Chauffeurs will soon benefit from a new look Voyager which hosts benefits such as an improved seating system and standard equipment.

The latest in a long line of luxury people carriers – Chrysler invented the MPV in 1983 and has since sold more than 13 million examples – has been given a raft of enhancements for the model year change.

Most notable is the new, more premium looking front end, featuring a revised grille, bonnet and lower fascia. It’s the first Chrysler model to adopt the new winged badge. The seven-seater’s rear gets enhanced LED tail lamps, new rear bumper and revised tailgate.

There is also the new Stow ‘n Place roof rack system, standard on Touring and Limited models.  Stow ‘n Place offers the added convenience of allowing the vehicle’s roof crossbars to be stowed longitudinally alongside the roof rails when not in use.

Inside, the new Grand Voyager has improved Stow ‘n Go seating. Since November 2004, Chrysler has led the market with this award-winning, never-copied, feature. For 2011, the new second row Stow ‘n Go seats are larger, more comfortable captain’s chairs, which feature a new ‘fold-into-the-floor’ one-touch mechanism.  The system automatically drops the head rest and tumbles the seat forward, ready to be stowed – all with just one lever.

The interior of the 2011MY Grand Voyager also benefits from the introduction of new features. Specifically for the entry LX model, there’s a new leather wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel audio controls and cruise control as standard.

Touring models benefit from the addition of Uconnect Phone bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, auto dimming rear view mirror, AM/FM/CD/DVD radio with a 6.5-inch touch screen, 30Gb hard disk drive and rear reversing camera. Limited models also receive blind spot monitoring, crosspath detection and new Nappa leather upholstery.

All Grand Voyagers are powered by a 2.8-litre CRD diesel engine producing 161bhp at 3800rpm and 265lb ft of torque. This gives the people carrier a 0-62mph time of 12.8 seconds and a top speed of 115mph. Yet the car can return 33.6mpg (combined) fuel economy, and has a CO2 figure of 222g/km.

Prices (OTR) for the new Chrysler Grand Voyager are:

LX
£27,995
Touring
£29,995
Limited
£35,995

As The Chauffeur Car of the Year Awards 2011 continue to be judged, the chauffeur industry is being invited to nominate the vehicles they want to see awarded.

A total of 22 luxury vehicles have been nominated and the judges are putting the vehicles through a number of tests which will result in a total of four cars being awarded in separate categories.

Now, thechauffeur.com which created the awards in 2005 has launched a dedicated online survey which allows chauffeurs to enter their opinions on the vehicles they operate. Sections such as build quality, economy, boot space, ride and comfort and pricing can all be marked.

Last year, the winners of the awards were the Bentley Flying Spur, BMW 730Ld, Hyundai i800 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

NOMINATE YOUR VEHICLE BY CLICKING HERE

The advanced Jaguar XJ has been recognised for its efficiency as it scooped the ‘Most Surprisingly Economical’ honour at the inaugural Honest John Awards.

During testing by Honest John over a distance of 692-miles, the XJ, powered by a refined and highly efficient 3.0 V6 diesel engine, exceeded the claimed combined consumption figure of 39.2 mpg with ease.

Capable of travelling over 700-miles on a single tank of diesel, the XJ makes extensive use of aluminium in its chassis structure, reducing mass and driving up efficiency.
Geoff Cousins, Managing Director, Jaguar UK, commented: ‘I’m pleased to be able to add this accolade from Honest John to the XJ’s credentials.  In the XJ we have successfully created an economical car without compromising the quality, luxury and sports car-like drive that our customers want to enjoy in their Jaguar.’

Launched in 2010, the XJ immediately established itself among the top sellers in its segment, a situation it’s built on in recent months, posting a significant margin in terms of sales between it and its nearest competitor.  A rear-seat comfort option pack has been introduced for 2011 that includes reclining seats, four-way adjustment for the lower back, a massage feature, footrests and winged headrests.

The XJ is priced from £55,515. For more information go to the Jaguar site.

A much awaited option for chauffeurs will be available in the all-new Jaguar XJ long-wheelbase, turning the rear seats into a mobile office.

The 2012 XJ range will allow great personalisation in the form of the new Rear Comfort Pack which offers reclining seats, four-way lumbar support and massage function.

Increased comfort is also provided by new winged headrests, footrests and the ability for the front passenger seat to be stowed away forwards when unoccupied to increase legroom even further.

On the long-wheelbase Portfolio derivative, the newly announced extras in the ‘Executive Pack’ include fold-down laptop trays, electric rear privacy blind, upgraded carpeting, combination wood and leather steering wheel, gloss wood veneer choices and chrome mirror housings.

All XJ variants are also now available with an Illumination Package derived from that offered as standard on the Supersport model. This comprises illuminated treadplates, boot latch and front and rear air vents.

Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar Cars commented; “An XJ should be the ultimate in comfort, design and refinement. The bespoke interior changes we have incorporated for the 2012 model make it an even more special car to drive or be driven in.”

The illumination Pack costs £1,000, and the Executive Pack is offered at £2,750.

For more information, visit the Jaguar website here.

Porsche has announced its Panamera model will be available with diesel power from August 2011.

The luxury Gran Turismo, the Panamera Diesel is capable of taking four passengers in sporting comfort from Lands End to Loch Ness without refuelling with its 3.0-litre V6 engine with a rated output of 250 hp achieved between 3,800 rpm and 4,400 rpm.

The maximum torque of 550 Nm, available all the way from 1,750 rpm to 2,750 rpm, delivers high pulling power. It is exclusively available with rear-wheel drive and uses a highly efficient eight-speed Tiptronic S as standard. The six-cylinder turbo diesel engine powers the new Gran Turismo from 0 to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds, with a top speed of 150 mph.

The Panamera Diesel offers a highly appealing driving range of more than 745 miles on one 80-litre tank, emits 172 g/km and delivers a Combined fuel economy of 43.5mpg.  With the optional lower rolling resistance tyres, efficiency improves further still, to 167 g/km and 44.8mpg on a Combined cycle.

Performance, generous torque and low consumption are accompanied by smooth running, reliability and low emissions. An additional contributing factor is the auto start/stop function, which is fitted as standard. Adaptive air suspension is available as an alternative to the standard steel spring suspension, to provide an even wider range of suspension settings to extend the driving qualities further still.

Through its proportions alone, the Panamera stands out clearly in its market segment: measuring 1931mm (76.0in) in width and 1418mm (55.8in) in height, the Panamera is both wider and lower than comparable four-door models. The unmistakable, sleek GT silhouette is created by an overall length of 4970mm (195.7in) and short, sporting overhangs front and rear. This new model can be recognised by the lettering ‘diesel’ on the front doors.

Every Panamera, including the new Diesel model, has a high level of standard specification that includes leather interior, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Bi-Xenon headlights, front and rear ParkAssist, tyre pressure monitoring, automatic dimming rear view mirrors, Porsche Communication Management with touch-screen satellite navigation and audio controls, cruise control and a three year warranty. 

The Panamera Diesel costs £62,134 and is on sale in the UK from August 2011.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled its new Ghost Extended Wheelbase model at the 14th Auto Shanghai Motor Show on Tuesday, 19 April 2011.

The ultra-luxury saloon, the sixth new model from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, caters for customers who require increased space and comfort without sacrificing Ghost’s unique balance of dynamism and poise.

The award-winning, four-seater Ghost has seen outstanding demand since its worldwide launch in 2009. Designed as a vision of simplicity, it is a Rolls-Royce that drives and rides in peerless fashion. Ghost Extended Wheelbase takes this principle further, designed as a car to drive or in which to be chauffeured. It will be built to order and is available in only limited numbers for 2011 until full production begins in 2012.

Ghost’s ample interior space is further enhanced in the Extended Wheelbase variant by the addition of 170mm to the car’s wheelbase, but with no detriment to the model’s balanced proportions and stunning contemporary design. Legroom is significantly enhanced with knee-room more than doubled compared to the standard Ghost.

Increased cabin space in the rear passenger compartment and a panoramic sunroof sets new standards for interior ambience and light. Effortless entry and exit for passengers further reinforces Rolls-Royce Motor Cars’ pinnacle position in the ultra-luxury segment.

Powered by the acclaimed Rolls-Royce Ghost 6.6 litre twin turbo charged V12 engine which produces an effortless 563hp and 780Nm of torque at just 1,500rpm, Ghost Extended Wheelbase accelerates from 0-100km/h in just five seconds. An intelligent, four corner air suspension maintains a perfect balance between ride and handling.

On the unveiling of the new car, CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös said, “This latest Rolls-Royce is a model of outstanding design and unrivalled luxury. Ghost Extended Wheelbase delivers all the poise and dynamism enjoyed by discerning Ghost owners, with the indulgent experience of an extended wheelbase car. It is the very best of both worlds.

“This is the first time we have undertaken a world launch of a Rolls-Royce car in China, underscoring the strategic significance of this market and the Asia Pacific region. We expect to build on last year’s record growth, with further strong demand for Rolls-Royce models and a positive economic forecast throughout the region,” he added.

A highly bespoke China Edition Ghost is displayed for the first time, showcasing the company’s unique bespoke capabilities for the Chinese market. Featuring a stunning consort red interior, gold twin-coachlines, gold-plated Spirit of Ecstasy and stainless steel pinstripes, the model is available to order in limited quantities by discerning Chinese customers. Three exclusive paint colours (Deep Garnet, Black Ember and Infinity), silver and gold packages (e.g. specially plated Spirit of Ecstasy, coachlines, Rolls-Royce inlays) and a number of other features have been developed for the China market.

Also presented for the first time in the Asia Pacific region are two highly-bespoke Spirit of Ecstasy Centenary Collection models featuring a host of design details that celebrate 100 years of the world’s most famous hood figurine. Specially commissioned for Auto Shanghai 2011, Phantom Extended Wheelbase Saloon is exhibited with a Rhapsody Black exterior and a sumptuous mix of Ardent Red and Seashell interior with Piano Black veneer. Also on the stand is a Phantom Drophead Coupé in Maiden Blue exterior, Navy Blue and seashell interior with Straight Grained Oak and Ebony.

Customers from China and the rest of the Asia Pacific region represent the largest proportion of buyers worldwide for Centenary Collection cars, of which only 100 limited edition models are being built. Demand for bespoke Phantom models is also among the highest in the world. Through the Rolls-Royce Bespoke programme, customers can tailor individual features to one-off accessories for their cars, all designed and developed in-house at the Rolls-Royce Headquarters and Manufacturing Plant at Goodwood in England.

Europe’s largest private hire firm, Addison Lee, has taken delivery of the first of the 1,200 Ford Galaxy Multi Purpose Vehicles which will join its fleet this year.

It is the largest single-year order that Addison Lee has ever placed with Ford. By November the firm’s 2500-strong minicab fleet will be 100 per cent Ford. The Galaxy models – all diesel, all automatic and, appropriately for Ford, all black – will be delivered at the rate of around 28 a week over the coming months.

Addison Lee fleet manager Rob Daniels said: “We spent three months assessing vehicles and talking to manufacturers; the Ford Galaxy emerged as the best package for us on many levels, not only financially. It is safe, offers low emissions and is economical to run.”

The outstanding economy of the Ford Galaxy 2.0 140PS TDCi PowerShift model was illustrated by Addison Lee last autumn, when one of their drivers achieved an average fuel consumption figure calculated to be 57.08mpg on the MPG Marathon (the UK’s premier economy driving event.)

Kevin Griffin, Ford’s fleet director, said: “Addison Lee has recognised the Ford Galaxy’s class-leading attributes. It complements their own prestige status as a provider of premium minicabs and chauffeur cars.”

The firm has cut emissions per journey by more than 17 per cent since 2002 and is working on a further six per cent year-on-year reduction. The company is the only member of 190 businesses in the Green500 to achieve the highest ‘Diamond’ status for reducing carbon emissions and has won numerous awards for its programme to reduce its environmental impact.

About Addison Lee

Addison Lee is London’s premium minicab service and also offers chauffeur services, international delivery services, couriers and executive coaches. Founded in Battersea in 1975, Addison Lee carries 10 million passengers a year and couriers more than 40,000 deliveries every month.

Green500is one of a number of London Development Agency initiatives which aim to reduce London’s CO2 emissions.  The aim of Green500 is to enlist some of London’s largest and most prestigious organisations, and mentor them through their carbon reduction commitments.

Audi has unveiled an even more technologically-advanced edition of the long wheelbase A8 luxury saloon, which has been engineered to feature broadband internet with long-term evolution (LTE) technology.

LTE technology offers data transfer speeds of up to 100Mbps, which is similar to a fixed-line broadband connection. This means passengers in the prototype can use the LTE broadband connection to stream music, high-definition videos and other data on up to six computer or mobile phone devices with ease. Current 3G connections can only offer data transfer speeds of around 14.4Mbps.

Developed in collaboration with communications pioneer Alcatel-Lucent, the car’s mobile broadband connection is a fourth generation (’4G’) technology that is hotly-tipped to replace the Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) and the Universal Mobile Telecommunications Standard (UMTS) systems that underpin 3G. LTE allows data to be transferred faster than conventional 3G-technology and modern digital subscriber line (DSL) connections – wired landline broadband. LTE can also cope with large numbers of users streaming data, even at peak times, because of its extra bandwidth.

“We will use LTE technology to extend our advantage in automotive networking and further consolidate the Audi connect strategy,” explained Michael Dick, Audi Board Member for Technical Development, during the presentation of the A8 L prototype.

Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, announced that LTE technology would be used in cars by early 2011 at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last year. Just eight weeks into the year, Audi and Alcatel-Lucent have revealed a fully-functioning prototype.

With its quick connection speeds, LTE technology offers more dynamic and reliable internet access, particularly when large amounts of data need to be uploaded or downloaded. Audi technicians have tested the capabilities of LTE by streaming high-definition videos – which have notoriously large data streams – live to the prototype.

The new Range Rover Autobiography Ultimate Edition, a hand-finished exclusive addition, is making its debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

The flagship model adds a handcrafted luxury interior, using specially selected soft feel natural leathers, to an interior renowned for being one of the finest in the automotive world.

The driver benefits from the recognisable command driving position offering excellent visibility and comfort, and the rear passengers now experience first-class-style accommodation never before seen in a Range Rover.

Two stand alone electric rear seats enhance space and comfort for the rear passengers, making the Ultimate Edition the definitive chauffeur vehicle. The addition of a rear console extension, including a machined aluminium laptop table and drinks chiller, and two Apple iPads as standard (the first car to do so), takes the Range Rover rear seat experience to new levels of luxury.

The luxury theme extends to the rear load space, with a super yacht inspired teak floor with metal and leather detailing. The interior story is completed with high-end semi-aniline leather seating and Oxford leather on the door casings, dashboard top and steering wheel. For the first time, Kalahari wood veneers are used on the facia and door top rolls and unique interior colourways of either dark cherry or Arabica are available

Two new unique exterior colours, either Roussillon Red or Otago Stone, are available along with body coloured door handles, dark atlas radiator grille and side vents to create a sophisticated finish. This Ultimate Edition is fitted with new and unique 20″ multi-spoke diamond-turned alloy wheels, and unique tailgate badging. Customers also have the option of an Exterior Design Pack and deployable side steps. The classic Range Rover colour of Santorini Black will also be available as an exterior choice in some markets.

The all-V8 engine line-up includes the superb new 4.4 litre LR-TDV8 Diesel engine with a new eight-speed transmission incorporating Drive Select with Paddle Shift as standard. This LR-TDV8 combines superior power with 313PS, 700Nm torque whilst delivering even lower fuel consumption and 14% less CO2 emissions than its predecessor in line with the stringent EU5 emissions standards. The combined cycle fuel consumption of the new LR-TDV8 4.4-litre is just 30.1mpg, making this the first Range Rover ever to better 30mpg.

The 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox tuned by Land Rover engineers to combine silky smooth shifting with exceptionally rapid response and improved fuel economy, catapults the Range Rover from rest to 60mph in a mere 7.5 seconds and complete the 50mph-75mph dash in just 5.1 seconds.

The LR-V8 5.0 Supercharged engine is also available delivering awesome power and torque, 510PS and 625Nm, propelling the Range Rover from 0-60mph in a breath-taking 5.9 seconds.

Both variants come with Land Rover’s award-winning Terrain ResponseTM system, which optimises the vehicle set-up for virtually all on-road or off-road driving situations, with five different settings to suit different terrains including new Hill Start Assist and Gradient Acceleration Control.

This Ultimate Edition was designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK and exclusivity is assured as each vehicle will be built to customer order only. 500 units will be produced and sold in over 20 markets globally.

Pricing will be announced by individual markets later this year.

The Infiniti hybrid saloon that sets a new benchmark in power and efficiency will cost £46,840 when right-hand drive versions arrive in UK Infiniti Centres from April.

In its technology, performance, luxury and standard equipment, the single M35h GT Premium model available in the UK is every inch Infiniti’s flagship saloon, as well as being the most powerful and most economical model in the new Infiniti M range. Over an equivalently specified M30d, the hybrid costs just £1200 more.

As the brand’s advanced technology showcase, the Infiniti M35h features a raft of cutting-edge engineering. At its heart is the Infiniti Direct Hybrid system, a new-generation drivetrain whose one electric motor/two clutch layout delivers performance and efficiency without compromises while enhancing the responsiveness essential for maximum driver appeal.

In addition the Infiniti M35h is equipped with innovative new hybrid electric power steering and regenerative braking, a hybrid dashboard display showing energy flows and a low-speed audible warning system (VSP) to help ensure the safety of pedestrians and other road users.

The 364 PS (359bhp) petrol/electric four-door’s combination of power and low emissions is unmatched in the sector by any petrol, diesel or hybrid rival. The M35h delivers 0-62mph acceleration in just 5.5 seconds with an official EUDC fuel consumption on the combined cycle of 40.4mpg. CO2 emissions are 162g/km.

The Infiniti M35h joins the V6 petrol M37 and V6 diesel M30d to form a unique three-pronged attack on the European executive car segment. Prices of the entire Infiniti M range represent impressive value compared to equivalently powerful rivals when equipped to a comparable level.

The full M range pricing for the UK is as follows:

M37 GT £38,540
M30d GT £40,170
M37 GT Premium £44,010
M30d GT Premium £45,640
M35h GT Premium £46,840
M37 S £40,585
M30d S £42,215
M37 S Premium £46,050
M30d S Premium £47,680

In the equipment stakes, the M35h GT Premium lacks for nothing with some of the most advanced safety, luxury, convenience and communication/ entertainment systems available anywhere fitted as standard.

Highlights include premium heated and ventilated semi-aniline leather front seats, White Ash wood trim with silver powder finish, bi-Xenon lights with adaptive front lighting system, power seats and steering column with heated steering wheel, a 30GB HDD navigation system with high-res touch screen, 3D graphics and Michelin Guide information, Forest AirTM climate control and a 16-speaker Bose® Premium surround sound system. In the Dynamic Safety Shield, the M35h GT Premium has one of the most comprehensive anti-crash technologies available with systems that include Blind Spot InterventionTM, Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Prevention (LDP). Also present is Infiniti’s innovative Eco Pedal to help save fuel.

There is just one option: metallic paint at £679.

Tax savings

The Infiniti M35h is in VED Band G for annual road tax of currently £155, much less than some equivalently powerful cars with higher CO2 emissions.

There are also savings to be made for British company car drivers. With the M35h’s CO2 emissions of 162g/km and taxable benefit at 22% of P11D value, a 40% taxpayer would face a bill of £4121 a year in 2011/12. That is less than the tax bill would be for the most powerful BMW 5-series diesel model available, and represents a near £2000 advantage for the Infiniti driver over a Jaguar XF V8 petrol of similar performance.

Exceptional efficiency

The Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system mates a 302bhp 3.5-litre V6 with a single electric motor, at 67bhp one of the most powerful of any hybrid, in a two-clutch layout that maximises performance and efficiency and ensures silent, emissions-free running is employed at every opportunity. With advanced regenerative braking and a high output Lithium-ion battery, the electric motor alone can power the M35h at speeds as high as 62mph, extending the hybrid advantage from city streets to the open road. Tests have shown that in mixed driving, the infiniti M35h is able to drive in electric-only mode for as much as 50% of the time.

In recognition of this the M35h is the first hybrid in the world to come with a standard audible pedestrian warning system. Approaching Vehicle Sound for Pedestrians (VSP) emits a pleasing, non-intrusive sound that varies in pitch and volume at vehicle speeds up to about 20mph.

At higher speeds on open roads the M35h’s no-compromise nature means 0-62mph acceleration in just 5.5 seconds and a maximum speed of 155mph. With almost 50mpg on the official extra urban cycle, the M35h promises owners exceptional cruising economy and a touring range of up to around 750 miles.

In league with its Infiniti Inspired Performance, the M35h makes no compromises in driver satisfaction by offering responsive performance throughout the speed range, poised rear-wheel drive handling and an automated 7-speed transmission.

See editor, Paul Gibson drive the M35h around Millbrook Proving Ground.