Designing the Backfire We met to discuss around a big table inside Equipmake’s Norfolk headquarters. The remit was clear: propose an electric car for maximum driving pleasure, broadly obeying the simple, time-honoured Seven rules of simplicity, lightness and small size but with every detail of our new design optimised to meet the challenges of electrification.… Continue reading New Autocar Backfire is lightweight sports EV for 2030
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Vauxhall cuts Corsa-e and Mokka-e prices by £3000
Vauxhall has become the first manufacturer to cut the price of its electric cars in response to the recent shock reduction in the UK government’s Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG). The firm’s two electric cars, the Vauxhall Corsa-e and Vauxhall Mokka-e, are now £3000 cheaper than they were previously, creating a significant saving for buyers. The… Continue reading Vauxhall cuts Corsa-e and Mokka-e prices by £3000
Electric boat maker accelerates expansion plans
Is it a boat? Is it a plane? In truth, it’s a bit of both, and if Swedish firm Candela has anything to do with it our lakes and oceans will soon be filled with electric hydrofoils and heading for a fossil-fuel free future. Candela claims it tops sales worldwide for electric leisure and commercial… Continue reading Electric boat maker accelerates expansion plans
Mercedes-AMG EQS 53
Owing to the weight, there’s substantial inertia in corners. However, the variable qualities of the four-wheel drive system, which allow up to 100% of drive to either the front or the rear, ensures grip from the upgraded tyres remains strong on most surfaces. Overall balance is very impressive and quite rear-biased when you begin to push.… Continue reading Mercedes-AMG EQS 53
Porsche showcases new 2023 racer for Le Mans 24 Hours return
Porsche has given a first glimpse at its new endurance racing prototype that will compete for victory in the 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours. The German manufacturer will return to top-flight endurance racing for 2023 with a new machine built to the cost-controlled LMDh regulations. Porsche will begin an extensive test programme with the car… Continue reading Porsche showcases new 2023 racer for Le Mans 24 Hours return
Autocar writers’ cars of 2021: Porsche 911 GT3
Being late to the party when it came to Autocar staff each choosing our favourite cars of 2021, I was surprised to discover the latest superstar from Zuffenhausen – winner of this year’s Handling Day contest, no less – remained unspoken for. I wondered how I could have been so wrong about my clearly degenerate… Continue reading Autocar writers’ cars of 2021: Porsche 911 GT3
Damon Hill’s highlights from his F1 glory days
“I got a very late opportunity in F1 and I always thought just getting there was a bloody good achievement,” says Hill, now 61. “I had a good crack with Alain in 1993 and won some grands prix. With Ayrton we never got to find out how I would have matched up. I would have… Continue reading Damon Hill’s highlights from his F1 glory days
Let’s stick together: how Airfix builds its models
REVEL This German model company has a large range of cars in its catalogue, spanning pre-1964 classics to what it calls post-1974 moderns via motorsports, muscle cars and street rods. POCHER Owned by Airfix parent firm Hornby Hobbies since 2020, this Italian company specialises in large, high-quality model cars and motorcycles, with prices starting from… Continue reading Let’s stick together: how Airfix builds its models
Autocar writers’ cars of 2021: Toyota Camry
Yes, I’ve picked a Toyota Camry as my star car of the year. And not even a high-spec one, but a US market version powered by a slightly wheezy and rattly, entirely non-hybrid 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine that pushes out a modest 200bhp. Have I gone made? Well, possibly, but some context is needed. To be… Continue reading Autocar writers’ cars of 2021: Toyota Camry
Volkswagen to increase charging speed of 77kWh ID models
Volkswagen will increase the maximum charging rates for ID electric cars fitted with its largest (77kWh) battery as part of a series of software updates that will also allow for vehicle-to-grid charging. The update, which will be issued to existing ID card through an over-the-air update, will increase the fastest charging rate for ID 3, ID 4 and… Continue reading Volkswagen to increase charging speed of 77kWh ID models