Do you know the number to ring in an emergency in the EU?

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July 31, 2015

Six million Brits will be, once past Calais, driving abroad to Europe this summer – but the RAC has discovered almost two in three of them don’t know the three-digit number to dial in an emergency.

Knowledge of the correct number – 112 – is ‘worryingly’ low, which could lead to difficulties in an accident.

RAC European breakdown operations manager David Huggon said: “We all recognise 999 as the main emergency phone number in the UK, but it appears that once we’ve left the country we leave our knowledge of who to ring in an emergency behind too.”

10% of motorists say they would dial 111 in an emergency when in Europe: that’s the UK NHS non-emergency line.

6% say they would dial 911, the emergency number in the United States and Canada, while 5% would call 101, the UK non-emergency police line.

Indeed, it’s the introduction of 101 and 111 phone numbers in the UK that might be why motorists are getting confused, reckons Huggon.

112 for the EU

Simply try to remember 112 is Huggon’s advice. “The 112 number works right across the EU, including the UK.

“But it doesn’t get a lot of promotion – certainly not in Britain, where we have 999 anyway, but not a great deal in continental Europe either, although electronic motorway signage in some countries including France is used to remind drivers.”

But won’t they speak a foreign language? Not at all. “Drivers need not be concerned about language barriers either, as in many cases dialling 112 will put you through to an English-speaking call handler while abroad.”

Emergency numbers – the RAC guide

Phone number	What it’s for	Where it works
112	Emergency assistance line	All of the European Union
999	Emergency assistance line	United Kingdom
911	Emergency assistance line	All of North America
101	Police non-emergency assistance line	United Kingdom
111	NHS non-emergency assistance line	England and Scotland, and Wales from October 2015

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Top Gear trio Clarkson, Hammond and May confirmed for Amazon show

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Motoring Research team

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July 30, 2015

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Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May have signed a deal with Amazon to appear on a new show set to rival Top Gear.

It’s thought that Amazon fought off competition from Netflix for the trio after Clarkson was sacked from the BBC for punching a producer.

This morning Jeremy Clarkson tweeted:

I’m very excited to announce that Hammond, May and I have signed a deal with .@AmazonVideo

— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) July 30, 2015

The programme will air in 2016 and will be produced by former Top Gear executive Andy Wilman.

The deal ends months of speculation about where the Top Gear trio would appear next – with Netflix, ITV and Sky all rumoured.

It’s not known how much the deal has cost Amazon – which is expected to show the new programme through its Amazon Prime service – but it’s thought the Top Gear threesome will be given free reign.

Amazon tweeted that it had signed the trio up for three series of the new car show, which won’t be called Top Gear or feature the Stig.

James May added:

Good news! I’ve got a job with @AmazonVideoUK. Bad news! So have the other two. #AmazonPrime #ItSaysHere — James May (@MrJamesMay) July 30, 2015

It’s still not known who will present Top Gear on the BBC alongside Chris Evans. However, Jenson Button is the latest to be tipped.

Tesla Model S gains ‘Ludicrous mode’ for 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds

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Motoring Research team

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July 17, 2015

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Tesla is to launch an upgraded version of its Model S electric car – capable of 0-60mph in just 2.8 seconds.

This will make it the fastest-accelerating car in the world, claimed the U.S. EV firm (later revised to ‘world’s fastest Model S’)… and the function that delivers this intense acceleration is, brilliantly, called ‘Ludicrous mode’.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed the news in a conference call, as part of a series of updates for the Model S executive car, including a price drop for the regular Model S, plus a more powerful 90KWh battery option.

The 90KWh Model S will boast a range further extended by 5%, says Tesla.

But it’s the ludicrous acceleration of the enhanced Model S P85D that’s grabbing the headlines. And we thought the itself-recently-enhanced all-wheel-drive P85D version was already fast: that does 0-60mph in 3.1 seconds (provided you had the ‘Insane mode’ selected…).

Not fast enough for Musk, who described the acceleration of the Ludicrous mode Model S as “faster than falling”.

Generating 1.1G of acceleration force, he said “it’s like having your own private roller coaster”.

Apparently, engineering changes over the regular P85D are not huge – although Tesla has had to design a new fuse to cope with the ‘ludicrous’ rate of electricity flowing through it.

Keen to buy a Tesla Model S with Ludicrous mode? It’ll cost you $10,000 over the P85D – or, if you own one of those cars, Tesla will upgrade it for $5,000.

Sounds to us like not a lot for what now becomes, according to Tesla, even more easily the world’s fastest-accelerating EV…

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Volvo buys Polestar, aims to double sales

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Richard Aucock

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July 14, 2015

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Volvo has bought the Swedish high performance car company Polestar and will now officially use it on high performance factory-built Volvo Polestar models.

Polestar and Volvo already collaborate on bespoke aftermarket performance versions of cars such as the V60 and S60: now, the brand will become a fully integrated part of future model planning.

It means Volvo now has a ready-made performance brand rival to BMW M and Mercedes-AMG.

The Geely-owned Swedish car company has bold aims for Volvo Polestar vehicles, too: it wants to double sales in the medium term from today’s 750 cars, as well as enhancing the aftermarket Polestar performance kits already sold through Volvo dealers (it’s a ready-made alternative to BMW M Performance).

Volvo Polestar: plug-in hybrid performance

Volvo Polestar aims to focus on plug-in hybrid technology to deliver interesting future performance cars, reveals the firm. Already the largest manufacturer of PHEVs in Europe, Volvo reckons its ‘twin engine’ electrification tech will create powerful performance cars that are also environmentally friendly.

The firm has also earlier revealed a 450hp 2.0-litre tri-boost engine concept that would give it a ready-made rival to the BMW M3 Saloon and M4 Coupe…

“Driving a Volvo Polestar is a special experience,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars.

“We have decided to bring this experience to more Volvo drivers, placing the full resources of Volvo behind the development of Polestar as the model name for our high performance cars.”

All Polestar employees will now become Volvo employees under the deal, completed for an undisclosed sum.

Polestar racing to continue – but be renamed

The Polestar racing team will remain under founder Christian Dahl’s creation – and it will be renamed.

“We are extremely satisfied with the way the performance business with Volvo has developed,” said Dahl.

“But we are a racing team first and foremost. This is an opportunity to return our full attention to our core business – to develop and race Volvo cars.”

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Clarkson drives last ever lap of Top Gear test track

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Motoring Research team

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July 14, 2015

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Jeremy Clarkson has driven his last ever lap of the Top Gear test track after raising over £100,000 for charity to do it.

But the question is, which car did he do it in?

The former Top Gear presenter posted a picture to his 5.3 million followers on Twitter, of him standing next to three supercars and asking which he should do it in.

The three choices were:

Mercedes-AMG GT
LaFerrari
Ferrari 488 GTB

More than 11,000 retweets and 26,000 favourites later, the debate still rages on.

Clarkson has yet to reveal which car he actually chose, but did report after the drive that he was a “bit sad leaving the place for the final time”.

There were two good things about the last lap though, he added: “It raised a load of cash for a good cause.

“And I did the mother****** of all tail slides through Chicago.”

Racing driver Marino Franchitti and Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason were also there, it was later revealed: Clarkson also drove them around the Top Gear test track before undertaking his final lap.

@JeremyClarkson showing @nickmasondrums & I the way around the Top Gear track. This is our Volvo faces #serious pic.twitter.com/SMs5pkxQUD

— Marino Franchitti (@MFranchitti) July 13, 2015

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Summer budget 2015: free road tax axed for petrol and diesel cars

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Motoring Research team

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July 8, 2015

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George Osborne has announced in his summer budget that new cars will be subject to different vehicle excise duty (VED) bands from 2017.

The new system is still based on CO2 emissions, but only cars emitting 0g/km CO2 will benefit from free road tax.

Apparently, 95% of new cars will fit into a ‘standard’ category, costing £140 per year, while cars that cost over £40,000 new will face an extra £310 per year for the first five years.

Osborne said: “Because so many new cars now fall into the low-carbon emission plans, by 2017 over three quarters of new cars will pay no VED at all in the first year.

“This isn’t sustainable and it isn’t fair. If you can afford a brand new car, including some of the most expensive models available, you can pay no VED. If you can only afford an older second-hand car you have to pay more tax.”

The new VED bands will only apply to new cars from 2017 onwards – Osborne insists no one will pay more in tax for vehicles they already own.

Anyone spending more than £40,000 on a new car will have a pay an additional £310 a year in road tax for the first five years.

That means even electric cars worth over £40,000 new, such as the Tesla Model S, will cost £310 to tax.

Anything with a conventional engine, including hybrids, will cost £450 a year in VED for the first five years if it has a list price over £40,000.

Another big change is that the money raised through VED will go directly back into improving the roads.

Osborne added: “I will return this tax to the use for which it was originally intended. I am creating a new roads fund from the end of this decade – every single penny raised from VED in England will go into that fund to pay for that sustained investment our roads so badly need.”

The Chancellor also announced he would consult on the current MOT system, looking at increasing the age at which cars and motorbikes require their first test from three to four years.

Fuel duty will also remain frozen at the current rate.

Waiting list for 2017 TVR ‘T37’ opens today following high demand

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Motoring Research team

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July 7, 2015

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Interest in a new TVR sports car set to launch in 2017 has been so high that the waiting list will open from midday today.

In an email sent to potential customers, the reborn British manufacturer said the deposit scheme would help plan initial production quantities, and “allow people who are genuinely interested in what is definitely the most hotly anticipated new sports car in a decade to book a slot in the queue.”

The manufacturer is keeping quiet on details about the new 2017 TVR, which is being produced in partnership with Gordon Murray and Cosworth.

In the email, TVR’s chairman Les Edgar said: “This is not because that detail is as yet undetermined, rather because we will only announce specifications when we are 100% confident in their accuracy – this has always been our policy. However, we will be releasing details as they are confirmed via our website, through the motoring press and, of course, by email to everybody who has registered for information on the new car.”

The email did reveal that the car, which will be built in the UK, has been codenamed the T37.

The refundable £5,000 deposit can be placed online via TVR’s website or over the phone on 0330 120 0032 – but the manufacturer has asked that no one phones the deposit line seeking more details, as they won’t get them.

Members of the TVR car club who joined more than six months ago will benefit from a reduced deposit of £2,500 if they place it before the end of July 2015.

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New 2016 Audi A4 revealed

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Motoring Research team

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June 29, 2015

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The new 2016 Audi A4 has been officially revealed ahead of its global debut at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show – and once again for Audi’s it’s an evolutionary approach rather than a stylistic revolution.

But the firm is keen to stress there’s far more future-looking technology beneath the lighter-weight skin of the new A4, which goes on sale towards the end of 2015.

The design, for example, may be familiarly Audi A4, but it’s also notably aerodynamic; in its optimum trim, the Cd drag factor is just 0.23, something no other model in the class gets near.

It’s a bigger design too – addressing criticisms of the current car’s lack of space, particularly in the rear, the new Audi A4 has grown to 4,726mm long, 1,842mm wide and 1,427mm tall.

The new Audi A4 is thus 25mm longer and 16mm wider than the old one, but remains the same height – actually the lowest in the premium sector. The A4 Avant is actually 1mm shorter than the saloon.

This give it the longest interior in its class, plus the best front shoulder room and, in the new A4 Avant, the biggest boot: it’s 505 litres with the seats up, 1,505 litres with them down.

The Avant is, however, not as aerodynamic as the sleek saloon: its drag factor Cd is 0.26.

One of the most striking features of the new Audi A4 is its new virtual cockpit, first seen in the new Audi TT. Now, this isn’t standard on all A4s, but does create a striking look for cars optionally fitted with it: the full-width display in front of the driver is a striking feature.

Unlike the TT, all A4 come as standard with an MMI display in the centre of the dashboard, of at least 7 inches’ diameter. Audi’s claiming the interior is now the quietest in the class.

New Audi A4: tech highlights

Under the bonnet, there’s a fully updated range of engines that benefit from the light weight and aero efficiency: Audi claims just 95g/km for the greenest version of the 2.0 TDI 150 ultra – without hybrid assistance.

A new 2.0 TFSI 190, with a trick new combustion system, can emit as little as 109g/km CO2. There’s also a punchy 272hp 3.0-litre TDI six-cylinder. UK CO2 figures are, however, still to be confirmed: due to our love of larger alloy wheels, they might be a bit higher.

Exhaust tailpipes are an indicator of which engine’s on board: single for base motors, double for TDI with 190hp or more, or dual for TFSI engines with 190hp or more.

Audi’s standardised Xenon headlights on all new A4, previously only fitted to S line models and above. Why? Because it now offers both full LED and the trick matrix LED headlights first seen on the A8 as an option.

The body is up to 120kg lighter, with the base model (a to-be-announced 1.4 TFSI) weighing just 1,320kg (albeit empty and without a driver). Audi’s achieved this without extensive use of aluminium, either: just the tailgate is made from the material it’s strongly associated with.

Official kerbweight of the Jaguar XE, which is made from 75% aluminium, start from 1,475kg.

Audi’s promising handling has made “a great leap forward”, with redeveloped five-link axles and new EPAS power steering. it rides better too, and there’s a plethora of suspension tech on the options list including adjustable dampers that “the driver can for the first time select between two settings: sports or comfort”.

This Audi drive select suspension system is standard on new A4 with engines producing 190hp or more.

New 2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia revealed: Alfa’s make-or-break BMW rival

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Motoring Research team

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June 24, 2015

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Alfa Romeo’s vital new Giulia four-door saloon has been revealed in a massive event in Italy. The car with the entire future of the brand resting on its shoulders, it’s been more than half a decade in the making, but finally revealed here – in full!

Revealed in full: the new 2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia

And this is how Alfa Romeo will take on the 3 Series: with the striking new Giulia saloon. Unashamedly sporting, it’s a very striking machine that is certain to give the competition something to think about. First impressions? Very positive indeed…

What does the 2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia look like?

Just one look tells you the Giulia is a proper sports saloon. None of the subtlety of the German (and British) competition – Alfa’s gone all out with a long bonnet, short overhangs, huge air intakes and outlets, muscular wheelarches, a big grille and, for the range-topper, a genuine competition-style cloverleaf on the front wing.

What sort of car is the 2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia?

The Alfa Giulia is, joy of joys, a rear-wheel drive four-door saloon, in the classic manner followed by BMW, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz. There’s an all-wheel drive version too, but even here, the focus will be on sportiness.

So this is Alfa Romeo’s BMW 3 Series?

We should indeed call the Giulia Alfa’s 3 Series. And Alfa’s being bold in claiming it can take on the 3 Series in the area it masters – driving dynamics.

What will the Alfa Romeo Giulia drive like?

With the fastest steering in its sector, bespoke double wishbone front suspension, perfect 50/50 weight distribution and the best power-to-weight ratio in this class, the ingredients are certainly there. Alfa’s disappointed in the past with how it’s tuned its cars, though: this has to be right.

Is Alfa targeting the BMW M3?

Surprise of the launch is the fact Alfa Romeo already has the BMW M3 in its sights! How? With a Ferrari-built 3.0-litre biturbo V6 Quadrifoglio Verde model, producing 510hp for 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds, that’s how. Wow!

Does the Giulia use any advanced materials?

Alfa’s not spared any expense with the Giulia. To keep weight both down and well distributed, it has a carbon fibre propeller shaft, bonnet and roof, plus aluminium suspension, doors and wings. And expensive, thus promising, commitment.

What car does the 2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia replace?

The new Alfa Romeo Giulia replaces the long-deceased 159. Although not a bad car, it still disappeared ahead of time in Britain in 2011, through simple lack of buyer interest.

Hey – what’s Alfa done to its badge?

Alfa’s redesigned its badge, but don’t worry – the little man is still there being eaten by the serpent. Around the outside, though, the Alfa Romeo script has been modernised.

What about the Giulia name?

Alfa’s been through its back catalogue for the Giulia name – pronounce it as you’d say ‘Julia’. THe firm’s hoping this modern version will have the same success as the lovely original.

How important is the Giulia to Alfa Romeo?

This car is absolutely crucial to Alfa. If it fails, so too does the brand. Alfa wants it to lead a sales charge to 400,000 by 2018 – from today’s meagre 70k level. It has to be right…

When does the 2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia go on sale?

The new Giulia goes on sale in early 2016. Perfectly timed to take advantage of familiarity with the current crop of 3 Series, A4, C-Class and XE?

Anything else we need to know about the 2016 Alfa Romeo Giulia?

Simply put, this is the single most important car Alfa has ever made in its 105-year history. We’re going to be hearing a lot about the new Alfa Romeo Giulia in the build up to its 2016 launch, and rightly so. Over to you: does it cut the mustard?

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What is the Worthersee GTI festival?

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Motoring Research team

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June 20, 2015

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Wörthersee is an alpine lake in southern Austria that each year becomes home to more than 200,000 custom Volkswagen Group car enthusiasts.

Backed by Volkswagen Group, the Wörthersee GTI-Treffen motoring festival showcases the most radical Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT and Skoda custom-built cars and is a key date in the European VW enthusiast calendar.

Held in the seaside town of Reifnitz, it’s been running since 1981 (usually in May) and the 2015 Wörthersee event will be the 34th event.

Europe’s largest event dedicated to Volkswagen and Audi is used as a showcase by the Volkswagen Group for its apprentices and interns: they usually create Wörthersee specials as official projects backed by the firm.

This year, Skoda will be showing five apprentice specials at the 34th Wörthersee GTI-Treffen, while Volkswagen will be showing a Golf GTI Clubsport concept and Audi has confirmed a TT Clubsport turbo concept.