Latest news with #Tempest
Motor Trend
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
12 Revivals of Classic Automotive Nameplates That Fell Flat
Pontiac simply couldn't stop cracking open the history books when naming cheap and disappointing cars at the end of the '80s. Not content with stirring up trouble with the Tempest, it also reinstated the LeMans badge on a vehicle that deserved it even less. The LeMans was originally a trim level on the Tempest when it made its debut in 1961, but it graduated to its own model by 1964. Like the Tempest, it was an intermediate car, a mid-sizer with some zip if you ordered it with the right engine under the hood. More important, it was also the launch pad for the famed GTO, where it started as a LeMans trim level before it, too, became its own name plate. The 1988 version? Rather than honor Le Mans as a racing circuit, or LeMans as the father of the GTO, it went about as far in the opposite direction as possible, rebadging a Korean subcompact called the Daewoo Cielo, which was itself a copy of a copy of the Opel Kadett. Not exactly a compelling branch in what had once been a respectable family tree, and a car that did more to turn people off the Pontiac brand than perhaps any other vehicle in its showroom.
Auto Blog
04-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Land Rover Dropped Two New Special Editions To Celebrate 35 Years Of The Discovery
The Discovery Tempest and Discovery Gemini honor 35 years of a British off-roader icon Providing a unique take on the Discovery's versatile personality, the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Tempest and Discovery Gemini are striking special editions that further elevate the off-roader's distinct sense of charm. Where the Discovery Tempest aims to accentuate the model's penchant for luxury and its surprisingly sporty dynamics with satin paint and large-diameter wheels, the Discovery Gemini leans in the direction of the model's sophisticated-yet-sensible, family-oriented rigidity with its understated styling and added comfort features. Both special editions of the 2025 Land Rover Discovery aim to celebrate and emphasize the SUV's timeless versatility, seamlessly blending everyday comfort with off-road ruggedness, athletic excitement, and an unmatched sense of style. 2025 Land Rover Discovery Gemini — Source: Land Rover The 2025 Land Rover Discovery Gemini is all about understated comfort The 2025 Land Rover Discovery Gemini takes its name from the rugged turbodiesel engine that powered the original, 1989 Land Rover Discovery. The Gemini is available in six different paint colors, including Sedona Red, which it borrows from the Defender and is exclusive to this model, and pairs it with a black-painted roof for contrast. Gloss black paint is a theme throughout the rest of the Gemini's exterior styling as well, with the Discovery's lower body cladding, forward wing vents, and front grille surround all painted in stealthy black. Source: Land Rover Both of the 2025 Land Rover Discovery special editions get their own unique branding graphic, with the Gemini donning a double-hexagon pattern on its fuel filler cap, throughout the interior, and projecting it through its side door puddle lamps. Source: Land Rover With a focus on understated comfort, the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Gemini comes equipped as standard with a 'host of extra comfort and convenience features, including a cooler compartment located between the front seats, powered gesture tailgate and four-zone climate control.' The Discovery Gemini is what a Chelsea boot would look like if it magically became a car. Elegantly stylish, ruggedly capable, and dynamically versatile enough to take out for a light jog, the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Gemini is the perfect all-rounder to celebrate the model's history of seductively mating form with function, unlike anything else. The 2025 Land Rover Discovery Tempest celebrates the SUV's first-classman athleticism 2025 Land Rover Discovery Tempest — Source: Land Rover Land Rover calls the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Tempest 'the most luxurious, comfortable, and highly specified Discovery vehicle ever produced.' For the first time ever, the Land Rover Discovery can be specified from the factory with Matte Protective Film, offered over the top of either Charente Grey, Varesine Blue, or Carpathian Grey paint. Also standard is its visually striking Petra Copper Gloss roof, although a Navrik Gloss Black roof is optional. Source: Land Rover The 2025 Land Rover Discovery Tempest's 22-inch Diamond Turned wheels match the standard roof in their Petra Copper Gloss finish–a new colour for the Discovery lineup and one that is exclusive to the Discovery Tempest. According to Land Rover, the Tempest 'takes its name from the secret development launch program for the second‑generation Discovery vehicle launched in 1998.' Source: Land Rover Like the Discovery Gemini, the 2025 Land Rover Discovery Tempest gains its own unique badging–a spiral pattern which can be found on the Tempest's 'B-pillars, treadplates, puddle lamps, and interior finishers.' Other stylistic enhancements within the Discovery Tempest's cabin include Shadow Aluminum detailing and extended Ebony Windsor Leather upholstery. Final thoughts These two special edition Land Rover Discovery models celebrate 35 years of an icon with a pair of unique and visually striking SUVs. I do, however, wish that we could also see some more rugged editions of the Discovery, as those variants tend to be extremely popular with contemporary Defender buyers, and would likely have a similar effect on the Discovery's desirability. Regardless, and speaking as a Discovery owner myself, it's always nice to see Land Rover give much-needed attention to this model, and these unique special edition Discoveries excellently emphasize the model's signature ability to bind elegance with grit.
Scottish Sun
03-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
First non-pilot to lead RAF is picked to command all three armed forces
The married dad-of-two was picked by Sir Kier Starmer over Army Chief General Sir Roly Walker TOP APPOINTMENT First non-pilot to lead RAF is picked to command all three armed forces THE first non-pilot to lead the RAF has been picked to command all three armed forces. Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton – a career engineer and 'defence bureaucrat' – will take over as Chief of the Defence Staff this autumn. 3 The married dad-of-two was picked by Sir Kier Starmer over Army Chief General Sir Roly Walker, a former SAS commander Credit: AFP 3 Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton will take over as Chief of the Defence Staff this autumn Credit: @UK MoD Crown Copright 2024 3 The career engineer and 'defence bureaucrat' with Captain Paddy Hemingway.103, at Casement Air base Baldonnel near Dublin Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun The married dad-of-two was picked by Sir Kier Starmer over Army Chief General Sir Roly Walker, a former SAS commander. Knighton's only combat tour, according to his official bio, was 'a short stint as Senior Engineer Officer in Italy during the Kosovo campaign'. But he launched the RAF's Tempest plan to get a sixth generation fighter jet which is the government's flagship defence project. Pals insisted Knighton – who earned a 1st Class engineering degree from Cambridge University – was the perfect candidate for implementing Labour's defence reforms. They said: 'Rich is smart, popular and really good at getting sh*t done and he has bucket loads of integrity.' They added: 'For the hard yards of implementing a defence review, there's no one better to role up his sleeves hand get on with it. 'Naysayers would say his background is as engineer, he is a proper defence bureaucrat. 'There is no doubt Roly had a more operational experience but Rich will have plenty of people around him who can advise on that.' They were both on long list of four which included the first ever woman, General Dame Sharon Nesmith, and spychief General Jim Hockenhull. ACM Knighton, 56, will replace Admiral Sir Tony Radakin as the professional head of the forces and the PM's top military advisor. He will also take direct command of the Army, Navy and Air Force under a newly formed Military Strategic Headquarters. He joined the RAF as university cadet in 1988 and describes himself as 'a keen skier and a below-average sportsman who would like to do more sailing'. He maintains a 'private pilots license' and is president of the RAF Powerlifting, Winter Sports and Hockey clubs. Originally from Derbyshire, he lives with his lawyer wife Caitlin in Cambridge. Speaking before the appointment Knighton said engineering had shaped his style of leadership. His told a local newspaper: 'As an engineer in the air force, you are never, at any point, the leading expert in a thing. You rely on the advice of your technicians and your experts, and then you pull together that information, and you make a decision.' He described himelf as an optimist ands said: 'Nobody wants to work for a miserable bastard.' He added: "I'm very much a glass-half-full kind of character. I get a great deal of energy from working with other people. I've learned in my career that optimism and energy are infectious.' An MoD spokesperson said: 'This is speculation. The appointment process is ongoing and any announcement will be made in the usual way.' This comes as the UK will be forced to ramp up defence spending after Keir refused to commit to funding despite his "battle ready" promise. Labour's pledge to 'lead in Nato' would be blown to smithereens if Britain is left behind, a top defence insider said. Top Brass have been baffled by Kier Starmer's refusal to say when he will hit Labour's target of spending 3 per cent. The PM vowed to get Britain "battle ready" yesterday with new doomsday nukes and robotic fighter jets – but refused to say how he will fund it. Donald Trump has demanded allies spend 5 per cent of GDP on defence – and he has threatened to abandon nations that fail to pay their way. Nato's chief Mark Rutte has successfully lobbied allies to try and hit Trump's target by spending 3.5 per cent on core defence – including troops, tanks and ships – and 1.5 per cent on security and infrastructure, including spy agencies. France's President Macron has backed Rutte's demands. And Germany is already on course to hit the target within the next few years. A defence source said Britain's ministers have 'been in denial' about the looming Nato summit and pledges key allies will make. Starmer is expected to discuss the Nato target in a crunch meeting this week. A defence source said: 'Do we want to be lumped with Spain as the only allies that are complaining?' At the launch a landmark Strategic Defence Review Defence Secretary John Healey said: 'Our defence policy is Nato First." 'We will end the hollowing out of our Armed Forces and lead in a stronger, more lethal Nato.' Labour has pledged to increase defence spending from 2.3 per cent of GDP to 2.5 per cent by 2027. Starmer said: 'We have set the ambition to reach 3 per cent in the next Parliament, subject to economic and fiscal conditions.' But pressed on what that meant, he said: 'I'm not going to indulge in the fantasy politics of simply plucking dates from the air.' Defence Secretary Healey said the 3 per cent target was a "certainty". But he backtracked 24-hours later, insisting it was merely an "ambition". Britain's three biggest weapons programmes – including the Trident 2 nuclear deterrent, the new sixth generation fighter jets and new hunter killer submarines – will cost at least 3 per cent of GDP, a former defence minister told The Sun. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.
The Irish Sun
03-06-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
First non-pilot to lead RAF is picked to command all three armed forces
THE first non-pilot to lead the RAF has been picked to command all three armed forces. Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton – a career engineer and 'defence bureaucrat' – will take over as Chief of the Defence Staff this autumn. Advertisement 3 The married dad-of-two was picked by Sir Kier Starmer over Army Chief General Sir Roly Walker, a former SAS commander Credit: AFP 3 Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton will take over as Chief of the Defence Staff this autumn Credit: @UK MoD Crown Copright 2024 3 The career engineer and 'defence bureaucrat' with Captain Paddy Hemingway.103, at Casement Air base Baldonnel near Dublin Credit: Arthur Edwards / The Sun The married dad-of-two was picked by Knighton's only combat tour, according to his official bio, was 'a short stint as Senior Engineer Officer in Italy during the Kosovo campaign'. But he launched the RAF's Tempest plan to get a sixth generation fighter jet which is the government's flagship defence project. Pals insisted Knighton – who earned a 1st Class engineering degree from Cambridge University – was the perfect candidate for implementing Labour's defence reforms. Advertisement They said: 'Rich is smart, popular and really good at getting sh*t done and he has bucket loads of integrity.' They added: 'For the hard yards of implementing a defence review, there's no one better to role up his sleeves hand get on with it. 'Naysayers would say his background is as engineer, he is a proper defence bureaucrat. 'There is no doubt Roly had a more operational experience but Rich will have plenty of people around him who can advise on that.' Advertisement Most read in The Sun Exclusive They were both on long list of four which included the first ever woman, General Dame Sharon Nesmith, and spychief General Jim Hockenhull. ACM Knighton, 56, will replace Admiral Sir Tony Radakin as the professional head of the forces and the PM's top military advisor. He will also take direct command of the Army, Navy and Air Force under a newly formed Military Strategic Headquarters. He joined the RAF as university cadet in 1988 and describes himself as 'a keen skier and a below-average sportsman who would like to do more sailing'. Advertisement He maintains a 'private pilots license' and is president of the RAF Powerlifting, Winter Sports and Hockey clubs. Originally from Derbyshire, he lives with his lawyer wife Caitlin in Cambridge. Speaking before the appointment Knighton said engineering had shaped his style of leadership. His told a local newspaper: 'As an engineer in the air force, you are never, at any point, the leading expert in a thing. You rely on the advice of your technicians and your experts, and then you pull together that information, and you make a decision.' Advertisement He described himelf as an optimist ands said: 'Nobody wants to work for a miserable bastard.' He added: "I'm very much a glass-half-full kind of character. I get a great deal of energy from working with other people. I've learned in my career that optimism and energy are infectious.' An MoD spokesperson said: 'This is speculation. The appointment process is ongoing and any announcement will be made in the usual way.' This comes as Advertisement Labour's pledge to 'lead in Nato' would be blown to smithereens if Britain is left behind, a top defence insider said. Top Brass have been baffled by Kier Starmer's refusal to say when he will hit Labour's target of spending 3 per cent. The PM vowed to get Britain "battle ready" yesterday with new doomsday nukes and robotic fighter jets – but refused to say how he will fund it. Donald Trump has demanded allies spend 5 per cent of GDP on defence – and he has threatened to abandon nations that fail to pay their way. Advertisement Nato's chief And A defence source said Britain's ministers have 'been in denial' about the looming Nato summit and pledges key allies will make. Advertisement Starmer is expected to discuss the Nato target in a crunch meeting this week. A defence source said: 'Do we want to be lumped with Spain as the only allies that are complaining?' At the launch a landmark Strategic Defence Review Defence Secretary 'We will end the hollowing out of our Armed Forces and lead in a stronger, more lethal Nato.' Advertisement Labour has pledged to increase defence spending from 2.3 per cent of GDP to 2.5 per cent by 2027. Starmer said: 'We have set the ambition to reach 3 per cent in the next Parliament, subject to economic and fiscal conditions.' But pressed on what that meant, he said: 'I'm not going to indulge in the fantasy politics of simply plucking dates from the air.' Defence Secretary Healey said the 3 per cent target was a "certainty". Advertisement But he backtracked 24-hours later, insisting it was merely an "ambition". Britain's three biggest weapons programmes – including the Trident 2 nuclear deterrent, the new sixth generation fighter jets and new hunter killer submarines – will cost at least 3 per cent of GDP, a former defence minister told The Sun. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online Read more on the Irish Sun is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Advertisement Like us on Facebook at
The National
29-05-2025
- Business
- The National
UK and Saudi Arabia discuss defence links as Tempest superjet project progresses
UK Defence Secretary John Healey met Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman in London this week to discuss closer ties. After meeting, Mr Healey described Saudi Arabia as a 'vital partner for the UK in ensuring security and stability in the Gulf'. The two men discussed opportunities for closer defence co-operation, according to the UK's Ministry of Defence. The two ministers held an expanded meeting during which they 'reviewed the long-standing historic ties between the two friendly countries and discussed strategic co-operation in defence fields, as well as opportunities to enhance it in ways that serve mutual interests', the official Saudi Press Agency reported. They also addressed regional and international developments, along with issues of mutual concern. Prince Khalid also met National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell and Chief of the Defence Staff Admiral Sir Tony Radakin during the two days of talks, which ended on Wednesday. Saudi Arabia is keen to become the fourth partner nation for the Global Combat Air Programme that will produce the Tempest superjet, the world's most advanced aircraft, in 2035. The UK is understood to be open to involving another country. The GCAP was launched in 2022 when a joint company was established, equally owned by aerospace contractors from the three countries: BAE Systems, Leonardo and Aircraft Industrial Enhancement. The jet is intended to be a multi-role aircraft to replace the RAF's Typhoons as they leave service from the middle of the next decade. An official request was made by Riyadh to join the tri-nation project developed by Britain, Italy and Japan in 2023 and it was confirmed in January this year that talks were taking place. Japan has been more cautious, and initially opposed Saudi Arabia's inclusion, fearing it might delay the tight deadline to produce the aircraft. In December, the country's Defence Minister Gen Nakatani said 'assumptions' should not be made about the participation of other countries. Italy has lobbied for Saudi Arabia to be brought on board, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly giving her backing to the proposal after meeting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Al Ula. Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said last month that Saudi Arabia had more resources available than the other three countries as well as 'the need for technical growth'. The Tempest, as it is known in Britain, will have advanced stealth technology with the ability to fly without a pilot. It will also be able to direct swarms of drones, as well as incorporating artificial intelligence and carrying a large ordnance of missiles and directed-energy lasers. Using digital tools and advanced manufacturing skills, the GCAP alliance plans to build the jet in about half the time it took to launch the Eurofighter Typhoon. UK ministers have been warned to keep a tight grip on the budget of the £12 billion ($16 billion) programme after problems with other international collaborations. MPs on the commons defence committee acknowledged that progress so far had been positive but cautioned that previous projects with other countries had 'seen costs spiral and delays pile up'. Mr Healey also announced on Thursday that the UK government would set up a cyber command to counter a 'continual and intensifying' level of cyber warfare as part of a strategic defence review. It will also invest more than £1 billion into a new 'digital targeting web' to be set up by 2027 to better connect weapons systems and allow battlefield decisions to be made faster. It could identify a threat using a sensor on a ship or in space and then disable it using an F-35 aircraft, drone or offensive cyber operation, the Ministry of Defence said. Mr Healey said that the government was responding after about 90,000 cyber attacks from state-linked sources were directed at the UK's defence over the last two years.
