In what could be the unlikeliest comeback story since Kate Bush topping the charts a few weeks ago with her 1985 song Running Up That Hill, diesel is enjoying a bit of a resurgence in the new car market. Even after years of demonisation, diesel still just about stands proud as the most affordable and… Continue reading Vauxhall Astra 1.5 Turbo D 2022 UK drive
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
How repairable batteries make life easier for EV owners
One thing not talked about much in the roll-out of EVs generally is what happens if a high-voltage battery fails before its time. Actually, it’s no mystery, and from the word go it’s been possible to fix a battery by swapping out a faulty module for a new one. The fact is, though, that even… Continue reading How repairable batteries make life easier for EV owners
Greatest road tests ever: Rolls-Royce Flying Spur
The first turbocharged Roller and also the first with sporting pretensions, the Spur was outrageously expensive but won us over with pace and plushness. Based on the naturally aspirated Silver Spur, the Flying Spur borrowed the Bentley Turbo R’s turbocharged 16-valve V8, which, with 552lb ft, was the world’s torquiest production engine at the time.… Continue reading Greatest road tests ever: Rolls-Royce Flying Spur
New Bentley Batur previews look of future EVs
Mindt cites three special qualities he says will guide the future design of Bentleys, beyond the usual “strong and muscular” characteristics most luxury car makers claim. The first is what Mindt calls “resting beast stance”. The Batur has no wedge to its shape (“too many cars are shovel-shaped”) but instead looks like it’s sitting on… Continue reading New Bentley Batur previews look of future EVs
One firm’s goal to replace car ownership with remotely driven rentals
In a small office in the centre of Milton Keynes, a young man wearing earphones sits in a car seat staring intently at a bank of computer screens and grasping a steering wheel festooned with buttons, his feet resting on pedals. He could be an office worker ducking out to play a driving game in… Continue reading One firm’s goal to replace car ownership with remotely driven rentals
Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster is hardcore 690bhp drop-top
Aston Martin has unveiled a convertible version of its brutal new V12 Vantage, retaining the same 690bhp powertrain but in a toned-down body. The roadster fills an important gap in Aston Martin’s range, with the last open-top V12 Vantage having gone off sale in 2018 – although the V8 Vantage is available as a convertible. Revealed at the Pebble Beach… Continue reading Aston Martin V12 Vantage Roadster is hardcore 690bhp drop-top
Investigating the long-gone city-centre dealerships
The first Edinburgh dealer to relocate out of the city was Tommy Gilroy, who used to sell for Citroën, Fiat, Simca, Standard and more while also running a hire car fleet. In 1963, he moved from East London Street to a substantial patch of waste ground by a chicken plant nine miles west. “People thought… Continue reading Investigating the long-gone city-centre dealerships
Testing the UK’s newest circuit in a Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT
So what does a motorsport engineering company mostly concerned with rallying want with a race circuit? “Seventy per cent of the rallying in which our cars now compete is on Tarmac,” explains Wilson. “We’ve developed racing cars as well over the years. So it’s a very useful thing.” But the new track isn’t intended solely… Continue reading Testing the UK’s newest circuit in a Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT
McLaren launches V10-powered single-seat Solus GT
“The McLaren Solus GT is the realisation of a radical McLaren concept vehicle originally created for the world of virtual racing,” said Michael Leiters, new CEO of McLaren Automotive. “Engineered free of any restrictions from road or race regulations, but with the full spectrum of McLaren’s expertise to bring it to reality, it epitomises our… Continue reading McLaren launches V10-powered single-seat Solus GT
Lamborghini Urus Performante: super-SUV goes more extreme
The new Lamborghini Urus Performante has been revealed as an uprated, lightened version of the Italian firm’s performance SUV and best-selling car. Set to be priced from £170,260, it gains more aggressive exterior styling along with updated driving dynamics and decreased levels of drag. Described by Lamborghini‘s technical boss as a “lightweight, honed athlete”, the Urus Performante benefits from… Continue reading Lamborghini Urus Performante: super-SUV goes more extreme