I found a photo of the VW, with my eldest sister – she is one year younger than me – posing in front of it, in July 1969. She lives happily married in the US and is a busy mother and grandmother now. Note how the simple and clean Mary Quandt fashion of the end of the sixties looks even very smart today…
I had removed the hubcaps of the car, put a circular racing number background to camouflage the somewhat scratched door. The former owner Johan Anthierens has also damaged the side board slightly, but neverteless, with our cosmetic changes, the VW looked very preppy and the paintwork was overall still excellent!
In Corona times, some days are spent delving into archive boxes, and of course, treasures are found. I will show them in several reports here on my site.
They tell us about unique moments, and also learn us also how fast time goes…
Here above you see a photo of me in my early twenties, behind the wheel of the much underrated 914-6 VW Porsche, with its 2 litre six cylinder boxer, a necessary ingredient in making it a “true” Porsche.
We drove quite a few Porsche test cars from the D’Ieteren press fleet, here you see me at the wheel of one of the earlier 911’s, which I loved very much and was able to drive to their limits without the slightest mishap. Indeed, I never ever lost control of these early 911’s. I still love them… and their characteristic road manners, which still call for a talented and sensitive driver to master them. Note also the absence of headrests!
Nissan has made some research lately about what makes for both driver and passengers a harmonious journey. First of all, using the phone whilst driving is something passengers hate the most. It can indeed cause in-car arguments… Nissan points out of course than NissanConnect helps greatly here, as it integrates the phone seamlessly with the car. Also the compatibility with Apple Play and Android Auto will let you digest safely incoming calls and messages…
Good Music
Not less than 55 % of Europeans believe that good music is the most important ingredient for an enjoyable trip. Of course, you have to agree on a playlist before you start off… The NissanConnect infotainment system helps greatly here…
In the Juke, front seat passengers can enjoy the good sound of the Bose Personal Plus System. You can even select your music via the in Car Wi-Fi Hotspot…
Passengers hate tailgating, and it is one of the worst things a driver can do. 46 % of the passengers find it very annoying. At least two seconds should be between you and the car in front of you. Nissan suggests using its ProPilot system which keeps you at a safe distance, whatever the speed…
Nearly one in five drivers admit that tiredness is a problem. So take a break, and don’t continue for too long. A chime and a coffee cup symbol will warn you when you drive a Nissan…
Risky overtaking
Indeed, not less than 56 % of European passengers just hate that. It makes them feel very uneasy. Nissan drivers can make good use of JUKE’s Blind Spot Intervention for instance, which returns the car back to its original lane if the driver doesn’t intervene…
Good seating
This is for many passengers even more important than room, and we can agree…
To conclude, a smooth, cool drive with good music is what passengers want, and their happy faces will also turn a broad, relaxed smile on your face…
The new MINI Countryman Northwood Edition is inspired on the authentic and unique surroundings of this town on the English island Wight.
This edition integrates the contours of this legendary landscape in a logo which adorns in Piano Black finish both sides of the car.
The “Union Jack” flag and the logo “Northwood” are integrated in the total design. On the door sills executed in Piano Black, the name of the edition is engraved, just as is the logo “Special Edition”. The geographical coordinates of this town are engraved in the door pillar on the drivers’ side, and a “Northwood” badge in the passenger area is integrated at the level of the “Piano Black” accent strip.
The MINI Cooper SE Countryman ALL4 Plug-In Hybrid Drive retains its typical air inlets at the sides of the car and has adapted sills in Electric Yellow. On top of the C-pillars a “Northwood” badge is also seen.
The MINI Countryman Northwood Edition is offered with the Plug-in Hybrid Cooper SE ALL 4 engine, the “One” and Cooper S petrol engines, as well as the Cooper Diesel engine. This Special Edition is available at prices from € 32.750.
We are absolutely total Jeep lovers: we just are totally sold on its style, panache and how these cars ride and perform. There is also very good news: four months after its world premiere, staged last September in Detroit, the new Jeep® Wrangler 4xe is available for pre-booking in selected European markets before going on sale later this year.
Customers in Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium and Austria, can be among the first to discover the new Jeep Wrangler 4xe “First Edition” with just a few clicks on the dedicated website, and express their interest in being contacted when the vehicle will be available at dealerships.
This new initiative serves as confirmation of the journey embarked upon early last year, with the pre-booking initiative for the Renegade and Compass 4xe – a resounding success, generating a lot of interest across Europe. The arrival of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe also marks a significant moment in the brand’s evolution and another step in the strategy towards the electrification of its entire range, announced in 2020. This journey will include the introduction of at least one electric or electrified version of each model in the coming years.
A few days ago, the dedicated website was launched in Italy, France, Germany and Switzerland and will be soon available in the other markets involved in the initiative.
The all-inclusive “First Edition” configuration will be packed with comprehensive technological and driving assistance features, the easyWallbox for more efficient home charging, and a Mode 3 cable for public charging. A specific launch package is also standard on the Wrangler 4xe “First Edition” and features a practical Cargo Organiser for the storage space, the new 4xe car cover, 3 years of extended vehicle warranty (providing a total of 5 years) as well as the advantages of “Jeep Wave”, with first two routine services as per the user and maintenance manual included.
“Jeep Wave” is the new loyalty and customer care program offered on the new Jeep Wrangler 4xe First Edition and all models in the 2021 Jeep range. This program provides exclusive services and benefits, including the first two routine services at Jeep dealerships, 24/7 roadside assistance, a new dedicated customer service accessed through a multi-lingual Jeep call center for priority support and privileged entry to brand events and partnerships.
The Wrangler 4xe is the most technologically advanced and capable Wrangler ever.
It offers a maximum combined output of 380 horsepower, courtesy of the pairing of two electric motor generators, a high-voltage battery pack, a high-tech turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine and the proven TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. This is the most advanced powertrain ever fitted to the Wrangler and optimises efficiency of consumption and CO2 emissions, offering the option to drive in full electric, with a range of up to 50 km*. The electric powertrain is also perfectly integrated into the 4×4 system, taking the off-road performance of the Wrangler 4xe to the next level.
Packed with comprehensive equipment as standard and dedicated styling cues.
The Wrangler 4xe “First Edition” will be available with a choice of three exteriors: Black, Granite Crystal and Bright White – the colors most beloved by European customers. The new model will also come with new driving modes: Hybrid, Full Electric, E-save, as well as specific functions for electrified driving and charge management.
Full of Panache and Zest: the Rubicon version…
The First Edition’s standard features and specific styling cues include Granite Chrystal accents, 18-inch wheels, full-LED high-visibility headlights, hard cover for the spare tyre, 8.4-inch UconnectTM NAV system with touchscreen, smartphone integration and on-board connectivity (as managing the recharge from the smartphone), plus a 7-inch TFT for information on battery charge levels and range (electric and hybrid). Standard safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Warning Plus, Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross-Path Detection, rear camera and new front camera, front and rear parking sensors, Keyless Enter ‘N Go™ and electric rearview mirrors.
The exclusive “First Edition” is the most comprehensive trim in the Wrangler 4xe range, which is due to arrive in European Jeep showrooms before this summer.
Another prestigious award for the Alfa Romeo Giulia, the car magazine “auto motor und sport” having named it “Best Car 2021”. Readers voted for the Italian sports sedan as the winner in the mid-size/import category – for the fourth time in the past five years. With a share of 22 percent of the vote, the Alfa Romeo Giulia prevailed against 14 competitors. The Alfa Romeo Giulietta and Alfa Romeo Stelvio, second and third in their respective categories, complete Alfa Romeo’s success in the “Best Car 2021” awards.
More than 101,000 readers took part in the 45th edition of the “Best Cars” competition, held by the magazine “auto, motor und sport”. They had the choice between 387 models divided into 11 categories, including separate acknowledgments for import vehicles. The awards ceremony took place virtually for the first time…
Mercedes builds excellent vans, and the V-Class has gained mainy followers in the midsize segment. But many families want it to be just a bit smaller. So the people at Mercedes use a small van platform to create a new vehicle which is tailored to the needs of families, whilst also being a suitable companion for active leisure enthusiasts.
So a small van for private customers will be available from the first half of 2022. The class designation of this new model is “T-Class.”
Hans Knol ten Bensel
“With the T-class’s new layout and design we achieve a fusion of functionality and desirability”, says Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler Group. “With our unique design philosophy of Sensual Purity we create an attractive family companion being the T-Class inspiring with its design, proportions and its perceived value.”
A typical Mercedes
The T-Class will be clearly discernible at first glance as a member of the Mercedes-Benz family and will feature unmistakably typical characteristics of the brand with the three-pointed star. Especially in terms of design, value, safety and connectivity, the new vehicle will bear the DNA of Mercedes-Benz.
A new class with a new concept
The private-customer market is the focus of the completely newly developed Mercedes-Benz T-Class. The T-Class will meet the needs of families and leisure-oriented people at an attractive price-value ratio. The letter T stands for efficient room concepts and is thus perfectly suited as a model designation for compact family vans bearing the three-pointed star.
The new Mercedes-Benz T-Class offers a large amount of space and is suited to a range of different uses, including passenger transportation as a reference within sharing services – all while not compromising on comfort. The wide-opening sliding doors on both the left and right-hand sides of the vehicle as an example allow easy and comfortable access to the interior. Alongside conventional drive systems, there will be also a fully electric version.
Cooperation with Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi…
In August last year, the Vans division announced a successor to the compact urban delivery van, together with a fully-electric variant. Based on this small van platform, two vehicles will be created: while the Mercedes-Benz Citan is a no-compromise vehicle tailored to the requirements of commercial customers, the Mercedes-Benz T-Class is primarily focused towards private customers.
The T-Class and the Citan will be built in cooperation with Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi.
Outstanding design is one of the hallmarks of Fiat cars, with the superbly iconic 500 or “Cinquecento” of course taking centre stage. Indeed, this is further shown by a remarkable docufilm “One-Shot”.
The trailer of this film is now on air, looking “behind the scenes” of the creation of the One-Offs, three exclusive interpretations of the New Fiat 500, by Armani, Bvlgari and Kartell.
In the film, we see the unfolding of “Plan B” when Geneva Motor Show was canceled, and it was decided to present the “one off” cars in front of the Milan Duomo…
This breathtaking journey, narrated by Olivier François – President, Fiat Brand Global and FCA Chief Marketing Officer, includes interviews with designers, tales of partners, close-ups on the details and selection of materials, where the aim is caring of the environment and its sustainability.
Unloading the cars in the early morning in front of the Duomo…
The short film (15 and a half minutes) presents a relentless succession of meetings and processes that highlight teamwork, the affinity between designers from different fields and the emotions involved in playing an active role in an extraordinary project: the creation of something unique, an interpretation of the New 500 alongside the very best of “Made in Italy”.
Genuine gold flakes adorn the Bulgari 500…
The result is the three One-Offs, embodiment’s of the style, creativity and craftsmanship characteristic of “Made in Italy” and of our partners in the project, in the path and in the vision of the Earth’s future.
The Armani 500 got a special dressing…
And also a wood sculpted dashboard…
The journey depicted in the film begins in Turin, cradle of the Fiat brand, passing from Rome on the way with its sunsets, colors and lines that symbolize Bvlgari all over the world, to arrive in Milan, the world capital of fashion and design, due in no small part to Armani and Kartell.
…by a special wood cutting machine…
The twist in the tale has Milan as the setting for the entire presentation of the New 500.
A veritable gearshift takes place in the film’s account of the tense time when the Geneva International Motor Show was canceled, and a plan B had to be found and set in motion. The presentation of the New 500 and the One-Offs was completely rewritten to pull up stakes, to Milan.
Bvlgari jewelry in the 500 logo…
The short film is created and produced by VICE Italy, with Rockets at the helm. It uses the language of documentaries to reveal aspects normally concealed from the general public, in an immediate and effective way.
In an authentic, realistic vernacular, the evocative film opens the doors of the Style Center in Turin to the cameras. We get an exclusive peek inside the “Color & Material” department led by Rossella Guasco, halfway between a sophisticated research center and an elegant fashion atelier.
Bvlgari used its foulards…to enhance the dasboard
The footage documents their almost-obsessive attentiveness to every detail, that “know-how” typical of Italian creativity, and dwells on the emotions of the whole team as they experience something truly unique.
Kartell the seats…
The journey continues in an interview with Klaus Busse, Head of Design, explaining what lies beneath the creative process of style and forms, and the role of the 500 in the history of industrial design, even more so in the collective unconscious.
…and elements of the car…
It was the Style Center that took a legend of the 50’s, the fabled “Cinquino”, and reinvented it in 2007 to “color” everyday life and streets all over the world, making it an authentic, unique and salient response to the requirements of international urban mobility.
At the Milan launch of the One-Offs in March, it was even announced that the Fiat 500 has been confirmed as an “Italian Icon and Honorary Member” of Altagamma, the prestigious Foundation that brings together the best of Italy’s companies, to promote the epitomes of the country’s excellence around the world.
Just have a look at the photos here, and also enjoy the film!
The styling has a more sporting touch with a fresh look for the front sections. The all-LED headlamps have been given flatter housings, while the interior of the LED tail lights has been reworked.
At the same time the two-door models take on the key upgrade features of the other body variants as part of the facelift. These include electrified, and therefore more efficient, petrol as well as diesel engines with integrated starter-alternator, the next generation of driving assistance systems and the infotainment system MBUX infotainment system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience).
The E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet will be making their debut with sales partners in Europe in autumn 2020.
Hans Knol ten Bensel
In good Mercedes tradition, The E-Class Cabriolet with the classic fabric top offers spaciousness and comfort on long journeys for up to four people. And does so all year round: as an option, the Cabriolet can be fitted with the AIRCAP electric draught-stop system and AIRSCARF neck-level heating. Unrestricted usability all year round is similarly ensured by the acoustic soft top, a standard feature that helps to optimise the level of noise experienced in the interior.
The coupé has pleasing flowing lines, and has its own enthusiastic followers, who like a roomy four seat Gran Turismo with coupé character and panache.
The “A-shape” design of the new diamond radiator grille, which is likewise standard on all versions, adds a particularly dynamic touch. The grille also features chrome-plated dots, a single louvre and the Mercedes star in the centre.
Typical Mercedes comfort
The adaptive driver’s seat adjustment is a particularly intelligent feature: when the height of the body is entered on the media display or via Mercedes me, the seat automatically moves into a position generally suitable for someone of that height, which then only needs to be fine-tuned by the driver.
The integral-look sports seats feature prominent side bolsters and integrated head restraints.
Next-generation driving assistance systems: better assistance in tailbacks and when parking
As standard, the E-Class comes with Active Brake Assist. The system is also able to brake for stationary vehicles and crossing pedestrians at typical city speeds and even to prevent collisions, depending on the situation. As part of the Driving Assistance Package, this is now also possible when turning off across the oncoming lane. A range of further Intelligent Drive functions can optionally be added to the Driving Assistance Package.
A new generation of steering wheels, plus MBUX
The E-Class is fitted with an entirely new, intelligent steering wheel as part of the facelift. This is available as a leather steering wheel and in a super sports variant. The control surfaces sport a high-gloss black finish, while the trim elements and surrounds have a silver shadow finish.
The new E-Class is equipped with the latest generation of the MBUX multimedia system (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). As standard, it includes two large 10.25-inch/26 cm screens arranged side by side for a sublime widescreen look. Two 12.3 inch/31.2 cm screens are optionally available.
Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupé (Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 8,9-8,6 l/100 km, CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 204-198 g/km), 2020, Outdoor, Vorderansicht, dynamisch, Night Paket, Carbon Paket II, Exterieur: graphitgrau metallic;Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert: 8,9-8,6 l/100 km, CO2-Emissionen kombiniert: 204-198 g/km
Mercedes-AMG E 53 Coupé (combined fuel consumption: 8,9-8,6 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 204-198 g/km), 2020, Outdoor, front, dynamic, Night package, Carbon package II, exterior: graphitgrey metallic;combined fuel consumption: 8,9-8,6 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 204-198 g/km
New to the E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet is the ENERGIZING COACH. This function is based on an intelligent algorithm and recommends one or other of the programmes depending on the situation and the individual concerned. If a Garmin® wearable is integrated, personal values such as stress level or quality of sleep optimise the accuracy of the recommendation. The aim is to ensure the driver feels well and relaxed even during demanding or monotonous journeys.
Your Mercedes is safe…
In conjunction with Mercedes me, the two packages URBAN GUARD Vehicle Protection and URBAN GUARD Vehicle Protection Plus enable all-round monitoring of the parked vehicle. URBAN GUARD comprises an anti-theft alarm system, tow-away protection with visual and audible warning in the case of a detected change in position, an alarm siren, interior monitoring (triggers in the case of movements in the interior) as well as a pre-installation for theft and parking collision detection.
Increased electrification of the powertrain…
The electrification of the powertrain takes another major step forward with the facelift of the E-Class. The new two-door models also see the top version of the four-cylinder diesel engine (OM 654 M), rated at 195 kW, fitted for the first time with an integrated starter-alternator (ISG). It therefore has a 48-volt on-board partial electrical system. A recuperation function and the ability to “glide” with the engine switched off make the engine even more efficient.
Clever: integrated into the transmission
Ongoing development work means that the integrated starter-alternator used here is a second-generation unit that is now part of the transmission (rather than of the engine). This means that it can be more easily combined with different engines. The extra boost that is available right from the first turn of the engine, known as EQ Boost, can deliver as much as 15 kW and 180 Nm, thus ensuring that the driving enjoyment offered by both of the sporty two-door models is even more pronounced.
The 48-volt technology with ISG is also a feature of the in-line six-cylinder petrol engine (M 256), now available for the first time in the E-Class. As with the Saloon, Estate and All-Terrain models, this unit has now been added to the engine line-up for the two-door models.
There is also the new Mercedes-AMG E 53 4MATIC+ Coupé and Cabriolet, of which more later in a special report!
We vividly remember them when I drove in the historic Mille Miglia with my father. The olive green Alfa Giulia Supers of the Carabinieri coached us along the way, watched over crossroads, helped to control traffic along our route, kept overenthusiastic spectators at bay.
The Carabinieri had not only taken out their fifties’uniform complete with riding boots, they also had polished their Giulia Supers. And of course, mechanically, these Alfa’s were in top form. What a delight it was to hear their 1,6 thoroughbred DOHC four cylinder revving up when they joined with panache and screeching Michelins again our fast moving column of Millia Miglia cars. Only to pass us swiftly with the blue police light flashing on the roof, with their engine on full song.
The beautiful Alfa 1900 was in 1952 immediately an iconic intervention car for the Italian Polizia…
Delightful, simply delightful. On the return leg from Roma back to Brescia, on the lunch stop before Siena, me and my father took (too much) time to chat with Stirling Moss, and we forgot our schedule a bit. This meant we were late, and had to do some massive catching up through the field. As there were timed sessions ahead, and we had to be within our time slot again. Easier said than done, with the power of a Mercedes 180 D ponton. Fight your way past birdcage Maserati’s and the like with 40 HP. Also the normal traffic was busy and held us up too much, as it took always time to accelerate for us to our top speed of 120 km/h at best.
The Giulietta was in the mid-fifties the police car par excellence… to be replaced by the Giulia Super.
Then we saw the olive green Giulia Super at a crossroad. We waved frantically and threw our hands in the air, shouting “siamo in ritardi!” We are too late!
“Okay, Okay”, they shouted back, starting their Giulia, putting swiftly their Alfa in front of us. “Siguici da vicino, follow usse close” they commanded us in their marvelous Italian accent, and so we went as a two wagon speed train through traffic, and passed the field of surprised Mille Migla participants. Lancia Aurelia, BMW 328 and Jaguar XK120 drivers couldn’t believe their eyes. But we got after 30 minutes of frantic speeding again in our slot. We waved at the carabinieri thankfully, and they responded with two signals on their beautiful Fiamm horn.
So when the dynamic PR people of FCA came up with te story about the fast, invincible Alfa’s in the service of the law, our delightful memories came back again, and we had to tell you here this story.
Of course, the Polizia/Carabinieri Giulia’s were totally iconic and omnipresent in the sixties, but the love affair of the servants of the law with Alfa’s started already in the early fifties with the formidable Alfa 1900. We show you here the photos, and dream on with us…
Autoprova - for the Connaisseur 