Google Maps update could reduce number of car crashes

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May 21, 2021

Google says a forthcoming update for its Maps app could help reduce the number of collisions on the roads.

The web giant said its route planning software will offer a route that is most likely to reduce the chance of encountering a hard-braking moment.

Citing research from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, hard-braking moments — incidents along a route that cause a driver to decelerate sharply — can be a leading indicator of a potential car crash.

When the feature is introduced, it could ‘eliminate 100 million hard-braking events each year’.

Google said artificial intelligence and navigation information will be used to determine which routes are less likely to feature heavy braking.

The firm is also adding a feature that shows whether a part of a town is busier than usual. Google said the update will allow people to find busy hotspots to avoid — citing streets near a local farmers’ market as an example.

It will also identify popular parts of town and allow users to ‘scope out lively neighbourhoods at a glance to discover interesting things to do’.

Finding a cleaner route

From next month, Google Maps will also alert motorists if their route takes them through a Clean Air Zone, helping them better understand the environmental impact their journey has.

Launching in June on both Apple iOS and Android operating systems, Google said drivers ‘can quickly know if your vehicle is allowed in the area’, or be provided with a new route that doesn’t take in a low-emission zone.

It is also building a new routing model optimised for lower car fuel consumption. The algorithm is based on factors such as road incline and traffic congestion, and will default to the route with the lowest carbon footprint when it has approximately the same estimated time of arrival (ETA) as the fastest route.

In cases where the eco-friendly option could ‘significantly increase’ an ETA, Google said it would let motorists compare the relative CO2 impact between routes.

Eco-friendly routes are planned to launch in the USA ‘later this year’, with a global expansion on the way. Motoring Research was told: ‘we do not have any specific times for the UK rollout’, however.

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Genesis reveals prices for new premium line-up

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Richard Aucock

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May 20, 2021

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New premium brand Genesis has announced its new BMW 5 Series-rivalling G80 saloon will cost from £37,460 when it arrives in the UK this summer.

This secures customers a 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel automatic, in Premium Line grade, driving the rear wheels.

The alternative all-wheel drive 2.5-litre turbo petrol costs £43,150.

Those who want more equipment can choose Luxury Line grade, costing £42,260 and £47,950 respectively.

Prices for the new Genesis GV80 large SUV, a rival to the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE, have also been announced.

Here, eight models are offered, in either Premium Line or Luxury Line spec, with five or seven seats, and a choice of 3.0-litre turbodiesel or the 2.5-litre turbo petrol – both engines come with all-wheel drive.

The GV80 SUV starts from £56,815 for the 3.0-litre diesel Premium Line five-seater.

The first two Genesis coming to the UK “are the two flagship models that have been carefully selected to introduce the Genesis brand to our UK customers,” said Genesis Motor Europe MD Dominique Boesch.

“Both models show the ‘Genesis difference’,” he promised: “Customers can expect to be impressed not only but the design and safety of the vehicles, but also by our service offering which provides convenience and total peace of mind afforded by our Five-Year Care Plan.”

Following the range-topping G80 and GV80, Genesis will introduce a BMW 3 Series-sized G70 saloon later in 2021 – and the firm recently revealed this car will be offered a European-specific shooting brake version.

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Toyota spends £1 million to deter catalytic converter thefts

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Daniel Puddicombe

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May 20, 2021

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Toyota will spend £1 million on covertly marking more than 100,000 older car parts to deter criminals and help prevent catalytic converter theft.

Gangs are increasingly stealing catalytic converters for the precious metals they contain, and the Japanese manufacturer said it hoped the scheme helps to track down offenders.

Toyota is working directly with the police and Smartwater, which manufactures police-approved marking devices, to provide an initial batch of 50,000 kits. The markings, which are invisible, mean a stolen catalytic converter can be traced to a specific crime, helping police to combat the organised gangs responsible.

It also raises the risk to all those handling the stolen devices along the criminal chain, from theft to eventual disposal and recycling.

Recent hybrids not targeted

Toyota said thieves tend to target older hybrid models because the catalyst in a hybrid has a lower workload than in a non-electrified vehicle. This usually means it is in better condition. However, devices in more modern cars, such as the Corolla Hybrid pictured above, are built to a different design and are not targeted.

“Catalytic converter theft is a very serious problem in the UK and the effects on victims of this crime are emotional as well as financial,” said Rob Giles, Toyota GB director of customer services.

“We’re pleased to be starting this initiative, working closely with the police, not only to help them with their efforts to combat this crime but also to send a clear message to criminals that if they choose to target a Toyota or Lexus car, there is now a far higher chance of getting caught.

“We know from our work with police and others that the solution to this crime is not only arresting those doing the stealing, but also making life harder for those buying the stolen goods. We hope this will help in that.”

Toyota said owners can contact their local dealership to arrange a marking visit for free.

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‘Time warp’ Rally GB-winning Subaru Impreza ready for auction

By

John Redfern

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May 20, 2021

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Rallying fans will have the chance to bid on the Subaru Impreza that won the 2000 Rally GB very soon.

Seeing a World Rally Championship car appear at auction is nothing new. However, the Subaru Impreza ready to be sold through the Collecting Cars platform is no ordinary WRC warrior.

Described as “the most original WRC car in the world”, this is a truly special rally car.

An original motorsport icon

This is the Impreza WRC driven by the late Richard Burns, with his co-driver Robert Reid, to claim overall victory in the 2000 Rally GB. It helped Burns secure second place in the drivers’ championship, finishing only five points behind Peugeot’s Marcus Gronholm.

Burns would go on to win the World Rally Championship in 2001, becoming the first (and only) Englishman to do so.

His tragic death from a brain tumour in 2005, aged just 34, robbed rallying of one of its brightest stars.

Although WRC cars are frequently sold to collectors, chassis #11 was different. A sale of the Impreza had been agreed before the rally, with the car being taken away shortly after crossing the finish line.

It meant everything was preserved from when Burns and Reid completed the rally. Energy bars could still be found in the door pockets, with a Nokia mobile phone charged for emergency use. Pace notes from the final day of competition were included, too.

The steering wheel, seats, and racing harnesses were the ones as used by Burns and Reid.

Preserved with purpose

Being taken straight from the rally stage meant the car did not return to Prodrive, responsible for running Subaru’s World Rally Team. As a result, the damaged body from the rally was preserved, including a dented front wing.

However, the 300 hp 2.0-litre flat-four engine, and six-speed sequential gearbox, had received attention in recent years.

The current owner acquired the Impreza in 2018, and subjected it to a delicate recommissioning process.

A comprehensive service was undertaken, with new fuel cells being installed. A replacement ECU, to allow the Subaru to use regular unleaded petrol, was fitted as well.

In fact, a total of almost £50,000 is said to have been spent on maintenance work, with the Impreza prepared for limited public outings.

This included an invitation for the car to be demonstrated at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in 2019. Here the car was driven by Alister McRae.

An Impreza like no other

For fans of rallying in the late 1990s and early 2000s, a car like the Subaru Impreza WRC2000 is a true motorsport icon.

To have been driven by one of the sports leading talents, who was cruelly taken too soon, makes it almost incomparable in its significance.

Expect the bids to be high when the auction for the Impreza begins on Collecting Cars.

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You really got Mehari: Citroen owned by Kinks’ guitarist up for auction

By

Daniel Puddicombe

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May 19, 2021

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A 1977 Citroen Mehari that was once owned by The Kinks’ lead guitarist and vocalist, Dave Davies, is being auctioned this week.

Davies owned the Mehari, which is for sale with Car and Classic, for several years while still performing in the band. Its most recent owner, a Citroen collector, has cared for it for 16 years.

Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of the Mehari – it was never sold in the UK. It is closely related to the Dyane 6 and featured a light ABS plastic body and soft-top roof. It’s extremely light by today’s standards, tipping the scales at 535kg.

Since Davies owned the car, it has undergone a number of revisions, including bodywork restoration, while the current owner has fitted brake discs and a twin-choke-carb Dyane engine.

In addition, transmission specialist Rick Pembro has rebuilt the gearbox and the spartan interior has been fitted with retrimmed seats. According to its latest MOT, the car has covered 60,000 miles since new.

At the time of writing, the Citroen has received nine bids from six different bidders, with a current price of £4,500 – although this is below the reserve value. The auction ends on 24 May.

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Jenson Button’s Radford to build sports car inspired by Lotus Type 62

By

Daniel Puddicombe

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May 19, 2021

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F1 champion Jenson Button’s coachbuilding car company, Radford, has shown off the inspiration for its retro-inspired new sports car.

Codenamed Project 62, the company says each car will be hand-crafted to individual customer specifications. The two-seater will use Lotus technology and will be ‘mechanical, engaging and poised’, says Radford.

Its design plays homage to the short-lived Lotus Type 62 racing car from the 1960s (pictured here).

Details are thin on the ground at this stage, but a spokesman told Motoring Research the company will reveal powertrain and price information “later on in the year”.

Prospective buyers are being invited to register their interest by placing a $1,000 (£704) refundable deposit.

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Radford was founded in 1948 as Harold Radford Coachbuilders Ltd. Its original projects included the Bentley Countryman and fibreglass bodywork for the prototype Ford GT40.

The company later became famous for custom Bentleys and Minis. Beatles’ manager Brian Epstein commissioned Radford to create one-off Minis for the Fab Four.

Button announced he would bring back the name earlier this year, alongside car builder Ant Anstead, designer Mark Stubbs and business adviser Roger Behle.

“We believe in creating a personal experience throughout the build process and beyond, ensuring your vehicle is tailor-made for you, as well as inclusion in Radford events. Each owner will become a member of the Radford community,” the company says.

Those successful will be invited to attend a track-day with Button, where he will ‘demonstrate how owners can get the most out of their Radford on the racetrack on which they were developed’.

“As a British car lover, I am excited that Radford has the honour of working alongside Lotus to pay homage to the truly stunning original Type 62 from 1969,” Button said.

“With the dynamic development of our car already well underway, we are working hard to ensure we do this car justice, and I can’t wait to put it through its paces on the Radford track, before inviting today’s Project 62 owners to come and do the same.”

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The Mini Oselli Edition is a racing-inspired restomod

By

Daniel Puddicombe

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May 19, 2021

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David Brown Automotive has unveiled a limited edition go-faster version of its Mini Remastered restomod.

Called the Mini Remastered Oselli Edition, the car has been created in partnership with tuning specialist Oselli, which has prepared racing Minis and MGs since the 1960s. Only 60 examples will be built.

The mightier Mini is powered by an Oselli-tuned version of the BMC A-Series four-cylinder petrol engine, with capacity increased from 1,275cc to 1,450cc.

It is the most powerful Mini Remastered to date, with David Brown Automotive claiming 125hp and a 0-62mph time of 7.8 seconds.

Upgrades to the engine include a strengthened crankshaft, a performance-orientated camshaft and a twin-SU carburettor setup.

The car also benefits from AP Racing brakes, sports suspension by Bilstein and a free-flowing exhaust system. Wider 13-inch wheels with high-speed-rated tyres are designed to maintain grip on the road or track.

Styling changes include the number ’60’ in the grille – a nod to it being 60 years since the original Mini first rolled off the production line when the car was conceived. The Oselli Edition also gains LED lights and a number of unique paint colours.

The car can be ordered in either a two- or four-seat configuration, with the two-seater featuring bucket seats and a hand-trimmed rear roll cage, along with a four-point harnesses. There is also the option to fit twin fuel tanks for extra driving range.

The Mini is available to order now, but don’t expect a speedy delivery – a spokesman for David Brown Automotive told Motoring Research each car takes 18 months (and around 1,500 hours) to hand-build.

We understand it is priced from around £80,000, although this hasn’t yet been confirmed. Stay tuned for a review soon.

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Dorset speed limit reduced to cut emissions after trial

By

Daniel Puddicombe

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May 18, 2021

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A lower, temporary speed limit on a road passing through a village in Dorset will become permanent after a trial aimed at cutting emissions.

During the 18-month experiment, the limit along a section of the A35 at the western end of the village of Chideock was lowered from 40mph to 30mph.

The trial also involved the use of the air quality monitoring equipment and patrols by an emissions monitoring vehicle. Analysis of the data found there was a small reduction in emissions.

Reduction in nitrogen dioxide

“As part of our ongoing work, we undertook and completed a trial that saw additional diffusion tubes installed and an electric-powered van monitoring real-time pollution before and after the speed limit change,” said Andy Roberts, Highways England route manager for the A35.

“This identified a small reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels following the reduction of the speed limit and, as a result of the localised air quality benefit, we propose to make the extended 30mph zone a permanent fixture.”

Doset councillor Ray Bryan added: “I’m pleased to hear that the speed trial in Chideock has gone towards helping improve the air quality in the village, and the 30mph speed limit is being made permanent. Due to the challenging topography of the village, the solution to improving air quality on this strategic route depends largely on wide-spread adoption of clean technology and other changes to travel habits.

“In the meantime, we will continue to work with our partners at Highways England to monitor emissions in the area and continue to seek ways to further improve air quality for residents.”

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Millions of motorists ‘don’t understand MOT process’

By

Daniel Puddicombe

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May 17, 2021

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Many drivers don’t understand the process of getting a car through an MOT test, new research suggests.

According to a poll of 2,000 British adults, 44 percent are unaware that an expired MOT could invalidate their car insurance.

The poll by Gocompare also revealed that six percent of drivers say they don’t understand the MOT process. And a further eight percent are confused about MOT jargon surrounding the categories of Pass and Fail.

In addition, seven percent said they don’t understand what an Advisory repair means in relation to their MOT and eight percent don’t know the difference between Minor, Major and Dangerous faults.

The research also revealed that 26 percent of motorists think the MOT test guarantees their car will be safe to drive for the next 12 months. And six percent erroneously believe MOT test centres have a percentage of cars they are required to fail.

Misunderstanding the MOT

Cars aged over three years are tested annually to ensure they are roadworthy and safe to drive; this year, 2.3 million cars will be due their first MOT. The MOT test produces a Pass or Fail outcome. Dangerous or Major faults lead to a failed test. The category applied will depend on the type and seriousness of the problem.

“The regular testing of vehicles as they get older helps to ensure cars are safe and roadworthy,” said Ryan Fulthorpe from Gocompare.

“A valid MOT certificate confirms a car has met the minimum standard of roadworthiness at the time of testing. It doesn’t guarantee the car will be in good running order over the next year, so it’s essential that drivers carry out regular checks and have their car regularly serviced.”

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Sadiq Khan confirms Ultra-Low Emission Zone will expand

By

Daniel Puddicombe

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May 15, 2021

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Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has committed to expanding the Ultra-Low Emission Zone from October 2021, after being re-elected earlier this month.

City Hall says the new zone will be 18 times the size of the current central London area. From 25 October, it will cover all streets inside the North and South circular roads in the capital city.

Owners of non-complaint vehicles will be required to pay £12.50 a day to enter the area. The mayor’s office said around 100,000 cars and 35,000 vans could be affected by the tighter standards every day.

Petrol cars must comply with Euro 4 standards – usually vehicles registered from January 2006 – and diesel owners will need to pay up unless their car meets the Euro 6 standard, meaning they were registered after September 2015.

The mayor said the central London ULEZ has been “transformational since its introduction in April 2019” and claimed it helped to reduce roadside concentrations of nitrogen dioxide gas by nearly 50 percent.

He added that the initial ULEZ cut the number of state schools suffering illegal levels of pollution by 97 percent – from 455 schools in 2016 to 14 in 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic

“I pledge to be the greenest Mayor London has ever had, with a mandate from Londoners to put the environment and climate policies at the heart of my second term in office. Today I am reaffirming my commitment to speed up the cleaning of London’s toxic air,” said Khan.

“In central London, the Ultra-Low Emission Zone has already helped cut toxic roadside nitrogen dioxide pollution by nearly half and led to reductions that are five times greater than the national average. But pollution isn’t just a central London problem, which is why expanding the ULEZ later this year will benefit Londoners across the whole of the city and is a crucial step in London’s green recovery.

“There is no time to waste. We know pollution hits the poorest Londoners the hardest, which is why I’m doing everything I can to improve the health for all Londoners.”

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