recently reborn Italian producer Ermini has released a teaser image of its first production car in over 50 years. The Seiottosei – named after the Italian word for 686 – is due to launch at next month’s Geneva motor Show.
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The teaser gives very few design cues away other than a retro inspired front grille will be fitted, set low in the front bumper. Thankfully much more technical information has been revealed alongside the image. The two-seater sports car will be powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder Renault engine, tuned to develop 315bhp.
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Power will be transmitted through a sequential six-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Florentine-based firm claims this will allow for a 0-62mph time of less than 3.5 seconds with a top speed limited to 168mph.
A curb weight of 686kg is part of what makes this possible, as the chassis has been constructed from steel tubing and carbon panels, while the body is crafted from aluminium and much more carbon fibre. The Seiottosei steps in at 4120mm long and 1850mm wide, similar dimension to the current Audi TT.
Keeping the Seiottosei in check will be Brembo self-ventilating brake disks, while front and rear-wheel push rod suspension – a similar setup to what you find on the current crop of F1 cars – will also be used. much more information will be revealed prior to the cars full reveal at the Geneva motor Show.
Jaguar has revealed its rival for the Mercedes E-Class Estate and BMW 5 series Touring; the new XF Sportbrake. It joins the saloon and quashes rumours of plans to cull the estate bodystyle after the old model was canned.
The big feature is the additional boot space, approved by the larger estate rear end. With the rear seats in place the new XF Sportbrake boasts a 565-litre capacity, which is 25 litres up on the saloon. Folding the 40:20:40 seats exposes the difference, though – with the 1,700-litre volume shaming the four-door’s 885 litres. A load cover and four tie-down points also feature.
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With these figures, the XF Sportbrake is just about on par with the 5 series Touring when it pertains to practicality. The only difference between the two is the Touring’s additional five litres of space with the rear seats upright. but the new Jaguar doesn’t trouble the E-Class Estate, which uses a total capacity of 1,820 litres.
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The Sportbrake takes its design language from the XF saloon but morphs into a rakish estate with a dipping windowline. An optional panoramic roofing is used with a gesture-controlled blind, while the tailgate comes with a foot-operated function.
This week’s announcement by the competition and Markets Authority (CMA) of a study into the electric vehicle charging sector has the potential to help banish one of the big issues preventing people from making the now inevitable switch to electrification: charge anxiety.
With most new electric automobiles offering realistic ranges of at least 150-200 miles, it’s far easier to adapt to a new mindset and take the plunge. but the big issue that we consistently hear of is a lack of confidence in the charging network; it’s simply not accessible or reputable enough.
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Chances are that if you’re test driving an electric car, then you won’t yet have home charging, so you’ll need a good experience from the UK’s charging network to help persuade you to switch. but all too typically we hear of bad experiences. However, as more people without the ability to charge at home switch to EVs, the UK’s public charging network will become ever more important.
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So what do we want the CMA to look at? private investment has seen this sector grow massively, but we need these companies to ensure the technology, reliability and service levels meet a required standard. All too often, as users tell us, they don’t.
That’s especially true on motorways, where one provider, Ecotricity, has a virtual monopoly at service areas. Unfortunately, it came bottom of our driver Power survey into EV charging companies, but without competition at its sites, it’s no surprise when users complain of an outdated and unreliable network.
In our view, allowing competition for charging points on our motorways (and elsewhere) is an vital step. but so are standards that need to be met for price, reliability and technology. nobody wants regulation, yet there isn’t even an industry body among charging companies that exists to share best practice. Let’s hope the CMA comes up with robust ideas that the government will act upon to improve the EV charging experience for us all.
Check out our run-down of the best electric chargepoint companies here…
Movember – a time when it becomes socially acceptable for men to let their facial hair grow as long as they like. It’s usually a time when you come across all sorts of moustaches, from the handlebar to the goatee, in all shapes and sizes, too. but why should this tradition of celebrating a no-shave eleventh month of the year be restricted to us humans?
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In true auto express fashion, we’ve decided to take a look at Movember from the car’s perspective. Last month, we took a look at the scariest cars for Halloween, but this month it seemed appropriate to take a look at the hairiest cars.
So we’ve created a top ten list of cars with grilles that share an uncanny resemblance to modern-day moustaches. In the recent history of automotive engineering, grilles have moved past a means of ventilation, and have now become major styling cues. There are distinguished ‘tiger-nosed’ grilles from Kia and distinctive ‘kidney-shaped’ grilles from BMW.
The grille is definitely the automotive equivalent of a moustache. In our list you’ll find a great parted moustache grille on the Fisker Karma. A classic, straight-line moustache as seen on the Jaguar XKR S. An extremely tash-worthy Aston Martin Vantage and a very Austro-Hungarian Empire-era entry from Skoda. There’s a Mario-esque moustache as seen on the old MINI, as well as a cheeky goatee entry from Alfa Romeo.
Scroll through the gallery above to see our list of the top ten Movember cars in the automotive world.
vehicle usage during England’s third national lockdown is at a similar level to may 2020, when Covid-19 limitations were being relieved for the very first time as well as people were motivated to return to their workplaces.
Data from RAC Black Box insurance coverage shows there were 10 per cent much more vehicles in utilize during the very first week of the third lockdown in January 2021 than there were during the very first week of the very first lockdown in March 2020, with 31 per cent much more miles driven.
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This level of vehicle utilize is still lower than typical pre-Covid levels, though – down 22 per cent compared with the very first week of February 2020, for example.
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The quietest week for web traffic because the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic was the second week of the very first lockdown, when there was a 41 per cent reduction in vehicle utilize across the UK. The highest, on the other hand, was the week commencing 7 September – web traffic returned to typical levels at this point, with kids heading back to institution after the summertime holidays.
The RAC likewise reports that its patrols have had their busiest begin to a new Year on record, with eight per cent much more breakdowns went to in the very first four days of 2021 than in common previous years. chilly weather condition as well as vehicles having not been utilized much will have been a element in this, however it likewise shows chauffeurs still feel they have important reasons to be out on the road.
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RAC data insight spokesperson Rod Dennis commented: “Despite the whole of the UK now under a even more coronavirus lockdown, our data shows the number of vehicles in utilize has not dropped to the exact same degree it did the very first time limitations were brought in last March.”
He added: “It’s important chauffeurs believe thoroughly before utilizing their cars as well as guarantee they’re only venturing out for important trips as specified by government guidelines. Every unnecessary journey boosts the possibilities of a breakdown, or worse a road web traffic collision, as well as dangers contributing to the pressures being experienced by our emergency as well as healthcare workers.”
Trevor Sterling, chair of the major Trauma group – which helps people impacted by major trauma – added: “Our experience is showing a reduction in road web traffic trauma clients being admitted hospital, however it is remove nevertheless that road utilize is much higher than before, even though the NHS is under much more strain this time around round. This knock-on impact might be critical, as well as we desire road individuals to believe twice before taking unessential vehicle journeys.”
Best the web traffic with our pick of the very best sat-nav apps available now…
This is the new Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e – a plug-in hybrid rival for the Mercedes A 250 e as well as Skoda Octavia vRS iV. It’s offered to buy in Germany now, with costs starting from €40,395 (around £37,000), as well as Audi has verified that it’ll go on sale in the UK during spring 2021, sitting above the somewhat less powerful A3 40 TFSI e.
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It’s powered by the exact same plug-in hybrid powertrain discovered in the current Volkswagen Golf GTE, which blends a turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 107bhp electric motor as well as a 13kWh battery pack, for a integrated output of 242bhp as well as 400Nm of torque. It’s a a lot more powerful version of the powertrain in the 40 TFSI e model, which has 201bhp as well as 350Nm. The petrol engine is mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox.
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Audi states that the 45 TFSI e can go from 0–62mph in 6.8 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 144mph. fuel economic climate as much as 201.8mpg is claimed, while creating between 31–34g/km of CO2 – although it’s worth bearing in mind that both of those figures were determined utilizing the dated NEDC system.
The A3 45 TFSI e’s maximum electric variety is quoted under the newer WLTP standard, with a figure of 39 miles between charges declared – that’s two miles fewer than the 40 TFSI e model. When plugged into a traditional home socket, the hatchback’s battery will recuperate a full fee in around five hours.
The A3 45 TFSI e features a option of four driving modes, which offer diverse degrees of electrical assistance. automobile hybrid mode discovers the very best balance between petrol as well as electric power; EV mode prioritises electric running as well as Battery Hold retains the battery fee level for utilize later in the journey. Battery fee tops-up the batteries utilizing the petrol engine as well as energy healing system.
UK specs are yet to be confirmed, however the EU-market designs come as common with 17-inch alloy wheels, uprated brakes, red calipers, sports seats, rear privacy glass as well as dual-zone climate control. purchasers likewise get the exact same dual-screen infotainment configuration as the common A3, while Matrix LED headlights can be added as an optional extra.
What do you make of the new Audi A3 Sportback 45 TFSI e PHEV? let us understand in the comments section below…
The Zarooq Motors SandRacer 500GT – an attempt by the UAE-based producer to integrate a stylish coupe as well as a difficult sand-blasting off-roader – is now in production, practically two years on from its preliminary expose after the 2015 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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In that time Zarooq has fine tuned the design, while a new engine replaces the V6 system previously touted.
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It’s a mid-engined, rear-wheel drive vehicle with a 6.2-litre V8 creating 518bhp as well as 660Nm of torque. Power is provided to the rear wheels through a five-speed sequential gearbox. The radical bodywork is made from carbon fibre, so it weights just 1,200kg.
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That implies performance will be strong on the road, however that’s not all – the hint is in the name. The SandRacer is likewise developed for the desert, so it features off-road focused suspension with two trip height settings, huge knobbly tyres as well as racing harnesses, together with a full built-in roll cage.
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It’s not a totally stripped-out racer, though, as it’s likewise implied for road use. inside you’ll discover an LCD sceen, speaker system, air-conditioning as well as even a cupholder, while the hand-stitched leather interior is made by Mansory.
Zarooq plans to develop as well as offer 35 units of its limited-edition supercar-cum-dune buggy, with very first clients now in line. costs begin at $450,000, corresponding to about £350,000.
Would Dubai a Sand Racer off-road coupe? let us understand in the comments section below…
Ford has showcased its engine administration system for the 2018 European Mustang that can set different engine volumes for different times of the day.
Called ‘Good Neighbour Mode’, the innovation was discussed at the Mustang’s 2018 European introduce at September’s Frankfurt Motot Show. It enables Mustang owners to select what time they can terminate their muscle mass cars and truck as much as its full roaring prospective as well as what time they can set it to begin up quietly without complaints from neighbours. The function can be accessed with the toggle menu in the instrument cluster.
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The concept is the brainchild of Ford worker Steve von Foerster, whose neighbours made constant complaints to him about his Mustang starting up in the morning.
While exhaust administration systems are already a function on some sports cars, the great Neighbour mode is the very first exhaust system that can be time allotted to begin the cars and truck up quietly, without a thunderous yelp from the Mustang’s V8. According to a poll by Ranker.com, engine revving is one of the most frustrating noises made by neighbours, beaten only by early-morning yard mowers.
Both peaceful Exhaust mode as well as peaceful begin features will be part of the new Mustang, which is capable of hitting as much as 82 decibels when in Track mode.
Since the American muscle mass cars and truck officially went on sale in Europe back in 2015, Ford has offered almost 30,000 examples of the sixth-generation model.
Is ‘Good Neighbour Mode’ a great idea? tell us what you believe of it below!
Aston Martin’s new DB11 is just about as fresh as supercars come, however additionally advancement is already under method that will culminate in a quicker as well as a lot more sporting DB11 S for next year.
Expected in the second half of 2018, these spy shots show the Bentley Continental Supersports rival being put with its paces on public roads. giveaways that this is no regular DB11 include the enlarged front air intakes, chunky splitter as well as lower stance, in spite of no evident modifications to the rear.
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Given the basic DB11 already pumps out 600bhp as well as understanding what previous Aston ‘S’ designs have gained, it’s affordable to presume that engineers will capture anything as much as 50bhp additional out of the twin-turbo V12 engine. While that won’t make a big difference to performance, it must bring acceleration a bit better to its 700bhp Bentley arch rival.
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We’re expecting a lot more obvious modifications to the chassis, however, as well as the lowered suspension of this prototype is evidence for that. Tweaks to spring as well as damper rates must make it feel sharper in the bends, while it might get stronger brakes as well as weight saving procedures in the platform.
Pricing details are unconfirmed, however with the basic vehicle priced at £155,000, we wouldn’t be shocked to see the DB11 S breaching the £180,000 mark. We’ll understand a lot more details nearer the car’s introduce date.
Do you like the look of the Aston Martin DB11 S as seen in our spy shots? tell us in the comments!
The BMW X5 eDrive plug-in hybrid is on its method to production, as exposed by these spy shots of a near-standard looking X5. It’s only when you look better that you can see the charging port flap mounted on the left-hand front wing.
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BMW has already previewed this design with a idea – exposed at the Frankfurt motor show in September – however numerous of that car’s styling details aren’t on this prototype. That might modification for production, though, where the blue-tinted BMW badges, bespoke front-end styling as well as distinct alloy wheel styles of the idea might re-emerge.
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Expect to see the exact same powertrain discovered in the idea as well as the exact same economic climate figures, too. That implies it’ll be fitted with a four-cylinder petrol engine as well as a 95bhp electric motor, provided with a four-wheel-drive system. capable of travelling around 20 miles on electric power, the X5 eDrive ought to boast figures of 74.3mpg as well as less than 90g/km of CO2. in spite of the outstanding economy, expect a 0-62mph time of around seven seconds.
There’s still a great deal of work to be done tweaking the eDrive powertrain up until BMW will be pleased to put the cars and truck on sale, so in spite of the advanced look of these prototypes we’re still expecting an on-sale date during 2015. After all, BMW will want to provide its i3 as well as i8 electric/hybrid designs a possibility to thrive.
When it does show up it will likely have competition from a plug-in hybrid version of the Audi Q7. While not precisely a competitor, Mitusbishi will begin selling a plug-in hybrid version of its Outlander SUV in 2014, boasting fuel economic climate of 144mpg.