Jaguar has announced at Monterey Car Week it is putting the all-electric E-type Zero into production – and not only will it emit zero emissons, it will also accelerate faster than the original Series 1 E-type.

The firm is  targeting a driving range of more than 170 miles for the green E-type Zero, thanks to a beefy 40kWh battery. That’s the same size as you get in a new Nissan Leaf, but the electric E-type’s range is aided by its light weight.

Jaguar E-type Zero: the EV E-type that Harry and Meghan drove

Amazingly, Jaguar says the lithium ion battery pack has similar dimensions to the six-cylinder petrol engine it replaces – and weighs almost the same, too.

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Lots of electrical bits from the new Jaguar I-Pace are used in the E-type Zero, although Jaguar says that as the setup of the electric powertrain is so similar to the original petrol E-type, the structure hasn’t had to be changed, and both suspension and brakes can carry over. This helps retail the authentic E-type feel, reckons Jaguar.

Even the car’s overall weight distribution is unchanged and “it drives, handles, rides and brakes like an original E-type”.

The only other obvious changes, apart from the electric drive, are an upgraded instrument panel with touchscreen infotainment and bright, efficient LED headlights that mimic the original. Otherwise, the car, which will be built by Jaguar Classic in Coventry, is pretty much all-original.

A future-proofed classic

Tim Hannig, Jaguar Land Rover Classic director, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive reaction to the Jaguar E-type Zero concept. Future-proofing the enjoyment of classic car ownership is a major stepping stone for Jaguar Classic.

“E-type Zero showcases the incredible heritage of the E-type, and the expertise and craftsmanship at Classic Works, while demonstrating Jaguar Land Rover’s dedication to creating zero emission vehicles across every part of the business, including Jaguar Classic.”

Jaguar Classic is offering two electric E-type Zero options. You can buy a model ready to go, one fully restored and converted to run on electric through the E-type Reborn restorations service.

Or, for those who already own an E-type, Jaguar is offering a conversion kit. It’s fully reversible too, adds the firm, “to preserve the authenticity of the base vehicle”.

How much? That’s still to be revealed, but Jaguar will happily take expressions of interest now: email zero@jaguarlandrover.com, call +44 (0) 203 01 1255, or visit the Jaguar Classic website. The first models are expected to be delivered from summer 2020.

Jaguar first revealed the electric E-type Zero last year, showcasing it at its autumn tech fest in London. The car later gained global fame when it served as the wedding car of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

The Honda NSX supercar has been upgraded for 2019 with a series of chassis, powertrain and trim revisions – and the introduction of a vivid new paint colour called Therma Orange.

Honda UK has also secured a “limited allocation” of the sell-out supercar, which its MD Dave Hodgetts confirmed will be available from early 2019.

Visually, the 2019 NSX is marked out by a front grille that’s now colour-matched to the bodywork, rather than finished in chrome. Front and rear bumpers have gloss black mesh inserts, and if you choose the Therma Orange pearlescent paint, you can have the calipers of the optional carbon ceramic brakes finished in the same colour.

Does all that sound not quite vivid enough? You’re in luck: Honda’s added a full red leather upholstery option – or, if you go for Alcantara and leather, an Indigo Blue alternative.

Even more Super Handling

There are some big changes to the chassis setup of the 2019 Honda NSX. The supercar gets much larger front and rear anti-roll bars, which increase front stiffness by 26 percent and rear stiffness by 19 percent.

Honda’s uprated the rear hubs and the business in the control arm toe links too, further increasing responsiveness.

Continental SportContact 6 tyres are now standard; they’ve been honed for the 2019 NSX and Honda says they improve both feedback and response in cornering, braking and acceleration, both in the wet and the dry.

But it’s not all about on-the-limit prowess. Honda has retuned the active dampers, to make them more comfortable in the regular on-road setting, “while maintaining the stiffer set-up for higher speeds and on-track driving”. Software for the electric power steering and stability control has been revised as well.

Result? A car that’s more stable and more throttle-adjustable on the track… and one that’s two seconds faster than today’s car around Honda’s Suzuka race circuit.

The hybrid supercar is even more environmentally conscious for 2019. New injectors, a particulate filter and tweaks to the heat response of the turbocharger mean it now complies with Euro 6d-TEMP emissions regulations, as well as the new WLTP fuel economy standard.

Infiniti wants to get us excited about its forthcoming range of electric cars – so, under the guidance of new design boss Karim Habib, it’s revealed a radical speedster concept at Pebble Beach called Prototype 10.

Following on from last year’s Prototype 9, the Prototype 10 is said to evoke the spirit of early Californian speedsters and is “informed by some of the most iconic car designs of all time.”

Back in the day, says Habib, “power was celebrated through high-powered single-seat competition cars. Our new concept speaks of an electrified future, something which is reflected in its form and details.

“It is appropriate that we found inspiration in an optimistic bygone era in which cars were characterised by the simple love of driving.”

Monoposto EV

Because every new Infiniti from 2021 will be electrified, Prototype 10 is here to show us how it’s going to make them fun to drive and striking to look at. All future Infinitis will use design elements seen here. The firm hopes they’ll be as driver-focused as this speedster – literally – suggests.

Revealing it in California was intentional, says Infiniti. “California has an automotive culture all of its own, with a rich vein of individual expression empowering car fans and gearheads alike to create their own unique, hand-built machines.”

Californian auto enthusiasts like to “challenge accepted automotive norms” and the region is “intrinsically linked to the speedster body style and remains a cultural centre for independent car tuning and coachbuilding to this day.” Prototype 10, says Habib, taps into California’s unique ethos of self-expression.

Electrification for Infiniti means performance, he adds. “Prototype 10 is a physical representation of our electrified future.”

‘The austere concept’

Infiniti describes Prototype 10 as having “a series of austere, straight lines… a pared-back, more geometric form… ultra-modern shapes and clean, abrupt lines punctuate a design that would otherwise be characterised by the flowing nature of its bodywork.”

Which means? Well, the preview of a new form language, one that evolves the sensuality of the recent Infiniti Q Inspiration Concept “with more purpose and aggression”.

Electric cars mark a turning point for designers, adds Infiniti president Roland Krueger: they can explore different proportions without the need to package stuff like engines, gearboxes and fuel tanks. “This new design language prioritises clean, efficient lines with which we can articulate a new, confident design language.”

Of course, it’s not a car with production intent. It’s only a design study, albeit a striking one. But the firm wants it to clearly show how flexible its future platforms and drivetrains are going to be: “electrification provide new opportunities for the design and layout of our cars,” said Habib.

Which is exciting news for all of us. For years, cars like this have been limited to the gearhead scene of California. But if the flexibility of tomorrow’s electric cars means they could become a series production reality, the EVs of tomorrow could unexpectedly be set to give us all a taste of pure car culture.

It’s a fantasy concept today. But is Infiniti suggesting cars like Prototype 10 could, thanks to electric power, be realistic realities of tomorrow? It’s an exciting thought…

The Volvo XC40 compact SUV is now a little more affordable with the introduction of a new 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine. The range now starts from £27,610 for a 1.5 T3 Momentum.

The new engine is Volvo’s first-ever three-cylinder motor, and joins the existing 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol and diesel line-up. The firm’s billing it as the city-friendly option of the range.

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Producing 156hp, 0-62mph takes 9.4 seconds. More importantly, the engine averages up to 45.6mpg and emits 144g/km CO2. It can tow 1.6 tonnes, adds Volvo – and although it’s only offered with a six-speed manual from launch, an eight-speed automatic is coming later.

For those who need more power, there’s also now a 190hp 2.0-litre T4, and the range is headed by a 247hp twin-turbo T5. On the diesel side, a 150hp 2.0-litre D3 joins the 190hp D4.

The trim range has been broadened too. Variants run from entry-level Momentum, to R-Design, to range-topping Inscription, and there are optional tech-packed ‘Pro’ upgrades for each variant. It means there are now 38 different variants of Volvo XC40, the reigning European Car of the Year.

Naturally, in the build-up to the September 68-plate registration, Volvo’s put together some XC40 special offers. The lower entry price of the T3 means the XC40 can now be bought from £299 a month on a four-year PCP, at 5.9 percent APR. All you need to find is a £4,885 deposit.

Monterey Car Week approaches, with the famous Pebble Beach concours this weekend. That means a lot of significant new car debuts – some more significant, to both manufacturer and market, than others. Few can top Automobili Pininfarina in such stakes, though. The debut of its self-made car signifies the realisation of an American dream. 

The PF0 electric hypercar is limited to 150 units and capable of more than 250mph. The Pininfarina name is one of the most revered in the industry, with Battista Farina first journeying to the States in the 1920s to court industry titans and shape his ideas. The gifted pens of his Turin styling house, Pininfarina, sketched the lines of some of the most beautiful cars in history – many of which regularly enjoy the limelight at Pebble Beach.

The company’s ultimate goal, however, was always to produce a car under its own name. Automobili Pininfarina and the PF0 are the realisation of Battista Farina’s original ambition.

“Our American dream was established in the 1920s even before the company was formed” said Paolo Pininfarina.

“My grandfather, Battista, visited Ford and at the end of his tour and had lunch with Henry Ford, who asked him to become their chief stylist. But he had other ideas and the rest is automotive history”.

Michael Perschke, CEO Automobili Pininfarina, is excited by the auctions: “Our time at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and in the Monterey auction houses will also be a highlight. We will celebrate Pininfarina’s unique place in automotive history and undoubtedly pick up further inspiration for our future range of cars from these Italian masterpieces”.

What can we expect of the car itself? Everything we know so far is collated here, although we won’t have to wait long to hear and see more. Of the car’s relation to previous Pininfarina pieces, design director Luca Borgogno said “we are defining a car that is not overdesigned; we want something that is super clean and looks impossibly simple. Whenever you look back at classic Pininfarina cars, these qualities stand out”.

Read more: 

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Like the idea of driving a new Audi, but don’t want to commit to buying one? The launch of the Audi On Demand ‘mobility service’ in the UK is your answer.

With prices starting from £70 a day (they range up to £190), motorists can rent an Audi for periods as brief as one hour, up to 28 days. The fee covers everything – including fully comprehensive insurance and roadside assistance – and there’s no mileage limit.

Delivery and collection are free within a 30-mile radius of an Audi dealer, and renters can also collect from the showroom itself.

At the moment, it’s only Audi Manchester (in Oldham) that’s offering the Audi On Demand car rental service, but others will soon follow. Edinburgh and Glasgow are launching this week, with Newcastle, Birmingham and London all launching in 2018.

Longer-term, Audi plans to take the scheme nationwide.

How does it work? First, register on www.uk.audiondemand.com, says the firm. If you’re eligible, you can then choose from a “continually expanding” menu of cars that currently includes:

• Audi A1
• Audi A3
• Audi A4
• Audi A5
• Audi Q3
• Audi Q5

Customers at selected locations will also find they can try an Audi A5 Cabriolet, Audi S3 or Audi A5.

To take delivery of the car, customers need to show a custom QR code, plus photo ID and a valid driving licence. And that’s it – then drive away in a brand new Audi for as long as your loan agreement says.

“Audi On Demand is the premium mobility service with a difference,” said Audi UK director Andrew Doyle. “The traditional model of ownership is constantly evolving and this innovative concept firmly puts Audi UK ahead when it comes to meeting customer demand and transforming into a digital premium car company.”

There are plans to launch a service for business customers in 2019, and roll out yet more mobility products “based around the same mantra of customer flexibility and convenience”.

Read more:

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Alfa Romeo is upgrading the Giulia and Stelvio range in time for the September 2018 registration change, with cleaner Euro 6D ‘WLTP-compliant’ engines, new trims, and the introduction of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the range.

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The smartphone-linking functionality is part of the 8.8-inch Alfa Connect infotainment system, which also includes standard sat nav on all models.

The Euro 6D upgrade sees AdBlue NOx reduction added to both 2.2-litre turbodiesels – and they both receive a 10hp power boost, so are rated at 160hp and 190hp respectively. In the Giulia, both claim 57.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 129g/km.

The 2019 model year Giulia range, which starts from £32,490, receives an equipment boost for individual models, too. Speciale versions have new 18-inch diamond-cut alloys, rear privacy glass and black brake calipers, while Veloce models get dark-finish five-hole 18-inch alloys, rear privacy glass and a standard auto-unlock Convenience pack.

The fiery Quadrifoglio (pictured above) also gets rear privacy glass, along with anodised black brake calipers and, for the more practicality-minded, 20/20/40 split-fold rear seats with a third rear centre seatbelt.

Alfa has introduced a new model for the 2019 model year, called Giulia Veloce Ti. Priced from £45,500, this is aimed at mixing Quadrifoglio looks with more accessible (and affordable) Veloce 280hp 2.0-litre turbo petrol performance.

The Veloce Ti gets the 19-inch dark five-hole alloys previously reserved for the Quadrifoglio, plus carbon grille and door mirrors, red brake calipers and the choice of optional Competizione Red and Trofeo White. There’s a £1,650 Carbon Pack option too.

(Top tip for spotting it at a glance over the Quadrifoglio? The replacement of the ‘green cloverleaf’ shields on the front wings with a ‘Veloce’ badge – although it doesn’t get the flared arches of the QV, either…)

Inside, Quadrifoglio leather and Alcantara sports seats are fitted, plus carbon interior trim, leather dashboard, black rooflining and illuminated carbon door sills. A Quadrifoglio in all but engine – and the turbo four still does 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds, while also returning 40.9mpg instead of barely 30mpg…

And the 2019 Stelvio range? Priced from £36,990, Super models receive Michelin Crossclimate winter tyres, the Speciale has rear privacy glass and black brake calipers, and the Quadrifoglio gets rear privacy glass, anodised brake calipers and 20-inch five-hole alloys in silver.

Alfa Romeo launches five-year warranty

Alfa also reminds us that its cars are now offered with a five-year, 75,000-mile warranty, which is backed up with three years’ free servicing and five years’ roadside assistance. A sign, perhaps, that modern Alfas now appeal to the head as well as the heart?