The world’s first electric foiling raceboat has completed its first ever test tun in northern Italy. The Racebird, which is the brainchild of Norwegian designer Sophi Horne, is a 150kW electric foiling boat which has been developed for the upcoming E1 world championship. Taking to the River Po in San Nazzaro, northern Italy, a prototype… Continue reading Racebird electric foiling boat completes first test run
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Under the skin: How EV researchers are chasing material gains
Maybe it’s no surprise but the worldwide boom in electric vehicles is spawning furious activity in battery development. Work is going on to improve existing lithium ion technology (such as solid-state batteries that do away with liquid electrolyte), but determined efforts are being made to perfect the use of more diverse ingredients, too. Most are… Continue reading Under the skin: How EV researchers are chasing material gains
Lotus primes Type 133 saloon to rival Porsche Taycan
Having unveiled its crucial Eletre SUV, Lotus will now shift focus to readying its second Chinese-built ‘lifestyle’ EV, the Type 133 saloon, for launch in 2023. The Type 133, which will follow Lotus convention in getting a name beginning with ‘E’ in production guise, will provide the brand with a more direct rival to the hugely popular Porsche Taycan,… Continue reading Lotus primes Type 133 saloon to rival Porsche Taycan
Twisted T90 EV Defender
Engineered by Dutch electronics specialists Plower, the Twisted EV Defender conversion effectively swaps out the standard car’s gearbox (upstream of the old-school four-wheel drive system) for a 268bhp electric motor, and fills the space where its engine and fuel tank would have otherwise been with liquid-cooled lithium ion batteries and power electronics. If you have… Continue reading Twisted T90 EV Defender
All seams good: inside the world of leather upholstery
In contrast, a CNC stamping machine can be ready to punch perforations in the time it takes for a designer to create a pattern on a software package such as Adobe Illustrator or Autocad. The CNC machine features two moving heads with five electronically controlled pins on each. The pins are interchangeable, come in five… Continue reading All seams good: inside the world of leather upholstery
Toyota Supra sports car to get manual gearbox option
After months of rumours, Toyota has confirmed it will introduce a long-mooted manual gearbox option for its Supra flagship sports car. The Toyota Supra was launched in 2019, sharing much of its powertrain and chassis with the similarly positioned BMW Z4. The headline engine option is a 335bhp 3.0-litre straight-six, and an entry-level 2.0-litre, four-cylinder… Continue reading Toyota Supra sports car to get manual gearbox option
Opinion: Hamlin’s Toyota Owners 400 victory was a dream come true
Denny Hamlin delivered a victory for the Nascar Cup Series’ old guard by claiming his first win of 2022 on home territory in Richmond, Virginia. The 41-year-old three-time Daytona 500 winner took the lead from William Byron with only five laps to run to head fellow veteran Kevin Harvick across the line by just 0.552sec.… Continue reading Opinion: Hamlin’s Toyota Owners 400 victory was a dream come true
New Renault concept to showcase hydrogen plans on 19 May
Renault will reveal a new concept car on 19 May, showcasing a fresh approach to design and previewing plans for a new hydrogen powertrain. The car was previewed earlier this year in Renault‘s annual results presentation, and while details are thin on the ground, it clearly bears a raft of new design cues – including angular… Continue reading New Renault concept to showcase hydrogen plans on 19 May
New York motor show 2022 report
Kia’s largest model, the 2023 Telluride has been fully revealed in New York, thus making its first public appearance. The three-row SUV is unlikely to make it to the UK, but the new model will feature new design elements inside out. Updated technology and convenience kit are both expected, including a new, large central infotainment screen.… Continue reading New York motor show 2022 report
Range Rover Velar gains six-cylinder mild-hybrid HST variants
Land Rover has added two new models to the Range Rover Velar line-up, which are driven by a choice of petrol and diesel engines with mild-hybrid technology. The Range Rover Velar HST 400 is driven by a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine, producing 394bhp and 405lb ft. The Range Rover Velar HST 300, meanwhile, is powered by… Continue reading Range Rover Velar gains six-cylinder mild-hybrid HST variants