Sayonara, Godzilla: final Nissan GT-R built after 18 years

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September 2, 2025

The final example of the Nissan GT-R has left the production line in Japan, bringing to an end its almost 18-year lifespan.

Workers at the Nissan plant in Tochigi, 60 miles north of Tokyo, gathered to commemorate the last R35-generation model made.

Some 48,000 examples of the GT-R have left Tochigi since 2007. And the all-wheel-drive sports car has evolved dramatically during almost two decades in existence.

The last R35 also brings to close Nissan’s use of the famous GT-R nameplate, which can trace is history back to 1969.

A constant power evolution

Hitting the Japanese market in late 2007, the Nissan GT-R made it to North America during the summer of 2008. This followed a series of concept cars being teased since 2001.

At launch, the GT-R’s 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine served up 480 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.

Combined with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission and Nissan’s famed ATTESA all-wheel-drive system, the GT-R could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds. Top speed was 197 mph.

However, by the end of its production run, the GT-R Nismo had been boosted to deliver a supercar-baiting 600 horsepower, with torque up to 481 lb-ft.

During its long life, the GT-R set new lap records at the Nurburgring, won the Japanese Super GT Championship five times, and even claimed a Guinness World Record for the fastest drift.

Gone, but not forever

Global emissions regulations and safety rules have caused Nissan to call time on the GT-R, with the final vehicle, a Premium edition T-Spec finished in Midnight Purple, destined for a customer in Japan.

Ivan Espinosa, president and CEO of Nissan, said: “After 18 remarkable years, the R35 GT-R has left an enduring mark on automotive history. Its legacy is a testament to the passion of our team and the loyalty of our customers around the globe.

“Thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey. To the many fans of the GT-R worldwide, I want to tell you this isn’t a goodbye to the GT-R forever. It’s our goal for the GT-R nameplate to one day make a return.”

Espinosa added: “We understand the expectations are high. The GT-R badge is not something that can be applied to just any vehicle; it is reserved for something truly special and the R35 set the bar high.

“So, all I can ask is for your patience. While we don’t have a precise plan finalized today, the GT-R will evolve and reemerge in the future.”

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How to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of road rage

By

Motoring Research team

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September 2, 2025

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Road rage is a frightening and all-too-common problem on British roads. Indeed, nearly one in five road users are threatened with physical violence every year.

In a study by CAP HPI, 22 percent of motorists said they had got out of their car to argue with another driver in a road rage incident.

Perceived dangerous overtaking is the main trigger for road rage, prompting 28 percent of drivers to engage in an argument with a fellow motorist.

Tailgating, using a mobile phone at the wheel and breaking the speed limit were the other causes of anger named in the study.

Avoiding road rage

With help from GEM Motoring Assist, we’ve identified a few steps to reduce the risk of becoming the target of somebody else’s aggression.

In no particular order, these are:

Keep calm and show restraint. Every car journey brings the risk of frustration and conflict, so be patient and don’t use your horn unless necessary. ‘Impolite’ hand gestures should certainly be avoided, too
Avoid the desire to ‘get even’. Don’t attempt to rebuke or ‘educate’ a driver who you believe is in the wrong
Don’t push into traffic queues. Wait for a signal from a fellow motorist.
Say thank you and say sorry. If you make a mistake, offer an apology to help defuse any anger.
Move away from trouble. If you feel threatened, lock the doors and drive to the nearest police station. Alternatively, move to a busy area, such as a petrol station. Contact the police and/or press the horn repeatedly to deter a would-be attacker.
Leave plenty of time for your journey. Rushing and stress can lead to risk-taking, increasing the likelihood of road rage.

Not as cool as ICE

Interestingly, the increasing popularity of electric cars has led to a new source of conflict, as drivers queue and jostle for position at EV charging stations.

Many electric car owners are also angered by the sight of petrol or diesel cars – or even plug-in hybrids – parked in dedicated EV bays (a faux pas known as ‘ICEing’).

Above all, remain calm and polite, and try to avoid situations that could cause conflict. These are good rules for life, of course, as well as for life on the road.

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Most Gen Z drivers feel anxious about using petrol stations

By

John Redfern

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September 1, 2025

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The task of heading to a petrol station to refuel causes anxiety for 39 percent of UK car drivers.

Anxiousness about refuelling is even greater among younger drivers, with almost two thirds (62 percent) of Gen Z-ers reporting their worries.

The new survey, commissioned by online car retailer Cazoo, questioned some 2,000 drivers about their feelings towards refuelling and petrol stations.

It uncovered that ‘refuel fear’ was surprisingly widespread. It had even caused some drivers to consider switching to an electric car to avoid dealing with petrol stations.

Gen Z the most worried about refuelling

Female survey respondents were more likely to report anxiety at the thought of refuelling than men. Just under half (46 percent) of women said they had experienced ‘refuel fear’, compared to approximately a third (32 percent) of male drivers.

While Gen Z-ers (those born between 1997 and 2012) reported the highest level of ‘refuel fear’, only 18 percent of Baby Boomers (born from 1946 to 1964) said they had anxiety about petrol stations.

The leading cause of ‘refuel fear’ was the cost of petrol or diesel. This was a factor for almost half (49 percent) of those who said refuelling caused them anxiety.

Ensuring they get their car close enough to a pump was a worry for 40 percent, followed by concerns about queues (31 percent) and confusion about pump types (30 percent).

Electric vehicles could hold the answer

This anxiety has a genuine impact on drivers. Half of those anxious about refuelling admitted they had let their fuel tank run ‘dangerously low’ to avoid visiting a petrol station.

Even more worrying, almost a quarter (24 percent) said they had run out of fuel completely due to their level of anxiety.

A switch to an electric car could be the answer, though, with close to a third (31 percent) saying they would drive an EV to avoid petrol stations.

Cazoo’s Harry Waring commented: “Filling up may seem like a simple everyday task to many, but our research shows it’s a genuine source of anxiety for millions of drivers – particularly those that are younger or less experienced.

“It’s not just about the rising cost of fuel, but also confidence, social pressure and the fear of making a mistake in a public setting.”

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Mercedes-AMG F1 uses EV truck for trip from UK to Dutch GP

By

John Redfern

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September 1, 2025

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The Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team has made use of a battery powered truck to transport its cars to the Dutch Grand Prix.

Following a successful test at this year’s British Grand Prix, the team opted to use the Mercedes-Benz Trucks eActros 600 for the journey to Zandvoort in the Netherlands.

The electric eActros 600 was given the important responsibility of hauling the transporter containing the team’s Mercedes-AMG F1 W16 E Performance cars.

It makes Mercedes the first team on the Formula 1 grid to make use of a battery electric truck to transport its cars for a European race weekend.

Electric for the long haul

Being fitted with three Lithium Ion Phosphate battery packs gives the eActros 600 a combined capacity of 600kWh.

When fully charged, this gives the eActros 600 a minimum range of 311 miles.

However, with the Dutch race track being some 418 miles from the Mercedes team’s base in Brackley, charging was required en route to reach Zandvoort.

Thankfully, the eActros 600 is fitted with rapid-charging technology as standard. This means it can replenish its batteries from 20 to 80 percent in just 25 minutes.

Pushing the boundaries of logistics

Since 2022, the team has made use of HVO100 biofuel to power its truck fleet, as part of a plan to reach Net Zero by 2030.

However, the Dutch Grand Prix test of the eActros 600 helps the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team move closer to its plans for using an electric fleet across all European races.

A battery electric truck is noted at reducing CO2e emissions by 80 percent against a diesel-powered equivalent, when measured across a full vehicle lifecycle.

Ash Armstrong, eConsultancy Manager, Daimler Truck UK said: “We are continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible with battery electric trucks. Our partnership with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team is key in demonstrating that sustainable, long-haul distribution has arrived with our eActros 600.

“We could not be more thrilled that one of our eActros 600 trucks has been used to transport the team’s W16 cars from Brackley to Zandvoort.

“We are extremely proud to showcase the impressive range and capability of this truck. It just goes to show that the era of electrification is upon us and range anxiety is no longer an issue.”

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New IndyCar documentary series to premiere this weekend

By

John Redfern

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August 29, 2025

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A brand-new IndyCar documentary series is set to make its debut on Fox Nation this weekend, coinciding with the final round of the 2025 season.

Road to the IndyCar Championship will cover the inside story on the battle to be the 2025 NTT IndyCar Series champion.

It follows on from the third season of 100 Days to Indy, which placed its focus upon the build-up to the flagship 2025 Indy 500.

The first episode of Road to the IndyCar Championship will be available to stream on Fox Nation from Sunday, August 31 2025, coinciding with the final race of 2025 IndyCar season.

Going behind the scenes at 200mph

A total of three episodes of the new series will be made available, with new episodes airing weekly.

This will cover the IndyCar paddock’s reaction to the Indy 500 results, through to the season-closing Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix in Nashville.

In keeping with the direction taken by 100 Days to Indy, the new documentary series recaps the key talking points from the season, and includes insight from Fox Sports broadcasters such as Will Buxton, James Hinchcliffe, and Kevin Lee.

This is combined with candid interviews with IndyCar drivers, such as the formidable Alex Palou, and a behind-the-scenes look at their lives off the race track.

Increasing the love for IndyCar

Such a documentary format will be familiar to those who have watched Netflix’s successful Drive to Survive series, which covers the Formula 1 World Championship.

IndyCar is looking to emulate the global audience growth seen in Formula 1, with an ambitious plan to increase the reach of the open-wheel format and, in particular, boost engagement with younger fans.

The launch of Road to the IndyCar Championship coincides with the first year of Fox Sports acting as the official broadcaster of the IndyCar series.

In addition, earlier this year, Fox Corporation announced it had purchased a one-third stake in Penske Entertainment, which includes the IndyCar series and Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Delivering greater behind-the-scenes insight with a new documentary is part of the strategy to build engagement, which also includes plans for a new series of IndyCar video games, beginning next year.

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Aston Martin Vantage S is F1’s new official safety car

By

John Redfern

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August 29, 2025

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The Formula 1 grid will be following a new official safety car this weekend, with the debut of the Aston Martin Vantage S.

Taking up the reins at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix, the high-performance Vantage S will be the most powerful Aston Martin safety car to date.

With its upgraded twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 generating 680hp and 590lb ft of torque, the Vantage S accelerates from 0-62mph in 3.4, and on to a top speed of 202mph.

Aston Martin has given the Vantage S bespoke upgrades for its work as the Formula 1 safety car, including the huge downforce-generating rear spoiler.

Ready to lead the field

The FIA-specification light bar is also aerodynamically optimised, with the centrally mounted bonnet blades helping extract hot air from the ‘hot V’ of the twin-turbocharged V8 engine.

Alex Long, Global Marketing Director at Aston Martin, said: “Vantage S represents the peak of performance for the model that is the beating heart of the Aston Martin brand.

“With increased power and even greater dynamic prowess, this car was destined to take on the prestigious role as an F1Safety Car and it will be a source of great pride for our colleagues and our customers to see it leading the pack whenever it is called upon.”

The Vantage S has been finished in Podium Green, the same colour as used on Aston Martin’s Formula 1 racing cars, and the DBX707 medical car.

Responding quickly and safely

Bernd Mayländer, FIA Safety Car Driver, will be the man responsible for keeping the Vantage S ahead of the F1 field.

Following the unveiling of his latest company car, Mayländer said: “The introduction of the Vantage S as the Official FIA Safety Car of Formula 1 represents yet another clear step forward in the Vantage’s performance capability, exhibiting capabilities that further allow me to effectively respond quickly and safely when we receive the call for on-track deployment.

“I’m delighted to be one of the very first to drive the Vantage S and look forward to experiencing the world’s greatest circuits in the most performance focused Vantage to date.”

The Aston Martin Vantage S will get its first outing as the official safety car at the Zandvoort Circuit in the Netherlands this weekend.

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Porsche introduces in-car gaming with AirConsole app

By

John Redfern

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August 29, 2025

0

The Porsche Macan is set to become the German company’s first car to offer AirConsole multi-player gaming.

Coming to the luxury SUV later this year, AirConsole will allow Macan drivers and their passengers to play a range of games from a specially curated library.

The app makes use of the Macan’s central infotainment screen as a display. Passengers then connect their smartphones to use as controllers.

Players will have access to a growing list of more than 40 games, including Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, Overcooked and Uno Card Party.

Gaming on the go

When the Macan is parked, up to five players will be able to use the central touchscreen for multi-player gaming sessions.

Once the car is in motion, gaming can be enjoyed on the front-passenger display for non-driving occupants only.

To ensure the driver remains focused on the road, Porsche’s screen privacy feature prevents them from seeing what is on the passenger display. It means gaming should remain safe and distraction-free for the driver.

Players will need a Porsche Connect account to download the AirConsole app. This is available in almost every region around the world apart from China.

‘The future of mobility’

Porsche has become the latest car manufacturer to gain AirConsole technology, which is already used by BMW, Mini, Audi and Volkswagen.

More details about Porsche’s integration of AirConsole will be revealed at next month’s IAA Motor Show in Munich, Germany.

“Our collaboration with Porsche is a powerful signal of how quickly AirConsole is scaling in the automotive industry,” said Anthony Cliquot, CEO of AirConsole.

“In just two years since launching our in-car platform, we’ve partnered with some of the world’s most respected car brands, now including Porsche. This momentum confirms that gaming has a meaningful place in the future of mobility, and we’re proud to be leading that evolution.”

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The new IndyCar video game: what we know so far

By

John Redfern

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August 28, 2025

0

The IndyCar race series will be represented in an all-new video game, thanks to a partnership with iRacing Studios.

A new IndyCar title will be launched for the PC, Microsoft Xbox and Sony PlayStation in the second half of 2026.

It’s the first time in more than two decades that IndyCar has starred in its own dedicated video game.

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Apart from IndyCar Series 2005, which appeared on the PlayStation 2 and original Xbox, the single-seat formula has only appeared as a part of other games in recent years.

Engaging with a wider audience

The new game announcement comes as IndyCar aims to emulate the global success of Formula One. The sport hopes to engage a younger audience and build immersive experiences.

Earlier this year, Fox Corporation announced it had purchased a one-third stake in Penske Entertainment. This includes both the IndyCar series itself and the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway circuit.

Following the announcement, IndyCar president J. Douglas Boles said: “The most competitive and challenging racing on the planet deserves a dedicated and widely available gaming experience.

“iRacing Studios is the ideal partner for us, trusted and known to our core fans and ready to share our sport with a wider and highly engaged audience.”

‘An exciting time for IndyCar fans’

As part of the forthcoming IndyCar game, players can play through a comprehensive multi-level career mode.

This will include both the full IndyCar roster of drivers, along with the supporting IndyCar NXT development series. There will be multi-player options, too.

Team Penske IndyCar driver and video game enthusiast Scott McLaughlin is looking forward to the new title: “It’s already an exciting time to be an IndyCar fan for so many reasons, and this game will take the fans’ at-home driving experience to the next level”.

The partnership between IndyCar and iRacing Studios spans more than three decades. Papyrus Racing Games, the forerunner to iRacing Studios, produced a series of IndyCar titles between 1989 and 1995.

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Ford Puma Gen-E is first EV to get full £3,750 Electric Car Grant

By

Richard Aucock

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August 28, 2025

0

The Ford Puma Gen-E has become the first EV to qualify for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant (ECG) – meaning the range now opens at just £26,245.

As such, the cheapest electric Puma Gen-E now costs less than the entry-level petrol-powered Ford Puma.

The Ford Puma has been the UK’s best-selling car for several years now – and it remains so in 2025. Scooping the full £3,750 ECG grant could therefore be very significant for thousands of British car buyers each month.

The practical Ford e-Tourneo Courier MPV also qualifies for the full £3,750 government grant. This takes its starting price down to less than £30,000.

The Peugeot e-308, Peugeot e-408, DS3 and DS No4 have been added to the ECG list, too. Each is offered with a £1,500 discount.

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There are now a total of 28 electric cars that qualify for either a £1,500 or £3,750 ECG discount.

The government has pledged £650 million for the Electric Car Grant scheme, which was announced in July.

Ford Puma Gen-E ECG surprise

Many expected the Nissan Leaf to be the first vehicle to qualify for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant. This is due to both the car and its batteries being built in Britain – easily meeting the sustainability criteria of the ECG.

However, the third-generation Nissan Leaf isn’t quite ready to hit showrooms, with its market launch expected in the autumn.

The Ford Puma Gen-E is not built in Britain, but in Romania. its batteries are assembled there too, using chemistry supplied from South Korea.

However, the Ford Puma Gen-E’s electric drive units are made in the UK, at the firm’s Halewood plant in Merseyside.

This combination of high-value UK components and European assembly has earned sufficient government ‘green points’ to clear the hurdle for the full £3,750 ECG.

As the Ford E-Tourneo Courier is also made in Romania, and uses Halewood electric drive units, it too benefits from the full government EV saving.

Driving interest in EVs

Cars that qualify for the Electric Car Grant are enjoying up to an 80 percent increase in interest from potential buyers, claims the Department for Transport.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said the government is “making it easier and cheaper for families to make the switch to electric, by delivering discounts of up to £3,750 on EVs”.

Ford UK chair and MD Lisa Brankin said the brand “welcome the government’s decision to accelerate the transition to electric mobility and are proud that Ford’s commitment to sustainability has been recognised with the full EV grant”.

Autotrader commercial director Ian Plummer noted the ECG has “prompted the highest uptick in consumer demand for EVs in three years on Autotrader, and interest in cars priced below £37,000 almost doubled.

“Half of consumers say price is the biggest barrier to going electric, so it’s fantastic to see the first tranche of models qualify for the full £3,750 grant.”

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Jimmy Carr’s classic Aston Martin DB6 converted to electric power

By

John Redfern

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August 28, 2025

0

British EV conversion specialist Electrogenic has revealed its latest project at the prestigious Salon Privé concours.

The electrified 1967 Aston Martin DB6 is owned by comedian and TV presenter, Jimmy Carr.

Oxford-based Electrogenic has become a global leader in EV restomods. Its previous conversions have included a Porsche 356, DeLorean DMC-12 and Mazda MX-5.

Another recent project was a 1929 Rolls-Royce Phantom II, which was converted to battery power following a commission by Hollywood star Jason Momoa.

Performance is no laughing matter

Electrogenic’s conversions are designed to be entirely reversible, with no drilling, cutting or welding of the car’s body or chassis.

For Jimmy Carr’s DB6, the 4.0-litre straight-six engine has been replaced with lithium-ion batteries. More batteries are situated where the fuel tank previously lived.

With 60kWh of energy storage, the electric Aston Martin can cover a little more than 150 miles between charges.

A 200hp electric motor drives the rear axle, with 229lb ft of torque available almost instantly. This allows the DB6 to accelerate from 0-60mph in a brisk 6.5 seconds. Top speed is in excess of 90mph.

Electrogenic can also offer a DB6 conversion with 280hp and 332lb ft of torque. This cuts the 0-60mph time to just 4.5 seconds.

‘Ample power and celebrated design’

The 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown star will have a choice of driving modes, with ‘Eco’ to save battery charge and ‘Sport’ to deliver full power when needed.

Compatibility with 100kW CCS rapid charging allows the battery pack to be quickly replenished when touring. The DB6 can also be charged from a home wallbox.

Steve Drummond, CEO of Electrogenic, said: “We were delighted to be asked to convert Jimmy Carr’s cherished Aston Martin DB6 from petrol to state-of-the-art electric power. Electrogenic’s conversion gives it effortless and reliable performance to match its stunning looks, and we’re extremely proud of the results.

“As with all our work with classic vehicles, the conversion is in keeping with the original character of the car, delivering a familiar but now hassle-free driving experience. The Electrogenic Aston Martin DB6 has ample reserves of power to match its celebrated design – all with the convenience of total reliability and zero tailpipe emissions. It’s a delight to drive and a real head-turner.”

Jimmy Carr’s DB6 will be on show at Salon Privé. The show is taking place at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, until Sunday 31 August 2025.

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