With car thefts rising across the country, a new group has been formed by policing minister Nick Hurd to take action.
The taskforce intends to emulate the recent successes seen in London across the rest of the UK. A similar model in the capital was able to reduced moped-related crime by a third, with the police taking bold tactics to stop criminals.
Plans are in place for the new vehicle theft taskforce to publish a new nationwide action plan, and also ensure best practice is shared between partners.
A shocking increase in car crime has prompted the new taskforce. Across the country, vehicle crime has risen by 7 per cent in the past twelve months alone, ‘leaving no community unaffected’.
Attendees at the first meeting included representatives from the National Police Chiefs’ Council, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Association of British Insurers, and West Midlands Police.
Underground chop shops and relay thefts driving crime
The inclusion of West Midlands Police is significant, as the force area has suffered a staggering 100 per cent increase in vehicle thefts during the past four years.
A network of ‘chop shops’ – illegal garages repairing written-off cars with parts from stolen vehicles – has been blamed by the force for fuelling the increase in thefts. Cars can be specifically stolen to order, with high-end vehicles the most profitable.
Keyless entry ‘relay attacks’ have also been described as an ‘epidemic’ by the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner. These thefts allow criminals to steal cars without using the keys, with equipment available online for relatively low prices.
‘Swift and decisive action’
Whilst chairing the first meeting of the taskforce, Policing Minister Nick Hurd said: “We are determined to take swift and decisive action on emerging crime threats. With rates of vehicle theft increasing, I am keen to ensure everything is being done to prevent these crimes”.
Part of the challenge for the new taskforce will be tackling a problem which has spread across the country. Whilst the surge in moped crime was primarily focused on London, chop shops and relay thefts are an issue facing almost all police forces.
The taskforce aims to improve standards in vehicle security, along with investigating how best to prevent criminals from exploiting the salvage process for written-off cars. It is due to meet again in six months’ time.
Gran Turismo Sport players are set to receive a late Christmas present, with a host of new cars and bonus content.
Rolling out on 17th January 2019, Update 1.32 includes eight cars handpicked by Polyphony Digital, along with the return of an epic circuit to race them on.
There are also the regular additions of new championships and competitions, a new photo location, plus minor tweaks and bug fixes for the PlayStation game.
Curated for the masses
Polyphony has billed the octet of cars as being some of ‘the most popular cars in the world’ according to GT Sport players. It’s a bold claim, but looking at the list it’s hard to see any which would not feature as a top pick.
There is classic American muscle, to high-revving Japanese street racers, and everything in between with this latest update. The full list of cars is:
1953 Aston Martin DB3S
1956 Porsche 356 356 A/1500 GS GT Carrera Speedster
1965 Shelby Mustang GT350
1971 Ferrari Dino 246 GT
1998 Honda Integra Type-R (DC2)
2000 TVR Tuscan Speed Six
2001 BMW Z8
2007 Nissan Fairlady Z Version S
As with every GT Sport update, the cars have been beautifully modelled, featuring exquisitely detailed interiors, and the ability to tune and modify each car as you so desire.
Taking the long way around
The new circuit added in Update 1.32 certainly sees GT Sport gamers getting value for money. At over 30km long, Special Stage Route X will be familiar to anyone who has played previous iterations of the Gran Turismo franchise.
It may only feature two corners, but with the longest straight measuring some 12km this is the track to find out what the ultimate highest speed is for the cars in your virtual garage.
A new GT League ‘Z Heritage’ event sees Nissan’s Z-cars battle it out on track, whilst other existing championships gain new rounds.
Wait, what about those playing Forza Horizon 4 on Xbox One?
Sony PlayStation fans are not the only gamers getting free racing content this month. Microsoft’s Forza Horizon 4 also sees extra features, and seven special Mitsubishi models, added for free.
The Japanese brand had been notably absent from the open-world racing game, causing problems for those who needed a Lancer Evo to race against a Subaru Impreza. Now they have a choice of four Evolution versions, plus other performance Mitsubishi offerings.
New challenges and bonus content also play a part in the latest update.
At the time of writing, the official trailer for The Grand Tour season 3 had been viewed more than two million times on YouTube. Not bad for a two-minute video published at the end of November.
“Oh Jesus, I’m shaking all over,” says Richard Hammond as he crosses a rickety bridge in Colombia, before his Chevy Silverado grinds to a halt when he’s only halfway across.
Cue the laughter from his ever-supportive co-presenters as, with a huge dollop of irony, Joe Cocker’s epic version of With a Little Help from My Friends starts playing in the background to deliver a rousing soundtrack for what may be the final series of The Grand Tour in its present format.
Even as a 1min 49sec trailer, The Grand Tour passes Mark Kermode’s ‘six laughs test’ with flying colours. Or maybe we’ve been overcome with nostalgia having listened to what must be one of the greatest cover versions of all-time. It’s time to dig out The Wonder Years boxset.
The Grand Tour returns 18 January
But back to The Grand Tour, which returns to Amazon Prime on 18 January for a run of 14 shows, culminating in the final episode on the 2 April. Much of the information we have is embargoed, but if you enjoyed the Top Gear specials of old, you’re probably going to love season 3 of The Grand Tour.
There’s more good news if you weren’t a fan of the celebrity segments in series one and two because the guests have been killed off. In an interview with wheels.ca, James May said: “We’ve ditched the guests because they weren’t that popular. And we realised that we could spend more time on the films if we ditched the guests.
“So the guests got the bullet, I’m afraid.”
You have eyes, so you don’t need us to talk you through the trailer, but the sight of Clarkson, Hammond and May driving to Scotland in three Italian classics is certain to raise the spirits. That’s assuming the Alfa Romeo GTV6, Fiat X1/9 and Lancia Gamma Coupe don’t end up at the bottom of a loch or sent flying off the top of a Scottish mountain.
We suspect not, given the fact that the Alfa appears to be a low-mileage example with a very clean MOT history. News of the Lancia is less positive – the MOT expired in September 2018…
In an interview with RTE2fm, Clarkson said that filming for the new series passed without injuries or being chased to the border, having previously said that the specials in Mongolia and Colombia were particularly huge.
You can see snippets from the Colombia special in the trailer, with Clarkson in a Jeep Wrangler, Hammond in a Silverado and May, perhaps predictably, in a Fiat Panda 4×4. “Colombia turned out to be big,” said Clarkson.
What else do we know? Well, the McLaren Senna makes an appearance, while Clarkson goes head-to-head with Abbie Eaton in a battle between the Lamborghini Urus and Porsche 911 Turbo.
Episode one: Motown Funk
In episode one, Clarkson, Hammond and May head to Detroit, where they are ‘horrified to discover that this once-great motor city is a shadow of its former self and devotes more energy to making organic kale than oversized V8s’.
The aim: to re-establish Detroit as a playground for people who’d rather talk about superchargers than spinach.
Enter the Ford Mustang RTR Spec 3, Dodge Challenger SRT Demon and Hennessey Exorcist Camaro. The action plays out on the streets, in an old theatre, at an abandoned car factory and on a local airfield.
Meanwhile, Clarkson drives the 789hp McLaren Senna around Thruxton, because it’s too fast for the Eboladome.
What about season 4?
When season 3 draws to a close in April, the trio will ditch the tent and develop their own shows for Amazon’s Prime Video service. “The Grand Tour is a worldwide hit and fan favourite,” said Jay Marine, vice president of Prime Video.
“We’re proud to say that Prime Video will continue to be the home for Jeremy, Richard and James. They’ve got some ambitious new ideas that Prime members are going to love. We’re excited to be bringing more Clarkson, Hammond and May to Prime Video for years to come.”
Which means more one-off episodes in the style of the old Top Gear specials, plus individual shows created by Clarkson, Hammond and May. No celebrities, no news, no tent – it all sounds rather positive for fans of the show.
The Grand Tour Game
And if that’s not enough, you can play The Grand Tour Game, with new content added weekly during season three of the show.
The game – available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One – puts players behind the wheel of the cars from season three and allows them to race at various locations, including the Eboladrome. “It’s a video game featuring me, the crashy one, and the slow one. That’s all you need to know,” said Clarkson.
“If you’ve always wanted to come on the road with us, this is as close as you’ll ever get. Unless you kidnap James and steal his face.”
The game costs £11.99 and is available – just in time for episode one of series 3.
Alternatively, renew your Amazon Prime membership and prepare for 14 episodes of The Grand Tour. You’ll be in good company. As we conclude this news item, the trailer has clocked up another 5,000 views and counting.
McLaren has announced full details of the new 600LT Spider, following a brief teaser earlier this month.
Becoming the fifth McLaren model to wear the renowned Longtail badge, this new LT joins forebearers like the Le Mans-winning F1 GTR. MR’s very own Tim Pitt pronounced the 600LT Coupe as the best driver’s car of 2018, meaning this Spider version has serious expectations to meet.
The 600LT Spider also marks an important milestone for McLaren, becoming the third car under its £1.2billion ‘Track25’ business plan. Augmented technology and hybrid power are key to Track25, but for now it’s all about the new uncompromising Spider.
No compromises with unlimited headroom
Following the formula established by recent Longtail family members, the 600LT Spider reduces weight and adds power over the 570S Spider on which it is based.
Like the Coupe version, the twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V8 produces 600hp, with an accompanying 457lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch ‘SSG’ transmission channels power to the real wheels, with even faster shifts with ‘Sport’ mode engaged.
Despite an additional 50kg in weight compared to the fixed-roof Coupe version, a total kerb weight of 1,297kg means those going topless will not lose out on performance. A 0-62mph time of 2.9 seconds for the Spider is identical to the Coupe, whilst 0-124mph is just 0.2 seconds slower at 8.4 seconds.
With the retractable roof raised, top speed is a more than sufficient 201mph. Leave the top down and you’ll be pegged to ‘just’ 196mph. Both figures are achingly close to the 204mph terminal velocity of the Coupe.
Top-exit exhausts shoot for the sky
Just like the Coupe model, the 600LT Spider has the same impressive top-exit exhaust system aiming for the heavens. However, McLaren Chief Executive Mike Flewitt is happy to confirm that “they sound and look even better with the roof or rear window of the Spider lowered!”
The roof can be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 25mph, with McLaren stating the solid three-piece construction allows it to be more secure at speed than a fabric alternative. More impressive is that the 600LT Spider requires no additional strengthening compared to the Coupe model.
Going roofless has also meant no compromises when it comes to track-focussed aerodynamics. Carbon fibre bodywork, and an identical fixed rear wing, means the Spider generates the same 100kg of downforce at 155mph as the Coupe.
How extreme do you want to go?
Opting for the Spider does not mean any compromise when it comes to interior options. Customers can choose to remove the sound system and climate control, helping save additional weight.
Buyers can also specify the Super-Lightweight carbon fibre seats as offered in the McLaren Senna. Even leaving the standard seats in place means sitting in ones initially designed for the P1 hypercar – hardly a poor compromise.
As with other McLaren products, the choice to go wild with the options list will also be available. The MSO Clubsport package can be added, bringing in more carbon fibre components.
Act now, supplies are running out!
Demand for previous Longtail McLarens has been unprecedented, with the 675LT Coupe and Spider models selling out within two weeks. Even with a starting price of £201,500, there seems little chance of the 600LT Spider not following the same trend.
Numbers built will be limited, with build slots planned around production of regular Sports and Super Series cars. The time to start hassling your closest McLaren is now if you want a chance of grabbing one.
Whether you are thinking of placing an order, or just dreaming, the online configurator is now live for the 600LT Spider. Be sure to share your own custom creations with us below!
Kia sold its first car in Britain back in 1991. Less than three decades later, it’s celebrating again, with the sale of the 1 millionth car in the UK.
The original UK Kia was the budget Pride, a rebadged version of an elderly Mazda. The landmark 1 millionth sale shows how things have moved on: it was a Sportage GT-Line, Kia’s upmarket SUV that last year entered the UK top 10 best sellers chart.
Kia dealer Flear and Thompson of Dunfermline had the honour of delivering the 1 millionth British Kia, to Dr. Fergus Duncan. Kia UK president and chief executive Paul Philpott called it “a remarkable milestone.
“The Kia brand started in the UK with sensible, budget-focused vehicles but during the last decade in particular our customer-base has grown on the back of outstanding design, unmatchable quality and the reassurance of our industry-leading seven year warranty.
“I don’t know just when we will reach the 2 million mark, but we are all looking forward to the journey.”
Motoring Research is happy to have a guess on Philpott’s behalf, though: last year, it sold 95,764 cars, an all-time record. Its current rate of sales means the 2 million British sales could be reached by 2030, if not sooner.
It’s quite the contrast from Kia’s first year in Britain. 1991 sales totalled 1,786 Prides (pictured above) and it took the firm 10 years to reach 50,000 sales.
Today, it sells that many cars in just six months.
Kia’s mix has changed significantly since its early days. The Pride was a value car whose spiritual successor is the Picanto – but today, that’s only Kia’s second best-selling model overall in the UK, with 191,926 sales.
By far the most popular Kia in Britain is the Sportage, with sales of almost 242,000 since its launch back in 1995. Within weeks, the firm will be celebrating the quarter-millionth Sportage to be sold in the UK.
From budget brand to family favourite in less than 30 years. That’s certainly something for Kia to take pride in.
BMW has revealed the facelifted 2019 7 Series and you’re going to have no trouble picking it out from the outgoing model thanks to its massive new kidney grille.
Continuing the theme of the BMW X7 and new X5, this is a facelift in the most literal sense (the height of the front end is up 50mm to accommodate the grille), although the surgeon carrying out the work appears not to have the subtlest of techniques.
BMW says it gives the new 7 Series a “confident presence” and makes a “clear statement of intent”. Quite; it’s also calculated the kidney grille has a 40 per cent greater surface area, making it a “dominant force” that contrasts with headlights that are actually slimmer. The BMW roundel is bigger too, and the new bonnet has sharper contours.
New bumpers front and rear give a sleeker look, and the rear lamps are 35mm slimmer than the old car. BMW’s particularly proud of the slim light bar that runs beneath the chrome strip on the boot; it’s just 6mm wide.
Inside, it’s become more luxurious and sumptuous. Quilted Nappa leather is now available, and new trim insert strips include American Oak Dark and Poplar Grain Metallic. A new steering wheel has modified, more straightforward multifunction buttons.
The new 7 is quieter as well; the side glass and rear window are thicker, and BMW has revised the rear wheelarches, B-pillars and seatbelt outlet covers to cut noise levels. Perfect for letting those in the rear enjoy the optional new touchscreen HD displays.
Engines are all-new (and all WLTP Euro 6d-TEMP-compliant). The irrelevant range-topper remains the 6.6-litre V12 M760Li xDrive, which offers 585hp to the handful of people who will buy it. BMW has also boosted the 4.4-litre V8 in the 750Li xDrive by a substantial 80hp up to 530hp.
But the best-sellers will have fewer cylinders. Expected to be popular is the revised plug-in hybrid 7 Series, the 745e, 745Le and 745Le xDrive. A six-cylinder engine is now fitted, paired with a more powerful high-voltage battery, giving 394hp and CO2 emissions as low as 49g/km. The realistic all-electric driving range is between 31 and 36 miles, says BMW.
The key car will likely remain the 730d diesel though; it produces 265hp, emits as little as 138g/km and will do up to 53.3mpg.
Other upgrades include the new BMW Operating System 7.0 for onboard infotainment, an upgraded digital instrument cluster and Control Display, and a clever new Reversing Assistant that takes the pain out of parking a car that, in long-wheelbase guise, stretches 5,260mm.
We look forward to finding out more about how BMW has improved a former World Luxury Car of the Year winner, and how much it will charge. For now, though, it’s all eyes on the enlarged grille… let us know what you make of it in the comments below.
The Mini 60 Years Edition is the British brand’s added-value special to mark the sexagenarian small car’s landmark birthday. It follows a line of anniversary specials that begun in 1984 with the Mini 25, and goes on sale in March 2019.
UK buyers are getting a Mini Cooper S 60 Years Edition, offered only as a three-door, with an automatic transmission. It costs £29,990.
In other markets, it is offered as a three-door or five-door hatch, with four different engines, including diesels. ‘Our’ Mini Cooper S 60 Years Edition is finished in British Racing Green IV, but other markets get other colours too: black, grey, silver or blue.
On all versions, the roof is contrasted either with white or black, with matching door mirror caps, and there are bespoke bonnet stripes, with the left one wearing Mini’s 60 Years logo.
This same logo appears on the side scuttles next to the indicator repeaters, and the door sill kick plates. When you unlock the Mini 60 Years Edition, it also shines onto the ground via the LED projection light hidden in the driver’s door mirror.
Inside, more Mini 60 Years logos feature inside, most notably on the seats: they are sports chairs with an exclusive ‘Mini Yours Leather Lounge 60 Years trim’, which come in a similarly-exclusive Dark Cacao colour (with unique green piping). The interior trim on the dash is also bespoke for the Mini 60.
It wouldn’t be a special edition of note if it didn’t also come with extra features, though. Mini has put together an equipment package called 60 Years Chili, which adds LED headlights and fog lamps, white turn indicators, LED rear ‘Union Jack’ lamps and, inside, the dubiously-named ‘Mini Excitement Package’ with ambient lighting.
Climate control, rain-sensing wipers, onboard computer and a storage package are also standard, and the wheels are special 17-inch 60 Years Spoke 2-tone rims.
The UK’s Mini Cooper S 60 Years Edition produces 192hp, which is good for 0-62mph in a pretty impressive 6.7 seconds. You can spot the British special editions, of which only 500 will be built, from their Piano Black exterior trim and unique Mini spot lamps.
Live outside the UK? Choose from two petrols or (whisper it) two diesels. These tally neatly with trim lines, with model-walk clarity aided by Mini’s simplification of its line-up in 2018.
Buyers can thus take it in Mini Cooper or Mini Cooper S turbo petrol guise, alongside Mini Cooper D or Mini Cooper SD diesel form. Again, all engine variants are available with a choice of three or five doors.
Detroit first hosted a motor show in 1907, but for the first 80 years, it was a strictly regional affair. Then, in 1987, international manufacturers were invited to share the floor space with America’s ‘Big Three’, with the likes of Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and Porsche making an appearance.
Today, along with CES in Las Vegas, the North American Auto Show (NAIAS) sets the tone for the automotive year ahead, with more than its fair share of debuts and reveals.
Here are some of the hottest new vehicles on display at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show.
The wait is finally over. The covers have been pulled off the new Toyota GR Supra, bringing to a close what must have been one of the longest teaser campaigns in history. The sister car to the new BMW Z4 uses a front-mounted 3.0-litre straight-six turbocharged engine driving the rear wheels. In this respect, it feels every bit a part of the Supra family tree.
With 335hp on tap, the Gazoo Racing (GR) Supra will hit 62mph in 4.3 seconds before reaching a top speed limited to 155mph. We could tell you about the CO2 emissions and fuel economy, but we suspect you’d much rather know that it will be available in eight different colours and will be priced from £52,695 when the first customers take delivery in the summer. The star of Detroit 2019? We think so.
Ford Shelby GT500
‘The most powerful street-legal Ford ever.’ Great, now that we’ve got your attention, let us tell you a little more about the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500. It’s powered by a 5.2-litre V8 producing more than 700hp, which is enough for it to hit 60mph in around 3.5 seconds and the quarter-mile mark in sub-11 seconds. It has been built with the dragstrip in mind, but the GT500 is 100 percent street-legal.
“With its supercar-level powertrain, the all-new Shelby GT500 takes the sixth-generation Mustang to a performance level once reserved only for exotics,” said Hermann Salenbauch, Ford Performance vehicles programmes global director. The 5.2-litre aluminium supercharged engine is built by hand and mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission capable of shifts in under 100 milliseconds. Other enhancements include track-bred Michelin tyres, Brembo brakes and MagneRide suspension. Well, Ford couldn’t let Toyota grab all of the headlines in its own backyard.
Kia Telluride
In America, big is best, so the Kia Telluride should feel right at home. It’s the largest Kia ever built, with space for eight people and power supplied by a 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine developing 291hp. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is a front-wheel-drive layout, but an on-demand all-wheel-drive system is available as an option.
The Telluride is the first Kia to be designed specifically for the U.S., with the California-based design studio opting for a look that, from some angles, isn’t too dissimilar to the Volvo XC90. As a flagship model, the Telluride is loaded with the latest tech and safety equipment, but buyers can select from a range of enhancements, including double-stitched, quilted and extra-padded Nappa leather, reclining third-row seats, heated and ventilated first- and second-row seats and a cabin pre-conditioner.
Infiniti QX Inspiration
The QX Inspiration concept broke down on its way to the Infiniti stand, which could present us with an opportunity to make a wisecrack about the car’s future. But we won’t do that. Instead, let us tell you that the concept previews a future electric Infiniti, combining an electrified all-wheel-drive powertrain with an SUV body. The company says that all future Infiniti models will look something like this.
It’s a good looking thing, with the ‘suicide’ rear doors opening to reveal a pillarless entry and a serene and calming interior space. The battery pack is mounted beneath the car, with electric motors on each axle, creating a flat floor for the four occupants. Infiniti hasn’t released any specifications, but if it can make its next SUV look half as good as this, we’re in for a treat.
Subaru STI S209
Sorry, Subaru fans, but the STI S209 isn’t coming to the UK. In fact, just 200 are being produced exclusively for the U.S. market, each one powered by 341hp 2.5-litre engine. This is the first time an STI-crafted S-line performance vehicle has been sold in the United States and it follows a number of JDM models stretching back to the S201 of 2000.
The S209 is inspired by the WRX STI Nurburgring Challenge racecar, which won the SP3T class at the 2018 24 Hours of Nurburgring. The body is 1.7 inches wider than the standard WRX STI, the Dunlop tyres were developed exclusively for the S209, the suspension has been beefed up, while the spoilers and carbon-fibre roof panel and rear wing are all inspired by the Nurburgring car. Naturally, there’s a six-speed manual gearbox, along with an obligatory numbered badge on the centre console.
Hyundai Veloster N TCR
The new Hyundai Veloster N TCR was designed in Germany and will compete in the 2019 International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) Michelin Pilot Challenge. It shares around 85 percent of its components with the i30 N TCR, including the 350hp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.
The launch of the Veloster N TCR racecar is good news for American Hyundai dealers, as the ‘race on a Sunday, sell on a Monday’ effect is sure to have an influence on the sales of the regular Veloster N. It can be ordered for upwards of €135,000 (£105,000) plus shipping, with customer deliveries set to begin in March 2019.
GAC Motor Entranze
Another North American motor show, another GAC Motor concept. There are signs that U.S. customers might soon be able to purchase a GAC vehicle, with the news that the company has registered its North American Sales Company near Los Angeles and a new R&D centre has started operating in Detroit. So, maybe it’s time to take the Chinese company’s North American ambitions seriously.
The Entranze concept is a seven-seat SUV with a 3+2+2 seating arrangement and an aircraft-inspired aisle. Not much is known about the concept, but earlier reports suggest that it will feature an electric drivetrain and it could launch in China as early as the summer. “Ultimately, automotive products are a means for people to connect during life’s great journey. The Entranze concept embodies our vision to provide mobility solutions that enrich lives,” said Yu Jun, president of GAC Motor.
Cadillac XT6
Cadillac’s assault on the SUV segment continues to gather pace, with the launch of the XT6. The three-row crossover joins the XT4, XT5 and Escalade in the SUV range, with Cadillac taking a ‘bells and whistles’ approach to the specification. In common with the Kia Telluride, the XT6 looks a little like the Volvo XC90, especially in profile and from the rear three-quarters. Not that this is a bad thing.
Power is sourced from a 310hp 3.6-litre V6 engine mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel-drive available on the Premium Luxury trim and standard on XT6 Sport. “Every seat is the best seat in the house,” said Steve Carlisle, Cadillac president.
Volkswagen Passat
Volkswagen has updated the Passat for the North American market, giving it a fresh new look, standard-fit LED headlights, updated technology and improved driver-assistance features. The interior has also had a makeover and features new air vents, a revised instrument panel and a glass-covered touchscreen.
“Passat is the only midsize sedan to offer German driving dynamics at an affordable price,” said Scott Keogh, Volkswagen’s CEO of the North American region. Four regular trim levels and a launch-only Limited model will be available in the summer – just in time for your U.S. fly-drive vacation.
Ram Heavy Duty
‘The 2019 Ram Heavy Duty is the most powerful, most capable pickup in the segment with a towing capacity of 35,100 lbs. and a payload capacity of 7,680 lbs. Driving it all, a never-before-seen torque rating of 1,000lb-ft from the Cummins I-6 Turbo Diesel engine.’ For the best effect, read this sentence from the Ram press release with a patriotic American voice and a Bruce Springsteen tune in the background.
In fairness to Ram, you have to shout when you launch a vehicle in the same segment as the all-conquering Ford F-Series. At its heart is a 6.7-litre turbodiesel engine, but a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 is also available. “Ram Heavy Duty owners constantly demand the highest levels of capability to tackle the biggest jobs… we now hold the most important tiles within the segment,” said a tubthumping Reid Bigland, head of Ram brand.
Ford Explorer
Faced with new rivals – including the Kia Telluride – Ford is pulling out all the stops to ensure the Explorer stays ahead of the game. Central to this is the launch of two new models: a sporty Explorer ST and a new Explorer Hybrid. They combine to create the broadest-ever line-up of Explorer SUVs.
The Explorer ST is powered by a 3.0-litre EcoBoost engine developing 400hp and 415lb-ft of torque, enough for it to hit a top speed of 143mph. Upgrades include an ST Street Pack and an ST Track Pack, with both models riding on 21-inch rims. Meanwhile, the 3.3-litre hybrid version is expected to deliver up to 500 miles of range per tank. Ford has announced that a new SUV is destined for Europe. The smart money is on this being the Explorer.
Lexus RC F
Lexus has updated the BMW M4-baiting RC F for 2020, with revised styling, a tweaked chassis, a slight increase in power and the fitment of launch control as standard. Meanwhile, the Track Edition features a massive carbon rear wing, heat-treated exhaust tips, a carbon bonnet, black alloys and a satin paint job. Weight is down by between 70kg and 80kg.
Officially, the Lexus LC Convertible is a concept, but there are two reasons why you should take this with a pinch of salt. Firstly, it looks production-ready to us. Secondly, Lexus has confirmed that it will go into production. It’s a glorious thing, looking as alluring as the LS Coupe, only with less roof. Let’s hope the 22-inch wheels make production.
Shell has partnered with famous TV chef Jamie Oliver to help improve the food offering at its petrol stations. How? By introducing the ‘Jamie Oliver Deli by Shell’ range.
The goal is to offer Britain’s motorists a variety of healthier and more enjoyable food choices. It’s a worthy scheme, given petrol station cuisine tends to consist of bars of chocolate, bags of crisps and over-priced sandwiches of questionable nutritional benefit.
From the end of January, over 80 new products from the partnership will be distributed to around 500 of Shell’s petrol stations throughout the country.
The range includes a variety of sandwiches, wraps, salads and kids’ meal boxes. It’s Jamie Oliver, so there’s plenty of fruit, veg and overall healthier versions of what you might otherwise get. That’s not to say it isn’t nice, or that there aren’t more indulgent options in the range. The goal isn’t to rob you of your road trip treats, rather offer more rounded and nutritious meal options for diners on the go.
According to data acquired during an IPSOS Mori survey, over half of UK drivers want healthier options for eating on the go from petrol stations. The new range is said to offer ‘exciting, testy, healthier food to choose from on the road’ – inclusive of 69 percent more fruit and veg just across the sandwich range.
“I’m incredibly excited about this partnership,” said Jamie Oliver.
“Working together we will give millions of Shell customers each week the opportunity to enjoy tastier, healthier and more varied food choices.
“Food on the go is going to become a far bigger, more normal part of everyone’s busy, modern lives – so it’s essential we make it more enjoyable through better-quality ingredients and exciting flavours.”
Volkswagen and Ford have announced a global alliance that will lead to the introduction of a new dual-brand pick-up truck in 2022, quickly followed by a commercial van partnership.
The two automotive giants have also committed to explore potential collaborations on electric cars, along with autonomous vehicles and mobility services. Future vehicle collaborations may thus be announced in the future – potentially in a matter of months.
Both companies stressed it is purely an alliance; there is no cross-ownership between the two firms. Savings from the alliance are expected from 2023.
“Over time, this alliance will help both companies create value and meet the needs of our customers and society,” Ford CEO Jim Hackett said.
“It will not only drive significant efficiencies and help both companies improve their fitness, but also gives us the opportunity to collaborate on shaping the next era of mobility.”
Volkswagen CEO Dr. Herbert Diess said: “Volkswagen and Ford will harness our collective resources, innovation capabilities and complementary market positions to even better serve millions of customers around the world.
“At the same time, the alliance will be a cornerstone for our drive to improve competitiveness.”
British boon?
Both the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok pick-ups will be due for replacement around 2022, which is why the first stage of the alliance is timely.
The next step, to develop replacements for the Ford Transit and Volkswagen Transporter, could be a boon for British automotive. In the announcement, it was confirmed Ford will take the lead to build new large commercial vans for European customers.
Volkswagen, in turn, will develop a city van for the two firms, replacing the current Volkswagen Caddy (above) and Ford Transit Connect.
The alliance will enable the companies to share development costs, leverage their respective manufacturing capacity, boost the capability and competitiveness of their vehicles and deliver cost efficiencies, while maintaining distinct brand characteristics.
The inclusion of West Midlands Police is significant, as the force area has suffered a staggering 100 per cent increase in vehicle thefts during the past four years.
Whilst chairing the first meeting of the taskforce, Policing Minister Nick Hurd said: “We are determined to take swift and decisive action on emerging crime threats. With rates of vehicle theft increasing, I am keen to ensure everything is being done to prevent these crimes”.
Polyphony has billed the octet of cars as being some of ‘the most popular cars in the world’ according to GT Sport players. It’s a bold claim, but looking at the list it’s hard to see any which would not feature as a top pick.
As with every GT Sport update, the cars have been beautifully modelled, featuring exquisitely detailed interiors, and the ability to tune and modify each car as you so desire.
The new circuit added in Update 1.32 certainly sees GT Sport gamers getting value for money. At over 30km long, Special Stage Route X will be familiar to anyone who has played previous iterations of the Gran Turismo franchise.
Sony PlayStation fans are not the only gamers getting free racing content this month. Microsoft’s 
Following the formula established by recent Longtail family members, the 600LT Spider reduces weight and adds power over the 570S Spider on which it is based.
Just like the Coupe model, the 600LT Spider has the same impressive top-exit exhaust system aiming for the heavens. However, McLaren Chief Executive Mike Flewitt is happy to confirm that “they sound and look even better with the roof or rear window of the Spider lowered!”
Opting for the Spider does not mean any compromise when it comes to interior options. Customers can choose to remove the sound system and climate control, helping save additional weight.
Demand for previous Longtail McLarens has been unprecedented, with the 675LT Coupe and Spider models selling out within two weeks. Even with a starting price of £201,500, there seems little chance of the 600LT Spider not following the same trend.
BMW has revealed the facelifted 2019 
The Mini 60 Years Edition is the British brand’s added-value special to mark the 
Detroit first hosted a motor show in 1907, but for the first 80 years, it was a strictly regional affair. Then, in 1987, international manufacturers were invited to share the floor space with America’s ‘Big Three’, with the likes of Volvo, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and Porsche making an appearance.
Volkswagen and Ford have 
