Radical environmentally friendly organic batteries are a “very promising technology” being evaluated by Mercedes-Benz for future use in road cars – but it’s at least 15 years away from mainstream production. The technology was previewed on the future-gazing Mercedes-Benz Vision AVTR concept car unveiled earlier this year. Organic batteries are made from graphene-based organic-cell chemistry with… Continue reading Mercedes-Benz: organic batteries a ‘very promising’ technology
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Facelifted BMW 5 Series spied in saloon and estate forms
Further design changes include redesigned headlights and a more heavily structured front bumper that incorporates newly designed air vents, including vertical air curtain ducts at the outer edges. Changes at the rear are likely to be less significant, although the plastic wrap adorning the spied prototypes hints at styling revisions to the tail-lights, rear bumper, tailpipes and area around the numberplate.… Continue reading Facelifted BMW 5 Series spied in saloon and estate forms
Q&A: Mercedes CEO on EV strategy, F1, Smart and more
Will there be an electric G-Class? “The G-Wagen seems to transcend all segments. It’s its own company, almost. But yes, the G-Wagen will go electric in a few years.” Will you keep your connection with Formula 1? “As you know, negotiations are proceeding right now over the framework of a new F1 agreement for the… Continue reading Q&A: Mercedes CEO on EV strategy, F1, Smart and more
Honda bucks industry trend by removing touchscreen controls
Honda has done what no other car maker is doing, and returned to analogue controls for some functions on the new Honda Jazz. While most manufacturers are moving to touchscreen controls, identifying smartphone use as their inspiration – most recently seen in Audi’s latest A3 – Honda has decided to reintroduce heating and air conditioning… Continue reading Honda bucks industry trend by removing touchscreen controls
Next Toyota GT86 confirmed for 2021 in leaked presentation
The original GT86 pre-dated the creation of that brand, which started with the GR Supra and will also include the GR Yaris, the first model developed purely by Gazoo Racing. The next GT86 is set to be rebranded to bring it in line with that nomenclature. The next-gen sports car will feature some substantial changes… Continue reading Next Toyota GT86 confirmed for 2021 in leaked presentation
Coronavirus: UK drivers granted six-month MOT exemption
Vehicle owners will be granted a six-month exemption from MOT testing, in an effort to keep essential workers on the road during the Covid-19 outbreak. The exemption comes into effect from 30 March, but the Department for Transport has warned that vehicles should only be used “to travel to work where this absolutely cannot be… Continue reading Coronavirus: UK drivers granted six-month MOT exemption
New Aston Martin V6 hybrid will be brand’s most powerful engine
Aston Martin has detailed its new, in-house-designed hybrid V6 powertrain for the first time. Set to be deployed initially in the Valhalla mid-engined supercar from 2022, the engine has already undergone “extensive” dyno testing. It is codenamed TM01 after Tadek Marek, Aston’s famed engineer of the 1950s and 1960s. The turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, the brand’s first… Continue reading New Aston Martin V6 hybrid will be brand’s most powerful engine
Nissan Z trademark filing hints at 370Z successor
Nissan has filed a new Z trademark, giving the strongest hint yet that it’s readying a replacement for the 370Z sports car. This trademark was filed by Nissan just days ago with the Government of Canada, as first reported by Motor Trend, and shows the Japanese company is committed to its long-standing sports car. Talking to Autocar… Continue reading Nissan Z trademark filing hints at 370Z successor
Autocar lunchbox: Colin McRae remembered, Rodin’s rib-breaker and more
It’s everyone’s favourite part of the working day, lunchtime, and you’re no doubt craving a hefty dose of car-related content. So we’ve revived our Autocar Lunchbox feature to bring you our favourite videos, stories, photos, quotes and more all in one place. Here are today’s picks: HOT NEWS Four is more for Volkswagen So, Volkswagen’s first… Continue reading Autocar lunchbox: Colin McRae remembered, Rodin’s rib-breaker and more
Fastest ever Nurburgring lap times – the definitive rundown
In fact, Radical has two cars in the rear drive top 5, the other being the SR8. 4 – Porsche 911 GT3 RS (991.2) – 6:56:04 Porsche’s old-school approach to record-setting saw few tweaks required to the GT3 RS, with only a racing bucket seat and harness chosen from the options list along with the weight-saving… Continue reading Fastest ever Nurburgring lap times – the definitive rundown