RML Short Wheelbase: new British supercar now in production

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March 24, 2023

The first customer orders for the retro-styled, V12-powered RML Short Wheelbase have entered production.

Each car takes approximately nine months to build, with a painstaking level of attention to detail and personalisation applied throughout.

Following completion of the prototype ‘Car Zero’, RML is now building the first three cars destined for customers. Only 30 examples of the £1.62 Short Wheelbase will be made.

Perfect paint

The Short Wheelbase clearly resembles a classic Ferrari 250 GT SWB, but its backbone chassis comes from a (1996-2001) 550 Maranello.

RML creates a two-piece carbon fibre body that weighs just 42.5kg before painting. Some 99 percent of the body is constructed to a tolerance of 2.5mm, with 60 percent at just 1mm.

Multiple layers of primer, combined with a silver base coat, are added to the car before the final paint. Even elements that remain unpainted, such as the carbon-composite door shuts, receive several layers of lacquer.

Hand-built with modern tech

Once the body is complete, RML installs the 550 Maranello-sourced 5.5-litre engine. The unmodified, naturally aspirated V12 develops a healthy 479hp, and is combined with a six-speed manual gearbox. Zero to 62mph takes just 4.1 seconds.

As production continues, the RML Short Wheelbase will be on display at next month’s Goodwood Members’ Meeting.

“Each Short Wheelbase is hand-built,” explains Michael Mallock, CEO of RML, “but we also use the most advanced technology to make sure that the quality of its build meets the very highest levels. All parts are laser-cut to minimise deviation from specification, and the jig we use only allows a maximum 0.25mm tolerance, meaning that all 30 cars in our production run will be produced to a consistently high standard.”

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How to track a friend’s journey on Google Maps

By

Motoring Research team

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March 23, 2023

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For many of us, Google Maps is our default in-car navigation system. It is usually accessed via a smartphone, using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to connect with the car.

Google Maps offers accurate journey times, real-time traffic information and alternative routes to avoid congestion, along with other useful data such as EV charging locations.

One feature of the platform that you may be unaware of is the journey sharing service. This allows any contact you choose to view your live location throughout the duration of your journey.

So, there’s no longer any need to stop and send text messages about your estimated time of arrival (ETA). Google Maps can keep the relevant people informed, and you can keep driving.

Tracking your progress

After you start navigation to your destination, pressing the ‘More ^’ symbol will give you the option to ‘Share trip progress’. Contacts of your choosing on a variety of third-party apps like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and more will then be able to see your ETA.

More than that, they can view your route and track your progress live. Once you have arrived, journey sharing will cancel automatically. You can also hide your location at any time.

If you have shared your location with someone in the past, you can also ask for their location via Google Maps. This could be helpful for finding somebody who is lost. Tap on your profile picture, then select ‘Location sharing’, followed by the name of the contact and then ‘Request’.

What does this all mean? Well, if you share your location, there’s no excuse for leaving late or getting sidetracked. More positively, it also allows us to keep eyes on friends and loved ones as they travel.

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Lego salutes Land Rover’s 75th anniversary with classic Defender

By

John Redfern

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March 22, 2023

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Lego has revealed a brick version of the classic Land Rover Defender 90, ready for small-scale off-road adventure.

The new model commemorates Land Rover’s 75th anniversary, and is based on one of the company’s most famous vehicles.

To help launch the new set, Lego transported a real Defender 90 to the Scottish Highlands, then housed the world’s most remote Lego store inside it.

Build your own adventure

Made from 2,366 pieces, the Lego Icons Land Rover Classic Defender 90 allows builders to choose between two different specifications.

You can opt for a factory-look Defender, or one customised to tackle the toughest terrain. Accessories include a winch, roof rack, toolbox, sand ladders and a snorkel air intake.

Working suspension and steering are fitted, with the door and bonnet both able to open. The interior is packed with authentic Defender details, while the exterior wears the classic combination of a green body and white roof.

The Defender’s ‘Alpine’ roof windows, flared wheelarches and exposed door hinges have also been rendered in brick form.

On sale in April

Lego previously released a Technic version of the current Land Rover Defender, which boasts a working winch.

“Bringing the classic Defender to life in bricks was no easy challenge. A Defender can take you anywhere, so during the design process we wanted to infuse the set with that sense of adventure,” said Lego designer Kurt Kristiansen. “We can’t wait to see the fans’ reactions.”

The Lego Icon Classic Defender will be available to order from 4 April 2023. Even at £209.99, it’s considerably cheaper than the real thing…

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Theon Design reveals 400hp, carbon-bodied Porsche 911 restomod

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John Redfern

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March 22, 2023

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Theon Design has revealed its latest bespoke Porsche 911, destined for an Italian customer who owns a matching 1973 Carrera 2.7 RS.

Dubbed ITA001 (as the first Theon Design restomod sold in Italy), the car is said to realise the customer’s fantasy for what an air-cooled 911 could achieve.

Virtually every part of the 964-generation Porsche has been upgraded, from the carbon fibre bodywork to the semi-active suspension – not forgetting the 4.0-litre flat-six engine.

Pushing the 911 to its limit

To create ITA001, a donor 911 Carrera 4 coupe was stripped back to bare metal then completely restored. Each body panel was 3D-scanned before being rendered in lightweight carbon fibre.

The obsessive level of attention to detail includes a lighter, aerospace-grade wiring loom and a new electric power steering pump, which is relocated to the front of the car for better weight distribution.

The extensive use of carbon fibre means ITA001 weighs in at just 1,152kg. Its air-cooled engine produces a considerable 400hp, along with a muscular 315lb ft of torque. Independent throttle bodies, developed with motorsport specialist Jenvey, offer “razor-sharp” engine response.

Motorsport-derived components

Theon Design has installed the six-speed manual gearbox from a 993-generation 911 Carrera RS, along with a limited-slip rear differential.

A 993 RS has also donated its brake setup, while Theon Design has added TracTive adaptive dampers. These can switch between five different modes – calibrated via extensive on-road testing.

A set of 18-inch Fuchs-style alloy wheels are a pleasing retro touch, with satin carbon fibre used for the exterior trim.

Classic looks, modern tech

Porsche Schwartz Black paint, first used in the 1970s, has been applied to the 911’s bodywork. This is complemented by grey ‘ghost’ stripes and a ‘PORSCHE’ script along the sills.

The carbon fibre continues inside, along with a pair of Recaro seats trimmed in brown leather. ITA001 is relatively practical, too, with custom-made rear seats inspired by the Porsche 928.

Other creature comforts include a six-speaker Focal sound system, controlled via Bluetooth. A magnetic wireless charging mount for smartphones is hidden on the dashboard.

‘Air-cooled Porsche perfection’

“We’re delighted to reveal ITA001 to the world,” said Adam Hawley, co-founder of Theon Design. “It retains the air-cooled 911’s charm, but blends it with modern, focused performance and dynamic ability. It’s a classic 911 with an addictive dose of modern GT3 thrown in.

“We’ve applied Theon Design’s signature blend of cutting-edge automotive technology, OEM-grade design and manufacturing techniques, along with British hand-crafted quality – all fused together by a team obsessed with achieving air-cooled Porsche perfection.”

ITA001 will now set sail for a life with its lucky Italian owner. Each Theon Design car takes around 18 months to build and prices start from around £380,000, excluding taxes and a donor 911.

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Ford Explorer revealed: first details of new-era electric SUV

By

John Redfern

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March 22, 2023

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Ford has unveiled the latest part of its plan to become a fully electric car brand in Europe by 2030.

The Ford Explorer takes an iconic American name, then applies it to an electric SUV designed especially for buyers on this side of the Atlantic.

Beneath the bold styling is a practical interior, packed with clever features to make the Explorer well suited to family adventures.

American name, European design

The Explorer badge has been attached to Ford SUVs since 1991. Indeed, the Explorer has become America’s best-selling SUV, while the second-generation model was actually sold in the UK between 1996 and 2001.

The new Explorer EV is designed for European tastes, including the ability to fit in our smaller parking spaces. The car’s length is just under 4.5 metres.

Its styling was the work of Ford’s European design centre, and features distinctive front lights, a floating roof and a glass-embedded rear window pillar. The Explorer should certainly stand out in the school car park.

Assembly will take place at Ford’s Cologne factory, where it will replace production of the Fiesta supermini.

A familiar platform

The distinctive Ford styling hides engineering that is undeniably European. Underpinning the Explorer is Volkswagen’s MEB platform, also used on vehicles such as the Skoda Enyaq, Cupra Born and Volkswagen ID. Buzz.

Ford says the Explorer will drive like a vehicle with a Blue Oval badge. This includes bespoke suspension tuning, plus a wider track compared to the equivalent Volkswagen ID.4 SUV.

Utilising the MEB platform means the Explorer will be available with rear- or all-wheel drive. Buyers can also choose between 55kWh and 82kWh batteries, with the largest offering a potential range of 324 miles.

Volkswagen’s rapid-charging capability is also included. This allows charging speeds of up to 170kW, replenishing the battery from 10 to 80 percent in just 25 minutes.

Practicality for the people

A useful interior will be the five-seat Explorer’s main selling point. It offers 450 litres of boot space with the rear seats in place. Between the front seats is a 17-litre ‘MegaConsole’, capable of keeping a 15-inch laptop out of sight from prying eyes.

Dominating the dashboard is a 14.6-inch multimedia touchscreen, which can move to reveal a storage locker behind it. The screen controls all the main interior functions, including the heating and ventilation, via Ford’s SYNC infotainment software.

Ford will offer the Explorer in Select and Premium trim levels. Although final specifications have yet to be confirmed, all cars will come with keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel and a hands-free tailgate.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity will also be included, combined with wireless smartphone charging. A soundbar speaker can be found atop the dashboard, which boasts 10-colour ambient lighting.

Spirit of adventure

To help celebrate the launch of the new Explorer, Ford has partnered with ’adventure influencer’, Lexie Limitless. She previously became the youngest woman to visit every country, and plans to embark on another Explorer-sponsored round-the-world trip later this year.

The exploits of Aloha Wanderwall also inspired the Explorer ad campaign. Wanderwall was the first woman to drive around the world, using a Ford Model T for her epic journey.

Orders for the electric Explorer open later this year, with prices and final specifications to be confirmed soon.

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Ferrari Roma Spider: first look at glamorous open-air supercar

By

Tim Pitt

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March 22, 2023

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The best looking new car of 2023? It might only be March, but already we have a winner.

The Roma Spider is Ferrari’s new ‘entry-level’ convertible, replacing the far less photogenic Portofino M. Powered by a 620hp 3.9-litre V8, it can sprint to 62mph in 3.4 seconds and blow-dry your bouffant at 199mph.

Prices haven’t been announced yet, but expect a premium of at least £20,000 over the £170,000 Maranello asks for a Roma coupe. Or north of £200,000 by the time you add a few must-have options.

A softer option

In contrast to recent al fresco Ferraris, the Roma Spider has a fabric roof, rather than a flip-and-fold metal affair. As the press release points out, that makes it the first front-engined Ferrari soft-top since the 365 GTS4 of 1969.

The five-layer hood retracts in 13.5 seconds at speeds up to 37mph. Together with extra body bracing and a pop-up wind deflector, it adds 84kg to the Roma’s kerb weight of 1,570kg.

An optional technical fabric gives the roof an ‘extremely striking iridescent red finish’ (not shown here). It stows behind a carbon fibre active spoiler, which produces up to 95kg of downforce at 155mph. Boot space is a supermini-sized 255 litres with the roof raised.

Riviera to Race mode

Inside, the Roma Spider retains the coupe’s child-sized ‘+2’ rear seats. You’ll also spot the five-position manettino on the steering wheel (choose from Wet, Comfort, Sport, Race or ESC-Off modes) and a drive selector that apes Ferrari’s classic open-gate manual.

The twin-turbo V8 – a multiple International Engine of the Year award winner – is also unaltered, and drives the rear wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

An arsenal of driver assistance technology includes Side Slip Control version 6.0 and the Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer, all of which, from past experience, can make an average driver feel like a hero. Just take it easy on the Riviera…

We have a winner

We drove the coupe at the launch in 2021, and concluded by saying: ‘Aside from a few qualms about the cabin, the Roma really is as good as it looks. It’s both a glamorous GT and a scintillating supercar. If you’re after a Ferrari that ticks every box, all roads lead to Roma’.

For the lucky few, the Roma Spider adds even more style and potential excitement. The proof will be in the driving, but this Ferrari already looks like a winner in more ways than one.

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Lamborghini reveals record-breaking 2022 sales – and UK is a top-four market

By

John Redfern

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March 21, 2023

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New figures from Lamborghini show the Italian company enjoyed its most successful year ever in 2022.

Some 9,233 SUVs and supercars were delivered by Lamborghini last year – the first time it has surpassed the 9,000-vehicle milestone.

Lamborghini also posted record-breaking figures for financial performance. Total turnover for the year was €2.38 billion (£2.09 billion), a 22 percent increase compared with 2021.

Operating income also rose by a substantial 56 percent, up to €614 million (£539 million).

Huracan on a high

Paolo Poma, managing director and CFO of Automobili Lamborghini, said: “The economic and geopolitical situation has been tough in recent years, but we’ve been able to show our resilience and our capacity to work towards excellent economic and financial results. Last year was our best ever on all financial and business fronts. It means we can take an optimistic outlook on the growth of our brand and our company.”

The Urus SUV continued as Lamborghini’s most popular model in 2022. With 5,357 examples delivered, Urus sales also increased by seven percent versus 2021.

Deliveries of the Huracan leapt by an impressive 20 percent, to 3,113 units. The off-road-capable Huracan Sterrato (pictured above) will be launched soon, as the final iteration of the V10-powered supercar.

Lastly, in its final year of production, 753 examples of the V12 Aventador were delivered to new owners.

UK in fourth place for sales

The United States remained the top market for Lamborghini sales, followed by China and Germany. The UK occupies fourth place in the chart, with a total of 653 new cars delivered in 2022.

This year will see Lamborghini celebrate its 60th anniversary, and also launch a new plug-in hybrid supercar: the replacement for the Aventador. Look out for an in-depth preview on Motoring Research next week.

Stephan Winkelmann, chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini, said: “Our business continues to grow, and we can proudly confirm the achievement of truly remarkable targets once again in 2022. These figures come in a very important year for the company, which is marking its 60th anniversary”.

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Millennials more likely to repair their cars than any other generation

By

John Redfern

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March 20, 2023

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Millennials – those born between 1981 and 1996 – have been accused of everything from wasting money on avocados to killing off department stores and banks.

However, new research suggests the millennial generation should be celebrated for its willingness to undertake basic car repairs.

More than a quarter of millennials in an eBay user survey said they are prepared to work on a car themselves. This was the highest of any generational group.

The generation game

By comparison, only 18 percent of baby boomers (born from 1946 to 1964) are happy to get their hands dirty.

Instead, respondents in this age group were more likely to spend money on having someone else do the work for them.

Proving that younger generations have a ‘can do’ attitude, the eBay survey also highlighted the willingness of younger, Gen Z respondents. Among this age group, which covers those currently aged between 17 and 24, some 23 percent are prepared to tackle minor car maintenance themselves.

The eBay research also highlights the sheer scale of the self-repair industry in the UK. To house all the car parts and accessories listed on eBay during 2022 would require a warehouse the size of 11 Wembley Stadium roofs.

Maximising screen time

Windscreen wipers were the most likely items to be fitted by respondents in the survey. More than half of those asked are prepared to tackle this task themselves.

This was followed by replacement wing mirrors, with one-fifth (20 percent) of motorists happy to install one on their own car.

Car seats, floor mats and replacement batteries were also big sellers on eBay during 2022. The website sold enough new car batteries to power the Eiffel Tower for more than 20 years.

Dr Tony Tong, head of automotive at eBay UK, said: “As the cost of living continues to rise, motorists are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their running costs across the board. This trend towards DIY repairs, spurred on by interest from younger generations, is something we expect to keep rising – converting more and more motorists into enthusiast home mechanics.”

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Kia is officially the best car brand, say UK dealers

By

John Redfern

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March 20, 2023

0

Kia has been rated the top car brand in the UK, based on the experiences of franchised retailers.

The latest National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) Dealer Attitude Survey saw Kia ranked top, improving upon its previous survey score.

Most significantly, Kia emerged as the leader when dealerships were asked ‘How would you rate your manufacturer overall?’.

This was one of five survey questions where the Korean brand received the highest marks.

View from the showroom floor

Held twice each year, the NFDA Dealer Attitude Survey asks franchised dealerships about the relationship they have with the companies whose cars they sell.

This includes a wide range of topics, from profitability and training, through to the quality of electric vehicles on offer.

Kia achieved an average score of 8.3 out of 10 in the survey, representing a 0.3-point improvement on the previous evaluation. The company also performed better in all but one of the survey’s 19 questions.

Paul Philpott, Kia UK president and CEO, commented: “We have worked very closely with our dealer partners for many years and always strive to achieve the best for both our customers and our dealers. Seeing our dealers’ views represented in the NFDA survey is such a valuable asset and one that helps us plan further improvements to our products and services. It is rewarding to see our efforts result in Kia being positioned as the number one brand in the UK.

“While 2022 was a challenging year, we and our dealer partners achieved our long-term goal of selling over 100,000 vehicles in the UK. These survey results prove that this record achievement was delivered with true partnership and to our mutual benefit.”

Electrification leaders

A total of 148 current Kia dealerships responded to the survey, representing 80 percent of all those selling the company’s cars.

Significantly, Kia claimed the top spot for satisfaction with electric vehicles, scoring 9.3 out of 10. New models like the EV9 and updated Niro will likely boost its success in this area.

Paul Philpott added: “Kia is not a company to rest on its laurels and we are excited to bring a host of innovations and new products to market, including the new seven-seat electric EV9 SUV that has just been unveiled.

“We are also proud to see an increasing number of Kia dealerships now benefiting from newly refurbished showrooms that represent our forward-thinking and innovative brand. In addition, we are looking forward to further developments that will be announced throughout 2023 and beyond.”

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Tesco EV charging network reaches 600 UK stores – and rapid chargers go live

By

John Redfern

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March 17, 2023

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Tesco, Pod Point and Volkwsagen have reached another major milestone in their electric car charging joint-venture.

Following the installation of new charging devices at the Kirkwall superstore in Orkney, EV chargers are now available at 600 Tesco supermarkets across the UK.

It makes for swift progress since the start of the partnership in 2019. Tesco now has 2,500 EV charging bays on offer, including 129 rapid chargers.

Rapid charging roll-out

Tesco customers have used a total of 43,218kWh of energy to date: enough electricity to power 4,000 homes for a whole day.

More six million charges have now taken place at Tesco stores, saving more than 24,000 tonnes of CO2.

The 600th store milestone also coincides with the roll-out of 75kW rapid chargers. This is the first time Pod Point has installed them at Tesco stores, complementing the existing 7kW, 22kW and 50kW units already in use.

Tesco stores in Cheshunt, Osterley, Shrewsbury, Ashby De La Zouch, York and Newark will be the first locations to gain the 75kWh devices.

Charging no longer free

When the Tesco project was first launched, the use of EV chargers was free to all customers. However, increasing demand – alongside higher energy prices – saw the introduction of tariffs late last year.

Customers making use of the new 75kWh chargers will need to pay 69p per kWh.

Jason Tarry, Tesco CEO for the UK and Ireland, said: “It is with great pride we announce that we have hit our target of providing EV charging at 600 stores across the UK. From Orkney all the way to Southampton, customers now have the option to make sustainable choices, and we’re giving them somewhere easy and convenient to charge while they shop with us.”

Sarah Cox, head of marketing at Volkswagen UK, added: “We’re really proud of this partnership with Tesco and Pod Point, which has always been about providing sustainable charging access and infrastructure to all BEV and PHEV vehicle owners in the UK. Hitting the 600-store milestone means that we are continuing to support as many people as possible to make the switch to electric mobility.”

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