The Caravan Club announces 2016 motorhome and caravan training courses

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by Joe Jeffrey

The Caravan Club announces training courses to suit you

The Caravan Club has announced the dates of its motorhome and caravan training courses for 2016. The courses will be available at 16 venues across the UK and are open to both beginners and experienced caravanners keen to refresh their skills and build their confidence ahead of their UK or European getaways.

The courses are designed to help drivers to feel secure in their abilities and include manoeuvring practice as well as advice on how to maintain and check your motorhome and caravan. All courses are led by friendly professional instructors at locations approved by The Caravan Club.

With three types of courses available, caravan and motorhome owners can choose from course locations up and down the country, including a new venue for 2016 at RSM Driver Training in Basildon, Essex where members can take advantage of the motorhome courses on offer.

To tailor its training The Caravan Club requires motorhome owners to use their own vehicles. Caravan owners are required to bring their own car with The Club providing 50 purpose built Adria Altea 32 LH Fourth Style caravans.

Course types available include the Practical Caravanning Course, featuring a full day and half day courses available for beginners from £165, a Caravanning Manoeuvring Course available from £140, and a Motorhome Manoeuvring Course starting from £165 (available at 13 locations).

Nick Lomas, director general of The Caravan Club commented: “Providing training courses for new and experienced members is key to us ensuring that British holidaymakers are well-equipped with safety tips and manoeuvring advice to ensure that they feel confident and prepared ahead of UK and European getaways. We continue to offer courses at locations across the UK and are delighted to add the Basildon training centre for members in the Essex area.”

For more information, check out the video above.

The Caravan Club now taking bookings for 2016

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by Daniella Almeida

You can start booking now for 2016 holidays abroad with the introduction of three new brochures from the Club

Get ready for the 2016 holidays abroad by booking your trips now. The Caravan Club is now officially taking all bookings for 2016 and have also launched three exciting travel brochures with new European Club approved campsites.

The first of the brochures is Venture Abroad, which used to be known as the Continental Caravanning brochure, and has a choice of over 250 campsites across 16 countries.

New for this year is 36 sites from the Caravan Club which includes the Centro Vacanze San Marino site in San Marino Italy providing holidayers with a plethora of countryside views on the Adriatic coastline. Also included in the site is a mini zoo for children.

Another new oversea campsite is the Le Domaine de la Breche in Pays de la Loire, France. The site is located within 50 acres of woodlands and includes a pool, golf and mini golf, bike hire, and so much more.

When in France, holidayers can also visit the new Pomport Beach site in Aquitaine, France which is set in the historic south-west region of France. The site provides direct access to the onsite lake complete with pedal boats and canoes.

Next up for brochures is the new European Tours brochure which includes the popular Dutch Bulb Fields and Best of Brittany tours as well as 11 new ones.

Some new tours include the Picturesque Provence and Alpine Austria Tours but holidayers can choose from any of 24 tours that visit 15 countries.

All European tours are fully escorted and include free time to enjoy the places that are visited at your own leisure.

For those of you who are new to touring abroad, the Caravan Club is also offering the First Time tours that have been created with new tourers in mind.

The club is also offering worldwide tours that take you out of the comfort of the UK and Europe and allow you to travel the globe.

The Great Parks of Western Canada Self Drive is a tour for those of you seeking a little more adventure in your lives. The tour stops at the Canadian Rockies, Glacier National Park, Banff and Jasper National Parks, all of which allow holidayers to experience the great outdoors in a whole new way.

Another worldwide tour is the New Zealand Explorer Motorhome Tour which is a 38 day tour that takes you along the entirety of New Zealand. This is definitely one of those tours that you have to commit to, however, but the payoff is worth the time. Tourers get the opportunity to taste local wines and gourmet food while also learning about the indigenous Maori culture.

All of these tours and oversea sites and are available now to book for 2016. Click through for more options on Overseas Sites, European Tours, and Worldwide Tours.

Be sure to book your holidays now for an unforgettable upcoming year!

Discounted new and used cars for Caravan Club members announced

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by Joe Jeffrey

New and exclusive discounts announced for Caravan Club members

The Caravan Club has announced a number of exclusive discounts on new and used vehicles for their members in conjunction with Car Select. 

Utilising the buying power of Lex Autolease, Car Select offers Caravan Club members up to 25 per cent discount on over 6,000 new car models from over 29 manufacturers. In addition, members receive special discounts on Car Select’s stock of 1,000 used cars.

An experienced sales team member will be on hand to answer any questions and ensure members drive away with the right vehicle for them.

Those looking to purchase a new car for towing purposes can click here to see The Caravan Club’s top tips for safe towing.

Visitors to the Motorhome & Caravan Show taking place this week can also enter The Caravan Club’s competition to be in with a chance to win a Nissan Qashqai courtesy of Lex Autolease. Simply visit the stand (20.15 and 20.17) for a form to be entered into the prize draw.

Harvey Alexander, director of marketing, The Caravan Club commented “As part of our membership offering we endeavour to secure competitive discounts and exclusive deals. Caravanners are well aware of the importance of having the right vehicle for towing and with a Lex Autolease car they can be reassured that they are getting the right vehicle to suit their specific requirements. We look forward to meeting visitors at this year’s NEC Motorhome and Caravan Show and of course encourage them to visit our stand for the chance to win a Nissan Qashqai.”

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Carl Fogarty talks caravans, motorhomes and his love for the great outdoors

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by Joe Jeffrey

CaravanTimes caught up with Carl ‘Foggy’ Fogarty at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

The Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 has kicked off with a bang, with none other than Carl ‘Foggy’ Fogarty opening the show.

In-between first day festivities, CaravanTimes managed to catch up with Foggy to find out more about his love for the great outdoors.

Of his passion for caravanning and the importance of caravans and motorhomes within the racing profession, Foggy said: “That’s where it comes from really. I spent around 20 years in a motorhome or caravan when racing.”

“Ducati were by far the best for providing motorhomes,” he continued. “Certainly for the food anyway. They always had the best hospitality and the coolest vehicle,” Foggy said, laughing.

Speaking on his time spent out of the spotlight, Foggy went on: “I really wanna get a motorhome now. My next-door-neighbour’s just got one and I’ve had a log cabin in Anglesey for quite a few years and sold it last year, so now I’ve got the bug to grab a caravan or motorhome and go different places.

“I borrowed an Airstream and went to Anglesey near the beach for three or four days, but I think I’m more of a motorhome person than caravans to be honest – I think it links back to racing.”

No stranger to exploring the great outdoors, as was seen during Foggy’s successful stint in the jungle on ITV’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, the former motorsports world champion and King of the Jungle said: “I just love being outdoors really, mountain bikes, fishing, that sort of thing – and we’ve got a great coastline for doing all that sort of stuff.”

As for anything Foggy has his eye on during the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015, which takes place this week between 13 – 18 October, he certainly seems to have his mind made up. “My mate’s just got a Hymer and I’m definitely going to try and check out their stand while I’m here.”

“Winning the jungle thing reminded me how much I love being outdoors. My wife, Michaela loves it just the same as me, so now the kids are grown up it just makes sense.”

It’s a record! World’s largest caravan built from LEGO unveiled at the NEC

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by Joe Jeffrey

World’s largest LEGO caravan unveiled at Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

The world’s largest caravan built with interlocking plastic LEGO bricks has been unveiled today at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 to celebrate 130 years of leisure caravanning this year. The LEGO brick caravan was certified the world’s largest by an official Guinness World Records adjudicator with celebrities Carl ‘Foggy’ Fogarty and Matt Baker laying the final bricks.

Built by a team of 12 LEGO Certified Professional Builders over more than 1,000 man hours, the 2.2m tall and 3.6m long model caravan features a full interior with working electric lights, sink with running water, fridge, simulated cooking facilities, a bed and seating – just like the real thing. It’s been decked out with plenty of items made of LEGO bricks that you’d find in a real caravan, including chess set, toothbrushes, frying pan, and even milk in the fridge!

The model is based on a ‘teardrop’ style caravan and, as part of a unique feature in Hall 12 at the show, will sit side-by-side with the real thing from today until 18 October 2015 at the NEC in Birmingham.

James Bissett, marketing campaign director for NCC Events, organisers of the Motorhome & Caravan Show, said: “We wanted to create something truly unique to celebrate 130 years of leisure caravanning and we are absolutely delighted with our record breaking model. Everyone that’s seen it so far has been amazed by the level of detail and blown away by how similar it is to the real thing, the interior is incredible.”

Bissett added: “Leisure caravanning has a wonderful heritage and is going strong today with many millions of families enjoying themselves in the great outdoors every year. The Motorhome & Caravan Show is evidence of how far the industry has come, while still staying true to its roots of freedom and exploration. We’ve got 400 exhibitors filling 11 halls with everything from motorhomes worth more than £250,000 to new family caravans, cool new campervan conversions, trailer tents and luxury lodges not to mention hundreds of accessories and destination ideas!”

Guinness World Records Editor-in-Chief Craig Glenday also commented: “How better to celebrate 130 years of leisure caravanning than with a world record? Record-breaking is particularly fascinating when two worlds collide – in this case, the worlds of caravanning and LEGO building! LEGO is proving to be extremely popular with record breakers, so much so that we have entire spreads dedicated to it in the Guinness World Records 2016 Edition. We’re always thrilled to see the creativity, dedication and commitment of the people who aim high and look to achieve something spectacular – the level of detail in the caravan is phenomenal and I’m sure visitors to the NEC over the coming days will be just as impressed as we are.”

Check out the footage below to watch a time-lapse video of what it took to create this outstanding masterpiece brick by brick.

George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces features real-life hearse motorhome

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by Joe Jeffrey

Hearse turned into motorhome features room for four and pull out ‘casket-kitchen’

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: we here at CaravanTimes love a bit of innovation when it comes to creating bespoke caravans and motorhomes, as well as innovative ways to travel across the UK and further afield. But one man seems to have taken innovation and flipped it on its head, with the creation of a motorhome transformed from a hearse.

Following on from staring death in the face, after falling into a coma following contracting MRSA during a routine operation, Norman Crisp, from Shropshire, purchased a 1991 Ford Granada hearse online for the sum of £420, and soon after got to work, turning it into a four-berth motorhome.

As seen on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, Norman then set about modifying the vehicle, during which he provided more space by removing the hearse’s original roof and replacing it with one found on a VW campervan.

With a budget of £15,000, and the help of a skilled set of experienced, local restorers, Norman also added seating for two in the back, which transforms into a double bed, as well as a pull-out kitchen fitted with rollers, full-length cupboards and a drop-down double bed which rests within the modified roof.

Perhaps the pièce de résistance, however, is the kitchen, which has been incorporated into a metal coffin which Norman also purchased online.

Of the idea to transform his hearse into a motorhome following his scrape with death, Norman said: “It might be a way of saying to the reaper, ‘Up yours mate, you didn’t catch me this time.'”

To check out the transformation from coffin carrier to ‘his-n-hearse’ holiday home on George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, click here – you can see it in all its gory, we mean glory, from around the 13-minute mark.

What do you think of this kooky motorhome? Is this something you’d want to spend the night in?

The Caravan Club explains reduced M6toll rates and additional benefits for Caravan Club members

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The Caravan Club has detailed a whole host of offers available, including reduced prices on the M6toll, money off at major attractions and more for members to The Club in their latest video.

Holidaymakers keen to beat traffic can make use of the M6toll to ensure a stress free journey and pay the same price as a single car whilst towing or driving their motorhome by simply showing their valid Caravan Club card before paying.

Caravan Club membership costs £46 per person per year and provides members with access to over 200 Club sites and 2,500 privately owned places to stay in the UK. It also offers a choice of over 230 sites across Europe.

Other member benefits and discounts include:

The Club’s Car Select programme in partnership with Lex Autolease offers Caravan Club members up to 25 per cent discount on over 6,000 new car models from over 29 manufacturers

Exclusive discounts at hundreds of attractions across the UK

20 per cent off English Heritage membership

45 per cent at Viking Bicycles

15 per cent off at Cotswold Outdoor

Harvey Alexander, The Caravan Club’s director of marketing, commented: “We encourage members to take advantage of all the benefits available. As well as the M6toll offer that cuts cost and travel time, members should also take a look at the offers available on equipment, days out and a wide range of vehicles.”

To find out more about The Caravan Club’s member offers check out the video above.

Former Top Gear host to unveil three new Wellhouse Leisure Ford Terrier campervans at Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

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by Joe Jeffrey

Three new Ford Terriers set to go on display at this year’s Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

Wellhouse Leisure is set to launch three new models of its Ford Terrier campervan at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015 this week – with help from a former Top Gear presenter.

Former co-host of the popular BBC Programme and campervanner, Chris Goffey, will be on hand to reveal Wellhouse’s latest Terrier Lux, Terrier 2 SE and Terrier M-Sport Camper models at 10am tomorrow (13 October).

Launched to coincide with the second anniversary of Wellhouse Leisure, based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, prices for the new Ford Terrier models start from £35,000.

The first of the three new models, the Ford Terrier Lux, is being introduced as a two-berth model with two fixed (non-travel) rear seats that convert to twin single beds, plus a rear kitchen with a SMEV glass-top two-burner hob and sink unit, a 42-litre Dometic compressor fridge, plus fresh and waste water containers, a wardrobe and a fitted Thetford cassette toilet to create a washroom area in the rear corner. It also has LED lighting throughout the vehicle, mains electricity, a 100A leisure battery and a swivel table for the front seat.

The model is based on the long wheelbase Ford Transit Custom (5.4m long), with a Ford high-roof as standard or an optional elevating roof. It is powered by a Ford 2.2 litre Duratorq, 100 PS engine with a six-speed manual gearbox.

High standard specifications include air conditioning, heated and swiveling front seats with armrests, parking sensors, cruise control, automatic headlights, DAB radio, Bluetooth, leather-trimmed steering wheel with remote controls for audio, and a heated windscreen. Options include a SMEV mini grill, Eberspacher 2.2kw blown air heating, Remis sliding cab blinds, a 95W solar panel, sat nav and alloy wheels.

Two years after its debut, and in the same year that Ford celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Transit, a new Terrier 2 will see a new interior makeover, including the addition of smooth and curved Italian-designed furniture from Tecnoform, the premium furniture manufacturer that supplies all the top brands of caravans and motorhomes in Europe.

Looking more like something found on a racetrack as opposed to a campsite, the Terrier M-Sport Camper is based on a luxury conversion of a Ford Transit Custom by M-Sport, the motorsport specialist that creates Ford’s World Rally Championship vehicles.

Features include a pop-up roof and, again, new interior furniture from Tecnoform, as well as a full body-kit, including lowered suspension, 18in limited edition alloy wheels, side arch extensions, new front and rear bumpers, a rear tailgate spoiler and quad exhaust system.

The interior of the cab has also received special treatment from M-sport, including white M-Sport limited edition dials, Nappa leather seats with M-Sport logo, blue seatbelts, and thicker sport steering wheel with full leather cover, blue stitching and M-Sport logo.

The new Terrier M-Sport Camper will have the high-powered 155PS version of Ford’s 2.2 litre Duratorq TDCi engine which delivers 385 Nm of torque via a six-speed manual transmission.

Commenting on the new Ford Terrier campervans that will be at the NEC show in October, David Elliott, managing director of Wellhouse Leisure said: “The Terrier has quickly established itself as a successful rival to the popular Volkswagen-based rivals. In fact it’s now one of the best-selling campervans made in the UK, but we can’t afford to stand still, so we’ve listened to feedback and are now delighted to be launching three new Terrier models offering more choice, quality and value for money than ever.”

Caravan floral arrangement takes number two in list of most unusual funeral flowers

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by Daniella Almeida

The Telegraph unveils top ten most unusual funeral flower arrangements with Romany caravan coming in at number two

Floral tributes are an integral part of funeral proceedings and a final way in which friends and family can bestow honour and gifts upon their loved ones. These floral arrangements can range anywhere from modestly tasteful to absolutely ridiculous depending on the taste of those involved.

And now, following a survey of 214 funeral directors to find the most creative funeral floral arrangements, a list of the Top Ten Most Unusual Funeral Flower Arrangements has been released – with a traditional Romany caravan coming in at number two.

Despite not being number one, ¼ scale
The survey, conducted by Wilcox Limousines, saw the ¼ scale caravan tribute being beaten only by a full model of television soap opera Emmerdale Farm which, we have to admit, is pretty unique as well.

Some other pretty wild and magnificent creations that made it onto the list included a model of Freddy Krueger, an oil rig and a floral pint of Guinness with ‘breakfast’ written on a ribbon at the front. We imagine that latter arrangement has quite the story behind it.

Wilcox Limousines spokesperson, Leila Wilcox, said: “We often see some very poignant tributes in our line of work that tend to relate to a person’s interests and passions or, quite frequently, their profession.

“For those working in the funeral industry it’s quite common to see some rather unusual examples. However, sometimes we see requests that manage to catch even us by surprise.

“Despite the sometimes unusual or seemingly random nature of some of the tributes that we see, it’s worth recognising that all of them are specific and special to the person that they are remembering.

“We see some fantastic tributes and people really do go to great lengths to try and capture the personality of the person being laid to rest,” Wilcox finished.

At Kirkham Florists in Plaistow, East London, floral tributes come in any form. Floral arrangements can come in any way that you like. Following is the list of the Top Ten Most Unusual Funeral Flower Arrangements.

A full model of Emmerdale Farm
1/4 scale traditional Romany caravan
Model of Freddy Krueger
Flora pint of Guinness with ‘breakfast’ written on a ribbon at the front
A British Airways Liveries Boeing 747
A snooker table with cue and pint on top
An oil rig
Blackpool Tower with lights included
A floral pacemaker
A half submerged crocodile on top of a coffin

This list just goes to show that mourning comes in all shapes and sizes, but our vote for the most unusual and unique has to go to the the traditional Romany caravan.

What are some of the most unusual funeral floral arrangements you’ve seen? Let us know in the comments below.

Warwick Davis’ Swift caravan stolen in Cambridgeshire

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by Joe Jeffrey

Actor Tweets for return of sentimental items stolen in caravan theft

Film and television star Warwick Davis has taken to social media in an attempt to track down his caravan, which was stolen in Cambridgeshire last week.

The pint-sized star addressed his 527,000 followers on Twitter following thieves callously taking off with his Swift/Archway Cranford 545 on the evening of 8 October from a caravan site in Yaxley.

Davis, 45, tweeted: ‘My touring caravan was stolen in Cambridgeshire last night even though it was locked up with hitch & wheel lock! I want to swear… #rotters’.

The actor, who has appeared in the Harry Potter movies, as well as Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, and who is also scheduled to appear in the seventh installment of Star Wars, The Force Awakens, also took to Twitter to request the return of sentimental items which were inside his caravan at the time.

Davis has since received notification of sightings of his caravan on Twitter from some of his eagle-eyed followers, including one who claims to have spotted the Swift heading towards Farcet in Huntingdonshire.

At time of writing, Davis’ caravan has still not been recovered. Anyone with any information has been asked to contact Cambridgeshire police.

See the new Bailey caravans and motorhomes at the Motorhome & Caravan Show, help shape future models and more

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by Joe Jeffrey

Bailey to show off new caravans and motorhomes and more at the Motorhome & Caravan Show 2015

Bailey of Bristol has announced it will be showcasing all its latest Alu-Tech caravan and motorhome ranges at The Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC, Birmingham from tomorrow (13 to 18 October 2015). There will also be the opportunity to take part in a new Bailey research project and help design future new models, plus daily entertainment, including cookery demonstrations by Monica Rivron, free manicures, face-painting and live music.

A highlight for those looking for new Bailey models at the show will be the debut of the new Pegasus range featuring enhanced, reconfigured interiors plus the award winning unique, new DreamSleep, domestic-style seating system that brings new levels of comfort to touring caravans, a video of which can be seen here. This new seating system also changes bed-making into a simpler process that can be done in less than a minute which will be proved by live demonstrations using a replica DreamSleep lounge unit.

All seven Pegasus models will be available to view, including three new models (Modena, Brindisi and Palermo) and the first opportunity to see the already-award-winning revised, five-berth Ancona layout recently named ‘The Best Tourer for Small Families’.

The new Pegasus also has the latest, fully programmable Truma Combi 6E dual fuel heating system. This has been tested to deliver record-breaking warm-up times, so hot water and heat is delivered faster when you arrive on site thanks to improved air circulation, all ducting kept inside the caravan and the superior insulation of the Alu-Tech bodyshell. This guarantees warm and cosy interiors for all-season touring.

The entry-level Pursuit and the latest, award-winning, top of the range Unicorn caravan models are sure to prove popular attractions, as well as all the latest Bailey motorhomes which will be on show, from the best-selling Approach Autograph range to the new, entry-level Approach Advance range launched earlier this year featuring a narrower 2.35m body width and maximum weights up to 3,500kg so they can be driven without needing B+E driving licence entitlement.

In addition, to demonstrate or answer any questions about the latest Truma heating and hot water systems, or the WSL wheel bolts and tyre pressure monitoring systems, representatives from both companies will be on the Bailey stand throughout the show.

During the show, Bailey will also be hosting a range of entertainment, starting with live cooking demonstrations by caravanning chef, Monica Rivron, at 11:00, 12:00, 13:30 and 14:30 on Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 October, free manicures available at the ‘pop-up’ Bailey Pegasus Nail Bar on Thursday 15 and Friday 16 October, then the Bailey Fun Festival at the weekend with free face-painting and live music.

Nick Howard, managing director for Bailey of Bristol, said: “There’s something for everyone on the Bailey stand, from entry-level to top-of-the-range caravans and motorhomes, all with the reassurance of our patented Alu-Tech construction to make them stronger, lighter, better insulated and more resistant to the elements.”

“We’re also delighted to be launching our innovative, new research programme to listen to the valuable feedback from visitors, no matter whether they are seasoned veterans, first timers or just looking out of interest,” Nick continued.

What are you looking forward to seeing at this week’s show?

Introducing the all-new Swift Conqueror and Sterling Elite ranges for 2016

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by Joe Jeffrey

CaravanTimes went along to Swift to take a look at the new 2016 Swift Conqueror and Sterling Elite ranges. Watch on to see what we found out

Renowned for their high spec and quality offerings, the Conqueror and Elite ranges from Swift have seen updates for 2016. So when CaravanTimes was invited along to check them out for ourselves, we jumped at the chance.

It’s not just a revamped couple of ranges we should expect to see for 2016, however, with new layouts added for good measure. These include the single-axle Conqeuror/Elite 560, based on a motorhome concept with rear bedroom with fixed bed and centre washroom, whilst featuring two doors either side allowing for easy accessm but also privacy throughout. Additional standout features include large front lounge and fully equipped kitchen featuring a 134-litre refrigerator. A larger version, the Conqueror/Elite 650 is also available.

Another notable addition for 2016 is the four-berth Conqeuror/Elite 565, providing for a larger lounge with longer beds, as well as two fixed single beads at the rear – one of which is 6’3″ in length.

For 2016, the Conqueror/Elite ranges will also feature Swift’s SMART HT construction system, as well as ‘Aralie Sen’ woodgrain design with ‘Smoked Oak’ accents, newly designed kitchens, and many more enhancements for the new season.

Check out the video above to find out – and see – more.