Tag Archives: shock

News

Cadillac-backed Andretti Formula 1 bid is approved as 11th team

General Motors (GM) is one step closer to entering Formula 1 as the FIA, the world motorsport’s governing body, has approved Andretti Autosport’s application to participate in the category.

Andretti and Cadillac announced their intention to enter F1 earlier this year, and now their plans have received approval from the FIA. However, the application still needs to be approved by F1’s commercial bosses, and there is uncertainty about whether they will accept an 11th team, as there has been hesitancy within the F1 community to add another team.

The FIA has been actively seeking new entrants for F1, starting with expressions of interest and then a detailed application process. Andretti’s bid was one of four and the only one to receive backing from the FIA.

Under the Andretti Cadillac plan, the team would be based in the US and have a support facility in the UK, although the specific location has not been determined yet. The earliest the team could compete in F1 is 2025.

Rodin Cars, a firm from New Zealand that manufactures single-seaters, previously submitted an application to the FIA, which was rejected. The identities of the other two applicants remain unknown.

This development reflects the growing influence of F1 in the US. The series will include races in Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas in 2023, and Haas, a US-based team, is already on the F1 grid as the newest team in the lineup.

If successful, Andretti and Cadillac have expressed their intention to prioritize the appointment of at least one American driver to compete in F1.

The operation is led by Michael Andretti, a former F1 driver and the son of Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 champion and founder of Andretti Global enterprise.

In addition to Andretti Cadillac, Audi has been confirmed as a new entrant in F1 starting from 2026. Audi will partner with Swiss team Sauber, which currently collaborates with Alfa Romeo.

Meanwhile, Porsche, a sibling brand of Audi, remains interested in entering F1 after canceling plans to partner with Red Bull Racing.

Andretti Cadillac will use an engine supplied by a third party, with technical support from Andretti and GM. The two companies previously partnered to run the Chevrolet team in the 2012 Indycar Series, where they achieved success by winning the driver, team, and manufacturer titles.

Entering F1 will not impact Cadillac’s involvement in endurance racing. The company has been racing in the IMSA Sportscar Championship since 2017 and will expand its efforts globally this year by participating in the FIA World Endurance Championship, including the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours race, with its new V-LMDh racer.

News

First drive: 2024 Toyota C-HR

The PHEV variant of the Toyota C-HR features new twin-piston brakes and ZF frequency-sensitive shock absorbers. These shock absorbers can adjust their firmness to improve the ride over high-frequency bumps and reduce body roll in other situations.

In addition, there is a new powertrain option available for the 2024 Toyota C-HR. Alongside the existing 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter hybrid systems, there is now a 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid system. The plug-in hybrid system is based on Toyota’s fifth-generation hybrid technology and consists of a 150bhp four-cylinder 2.0-liter petrol engine, a new 161bhp electric motor, and a larger 13.8kWh battery.

The plug-in hybrid version of the Toyota C-HR has an official electric-only range of 41 miles, although during the test drive, it achieved a range closer to 30 miles. Like most plug-in hybrid vehicles, it offers the option to operate in electric-only mode or use its hybrid capabilities. The hybrid mode can optimize power usage based on the sat-nav system and employ geofencing to prioritize electric power in clean-air zones. Additionally, drivers can adjust the regenerative braking strength, even enabling a B mode that allows for more efficient one-pedal driving.

The recent improvements to the Toyota C-HR’s ride quality are noticeable in different driving environments. Whether driving through tight urban areas or on fast, flowing roads, the vehicle remains comfortable, well-balanced, and composed over bumpy surfaces. While the C-HR is not particularly dynamic (due to its nature as a crossover), it still provides a pleasant driving experience that can put a smile on your face.

The performance of the plug-in hybrid powertrain is well-tuned. The transition between the two power sources is seamless, and the vehicle exhibits instant acceleration in electric mode. The petrol engine also delivers good response with smooth pickup and acceleration, responding well to driver inputs.

Unfortunately, the sound produced by the powertrain does not match its performance. It lacks excitement and occasionally sounds rough. However, it is an improvement over the regular hybrid powertrain’s noise characteristics.

It is worth noting that the plug-in hybrid version of the Toyota C-HR does not offer significantly higher top speed or acceleration compared to the regular hybrid model. Therefore, choosing the plug-in hybrid option may depend on factors such as price and potential tax benefits, especially for company car drivers who can benefit from the 8% benefit-in-kind tax bracket due to the 41-mile electric range.

Motorsport

Dashcam Footage Reveals Dealership Employees Taking Customer Corvette Z06 for Joyride

Imagine the shock of discovering that while your sports car was in for repairs, dealership employees took it on a high-speed joyride. This nightmare became a reality for John Parrish of Burlington, who recently watched dashcam footage of his 2016 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 tearing through the streets. Although no laws were technically broken, this incident raises concerns about trust, accountability, and customer satisfaction in the automotive service industry.

Parrish was initially stunned when he reviewed the dashcam video of his ‘Vette racing through the streets. His vehicle had been at Modern Chevrolet of Burlington for necessary repairs. However, what occurred next was far from routine.

Parrish discovered that two dealership employees had taken his performance sports car on not only one, but two separate high-speed test drives without his knowledge or consent. It’s important to note that while test drives are a standard practice for quality assurance, they are typically conducted with the owner’s permission and within reasonable limits.

As if the unauthorized joyride wasn’t troubling enough, the story takes another twist. Parrish reported that the dealership had damaged his car while it was being serviced, leading to free replacement parts being provided. While he appreciated the gesture to rectify the damage, he believes it doesn’t address the more significant issues at hand. Some individuals commenting on the video argue that the mechanics responsible for the joyride should also be held accountable for their actions.

We are not here to pass judgment, but it seems appropriate for the dealership to offer a genuine apology in this case. If the joyride was performed without the owner’s knowledge, as it seems to be in this situation, the cost of the gas used and the mileage accrued during the joyride should be reimbursed in some manner.

News

Autocar magazine 23 August: on sale now

This week in Autocar, we have all the information you need about Lamborghini’s surprising new electric vehicle. We will also reveal the best-handling electric vehicle and conduct a road test on a black cab.

News

Lamborghini has finally unveiled its long-awaited electric vehicle, a striking four-seat GT named the Lanzador. We have all the technical details and an exclusive comment from the CEO of the brand.

Mercedes-AMG has also introduced the second-generation GT, aiming to compete with the Aston Martin Vantage and Porsche 911. According to the company’s CEO, this car has been designed to meet the desires of customers.

Bentley has collaborated with The Little Car Company, a specialist in miniature vehicles, to create an 85% scale electric replica of the legendary Bentley Blower from 1929. We delve deeper into this replica priced at £108,000.

Reviews

Porsche has given the iconic Panamera a sleeker appearance, improved dynamics, and better powertrains. We bring you a firsthand review of a prototype in Barcelona.

The Lamborghini Huracan Sterrato is the final iteration of Lambo’s V10 baby. We explore whether this orange-liveried off-road supercar is simply a tactic to sell the end-of-line model or the best version yet.

Jaguar may have been the first to develop a credible electric vehicle with the I-Pace, but the facelift of the car has been long overdue. Our reviewer, Illya Verpraet, tests the new I-Pace to see if it still meets expectations.

In addition, we take a closer look at the very pink Porsche 718 Cayman Style Edition and conduct a road test of a black cab to provide insights for non-veteran cab drivers.

Features

Richard Bremner investigates how to get 500bhp without breaking the bank. We explore cars like the V10-powered Audi RS6 Avant and the Nissan GT-R, which offer the most power for your money.

The Bentley Continental GT is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and we join the British company in their festivities. James Attwood attends the party and takes three of the most iconic Conti’s for a drive.

Maturo, a restomodding firm, has created a road-ready Group A rally car based on the Lancia Delta Integrale. Matt Prior takes it for a spin to see how it performs.

Opinion

In his column, Matt Prior discusses the decline of the Ford Fiesta, his affection for his Africa Twin bike, and gives a word of caution to those considering buying a model they believe will increase in value.

Steve Cropley visits the Ariel Motor Co HQ and test drives their new Hipercar. He also shares an amusing software glitch experience in his Bentley and discovers an innovative new technique from our photographer Max Edleston.

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.

Motorsport

Watch Audi TT RS Roadster Hit Its 173-MPH Top Speed In Autobahn Run

It wasn’t much of a shock when Audi announced that the TT was dead after 2023 in the US. The brand’s boss suggested in 2019 that the two-door model’s future was already in doubt. The car retains the original’s sporty quirkiness and packs quite the performance punch as it prepares to leave the automotive stage. A new video captures the Audi TT RS Roadster reaching its top speed on the German Autobahn.

The Audi TT RS Roadster uses the brand’s turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five engine. It makes 400 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque that is pumped to all four wheels. The convertible can reach 62 miles per hour in just 3.9 seconds. It has an official top speed of 155 miles per hour but an option can increase that to 173 mph. However, the video shows the speedometer reading a bit more than that – 290 kph, which is 180 mph.