CES is where future trends are first revealed, so the technology you see in Las Vegas will probably hit car showrooms in the near future. It might not be a pure motor show, but it sets the tone for the year ahead and gives manufacturers and tech suppliers a chance to showcase their next big things. Here, we reveal some of the coolest tech on show at CES 2019.

Hyundai Cradle

‘The four-legged Hyundai Elevate will redefine our perception of vehicle mobility,’ claims Hyundai. It combines the power of robotics and electric vehicle technology to take people where no vehicle has been before and could transform the way we deal with natural disasters. Imagine deploying this when faced with the aftermath of an earthquake, forest fire or hurricane. It’ll reach the parts where even the most intrepid 4×4 would not dare tread.

“When a tsunami or earthquake hits, current rescue vehicles can only deliver first responders to the edge of the debris field. They have to go the rest of the way by foot. Elevate can drive to the scene and climb right over flood debris or crumbled concrete,” said John Suh, Hyundai vice president and head of Hyundai Cradle. It could also enhance the lives of people living with disabilities, as highlighted by this illustration. Cool thing.

BMW Vision iNEXT

Visitors can have a play with BMW’s ‘mixed-reality installation’, giving them a chance to experience what it would be like to drive autonomously, emission-free and fully connected. The Intelligent Personal Assistant will suggest an agenda for the day and plans the activities for the trip. It’s a brave new world…

According to BMW, the ‘drive’ will begin as normal, but the vehicle soon takes over, with the ‘driver’ interacting with the car via virtual reality goggles and voice control. ‘What will cars look like when they no longer have to be driven by a person, but still can be?’ asks BMW. CES 2019 might have the answer. Meanwhile, the new X5 is on display to showcase a range of functions that will be available for new models from March 2019.

Kia ‘Space of Emotive Driving’

Kia is giving visitors the chance to experience vehicle technology that recognises their physiological emotions based on facial expressions, electrodermal activity and heart rate. It’s all thanks to a Real-time Emotional Adaptive Driving (R.E.A.D.) system, an AI-based interactive in-cabin space demonstrated via experiential modules. There’s a ‘R.E.A.D. Me’ for one person, a ‘R.E.A.D. Now’ for two people and a ‘R.E.A.D. Motion’ for four people, with the latter simulating a mobile workspace.

Which all sounds very impressive, but what does it mean in reality? Well, the technology establishes a baseline in user behaviour, then identifies patterns and trends to customise the cabin accordingly. In other words, it uses the five senses to create an optimal space, whether it’s the ambient temperature, the type of music or the colour of the mood lighting.

Toyota Guardian

‘Toyota Guardian is being developed to amplify human control of the vehicle, not replace it.’ This sentence from Toyota’s press release will go down well with motorists who believe a fully autonomous future is far from ideal. Indeed, the more we read about the development of Toyota Guardian, the more we begin to realise that tech that can operate with a human driver and/or an autonomous driving system is the way forward.

Toyota likens the system to the way that modern jet fighters are flown: the pilot uses the control stick but they are not flying the plane directly. Instead, their intentions are translated by the control system to keep the aircraft stable. Shifting from air to land isn’t a smooth interpretation – there are more things for a car to look out for – but the principle remains.

To demonstrate the system, Toyota showed a three-car collision on a California highway, played out in front of its research cameras and sensors. The Guardian used the experience as a learning tool, with the scenario re-created on a test track using real vehicles and a soft-target dummy car. The response: the Guardian chose to accelerate away from the encroaching vehicles.

Phoenix AI Ultralight Wheelchair

This is the UK-designed Phoenix AI Ultralight Wheelchair, a lightweight and self-balancing wheelchair that eliminates painful vibrations by using smart sensors to remain in sync with how the user moves. It’s one of five finalists in the three-year Mobility Unlimited Challenge, launched by Toyota in partnership with Nesta’s Challenge Prize Centre. Each of the five finalists will receive $500,000 to develop their concept further.

Audi virtual reality experience

Forget autonomous driving systems, because Audi is focusing on back seat drivers with its virtual reality glasses. It promises to redefine in-car entertainment with technology that adapts virtual content to the movements of a vehicle in real time. So, if a car turns right, the spaceship in the virtual reality experience will do the same. We’re not sure what this will do for car sickness.

The VR experience is brought to life courtesy of Marvel’s Avengers: Rocket Rescue Run, with passengers wearing VR glasses in an Audi E-tron transported into outer space. Visitors can take control of a ship as it makes its way through space, with every movement of the car reflected in the experience in real time. Cries of ‘Are we nearly there yet?’ could be consigned to the history books.

Harman clear conversations

Staying in the back seat for a moment, Harman is showcasing an In-Car Communication (ICC) system, combining microphones, voice processing and in-vehicle audio signal processing to create the ideal environment for conversation within the cabin. It allows the driver to communicate with back-seat passengers without needing to turn around or take their eyes off the road. It’s also designed for three-row MPVs and SUVs, making it easier for passengers in the first row to communicate with those in the third.

Nissan ‘Invisible to Visible’

Nissan’s ‘Invisible to Visible’ technology merges data from sensors on the inside and outside of the vehicle with online data to help drivers ‘see the invisible’. This should provide motorists with a better view of the road, maybe even allowing them to see what’s coming from the other side of a building or over the brow of a hill.

While the safety features are obvious, it could also project scenes of a sunny day to help lift the gloom of a rainy afternoon. Tired of looking at the rear-end of a Ford Focus on the M25? Perhaps Nissan’s tech could change it into a Ford GT or a priceless work of art. CES visitors can experience the system using augmented-reality goggles and a demonstration cockpit.

Daimler Trucks Level 2 Automated Truck

In 2015, the Freightliner Inspiration Truck was the first automated lorry licensed to operate on US public roads. At CES 2019, Daimler has introduced the new Cascadia, complete with SAE Level 2 driving capabilities, enabling it to accelerate, decelerate, and steer independently. The truck also features active brake assist and side guard assist.

But Daimler isn’t stopping there. It has chosen CES to announce a €500 million investment in a global push to bring highly automated trucks (SAE Level 4) to the road within a decade. It is skipping Level 3, claiming it ‘does not offer truck customers a substantial advantage compared to the current situation’. Global road freight is expected to more than double between 2015 and 2050.

BMW lightweight camper concept

BMW subsidiary Designworks has teamed up with The North Face to build a lightweight camper concept. Called ‘Futurelight’, the camper uses Nanospinning technology to create the world’s most advanced, breathable, waterproof material. In simple terms, the process creates tiny holes, allowing for ‘incredible porosity’, while maintaining total waterproofness.

“We combined both physical and digital worlds to showcase this material, ensuring the holistic vision of the brand was clearly communicated, while giving people a real ‘hands-on’ experience,” said Laura Robin, Designworks LA studio director. “Thinking about extreme performance in new and unexpected ways from our experience of working across multiple industries, helped us to provide consumers with a unique and never before seen insight into the very heart of the material and its key attributes.”

Rinspeed plays Snap

You can always rely on Rinspeed to unveil something pretty wild at a motor show. At last year’s CES, the Swiss company presented a vehicle where the chassis (Skateboards) and bodies (Pods) can be swapped at any time. A year later, the Snap concept has been refined into the MicroSnap, with the dimensions of a Renault Twizy.

It’s all rather clever. Designed for today’s world of online business, where even fast food is ordered via the internet, the MicroSnap makes it easy for firms to switch bodies. One minute the vehicle could be delivering refrigerated food, the next it could be delivering a hot pizza. Then, it could be transporting people to the theatre. The bodies are designed to last as long as a car, while the ‘Skateboards’ are recycled after a few years.

Lexus TRI-P4

This Lexus LS is playing a key part in the Toyota Guardian development and benefits from new chassis and steering control technology. Known as the TRI-P4, the latest LS is smarter than its predecessor, processing inputs faster and reacting more quickly to its environment.

The Lexus TRI-P4 makes use of two additional cameras to improve situational awareness to either side. There are also two new imaging sensors: one facing forward and one pointed to the rear. Toyota is working on two avenues of autonomy: Chauffeur, in which the human is removed from the driving equation, and Guardian, in which the tech is there to support the driver.

Mercedes-Benz CLA

The new Mercedes-Benz CLA compact coupe has been unveiled at CES, with the German company keen to promote its onboard gadgetry. Of interest to CES visitors will be the dual screens and next-generation MBUX Interior Assist. This includes gesture control, which works in sunlight and darkness. “We are now igniting the next level with an intelligent interior assistance system for the compact class,” said research and development chief Ola Kallenius.

Voice control has been enhanced, with the ‘Hey Mercedes’ functionality taken to the next level. It’s a little like having your own personal assistant in the car. “Which child-friendly Asian restaurants are nearby that are neither Chinese nor Japanese?” you might ask. It will help. “How has the Apple share price performed compared to Microsoft?” – it will tell you. We wonder how it would respond if you asked for details of the nearest BMW dealer…

BMW self-riding motorcycle

The BMW R 1200 GS is able to start, accelerate, corner, slow down, and come to a stop, without a rider. According to BMW, this isn’t a step towards replacing the motorcyclist, rather an opportunity to gather valuable insights into riding dynamics, which can be used to help the rider recognise dangerous situations and master difficult manoeuvres.

So, it’s an education device. BMW claims that the self-riding motorcycle will give riders a ‘comprehensive understanding’ of ideal lines and perfect cornering, correct braking points, and traction-optimised acceleration. That’s as may be, but you wouldn’t bet against self-riding motorcycles appearing in our city centres, delivering everything from takeaways to blood.

Byton M-Byte

If everything goes according to plan, the Byton M-Byte electric SUV will go on sale in China at the end of the year, with European and American sales following in 2020. The Chinese-built EV will deliver up to 325 miles of range, depending on the model, with an 80 percent recharge possible in just half an hour. Much of this is old news. But something else is grabbing the headlines at CES 2019…

It’s the M-Byte’s 48-inch – yes, 48 inches – ‘Shared Experience Display’, which is essentially a fancy name for a digital instrument display. It extends across almost the entire width of the car, delivering all of the information, all of the time. The screen is controlled either via seven-inch touchscreen in the centre of the steering wheel or an eight-inch touchpad in the centre console.

Honda autonomous ATV

Anything Hyundai can do, Honda can do slightly differently. This is the Honda Autonomous Work Vehicle, a self-driving ATV designed for all manner of scenarios. There are three modes – ‘A to B’, ‘Follow Me’ and ‘Pattern’ – with each one serving a different purpose. For example, ‘A to B’ was used at an agricultural college in California, where it transported crops from field to packaging. ‘Follow Me’ has been used to direct firefighters across tricky terrain, while ‘Pattern’ saw it used to pull a lawnmower.

Nissan Leaf 3.Zero e+

Faced with an ever-increasing number of EV rivals, Nissan has given the Leaf the battery it deserves. The Leaf 3.Zero e+ has a 62kWh battery, more than 50 percent larger than the standard car’s 40kWh battery. This delivers a 40 percent increase in range, enabling the Leaf to hit 239 miles from a single charge. Deliveries will start in the summer.

Read more:

• Futuristic Nissan tech lets you ‘see the invisible’
• 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLA revealed at Las Vegas tech show
• Longer-range Nissan Leaf with 62kWh battery confirmed

Harley-Davidson is embracing the electrification future, with a new motorbike that seems certain to upset brand purists.

Launched at the Consumer Electronics Show alongside a slew of concepts, the LiveWire is the first foray by the brand into battery power. The Milwaukee company has plans to announce more electric models in future, with a major commitment to attracting a new type of Harley owner.

Whilst Harley promises impressive performance from the electric powertrain, the biggest impact will be the loss of the iconic V-twin engine noise.

Future sounds of Milwaukee

Harley-Davidson is clearly well aware of the importance of its aural significance to riders. The LiveWire is said to produce a new signature sound, demonstrating the smooth electric performance of the new bike.

The company also claims that the lack of heat and vibration from the electric motor only serve to enhance rider comfort. We imagine some diehard Hog fans may need convincing of the benefits.

However, there are unlikely to be many complaints on straight line performance. The instant torque from the electric motor, combined with no gears, means acceleration is, well… electric. Although optimised for urban use, Harley claims the LiveWire will accelerate from 0-60mph in under 3.5 seconds.

Rider aids and advanced telematics

Not satisfied with just adding electric power, the LiveWire also incorporates a range of services with the H-D Connect services. Through a smartphone app, user can check the battery charge remotely, get servicing notifications, or either be told if the bike is being tampered with.

A full charge of the battery pack can be made overnight whilst connected to a domestic plug outlet. The LiveWire is also able to use rapid charging where available. Total range when fully charged is claimed as 110 miles, making the LiveWire more than suited to average daily commutes.

Customers in the United States can place an order for the LiveWire now, with prices beginning at $29,799 (£23,440). UK riders will be able to place orders from next month, with more details to follow on pricing.

Nissan will finally roll out a Leaf electric car with a battery big enough to take on a growing number of long-range rivals. The Leaf 3.Zero e+ has a 62kWh battery, more than 50 percent larger than the standard car’s 40kWh pack.

This gives it a range of 239 miles on a single charge, compared to the standard car’s rather paltry 168 miles (that’s a 40 percent increase). Both figures are judged according to the strict new WLTP test cycle.

But despite a more competitive battery, the new Leaf’s range is still behind that of new rivals such as the 64kWh Hyundai Kona Electric (292 miles) and Kia e-Niro (282 miles)…

The Leaf 3.Zero e+ does boast more performance though, thanks to a boost in power to 217hp. The top speed is raised 10 percent to 97mph and Nissan says it’s 13 percent faster accelerating from 50mph to 75mph.

Just to confuse things, Nissan is also launching a range-topping Leaf 3.Zero limited edition, with new body colours and two-tone combinations. This costs £31,095, including the government Plug-in Car Grant – but does NOT get the larger capacity battery.

Only the Leaf 3.Zero e+, which is priced from £36,795 including grant, gets the battery boost. Look for the ‘e+’ symbol to spot the longer-range Nissan Leaf. Ordering for both models is open now; deliveries of the 62kWh car start in the summer.

Nissan adds both cars get an improved, larger 8.0-inch infotainment screen, an improved NissanConnect EV app and standard ProPilot ‘hands-on, eyes-on’ driver assist.

Europe’s favourite EV

The launch of the longer-range Leaf comes after a successful 2018, says Nissan. It sold more than 39,000 cars in Europe last year, making it the region’s favourite electric car.

It’s also the world’s best-selling EV, with sales of over 380,000 since 2010.

Gareth Dunsmore, director of electric vehicles and connected services at Nissan Europe, said: “The Nissan Leaf 3.Zero e+ Limited Edition broadens the appeal of the Leaf family even further, adding more range to an award-winning package that remains great to drive and live with.

“Since we launched the new Nissan Leaf last year, the customer response has been outstanding. In an EV market that is constantly growing, sustaining the Leaf’s status as the most popular EV in Europe in 2018 is a testament to the strength of the product.

“We hope the Leaf 3.Zero models will help continuing this extraordinary growth in 2019.”

Fully Charged, Robert Llewellyn’s electric car YouTube channel, has undertaken a comprehensive survey of its audience. It showed that just one in 10 EV owners would ever switch back to internal combustion.

This, among an array of fascinating tidbits on people’s electric car sentiments, was gleaned from more than 7,700 respondents.

“Having experienced how impressive electric cars are, we were not surprised to see so many other drivers saying that they won’t go back to the combustion engine,” said Robert Llewellyn.

“It might shock those that have yet to switch.”

• Volkswagen is going to deploy mobile electric car charging stations

The study, answered by 7,723 of the channel’s audience, was comprised of 50 questions designed to investigate public attitudes to ‘the array of technologies that are set to dominate the next decade’.

On top of establishing that 90 percent of EV drivers would never go back, it was found that 56 percent of the Fully Charged audience who aren’t yet behind the wheel of an EV intend to buy one within the next two years. Perhaps that’s to be expected for viewers for an electric car and clean motoring outlet. Moreover, three quarters plan on cutting out the middleman by going fully electric, rather than buy a plug-in hybrid.

Also interesting were the audience’s main turn-offs for EVs in the past and now. Contrary to popular wisdom that infrastructure was chief among consumers’ worries, it’s the perceived cost of electric cars that stalls people the most – 33 percent said the cost of brand new EVs was a bridge too far.

Not surprising is that the Fully Charged audience is interested in clean energy and new technology as a whole – on a similar level to EVs, at 88.6 percent. Curiously, the technology itself is of greater interest than the good it serves. Air pollution and climate change were mentioned by a respective 39 and 44 percent of respondents.

Read more:

• Resale values for new Suzuki Jimny ‘in the supercar league’
• This amazing advert is packed with famous cars from Hollywood history
• In pictures: 60 years of the Mini

The UK’s pothole plight is by no means breaking news. Every other week, it seems we’re lamenting the state of our roads. Official local authority figures have circled the one million mark per year for the past three years, with a peak of 1,088,965 potholes recorded in 2016.

The 2019 budget (announced in October 2018) saw a £420 million pledge to local authorities to patch up our shattered roads. But what exactly are they up against?

• Severe weather to blame for rise in pothole compensation

The headline by-year figures above were obtained via a Freedom of Information (FOI) request from Yorkshire-based insurance provider The Insurance Emporium. It approached 205 local authorities, of which 175 responded.

Here’s a breakdown of the UK’s pothole epidemic from 2015-2018.

Potholes per kilometre

Scotland seems to suffer worst from potholes, with the top two per-kilometre locales being north of the border. The City of Edinburgh has struggled with 73 potholes per kilometre on average from January 2015 to April 2018, while Dundee is just behind at 69.

Moving down to Kirklees in Yorkshire, there’s a massive drop to 43 per kilometre on average. Sheffield is next with 39 per kilometre.

Only the next seven locales suffer with a per-kilometre pothole number that’s into double figures.

Numbers of potholes

The raw numbers of potholes are telling, also. Devon is way out in front, with 150,395 potholes covering 13,027 miles of road. That said, poor old Edinburgh comes second with 112,619 potholes covering just under an eighth of that mileage – 1,536 miles of road.

Northamptonshire and East Riding in Yorkshire are the only other two that are into six figures, with a respective 108,816 potholes over 4,635 miles of road, and 104,001 over 3,477 miles of road.

• ‘Shocking’ rise in pothole reports revealed

Professor Nicholas Thom, UK pothole expert, chalks the numbers up to various issues with how the roads are maintained.

“The number of potholes per kilometre on a given authority’s roads depends not only on the repair budget, repair strategy and the climate – frosts are bad news – but also on a historical policy choice, namely what surfacing materials to use. It is a choice that badly needs to be reviewed.”

What’s worse is that successfully claiming damage or injury as a result of damaged roads is seemingly quite difficult. Figures pertaining to cyclists’ claims show that just nine percent prevailed, among which personal and dental injuries comprised 16 percent and damage to the bike was 26 percent.

Read more:

• ‘Shocking’ rise in pothole reports revealed
• This amazing advert is packed with famous cars from Hollywood history
• Bid to win the FIRST new A90 Toyota Supra off the line

Overall new car registrations were down almost 7 percent in 2018, making it a bad year for the UK car industry. The working title for this particular article was ‘The winners and losers of 2018’, but this was changed when we realised that there are far more losers than winners.

Instead, check out Britain’s most and least popular car brands of the year, kicking off with the top 10 in terms of overall registrations.

ALSO SEE: 2018’s most popular used cars

2018’s top 10 new car brands in Britain

10. Hyundai – 89,925 registrations

All but one of the brands in the top 10 saw a fall in the number of registrations in 2018, with Hyundai down 3.7 percent. Not that the South Korean firm will be too disappointed with a top 10 finish, with the Tucson also finishing 18th on the list of the best-selling cars in 2018.

9. Kia – 95,764 registrations

Kia registrations were up 2.7 percent in 2018, making it one of only a few companies to record an increase. Brands absent from the top 10 include Peugeot (11th), Land Rover (12th), Skoda (13th), Renault (16th), Honda (17th) and Citroen (19th).

8. Toyota – 101,922 registrations

After 101,985 registrations in 2017, Toyota’s figure is down just 63 units. Another absentee is Volvo. The Swedish brand finished 18th, but registrations were up 9.1 percent. Similarly, SEAT finished 15th, but the number of registrations rose by 12 percent. That’s what a couple of good SUVs can do for a company’s fortunes.

7. Nissan – 102,637 registrations

It was a mixed year for Nissan. The ever-popular Qashqai secured a top-four spot on the list of best-sellers, but the Juke was conspicuous by its absence. Meanwhile, overall registrations were down a massive 32.1 percent. Ouch.

6. Audi – 143,739 registrations

It’s not good news for Audi, with registrations down 17.9 percent to 143,739. This year, the company will launch its first all-electric car, with the e-tron SUV offered in three versions. Prices start from £71,490.

5. BMW – 172,048 registrations

BMW registrations might be down 1.7 percent, but this isn’t a terrible result for the German company. A new 3 Series is about to hit the streets and a new 1 Series will follow soon after. These cars will almost certainly deliver a sale upturn in 2019.

4. Mercedes-Benz – 172,238 registrations

Mercedes-Benz emerges victorious in the battle of the big three premium German brands, although registrations are down 8.3 percent. Mercedes will be hard to beat in 2019, with a new CLA, GLA, GLB, GLE, AMG A45, B-Class and EQC SUV primed for launch.

3. Vauxhall – 177,298 registrations

In 2017, Vauxhall shifted just over 195,000 cars. That number dropped to 177,298 in 2018 – a fall of 9.1 percent. The way things are going, a top-five spot in 2019 is far from guaranteed.

2. Volkswagen – 203,133 registrations

Registrations might be down 2.6 percent, but just look at the total – that’s an incredible result for a company said to be recovering from dieselgate. The evergreen Golf accounted for just shy of 65,000 of those registrations, with the Polo chipping in with 45,149.

1. Ford – 254,082 registrations

It comes as no surprise to find Ford sitting at the top of the tree, although an 11.6 percent slump is far from ideal. Predictably, the Fiesta was the star pupil, amassing 96,000 sales on its way to becoming Britain’s favourite car of 2018.

Bottom 10: overall 2018 registrations

10. Alfa Romeo – 4,161 registrations

A change of direction here, as we look at the bottom 10 in terms of overall registrations. Alfa Romeo sales are down 17.3 percent, which follows a positive performance in 2017 when just shy of 5,000 cars left the showrooms.

9. Subaru – 3,141 registrations

This might be a relatively small number, but it represents a good result for Subaru, with registrations up 17.3 percent. Other brands worthy of a mention, but not included in this gallery, include MG (registrations up 103.8 percent), Mitsubishi (up 31.5 percent) and Abarth (up 26.8 percent).

8. SsangYong – 2,754 registrations

This won’t go down well at SsangYong, with registrations down 23.3 percent. SsangYong prices start from £14,495 for the Tivoli compact SUV, with the flagship Rexton available from £28,995.

7. Bentley – 1,542 registrations

Bentley registrations are down 12 percent, which suggests that the Premier League players have found something else to spend their goal bonus cash on.

6. Aston Martin – 1,455 registrations

Aston Martin shifted 16 fewer cars in 2018. Time to engage some new influencers for some hashtag love?

5. Maserati – 1,297 registrations

Maserati registrations were down 23.8 percent in 2018, which suggests that not enough people are buying the Levante SUV.

4. Infiniti – 750 registrations

If you’re looking for the biggest slump of 2018, look no further than Infiniti. Nissan’s posh brand saw a 78.7 percent fall in registrations, down from a relatively healthy 3,515 in 2018. Ouch.

3. McLaren – 626 registrations

Meanwhile, McLaren registrations were up 10.4 percent. Great news for Woking.

2. Lotus – 247 registrations

From Woking, we head to Hethel, where registrations were down 11.5 percent. That Christmas tree on an Evora video might have come a little too late for Lotus.

1. Alpine – 142 registrations

This bodes well for the future, with 142 Alpine A110s registered in 2018. Please order more A110s, because we want a healthy supply of used examples to choose from when we’ve saved our pennies for this little gem.

If recently leaked images of the new Toyota Supra have piqued your interest, get ready for the opportunity to own the first car off the production line.

This month will, finally, see the big reveal of the finished production Supra. Years of teasing, with disguised concepts and special racers will finally be over.

The Detroit Auto Show 2019 will see the official debut of the new Supra on the 14th January. Five days later, the first production Supra will head under the hammer in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Supra-rare model

Taking home the first Supra also means a unique design combination. Externally, the first Supra will be finished in matte grey paint, complemented by red mirror caps and black alloy wheels. The interior is finished in a combination of red and black.

More important to the winning bidder will be the engine cover, hand-signed by Toyota CEO Akio Toyoda. A number of other features will also be announced just before the auction, but the biggest prize will be the chassis stamped with VIN number 20201.

Although the official specification for the Supra is yet to be announced, the listing on the Barrett-Jackson website does confirm much of what we already know. With engine details listed as 3.0-litres and six cylinders, this is the BMW-sourced unit which powers the latest BMW Z4.  

Loads more under the hammer

All proceeds from the sale of the first Supra will be given to charity. The American Heart Association, along with the Bob Woodruff Foundation, will be the two beneficiaries of this important auction sale.

The epic Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction will see hundreds of cars head across the block, in a sale lasting eight days. Amongst the diverse lots are a 1981 Jeep owned by actor Gary Sinise, along with a set of four Chevrolet Camaros from the Transformers movie franchise.

Lamborghini has unveiled an updated variant of its Huracan supercar, dubbed the Evo. The headlines? Updated aerodynamics, Performante power, rear-wheel steering and more sophisticated dynamic control systems. The end result? A “sensory and agile driving experience,” reckons Lambo…

Visually there’s certainly an air of the track-focused Aventador SVJ about its updated snout. Out back, that high-up twin-pipe exhaust remains from the Performante, giving it the look of the Blancpain racer. A boot lip takes the place of the ALA wing found on the Performante.

Re-shaped intakes and Aesir design 20-inch alls wheels complete the overhaul of the ‘baby’ bull’s look.

Overall the design, both inside and out, is intended to maximise the scope for customisability. Specification programs like Lamborghini’s Ad Personam, Aston Martin’s Q and McLaren’s MSO are becoming increasingly popular, creating more and more opportunities for individualisation for buyers.

Also see: 30 of the most extreme Lamborghinis ever made

Sat amidships is the 640hp 5.2-litre V10 previously found in the Performante track-focused model, complete with titanium intake valves and a lightweight exhaust.

New to the Evo over the Performante is a rear-wheel steering system. This works in combination with advanced torque-vectoring and a battery of accelerators and gyroscopic sensors. Together they are unified by Lamborghini Dynamic Veicolo Integrata –  Lamborghini’s new central processing unit.

All in, it could make for a driving experience that’s sharper still than that of the stupendous Performante track-oriented model.

Inside the Evo brings the Huracan well up to date, with a new vertical tablet-like 8.4” HMI capacitive touch screen. It’s Apple CarPlay compatible and envelopes much more of the car’s interior controls, including the seats and climate control. It can also display imagery from the optional dual-camera telemetry system.

All we need to know now is how much it costs. Happily, unlike for many supercar reveals, Lamborghini has come out with near-on global pricing for the Huracan Evo.

Excluding taxes, it’ll set you back £165,256 in the UK, $261,274 in the USA or Y29,843,274 if you’re in Japan. In China, taxes included, it’ll be RMB 3,298,100. Cars should be arriving with customers in time for summer 2019.

Start-up supercar manufacturer Brabham Automotive is answering the dreams of lucky customers by launching a conversion pack that makes its BT62 track car road-legal.

Called the Road Compliance Conversion, it is not cheap – £150,000 on top of the £1 million price of the car – but will allow customers to occasionally use it on the road.

Apparently, some of them have requested the kit so they can drive the BT62 to and from a circuit.

All conversions for Europe will be carried out in the UK, and Brabham Automotive will handle the process for customers ahead of registration. A similar scheme is already underway in Australia.

However, customers don’t have to carry it out before delivery – they can, for example, complete the Brabham Driver Development Programme before converting their car.

The conversion process involves readying the Brabham BT62 for the Driver and Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA) Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test. This makes sure the car passes all regulatory standards required for road use.

Changes include a front and rear axle lift kit to raise the ride height, a greater degree of steering lock range, plus fitting door locks and immobilisers (track cars, of course, don’t need either).

Brabham also installs air conditioning and fits higher-quality upholstery inside. The weight goes up slightly, but there’s no change to the 700hp power output, so performance should be similar.

“We designed the BT62 to be an unrestricted, thoroughbred track car and our extensive test programme has revealed it to be all of those things. This isn’t a car for the road,” explained company founder David Brabham.

“With that said, it’s clear some customers are keen to have a road-compliant option with their BT62, particularly to drive to and from the track.

“My father Jack was always customer-focused and we will continue with that ethos.”

Brabham added we can expect more surprise announcements regarding the BT62 at Autosport International 2019 later this week in Birmingham. Stay tuned…