Gordon Murray has already started work on the follow-up to his spectacular T.50 supercar – and he has revealed to car express that the next model will be much more budget-friendly while still using the T.50’s high-revving, typically aspirated V12 engine.
The T.50 and its T.50s track version are both now sold out, despite before-tax price labels of £2.3m and £3.1m respectively. The first examples of the road model, which is limited to 100 units, ought to arrive in customers’ hands in 2022.
New track-only Gordon Murray T.50s Niki Lauda arrives with 725bhp
But as his Gordon Murray group announced a £300m investment plan that will allow it to develop its own pure-electric car architecture, the former F1 designer revealed that his team is already formulating the automobile that will follow the two Gordon Murray Automotive fan-assisted supercars.
Advertisement – short article continues below
Referred to as project Two, the automobile will have a much more conventional two-seat layout instead of the T.50’s three-seat configuration – and this implies that its construction will need to be developed from scratch. “The T.50’s powertrain feeds back into project Two,” Murray said. “But it is a brand new platform; we’re starting again on that. The T.50 was a distinct monocoque because of the fan and the central driving position, and it’s very challenging to take that and adapt it to a two-seater.
A government cash incentive for motorists who get cars with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) technology could save 60 lives and cut severe injuries by up to 760 in just three years.
That’s according to the insurance industry’s automotive research centre, Thatcham. It claims that this figure would increase to 1,220 lives saved and 136,000 casualties avoided over 10 years.
Advertisement – post continues below
The research body is calling for the government to introduce a £500 grant for any individual getting a car with the kit. At present, 23 per cent of new cars either have it fitted as an option or standard. but less than 10 per cent of buyers select it.
• UK car motorists hate Mondays
An insider explained that the idea had been presented to road ministers in government and that while they had been receptive to it, they questioned where the money for such an incentive could come from.
“A responsible motorist who pays extra to minimize the potential impact of their car must benefit from a helping hand from the Government,” explained Thatcham chief executive Peter Shaw.
“The time is ideal to demonstrate to consumers that automobiles with AEB must be their natural choice, and we calculate that with a£500 cash incentive – about half the additional cost of the AEB system – the government would be meeting the motorist halfway.”
Road safety summit talks new safety tech
The rapid growth of technology will be a help and hindrance to road safety over the next five to 10 years, say safety bosses and researchers.
Talking at the UK road safety Summit, roads minister Robert goodwill and shadow roads minister Richard problem both marked out autonomous emergency braking (AEB) as a crucial aspect in future road safety. However, Richard Cuerden of the transport research laboratory alerted that MoT testing will need to keep up with the rise of this kind of tech as garages make sure systems such as AEB are working correctly.
• Twelve-year wait to repair UK’s pothole-ridden roads
The summit also touched on autonomous driving, and although the views were mainly positive, all speakers questioned legislation and laws. chief Constable Suzette Davenport, association of chief police Officers national roads policing lead, questioned how the policies would work relating to drink-driving and licences in these vehicles. but she said: “Remote stopping will be a real benefit. We have to balance the risk of pursuing people if they’re doing something wrong.”
However, she also said legislation needs to be brought up to date for current technology, such as Internet in cars and the impending arrival of Google Glass.
Driverless trucks are to be trialled on major British roads from next year as part of a £8.1million job to reduce business costs as well as cut pollution, the government has said.
The department for transfer has provided the eco-friendly light for transfer research study lab to trial “platoons” of driverless trucks.
• Ultimage guide to self-driving vehicles
Advertisement – article continues below
Up to three lorries will travel in a convoy led by a lead vehicle that controls steering, braking, as well as acceleration. The trucks will be linked with linked innovation as well as automated driving systems however will function drivers in each cabin to take over control.
5
The lead truck will be driven by a human driver as well as will manage the speed as well as direction of the convoy. The trucks complying with the lead driver will immediately mimic the movements, preserving a provided distance to the lead truck. This is stated to enhance fuel economic climate as well as reduce emissions as the lead truck pushes air out of the way, making vehicles in the convoy more efficient.
The trials will be brought out in three phases. preliminary testing will be done on closed test tracks to determine the correct distance trucks in the convoy must maintain, with road trials expected to show up by the end of 2018.
The department for transfer stated similar trials have already been brought out somewhere else in Europe as well as in the United States. transfer priest Paul Maynard said: “Advances such as lorry platooning might benefit businesses with cheaper fuel expenses as well as other road individuals thanks to lower emissions as well as less congestion.”
However, the trials have increased road security concerns. Edmund King, president of the AA explained that the big convoys might block road indications as well as junctions for some drivers.
How would you feel driving next to a convoy of autonomous trucks? tell us in the comments below…
Mercedes has exposed two new special edition G-Class SUVs at the Frankfurt motor Show, positioned as new variety topping versions of the firm’s old-school off-roader.
Both V8 powered G 63 as well as V12 powered G 65 variations will soon be offered in special edition trim levels, however we won’t be getting them right here in the UK – British purchasers aren’t even provided the routine G 65 in the very first place.
Advertisement – short article continues below
• Frankfurt motor show 2017
Exclusive edition cars and trucks are marked out by a number of style as well as trim revisions inside as well as out. Protective stainless steel plating runs around the underside of the car, while distinct AMG racing stripes run down the sides of the doors. around the back, the spare wheel cover is completed in the primary body colour, too.
6
Both cars and trucks trip on a set of 21-inch five-twin spoke alloy wheels, completed in matt black on G 63 cars and trucks or ceramically polished on the G 65 model. together with these wheels, both cars and trucks can be completed in a distinct monza grey magno matt paint finish.
In the cabin, the Designo special interior trim bundle is included as common together with two-tone leather upholstery. The Seat comfort bundle is likewise bundled in, introducing multicontour as well as climate-controlled seats for the chauffeur as well as front passenger. costs in Germany will begin at €163,125.20 – approximately £150,000.
What do you make of the new special edition Mercedes-AMG G-Wagens? tell us in the comments…
This is the new Kia Sedona, officially revealed ahead of its debut at the new York motor show this week. As suspected, the mid-size MPV has been given a radical design overhaul following teaser images released earlier this month.
Up front, the revised front fascia is a lot more pronounced, featuring Kia’s trademark ‘Tiger Nose’ grille, which merges with the raked-back headlights. The rear also gets an updated look, with new horizontal taillights now integrated into the boot lid and echoing the wraparound design at the front. A bumper guard and roofing spoiler also adds a sportier dimension.
Advertisement – post continues below
The new Sedona is also a lot more angular than its predecessor, and benefits from a sleeker profile with minimized front and rear overhangs. The wheelbase is nearly 41mm longer than before, helping create an airier cabin with improved motorist visibility.
Inside, there’s room for either seven or eight passengers depending on the configuration, as well as a range of storage options. customers can also spec Kia’s ‘First Class’ lounge seating for the middle row, which comes with retractable leg rests and can slide backwards for added room.
The new look continues inside, with the Sedona getting a distinctive and sophisticated layout. The interior comes in a choice of three colours, while the new flagship SXL model is trimmed in Nappa leather as standard.
There’s a revised version of Kia’s next-generation UVO Infotainment system, too, which now includes motorist aids such as Geo-fencing, speed Alert, Curfew Alert and Driving Score. Kia’s app store is also available, allowing motorists to download content from iTunes or Google Play for use within the car.
Standard safety equipment is fairly comprehensive, including features such as ESC, traction control, ABS, Hill-start assist Control, cornering brake control and roll over mitigation technology. customers can also option a forward collision alerting system, blind spot detectors and rear cross traffic Alert.
Kia has also replaced the previous generation’s 3.5-litre V6 with a a lot more powerful 272bhp 3.3-litre GDI V6 petrol engine, twinned with a six-speed automatic gearbox. A range of diesel CRDi engines are also likely to be made available. The chassis is also stiffer, with Kia claiming it’s 36 per cent greater than its closest segment competitor.
There are currently no plans to bring the new Sedona to the UK, but it is to go on sale in the us later this year, with prices to be announced closer to the launch date.
To celebrate auto Express’ 25th anniversary, we thought we’d wind back the clock to see how the cost of motoring has changed since our first issue hit the shelves back in 1988.
Our research shows drivers have been hit particularly hard in the wallet over the past five years. The cost of automobile insurance has reached new heights, with the average policy costing £1,193. go back just four years and it was almost half this price. and in 1988, we were paying an average of just £150 a year.
Advertisement – article continues below
Fuel hasn’t fallen below £1.30 per litre for over two years. but a decade ago, we were paying just 76p – so the average 55-litre tank would have cost £42 to fill up; in 2012 it was £75.
It’s not only motorists who’ve been hit; drinkers and smokers have, too. A pack of 20 cigarettes has shot up from £1.48 in 1988 to £7.10 in 2012; a pint of bitter has gone from 88p to £2.80.
But how have automobile costs fared when compared to inflation? have drivers really been clobbered hard? Our chart below reveals all.
Litre of fuelCar insurancePrice of a carAverage wages (gross weekly earnings)
198836.7p£150£12,207£218
199349p£304£16,400£316
199865p£343£19,152£393
200376p£588£19,585£489
2008£1.07£650£22,399£578
2012£1.36£1,193£27,919£609
Pint of draught beerCigarettesPrice of a houseNewspaperFirst-class stampCinema ticketsPint of milk (pasteurised)
198888p£1.48£49,35525p19p£2.1726p
1993£1.36p£2.24£64,23945p25p£3.4234p
1998£1.69p£3.19£86,83545p26p£3.6934p
2003£1.94£4.24£155,48555p28p£4.4436p
2008£2.39£5.31£211,38880p36p£5.2042p
2012£2.80£7.10£233,000£1.2060p£6.3746p
Vauxhall has added a new trim level to its Crossland SUV line-up. Called the Crossland Griffin, the new variant aims to increase the car’s charm next to rivals like the Ford Puma as well as Volkswagen T-Cross by bringing a lower starting cost as well as added set over the entry-level Crossland SE model.
Advertisement – short article continues below
The British brand’s compact SUV got a comprehensive upgrade in 2020, with updates to its suspension, steering as well as tech, together with an exterior redesign that incorporated Vauxhall’s ‘Vizor’ household face.
New Vauxhall Corsa-e griffin brings much more set for a lower starting price
The 2020 facelift added a new touchscreen infotainment system, bundled with Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto, in addition to Bluetooth connectivity as well as a DAB radio. However, the new griffin design looks to bring much more basic devices for less money than the entry-level SE, improving value.
The Crossland griffin features the exact same seven-inch touchscreen as other designs in the line-up, however the cabin now features ambient lighting, heated front seats as well as a heated steering wheel.
Automatic windscreen wipers as well as LED headlights are likewise fitted, together with security tech such as lane departure cautioning as well as speed indication recognition.
Outside, the Crossland griffin boasts black 17-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels, black door mirrors as well as a contrasting colour roofing system for additional visual impact. There are likewise chrome-effect upper window mouldings.
Vauxhall’s newest addition to the Crossland household is offered with the exact same engines as the rest of the range. beginning the line-up is a 1.2-litre petrol establishing 82bhp, with a turbocharged variant upping power to either 108bhp or 128bhp.
Buyers can likewise select between two diesel options, with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel creating either 108bhp or 118bhp.
Prices for the Crossland griffin begin from £17,555, undercutting the entry-level SE by a considerable £2,000 in spite of it boasting much more equipment. Vauxhall is likewise providing the Crossland griffin on a PCP scheme, with monthly payments starting from £215.
Click right here for our listing of the very best little SUVs on sale…
Toyota has become the latest manufacturer to establish a scrappage scheme in the UK, offering savings up to £4,000 to drivers who trade-in their old car.
Running from 1 September until the end of the year, the scheme is open to any vehicle more than seven years old which has been owned by the current owner for more than six months.
Advertisement – article continues below
• UK diesel scrappage scheme: the key facts
In return, Toyota is offering at least £1,000 towards new models like the CH-R, and £2,000 on cars like the Prius and Hilux. Those who opt for larger vehicles like the RAV4 can enjoy savings up to £3,500, while anyone who opts for the latest Land Cruiser will be handed a £4,000 discount.
All vehicles exchanged will be scrapped and processed at authorized treatment facilities run by Autogreen.
The full details of Toyota’s scrappage scheme are listed in the table below.
Model
Scrappage saving
Aygo
£2,000
Yaris and Yaris Hybrid
£2,500
Auris and Auris Hybrid
£3,500
Verso
£3,500
RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid
£3,500
C-HR and CH-R Hybrid
£1,000
Avensis
£3,500
Prius
£2,000
GT86
£2,000
Land Cruiser
£4,000
Hilux
£2,000
Proace
£2,000
Paul Van der Burgh, Toyota GB president and Managing Director, said: “Our scrappage scheme is a win-win solution. Motorists can dispose of their older vehicles and have access to our cleaner, more efficient model range.
“Our world-leading petrol-electric hybrids will be an ideal choice, helping make a genuine contribution to protecting air quality – a crucial concern for today’s customers.
“What’s more, everyone who takes up our scrappage scheme can be assured their vehicle will be disposed of in an environmentally responsible fashion that maximises recycling opportunities.”
What do you think of the latest trend by car manufacturers to introduce scrappage schemes in the UK? tell us in the comments below…
Audi has exposed its response to the just recently updated Tesla design S, the e-tron GT. The new design utilizes the innovation as well as platform that likewise underpin the Porsche Taycan, as well as it’s because of go on sale in the UK in may with costs ranging from £79,900 to £133,340.
Advertisement – post continues below
Company manager Markus Duesmann explains the pure-electric saloon as “the a lot of crucial automobile for Audi”, occupying halo condition in the brand’s line-up. To mark its range-topping credentials, the e-tron GT will be developed at Audi’s Böllinger Höfe facility in Neckarsulm – the exact same factory that creates the R8 supercar.
New Audi e-tron GT 2021 review
From launch, purchasers will have a option of two models: the e-tron GT quattro as well as RS e-tron GT. Both versions utilize an electric powertrain featuring a motor mounted on each axle for four-wheel drive.
The entry-level vehicle creates 469bhp as well as 630Nm of torque, which Audi states is sufficient for a 0-62mph time of 4.1 seconds as well as a top speed of 152mph. It features double-wishbone suspension, digitally managed dampers, a locking rear diff as well as steel brakes with 10-piston calipers. There are 19-inch alloys as standard, although 20- as well as 21-inch wheels will be available.
The performance-focused RS e-tron GT, priced from £110,850 has a power output of 590bhp as well as 830Nm of torque – although the car’s introduce manage system can temporarily boost power to 637bhp. This version’s 0-62mph time drops to just 3.3 seconds, while its top speed boosts to an digitally restricted 155mph.
Volvo will soon add its new Google-developed infotainment software to the XC60, S90 and V90. The technology will be rolled-out just in time for the MY22 plate change and will supply out-of-the-box support for Google Maps and Google Assistant, without the need to connect a compatible smartphone.
The new software was first trialled on the pure-electric Volvo XC40 Recharge and now, for its general roll-out, it will also be paired with the brand’s new digital services package. The add-on grants owners access to a range of Google services and Volvo’s dedicated smartphone application, as well as a data package to run the various online features.
Volvo to go all-electric by 2030 with new small EV planned
From new, Volvo’s digital services package will remain active for four years, after which time the car’s owner can choose to pay an additional fee to continue their subscription.
Advertisement – post continues below
As this is Volvo, there’s also a crucial safety aspect to the new infotainment software. The brand says it will allow motorists to do a lot more functions using voice control, (such as setting the cabin temperature, selecting music or sending text messages), which will allow the motorist to keep their focus on the road.
Following the same theme, Volvo has also updated the XC60, S90 and V90 with its most current motorist help technology, which features a fresh range of cameras, radar sensors and ultrasonic detectors.