The Mercedes-AMG Project One hypercar is going through a difficult gestation, as engineers struggle to mould its F1-derived powertrain into a smooth-running and emissions-compliant road car engine.
Breaking news: a Formula 1 engine is neither environmentally friendly nor any good at low revs. Joking aside, even all the automotive brains at Mercedes-AMG are having a job reworking the Project One’s petrol-electric V6 for road use – more so than even they anticipated.
Given this is much more the racetrack refugee than many cars in the past that have claimed to ‘bring F1 to the road’, the challenges in this transition are very real.
It’s mostly to do with revs and holding a steady. low idle. F1 cars idle at 5,000rpm and rev out to 15,000rpm. This road-going supercar needs to idle consistently and cleanly at 1,200rpm – and be able to do so for extended periods of time.
The challenges have set the AMG team back around nine months. It’s worth remembering that it’s highly likely these cars will see more action on Park Lane and Sloane Street than at Spa or Silverstone.
The Project One is currently testing at various power levels, running through 40 percent of potential, 60 percent and 80 percent. What the production car will produce will not be known for some time, while they crack it as a viable road car powerplant.
At present, buyers can expect to start receiving their cars in 2020.
Price for the new 2019 Honda CR-V Hybrid have been confirmed: it will start from £29,105 and Honda dealers will take their first deliveries from February 2019.
The ‘electrified’ CR-V follows the petrol-powered CR-Vs launched back in the summer, and is the fuel-saving option from the range. Honda will not be offering a diesel version of the new CR-V.
Because the hybrid battery gear takes up a bit of space in the back, Honda’s only offering it in five-seat guise. Buyers will, however, be able to choose between two-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. They’ll all come with an eCVT automatic gearbox.
Honda proudly tells us the Honda Sensing suite of safety tech comes as standard on all models. This means every CR-V Hybrid will feature auto emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition and even a system that helps stop drivers running off the road.
SE models will build upon base S grade with parking sensors and a rear-view camera. SR and EX add blind spot warning, with SR offering leather interior, active cornering lights and keyless go.
EX is the range-topper and has a head-up display, panoramic glass roof, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats and a hands-free electric tailgate.
The 2WD range comprises S, SE and SR, with 4WD stretching from SE, SR and EX. Prices are, on average, around £3,100 higher than the 1.5-litre VTEC Turbo base model, although not only is the 2.0-litre a high-tech hybrid, it also has the automatic gearbox as standard.
“The CR-V Hybrid is the first step in achieving our objective of electrified powertrains accounting for two-thirds of our European sales by 2025,” said Phil Webb, head of car at Honda UK.
“In a marketplace that is going to become increasingly competitive as time goes on, the CR-V is well placed to achieve strong sales results and we have high expectations for this car.”
The Lamborghini SC18 is a one-off creation for a secret customer that takes the Aventador supercar and turns the dial up yet further. As if that was even possible.
The first road-going car created by the Squadra Corse racing division, the SC18 (‘Squadra Corse 18’, we’re presuming) is primarily optimised for the track and features an array of motorsport-spec upgrades to make it mesmerizingly fast against the clock.
Lamborghini Squadra Corse worked with the Centro Stile Lamborghini styling department to design the car – and the collaboration has been so successful, the firm says it “paves the way to further personalised development projects for motorsport customers under the Squadra Corse brand”.
Visually, it’s all about aerodynamics. At the front, Lamborghini’s added on air intakes that mimic the Huracan GT3 Evo racing car. Further back, the extreme scoops and fins are drawn from the Huracan Super Trofeo Evo.
The rear wing is made from carbon fibre and can be adjusted three ways, to hone downforce no matter what the circuit.
Wheels feature a motorsport-style central nut, with 20-inch front and 21-inch rear Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres. Rather amazingly, it rides just 109mm off the ground. It’s road-legal, but you’re probably best avoiding speed humps.
The bodywork is made entirely from carbon fibre, cutting weight, and Lamborghini has painted it in a special Grigio Daytona paint colour but left the carbon weave exposed in certain areas. Sections of red-screen printing “enhance its sportiness”.
The V12 engine (sourced from the Aventador SVJ) produces 770hp. There is a bespoke exhaust system “with a unique design and sound”. 12 red-accented air intakes on the rear engine cover help hot air escape better, improving the cooling during hard-driven track day sessions.
Just look at it. Pretty wild, huh? And it’s just the first of many such ‘one-offs’ we can look forward to in the future, by the sounds of it. If you like your Lambos even more extreme than they already are, Squadra Corse is now here to deliver.
Rising fuel prices are causing unrest across the channel, with an estimated 290,000 people taking part in road-blocking protests and marches over the weekend by people wearing yellow vests.
The plan was for traffic to be either slowed down or stopped entirely during the protests, which were planned for Saturday 17 November.
Action took place at more than 2,000 locations across France and was largely peaceful, say reports. However, the scale of the protests saw around 400 injured as demonstrations continued throughout the night and into Sunday.
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A female protestor was killed, reports the BBC, after a driver was surrounded by protestors. They reportedly panicked and accelerated into the crowd.
The action is due to cover almost the entirety of the country, as demonstrated by the interactive map of yellow vests. If that sounds extreme, consider that within a year, fuel prices have increased 14 percent and 23 percent for petrol and diesel respectively.
The price of diesel at the pumps in France is now £1.32.
What’s more, further taxes are due to be added at the beginning of 2019 A further rise of 2.9 cents and 6.5 cents for petrol and diesel is projected for Jan 1 2019. The markedly higher cost of diesel suggests the French government is penalising diesel drivers.
In a poll conducted by French motoring title Auto Plus, 82 percent of respondents (that’s more than 3,000 people) said they would be ready to demonstrate against “soaring prices at the pumps”.
BBC News said that over the weekend, the protests were still approved of by three quarters of the population.
Five years after hitting the three-million miles mark in his Volvo P1800 S, Irvin ‘Irv’ Gordon has died. The news was posted on a fansite quoting his daughter, who said: “I am posting today to let everyone know that my father Irv Gordon passed away today.”
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Gordon covered an estimated 85,000 to 100,000 miles per year, driving the 1966 Volvo on a daily basis and taking part in many events. Once, he drove from New York to Vancouver, a distance of approximately 3,000 miles.
His fanatical dedication to vehicle maintenance and a passion for driving made the retired science teacher a celebrity within car circles and a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the highest vehicle mileage.
Couldn’t stop driving the car
He bought his Volvo on a Friday in June 1966 for $4,150 (the equivalent of a whole year’s salary) at the age of 25. He couldn’t stop driving the car, and by the following Monday, it was already time for the car’s 1,500-mile service.
A 125-mile round-trip daily commute contributed to the car clocking 500,000 miles in just 10 years, and by 1987 he had already celebrated one million miles behind the wheel. In 2002, he drove the car’s two-millionth mile down Times Square in his native New York.
For the three-millionth mile record, the Volvo was transported to Alaska, with Gordon following by plane. He chose the Kenai Peninsula as the location for the amazing milestone, setting a record for the longest mileage achieved by one man and one car.
‘An outstanding gentleman’
In a statement in 2013, Volvo said: ‘Volvo Cars and Volvo Cars Heritage proudly express their congratulations to an outstanding achievement, done by an outstanding gentleman and his outstanding car!
‘This is by far the best proof of Volvo quality, longevity and reliability one could possibly ask for. And Irv Gordon is the man who has done it.’
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Volvo rewarded his achievement with a new XC60, with Gordon saying he planned to “spend a great deal of time in it” to give his 1800 “a bit of a break”.
He had “no intention of trying for four million [miles]” as he would be “on the road in air-conditioned comfort for a change”. Four years on, the P1800 S has outlived even Gordon himself.
The P1800 S certainly enjoyed a form of semi-retirement, but by May of this year, it had hit 3,250,257 miles. In a rather poignant interview in the summer, Gordon said: “I expect that I’ll still be driving the car until there’s nothing left of me.”
Mirror Indicate, the company behind the cycling accessory of the same name, claims that this is the world’s first combined mirror and indicator with intelligent firmware to improve your safety on the road.
The Cheshire-based business is convinced that it has ‘made a major breakthrough’ in road safety for cyclists, designing wearable technology that combines a shatterproof mirror and an indicator that fits on the right hand.
Once the device has been strapped in place, the cyclist can check the view behind simply by holding their hand at 45-degrees, like a salute. Touching the lens onto a magnet secured to the bike frame or handlebar turns the indicator on or off, alerting upcoming and ongoing traffic of your intention to turn.
According to Mirror Indicate, this new tech is designed to address the dangers of road junctions, where 75 percent of pedal cyclists are injured. Failing to look properly is the primary cause of the accidents leading to these injuries.
‘Makes traffic accidents less likely’
The inventor and managing director of Mirror Indicate, Paul Tolley explained the history behind the company and product, “I’ve been cycling for ten years and always struggled turning right on busy roads.
Turning round to check traffic, then worrying if you can be seen was a problem and the only way to solve it was to develop Mirror Indicate.”
“With handlebar-mounted mirrors mean you get blind spots and usually have to set them before each journey. Using a mirror on the hand you indicate with just feels right and coupled with the brightest flashing indicator we could find, this makes a huge difference to the way you ride and your confidence on the road.
“Cycling helmets make accidents safer – Mirror Indicate makes traffic accidents less likely.”
The product, which has been developed over the past ten years, is available online for £44.95 plus postage.
The latest research claims the average car owner manages to enjoy just nine hours of motoring every week.
According to the survey – conducted by Turo, a kind of Airbnb for cars – a car will spend 159 hours a week either idling on the driveway, parked in the garage, or outside a home or place of work.
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Turo also says that a car that cost £14,217 new would lose 60 per cent of its value over the first three years, at a rate of £2,843.33 a year. This means that its value will drop by around £50.88 a week – or 32p for every minute it is motionless.
Xavier Collins, a spokesperson for Turo, said: “Many of us are happy to spend a small fortune on our cars, it’s often one of the biggest investments we make. Yet, despite all this, we never truly release their full potential.
“I think we’re starting to see a trend in consumer behaviour as they look to the sharing economy to provide them access to the resources they require but don’t own. For the vast majority of adults, their car sits unused for most of its life.”
In an effort to build awareness of its peer-to-peer car-sharing service, Turo’s data also found that four in 10 Brits have gone two weeks or longer without using their car, usually when they’re on holiday.
One in three admitted feeling as if their car is wasting their money when it’s not being driven. But how many owners would feel comfortable sharing their beloved car with complete strangers?
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Xavier Collins said: “Cars have, for too long, been our most depreciating investment, but that doesn’t have to be the case anymore. We are motoring enthusiasts and love our cars too, so we understand owners concerns about sharing out their prized motors.
”We set up comprehensive insurance cover that gives each host the security and peace of mind to put their car on Turo. The average host on Turo can earn more than £500 a month. We are used to earning back from our houses when they are not occupied, so why not do the same with our cars?”
Speaking at the UK launch of the 2019 model year Levante, Mike Biscoe, Maserati GB General Manager, confirmed that demand for the diesel-powered version of the SUV was still strong. There are also no immediate plans to add hybrid power to the premium 4×4 model.
With 275hp from a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6, the diesel Levante has marked the least costly route into ownership of the Italian-built SUV.
However, the new 2019 Levante sees the addition of a new turbocharged V6 petrol engine, offering a more affordable option for buyers wanting to eschew diesel power. Built by Ferrari in Maranello, the new 350hp version of the 3.0-litre V6 engine bridges the gap in the Levante range between the diesel model and higher-powered 430hp petrol Levante S.
With a list price of £61,425, the new 350hp petrol Levante undercuts the Levante S by more than £11,000. The diesel Levante is still the cheapest model at £58,315.
The Levante is of key importance to Maserati brand, accounting for 50% of total sales for the brand. Sales in China and North America have also proven to be significant, with the Levante GTS recently being crowned as the ‘SUV of Texas’ for 2018.
Adding a luxury SUV to the range has also proved significant in attracting new customers to the brand. Some 90 percent of Levante buyers are new to Maserati, with 70 percent attracted from key competitor brands.
Along with the addition of the new petrol engine, the changes to the 2019 model year Levante aim to ensure it remains competitive against rivals such as the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q8.
Revised exterior styling for the GranSport trim level, a wider range of exterior and interior trim choices, and updates to the infotainment system are part of the revisions.
BMW has released details of the new 330e plug-in hybrid, which will go on sale in July 2019.
It’s faster and lighter than before, but the big news is the electric range, with the 330e offering up to 37 miles of emissions-free driving – a healthy increase of 12 miles over the outgoing model.
Other figures of note include a WLTP-certified 138mpg and CO2 emissions of just 39g/km. Sadly, following the recent changes to the government plug-in car grant, the BMW 330e no longer qualifies for a green car discount.
Still, at least the performance gets a boost, thanks to the development of the aptly-named XtraBoost mode. In a first for BMW, the system temporarily increases the output of the plug-in hybrid drive from 252hp with an addition of up to 41hp.
‘Flair and precision’
BMW claims that this system offers the ‘drive characteristics that are typical of the 3 Series’, and includes an accelerator pedal curve that offers ‘sporty flair and precision’. There’s even a model-specific sound design that includes ‘highly emotional engine acoustics’.
Drive is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed Steptronic transmission, with adaptive suspension, sports steering and upgraded brakes available as options. This might just be a greener alternative to the recently announced BMW M340i.
The 0-62mph time has dropped to 6.0 seconds, while the top speed is 143mph, or 68mph in electric mode.
The 330e will be available in SE, Sport Line and M Sport trim levels, and ‘virtually the entire range of optional equipment features’ will be available to UK buyers. No prices have been announced, but we’d expect the new BMW 330e to cost upwards of £40,000.
Motorcycle Live begins this weekend, one of the final major motoring events of 2018. To help provide guidance as the 2019 new bike buying season begins, Auto Trader Bikes has conducted its annual run-through of the best new bikes you can buy.
The Auto Trader Best Bike Awards 2018 comprises 12 categories, with one bike going forward to be named the overall winner of the Best Bike Awards. “Whether you’re a first-time rider looking for a humble 50cc,” say the judges, “or an adrenaline junkie seeking a 200+ horsepower superbike… the awards reveal the best machines on two wheels”.
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How the bikes were judged
A total of 36 motorcycles were tested for the 2018 Auto Trader Best Bike Awards, from 16 different manufacturers. Machines for all levels of rider ability were sampled, including for learners and those taking their CBT.
Judges assessed machines across a broad criteria, including performance, practicality, reliability, running costs, appearance and technical features. “Our impartial awards, now in its fifth year, brings independent judges together to celebrate the best bikes available in each category, giving honest and transparent advice and guidance to UK bikers, said Auto Trader Bikes director, Rob Morphet.
Best Scooter: Honda X-ADV
Runners up: Piaggio MP3, Vespa GTS300
Half scooter, half adventure bike, more than a little bonkers – the judges didn’t quite know what to make of Honda’s innovative X-ADV, but they ended up falling for it. “This bold hybrid is practical and fun,” they said, and is “brilliantly executed”. However, the price of almost £10,000 did raise a few eyebrows.
Best AM: Peugeot Speedfight 50
Runners up: Yamaha Aerox 50, Aprilia SX50
The long-running Peugeot Speedfight is the gold standard among scooters if you’re 16 years old. This is the poster scooter, the ultimate, and the latest model is “smart, cool, easy to ride and has a top notch image”. Complete with phone dock, USB socket and backlit digital dash, the cool factor is better than it’s ever been, too.
Best A1: Aprilia SX125
Runners up: Honda CB125R, Lexmoto Titan 125
This is “Aprilia at its best”. The SX125 is “cool, fun, easy to ride, well equipped and affordable”. Judges described it as the perfect A1 motorcycle and a great learner supermoto with proven quality. The only area where some may struggle with this novice-friendly motorcycle is its tall saddle.
Best A2: Kawasaki Ninja 400
Runners up: Honda CB300R, Triumph A2 Speed Triple
The Kawasaki Ninja 400 is “a great sports bike introduction for novices”. Its mini ZX-10R styling means the wow-factor is off the scale, but while it’s involving to ride, it’s also unintimidating. An easy, entertaining machine.
Best Middleweight: Suzuki SV650X
Runners up: KTM 790 Duke, Ducati Monster 821
The SV650 isn’t the newest of machines, but it’s ‘X’ naked makeover has turned it into a fun cafe racer that’s appealing and affordable. Not only is it surprisingly convincing, it’s also great value for money. It may seem like bandwagon jumping by Suzuki, but the overall machine is much better than that.
Best Naked: Triumph Speed Triple RS
Runners up: Honda CB1000R, Husqvarna Vitpilen
The original super naked has been improved for 2018 and is now better than ever. A 10hp power boost is useful (although others remain more powerful still), and the RS additions of Ohlins suspension, carbon bits and Arrow exhausts add to the classic charisma. Handling is now better than ever, too.
A tiny British motorcycle maker, CCM has come up trumps with the Spitfire Flatracker. It’s a cool, fun city bike that’s simple and packed with feel, although the judges do admit it’s “not versatile, practical or sensible”.
Best Adventure: BMW R1200GS Adventure
Runners up: Honda Africa Twin Sports Adventure, Triumph Tiger 800
The standard by which all others are judged: Auto Trader Bikes calls the BMW R1200GS “the Range Rover amongst bikes – the definitive”. The Adventure is the ultimate version, with a bigger tank and more rugged looks.
Best Sports Tourer: Yamaha Tracer 900 GT
Runners up: Kawasaki H2 SX, Yamaha Nikken
The Yamaha Tracer 900 GT is the best ‘do it all’ sports tourer of 2018 – made even better by a revised body and seat. The MT-09 underpinnings mean it’s a fun ride and the GT spec adds panniers, adjustable suspension, heated grips and a cool TFT screen.
Best Cruiser: Harley Davidson Fat Bob
Runners up: Triumph Bobber Black, India Springfield
Harley Davidson has completely revamped its big twin cruiser line-up for 2018. Now focused on the Softail, an all-new frame means it’s lighter, handles better, is quicker and generally more modern-feeling. The V-twin engine is now liquid cooled, there’s an LED headlight at the front and equipment levels are 2018-spec as well.
Best Tourer: Honda Gold Wing GL 1800
Runners up: BMW K1600 Grand America, Triumph Trophy 1200
The gold standard of full-size luxury tourers, the Honda Gold Wing GL 1800 is another machine that’s all-new for 2018. New Gold Wings don’t come around that often, and the latest one offers “astounding refinement and ability… it’s a quantum leap on before”. The flat-six engine is silky-smooth and delivers more power, there’s a clever new DCT gearbox, it’s surprisingly lighter than before – although, at nearly £30,000, it’s hardly a budget buy.
Best Sports: Ducati Panigale V4S
Runners up: BMW HP4, Yamaha R1M
Ducati has done the unthinkable, and swapped the Panigale’s V-twin engine for a brand new V4. In doing so, it’s transformed its sports bike, “setting a new standard in superbike performance”. The decision to ditch the V-twin is “utterly vindicated [by] the sheer brilliance and speed of the Panigale”. The only negatives? The fact that it looks virtually identical to the old model. Oh, and the small matter of a list price as much as £10,000 more than some rivals.
Best Bike Awards 2018 overall winner: Ducati Panigale V4S
It’s a strong gathering of new bikes for 2018, but the exceptional Ducati Panigale V4S’ sheer breadth of brilliance saw the judges give it the nod.
Guest judge Andrew Shim – ‘Milky’ from This is England – summed it up: “The Ducati V4S is by far the superior bike this year. I own a Ducati V4S and I can say first-hand that Ducati hasn’t just moved the goal posts; it’s changed the game.”
The Mercedes-AMG Project One hypercar is going through a difficult gestation, as engineers struggle to mould its F1-derived powertrain into a smooth-running and emissions-compliant road car engine.
Price for the new 
The Lamborghini SC18 is a one-off creation for a secret customer that takes the 
