Author: Autocar Magazine UK

The unexpected V8 Italian sports car built to thank America

“The engine has its two banks of cylinders set at 70 degrees in a common casting,” explained Autocar. “The crankshaft has four throws and the connecting rods of opposite banks run almost side by side, but not quite, the crank pins being themselves canted slightly to allow for the 20-degree offset between the two banks.… Continue reading The unexpected V8 Italian sports car built to thank America

Ginetta reveals road-legal supercar with 600bhp V8 and manual ‘box

Leeds-based Ginetta has unveiled the Akula, a 600bhp road-going supercar with a 6.4-litre atmospheric V8 and a manual gearbox option. Morphing from the 2019 concept of the same name (meaning ‘shark’ in Russian), the two-seat coupé has an aggressive exterior design that features Le Mans-derived aero while also offering a Ford Puma-surpassing 473-litre boot. Ginetta intends… Continue reading Ginetta reveals road-legal supercar with 600bhp V8 and manual ‘box

VW ID 3 GTX Fire+Ice previews new range of limited-edition EVs

Volkswagen is planning to launch low-volume specials across its ID range to increase the appeal of its EVs as it did with earlier ICE models. This plan has been previewed by the ID 3 GTX Fire+Ice, an electric reimagining of the car maker’s earlier Golf Fire+Ice. Although this is just a one-off show car based… Continue reading VW ID 3 GTX Fire+Ice previews new range of limited-edition EVs

Volvo’s line-up to swell as it eyes more hybrid models

Volvo‘s line-up could swell to an “abnormal” number in the coming years as a result of the firm abandoning its target of going electric-only by 2030, according to the firm’s deputy CEO – who insists the firm is “well-placed” to handle that. The Swedish brand pledged in 2021 that it would sell only electric cars from… Continue reading Volvo’s line-up to swell as it eyes more hybrid models

JLR to launch new Indian-built model that sits on Tata platform

A new Indian-built JLR model based on a new platform being created by parent firm Tata Motors will be launched next year.  Confirmed by Tata Group boss Natarajan Chandrasekaran, the platform will also underpin a “high-end” Tata model. Both will be built in an all-new factory in India, and there are plans to export them… Continue reading JLR to launch new Indian-built model that sits on Tata platform

Alpine to unveil electric Porsche Macan rival on 11 October

Alpine will reveal the A390 Beta concept on 11 October, providing a first look at its upcoming Porsche Macan rival. It will be an electric crossover with a rakish coupé-like silhouette, set to closely resemble the A390 that’s due to enter production next year. The concept make its public debut at the Paris motor show, which opens its doors on 14 October. It will be… Continue reading Alpine to unveil electric Porsche Macan rival on 11 October

Genesis G80 EV gets more range, more room and Chauffeur Mode

Genesis has given its Electrified G80 saloon a hefty update by extending its wheelbase, adding a larger battery and refreshing its interior. The updated model will arrive in the UK, and other global markets, next year, after first launching in the brand’s home market of Korea The first-generation electric saloon arrived in 2021, spawned from… Continue reading Genesis G80 EV gets more range, more room and Chauffeur Mode

What is traction control and how does it work?

Traction control, often referred to as a traction control system (TCS), is a piece of tech that has undoubtedly saved thousands of lives. You’ve probably seen the TCS symbol light up your dashboard when driving on an icy road or accelerating or braking sharply in heavy rain.  Autocar’s first record of TCS was at the 1982… Continue reading What is traction control and how does it work?

BMW to launch hydrogen cars in 2028

BMW will launch its first mass-market hydrogen-powered car in 2028, followed by multiple other fuel-cell variants of existing models, making it the first manufacturer to do so in what it has called “a milestone in automotive history”. It is likely the first model to benefit will be the X5 SUV, given the German brand has already been testing a modified… Continue reading BMW to launch hydrogen cars in 2028