Despite retaining the same aluminium, high-strength steel and composite body panels as future standard GLS models, the new upmarket SUV is expected to sport a different grille and unique headlight and tail-light graphics, as well as added chrome and individual wheel designs in a move aimed at providing it with a more premium appearance in line… Continue reading Mercedes-Maybach GLS drops camo ahead of reveal
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
Ricardo unveils military-spec Ford Ranger pick-up
British engineering firm Ricardo has unveiled a military-spec version of the Ford Ranger pick-up, developed in collaboration with specialist vehicle manufacturer Polaris. Ricardo, which specialises in developing engines and transmissions but has also developed the Land Rover Wolf and Foxhound armoured personnel carriers, has equipped the Ranger with a range of features aimed at improving safety, fuel economy… Continue reading Ricardo unveils military-spec Ford Ranger pick-up
Electric Volvo XC40 gets bespoke Android infotainment
A sketch of the front of the car shows that, as with other EVs, the grille will be replaced by a covered front fascia, which Volvo says will be used to package the sensors for the ADAS. A rear sketch shows that, as with the plug-in hybrid XC40, the charging point will be located on… Continue reading Electric Volvo XC40 gets bespoke Android infotainment
New Aston Martin Vantage Roadster: first images released
Aston Martin has released the first images of a new Vantage Roadster, in engineering prototype form, ahead of an expected launch in the coming months. The hardtop coupé variant of Aston’s Porsche 911 rival has been on sale in its current form since 2018, following its unveiling at the 2017 Los Angeles motor show, spearheading the… Continue reading New Aston Martin Vantage Roadster: first images released
Mini to shrink flagship hatch and launch Traveller crossover
The fourth-generation Mini line-up is again set to include closely related three-door, five-door and Cabriolet models, as well as the larger Clubman and Countryman. It will grow to also include a crossover model that’s larger than the Countryman. The crossover could revive the Traveller name and the electric version will be twinned with the next-generation… Continue reading Mini to shrink flagship hatch and launch Traveller crossover
Volvo UK boss: focus is electric XC40 and online sales
Volvo’s new UK boss has outlined a three-point plan focused on electric cars, boosting online sales and improving dealer profitability – while Brexit is lower down his priority list. In his first interview since taking over in June, Kristian Elvefors said his first big challenge is to launch Volvo’s first all-electric model, a variant of… Continue reading Volvo UK boss: focus is electric XC40 and online sales
Jaguar Land Rover opens giant Advanced Production Creation Centre
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has unveiled a new Advanced Product Creation Centre at its Gaydon HQ, on an expanded site now equal in area to 480 football pitches. Widely known as the Gaydon Triangle because of its unusual layout, the £500 million centre will be a base for almost 13,000 engineers and becomes by far the… Continue reading Jaguar Land Rover opens giant Advanced Production Creation Centre
Mercedes-Benz could end discounts under new sales process
Mercedes-Benz is evaluating a radical overhaul of how it sells cars, potentially removing retailers’ freedom to offer discounts as it seeks to create a seamless sales process and grow online sales in the future. Talking at the Frankfurt motor show, Britta Seeger, head of sales and marketing, highlighted trials that have taken place in Sweden… Continue reading Mercedes-Benz could end discounts under new sales process
The reinvented Land Rover Defender that never was
Initially, the first LCV car – LCV1 – was, according to Peter, “an attempt to knock weight out of a Discovery just by substituting aluminium for steel. The problem was you needed to use heavier section aluminium to maintain the strength of the steel one, so it was a bit of a blind alley.” LCV2 was… Continue reading The reinvented Land Rover Defender that never was
Amazon orders 100,000 electric vans from start-up Rivian
Internet shopping giant Amazon has given a further boost to EV start-up Rivian by placing an order with the company for 100,000 electric delivery vehicles. The fledgling manufacturer is aiming to produce a range of go-anywhere 4×4 EVs built on its own bespoke platform, showcasing the R1 SUV and R1T pickup at last year’s Los… Continue reading Amazon orders 100,000 electric vans from start-up Rivian