Renault has revealed the facelift for its Zoe small electric car.
In the battle for EV buyers’ affections, the new 242-mile capable Zoe is a riposte to forthcoming electric versions of the Peugeot 208 and Vauxhall Corsa.
2019 Renault Zoe: styling
The latest Zoe is very much a facelift rather than an all-new car, on the outside at least. It’s the biggest visual change the model has undergone, but the new LED lighting and redesigned bumpers are pretty subtle.
It remains a stylish and attractive small car, with the faintest hints of styling from the super-cool Zoe e-Sport concept. A Renault Sport version of the little electric car isn’t off the table, either.
On the inside, the new Zoe is bang-up-to-date. Along with its 100 percent recycled seat trims, it features a new 10-inch TFT instrument cluster, as well as a portrait-oriented in-car entertainment screen in line with Renault’s other models.
2019 Renault Zoe: new R135 motor
Increased power and range comes from a new 52kWh battery and 100kw ‘R135’ electric motor, although as standard it comes with an 80kw motor. A 135hp output keeps the R135 Zoe sharp, with 0-62mph in less than 10 seconds and a top speed of 87mph.
It’ll refuel more quickly too, with optional 50kw DC charging capability.
The Zoe features a new single-pedal regenerative braking system called ‘B Mode’ – a similar system to the latest Nissan Leaf’s e-Pedal. ‘D Mode’, by contrast, is best for constant speed situations like motorway cruising.
Renault Zoe… this is your life
Since launch in 2012, Renault has sold nearly 150,000 Zoes.
It achieved an 18.2 percent share of the European electric car market share in 2018 – and cumulative sales make it the most common electric vehicle on European roads, with 40,000 new registrations last year.
In Germany, Spain and France, it achieved a 54.9 percent EV market share in 2018, making it number one for electric car sales in those countries.
As for the future? Renault plans on doubling Zoe production by 2022 and the marque invested a billion euros in electric vehicle development last year.
Toyota has announced its radical GR Super Sport will compete in motorsport’s new hypercar class. And a road-going sports car will follow.
The car was first unveiled in concept form a couple of years ago, but this confirms Toyota is moving ahead with the project, which will directly replace its double-Le Mans-winning TS050 LMP1 car.
The new rules state that top-level Hypercar racers need to have road-going counterparts. ‘Both road and race car are undergoing design and intensive development,’ says Toyota.
Toyota GR Super Sport: in detail
When the GR Super Sport concept was revealed, the powertrain was claimed to be from the Toyota TS050 LMP1 prototype. That means a 500hp twin-turbo 2.4-litre V6 with an additional 500hp of hybrid assistance.
The system output in the new class is limited to around 750hp. It’s reasonable to assume, therefore, that the drivetrain could carry over with ease in a detuned state for the racer.
That’s not to say that the GR road car will be limited. Remember that the road-legal Aston Martin Valkyrie will have over 1,000hp, courtesy of its hybrid 6.5-litre V12. Toyota is likely to aim for a similar power level.
As for how many road cars there will be, homologation requires a minimum of 20 to be produced and sold over the course of two years.
“For Toyota Gazoo Racing, this new era of competition is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate our credentials not only as a race team against some of the best in the business, but also as a sports car manufacturer,” said Shigeki Tomoyama, president of Gazoo Racing.
“I am sure I join fans and competitors in welcoming the new regulations and looking forward to an exciting era of competition in WEC and at Le Mans.”
Newcastle is the best city for parking, according to research conducted by InsuretheGap.com.
The insurance company reached this conclusion following analysis of the number of parking spaces available per resident, the average walking distance from parking to central locations, and the price of parking for two hours.
With a score of 245, Newcastle is the pick of the parking, with the second highest number of parking spaces per resident and reasonably short walking times into the city.
Leicester finished second with a score of 240, ahead of Belfast, Bradford and Nottingham.
At the opposite end of the table, London is named the worst city for parking, with the capital slammed for the poor proximity of car parks to central locations and the steep cost of parking.
Two hours of parking in London costs an average of £11.25 – almost four times the amount paid in Newcastle.
Ben Wooltorton, chief operating officer of InsuretheGap.com, said: “Trying to find a parking space, especially one in a good location and at a reasonable rate, seems to be getting more difficult.
“This data highlights areas that are doing well in providing adequate parking for residents and visitors. The other end of the scale indicates where drivers might need to put in a little more research and planning to find the space they want”.
The best UK cities for parking
City
Total score
No. of spaces per resident
Walking distance to city centre
Average price for two hours
1. Newcastle
245
0.027
17 mins
£3.20
2. Leicester
240
0.023
18 mins
£2.85
3. Belfast
215
0.038
24 mins
£3.04
4. Bradford
210
0.011
14 mins
£1.87
5. Nottingham
210
0.021
19 mins
£3.22
6. Hull
205
0.019
20 mins
£2.04
7. Birmingham
180
0.01
16 mins
£2.83
8. Sheffield
180
0.017
15 mins
£3.30
9. Sunderland
175
0.012
23 mins
£1.73
10. Cardiff
160
0.027
29 mins
£4.08
The study analysed the 20 most populous cities in the UK, based on population data from the Geographist. All parking data analysed was sourced from Parkopedia.
Hiring a supercar is as easy as renting a hatchback, says Enterprise Rent-A-Car. “Customers can live out their childhood fantasies” thanks to its Exotic Car Collection, it says.
Which is all fine and dandy, but hiring a supercar differs from renting a family hatch in one significant way: the price.
It’s predictable, really. You wouldn’t expect to hire an Aston for the same price as an Astra.
Enterprise makes a proud boast that prices start from £100 a day, but for that price, you’ll be driving a BMW 4 Series M Sport on a Saturday or Sunday, and only after a £1,000 deposit. The minimum age is 30 and an excess of £1,400 applies to the 4 Series.
Granted, it’s a nice car, but it’s hardly the stuff childhood dreams are made of.
A Lamborghini Huracan will set you back £800 per day (£1,000 per weekday), or £4,900 a week. The deposit is a hefty £8,000, while the excess of £10,000 means that you’re likely to drive with due care and attention.
Further reading of the small print reveals that a minimum two-day rental applies to all cars. Who said living out your childhood fantasies would be cheap?
Other vehicles available via the Exotic Car Collection include the Ferrari 458 Spider, Aston Martin DB11, Audi R8 and a Rolls-Royce Ghost.
‘The best of both worlds’
Brian Swallow, Enterprise vice president of rental, said: “Most of us are familiar with the process of hiring a car, but the idea of renting a supercar or luxury vehicle may seem daunting to some.
“The Exotic Car Collection by Enterprise gives the best of both worlds, by offering some of the most premium vehicles on the planet but from a trusted household name millions of Britons already use.
“Exotic Car Collection is opening up this world to as many people as possible, enabling them to get behind the wheel of some of the most incredible vehicles around.
“Whether it is to live a childhood dream by getting your hands on a supercar, or making a grand impression for an important event, the Exotic Car Collection by Enterprise is here to make it happen, all with the premium service you would expect.”
The entire fleet of Government ministerial cars will be all-electric by 2030, the transport secretary Chris Grayling has confirmed.
Currently, electric vehicles make up nearly 23 percent of the fleet, with the government pledging to electrify at least a quarter by 2022.
The Government Car Service (GCS) is managed by the Department for Transport (TfL) to provide a secure car service for ministers in government departments.
GCS operates a fleet of around 90 cars, including British-built and low emission vehicles. The cars are managed by an in-house secure workshop.
The transport secretary has written to every government department to reinforce the pledge to move towards a 100 percent electric fleet by 2030.
‘Best place to own an ultra-low emission vehicle’
He said: “We want the UK to be the best place in the world to own an ultra-low emission vehicle, and as a government we have to lead by example.
“I am pleased with the change we are making to the Government Car Service, but this now needs to be reflected in all fleets that are controlled by government.
“Only yesterday, the prime minister made the bold commitment that the UK will end its net contribution to climate change by 2050. It is absolutely vital that all parts of government play their part in delivering this ambitious target.”
The government plans to end the sale of new diesel and petrol cars and vans by 2040 and is seeking to encourage more people to drive ultra-low emission vehicles.
Aston Martin has confirmed its long-awaited Valkyrie hypercar will race at Le Mans, following entry into the 2020/2021 World Endurance Championship season. This, as the new top-level hypercar regulations are ratified by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest – the organisation behind the 24-hour race.
The cars won’t quite resemble those customers will drive, or indeed the track-only AMR Pro version. The V12 engine will be prepared for the rigours of 24-hour racing, while Aston describes the car as a ‘fully competitive platform capable of challenging for outright race wins’. A ‘minimum’ of two will be entered when they take to the La Sarthe circuit next year.
If it wins, it’ll be the first ‘road car’ to come first at Le Mans since the McLaren F1 in 1995.
“We have always said that we would one day bring Aston Martin back to Le Mans with the intention of going for the outright win when the time was right – now is that time,” said Aston Martin CEO, Andy Palmer.
“David Brown came here in 1959, with a car and a team of drivers capable of winning. We intend to do the same in 2021. The Aston Martin Valkyrie is primed for such a challenge and sits perfectly within the ACO’s new ‘hypercar’ rule framework.
“What could be more evocative than the wail of an Aston Martin V12 leading the charge into the night on the Mulsanne straight?”
We have to say, we’re struggling to come up with an answer to that.
Porsche has launched a ‘Second Skin’ online tool that allows you to see your chosen car in classic motorsport livery – then have it made.
The scope for online creativity is, in fact, even wider than that, with Porsche saying: ‘It will also be possible to implement designs inspired by, for instance, fashion and the arts’.
Previously discontinued colours from Porsche will be available, and company will collaborate those in the car-wrapping industry, including artists, design studios, foil providers and vinyl paint manufacturers. The website will be up and running in July.
“As the livery segment is a very fragmented market, we have created a central port of call with Second Skin to guarantee quality and offer a comprehensive approach to finding a solution,” said Simon Weiss of Porsche Digital.
“For this reason, the entire design and ordering process is fully processed in Second Skin: customers select the vehicle model and design it independently or as part of a consultation to obtain a non-binding offer and finish the order online.”
The poster car for the project is a 911 RSR that’s due to compete at Le Mans this coming weekend (June 15-16). It features a design by pop-art artist Richard Philips that combines three of his most popular works.
“We wanted to use the project in Le Mans to demonstrate what we can do in terms of automotive design and that there are no limits to the imagination with Second Skin,” said Florian Rothfuss, director of Porsche Digital.
“The greatest challenge was to apply a three-part image on a vehicle. We are also very happy with the result because the effect of the colours is unique.”
Hybrids could be a more effective route to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the short-term than electric cars, according to Emissions Analytics.
Strictly speaking, a hybrid with an internal combustion engine produces more CO2 than an electric car while in use. The argument that Emissions Analytics makes is that encouraging hybrid uptake now is a better plan for CO2 reduction than our current course.
That current course, supported by the government, is to promote uptake of full Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). However, given the current infrastructure and, indeed, the capability of many electric cars, progress towards such a goal is likely to be slow.
How do hybrid and electric cars compare?
The CO2 reductions achievable with hybrids versus standard cars are impressive, says Emissions Analytics.
The achievable figures are 23 percent in the EU and 34 percent in the United States. On average, that makes for a 30 percent reduction in CO2, or 7.5 percent shy of the post-2021 target set by the EU.
Why not skip the hybrid stepping stone?
Potentially, diesels, mild hybrids and hybrids are stepping stones we could skip. But only if infrastructure and battery technology improve, suggests the study.
Our capacity for electricity generation also needs to swell in accordance with projected demand. The already strained battery supply chain needs to be strengthened, too. In short, as it stands, the world isn’t ready for the production, distribution and use of the number of electric cars that need to be sold.
Beyond 2030, larger increases in CO2 will necessitate a move to BEVs, by which time the above issues should (hopefully) have been solved.
Hybrids are a more efficient use of battery supplies
Given supply issues with batteries at the moment, a more effective use of production resources is small-battery hybrid vehicles (mild hybrids), claims Emissions Analytics.
The numbers support that claim. A mild hybrid can save 73 grams per kilometre of CO2 per unit of battery size. That’s carbon per kWh used. Comparatively, a battery-powered vehicle saves 3.5g/km per kWh. Full hybrids save 50.5 grams of CO2 per kilometre, per unit of battery capacity.
Even plug-in hybrids, with three different use cases stated (mostly engine, half-and-half and mostly battery) yielded better per-kWh CO2 savings. Mostly engine got a 5g/km/kWh figure, compared with 50-50 and mostly battery, which managed 12 and 19.9 percent respectively. Still, at worst, 1.5g per kWh of battery unit used is better than a representative BEV.
That’s assuming that CO2 emissions produced during production of the electricity and car battery are equal in total to tailpipe emissions. According to Emissions Analytics, some studies suggest that BEVs are actually less ‘green’ when CO2 is tallied up throughout the life of a car.
Hybrid quantity over electric quality?
The argument is that getting motorists into hybrids en masse now ought to yield better results than getting a minority into EVs.
Take a two samples of 10 cars. The first contains three bang up-to-date mild hybrids, two full hybrids, and five reference cars. The second batch of 10 has one electric car and nine reference cars. Which batch produces more CO2? Moreover, which is easier to achieve on a large scale over the next five years?
On this basis, current UK policy that promotes and incentivises EVs while abandoning hybrids potentially harms the cause. The industry and infrastructure need to walk before they can run, it’s argued.
Is current government subsidy policy the equivalent of plonking a toddler on the start line of a 100-metre sprint?
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is referred to by many as the world’s greatest motor race. Indeed, some car manufacturers take it on independent of any championship, just for the honour of winning. It’s also unique by comparison with, say, the Monaco Grand Prix or Indy 500 for its inextricable link with road cars. For decades, this was the arena where you proved your ability to produce a high-performing and reliable car. As such, many marques have paid tribute to the race, be that in the form of a special edition or an entire car dedicated to it.
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera 59
The latest is perhaps one of the coolest. Special editions such as the DBS 59 are always at risk of being a bit half-hearted, but the devil is in the details. This is a gorgeous tribute to Aston’s 1959 triumph at Le Mans, and its subsequent World Sports Car title.
Aston Martin Vantage V600 Le Mans
The DBS 59 isn’t the first Aston to celebrate the 1959 win, though. The 1999 Vantage V600 Le Mans marked 40 years since the event. With Koni suspension, DBR1-style side vents, Dymag lightweight wheels and a map from the car’s Newport Pagnell birthplace to the Le Mans circuit included, just 40 were made.
McLaren F1 LM
The LM was a final iteration of the incredible McLaren F1. Five were built, to honour the five finishing cars in the 1995 race, which came in first, third, fourth, fifth and 13th. To this day, the F1 is the last road-based car to win outright at Le Mans.
McLaren 650S Le Mans
The McLaren 650S Le Mans was built to celebrate 20 years since McLaren’s shock 1995 win with the F1 GTR. The special 650S wears five-spoke lightweight wheels similar to the GTR, plus an F1-style roof scoop.
Ford Focus RS Le Mans
The Focus RS Le Mans is a curious beast. The warbling five-cylinder hot hatch was decked out in classic racing liveries as a tribute to the marque’s Le Mans heritage in 2010. Inspiration came from the Ford GT40 (obviously) and, of all things, the Capri. The latter won the Touring category at the race in 1972.
Jaguar XJS Le Mans
Jaguar’s 1-2-3 triumph at Le Mans in 1988, as well as its victory in 1990, was commemorated by the marque with a special edition XJS. The XJS Le Mans V12 added special badging, extra leather trim, lattice alloy wheels and a ‘growler’ on the bonnet. Although it feels like a bit of a ‘badge job’, it remains a rare beast. Just 280 were made.
Mazda MX-5 Le Mans 24
The MX-5 Le Mans 24 really wears its pride on its sleeve. After the rotary-powered 787B of Johnny Herbert won the LM24 in 1991, Mazda celebrated with a run of 24 MX-5s in the same Renown livery and with a BBR Turbo kit. Mazda’s victory was made all the more special because it was the first Japanese marque to win Le Mans.
Porsche 924S Le Mans
The 924S Le Mans isn’t a commemorative model, although Porsche had its fair share of victories to celebrate. Instead, it’s a limited-run special with high specification parts. As a result of its rarity and desirable spec, it’s a highly sought-after variant of the 924 today. Just 100 were brought to the UK.
Bentley Le Mans Editions
In 2013, Bentley decided to celebrate its six Le Mans victories with six Le Mans Edition specifications for its range. Back then, this included the Continental GT, Flying Spur and Mulsanne. Tasteful specifications with ‘Le Mans Edition’ badging and embroidery are a nice nod to the marque’s heritage.
Bentley Mulsanne
The car named after a straight, kink and corner complex on the track surely deserves a mention?
Bentley Arnage
As does the car named after a famous corner. Bentley really knows how to mine its Le Mans heritage.
Ford GT Heritage Editions
The Ford GT40 and GT are famously linked to Le Mans. After winning the GTE category at the race in 2016, special liveried versions of the GT road car were introduced, commemorating original winners in original colours. The racers taking to La Sarthe this year will be similarly decked-out.
Audi A6 Le Mans
Clearly, Audi didn’t want to go too overboard with its Le Mans victory celebrations. The Le Mans Edition of 2006 is, at first glance, just another A6. Available in both saloon and Avant (estate) body styles, the 1,000 cars came with different colours, wheels borrowed from the RS4 and a luxury pack.
Audi R8
Audi’s flagship is neither limited, nor named after Le Mans (unlike the concept that previewed it). It was the halo model built to celebrate the marque’s success at La Sarthe, though. It was named after the R8 racer, after all. And now, after has Audi abandoned its top-level LMP racing programme, the R8 is rumoured to be on the way out.
Peugeot 207 Le Mans
The Le Mans Edition Peugeot 207 was announced just as the marque took the top three qualifying spots at the 2008 race. The spec was available across most 207s, including the 175hp variant. Sporty styling in shadow chrome and body colour, plus a racing stripe, mark out each of the 2,000 examples built.
Paul Stephens Le Mans Classic Clubsport
Think ‘Singer scaled down’, as a tribute to the biennial Le Mans Classic event. There will be just 10 examples of this officially licenced special, built by Paul Stephens Autoart. The Le Mans Classic Clubsport offers a blend of classic 911 style with contemporary performance.
Porsche 911 British Legends Edition
This selection of 911 Carrera 4 GTS models celebrated British drivers who took Porsches to Le Mans victory. The Richard Attwood car is resplendent in red-striped Salzburg livery. The Derek Bell 911 wears iconic Rothmans colours. And finally, Nick Tandy’s car is white with black and red highlights.
Chevrolet Corvette C5 24 Hours of Le Mans Commemorative Edition
The Corvette, legend as it has become at Le Mans over the past 20 years, commemorated the famous 24hr race in 2004 during the twilight hours of the C5 generation car. A splash of Le Mans Blue Metallic on the bodywork, plenty of badging and if you were in a Z06, a carbon hood with standard striping, completed the package.
Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR
These last few are fun. Meet the homologation cars, specifically built so that the racers could be allowed to compete. First-up, here’s the Mercedes CLK GTR.
Porsche 911 GT1
The second (although it’s the car that came first), is the Porsche 911 GT1. The road car was named the ‘Strassenversion’. It was partly a reaction to McLaren’s 1995 victory with the F1, which proved there was Le Mans-winning potential in road cars.
Toyota GT One
And finally, the least roadworthy racer of all. There are only two GT Ones, one of which is still owned by Toyota. Technically, they’re road cars, but just look at it. It’s a racer through and through. This, like the CLK and 911, isn’t a celebration or special edition; it’s a car born out of Le Mans racing necessity.
Skoda has teamed up with three Czech universities to develop a car-sharing platform for students who don’t want to commit to car ownership during their studies.
Called Uniqway, the car-sharing service is the first of its kind in Europe and is available to students and faculty members at three university campuses in Prague.
Students can select from a fleet of 15 Skoda Fabias, paying £1.03 per hour plus 17p per kilometre driven. The fee reduces if the car is used for greater distances or day trips.
The length and distance of the rental period is tracked and paid for via an app. Pick up and drop off points are available in assigned areas near university buildings, halls of residence and free parking areas around Prague.
Skoda says the car-sharing platform “could see great demand in the future”, referencing the 2.3 million people enrolled in higher education each year in the UK.
Many UK universities promote car-sharing schemes via their websites, with some schemes operated via the Liftshare network. A commuter could save over £1,000 a year by sharing a car, says Liftshare.
Students can also arrange pay-as-you-drive car hire via the Co-wheels car club. The service is available in 24 university towns and cities, with students paying a lifetime membership fee of £25 and committing to a minimum spend of £5 per month.
If Skoda’s car-sharing trial is successful, it could be rolled out across the rest of Europe.
The poster car for the project is a 911 RSR that’s due to compete at Le Mans this coming weekend (June 15-16). It features a design by pop-art artist Richard Philips that combines three of his most popular works.
