Strong demand in China could prove the saviour of the plug-in hybrid globally as the ‘bridge to EV’ technology stumbles at legislative hurdles in the UK and Europe. Chinese makers now dominate the global PHEV market after sales rapidly grew this year, topped by BYD. “Initially of European origin, PHEV technology has gradually become a… Continue reading Ferocious PHEV demand in China poised to boost UK sales too
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Cupra considers ‘provocative bodystyles’ in move away from SUVs
He said: “There are so many different emotional cars that I would love to do, starting with the Dark Rebel as a sports car. But I’m also challenging the team as well, looking at a kind of off-road-style buggy car. “It would be electric and I think it would be fun. I think it would… Continue reading Cupra considers ‘provocative bodystyles’ in move away from SUVs
Undercover police cars are the ultimate sleeper machines
Some (not me) will be able to cast their minds back to the late 1970s, when TV screens were awash with hit detective shows. You had the great Gordon Jackson starring alongside Martin Shaw and Lewis Collins in The Professionals (which to this day still has one of the best theme tunes), Dennis Waterman was… Continue reading Undercover police cars are the ultimate sleeper machines
Old snake, new tricks: driving the AC Cobra MkII
But the rewards are manifold: smooth applications of the throttle are vital on the exit from bends in order not to excite the leaf-sprung rear end, but extend the Cobra’s V8 down the straights and you’re repaid with a soundtrack that’s as uniquely American as Gershwin or pumpkin pie. The hard-edged hammering of eight pistons… Continue reading Old snake, new tricks: driving the AC Cobra MkII
Reverse parking is the only way – and I can back it up
Now look, I’m not the sort of person to routinely disparage the mainstream media, because I suppose basically I’m part of it. I’m not a ‘wake up, sheeple’ conspiracy theorist who thinks that the MSM is somehow out to dupe you, increasingly popular grift though that is these days. More than that, I’m deeply suspicious… Continue reading Reverse parking is the only way – and I can back it up
Audi confirms plans to shut Brussels plant as sale falls through
Audi will close its Brussels plant after the German car maker was unable to find a buyer. The factory, which will shut 28 February, currently builds the Q8 E-tron electric SUV, again sparking the question that Audi could end its production earlier than planned. Its successor is tipped to be produced in Mexico. “The decision… Continue reading Audi confirms plans to shut Brussels plant as sale falls through
The Dacia Spring might be flawed, but it’s easy to love
The original Fiat Panda vibes are strong with this one. Equally, this could well be what 70mph on the A34 feels like in an Ikea chest of drawers. A good one, mind you, that’s had all of those funny lock-screw things fully tightened up and has yet to be disassembled and lashed back together again… Continue reading The Dacia Spring might be flawed, but it’s easy to love
Why the global automotive business model might be dead
The dream of the global car industry to deploy the same technology across a range of brands around the world has long been under pressure, and recent events have further pushed a once-profitable strategy further into the darkness. “The difficulties of Stellantis continue to cast doubts about the global brand conglomerate business model,” Phillipe Houchois,… Continue reading Why the global automotive business model might be dead
New BYD Sealion 7 undercuts the Tesla Model Y at £44,990
BYD has announced its new Sealion 7 SUV will start from £44,990, undercutting the rival Tesla Model Y by £2000. It’s the brand’s first European model to use the new ‘Evo’ development of the architecture that underpins the existing Atto 3 crossover, Dolphin hatchback and Seal saloon, named e-Platform 3.0. It uses cell-to-body construction (in which battery cells are… Continue reading New BYD Sealion 7 undercuts the Tesla Model Y at £44,990
Mercedes-AMG’s new super SUV to pack more than 1000bhp
New car is being developed with “AMG first, EV second” mantra Electric GT SUV will use advanced tech to take on Eletre and Cayenne EVs Mercedes-AMG’s answer to the Lotus Eletre and upcoming electric Porsche Cayenne will be launched in two years and be one of the most powerful cars the brand has ever produced.… Continue reading Mercedes-AMG’s new super SUV to pack more than 1000bhp