China’s BYD plans to become “European manufacturer” in 2025

BYD describes the impact of EU tariffs on imported Chinese EVs as “temporary damage” and anticipates it will be the best-positioned Chinese brand in the coming years thanks to local production plans and a flexible powertrain offering. The brand, which has grown rapidly in Europe over the past two years, is due to open a new… Continue reading China’s BYD plans to become “European manufacturer” in 2025

Subaru Forester

The new Forester is built on the Subaru Global Platform, which owing to details like using 27 metres of structural adhesive instead of 8m, is lighter than its predecessor and 10% more torsionally rigid. It’s a little bigger, too, though at 4.67m long (+30mm) and 1.83m wide (+15mm), it’s still in a comfortable realm, even… Continue reading Subaru Forester

Bentley Continental GT Speed

The GT Speed’s interior dimensions, cabin architecture and instrumentation are familiar from the 2018 car – both the coupé and the convertible, which for the first time are launched at the same time. There’s a new “precision quilt pattern” for the seats that’s heading for widespread application, and Bentley continues to stress its aim to give every… Continue reading Bentley Continental GT Speed

Alpine confirms plans for a supercar – and it is expected to be an EV

French car maker Alpine has confirmed plans to launch a supercar – and it is expected to be an EV. The car is currently being referred to as the Future Alpine Supercar. The brand has not released any further details, except that the car will be developed at a new state-of-the-art research and development centre… Continue reading Alpine confirms plans for a supercar – and it is expected to be an EV

Why Aston Martin has slashed 2024 sales target by 1000 cars

New Aston Martin CEO Adrian Hallmark has made his first big impact on the company since joining on 1 September by reducing its ambitious sales forecast for 2024 by 1000 units. Aston Martin cited supply chain disruption, weak demand in China and excess stock in dealers for the downgrade. It also said it would no longer… Continue reading Why Aston Martin has slashed 2024 sales target by 1000 cars

Original or remaster? Electric MGB faces new Cyberster

While Frontline claims up to 9000rpm, you’re not relying on a rev counter, rather a power reserve meter. Changing up at what would traditionally be a redline isn’t always easy, but you can still rifle up and down the five ratios via your usual senses.  Your changes need to be fairly deliberate too, especially going… Continue reading Original or remaster? Electric MGB faces new Cyberster

Cupra Terramar

To start with the basics, the Terramar uses the latest iteration of the MQB Evo platform, which means it’s powered by a range of familiar powertrains. There are three options that don’t need plugging in: a 1.5-litre mild-hybrid four-cylinder with 148bhp driving the front wheels, and a four-wheel-drive 2.0-litre with either 201bhp or 262bhp. Then there’s… Continue reading Cupra Terramar

“I’m not convinced there’s a market for electric hypercars”

An interesting theory. Badoom-tsh. The new Lotus concept car’s name, Theory 1, makes itself ripe for plays on words, but there are a few common themes that follow show cars and concepts. Some closely preview an upcoming model, existing to get the public – and employees – used to what could be a radical idea… Continue reading “I’m not convinced there’s a market for electric hypercars”

How we’re updating the Autocar road test

Fuel efficiency We will continue to produce both track and touring fuel economy test results for every road test: the former simply the result of what the trip computer displays (having been reset before our track benchmarking session), the latter of a roughly 10-mile trip at typical UK motorway speeds around MIRA’s ‘Number 1’ banked… Continue reading How we’re updating the Autocar road test