BTCC racers gain extra turbo-hybrid power boost for 2024

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October 31, 2023

Drivers in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) will gain an extra shot of hybrid power assistance from the 2024 season onwards.

The BTCC became the first touring car competition in the world to move to hybrid power, making it compulsory for the 2022 season. Further refinement was made for 2023, but major changes are planned for next year.

After extensive testing, BTCC drivers will receive a combination of both hybrid power assistance and additional turbo boost to deploy.

It means pressing a single steering wheel-mounted button will result in double the amount of extra power on offer – estimated to be around 60hp.

A double shot of boost

Alan Gow, BTCC chief executive, said: “With the hybrid system now proven to be extremely reliable, the time is right to further develop its overall performance.”

Testing has shown the hybrid setup to be 97.3 percent reliable, making it no different to other major components used in a modern touring car.

The dominance of the 2023 BTCC season by now four-time champion Ashley Sutton, is also likely to have encouraged the organisers to attempt to improve the quality of racing.

Sutton claimed 12 race wins and six pole positions during the season, with a Max Verstappen-esque display of force. For a championship built around the promise of equal competition, making changes seemed impossible to ignore.

Further enhancements planned for 2024

As with this season, drivers will be able to choose when they deploy their turbo-hybrid boost during qualifying sessions and races. The duration of boost available to each driver is determined by their championship position for qualifying, and finishing position on race day.

The new turbo-hybrid power boost follows the BTCC’s announcement that it will introduce ‘fast six’ qualifying for the 2024 season.

Similar to the American IndyCar series, one single qualifying session will be replaced with shorter segments. This will result in a showdown between the fastest six drivers for pole position.

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Mazda Iconic SP concept points to rotary-engined hybrid MX-5

By

Tim Pitt

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October 25, 2023

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Mazda has pulled the wraps off a surprise new sports car. The Iconic SP concept uses a plug-in hybrid drivetrain with a rotary engine – and strongly hints at the next-generation MX-5, due in 2026.

Revealed at the Japan Mobility Show in Tokyo, the Iconic SP combines a range-extending rotary petrol engine with an electric motor and a generator – a similar set-up to that used by the Mazda MX-30 R-EV.

However, the Iconic SP’s 390hp output is more than twice that of the MX-30 crossover. And while Mazda doesn’t quote any performance figures, a kerb weight of 1,450kg would make this curvaceous coupe quicker than any MX-5 to-date. We’d expect an electric-only range of at least 40 miles, too.

Isn’t it Iconic, don’t you think?

One key difference between the Iconic SP and MX-5 is that the concept car is mid-engined. This creates a low centre of gravity to ‘deliver excellent driving performance’. It also allows for a plunging bonnet and wedgy profile, helping both aerodynamics and aesthetics.

At 4,180mm long and 1,850mm wide, the Iconic SP is closer in size to the third-generation (1992-2002) Mazda RX-7 than any MX-5. However, Mazda CEO Masahiro Moro clearly made the connection between this concept and his company’s evergreen sports car.

“We love the MX-5, and the world loves the MX-5,” said Moro. “We are determined in the age of electrification to keep the joy of driving which the MX-5 represents alive, and the Mazda Iconic SP, with its dual-rotary power generator EV powertrain, is our dream solution. A dream we will work hard to launch.”

Keeping the 5 alive

Speaking of the Mazda MX-5, a facelifted version of the current car also debuted in Tokyo. It features new LED headlamps that now incorporate the daytime running lights, along with redesigned LED rear light lenses. Inside, the 2024 MX-5 has a larger 8.8-inch touchscreen, updated instrument panel and additional USB-C ports.

While the 132hp 1.5-litre and 184hp 2.0-litre engines remain unchanged, the MX-5 also comes with a new asymmetric limited-slip differential, plus a track driving mode for its electronic stability control. The former varies slip-limiting force between acceleration and deceleration, while the latter allows for greater drift angles before the electronics intervene.

Prices and specifications have yet to be announced, but the 2024 Mazda MX-5 will arrive in UK showrooms next March.

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Spent £2.4m on a Rimac Nevera? At least charging it will be free…

By

John Redfern

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October 20, 2023

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Owners of the Rimac Nevera will enjoy free pan-European charging for eight years after they purchase their electric hypercar.

A partnership between Rimac and charging provider Ionity means owners of the fastest accelerating car in the world can access ultra-rapid charging points.

The agreement will see Rimac drivers able to use the Ionity charging network throughout 24 different European countries, including the UK.

Rapid car, rapid charging

The Rimac Nevera uses four electric motors that are powered by a 120kWh lithium-manganese battery pack. When fully charged, the Croatian EV has an official range of up to 300 miles.

With a combined output of 1,914hp, the Rimac can accelerate from 0-62mph in less than two seconds. In 2021, it set a new road-car world record by completing a standing quarter-mile in just 8.852 seconds.

Despite the Nevera’s massive performance, Rimac founder Mate Rimac points out it was originally conceived as a “a hyper GT, rather than a track-focused car”.

As such, the Nevera is capable of using 500kW charging architecture. When connected to a 350kW Ionity charger, replenishing its battery pack from zero to 80 percent takes only 25 minutes.

A carbon-neutral campus

Helpfully, the partnership between Rimac and Ionity will benefit more than just the 150 folk who spend £2.4 million on a Nevera.

Ionity will also install a six-charger hub as part of the new Rimac Campus, which is being constructed near Zagreb in Croatia. This will offer high-speed EV charging for visitors to the Rimac site, along with the general public.

Set to cover more than 70,000 square metres, the Rimac Campus is designed to be carbon-neutral, and to accommodate some 2,500 employees. Hypercar fans will be able to access a Rimac retail store, restaurant and event spaces, too.

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Why driving through puddles could mean a fine or penalty points

By

John Redfern

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October 20, 2023

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Getting splashed by a car as it drives through a big puddle could potentially ruin your outfit – and indeed ruin your day.

However, the law is on your side and the driver of the car may eventually come off worse. They risk a fine, along with points on their driving licence.

Even so, one in three motorists admit to having splashed pedestrians while driving, either intentionally or by accident.

Making a splash

Comparison website Uswitch surveyed more than 1,200 drivers to discover how they behave when faced with roadside puddles.

One in 18 UK drivers from the sample said they had deliberately soaked a pedestrian by driving through standing water. Those aged between 17 and 24 were more likely to commit the offence, with 32 percent admitting to it.

Whilst almost half of those asked (45 percent) said they would feel remorse, this was not consistent across the UK. Scottish drivers were most remorseful, but those from Yorkshire were least likely to feel any guilt.

What does the law say?

Splashing pedestrians can be considered an offence of careless or inconsiderate driving, covered by section 3ZA of the Road Traffic Act 1988.

Inconsiderate driving is the simpler offence to prove. It needs only to show that someone else has been inconvenienced by your actions.

It is used where ‘driving amounts to a clear act of incompetence, selfishness, impatience or aggressiveness, in addition to some other inconvenience’.

The Crown Prosecution Service also makes specific reference to ‘driving through a puddle causing pedestrians to be splashed’ in its guidance for road traffic offence charging decisions.

Money down the drain

Given 33 percent of pedestrians would report drivers to the police for splashing them, the risk of punishment is real. Smartphones, dashcams and roadside CCTV add to the potential for incriminating evidence, too.

For the simplest offences, drivers could be issued a £100 fine and have three penalty points added to their licence. However, a court could impose a fine of up to £5,000 in the most serious cases.

Having a motoring conviction also means insurers will see you as a greater risk, so your annual car insurance premium could increase.

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Tired of touchscreens: new Skodas to get clever rotary Smart Dials

By

John Redfern

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October 18, 2023

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Interior design details of the new Skoda Superb and Kodiaq have been revealed. The Skoda Superb hatchback and estate models, and the Kodiaq SUV, will all boast more interior space and improved technology when they reach showrooms later this year.

Skoda also seems to have listened to complaints about modern cars being too reliant on touchscreens. The new Superb and Kodiaq will feature innovative Smart Dials, intended to simplify the controls and help drivers keep their eyes on the road.

According to Peter Olah, Skoda’s head of interior design, the new Smart Dials combine the “best of both worlds: physical controls and digital displays”.

Ready to twist, not shout

Three rotary dials are located on the centre console, where the traditional climate control buttons would be. In the centre of each dial is a 32mm digital display, providing access to a number of different interior functions.

The two outer dials control the temperature and seat heating for the driver and passenger. Four different functions can be accessed through the central dial, including audio volume, satellite navigation zoom and driving modes. Consider it a handy evolution of the technology found in the Audi TT.

The Smart Dials mean that, despite a larger 12.9-inch infotainment display being fitted, drivers can reduce the need to navigate through endless touchscreen menus.

Remaining ‘Simply Clever‘

Skoda has continued its ‘Simply Clever’ design philosophy, including a ‘Phone Box’ for wireless smartphone charging. In the Kodiaq, two devices can be charged at the same time, with a cooling function to prevent them from overheating.

A total of four USB-C charging ports are found inside the cars, including one behind the rear-view mirror to power a dashcam.

New trim options include 100 percent recycled polyester upholstery, while higher-spec cars use leather tanned by coffee bean residue, or by waste water from olive processing.

Long-time enthusiasts of the Czech brand can rest easy, though. Skoda’s famous umbrella hidden inside the driver’s door, and the emergency ice scraper behind the fuel flap, are both still present and correct.

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AUTOBEST Best Buy Car of Europe 2024 finalists revealed

By

Richard Aucock

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October 13, 2023

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The finalists for the AUTOBEST Best Buy Car of Europe 2024 have been announced – and for the first time, a Chinese EV is among the contenders.

The electric BYD Dolphin has made the running, alongside the Fiat 600e, Hyundai Kona and Jeep Avenger.

Once again, electric cars dominate the finalists. The BYD Dolphin, Fiat 600e and Jeep Avenger are only available as EVs, while the Hyundai Kona range includes an electric option.

The 31-member AUTOBEST jury will now complete a final round of testing, including an official Final Test at Austria’s Fahrtechnik Proving Ground in Teesdorf, ahead of the winner being announced in mid-December.

AUTOBEST jury members represent countries across Europe and are the largest independent motoring jury in Europe.

The aim is to determine the best real-world new car in Europe, with a focus on affordability, practicality and everyday ease of use.

Motoring Research’s Richard Aucock represents the UK.

Three other AUTOBEST awards have been announced ahead of the 2024 Gala in Luxembourg.

Porsche is named COMPANYBEST 2024, while Dacia chief Denis Le Vot joins the MANBEST gallery of top industry leaders.

New Peugeot designer Gilles Vidal is the newest member of the DESIGNBEST Hall of Fame.

In the coming weeks, the winners of the ECOBEST, SAFETYBEST, SMARTBEST, SPORTBEST and TECHNOBEST categories will be revealed.

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New Nichols N1A supercar brings Can-Am experience to the road

By

John Redfern

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October 13, 2023

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Visitors to the recent Sunday Scramble event at Bicester Heritage became the first to see the new British-built Nichols Cars N1A supercar.

Inspired by Can-Am racers from the 1960s, most notably the McLaren M1A, the retro-styled N1A attracted plenty of attention from car enthusiasts.

Given its reception, potential buyers may need to move quickly to secure one of 100 build slots for the road-going Nichols Cars N1A. All 15 ‘launch edition’ cars have already been sold.

An icon of motorsport engineering

The N1A was created by renowned motorsport engineer, Steve Nichols. Having worked at McLaren during the 1980s, Nichols became the team’s lead F1 designer in 1987. He subsequently developed the McLaren MP4/4, driven by Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, which dominated the 1988 season with 15 wins out of 16 races.

Nichols continued his career with other F1 teams, including Ferrari, Jordan, Jaguar and Sauber, always working with cutting-edge materials such as carbon fibre.

Nichols also maintained an enthusiasm for racing cars from the 1960s, including the McLaren M1A Can-Am sports prototype, which eventually led to the Nichols Cars N1A. The lightweight roadster combines classic styling with modern materials and technology.

Less weight, more power

The bodywork of the N1A is crafted from carbon fibre, and was shaped in the wind tunnel at MIRA in Nuneaton, while its chassis combines more carbon fibre with aluminium. The complete car weighs just 900kg.

Power comes from a big hunk of American muscle: a mid-mounted General Motors LS3 V8. Substantially upgraded, it now displaces 7.0 litres (427 cubic inches) and produces 650hp.

A six-speed manual gearbox is the only transmission available, and comes with an Ayrton Senna-inspired gearknob. The rest of the interior is elegantly simple, with a reclined seating position influenced by the MP4/4 F1 car.

Senna and Prost would likely have welcomed the N1A’s blend of leather and fabric upholstery, along with its switchable traction control.

Best of British

John Minett, CEO of Nichols Cars, said: “The Sunday Scramble was the ideal location for the public debut of the N1A and we have been so humbled and appreciative of the support of attendees – and those cheering on from further afar – with the launch of the N1A.”

Nichols has committed to producing no more than 100 examples of the N1A, including the 15 launch edition models – each one commemorating a particular victory by the McLaren MP4/4. The first completed cars should be delivered to customers in spring 2024.

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Yorkshire-built Twisted 4x4s head for Japan in new export deal

By

John Redfern

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October 12, 2023

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North Yorkshire-based Twisted Automotive has announced an agreement that will see the company’s bespoke Land Rover Defender restomods sold in Japan, under the new ‘Twisted Japan’ brand.

The exclusive deal, agreed with Yone Motors of Tokyo, means Twisted’s classic Defenders will be imported for three years.

Twisted’s first vehicles built for the Japanese market, in petrol TVS and TV8 specifications, will depart on their 6,000-mile journey to the port of Yokohama next month.

From Thirsk to Tokyo

Yone Motors has experience in selling and maintaining imported luxury vehicles, meaning Twisted’s classic Defenders will line up alongside high-end cars from McLaren, Rolls-Royce and Bentley.

Valuence Holdings, the owner of Yone Motors, has a particular focus on repurposing and reusing luxury goods, antiques and art to extend their lifespans. This fits with the Twisted approach to restoring and modifying the original Defender.

Twisted Automotive founder Charles Fawcett said: “To take the British icon that is classic Defender, re-engineer and upgrade it in Yorkshire, then send it to Japan is monumental for the Twisted team. The vehicles leaving the workshop have had over 1,200 hours each spent on them by the finest British technicians.”

Big in Japan

Importing Twisted models to Japan is intended as the starting point for the project. Charles Fawcett added: “There is a significant volume of standard Defenders in the Japanese market, and longer-term these will be used as base models and assembled under license in Japan by Twisted-trained technicians. This is the beginning of an exciting journey for Twisted on the other side of the world.”

Kazuya Tanai of Valuence, responsible for the Twisted Japan project, said: “There’s a growing demand in Japan to buy and repurpose classic, quality products. It’s this circular economy ethos that’s at the core of what we do, so the partnership with Twisted makes sense.”

Twisted has already expanded significantly from its base in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, with showrooms in Kensington, London and Salcombe, Devon. The company also has operations in North America and Dubai.

This year, Twisted also moved beyond modified Land Rover Defenders, launching the pint-sized and turbocharged Suzuki Jimny by Twisted.

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Race-winning Lewis Hamilton Mercedes F1 car heads to auction

By

John Redfern

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October 10, 2023

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As part of the 2023 Las Vegas Grand Prix, the official RM Sotheby’s auction will see a very special Mercedes Formula 1 car up for sale.

Used by Sir Lewis Hamilton to take victory in the 2013 Hungarian Grand Prix, the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 W04 is the car he used to score his first win for the Mercedes-AMG F1 team.

It represents a key piece of the British driver’s racing history – not least because it is the first Hamilton-driven Mercedes F1 car available for public purchase.

The beginning of a motorsport dynasty

Sir Lewis Hamilton’s decision to join the Mercedes F1 team caused a shock in the motorsport world, as he left the McLaren team that had backed him from childhood. Prior to 2013, the reborn Mercedes team had struggled to be competitive, even with seven-time World Champion Michael Schumacher at the wheel.

Mercedes made a huge number of changes for the 2013 season, including Toto Wolff taking control of on-track motorsport operations. The W04 race car would also take a step forward, proving to be more competitive as the year progressed.

Although Nico Rosberg would take the W04’s maiden victory in Monaco, bad luck would force Hamilton to wait until Hungary to taste success himself. Starting from pole position, Hamilton became the first British driver since Sir Stirling Moss to win a Grand Prix for Mercedes-Benz.

Hamilton would use this particular chassis in 14 races throughout the 2013 season, helping the Mercedes-AMG Petronas to second place in the Constructors’ Championship.

More than just another Formula 1 car

The following year would see Hamilton and Mercedes embark on a record-breaking run of F1 success, with the British driver becoming a seven-time champion. It means the Mercedes W04 of 2013 was an important part of establishing a dynasty.

Shelby Myers, global head of private sales, RM Sotheby’s said: “Given the unparalleled lineage and being the sole example outside of Mercedes’ origination publicly available, the pairing of Lewis and the W04 elevates it beyond just a Formula 1 car.

“This undeniable piece could emerge as one of the most coveted collectibles in the foreseeable future.”

As a result, RM Sotheby’s has given the Mercedes F1 W04 a pre-auction estimate of £8 million to £12 million. The auction, set to take place on 17 November 2023, will also see the sale of a Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL jersey, won by American Football legend, Tom Brady.

A Hamilton-driven McLaren-Mercedes F1 car, sold in 2021 by RM Sotheby’s, achieved a considerable £5 million at auction.

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Aston Martin to race for 2025 Le Mans Hypercar title with Valkyrie

By

John Redfern

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October 4, 2023

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Aston Martin has announced major plans to compete in the highest level of endurance racing with its Valkyrie hypercar.

From 2025, the Valkyrie will be entered in the top Hypercar class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, aiming for outright victory in the famous French race.

The Valkyrie will also be entered in both the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) and IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship (IMSA). Plus, it will race in the Rolex 24 at Daytona and at the Sebring 12 Hours.

This will make the Aston Martin Valkyrie the world’s first road car-inspired hypercar to compete simultaneously in motorsport’s top two endurance championships.

‘The pursuit of excellence’

Aston Martin originally intended the Valkyrie to compete in the Hypercar class, having first announced plans in 2019. First developed in collaboration with Red Bull Racing, the road-going version features a 6.5-litre Cosworth V12 engine producing more than 1,000hp.

The Hypercar-class racing version of the Valkyrie retains this high-revving naturally aspirated engine, but is tuned to meet the demands of endurance racing – and the Balance of Performance (BOP) regulations.

Development of the Valkyrie Hypercar will take place at the newly built AMR Technology Campus. This is located alongside Aston Martin’s Formula One team at Silverstone, bringing together the brand’s two main motorsport endeavours.

Lawrence Stroll, executive chairman of Aston Martin Lagonda, said: “Performance is the lifeblood of everything that we do at Aston Martin, and motorsport is the ultimate expression of this pursuit of excellence”.

Aiming for Le Mans victory

Aston Martin has enjoyed considerable success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans over the years, having first competed there in 1923. Overall, the British marque has achieved 19 class victories, including an outright win in 1959.

The Heart of Racing team will be responsible for running the Valkyrie programmes in both WEC and IMSA. Having partnered with Aston Martin since 2020, Heart of Racing has achieved championship wins in the IMSA GTD category.

Aston Martin also announced plans to race new GT3 and GT4 cars based upon the Vantage. This means the company will compete in all forms of sports car racing, along with Formula One, all at the same time.

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