Every mainstream sporting brand is electrifying, but BMW M’s transition seems especially poignant given the hallowed status of not just its historic and current cars but also the specific engines that power them. Whichever way you cut it, the future of the pure-combustion straight six is a short one. Emissions regulations and EV mandates will… Continue reading Opinion: BMW M on ‘saying goodbye’ to combustion engine
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Future BMW M3 to be ‘groundbreaking’ EV with traditional feel
‘Crazy’ M3 on the cards “The story of the M3 is everlasting,” said van Meel. “Every time we change the story of the engine, from four-cylinder to six-cylinder to eight-cylinder to six-cylinder and a turbocharger, the story continues. “Maybe it will go electric – but if it does, it will always be an M3. Whatever… Continue reading Future BMW M3 to be ‘groundbreaking’ EV with traditional feel
How should fleets adapt during the semiconductor crisis?
Supply chain challenges won’t resolve quickly, so it’s important to start replacement cycles early. Jon Lawes, managing director of Novuna Vehicle Solutions, expects disruption to last at least another year, so fleets and suppliers have to adapt. “We’re enabling our customers to get into new vehicles as quickly as possible, often buying vehicles up to 15… Continue reading How should fleets adapt during the semiconductor crisis?
Hidden gems: A peak behind the scenes at Beaulieu
While celebrating the past, the museum team is focused on securing the future by revealing more of the treasures in the Collections Centre. “It’s vital the public see more of what we have,” says Jon Murden, CEO of the National Motor Museum Trust, whose personal collection of classic cars includes a 1957 Hillman Minx, a… Continue reading Hidden gems: A peak behind the scenes at Beaulieu
A new Leaf of life? Meet the coachbuilt Nissan Leaf electric hearse
After more than 10 years on sale, Nissan’s electric family hatchback has turned over a new Leaf – as a hearse. Based on a 62kWh Nissan Leaf, the conversion is the work of Wilcox Limousines, the British-based coachbuilders of funeral vehicles and limousines. The electric hearse can accommodate a driver and funeral ‘conductor’ in the… Continue reading A new Leaf of life? Meet the coachbuilt Nissan Leaf electric hearse
Spending 48 hours touring in a Ferrari Roma
Although people won’t be cross-shopping the Roma and SF90, the context of my experience in the latter was important for what was to come on my return leg in the former. Having received the keys on the eve of the 24-hour race, I head off to the La Sarthe circuit to enjoy the wonderful evening… Continue reading Spending 48 hours touring in a Ferrari Roma
Hyundai i10 EV successor primed for 2024 launch
Hyundai is developing two small electric cars for the European market, with a sub-€20,000 (£17,041) price tag being proposed. The as-yet-unnamed cars, expected to be successors to the Hyundai i10 that was released in 2020, will join 10 other EVs that Hyundai plans to release in Europe by 2030. It’s expected that one will be a… Continue reading Hyundai i10 EV successor primed for 2024 launch
Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster previewed ahead of 19 August debut
American tuner and supercar maker Hennessey has previewed a convertible version of its Venom F5 hypercar, which will make its debut at the Monterey Car Week later this month. Named the Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster, it looks set to become the world’s fastest convertible. It was previewed in two images released by the Texas-based firm and will be fully… Continue reading Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster previewed ahead of 19 August debut
Uprated Lamborghini Urus breaks Pikes Peak hillclimb record
An uprated version of the Lamborghini Urus has smashed the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb record for production SUVs, finishing 17sec ahead of the previous champion. The new, as-yet-unrevealed variant of the Urus raced to the top of the famous Colorado hillclimb in 10min 32.064sec, driven by test driver Simone Faggioli – who also holds… Continue reading Uprated Lamborghini Urus breaks Pikes Peak hillclimb record
Dartz Freze Froggy Beachstar is tiny EV convertible
Latvian firm Dartz has unveiled a convertible version of the Freze Nikrob city car – which it claims to be the “cheapest EV in the EU” – dubbed the Freze Froggy Beachstar. The Froggy does away with the Nikrob’s 2+2 seating arrangement “as roadsters aren’t school buses”, replacing the back seats with a speedster-style rear… Continue reading Dartz Freze Froggy Beachstar is tiny EV convertible