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From the archive: on this day in 1937
The LEVC TX of modern London has a heritage stretching back to 1930, spanning over six generations of taxi.
In 1925, a new Tory government imposed tariffs on commercial vehicles to cover war costs. This made the expensive French Unic taxis unaffordable, leading Mann & Overton, a dealer, to ask Austin to create a new model.
Austin decided to reuse the chassis of their old “heavy” Twelve car. They kept the 27bhp four-cylinder engine but made adjustments to the gearbox and steering for a tighter turning radius.
Coachbuilders provided the bodies, usually landaulet style, which had extra height compared to other taxis. This earned them the nickname “high lot” and made them popular among top-hat wearers.
According to the 1906 Conditions of Fitness, one side of the taxi was open, which was unpleasant on wet and windy days. It had a squeezer horn and an external carburettor killer for security. The upright driving position offered excellent visibility, and combined with great maneuverability, it allowed the driver to confidently navigate seemingly impossible spaces.
The performance of the taxi was sufficient for city traffic, although attempting higher speeds, such as at Brooklands, proved to be “amusing.” The taxi’s weight of around 1420kg gave it a stable feel while driving, but the constant vibration from the metalwork countered the comfort of the leather-lined seating area.
It’s remarkable how little has changed in the past 86 years, yet also how much has.
Lancia’s Aprilia masterpiece
Lancia’s Augusta gained popularity in the UK in 1933, so there was anticipation for its successor, the Aprilia. This pillarless saloon achieved a new aerodynamic record with a coefficient of drag of 0.47Cd. Despite its humble 45bhp from the 1.4-litre V4 engine, it had a remarkably low weight of 890kg due to its unitary body construction (a concept developed by Lancia in 1922), resulting in brisk performance. The engine was so smooth and refined that it felt like a six-cylinder.
The Aprilia boasted fully independent suspension, a rarity at the time, providing exceptional riding comfort and a reassuringly safe handling experience. It was the final car designed by Vincenzo Lancia – truly a remarkable vehicle.
UK government fails to deliver on road-building promise
In 1935, with the effects of the 1931 European banking crisis fading and the number of cars in Britain reaching 2.5 million, the government decided to embark on a significant road-building plan. The Ministry of Transport announced a £100 million fund for this purpose.
However, by 1937, when an additional 500 vehicles were joining the traffic every day, there was very little noticeable progress. It was revealed that only £6.45 million had been spent in the first two years. We observed that the majority of funds were being allocated to national armament, which, in hindsight, turned out to be a good thing…
Autocar magazine 28 June: on sale now
This week in Autocar, we explore the upcoming lineup of Audi RS electric vehicles, test drive the highly anticipated Kia EV9, and compare three manual driver’s cars.
News
Audi Sport is expanding its electric vehicle offerings with a range of powerful successors to its fastest combustion cars, including the RS3 and RS7. With a renewed focus on the RS brand, we delve into Audi’s plans for the future.
Toyota has reimagined the C-HR for a new generation, featuring sharp styling and the introduction of a hybrid option for the first time.
In addition, the Dacia Sandero is set to be reborn as a rugged, raised supermini with pure-electric power, while still maintaining its reputation for affordability, making it one of Europe’s most popular cars.
We also uncover why a used Ineos Grenadier can sometimes have a higher price tag than a new one and discuss the potential adoption of an agency model by Toyota.
Reviews
Kia has followed up the success of the EV6 with the launch of the EV9, priced at £65,000. Our own Steve Cropley travels to Seoul to test drive the EV9 and discover what sets it apart.
Matt Saunders is in Germany to test the latest generation of Chinese electric cars – the Hiphi Y and Hiphi X. The Hiphi Y is a saloon with 663bhp, aiming to compete with the Audi E-tron GT, while the Hiphi X is a £110,000 SUV challenging rivals such as the Tesla Model X and BMW iX. Are these vehicles worth the wait?
Matt Prior reviews the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and concludes that it offers the most enjoyable driving experience among electric vehicles. Find out why in his detailed review.
Our team is also putting the Mercedes-AMG S36 E Performance, Peugeot e-2008, BMW M760e xDrive, Peugeot’s new 3008, and the BYD Dolphin to the test.
Features
We pay tribute to the manual gearbox by comparing three exceptional driver’s cars. The BMW M2, the only new M car available with a manual gearbox, goes up against two of the best stick-shifters in the industry: the Mazda MX-5 and Honda Civic Type R. Who will come out on top?
Considering buying a European used car imported from Japan? John Evans explores the pros and cons, revealing whether there are significant differences beneath the surface despite their similar appearances.
Off-roaders have evolved significantly over the years. But can modern tech-filled luxury SUVs outperform the original utilitarian workhorses when it comes to off-road capabilities? To find out, we compare a Willys Jeep with the brand new Range Rover.
Opinion
Matt Prior shares his experience driving the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N and highlights how it allows drivers to engage their muscle memory and appreciate engine sounds with a simulated gearshift and rev counter reaching 8000rpm.
Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance
The Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance is the most powerful S-Class yet, with 791bhp and 1055lb ft of power and torque. However, this increased power comes with the downside of adding 309kg to the car’s weight, bringing it to a total of 2520kg.
Equipped with AMG’s nine-speed automatic gearbox and four-wheel drive system, the S63 E Performance can go from 0 to 62mph in just 3.3 seconds.
Although its performance numbers are impressive, the question remains: can this larger and heavier S63 deliver the same level of engagement and dynamics as its highly rated predecessor?
The S63 E Performance offers seven different driving modes: Electric, Comfort, Battery Hold, Sport, Sport+, Slippery, and Individual. This provides the car with incredible versatility for various driving conditions. In everyday driving, the Comfort mode utilizes both petrol and electric power sources to offer a refined and urgent experience on the motorway, giving the impression that there’s always more power to spare.
Switching to Sport+ mode unleashes the true sledgehammer performance of the S63 E Performance, with the electric motor’s torque compensating for any lag as the turbos spool up. This results in acceleration similar to that of a supercar, thanks to the 4Matic+ system and electronically controlled limited-slip differential that provide outstanding traction and determination when applying full throttle. However, due to the combination of two separate gearboxes and the 4Matic+ system, there can be some unruly shunt, particularly at low speeds and when accelerating quickly.
New 2023 BMW X1 M35i: A Powerful Performance Upgrade
The new BMW X1 now has a performance variant called the M35i, which aims to rival the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35. This upgraded model features various chassis and engine enhancements.
Under the hood, the X1 M35i is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, similar to the ones found in the BMW 2 Series Coupé, Morgan Plus Four, and Toyota GR Supra. With upgrades, this engine now produces 296 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 5.4 seconds, slightly slower than the GLA 35 by 0.2 seconds.
All-wheel drive is standard on the X1 M35i, and power is transmitted through a seven-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox. Improved traction is achieved with the addition of a mechanical limited-slip differential at the front end.
For enhanced handling, the M35i comes with adaptive suspension as standard, lowering the ride height by 15mm compared to regular X1 models. The stability control and traction control systems have also been revised, allowing for faster corrective inputs.
On the outside, the M35i features a more aggressive bodykit with larger air dams at the front, along with a prominent rear spoiler and a quad-exhaust-pipe arrangement.
The interior of the M35i receives sportier seats with increased bolstering. Optional M Sport buckets are available as well. The steering wheel is adorned with M Sport stitching, while the rest of the interior remains similar to the standard X1.
The price for the X1 M35i in the UK starts at £45,995, which is £7,125 less than the GLA 35 but nearly £6,000 more than the outgoing Mini Countryman JCW. European customers can expect deliveries to begin in November.
New 2023 BMW X1 M35i brings 296bhp for £45,995
The M performance variant of the new BMW X1 has arrived, bringing a range of chassis and engine tweaks aimed at usurping the Mercedes-AMG GLA 35.
Called the X1 M35i, it’s powered by an upgraded version of the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine featured in the BMW 2 Series Coupé, Morgan Plus Four and Toyota GR Supra, among others. In the M35i, its power and torque outputs peak at 296bhp and 295lb ft, allowing the crossover to complete the 0-62mph sprint in 5.4sec – 0.2sec behind the GLA 35.
Power is delivered to all four wheels through a seven-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox, with a mechanical limited-slip differential improving traction at the front end.
As for chassis tweaks, adaptive suspension is fitted as standard to the M35i, which sits 15mm lower than conventional variants of the X1. The stability control and traction control systems have also been revised to reduce the length of their physical connections, allowing them to provide corrective inputs up to 10 times faster than before.
New 19in alloy wheels are fitted as standard, reducing unsprung weight and providing enough room for optional M Compound brakes. These discs – 385mm drilled units up front and regular 335mm items at the rear – are made from cast iron and aluminium and are claimed by BMW to improve stopping power while further reducing unsprung weight.
To further distinguish the M35i from regular X1s visually, it receives a more aggressive bodykit with larger air dams at the front. At the rear is a more prominent spoiler and quad-exhaust-pipe arrangement.
Inside, the M35i gains a pair of more aggressively bolstered sports seats, but buyers can also specify the optional M Sport buckets pictured here. An M Sport leather stitched steering wheel is standard, but the rest of the interior largely mirrors the regular X1.
Prices start from £45,995 in the UK – £7125 less than the GLA 35 but nearly £6000 more than the outgoing Mini Countryman JCW. European deliveries begin in November.
Diesel owners entitled to compensation following ruling by German federal court
The highest federal court in Germany has determined that car manufacturers must provide compensation to owners of diesel cars equipped with illegal emission manipulation devices.
This decision comes after a lengthy class-action lawsuit filed against Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen by diesel car owners in Germany.
The federal court’s ruling overturns previous dismissals by state courts, which had referred the claims of diesel car owners to lower courts of appeal.
In its ruling, Germany’s federal court stated that the car manufacturers bear the burden of proving that their diesel emission manipulation devices are not illegal.
As a result of the ruling, owners can now claim between 5% and 15% of the purchase price of their diesel cars that are fitted with illegal emission manipulation devices. This judgment has direct implications for similar lawsuits against other car manufacturers in Germany.
Owners had argued that the value of their diesel cars had been negatively affected due to the use of illegal diesel emission manipulation devices.
The judge referred to several diesel emission manipulation devices, including the so-called “thermal window software programs” allegedly used by Audi, Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz.
“Thermal window software program” refers to a device that reduces or disables the nitrous oxide filtering effect of the selective catalytic reduction system within a specific temperature range in a diesel exhaust system.
When diesel cars are started under cold conditions, there is a risk of condensation buildup in their selective catalytic reduction filter systems.
The car manufacturers have argued that the use of thermal window software programs, which reduce or disable the filtering effect, helps prevent condensation and the risk of rust buildup, thereby protecting the engine.
However, this practice results in significantly higher nitrous oxide and particulate emissions than claimed by the manufacturers.
Volkswagen, when questioned about the ruling, stated that its diesel emission systems are not illegal and expects the court to continue rejecting any compensation claims.
Mercedes-Benz argued that European regulatory authorities considered thermal window software programs permissible until July 2022. Therefore, they believe the use of such programs cannot be seen as negligence.
Watch F1 Drivers Race Monster Trucks
Red Bull racer Max Verstappen, known for pushing the limits in extreme sports and competition, had the unique opportunity to drive a monster truck. The unconventional race took place in Austria at the Erzberg Mines as a warm-up for the Austrian Grand Prix. Verstappen’s opponent was Yuki Tsunoda, the reigning Unserious Race Series champion, and the goal was to dethrone him.
The monster trucks used in the race were massive, standing over 10 feet tall and measuring 16 feet long. With 500 horsepower, they raced around a recreation of Austria’s Red Bull Ring. Unfortunately for Verstappen, his engine misfired as soon as the race started, giving Tsunoda the advantage. Despite qualifying in pole position with a three-second margin, Verstappen couldn’t secure the win. This victory marked Tsunoda and Scuderia AlphaTauri’s second consecutive win following their victory against Daniel Ricciardo in a boat race in Miami. Regardless of the outcome, the race showcased the impressive skills of both drivers, even in the unconventional setting of driving monster trucks instead of traditional race cars or exotic cars.
Rob Dyrdek’s Ferrari Ownership History Through Illustrated Art
Rob Dyrdek, a successful entrepreneur known for his achievements in the world of skateboarding and action sports, also has a passion for Ferrari cars. He has amassed a remarkable collection of Italian supercars, which he recently showcased in a collection of illustrated portraits. The artwork was created by the artists at Road Race Rally and gifted to Rob Dyrdek. The collection includes illustrations of his past and present Ferrari cars.
Among the artworks are illustrations of Rob’s current cars, including the green GTC4Lusso and white 812 GTS. The collection also features illustrations of his previous Ferraris, such as the black 488 Pista, grey FF, white 488 GTB, black F12 Berlinetta, white 458 Italia, and black 612 Scaglietti. Each car holds a special place in Rob’s heart, representing different chapters of his life.
Rob Dyrdek’s love for Ferraris continues, as he eagerly awaits the production of his new Ferrari Roma and Ferrari SF90 Spider from Ferrari Tailor Made. He has no plans to stop growing his collection and is dedicated to acquiring every new supercar released by Ferrari.
To see the full collection of Ferraris currently for sale, you can visit the duPont REGISTRY website through the link here.
Rob Dyrdek’s love for Ferraris is evident in his collection of illustrated artworks that depict his past and present supercars. Each car represents a different chapter of his life, and he continues to expand his collection with new Ferrari releases. In addition to his current cars, Rob is eagerly anticipating the production of his new Ferrari Roma and SF90 Spider. If you’re interested in exploring all the available Ferrari models for sale, you can visit the duPont REGISTRY website by clicking here.
Watch Mate Rimac & Triple F Collection Drive The Nevera
The Rimac Nevera has revolutionized the hypercar world with its exceptional all-electric performance. It has rewritten the rulebook of automotive performance, and now the renowned Triple F Collection has one in their garage. Mate Rimac himself delivered the car to them in a double-delivery ceremony, making it quite a spectacle. During the event, Mate Rimac demonstrated the impressive capabilities of the Nevera in delivering incredible performance.
Mate Rimac took the wheel and demonstrated the incredible power and instant torque delivery of the Nevera by slamming the accelerator to the floor. This electric hypercar can go from 0-60 mph in under two seconds, making it one of the fastest in the world. As a leading example of electrification in the performance world, the Rimac Nevera, which is limited to 150 units, is a remarkable addition to the Triple F Collection, as well as any other collection lucky enough to have it.