It has the uninspiring looks of a run-of-the-mill computer circuit board, but this chunk of electronics measuring just 24cm long, 14cm wide and 5cm tall is smarter than it looks. It can perform a sextillion computing operations per second (about the same as the human brain) and provide the intelligence for level two to level… Continue reading Under the skin: This self-driving car ‘brain’ is as quick as yours
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
MPs: Government “has no clear plan” for 2030 ICE ban
The government faces a “huge challenge” to ensure the UK is ready for the ban on the sale of all combustion engined cars by 2035, but lacks a plan to ensure a smooth transition, according to a group of MPs. The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which is tasked with evaluating the value of various government programmes and services,… Continue reading MPs: Government “has no clear plan” for 2030 ICE ban
Radford confirms Lotus 62 as inspiration for exclusive debut car
Radford, the historic coachbuilding firm being revived by Formula 1 champion Jenson Button, TV mechanic Ant Anstead and designer Mark Stubbs, has partnered with Lotus for its debut model, set to be revealed later this year. Just 62 examples of the brand’s debut model will be built, a reference to the model that serves as its… Continue reading Radford confirms Lotus 62 as inspiration for exclusive debut car
New 2021 Mercedes-Benz SL: bespoke shell shown ahead of reveal
Mercedes-AMG has revealed new details of the composite aluminium body shell used by the all-new SL roadster, due later this year. Completely unrelated to the structures that underpin the previous-generation SL and current AMG GT, the new body combines an aluminium space frame with a “self-supporting structure”. Mercedes claims the development process was particularly challenging… Continue reading New 2021 Mercedes-Benz SL: bespoke shell shown ahead of reveal
Inside the industry: These premium brands are in trouble
Electrification, connectivity, autonomy, fast-moving start-up companies, a global pandemic, Brexit, semiconductor shortages, changing consumer habits, new retail models, a Suez Canal blockage… The list of short- and long-term challenges facing the car industry today is extensive, occasionally bordering on farcical and for some potentially ruinous. Who is in trouble? Here are five that we rate… Continue reading Inside the industry: These premium brands are in trouble
Mulling things over: What next for Bentley coachbuilding division?
The Bacalar spearheads a new era at Bentley, one in which it hopes its coachbuilding division, Mulliner, will lead a personalisation charge to give customers ever-more exclusive cars (if the idea of ‘more exclusivity’ doesn’t sound like a paradox too far). Mulliner claims to be the world’s oldest coachbuilder, starting out around 500 years ago… Continue reading Mulling things over: What next for Bentley coachbuilding division?
Suzuki Misano concept is EV two-seater with motorbike cues
The Suzuki Misano concept is a sporty two-seater which is claimed to combine the company’s “two souls” of manufacturing cars and motorbikes, styled by a group of 24 masters students at the Istituto Europeo di Design (European Institute of Design). The design is inspired by Suzuki’s brand values, as well as the famous comedy film… Continue reading Suzuki Misano concept is EV two-seater with motorbike cues
Audi and Porsche to collaborate on 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours racers
Audi says it has “largely completed” concept work on its 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours challenger – and has hinted that the machine will be closely related to the new hypercar being developed for the event by sibling company Porsche. The Ingolstadt-based firm has taken 13 victories in the endurance event, most recently with the R18… Continue reading Audi and Porsche to collaborate on 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours racers
Inside the industry: Porsche turned electric dreams into reality
In hindsight, the clues were there two years ago, when talk among friends invetably turned to EVs. I was mounting a defense of the usual complaints (short range, too complex, frail charging infrastructure, not even that green anyway) when someone shuffled forward: “Actually, I’ve just put down a deposit on the Porsche Taycan.” It was… Continue reading Inside the industry: Porsche turned electric dreams into reality
New Maserati Levante Hybrid brings improved agility and efficiency
Maserati has taken its next step towards electrification with the unveiling of the Levante Hybrid, which follows the Ghibli saloon in adopting 48V mild-hybrid functionality for improved efficiency. On sale late this year, the new Levante variant pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a belt-integrated starter-generator, which recovers energy under braking and deceleration… Continue reading New Maserati Levante Hybrid brings improved agility and efficiency