Ford reveals prices for new Ranger Raptor pick-up truck

By

-

May 26, 2022

The all-new Ford Ranger Raptor performance pick-up will leap into dealerships later this summer.

With trick off-road suspension and a powerful twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre Ecoboost V6 engine, the Ranger Raptor is designed for the dirt.

Customers can place orders with Ford now, with prices starting at £57,340 (or £47,600 excluding VAT for business buyers).

No lagging behind

The launch version of the Ranger Raptor is available solely with the petrol Ecoboost engine, offering 284hp and 362lb ft of torque. A special motorsport-inspired anti-lag system helps keep the turbos spinning for improved throttle response.

A 10-speed automatic gearbox is standard for the Raptor, with the boost from the turbochargers tailored to each individual gear. Four exhaust modes are offered to control just how loud the Raptor is.

Ford’s all-wheel-drive system includes front and rear locking differentials, with a low-range transfer case that is electronically controlled.

A 2.0-litre diesel engine, used in the previous Ranger Raptor, will be introduced for 2023.

Outfoxing the competition

Ford has built the new Raptor with bespoke suspension to survive punishing off-road terrain. Fox shock absorbers are adjusted based on the drive mode selected, and even react to prevent the Raptor squatting down under hard acceleration.

Standard equipment includes matrix LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels and sports seats said to be inspired by a jet fighter. Orange accents are used throughout the interior, with the gear shift paddles made from cast magnesium.

Optional extras include a £600 exterior decal package and the £1,860 ‘Raptor Pack’, which adds a roll bar and tonneau cover.

Ford’s online configurator is now available for buyers to create their dream Ranger Raptor, then send the specification directly to a dealership.

ALSO READ:

Ford Ranger Raptor SE 2022 review

Ford F-150: The history of an American icon

The 20 greatest fast Fords

Prices for new electric Citroen Ami to start from £7,695

By

John Redfern

-

May 24, 2022

0

The radical Citroen Ami electric quadricycle will cost from just £7,695 in the UK.

This makes it substantially cheaper than the lowest-priced cars on sale, although the Ami’s appeal will likely be somewhat more limited.

Designed for city use, the tiny two-seat Ami will be sold by Citroen in left-hand-drive form only.

However, its futuristic looks and promise of urban mobility have seen more than 2,000 reservations placed already.

Small EV, small prices

Every Ami sold in the UK will use the same powertrain, consisting of a 6kW electric motor combined with a 5.5kWh battery. This offers a top speed of 27mph, plus an official range of up to 46 miles. Using a wallbox sees a full charge completed in three hours.

The basic £7,695 Ami comes with a digital speedometer, LED front and rear lights, a panoramic glass sunroof and USB charging as standard.

Optional Colour Packs will cost £400, and are available in Orange, Blue or Grey. Designed to be fitted at home, each comes with colour-coded trim pieces and storage items to be added to the exterior and interior.

Also included are a smartphone cradle and a net to separate the driver and passenger footwells, plus connectivity for the MyCitroen mobile app.

Ready for baguette deliveries

Moving up to the Ami Pop costs £8,495, and combines the Orange Colour Pack with black front trim. A black rear spoiler and orange decals are also included in the makeover.

Topping the range is the £8,895 Ami Vibe, contrasting the Grey Colour Pack against black bumpers and rear light surrounds. Black wheelarches and black roof rails are fitted, with bespoke decals for the doors and front wings.

Businesses wanting an all-electric urban delivery vehicle can pay £7,995 for the Ami Cargo. A modular storage section replaces the passenger seat. This allows for multiple carrying configurations, and gives the Ami a total capacity of 400 litres.

With a sizeable list of reservations already in place, new customers can place a £250 refundable deposit now. Citroen will confirm the full UK launch date for the Ami soon.

ALSO READ:

Cost of living delays one in five car purchases

Toyota Aygo X 2022 review

Dacia Jogger 2022 review

Cost of living delays one in five car purchases

By

John Redfern

-

May 24, 2022

0

The cost of living crisis will have an impact on almost three-quarters of UK car purchases in 2022.

That’s according to new consumer research by eBay Motors Group, which identified that around one in five (19 percent) of buyers are now looking to delay buying a new or used car.

It marks another challenge for the motor industry, having already struggled with the coronavirus pandemic and semiconductor shortages during the past two years.

Downsizing and delays

The survey, undertaken as part of eBay’s ongoing Consumer Insight Panel, addressed 3,000 people who had previously expressed an interest in purchasing a new or used car.

Rising energy bills, following Ofgem’s increased pricing cap, resulted in close to a quarter (23 percent) saying they will now delay buying a car. A further 29 percent said they would choose a cheaper car instead, with 20 percent opting for a smaller model.

A similar number (23 percent) said cost of living price increases have caused them to reconsider buying a car altogether.

The inflation of petrol and diesel prices is also a factor affecting car-buying decisions. Fully 70 percent of respondents said this was an issue to consider.

Money worries have a ‘real impact’

The Government’s increase in National Insurance contributions has led 17 percent to delay their next car purchase. Similarly, higher council tax bills are a factor preventing 18 percent going ahead.

“Our research shows how the cost of living crisis is having a real impact on the decisions made by a significant majority of car buyers,” said Dermot Kelleher, head of marketing and research at eBay Motors Group.

“While for most of these buyers it will mean a pragmatic shift to cheaper and smaller cars, which in itself may be challenging as advertised prices for used cars are still tracking up 20 percent, what is apparent is that one in five buyers will delay their next purchase.”

ALSO READ:

Smart motorways to get new safety tech by September 2022

Electric classic Mini is London’s coolest new cab

Alfa Romeo Tonale 2022 review

BMW M4 CSL revealed: lightweight special celebrates 50 years of M cars

By

John Redfern

-

May 23, 2022

0

BMW has unveiled a limited-run CSL version of the M4 Coupe, boasting more power and less weight.

Limited to 1,000 examples (with only 100 destined for the UK), the M4 CSL is part of the celebrations for 50 years of BMW’s M division.

Compared to the existing M4 Competition, the CSL is an altogether more serious driving machine.

Ready for the racetrack

Beneath the carbon fibre bonnet is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine, boasting 550hp and 479lb ft of torque. This represents a 40hp boost over the M4 Competition – good for a top speed of 190mph.

Unlike the xDrive-equipped M4 Competition coupe, the CSL is solely rear-wheel drive. An eight-speed M Steptronic transmission is standard, using carbon fibre shift paddles.

Lightweight M Carbon ceramic brakes are fitted, with a choice of two different pedal-feel settings on offer.

Upgraded suspension drops the M4 CSL 8mm closer to the ground, with auxiliary helper springs to improve the car’s handling.

Doing more with less

Along with the bonnet, BMW has used carbon fibre for the M4 CSL’s boot lid and roof, plus its rear diffuser and front splitter – with the latter featuring special red detailing.

The boot lid alone saves 6.7kg in weight, and features an integrated spoiler inspired by the 2003 BMW M3 CSL. Laser headlights are fitted, with a yellow hue designed to emulate GT racing cars.

In total, BMW’s carbon fibre diet has pegged the CSL’s kerb weight to 1,625kg, some 100kg lighter than the M4 Competition coupe.

BMW has tested the M4 CSL around the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit, recording a time of 7min 15.68sec. This makes it the fastest road-going BMW ever to lap the 12.8-mile track.

Strictly a two-seater

Matt effect Frozen Brooklyn Grey paint is exclusive to the CSL, with Alpine White and Sapphire Black available. Heritage BMW badges can be specified, too.

The inside of the M4 CSL is no less hardcore, with a pair of carbon fibre bucket seats. These save 24kg compared to the standard items, with a fixed backrest and seat height that can only be adjusted in a workshop.

Ditching the rear seats has saved a further 21kg, and provides a space to store racing helmets. Carbon fibre is used for the centre console, offering a further 4kg weight saving.

Although built for the track, the CSL still features a 12.3-inch digital dashboard and 10.25-inch multimedia screen. This includes satellite navigation, wireless smartphone charging and a 10-speaker audio system.

M Drift Analyser rates your slides

BMW fits the M4 CSL with an M Drift Analyser, capable of rating sideways action on a scale from one to five. Clearly, the system is only intended for use on a racetrack…

A titanium exhaust can be adjusted from the centre console, with a button to select a quieter mode when needed.

It all makes for a desirable anniversary gift, and one that pays tribute to the original 1973 BMW 3.0 CSL.

Production begins at BMW’s Dingolfing plant in July 2022, with the UK allocation strictly limited to 100 cars. Orders can be placed now, with a substantial price tag of £128,820.

ALSO READ:

BMW M4 Competition M xDrive review

BMW M3 Competition review

The story of the brilliant BMW M3

Electric classic Mini is London’s coolest new cab

By

Tim Pitt

-

May 22, 2022

0

If the thought of a private-hire Prius doesn’t appeal, there is a more heart-warming way to travel around the capital. This charming original Mini is awaiting a public carriage licence from Transport for London (TfL), as the city’s first electric classic cab.

Nicknamed ‘Rosie’, the 1994 Mini has received a retro makeover – including leather bonnet straps, rally-style spotlamps and tiny 10-inch wheels – and is available for chauffeur-driven tours. Part of a seven-strong fleet of Minis operated by hire company Small Car Big City, it has also been converted to electric power.

Under the bonnet of Electrogenic’s classic Mini EV.

Up to 120hp is available from the electric motor, but this car will limited to around 45hp – similar to a standard Mini 1000 – to meet TfL private hire licensing rules. pic.twitter.com/isvpyC2MFQ
— Tim Pitt (@timpitt100) May 18, 2022

In place of the traditional A-Series engine, Oxford-based EV conversion specialist Electrogenic has slotted in batteries and a Hyper 9 electric motor. Maximum power is up to 120hp, but has been reined in to just 45hp – similar to a standard Mini 1000 – to meet TfL licensing requirements.

To cope with the additional torque from the electric motor, Electrogenic has fitted the five-speed manual transmission from a Citroen C1 racing car. Yes, that’s right: an EV with a manual ‘box. However, as I discovered, there is so much torque that you rarely need to change gear.

Baby, you can drive my car

A brief stint on the back seat serves as a reminder of the Mini’s sheer packaging genius. Small Car Big City’s tours last anything from 90 minutes up to 10 hours, but most people would be perfectly comfortable. The roll-back panoramic sunroof fitted here helps, too.

Then it’s my turn to drive. My first and second cars were both Minis, so sliding behind the oddly-angled steering wheel feels oddly familiar. At least, it does until you slot second gear and glide away in eerie silence.

A Mini still feels so right-sized for London.

This one is very easy to drive, too. It has a four-speed manual ’box, but you can ignore the clutch and travel everywhere in second gear.

Range is 80 miles, but Small Car Big City’s vehicles typically only cover 35 miles per day. pic.twitter.com/DapYWzjBB3
— Tim Pitt (@timpitt100) May 18, 2022

Although the Mini has a choice of ratios, second gear is all you need around town. Drive it thus and you don’t even need to use the clutch pedal. Acceleration isn’t Tesla-swift – 0-62mph takes around 12.5 seconds – but it feels responsive and quick off the mark. In crowded lunchtime streets around Hatton Garden, I had to be extra-alert: pedestrians can’t hear you coming.

Although it has some degree of regenerative braking to recharge the battery, the Mini can’t be driven with one pedal. Even so, it’s a supremely easy way to duck and dive through urban streets – and explore parts of London that an open-top tourist bus simply can’t reach. You’re always waved out of junctions with a smile, too. Everybody loves a classic Mini.

Blowing the doors off

Small Car Big City now hopes to convert half its Minis to Electrogenic EVs. “We realised London’s air needs something cleaner,” explains co-founder Tony Grant. Rosie isn’t available for self-drive hire yet, but can be booked for tours and corporate events. A cross-London treasure hunt themed around The Italian Job sounds particularly good fun.

Alternatively, if you prefer the rumble of internal combustion, the company also has a V8-engined Rover P5B. “We call that one ‘Big Car Big City,'” jokes Grant.

ALSO READ:

Electrogenic Volkswagen Beetle EV review

Rover Mini Cooper Sport review: Retro Road Test

EV buying advice on Motoring Electric

You can now listen to Apple Music through your new Audi

By

John Redfern

-

May 21, 2022

0

Audi has announced plans to integrate Apple Music directly into its cars’ infotainment systems.

This will allow Apple Music users to access the streaming service without the need to connect a smartphone through Apple CarPlay.

The update gives Audi drivers direct access to more than 90 million songs, plus 30,000 curated playlists, for a more in-depth audio experience.

Millions of songs on offer

In order to use Apple Music, drivers need an existing subscription for the streaming service. In addition, an in-car internet connection is required.

Opening the Apple Music app via the Audi Multi-Media Interface (MMI) system presents drivers with a login screen. Following the instructions, they can then sign into the Apple ID connected to their account.

A final verification process is completed by sending a code to the user’s smartphone.

Audi drivers still have the option to connect their iOS smartphone via Apple CarPlay. This can be done wirelessly or through a USB cable.

Driving digital music

Audi plans to roll out Apple Music integration to nearly all its cars in Europe, North America and Japan, starting with the latest 2022 models.

Many existing vehicles already on the road will gain Apple Music through an automatic over-the-air update.

“Integrating Apple Music into the audio infotainment system marks the next step in the collaboration between Audi and Apple,” said Christiane Zorn, head of product marketing at Audi.

“For our customers, it means that we are offering them direct access to their own personalised listening experience. This is our understanding of a premium digital in-car experience. At Audi we are systematically driving the digitalisation of the vehicle and we are convinced that the interior is increasingly developing into a third living space”.

ALSO READ:

Audi A8 flagship gets new look and more tech for 2022

Audi RS3 Sportback 2022 review

Vorsprung durch Technik: Audi’s unstoppable rise

Unique £20 million Rolls-Royce Boat Tail revealed

By

John Redfern

-

May 20, 2022

0

Rolls-Royce has unveiled its latest coachbuilt creation, to be shown at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este event this weekend.

Commissioned by a Rolls-Royce customer to pay homage to his family’s business in the pearling industry, the Boat Tail is described as ‘a coveted objet d’art’.

Built entirely by hand, the car has a unique exterior finish, with an impressive butterfly-style rear deck that includes a built-in parasol.

Sailing on cognac seas

The Boat Tail’s body panels are shaped from single sheets of aluminium, designed to resemble racing yachts from the early 20th century. The front grille has been milled from a solid billet of aluminium, with the Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet mascot finished in rose gold.

At the start of the build process, the Boat Tail’s owner presented Rolls-Royce with four pearl shells. These provided inspiration for the bespoke exterior colour, which mixes oyster and rose with large pearlescent flakes.

The bonnet is painted a contrasting cognac, with bronze and gold coloured aluminium mica flakes and a matt clear coat.

Rose gold is weaved into the carbon fibre lower sills, and also appears in the details of the alloy wheels.

Ultimate al fresco dining

The Boat Tail’s pièce de résistance is the rear deck, with an obvious visual reference to classic yachts. Opening at the press of a button, the royal walnut veneer panels open to reveal bespoke cutlery and crockery for hosting the most elaborate picnic.

Royal walnut was chosen by the owner because it will mature over time, ageing to resemble a cognac colour.

More royal walnut veneer can be found inside the car, with rose gold pinstripes and mother-of-pearl accents. A dashboard clock is finished in mother-of-pearl taken from the owner’s personal collection.

There’s also yet more mother-of-pearl detailing on the instrument dials, along with various switchgear parts around the cabin.

‘Truly one-of-a-kind’ creation

This represents the third and final car in the planned Boat Tail commission series. Its price hasn’t been made public, but one of the previous Boat Tails, bought by Jay-Z and Beyonce, reportedly sold for £20 million.

Alex Innes, head of Rolls-Royce Coachbuild Design, said: “Boat Tail is a step-change in ingenuity and creative liberty. Building a motor car by hand offers a new realm of exploration and possibility: we can accomplish things and resolve challenges that normal industrialised methods would prohibit. This is the tale of two worlds: a modern motor car of contemporary design, made possible by historical techniques and time-honoured craft. It is truly, one-of-a-kind.”

The last Boat Tail makes its public debut this weekend at the exclusive Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, held on the shores of Lake Como in Italy.

ALSO READ:

New 2022 Rolls-Royce Phantom offers illuminated luxury

Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge review

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge review

Hertz to offer 900hp Shelby Mustang GT500-H ‘Rent-a-Racer’ for hire

By

John Redfern

-

May 19, 2022

0

Hertz customers can hire a 2022 Shelby Mustang GT500-H with an incredible 900 horsepower from this summer.

Selected airports across the United States will offer the most powerful rental car that Shelby has ever built, thanks to a three-year deal.

Along with the ultimate GT500-H, Hertz customers can also opt for the 450 horsepower Shelby Mustang GT-H.

Return of the Rent-a-Racer

The new Shelby GT500-H is inspired by the original 1966 Mustang GT350H. Advertised by Hertz as ‘Rent-a-Racers’, many ended up in production sports car competitions.

Shelby will produce 25 examples of the GT500-H for rental use, including 19 fastbacks finished in Shadow Black. A further six convertibles will be painted in Oxford White to celebrate Shelby’s 60th anniversary. Both versions have gold ‘Le Mans’ stripes, just like the classic GT350H.

Based upon the existing Shelby GT500, the new Hertz rental machine features a 5.2-liter V-8 engine. A 3.8-liter supercharger, also finished in gold, results in the astonishing output of more than 900 horsepower at the rear wheels.

Other changes include a lightweight carbon fiber hood, 20-inch black alloy wheels and a bespoke exhaust system by Borla.

Pushing the rental car limits

The Shelby GT-H is powered by a 450 horsepower 5.0-liter V-8 and fitted with a Borla exhaust. Offered in both fastback and convertible body styles, a Shelby aero kit will be added to each model.

Available to rent from this summer, the GT500-H will be offered by Hertz in Fort Myers, Las Vegas, Miami, Orlando, Phoenix and Tampa. More locations across the country will offer the GT-H.

“Hertz and Shelby American have created driving magic again,” said Stephen Scherr, CEO of Hertz. “This partnership has made automotive history many times over the years, and we look forward to future collaborations that will continue to both push limits and delight our customers with exciting cars and experiences.”

ALSO READ:

Sutton CS850R: UK’s most powerful Ford Mustang is tuned for the track

This is Ken Block’s insane 1,400hp Pikes Peak Porsche

New Bentley Bentayga EWB is world’s most luxurious SUV

Sutton CS850R: UK’s most powerful Ford Mustang is tuned for the track

By

John Redfern

-

May 17, 2022

0

American car specialist Clive Sutton has created a new track-focused version of the UK’s most-powerful Ford Mustang.

Called the CS850R, the modified Mustang packs a colossal 847hp and has received a comprehensive makeover both inside and out.

It follows on from the Sutton CS850GT, launched last year to meet demand for a right-hand-drive answer to the Shelby GT500.

Doubling up on ponies

The CS850R uses a 5.0-litre V8 engine with a custom-tuned Whipple supercharger. Along with an XForce exhaust system and a new intercooler, this almost doubles the standard Mustang’s 454hp power output.

A six-speed manual transmission handles the 665lb ft of torque, helped by a Torsen differential specific to the CS850R. The final-drive ratio has been lowered to make acceleration feel even more aggressive.

The standard MagneRide suspension has been replaced with new Pro Active dampers. Upgraded springs and anti-roll bars, along with detailed tweaks to the Mustang’s alignment, improve its cornering ability.

Performance DBA brakes are hidden behind 20-inch Vossen wheels.

A large carbon (fibre) footprint

Sutton took inspiration from the Shelby GT500 for the CS850R’s styling. This includes a carbon fibre bonnet, deeper front splitter and upgraded LED headlights. The latter can be adjusted via a Bluetooth app to change their colour.

More carbon fibre is used for the side sills, boot lid, rear bumper and diffuser. Customers can specify a larger fixed rear spoiler, which is also made from carbon fibre.

The interior is dominated by a set of Recaro bucket seats, finished in a combination of leather and Alcantara. Red stitching is used throughout the cabin, including for the black Alcantara headlining.

Carbon fibre trim covers the dashboard, with a red billet starter button fitted for good measure.

Big power, big price

We previously tested the (slightly) less powerful CS800 Mustang from Clive Sutton. Our Tim Pitt said: ‘With stiff suspension and slightly vague steering, the CS800 is no paragon of poise, but nor is it simply an unreconstructed drag racer’.

With the wealth of chassis upgrades thrown at the CS850R, expect it to be a much sharper track tool.

Prices start at £121,000, with multiple options for additional customisation on top. Buyers can also make use of Sutton’s new online configurator to design the Mustang of their dreams – then submit it for a build-quote.

ALSO READ:

Ford Mustang is the world’s best-selling sports car… yet again

Ford Mustang Mach 1 2022 review

Ultimate fast Ford: driving the 825hp Mustang CS800

This is Ken Block’s insane 1,400hp Pikes Peak Porsche

By

John Redfern

-

May 17, 2022

0

Rally driver and stunt supremo Ken Block has announced dramatic plans to take on the 2022 Pikes Peak International Hillclimb.

The Californian will drive a unique 1,400 horsepower mid-engined Porsche 911, built especially for his assault on the 12.42-mile course.

Dubbed ‘Hoonipigasus’, the car wears a livery that pays homage to the 1971 Porsche 917/20 ‘Pink Pig’ Le Mans racer.

It will certainly make a dramatic statement at the Colorado event, which celebrates its 100th running this year.

Made from prime cuts

Hoonipigasus has been specially designed to suit Block’s driving style. With styling inspired by classic Porsche 911s, the 2,200 lb (1,000 kg) machine is cutting-edge underneath.

It includes the wonderfully named ‘Chorizo Tunnel’ transmission, responsible for sending power to the front wheels. Starting at shoulder height, the tunnel heads down to the front axle, and is said to result in a lower center of gravity.

The suspension features a clever GPS adjustment system, altering itself based on telemetry taken from the previous year’s hillclimb.

With Pikes Peak featuring 156 corners, many with sheer drops at the edge, all help is welcome in The Race to the Clouds. The elevation gain of 4,725 feet sees racers dealing with changeable weather conditions, with the finish line at 14,115 feet above sea level.

Pushing Porsche boundaries

Block and his Hoonigan Racing Division have worked with the BBi Autosport team to create Hoonipigasus. BBi hopes to add to its record of eight podiums, including five class wins, at Pikes Peak.

“The Hoonipigasus is an absolute dream-come-true type of build,” said the founder of BBi Autosport, Betim Berisha. “It doesn’t get any more mental from a tech, power, aero and visual standpoint.”

Completing the ultimate Porsche racer is the livery designed by street artist Trevor ‘Trouble’ Andrew, also known as Guccighost. Andrew’s designs will feature on all of Block’s race cars in 2022, including his Hyundai i20 WRC rally car.

The Mobil 1 Pegasus logo will also appear on Hoonipigasus, with the oil company providing technical support for the Pikes Peak run.

A mountain to climb

This will not be the first time Block has taken to Pikes Peak. In 2005 he entered a Group N rally car in the event, as part of his first full year of motorsport competition. He later returned to the mountain in 2017, creating his ‘Climbkhana: Pikes Peak’ film.

Revealing the Hoonipigasus, Block said: “The Pikes Peak Hillclimb is one of the big reasons as to why I’m a rally driver. The list of drivers who have raced and won this hillclimb includes many of my heroes: Walter Rohrl, Ari Vatanen, Michelle Mouton, Sebastien Loeb and Rod Millen to name a few.

“I’ve always wanted the chance to race Pikes Peak at the top level and compete for an overall win – and with our team and BBi Autosport creating this amazing Porsche, we’ve got a good shot.”

We’ll learn if Block can add his name to the list of those who have mastered Pikes Peak on Sunday 26 June 2022.

ALSO READ:

Brabus goes wild with 900hp G-Class dune buggy

McLaren will enter electric Formula E championship for 2022

Alfa Romeo Tonale 2022 review