The Yangwang U9 Xtreme was already the fastest production car on the planet. Now it has now broken the Nurburgring lap record for electric cars.
Earlier this year, the U9 Xtreme reached an official top speed of 308.4mph, setting a new benchmark for EVs.
Yangwang’s engineering team has been paying regular visits to Germany’s fearsome Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit during the past year.
This testing time helped the U9 Xtreme to achieve a lap time of 6min 59.157sec – five seconds quicker than the previous EV record-holder.
Breaking records at the ‘Green Hell’
Developed from the Yangwang U9 electric sports car, the track-focused Xtreme features four electric motors, each one capable of spinning at up to 30,000rpm.
Total power output is a mighty 3,000hp. The U9 Extreme also makes a world-first use of mass-produced 1,200V battery technology.
Standard specification on the Xtreme includes a titanium-alloy carbon-ceramic braking system, along with Yangwang’s trick DiSus-X suspension.
Specially developed GitiSport e-GTR Pro semi-slick tyres were used for the record run, helping control the Yangwang on the 154 corners that make up the ‘Green Hell’.
Pushing the limits of performance
German racing driver Moritz Kranz was behind the wheel for the record run. He said: “The Nurburgring Nordschleife is the most demanding track, and our lap time is a testament to the development skills of BYD and Yangwang.”
The record gives another boost to the Yangwang brand, which is a new, upmarket division of the globally successful BYD Auto company.
BYD executive vice president Stella Li said: “We are dedicated to pushing the limits of what can be achieved through technology, and the Nurburgring is such a legendary challenge for cars and drivers that it is only natural for our engineers to pursue their dreams there. I congratulate the entire team on this phenomenal achievement.
“The limited-edition U9 Xtreme has proven that it is not only the world’s fastest car in a straight line, but also a vehicle with the performance and dynamic qualities necessary to break lap records on a circuit with a wide variety of corners.”
Cars on UK roads are getting older, with the average vehicle now nearly 10 years old.
Across Britain’s total car parc, the average age is now nine years and 10 months, compared to seven years and four months in 2015.
The coronavirus pandemic, the increased cost of living and higher prices for new vehicles have all likely contributed to owners keeping their cars for longer.
Having more older cars on the road also demonstrates that reliability has improved, allowing these models to remain in service.
Japanese marques come out top
Aftermarket warranty provider Warrantywise has used its Reliability Index to rank older cars. The company analysed data covering vehicles aged between eight and 12 years old to find the used cars that can be relied upon.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Japanese marques topped the chart, claiming six of the top 10 positions in Warrantywise’s table.
In first place was the Toyota Yaris, with a Reliability Index score of 93.6 out of 100. Repair costs for the supermini typically averaged £651.
Just behind in second place was the Honda Civic, scoring 93.0 out of 100. It was followed by the Honda CR-V, with a Reliability Index of 89.0.
Seat Ibiza is best European car
Next in the Reliability Index ranking was the Suzuki Swift, with the top six rounded-out by the Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota Aygo.
Notably, the Mitsubishi Outlander (often sold with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain), recorded the highest repair request made to Warrantywise. Although it had an averaged maintenance cost of £1,201, one example required £9,531 to be spent.
In seventh place, the Seat Ibiza was the top-ranked European car, scoring 81.5 out of 100.
The Spanish-made supermini had typical repair costs of £758, although Warrantywise’s data did highlight a top warranty claim of £3,876.
Wild variations in repair costs
Commenting on the Reliability Index findings, Antony Diggins, managing director at Warrantywise, said: “With cars on the road for longer than ever before, our data reveals some surprising insights about which models truly deliver long-term value.
“While Toyota and Honda continue to dominate for reliability, what’s particularly striking is how repair costs can vary dramatically even among dependable vehicles. This transparency is crucial as drivers navigate an increasingly complex used car market.”
The Grandland Electric AWD features a 213hp motor driving the front axle, matched with a 112hp motor at the rear. This makes for a combined output of 325hp.
Deploying all this power at once, the electrified SUV can accelerate from 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds. Peak torque is 375lb ft, with a new AWD mode to aid traction on slippery surfaces.
A 73kWh battery pack offers an official range of 311 miles. Charging from 20 to 80 percent takes 26 minutes with a suitable rapid charger.
‘Frequency Selective Damping’ makes its debut on the Vauxhall Grandland, along with sportier tuning for the steering and anti-roll bars.
Electric Car Grant reduces price
The Grandland Electric AWD gains special aerodynamic inserts for its front and rear bumpers, plus 20-inch two-tone aero wheels. This makes it the most aerodynamic model in the Grandland range.
GS specification cars come with a 16-inch central infotainment screen with satellite navigation, plus wireless smartphone charging and a power-operated tailgate.
The Ultimate model adds a heated windscreen, heated front seats, Intelli-Lux HD headlights and a Focal premium sound system.
Prices for the Grandland Electric AWD start at £35,495 in GS trim, with the range-topping Ultimate model requiring £36,995. Both prices include a £1,510 discount from the UK Government’s Electric Car Grant scheme.
The Grandland Electric AWD is available with Vauxhall’s ‘All In’ package, which includes charging credit and eight years of breakdown cover.
Porsche has added a new GTS model to the Macan Electric SUV range – available to order now.
The famed GTS badge has been used by Porsche since the classic 904 Carrera of 1963. In recent years, it has been applied to everything from the 911 sports car to the Cayenne SUV.
The new Macan Electric GTS will slot into the upper end of the model hierarchy, positioned between the existing 4S and flagship Turbo.
With up to 571hp, plus a host of special features, Porsche says its new SUV will deliver a ‘particularly sporty and driver-focused’ experience.
Peak performance for Macan GTS
For the new electric GTS, Porsche has carried over the high-performance rear axle used on the Macan Turbo.
This gives the all-wheel-drive GTS 516hp in normal driving. However, a special overboost function when using Launch Control increases peak output to 571hp. Torque is equally mighty, with 704lb ft on offer.
The Macan Electric GTS can accelerate from 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds, with 0-124mph taking 13.3 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155mph.
Porsche has lowered the standard SUV’s air suspension by 10mm, and added model-specific dampers and anti-roll bars for the GTS. An electronically controlled rear differential lock helps to boost cornering agility.
Trademark Porsche GTS design
To help the Macan Electric GTS stand out, Porsche has added gloss black details to its exterior, including tinted Matrix LED headlights.
Tinted tail lights are also fitted, along with 21-inch alloy wheels in Anthracite Grey. Larger 22-inch RS Spyder rims, also in Anthracite Grey, are available on the options list.
Porsche’s trademark GTS Carmine Red paint colour is one of the 15 standard hues on offer. Sixty additional hues are possible through the Paint to Sample programme.
For the first time on the Macan Electric, an optional GTS Interior Package allows the cabin to be coordinated with the exterior. Tick the box for Carmine Red, Slate Grey Neo or Lugano Blue and you can have an interior to match.
Available to order in the UK now
The Sport Chrono Package is standard on the Macan Electric GTS, with a special Track mode included. This increases the level of battery cooling, helping to sustain more power during spirited driving.
A 100kWh battery pack offers an official range of up to 363 miles, and is compatible with DC public chargers delivering speeds of up to 270kW. Replenishing the battery from 10 to 80 percent requires only 21 minutes.
Recent Macan Electric updates include Air Console in-car gaming for the infotainment system, new parking assistance functions and an increase in towing capacity to 2,500kg.
Available to order now, UK prices for the new Porsche Macan Electric GTS start at £89,000.
Millions of drivers in the UK could be risking a substantial fine for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate.
An analysis of data supplied by Freedom of Information Act requests to the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), has uncovered the scale of the problem.
During the last year, some 8.095 million vehicles were reported to be overdue for an MOT test. And more than a third (37 percent) were over a month out of date.
Being caught driving a vehicle without a valid MOT certificate can result in a fine of up to £1,000. Motorists can also receive points on their driving licence, and have their vehicle seized.
Drivers risk MOT fines and more
Insurance broker ChoiceQuote was responsible for analysing the data, and found that more than 306,000 vehicles had MOTs between one and five years out of date.
Incredibly, some 36,000 vehicles were noted as being between five and 10 years overdue for an MOT.
However, ChoiceQuote’s data only looked at vehicles with overdue MOTs that are classed as ‘registered’ in the UK.
This means the volume of cars in need of an MOT could include those currently declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification), rather than in regular use.
Be prepared for your MOT
Phil Leese, a manager at ChoiceQuote, commented: “It is alarming to learn of the number of vehicles driving on our roads each day that do not have a valid MOT. Valid MOTs are not only crucial to ensure that your car is in full working order and does not pose as a risk to you or others, but is also critical in ensuring that your insurance is valid.
“If a vehicle’s MOT is not up to date, drivers may not just face a fine but also a more expensive financial burden if they are in a situation where an insurance claim is required.
“If you are unsure about the date of your next MOT, check now. Be prepared and book in your MOT in advance to avoid being cut short without a vehicle”.
Drivers can book an MOT up to one month before the car’s current certificate expires. This maximises the time available to do repairs, should your car fail its test.
In addition, signing up to the GOV.UK reminder service means you will receive an email or text message 30 days before the current MOT certificate expires.
The sound of approaching sirens, or flashing blue lights filling your mirrors, can confuse and fluster even the most experienced of drivers.
Most of us know to move over for emergency service vehicles – ambulances, police cars or fire engines – but not everyone knows the best way how. Making a wrong choice could delay those responding to a traffic accident, and potentially land you in trouble with the law.
Read on for our tips on how to safely and legally give way to the emergency services while driving.
What can emergency vehicles do with blue lights on?
Emergency services drivers are exempt from various road traffic laws when they use blue lights and sirens. Section 87 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 underpins these exemptions, allowing police, fire brigade and ambulance vehicles to disregard the speed limit in an emergency.
Exemptions also allow the emergency services to pass on the wrong side of a ‘keep left’ sign, or treat a red traffic light as a ‘give way’ sign.
Each individual emergency driver has to justify their use of exemptions in the given circumstances. Using them unnecessarily, or taking disproportionate risks, could result them being prosecuted for driving offences.
What if I hear a siren or see blue lights?
The most important message if you hear a siren or see blue lights is not to panic and simply slam on your brakes.
Stopping in the middle of the road can make it harder for an emergency services vehicle to pass you, or potentially cause an accident if there are other vehicles following you.
Check which way the emergency services are likely to be going, then calmly slow down, pull over and let them go by.
If you’re at a roundabout or busy junction when you hear sirens, it is best to wait and see what direction an emergency services vehicle is coming from before moving off. Remember, there may be more than one emergency vehicle approaching the junction.
What if there is nowhere safe to pull over?
Although you’ll want to let a vehicle using blue lights pass as soon as possible, not everywhere is safe to slow down and pull over to one side.
Do not stop on the entry to a sharp bend or at the brow of a hill. Limited vision here could make it dangerous for an emergency services vehicle to pass you. Instead, keep going until the visibility improves, then move over.
You should also avoid taking to the kerb and stopping in bus lanes where possible. Be aware of traffic islands, and don’t block the road by stopping near them.
What if there is a solid white line on the road?
Solid white lines on roads are used to show where overtaking may be dangerous, typically due to limited visibility. These risks still apply to the emergency services responding to an incident.
Should an emergency vehicle end up behind you on a section of road with solid white lines, they are likely to switch off their lights and sirens. They will keep them off until the solid lines end, then they can overtake safely.
You should keep driving safely and obeying the speed limit until the solid white line ends. You can then look to slow down and allow the police car, ambulance or fire engine to go past.
Can I go through a red traffic light?
Emergency services vehicles can pass through a red traffic light, but that exemption does not automatically extend to other road users getting out of their way. Rule 219 of the Highway Code says that drivers should comply ‘with all traffic signs’ when letting emergency services vehicles pass.
If you are at a junction with a red light, stay where you are and allow the emergency services to find a route through. Should the traffic be busy, they may switch off their lights and sirens until the traffic lights change.
What if I see blue lights on the motorway?
As on a normal road, do not immediately brake to a stop if you see blue lights behind you on a motorway. Instead, move to the left when safe to do so, while obeying any instructions on overhead gantry signs.
Where traffic has come to a halt, the hard shoulder will be used by the emergency services to make progress. This makes it even more important to keep the hard shoulder free.
Where there is no hard shoulder, the emergency services vehicles may pass between lanes to try and reach the scene of an incident ahead. Look to help create a channel for them, and be aware that multiple vehicles may come through.
Emergency vehicles can use closed lanes on a smart motorway (marked with a red ‘X’), but you are not permitted to do so – and must keep them clear.
How much room should I give to emergency vehicles?
It may sound obvious, but modern fire engines and ambulances are substantially larger than the average car.
Try to take this into account when moving out of the way, so as not to obstruct the emergency services unnecessarily. It can also avoid your car being damaged, should a 12-tonne fire engine need to get through in a hurry…
Will there be just one emergency vehicle?
Although it is tempting to move off after letting one emergency vehicle through, take time to check that a second car, ambulance or fire engine is not following behind.
Major incidents could require a number of vehicles from the various services to attend the same location. You do not want to inadvertently block them by pulling into their path.
Chevrolet has revealed a shocking pink Corvette Stingray, set to serve as the official NASCAR Cup Series pace car.
The dramatic-looking Corvette will appear at two forthcoming Cup Series rounds, as the NASCAR Playoffs reach a critical stage.
Fans at Talladega Speedway this weekend for the YellaWood 500, and next weekend’s Xfinity 500 at Martinsville, will get a chance to see the pink Stingray.
The car was created by Chevrolet to help raise money for the American Cancer Society, and its ‘Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’ initiative.
Yellow flags bring donations
“Chevrolet stands with the American Cancer Society’s efforts to end breast cancer,” said Todd Christensen, director of motorsports marketing at Chevrolet.
“When the pink Chevrolet Corvette Stingray pace car leads the NASCAR Cup Series field for the next two weeks, we hope fans will join us in raising funds for ACS by participating in ‘Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’ events across the US this October.”
Chevrolet will also donate $500 for every lap spent under caution behind the pink Corvette at the two NASCAR events, up to a maximum of $25,000.
In addition, a further $1,500 will be gifted to the organization for each Chevrolet driver that earns a top-10 finish in the two participating events – again up to a total of $25,000.
A history of support for good causes
Chevrolet has been a partner of the American Cancer Society for 15 years. It has contributed multiple pace cars with special liveries to serve at NASCAR races, and made additional donations.
In 2024, a total of 54 caution laps were completed in the two races, raising $18,900, while $40,250 was donated in 2023.
Last year, Chevrolet created a bright pink Camaro SS for use as the official NASCAR pace car.
The pink Camaro is due to be sold at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Fall Auction, with 100 percent of the hammer price going to benefit the American Cancer Society.
Winter roads can be treacherous, as the nights draw in and surfaces get slippery. Taking time to prepare your car will help keep you safe.
This guide looks at some straightforward ways to improve your safety on winter roads – and prevent you becoming stranded in the cold.
We’ll start with what to pack before you leave the house, then look at how to prepare your car, then finish with some winter driving tips.
Winter essentials: what to keep in your car
Every car should carry an emergency kit during the winter months – particularly if you’re driving in remote areas or far away from home. In extreme circumstances, being properly prepared for a breakdown or the car getting stuck could save your life.
Here’s a full list of what you should pack:
Mobile phone. The most important thing to do in an emergency is call for help
Mobile phone charger
Torch and extra batteries
Snacks and water
Spare tyre
Emergency poncho
Reflective safety vest
Socks and other spare clothing items that might get wet
First aid kit
Blanket
Two pairs of gloves, one leather and one latex
Rags or paper towels
Matches or a lighter
Whistle
Toilet paper
Tow rope
Jump leads
Flares
Preparing your car for winter roads
We cover the issue of winter tyres and whether they are necessary in a separate guide. However, the short answer is that winter tyres are beneficial – and will improve road safety – once the outside temperature drops below 7deg C. If you can afford the upfront cost, we recommend using them during the colder months.
You should also check the condition of your spare tyre and jack, and replace worn wiper blades if necessary. Keeping a windscreen scraper and a hardy pair of gloves in the car will prove invaluable on frosty mornings, too.
On that note, make sure your windscreen washer bottle is brimmed with the correct fluid. It contains anti-freeze properties that soapy water doesn’t have.
Keeping your car’s fuel topped up is also important in harsh weather. When the gauge drops below half-way, refill the tank. If you get stuck on a snowy, deserted road, keeping the engine running and the heater working could be vital.
Lastly, consider the right cabin temperature for winter driving, as wearing bulky clothes will limit your movement. Research by Seat recommends a temperature of no more than 21.5 deg C to feel comfortable and stay alert. Driving with an interior temperature of 35 deg C is similar to having a blood alcohol level of 0.5g per litre.
Winter driving tips
Driving in winter weather demands a slower, more cautious approach. Visibility may be limited, and grip can’t be taken for granted.
Remember, the most important safety feature of any car is the driver, so heed the following advice to reduce your risk of an accident:
Slow down
Stopping may take much longer on icy roads
The bigger the car, the longer the stopping distance
Leave extra space to the car in front, even at low speeds
Do not accelerate hard
Do not brake hard unless necessary
Avoid using cruise control
Bridges, off-ramps and shady spots might be extra slippery. Be aware
Slow down and approach junctions with caution. These are the most likely places for other drivers to be out of control
The vast majority of new cars in 2025 are sold via Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) finance. However, only one in five drivers actually choose to buy their car outright when this finance agreement comes to an end.
This means most people either walk away at the end of the contract – usually after two or three years – or decide to trade their car in against a new model.
In fact, getting another new car on a fresh PCP is the most common option at the end of a finance deal. No wonder car manufacturers and dealers love them – they keep buyers coming back.
So, how do you ensure that you get the best possible price for your trade-in vehicle when your PCP term expires? Read on for money-saving advice.
Beware the ‘minimum’ in GMFV
There are three parts to a PCP deal: the deposit, the monthly repayments and the final payment. The latter is often referred to as a ‘balloon payment’.
This final figure is set by the finance company, which estimates the car’s value at the end of the contract. Called the Guaranteed Minimum Future Value (GMFV), it’s your first indication of what the car will be worth as a trade-in.
However, it’s not set in stone, because a number of variables dictate the final valuation.
Note the use of the word ‘minimum’. If the car drops in value, you’ll be protected against a potential loss – the finance company will take the hit. But it’s your responsibility to maintain the car to the terms set out in your PCP contract.
Failure to do so could mean the price you get for the car drops below the ‘minimum’ agreed value.
Mileage limit
Your first potential pitfall is the mileage limit you agreed at the start of the PCP contract. Car dealers tempt punters with low monthly payments based on strict mileage restrictions, so make sure you set a realistic limit.
A finance company might charge anything from 3p to 30p for every mile you go over, so a few thousand miles could cost you a few hundred pounds. You have been warned.
If you think you are likely go over the mileage limit, it’s far better to negotiate a new deal before the contract ends than to wait. The penalty is likely to exceed that of a higher mileage cap.
Damage charges
Read the small print of your PCP contract and you may notice financial penalties for minor damage to the car. Remember, you don’t own the car unless you make the final payment, so the finance company expects you to take care of the vehicle on its behalf.
If the car requires light work to make it ready for sale, you’ll be expected to stump up the cash. This could include damage to the paintwork, kerbed alloy wheels and stains on the upholstery.
Wear and tear is fine – you don’t have to live with a concours-winning car – but anything beyond that could cost you dear.
It’s in your interest to maintain the car to the highest standards, because the difference between the final payment and the car’s value can be used to reduce the deposit on your next car.
Service history
You must maintain the vehicle to the manufacturer’s service schedule at the correct franchised dealership. Failure to do so will cost you hundreds, possibly even thousands, of pounds at the end of the contract.
These points apply even if you decide to keep the car at the end of the PCP deal. So if you’re not comfortable with any of them, perhaps consider a different means of car finance.
For example, a personal loan means that you’re free from mileage and servicing restrictions, but at the mercy of depreciation – unless you decide to keep the car.
BMW has revealed a special edition of the M2 coupe, inspired by one of the German marque’s most famous performance cars.
The 2026 M2 Turbo Design Edition is a direct tribute to the BMW 2002 Turbo, a classic coupe produced between 1974 and 1975.
The 2002 Turbo was Europe’s first production car to use turbocharging. Its boosted 170 hp four-cylinder engine delivered serious performance for the time.
With the new M2 Turbo Design Edition, BMW has channeled the spirit of the 2002 Turbo, but with a thoroughly modern twist.
An M Performance throwback
Alpine White paintwork is standard on the M2 Turbo Design Edition, combined with hand-painted BMW Motorsport stripes on the edges of the hood and trunk lid. More BMW M tricolor stripes are found on the standard carbon fiber roof panel, with the hood’s power dome finished in black.
Mirrored “turbo” lettering is a knowing nod to the original 2002, which had the word reversed on its front bumper. Unofficially, the idea was to warn other drivers who spotted the car in their rear-view mirror to move over…
More carbon fiber is found on the BMW M Performance trunk spoiler, plus there is a bespoke Turbo badge beneath the M2 logo.
Black-painted dual-spoke alloy wheels are fitted, with M Performance items in Matte Gold Bronze on the options list.
Sticking with tradition
Just like the BMW 2002 Turbo, the new M2 Turbo Design Edition uses a six-speed manual transmission. Forget any thoughts of a paddle-shift auto; this special model comes with three pedals only.
Other interior highlights include a heated Alcantara steering wheel and carbon fiber trim. BMW has added a “Turbo” plaque to the cup holder cover, too.
M Sport seats are finished in Black Vernasca leather with M Color highlights. Racier carbon fiber bucket seats are available at extra cost.
Opening the door reveals custom sill covers featuring the “M2 Turbo” script, along with more BMW M stripes.
Set for production next year
BMW has left the M2 Turbo Design Edition mechanically unchanged, meaning a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six that produces 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque.
Accelerating from 0-60 mph takes 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph. Specifying the M Driver’s Package increases maximum speed to 177 mph.
Prices for the M2 Turbo Design Edition will start at $82,900, plus an additional $1,175 for destination and handling charges.
Production is due to begin in the first quarter of 2026, with the first deliveries expected next summer.
