The new Vauxhall VXR8 GTS-R has a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine, producing 595PS, up from 576PS and 740Nm of torque, making it Vauxhall’s most powerful car in the company’s 114-year history. Production of the Holden Commodore model, on which the GTS-R is based, comes to an end in Australia this October, when Holden’s manufacturing plant finally closes. Vauxhall – a sister brand to Holden in … [Read more...]
Newcomers
Newslines 4 July
Škoda is upgrading the smallest member of its model range. The Škoda Citigo is being relaunched with three or five doors and many new design, technology and equipment features from £8,635 to £11,590. The EC is attempting to block further scrutiny of environmental issues, say clean air campaigners. The European Environmental Bureau say it is a shameless attempt by the EC to avoid public … [Read more...]
Newslines 1 July
To celebrate the 60th birthday of the iconic Fiat 500 a new special series, the Fiat 500 Anniversario, will be available to order from today. Available in two exclusive new colours, Riviera Green and Sicilia Orange with the 1.2-litre 69hp petrol engine, as both a hatchback and a convertible, they cost from £14,265. Ford Bridgend Engine plant helped boost Britain’s power train manufacturing … [Read more...]
Can modern karts move society ?
Brits are still struggling to separate fact from fiction and debunk the most common electric car myths, research by TeamSport has revealed. With growth in the number of electric cars on the roads continuing, the leading karting company researched the nation’s attitudes towards electric cars and which myths the public still believes. They found the majority of drivers still don’t fully … [Read more...]
Newcomers from Aston, SEAT, Hyundai and BMW
Less than two years after being unveiled as a concept, Aston Martin has confirmed that the all-electric RapidE will enter production in 2019. Set for a limited production run of 155 cars, RapidE is Aston Martin’s first all-electric model and it will be sold on exclusivity in a market sector now being taken very seriously by rival sports car makers. The New SEAT Arona will make its public … [Read more...]
EV charging welcomed but comes with warning
A government commitment in the Queen’s speech to ensure charging points are installed at all large petrol retailers and motorway services has been hailed as a “major step forward” for electric vehicle infrastructure by Arval. David Watts, fleet consultant at the leading vehicle leasing and fleet management company, said that the move would do much to increase the overall capacity of the … [Read more...]
Tradelines 28 June
The government’s commitment to securing existing duty free access to UK markets for 48 of the world’s developing nations will ensure that British manufacturers and retailers can continue to trade efficiently and profitably, according to the Freight Transport Association. The association says that these agreements should ensure that the price of household items, ranging from textiles to tea, can … [Read more...]
European sales rise but diesel feels the heat
Amid rising car sales across Europe, diesel is declining and hybrid and electric vehicles are catching up. ACEA has published its Economic and Market Report for the first quarter of 2017, with the latest figures on the economy as well as registrations, production and trade of cars and commercial vehicles. This 31-page Economic and Market Report contains a wealth of information and some of the … [Read more...]
Newslines 27 June
Jaguar is introducing an efficient and powerful new 300PS Ingenium petrol engine to the XE and XF saloons and F-PACE performance SUV models. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine produces 400Nm of torque for exceptional acceleration, with low fuel consumption and emissions. Nine years on after 16 deaths and180 injuries, Takata has filed for bankruptcy protection over its airbag … [Read more...]
Audi about to raise tempo of top-note R8
The most powerful Audi engine ever destined for series production is about to raise the tempo. The latest open-air, high intensity R8 Spyder will get the gloriously vocal 610PS V10 from the R8 V10 plus Coupé. The new R8 Spyder V10 plus is capable of 0-62mph in a mere 3.3 seconds and a top speed in excess of 200mph, spurred on by its significant 70PS power advantage, and by a significant 25kg … [Read more...]