Lamborghini to commemorate V12 power with special farewell creations

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February 8, 2023

Lamborghini Invencible and Autentica V12

Lamborghini has unveiled two bespoke supercars, intended as the final models to use the company’s iconic V12 engine.

The Italian manufacturer is due to release its very first full production hybrid offering in the near future. It spells the end of Lamborghinis powered by pure combustion engines – and the Aventador range.

However, the bespoke Invencible and Autentica models ensure the V12 engine will be going out in raucous fashion.

A remixed Lamborghini tribute

Both cars are based upon the Aventador platform, but have received exclusive styling by Lamborghini Centro Stile.

Essentially a greatest hits collection of Lamborghini greats, inspiration has been taken from the lightweight Sesto Elemento, along with the Reventon and Veneno limited-production models.

The Invencible coupe, and Autentica roadster, both use carbon fibre bodywork to save weight. Hexagonal design elements can be found across the pair such as in the front and rear lights, plus the centre-exit exhaust.

Most importantly, the duo are powered by Lamborghini’s 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine. Producing 780hp, four-wheel drive is standard to help ensure maximum traction, aided by a seven-speed automated manual transmission.

Hexagonal history on show

The interior design for the two supercars is themed around minimalism, and the continuation of the hexagonal theme. There are no gauges on the dashboard itself, just a pair of 3D-printed air vents.

A digital instrument panel provides all the information the driver needs, with bespoke graphics for each car.

Colour-coded elements can be found inside both models, with additional carbon fibre detailing throughout.

“We have created two one-off cars with their own unique character, inspired by track days and the high-octane circuit environment,” said Mitja Borkert, Automobili Lamborghini head of design.

‘The Lamborghini way of celebrating’

Stephan Winkelmann, Automobili Lamborghini chairman and CEO, said: “The V12 engine is one of the pillars of our history and our marque’s success”.

He added: “As we head towards embracing a new era of hybridization at the heart of our Cor Tauri strategy, this is the Lamborghini way of celebrating the naturally aspirated V12 with two one-off vehicles that perfectly represent our concept of excellence in personalization.”

Lamborghini’s hybrid-powered replacement for the Aventador will be announced in ‘just a few weeks’. The company has previously used hybrid power for the limited-production Sian FKP 37 and reborn Countach models.

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World Car Awards 2023 finalists revealed

By

Richard Aucock

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February 7, 2023

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The finalists for World Car Awards 2023 have been announced, after jurors from around the globe completed their first round of voting.

From an initial list of 30 cars, the 10 finalists for the prestigious World Car of the Year 2023 award are now official – with two brands, BMW and Nissan, boasting two cars each on the shortlist.

Hyundai is again a finalist; after scooping World Car of the Year 2022 with the Ioniq 5, its streamlined sibling, the Ioniq 6, has made the shortlist.

Honda, Kia, Mazda and Mercedes-Benz also have finalists in the running for World Car of the Year 2023.

2023 World Car of the Year finalists

BMW 2 Series Coupe
BMW X1 / iX1
Honda HR-V
Hyundai Ioniq 6
Kia Niro
Mazda CX-60
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Nissan Ariya
Nissan Z

World Car Awards is the biggest automotive awards initiative on the planet. One hundred international jurors test vehicles around the world in a process that begins in September and ends at the New York International Auto Show in April, where the winners are revealed.

“For nearly two decades, the partnership between World Car and the New York Auto Show has recognised the very best the auto industry has to offer,” said NYIAS president Mark Schienberg.

“We’re looking forward to once again co-hosting the awards ceremony during the opening of the 2023 Show in April.”

The winners will hold aloft a brand new World Car Awards trophy for 2023 – designed by the legendary Ian Callum.

EV, Luxury and Performance finalists

Five other category contenders have also been announced, ahead of the second round of voting that closes on 22 February.

It’s a diverse mix of cars for the 2023 World Electric Vehicle award: the BMW i7 and Lucid Air represent the luxury market, while the Genesis GV60, Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Kia Niro EV are more attainable contenders.

2023 World Electric Vehicle finalists

BMW i7
Genesis GV60
Hyundai Ioniq 6
Kia Niro EV
Lucid Air

It’s yet another entry from BMW in the 2023 World Luxury Car awards, with the BMW 7 Series lining up alongside its pure electric BMW i7 sister car.

The Genesis G90 and Lucid Air are two more saloon-style finalists, while the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport show how SUVs do luxury.

2023 World Luxury Car finalists

BMW 7 Series / i7
Genesis G90
Range Rover
Range Rover Sport
Lucid Air

In the exciting 2023 World Performance Car category, it’s BMW once again, with the mighty M4 CSL, which lines up with its equally specialised German compatriot: the Porsche 911 GT3 RS.

We Brits are denied Nissan Z and Toyota Corolla GR, sadly, but we do get the only pure electric contender on the list: the Kia EV6 GT.

2023 World Performance Car finalists

BMW M4 CSL
Kia EV6 GT
Nissan Z
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
Toyota GR Corolla

In the 2023 World Urban Car category, only three cars make the shortlist, because there’s been a dearth of newly introduced city-sized cars this year.

So, who will win the overall prize – the Indian Citroen C3 SUV, the Ora Funky Cat EV or the Volkswagen Taigo small coupe-style SUV?

2023 World Urban Car finalists

Citroen C3
Ora Funky Cat / Hanmao
Volkswagen Taigo / Nivus

As for 2023 World Car Design, an expert panel including famous former Jaguar designer Ian Callum has chosen five models for the jury to vote on.

2023 World Car Design finalists

Cadillac Lyriq
Hyundai Ioniq 6
Range Rover
Lucid Air
Nissan Z

The next stage in the process comes on March 7, when the top three in the world are announced – that’s the three finalists in every category.

Winners in all six categories will be announced live on Wednesday 5 April from the New York Auto Show.

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Hennessey supercharger boosts C8 Corvette to Z06-beating 708hp

By

John Redfern

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February 7, 2023

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Hennessey Performance has announced a potent new supercharger option for the eighth-generation Chevrolet Corvette.

The Hennessey H700 package delivers a 44 percent boost in horsepower, plus a 37 increase in torque, compared to the standard C8 ‘Vette.

Hennessey has tuned the mid-engined sports car to produce 708 horsepower, with an accompanying 638 lb ft of torque.

This makes the H700 even more powerful than Chevrolet’s own high-performance Z06 model. The Z06’s naturally-aspirated 5.5-l flat-plane-crank V-8 engine ‘only’ musters 670 horsepower and 460 lb ft.

Supercharged performance

The regular C8 Corvette’s 6.2-l V-8 delivers a respectable 490 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. However, such an output is hardly sufficient for an extreme tuner such as Hennessey.

Unlocking the big power gains is a centrifugal supercharger. This is accompanied by a high-flow air intake system, with the engine exhaling through a new sports exhaust.

Other changes include the fitment of an air-to-water intercooler to keep charge temperatures low, along with Hennessey’s own bespoke ECU calibration.

Each completed car benefits from chassis dynamometer testing, plus a 500-mile road test, before being handed over to a customer.

‘The best value supercar in the world’

Hennessey’s H700 package includes a set of 19-inch (front) and 20-inch (rear) alloy wheels, with buyers also able to specify a Heritage Livery finish.

Opting for the full H700 experience will cost $49,950 (approx. £41,500), with the engine-only option requiring $34,950 (£29,000). A three-year, 36,000-mile warranty is standard, and Hennessey will sell the car around the world.

John Hennessey, company founder and CEO, said: “The stock C8 Corvette Stingray is an extraordinary sports car, yet Chevrolet left some V8 performance on the table. Our exciting H700 supercharger package integrates seamlessly with the eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and our exhaust upgrade sounds much more aggressive than stock.

“Considering that our power and torque surpass the factory Z06, the Hennessey H700 is arguably the best value high-performance supercar in the world.”

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MG HS was the UK’s best-selling new car in January

By

John Redfern

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February 7, 2023

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The UK’s best-selling car in January 2023 was the MG HS, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).

With 3,481 examples of the MG SUV delivered last month, it beat the Volkswagen T-Roc and Nissan Qashqai to top the sales charts.

The MG HS is sold with the option of a plug-in hybrid powertrain, alongside conventional petrol engine options.

With total new car registrations of 131,994 for January, it was the sixth consecutive month of sales growth. It also made for the best start to the year since January 2020’s (pre-Covid) figure of 149,279 registrations.

New cars buck the economic trend

Despite the wider economic challenges of the cost-of-living crisis, last month saw a 14.7 percent increase in the number of new vehicles registered versus January 2022.

Pure battery-electric models accounted for 19.8 percent of all sales in January 2023, with plug-in hybrid cars taking 6.9 percent of sales.

This means one-in-five new cars registered last month came with a plug, with the figure predicted to increase to one-in-four by the end of the year.

In 2024, the SMMT expects to see battery and plug-in hybrid cars take close to one-third (31 percent) of all sales.

Infrastructure worries could see EVs slide

However, the SMMT is concerned that public charging infrastructure is failing to keep pace with the increase in demand for battery and plug-in hybrid models.

During the fourth quarter of 2022, the ratio of new chargepoint installations to new plug-in car registrations decreased to one charger for every 62 vehicles. During the whole of 2022, one standard public charger was installed for every 53 new plug-in cars registered. This made for the weakest ratio seen since 2020.

The SMMT is looking to the Government to introduce mandatory rollout targets for charging infrastructure, along with service standards for public chargers.

Reducing VAT on public charging from 20 percent to five percent, in line with home charging, is also seen as important to make electric vehicle ownership more affordable.

UK’s best-selling new cars in January 2023

1.	MG HS	3,481 new registrations
2.	Volkswagen T-Roc	3,256
3.	Nissan Qashqai	3,121
4.	Kia Niro	2,625
5.	Vauxhall Corsa	2,425
6.	Kia Sportage	2,409
7.	Ford Puma	2,316
8.	MG ZS	2,260
9.	Hyundai Tucson	2,259
10.	Ford Fiesta	2,042

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Cat hit-and-runs may have to be reported to police

By

John Redfern

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February 7, 2023

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A leading road safety charity is supporting calls for a change in the law regarding the responsibility of drivers if they run over a cat.

At present, the Road Traffic Act 1988 does not require drivers to report collisions with cats to the police. Other animals are covered by the legislation, however.

This follows a recent Parliamentary debate on the subject, triggered by an official online petition reaching 102,436 signatures.

‘A nation of animal lovers’

During the Westminster Hall debate, brought by Tonia Antoniazzi MP, it was noted that around 630 cats are hit by cars each day in the UK. This equates to almost 230,000 animals each year.

Transport Minister Richard Holden MP acknowledged during the debate that “Britain is a nation of animal lovers”, along with the “heartbreak caused by the loss of pets”.

Mr Holden also said that including cats in the wording of the Road Traffic Act is “something that the Government are prepared to look at”, but that new “primary legislation would be required” to do so.

However, no timeline was given for this, with greater emphasis placed upon upcoming legislation that will make it compulsory to microchip cats in England.

Drivers should ‘do the right thing’

Neil Greig, director of policy and research at IAM RoadSmart, commented: “Drivers are required by law to stop and report incidents where they have hit a dog, and we have witnessed cars either drive slow and with extreme caution, or stop, when a dog has run loose into the road. However, the same level of care is rarely observed when a cat runs out – perhaps because the driver knows that, legally, they do not have to stop.

“But if a law requiring drivers to stop if they hit a cat were to be brought in, we believe it could strengthen driver vigilance and responsibility overall – meaning the benefits of the legislation will stretch far beyond the protection of cats.”

Mandy Hobbis, co-founder of Cats Matter, the feline road traffic accident group, added: “Updating this law simply boils down to minimising suffering and saving cats’ lives. Thankfully, many drivers already do the right thing and stop their vehicle to tend to a cat they have run over, regardless of the legislation being in place. However, there are also drivers who sadly need the threat of punishment to act in such circumstances.”

Which animals are covered by the Road Traffic Act?

Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 covers the responsibility of drivers who have a collision with one of the following:

Dogs
Horses
Cattle
Pigs
Goats
Sheep
Donkeys and mules

This means if drivers hit any of the above animals, they must stop and report the accident to the police.

It is also recommended to contact your insurance company and inform them of the collision.

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Dacia Spring EV gets five-star green rating. But there’s a catch…

By

John Redfern

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February 6, 2023

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The Dacia Spring electric SUV has been rated the best car of 2022 for environmental impact.

An assessment by independent testing panel Green NCAP – an offshoot of the Euro NCAP safety watchdog – awarded the Dacia EV an impressive five-star rating.

Such a strong performance puts the budget-priced Dacia Spring ahead of much pricier models such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Audi Q4 E-tron Sportback.

Going green on a budget

Similar to the Euro NCAP safety testing initiative, Green NCAP assesses cars on a range of criteria. The electric Dacia Spring scored a maximum 10 out of 10 on the Clean Air Index, thanks to its obvious lack of tailpipe emissions.

However, the Spring also impressed when it came to energy use, recording a never-before-seen 9.8 out of 10 in the Energy Efficiency Index.

The testers found the Dacia used 89 percent of the electricity it is charged with, aided by its low weight and a top speed limited to 125kph (78mph). Green NCAP said the Spring “sets an example to others”.

Latest Green NCAP scores

However, there is a catch for UK motorists. At present, the Spring is not on sale in Britain, although rumours suggest Dacia may offer it here from 2024.

Green NCAP has also announced the results of its latest 2023 testing round, with the Kia Picanto city car awarded three stars.

Tested in GT Line trim, with a 1.0-litre petrol engine, the assessors recommended a gasoline particulate filter to further improve the diminutive Picanto’s performance.

The Vauxhall Mokka 1.5-litre diesel also received a three-star rating, while the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer was given just two stars for the petrol 220i version.

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Electric Nissan Ariya to take on epic Pole-to-Pole adventure

By

John Redfern

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February 4, 2023

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Nissan has unveiled a special version of its Ariya electric SUV, created for an amazing driving adventure between the North and South Poles.

British explorers Chris and Julie Ramsey will help demonstrate the potential of Nissan’s new, battery-powered family car.

The 10-month trip, beginning in March 2023, will see the duo cover almost 17,000 miles. On the way, the Ariya will encounter ice fields, snow storms and desert dunes.

Ready to off-road

Arctic Trucks, famed for its expedition vehicles, has modified the Ariya for its Pole-to-Pole journey. This includes a suspension lift that allows a set of huge 39-inch BF Goodrich tyres to be fitted.

Giant flared wheelarches are needed to accommodate the larger tyres, with plenty of underbody protection also added.

The Ariya is the first battery-powered vehicle adapted by Arctic Trucks. However, the electric drivetrain and battery have been left unchanged, with e-4orce all-wheel drive a standard feature.

For charging in polar areas, an innovative renewable energy unit will be towed behind the Ariya. This combines a wind turbine with solar panels, allowing the Nissan’s battery pack to be recharged completely off the grid.

Journey South

A drone can be launched from the bespoke roof rack, while an integrated espresso machine is a luxurious addition to the Nissan’s cabin.

Chris and Julie’s chosen route will see them start at the magnetic North Pole, before heading south through Canada and the Americas. Arriving at Punte Areas in Chile, the couple will then travel on to Antarctica, before finally reaching the South Pole.

The duo are no stranger to electric adventures, having previously completed the 10,500-mile Mongol Rally in their Nissan Leaf.

Julie Ramsey, co-driver in the Ariya, said: “The planning and preparation for Pole-to-Pole has been such a big part of our lives over the past four years, so I am really looking forward to getting the expedition underway in March.

“We’re going to discover so many interesting initiatives from communities and individuals who are taking positive action against climate change and I’m looking forward to sharing these experiences and stories with everyone. We are doing something that has never been attempted before, a world-first, and ultimately that is what makes it so exciting.”

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Electric Skoda Enyaq iV vRS sets new ice drifting world record

By

John Redfern

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February 3, 2023

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Skoda has claimed two new Guinness World Records in the electric Enyaq iV vRS SUV.

Using specially created track on a frozen lake in Krokom, Sweden, Skoda entered the record books for the ‘Longest Continuous Vehicle Drift on Ice’.

Achieving this with the battery powered Enyaq iV gave Skoda a second official record, too: the ‘Longest Continuous Vehicle Drift on Ice (electric car)’.

Slip-sliding away

Motoring journalist Richard Meaden was tasked with setting the new record, with a previous effort of 6.231km (3.872 miles) to beat.

In the presence of a Guinness World Records adjudicator, and with international drifting judge David Kalas as a witness, Meaden managed a continuous slide for 7.351 km (4.568 miles).

The entire drift lasted for almost 16 minutes, with Meaden completing 39 laps of the circular ice track. It took some 18 hours of drifting, across five days of practice, to achieve the perfect slide.

A top speed of 48.69kph (30.25mph) was set during the record run, with the Skoda never dipping below 31.64kph (19.66mph).

Another record for Skoda

The Skoda Enyaq iV vRS uses two electric motors, offering a total of 299hp to all four wheels.

Although the Enyaq used for the record run was a standard production model, special studded tyres were used. Smaller studs were fitted to the rear tyres, allowing for a controlled drift on the 40cm-deep ice.

Richard Meaden and Skoda have previously set another Guinness World Record together. In 2011, the British driver set a new Land Speed Record for a 2.0-litre forced induction production car. The modified Skoda Octavia vRS reached 227.080mph on the Bonneville Salt Flats.

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Unique Bugatti Chiron Profilée sells for a record £8.6 million

By

John Redfern

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February 3, 2023

0

A one-off version of the Bugatti Chiron hypercar has sold for a record price at RM Sotheby’s Paris auction.

A winning bid of €9,792,500 – equivalent to £8,695,000 – secured the unique Profilée model.

This more than doubles the previous record price paid for a Chiron, and makes it the most expensive new car ever sold at auction.

One for the record books

Revealed in December 2022, the Profilée was originally conceived as a subtler version of the handling-focused Chiron Pur Sport. Bugatti customers apparently wanted the extra performance of the Pur Sport, but without the dramatic fixed rear wing.

Bugatti began work on a design with a sweeping tail, plus the enhanced power output. While the engineering process was underway, however, it became apparent that all 500 build slots for the Chiron had already been accounted for. This meant the Profilée would never enter production.

Despite this, Bugatti opted to create a single ‘pre-series’ Chiron Profilée, offering it for sale directly through the RM Sotheby’s auction. As such, the Profilée is the final new Chiron to be sold.

Limited to 236mph

The Profilée has a smoother rear spoiler, with a large cut-out section that allows hot air to escape. This produces enough downforce to keep the 1,500hp Bugatti on the ground at high speeds, and works with a revised splitter and front grille.

In line with the Chiron Pur Sport, the Profilée gains a 200rpm increase for the W16 engine’s rev limit. This allows for a top speed limited to 236mph, plus a 0-180mph time of just 12.4 seconds.

It makes the Profilée the fastest-accelerating version of the Chiron, adding to its list of achievements.

Bespoke inside and out

Bugatti opted for a two-tone exterior colour scheme, with exclusive ‘Argent Atlantique’ paint matched with blue-tinted exposed carbon fibre. The car’s alloy wheels are also unique, mimicking the Chiron’s horseshoe-shaped front grille.

More than 2,600 metres of woven leather strips can be found inside the Profilée, each one applied by hand.

All of this ensures the Profilée’s very lucky – and indeed very wealthy – new owner owns a truly one-off piece of Bugatti history.

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Matchbox to celebrate 70th anniversary with limited edition models

By

John Redfern

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February 2, 2023

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The Matchbox die-cast model brand turns 70 this year, and there are big plans in place to commemorate its anniversary.

To mark seven decades since the original Matchbox toy, an extensive range of limited-edition models will be offered for sale.

All the vehicles chosen pay tribute to Matchbox’s heritage. The chosen die-cast vehicles include classic cars from the 1950s, right through to the latest electric SUVs.

Seven decades of history

The new Matchbox models feature platinum details to signify this platinum anniversary. Seven different assortments will honour each decade of the company’s existence, with plenty of fan-favourite models included.

Certain vehicles come from the premium Matchbox Collectors Series, such as the Jaguar D-Type and Porsche 911. These gain extensive exterior details, along with real rubber tyres.

Other highlights include a special-edition Routemaster bus, plus a Porsche 930 Turbo and electric Mazda MX-30 – both with opening doors.

The range of individual 70th anniversary models will be released throughout the year, and will build towards even bigger celebrations in July 2023.

Start small, dream big

The Matchbox story began in 1952, with British engineer Jack Odell. A mechanic during World War Two, Odell crafted a miniature version of a Lesney die-cast steamroller. This allowed his daughter to take a toy to school, which only permitted playthings small enough to fit inside a matchbox.

Such was the response to Odell’s die-cast creation, the Lesney company created more miniature die-cast vehicles. Their small scale, combined with affordable prices, ensured Matchbox became a hit brand in the UK.

Matchbox was eventually purchased by Mattel, owner of the rival Hot Wheels brand, in 1997.

More recently, Matchbox has started a project to ensure all its toys and packaging are made from 100 percent recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic materials by 2030.

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