Kia has launched free one-to-one advice sessions in a bid to educate motorists about electric cars.
The Korean manufacturer says the personalised workshops, available to book across its UK dealer network, will help drivers to understand the transition from fossil-fuelled vehicles to EVs. Among other topics, they will cover the differences in driving an electric car, understanding range and charging times.
Kia has launched an online myth-busting guide to electric vehicles, which covers the different powertrains available, the benefits of running an EV, battery life and using the public charging network.
Why Kia wants to educate us about EVs
You could be forgiven for thinking there is something of an ulterior motive behind Kia’s efforts here. And you’d probably be right.
By 2027, the company aims to have nine different electric vehicles on sale in the UK as part of a wider plan to launch 15 globally in total over six years. However, Sanka De Silva, marketing director at Kia UK, said there aren’t any sales pitches involved in the training.
“Education is vital for customers to successfully transition to electric and we want to give something back to communities and help people understand EVs,” said De Silva. “There is no sales pitch here, it is simply our way of starting a conversation, and sharing information and knowledge.”
“As with any car and powertrain, it is crucial to understand them to get the most from them,” added De Silva. “With some people nervous about EVs, we felt that the right thing to do would be to offer our expert advice so they can find out how easily an EV can fit in people’s lifestyles.
“From a complete beginner to the EV world to someone looking to buy their first EV, if you have questions about going electric, the Discover EV events offer the perfect opportunity to get answers.”
Plugsurfing has updated its iPhone app to offer Apple CarPlay integration – meaning drivers can now edit planned routes and transfer them to a navigation app without needing to touch their smartphone.
Additionally, motorists can view a map of nearby public EV charging points, including real-time availability, pricing details, power output and supported plug types as they travel. It’s also possible to filter by type of charging point.
According to Plugsurfing, three-quarters of its users access the app via an iPhone. The company says CarPlay capability will be a ‘welcome addition to a huge number of EV drivers’.
Improving EV safety
There is a potential safety benefit, too. Using a smartphone while driving is an obvious hazard – not to mention illegal.
With the app being ported onto a car’s infotainment screen, drivers can use voice commands or buttons on the steering wheel to control it.
There are limitations, though: the CarPlay version doesn’t allow motorists to enter a new destination and create a new route, nor can drivers launch a charging session.
Plugsurfing said it deliberately disabled these options from the CarPlay system to make the app as easy as possible to use while driving – and to ‘keep it light and not overload it with features’.
Plugsurfing deal with Polestar
In March, Swedish brand Polestar announced a new service together with Plugsurfing, called Polestar Charge. It offers access to 650,000 EV charging points across Europe; the largest network on the continent according to both companies.
Polestar says the service reduces the need to have subscriptions, apps or charging tags. Its cars also use an EV optimisation tool within Google Maps, helping drivers plan optimal charging stops along their route.
“With access to the largest networks in Europe and smart integration in Google Maps, we have made it easy for Polestar drivers to enjoy life with an electric car rather than worrying about where they will find their next charge,” said Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar.
A one-off amphibious TVR that has been mothballed since 2012 is to headline this year’s London Concours in June.
The Scamander was the brainchild of former TVR boss Peter Wheeler. It features three seats nestled beneath a sliding canopy and an elongated body inspired by a boat hull and an aircraft fuselage.
Powered by a 275hp Ford V6 engine, the functioning prototype is the only example in existence and has been recommissioned after laying dormant for 12 years.
Unique cars on the concours lawn
The theme of this year’s London Concours – which runs from 4-6 June at The Honourable Artillery Company, close to Liverpool Street station – is ‘wildcards’. These are vehicles that wouldn’t fit in traditional categories at concours events.
Another car being shown alongside the waterborne TVR is a 1958 Mercedes-Benz 220S ‘Ponton’ Cabriolet. It introduced a different design direction for the German marque, with its pontoon-like sides heralding the end of the separate wings seen previously.
The ‘Ponton’ also marked the start of unitary body construction at Mercedes-Benz, setting a new standard for structural integrity and design innovation.
One more must-see at London Concours is another car that doubles up as a boat: the 1976 Lotus Esprit immortalised by its appearance in the James Bond film, ‘The Spy Who Loved Me’.
Tickets for the event, which has been running since 2012, are on sale now and priced from £35.
A new series of Bentley Bentayga special editions has been announced, with a focus on performance and personalisation.
The Apex Edition is the latest addition to the Bentayga range. The luxury SUV features sportier styling, plus plenty of carbon fibre components.
Bentley’s bespoke Mulliner department has created six themes for the Bentayga Apex Edition, ranging from subtle to extravagant. Alternatively, customers can opt for a completely bespoke car, tailored to their individual taste (or lack of, potentially).
There is also a special Le Mans-inspired colour scheme available, with sales limited solely to those who already own a Bentley Continental GT or GTC Le Mans Edition.
Carbon captured
Being based on the Bentayga S V8 means the Apex Edition can muster a substantial 542hp and 568lb ft of torque. The headline numbers are 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 180mph.
Bentley has added a set of Mulliner 22-inch alloy wheels, crafted from lightweight carbon fibre, which reduce unsprung mass by a considerable 24kg. They are also said to improve steering response and even reduce tyre wear.
Carbon ceramic brakes are also fitted as standard, shaving another 20kg from the Bentayga’s kerb weight.
More carbon is used for the front splitter, rear spoiler, side sills and door mirror caps, along with on the dashboard. Completing the package, carbon Apex Edition badges can be found on the Bentayga’s rear pillars.
Go as bold as you like
Of the six Mulliner-created themes, the one pictured here is the first choice on Bentley’s list.
Providing an example of what is possible, it combines bold Candy Red exterior paintwork with an Anthracite body stripe. The latter is highlighted by Arctic White pinstripes.
On the inside, Arctic White and Hotspur leather upholstery are used throughout the cabin. More Arctic White features as the contrast stitching, seat piping and around the carbon fibre dashboard trim.
Owners of the Le Mans Edition Continental models can have their Apex Edition finished in Verdant Green, with a contrasting Moonbeam racing stripe.
The sky is the limit
Production of the Bentayga Apex Edition is limited to just 20 examples worldwide. Customers will be encouraged to work with the bespoke Mulliner team, helping craft their perfect specification for the luxury SUV.
Given the level of customisation on offer, Bentley has not released prices for the Apex Edition. As a guide, however, the standard V8-powered Bentayga S starts from just over £200,000.
We suspect those considering a unique Bentayga will be limited only by their imagination, rather than by their bank balance.
A new twin-turbocharged V12 engine will power the replacement for the Aston Martin DBS, due to be revealed soon.
With a mighty output of 835hp (824bhp), bolstered by 738lb ft (1,000Nm) of torque, the new V12 is said to be a ‘defiant defender of emotional engagement’.
Other limited-edition Aston Martin models will also use the V12, with production volumes set to be strictly capped each year. And there are strong hints that the storied Vanquish name will reappear for the first time since 2018.
Dawn of a new era
Aston Martin says developing the new V12 engine has involved fastidious engineering work. Highlights include redesigned cylinder heads, a strengthened block and a reprofiled camshaft. New turbochargers help deliver more power and improved throttle response.
Aston Martin chief technical officer Roberto Fedeli said: “The V12 engine has long been a symbol of power and prestige, but it is also a statement of engineering passion and technical prowess.
“With 835hp and 1,000Nm of torque, this unparalleled engine represents nothing less than the dawn of a dazzling new V12 era for Aston Martin.”
‘All will be Vanquished’
Aston Martin hasn’t officially confirmed the replacement for the DBS will be badged ‘Vanquish’. However, it has dropped some less-than-subtle hints. The press release concludes with the words ‘All will be Vanquished’ – a clear nod to the name of the new model.
Two generations of the Vanquish have previously been built, both powered by naturally aspirated V12 engines. A mid-engined Vanquish concept car was also teased at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show.
Aston Martin plans to reveal the ‘Vanquish’ to the world later in 2024. Until then, simply luxuriate in the sound of its V12 engine by watching the video below.
Whatever you think about the Cybertruck, this otherworldly EV is certain to turn heads. Tesla will showcase the fully electric pick-up in the UK and Ireland for the first time next month – offering the public an opportunity to ‘meet the vehicle and learn more about its specs and engineering’.
During the whistle-stop tour – part of a wider European journey that will see the vehicle exhibited in 100 locations across 20 countries – motorists will also be able to test-drive the Tesla Model Y and Model 3.
Tesla will also sell Cybertruck merchandise while on tour, including everything from a £1,450 Cyberquad for kids (yes, really) to branded socks (£15) and a Cybertruck blanket (£140).
Where can I see the Cybertruck on its travels?
Here are the locations and dates to see the Tesla Cybertruck on its UK and Ireland tour:
Tesla Centre, Park Royal, West London: 4-5 May
Tesla Centre, Westfield shopping centre, West London: 6-10 May
Kings Cross, London: 11 May
Tesla Centre Solihull: 13-17 May
Birmingham Bullring: 18-19 May
Spinningfields Square, Manchester: 20-21 May
Tesla Central Manchester: 22-31 May
Edinburgh City Centre: 1 June
Tesla Centre Glasgow: 2-6 June
Tesla Centre Belfast: 7-9 June
Tesla Centre Dublin: 14 June
Dundrum shopping centre, Dublin: 15 June
Tesla Centre Cork: 18-23 June
Cybertruck deliveries in the USA started in December 2023, but Tesla says ‘timescales for deliveries outside of North America are yet to be announced’. It cites a preference to focus on its home territory: ‘the main volume market for pick-up trucks’.
Will the Cybertruck be legal in Europe?
Perhaps another reason Tesla has focused on the US market is because of doubts over whether the Cybertruck will be allowed on European roads.
According to a German TUV safety certification expert, the vehicle will require “strong modifications to the basic structure” before it can be sold on this side of the Atlantic.
Because the Cybertruck is classed as a light duty truck in the USA, it gets exemption from many safety regulations, including those for pedestrian impact protection. That isn’t the case in Europe, however.
Stefan Teller of SGS-TUV Saar GmbH outlined his concerns about the Cybertruck. “The front of the vehicle must not be stiff,” he explained. “The bumper and bonnet must also be able to absorb energy to protect pedestrians.”
Teller added that, to satisfy European type approval, the Cybertruck needs to comply with around 50-60 different regulations.
The first examples of the electric MG Cyberster sports car will reach UK roads later this year, with orders now being accepted.
As the reborn MG pivots further towards electrification, the Cyberster is its attempt to create a modern twist on the classic MG roadster.
With the promise of serious power and performance, along with zero tailpipe emissions, the open-top Cyberster will be priced from £54,995.
Classic badge, modern pace
The Cyberster Trophy is the starting point for the new roadster range, with 335hp and 350lb ft of torque from its rear-driven drivetrain.
Accelerating from 0-62mph takes 5.0 seconds and the 77kWh battery pack offers an officially tested range of 316 miles when fully charged.
Standard equipment for the MG Cyberster Trophy includes Brembo brakes, 19-inch alloy wheels and a 10.25-inch instrument panel flanked by two 7.0-inch displays. Heated seats in faux-leather upholstery are also included.
Satellite navigation, a 360-degree parking camera, a heated steering wheel and dual-zone climate control complete the Trophy specification.
GoingTrophy hunting
Topping the MG Cyberster range is the flagship GT model, priced from £59,995. A dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup increases power output to 496hp, along with 535lb ft of torque. Thanks also to the extra traction, its 0-62mph time drops to a blistering 3.2 seconds.
Externally, a set of 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tyres mark out the Cyberster GT from the Trophy version.
With the same 77kWh battery pack, the faster car comes with an official range of 276 miles. Rapid charging can see it replenished from 10 to 80 percent battery capacity in 38 minutes.
Seven-year MG warranty
Both versions of the Cyberster have scissor-style doors and a fabric convertible roof. Operable at speeds of up to 30mph, opening and closing the top takes 15 seconds.
Orders for the Cyberster can be placed with MG dealerships now, and first deliveries of the Chinese-made roadster are expected in August 2024.
As with other MG models, a seven-year/80,000-mile warranty is included as standard.
The first car from the reborn TWR outfit has been revealed, ahead of its launch later this year.
Created with help from Porsche guru Magnus Walker, alongside bodykit designer and influencer Khyzyl Saleem, TWR’s unexpected comeback is a restomod version of the classic Jaguar XJS.
Called the TWR Supercat, the reworked Jaguar promises motorsport-inspired performance and an analogue driving experience.
Orders for the limited edition Supercat are being accepted now, with the first completed cars due to be delivered in winter 2024.
A British icon reborn
The original TWR, founded by the late Tom Walkinshaw, had an illustrious association with Jaguar. Indeed, the XJS was campaigned by TWR in the European Touring Car Championship during the 1980s, making it an obvious choice for the company’s comeback.
Khyzyl Saleem has led the design process, with new carbon fibre panels resculpting every part of the Jaguar XJS. Along with saving weight, the new bodywork is said to improve aerodynamics and rigidity, too.
Saleem has retained the trademark flying buttress pillars from the XJS coupe, but the Supercat’s wild flared wheelarches and deep front splitter are straight from motorsport.
Quad LED headlights are reminiscent of Lister-modified XJS models, with the wheels seemingly inspired by the TWR XJR-S from the late 1980s.
‘Powerful, dynamic and visceral’
Mechanical details of the Supercat are limited at this point, with more information still to be announced. However, a supercharged V12 engine will be the star of the show, delivering a mighty 600hp.
A six-speed manual transmission has also been confirmed, deliberately chosen to deliver a ‘connected and analogue driving experience’.
Fergus Walkinshaw, director and founder of TWR, said: “As order books open, we cannot wait for clients to experience the most powerful, dynamic and visceral evocation of a British icon. It has been revolutionised from the ground-up to be ready for those that demand to be connected to the cars they drive, whether on the track or the road.”
A bespoke big cat
TWR has yet to confirm how the Supercat’s interior will look, but expect to learn more when the car makes a dynamic debut this summer.
Production of the Supercat will be limited to 88 examples, a deliberate nod to TWR’s victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Jaguar XJR-9 in 1988.
Customisation will be an important part of the build process, with those interested able to place a £10,000 refundable deposit now to reserve a build slot.
Prices will start from £225,000 before taxes (£270,000 including VAT) – a lot of money for what has traditionally been an unloved old Jaguar, but competitive for a hand-built and bespoke restomod classic.
Nissan will sell an electric quadricycle in Europe after signing a deal with a Spanish start-up company called Silence.
From June 2024, the Japanese giant will begin distributing Silence’s tiny 504 Nanocar in Italy and France, followed by an ‘expansion into additional European markets’ in September.
You’re not alone if you have never heard of Silence or the 504 Nanocar. Described as a vehicle ‘specifically designed for urban living’, it comes in two guises. The lower-spec L6E is powered by a 6kW (8hp) motor, offering a range of 108 miles and top speed of 28mph. It has two 5.6kWh batteries and can be driven without a driving licence – in Spain, at least.
Meanwhile, the higher-spec Silence Nanocar L7e offers 14kW (19hp) of power, a top speed of 52mph and a range of 92 miles.
Will the Silence Nanocar come to the UK?
It isn’t clear if the Nanocar will come to the UK yet. We have asked Silence for further information and will update this article when we hear more. Intriguingly, a price in UK pounds is shown on the company’s website: the entry-level model costs from £13,044, while the L7e is £14,614.
Silence does have a small presence in Britain via independent motorcycle dealers (as well as making the Nanocar, it builds electric scooters and motorbikes). The impact of the Nissan deal is unknown when it comes to these distributors, though.
Battery swaps
As well as offering conventional recharging, the two-seat vehicle uses a removable EV battery system. Silence says it will extend its battery exchange service to further European markets next year, mirroring its existing network in Spain and reducing the initial purchase cost of its cars.
The battery station ecosystem in Spain already includes more than 110 locations and 1,110 battery-swap units. The goal is to reach 160 stations and 1,600 battery-swap units before the end of this year.
Broadening Nissan’s horizons
According to Silence, the distribution deal with Nissan ‘will lower the barrier for those who want to go electric’. It’s part of a Nissan programme named The Arc that aims to use partnerships to drive business growth.
“Opening access to Silence’s diverse range of alternative products creates new and exciting possibilities for customers who are eager to join the EV revolution – combining clean mobility with cutting-edge technology, in functional and flexible vehicles,” said Leon Dorssers, senior vice president of marketing and sales at Nissan Europe.
This weekend sees the start of the 2024 British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) season.
Fans have been counting down the days to the return of the biggest national motorsport series in the UK. Teams and drivers will be at Donington Park for three races that promise plenty of on-track action this Sunday (28 April).
Changes have been made for 2024 to increase the level of on-track competition, following Ash Sutton’s runaway success in 2023.
If you are new to the BTCC, read on for a full guide to everything you need to know.
What is the British Touring Car Championship?
The BTCC is one of the oldest motorsport competitions in the world, with roots that stretch back to 1958. Production-based cars, like those driven by millions across the country, have been the foundation of the series since it began.
Each race weekend consists of a qualifying session on Saturday, followed by three individual races on Sunday. Various regulations aim to make the racing as competitive as possible, with a real emphasis on entertaining spectators and those watching at home on TV.
The series has become well known for close contact action, with plenty of rubbing and barging between the cars. It means a BTCC race weekend is unlikely to be without a dose of drama and controversy, along with unpredictable results.
Which cars are used in the BTCC?
Cars used in the BTCC are meant to resemble modified examples of the vehicles fans have parked on their own driveways. That means a mixture of family hatchbacks and compact saloons, ranging from the BMW 3 Series to the Ford Focus ST and Hyundai i30 N.
Using standard production cars as a base helps reduce the costs of competing. BTCC cars are built to Next Generation Touring Car (NGTC) rules. This includes standardised parts for suspension, aerodynamics, brakes and wheels.
Teams can choose to build their own engine, or use a standard motor developed by the BTCC organisers.
How has hybrid power changed the BTCC in 2024?
In order to stay relevant to the cars driven by those who watch BTCC racing, the series committed to introducing hybrid petrol cars in 2022.
Although not as complicated as the hybrid systems used in Formula One, drivers will be able to use the electric power for an additional performance boost.
An electric motor is integrated into the standard Xtrac gearbox, and is powered by a 48-volt battery. This can be charged from a 240-volt wall socket before the race, but is also regenerated by braking when the cars are on-track.
For 2024, the hybrid system has been changed to combine electric power with a short increase in turbo boost. This should give a combined total of 60hp, meaning hybrid deployment should have a noticeable effect.
What other changes are there for 2024?
For 2024, the BTCC has introduced its new ‘Quick Six’ qualifying format. This is very similar to the ‘Fast Six’ system used in the American IndyCar series.
Cars will now be divided into two groups at the start of qualifying, with the fastest six from each group progressing to a top 12 group. The best six from this second round will then move into the Quick Six competition, with a final ten-minute shootout.
Goodyear have introduced a new option tyre for 2024, allowing further strategic options. The top 10 cars from race one at each event will be made to use the hardest tyre compound in the following race, with the aim of making successive victories harder to achieve.
Which car manufacturers are involved in the 2024 BTCC?
Unlike its heyday in the 1990s, the BTCC currently has only a small number of car manufacturer teams competing.
Team BMW is the most prominent outfit with official factory backing, along with the Toyota Gazoo Racing team. They make use of the BMW 3 Series and Toyota Corolla hatchback respectively.
Other teams are classed as manufacturer/constructor entries for 2024, such as the NAPA Racing UK team and its Ford Focus ST racers.
Do the rules make BTCC racing competitive?
Chief executive Alan Gow is renowned for trying to make racing in the BTCC as close as possible. Various rules and regulations aim to prevent the recent situation in Formula One, for example, where a single driver and team dominates the competition.
However, 2023 saw the NAPA Racing UK team win more than half of all races, including clean sweeps of entire weekends. The changes for 2024 should ensure closer racing this year.
Starting positions are dictated differently for each of the three races across the weekend.
Grid places for race one are determined by qualifying on Saturday, then race two is based upon the finishing positions of race one.
Finally, race three uses the finishing order of race two, but with randomised reversed positions. It is all intended to encourage overtaking and prevent races from being a foregone conclusion before they even start.
Is contact allowed between BTCC cars?
Despite being a non-contact series, packed grids and rules that encourage competition result in cars getting up close and personal on the track.
However, the championship organisers have taken an increasingly strict view on contact, punishing drivers who cause unnecessary collisions.
A panel of three stewards reviews incidents that happen on the circuit, with penalties handed out to those judged to have breached driving standards.
Who is the defending BTCC champion?
Proving that independent teams can challenge the major manufacturers, Ashley Sutton is the current BTCC Drivers’ Champion. Sutton drove the NAPA Racing UK Ford Focus ST to victory in 2023, taking his fourth title win.
The Manufacturers’ Championship was narrowly won by Ford over BMW, with the Teams’ title claimed by NAPA Racing UK.
Andrew Watson was the winner of the Jack Sears Trophy. This is contested by drivers who have never previously achieved a podium position in the BTCC.
Which races will support the BTCC for 2024?
The BTCC is the main draw on each race weekend, but is not the only on-track action taking place. Numerous other support championships happen at each event, ensuring a packed day of racing.
Leading the support act is the Porsche Carrera Cup GB (pictured above), which has helped to develop numerous endurance racing drivers since 2003.
Other championships include the Mini Challenge UK and the single-seater F4 British Championship.
How can I watch the BTCC in 2024?
A long-term agreement between the BTCC and ITV means the race series is available on free-to-air TV.
Freeview channel ITV4 will show live coverage from each race day. Fans can watch race action online through ITVX, which also screens live qualifying on Saturdays. Highlights will be shown on ITV4 and ITVX after each event.
For 2024, the BTCC will be streamed live via TikTok by ITV Sport, aiming to attract a new global audience to the competition.
BTCC driver Jade Edwards, who has unfortunately missed out on a BTCC race seat for 2024, will be acting as an expert pundit for selected rounds throughout the season.
2024 British Touring Car Championship calendar
The BTCC will span 10 race weekends during 2024, with a traditional season-opening event at Donington Park.
