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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Photos & Info - Harley-Davidson Street Glide




The ultimate blend of customization and comfort.

The night was cold and dizzy, I was at work (jinxed Night Shift). Focusing on my current wave of projects, I was caught up so much that I was just waiting to get out of office to hit the weekend. I hear a Tailgunner Exhaust screaming down the road, I was restless to know what it is, hence I set aside my work and rushed down stairs, darn no lift and my office is on the 3rd floorL.

By the time I reached down the Harley's street-smart Street Glide occupies the space near to Desmond’s restaurant on Lavelle Road. Beauty, lost its meaning, I would say, too brilliant ride man!

About Harley-Davidson Street Glide

Front and the Fuel tank: The unmistakable style of the Harley-Davidson Street Glide motorcycle is the classically styled fuel tank which holds 22.7 liters of fuel, you can eat up a lot more road between pit stops. Sharp, eye-catching colors and precision-crafted Harley-Davidson® tank medallions complete the unique look of this tough bagger. The fork-mounted Bat-Wing fairing and smoked windscreen with a unique contour adds to the distinctive look of the Street Glide model. Naturally, the king of the road gets some royal extras an audio system to boom down the boulevard and highway.

Rear: The back end is neat with no-nonsense—a brilliant, unique taillight with low mounted license plate with LED lighting for crisp visibility and style. The customization does not end, this beast has got a Tailgunner Exhaust giving the rear one-of-a-kind look.

Engine: Four-stroke, air-cooled, twin cam, V-Twin
Displacement: 1690cc / 103 cu. in.
Engine Torque: 134NM @ 3500RPM
Bore x stroke: 98.4 x 111.3mm
Compression ratio: 9.6:1
Induction: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection
Ignition: Electronic
Transmission: 6-Speed Cruise Drive
Final Drive: Belt
Frame: Steel
Front suspension / wheel travel: Telescopic fork/4.6 in.
Rear suspension / wheel travel: Dual shock; air adjustable preload; 2 in.
Front tire: 130/70x18
Rear tire: 180/65x16
Front brakes: Front Dual Hydraulic Disc, 292mm; ABS
Rear brakes: Hydraulic Disc, 292mm, ABS 
Ground clearance: 4.7 in.
Seat height: 27.3 in.
Wheelbase: 63.5 in.

Summary:

The Street Glide is a more fun to drive machine and the extra expensive accessories is worth every penny on the looks and the performance.






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Monday, November 19, 2012

Bull God Meets the Wrap God in Style



Exclusive: Interview with Jeremy Stuchlik from WrapStyle: The team behind the realization of the glossy yellow Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4

On the 15th of November, I had the opportunity to speak with Jeremy Stuchlik from WrapStyle and to learn more about the project and the team responsible for the exterior realization of the glossy yellow Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4.


Exotics in India has already discussed the bull god Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, a white speedster with a 6.5-liter V12 engine which unleashes 700bhp of uncensored power at 8250rpm. The bull is capable of reaching 0-100 km/h in 2.9 seconds and can cruise at a top speed of around 350 km/h making the Aventador stand among the fastest street-legal cars in the world!


Now, let’s talk to WrapStyle, who groomed this white Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 into stunning glossy yellow color.

Mr. Jeremy Stuchlik, tell us about how WrapStyle and the owner of Lamborghini Aventador decide on settling on the glossy yellow project kick-off?

Well, we received a call from the owner of a Lamborghini Aventador in Bangalore. He said he wanted to make the supercar an exclusive one and needed the best people from WrapStyle to work on it. Hence, we coupled up the best wrappers from WrapStyle London to complete the project.

When you say couple of the best wrappers, what was the team size that worked on the WrapStyling of the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4?

The team consisted of the two best wrappers of WrapStyle and me as a supervisor.

How was your experience on the WrapStyling of the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 and working in India?

Well, that was a new experience all together, since it was the first job in India and at the owner’s premises. It’s not really about the money, it’s really about the enthusiasm and there are no limits in the wrapping. There are a lot of new materials and colors to do something, so you have to be innovative and you have to push it to the limit and this is what our partner needs to understand.

Choosing of the color? Was it Wrap Style’s or the owner’s decision?

Basically the owner decided what he wanted and we did it for him, it is basically the original Lamborghini yellow with WrapStyle’s glossy finish.

If not glossy yellow, which color would WrapStyle have selected on the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4?

We were offering him WrapStyle’s scarlet finish of the yellow, which makes the car look shinier with a sparkling finish, which is really something new on the market - especially the shades of yellow. However, the owner wanted the original yellow color from Lamborghini.

What were the challenges faced during the project?

Well the biggest challenge is to make the car look like it is painted and Aventador has really big spaces between some parts at the back.

If a car is white, let’s say you are changing the color to yellow, it’s still not that bad, but if you are changing the colour to black that would be the worst case, since you can see the white lines between parts everywhere and this was the main goal to the customer to cover all parts which are actually visible. Though the car was wrapped with yellow you could see the white between different parts of the car. So we had to cover even these parts to make sure nobody would know that it was originally white.

The hardest part to cover was the front bumper and back bumpers that have sharp edges and the foil has its limits (once you place it you have to stretch it). However, if you stretch it there are chances of the foil peeling off, because it has memory. So basically, we did not want to do any connections, and our objective was to avoid as much connections as possible and make sure the foil stays on the car forever.












What comes to your mind when you talk about India and the exotic car scene?

India has all the exotic cars in the world. It is just about giving people who have the money and are buying exotic cars an idea of wrapping. Sometimes they get tired of their car and instead of wrapping it they buy a new one. Once they learn more about high-quality wrapping, I think they would just keep them like lovely toys that they would like to drive, which is the future of wrapping.

Have you WrapStyled any other exotic in India?

No, the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 is the first one to be wrapped by WrapStyle in India. We would be doing more projects in the coming months. We have a lot of offers, though it is really difficult to explain to customers the job and the scale of the colors (over the phone about). Basically, it is hard for me to give customers an idea of the innovation of their car as they have not seen our new range of colors. Although current customers have an idea of what they want to do with their car, I think they would change their mind if they saw our range of colors.


How many meters of glossy yellow material was used for the job?

Normally we need about 20-22 meters. However, we did an extra job which required 25 meters.

Can you make a verdict on the WrapStyling of Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4?

The car is brilliant and the customer gets what he wanted. If I were to be more technical, Aventador is pure Italian, the engine and the design of the car is something which everyone will fall in love with.

Did you fall in love with it?

Yes, of course, I died for it (with a smile). Well the sound of the engine, the design of the car is something different, it’s a marvel.













When we completed the interview with Jeremy Stuchlik, it was ‘THE’ moment to rejoice. We could understand the dedication and commitment of the WrapStyle team.

When speed meets art, there is no limit, it’s an evolution!


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Wednesday, November 14, 2012

The Husqvarna Concept BAJA


Off-road fascination in seventies American style.
Exactly one year ago, Husqvarna presented the Husqvarna Concept MOAB at the EICMA in Milan a study designed as a modern interpretation of the scrambler theme. It is a motorcycle which embodies both the identity and the history of the Husqvarna Motorcycles brand.

Husqvarna Concept BAJA –
seventies style and passion combined with the technology of today.

Husqvarna Motorcycles is now taking idea this one step further with the Concept BAJA. The motorcycle combines tradition and modern design and, in conjunction with cutting-edge technology, reflects the essence of what Husqvarna Motorcycles stood for in the sixties and seventies.

In over 100 years of company history, Husqvarna Motorcycles has been able to achieve outstanding success in international off-road racing, with 82 World Championship titles to its name to date. Ongoing success in racing in particular made Husqvarna Motorcycles a highly sought-after brand which became increasingly popular not just in Europe but also in the USA.

The widespread acclaim of Husqvarna Motorcycles was reinforced by famous riders of the times, but above all by one particular celebrity motorcycling fan: American actor Steve McQueen. McQueen was not just an enthusiastic motorcyclist and motor racing fan, he also achieved success himself on the race track on both two and four wheels. Among other things he entered the Six Days in 1964.

The cover photo of the US magazine “Sports Illustrated” dated August 23rd 1971 showing a bare-chested Steve McQueen doing a jump on a Husqvarna Cross 400 remains legendary to this day. The McQueen-Husqvarna combination eventually became the idol of a whole generation of off-road fans and the Husqvarna Cross 400 has been taken as the historical design role model for the Husqvarna Concept BAJA.

Using modern-day technologies, the Husqvarna Concept BAJA recalls this unique era in American motorcycle racing, featuring the purist, sporty and dynamic styling which is typical of Husqvarna.

The multi-section architecture of the body displays a very clear, purist style. The slim shape of the saddle instantly recalls the Husqvarna models of the 1970s. Meanwhile the concave surfaces of the front and rear mudguard feature certain stylistic elements which are to be found in the latest generation of the Husqvarna models.

The Husqvarna Concept BAJA is powered by a liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine. Power transmission is by means of a five-speed gearbox via roller chain to the rear wheel.

In terms of suspension, the Husqvarna Concept Baja features an agile chassis based on a steel tube frame. Front wheel suspension is taken care of by a torsionally stiff upside-down fork, while the rear wheel is controlled by a torsion-resistant dual swinging arm in conjunction with a central spring strut hinged on a lever system. Thanks to the bike's generous spring travel, the agile handling properties of the Husqvarna Concept BAJA go hand in hand with excellent qualities for light off-road riding. The Husqvarna study meets its aspiration to tackle light terrain by means of 19-inch and 17-inch wire spoke wheels at front and rear respectively, and solid stopping power is provided at both front and rear by a Brembo hydraulic disc brake system.

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The new BMW F 800 GT


With the new F 800 GT as the successor model to the F 800 ST, BMW Motorrad is enhancing its range in the sporty touring segment and setting a new benchmark among mid-range motorcycles.

The high-torque, water-cooled 2-cylinder in-line engine with a capacity of 798 cc continues to provide dynamic propulsion in the new F 800 GT. An increase in power has been achieved by means of revised set-up. It now has an output of 66 kW / 90 bhp (F 800 ST: 62.5 kW (85 bhp)) at 8,000 rpm. The new F 800 GT boasts an even more supreme drive with the maintenance-free secondary drive via toothed belt.

What is more, improved ergonomics, optimised wind and weather protection and an even more practically oriented luggage system provides the basis for genuine “Gran Turismo”. The new F 800 GT is also fitted as standard with ABS in line with the “Safety 360°” principle. Other optional systems such as Automatic Stability Control ASC and the Electronic Suspension Adjustment ESA ensure that the new BMW F 800 GT sets new standards in terms of safety and comfort within its segment.

As part of the BMW Motorrad program of special accessories, the new F 800 GT can also be fitted with an Akrapovič sports silencer. This slip-on silencer provides a particularly earthy 2-cylinder sound. Made of titanium and stainless steel it enables a weight reduction of approx. 1.7 kg as compared to the standard rear silencer.

Overview of new technical features:
·         Increased output of the F 800 GT as compared to predecessor model.
66 kW (90 bhp) at 8,000 rpm. (F 800 ST: 62.5 kW (85 bhp) at 8,000 rpm).
·         Newly designed trim in more dynamic look with further improved wind and weather protection. New paint finishes.
·         The latest generation of BMW Motorrad ABS, now as standard.
·         Automatic Stability Control ASC (ex works option / special accessory).
·         Electronic Suspension Adjustment ESA (ex works option / special accessory)
·         Convenient adjustment of rear spring mount using handwheel.
·         Suspension optimised in terms of ride stability and comfort.
·         New, lighter wheels in dynamic design.
·         Adapted ergonomics for increased touring comfort with higher handlebars and repositioned footrests.
·         Enhanced seating comfort for rider and passenger.
·         New handlebar switch panels and front brake fluid expansion tank.
·         New vibration-free and double-butted aluminium handlebars.
·         Cockpit with new dial faces for speedometer and engine speed display as   well as an extended range of information.
·         Load capacity increased by 11 kg to 207 kg.
·         New exhaust system with optimised heel protection.
·         Turn indicators in smoke grey.
·         Newly developed luggage system (special accessory).
·         New connection of BMW Motorrad Navigator IV to handlebar clamp (special           accessory).
·         Power reduction to 35 kW (48 bhp) (ex works option / special accessory).




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Monday, November 12, 2012

Automobili Lamborghini presents the new Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster



Automobili Lamborghini presents the new Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster: the most exciting series production Lamborghini ever built and the new benchmark in the world of open-top luxury super sports cars.

On the heels of the successful coupe introduced in Summer 2011, and with over 1,300 units already delivered to customers, the House of the Raging Bull is now offering the convertible version of the Aventador, a vehicle that perfectly balances the ultimate driving experience with the ultimate in sports car sophistication.

The new Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster can immediately be recognized by the unique profile of its upper area, which extends along newly designed geometric lines from the removable roof to the engine hood.

The Roadster's design is the result of a careful study into the best way of combining performance, elegant style, ease of use and a driving experience that excites all five senses.

The two-piece roof is made entirely from carbon fiber using various technologies such as RTM and Forged Composite®. These technologies guarantee maximum aesthetic performance and stiffness although each component is extremely light, weighing less than 6 kg. These two parts are removable, easy to handle, and being lightweight and simple to attach, can be stored in the front luggage compartment. In just a few seconds the Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster can be admired in all its luxurious beauty.

The rear pillar has been redesigned to offer total support for the removable roof, accommodate an automatic protection system for passengers, and provide the engine compartment with ample ventilation.

Right at first glance, it’s noticeable that the engine hood on the Roadster differs from the hood on the coupé because of its central “spinal column” with two pairs of hexagonal windows connected at the sides as if they were hyper-tech armor plates. Their purpose is to cool the engine, drain off rain water properly and, of course, allow the beauty of the V12 power unit to be admired.

The driver of the Aventador Roadster and his passenger can decide for themselves how intensely they would like to enjoy the driving experience. The powered rear windshield not only influences the flow of air in the vehicle, but also controls the experience of the sound from the twelve-cylinder engine. The wind deflector, on the other hand, delivers almost complete calm inside the car, even at high speed. It rests on the front windshield frame and can likewise be stored in the luggage compartment when not in use.

The Aventador Roadster is also equipped with door windows with chamfered edges, which always ensure a perfect fit into the hard-top seal, and underline the sharp side profile of the car.

The body of the new Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster sports a two-tone finish, as the windshield pillar, the two roof sections and the rear window area up to the “fins” are painted in gloss black. The visual effect is that of a completely open vehicle with sleek lines combining perfectly balanced sportiness and elegance.

The range of colors available for the Roadster has been supplemented with a very light, metallic blue color, Azzuro Thetis, whose tone varies with the angle of the light. This color recalls the shade of the extraordinarily beautiful 1968 Miura Roadster, and both highlights and reinforces the lines of the vehicle by adding strength and dynamism.

Even the interior has a new look. The use of leather called Sabbia Nefertem highlights the superb hand-made craftsmanship of the upholstery from Sant' Agata Bolognese and is a perfect match for the exterior in Azzuro Thetis. Finally, the new Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster also features new Dione 20”/21” rims with a daring, aggressive look. Crafted in light forged aluminum, they lower the weight of the vehicle by 10 Kg as compared with the standard set of rims.

The new Aventador LP700-4 Roadster boasts record performance. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3 seconds flat and has a maximum speed of some 350 km/h.

These numbers, combined with a drive train featuring a centrally located, 6.5 liter aspirated V12 generating 700 hp, an ISR 7-speed gearbox and push-rod suspension make the new Aventador Roadster a unique super sports car with no direct competition.

Of course the Roadster's V12 also includes a cylinder deactivation system when the engine is working at partial capacity, while the innovative, instant Stop & Start system includes high-performance capacitors known as supercaps to awaken the engine. This is an absolute first in the super sports car segment.

The new Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Roadster is a dream that can be realized and ordered at any Lamborghini dealer in the world for the price of 300,000 euro, excluding taxes.
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Tuesday, November 06, 2012

New Maserati Quattroporte set to debut at 2013 NAIAS in Detroit



The New Maserati

“Maserati stands today at the edge of an unparalleled strategic and industrial growth that will see our presence in the world rise to 50,000 units a year by 2015. This growth is a challenge for which Maserati has carefully prepared itself and that we all welcome with anticipation.

“It is a growth based on those values of style, elegance, quality and performance for which Maserati has always been recognised and praised in almost 100 years of history. This exciting progression will make the new Maserati a true global player with two new production sites in two different continents and a heart solidly planted in Modena, Italy, where our roots are.

“It is a growth that will be based on three new models entering two new segments of the automobile market – and it starts with the all-new 2013 Maserati Quattroporte.”

Harald Wester, Maserati CEO

Maserati Quattroporte: Italian design at its best

“The new Maserati Quattroporte is a high-performance sports luxury saloon that reinterprets the design features of classic Maseratis in a contemporary design language. Its style was born out of the guiding design principles of Maserati: harmony of shapes, dynamism of lines and Italian elegance. More generous in size when compared to the previous model, the new Quattroporte has a design that is at once graceful and sinuous, fashioned to bring out the sporty nature of the car.

“Some of the elements characterising the previous model have been purposely maintained: the front grille, the three side vents and the triangular C pillar. At the same time new style and functional features have been introduced: the strong belt line that runs through the entire side of the car giving the new Quattroporte a look and feel that is at once muscular and elegant, with frameless doors and three side windows.

“Inside, the design of the Quattroporte aims at essentiality, stressing the simplicity of lines and the full functionality of the on-board instrumentation. Functional elements are blended with soft quality surfaces made of prestigious woods and refined leathers.”     

Lorenzo Ramaciotti, Head of Maserati Design Centre

Maserati Quattroporte: All-New Next Generation Powertrain

“The innovative Maserati engines of the all-new Maserati Quattroporte have been designed and developed by Maserati and Ferrari engineers in the heart of Italy’s motor valley. They are going to be produced in the Ferrari plant in Maranello that has been synonymous with cutting-edge technology and passion for well over 60 years.

“Passion is indeed the middle name of a whole new generation of Maserati engines that will equip the all-new Maserati Quattroporte and the models that will soon follow it on the market. Passion and state-of-the-art technology, both at the heart of all the new Maserati engines that will be mounted on the next generation of Maserati vehicles, have produced engines that are not only more powerful than ever, or more exciting to drive than ever – but also more fuel efficient than ever before.”

Paolo Martinelli, Maserati Powertrain Director

Maserati Quattroporte: Key Technical Features

“Refined technical solutions, an explicit attention to the most challenging targets in terms of performance, comfort, efficiency and safety – these are the key elements of the all-new Maserati Quattroporte.

“Maserati engineers have worked – with a competence matched only by their passion – in chassis designing and engineering, weight reduction, ergonomic enhancement to develop a car capable of fitting different powertrain architectures and transmission configurations for the most diverse driving conditions but always maintaining Maserati’s trademark best-in-class driving comfort.

“The result is the all-new Maserati Quattroporte, a luxury sports saloon that reaches new heights in terms of performance and handling, driving enjoyment as well as respect of the world we live in: the best performance ever in the long history of Maserati’s four-door flagship saloon is matched by the unprecedented success in the quest for a more fuel efficient automobile. All this done, of course, as you may expect from Maserati, in the spirit of the most severe active and passive safety conditions.”

Roberto Corradi, Maserati Vehicle Development Director

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Friday, November 02, 2012

New Audi A6 and A7 black edition models set the tone




The devil really is in the detail for Audi A6 Saloon and Avant and A7 Sportback models this week as a new Black Edition specification lends the acclaimed executive ranges a distinctly darker air. The three new Black Edition models combine their more emphatic styling with the most extensive equipment list in each range, and are priced from £35,010 OTR to £56,785 OTR.

Black Edition distinguishing features start from the ground up with rotor-design alloy wheels with a dark titanium finish and either a 20-inch diameter in the A6 Saloon and Avant or 21 inches in the A7 Sportback. These stunning wheels amply fill their arches in the A6 helped by lowered sports suspension which is a standard feature of the S line models on which the new specification is based, and in the A7 Sportback by further lowered S line sports suspension.

The darker side of all three models is also expressed externally by a black finish for the grille and number plate surrounds and the window frame strips, and by privacy glass extending from the B-pillar rearwards. Fittingly, the A6 Avant Black Edition is also equipped with black roof rails.

Inside, the scene is set by distinctive Piano Black inlays which complement the sports seats upholstered in black Valcona leather and the black headlining. In A6 and A6 Avant models, the already comprehensive S line equipment list is also expanded by a BOSE surround sound system, DAB digital radio and the Audi Music Interface (AMI) for iPod connection. The A7 Sportback Black Edition gains the BOSE upgrade, and already features DAB radio and AMI as standard from SE specification and above.

In the A6 models the foundation S line specification also brings features such as exclusive S line exterior and interior styling enhancements, satellite navigation, light and rain sensors, Xenon all-weather headlights and LED rear lights, the Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system, the Audi parking system plus and keyless go. On top of these, the A7 Sportback also includes extras such as powered tailgate operation, electrically adjustable front seats and a powered retractable rear spoiler.

Tour de Force

The new Black Edition specification is an ideal accompaniment to the formidable 3.0-litre BiTDI unit with its 313PS and 650Nm of torque, which is available in all three ranges. It combines exceptional performance that perfectly suits the more purposeful stance achieved by the Black Edition upgrade, but can also deliver a remarkable 44.1mpg according to the combined cycle test.  In the A6 range Black Edition specification is also available in conjunction with all engines from the 177PS 2.0-litre TDI upwards, excluding S6 models, and with either front-wheel-drive or quattro all-wheel-drive. In the A7 Sportback, it can be enjoyed in all versions bar the front-wheel-drive 3.0-litre TDI 204PS and the S7 Sportback.
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Aston Martin website is the best in the business


Luxury sports car maker Aston Martin is celebrating a very real, yet ‘virtual’, success with the news that the company’s global website – www.astonmartin.com – has been voted the best in the industry.

The Aston Martin site scooped the title of ‘Best Manufacturer Website’ in the Ewards presented by influential industry title Car Dealer. Staged once again at the National Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon, Warwickshire, the Ewards celebrate the cream of the UK motor industry’s digital activities.

Aston Martin’s presence in cyberspace – which includes hundreds of pages of information on the great British brand’s line-up of exclusive and sought-after models as well as a flavour of the firm’s remarkable 99-year history, and much else besides – is presented as a digital interpretation of its luxurious and sporting cars.

Drawing visitors from all over the world the site is the first port of call on the web for Aston Martin buyers, owners and enthusiasts. It has doubled in size, by page count, in the last year alone while traffic to the site has grown by 20% in the last 12 months.

Recently the website saw the three busiest days in its history with the unprecedented global interest in Aston Martin’s new Vanquish leading the luxury British brand to rewrite its internet record books.

June 20, 21 and 22 saw the three highest traffic days ever recorded on www.astonmartin.com as eager car fans around the world flocked to find out more about the stunning new V12-engined super grand tourer.

Car Dealer editor and awards host James Baggott said: “With huge budgets and the ability to use the biggest names in the web design world, car makers are truly able to capitalise on their enviable position… but that doesn’t mean they all get the web experience right.

“To be a winner in this category, brand message is key. The car manufacturer’s website has to clearly show what customers will be buying into if they purchase a car from one of the brand’s dealers.

“Aston Martin customers clearly know what they are buying into and the website really is a class act – showcasing its powerful performance cars in a luxurious way its buyers will be accustomed to.”

Pete Norwood is Aston Martin’s Digital Marketing Communications Manager. He said: “The website is a vital part of the brand’s global presence and I’m naturally very happy to see it recognised as being the best in the sector by Car Dealer.

“The digital team at Gaydon have worked extremely hard to design, engineer and populate the site – and we remain committed to ensuring it remains engaging, informative and entertaining.”

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