Author: mark

Probably the best car BMW has produced in nearly a decade, well that’s what some experts are saying with the general consesne being that this is a dynamic, charismatic, involving and capable ride.

The steering is meaty, quick and responsive allowing the driver to enjoy the 1M’s perfect 50:50 balance especially when turning into bends. Twinned with a punchy engine, this car involves the driver and offers a pleasurable ride. The 3-litre twin-turbocharged N54 engine already made an appearance in the 135i, 335i, Z4, X5 and X6 producing 332 bhp and 332lb/ft of torque but feels much faster than this based on test drive feedback. The 1M does 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds and is 10 seconds quicker around the Nurburgring than its predecessor.

This model is not like other 1 Series models in that it has all of the best parts of the M3 such as suspension components but carries 100kg less weight. The 1M offers effortless performance through its agility as it can warp distances with little throttle movement placing the 1M as a new benchmark when compared to the M3.

The 1M is not just a track focused machine, but a quick and competent car for all round use lending itself nicely to our winding British roads and as a companion for long motorway journeys. 

You can be the proud owner of this fun car which could just be the drive of your life from just £40,020 on the road .

Call 08450 944997 for more details on financing the Mercedes C Class or any other prestige vehicle.

The new C63 AMG Coupe Black Series saw its official debut July 2011 at the German Gran Prix.

This new version boasts 509bhp from a 6.2 litre V8 with 457lb of torque. Fed through the rear wheels via a seven-speed sports automatic gearbox, the C63 AMG reaches 62mph in just 4.2 seconds which makes it the second fastest accelerating Mercedes after the SLS super car.

Inside, the new AMG Coupe sports a black interior stamped with ‘AMG’ and ‘Black Series’ logos and red highlighting. The rear bench has been removed to save precious weight but there is the option to purchase this model as a full four-seater, including the two front AMG bucket seats. The front TFT display compliments a huge audio setup to overpower the roar of the AMG exhaust.

Drastically different to the C-Class Coupe, the exterior is bold and beautifully crafted for speed and splendour with wider wheel arches, a beefed up body kit, air scoops in the bonnet, quad exhaust pipes, body coloured brake callipers and new 19in alloys.

Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-AMG said:

“The new C63 AMG Coupé Black Series is the best proof there is for the permanent transfer of technology from the race track to the road.”

Two upgrade packs are available making the C63 even more track focused:

The AMG Track package includes:

• Track spec Dunlop tyres

• Active rear axle transmission cooling system

• Adjustable rear spoiler

• Relocated radiator

The carbon fibre Aerodynamics package includes:

• Side and diffuser inserts

• Cross strut in front apron

• Spoiler Lip

• Light 19in alloys

• Fire extinguisher

The C63 AMG Coupe Black Series goes on sale in 2012 and is expected to cost £110,000 undercutting the £116,000 M3 GTS.

Oracle has financed hundreds of Mercedes products over the past few years and can get you excellent finance deals on all models.

Call 08450 944997 for more details on financing the Mercedes C Class or any other prestige vehicle.

The 2012 Range Rover Sport has been revised and refined and  is due to go on sale in October 2011 with more power, reduced CO2, 8-speed transmission and improved interior features.

The revisions focus on economy and luxury along with subtle changes to the exterior, enhanced in car entertainment and an additional power boost.

Under the bonnet we can expect to find an upgraded SDV6 3.0 turbo diesel engine with 8 speed automatic transmission delivering 255bhp. Despite the increase in power, CO2 emissions have been slashed from 243g/km to 230g/km with fuel economy increasing from 30.7 to 32.1mpg on the combined cycle. To the rear there is a newly designed powered aluminium tailgate which allows drivers to set their desired lift height.

Significant upgrades have been made to the entertainment system which includes an 825W 17-speaker Harmon Kardon LOGIC 7 audio system with voice command. The 7 inch splitscreen DVD screen has dual view technology allowing the driver to see the satellite navigation whilst the passenger watches TV. Rear seat entertainment is also available and enhanced with WhiteFire wireless technology headphones so that entertainment doesn’t distract the driver. Other luxurious upgrades include new 20 inch alloys and dazzling diamante headlights

John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director said:

“The enhancements to the 2012 Range Rover Sport will ensure this car retains its position as one of the most economical and dynamic high performance SUVs on the market today. With greater levels of diesel engine efficiency, lower fuel emissions and exciting new features, the Range Rover Sport continues to live up to its reputation for power and refinement.”

The new Range Rover Sport will cost you just under £50,000 for the TDV6 or £80,000 for a specced up 5.0.

Oracle has financed hundreds of Range Rover products over the past few years and can get you excellent finance deals on all models.

Call  08450 944997 for more details on financing the Range Rover Sport or any other prestige vehicle.

After a wholly positive consumer reaction to the prototype, Aston Martin has confirmed the production of the V12 Vantage Zagato as a road car with first deliveries expected in Summer 2012.

With only 150 examples expected to be built the new model stands as a pinnacle of exclusivity which has been tweaked by Italian styling house Zagato to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the first iconic Aston-Zagato project DB4GT.

The price of exclusivity, fastidious craftsmanship and a 98-year history will set you back £396,000 and offers:

• A beautifully handcrafted aluminium carbon fibre body
• Tuned 6.0 litre V12 engine producing 510bhp and 570 Nm of torque
• Expected top speed of 190mph and 0-50 in approximately four seconds
• Six-speed paddleshift ASM transmission
• Larger 120 litre endurance racing fuel tank
• Multimatic racing suspension

The new model has been described by Aston martin’s Chief Executive, Ulrich Bez, as ‘”one of the most highly coveted models in Aston Martin’s 98-year history” which celebrates Aston Martin’s history whilst also looking to the future as the Zagato is vastly different to other Aston Martins currently in production. Costing £200,000 more than a V12 Vantage the new model promises style, exclusivity, a special hand crafted body and a car that will be worth a significant amount more than the Vantage in 20 year’s time – a true investment for those who appreciate exclusive English beauty.

Orders are being taken on a strictly first come first served basis so get in touch today if you’re interested in funding an exclusive British creation: 08450 944 997

Reinventing an icon can’t be easy. The new Porsche 911 is due to be unveiled at this year’s Frankfurt Auto show in September boasting a subtle yet impressive  redesign – the third redesign since the first model arrived 48 years ago. Given Porsche’s skill of evolving the 911 without ever losing its magic we’re excited to see something special.

This is a complete redesign of Porsche’s rear-engined sports car and boasts the badge of being the first 911 to be built chiefly from aluminium in an attempt to shave 40kg of weight and improve performance. The familiar 911 silhouette exists in an improved longer, lower and wider form with a 918 Spyder-inspired design and side mirrors swept from the wing and onto the door. The rear wheels have been pushed closer to the engine reducing any effects of rear-biased weight distribution and creating extra space – perhaps space for hybrid technology in the future? Stepping inside, the interior is roomier and has been given a luxurious update with a Panamera-style centre console and high quality leather trim. 

Porsche always manages to increase economy by at least 10% for each new model released. Under the hood the new 911 features a 3.4 litre engine which revs higher than its 3.6 litre predecessor resulting in a more economical ride at 33mpg – reducing fuel consumption by 12% whilst delivering increased bhp. Good news for those concerned about the ever-increasing fuel prices.

There will also be available a 3.8 litre Carerra S. Lighter and faster, the new Porsche accelerates from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds with a top speed of 186mph. Other changes include a shift from hydraulic to electro-mechanical power steering and a new chassis employing stiffer springs and softer damper settings than the previous model.According to Porsche the car laps the Nordschleife circuit in 8:04, and the Carrera S in 7:50, and with “the optimum set-up” the Carrera S has recorded a lap of 7:37. Not bad at all…

More details will be released at the Frankfurt launch in September but if you’re interested in funding one of these vehicles call us on 08450 944 997.

First deliveries of the latest Audi A6 should have landed in April of this year and for those who like a bit of technology the A6 certainly doesn’t disappoint with a raft of groundbreaking tech to get to grips with. 

A brief look at the A6 will tell you that this car has is definitely not an ordinary point and drive kind of vehicle. In fact, a brief look at the some of its key features reveal:-

• night vision assistant
• head-up display
• park assist (both parallel and perpendicular)
• side assist
• active lane assist
• wireless internet hub
• active cruise control
• active lighting 
• pre-sense safety system
• fingertip sensitive touch pad

As well as the above even the headlights offer a little bit of a James Bond feel and Q would certainly be please with himself as he showed off the LED headlights which communicate with the cars satnav system, adjusting their operation according to your route with the potential, for example, to switch to extra lighting as you approach junctions

As well as the gadgets, Audi has also championed the A6’s fuel economy which, thanks to a bodyshell which uses both aluminium and steel in its construction, means that the basic “super economical” 2.0-litre four-pot diesel version weighs a lowest in class 1,575kg (BMW’s 520d tips the scales at 1,695kg). To complement this the new A6 comes with an elongated wheelbase (in comparison to its predecessor) making for more space inside.

The £30,145 four-cylinder diesel is a little slower than other engines offered for the A6 , but it’s at least £4,000 cheaper and still perfectly acceptable for this application with good pull from 1,500rpm and 0-62mph dealt with in a swift feeling 8.7 seconds.

Drivers opting for the standard SE trim are not going to be disappointed, as despite an increase in price over the outgoing A6 of £600 the new car comes with more than £1,000 worth of extra equipment including leather, satnav and a 6.5-inch folding screen as standard. As well as this if you want to spruce things up on the inside you can choose one of the exceptional layered wood trims on offer, which rounds off one of the nicest and best built cabins of any car on sale and certainly the best in this class.

The Audi A6 looks to be a more than competent competitor to the likes of the Jaguar XF, BMW 5-series and Mercedes E-class and the cars green credentials make it a very attractive proposition. 

If you fund your next prestige vehicle with Oracle Finance you do so safe in the knowledge that before and even after purchase Oracle is keeping a close eye on your investment.

Any vehicle funded through Oracle is automatically checked that it:

• Has no outstanding finance

• Is not reported as stolen with the Police

• Has not had any major accident damage

• That the car has not been a total loss and then cloned

• The V5 registration documents matches the chassis number

So, as well as a pre-purchase check all Oracle Finance funded vehicles are covered with the Oracle Security Watch Service. This useful facility means that your car is security registered with the police and across the motor trade and should anyone try to undertake any illegal activity involving the details of your vehicle the relevant authorities will be alerted and the situation brought to your attention. All of this means that with Oracle Finance you can rest assured that we are helping look after your car before and even after we’ve provided the funding.

We also off a free valuation check on any vehicle and for this or for any other further information call us on 08450 944 997.

This summer the prestige car market sees the arrival of one of the most eagerly awaited mini-SUVs in the very shapely form of the Range Rover Evoque. Touted with an on sale date of September this addition to the hugely successful Range Rover family looks set to be a massive success and very much the new “it” car.

With initial test reports coming back as very favourable the verdict is that the Evoque offers a nimble yet composed ride but with the necessary umph under the bonnet when required. Although not as punchy as, for example, the Supercharged Sport the Evoque still performs in all the right places and offers a more compact ride with great handling to boot with mush of this coming from the reduction in weight when compared to tit’s larger siblings.

All Evoques can run four-cylinder engines, either a 237bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol or a 2.2-litre common-rail diesel, with 148 or 187bhp peak outputs. When you put this all together you have the most frugal, lowest emission Range Rover in the brand’s 41-year history. However, step inside the Evoque and the word frugal certainly can’t be used. The link between the normal Range Rover and the Evoque is clear, although the newcomer boasts a trendier look, while its dials and controls are scaled down to take into account the car’s smaller dimensions. In all there’s no skimping on quality with the Evoque offering a swathe of sumptuous leather and brushed aluminium trim which complements the sleek exterior and overall modern feel.

Two hatchback bodystyles are available: a five door and a three-door, the latter of which Land Rover is marketing as a coupe. Prices should off around at around £28,500 for a 148bhp diesel five-door; a two-wheel drive eD4 version, reducing CO2 emissions to beneath 130g/km, will cost around £27,500.

All in all the Evoque is the must have in the mini-SUV market.

Oracle Finance has already started funding the Evoque in preparation for its launch and we are always happy to discuss how we could help you to acquire the latest must have vehicle in the mini-SUV market.

Call 08450 944 997 for more details.

As summer grows closer (or has it been and gone!) the desire to enjoy a drive with the roof down grows ever stronger. With awealth of cars to choose from the BMW 6 Series Convertible looks to be a inviting choice for car owners wanting reliability and excitement in equal measure.

As summer grows closer (or has it been and gone!) the desire to enjoy a drive with the roof down grows ever stronger. With a wealth of cars to choose from the BMW 6 Series Convertible looks to be a inviting choice for car owners wanting reliability and excitement in equal measure.

The previous BMW 6 series convertible had what many deemed to be “controversial styling”  but its distinctive looks have stood the test of time and the new model looks even better. On the inside there’s an instant feel of quality which is complemented by the modern feel of crisp sat nav graphics and even a full colour Head-Up display that hovers clearly in the windscreen.

How does the 6 Series Convertible perform? Well, the simple answer is admirably with BMW delivering two petrol engines badged as the 640i and 650i . The smaller motor is a 3-litre turbocharged six-cylinder with 320bhp, hurrying the Convertible along to 62mph in 5.7 seconds. The 650i is fitted with a 4.4-litre V8 with twin turbochargers and 407bhp, which gets you to 62mph in 5 seconds. 

As with many in the BMW range the running costs are a huge pull and the 6 Series Convertible is helped massively by the Efficient Dynamics technology. The 640i emits 185g/km of CO2, and manages 35.8mpg. BMW is offering a five-year servicing package costing £400 and the 640i is expected to hold on to 39 per cent of its value after three years of ownership from new.

Why buy the BMW 6 Series Convertible?

Ultimately this car is the ideal all rounder offering fantastic performance, excellent handling and with its great looks and manageable running costs it’s a strong challenger to the likes of the Jaguar XK, Maserati Gran Turismo and Mercedes SL.

On the road prices for the BMW 6 Series Convertible start at around £65,680 and Oracle Finance can offer outstanding rates on this vehicle or any BMW bought from any UK dealer. Call 08450 944 997 for more details.

Prestige vehicle finance specialists, Oracle Finance, has launched a new initiative to help company directors and business owners beat the blow of impending tax changes relating to people running a luxury company car.

Announced back in 2009, by the then Labour chancellor Alistair Darling, new legislation will come in to play on April 6th which removes the tax break previously enjoyed on company cars by the removal of the £80,000 cap used to calculate the benefit in kind paid on these vehicles.  Applicable if company cars are ever used privately the legislation will mean that vehicle users will see a considerable hit to their pocket as they will be taxed based on the original full list price and will no longer enjoy the benefit of the previous  £80k cap.

Oracle Finance today announced a solution to this impending problem that will allow those most affected by the change in law to save thousands of pounds. Their unique service works around Oracle taking the vehicle out of the company and then instantly re-financing the car back to the end user at today’s market value. This means that the car users business or employer can remunerate the individual through other means such as a car allowance or through a mileage scheme thus allowing the end user to enjoy the benefits of their prestige vehicle of choice without the threat of a huge tax bill. 

Peter Brook, Managing Director at Oracle, commented: “The new legislation has somewhat crept under the radar but it’s going to prove a real financial problem for anyone with a high value company car. Our new service is geared towards working with the companies tax planners to help reduce the costs associated with these new laws. Directors won’t have to have their hand forced in disposing of their vehicles just because new legislation dictates that tax is based on a high original list price when in reality the car could actually be several years old and actually be worth much less.