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’
Author: Autocar Magazine UK
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
Nvidia: fully autonomous cars ‘not close’ to production reality
Fully autonomous cars are “not close” and unlikely to go into full use on public roads until well into the next decade, according to the automotive boss of tech giant Nvidia. The Californian firm produces the advanced computing systems and software that are being used by a large number of leading car firms, including JLR,… Continue reading Nvidia: fully autonomous cars ‘not close’ to production reality
2000bhp EV super-truck uses radical in-wheel performance motors
Slovenian firm Elaphe Propulsion Technologies has revealed what it claims is the first in-wheel electric motor that is compatible with high-performance brakes – and the technology has been previewed in a 2000bhp supercar concept. The new Sonic 1 is a thin electric motor capable of producing 268bhp and 737lb ft of torque and it can… Continue reading 2000bhp EV super-truck uses radical in-wheel performance motors
Porsche mulls new ICE Macan amid drop in sales
While the primary focus for extending ICE production has been the Cayenne, sources within Porsche suggest that a new ICE Macan is being reconsidered as part of a “range of product scenarios”. “The reception to the new Macan [Electric] has been positive, but we are yet to see its long-term performance, given uncertain market conditions,”… Continue reading Porsche mulls new ICE Macan amid drop in sales
Audi S5
With 362bhp, the new S5 is no particular step up from what went before. The old S4 had 349bhp before it got a diesel engine and the rival BMW M340i has 369bhp but, as we will see, that’s plenty for an enjoyably quick sports saloon. Despite being very slightly down on power and a good… Continue reading Audi S5
New Sunderland plant will build motors for next-gen Nissan EVs
A new plant that will build powertrains for Nissan’s next-generation electric vehicles, including successors to the Leaf, Quashqai and Juke, will be built at its Sunderland site. Operated by Japan Automatic Transmission Company (JATCO), a firm majority owned by Nissan and which already produces transmissions for other car makers including Renault, the new factory will… Continue reading New Sunderland plant will build motors for next-gen Nissan EVs
Volkswagen ID 7 clocks 584 miles of range – at 18mph
Volkswagen has eked a whopping 584 miles of range out of a standard Volkswagen ID 7 – albeit at a snail’s pace, averaging just 18mph in the process. The brand sought to figure out how far an ID 7 can be driven in optimal conditions and chose a Pro S model with an 86kWh (usable)… Continue reading Volkswagen ID 7 clocks 584 miles of range – at 18mph