Author: Autocar Magazine UK

Mad mods, thumping basslines: Max Power is as relevant as ever

The 1990s wasn’t just a golden decade for sports cars and supercars: it also ushered in the era of the modified car. Young drivers, buoyed by a strong economy, access to innumerable cheap motors and an explosion in the fibreglass and in-car entertainment markets, flocked to put their own spin on almost everything they could… Continue reading Mad mods, thumping basslines: Max Power is as relevant as ever

Aion to Zenvo: Every new car coming to the UK in 2026

New year, new cars: 2026 is shaping up to be a big one for the industry, with plenty of brands and models making their debuts. From the baby EVs that didn’t seem possible only a few years ago to ripsnorting V8 supercars and VIP-hauling vans, there’s something here to catch the eye of everyone. Here’s… Continue reading Aion to Zenvo: Every new car coming to the UK in 2026

Audi to revive A2 name for segment-bending electric hatchback

Audi is set to revive the A2 name for its new distinctively styled entry-level model, senior sources at the company have revealed. Due to be unveiled before the end of the year, the new model is seen as an indirect modern-day successor to the early-noughties original. It will feature – as test mules have shown… Continue reading Audi to revive A2 name for segment-bending electric hatchback

Ferrari 849 Testarossa

I’m driving two 849s. First the red one (pictured) on circuit, fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres and an Assetto Fiorano package that makes things 30kg lighter than standard and includes extensions on the rear spoiler (weight and downforce numbers are quoted with it equipped), plus Multimatic dampers. It is a greasy track, which rather… Continue reading Ferrari 849 Testarossa

New Jaguar GT driven: it rides like an XJ, drifts like an F-Type

There was a misconception – and I think they unwittingly or not contributed to it – that Jaguar’s bosses weren’t interested in its past. The messaging was all new new new; the design chief’s line was that Jaguar had “no brand equity”; the old shapes had gone; the old logos had gone; car production was… Continue reading New Jaguar GT driven: it rides like an XJ, drifts like an F-Type

Lamborghini Temerario tips 1905kg: are new supercars too heavy?

I recently put the new Lamborghini Temerario on the weighbridge at MIRA. It had the Alleggerita pack fitted, which for a trifling £37k saves you about the mass of a small Labrador. Up popped the numbers, one for each corner. I always double-check these green digits as they go in my notebook, but this time was… Continue reading Lamborghini Temerario tips 1905kg: are new supercars too heavy?

Quicker than petrol? This ‘Elise EV’ changes the charging game

It’s a feeling akin to jet lag – that unmistakable sensation of time shifting in a way that your brain can’t immediately comprehend. Three minutes ago, I plugged this Nyobolt EV into an electric charger with its battery displaying 30%. It’s now breached 80% and its rapid, 300kW charge speed has begun to tail off.… Continue reading Quicker than petrol? This ‘Elise EV’ changes the charging game

The 313mpg spaceship: Life with my ultra-rare Volkswagen XL1

Parked on a suburban side road, David Power’s Volkswagen XL1 looks as though it has just landed from outer space. One of its two butterfly doors is open, attracting curious passers-by. “Everyone stops to look at it,” he says, clearly enjoying their delight. This miniature two-seat coupé (the occupants sit slightly offset) is a diesel-engined… Continue reading The 313mpg spaceship: Life with my ultra-rare Volkswagen XL1

Wild Bentley Bentayga off-road concept could make production

Bentley could build a more off-road-biased version of its Bentayga SUV, previewed by the extreme new X Concept. Developed so Bentley can “stimulate and gain feedback” for such a car, it is based on the existing Bentayga Speed, with a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 sending 641bhp to all four wheels. It rides 55mm higher and 40mm wider than… Continue reading Wild Bentley Bentayga off-road concept could make production