Ex-JLR design boss Massimo Frascella replaces Marc Lichte at Audi

Ex-Jaguar and Land Rover designer Massimo Frascella has been announced as the new head of design for Audi, replacing Marc Lichte, who has held the role for 10 years. Frascella’s appointment at Audi comes just a month after his departure from JLR, where he had led the styling of several core model lines, including the Land… Continue reading Ex-JLR design boss Massimo Frascella replaces Marc Lichte at Audi

Volvo P1800 Cyan: 414bhp restomod spawns GT version

Swedish firm Cyan Racing has revealed a grand tourer version of its bespoke Volvo P1800 Cyan, which brings improved performance and a custom interior.  Cyan Racing, which is located in Mölndal, just south of Gothenburg, first revealed the P1800 Cyan in 2020 as a motorsport-inspired homage to the original Volvo P1800, which was itself launched in… Continue reading Volvo P1800 Cyan: 414bhp restomod spawns GT version

BYD to test appetite for huge, 1100bhp Defender rival at Geneva

BYD will gauge European public appetite for its new ultra-luxurious Land Rover Defender rival at the Geneva motor show later this month. The Chinese company last year revealed the U8 4×4 as the spearhead of its new Yangwang luxury brand, envisioned as a rival to the likes of Audi, Mercedes-Benz and BMW. It was shown… Continue reading BYD to test appetite for huge, 1100bhp Defender rival at Geneva

Euro NCAP explains drastic fall in cars tested in 2023

Euro NCAP has blamed a significant reduction in the number of cars that it evaluated last year partly on manufacturers rushing to beat the introduction of tougher tests. The European vehicle safety testing agency, whose five-star safety rating is keenly sought by manufacturers the world over, rated 73 cars in 2022, making it the organisation’s… Continue reading Euro NCAP explains drastic fall in cars tested in 2023

From the archive: We try to tame an Alpine A110 rally car

“Its performance is undoubted. The four-cylinder pushrod engine is basically the Renault 16 TS unit but somewhat modified – bigger inlet valves with 0.3in lift, very different valve timing, an 11.25 compression ratio and two big Weber carburettors. It shows 154bhp at 6800rpm on the brake, with 125lb ft at 5300rpm [over 83bhp and 87lb… Continue reading From the archive: We try to tame an Alpine A110 rally car

Use it or lose it: carmakers killing unused features

The updated Ford Puma lacks many of the dashboard buttons fitted to the outgoing model, most of which have migrated to the much larger screen. But one has disappeared altogether: Active Park Assist. This was the automated parking function that used the car’s ultrasonic sensors to measure gaps between parallel parked vehicles big enough to… Continue reading Use it or lose it: carmakers killing unused features

Official: Lancia Ypsilon reborn as EV supermini with 250-mile range

Lancia has officially revealed the new Ypsilon electric hatchback as well as official specifications, complete with a bold, concept-inspired look, Stellantis’s new infotainment and an EV range of 250 miles. The long-awaited electric car is Lancia’s first, and launches in Ypsilon Limited Edition Cassina form, which the Italian firm claims has been “inspired by the world of Italian furnishings.” Just 1906 examples to… Continue reading Official: Lancia Ypsilon reborn as EV supermini with 250-mile range

Nissan Juke revamped with bigger touchscreen and improved quality

Nissan has given its popular Juke crossover a wide-reaching interior overhaul in a bid to maintain its position near the top of the sales charts. The updates come as the third-generation Juke enters its fifth year on sale, having sold a record 31,745 units in the UK last year to rank as one of the… Continue reading Nissan Juke revamped with bigger touchscreen and improved quality

Autocar magazine 14 February: on sale now

This week in Autocar, we reveal the new Aston Martin Vantage, deliver our verdict on the new Tesla Model 3, and celebrate the 60th anniversary of Car of the Year. News The Aston Martin Vantage has upped its game in all areas to battle the Porsche 911, with more power and pace, new cabin tech… Continue reading Autocar magazine 14 February: on sale now

New Skoda Octavia facelift brings more powerful vRS

Skoda has revealed the Octavia’s mid-life facelift, bringing technology and sustainability upgrades for its best-selling hatchback.  The new look is distinct from the rest of the Skoda line-up, with more angular LED headlights nestled above a bold crease in the front bumper – producing a reference to the Czech flag that is especially pronounced on… Continue reading New Skoda Octavia facelift brings more powerful vRS