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Opinion

Why the decision to delay the 2030 pure-combustion car ban is beneficial for niche carmakers

Remember when energy secretary Grant Shapps talked about the 2030 pure-combustion car ban? It seems like a long time ago, a whole 182 days and two cabinet jobs ago. If you thought his words sounded like empty talk, it turns out you were right.

There is a lot of news and analysis on the recent shift towards zero-emission vehicles, so I won’t go into detail on how it affects mainstream car manufacturers and energy providers, as their reactions depend on their bottom line. Jaguar Land Rover is happy to have more time to develop an electric Range Rover that doesn’t require an HGV license, while others are disappointed because it means British consumers will continue to buy expensive new cars.

But let’s focus on the specialist car sector for a moment. In March, Shapps mentioned a proposal that would require even small-scale manufacturers, who produce only a few cars each year, to comply with the same regulations as larger players by 2030.

This meant that even a kit car built in your shed in 2031 would have had to be zero-emission, despite its minimal overall environmental impact compared to petrol-powered cars. In fact, it could potentially have a worse environmental impact if it relied on today’s battery technology.

The UK has the highest number of specialist car manufacturers in the world, and for them, the UK market and its regulations are crucial. This is not just a minor adjustment on a spreadsheet for them.

Now, it seems they have some breathing space. The proposals that were supposed to come into effect in 2024 were not even finalized, and now they are postponed by a decade at best. This gives micro-manufacturers an opportunity to reassess the situation.

Micro-manufacturers rely on larger companies to supply their technology. There are exemptions in EU legislation that the UK might eventually decide to follow, allowing micro-manufacturers to transition to new energy sources when they become available at the right price and weight. This approach, regardless of other considerations, seems sensible.

The Stonehenge situation

Stonehenge, the famous World Heritage Site in the West Country, made headlines again this week. UNESCO, the organization responsible for protecting the site, believes that the proposed A303 tunnel, which will pass beneath Stonehenge, is more problematic than the current road layout, or lack thereof.

Motorsport

Toyota 4Runner Owner Prefers V8 Over V6 for Towing

The Toyota 4Runner is highly regarded by the overland community, as evident from social media posts. But is it really a great vehicle? We spoke to an owner who purchased a used 4Runner five years ago and has driven over 70,000 miles since then, and they have some insights to share about this Japanese SUV.

In the attached video, YouTuber Oxfoot reveals that they have owned the vehicle since it had around 60,000 miles on the odometer. As you can see, it has undergone some modifications.

Over the years, they have added a 3-inch suspension lift, rock sliders, and 34-inch Nitto Ridge Grappler all-terrain tires. Out of all the modifications, the tires have had the biggest impact on gas mileage, reducing it to about 15-16 miles per gallon. The official EPA-rated fuel economy for the vehicle ranges from 16 to 19 miles per gallon.


Motorsport

Mazda RX-7 Banned from Nurburgring for Being Too Loud

The Mazda RX-7, specifically the third-generation model, is highly regarded in the car community. Released in 1992, this Japanese sports car impressed enthusiasts with its tiny 1.3-liter twin-rotor Wankel engine, which produced an impressive 252 horsepower.

With its light weight of around 2,700 pounds (1,224 kilograms) and its potential for modifications, the RX-7 became a favorite among tuners and has managed to compete with more modern rivals even today, 31 years after its debut. A video featured on this page showcases a slightly modified RX-7 being driven by YouTuber Misha Charoudin at the famous Nurburgring, demonstrating the car’s capabilities.

The car features stock brakes and semi-slick tires from Zeknova, a Japanese brand, mounted on Volk TE 37 forged aluminum wheels. The engine is also a stock two-rotor Wankel, which has been rebuilt and equipped with a single turbocharger conversion, replacing the original sequential twin-turbo setup. Although not as extreme as a 12-rotor engine, the modified motor produces around 400 horsepower, which is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. The car does not have traction control or ABS, and the suspension has undergone minimal upgrades, such as stronger bushings.

The performance of the RX-7 is remarkable. Once the turbo spools up around 4,500 rpm, the tachometer and speedometer soar rapidly. In fact, the car is so fast that the original speed gauge, which goes up to 180 kilometers per hour (111 miles per hour), is inadequate for the car’s top speed. During the run, the orange needle on the gauge surpasses the maximum limit multiple times, highlighting the impressive performance of this 28-year-old vehicle.

In a race against various cars from BMW, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and others, the lightly modified RX-7 outperforms most competitors. However, a yellow Peugeot 307 manages to stay ahead for a while, and a Porsche 911 and Cayman effortlessly overtake the RX-7.

Misha Charoudin completes a single lap in the RX-7, and by the end, the brakes are noticeably strained, making a second lap unwise. Additionally, the car’s loud exhaust sound during full acceleration means it would not have been permitted for another run anyway. According to Nurburgring rules, the static noise level of a car must not exceed 95 decibels, while the drive-by noise limit is set at 130 dB. It is likely that the RX-7 exceeded these noise limits.

Feel free to share your thoughts on the performance and experience of the Mazda RX-7 at the Nurburgring by leaving comments below the video.

Motorsport

Toyota Supra Drag Racing Challenger Hellcat Puts Up A Good Fight

The Toyota Supra has always been popular among JDM enthusiasts, despite some reservations about the latest generation being based on the BMW Z4 and not being built in Japan. On the other hand, the Dodge Challenger, particularly in Hellcat trim, is considered the embodiment of modern American muscle cars. The video showcased at the top of this page demonstrates a modern showdown between domestic and import vehicles, reminiscent of the battles between previous-gen A80 Supra, Dodge Viper, and Ford Mustang SVT Cobra in the past.

The video features two races, each featuring a modern Supra and a modern Challenger Hellcat. At first glance, it may seem like the American car would easily outperform the Toyota, given its specifications.

The Hellcat is equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces an impressive 717 horsepower, sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Despite its weight of 5,450 pounds (2,472 kg), the saying “there’s no replacement for displacement” holds true for this car.

On the other hand, the Supra is available in the United States with two engine options: a base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 255 hp, and a more powerful 3.0-liter inline-six engine generating 382 hp. Although this is nearly half of what the Hellcat offers, the Supra is lighter at 4,001 lbs (1,814 kg).

It is unclear whether the cars in the video are stock or modified. However, it is possible that the outcome of the races could have been different if the drivers had been more cautious during the launch.

What are your thoughts on this modern domestic versus import battle? Share your opinions in the comments section below.

Motorsport

Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition Returns For 2024 With New Blue Paint

The Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition is making a comeback in 2024 with some exciting updates. This hot hatch stole the show when it was first introduced last year. The base Core model lacked features, and the Morizo Edition, although well-equipped, was expensive and limited to just 200 units in the US. But now, there’s good news for fans of this special edition. The GR Corolla Circuit Edition is back for 2024 and comes with a few new features.

One of the first things you’ll notice is the paint. The Circuit Edition now features the eye-catching Blue Flame hue, which is similar to the paint used on the GR86 and the base Corolla Hatchback for 2024. Additionally, the car is equipped with new 18-inch BBS wheels, previously seen on the Morizo Edition, which may be discontinued. The body of the Circuit Edition boasts a forged carbon roof, a larger rear spoiler, and new black graphics on the rocker panels that extend out to meet the “GR-FOUR” emblem.



 2024 Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition Blue Flame


2024 Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition Blue Flame


2024 Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition Blue Flame

The interior updates are more subtle but equally stylish. The cabin now includes blue stitching on the door panels, steering wheel, gear lever, and seats, adding a touch of sportiness to the design. The shift knob also features a new blue stripe down the center, matching the Blue Flame exterior. On the tech front, the eight-speed JBL premium audio system is now a standard feature.

Under the hood, there are no mechanical changes. The GR Corolla Circuit Edition still packs a punch. It retains the same turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine from last year, generating an impressive 300 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain is paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission and an adjustable all-wheel-drive system. The front and rear limited-slip differentials remain in place.