Author: Autocar Magazine UK

Five-star Car: Porsche 911 S/T

Fire up the S/T and you’re treated to one of the most unmistakable sounds in the world of road cars. It’s the nasal, faintly metallic gargle of Porsche’s atmospheric flat six overlaid with the uneven, snare-drum rasp of a single- mass flywheel. It’s an intensely mechanical sound at mesmerising odds with that sport-luxe cabin. From then… Continue reading Five-star Car: Porsche 911 S/T

Micra-management: Nissan boss unwraps firm’s comeback plan

Currently reading: Micra-management: Nissan boss unwraps firm’s comeback plan The Japanese firm’s new CEO, 46-year-old Mexican Ivan Espinosa, shares his turnaround plan Open gallery Like the only other non-Japanese CEO did before him, Espinosa will need to forge Renault relations New Leaf will spearhead Nissan’s EV drive in Europe, joined by next-gen Micra and Juke… Continue reading Micra-management: Nissan boss unwraps firm’s comeback plan

My Week In Cars: New Steve Cropley/Matt Prior podcast (ep. 146)

This week Steve Cropley and Matt Prior meet to talk Luca de Meo’s exit from Renault, an unusually pleasurable slow driving experience in London, how Volkswagen could use in-wheel motors to create a 4wd ID2 R hot hatchback, the Triumph Spitfire, and much more besides including your correspondence.  Make sure you never miss an Autocar podcast.… Continue reading My Week In Cars: New Steve Cropley/Matt Prior podcast (ep. 146)

Ian Callum turns original Mini into 110bhp hot hatch

Ian Callum’s eponymous design house has partnered with renowned Mini coachbuilder Wood & Pickett to reimagine the city car as a hot hatch fitted with modern technology. It is based on the bodyshell of the Mk5 Mini Sportspack – the wide-arched version built from 1997-2001, at the end of the model’s production run – but is overhauled… Continue reading Ian Callum turns original Mini into 110bhp hot hatch

Why Richard Burns is the WRC’s unsung hero

If I were to ask everyone in the office to name their favourite rally driver, I’d put money on names like Röhrl, Kankkunen, Sainz, Mäkinen and McRae being thrown about. Indeed, these hotshoes all have the stats to prove their endless driving talent. But for me there’s one that deserves to stand head and shoulders… Continue reading Why Richard Burns is the WRC’s unsung hero

Outside the box: is the strange Nissan Sakura the future of motoring?

So what’s it like to drive? Well, a short wheelbase, tiny wheels, a light weight, nimble steering and instant electric torque sounds like a good mix, doesn’t it? Of course it is. The Sakura has a sprightly zip under acceleration and the power delivery is smooth and effortless. It’s hugely responsive and has Mini-esque small-car… Continue reading Outside the box: is the strange Nissan Sakura the future of motoring?

Volkswagen ID 2 GTI set to gain 282bhp Clubsport model

Volkswagen is developing a hardcore Clubsport version of the upcoming ID 2 GTI, according to insiders. The front-wheel-drive ID 2 GTI, revealed in near-ready concept form, is due on sale towards the end of 2026 with around 223bhp from VW’s new-generation APP550 electric motor. But Autocar has learned that engineers at VW’s research and development… Continue reading Volkswagen ID 2 GTI set to gain 282bhp Clubsport model

Eighties excess: Ferrari F40 meets Porsche 959

Blockbuster supercar showdowns are rare and always momentous occasions. Typically coming perhaps only once a decade, comparisons of the latest boundary-pushing feats of incredible engineering never fail to excite and inspire. And one of the greatest of all appeared in Autocar in the summer of 1988: Ferrari F40 versus Porsche 959. Despite them appearing at first glance… Continue reading Eighties excess: Ferrari F40 meets Porsche 959

Summer of fun: the top motoring events to attend this year

Now that you’ve got your used car for the summer, where are you going to take it? Fortunately, the UK is blessed with no end of excuses for a drive, ranging from must-see museums and events to must-tour roads. In recent years, they have been joined by a growing roster of weekend and weekday-evening pub meets and cars-and-coffee gatherings.  A… Continue reading Summer of fun: the top motoring events to attend this year