In a Maybach-fighting scenario, only the vast 7 Series and X7 would be suitable conduits. They would have all the walnut trim an oligarch could wish for, but the detail engineering – which in the past has extended to Alpina recasting BMW engine blocks so that they might take an extra turbo – wouldn’t be… Continue reading Alpina has revealed its final standalone car – now what?
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
First pictures of new 2025 Volkswagen T-Roc leaked
The first photos of the next-generation Volkswagen T-Roc have been leaked online ahead of its official reveal, which is expected to take place later this year. The pictures, which appear to have been taken from a prototype’s infotainment or instrument screens, reveal it to be a more aggressive-looking proposition than the current T-Roc. It gets… Continue reading First pictures of new 2025 Volkswagen T-Roc leaked
Audi A5
Audi calls the new hybrid system MHEV Plus, even though it’s not actually a mild-hybrid system. As well as the usual integrated starter-generator (ISG) that handles the start/stop, there’s an electric motor acting on the output side of the gearbox that can regenerate up to 25kW of energy and contribute 25bhp, either to augment the… Continue reading Audi A5
Come April, will all pick-up drivers move into vans?
The automotive industry’s repeated cries for ‘more carrot’ from the UK government to drive the stalling adoption of electric vehicles have so far fallen on deaf ears. All it has had – since the old plug-in car grant was abolished back in 2022, really – is stick. Fines threatened for manufacturers that don’t sell enough EVs (currently ‘under… Continue reading Come April, will all pick-up drivers move into vans?
Inside the race to 5.0mpkWh: the secrets to long-range EVs
Tesla and Volvo, for instance, fit heat pumps as standard to some models but they are expensive components. Polestar, for example, charges £900 for a climate pack including a heat pump. But the cost will fall as production ramps up. Vehicle weight and battery regeneration Weight contributes to tyre and brake losses, especially during city… Continue reading Inside the race to 5.0mpkWh: the secrets to long-range EVs
MG aims to beat UK’s biggest brands with 1/6 the workforce
The whole MG Motor UK operation consists of just 68 people. Its head office in London includes a styling studio and a showroom but still has not just empty desks but empty floors, while the engineering team at Longbridge is just a few people tasked with setting up the Chinese company’s cars for British roads… Continue reading MG aims to beat UK’s biggest brands with 1/6 the workforce
MPs find state of England’s local roads is ‘national embarrassment’
The Department for Transport (DfT) is failing in its responsibility to care for local roads such that their condition is now a “national embarrassment”. That’s according to a damning new report published by the House of Commons’ Public Accounts Committee – the group of MPs responsible for overseeing the value for money and services provided… Continue reading MPs find state of England’s local roads is ‘national embarrassment’
Polestar 7 confirmed as Europe-built, Evoque-rivalling SUV
The new Polestar 7 will be a Range Rover Evoque-sized premium SUV and the firm’s first model produced in Europe. The Swedish firm has confirmed early details of the new EV as part of a revised strategy, which includes a target to grow sales by 30-35% in the coming three years. The forthcoming 7, previously announced as… Continue reading Polestar 7 confirmed as Europe-built, Evoque-rivalling SUV
Alpina B8 GT revealed as firm’s final and most powerful car
Alpina has revealed the B8 GT, its final model as an independent entity. The company formally known as Alpina Burkard Bovensiepen GmbH + Co KG will cease to exist after 31 December 2025, with ownership of the Alpina brand transferring to BMW. The B8 GT is therefore the final ‘proper’ Alpina, following the similarly conceived B3 GT and B4… Continue reading Alpina B8 GT revealed as firm’s final and most powerful car
Peugeot boss calls on government to “stimulate” electric car sales
Peugeot CEO Linda Jackson says the government should find ways to “stimulate” the market for new and used electric cars, in order to accelerate the transition from ICE to EV power. Speaking to Autocar at the Brussels motor show, Jackson said Peugeot’s eight-strong passenger EV line-up is the “largest of any European manufacturer”, and hailed… Continue reading Peugeot boss calls on government to “stimulate” electric car sales