Dacia builds its 10 millionth new car

By

John Redfern

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May 1, 2022

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Dacia is celebrating a major milestone, having just produced its 10 millionth car.

It’s a significant landmark for the Romanian company, which was founded in 1966 as Uzina de Autoturisme Pitești (UAP).

An early agreement with Renault saw Dacia begin production of the 1100, a licensed version of the Renault 8, in 1968.

However, the full acquisition of the brand by Renault in 1999 has seen it expand far beyond its home market.

Dusting off a new car

The 10 millionth Dacia to leave the Mioveni production line in Romania was a new Duster Extreme SE, finished in Urban Grey.

It represents one of 2.1 million Dusters produced since the budget SUV was launched in 2010.

Dacia’s top-selling models that have contributed to the 10 million cars include:

2.6 million examples of the Sandero and Stepway
2.3 million 1300s, built between 1969 and 2006
2.1 million Dusters
1.95 million versions of the Logan and Logan MCV.

Dacia’s success is evidenced by the Sandero being Europe’s best-selling car, with the Duster as the most popular SUV.

A global success story

Renault’s development of Dacia has seen the company build more than 7.5 million vehicles since 2004. The brand is now available in 44 different countries, with more than 220,000 Dacias sold in the UK alone.

Along with the main Romanian production facility, Dacia now builds vehicles in Morocco, Algeria and China.

Dacia CEO Denis Le Vot said: “We are very proud to have passed the symbolic milestone of 10 million vehicles produced. This result rewards a pragmatic vision of the automobile, focused on what is essential to our customers. Building on its experience, Dacia will continue to grow and offer attractive vehicles that are adapted to our customers’ lifestyles.”

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Porsche goes retro with new 911 Sport Classic – yours for £210,000

By

John Redfern

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April 28, 2022

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Porsche has revealed a new Sport Classic version of its iconic 911 sports car.

Featuring retro styling inside and out, the limited-edition Sport Classic pays homage to the 1973 Carrera 2.7 RS– considered by many to be the greatest 911 of all.

The first 911 Sport Classic was based on the 997-generation car from 2009. This new ‘992’ version is noteworthy for being the most powerful Porsche 911 fitted with a manual gearbox.

Shades of grey

Each of the 1,250 Sport Classics has a wide 911 body, ducktail rear spoiler – a direct reference to the 2.7 RS – and unique ‘double bubble’ roof.

Buyers can opt for a new Sport Grey metallic paint finish, with a lighter grey used for the twin body stripes. The other colours offered are solid Black, Agate Grey metallic or Gentian Blue metallic.

Powering the retro 911 is a thoroughly modern engine. Its twin-turbocharged 3.7-litre flat-six produces a mighty 550hp, which is sent solely to the rear wheels via a seven-speed manual ‘box.

Rev-matching ensures every downshift will feature a perfect blip of the throttle. A sports exhaust system is said to enhance this experience.

Sticking with manual

The high-performance 911 GTS and Turbo models donate their Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system to the Sport Classic. A 10mm drop in ride height ensures a sportier stance, too.

Inside, Porsche’s famous ‘Pepita’ houndstooth fabric is found on the seat centres and doors. Black or Cognac Brown leather offers a contrast, creating a truly distinctive interior.

Porsche Design has also created a bespoke Sport Classic chronograph watch. Offered solely to the car’s 1,250 customers, it includes the option of a Pepita houndstooth dial, plus a leather strap that matches the seats.

Ready to sell out

Want one? You will need at least £209,950. This makes the Sport Classic more than twice the price of the already-impressive 911 Carrera S.

However, Porsche typically has no problem finding enough buyers for its limited-edition cars. Orders are now open, with first deliveries scheduled for July 2022.

For those who cannot stretch to a Sport Classic, Porsche does offer a Heritage Design Package for other 911 models. This includes the Pepita trim, plus headrests embossed with the Porsche logo.

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Dodge now has a Chief Donut Maker – yes, really…

By

John Redfern

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April 27, 2022

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After months of searching, Dodge has named the first ‘Chief Donut Maker’ as an ambassador for its modern muscle cars.

Preston Patterson from North Carolina beat more than 173,500 other applicants to claim what Dodge calls the ‘the greatest automotive job in the world’.

Dodge made the announcement on 26 April, known as ‘Hemi Day’ to Mopar muscle car fans.

Built between 1964 and 1971, the 426-cubic inch Hemi V8 engine is a legendary part of Dodge history, with the American date format of 4/26 making 26 April the perfect day to celebrate.

The best job in the world

Following an initial application, the contenders for Chief Donut Maker were asked to submit short videos explaining why they deserved the role.

With the help of former professional wrestler Bill Goldberg, Dodge picked 10 finalists to fight for the ultimate accolade. The final decider involved a range of driving challenges – using a Dodge muscle car, of course.

As the winner, Patterson will claim a $150,000 (£119,250) one-year salary, the use of a Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, plus access to exclusive automotive events.

“To go from a kid who had a poster of a Dodge Viper on my bedroom wall to being handed the keys to a Dodge Challenger Hellcat as my company car is beyond my wildest dreams,” said Patterson.

The new circular economy

Dodge CEO, Tim Kuniskis, said: “We put our candidates to the test both on and off the track and Preston never lifted, proving that he possesses the knowledge, character and drive to represent the Brotherhood of Muscle.”

A key part of Patterson’s role in acting as a Dodge ambassador will be ensuring enthusiasts are ready for a transition to electrification.

The company plans to launch the world’s first all-electric muscle car in 2024, which Dodge says will ‘tear up the streets, not the planet’.

More information on the new electric Dodge muscle car is expected later this year, meaning Patterson is likely to be working hard for his salary.

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Most Brits think they would pass their driving test again today

By

John Redfern

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April 27, 2022

0

A new survey finds British motorists have a high level of confidence in their own driving abilities.

Research by Volkswagen Financial Services asked whether drivers would feel confident to pass their practical driving test, if they retook it tomorrow.

A clear majority (70 percent) believed they would have no problem with easily passing their practical test again.

Practical confidence

Older drivers were most confident of all, with 81 percent of over 65s feeling they would pass another driving test.

For comparison, official data from the DVSA shows the practical driving test had a 50.5 percent pass-rate during 2021-22.

When it comes to the theory test, British drivers were slightly less confident. Overall, 59 percent of those asked reckoned they would successfully complete a theory test.

Faith in passing the theory test seemingly decreases with age. While 76 percent of millennials thought they could do so, this declined to 53 percent for over 45s.

Picking up bad habits

Just under half (46 percent) of those surveyed felt they could re-pass both parts of the driving test. However, 17 percent of the 2,032 people questioned believed they would not pass either aspect of the test.

Charlotte Cheeseman of Volkswagen Financial Services UK said: “Most of us learn to drive when we’re teenagers and, as the years go by, I’m sure most people pick up bad habits along the way. So it’s interesting to see that so many drivers believe they’d re-pass their practical test at the drop of a hat, especially when you consider that a significant number of the population are likely to have sat their original test more than 20 years ago!

“But I think this research relates to a wider point about the British public’s undeniable love of driving. For me, it speaks volumes about our collective confidence on the road and that we feel safe, relaxed and comfortable in our cars.”

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All-female W Series racing announces Sky Sports TV deal

By

John Redfern

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April 26, 2022

0

The all-female W Series single-seater motorsport championship has agreed a broadcasting deal with Sky Sports.

A three-year partnership, beginning with the upcoming 2022 season, will include the live broadcast of all qualifying sessions and races.

The agreement will run through to the end of W Series’ fifth on-track season in 2024.

It represents the largest media investment by the W Series to date, replacing Channel 4 as the championship’s UK broadcaster.

The biggest W Series season yet

Along with Sky Sports in the UK, W Series is also entering into a new partnership with Sky Sports Italy. The championship has an existing agreement with Sky Sports Germany.

Sky plans to announce its on-air presenting lineup for the W Series ahead of the season-opening round on 7 May.

Channel 4 has retained free-to-air rights to broadcast the fourth round of the 2022 W Series, which supports the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Highlights of the other nine rounds of the W Series will be free-to-air on Channel 4.

‘Showcasing exciting racing’

The 2022 W Series promises to be the highest-profile edition of the championship yet. It includes 10 rounds, supporting eight Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends, beginning with the inaugural Miami GP.

British driver Jamie Chadwick, the defending double champion, will return aiming for a hat-trick of title wins in 2022. This year sees her driving for the new Jenner Racing team, owned by Caitlyn Jenner.

Catherine Bond Muir, W Series CEO, said: “W Series is an increasingly international series – more than half of the races during the 2022 season will take place outside Europe, including our first-ever race in Asia in support of the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka. Our broadcast partnership with Sky Sports reflects this, giving us great breadth of coverage across Sky’s global platforms and we’re excited to showcase incredibly exciting racing through fantastic content, direct to our fans.”

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Waiting more than 3 seconds causes green light anger

By

John Redfern

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April 26, 2022

0

It should only take motorists three seconds to move off when traffic lights turn to green, according to a new survey.

In a study of almost 2,500 drivers by the RAC, nearly half (46 percent) said it should take no longer than three seconds for the driver in front to respond.

Between four and six seconds was acceptable for just over a third (35 percent), with only seven percent willing to wait for others as long as is required.

Three seconds to frustration

The level of frustration felt by drivers was relatively evenly split. Overall, 46 percent said they get annoyed by having to wait, versus 54 percent who remain unbothered. Younger drivers are more likely to become impatient.

Some 44 percent of respondents said they had waited more than 15 seconds, due to drivers ahead failing to notice the lights going green. And 64 percent said they had been stuck for over 10 seconds.

Almost a fifth (17 percent) of those asked said inattentive drivers ahead regularly resulted in them not getting through a set of traffic lights.

Men were more likely to get frustrated, with 50 percent saying they get annoyed – compared to 41 percent of female respondents.

Smartphones to blame?

Close to three-quarters of drivers (72 percent) put the blame on drivers simply not paying attention. However, 40 percent believe the problem is caused by motorists illegally checking their phones at traffic lights.

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: “While three seconds is obviously a very short time, anything longer than this can start to seem like an eternity when you desperately want to get through a set of traffic lights and the person in front is taking forever to get going. When you think that some lights only stay green for 15 seconds, this severely limits the number of vehicles that can get through before red comes up again, and this in turn makes jams – and potentially even air pollution – worse.

“The fact this is such a common issue means that too many drivers – for whatever reasons – clearly aren’t paying enough attention to what’s going around them when they’re stationary at traffic lights. As well as increasing journey times, this could have a road safety implication – particularly when people suddenly realise the lights have changed and then hurriedly pull away without properly checking their mirrors and making sure everything is clear around them.”

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Opinion: Carmakers are ready for 2030, but EV infrastructure must catch up

By

Richard Aucock

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April 26, 2022

0

The annual SMMT Test Day is where motoring journalists go to catch up with cars, colleagues and executives from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Held at the famous Millbrook test track in Bedfordshire, it is one of our highlights of the year.

Way back in 2011, the first electric cars were available to drive at Millbrook. Just over a decade later, the SMMT has looked back at how things have moved on.

I was there – and I remember the range anxiety that came with those early EVs. They were quirky novelties that were driven with one eye constantly on the range indicator.

With an average range of just 74 miles, it’s easy to understand why.

This year, the SMMT did its sums again. The average range of an electric car at this year’s Test Day? Almost 260 miles – a three-fold increase.

What’s more, instead of 2011’s buyers picking from just nine plug-in models, they can today choose from more than 140. That’s a 15-fold increase, with 50 more electrified cars due to launch before the end of this year.

It’s easy to see why EVs make up one in five new cars sales today, rather than one in 1,000 back in 2011.

It “shows just how far Britain has come,” said SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes. The 2030 target looms large, but such figures confirm “the industry is up for the challenge”.

‘Infrastructure has failed’

The industry’s worry is now not with electric car availability, but with access to chargepoints – because “infrastructure has failed to keep up with demand”.

Indeed, the SMMT is now worried that a lack of chargepoint availability “could stifle greater uptake, with 75 percent of motorists saying there are not enough public chargepoints to meet their needs”.

If electric car ownership is seen as a headache, some may have second thoughts about making the switch. The momentum that is well underway risks slipping as a result.

The industry is doing its bit, by transforming the new electric landscape in just a decade.

“We need all stakeholders, including government, chargepoint providers and energy companies, to match manufacturers’ commitment.”

In Britain’s first electric decade, EV sales have leapt, arguably far faster than anyone could have predicted. Now, the countdown is on for all new cars to be electrified from 2030, and pure electric from 2035.

The figures from the car industry show it can be done. Here’s hoping the charging infrastructure can keep up, so this momentum can be maintained.

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Drivers face being wrongly fined in yellow box junctions, says RAC

By

John Redfern

-

April 26, 2022

0

The RAC has called for the Government to update official guidance on the design, maintenance and enforcement of yellow box junctions.

From 1 June 2022, local authorities outside of London will have the power to enforce moving traffic offences.

However, the RAC wants greater clarity now, to avoid motorists being wrongly fined through no fault of their own.

Boxed into a corner

Research by the RAC found that 57 percent of drivers are in favour of box junctions being enforced. However, it has also discovered evidence of major design flaws in how yellow box junctions are applied.

This included box junctions being painted in completely the wrong place, being larger than necessary, or being obscured by buildings or street furniture.

Such flaws could see drivers become trapped in yellow box junctions and subsequently being fined.

Gaps in the guidance for yellow box junctions have also been highlighted. A report commissioned by the RAC found the rules contained in Chapter 5 of the Traffic Signs Manual to be ‘generally unsatisfactory’.

Critical design flaws

In particular, the Traffic Signs Manual does not actually state the purpose of a box junction. Information on how to design and maintain them, or enforce their use, is also notable by its absence.

Chartered engineer Sam Wright, who created the report for the RAC, highlighted that the main design principle was for box junctions to “be no bigger than is necessary to prevent vehicles obstructing through movements”.

He added that: “Drivers may also be surprised to hear that there is no legal requirement for authorities to meet this design criteria and it’s simply down to the competence of the enforcing authority.”

The RAC has now written to the Department for Transport, asking for updates to be made to minimum standards for yellow box junctions. RAC head of roads policy Nicholas Lyes said: “It’s absolutely crucial that yellow box junctions are enforced fairly and, as things stand, this may not be the case, which will mean many drivers will be treated poorly and lose out financially as a result.”

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Lamborghini builds 20,000th Huracan as hardcore STO drives sales

By

John Redfern

-

April 26, 2022

0

Lamborghini has built the 20,000th example of its V10-engined Huracan supercar. After eight years in production, it marks a major milestone for the Italian company.

Since 2014, Lamborghini has created 12 different road-going versions, along with three bespoke motorsport offerings.

The 20,000th car is a Huracan STO in Grigio Acheso Matt paint, destined for a customer in Monaco.

Evolution of a supercar

The Huracan was launched with the LP 610-4 coupe, first shown at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show. Lamborghini announced the open-top Huracan LP 610-4 Spyder at the Frankfurt Motor Show a year later.

Since 2014, some 71 percent of buyers have opted for the Huracan in coupe form, compared with 29 percent choosing the Spyder.

The United States has accounted for almost a third (32 percent) of Huracan sales overall. Britain and China have also been key markets for Lamborghini’s ‘junior’ supercar.

Last year saw Huracan sales reach 2,586 cars, boosted by interest in the flagship Huracan STO.

A consistent winner on-track

Motorsport has been a major part of the Huracan’s story. Close to 500 racing cars have been built, in Super Trofeo, GT3 and GT3 Evo specifications.

Between them, they have claimed more than 40 championship titles and 117 victories in 12 racing series around the world.

Lamborghini is the only manufacturer to have won the 24 Hours of Daytona GTD class three consecutive times, using the Huracan. It also claimed victory in the 12 Hours of Sebring two years in a row (2018 and 2019).

A limited-edition Huracan Squadra Corse was released in 2019, celebrating 10 years of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo.

‘Super sports emotion’

Personalisation has become a key part of the Huracan buying process. Lamborghini notes that 60 percent of customers use its Ad Personam customisation scheme, with access to 300 exterior paint colours.

This included creating a bespoke Huracan for the Pope, finished in papal colours. The car has been put to work at the Guglielmo Marconi Airport in Bologna, too.

Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said: “The Huracan has delivered an evolution of design, technological know-how, driving adventures, track records and sales records since its launch. It was designed as a car to provide super sports emotion in every environment, from daily driving to thrilling performance on-track.”

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Mazda starts production of new CX-60 hybrid SUV

By

John Redfern

-

April 25, 2022

0

Mazda has started mass production of its new flagship CX-60 large SUV.

Along with being the most powerful Mazda road car yet made, the CX-60 is also the marque’s very first plug-in hybrid.

Built at the Hofu Plant in Japan, the CX-60 is described as ‘the most important model Mazda has introduced for over a decade’.

New e-Skyactiv hybrid power

Driving the CX-60 PHEV is Mazda’s existing 2.5-litre Skyactiv-G four-cylinder petrol engine. This is combined with a 129kW electric motor, powered by a 17.8kWh battery pack. An eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard.

This results in total outputs of 327hp and 368lb ft of torque, with potential for 0-62mph in a swift 5.8 seconds.

With the plug-in battery fully charged, Mazda estimates the CX-60 should cover up to 42 miles on electric power alone. Official WLTP combined fuel economy is 188mpg, with CO2 emissions of just 33g/km.

Mazda plans to introduce mild-hybrid petrol and diesel straight-six engines to the CX-60 in the near future.

Arrives later this summer

UK prices for the CX-60 PHEV will start from £43,950 for the entry-level Exclusive-Line model. Standard equipment includes LED headlights, black leather upholstery, a reversing camera and a 12.3-inch multimedia display.

The £46,700 Homura adds 20-inch alloy wheels, ventilated front seats and a 12-speaker Bose surround-sound system. A gloss-black honeycomb front grille helps mark out this version of the CX-60.

Topping the range is the £48,050 CX-60 Takumi. Extra exterior chrome trim, white Nappa leather seats, white maple wood trim and a stitched cloth dashboard are included.

A ship carrying the first European-specification CX-60s will leave Japan on 26 April. Available to order now, keen UK customers can expect their cars in September.

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