New car registrations plummeted by 15.7 percent in March 2018 compared to the same month last year, latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has revealed. March is traditionally the largest month of the year for new car sales.
The latest figures mean new car sales have fallen month-on-month for 12 months running.
However, the trade organisation has stressed that although the headline figure is “grim”, the bigger picture is “relatively strong”. Speaking to the BBC, SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes revealed that new car sales in March 2018 were still the fourth-biggest month on record.
Things were distorted in 2017 due to a spike in sales ahead of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) road tax changes coming into force the following month. Many buyers pulled forward their purchase to escape punitive added costs.
“March’s decline is not unexpected given the huge surge in registrations in the same month last year,” said Hawes.
Other factors in the weak 2018 performance include the weather – and this is why, said Hawes, the 4×4 sector was the only one to do reasonably well: registrations remained broadly stable, while all other sectors fell.
“Consumer and business confidence… has taken a knock in recent months and a thriving new car market is essential to the overall health of our economy.” What needs to happen in order to restore momentum? “Creating the right economic conditions for all types of consumers to have the confidence to buy new vehicles,” said Hawes.
Diesel declines – again
Diesel car sales, in contrast, continued to suffer. The market was down a whopping 37.2 percent percent in March, adding yet more pressure to car manufacturers seeking to meet upcoming new car CO2 targets. Less than 1 in 3 new car buyers purchased a diesel car in March.
Sales of petrol cars rose slightly, by 0.5 percent. Pure petrol sales comprise 62.5 percent of all new car sales – and while alternative fuel vehicle sales rose, the gain was a mediocre 5.7 percent, taking the share up from 4.1 percent to 5.1 percent.
Overall, new car sales in 2018 are down 12.4 percent – with the decline of diesel a striking 33.3 percent.
“All technologies, regardless of fuel type, have a role to play in helping improve air quality,” said Hawes. “Government must do more to encourage consumers to buy new vehicles rather than hang onto their older, more polluting vehicles.”
More than 1,400 automotive industry jobs at Vauxhall’s van plant in Luton have been secured after new owner PSA Peugeot Citroen announced plans to build the next-generation Vivaro van at the historic factory.
The site may even produce Peugeot- and Citroen-branded vans in the future.
The news follows Groupe PSA’s record LCV unit sales of 476,500 in 2017, an increase of 15 percent on 2016. The investment in Luton is driven through a performance plan negotiated between the Unite trade union and the Luton plant, despite what Vauxhall calls “Brexit uncertainties”.
Business secretary Greg Clark said: “Today’s decision is a vote of confidence in Vauxhall’s high-skilled workforce and the UK’s world-leading automotive sector. This investment in upgrading the production platform will safeguard and grow jobs, ensuring the future of the Luton plant well into the next decade and help ensure the plant is well positioned for future Vauxhall models to be made in the UK.
“We have been clear in our commitment to the automotive sector which is why, through the Industrial Strategy, we established a landmark Automotive Sector Deal that will see us working with industry to put the UK at the forefront of new technologies.”
PSA bought General Motors’ European business in 2017 and there had been widespread speculation surrounding the future of the Vauxhall plants in Luton and Ellesmere Port.
In 2017, the Luton plant produced 60,000 Opel and Vauxhall Vivaros, but the investment, which is said to total £100m, including £9m from the UK government, could increase capacity to around 100,000 vehicles a year.
‘Major milestone’ for Luton plant
Carlos Tavares, chairman of the managing board Groupe PSA, said: “Performance is the trigger for sustainability and I would like to thank all stakeholders involved and underline the open mindset of our union partners, as well as that of the UK Government.
“This is a major milestone for the future of the Luton plant and a key enabler to serve our ambitions in the commercial vehicle market, guaranteeing customers the best offering in this segment”
PSA considered building Vivaro vans in Germany and Poland, but the UK site “had a natural advantage because it already houses a paint shop fitted to produce van-sized vehicles – an operation that would be expensive to set up elsewhere,” said the FT.
The news is a welcome boost for UK commercial vehicle manufacturing, which fell 24.2 percent in February to 6,019 units. Exports still drive UK production volumes, with almost 70 percent of UK-built vans, trucks, buses and coaches destined for global customers.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), welcomed PSA’s decision, saying: “This announcement is great news for the UK automotive sector and, especially, the Luton plant.
“The UK continues to be a centre of excellence for vehicle production thanks to our engineering expertise, high levels of productivity and a collaborative relationship with [the] government which has enabled us to build a robust industrial strategy and a sector deal.
“We will continue to work with policy makers to ensure the UK remains as competitive as possible now and in the future so we can continue to build on our long heritage in vehicle manufacturing.”
Talk about a poisoned chalice. ‘Find 25 muscle cars that aren’t American, and create a gallery,’ they said. Tough call, given that the muscle car is as American as Bruce Springsteen, corn dogs and a home run. If you’re an American with even the slightest interest in cars, you might want to look away now.
What is a muscle car?
You’re still with us? OK, so what exactly is a muscle car? Road Test magazine, June 1967, nailed it, by saying: “It is a product of the American car industry adhering to the hot rodder’s philosophy of taking a small car and putting a BIG engine in it. To balance this out, handling, braking and related essentials are modified to result in a performance machine for the streets.”
Holden HK Monaro GTS
According to the Muscle Car Club, a muscle car must be an “intermediate sized, performance oriented model, powered by a large V8 engine, at an affordable price”. Cars like the Holden Monaro, then? Along with the Ford Falcon, the Monaro is the Aussie rules interpretation of the muscle car recipe. The GTS and GTS 327 were powered by an American V8, yet uniquely Australian in character. The GTS 327 was the first Holden to win the fabled Bathurst 1000, with Bruce McPhee and Barry Mulholland racing to victory in 1968.
Jensen Interceptor
A muscle car is not a “British sports car, a Morgan, TVR or Jaguar, which could never be regarded as fitting the bill”, so says Jim Glastonbury in the Ultimate Guide to Muscle Cars. As a GT car, the Jensen Interceptor isn’t a classic muscle car as such, but with a Chrysler V8 at the front and classic rear-wheel drive handling, it’s arguably a muscle car in spirit. It also has the right name: Charger, Challenger, Interceptor – it feels part of the same club.
Vauxhall VXR8 GTS
It’s rather comforting to know that, alongside the Viva, Corsa and Astra, Vauxhall still offers the VXR8 in the UK. It doesn’t matter that it’s based on the distinctly Australian Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) GTS, because the VXR8 is a welcome tonic to the endless supply of eco-hybrid-crossover-type things. Its Camaro-sourced 6.2-litre supercharged engine ticks the V8 box, and prices start from below £55,000, so it’s also relatively affordable.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3
Some readers will be choking on their Pop Tarts at the mere thought of a Mercedes-Benz included in a list of muscle cars, but hear us out. Admire the lunacy of taking a 6.3-litre V8 engine from the S-Class of the day and shoehorning it into a smaller four-door saloon. The 300 SEL 6.3 could sprint to 62mph in just 7.4 seconds, giving it the ability to rub shoulders with the likes of the E-Type and 911. It was also the godfather of AMG.
Ford Falcon XR GT
Face it, if any country could challenge America’s claim for muscle car supremacy, it would be Australia. You can thank Bill Bourke of Ford Australia for taking the humble Ford Falcon saloon and transforming it into a performance car of merit. Launched in 1967, the XR GT was powered by the same Windsor V8 you’d find in the Mustang, developing 225hp. The Falcon XR GT was there at the birth of the Australian muscle car.
Volkswagen Passat W8
Look, we have to offer a few wild cards, don’t we? Jim Glastonbury was rather dismissive of Europe’s potential to build a muscle car, saying: “… nor is it a German Porsche, which is too efficient and too clever by half”. But what about a Volkswagen Passat? It’s powered by a flat plane crank V8 engine, so it certainly ticks the ‘big engine/smallish car’ box. You’re not convinced, are you? In truth, neither are we.
Mercedes-Benz 450 SEL 6.9
We’re not giving up with the Mercedes-Benz thing. The way we see it, the recipe for the American muscle car is deep rooted and set in stone. But for the rest of the world, a little rule bending should be allowed. The 450 SEL was powered by a 6.9-litre V8, giving this German colossus the power to give a sport car driver sleepless nights. We do concede that it wasn’t exactly cheap, but the 450 SEL wasn’t lacking in muscle.
Ford Capri Perana
As the ‘European Mustang’, you could argue that the Ford Capri was more pony car than muscle car, but that’s a debate for another day. For now, marvel in Ford South Africa’s decision to chuck a 5.0-litre V8 engine into a Mk1 Ford Capri 3000 XL and offer it for sale with a standard warranty. Ford also sanctioned a host of upgrades, including lowered suspension and a custom limited slip differential from a Ford Falcon XW. The best Ford Capri we never got?
Ford Sierra XR8
God bless South Africa for giving the world these two unlikely V8 heroes. First the Capri Perana and now this: the Ford Sierra XR8. It wasn’t exactly packed with muscle – a mere 209 horses – but a host of upgrades and the fact that it was relatively light for a V8 car meant that it was rather good on road and track. You can imagine how good it sounds.
Lancia Thema 8.32
Is this the closest Lancia ever got to building a muscle car? The Thema is front-wheel drive, which doesn’t give it the best of starts, but with a thumping great Ferrari-sourced 2.9-litre V8 engine at the front, it begins to claw back some ground. Lancia also uprated the steering, brakes and suspension, while adding a trick rear spoiler.
Rover 75 V8
You could argue, with some justification, that the Rover SD1 3500 has a whiff of muscle car about it, but we’re opting for the Rover 75 V8. The company went to extraordinary lengths in order to crowbar a 4.6-litre V8 engine into the front, while the conversion from front- to rear-wheel drive is the stuff of legend. The results weren’t altogether successful, but this was like your grandad taking up wrestling. And for that, we applaud it.
Mercedes-Benz 500E
Part Mercedes-Benz, part Porsche, but 100% muscle car, right? Ditching the straight-six in favour of a 5.0-litre V8 meant that the 500E developed 326hp and could reach a top speed of 160mph. And yet it looked like a regular W124, leading Mercedes-Benz to give it the nickname ‘The Velvet Hammer’.
FPV F6
It might sound like the name of a domestic appliance, but once you realise FPV stands for Ford Performance Vehicles, things start to make sense. Think of the F6 as a performance version of the Ford Falcon, built between 2004 and 2014. Before you say anything, we know, the F6 is powered by a 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine and not a V8. But with as much as 417lb ft of torque available on tap, it’s not short of muscle and it certainly looks the part.
Holden Torana A9X
The Holden Torana was a medium-sized family car built between 1967 and 1980, so it provides the ideal basis for a muscle car. Step forward the A9X of 1977: an option available on the 5.0-litre V8 SLR 5000 saloon and SS hatchback. These homologation specials featured a bespoke floorpan and were stripped back to race specification. For a while, the A9X was a dominant force in Australian touring car racing.
Ford XY Falcon GT-HO Phase III
“Simply one of the best cars in the world, a true GT that could take on Ferraris and Astons on their own terms.” Not our words, Lynn, the words of Sports Car World. Draw up a list of the world’s best muscle cars and the Falcon GT-HO Phase III will be somewhere near the top. A mere 300 were built for Bathurst purposes, with the Cleveland 5.8-litre V8 developing in excess of 300hp. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to read Mel Nichol’s epic drive in the book And The Revs Keep Rising.
Chrysler Valiant Charger E38
The E38 was the first homologation special based on the Chrysler Valiant Charger and powered by a 280hp Hemi six-cylinder. Yes, six-cylinder. But the Valiant Charger was an incredibly successful car for Chrysler, with a range of engines and styling that was pure muscle. There were also V8 versions, powered by the Chrysler LA engine.
Lexus IS-F
Remember when Lexus went chasing M cars and AMGs in the IS-F? We believe the Lexus IS-F has an aura of muscle car about it, although you could argue it’s a bit too polished, a bit too efficient for inclusion here. But with a 5.0-litre V8 engine up front and 371lb ft of torque being pushed through the rear wheels, it’s not without credentials.
Holden VH Commodore SS
There can be no debate about the Holden VH Commodore SS. Take one medium-size family car, add a 4.1-litre V8 and, hey presto, a muscle car is born. The VH Commodore represented the debut of the SS (Sport Sedan) badge, which has adorned the potent versions ever since. In the UK, you’ll remember the third generation car as the one exported as the Vauxhall Monaro.
Holden ‘four-door Corvette ZR1’?
At the end of 2016, GM will pull the plug on Holden production, instead offering rebadged import models from other General Motors brands. Australian website Motoring.com.au is suggesting HSV will say goodbye with the help of a GTS-R W1: an “awesome LS9 supercharged 6.2-litre V8 from the previous generation Corvette ZR1”. A four-door Corvette: how’s that for a swansong?
Ford Falcon XA GT
The Falcon XA was the first Ford to be designed and built from the ground up in Australian, making it a rather significant model. The XA GT was essentially a replacement for the fabled GT-HO Phase III, but Ford was keen to make it feel as much at home on the road as it did on the track.
Ford Falcon XB GT
The Ford Falcon XB GT formed the basis for the Interceptor in Mad Max. Even without the movie connection, this a muscle car in the truest sense, with a solid rear axle, leaf springs and an Australian-built 300hp Cleveland V8. You could add a ‘Concorde’ nose, if you fancied yourself as a kind of Max Rockatansky for the new millennium.
Holden Monaro GTS 350
“The race-bred GTS 350 was fast. It’d give you 55, 79, 99 and 130mph in the gears; 0-60mph in 7.0 sec, 0-100 in 16, and 14.8 for the standing quarter mile. Among contemporaries, only Ford’s Falcon GT-HO – another of the great Australian muscle cars of the early ‘70s – could shade it (just).” An excerpt from the aforementioned And The Revs Keep Rising. It’s a must-read book.
Chevrolet Can-Am ‘Little Chev’
According to African Muscle Cars, the Chevy Can-Am was an “insane car”. They’re not wrong – beneath the bonnet of the Vauxhall Firenza was the beating heart of a Z28 engine lifted from the Chevrolet Camaro. If you’re after figures, the ‘Little Chev’ offered 290lb ft of torque and a 0-62mph time of 5.4 seconds. It’s probably the best ‘Vauxhall’ you’ve forgotten about.
Ford Fairmont GT
Another South African diamond here, this time in the shape of the Ford Fairmont GT. According to African Muscle Cars, it was based on the Australian Ford XW Falcon GT and built from 1970 to 1973. We love the summary in Car magazine, June 1972: “It is not a family car, nor is it a street rod for the boy-racers to play around with. It is the type of car which, in America, provides ammunition (and some justification) for the legislators who want to restrict horsepower and govern engine speeds.” The Fairmont GT: what a rebel!
Opel Diplomat V8
We conclude with something fruity from Opel. As a large, luxury car, the Diplomat doesn’t satisfy the strict criteria required for a muscle car, but by using a Chevrolet V8 engine in the flagship models, Opel hoped to compete with Mercedes-Benz. This is muscle, German style.
With the return of cold weather expected this Easter weekend, what are you going to do once you’ve devoured the hot cross buns and polished off the chocolate? Polyphony Digital might have the answer with the latest update to the Gran Turismo Sport Playstation 4 game, and they’ve stored up the best Easter Egg many could have asked for.
You won’t need us to explain that the values of BMW E30 M3s have gone through the roof in recent years, with £40,000 now the entry point for even cars with huge mileages. However, if you’re a Gran Turismo Sport player, you’ll be able to add an E30 M3 to your garage for absolutely nothing.
As with previous updates, this latest one doesn’t just add one car to the game but actually throws in a total of thirteen new machines. From retro classics, to Super GT racers and crazy concepts, there is likely to be something for every motoring taste with this month’s release:
BMW E30 M3 Sport Evolution
Aston Martin DB11
Ford GT40 Mk1
Eckerts Rod & Custom Mach Forty
Honda Raybrig Concept-GT
Lexus Au Tom’s RC F
Nissan Motul Autech GT-R
Gran Turismo Red Bull X2014 Standard
Gran Turismo Red Bull X2014 Junior
Lexus RC F GT3
Mazda FC RX-7 GT-X
Nissan R33 Skyline GT-R V-Spec
Nissan GT-R Nismo
For those familiar with older Gran Turismo games, the launch of Gran Turismo Sport may have been something of a shock with the usual roster of Nissan Skylines seriously depleted. Thankfully Polyphony has made amends with various updates, and this latest one sees the iconic R33 GT-R slotted in alongside the thundering GT-R Nismo.
Having new performance Nissans would be pointless without a special competition in which to race them, and this update does not disappoint. New additions to the GT-League options include:
Nissan GT-R Cup – Beginner League
Red Bull X-Junior Series – Amateur League
All Japan GT Car Championships – Professional League
This means you will be able to put all the new cars to use immediately with specific competitions, rather than merely worrying about creating new liveries or what best location to photograph them in. Update 1.15 does include a new location for the photography ‘Scapes Mode’ though…
With the addition of a classic racing circuit, you may want to spend more time driving than snapping, though. The reappearance of Tsukuba Circuit will be a major bonus to long term GT fans, with the short track providing a deceptively challenging environment to pit even low powered machinery against.
As with previous updates, 1.15 also brings a number of new technical tweaks and improvements, including official support for the Fanatec series of steering wheel controllers, and even the addition of MINI and Renault ‘museums’ to the brands featured.
Finally, you can also laud it over those stuck with Forza Motorsport, with a new time trial feature for GT Sport’s VR mode. Maybe test out that before breaking into the chocolate eggs.
The Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet struck the first blow, which was swiftly followed by a knockout punch by the Range Rover Evoque Convertible. Now, the Honda CR-V Roadster is here to kick you when you’re down.
Honda has quite literally left every stone unturned and taken a no-expense approach in its quest to deliver a topless SUV, which is guaranteed to turn heads, especially at the Euro NCAP offices in Belgium.
One look at those jagged edges and exposed pillars will send the safety officers reaching for their Trappist beers before embarking on a tour of the Belgian countryside in a Rover 100 without seatbelts.
Drive-through car washes and the British summer are out of the question, as the Honda CR-V features no roof whatsoever, which gives it something in common with the Smart Crossblade. But unlike the Smart, the CR-V won’t look good parked alongside a marina in the south of France. And we doubt Robbie Williams will be queuing up to place an order.
Eipururufüru, Future Opportunity Occupational Lead at Honda UK, said: “This is a bold new direction for the CR-V and opens up an entirely new non-existent market. Our sales target is somewhat conservative to start with, at zero cars, but we are confident that once the minor glitches are ironed out, such as the lack of roof and the fact it is totally structurally unsound, the car will fly out of showrooms.”
Predictably, the CR-V Roadster will be arriving in said showrooms from 1 April 2018. Alternatively, interested parties – those without taste or common sense – are politely reminded that Land Rover offers something similarly baffling and are prepared to relieve you of £45,000 for the privilege of owning one.
Seemingly, a drop-top SUV is for life, not just for April Fools’ Day.
The world’s best new cars have been honoured once again at the New York International Auto Show. More than 80 judges in 20 countries have spent the past six months assessing and analysing cars, for this moment – the reveal of the finest new cars to be launched over the past year.
What are the World Car Awards? The biggest car awards prizes in the world, that’s what. Presented annually, they recognise the cars that tick all the boxes across the planet, working as well in China and India as they do in Europe and North America.
For the first time, this year’s awards were presented as the curtain-raiser for the New York show: the great and the good of the car industry thus had no excuse not to be there. In front a packed room full of automotive execs, judges thus announced the first of the five World Car Awards prizes, that for the 2018 World Car Design of the Year.
2018 World Car Design winner: Range Rover Velar
Just look at it. Hard to see how the Range Rover Velar couldn’t win this, isn’t it? It’s a landmark design and a bona fide modern classic.
2018 World Car Design runner-up: Lexus LC 500
2018 World Car Design runner-up: Volvo XC60
2018 World Green Car winner: Nissan Leaf
The previous Nissan Leaf was the 2011 World Car of the Year. This new one hasn’t managed to repeat that honour, but it has taken the consolation prize of winning the 2018 World Green Car of the Year. Fully deserved, too.
2018 World Green Car runner-up: BMW 530e iPerformance
2018 World Green Car runner-up: Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
2018 World Performance car winner: BMW M5
After its somewhat disappointing predecessor, BMW needed the new M5 to be good. It is – very good indeed, a true return to form. So much so, it’s taken the 2018 World Performance Car award with a tyre-smoking, V8 roar.
2018 World Performance car runner-up: Honda Civic Type R
2018 World Performance car runner-up: Lexus LC 500
2018 World Luxury Car winner: Audi A8
Audi set out to take the luxury limo to the next level with the latest A8. It’s the world’s first car to offer Level 3 autonomy – and it’s a formidably accomplished powerhouse that’s scooped the 2018 World Luxury Car gong.
2018 World Luxury Car runner-up: Porsche Cayenne
2018 World Luxury Car runner-up: Porsche Panamera
2018 World Urban Car winner: Volkswagen Polo
The previous Volkswagen Polo won World Car of the Year in 2010. This all-new one shows Volkswagen is at the top of its game. It’s won the World Urban Car prize at a canter – and as designer Klaus Bischoff, who accepted the prize, stated, this award will only help add yet more to the 17.5 million running sales total for it…
2018 World Urban Car runner-up: Ford Fiesta
2018 World Urban Car runner-up: Suzuki Swift
2018 World Car of the Year winner: Volvo XC60
Volvo’s done it again! Just weeks ago, the Volvo XC40 won the European Car of the Year prize. Now the Swedish firm has scooped the big one, taking the World Car of the Year prize for the XC60. It’s another incredible achievement for a company that’s really on a roll.
2018 World Car of the Year runner-up: Mazda CX-5
2018 World Car of the Year runner-up: Range Rover Velar
And let’s not forget, Volvo Cars president and CEO Hakan Samuelsson was awarded a new honour from the World Car Awards jurors, picking up the inaugural World Car Person of the Year at the Geneva Motor Show. Here in New York, with the XC60’s victory in 2018 World Car of the Year, he’s added yet another big prize to the firm’s haul.
Mini is getting us excited for the idea of its new 2019 pure electric car… by revealing a classic Mini converted to run on electric at the 2018 New York International Auto Show.
This is no early April Fool’s joke, either. Mini’s serous, and says it’s converted the classic Mini partly to prepare us for the car’s 60th anniversary next year. Presumably, so old and new electric Minis can be shown off together.
The new car, based on the Mini Hatch three-door, is currently in final development. Plant Oxford is being readied to start building it. And Mini reminds us it won’t be the first electric model to go into production – the 2008 Mini helped prove a lot of the tech that went into the BMW i3; the firm ended up building around 600 of them.
It’s only going to build one classic Mini Electric. The New York model is derived from a fully-restored late-model classic Mini Cooper, and wears red paint set off with a white roof and bonnet stripes.
The soon-to-be-familiar Mini Electric logo adorns the bonnet, rear quarters and the wheel hubs. Even the fuel filler is retained, albeit converted to take an electric charging socket.
Its ultra-light weight pays dividends on the road, says Mini. “The spontaneous power of its electric motor provides a new dimension to the unmistakable go-kart feeling that helped propel the British small car in its original form to worldwide popularity.”
Not that we’ll get to drive it at New York, sadly. “With this unique vehicle,” says the firm, “Mini sends out a clear signal demonstrating its commitment to retaining the brand’s unmistakable character whilst embracing innovative zero local emission technology.”
We get the idea. The 2019 Mini Electric will be a real Mini. And what better way to underline this than by showing a real Mini, made electric.
They’ve finally done it. Jaguar’s petrolhead engineers have dropped the firm’s 5.0-litre supercharged V8 into the F-Pace SUV. In doing so, they’ve created an ultra-potent, ultra-desirable homegrown answer to a Mercedes-AMG GLC. At last.
The F-Pace SVR debuts at the New York International Auto Show. All 550hp of it, which is enough to take the mid-size premium SUV from 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds, and onto a 176mph top speed. There’s also 501lb ft of pulling power: in all, a 44 percent hike in output compared to the four-cylinder and V6 F-Pace models we’ve had up to now.
Because it’s the work of JLR’s hot Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division, there’s a suitably standout visual makeover to go with all this power. An all-new front bumper has been scalloped out to feed in air, and there are vents in the sides of the wings to further aid cooling and reduce lift.
Another front-end feature are the new SVR bonnet vents, which look mean (they’ll be your instant F-Pace SVR differentiator) but are also functional, helping air heated by the V8 to escape.
New wheelarch extensions wrap around either 21-inch or 22-inch alloys, and there are meatier lower body mouldings and, of course, a whopping great four-pipe exhaust at the rear, complete with the Jaguar Variable Valve Active Exhaust System. Interestingly, this higher-performance system weighs 6.6kg less than the standard setup. Note the enlarged rear spoiler as well.
It’s not all for show, either. “The F-Pace SVR delivers the handling and agility to match its performance,” says JLR handling guru Mike Cross. Spring rates are up, by a hefty 30 percent at the front, and a new anti-roll bar cuts body lean by five percent in corners.
The lightweight forged alloys wear tyres 25mm wider at the rear than the front, and the 22-inch rims are up to 2.4kg lighter than normal. Hiding behind them is a performance brake system with two-piece discs that are 395mm in diameter on the front, 396mm at the rear.
Jaguar has fitted its rear electronic active differential to the F-Pace for the first time. This has been honed for the SVR – indeed, said Cross, “everything from the steering to the bespoke suspension set-up has been tuned specifically for our performance SUV”.
Inside, there are slimline front sports seats that look like they’ve been taken straight from the F-Type. Who knows, maybe they have – and they’re matched by two more in the rear. They’re SVR-branded, as is the steering wheel, and the paddle shifters are cool aluminium metal. There’s a choice of four interior colour schemes as well.
Prices start from £74,835 in the UK and ordering will open in May. Want to be the first in line? In the usual Jaguar way, head to the firm’s website and register your interest. Bosses tell us this really is worth doing – the people at the front of the queue generally do this as early as possible…
Jaguar Land Rover has announced a huge self-driving car partnership in New York – the Jaguar I-Pace is to become the first autonomous electric vehicle in the Waymo test fleet.
Described as a long-term strategic partnership, the JLR deal with Waymo – formerly Google’s self-driving car project – will see first testing of the I-Pace electric SUV begin in late 2018.
By 2020, the Jaguar I-Pace will join the Waymo driverless test fleet, bringing genuine self-driving electric cars (with nobody in the front seat) to public roads. As Waymo is planning to launch the world’s first self-driving transportation service later this year, it means the public will eventually be able to request an autonomous I-Pace via an app on their smartphone.
The Waymo I-Pace will be on show at the New York International Auto Show this week. It’ll be a first look at a car that could in time become a familiar sight: JLR speaks of building a whopping 20,000 I-Pace in the first two years of production for Waymo’s driverless service.
They could serve as many as one million trips every day.
Prof. Dr. Ralf Speth, JLR CEO, said: “Our passion for further advancing smart mobility needs expert long-term partners. In joining forces with Waymo, we are pioneering to push the boundaries of technology.”
John Krafcik, Waymo CEO said: “While we’ve been focused at Waymo on building the world’s most experienced driver, the team at Jaguar Land Rover has developed an all-new battery-electric platform that looks to set a new standard in safety, design and capability.
“We’re sure Waymo riders will enjoy the safe, premium and delightful experience that the self-driving I-Pace will provide.”
JLR bosses say this arrangement is potentially the first in a number of collaborations with Waymo, the ambitious Mountain View, California self-driving car firm. To date, Waymo has concentred on a fleet of self-driving Chrysler Pacificas.
The New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) is North America’s first and most-attended motor show, dating back to 1900. As the last big show of the international season, this is a chance for manufacturers to showcase any new metal that might be left in the cupboard, as well as springing a surprise or two. Read on to see the hottest new cars in New York.
Cadillac XT4
You’ll have worked out by now that life isn’t always fair, so while you really fancy a Cadillac ATS-V coupe or CTS-V saloon, you’re more likely to end up behind the wheel of an XT4. It’s the latest in a seemingly never-ending line of compact crossovers, which slots in below the XT5 in Cadillac’s range of crossovers and SUVs. The front- or all-wheel-drive XT4 is powered by a new 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine developing 235hp, which is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. It fills a massive hole in the Caddy range and goes head-to-head with the likes of the Volvo XC40, Jaguar E-Pace and BMW X3.
Kia K900
This is the second-generation Kia K900, with the saloon treated to a comprehensive overhaul for its New York debut. It’s longer and wider than before, with a rear end that isn’t too dissimilar to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The front and rear overhangs are shorter, pushing the wheels further out to the corners of the car to create a larger cabin. The dashboard is dominated by a 12.3-inch screen, which is accompanied by an analogue clock developed by Maurice Lacroix. The Korean-built K900 will go on sale from the second quarter of 2018, but is unlikely to be sold in the UK.
Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 – that’s ‘Recreational Active Vehicle with 4WD’ – arrived in the UK in 1994, with Toyota aiming it at “those with active lifestyles, a sense of fun and who want to be a just a little different.” Back then, a crossover was a leftfield choice, which is in stark contrast to the car industry of today. This is the fifth-generation RAV4 and, while it might have lost its sense of fun, it remains one of the most popular cars in the world. Last year, some 770,000 RAV4s found a home, making it the sixth best-selling car on the planet.
Subaru Forester
Speaking of best-sellers… While the Subaru Forester might hold niche appeal in the UK, it’s actually a strong seller in the US and accounts for 25 percent of the firm’s overall production. This is a much sharper Forester than before (the old car is pictured), with a look that draws heavily from the Viziv concept of 2015. There’s no word on the specs for the UK-bound Forester, but there are rumours Subaru will drop the diesel engine and manual gearbox.
Volkswagen five-seat SUV
This is a five-seat SUV concept based on the seven-seat Volkswagen Atlas, but don’t get too excited because it’s not coming to the UK. Like the Atlas the as-yet-unnamed concept is designed and engineered for the American market and will be the third VW model to be assembled at the Chattanooga factory.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe and Cabriolet
The updated Mercedes-Benz C-Class saloon and estate made their debut at the Geneva Motor Show, now it’s the turn of the coupe and cabriolet. Scheduled to go on sale in the US by late 2018, the 2018 models feature new front and rear ends, standard-fit LED headlights, a larger media display as standard, and a range of new alloy wheels and colours. UK buyers won’t have as long to wait, as the coupe and cabriolet will go on sale in April, with first deliveries in July. All UK-spec cars will feature sports suspension as standard.
BMW X4
Fresh from its reveal in Geneva, the BMW X4 is set for its North American debut, this time in M40i guise. It’s powered by the same six-cylinder engine you’ll find in the more practical X3 M40i, meaning 355hp and 365lb ft of torque. The new M40i – which features a wider track and a lower centre of gravity – will hit 60mph in 4.6 seconds.
Cadillac CT6 V-Sport
Remember that Cadillac XT4 from earlier? To paraphrase Chris Tarrant, we really don’t want to give you that. This is the new CT6 V-Sport: the first ever V-Performance version of Cadillac’s flagship saloon. It’s powered by an all-new 4.2-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which develops 550hp and 627lb ft of torque to deliver what we’d expect to be outstanding performance figures. “With its lightweight architecture, an all-new Cadillac Twin Turbo V8 coupled with the tightened suspension and revised AWD torque split, we’ve enhanced the CT6 to be well-balanced and capable of all conditions,” said Lyndon Lie, CT6 chief engineer.
Hyundai Kona Electric
Americans will have to wait a while before they can get their hands on the Hyundai Kona Electric – it will launch in Europe first – but we expect the Korean EV to give the Chevrolet Bolt a run for its money. In the UK, you can expect to pay around £25,000 before government grants for the Kona Electric, which sounds like great value for an EV with up to 186 miles of range and a five-year warranty.
Ford Fusion
The Ford Fusion (Mondeo in the UK) is the first Ford vehicle to be equipped with the new Co-Pilot360 driver-assist technology, which includes emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot information, lane-keeping assist, rear camera and auto high-beam. Meanwhile, the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid model has been tweaked to deliver an electric-only range of up to 25 miles – nearly 20 percent greater than the current model. A small number of minor cosmetic upgrades and a suite of new colours complete the updates for the 2019 Fusion.
GMC Sierra AT4
Unveiled in New York City, ahead of the motor show, the GMC Sierra AT4 is “designed for the customer who wants an elevated presence on the road and the capability to venture off life’s beaten path,” said Duncan Aldred, vice president of GMC. It’s also the pick-up for those who can resist the lure of the all-conquering Ford F-150. It rides two inches higher than the regular Sierra, and comes with standard features such as four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, locking rear differentials and skid plates. Power is sourced from a 5.3-litre V8, although 6.2-litre V8 petrol and 3.0-litre turbodiesel options are available.
Jaguar I-Pace
Both the XK120 and E-Type made their North American debuts at the New York Auto Show, and now it’s the turn of the production version of the Jaguar I-Pace. Boasting 349hp and 512lb ft of torque from its twin electric motors, the I-Pace takes just 4.5 seconds to accelerate to 60mph, while its 90kWh battery can deliver up to 240 miles of range. In the US, the I-Pace will cost from $69,500.
Range Rover SV Coupe
Also making its North American debut, the SV Coupe is the fastest and most exclusive full-size Range Rover ever. Just 999 will be made, each priced from £240,000 in the UK or $295,000 in the US. Its 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine develops 557hp and 516lb ft of torque, enabling the luxury SUV to hit 62mph in 4.5 seconds and 176mph flat-out.
Nissan Altima
The all-new sixth generation Nissan Altima is here, but all we have ahead of its reveal is this teaser sketch. What else do we know about Nissan’s mid-size saloon? Well, it’ll feature the same ProPilot Assist semi-autonomous technology found on the Nissan Leaf and is expected to be larger than the outgoing Altima.
Toyota Corolla
Wait, don’t skip to the next slide, because the new Toyota Corolla is quite exciting. For a start, it’s powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which is rather refreshing in a world of downsizing. It’s also offered with a six-speed manual gearbox and features a revised sport-tuned suspension. We think it looks rather good.
Volvo V60
Yes, yes, yes… the XC90, XC60 and XC40 SUVs are all well and good, but where would Volvo be without a good looking wagon? And few estate cars are as alluring as the new Volvo V60, which makes its North American debut in New York. In the US, the V60 will be available with a T5 front-wheel-drive powertrain with 250hp or T6 all-wheel-drive with 316hp.
Lincoln Aviator
The last Lincoln Aviator rolled off the production line in 2005 following years of disappointing sales. But now the mid-size luxury SUV is back, although Lincoln is giving nothing away. We do know that it will be based on the Ford Explorer platform and will come with an electrified powertrain option.
Acura RDX
The third-generation RDX has been designed and developed in America for the first time and is being billed as the “most extensive Acura redesign in more than a decade. The 2019 RDX marks the return of the Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) to the line-up and pairs it with a new 2.0-litre VTEC turbocharged engine and a segment-first 10-speed transmission. The A-Spec variant (pictured) looks particularly interesting.
Hyundai Santa Fe
The Santa Fe is the best-selling SUV in Hyundai’s 32-year history in the US, with more than 1.5 million units sold. We’ve seen the 2019 Santa Fe before – first in Seoul, then in Geneva – but the importance of the North American market shouldn’t be underestimated. Three engines will be available in the US: 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre petrol units and a 2.2-litre diesel. Seven seats are available in the Santa Fe XL.
Volvo XC40 Inscription
For the first time in its history, Volvo has three SUVs in its range, including the XC40. The compact SUV makes its North American debut in lavish Inscription trim, “offering unique features and an expanded list of standard equipment that is uncommon in the compact premium SUV market.” Given the success of the XC90 and XC60 in North America, we reckon the XC40 will be incredibly popular in the US.
Bugatti Chiron Sport
Following its reveal at the Geneva Motor Show, the Bugatti Chiron Sport is making its North American debut in New York. The power and performance figures are unchanged – like anyone needs more than 1,500hp – but the Sport tips the scales 18kg lighter than the ‘standard’ Chiron. Bugatti claims that the Sport can lap the Nardo handling circuit a full five seconds faster than the Chiron. The North American market is the second strongest region for Bugatti, after Europe.
Infiniti QX60 Limited
It’s a busy year for Infiniti, with the new QX60 and QX80 following the launch of the QX50 premium crossover. The QX60 is Infiniti’s best-selling SUV, with the 2019 model featuring a host of cosmetic upgrades, custom 20-inch alloy wheels, stone-coloured leather seats and a suite of safety and security features.
Infiniti QX80 Limited
The Infiniti QX80 is even larger and more luxurious, with a range of options befitting its role as the brand’s flagship SUV. Options include dark machine-finished 22-inch wheels, matte silver open-pore wood trim, illuminated kick plates and Ultrasuede headliner. Power is sourced from a 400hp 5.6-litre V8 engine.
Audi A6
The new Audi A6 features the same infotainment system that debuted in the new A8 and A7, with the MMI touch control replacing the rotary dial and conventional buttons of the previous model. A 48-volt mild-hybrid system will be fitted as standard across the range, reducing CO2 emissions by 10g/km.
Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupe and Cabriolet
The new Mercedes-AMG C43 coupe and cabriolet models are powered by a 3.0-litre V6 engine, which now delivers 385hp, 23hp more than before. It means that the coupe can accelerate to 60mph in 4.5 seconds, while the cabriolet completes the sprint in 4.6 seconds. Other changes include styling tweaks, interior upgrades, and more personalisation options.
Lexus RC F Sport Black Line
Available on all RC 300 and RC 350 F Sport models, the Black Line special edition features two exterior paint colours, standard matte black wheels, orange or black brake calipers, black chrome accents, and orange interior stitching. Just 650 units will be available.
Volkswagen Arteon R-Line
The Volkswagen Arteon R-Line features a choice of 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels, R-Line badges, a unique front bumper, R-Line air inlets, and a gloss black rear spoiler. On the inside, drivers are welcomed by the R-Line logo on the screen, contrast stitching and other interior upgrades. The Arteon will be available to North American customers in the autumn.
Hyundai Tucson Sport
The 2018 Hyundai Sport is now equipped with a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine developing 181hp and 175lb ft of torque. Sport trim also includes a six-speed automatic transmission, blind-spot detection, push-button start, 19-inch alloy wheels and dual-zone climate control. US customers will be £25,150 for the front-wheel-drive Sport, with all-wheel drive available for an extra £1,400.
New car registrations plummeted by 15.7 percent in March 2018 compared to the same month last year, latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has revealed. March is traditionally the largest month of the year for new car sales. 
More than 1,400 automotive industry jobs at Vauxhall’s van plant in Luton have been secured after new owner PSA Peugeot Citroen announced plans to build the next-generation Vivaro van at the historic factory.
Talk about a poisoned chalice. ‘Find 25 muscle cars that aren’t American, and create a gallery,’ they said. Tough call, given that the muscle car is as American as Bruce Springsteen, corn dogs and a home run. If you’re an American with even the slightest interest in cars, you might want to look away now.
The world’s best new cars have been honoured once again at the New York International Auto Show. More than 80 judges in 20 countries have spent the past six months assessing and analysing cars, for this moment – the reveal of the finest new cars to be launched over the past year.
Mini is getting us excited for the idea of its new 2019 pure electric car… by revealing a classic Mini converted to run on electric at the 2018 New York International Auto Show.
They’ve finally done it. Jaguar’s petrolhead engineers have dropped the firm’s 5.0-litre supercharged V8 into the F-Pace SUV. In doing so, they’ve created an ultra-potent, ultra-desirable homegrown answer to a Mercedes-AMG GLC. At last.
Jaguar Land Rover has announced a huge self-driving car partnership in New York – the Jaguar I-Pace is to become the first autonomous electric vehicle in the Waymo test fleet.
