The car of the day is the Land Rover 90 Defender 1998.
Since the 1940’s, Land Rover have been progressing their engines and producing fine vehicles. In December 1998, the 122bhp five-cylinder Td5 engine became the Defender’s standard engine. Our wonderful client Mr D has a perfect example of this wonderful vehicle.
Mr D has this vehicle insured with us and the policies we offer are perfect for classic Land Rovers with agreed value, choice of repairer, salvage retention and legal expenses cover.
If you have a classic Land Rover that you need to insure give our specialist classic car team a call for a bespoke quotation on 02380 268 351. If you have any photographs that you would like us to share, email info@aib.co.uk.
Sports car tyres make a major contribution to the ability of high-performance sports to “stick to the road”. These tyres are very complex products meeting numerous, largely contradictory demands. Finding the proper structure that balances these demands for any given application is the great challenge in tyre design.
Porsche manufacturers and designs some of the highest performance vehicles in the world, as a result tyres play an integral role in vehicle performance. Porsche has integrated tyre development throughout their process of vehicle development. To that extend to be an Original Equipment tyre provider on a Porsche vehicle or be approved by Porsche for the replacement market requires the joint product development efforts of the tyre engineers working alongside the Porsche vehicle engineers.
N-Rating
Not all Production tyres make the grade and fort those that have passed all of the tests and received the engineering department’s release can be branded with an N-specification. The N-specification brandings include: N-0 (N-zero), N-1, N-2, N-3 etc. These markings on a tyre’s sidewall clearly identify them as approved by Porsche for their vehicles. The N-0 marking is assigned to the first approved version of a tyre design. As that design is refined externally or internally, the later significant evolutions will result in a new generation of the tyre to be branded with N-1, N-2, etc, in succession. When a completely new tyre design is approved, it receives the N-0 branding and the succession begins again. Recently N has been updated to NA for all new tyres with the designation NF used for the all-electric models.
Research and Development
The focus in recent radial tyre development for Porsche vehicles has included optimum handling on dry surfaces and the safest possible behaviours on wet surfaces, even at high speeds. Tyres developed by various tyre manufacturers, in conjunction with Porsche, offer a specific set of wet grip properties which few, if any, other automobile manufacturers demand in equal measure from the tyres they use on their vehicles. Tyres may be specified for a particular vehicle or range of vehicles and must successfully pass the tyre company’s laboratory, track and race tests to assure that they would be capable of adequately supporting the Porsche vehicle. Approval testing ensures tyres can reach their top speed on the Autobahn whilst meeting Porsche’s noise, hydroplaning, high-speed durability, uniformity, serviceability and handling requirements.
Changing Tyres
It is recommended that only matching tyres be used on Porsche vehicles. Since many Porsche vehicles are fitted with differently sized tyres on their front and rear axles, this means matching the tyre make, tyre type and N-specification. If a vehicle was originally delivered with N-specification tyres that have been discontinued and are no longer available, it is recommended to change all four tyres to a higher numeric N-specification design appropriate for that vehicle. Mixed tyre types are not recommended. Tyres should be replaced no less than in pairs on one axle at a time. Only tyres of the same tyre make and type must be used. However, in case of tyre damage such as cuts, punctures, cracks or sidewall bulges that cause a single tyre to be replaced for safety reasons, the remaining matching tyre on that axle must not exceed 30 percent wear to the other axle tyre. Otherwise, both axle tyres need replacing, as handling inconsistencies may result if this is not done.
Porsche Tyres
Brand new tyres do not offer their full traction during the first 60-100 miles, therefore drivers should therefore drive at moderate speeds in order to bed in new tyres. If new tyres are installed on only one axle, a noticeable change in handling occurs due to the different tread depth of the other tyres. However, this condition disappears as new tyres are broken in. Drivers should adjust their driving style accordingly. It is also important to know that while Porsche N-specification tyres have been fine tuned to meet the specific performance needs of Porsche vehicles, the tyre manufacturers may also build other tyres featuring the same name, size and speed rating as the N-specification tyres for non-Porsche applications. These tyres may not be branded with the Porsche N-specification because they do not share the same internal construction and/or tread compound ingredients as the N-specification tyres. Using tyres that are not N-specific is not recommended and mixing them with other N-specification tyres is not permissible.
If there is a car model gap to be filled, rest assured that every car manufacturer will ensure it’s filled. Presenting the latest Porsche 911 GTS that has landed to fill that crucial gap between the Carrera S and the full-beans GT3. A car which possibly could be the only new 911 that you could ever need.
Porsche tell us that the new 992 GTS generation is “inspired by the 904 GTS race car of the 1960s, with the letters GTS identify Porsche models that offer a carefully curated combination of performance, style and emotion.” Either way this modern 911 GTS has been a very popular and very successful model in the 911 range. Rightly so, as it hits that sweet spot popular model in the 911 range since it was first introduced twelve years ago, with the highest retained values of any 911 Carrera model.
The GTS sits between the Carrera S and the GT3 in its specification, power and potential, but this time it has a few more tricks borrowed from the 911 Turbo to add to its arsenal. Powered by the trusty 3.0-litre flat-six turbo it produces more power than the 992 Carrera S and more than the previous GTS. There’s 473bhp on offer with 420lb ft of torque on tap, all a moderate increase from its predecessor.
Available with all the options in either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive sporting the choice of the super slick 8 speed PDK automatic gearbox and the all-important 7 speed manual, which we will come back to later. PDK is the unpronounceable ‘Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe’ which translates as Porsche dual-clutch gearbox, if you were wondering. Spec GTS with Carrera 4 All-wheel drive and using launch control with the PDK box 0-62mph will be despatched in just a mere 3.3 seconds. So really all the pace you could ever need.
Visually, there are a few clues to the GTS being the GTS. Namely, the ‘GTS’ badge and its black satin 20in front alloys and 21in rear alloys, black highlights across the body, with the exhaust tip and the spoiler lip painted black, as are the dynamic LED headlights and model-unique GTS tail-lights. All GTS cars have the fitment of the ‘Sport Design’ pack as standard.
As for a helping hand from the 911 Turbo since GT3 technology is off-limits, the suspension is 911 Turbo ‘derived’ modified for this GTS with adaptive dampers aka PASM, Porsche Active Suspension Management. The Coupe and Cabriolet GTS models get a 10mm lower Sport chassis which translates into stiffer springs, adapted shocks, anti-roll bars and a new PASM control, but the Targa GTS only gets PASM.
There are a few more Turbo tricks with rear-axle helper springs proudly explained by Porsche as “a development shared with the Turbo models”, which means it keeps the main springs under tension in all conditions, which is probably not a bad ideal when you’re knocking on the door of being a 500hp sport car. Not forgetting the legendary Porsche brakes which have also been pinched from the 911 Turbo, which are thankfully massive 408mm front and 380mm rears discs. Porsche also assures us the noise this GTS makes will be a special one, cue the standard sports exhaust with some clever upgrades.
On the inside and keeping the sporting GTS theme, there’s a bit less interior insulation and for those feeling like a GT3 driver there is the option of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) bucket seats which do look gorgeous. Along with the option of thinner window glass and a lightweight battery save up to 25kg as part of the optional Lightweight Package, which also happens to deletes the rear seats and adds rear-axle steering. Otherwise, the interior GTS is marked out by extensive use of Porsche’s Race-Tex upholstery, which is their version of Alcantara fabric with some tasty carbon fibre interior trim inserts.
For those you can’t get a new GT3 for love or money this is car to get, which is why I should strongly recommend the new generation of ‘light operation’ Manual gearbox. I’m told that over a Carrera S the excellent manual has a “particularly short lever throw” which outlines it’s GT credentials and is the must have specification for owners. Truth be told most owners will opt for the PDK which is shame as I’ve driven the manual and with all of its clever technology assistance this is unlike any old style manual gearbox.
The 911 GTS is on sale now, priced from £108,920 as the Coupé, £118,720 as the Cabriolet and £124,300 as the Targa, available now but that manual is worth a closer look.
This article was provided by our friends at www.911uk.com – the Porsche enthusiast club.
The Emira is an all-new mid-engined premium sports car that perfectly embodies the ongoing transformation of the Lotus business and brand. It features all the hallmarks that the automotive world has come to expect from a Lotus – striking design, thrilling dynamic performance delivering best-in-class ride and handling, outstanding aerodynamics and an unrivalled experience ‘For The Drivers’.
All-new mid-engined sports car perfectly embodies ongoing transformation of iconic British sports car manufacturer
Striking design, delivering exotic supercar appeal in sports car segment
Inspiration from Lotus Evija hypercar clear in fluid surfaces and crisp feature lines
Developed on Lotus’ recently announced Sports Car Architecture
Two petrol engines available, including new-to-Lotus 2.0-litre turbocharged ‘i4’ from technical partner AMG
Much-loved and characterful 3.5-litre supercharged V6 from Exige and Evora to feature as ‘First Edition’ range-topper
Manual, automatic and Dual Clutch Transmission to maximise global appeal
Power output from 360 to 400 hp at launch
0-62mph (0-100km/h) in less than 4.5 seconds
Top speed of up to 180mph (290km/h)
Target weight of 1,405kg in its lightest form
Prices will start from under £60,000 (under €72,000)
Building on the legacy of the Elise, Exige and Evora, the Emira represents a quantum leap forward for Lotus. Those instantly recognisable brand signatures and core values have been combined with a paradigm shift in levels of practicality, comfort, functionality and technology.
Matt Windle, Managing Director, Lotus Cars commented: “The Emira is a game-changer for Lotus. It stands as a beacon of everything we have achieved to date in the transformation of the business, the embodiment of our progress. It is a highly significant milestone on our path to becoming a truly global performance car brand.”
The Emira has been developed on a new lightweight bonded aluminium chassis, technology pioneered by Lotus and which remains an intrinsic part of the company’s sports car DNA. That innovative vehicle architecture is wrapped with a bold and sculpted design using cues clearly developed from the Evija. Key dimensions of the Emira are length 4,412mm; width 1,895mm; height 1,225mm; and wheelbase 2,575mm.
First customer cars will start to be delivered around the world from next spring. Powering the Emira will be a choice of two petrol engines, both globally respected for their performance characteristics. At launch, the first cars will be available as limited-production ‘First Edition’ models powered by the much-loved and Lotus-honed 3.5-litre V6 which cut its sports car teeth powering the Exige and Evora.
From summer 2022, the first new Lotus sports car engine for more than a decade makes its debut, with the Emira powered by AMG. The new-to-Lotus AMG unit is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder ‘i4’ from the performance division of Mercedes-Benz.
Working with Lotus for the first time, AMG has come on board as technical partner on the Emira programme, with some fundamental changes made to the in-line four-cylinder set-up for its Lotus debut. Transverse-mounted and delivering rear-wheel drive, the unit has been modified with a new air intake system and new exhaust to suit the character of the Emira. The second engine is more familiar, the 3.5-litre supercharged Toyota V6 that is so loved by drivers of the Exige and Evora. Cars will be available with a manual, automatic and Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).
09Across the Emira range, power output will between 360 and 400bhp at launch, with 0-62mph (0-100km/h) acceleration in less than 4.5 seconds and top speeds of up to 180mph (290km/h). Maximum torque will be 430Nm and CO2 emissions will start below 180g/km. The car has a target weight of 1,405kg in its lightest form, and prices will start at less than £60,000 (less than €72,000).
Manufacturing will take place at Lotus’ famous home in Hethel, Norfolk, following more than £100million of new investment in the company’s UK facilities. The highly skilled operations teams will be supported by new processes and technologies to enhance production efficiency, volume capability and overall quality.
This article was provided by our friends at www.thelotusforums.com – the Lotus official communication partner.
As with a lot of businesses, motor traders involved with the sale of new cars and vans in the UK have had a difficult period of trading for more than 12 months due to the pandemic. However, figures recently published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) for the year to date to 30th June 2021 reveal that numbers have increased in comparison to the same period in 2020 albeit the impact of COVID–19 needs to be borne in mind when looking at the figures.
On a year to date basis to the 30th June 2020, the number of new cars registered here in the UK amounted to 653,502 whereas, on a year to date basis to the 30th June 2021, the volume of new cars sold totalled 909,973 – a difference of 256,471 (+39.2%).
Conventional new petrol fuelled cars saw a rise in registrations in the first six months of 2021 in comparison to the same period last year – up from 392,608 to 442,583 (+ 12.7%). However, fewer conventional new diesel fuelled cars were registered in the first six months of this year when compared with the same period last year – 93,087 compared to 118,957 (-21.7%). The registration of all types of new electric cars showed a positive increase when comparing the same periods this year and last year.
Having broken the figures down to the private, fleet and business sectors, all revealed a positive increase in new car registrations when comparing both periods.
The top 3 selling new cars in the UK on a year to date basis to 30th June 2021 were: –
Vauxhall Corsa 24,399
Ford Fiesta 21,511
Volkswagen Golf 19,608
Again, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), has recently published figures for the registration of new vans here in the UK. For the year to date to the 30th June 2021, the number of new vans sold in the up to 3.5t category totalled 191,513 whereas for the same period to the 30th June 2020 the figure was 108, 876 (+75.9%). One of the reasons why such an increase was seen was due to delivery businesses taking on more new vans to cope with an increase in online sales.
The top 3 selling new vans in the UK on a year to date basis to 30th June 2021 were: –
Ford Transit Custom 26,978
Ford Transit 17,644
Volkswagen Transporter 12,586
It will be interesting to monitor the registration of new cars and vans here in the UK over the next few months as we hopefully see restrictions in relation to the coronavirus being eased/lifted.
If you are looking to insure either a car(s) or a van(s), why not get in touch with a friendly, experienced member of our staff on 02380 268 351 to discuss your requirements so that we can do all that we can to obtain a competitive quotation from our extensive, closely vetted panel of insurers without any obligation.
The car of the day is the fantastic Nissan Skyline Gt-R.
The Nissan Skyline GT-R is a sports car based on the Nissan Skyline range. The first cars named “Skyline GT-R” were produced between 1969 and 1972 and were successful in Japanese touring car racing events. This model was followed by a brief production run of second-generation cars.
This wonderful sports car is insured and has plenty benefits that we can offer at AIB. The policy has legal expenses cover, choice of repairer, agreed value and salvage retention. We can offer additional benefits such as replacement vehicle and excess protection making sure your gorgeous classics are fully covered and there is no need to worry!
Call our friendly and knowledgeable car team on 02380 268351 for a bespoke quotation and see what benefits we can offer you today!
Thank you to Mr N for sharing your lovely photos with us.
The car of the day today is the wonderful 1929 Riley 9 Monaco.
The Riley Nine was one of the most successful light sporting cars produced by the British motor industry in the inter war period. It was made by the Riley company of Coventry, England with a wide range of body styles between 1926 and 1938.
This beautiful classic is insured and has plenty benefits that we can offer at AIB. The policy has legal expenses cover, choice of repairer, agreed value and salvage retention.
We can offer additional benefits such as replacement vehicle and excess protection making sure your gorgeous classics are fully covered and there is no need to worry!
Call our friendly and knowledgeable classic car team on 02380 268351 for a bespoke quotation and see what benefits we can offer you today!
Thank you Mr B for allowing us to share the lovely photos of your Riley 9!
If you have a policy with us and would like to share the photos on our website and socials, email us at info@aib.co.uk
The car of the week this week is the legendary Ford Mustang (1966)!
The iconic look and shape of the Ford Mustang was perfected in the 1966 iteration, with few changes from the original it really solidified the timeless look and feel of the Mustang, by adding small but crucial aesthetic details. The engine that produces that classic sound pumped a higher bhp of 271 into this model making it more than just a pleasure to look at but a thrill to drive too!
Mr H, has worked hard to create such a beautiful rendition of this iconic car, and he knows AIB worked hard to give him the best care and deal for his insurance on his stunning motor giving him a agreed value, choice of repairer and salvage retention! If you have a beloved classic car of your own then think no further than AIB insurance.
If you have a classic car be sure to call our friendly motor team on 02380 268351 for a bespoke quotation covering all your needs.
AIB warmly welcomes Jordan Thomas to our Sales team. Jordan will be working closely with Sales Director, Kirby De Gray Birch, developing all aspects of a long established, fast growing insurance broker.
As part of his focused training, he will be dealing with all aspects of motor, van and home insurance. In addition, he will be working across other departments developing his overall knowledge including working within our Renewals and Customer Service department.
Jordan was born and bred in Braintree, Essex attending Alec Hunter Humanities College. He studied Medieval History at Winchester University, graduating with an excellent first class honours degree.
FAST FACTS:
A veritable book worm, Jordan enjoys reading Japanese literature and has a book signed by the brilliant, bestselling author, Haruki Murakami. A lover of sports and the outdoors, he also enjoys playing golf and plans to join a football team. He played for Colchester United youth team and wants to put the skills he acquired to the test. Jordan’s excellent university degree was presented to him by none other than lovable national treasure and horticulturist, Alan Titchmarsh.
WE SAY:
“Jordan’s enthusiasm, intelligence and insightful nature was apparent from his first interview and we continue to be impressed by him every day. His formidable academic background and knowledge of customer service, combined with his resourcefulness and eloquence, stand him in good stead for a strong future at AIB. He’s already insured a member of his family and made several new sales for the business. I’m excited about his development and his already apparent ability to provide the best customer journey for our clients”.
Kirby De Gray Birch / Sales Director
Despite the challenges of this past year, AIB continues to grow rapidly. We are currently looking for additional like-minded sales and customer service staff. If you want to pursue a rewarding career in a satisfying but demanding environment, or know someone who does, please send us your CV: info@aib.co.uk
You must be logged in to post a comment.