The Audi TT has reached the end of the road and what a journey it’s been. I was lucky enough to attend the UK launch of the TT Coupe in Leeds in 1999 (see below), a year after it went into production and on sale in Germany and now, a quarter of a century on, production has ceased. In that time there have been only three generations of the car but it developed from Coupe to Roadster and even … [Read more...]
Silver anniversary marks end of the road
The Audi TT – one of the most evocative and transformative models ever to have borne the four rings – celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2023, the year in which production of the Coupé and Roadster models will also draw to a close. To mark this very significant occasion, Audi UK journeyed to the Isle of Man, whose legendary annual TT race lent the design icon its name, to reflect on its … [Read more...]
Thieves target old Defenders for parts
The Land Rover Defender is a major target for thieves who can break them up within hours of getting their hands on them, say insurers. The UK’s leading rural insurer is urging farmers and other Land Rover Defender owners to take action to safeguard their iconic vehicles against clued-up thieves. NFU Mutual is urging Defender owners to adopt a combination of traditional and technological security … [Read more...]
Insurers with-hold £47M of claims from motorists
GoCompare car insurance revealed that over £47 million worth of motor insurance claims were unsuccessful during the second half of 2021, the last available period for checking. Using Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) data, the insurance comparison site calculated that more than 14,000 motor insurance claims were rejected between July and December of 2021, equating to millions in missed payouts … [Read more...]
From mining to making cars
The Austin J40 pedal car is a miniature motoring marvel. Originally built by Welsh miners who had developed lung disease as a result of a lifetime working in the coal mines, the impact made by these diminutive Austins is way beyond anything imagined when the hand-built prototype of Austin Chairman Leonard Lord’s ‘little idea’ first appeared in 1946. The fact that over 70 years after the first … [Read more...]
Newslines 15 August
Honda has confirmed the pricing and specifications for the new CR-V e:HEV and e:PHEV heading for showrooms later this year. The larger sixth generation of the CR-V will be available with either a full hybrid (e:HEV) or, for the first time in Europe, a plug-in hybrid (e:PHEV) powertrain, from £45,895. The 1950s Museum at Denbigh, North Wales is attracting increasing visitor numbers to … [Read more...]
Racing lines 10 August
Visitors to this summer’s Silverstone Festival 25-27 August will be treated to the sensational sounds of BRM’s incredible V16 – widely hailed as the greatest sounding F1 engine of all time. It will be the first time Silverstone has reverberated to the mind-blowing wail of BRM’s fearsome supercharged 1.5-litre power plant in public for more than a generation and is yet another highlight among the … [Read more...]
Tradelines 26 July
Just months after its announcement, there is now a two years waiting list for the first electrified Lamborghini Revuelto. Revuelto is the first V12 plug-in hybrid High Performance Electrified Vehicle supercar from the House of Sant’Agata and costs around £450,000. The all-new 2024 Land Cruiser makes its world debut 2 August. It is heavily based on the mechanicals and platform of the Lexus GX … [Read more...]
Classic cars & what to look out for
According to the latest data from Britain's historic vehicle club, there are nearly 700,000 classic car owners in the UK. Although there are plenty of benefits to owning a classic car, there can also be lots to think about when buying, selling, restoring or driving a classic model. While classic cars are loved for their vintage appeal, the flip side is that they’re often out of date when it … [Read more...]
Classics searches throw up surprises
You simply can’t beat a classic car, can you? Today’s models might be jam-packed with some of the most exciting new tech around, but the charm of a classic motor will really set you apart. From retro design influences to vintage engines and interiors, a retro car simply oozes class. But which is the nation’s favourite? Is it the Aston Martin DB5, James Bond’s wheels of choice? Is it the … [Read more...]
