Peugeot is aiming to cause a stir with its all-electric, fully-autonomous show car at the 2018 Paris Motor Show: the e-Legend Concept is a futuristic preview with a retro design inspired by the famous 504 Coupe.

It’s part of Peugeot’s efforts to make the future seem exciting. “Boredom will never be part of our DNA,” said Peugeot CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato.

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The e-Legend Concept is not just a tech showcase, he said, but “a vision of a brand actively focused on an optimistic and ultra-desirable future… for Peugeot, autonomy and electric are synonymous with even stronger sensations”.

Electric, self-driving Peugeots are, it seems, set to be even more exciting than today’s cars, rather than less so. And if they look as gorgeous as this, who are we to argue?

The 50-year-old 504 Coupe’s styling is mirrored inside, with a similarly modern interpretation of that car’s retro dashboard. Brilliant touches include digitised wood displayed on the car’s various screens, plus the 504’s three-dial binnacle electronically recreated.

Futuristic features make the interior a luxurious place. French premium audio brand Focal has created technology that creates a ‘sound bubble’ for each occupant – each can listen to their own stuff without disturbing others.

AI tech company Soundhound Inc has created a voice-activated assistant that can change the driving style, music, and even open and close the doors. Peugeot adds that a production version of this tech will be in production within two years.

Powered by 100 kWh batteries, the 462 hp e-Legend Concept has four-wheel drive, a 136 mph top speed and 0–62 mph in less than four seconds. It also has a 442-mile range, so long as you don’t constantly deploy all its considerable 590lb ft of pulling power.

A fast-charge system adds 311 miles’ range in 25 minutes, and Peugeot’s planning inductive ‘wireless’ charging.

It has four driving modes – two autonomous and two manual. In autonomous guise, choose from ‘Soft’ (a soothing, distraction-free setup) or ‘Sharp’ (where all the screens go live and it’s fully connected).

Manual modes are ‘Legend’ (which brings in the 504 Coupe cues and the digital wood) and ‘Boost’ (which focuses more on the driver).

For each mode, the interior configuration changes – the steering wheel can dip beneath the dashboard sound bar, for example, revealing a massive 49-inch central screen in autonomous guise. The seats also recline and armrests are deployed, for added comfort. The perfect way to survey that lovely 21^st century interpretation of the famed 504.

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Formula One fans have long complained that the modern hybrid engines are too quiet, but one iteration of the 1.6-litre V6 turbo is facing the opposite challenge: the Mercedes-AMG Project One’s engine is too LOUD.

Certainly, too loud to keep secret. The firm has recently begun testing the first road-going prototypes of the new F1-engined hypercar, at locations such as the Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, England.

However, its desire to keep the tests under wraps has failed, it says: “Because of their characteristic F1 sound, they are hard to keep from the public.”

This has scuppered the firm’s original plans to drive around unnoticed and pile on the many miles prototypes need to cover as part of vehicle development. And so, as it’s proving so hard to keep the testing confidential, Mercedes-AMG has now gone public with the first official shots of the production car in testing.

The hypercar’s goal is to put a contemporary F1 engine on the road. It’s actually technology built in Britain: since 1995, the Mercedes-AMG tech centre in Brixworth, Northamptonshire, has built every Mercedes-Benz F1 engine, and will do the same for the Project One motor.

Already, the engine has undergone hundreds of hours of dyno testing at Brixworth. The successful completion of this stage saw attention turn to the first prototypes.

And, now, a revision of the original plan to drive around unnoticed at Millbrook in Bedfordshire. As if even a highly camouflaged Mercedes-AMG Project One was ever going to pass unnoticed…

Aston Martin has announced its initial public offer of shares is set at £17.50 to £22.50 per share – giving the company a market capitalisation of between £4.02 billion and £5.07 billion.

The company will offer 25 percent of its shares in its initial public offer (IPO).

The final price will be set on 3 October, when initial share dealing will commence. Aston Martin’s shares will begin trading on the London Stock Exchange from 8 October.

A final prospectus will be issued later today, says the Gaydon-based sports car firm, after which customers and employees will be able to apply for shares. All applications must be in by 28 September (and anyone looking to invest more than £15,000 will be subject to anti-money laundering checks).

Dr Andy Palmer, president and CEO, said: “By becoming the only automotive company listed on the London Stock Exchange, Aston Martin Lagonda will provide investors with a fitting opportunity to participate in our future success.

“Our Second Century Plan gives prospective investors deep insight into how we have executed our turnaround and how we are positioned for growth. Over the past four years the benefits of the Aston Martin turnaround to the UK economy have been profound.

“This track record has created significant interest in the Aston Martin Lagonda offer, and we are pleased to offer shares not only to institutional investors but also to our eligible UK resident employees, customers and members of the Aston Martin Owners Club.”

Aston Martin adds in the price range announcement that Daimler AG will remain a shareholder, locking in its 4.9 percent stake for 12 months after the company’s IPO.

The new Suzuki Jimny has been earning rave reviews during its recent press launch but safety testing watchdog Euro NCAP is less impressed: it has awarded the diminutive new 4×4 a meagre three-star rating in its latest tests.

Describing its crash performance as ‘disappointing’, Euro NCAP says the Jimny falls short on adult occupant protection and safety assist systems.

Matthew Avery from Thatcham Research, Euro NCAP’s UK partner, said its testing performance “betrays its ostensibly rugged exterior.

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“As a completely new vehicle, it should offer far more protection to drivers in the event of an accident.

“The safety technology available with this vehicle did not perform optimally either.” Euro NCAP called out a mediocre Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system, which Avery said “showed weak performance in tests of its pedestrian avoidance in daylight and does not operate in low light.

“The youthful audience the Suzuki Jimny has been designed for deserve – and need – better protection in terms of passive and active safety.”

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Luckily, other newly tested models performed better. Indeed, the latest Volkswagen Touareg and Audi A6 both scored five-star ratings – despite facing the additional challenge of the new Euro NCAP AEB cyclists’ tests.

“It’s pleasing to see carmakers like VW and Audi rise to the challenge presented by the new AEB cyclist tests, which were brought into the Euro NCAP programme at the start of the year,” said Avery.

However, the A6 wasn’t quite perfect. “The Safety Assist score for the Audi A6 is not class-leading, which is a shame to see.”

Euro NCAP also tested the new Ford Tourneo Connect, which put in a solid four-star performance. It now sits at the top of the van-derived people carrier sector for safety.

“Ford has given the Tourneo Connect more than a facelift, from a safety perspective at least,” said Avery.

“It’s pleasing to see a number of standard-fit driver aids, which all performed well in testing. This is especially important in larger vehicles as they present a greater potential threat to cyclists and pedestrians.”

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has called on negotiators to rule out a no-deal Brexit because a potential tariff bill of at least £5 billion for both Brits and Europeans would be “just the tip of the iceberg”.

It warned that the health of the entire European car industry is at stake, not just in Britain, because of the deeply-integrated nature of the business.

As the car industry is crucial to the whole European economy, the SMMT has urged Brexit negotiators to swiftly dismiss the ‘no-deal’ option once and for all.

The organisation is meeting with EU officials in Brussels today, to underline the economic importance of the car industry – and the hefty economic repercussions if a deal is not struck.

‘Stakes are high’

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said, “Tariffs alone should be enough to focus minds on sealing a withdrawal agreement between the EU and UK, but the potential impact of ‘no-deal’ means the stakes for the automotive sector are far higher.”

His warning was stark. “Without a deal, there can be no transition period and the complex issues surrounding tariffs and trade, customs, regulation and access to talent will remain unresolved.

“Our industry is deeply integrated across both sides of the Channel so we look to negotiators to recognise the needs of the whole European automotive industry and act swiftly to avoid disruption and damage to one of our most valuable shared economic assets.”

2.7 million cars and vans cross the Channel each way every year, says the SMMT. £3.4 million of components are also exported out of the UK – and three times that sum is imported from European suppliers. In truck terms, that’s more than 1,100 lorry movements a day, most of them without a customs check.  

No-deal Brexit: cars become £1,500 dearer

Add in tariffs, and the cost of UK-built cars in Europe would rise by an average of £2,700. Here in the UK, car prices would go up by £1,500 – and as 7 in 10 new cars registered by Brits come from Europe, the effect would be immediate and significant.

As for the industry itself, it employs 13.3 million people across Europe, and represents nearly 7 percent of EU GDP. “No-deal is now not an option, as limited progress pushes the sector closer to a cliff-edge.”

It’s time for negotiators to be pragmatic, said the SMMT, securing a withdrawal agreement and transition agreement, “and safeguarding one of Europe’s most valuable economic assets”.

The new Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic is proof they do things differently at AMG. Despite having a power output of 306 hp, and a 0-62mph acceleration time of 4.7 seconds, this new A-Class is nevertheless described as an ‘entry-level’ hot hatch.

An entry-level car that’s faster than many other brands’ range-topping hot hatches.

It’s an early sign the future new Mercedes-AMG A 45 4Matic is going to be explosive…

The A 35 AMG certainly looks the part. It has an AMG grille with twin louvres, F1-style aero ‘flicks’ above the front splitter, twin-spoke 18-inch alloys and a rear end packing a beefed-up apron with inset diffuser, massive roof spoiler and dual exhausts.

There are race bucket-look sports seats inside with deep bolsters, Dinamica microfibre seat inserts, air vents decked out with red rings and, yes, even red seatbelts.

Mercedes-AMG has designed three bespoke AMG displays for the widescreen cockpit display – we like the sound of Supersport, with a big central rev counter and additional displays either side. They even have a 3D layout for added impact.

The MBUX touchscreen display has AMG extras too, such as the AMG Trace Pack and numbers-packed telemetry data. Owner can choose from 80 different data feeds: perfect for track days, says AMG. It will even save your 0-62mph acceleration times for analysis (and bragging rights on social media) later.

Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic: in detail

Mercedes-AMG has boosted up the new A-Class’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine to 306hp with a new twin-scroll turbocharger. It responds super-crisply, we’re told, and Camtronic variable valve control means it’s relatively efficient too, with economy of up to nearly 39mpg claimed.

Of course, it has a rorty AMG exhaust, with an automatically controlled flap to turn it from relatively legal into loud and raucous at the press of a button.

The engine is paired with an AMG Speedshift DCT 7G gearbox, which inevitably has a race start function, maximising the traction of the AMG Performance 4Matic all-wheel drive system for hassle-free traffic light domination of Golf GTIs and Honda Civic Type Rs.

Adaptive damping is also standard, with three different modes; this enables AMG to offer five different AMG Dynamic Select drive profiles, from relatively comfortable to rock-hard and racy. There are lots of AMG-specific suspension components too, such as a beefed-up front knuckle and bespoke geometry.

Big brakes are standard: four-piston, silver-painted monoblock front calipers grab 350mm front discs. They’re actually the same size brakes as the old A 45 4Matic.

Mercedes-AMG has not just bolted new bits onto the A 35 4Matic, either. It’s actually strengthened the entire bodyshell, with modifications to the front-end improving precision and turn-in, and a ‘shear panel’ in the engine bay upping stiffness. There are two more new diagonal braces on the underside, too.

“With the introduction of the A 45 in 2012, we presented a real benchmark in the compact segment,” said Mercedes-AMG CEO Tobias Moers.

“The demand for our compact models has developed very dynamically in recent years. This success has encouraged us to further expand our portfolio and place it on a broader footing.

“With the new A 35, we are fulfilling our brand promise of driving performance in every detail and offering thrilling lateral dynamics at the level of today’s A 45.”

And tomorrow’s A 45? It’s coming, adds the firm. This A 35 is a warm up for that car: it’s been developed at the same time as its forthcoming bigger brother and carries all the AMG DNA that model will possess.

Plus, presumably, a suitable power hike even over this. Question is, how much beyond the 400hp mark will it go…

Aston Martin has announed the surprise new £6 million DBZ Centenary collection. No, not a single mega-bucks Zagato Aston Martin monster. Rather two stunning examples from both ends of this exclusive and long-running collaboration: a retro reborn Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato, and a brand new Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato.

Yes, this is an ‘old and new’ collection that only comes as a pair – a suitably lavish celebration of the legendary Italian design house in 2019.

Depending on how highly you value the reborn DB4 GT Zagato, you could even call it a ‘buy one, get one free’ offer…

Aston Martin describes the DBZ Centenary Collection as “a unique project that pays tribute to an icon of the paste and creates a classic of the future”. There will be just 19 pairs sold, to commemorate the founding of the design house by Ugo Zagato in 1919.

Quite the pair they are, too. In short, the DB4 is the latest in a rapidly growing cohort of continuation specials – coach-built beauties revived in the modern era. The DB4 GT Zagato is arguably the most significant Aston Martin of all time and is, of course, the lynchpin of this long-standing partnership.

The DBS GT Zagato is the new boy. This latest chapter in the story of the Aston and Zagato collaboration is based, as you’ve probably already guessed, on the new DBS Superleggera. Let’s break them both down in more detail, starting with the new DBS.

Aston Martin DBS GT Zagato

This as-yet-unseen car is to be the rarest of all the modern-era Aston Martins. Yes, Valkyrie hypercar included. It will feature all of the definitive hallmarks of a Zagato-bodied Aston: a distinctive grille, double-bubble roof, truncated rear end design and delectable interior appointments.

The 700hp twin-turbo V12 and eight-speed transmission will remain, ensuring the Zagato of today is no shrinking violet..

Interestingly, this is the first of the new-era Astons to get the Zagato treatment, so we should expect the DBS to be a taste of where Zagato goes with its Aston work going forward.

Indeed, it was “created to embody the next evolution in Aston Martin Zagato design language”. Certainly, the teaser sketch above suggests something pretty radical.

Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato Continuation

The DB4 GT Zagato is a continuation of the original legend – a car that raced at the hands of stars like Jim Clark. The originals are now some of the most valuable Aston Martins in existence thanks in part to their star power, their historical providence (both racing and otherwise) and of course, being Zagatos, their rarity.

Aston arguably kicked off the continuation trend three decades ago, with the sanction II cars of 1988 and the sanction III cars of 2000. Chances to own any of these cars, let alone an original, are few and far between.

When originals do come up, they’re twice the cost of this Centenary Collection. See: another reason it’s a bargain.

As with any of these recreations, it’s to be utterly authentic to the originals in design and execution – tubular frame under alloy panels and all. We wonder whether that will be the case to the old “no two are exactly alike” extent…

The new DB4 GT Zagato car is yours – along with the DBS GT Zagato – for £6 million, though we suspect all 19 pairs have been sold for some time.

One of the very few things these cars won’t do two-by-two, however, is arrive. While the DB4 will be in customer’s hands as early as Q4 2019, the DBS will arrive at least a year later…

The Dendrobium D-1 was revealed last year as a futuristic-looking zero-emissions hypercar. Now, we have an update on what’s under the skin, and the partners working on the project.

Strong support from Williams Advanced Engineering doesn’t stop many from crying “vapourware”. Unfortunately, that’s the inevitable assumption when we’re presented with most snazzy-looking concepts that light up and do little more. However, the fact we can now see inside the D-1 is encouraging. The interior looks attractive and there’s no denying the coolness of those doors. 

Dendrobium is partnering up with what could be big players in the future of EV battery development and production. The fledgling Dendrobium Automotive Limited has entered a four-way agreement with Magnis Resources, Charge CCCV (C4V) LLC and Dendrobium Advanced Technologies. C4V and Magnis will assist in the production of future high-performance and solid-state batteries.

As for the car? Odd numbers are beginning to come in, including 1,750kg weight and 1,800hp power targets. The platform, dubbed the Protocell carbon tub, has allegedly been engineered to underpin multiple models.

A star at Salon Privé

The car enjoyed some limelight at the recent Salon Privé event at Blenheim Palace, though it was arguably somewhat overshadowed by the debut of the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ.

As an exercise in design, the D-1 remains impressive, but as is the case with any new supercar, the proof will be in the performance, production and sales.

“I can honestly say that Dendrobium Automotive is one of the most exciting and future-focused businesses I’ve ever been involved with,” said Chairman and CEO of Dendrobium Automotive, Nigel Gordon-Stewart.

“You can be assured that the Dendrobium brand will become synonymous with the most exciting and technically sophisticated e-hypercars on the market and available globally.”

We’re cautiously optimistic that the D-1 might just join the ranks of the fully-realised new-age EV supercars, along with the Pininfarina PF1, Rimac, Tesla Roadster, NIO EP9 and more. 

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The new Kia e-Niro crossover already beats the just-revealed Audi E-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQC and the Jaguar I-Pace – for overall driving range, that is. Kia has just confirmed a driving range of up to 301 mile on a single charge, which no premium SUV can currently better.

Kia’s 301-mile figure is according to the new WLTP standard; in the same test, the Jaguar I-Pace will cover 292 miles, while both the Audi E-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQC will do 249 miles.

The Kia e-Niro even beats the 280-mile NEDC figure Mercedes-Benz cheekily quoted; this test is being phased out in favour of the tougher WLTP test.

Kia achieves this official 300-mile range with a smaller, cheaper, faster-to-charge battery than its premium rivals. The 64kWh lithium ion unit is still a decent size though (and 24hWh bigger than a Nissan Leaf); Kia says it’s able to go further than some particularly thirsy petrol cars (supercar owners, it’s referencing you).

Capable of fast-charging with a 100kW unit, the battery will charge from flat to 80 percent charge in 54 minutes.

If you can’t stretch to the 64kWh battery, a cheaper Kia e-Niro will be offered, with a 39.2kWh unit. This will have a still-OK 193-mile WLTP range.

The 39.2kWh e-Niro won’t be as fast as its bigger brother though. It gets a 136hp electric motor, for 0-62mph in 9.8 seconds.

The pricier 64kWh e-Niro has a 204hp motor, which accelerates to 62mph in just 7.8 seconds. Both cars are covered by Kia’s 7-year, 100,000-mile warranty – and, yes, both battery pack and electric motor are included.

Kia will give the new e-Niro its European debut at the Paris Motor Show next month. Full prices and delivery dates will be confirmed towards the end of 2018.