Ford will add its ‘hands-off’ BlueCruise autonomous driving system to more UK models next year. The tech was launched here in 2023 and is the only level two-plus autonomous system that has legal approval to be used on UK roads. Using a combination of radars and cameras, Ford’s BlueCruise system works much like any other advanced… Continue reading Ford’s ‘hands off’ autonomous driving expanded to more UK models
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Polestar design chief: ‘I don’t want revolution – I want evolution’
Although Polestar is part of the Chinese Geely group and still shares some technology and platforms with Volvo, it has a greater degree of independence and autonomy than some subsidiaries. With a small team and a small but growing line-up, Römers says that “clarity is key” to plotting out its future designs. And while it… Continue reading Polestar design chief: ‘I don’t want revolution – I want evolution’
Nissan ‘exploring different routes’ to R36 GT-R amid EV rethink
Nissan is reconsidering plans to launch an electric successor to the GT-R supercar based on 2023’s outlandish Hyper Force concept. Previously described by the firm as a “tangible lucid dream”, the Hyper Force is a brutalist, futuristic vision of what an R36-generation GT-R could look like, featuring a solid-state battery and a 1341bhp four-wheel-drive powertrain. Upon its unveiling,… Continue reading Nissan ‘exploring different routes’ to R36 GT-R amid EV rethink
Audi R26 concept previews brand’s 2026 Formula 1 car
The Audi R26 Concept has been revealed as a first look at the brand’s Formula 1 racer for the 2026 season. Created by head designer Massimo Frascella and described as a “clear statement” of Audi’s new brand identity, the R26 joins the road-going Concept C sports coupé in adopting a minimalist look. Its livery comprises simple… Continue reading Audi R26 concept previews brand’s 2026 Formula 1 car
Military examiners brought in to cut driving test wait times
The UK government has announced new measures to tackle driving test wait times, which include bringing in military examiners. Transport minister Heidi Alexander said 35 testers from the Ministry of Defence will be used one day a week for a year in an effort to bring down today’s 21-week average wait time. Meanwhile, current examiners… Continue reading Military examiners brought in to cut driving test wait times
Wild Peugeot 208 concept channels spirit of 205
The next-generation Peugeot 208, set to be the brand’s first car to feature a steer-by-wire system, has been previewed by the new 205-inspired Polygon concept. Measuring just under four metres long, the Polygon is so named because it has a rectangular steering wheel, which is key to the next iteration of Peugeot’s signature i-Cockpit dashboard… Continue reading Wild Peugeot 208 concept channels spirit of 205
The biggest loser of the pay-per-mile EV tax? The government
The biggest loser from the UK government’s expected introduction of ‘pay-per-mile’ road pricing as a way of taxing electric vehicles will ultimately be the government itself. While in the short term it is very much car makers that need a rapid acceleration in EV sales (as they are on the hook for fines for missing… Continue reading The biggest loser of the pay-per-mile EV tax? The government
Reborn Ford Escort RS to rev to 10,000rpm
The reborn Ford Escort RS will be powered by a new four-cylinder engine that produces 325bhp and revs out to 10,000rpm while weighing just 85kg. Built by Coventry-based Boreham Motorworks and named the Ten-K in reference to its high rev limit, it mirrors the original Escort RS1600’s Cosworth BDA engine in being a belt-driven unit with… Continue reading Reborn Ford Escort RS to rev to 10,000rpm
First images of new Mercedes GLB ahead of December debut
Mercedes-Benz has released the first official pictures and details of the second-generation GLB, which will be revealed next month with both combustion and electric powertrains. The German marque has described the new compact SUV – which will also replace the EQB – as a “massive step up” from the original GLB, pointing to a much-improved… Continue reading First images of new Mercedes GLB ahead of December debut
Ford to show new road-going sports car at F1 launch in January
Ford Racing is on the cusp of unveiling its first “all-new” sports car since its motorsport and road-car operations were merged. At its 2026 season launch event on 15 January, it will provide a first glimpse at the new car, described by Ford Racing chief Mark Rushbrook as “a testament to how deeply we’re integrating… Continue reading Ford to show new road-going sports car at F1 launch in January