Last lap: Lamborghini Huracan bows out with STJ special edition

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April 12, 2024

Production of the Lamborghini Huracan is drawing to a close, but the Italian supercar will sign off with a final special edition.

Only 10 examples of the Huracan STJ will be built, as the last cars to use Lamborghini’s naturally aspirated V10 engine. An all-new hybrid-powered replacement will be launched later this year.

The STJ name stands for Super Trofeo Jota, paying tribute to the one-make Lamborghini Super Trofeo racing series.

Sant’Agata has used the Jota name on a number of previous special models, starting with the classic Miura SVJ – and most recently on the Aventador SVJ.

A celebration of combustion

Powering the run-out STJ is the same 5.2-litre V10 found in the Huracan STO. It produces 640hp at a frenzied 8,000rpm, along with 417lb ft of torque.

The 10 owners of the Huracan STJ are certainly in for a treat. When our own Tim Pitt drove the STO back in 2021, he said: ‘A voracious hunger for revs sees you chasing the 8,500rpm redline whenever possible, grinning like a lunatic as it flings you into the middle-distance. Searing throttle response is also combined with perhaps the best twin-clutch gearbox of them all.’

Lamborghini has retained a rear-wheel drive layout for the Huracan STJ. No performance figures have been announced, but expect it to match the STO’s 0-62mph time of 3.0 seconds and achieve a similar top speed of 193mph.

Tailored for track use

Lamborghini’s Squadra Corse race technicians have played a part in helping shape the new Huracan STJ. Carbon fibre canards have been added to the front bumper, while the angle of the gigantic rear spoiler has been increased by 3 degrees. The end result is a considerable 10 percent increase in downforce – perfect for circuit use.

A set of adjustable, race-specification suspension dampers are included, increasing overall stiffness and boosting mechanical grip. Special Bridgestone Potenza tyres are wrapped around 20-inch centre-lock wheels.

All these changes are said to result in a lap time around the Nardo Handling Track that is one second quicker than a Huracan STO.

The grand finale

All departments at Lamborghini seem to have contributed something to the Huracan STJ, including the Centro Stile, which has created two bespoke colour schemes.

Buyer cans choose between Grigio Telesto or Blu Eliadi paintwork, combined with a black roof and red and white detailing. Each car comes with a special carbon fibre plaque marked ‘1 of 10’.

Lamborghini has not announced prices for the Huracan STJ, although you can expect to need more than £300,000.

With the related Audi R8 having already finished production, and time nearly up for the Lamborghini Huracan, we will soon be living in a post-V10 world. Enjoy it while it lasts.

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Revealed: Morgan updates Plus Four sports car for 2024

By

John Redfern

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April 10, 2024

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British sports car maker Morgan has announced a major evolution for the longest-running nameplate in its history.

Comprehensively updated for the 2024, the Plus Four roadster comes with refreshed styling, new interior tech and an optional Dynamic Handling Pack.

Morgan CEO Massimo Fumarola commented: “We are proud to continue Plus Four’s incredible legacy – one that stretches back to 1950 – with this latest model, honouring the spirit of the original car yet reimagining it for today”.

A minimalist aesthetic

The 2024 Plus Four gains larger 8.0-inch headlights that now incorporate the front indicator units. This results in a cleaner front-end design, complemented by new wings and a reprofiled splitter.

At the rear, different taillights continue the smoother approach – and also now incorporate the indicators. A new diffuser and model badge are added for good measure.

Beneath its two-piece bonnet, the Plus Four retains a 255hp BMW-supplied 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Buyers can choose a manual or automatic transmission.

The Dynamic Handling Pack has been developed with suspension specialists, Nitron. Featuring new front springs with adjustable dampers, plus a rear anti-roll bar, the changes are said to deliver ‘a greater level of dynamic performance’.

Tech meets tradition

On the inside, Morgan has made changes to the LCD display screen and dashboard layout, and added revised interior lighting.

The lightweight Sennheiser audio system, first introduced for the Plus Four in 2022, has also been upgraded. In addition to the standard door-mounted speakers, there are now ‘invisible’ speakers located beneath the seats.

Each Plus Four will be built to the individual specification of its first owner, with a near-endless combination of paint and interior colours to choose from.

As per Morgan tradition, an ash wood frame is used. However, this is matched with a modern aluminium chassis, which is clothed in hand-formed aluminium body panels.

Be patient, America

Enthusiasts on the other side of the Atlantic must wait a little longer for the updated Plus Four. Morgan says it is working with the relevant authorities to have the car homologated for use in the United States.

The company is confident the Plus Four will pass all the relevant tests, making it the first four-wheeled Morgan sold in the USA since 2006.

Production of the new Plus Four starts in May, and completed cars will be available to test drive from June. Morgan is already accepting UK orders for the updated Plus Four, with prices starting at £62,500.

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Hot Audi S3 upgraded with more power and greater agility

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John Redfern

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April 10, 2024

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Audi has announced a number of upgrades to keep its sporty S3 Sportback and Saloon fighting fit.

Twenty-five years after the first Audi S3 was launched, the latest, fourth-generation version has been given a mid-life facelift.

Along with styling tweaks and an improved interior, Audi has treated the S3 to more horsepower and the promise of greater agility.

Powering up for 2024

The new S3 uses an enhanced version of the existing 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. Power climbs by 23hp and torque by 15lb ft versus the outgoing car.

New totals of 333hp and 309lb ft should keep the all-wheel-drive S3 competitive with rivals such as the Mercedes-AMG A35 and BMW M135i.

Shift times for the seven-speed S tronic transmission have also been reduced, helping contribute to a 0-62mph time of 4.7 seconds. Top speed remains limited to 155mph. To compensate for the extra power, Audi has increased the size of the front brake discs.

Splitting the difference

The biggest change for the 2024 Audi S3 is the option of a torque splitter, as seen in the more powerful RS3. Using an electronically controlled clutch inside each rear driveshaft, the amount of torque sent to each wheel can be adjusted.

Selecting the new Dynamic Plus Mode results in maximum torque being sent to the rear axle, and to the wheel on the outside when cornering. Drifting action is thus on the cards, with Audi stating that a ‘tendency to oversteer’ is the likely outcome.

Detailed changes to the S3’s sports suspension have focused on extra traction and precision. The electronic stability control has also been reprogrammed, and can brake individual wheels to aid cornering.

Illuminating changes

On the outside, Audi has made the mildest of changes to the S3’s styling. A new front grille is the most obvious difference, along with LED daytime running lights with a choice of four ‘signatures’.

Buyers can pick from new paint finishes, including District Green, Ascari Blue and Progressive Red metallic, plus matte-finish Daytona Grey.

The interior remains broadly unchanged, but Audi has included a new ambient lighting package. This covers the centre console and inner doors, which have laser-cut fabric panels.

Production of the updated S3 Sportback and Saloon begins next month, with prices starting from £47,520.

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BMW reveals details of new M5 Touring – due later this year

By

John Redfern

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April 8, 2024

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BMW has released more information on the forthcoming 2024 BMW M5, ahead of the car entering production later this year.

The seventh generation of BMW’s legendary super saloon is currently being tested on public roads, along with on racetracks and frozen lakes.

However, the new M5 won’t only come in four-door format. BMW has confirmed the latest G60 version will see the return of the cult-favourite Touring estate.

Space and serious pace

Despite being produced as a saloon since 1984, BMW has only offered a production M5 Touring twice.

The E34-generation M5 saw a wagon added to the range in 1992, powered by a 340hp 3.8-litre inline-six. This allowed for 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds, plus a top speed limited to 155mph.

Despite building a prototype E39 Touring, however, BMW decided the estate would skip the following generation of M5.

Instead, it reappeared for the E60 model, launched in 2004 as a saloon. Developed alongside BMW’s Formula 1 campaign, the M5 was powered by a 507hp naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V10.

During a five-year production run, out of 20,589 examples of the fourth-generation M5 made, only 1,025 were Tourings. This may explain BMW’s reluctance to reintroduce an estate version since then.

North America gets the Touring, too

However, BMW seems confident the time is right to reintroduce the M5 Touring. It’s also expanding sales into markets previously denied the performance wagon, including the United States and Canada.

Powering the new M5 will be a bespoke M Hybrid drivetrain, closely related to the one found in the BMW M Hybrid V8 GTP race car. According to Dirk Häcker, head of development at BMW M, the pursuit of electrification will mean “typical M performance”.

Production of the all-new BMW M5 Touring will commence in the fourth quarter of 2024. Expect more details and prices to be announced closer to the time.

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Theon Design reveals British-built Porsche 911 Targa restomod

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John Redfern

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April 4, 2024

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Oxfordshire-based Theon Design has unveiled its latest restomod Porsche 911 – and this example is a bit different.

Commissioned by an enthusiast in the UK, the Theon Design GBR003 is the company’s first conversion to combine its carbon fibre bodywork with an open-air Targa body.

Hand-built and totally bespoke, Theon Design says the Targa has no dynamic shortcomings when compared to its fixed-roof models.

Motorsport engineering included

Like Theon Design’s other projects so far, GBR003 started its life as a 964-generation (1989-1994) Porsche 911.

A Carrera 2 Targa was used in this case, with the donor car stripped down and taken back to bare metal. Thousands of hours were then spent on restoring the classic Porsche.

Other than the doors, Theon has replaced all the original body panels with bespoke carbon fibre items. More carbon has been used additional underfloor strengthening, including Formula 1-inspired ‘tubs’ that are bonded to the original Porsche chassis.

Even with the extra chassis bracing, the Theon Design Targa tips the scales at 1,228kg – only 60kg more than the company’s equivalent 911 coupe.

‘Life-affirming sound’

Powering the Targa is an air-cooled 4.0-litre flat-six, producing 403hp and 320lb ft of torque. Helped by its low kerb weight, that means a power-to-weight ratio of 328hp per tonne – the same as a 991-generation Porsche 911 GT3.

A ceramic-coated performance exhaust has been fitted, offering a choice of two noise settings via a switch in the cabin. The engine sound is said to be ‘life-affirming’ with the Targa roof removed.

Both the six-speed manual gearbox and braking system are built to Porsche 911 GT3 RS specification. Five-stage adaptive dampers help to make the Targa more usable in everyday conditions.

For maximum retro Porsche points, the car wears a set of 18-inch Fuchs-style wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres.

Classic looks, modern technology

The exterior of the Theon Design Targa is finished in a bespoke shade of pastel blue. A contrasting light grey Porsche script is matched to the interior trim, as are the stripes on the side sills and bumpers.

Carbon fibre has also been used extensively inside, further helping to reduce weight. An aerospace-grade wiring loom saved 20kg by itself.

Touring seats, chosen for long-distance comfort, are finished in a combination of semi-aniline leather and Porsche Agate Grey Pepita fabric.

A Pioneer P99RS Bluetooth-compatible stereo unit offers a classic look, but is combined with multiple Focal speakers and amplifiers. Subwoofers are integrated into the rear seats to save space and weight.

‘Driving in technicolour’

Adam Hawley, co-founder of Theon Design, commented: “Everyone who has driven the Targa during our exhaustive development process has been bowled over by the results; it delivers the rigidity and handling precision of a coupe, but with the added sensory rush of a convertible.

“It’s driving in technicolour: you’re totally engaged by the analogue experience and more aware of your surroundings. Of course, you also get to hear much more of the addictive flat-six howl! As a team, we’re exceptionally proud of the results, and the customer is delighted too.”

For those wanting a similar experience, prices for a Theon Design 911 start at £390,000 for a coupe model (plus the cost of a donor car). The Targa is upwards of £415,000, depending on the exact specification.

An 18-month build process means potential buyers will need to be patient. However, having driven several examples of Theon Design’s work, we reckon it’s worth the wait.

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New 600e Scorpionissima is the most powerful Abarth ever

By

John Redfern

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April 3, 2024

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To coincide with its 75th anniversary, Abarth has released fresh images of the forthcoming 600e Scorpionissima SUV.

The hotted-up 600e will be Abarth’s second fully electric car, following the 500e hatchback. An output of 240hp makes it the company’s most powerful road car yet.

Based on the Fiat 600e electric SUV, these pictures reveal the new Abarth’s dramatic styling in full.

The Scorpionissima launch edition of the Abarth 600e will be limited to 1,949 examples – signifying the year the company was founded by Carlo Abarth.

The colour purple

Hypnotic Purple will be the signature launch colour, helping to show off the deep front splitter, rear diffuser and 20-inch alloy wheels. The makeover certainly adds some visual aggression to the 600e.

Compared with the 156hp electric motor found in the Fiat version, the 240hp of the Abarth should provide a serious leap in performance. A mechanical limited-slip differential assists with channelling all that power through the front wheels.

Abarth will also fit tyres developed especially for the 600e by Formula E supplier Hankook, along with upgraded brakes.

As on the Abarth 500e, a raucous sound generator can recreate the noise of a combustion-powered car. This can be switched off if desired, however.

Bold inside and out

On the inside, the 600e Scorpionissima gets a suitable makeover, including a large ‘ABARTH’ script across the dashboard.

There are also sports seats, finished in a combination of leather and Alcantara, with the same materials wrapping the flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Bold contrasting seat stitching and bespoke graphics for the 10-inch infotainment display are part of the package, too.

Abarth will confirm full performance stats and prices when the 600e Scorpionissima is launched later this year.

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Hennessey Venom F5 sets a new road car lap record

By

John Redfern

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April 2, 2024

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The Hennessey Venom F5 Revolution hypercar has set a new lap record for production cars at the Circuit of The Americas.

With former Le Mans-winning driver David Donohue at the wheel, the Venom F5 achieved a CoTA lap time of 2:10.90.

It means Texas-based Hennessey now holds the lap record for its home circuit, thanks to the extreme aero and track-focused setup of the Venom F5.

The new time beats the record of 2:11.33, recorded by a Czinger 21C, and the 2:17.12 previously posted by a McLaren P1.

Everything is bigger in Texas

The Revolution uses the same 1,817hp twin-turbocharged 6.6-litre ‘Fury’ V8 engine as the ‘standard’ Hennessey Venom F5. But its aerodynamic add-ons are designed to provide maximum downforce.

At 186mph, the F5 Revolution can generate 363kg of downforce, helped by its huge carbon fibre rear wing, front splitter and added dive planes.

For David Donohue, the result was a maximum speed of 193.1mph on the CoTA back straight.

Donohue said: “Having been part of developing the Venom F5 Revolution, I knew it was capable of a quick time, but when it came to pushing the car hard, I was blown away by its phenomenal power and exceptional handling. There is no other car in the world that delivers such a visceral and engaging driving experience.”

To 300mph and beyond

The new lap record comes as Hennessey makes plans to demonstrate the top speed of the Venom F5. During early tests, it managed more than 270mph.

Hennessey is now on the hunt for a location that can see the hypercar safely reach more than 300mph.

Company founder and CEO John Hennessey said: “Racing, and life, is often more about the journey than the destination. Seeing the Venom F5 take the production car lap record at our home circuit has been an important part of our journey with the F5. We don’t do these things because they are easy, we do them because they are hard.

“The process of pushing our American hypercar to the limits makes our team of engineers, designers and technicians better, while also delivering an enhanced product and experience to our clients. We look forward to continuing the journey and pushing the Venom F5 to set new speed records in the future.”

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Ultra-tough and powerful Land Rover Defender Octa V8 revealed

By

John Redfern

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March 30, 2024

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Land Rover has released the first details of a flagship, high-performance and highly capable version of the Defender 4×4.

Called the Octa, the ultimate Defender will be powered by a twin-turbocharged V8 with mild-hybrid technology.

It will be the first vehicle in the Land Rover range to wear the new Octa badge, intended for use on the toughest off-roaders.

Plenty of V8 power

Land Rover promises the Octa will be the ‘most capable and luxurious model in the line-up’, while also being the most powerful version of the Defender yet.

The mention of a twin-turbo V8 suggests the Octa will use a version of the existing 4.4-litre engine. Fitted to the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport models, this BMW-supplied unit has the potential to offer more than 600hp.

Such a heady output would surpass the thunderous 525hp 5.0-litre supercharged V8 used in the fastest Defender currently on sale.

Land Rover will also equip the Defender Octa with its 6D Dynamic suspension, already fitted to the Range Rover Sport. This is intended to control pitch and roll on the road, while still retaining the Defender’s famous off-road prowess.

Real tough mudder

The Octa name is apparently inspired by the octahedron shape of a diamond. As the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth, Land Rover feels it is the right name for this toughest Defender.

A new Octa badge will be used inside and outside the range-topping model, featuring a gloss black diamond within a machined and sandblasted titanium disc.

Land Rover is still testing the Octa, in environments from the snow and ice of Sweden to the deserts of Dubai. A trip to the Nürburgring circuit in Germany is also on the cards, to ensure the Octa performs on a track.

Land Rover will reveal more details of the Octa later in 2024, along with prices. Expect it to cost substantially more than the £108,885 charged for the existing Defender V8.

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Kia EV9 is World Car of the Year 2024

By

Richard Aucock

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March 27, 2024

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The Kia EV9 has been named World Car of the Year 2024 in a glittering prize-giving ceremony at the New York International Auto Show.

The electric Kia EV9 has already been named UK Car of the Year – now it seems more than 100 jurors from across the globe agree with the UK decision.

The Kia EV9 triumphed over two other finalists, the Volvo EX30 and BYD Seal.

The bold Kia EV9 is a seven-seat electric SUV and the new range-topping model in the Kia line-up. The top spec version has a range of nearly 350 miles, while distinctive design outside and in ensures it stands out.

“This is fantastic recognition for such an important vehicle in our ever-evolving line-up,” said Kia UK president and CEO Paul Philpott.

“It’s made all the more important due to recognition from such esteemed journalists from the UK and around the world.

“I’m very proud of the Kia team for bringing such a sensational vehicle to market. We are fast becoming a true leader in electric vehicles.”

It was a double success for the Kia EV9 too, as it also scooped World Electric Vehicle of the Year 2024.

World Car Awards 2024

It was a diverse mix of winners in the other World Car Awards 2024 categories, with Toyota opening proceedings by winning World Car Design of the Year 2024.

In a fillip for the Japanese brand, the latest Toyota Prius beat the Ferrari Purosangue, which was shortlisted along with the Ford Bronco.

Volvo didn’t go home empty-handed, as the EX30 was named World Urban Vehicle of the Year 2024.

Meanwhile the new BMW 5 Series and i5 scooped World Luxury Car of the Year 2024 – beating two Mercedes-Benz in the process.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N was named World Performance Car of the Year 2024… beating two BMWs, the M2 and XM. It means an electric car wins the enthusiast-focused performance category, too.

World Car Awards is the largest automotive awards initiate in the world, with an audited reach of over 300 million people.

This year is the 20^th year of World Car Awards; the inaugural winner back in 2004 was the Audi A6.

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Salon Privé London to host three days of champagne and supercars

By

John Redfern

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March 26, 2024

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This year’s Salon Privé London event will showcase some of the greatest supercars across three days of themed celebrations.

Hosted at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea, the open-air show brings together modern and classic vehicles, culminating with a ‘Concours de Vente’ display – where all the cars are for sale.

Now in its third year, the 2024 edition of Salon Privé London will take place between 18 and 20 April.

Celebrating the Porsche 911 Turbo

Salon Privé London 2024 opens with ‘Porsche Day’ on Thursday 18 April. This will honour 50 years of the Porsche 911 Turbo, with 50 examples of the German icon brightening up the lawn at the Royal Hospital.

Among the rarest Porsches on display will be one of only 11 964 Turbo S Leichtbau (Lightweight) models. Finished in Grand Prix White with a Flamenco Red interior, the car has just 260 miles recorded on its odometer.

On Friday 19 April, the ‘McLaren Masters’ collection will showcase the supercars of McLaren Automotive, including the 675LT and new plug-in hybrid Artura.

Completing the three-day event will be ‘Supercar Saturday’, with 50 vehicles from the SCC private members’ supercar club making an appearance.

Supercar spectacular

Supercars confirmed for the family-focused Saturday include a Koenigsegg CCR, Porsche 918 Spyder and a Ferrari F12 tdf. Salon Privé London is also playing host to upmarket motorcycles, boats and helicopters, covering all your luxury transport needs…

“This year, we have an unbelievable trio of special themed days to really bring Salon Privé London alive,” said director David Bagley. “We will be the first event in the world to celebrate 50 years of the famous Porsche 911 Turbo, and I’m delighted that an ultra-rare right-hand-drive Lightweight will be one of the stars of the show.

“On Friday, it will be all things McLaren, including the fantastic Elva, while Saturday will see SCC members deliver our family-focused day, a sensational supercar spectacle. Every one of our themed days for 2024 is certain to be special.”

Tickets for Salon Privé London are available to buy now, along with hospitality packages.

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