Q3 of 2023, with the first deliveries scheduled to begin during Q4 of 2023. The Valour looks to become one of the most coveted cars in Aston Martinโs unrivalled catalogue of front-engined special series sports cars. Valour isn’t just a precious collectorโs piece though, this is a car that demands to be driven.
In what could easily be confused as a prank, Suzuki made something of a major announcement regarding the future of daily transportation.
Suzuki has signed a basic agreement with SkyDrive that brings the two companies together in a collaboration to manufacture flying cars. To make this happen, SkyDrive will establish a 100% owned subsidiary to manufacture the flying cars, while both Suzuki and SkyDrive will make use of a plant owned by the Suzuki Group in Shizuoka Prefecture, with the aim to start manufacturing the airborne motors around Spring 2024. Suzuki will also cooperate with SkyDriveโs manufacturing subsidiary in preparing for the start of manufacturing, including securing of human resources. Both companies are still in discussions about other specific terms.
The President of Suzuki said: “I’m very excited to be working together with SkyDrive. We will make ambitious strides toward the development of products of superior value so that we can contribute to the realisation of air mobility, which utilises the sky for daily transportation.”
In 2022, more than 77,000 speeding offences were recorded in Kent alone. If that wasn’t worrying enough, over 500 drivers were actually recorded travelling at speeds in excess of 100mph, eight were caught going over 150mph, and one driver was found to be driving at 164mph on the M25.
These eye-opening numbers show a 23% increase in speeding offences since 2010.
Driving at high speeds carries huge risks, not only for the driver and passengers but also for innocent people who happen to be out on the road at the time.
Considering the speed limit on the M25 is 70mph, the drivers who were travelling at 150mph and beyond were moving at more than double the highest speed allowed.
Modern cars are usually equipped with a lot of safety features, so it’s likely that some drivers fall into a false sense of security and think they are safe enough to drive at such high speeds. With the reduced time to react to unexpected situations though, it may come as no surprise that 24% of traffic deaths are linked to someone driving at an inappropriate speed.
When asked about the increase in speed offences, Chief Inspector Craig West, who is head of roads policing at Kent Police, said: “There are still too many who travel at unacceptable speeds and put themselves and other road users at risk of serious harm”.
“Vehicles are potentially lethal weapons and the faster your speed, the less time you have to react to unforeseen hazards or mistakes from other drivers and the greater the impact any collision may be.”
While we all may be guilty of driving a little too fast at times, it would be hard to think of a reasonable excuse for going more than 150mph. Kent police continue to prioritise speeding as an area of focus and other forces around the country are likely to continue to do the same unless the dangerous driving is reduced.
When delivering classic cars, it’s always important to take extra care. Even small dings can cause much more damage than you might expect.
When a vintage Corvette was being delivered to its owner in America recently, much more care should have been taken to avoid the disaster that took place. As the classic car rolls off the back of the transporter and crashes down into the road, it certainly won’t be in the condition the owner would expect it to be in on delivery.
Shared on TikTok, the disastrous delivery can be seen below.
After months of research and development, the team here at Bridge Classic Cars are extremely excited to reveal the first stage prototype of our submarine car. Loosely based on an Amphicar 770, our Sub-A-Roo is now moving into the testing phase.
Once the roof is in place on this game-changing vehicle, the Sub-A-Roo will be able to stay underwater for several days without needing to resurface. Thanks to some incredible ingenuity from our team of technicians, provisions for 2 passengers for 2 days can be kept on board.
Reaching depths of up to 100 metres, underwater, the Sub-A-Roo can travel at speeds up to 20mph while a land speed of up to 35mph is also possible in the right conditions.
With a completion date planned for mid-October, mass production will hopefully begin in early 2024.
We look forward to sharing more exciting updates with you over the coming weeks and months.
Princess Anne visited our neck of the woods recently, spending some time in Southwold where she went to the Adnams brewery. She visited the Suffolk coast as part of the 150th anniversary of Adnams.
A day before her trip to Southwold, the Princess Royal was in Ipswich where she commissioned the Horace & Hannah, a 1906 Great Yarmouth Shrimper boat, at the Old Custom House on the Waterfront. Princess Anne also officially opened the new joint police and fire station in the town too.
On being part of the Adnams celebrations, the Princess said that she was “delighted” to be invited and she hopes to “make sure that the skillset continues to exist, not forgetting the value it has in the future, nevermind the past”
It’s always exciting to see a member of the Royal family in the local area so we were very happy that Princess Anne was putting Suffolk in the news for a few days.
Some of the team here at Bridge Classic Cars recently had the opportunity to hear the story of Rogue Trader, Nick Leeson from the man himself.
For those who don’t know, Nick Leeson is a former trader who ended up in prison after he single-handedly bankrupted Barings Bank in 1995. Although he was ultimately convicted of fraud, Nick actually started his trading career as something of a future star. After making massive profits for Barings, Nick was moved to Singapore where he made his first unauthorised trades.
Nick’s role should have been cash-neutral for his employer, meaning that any profits and losses belonged to the client’s portfolios that he was managing. Barings Bank would get a commission for any successes but they wouldn’t lose any money in the trades. However, what was actually happening is that Nick was using the bank’s money to try and recoup trading losses.
Nick used the extremely risky strategy of betting double the amount of money lost to try and get the losses back while making a profit too. This ended up with Barings Bank losing a total of ยฃ827 million in 1995. This huge amount of money was double the bank’s trading capital and proved to be the beginning of the end for the 230-year-old bank.
While in prison, Nick wrote a book called Rogue Trader which subsequently was adapted into a film starring Ewan McGregor and Anna Friel in 1999.
Obviously, the actions of Nick Leeson impacted a huge number of people and there is still a strong element of controversy and emotion that surrounds him. That being said, hearing his story and his explanation of what was going on at the time was certainly very interesting and something that the team will remember.
On 29th March 1927, on Daytona Beach in Florida, Major Henry Segrave drove a Sunbeam, known as ‘The Slug’, over 200mph. This was the first time that any car had ever reached this speed and set a new land speed record. Now, 96 years later, on 29th March 2023, The National Motor Museum is launching its Sunbeam 1000hp Restoration Campaign to bring this ground-breaking car back to life.
The campaign aims to raise ยฃ300,000 for a full restoration and to take ‘The Slug’ back to Daytona Beach in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the record in 2027. Restoring a car that has two 22.5-lire V12 engines is obviously a huge task so a major fundraising campaign is needed to make it possible.
After being designed and built for the sole purpose of going faster than 200mph, ‘The Slug’ was, at the time, the fastest car in the world. The excitement around the car was immense and around 30,000 people headed to Daytona Beach to watch Major Segrave drive at an average speed of 203.79mph. To achieve this speed, more than one engine was needed, so two Sunbeam Matabele V12 aero engines were chosen by Sunbeam’s chief engineer, Louis Coatalen. Segrave’s cockpit was between the two engines (one was at the rear of the vehicle while the other was at the front), and the finished car weighed over 3 tons.
The car travelled so fast that, during the first run, strong winds caused it to skid with Segrave having no other option but to drive into the sea to slow down! However, following corrosion attacking the internal workings of the engines, ‘The Slug’ has not been run for more than 50 years.
The National Motor Museum is working with Brookspeed Automotive to restore this incredible car, and the work will be carried out in the public eye through visits to the museum as well as through online content such as videos and blog posts.
To raise awareness of the campaign, ‘The Slug’ will be taken to motoring events and shows all over the UK and Europe before also going on a tour of motoring museums in America too.
The National Motor Museum has owned the Sunbeam since 1970 and it has been one of the main displays there ever since. Their Senior Engineer, Ian Stanfield, has already started stripping down the rear engine to investigate how bad the corrosion damage truly is.
Restoring a car that is as special and such a big part of motoring history as this is a worthwhile project. There aren’t many better ways to help future generations recognise how ground-breaking ‘The Slug’ was than by bringing it back to life for them to see first-hand.
The National Motor Museumโs Head of Development Michelle Kirwan said: โThis is a wonderfully exciting opportunity to raise the funds necessary to breathe new life into the two aero engines and enable the Sunbeam to run again.
โTo be able to take this iconic car back to Daytona, where world Land Speed Record history was made, would be incredible โ especially in the centenary year. We are grateful for Brookspeed Automotiveโs support with this campaign and look forward to working together to achieve the ultimate goal of such a historic run, which will capture the imagination of motoring enthusiasts around the world.โ
The BBC has announced that filming of series 34 of Top Gear has been halted following Freddie Flintoff’s crash back in December. The accident happened while Freddie was driving a Morgan Super 3 which is an open-top 3-wheeled sports car.
Although this doesn’t mean Top Gear is no more, it certainly indicates that a likely outcome of the situation is the program no longer being made. The BBC has said that a final decision on how best to continue will be made later in the year.
Freddie was hospitalised after the accident and is reported to have suffered broken ribs and facial injuries. The show has been in the news several times over the years due to presenters getting injured – most notably, former presenter Richard Hammond’s 2006 crash while driving a jet-powered car at around 300mph. Richard suffered a frontal lobe brain injury and was in a coma before eventually recovering. However, the TV personality has indicated that he still suffers some side effects from the injuries he sustained in the accident.
A Health and Safety review will take place before any final plans are made but it would appear that something needs to change to prevent even more serious incidents from occurring.
Top Gear has been an incredibly popular show for the BBC and has versions of it made in countries all over the world. If it does indeed end up being axed, it would likely be a tough decision for the broadcaster to make.
In a statement, the BBC said ย “Under the circumstances, we feel it would be inappropriate to resume making series 34.”
“We have sincerely apologised to Freddie and will continue to support him with his recovery.”
“We understand this will be disappointing for fans, but it is the right thing to do, and we’ll make a judgement about how best to continue later this year.”
It would be a shame for many people if this does prove to be the end for Top Gear. Hopefully, an alternative solution can be found but, for now, at least, Top Gear is on hold indefinitely.
Rolls Royce has been given funding from the UK Space Agency to continue its research into how nuclear power could be used to support a future human base on the moon.
Going into space obviously requires a dependable power source to keep the multitude of systems operating during missions. Things like life support and communications are of paramount importance, and scientific experiments also need to be conducted with a consistent power source.
As nuclear power has the potential to drastically increase the amount of time humans could stay on the moon in future missions, scientists and engineers at Rolls Royce are working on a Micro-Reactor programme which aims to develop technology to power a lunar base.
The UK Space Agency has given ยฃ2.9 million in funding to the project with the aim of delivering an initial demonstration of a UK lunar modular nuclear reactor. This round of funding comes after a ยฃ249,000 study in 2022 which was also funded by the UK Space Agency
Rolls-Royce plan to have a reactor ready to send to the moon by 2029. While the project is primarily focused on powering facilities off-planet, the aim is to create a world-leading power and propulsion capability for multiple industries and needs including a clean, green, and long-term power source. Micro-Reactor technology also has a lot of potential to be used for commercial and defence applications too.
A nuclear Micro-Reactor is relatively small and lightweight when compared to other power systems and generates continuous power regardless of location, available sunlight, or any other environmental conditions. Along with their engineers, Rolls-Royce will be working with several other parties including the University of Oxford, the University of Bangor, the University of Brighton, the University of Sheffieldโs Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and Nuclear AMRC.
Thanks to the ยฃ2.9 million in funding, Rolls-Royce can now further strengthen its knowledge of these highly complex systems. The project will focus on three key features – the fuel used to generate heat, the method of heat transfer and the technology to convert that heat into electricity.
The UK Space Agency recently announced that funding of ยฃ51 million was available to UK companies to help develop communication and navigational technology to support missions to the moon. It forms part of the European Space Agency’s Moonlight Programme which has the goal of having a constellation of satellites in orbit around the moon.
Partnering with Rolls-Royce is just one step towards future astronauts and rovers having the capabilities to navigate the lunar surface safely, as well as helping to support scientific experiments.
โSpace exploration is the ultimate laboratory for so many of the transformational technologies we need on Earth: from materials to robotics, nutrition, cleantech and much more. As we prepare to see humans return to the Moon for the first time in more than 50 years, we are backing exciting research like this lunar modular reactor with Rolls-Royce to pioneer new power sources for a lunar base. Partnerships like this, between British industry, the UK Space Agency and government are helping to create jobs across our ยฃ16 billion Space Tech sector and help ensure the UK continues to be a major force in frontier science.”
โThe new tranche of funding from the UK Space Agency means so much for the Rolls-Royce Micro-Reactor Programme. Weโre proud to work collaboratively with the UK Space Agency and the many UK academic institutions to showcase the best of UK innovation and knowledge in space. This funding will bring us further down the road in making the Micro-Reactor a reality, with the technology bringing immense benefits for both space and Earth. The technology will deliver the capability to support commercial and defence use cases alongside providing a solution to decarbonise industry and provide clean, safe and reliable energy.โ
โWe are backing technology and capabilities to support ambitious space exploration missions and boost sector growth across the UK. Developing space nuclear power offers a unique chance to support innovative technologies and grow our nuclear, science and space engineering skills base. This innovative research by Rolls-Royce could lay the groundwork for powering continuous human presence on the Moon, while enhancing the wider UK space sector, creating jobs and generating further investment.โ
With this partnership between the UK Space Agency and Rolls-Royce, it is a clear sign that big names in the automotive industry are much more than just car manufacturers. They have the potential to not only change people’s day-to-day lives by creating convenient vehicles, but they also have the potential to change the future of humanity on a planetary level.
Despite the automotive industry drastically shifting towards electric vehicles and other green alternatives, General Motors have made an announcement that proves the V8 has not yet had its day, and there is still a place for it in the future of the automotive industry.
General Motors recently announced that a little under $1 billion will be invested in the development of the next-generation V8 engine.
In total, $918 million will be spent during its current plans.
$854 million is going towards the 6th generation small block while the remaining $64 million will be used to support their electric vehicle strategy.
Four General Motors sites across the US will receive a share of the investment, with each site being given specific parts of the development to work on.
The Flint Engine site, in Michigan, will receive $579 million to develop the block as well as crankshaft and cylinder-head machining. Assembly will also take place at the Flint Engine facility. GM’s Bay City site will get $216 million to build the cams and connecting rods. It will also support the Flint Engine site with block and head machining.
Defiance Operations in Ohio will get $55 million to create the block castings and to build a casting development cell for the company’s future EV strategies.
The remaining $68 million will go to Rochester Operations in New York where the V8 intake manifolds and fuel rails will be made as well as battery pack cooling lines for GM’s electric vehicles.
So far, General Motors haven’t released any information or details of the new V8 or the electric vehicle components the money will help develop. All we really know right now is that the 6th-generation small block V8 will make an appearance at some point in the near future.
Despite General Motors working towards an all-electric future, we will still be hearing the roar of a V8 for a little while longer at least.
Mechanics and engineering has always traditionally been a male dominated industry but Laura Kennedy from Spanners With Manners has broken the mould.
Laura founded London’s first all-female garage with the vision to make the industry more inclusive
Laura talks in her interview about struggling to be accepted onto apprenticeship schemes due to her gender and discovering unjust pay gaps despite her qualifications. โThereโs been a lot of sexism in the workplace,โ Laura explains.
When the owner of the car sales and repairs company that she worked for told her that he wanted to retire, she took the move to create her own inclusive all-female garage with the aim to create a space for female mechanics to learn and customers to visit.
Creating an environment for people to learn is an important part of progressing the car engineering industry as many parts of the trade would otherwise die out if skills weren’t passed down. Equally creating a friendly and open space for clients to feel that they are welcome is just as important. Taking this approach to engineering in turn encourages the clients to get more involved with their cars and the industry as it becomes more accessible.
Caroline’s Cars in Norwich was the first all female garage in the UK and took pride in being a female run and owned company. Although it has sadly shut down this year, it had been running since 2003 and strove to increase diversity and equality in the car engineering industry. In the Engineering UK report of 2018, it stated that 12.37% of engineers are women, with hopes that the figure will rise with more businesses like Spanners With Manners and Caroline’s Cars.
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