Category: Uncategorised

The New Lexus RX Will Make Its European Debut in Frankfurt. 

Following its international launch at the New York show in April, the all-new fourth generation Lexus RX will be making its European debut at the Frankfurt motor show on September 15^th.

Larger, more luxurious and more efficient than its predecessor, the new RX is likely to take on the BMW X5 and new Mercedes GLE.

The new RX will be available with a 3.5-litre V6 and petrol hybrid powertrains and most of the RX variants will come equipped with Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) system, which monitors and adapts steering electronically to provide suitable handling for different driving conditions.

On the exterior the new car matches Lexus’ latest design features with a larger grille and redesigned headlight clusters at the front, and a revised roof design at the back with a more aerodynamic, sloping shape.

Inside the cabin, main emphasis is given on comfort and luxury with a 12.3-inch central screen and a large head-up display dominating the driver’s eyeline. Expensive finishes like laser-cut wood, a full-length panoramic sunroof and reclining and heated seats for rear passengers are optional.

Prices for the new RX have not been announced yet however, a starting price of around £45,000 for the hybrid is possible.

Further details and official prices will be confirmed when the car goes on sale in late 2015.

Oracle Finance, providing flexible finance for exceptional cars.

T: 08450 944 997

Meet Peugeot’s Latest Concept, the All-Electric Fractal.

Peugeot’s all-electric Fractal concept will be revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show next week.

The compact four seat coupe, which showcases Peugeot’s future look, feel and sound, is powered by a lithium-ion battery, driving two 168bhp electric motors, giving a combined 335bhp and a range of up to 280 miles on a single charge. According to Peugeot, the Fractal can manage 0-62mph in 6.8secs.

The lightweight concept car is shorter than a 208 supermini, but much lower and wider, with massive 19-inch wheels. The Fractal also has the ability to change its ride height; a ground clearance of 11cm in the city is reduced to 7cm on motorways in order to improve aerodynamics and save battery life.

Peugeot says that more than 80% of the interior has been created using 3D-printed components, and the design was inspired by materials and surfaces used in recording studios. The reason being to absorb unwelcome sounds and improve the clarity of the 12-speaker sound system with vibrating sub-woofer. The seats also feature a ‘tactile’ system for delivering bass sound.

One of the most important features of the new concept is its digital sound signature, which alerts pedestrians to its presence. The sound is a response to the impending European legislation that states that all electric vehicles must make some sort of sound while driving by 2019.

Oracle Finance, providing flexible finance for exceptional cars.

T: 08450 944 997

Aston Martin DB9 GT Bond Edition Revealed! 

Aston Martin has revealed a new ‘007 Bond Edition’ to its DB9 GT range to celebrate the firm’s appearance in the upcoming James Bond film “Spectre.”

The Bond Edition Aston is based on the DB9 GT and is a run-out special built to commemorate the DB9’s 12-year life before the new DB11 arrives next year.

Limited to only 150 examples, the special edition uses the same 6.0-litre V12 engine, tuned to deliver 540bhp and 457lb ft of torque, and it can manage the 0-62mph in 4.5sec, at a top speed of 183mph.

The DB9 Bond Edition gets a unique “Spectre Silver” paint and “007 Bond Edition” exterior badging. On the interior, there are sill plaques with the 007 logo, Bond-themed embroidery and various special accessories offered by Aston, such as, a leather Globe-Trotter luggage and a special Omega watch with an Aston strap.

To enhance further the “007” feeling, the AMi II touch-sensitive Aston Martin infotainment system has been programmed in with a special Bond Edition start-up screen.

The DB9 GT Bond Edition is available to order now and it costs £165,000. 

Oracle Finance, providing flexible finance for exceptional cars.

T: 08450 944 997

Forget Investing in Property and Shares – Classic Cars Deliver a Staggering 469% Return

During the last year, the classic car industry has been the main topic of conversation in the motoring world, especially amongst investors, collectors and car enthusiasts. Classic cars have become global news, with major media organisations all over the world reporting enthusiastically on their increasing values and investment potential, as they continue to outperform stock markets, property, jewellery and just about every other tangible asset.

We hear a lot about the “classic car boom” and “classic car investments”, but do we actually understand what is driving this growing interest, and what are the advantages of such an investment?

The classic car market famously boomed in 1988, but crashed in the early ‘90s, with some prices collapsing by as much as 40%. Many commentators were sceptical when classic car values started to rise again after the millenium, but as it emerged, the circumstances are different this time.

Nowadays, cars are valued for their history and provenance, rather than purely on their condition, as was the case in the ‘90s. There is unprecedented demand for quality classic and historic cars, as their numbers diminish year on year and more new buyers enter the market. With growing interest from places like China and India, prices have soared and the market seems to be heading in only one direction.

According to the luxury investment index set by Knight Frank, classic car values have increased by 469% in the past 10 years. Over the same period, luxury London homes and the FTSE 100 have risen by 135% and 51%, respectively. Similarly, the Historic Automobile Group International (HAGI), an independent investment research organisation, reported that classic cars have been one of the best performing investments over the past decade, with the value of exceptional historic cars climbing 12% in just the last year alone. Compared to the beginning of 2009, the price of such cars has risen dramatically, by up to 163%.

The UK classic car industry, which is estimated to be worth over £6 billion, is now considered to be the most sophisticated in the world. During the last year, UK market growth has been steady, and with savings rates expected to continue at record lows for the foreseeable future, classic cars could be considered a better investment than properties.

Most importantly, unlike other traditional investments such as stocks and shares, classic cars are not liable for capital gains tax on any profit, as HMRC views cars as depreciating assets. Moreover, any car that was made before 01 January 1973, and is registered as historic is exempt of road tax and MOTs are no longer compulsory for a car built prior to 1960.

Equally important, unlike modern cars, classic cars tend to hold on to their value and their value is likely to appreciate. Therefore, by investing in a classic car, not only are you likely to get a good return on your investment, but most importantly you get the pleasure of driving something unique, something that stands out from all the computer-driven modern cars that now dominate our streets.

Another factor to consider is the social side of motoring. With a vibrant classic race scene and events such as the Silverstone Classic and Goodwood Revival, as well as numerous organised owners clubs and tours, classic cars are not only an amazing mechanical piece of history but are also now a core part of an exclusive lifestyle.

The increasing use of finance is also driving growth in this market, allowing buyers to fund and secure some of the finest cars in the world. Oracle Finance enables collectors and investors to acquire their dream car by creating competitive finance packages, tailored to each individual’s precise needs. Our specialist classic car team has over 20 years experience in the industry, and would be more than happy to assist you with any of your requirements. Whether it’s financing, refinancing or equity release you’re looking for, we always do our best to create the perfect finance solution for you.

Oracle Finance, providing flexible finance for exceptional cars.

T: 08450 944 997

Forget Investing in Property and Shares – Classic Cars Deliver a Staggering 469% Return.

During the last year, the classic car industry has been the main topic of conversation in the motoring world, especially amongst investors, collectors and car enthusiasts. Classic cars have become global news, with major media organisations all over the world reporting enthusiastically on their increasing values and investment potential, as they continue to outperform stock markets, property, jewellery and just about every other tangible asset.

We hear a lot about the “classic car boom” and “classic car investments”, but do we actually understand what is driving this growing interest, and what are the advantages of such an investment?

The classic car market famously boomed in 1988, but crashed in the early ‘90s, with some prices collapsing by as much as 40%. Many commentators were sceptical when classic car values started to rise again after the millenium, but as it emerged, the circumstances are different this time.

Nowadays, cars are valued for their history and provenance, rather than purely on their condition, as was the case in the ‘90s. There is unprecedented demand for quality classic and historic cars, as their numbers diminish year on year and more new buyers enter the market. With growing interest from places like China and India, prices have soared and the market seems to be heading in only one direction.

According to the luxury investment index set by Knight Frank, classic car values have increased by 469% in the past 10 years. Over the same period, luxury London homes and the FTSE 100 have risen by 135% and 51%, respectively. Similarly, the Historic Automobile Group International (HAGI), an independent investment research organisation, reported that classic cars have been one of the best performing investments over the past decade, with the value of exceptional historic cars climbing 12% in just the last year alone. Compared to the beginning of 2009, the price of such cars has risen dramatically, by up to 163%.

The UK classic car industry, which is estimated to be worth over £6 billion, is now considered to be the most sophisticated in the world. During the last year, UK market growth has been steady, and with savings rates expected to continue at record lows for the foreseeable future, classic cars could be considered a better investment than properties.

Most importantly, unlike other traditional investments such as stocks and shares, classic cars are not liable for capital gains tax on any profit, as HMRC views cars as depreciating assets. Moreover, any car that was made before 01 January 1973, and is registered as historic is exempt of road tax and MOTs are no longer compulsory for a car built prior to 1960.

Equally important, unlike modern cars, classic cars tend to hold on to their value and their value is likely to appreciate. Therefore, by investing in a classic car, not only are you likely to get a good return on your investment, but most importantly you get the pleasure of driving something unique, something that stands out from all the computer-driven modern cars that now dominate our streets.

Another factor to consider is the social side of motoring. With a vibrant classic race scene and events such as the Silverstone Classic and Goodwood Revival, as well as numerous organised owners clubs and tours, classic cars are not only an amazing mechanical piece of history but are also now a core part of an exclusive lifestyle.

The increasing use of finance is also driving growth in this market, allowing buyers to fund and secure some of the finest cars in the world. Oracle Finance enables collectors and investors to acquire their dream car by creating competitive finance packages, tailored to each individual’s precise needs. Our specialist classic car team has over 20 years experience in the industry, and would be more than happy to assist you with any of your requirements. Whether it’s financing, refinancing or equity release you’re looking for, we always do our best to create the perfect finance solution for you.

Oracle Finance, providing flexible finance for exceptional cars.

T: 08450 944 997

Meet the New 2016 Porsche 911 Carrera!

Porsche has revealed details of its new facelifted 911 Carrera, ahead of its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The most remarkable update to the new 911 is the newly developed 3.0-litre twin-turbo flat-six engine which brings a 20bhp power boost to 365bhp for the Carrera and to 414bhp for the Carrera S.

Both the Carrera and Carrera S are now faster than ever and, with the PDK twin-clutch gearbox and Sport Chrono fitted, both cars take 4.2 and 3.9 seconds respectively to get from 0-62mph.  Top speeds are limited to 183mph and 191mph.

On the exterior, the 911 has been updated with a revised front bumper design, new headlight and LED daytime running light layouts, stylised rear lights and a front axle lift , which is now available for the first time on the Carrera models.

Inside the cabin, updated features include a new steering wheel, the fourth-generation Porsche Communication Management system with a multi-touch screen, a smartphone style menu system and Apple Carplay preparation.

The facelifted 911 will arrive in UK showrooms before the end of the year and prices will start from £76,412 for the Carrera Coupe and rise to £94,698 for the Carrera S Cabriolet.  

Oracle Finance, providing flexible finance for exceptional cars.

T: 08450 944 997