Wheels and deals

A thousand kids were asked what they felt their perfect car should be like, with almost 39% wanting it to fly, 16% requesting that it run on magic and 10% wanting power to come from hamsters running in wheels.

One in five of the cheeky sample reckoned bean bags would make the best seats, while 18% opted for marshmallows instead. An optimistic 14% would like to sit on clouds.

The silly survey marks the start of a charity partnership between Bentley and Care2Save, called the Bentley by Me campaign. UK residents have the chance to win a Bentley Continental GT V8 for donations as low as £1, but sadly, it won’t come with wings or marshmallow seats.

Instead, the winner will be able to customise their new hyper-luxury wheels from Bentley’s extensive palette of interior trim styles and exterior paint shades.

Bentley by Me hopes to raise money to provide much-needed palliative care around the world, for people who couldn’t otherwise access it.

Andrea Ladeira, the founder and CEO of the Care2Save Charitable Trust, said: “Although we had great fun asking children to describe their ideal vehicle and the campaign is a brilliant opportunity for someone to win their very own dream car, there is a very serious message behind all of this.

“Each year, 40 million people of all ages around the world will need palliative care - but 34.4 million won’t receive the care they need. The Care2Save Trust and Bentley Motors have teamed up because we want to address this global issue and make a significant impact on the lives of thousands of people in need of help.”

Using the money raised from the Bentley by Me campaign, Care2Save will work with organisations and charities in other countries to educate and empower them to build their own sustainable and affordable hospice and palliative care models.

To find out more about how to donate and be in with a chance of winning a Bentley, visit www.care2save.co.uk/Bentley.

:: BMW’S latest performance car hasn’t even reached the shelves yet, but the German manufacturer is already offering a series of upgrades for its newest offering.

The M2 Coupe will reach the UK in April this year, but BMW has announced a range of M Performance accessories that can be specified and fitted direct from the dealer.

Mechanical enhancements include a performance exhaust with a choice of carbon fibre or high-gloss finishes and a two-stage setting for even better sounds. Uprated brake pads for track work are also available, as are a set of optional coil springs that lower the car by as much as 20mm over standard.

Outside there are a series of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) elements that can be added, including a front splitter, side skirts and a rear diffuser, all of which BMW says improves aerodynamic performance. Inside, you can specify elements like LED door inserts, steel pedal covers and M Performance floor mats, while you can also choose from two steering wheels, one of which includes a data screen at the top of the rim.

:: British car builder Eagle have announced a third model to join their range of E-Type based hand-built sports cars, called the Spyder GT.

Joining the Eagle Speedster and the Low Drag GT, the Spyder GT incorporates elements of both to give the stunning drop-top looks of the Speedster, but with greater practicality, as well as a folding fabric roof for all-weather use.

Each of the Spyder GT examples produced will be completely bespoke and to the customer’s exact requirements, including powertrain, suspension and interior finishes.

Paul Brace, Design Director at Eagle explained: “Development of the Spyder GT began soon after the launch of the Speedster in 2011 and, like everything we produce, we wanted to ensure that we got as close to perfection as humanly possible.

“We’re renowned for being perfectionists and our clients are too - so we took the time to develop and deliver an E-Type that stands proud alongside the Speedster and the Low Drag GT.”

Eagle also buys and sells original E-Types, as well as offering comprehensively restored and upgraded original cars that are sold as Eagle E-Types.