Month: May 2023

believe it or not, in my younger, slimmer days, with bigger cojones, I drove a Tyrrell formula One car, a Le Mans 24 Hours-winning Jaguar, as well as did practically 210mph in a Bugatti that had just set a world land speed record.
I believed I pedalled those as well as other blisteringly quick cars and trucks impressively. however a few former F1 chauffeurs I’ve had in-car tuition from didn’t concur. For example, sitting together with me in a supercar I was driving close to (my) limit, the late Sir Stirling Moss politely asked, “why are you doing so numerous warm-up laps, old boy?” 

‘Get your fill of combustion fun while you still can’

On one more day, comedian as well as ex-F1 chauffeur Perry McCarthy cheekily asked: “are we there yet, Dad?”
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At the twin sound Motegi circuit in Japan, Honda F1 pilot Aguri Suzuki examined printouts of our lap times as well as explained the one section of the track where I was quicker than him. Actually, I was so damn quick that I lost manage of the car, left the tarmac, shown up on the grass, as well as practically went to the tyre wall. 
Martin Brundle insisted he might most likely beat my lap time in his Honda NSX with one hand connected behind his back. He tried. He failed. Oh, exactly how we laughed.

I’m always amazed by a few of the so-called professionals who get called upon to provide their views on automotive stories, not least this past week on one of the most important government announcements in recent years.
So when Boris Johnson exposed his plan to ban the sale of new petrol as well as diesel cars and trucks in 2030 – or at least those without ‘significant’ hybridisation – we counted on somebody who might provide us an intelligent view on the subject.

Exclusive: Andy Palmer on the 2030 petrol as well as diesel ban

Dr Andy Palmer assisted to introduce the world to mainstream electric vehicles when he was at Nissan as well as played a considerable part in the introduce of the Leaf. Then, at Aston Martin he organized a variety of high-end Lagondas powered by batteries. now he’s working on an electric transformation in the bus world, sitting on the board of an up-and-coming battery firm as well as composing for auto Express. What he has to state on the statement – as well as especially exactly how the cars and truck market will react – makes interesting reading. Click right here to take a look.
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Our view is that 2030 is an completely achievable date to phase out the sale of cars and trucks with interior combustion engines. We’re delighted that the government has selected to enable the stepping stone of plug-in hybrids a bit of leeway, too. however we requirement some clearness (how many times have we stated that about government plans?) on what that ‘substantial distance’ is when it comes to exactly how far the enabled hybrids can drive on electric power alone.
However, do we have sufficient power as well as is the national charging facilities huge sufficient to cope? If all of us went electric today, then the response would be no. however many people seem to be missing one vital fact: 2030 is nine years away. as well as with the right government support in the right place, plus the clever believing the cars and truck business is famous for, an awful great deal can be performed in that time. We’ve come a long method in the past nine years. who understands exactly how our lives will be transformed – as well as prepared for electric cars and trucks – in the next nine?

Switching to an electric car? These are the best on sale now…

Toyota will be following on from the new Prius by introducing revised hybrid powertrains across its range from 2017. The updates focus on making the hybrid systems much more fuel efficient, refined and responsive.
The Japanese firm continues to promote its hybrid technology as an alternative to providing diesel engine options, and every model based on the new TNGA modular platform will feature updated hybrid tech. six new hybrid powertrains, plus new conventional automatic and CVT transmissions (including the ten-speed autobox found in the new Lexus LC500), will roll out across the Toyota and Lexus model ranges by 2021.
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• best hybrid cars to purchase now
The first new engine revealed is a completely overhauled version of the 2.5-litre four cylinder petrol, found in models like the Lexus NX and Toyota Rav4 Hybrid. High speed combustion and improved thermal efficiency boosts fuel economy by around 20 per cent, while a new multi-stage hybrid system improves acceleration. Power itself is said to be upped by 10 per cent. 
A new system for plug-in hybrid vehicles, which sees the electric motor directly powering the car rather than being used as a generator, will also debut on the forthcoming Prius Prime. A new kind of CVT gearbox will also roll out, with a total of 17 powertrain combinations due in the next five years. 
While pure electric cars are still in the product plan, Toyota plans to expand its hybrid technology workforce by around 30 per cent within the next five years. The expectation is that 60 per cent of models sold globally will feature these new powertrains by 2021, decreasing total CO2 emissions by at least 15 per cent. 
Read much more Toyota car news and reviews here…

This is the revised Bentley Bentayga Speed. The world’s fastest SUV has been given a makeover for 2020, which falls in line with the rest of the recently updated line-up.
Cosmetic changes on the outside objective to align the Bentayga’s styling much more closely with the rest of the Bentley range. At the front, that implies there’s a much more upright grille flanked by two pairs of swept back LED lighting units (each with intricate, jewel-like detailing), while the speed particular front bumper gets revised air intakes and an extra strip of brightwork along its lower edge.

Fastest SUVs in the world 2022

Bentley’s 22-inch wheels remain standard, while around the back, the Bentayga Speed’s old square tail lamps have been ditched in favour of Continental GT-like ovoid units. These are matched by a pair of revised exhaust suggestions in the deep rear bumper.
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Buyers can also select a Black Specification. This swaps out the chrome exterior pieces with either black or carbon fibre trim; the wheels are also painted black and the large rear wing is replaced with a carbon fibre item.
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The changes are equally comprehensive inside. The centre of the dash is all new; reshaped vents sit above a new infotainment system with a larger 10.9-inch touchscreen. The new system includes an improved navigation system with improved 3D mapping, real-time traffic information and over-the-air updates.
The improvements to in-car tech extend beyond the touchscreen, with a new digital driver’s display and a new head-up display that is much more comprehensive than before – both in terms of graphics and the information it offers.
Mechanically, the Bentayga speed is unchanged. Power is courtesy of a 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine producing 626bhp and 900Nm of torque. It’s enough to let the Bentayga cover the 0-62mph sprint in 3.9 seconds, and on to a top speed of 190mph.
Prices for the updated Bentayga speed are still to be confirmed, but the pre facelift model, released mid-2019, was priced from £182,000.
Check out our list of the best SUVs you can purchase now…

decision
While it wasn’t the basic bearer for stylish handling this time around around, the BMW X5 Mk3 was nonetheless a decent vehicle to drive, as well as the trade-off for reduced handling prowess did at least result in a more comfortable ride. factor in the roomy as well as well-equipped interior, as well as the vehicle makes an attractive option as a utilized household SUV. It’s not without its more prominent faults, though: the petrol as well as hybrid engines aren’t the very best fits for the BMW and, while out-of-the-box devices levels were generally good, a few of the more practical as well as desirable features were only offered as optional extras.
Which one should I buy?
Best utilized BMW X5 Mk3 for fuel economy: xDrive40e SE
Best utilized BMW X5 Mk3 for families: xDrive30d SE
Best utilized BMW X5 Mk3 for performance: X5 M

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The BMW X5 Mk3 debuted on UK roads in November 2013, as well as introduced with many of the features that would be a constant throughout the car’s time in production. two trim levels were offered – the core SE spec as well as a performance-inspired M sport trim – as well as engine choices included two diesels (the 30d as well as M50d) as well as a 50i petrol offering.
From January 2013, BMW X5 purchasers might specify the vehicle with a 40d diesel, which slotted in between the 30d as well as M50d engines that were offered from launch. joining the variety at the exact same time was an entry-level 25d, which had to its name the distinction of being the only X5 engine you might furnish with rear-wheel drive – every other design was solely all-wheel drive.

With a blend of realism as well as regret, however no remorse, it’s my task to tell you that lockdown has declared yet one more victim. It’s the beast understood as the worldwide motor show. join me in acknowledging that a lethal mixed drink of Covid, crippling costs, altering consumer demands as well as travel limitations has made it almost extinct. Traditionally, such shows were staged in legendary vehicle capitals like Detroit, Geneva, Frankfurt as well as Paris. They’ve all had their day.
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On a happier note, the future looks rosy for regional exhibitions. as well as right here are a few of the non-virtual, Covid-compliant events arranged to get you, in the flesh, from late 2020 to summertime 2021.

‘The Pop-Up motor show is a simple concept at exactly the right time’

The humble, different, free-to-enter Pop-Up motor show at celebration location buying Centre, Basingstoke, Hants, was shocked by drawing in countless observers (me included) during its recent opening days. in spite of an understandable lack of area as well as new cars, it’s worth popping in (before 24 December).
Organisers at Goodwood are being super-cautious by stating “new dates for 2021 will be revealed later this year” for the celebration of Speed. believe June or July, probably. It’s not verified if the moving motor show will be included, however regardless, the quintessentially English FoS is always a class act.

Eagle has revealed a heavily upgraded version of the series 1 E-Type, which pays homage to the 1963 factory lightweight E-Type racer. It’s called the lightweight GT as well as Eagle states it’s the most extensively customized Jaguar E-Type ever built, with the firm’s team of engineers sinking much more than 8,000 hours into each example.
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The process begins with a full strip-down of an original series 1 E-Type. Eagle then swaps all of the car’s panels with hand-beaten lightweight aluminium replacements as well as adds a variety of cosmetic upgrades, which are influenced by the original lightweight model.

Jaguar E-Type: history of an icon

Revisions include a much more steeply raked tail, an aero vent for the boot lid as well as deeper sills, which Eagle states enhances chassis rigidness as well as enables the chauffeur to sit lower down in the cabin, thereby improving the car’s centre of gravity.
Eagle has likewise enlarged the E-Type’s wheel arches, which has enabled area for larger, yet lighter, 16-inch peg-drive wheels. They’re made of a magnesium alloy as well as are modelled on the original Lightweight’s Dunlop racing wheels, albeit with a bit much more offset. In all, the body adjustments take around 2,500 hours to complete.
Like the Eagle Speedster, the lightweight GT is powered by a 4.7-litre straight-six, which is an development of the 4.2-litre engine utilized by the Jaguar C- D- as well as E-Types of the 1950s as well as 1960s. It features an aluminium block, triple Weber carburetors, a bespoke crankshaft, larger pistons, distinct conrods as well as a new cylinder head with larger valves as well as a higher lift camshaft – all of which Eagle states has improved the engine’s breathing.
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The engine has an output of 380bhp as well as 508Nm of torque as well as power goes to the rear wheels through a five-speed handbook transmission. anywhere possible, Eagle has likewise swapped the original E-Type’s cast steel drivetrain elements for magnesium replacements. The listing includes a new gearbox case, bell housing, differential case, sump as well as rear hub carriers.
Thanks to Eagle’s comprehensive utilize of aluminium, magnesium, Inconel as well as titanium, the lightweight GT suggestions the scales at just 1,017kg, which provides the cars and truck a power-to-weight ratio of 374bhp per tonne. Eagle likewise states it’ll sprint from 0–60mph in under five seconds, before reaching a top speed in excess of 170mph.

Despite these figures, though, Eagle states the lightweight GT wasn’t developed to be a stripped-out racer – however rather a comfortable long-distance cruiser. As such, purchasers get air conditioning, leather upholstery, much more heavily bolstered seats as well as a comfort-biased Ohlins suspension system. 
Eagle likewise modified the original E-Type’s pedal box as well as moved the car’s rear bulkhead to produce a bit additional legroom, which is a typical grievance for the original car’s cabin. What’s more, the firm’s engineers even took the time to boost the amount of finger space around the seat adjuster, to make the cars and truck simpler to online with on a everyday basis.
Prices are yet to be confirmed. However, Eagle has stated that it’s only going to develop two examples of the lightweight GT each year.
What do you make of the new Eagle lightweight GT? let us understand in the comments section below…

As part of its push upmarket, Peugeot is planning an assault on the four-door coupe class. Our exclusive images show the brand’s new Mercedes CLA rival – likely to be badged 408 GT – which will be based on the 308 hatch and could go on sale in 2016.
As you can see, it will be longer, lower and broader than the 308, with a a lot more aggressive nose. Slim headlights flow into a broader grille, as on the 2012 Onyx concept, while the boomerang tail-lamps are taken from the 2008.
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The look will help the 408 GT live up to Peugeot’s rich design heritage, which includes models like the stunning, Pininfarina-styled 406 Coupe.
As it shares its underpinnings with the 308, the 408 GT would be based on the company’s new lightweight EMP2 architecture. So expect an nearly identical interior, with even higher-grade materials to fit the new model’s a lot more premium image.
• Peugeot 308 review
Engines will mirror the 308’s, too, with a choice of 1.2 and 1.6-litre petrol turbos delivering outputs from 128bhp to 168bhp. Diesel options will range from 1.6 to 2.0 litres with 118bhp to 178bhp.
The 408 GT is one of a trio of new models Peugeot has in the pipeline as it bids to improve its image – and its profit margins. An Audi Q5-sized 6008 is tipped to arrive in concept form some time this year, tapping into the rewarding compact SUV market, while a flagship 608 saloon will launch in 2017.
All three automobiles will be crucial to Peugeot’s boosting focus on China – now the world’s largest automobile market. Traditionally, Chinese customers have favoured large saloons, for this reason the 608, but with ever-tightening emissions guidelines and less space on that country’s roads, their taste is diversifying towards smaller, a lot more efficient and trendy models, such as four-door coupés and SUVs.
Here’s proof that Peugeot has its eye on the four-door coupe market… It’s the first official teaser image of the concept it will display at April’s Beijing motor Show.
The company has confirmed the new automobile is “from the same lineage as the Onyx concept Car”, and “is a teaser of the brand’s future design”. At 4,730mm long but just 1,310mm high, it’s shorter than the 508 family car, plus lower than the RCZ coupe.

While the teaser doesn’t reveal much, you can see the short front overhang and long bonnet. add the swooping coupe roofline, long wheelbase and long rear overhang, and the automobile promises a striking look.
• Peugeot concept automobile for Beijing
• Peugeot Onyx supercar

Audi has released photos as well as details of the Amplified Black Edition, which is a new choice pack for the TT coupe as well as Roadster Black edition models.
The Audi TT Amplified Black Edition adds 19-inch ‘Rotor’ alloy wheels, distinct colours as well as black outlining for an additional £700.
Four colours are available, with a strong Samoa Orange the most dramatic. There’s likewise Daytona Grey, Misano Red or Glacier white, all of which include black surface on the lower front lip of the aggressive front spoiler, black side mirrors as well as a black TT RS-style rear spoiler. There’s a black rear diffuser, while the new 19-inch wheels are the exact same style utilized on the range-topping TT RS Plus.
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The Black edition is based on the TT S model, which implies it includes Xenon LED headlamps, a black grille as well as number plate surrounds, black leather upholstery as well as a BOSE audio system. It likewise includes cleaned aluminium inlays unless you select the Samoa Orange, in which situation the inlays will be orange, too.
Engine option are either a 208bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine in front-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive, or a 168bhp 2.0-litre turbodiesel with quattro.
The Audi TT Amplified Black edition is offered in shworooms now, with costs starting from £31,365.

When autonomous cars really do allow us to take our hands off the wheel, will they really be able to cope with every on-road situation? This was one of the topics raised last week during a fascinating day of presentations on the future of the car, organised by the financial Times.
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One of the event’s many interesting presenters was Maarten Sierhuis, who leads Nissan’s research centre in Silicon Valley. You might expect someone who once wrote software for NASA to be a firm believer in synthetic intelligence and processor power. but in fact, Sierhuis and his team argue that a essential feature of autonomous cars will be the ability for them to call on a human for back-up.
• All you need to know about self-driving cars
In the end, the relationship may be similar to the one between jet airliners and air traffic controllers, who can offer assistance and transmit instructions to the crew and, in numerous cases, the plane itself.
In Sierhuis’s vision, if a self-driving car – like the leaf prototype that demonstrated Nissan’s Seamless Autonomous Mobility earlier this year – comes across an obstacle it doesn’t know how to deal with, it’ll beam information and images back to a command centre for a human being to examine.
The operator can then ‘paint’ a suitable course of action on to a high-definition map and send that back to the car – as well as any other autonomous cars in the area, allowing them to be better prepared for the same scenario. “It’ll be impossible,” Sierhuis says, “to have autonomous cars driving around without them ever needing help.”
It sounds clunky, and a little less sci-fi than what’s been promised so far. but this grounded method is likely to reassure anybody who’s had misgivings about how this bleeding-edge tech can ever be phased into roads that still regularly throw up the unexpected.
Are you looking forward to the arrival of really autonomous cars? let us know below…