Pricing and specs have been announced for the monstrous Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. Depending on your point of view, it could either be a bargain, or an outlandish extravagance.
A list price of £89,995 is the headline figure, and Jeep says that only 20 examples of the Trackhawk will be coming to the UK in 2019.
Hellcat’s bigger brother
So what exactly do you get for almost £90,000 of American SUV? For a start, the same 6.2-litre supercharged Hemi V8 engine that is used in the Dodge SRT Challenger and SRT Charger Hellcat muscle cars.
That means the faintly ridiculous power output of 707hp – more than a Ferrari 488 GTB – combined with 645lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed TorqueFlight automatic gearbox has the job of channeling all that torque to the upgraded four-wheel drive system.
Performance is suitably shocking, with 0-62mph taking just 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of 180mph.
For comparison, a Porsche Cayenne Turbo can only hit 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds, and reach 177mph flat out. The German machine is also more than £9,000 more expensive than the Trackhawk, even before you dive into the Porsche options list.
Fully loaded for battle
Standard specification is another area where Jeep wants the Trackhawk to appeal.
Externally is a substantial bodykit, complete with ‘supercharged’ badging to the door to ensure there is no confusion as to which Grand Cherokee you’re driving. Titanium coloured 20-inch wheels are standard, as are the powerful Brembo brakes with yellow calipers.
UK cars receive upgraded Laguna leather sports seats as part of the deal, along with carbon fibre accents for the interior. The 825w Harmon Kardon sound system features 19 speakers, but we imagine the Hemi V8 will provide the greatest aural output.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provide smartphone connectivity, with an 8.4-inch multimedia screen in control of most functions. For the Trackhawk it also offers bespoke performance data, letting you see just how much horsepower you are using and even G-forces.
Adaptive Cruise Control, Park Assist, and even a Trailer Hitch camera are just some of the claimed 65 security and safety features fitted.
At almost any price the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk would be a niche purchase in the UK. But it is hard to ignore the lure of a 707hp Hellcat engine fitted to a practical, right-hand drive, SUV.
Volkswagen and Tesco have announced plans to create ‘the largest UK retail electric vehicle charging network’, with more than 2,400 charging bays to be installed within the next three years.
The charging bays, which will be based in Tesco Extra and Superstore car parks, will be installed by Pod Point, the UK’s largest independent public charging network.
Electric vehicle owners won’t have to pay for using a standard 7kW fast charger, but ‘a small cost in line with the market rate’ will apply for use of a rapid 50kW charger. Around 600 Tesco stores across the UK will benefit from this development.
Geraldine Ingham, head of marketing at Volkswagen UK, said: “This incredibly exciting partnership with Tesco, powered by Pod Point, underlines the scale and ambition of our electric car programme in the UK.
“Working with these partners to provide such an extensive network of EV chargers should leave no one in any doubt about the Volkswagen brand’s wholehearted commitment to an electric future.”
Jason Terry, Tesco CEO for UK and Republic of Ireland, added: “As the UK’s biggest fuel retailer, we have a role to play in supporting the transition to a low carbon future and improving air quality.
“We know our customers are increasingly moving towards electric vehicles, offering charging while they shop is another little help to make their lives easier.”
Every Lidl helps
Pod Point has a network of 1,700 public charging bays across the UK, including electric chargers in Lidl and Sainsbury’s car parks.
According to the latest stats provided by Zap-Map, there are currently 6,625 public charging points in the UK, with a total of 11,013 devices and 18,944 connectors.
Erik Fairbairn, CEO of Pod Point, said: “This agreement represents a 14 percent increase in the number of public charge bays in the UK and is a monumental day for electric vehicle drivers. It is a massive leap forward for the UK and a significant step in our mission to put a Pod Point everywhere you park.”
The 2018 LA Auto Show is well underway, and our man is pounding the floor in search of the latest metal. Here, we select some of the hottest new cars and the important concepts to create a Los Angeles mega-gallery. We’ve done the walking, so you don’t have to…
Porsche 911
Searching for the star of the show? Look no further than the new Porsche 911, codenamed 992. Some might not approve of the evolutionary styling, but Porsche was hardly going to stray too far from such an iconic shape. Besides, Porsche is talking about a revolution beneath the surface.
Porsche 911
The big news is the 30hp boost for the flat-six turbocharged engine, with the Carrera S and Carrera 4S now offering 450hp. It means that every 911 at launch will hit 62mph in less than 4.0 seconds. It’s on sale now, and with prices starting from £93,110 before options. We suspect most 911s will leave showrooms with a six-figure price tag.
Jeep Gladiator
The 2020 Gladiator has a nice ring to it, don’t you think? We knew Jeep would be launching a pick-up at the LA show, but we didn’t know it would look this good. Jeep can trace its truck roots back to 1947 when Willys Overland introduced a one-tonne truck with four-wheel drive based on the CJ-2A. The Gladiator name was formerly used in the 1960s and early 70s.
Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator would laugh in the face of a lily-livered crossover – this is a truck for outdoor adventures and properly tough jobs. For a start, there’s a 4,370kg towing capacity and a 1.5m load bed capable of carrying up to 725kg of gear. Two V6 engines will be available – one petrol and one diesel – but we’ll have to wait until 2020 before we can get down and dirty with the best truck in LA.
Mazda 3
This might be the best looking real-world car at the LA show. We knew it would look good – the Kai concept provided more than a subtle hint – but the Mazda 3 deserves to upstage the Golf and Focus based on styling alone. And, because it’s a Mazda, you know it will offer class-leading dynamics when it goes on sale in 2019.
Mazda 3
There are two versions on show in LA: a five-door hatchback and a four-door saloon. A range of engines will be available, including an innovative Skyactiv-X, which offers the performance of a petrol and the economy of a diesel. In 2019, three could be the magic number in the family hatchback segment. Still want that Golf? And other motoring journalism cliches…
Rivian R1T
Rivian is making a big splash here in LA, which is a worry, as mixing electric with water is never a good idea. Its aim: to ‘reimagine the pick-up and SUV segments’, which is a rather lofty ambition. This is the R1T, a five-seat pick-up offering up to 400 miles of electric range, a wading depth of one metre and a 0-60 mph time as low as three seconds. Still want that Tesla? Oh wait, we’ve used that cliche.
Rivian R1S
The Rivian R1S is a seven-seat electric SUV which uses the same ‘skateboard’ platform as the R1T. In simple terms, the battery pack, drive units, suspension, braking and thermal system are packaged below the height of the steering wheel, leaving space above for the occupants. Rivian claims the R1S will be good for a 410-mile range and offer 330 litres of space in the ‘frunk’ and 180 litres in the rear bin.
Honda Passport
Filling the gap between the CR-V and the Pilot, this is the new Honda Passport. It features a 280hp 3.5-litre V6 engine as standard, which is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard on the flagship model and an option on all others, as Honda hopes to appeal to outdoorsy types who do ‘lifestyle’ things at the weekend. The Passport will be built in Alabama for the North American market, but we won’t be seeing it passing through customs elsewhere.
Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition
Volkswagen is looking into the future, but that hasn’t stopped it paying tribute to a favourite from the past. Two special editions of the Beetle are on show in LA – the aptly-named Final Edition SE and Final Edition SEL. They pay homage to Beetles of the past and will see the famous name through until production ceases in July 2019. Herbie is said to be in mourning.
Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo
The ID Buzz Cargo is a fully-connected electric van that could offer a range of up to 340 miles. Its solar roof can extend the range by up to 9.3 miles a day. The concept on show in LA is rear-wheel drive, but Volkswagen says a motor could be added to the front to make it 4WD.
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
This is Subaru’s first plug-in hybrid vehicle, which makes it a big deal for the Japanese company. It should offer fuel economy previously unavailable to American customers, including a 17-mile all-electric range to deliver a total of 480 miles when using both petrol and electric power. It’ll hit 65mph in electric mode and will be priced at $34,995 when it goes on sale in North America before the end of the year. It might be sold in the UK, too.
Porsche Panamera GTS
The new 911 might be hugging the limelight on the Porsche stand, but the Panamera GTS is large enough to cast a shadow over the showstopper. Available in both Panamera and Panamera Sport Turismo guise, the GTS is powered by a 4.0-litre V8 engine developing 460hp offering top speeds of 181mph and 179 mph respectively. You can order them now – prices start from just under £106,000.
BMW X7
Everything seems bigger in America, including this, the new BMW X7. We knew it would be huge – the press release told us as much – but it’s not until you see it in the metal that you truly appreciate what a monster this is. To be fair, it needs to be big – a 7 Series SUV with seats for seven and enough tech to fill an entire series of The Gadget Show wouldn’t fit in anything else. It goes on sale in April with a starting price of £72,155.
Fiat 500X
Meanwhile, back in the real world… Fiat launched an updated version of the 500X in Europe earlier this year, but now it’s time for the North American version. There a few blink-and-you’ll-miss-them exterior changes, but the big news is fitment of the newly-developed 1.3-litre petrol engine and standard all-wheel-drive capability. Customers in the US will have to wait until the spring of 2019 before they can get their hands on the car.
Audi R8
Fresh from its European debut in Paris, the revised Audi R8 arrives in Los Angeles to ensure the Porsche 911 doesn’t have everything its own way. Two versions of the V10 engine are available, producing 570hp in the ‘entry-level’ car and 620hp in the Performance flagship, formerly known as the Plus. Coupe and Spyder models are available, with customers taking delivery in the new year.
BMW M340i
While we wait for the M3 main course, the BMW M340i should serve as a decent appetiser. The four-wheel-drive saloon is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine developing 374hp, enabling it to hit 60mph in less than 4.4 seconds. It’ll arrive in Europe in July, which gives you enough time to wonder if you’ll be prepared to wait another year for the full-fat M3 and M4.
BMW 8 Series Convertible
Alternatively, you could opt for BMW’s new grand tourer, which will hit the streets in April 2019. The convertible version utilises a fabric roof, chosen because a metal top would have been heavier and taken up more space. The roof, which opens and closes at speeds of up to 31 mph, is its chief party trick, with the convertible versions costing £7,000 (around $9,000) more than the coupe equivalents. Prices start from £83,270 (around $106,000).
Byton K-Byte
Byton is making some bold claims about the K-Byte, promising to deliver Level 4 autonomy to the four-door saloon segment. It’s one of three vehicles to share the same electric platform and follows the unveiling of the M-Byte SUV. If Byton is correct, this 325-mile range saloon will be the primary mode of transport for Americans when it hits the market in 2021.
Mini John Cooper Works Knights Edition
Sadly, the Mini John Cooper Works Knights Edition has nothing to do with Michael Knight, but at least the black metallic paint tips its hat to K.I.T.T. Other cosmetic upgrades include a silver roof and bonnet stripes, and piano black trim. There’s also a John Cooper Works exhaust flap system. It’ll be in US dealerships in early 2019.
Porsche 911 GT2 RS Clubsport
The outgoing Type 991 Porsche 911 isn’t dead yet, as ably demonstrated by the GT2 RS Clubsport. This racing version of the road-going GT2 RS is a last hurrah for the 991, with production limited to just 200 units. The carbon steering wheel and colour display are taken from the 911 GT3 R racing car, while the Clubsport also features a ‘massive’ safety cage, a racing bucket seat, a six-point safety harness and air conditioning. The price is €405,000 (around $460,000 or £360,000), but we suspect there’ll be none left by the time you’ve finished this gallery.
Lincoln Aviator
We live in changing times. Lincoln’s press release for the Aviator kicks off with its advanced technologies that ‘let the luxury SUV kneel to greet you, scan the road ahead for uneven pavement, and allow you to drive away using your smartphone instead of a key’. It’s difficult for a three-row SUV to look elegant, but the Aviator is certainly handsome, while the interior is both opulent and well-appointed. Petrol and plug-in hybrid versions will be available.
Audi E-tron GT Concept
The E-tron GT concept previews a production model set to arrive in 2020, which will follow the E-tron SUV and E-tron Sportback slated for 2019. It might not come across in the photos, but the four-door GT is a big car, close to five metres in length and nearly two metres wide. A large car needs large wheels, so the Audi is riding on 22-inch rims.
Audi E-tron GT Concept
The four-wheel-drive concept, which has a centre of gravity comparable with that of the R8, develops 590hp, which is enough to hit 62mph in 3.5 seconds, before hitting a regulated top speed of 149mph. The range is quoted at ‘over 248 miles’, although this will drop if you spend too long testing that 0-62 time.
BMW Vision iNext
It’s not what you’d call attractive, but the Vision iNext wraps BMW’s strategic innovation fields into one cosmetically-challenged SUV. For the first time, autonomous driving, connectivity, electrification and services (ACES) have been incorporated into one BMW, but we suspect somebody forgot to tell the stylists.
Toyota Prius Hybrid AWD-e
This is a big deal, not least because Toyota reckons it will account for as much as 25 percent of annual US Prius sales. It’s the new AWD-e variant, which sends power to the rear wheels to create ‘one of the most fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive-equipped passenger cars available in the US’. It sends the power to the rear from 0mph to 6mph, then, when needed, up to 43 mph. The Prius also showcases new exterior styling and interior upgrades.
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
The Prius isn’t the only eco-warrior on the Toyota stand, because this is the most fuel-efficient model ever to wear a Corolla badge. The Corolla Hybrid combines a 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors to deliver an output of 121hp. But, more importantly, the 2020 Corolla, which goes on sale next year, should achieve at least 50mpg (US) combined.
Nissan Maxima
The Nissan Maxima is one of the most popular large saloons in America, so the launch of a revised 2019 model is a big deal. The styling has been given a makeover, the interior has been refreshed and a full suite of safety features are available via Nissan’s Safety Shield 360. Only one drivetrain will be offered: a 300hp 3.5-litre V6 mated to a CVT transmission.
Hyundai Palisade
The Palisade is the largest Hyundai ever built and offers seating for up to eight people. Power is sourced from a 3.8-litre V6 engine developing 291hp and 262lb ft of torque, which is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. But the real story is inside, with the Palisade offering more first- and second-row legroom than the Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder and Ford Explorer. There’s also more luggage room behind the third row than the Toyota Highlander, Pilot and Pathfinder.
Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R Pro
The limited-run Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R Pro uses technology from the AMG GT3 and AMG GT 4 racing cars and comes with the Track Pack as standard. This comprises a roll cage, four-point harnesses and a fire extinguisher. “No other production model of Mercedes-AMG presently is as close to motor racing as the new AMG GT R Pro,” said Tobias Moers, chairman of Mercedes-AMG. Blimey.
Kia Soul EV
Last, but by no means least, this is the new Kia Soul EV. It should be a quantum leap forward for the electric Soul, with Kia promising more power, greater range and faster charging. The familiar boxy look has been given a nip and tuck, with the Soul also gaining new safety and connectivity tech. Performance and range details will be confirmed ahead of the car’s UK launch in 2019.
There’s good news for custom car fans visiting this year’s LA Auto Show. Galpin Auto Sports, one of LA’s biggest car dealership networks, has a dedicated section for modified metal, with around 40 different creations on show.
Below the main show arena, you’ll also find The Garage, an area packed with the wildest vehicles and hottest supercars. We journey deep underground to see what lurks beneath the show floor.
Jordan Maron’s Ford GT
Haven’t heard of Jordan Maron? Well, if you don’t spend your time watching other people play video games on YouTube, that’s perhaps understandable.
However, having 10 million followers hanging on your every word is a lucrative business. One that allowed 26-year-old Jordan to purchase a 2017 Ford GT supercar. He then had it painted in Miami Blue by Galpin Auto Sports.
Ken Block’s Ford RS200 Evolution
There’s a bigger chance you’ve heard of this guy, though. Perennial rubber-burner, rally driver, and business owner, Ken Block has a host of special cars in his Hoonigan stable.
He may have just unleashed a custom Ford pickup truck, but it’s his RS200 that is here in LA. One of just 200 built to homologate the car for Group B rallying in the 1980s, this Evolution-spec RS200 produces over 700hp.
Lincoln Navigator
The craze for ‘rolling on dubs’ certainly hasn’t gone away Stateside. On this Lincoln Navigator, the wheels are a faintly ridiculous 26 inches. Yet, given the vast size of the Navigator, they don’t look too out of place.
Matte red paintwork, matched with plenty of gloss black detailing, means this Navigator certainly stands out.
2018 SEMA Show Ford Mustang
Another car you’re unlikely to lose in a parking lot is this special Ford Mustang. Built by Galpin Auto Sports for the 2018 SEMA Show, the metaphorical kitchen sink has been chucked at this pony car.
Look beyond the epic livery and there are custom 1221 wheels and Brembo brakes, plus a host of performance parts from Roush and APR.
RWB Porsche 911
Rauh-Welt Begriff is a Porsche tuning company like no other. Founded in Japan, RWB creates bespoke 911s, fitting them with outlandish bodykits and massive spoilers.
Inspiration comes from the GT racing Porsches of the 1990s, and this 993-based creation wears a suitably huge rear wing. We are also in love with the beautiful wide wheels and purple paint.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
It proves just how mad the cars built by Rauh-Welt Begriff are when a 911 GT3 RS looks tame by comparison.
At least it’s still rocking the purple look, and we imagine this one would be the prime choice for some track-day action.
Honda Accord
Three in a row means we’re calling purple as the ‘must-have’ hue for this year’s LA Auto Show. At least in the custom tuning world, that is.
Global markets might have ditched the Accord years ago, but it still matters in the United States. This latest 10-generation car can even be had with a detuned version of the turbo VTEC engine found in the Civic Type R.
Mazda CX-5
Galpin operates a network of dealerships across southern California, with Mazda being one of the key brands. The 2018 LA Auto Show is important for Mazda, marking the launch of its all-new 3 model.
Back in 2016, the then-new CX-5 made its debut in Los Angeles. We imagine Mazda didn’t envisage it wearing bold two-tone yellow paint, though.
Mazda Cosmo Sport Series II
Going further back into Mazda history means we arrive at the rather lovely Cosmo Sport. Produced between 1967 and 1972, this was one of the first cars to use a two-rotor Wankel rotary engine.
Later Series II cars like this one produced 128hp, and featured a five-speed manual gearbox. With less than 1,200 built, they are very collectible, and this one appears original.
Mazda R360
Regarded as the first ‘proper’ car produced by Mazda, the diminutive R360 first went on sale in 1960.
Built to comply with Japanese kei-car legislation, the R360 was powered by a tiny rear-mounted V-twin engine, making just 16hp.
Ford Mustang Bullitt
This isn’t just any Highland Green classic 1968 Ford Mustang. Oh no, this is one of the cars used in the movie Bullitt. After time on the silver screen, this Mustang spent years being used as a regular family car by the Kiernan family.
Rediscovered just before the 50th anniversary of the film, the Mustang has been restored to bring it back to full glory. It also features on the National Historic Vehicle Register.
Ford Explorer
Having been on sale since 2011, time is running out for the sixth-generation Ford Explorer. A new model will debut next year, with talk of a high performance ST version on the cards.
That hasn’t stopped Galpin modifying several Explorers for the LA Show. This one wears a rather subtle white and brown paint scheme, matched with chunky off-road tyres and wheels.
Ford Explorer
This Explorer, meanwhile, gets plenty of Galpin Auto Sports logos, along with similarly big wheels and tyres.
Ford Econoline Cruising Van
Jeff Dunham is a household name in the United States, renowned for his comedy and ventriloquism acts. He is also a huge car fan, although some of his vehicle choices are far from conventional.
When Jeff wanted to build a custom 1970s Ford Econoline Cruising Van, he turned to Galpin for assistance. The result is this retro-tastic creation, complete with porthole windows in the rear.
Ford Pinto Cruising Wagon
Dunham had inspiration for his Ford Econoline. He already owned a Ford Pinto Cruising Wagon, complete with striped paintwork and porthole window. The combination is certainly an acquired taste.
Volkswagen Atlas
Another sizeable SUV made especially for the US market. Volkswagen produces the giant Atlas at its manufacturing plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It’s proved popular, with 100,000 made in less than two years.
Naturally the special livery and big wheels fitted to this Atlas did not come from the factory, but were fitted by Galpin Auto Sports.
Volvo XC40
Upstairs, Volvo might not have any cars on display at the 2018 LA Auto Show, but that hasn’t stopped Galpin bringing along two.
No doubt smug about being in contention for the 2019 World Car of the Year title, the XC40 looks perfectly relaxed among all the modified metal.
Volvo V90 Cross Country
Serious lifestyle action is occurring with this V90 Cross Country. Not only are there chunky off-road tyres, but the addition of a roof rack makes it primed for life in the wilderness.
Proof, if needed, that getting off the beaten track doesn’t mean having to abandon your sense of Scandinavian cool.
Jaguar E-Type
Consistently rated as one of the most beautiful cars ever produced, we’re relieved to see that this E-Type has been left well alone.
No giant wheels, huge spoilers, or terrifying paintwork here. Phew.
Svipe Ford F-150 Raptor S
The same cannot be said for this Ford Raptor – built as a collaboration between Galpin Auto Sports, 1221 Wheels and YouTuber Salomondrin.
The 20-inch wheels are new modular design, while the suspension has been lifted, with bigger brakes also fitted. Inside is a custom white leather and Alcantara interior, so be sure to clean your shoes before getting in.
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera
Forget the fact that the flagship DBS Superleggera is less than six months old. Galpin is still more than happy to get started on something so box-fresh.
Aston Martin Vantage
Aston Martin is one of the dealer franchises run by Galpin Auto Sports, which explains their access to new vehicles like the latest Vantage.
We imagine the twin-turbocharged V8 engine, sourced from Mercedes-AMG, makes the potential for performance tuning rather tempting.
Lotus Evora N400
See, we called it. Purple is certainly the most happening colour beneath the main show floor at the 2018 LA Auto Show.
Wearing a hue titled as ‘Plum Crazy Purple’, this particular Evora owes its paintwork to classic muscle cars from the 1970s. More importantly, it’s for sale, meaning if you love the shade, you can buy it for $125,000 (£97,500) right now.
Galpin Lotus Evora
It’s another Evora, but this time wearing the distinctive John Player Special black and gold livery.
There is also a rather large spoiler bolted to the back, which looks to have been taken from the Type 124 GT race car.
Jaguar I-Pace
The I-Pace is extremely new to the USA, but Galpin have their hands on one through their Jaguar dealership franchise.
We don’t expect the dramatic stickers to be a popular accessory, for some reason…
RingBrothers 1971 De Tomaso Pantera ADRNLN
This is serious modified car. Built by RingBrothers, with an interior designed by Nike, almost every inch of this Pantera was reimagined for the 21st century. More than 5,000 hours of work went into handcrafting each new body panel before adding the 600hp Chevrolet V8 engine.
At auction in 2015, this car was bought by Richard Rawlings of Gas Monkey Garage. The sale set a new record, with a whopping price of $346,500 (£270,000) when the hammer fell.
Custom Lexus RC
It might not be the traditional choice of modified motor, but dropping this Lexus RC to the floor does wonders for its stance.
A sizeable set of rims and a custom flip-paint colour scheme would help it fit in outside the local drive-thru.
Modified Lexus UX
More lifestyle action with this customised Lexus UX crossover. Although given that most mountain bike courses are out in the countryside, we wonder just how practical this might be.
Slammed Lexus ES
With this Lexus running so low to the ground, we would bet money on there being an expensive adjustable air suspension system nestling inside.
It certainly makes you appreciate the dramatic swoops and angles of the original design.
The revised 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT range has debuted at the 2018 LA Auto Show, with an even more hardcore hero car now heading the line-up: the Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro.
This evolution of the AMG GT R is more aggressive, produces more downforce, corners with even more speed and seems all set to give Mercedes-AMG a good run at setting a new Nürburgring lap record.
But first, the core range. The AMG GT Coupe and Roadster now benefit from some of the changes introduced with the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe. The centre console has been upgraded and the instrument panel is now fully digital.
AMG offers three styles of display on the 12.3-inch screen: Classic, Sporty or Supersport, the latter featuring ‘extensive additional information’ for petrolheads who like to stay informed. As for the centre console, colourful TFT ‘virtual’ buttons aim to make it both more modern and straightforward to use.
A rather neat new gadget is AMG Trace Pace. Described as a ‘virtual race engineer’, more than 80 pieces of data are recorded 10 times a second when on-track. Drivers can see at a glance whether they’re faster or slower than their fastest lap. And, because so much data is recorded, they can use it to analyse where they can make up time – just like Lewis Hamilton.
Outside tweaks include revised LED headlights and tail lamps, a redesigned rear diffuser and new tailpipes. AMG GT models have twin round pipes, with GT S and GT C using twin trapezoidal shapes. The AMG GT R keeps its large central tailpipe and dual outboard pipes.
Buyers of entry-level AMG GT and AMG GT S also get smart new black grained sill covers. There are new alloy wheel choices, too, while the plethora of AMG drive modes is further upgraded with AMG Dynamics.
Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro
And now the one you’ve been waiting for. The limited-run AMG GT R Pro uses tech from the AMG GT3 and AMG GT4 racing cars, focused in four areas: suspension, lightweighting, aerodynamics and styling.
There is a broader range of adjustment for the coilover suspension: not just spring pre-load, but compression and rebound of the dampers, too. There’s a carbon fibre front torsion bar, exotic Uniball spherical bearings for the upper wishbones and a carbon fibre underbody panel at the rear to stiffen the bodyshell further at high speed.
The AMG GT R Pro comes with the Track Pack as standard, which comprises a roll cage, four-point harnesses and a fire extinguisher. Carbon fibre bucket seats are installed inside, and carbon ceramic brakes with black calipers should haul it down tirelessly from high speed.
There’s more: the front apron gets aero-honed outer ‘flics’ in clear carbon fibre, an extended front splitter (held by metal braces) and louvres in the front wings, like those seen on the Porsche 911 GT2 RS. They reduce front-end lift at high speed.
A clear carbon fibre aero element on each rear wheelarch stabilises the rear aerodynamics, and the wing has an added spoiler lip ‘gurney’ –and sits on milled aluminium brackets.
As if all that wasn’t enough to spot it, Mercedes-AMG has fitted racing stripes to the GT R Pro, in light green when combined with Selenite Grey paint, and dark grey with other colours. Perfect for setting off the standard carbon fibre package – although they are a delete-option if you’re a spoilsport.
“No other production model of Mercedes-AMG presently is as close to motor racing as the new AMG GT R Pro,” said Tobias Moers, chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
“The agile responses to all driver commands and the overall performance now deliver even more of that incomparable feeling that our racing drivers experience on the track.”
And there’s already a Nürburgring time to prove it. Maro Engel recently drove a disguised prototype around in 7min 4.63sec, ‘considerably bettering’ the time for the regular GT R. This was on a cool autumn day , suggesting there’s plenty more still to be unlocked. Could it go sub-seven minutes?
I think I must have upset the editor. Fresh from giving me the unenviable task of preparing a selection of underrated fast Fords, I’ve now been challenged to create a list of less than brilliant Porsches. In many ways, this brief is tougher than the last, because finding a dud in the Porsche back-catalogue is like finding a needle in a haystack. But, with apologies for the clickbaity headline, here are some of Porsche’s rare low points.
Porsche Cayenne
Looming into view like a sacrificial lamb, the Porsche Cayenne is an obvious starting point. Or is it? Sure, few car enthusiasts would admit to liking the oversized and cosmetically challenged SUV, but it’s thanks to the Cayenne that Porsche is able to keep building wild – and often unattainable – 911s. Turbocharged and V8 versions are rather fun, but a steel-sprung early Cayenne S is one to avoid, both from a driving perspective and a reliability standpoint.
Porsche Cayenne cabriolet
“You were so preoccupied with whether or not you could, you didn’t stop to think if you should.” Wise words from Jeff Goldblum there, and a phrase that could be applied to the Porsche Cayenne cabriolet concept of 2002. But, fair play to Porsche, because the bosses took one look at the concept and pulled back from the brink of disaster. The world doesn’t need another topless Evoque rival or, heaven forbid, something to remind us of the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet.
Porsche 959
That’s officially a world first: following a sentence about the Murano CrossCabriolet with a reference to the Porsche 959. Wait, what? Who would want to forget about the 959? After all, it was a technical tour de force and provided the blueprint for supercars of the future. But the beancounters at Porsche might not remember it with great fondness, because the firm made a loss on every 959 it sold. Each car cost a reported $720,000 to build, yet sold for ‘just’ $300,000. Ouch.
Porsche 911 Turbo
To many people, especially casual onlookers, the 911 Turbo is the archetypal Porsche. The 930 Turbo was the flagship of the range and, at the time, the fastest production car in Germany. But was it perilously close to doing irreparable damage to Porsche’s image? We recall a great piece by James Elliott, writing for Classic & Sports Car. “By the time the Porsche Turbo slipped into the late 1980s… in the public eye it seemed to simultaneously represent everything that was good, evil and ridiculous in the world. Contemptuous and contemptible in equal measure. I often wonder if even Porsche regretted its success, rued the hands the whale-tailed driving machine fell into,” he ponders. One to discuss.
Porsche 964
The 964 of 1989 represented the most radical overhaul the 911 had ever seen, with Porsche leaning on its experience when developing the 959. It was 85 percent new – not that you could see this from the outside, although the integrated bumpers were a big departure for the 911, in more ways than one. It was launched in four-wheel-drive Carrera 4 form, which created a more sanitised, drama-free driving experience. In truth, this was probably what the market wanted – and the rear-wheel-drive Carrera 2 restored some of the unbalanced characteristics – but this wasn’t the 911’s finest hour.
Porsche 964 Turbo
Andrew Frankel, a motoring journalist who has driven more supercars than you’ve had hot dinners, isn’t a fan of the 964 Turbo. Writing for Goodwood, Frankel said: “It would understeer dramatically and then, if you tried to quell it, snap into savage oversteer. In short, the rewards on offer were not worth the risks required to enjoy them.” Chris Harris seems to agree, saying: “Massive understeer gave way to shocking oversteer, it had tragic turbo lag and the airbag weighed so much you could feel the inertia in the steering column. But when it was on full-boost, and you’d been brave enough to hoon through the front-axle push, it was one hell of a challenge.”
Footwork FA12
Porsche won’t remember the 1991 F1 season with a great deal of fondness. It supplied the power for the Footwork FA12 – formerly Arrows – but the car only made its debut in the third round of the season after the car was redesigned for the Porsche V12 engine. Sadly, the engine was too heavy and hopelessly unreliable, with the FA12 only managing a series of retirements and qualification failures. Footwork switched to Ford V8 power, but the results were only marginally better.
Porsche Carrera GT
Of the Porsche Carrera GT, Walter Rohrl said it was “the first car in my life that I drive and feel scared”. After a lap of a wet racetrack, he said: “I came back into the pits and I was white.” In 2005, Jay Leno hit 190mph at the Talladega raceway before it began to spin. “It was kind of like driving on ice,” he said, after coming perilously close to hitting a wall. But the Carrera GT will be forever associated with the tragic death of Paul Walker in 2013.
Porsche 928
We’re not saying the Porsche 928 is a bad car – that’s not the focus of this gallery. Indeed, by the time the 928 bowed out in the 90s, it had many years of continuous development behind it, and Porsche had created a consummate grand tourer of the highest order. But here’s the thing: it was designed and developed to replace the 911, something it failed to achieve. So, while the internet is awash with news of the 992 in LA, the 928 is remembered as a modern classic.
Porsche C88 concept
When the Chinese government invited manufacturers to present ideas for a locally-built family car, Porsche was only too happy to oblige. The result was the C88 – C for China, 88 for the symbol of good fortune – which looks suspiciously like a number of Far Eastern cars developed after the Chinese government had pulled the plug on the idea. Porsche, along with a host of other manufacturers, would have spent a great deal of time and money on the project, so the C88 is probably a car it would rather forget.
Porsche 996
Who would like to forget the Porsche 996? Anyone who has ever had to endure hours of listening to complaints that it’s not a proper 911, or that it looks too much like a Boxster, or that it will explode and leave you pleading with the bank manager for a small fortune to sort out the ‘niggles’. OK, so it’s not air-cooled. And, sure, it’s not as characterful as a 993 (what is?). But as anyone who has taken the plunge will testify, the 996 is a darned fine 911 and a bargain to boot. Do your homework and then make up your own mind.
Porsche 924
You know, we nearly didn’t include the 924. It’s far too easy to select the sports car designed for Volkswagen as the runt of the litter. We suspect Porsche would have done things differently without the brief from VW, but just like the 928, the 924 developed into a fine entry-level sports car. It also spawned the 944 and 968, so let’s cut the 924 some slack.
Seat Ibiza
We do wonder if Porsche regretted its decision to allow Seat to add ‘System Porsche’ to the cam cover of the 1.5-litre engine in the Ibiza. Seat dealers loved the reference, as it gave them a tasty sales tool with which to encourage punters to part with their cash. Porsche has played a part in the development of many vehicles, but it’s rare for it to allow the benefiting manufacturer to showcase this with stickers.
Porsche 911 SC
We’ve reached the end of our gallery, which will come as a relief to all involved. We’ll leave the last word to Andrew Frankel, who doesn’t have much time for the Porsche 911 SC built from 1977. According to Frankel, the early 3.0-litre versions offered performance comparable to a hot hatch, making them feel like a sheep in wolf’s clothing, especially with the optional whale tail and low-profile Pirelli P7 tyres.
The latest evolution of the Porsche 911, codenamed 992, has been revealed on the eve of the 2018 LA Auto Show. It goes on sale immediately, priced from £93,110, with Porsche keen to stress that, although the shape is familiar, there’s revolution beneath the surface.
The 911 is launched in Carrera S and Carrera 4S guises. Its flat-six turbocharged engine gets a 30hp boost over the outgoing car, to 450hp, while the eight-speed PDK automatic gearbox has one extra gear.
Result: every new 911 at launch does 0-62mph in less than 4.0 seconds.
A brief history of the classic Porsche 911
The Carrera S does 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds. With the extra traction of all-wheel drive, the Carrera 4S needs just 3.6 seconds. Add the optional Sport Chrono Package and the time for each is cut by a further 0.2 seconds. The new 911 is an exceedingly fast machine even as a Carrera S, then. Future Turbo and GT variants are going to be incendiary.
The 191mph Carrera S averages an impressive 31.4mpg in the tougher new WLTP fuel economy test, and emits 205g/km CO2. A novel ‘Porsche Impact’ emissions calculator is fitted, so eco-conscious owners can pay to offset their CO2 emissions.
Both Carrera S and Carrera 4S have the same body – the 4S is no wider than the regular car – but both are ‘significantly’ wider than the old 991. This emphasises the slim centre section, says Porsche, with new retractable door handles giving a smoother look. New 20-inch wheels are standard on the front, 21-inch on the rear.
The front is 45mm wider and has a feature that mimics early air-cooled Porsche 911s from the 1960s: a recessed centre section. The variable position rear spoiler has more jewellery and design detail, again like period 911s, while the seamless light bar is a more modern theme.
It’s 911s from the 1970s that have influenced the ‘clear and straight lines’ of the all-new interior. A big central rev counter again dominates, flanked by dual frameless, free-form electronic displays. The classic 911 ‘five dial’ dash has gone digital.
The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system in the centre grows to 10.9 inches. Below it are five easy-access shortcut keys, while the plethora of buttons worn by recent Porsches has been reduced.
Porsche fits what it calls ‘world first tech’ as standard. A new Wet Mode senses when the road is damp and sets the car up to manage it – alerting the driver if they want to ramp up the electronic safety systems.
Autonomous emergency braking is standard on every new 911 – a boon, given how many are used as daily-drivers and in town. Night Vision Assist is optional for the first time and adaptive cruise control has a ‘stop and go’ function to make traffic less arduous.
As if all that wasn’t exciting enough for enthusiast, there’s something else all-new: Porsche Road Trip, an app that helps plan, organise and navigate driving adventures. It will curate routes, show points of interest, even recommend stop-offs. Doing cars and coffee in your new 911 just got that bit easier.
It’s something of a running joke, the styling of the Porsche 911. Not that it’s an unsightly machine – many are rather pretty. But it seldom goes through a massive step-change in terms of design.
The same is the case with the new ‘992’ 911, just revealed at the LA Auto Show. On the surface, it’s a major facelift rather than a total overhaul. Yet we’re in no doubt that some of the most capable engineers in motoring have made the world’s most famous sports car brilliant yet again.
For now, let’s compare outgoing 991 and new 992 to help you tell them apart.
Rear lights
The 911 has, throughout its history, seemingly done things back to front – thus so shall we. It’s without doubt the age of the light bar, with the new 992 sporting a rear light that spans its entire rump.
For the last 20 years, this has been the preserve of Carrera 4 versions of the 911 – not so with the 992. The light itself is more cuboidal in shape compared to the early 991’s more curvaceous effort, too.
Hips
On previous generations of the 911, Carrera 4s and GT cars got the wide rear haunches. On the new car, however, it’s big bottoms across the range. The front, incidentally, is also 45mm wider than the outgoing model.
Exhausts
Two large oval items are suspended in the bumper, compared to a later 991’s central sports exhaust. Prototypes have been doing the rounds with this pipe arrangement for some time.
They’re a pleasing addition and give an air of something a bit more exotic, like a full-fat Turbo model. Older 911s had them hanging beneath the bumper.
Interior
Inside is where you normally find the biggest differences in a new 911, as it’s normally where the outgoing car feels most dated.
The current model is a bit of a button-fest. The new car is more like its siblings, the Panamera and Cayenne. The instrument binnacle is still quintessential 911, albeit with a modern digital twist.
Door handles
A very specific point to note, we know, but it’s a notable difference nonetheless. The new car adopts a more recessed and therefore aerodynamically efficient design of door handle.
It has a flap that appears to lift up, rather than an actual handle that you pull outwards.
Front bumper
The face of the 911 always seems to undergo change, without really altering the overall look. It’s no different on the new car.
Distinctive vents are out, and a more blended, ventilated face is in, complete with recessed daytime-running LEDs.
Headlights
This is one of the most difficult areas to tell 911s apart. They’ve always been round, bar the ‘fried eggs’ of the 996, for more than 50 years. The devil, however, is in the detail.
The 991.2 appeared to have a halo of sorts, in which four LEDs were nestled to make the points of a square. In the new car, they’ve moved inward, forming jewels in the main LED headlight crown.
As the last big motor show of the year, the LA Auto Show has an end-of-term feel about it. It’s a chance to recap on the new cars of 2018 and look ahead to the hottest new models of 2019.
Our man is flying to LA to deliver all the latest news and gossip from the floor, but in the meantime, here are the cars you can expect to see when the show opens at the end of the month.
Porsche 911
The new Porsche 911 – known as the type 992 – will make its debut in Los Angeles, following a gruelling development schedule that has seen the sports car travel to all corners of the globe. From hot-weather work in the Middle East and Death Valley, to high-speed laps at the Nürburgring and Nardo, the test cars will have completed around 1.8 million miles in total. The 911 heads to LA for a rest.
‘The arrival of all-new Mazda 3 marks the beginning of a whole new generation of Mazda cars that will deliver new dimensions of driving pleasure to customers around the world.’ From some manufacturers, we’d take that quote with a pinch of salt, but when it’s Mazda, we’re less cynical. The Japanese company consistently sets the benchmark for performance and dynamics, so the launch of both five- and four-door versions of the Mazda 3 is kind of a big deal.
Audi SQ8
Audi will unveil a performance version of the Q8 SUV (pictured) in LA as it continues to overhaul its entire range of vehicles. We know that the SQ8 will be offered with a diesel engine for Europe, because a TDI-badged test car has been caught at the Nürburgring, and we’re expecting this to be the 429hp 4.0-litre V8 diesel of the SQ7 and Bentley Bentayga. Other options may include a 3.0-litre V8 and, in the future, a V8-engined RS Q8.
BMW M340i
Until the launch of the new BMW M3 in 2020, this is as hot as the new 3 Series gets. The four-wheel-drive M340i xDrive is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine developing 374hp, making it more powerful than the original BMW M2. What’s more, it’ll hit 62mph in an M4-baiting 4.4 seconds. It’ll arrive in Europe in July 2019 – get your order in now to avoid disappointment.
Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro
The Mercedes-AMG GT R is a pretty hardcore supercar to us, one with an incredibly loud exhaust. But it’s clearly neither hardcore nor loud enough for Merc’s fast car division. At LA 2018, a new Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro will be revealed, with even more on-track focus, not least because it’s to use bits first developed for the AMG GT3 and GT4 racers. Best pack our earplugs…
Jeep Scrambler
The Jeep Scrambler is essentially a Wrangler with a pick-up bed. We don’t know what it will look like yet, but we wouldn’t expect the styling to stray too far from that of the Wrangler (pictured). Truth be told, we’re not 100 percent certain that it will be called the Scrambler, but it’s a name from Jeep’s back-catalogue that sounds more evocative than ‘Wrangler Pick-up’.
Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition
It’s the end of an era, with Volkswagen saying goodbye to the Beetle with two runout specials, the Final Edition SE and Final Edition SEL. Two retro-inspired colours will be available – Safari Uni and Stonewashed Blue – and ordering for the farewell Beetle is open in the US, with prices starting from $23,045. Production will end in July, with Volkswagen opting to concentrate on electrification.
Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai is upping its SUV game with the launch of a new flagship model. Its name references the Pacific Palisades, an affluent and beautiful neighbourhood in Southern California, with the Palisade sitting above the Santa Fe in Hyundai’s SUV range. Leaked photos show that it will look like the current Santa Fe, but offer three rows of seats, providing space for up to eight people and their luggage.
Kia Soul
The Kia Soul has never really struck a chord with UK buyers, but things are very different on the other side of the Atlantic. The original Soul was designed in California and based on the Mesa concept of 2006, before a new version was unveiled in New York in 2013. For the latest model, Kia is promising a ‘bold design, uncompromising utility and fun-to-drive personality’. An electric version will available in limited numbers in select markets.
Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Carmakers reckon there are two ways of making an SUV more desirable – create a performance version or build a more lavish model. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS will be the flagship version of the flagship SUV and is expected to feature a five-seat cabin with an emphasis on luxury and space. Still want that Rolls-Royce Cullinan? That’s a rhetorical question.
BMW 8 Series Convertible
The new BMW 8 Series Convertible will hit the streets in April 2019, just in time for the summer, with prices starting from £83,270. That secures an entry-level 840d xDrive, but you’ll need to part with £107,045 for the M850i xDrive. BMW says the 8 Series was designed from scratch with the convertible conversion in mind, with ‘only a small number of additional convertible-specific weight-increased measures’ required. The roof lowers and raises in 15 seconds, at speeds of up to 31mph, in case you were wondering.
Audi E-tron GT concept
Audi unveiled the E-tron SUV early this year – the first of 12 all-electric Audis to be launched between now and 2025. We don’t know a great deal about the E-tron GT concept – Audi has been refreshingly tight-lipped in the weeks before LA – but we do know that it is targeting Tesla with a performance-led EV. According to Autocar, the E-tron GT will ‘get some genes from Porsche and a lot of Audi genes’.
Toyota Camry TRD
TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development, which tells you all you need to know about the first-ever Camry TRD. Available in autumn 2019 for the model year 2020, the Camry TRD will be powered by a 301hp 3.5-litre V6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, and treated to a host of performance upgrades. These extend to a track-tuned chassis, cat-back dual exhaust, 19-inch rims, aero kit and unique TRD interior trim.
Volkswagen ID Buzz Cargo concept
Volkswagen is hoping to shift 15,000 electric cars in 2020, but says it will be selling more than a million a year by 2025. The key to this success will be the ID family of cars based on a modular electric drive platform built for EVs. The ID Buzz Cargo is a van concept based on the ID Buzz microbus and is said to offer up to 341 miles of range.
BMW X7
The BMW X7 promises to be one of the big stars of LA, in more ways than one. It’s a new SUV, which gives it a fast-track to success, but it’s also huge. Like, properly huge. Try 5.1 metres long, two metres wide and 1.8 metres tall. It means that the X7 can seat seven people in comfort and space – this is essentially a BMW 7 Series SUV for seven. Note the rear doors, which are larger than the fronts – BMW wants this to be the ultimate passenger machine.
BMW iNext
If the sheer scale of the gargantuan X7 is too much, BMW has another slightly more compact SUV at LA: the new all-electric iNext. It’s a far-sighted concept that previews a 2021 production model that will be roughly similar in size to a BMW X5. Expect a decent, Jaguar I-Pace and Audi e-tron-rivalling range, plus a high level of autonomy. Like you, we can’t take our eyes off that gigantic grille either.
Lincoln Aviator
No, we haven’t taken leave of our senses, this really is a photo of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Three musicians were tasked with providing the soundtrack for the new Lincoln Aviator, more specifically the alerts and chimes for everything from an open fuel filler door to an unattached seat belt. Lincoln will be hoping that the seven-seat SUV, ahem… chimes with its target audience.
Nissan Maxima
To many buyers, crossovers and SUVs are the best thing since sliced bread, but the saloon segment remains buoyant, especially in North America. Nissan has given its flagship saloon a fresh face for 2019, with the Maxima also gaining a new suite of six safety and driver-assist technologies. The kit is likely to be standard equipment on all top-selling Nissan vehicles by 2021.
Toyota Prius
Don’t worry, that’s not a cloud of smoke trailing behind the new Toyota Prius. ‘Fall is here, winter’s near, but the 2019 Prius performs on roads whether snowy or clear,’ said Toyota in a press release. Does this mean that the new Prius will be available with all-wheel drive? It certainly looks like it.
Audi R8
Fresh from its debut at the Paris Motor Show, the refreshed Audi R8 will be making its North American debut in Los Angeles. Two versions of the familiar V10 engine will be available, producing 570hp in ‘standard’ guise and 620hp in the Performance flagship. In addition to the power upgrade, Audi has also given the R8 a styling makeover, with both the Coupe and Spyder models available in the new year.
Porsche Panamera GTS
Porsche has warmed up the second generation Panamera with the launch of a GTS version. Offered in four-door coupe guise plus the first-ever load-lugging Sport Turismo version, it’s managed to retain its V8 engine. This time, it’s a 4.0-litre twin-turbo with 460hp, 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds… and an exhaust particulate filter just to make sure the tailpipe emissions are spick and span.
Porsche Macan
It made its world debut in Shanghai, before hitting European shores in Paris, but now it’s time for the America to grab a slice of the Porsche Macan pie. The styling will come as no surprise – it looks a lot like the old Macan – but the LED strip at the back and the new LED headlights deliver an enhanced look. Porsche has also upgraded the infotainment system and expanded the range of options. The 2019 Macan is expected to reach US dealers in the summer, with prices from around $50,000.
Honda Passport
Honda will unveil the new 2019 Passport a day before it makes its global debut at the LA Auto Show. The American designed and built Passport will be Honda’s fourth SUV and sixth light-truck model and it will target buyers who need a work vehicle during the week and something a little more ‘lifestyle’ at weekends. It sits above the CR-V in the Honda range, a vehicle we have just driven and reviewed.
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
The Crosstrek Hybrid is Subaru’s first-ever plug-in hybrid, featuring a 2.0-litre petrol engine and a pair of electric motors. It can reach speeds of up to 65mph in electric mode and is a full second faster to 60mph than the standard Crosstrek, known over here as the XV. Crucially, it can also deliver up to 17 miles of electric range. Subaru is said to be considering a UK launch, so this is a car to watch.
Musk has been responding to news via Twitter that Tesla is one of the Silicon Valley region’s most popular companies to work for. The proud, if controversial, father of a number of pioneering businesses openly invited Twitter users to join his corporate family.
His sell? “If getting things done matters to you” then Tesla, SpaceX, Boring Company and Neuralink is where you belong. According to a follow-up Tweet, getting things done means serious work hours – “nobody ever changed the world on 40 hours a week”.
Varies per person, but about 80 sustained, peaking above 100 at times. Pain level increases exponentially above 80.
When asked how many hours you need to get things done, Musk’s response was “about 80 sustained, peaking above 100 at times”. Even he goes on to admit that “pain level increases exponentially above 80”.
His logic is reasonably sound, for those it applies to at least, “if you love what you do, it (mostly) doesn’t feel like work”.
Does he think Tesla employees doing 100+ hours a week to keep Model 3 deliveries going are working their dream jobs? That’s still unclear.
There’s good news for custom car fans visiting this year’s 
The revised 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT range has debuted at the 
The latest evolution of the Porsche 911, codenamed 992, has been revealed on the eve of the 2018 LA Auto Show. It goes on sale immediately, priced from £93,110, with Porsche keen to stress that, although 
As the last big motor show of the year, the LA Auto Show has an end-of-term feel about it. It’s a chance to recap on the new cars of 2018 and look ahead to the hottest new models of 2019.
