Audi success has been built on the sum of its parts, writes Robin Roberts. Whether that’s quattro technology, TT-style or out-and-out performance through the wheels of the R8, but it’s also been piling up sales with estates. The runaway demand for its RS4 and RS6 estate or avant models over years is probably better known than the popularity of its 100 and then A6 wagons, and the A6 last year … [Read more...]
Newcomers: Cars
Aston Martin Rapide E uses F1 technology input
With development of Aston Martin’s first all-electric production car - the Rapide E - progressing apace, the luxury British marque has today confirmed a raft of technical details for the strictly limited 155-unit special edition. Working closely with Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) as its development partner, Aston Martin has utilised the hugely successful leader in … [Read more...]
Aston Martin electric supercars confirmed for Wales
Aston Martin Lagonda’s new generation of electric super-cars will be built in Wales, it confirmed today, writes Robin Roberts. News that the new St Athan site will become its centre for electrification confirms an exclusive story which appeared on WheelsWithinWales in March. The Aston Martin Rapide E (sketch above) will be the first Battery Electric Vehicle from the international … [Read more...]
Newslines 10 September
Lister Tuning is relocating to a new centre in North West England where it will develop their unique high performance versions of Jaguar models. Among the first to be built there is a 670bhp Lister LFP SUV using carbon fibre components to keep down weight while the tuned V8 engine will take it to 60mph in 3.5secs and onto a maximum 200mph at a cost of about £140,000. In a major … [Read more...]
Newslines 7 September
The trendsetting Nissan Juke has been improved for 2019 and comes into showrooms from £15,505. It gets a new look to the body and a BOSE sound system with new personality pack for greater customer choice. The rush to register cars before the tighter WLTP emissions kicked in this month saw a 27% rise in “sales” across Western Europe in August. Dealers registered 1.02 M models compared to … [Read more...]
Weekend roadtest: Hyundai Kona SE 1.0 pet. 2WD
While it takes its name from a Hawaiian island, the Hyundai Kona is really more of a landmark in the mainstream SUV sector. Kona is available in 11 versions based on five trim levels powered by choice of new 115 or 136 six or seven speed 1.6 turbo-diesels, alongside 120ps 1.0 2WD six speed and 177ps 1.6 AWD petrol engines, all sharing a five-door SUV-styled body. Our … [Read more...]
Newslines 28 August
Nearly 60 years after it was launched, the Jaguar E-Type will be reborn as an electric car. Jaguar has given the go-ahead for a specialist restorer to produce the model for the summer of 2020, 59 years after the stunning sleek sports car went on sale before it was discontinued in 1975. The Audi PB18 e-tron is a concept all electric wirelessly charged sports car shown in California. It … [Read more...]
First drive: Audi Q8 sharpens range
Britain’s booming SUV market has a new player, writes Robin Roberts. The Audi Q8 raises the game for the company as the new flagship in its sporting range and it’s also a real challenger to rivals from Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Maserati, as well as Bentley. The new five-seater-only Q8 has a coupe-styled five-door body with quattro drive and 48v mild-hybrid 286ps 3.0TDi … [Read more...]
Newslines 21 August
The new 12-model Jeep Renegade range of 4WD models will be in dealerships from the end of this month. Jeep say they will cost from £19,200 to £30.805 and come with a choice of three new petrol engines and two updated diesel units, with six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmissions. In a stunning new film, Lotus Cars celebrates its anniversary in manufacturing outstanding sports … [Read more...]
“The” Aston Martin DB5 is back – at a cool £3M
James Bond's iconic Aston Martin DB5 is back with a £3M price tag to leave you shaken and stirred. Thanks to a unique collaboration between Aston Martin and EON Productions, the company that produces the James Bond films, a limited edition series of the gadget-packed car will be produced at a cost of £3 Million each. Following the successful DB4 G.T. continuation project, a series of 25 … [Read more...]