Cadillac has revealed a drop-top version of the Celestiq, its hand-built rival to the Rolls-Royce Spectre. Named the Sollei – ‘sun’ and ‘leisure’ – the new concept harks back to the Eldorado from the 1950s. It has been built as a demonstration of the company’s new personalisation capabilities as it looks to challenge premium and… Continue reading Cadillac Sollei concept previews drop-top Rolls-Royce Spectre rival
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Kia Picanto
The 2024 facelift has given Kia the opportunity to update the interior materials and technology, but it hasn’t made any drastic changes. It’s still an attractively designed cabin – not as playful perhaps as the Toyota Aygo X’s or the late VW Up’s, but with enough of a styling flourish in the shape of the rounded… Continue reading Kia Picanto
ZEV mandate targets slip out of reach for major brands
Car makers including Renault, Volkswagen, Land Rover, Ford and Toyota are falling far behind targets for the UK’s ZEV mandate, which requires 22% of this year’s sales to be of zero-emission models. Those manufacturers ahead of target include Cupra, MG, Subaru, BMW, Volvo and Jeep, while all-electric brands such as Tesla, BYD and Polestar will… Continue reading ZEV mandate targets slip out of reach for major brands
First pictures: Aston Martin tests Le Mans Valkyrie
Aston Martin has released the first pictures of its Valkyrie-based Le Mans Hypercar, which has been testing ahead of its campaign in next year’s World Endurance Championship. It will be the only Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) powered by a V12, packing the same Cosworth-developed 6.5-litre unit as the road-going Valkyrie. Aston Martin said the naturally… Continue reading First pictures: Aston Martin tests Le Mans Valkyrie
Xiaomi takes aim at Taycan Turbo GT with 1527bhp super-saloon
Chinese phone maker Xiaomi has unveiled a track-focused version of its first car, the SU7 super-saloon, which packs 434bhp more than the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT. Named the SU7 Ultra, it has been designed to challenge for the lap record for series-production electric cars at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, aiming to beat the Taycan Turbo GT’s… Continue reading Xiaomi takes aim at Taycan Turbo GT with 1527bhp super-saloon
New hybrid era at Audi as EV switch takes “longer than we thought”
Audi will expand and upgrade its hybrid offering over the coming years because the transition from combustion cars to EVs will take “longer than initially thought”. The company is sticking to its previously announced goal of having an all-electric model range from 2033, but it will expand that line-up gradually, offering a combustion and EV… Continue reading New hybrid era at Audi as EV switch takes “longer than we thought”
Will electric cars ever be able to go truly off grid?
Recently, I drove the Dacia Spring, a small electric car with a 140-mile range when new (and warm and not on a motorway). Also last week, my munchkins climbed into a 16-year-old small car and drove 140 miles to camp at a wet music festival. When they had to stop to refuel (once, on their way… Continue reading Will electric cars ever be able to go truly off grid?
Kia Sorento
Inserting 35mm in the Sorento’s wheelbase liberated yet more passenger space, and any concerns we had about head room in the outgoing model have been dispelled. Width is also unusually generous and such is the expanse between the driver and front-row passenger that the car feels distinctly American. Large families will warm to the seven-seat… Continue reading Kia Sorento
Mercedes upgrades PHEVs for ‘longer than envisaged’ shelf life
Mercedes-Benz will extend the life cycles of its plug-in hybrid A-Class, B-Class and CLA after ailing EV sales have “prompted a change in planning”, sources at the car maker have told Autocar. This new lease of life for the MFA-based cars will bring increased battery capacities and a rise in electric-only range. This decision represents… Continue reading Mercedes upgrades PHEVs for ‘longer than envisaged’ shelf life
Volvo EX90 may be missing Apple CarPlay, smart charging and more at launch
Volvo’s £96,255 EX90 flagship could be delivered to customers without key features such as smart charging, Apple CarPlay and some safety functions, the brand has confirmed. Instead, any missing features will be added “later via an update”, the Swedish car maker has told customers, without confirming a date. UK examples are affected and owners been contacted by… Continue reading Volvo EX90 may be missing Apple CarPlay, smart charging and more at launch