Leapmotor has reprised plans to build cars in Europe as part of an expansion that includes the imminent launch of two new, more European-friendly models. The Chinese brand, of which Stellantis owns a majority of the international rights, will build cars in Spain, according to Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa. Speaking at an event for financial… Continue reading Leapmotor confirms plans to build electric cars in Spain
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Renault 4 gains van variant with 254-mile range
The new Renault 4 EV has gained a new cargo van variant, swapping its rear seats for a plastic load tray and lashing hooks. The removal of the rear seats gives the converted crossover a cargo capacity of 1045 litres, while its maximum payload is rated at 345kg. A mesh bulkhead is offered as an optional extra… Continue reading Renault 4 gains van variant with 254-mile range
JLR cyber attack: production won’t restart until 24 Sept at earliest
JLR car production will not restart until 24 September at the earliest, the company has confirmed. The Jaguar and Land Rover maker was targeted by hackers on 1 September and is still in the process of rebuilding its computer systems. The group that hit Marks & Spencer earlier this year has claimed responsibility. This has led to production shutdowns… Continue reading JLR cyber attack: production won’t restart until 24 Sept at earliest
Renault Megane to get RS flagship and major ‘hot hatch’ makeover
It is not yet known if the new range-topping Megane E-Tech will take the Renaultsport name. Cambolive hinted that the Renault Group could decide to continue using the Alpine brand exclusively for dedicated sports cars. Previously, in February, the Renault Group’s then CEO, Luca de Meo, described Renaultsport to Autocar as being “in the fridge” and… Continue reading Renault Megane to get RS flagship and major ‘hot hatch’ makeover
Renault Megane poised for RS ‘hot hatch’ reinvention
It is not yet known if the new range-topping Megane E-Tech will take the Renaultsport name. Cambolive hinted that the Renault Group could decide to continue using the Alpine brand exclusively for dedicated sports cars. Previously, in February, the Renault Group’s then CEO, Luca de Meo, described Renaultsport to Autocar as being “in the fridge” and… Continue reading Renault Megane poised for RS ‘hot hatch’ reinvention
Ineos Grenadier
For reasons we will come to, you are unlikely to deploy the Grenadier’s full firepower often. However, do so and it’s unexpectedly brisk. Top speed is 99mph but our petrol test car took just 8.0sec to stomp its way to 60mph, in much the style of Joe Marler 10 metres out. The 30-70mph dash in… Continue reading Ineos Grenadier
New Geely EX5 lands in UK as £32k Skoda Enyaq rival
Geely – the Chinese firm that owns LEVC, Lotus, Polestar, Volvo and more – is launching its eponymous car brand in the UK with an electric SUV priced from £31,990. The new Geely EX5 is pitched against the likes of the Skoda Enyaq, Nissan Ariya and Hyundai Ioniq 5, measuring 4.61m long, 1.90m wide and 1.67m tall. It’s powered… Continue reading New Geely EX5 lands in UK as £32k Skoda Enyaq rival
JLR still unable to restart production as MPs call for government help
JLR is still unable to build any cars at any of its global factories three weeks on from a cyber attack that crippled its business – and worries are now growing that those in its supply chain could go bankrupt. The Jaguar and Land Rover maker was targeted by hackers on 1 September and is… Continue reading JLR still unable to restart production as MPs call for government help
How AI is transforming the dark art of tyre design
Like so many other things, tyre design is falling under the influence of AI. The tech is being used to predict the effectiveness of different tread patterns and simulate how they might behave in the real world. Tyres have come a long way during their evolution, and this is one of those cases where a glimpse… Continue reading How AI is transforming the dark art of tyre design
Mercedes-AMG priming electric two-door GT coupe
Mercedes-AMG is exploring an electric version of the AMG GT sports coupé – but it needs to “justify the investment” said the performance brand’s boss. AMG has already confirmed an electric successor to the GT 4-door Coupé will arrive next year, previewed by the GT XX Concept (below). It will be the first car to sit on the 800V… Continue reading Mercedes-AMG priming electric two-door GT coupe