by | October 8, 2011

Car tech: Ford announces 1-litre Focus as ST goes global

Ford Focus STFord will feature a 1.0-litre, three-cylinder EcoBoost engine in the Focus and C-MAX in 2012, followed by the B-MAX soon after. The engine is the latest addition to the global family of EcoBoost engines which currently ranges from 1.6 to 3.5 litres.

The 1.0-litre EcoBoost engine will be the smallest currently produced by Ford, but its engineers say it delivers power and performance to rival a traditional 1.6-litre petrol engine while emitting less than 120g/km CO2 in the Focus. It will be available in 99 and 118PS configurations, and will develop 125bhp. Continue reading →

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by | October 5, 2011

Car tech: Volkswagen promotes minimalist mobility

Volkswagen NILSA Formula 1-inspired single seater was promoted as the future of commuting by Volkswagen in Frankfurt. NILS has been designed for the solo urban commuter, after research found 90% of Germany’s commuters travel alone, and 74% commute less than 15.5 miles on their way to work.

 
Volkswagen says NILS’ range of 40 miles and top speed of 80 mph makes it an ideal vehicle for the majority of German commuters. The car has been designed to work best around town – at just over three metres long, its 50cm shorter than the new Volkswagen Up supermini and its width of 40cm means it’s little wider than a motor scooter. Continue reading →

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by | October 2, 2011

Car tech briefs: Toyota, Volvo, Bosch, BMW

Toyota Prius Plug-in hybridThe Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid will cost less than £31,000 when it goes on sale in the first half of 2012, before the government’s £5,000 electric car grant is deducted.

The Prius plug-in has CO2 emissions of 49g/km and 134.5mpg on the combined cycle and an electric-only range of more than 14 miles. Toyota says the price is competitive compared to other EVs, such as the Nissan LEAF, but it “offers more flexible performance” from its 1.8-litre petrol engine. Continue reading →

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by | September 2, 2011

Auto Trader’s Greatest Road Trips!

Everybody loves a road trip but what makes one truly great? Auto Trader asked their Facebook fans and 68% of the respondents said it’s about the people you go with.

To celebrate the launch of The Greatest New Car Showroom in the www, Auto Trader has created three of The Greatest Road Trips for you to win and, most importantly, to share the experience with your friends.

Road tripping isn’t about the beginning or the end; it’s experiencing everything in between. So each trip has its own unique personality and is packed full of activities from a helicopter flight over the French Riviera, to a Polish city tour in a quirky Trabant car, and a ride aboard camels to ascend the Erg Chebbi dunes of Morocco.

Whether you’re an off-road adventurer, a fun-loving backpacker or a seaside sophisticate there’s a road trip to suit you. And if that wasn’t enough we’re also giving away loads of spot prizes throughout the competition including an iPad, a Nintendo DS and a Kindle!

To find out which of Auto Trader’s Greatest Road Trips you are and to be in with a chance of winning it for you and three friends, visit our Facebook page today!

Auto Trader’s Greatest Road Trips:

  1. The Adventurer – Journey across the High Atlas Mountains, explore the winding streets of Marrakech and witness the sun setting over the Sahara desert.
  2. The Sophisticate – Sauntering down through the vineyards of France to try your luck in the Casino de Monte Carlo, and experience a stunning helicopter tour of the French Riviera.
  3. The Backpacker – Touring across Europe’s liveliest cities to experience the buzzing nightlife of Prague, inspiring art scene of Budapest, and iconic historical landmarks of Krakow.

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by | September 1, 2011

FREE WordPress Themes from AutoTrader

Auto Trader is pleased to announce our new line of FREE Theme’s for WordPress.

As part of our ongoing relationship building with bloggers the world over, we decided to start putting out some great (and free) WordPress theme’s this year. We shall be adding new ones all the time, so be sure to come back often and check for new ones.

Download WordPress Themes

Ford Focus WordPress Theme (download ZIP file)

Also be sure to check out our selection of New and Used Ford Focus

BMW WordPress Theme (download ZIP file)

Also be sure to check out our selection of New and Used BMWs

NOTE – background image files are in the ‘images’ directory

Click here to subscribe for Theme updates

To get you started we’re going to give a simple overview of how to install and use them.
Continue reading →

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by | August 19, 2011

Win tickets to the Goodwood Revival

Every September there’s a magical weekend at Goodwood Motor Circuit. The Goodwood Revival transports over 100,000 visitors back in time - and Auto Trader have 5 pairs of tickets to the Saturday show to give away!

The inaugural Goodwood Revival took place in 1998. The event’s raison d’etre was simple; to transport those attending back to the heyday of motor sport, as accurately as possible. The Revival is a nostalgia-fest on the circuit, eschewing anything post-1966. That means only pre-1966 cars are racing, only pre-1966 cars are on display, and as many attendees as possible are wearing clothes from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.

As Goodwood’s Gary Axon puts it: “The Goodwood Revival really is a magical step back in time; a unique chance to revel in the glamour and allure of motor racing in the romantic time capsule of the golden era of motor racing at one of the world’s most authentic circuits. The Revival is the world’s most popular historic motor race meeting and the only event of its kind to be staged entirely in the nostalgic time capsule of the 1940s, 50s and 60s that relives the glory days of Goodwood Motor Circuit. It’s the biggest and best historic motor racing party of the year.”

It’s the track action that holds the greatest allure for many, and it’s no wonder when you can look forward to Ferraris and Aston Martins dicing with each other. There’s also a Jaguar E-Type race to celebrate 50 years of the icon from Coventry, while other highlights include Ford Galaxies, Jaguar Mk2s, big Healeys and Maserati 250Fs at full tilt.

It’s not just about cars though; whether you’re into vintage aircraft, culture, cars or bikes, there’s plenty to amuse.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

To be in with a chance of winning this amazing prize, simply email socialnetwork@autotrader.co.uk with your contact details and the answer to the following question: Competition is now closed – see our Facebook page for winners

 

Which manufacturer is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of their iconic E-Type?

a) Ford

b) Jaguar

c) Alfa Romeo

Terms and conditions:

Continue reading →

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by | August 11, 2011

Johnny Herbert’s Fiat 500 for sale

A 1972 Fiat 500 previously owned by the much-loved British Formula 1 racing driver, Johnny Herbert is up for sale on Auto Trader.

Herbert is well-known for his cheerful and boisterous character but his career was blighted by more than its fair share of bad luck – finishing a number of races early (often through no fault of his own) and in 1988 he endured one of the worst accidents ever seen in the F3000 where he sustained serious injuries to both his feet and ankles. Incredibly, he recovered to make his Formula 1 debut only 7 months later. 

Now for the car, The Fiat 500 was produced between 1957 and 1975 and its quirky looks and practicality made it popular throughout Europe. 50 years on from the introduction of the original, Fiat previewed a brand new Fiat 500 in March 2007. It’s been a huge success in the UK – Auto Trader Owner Reviewers rate it  highly too, awarding it an average of 4.6 out of 5!

If you haven’t seen Mr Herbert in action watch this video tribute to his 1st Grand Prix victory on home turf at Silverstone in the 1995.

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