Rock and Rolls: £500k Phantom takes a plunge in swimming pool

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August 26, 2025

Rolls-Royce has paid tribute to a rock ‘n’ roll legend by submerging its flagship Phantom in a swimming pool.

Across 100 years and eight generations, the Rolls-Royce Phantom has embedded itself into the world of music. Famous owners include everyone from Duke Ellington and Fred Astaire, to Elvis Presley and John Lennon.

The Phantom has endured as a symbol of music industry success and excess, leading Rolls-Royce to recreate the infamous tale of Keith Moon, drummer for The Who, plunging his Phantom into a pool.

The king of rock ‘n’ roll

Now part of rock folklore, the story runs that Moon was celebrating his 21st birthday at a Holiday Inn in Flint, Michigan.

While enjoying the party, Moon is said to have pushed the Rolls-Royce into the motel’s swimming pool. The drummer later claimed the car may have been a Lincoln Continental instead, with others saying no vehicle at all ended up in the water.

Perhaps the truth does not really matter, though. The idea of a submerged Rolls-Royce Phantom remains a symbol of ultimate rock ‘n’ roll extravagance.

Taking a dunk

Tinside Lido in Plymouth is, arguably, a classier location than a Michigan motel for recreating a rock legend – and dunking a Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB worth £500,000.

In collaboration with Rolling Stone magazine, Rolls-Royce placed a Phantom Series II development prototype into the water for a special photoshoot.

Moved into position by barge, and then craned onto a submerged platform, the modern interpretation is less dramatic in its execution than Keith Moon’s effort. Nonetheless, the stunt apparently led to confusion among local Plymouth residents.

An enduring cultural icon

Chris Brownridge, chief executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “From the golden age of Hollywood to the rise of hip-hop, over the last 100 years, music artists have used Phantom to project their identity and challenge convention.

“Their motor cars often became icons in their own right, with a lasting place in the history of modern music.

“This enduring connection reminds us that Rolls-Royce and the extraordinary people who are part of the marque’s story are united by one ambition: to make their presence felt.”

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Jeep slashes price of 2026 Gladiator truck for Canada

By

John Redfern

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August 22, 2025

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The 2026 Jeep Gladiator pickup has been announced for the Canadian market, with major price cuts for the new model year.

Reductions of up to CAD $11,400 have been applied across the Gladiator truck lineup, which now stretches to six trim levels.

The cuts in the MSRP mean the base 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport S now costs from CAD $49,995 before destination costs and fees: equivalent to USD $35,600.

For the present 2025 model year, the Jeep Gladiator Sport S has a MSRP of CAD $63,190 including fees, which converts to USD $45,450.

A Canadian bargain

For comparison, the US-specification 2025 Jeep Gladiator Sport S currently costs USD $38,100 before freight and fees, meaning enthusiasts north of the border get a substantial discount for 2026.

The standard powertrain for the 2026 Jeep Gladiator remains the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. This is rated at 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

Helped by all-wheel drive, the 2026 Gladiator can haul trailers weighing up to 7,700 lb. It can also carry 1,725 lb in its load bed.

In addition, the Gladiator retains its most important selling point: being the only open-air pickup truck on the market.

‘Setting a pickup truck benchmark’

“By reducing MSRPs by as much as $11,400, we’re making the Jeep Gladiator more attainable than ever for Canadian customers,” said Jeff Hines, Stellantis president for Canada.

“This bold repositioning for the 2026 model year is a powerful statement of our commitment to delivering exceptional value — without compromising Gladiator’s legendary capability, authenticity, or its unmistakable design that sets the benchmark among midsize pickups.”

2026 Jeep Gladiator Canadian prices

Sport S – CAD $49,995 MSRP

Willys – CAD $54,995 MSRP

Mojave – CAD $64,995 MSRP

Mojave X – CAD $76,290 MSRP

Rubicon – CAD $64,995 MSRP

Rubicon X – CAD $76,290 MSRP

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New electric BYD Atto 2 SUV to cost from £30,850

By

John Redfern

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August 22, 2025

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Chinese electric car brand BYD has confirmed prices and specifications for its new Atto 2 compact SUV.

The Atto 2 is the latest model in a growing EV lineup, slotting into the BYD model range above the compact Dolphin and below the larger Atto 3.

This will see the Atto 2 take on popular rivals such as the Kia EV3, Hyundai Kona Electric and Skoda Elroq.

However, with a starting price of just £30,850 for the entry-level Boost model, the Atto 3 will undercut all these alternative electric SUVs on cost.

Bargain prices as standard

The Atto 2 features BYD’s innovative ‘Blade Battery’ pack. It also represents the company’s first use of its cell-to-body (CTB) technology in a compact model.

Integrating the battery directly into the vehicle’s chassis, CTB construction is said to offer better packaging and improved body rigidity.

Boost versions of the Atto 2 come with a 51.1kWh battery pack, offering a potential official range of up to 214 miles.

The more expensive Comfort version, priced from £34,950, makes use of a bigger 64.kWh battery. This increases the official range to 261 miles.

Charging the Atto 2 Boost from 10 to 80 percent takes 38 minutes. The Comfort model requires only 25 minutes for the same charge.

Ready to roll from September

Performance for both versions is the same: acceleration from 0-62mph takes 7.9 seconds and top speed is limited to 99mph.

Standard equipment for the Atto 2 includes BYD’s 12.8-inch rotating touchscreen. This incorporates satellite navigation, along with connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Other features include an eight-speaker audio system, panoramic sunroof, voice control and Vehicle-to-Load capability. The latter allows for mains devices – such as a portable fridge, for example – to be powered directly from the Atto 2.

Orders for the Atto 2 can be placed at BYD dealers now. First deliveries of the Boost model are due in September 2025, with Comfort versions expected later in the year.

BYD will hope the new Atto 2 helps to retain its position as the best-selling electric car brand in the world.

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Crazy 800hp Vauxhall Corsa concept is coming to Gran Turismo

By

John Redfern

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August 22, 2025

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Vauxhall has revealed a Corsa GSE concept car: an extreme hot hatchback offering hypercar levels of power and performance.

The fully electric Vauxhall Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo has been developed in both physical and digital forms.

Following its real-world debut at the IAA Mobility 2025 event in Munich this September, the Corsa GSE Vision will be available to play in the Gran Turismo 7 video game.

It makes this eye-catching Vauxhall the latest virtual car designed for the Gran Turismo series, joining concept creations from Jaguar, Bugatti and many others.

**The Corsa of Max Power dreams**

The Corsa GSE Vision Gran Turismo packs two 476hp electric motors, resulting in combined outputs of 800hp and 590lb ft of torque.

Such colossal power means the all-wheel-drive Corsa GSE can accelerate from 0-62mph in a scant 2.0 seconds, and reach a top speed of 199mph.

It is performance far beyond what Vauxhall Corsa modifiers back in the 1990s could have imagined. An 80hp boost mode is also included, with an 82kWh battery pack to ensure the GSE has a decent range on the racetrack.

We have fingers and toes crossed this concept will evolve into a production car, which could potentially rival the Renault 5 Turbo 3E.

A virtual concept brought to life

A dramatic bodykit means this Corsa resembles something from the Max Power era. Indeed, its 21-inch three-spoke alloy wheels are a deliberate nod to retro Vauxhalls.

Pearl white is used to cover the exterior, with vivid yellow for the bonnet, spoiler and enormous rear diffuser. The roof and front wheelarch extensions are made from Bcomp: a lightweight material created from flax, with similar characteristics to carbon fibre.

The interior is ultra-minimalistic, with a simple steering wheel and single head-up display to allow the driver to focus on the circuit ahead.

Gran Turismo series producer, Kazunori Yamauchi, said: “We are delighted to welcome such an exciting and innovative take on the Corsa to Gran Turismo, which will be popular with GT players around the world.

“We love seeing Vision Gran Turismo cars brought to life as full-scale models and can’t wait for the reaction of fans when it is unveiled at the IAA Mobility 2025 on September 8th, before it is displayed at the Gran Turismo World Series event in Berlin on September 20th”.

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Arnold Clark opens new public EV charging network

By

Richard Aucock

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August 21, 2025

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Auto retail giant Arnold Clark has opened its in-house electric car charging network to the public.

There are currently more than 50 Arnold Clark Charge hubs across the UK. Each has up to eight rapid chargers, with car charging speeds of up to 150kW.

They should offer good value, too. Arnold Clark Charge offers a rate of 55p per kWh at present, which compares to the industry-wide average of 81p per kWh.

More charging hub locations are due to be added by the end of the year. Arnold Clark has more than 200 car dealerships across the UK.

The firm launched Arnold Clark Charge in 2024 as part of a £30 million investment. It describes itself as the UK’s largest independently-owned family-run auto retailer.

Download the Arnold Clark app

Motorists can pay for charging in several ways: via the Arnold Clark app, contactless payments, or by using apps such as Zap-Pay, Octopus Electroverse and Plugsurfing.

Chargers at each branch are split between Arnold Clark app users and ‘pay and go’ customers. Charging sessions can also be booked through the app – and most sites are accessible 24/7.

“We’ve made significant investments in our own UK-wide bookable ultra-rapid charging network,” said Arnold Clark CEO Russell Borrie. “These new charging hubs are designed to provide the public with convenient, reliable and cost-effective charging solutions while they’re on the move.”

The firm stresses that use of the hubs is not restricted to Arnold Clark customers. Anyone can download the app, create an account and sign up to Arnold Clark Charge. “They can then book a charge at a time or a place that suits them.”

To further support the switch to electric, Arnold Clark also runs two Electric Innovation Centres in Glasgow and Stafford. These are staffed by alternative-fuel vehicle experts, who can give motorists advice on charging, EV driving tips and more.

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New DVLA rules to help classic cars and boost EV conversions

By

John Redfern

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August 21, 2025

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The DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) has announced a host of new policies aimed at supporting classic cars and their owners.

Taking effect from 26 August 2025, the new rules are designed to protect and preserve the identity of historic vehicles.

It follows an extensive call for evidence, which sought the views of classic car owners, motoring clubs and the historic vehicle sector.

More than 1,350 people responded to the DVLA, ensuring the voice of the classic car industry and enthusiasts was heard loud and clear.

Removing red tape for restomods

The new rules mean that, when like-for-like repairs and restorations are completed, there will no longer be a need to notify the DVLA. This is on the provision that the vehicle’s appearance is unchanged, and that the V5C log book does not need altering.

As a result, undertaking a comprehensive restoration means the car’s registration number will not be suspended. There is also no requirement for a DVLA inspection afterwards.

Vehicles that have undergone significant structural modifications can now keep their original registration number and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Owners will still need to notify the DVLA, which will add a modified marker to the V5C.

This also applies to classic cars that have been converted to electric power, aiding the growing industry of EV restomods.

If a classic car’s identity cannot be clearly verified, the DVLA may still need to issue a new VIN or Q-plate registration number.

Pragmatic support for classics

Following the announcement, Dale Keller, CEO of the Historic and Classic Vehicles Alliance (HCVA), said: “The policy changes by the DVLA encapsulate how industry and government working collaboratively can deliver better outcomes.

“It is testament to the hard work of the HCVA, and others, that the government has listened and acted with pragmatic changes that place the retention of historic identity at the forefront of registration policy, a move that will be welcomed by all historic vehicle specialists, owners and historians.”

“The DVLA should be applauded for its engagement and commitment to deliver new policies that now recognises new technologies, techniques and improved materials”, Keller added.

DVLA chief executive Tim Moss said: “We recognise the time, passion and care that keepers of classic vehicles invest in keeping their cars on the road. That’s why we’ve worked closely with the community to shape these changes.”

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BMW M850i Edition M Heritage is a tribute to the original 8 Series

By

John Redfern

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August 20, 2025

0

BMW has used Monterey Car Week in California to launch a limited-edition version of the M850i xDrive Gran Coupe.

The new 2026 Edition M Heritage is a tribute to the E31-generation BMW 8 Series, made between 1990 and 1999.

Just 500 examples of the M850i Edition M Heritage will be made, all wearing BMW Individual paint colors that were used on the original 8 Series.

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Other unique design elements ensure the Edition M Heritage makes a statement when compared to other 8 Series Gran Coupe Models.

Time to relive the 1990s

The choice of exterior colors will be the Edition M Heritage’s biggest talking point. Enthusiasts can choose from Bright Red, Mauritius Blue metallic, Cosmos Black metallic, Oxford Green metallic, and Daytona Violet metallic.

Regardless of the hue selected, the M850i Edition M Heritage comes with an exposed carbon fiber roof, which features exclusive M tri-color accent stripes.

A set of 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels is standard, along with M Sport brakes featuring black-painted calipers. Shadowline black trim replaces any trace of chrome around the M850i Edition M Heritage’s body.

BMW has left the M850i Edition M Heritage mechanically unchanged, with a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 that produces 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque.

Standard xDrive all-wheel drive aids a 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph.

BMW’s high-speed heritage

Inside, the Heritage M Edition gains M Sport seats finished in BMW Individual Black Merino leather and Alcantara, plus a diamond-shaped upholstery pattern. More Alcantara is used for the headlining and door panels, with a further application of the signature M colors.

Unique matte-finish carbon fiber is found on the center console, with “M850i Edition M Heritage” and “1/500” inscribed into the cup holder cover and door sill plates,

BMW has fully loaded the Heritage M Edition with equipment. This includes a Bowers & Wilkins Diamond surround-sound audio system and the Driving Assistance Professional Package as standard.

In the United States, the M850i Edition M Heritage will cost $130,400 plus destination charges. Production is expected to start in November 2025, and customer deliveries will begin in early 2026.

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Toyota bZ4X electric SUV prices cut to £36,995

By

Richard Aucock

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August 20, 2025

0

Toyota bZ4X prices have been cut by a whopping £6,000, meaning the range now starts from £36,995.

Notably, this takes it below the £37,000 Electric Car Grant (ECG) barrier – even though the bZ4X, which is built in Japan, hasn’t yet been accepted into the government grant.

Toyota’s move could indicate it is eager for the electric family SUV to qualify for the grant, which gives a saving of either £1,500 or £3,750.

Cannily, only the entry-level Toyota bZ4X Pure has had a price cut to under £37k – but, if it is accepted, all versions currently on sale will benefit from a saving.

The Toyota bZ4X Motion costs £46,025 and the Vision costs £49,910. All share the same 71.4kWh battery and 204hp front-wheel drive electric motor.

Nissan earlier used the same ‘loophole’ to ensure almost the entire range of Ariya electric SUVs benefit from the £1,500 Level 2 ECG – even though only one of them costs under £37k.

Government rules for the ECG include a sustainability focus on production location, with ‘greener’ countries being prioritised.

The fact Nissan’s Japanese-built Ariya has been included in the ECG indicates the Japanese-built bZ4X is likely to qualify too.

Toyota bZ4X Electrified Savings

Toyota has also introduced a range of ‘Electrified Savings’ across its full range of hybrids, plug-in hybrids and full electric models.

This mirrors Electric Car Grant savings, but notably brings those hybrids and plug-in hybrids into the mix too. The ECG is restricted only to electric cars.

Savings will be available at Toyota dealers until 30 September.

In a further interesting move, the only model to benefit from the full £3,750 Toyota saving is the bZ4X EV. The discount is valid on Pure, Motion and Vision models – which could take the price of the entry-level model down even further, to just £33,245.

This is £255 less than the recent Nissan Ariya special offer price.

Toyota Electrified Savings

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Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid: £1,500 saving
Toyota Prius: £1,500 saving
Toyota bZ4X: £3,750 saving

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EVs are no longer a ‘niche risk’ for car insurance

By

Richard Aucock

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August 20, 2025

0

As electric cars become more mainstream, so car insurance companies are responding with a greater choice of policies and lower premiums.

The aim is to address concerns among EV early adopters that they were paying more for car insurance than petrol and diesel drivers.

New analysis from Consumer Intelligence shows 11 new car insurance products began quoting for EVs on a major price comparison site last year. This compares to just three or four for petrol, diesel or hybrid vehicles.

Premiums are falling, as the expansion in repair networks means damaged EVs can be fixed more quickly.

A richer set of claims data is also helping. It shows that the risk profile of EV drivers is becoming similar to that of petrol and diesel drivers. Consumer Intelligence says some electric car insurers have cut prices by nearly 20 percent as a result.

Being more competitive is paying off for insurance companies, too. One increased its ‘EV quotability’ (the frequency at which it quotes) by 40 percent. This earned it a 12 percent increase in its share of the top five quote positions.

More confident EV insurance

Two people at a table; one uses a laptop displaying “Car Insurance,” the other reads a book. Papers are scattered around.

“As battery electric vehicles become more mainstream, insurers are no longer treating them as niche risks,” said Consumer Intelligence chief executive Ian Hughes. “That’s creating space for more confident, competitive pricing.”

EV premiums do remain relatively high, acknowledges the insights company. While they may be involved in fewer incidents generally, EV claims tend to be more expensive due to the need for specialist repairs and battery complexity.

Interestingly, London – an EV hot spot – remains a particular issue. Prices were higher in the south east of England than the north west due to differences in traffic congestion, car theft and claim rates.

“While electric vehicle sales remain just short of the government’s Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate target of 22 percent,” added Hughes, “the trajectory is unmistakable. The shift is accelerating and insurers are responding.”

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What does representative APR mean in car finance ads?

By

Motoring Research team

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August 20, 2025

0

You will often see the acronym ‘APR’ used in car advertising. It stands for ‘Annual Percentage Rate’ – in other words, the total cost of borrowing a certain amount of money for 12 months.

The APR includes the interest you will pay on the car finance, along with any fees associated with the borrowing.

Let’s say you borrowed £10,000 over three years to buy a new car. If the APR is five percent, the finance company will calculate this five percent rate in years one, two and three. The lender will then add it onto the amount of money borrowed and split the total into 36 monthly payments.

Although the monthly repayments are fixed, the earlier payments will include more interest but less of the loan balance. Things change towards the end of the finance period, when the repayments include less interest and more of the balance.

The APR rate will vary depending on the type of car you choose, plus any special offers available. In recent times, higher interest rates have made finance less affordable – not only for cars, but also for mortgages and other types of loans.

Representative APR explained

Customer and dealer checking a finance agreement

There’s a big difference between actual APR and representative APR. Both are calculated in the same way, but representative APR means that only 51 percent of the applicants may actually get the rate advertised. Up to 49 percent of borrowers will be offered a different rate of APR, while some people could be rejected altogether.

The rate could potentially be higher than advertised, which means borrowing could be more expensive than the example presented in the advertisement. As explained by Confused.com: ‘the pitfall of this is that many people would assume that the representative APR is what they’d get. Then when the loan is agreed, the rate can shoot up and make paying the loan off more difficult to manage’.

Exact APR – also known as personal APR – means the advertised APR is the rate you will pay when borrowing. If a car is advertised with an exact rate of three percent, that’s the rate you will be offered. So you know the exact amount you have to repay.

Need more help? This quick video from Volkswagen explains representative APR in a nutshell.

Always treat representative rates as a guide only. And ensure you know exactly how much you’ll have to pay each month before you sign the paperwork.

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