This week’s gossip from the automotive industry has news of Jaguar's Special Vehicle Operations offering tailored modifications, the reasons behind cutting the RCZ from Peugeot's range, and why Aston Martin is grateful to Porsche for launching the 911 R.
Bespoke modifications from SVO
Jaguar's SVO special projects division is building up its bespoke department with the intention of offering customers any modification they want in future.
“We’ll be able to do the modifications they want, how they want,” said SVO boss John Edwards.
Read more: Jaguar F-Type SVR full info, Hot new Land Rover Discovery SVX planned
Unprofitable Peugeot RCZ cut
The Peugeot RCZ was killed off because it didn’t have enough of a positive impact on the firm’s wider image to justify its loss-making sales, according to boss Maxime Picat.
“The RCZ was existing for itself,” he said. “It was a beautiful car that we all loved but which had no knock-on benefits for the brand image.”
Read more: Peugeot RCZ review, Peugeot RCZ R versus used Jaguar XKR
Mini growth is natural
Mini has defended the significant increase in the size of its core hatchback over the years.
Product boss Ralph Mahler said the original 1959 model stayed in production for more than 40 years with no increase in size, whereas the Porsche 911, launched around the same time as the Mini, had ended up with similar growth to that of today’s Mini but with evolutionary steps along the way.
Read more: Mini Cooper S review, Mini saloon to be fifth model in new-look range
Porsche 911 R helps Aston Martin
Aston Martin Special Projects boss Dave King believes Porsche “did them a favour” with the launch of the 911 R at the Geneva show.
“They made a car that’s stripped out, back to basics and at a premium price,” he said. “It shows there’s interest in the market.”
It’s a market Aston Martin itself is competing in, with the new Vantage GT8.
Read more: Aston Martin Vantage GT8 revealed, Porsche 911 R full details
Bentley to race, not supply
Bentley has no plans to compete in motorsport as an engine supplier, boss Wolfgang Dürheimer has revealed.
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