Nissan gives Sunderland plant £400m boost to build new Qashqai

Nissan has announced the latest stage of a £1 billion investment programme in its Sunderland production facility in preparation for building the next-generation Qashqai there.  This is a £52 million press to stamp panels for the third-generation crossover, which is expected to launch early next year. It brings the total investment in production of the new Qashqai to… Continue reading Nissan gives Sunderland plant £400m boost to build new Qashqai

2021 Vauxhall Mokka X spy shots show fresh design

Vauxhall will follow up the latest Corsa with a new generation of Mokka X, expected to be revealed later this year – and new spyshots give the best glimpse yet of the small SUV’s design. Dropping most of the body camouflage from previous test cars, the winter testing prototype shows clear inspiration from the GTX Elemental… Continue reading 2021 Vauxhall Mokka X spy shots show fresh design

James Bond Lotus Esprit-inspired Mini Remastered revealed

Silverstone-based David Brown has unveiled a one-off version of its modernised Mini Remastered, inspired by the Lotus Esprit from the 1981 James Bond film: For Your Eyes Only.  Understood to have been purchased by music mogul Simon Cowell, the special edition is painted in a distinctive maroon and copper livery, complete with stripes and bold ‘Turbo’… Continue reading James Bond Lotus Esprit-inspired Mini Remastered revealed

Gumpert reveals methanol-fuelled Nathalie in production form

Chinese firm Gumpert Aiways, led by renowned ex-Audi engineer Roland Gumpert and backed by Chinese EV startup Airways, has revealed the production version of its long-awaited Nathalie methanol-fuel-cell sports EV.  The first models to be sold will be specified in €407,000 (£353,520) First Edition guise, which wears a bespoke paint scheme and is set to begin… Continue reading Gumpert reveals methanol-fuelled Nathalie in production form

New Fiat 500e: technical details of electric city car leaked

Technical details of the new city car have also surfaced. According to Automotive News Europe, which cites unnamed Italian sources, the new 500 will store its power in a 42kWh lithium ion battery pack that promises a 199-mile range. It is said to feature an in-built 85kW charger that can add 31 miles of range… Continue reading New Fiat 500e: technical details of electric city car leaked

Aston Martin: new chairman Lawrence Stroll to bring racing focus

Aston Martin has used what would’ve been its Geneva motor show press conference to introduce future executive chairman Lawrence Stroll, alongside a host of new models.  Held instead at Aston’s headquarters in Gaydon, Warwickshire after the Geneva show was cancelled, the short conference stream saw Canadian billionaire Stroll make his first appearance alongside CEO Andy… Continue reading Aston Martin: new chairman Lawrence Stroll to bring racing focus

Mercedes to reduce model line-up, platforms and powertrains

Mercedes will dramatically reduce its model line-up as well as platform and powertrain options, as the maker seeks to reduce complexity and optimise profit. Markus Schafer, Mercedes R&D boss said the drive came as a result of its focus on electric vehicles, and would range from cutting car lines to single components used in its… Continue reading Mercedes to reduce model line-up, platforms and powertrains

Mercedes R&D boss: EQC production is “learning curve”

The supply chain issues for Mercedes’ EQC electric SUV have presented a steep learning curve, according to Mercedes R&D board member Markus Schafer, but he says the maker is back on track to produce 50,000 EQCs this year.  Issues with Mercedes’ battery supplier, LG Chem, had led to widespread reports that Mercedes would not fulfil its… Continue reading Mercedes R&D boss: EQC production is “learning curve”

New Koenigsegg Gemera revealed as 1700bhp four-seat hybrid

Koenigsegg has revealed the Gemera as a highly potent four-seater that promises the Swedish firm’s trademark blend of refinement and straight-line pace. The surprise new model is described as a ‘mega-GT’, and, unlike anything else in Koenigsegg’s line-up, it’s claimed to seat four adults comfortably with ample room for luggage.  Like the brand’s Jesko hypercar flagship, the… Continue reading New Koenigsegg Gemera revealed as 1700bhp four-seat hybrid