Guy Martin is hanging up his motorcycle racing leathers (and truck mechanic overalls) this weekend – to don a set of Williams Martini Racing F1 fireproofs and join its pit crew for the Belgian Grand Prix.
Martin has already reportedly visited the Williams F1 HQ in Grove, Oxfordshire, to be drilled on the tasks he’s set to undertake: it seems being in an F1 pit crew is far from just attending to the racers during pit stops.
The team says Martin’s jobs will start before the race weekend even begins. First, he will help the car crew build up the Williams FW40 racing car from its various disassembled pieces stored in the team’s trucks. Then, he’ll join the team for Friday’s two 90-minute practice sessions, another hour’s practice on Saturday, before the three-stage qualifying session.
Martin will also take part in the race itself, looking after drivers Felipe Massa and Lance Stroll’s cars. It’s not yet clear what Martin’s duties will be during the pitstops, but the team has already underlined the pressure he’ll be under: it currently holds the record for the fastest F1 pitstop of 2017, with an amazing 2.02-second turnaround during the British Grand Prix.
Williams adds that Martin will also have to hang around at the end of the race. Stripping the cars, taking down the garage and packing everything into the trucks takes “at least” 10 hours once the chequered flag has been waved.
“Guy will, of course, stay to the end.”
Martin has had a dramatic racing season so far in 2017, with a nasty crash during the Isle of Man TT leading to his withdrawal from the event and, in turn, him stepping down from the Honda Racing team. It was even suggested he may retire from motorcycle racing completely, but Martin has since clarified that he only meant stepping down from road racing.
“Racing’s been good to me, but I’m bored of it,” he said. Being an F1 mechanic is a new challenge we’re certain to hear more about during this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix…
Volkswagen has just revealed its new T-Roc crossover ahead of its official Frankfurt Motor Show reveal. Late to the Qashqai party, the T-Roc shares the MQB platform and engine range with the latest Golf family hatch.
The T-Roc is just one of many cars due next year that we’re excited about. Scroll on to discover 34 more… and be sure to check out our guide to the September 2017 new car offers if you simply can’t wait that long!
Audi A1
Having been on sale since 2010, and with the Seat Ibiza and VW Polo already using the new MQB A0 platform, a revised A1 in 2018 is guaranteed. Expect styling to be a gentle evolution of the existing car, blending hints of Q2 both inside and out. Engine choices will be shared with VW and Seat, including the impressive 1.5-litre petrol unit. Audi has already confirmed the new upmarket supermini will be built in Spain, rather than Belgium where the current car is manufactured.
Vauxhall Corsa
The current Corsa was little more than reskinned version of the previous generation car, meaning a more thorough overhaul is urgently needed in the competitive supermini sector. The latest Astra should provide direction on looks, while the purchase of Vauxhall/Opel by PSA Peugeot Citroen should result in technology sharing from the French marques. Pricing should remain consistent with the current car, with entry-level offerings pegged at £10,000.
Ford Fiesta ST
The Blue Oval is forcing us to wait, impatiently, until early 2018 to get our hands on the hot ST version of the latest Fiesta. We can’t really complain, as it took five years into the life of the last Fiesta for an ST to emerge. The new car drops a cylinder to become an inline turbocharged-triple, but has more power than the outgoing model with 197hp. There’ll be Sport and Track settings to play with, but no Focus RS-style drift mode. Bank on prices starting at around £19,000, and you’ve still got time to start saving for that deposit.
Hyundai i30 N
Hyundai is taking the hot hatch segment seriously, and the i30 N has spent several thousand miles pounding the fearsome Nürburgring-Nordschleife. Hyundai even went so far as to enter the car in a recent 24-hour race at the German circuit. With 247hp as standard, upped to 271hp with an optional performance pack, the i30 N has the power to back up the sporting looks. Hopefully all that time spent on track will translate into a genuinely entertaining front-wheel drive machine.
Renault Megane Renault Sport
Renault is building up the suspense to the release of the hottest fourth-generation Megane, with numerous teasers and camouflaged test cars. Styling is expected to be less dramatic than rivals such as the Civic Type R, but four-wheel steering and a rumoured power output in excess of 300hp should keep things interesting. Sit tight for the finished article to be unveiled in Frankfurt next month.
Suzuki Swift Sport
Long seen as the last bastion of the rev-happy, naturally aspirated, junior hot hatch, even the Swift Sport has had to concede defeat against forced induction. The 140hp 1.4-litre turbocharged engine from the Vitara S is the expected power plant of choice. Combined with a kerb weight below 900kg, this should make the new Swift Sport just as raucous as the outgoing car. Final details will follow at the Frankfurt Motor Show, with customers receiving the first cars in the middle of 2018.
Volkswagen Up! GTI
The Swift Sport won’t be the only contender in the miniature hot hatch market, with Volkswagen finally letting a GTI version of the Up! city car loose on the world. Comparisons in terms of size and weight have naturally been made to the Mk1 Golf GTI, whilst a power output of 113hp from a three-cylinder turbo is also on par with the 1976 original. Although tagged as a concept, the car shown at this year’s Wörthersee festival was virtually production ready, with deliveries primed for next year.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class
It might be just five-years old, but Mercedes-Benz is already preparing a brand-new version of the A-Class hatchback. The new fourth-generation A-Class will be longer and wider than the present car, whilst a new high-performance AMG version could see up to 400hp. Final details at Frankfurt next month.
Hyundai i30 Fastback
Slightly less exciting than the performance i30 N, the Fastback version of Hyundai’s C-segment hatch will make an official arrival in early 2018. Adding a third bodystyle alongside hatchback and estate models, the Fastback is billed as offering coupe-like styling. With a lower roofline and a ride height dropped by 30mm, the Fastback certainly looks slightly sportier, although five doors and more boot space mean it retains practicality.
BMW X2
If you’re familiar with BMW nomenclature, you’ll be well aware that even-numbered ‘X’ cars are sportier versions of the brand’s crossover offerings. This means the X2 will share a platform with the X1, but get coupe-like styling influenced by the concept shown at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. BMW has already taken to the streets with this camouflaged version, ahead of a full reveal at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The first customers should receive their cars in mid-2018.
Nissan Leaf
It’s one of the biggest selling plug-in electric cars ever, which means getting the second-generation Leaf right is a big deal for Nissan. With undisguised cars already snapped testing, Nissan is keeping things quiet until the official unveiling next month. Expect more power, up to a rumoured 148hp, with an all-out range of potentially 340 miles – double the current car. Semi-autonomous technology will also play a major part, whilst the styling is aimed at being more conventional than the first-generation machine.
Jaguar I-Pace
It may have only be shown as a concept at the 2016 Los Angeles Auto Show, but Jaguar has been racing at full speed to get the I-Pace ready for a 2018 launch. The Ian Callum-styled concept version has already been pounding the streets of London, testing out the 90kWh battery that offers a claimed 300-mile range. Impressive for a 4WD machine that can hit 62mph in 4 seconds, and recharge to 80% full in just 90 minutes. Form an orderly queue for sales to start in the second-half of 2018.
Jaguar E-Pace
Intent on making 2018 all about Jaguar crossovers whatever the power source, customers will also take delivery of the baby E-Pace early next year. European buyers will be taking delivery of cars built at the Magna Steyr factory in Austria, with a choice of 2.0-litre petrol and diesel engine options. Prices begin at £28,500, and you can already create the E-Pace of your dreams using Jaguar’s configurator website.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
With the mid-size crossover market showing no signs of cooling down, Mitsubishi has brought back a name previously applied to four generations of turbocharged coupe. Sliding into the range between the ASX and Outlander, the stylish Eclipse Cross will be pushed hard in competition against the dominant Nissan Qashqai. Engine choices will consist of either a 1.5-litre turbo petrol, or 2.2-litre diesel, with higher specification version gaining a CVT gearbox and AWD system.
Nissan Juke
The current Nissan Juke may still be rolling off the Sunderland production line in droves, but after seven years a full refresh is needed to keep the compact crossover on trend. Styling elements are will be borrowed from the pictured Gripz Concept, although obviously toned down for public consumption. The finished product should be on show at the Tokyo Motor Show in late October, along with confirmation of engine options. A hybrid version seems almost guaranteed, however.
Volvo XC40
Buoyed by the unprecedented success of the XC90, and smaller XC60, Volvo will add a new small crossover to its range in 2018. Targeted at other premium offerings like the BMW X1 and Audi Q3, the XC40 will borrow design language from the 2016 Concept 40.1. In keeping with Volvo’s electrification strategy a hybrid version will feature, alongside regular petrol and diesel offerings. Volvo will show off the completed XC40 at an event later in the year, with cars delivered in 2018.
BMW 3 Series
It used to be that German manufacturers would upgrade their compact executive saloons only once in decade. However, the pace of technological advancements means a new 3 Series now seems to come along as frequently as a new iPhone. Gesture and voice control from the bigger 5 Series will upgrade the interior, whilst exterior styling will be a subtle development of the current car. Lightweight construction will boost efficiency, with a second plug-in hybrid model expected to join the range below the 330e.
Audi Q8
If an Audi Q7 doesn’t quite have enough road presence for you, Audi has a solution with the forthcoming Q8. Billed as a coupe SUV, the giant Q8 is ready to intimidate BMW X6 drivers out of the way. A 3.0-litre V6 petrol-hybrid is expected as the entry-level version, whilst quattro four-wheel drive will of course be standard. A faster SQ8 version is also anticipated to join the range later in the lifecycle. Predicted to land in showrooms during the middle of 2018, pricing should be commensurate with the Range Rover Velar.
Audi e-tron SUV
Although less guaranteed to debut in 2018 than the Q8, Audi is also expected to reveal a finished version of the all-electric e-tron SUV. First shown as a concept in 2015, heavily disguised versions have been spotted testing this summer. As a natural competitor to the Tesla Model X and Jaguar I-Pace, Audi has intensified efforts to get the e-tron SUV on the market as soon as possible.
BMW X7
BMW confirmed plans to create a flagship SUV as far back as 2014, but the range-topping X7 will finally make a debut in 2018. Effectively a high-riding 7 Series, the X7 will share the carbon fibre architecture and engine options with the big saloon. Rumours abound of a potential twin-turbo V12 variant, but that may be too extreme even for BMW. Although BMW is keen to point out the X7 will look different to the X5, we would naturally expect a degree of brand familiarity between the two.
Mercedes-Benz GLE
The SUV formerly known as the M-Class, until being rebranded as the GLE in 2015, comes up for renewal late next year. Expected to use the MHA platform derived from the E-Class – which the GLE is equivalent to in Mercedes-Benz model hierarchy – this will be an all-new machine. Semi-autonomous technology is on the cards, whilst a hot GLE 63 AMG version has been spotted undergoing testing. Sharper headlights and a larger front grille will be new, but the trademark reverse-raked C-pillar should stay.
Range Rover Evoque
It might have just celebrated its sixth birthday, but the Range Rover Evoque still somehow looks boxfresh. Yet it’s now the oldest model in the entire Land Rover portfolio and, with the pace of competition in the luxury crossover sector, it needs to stay on top of the game. A revised Evoque is predicted to publicly debut late in 2018, meaning customers might not receive cars until early 2019. Talk has also centred on a more practical seven-seater version being offered, too.
Land Rover Defender
If you’re still coming to terms with a Land Rover range that doesn’t include the Defender, your anguish might only last another twelve months. The DC100 concept vehicle is expected to lend styling direction, although a three-door version now seems unlikely. Lightweight aluminium architecture is set to be taken from the latest Discovery, whilst engine choices should be JLR’s own diesel Ingenium units. Given the level of expectations on Land Rover to get this right, don’t be surprised if the release date slips into 2019.
Lamborghini Urus
At the complete polar opposite to the Defender on the 4×4 scale, 2018 should mark the year in which we finally see a new Lamborghini off-roader. Unlike the mental LM002 from the 1980s, the Urus will be firmly planted in SUV territory, and was recently spotted testing at the Nürburgring. Styling should remain faithful to the 2012 concept, but an Audi-sourced 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 will take the place of a naturally aspirated V12. A plug-in hybrid may also be on the cards.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
If the idea of a Lamborghini SUV takes some adjusting to, then the notion of a high-riding Rolls-Royce is likely to be a somewhat controversial arrival in 2018. Rolls-Royce has admitted it is in development, and even released disguised photos, but has otherwise remained tight-lipped about the finer details of the Cullinan. Certain chassis elements are likely to be shared with the BMW X7, but be surprised if anything other than a twin-turbocharged V12 engine is beneath the lengthy bonnet.
Rolls-Royce Phantom
Having made a debut just last month, we already know that the new Phantom will push automotive luxury to the limit. Aluminium construction helps save weight, whilst the 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 generates 570hp and 664lb ft of torque for effortless acceleration. The biggest talking point is the customisable ‘gallery’ that runs the width of the dashboard, and allows owners to display unique artwork creations. Deliveries will begin in 2018, allowing sufficient time to develop your own gallery concept.
Audi A9
Audi has been playing with idea of a flagship coupe model since the Prologue concept car was first shown at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show. Having clearly influenced the design of the new A5, amongst other models, 2018 may be the year Audi finally goes big. If Ingolstadt does deliver on the promise of a large coupe, expect aluminium construction to be derived from the new A8 saloon, along with engines and multimedia technology.
BMW 8 Series
What makes the Audi A9 even more likely is the announcement by BMW that it will reveal a new version of the 8 Series, almost two decades after the first generation car finished production. The Concept 8 Series was shown at the Concorso d’Eleganza in May this year, with only minor changes expected for the production version, which could debut as early as the Frankfurt Motor Show. A soft-top cabriolet version is set to follow in 2019, while a high-performance M8 is also in development with eyes on competing in the GTE class at Le Mans.
BMW M5
BMW is set to have a busy 2018, with sales of the newly announced M5 super saloon also beginning in February next year. A standard xDrive 4WD system is the big news, which allows the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine to use all of the 600hp and 553lb ft to run 0-62mph in just 3.2 seconds. Fortunately the 4WD system can be turned off, making the £89,640 M5 rear-wheel drive only for epic drifting action. Phew.
Jaguar XE SVR
Jaguar may have grabbed headlines with the dramatic Project 8 limited edition XE, but a tamer SVR version of the compact saloon is expected in 2018. Rivalling the BMW M3 and Mercedes-AMG C 63, the XE SVR should make use of a 500hp supercharged 5.0-litre V8. The lairy wings and spoilers of the Project 8 machine will also make way for a subtler bodykit, and don’t expect a roll cage to make an appearance on the options list.
BMW i8 Roadster
Having teased the idea of an open-top i8 since before the coupe even began production, BMW has finally confirmed that a roadster variant will debut in 2018. The scissor doors from the hardtop will remain, but debate is ongoing as to the type of roof the i8 Roadster will use. Most sources expect a simple fabric roof, but a more complex folding metal version has not been ruled out. The Roadster is expected to feature alongside a mid-lifecycle update for the i8, with increased power and extended battery life all round.
BMW Z4
Wrapping up a packed 2018 for BMW will be the launch of the third-generation Z4. After suggestions that the previous two models have failed to capture the heart of enthusiasts, BMW is promising that the 2018 Z4 will be an “all-out driving machine” from the start. This Concept Z4 should demonstrate the finished product, bar minor details, whilst engines should consist of inline 2.0-litre and 3.0-litre turbo options. We just hope the neat steering wheel-mounted lap timer makes production…pictu
Toyota Supra
Not only is a new Toyota Supra a big deal for 2018, it will also be sharing a platform with the aforementioned BMW Z4. Whilst both will be rear-wheel drive, the Supra will use a Toyota V6, and be a fixed-top coupe opposed to the roadster Z4. The FT-1 Concept is set to provide design direction for the Supra, and disguised cars have been spotted pounding the Nürburgring. With the Concept Z4 now revealed, Toyota may well display the finished Supra at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
Aston Martin Vantage
At twelve years old, the Aston Martin Vantage is now bordering on antique status in sports car terms. Thankfully, a new Vantage is on the way, and has recently been photographed sporting a distinctive camouflage livery. Behind the bright colours are hints that the 2018 Vantage will take cues from the DB10 concept car, used in the 2015 Spectre James Bond film. Mercedes-AMG will supply a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8, and prices are expected to start at less than £100,000.
The new Volkswagen T-Roc is VW’s long-awaited rival to the Nissan Qashqai crossover SUV, a model that it believes “sets a new benchmark in the booming SUV segment”. Ordering begins in September 2017 and European deliveries will start in November.
Volkswagen punchily says the T-Roc will compete in the €20,000 class in Germany: while it’s unlikely to have a starting price from £18,500 in the UK, it will still go head-to-head with the Nissan on price.
Pleasingly, the new T-Roc has very distinctive styling that’s a real contrast to the sober, discreet Golf it’s derived from. Bulging, sharp-edged wheelarches, flowing roofline and a very distinctive front end are all certain to ensure it stands out within an ever-growing sector; for once, Volkswagen hasn’t watered things down from previous exciting-looking concepts.
This should help Volkswagen snare a strong share of the huge small SUV market, which it predicts will grow from 6.4 million units today, to a whopping 10.6 million by 2027. It’s going to be sold globally, with the focus on Europe and China because almost 80 percent of small SUVs are sold.
Volkswagen says that, along with Tiguan, Touareg and the not-for-Europe Atlas and Teramont, the T-Roc completes its SUV range (for now, at least). The name itself is interesting, too: the firm cheerily admits it’s been derived from the word ‘rock’… before telling us it “really rocks the segment – sometimes louder and sometimes more subdued”. Cringe.
Volkswagen T-Roc: in detail
The new Volkswagen T-Roc is, at 4,234mm long, 252mm shorter than the Tiguan. It’s 1,819mm wide and 1,573mm tall. The boot is 445 litres with the seats up, 1,290 litres with them folded, which Volkswagen’s calculator suggests is “one of the largest luggage compartments in its class”.
Six engines will be offered: 1.0 TSI 115, 1.5 TSI 150 and 2.0 TSI 190 petrols, 1.6 TDI 115 and 2.0 TDI 150 or 190 diesels. The lower-power ones are front-wheel drive, with 4Motion available on the punchier ones. Six-speed manual or DSG autos, too. It’s pretty much as per the Tiguan.
Volkswagen is pleased as punch with its new trim range, which it says follows the Arteon in comprising a ‘Y’ structure: basically, base, then either a stylish or a sporty one, with roughly equivalent equipment levels. In the UK, it’s likely to deploy Elegance and R-Line badges respectively for these trims.
All models get a 6.5-inch touchscreen, with posher variants getting an 8.0-inch glass-covered setup. Volkswagen’s latest virtual instrument binnacles will be optional: it calls them ‘new generation Active Info Displays’. The 300-watt Beats premium audio system should go down well with the kids, too.
And if you want to make your T-Roc even more distinctive-looking, you’re in luck: the ‘style’ trim (that’s Elegance, remember) will have a bi-colour design as standard, offering a choice of three different roof colours. A decided break from the traditional Volkswagen past, and sure to be a popular, standout choice. You can’t get contrast roof colours on a Qashqai now, can you?
Ferrari has announced a new car: the Portofino will replace the California T as the entry-level model in the firm’s line-up.
And what an entry-level model it is. Named after “one of Italy’s most beautiful towns,” (Ferrari’s words), the Portofino is powered by the same 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 as the California T. Power has been boosted from 560hp to 600hp, taking the Portofino to 62mph in 3.5 seconds. Top speed is around 199mph.
That power boost, shaving a whole tenth of a second off its 0-62mph time compared to the Cali T, comes from revised pistons and con roads as well as a recalibration of the engine management software. A revised exhaust system helps provide a throatier soundtrack, too.
An all-new aluminium chassis, meanwhile, contributes towards significant weight saving, while the addition of Ferrari’s latest electronic differential – E-Diff3 – will work with the Portofino’s F1-Trac stability system to provide no doubt exceptional cornering characteristics. EPS (electric power steering) is another initialism to be added to the GT car, while magnetorheological dampers have been uprated to reduce roll while also improving absorption of poor road surfaces.
Like the California T, the Portofino uses a retractable hard-top roof and provides a generously-sized boot, along with two rear seats suitable for shorter journeys. A new 10.2-inch touchscreen display along with a new air-con system improves the interior, while a new wind deflector is said to drop air flow inside the cabin by 30 percent when the roof is dropped.
Although aesthetically similar to the model it replaces, minor tweaks have made the Portifino quite a looker, in our opinion. A large grille stretches across the front, flanked by full LED headlights with a more horizontal shape. At the rear, the tail lights are positioned further apart.
We’ll get a better look at the 2018 Ferrari Portofino when it’s officially revealed at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.
Famous folding bike manufacturer Brompton has developed a new electric bicycle – and it’s teamed up with famous F1 champions Williams to help engineer the battery-electric tech for the new Brompton Electric.
The racing team’s applied engineering division Williams Advanced Engineering has helped Brompton develop the batteries, electric motors and control systems for the new Brompton Electric folding bike, which has a range of up to 50 miles and weighs from a scant 13.4kg. That’s just 2.4kg more than a regular Brompton folding bike.
Williams Advanced Engineering has used its electric motorsport know-how for the new project: it has worked with the FIA Formula E Championship from day one, supplying batteries to all 10 racing deals and also helping Jaguar build and run its first Formula E racer.
“There are an awful lot of synergies between Williams and Brompton,” reckons Williams Advanced Engineering MD Craig Wilson, “and the requirements for the Brompton Electric – designing a lightweight, high performance, electric motor – was right in our core capabilities.”
Brompton Bicycle CEO Will Butler-Adams says: “We’ve spent three years taking Williams Racing technology and integrating it into the Brompton. It has been harder than any of us imagined but we believe we have created a product that will inspire more people to get out from under the ground, out of the cars and back onto a bike to rediscover their cities.”
The new Brompton Electric has a 300Wh battery which feeds a front hub motor. There are three assistance levels, and a torque and cadence sensor is said to give smooth, seamless and energy-efficient support. “With the Brompton Electric, you feel you have the wind behind you all day,” said Butler-Adams.
Brompton is based in Greenford, West London. It was established in 1974 and is this year targeting production of more than 45,000 bikes. 80 percent of its production is exported, to 44 countries – and Brompton says each bicycle takes 6.2 tonnes less carbon than a car to make.
Prices for the Brompton Electric range from £2,595 to £2,755, and the firm is taking £200 online reservations now for those keen to ride one of the first in production.
More than 20,000 old cars have been sent to the crusher in recent years after being part exchanged for a new Vauxhall, figures obtained by Motoring Research can today reveal.
The PSA-owned British car firm initially launched a scrappage offer in 2015, giving customers £2,000 of a new car when they trade in any old model registered in their name. The scheme returned earlier this year, with 5,500 cars already being traded in and sent to the scrapper so far in 2017.
“Our scrappage scheme has been very successful,” said a Vauxhall spokesman, commenting on the figures.
It comes after Britain’s most popular car manufacturer, Ford, announced a similar scheme this morning. While BMW and Mercedes-Benz have both launched similar offers in a bid to encourage the uptake of more efficient new cars, Ford’s scheme (like Vauxhall’s) is across most cars in its range.
To be eligible for Vauxhall’s offer, you need to have owned your old car for at least 90 days, and buy a new Vauxhall before the end of September. The firm may extend this to counter Ford’s scheme, but that’s yet to be confirmed.
When Vauxhall became the first manufacturer to launch an an unofficial (non-Government) scrappage scheme in 2015, it sparked uproar from classic car enthusiasts and green lobbyists concerned that road legal cars were being scrapped. Vauxhall responded by saying pre-1991 cars would be flagged up to the relevant classic car clubs, allowing them to buy spare parts to save similar vehicles.
“Vauxhall has immense respect for the UK’s classic car groups, irrespective of what make or model they support,” said Vauxhall spokesman Simon Hucknall earlier this year.
“The Scrappage Allowance is designed to capture vehicles that are beyond economical repair, and given the low value of scrap metal, recycling of parts is vital to the scheme’s viability. We’re also confident that the number of genuine classics over 25 years old presented to the scheme will be minimal, especially given the steady rise in value of even the most mainstream collectors’ cars in recent years.
“But if we do see any, our ‘safety-net’ will ensure that classic car owners and clubs will benefit.”
Ford’s sprawling factory in Dagenham was once home to the Anglia, Cortina, Sierra and Fiesta, among other household names. Today, production at the east London site is limited to engines, and much of it stands derelict. Yet there’s a nondescript warehouse, off-limits to the public, where the cars are still very much the stars. Here, you’ll find Ford’s heritage collection.
More than 100 cars, representing 114 years of Ford history, are packed inside the building, which used to house the assembly line for AA trucks. It’s a hugely eclectic mix, covering everything from Model T (the original Ford) to Focus RS. Watch our video for a virtual tour.
There are so many special cars hidden away in Dagenham that picking highlights isn’t easy. How about one of four RS200s, the two Transit Supervans, the mighty Sierra RS Cosworth or the RAC Rally-winning Mk2 Escort RS1800?
However, this collection doesn’t only cover the exotic and expensive. There are also Granadas, a Mondeo and several Fiesta XR2s. Even the unloved Mk5 Escort gets a spot. So many of us have memories involving these cars, they have become part of our collective conscious. Let’s be thankful Ford is preserving them.
Conventional petrol and diesel cars will be banned from sale in the UK from 2040. Therefore, electrified hybrid cars will be the only models available that still feature some sort of internal combustion engine. The choice of these electrified ‘mild hybrid’ and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) is now wider than ever, as our selection here shows. All quoted ‘on the road’ prices include VAT, but do not include the government’s Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG) – where applicable.
Volkswagen Golf GTE: £30,635 – £32,135
The Golf GTE is Volkswagen’s idea of a fleet-friendly electrified performance Golf in the vein of the legendary GTI. With a combined output of 204hp from its 148bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine and 75kW electric motor, the plug-in hybrid Golf does the 0-62mph dash in 7.6 seconds, yet has CO2 emissions from just 38g/km. Electric-only range is 31 miles, while five electric and hybrid modes allow the plug-in Golf to be tailored to the prevailing driving conditions for the best performance or economy.
The Ioniq is Hyundai’s new flagship range of electrified cars. Available in all-electric, plug-in hybrid, and ‘mild’ non-plug-in hybrid versions, the latter car has an official total range of 700 miles. With a low drag coefficient figure of 0.24, the plug-in version of the hybrid Hyundai boasts a combined economy figure of 256.8mpg and CO2 emissions from 29g/km. The interior is a step up from Hyundais of old, while blue accents inside and out point to the hybrid version.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: £34,305 – £46,055
Want a hybrid more suited for the rough and tumble? The 41g/km Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was the world’s first plug-in hybrid SUV and has proved very popular in the UK thanks to its low company car tax costs at launch. As well as more than enough space for families, the big SUV from Japan mates a 2.0-litre petrol engine to a pair of electric motors for up to 166mpg, and has the extra option of four-wheel-drive capability.
BMW 330e iPerformance: £35,620 – £39,720
BMW’s ubiquitous but very popular and business-aimed compact executive car is now available as a plug-in hybrid. The 330e iPerformance combines a 184bhp four-cylinder 2.0-litre petrol engine, a 65kW electric motor and a 7.6kWh battery to give 251hp. There’s also a 0-62mph time of 6.1 seconds, CO2 emissions as low as 44g/km, an electric-only range of around 25 miles, and all the dynamism the 3 Series is known for.
Mini Cooper Countryman S E ALL4 Plug-in Hybrid: £31,575
Enjoying its debut at the 2017 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the first electrified series production Mini can travel up to 26 miles with zero emissions. When combined with a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder engine, the plug-in hybrid has a total range of 310 miles. Three switchable driving modes help to get the maximum range in any situation, as well as up to an official 134mpg on the combined cycle. All with that standard Mini desirability, too.
Toyota Prius: £24,115 – £28,200 / Prius Plug-in: £31,695 – £33,895
The fourth generation of Toyota’s original pioneering hybrid has fuel economy of up to 94.1mpg and emissions from 70g/km. On the move, the Japanese ‘mild hybrid’ shuffles power between its 1.8-litre petrol engine, 53kW electric motor and 6.5Ah battery depending on the driving conditions. A new plug-in version boasts economy of up to 283mpg, and has the option of a solar panel roof for an easy three miles of additional electric range.
Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid: £81,141 – £146,545
The second generation of Porsche’s super saloon features an ‘E-Performance’ powertrain with a minimum of 468hp, yet is capable of a quoted 113mpg. The entry-level 56g/km Panamera 4 E-Hybrid boasts 335hp from its 2.9-litre V6 and 100kW electric motor, but all, including the full-fat 558hp Turbo S E-Hybrid, have an all-electric range of 31 miles. Offering typical Porsche performance, but with an economy slant, the lime green brake callipers are the most obvious giveaway.
Kia Niro: £21,635 – £27,385
The Niro is Kia’s first dedicated hybrid model. Emissions start at 88g/km, while the South Korean company quotes fuel consumption of up to 74.3mpg. The 105hp 1.6-litre GDi petrol engine and 1.56kWh lithium-ion battery are wrapped in a fashionable crossover body. There’s no plug-in option here, as the Niro is a ‘mild hybrid’, and thus decides which part of its powertrain to use depending on driving conditions.
The latest XC90 was Volvo’s first push further upmarket, and the reinvented SUV really looks the part from its ‘Thor’s hammer’ headlights to its plush and beautifully-executed cabin, complete with its portrait-orientation nine-inch colour touchscreen and Orrefors Crystal gear knob. While it may be pricey, the 49g/km plug-in hybrid Volvo’s 324hp 2.0-litre petrol engine is both supercharged and turbocharged for prodigious performance, while it can travel up to 78mph on electric power alone thanks to a 68kW electric motor. A host of standard ‘IntelliSafe’ technologies and all-wheel drive help maintain Volvo’s reputation for safety.
BMW i3 94Ah AC REx: £36,220
BMW claims its carbon-fibre-reinforced-plastic i3 ‘is the world’s first mass production model to be designed for sustainability at every stage’. The avant garde small car was launched in 2013 and added a fashionable twist to EV motoring. Updated with a larger-capacity 94Ah battery last year, the 12g/km Range Extender (REx) model sits alongside a 0g/km pure-electric version. The latter has a 125-mile range, while the i3 REx’s 649cc two-cylinder petrol engine generates electricity to charge the battery, increasing range to 206 miles.
Toyota C-HR Hybrid: £23,685 – £28,085
C-HR means ‘Coupe High Rider’ according to Toyota and is what it calls its striking new crossover. A daringly-styled compact SUV, the C-HR marries the latest Prius’ advanced platform, hybrid powertrain and CVT automatic gearbox to a more interesting family-friendly silhouette. There’s a definite Lexus-like feel inside, with emissions as low as 86g/km – as well as claimed 74.3mpg fuel economy.
Audi A3 Sportback E-tron: £36,040
With CO2 emissions of 38g/km and a 1.4-litre engine, the Audi A3 Sportback E-tron is the Ingolstadt manufacturer’s answer to the Volkswagen Golf GTE. Only available in one trim level and with five doors, the plug-in hybrid Audi can travel up to 29 miles on electric power alone, while the ‘Audi Drive Select’ mode offers a choice of hybrid or electric-only power. An Audi app allows for charge level, electric range and car location monitoring, and LED exterior lighting makes sure the Sportback E-tron stands out from other versions of the German premium family hatchback.
Suzuki Ignis SZ5 1.2 Dualjet SHVS: £13,499
The dinky little Ignis has a cheeky look and character, plus, perhaps surprisingly, the option of a hybrid powertrain. The 1.2-litre engine develops the same 90hp as the other models in the range, but the SHVS (Smart Hybrid Vehicle by Suzuki) model’s uprated starter motor ensures faster scampering away from the traffic lights, while emissions drop from 106g/km to 97g/km. Fuel economy is an official 66mpg, and it’s all wrapped up in a stylish small SUV body. There’s even a 4×4 version.
BMW i8: £106,310 – £116,305
The slinky BMW i8 was arguably the world’s first ‘mainstream’ electrified sports car. From its impressive dihedral doors to its air-cheating sculpted rear wings and distinctive blue exterior highlights, the i8 looks every inch the performance car it is. The front-mounted 133hp electric motor and rear ‘TwinPower Turbo’ 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine combine to send the low-slung Bee-Em from 0-62mph in just 4.4 seconds, while emitting 49g/km and achieving a claimed 134.5mpg.
Toyota Yaris Hybrid: £16,195 – £19,295
Recently refreshed, the Toyota Yaris has the small hybrid market to itself. The only supermini to be fitted with a petrol-electric powertrain, the Yaris has a 101hp 1.5-litre VVT-i engine, which produces emissions between 75g/km to 82g/km, depending on trim. Aided by its 45kW electric motor and 6.5Ah nickel-metal hydride battery, Toyota claims its smallest hybrid can deliver fuel economy of between 78.4mpg and 85.6mpg. All petrol-electric Yaris models come with dual-zone automatic air conditioning and a push-button start system.
Ferrari LaFerrari: £1 million
OK, we’ve cheated a bit here. While the Toyota Yaris Hybrid sits at one end of the scale, at the other is the £1 million Ferrari LaFerrari. And while the Ferrari website still lists it, all 499 examples have been sold. Dubbed the Marenello maker’s ‘most ambitious project’, the Italian supercar hybrid takes technology from F1. Its 6,292cc V12 engine produces 800hp, while the electric motor produces an addition 163hp (120kW) for a combined system output of 963hp. That means up to708lb ft of torque and 0 to 62mph in ‘less than three seconds’.
Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid: £33,995
Unlike its Niro stablemate, the Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid, as its name suggests, can be ‘refilled’ with electricity by plugging it into either a home or public charge point, as well as a domestic socket. With emissions of 37g/km and claimed economy of up to 176.6mpg on the combined cycle, the Optima offers executive car comfort and sustainability thanks to its 2.0-litre GDi petrol engine and 9.8kWh battery.
A rival to the Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid, the Volkswagen Passat GTE is the German manufacturer’s petrol-electric executive car. Emissions are 40g/km for both the GTE and higher-specification GTE Advance models, while the 156hp 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine and 85kW electric motor powertrain is good for 218hp. The benchmark 0-62mph sprint takes 7.5 seconds, while economy is a stated 156.9mpg. As with the Golf GTE, five driving modes allow a balance between performance and economy.
One of the UK’s top 10 most popular cars, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class features two hybrid models in its range. Marrying a 204bhp 2.2-litre diesel engine to a 20kW/27hp electric motor, emissions for the C300h start at 94g/km in SE trim. However, the plug-in hybrid C350e beats that, its 214hp 2.0-litre petrol engine and 60kW/83hp electric motor good for just 48g/km. With 17-inch wheels, the C350e also qualifies for the government’s Plug-in Car Grant, which deducts up to £2,500 from its list price. There are estate versions of both diesel and petrol hybrid models, too.
Lexus RC 300h: £37,145 – £42,645
Lexus bills the RC 300h as the ‘world’s first luxury coupé powered by a full hybrid powertrain’. Developed on the fearsome Nürburgring racing circuit by the team behind the LFA supercar, its 2.5-litre petrol engine is allied to 105kW electric motor to deliver 226hp. Start/stop technology and exhaust heat recycling bring emissions and fuel consumption as low as 113g/km and 57.6mpg. Four driving modes – Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ – mean the hybrid Lexus two-door can be both an economic cruiser or a modestly powerful performance machine.
Ford is launching a £2,000-discount scrappage scheme to encourage drivers to trade in their older models for a new, more efficient, car.
It follows BMW and Mercedes-Benz who have both announced scrappage schemes recently – but unlike the German manufacturers, the Ford scrappage scheme is available across its model range, rather than being restricted to low CO2 models.
Dealers are slashing thousands of pounds off cars this September
“Our USP is that this is a true scrappage scheme with the intent to make a real air quality difference,” said Ford of Britain’s PR chief, Tim Holmes. “It majors on affordability [it takes the start price of a new Fiesta down to £10,700] and scale rather than an expensive hybrid/BEV tech which few customers with old cars could afford.”
Customers will be given £2,000 off when they part exchange a pre-Euro 5 car registered before December 31st 2009, in addition to any current offers currently available. With Ford currently offering £2,950 off a Focus and £5,000 off a Transit, buyers could save up to £7,000 as part of the deal.
Is my old car eligible for scrappage?
Cars sold in Europe have had to comply with European emission regulations since 1970. These have become more stringent over time – in 1992, Euro 1 was introduced making the fitment of catalytic converters compulsory for all new cars. The latest standard, Euro 6, applies to all new cars sold since September 2015 and has resulted in a reduction of average carbon monoxide emissions by 63 percent from petrol cars and 82 percent from diesels since 1993.
To be eligible for Ford’s scrappage scheme, the car being traded in needs to be a pre-Euro 5 vehicle, meaning most cars registered before 31st December 2009. It must also have a V5 vehicle registration document held in the customer’s name for at least 90 days.
“Ford shares society’s concerns over air quality”, said Andy Barratt, chairman and MD of Ford of Britain. “Removing generations of the most polluting vehicles will have the most immediate positive effect on air quality, and this Ford scrappage scheme aims to do just that.
“We don’t believe incentivising sales of new cars goes far enough and we will ensure that all trade-in vehicles are scrapped. Acting together we can take hundreds of thousands of the dirtiest cars off our roads and out of our cities.”
However, with many millions of Euro 1-4 cars on British roads, Ford also called upon all OEMs to share the burden and help get older, dirtier vehicles past their sell-by date off British roads.
Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that there are approximately 19.3 million pre-Euro 5 emission level passenger cars on the UK roads today and reducing that number, through scrappage schemes, would have the effect of reducing CO2 by 15 million tonnes per year – equivalent to the annual output of approximately three coal-fired power stations.
Rival manufacturer Vauxhall has been pioneering the scrappage offer for a number of years, offering £2,000 off any old car when it’s traded in. This isn’t based on emissions, though, and has sparked some controversy amongst classic car fans concerned about older vehicles being sent to the scrapper.
Ford has confirmed that all vehicles traded in through the scheme will be scrapped.
The new BMW M5 will go on sale in February 2018, priced from £89,640 and equipped with four-wheel drive for the first time in its six-generation history. It’s thus half a second faster from 0-62mph than the final incarnation of its predecessor, despite having no more power. It will, boasts BMW, “surpass all previous incarnations”.
Derived from the acclaimed G30 5 Series, BMW has retained the 4.4-litre biturbo V8 engine from the old model, albeit much revised with upgrades such as higher fuel injection pressures, improved oil and cooling systems, and more efficient exhaust manifolds. The gearbox is all-new, though: an eight-speed automatic called M Steptronic with Drivelogic, replacing the old M DCT dual-clutch seven-speeder.
All-wheel drive is the big switch, although even here, BMW says the M xDrive system retains a pure rear-wheel-drive setup until traction from the rear tyres is exhausted – then the front wheels come into play. In regular guise, it’s safe and surefooted: a Dynamic mode biases more drive to the rear, for “controlled drifts and playful handling”.
Like arch-rival Mercedes-AMG’s new E63, the latest M5 also allows drivers to disengage the all-wheel drive system entirely. BMW’s keen to underline this is only for track use, but it will allow tyre-smoking fun all day long, or at least as long as there’s rubber on the back wheels.
That’s for showboating though: for maximum speed, keep everything engaged, and you can enjoy 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds (the old M5 did it in 3.9 seconds), and 0-124mph in 11.1 seconds. For comparison, the Porsche 911 GT3 with PDK can only match the new M5’s 0-62mph time: choose the manual GT3 instead, and it trails it by half a second… 26.9mpg combined and 241g/km CO2 are a little better than the Porsche, too.
Visually, the new M5 packs purposeful but understated clout. There’s a new aluminium bonnet, more muscular aluminium front wings and, for the first time on an M5, a carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof. The front bumper is all-new, dramatically carved out to feed plentiful air towards the engine and brakes. The oil cooler is built into its lower central section, making it look even more purposeful.
A chunky rear diffuser and boot lip spoiler help perfectly set off the trademark BMW M quad exhaust tail pipes, which feature flap-controlled noise control within: they can be silenced by pressing the M Sound Control button.
Inside, BMW fits Cup-style M multifunctional seats clad in soft fine grain Merino leather, and both the starter button and ‘M’ buttons on the steering wheel are now lacquered in bright red. It is a four-seater though, rather than a five-seater: the rear chairs have a similarly occupant-hugging profile. A configurable M instrument display features shift-up lights: if you wish, they and more essential info can be replicated in the head-up display.
Colours? There’s a new Marina Bay blue pictured here, plus some matt hues such as Frozen Dark Silver or Frozen Arctic Grey. BMW makes no mention of the odd matt red pictured here…
See the new 2018 BMW M5 in public for the first time at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show next month. If you want one of the first in the UK when sales start in February 2018, best get onto your dealer right now.
Guy Martin is hanging up his motorcycle racing leathers (and truck mechanic overalls) this weekend – to don a set of Williams Martini Racing F1 fireproofs and join its pit crew for the Belgian Grand Prix. 
The new Volkswagen T-Roc is VW’s long-awaited rival to the Nissan Qashqai crossover SUV, a model that it believes “sets a new benchmark in the booming SUV segment”. Ordering begins in September 2017 and European deliveries will start in November.
Famous folding bike manufacturer Brompton has developed a new electric bicycle – and it’s teamed up with famous F1 champions Williams to help engineer the battery-electric tech for the new Brompton Electric.
Ford’s sprawling factory in Dagenham was once home to the Anglia, Cortina, Sierra and Fiesta,
The new BMW M5 will go on sale in February 2018, priced from £89,640 and equipped with four-wheel drive for the first time in its six-generation history. It’s thus half a second faster from 0-62mph than the final incarnation of its predecessor, despite having no more power. It will, boasts BMW, “surpass all previous incarnations”.
