McLaren will enter electric Formula E championship for 2022

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May 16, 2022

McLaren Racing has announced plans to enter the FIA Formula E World Championship for the start of next season.

Instead of creating a brand-new team, McLaren plans to buy and rebrand the existing Mercedes-EQ Formula E Team.

The official Mercedes-Benz works outfit had previously announced plans to leave Formula E at the end of the 2021-22 season.

Mercedes-EQ won the 2020-21 Formula E Teams’ Championship, with driver Nyck de Vries topping the Drivers’ standings.

Papaya army continues to grow

Formula E is another step in the continued expansion of McLaren’s motorsport activity. Last year, the company acquired a major stake in the Arrow McLaren SP IndyCar team, and entered the 2022 Extreme-E off-road series.

Through its McLaren Applied technology division, the company already has a longstanding involvement with Formula E. It previously supplied electric motors, and is the current manufacturer of batteries used by all the teams.

However, a move into Formula E competition itself will bring new challenges, as the sport switches to the dramatic new ‘Gen3’ race car.

Increased performance will see Formula E racers top 200mph for the first time, with ultra-rapid 600kW chargers allowing for mid-race pit stops to add power.

Understanding EV racing

McLaren and Mercedes-Benz both have considerable motorsport history, including a 20-year partnership in Formula 1. Mercedes-Benz previously had a 40 percent stake in McLaren between 2000 and 2009.

We can expect announcements by McLaren on its Formula E driver lineup and powertrain provider before the start of next season.

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, said: “As with all forms of the sport we participate in, Formula E has racing at the centre, but will be strategically, commercially and technically additive to McLaren Racing overall.

“I firmly believe that Formula E will give McLaren Racing a competitive advantage through greater understanding of EV racing, while providing a point of difference to our fans, partners and people, and continuing to drive us along our sustainability pathway.”

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Smart motorways to get new safety tech by September 2022

By

John Redfern

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May 13, 2022

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New safety equipment will be added to smart motorways without a permanent hard shoulder.

The National Highways agency is currently upgrading almost 100 safety cameras, and installing 330 extra signs to keep drivers informed.

Radar-based technology is also being added to more than 200 miles of All-Lane Running (ALR) motorways, with the work due for completion by the end of September 2022.

A five-year trial

It follows the decision, taken earlier this year by the Department for Transport and National Highways, to pause the roll-out of any new ALR motorways.

No extension of the ALR scheme will be allowed until five years of safety and economic data is available.

Safety concerns about smart motorways were raised through multiple Transport Committee inquiries. Independent research by road safety organisations also highlighted concerns about ALR motorways, and that many drivers do not trust the existing safety technology.

As part of its latest Smart Motorway Stocktake, National Highways has published extensive analysis of motorway accident statistics.

Are smart motorways safer?

The data shared by National Highways shows that ALR smart motorways have lower rates of collisions between moving vehicles. However, collisions with a stopped vehicle are found to be higher, demonstrating a concern raised by many drivers.

On controlled motorways, with speed limit signs but a permanent hard shoulder, stopped-vehicle collisions accounted for 2.36 percent of all crashes. On conventional motorways, this increased to 2.99 percent.

When it comes to ALR motorways, however, stopped-vehicle crashes account for 5.36 percent of all collision types.

RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: “While good progress is being made in upgrading existing smart motorways by installing stopped-vehicle detection technology and more refuge area signage, the key question is whether these changes are enough to reassure drivers, many of whom firmly believe that removing the hard shoulder compromises safety.

“The Government is keen to point out that ALR smart motorways tend to have a better overall safety record than conventional motorways, but the safety comparisons with other types of smart motorways are less impressive.”

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New 2022 Rolls-Royce Phantom offers illuminated luxury

By

John Redfern

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May 12, 2022

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Rolls-Royce has revealed an updated version of its flagship Phantom saloon, shaped by requests from customers.

The exterior looks little changed, but there is now an even wider range of options for personalisation.

As Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, explains: “With Phantom Series II, we have retained and carefully protected everything our clients love about this superlative and luxurious item. Subtle yet meaningful enhancements reflect their evolving tastes and requirements.”

A commanding presence

The main visual update for the Phantom is a redesigned ‘Pantheon’ front grille. A subtle tweak to its shape sees the Rolls-Royce badge and Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet mascot made more prominent.

Illumination for the grille is now standard, while the headlights have gained intricate laser-cut starlights.

Phantom owners also requested the ability to specify a dark chrome grille, black bonnet reins and black window surrounds – and Rolls-Royce acquiesced. It’s the closest you’ll get to a Phantom Black Badge.

New wheel options include intricate milled stainless steel rims, or a 1920s-inspired disc design.

Whisper, don’t shout

There’s no hybrid or electric tech for the Phantom just yet; it remains powered by a majestic 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12.

Rolls-Royce has also left the Phantom’s interior unchanged, other than fitting a slightly thicker steering wheel.

The addition of the Rolls-Royce Connected service is new, however. This works with Whispers, the company’s smartphone app, allowing owners to send an address directly to their Phantom’s navigation system.

The status of the car, its location and any servicing requirements can also be viewed remotely via Whispers.

The platinum experience

To celebrate the launch of the Series II update, Rolls-Royce has created the one-off Phantom Platino. Named after its silver-white platinum finish, it boasts an interior with hand-painted and hand-embroidered silk upholstery.

Other bespoke details include a Starlight Headliner with fibre optic ‘shooting stars’. To quote Müller-Ötvös again: “As Sir Henry Royce himself said: ‘Small things make perfection, but perfection is no small thing’.”

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Brabus goes wild with 900hp G-Class dune buggy

By

John Redfern

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May 11, 2022

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German tuning outfit Brabus, famous for its modified Mercedes-Benz cars, is celebrating its 45th anniversary in 2022.

As you’d hope from the company that created a 900hp V12-powered G-Class, the occasion is being marked in some style.

Brabus has made the first vehicle in its history with a bespoke chassis, creating an outrageous off-road buggy.

Jumping for joy

A high-strength tube-frame chassis has been developed in-house by Brabus. While the exposed carbon fibre bodywork has a passing resemblance to a G-Class, the car is solely the work of the tuning company.

Adjustable shock absorbers offer ground clearance of up to 53cm, aided by a set of 20-inch Brabus Monoblock HD forged wheels and off-road tyres.

The interior leaves the four occupants exposed to the elements and features bucket seats made from carbon fibre. These are finished in bright red Silvertex, a fabric developed from a range of high-performance boats made by Brabus.

Red anodised aluminium elements complete the cockpit, with intercom-equipped helmets supplied for all.

Outrageous off-roader

At the heart of the 900 Crawler is a 4.5-litre twin-turbocharged V8 developing 900hp. Although the engine can muster up to 922lb ft of torque, it has been restricted to ‘only’ 774lb ft.

A nine-speed automatic gearbox is standard, along with all-wheel drive. As a result, the Crawler can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds.

Top speed has been limited to 99mph, which is probably as fast as you’d realistically want to go in this Brabus buggy.

An expensive anniversary gift

Given the Crawler is a very niche product Brabus has decided to build just 15 examples. Five will be delivered this year, with five more to follow in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

Buying one will cost €749,000 (£640,000) before taxes. Note, however, that the buggy is not legal for use on the road.

It makes for a bombastic and somewhat ridiculous way to celebrate an anniversary, but we’d expect nothing less from Brabus.

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New Bentley Bentayga EWB is world’s most luxurious SUV

By

Tim Pitt

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May 10, 2022

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Bentley has been without a flagship model since the Mulsanne wafted effortlessly into the ether in 2020. Now, that void has been filled by a longer and more luxurious version of the Bentayga SUV.

The Bentayga Extended Wheelbase – or ‘EWB’ to its friends – is stretched by 180mm to provide rear-seat passengers with ‘a true chauffeur-driven experience’.

I was granted a secret preview at Brooklands, a former racing circuit steeped in Bentley history, ahead of the car’s launch later this year.

A subtle stretch

Whatever you think about the Bentayga’s styling (I’ve warmed to it, particularly since the facelift two years ago), the EWB hides its extra inches very effectively. The stretch is all incorporated in the rear doors, which merge into muscular haunches filled out by 22-inch wheels.

Other cosmetic updates include a vertical vane grille and a repositioned sunroof – shifted rearwards by 125mm to benefit those in the back.

You can have your EWB with four or five seats, plus a new ‘4+1’ option with a fold-away central perch.

Flying at ground level

The box you really need to tick, though, is for Airline Seat Specification, described as ‘the most advanced seat ever fitted to a car’. Along with 22-way power adjustment, these rear armchairs feature a postural adjustment system that applies continuous, but barely detectable, pressure changes to enhance comfort and minimise fatigue.

They also keep track of your body temperature and humidity, applying the seat heating or ventilation for ‘optimum thermal wellbeing’.

A touchscreen remote control offers a choice of seating modes, too. Select ‘Relax’ and the chair reclines to 40 degrees, while a padded footrest deploys from behind the front passenger seat. The temptation to kick off my shoes and have a nap was almost overwhelming.

Other luxuries among the big Bentayga’s 24 billion trim combinations include beautiful quilted leather, heated rear armrests and power-closing doors. Not forgetting a champagne fridge, obviously.

Steer from the rear

The Bentley is powered by a 550hp 4.0-litre V8, which drives all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. With a hefty kerb weight of 2,514kg, it gallops to 62mph in 4.6 seconds and 180mph flat-out.

I was told there won’t be a 635hp W12-engined Speed version of the Bentayga EWB. However, the 449hp V6 plug-in hybrid drivetrain is “being considered”.

As the first Bentayga with rear-wheel steering, the EWB should be more nimble than it looks; a turning circle of 11.8 metres is seven percent smaller than the regular car. Bentley Dynamic Ride is also standard, with 48V active anti-roll bars to tighten chassis response without ruining the ride.

We’ll find out how it drives – and hopefully experience being chauffeur-driven – in the coming months.

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MOT test every two years branded ‘irresponsible’ by experts

By

John Redfern

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May 10, 2022

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Criticism of the UK Government’s idea to increase the interval between MOT tests to every two years has intensified.

The potential change was suggested as a way to help motorists save money during the current cost-of-living crisis.

Around 40 percent of cars fail their MOT test at the first attempt. Industry experts believe allowing the two-year interval for MOTs will result in unsafe vehicles being driven on the road.

‘Simply irresponsible‘

Peter Golding, managing director of FleetCheck, notes that company cars and vans often cover 20-30,000 miles in a year. He says the annual MOT test acts as a “valuable backstop” to ensure vehicles are being maintained to correct standards.

He added: “In my previous life, I owned and managed commercial garage workshops and it is no exaggeration to say that I have seen hundreds of unsafe vehicles kept off the road by the annual MOT test.

“A lot of degradation of a vehicle can and does happen in a year between MOTs, and the idea that it is safe to double this time to protect motorists from rising costs is a falsehood that can only compromise road safety.”

Due to the shortage of new vehicles, fleet operators have taken to keeping existing cars and vans for longer.

However, with such increased use, Golding believes: “The MOT test plays an essential role in ensuring that vehicles such as these remain in a roadworthy condition and, in our opinion, it is simply irresponsible to consider a switch to two years.”

‘Don’t undermine the safety net‘

Other automotive industry experts have already criticised the idea of moving to a biennial MOT testing schedule.

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said: “The industry shares the widespread concern over rising prices and the squeeze on household incomes. Safety, however, must always come first and, whilst today’s vehicles are more reliable than ever, regular MOTs ensure safety-critical components such as brakes and tyres, which wear out as a result of normal operation, are properly inspected and maintained.

“Stretching MOT intervals will undermine the safety net at a time when vehicle miles driven are increasing. To ensure the safety of our roads, drivers, passengers, pedestrians and other road users, inspections and maintenance must be carried out annually following their first presentation in year three.”

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Fuel prices finally fall after ‘nightmarish’ three months

By

John Redfern

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May 5, 2022

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New data from RAC Fuel Watch reveals that April 2022 saw an end to three months of constant fuel price rises.

A 0.5p per litre drop in the price of petrol over the course of the month, to 162.75p a litre, will be scant consolation for motorists, however. Diesel prices remained constant throughout the month, at 177p per litre.

Overall, it means petrol is now 4.5p per litre cheaper than the record high of 167.3p, set on 22 March 2022. Diesel costs 2.5p less than the peak seen last month.

The cost of driving every mile

Filling a typical 55-litre fuel tank with petrol is now 50p cheaper than at the start of April, at an average cost of £89.51. Filling an equivalent diesel car still costs £97.

The RAC calculates that, using an average figure of 40mpg, every mile driven now costs 18.5p in a petrol car. A diesel car costs 20p per mile by the same measure.

Motorway fuel prices increased during April, with petrol at 182.08p per litre and diesel at 192.34p.

Supermarkets remained the cheapest source of fuel, with Asda boasting the lowest-priced petrol at 159.38p per litre. Asda also had the cheapest diesel at 173.12p.

Retailers making a bigger margin

RAC fuel spokesman Simon Williams said: “After three months of nightmarish price rises, April finally saw an end to seemingly endless forecourt hikes.

“Although the price of oil has cooled considerably, there’s still plenty of uncertainty in the market, which is leading to prices jumping around a lot. This coupled with the exchange rate worsening isn’t good for drivers and news that the EU is planning to phase out Russian oil is likely to cause the barrel price to rise.”

Williams added: “It’s also very much the case that retailers’ margins were far higher in April than they were in March. RAC Fuel Watch data estimates they took around 4p more a litre than they did over the course of the previous month. This will surely be a disappointment to the Chancellor, who cut fuel duty by 5p a litre in the Spring Statement.”

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‘No nonsense’ Ineos Grenadier 4×4 to cost from £49,000

By

John Redfern

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May 4, 2022

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New British brand Ineos has confirmed launch prices and specifications for its off-road-ready Grenadier 4×4.

Orders can be placed from 18 May, with prices for the Grenadier starting from £49,000.

This buys the ‘no nonsense workhorse’ two-seat Utility Wagon, but Ineos also offers a five-seat Station Wagon in several trim levels.

A dedicated off-roader

Inspired by the original Land Rover Defender, all versions of the Ineos Grenadier feature a ladder-frame chassis, permanent four-wheel drive and locking differentials.

Engines consist of BMW-supplied turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-sixes, with buyers able to pick between petrol and diesel at no extra cost. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, along with a high- and low-range transfer box for when the going gets truly tough.

The £49,000 Utility Wagon is classed as a commercial vehicle, with a cargo bulkhead to allow for maximum payload capacity. Equipment includes Recaro seats, LED headlights and an off-road navigation system.

The five-seat Grenadier Station Wagon costs from £52,000. Like the Utility Wagon, it has a 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus a DAB radio.

High-spec Belstaff editions

Ineos will offer two higher-spec versions of the Station Wagon, each priced at £59,000. Both are collaborations with outdoor clothing manufacturer, Belstaff.

The Grenadier Trialmaster Edition is named after the Belstaff Trialmaster jacket, and is designed for extreme off-road action. A raised air intake, BFGoodrich All-Terrain KO2 tyres, front and rear locking differentials and a compass with altimeter are included.

For the opulent Grenadier Fieldmaster Edition (also named after a jacket), Ineos adds 17-inch alloy wheels, safari windows, leather upholstery and heated front seats.

A British car built in France

Grenadiers will be produced at Ineos Automotive’s Hambach plant in France. The company previously abandoned plans for a factory in Wales.

More than 1.1 million miles of testing were undertaken as part of the Grenadier’s development, and a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty will be standard. A UK-based customer service centre has been opened by Ineos, too.

Inspiration for the Grendier’s name came from Ineos chairman, Sir Jim Ratcliffe. The Grenadier pub in Belgravia was where the idea for the 4×4 was first created and announced.

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Hyundai i30 N Limited Edition wears GPS coordinates of the Nurburgring

By

John Redfern

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May 3, 2022

0

Hyundai has announced a new special edition of its feisty i30 N hot hatchback.

Although not blessed with the catchiest name, the Hyundai i30 N Drive-N Limited Edition has a number of exclusive features.

A total of 800 examples will be produced for all global markets, with 75 cars allocated to the UK.

Get ready to grin

The i30 N Drive-N Limited Edition uses the same mechanical hardware as the regular i30 N. That means a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 276hp and 289lb ft of torque.

An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission sends power to the front wheels. Drivers can use the N Grin Shift button to gain a 10hp boost for 20 seconds.

Making the i30 N Drive-N Limited Edition stand out are new 19-inch alloy wheels, finished in a dark matte bronze. Black exterior Hyundai badges are also included, along with bespoke decals.

Each car wears the GPS coordinates of the Hyundai Motor Europe Test Centre, located at the Nurburgring circuit in Germany. It’s where Hyundai’s performance models have been tested since 2011.

On red alert

Following social media feedback from Hyundai fans, buyers will have a choice of Phantom Black or new Serenity White paint options.

On the inside, Hyundai has chosen Alcantara instead of leather for the steering wheel, gear lever, armrest and manual handbrake cover. Red stitching provides a contrast, with further red details on the sports seats and seatbelts.

Along with the 75 cars for the UK, 545 examples of the i30 N Drive-N Limited Edition are reserved for other European markets. Australia will receive 180 cars from the total production run.

UK prices and specifications for the i30 N Drive-N Limited Edition will be confirmed soon.

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Lotus to open flagship London showroom opposite the Ritz hotel

By

John Redfern

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May 1, 2022

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Lotus will open its first flagship store later this year in London’s exclusive Mayfair.

Currently under construction, the Lotus store will act as a shop window for the brand’s latest products.

The Mayfair site will be used as a template for further Lotus venues around the world. It follows the adoption of a new visual identity for the company’s existing showrooms.

Putting on the Ritz

Located at 73 Piccadilly, on the corner of Berkeley Street, the new Lotus store will be opposite one of London’s major landmarks.

The two-storey showroom will face the famous Ritz Hotel, allowing guests to see the Eletre SUV, Emira sports car and Evija hypercar.

Space on the ground floor will be used to display three Lotus cars, while also offering a range of Lotus merchandise.

Home for Lotus Advanced Performance

Beneath the main showroom, the Mayfair store will host a VIP lounge. This will include a digital configuration system, allowing customers to design their dream Lotus.

The showroom will also house Lotus Advanced Performance. Launched earlier this year, the division is responsible for building bespoke and limited-edition cars.

Geoff Dowding, executive director of sales at Lotus, said: “This flagship facility will allow anyone to see our exciting three-car range, understand our brand, speak with a Lotus expert, configure a car using state-of-the-art digital e-commerce technology, and even reserve it through our recently launched e-commerce platform.

“As this is the first of our global stores and as it’s in the very centre of London, we fully expect Lotus Mayfair to attract many visitors from around the world. As such, it will play host to some of the most amazing Lotus cars from today and yesterday – including from our legendary racing past – as well as a packed calendar of events at the store.”

A launch event will mark the official opening of the Mayfair store this autumn.

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