Hyundai has reimagined its new Inster small electric car as a futuristic hot hatch with aggressive styling and a stripped-out interior, taking inspiration from video gaming. Named a portmanteau of ‘Inster’ and ‘steroid’, the Insteroid follows last year’s RN24 Concept, which was described as a ‘rolling lab’ for future hot Hyundai EVs. It wears a wide-hipped, box-arched bodykit,… Continue reading Hyundai Inster gets wild race-ready rework
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Hyundai Inster gets wild race-ready rework
Hyundai has reimagined its new Inster small electric car as a futuristic hot hatch with aggressive styling and a stripped-out interior, taking inspiration from video gaming. Named a portmanteau of ‘Inster’ and ‘steroid’, the Insteroid follows last year’s RN24 Concept, which was described as a ‘rolling lab’ for future hot Hyundai EVs. It wears a wide-hipped, box-arched bodykit,… Continue reading Hyundai Inster gets wild race-ready rework
Why Zagato and Touring see a bright future for coachbuilding
Zagato insists that his firm will embrace new technology, rather than fear it. He cites artificial intelligence and 3D stamping as beneficial for its small-scale projects, explaining: “You don’t have to invest thousands of euros in moulds or tooling, because you can quickly build the parts to create one-off and few-off cars. We’re already building… Continue reading Why Zagato and Touring see a bright future for coachbuilding
MWIC Bonus Episode 4: Autocar meets Rolls-Royce CEO Chris Brownridge
In this bonus podcast, Autocar’s Editor-at-large, Matt Prior, meets the Rolls-Royce CEO, Chris Brownridge. Speaking at the launch of the Spectre Black Badge, Brownridge tells us about Black Badge Rolls-Royces, how many cars Rolls should sell, what it’s like working in the luxury sector, and more, including private islands. Make sure you never miss an Autocar podcast. Subscribe to our… Continue reading MWIC Bonus Episode 4: Autocar meets Rolls-Royce CEO Chris Brownridge
Vauxhall Luton ends vehicle production after 120 years
Vauxhall Luton has built its final vehicle, a Vivaro van, bringing to an end 120 years of production at the plant. The decision to close the historic commercial vehicle factory was announced by Vauxhall owner Stellantis in November 2024. All of the company’s UK van production will be moved its site in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. Former Stellantis chief Carlos Tavares announced… Continue reading Vauxhall Luton ends vehicle production after 120 years
Is the hydrogen car dream as good as dead?
This year has started very badly for the prospects of hydrogen as a potential future fuel for cars. In Germany, hydrogen company H2 Mobility announced at the start of March that it was shutting 22 fuel stations focusing mainly on cars, citing a strategic shift towards goods vehicles. In California, meanwhile, Shell is reportedly set to… Continue reading Is the hydrogen car dream as good as dead?
Car makers brace for huge financial impact of Trump tariffs
Car makers in the UK and Europe are bracing for what for many will be the biggest financial shock since Covid when the newly announced 25% tariff on cars imported into the US are applied on 2 April. The tariffs apply to all cars and light commercials imported into the US that aren’t covered by the… Continue reading Car makers brace for huge financial impact of Trump tariffs
Why Stellantis persists with Vauxhall brand despite ‘Opel question’
Brand snobbery follows Vauxhall around, perhaps best articulated by the suggestion of: ‘Why don’t they just make them Opels?’ It’s true that this badge-swapping relationship is problematic when Opel-Vauxhall is trying to market one brand as German and another as British. I’ve watched a CEO flounder in handling the ‘what about Vauxhall, then?’ follow-up question after… Continue reading Why Stellantis persists with Vauxhall brand despite ‘Opel question’
Trump announces 25% tariff on all cars imported to US
A new tariff of 25% will be imposed on all cars and car parts imported into the United State, president Donald Trump has announced. This new levy will come into effect from 2 April, and will apply both to finished machines shipped into the country and car parts imported for vehicles assembled there. President Trump claimed the… Continue reading Trump announces 25% tariff on all cars imported to US
Nissan boss hints at new GT-R and Z in halo car pledge
Incoming Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa has vowed that “driving excitement will always be at the heart” of the firm, hinting that halo cars such as the Z and GT-R will remain a key part of the brand’s future – and be offered worldwide. The current R35-generation GT-R will finally be discontinued shortly, having been in… Continue reading Nissan boss hints at new GT-R and Z in halo car pledge