Hydrogen Toyota taxis have topped 1 million miles

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October 22, 2019

A fleet of 27 hydrogen-powered Toyota taxis has covered a cumulative one million miles, with many more to come.

After a successful two-car trial in 2015, Green Tomato Cars took on a further 25 Toyota Mirais for private hire in London. And the company will add 25 more of the hydrogen taxis to its fleet this month.

Toyota sets sail with hydrogen-powered ship

The new Mirais will make for the largest zero-emissions passenger fleet in the United Kingdom.

Over the course of one million miles, the original 27 cars have saved 206 tonnes of CO2. That’s 7.6 tonnes per car, or around four times each Mirai’s own weight (calculation based on the average 120.1 g/km CO2 emitted by new cars).

Green Tomato put the Mirai to work as its Zero Emission Executive vehicle. Around 2,000 corporate clients have been served, carrying more than 80,000 passengers. Each car covers around 120 miles per day, with each journey averaging between eight and 10 miles.

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“We’ve been really impressed by the performance of our Mirai fleet and are very proud to have clocked up the magic one million zero-emission miles in these unique cars,” said Jonny Goldstone, founder and CEO of Green Tomato Cars.

“Our passengers love them because it means they can travel as responsibly as possible, and so do our drivers. Running costs are comparable with a Prius and re-fuelling takes the same time as a conventional petrol car. We’re rolling out the next 25 Mirais onto our fleet right now and hopefully there will be still more to come.”

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Government cars to be electric by 2030, says transport secretary

Overall, there are 137 Mirais on UK roads, with the overall mileage figure nearing two million miles. However, there are just 11 suitable filling stations at present, with each refining hydrogen via water electrolysis on-site. A new station is due to open at Gatwick soon.

The slow uptake hasn’t stopped Toyota from continuing its journey with hydrogen power, however. Its next-generation concept for the Mirai will debut at the Tokyo Motor Show, and boasts some much-needed extra style.

Only 1 in 5 drivers in favour of green number plates

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Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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October 22, 2019

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Only a fifth of UK drivers support the introduction of green number plates for zero emission cars.

This news comes as the government launches a consultation that it says will “turbo-charge the zero emission revolution”. It believes green number plates will raise awareness of electric vehicles and stimulate sales.

It also says local authorities will be given powers to incentivise and reward electric car drivers, such as allowing cars with green number plates to enter bus lanes and to pay less for parking.

The government highlights a similar scheme in Ontario, Canada, where drivers of electric cars were given free access to toll lanes and high occupancy vehicle lanes. The province saw an increase in EV registrations during the trial.

’Badge of honour’

But there are concerns that the green number plates could become a ‘badge of honour’, possibly resulting in a divide between EV drivers and those in traditional petrol and diesel vehicles.

RAC head of roads policy, Nicholas Lyes, said: “While the sentiment seems right, there are question marks as to whether drivers would see this as a badge of honour or alternatively it could foster resentment among existing drivers of petrol and diesel vehicles.

“On the face of it, drivers we’ve questioned don’t seem too impressed – only a fifth think it’s a good idea and the majority said the number plates wouldn’t have the effect of making them any more likely to switch to an electric vehicle.

“Incentives may make a difference in the short term and the possibility of free parking and the permission to use bus lanes at certain times could encourage some to switch. However, many drivers remain cool on the idea even with this encouragement.”

‘Positive and exciting’

The government is seeking views from the industry and public, right down to the design of the number plates. Three proposals are on the table: a fully green number plate with black lettering, the addition of a green flash on the exiting yellow and white plates, or the addition of a green dot or symbol.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: “The UK is in the driving seat of global efforts to tackle vehicle emissions and climate change and improve air quality, but we want to accelerate our progress.

“Green number plates are a really positive and exciting way to help everyone recognise the increasing number of electric vehicles on our roads.

“By increasing awareness of these vehicles and the benefits they bring to their drivers and our environment, we will turbo-charge the zero emission revolution.”

The consultation opens today and closes on 14 January 2020.

Hyundai has made a 400hp minibus designed to drift

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John Redfern

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October 22, 2019

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Hitting the track this weekend at 2019 World Time Attack Challenge in Sydney, Australia is a special jaw-dropping creation from Hyundai.

The one-off Hyundai iMax N Drift Bus has been built especially for sideways action, following a mechanical makeover to become a real drift machine.

Even better is the fact that Hyundai has retained the regular eight-seater layout, meaning all the family can join in the fun.

Twin-turbocharged and seating for eight

The idea of the Drift Bus actually began as an April Fool’s Day joke by Hyundai Germany. Proving that the Germans do have a sense of humour, they created an image of an iMax (also known as the i800) mocked up in Hyundai’s performance N trim.

Hyundai Australia then joined in the fun, asking fans on social media which vehicle should receive the N treatment next after the i30 hatchback. Although the Tucson SUV won, Hyundai decided that would be too easy a challenge, and opted to build the iMax N instead.

Typically powered by four-cylinder petrol or diesel engines, Hyundai opted for something with a little more power. In came a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing more than 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque.

Maximum drift potential

An eight-speed automatic transmission has also been fitted, along with a ‘corner craving’ limited-slip differential for the rear-wheel drive iMax. This offers up maximum sideways ability, whilst a switchable exhaust ensures the Drift Bus can be heard.

Electronically controlled suspension dampers, a performance brake package, and performance rubber have all been added as part of the enhancements. Useful, given the sub-5 second 0-60 mph acceleration time.

Naturally, the iMax Drift Bus has been painted in Hyundai’s distinctive Performance Blue paint. It also wears a bespoke aero kit with front splitter, side skirts, rear diffuser and a special spoiler. The 19-inch alloy wheels have also been taken from the i30 N hatchback.

Take it to the race track, only

Sports seats have been added for the front passengers, whilst the other two rows receive benches clad in suede and leather. A special N steering wheel has been fitted.

Despite all the hard work creating the Drift Bus, it sadly is not road legal. Instead it is destined to spend its time wowing fans at the track, and demonstrating that nothing can escape the Hyundai N treatment.

Those Down Under will be able to see the Drift Bus in action, as it competes in three categories at the 2019 World Time Attack Challenge.

Buy the 1967 Ford Mustang made especially for women

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John Redfern

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October 21, 2019

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Denver was a hotbed of first-generation Ford Mustang special editions, but this model could be one of the very rarest.

Appearing at the upcoming 2019 Mecum Chicago sale, this 1967 She Country Special is one of fewer than 50 ever created.

It is now set to play a leading role in the forthcoming auction, and represents the impressive legacy of a woman dubbed “Uncanny Annie” by Ford dealership owners.

Designed for women, by a woman

The idea of cars tailored to female drivers was not a new concept in 1967. A decade before, Dodge had released the 1955 La Femme, based upon the Custom Royal Lancer model.

Dodge gave the La Femme an interior upholstered with pink rosebud tapestry, and provided each owner with a purse and lipstick designed to match their car. Overall sales figures were not recorded, but the La Femme vanished after just two years.

In contrast, the Mustang She Country was created by a go-getting female. Ann Goodro had assumed control of the Goodro Ford dealership in Denver, CO after her husband, Bill, passed away. She set about determined to make the business a success.

Pastel paint and personalized plaques

The She Country Special Mustang was one of Ann Goodro’s plans to ensure her dealership would appeal to professional female customers.

She personally picked a range of pastel color options, including the Evening Orchid of this car, along with Autumn Smoke, Bermuda Sand, and Limelite Green. Goodro also had each car fitted with a personalized interior plaque, and buyers would receive a special orchid corsage with their new Mustang.

Along with bespoke cars, Ann Goodro also transformed the inside of the Ford dealership. A special ‘women’s waiting area’ was created, bedecked with furniture and lighting from local department stores.

Tickled pink with success

Ann Goodro’s marketing tactics were a success, with her female-friendly approach driving up sales by an impressive 12 percent.

A total of 48 She Country Specials were ordered to be built, with a mixture of hardtop and convertible body styles. This particular is said to be one of just 12 finished in Evening Orchid, and one of only two fitted with the big-block 390-cubic inch V-8 engine.

This car is also remarkable for having covered just 42,000 miles from new, and remains in unrestored condition. Original features include the automatic transmission, factory air conditioning, and push-button radio.

A rare collectible Mustang

Even a ‘Goodro Ford’ dealership logo can be found on the rear bumper, whilst the seller has also retained the original window sticker. This all adds to the provenance of an already rare and special car.

First-generation Mustangs with V-8 engine will always have collectible appeal, but the exclusivity of this She Country Special should only add to the interest.

Due for sale on Saturday, October 26th, Lot S107 is one of the 1,000 vehicles set to cross the block at the Mecum Chicago event. Sales begin on Thursday, October 24th at the Schaumburg Convention Center.

Mini announces partnership with Parkrun

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Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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October 21, 2019

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Mini has announced a new three-year partnership with Parkrun UK.

As part of the relationship, Mini will be attending a number of Parkrun events throughout the year, inviting runners to take a closer look at the Mini Electric and Countryman Plug-in Hybrid.

More than 2.2 million people have taken part in Parkrun events across the UK, so the partnership gives Mini access to a large and captive audience every weekend. Thousands of people take part in the free, weekly, timed 5km runs.

Mini celebrated the announcement by attending a Parkrun event in Oxford – the home of the Mini, where the all-electric model will be built.

Around 440 people of all ages took part in the early morning event in Cutteslowe and Sunnymead Park.

David George, managing director, Mini UK said, “Mini are really excited to support Parkrun. For the past 60 years we have made cars that bring smiles to people’s faces and created a real sense of community. Our shared optimistic spirit and desire to bring people together is what makes this such a great partnership.”

Nick Pearson, Parkrun CEO, added, “We’re delighted to welcome Mini as an official supporter of Parkrun. Like Mini, Parkrun was born in the UK and for over a decade we have been driven by our mission to create a healthier, happier planet.

“Every weekend, more than 200,000 people get together at their local events and take steps to positively improve their health and wellbeing.”

Mini Electric: yours for £299 a month

The Mini Electric is likely to be one of the most in-demand electric cars of 2020, with prices starting from £24,400 for the Level 1, rising to £30,400 for the Level 3. Standard features include AC and DC charging, sat-nav with real-time traffic information, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, and front and rear LED lights.

A lease deal makes the Mini Electric more accessible to Parkrunners. The Personal Contract Hire (PCH) package is spread over four years, with monthly payments of £299 after a £4,000 deposit.

New smart cruise control will learn your driving habits

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Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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October 21, 2019

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Hyundai has developed a smart cruise control system that learns the style and behaviour of a driver. In theory, this should create a more human-like self-driving experience.

The world-first AI-based Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) is likely to find its way into future Hyundai vehicles.

Smart (or adaptive) cruise control, which is found on an increasing number of new cars, maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead while travelling at a speed selected by the driver.

Hyundai’s technology combines AI and smart cruise control into a system that learns the driver’s patterns and habits. The next-generation smart cruise control drives “in an identical pattern to that of the driver”, Hyundai says.

Driving pattern is categorised into three parts: distance from vehicles ahead, acceleration and responsiveness. Hyundai’s tech also considers driving conditions and speed of travel.

Sensors take information from the camera and radar and send it to a centralised computer, which identifies the driver’s driving pattern.

Adaptive cruise control systems tend to allow drivers to select a desired distance to the car in front. Hyundai’s system will adjust the distance to suit the speed an environment. In other words, the distance at motorway speeds will be larger than in traffic.

Similarly, Hyundai’s system should accelerate with more vigour on a motorway than in the city, where a more progressive approach is required.

The driving pattern is regularly updated with sensors, reflecting the driver’s latest driving style. Crucially, Hyundai’s system is programmed to avoid learning unsafe driving patterns to maintain safety.

Woongjun Jang, Hyundai Motor Group vice president, said: “The new [smart cruise control] improves upon the intelligence of the previous ADAS technology to dramatically improve the practicality of semi-autonomous features.

“Hyundai Motor Group will continue the development efforts on innovative AI technologies to lead the industry in the field of autonomous driving.”

German parliament REJECTS autobahn speed limit proposal

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Ethan Jupp

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October 21, 2019

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Politicians in Germany have voted against the introduction of a 80mph (130kph) speed limit on ‘autobahn’ high-speed motorway roads.

The German autobahn network is famous for having sections that are derestricted. The Green party had requested that a limit be considered for these unlimited sections of autobahn, arguing it would improve safety and help to curb emissions.

“Anyone who wants to make motorways safer and traffic flow more smoothly must introduce a speed limit,” said Green parliamentary party leader Anton Hofreiter, prior to the vote.

Autobahn unlimited

The idea didn’t fly, however. When put to the vote at Germany’s parliament, the Bundestag, the tally was 498 against, with just 126 for.

The ranks of those who voted against it were varied politically, too. Far right and conservative parties joined members from the centre-left Social Democrats in the vote against.

The vote reflects the ruling CSU party’s stance as outlined when the idea was floated back in January 2019. German Transport Minister, Andreas Scheuer, said the proposal was “against all common sense”.

A draft paper which included the introduction of autobahn speed limits, proposed the scrappage of tax breaks for diesel cars fuel tax rises from 2023. These, as solutions to Germany’s transport emissions issue.

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UK motorists’ speeding habits revealed

In response to the vote, Green party member and chair of the Committee on Transport, Cem Özdemir, said “you’re defending a transport policy from the day before yesterday”.

He didn’t expect the autobahn limit to go through, however, and has hope for the future. “As is so often the case with green proposals, we present them, and eventually there’ll be a majority behind them,” he told a German broadcaster.

Around 30 percent of the German autobahns actually already have speed limits. In an earlier discussion on general speed limits in January, German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said there are “more intelligent options to control the speed than a general speed limit”.

Volvo launches its fastest-accelerating car EVER

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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October 21, 2019

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The new Volvo S60 Polestar Engineered will accelerate to 62mph in just 4.4 seconds. This makes it the fastest-accelerating Volvo production car ever made.

That’s quicker than a Porsche 718 Cayman GTS.

What’s more, the Volvo S60 Polestar Engineered could deliver up to 27.3 miles of all-electric range and fuel economy of 104.5mpg. Proof that you can keep Greta happy and have fun at the same time.

Beyond Skyfall: Bonding with a Volvo S60 in Scotland

It’s all thanks to an upgraded version of Volvo’s T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain. Power from the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is up from 303hp to 318hp to deliver a total system output of 405hp.

Meanwhile, software changes to the automatic transmissions bring quicker gearshifts and minimise the changes when cornering quickly.

The S60 is one of three Polestar Engineered cars in the Volvo range, the others being the V60 and XC60. They’re set apart thanks to 19-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels (21-inch for XC60), black front grille surround, black chrome exhaust tailpipes, plus gold brake calipers, seatbelts and Polestar badges.

Under the skin upgrades include Brembo brakes for the S60 and V60, Akebono brakes for the XC60, along with Ohlins adjustable shocks and a strut bar shared with the 600hp Polestar electric hybrid coupe.

The S60 and V60 Polestar Engineered cars are based on the R-Design Plus model, with the addition of a heated steering wheel, Harman Kardon audio system and aluminium front tread plates.

The XC60 Polestar Engineered is based on the R-Design Pro, but adds metallic paint.

The price for the fastest-accelerating production Volvo? The S60 Polestar Engineered costs £56,105, while the slightly slower V60 (0-62mph in 4.6 seconds) costs £57,205. You’ll pay £64,545 for the XC60, which can sprint to 62mph in 5.4 seconds.

Matt Galvin, Volvo Car UK’s sales director, said: “These new Polestar Engineered cars perfectly illustrate Volvo’s approach to electrified performance.

“By combining a powerful plug-in hybrid set-up with the engineering expertise of Polestar, they offer scintillating performance with the ability to run in electric-only mode, thus creating no tailpipe emissions.

“We’re sure this pure, progressive performance will be a hit with customers who want a distinctive, exclusive and efficient high-performance car.”

All Polestar Engineered cars are available order now, with first deliveries expected by the end of the year.

Proof: Electric cars ARE cheaper to run than normal ones

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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October 21, 2019

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Electric cars can travel up to THREE TIMES the distance of their petrol or diesel rivals for the same money, according to new research.

A new ‘miles per pound’ (mpp) figure reveals how much a car can travel for £1 of petrol, diesel or electricity. This creates a level playing field for new cars, making it easier to compare conventional cars with their electrified rivals. Based on these figures, electric cars are CHEAPER to run.

Although electric cars tend to be more expensive to buy than their petrol and diesel counterparts, the monthly running costs are much closer, working in favour of EVs.

For example, the Kia e-Niro and Renault Zoe 65kW can achieve 33.1 miles per pound (mpp) of electricity.

Meanwhile, the most economical version of the Ford Fiesta can achieve a figure of 9.3mpp.

The Tesla Model 3 standard range is the third most economical (32.3mpp), the Volkswagen e-Golf fourth (30.8mpp), with the BMW i3 fifth (30.0mpp).

‘Demystifying the running costs’

Keith Adams, editor of Parkers, the website behind the research, said: “We created miles per pound as a way of demystifying the running costs of electric vehicles (EVs) because above and beyond their range, and how long they take to charge, there is little uniformity in how carmakers express just how much energy these cars use.

“In a nutshell, it tells you how much it costs to drive any EV after plugging it up at home and topping it up on domestic electricity.

“In addition, miles per pound should help drivers who know how many miles they cover in a year to work out up-front fuelling costs, and possibly choose a more expensive electric car over its petrol counterpart.”

Top five electric cars

Kia e-Niro First Edition: 33.1mpp
Renault Zoe 65k: 33.1mpp
Tesla Model 3 Standard Range: 32.3mpp
Volkswagen e-Golf: 30.8mpp
BMW i3: 30.0mpp

Top five hybrids

Toyota Yaris: 10.1mpp
Toyota Corolla: 9.5mpp
Kia Niro: 9.3mpp
Lexus CT: 9.5mpp
Suzuki Ignis: 9.3mpp

Top five petrol and diesel

Honda Civic Saloon 1.6 i-DTEC: 10.8mpp
Ford Focus 1.5 EcoBlue: 10.8mpp
Honda Jazz S 1.3 i-VTEC: 10.3mpp
Dacia Logan MCV Blue dCi 95: 10.3mpp
Kia Ceed 1.6 CRDi: 10.1mpp

The miles per pound data is only available for cars on sale since 2017 and that are also currently available to buy new.

Top Trumps is a reason to get excited about Christmas

By

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

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October 20, 2019

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Like it or not, Christmas is coming. In fact, in just a couple of months we’ll be deep into office Christmas party season.

If that fills you with dread, some Top Trumps playing cards could provide some light relief.

Avoid unwanted interest from your line manager by studying the performance figures of the BAC Mono. Charm Samantha from marketing with the 0-62mph time of the LaFerrari.

Knowing the ‘cool factor’ of the Pagani Huayra is almost certain to lead to promotion. Probably.

A set of Top Trumps has been the gift that keeps on giving for over 40 years, with tens of millions of packs sold worldwide. Winning Moves, the company behind Top Trumps, says it’s the UK’s number one card game.

There have been all kinds of themes over the years – FHM, Trolls and Frozen, to name a diverse trio – but cars are the best. Why? Because this is a motoring website.

Nostalgic glee

The company has been in touch about three sets you can buy for Christmas, including two retro packs.

Sports Cars Top Trumps is your standard fare: cars with crazy horsepower, even crazier top speeds and ‘cool factors’ that are off the scale.

Crazy Cars Too Trumps Retro allows you to “immerse yourself in crazy nostalgic glee”. At least, that’s what it says here. Some of the cards look pretty wild, but we only have eyes for the Porsche 917.

Finally, the Exotic Sports Cars Top Trumps. It dates from 1992 and includes cars like the Vector W8 Twin Turbo, Ginetta G33, Ferrari F40, Lamborghini Diablo and Jaguar XJ220. To paraphrase John Travolta, this is the one that we want.

Aside from the newly designed cassette pack, it looks the same as it did in 1992, so it fills us with crazy nostalgic glee.

The packs cost £6.99 and are suitable for ages 6 and over. Apologies to any pre-schoolers who fancied some nostalgic glee.