Bristol City Council approves first UK ban for diesel cars

Bristol City Council has approved plans for Britain’s first no-diesel zone in the city centre as part of a drive to improve air quality in the area. The so-called Clean Air Zone, to be implemented in 2021, has been devised as a means of delivering “the fastest possible improvement in air quality against targets for nitrogen… Continue reading Bristol City Council approves first UK ban for diesel cars

Electric Ariel Nomad created as one-off technology showcase

Leading automotive engineering firm BorgWarner has converted an Ariel Nomad off-roader into a fully electric vehicle. The one-off machine was produced as a showcase for electric powertrain technology developed by the US company and its partners. It swaps the 235bhp Honda-built 2.5-litre petrol engine usually found in the Nomad for an electric system that uses two… Continue reading Electric Ariel Nomad created as one-off technology showcase

Porsche: we must diversify beyond selling cars to survive

Porsche must invest in companies looking to solve issues such as traffic in cities rather than rely on selling cars to survive in the future, according to Porsche finance and IT boss Lutz Meschke. “Cities want to reduce traffic, therefore we have to look for solutions which fit our brand. Shared mobility is not enough… Continue reading Porsche: we must diversify beyond selling cars to survive

The Gaydon Triangle: Inside Jaguar Land Rover’s tech HQ

At the centre’s opening, Speth told Autocar that the base would “orchestrate all global engineering sites of Jaguar and Land Rover across the world – from China, Hungary, India, Ireland, Slovakia to the USA. For the first time,” he declared, “we can co-locate the essential divisions of the comprehensive product creation process with critical manpower… Continue reading The Gaydon Triangle: Inside Jaguar Land Rover’s tech HQ

New Audi E-tron Sportback seen ahead of debut next month

The concept mixes the lines of a liftback with the stance of a four-seat SUV to create what the brand describes as “a new class of car” that will attract buyers who might have previously considered an A7 Sportback but want a more commanding view of the road. The E-tron Sportback concept sits on 23in alloy wheels. Opinion: electric… Continue reading New Audi E-tron Sportback seen ahead of debut next month

Mercedes-Maybach GLS drops camo ahead of reveal

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

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