Nissan will double its global line-up of high-performance Nismo models to 10 as part of the Japanese manufacturer’s major recovery plan. It will also expand the availability of Nismo models, with the goal of growing sales of them from around 100,000 currently to 150,000 by 2028. Between 40 and 60% of that growth is expected to… Continue reading Nissan to double global line-up of hot Nismo models
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Skoda Fabia vRS return hinges on success of new 130 warm hatch
Skoda isn’t ruling out a full-blown comeback for the Fabia vRS, despite the hot hatch having been axed in 2014 due to sluggish sales. The Czech brand told Autocar that a revival remains possible if market conditions swing back in favour of small performance models. “There are currently no plans to offer a Fabia vRS, but we… Continue reading Skoda Fabia vRS return hinges on success of new 130 warm hatch
Lancia lights and Lambo levers: confessions of a parts bin addict
We try to keep our group tests somewhat relevant, so it’s not often that a Lamborghini Revuelto and a Skoda Superb meet on the same shoot. But it eventually happeend because of logistical reasons, which led me to the delightful discovery that the two share a handbrake switch. We sometimes criticise expensive cars for using… Continue reading Lancia lights and Lambo levers: confessions of a parts bin addict
Renault axes Mobilize Duo quadricycle before UK sales start
Renault has axed its electric Mobilize Duo quadricycle before bringing it to the UK, citing “limited profitability prospects”. The Duo – effectively a successor to the Renault Twizy – was the flagship for the Renault Group’s car-sharing and urban mobility programme: Mobilize. The brand was established in 2021 with the ambition of becoming a leading… Continue reading Renault axes Mobilize Duo quadricycle before UK sales start
Wild IMSA-inspired Audi concept marks 50 years of five-pot power
Today, Audi only uses a straight-five engine in the RS3, and it is that AWD hot hatch that forms the basis of the new GT50. The apprentices have completely transformed the RS3 into an homage to some of the most successful five-cylinder Audi race cars of all time – namely the 90 Quattro IMSA GTO… Continue reading Wild IMSA-inspired Audi concept marks 50 years of five-pot power
Next-gen Porsche 718 EVs being reworked for petrol power
Porsche is preparing to adapt its next-generation 718 Boxster and Cayman platform to accept petrol engines, in an abrupt U-turn on plans for the models to go EV-only. Production of the fourth-gen Boxster and Cayman ended last month, with new bespoke electric versions due this year. But with EV demand waning, Porsche had already announced… Continue reading Next-gen Porsche 718 EVs being reworked for petrol power
Chinese brand Aion reveals UK launch plans
Aion will prioritise sustainable growth rather than chasing market share when it comes to the UK next year with a range of electric and plug-in hybrid models, bosses have said. The Chinese brand will give GAC – China’s fifth-largest car manufacturer – an official presence in the UK for the first time. It will arrive in the spring… Continue reading Chinese brand Aion reveals UK launch plans
Are BMW’s upcoming FCEVs the last chance for hydrogen?
Due to enter series production in 2028, BMW’s third-generation fuel cell system will be “a milestone in automotive history”, says BMW, and “the first-ever series production fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) to be offered by a global premium manufacturer”. It may be the first from a premium manufacturer but other FCEV makers include partner and fuel cell… Continue reading Are BMW’s upcoming FCEVs the last chance for hydrogen?
Farizon van importer eyes UK expansion with new car deal
Jameel Motors, the UK distributor of Farizon electric vans, is already thinking of an expansion with a possible new car franchise. The Saudi Arabian firm is currently a major distributor for Toyota, Lexus and BYD in more than 10 countries, from Japan to the UAE, as well as Geely-owned Farizon in the UK. According to CEO Jasmmine Wong, the… Continue reading Farizon van importer eyes UK expansion with new car deal
Europe scraps 2035 new ICE car sales ban – report
The EU has scrapped its 2035 sales ban on new combustion cars, a senior lawmaker has said. While yet to be officially announced, Manfred Weber – president of the EPP, the European Parliament’s largest party – told German newspaper Bild that the plans were “off the table”. In its place, flexible emission reduction rules will be implemented, he said: “For… Continue reading Europe scraps 2035 new ICE car sales ban – report