NEW: 2014 Jeep Cherokee & Harman Kardon High Efficiency Audio System

Our staff snapper Neil Denham just got back from Italy to test out the brand new Jeep Cherokee – fitted with the Harman Kardon High Efficiency Audio System. See a range of his ace images on our Facebook page.

The new Jeep features a raft of ace new features including: New exterior design with LED headlamps and enhanced, handcrafted interiors, a brand new eight-speed automatic transmission with multiple off-road modes to suit any surface including three 4x4 systems, Quadra-Lift air suspension and Jeep Selec-Terrain and Selec-Track traction management systems, new 8.4-inch touchscreen with 7-inch customer configurable cluster display and advanced UConnect (designed by Harman) with voice commands, "the most complete array of advanced safety features" including new Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Forward Collision Warning with Crash Mitigation and new Selec-Speed Control and a brand new model range with Laredo, Limited, Overland and SRT - now complemented by a more exclusive Summit top-of-the-range model.
The Uconnect system by Harman enables off-board connectivity to entertainment and other content through the Connected Media Centre (CMC). It is faster and has increased voice recognition capabilities – so much so, AOL Autos in the US named it Technology of the Year in 2012. It is set to be rolled out in other models including the Viper and some Fiats later this year.
The new Cherokee also has a wide choice of engines including one diesel and three petrol lumps: An efficient 3.0-litre turbo, direct-injection V-6 Common-rail diesel engine fitted with Multijet II Technology and the 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6, the legendary 5.7-liter V-8 and the powerful 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 engine that powers the high-performance SRT model, as tested. 

We were impressed by the finish of the new car, the styling and, as usual, the of-road ability. That SRT model is rapid too – propelling the heavy Jeep superbly. 

On top of this there's also a brand new Premium Harman Kardon surround sound audio system, offering unbelievable sound quality – and volume! Jeep say: "Harman Kardon contributes to the unique driving experience delivered on-board the new 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Harman engineers have ensured an exclusive approach in the development of the sophisticated audio system that surrounds the occupants of Grand Cherokee in high-definition sound." 

The system is a brand new 7.3, 825-watt Harman Kardon Surround Sound audio system with Logic 7 technology is an exclusive feature of both the top-of-the-range Summit model and the high-performance SRT model. The system delivers maximum audio performance, innovative technology and engineering excellence. It features: 19 High Performance, High Efficiency GreenEdge Loudspeakers in a 7.3 speaker playback architecture including 9 Tweeters, 5 Mid-Range Speakers, 2 Mid-Woofers and 3 subwoofers. High Voltage Class D amplifier with Tracking Power Supply (TPS) and 11 channels of amplification with Logic 7 multichannel surround-sound technology.

NEWS: N24 2013: An Historic Event

The 2013 ADAC Zurich Nürburgring 24-Hour was as thrilling as ever this year and most unusual – thanks to a forced 9.5-hour break between 11pm and 8am, caused by unreal levels of rainfall, spray and fog making the track unsafe. The event heralded a historic, dominant wet weather performance by the thunderous Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3s, with the Black Falcon overall winner and the Rowe Racing cars finishing third and fourth. The amazingly quick and consistent BMW Sport Trophy Team Z4 GT3 came second. No Audi. No Manthey. No 911. Weird! And the Prodrive-built Aston Martin GT3 (#007!) which was so dominant in the dry faded to 10th. It really was a tale of two halves in the two separated sections of the world's best endurance race – one seven hours, mainly dry, then one nine hours, mainly wet.
The highly experienced N24 regulars, Black Falcon and the AMG GT3 Mercedes-Benz SLS (one of seven in the event) secured their first overall win in the 24-Hours of Nürburgring, with Bernd Schneider (Germany), Jeroen Bleekemolen (Netherlands), Sean Edwards (GB) and Nicki Thiim (Denmark) driving from sixth position on the grid to finish the legendary endurance race 2:39 minutes ahead of the second placed car after 88 laps.
Record-breaking five-time DTM champion Bernd Schneider had a largely trouble-free race in the SLS AMG GT3 Black Falcon – after an excursion off track on Monday morning ended without drama. The victory was rounded off by positions three and four for Rowe Racing, with Thomas Jäger a double entrant, taking the cockpit in two SLS AMG GT3s prepared by Rowe! Hardcore! In Gullwing #22, the former DTM driver, along with Klaus Graf, Jan Seyffarth and Nico Bastian (all Germany), came home in third place overall. Jäger, at the wheel of car number 23, aided by team-mates Lance David Arnold, Alexander Roloff and Jan Seyffarth (all Germany), finally took the chequered flag in fourth place.
Alexander Böhm, Black Falcon General Manager: "The ultra-reliable SLS AMG GT3 was once again the cornerstone for this historic victory. All the drivers did a great job – we were really fast, especially in the wet. A big thank you to all team members!"
Hans-Peter Naundorf, Rowe Racing Team Manager said: "I am extremely pleased with securing P3 and P4 with #22 and #23, especially as we were forced to retire last year while in the lead. My thanks go to all drivers and team members. Congratulations to the winning team, Black Falcon."
Uli Fritz, Head of AMG Customer Sports, commented: "We were not among the favourites to win, as we are not a works team but simply a customer outfit. We are very excited about this historic success. So far in 2013, we have won every major endurance race with the SLS AMG GT3 – in January, the Dubai (UAE) 24-hour race, in February, the Bathurst 12-Hours (Australia) and now the legendary 24- hour race here at the Nürburgring. My congratulations go to all AMG customer teams, and many thanks to tyre partner Dunlop for the excellent manner in which they have supported our team."
And Ola Kaellenius, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH said: "A great success for our customer teams Black Falcon and Rowe Racing. I am very pleased that we have succeeded at only the third attempt in taking the top spot in the SLS AMG GT3. This victory is the best confirmation of our customer sports programme."
Meanwhile, Toto Wolff, Head of Motorsport at Mercedes-Benz added: "This victory in the 24- hour race at the Nürburgring is the just reward for the loyalty of our customer teams. Mercedes-Benz has a magnificent tradition in endurance racing that stretches back as far as the 1950s. The Nürburgring has always had a great importance and symbolic meaning for Mercedes-Benz, because this is where the legend of the Silver Arrow was born, so it is all the more gratifying to witness the success here today of the AMG customer teams. The Mercedes-Benz name stands for performance, quality and reliability – which are the perfect prerequisites for winning such a tough race on the most demanding racetrack in the world. I extend my congratulations to our customer teams, Black Falcon and Rowe. Credit is also due to Mercedes-AMG for their outstanding support without which this success could not have been achieved."
Driver Bernd Schneider of Black Falcon, # 9 said: "Our car was super to drive, especially in the wet, and even while the surface was drying out, we were always up with the leading group. I’ve attempted the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring on several previous occasions, but this is the first time I’ve ever crossed the finish line. My congratulations and thanks go to the whole team. The guys at Black Falcon did a great job."
Thomas Jäger, Rowe Racing # 22 added: "Once again, we have seen what a fabulous car the SLS AMG GT3 is to drive, even under these very difficult conditions here at the Nürburgring. Our third and fourth place finishes represent a great team result for us, and obviously I’m delighted for the guys at Black Falcon on their historic victory."
And Lance David Arnold, of Rowe # 23 said: "I’m very pleased that I was able to finish fourth on my very first outing for the AMG customer team ROWE RACING. This was very tough race, not least because of the heavy rain and the constantly changing conditions. I’d like to express my gratitude and congratulations to the whole team."
And we'd like to thank them for the amazing V8 burble and pace they showed in the epic race. The SLS contingent were a joy to watch and have really aded something special to this unique racing event.

HISTORY

Without doubt, this year's N24 top news story – apart from the glam of 007 Daniel Craig turning up to pilot a DB5 in the 100 Aston Martin parade prior to the race – had to be the Aston Martin Rapide S, powered by Hybrid Hydrogen.

The car, built by Aston Martin Racing in conjunction with Alset Global (a technical partnership made in heaven, which can not be underestimated for the future of motor racing/performance cars) and driven by Dr Ulrich Bez (AM CEO) became the first hydrogen-powered car to compete in, and to undertake zero CO2 emissions laps of, an international motor race.
Aston Martin CEO, Dr Ulrich Bez said: "We have exceeded our already very ambitious target of completing a full lap of the Nürburgring on hydrogen." 

Aston Martin partnered with Alset Global on the project to showcase its commitment to engineering innovation in its centenary year and should be applauded for doing this at the N24, not in a road car, lapping around the M25. Bravo!
The no. 100 Aston Martin Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S was the sole entry within a special E1-XP2 classification. The Hybrid Hydrogen system, comprising a hydrogen fuel supply system, tank and proprietary engine management system, ran faultlessly throughout, demonstrating the reliability and durability of the technology which could be on a series production vehicle within a couple of years. In the race, the car reached top speeds of around 160 mph / 255 kph on pure hydrogen, producing zero emissions.
"This is a historic day for two reasons: besides being the first hydrogen-powered race car to compete and undertake zero CO2 emissions laps, it has showcased the most practical technology available to fundamentally, and within a very short period of time, address the challenge of global emissions, without disrupting the automotive industry," said Jose Ignacio Galindo, CEO and founder of Austria-based Alset Global.
The hydrogen was supplied by Alset Global’s partner, Linde, via its TrailH2-gas mobile refuelling truck. Hydrogen was stored at 350 bar and a full refill was reduced to just 30 seconds per pitstop by the end of the race. 

Road Magazine is about to publish an N24 special and we have all the news on this momentous moment from Aston Martin and Alset, with exclusive interviews and comments from everyone involved, as well as lots of scoops on the rest of the event itself and a behind the scenes with the Team Falken Motorsport's GT3 R. Stay tuned for more and see some sneak preview images at our Facebook page of the best, maddest race on the planet. 

NEWS: Aston Martin Rapide S Hydrogen Hybrid History @ ADAC Nürburgring 24-Hour

Aston Martin Racing are all set to make history at the 41st Nurburging 24-Hours this weekend – racing their ground-breaking hybrid Hydrogen Aston Martin Rapide S V12 twin turbo, developed in partnership with Hydrogen experts, Alset Global. And they will also be racing in a international championship-winning V12 Vantage GT3 and a close-to-production specification V12 Vantage as well as the record-breaking Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S.
When the HH Rapide S races on Sunday in the N24, Aston Martin’s new four-door, four-seat sports car will become the first hydrogen-powered car to compete in an international event as well as the first zero CO₂ emissions sports car to complete a race pace lap at the Nürburgring 24-hour race. The car will compete in an experimental class (E1-XP) having passed rigorous technical and safety assessments by the German motorsport authority the DMSB to be granted approval to race.
It will be able to complete full laps with zero CO₂ emissions and will be refuelled after each stint with 3.5kg of hydrogen as well as gasoline.
Working in partnership with hydrogen experts Alset Global, Aston Martin’s engineers have developed a prototype twin turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 engine that powers the incredible Nürburgring car.
Capable of running on pure gasoline, pure gaseous hydrogen, or a blend of both, the Hybrid Hydrogen race car showcases Aston Martin’s commitment to engineering innovation. In pure hydrogen mode the car emits virtually only water from the exhaust.
The Hybrid Hydrogen system comprises a hydrogen fuel rail, storage tanks and proprietary engine management system. Safety is paramount and the system includes four ultra-high strength carbon fibre tanks holding a total of 3.5kg of hydrogen stored at a pressure of 350bar.
And we have been invited to follow all three Aston Martins at the world's greatest race! Happy days! We will be bringing you the amazing Aston's story home from the Eifel in a forthcoming special of Road Magazine, also featuring many cool cars from the 2013 N24.
The Aston Martin Rapide S – with technology developed with Alset Global – has already set a record as the world's first hydrogen-fuelled zero CO₂ emission lap of the 24 km Nordschleife. The lap was completed on Saturday 27th April with Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer, Dr Ulrich Bez at the wheel of the prototype Aston Martin Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S. That was a perfect test run ahead of a formal record-breaking attempt at the ADAC Zurich 24 Hours of Nürburgring (N24).


Aston Martin CEO Dr Ulrich Bez, will be one of four drivers behind the wheel of the Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S in the 24-hour race. He said: "The prospect of making history at the Nürburgring 24 Hours with the Hybrid Hydrogen Rapide S in this, our centenary year, is a great thing for Aston Martin. Alongside our partners Alset Global, we have worked incredibly hard to prove out this exciting engineering and I’m looking forward to taking the wheel of the race car at the Nürburgring on Sunday.

"I am incredibly proud of the Aston Martin team, and our partners Alset Global. We have written a little motorsport history with this qualifying lap as well as finishing the four-hour race on hydrogen and, of course, it bodes extremely well for our participation in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring in three weeks’ time.
"To have run full laps on hydrogen gas alone during the four-hour event is an exceptional ‘first’, and I now hope that we can stabilise the system and further improve the Rapide S so we can complete the 24-hour race on May 19 with many zero emission laps."

The Aston Martin Racing team are aiming for numerous zero emission laps – in addition for their P1 class aims for their outstanding GT3 petrol V12 beast (pictured below) and a V12 Vantage which is as close to production specification as possible.

The third car in the line up is a V12 Vantage in close-to-production specification, modified to satisfy the N24 regulations. David King, Director of Special Projects and Motorsport at Aston Martin, explains: “It’s important to us that we don’t only show what we can do with pioneering technologies and race car development, but that we showcase the ability that our road cars have to deal with the demanding and gruelling challenges that the Nordschleife can create.”


To make life even more special for Aston Martin fans, leading up to the main event the Aston Martin Centenary Parade – a lap of the Nordschleife with 100 VIP and customer cars – will take place to celebrate 100 years of Aston Martin and to offer customers the chance to share in the Nürburgring experience that is so close to the brand.

Aston Martin will compete in the ADAC Zurich Nürburgring 24 Hours on May 19-20 for the eighth successive year with the goal of maintaining its 100% finishing record. More than 200 cars will start the 24-hour race, which runs on the daunting 22 km circuit that combines the legendary Nordschleife with the modern Grand Prix track.

Bravo to Aston Martin & Alset Global. Can't wait to witness history with you firsthand this weekend...
See more images of the cars here on Facebook.

NEWS: RAC To Include Legal Expenses Insurance To Two Million Members

The RAC is set to include up to £50,000 legal expenses insurance – Motor Legal Care – for around two million of its individual breakdown members.
Supporting the organisation’s vision to be seen as the "motorist’s champion," the introduction of Motor Legal Care will enable qualifying RAC members* to pursue claims for uninsured losses following UK road accidents should they wish to.
The RAC said: "Protecting members as both drivers and passengers, Motor Legal Care is worth £25 and provides cover for legal costs up to £50,000 as well as assistance with a replacement vehicle while theirs is being repaired. We believe Motor Legal Care will revolutionise the legal expenses insurance market which has traditionally been dominated by brokers and direct insurers selling the cover as a costly add-on to motor policies."
The RAC took the decision to include Motor Legal Care with new and existing breakdown policies in light of the Jackson Reforms which are designed to put an end to the compensation culture in personal injury accident claims. The changes, which came into effect on 1 April, include the banning of referral fees for passing on personal injury cases and a limit to the fees that can be recouped from bringing ‘no win, no fee’ claims. RAC Motor Legal Care provides cover to qualifying members* from 1 April 2013. However, the RAC can also assist with claims dating back up to three years.
In addition, the RAC is also now providing Accident Care to members who need to have their vehicles rescued or recovered following road accidents. Wherever possible, the RAC will aim to recover the cost of this service on the member’s behalf.
RAC insurance director Kerry Michael said: "While a change to the personal injury claim system was clearly needed, there is a danger that some people will find it far more difficult to get access to justice. By including legal expenses insurance within our industry-leading breakdown cover, we believe we are making it easier and more affordable for our members to pursue legitimate personal injury claims should they want to. Our Accident Care service is also designed to make our members’ lives simpler in the event of an accident. The last thing you need after a road accident is the added concern and financial burden of having to get your stricken vehicle recovered."
For more information on Motor Legal Care, visit: www.rac.co.uk/motorlegal or call RAC Membership Services on 0800 092 6830.
And for more information on Accident Care, visit www.rac.co.uk/insurance/accident-legal/accident-care or call 0800 0966 999.

* Qualifying members refers to individual customers who have bought their breakdown membership directly from the RAC rather than via a corporate partner.

NEWS: New nüvi Garmin Sat Nav Range Launched

Sat Nav genuis' Garmin have launched a new nüvi range of sat navs in the UK, in collaboration with INRIX, the world’s largest traffic intelligence network. The nüvi line-up of sat navs comes in Essential, Advanced and Premium devices, providing turn-by-turn navigation to fit a wide range of PND budgets.  It's hard to believe the range could get any better (we have the old nüvi and it's fab, as tested here on an Alpos road trip), but there are many new features that look superb.

For the first time, the range incorporates INRIX’s Traffic intelligence to allow drivers to avoid congestion with the fastest subscription-free traffic information available 'Digital Traffic.'
Garmin say: "Our latest range from Garmin makes it easier than ever to follow directions and avoid congestion with the fastest subscription free traffic information available."
The simple and budget-friendly Essential Series is the perfect starting point for any journey with accurate turn-by-turn directions, spoken street names and Lane Assist with junction views.
The new Advanced Series offers additional features to guide drivers, such as the new Garmin Real Directions™, Active Lane Guidance and real-time digital traffic and voice control.
And the new top of the line nüvi Premium Series combines the best in-car navigation available from Garmin. With its elegant styling and ultra-slim profile, the nüvi 3597LMT and 3798LMTD reflects a refined aesthetic that suits the interior of any vehicle. In addition to features available for the Advanced Series, it has a five-inch multi-touch glass screen in real metal housing as well as a powered magnetic mount that automatically snaps in once the user holds the device close. This premium navigator also includes lifetime map updates, Garmin’s unique Digital Traffic service, 3D buildings and terrain and voice command.
The Advanced and Premium range receive Garmin Real Directions™ that guide drivers like a friend would by telling them to turn at recognisable landmarks, buildings and traffic lights. To make sure drivers get in the correct lane, the new Active Lane Guidance features voice prompts as well as a visual lane animation.
The new INRIX digital traffic offers fast, accurate and subscription free information that sits alongside a new real-time traffic function that now provides information on traffic incidents by *voice; users can then speak a response to select a route to avoid the traffic on nüvi models with the voice control feature. Furthermore, the nüvi models feature an all-new design and larger screens that range from 4.3 to 7 inches to display driving-related information at a glance.
The new top of the line 3597LMT and 3798LMTD comes with a new powered magnetic mount, making it convenient to attach the device and keep it charged.
"The new Garmin UK range of nüvi sat navs are amongst the best we have ever produced - the new gold standard of navigation due to their ease of use, reliability and wealth of features. Alongside our industry leading free Lifetime Maps offering and the latest advancements, such as Real Directions and free lifetime traffic services, we are now proud to introduce the latest market leading innovations for a lifetime of navigation," said Dawn Ramsay, UK General Manager. "Our new line-up significantly improves the driving experience. Larger screens provide driving-related information at a glance and our new Digital Traffic offering provide the best value to customers than ever before."

The new nüvi series features include: 

* Garmin Real Directions™– using recognisable landmarks, buildings, traffic lights and junctions to give directions. For example, the new feature tells drivers to “turn right after the Starbucks®” or “turn left at the traffic light.”
* Active Lane Guidance: The new Active Lane Guidance feature uses a combination of voice prompts and visual cues to prepare users to drive through an exit or interchange with confidence. 

* More Information at a Glance: Garmin’s nüvi models feature an all-new design and larger screens that range from 4.3 to 7 inches, displaying more driving-related information at a glance, including a new 'Up Ahead' function providing easy access to points of interest nearby, like nearby services, including restaurants, fuel stations, hospitals and stores.

* Bluetooth: With built-in *Bluetooth wireless technology, you can sync with your compatible mobile phone for hands-free phone calling and even access your phone book and call history via the sat nav – no need to look at, touch or even find your phone.
* Smartphone link: Selected Advance and premium models with Bluetooth are compatible with Garmin Smartphone Link, an Android and ISO app that provides live services to the PND. So, you can send locations and addresses to a paired device so that by the time you switch on your Garmin sat nav the destination will already be preloaded for your journey. 

* Garmin Express: Simply download the free software to receive free lifetime software updates.
* Lifetime Maps: The very latest maps are available to download with no subscription or update fees.

See more images and information here and at Garmin.

NEWS: Loeb Set To Attack RallycrossRX

Sebastian Loeb is having an amazing year of motorsport! Having just won the Rally Argentina in his Citroen DS3 WRC (stopping the VW Polo R WRC's run of wins) and fresh from bouts of McLaren  MP4-12C GT racing, super Seb is all set to race RallycrossRX in Loheac in the FIA European Rallycross Championship for the first time, on August 31-September 1 on home soil. Watch out rallycross regulars!  

Loeb will drive a Citroen DS3 Supercar in the event which forms round seven of the nine-event championship. The 39-year-old, nine-time World Rally Champion has added the RallycrossRX outing to his calendar in a year in which he has embarked on a diverse range of events including rounds of the World Rally Championship, the FIA GT Championship and Pikes Peak Hill Climb.
The Frenchman has previously driven a rallycross car in competition only once; using a Citroen DS3 Supercar to win an X Games gold medal in Los Angeles last July.
"2013 is definitely a year full of challenges. I received an invitation from the [Rallycross Loheac] organiser Patrick Germain, and I decided to answer positively," said Loeb. "Apart from the X Games, I have no experience in Rallycross so I will probably have to fight hard against fast specialists in a very high level championship.
"I enjoyed my experience at the X Games last year and I expect something similar. Loheac is the temple of Rallycross. This is a well-known event with always a very big crowd. In a sportive side, this is also a very tough race.
"I couldn’t let this opportunity to participate at least once in my career pass, especially because it is with a Citroën DS3. I am looking forward to go to Loheac, meet the fans and race there."
Rallycross Loheac, 30km south of Rennes in Brittany, is widely accepted as being the best attended rallycross event in world. Regularly attracting more than 30,000 spectators it has been a cornerstone of the French championship for many years and, this year, is included in the FIA European Rallycross Championship for the first time since 2001.

Bon chance Seb! Sure the 600bhp gravel experience will help get you more used to the 850bhp Pug you'll be blasting up Pike Peak's tarmac, gravel and sand later in the year!

RallycrossRX is the FIA European Rallycross Championship, promoted since 2013, by IMG Motorsports, part of IMG Worldwide. Rallycross combines all the best aspects of motor racing in one. It's fast, competitive and spectacular. It's bold, authentic and relatable. Within it are all the elements of four-wheel racing that you love; and RallycrossRX is the pinnacle.
Visit the official website: www.rallycrossrx.com
Be a part of #RX:
Twitter: @RallycrossRX, | Facebook.com/RallycrossRX | YouTube.com/RallycrossRXTV

VIDEO: N24 Preview With Falken Motorsports

We are on an unashamed N24 tip at the moment, leading up to the best race on the planet – ADAC Nurburgring 24-Hour – which kicks off in five days and seven hours time, as of right now, not that we're counting or anything! Road Magazine will be covering the event for you lucky peeps, across Facebook, Twitter, here on the blog and in the magazine. And one of the teams we will be focusing closely on is Falken Motorsport, who have an upgraded Porsche 911 GT3 R (Type 997) this year – still in the unmissable green and blue livery. They are aiming for a top five finish, possibly even up on the podium with the new GT3 R. And there's no reason why that's not possible, given the pace of the new car and the speed and experience in their retained driver line-up of Sebastian Asch, Peter Dumbreck, Wolf Henzler and Martin Ragginger. The new car features a raft of improvements over their past N24 cars – with a (N24 Green Hell critical) new aero package that includes wider wings, new splitter and double canards at the front with a larger rear wing to increase downforce, and there's enlarged cooling vents around both the front and rear arches, enabling the team to run wider 12” rims at the front (0.5” wider than last year), and fatter, new compound Falken tyres. And the new GT3 R sports a bank of four front headlamps/strobes and all – to get the slower traffic cleared and hopefully, avoid accidents. "We are gearing up to give it everything we've got for the fans and aiming for a top ten place in 24-Hour Race" says Austrian racer and Porsche factory racer, Martin Ragginger. Bring! It! On!