Tag Archives: detail

Autocar journal 24 April: on sale now

This week in Autocar, we checklist the highest 100 finest vehicles on sale immediately and element the brand new electrical Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

News

The new Mercedes-Benz G-Class is an “uncompromised” machine that the agency is making some bullish claims about – we have the whole lot it’s essential to know.

Mini, in the meantime, has accomplished its line-up with the reveal of the Aceman – a Renault Clio-sized hatchback positioned between the Cooper and Countryman.

Over at Maserati, the agency is deciding whether or not to maneuver the next-generation Quattroporte onto an prolonged model of the brand new Granturismo’s platform – we element why it is an ‘necessary downside’ for Bologna.

Staying in Italy, Alfa Romeo boss Jean-Phillipe Imparato has urged EU politicians to give attention to defending jobs within the trade and never mannequin names, after a spat that noticed the Alfa Romeo Milano renamed the Junior.

Reviews

With a brand new platform, a unique motive energy, and extra weight, can the electrical model actually behave like a Porsche Macan ought to? We head to France to provide one a go.

Audi has addressed the criticisms of the A3 to make it much more interesting for these after big-car high quality in a hatchback physique.

Meanwhile, the brand new S3 has been handled to an influence improve with RS3-spec driveline tech – we discover out if it will possibly nonetheless maintain a candle to its best (and cheaper) rivals.

We’ve already pushed the coupe variant of the brand new Mercedes-Benz CLE, however not the convertible – till now. On sweeping roads round Tenerife, we discover out if the brand new automotive is a worthy substitute for the C-Class and E-Class cabriolet.

We’re additionally driving the Lotus Eletre and, for street take a look at 5671, we’re within the highest-specification Bentley Bentayga.

Features

It’s been 5 years since we final ranked our outright favorite new vehicles, which suggests we’re lengthy overdue to provide an up to date checklist. Considering the highest 100, we discover out that are probably the most succesful and value your money.

If a few of our high 100 vehicles look too costly, how about some second-hand alternate options? We take a look at the bargains you may discover within the classifieds and what it’s essential to learn about them.

Around 800 Ford Mustangs lined up on the British Motor Museum in celebration of the everyman sports activities automotive’s sixtieth birthday. We pay a go to, changing into wowed by the range on present.

Opinion

Matt Prior riffs on the big-car qualities of the Renault Clio and the way you seemingly get extra to your cash in immediately’s market, and why producers ought to must pay clients to lug about subscription-based options.

Autocar journal 17 April: on sale now

This week in Autocar, we element Alfa Romeo’s new BMW M3-beater, drive Skoda’s Swiss military knife, and discover out why the boss of Jeep is bullish in regards to the firm’s future.

News

The subsequent Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio will arrive in 2026 as its most potent automobile thus far, nudging 1000bhp and on-board AI that may tweak its dealing with – now we have each element. We additionally check out Alfa’s long-awaited new SUV, the Milano, because it appears to focus on a ‘new technology’ of patrons.

Meanwhile at Mercedes, the EQS has been handled to a brand new face and vary boosted by 11% – we have got the lowdown on the BMW i7 rival.

The best-selling Nissan Qashqai has additionally obtained a gentle facelift to carry it consistent with the electrical Ariya, full with sharper strains and a brand new face impressed by Japanese samurai helmets.

We additionally cowl Porsche’s determination to maintain the Boxster, Cayman and Macan on sale within the UK, and why Aston Martin is about to maintain combustion powertrains for so long as it will possibly.

Reviews

The new Skoda Kodiaq has arrived greater and swisher, providing seven-seat petrols and diesels and, for the primary time, a plug-in hybrid. We discover out if it nonetheless has the enduring enchantment of the outgoing automobile.

BMW’s best-seller, the X3, has been given an overhaul in each division – we head to France to drive a pre-production prototype.

Speaking of prototypes, the Audi RS E-tron GT has been given a spread of updates with the promise of being a extra well-rounded and dynamic GT. Does it fulfil that billing? 

Omoda, the Chinese agency planning an offensive on UK shores, is heading for our markets with a competitively priced rival to the Hyundai Kona, merely known as the 5. We drive the plug-in hybrid and electrical model to see what’s what.

Elsewhere in a packed opinions part, we’re testing three model new Volkswagens, the Aston Martin DB12 Volante, and the Citroen C5 Aircrews Hybrid.

Features

New Jeep CEO Antonia Filosa understands what makes the American model totally different. James Attwood hears how he plans to show it into a world success story.

Horiba MIRA, the 80-year-old automotive validation station, is reworking itself right into a one-stop car improvement store. Matt Saunders takes the tour.

Opinion

Matt Prior discusses the federal government’s determination to look into headlight glare and the nifty resolution he has give you. He additionally talks in regards to the SMMT’s name to halve VAT on EVs.

Steve Cropley, in the meantime, riffs on the attractive and daring Wells Vertige, the revival of the Vauxhall Frontera, and the way a nook of the Bicester Heritage circuit has been given a well-recognized title.

Autocar journal 3 April: on sale now

This week in Autocar, we give our definitive verdict on the brand new Toyota Land Cruiser, element Mercedes-AMG’s new Purosangue beater, and drive the world’s finest hybrid.

News

Mercedes-AMG is about to unleash its electrical super-SUV as a high-powered flagship primarily based by itself bespoke EV platform – we have the lowdown.

Polestar, in the meantime, is lining up a successor to the two crossover known as the 7 – and it is set to be one thing radically totally different. We communicate to CEO Thomas Ingenlath for the total story.

A brand new hardcore, V8-powered model of the Land Rover Defender is inbound as the primary in a line of top-flight flagships branded Octa – we check out what you possibly can count on from the super-SUV.

Rejoice! The new Ford Explorer has lastly gone on sale in Europe priced from lower than £40k – and regardless of its late arrival Ford says the SUV is now higher than ever. We discover out precisely what which means.

Grab your copy of Autocar right here

Reviews

The Toyota Land Cruiser has been rejuvenated with a cool retro design and mechanical updates concentrating on higher on-road manners – however can it keep true to its workhorse credentials?

A collection of main upgrades to the motors, battery and chassis are designed to make the Porsche Taycan the most effective EVs you should purchase. Is it?

The Nissan Juke has been handled to a facelift, full with delicate exterior revisions and a model new inside. Can it maintain the identical attraction and carry the nameplate by means of to 2027?

We’re additionally testing the Mazda 2 hybrid, Jeep Renegade eHybrid, and for highway check 5668 we’re within the BMW 530e to seek out out what makes it the world’s finest hybrid.

Features

Audi faces formidable challenges and is present process change on a scale by no means seen earlier than – all below a brand new CEO, Gernot Döllner. James Attwood hears his plan.

Watford Gap providers on the M1 must be knocked down and changed by one thing higher suited to immediately’s period and its travellers, says its proprietor. John Evans finds out extra.

Pick the suitable used automotive and you’ll pay minimal and even no highway tax. Alex Wolstenholme sniffs out some tempting tax-busters, from the BMW i8 to the Range Rover Evoque.

Opinion

Matt Prior riffs on small vehicles just like the Suzuki Swift and Silence S04, and asks whether or not the latter is ‘sufficient automotive’.

Steve Cropley, in the meantime, talks about certainly one of his experiences of the 12 months, clocking vehicles, and the brilliance of Steve Sixty’s ebook on BMW design.

The Porsche 911 Hybrid Debuts Early This Summer

Porsche’s Annual and Sustainability Report for 2023 is out, all 239 pages of it. The most vital element talked about within the prolonged doc is information concerning the 911 hybrid. We get to see the electrified sports activities automotive early this summer time with a six-cylinder engine.

It’s touted as an “ultra-sporty hybrid” and guarantees to make the long-lasting sports activities automotive “even faster and more efficient.” The partially electrified mannequin will likely be a brand new member of a revamped 911 lineup, seemingly recognized internally by its “992.2” codename. Interestingly, Porsche hints there will likely be greater than only one model with a hybrid setup, saying the {hardware} will likely be utilized in “selected derivatives of the 911 model line.”

Porsche would not go into any particulars concerning the 911 Hybrid, though it does say the newly developed powertrain takes after the agency’s racing division. Presumably, classes discovered from the 919 and 963 applications have helped the street automotive division engineer an electrified 911 to satisfy more and more stringent emissions laws. About a 12 months in the past, CEO Oliver Blume mentioned the new car wouldn’t be a plug-in hybrid, so no charging port.

Porsche 911 Hybrid Rear View Spy Photo

Separately, Frank Moser, Vice President of 911 and 718 mannequin strains talked about final 12 months the hybrid mannequin “should not get too heavy,” which might clarify the non-PHEV route. A plug-in hybrid would’ve required an even bigger battery pack, including weight and complexity whereas creating packaging points.

According to sources near Porsche, the 911 Hybrid will reportedly have a 48V starter motor constructed into the dual-clutch computerized gearbox. The umpteenth variant of the 911 is alleged to have an electrical motor powering the entrance wheels whereas the combustion engine goes to drive the rear axle. Consequently, it will have all-wheel drive.

The e-motor is anticipated to get its juice from a small, light-weight lithium-ion battery pack developed particularly for this software and mounted behind the rear seats. The weight penalty is unlikely to exceed 220 kilos in comparison with an equal model that does not have the additional hybrid bits.

The juiciest rumor surrounding the 911 Hybrid is the potential for an electrified GT2 RS with a mild-hybrid setup. The mixed output from the electrical motor and a twin-turbo 3.8-liter flat-six is anticipated to surpass 700 horsepower. The torque determine is unknown, however rumor has it {that a} “significant increase” is deliberate over the 911 Turbo S’ 590 pound-feet. A weight distribution of 39:61 entrance/rear is mooted.

Porsche 911 Hybrid spy photo

The crown jewel of the 992 household is seemingly scheduled to return out in 2026.

A totally electrical 911 isn’t taking place this era since Porsche has mentioned an EV received’t be launched this decade. The aim is to maintain promoting 911s with combustion engines for so long as attainable, even when meaning switching to artificial gasoline to satisfy stricter laws. Porsche has been producing nearly carbon-neutral eFuel since late 2022 at its manufacturing unit in Chile.

It’s price noting the European Union has already agreed to exempt artificial fuels from the 2035 ban on new automobiles that generate dangerous emissions. It might imply the 911’s days with combustion engines usually are not numbered in spite of everything.

2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse Criticized By Pro Detailer For Paint Issues

A detail shop in Chicago has brought attention to some noticeable paint defects on a 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse with only 144 miles. The inspection by Chicago Auto Pros was shared in a YouTube video, revealing that while most of the exterior of the Mustang looked good, there were some concerning issues with the wheel wells.

What exactly is wrong with this Ford? In the video, Jason Otterness from Chicago Auto Pros first points out a paint chip on the front fascia where it meets the passenger side fender at the wheel well. It’s unclear if this chip occurred at the factory. Moving to the rear, Otterness discovers “boogers” on the lip of the wheel well. These are small pieces of paint that could lead to chips if removed. On the driver-side rear, there is a paint chip on the wheel well lip where it meets the rear fascia. The interesting part is that there is still a flap of paint visibly peeling up from the surface.

The most significant flaw is found in the front wheel well on the driver’s side of the Mustang. Otterness discovers a large air bubble in the paint. While chips can occur after the assembly process, bubbles typically indicate improper surface preparation before painting. Because of the paint issues around the wheel wells, the detailer states that they couldn’t apply paint protection to the car.

Is this an isolated case? It is possible. Motor1 has reached out to both Ford and Chicago Auto Pros for further investigation. A spokesperson from Ford provided the following statement: “With the launch of the all-new Mustang, we made numerous manufacturing improvements to further raise the quality of Mustang and provide owners the best customer experience with their new car. If customers should have a vehicle concern, they should visit their local dealer to have their car inspected.”

Motor1 also contacted Chicago Auto Pros to inquire about any other 2024 Mustang inspections they have conducted, but no response was received at the time of publication. Any new information will be shared as an update.

Autocar magazine 2 August: on sale now

This week in Autocar, we provide details on McLaren’s plans to develop an electric hypercar, test drive the new Fisker Ocean, and more.

News

McLaren is working on an electric hypercar that will serve as a powerful successor to the P1. The company is advancing its battery technology to pave the way for the development of a pure-electric flagship model. Find out more in this week’s Autocar magazine.

The Toyota Land Cruiser has undergone a transformation and now competes with more high-end rivals like Jeep and Land Rover. We have pictures and specifications in this week’s issue.

Pininfarina has unveiled a new luxury SUV concept, which is part of their plan to introduce a lineup of three electric vehicles in the future.

Reviews

The Fisker Ocean, Fisker’s first production model, has hit the road. We explore whether it has the potential to disrupt the established order with its stylish design, sustainability, and innovation, particularly in the European market.

Honda has introduced its first electric SUV, the e:Ny1. We delve into whether it can compete with the likes of the Tesla Model Y and Toyota bZ4X.

The Ford Mustang is back, this time with a powerful V8 engine and a new Dark Horse name. We take a closer look and discover if it lives up to its mighty reputation.

Features

There are currently three front-engined, rear-wheel-drive, V8 sports cars available in the UK for under £100,000. Find out which one we will miss the most and why, as Matt Saunders investigates.

Felix Page travels to Lake Como to determine whether the Hyundai Ioniq 6, with its aerodynamic design, can be as visually appealing as priceless collector classics. Is this new executive electric vehicle up to the task?

Opinion

Matt Prior finally gets behind the wheel of an Ineos Grenadier and shares his thoughts on the rugged SUV. He also discusses the Rolls-Royce Spectre.

Steve Cropley notices some rattles in his Dacia Duster and recounts his experience participating in a Cornish hillclimb. Additionally, he shares the good news of finally selling his Volkswagen California.

Used

John Evans examines the fourth-generation Honda CR-V and explores why this hard-working SUV might become a strong contender in the used car market.

FIRST GLIMPSE OF STUNNING NEW VAUXHALL EXPERIMENTAL

  • Forward looking: Vauxhall Experimental gives an insight into the future of the brand
  • Attention to detail: Flush body surfacing, aero-efficiency and resource-conserving

After revealing the name of its upcoming concept car as the Vauxhall Experimental just last week, the British brand has now offered a tantalizing preview of the design study by releasing first images of the vehicle. The photographs reveal the extreme precision and high attention to detail of the Vauxhall Experimental, which will show the future of the Vauxhall brand with its more technical and extreme interpretation of the Bold and Pure design philosophy.

“The Vauxhall Experimental marks the start of a new chapter for our brand. It was designed to provide a tangible vision of where the Vauxhall brand is heading. We will be revealing more details soon – so stay tuned,” said Mark Adams, Vice-President, Design, Vauxhall.

One of the most eye-catching features teased by the images is the further development of the Compass, the guiding element of Vauxhall’s design philosophy. The illuminated Vauxhall Griffin sits confidently at the center of the compass in a new iteration of the Vauxhall Vizor, the brand’s characteristic front fascia and technology hub. It is flanked by the elongated wing signature lighting on the horizontal axis while the illuminated center crease adds further drama. A distinctive red-light graphic on flush body surfacing, devoid of unnecessary shut lines, suggests the repetition of the compass at the rear of the Vauxhall Experimental.

Elsewhere, aerodynamic efficiency has long been a hallmark of Vauxhall passenger cars and the vane-like construction of the eye-catching wheels indicate that the Vauxhall Experimental will also share this attribute. The futuristic cues are continued on the interior with the profiled seat structure hinting at a sustainable, resource-conserving approach to the ergonomic seats that are typical for Vauxhall vehicles.

The Vauxhall Experimental will celebrate its world premiere at this year’s IAA Mobility in Munich (5 to 10 September 2023).

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