Aston Martin DBX707 updated with fresh interior and new tech

By

-

April 22, 2024

The Aston Martin DBX707 has received a comprehensive range of interior upgrades for 2024.

The British company’s flagship SUV already offered class-leading power and performance when launched in 2022, but its infotainment tech could hardly be described as cutting-edge.

That has all changed now, though, thanks to the addition of Aston Martin’s new in-house multimedia system, first seen in the DB12.

A touch of class

The original Aston Martin DBX707 featured infotainment software supplied by Mercedes-Benz. Its 10.25-inch central display was not touch-sensitive, requiring a separate trackpad on the centre console to operate it.

All this has changed for the 2024 model year, with a brand-new 10.25-inch display that features Pure Black touchscreen technology. Both single and multi-finger gesture control are supported, bringing the DBX707 into line with its super-SUV rivals.

Aston Martin has also updated the design of the dashboard, tackling the incongruous combination of a rectangular screen in an oval aperture.

Thankfully, not everything relies on using the screen. Physical switches and buttons remain for the suspension and exhaust settings, along with frequently used safety systems.

Bring the noise

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are integrated into the new touchscreen, and the DBX707 boasts an 800w, 14-speaker audio system as standard.

A thumping 23-speaker Bowers & Wilkins setup is available as an option, with a double amplifier helping to produce 1,600w of audio power.

Aston Martin has updated almost every part of the DBX’s interior, from a new steering wheel to redesigned door handles. New-for-2024 trim finishes include gloss smoked oak and gloss titanium mesh, along with updated ziricote wood, piano black and carbon fibre veneers.

Five new paint colours are available, with a heavy emphasis on the currently popular green hues. These include Sprint Green, Malachite Green and Aura Green, along with the Podium Green first used on the DBX707 AMR23 Edition.

Onwards and upwards

Beneath its bonnet, Aston Martin has left the SUV’s 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 and its mighty 707hp output unchanged. This means a 0-62mph time of 3.1 seconds and top speed of 193mph. The less powerful 550hp V8 engine option has now been discontinued.

Marco Mattiacci, chief brand and commercial officer at Aston Martin, said: “With its best-in-class performance and dynamics, world-class design and the highest levels of luxury, the DBX707 immediately established a new ultra-luxury SUV benchmark.

“Now upgraded with state-of-the-art technology and a completely new interior, the DBX707 moves the game on once more, further elevating the standard by which all competitors are judged.”

Production of the updated DBX707 will begin in the second quarter of 2024, with the first deliveries expected in late summer.

ALSO READ:

2024 Aston Martin Vantage gets new look and massive power hike

Aston Martin DBX707 review

Aston Martin DB12 review

Fiat has transformed the 500 into a boat – and you could buy one

By

John Redfern

-

April 19, 2024

0

A Fiat 500-inspired boat has hit the ocean waves, and you could buy or rent one this summer.

No, we have checked our calendars carefully, and we can confirm that this is not a delayed April Fool’s Day joke.

In fact, the aquatic 500 is a collaboration between an Italian entrepreneur and Fiat, channelling all the charm of the diminutive city car into a practical watercraft.

Ready for sunbathing

Twenty-four-year old Antonio Pietro Maria Galasso has been the driving force behind the floating Fiat homage, known as the Car 500 Off-Shore. As the former owner of a 500 Cabriolet, Galasso is a true Fiat enthusiast.

“At first, they thought I was crazy. But now, with 60 units sold and 50 families employed, our Fiat 500 Car Off-Shore Dayboat speaks for itself,” says Antonio.

The exterior is a clear tribute to the original, with round LED headlights, rear-view mirrors and half wheelarches.

The interior design features a dashboard shaped like road-going version. Real leather covers the seats, with the rear bench replaced by a pair of reclining loungers for sunbathing.

The only Fiat with a built-in shower

Up to five passengers can be carried aboard the Car 500 Off-Shore, and there is even a small swimming platform to make a splash. Buyers can also specify marine-grade speakers, a multimedia player and a hand-held shower.

Two specifications are available: the Puglia Edition in turquoise paint or the Miami Edition in peach orange.

Engine options of up to 115hp are available, giving the potential for a breezy top speed of 24mph.

Small boat, big money

The majority of the Car 500 Off-Shore models will be used for rental, with the boats available to hire in both Amalfi, Italy and Miami, USA.

There are also tour packages available in Positano, Italy, including one aimed at those planning a wedding proposal.

A final punchline is the fairly substantial cost of owning your very own waterborne slice of the La Dolce Vita. Prices for the Car 500 Off-Shore start at £96,780 – more than five times the cost of a regular 500.

ALSO READ:

Fiat 500 Electric review

1966 Fiat 500 review: Retro Road Test

Inside Fiat’s incredible classic car collection

Meet the classic Land Rover Defender with world-first electric tech

By

John Redfern

-

April 18, 2024

0

The UK-based Bedeo Group has launched its Reborn Electric Icons programme, starting with a fresh take on the original Land Rover Defender.

Although electric conversions for classic cars, including the Defender, have become relatively common, Bedeo can claim a world-first with its new technology.

Unlike other restomod EVs, Bedeo has used in-wheel electric motors. The company promises ‘weight reduction and engineering enhancements’ as a result.

A proven track record

Founded in Turkey in 2009, Bedeo has created a business based around electrifying commercial vehicles. It supplied electric vans for Ocado, and has provided drivetrain components for new vehicles – including electric vans made by Stellantis.

Vehicles powered by Bedeo electric powertrains have already travelled more than 37 million miles across the UK and Europe.

It means the engineering behind the Reborn Electric Icons version of the Land Rover Defender should be proven and dependable, making use of Bedeo’s in-house technology.

Rapid charging potential

Powering the Bedeo electric Defender’s quartet of in-wheel motors is a 75kWh battery pack.

This offers an estimated WLTP-test driving range of 153 miles. It comes equipped with a 22kW onboard charger, while a rapid 50kW charger is optional.

Depending on the charging device used, the electric Defender requires between 90 minutes and five hours to fully recharge to 100 percent capacity.

Weighing up the options

Compared to other restomod electric Land Rovers that employ a skateboard-style platform, having in-wheel motors is said to offer a significant weight saving.

Bedeo says the battery pack, four individual motors and on-board charger weigh the same as the Defender’s original diesel engine.

As a result, there should be no dynamic shortfall from the conversion, leaving the Defender just as capable on- and off-road as before.

A classic driving experience

Bedeo’s classic Defender is the starting point for its Reborn Electric Icons project. Other vehicles will make use of the same technology, allowing a near endless range of potential conversions.

Osman Boyner, founder and CEO of Bedeo, explained: “Through our Reborn Electric Icons programme, we are committed to maintaining the original car’s kerb weight, charm and driving dynamics, while ensuring easy maintenance and delivering the benefits of electrification.

“For the Defender, and other models to come, this means zero tailpipe emissions, zero noise and the preservation of the nostalgic, classic driving experience we all cherish – now brought into the 21st Century without sacrificing its essence or adding unnecessary, bulky weight.”

ALSO READ:

Everrati electric Land Rover Series llA review

Twisted Land Rover Defender EV review

Land Rover Defender 130 V8 review

Hot Hyundai Ioniq 5 N goes for Pikes Peak hill climb record

By

John Redfern

-

April 17, 2024

0

The high performance Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is heading to the famous Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.

Two examples of the sporty EV, which was recently named 2024 World Performance Car of the Year, will tackle the famous ascent, which climbs by 1,440 metres (4,720 feet) over 12.42 miles, on 23 June 2024.

Hyundai aims to secure victory in the electric production SUV/crossover category, using two near-street-legal examples of the Ioniq 5 N.

Racing to the clouds

With 641hp from its twin electric motors, the Ioniq 5 N packs a mighty punch to tackle the formidable Pikes Peak mountain. It can hit 62mph in 3.25 seconds, with a top speed of 162mph.

Driving the production-class Ioniq 5 N will be Paul Dallenbach, an 11-time Pikes Peak winner. Dallenbach also set a previous outright record on the hill climb in 1993.

Joining Dallenbach is Ron Zaras, making his debut at Pikes Peak. A media personality and former Hoonigan executive, Zaras will showcase his story of going from a motorsport enthusiast to a competitor.

To meet the requirements of competing at Pikes Peak, Hyundai says the production Ioniq 5 N only required minimal modifications. A roll cage has been installed and the rear seats removed, plus a Recaro racing seat added for the driver.

More still to come

Hyundai will also reveal a special hardcore version of the Ioniq 5 N next month. The modified machine will be displayed at the Nurburgring 24 Hours on 30 May. Hyundai rally driver Dani Sordo and four-time Pikes Peak champion Robin Shute will race the enhanced version of the Ioniq 5 N.

Pikes Peak has become a major draw for car manufacturers in recent years. Bentley set a new record for production SUVs in 2018 with the Bentayga.

Volkswagen currently holds the outright record at Pikes Peak. Its time of 7min 57.15sec was achieved by the electric ID. R racer in 2018.

ALSO READ:

Hyundai Ioniq 5 review

Hyundai Ioniq 6 review

Hot Korean cars driven: Kia Stinger GT-S vs Hyundai i30 N

Gordon Murray T.50s track special wows crowds at Goodwood

By

John Redfern

-

April 15, 2024

0

Gordon Murray Automotive has given its track-only special edition hypercar a dynamic debut at Goodwood.

Revealed at this weekend’s Members’ Meeting, the prototype T.50s Niki Lauda XP1 (the red car pictured above) took to the historic Goodwood Motor Circuit in front of a capacity crowd.

Fittingly, the 81st Goodwood Members’ event was dedicated to celebrating the life of Niki Lauda and his successful Formula 1 career during the 1970s and 1980s.

Celebrating motorsport success

First announced in 2021, the aero-enhanced, non-road-legal T.50s Niki Lauda is designed to offer ‘an on-track experience like no other car to date’.

The T.50s weighs less than 900kg and is powered by a 772hp version of the Cosworth-engineered 3.9-litre V12 engine. Up to 1,200kg of downforce is available, aided by a 400mm rear-mounted fan.

Limited to 25 examples – all now sold out – each of the Niki Lauda editions will be named after victories by Gordon Murray-designed cars. They will commemorate his first 24 Grand Prix wins at different circuits, along with a famous endurance race title.

The series of dedications starts with the South African Grand Prix at Kyalami in 1974. It concludes with the McLaren F1’s victory at Le Mans in 1995.

More GMA cars coming soon

The dynamic debut of the Niki Lauda XP1 follows news that Gordon Murray Automotive will move production of the T.50 supercar to its new Highams Park headquarters.

This allows GMA to use its existing Dunsfold Park facility to create more pre-production prototypes of the T.33 supercar. A total of 27 prototypes must be made to satisfy crash testing and homologation requirements.

One of the first completed T.33 prototypes, nicknamed ‘James’, also took to the track at the Goodwood Members’ Meeting.

This gave enthusiasts the first chance to hear the new 617hp GMA.2 V12 engine in anger, as it revved beyond 11,000rpm.

Marking a milestone

Ahead of the event, Gordon Murray CBE said: “The dynamic debuts of the GMA T.33 mule and GMA T.50s XP1 mark an important milestone in the development of both supercars.

“I’m also proud that we will participate in honouring a man who was a one-of-a-kind racer and a great friend by showcasing the T.50s Niki Lauda at Goodwood.

“Additionally, revealing the 25 historically significant motor racing names for our track-only T.50s is the perfect way to celebrate a favourite event for me and the whole GMA team.”

ALSO READ:

Gordon Murray’s T.33 Spider is a £1.8 million hypercar head-rush

Kiklo Spaces: The storage facility where cars are displayed as art

Best supercars to buy in 2024

How to prevent car and travel sickness

By

John Redfern

-

April 15, 2024

0

Whether you’re on the school run, heading to work or driving on holiday, travel sickness can make any car journey unpleasant.

The RAC reports that up to one in five people feel sick when travelling in a car as a passenger, but certain factors can make the problem worse.

In this brief guide, we’ll look at the leading triggers for car sickness, along with tips on how best to avoid it.

What causes car sickness?

Research by Euro Car Parts revealed the 10 factors that are most likely to cause travel sickness. In order of magnitude, these are:

Reading a book or magazine (39 percent)
Travelling backwards (38 percent)
Sitting in the back seat (31 percent)
Travelling while tired (17 percent)
After drinking alcohol (16 percent)
Watching a screen (15 percent)
Dehydration (15 percent)
Travelling while hungry (14.7 percent)
Standing while travelling – e.g. on public transport (11 percent)
Travelling after eating (6 percent)

The physical cause of travel sickness, according to GP Dr Sarah Brewer, is overstimulation of motion-sensing cells inside the inner ear.

For 66 percent of sufferers, this results in nausea. Vomiting is experienced by 31 percent. A general feeling of being unwell is the main symptom for 30 percent of people.

How can you prevent car sickness?

Eat the right food

According to Dr Brewer, food and drink is the biggest factor in travel sickness. Heading off on an empty stomach can cause problems – but the wrong foods could also mean trouble. Having a light meal 45-60 minutes before a journey, and eating bland snacks on the move, are both recommended.

However, the temptation of a greasy takeaway at the motorway services is best avoided, with fatty foods likely to cause an upset. As a diuretic that can cause dehydration, alcohol should also be given a miss, even if you’re not the designated driver.

Stay off screens

Put down your mobile phone, stop trying to read that magazine and simply look out of the window. A few classic in-car games will keep you scanning your surroundings. A few rounds of I-Spy, anyone?

Wind down the windows

A stuffy, confined space can induce sickness at the best of times – and doubly so in a moving car. Even air conditioning is no substitute for fresh air, so lower the windows and enjoy the breeze.

Ask the driver to slow down

Make sure your driver isn’t doing their best impression of Lewis Hamilton. A smooth, steady drive is far more likely to be vomit-free than a re-enactment of a lap around the Top Gear test track. Equally, ask them to stay off twisty, undulating roads if possible. Straight and steady on A-roads and motorways is best.

Take a break

Many sufferers of car sickness say it mostly affects them on long journeys. A refreshing break away from the car could be all you need. Just steer clear of that XXL burger at the services…

ALSO READ:

What will the 2035 petrol and diesel car ban mean for you?

Is it against the law to drive while wearing headphones?

Your EV questions answered on Motoring Electric

Last lap: Lamborghini Huracan bows out with STJ special edition

By

John Redfern

-

April 12, 2024

0

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.

ALSO READ:

Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica review

Lamborghini Diablo SV review

Highland fling: an incredible Lamborghini road-trip

Revealed: Morgan updates Plus Four sports car for 2024

By

John Redfern

-

April 10, 2024

0

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.

ALSO READ:

Morgan Plus Four review

Morgan Plus Four CX-T review

Fast farewell: driving the final Morgan Plus 8 roadster

Hot Audi S3 upgraded with more power and greater agility

By

John Redfern

-

April 10, 2024

0

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.

ALSO READ:

Audi RS3 Sportback review

1996 Audi RS2 review: Retro Road Test

Best hot hatchbacks to buy in 2024

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

By

John Redfern

-

April 8, 2024

0

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.

ALSO READ:

BMW M3 Touring review

30 controversial BMW car designs

A secret tour of BMW GB’s cool car collection