Tag Archives: drive

News

Autocar magazine 16 August: on sale now

This week in Autocar, we have the latest scoop on the ninth-generation Volkswagen Golf. We also take a drive in a car that helps to save diesel and explore why Adrian Mardell is the one to rescue Jaguar.

News

The upcoming ninth-generation Volkswagen Golf is set to be the most drastically transformed version of the popular family hatchback yet. We provide all the details on its powertrain, technology, and even its name.

Within the next year, we will learn about the future of the Discovery brand in JLR’s new “House of Brands.” Our exclusive interview with the brand’s CEO reveals what plans are in store.

Aston Martin introduces the DB12 Volante, an open-top “super tourer” and the most powerful V8 cabrio GT available for purchase.

Porsche is preparing for its EV era with a new look that was previewed by the Mission X and 357. We explore what this means for the future of Porsche’s sports cars.

Reviews

Honda has enhanced the CR-V with a more captivating drive and updated dynamics. We investigate whether it truly lives up to Honda’s claim of being “exhilarating.”

The new BMW X5 not only features a refreshed design but also offers a more luxurious interior. We put the 30d variant to the test to understand why it is considered the savior of diesel.

Matt Prior reviews the new Smart #1 Brabus, which boasts 422bhp. However, he finds that its chassis is not adequately equipped to handle such power. Read his review for more details.

We also take a look at the Hyundai Kona Hybrid, Inverted Range Rover Classic, facelifted Nissan X-Trail, and the Mercedes A250e saloon.

Features

We explore the Japanese market and drive three performance icons – the Nissan Z Sport, Toyota GR Corolla, and Subaru WRX – that aren’t available for purchase in Britain. Join us as we find out what these models have to offer on a Canadian mountain road.

Adrian Mardell’s journey from JLR apprentice to the top job is an inspiring one. He explains how he reached his current position and why he is the right person to lead Jaguar forward.

With London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone expanding in the near future, we examine the best ways to navigate the city economically. From the Volkswagen Up to the BMW 330Ci, we compare various cars to determine the best option for you.

Opinion

Matt Prior shares his thoughts on car-based subscription services and how they can sometimes make even the most mildly-spoken person irritable.

Opinion

Matt Prior: Appreciating Ineos for the Grenadier

I finally had the opportunity to drive an Ineos Grenadier, and although it was a short drive, it was enough to make me like the vehicle and appreciate its off-road capabilities.

While other serious modern 4x4s could have handled the chalky course I drove, not all would have done so with such ease.

The version I drove was the Utility Wagon, which does not have the locking front and rear differentials found in the Station Wagon model. However, it still features a locking center differential, low-ratio gear set, hill descent, and stability control systems. Although it may not have the full range of terrain-adjustable features like a Land Rover or a Jeep, the hardware is solid.

Initially, I had doubts about whether Ineos would be able to find enough buyers for a car priced at £70,000, as it doesn’t offer the luxury of a high-end off-roader nor the affordability of a utility pick-up truck. However, my skepticism diminished when I encountered another new owner recently.

While I am cautious about relying solely on anecdotal evidence, this individual is the fourth person I know who owns and enjoys the Grenadier. They appreciate its on-road performance, which they consider to be better than an old Land Rover Defender and on par with a Mercedes-Benz G-Class. They also appreciate the sturdy and practical design elements of the vehicle.

Additionally, they jokingly mentioned that the smaller of the two boot doors can be opened to fit a sausage dog inside without having to open the larger door. On a more serious note, this feature is helpful when towing a trailer, as it prevents the rear door from hitting the trailer’s jockey-wheel handle, a common issue with my 2005 Defender.

The fact that Ineos is already aware of the existence of “flippers” – individuals who intend to quickly resell cars for profit – is a testament to the strength of the demand for the Grenadier. Despite this, Ineos plans to produce 15,000 Grenadiers by the end of the year.

News

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.

News

Autocar magazine 26 July: on sale now

This week in Autocar, Land Rover introduces the baby Defender, we drive the new Mercedes E-Class and take the Kia Picanto for a spin around Ireland.

News

Land Rover has given approval to its long-awaited and highly anticipated ‘baby Defender’ – a rugged and compact 4×4 that will be released as a sibling model to the next-gen Evoque. 

Volkswagen is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Golf next year by launching the facelifted eighth-generation model. We analyze why this could be the best Golf yet. 

Meanwhile, Toyota plans to replace the GR86 with a redesigned hybrid version that will use the same turbocharged 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine found in the GR Yaris.

We also cover the new Hyundai Santa Fe, discuss why the adoption of electric vehicles is slowing down, and much more.

Reviews

The Dacia Spring, priced below £20k, is set to become the UK’s first affordable electric car from the popular value brand. We test it before it goes on sale next year to find out if it really lives up to the hype.

Mercedes is upping the luxury and technology in its new E-Class saloon. We have it on test in Austria and question if you really need an S-Class.

Audi’s long-awaited Q6 E-tron is the electric sibling of the Q5, boasting impressive efficiency. We’ve had the chance to test prototypes of both the Q6 E-tron and the new SQ6 to see how they perform.

In road test 5634, we review the Mercedes-AMG SL63 to determine if a sportier direction is the right move for Stuttgart’s classic car.

We’re also testing the Skoda Superb Prototype, Hyundai Kona EV prototype, the electric Vauxhall Astra, the Honda ZR-V, and Mercedes B200d.

Features

The Wild Atlantic Way is a scenic 1500-mile route along the west coast of Ireland. Matt Prior takes a Kia Picanto on the southern section of the route and shares his experience, revealing why he’s already planning a return trip.

Donkervoort introduces the F22, a powerhouse with a remarkable power-to-weight ratio of 622bhp per tonne. Richard Lane tests this speed demon and sees how it stacks up against the fastest supercars.

The McMurtry Spierling stunned the automotive world a year ago with its Spéirling, an ultra-lightweight electric fan car with 1000bhp. Now, it’s headed for production. Will Rimell meets the person in charge.

Opinion

Matt Prior takes a stand against unsolicited local opinions about the traffic congestion caused by the Goodwood Festival of Speed. He humorously suggests that the best way to enjoy roads is by not sharing them with others.

Motorsport

See Fifth-Gen Honda Prelude SH Get First Wash In 10 Years

The Honda Prelude, produced from 1978 to 2001, was a front-wheel drive sports coupe based on the Honda Accord. Although some enthusiasts may overlook it in favor of the Acura Integra and Honda S2000 as more performance-oriented sports cars, the Prelude offered a variety of features including a powerful 2.2-liter VTEC engine, a precise five-speed manual transmission, and quick reflexes.

Recently, the WD Detailing crew decided to give some love to a Honda Prelude SH that had been sitting dormant for over 10 years. They set out to give it a makeover. The Prelude is mostly clean, straight, and unmodified, but it does have some rust issues, particularly around the rear quarter panels. The SH trim level was the top of the line for the fifth and final generation of the Prelude, featuring an upgraded handling package with a stability control system known as the Active Torque Transfer System or ATTS.

As is typical in WD Detailing videos, there’s always a surprise. This time, it was a dead bird found in the footwell of the back seat. It remains a mystery how a bird ended up in an enclosed car with the windows up, but fortunately, cleaning it up was easier than dealing with a rodent infestation or bug problems.

One useful car cleaning tip shared in the video is to start by washing the wheels first. This might seem counter-intuitive, especially for those who wash their cars from top to bottom. However, WD Detailing suggests that washing the wheels first can minimize the risk of spraying dirt and grime from the wheels all over the freshly cleaned paint.

Overall, the Prelude remains in good shape except for the rust. The interior is remarkably clean, with no noticeable tears in the upholstery, and the dashboard is free of cracks or warping. According to the owner, the car was in running condition when parked, which means the Prelude could serve as a nice, original 1990s sports coupe or a solid platform for serious performance upgrades.

News

Autocar magazine 19 July: on sale now

This week in Autocar, Triumph has unveiled a new sports car, we test drive MG’s competitor to the Mercedes A45, and we take the Jeep Avenger for a spin in the Alps.

News

Triumph has revived the TR2 as the TR25, an electric speedster designed by London-based design house Makkina with support from BMW during development.

Hyundai has introduced the new Ioniq 5 N, an electrified track-focused car that marks the beginning of the electrification of its N performance division.

McLaren is prioritizing profits over electric vehicles with a major company shake-up aimed at improving quality. Our editor reports from Goodwood.

Porsche celebrates its 75th anniversary with a stunning Speedster version of one of its most iconic cars. We provide all the details.

Reviews

The MG4 XPower is a powerful hot hatch with impressive acceleration, starting at £36,495. Could this be the electric hot hatch we’ve been waiting for?

Audi’s RS6 Avant Performance receives dynamic tweaks aimed at enhancing its performance. Matt Saunders finds out if they make a significant difference.

Abarth has added more excitement to the electric Fiat 500 with the Abarth 500e, offering immediate power and plenty of fun, despite the higher price.

We also review the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV, the updated Lexus UX300e, and the Mercedes-AMG A45 S.

Features

The Jeep Avenger is the first all-electric model from the American manufacturer, and it faces an extreme real-world test in the Alps. Richard Lane takes it on a journey to a high-latitude charging point to see how well it performs.

Volkswagen’s CEO Thomas Schäfer aims to regain public affection for the company after recent setbacks. Felix Page explores his strategies to achieve this goal.

Bell Sport & Classic, an independent specialist dealer and restorer, introduces a new Ferrari-only race series. Andrew Frankel provides an in-depth look at this exciting development.

Opinion

Matt Prior discusses the importance of character in cars and identifies the manufacturer that has best remained true to its roots. He also shares an interesting observation about a Land Rover Defender 110.

Steve Cropley recounts a delightful drive through the UK countryside, discovering hidden roads along the way. He also attends Dacia’s lively barbecue celebration of 10 years in the UK and expresses admiration for Makkina’s revival of the Triumph TR2.

News

Autocar magazine 12 July: on sale now

This week in Autocar, we provide information on the baby Porsche 911 in Britain, take a drive in the Prodrive-reworked Subaru Impreza, and explore the behind-the-scenes action at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

News

The Goodwood Festival of Speed features the Caterham Project V, an electric sports coupe that could potentially go into production by 2026. We have all the details you need to know.

Gilles Vidal, the design chief at Renault, encourages car manufacturers to embrace a global trend towards minimalism. This involves using fewer, lighter materials to create more striking vehicles.

Alfa Romeo may soon introduce a long-awaited replacement for the GTV coupe, as confirmed by the brand’s chief designer. The design work is ongoing, and the results are expected to be impressive.

Aston Martin has unveiled a new supercar that draws inspiration from the Victor, featuring a powerful 750bhp V12 engine and a six-speed manual gearbox.

Reviews

Matt Prior explores the Lotus Eletre, a large, powerful electric SUV that challenges traditional Lotus principles. Is it a worthy addition to the brand?

The Tesla Model S has received a performance boost with the Plaid edition, boasting 1020bhp. How does this executive car perform for families?

Alpina bids farewell to the G30 BMW 5 Series with the 625bhp B5 GT, their most powerful creation yet. Is this powerful sedan a suitable tribute to one of the best all-rounders?

We also test drive the updated Mercedes GLC Coupe, Volkswagen Passat, and the new BMW M2.

Features

Prodrive has transformed the iconic Subaru Impreza 22b into the P25, a tribute to one of the top performance cars of the 1990s. Steve Cropley determines if it lives up to its predecessor.

John Evans delves into the world of tether cars, exploring this little-known form of motorsport. With speeds reaching 200mph and cornering forces of 90g, it’s an extreme way to experience performance.

Get an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes of the Goodwood Festival of Speed and discover how the organizers prepare for one of the largest global events, attracting over 200,000 visitors.

Opinion

Matt Prior discusses the diverse range of car manufacturers, from Kamm to Pininfarina, and examines how the level of car personalization often reflects the customer’s wealth.

Volkswagen

Volkswagen Group is continuing its strategic realignment of its charging and energy business

Volkswagen Group has appointed Giovanni Palazzo as the new Head of Charging and Energy to drive the strategic realignment of the charging and energy business. Palazzo, who also serves as the CEO and Head of Sales for the Elli brand, will focus on expanding the fast-charging network and advancing Volkswagen’s smart energy platform. The collaboration between Elli and Electrify America will be strengthened, new business models will be introduced internationally, and closer cooperation with Group brands and customers will be established. The strategic plan has already been presented to investors and analysts at the Capital Markets Day.

Giovanni Palazzo, Senior Vice President Volkswagen Group Charging and Energy and the CEO of Elli, stated, “Volkswagen Group has a strong foundation in charging and energy, particularly through Electrify America, the largest open charging network in the US, and Elli, the largest mobility service provider in Europe. We aim to expand this expertise throughout the value chain and focus on verticalizing the energy management business, which will be a key revenue driver in the future. This involves a new strategic direction, new business models, and closer collaboration within the division and with Volkswagen Group brands.”

Volkswagen aims to offer innovative solutions for load management, energy market optimization, and energy trading as part of its strategic orientation. The company plans to introduce intelligent charging management services for fleet customers from 2024. Giovanni Palazzo brings valuable experience from his role as the CEO of Electrify America in the North American market. Robert Barrosa has taken over as the President and CEO of Electrify America since June 1.

Thomas Schmall, Member of the Volkswagen Group Board of Management responsible for Technology and CEO of Volkswagen Group Technology, said, “We recognized early on that charging and energy is one of the most important sectors for the growth of electric mobility and the energy transition. It is crucial to develop our own products and services across the entire value chain and establish strategic partnerships in the energy sector. With Giovanni Palazzo, we have an excellent industry expert and a modern leader who will enhance the Group’s competencies in the energy transition. As an experienced international manager, he has the skills to drive global cooperation and innovation partnerships.”

Expansion of the global fast charging network

Volkswagen already operates the largest open charging network in the US through Electrify America. The company aims to collaborate with partners to establish more than 43,000 fast-charging points in Europe, China, and North America by 2025. Electrify America plans to double the number of fast-charging points to 8,000 in North America alone. In Europe, Volkswagen’s Elli brand provides access to over 500,000 charging points as a mobility service provider. Additionally, the CAMS joint venture in China aims to build 17,000 fast-charging points by 2025. The Group will also expand its range of charging and energy services to better meet customer needs.

In addition to home chargers and flexible fast-charging stations, Volkswagen Group will offer charging and energy services such as public charging, green energy, and energy management. Some of these services are already provided by Electrify America in North America and Elli in Europe. In the long term, the Group plans to integrate electric cars as intelligent consumers and power banks within the electricity grid to contribute to the future energy system.

Charging and Energy division within Group Technology

The Charging and Energy division is one of four technology pillars of Group Technology, alongside PowerCo, Group Components, and Group Platform Business. Group Technology, created by Volkswagen two years ago, forms a unique ecosystem around electric mobility, covering all services from components for electric engines and batteries to charging and energy. Volkswagen Group Technology supports brands as a group-wide technology supplier and includes subsidiaries PowerCo and Elli. The division focuses on batteries, charging, and e-components, with PowerCo set to produce the unified cell from 2025. The Platform Business collaborates with external partners such as Ford and Mahindra.

About Elli

Elli, a Volkswagen Group brand with approximately 300 employees, caters to the interface between energy and mobility. As a part of the Group, Elli offers a wide range of energy and charging solutions in Europe and acts as a mobility service provider. Its portfolio includes charging solutions for private customers and companies, charging services, and innovative smart green electricity tariffs. Elli also provides digital solutions and services for charging in public spaces. Established in 2018, Elli has offices in Berlin, Wolfsburg, and Munich.

For more information about Giovanni Palazzo and photos related to this topic, please visit www.volkswagen-group.com or www.elli.eco.

Motorsport

Young Driver Involved in Slowest Rollover Crash in History After Hitting a Pothole

We have all been in that situation: learning how to drive with a parent or someone else in the passenger seat, providing instructions that will stay with us for the rest of our driving lives. Sometimes, it goes smoothly, but other times, mistakes happen, and there is little the passenger can do, especially if the teenager is driving a car without dual controls.

Such an incident occurred in a video captured in Bloomington, Indiana, where a young man was being taught how to drive on country lanes by his father. The father remained calm and gave instructions, but at one point, they encountered a massive pothole in the middle of an intersection. The teenager tried to avoid it, but due to his lack of experience with the pedals and steering wheel, he was unable to correct the steering in time. As a result, the car ended up climbing a retaining wall on the right side of the road.

Despite the low speed, the car ended up rolling over on its side, breaking a window and abruptly ending the driving lesson. Although the language may have changed during the incident, both individuals remained calm. Fortunately, it appears that both the father and the son escaped the crash without any injuries.

It is essential to remember that while car crashes can be entertaining in some contexts, the most crucial outcome is that everyone involved remains safe. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of personal safety.

Feel free to share your thoughts on this incident in the comments section below.

Cars

Rolls-Royce Spectre First Drive: A $500,000 Electric Vehicle With Surprises

When it comes to driving options, the Rolls-Royce Spectre keeps it simple. Unlike most modern cars that offer various drive modes and adjustable features, the Spectre offers a straightforward choice: Do you enjoy driving a Rolls-Royce or do you prefer a different brand?

Describing Rolls-Royce’s preferred “Magic Carpet Ride” dynamic is challenging. It’s a unique combination of feeling connected to the road while being isolated from the outside environment. The ride is neither firm nor floaty, resembling the smooth sailing of a large yacht through calm seas. The Spectre always remains level and stable, without any abrupt movements.

Spectre on the roadRolls-Royce

A significant amount of engineering has gone into achieving this unique driving experience. The Spectre’s aluminum construction is incredibly rigid, being 30% more torsionally rigid than the Ghost. The large battery pack is integrated into the cabin, contributing to the stiffness and allowing the active roll bars to focus on comfort rather than preventing twisting.

The Spectre also features four-wheel steering, all-wheel drive, adaptive dampers, and the largest air suspension system ever used by Rolls-Royce. However, what truly sets it apart is the deliberate decision to deviate from the typical selling points of other electric car manufacturers.