Author: Autocar Magazine UK

Mazda ponders MX-5’s future

Mazda bosses are deliberating on the next generation of its existing sports car, the MX-5, by considering how to improve the popular model while potentially using an electrified powertrain. Given its relatively low volume, the MX-5 might be one of the few cars that could avoid being electrified for its fifth generation but, either way,… Continue reading Mazda ponders MX-5’s future

Ford could expand Mustang line-up further in future

He added: “The latest Mustang in Europe has gained another level of popularity, so we have a bigger base for the Mustang brand. The Mustang and the Porsche 911 are the most famous sports cars on the planet. Mustang is a big nameplate and it’s about time we applied electrification to it. “People now understand… Continue reading Ford could expand Mustang line-up further in future

First ride: 2020 Ford Mustang Mach-E prototype

The car is exceptionally spacious too: four six footers could easily go on holiday together, there’s a decent boot and a quite brilliant ‘frunk’ (front trunk) lined in hard plastic with drain holes. The idea is you can fill it with ice and beer, transport anything from raw fish to hot curry without the smell… Continue reading First ride: 2020 Ford Mustang Mach-E prototype

Electric Ford Mustang Mach-E is Tesla Model Y rival

The car lacks conventional door handles, instead featuring buttons that pop open the doors and small holds protruding from the front doors. Owners can use their smartphones as keys, or use a keypad built into the B-pillar. The Mustang Mach-E sports a more radical interior, with a wide dashboard featuring a Mustang ‘double cowl’ and… Continue reading Electric Ford Mustang Mach-E is Tesla Model Y rival

All mod cons: driving Porsche, Jensen and Alfaholics restomods

But it’s the handling that makes it. Before I drove the GTA-R, the man from Alfaholics said it was more rewarding than a Ferrari 430 Scuderia, which I humoured with a ‘well, he would say that’ sort of nod. Yet its balance is so good that I think he’s right. Going into a corner there’s… Continue reading All mod cons: driving Porsche, Jensen and Alfaholics restomods

Full of gas: 6 weeks with a hydrogen-powered car

Which begs the question – why aren’t we switching to hydrogen fuel-cell cars rather than battery-electrics? That’s too complex a question to fully answer here, but part of the reason for driving the Nexo to the Frankfurt show is to interview Hyundai’s Dr Sae-Hoon Kim, who heads up its hydrogen fuel-cell business and can update… Continue reading Full of gas: 6 weeks with a hydrogen-powered car

Ice to meet you: Introducing the coldest large-scale indoor test track in the world

Around the edges are banks of crusty, icier snow, which Mäki reassuringly tells me will prevent an out-of-control Tiguan punching a hole in the facility wall. The track is quite narrow at nine metres, but there’s plenty of space to enter and exit on a wide line. Mäki demonstrates his lifelong mastery of snow driving,… Continue reading Ice to meet you: Introducing the coldest large-scale indoor test track in the world

Toyota teases hot GR Yaris Prototype with rally heritage

Toyota is set to reveal a new hot GR Yaris Prototype – set to be a rally-derived version featuring four-wheel-drive – next month. The machine, which will effectively succeed the previous generation’s limited-run Yaris GRMN as the range-topping version of the small hatch, has been teased with a single image released by Toyota on social… Continue reading Toyota teases hot GR Yaris Prototype with rally heritage

Rear-driven Audi R8 made full-time member of range

Audi has expanded its R8 line-up by making a rear-wheel-drive variant a full-time member for the first time. The limited-edition V10 RWS was released in 2018 as the first ever rear-driven R8. That model comprises the basis of the new car, which is named the V10 RWD and will be available to order in the UK from January 2020. The supercar, which… Continue reading Rear-driven Audi R8 made full-time member of range