Registrations of pure-electric cars have almost doubled in 2020, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), while diesel numbers have more than halved. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, 86,291 EVs were registered between January and November, representing an increase of 37,850 over 2019’s numbers. The sales increase for electric cars… Continue reading Electric car registrations double while diesels plummet in 2020
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Aston Martin to offer combustion engines beyond 2030
Aston Martin will continue to make cars powered solely by an internal combustion engine beyond 2030. Aston chairman Lawrence Stroll, speaking at the Financial Times Future of the Car Summit, said there were “always going to be enthusiasts” who would want cars powered solely by internal combustion engines (ICE), and Aston would cater for them.… Continue reading Aston Martin to offer combustion engines beyond 2030
GKN electric drive systems to power 13 new electrified models
GKN Automotive, a tier one supplier that has sold over a million of its eAxle electric axle systems, has announced that 13 more electrified models powered by its eDrive technology will soon go on sale. The models, from four global manufacturers, range from four-wheel-drive SUVs to a battery-electric city car. The powertrain line-up includes GKN’s… Continue reading GKN electric drive systems to power 13 new electrified models
Volkswagen committed to ‘entry-level’ ID electric models
Volkswagen CEO Ralf Brandstätter says the firm is fully committed to producing a small electric ‘people’s car’, with a target starting price of £17,800, as part of its fast-growing ID range. The German firm is currently rolling out a number of electric-only models on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB platform, starting with the ID 3 hatch earlier this… Continue reading Volkswagen committed to ‘entry-level’ ID electric models
2022 BMW X7 begins on-road testing with new front end
BMW has begun on-road testing of the updated version of its X7 luxury SUV, launched just two years ago, ahead of an anticipated launch in 2022. The facelifted X7 will retain the current car’s striking front grille, in line with the company’s commitment to its radical but controversial new styling direction. These new images confirm that the restyling will instead… Continue reading 2022 BMW X7 begins on-road testing with new front end
Lamborghini Sian makes dynamic debut with limited-run Ducati
The new Lamborghini Siån – a hybrid hypercar packing 808bhp from an electrified V12 – has been shown on the move for the first time as subsidiary company Ducati unwrapped a matching version of its Diavel 1260 sports motorbike. Limited to 630 units, the Diavel 1260 Lamborghini is finished in the same Verde Gea and Oro… Continue reading Lamborghini Sian makes dynamic debut with limited-run Ducati
Aston Martin to provide F1 safety cars from 2021
Aston Martin will provide the safety and medical cars at more than half of the Formula 1 races next season. The agreement, which is yet to be formally announced but which has been confirmed by Racefans.net, will result in Aston Martin taking over the duties from part-shareholder Mercedes at 12 of the planned 23 races… Continue reading Aston Martin to provide F1 safety cars from 2021
Successful BMW pilot takes control of sales process from dealers
BMW could adopt a more digital sales approach after the successful completion of a pilot project by its subsidiary in South Africa. The strategy would mean customers deal directly with BMW when it comes to pricing, purchasing and invoicing. The recent announcement of Peter van Binsbergen as the incoming boss at BMW SA is likely… Continue reading Successful BMW pilot takes control of sales process from dealers
Under the skin: How Stanford is lightening EV batteries via lithium
In a decade or two, we’ll all probably look back and laugh at the angst over EV battery size, weight and capacity, but for now, making improvements to all three is what everybody is hoping for. It’s beginning to look increasingly likely that those improvements won’t come from some massive breakthrough, such as a completely… Continue reading Under the skin: How Stanford is lightening EV batteries via lithium
Established 1895: Autocar’s role in the transport revolution
Lawson has called to see the editor of The Cyclist, a solemn-looking former schoolteacher named Henry Sturmey, who founded the magazine – originally known as The Bicyclists’ Independent Handbook – in 1879 at the age of 22 and later sold the title to the enterprising Iliffe company, which prints the lithographic transfers for the cycle… Continue reading Established 1895: Autocar’s role in the transport revolution