2023 Mclaren Artura on 2040-cars

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Volkswagen Group names Paefgen head of classics program

You may remember the name Franz-Josef Paefgen. Until recently, the German engineer and executive was head of both Bentley and Bugatti. Before that he was chief executive of Audi, after working for several years at Ford. He technically "retired" earlier this year, but like the cars he helped create, an executive like Paefgen could never really retire. So it should come as little surprise that the Volkswagen Group has named Dr. Paefgen head of its Classic program.
In his new capacity, Paefgen will oversee the historic automobile activities of the entire VW Group, including those of Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda, Audi, Lamborghini, and of course Bentley and Bugatti. It strikes us as a suitable semi-retirement for the man responsible in no small part for the Bugatti Veyron and Bentley Mulsanne, to name just two, and who was decorated in 2006 by the ACO as the "Spirit of Le Mans" for his contribution to endurance racing. Read the official announcement after the break.

McLaren flanks upcoming new Sports Series

If you think major automakers like Volkswagen and General Motors have been making the most of their technologies, just look at McLaren. The British supercar constructor developed a carbon-monocoque chassis, 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for the MP4-12C with which it launched in 2011, and has used those basic building blocks as the backbone for everything it's done since. Next up will be the new Sports Series, and what we're looking at here is our first glimpse at a completely undisguised body panel for that new model line. Granted there's not a whole lot to see from the teaser images above, but it does show us a substantial section of the vehicle's flank. Central to its profile is the side intake, which to our eye would seem to pay homage to its earlier logo – a streamline form of its original kiwi bird mascot – it used throughout the 1970s, much as the headlamps and other elements on the 650S and P1 take their inspiration from the company's current boomerang-shaped logo. The carbon accent flows from the front wheel well into the airtake aft of the door. Like the P1 but unlike the company's other supercars to date, the wing mirrors are fixed to the door rather than the window frame, and of course the whole thing is decked out in Woking's signature shade of orange. Beyond that, we'll have to wait... but not for much longer as McLaren is set to take the wraps off its new entry-level model in a few weeks' time at the New York Auto Show. That's when and where it will join the company's existing Super Series and Ultimate Series as McLaren's most accessible and highest-volume model line yet – what the company is referring as a defining or "Black Swan" moment. It'll be built around those same building blocks but with a detuned engine to take on the likes of the Audi R8 and Porsche 911 Turbo and GT3, coming in a variety of body-styles and states of tune. News Source: McLaren via Facebook McLaren Coupe Supercars 2015 ny auto show mclaren sports series

McLaren F1 team finds perfect sponsor for the Halo: A flip-flop maker

If you can't hide it, embrace it. When the Halo safety device was mandated for Formula One cars this year, many were quick to draw parallels with the structure's eccentric looks and a flip-flop shoe. Now it seems McLaren is in on the joke, as it has joined forces with a flip-flop manufacturer. Next week, McLaren's cars will feature on their halos a prominent logo for Gandys, a British lifestyle brand known for its flip-flops. There's a charity involved, as 10 percent of Gandys' profits go to an orphans support foundation called Orphans For Orphans; the Forkan brothers behind the brand started Gandys after losing their parents in the 2004 Southeast Asian tsunami. And it's not just about a sticker on a racing car, since Gandys and McLaren will launch a limited-run "Halo Edition" flip-flop model, with all profits going to the aforementioned foundation. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. McLaren's CMO, John Allert says: "The placement of the logo on the MCL33's Halo was not only perfect from a branding perspective, but also a great opportunity to underline Gandys' charitable commitment to providing a safer, more protective environment for those at risk." Related Video: Image Credit: McLaren Humor Motorsports Weird Car News McLaren Racing Vehicles halo