Volkswagen has previewed its long-awaited Tesla Model 3 rival with a sleek, low-slung concept called the ID Aero. Based on Volkswagen’s MEB platform, the new four-door model is planned to go on sale in China during the second half of 2023, with production initially set to take place at Volkswagen joint venture partners FAW (First… Continue reading Volkswagen ID Aero is EV Passat equivalent with 385-mile range
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Updated DS 7 gets range-topping 355bhp plug-in hybrid
The newly updated DS 7 will be launched with three plug-in hybrid powertrains, including a 355bhp range-topper. The SUV features a new front design, improved technology and a fresh infotainment system over the original model, which was released in 2017. The subtle restyling brings sharper lines and a front grille that shows off the French firm’s future design philosophy. New,… Continue reading Updated DS 7 gets range-topping 355bhp plug-in hybrid
Chinese firm Aiways plans 2023 UK launch with U5 SUV
Chinese firm Aiways aims to start selling cars in the UK and other right-hand- drive markets in 2023. Founded in 2017 by Fu Qiang (a former sales chief at Volvo) and Gary Gu, it now has a factory in Shanghai with an annual capacity of 300,000 units, plus its own research and development centre and… Continue reading Chinese firm Aiways plans 2023 UK launch with U5 SUV
Jaguar Land Rover CEO on chips, EVs, quality and Discovery
We know you’re working flat out on the new electrified Jaguar line-up — but what about new Land Rover models? “We will advance some of those, too, even ahead of schedule to cope with electrification. But I can’t give details yet.” Your Land Rover brands are extremely strong, but even so you have work to… Continue reading Jaguar Land Rover CEO on chips, EVs, quality and Discovery
British race car builder Lola set for revival
Lola, one of the world’s most prolific constructors of racing cars, is set for revival 10 years after it closed for business following an asset buyout by a British businessman. US-based Till Bechtolsheimer has purchased all Lola assets, including its fully operational wind tunnel and technical centre in Huntingdon, plus the intellectual property and designs for… Continue reading British race car builder Lola set for revival
Lanzante to reveal radically reworked supercar every year
British engineering firm Lanzante plans to launch a new car every year and will diversify beyond its McLaren mainstay as part of its expansion plans. Boss Dean Lanzante told Autocar that the Hampshire-based operation plans to launch “a project of some kind” each year at Goodwood as part of a “medium-to-long-term” agreement with the event. These… Continue reading Lanzante to reveal radically reworked supercar every year
Lotus to build modern versions of never-launched classics
Newly formed Lotus Advanced Performance (LAP) will soon give the first details of a series of radical, highly bespoke cars that it will put into limited production in Hethel. LAP’s primary remit is to create extreme, limited-run machines that will be built and sold separately to Lotus‘s core production models. It has also taken control of… Continue reading Lotus to build modern versions of never-launched classics
Lotus plans more electric sports cars beyond 2027 Type 135
The keenly anticipated Lotus Type 135 EV won’t be the final two-seat sports car from Hethel, despite its push into more mainstream segments and ambitious sales projections. Due to be revealed in 2026 before production begins in 2027, the Type 135 will be similar in spirit to the new Lotus Emira and its recently retired… Continue reading Lotus plans more electric sports cars beyond 2027 Type 135
Ferrari 296 GTS is 819bhp hybrid convertible
The overall effect of the subtle makeover gives “an extremely compact cabin effortlessly integrated with the wings and flanks”. Aerodynamic efficiency and downforce are on a par, too – with Ferrari engineers taking care to ensure the airflow impact of the wing and buttresses is replicated – and there is still an active rear spoiler… Continue reading Ferrari 296 GTS is 819bhp hybrid convertible
The secret HQ keeping McLaren F1 legends alive
Not that Cousall is under any illusions about the older cars, “where the installations are all so different to what I’ve grown up with. It’s stupid stuff, like I’m used to working on metric cars, so I have to get my head around the imperial measurements.” The value to Cousall and the other younger members… Continue reading The secret HQ keeping McLaren F1 legends alive