Tag Archives: British

Concept Cars

The Adams Probe 16: The Unconventional Car With a Unique Style

Dennis and Peter Adams, who used to work at a British sports car manufacturer called Marcos, decided to create futuristic cars that explore extreme styling. The result of their efforts ended up being featured in Kubrick’s “A Clockwork Orange.”

The M-505 Probe 16 stood at just 34 inches tall and didn’t have conventional doors. Instead, it featured a sliding glass roof that necessitated passengers to hop in and slide down into reclined bucket-style seats.

Although the interior resembled a jet fighter cockpit, it was powered by a 1.8-liter OHV, 1,900cc JanSpeed-tuned 4-cylinder Austin B-series engine from British Motor Corporation (BMC), positioned transversely behind the driver. It was paired with a 4-speed manual gearbox, along with four-wheel independent suspension and disc brakes.

The Probe 16 made its debut at the 1969 London Motor Show, where it received the “Best Styling Exercise” award. While three were produced, only two are currently known to exist (chassis no. AB/2 and AB/3). Initially, it was believed that the prototype was destroyed in a fire, a known issue with mid-engine cars from that era, leaving behind chassis AB/3 and AB/4.

However, according to Bonhams (who auctioned off AB/3 in 2020 for $184,800), the prototype, which was sold to songwriter Jimmy Webb, is still in existence, while AB/4 is not. Regardless, it’s without a doubt a concept car that should have been produced.

Featured

Lotus Makes Its India Debut With The Eletre Electric SUV


The British automaker has opened its first Indian outlet in New Delhi

Lotus Eletre Electric SUV

  • The Lotus Eletre SUV comes with a dynamic front grille and matrix LED headlights upfront.
  • Inside, it features a large 15.1-inch touchscreen infotainment display for its simple cabin design.
  • The Eletre SUV offers 3 different powertrain options, all equipped with a 112 kWh battery pack.
  • Depending on the powertrain chosen, the Lotus Eletre provides a range of up to 600 km or over 900 PS of performance.

Lotus, the British car manufacturer, has officially made its entrance into the Indian automotive scene with the Lotus Eletre electric SUV. It will be available in three variants and prices start at Rs 2.55 crore (ex-showroom, pan India). The British marque has opened its first outlet in New Delhi. The full price list is detailed as follows:

Variant Ex-showroom Price
Eletre Rs 2.55 crore
Eletre S Rs 2.75 crore
Eletre R Rs 2.99 crore

The Lotus Eletre made its India-debut in the top-spec R variant.

Aggressive Looks

Lotus Eletre SUV front

The Eletre electric SUV boasts a highly aggressive stance and a sleek silhouette. At the front, it features L-shaped matrix LED headlights complemented by an active grille and big air dam. On the sides, it has stylish 22-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels (optional 20-inch and 23-inch alloy wheels available), and the overall profile of the SUV appears to draw parallels with other flagship models in the high-performance SUV space like the Lamborghini Urus and Ferrari Purosangue.

Lotus Eletre SUV Rear

At the rear, the sloping roofline seamlessly transitions into the tailgate, complemented by a big active rear spoiler. The SUV features connected LED taillamps, accentuated by a prominent blacked-out rear bumper, enhancing its overall aesthetic appeal.

Also Check Out: New Kia Carnival Interior Revealed Ahead Of Expected India Launch In 2024

Sporty, Plush Interiors

Lotus Eletre SUV Cabin

From the inside, the Lotus Eletre SUV features an all-black interior theme with black seat upholstery. The cabin’s main highlight is its 15.1-inch floating infotainment touchscreen, which controls all functionalities of the car. Additionally, slim driver’s and co-driver’s displays are integrated into the dashboard. For the rear passenger, a separate infotainment display is also available.

Lotus Eletre SUV Cabin

Other features on board include a standard 15-speaker KEF sound system with a 1,380 W output. However, the top-spec version of the SUV is equipped with a 2,160 W, 23-speaker setup offering 3D surround sound. The Eletre is also equipped with Lidar sensors and comes with autonomous driving technology. 

Lotus also offers the Eletre with two advanced driver assistance system packs: the parking pack and highway assist pack. Meanwhile, the Eletre R also offers a Lotus Dynamic Handling pack, carbon fibre pack, gloss black wheels wrapped in high-performance tyres and stainless steel pedals.

Powertrain Check

The Lotus Eletre electric SUV gets 3 powertrain options, all of them utilising a 112 kWh battery pack. The specifications have been detailed below.

  Lotus Eletre Lotus Eletre S Lotus Eletre R
Power (PS) 611 PS 611 PS 918 PS
Torque (Nm) 710 Nm 710 Nm 985 Nm
Battery Capacity 112 kWh 112 kWh 112 kWh
WLTP-claimed Range 600 km 600 km 490 km
0-100 kmph 4.5 seconds 4.5 seconds 2.95 seconds
Top Speed 258 kmph 258 kmph 265 kmph

Rivals

Lotus Eletre SUV

In India, the Lotus Eletre Electric SUV can be regarded as a premium alternative to the Jaguar I-Pace and BMW iX, or an electric alternative to the Lamborghini Urus S.

The British marquee will also be bringing its mid-engine sports car to India, the Lotus Emira, sometime in 2024.

Read More on : Eletre Automatic

Cars

11 Budget-Friendly Luxury Cars To Buy Second-Hand

If you prefer British sedans over Korean ones, the Jaguar XF is a rare but attractive option. The 2021 model has been revamped with changes to the exterior and a complete overhaul of the interior. The interior now features a large touchscreen and has done away with the clutter of the old model. In its top-spec R-Dynamic form, it boasts 296 horsepower and can reach a top speed of 155 mph.

However, there are some considerations when buying a Jaguar or any JLR product. The brand is not known for its strong build quality, and even our test car experienced issues with the infotainment system. But when everything is working properly, the XF feels just as luxurious as its competitors in the class.

Finding an XF for sale may not be easy, as only 1,183 examples were sold in the United States in 2021. However, for the few that do appear on the market, KBB suggests a fair purchase price of $41,696 at the time of writing.

Motorsport

Aston Martin .1R Bicycle Is A Hypercar On Two Wheels

Aston Martin and British bicycle manufacturer J.Laverack have teamed up to introduce what is being hailed as the most groundbreaking bicycle in the world. The .1R combines the finest elements of automotive engineering and design with road bicycles, utilizing cutting-edge production technologies, high-strength materials, and meticulous attention to detail.

At the core of this remarkable creation lies a meticulously crafted frame, achieved by combining parametrically designed, 3D-printed titanium lugs with carbon fiber tubes. This fusion not only delivers an unparalleled blend of responsiveness and comfort, according to Aston Martin, but it also redefines aesthetics and elegance. Indeed, the bicycle boasts a sleek and harmonious appearance, largely due to the absence of visible fixings or unsightly welds. Additionally, the unique integration of the brakes ensures that not a single cable or hose disrupts the bike’s streamlined look.


News

British motorsport outfit TWR returns as bespoke sports car maker

Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR), the renowned British racing and automotive engineering business, is making a comeback as a developer of custom high-performance automobiles.

The company, launched by Fergus Walkinshaw, son of Tom Walkinshaw, in Newbury, Berkshire, aims to capture the spirit and values of the original Oxfordshire-based company.

TWR is already working on a new project, with more details set to be revealed soon.

In line with its mission, TWR intends to “preserve and protect the analogue driving experience in a world where modern performance cars are governed by electronic systems,” according to Walkinshaw. Additionally, the company plans to collaborate with leading brands to enhance their product offerings.

Darkened teaser of TWR's first car

Walkinshaw has already assembled a highly skilled technical team, leveraging talent from the performance and motorsport engineering industries. Some members of the team have previous experience working with TWR.

He expressed his “great pride” in reviving the traditions and goals set by his father, stating, “Ever since the original TWR business closed its doors, I longed to find a way to continue the family legacy.”

Walkinshaw, alongside business partner John Kane, has been working on his new TWR venture since 2020. He aims to establish an engineering company that designs and manufactures cars, with a focus on impressive and innovative vehicles unrestricted by OEM rulebooks and styling demands.

The original TWR business, founded in Kidlington in 1975, enjoyed significant success in both road and racing sectors but ceased operations in 2002 following an ill-advised association with the Arrows Formula 1 team.

Motorsport

Jaguar XJ220: A Fast Tour of Monaco at 5 MPH

The Jaguar XJ220 was a competitor to the Ferrari F40 and Porsche 959. However, unlike its rivals, this British supercar hasn’t seen a significant increase in value. According to Hagerty’s stats, it generally sells for less than $1 million. In this video, former Fifth Gear host Tiff Needel, who is also a racing driver, takes the XJ220, which is up for auction, on a ride through Monaco and the neighboring mountains.

Needel meets up with former Formula One driver Thierry Boutsen to examine the Jaguar supercar. The two share a friendly relationship and jokingly reminisce about their racing days. Boutsen, who deals in specialty automobiles as part of his business in Monaco, is the seller of the car.


News

Arc Vehicles Announces Vector Test Ride Program In UK And US

Arc Vehicles has announced a new test ride program for potential buyers of its electric motorcycle, the Vector, in the UK and North America. The program offers a personalized approach where the motorcycle is delivered to the client’s chosen residence for a convenient test ride on familiar roads. This initiative is part of Arc’s white glove service, which aims to ensure that customers can experience the thrill of riding their motorcycles in the comfort of their own surroundings at a time that suits them best.

In May 2023, Arc opened its first US distributor in Washington state and announced the delivery of its first Vector in China. The company also gained attention when Arc Vector owner Ryan Reynolds shared his enthusiasm for the motorcycle on his Instagram Stories.

To participate in the test ride program, interested buyers will need to provide proof of ability to purchase and details about their motorcycling history. To sort out these details, prospective riders can contact the Arc Sales Team via email at sales@arcvehicle.com.

Motorsport

Introducing Mini eMastered: A Luxury EV Restomod Priced at Over $150,000

The classic Mini, known for its affordability and popularity among British drivers, has undergone a transformation since BMW Group acquired the brand in 2000. Originally designed by Alec Issigonis during a fuel crisis, the Mini was appreciated for its simplicity, low cost, and fuel efficiency.

However, there are now specialist companies that aim to elevate the classic British two-door by enhancing its refinement, luxury, and overall quality, albeit at a significantly higher price point than the original car could have imagined.

One such company is David Brown Automotive, which has made a name for itself in the Mini restomod industry. Their offerings include bespoke Mini vehicles with opulent leather interiors and modern features like electric windows, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and upgraded engines that deliver more power than their factory counterparts from two to three decades ago.


News

Superbike Team Owner Paul Bird Passes Away At 56

Paul Bird, the owner of the BeerMonster Ducati Team in the Bennetts British Superbike Championship, has died at the age of 56. The team made the announcement on September 1, 2023.

Out of respect for the family’s privacy, the details surrounding Bird’s death have not been disclosed.

Under Bird’s leadership, Paul Bird Motorsport (PBM) has been dominating the British Superbike Championship with rider Tommy Bridewell. Bridewell, riding a Ducati Panigale V4R, currently holds the top spot alongside teammate Glenn Irwin. This unfortunate event may have an impact on the team’s performance in the remaining races of the season, with the next round scheduled for September 15 to 17, 2023 at Oulton Park.

PBM has achieved numerous victories in the British Superbike Championship, securing eight riders’ titles. The team’s success began in 2003 with Steve Hislop, who won five titles. Shane Byrne replaced Hislop and won three titles in 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2017. In 2019, PBM became the champion again with ex-MotoGP rider Scott Redding and Josh Brookes on the Ducati.

In addition to their British Superbike achievements, PBM also managed Kawasaki’s factory World Superbike campaign from 2009 to 2011 before passing on the responsibility to Provec.

The team ventured into MotoGP in 2012 and participated in the Isle of Man TT with Ian Hutchinson in 2015, achieving victories with John McGuinness and Joey Dunlop.

Prior to his passing, it was disclosed that Bird had been briefly admitted to the hospital due to an undisclosed illness. Our deepest condolences to all those affected by his loss.

News

British Electric Firm Maeving Launches RM1S In UK, Has Plans For US

Back in March 2023, we reported that British electric motorcycle startup Maeving was planning to bring its bikes to the US relatively soon, likely in late 2023 or early 2024. The firm’s first bike, the RM1, had a stylish flat-tracker design and offered a top speed of 45 miles per hour and a range of 80 miles per charge, making it ideal for city commuting.

On August 31, 2023, Maeving opened preorders for its second model, the RM1S, which is faster and more powerful. Currently, these preorders are only available for UK customers. However, the increased speed and power of the RM1S make it an attractive option for launching the Maeving brand in the US, according to Cycle World.

The design of the RM1S is instantly recognizable if you’ve seen the Maeving R1M, and it comes in 11 different color options. The claimed top speed of the RM1S is 65 mph, which may not be as fast as a race bike but should appeal to a wider range of riders.


Maeving RM1S - Gilbert

16 Photos

The RM1S has a battery range of up to 80 miles, and it offers two charging options, unlike the slower RM1 which only supports one. Both models allow riders to remove the batteries for off-bike charging, but only the RM1S allows riders to charge the bike directly.

In the UK, the RM1S is compatible with compulsory basic training (CBT) and is suitable for new riders. It features a 7-kilowatt motor with a claimed peak power of 10.5 kW.

The preorder price for the RM1S in the UK is £7,495 ($9,436 as of September 1, 2023). However, pricing in different markets may vary, and it’s not clear how Maeving plans to distribute its bikes in the US.

Other electric startups like Ubco and Cake initially sold directly to US consumers through their websites before expanding to brick-and-mortar stores and establishing a wider distribution network. Maeving’s stylish design, influenced by former Triumph employees, is expected to attract fans in the US. The ultimate test will be the riding experience and customer service. We are excited to see what Maeving has in store for the future.